Electronic structure and defect-induced luminescence study of phase-stabilized t-ZrO2 nanocrystals

Luminescent tetragonal-ZrO₂ (t-ZrO₂) nanocrystals were synthesized using an optimized combustion method without post-synthesis annealing and characterized using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–Vis. spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, thermoluminescence (TL), and vibrating sample magnetometry. The as-synthesized t-ZrO₂ nanocrystals have a bandgap of 4.65 eV and exhibit defect-assisted blue emission (Commission Internationale de I'Elcairage coordinates 0.2294, 0.1984) when excited at 270 nm. The defect states were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using TL after irradiating nanocrystals with γ- and UV radiations at various doses. The TL glow curves show intense emission in the high-temperature region from 523 to 673 K for both UV- and γ-irradiated samples; however, another less-intense TL peak was also observed in the low-temperature region from 333 to 453 K with γ irradiation at higher doses, indicating the formation of shallow trapping states. The activation energies, frequency factor, and order of kinetics were estimated using the computerized glow curve deconvolution method for the shallow and deep traps for γ- and UV-irradiated samples. The present study shows that phase-stabilized t-ZrO₂ nanocrystals are potential candidates for luminescence-based applications.     

On the enthalpy of formation of Escherichia coli K-12 cells

An examination is made of five methods for obtaining values of the enthalpy of formation of a unit mass of living Escherichia coli K-12 cells. The values obtained by these methods ranged from -88.95 kJ to -99.55 kJ, the gross average being 96.01 kJ, per unit carbon formula weight equivalent of living, hydrated cells. Although theoretically the growth of this organism in a microcalorimeter should provide the best value, the value obtained by this method (-88.95 kJ per UCFW equivalent) is not in close agreement with those of the other four methods, the values from which form a cluster averaging -97.8 +/- 1.0 kJ (-23.4 +/- 0.2 kcal)/UCFW equivalent. Calculations using this value indicate that the enthalpy change accompanying anabolism (as this is represented) is zero, or very nearly so, and that the heat of growth is that from catabolism alone.     

Luminescence studies on Ba2ZnSi2O7 : Eu2+ phosphors crystals

A novel blue green‐emitting phosphor Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇ : Eu²⁺ was prepared by combustion synthesis method and an efficient bluish green emission under from ultraviolet to visible light was observed. The emission spectrum shows a single intensive band centered at 503 nm, which corresponds to the 4f⁶5d¹ → 4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺. The excitation spectrum is a broad band extending from 260 to 465 nm, which matches the emission of ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes (UV‐LEDs). The effect of doped Eu²⁺ concentration on the emission intensity of Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇ : Eu²⁺ was also investigated. The result indicates that Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇ : Eu²⁺ can be potentially useful as a UV radiation‐converting phosphor for white light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

生物质燃料

石化资源的溃乏以及其飚升的价格使得今天生物能源的研究越来越受到关注。从传统的生物供能方式——燃烧开始,介绍发酵制气、生物电池等最新的生物供能方式,以求对生物燃料作一较为详细的介绍,并对其应用前景进行展望。     

Towards Miscanthus combustion quality improvement: the role of flowering and senescence

In commercially grown Miscanthus × giganteus, despite imposing a yield penalty, postwinter harvests improve quality criteria for thermal conversion and crop sustainability through remobilization of nutrients to the underground rhizome. We examined 16 Miscanthus genotypes with different flowering and senescence times for variation in N, P, K, moisture, ash, Cl and Si contents, hypothesizing that early flowering and senescence could result in improved biomass quality and/or enable an earlier harvest of biomass (in autumn at peak yield). Ideal crop characteristics at harvest are low N and P to reduce future fertilizer inputs, low K and Cl to reduce corrosion in boilers, low moisture to reduce spoilage and transportation costs, and low Si and ash to reduce slagging and consequent operational downtime. Stems and leaves were harvested during summer, autumn and then the following spring after overwinter ripening. In spring, stem contents of N were 30–60 mg kg^?1, P were 203–1132 mg kg^?1, K were 290–4098 mg kg^?1, Cl were 10–23 mg kg^?1 and moisture were 12–38%. Notably, late senescence resulted in increased N, P, K, Cl, moisture and ash contents, and should therefore be avoided for thermochemical conversion. Flowering and senescence led to overall improved combustion quality, where flowered genotypes tended towards lower P, K, Cl and moisture contents; marginally less, or similar, N, Si and ash contents; and a similar higher heating value, compared to those that had not flowered. Such genotypes could potentially be harvested in the autumn. However, one genotype that did not flower in our trial exhibited sufficiently low N and K content in autumn to meet the ENplus wood pellet standards for those traits, and some of the lowest P, moisture and ash contents in our trial, and is thus a target for future research and breeding.     

Combustion synthesis of blue‐emitting submicron CaAl4O7:Eu2+, Dy3+ persistence phosphor

Long persistence phosphor CaAl₄O₇: Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ were prepared by a combustion method. The phosphors were characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), decay time measurement techniques and photoluminescence spectra (PL). The CaAl₄O₇: Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ phosphor showed a broad blue emission, peaking at 445 nm when excited at 341 nm. Such a blue emission can be attributed to the intrinsic 4f → 5d transitions of Eu²⁺ in the host lattices. The lifetime decay curve of the Dy³⁺ co‐doped CaAl₄O₇: Eu²⁺ phosphor contains a fast decay component and another slow decay one. Surface morphology also has been studied by SEM. The calculated CIE colour chromaticity coordinates was (0.227, 043). We have also discussed a possible long‐persistent mechanism of CaAl₄O₇:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺ phosphor. All the results indicate that this phosphor has promising potential for practical applications in the field of long‐lasting phosphors for the purposes of sign boards and defence. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

High‐Performance Ultrathin Co3O4 Nanosheet Supported PdO/CeO2 Catalysts for Methane Combustion

Efficient utilization of methane via catalytic complete combustion is a very important pathway to realize energy efficiency and pollution reduction. From the viewpoint of structural design, herein a green water‐phase route is developed to prepare ultrathin Co(OH)₂ nanosheet supported Pd catalysts. As a platform, the as‐obtained Pd/Co(OH)₂ nanosheets are able to be further used to load CeO₂ nanoparticles to form 2D nanostructured Pd/CeO₂/Co(OH)₂ multicomponent hybrids, and further calcination can result in the final well‐crystallized ultrathin Co₃O₄ nanosheet supported PdO/CeO₂ catalysts. Catalytic tests on methane combustion reveal that CeO₂ as a catalytic assistant greatly boosts the catalytic performance of PdO/Co₃O₄ via strong synergetic effects with Pd species and Co₃O₄ components. The best sample of PdO/CeO₂‐0.1/Co₃O₄ exhibits surprisingly enhanced light‐off activity, indicating that such 2D Co₃O₄ nanosheet supported nanocatalysts might show promising prospect for heterogeneous catalysis.     

人体能量消耗构成比数学模型

为了评价人体能量消耗构成比,本文描述了构建人体能量消耗的三大营养素构成比数学模型的推演过程。总氧消耗、总二氧化碳排出和总氮（尿氮＋皮肤氮）排出与三大营养素的氧化有关,并且这三种营养素的生理燃烧值是已知的。基于这些可测定的和已知的参数,我们构建的数学模型有助于了解受试个体的能量消耗特点。     

In-Field Ambient Fine Particle Monitoring of an Outdoor Wood Boiler: Public Health Concerns

Outdoor wood boilers (OWBs) are detached wood-fired units that heat water used for domestic consumption and heating. The increasing use of OWBs has prompted regulatory concern because of escalating public complaints. Few field studies of OWB ambient emissions have been conducted, limiting efforts to assess this air quality problem. A screening level evaluation was conducted to characterize ambient fine particle (PM_2.5) levels nearby an OWB device and to overview operating and design factors that could influence PM_2.5 levels. High hourly (186 μ g/m³ 4.3 h mean, 665 μg/m³ 95th percentile) and peak continuous (8,880 μg/m³ 15 s avg) PM_2.5 concentrations were found within 50–150 ft of an OWB relative to background levels throughout the course of nearly routine operating conditions. Values were highest during air intake within 1 h of fuel loading (416 μg/m³ 1 h mean) compared to air-starved 22–24 h after loading (115 μg/m³ 3.3 h mean). OWB features that could affect PM_2.5 levels include exemption from federal wood stove standards, poor combustion design, large firebox capacity, trash burning use, low stack height, and four-season utility. In view of cardiac and respiratory health risks associated with transient exposure to ambient PM_2.5 at levels well below those reported here, this pilot study contributes to the risk assessment field by identifying an emerging problem of potential public health significance.     

甘肃小陇山森林植被碳库及其分配特征

为准确估计甘肃小陇山林区森林植被的碳库大小,应用干烧法对该地区主要林分类型的13种乔木、14种灌木、10种草本植物的不同器官和7类林分的枯落物有机含碳率进行了测定,同时利用生物量标准地资料对8类林分的乔木层平均含碳率及森林植被的储碳密度和碳储量进行了估算,并分析了林分各组分的碳储量分配特征.结果表明:锐齿栎、油松、栓皮栎、白桦、红桦、日本落叶松、华山松、云杉、秦岭冷杉、水曲柳、大叶椋子木、五角枫、辽东栎13种乔木树种的器官平均含碳率范围为0.4501～0.5049,14种灌木和10种草本的器官平均含碳率分别为0.4446和0.3270,7类林分枯落物平均含碳率为0.4221.该地区8类林分的乔木层平均含碳率范围为0.4676～0.4976;小陇山林区森林植被层平均储碳密度为39.4254 t hm-2,总碳储量为13.3579 Tg.8类林分总碳储量分配中,乔木层占98.07%±0.73%,灌木层占1.38%4±0.43%,草本层占0.17%4±0.08%,枯落物层占0.37%±0.37%.甘肃小陇山8类林分乔木层的平均储碳密度值与我国及世界各地森林平均储碳密度的一些估计值基本接近.