Role of ethanol to water ratio in hydrogen production by ethanol steam reforming in atmospheric pressure 915 MHz microwave plasma.

As interest in the hydrogen economy grows, the demand for efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable hydrogen production methods increases. In response, this work focuses on developing a small-scale hydrogen production method based on ethanol steam reforming in low-temperature microwave plasma. The process operates at 915 MHz under atmospheric pressure, offering a catalyst-free approach.

A Key to Material's Stability: Tuning Pyrolysis Temperature in SnS@C Anodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Developing robust and efficient anodes is essential for advancing sodium-ion battery technology. Herein, a systematic investigation of SnS@C composites prepared at different pyrolysis temperatures to elucidate how their structural, surface, and electrochemical properties govern sodium-ion storage is reported. The study reveals that a lower synthesis temperature traps extra sulfur within the carbon matrix, which hampers the complete SnS conversion reaction and Na intercalation processes.

Robust Laser-Induced Graphene-Boron-Doped Diamond Nanowall Hybrid Nanostructures with Enhanced Field Electron Emission Performance for Microplasma Illumination Devices.

This investigation introduces a scalable fabrication method for laser-induced graphene (LIG)-boron-doped diamond nanowall (BDNW) hybrid nanostructures, designed for field electron emission (FEE) cathode materials in microplasma illumination (μPI) devices. The two-step process involves fabricating BDNWs via microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, followed by drop-casting BDNW dispersion onto polyimide foils to create LIG-BDNW hybrid nanostructures. Topographic studies reveal that BDNWs on LIG boosts surface area and prevent graphene restacking.

Perspectives on electron transfer kinetics across graphene-family nanomaterials and interplay of electronic structure with defects and quantum capacitance.

This perspective presents a combined experimental-theory investigation of the mechanistic outer-sphere electron transfer (OS-ET) kinetics in an adiabatic regime for a cornerstone electrochemical reaction, fundamental to efficient energy interconversion as in electrochemical double layer supercapacitors, across graphene-family nanomaterials (GFNs) ranging from pristine graphene to nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel and the novel laser-induced graphene. Using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) operating in feedback mode and co-located spectroscopy, the ET rate constant, k (or k cm/s) was quantified while imaging electroactivity of potassium hexacyanoferrate (III/IV) [Fe (CN)] or ferrocene methanol [Fc/Fc] redox probe yielding unexpected trends. We examined factors affecting the kinetic rate constant, rationalized through a physical model and parameterized using density functional theory by incorporating defects and dopants.

Tuning charge transport in polydopamine tetramers via oxidation state and orientation in supramolecular junctions with gold contacts: An ab initio DFT study.

This work presents a comprehensive computational investigation of gold-polydopamine supramolecular junctions and their electronic properties using density functional theory (DFT) and non-equilibrium Green's functions (NEGF) methodology. Non-covalent interactions between gold and PDA models are described in the slab configuration, and the molecular junction. By modulating the oxidation state, molecular structure, and surface arrangements of the PDA model, we demonstrate the tunability of the electronic structure, which is promising for application in nanodevices.

Flexible MXene/Laser-Induced Porous Graphene Asymmetric Supercapacitors: Enhanced Energy Density of Lateral and Sandwich Architectures Under Different Electrolytes.

Deployment of 2D layered materials beyond graphene, i.e., MXene (TiCT, T = ─OH, F, O) is rigorously explored for generation-II electrochemical energy storage systems.

Effect of synthesis method on ammonium sorption behavior of oat husk biochar.

Ammonium is a pollutant commonly detected in various water sources and, in high concentrations, poses significant risks to environmental quality and public health. Numerous techniques have been developed and are currently employed to eliminate pollutants, including ammonium ions, from water. Among these various methods, adsorption has proven to be the most cost-effective and eco-friendly, particularly when utilizing an inexpensive and effective adsorbent.

The impact of goat hair as a natural animal fiber on properties of the lightweight cement composite.

The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials has prompted the exploration of natural fibers as reinforcement in cement composites. This study investigates the potential of goat hair as a natural fiber reinforcement in lightweight cement composites to enhance mechanical properties and sustainability. The research evaluates goat-hair-reinforced composites' flexural and compressive strengths at 7 and 28 days after mixing.

Experimental Investigations on the Repeatability of the Fire-Resistance Testing of Electric Vehicle Post-Crash Safety Procedures.

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has elevated the importance of rigorous safety standards, particularly for fire resistance in post-crash scenarios. Existing testing protocols, such as Regulation No. 100, utilize petrol pool fires to simulate real-world fire hazards but lack comprehensive analysis regarding their repeatability and reliability.

Biomass-Based Hydrogen Extraction and Accompanying Hazards-Review.

Nowadays, there is an increased demand for energy, the access to which, however, is limited due to the decreasing of fossil sources and the need to reduce emissions, especially carbon dioxide. One possible remedy for this situation is using hydrogen as a source of green energy. Hydrogen is usually bound to other chemical elements and can be separated via energy-intensive few-step conversion processes.

Nanosecond Laser Processing of Titanium in Organic Liquids as a Method for Obtaining Titanium Carbide Coatings.

This work presents results on nanosecond laser ablation of a titanium (Ti) plate immersed in a liquid medium using the fundamental wavelength (1064 nm) of a nanosecond Nd:YAG laser system. The laser radiation was focused on the target surface as scanning was accomplished by an XY translation stage. The laser processing of the Ti targets took place in two organic liquids-liquid paraffin and diesel oil.

Hydrogen-Induced Degradation of Metallic Materials-A Short Review.

Hydrogen is currently used as an energy source, and there are already vehicles (cars and buses) that run on hydrogen in our public spaces. Additionally, in the chemical, petrochemical and nuclear industries, many devices come into contact with hydrogen. This short review covers a broad range of topics related to HE, i.

Solvent Selection as a Key Factor in the Performance of Semitransparent Heterojunctions Composed of Hydrogenated Nanotubes and Bismuth Sulfides.

Research on titanium nanotubes modified with metal sulfides, particularly bismuth sulfide (BiS), aims to create heterostructures that efficiently absorb sunlight and then separate photogenerated charge carriers, thereby enhancing the energy conversion efficiency. This study shows a key role of solvent used for sulfide and bismuth salt solutions used during successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) onto the morphology, structure, and photoresponse of the heterojunction where one element is represented by semitransparent titania nanotubes (gTiNT) and the second is BiS. Using 2-methoxyethanol and methanol during SILAR, results in remarkably photoactive 3D heterostructure and recorded photocurrents were 44 times higher compared to bare titania nanotubes.

Chromium Substitution Extraction Method for Its Recovery from Chromium-Tanned Leather Waste.

The leather industry generates significant amounts of waste, including chromium-tanned leather waste (CTLW), which poses environmental and health hazards due to chromium's potential toxicity. Efficient management of CTLW is crucial for environmental sustainability and resource recovery. Various methods exist for chromium recovery, including physical, chemical, and biological processes, with chemical methods, particularly substitution extraction using organic acids, showing promising results.

Thermal-Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of the Impact of Structural Modifications on the Stress and Flow Parameters in a Nozzle Box Made of StE460 Steel.

This study explores the impact of structural modifications on the stress distribution and flow characteristics of a nozzle box in a steam turbine, specifically targeting the components made from high-strength StE460 steel. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFDs) and Thermal-Fluid-Structure Interaction (Thermal-FSI) simulations, we examine the effects of shortening the nozzle guide vanes by 7 mm. This novel approach significantly reduces the stress levels within the nozzle box segments, bringing them below the critical thresholds and thus enhancing component durability.

Long-Pulse Thermography Application for Detection and Localisation of Embedded Optical Fibres into Glass Fibre Composite.

Composites have found applications in critical components and require a high degree of safety and reliability. To ensure this, structural health monitoring systems based on optical fibres embedded within structures are installed for continuous monitoring. Infrared thermography is a non-destructive method that can be applied to inspect the internal structure after manufacturing and during operation.

Performance and Emission Characteristics of a Small Gas Turbine Engine Using Hexanol as a Biomass-Derived Fuel.

The global transition to renewable energy has amplified the need for sustainable aviation fuels. This study investigates hexanol, a biomass-derived alcohol, as an alternative fuel for small-scale gas turbines. Experimental trials were conducted on a JETPOL GTM-160 turbine, assessing blends of 25% (He25) and 50% (He50) hexanol with kerosene (JET A) under rotational velocities ranging from 40,000 to 110,000 RPM.

Multi-Objective NSGA-II Optimization of Single- and Dual-Fluid ORC-VCC Systems Using Butane and Isobutane.

The urgent need for environmentally sustainable cooling technologies, driven by global regulatory constraints, has intensified the search for natural refrigerants with low global warming potential. This study evaluates the potential of natural refrigerants, specifically butane and isobutane, in advanced single- and dual-fluid Organic Rankine Cycle-Vapor Compression Cycle (ORC-VCC) systems to enhance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) within a multi-objective framework, the optimization maximizes key performance metrics such as coefficient of performance (COP) and cooling power, while the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method enables a refined ranking of optimal solutions.

Hydroxyapatite Nanocoatings Deposited by Means of Resonant Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation.

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is one of the most widely studied materials for utilization in the development of artificial implants. Research is mainly aimed at the production and modification of HAp coatings for simplification of the deposition process, cost reduction, and increase in biocompatibility. In this paper, the authors deposited HAp synthetic microparticles by means of matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) on Ti6Al4V alloy plate substrates and obtained uniform HAp coatings without further treatment or modifications.

Leather Waste Hydrolysation, Carbonization, and Microbial Treatment for Nitrogen Recovery by Ryegrass Cultivation.

Leather waste contains up to 10% nitrogen (N); thus, combustion or gasification only for the energy recovery would not be rational, if safety standards are met. On the other hand, the chromium (Cr) content exceeding 5% in half of the waste stream (/) is too significant to be applied in agriculture. In this work, four acid hydrolysates from leather waste shavings, both wet-white free of Cr and wet-blue with Cr, were used: two with a mixture of acids and supplemented with Cu, Mn, and Zn, and the other two as semi-products from collagen extraction using hydrochloric acid.

Analysis of the Properties and Thermal Behavior of Low-Temperature Phase Change Materials (PCMs) That Can Be Applied in Heating and Ventilation Systems.

This article analyses the use of low-temperature PCMs in devices supplementing a room ventilation system to prevent the overcooling effect. In this study, the phase change is numerically simulated in an axisymmetric system consisting of two tubes. One is filled with RT11HC with an initial temperature of 0 °C, while air with an inlet temperature of 20 °C flows through the other, heating the PCM and causing it to melt.

Dynamic Analysis and Vibration Control of Additively Manufactured Thin-Walled Polylactic Acid Polymer (PLAP) and PLAP Composite Beam Structures: Numerical Investigation and Experimental Validation.

This study primarily presents a numerical investigation of the dynamic behavior and vibration control in thin-walled, additively manufactured (AM) beam structures, validated through experimental results. Vibration control in thin-walled structures has gained significant attention recently because vibrations can severely affect structural integrity. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize these vibrations or keep them within acceptable limits to ensure the structure's integrity.

Numerical Investigation of the Impact of Cracks and Stiffness Loss in the Supporting System for the Dynamic Characteristics of a Rotating Machine.

In the literature on rotating machinery, many articles discuss the analysis of various rotor and bearing defects, including both sliding and rolling bearings. Defects in the rotor supporting system are investigated much less frequently. In rotor-bearing-supporting structure systems, where there are couplings between the individual sub-systems, damage to the supporting structure can significantly impact the dynamic properties of the entire machine.

Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Co-Cr Dental Alloys Fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion: Evaluation of Quenching and Annealing as Heat Treatment Methods.

Residual stresses and anisotropic structures characterize laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) products due to rapid thermal changes during fabrication, potentially leading to microcracking and lower strength. Post-heat treatments are crucial for enhancing mechanical properties. Numerous dental technology laboratories worldwide are adopting the new technologies but must invest considerable time and resources to refine them for specific requirements.

Optimisation of Active Magnetic Elements in Beam-like Structures-Numerical Modelling Studies.

This paper explores integrating advanced materials, including magnetic shape memory alloys, magnetorheological fluids, and classical shape memory alloys, within structural elements to achieve exceptional physical properties. When these materials are integrated within structures-whether as wires, actuators, or dampers-they provide the structures with unique static, dynamic, and damping characteristics not commonly found in nature. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of these active materials in enhancing the performance of beam-like structures.