Recycling wasted biomaterial,crab shells,as an adsorbent for the removal of high concentration of phosphate

In this study, crab shells were recycled as an adsorbent for the removal of phosphate. The effects of shell particle size, temperature, pH and phosphate concentration on phosphate removal were investigated. Shell particles less than 1000 μm in diameter removed more than 85% of 500 mg/L phosphate in 24 h while particles 3350 μm in diameter exhibited only 50% removal efficiency. Temperature showed negligible effect on phosphate removal in the range of 15–45 °C. Although removal efficiency was highest at pH 2.0, the efficiency remained 50–60% at pH of 4.0–10.0. The maximum removal capacity was calculated as 108.9 mg/g through Langmuir isotherm plotting, which was 17.0 and 4.7 times higher than those of coal fly ash and scallop shells, respectively. Although calcium carbonate played an active role in the removal of phosphate, both proteins composing 12.5% of crab shells and cellulose-like backbone of the crab shells also played an important role in phosphate removal.     

Coleifolides A and B,Two New Sesterterpenoids from the Aerial Parts of Scutellaria coleifolia H.Lév.

Coleifolides A and B ( 1 and 2 ), two new sesterterpenoids with a β‐methyl‐α,β‐unsaturated‐γ‐lactone moiety, were isolated from the aerial parts of Scutellaria coleifolia H.Lév . (Lamiaceae), together with three known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS examinations. Coleifolides A and B were concluded to be partially racemic compounds by the HPLC analysis using a chiral column or introduction of chiral derivatizing agents. The absolute configuration of the major isomer was determined by analyses of the CD spectrum as well as NMR data of (R)‐ and (S)‐2‐NMA derivatives. Coleifolides A and B are structurally similar to manoalide derivatives, previously isolated from marine sponges, and appear to be the first examples of this type of compounds being isolated from higher plants.     

Merosesquiterpenoids and Ten‐Membered Macrolides from a Soft Coral‐Derived Lophiostoma sp. Fungus

One new merosesquiterpenoid, craterellin D ( 1 ), along with one known analog, craterellin A ( 2 ), and five known ten‐membered macrolides, 3 – 7 , were isolated from a soft coral‐derived Lophiostoma sp. fungus. The absolute configuration of 1 was established based on biogenetic consideration with the co‐isolated analog 2 , whose configuration was determined by modified Mosher's method and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis using CuK_α radiation. The absolute configuration of 3 was determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis using CuK_α radiation. Compounds 2 and 3 showed antibacterial activities against Bacillus cereus with a MIC value of 3.12 μM .     

The Effect of Antisite Disorder and Particle Size on Li Intercalation Kinetics in Monoclinic LiMnBO3

In materials containing 1D lithium diffusion channels, cation disorder can strongly affect lithium intercalation processes. This work presents a model to explain the unusual transport properties of monoclinic LiMnBO₃, a material determined by scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction to contain a wide particle size distribution and Mn/Li antisite disorder. First‐principles calculations indicate that Mn occupying Li sites obstruct the 1D lithium diffusion channel along the [001] direction. While channel blockage by the antisites significantly lowers Li mobility in large particles, Li kinetics in small particles and particle surfaces are found to be less sensitive to the presence of antisite disorder. Thus, in an electrode containing a large particle size distribution, smaller particles have higher Li mobility, and the measured Li diffusivity as determined by potentiostatic intermittent titration test varies as a function of particle size. The Li capacity in monoclinic LiMnBO₃ is kinetically controlled by the fraction of large particles with antisite disorder, but is not intrinsically limited. These results strongly suggest that particle nanosizing will significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of LiMnBO₃.     

Advances in Cathode Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Complex Oxides without Alkaline Earth Metal Elements

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) represent one of the cleanest and most efficient options for the direct conversion of a wide variety of fuels to electricity. For example, SOFCs powered by natural gas are ideally suited for distributed power generation. However, the commercialization of SOFC technologies hinges on breakthroughs in materials development to dramatically reduce the cost while enhancing performance and durability. One of the critical obstacles to achieving high‐performance SOFC systems is the cathodes for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which perform poorly at low temperatures and degrade over time under operating conditions. Here a comprehensive review of the latest advances in the development of SOFC cathodes is presented: complex oxides without alkaline earth metal elements (because these elements could be vulnerable to phase segregation and contaminant poisoning). Various strategies are discussed for enhancing ORR activity while minimizing the effect of contaminant on electrode durability. Furthermore, some of the critical challenges are briefly highlighted and the prospects for future‐generation SOFC cathodes are discussed. A good understanding of the latest advances and remaining challenges in searching for highly active SOFC cathodes with robust tolerance to contaminants may provide useful guidance for the rational design of new materials and structures for commercially viable SOFC technologies.