Physicochemically Interlocked Sulfur Covalent Triazine Framework for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries with Exceptional Longevity

An electronically conjugated functional triazine framework is used to synthesize a physicochemically interlocked sulfur cathode that delivers high energy density coupled with exceptional cycle life in lithium-sulfur batteries. Conventional melt-diffusion strategies to impregnate sulfur in the cathode offer poor cycle life due to physical mixing with weak interactions. By contrast, in this approach, sulfur is physicochemically entrapped within a nanoporous and heteroatom doped high surface area covalent triazine framework, resulting in outstanding electrochemical performance (≈89% capacity retention after 1000 cycles, the energy density of ≈2,022 Wh kg⁻¹_sulfur and high-rate capability up to 12 C). The overall structural characteristics and interactions of sulfur with the covalent triazine framework are explored in detail to explain the intriguing properties of the sulfur cathode.     

Ozone assisted partial oxidation of DMS to DMSO on Fe based catalyst

Iron–zirconia catalysts are prepared with varying Fe content by co-precipitation method. Catalysts activity and stability are elucidated in vapour phase oxidation of DMS using ozone as an oxidant and compared with that of oxygen. In absence of ozone the catalysts are observed very low activity whereas the ozone is directly influencing the Fe₂O₃ redox cycle. Results reveal that the Fe content and reaction temperature have significant influence on the activity. The activation energy for conversion process is observed to be considerably low with ozone compared to that of oxygen. The 20% Fe containing catalyst is not deactivated for 80 h of operation.     

Enterprise Systems Consolidation

The ERP market has reached a high level of maturity. Although squeezing inefficiencies continues to be a business goal, enterprise systems today also have to address ecosystem dynamics such as interoperability, extended value chains, and compliance processes. Enterprise systems consolidation has thus become a major competitive thrust. the framework proposed in this article provides a diagnostic and assessment-based roadmap for consolidating efforts, reflecting the collective engagement experiences of Infosys personnel in the role of enterprise system consolidation partners with client organizations.     

Biomimetic synthesis of hybrid nanocomposite scaffolds by freeze-thawing and freeze-drying

The aim of this study is to biomimetically synthesize hydroxyapatite-hydrophilic polymer scaffolds for biomedical applications. This organic-inorganic hybrid has been structurally characterized and reveals a good microstructural control as seen by the SEM analysis and the nanosize of the particulates is confirmed by AFM microscopy. The characterization of such nano-structured composites would allow researchers to design new systems, tailoring properties for different applications.     

Dielectric behaviour of spray dried Pb0.98(La1?x/3Nax)0.02(Zr0.53Ti0.47)0.9950O3 system

Sodium modified PLZT, Pb_0.98(La_{1 – x/3}Na_x)_0.02(Zr_0.53Ti_0.47)_0.9950O₃ (PLNZT) with x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, ceramics have been synthesized by spray drying technique. Rhombohedral phases of PLNZT ceramics were confirmed by XRD. Pellets prepared from the calcined powders were sintered at 1100°C. Micro-structural studies show the grains were spherical and homogeneous. Dielectric behaviour of these compounds has been studied as a function of temperature at 10 KHz frequency. Diffusivity of these compounds calculated from -T plots were found to lie between 1 and 2, which suggests that the compounds have diffuse phase transition (DPT). The dielectric constant () as found to increase initially upto x = 1.5 and then to decrease with increasing Na—concentrations.     

Use of essential oils and phytochemicals against the mycotoxins producing fungi for shelf-life enhancement and food preservation

Mycotoxin-producing fungi are a significant source of crop and food contamination, posing a significant threat to global food safety and security. Essential oils, plant extracts and phytochemicals have emerged as green preservatives to extend the shelf-life of foods due to their unique antimicrobial properties. Unlike conventional synthetic preservatives, they are a sustainable and safe way to preserve food with no or little harmful effects on the environment. Use of nanoformulations containing essential oils and phytochemicals offer enormous potential as a mitigation strategy to lower mycotoxin contamination incidences in food and crop with enhanced release behaviour to efficiently transport them to the target location for a rapid reaction without much impact from environmental variables. Hence, this review overviews various essential oils and phytochemicals utilized through nanoformulations to control the mycotoxigenic fungi, probable mechanism of actions involved as well as emerging mycotoxins and associated safety concerns to ensure food sustainability.     

Sensitization induced stress corrosion failure of AISI 347 stainless steel fractionator furnace tubes

Austenitic stainless steel tubes are used as furnace tubes in petrochemical industries mainly because of their corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. AISI 347 grade stainless steel is used as furnace heater tubes in the fractionator of hydrocracker unit. Even though this stainless steel is stabilized with the addition of niobium thus preventing sensitization related corrosion failures, operational and maintenance errors may result in premature failures if conditions prevail. The present work reports the premature failure of AISI 347 grade fractionator furnace tubes after nearly 8 years of service. The failure occurred after shutdown. Carbonaceous deposits were found on the inner walls of the tube and circumferential cracks were found beneath the deposit. The service exposed 347 SS alloy tube was in the sensitized condition as confirmed by microstructure and double loop electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation test. The tube material got sensitized possibly by localized overheating at the carbon layer deposited site. During shutdown of hydrocracker unit polythionic acid formation occurred possibly due to errors in shutdown procedures. Sensitized alloy 347 tube undergone polythionic acid induced intergranular stress corrosion cracking (PASCC).     

Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of nanocrystalline Pr(1-x)A(x)Mn(1-y)Co(y)O3 (A = Ca, Sr) (x = 0.3; y = 0.5) manganites

Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of sol-gel prepared, nanocrystalline oxides Pr(1-x)A(x)Mn(1-y)Co(y)O3 (A = Ca, Sr) (x = 0.3; y = 0.5) (cubic, space group Fm3m) have been studied. From the X-ray data, the crystallite size of Pro.7Ca0.3Mn0.5Co0,503 and Pr0.7Sr0.3Mn0.5Co0.5O3 samples is found to be approximately 24 nm and approximately15 nm respectively. High resolution transmission electron microscopy image shows average particle size of approximately 34 nm and approximately 20 nm. Magnetization measurements indicate a Curie temperature of approximately 153 K and approximately172 K in applied magnetic field of 100 Oe for Pr0.7Ca0.3Mn0.5Co0.5O3 and Pr0.7Sr0.3Mn0.5Co0.O3 compounds. The magnetization versus applied magnetic field curves obtained at temperatures below 150 K show significant hysteresis and magnetization is not saturated even in a field of 7 T. The magnetocaloric effect is calculated from M versus H data obtained at various temperatures. Magnetic entropy change shows a maximum near T(c) for both the samples and is of the order approximately 2.5 J/kg/K.     

Radial distribution function analysis of coir fibre

Radial distribution analysis of X-ray intensities diffracted by natural coir fibre subjected to various thermal and mercerization treatments has been carried out. Interatomic distances, mean square displacements and interatomic coupling constants have been obtained from the radial distribution curves. As coir fibre finds its various applications in its natural form, its study has been carried out without disturbing the configuration of its cellulose-lignin complex during the treatments. Interatomic distances remain more or less the same during thermal and chemical treatments but the coupling constants and the mean square displacements experience changes, reflecting the changed mechanical behaviour of the fibre.