Fine Chemical Engineering

Di-hydrogen Storage in Novel (C_nGe_n)₂ Nanostructures: Theoretical Study at Density Functional Theory (DFT) Level

2024-09-19T17:23:20+08:00

The Di-hydrogen solid-state is formed only at very low temperatures and pressures exceeding 1.5 million atmospheres. These draconian conditions are harmful to the economic and safe use of hydrogen, even if several studies refer to solid hydrogen which in reality is hydrogen adsorbed or absorbed on metallic surfaces or other. The objective of this research is to find new nanostructures with cages form that are able to confine a larger number of hydrogen molecules, potentially suggesting the geometry of the unit cell of solid hydrogen under standard conditions of (P, T). For this purpose, we use the density functional theory (DFT) method with the B3LYP and ωB97XD functional with the 6-31+G* basis. The MP2/6-311G++(d,p) level leads to the same results. The calculations of energies formation, infrared (IR) spectra, the shape of the molecular orbitals frontiers (MOF) and the Energy Gap will be done at theoretical level. These cage nanostructures are potential candidates for the Di-hydrogen storage. The 2H₂ complex adopts a planar geometry, whereas 3H₂ assumes a bi-pyramidal geometry with a square base.

Investigation of Morphology and Structure of Cobalt Oxide (Co₃O₄) and Barium Hexaferrite (BaFe₁₂O₁₉) Synthesized by Sol-Gel

2024-12-25T10:35:17+08:00

Sol-gel, which can generally be defined as a chemical process in which small molecules of metal alkoxides are used to produce solid materials, is an important nanomaterial synthesis method that has become very popular recently. Objects with different geometries can be coated homogeneously, and pure powders and thin films can be prepared at low temperatures, also attracting attention with its low cost compared to other production methods. In this study, the synthesis of cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) and barium hexaferrite (BaFe₁₂O₁₉), which are mostly used in the defence industry for applications such as radar absorption, shielding, stealth, and also for protecting human health from the harmful effects of radar signals, were investigated with the sol-gel method. Cobalt (II) nitrate hexahydrate and ethylene glycol were used as the precursor and solvent in cobalt oxide synthesis. In barium hexaferrite synthesis, iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O, barium nitride Ba₃N₂, and citric acid were used as starting materials. The powders obtained at the end of the synthesis were first examined structurally by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Differential thermal analysis determined their behaviour towards heat. Particle size analysis was performed. Finally, their magnetic properties, as an important parameter used in radar absorption applications, were investigated with a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Accordingly, when an external field is applied, barium hexaferrite is more magnetically soft and exhibits a strong ferromagnetism behaviour at room temperature.

Spectrophotometric Determination of Exchangeable (Mobile) Aluminum in Soil Using Arsenazo I

2024-09-06T11:44:36+08:00

The possibility of using arsenazo I as a reagent for the spectrophotometric determination of the content of exchangeable (mobile) aluminum in soils of various types (clay, loamy, sandy, and sandy loam) is considered. An algorithm of analysis has been developed, taking into account the methodological guidelines MGU 4.1.2466, calibration dependencies have been established, and soil samples have been analyzed according to certified and proposed experimental methods. As a certified methodology, the methodology for performing measurements of GOST 26485 "Soils. Determination of exchangeable [mobile] aluminum by the SICAA method", in which one of the reagents is xylene orange has been used. To determine the effect of soil type on the results of aluminum determination, samples with different humus content and metabolic acidity were analyzed, and an artificial soil humification Al(III) reagent was used to study the effect of organic compounds on the analytical signal. It was determined that humus affects the measurement results only when its content is significant. It has been established that the use of arsenazo I for the spectrophotometric determination of exchangeable (mobile) aluminum in soil is possible along with the reagents provided by a certified measurement technique-xylene orange and chromazurol C. A number of advantages of using arsenazo I to determine the content of mobile aluminum have been established.

Unveiling Eco-Friendly Energy Storage Using (Ge/Sn/Pb)-Doped SiC Nanocomposites Through Hydrogen Adsorption: Materials Modeling by DFT Study

2024-11-19T09:43:16+08:00

As applied materials for quantum nanotechnology, silicon carbide nanocage (Si-C_NC), germanium carbide nanocage (Ge-C_NC), tin carbide nanocage (Sn-C_NC) or lead carbide nanocage (Pb-C_NC) have attracted considerable attention in materials science. A comprehensive investigation on hydrogen grabbing by main group carbides of Si, Ge, Sn or Pb was carried out including using density functional theory (DFT) computations at the Coulomb-Attenuating method with the hybrid functional Becke 3-parameter Lee-Yang-Parr, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (CAM-B3LYP)/EPR-III), 6-311+G (d, p), and Los Alamos National Laboratory 2 double ζ (LANL2DZ) level of theory. The data represents that if silicon elements are replaced by germanium, tin or lead, the H-grabbing energy will be ameliorated. Electromagnetic and thermodynamic properties of Si-C_NC, Ge-C_NC, Sn-C_NC, Pb-C_NC and H@Si-C_NC, H@Ge-C_NC, H@Sn-C_NC, H@Pb-C_NC clusters were analyzed. The hypothesis of the adsorption phenomenon was confirmed by density distributions of the density of states (DOS) and partial density of states (PDOS) and charge distribution. The fluctuation in charge density values demonstrates that the electronic densities were mainly located in the boundary of adsorbate/adsorbent atoms during the adsorption status. All in all, the consequences display that the Si-C_NC, Ge-C_NC, Sn-C_NC or Pb-C_NC might be appropriate candidate nanocones for hydrogen storage. This study proves that the application of silicon carbide, germanium carbide, tin carbide or lead carbide nanocages in supercapacitor devices has great potential in the field of energy storage, providing a reference for the further development of novel semiconductors in the field of energy storage and optoelectronic devices.

Evaluating the Potentials of Local Soil Samples and Alum in Removing Color from Slaughterhouse Wastewater by Coagulation and Filtration

2024-08-01T09:18:41+08:00

A large quantity of slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW), containing many pollutants, is generated during the slaughtering and cleaning process and needs to be treated before discharge to protect the environment. Slaughterhouse effluent treatment by filtration using soil/sand media, which is cheaper and more affordable than most advanced technologies that are not affordable in developing countries, is scarce in the literature. In this study, coagulation and filtration, carried out independently, were used to remove the color from SWW. Local alum (coagulant), gravel, sand, and soil were used for treating the wastewater. The physico-chemical parameters of raw SWW and treated SWW were determined. SWW concentration, reactor volume, and coagulant dose were used to evaluate the batch coagulation process, while soil type, soil/sand mixtures at different bed heights, SWW initial pH, SWW concentration, and backwashing of the column were used to evaluate the filtration process. The local alum used is mainly composed of SiO₂ (2.17%) and Al₂O₃ (67.12%). At the end of this study, 0.2 g of local alum was chosen as the optimum dosage, and it was concluded that local alum is as good as commercial alum in the treatment of SWW. Results also show that coagulation efficiency increases with an increase in the volume of SWW (maximum value 87.61%) and the concentration of SWW (maximum value 86.79%). The % of soil/sand mixture, bed height, pH, concentration, and backwashing have an effect on filtration efficiency. A bed height of 30 cm, having 25% soil and 75% sand, gave the best color removal (with a mean filtration efficiency of 74.22 ± 7.78%) in SWW. Filtration efficiency increases as pH increases, decreases as wastewater concentration increases, and increases with backwashing. Combined coagulation and filtration using local soils and sand produced improved SWW with properties close to the World Health Organization drinking water standards, reducing biological oxygen demand (BOD) by 98.26% and chemical oxygen demand (COD) by 98.89%.

Utilization of Kombucha SCOBY Waste Modified by Fe₃O₄/ZIF-8 for Antibacterial Wound Application

2024-11-13T09:32:36+08:00

Wound dressing is an essential medical device used to cover wounds on the skin, but the lack of wound protection from bacterial infection has become a major issue nowadays. This research aims to develop a wound application from modified symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) with Fe₃O₄/zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) that can effectively protect the wound from bacterial infection. Cellulose-based SCOBY waste was obtained through the fermentation process of kombucha tea production at 25 °C for four days. This research studied the effect of varying concentrations of Fe₃O₄ in Fe₃O₄/ZIF-8 synthesis (1%, 3%, 5% wt), and different immersion times of SCOBY membrane in Fe₃O₄/ZIF-8 colloidal solution (60 and 120 minutes). For Fe₃O₄/ZIF-8 synthesis, magnetite (Fe₃O₄) with different concentrations was immobilized onto the zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) matrix; then, the SCOBY was immersed in the Fe₃O₄/ZIF-8 colloidal solution to form the SCOBY/Fe₃O₄/ZIF-8 biocomposite. The biocomposite characteristics were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, the antibacterial activities were observed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria using the disc diffusion method. Based on the results, the SCOBY/ Fe₃O₄/ZIF-8 biocomposite with Fe₃O₄ concentration of 3% wt, and immersion time of 120 minutes showed the largest inhibition zone (21 ± 1 mm) against E. coli. It was found that the inhibition zone performed on E. coli bacteria was larger, indicating that E. coli is more resistant than S. aureus. This study demonstrated that the novel SCOBY/Fe₃O₄/ZIF-8 could be an excellent material for preparing antibacterial wound dressings and therefore warrants further investigation.

The Influence of the Purification Method on the Molecular Mass and Hydrodynamic Behaviors of Apple Pectin

2024-12-17T15:16:12+08:00

This study investigates the influence of purification methods on the molecular weight and hydrodynamic properties of pectin polysaccharides (PPs) obtained from apple pomace using the flash hydrolysis method. PPs were purified from the hydrolysate solution through alcohol precipitation (AP) and dia-ultrafiltration (DUF). The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution (MWD) were analyzed using high-performance size exclusion liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with an online differential refractometer and viscometer. Hydrodynamic parameters, including intrinsic viscosity ([η]) and hydrodynamic radius (R_h (w)), were determined using the ASTRA 5.3.4.20 software. The application of the DUF method during hydrolysate purification yielded superior molecular parameters, with the polydispersity coefficient (M_w/M_n) decreasing by nearly half. Additionally, increased DUF cycles significantly improved [η] and R_h (w) values from 92.7 to 107.7 g/mL and from 9.7 to 11.0 nm, respectively. The M_w-R_h (w) plot suggests that pectin polysaccharide (PP) macromolecules predominantly exhibit shapes resembling segmented rods or swollen coils, with slopes of 0.65 and 0.64 for both purified samples. The combined double-cycle ultrafiltration and ethanol precipitation process, using an optimal pectin solution-to-ethanol (EtOH) ratio of 1:2, emerged as a more effective purification strategy. This approach enhances the molecular weight and hydrodynamic properties of pectin, which are essential for various applications. Furthermore, the DUF method reduces the reliance on large quantities of expensive, flammable alcohol and eliminates the need for vacuum evaporation, resulting in a cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly pectin production process.

Box-Behnken Design for MAFM Precision Surface Finishing of Al-6063/SiC/B₄C Composites: A Comparative Study with Nature-Inspired Algorithms

2024-08-12T15:03:02+08:00

Precision polishing is difficult for advanced materials like silicon carbide and boron carbide. Magnetic abrasive flow machining (MAFM) has become an effective method for cleaning, deburring, and polishing metal and high-tech engineering parts. By finishing hybrid Al/SiC/B₄C-metal matrix composites (MMCs), this research uses MAFM for experimental readings. The present work is innovative due to the aluminum workpiece fixture, hybrid composites, and response surface methodology (RSM) modeling. The neural simulation of the MAFM process and nature-inspired error reduction make it unique. Using six input and two output parameters, a generic framework is created. Box-Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology plans and executes 54 runs of experimentation. The hybrid artificial neural network (ANN) technique is used to compare the MAFM process systematically. ANN is used to model parameter input-output relations. To anticipate the created surface accurately, regression models must be precise. These hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO)-genetic algorithm (GA)-simulated annealing (SA) algorithms optimize the MAFM process. Additionally, trained ANN models outperform the BBD model in prediction. For optimal error reduction, the neural network uses Bayesian regularization with 112 iterations. The ANN model regression graph shows a correlation between inputs and outputs. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) with 300-magnification examines the workpiece surface. According to SEM, MAFM provides fine surface textures, thus reducing abnormalities.

Production of Enzyme for Pleurotus pulmonarius by Solid-State Fermentation on Peach-Palm and Cocoa Waste

2024-11-04T10:03:46+08:00

Agro-industrial waste, which is generated during the process of food production, has the potential to contaminate significant quantities of natural resources. Concurrently, the cultivation of edible mushrooms from waste materials that have been previously discarded is undergoing exponential growth. This is due to the nutritional value of the mushrooms and their biotechnological potential in the production of enzymes of industrial interest. The present study aims to evaluate the production of lignocellulolytic and hydrolytic enzymes by the edible mushroom Pleurotus pulmonarius on cocoa and peach-palm wastes, with or without the addition of cocoa bean film (CBF) as a growing medium. The solid-state fermentation methodology was employed, with the proportion of CBF varying between 0, 10 and 20% for a duration of 5, 10 and 15 days at 28 °C. The enzymatic activities of amylase, xylanase, pectinase and laccase were analysed. For amylases, the most optimal results were achieved through the utilisation of cocoa residue, yielding a maximum activity of 97.16 U/g (0% CBF and 10 days of fermentation). In the case of xylanase, pectinase and laccase, the optimal activities were observed with peach-palm waste, with levels of 29.01 U/g (20% CBF and 5 days of fermentation), 26.25 U/g (10% CBF and 5 days of fermentation) and 3.98 U/g (0% CBF and 15 days of fermentation), respectively. The results obtained demonstrate the efficient utilisation of this waste for the production of microbial enzymes with potential biotechnological applications. This is achieved through the employment of cost-effective techniques to yield high-value-added outputs.

C₆ to C₁₇ Organic Products from Artificial Photosynthesis Catalyzed by 2-Phenyl Indole (PI) Titanium Tetrachloride Complex (PI)₂TiCl₄: The Synergism of Hydroxyl Radicals

2025-01-17T17:30:29+08:00

The newly discovered artificial photosynthesis process catalyzed by 2-phenyl indole (PI) and TiCl₄ complexes, activated by visible light, produces long-chain oxygenated hydrocarbons up to C₁₇. This process begins with the formation of α-carboxylic acid-ω-aldehyde compounds (C₆ to C₉), arising from a cascade of autocatalytic organotitanium complexes derived from (PI)₂TiCl₄. These complexes are formed via hydrolysis through ambient air humidity and the direct atmospheric capture (DAC) of CO₂. Carbon chain growth utilizes system-generated formaldehyde as a feedstock. The initial C₆ to C₉ compounds can further couple into C₁₂ to C₁₇ derivatives through a radical mechanism initiated by hydroxyl radicals. A proposed mechanism explores the synergistic interaction between organotitanium catalysis and hydroxyl radicals. This development represents the only known heterogeneous catalytic system that autonomously captures CO₂ and humidity from the atmosphere to subsequently produce long-chain oxygenated hydrocarbons using solar energy.

Retraction Note to "Systematic Investigation of Selected Bio-molecules Potentially Effective in Inhibiting SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 via In-Silico Analysis" [Fine Chemical Engineering, Volume 5 Issue 2 (2024), 269-294]

2025-01-25T10:03:12+08:00

The Editor-in-Chief and the publisher have retracted the following article:

Vanzara, A.; Ambasan, S.; Shrivastav, A.; Patel, S.; Patel, V.; Soni, H.; Trivedi, V. Systematic Investigation of Selected Bio-Molecules Potentially Effective in Inhibiting SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 via In-Silico Analysis. Fine Chemical Engineering 2024, 5, 269-294.

This article has been retracted at the request of the Publisher following a formal complaint by BVG Life Sciences Limited, Pune, India.

The complaint highlighted that the data presented in the article originated from work conducted at BVG Life Sciences Limited in 2020 during the employment of one of the authors, Mr. Akash Vanzara. Upon review and confirmation with the authors, it was found that the data was submitted for publication without proper authorization or acknowledgment of BVG Life Sciences Limited, constituting a breach of confidentiality and intellectual property rights.

In accordance with COPE's Retraction Guidelines and to maintain the integrity of the scientific record, this article is retracted. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused to the readers and thank them for their understanding.

This decision is made upon our policy on publishing ethics and the COPE guidelines.

Micro-Nano Bubbles Coupled with Ozone Catalyzed Oxidation for the Treatment of Organic Wastewater: A Review

2025-01-07T11:41:15+08:00

Micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) technology significantly enhances ozone dissolution, prolongs its residence time in aqueous solutions, and expands the contact area between ozone and organic pollutants, thereby improving ozone utilization efficiency. The collapse of MNBs generates hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which synergistically enhance the degradation of organic contaminants via catalytic ozonation. When combined with catalysts, ozone MNBs enable efficient pollutant mineralization across a wide pH range while minimizing ozone and catalyst consumption. This process is effective in a wide pH range, and the catalyst remains active after repeated use. This paper introduces the basic characteristics of micro-nano bubbles and ozone catalytic oxidation technology, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of ozone micro-nano bubbles and catalytic ozonation in the degradation of organic wastewater, and summarizes the synergistic application of the two technologies in organic wastewater treatment. Meanwhile, the research progress of new catalysts, the energy consumption of micro-nano bubble generation equipment, and the future development of this technology in actual industrial operations are outlined.

An Affordable and Simple Synthesis of Boron Nitride Nanosheets for Terahertz Radiation Shielding

2024-11-11T09:59:10+08:00

Two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is an outstanding material characterized by its low dielectric constant, making it an excellent candidate for absorbing radiation in the high-frequency range, including the terahertz band. This study is dedicated to the preparation of BN nanosheets (BNNs) using a facile and straightforward bottom-up pyrolysis method with inexpensive urea and boric acid. The morphology, crystalline structure, and elemental composition of the as-prepared BNNs were analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results confirmed the successful synthesis of BNNs. The terahertz radiation shielding (TRS) effectiveness of BNNs was evaluated by incorporating them into epoxy resin matrices with varying fractions. The results demonstrate that the 3 mm thick BNN@epoxy resin plate loaded with 10% BNNs exhibits an extraordinary TRS effectiveness of 23.1 dB, making it a highly effective shield against terahertz radiation.