Nucleation and growth kinetics of CaCO3 crystals in the presence of foreign monovalent ions

The aim of this work is to study the effect of the presence of different monovalent ions (Na+, NH4+ and K+) on the nucleation and growth rates of CaCO3 precipitation. There is currently great interest in the precipitation of CaCO3 particles reusing CO2 rich flue gases and calcium-rich wastes, which implies the presence of foreign ions that can affect the crystallization process. Unseeded and seeded tests were carried out in a batch system to estimate the nucleation and growth kinetics, respectively. Tests with Na2CO3 and CaCl2 as precursors led to the classical calcite crystallization mechanism via vaterite formation at high supersaturations. On the other hand, the use of (NH4)2CO3 entailed lower pH and the presence of NH4+, which stabilized the vaterite and avoided its transformation into stable calcite crystals. Thus, faster nucleation kinetics by using Na2CO3 were obtained. To estimate the growth rate, tests with two initial seed loadings and types (micro and nano seed) were performed. The growth rate increased with the crystal size and decreased with the magma density. The results indicate that the ion effect on the growth rate seems to be related to the ionic radius of the foreign ion

Optimization of CaCO3 synthesis through the carbonation route in a packed bed reactor

This article presents an investigation on the recovery of CO2 from the combustion gases of the cement industry through a carbonation route in order to obtain Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles (CCnP), which could find application as either polymer or cement fillers. Two different experimental setups, a Continuously Stirred Bubbling Reactor (CSBR) and a Packed Bed Reactor (PBR), were studied in order to improve the final product and enhance the process yield. The influence of the experimental parameters on the particle size and morphology was tested for both reactors. The process was intensified by employing the PBR, where cubic calcite particles smaller than 300 nm were synthesized and higher CO2 conversions were obtained with respect to the CSBR performance

Towards the sustainable hydrogen production by catalytic conversion of C-laden biorefinery aqueous streams

An extensive screening of representative molecules of a post-hydrothermal process side stream has been performed with the aim of producing a gas mixture rich in hydrogen by catalytic aqueous phase reforming. The survey enlightens possible routes of valorisation of these by-products, scarcely investigated with other processes so far. The influence of reaction temperature was studied in the 230–270 °C range, looking at both the composition of the gas phase and the characterization of the liquid products. Indeed, the information coming from the condensed phase may provide relevant insights on the components that are not easily reformed, and that should be studied to improve the performance of the process. Binary and ternary mixtures of four selected compounds were tested to investigate synergistic and inhibiting effects, going towards the direction of a real biorefinery stream. The spent alumina-supported catalyst was characterized, outlining possible deactivation mechanisms of the catalytic system, and reused in two successive tests

Electrical Tree Growth in EVA-Layered Silicate Nanocomposites

none5noneF. Guastavino; A. Dardano; G. C. Montanari; F. Deorsola; L. TestaF. Guastavino; A. Dardano; G. C. Montanari; F. Deorsola; L. Test