Design of Materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Permselective Membranes, and Catalysts for Biofuel Transformation into Syngas and Hydrogen Based on Fundamental Studies of Their Real Structure, Transport Properties, and Surface Reactivity

Advances in design of materials for solid oxide fuel cells, oxygen and hydrogen separation membranes, and catalysts for biofuel conversion into syngas and hydrogen are reviewed. Application of new efficient techniques of material synthesis and characterization of their atomic-scale structure, transport properties, and reactivity allowed to develop new types of efficient cathodes and anodes for solid oxide fuel cells, asymmetric supported oxygen, and hydrogen separation membranes with high permeability and structured catalysts with nanocomposite-active components demonstrating high performance and stability to coking in steam/autothermal reforming of biofuels. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.This work was supported by the АААА-А21-121011390007-7 budget project of the Boreskov Institute of catalysis. A.A.Y. gratefully acknowledges financial support within the project CICECO — Aveiro Institute of Materials ( UIDB/50011/2020 and UIDP/50011/2020 ) financed by national funds through the FCT/MCTES and when appropriate cofinanced by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement

Chemical Analysis of Cellular and Extracellular Carbohydrates of a Biofilm-Forming Strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium and an opportunistic pathogen, which causes persisting life-threatening infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Biofilm mode of growth facilitates its survival in a variety of environments. Most P. aeruginosa isolates, including the non-mucoid laboratory strain PA14, are able to form a thick pellicle, which results in a surface-associated biofilm at the air-liquid (A\ufffdL) interface in standing liquid cultures. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are considered as key components in the formation of this biofilm pellicle. In the non-mucoid P. aeruginosa strain PA14, the \ufffd\ufffdscaffolding\ufffd\ufffd polysaccharides of the biofilm matrix, and the molecules responsible for the structural integrity of rigid A\ufffdL biofilm have not been identified. Moreover, the role of LPS in this process is unclear, and the chemical structure of the LPS O-antigen of PA14 has not yet been elucidated. Principal Findings: In the present work we carried out a systematic analysis of cellular and extracellular (EC) carbohydrates of P. aeruginosa PA14. We also elucidated the chemical structure of the LPS O-antigen by chemical methods and 2-D NMR spectroscopy. Our results showed that it is composed of linear trisaccharide repeating units, identical to those described for P. aeruginosa Lanyi type O:2a,c (Lanyi-Bergman O-serogroup 10a, 10c; IATS serotype 19) and having the following structure: -4)-a-L-GalNAcA-(1\ufffd3)-a-D-QuiNAc-(1\ufffd3)- a-L-Rha-(1-. Furthermore, an EC O-antigen polysaccharide (EC O-PS) and the glycerol-phosphorylated cyclic b-(1,3)-glucans were identified in the culture supernatant of PA14, grown statically in minimal medium. Finally, the extracellular matrix of the thick biofilm formed at the A-L interface contained, in addition to eDNA, important quantities (at least ,20% of dry weight) of LPS-like material. Conclusions: We characterized the chemical structure of the LPS O-antigen and showed that the O-antigen polysaccharide is an abundant extracellular carbohydrate of PA14. We present evidence that LPS-like material is found as a component of a biofilm matrix of P. aeruginosa.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Novel materials for solid oxide fuel cells cathodes and oxygen separation membranes: Fundamentals of oxygen transport and performance

In the field of modern hydrogen energy, obtaining pure hydrogen and syngas and then being able to use them for green energy production are significant problems. Developing solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and catalytic membranes for oxygen separation as well as materials for these devices is one of the most likely ways to solve these problems. In this work, the authors’ recent studies in this field are reviewed; the fundamentals of developing materials for SOFC cathodes and oxygen separation membranes’ permselective layers based on research of their oxygen mobility and surface reactivity are presented. Ruddlesden – Popper phases Ln2–xCaxNiO4+δ (LnCNO) and perovskite-fluorite nanocomposites PrNi0.5Co0.5O3–δ–Ce0.9Y0.1O2–δ (PNC–YDC) were studied by isotope exchange of oxygen with C18O2 and 18O2 in flow and closed reactors. For LnCNO a high oxygen mobility was shown (D* ~ 10–7 cm2/s at 700 °C), being provided by the cooperative mechanism of oxygen migration involving both regular and highly-mobile interstitial oxygen. For PNC–YDC dominated a wide fast diffusion channel via fluorite phase and interphases due to features of the redistribution of cations resulting in superior oxygen mobility (D* ~ 10–8 cm2/s at 700 °C). After optimization of composition and nanodomain structure of these materials, as cathodes of SOFC they provided a high power density, while for asymmetric supported oxygen separation membranes – a high oxygen permeability. © 2020Support of different parts of the work by the Russian Science Foundation (Project 16-13-00112) and the budget project №AAAA-A17-117041110045-9 for Boreskov Institute of Catalysis is gratefully acknowledged. The authors from the Ural Federal University are grateful to the Government of the Russian Federation (Agreement 02.A03.21.0006, Act 211). Ce 0.9 Y 0.1 O 2–δ |Ce 0.9 Gd 0.1 O 2–δ |Ni/Zr 0.84 Y 0.16 O 2–δ anodic half-cells and Ni/Al foam substrates were kindly provided by H.C. Starck, Germany and Powder Metallurgy Institute NAN Belarus, respectively. Authors would like to appreciate International Conference on Advances in Energy Systems and Environmental Engineering (ASEE19, Wroclaw, Poland, June 9-12, 2019) Organization Committee

Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia: Anticipating socioecological challenges from large‐scale infrastructure in a global biodiversity hotspot

Until recently, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has overlooked many of the social and environmental dimensions of its projects and actions in favor of more immediate economic and sociopolitical considerations. The main focus of investments under BRI has largely been to improve transport, telecommunication, and energy infrastructures. However, in Central Asia, biodiversity is not only foundational for the livelihoods and socioeconomic wellbeing of communities, it also shapes people's culture and identities. Furthermore, ecosystem services derived from functioning landscapes bring enormous benefit for millions of people downstream through integrated and transboundary water systems. Already under pressure from climate-induced melting of glaciers, the fate of ecologically important areas is considered in light of the potential harm arising from large-scale linear infrastructure projects and related investments under China-led BRI. Following review of some of the anticipated impacts of BRI on mountain environments and societies in the region, we highlight several emerging opportunities and then offer recommendations for development programs—aiming fundamentally to enhance the sustainability of BRI investments. Leveraging new opportunities to strengthen partner countries’ priority Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing their agency in the selection of collaborations and the standards to use in environmental impact and risk assessments are recommended

Structural and composition changes in superconducting ceramics locally irradiated by electrons

The structural changes and the cation and anion compositions of the surface of superconducting YBa_2Cu_3O_(7-x) and Tl_2Ba_2CuO_(6+x) ceramics after local irradiation for several seconds by an electron probe with an accelerating voltage of 25 kV and a current exceeding 10(-7) A are investigated by secondary-electron emission and by cathodoluminescence and x-ray microanalysis in a scanning electron microscope, Morphologically altered regions are detected in the irradiation epicenter, where the structure, chemical composition, and phase composition of the original compound are completely lost. In the intermediate zone between the epicenter and the periphery a distribution of the secondary emission yield is observed with a complex character that differs for the yttrium and thallium ceramics, and anomalies appear in the cathodoluminescence spectra, The experimental data are interpreted on the basis of ideas of oxygen losses under the direct influence of the electron probe and related electronic processes in superconductors

Совместное Международное Виртуальное Обучение: итоги проекта Института бизнеса в сотрудничестве c Университетом Амстердама / E. Ю. Садовская, Е. В. Мацкевич

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a modem practice of a virtual student exchange. It encourages the internationalization of home curricula through the creation of a virtual learning experience for students from different universities without the need to leave their classrooms. The first COIL project was carried out back in 2014 between the University of Amsterdam and a partner university in Finland.Совместное Международное Виртуальное Обучение (COIL) является современной формой виртуальной студенческой программы обмена. Участие в COIL проектах способствует интернационализации учебной программы за счет предоставления студентам виртуального опыта международного общения и обучения, аналогичного программам международного студенческого обмена. Первый подобный проект был осуществлен в 2014 году между Университетом Амстердама и университетом-партнером в Финляндии

Совместное Международное Виртуальное Обучение: итоги проекта Института бизнеса в сотрудничестве c Университетом Амстердама / E. Ю. Садовская, Е. В. Мацкевич

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a modem practice of a virtual student exchange. It encourages the internationalization of home curricula through the creation of a virtual learning experience for students from different universities without the need to leave their classrooms. The first COIL project was carried out back in 2014 between the University of Amsterdam and a partner university in Finland.Совместное Международное Виртуальное Обучение (COIL) является современной формой виртуальной студенческой программы обмена. Участие в COIL проектах способствует интернационализации учебной программы за счет предоставления студентам виртуального опыта международного общения и обучения, аналогичного программам международного студенческого обмена. Первый подобный проект был осуществлен в 2014 году между Университетом Амстердама и университетом-партнером в Финляндии

Modern methods of diagnosing chronic kidney disease in patients with diabetes mellitus

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a general concept that involves renal tissue regardless of the aetiology of the leading disease. CKD occurs in one out of every two patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and appreciably limits the duration and quality of life. CKD can be diagnosed by glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is recognised as the most representative indicator of the quantity and total workload of nephrons. However, the decrease in GFR occurs at an advanced stage of nephropathy and causes irreversible renal damage, which ultimately requires substitutive renal therapy and, thereby, increases the expense. In this regard, clinical trials have been conducted to identify the biomarkers of CKD reflecting renal damage at earlier stages of the disease. This article presents an overview of modern methods for the diagnosis of CKD and preclinical markers of kidney injury in patients with DM

Cathodoluminescence microscopy and secondary electron emission in mechanically polished and electron irradiated YBa_2Cu_3O_(7-x) ceramics

Cathodoluminescence (CL) and secondary electron emission (SEE) in the scanning electron microscope have been used to study the effects of mechanical polishing and electron irradiation on YBa2Cu3O7-x ceramics. CL spectra from the mechanically polished superconductors show an enhanced 2.4 eV luminescence band, which is related to oxygen content redistribution or depletion. Electron irradiation induces strong morphological and compositional changes which are proposed to be connected with melting-resolidification processes and surface phase segregation. SEE yield measurements allow to detect an oxygen depleted area with stoichiometric cationic composition surrounding the irradiated region. CL spectra recorded from this oxygen-deficient area also show an enhanced 2.3 to 2.4 eV emission band in comparison with the spectra recorded from the non-irradiated material. Strongly luminescent non-superconducting phases appear in the irradiated regions, showing intense 3.1 and 0.78 to 0.81 eV emission bands

Electron beam induced structural changes in bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_(8+x) studied by cathodoluminescence microscopy and secondary electron emission

Bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_(8+x) superconducting ceramics have been irradiated in the scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the irradiation-induced effects investigated by cathodoluminescence (CL), secondary electron emission (SEE) and X-ray microanalysis. Electron beam irradiation causes a slight Bi depletion and an inhomogeneous Ca distribution. A higher CL intensity emission is found in the irradiated areas, where besides an enhancement of the oxygen content related 2.4 eV band, another CL bands probably related to new non-superconducting phases induced by irradiation can be observed. SEE yield measurements allow to detect an oxygen depleted region surrounding the irradiated areas. X-ray microanalysis shows that this intermediate region retains the cationic composition of the unaffected material. CL spectra from bright zones inside the same area also show a dominant 2.4 eV emission band, which supports its relation with oxygen deficiency or rearrangement in high-T-c superconductors