Microscopic characterisation of synthetic Terra Preta

Soil Research ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chee Hung Chia ◽  
Paul Munroe ◽  
Stephen Joseph ◽  
Yun Lin
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Chicken Manure ◽  
Microstructural Development ◽  
Cement Kiln ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Terra Preta ◽  
High Organic Carbon Content

Amazonian Dark Earths (Terra Preta) are anthropogenic soils with high organic carbon content and the ability to sustain higher fertility than adjacent, intensely weathered, acidic soils. Consequently, the microstructural development of biochar–mineral complexes, termed synthetic Terra Preta (STP), has been investigated. Here, biochar–mineral complexes are produced at elevated temperatures to mimic the structure of Terra Preta. These materials, if added to soils, may then also improve fertility. The raw materials used in STP were organic biowaste, such as sawdust, chicken manure, and blood and bone, and inorganic minerals such as kaolinite, bentonite, and cement kiln dust (which consists mainly of calcite). The STP samples were characterised using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and associated microchemical analytical methods, to gain an understanding of the interactions that occurred during processing between the organic and inorganic phases. The STP specimens exhibited microstructures that closely resemble Terra Preta. SEM and TEM revealed a complex aggregation of phases, together with evidence of the interfacial reactions, especially at higher processing temperatures. It is anticipated then that STP may be as effective in promoting plant growth and in sequestering carbon as Terra Preta

The Effect of Microstructure on Tensile Behaviour of X80 Microalloyed Steel

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Jonsson ◽  
Douglas G. Ivey ◽  
Hani Henein ◽  
Shahrooz Nafisi ◽  
Laurie Collins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Thermal Treatment ◽  
Work Hardening ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Hold Time ◽  
Tensile Behaviour ◽  
Microstructural Development ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Effect Of Microstructure

A high degree of work hardening is desirable for steels to be employed in strain-based pipeline designs. In an effort to enhance work hardening characteristics, this study was conducted to determine the effect of thermal treatment on microstructural development and the subsequent relationship between microstructure and tensile behaviour of high strength microalloyed line pipe steel. A series of thermal schedules was applied to X80 steel samples using a Gleeble thermo-mechanical simulator in order to generate a variety of microstructures. The microstructures were quantified by calculating the phase fraction of individual phases using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A focused ion beam (FIB) instrument was used to prepare electron transparent samples of specific grains that were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The X80 microstructures were composed mostly of bainitic and ferritic grains with isolated pockets of martensite and M-A islands due to local carbon segregation. The effect of thermal treatment on microstructural evolution was determined based on varying the interrupt temperature, re-heat temperature and hold time at elevated temperatures. The overall effect of microstructure on the mechanical properties was evaluated, with a particular focus on hardness values and the shape of the stress-strain curves. The effect of thermal history and microstructure development on the work hardening characteristics was also determined.

Protonation state of core nitrogens in the meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin impacts the chemical and physical properties of nanostructures formed in acid solutions

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 1233-1243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy R. Eskelsen ◽  
Yingte Wang ◽  
Yun Qui ◽  
Monali Ray ◽  
Mzuri Handlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Acid Solutions ◽  
Protonation State ◽  
Preparation Temperature ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Self Assembled

Organic self-assemblies of meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (TCPP) prepared in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and hydrochloric acid solutions at pH < 1 were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in order to determine the protonation state of the porphyrin building blocks present in the solid self-assembled nanostructures. XPS measurements were conducted both at room and at elevated temperatures. Room temperature N 1s spectra showed two bands with a 3:1 intensity ratio consistent with three protonated and one unprotonated nitrogen in the structures prepared in both TFA and HCl solutions. We attribute this result to TCPP existing as a 50:50 mixture of the free-base and diacid forms of the porphyrin core in the self-assembled state. Upon heating to 150 °C the TCPP/TFA and TCPP/HCl nanomaterials exhibit loss of pyrrolic hydrogens and retain different amounts of their respective counter ions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the nanostructures showed that these systems have different morphologies depending on the acid employed during fabrication and the post preparation temperature treatment. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) of the TCPP nanostructures indicate that those prepared in HCl are crystalline while the nanoassemblies made in TFA are polycrystalline or amorphous.

scholarly journals Morphology control of MnO2 nanoparticles: Effect of P123 polymer in ethanol-water system

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Chen ◽  
Guoyan Luan
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Water System ◽  
The Novel ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Controllable Synthesis ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Mno2 Nanoparticles

A series of MnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by two-step reaction in the ethanol-water system with urea as reducing agent. During the novel routine, P123 polymer plays a crucial role in controlling the morphology. Then, characterization and systematic investigations of the samples by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the morphology of MnO2 nanoparticles changed as the raw materials ratio changed. Finally, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to confirm the crystal structure and the exact components. These results indicated the particles showed a rod-like shape without P123 and changed into sheet-like shape after the addition of P123. Therefore, this idea could be developed for the controllable synthesis of other metal oxide-based nanomaterials.

Characterization of Rare-Earth Fluoride Anti-Stokes Phosphors by Scanning arid Transmission Electron Microscopy

1971 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 142-143
Author(s):  
N. M. P. Low ◽  
L. E. Brosselard
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Rare Earth ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Stoichiometric Composition ◽  
Rare Earth Ions ◽  
Crystalline Solid ◽  
Precipitation Process ◽  
Rare Earth Fluoride ◽  
Earth Fluoride ◽  
Rare Earth Fluorides

There has been considerable interest over the past several years in materials capable of converting infrared radiation to visible light by means of sequential excitation in two or more steps. Several rare-earth trifluorides (LaF3, YF3, GdF3, and LuF3) containing a small amount of other trivalent rare-earth ions (Yb3+ and Er3+, or Ho3+, or Tm3+) have been found to exhibit such phenomenon. The methods of preparation of these rare-earth fluorides in the crystalline solid form generally involve a co-precipitation process and a subsequent solid state reaction at elevated temperatures. This investigation was undertaken to examine the morphological features of both the precipitated and the thermally treated fluoride powders by both transmission and scanning electron microscopy.Rare-earth oxides of stoichiometric composition were dissolved in nitric acid and the mixed rare-earth fluoride was then coprecipitated out as fine granules by the addition of excess hydrofluoric acid. The precipitated rare-earth fluorides were washed with water, separated from the aqueous solution, and oven-dried.

Electron microscopy of crystalline structure in thermotropic random copolymers

1991 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 1054-1055
Author(s):  
Afzana Anwer ◽  
S. Eilidh Bedford ◽  
Richard J. Spontak ◽  
Alan H. Windle
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Crystalline Structure ◽  
Liquid Crystalline ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Random Copolymers ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Identical Monomer ◽  
Periodic Layer

Random copolyesters composed of wholly aromatic monomers such as p-oxybenzoate (B) and 2,6-oxynaphthoate (N) are known to exhibit liquid crystalline characteristics at elevated temperatures and over a broad composition range. Previous studies employing techniques such as X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have conclusively proven that these thermotropic copolymers can possess a significant crystalline fraction, depending on molecular characteristics and processing history, despite the fact that the copolymer chains possess random intramolecular sequencing. Consequently, the nature of the crystalline structure that develops when these materials are processed in their mesophases and subsequently annealed has recently received considerable attention. A model that has been consistent with all experimental observations involves the Non-Periodic Layer (NPL) crystallite, which occurs when identical monomer sequences enter into register between adjacent chains. The objective of this work is to employ electron microscopy to identify and characterize these crystallites.

Investigation of Polyoxometalate-(Poly)pyrrole Heterogeneous Nanostructures as Cathodes for Rechargeable Magnesium-Ion Batteries

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hakeem K. Henry ◽  
Sang Bok Lee
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Active Material ◽  
Conductive Polymer ◽  
Current Collector ◽  
Constant Current ◽  
Anodized Aluminum ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Pyrrole Monomer

The PMo<sub>12</sub>-PPy heterogeneous cathode was synthesized electrochemically. In doing so, the PMo<sub>12</sub> redox-active material was impregnated throughout the conductive polymer matrix of the poly(pyrrole) nanowires. All chemicals and reagents used were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. Anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) purchased from Whatman served as the porous hard template for nanowire deposition. A thin layer of gold of approximately 200nm was sputtered onto the disordered side of the AAO membrane to serve as the current collector. Copper tape was connected to the sputtered gold for contact and the device was sealed in parafilm with heat with an exposed area of 0.32 cm<sup>2</sup> to serve as the electroactive area for deposition. All electrochemical synthesis and experiments were conducted using a Bio-Logic MPG2 potentiostat. The deposition was carried out using a 3-electrode beaker cell setup with a solution of acetonitrile containing 5mM and 14mM of the phosphomolybdic acid and pyrrole monomer, respectively. The synthesis was achieved using chronoamperometry to apply a constant voltage of 0.8V vs. Ag/AgCl (BASi) to oxidatively polymerize the pyrrole monomer to poly(pyrrole). To prevent the POM from chemically polymerizing the pyrrole, an injection method was used in which the pyrrole monomer was added to the POM solution only after the deposition voltage had already been applied. The deposition was well controlled by limiting the amount of charge transferred to 300mC. Following deposition, the AAO template was removed by soaking in 3M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for 20 minutes and rinsed several times with water. After synthesis, all cathodes underwent electrochemical testing to determine their performance using cyclic voltammetry and constant current charge-discharge cycling in 0.1 M Mg(ClO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>/PC electrolyte. The cathodes were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Comparison of decay rates of faecal indicator organisms in recreational coastal water and sediment

2002 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.L. Craig ◽  
H.J. Fallowfield ◽  
N.J. Cromar
Keyword(s):  
Water Column ◽  
Coastal Water ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Indicator Organisms ◽  
Filtration Method ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Water And Sediment ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Organic Carbon Content

A laboratory based microcosm study utilising intact non-sterile sediment cores was undertaken to determine the survival of the faecal indicator organisms Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium and somatic coliphage in both recreational coastal water and sediment. Overlying water was inoculated with the test organisms and incubated at 10°C, 20°C or 30°C. E. coli, enterococcus and coliphage were enumerated from the water column and sediment by the membrane filtration method, Enterolert (IDEXX Laboratories) and the double-agar overlay methods respectively on days 0, 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28 following inoculation. It was demonstrated that for all organisms, greater decay (k; d-1) occurred in the water column compared to sediment. Sediment characteristics were found to influence decay, with lowest decay rates observed in sediment consisting of high organic carbon content and small particle size. Decay of E. coli was significantly greater in both the water column and sediment compared with enterococcus and coliphage under all conditions. Decay of enterococcus was found to closely resemble that of coliphage decay. Survival of all organisms was inversely related to temperature, with greatest decay at 30°C. However, increased temperature had a less significant impact on survival of enterococcus and coliphage compared with E. coli. The importance of this study for estimating risk from recreational exposure is great if some pathogenic microorganisms behave similarly to the organisms tested in this study. In particular if survival rates of pathogens are similar to enterococcus and coliphage, then their ability to accumulate in coastal sediment may lead to an increased risk of exposure if these organisms are resuspended into the water column due to natural turbulence or human recreational activity.

Antibacterial silver-diatomite nanocomposite ceramic with low silver release

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 633-643
Author(s):  
Xiaopeng Qi ◽  
Junwei Chen ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Hui Yang ◽  
Honghui Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Water Treatment ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Bactericidal Effect ◽  
Ceramic Filter ◽  
Ceramic Filters ◽  
X Ray ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Point Of Use ◽  
Silver Release

Abstract There is an urgent need for an effective and long-lasting ceramic filter for point-of-use water treatment. In this study, silver-diatomite nanocomposite ceramic filters were developed by an easy and effective method. The ceramic filters have a three-dimensional interconnected pore structure and porosity of 50.85%. Characterizations of the silver-diatomite nanocomposite ceramic filters were performed using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Silver nanoparticles were confirmed to be formed in situ in the ceramic filter. The highest silver concentration in water was 0.24 μg/L and 2.1 μg/L in short- and long-term experiments, indicating very low silver-release properties of silver-diatomite nanocomposite ceramic filter. The nanocomposite ceramics show strong bactericidal activity. When contact time with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) of 105 colony forming units (CFU)/mL exceeded 3 h, the bactericidal rates of the four different silver content ceramics against E. coli and S. aureus were all 100%. Strong bactericidal effect against E. coli with initial concentration of 109 CFU/mL were also observed in ceramic newly obtained and ceramic immersed in water for 270 days, demonstrating its high stability. The silver-diatomite nanocomposite ceramic filters could be a promising candidate for point-of-use water treatment.

scholarly journals Phytosynthetic Fabrication of Lanthanum Ion-Doped Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles Using Sesbania grandiflora Leaf Extract and Their Anti-Microbial Properties

Crystals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 124
Author(s):  
Srihasam Saiganesh ◽  
Thyagarajan Krishnan ◽  
Golla Narasimha ◽  
Hesham S. Almoallim ◽  
Sulaiman Ali Alhari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Optical Properties ◽  
Rare Earth ◽  
Nickel Oxide ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Metal Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Oxide Nanoparticles ◽  
Nio Nanoparticles ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Sesbania Grandiflora

Over the past few years, the photogenic fabrication of metal oxide nanoparticles has attracted considerable attention, owing to the simple, eco-friendly, and non-toxic procedure. Herein, we fabricated NiO nanoparticles and altered their optical properties by doping with a rare earth element (lanthanum) using Sesbania grandiflora broth for antibacterial applications. The doping of lanthanum with NiO was systematically studied. The optical properties of the prepared nanomaterials were investigated through UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-DRS) analysis, and their structures were studied using X-ray diffraction analysis. The morphological features of the prepared nanomaterials were examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, their elemental structure was analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectral analysis, and their oxidation states were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, the antibacterial action of NiO and La-doped NiO nanoparticles was studied by the zone of inhibition method for Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus sublitis. It was evident from the obtained results that the optimized compound NiOLa-04 performed better than the other prepared compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the phytosynthetic fabrication of rare-earth ion Lanthanum (La3+)-doped Nickel Oxide (NiO) nanoparticles and their anti-microbial studies.

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