Search Results (7,569)

In response to the significant challenges posed by ice accumulation and contamination from various fluids in complex operating conditions for metallic materials, this study utilises picosecond laser precision machining to develop a ‘slippery surface’ featuring a micro-channel network structure. The core innovation of this study lies in the use of laser-machined micrometre-scale array textures to overcome the limitations of traditional isolated pores. These globally interconnected micro-channels serve as highly efficient reservoirs and dynamic transport channels for lubricants, significantly enhancing the interfacial capillary locking force of the lubricant. Experimental results demonstrate that this unique network geometry endows the surface with exceptional fluid replenishment and self-healing properties, enabling it to exhibit outstanding broad-spectrum hydrophobicity towards various fluids—including water, crude oil and ethanol (surface tension range: 17.9–72.0 mN m⁻¹)—with sliding angles consistently below 12°, whilst effectively slowing the dehydration and solidification processes of biological fluids. At a low temperature of −15 °C, the surface achieved an ice formation delay of up to 286 s, with an ice adhesion strength of only 33.9 kPa, ensuring that accumulated ice could be spontaneously detached under minimal external force. Furthermore, the micro-channel network structure serves as a key protective mechanism against mechanical wear, maintaining robust slippery properties even after three hours of high-pressure water jet scouring (Weber number of 300). This reliable interface, achieved through structural management, provides an efficient and scalable platform for addressing the all-weather anti-icing and antifouling requirements of outdoor infrastructure. Full article

Activated carbons are usually prepared from natural precursors (e.g., fruit stones or nutshells) by carbonization and activation processes carried out at 400–1000 °C. They exhibit well-developed porosity, and chemical activation introduces hydrophilic functional groups on their surface, providing excellent sorption properties. However, the high temperatures required during thermal treatment increase production costs. In this work, cost-reducing methods for preparing carbon sorbents are proposed. Carbonization of H₃PO₄ activated waste pistachio nutshells was performed using classical pyrolysis (500 or 550 °C, 30 min, N₂ atmosphere) and microwave treatment (power 1000 W, 20 min). The properties of the synthesized carbons were characterized using thermogravimetry and spectroscopic techniques including infrared (ATR), Raman, photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Porous structure parameters were determined using nitrogen adsorption experiments. The efficiency of Pb²⁺ removal from spiked ultrapure, tap and river water was evaluated by batch sorption experiments and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. The most porous carbons were those prepared at 500 and 550 °C, with specific surface areas of 910 and 256 m²/g, respectively. Surface phosphates increased the Pb²⁺ sorption efficiency to 99% from ultrapure water, at an initial concentration of 300 µg Pb²⁺/L. The material obtained with the microwave method was not fully carbonized and remained nonporous, but it also exhibited 99% Pb²⁺ uptake from ultrapure water due to the presence of oxygen-containing surface groups. The Pb²⁺ removal from spiked tap and river water reached up to 84% and 94%, respectively, at the spiking level of 300 µg Pb²⁺/L. Full article

Increasing water demand and the rising complexity of wastewater matrices, driven by pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and recalcitrant industrial contaminants, require advanced catalytic solutions capable of efficient mineralization under sustainable conditions. Solar-driven processes have attracted growing attention; however, ultraviolet disinfection, heterogeneous photocatalysis, and photo-Fenton systems are commonly treated as independent approaches without mechanistic integration. This review presents a unified photonic–thermal catalytic framework for solar-driven wastewater treatment, emphasizing the interplay between photon absorption, charge-carrier separation, reactive oxygen species generation, and radical-mediated oxidation pathways. The contributions of ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation are analyzed in terms of catalyst activation, persulfate and ozone activation mechanisms, and temperature-enhanced reaction kinetics governed by Arrhenius behavior. Particular attention is given to photothermal effects that modulate surface reaction rates, mass transfer, and catalyst stability. By integrating mechanistic insights with reactor-level considerations, this work provides a rational basis for the design of robust solar catalytic systems with enhanced activity, selectivity, and scalability for real wastewater applications. Full article

Recent work demonstrated that Cicindelidia hemorrhagica (LeConte) inhabiting geothermal springs in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) possess morphological traits that reduce internal heat load when exposed to bottom-up thermal stress. To investigate whether this pattern extends to other tiger beetle species occupying diverse environments, we quantified the internal abdominal temperatures of six species differing in habitat preference and putative thermal adaptation. Using a water-bath system that simulated surface heating, we compared the temperature differential (ΔT) between beetle-loaded and bare thermocouples across multiple temperatures. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the influence of location and species on internal temperature. Across all experimental temperatures, C. hemorrhagica exhibited the greatest ΔT values, indicating the lowest internal temperatures relative to the thermal environment, regardless of whether individuals originated from YNP or non-thermal Idaho habitats. In contrast, the warm-resilient Cicindela repanda (Dejean) and non-warm-adapted C. longilabris (Say) showed the smallest ΔT values and therefore the highest internal temperatures. Ventral abdominal coloration—ranging from bright red (C. sedecimpunctata (Klug)) to dark blue-green (C. oregona (Dejean))—did not correlate with internal temperatures, suggesting that it is a poor predictor of heat absorbance or reflectance under bottom-up heat exposure. These results indicate that C. hemorrhagica is uniquely effective at limiting internal heat gain from surface heating, and that it may possess a preadaptive morphological mechanism facilitating thermal resistance in geothermal habitats. Full article

Monitoring thermal effluent is critical for assessing aquatic ecosystem health, yet traditional satellite remote sensing and in situ point measurements often fail to capture fine-scale thermal dynamics in narrow streams and complex coastal areas due to spatiotemporal resolution limitations. This study establishes a high-precision surface water temperature mapping protocol using a low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with an uncooled thermal infrared sensor (FLIR Vue Pro R) to overcome these observational gaps. We investigated two distinct hydrological environments—an inland stream and a coastal sea—to provide initial evidence for the applicability of an in situ-based linear regression calibration model across contrasting aquatic settings. The initial uncalibrated radiometric temperatures exhibited significant bias errors reaching up to 9.2 °C in the stream and 9.4 °C in the coastal area, primarily driven by atmospheric attenuation and environmental factors. However, the proposed calibration method dramatically reduced these discrepancies, achieving Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) of 0.43 °C and 0.42 °C, respectively, with high determination coefficients (R² > 0.87). The derived high-resolution thermal maps successfully visualized the detailed diffusion patterns of thermal plumes, revealing a steep temperature gradient of approximately 13 °C in the stream discharge zone and a distinct 5 °C elevation in the coastal effluent area relative to the ambient water. These findings demonstrate that UAV-based thermal remote sensing, when coupled with a rigorous radiometric calibration strategy, can serve as a cost-effective and reliable tool for environmental monitoring, bridging the critical scale gap between local point measurements and regional satellite observations. Full article

Under continuous erosion of dynamic water pressure generated by vehicle–water–pavement coupling interaction, asphalt mixture will gradually deteriorate and severe moisture damage finally emerges. The fine aggregate mixture (FAM) component is notably eroded and stripped, while the aggregate component even cracks sometimes. Sufficient attention has not been paid to these critical phenomena. This study employed the 3D laser scanning technique to detect changes in surface roughness of the asphalt mixture before and after it was eroded by dynamic water pressure. The degree of erosion of the asphalt mixture, FAM component, and aggregate component were thereby evaluated. The influences of experimental parameters such as water temperature and pore water pressure magnitude, as well as variable parameters including lithology and asphalt type, were also taken into account. By integrating the detection of physical and mechanical properties evolution of aggregates, the mechanism of moisture damage was comprehensively illustrated from the perspectives of both components of FAM and aggregate. The findings revealed that the 3D laser scanning technique could clearly detect and quantitatively assess the morphological changes on the asphalt mixture surface after been eroded in dynamic water pressure. Both types of asphalt mixtures exhibited varying degrees of erosion and wear, and obvious increases in surface unevenness were observed in each case. Variations in either temperature or pore water pressure magnitude showed limited influence on moisture damage in basalt-based asphalt mixture. In contrast, moisture damage sustained by limestone-based asphalt mixture was notably sensitive to temperature changes but remained largely insensitive to fluctuations in pore water pressure magnitude. The increase in surface roughness of asphalt mixture was primarily attributed to the scouring action of dynamic water pressure, which removed the FAM component surrounding coarse aggregate particles. Degradation in coarse aggregate particles would lead to the deterioration of the entire asphalt mixture. The compatibility between the stripping rate of FAM component and the deterioration rate of coarse aggregate governed the macroscopic manifestation of overall moisture damage in the asphalt mixture. Full article

This study presents an integrated approach for producing antioxidant-rich polar fractions from Inula salicina L. via pressurised ethanol/water extraction (PLE-EtOH/H₂O), optimised by coupling a central composite design and response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) with Aspen Plus^® simulation. The effects of PLE temperature, extraction time, and EtOH/H₂O ratio for yield, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) measured in ABTS^•+-scavenging, cupric ion reducing antioxidant (CUPRAC) and oxygen radical absorbance (ORAC) assays were assessed via a multi-response optimisation approach. Optimal conditions were set at 82 °C, 27 min, and 60% EtOH (v/v), yielding ~29 g extract per 100 g plant material, characterised by high TPC (227 mg GAE/g), TFC (34 mg QE/g), and TEAC values in the CUPRAC (1473 mg TE/g), ABTS (869 mg TE/g), and ORAC assays (1165 mg TE/g). The TPC and TEAC values of the post-extraction residue were >92% lower than those of unextracted I. salicina, confirming efficient recovery of the major portion of antioxidant-active constituents by PLE-EtOH/H₂O. The high in vitro radical scavenging capacity, reducing power, and photoprotective potential (sun protection factor ~50 at 0.5 mg/mL) of the I. salicina extract are consistent with its phenolic-rich composition, with chlorogenic acid (~97 mg/g extract) and its derivatives being the major constituents. The validated Aspen Plus^® model closely aligned with the CCD-RSM predictions, supporting process scale-up and energy feasibility and demonstrating an industry-relevant, green-solvent PLE process for producing higher value-added I. salicina fractions with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Full article

As an emerging oilseed crop in China, peony seed oils account for 0.41% of the annual production of Chinese edible vegetable oils, and the oil-type peony seed is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Moisture content and temperature are key factors in the storage of oilseeds. In this study, the adsorption and desorption isotherms of ten species of peony seeds and one species of cake were determined in the range of 20–30 °C and 10–90% equilibrium relative humidity (ERH). The adsorption and desorption isotherms of peony seeds and cake were type II (sigmoidal) or type III curves. Nine equilibrium moisture content (EMC) equations were used to fit the isotherms of peony samples, with the optimal equations being our developed 7-parameter polynomial (Poly), modified Halsey equation (MHAE), and modified Oswin equation (MOE). For Poly, the fitting parameter determination coefficient (R²) was 0.9816–0.9986, and the mean relative error (MRE) was 0.83–6.52%; for MHAE, R² was 0.7815–0.9973, and MRE was 4.18–17.84%. Poly contains the terms of temperature and ERH interaction; therefore, Poly could analyze the safe moisture content of peony seeds and cake during storage and transportation, and the three-parameter reversible MHAE could be used for calculating the sorption isosteric heats. The adsorption monolayer moisture content (M₀) in peony seeds and cake estimated by MGAB were 3.64 ± 0.42% and 4.28%, respectively, while their desorption M₀ values, respectively, were 6.21 ± 0.47% and 4.83%. At ERH ≤ 65%, for preventing the growth of storage pests and fungi, the absolutely safe storage moisture content (MC) predicted by Poly at 25 °C and 65% ERH was 12.48% wet basis (w.b.) for seeds and 11.92% for cake. The heat of sorption of peony seeds and cake approached that of pure water at about 11% and 15% w.b. MC estimated by the MHAE model, respectively. Microstructure analysis showed that the rich liposomes in peony seeds were attached to the inner surface of the cell wall and the outer surface of the protein storage vacuole, and the rich protein bodies and hydrophilic polysaccharides explained why the safe storage moisture for yellow peony seeds was higher than for Ziyan Feishuang seeds. This study provides the basic data for drying simulation, and the safe storage and transportation of peony seed and cake products. Full article

Magneto-fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) promise compact, dual-readout nanomaterials; however, achieving pronounced photoluminescence alongside magnetic functionality in a simple, scalable formulation remains difficult, especially for emerging doped CQDs. Here, we report Fe-doped carbon quantum dots (Fe-CQDs) as an emerging quantum-dot platform that integrates fluorescence with magnetic-resonance (MR) relaxometry within a single ultrasmall, carbonaceous nanostructure. To enable this, Fe-CQDs are prepared through a straightforward two-step, low-temperature route that uses a magnetic deep eutectic solvent precursor followed by mild carbonization in air at atmospheric pressure. Under UV excitation, the Fe-CQDs display bright blue emission centered at 439 nm, and their optical behavior is characterized by UV-Vis absorption, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. Meanwhile, dynamic light scattering indicates a narrowly distributed nanoscale hydrodynamic diameter, and X-ray diffraction together with FT-IR supports a carbonaceous framework enriched with oxygenated surface functionalities, consistent with aqueous dispersibility and environmentally responsive photophysics in water, while XPS supports Fe incorporation in an Fe(III)-dominated chemical environment. Importantly, Fe incorporation enables intrinsic MR relaxometric readout, establishing an intrinsic fluorescence/MR dual modality. As a proof-of-concept, Fe-CQDs were tested with a representative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), showing parallel fluorescence and MR response trends at ppm levels in natural water matrices from Millerton Lake with Stern–Volmer analysis and a NaCl-based ionic strength control. Overall, these results position Fe-CQDs as a versatile magneto-fluorescent nanomaterial for dual-readout screening workflows and motivate future surface engineering and dopant tuning to improve selectivity and expand toward multi-modal readouts. Full article

The study is based on Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Air Temperature data and Nonparametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique to evaluate heat efficiency and detect anomalies in the thermal regime in the Eastern Black Sea Region, particularly in Hopa and Artvin, during the period 2000–2024. The regulating role of the Black Sea has resulted in Hopa having the warmest and most stable temperature patterns, with daytime temperatures 1.8 to 3.7 °C higher than Artvin. Previous DEA analysis of daytime temperatures has shown that the 2018–2020 period had the highest daily temperatures, while the 2001–2010 decade was characterized by the highest nighttime temperatures. A future heat map based on Monte Carlo simulation using six climate change scenarios indicates that in the most optimistic case, assuming a temperature increase of +0.8 °C, efficiency scores could increase as high as 0.995. On the other hand, if global warming leads to a sudden temperature increase above +7.2 °C, there is a 21.7% climate efficiency loss. Sensitivity analysis showed that technological innovation and good governance are the main positive factors affecting climate efficiency. Random Forest (RF) and SHapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analyses were applied to determine the impact of climate factors on DEA scores and also indicated areas requiring risk assessment. The findings highlight the importance of considering location-specific climate adaptation strategies. Based on the observed thermal contrasts between coastal and inland environments, potential adaptation considerations may include urban heat management and agricultural water stress in coastal areas such as Hopa, and cold-climate resilience and energy-efficient infrastructure in inland locations such as Artvin. Full article

Located in the north of Yunnan Province, China, the Wuding geothermal area is a typical medium- and low-temperature geothermal system with strong hydrothermal activity and development potential as a clean and renewable energy resource. This study systematically investigates the main controlling factors of the Wuding geothermal field through field investigation, hydrochemical analysis, and stable isotope analysis, and puts forward a genetic model of the geothermal field. The results show that the Wuding geothermal field is a medium- to low-temperature, conduction-dominated geothermal system, and its geothermal water is predominantly of the Ca–HCO₃ (calcium bicarbonate) type. The recharge area lies at an altitude above 2250 m, which is speculated to be within the mountainous area in the southwest of the study area. The underground hot water in the area is immature water. The source water circulates to the deep heat storage zone along faults, rises to the surface through heat convection, and is exposed as hot springs. Upon discharge, the geothermal water mixes with shallow cold water, with cold-water dilution accounting for up to 85% of the total volume. Using the silica thermometer, cation thermometer, and silicon enthalpy model, the maximum temperature of heat storage is estimated to be 91 °C, with the depth of geothermal water circulation reaching 2200 m. The thermal reservoir is composed of dolomites of the Upper Cambrian Erdaoshui Formation (∈3e) and Sinian Dengying Formation (Zbd). Its heat source is heat flow from the upper mantle and the decay of radioactive elements. Continuous heat flow to the thermal reservoir is maintained through the fold fracture zone and faults in the core of the Hongshanwan anticline. The proposed genetic model of the Wuding geothermal field provides a scientific basis for the sustainable redevelopment and utilization of this geothermal resource and is of significance for regional low-carbon energy use and socio-economic sustainable development. Full article

MXene, as a suitable and alternative 2D nanofiller incorporated into a proton exchange membrane (PEM), has recently received considerable attention because of desired mechanical stability, promising conductivity, and active surface functional groups. However, agglomeration or sedimentation in PEMs, as well as the water retention capacity under low humidity of MXene, are limiting factors in the field of PEMs. In this paper, modified MXene and TiO₂ nanoparticles used as functional nanofillers were incorporated into sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) to prepare novel SPEEK-based composite PEMs. The effects of the nanofiller contents on self-humidifying and protonic conductivity of the composite PEMs were also investigated under different temperatures. When the contents of functionalized MXene and modified TiO₂ are 5 wt.%, proton conductivity, water uptake and methanol permeability of the composite PEMs can be up to 0.143 S/cm, 60% and 2.27 × 10⁻⁷ cm²/s, respectively, which represent increases of about 192%, about 38% and a decrease of 47%, respectively, compared with that of primary SPEEK PEM. Under the synergistic action of functionalized MXene providing a higher number of exchangeable proton sites, modified TiO₂ with inherent hydrophilicity enhancing water retention and Pt providing catalytic sites for the H₂/O₂ reaction to generate water in situ, the self-humidifying capability and proton conductivity of the composite PEMs were improved significantly. Full article

This study investigated the extraction and characterization of pectin from the peel and the pulp of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) cladodes, aiming to define sustainable and optimized extraction conditions and to evaluate the applicability of the extracted pectin in film development for food packaging. Cladodes were chemically characterized, confirming their richness in sugars, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds. Different solvents (citric acid, acetic acid, and acidified water) and pH values (1.5–7) were evaluated, with citric acid (1% w/v) selected as the most suitable solvent due to its extraction efficiency and food-grade nature. Process optimization was performed using response surface methodology (RSM), considering liquid-to-solid ratio (5–15 v/w), extraction time (40–60 min), and temperature (70–90 °C). The regression models showed good fit, with R² values of 88.79% for peel and 89.20% for pulp. Extraction yield was mainly influenced by liquid-to-solid ratio, time, and temperature, with optimal conditions defined as 10 v/w, 40 min, and 80 °C. Pectin obtained under optimized conditions was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, showing functional groups consistent with commercial citrus pectin, while galacturonic acid content and degree of esterification confirmed its purity and classification as low-methoxyl pectin, supporting its suitability for further film production. Additionally, the extracted pectin was successfully incorporated into blended films with commercial pectin, resulting in films with improved water resistance and water vapor barrier performance. Overall, OFI cladodes represent a promising and sustainable source of pectin for biodegradable food packaging applications. Full article

This study investigates the valorisation of Salicornia ramosissima agro-industrial by-product by using cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) extracted from this halophyte to reinforce chitosan-based films. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of chitosan films containing 0% (control), 1%, and 2% (w/w) CNF were evaluated. Films were produced by solvent casting with glycerol as a plasticiser. At the 2% CNF concentration, films exhibited a reduced moisture content and increased solubility in aqueous solutions. The water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) decreased as CNF content increased under constant humidity but increased at higher temperature and humidity. Control films were more transparent, yet CNF-reinforced films had higher tensile strength and Young’s modulus, reflecting greater stiffness. Maximum elongation at break decreased markedly with the addition of CNFs. SEM revealed that reinforced films had more heterogeneous, rougher surfaces, particularly at 2% CNF. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that 2% CNF adversely affected the thermal stability of the chitosan film. ATR-FTIR spectra indicated that CNF reinforcement protected against UV-induced degradation. Degradability tests in soil and seawater confirmed that the chitosan–CNF mixture preserved degradability, especially at 1% CNF. These findings demonstrate that reinforcing chitosan-based films with CNFs from S. ramosissima can improve functional properties and suggest the potential of this approach for biomaterials development in food packaging applications. Full article

Heavy metal pollution poses a serious threat to water resource security and ecological health, due to its high toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation. Accordingly, it is crucial to develop efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly adsorption materials. Biomass-based materials, as a widely available, renewable, and low-cost natural organic resource, exhibit significant advantages for water pollutant adsorption and removal due to their unique porous structures and abundant active functional groups. This review systematically summarizes the classification strategies, fabrication methodologies, and adsorption performances of biomass-based materials for aqueous heavy metal ion removal. Key factors governing adsorption behavior, including solution pH, temperature, initial ion concentration, and adsorbent dosage, are critically analyzed to elucidate structure–property–performance correlations. Particular emphasis is placed on the underlying adsorption mechanisms, encompassing physical adsorption, surface complexation, ion exchange, electrostatic interactions, and synergistic interfacial effects. By integrating recent advances in material design and mechanistic understanding, this review provides a comprehensive framework bridging fundamental research and practical implementation, and highlights future opportunities for engineering next-generation sustainable biomass adsorbents toward efficient heavy metal ion decontamination. Full article