Search Results (34)

Thick-film organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are key for scalable manufacturing, but increasing active-layer thickness usually lowers power conversion efficiency (PCE) due to charge recombination and limited carrier extraction. We report high-efficiency thick-film OPVs fully processed in air by doctor blading using non-halogenated solvents (o-xylene with 3.5% tetralin) for two non-fullerene acceptor systems: PM6:ITIC-4F and PTQ-10:ITIC-4F. Active layers (100–500 nm) were fabricated by adjusting the coating speed while keeping the ink concentration and gap constant. Under mild drying (40 °C, 2 min), both systems exhibited significant efficiency losses at 1 sun (AM1.5G) as the thickness increased, whereas performance was largely preserved under indoor LED illumination (200 lx and 1000 lx), enabling high performance for thick films. Short thermal post-annealing (80–140 °C, 2 min) further improved PCE by reducing bimolecular recombination and enhancing nanostructure. Optimized PM6:ITIC-4F devices reached 10.2% (300 nm) under 1 sun and 14.78% at 200 lx; PTQ-10:ITIC-4F achieved 11.3% (500 nm) under 1 sun and up to 15.71% at 200 lx. Morphological and structural analysis indicates that the superior thick-film performance of PTQ-10:ITIC-4F is linked to favorable phase behavior, polymer-rich surface composition, and preferential face-on molecular orientation, promoting charge collection. These results demonstrate that low-cost PTQ-10 and non-halogenated air processing can enable industrially relevant, high-performance thick-film OPVs. Full article

The photocatalytic degradation of the pharmaceutical compound nadolol over TiO₂ under UV-LED irradiation was investigated, with particular emphasis on the inhibitory effects of common low-molecular-weight organic acids. Due to its aromatic (tetralin-like) motif and multiple heteroatom-containing functional groups, nadolol serves as a representative model for aromatic micropollutants whose fate can be governed by surface competition and noncovalent interactions. While TiO₂ showed high photocatalytic activity in ultrapure water, achieving complete nadolol degradation within 120 min, the presence of citric, oxalic, and acetic acids markedly reduced the degradation efficiency by approximately 72%, 62%, and 29%, respectively. Experimental results demonstrated that this inhibition could not be attributed solely to pH changes, indicating the contribution of additional molecular-level effects. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, molecular and periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed. The computational analysis revealed strong interactions between nadolol, organic acids, and the TiO₂ surface, leading to competitive adsorption and partial blocking of photocatalytically active sites. These results provide mechanistic insight into the role of natural organic acids in TiO₂-based photocatalytic systems and highlight the importance of considering real-water matrix components when designing efficient and sustainable photocatalytic water treatment processes. Full article

We present a combined experimental and modeling study of premixed atmospheric-pressure tetralin flames. Chemical speciation in near-stoichiometric (φ = 0.8–1.0) tetralin/O₂/Ar flames was characterized by probe-sampling molecular-beam mass spectrometry (MBMS) with soft ionization (12.3–18 eV). Total ionization cross-sections (TICSs) for heavy intermediates were computed ab initio to enable quantitative MBMS processing. Laminar burning velocities (LBVs) of tetralin/air flames were measured in a range of equivalence ratios (φ = 0.75–1.5) on a nozzle burner via the stretch-corrected total area method. This is the first reported LBV data for tetralin/air flames (maximum LBV was 47.3 ± 2 cm/s at φ = 1.1). The experimental mole fraction profiles and LBVs were interpreted using three detailed mechanisms. None of the mechanisms were able to correctly describe the LBV profile, and a number of discrepancies were observed in the mole fraction profiles. Reaction network and sensitivity analyses were performed to identify specific sub-mechanisms requiring refinement. In particular, the subchemistry of naphthalene and indene strongly affects the accuracy of model predictions, whereas the flame speciation data indicate large uncertainties in the simulated concentrations of these species. Full article

The accumulation of polyolefin waste, particularly high-density polyethylene (HDPE), presents a growing environmental challenge due to limited recycling options and poor end-of-life recovery. This study explores a strategy to convert HDPE into mesophase pitch (MP), a valuable carbon precursor, by integrating polyolefin recycling with the mild solvolysis liquefaction (MSL) of low-rank coals. HDPE was first hydrogenolyzed into a hydrogen-rich aromatic liquid (HDPE-liquid), which was then used as the liquefaction solvent. Under identical conditions (400 °C, 60 min), Utah Sufco coal co-liquefied with HDPE-liquid produced tar that formed mesophase pitch with a higher mesophase content (84.5% vs. 78.6%) and a lower softening point (~302 °C vs. >350 °C) compared to pitch from conventional tetralin (THN). The approach was extended to Illinois #6 and Powder River Basin coals, increasing the mesophase content from 12.4% to 32.6% and 17.8% to 62.1%, respectively. These improvements are attributed to differences in tar composition: HDPE-derived tars had lower terminal methyl (Hγ) contents, reducing cross-linking during thermal upgrading. This work demonstrates that HDPE-derived liquids can act as functional solvents for coal liquefaction, enabling an effective route to recycle polyolefin waste into durable carbon products, while also reducing reliance on fossil-based solvents for mesophase pitch production. Full article

The use of depressant additives is the most effective and cost-effective way to improve the low-temperature properties of diesel fuels, like the cloud point, cold filter plugging point and pour point. However, the effectiveness of depressant additives depends on the composition of the diesel fuel and the content of certain groups of hydrocarbons in it. In this work, the effect of adding individual hydrocarbons of various groups and structures on the effectiveness of depressant additives is studied. This study is carried out on model aromatic (toluene, tetralin) and n-paraffin hydrocarbons (cetane, heptadecane, heneicosane, docosane) in various concentrations. It is shown that the most negative effect on the depressant additives’ effectiveness is due to the content of the most polar aromatic hydrocarbons and light n-paraffins in the composition of diesel fuel, and the most positive effect is exerted by the content of heavy n-paraffins in small quantities. It is proposed to involve small concentrations (1–3% vol.) of heavy n-paraffin hydrocarbons (heneicosane, docosane) to increase the effectiveness of the depressant additive. It has been established that for the more effective action of the depressant, it is necessary to take into account the content and structure of individual hydrocarbons in the diesel fuel’s composition. Full article

Neuropathic pain is a well-documented phenomenon in experimental and clinical diabetes; however, current treatment is unsatisfactory. Serotoninergic-containing neurons are key components of the descending autoinhibitory pathway, and a decrease in their activity may contribute at least in part to diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP). A streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rat was used as a model for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Pain transmission was evaluated using well-established nociceptive-based techniques, including the Hargreaves apparatus, cold plate and dynamic plantar aesthesiometer. Using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and HPLC-based techniques, we also measured in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system of diabetic animals the expression and localization of 5-HT1A receptors (5-HT1AR), levels of key enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of tryptophan and 5-HT, including tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (Tph-2), tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (Tdo), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (Ido1) and Ido2. Moreover, spinal concentrations of 5-HT, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA, a metabolite of 5-HT) and quinolinic acid (QA, a metabolite of tryptophan) were also quantified. Diabetic rats developed thermal hyperalgesia and cold/mechanical allodynia, and these behavioral abnormalities appear to be associated with the upregulation in the levels of expression of critical molecules related to the serotoninergic nervous system, including presynaptic 5-HT1AR and the enzymes Tph-2, Tdo, Ido1 and Ido2. Interestingly, the level of postsynaptic 5-HT1AR remains unaltered in STZ-induced T1DM. Chronic treatment of diabetic animals with 8-hydroxy-2-(dipropylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), a selective 5-HT1AR agonist, downregulated the upregulation of neuronal presynaptic 5-HT1AR, increased spinal release of 5-HT (↑ 5-HIAA/5-HT) and reduced the concentration of QA, decreased mRNA expression of Tdo, Ido1 and Ido2, arrested neuronal degeneration and ameliorated pain-related behavior as exemplified by thermal hyperalgesia and cold/mechanical allodynia. These data show that 8-OH-DPAT alleviates DNP and other components of the serotoninergic system, including the ratio of 5-HIAA/5-HT and 5-HT1AR, and could be a useful therapeutic agent for managing DNP. Full article

Organic solar cells (OSCs) demonstrating high power conversion efficiencies have been mostly fabricated using halogenated solvents, which are highly toxic and harmful to humans and the environment. Recently, non-halogenated solvents have emerged as a potential alternative. However, there has been limited success in attaining an optimal morphology when non-halogenated solvents (typically o-xylene (XY)) were used. To address this issue, we studied the dependence of the photovoltaic properties of all-polymer solar cells (APSCs) on various high-boiling-point non-halogenated additives. We synthesized PTB7-Th and PNDI2HD-T polymers that are soluble in XY and fabricated PTB7-Th:PNDI2HD-T-based APSCs using XY with five additives: 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (TMB), indane (IN), tetralin (TN), diphenyl ether (DPE), and dibenzyl ether (DBE). The photovoltaic performance was determined in the following order: XY + IN < XY + TMB < XY + DBE ≤ XY only < XY + DPE < XY + TN. Interestingly, all APSCs processed with an XY solvent system had better photovoltaic properties than APSCs processed with chloroform solution containing 1,8-diiodooctane (CF + DIO). The key reasons for these differences were unraveled using transient photovoltage and two-dimensional grazing incidence X-ray diffraction experiments. The charge lifetimes of APSCs based on XY + TN and XY + DPE were the longest, and their long lifetime was strongly associated with the polymer blend film morphology; the polymer domain sizes were in the nanoscale range, and the blend film surfaces were smoother, as the PTB7-Th polymer domains assumed an untangled, evenly distributed, and internetworked morphology. Our results demonstrate that the use of an additive with an optimal boiling point facilitates the development of polymer blends with a favorable morphology and can contribute to the widespread use of eco-friendly APSCs. Full article

A thermodynamic the influence of temperature on the logarithm of the considered quantity is expressed by bifunctional functional terms (1/T, lnT). For this purpose, the Apelblat & Manzurola (A&M) equation was used for extended model dissolution analysis of 12 aromatic hydrocarbons in tetralin and decalin vs. temperature for saturated solutions. The A&M equation was found to be thermodynamically compensatory in the sense of Enthalpy-Entropy-Compensation (EEC) while limiting melting temperature $T_m=\frac{{\mathrm{∆}}_{m}H}{{\mathrm{∆}}_{m}S}.$ The coefficients for the functional terms $A_1$ vs. $A_2$ are a linear relationship, with a slope called the compensation temperature $T_c$, as ratio of average enthalpy to average entropy. From this dependence, it has been shown that the approximation of $\mathrm{∆}{c}_p={\mathrm{∆}}_m\overline{S}$ is justified, also assuming the average entropy. Regarding the term representing the activity coefficients, modifications to the A&M equation were proposed by replacing the intercept and it was shown that the new form correctly determines ${\mathrm{∆}}_{m}H.$ However, the condition is that the molar fraction of the solute exceeds x > 0.5 moles. It has been shown that the simplest equation referred to van ’t Hoff’s isobar also allows the simultaneous determination of enthalpy and entropy, but these quantities do not always come down to melting temperature. Full article

Alkyltetralins similar to naphthenic base oil were successfully synthesized by Friedel–Crafts alkylation of tetralin with short-chain α-olefins (C₃/C₄), where the applied chemical feedstock could be obtained from coal chemical industry with ease. The Et₃NHCl-AlCl₃ ionic liquid (IL) as catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance for alkylation of tetralin with n-butene or propylene. The reaction conditions were investigated in detail to achieve the high selectivity toward multi-alkyltetralins, and the selectivity for multi-alkyltetralins could reach as high as 90% with the complete conversion of tetralin. For comparison, three alkyltetralins with various side-chain alkyl groups and number of side-chains on tetralin were isolated, which behaved as lubricating base oils for investigation. The synthetic oils exhibited an excellent low temperature fluidity, and good potential for compatibility with additives. Di-propyltetralins (DPT) and di-butyltetralins (DBT) displayed the lower friction and wear values than mono-butyltetralins (MBT), which had comparable tribological properties to the commercial naphthenic base oil 4006 (N4006). Full article

The transformations of oil components from the Zyuzeevskoye field during catalytic aquathermolysis in the presence of a nickel-containing catalyst precursor and hydrogen donors were studied. It was found that the yield of gasoline and diesel fractions increased by more than 36% in the case of catalytic aquathermolysis in the presence of tetralin. The maximum conversion of asphaltenes was achieved with a simultaneous slowing down of coke formation by four times. The calculation of the structural-group parameters of initial asphaltenes and the products of thermal cracking and catalytic aquathermolysis was made, and the hypothetical construction of their molecular structures was proposed. It was established that the phase composition, ratio, and morphology of nickel catalysts after catalytic aquathermolysis (CA) and catalytic aquathermolysis with tetralin (CA+T) depend on the amount of “free” hydrogen and are represented by Ni_0.96S and Ni₉S₈. Full article

A critical review on the improvement of penetration theory is presented in this work. The volumetric liquid-phase mass transfer coefficients k_La in seven different liquids (1-butanol, 2-propanol, anilin, decalin, nitrobenzene, tetralin, and ethylene glycol) aerated with air in a small bubble column (BC) (inner diameter: 0.095 m) were measured at ambient conditions and further analyzed. It was found that the k_La values can be predicted satisfactorily on the basis of the classical Higbie’s penetration model. The gas–liquid contact time was defined as the ratio of the Sauter-mean bubble diameter to bubble rise velocity. Moreover, the experimental k_La values were well predicted, not only in the homogeneous regime, but also in the transition and heterogeneous regimes. This is a new finding, since to date, it was considered that the penetration theory needs a correction factor for a successful application to any liquid, even in the homogeneous regime. The predictions of the mass transfer coefficients k_La in the above-mentioned seven liquids imply that the mean bubble diameters are always ellipsoidal or spherical, which is the key condition for the applicability (without a correction) of penetration theory. In the presented (in this work) model-based k_La predictions, the Sauter-mean bubble diameters were estimated by means of the reliable correlation of Wilkinson et al., which always predicts a gradually decreasing bubble size at higher gas velocities. Full article

A series of Y zeolites with different pore properties was prepared as a support for hydrocracking catalysts for the production of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, and xylene) from tetralin. Some important characterizations, including N₂ adsorption–desorption, NH₃-TPD, Py-IR, and HRTEM, were applied to obtain the properties of different catalysts. Meanwhile, the tetralin hydrocracking performances of those catalysts were investigated on a high-pressure fixed-bed microreactor. The results showed that Si/Al ratio is the core property of zeolites and that the increase in the V_micro/V_meso of zeolites could facilitate the formation of BTEX products by hydrocracking tetralin. The method of hydrocracking tetralin was proposed. It was also found that the hydrogenation–cracking path was controlled by aromatic saturation thermodynamics, and strong acidity aided the backward shift of equilibrium temperature. Full article

Commercial diesel consists of hundreds of hydrocarbons such as alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatics. The components of the fuel’s composition are what determine its physical and ignition properties, and their variations affect engine performance. In this study, n-heptane, n-dodecane, tetralin, and decalin were chosen as typical additives to blend with commercial diesel according to the China VI standard (Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicle Pollutant Emission Limits and Measurement Methods) in 20% and 50% volume fractions, respectively. The physical properties of the fuel blends, such as viscosity, density, cetane number (CN), and distillation range, were measured first. Then, the commercial diesel’s lower heat value was measured, and blended fuels were calculated accordingly. The CN of the blended fuel is tested by an Ignition Quality Tester (IQT), which is known as the derived cetane number (DCN). The results show that adding n-dodecane increases the value of DCN, while tetralin reduces the DCN, and n-heptane and decalin have negative effects. This study uses a type of WP12 diesel engine made by Weichai that meets China’s emission regulation 6. During the tests, the fuel injection strategy was kept as a pure diesel operation without any modifications. Compared with pure diesel operation, the bench test results show the following characteristics: the maximum torque output increased with increased decalin, followed by tetralin and n-dodecane, while n-heptane has a side effect compared to pure diesel operation. The addition of n-dodecane and n-heptane can reduce fuel consumption, while tetralin will increase it, and decalin has no obvious effect on fuel consumption. It was found that n-heptane increases HC and NOx emissions significantly. Furthermore, n-dodecane slightly increases CO, HC and NOx emissions. Decalin increases CO and HC emissions when mixed in a large proportion. In addition, tetralin causes a substantial increase in HC, CO and NOx emissions at medium and high loads. Full article

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by repetitive, unwanted thoughts and behavior due to abnormal neuronal corticostriatal-thalamocortical pathway and other neurochemical changes. Purmorphamine is a smoothened-sonic-hedgehog agonist that has a protective effect against many neurological diseases due to its role in maintaining functional connectivity during CNS development and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As part of our current research, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of PUR against behavioral and neurochemical changes in 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin-induced obsessive-compulsive disorder in rats. Additionally, the effect of PUR was compared with the standard drug for OCD, i.e., fluvoxamine. The intra-dorsal raphe-nucleus injection of 8-OH-DPAT in rats for seven days significantly showed OCD-like repetitive and compulsive behavior along with increased oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, as well as neurotransmitter imbalance. These alterations were dose-dependently attenuated by long-term purmorphamine treatment at 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg i.p. In this study, we assessed the level of various neurochemical parameters in different biological samples, including brain homogenate, blood plasma, and CSF, to check the drug’s effect centrally and peripherally. These effects were comparable to the standard oral treatment withfluvoxamine at 10 mg/kg. However, when fluvoxamine was given in combination with purmorphamine, there was a more significant restoration of these alterations than the individualtreatmentswithfluvoxamine and purmorphamine. All the above findings demonstrate that the neuroprotective effect of purmorphamine in OCD can be strong evidence for developing a new therapeutic target for treating and managing OCD. Full article

The production of fuel hydrocarbons from CO₂-neutral raw materials is a promising task at present. The thermal dissolution of biochar obtained by the method of hydrothermal carbonization of sawdust was studied. The dissolution of biochar in tetralin (hydrogen donor solvent) was studied at different temperatures (350–450 °C) and with two types of dilution of the mixture with tetralin: 1/3 and 1/4. The process proceeded without a catalyst. It was found that the samples subjected to thermal dissolution at temperatures of 425–450 °C had the highest conversion and yield of liquid products. The reaction temperature also had a significant effect on the composition of liquid products. It was found that an increase in the reaction temperature led to a significant increase in benzenes, both in the direct and in the hexane fraction. A benzene yield of more than 50% was observed for both fractions at a temperature of 450 °C. It was also suggested that the possible positive effect of abietates on the homogenization of the reaction mixture contributed to high conversion in the process. The biochar/tetralin ratio effects the yield and composition of the liquid products as well. An increase in the tetralin concentration in the mixture during thermal dissolution led to an increase in the conversion and yield of hydrocarbon fractions for fuel purposes. This is undoubtedly due to the large amount of elemental hydrogen involved in the hydrogenation of the reaction mixture. Full article