Simultaneous Removal of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>S and Dust in the Tail Gas by DC Corona Plasma

The removal of hydrogen sulfide and dust simultaneously by the DC corona discharge plasma with a wire-cylinder reactor was studied at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The outlet gases were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared. Chemical compositions of the dust collected from ground electrode were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence. The results showed that the DC corona discharge is effective in removing H₂S and dust simultaneously. The best H₂S conversion was gained with the 2 cm discharge gap. The lower inlet H₂S concentration, the higher conversion efficiency was gained at any specific input energy (SIE), while the energy yield was on the contrary. The removal efficiency of H₂S decreased gradually as oxygen concentration increased, which means that the H₂S decomposition mainly depends on direct electron collisions or short-living species, such as^·O, ^·OH radicals in the non-thermal plasma. At the initial stage, the conversion efficiency of H₂S increased with the increasing of relative humidity, but later decreased while the relative humidity keep increasing with the same SIE. Existing of dust can not only reduce the energy consumption of H₂S conversion and improve the removal efficiency, but also inhibit the yield of SO₂ for it can further react with some compounds in the dust. With the discharge gap of 2 cm, inlet H₂S concentration of 2400 ppm, O₂ Of 0.5 %, relative humidity of 41 %, dust content of 4000 ± 5 % mg/m³ and SIE of 600 J/L, the H₂S conversion reached 98.8 %, and the dust removal efficiency was close to 100 %.     

Diagnostics of Plasma Behavior and TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Properties Based on DBD/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Hybrid System

Plasma catalysis is gaining increasing interest in environmental and energy applications, such as the destruction of gas pollutants and hydrocarbon conversion. In order to further improve the application of plasma catalysis, it is crucial to understand the fundamental mechanisms, especially the mutual interaction between plasma and catalyst. In this paper, a parallel-plate dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor is developed to investigate the plasma behavior and TiO₂ properties in the plasma/catalytic hybrid system. The introduction of TiO₂ thin film coated on the dielectric improves the discharge intensity, which significantly contributes to the enhancement of reactive species and charges. The energy efficiency of generating ozone in DBD/TiO₂ system has been approximately raised by 38% compared to pure DBD when the applied voltage reaches 13 kV. It is fortunately found that the discharge does not change the crystal structure of the TiO₂, but the band gap increases from 3.13 to 3.39 eV, which has been proved to enhance the oxidizability of TiO₂ in the degradation of methyl orange experiment under UV light. The FTIR and XPS spectra also demonstrate that N element is doped into the structure of TiO₂. These results successfully illustrate the plasma behavior and catalyst properties in plasma/catalysis hybrid system and provide reference for the optimization of the plasma catalysis process.     

High-Efficient Conversion of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> in AC-Pulsed Tornado Gliding Arc Plasma

An AC-pulsed tornado gliding arc plasma was employed for CO₂ conversion via CO₂ decomposition and dry reforming reactions. A stable and high-efficient constant arc length discharge mode was obtained in this plasma reactor. And then, CO₂ conversion was studied under this discharge mode. In the case of CH₄/CO₂ = 0, CO₂ was converted to CO and O₂ via the CO₂ decomposition reaction. Energy efficiency of 29 % was attained at CO₂ conversion of 6 %. With strong reducing agent CH₄ added into CO₂, the main contributor of CO₂ conversion changed from CO₂ decomposition to dry reforming of CH₄. Conversions of CH₄ and CO₂, energy efficiency and energy cost changed sharply at CO₂/CH₄ ratios lower than 1/4, while they changed slowly at CH₄/CO₂ ratios above 1/4. In the case of CH₄/CO₂ = 2/3, energy efficiency of 68 % and syngas energy cost of 1.6 eV/mole were achieved at CH₄ conversion of 29 % and CO₂ conversion of 22 %.     

Highly stable asymmetric supercapacitors based on Ni(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> deposited on electro-etched carbon paper

Herein, we introduce the application of nickel hydroxide nanosheets on the electro-etched carbon fiber (ECF) formed via a direct electrodeposition, for fabrication of asymmetric supercapacitor. To confirm the practical applicability of prepared Ni(OH)₂–ECF, an asymmetric device was assembled using Ni(OH)₂–ECF in combination with an activated carbon (AC) electrode. Our results showed a substantial cycling stability (96% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles) and considerable rate capability at large discharge currents (60% capacitance retention at 8 A g^??1) for this asymmetric supercapacitor that may have originated from the good contact between Ni(OH)₂ and ECF. A maximum specific capacitance of 88.1 F g^??1 was achieved for Ni(OH)₂–ECF//AC/CF device and showed considerable rate capability at large discharge currents (60% capacitance retention at 8 A g^??1). The results of this study suggest the Ni(OH)₂–ECF electrode is an excellent material for fabrication of supercapacitor electrodes.     

How room-humidity during the coating affects the structural,optical and photocatalytic properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> films

TiO₂ thin films were obtained on glass slide substrates by the sol–gel technique. The substrates were coated by the immersion-removal method, at a constant withdrawal speed. The TiO₂ precursor solution and the substrate were maintained in a closed box with a controlled relative humidity (RH) during the removal of the substrate. The RH was varied in the 30–90% range in steps of 20%. The films were dried and after that sintered in an open atmosphere. The effect of the RH was studied on the structural, optical and photocatalytic properties. The films are polycrystalline with an anatase phase and show a high optical transmission in the UV–Vis range. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photobleaching of methylene blue in an aqueous solution. The best photocatalytic activity was obtained for the films with 90% RH, this fact is mainly attributed to the highest porosity value obtained for these films.     

Synthesis of High Dispersion and Uniform Nano-sized Flame Retardant-Used Hexagonal Mg(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Nanosized dispersive flake-like magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) had been prepared by a hydrothermal method. In the process, when the surfactant polyvinyl pyrrolidone was added, high dispersion, small particle size and large specific surface area of hexagonal crystal magnesium hydroxide was obtained by ultrasonic dispersion and temperature program. The flame retardant of Mg(OH)₂ was systematically explored by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, BET analysis and thermo-gravimetric analysis tests. SEM showed the formation of uniform and small size magnesium hydroxide particle with hexagonal nanoscale. Under the optimized conditions, high nano-sized hexagonal Mg(OH)₂ was acquired with a mean particle size of 134 nm and a specific surface area of 26.66 m²/g. According to TGA results, the sample’s decomposition temperature was 626.9 K, which was consistent with the reported literature. It is vitally prospected that the prepared hexagonal Mg(OH)₂ is to be applied to the industry as a flame retardant.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Al(OH)<Subscript>3</Subscript>, Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Nanoparticles and Polymeric Nanocomposites

Applying of the most toxic halogenated and aromatic flame retardants is limited with respect to the environmental requirements. Nontoxic Al(OH)₃ nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple surfactant-free precipitation reaction at room temperature. The effect of various precipitation-agents on the morphology of the products was investigated. Al(OH)₃ nanoparticles were added to the polysulfone and poly styrene (PS) matrices. Electron microscope images show excellent dispersion of aluminium hydroxide in PS matrix. Nanoparticles appropriately enhanced both thermal stability and flame retardant property of the polymeric matrices. The enhancement of flame retardancy is due to endothermic decomposition of Al(OH)₃ that absorbs heat and simultaneously releases of water (makes combustible gases diluted and cold). Dispersed nanoparticles play the role of a barrier layer against flame, oxygen and polymer volatilization. Al(OH)₃ was converted to Al₂O₃ and its photo-catalyst property in degradation three different organic dyes as pollutants was investigated.     

Effect of starting materials on electrochemical performance of sol-gel-synthesized Li<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ti<Subscript>5</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript> anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

In this study, the effect of the sol-gel starting materials with different particle sizes on the sol-gel-synthesized spinel Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ (LTO) was systematically investigated. The physical and electrochemical properties of the synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller-specific surface area analyses, galvanostatic charge/discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was found that the initial particle size of sol-gel starting material played a crucial role on the properties of as-prepared LTOs. The LTO synthesized with the relatively finer particle size of starting materials possessed relatively smaller particle size and larger specific surface area and therefore resulted in the superior electrochemical properties. The initial discharge capacity of the as-prepared LTO exhibited 168.2, 150.6, and 142.7 mAh g^?1 at current densities of 1, 5, and 10 C, respectively, and up to 95, 95, and 90 % of the corresponding initial discharge capacity was retained after 50 cycles.     

Concentration Limits of Flame Propagation in H<Subscript>2</Subscript>—C<Subscript>3</Subscript>H<Subscript>8</Subscript>—Air Mixtures at Elevated Pressures

Upper concentration limits of flame propagation in H₂—C₃H₈—air mixtures at elevated initial pressures are determined. It is revealed that the flame propagation area widens substantially with the initial pressure rise. It is found that the presence of hydrogen promotes combustion of rich propane—air mixtures at concentrations of propane that exceed its upper concentration limit. It is concluded that research results can be explained from consideration of features of chain branching reactions, which are responsible for hydrogen and hydrocarbons combustion in air.     

Electrodeposited Ni(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanostructures on electro-etched carbon fiber paper for highly stable supercapacitors

Herein, we introduce a facile, inexpensive and fast, and additive-/template-free method to fabricate highly stable nickel hydroxide nanofibers for supercapacitor applications. Ni(OH)₂ nanofibers were electrodeposited on electro-etched carbon fiber paper by a potential step method (Ni(OH)₂-ECFs) and characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Electrochemical performance of Ni(OH)₂-ECF was studied in symmetric two-electrode assembly by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge method, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A specific capacitance of 277.5 F g^?1 was achieved for the symmetric supercapacitor based on two identical Ni(OH)₂-ECFs. Our findings demonstrate high-rate capability with excellent stability (approximately 100 % capacitance retention) for Ni(OH)₂-ECF supercapacitor, originated from the intimate contact between Ni(OH)₂ and ECF. Our studies suggest the Ni(OH)₂-ECF electrode as an excellent material for supercapacitor applications.     

Preconcentration of Pb(II) by using Mg(II)-doped NiFe<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles as a magnetic solid phase extraction agent

Magnesium(II)-doped nickel ferrite (Mg–NiFe₂O₄) nanoparticles are introduced as a new adsorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction of lead(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The structure and morphology of the adsorbent was characterized by FTIR, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of pH value, amount of adsorbent, type, concentration and volume of the eluent and adsorption/desorption time on the extraction efficiency were studied. Following elution with hydrochloric acid, Pb(II) ions were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Under optimized conditions, the calibration graph is linear in the 0.5–125 ng mL^?1 Pb(II) ion concentration range. Other figures of merit include (a) a 0.2 ng mL^?1 limit of detection, (b) an enrichment factor of 200, (c) an intra-day relative standard deviation (for n =?6 at 50 ng mL^?1) of 1.6%, and (d) an inter-day precision of 3.8%. The method was validated by the analysis of the certified reference material, NIST SRM 1566b. It was successfully applied to the determination of Pb(II) ion in spiked water samples, industrial wastewater and acidic lead battery waters.

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Graphical abstract Schematic of the synthesis of Mg(II)-doped NiFeO₄ nanoparticles and their application as a magnetic sorbent for solid-phase extraction of a Pb(II) ions prior to determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS).

     

Efficiency of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Dissociation in a Radio-Frequency Discharge

One possible solution to mitigating the effects of high atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the use of a plasma source to break apart the molecule into carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen. This work experimentally investigates the efficiency of dissociation of CO₂ in a 1-kW radio-frequency (rf) plasma source operating at 13.56-MHz in a low-pressure discharge. Mass spectrometry diagnostics are used to determine the species present in the discharge, and these measurements are used to calculate the energy efficiency and conversion efficiency of CO₂ dissociation in the rf plasma source. Experimental results have found that the conversion efficiency of CO₂ to CO can reach values near 90%, however energy efficiency reaches a maximum of 3%. A theoretical energy cost analysis is also given as a method to evaluate the effectiveness of any plasma system designed for CO₂ emissions reduction.     

Effects of polyvinyl alcohol on the electrochemical performance of LiNi<Subscript>0.8</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.15</Subscript>Al<Subscript>0.05</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> cathode material

In view of the close relationship between the morphology of LiNi_0.8Co_0.15Al_0.05O₂ (NCA) and its electrochemical performance, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was added to control the NCA morphology. And thus a new NCA cathode material modified by PVA (NCA-PVA) was prepared. The morphology and structure of the obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and laser diffraction. The electrochemical performance was characterized with electrochemical workstation and cell tester by assembling into CR2032 coin-type half-cell. The results show that the obtained NCA-PVA has a better layer structure and smaller cation mixing degree, smaller particle size, and more uniform particle size distribution than the pristine NCA without adding PVA. The electrochemical performance is also improved: the initial discharge capacity increases from 143.36 to 184.84 mAh g^?1. And the charge-discharge efficiency increases from 78.25 to 86.42%. The specific discharge capacities of NCA-PVA are all higher than that of the NCA (about 50 mAh g^?1) at all testing rates (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 C).     

Catalytic Properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> Nanoparticles in Plasma Chemical Treatment

We proposed here a new process coupling dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma with magnetic photocatalytic material nanoparticles for improving yield in DBD degradation of methyl orange (MO). TiO₂ doped Fe₃O₄ (TiO₂/Fe₃O₄) was prepared by the sol-gel method and used as a new type of magnetic photocatalyst in DBD system. It was found that the introduction of TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ in DBD system could effectively make use of the energy generated in DBD process and improve hydroxyl radical contributed by the main surface Fenton reaction, photocatalytic reaction and catalytic decomposition of dissolved ozone. Most part of MO (88%) was degraded during 30 min at peak voltage of 13 kV and TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ load of 100 mg/L, with a rate constant of 0.0731 min^?1 and a degradation yield of 7.23 g/(kW h). The coupled system showed higher degradation efficiency for MO removal.     

Hydroxyl Radicals Formation in Dielectric Barrier Discharge During Decomposition of Toluene

A method based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), has been developed to measure hydroxyl radical (^·OH) in plasma reactors. The determination was performed indirectly by detecting the products of the reaction of ^·OH with salicylic acid (SAL). The applicability, and effect of time, specific input energy (SIE), relative humidity (RH), catalyst were investigated. It was found that 3 h was the optimal trapping time; concentration of ^·OH was (5.9–23.6) × 10¹³ radicals/cm³ at SIE range. The highest ^·OH yield and toluene removal efficiency (η) were achieved with a RH of 20%. With MnO _x , η was two times that without catalyst, while ^·OH yield in gas stream was one-sixth that without catalyst. However, if summed with ^·OH adsorbed on catalyst surface, the total ^·OH yield was the same as without catalyst. Experiments performed with/without toluene allowed to determine the role of ^·OH on decomposition of toluene in air plasma.     

The Processing of Pyrolysis Fuel Oil by Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Torch

In present paper, an atmospheric-pressure low-temperature plasma treatment of pyrolysis fuel oil (PFO) was investigated in dielectric barrier discharge plasma torch reactor. The effect of the applied voltage and the volume of feedstock, as the main parameters, on the cracking of PFO were studied. By increasing the applied voltage from 10 to 16 kV, the production rate of hydrocarbons containing methane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, propylene, and C₄ rise 18 times. In this case, the production rate of hydrogen increases by approximately 14 times and reaches 7.27 × 10^?3 mol/min for 16 kV. In the feedstock volume investigation, based on limitation of reactor volume, the production rate of hydrocarbons decreased from 0.44 × 10^?3 to 0.15 × 10^?3 mol/min by increasing volume of feedstock from 1 to 5 cc.     

Hydrothermally synthesized Ni(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript>@Zn(OH)<Subscript>2</Subscript> composite with enhanced electrochemical performance for supercapacitors

Two kinds of electrode materials Ni(OH)₂ and Ni(OH)₂@Zn(OH)₂ composite are fabricated on nickel foam. Electrochemical experiments indicate Ni(OH)₂@Zn(OH)₂ composite deserves further study due to high specific capacitance and good cycle stability, so that it can achieve energy storage and conversion as much as possible. When the hydrothermal time is different, the electrochemical performance of the sample is also different. Accurately, samples can obtain better electrochemical performance at 15 h, and the maximum specific capacitance of Ni(OH)₂@Zn(OH)₂ is 7.87 F cm^?2 compared to Ni(OH)₂ (0.61 F cm^?2) at 5 mA cm^?2. Even at 50 mA cm^?2, specific capacitance is 5.24 F cm^?2 and rate capability is 66.6%. Furthermore, Ni(OH)₂@Zn(OH)₂-15 h loses 19.8% after 1000 cycles, revealing the composite has an outstanding stable cycle. These properties also indicate Ni(OH)₂@Zn(OH)₂-15 h is a promising electrode material.     

Generation of Antimicrobial NO<Subscript>x</Subscript> by Atmospheric Air Transient Spark Discharge

Atmospheric pressure air plasma discharges generate potential antimicrobial agents, such as nitrogen oxides and ozone. Generation of nitrogen oxides was studied in a DC-driven self-pulsing (1–10 kHz) transient spark (TS) discharge. The precursors of NO_x production and the TS characteristics were studied by nanosecond time-resolved optical diagnostics: a photomultiplier module and a spectrometer coupled with fast intensified camera. Thanks to the short (~10–100 ns) high current (>1 A) spark current pulses, highly reactive non-equilibrium plasma is generated. Ozone was not detectable in the TS, probably due to higher gas temperature after the short spark current pulses, but the NO_x production rate of ~7 × 10¹⁶ molecules/J was achieved. The NO₂/NO ratio decreased with increasing TS repetition frequency, which is related to the complex frequency-dependent discharge properties and thus changing NO₂/NO generating mechanisms. Further optimization of NO₂ and NO production to improve the biomedical and antimicrobial effects is possible by modifying the electric circuit generating the TS discharge.     

Improvement of the electrochemical properties of a LiNi<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> cathode material formed by a new solid-state synthesis method

In order to avoid the shortcomings of large particle size and poor uniformity of material synthesized by the traditional solid-state method, this paper utilizes a simple improvement of calcination process (i.e., calcination–milling–recalcination) based on the traditional solid-state synthesis to successfully prepare a large number of well-distributed, micrometer-sized, spherical secondary LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ particles. Each particle is composed of nano- and/or sub-micrometer-sized grains. Results of the electrochemical performance tests show that the material exhibits a remarkable cycle performance and rate capability compared with that obtained from traditional synthesis method; the spherical LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ particles can deliver a large capacity of 135.8 mAh g^?1 at a 1 C discharge rate with a high retention of 77 % after 741 cycles and a good capacity of 105.9 mAh g^?1 at 10 C. Cyclic voltammetry measurements confirm that the significantly improved electrochemical properties are due to enhanced electronic conductivity and lithium-ion diffusion coefficient resulting from the optimized morphology and particle size. This improved method is more suitable for mass production.     

Oxygen and hydrogen atom concentration profiles in the premixed propane/oxygen flame

The oxygen and hydrogen free radical (atom) concentration profiles in the premixed propane/oxygen flame at 92.5% oxygen were determined using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy techniques. The ESR instrument was specially modified so that the flame can be probed for determining the oxygen and hydrogen atom population densities during the actual combustion process of propane burning in oxygen. The technique used for propane is similar to that suggested by Fristrom and Westenberg to measure the free radical concentration profiles in CC hydro- carbon/oxygen combustion.