Search Results (151)

In this study, we present a comprehensive theoretical analysis of modifications in the physical and chemical properties of MoSe₂ upon the introduction of substitutional transition metal impurities, specifically, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, W, Pd, and Pt. Wet systematically calculated the adsorption enthalpies for various representative analytes, including O₂, H₂, CO, CO₂, H₂O, NO₂, formaldehyde, and ethanol, and further evaluated their free energies across a range of temperatures. By employing the formula for probabilities, we accounted for the competition among molecules for active adsorption sites during simultaneous adsorption events. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating temperature effects and competitive adsorption dynamics to predict the performance of highly selective sensors accurately. Additionally, we investigated the influence of temperature and analyte concentration on sensor performance by analyzing the saturation of active sites for specific scenarios using Langmuir sorption theory. Building on our calculated adsorption energies, we screened the catalytic potential of doped MoSe₂ for CO₂-to-methanol conversion reactions. This paper also examines the correlations between the electronic structure of active sites and their associated sensing and catalytic capabilities, offering insights that can inform the design of advanced materials for sensors and catalytic applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: One of the plants found in Indonesian forests that has potential as an herbal medicine is andaliman (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC.). The fruit of Z. acanthopodium contains phenolic compounds that are known to modulate the immune response. The purpose of this study is to determine the extract profile and immunomodulatory activity of Z. acanthopodium fruit and to develop a soft capsule formulation of the extract in the form of emulsion, which stabilizes and acts as an immunomodulatory candidate. Methods: Extract profiling was conducted by liquid chromatography UHPLC–HRMS, and the predicted molecular structure was then used to search for the name of the compound using the mzcloud database. Immunomodulatory activity of the extract and its emulsion was assessed using a lymphocyte viability assay. The extract emulsion to be encapsulated as a soft capsule was developed by employing different types of oil and solubilizer in the oil phase, and a water phase containing the extract and two types of emulsifiers. Results: The chemical composition of andaliman extract was analyzed, including total phenolic content (4%), total flavonoid content (0.35%), and quercetin content (0.13%). Based on LC-HRMS analysis, eleven compounds derived from the ethanolic extract of andaliman were identified as potential immunomodulatory agents. The F3.3F formulation, which contains 30% MCT oil phase with solubilizer lauroyl-PEG-32 glycerides and a water phase with 35% Polysorbat (Tween) 80 emulsifier, provided the most stability. This stability is attributed to the presence of the Tween 80 emulsifier, which has superior wetting and washing functions, strong detergency, and good emulsifying properties compared to the PEG emulsifier used in formulation F3.3E. The survival rates in the lymphocyte cell viability test results indicate that treatment with andaliman extract (173.697% at 15.625 ppm; 174.923% at 31.25 ppm; 168.457% at 62.5 ppm) was better than treatment with kojic acid (144.375% at 15.625 ppm; 137.891% at 31.25 ppm; 146.345% at 62.5 ppm), used as the immunomodulatory agent standard. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of andaliman extract as an immunomodulatory agent to be developed as an emulsion in a soft capsule. Full article

Background: Contemporary agriculture heavily relies on synthetic chemicals to ensure high yields and food security; however, their overuse has led to health issues and the development of pesticide resistance in pests. Researchers are now exploring natural, eco-friendly alternatives for pest control. Methods: This study evaluated two ethanol-based formulations (1.25% and 2.50%, v/v) derived from the tangerine peel (Citrus reticulata L. var. Clementina) against conventional chemical treatments and an untreated control group in the cultivation of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L. var. Capiro). A randomised block design was used, with three blocks per treatment containing 45 plants. The experiment was conducted during the wet season (February–April 2023). Results: According to visual inspections and yellow traps, following weekly application from days 30 to 105 post-planting to monitor pest (e.g., Frankliniella occidentalis, Aphididae) and beneficial insect (e.g., Coccinellidae, Apis mellifera) populations, the 2.50% formulation performed similarly to chemical treatments against pests, whilst being harmless to beneficial insects. Post-harvest analysis showed that the formulations achieved 73% of conventional yields, with comparable tuber damage and levels of Premnotrypes vorax larvae. Conclusions: Toxicological tests confirmed the eco-friendliness of the formulations, making them suitable for small-scale Andean ‘chakras’ in organic farming and honey production, without the use of chemicals. Full article

The polymorphism of ammonium nitrate has significantly limited its application. Incorporating potassium nitrate into crystals of ammonium nitrate is one of the most commonly used methods to inhibit its polymorphic transition. To accurately prepare crystals of ammonium nitrate with varying contents of potassium nitrate, the solid–liquid phase equilibrium relationship of the quaternary system (NH₄NO₃-KNO₃-H₂O-C₂H₅OH) was studied at 298.15 and 303.15 K. The solubility of components in the equilibrium liquid phase and the composition of the wet-solid phase were determined through formaldehyde titration and gravimetric methods. Based on the solubility data, the phase diagram of the multicomponent system was subsequently constructed. Experimental data demonstrate that the concentration of ammonium nitrate in solution decreases as the potassium nitrate concentration increases. Furthermore, as the ethanol content in the solvent system increases, the equilibrium solubility of ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate exhibits a concomitant reduction. Correlation analysis of the solubility data for the multicomponent system was performed using the nonrandom two-liquid model. Error analysis demonstrates that the calculated values exhibit satisfactory agreement with the experimental data. Full article

Biocomposites are defined as eco-friendly materials from an environmental point of view. Because of the importance of this class of materials, their study is important, especially in moist and heated conditions. In this sense, this work aims to evaluate the transient behavior of moisture absorption and mechanical performance of biocomposites composed of a matrix of high-density biopolyethylene (originated from ethanol produced from sugarcane) filled with curauá vegetable fiber and organophilic montmorillonite clay. For this purpose, dry biocomposites filled with organophilic montmorillonite clay and curauá fiber (1, 3, and 5 wt.%) were prepared using a hand lay-up technique and subjected to moisture absorption and mechanical (flexural and impact tests) characterizations at different times. The experiments were carried out at water bath temperatures of 30 °C and 70 °C. The results have proven the strong influence of chemical composition and temperature on the moisture absorption behavior of biocomposites across time. For a higher percentage of reinforcement on the polymeric matrix, a higher moisture migration rate was verified, reaching a higher hygroscopic equilibrium condition at 16.9% for 5 wt.% of curauá fiber and 10.25% for 5 wt.% of montmorillonite clay particles. In contrast, the mechanical properties of all of the biocomposites were strongly reduced with an increasing moisture content, especially at higher fiber content and water bath temperature conditions. The innovative aspects of this research are related to the study of a new material and its transient mechanical behavior in dry and wet conditions. Full article

Background: Developing versatile dressings that offer wound protection, maintain a moist environment, and facilitate healing represents an important therapeutic approach for burn patients. Objectives: This study presents the development of new smart pH-sensitive collagen-hydroxyethylcellulose films, incorporating naproxen and phenol red, designed to provide controlled drug release while enabling real-time pH monitoring for burn care. Methods: Biopolymeric films were prepared by the solvent-casting method using ethanol and glycerol as plasticizers. Results: Orange-colored films were thin, flexible, and easily peelable, with uniform, smooth, and nonporous morphology. Tensile strength varied from 0.61 N/mm² to 3.33 N/mm², indicating improved mechanical properties with increasing collagen content, while wetting analysis indicated a hydrophilic surface with contact angle values between 17.61° and 75.51°. Maximum swelling occurred at pH 7.4, ranging from 5.65 g/g to 9.20 g/g and pH 8.5, with values from 4.74 g/g to 7.92 g/g, suggesting effective exudate absorption. In vitro degradation proved structural stability maintenance for at least one day, with more than 40% weight loss. Films presented a biphasic naproxen release profile with more than 75% of the drug released after 24 h, properly managing inflammation and pain on the first-day post-burn. The pH variation mimicking the stages of the healing process demonstrated the color transition from yellow (pH 5.5) to orange (pH 7.4) and finally to bright fuchsia (pH 8.5), enabling easy visual evaluation of the wound environment. Conclusions: New multifunctional films combine diagnostic and therapeutic functions, providing a promising platform for monitoring wound healing, making them suitable for real-time wound assessment. Full article

Extraction is one of the most important phases in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries, as it enables the isolation of valuable compounds from raw materials. Ipomoea batatas L. leaf extract has anti-diabetic qualities due to anthocyanidins, flavonols, flavanones, and phenolic acids. The goal of this study is to maximize extraction on a production scale with total flavonoids and fingerprint profiles that closely resemble standardized extracts. In this study, extraction was performed using the percolator method with optimization parameters, including ethanol concentration (40, 50, 60, and 70%) and wetting time (0.5, 3, and 24 h). Quality control in extraction was assessed through the total flavonoids and fingerprint analysis. TLC was used to determine the fingerprints of Ipomoea batatas L. leaf extract, followed by multivariate analysis. Using 60% ethanol and 3 h of wetting time produced total flavonoids of 19.86 ± 0.2 mg quercetin/g and a fingerprint close to the control with a similarity of 94.87%. Ethanol concentration and wetting time are critical parameters in Ipomoea batatas L. extraction. Quality control through total flavonoid determination and fingerprint analysis during the extraction process provides a standardized approach to maintain the quality, safety, and efficacy of Ipomoea batatas L. natural products. Full article

Objectives: We investigated the compression mechanisms for loxoprofen sodium (LXP), which is known to occur as a dihydrate, and identified parameters that influence the tablet hardness of LXP tablets prepared by the wet granulation method. Method: LXP granules were prepared with water or ethanol as the solvent, dried under various conditions and sieved for particle size control, with 1% Mg-st added before tablet compression. Results: The findings indicated that both the granulation solvent and drying temperature significantly impacted the tablet hardness. Granules prepared with ethanol exhibited higher hardness as compared with those prepared with water. The tablet hardness varied with varying drying temperatures. Discussion: Principal component analysis (PCA) identified positive correlations between the tablet hardness and the surface free energy (SFE), polar component (γ(p)), and cohesion, and a negative correlation with the dispersive component (γ(d)). Granules prepared with ethanol exhibited a higher γ(p), likely due to the differing solubility in ethanol and water, leading to enhanced interparticle binding. This study confirmed that use of the eutectic mixture of LXP and Mg-st exerted no significant influence. Crystal structure analysis indicated that the hydration states varied according to the drying temperature, suggesting the higher γ(p) in anhydrous forms, due to the lower hydrophobicity, contributed to increased tablet hardness. Conclusion: This research offers insights for optimizing the formulation conditions to improve the LXP tablet hardness. Appropriate selection of the solvent and drying temperature mitigates tablet hardness issues, while assessment of SFE can help in the selection of suitable additives. Full article

The rapid detoxification and mineralization of Cr(VI) in aqueous environments hold critical importance for emergency response and resource recovery yet remain technically challenging. Herein, we report the synthesis of FeS₂/ZVI composites through ethanol-assisted wet ball-milling and their application in Cr(VI) removal under microwave (MW) irradiation. This study systematically investigates the effects of MW irradiation on the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) using FeS₂/ZVI composites, with particular focus on key parameters including composite dosage, initial pH, MW temperature, and Cr(VI) concentration. Notably, 1 g/L FeS₂/ZVI composites achieved near-complete removal (>99%) of 50 mg/L Cr(VI) within 7 min at a MW irradiation temperature of 333 K, which exhibited 5.9-fold and 13.1-fold superior performance compared to pure pyrite and ZVI, respectively. Additionally, there is a 96.1% reduction in reaction time in comparison to non-MW irradiation system. In real electroplating wastewater samples, Cr(VI) concentration was reduced from 38.93 to 0.42 mg L⁻¹ by MW irradiation-assisted treatment, validating its potential for practical applications in industrial Cr(VI) pollution control. The activation energy determined by fitting the Arrhenius equation showed a 39.7% reduction for the MW-assisted FeS₂/ZVI system (16.0 kJ mol⁻¹) compared to conventional thermal heating (from 25.6 kJ mol⁻¹), indicating that MW irradiation induced catalytic enhancement of FeS₂/ZVI, thereby lowering the energy barrier for Cr(VI) reduction. Moreover, MW irradiation-assisted processes facilitated the mineralization of reduced Cr(III) to stable spinel FeCr₂O₄. These findings collectively establish a synergistic mechanism between MW activation and FeS₂/ZVI composites, offering innovative pathways for efficient Cr(VI) detoxification and resource recovery from high-strength industrial wastewaters. Full article

With the increasing number of anti-seepage reinforcement projects and the continuous improvement of quality requirements, high-performance and green requirements have also been put forward for grouting materials. Traditional karst cave grouting mainly uses cement-based grouting materials, which not only have high carbon emissions but also do not comply with the sustainable development strategy with regard to being green, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly. A green grouting material made by mixing a slurry A and slurry B is proposed in this paper. The solid phase of slurry A is composed of stone powder and bentonite, for which an anti-washout admixture is necessary. Slurry B is a suspension of thickener (CMC or HPMC) and anhydrous ethanol. By mixing the two slurries evenly, the grouting material is obtained. Experiments were used to investigate the ideal ratios of stone powder, bentonite, and water in slurry A, and the ratio of thickener to anhydrous ethanol in slurry B, and to analyze the development and evolution of the apparent viscosity of slurry A and slurry B after mixing. This study revealed that the optimum ratio of stone powder and bentonite was 4:1, and the most reasonable water–solid ratio was 0.8:1.0. The optimum ratio of anhydrous ethanol to CMC or HPMC in slurry B was 5:1. Slurry B was added to slurry A at a rate of 5~10% to obtain the best grouting material properties. The proposed mixed grouting material would not disperse even in flowing water and could harden and consolidate quickly. The strength of the consolidation grouting body was close to that of wet soil, which can meet requirements for tunnel construction. Full article

Bioethanol is a renewable, environmentally-friendly biofuel conventionally produced through the alcoholic fermentation of sugary or starch-rich substrates by microorganisms, commonly Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Intermediates of industrial wheat flour wet milling processing to starch, such as A-starch and B-starch milk, are cost-effective, abundant, and non-seasonal feedstocks for bioethanol production. This study evaluates the bioethanol production from wheat A-starch and B-starch milk and mixtures of these two substrates in different ratios (1:3, 1:1, and 3:1) using two cold hydrolysis procedures at 65 °C: (i) simultaneous liquefaction and saccharification (SLS) followed by fermentation, and (ii) liquefaction by alpha-amylase followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). The results demonstrated that SSF and SLS are equally efficient procedures for reaching a high ethanol yield of 53 g per 100 g of starch and 93% of starch conversion to ethanol for all investigated substrates. Lower levels of non-starch components in A-starch milk, which typically contribute to volatile by-product formation, allowed clear distillate profiles in terms of and lower content of aldehydes, methanol, and volatile acidity, enhancing ethanol distillate purity compared to B-starch milk. Mixing high-quality A-starch milk with low-cost B-starch milk enables higher ethanol yield, improved distillate quality, and energy savings for efficient industrial-scale applications. Full article

Calcium-silicate-based ceramic composites with different CaO/SiO₂ weight ratios (10/90, 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, 80/20, and 90/10) have been prepared from chicken eggshells and silica gel using attrition milling for 3 h in wet conditions and conventional pressing–heat treatment in the air at 800 °C for 1 h. The effect of the CaO/SiO₂ weight ratio and the calcination period of the eggshells on the microstructural features including apparent density, phase evolution, and morphological properties were investigated. The phase transformation of the powder mixtures after attrition milling for 3 h in ethanol with powder/ball milling mass ratio of 0.0996 (110/1104.7) revealed to have calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) as a dominate phase, which was observed to increase with the increase in calcium oxide (CaO) amount in the powder mixtures. The phase transformation of ceramic samples after heat treatment at 800 °C for 1 h, on the other hand, showed different phases depending on the CaO/SiO₂ weight ratio. The results also show a linear relationship between the CaO/SiO₂ weight ratio and apparent density when the CaO/SiO₂ ratio increase from 0.11 (10/90) to 0.67 (40/60) due to the densification of ceramics. An inversely proportional relationship was found between CaO/SiO₂ and density when the CaO/SiO₂ weight ratio increased from 0.67 (40/60) to 9 (90/10). Full article

Hydrogen is a priority energy vector for energy transition. Its production from renewable feedstock like ethanol is suitable for many applications. The performance of a Ni catalyst supported on samaria-doped ceria in the production of hydrogen by the reforming of ethanol is investigated, adding Sm₂O₃ to CeO₂ in molar ratios of 1:9, 2:8, and 3:7. A CeO₂-supported Ni catalyst was also evaluated for comparative purposes. The supports were prepared by the coprecipitation method and Ni was incorporated by incipient wetness impregnation to obtain catalysts with a Ni/(Ce+Sm) molar ratio of 4/6. The catalysts were characterized by a nitrogen adsorption isotherm, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Increasing Sm₂O₃ content leads to a more homogeneous distribution of Sm₂O₃ and Ni particles on the support, and higher oxygen mobility, favoring the catalytic properties. The catalyst with a Sm₂O₃/CeO₂ molar ratio of 3/7 showed outstanding behavior, with an average ethanol conversion of 97%, hydrogen yield of 68%, and great stability. The results suggest that the main route for hydrogen production is ethanol dehydrogenation, followed by steam reforming of acetaldehyde, and acetone and ethylene formation are promoted by increasing Sm content in the outer surface of the catalyst. Full article

This work presents an experimental study of the performance and emissions of an internal combustion engine operating in the Otto cycle with a high volumetric compression ratio (17:1). The engine was initially fueled with the standard ethanol used in Brazil, with 7% distilled water (E93W07); we then studied the effects of using different ethanol-in-water mixtures, or ‘wet ethanol’, with 17%, 27%, 37%, and 47% distilled water concentrations. The tests were carried out with power loads of 5.0–25.0 kW at 5.0 kW intervals and with power loads of 27.5–35.0 kW at 2.5 kW intervals, whether by adding up the loads or by taking them away. The ignition timing was changed to evaluate each load imposed on the engine to avoid knocking. Specific fuel consumption (SFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), carbon dioxide emissions (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), and total hydrocarbon content (THC), as well as the internal pressure in the cylinder and the heat release rate, were measured, and the results are compared. The results show a reduction in CO and NO_x and an increase in THC emissions. However, there were no significant changes in CO₂ emissions when the distilled water percentage in ethanol increased. Regarding the brake thermal efficiency, it was observed that it remained approximately constant for all blends, with the same load being applied to the engine shaft, reaching a maximum value of 35%. The results obtained confirm the technical feasibility of operating an internal combustion engine in the Otto cycle with a high volumetric compression ratio using ethanol with up to 47% distilled water without significant loss of performance. Full article

Myrrh has unique medicinal properties: it is an anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial material. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of ethanolic myrrh extract on the production and properties of modified PP and PLA melt spun yarns. In this work, multifilament yarns of polylactide (PLA) and polypropylene (PP) containing 10 wt% myrrh resin at different melt-spinning drawing ratios (DRs) were prepared. The results of scanning electron microscopy revealed that the multifilament yarns from polymers covered by myrrh resin extract had a smooth surface without cracks or visible myrrh derivatives. The influence of myrrh resin on the mechanical properties of PP and PLA multifilament yarns was analyzed, and it was found that the presence of myrrh (PP/M, PLA/M) increased tenacity (cN/tex) and decreased the tensile strain (%) of melt spun yarns obtained at different draw ratios (DRs). During optical analysis, it was found that the absorbance of yarns increased in the entire UV region of the spectra, which was most likely determined by the presence of myrrh. The degree of crystallinity and the wetting angle of PP/M and PLA/M multifilament yarns increased compared with the pure PLA and PP multifilament yarns. This study concludes that the presence of myrrh derivatives influences PLA yarns degradation rate and antibacterial effects against Gram-positive bacteria. Full article