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At least 919 records · Page 51

Effect of Minor Er on the Microstructure and Properties of Al-6.0Mg-0.4Mn-0.1Cr-0.1Zr Alloys

As-cast Al-6.0Mg-0.4Mn-0.1Cr-0.1Zr alloys containing different additions of Er were prepared. Then, the specimens were carried out homogenization heat treatment, hot rolling, cold rolling, and annealing. The effects of minor Er on the microstructure and properties of Al-6.0Mg-0.4Mn-0.1Cr-0.1Zr alloy were investigated. Results show that addition of Er can refine the microstructure and improve the mechanical properties of the alloys. As for the annealed alloys, the addition of 0.33%Er can increase the tensile strength by 29 MPa. Strength increment is mainly attributed to refinement and the precipitation of Al{sub 3}Er and Al{sub 3}(Er, Zr). Additionally, the minor Er can improve the corrosion resistance of the alloys, which can be attributed to the compact composite oxide film of Er-O and Al-O, purification, and modification.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Evaluation of selected binding domains for the analysis of ubiquitinated proteomes

Ubiquitination is an abundant post-translational modification that consists of covalent attachment of a 76 amino acid residue polypeptide, ubiquitin, to lysine residues or the N-terminus of proteins. Mono and polyubiquitination have been shown to be involved in many critical eukaryotic cellular functions. Affinity enrichment of ubiquitinated proteins has enabled the global analysis of this key modification. In this context, the use of ubiquitin-binding domains (UBDs) is a promising, but poorly explored alternative to more broadly used immune-affinity or tagged affinity enrichment methods. Herein we evaluate the application of eight selected UBDs with differing and contrasting affinities for ubiquitination states. We performed a micro-scale proteomic comparison, leading to the identification of ~200 ubiquitinated protein candidates per UBD to facilitate comparisons. Western blot analysis using anti-ubiquitin or monoclonal antibodies against polyubiquitination at lysine 48 and 63 suggests that UBDs from Dsk2 and ubiquilin-1 have the broadest specificity capturing most types of ubiquitination, whereas the one from NBR1 seems to be more selective to polyubiquitination. Our data demonstrate that with optimized purification conditions UBDs can be a useful tool for proteomic applications.

affinity purification↗

Chemicals Derived from Biomass Thermolysis and Gasification

The United States has the potential to sustainably produce over 1 billion dry tons of nonfood biomass per year by 2030. While conversion of this biomass into fuels has garnished significant attention, these renewable feedstocks can also be converted into valuable chemicals. Analogous to petroleum refining, the coproduction of fuels and chemicals from biomass enables more complete utilization of the feedstock and supports the growth of a bio-economy by improving biorefinery economics. This chapter provides an overview of biomass thermolysis and gasification technologies, highlights existing and future chemical production opportunities, and elaborates on specific challenges associated with product separation and purification.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Functional expression of an scFv on bacterial magnetic particles by in vitro docking

Highlights: • We present a novel expression system called “in vitro docking” on bacterial magnetic particles. • An scFv–Fc was functionally expressed on bacterial magnetic particles of magnetotactic bacteria. • Our novel expression system on BacMPs will be effective for disulfide-bonded proteins. - Abstract: A Gram-negative, magnetotactic bacterium, Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 produces nano-sized magnetic particles (BacMPs) in the cytoplasm. Although various applications of genetically engineered BacMPs have been demonstrated, such as immunoassay, ligand–receptor interaction or cell separation, by expressing a target protein on BacMPs, it has been difficult to express disulfide-bonded proteins on BacMPs due to lack of disulfide-bond formation in the cytoplasm. Here, we propose a novel dual expression system, called in vitro docking, of a disulfide-bonded protein on BacMPs by directing an immunoglobulin Fc-fused target protein to the periplasm and its docking protein ZZ on BacMPs. By in vitro docking, an scFv–Fc fusion protein was functionally expressed on BacMPs in the dimeric or trimeric form. Our novel disulfide-bonded protein expression system on BacMPs will be useful for efficient screening of potential ligands or drugs, analyzing ligand–receptor interactions or as a magnetic carrier for affinity purification.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

A novel ether-linked phytol-containing digalactosylglycerolipid in the marine green alga, Ulva pertusa

Highlights: • Alkaline-resistant galactolipid, AEGL, was found in marine algae. • The sugar moiety of AEGL is identical to that of digalactosyldiacylglycerol. • AEGL is the first identified glycolipid that possesses an ether-linked phytol. • AEGL is ubiquitously distributed in green, red and brown marine algae. - Abstract: Galactosylglycerolipids (GGLs) and chlorophyll are characteristic components of chloroplast in photosynthetic organisms. Although chlorophyll is anchored to the thylakoid membrane by phytol (tetramethylhexadecenol), this isoprenoid alcohol has never been found as a constituent of GGLs. We here described a novel GGL, in which phytol was linked to the glycerol backbone via an ether linkage. This unique GGL was identified as an Alkaline-resistant and Endogalactosylceramidase (EGALC)-sensitive GlycoLipid (AEGL) in the marine green alga, Ulva pertusa. EGALC is an enzyme that is specific to the R-Galα/β1-6Galβ1-structure of galactolipids. The structure of U. pertusa AEGL was determined following its purification to 1-O-phytyl-3-O-Galα1-6Galβ1-sn-glycerol by mass spectrometric and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. AEGLs were ubiquitously distributed in not only green, but also red and brown marine algae; however, they were rarely detected in terrestrial plants, eukaryotic phytoplankton, or cyanobacteria.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Recycling process for recovery of gallium from GaN an e-waste of LED industry through ball milling, annealing and leaching

Waste dust generated during manufacturing of LED contains significant amounts of gallium and indium, needs suitable treatment and can be an important resource for recovery. The LED industry waste dust contains primarily gallium as GaN. Leaching followed by purification technology is the green and clean technology. To develop treatment and recycling technology of these GaN bearing e-waste, leaching is the primary stage. In our current investigation possible process for treatment and quantitative leaching of gallium and indium from the GaN bearing e-waste or waste of LED industry dust has been developed. To recycle the waste and quantitative leaching of gallium, two different process flow sheets have been proposed. In one, process first the GaN of the waste the LED industry dust was leached at the optimum condition. Subsequently, the leach residue was mixed with Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, ball milled followed by annealing, again leached to recover gallium. In the second process, the waste LED industry dust was mixed with Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, after ball milling and annealing, followed acidic leaching. Without pretreatment, the gallium leaching was only 4.91 w/w % using 4 M HCl, 100 °C and pulp density of 20 g/L. After mechano-chemical processing, both these processes achieved 73.68 w/w % of gallium leaching at their optimum condition. The developed process can treat and recycle any e-waste containing GaN through ball milling, annealing and leaching. - Highlights: • Simplest process for treatment of GaN an LED industry waste developed. • The process developed recovers gallium from waste LED waste dust. • Thermal analysis and phase properties of GaN to Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} and GaN to NaGaO{sub 2} revealed. • Solid-state chemistry involved in this process reported. • Quantitative leaching of the GaN was achieved.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

A critical review of ferrate(VI)-based remediation of soil and groundwater

Highlights: • Ferrate(VI) has exhibited promising behavior towards the oxidation of inorganic/organic impurities. • It has unique properties of strong oxidizing potential and generation of ferric coagulating species. • It can degrade and/or oxidize organic and inorganic impurities (at least partially). • It can also disinfect microorganisms and remove suspended/colloidal particulate materials. • We reviewed on the preparation, properties, and role of ferrate to resolve multifaceted challenges. Over the past few decades, diverse chemicals and materials such as mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles, metal oxides, and zeolites have been used for soil and groundwater remediation. Ferrate (Fe{sup VI}O{sub 4}{sup 2-}) has been widely employed due to its high-valent iron (VI) oxo compound with high oxidation/reduction potentials. Ferrate has received attention for wide environmental applications including water purification and sewage sludge treatment. Ferrate provides great potential for diverse environmental applications without any environmental problems. Therefore, this paper provides comprehensive information on the recent progress on the use of (Fe{sup VI}O{sub 4}{sup 2-}) as a green material for use in sustainable treatment processes, especially for soil and water remediation. We reviewed diverse synthesis recipes for ferrates (Fe{sup VI}O{sub 4}{sup 2-}) and their associated physicochemical properties as oxidants, coagulants, and disinfectants for the elimination of a diverse range of chemical and biological species from water/wastewater samples. A summary of the eco-sustainable performance of ferrate(VI) in water remediation is also provided and the future of ferrate(VI) is discussed in this review.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Nanoadsorbents based on conducting polymer nanocomposites with main focus on polyaniline and its derivatives for removal of heavy metal ions/dyes: A review

Highlights: • Nanoadsorbents based on conductive polymers can remove heavy metal ions/dye. • Contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage and temperature are effective adsorption factors. • Chemical structures of nanoadsorbents play an important role in adsorption. • Adsorption of metal ions on PANI based nanocomposites is of physical type. Water contamination by toxic heavy metal ions and dyes remains a serious public health problem for humans, so attention on specific methods and technologies to remove heavy metal ions and dyes from wastewaters/aqueous solutions are desired. Numerous adsorbents have been reported for the removal of heavy metal ions/dyes from wastewaters/aqueous solutions. Polyaniline (PANI) and its derivatives, as conducting polymers, are good adsorbents to remove various kinds of heavy metal ions and dyes from wastewaters/aqueous solutions. The nanoadsorbents based on PANI and its derivatives have received much consideration, and are extensively reported in literature. This review focuses on the PANI and its derivatives based on nanoadsorbents for water purification. Various types of these nanoadsorbents used for the removal of heavy metal ions/dyes from wastewaters/aqueous solutions are also briefly compared in this review.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Carbon fibers derived from liquefied and fractionated poplar lignins: The effect of molecular weight

Lignin recovered from poplar, a key woody biomass resource proposed for lignocellulosic refineries, was investigated for conversion into carbon fibers. Aqueous solutions of ethanol at selected temperatures and compositions, where the requisite solvent and liquefied-lignin phases form, were used to purify and fractionate hybrid poplar (HP) lignin using the Aqueous Lignin Purification with Hot Agents (ALPHA) process. Sugars (<0.1%) and ash (0.01 ± 0.01%) content of the highest molecular weight fraction (Mw = 52 kDa) approached the limits of detection. This 52 kDa fraction could be dry spun with excellent stability and was subsequently converted into carbon fibers having strength (1.1 ± 0.2 GPa) and modulus (78 ± 8 GPa) essentially double those previously achieved with neat poplar and other hardwood lignins. Of equal importance, stabilization times were decreased by a factor of five. Such stabilization and strength/modulus improvements are essential for reducing the overall manufacturing cost of carbon fibers being proposed for cost-sensitive applications.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Magnetic adsorbent constructed from the loading of amino functionalized Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} on coordination complex modified polyoxometalates nanoparticle and its tetracycline adsorption removal property study

A magnetic polyoxometalates based adsorbent has been synthesized successfully through the loading of amino functionalized Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} (NH{sub 2}-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}) on nanoparticle of a coordination complex modified polyoxometalates (CC/POMNP). FTIR illustrate there exist intense hydrogen bonds between NH{sub 2}-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and CC/POMNP, which keep the stability of this adsorbent. At room temperature, this adsorbent exhibits ferromagnetic character with saturation magnetization of 8.19 emu g{sup −1}, which provides prerequisite for fast magnetic separation. Water treatment experiment illustrates this POM based magnetic adsorbent exhibits high adsorption capacity on tetracycline. The adsorption process can be described well with Temkin model, which illustrates the interaction between adsorbent and tetracycline plays the dominated role in tetracycline removal. The rapid, high efficient tetracycline adsorption ability suggests this POM based magnetic adsorbent exhibits promising prospect in medical and agriculture waste water purification. A magnetic polyoxometalates based adsorbent, which exhibits excellent tetracycline adsorption removal property has been synthesized through the loading of NH{sub 2}-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} on coordination complex modified polyoxometalates - Graphical abstract: A magnetic polyoxometalates based adsorbent, which exhibits excellent tetracycline adsorption removal property has been synthesized through the loading of NH{sub 2}-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} on coordination complex modified polyoxometalate. Display Omitted - Highlights: • A POM based magnetic adsorbent was fabricated through the loading of NH{sub 2}-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} on POM nanoparticle. • This adsorbent possesses excellent tetracycline adsorption property. • Saturation magnetization value of this adsorbent is 8.19 emug−1, which is enough for magnetic separation.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Evolution of microstructure, texture and inhibitor along the processing route for grain-oriented electrical steels using strip casting

In the present work, a regular grade GO sheet was produced successively by strip casting, hot rolling, normalizing annealing, two-stage cold rolling with intermediate annealing, primary recrystallization annealing, secondary recrystallization annealing and purification. The aim of this paper was to characterize the evolution of microstructure, texture and inhibitor along the new processing route by comprehensive utilization of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that a fine microstructure with the ferrite grain size range of 7–12 μm could be obtained in the primary recrystallization annealed sheet though a very coarse microstructure was produced in the initial as-cast strip. The main finding was that the “texture memory” effect on Goss texture started on the through-thickness intermediate annealed strip after first cold rolling, which was not similar to the “texture memory” effect on Goss texture starting on the surface layers of the hot rolled strip in the conventional production route. As a result, the origin of Goss nuclei capable of secondary recrystallization lied in the grains already presented in Goss orientation in the intermediate annealed strip after first cold rolling. Another finding was that fine and dispersive inhibitors (mainly AlN) were easy to be produced in the primary recrystallization microstructure due to the initial rapid solidification during strip casting and the subsequent rapid cooling, and the very high temperature reheating usually used before hot rolling in the conventional production route could be avoided. - Highlights: • A regular grade grain-oriented electrical steel was produced. • Evolution of microstructure, texture and inhibitor was characterized. • Origin of Goss nuclei lied in the intermediate annealed strip. • A fine primary recrystallization microstructure could be produced. • Effective inhibitors were easy to be obtained in the new processing route.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Graphene nanosheets decorated with tunable magnetic nanoparticles and their efficiency of wastewater treatment

Highlights: • Magnetic graphene/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanocomposites were synthesized by a facile and fast one-pot method. • The sizes of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanocrystals can be controlled by the weight ratio of GO to Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}. • The graphene/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} hybrid structures are highly efficient in purification of wastewater. • The decline in efficiencies of graphene/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} is not more than 1.5% after five cycling runs. - Abstract: Magnetic graphene–Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanocomposites (G/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}) were fabricated by a facile and fast one-pot method and used as adsorbent to remove dye for wastewater using Rhodamine B as the adsorbate. Samples with different weight ratios of graphene oxide (GO) to Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} were prepared. The transmission electron microscopy results exhibit that the sizes of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanocrystals decrease with the increasing of weight ratio of GO to Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}. The magnetic characterization demonstrates that the saturation magnetization of nanocomposites decreases with the decreasing sizes of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanocrystals. The investigation of adsorption kinetics and isotherm indicates the adsorption process can be described by Langmuir model and nanocomposites with the smaller sizes of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles show better adsorption ability. Furthermore, the adsorbents could be recovered conveniently by magnetic separation and recyclable used after desorption process, and the decline in efficiencies of all samples is not more than 1.5% after five cycling runs.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Magnesium diboride (MgB2): An effective and novel precursor for the synthesis of vertically aligned BNNTs

Highlights: • Discovered Magnesium diboride (MgB{sub 2}) as an effective and novel precursor for the synthesis of BNNTs. • Synthesized vertically aligned BNNTs directly on SiO{sub 2} substrate at 1000{sup °}C. • Magnesium (Mg) from MgB{sub 2} in partially melted form diffuses on SiO{sub 2} substrate. • The adsorbed Boron with Mg reacts with Nitrogen from decomposed ammonia and synthesized vertically aligned BNNTs. - Abstract: Vertically aligned Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have exceptional electrical, mechanical and thermal properties suitable for its potential applications without any further purification. However, the synthesis of aligned BNNTs via previously reported techniques is not only complicated, lengthy and misleading but also result in useless impurities in the final product. Here, we report Magnesium diboride (MgB{sub 2}) as an effective and novel precursor for the synthesis of vertically aligned BNNTs directly on SiO{sub 2} substrate at 1000 {sup °}C. Magnesium (Mg) from MgB{sub 2} in partially melted form diffuses on SiO{sub 2} substrate whereas the adsorbed Boron with Mg reacts with Nitrogen from decomposed ammonia and synthesized vertically aligned BNNTs. The morphology, alignment, structure and compositions of the as-synthesized BNNTs are studied via field emission scanning electron microscope, high resolution transmission electron microscope, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Controlled synthesis of silkworm cocoon-like α-Fe2O3 and its adsorptive properties for organic dyes and Cr(VI)

Highlights: • A hierarchical structured α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} is synthesized by using a simple hydrothermal method. • The as-synthesized α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} shows high adsorption capacities for CR, MO and Cr(VI) ions. The removal efficiency can reach up to 99.2%, 83.9% and 100% under the given conditions. • This kind of material realizes synergistic adsorption of organic and inorganic pollutants. And the adsorption efficiency can reach 94.7% for CR and 97.9% for Cr(VI) ions in a mixed solution. - Abstract: Industrial wastewater containing both organic and inorganic pollutants is being generated all the time. Efficient materials are highly needed to purify the polluted water. Thus, a hierarchical structured α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} with excellent adsorptive property has been synthesized by using a facile hydrothermal method. It can be prepared in macroscopic quantity. The as-synthesized α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} with silkworm cocoon-like morphology shows high efficiency in adsorbing Congo red (CR), Methyl orange (MO) and Cr(VI). The removal efficiency of CR, MO and Cr(VI) can reach 99.2%, 83.9% and 100% under appropriate conditions. Besides, this α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} shows high adsorptive ability for mixed CR and Cr(VI) in aqueous solution and the final removal rates can reach 94.7% and 97.9%, respectively. The adsorption kinetics fits well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The results indicate that the product may find potential application in purification of wastewater containing both organic and inorganic pollutants.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Special pure germanium-rich Ga-Ge-As-Se glasses for active mid-IR fiber optics

Highlights: • Special pure Ga{sub x}Ge{sub 25}As{sub 15}Se{sub 60-x} (x = 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5) glasses were prepared and investigated. • The glasses have high glass transition temperature (>320 °C) and low tendency to crystallization. • The microstructure, the transmission region and the linear refractive index of glasses were studied. • Dispersion optical parameters of glasses were calculated using the Wemple-DiDomenico model. • For the first time, a single-index Ga{sub 3}Ge{sub 25}As{sub 15}Se{sub 57} glass fiber was fabricated and investigated. - Abstract: Special pure Ga{sub x}Ge{sub 25}As{sub 15}Se{sub 60-x} (x = 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5) glasses were prepared using various methods for purification of the glass-forming melt. The glasses are characterized by high transparency in the spectral range 0.8–15 μm, low impurity content, high glass transition temperature (>320 °C), and low tendency to crystallization. The microstructure, the transmission range edges, the optical band-gap energy, and the linear refractive index of the glasses are studied. The refractive index of Ga{sub x}Ge{sub 25}As{sub 15}Se{sub 60-x} (x = 0÷5) glasses measured by ellipsometry increases with the substitution of selenium by gallium. It is for the first time that a single-index Ga{sub 3}Ge{sub 25}As{sub 15}Se{sub 57} glass fiber was fabricated, its minimum optical loss was about 0.6 dB/m at a wavelength of 6.7 μm. High-purity germanium-rich Ga-Ge-As-Se glasses were shown to be a promising material for active mid-IR fiber optics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Polymeric membranes for CO 2 separation and capture

Over the past decade, CO 2 separation and capture have become the new bandwagon for polymer science and membrane research. This review presents the fundamentals of CO 2 /gas separation in polymeric membranes and discusses how these principles underpin opportunities and challenges for post-combustion carbon capture (CO 2 /N 2 ), hydrogen purification (CO 2 /H 2 ), and natural gas and biogas sweetening (CO 2 /CH 4 ). Emerging polymeric membrane materials are discussed, including a few polymers containing a high content of polar functional groups (i.e., ether oxygen-rich polymers and polymeric ionic liquids), shape-persisting glassy polymers (i.e., perfluoropolymers, thermally rearranged polymers, iptycene-containing polymers), and reactive polymers featuring facilitated transport. Moreover, the promising candidates for each CO 2 separation application are highlighted. Lastly, the permeability-selectivity data reviewed were plotted against their 2008 and 2019 upper bounds.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Acoustic focusing of microplastics in microfabricated and steel tube devices: An experimental study on the effects from particle size and medium density

The contamination of aquatic systems with microplastics is becoming a severe threat to living organisms. Microplastics found in the environment consist of a wide range of particle sizes thus give rise to several challenges to current purification methods. Acoustic focusing has been utilized as a particle concentrating method in biological and non-biological applications. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of using acoustic focusing technology to isolate microplastics in aqueous samples and find that a two-stage mechanism is essential to concentrate microplastics of wide size ranges of the same material. We demonstrate for the first time experimentally that when the particle size is comparable to the resonance wavelength, they deviate from typical pressure nodal focusing and show pressure antinodal focusing. Further, we have expanded microplastics isolation beyond microfluidic systems and demonstrate their extraction capabilities relatively at higher flow rates using microplastics of polystyrene, polyethylene, and polymethyl methacrylate ranging from 6 µm to 300 µm diameter and in devices fabricated with cylindrical steel tubes. We could extract 70% of microplastics smaller than 180 µm and 82% of microplastics greater than 180 µm in diameter from an aqueous sample at a flow rate of 12 mL/min. In conclusion, we demonstrate that small microplastics focus on acoustic pressure nodes regardless of the medium density. However, focusing of large microplastics of the same material depends on the medium density.

42 ENGINEERING↗