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Insights into the glass network structure of coal fly ash-based glass
No full textCoal fly ash is the by-product of coal combustion in thermal power plants. The chemical composition of coal fly ash allows it to be utilized as a secondary raw material for glass production. Na2CO3 and CaCO3 were introduced in the batch as raw materials for glass network modification. Dark homogenous glass was obtained by melting the batch and quenching it on the stainless steel in the air. This research investigates the relative share of structural units of the glass network by deconvolution of the part of the FTIR spectra. Results show that most dominant structural units contain one and two bridging oxygen per [SiO4] tetrahedral indicating low glass network connectivity.IOC2025 : 56th International October Conference on Mining and Metallurgy; October 22-25, 2025, Bor Lake, Serbia
Energy landscape of glutamine (L) on pristine and Au / Ag / Cu doped anatase surfaces with potential biomedical applications
No full textThis study connects inorganic and organic systems through a theoretical
investigation of the energy landscape of a molecule–substrate interaction, focusing on
glutamine (L) adsorbed on pristine and doped TiO2 crystal modification, anatase, in a
vacuum. We explored potential inorganic–organic interactions within these systems,
depending on the properties of the TiO2 material under investigation, which may have
applications as a possible anticancer agent or nanoscale therapeutic. Glutamine was
selected as the model molecule due to its important role in cancer metabolism - it serves
as an alternative to glucose for fueling the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in cancer cells,
with many tumor cells relying on extracellular glutamine for survival. To simulate the
interactions between nanoparticles and an amino acid molecule, we constructed systems
with different glutamine conformations onto quasi-2D slab surfaces of anatase TiO2,
oriented along the (001) and (101) planes, both in their pristine form and doped with Au,
Ag, or Cu. Ab initio calculations were performed using Density Functional Theory
(DFT) with the LDA and GGA-PBE functionals, employing two different computational
codes—CRYSTAL17 and Quantum Espresso. Given the low symmetry and high atomic
complexity of these systems, the calculations were computationally intensive and
required substantial memory resources. To optimize the search for low-energy
configurations of molecule on ceramic-type surfaces, we implemented an iterative
approach that alternated between doped and undoped surfaces, which proved to be
highly efficient for identifying stable structures in inorganic–organic systems of this
nature. The most important result of this study might be that even without exposing the
system to high temperatures or irradiation by high-energy photons, we find that just the
simple adsorption process of glutamine on TiO2 surfaces can locally release enough
energy to lead to a break-up of the molecule. Furthermore, by selecting different types of
doping of the anatase substrate and varying the initial orientation of the molecule, this nanocrystalline material can be used for fine-tuning the physical and chemical
interactions with the glutamine molecule or inducing a break-up, or a dissociation of H
atoms from the molecule (Fig. 1), which provides important insights for future research
and potential applications in biomedicine.16th ECerS Conference for Young Scientists in Ceramics, October 15-18, 2025, Novi Sad, Serbia
ROS and regulation of gene expression
No full textReactive oxygen species (ROS) are vital signaling molecules that impact cellular functions. Tightly controlled ROS levels support homeostasis, stress responses, and cellular adaptability. ROS has an important influence on the general health of an organism by regulating gene expression. Gene expression can be regulated and controlled at different stages, such as signaling transduction, regulation of transcription, post-transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modifications. However, the imbalance between the generation of ROS and the capacity of cells to neutralize them results in increased oxidative stress (OS), which can contribute to the development of numerous diseases, including cancer, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the regulation of gene expression is of great importance for future therapies in the prevention and treatment of diseases that arise from disturbed ROS homeostasis
Development of a Chestnut Shell Bio-Adsorbent for Cationic Pollutants: Encapsulation in an Alginate Carrier for Application in a Flow System
No full textMelanin-based biosorbents (MiCS), derived from chestnut shells, were encapsulated in sodium alginate to obtain MiCS@Alg, useful in a column adsorption study. MiCS contains various acidic surface groups able to participate in the removal of cationic pollutants from aqueous solutions. The MiCS and MiCS@Alg were characterized by Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), while zeta potential and particle size analyses were performed to gain deeper insight into surface charge behavior. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out at three different temperatures, demonstrating that the adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order (PSO) model and that the Freundlich model best described the equilibrium data. The process was found to be endothermic and spontaneous, with maximum adsorption capacities of 300.2 mg g−1 (BR2), 201.5 mg g−1 (BY28) and 73.08 mg g−1 (NH3) on MiCS, and 189.3 mg g−1 (BR2), 117.1 mg g−1 (BY28) and 50.06 mg g−1 (NH3) on MiCS@Alg at 45 °C and compared with the unmodified chestnut shell. The MiCS and MiCS@Alg exhibited good adsorption performance, improved environmental compatibility, and greater reusability. Overall, these results highlight MiCS@Alg as a cost-effective, sustainable, and highly promising novel biosorbent for the removal of cationic pollutants (BR2, BY28, and NH3) from water
One-pot synthesis of lemon peel/zero-valent iron catalyst for Fenton degradation of 2-chlorophenol in aqueous solutions
No full textThe present study investigates the utilization of lemon peel, an agricultural byproduct, and iron oxide, for the synthesis of an efficient catalyst designed to degrade 2-chlorophenol via the Fenton reaction. The catalysts were obtained through a single-step carbothermal reduction process conducted at 800 °C. The study systematically evaluated the effects of the biomass/iron oxide ratio, initial pH, hydrogen peroxide concentration, catalyst dosage, and the presence of various salts and natural organic matter on the overall degradation efficiency. The results demonstrated the efficacy of lemon peel as a carbonaceous precursor essential for the in-situ reduction of Fe2O3 to zero-valent iron decorated with Fe3O4 particles. An optimal mass ratio of lemon peel to iron oxide of 4:1 was identified. Under optimized conditions (pH 2, 45 min), the prepared catalyst achieved substantial 2-chlorophenol degradation rates of 94 % in aqueous solution, with above 85 % TOC reduction, and a leached iron content of 5.2 %. Notably, this degradation rate was achieved within a significantly shorter timeframe than previously reported systems. Furthermore, the presence of chloride ions reduced the degradation efficiency to 84 %, while the presence of nitrate ions and humic acid did not have a significant influence, suggesting that the investigated catalyst could also be efficient in removing 2-chlorophenol from groundwater. Hence, the findings of this research confirm that the valorisation of waste streams through pyrolytic conversion represents an efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective methodology for producing high-performance catalysts applicable to the remediation of water resources contaminated with 2-chlorophenol
Exploring the Impact of Zn Substitution on the Physicochemical Properties of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles
No full textThis research applied an advanced solvothermal synthesis approach that enabled precise control over the size, shape, surface functionalization, and stoichiometry of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CFO NPs), thanks to the bridging bidentate interaction of oleic acid (OA) and surface metal atoms. By relying on it, we systematically investigated the effect of Zn substitution in the CFO lattice (Co1-xZnxFe2O4, x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) to reveal the structure-property relationship in spinel ferrites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization confirmed monodisperse spherical NPs (5 ± 1 nm) with the pure spinel phase. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy revealed Zn incorporation in the lattice by the changes in metal-oxygen vibration modes (e.g., F2g(3) and A1g(1), with x(Zn) > 0.1 as a threshold for detectable changes). The matching of nominal and real stoichiometry of the NPs was confirmed by the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) method. Magnetic studies performed at 5 K demonstrated tunable properties with magnetization change from 94.6 ± 0.4 A m2/kg for pristine CFO to 102.7 ± 0.3 A m2/kg for x(Zn) = 0.5 and simultaneous drop of coercivity from 1.13 ± 0.01 to 0.60 ± 0.01 T, thus highlighting the role of Zn in modulating magnetic properties. Beyond advancing synthesis precision, this study provides a framework for tailoring multifunctional NPs, bridging the gap between atomic-scale doping and macroscopic properties. The versatility of the approach, coupled with demonstrated control over interfacial chemistry and magnetism, positions it as a key tool for materials design with relevance to biomedical systems, magnetic storage, and catalytic applications. By elucidating substitution-driven property evolution in spinel ferrites, this study contributes to the rational design of next-generation functional materials. © 2025 American Chemical Society
Development of novel high-temperature alumina-based ceramic adhesive as a sealing material for IT-SOFC with the addition of wastewater sludge
No full textIn recent years, the tendency of modern society toward “green” technologies, which might solve concerns regarding the growing consumption of fossil fuels, is rising. Furthermore, the adoption of so-called waste-to-wealth concepts in industry has become a primary focus of forthcoming scientific research. Accordingly, in the present study, we investigated the potential application of an innovative alumina-based ceramic adhesive material with a partial addition of waste sludge as perspective sealant for IT-SOFCs. The extensive characterization was intended to determine whether the material possesses specific properties most relevant to sealing applications. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), an important property of the sealant samples, was determined using dilatometry. The results were within the optimal range. A leaching test was performed to confirm its ecological friendliness. In addition, the sealant's sealing performance and thermomechanical stability in a single cell under operating conditions were validated via open circuit voltage (OCV) measurements. Good cell hermeticity and stable operating voltages in the intermediate temperature range were provided, indicating the potential applicability of IT-SOFC technology. In the upcoming research, further optimization of the material composition and properties will be carried out to achieve higher efficiency and better robustness
Influence of chemical composition of Fe-Ni-based amorphous alloys on thermal stability, mechanism and kinetic of crystallization
No full textAmorphous Fe-Ni-based alloys have been attracting great scientific attention due to their multifunctionality resulting from their isotropic structure and functional properties. Since amorphous alloys are thermodynamically and kinetically metastable, they tend to transform to more stable forms under extreme conditions or even during prolonged application under mild conditions. This occurs through the processes of structural relaxation, crystallization and recrystallization, which can affect their favorable functional properties. In this work, three Fe-Ni- based amorphous alloys prepared by melt-spinning, namely Fe40Ni38Mo4B18, Fe40Ni40B12Si8, and Fe40Ni40P14B6, were studied regarding their thermal stability, mechanism and kinetics of thermally induced structural transformations. For this purpose, the methods of microstructural and thermal analysis were applied. Crystallization kinetic triplets of individual phases were determined for the studied systems, which can be used for kinetic predictions, with a view to tailoring materials with targeted properties. Variations in chemical composition of the studied alloys were observed to significantly affect their thermal stability, mechanism and kinetics of crystallization, and thus their applicability as functional materials.Advanced Ceramics and Application : 13th Serbian Ceramic Society Conference : Program and the Book of Abstracts; September 8-10, 2025; Belgrade
Choline-based ionic liquid electrolyte additives for suppression of dendrite growth in Zn-ion batteries
No full textZinc-ion batteries are a promising solution for energy storage due to their high energy density, safety and cost efficiency. However, the formation of dendrites on zinc anodes is the main problem in the development of Zn-ion batteries and poses a major challenge as it can lead to short circuits and capacity degradation. In this study, the use of choline-based ionic liquids as electrolyte additives to inhibit dendrite growth in Zn-ion batteries is investigated. Choline-based ionic liquids, including choline salicylate, choline saccharinate, choline acetate and choline lactate, were introduced into an aqueous ZnSO 4 electrolyte to improve the uniformity and stability of zinc electrodeposition. Electrochemical analysis combined with surface characterization of the electrodes, demonstrated that these additives effectively modulate nucleation and deposition processes. Among the ionic liquids tested, choline saccharinate exhibited the most stable cycling performance and the best dendrite suppression, while choline salicylate exhibited rapid dendrite growth. The use of choline saccharinate as an additive in Zn-ion batteries was demonstrated in a Zn//V 2 O specific capacity of 91 mAh g 1 at 0.6 A g 1 5 @rGO cell. The battery showed high performance with a . The findings highlight the potential of environmentally friendly choline-based ionic liquids as next-generation electrolyte additives for advanced Zn-ion battery system
Source apportionment of indoor particulate matter: a review
No full text9th WeBIOPATR Workshop & Conference: Particulate Matter: Research and Management : Abstracts of Keynote Invited Lectures and Contributed Papers; 28th November- 1st December, 2023; Belgrade, Serbia