Synthesis and characterization of CDs/Al2O3 nanofibers nanocomposite for Pb2+ ions adsorption and reuse for latent fingerprint detection

This study reports a new approach of preparation of carbon dots coated on aluminum oxide nanofibers (CDs/Al₂O₃NFs) nanocomposite and reusing the spent adsorbent of lead (Pb²⁺) ions loaded adsorbent (Pb²⁺-CDs/Al₂O₃NFs) nanocomposite for latent fingerprint detection (LFP) after removing Pb²⁺ ions from aqueous solution. CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite was prepared by using CDs and Al₂O₃NFs with adsorption processes. The prepared nanocomposite was then characterized by using UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–visible), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Fluorescence, X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Zeta potential, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The average size of the CDs was 51.18 nm. The synthesized CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite has proven to be a good adsorbent for Pb²⁺ ions removal from water with optimum pH 6, dosage 0. 2 g/L. The results were best described by the Freundlich Isotherm model. The adsorption capacity of CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite showed the best removal of Pb²⁺ ions with q_m = (177. 83 mg/g), when compared to the previous reports. This adsorption followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model. ΔG and ΔH values indicated spontaneity and the endothermic nature of the adsorption process. CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite therefore showed potential as an effective adsorbent. The data were observed from adsorption–desorption after 6 cycles which showed good adsorption stability and re- usability of CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite. Furthermore, the spent adsorbent of Pb²⁺-CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite has proven to be sensitive and selective for LFP detection on various porous substrates. Hence Pb²⁺-CDs/Al₂O₃NFs nanocomposite can be reused as a good fingerprint labelling agent in LFP detection so as to avoid secondary environmental pollution by disposal of the spent adsorbent.     

焙烧温度对 Pd/Al2O3 催化剂上甲烷燃烧反应性能的影响

 考察了载体与催化剂焙烧温度对 Pd/Al2O3 催化剂上低浓度甲烷催化燃烧反应性能的影响. 采用 X 射线衍射、透射电镜、N2 物理吸附、NH3 程序升温脱附和 O2 程序升温氧化等手段对载体和催化剂进行了表征. 结果表明, 焙烧温度对催化剂活性及稳定性的影响显著. 随着载体焙烧温度的升高, Al2O3 的比表面积、物相结构、酸中心的数量及强度明显改变, 相应的 Pd/Al2O3 催化剂中载体与 Pd 的相互作用减弱, Pd 分散度降低. 当载体焙烧温度为 1 100 °C, Pd/Al2O3 焙烧温度为 200 °C 时, 所得催化剂在 260 h 的连续反应中, 甲烷转化率始终维持在 99%以上.     

Synthesis,characterization and photocatalytic properties of Mg1−xZnxAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles

Mg_1−xZn_xAl₂O₄ spinel nanoparticles with x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 were prepared via the chemical coprecipitation method. The obtained samples were characterised by thermal gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflection spectrum, transmission electron microscopy and ²⁷Al MAS-NMR spectroscopy. Mg_1−xZn_xAl₂O₄ spinel powders with the mean crystallite size of around 11 nm–14 nm were obtained. The crystallinity of the MgAl₂O₄ samples increases with the increase in the calcination temperature. At the same calcination temperature, higher amount of Zn²⁺ substitution leads to the higher level of crystallinity, but has no apparent influence on the mean crystallite size of the samples. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained Mg_1−xZn_xAl₂O₄ spinel nanoparticles was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of methylene blue under UV light. The degradation rates of methylene blue using the MgAl₂O₄ nanoparticles prepared at the calcination temperatures of 700 °C and 800 °C are much higher than those prepared at 900 °C and 1000 °C. The photocatalytic activities of the spinel powders with lower level of Zn²⁺ substitution such as Mg_0.95Zn_0.05Al₂O₄ are inferior to that of MgAl₂O₄. Results of ²⁷Al MAS-NMR spectroscopy analysis and the first principle total density of state calculations reveal that this is probably due to the substitutions of Zn²⁺ decreasing the degree of Al³⁺ ions inversion over the sites of tetrahedral and octahedral coordination. With the increase in the amounts of Zn²⁺ substitution, the effects of Zn²⁺ additions on the photocatalytic activities become gradually predominant, leading to the increases in the degradation rates. The methylene blue degraded by 99% within 4 h using the Mg_0.8Zn_0.2Al₂O₄ spinel powders.     

Gold catalysts supported on ZnO/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> for low-temperature CO oxidation

Gold catalysts with loadings ranging from 0.5 to 7.0 wt% on a ZnO/Al₂O₃ support were prepared by the deposition–precipitation method (Au/ZnO/Al₂O₃) with ammonium bicarbonate as the precipitation agent and were evaluated for performance in CO oxidation. These catalysts were characterized by inductively coupled plasma-atom emission spectrometry, temperature programmed reduction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic activity for CO oxidation was measured using a flow reactor under atmospheric pressure. Catalytic activity was found to be strongly dependent on the reduction property of oxygen adsorbed on the gold surface, which related to gold particle size. Higher catalytic activity was found when the gold particles had an average diameter of 3–5 nm; in this range, gold catalysts were more active than the Pt/ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalyst in CO oxidation. Au/ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalyst with small amount of ZnO is more active than Au/Al₂O₃ catalyst due to higher dispersion of gold particles.     

Effects of nano-YAG (Y3Al5O12) crystallization on the structure and photoluminescence properties of Nd3+-doped K2O–SiO2–Y2O3–Al2O3 glasses

Nd³⁺-doped precursor glass in the K₂O–SiO₂–Y₂O₃–Al₂O₃ (KSYA) system was prepared by the melt-quench technique. The transparent Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (YAG) glass–ceramics were derived from this glass by a controlled crystallization process at 750 °C for 5–100 h. The formation of YAG crystal phase, size and morphology with progress of heat-treatment was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transformed infrared reflectance spectroscopy (FT-IRRS). The crystallite sizes obtained from XRD are found to increase with heat-treatment time and vary in the range 25–40 nm. The measured photoluminescence spectra have exhibited emission transitions of ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_J (J = 9/2, 11/2 and 13/2) from Nd³⁺ ions upon excitation at 829 nm. It is observed that the photoluminescence intensity and excited state lifetime of Nd³⁺ ions decrease with increase in heat-treatment time. The present study indicates that the incorporation of Nd³⁺ ions into YAG crystal lattice enhance the fluorescence performance of the glass–ceramic nanocomposites.     

Synthesis and surface treatment of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

In order to shorten process time and possibly reduce synthesis cost of LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂, the cathode material was prepared by solution combustion and microwave synthesis routes with reduced duration of calcination. The products were also surface-modified with Al₂O₃ by a mechano-thermal coating process to enhance cyclability. The structure and morphology of the bare and the surface-modified LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. At a 0.1-C rate and between 4.6 and 2.5 V, the products delivered a first-cycle discharge capacity of as much as 195 mA h/g. Surface modification of LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ with alumina resulted in improved cyclability.     

碳纳米管-氧化铝:高抗硫及再生性能的Pt基催化剂载体及在NO_x还原反应中的应用(英文)

通过乙炔在Al2O3上的分解制备碳纳米管-氧化铝(Al2O3-CNTs)载体.采用浸渍法,分别制备了Pt/Ba/Al2O3-CNTs和Pt/Ba/Al2O3催化剂.利用XRD,SEM,TEM,低温N2物理吸附,XPS和in-situ DRIFTS等手段对催化剂的物化性质进行了表征.结果表明,在SO2存在下的NOx还原反应中,Pt/Ba/Al2O3-CNTs比Pt/Ba/Al2O3具有更高的抗SO2性能和再生性能.In-situ DRIFTS表明SO2的存在对NOx储存还原的途径没有影响.     

Fabrication,morphology and mechanical properties of Al2O3–Al graded coatings on China low activation martensitic steel substrates

Al₂O₃, Al₂O₃/Al and Al₂O₃–Al graded coatings were fabricated on China low activation martensitic steel and silicon substrates by RF magnetron sputtering. The coating composition and cross‐section morphologies were investigated using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the coatings were studied using nanoindentation, wafer‐curvature measurements and microscratch tests. The results show that usable Al₂O₃–Al graded coatings could be fabricated. With a more continuous compositional gradient, the interface zone was more compact. The hardness and elastic modulus of Al₂O₃–Al graded coatings were less than those of Al₂O₃ coatings, but greater than those of Al₂O₃/Al coatings. After annealing at 773 K for 3 h, the hardness of Al₂O₃–Al graded coating showed a small increase. The residual stresses in Al₂O₃–Al graded coatings declined to about 0.3 GPa, compared with the 6.6 GPa for Al₂O₃ coating. The adhesion of Al₂O₃ was improved by deposition of Al or Al compositional gradient oxide layers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Syngas production from pyrolysis–catalytic steam reforming of waste biomass in a continuous screw kiln reactor

A two-stage continuous screw-kiln reactor was investigated for the production of synthesis gas (syngas) from the pyrolysis of biomass in the form of waste wood and subsequent catalytic steam reforming of the pyrolysis oils and gases. Four nickel based catalysts; NiO/Al₂O₃, NiO/CeO₂/Al₂O₃, NiO/SiO₂ (prepared by an incipient wetness method) and another NiO/SiO₂ (prepared by a sol–gel method), were synthesized and used in the catalytic steam reforming process. Pyrolysis of the biomass at a rapid heating rate of approximately 40 °C/s, was carried out at a pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C and the second stage reforming of the evolved pyrolysis gases was carried out with a catalytic bed kept at a temperature of 760 °C. Gases were analysed using gas chromatography while the fresh and reacted catalyst was analysed by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The reactor design was shown to be effective for the pyrolysis and catalytic steam reforming of biomass with a maximum syngas yield of 54.0 wt.% produced when the sol–gel prepared NiO/SiO₂ catalyst was used, which had the highest surface area of 765 m² g⁻¹. The maximum H₂ production of 44.4 vol.% was obtained when the NiO/Al₂O₃ catalyst was used.     

Alumina‐supported nickel catalyst for liquid‐phase reactions: an expedient and efficient heterogeneous catalyst for hydrogenation reactions

The preparation of a new nickel(0)/Al₂O₃ catalyst for hydrogenation reactions is described. The nickel(0)/Al₂O₃ catalysts were prepared by impregnation of alumina with a solution of a nickel(II) salt. After drying, the nickel(II) salt was reduced under mild conditions into nickel(0) using t‐BuONa‐activated sodium hydride in tetrahydrofuran at 65 °C. The nickel(0)/Al₂O₃ catalysts obtained were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The supported catalysts were successfully used in solution‐phase hydrogenation of double and triple bonds. Although the activity of the nickel(0)/Al₂O₃ is comparable to non‐supported nickel(0) reagents, it has the advantage of being reusable more than ten times with only a slight decrease of reactivity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Photocatalytic degradation of Orange II by titania addition to sol–gel glasses

Glasses on SiO₂–CaO–ZnO–B₂O₃–K₂O–Al₂O₃ oxide system modified by addition of titania (0, 3, 5, 12, and 20% w) have been prepared by sol–gel method. The obtained gels were aged, dried and fired at 600 °C/1 h in order to stabilise the glass. The resulting fired powders were characterised by UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Their photocatalytic capacity on the degradation of Orange II dye has been studied. The XRD and TEM studies indicate that system becomes amorphous with a nanostructured microstructure. From UV–Vis–NIR results the band gap calculated is around 3.5 eV for all modified glasses. Photoactivity of powders depends on amount of titania in glass composition and the specific surface area of prepared samples. The sample with highest surface area and lowest addition of titania (3% w sample) shows similar activity than commercial anatase used as reference.     

Highly selective aerobic oxidation of alkylarenes catalyzed by cobalt‐based nanocatalyst in aqueous solution

The catalytic aerobic oxidation of alkylarenes catalyzed by cobalt supported on a highly crystalline γ‐Al₂O₃ support (Co/Al₂O₃ nanocatalyst) is reported. The catalyst was prepared by a co‐precipitation method and characterized using scanning and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopies, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and surface area measurements. A wide range of alkylarenes were converted to corresponding ketones. The catalyst can be recovered by simple filtration is recyclable for up to six consecutive runs.     

氧化铝载体和氧化钡助剂对钌基氨合成催化剂结构和性能的影响

采用不同来源γ-Al2O3(市售Al2O3-1,合成Al2O3-2)作为钌基氨合成催化剂载体,利用浸渍法制备了一系列添加不同BaO助剂含量的Ba-Ru/Al2O3催化剂.通过X射线衍射(XRD)、N2-低温物理吸附、X射线荧光光谱(XRF)、透射电镜(TEM)、H2程序升温还原(H2-TPR)、NH3程序升温脱附(NH3-TPD)和X射线光电子能谱(XPS)等方法研究了不同来源的Al2O3以及BaO助剂含量对负载型钌基催化剂的物相结构、织构性质、微观形貌、表面性质和催化剂的氨合成活性等方面的影响.结果表明,载体的物理化学性质对制备的钌基氨合成催化剂的结构以及活性有较大影响.BaO助剂对催化剂的影响主要表现在两个方面:添加量不同导致BaO与γ-Al2O3的作用力不同,从而进一步影响催化体系的比表面积和孔结构性质;BaO助剂会对体系的Ru物种还原性质以及催化剂表面酸碱性质进行调节,适量BaO的加入能够极大提高反应活性,而这种最佳量与载体性质密切相关.     

Effect of small amounts of Al on the surface silanol structure and their correlation to the improved catalytic performances of WOx/SiO2–Al2O3 in the propene self-metathesis

Surface silanol structures, acid properties, and tungsten dispersion of the sol-gel-derived 7W/SiO₂–xAl₂O₃ (x = 0.2–23 wt%) were investigated by means of ²⁹Si, ²⁷Al, and ¹H MAS NMR, NH₃-TPD, in-situ NH₃-IR spectroscopy, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The surface silanol structure changed upon Al and tungsten loadings; however, loading of 1 wt% Al₂O₃ appeared to be the threshold for preserving the Si(OH)Al with isolated bridge after impregnation of 7 wt% W. The 7W/SiO₂–1Al₂O₃ (1 wt% Al₂O₃) was also found to exhibit the lowest ratio of Bronsted to Lewis acid with the highest amount of Lewis acid sites and the best catalyst performances in propene self-metathesis at 550 °C in terms of both propene conversion and ethylene/butene selectivity. Despite its low tungsten dispersion, the metathesis activity was correlated well with the higher amount of tungsten carbene species, which were formed on the catalysts containing higher isolated bridge silanol and the presence of higher Lewis acid sites.     

Thermodynamic measurement of (Al2O3 + B2O3) system by double Knudsen cell mass spectrometry

Thermodynamic properties of B₂O₃ in the (Al₂O₃ + B₂O₃) binary system were investigated by vapor pressure measurement of B₂O₃ in equilibrium with (Al₂O₃ + B₂O₃) compounds or melts using double Knudsen cell mass spectrometry. The Gibbs free energy change of formation of Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ (9Al₂O₃·2B₂O₃) was estimated from the vapor pressure in equilibrium with a mixture of Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ and Al₂O₃ at 1573 K to 1673 K. And activities of B₂O₃ in the two-phase region Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ and B₂O₃-rich liquid, and (Al₂O₃ + B₂O₃) melts were obtained at 1373 K to 1423 K by vapor pressure measurements.     

Effect of preparation method on structural characteristics and propane steam reforming performance of Ni–Al2O3 catalysts

Propane steam reforming was studied over Ni–Al₂O₃ catalysts that were prepared by a conventional impregnation (IM) method and a one-step sol–gel (SG) technique. Both Ni–Al₂O₃ catalysts showed similar initial activity. However, IM-Ni–Al₂O₃ deactivated severely with time-on-stream of propane steam reforming. The catalyst prepared using a SG technique demonstrated stable catalytic performance. The two catalysts also showed major differences in product distribution, with SG catalyst giving much higher yields of hydrogen. Catalysts were characterized with temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. It was revealed that, with sol–gel preparation, highly dispersed small Ni crystallites are formed with a strong interaction with the support. This is shown to be important for coke suppression and catalyst stability.     

Microstructural characterization of oxide layers formed on Ni–20Cr–8Al alloy foam using transmission electron microscopy

Microstructural characterization was carried out during the pre‐oxidation of Ni–20Cr–8Al alloy foam using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). During the pre‐oxidation at 1000 °C for 1, 30, and 60 min in air, the sequential formations of NiO, NiCr₂O₄, Cr₂O₃, and α‐Al₂O₃ 1‐μm‐thick oxide layers were, respectively, characterized. Initially, during pre‐oxidization, the layers formed abnormally in an island growth mode, but they grew to be morphologically uniform after 30 min. Pores were found after only 1 min in the middle region of the oxide layers, near the Cr₂O₃ layer, and then these developed into critical micro‐cracks after 60 min. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A simple and effective strategy to synthesize Al2O3-coated LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathode materials for lithium ion battery

A facile method has been developed to synthesize Al₂O₃-coated LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ cathode materials. The sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX). Electrochemical tests show that the cycling stability of LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ at room temperature is effectively improved by Al₂O₃ coating. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and high temperature (60 °C) cycling tests indicate that Al₂O₃ coating can also improve the thermal stability of LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂, which is attributed to that the coating layer can protect the LiNi_0.8Co_0.2O₂ particles from reacting with the electrolyte.     

N3/Al2O3/N749交替组装结构拓宽准固态染料敏化太阳能电池光响应范围和界面修饰效果

研究了染料敏化太阳能电池(DSCs)中N3/Al₂O₃/N749交替组装结构的作用. 该结构使用Al₂O₃作为介质层吸附第二层染料, 可以有效拓宽DSCs的光响应范围, 提高电池的光电转化效率. UV-Vis 吸收光谱和单色光转换效率(IPCE)谱测试结果表明, 相对于单一染料, 使用交替组装结构的电池光响应范围变宽. 电流-电压(I-V)曲线结果表明, 该结构有效增加了DSCs 电池的光电转化效率, 从单一N3 和N749 染料的4.22%和3.09%增加到了5.75%, 分别增加了36%和86%. 为了研究该结构的作用机理, 本文对其界面修饰作用及界面电子过程进行了讨论. 暗电流测试结果表明交替组装结构可以有效阻止电荷复合过程; 电化学阻抗谱(EIS)结果表明在黑暗条件下, N3/Al₂O₃/N749结构可以提高界面电阻, 从而抑制电荷复合过程; 本文建立了等效电路模型, 并使用该模型讨论了交替组装结构的界面电子过程; 调制强度光电流谱(IMPS)和调制强度光电压谱(IMVS)的结果表明该结构可以提高电子寿命和改善电子扩散.     

Highly efficient rapid ethanol sensing based on Co-doped In₂O₃ nanowires

Pristine and Co-doped In₂O₃ nanowires were synthesized via electrospinning with subsequent calcination. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to characterize nanowire morphology and structure. Ethanol sensing performance analyzed in the range of temperatures and concentrations showed that Co-doped In₂O₃ nanowires exhibited significantly enhanced sensitivity and rate of performance with the response and recovery times of 2 s and 3 s, respectively. Combined with excellent selectivity and linearity, these properties make the fabricated nanowires a good candidate for practical ethanol sensing. Further performance improvements are possible with utilization of nanofiber continuity intrinsic of the used top-down nanowire nanomanufacturing process.