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CO2 separation plays a crucial role in tackling the climate change induced by the greenhouse effects and improving the energy quality of natural gas and biogas. The efficient CO2 separation technology is highly required. Membrane separation technology is particularly attractive in CO2 separation processes owing to its advantages. However, the trade-off relationship limited the gas separation efficiency of polymeric membranes in gas separation processes. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare the high-performance membranes such as mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for CO2 separation. This review mainly focuses on the preparation methods, the material properties and the CO2 separation efficiency of the MMMs containing various fillers such as modified ZIFs, MOFs, and GO, and the emerging MOF-based composites, 2D MOFs and 2D MXene. The modified fillers demonstrated higher compatibility with polymer matrix, resulting in enhanced mechanical stability and CO2 separation efficiency of MMMs. 2D materials could significantly enhance the CO2 separation efficiency of MMMs, owing to their layered structure and the effective regulation of gas transport ways. Finally, the future direction and conclusions of fillers and MMMs in gas separation processes are provided.

In this study the novel garnet-type Y2.47Na0.5Ln0.03Al5O12, Y2.97Ln0.03Al4.95V0.05O12, Y2.92Na0.05Ln0.03Al4.9833V0.0167O12 (Ln = Ce3+, Tb3+, Eu3+) phosphors were successfully synthesized by the sol-gel method for the first time. The structural, morphological and optical properties were characterized by using multiple characterization techniques. The XRD and FTIR results confirmed that all obtained phosphors are monophasic yttrium aluminium garnet compounds, i.e. the doping of Ce3+, Tb3+, Eu3+, Na+, V5+ ions does not induce any impurity phases, indicating the successful incorporation of these dopants into the YAG host. The formation of novel garnets was probed using 27Al, 51V, 23Na MAS NMR techniques. SEM micrographs revealed that almost in all cases, the surface of the obtained luminophores is porous and consists of homogeneously distributed irregular sphere-like shape particles, which tend to form larger agglomerates. The optical properties of obtained compounds were also investigated by recording their excitation and emission spectra and calculating the colour coordinates in the CIE 1931 colour space.

In the present work, iron–sillenite (Bi25FeO40) was synthesized using a simple solid-state reaction method and characterized. The effects of the synthesis conditions on the phase purity of Bi2O3/Fe3O4, morphological features, and possible application as an XRD/MRI dual-contrast agent were investigated. For the synthesis, the stoichiometric amounts of Bi2O3 and Fe3O4 were mixed and subsequently milled in a planetary ball mill for 10 min with a speed of 300 rpm. The milled mixture was calcined at various temperatures (550 °C, 700 °C, 750 °C, 800 °C, and 850 °C) for 1 h in air at a heating rate of 5 °C/min. For phase identification, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed and infrared (FTIR) spectra were recorded. The surface morphology of synthesized samples was studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). For the radiopacity measurements, iron–sillenite specimens were synthesized at different temperatures and mixed with different amounts of BaSO4 and Laponite solution. It was demonstrated that iron–sillenite Bi25FeO40 possessed sufficient radiopacity and could be a potential candidate to meet the requirements of its application as an XRD/MRI dual-contrast agent.

Abstract Seafood farming is heralded for its economic opportunities and its potential to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production. Yet the persistent lack of awareness among the US public about these potential benefits of seafood farming is often cited as a barrier to social acceptance and industry growth. We employed two exploratory online surveys of residents of western and northeastern US coastal states and a unique message‐testing approach to explore: (1) how existing opinions about seafood farming vary across sociodemographic attributes, geography, and prior familiarity with aquaculture; (2) the malleability of opinions about seafood farming; and (3) what benefits of marine aquaculture broadly and of seaweed farming specifically were viewed as the strongest reasons to support industry expansion, and what messengers are most trusted to share that information. We found that baseline attitudes about seafood farming strongly correlate with prior familiarity and that opinions about both marine aquaculture and seaweed farming were highly malleable, at least in the short term. If confirmed by further studies, our results suggest that messages emphasizing benefits in terms of environmental sustainability, as opposed to economic benefits or social benefits, may be an important tool to better engage residents of western and northeastern US coastal states with seafood farming expansion.

The mechanisms of formation of induced intrinsic and impurity radiative states, which consist of intrinsic and impurity electron–hole-trapping center states in irradiated Ca2P2O7−Mn and Ca2P2O7 phosphates, were investigated using thermoactivation and vacuum-ultraviolet spectroscopy methods. These centers are excited at photon energies of 4.0 eV and 4.5 eV, which are within the matrix’s transparency region. New radiative-induced states at 3.06 eV and 2.92 eV are demonstrated to be generated upon the excitation of anions by photons with energies of 5.0 and 5.64 eV. This process is due to charge transfer from the ion to the impurities, specifically Mn2+(O2−−Mn2+) and the neighboring ion O 2−−(P2O7)4−. Furthermore, upon the excitation of matrix anions with photon energies exceeding the band gap (8.0–8.25 eV), electron-trapping by impurities such as Mn2+ and (P2O7)4− ions results.

Abstract In the present work, three different Mn2+-doped calcium pyrophosphate (CPP, Ca2P2O7) polymorphs were synthesized by wet co-precipitation method followed by annealing at different temperatures. The crystal structure and purity were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SS-NMR), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphological features of the synthesized products. Optical properties were investigated using photoluminescence measurements. Excitation spectra, emission spectra, and photoluminescence decay curves of the samples were studied. All Mn-doped polymorphs exhibited a broadband emission ranging from approximately 500 to 730 nm. The emission maximum was host-dependent and centered at around 580, 570, and 595 nm for γ-, β-, and α-CPP, respectively.

The possibility of controlling physical properties via chemical doping is particularly important when considering the formation of both electrical and magnetic orderings in the same compounds, which are commonly referred as multiferroics [...]

Recently, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted substantial attention due to their wide range of important application areas, e [...]

Cross-linked organiс-inorganic sulfo-containing membranes of various compositions based on acrylic monomers (acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, 3-sulfopropylacrylate potassium salt, ethylene glycol diacrylate) and sol-gel systems of tetraethoxysilane have been developed. Synthesis of the polymer matrix was carried out by UV-initiated polymerization of the monomer mixture and the inorganic component was formed in situ while conducting the sol-gel process of the precursor. FTIR, SEM, EDS, DMA, impedance spectroscopy were used to characterize the synthesized materials. The influence of inorganic component content on the properties of the membranes was investigated. DMA results show that an increase in silica content leads to a decrease in packing density and an increase in structural heterogeneity in sulfo-containing polyacrylate/silica membranes. The highest values of proton conductivity 1.12 ꞏ 10−2 Sm/cm at 60 °C were found in membranes containing 3 wt.%. of the added sol-gel system. Further increase of silica content does not increase the proton conductivity of the membranes. The proton transfer activation energies in the membranes were calculated from the temperature dependence of proton conductivity. The obtained cross-linked sulfo-containing organic-inorganic materials can be used for the development of proton-conducting membranes for fuel cells.

Abstract Hunting and trapping of gray wolves (Canis lupus) has increased dramatically in the “lower 48” states of the United States. We assess the data used to justify the intense hunting pressure on wolves, and find an absence of accessible biological data. We find there is a clear need for more transparent reporting of livestock losses, wolf kills, and especially the numbers and types of nontarget species captured in traps set for wolves. Also lacking is a full accounting of benefits and costs of hunting wolves, with a noteworthy failure to incorporate the ecosystem functions served by wolves. As apex predators, wolves warrant multi‐objective management as opposed to management focused largely on livestock interests and concerns.

The Mg3/Al1 and Mg3-xMx/Al1 (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized using sol-gel synthesis technique. The intercalation with different organic anions (formate (HCOO−), acetate (CH3COO−), oxalate (C2O42−), tartrate (C4H6O42−) and citrate (C6H5O73−)) using ion exchange approach was investigated. The influence of ultrasound and cation substitution on the intercalation of organic anions to the Mg3/Al1 LDH has been investigated. The obtained results indicated that ultrasound has a positive effect in some cases for the intercalation of organic anions into the Mg3/Al1 LDH system. On the other hand, the substitution of magnesium by transition metals has negligible effect on the intercalation process. The synthesized and intercalated LDHs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermal (TG-DTG-DCS) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Nanocrystalline La0.9A0.1Mn0.9Cr0.1O3 (A: Li, K, Na) powders have been synthesized by combustion method. The powders were used to prepare ceramics by high-pressure low-temperature sintering technique. For all samples the structure, elemental composition and morphology were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Magnetic properties were studied using magnetometry methods and the valency changes of the cations after alkali ions doping were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The influence of the sintering pressure on the structural and magnetic properties of the manganites doped with different alkali ions and chromium was also investigated. Magnetization properties were studied as a function of sintering pressure and type of the dopant. Chemical doping with alkali ions as well as external pressure significantly changed the magnetic properties of the compounds. It was found that the magnetic properties of the manganites could be predictably modified through the use of a suitable dopant element.

Abstract In the present work, gadolinium substitution effects on the properties of yttrium manganite YxGd1−xMn0.97Fe0.03O3 (x from 0 to 1 with a step of 0.2) synthesized by an aqueous sol–gel method have been investigated. Partial substitution of Mn3+ by 57Fe3+ in the manganite was also performed in order to investigate deeper the structural properties of synthesized compounds applying Mössbauer spectroscopy. It was demonstrated that substitution of Y3+ by Gd3+ ions leads to the changes of structural, magnetic and morphological properties of investigated system. The crystal structure gradually transformed from hexagonal to orthorhombic with an increase of Gd3+ content in the crystal lattice. The mixed phase was obtained when x = 0.6, whereas other compounds were determined to be monophasic. Magnetization measurements revealed paramagnetic behavior of all specimens, however magnetization values were found to be dependent on chemical composition of the samples. Solid solutions with orthorhombic structure revealed higher magnetization values compared to those of hexagonal samples. The highest magnetization was observed for pure GdMn0.97Fe0.03O3. Structural properties were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies. Morphological features of the synthesized specimens were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

In this study, the red iron paints used in ancient manuscripts for rubrics and miniatures were fabricated and investigated. The commercial three different iron pigments (red ochre (Fe2O3), red bolus (Fe2O3.xSiO2.yAl2O3), and hematite (Fe2O3)) and three binding media (gum Arabic, fish glue and parchment glue) were used for the preparation of analogous to historical red iron paints. The obtained model red iron paints were analyzed with the aim to create a short data library which could be used for the characterization of different model compositions of red paints as well as real historical and archaeological red paints. The obtained red paints and binding media were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and thermal (TG/DSC) analysis techniques. The accelerated aging test was also applied for the analogous to historical red iron paints. These results are useful to develop red paint guidelines for the storage and display for improved conservation and accessibility of manuscripts.

Yttrium manganite (YMnO3) is a compound belonging to the hexagonal rare earth manganites family, which demonstrates multiferroic properties. This material can be prepared by several synthetic approaches, with the most common one being the solid-state synthesis. In this work, we show a possibility of preparing this material via molten salt synthesis using the NaCl-KCl mixture as the reaction medium and yttrium and manganese nitrates as the starting materials. We demonstrate that, by varying the reaction temperature and the nitrates-to-chlorides ratio, it is feasible to synthesize hexagonally shaped particles of microscopic dimensions. A similar synthesis procedure can be successfully applied for the preparation of other hexagonal manganites—ErMnO3, TmMnO3, and YbMnO3.

In this study, the effects of sodium lauryl sulfate and various amino acids (DL-aspartic acid, dodecanedioic acid, and suberic acid) on the formation of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite via hydrolysis of α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) were investigated; moreover, a combined effect of these additives and ethylene glycol as a synthesis medium was also estimated. The hydrolysis reaction was performed in solutions containing different concentrations of additives in aqueous and mixed aqueous–organic media under solvothermal conditions. It was demonstrated that the nature and the concentration of organic additives influence the phase purity and morphology of the final product. Higher concentrations of sodium lauryl sulfate and dodecanedioic acid induced the formation of impurities in addition to hydroxyapatite, while aspartic and suberic acid did not affect the phase purity. The morphology of the samples varied from plate- to rod-like depending on the concentrations of specific organic additive.

Functional inorganic materials are an indispensable part of innovative technologies, which are essential for development in many fields of industry [...]

In this study, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the new garnets Y3−xNaxAl5O12, Y3−xKxAl5O12, Y3Al5−yVyO12, and Y3−xNaxAl5−yVyO12 with various stoichiometric compositions were successfully synthesized by the aqueous sol-gel method. All obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was determined from the XRD results that the formation of monophasic Y3−xNaxAl5O12, Y3−xKxAl5O12, Y3Al5−yVyO12, and Y3−xNaxAl5−yVyO12 garnets is possible only at limited doping levels. The highest substitutional level of doped metal was observed for the YAG doped with sodium (x = 1), and the lowest substitutional level was observed for the YAG doped with vanadium (y = 0.05). Furthermore, the obtained FTIR spectroscopy results were in good agreement with the XRD analysis data, i.e., they confirmed that the YAG is the main crystalline phase in the end products. The SEM was used to study the morphology of the garnets, and the results obtained showed that all synthesized samples were composed of nano-sized agglomerated crystallites.

In this study, a low-temperature synthetic approach was developed for the fabrication of calcium hydroxyapatite (CHAp) coatings on a titanium substrate. The titanium substrates were first coated with CaCO3 by a spin-coating technique using a sol–gel chemistry approach, and the obtained product was transformed into CHAp during a dissolution–precipitation reaction. The phase purity and structural and morphological features of the obtained CHAp coatings were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and using a 3D optical profilometer. It was demonstrated that almost-single-phase CHAp formed on the titanium substrate with a negligible number of side phases, such as Na2HPO4 (starting material) and TiO2. In the Raman spectrum of the CHAp coating, the peaks of phosphate group vibrations were clearly seen. Thus, the obtained results of Raman spectroscopy correlated well with the results of X-ray diffraction analysis. The corrosive behaviour of CHAp coatings on a titanium substrate was also evaluated using electrochemical methods. It was found that the corrosion resistance of titanium coated with CHAp increased significantly. These CHAp thin films may be potential candidates for use in not only in regenerative medicine but also in the development of different sensors.

Abstract Placing conservation easements on private lands could contribute greatly to biodiversity protection in the United States. However, a paucity of data prevents us from knowing to what extent this potential is met. We discuss best practices for baseline documentation reports and biodiversity surveys of properties that could help mitigate this data shortage and contribute to a national database on private land biodiversity. We then examine 49 private properties totaling 3,048 ha in Alabama and tally high priority (i.e., at‐risk) species that are recorded within this portfolio of land parcels protected by conservation easements. The number is 116 species in total, or 38 high‐priority species per 1,000 ha. Not only is the number of these documented at‐risk species per unit area high compared to the number documented from nearby Conecuh National Forest (~38 vs. ~5 per 1,000 ha), 92 of the species recorded from the private lands have not been recorded from the much larger Conecuh National Forest (33,993 ha). This emphasizes the opportunity for well‐positioned easements to complement and be a valuable addition to large networks of public lands.

In this study we demonstrate, that sol–gel route is suitable to quicker obtain calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, CHAp) coatings on crystalline Si substrate by modified dip-coating technique. The substrate was dip-coated by precursor and dried for 10 minutes at 200 °C with following cooling using the heating block for 110 min and annealing at 650 °C. Ethylendiamintetraacetic acid and 1,2-ethandiol, and triethanolamine and polyvinyl alcohol were used as complexing agents and as gel network forming agents, respectively. The obtained coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy and contact angle measurements (CAM).

Abstract Conservation interventions such as assisted migration and genetic alterations are controversial in part because, through unintended hybridization events, they may imperil native species. Threats could stem from hybrid offspring having altered fitness or from genetic swamping due to extensive introgression of non‐native genes. Over the last 40 years, papers discussing hybridization increasingly use value‐laden terminology (e.g., “genetic contamination”). Such terms presume that any amount of hybridization equates to harm, but this perspective is at odds with modern evolutionary theory's recognition of hybridization as a creative force that can accelerate evolution or spur adaptive breakthroughs. To assess the evidence undergirding perceptions of hybridization threats, we examined the IUCN's Global Invasive Species Database (GISD). Of 870 invasive species, the GISD identified 35 as potentially threatening endemic taxa via hybridization. For each of these 35 species, we assessed the quality of data that the GISD cited pertaining to hybridization. Direct evidence for hybridization was cited for only 16 species, and there was neither direct nor indirect evidence demonstrating reduced fitness of hybrid offspring for 18 species. In our era of rapid environmental change, it is time to examine hybridization case‐by‐case and not to presume that hybridization always presents a threat to biodiversity, but rather, to consider it as a potential pathway to species survival.

Abstract Famines have long been associated with drought. With the severity of droughts growing in association with climate change, there is increasing pressure to do a better job predicting famines and delivering international aid to avert human suffering and civil instability. We examine recent advances in remote sensing technology, focusing on the latency, historical availability and spatial and temporal scales of the data these satellites provide. Because of their global coverage, seven variables derived from satellite observations emerge as especially pertinent to drought and famine: precipitation (TRMM/GPM), groundwater (GRACE/GRACE‐FO), snow (MODIS), soil moisture (SMOS, SMAP, Sentinel‐1), evapotranspiration (MODIS, ECOSTRESS), vegetation health (Landsat, AVHRR, MODIS, SPOT) and chlorophyll fluorescence (OCO‐2). We discuss tipping point theory as a possible framework for taking advantage of long time series of these satellite data where they exist in order to enhance the effectiveness of existing famine early warning systems.

In the present work, the effects of various organic solvents (solvent nature and fraction within the solution) and solvothermal conditions on the formation of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) via hydrolysis of α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) are investigated. The wet precipitation method is applied for α-TCP synthesis, and the hydrolysis reaction is performed in solutions with different water-to-organic solvent ratios under solvothermal conditions at 120 °C for 3 h and at 200 °C for 5 h. Ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and butyl alcohol did not inhibit the hydrolysis of α-TCP, while methyl alcohol and ethylene glycol have a more prominent inhibitory effect on the hydrolysis, hence the formation of single-phased CDHA. From all the solvents analysed, ethylene glycol has the highest impact on the sample morphology. Under certain water to ethylene glycol ratios and solvothermal conditions, samples containing a significant fraction of rods are obtained. However, samples prepared with ethylene glycol are characterised by a particularly low BET surface area.

Public lands and waters in the United States traditionally have been managed using frameworks and objectives that were established under an implicit assumption of stable climatic conditions. However, projected climatic changes render this assumption invalid. Here, we summarize general principles for management adaptations that have emerged from a major literature review. These general principles cover many topics including: (1) how to assess climate impacts to ecosystem processes that are key to management goals; (2) using management practices to support ecosystem resilience; (3) converting barriers that may inhibit management responses into opportunities for successful implementation; and (4) promoting flexible decision making that takes into account challenges of scale and thresholds. To date, the literature on management adaptations to climate change has mostly focused on strategies for bolstering the resilience of ecosystems to persist in their current states. Yet in the longer term, it is anticipated that climate change will push certain ecosystems and species beyond their capacity to recover. When managing to support resilience becomes infeasible, adaptation may require more than simply changing management practices—it may require changing management goals and managing transitions to new ecosystem states. After transitions have occurred, management will again support resilience—this time for a new ecosystem state. Thus, successful management of natural resources in the context of climate change will require recognition on the part of managers and decisions makers of the need to cycle between “managing for resilience” and “managing for change.”

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is well known as an effective root canal filling material for endodontics therapy. Within MTA, bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) serving as the radiopacifier still has biocompatibility concerns due to its mild cytotoxicity. In the present study, we tried to modify the Bi2O3 radiopacifier by doping hafnium ions via the sol-gel process and investigated the effects of different doping ratios (Bi2-xHfxO3+x/2, x = 0–0.3) and calcination temperatures (400–800 °C). We mixed various precursor mixtures of bismuth nitrate (Bi(NO3)3·5H2O) and hafnium sulfate (Hf(SO4)2) and controlled the calcination temperatures. The as-prepared Hf-doped Bi2O3 radiopacifier powders were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Portland cement/radiopacifier/calcium sulfate (75/20/5) were mixed and set by deionized water (powder to water ratio = 3:1). Changes in radiopacity, diametral tensile strength (DTS), and in vitro cell viability of the hydrated MTA-like cement were carried out. The experimental results showed that the group containing radiopacifier from sol-gelled Bi/Hf (90/10) exhibited significantly higher radiopacity (6.36 ± 0.34 mmAl), DTS (2.54 ± 0.29 MPa), and cell viability (84.0±8.1%) (p < 0.05) when compared to that of Bi/Hf (100/0) powders. It is suggested that the formation of β-Bi7.78Hf0.22O12.11 phase with hafnium addition and calcining at 700 °C can prepare novel bismuth/hafnium composite powder that can be used as an alternative radiopacifier for root canal filling materials.

Functional inorganic materials are an indispensable part of innovative technologies, which are essential to the development of many fields of industry [...]

Layered double hydroxides having different cationic (Mg2+, Co2+, Al3+) composition were successfully synthesized by the low supersaturation method. The samples were thermally decomposed and reconstructed using water and nitrate media at different temperatures. X-ray powder diffraction analysis, X-ray fluorescence analysis, thermogravimetry and BET/BJH methods were used to investigate the differences between the directly obtained layered materials and those after the reconstruction process.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.23.2.15184

Spherical silica particles with bifunctional (≡Si(CH2)3NH2/≡SiCH3, ≡Si(CH2)3NH2/≡Si(CH2)2(CF2)5CF3) surface layers were produced by a one-step approach using a modified Stöber method in three-component alkoxysilane systems, resulting in greatly increased contents of functional components. The content of functional groups and thermal stability of the surface layers were analyzed by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, and 13C and 29Si solid-state NMR spectroscopy revealing their composition and organization. The fine chemical structure of the surface in the produced hybrid adsorbent particles and the ligand distribution were further investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron spectroscopy of diffuse reflectance (ESDR) spectroscopy using Cu2+ ion coordination as a probe. The composition and structure of the emerging surface complexes were determined and used to provide an insight into the molecular structure of the surfaces. It was demonstrated that the introduction of short hydrophobic (methyl) groups improves the kinetic characteristics of the samples during the sorption of copper(II) ions and promotes fixation of aminopropyl groups on the surface of silica microspheres. The introduction of long hydrophobic (perfluoroctyl) groups changes the nature of the surface, where they are arranged in alternately hydrophobic/hydrophilic patches. This makes the aminopropyl groups huddled and less active in the sorption of metal cations. The size and aggregation/morphology of obtained particles was optimized controlling the synthesis conditions, such as concentrations of reactants, basicity of the medium, and the process temperature.

n this manuscript we suggest a three-dimensional reconstruction technique to fully characterize structural performance of solid materials. The described technique extrapolates, measures and interprets the 3-dimensional data which is extracted from SEM images, obtained from different angles. Further, finer results were achieved by extrapolating of spatial data from three or more sample images using visual reconstruction software applications. Gold particles, silicon wafers and dendrites were selected as model materials for the spatial 3D surface reconstruction. For comparison and proof-of-concept, stereoscopy technique was also included into the research.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.21.4.11101