Nano particle fluidisation in model 2-D and 3-D beds using high speed X-ray imaging and microtomography

Nanoparticles and nanocomposites have become a major focus of interest in science and technology due to exceptional properties they provide. However, handling and processing of ultra-fine powders is very challenging because they are extremely cohesive. Fluidization is one of techniques available to process powders. It has become increasingly important to understand how these nanoparticles can be handled and processed to benefit from their favourable properties. A high spatial (down to 400 nm) and temporal resolution (down to 1 ms) X-ray imaging apparatus has been designed to study nanoparticles in fluidized beds under different gas flow velocities. The mean volume distribution of the nanoparticle agglomerates was determined with X-ray microtomography. The X-ray microtomography technique provides valuable in situ, non-destructive structural information on the morphological changes that take place during fluidisation of powder samples.     

Separation and pre-concentration of palladium(II) from environmental and industrial samples by formation of a derivative of 1,2,4-triazole complex on Amberlite XAD–2010 resin

A simple separation/pre-concentration method was developed for extraction of Pd(II) in various environmental samples, based on its adsorption of 4–phenyl–5–{[(4–phenyl–5–pyridin–4–yl–4H–1,2,4–triazole–3–yl)thio]methyl}–4H–1,2,4–triazole–3–thyol (PPTTMET) complex on Amberlite XAD–2010 resin in a mini column. The ligand has high affinity for Pd(II) among many other metals that are taken into consideration. The flame atomic absorption spectrometry is employed to determine the concentration of Pd(II). The optimum working conditions which were determined are as follows: 0.05?mol?L^?1 HNO₃ as working medium, 1.0?mol?L^?1 HCI in acetone as elution solvent, 0.75?mg of PPTTMET amount and 750?mL of sample volume. The system was independent from the flow rates between 3.1 and 23.1?mL?min^?1. The Pd(II) adsorption capacity of Amberlite XAD–2010 resin was found to be 12.8?mg?g^?1 and the enrichment factor was calculated as 375. The method was successfully applied for the determination of Pd(II) in motorway dust samples, anodic sludge, gold ore, industrial electronic waste materials and various water samples.     

Preconcentration of Cd(II) and Cu(II) ions by coprecipitation without any carrier element in some food and water samples

A simple, rapid, sensitive and environmentally friendly separation and preconcentration procedure, based on the carrier element free coprecipitation (CEFC) of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions by using an organic coprecipitant, 2-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-sulphanyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]methyl}-4-{[(4-fluorophenyl) methylene]amino}-5-(4-methylphenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (MEFMAT) was developed. The analyte ions were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometric (FAAS) determinations. The optimum conditions for the coprecipitation process were investigated on several commonly tested experimental parameters such as pH of the solution, amount of MEFMAT, sample volume, standing time, centrifugation rate and time. The influences of some anions, cations and transition metals on the recoveries of analyte ions were also investigated, and no considerable interference was observed. The preconcentration factor was found to be 50. The detection limits for Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions based on the three times the standard deviation of the blanks (N:10) were found to be 1.49 and 0.45 μg L^{− 1}, respectively. The relative standard deviations were found to be lower than 3.5% for both analyte ions. The method was validated by analyzing two certified reference materials (CRM-TMDW-500 Drinking Water and CRM-SA-C Sandy Soil C) and spike tests. The procedure was successfully applied to sea water and stream water as liquid samples and tobacco, hazelnut and black tea as solid samples.     

Determination of lead separated selectively with ion exchange method from solution onto BCW in Sirnak, East Anatolia of Turkey

There are approximately 82 million of tons asphaltites reserves in ?irnak, East Anatolia of Turkey. The present study was investigated to employ ashes of S?rnak BCW (burned coal waste) as an ion exchange in removal of important toxic metal, Lead (Pb), in high yields by adsorption. The ion exchange characteristics of lead onto BCW from aqueous solution were investigated with respect to the changes in pH of solution, adsorbent dosage, initial metal ion concentration, contact time and temperature of solution. For the adsorption of lead, the Langmuir isotherm model fitted to equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm model. Thermodynamic functions, the change of free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) of adsorption were also calculated for lead. These parameters showed that the adsorption was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic at 293–333 K. Experimental data were also evaluated in terms of kinetic characteristics of adsorption. The batch kinetic data were correlated to the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order models. The data fitted better to the pseudo-second order equation. The activation energy of systems was determined. Experimental data have shown that BCW that was used in unmodified form; as low cost, readily available ion exchange; can be used for removal of lead from industrial waste waters. Analysis was determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS).