In the context of heightened environmental consciousness and the growing demand for light olefins,this study explores the promising future prospects for their sustainable production from renewable resources.Light olef...In the context of heightened environmental consciousness and the growing demand for light olefins,this study explores the promising future prospects for their sustainable production from renewable resources.Light olefins(especially propylene)are a pivotal constituent of the petrochemical industry,and their demand is poised for steady growth driven by various sectors(e.g.,electric mobility,consumer goods and packaging industries),which should not rely solely on traditional petroleum-led routes.Therefore,sustainable pathways,such as the methanol-to-olefin(MTO)process catalyzed by zeolites,are gaining attention.Intending to couple the future olefin demands with the concept of a"methanol economy",this study investigates the synthesis of hierarchical Ca/ZSM-5 zeolites using a cost-effective approach involving Precipitated Calcium Carbonate(PCC)as a hard template,leading to superior catalytic performance.Comprehensive characterization techniques are employed to elucidate the cata-lyst's properties,highlighting the dual importance of mesoporosity and calcium species in optimizing its per-formance.Operando spectroscopy provides in-depth insights into its enhanced anti-coking characteristics.This research contributes to expanding the catalyst toolkit for zeolite-catalyzed MTO processes,focusing on propylene production,thereby addressing the increasing demand for light olefins while promoting sustainability and circular economy principles.展开更多
Wind erosion is one of the significant natural calamities worldwide, which degrades around one-third of global land. The eroded and suspended soil particles in the environment may cause health hazards, i.e.allergies a...Wind erosion is one of the significant natural calamities worldwide, which degrades around one-third of global land. The eroded and suspended soil particles in the environment may cause health hazards, i.e.allergies and respiratory diseases, due to the presence of harmful contaminants, bacteria, and pollens.The present study evaluates the feasibility of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation(MICP)technique to mitigate wind-induced erosion of calcareous desert sand(Thar desert of Rajasthan province in India). The temperature during biotreatment was kept at 36℃ to stimulate the average temperature of the Thar desert. The spray method was used for bioaugmentation of Sporosarcina(S.) pasteurii and further treatment using chemical solutions. The chemical solution of 0.25 pore volume was sprayed continuously up to 5 d, 10 d, 15 d, and 20 d, using two different concentration ratios of urea and calcium chloride dihydrate viz 2:1 and 1:1. The biotreated samples were subjected to erosion testing(in the wind tunnel) at different wind speeds of 10 m/s, 20 m/s, and 30 m/s. The unconfined compressive strength of the biocemented crust was measured using a pocket penetrometer. The variation in calcite precipitation and microstructure(including the presence of crystalline minerals) of untreated as well as biotreated sand samples were determined through calcimeter, scanning electron microscope(SEM), and energydispersive X-ray spectroscope(EDX). The results demonstrated that the erosion of untreated sand increases with an increase in wind speeds. When compared to untreated sand, a lower erosion was observed in all biocemented sand samples, irrespective of treatment condition and wind speed. It was observed that the sample treated with 1:1 cementation solution for up to 5 d, was found to effectively resist erosion at a wind speed of 10 m/s. Moreover, a significant erosion resistance was ascertained in15 d and 20 d treated samples at higher wind speeds. The calcite content percentage, thickness of crust,bulk density, and surface strength of biocemented sand were enhanced with the increase in treatment duration. The 1:1 concentration ratio of cementation solution was found effective in improving crust thickness and surface strength as compared to 2:1 concentration ratio of cementation solution. The calcite crystals formation was observed in SEM analysis and calcium peaks were observed in EDX analysis for biotreated sand.展开更多
Bio-cement and bio-concrete are innovative solutions for sustainable construction, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the durability and versatility of building materials. Bio-cement is an eco-fri...Bio-cement and bio-concrete are innovative solutions for sustainable construction, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the durability and versatility of building materials. Bio-cement is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cement, produced through Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP), which mimics natural biomineralization processes. This method reduces CO2 emissions and enhances the strength and durability of construction materials. Bio-concrete incorporates bio-cement into concrete, creating a self-healing material. When cracks form in bio-concrete, dormant bacteria within the material become active in the presence of water, producing limestone to fill the cracks, extending the material’s lifespan and reducing the need for repairs. The environmental impact of traditional cement production is significant, with cement generation accounting for up to 8% of global carbon emissions. Creative solutions are needed to develop more sustainable construction materials, with some efforts using modern innovations to make concrete ultra-durable and others turning to science to create affordable bio-cement. The research demonstrates the potential of bio-cement to revolutionize sustainable building practices by offering a low-energy, low-emission alternative to traditional cement while also addressing environmental concerns. The findings suggest promising applications in various construction scenarios, including earthquake-prone areas, by enhancing material durability and longevity through self-repair mechanisms.展开更多
Wind erosion is a major cause of land desertification and sandstorm formation in arid and semi-arid areas.The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of soybeans crude extract induced calcium carbonate p...Wind erosion is a major cause of land desertification and sandstorm formation in arid and semi-arid areas.The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of soybeans crude extract induced calcium carbonate precipitation(SICP)on reducing wind erosion risk of sandy soil.Field tests were carried out in Ulan Buh Desert,Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,China.Results showed that the SICP method could significantly enhance the surface strength and wind erosion resistance of the topsoil.The optimal cementation solution(urea-CaCl2)concentration and spraying volume,according to experiments conducted on sandy land,were 0.2 mol/L and 4 L/m^2,respectively.Under this condition,the CaCO3 content was approximately 0.45%,the surface strength of sandy soil could reach 306.2 kPa,and the depth of wind erosion was approximately zero,after 30 d completion of SICP treatment.Soil surface strength declined with the increase of time,and long-term sand fixation effects of SICP treatment varied depending on topography.Whereas wind erosion in the top area of the windward slope was remarkable,sandy soils on the bottom area of the windward slope still maintained a relatively high level of surface strength and a low degree of wind erosion 12 month after SICP treatment.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)tests with energy dispersive X-ray(EDX)confirmed the precipitation of CaCO3 and its bridge effect.These findings suggested that the SICP method is a promising candidate to protect sandy soil from wind erosion in desert areas.展开更多
The shear thinning and shear thickening rheological properties of PCC/PEG suspension were investigated with the increase of oscillatory amplitude stress at different constant frequencies. The results show that the com...The shear thinning and shear thickening rheological properties of PCC/PEG suspension were investigated with the increase of oscillatory amplitude stress at different constant frequencies. The results show that the complex viscosity was initially independent of stress amplitude and obvious shear thinning occurred, then dramatic shear thickening took place after reaching the minimum viscosity. Typically, in a constant frequency of 5 rad/s, the elastic modulus, viscous modulus, and tanδ （δ is the out-of-phase angle） vs. the stress amplitude was investigated. It is found that the elastic modulus initially appeared to be independent of stress amplitude and then exhibited a rapid decrease, but the viscous modulus was independent of amplitude stress at lower amplitude stress. After reaching the minimum value the viscous modulus showed a rapid increase. On the other hand, tanδ increased from 0.6 to 92, which indicates that the transition from elastic to viscous had taken place and tanδ showed a steep increase when shear thickening occurred. Lissajous plots are shown for the dissipated energy vs. different maximum stress amplitude in the shear thinning and shear thickening regions. The relationship of dissipated energy vs. maximum stress amplitude was determined, which follows a power law. In the shear thinning region the exponent was 1.91, but it steeply increases to 3.97 in the shear thickening region.展开更多
The steady and dynamic rheological behaviors of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) suspension in polyethylene glycol (PEG) were investigated on a TA AR2000ex rheometer. Under steady shear consistency index K and flo...The steady and dynamic rheological behaviors of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) suspension in polyethylene glycol (PEG) were investigated on a TA AR2000ex rheometer. Under steady shear consistency index K and flow exponent N of suspensions with different volume fractions were determined. The shear-thinning and the discontinuous shear-thickening behavior were observed at different constant frequencies from 10 to 100 rad/s. The relationship between the complex viscosity and the constant frequency were determined. As the volume fraction increases,flow exponent N shows a rapid increase,and it increases dramatically when the discontinuous shear-thickening takes place,while consistency index K decreases. Dynamic oscillatory shear experiments were conducted at constant strain amplitude and constant frequency,respectively. For the frequency sweep,the system shows viscous property in entire range of the frequency investigated,and the complex viscosity shows discontinuous jump at a critical frequency of 10 rad/s. For the strain sweep,on the other hand,at low strain the elastic modulus is strongly dependent on the strain,and the viscous modulus is independent of the strain. But at the critical strain point both of the moduli show an abrupt jump and the system transits from elastic to viscous at a strain of 0.1.展开更多
Simulating the typical carbonation step in a mineral CO_2 sequestration, precipitated calcium carbonate(PCC) was prepared by bubbling CO_2 gas into a rich Ca solution. These carbonation reactions were conducted at thr...Simulating the typical carbonation step in a mineral CO_2 sequestration, precipitated calcium carbonate(PCC) was prepared by bubbling CO_2 gas into a rich Ca solution. These carbonation reactions were conducted at three p H ranges, namely 10.0–9.0, 9.0–8.0, and 8.0–7.0, in which temperature and CO_2 flow rate are additional experimental variables. The PCC obtained in experiments was examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)and X-ray diffraction(XRD). It was found that supersaturation determined by p H value and flow rate of CO_2 has significant influence on polymorph of PCC. Vaterite was preferably formed at high supersaturation, while dissolution of metastable vaterite and crystallization of calcite occurred at low supersaturation. High temperature is a critical factor for the formation of aragonite. At 70 °C, vaterite, calcite and aragonite were observed to coexist in PCC because transformation from vaterite to aragonite via calcite occurred at this temperature. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) technology was performed on prepared PCC, and various morphologies consistent with polymorphs were observed.展开更多
The amount of carbon dioxide （CO2） absorption and calcium ion （Ca^2＋） concentration besides the pH of aqueous solution were observed during the COz absorption to precipitate calcium carbonate （CaCO3） from calci...The amount of carbon dioxide （CO2） absorption and calcium ion （Ca^2＋） concentration besides the pH of aqueous solution were observed during the COz absorption to precipitate calcium carbonate （CaCO3） from calcium hydroxide （Ca（OH）2）. A reaction rate-limiting effect of an amount of CO2 absorption without any organic additives in the early stage of the precipitation was observed, which was attributed to an interruption effect of bicarbonate ion （HCO3） on the precipitation of CaCO3. The improvement for the reaction rate was achieved not only by amine additives but also by neutral additives such as ε-caprolactam or amine salt. When the hexamethylene diamine was dissolved in the solution, successive change of crystal forms of CaCO3 aragonite to calcite in aqueous suspensions, confirmed by Ca^2＋ concentration change and X-ray diffraction, was concluded that a local environment around the amine group in aqueous solution and an interaction of the diamine with precipitated CaCO3 particles were important factors for these reactions.展开更多
The microbially cemented sand(MCS)material is a new building material with a broad research prospect,although the nationwide cold wave affects the mechanical properties of the material in the practical application.The...The microbially cemented sand(MCS)material is a new building material with a broad research prospect,although the nationwide cold wave affects the mechanical properties of the material in the practical application.The microstructure of MCS is obtained by computed tomography(CT)and scanning electron microscope(SEM);the thermodynamic mathematical model is established by considering the particle shapes and bonding state based on direct element method(DEM).By studying the damage of temperature drop amplitude and cooling duration to MCS material under the effect of cold wave,the following conclusions are drawn.For a given temperature drop range,an increased cooling time can aggravate the material damage.In addition,a rapid drop in temperature can cause serious damage to the material.The cracks generated by the temperature stress propagate in the direction of the weaker component of the material.The DEM model can be better used to analyze the damage of the MCS structure induced by cold wave.展开更多
文摘In the context of heightened environmental consciousness and the growing demand for light olefins,this study explores the promising future prospects for their sustainable production from renewable resources.Light olefins(especially propylene)are a pivotal constituent of the petrochemical industry,and their demand is poised for steady growth driven by various sectors(e.g.,electric mobility,consumer goods and packaging industries),which should not rely solely on traditional petroleum-led routes.Therefore,sustainable pathways,such as the methanol-to-olefin(MTO)process catalyzed by zeolites,are gaining attention.Intending to couple the future olefin demands with the concept of a"methanol economy",this study investigates the synthesis of hierarchical Ca/ZSM-5 zeolites using a cost-effective approach involving Precipitated Calcium Carbonate(PCC)as a hard template,leading to superior catalytic performance.Comprehensive characterization techniques are employed to elucidate the cata-lyst's properties,highlighting the dual importance of mesoporosity and calcium species in optimizing its per-formance.Operando spectroscopy provides in-depth insights into its enhanced anti-coking characteristics.This research contributes to expanding the catalyst toolkit for zeolite-catalyzed MTO processes,focusing on propylene production,thereby addressing the increasing demand for light olefins while promoting sustainability and circular economy principles.
基金Prestige Institute of Engineering, Management, and Research, Indore, India for their supportGuangdong Department of Science and Technology,China for"Overseas Famous Teacher Project"(Grant No.2020A1414010268)。
文摘Wind erosion is one of the significant natural calamities worldwide, which degrades around one-third of global land. The eroded and suspended soil particles in the environment may cause health hazards, i.e.allergies and respiratory diseases, due to the presence of harmful contaminants, bacteria, and pollens.The present study evaluates the feasibility of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation(MICP)technique to mitigate wind-induced erosion of calcareous desert sand(Thar desert of Rajasthan province in India). The temperature during biotreatment was kept at 36℃ to stimulate the average temperature of the Thar desert. The spray method was used for bioaugmentation of Sporosarcina(S.) pasteurii and further treatment using chemical solutions. The chemical solution of 0.25 pore volume was sprayed continuously up to 5 d, 10 d, 15 d, and 20 d, using two different concentration ratios of urea and calcium chloride dihydrate viz 2:1 and 1:1. The biotreated samples were subjected to erosion testing(in the wind tunnel) at different wind speeds of 10 m/s, 20 m/s, and 30 m/s. The unconfined compressive strength of the biocemented crust was measured using a pocket penetrometer. The variation in calcite precipitation and microstructure(including the presence of crystalline minerals) of untreated as well as biotreated sand samples were determined through calcimeter, scanning electron microscope(SEM), and energydispersive X-ray spectroscope(EDX). The results demonstrated that the erosion of untreated sand increases with an increase in wind speeds. When compared to untreated sand, a lower erosion was observed in all biocemented sand samples, irrespective of treatment condition and wind speed. It was observed that the sample treated with 1:1 cementation solution for up to 5 d, was found to effectively resist erosion at a wind speed of 10 m/s. Moreover, a significant erosion resistance was ascertained in15 d and 20 d treated samples at higher wind speeds. The calcite content percentage, thickness of crust,bulk density, and surface strength of biocemented sand were enhanced with the increase in treatment duration. The 1:1 concentration ratio of cementation solution was found effective in improving crust thickness and surface strength as compared to 2:1 concentration ratio of cementation solution. The calcite crystals formation was observed in SEM analysis and calcium peaks were observed in EDX analysis for biotreated sand.
文摘Bio-cement and bio-concrete are innovative solutions for sustainable construction, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the durability and versatility of building materials. Bio-cement is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cement, produced through Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP), which mimics natural biomineralization processes. This method reduces CO2 emissions and enhances the strength and durability of construction materials. Bio-concrete incorporates bio-cement into concrete, creating a self-healing material. When cracks form in bio-concrete, dormant bacteria within the material become active in the presence of water, producing limestone to fill the cracks, extending the material’s lifespan and reducing the need for repairs. The environmental impact of traditional cement production is significant, with cement generation accounting for up to 8% of global carbon emissions. Creative solutions are needed to develop more sustainable construction materials, with some efforts using modern innovations to make concrete ultra-durable and others turning to science to create affordable bio-cement. The research demonstrates the potential of bio-cement to revolutionize sustainable building practices by offering a low-energy, low-emission alternative to traditional cement while also addressing environmental concerns. The findings suggest promising applications in various construction scenarios, including earthquake-prone areas, by enhancing material durability and longevity through self-repair mechanisms.
基金Projects(51978244,51979088,51608169)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China。
文摘Wind erosion is a major cause of land desertification and sandstorm formation in arid and semi-arid areas.The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of soybeans crude extract induced calcium carbonate precipitation(SICP)on reducing wind erosion risk of sandy soil.Field tests were carried out in Ulan Buh Desert,Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,China.Results showed that the SICP method could significantly enhance the surface strength and wind erosion resistance of the topsoil.The optimal cementation solution(urea-CaCl2)concentration and spraying volume,according to experiments conducted on sandy land,were 0.2 mol/L and 4 L/m^2,respectively.Under this condition,the CaCO3 content was approximately 0.45%,the surface strength of sandy soil could reach 306.2 kPa,and the depth of wind erosion was approximately zero,after 30 d completion of SICP treatment.Soil surface strength declined with the increase of time,and long-term sand fixation effects of SICP treatment varied depending on topography.Whereas wind erosion in the top area of the windward slope was remarkable,sandy soils on the bottom area of the windward slope still maintained a relatively high level of surface strength and a low degree of wind erosion 12 month after SICP treatment.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)tests with energy dispersive X-ray(EDX)confirmed the precipitation of CaCO3 and its bridge effect.These findings suggested that the SICP method is a promising candidate to protect sandy soil from wind erosion in desert areas.
基金ACKNOWLEDGMENT This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No.50774096 and No.50604017）.
文摘The shear thinning and shear thickening rheological properties of PCC/PEG suspension were investigated with the increase of oscillatory amplitude stress at different constant frequencies. The results show that the complex viscosity was initially independent of stress amplitude and obvious shear thinning occurred, then dramatic shear thickening took place after reaching the minimum viscosity. Typically, in a constant frequency of 5 rad/s, the elastic modulus, viscous modulus, and tanδ （δ is the out-of-phase angle） vs. the stress amplitude was investigated. It is found that the elastic modulus initially appeared to be independent of stress amplitude and then exhibited a rapid decrease, but the viscous modulus was independent of amplitude stress at lower amplitude stress. After reaching the minimum value the viscous modulus showed a rapid increase. On the other hand, tanδ increased from 0.6 to 92, which indicates that the transition from elastic to viscous had taken place and tanδ showed a steep increase when shear thickening occurred. Lissajous plots are shown for the dissipated energy vs. different maximum stress amplitude in the shear thinning and shear thickening regions. The relationship of dissipated energy vs. maximum stress amplitude was determined, which follows a power law. In the shear thinning region the exponent was 1.91, but it steeply increases to 3.97 in the shear thickening region.
基金Projects (50774096, 50606017) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘The steady and dynamic rheological behaviors of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) suspension in polyethylene glycol (PEG) were investigated on a TA AR2000ex rheometer. Under steady shear consistency index K and flow exponent N of suspensions with different volume fractions were determined. The shear-thinning and the discontinuous shear-thickening behavior were observed at different constant frequencies from 10 to 100 rad/s. The relationship between the complex viscosity and the constant frequency were determined. As the volume fraction increases,flow exponent N shows a rapid increase,and it increases dramatically when the discontinuous shear-thickening takes place,while consistency index K decreases. Dynamic oscillatory shear experiments were conducted at constant strain amplitude and constant frequency,respectively. For the frequency sweep,the system shows viscous property in entire range of the frequency investigated,and the complex viscosity shows discontinuous jump at a critical frequency of 10 rad/s. For the strain sweep,on the other hand,at low strain the elastic modulus is strongly dependent on the strain,and the viscous modulus is independent of the strain. But at the critical strain point both of the moduli show an abrupt jump and the system transits from elastic to viscous at a strain of 0.1.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41471412)
文摘Simulating the typical carbonation step in a mineral CO_2 sequestration, precipitated calcium carbonate(PCC) was prepared by bubbling CO_2 gas into a rich Ca solution. These carbonation reactions were conducted at three p H ranges, namely 10.0–9.0, 9.0–8.0, and 8.0–7.0, in which temperature and CO_2 flow rate are additional experimental variables. The PCC obtained in experiments was examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)and X-ray diffraction(XRD). It was found that supersaturation determined by p H value and flow rate of CO_2 has significant influence on polymorph of PCC. Vaterite was preferably formed at high supersaturation, while dissolution of metastable vaterite and crystallization of calcite occurred at low supersaturation. High temperature is a critical factor for the formation of aragonite. At 70 °C, vaterite, calcite and aragonite were observed to coexist in PCC because transformation from vaterite to aragonite via calcite occurred at this temperature. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) technology was performed on prepared PCC, and various morphologies consistent with polymorphs were observed.
文摘The amount of carbon dioxide （CO2） absorption and calcium ion （Ca^2＋） concentration besides the pH of aqueous solution were observed during the COz absorption to precipitate calcium carbonate （CaCO3） from calcium hydroxide （Ca（OH）2）. A reaction rate-limiting effect of an amount of CO2 absorption without any organic additives in the early stage of the precipitation was observed, which was attributed to an interruption effect of bicarbonate ion （HCO3） on the precipitation of CaCO3. The improvement for the reaction rate was achieved not only by amine additives but also by neutral additives such as ε-caprolactam or amine salt. When the hexamethylene diamine was dissolved in the solution, successive change of crystal forms of CaCO3 aragonite to calcite in aqueous suspensions, confirmed by Ca^2＋ concentration change and X-ray diffraction, was concluded that a local environment around the amine group in aqueous solution and an interaction of the diamine with precipitated CaCO3 particles were important factors for these reactions.
基金Foundation item:the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51621096)
文摘The microbially cemented sand(MCS)material is a new building material with a broad research prospect,although the nationwide cold wave affects the mechanical properties of the material in the practical application.The microstructure of MCS is obtained by computed tomography(CT)and scanning electron microscope(SEM);the thermodynamic mathematical model is established by considering the particle shapes and bonding state based on direct element method(DEM).By studying the damage of temperature drop amplitude and cooling duration to MCS material under the effect of cold wave,the following conclusions are drawn.For a given temperature drop range,an increased cooling time can aggravate the material damage.In addition,a rapid drop in temperature can cause serious damage to the material.The cracks generated by the temperature stress propagate in the direction of the weaker component of the material.The DEM model can be better used to analyze the damage of the MCS structure induced by cold wave.
