Synthesis, characterization, and water adsorption properties of a novel multi-walled carbon nanotube/MIL-100(Fe) composite.

Conventional small-scale adsorption chillers generally employ silica-gel/water or zeolite/water working pairs given the relatively high level of mesoporosity and water affinity in these adsorbent materials. However, the coefficient of performance (COP) and specific cooling power (SCP) evaluated for the adsorption chiller using these adsorbent/adsorbate pairs cannot be still considered practically feasible in the context of a commercial system. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are not only characterized by much higher water adsorption capacities than these materials, but also can be mass-produced using much simpler methods than the template-assisted synthesis routes of most zeolites. However, the low intrinsic thermal conductivity of these materials limits their use as adsorbents in commercial-scale adsorption chillers. In this study, a novel composite composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) incorporated in a MIL-100(Fe) framework has been synthesized using a molecular-level mixing process. The resulting composite, with varying volume fraction of MWCNTs, has been characterized for microstructure, degree of crystallinity, thermal stability, water sorption kinetics and hydrothermal cyclic stability for potential use as an adsorbent in commercial adsorption chillers.

Chemo-Mechanical Characteristics of Mud Formed from Environmental Dust Particles in Humid Ambient Air.

Mud formed from environmental dust particles in humid ambient air significantly influences the performance of solar harvesting devices. This study examines the characterization of environmental dust particles and the chemo-mechanics of dry mud formed from dust particles. Analytical tools, including scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, particle sizing, and X-ray diffraction, are used to characterize dry mud and dust particles. A micro/nano tribometer is used to measure the tangential force and friction coefficient while tensile tests are carried out to assess the binding forces of dry mud pellets. After dry mud is removed, mud residuals on the glass surface are examined and the optical transmittance of the glass is measured. Dust particles include alkaline compounds, which dissolve in water condensate and form a mud solution with high pH (pH = 7.5). The mud solution forms a thin liquid film at the interface of dust particles and surface. Crystals form as the mud solution dries, thus, increasing the adhesion work required to remove dry mud from the surface. Optical transmittance of the glass is reduced after dry mud is removed due to the dry mud residue on the surface.

Characterization of Environmental Dust in the Dammam Area and Mud After-Effects on Bisphenol-A Polycarbonate Sheets.

Owing to recent climate changes, dust storms are increasingly common, particularly in the Middle East region. Dust accumulation and subsequent mud formation on solid surfaces in humid environments typically have adverse effects on surface properties such as optical transmittance, surface texture, and microhardness. This is usually because the mud, which contains alkaline and ionic species, adheres strongly to the surface, often through chemical bonds, and is therefore difficult to remove. In this study, environmental dust and the after-effects of mud formed on a polycarbonate sheet, which is commonly used as a protective glass in photovoltaic cells. Ionic compounds (OH(-)) are shown to significantly affect the optical, mechanical, and textural characteristics of the polycarbonate surface, and to increase the adhesion work required to remove the dry mud from the polycarbonate surface upon drying. Such ability to modify characteristics of the polycarbonate surface could address the dust/mud-related limitations of superhydrophobic surfaces.