Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106582
Ajith Mohanasundaran, Jongsung Kim
Background
Carbon dots (CDs) sourced from tamarind (TCDs) represent a green approach to improve food packaging performance. Embedding these CDs into a biodegradable polymer system enhances the mechanical strength, optical characteristics, and antimicrobial activity, serving as a sustainable replacement for conventional plastics.
Methods
A multifunctional packaging film was fabricated by blending chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and starch. CDs, synthesized from Malabar tamarind fruit via a hydrothermal method, were then incorporated. The resulting mixture was cast into glass petri dishes and processed using solution casting technique to form uniform films.
Significant findings
The incorporation of well-dispersed TCDs into the polymer film, slightly reduced its transparency but significantly enhanced antioxidant activity, tensile strength, UV-blocking capability, antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). A preservation test assessed titratable acidity (TA %), weight loss, and appearance changes in packaged fruits. Grapes wrapped with 0.50 % TCD-infused polymer films retained higher TA %, lower weight loss, and a fresher appearance for 9 days. Similar results were observed for sliced tomatoes, by preventing shrinkage, overripening, and maintained freshness for 5 days. These findings confirm the potential of the fabricated composite films as a viable and efficient solution for food wrapping applications.
{"title":"Multifunctional biopolymer films with tamarind carbon dots for fruit packaging with antimicrobial, UV barrier, and antioxidant properties","authors":"Ajith Mohanasundaran, Jongsung Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Carbon dots (CDs) sourced from tamarind (TCDs) represent a green approach to improve food packaging performance. Embedding these CDs into a biodegradable polymer system enhances the mechanical strength, optical characteristics, and antimicrobial activity, serving as a sustainable replacement for conventional plastics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A multifunctional packaging film was fabricated by blending chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and starch. CDs, synthesized from Malabar tamarind fruit via a hydrothermal method, were then incorporated. The resulting mixture was cast into glass petri dishes and processed using solution casting technique to form uniform films.</div></div><div><h3>Significant findings</h3><div>The incorporation of well-dispersed TCDs into the polymer film, slightly reduced its transparency but significantly enhanced antioxidant activity, tensile strength, UV-blocking capability, antibacterial effects against <em>Escherichia coli</em> (<em>E. coli</em>) and Staphylococcus aureus (<em>S. aureus</em>). A preservation test assessed titratable acidity (TA %), weight loss, and appearance changes in packaged fruits. Grapes wrapped with 0.50 % TCD-infused polymer films retained higher TA %, lower weight loss, and a fresher appearance for 9 days. Similar results were observed for sliced tomatoes, by preventing shrinkage, overripening, and maintained freshness for 5 days. These findings confirm the potential of the fabricated composite films as a viable and efficient solution for food wrapping applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 106582"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788171","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In nitrate-polluted wastewater, nitrate (NO3−) usually coexists with heavy metal ions, and the presence of heavy metal ions reduces denitrification efficiency. Copper ion (Cu2+) is one of the representative heavy metal ions with the highest biotoxicity and significantly affects biological denitrification systems.
Methods
This study evaluated the effect of Cu2+ on sulfur autotrophic denitrification driven by elemental sulfur (S0-SAD), including nitrogen removal performance, microbial community structure, and functional gene changes.
Significant Findings
The results showed that S0-SAD was very sensitive to Cu2+, and even a low concentration of Cu2+ reduced its denitrification performance. The nonlinear fitting results showed that the half inhibitory effect concentration (IC50) of Cu2+ is about 3.69 mg/L. The concentration of extracellular polymers (EPS) increased significantly in response to Cu2+ stress. The Cu2+-tolerant Proteobacteria dominated the microbial composition of S0-SAD. The main denitrifying bacterial genus, Thiobacillus, was highly sensitive to Cu2+, and its relative abundance decreased significantly under the influence of Cu2+. The community composition evolved towards a high Cu2+-tolerant flora, with Rhodanobacter, Thermithiobacillus, and Mizugakiibacter, which are highly Cu2+-tolerant, being enriched. Expression of key metabolic and denitrification function genes of S0-SAD was suppressed under high Cu2+ stress. Finally, the strategy of reducing the adverse effects of Cu2+ on S0-SAD was proposed.
{"title":"Copper ions on sulfur autotrophic denitrification driven by elemental sulfur (S0-SAD) and coping strategy","authors":"Hongliang Guo , Chongyin Zhu , Jo-Shu Chang , Duu-Jong Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106573","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106573","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In nitrate-polluted wastewater, nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>) usually coexists with heavy metal ions, and the presence of heavy metal ions reduces denitrification efficiency. Copper ion (Cu<sup>2+</sup>) is one of the representative heavy metal ions with the highest biotoxicity and significantly affects biological denitrification systems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study evaluated the effect of Cu<sup>2+</sup> on sulfur autotrophic denitrification driven by elemental sulfur (S<sup>0</sup>-SAD), including nitrogen removal performance, microbial community structure, and functional gene changes.</div></div><div><h3>Significant Findings</h3><div>The results showed that S<sup>0</sup>-SAD was very sensitive to Cu<sup>2+</sup>, and even a low concentration of Cu<sup>2+</sup> reduced its denitrification performance. The nonlinear fitting results showed that the half inhibitory effect concentration (IC<sub>50</sub>) of Cu<sup>2+</sup> is about 3.69 mg/L. The concentration of extracellular polymers (EPS) increased significantly in response to Cu<sup>2+</sup> stress. The Cu<sup>2+</sup>-tolerant <em>Proteobacteria</em> dominated the microbial composition of S<sup>0</sup>-SAD. The main denitrifying bacterial genus, <em>Thiobacillus</em>, was highly sensitive to Cu<sup>2+</sup>, and its relative abundance decreased significantly under the influence of Cu<sup>2+</sup>. The community composition evolved towards a high Cu<sup>2+</sup>-tolerant flora, with <em>Rhodanobacter, Thermithiobacillus</em>, and <em>Mizugakiibacter</em>, which are highly Cu<sup>2+</sup>-tolerant, being enriched. Expression of key metabolic and denitrification function genes of S<sup>0</sup>-SAD was suppressed under high Cu<sup>2+</sup> stress. Finally, the strategy of reducing the adverse effects of Cu<sup>2+</sup> on S<sup>0</sup>-SAD was proposed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 106573"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tetracycline accumulation in nature poses environmental and health risks. This study develops concave hollow double-layer polymers (CHDPs) via modified self-assembly for solar-driven tetracycline degradation and simultaneously produces hydrogen peroxide.
Methods
CHDPs, synthesized from 3-aminophenol and formaldehyde, contain benzoquinone donor-acceptor moieties. This structure enables photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation from water and oxygen, as well as the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline.
Significant findings
CHDP’s polymer has a narrow bandgap, and a concave architecture that enhances light harvesting/charge transfer, which achieves -1390.5 % tetracycline conversion at 447 nm/12 W/pH 10/1 mg l-1 via acidic intermediate generation, and simultaneous H2O2 production was 110.3 mg g-1, and the ability to inhibit the self-decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The operational stability was >80 % efficiency retention after 4 cycles. CHDPs enable cost-effective pollutant degradation while overcoming infrared-dependent limitations of conventional photocatalysts.
{"title":"Solar-driven simultaneous tetracycline degradation and hydrogen peroxide production via concave hollow double-layer polymers","authors":"Wen Jiang, Ying Tian, Xinyu Huang, Xinyi Liao, Jiahui Zhu, Chunyi Li, Rongtai Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106606","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106606","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Tetracycline accumulation in nature poses environmental and health risks. This study develops concave hollow double-layer polymers (CHDPs) via modified self-assembly for solar-driven tetracycline degradation and simultaneously produces hydrogen peroxide.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>CHDPs, synthesized from 3-aminophenol and formaldehyde, contain benzoquinone donor-acceptor moieties. This structure enables photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide generation from water and oxygen, as well as the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline.</div></div><div><h3>Significant findings</h3><div>CHDP’s polymer has a narrow bandgap, and a concave architecture that enhances light harvesting/charge transfer, which achieves -1390.5 % tetracycline conversion at 447 nm/12 W/pH 10/1 mg <span>l</span><sup>-1</sup> via acidic intermediate generation, and simultaneous H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> production was 110.3 mg g<sup>-1</sup>, and the ability to inhibit the self-decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. The operational stability was >80 % efficiency retention after 4 cycles. CHDPs enable cost-effective pollutant degradation while overcoming infrared-dependent limitations of conventional photocatalysts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 106606"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145880926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-12-15DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106578
M. Sheikholeslami , Q.M.A. Mustafa
<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This work presents a detailed numerical investigation of a photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) unit enhanced with a passive cooling strategy that incorporates phase-change materials (PCMs). The system uses paraffin RT-35HC as its primary PCM to moderate temperature fluctuations in the PV panel.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>To substantially boost both thermal and electrical efficiencies, three complementary strategies were implemented: dispersing Al₂O₃ nanoparticles into PCM to create a nano-enhanced PCM (NEPCM), incorporating sinusoidal metallic fins, and embedding copper foam to enhance heat conduction. Four distinct system configurations were analyzed: (1) a baseline model with plain PCM, (2) PCM integrated with rectangular fins, (3) PCM with sinusoidal fins, and (4) an advanced hybrid design combining NEPCM, sinusoidal fins, and porous foam. To ensure accuracy, the numerical model was validated using two separate experimental benchmarks—one assessing melting behavior in finned enclosures, and the other evaluating a PV panel's thermal response under actual solar exposure. Simulations were conducted under realistic environmental conditions using weather and solar data from Delhi. Unsteady, two-dimensional numerical simulations were carried out in ANSYS FLUENT, incorporating variations in solar radiation over time. Periodic boundary conditions were applied to the sidewalls to replicate continuous PV panel arrays.</div></div><div><h3>Significant findings</h3><div>The findings strongly confirm the effectiveness of the integrated cooling methods. At 13:00, the integrated cooling configuration resulted in a 3.11% decrement in the module temperature, resulting in a notable boost in electrical output. Additionally, the liquid fraction (LF) rose significantly—by nearly 114.56%—due to enhanced thermal response in the improved system. The integration of NEPCM, porous foam, and sinusoidal fins enabled both rapid and delayed cooling effects, effectively lowering peak temperatures and ensuring stable system operation throughout the day. Electrical efficiency (η<sub>el</sub>) improvements of 2.62%, 5.02%, and 3.35% were recorded at 10:00, 13:00, and 16:00, respectively. The top-performing configuration at 13:00 achieved a 15.43% increase in η<sub>el</sub> relative to a panel operating without any cooling. The setup also demonstrated superior thermal inertia, maintaining higher thermal efficiency during the late-day cooling period, with a 53.6% improvement at 13:00. Overall system efficiency peaked at 98.36% in the enhanced case versus 66.47% in the base case—an increase of around 47.1%. In terms of environmental impact, the best system achieved a 9.71% improvement in CO₂ emission reduction over the uncooled panel, with total mitigation reaching 447.28 tons. Based on the economic assessment, the system yields a total profit of approximately $3,315.78 after 20 years of operation. These outcomes highlight the potential of integrating
{"title":"Realistic weather-based enhancement of PV cells using nanoparticle-enhanced paraffin, metal foam, and sinusoidal fins","authors":"M. Sheikholeslami , Q.M.A. Mustafa","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106578","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106578","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This work presents a detailed numerical investigation of a photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) unit enhanced with a passive cooling strategy that incorporates phase-change materials (PCMs). The system uses paraffin RT-35HC as its primary PCM to moderate temperature fluctuations in the PV panel.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>To substantially boost both thermal and electrical efficiencies, three complementary strategies were implemented: dispersing Al₂O₃ nanoparticles into PCM to create a nano-enhanced PCM (NEPCM), incorporating sinusoidal metallic fins, and embedding copper foam to enhance heat conduction. Four distinct system configurations were analyzed: (1) a baseline model with plain PCM, (2) PCM integrated with rectangular fins, (3) PCM with sinusoidal fins, and (4) an advanced hybrid design combining NEPCM, sinusoidal fins, and porous foam. To ensure accuracy, the numerical model was validated using two separate experimental benchmarks—one assessing melting behavior in finned enclosures, and the other evaluating a PV panel's thermal response under actual solar exposure. Simulations were conducted under realistic environmental conditions using weather and solar data from Delhi. Unsteady, two-dimensional numerical simulations were carried out in ANSYS FLUENT, incorporating variations in solar radiation over time. Periodic boundary conditions were applied to the sidewalls to replicate continuous PV panel arrays.</div></div><div><h3>Significant findings</h3><div>The findings strongly confirm the effectiveness of the integrated cooling methods. At 13:00, the integrated cooling configuration resulted in a 3.11% decrement in the module temperature, resulting in a notable boost in electrical output. Additionally, the liquid fraction (LF) rose significantly—by nearly 114.56%—due to enhanced thermal response in the improved system. The integration of NEPCM, porous foam, and sinusoidal fins enabled both rapid and delayed cooling effects, effectively lowering peak temperatures and ensuring stable system operation throughout the day. Electrical efficiency (η<sub>el</sub>) improvements of 2.62%, 5.02%, and 3.35% were recorded at 10:00, 13:00, and 16:00, respectively. The top-performing configuration at 13:00 achieved a 15.43% increase in η<sub>el</sub> relative to a panel operating without any cooling. The setup also demonstrated superior thermal inertia, maintaining higher thermal efficiency during the late-day cooling period, with a 53.6% improvement at 13:00. Overall system efficiency peaked at 98.36% in the enhanced case versus 66.47% in the base case—an increase of around 47.1%. In terms of environmental impact, the best system achieved a 9.71% improvement in CO₂ emission reduction over the uncooled panel, with total mitigation reaching 447.28 tons. Based on the economic assessment, the system yields a total profit of approximately $3,315.78 after 20 years of operation. These outcomes highlight the potential of integrating ","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 106578"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106586
Ru Bai , Caili Wang , Zehan Li , Yuhang Miao , Haoyang Tao , Li Wang
Background
Magnesium alloys hold great promise for medical applications due to their high biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, their rapid corrosion in the body and susceptibility to infections pose significant challenges.
Method
To address these issues, we developed a multifunctional MAO/F/ETPR/Gel composite coating on AZ31B magnesium alloy. This coating integrates photothermal agents (FePC) and ErTm@PDA-RB nanoparticles within a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) layer, sealed with a gelatin layer.
Significant Findings
After the MAO/F/ETPR/Gel coating is applied to the magnesium alloy, the corrosion current density decreases by about two orders of magnitude, demonstrating markedly improved corrosion resistance. Compared with bare magnesium alloy, the coating demonstrates improved antibacterial properties with an antibacterial rate of 99.15 % against Escherichia coli under 980 nm light irradiation. Additionally, it exhibits minimal cytotoxicity to HL-7702 human liver cells, confirming its biocompatibility. This innovative coating combines photodynamic and photothermal therapies, activated by a single near-infrared light source, to address the challenges of rapid degradation and postoperative infections. Our study provides a novel solution for enhancing the performance of magnesium alloy implants in biomedical applications.
{"title":"Multi-functional composite coatings for magnesium alloys integrating photodynamic, photothermal and anti-corrosion","authors":"Ru Bai , Caili Wang , Zehan Li , Yuhang Miao , Haoyang Tao , Li Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106586","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106586","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Magnesium alloys hold great promise for medical applications due to their high biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, their rapid corrosion in the body and susceptibility to infections pose significant challenges.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>To address these issues, we developed a multifunctional MAO/F/ETPR/Gel composite coating on AZ31B magnesium alloy. This coating integrates photothermal agents (FePC) and <strong>ErTm@PDA-RB</strong> nanoparticles within a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) layer, sealed with a gelatin layer.</div></div><div><h3>Significant Findings</h3><div>After the MAO/F/ETPR/Gel coating is applied to the magnesium alloy, the corrosion current density decreases by about two orders of magnitude, demonstrating markedly improved corrosion resistance. Compared with bare magnesium alloy, the coating demonstrates improved antibacterial properties with an antibacterial rate of 99.15 % against <em>Escherichia coli</em> under 980 nm light irradiation. Additionally, it exhibits minimal cytotoxicity to HL-7702 human liver cells, confirming its biocompatibility. This innovative coating combines photodynamic and photothermal therapies, activated by a single near-infrared light source, to address the challenges of rapid degradation and postoperative infections. Our study provides a novel solution for enhancing the performance of magnesium alloy implants in biomedical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 106586"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145788172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106574
Zonghui Jiang , Shuduan Deng , Xianghong Li
Background
Plant-based inhibitors have received much attention as environmentally friendly inhibitors for steel. However, most plant-based inhibitors are usually less effective than conventional organic inhibitors. Therefore, plant-based inhibitors require being mixed with another compound to enhance inhibition effect. In this study, Camellia oleifera shell extracts (COSE) was obtained by reflux extraction. Inhibition properties of COSE and potassium iodide (KI) on cold-rolled steel (CRS) in H3PO4 were systematically investigated with aim of expanding practical utilization of Camellia oleifera shell waste.
Methods
Inhibition properties of COSE before and after compounding with KI were investigated using weight loss method, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Adsorption behavior of COSE and COSE/KI at metal/solution interface was investigated by isothermal adsorption model. Finally, functional group information and main components of COSE were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis).
Significant findings
Green corrosion inhibitor composed of COSE and synergistic iodide ions (I−) was examined for phosphoric acid (H3PO4). Weight loss and electrochemical tests revealed that the combined COSE/KI system achieved a maximum inhibition efficiency of 97.84 %, outperforming COSE alone. Adsorption studies confirmed that COSE and COSE/KI follow Langmuir isotherm on CRS surface, indicating strong adsorption driven by COSE’s displacement of water molecules. The for COSE and COSE/KI were -20.83 and -30.44 kJ mol−1, respectively. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated effective anodic and cathodic inhibition by COSE/KI, while surface characterization validated the formation of a synergistic adsorption film. FTIR analysis showed that COSE contains many unsaturated organic compounds with polar functional groups.
{"title":"Corrosion inhibition of cold rolled steel in phosphoric acid solution using Camellia oleifera shell extracts and iodide ions","authors":"Zonghui Jiang , Shuduan Deng , Xianghong Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106574","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106574","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Plant-based inhibitors have received much attention as environmentally friendly inhibitors for steel. However, most plant-based inhibitors are usually less effective than conventional organic inhibitors. Therefore, plant-based inhibitors require being mixed with another compound to enhance inhibition effect. In this study, <em>Camellia oleifera</em> shell extracts (COSE) was obtained by reflux extraction. Inhibition properties of COSE and potassium iodide (KI) on cold-rolled steel (CRS) in H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub> were systematically investigated with aim of expanding practical utilization of <em>Camellia oleifera</em> shell waste.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Inhibition properties of COSE before and after compounding with KI were investigated using weight loss method, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Adsorption behavior of COSE and COSE/KI at metal/solution interface was investigated by isothermal adsorption model. Finally, functional group information and main components of COSE were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–<em>vis</em>).</div></div><div><h3>Significant findings</h3><div>Green corrosion inhibitor composed of COSE and synergistic iodide ions (I<sup>−</sup>) was examined for phosphoric acid (H<sub>3</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>). Weight loss and electrochemical tests revealed that the combined COSE/KI system achieved a maximum inhibition efficiency of 97.84 %, outperforming COSE alone. Adsorption studies confirmed that COSE and COSE/KI follow Langmuir isotherm on CRS surface, indicating strong adsorption driven by COSE’s displacement of water molecules. The <span><math><mrow><mstyle><mi>Δ</mi></mstyle><msubsup><mi>G</mi><mrow><mtext>ads</mtext></mrow><mn>0</mn></msubsup></mrow></math></span> for COSE and COSE/KI were -20.83 and -30.44 kJ mol<sup>−1</sup>, respectively. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated effective anodic and cathodic inhibition by COSE/KI, while surface characterization validated the formation of a synergistic adsorption film. FTIR analysis showed that COSE contains many unsaturated organic compounds with polar functional groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 106574"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145735965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-12-25DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106599
Yifan Niu , Jinhao Zheng , Siyu Gong , Xian Zhou , Shaohua Ju , Xiangguang Bi , Hongbo Peng
Background
Designing cost-effective noble metal catalysts for industrial applications demands precise control over nanoparticles (NPs) size and synthesis protocols. This study focuses on optimizing low-loading (1.00 wt%) Pd/C catalysts for rosin disproportionation (RD), targeting enhanced catalytic efficiency through nanoscale synthesis control.
Methods
Three synthesis strategies (impregnation, hydrosol, and deposition-precipitation) combined with reductants (glycol, hydrazine hydrate, and NaBH4) were compared to regulate Pd NPs size. The NaBH4/Pd molar ratio (22.7), temperature (65 °C), and duration (4 h) were systematically optimized via response surface methodology (RSM). Advanced characterization (High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), specific surface area (SSA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)) correlated NP size (3.42–6.88 nm) and surface valence states with catalytic performance.
Significant findings
The deposition-precipitation method with NaBH4 reduction produced relatively small Pd NPs (3.42 nm) with moderate dispersion, achieving a 52.64% dehydroabietic acid (DAA) yield and 0.10% residual abietic acid (AA), meeting LY/T 1357–2008 standards. RSM optimization further increased the DAA yield to 53.54%. A distinct inverse correlation between Pd NP size (3.42–6.88 nm) and DAA productivity highlighted the critical role of nanoscale engineering: Smaller NPs increased accessible surface Pd atoms, accelerating hydrogen transfer kinetics. This work establishes a scalable framework for industrial catalyst design by integrating nanoscale control of Pd NPs with process optimization to minimize precious metal usage while maximizing performance.
{"title":"Preparation process optimization and nanoscale size effects of low-loading Pd/C catalysts for rosin disproportionation","authors":"Yifan Niu , Jinhao Zheng , Siyu Gong , Xian Zhou , Shaohua Ju , Xiangguang Bi , Hongbo Peng","doi":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106599","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106599","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Designing cost-effective noble metal catalysts for industrial applications demands precise control over nanoparticles (NPs) size and synthesis protocols. This study focuses on optimizing low-loading (1.00 wt%) Pd/C catalysts for rosin disproportionation (RD), targeting enhanced catalytic efficiency through nanoscale synthesis control.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Three synthesis strategies (impregnation, hydrosol, and deposition-precipitation) combined with reductants (glycol, hydrazine hydrate, and NaBH<sub>4</sub>) were compared to regulate Pd NPs size. The NaBH<sub>4</sub>/Pd molar ratio (22.7), temperature (65 °C), and duration (4 h) were systematically optimized via response surface methodology (RSM). Advanced characterization (High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), specific surface area (SSA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)) correlated NP size (3.42–6.88 nm) and surface valence states with catalytic performance.</div></div><div><h3>Significant findings</h3><div>The deposition-precipitation method with NaBH<sub>4</sub> reduction produced relatively small Pd NPs (3.42 nm) with moderate dispersion, achieving a 52.64% dehydroabietic acid (DAA) yield and 0.10% residual abietic acid (AA), meeting LY/T 1357–2008 standards. RSM optimization further increased the DAA yield to 53.54%. A distinct inverse correlation between Pd NP size (3.42–6.88 nm) and DAA productivity highlighted the critical role of nanoscale engineering: Smaller NPs increased accessible surface Pd atoms, accelerating hydrogen transfer kinetics. This work establishes a scalable framework for industrial catalyst design by integrating nanoscale control of Pd NPs with process optimization to minimize precious metal usage while maximizing performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":381,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers","volume":"182 ","pages":"Article 106599"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145837684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-12-10DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106575
Tianshuo Zheng , Qiuyu Wang , Bo Zhang , Jiaxing Zhu
Background: Efficient treatment of multi-azeotropic mixtures such as tetrahydrofuran (THF)/methanol (MeOH)/methyl acetate (MeAc) remains a critical challenge. Reactive-extractive distillation (RED) has recently been developed for separating MeOH/MeAc-containing multi-azeotropes, while exhibiting high energy demands for THF-rich feeds.
Methods: Using THF/MeOH/MeAc as a case study, this study proposes a novel intensified separation strategy for MeOH/MeAc-containing multi-azeotropic systems via combining RED, preconcentration, and heat integration (HI). Two baseline processes, three-column reactive-extractive distillation (TCRED) and extractive-reactive distillation (TCERD) are initially developed. By integrating preconcentration columns (IDC) in extractive and solvent recovery sections, TCRED-IDC and TCERD-IDC configurations are respectively proposed. Subsequently, process optimizations are conducted, followed by HI implementation, yielding the final HITCRED-IDC and HITCERD-IDC as process intensification configurations. Finally, key performance evaluation is used to highlight the proposed RED processes.
Significant finding: HITCRED-IDC and HITCERD-IDC demonstrates superior performance over the corresponding baseline processes, achieving 15.9 % and 27.6 % TAC reductions, 28.4 % and 57.8 % exergy efficiency improvements, and 16.5 % and 25.6 % CO₂ emission reductions. Additionally, all proposed configurations outperform recently reported four-column extractive distillation, with 27.4 %–54.5 % TAC reductions, 22.1 %–55.7 % CO₂ emission reductions, and 295 %–753 % exergy efficiency improvement. This work successfully integrates IDC and HI within RED systems for energy-efficient processing of MeOH/MeAc-containing azeotropic mixtures.
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Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-12-18DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106579
Xiaodao Liang , Yaorong He , Chao Xiong , Hongbing Ji , Yan Yang
Background
Oxygen activation is a critical step in oxidation reactions for energy conversion and fine chemical synthesis, with its efficiency directly determining catalytic performance and industrial applicability. The main challenges are the high activation energy barriers and low target product selectivity caused by the inherent inertness of molecular oxygen. To address these issues, this study draws on the advantages of biomimetic catalysis using metal porphyrins and synthesizes a series of porphyrin-based organic polymers (Metal-Por-POPs) to achieve efficient aerobic epoxidation of olefins.
Method
A series of metalloporphyrin-based organic polymers were synthesized and thoroughly characterized using techniques such as SEM, XRD, and XPS. The catalytic performance was systematically evaluated under various conditions, including catalyst types, oxidant amount, reaction time, and temperature.
Significant finding
Using Mn-Por-POP as a catalyst, isobutylene was converted to the corresponding epoxide within 1 h at room temperature with a selectivity of up to 96.4 %. The catalyst also demonstrated excellent recyclability and broad substrate adaptability, maintaining over 96 % epoxide selectivity after five consecutive reaction cycles. Mechanistic studies via EPR and HRMS revealed that Mn-Por-POP promoted the generation of acyl radicals from isobutyraldehyde under aerobic conditions. These radicals subsequently reacted with molecular oxygen to form acylperoxy radicals, which facilitate the highly selective epoxidation of alkenes.
氧活化是氧化反应中能量转化和精细化工合成的关键步骤，其效率直接决定了催化性能和工业适用性。主要的挑战是分子氧固有惰性导致的高活化能垒和低目标产物选择性。为了解决这些问题，本研究利用金属卟啉仿生催化的优势，合成了一系列基于卟啉的有机聚合物（metal - por - pop），以实现烯烃的高效好氧环氧化。方法合成了一系列金属卟啉基有机聚合物，并用SEM、XRD、XPS等技术对其进行了表征。系统评价了催化剂类型、氧化剂用量、反应时间、温度等条件下的催化性能。以mn - ppo - pop为催化剂，室温下异丁烯在1 h内转化为相应的环氧化物，选择性高达96.4%。该催化剂还表现出优异的可回收性和广泛的底物适应性，在连续五个反应循环后保持超过96%的环氧化物选择性。通过EPR和HRMS进行的机制研究表明，Mn-Por-POP在有氧条件下促进异丁醛生成酰基自由基。这些自由基随后与分子氧反应形成酰基过氧自由基，促进烯烃的高选择性环氧化。
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Pub Date : 2026-05-01Epub Date: 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.jtice.2025.106576
Xu YANG , Qiao PENG , Huijie GAO , Baiqiang LIU , Yiyu CHEN , Bolong JIANG , Hua SONG
Background
Efficient non-precious oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts like Fe-N-C are essential for microbial fuel cells (MFCs). However, they often suffer from limited active site accessibility and suboptimal structure. Biomass-derived carbon combined with rational heteroatom doping offers a promising solution.
Methods
A Fe-N co-doped micro/mesoporous carbon catalyst (FeNCN-H) was synthesized via a one-pot polycondensation-pyrolysis strategy using ammonium ferric citrate as multifunctional Fe/N/structural precursor.
Significant Findings
The incorporation of ammonium ferric citrate proved instrumental in generating a high-surface-area hierarchical pore structure alongside the biochar component, while also facilitating the formation of FeNₓ sites, Pyridinic N, and Graphitic N. This optimization of pore structure, active sites, and conductivity endowed FeNCN-H with superior ORR performance. The catalyst achieved a limiting current density of –6.37 mA cm⁻² and a peak power density of 814.1 mW cm⁻², outperforming control samples and approaching commercial Pt/C. Moreover, the catalyst demonstrated excellent environmental applicability, achieving removal efficiencies of 95.1% for COD, 94.1% for phenol, and 98.3% for methylene blue in wastewater treatment.
Fe-N-C等高效非贵重氧还原反应（ORR）催化剂是微生物燃料电池（mfc）必不可少的催化剂。然而，它们经常受到有限的活性站点可达性和次优结构的影响。生物质衍生碳与合理杂原子掺杂相结合是一种很有前途的解决方案。方法以柠檬酸铁铵为多功能Fe/N/结构前驱体，采用一锅缩聚热解法合成Fe-N共掺杂微介孔碳催化剂（FeNCN-H）。重要发现柠檬酸铁铵的掺入有助于与生物炭组分一起产生高表面积的分层孔结构，同时也促进了FeNₓ位点、吡啶N和石墨N的形成。这种孔结构、活性位点和电导率的优化使FeNCN-H具有优越的ORR性能。催化剂的极限电流密度为-6.37 mA cm - 2，峰值功率密度为814.1 mW cm - 2，优于对照样品，接近商业Pt/C。此外，该催化剂表现出良好的环境适用性，在废水处理中对COD的去除率为95.1%，对苯酚的去除率为94.1%，对亚甲基蓝的去除率为98.3%。
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