Effect of pyrolysis temperature on the binding characteristics of DOM derived from livestock manure biochar with Cu(II).

Biochar-derived dissolved organic matter (BDOM) has the potential to influence the environmental application of biochar and the behavior of heavy metals. In this study, the binding properties of BDOM derived from livestock manure biochar at different pyrolysis temperatures with Cu(II) were investigated based on a multi-analytical approach. The results showed that the DOC concentration, aromatics, and humification degree of BDOM were higher in the process of low pyrolysis of biochar. The pyrolysis temperature changed the composition of BDOM functional groups, which affected the binding mechanism of BDOM-Cu(II). Briefly, humic-like and protein-like substances dominated BDOM-Cu(II) binding at low and high pyrolysis temperatures, respectively. The higher binding capacity for Cu(II) was exhibited by BDOM derived from the lower pyrolysis temperature, due to the carboxyl as the main binding site in humic acid had high content and binding ability at low-temperature. The amide in proteins only participated in the BDOM-Cu(II) binding at high pyrolysis temperature, and polysaccharides also played an important role in the binding process. Moreover, the biochar underwent the secondary reaction at certain high temperatures, which led to condensation reaction of the aromatic structure and the conversion of large molecules into small molecules, affecting the BDOM-Cu(II) binding sites.

Li3Bi/Li2O layer with uniform built-in electric field distribution for dendrite free lithium metal batteries.

Lithium metal batteries have garnered significant attention as a promising energy storage technology, offering high energy density and potential applications across various industries. However, the formation of lithium dendrites during battery cycling poses a considerable challenge, leading to performance degradation and safety hazards. This study aims to address this issue by investigating the effectiveness of a protective layer on the lithium metal surface in inhibiting dendrite growth. The hypothesis is that continuous lithium consumption during battery cycling is a primary contributor to dendrite formation. To test this hypothesis, a protective layer of Li3Bi/Li2O was applied to the lithium foil through immersion in a BiN3O9 solution. Experimental techniques including kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to analyze the structural and electronic properties of the Li3Bi/Li2O layer. The findings demonstrate successful doping of Bi into the Li coating, forming Bi-Bi and Bi-O bonds. KPFM measurements reveal a higher work function of Li3Bi/Li2O, indicating its potential as an effective protective layer. DFT calculations further support this observation by revealing a greater adsorption energy of lithium on the Li3Bi/Li2O layer compared to the bulk material. Charge density analysis suggests that the adsorption of Li atoms onto the Li3Bi/Li2O layer induces a redistribution of charge, resulting in increased electron availability on the surface and preventing electrode-electrolyte contact. This study provides insights into the role of the Li3Bi/Li2O protective layer in inhibiting dendrite growth in lithium metal batteries. By mitigating dendrite formation, the protective layer holds promise for enhancing battery performance and longevity. These findings contribute to the development of strategies for improving the stability and reliability of lithium metal batteries, facilitating their wider adoption in energy storage applications.

Investigating the Thermo-Optic Properties of BCZT-Based Temperature Sensors.

Photoluminescent (PL) layers and electroluminescent (EL) systems have gained significant attention for their applications in constructing flat panels, screen monitors, and lighting systems. In this study, we present a groundbreaking approach to fabricating temperature sensors using barium-calcium zirconium titanate (BCZT) with thermo-optic properties, leading to the development of opto-thermal sensors for electric vehicle battery packs. We prepared zinc sulfide (ZnS) fluorescent films on BCZT ceramics, specifically two optimal compositions, BCZT0.85 (Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3) and BCZT0.9 (Ba0.9Ca0.1Zr0.1Ti0.9O3), via the solid-state reaction method for the dielectric layer. The BCZT powders were calcined at varying temperatures (1200 and 1250 °C) and dwell times (2 and 4 h). The resulting phase formation and microstructure characteristics were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Our investigation aimed to establish a correlation between the dielectric behavior and optical properties to determine the optimal composition and conditions for utilizing BCZT as thermal detectors in electric vehicle battery packs. All BCZT powders exhibited a tetragonal phase, as confirmed by JCPDS No. 01-079-2265. We observed an increase in the dielectric constant with higher calcining temperatures or longer dwell times. Remarkably, BCZT0.85 ceramic sintered at 1250 °C for 4 h displayed the highest dielectric constant of 15,342, establishing this condition as optimal for preparing the dielectric film with a maximum dielectric constant of 42. Furthermore, we investigated the temperature-dependent electroluminescence intensity of the samples, revealing a significant enhancement with increasing temperature, reaching its peak at 80 °C. Additionally, we observed a positive correlation between electroluminescence intensity and dielectric constant, indicating the potential for improved opto-thermal sensors. The findings from this study offer promising opportunities for the development of advanced opto-thermal sensors with potential applications in electric vehicle battery packs. Our work contributes to the expanding field of photoluminescent and electroluminescent systems by providing novel insights into the design and optimization of efficient and reliable sensors for thermal monitoring in electric vehicle technologies.

Preparation and characterization of lithium disilicate-fluorcanasite glass-ceramics for dental applications.

The purpose of this research is to discuss the preparation, characterization, and characteristics of lithium disilicate-fluorcanasite (LF) glass-ceramics in order to develop new dental glass-ceramics. A typical melt quenching method was used to produce the lithium disilicate (LD) and fluorcanasite (FC) types of glass. Following that, the LD and FC glass frits were combined and remelted in the following LD:FC ratios of 100:0, 0:100, 75:25, and 50:50 wt%, represented by S1, S2, S3, and S4, respectively. Based on the thermal analysis data, the glass-ceramic samples were fabricated through the heat treatment method. XRD and SEM were used to characterize the phase formation and microstructures of the prepared glass-ceramics. Archimedes' principle, three-point bending, and chemical solubility tests were used to determine density, flexural strength, and chemical solubility, respectively. The elastic modulus and fracture toughness of the selected samples were also evaluated using a Vickers hardness test. It was found that the S3 glass-ceramic sample (S3-789) has a longer LD crystalline phase than that of the S4 glass-ceramic sample (S4-788), resulting in a higher density and hardness. Furthermore, the S3-789 sample had by far the greatest Vickers hardness, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, and flexural strength, so it was chosen for future study to assess its bioactivity in SBF due to its superior mechanical properties and good machinability. The SBF bioactivity test validated the S3-789 sample's high bioactive performance. As a result, the S3-789 sample may be a good option for use as a novel material in dental applications.

Physicochemical and prebiotic properties of resistant starch from Musa sapientum Linn., ABB group, cv. Kluai Namwa Luang.

Resistant starch (RS), a current health trend, can be obtained from various natural sources. Musa sapientum Linn., ABB group, cv. Kluai Namwa Luang is a good source of RS. This is the first study to investigate the physicochemical properties, RS contents, and prebiotic properties of unpeeled raw banana powder (URB), peeled raw banana powder (PRB), and banana starch (BS) from Kluai Namwa Luang. Their physicochemical properties were characterized by scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, and X-ray diffractometer. The RS contents were determined using the Megazyme Resistant Starch Assay Kit. The prebiotic properties are reported as a prebiotic index (PI). The particle morphology of URB, PRB, and BS granules showed a smooth surface with irregular size and shape. Their gelatinization temperatures were 74-78 °C. All samples exhibited typical B-type diffraction patterns. URB contained the highest dietary fiber (9.7 ± 0.2 g per 100 g of dried sample), whereas BS contained the highest RS content (74.1 ± 0.1 g per 100 g of dried sample). Both URB and BS possessed excellent probiotic growth promotion, prebiotic properties with PI values comparable to the commercial inulin, and were highly resistant to digestive enzymes. Therefore, BS from Kluai Namwa Luang is suggested as functional nutrient in health promotion products.

Potential of Musa sapientum Linn. for digestive function promotion by supporting Lactobacillus sp.

Lactobacillus is a beneficial bacteria that could inhibit pathogenic potential of other microorganisms. This is the first study to develop a potential tablet from Musa sapientum Linn. (locally known as Kluai Namwa) using the direct compression method to support Lactobacillus sp. We compared the amount of resistant starch and prebiotic properties of the dry powder from unpeeled raw fruit, peeled raw fruit, and starch from M. sapientum. These dry powders were formulated into tablets using the direct compression method and evaluated for their prebiotic index compared to their native powder. Resistant starch, which possessed the highest prebiotic index, generated a tablet that possessed remarkable in vitro prebiotic properties. All tablets met the requirement of the United States Pharmacopeia. Therefore, resistant starch tablets from M. sapientum are suggested for use as a health promotion product.

Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Transparent Glass-Ceramic Phosphors Containing Calcium Magnesium Aluminosilicate Nanocrystals.

Glass-ceramic phosphors from CaO-MgO-SiO2-Al2O3-ZnO co-doped with 0.5Eu3+:0.1Sm3+ (mole%) were prepared by conventional melt-quenching method. Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics were performed by differential thermal analysis at various heating rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20 °C/min. The parent glasses were investigated by X-ray diffraction technique. From the heating rate dependence of crystallization temperature, the activation energy (Ea) of crystallization and Avrami parameter (n) were calculated by Kissinger equation and Ozawa equation, respectively. The results indicated that continuous nucleation and three-dimensional crystal growth were the dominating mechanisms in the crystallization process that was confirmed by scanning electronic microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The luminescence properties were also determined by fluorescence spectroscopy in rang of 550-750 nm under 402 nm excitation. The results of XRD studies revealed the occurrence of diopside (Ca0.8Mg1.2Si2O6) phases and no other phase is observed. The emission spectra exhibited a strong red luminescence composed of 576, 599, 613 and 702 nm when excited at 402 nm.

Antibacterial Compounds from Propolis of Tetragonula laeviceps and Tetrigona melanoleuca (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from Thailand.

This study investigated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of propolis collected from two stingless bee species Tetragonula laeviceps and Tetrigona melanoleuca (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Six xanthones, one triterpene and one lignane were isolated from Tetragonula laeviceps propolis. Triterpenes were the main constituents in T. melanoleuca propolis. The ethanol extract and isolated compounds from T. laeviceps propolis showed a higher antibacterial activity than those of T. melanoleuca propolis as the constituent α-mangostin exhibited the strongest activity. Xanthones were found in propolis for the first time; Garcinia mangostana (Mangosteen) was the most probable plant source. In addition, this is the first report on the chemical composition and bioactivity of propolis from T. melanoleuca.

Antibacterial activity and inhibition of adherence of Streptococcus mutans by propolis electrospun fibers.

Mouth-dissolving fibers with antibacterial activity for the oral cavity were prepared by an electrospinning technique. Propolis extract was used as an active ingredient and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K90 as the polymer matrix. The morphology and diameter of the fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and the inhibition of S. mutans adhesion on a smooth glass surface during the biofilm formation were tested. Propolis, 5% (w/v), was combined with a PVP K90 solution, 8% (w/v), with or without Tween 80 including flavor additives and electrospun with an applied voltage of 15 kV. Uniform and smooth fibers of propolis-PVP K90 were obtained. The results showed that electrospun fibers with propolis extract can dissolve and release the propolis in water. Propolis-PVP electrospun fibers showed better antibacterial activity by reduction of bacteria adhesion on a smooth glass surface when compared to some commercial mouthwash products. These results indicated the potential of electrospun fibers to be used as mouth-dissolving fibers for effective antibacterial activity in the oral cavity.

Fabrication of transparent lead-free KNN glass ceramics by incorporation method.

The incorporation method was employed to produce potassium sodium niobate [KNN] (K0.5Na0.5NbO3) glass ceramics from the KNN-SiO2 system. This incorporation method combines a simple mixed-oxide technique for producing KNN powder and a conventional melt-quenching technique to form the resulting glass. KNN was calcined at 800°C and subsequently mixed with SiO2 in the KNN:SiO2 ratio of 75:25 (mol%). The successfully produced optically transparent glass was then subjected to a heat treatment schedule at temperatures ranging from 525°C -575°C for crystallization. All glass ceramics of more than 40% transmittance crystallized into KNN nanocrystals that were rectangular in shape and dispersed well throughout the glass matrix. The crystal size and crystallinity were found to increase with increasing heat treatment temperature, which in turn plays an important role in controlling the properties of the glass ceramics, including physical, optical, and dielectric properties. The transparency of the glass samples decreased with increasing crystal size. The maximum room temperature dielectric constant (εr) was as high as 474 at 10 kHz with an acceptable low loss (tanδ) around 0.02 at 10 kHz.

Effects of NiO nanoparticles on the magnetic properties and diffuse phase transition of BZT/NiO composites.

A new composite system, Ba(Zr0.07Ti0.93)O3 (BZT93) ceramic/NiO nanoparticles, was fabricated to investigate the effect of NiO nanoparticles on the properties of these composites. M-H hysteresis loops showed an improvement in the magnetic behavior for higher NiO content samples plus modified ferroelectric properties. However, the 1 vol.% samples showed the optimum ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties. Examination of the dielectric spectra showed that the NiO additive promoted a diffuse phase transition, and the two phase transition temperatures, as observed for BZT93, merged into a single phase transition temperature for the composite samples.