Morphological changes at the Hg/solution interface related to the presence of adsorbed cations combined with solvent properties

Morphological changes are detected at the interface of the negatively polarized Hg electrode in contact with aqueous and nonaqueous solutions of single electrolytes. Those changes are indicated by the increase of the topological dimension of the interface above the value of 2.00, as found by combining capacitance measurements with the size scaling method of the hanging mercury drop electrode and also from impedance spectroscopy measurements. Both methods confirm that in highly structured solvents, the adsorption of a wide size range of univalent cations, viz tetrabutylammonium, caesium, and potassium ones, gives rise to structural changes which are identified with the deviation of the interface from its uniform structure. In weakly structured solvents, those effects are still detected, but they are markedly diminished.     

Quantum Information in Relativity: The Challenge of QFT Measurements

Proposed quantum experiments in deep space will be able to explore quantum information issues in regimes where relativistic effects are important. In this essay, we argue that a proper extension of quantum information theory into the relativistic domain requires the expression of all informational notions in terms of quantum field theoretic (QFT) concepts. This task requires a working and practicable theory of QFT measurements. We present the foundational problems in constructing such a theory, especially in relation to longstanding causality and locality issues in the foundations of QFT. Finally, we present the ongoing Quantum Temporal Probabilities program for constructing a measurement theory that (i) works, in principle, for any QFT, (ii) allows for a first- principles investigation of all relevant issues of causality and locality, and (iii) it can be directly applied to experiments of current interest.     

Chitosan-Based Materials for the Removal of Nickel Ions from Aqueous Solutions

Russian Journal of Physical Chemistry A - Sorption of Ni(II) ions from liquid effluents utilizing chemically modified chitosan; (vanillin, polymer I) and (ortho-vanillin, polymer II) is studied...     

Classical Limit(s) of Quantum Field Theories

We discuss some of the issues involved infinding classical limits for quantum fields. Inparticular we focus on the Hamiltonian classical fieldand the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic limits.     

Process Parameters Optimization,Characterization, and Application of KOH-Activated Norway Spruce Bark Graphitic Biochars for Efficient Azo Dye Adsorption

In this work, Norway spruce bark was used as a precursor to prepare activated biochars (BCs) via chemical activation with potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a chemical activator. A Box–Behnken design (BBD) was conducted to evaluate and identify the optimal conditions to reach high specific surface area and high mass yield of BC samples. The studied BC preparation parameters and their levels were as follows: pyrolysis temperature (700, 800, and 900 °C), holding time (1, 2, and 3 h), and ratio of the biomass: chemical activator of 1: 1, 1.5, and 2. The planned BBD yielded BC with extremely high SSA values, up to 2209 m²·g⁻¹. In addition, the BCs were physiochemically characterized, and the results indicated that the BCs exhibited disordered carbon structures and presented a high quantity of O-bearing functional groups on their surfaces, which might improve their adsorption performance towards organic pollutant removal. The BC with the highest SSA value was then employed as an adsorbent to remove Evans blue dye (EB) and colorful effluents. The kinetic study followed a general-order (GO) model, as the most suitable model to describe the experimental data, while the Redlich–Peterson model fitted the equilibrium data better. The EB adsorption capacity was 396.1 mg·g⁻¹. The employment of the BC in the treatment of synthetic effluents, with several dyes and other organic and inorganic compounds, returned a high percentage of removal degree up to 87.7%. Desorption and cyclability tests showed that the biochar can be efficiently regenerated, maintaining an adsorption capacity of 75% after 4 adsorption–desorption cycles. The results of this work pointed out that Norway spruce bark indeed is a promising precursor for producing biochars with very promising properties.