Search

A heterogeneous zirconium catalyst was grafted on a ceria‐coated silica support, denoted as Zr(OEt)x/CeO2/SiO2. It exhibited higher catalytic activity compared to its homogeneous counterpart, Zr(OEt)4, in the conversion of carbon dioxide to diethyl carbonate using tetraethyl orthosilicate as a regenerable agent in the absence of any dehydrating agents under non‐protic conditions. We found that the ceria‐coated silica (CeO2/SiO2) support not only improved the catalytic activity of Zr(OEt)4 but also inhibited catalyst deactivation during catalyst recycling tests. Furthermore, we analyzed the surface of the Zr(OEt)x/CeO2/SiO2 catalysts by FE‐SEM and EDX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the presented work was to find the most favorable conditions for the synthesis and stabilization of chemically pure ettringite and monosulfate. The reaction was carried out by mixing pure tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and gypsum (C S ¯ H2) in an excess amount of water. The impact of hydration time (2–7 days), C3A:C S ¯ molar ratio (1:1–1:3) and water vapor pressure of the selected drying agents (anhydrite-III and supersaturated CaCl2 solution) on the phase composition of the products was evaluated. After 7 days of hydration, either ettringite or monosulfate was obtained as the main product, depending on the C3A:C S ¯ molar ratio. The synthesis carried out at a C3A:C S ¯ molar ratio of 1:3 produced pure ettringite. In the case of the sample characterized by the ratio of 1:1 (typical of monosulfate), a considerable portion of ettringite (27.9%) was present in the final products along the AFm phase. Therefore, a different synthesis method has to be selected in order to obtain pure monosulfate. The results showed that thermal analysis, X-ray diffractometry and FTIR spectroscopy can be used to distinguish the characteristic features of ettringite and monosulfate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the dense and fine‐grained zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) composite ceramics were efficiently prepared by 3D gel printing technology. Zirconia powder, zirconium oxychloride, and zirconium sol were introduced into boehmite gel as zirconium sources, and their effects on rheological properties, drying characteristics, microstructure, and mechanical properties of ceramics were discussed. The results showed that all gels exhibit reversible shear thinning properties. The gel with zirconia powder has a relaxation phenomenon; zirconium sol forms another gel network in the boehmite gel network, and two linear viscoelastic regions are observed. The gel with zirconia powder has the highest solid loading, small drying shrinkage, and fewer drying defects. The grain growth of ZTA ceramics with zirconium sol was inhibited, and the zirconia grains were evenly distributed, with the highest bending strength of 518 ± 103 MPa. The new gel preparation method and gel drying process offer great possibilities for manufacturing optical glasses and functional ceramics with high‐performance geometric structures, which cannot be achieved by traditional manufacturing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Comprehensive evaluation of Purge section and rotary dehumidifier configurations. • Purge section in desiccant wheel reduces energy use and exit air temperatures. • Multi-sector approach in single wheel enables two-stage dehumidification. • Review highlights the isothermal dehumidification potential of non-adiabatic wheels. This review provides a comprehensive summary of research pertaining to the purge section within desiccant wheels featuring multi-sector configurations. Additionally, it encompasses discussions on innovative wheel designs such as non-adiabatic desiccant wheels and the achievement of two-stage dehumidification from a single wheel employing multi-sector approaches. The review begins by providing a concise historical overview of the desiccant wheel, followed by a systematic classification of the research conducted in this area. Subsequently, various categorizations are presented in a logical sequence, offering a structured understanding of the subject matter. Central to the critical findings of this review is the identification of an optimal purge wheel sector angle, which not only decreases the energy consumption of the desiccant wheel but also significantly reduces the exit temperature of process air. Moreover, the review highlights the potential of achieving isothermal dehumidification through the utilization of non-adiabatic rotary desiccant wheels. Furthermore, the introduction of a multi-sector desiccant wheel is one of the key successes in obtaining two-stage dehumidification and getting multi-output like cooling, heating with dehumidification, and heating with humidification. These are all efficiently derived from a single wheel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionsDespite the rising popularity of disposable e-cigarettes, little is known about their chemical characteristics, or their impact on users’ health. This work attempts to summarize current knowledge about chemical composition and known health effects of disposable e-cigarettes.The literature search was performed in February and March 2024 in Pub Med and Science Direct databases (no time range) by the terms ‘disposable electronic cigarette’, ‘disposable e-cigarette’, ‘disposable e-cigs’, ‘cig-a-like e-cigarette’, ‘cig-a-like electronic cigarette’.Disposable e-cigarettes contain: nicotine, humectants (propylene glycol, glycerin), flavoring agents (diacetyl, acetoin, triacetin, p-menthone, triethyl citrate, ethyl maltol, 3-hexen-1-ol, methyl anthranilate, α-terpineol, perillartine, benzyl alcohol, vanillin, melonal, methyl dihydrojasmonate, and γ-decalactone), cooling agents (WS-3, WS-23, menthol), carbonyl compounds (acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acetone, acrolein) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (benzene, ethanol, methanol, styrene, acetylpirazine and 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine), metals and inorganic compounds (chromium, nickel, manganese, lead, aluminum, and zinc) and reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, there was some evidence of nicotine dependence, risk of cancer and adverse respiratory effects of using disposable e-cigarettes.Despite the fact that disposable e-cigarettes contain significantly less toxins compared to combustible cigarettes, they include compounds that are absent in such products that may provide health risk in prolonged usage. In addition, there is a limited number of data on the health effect of disposable e-cigarettes, especially in long time period, for never-smokers. Therefore, due to growing popularity of disposable e-cigarettes among young people, who choose them when initiating nicotine use, further research on their long-term impact of on the users’ health is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disposal and reutilization of the enormous amounts of slurry-like mud (MS) dredged from navigation channel construction, ecological dredging, and other construction activities have been receiving increasing attention. In this paper, a flocculation–solidification–high-pressure filtration combined method (FSHCM) is used to treat MS, and the consolidation characteristics of The SHCM-treated MS are studied by conducting a series of one-dimensional consolidation compression tests. Various parameters, including the dosage of the curing agent, initial water content, and dry weight of the MS, are systematically analyzed to evaluate their influence on the consolidation behavior. The experimental results demonstrate that higher curing agent and initial water contents enhance the structural yield stress and compressive resistance, while increased dry weight decreases the structural yield stress but increases the compressive strain and void ratio. As the curing age increases, the ability of the FSHCM-treated MS to resist compressive deformation is further enhanced. In addition, the compressibility of the mud cake samples changes significantly at the yield point. This study has practical guiding significance for the optimal design and long-term application of FSHCM-treated MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic zeolites, or microporous crystalline aluminosilicates, possess high porosity, well-developed specific surface area, uniform pores, and ion-exchange properties, which determine their molecular sieve and adsorption properties. The use of zeolites as catalysts, desiccants for solvents and gases, and selective adsorbents for the separation of low-molecular-weight compounds is widely known. Zeolites also serve extensively as packing materials for chromatographic columns in gas-adsorption chromatography. However, their application to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is less recognized. In HPLC, the retention of adsorbates depends not only on adsorption interactions but also on the molecular sieve effect in the micropores and kinetically selective effects. Additional interactions with the mobile phase components alter the thermodynamic parameters of the adsorbates interaction with the zeolite, decrease effective pore size, and hinder the diffusion of the separated compounds into the adsorbent's pores. Despite these challenges, zeolites remain promising adsorbents due to their strictly determined pore size (dpore) and geometry, as well as their customizable polarities, which ensure high selectivity for the separation of low-molecular-weight compounds. The most promising zeolites for HPLC are wide-pore zeolites (dpore 0.6–0.8 nm) with 8, 10, 12, and 14-member ring channels. This review offers a concise overview of the classification, composition, and structure of zeolites and their impact on the adsorption properties of these adsorbents. Data on the use of zeolites in HPLC are also systematized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg metal anode‐based battery is a more sustainable, lower cost, and higher energy density alternative to Li‐ion. However, this battery chemistry also faces several challenges associated with the high charge density of Mg2+, including achieving high reversibility and low voltage hysteresis for Mg metal plating/stripping. While significant improvements are achieved in last decades, they involve rather complex electrolyte formulations and/or Mg salts difficult to produce, and the use of unpractical substrates such as platinum. Here, significant improvement in terms of Mg plating kinetics is achieved in electrolytes containing commercial magnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salt (Mg(TFSI)2) by using titanium substrate with similar crystal structure and lattice parameter as Mg leading to lower nucleation overpotential. Low salt concentration electrolyte and addition of dibutyl magnesium (Mg(butyl)2) also enable the formation of thinner interphase, richer in solvent based decomposition products, further improving Mg plating kinetics. This work highlights the complex role of Mg(butyl)2, often considered as a simple drying agent, and how it impacts ion solvation favoring the mobility of electroactive cationic species, paving the way toward better electrolyte design with improved cation transference number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halotherapy (HT) is part of salt therapy derived from speleotherapy/speleoclimate, which comes from using a micro size of dry salt in aerosol form (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium chloride) with stable air temperature (18--24ºC) and moderate to high humidity (40--60%) for inhalation inside a cave/imitation cave since the nineteenth century. The benefits of HT as an adjuvant may help patients with many medical conditions, especially respiratory and dermatology diseases. This therapy is believed to alleviate inflammation and the immune response and improve respiratory function, etc. The clinical benefits of HT are advocated, but the mechanisms still need to be explicitly elucidated. This study's main objective is to critically review and evaluate the evidence from existing literature of HT efficacy as an adjuvant therapy for respiratory disease in a narrative review. This review used a systematic approach and narrative synthesis. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched. Based on preset selection criteria, two reviewers separately looked over abstracts and chose relevant papers. HT improves mucociliary elimination, diminishes airway inflammation, and improves pulmonary function. This adjuvant therapy is safe and does not cause serious adverse events. Therefore, this therapy should be considered an adjuvant therapy for respiratory diseases because of its potential effects. However, scientific evidence of the effectiveness of HT is limited. High-quality further research is required to ascertain the effectiveness of this treatment for respiratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodegradation kinetics of paper materials with various chemical additives was studied, focusing on their potential tunability. Paper materials with additives, including retention aid, hydrophobic agent, and wet and dry strength agents, were explored in two forms: disintegrated fiber and paper form. Using the Gompertz equation, biodegradation kinetics were modeled to calculate the lag phase, initial biodegradation rate, and ultimate biodegradation extent. All paper materials showed higher biodegradation extents than microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) due to the highly biodegradable nature of hardwood bleached pulp. Disintegrated paper materials exhibited similar lag phase values and ultimate biodegradation to MCC regardless of treatment, while punched paper materials showed noticeable differences, suggesting that fiber disintegration plays a critical role in initiating biodegradation. Hydrophobic and wet strength treatments, such as alkyl ketone dimer (AKD) and wetstrength agents (PAE), respectively, significantly increased the lag phase, but their ultimate biodegradation extent remained intact. These findings highlight that the biodegradability of paper materials can be preserved even after chemical treatments, underscoring their environmentally friendly potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zirconia nanocrystals as catalysts for the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from methanol and carbon dioxide have received significant interest recently. In this paper, three zirconia-based catalysts presenting different monoclinic and tetragonal phase contents are prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption–desorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and temperature-programmed desorption of NH3 and CO2 (NH3-TPD and CO2-TPD). The catalytic performances of these solids are evaluated in terms of DMC production. This production is low when using the bare zirconias, but it is significantly increased in the presence of 1,1,1-trimethoxymethane (TMM) playing the role of a dehydrating agent, which shifts the thermodynamic equilibrium. Moreover, the production of DMC is further improved by adding a second solid catalyst (cocatalyst), the molecular sieve 13X, to accelerate the hydration of TMM. Hence, the molecular sieve 13X plays a dual role by trapping water molecules formed by the reaction of DMC synthesis and providing strong acidic sites catalyzing TMM hydrolysis. To the best of our knowledge, the combination of two solid catalysts in the reaction medium to accelerate the water elimination to obtain higher DMC production from CO2 and methanol has never been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of wound dressings in clinical practice, focusing on the development of cooling wound dressings to regulate wound temperature and promote healing. Various functional polymer-based dressings with antibacterial and cooling properties are highlighted, showcasing their potential for skin tissue engineering and wound management. The integration of passive radiative cooling (PRC) properties into biocompatible dressings is emphasized, offering a noninvasive approach to wound care. The article also explores the use of nanomaterials, conductive polymers, and biodegradable materials in wound dressings, underscoring the need for further research to enhance clinical applications and patient outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Ethylene glycol (EG) is an industrial chemical with multiple applications in polymers, anti-freeze agents, coolants, desiccants and de-icing fluids. It is prepared mainly from fossil feedstock resources. However, its manufacture from renewable sources like lignocellulosic biomass is attractive from the view points of carbon-neutrality and environmental benefits. A few industries have already ventured or committed to produce biomass-derived EG (bio-EG) on a pilot to demonstration scale. At present bio-EG is more expensive than the EG made from fossil resources. Advances are happening in developing more efficient and selective catalysts for the direct conversion of raw biomass and its hydrolysis products (cellulose and glucose) into bio-EG. This review presents the recent advances in catalysts for producing bio-EG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterpipe tobacco (WPT) smoking is a public health concern, particularly among youth and young adults. The global spread of WPT use has surged because the introduction of pre-packaged flavored and sweetened WPT, which is widely marketed as a safer tobacco alternative. Besides flavorants and sugars, WPT additives include humectants, which enhance the moisture and sweetness of WPT, act as solvents for flavors, and impart smoothness to the smoke, thus increasing appeal to users. In the United States, unlike cigarette tobacco flavoring (with the exception of menthol), there is no FDA product standard or policy in place prohibiting sales of flavored WPT. Research has shown that the numerous fruit, candy, and alcohol flavors added to WPT entice individuals to experience those flavors, putting them at an increased risk of exposure to WPT smoke-related toxicants. Additionally, burning charcoal briquettes—used as a heating source for WPT—contributes to the harmful health effects of WPT smoking. This review presents existing evidence on the potential toxicity resulting from humectants, sugars, and flavorants in WPT, and from the charcoal used to heat WPT. The review discusses relevant studies of inhalation toxicity in animal models and of biomarkers of exposure in humans. Current evidence suggests that more data are needed on toxicant emissions in WPT smoke to inform effective tobacco regulation to mitigate the adverse impact of WPT use on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately two billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water, negatively impacting national security, hygiene, and agriculture. Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) is the conversion of ambient humidity into clean water; however, conventional dehumidification is energy-intensive. Improvement in AWH may be achieved with elastocaloric cooling, using temperature-sensitive materials in active thermoregulation. Potential benefits, compared to conventional desiccant wheel designs, include substantial reductions in energy use, size, and complexity. A nickel–titanium (NiTi) elastocaloric water harvester was designed and compared with a desiccant wheel design under controlled conditions of relative humidity, air volume, and power. In a 30 min interval, the NiTi device harvested more water on average at 0.18 ± 0.027 mL/WH, compared to the 0.1567 ± 0.023 mL/WH of the desiccant wheel harvester. Moreover, the NiTi harvester required half the power input and was thermoregulated more efficiently. Future work will focus on mechanical design parameter optimization. Elastocaloric cooling is a promising advancement in dehumidification, making AWH more economical and feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorimuron-ethyl is currently the primary herbicide used for chemical weed control in a soybean field. In this study, a solid microbial inoculum (corn stalk-white rot fungus (W-1)) was prepared for the remediation of farmland soil contaminated by chlorimuron-ethyl. Firstly, the preparation method of the microbial inoculum was studied. Secondly, the degradation rate of the chlorimuron-ethyl in the ground by the solid microbial inoculum is improved by optimizing the proportion of the protective agent. Then the effects of applying solid microbial inoculum, free bacteria and corn straw on the degradation rate of chlorimuron-ethyl in soil were weighed. Finally, Illumina MiSeq sequencing was used to measure the composition and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities in the ground before and after using microbial inoculum. The degradation rate of chlorimuron-ethyl in soil by solid microbial inoculum was 84.87% after 20 d using corn straw as the support, room temperature drying, 4% Ca3(PO4)2 as the protective drying agent, and 1%(w) dextrin as the ultraviolet protective agent. Inoculation of white rot fungi could significantly affect the community structure of bacteria and fungi in the soil, making the chlorimuron-ethyl degrading communities become the dominant communities and playing an essential role in the degradation of chlorimuron-ethyl. The results showed that using solid microbial inoculum was an effective way to repair farmland soil polluted by chlorimuron-ethyl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry anaerobic digestion (dry-AD) is an attractive process for solid wastes such as agri-food waste. However, some limitations mainly associated to lack of effective mixing, can hinder the methane production capacity of the systems. Bulking agent (BA) has been proposed as a solution to the compaction issues in systems without mechanical agitation, such as leaching bed reactors. However, effects of BA are still not clear, and, thus, the factors to consider for its dose has not been optimized yet. This work studies the effect of BA in dry-AD. Two substrates with different characteristics were proposed as models, bean peel as a lignocellulosic substrate and a mixture of food waste as a readily biodegradable substrate. Inert plastic rings were used as BA at different BA:S ratios. Assessed BA:S ratio did not affect the performance of methane production for the lignocellulosic waste, but it did significantly affect to the easily biodegradable substrate, showing up to a 28% of methane production increase. This result could be due to the presence of lignocellulosic compounds in the bean peel, behaving like a natural BA. In assays with an increased bed height, the compaction of the system was more severe, resulting in the rapid acidification of the processes. At these conditions, the positive effect of BA addition was more marked, allowing methane production and no acidification of the system. Thus, the addition of BA is a suitable strategy for improving methane production or stability in dry-AD systems without requiring the stirring of the systems. • Bulking agent (BA) addition is assessed as alternative to stirring in dry AD. • Positive effects by BA was due to an increase of the porosity in the digester bed. • Optimal BA:S ratio was strongly dependent on the characteristics of the substrate. • Low lignocellulosic content substrates were more favoured by BA addition. • BA addition was able to avoid acidification by enhancing the methanogenic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive cooling of air is required in conventional air conditioning systems to reduce the humidity, leading to the development of desiccant wheel-based air conditioning systems. The desiccant wheel consists of desiccant material which is deposited on matrix material. In this study, aluminum, magnesium alloy, Teflon, and fiberglass have been considered matrix materials of the desiccant wheel. A one-dimensional mathematical model has been developed to evaluate the effect of these matrix materials. The results show that fiberglass can be selected as a suitable matrix material for drying applications because it has maximum moisture removal (MR; 1.92 g/kg) and temperature difference (4.72 °C) at optimal rotational speed, which are desirable for drying. While aluminum can be selected as a suitable matrix material for air conditioning applications because, at the optimal rotational speed, it has lower maximum MR (1.26 g/kg) and temperature difference (3.14 °C) as compared to other matrix materials. As moderate maximum MR and lower temperature difference are the requirements for air conditioning. A similar trend of results has been also obtained for other parameters (volume ratio, regeneration velocity, regeneration temperature, etc.) of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrylium salts based on a cationic oxygen heterocycle are a key class of chromophores. However, synthesis of these salts generally requires use of harsh acids, copious organic solvents, and in many cases, hazardous conditions. This work provides a two-pot synthesis for substituted triphenyl pyrylium salts wherein chalcone intermediates are first prepared and then mild methanesulfonic acid is used in combination with a dehydrating agent to drive pyrylium cyclization. Purification is achieved through a simple, aqueous workup involving counterion metathesis which avoids the need for environmentally unfriendly organic solvents. This mild, green approach has been applied to synthesize a collection of known pyryliums as well as a new family of red-shifted pyrylium chromophores bearing p -pyrrolidinylphenyl substituents. The synthesis of the latter group demonstrates that unlike other current methods, our approach offers enhanced functional group tolerance as well as finer control over substituent placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the deadliest swine diseases, causing significant economic losses, threatening food security, and limiting pig production in affected countries. In the absence of an effective ASF vaccine, prevention and control of ASF depend mainly on effective biosecurity measures. In this study, the efficacy of SAFER®, a powdered disinfectant containing clay, an acid complex, and the active ingredient thyme essential oil, was tested against the ASF virus. The results showed that ASFV isolate (VNUA/HY/ASF1/Vietnam/2019) was inactivated by 3.5 and 5 Log10HAD50/ml after 20 and 120  min of treatment with SAFER®, respectively. When body fluids contaminated with ASFV, such as blood, saliva, urine, and feces, were treated with SAFER® for 20  min, the ASFV titer was reduced by 1.6, 2.2, 2.0, and 2.2 Log10HAD50/ml, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human comfort and health are significantly affected by indoor humid environments. Traditional dehumidification methods in buildings often have the problems of high energy consumption, complex structures, and high maintenance costs. Given this, a ventilated roof desiccant bed was proposed in this paper. The heat and moisture transfer process during its regeneration phase was analyzed, a dynamic numerical model for heat and mass transfer was established, and a dynamic characteristics simulation study of the regeneration process was conducted, providing theoretical reference for its practical application. By comparing indicators such as moisture content, effective regeneration time, and regeneration rate, the regeneration characteristics of the desiccant bed under high and low solar radiation scenarios were analyzed. The results indicate that, under the same thickness of silica gel coating, the steady-state moisture content of the desiccant bed under high solar radiation conditions(average 654. 0 W/m²)is lower than that under low solar radiation conditions(average 305. 4 W/m²). The intensity of solar radiation enhances the regeneration of the desiccant bed, with a regeneration rate of 57. 3% under high solar radiation conditions, higher than 52. 6% under low solar radiation conditions. Under high solar radiation conditions, the average regeneration amount within the first 3 hours is 8. 31 g, and only 0. 30 g in the subsequent 3 hours, indicating that the regeneration of the desiccant bed can be basically completed within 3 hours in good weather. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass transfer (diffusion) properties of a colloidal capillary-porous material (pears cut into plates 5 mm thick for convective drying) as a function of the moisture content of the material at different temperatures of the drying agent (air) were studied experimentally. Since the pear sample shrinks significantly during drying, the change in sample thickness during the process was taken into account when calculating the mass conductivity coefficient. At the same time, the linear shrinkage of the specified material was studied. The dependences of the mass conductivity coefficient on the moisture content of the material k = f(u) were obtained from drying curves based on the zonal method at a constant temperature of the drying agent tdr. They represent dependences concave to the abscissa axis that increase with moisture content, which is typical of dried materials. The minimum values of the mass conductivity coefficient on the graphs k = f(u) vary from 0.3∙10–10 m2/s at 30°C to 2.2∙10–10 m2/s at 60°C. With a change in the moisture content of the material, the mass conductivity coefficient changes multiply. The shrinkage data for engineering calculations was described by equation. The possibility of describing the temperature dependence of the mass conductivity coefficient (moisture diffusion) by Arrhenius equation is shown. The values of the Arrhenius equation parameters are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moisture content (MC) of wheat seeds must be reduced before storage using appropriate dehydration processes. Desiccant drying is a promising alternative to conventional drying methods because it improves seed quality while providing overall energy efficiency. This study explores the sorption drying of wheat seeds using granulated kieserite MgSO4·H2O as a solid desiccant, which has a high water capacity and is regenerated at low temperatures <100 °C. Desiccant characterization was conducted using SEM-EDS, XRD, DSC-TG, and particle size analysis. Wheat seeds mixed directly with kieserite in various mass ratios were dried under uniform stirring and controlled temperature conditions. A 240-min drying time was required to reduce the initial MC of wheat from 21.5% to 15.1% at a desiccant-to-grain ratio of 1:1. After 360 min, a final MC of 14.4% was achieved. The germination energy and seed capacity after sorption drying were 91 ± 1% and 97 ± 2%, respectively. Due to the available water capacity of kieserite, several batches of seeds can be dried without intermediate desiccant regeneration. This study is useful for developing low-cost, non-thermal, and sustainable drying technology for various agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solid desiccant-based novel dehumidification technique in indoor cooling is a viable substitute for a traditional dehumidification system in regions with high humidity levels. The ozone layer is being steadily destroyed by vapour compression-based conventional dehumidification systems, which also have a number of other disadvantages such as excessive power consumption and a rise in the amount of chlorofluorocarbons type refrigerant leakage in the atmosphere. As compared to traditionally used vapour compression type refrigeration air conditioners, solid desiccant-integrated novel cooling may be more advantageous as it provides more easily accessible, cost-effective, and ecologically sound cooling. It can be more competitive when it is reactivated by freely available renewable heat available from solar power and industrial waste heat. Not only marginally saving energy, but it can also help in drastically lower operational costs. Recently, many studies have been carried out with aim of ameliorating desiccant air conditioners' overall performance through the development of novel system configurations, enhanced system designs and better controls, and the integration of hybrid energy sources for desiccant reactivation as well as sub-systems technological advancements. By this means, the present study offers a thorough analysis of the previously described investigations. This offers detailed study on possible suggestions and recommendations for possible future work direction based on the most recent investigations in the field of the desiccant-powered novel cooling techniques. These recommendations can help to amplify the efforts to find better solutions to concurrent technological issues, which will definitely ameliorate the overall performance of desiccant-integrated dehumidification and hybrid cooling in the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk carbon by-products from industrial combustion are a promising source to produce a vast amount of activated carbon adsorbent. This research prepared rice husk-activated carbon adsorbent by varying the concentration of potassium hydroxide solution (5, 10, 15, 20% w/v) and activation time (2, 4, 6, 8 hours). Fouriertransform infrared (FTIR) spectral characterization indicated a significant effect before and after activation, especially the presence of hydroxyl groups. Based on the iodine adsorption, the specific surface area of the produced-activated carbon was approximately 615 m2/g. Experimental results showed that increasing potassium hydroxide concentration and activation time increases the water vapor adsorption capacity of the activated carbon. Compared with the rice husk carbon, the KOH-activated carbon enhanced the water vapor adsorption capacity to 931%. In the adsorption observation, changing the temperature from 15 to 27°C caused a higher water vapor uptake onto the activated carbon. Two adsorption kinetics (pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order models) were used to evaluate the adsorption mechanism. This research found that rice husk-activated carbon performed a higher water vapor adsorption capacity than other adsorbents (silica gel, zeolite, and commercially activated carbon). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ocular lubrication, where the eyelid constantly slides on the curved corneal surface, is considered as one of primary lubrication systems in bio-tribology. Under reliable lubrication conditions, sensitive ocular tissues remain intact from fatigue damage during spontaneous blink cycles. The tear film, evenly filled between cornea and conjunctiva, is a biological fluid with dynamic adjustment ability, which provides superior lubrication with the friction coefficient of below 0.01. However, the lubrication failure may result in a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as inflammatory reactions, tissue damage and neurological abnormalities. Therefore, it is essential to clarify the fundamental mechanism of ocular lubrication, which helps to alleviate and even recover from various ocular symptoms. This review firstly demonstrates that the ocular components, containing lipids and mucins, contribute to maintaining the lubrication stability of tear film. Furthermore, the ocular lubrication state in various physiological environments and the physical effect on tear film dynamics are further discussed. As typical applications, the therapeutic agents of dry eye syndrome and contact lens with superior lubrication effects are introduced and their lubrication mechanisms are clarified. Finally, this review summarizes a series of the latest research inspired by ocular lubrication. Overall, this work will provide a valuable guidance on the theoretical research and extensive applications in the field of biological lubrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of extraction and spray drying temperatures on the yield of bioactive materials during the production of dragon fruit skin extract powder as a natural food colorant. Extraction temperature was varied between 25 and 48 °C, and spray drying was conducted at 140, 170, and 190 °C. Moreover, the effects of spray drying aids were also evaluated. At extraction temperatures below 50 °C, higher temperatures resulted in a higher yield of bioactive materials and a significant increase in antioxidant activity. Regarding spray drying, the use of higher air inlet temperatures resulted in a peaking trend of yield from spray drying. However, employing high air inlet temperatures (above 170 °C) for spray drying may result in a decrease in the recoveries of bioactive materials due to the higher degradation rates. Finally, the addition of maltodextrin as a carrier agent in spray drying could enhance the powder yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To produce dry air, desiccant wheel is a very common choice now a day. However, it's crucial to utilize the desiccant wheel effectively. Therefore, in the present investigation, a numerical model is developed to identify the best operating conditions for a solar desiccant dehumidifier based on desiccant wheel and it is observed that the dehumidification capacity can be increased by simultaneously increasing the process air velocity and RPH of the desiccant wheel. A higher temperature of hot air for regeneration allows for a higher process‐to‐regeneration sector facial area ratio, which results in higher amount of dry air. After the mathematical investigation, the desiccant wheel is attached with solar air heater for experimental investigation. The solar air heater is based on both ends open evacuated tube collector, which is able to produce hot air at about 150°C at a mass flow rate of 143 kg/h. At this temperature the desiccant wheel shows remarkable dehumidification effectiveness of 0.61 with an average moisture removal of 0.0098 kgwp/kgda. The average thermal effectiveness and DCOP of the solar desiccant dehumidifier are observed to be 0.24 and 0.23, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chemical Engineering (China) / Huaxue Gongcheng is the property of Hualu Engineering Science & Technology Co Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, a numerical model of a modified air-drying process of apple slices that considers the conjugate heat and mass transfer in the drying chamber is developed. Inside the apple slice sample, the continuum model is incorporated to describe the non-isothermal two-phase transport. The intra- and extra-sample heat, mass, and momentum transfer are coupled to simulate the transportation phenomena inside the drying chamber using the finite volume method implemented in computational fluid dynamic software (COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0). In this manner, temperature, velocity, moisture content of the drying agent inside the chamber, sample temperature, and moisture content distributions can be predicted. The validity of the proposed model is confirmed by a good agreement between the numerical and experimental data in terms of the overall evaporation rate and temperature. The simulation results indicate that the maldistribution of the convective heat and mass transfer resistance on the sample surface is significant. This can be explained by the nonuniform velocity distribution inside the drying chamber. Additionally, both experimental and numerical observations show that the drying process can be divided into two periods: the quasi-constant drying rate and falling drying rate periods. The impact of dryer operational conditions on the drying process is numerically investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low dew-point desiccant wheel systems are summarized and discussed in detail. • Single-stage and two-stage low dew-point desiccant wheel systems are examined. • Cold and heat sources are key factors affecting energy efficiency. • Optimization measures to improve dehumidification capacity are summarized. Humidity control is very important in production and life, especially in low dew-point industries where the dew-point temperature is less than 0 °C. A low dew-point desiccant wheel system (LDDWS) can meet the ambient humidity ratio required for production well. The mechanisms, configuration, and optimization of the LDDWS are comprehensively reviewed. The air heat-moisture handling processes of the LDDWS are initially introduced. The influence of the cold and heat source configurations on the dehumidification capacity and energy consumption is illustrated. Free cold sources, renewable heat sources, and heat pump technology can effectively increase energy utilization, thereby reducing refrigeration consumption and promoting energy savings. The optimization measures of system performance, including efficient desiccant materials, desiccant wheel partitioning, heat recovery technology, and low dew-point return air recycling, are presented. These optimization measures can effectively improve the dehumidification capacity and reduce the consumption of primary energy. In addition, to enhance the further development of LDDWS, this paper presents prospects for future developments in terms of industrial demand, dehumidification capacity, thermodynamic cycle and energy utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Water vapor adsorption ability of five MOF materials were investigated. • The MOFs have higher water vapor adsorption capacity than conventional adsorbents. • S-shaped isotherms of the MOFs indicate their low regeneration temperature. • MOFs have potential to be substitute in solid desiccant air conditioning system. This study investigates the water vapor sorption performance of five metal organic framework materials (MIL-101(Cr), MIL-100(Fe), aluminum fumarate, MOF-303(Al), PCN-333(Al)) for indoor environment humidity control through experiment measurements, aims to identify materials that enhance water vapor adsorption capacity and allow for low temperature regeneration. The results show that MIL-101(Cr) exhibits highest water vapor adsorption capacity which is 3.5 to 6 times of conventional desiccant materials. The adsorption isotherm of MIL-101(Cr) exhibits an "S" type change, with a steep point between 30 % and 60 % RH which falls within the indoor thermal comfortable range. The experiment results also show that MIL-101(Cr) is nearly completely desorbed at relative humidity of 20 %, indicating its potential for low-temperature regeneration. Based on its strong water vapor sorption performance, the green and low-cost synthesis method will be the key for its utilization to improve the efficiency of solid desiccant air conditioning system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermoplastic high-ortho phenolic resins (HPRs) were synthesized by a one-step synthesis using phenol, formaldehyde, zinc acetate, sulfuric acid, and small amounts of ethanol. It was then blended with epoxy resins, and a small amount of ethylenediamine (EDA) was added as a curing agent for dry spinning to produce the as-spun fibers. Heat curing and microwave curing treatments were performed to obtain phenolic epoxy fibers. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to study the structural changes during the fiber curing process revealed that the amino groups in EDA opened the epoxy groups to generate the hydroxyl groups. The hydroxyl groups can further react with the epoxy groups, which accelerate the curing reaction. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed a higher residual carbon degree in the fibers after curing. Mechanical property testing demonstrated a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the fibers. By modifying the blending and optimizing the curing process, the heat resistance of the fibers was successfully improved, resolving the issue of poor mechanical properties in the high-ortho phenolic epoxy fibers (HPEFs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the functional and nutritional properties of two banana peel flours from Lampung Province, an underutilized agro-industrial waste, BPF-J (Janten) and BPF-K (Kepok). These flours were evaluated as potential substitutes for wheat flour and other functional foods. The banana peels were treated with anti-browning agents and dried at 50 °C for 18 h. Notable nutritional differences were observed: BPF-J contained higher protein, starch, and soluble dietary fiber in g/100 g (7.04, 49.90, and 6.18, respectively), whereas BPF-K had higher fat content, insoluble dietary fiber, and total dietary fiber in g/100 g (12.26, 44.33, and 47.08, respectively). The phenolic content of BPF-J was comparable to that of BPF-K (50.52 and 49.75 mg GAE/100 g dry weight). The highest mineral contents in BPF-J were Fe, Zn, Mg, and K (mg/kg) at 31.82, 16.00, 105.76, and 3705.9, respectively. Conversely, BPF-K had higher Ca and Mn contents (472.02 and 15.68 mg/kg). BPF-K exhibited a higher water holding capacity owing to its higher dietary fiber content. Both flours exhibited similarities in oil holding capacity and swelling power. BPF-J exhibited higher solubility at 70 °C. The pasting properties revealed distinct differences, with BPF-K demonstrating a lower pasting temperature and higher viscosity. Morphologically, BPF-J contained more exposed starch granules than BPF-K, whereas BPF-K displayed a predominantly fibrous matrix. These flours were tested in biscuit formulations, and the 20% BPF-J biscuits showed the best sensory acceptability. These findings suggest that BPF-J and BPF-K are viable and sustainable options for enhancing functional food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is desirable but challenging to develop highly-efficient catalysts for the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from methanol and CO2. The vacancy-mediated incorporation of heteroatom into surface reconstruction is an efficient method of defect engineering for enhancing the catalytic properties. In this work, manganese-doped cerium oxide porous nanoribbons (Mn/CeO2-BTC) were prepared derived from a Ce-BTC by a sacrificial template approach. It is found that the catalytic activity of Mn/CeO2-BTC catalysts can be readily controlled by varying the amount of Mn dopants and the as-synthesized 0.1-Mn/CeO2-BTC exhibited an outstanding activity for the synthesis of DMC from CO2 and methanol, which reached a high DMC yield (6.53 mmolDMC/gcat.) without any dehydrating agents. Based on characterization results, the enhanced performance may be attributed to the defective structures caused by Mn doping and the porous nanoribbons of the CeO2 crystals, which provide more surface oxygen vacancies and acidic-basic sites, favoring adsorption and activation of CO2 and methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the development of protein powder from honey bee drone broods using foam-mat drying, a scalable method suitable for community enterprises, as well as the preservation of bee broods as a food ingredient. Initially, honey bee broods were pre-treated by boiling and steaming, with steamed bee brood (S_BB) showing the highest protein content (44.71 g/100 g dry basis). A factorial design optimized the powder formulation through the foam-mat drying process, incorporating varying concentrations of S_BB, glycerol monostearate (GMS), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The physicochemical properties of the resulting powder, including yield, color spaces, water activity, solubility, protein content, and total amino acids, were evaluated. The results showed that foam-mat drying produced a stable protein powder. The binders (CMC and GMS) increased the powder's yield and lightness but negatively affected the hue angle (yellow-brown), protein content, and amino acid content. The optimal quantities of the three variables (S_BB, GMS, and CMC) were determined to be 30 g, 6 g, and 1.5 g, or 80%, 16%, and 4%, respectively. Under this formulation, the protein powder exhibited a protein content of 19.89 g/100 g. This research highlights the potential of bee brood protein powder as a sustainable and nutritious alternative protein source, enhancing food diversification and security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe herein the additive‐controlled divergent [4+2] cycloaddition and 1,4‐Michael addition reaction of benzofuran‐derived azadienes (BDAs) with enamides. An unprecedented [4+2] cycloaddition reaction of BDAs and enamide compounds was developed in the presence of 4 Å MS, providing a variety of structurally complex decahydrobenzofuro[3,2‐b]quinolines (13 examples) in moderate to excellent yields (59–98 % yields) with single diastereoisomer obtained. While employing MgSO4 as desiccant, the chemoselectivity was switched to the 1,4‐addition reactions, leading to a wide range of highly functionalized hybrids of benzofurans and enamide compounds (25 examples) in 25–94 % yields under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber‐based artificial muscles are promising for smart textiles capable of sensing, interacting, and adapting to environmental stimuli. However, the application of current artificial muscle‐based textiles in wearable and engineering fields has largely remained a constraint due to the limited deformation, restrictive stimulation, and uncomfortable. Here, dual‐responsive yarn muscles with high contractile actuation force are fabricated by incorporating a very small fraction (<1 wt.%) of Ti3C2Tx MXene/cellulose nanofibers (CNF) composites into self‐plied and twisted wool yarns. They can lift and lower a load exceeding 3400 times their own weight when stimulated by moisture and photothermal. Furthermore, the yarn muscles are coiled homochirally or heterochirally to produce spring‐like muscles, which generated over 550% elongation or 83% contraction under the photothermal stimulation. The actuation mechanism, involving photothermal/moisture‐mechanical energy conversion, is clarified by a combination of experiments and finite element simulations. Specifically, MXene/CNF composites serve as both photothermal and hygroscopic agents to accelerate water evaporation under near‐infrared (NIR) light and moisture absorption from ambient air. Due to their low‐cost facile fabrication, large scalable dimensions, and robust strength coupled with dual responsiveness, these soft actuators are attractive for intelligent textiles and devices such as self‐adaptive textiles, soft robotics, and wearable information encryption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are concerns regarding high surface temperatures on synthetic grass sports surfaces influencing the surrounding thermal environment, potentially increasing heat stress and impacting athlete safety. As such, studies have investigated changes to the thermal environment surrounding synthetic grass surfaces in comparison to both natural grass, and synthetic surfaces with different features, but this body of research has not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to (i) determine if there are differences in the thermal environment surrounding synthetic grass surfaces compared with natural grass surfaces, and (ii) determine if there are differences in the thermal environment between different types of synthetic grass surfaces. A systematic review adhering to the PRISMA guidelines was performed. The eligibility criteria required investigations to report at least one of the following environmental parameters on or directly above both a synthetic surface and a comparator group of either natural grass or an alternative synthetic grass surface used in sport: Air temperature, mean radiant temperature, humidity, wind velocity, unified heat stress indices (i.e. wet-bulb-globe temperature and heat index) and/or surface temperature. Twenty-three studies were identified. The only parameters that were consistently higher on synthetic grass compared to natural grass were the air temperature (range: 0.5–1.2 °C) and surface temperature (range: 9.4–33.7 °C), while the mean radiant temperature, humidity, wind velocity and wet-bulb-globe temperature remained similar or required more data to determine if any differences exist. Synthetic grass surfaces consisting of styrene butadiene rubber infill or a shock pad had increased surface temperatures, whereas surfaces with thermoplastic elastomer infill, Cool climate turf fibres or HydroChill had lower surface temperatures. This systematic review has demonstrated that air and surface temperatures can be increased on synthetic sports surfaces, compared to natural grass surfaces. However, it is uncertain whether the differences are enough to increase an individual's heat stress risk and cause concern for athlete safety. While modifications to the turf infill or fibres can reduce synthetic surface temperatures, the effect of these features on the thermal environment as a whole is unclear. This review was prospectively registered with the Open Science Framework (Open Science Framework registration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BTKGE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the oxidative cleavage of the C=N bond in ketoximes using a specific oxidant. Ketoximes are stable derivatives of ketones and aldehydes and have various applications in organic synthesis. The study investigates the optimal conditions for the reaction and demonstrates its effectiveness in converting ketoximes to carbonyl compounds with high yields. The results show that aromatic ketoximes react faster and yield higher amounts of carbonyl compounds compared to sterically hindered ketoximes. The study also confirms that singlet molecular oxygen is the main oxidative species involved in the reaction. The proposed mechanism involves a [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction followed by rearrangement to form the carbonyl compound. This method provides a potential synthetic approach for deprotecting ketoximes. [Extracted from the article]

The direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from carbon dioxide (CO2) and methanol (MeOH) is a DMC preparation route that meets the requirements of green chemistry and can realize the resource utilization of CO2. Cerium oxide (CeO2) based catalysts are widely used in this reaction. The current researches focus on the effects of morphology regulation and heteroatom doping on the catalytic performance of the catalysts. The rod-shaped CeO2 precursor was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis method, and then the corresponding catalysts were obtained by calcining the precursor in different atmospheres (H2, N2, air and O2, respectively). Then the catalysts were applied to the direct synthesis of DMC from CO2 and MeOH with 2-cyanopyridine (2-cp) as dehydrating agent (adding 0.10 mol MeOH, 0.05 mol 2-cp and 0.32 g catalyst, reaction at the conditions of 120 °C and 5 MPa for 2 h). The effects of calcination atmospheres on the catalytic performance of catalysts were studied. The crystal structures, texture properties and morphologies of the catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 absorption/desorption, SEM, etc. The results show that the four catalysts show no significant differences in structural properties and morphologies, and the valence of Ce on the catalysts surface is closely related to acid-base sites. The abundant defect sites on the catalysts surface enable them to have large specific surface areas and average pore sizes (specific surface area and average pore size of CeO2-air are 65.44 m²/g and 30.06 nm, respectively). The main exposed CeO2(111) crystal surface of the catalysts can promote the formation of DMC. Compared with the other three catalysts, CeO2-air exhibits the best catalytic performance due to its highest concentration of medium and strong acid-base sites and total acid-base sites, as well as the enhancement of weak acid acidity. The DMC yield and DMC selectivity of CeO2-air are 83.2% and 99.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a crucial strategy towards a sustainable chemical industry, the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from renewable carbon dioxide (CO2) and methanol (MeOH) is studied using CeO2 nanoparticles modified with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen carbonate ([BMIm][HCO3]) devoid of stoichiometric dehydrating agents. The synthesized CeO2@-[BMIm][HCO3] catalyst having high thermal stability harnesses the unique physicochemical properties of CeO2 and the ionic liquid to exhibit a DMC yield of 10.4% and a methanol conversion of 16.1% at optimal conditions (pressure of CO2= 5 MPa; temperature=130°C). The catalytic behavior of CeO2@-[BMIm][HCO3] studied with a detailed XRD, XPS, CO2 and NH3-TPD, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, FTIR, SEM and TEM suggests that the synergy between the two catalytic components originating from an increased surface oxygen vacancies boosts the overall catalytic performance. After several recycling tests, the catalyst demonstrated no significant reduction in DMC yield and methanol conversion. This platform is an attractive approach to synthesize thermally stable nanoparticle@ionic liquid that retains and merges the physical attributes of both materials for producing useful bulk chemicals from readily available chemical resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the recent developments in hydrochromic materials, visual detection of water level in plastic materials without sacrificing mechanical properties remains a meaningful yet challenging topic. Currently, to optimize the sensitivity, hydrochromic agents are usually incorporated into hygroscopic matrixes to form bulk solids, which have restricted compatibility for the direct application inside other polymer materials. In this study, this challenge is tackled by nanoscale incorporation of hydrochromic agent into a hygroscopic polymer by miniemulsion polymerization. The obtained hydrochromic nanocapsule has an average diameter ≈110 nm, shows reversible hydrochromic property after 10 cycles, and can offer the first directly eye‐readable signal about the real time in situ water level in plastic materials with a water level below 4 wt.%, while achieving a 214% enhancement of the toughness at the same time. Comprehensive researches by investigating the composition and viscoelastic transition of the nanocapsules has shed light on the mechanisms concerning hydrochromic sensitivity and toughening effect. This simple methodology not only offers a new route for the nanoscale incorporation and application of different hydrochromic materials, but also inspires the development of smart nanoparticles with other stimuli‐responsive functionalities. All these aspects should render this work interesting for both scientific researches and engineering practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the extension of the common β-diketimine proligand class, RArnacnacH (HC(RCNAr)2H), where R is an alkyl group such as Et or iPr, plus Ph, and Ar is a sterically demanding aryl substituent such as Dip = 2,6-diispropylphenyl, Dep = 2,6-diethylphenyl, Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl or mesityl, Xyl = 2,6-dimethylphenyl, via one-pot condensation procedures. When a condensation reaction is carried out using the chemical dehydrating agent PPSE (polyphosphoric acid trimethylsilylester), β-diketiminate phosphorus(V) products such as (iPrMesnacnac)PO2 can also be obtained, which can be converted to the respective proligand iPrMesnacnacH via alkaline hydrolysis. The RArnacnacH proligands can be converted to their alkali metal complexes with common methods and we have found that deprotonation of iPrDipnacnacH is significantly more sluggish than that of related β-diketimines with smaller backbone alkyl groups. The basicity of the RArnacnac− anions can play a role in the success of their salt metathesis chemistry and we have prepared and structurally characterised the EtDipnacnac-derived silicon(II) compounds (EtDipnacnac)SiBr and (EtDipnacnac')Si, where EtDipnacnac' is the deprotonated variant MeCHC(NDip)CHC(NDip)Et. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium allyl sulfonate (SAS) is a surfactant molecule that has occasional use as a monomer for the formation of functional polymers. A polymerization method is detailed herein, whereby it is demonstrated that the positioning of the individual functional groups can allow for the removal of protons adjacent to a sulfonate position before reaction with an electrophilic center to generate a polymeric material. In this case, sodium polysulfides are applied to promote the formation of a sulfur polymer using a mild synthesis that poses significant safety and energy benefits when compared to other methods of sulfur polymer generation, for example, inverse vulcanization. The polymer product that forms is demonstrated to retain all starting functionalities. Poly‐S‐SAS polymer also demonstrates impressive properties for application as a desiccant with a sorption maximum of 345 w/w % water, or as a flocculant material capable of removing up to 87% of different metals from low ppm solutions rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]