Sharif Digital Repository

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are promising candidates for carbon dioxide separation. However, their application is limited due to improper dispersion of fillers within the polymer matrix, poor interaction of fillers with polymer chains, and formation of defects and micro-voids at the interface of both phases, which all result in the decline of the gas separation performance of MMMs. In this work, we present a new method to overcome these challenges. To this end, a series of MMMs based on polyethersulfone (PES) as the continuous polymer matrix and MIL-53-derived MOFs as the dispersed filler were prepared. FTIR-ATR, XRD, TGA, FESEM, and N2 adsorption/desorption analyses were employed to... 

There is a long-standing question about the molecular configuration of interfacial water molecules in the proximity of solid surfaces, particularly carbon atoms, which plays a crucial role in electrochemistry and biology. In this study, the dielectric, structural, and dynamical properties of confined water placed between two parallel graphene walls at different interdistances from the angstrom scale to a few tens of nanometer have been investigated using molecular dynamics. For the dielectric properties of water, we show that the dielectric constant of the perpendicular component of water drastically decreases under sub-2-nm spatial confinement. The dielectric constant data obtained through... 

There is a long-standing question about the molecular configuration of interfacial water molecules in the proximity of solid surfaces, particularly carbon atoms, which plays a crucial role in electrochemistry and biology. In this study, the dielectric, structural, and dynamical properties of confined water placed between two parallel graphene walls at different interdistances from the angstrom scale to a few tens of nanometer have been investigated using molecular dynamics. For the dielectric properties of water, we show that the dielectric constant of the perpendicular component of water drastically decreases under sub-2-nm spatial confinement. The dielectric constant data obtained through... 

The friction on the water–solid interfaces continues to be the most important factor for the energy loss in many marine and submarine applications. Therefore, different techniques have been developed and are available to reduce friction and, as a result, the overall cost. In the past decades, the use of structured surfaces has been given considerable attention because of their specific characteristics such as their abilities in pressure drop reduction. However, an appropriate optimization method is required to find the best surface structure. In the present study, we consider a microgrooved substrate and examine the performance of three shapes including rectangular, elliptical, and... 

Amine-functionalized MIL-101(Cr) has been synthesized by hydrothermal (MNH2) and post-synthetic modification (MNH2-p) approaches. Pd/MNH2 and Pd/MNH2-p have been tested in CO oxidation reaction as a gas phase reaction to clarify the difference between two synthesis approaches. Their performance has also been compared with that of Pd supported on MIL as a common MOF and CuBTC as a commercial one. The results show the significant difference between Pd/MNH2-p and Pd/MNH2, where CO conversion of 100% was not observed for Pd/MNH2-p, whereas Pd/MNH2 outperformed the others and exhibited the high reaction rate thanks to the active sites created by amorphization during the reduction process because... 

Particle size and shape of iron ore concentrate are effective parameters in the production of quality green pellets. In this research, the effect of particle morphology on green pellet quality was studied. It was concluded that pellet quality improved with increasing specific surface area. Drop number and green compression strength of pellets ground by HPGR were found to be superior over those ground in the ball mill. The chief reasons were related to particle shape and the fraction of fine particles. Smaller particle size results in a higher order of bonding between particles and therefore the formation of a stronger system. Also, the rougher and less circular shape of particles resulted in...