Volume 2 Issue 4
Authors: Lee Keat Teong; James Mdoe; Anamagreth Andrew; Jamidu Katima
Abstract: In this work, Cashew Nut Shell Liquid Templated Mesoporous Silica support (MTS (CNSL) was synthesized. Limited works were reported on the use of natural templates in synthesis of mesoporous silica. Heterogeneous catalysis of transesterification using MgO/MTS (CNSL) catalysts was utilized to produce biodiesel from jatropha curcas oil and methanol. Different ratios of Si/ Mg were employed. Among all catalysts, 3MgO/MTS (CNSL) showed the highest activity achieving higher conversion of 98.71% at optimal conditions: 200 °C, 4 h, 6.0 %wt and the molar ratio of methanol to oil being 36:1. The effects of reaction temperature, catalyst concentration, and reaction time on the conversion to methyl ester were studied with temperature being the most significant parameter. This study has explored the possibility of using CNSL as a natural catalyst support in the transesterification of jatropha curcas oil using MgO.
Keywords: Cashew Nut Shell Liquid; Mesoporous Silica; Characterization
Authors: Fan Zhang; Xujin Bao; Qingting Liu; Mengyao Huang
Abstract: This paper reported a method to modify polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) particle into POSS ionic liquid (POSS-IL) and its incorporation into ABPBI/H3PO4 system to enhance the proton conductivities and mechanical properties of the membranes simultaneously. It was found that good dispersion of POSS-IL in the polymer matrix increased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the membranes. For membranes with the same H3PO4 content, the incorporation of POSS-IL increased the conductivities of the membranes by about two orders of magnitude. The highest conductivity was achieved by ABPBI/10 wt% POSS-IL composite membrane, which was 7.6×10-2 S/cm at 200 °C.
Keywords: POSS Incorporated Ionic Liquid; High Temperature PEM; Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Authors: Jianguo Sheng; Chong Tang; Hui Xu
Abstract: With the development of science and technology, people are paying more attention to the smaller-sized generators. The main purpose of this article is to manufacture the piezoelectric materials of Ag/ZnO/ITO, and introduce their working principle and focus on their performances. The results show that, by using the present nanomaterials, piezoelectric nanogenerator of Ag/ZnO/ITO can be prepared and the electrical energy can reached 40µW, 150 nA and 309µV. In ambient vibration condition, piezoelectric materials produce larger rated current and voltage. However, copper laps cutting magnetic line of force produce less rated current and voltage. So the piezoelectric nanogenerator can be used to supply power. It may produce higher voltage, current and power if piezoelectric nanogenerator is in series-parallel connection, there is a commercial value.
Keywords: Ag/ZnO/ITO; Piezoelectric Materials; Nano; Generators; Power