Decomposition of methyl orange using C-60 fullerene adsorbed on silica gel as a photocatalyst via visible-light induced electron transfer

Visible-light induced electron transfer reactions of C60 fullerene adsorbed on silica gel (C60/SiO2 powder) to methyl orange in water have been studied. The C60/SiO2 powder was simply prepared by mixing a toluene solution of the C60 fullerene with silica gel followed by evaporating the toluene. Irradiation by visible light (>420 nm) of the methyl orange aqueous solution (25 μM) in the presence of the C60/SiO2 powder and ascorbic acid resulted in the decomposition of the methyl orange. These results showed that the degradation conversion reached 96% after a 25-min visible light irradiation. The reaction also occurred by the irradiation of sunlight. The reductive products of methyl orange, N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and sulfanilic acid, were ascertained and monitored by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The reaction did not occur in the dark and in the absence of C60/SiO2 or ascorbic acid. The possible mechanism of the reaction is discussed. Furthermore, the C60/SiO2 powder was applied to a continuous flow system for the photodecomposition of methyl orange. C60/SiO2 powder was packed in a glass tube. The methyl orange solution was pumped into the glass tube, and the tube was irradiated by visible light or sunlight. The continuous decomposition of methyl orange was achieved by this method.ArticleAPPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL. 166:544-550 (2015)journal articl

Outdoor Micro-Climate Analysis of Green Buildings on Environmental Affects Using PALM Software

This paper aims to analyse the effect of green buildings towards the environment, which is currently affected by climate change and other problems. Two kinds of comparisons are analysed in this study; 1) A comparison between an area with conventional buildings and an area with green rooftops and 2) A comparison between green rooftops and green floors. Both conventional buildings and green rooftops have as much as 25% of green areas out of a total area measuring 200m2 x 200m2. The results showed that the best microclimate area is case 2 with an average potential temperature of 300.64 K. It has the best performance for potential temperature because of the balanced condition between H/W ratio (0.3) and solar radiation in the area. Case 1 has full width that produces good air circulation, but excessive distance between buildings also allows more solar radiation in the area. Moreover, every material has the ability to retain solar radiation (U-value) which affects the value of potential temperature. On the other hand, case 3 has a closer distance between buildings which results in zero air circulation between buildings and a higher temperatur

Decomposition of methyl orange using C60 fullerene adsorbed on silica gel as a photocatalyst via visible-light induced electron transfer

Visible-light induced electron transfer reactions of C60 fullerene adsorbed on silica gel (C60/SiO2 powder) to methyl orange in water have been studied. The C60/SiO2 powder was simply prepared by mixing a toluene solution of the C60 fullerene with silica gel followed by evaporating the toluene. Irradiation by visible light (>420 nm) of the methyl orange aqueous solution (25 μM) in the presence of the C60/SiO2 powder and ascorbic acid resulted in the decomposition of the methyl orange. These results showed that the degradation conversion reached 96% after a 25-min visible light irradiation. The reaction also occurred by the irradiation of sunlight. The reductive products of methyl orange, N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and sulfanilic acid, were ascertained and monitored by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The reaction did not occur in the dark and in the absence of C60/SiO2 or ascorbic acid. The possible mechanism of the reaction is discussed. Furthermore, the C60/SiO2 powder was applied to a continuous flow system for the photodecomposition of methyl orange. C60/SiO2 powder was packed in a glass tube. The methyl orange solution was pumped into the glass tube, and the tube was irradiated by visible light or sunlight. The continuous decomposition of methyl orange was achieved by this method.ArticleAPPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL. 166:544-550 (2015)journal articl

The Discovery of LOX-1, its Ligands and Clinical Significance

LOX-1 is an endothelial receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), a key molecule in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.The basal expression of LOX-1 is low but highly induced under the influence of proinflammatory and prooxidative stimuli in vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, macrophages, platelets and cardiomyocytes. Multiple lines of in vitro and in vivo studies have provided compelling evidence that LOX-1 promotes endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis induced by oxLDL. The roles of LOX-1 in the development of atherosclerosis, however, are not simple as it had been considered. Evidence has been accumulating that LOX-1 recognizes not only oxLDL but other atherogenic lipoproteins, platelets, leukocytes and CRP. As results, LOX-1 not only mediates endothelial dysfunction but contributes to atherosclerotic plaque formation, thrombogenesis, leukocyte infiltration and myocardial infarction, which determine mortality and morbidity from atherosclerosis. Moreover, our recent epidemiological study has highlighted the involvement of LOX-1 in human cardiovascular diseases. Further understandings of LOX-1 and its ligands as well as its versatile functions will direct us to ways to find novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to cardiovascular disease