Insight into Debye Hückel length (κ−1): smart gravimetric and swelling techniques reveals discrepancy of diffuse double layer theory at high ionic concentrations

Smart gravimetric and swelling techniques were utilized in this work to examine the validity of the Debye Hückel length (κ−1) equation when shale interacts with highly concentrated salt solutions. The swelling and shrinkage behavior of two different shales, when exposed to monovalent and divalent ionic solutions (NaCl, KCl and CaCl2) at concentrations ranging from 2 to 22%w/w was observed and measured. Shale swelling and shrinkage results show that Debye Hückel length (κ−1) equation seems to work adequately at low ionic concentrations where osmotic water flow out of shale plays a major role in decreasing the diffuse double layer thickness by withdrawing water out and thereby shrinking κ−1. At high ionic concentration levels, the flow of associated water into the diffuse double layer negates the withdrawal of osmotic water out of the diffuse double layer which could maintain κ−1 or possibly increase it. Data on measured ionic uptake into shale suggests that excessive ionic diffusion into shale, especially at high concentrations, leads to higher electrical repulsion between alike ions in the diffuse layer which could lead to the expansion of the diffuse double layer thickness. Furthermore, swelling and shrinkage data analysis for shale suggests the existence of a ‘critical concentration’ below which the Debye Hückel length equation works. Above the critical concentration, the validity of the Debye Hückel length equation might be in question. The critical concentration is different for all ions and depends on ionic valence, hydrated ion diameter, and clay type.

Preparation of γ-PGA hydrogels and swelling behaviors in salt solutions with different ionic valence numbers

In this paper, a novel poly γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) hydrogel was successfully synthesized by solution polymerization and ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) was used as crosslinker.

Transport Behavior of Engineered Nanosized Photocatalytic Materials in Water

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) possess unique properties and are employed in many sectors, and thus their release into environment remains. The potential risks of ENPs have been confirmed by an increasing number of studies that necessitate a better knowledge to the fate and transport of ENPs. One important application of ENP is photocatalysis for production of H2as energy and pollutant decomposition. Engineered photocatalytic nanoparticles (PCNPs) can also easily enter the environment with the rapid increase in its manufacture and use. This review focuses on the transport of PCNPs in water by addressing the important factors that determine the transport of PCNPs, such as particle size, pH value, ionic strength (IS), ionic valence, and organic matter. The transport of PCNPs in natural water systems and wastewater systems is also presented with an attempt to provide more abundant information. In addition, the state of the art of the detection technologies of PCNPs has been covered.