WC/CNT, WC/CNT/Pt Composite Material and Preparation Process Therefor and Use Thereof. (International Patent)

(EN)Disclosed are a WC/CNT， WC/CNT/Pt composite material and a preparation process therefor and use thereof. The WC/CNT/Pt composite material comprises mesoporous spherical tungsten carbide with a diameter of 1-5 microns, carbon nanotubes and platinum nano particles, with the carbon nanotubes growing on the surface of the mesoporous spherical tungsten carbide and expanding outward, and the platinum nano particles growing on the surfaces of the mesoporous spherical tungsten carbide and carbon nanotubes. The WC/CNT composite material comprises mesoporous spherical tungsten carbide with a diameter of 1-5 microns, and carbon nanotubes, with the carbon nanotubes growing on the surface of the mesoporous spherical tungsten carbide and expanding outward. The WC/CNT/Pt composite material of the present invention can be used as an electro-catalyst in a methanol flue battery, significantly improving the catalytic conversion rate and the service life of the catalyst. The WC/CNT composite material can be used as an electro-catalyst in the electro-reduction of a nitro aromatic compound, significantly improving the efficiency of organic electro-synthesis.

WC/CNT, WC/CNT/Pt Composite Material and Preparation Process Therefor and Use Thereof. (US patent)

Disclosed are a WC/CNT， WC/CNT/Pt composite material and a preparation process therefor and use thereof. The WC/CNT/Pt composite material comprises mesoporous spherical tungsten carbide with a diameter of 1-5 microns, carbon nanotubes and platinum nano particles, with the carbon nanotubes growing on the surface of the mesoporous spherical tungsten carbide and expanding outward, and the platinum nano particles growing on the surfaces of the mesoporous spherical tungsten carbide and carbon nanotubes. The WC/CNT composite material comprises mesoporous spherical tungsten carbide with a diameter of 1-5 microns, and carbon nanotubes, with the carbon nanotubes growing on the surface of the mesoporous spherical tungsten carbide and expanding outward. The WC/CNT/Pt composite material of the present invention can be used as an electro-catalyst in a methanol flue battery, significantly improving the catalytic conversion rate and the service life of the catalyst. The WC/CNT composite material can be used as an electro-catalyst in the electro-reduction of a nitro aromatic compound, significantly improving the efficiency of organic electro-synthesis.

Piperidinium derivatives including spectaline and cassine derivatives, pharmaceutic compositions containing the same and preparation process

Disclosed are compounds of formulae (II) and (III), wherein R1 is other than hydrogen and the remaining substituents are as defined in the specification, processes for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The compounds are capable of inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, and are useful in the treatment of pathologies associated with cholinergic transmission, such as memory related disorders, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease, Myasthenia Gravis and intoxication induced by chemical agents.

Nanoparticle preparation process using novel microjet reactor technology for enhancing dissolution rates of poorly water soluble drugs

In this study a novel method MicroJet reactor technology was developed to enable the custom preparation of nanoparticles. rnDanazol/HPMCP HP50 and Gliclazide/Eudragit S100 nanoparticles were used as model systems for the investigation of effects of process parameters and microjet reactor setup on the nanoparticle properties during the microjet reactor construction. rnFollowing the feasibility study of the microjet reactor system, three different nanoparticle formulations were prepared using fenofibrate as model drug. Fenofibrate nanoparticles stabilized with poloxamer 407 (FN), fenofibrate nanoparticles in hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate (HPMCP) matrix (FHN) and fenofibrate nanoparticles in HPMCP and chitosan matrix (FHCN) were prepared under controlled precipitation using MicroJet reactor technology. Particle sizes of all the nanoparticle formulations were adjusted to 200-250 nm. rnThe changes in the experimental parameters altered the system thermodynamics resulting in the production of nanoparticles between 20-1000 nm (PDI<0.2) with high drug loading efficiencies (96.5% in 20:1 polymer:drug ratio).rnDrug releases from all nanoparticle formulations were fast and complete after 15 minutes both in FaSSIF and FeSSIF medium whereas in mucodhesiveness tests, only FHCN formulation was found to be mucoadhesive. Results of the Caco-2 studies revealed that % dose absorbed values were significantly higher (p<0.01) for FHCN in both cases where FaSSIF and FeSSIF were used as transport buffer.rn

Preparation and characterization of PtSn/C anode electrocatalysts for direct ethanol fuel cell

Highly active PtSn/C catalyst was prepared by a polyol method. The catalyst was reduced in H-2/Ar atmosphere at 600 degreesC for 2 h in order to obtain different metallic phase. TEM images show uniform dispersion of spherical metal nanoparticles with average diameters of 1.8 and 3.9 nm for the as-prepared and treated catalysts, respectively. UV-vis spectrophotometry is employed to monitor the preparation process and the results indicate that Pt-Sn complex formed once the precursors of Pt and Sn were mixed together. The structure properties of the samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction. The results show that after reduction, the catalyst tends to form PtSn alloy. TPR experiment results show that Sn exists in multivalent state in the as-prepared sample while only zero-valence Sn was detected in the treated sample, while it could not be excluded that the multivalent tin existed in the treated sample. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique and single direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC) tests indicate that the as-prepared catalyst possesses superior catalytic activity for ethanol oxidation to the treated sample. The results suggest that Pt and multivalent Sn are the active species for ethanol oxidation. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A simple preparation of stationary phase of alkylamide reversed-phase liquid chromatograph for the separation of basic substances

A simple preparation process of alkylamide phase for reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) is described. The process includes aminopropyltrimethoxysilane firstly reacted with octanoyl chloride, then the intermediate was coupled onto porous silica. The resultant bonded silica has a reproducible ligand surface concentration and homogenous bonded ligand distribution on the porous silica. Characterization of prepared packing was carried out with elemental analysis, solid-state C-13 NMR and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). Chromatographic evaluations were carried out by using a mixture of organic compounds including acidic, basic and neutral analytes under methanol/water as binary mobile phase. The results showed that the stationary phase have excellent chromatographic properties and can be efficiently used for the separation of basic compounds.

Specialist and primary care physicians' views on barriers to adequate preparation of patients for renal replacement therapy: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Early preparation for renal replacement therapy (RRT) is recommended for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet many patients initiate RRT urgently and/or are inadequately prepared. METHODS: We conducted audio-recorded, qualitative, directed telephone interviews of nephrology health care providers (n = 10, nephrologists, physician assistants, and nurses) and primary care physicians (PCPs, n = 4) to identify modifiable challenges to optimal RRT preparation to inform future interventions. We recruited providers from public safety-net hospital-based and community-based nephrology and primary care practices. We asked providers open-ended questions to assess their perceived challenges and their views on the role of PCPs and nephrologist-PCP collaboration in patients' RRT preparation. Two independent and trained abstractors coded transcribed audio-recorded interviews and identified major themes. RESULTS: Nephrology providers identified several factors contributing to patients' suboptimal RRT preparation, including health system resources (e.g., limited time for preparation, referral process delays, and poorly integrated nephrology and primary care), provider skills (e.g., their difficulty explaining CKD to patients), and patient attitudes and cultural differences (e.g., their poor understanding and acceptance of their CKD and its treatment options, their low perceived urgency for RRT preparation; their negative perceptions about RRT, lack of trust, or language differences). PCPs desired more involvement in preparation to ensure RRT transitions could be as "smooth as possible", including providing patients with emotional support, helping patients weigh RRT options, and affirming nephrologist recommendations. Both nephrology providers and PCPs desired improved collaboration, including better information exchange and delineation of roles during the RRT preparation process. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrology and primary care providers identified health system resources, provider skills, and patient attitudes and cultural differences as challenges to patients' optimal RRT preparation. Interventions to improve these factors may improve patients' preparation and initiation of optimal RRTs.

Good manufacturing practice-compliant validation and preparation of BM cells for the therapy of acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: Intracoronary application of BM-derived cells for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is currently being studied intensively. Simultaneously, strict legal requirements surround the production of cells for clinical studies. Thus good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant collection and preparation of BM for patients with AMI was established by the Cytonet group. METHODS: As well as fulfillment of standard GMP requirements, including a manufacturing license, validation of the preparation process and the final product was performed. Whole blood (n=6) and BM (n=3) validation samples were processed under GMP conditions by gelafundin or hydroxyethylstarch sedimentation in order to reduce erythrocytes/platelets and volume and to achieve specifications defined in advance. Special attention was paid to the free potassium (<6 mmol/L), some rheologically relevant cellular characteristics (hematocrit <0.45, platelets <450 x 10(6)/mL) and the sterility of the final product. RESULTS: The data were reviewed and GMP compliance was confirmed by the German authorities (Paul-Ehrlich Institute). Forty-five BM cell preparations for clinical use were carried out following the validated methodology and standards. Additionally three selections of CD34+ BM cells for infusion were performed. All specification limits were met. Discussion In conclusion, preparation of BM cells for intracoronary application is feasible under GMP conditions. As the results of sterility testing may not be available at the time of intracoronary application, the highest possible standards to avoid bacterial and other contaminations have to be applied. The increased expense of the GMP-compliant process can be justified by higher safety for patients and better control of the final product.

The preparation of carbon fibres: a study of the physics and chemistry of the preparation of carbon fibres from acrylic precursors

High strength, high modulus carbon fibres are becoming increasingly important as high performance engineering materials. This thesis describes how they may be prepared by heat treatment from filaments spun from polyacrylonitrile and its copolymers. The chemistry of the first stages of heat treatment is very important in controlling the mechanical properties of the carbonised product. A cyclisation reaction has been found to be responsible for the relatively high thermal stability of pyrolysed polyacrylonitrile, but without oxidation the fibres degrade and fuse. An initial oxidation stage is, therefore, essential to the preparation of fibre of high orientation. The cyclised product of pyrolysis is probably a poly 1,4 dihydropiridine and oxidation converts this to aromatic structures, and cyclised structures containing carbonyl and other oxygenated groups. Oxidation is found to assist the carbon fibre preparation process, by producing a product which condenses at an earlier stage of heat treatment, before fusion can occur. Carbon fibre strength and modulus are dependent upon producing a highly oriented crystal structure. While oxidation of the polymer stabilises the fibre so as to prevent disorientation, further large increases in orientation, with a commensurate improvement in strength and modulus, can be obtained by stretching at temperatures above 1,700 °C. This process is analogous to the way fibre orientation is increased by the stretching of the precursor. A lamellar graphite structure can be created in high temperature fibre, by carefully controlling the degree of oxidation. This type of graphite can produce very high values of Young's modulus. More often, however, graphite fibre has a fibrillar fine structure, which is explicable in terms of continuous graphite ribbons. A ribbon model is the most satisfactory representation of the structure of carbon fibre, as it explains the mechanism of the development of long range order and the variation of Young's modulus with crystalline preferred orientation.

The New Science Intensive Standard of Master Preparation in Sphere of Competitive Intelligence on the Basis of Systemological Knowledge-Oriented Technologies

Methodological, theoretical and technological bases of the new branch standard of Ukraine higher education which regulates preparation process of masters - professionals in the information area and information analysts are considered. The new systemological knowledge-oriented technologies developed in KNURE which considerably surpass foreign analogues are put as the basis of training.

Trip generation in Australia : Practical issues

An online survey was conducted to investigate the views and experiences of Australian traffic and transport professionals about practical problems and issues in terms of trip generation and trip chaining for use in Transport Impact Assessment (TIA). Findings from this survey revealed that there is a shortage of appropriate data related to trip generation estimation for use in TIAs in Australia. Establishing a National Trip Generation Database (NTGD) with a centralised responsible organisation for collecting and publishing trip generation data based on federal and state governments’ contribution was found the most accepted solution for resolving this shortage as well as providing national standards and guidelines associated with trip generation definitions, data collection methodology, and TIA preparation process based on updated research. Finally, the study recognised the importance of the trip chaining effects on trip generation estimation and identified most prevalent land uses subject to trip chaining in terms of TIA.

Strength properties of composite clay balls containing additives from industry wastes as new filter media in water treatment

Pebble matrix filtration (PMF) is a water treatment technology that can remove suspended solids in highly turbid surface water during heavy storms. PMF typically uses sand and natural pebbles as filter media. Hand-made clay pebbles (balls) can be used as alternatives to natural pebbles in PMF treatment plants, where natural pebbles are not readily available. Since the high turbidity is a seasonal problem that occurs during heavy rains, the use of newly developed composite clay balls instead of pure clay balls have the advantage of removing other pollutants such as natural organic matter (NOM) during other times. Only the strength properties of composite clay balls are described here as the pollutant removal is beyond the scope of this paper. These new composite clay balls must be able to withstand dead and live loads under dry and saturated conditions in a filter assembly. Absence of a standard ball preparation process and expected strength properties of composite clay balls were the main reasons behind the present study. Five different raw materials from industry wastes: Red Mud (RM), Water Treatment Alum Sludge (S), Shredded Paper (SP), Saw Dust (SD), and Sugar Mulch (SM) were added to common clay brick mix (BM) in different proportions. In an effort to minimize costs, in this study clay balls were fired to 1100 0C at a local brick factory together with their bricks. A comprehensive experimental program was performed to evaluate crushing strength of composite hand-made clay balls, using uniaxial compression test to establish the best material combination on the basis of strength properties for designing sustainable filter media for water treatment plants. Performance at both construction and operating stages were considered by analyzing both strength properties under fully dry conditions and strength degradation after saturation in a water bath. The BM-75% as the main component produced optimum combination in terms of workability and strength. With the material combination of BM-75% and additives-25%, the use of Red Mud and water treatment sludge as additives produced the highest and lowest strength of composite clay balls, with a failure load of 5.4 kN and 1.4 kN respectively. However, this lower value of 1.4 kN is much higher than the effective load on each clay ball of 0.04 kN in a typical filter assembly (safety factor of 35), therefore, can still be used as a suitable filter material for enhanced pollutant removal.

Effect of LiYO2 on the synthesis and pressureless sintering of Y2SiO5

Y2SiO5 has potential applications as a high-temperature structural ceramic and environmental/thermal barrier coating. In this work, we synthesized single-phase Y2SiO5 powders utilizing a solid-liquid reaction method with LiYO2 as an additive. The reaction path of the Y2O3/SiO2/LiYO2 mixture with variation in temperatures and the role of the LiYO2 additive on preparation process were investigated in detail. The powders obtained by this method have good sinterability. Through a pressureless sintering process, almost fully dense Y2SiO5 bulk material was achieved with a very high density of 99.7% theoretical.

Low-thermal-budget solution processing of thin films of zinc ferrite and other complex oxides

Further miniaturization of magnetic and electronic devices demands thin films of advanced nanomaterials with unique properties. Spinel ferrites have been studied extensively owing to their interesting magnetic and electrical properties coupled with stability against oxidation. Being an important ferrospinel, zinc ferrite has wide applications in the biological (MRI) and electronics (RF-CMOS) arenas. The performance of an oxide like ZnFe2O4 depends on stoichiometry (defect structure), and technological applications require thin films of high density, low porosity and controlled microstructure, which depend on the preparation process. While there are many methods for the synthesis of polycrystalline ZnFe2O4 powder, few methods exist for the deposition of its thin films, where prolonged processing at elevated temperature is not required. We report a novel, microwave-assisted, low temperature (<100°C) deposition process that is conducted in the liquid medium, developed for obtaining high quality, polycrystalline ZnFe2O4 thin films on technologically important substrates like Si(100). An environment-friendly solvent (ethanol) and non-hazardous oxide precursors (β-diketonates of Zn and Fe in 1:2 molar ratio), forming a solution together, is subjected to irradiation in a domestic microwave oven (2.45 GHz) for a few minutes, leading to reactions which result in the deposition of ZnFe2O4 films on Si (100) substrates suspended in the solution. Selected surfactants added to the reactant solution in optimum concentration can be used to control film microstructure. The nominal temperature of the irradiated solution, i.e., film deposition temperature, seldom exceeds 100°C, thus sharply lowering the thermal budget. Surface roughness and uniformity of large area depositions (50x50 mm2) are controlled by tweaking the concentration of the mother solution. Thickness of the films thus grown on Si (100) within 5 min of microwave irradiation can be as high as several microns. The present process, not requiring a vacuum system, carries a very low thermal budget and, together with a proper choice of solvents, is compatible with CMOS integration. This novel solution-based process for depositing highly resistive, adherent, smooth ferrimagnetic films on Si (100) is promising to RF engineers for the fabrication of passive circuit components. It is readily extended to a wide variety of functional oxide films.