10 research outputs found
A Quality 4.0 Assurance Framework for the Higher Education Institutes
No full text[EN] This article presents a framework for the implementation of Quality 4.0 aspect in the higher education institute. Quality 4.0 is a major domain of Industry 4.0 revolution. Beside the industry, educational institutes are also embracing the new technology-based framework, which does not only revolutionize the educational system, but also impact their performance.In this research, a comprehensive framework for the implementation of Quality 4.0 is presented. The enablers and the components of Quality 4.0 are discussed in detail. The article also discusses the implementation of the framework, consisting of big data analysis, SWOT analysis of the institute, implementation of documentation, digitalization and record management, ERP system and finally the key performance indicators (KPIs).The framework is specially designed for the higher education institute for the consistency and standardization, through the latest technology and digitization. Lodi, S.; Shaikh, A.; Wasif, M.; Tufail, M.; Butt, F. (2022). A Quality 4.0 Assurance Framework for the Higher Education Institutes. En 8th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'22). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 725-732. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd22.2022.14032OCS72573
Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene sheets from graphite powder by using ball milling
No full textDue to the rising trend in 2-Dimensional material, graphene has gained a lot of interest in the recent past. Graphene is the 2D carbon allotrope with high strength and improved mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties. Despite being excellent properties among other types of carbon allotropes but still, graphene use is limited because of its costly synthesis technique. In this research, a cheap and effective method is adapted for the preparation of graphene from graphite powder. The graphite powder is thermally treated to prepare the exfoliated graphite then exfoliated graphite is milled to produce the 2D graphene sheets. The synthesized graphene is characterized by X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The XRD results show that graphene is successfully synthesized, and SEM results show that graphene is 2D which can be used in various applications. This research provides a direction for the synthesis of graphene from graphite powder on an industrial scale.Debido a la tendencia al alza en el material bidimensional, el grafeno ha ganado mucho interés en el pasado reciente. El grafeno es el alótropo de carbono 2D con propiedades mecánicas, químicas y eléctricas mejoradas de alta resistencia. A pesar de tener excelentes propiedades entre otros tipos de alótropos de carbono, el uso del grafeno es limitado debido a su costosa técnica de síntesis. En esta investigación se adapta un método económico y efectivo para la preparación de grafeno a partir de polvo de grafito. El polvo de grafito se trata térmicamente para preparar el grafito exfoliado y luego se muele para producir las láminas de grafeno 2D. El grafeno sintetizado se caracteriza por difractometría de rayos X (XRD) y microscopio electrónico de barrido (SEM). Los resultados de XRD muestran que el grafeno se sintetiza con éxito y los resultados de SEM muestran que el grafeno es 2D que se puede usar en varias aplicaciones. Esta investigación proporciona una dirección para la síntesis de grafeno a partir de polvo de grafito a escala industrial
Synthesis of Composite Hydrogel Made of Woven Fabrics Stitched with PVA Yarn
No full textIn this study, a new method to prepare polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel-based woven fabric composite is presented. In this method, the woven fabric was first stitched with PVA yarn and then subjected to the borax solution for simultaneously dissolving and crosslinking PVA. The prepared PVA hydrogel-based woven fabric composite was chemically, mechanically, and thermally characterized. FTIR analysis was performed to confirm the crosslinking of PVA on the reinforced fabric surface. X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out to investigate the crystallinity of the composite. An optical microscope was used to investigate the surface morphology of the composites. Moreover, a DSC analysis was done to investigate the thermal characteristics of the composite. The mechanical and fluid absorbency characteristics of the composite were analyzed to investigate the effect of the concentration of PVA yarn on the tensile strength and water absorbency of composites. The results showed that the tensile strength and rigidity of the composite increased by increasing the PVA yarn content in the composite
Synthesis and experimental investigation of δ-MnO2/N-rGO nanocomposite for Li-O2 batteries applications
No full textAmong all the electrocatalysts for Lithium-Air battery (Li-air), Platinum Pt is the best performing cathode material. However, the high cost of noble Pt metal and scarcity nature impedes the use of Pt-based catalysts from being extensivity used in commercial applications. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an efficient and cost-effective alternate electrocatalyst to replace Pt-based materials in lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) battaries. In the present work, δ-MnO2/N-rGO composite (MNGC) has been synthesized by a simple non-template hydrothermal approach. MNGC with a porous wall structure composed of ultrathin nanosheets exhibits excellent electrochemical properties for oxidation–reduction reaction (ORR). MNGC can provide numerous pathways for abundant oxygen and electrolyte access to facilitate the mass transfer of lithium-ion. Such a well-designed structure offers the right electrocatalyst for the air cathode in lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) battaries. The prepared samples principal characteristics are analyzed, which verified the successful synthesis of sheet-like δ-MnO2 grown over the surface of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO). Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) results of MNGC showed enhanced ORR performance compared to MnO2 and N-rGO in terms of the half-wave potential, limiting current, and onset potential. MNGC electrode displayed superior cyclic performances of Li-air with a stable specific capacity, decreased overpotential, reversibility, and rate capability. Li-O2 battery was also tested with MNGN electrode for limited discharge capacity of 500 mAh/g, long-term cycling was achieved without electrolyte degradation. A high specific capacity of 5250 mAh/g was obtained at a high current density of 0.2 mA/cm2. The interlinked effect of δ–MnO2 and N–rGO for supporting the electrochemical interaction between O2 and Li is explained for improved columbic and energy efficiency of Li–O2 batter
Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene sheets from graphite powder by using ball milling
No full textDue to the rising trend in 2-Dimensional material, graphene has gained a lot of interest in the recent past. Graphene is the 2D carbon allotrope with high strength and improved mechanical, chemical, and electrical properties. Despite being excellent properties among other types of carbon allotropes but still, graphene use is limited because of its costly synthesis technique. In this research, a cheap and effective method is adapted for the preparation of graphene from graphite powder. The graphite powder is thermally treated to prepare the exfoliated graphite then exfoliated graphite is milled to produce the 2D graphene sheets. The synthesized graphene is characterized by X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The XRD results show that graphene is successfully synthesized, and SEM results show that graphene is 2D which can be used in various applications. This research provides a direction for the synthesis of graphene from graphite powder on an industrial scale.Debido a la tendencia al alza en el material bidimensional, el grafeno ha ganado mucho interés en el pasado reciente. El grafeno es el alótropo de carbono 2D con propiedades mecánicas, químicas y eléctricas mejoradas de alta resistencia. A pesar de tener excelentes propiedades entre otros tipos de alótropos de carbono, el uso del grafeno es limitado debido a su costosa técnica de síntesis. En esta investigación se adapta un método económico y efectivo para la preparación de grafeno a partir de polvo de grafito. El polvo de grafito se trata térmicamente para preparar el grafito exfoliado y luego se muele para producir las láminas de grafeno 2D. El grafeno sintetizado se caracteriza por difractometría de rayos X (XRD) y microscopio electrónico de barrido (SEM). Los resultados de XRD muestran que el grafeno se sintetiza con éxito y los resultados de SEM muestran que el grafeno es 2D que se puede usar en varias aplicaciones. Esta investigación proporciona una dirección para la síntesis de grafeno a partir de polvo de grafito a escala industrial
Medical and Dental Applications of Titania Nanoparticles: An Overview
No full textCurrently, titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are successfully employed in human food, drugs, cosmetics, advanced medicine, and dentistry because of their non-cytotoxic, non-allergic, and bio-compatible nature when used in direct close contact with the human body. These NPs are the most versatile oxides as a result of their acceptable chemical stability, lower cost, strong oxidation properties, high refractive index, and enhanced aesthetics. These NPs are fabricated by conventional (physical and chemical) methods and the latest biological methods (biological, green, and biological derivatives), with their advantages and disadvantages in this epoch. The significance of TiO2 NPs as a medical material includes drug delivery release, cancer therapy, orthopedic implants, biosensors, instruments, and devices, whereas their significance as a dental biomaterial involves dentifrices, oral antibacterial disinfectants, whitening agents, and adhesives. In addition, TiO2 NPs play an important role in orthodontics (wires and brackets), endodontics (sealers and obturating materials), maxillofacial surgeries (implants and bone plates), prosthodontics (veneers, crowns, bridges, and acrylic resin dentures), and restorative dentistry (GIC and composites)
Synthesis and Characterization of Nonwoven Cotton-Reinforced Cellulose Hydrogel for Wound Dressings
No full textHydrogels wound dressings have enormous advantages due to their ability to absorb high wound exudate, capacity to load drugs, and provide quick pain relief. The use of hydrogels as wound dressings in their original form is a considerable challenge, as these are difficult to apply on wounds without support. Therefore, the incorporation of polymeric hydrogels with a certain substrate is an emerging field of interest. The present study fabricated cellulose hydrogel using the sol–gel technique and reinforced it with nonwoven cotton for sustainable wound dressing application. The nonwoven cotton was immersed inside the prepared solution of cellulose and heated at 50 °C for 2 h to form cellulose hydrogel–nonwoven cotton composites and characterized for a range of properties. In addition, the prepared hydrogel composite was also loaded with titania particles to attain antibacterial properties. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of cellulose hydrogel layers inside the nonwoven cotton structure. The fabricated composite hydrogels showed good moisture management and air permeability, which are essential for comfortable wound healing. The wound exudate testing revealed that the fluid absorptive capacity of cellulose hydrogel nonwoven cotton composite was improved significantly in comparison to pure nonwoven cotton. The results reveal the successful hydrogel formation, having excellent absorbing, antimicrobial, and sustainable properties
Techno-economic assessment of solar water heating systems for sustainable tourism in northern Pakistan
No full textThis study is designed to examine the feasibility of the solar water heating (SWH) system for sustainable tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) of Pakistan and a tourist resort is taken as a base case. Hot water demand, solar irradiance and economic feasibility are the key parameters considered to investigate the potential of SWH systems using simulation tool T*SOL. Three different types of solar collectors were investigated, based on solar fraction, maximum collector temperature and overall system efficiency. Among these collectors, the evacuated tube collectors (ETC) show high solar fraction, efficiency and CO2 emissions saved as compared to flat plate collectors (FPC) and unglazed collectors (UnGC), for both locations. The ETC shows 75 % solar fraction, 40 % efficiency, and 676 kg CO2 emission saved and payback period of is recorded 6.6 years for Gilgit. While for Skardu, 84 % solar fraction, 36 % efficiency, 756 kg CO2 emissions avoided and payback period of 4.6 years is analysed. Sensitivity analysis based on design parameters such as collector area, tilt angle and tank volume is performed to highlight the important design considerations. Based on the techno-economic analysis, it is concluded that ETC is the most feasible SWH system for the northern regions of Pakistan
Structural regulation of coal-derived hard carbon anode for sodium-ion batteries via pre-oxidation
No full textHard carbon (HC) is broadly recognized as an exceptionally prospective candidate for the anodes of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), but their practical implementation faces substantial limitations linked to precursor factors, such as reduced carbon yield and increased cost. Herein, a cost-effective approach is proposed to prepare a coal-derived HC anode with simple pre-oxidation followed by a post-carbonization process which effectively expands the d002 layer spacing, generates closed pores and increases defect sites. Through these modifications, the resulting HC anode attains a delicate equilibrium between plateau capacity and sloping capacity, showcasing a remarkable reversible capacity of 306.3 mAh·g−1 at 0.03 A·g−1. Furthermore, the produced HC exhibits fast reaction kinetics and exceptional rate performance, achieving a capacity of 289 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1, equivalent to ~ 94.5% of that at 0.03 A·g−1. When implemented in a full cell configuration, the impressive electrochemical performance is evident, with a notable energy density of 410.6 Wh·kg−1 (based on cathode mass). In short, we provide a straightforward yet efficient method for regulating coal-derived HC, which is crucial for the widespread use of SIBs anodes
Recent Advances in Titanium Carbide MXene (Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub><i>x</i></sub>) Cathode Material for Lithium–Air Battery
No full textAs the fossil fuels are running out, the world is advancing
toward
renewable energy sources and related energy storage technologies.
Metal–air batteries have received significant prominence due
to their high energy density compared to conventional batteries and
fuel cells. Particularly, lithium–air battery has garnered
tremendous attention owing to its highest theoretical energy density
alongside a large cell capacity. However, technical challenges pertaining
to the cathode such as cell voltage drop, carbon electrode corrosion,
detrimental side reactions, electrode pore clogging, etc., still persist
and hinder their commercial success. So, to improve their overall
performance and make them a practical success, various cathode materials
are being investigated by researchers around the globe. Nanoengineering
of two-dimensional materials is one such subject under extensive investigation,
where MXenes have recently emerged as strong candidates with their
unique properties such as high hydrophilicity, large interlayer spacing,
and high mechanical stability. MXenes with high electrical conductivity
and catalytic activity possess a huge potential for applications in
energy storage. Over the past few years, more than 30 MXenes with
different chemistries have been synthesized for various applications.
Yet, titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2Tx) remains as the most studied MXene, mainly, but
not exclusively, for its high electrical conductivity, which makes
it a suitable choice for electrode material. This review presents
an overview of MXene, its syntheses, and an up-to-date summary from
the literature focused on the potential use of TiC MXenes as cathodes
in Li–air batteries
