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Environmental exposure to cadmium in breast cancer – association with the Warburg effect and sensitivity to tamoxifen
PublikacjaThe association between cadmium and breast cancer remains unexplained due to inconsistent epidemiological data and unknown underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to assess the relationship between environmental exposure to cadmium and the Warburg effect in breast cancer and, thus, its possible interference with breast cancer treatment. The observational study in two groups of breast cancer patients indicated a positive correlation between...
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Recovery and re-use of photovoltaic solar cells from crystalline silicon
PublikacjaCrystalline silicon-type PV modules consist, in order of mass, of glass, an aluminium frame, an EVA coating, solar cells, a terminal box, back film and tapping screws. From the economic point of view, pure silicon, recoverable from spent cells, is the most important material owing to its cost and shortage. For crystalline, silicon-based PV cells, the following chemical treatments were performed: removal of the metal coating, followed...
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Low current transformer utilizing Co-based amorphous alloys
PublikacjaMetal oxide surge arresters have been widely used for protection of power system networks against overvoltages due to atmospheric discharges or malfunction of devices connected to the network. During its operation a surge arrester structure is degradated, what can be observed as an increase of a surge arrester leakage current. Paper presents an implementation of a new, high-permeability, Co64Fe4Ni1Si15B14 amorphous alloy as a current...
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Phytoremediation of heavy metals by white cabbage
PublikacjaPhytoremediation is regarded as the cheapest and environmentally most friendly technology for cleaning up soil. The most widespread and most profitable technique is phytoextraction, used mainly for removing heavy metals and radioactive elements from thesoil. Over 400 plant species have been identified as natural metal hyperaccumulators representing about 0.2 % of all angiosperms. Unfortunately, most of these plants are characterised...
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Engineering Candida albicans glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase for efficient enzyme purification
PublikacjaRationally designed muteins of Candida albicans glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase, an enzyme known as a promising target for antifungal chemotherapy, were constructed, overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified to near homogeneity. To facilitate and to optimize the purification of the enzyme, three recombinant versionscontaining internal oligoHis fragments were constructed: (i) by substituting residues 343 - 348...
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Photoinduced K+ Intercalation into MoO3/FTO Photoanode—the Impact on the Photoelectrochemical Performance
PublikacjaIn this work, thin layers of MoO3 were tested as potential photoanodes for water splitting. The influence of photointercalation of alkali metal cation (K+) into the MoO3 structure on the photoelectrochemical properties of the molybdenum trioxide films was investigated for the first time. MoO3 thin films were synthesized via thermal annealing of thin, metallic Mo films deposited onto the FTO substrate using a magnetron sputtering...
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Effect of the Catalytic Center on the Electron Transfer Dynamics in Hydrogen-Evolving Ruthenium-Based Photocatalysts Investigated by Theoretical Calculations
PublikacjaThe light-induced relaxation pathways in the molecular photocatalyst [(tbbpy)2Ru(tpphz)PtCl2]2+ are investigated with time-dependent density functional theory calculations together with the Marcus theory of electron transfer (ET). The calculations show that metal (Ru) to ligand (tpphz) charge transfer (MLCT) triplet states are populated following an excitation in the longer wavelength range of the absorption spectrum, but that an...
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Luminescence recognition material as an INHIBIT logic gate in presence of Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions in aqueous solutions
PublikacjaA recognition material consisting of silica xerogel with amino-modified surface selectively recognizes Pb2+ and Cu2+ (but only in presence of Pb2+ ions) in aqueous solutions of other metal ions. The analytical action of the material is based on a significant change in luminescence emission spectra of the material after chemisorption of Pb2+ ions. In the presence of Pb2+ in octahedral coordination environment, a new broad and strong...
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TASTE QUALITIES ESTIMATION BY TASTE SENSE AND ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSORS
PublikacjaThe principles of taste sense and kinds of tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami and fat) have been described. Food quality estimation by taste sense: organoleptic testing and sensory analysis has been presented. The principle of operation of potentiom etric sensor composed of several Ion Selective Electrodes or All Solid State Electrodes with polymeric membranes and macromolecular chemical compounds sensitive to substances...
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Solid-contact lead(II) ion-selective electrodes for potentiometric determination of lead(II) in presence of high concentrations of Na(I), Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Ca(II) and Mg(II)
PublikacjaLead and its compounds are a serious threat to the environment. Monitoring of this toxic heavy metal is a driving force for the continuous development of novel lead(II) ionophores to be applied in ion-selective electrodes. In this work a highly selective lead(II) ionophore, namely 25,26,27,28-tetrakis(piperidinylthiocarbonylmethylene)-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, was used in solid-contact ion-selective electrodes for determination...
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Properties of ordered titanium templates covered with Au thin films for SERS applications
PublikacjatCurrently, roughened metal nanostructures are widely studied as highly sensitive Raman scattering sub-strates that show application potential in biochemistry, food safety or medical diagnostic. In this workthe structural properties and the enhancement effect due to surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) ofhighly ordered nano-patterned titanium templates covered with thin (5–20 nm) gold films are reported.The templates are formed...
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π-Stacking attraction vs. electrostatic repulsion: competing supramolecular interactions in a tpphz-bridged Ru(ii)/Au(iii) complex
PublikacjaThe synthesis and characterization of a mixed metal ruthenium(II)/gold(III) complex bridged by tetrapyridophenazine (tpphz) are described. It is isostructural and isoelectronic to the well-known photocatalysts with palladium(II) or platinum(II). Concentration dependent 1H-NMR spectroscopy and XRD studies show that the electrostatic repulsion between the gold(III) moieties exceeds the attractive π-stacking interaction. Theoretical...
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Synthesis and structural properties of (Y, Sr)(Ti, Fe, Nb)O3−δ perovskite nanoparticles fabricated by modified polymer precursor method
PublikacjaThe yttrium, iron and niobium doped-SrTiO3 powders have been successfully fabricated by a modified low–temperature synthesis method from a polymer complex. The usage of strontium hydroxide precursor instead of conventional strontium nitrate or strontium carbonate provides to the possibility of significant decrease of annealing temperature. It allows to prepare a material with sphere-shape grains of nanometric size (15–70 nm). The...
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M-BDC (M = Co and/ or Fe) MOFs as effective catalysts for hydrogen generation via hydrolysis of sodium borohydride
PublikacjaMono- (Co-BDC, Fe-BDC) and bimetallic FeCo-BDC Metal-Organic Frameworks are successfully synthesized by the solvothermal method in DMF at 150 °C within 15 h and tested as catalysts for sodium borohydride hydrolysis. The materials are characterized by FTIR, PXRD, TGA, ICP-OES, H2-TPR, BET model, and SEM-EDS. The catalytic activity of these materials is studied for dehydrogenation of sodium borohydride in water at various temperatures...
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S-Shaped Suppression of the Superconducting Transition Temperature in Cu-Intercalated NbSe2
Publikacja2H-NbSe2 is the prototype and most frequently studied of the well-known transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) superconductors. As 2H-NbSe2 is widely acknowledged as a conventional superconductor, its transition temperature to the superconducting state (Tc) is 7.3 K, a Tc that is substantially higher than those seen for the majority of TMDCs, where Tc values between 2 and 4 K are the norm. Here we report the intercalation of Cu...
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Dietary antioxidants as a source of hydrogen peroxide
PublikacjaStudies of 54 antioxidants revealed that 27 of them, mainly polyphenols, generated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) when added to Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM), other media used for culture of mammalian and yeast cells and phosphate-buffered saline. The most active antioxidants were: propyl gallate (PG), (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and quercetin (Q). Chelex treatment and iron chelators decreased H2O2 generation suggesting...
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A novel luminescent chemical sensor for the determination of Pb 2+ and Cu 2+ ions
PublikacjaSilica xerogel surface grafted with aminopropyl (PrNH2) groups was additionally treated by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant and ascorbic acid (asc) in alkaline solution. This material symbolized as SiO2-PrNH2-CTAB/asc, proved to be a stable luminescent material, exhibited an emission band peaked at 393 nm under excitation wavelength 335 nm. Time evolution of the band intensity suggests changes of defect concentration...
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Randomly Functionalized Polyethylenes: In Quest of Avoiding Catalyst Deactivation
PublikacjaWell-defined randomly functionalized polyolefins produced by catalysis form an interesting class of polymers with great potential for various applications. One of the major challenges for the production of these materials forms the incompatibility of the commonly used electrophilic group 4 metal based catalysts and the desired nucleophilic, especially protic functionalities like hydroxyl and carboxylic acid groups. Although pacification...
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Damage Imaging in Lamb Wave-Based Inspection of Adhesive Joints
PublikacjaAdhesive bonding has become increasingly important in many industries. Non-destructive inspection of adhesive joints is essential for the condition assessment and maintenance of a structure containing such joints. The aim of this paper was the experimental investigation of the damage identification of a single lap adhesive joint of metal plate-like structures. Nine joints with different defects in the form of partial debonding...
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Assessment of Trace Metals Leaching During Rainfall Events from Building Rooftops with Different Types of Coverage – Case Study
PublikacjaRunoff water is an important medium transporting various types of pollution originating from the atmosphere and washed out from roofing materials. The study presents a quality assessment of runoff from different roofs in the context of trace metal concentrations. The analysed rooftops were covered with copper, tar paper and ceramic tile. The quality of the rain water collected at the same time satisfies the demands of the first...
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Storing Matter’technique in SIMS depth profile analysis
PublikacjaSecondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is a very useful technique for the analysis of layered systems. It is based on the primary ion beam sputtering of solids and mass analysis of the emitted secondary ions. A main limitation of this technique results from the direct quantitative analysis, since the ionization efficiency of a given atom is highly influenced by the neighbouring atoms at the surface. This phenomenon is known as...
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THE ROLE OF THIN FUNCTIONAL LAYERS IN SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS
PublikacjaWidespread commercialization of solid oxide fuel cells requires lowering its cost. It is generally accepted that to lower the cost of solid oxide fuel cells it is necessary to use metal alloys as interconnectors and, consequently, lower its operating temperature to slow down interconnectors degradation. As a result the area specific resistance of the cathodes should be lowered to sustain the performance of the cells. In order to...
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The valance state of vanadium-key factor in the flexibility of potassium vanadates structure as cathode materials in Li-ion batteries
PublikacjaPotassium hexavanadate (K2V6O16·nH2O) nanobelts have been synthesized by the LPE-IonEx method, which is dedicated to synthesis of transition metal oxide bronzes with controlled morphology and structure. The electrochemical performance of K2V6O16·nH2O as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries has been evaluated. The KVO nanobelts demonstrated a high discharge capacity of 260 mAh g−1, and long-term cyclic stability up to 100...
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Spawalność ferrytyczno-austenitycznej stali odpornej na korozję typu dupleks 2205 w warunkach podwodnych
PublikacjaPraca dotyczy problemów spawalności stali odpornej na korozję typu dupleks w warunkach spawania mokrego elektrodami otulonymi i lokalną komorą suchą. Całość rozprawy składa się z dwóch części. Część pierwsza to przegląd literatury, w którym omówiono główne problemy wynikające z przeniesienia procesu spawania pod wodę oraz sposoby minimalizowania negatywnego wpływu środowiska. Część druga jest częścią doświadczalną, zawiera tezę...
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Development of SPME fiber coatings with tunable porosity for physical confinement of ionic liquids as an extraction media
PublikacjaExtending the use of ionic liquids in sample preparation techniques remains a challenge. This paper presents procedures enabling the easy application of ionic liquids to the SPME technique. For this purpose, two approaches for producing a porous silica coating on a metal rod were investigated. Two silica precursor and porogen systems were used in the research: K2SiO3 + Formamide and Tetramethyl-orthosilicate + Polyethylene oxide....
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Cu-Doped Layered Double Hydroxide Constructs the Performance-Enhanced Supercapacitor Via Band Gap Reduction and Defect Triggering
PublikacjaLayered double hydroxides (LDHs) are regarded as the excellent electrode materials for supercapacitors because of their high theoretical capacitance and abundance. However, the poor conductivity and limited reaction kinetics of LDHs restrict their practical application severely. Herein, Cu is chosen from groups VIII/IB/IIB as dopants for Co-based LDH (CuCo-LDH). The designed metal–organic framework-derived hierarchical CuCo-LDH...
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Investigation of Performance and Configuration of a Selected IoT System—Middleware Deployment Benchmarking and Recommendations
PublikacjaNowadays Internet of Things is gaining more and more focus all over the world. As a concept it gives many opportunities for applications for society and it is expected that the number of software services deployed in this area will still grow fast. Especially important in this context are properties connected with deployment such as portability, scalability and balance between software requirements and hardware capabilities. In...
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Mechanism of Li nucleation at graphite anodes and mitigation strategies
PublikacjaLithium metal plating is a critical safety issue in Li-ion cells with graphite anodes, and contributes significantly to ageing, drastically limiting the lifetime and inducing capacity loss. Nonetheless, the nucleation mechanism of metallic Li on graphite anodes is still poorly understood. But in-depth understanding is needed to rationally design mitigation measures. In this work, we conducted FirstPrinciples studies to elucidate...
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Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) modified cellulose acetate NF membranes for potential water treatment application
PublikacjaIn this study, cellulose acetate (CA)-based nanofiltration membranes, modified with zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) particles, were prepared with various ZIF-8 contents (0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 wt%), to obtain membranes with improved flux and filtration performance by combining advantages of CA polymer and ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks. Removal efficiency studies were carried out with bovine serum albumin and two different...
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Expression of Deinococcus geothermalis Trehalose Synthase Gene in Escherichia coli and Its Enzymatic Properties
PublikacjaA novel trehalose synthase gene from Deinococcus geothermalis (DSMZ 11300) containing 1,692 bp reading-frame encoding 564 amino acids was amplified using PCR. The gene was ligated into pET30Ek/LIC vector and expressed after isopropyl alfa-D-thiogalactopyranoside induction in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)pLysS. The recombinant trehalose synthase (DgeoTreS) containing a His6 tag at the C-terminus was purified by metal affinity chromatography...
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Molybdenum sulfide modified with nickel or platinum nanoparticles as an effective catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
PublikacjaIn this study, we investigate the catalytic performance of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) modified with either nickel (Ni) or platinum (Pt) nanoparticles as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The MoS2 was prepared on the TiO2 nanotube substrates via a facile hydrothermal method, followed by the deposition by magnetron sputtering of Ni or Pt nanoparticles on the MoS2 surface. Structural and morphological characterization...
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Unusual behaviour of (Np,Pu)B2C
PublikacjaTwo transuranium metal boron carbides, NpB2C and PuB2C have been synthesized by argon arc melting. The crystal structures of the {Np,Pu}B2C compounds were determined from single-crystal X-ray data to be isotypic with the ThB2C-type (space group R3m, a = 0.6532(2) nm; c = 1.0769(3) nm for NpB2C and a = 0.6509(2) nm; c = 1.0818(3) nm for PuB2C; Z = 9). Physical properties have been derived from polycrystalline bulk material in the...
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Linear and nonlinear impedance in iron oxide glasses containing alkaline ions and alkali free
PublikacjaThe linear and nonlinear impedance spectra of oxide glasses were measured in the frequency range of 1 mHz to 1 MHz and in the temperature range of 153K to 483K. Two groups of iron oxide glass samples were prepared, the first one containing alkaline ions and the second one without alkali. In the first group, compositions of glasses were as follows: (in %mol) 50% SiO2 , 25% PbO, 15% Fe2O3 and 15% one of alkaline oxides: Na2O, K2O,...
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RESEARCH ON ORGANIC COATINGS DESIGNED FOR UNDERWATER APPLICATIONS
PublikacjaUnderwater steel structures require periodic maintenance. In the case of vessels, anti-corrosion works are carried out in the shipyard, where very good conditions for applying organic protective coatings can be provided. Very good surface preparation can be obtained by the use of abrasive blasting. The well-prepared metal surface is free from impurities (particularly inorganic salts). Suitable conditions for the application and...
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Photochemical Rearrangement of a 19-Membered Azoxybenzocrown: Products and their Properties
PublikacjaThe preparation and characterization of products of the chemical and photochemical rearrangements of a 19-membered o,o'-azoxybenzocrown were presented. In photochemical rearrangement, besides expected product i.e. 19-membered o-hydroxy-o,o'-azobenzocrown (19-o-OH), obtained under defined conditions with 75% yield, also other macrocyclic products were isolated and identified, namely: 19-membered p-hydroxy-o,o'-azobenzocrown (19-p-OH),...
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Educational and cognitive aspects of adaptation of nonuse spaces in monumental sacral objects.
PublikacjaThe area of attics and towers in historic churches in Europe are yet quite inaccessible places for visitors, shrouded in the atmosphere of mysticism, hiding many secrets. Introduction of the new public function into the non-used zones of the monumental sacral objects has many aspects including educational and cognitive ones which are discussed in the following article. The article indicates items that can be found in the zone above...
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Superconductivity in the Cu(Ir1-xPtx)2Se4 spinel
PublikacjaWe report the observation of superconductivity in the CuIr2Se4 spinel induced by partial substitution of Pt for Ir. The optimal doping level for superconductivity in Cu(Ir1-xPtx )2Se4 is x = 0.2, where Tc is 1.76 K. A superconducting Tc vs composition dome is established between the metallic, normal conductor CuIr2Se4 and semiconducting CuIrPtSe4. Electronic structure calculations show that the optimal Tc occurs near the electron count...
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Enhanced visible light-activated gas sensing properties of nanoporous copper oxide thin films
PublikacjaMetal oxide gas sensors are popular chemoresistive sensors. They are used for numerous tasks, including environmental and safety monitoring. Some gas-sensing materials exhibit photo-induced properties that can be utilized for enhanced gas detection by modifying the sensor selectivity and sensitivity when illuminated by light. Here, we present the gas sensing characteristics of highly nanoporous Cu2O thin films towards both electrophilic...
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Effect of copper and silver modification of NH2-MIL-125(Ti) on the photoreduction of carbon dioxide to formic acid over this framework under visible-light irradiation
PublikacjaCu and Ag enhance the photocatalytic activities of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) toward CO2 conversion because of their CO2 adsorption capacities and effects on the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) overpotentials of MOFs. However, to date, targeted introduction of metals into MOFs to achieve visible (Vis)- light-active photocatalysts for CO2 photoconversion has not been realized. Herein, a series of aminefunctionalized...
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Asynchronous Charge Carrier Injection in Perovskite Light-Emitting Transistors
PublikacjaUnbalanced mobility and injection of charge carriers in metal-halide perovskite light-emitting devices pose severe limitations to the efficiency and response time of the electroluminescence. Modulation of gate bias in methylammonium lead iodide light-emitting transistors has proven effective in increasing the brightness of light emission up to MHz frequencies. In this work, a new approach is developed to improve charge carrier...
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Sea spray as a secondary source of chlorinated persistent organic pollutants? - Conclusions from a comparison of seven fresh snowfall events in 2019 and 2021
PublikacjaSecondary sources of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) gain in importance worldwide as primary sources decline. In this work, we aim to determine whether sea spray may be a secondary source of chlorinated POPs to the terrestrial Arctic, since a similar mechanism was proposed there only for the more water-soluble POPs. To this end, we have determined polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides concentrations in fresh...
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Theoretical Investigation of the Electron-Transfer Dynamics and Photodegradation Pathways in a Hydrogen-Evolving Ruthenium-Palladium Photocatalyst
PublikacjaTime-dependent density functional theory calcula- tions combinedwith the Marcus theory of electron transfer (ET) were app lied on the molecular photocatalys t [(tbbpy) 2 Ru(tpph z)PdC l 2 ] 2 + in order to elucidate thelight-in- duced relaxation pathways populated upon excitation in the longer wavelength range of its absorption spectrum. The computational resultsshow that after the initial excitation, metal (Ru) to ligand (tpphz)chargetransfer...
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Symmetrical and unsymmetrical diphosphanes with diversified alkyl, aryl and amino substituents
PublikacjaWe present the comprehensive study of diphosphanes with diversified substituents regarding their syntheses, structures, and properties. To this end, we have synthesized a series of novel unsymmetrical alkyl, aryl and amino-substituted diphosphanes of the general formula R1R2P-PR3R4 (where R1, R2, R3, R4 = tBu, Ph, Et2N or iPr2N) via salt metathesis reactionof halophosphanes with metal phosphides in high yield. We vastly expanded...
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Portable exhaled breath analyzer employing fluctuation-enhanced gas sensing method in resistive gas sensors
PublikacjaThis paper presents a portable exhaled breath analyser, developed to detect selected diseases. The set-up employs resistive gas sensors: commercial MEMS sensors and prototype gas sensors made of WO3 gas sensing layers doped with various metal ingredients. The set-up can modulate the gas sensors by applying UV light to induce physical changes of the gas sensing layers. The sensors are placed in a tiny gas chamber of a volume...
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Corrosion degradation of spacers – examination of changes in bone cement coating.
PublikacjaSpacer is a special implant used at the time of infection after endoprosthetic surgery. It consists of a metal core and bone cement coating with an antibiotic. In the human body spacers are exposed to degradation processes. This paper looks at the effect of corrosion on spacers. Electrochemical corrosion tests were performer on titanium pins with bone cement coating in two solutions: Ringer’s solution and artificial...
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Materials for energy storage and conversion devices 2022/2023
Kursy OnlineElectrodes: Metals as electrodes in aqueous and non-aqueous systems, metal nanoparticles. Collectors current. 3D, 2D, 1 D carbons, carbon nanomaterials. Organic semiconductors "Synthetic metals" - p-type, n-type. Inorganic semiconductors: oxides, selenides, sulfides, others. Intercalated electrodes. Mixed conductors (MIEC). Photo-active semiconductor materials. Electrolytes. Water electrolytes in commercial products. Electroactive...
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Simultaneous removal of heavy metals and dyes in water using a MgO-coated Fe3O4 nanocomposite: Role of micro-mixing effect induced by bubble generation
PublikacjaThis study focused on the development of a nano-adsorbent for contaminant removal without the use of any external energy. An eco-friendly Fe3O4@MgO core-shell nanocomposite was synthesized and tested for the removal of a heavy metal, lead (Pb2+) and a dye, rhodamine B (RhB). The addition of H2O2 into the system enabled the self-mixing of the aqueous solution containing Fe3O4@MgO through the generation of bubbles. This system showed...
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Influence of the fragment size on the recycling process of thin-film modules based on CdTe
PublikacjaFor several years, the production of second generation cells (the so-called thin film), produced from amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe) or copper indium (gallium) diselenide (CI(G)S), has been increasing. The total number of end-of-life panels by 2050 is expected to reach 9.57 million tonnes. They contain heavy metals that can be leached into the environment at the land field. The EU directive on waste electrical and...
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Experimental Evaluation of ND: YAG Laser Parameters and Sample Preparation Methods for Texturing Thin AISI 316L Steel Samples
PublikacjaIn mechanical and material engineering, the effect of laser texturing depends on many factors besides device specification, primarily the properties of the materials being processed, and, secondly, the preparation of the sample. Laser texturing of thin (<5 mm) samples is mostly performed utilizing short-pulse lasers, but depending on the power of the laser beam, the process can also be performed by using continuous operation lasers....
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Assessment of organic coating degradation via local impedance imaging
PublikacjaThe paper presents a new approach to organic coating condition evaluation at micrometer scale using localized impedance measurements. It is based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) in contact mode. Impedance is measured between conductive AFM tip and metal substrate covered with organic coating. A single-frequency voltage perturbation signal is applied between the electrodes and current response signal is registered. As the tip is...