Design of SiO2-TiO2-PAM composite flocculant with self-degrading characteristics and optimization of the flocculation process using a combination of central composite design and response surface methodology

Controlled synthesis of ternary acrylamide/sodium acrylate/polyethyleneglycol hybrids by integrating different clays and fillers: a comprehensive evaluation of structural features

A series of anionic poly(acrylamide-co-sodium acrylate)/poly(ethylene glycol), PAN/PEG, hybrids were conveniently synthesized via free radical aqueous polymerization by integrating bentonite, kaolin, mica, graphene and silica, following a simple and eco-friendly crosslinking methodology. A comparative perspective was presented on how integrated nanofillers affect the physicochemical properties of hybrid gels depending on the differences in their structures. Among the five types of nanofillers, bentonite-integrated hybrid gel had the highest water absorbency, while graphene-integrated gel had the lowest. The elastic moduli of hybrid gels with the same content of inorganic component followed the order graphene > silica > mica > kaolin > bentonite. Adding 1.50% (w/v) bentonite to the PAN/PEG matrix increased the elastic modulus by 1.4 times compared to the as-prepared state, while adding the same amount of graphene created a 4.1-fold increase. By decreasing the synthesis temperature of hybrids to cryoconditions, -18 °C, an increase in the modulus of all gels was observed, while the modulus of graphene-doped gels increased from 25.9 kPa to 39.1 kPa. pH-dependent swelling demonstrated that hybrid gels can dynamically bind or release protons in response to changes in surrounding pH and thus abruptly change their overall dimensions. On-off switching behavior as reversible pulsatile swelling in pH 11.2 and deswelling in pH 2.1 showed that hybrid gels exhibit reversible pH-responsiveness following Fickian diffusion of water into the hybrid matrix. The change in pH of the swelling medium caused a 4.5-fold increase in swelling ratio for the silica-doped hybrid gels. The studies in which anionic hybrids were tested to explore adsorption potential for cationic dye methylene blue (MB) showed that adsorbent properties could be tuned to the desired extent by incorporating different fillers. In terms of efficiency among the selected fillers, the maximum efficiency for MB was obtained as 99.2% and 88.60% for hybrids containing graphene and silica, respectively. The adsorption of MB on hybrids was fit to the three-parameter Sips model rather than the two-parameter models. The results introduced a new perspective on the design of ternary hybrid gels that could effectively address both the mechanical and responsive properties of soft materials, providing a platform for subsequent cationic dye adsorption.

Preparation of Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Flocculant Silicon Dioxide-Chitosan-Dimethyl Diallyl Ammonium Chloride for the Treatment of Papermaking Wastewater

In order to solve the shortcomings of a single flocculant, the inorganic-organic hybrid flocculant SiO2-CTS-DMDACC was successfully prepared by grafting copolymerization of chitosan (CTS), dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (DMDACC), and silicon dioxide (SiO2). The performance of SiO2-CTS-DMDACC in treating papermaking wastewater was investigated, and the mechanism of the flocculation process was analyzed. The results showed that the crystallinity of chitosan was reduced due to the introduction of DMDACC and SiO2. The water solubility and thermal stability of SiO2-CTS-DMDACC with the rough porous structure were enhanced. The introduction of DMDACC enhanced the cationic properties of CTS-DMDACC compared with CTS. In addition, compared to CTS-DMDACC, the introduction of SiO2 increased the viscosity of SiO2-CTS-DMDACC. The experimental results showed that the treatment effect and the flocculation performance of SiO2-CTS-DMDACC with CTS:SiO2:DMDACC of 1:2:4 were the best and better than that of CTS at pH 7 for the treatment of papermaking wastewater. The removal rates of turbidity, COD, and NH4+-N were 99.43%, 82.92%, and 78.43%, respectively. The experimental results revealed that charge neutralization was the main mechanism of SiO2-CTS-DMDACC, and the adsorption bridging and net sweeping played supplementary roles in the treatment of papermaking wastewater.

Application of a novel polymer cross-linked with magnetite for efficient norfloxacin adsorption at a wide pH range

Nowadays, NOR-containing wastewater has placed huge pressure on global ecology. In this study, a chemically-modified chitosan-based polymer was cross-linked with magnetite to prepare a novel magnetic composite adsorbent named Fe3O4/CS-P(AM-SSS) for norfloxacin (NOR) removal. The preparation conditions were optimized by single factor experiments and response surface methodology. A series of characterization analyses were carried out on the morphology, structure, and properties of Fe3O4/CS-P(AM-SSS), verifying that Fe3O4/CS-P(AM-SSS) was successfully prepared. Batch adsorption experiments showed that NOR was efficiently removed by Fe3O4/CS-P(AM-SSS), with a broad pH applicability of 3-10, short adsorption equilibrium time of 60 min, maximum adsorption capacity of 268.79 mg/g, and high regeneration rate of 86% after eight adsorption-desorption cycles. Due to the three-dimensional network structure and abundant functional groups provided by modified chitosan polymer, the superior adsorption capability of Fe3O4/CS-P(AM-SSS) was achieved through electrostatic interaction, π-π stacking, hydrophobic interaction, and hydrogen bonding. Adsorption process was exothermic and well fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isothermal model. The presence of cations had a slight inhibitory effect on NOR adsorption, while humic acid nearly had no effect. In model swine wastewater, 90.3% NOR was removed by Fe3O4/CS-P(AM-SSS). Therefore, with these superior characteristics, Fe3O4/CS-P(AM-SSS) was expected to be an ideal material for treating NOR-containing wastewater in the future.

Recent Advances in Co3O4-Based Composites: Synthesis and Application in Combustion of Methane

In recent years, it has been found that adjusting the organizational structure of Co₃O₄ through solid solution and other methods can effectively improve its catalytic performance for the oxidation of low concentration methane. Its catalytic activity is close to that of metal Pd, which is expected to replace costly noble metal catalysts. Therefore, the in-depth research on the mechanism and methods of Co₃O₄ microstructure regulation has very important academic value and economic benefits. In this paper, we reviewed the catalytic oxidation mechanism, microstructure regulation mechanism, and methods of nano-Co₃O₄ on methane gas, which provides reference for the development of high-activity Co₃O₄-based methane combustion catalysts. Through literature investigation, it is found that the surface energy state of nano-Co₃O₄ can be adjusted by loading of noble metals, resulting in the reduction of Co-O bond strength, thus accelerating the formation of reactive oxygen species chemical bonds, and improving its catalytic effect. Secondly, the use of metal oxides and non-metallic oxide carriers helps to disperse and stabilize cobalt ions, improve the structural elasticity of Co₃O₄, and ultimately improve its catalytic performance. In addition, the performance of the catalyst can be improved by adjusting the microstructure of the composite catalyst and optimizing the preparation process. In this review, we summarize the catalytic mechanism and microstructure regulation of nano-Co₃O₄ and its composite catalysts (embedded with noble metals or combined with metallic and nonmetallic oxides) for methane combustion. Notably, this review delves into the substance of measures that can be used to improve the catalytic performance of Co₃O₄, highlighting the constructive role of components in composite catalysts that can improve the catalytic capacity of Co₃O₄. Firstly, the research status of Co₃O₄ composite catalyst is reviewed in this paper. It is hoped that relevant researchers can get inspiration from this paper and develop high-activity Co₃O₄-based methane combustion catalyst.

Anionically modified N-(alkyl)acrylamide-based semi-IPN hybrid gels reinforced with SiO2 for enhanced on-off switching and responsive properties

Semi-interpenetrated (semi-IPN) poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid)/polyacrylamide P(NIPA-MA)/PAAm hybrid gels containing linear poly(acrylamide) PAAm chains were designed by incorporation of different amounts of silica particles (SiP). Formation of temperature-sensitive semi-IPN hybrid gels was evaluated by simultaneous radical polymerization under different polymerization temperatures, and the effect of polymer/particle interfaces on the swelling and elasticity was explained. Nanoparticle-mediated enhancements were studied to understand the effect of addition of SiP to anionically modified semi-IPNs. Hybrid network formation was confirmed by FTIR, with an increase in SiP resulting in an increased Si-O-Si absorption peak in hybrid samples. P(NIPA-MA)/PAAm/SiP gels showed a reduction in the degree of swelling with the addition of SiP. The Flory-Huggins interaction parameter of the semi-IPN hybrid-solvent was estimated using the extended equation. The compression test results showed an improvement in the stiffness and modulus attributed to stress transfer from the hybrid network to nanoparticles. Swelling processes of semi-IPN hybrids prepared by cold polymerization have anomalous diffusion owing to polymer relaxation, while Fickian behavior was observed for the hybrids obtained by warm polymerization. During oscillation shrinking-swelling of semi-IPN hybrids upon ionic-strength switching in NaCl solutions, the gels retained their shape and integrity for 10 cycles of testing. To evaluate the adsorption characteristics of semi-IPN hybrids, methyl violet (MV) was chosen as a model cationic dye. The effects of contact time, silica content and initial dye concentration were studied and the time-dependent adsorption data were fitted with six kinetic models. The MV uptake capacity of semi-IPN hybrids increased with an increase in the initial MV concentration as well as with silica content. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second order type adsorption kinetics and the mechanism of process was better described by intraparticle diffusion. These results will contribute to the understanding of roles of anionic comonomer and linear polymer doping in nanoparticle-mediated synthesis of hybrid gels and to the development of next-generation materials for pharmaceutical and environmental-based applications.

Pore Structure Evolution and Seepage Characteristics in Unclassified Tailing Thickening Process

The tailing paste thickening technology was investigated to achieve goaf reduction treatment and tailing resource utilization of metal mines and reach the effect of controlling two hazards with one waste. However, superfine tailing particles could easily form suspended water-locking flocs in the thickening process, which seriously affected the increase in the underflow concentration in the thickener. Undisturbed compression-stage bed samples were extracted using an in situ sampling method through a continuous dynamic thickening experiment. Then, the morphologies and geometrical structures of micropores were analyzed through high-precision computed tomography scanning. Subsequently, the influences of the shear evolution of pore structure and seepage channel on the dewaterability of underflow slurry were explored by combining Avizo software and 3D reconstruction technology. The thickening and dewatering mechanism of underflow slurry was also revealed. Results showed that under the shear action, the flocs were deformed and compacted, forming a high-concentration underflow. On this basis, the original micropores were extruded, deformed and segmented. Moreover, many loose micropores were formed, the connectivity became poor and the total porosity declined. The diameter of the water-conducting channel in the sample was enlarged because of the shear force and the seepage effect improved. The maximum flow velocity inside the pores was 1.537 μm/s, which was 5.49% higher than that under the non-shear state.

Advanced pre-treatment of stripped biogas slurry by polyaluminum chloride coagulation and biochar adsorption coupled with ceramic membrane filtration

Biogas slurry retention is a critical problem that cannot be solved by using the reuse method. Therefore, a new approach was taken to compensate for the shortcomings in the reuse method. In this study, after ammonia stripping, the ammonia nitrogen concentration in the stripped biogas slurry (SBS) still cannot reach the effluent standard (80 mg/L), so a variety of processes were needed to treat the SBS. Polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and rice husk biochar (B) were used to pretreat SBS. The effect of different pre-treatments on the COD value, ammonia nitrogen concentration, turbidity, total phosphorus (TP), and other indicators was investigated. After different pre-treatments by PAC and biochar, the pretreated SBS was filtered by a ceramic membrane, and the indicators of SBS were removed in the next step. After adding PAC and biochar together, ammonia nitrogen concentration was decreased to 68.09 mg/L, with a removal rate of 63%. The total phosphorus (TP) was also decreased, and its removal rate reached 92.5%. When the SBS was pretreated with PAC and biochar and then filtered through a ceramic membrane under different operating pressures, the removal rates of COD, total nitrogen (TN), turbidity, and suspended solids (SS) reached 81%, 88%, 96%, and 99% respectively. Moreover, by increasing the pressure from 0.1 to 0.3 MPa, the membrane flux was improved from 45 to 100.6 L/m2·h. This study proves that the combined pre-treatments of PAC and biochar can comprehensively remove various indicators from SBS while ensuring membrane flux during the membrane filtration process.