Multifunctional Membranes—A Versatile Approach for Emerging Pollutants Removal

This paper presents a comprehensive literature review surveying the most important polymer materials used for electrospinning processes and applied as membranes for the removal of emerging pollutants. Two types of processes integrate these membrane types: separation processes, where electrospun polymers act as a support for thin film composites (TFC), and adsorption as single or coupled processes (photo-catalysis, advanced oxidation, electrochemical), where a functionalization step is essential for the electrospun polymer to improve its properties. Emerging pollutants (EPs) released in the environment can be efficiently removed from water systems using electrospun membranes. The relevant results regarding removal efficiency, adsorption capacity, and the size and porosity of the membranes and fibers used for different EPs are described in detail.

α-Fe2O3/graphene oxide powder and thin film nanocomposites as peculiar photocatalysts for dye removal from wastewater

In this study, hematite graphene oxide (αFe2O3-GO) powder nanocomposites and thin-film hematite graphene oxide (αFe2O3-GO) were synthesized for application in the removal of Rhodamine B (RhB) from textile wastewater. αFe2O3-GO nanomaterials were placed onto the FTO substrate to form a thin layer of nanocomposites. Different analysis including XRD, FTIR, Raman spectra, XPS, and FESEM were done to analyze the morphology, structure, and properties of the synthesized composites as well as the chemical interactions of αFe2O3 with GO. The photocatalytic performance of two synthesized composites was compared with different concentrations of αFe2O3-GO. The results showed that powder nanocomposites are more effective than thin-film composites for the removal of RhB dye. αFe2O3-GO-5% powder nanocomposites removed over 64% of dye while thin-film nanocomposites had less removal efficiencies with just under 47% removal rate. The reusability test was done for both materials in which αFe2O3-GO-5% powder nanocomposites removed a higher rate of dye (up to 63%) in more cycles (6 cycles).

Helium Bubbles and Blistering in a Nanolayered Metal/Hydride Composite

Helium is insoluble in most metals and precipitates out to form nanoscale bubbles when the concentration is greater than 1 at.%, which can alter the material properties. Introducing controlled defects such as multilayer interfaces may offer some level of helium bubble management. This study investigates the effects of multilayered composites on helium behavior in ion-implanted, multilayered ErD2/Mo thin film composites. Following in-situ and ex-situ helium implantation, scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed the development of spherical helium bubbles within the matrix, but primarily at the layer interfaces. Bubble linkage and surface blistering is observed after high fluence ex-situ helium implantation. These results show the ability of metallic multilayers to alter helium bubble distributions even in the presence of a hydride layer, increasing the lifetime of materials in helium environments.

Features of Obtaining ZnO:Ag Thin Films Systems by the Method of Simultaneous Magnetron Sputtering with Subsequent Annealing

This work describes the study of the effect of thermal annealing on the properties of the ZnO:Ag thin film composites, which are the basis of sensors of heavy metal ions, as well as sensors of poisonous and explosive substances. Changes of the optical properties and morphology of the surfaces of composites with five different component ratios were analyzed. The studies performed have revealed significant changes in the properties of nanocomposites ZnO:Ag. This study may become the basis for future works on improving the sensitivity of sensors of poisonous and explosive substances.