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As graphene-related technology advances, the benefits of graphene metamaterials become more apparent. In this study, a surface-isolated exciton-based absorber is built by running relevant simulations on graphene, which can achieve more than 98% perfect absorption at multiple frequencies in the MWIR (MediumWavelength Infra-Red (MWIR) band as compared to the typical absorber. The absorber consists of three layers: the bottom layer is gold, the middle layer is dielectric, and the top layer is patterned with graphene. Tunability was achieved by electrically altering graphene's Fermi energy, hence the position of the absorption peak. The influence of graphene's relaxation time on the sensor is discussed. Due to the symmetry of its structure, different angles of light source incidence have little effect on the absorption rate, leading to polarization insensitivity, especially for TE waves, and this absorber has polarization insensitivity at ultra-wide-angle degrees. The sensor is characterized by its tunability, polarisation insensitivity, and high sensitivity, with a sensitivity of up to 21.60 THz/refractive index unit (RIU). This paper demonstrates the feasibility of the multi-frequency sensor and provides a theoretical basis for the realization of the multi-frequency sensor. This makes it possible to apply it to high-sensitivity sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permeability coefficient of construction materials plays a crucial role in engineering quality and durability. In this study, a microstructure model based on real aggregate shape and digital image technology is proposed to predict the permeability coefficient of concrete. A two-dimensional, three-component finite element model of cement concrete was established considering the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between aggregate and mortar. The permeability coefficient prediction model was developed by the finite element method. The accuracy of the model was verified by experimental data, and the influence of the water−cement ratio on the permeability coefficient of concrete was analyzed. The results show that this method has good prediction accuracy with a relative error of 1.73%. According to the verified model, the influences of aggregate content, aggregate characteristics, aggregate location, ITZ thickness, and other factors on the permeability of concrete were explored. The higher the water−cement ratio, the higher the permeability coefficient. With the increase in aggregate content, the permeability coefficient decreases. Aggregate permeability has a significant influence on the effective permeability coefficient of concrete within a certain range. The greater the roundness of aggregate, the greater the permeability of concrete. On the contrary, the larger aggregate size causes lower permeability. The permeability coefficient of concrete with segregation is lower than that with uniform distribution. At the same time, the permeability increases with the increase of ITZ thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient containment and capture of uranium (U(VI)) from aqueous solution is an essential component to ensure socially and environmentally sustainable development. Herein, the three-dimensional graphene/titanium dioxide composite (3D GA/TiO 2) was synthesized and applied as an effective adsorbent to remove U(VI) from wastewater as a function of contact time, temperature, pH and ion strength. The 3D GA/TiO 2 material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The batch experiments results indicated that the adsorption of U(VI) on materials were fitted with the pseudo-second order kinetics and Langmuir models. More specifically, 3D GA/TiO 2 (441.3 mg/g) was observed to outperform the GO (280.0 mg/g), rGO (140.9 mg/g) and TiO 2 (98.5 mg/g) at pH 5.0, which was attributable to the excellent cooperative effects. Furthermore, XPS analyses and DFT calculations confirmed the formation of surface complexes between oxygen-containing group and U(VI) with the U–O bonds length of 2.348 Å (U–O1) and 2.638 Å (U–O2). Meanwhile, the adsorption energy was calculated to be 1.60 eV, which showed a very strong chemisorption during the interaction process. It is believed that the 3D GA/TiO 2 revealed good removal performance for uranyl ions, which showed a great potential application to control the nuclear industrial pollution. Image 1 • 3D GA/TiO 2 composite was prepared via a facile and green method. • Synergistic effects improved the capture ability for U(VI) on 3D GA/TiO 2 than GO, rGO and TiO 2. • The adsorption energy of U(VI) onto 3D GA/TiO 2 was calculated to be 1.60 eV. • Interaction mechanism was electrostatic interaction and inner-sphere surface complexation. Three-dimensional graphene/titanium dioxide nanoparticle hybrids (3D GA/TiO 2) were fabricated and revealed excellent removal properties for uranyl ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In recent years, the heavy metal ions have been immoderately released into the ecological system and result in potential hazardous to public health. Herein, the sodium dodecyl sulfate intercalated molybdenum disulfide (SDS-MoS 2) was synthesized for the adsorption of Cr(VI). The SDS molecule was flat and vertically intercalated into the interlayer of MoS 2 , which was further evidenced by density functional theory calculations. The capture of Cr(VI) on the sphere-like SDS-MoS 2 relied on solution pH. The retention of Cr(VI) on SDS-MoS 2 attained 63.92 mg/g, and the removal process was endothermic, spontaneous and increased with temperature increasing. The main removal mechanism of Cr(VI) onto SDS-MoS 2 was Cr(VI) fixing on the surface of the composites by chemisorption involving possible Cr-S coordination bonding. More importantly, Cr(VI) passed into the increased interlamination and reacted at the interlamination of SDS-MoS 2 , which was further proved at molecular level. The results can provide critical information for the application of SDS-MoS 2 in Cr(VI) elimination or other kinds of pollutants removal in natural aquatic environment. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • SDS-MoS 2 was fabricated by simple hydrothermal method and applied for Cr(VI) elimination. • The adsorption of Cr(VI) on SDS-MoS 2 was pH- and ionic strength-dependent. • The adsorption of Cr(VI) on SDS-MoS 2 was chemisorption involving possible Cr-S coordination bonding. • Cr(VI) ions entered into the increased interlayer and reacted at the interlamination of SDS-MoS 2. Capsule abstract. The well-designed sphere-like SDS-MoS 2 showed high sorption of Cr(VI) through chemisorption involving Cr-S coordination bonding, and further passed into the interlamination of SDS-MoS 2 , indicating the efficient elimination of Cr(VI) from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recently, novel-nanomaterials with excellent sorption capacities, mild stability, and environmental-friendly performance, have enabled massive developments in capturing heavy metal ions. This review firstly introduces the preparation and modification of novel-nanomaterials (e.g., MOFs, nZVI, MXenes, and g-C 3 N 4). Then, the heavy metal ions' sorption properties and the impact of environmental conditions have been discussed. Subsequently, the sorption mechanisms are verified through batch experiments, spectral analysis, surface complexation models, and theoretical calculations. Finally, the applications prospects of novel-nanomaterials in removing heavy metal ion polluted water have also been discussed, which provide perspective for future in-depth research and practical applications. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Novel-nanomaterials have shown excellent sorption capacity for toxic heavy metal ions and can reach the equilibrium quickly. • The effect of environmental conditions on sorption behavior of novel-nanomaterials has been discussed, providing reference for practical application. • The reaction mechanisms mainly include adsorption, reduction, and oxidation. • The cost, toxicity, large-scale applications of novel-nanomaterials in commercial production are analyzed and the solutions are given. The preparation and surface modification of novel nanomaterials and their application in environmental pollution were overviewed. The sorption mechanism was discussed from spectroscopy analysis, surface complexation and theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution of water sources has raised global environmental sustainability concerns, calling for the development of high-performance materials for effective pollution treatment. Herein, we report a facile approach to synthesize carbonaceous nanofiber/Ni Al layered double hydroxide (CNF/LDH) nanocomposites for high-efficiency elimination of heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The CNF/LDH nanocomposites were characterized by three-dimensional architectures formed by the gradual self-assembly of flower-like LDH on CNF. The nanocomposites exhibited excellent hydrophilicity and high structural stability in aqueous solutions, guaranteeing the high availability of active sites in these environments. High-efficiency elimination of heavy metal ions by the CNF/LDH nanocomposites was demonstrated by the high uptake capacities of Cu(II) (219.6 mg/g) and Cr(VI) (341.2 mg/g). The sorption isotherms coincided with the Freundlich model, most likely because of the presence of heterogeneous binding sites. The dominant interaction mechanisms consisted of surface complexation and electrostatic interaction, as verified by a combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses and density functional theory calculations. The results presented herein confirm the importance of CNF/LDH nanocomposites as emerging and promising materials for the efficient removal of heavy metal ions and other environmental pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hierarchical core-shell and yolk-shell magnetic titanate nanosheets (Fe 3 O 4 @TNS) were successfully synthesized by employing magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) as interior core and intercrossed titanate nanostructures (NSs) as exterior shell. The as-prepared magnetic Fe 3 O 4 @TNS nanosheets had high specific areas (114.9 m 2  g −1 for core-shell Fe 3 O 4 @TNS and 130.1 m 2  g −1 for yolk-shell Fe 3 O 4 @TNS). Taking advantage of the unique multilayer structure, the nanosheets were suitable for eliminating U(VI) from polluted water environment. The sorption was strongly affected by pH values and weakly influenced by ionic strength, suggesting that the sorption of U(VI) on Fe 3 O 4 @TNS was mainly dominated by ion exchange and outer-sphere surface complexion. The maximum sorption capacities ( Q max ) calculated from the Langmuir model were 68.59, 121.36 and 264.55 mg g −1 for core-shell Fe 3 O 4 @TNS and 82.85, 173.01 and 283.29 mg g −1 for yolk-shell Fe 3 O 4 @TNS, at 298 K, 313 K and 328 K, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters (Δ H 0 , Δ S 0 and Δ G 0 ) demonstrated that the sorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, the sorption mechanism was confirmed to be cation-exchange between interlayered Na + and UO 2 2+ . The yolk-shell Fe 3 O 4 @TNS had more extraordinary sorption efficiency than core-shell Fe 3 O 4 @TNS since the yolk-shell structure provided internal void space inside the titanate shell to accommodate more exchangeable active sites. The flexible recollection and high efficient sorption capacity made core-shell and yolk-shell Fe 3 O 4 @TNS nanosheets promising materials to eliminate U(VI) or other actinides in wastewater cleanup applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the extensive application of graphene oxide (GO), it is noticeable that part of GO is directly/indirectly released into the environment and widespread research indicated that it had adverse influences on human health and ecological balance. In this work, a novel nanobelt-like Ca/Al layered double hydroxides (CA-LDH) was synthesized and applied as efficient coagulant for the removal of GO from aqueous solutions. The results indicated that neutral pH, co-existing cations and higher temperature were beneficial to the coagulation of GO. The sequence of cation effect for promoting of GO coagulation was Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ > K + > Na + , whereas the effect of anions on GO coagulation was PO 4 3− > CO 3 2− > SO 4 2− > Cl − . Comparing with anions, the cations showed more dominate effect for GO coagulation than anions. Hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction were the main coagulation mechanisms for GO coagulation, which were evidenced by FT-IR and XPS analysis. Specifically, for the first time, the reclaimed product of CA-LDH after GO coagulation (CA-LDH + GO) was applied as adsorbents for the secondary application in the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. Interestingly, the CA-LDH + GO still had high adsorption capacities, i.e., the maximum adsorption capacities ( q max ) for Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cr(VI) were 122.7 mg/g, 221.2 mg/g and 64.4 mg/g, respectively, higher than other similar materials. This paper highlighted the LDH-based nanomaterials are promising materials for the elimination of environmental pollutants and the migration and transformation of carbon nanomaterials in the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium(VI) has become one of the most potential contaminants due to its productive and irreversibility impact on the surrounding environment. Titanate nanowires (TNWs) have attracted significant attention because of its high ion exchange ability and facile synthesis. Herein the TNWs were synthesized, and the morphology and structure of TNWs were investigated by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in detail. The application of TNWs in U(VI) removal was studied under various environmental conditions using batch technique, and the results indicated that the sorption of U(VI) on TNWs was strongly affected by pH and weakly affected by ionic strength. The presence of PO 4 3- and CO 3 2- could overwhelmingly influence U(VI) interaction with TNWs, which was mainly attributed to the formation of anionic and electro-neutral complexes. From the Langmuir model simulation, the maximum sorption capacities were calculated to be 358, 384, and 410 mg g −1 at the temperatures of 298 K, 313 K and 328 K, respectively. The thermodynamic results revealed that the interaction process was spontaneous and endothermic. The extraordinary ion exchange capacity and facile synthesis under mild conditions made TNWs promising materials for the potential application in the efficient elimination of U(VI) or other lanthanides and actinides from aqueous solutions in the environmental radioactive pollution cleanup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncalcined glycerol-modified nanocrystallined Mg/Al layered double hydroxides (named as G-LDH) and calcined G-LDH (named as G-LDO) with molar ratio of Mg:Al = 3:1 were successfully synthesized using an easy and green hydrothermal method, and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N 2 Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurement, Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The as-synthesized G-LDH and G-LDO were applied as adsorbents to remove methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solutions at different experimental conditions, and the results showed that the interaction of MO with G-LDH and G-LDO were strongly pH-dependent and ionic strength-independent. Kinetic study indicated the MO adsorption on G-LDH and G-LDO were well simulated by pseudo-second-order model. The MO adsorption on G-LDH and G-LDO were well simulated by Langmuir model, and the maximum adsorption capacity of G-LDO (q max = 1062.3 mg/g) was much higher than that of G-LDH (q max = 443.5 mg/g) at pH = 4.5. The thermodynamic parameters calculated from temperature-dependent isotherms indicated that the adsorption was spontaneous and exothermal process. The FT-IR and XRD analysis further evidenced that the interaction of MO with G-LDH was mainly dominated by electrostatic interaction, ion exchange, hydrogen bonding and surface complexation, whereas the uptake of MO to G-LDO was mainly attributed to electrostatic interaction and surface complexation. These results suggested that the G-LDO was a promising material for the efficient removal of organic pollutants in real environmental pollution cleanup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium mainly exists in the form of uranyl carbonate in seawater. [UO 2 (CO 3) 3 ]4- has strong stability, which increases the difficulty of uranium extraction from seawater. Meanwhile, the complex marine environment, a large number of coexisting competing ions and biological pollution are all non-negligible disturbing factors. Herein, we introduced amidoxime (AO) groups into the surface of Ti 3 C 2 and grafted polyamides (PA) by a simple one-step hydrothermal method to produce an efficient seawater uranium extraction adsorbent Ti 3 C 2 -AO-PA. Owing to the amidoxime groups, the material was highly selective for uranium. And the large number of amino groups in the polyamides gave it ideal resistance to biofouling. The possibility of Ti 3 C 2 -AO-PA as an adsorbent for uranium extraction from seawater was confirmed by various characterization techniques, numerous adsorption batch experiments, simulated seawater experiments and antibacterial performance tests. It was demonstrated that the uptake of [UO 2 (CO 3) 3 ]4- by Ti 3 C 2 -AO-PA showed fast reaction kinetics (about 120 min), brilliant absorption capacity (81.1 mg·g−1 at pH 8.3), significant high selectivity (32.8 mg-U/g-Ads) and outstanding anti-biological contamination performance (92.9% antibacterial rate). XPS and DFT further indicated that the high extraction ability of Ti 3 C 2 -AO-PA for uranium was mainly attributed to the strong complexation of AO and –NH 2 with [UO 2 (CO 3) 3 ]4-. These conclusions showed that Ti 3 C 2 -AO-PA not only had an ideal application prospect for uranium extraction from seawater, but also provided an available strategy for rapid and selective uranium adsorption from real seawater. [Display omitted] • Polyamide enhanced amidoxime-functionalized Ti 3 C 2 nanosheet was constructed. • The uranium extraction capacity was highly enhanced. • Ti 3 C 2 -AO-PA showed excellent selectivity and antimicrobial properties. • Synergistic interactions of amidoxime and polyamide with uranium ions in seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the rate and extent of 63 Ni(II) sorption and desorption on/from mineral surfaces are important to predict its mobility performance in the natural environment. We herein systematically investigated the effects of pH, electrolyte cations, humic acid (HA) and temperature on 63 Ni(II) sorption/desorption on/from Na-montmorillonite. The results indicated that the sorption/desorption of 63 Ni(II) on/from Na-montmorillonite were strongly dependent on pH and electrolyte cations. Desorption abilities of 63 Ni(II) were Na + ≈ K + > Ca 2+ ≈ Mg 2+ at the cationic concentration of 0.2 mol/L, which was associated with the clay tactoid size. The kinetic results suggested that 63 Ni(II) sorption/desorption initially increased rapidly and remained constant as time increasing. The presence of HA influenced 63 Ni(II) sorption clearly and promoted 63 Ni(II) desorption as a result of the dissolution of ternary surface complexes. Increasing temperature was favorable for the sorption reaction owing to the formation of strong inner-sphere complexes, however, hampered the desorption reaction because of the increased stability of inner-sphere complexes or the aggregation of montmorillonite. The results are crucial to understand the physicochemical behavior of radionickel in the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A highly sensitive label-free immunosensor for the detection of kanamycin had been developed using silver hybridized mesoporous ferroferric oxide nanoparticles (Ag@Fe3O4 NPs) and thionine mixed graphene sheet (TH-GS). TH was used as an electron transfer mediator. The electrical signal was greatly improved in the presence of GS due to its good electron-transfer ability. With the advantages of large specific surface area and excellent electrical conductivity, Ag@Fe3O4 NPs could immobilize more antibodies of kanamycin and promote the electron transfer. Cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry were used to characterize the recognition of kanamycin. The proposed immunosensor showed good performances such as low detection limit (15pgmL−1), wide linear range (from 0.050 to 16ngmL−1), short analysis time (3min), high stability, and good selectivity in the detection of kanamycin. The immunosensor was evaluated for pork meat sample, receiving satisfactory results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]