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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225204• Jan 15, 2026

Activation of Peroxymonosulfate-Based Advanced Oxidation via Co@Si-A for Tetracycline Degradation: Performance and Mechanism

Authors: Shihua ZHANG, Qiao HUANG, Biming LIU, Yiyun LIU, Wenfei WU, Xiangcheng WU, Dewei ZHANG

Cobalt-doped silica aerogel (Co@Si-A) catalysts were synthesized via a one-step sol-gel method and applied for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to degrade tetracycline (TC). The catalyst with 25 wt% cobalt doping (25Co@Si-A) exhibited superior catalytic performance, achieving 98.97% TC degradation within 30 min under specified conditions (TC 10 mg/L, 100 mL). Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis revealed a high specific surface area and well-developed porous architecture with nano-confined spaces. The 25Co@Si-A/PMS system demonstrated outstanding adaptability across a broad pH range (5–9), maintaining >95% degradation efficiency, and showed strong resistance to sulfate and nitrate ions. In real water matrices, degradation efficiency remained around 80%. After five consecutive cycles, the system retained 82.33% degradation efficiency, with cobalt ion leaching of only 23.7 μg/L in the first cycle, indicating excellent stability. Mechanistic studies using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), radical quenching, and probe compound tests confirmed a synergistic radical and non-radical pathway. The primary reactive species were sulfate radicals (SO4•−), hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and singlet oxygen (1O2), with contributions of 58.53%, 9.79%, and 31.68%, respectively. Electrochemical tests indicated that 25Co@Si-A exhibited superior charge transfer compared to Co3O4, attributed to the nano-confined effect of the silica aerogel, which enhanced Co(II)/Co(III) redox cycling and PMS activation. This research provides a promising strategy for utilizing silica aerogel-based catalysts in advanced oxidation processes for water treatment.

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Activation of Peroxymonosulfate-Based Advanced Oxidation via Co@Si-A for Tetracycline Degradation: Performance and Mechanism

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225188• Jan 15, 2026

Synergistic optimization mechanism of microstructure and magnetic properties in M-type strontium ferrite via Ce/La co-doping and pre-sintering temperature regulation

Authors: Huilin SHAN, Pengjie ZHANG, Jiquan WANG, Jiajia SI, Kuikui SONG, Guangqing XU

Driven by the urgent demand for green and low-carbon technologies, the development of high-performance and cost-effective rare-earth free permanent magnets has emerged as a key research focus for sustainable energy and advanced electronic applications. Among various candidates, M-type strontium ferrites have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent thermal stability, high magnetocrystalline anisotropy, and abundant raw material availability. In this study, Sr0.41La0.36Ca0.23Fe11.8Co0.2O19 was selected as the base system, and a series of samples were synthesized via a solid-state reaction combined with high-energy ball milling. The synergistic effects of varying CeO2/La2O3 mass ratios (0:10 to 10:0) and pre-sintering temperatures (1150-1200°C) on the microstructure and magnetic properties were systematically investigated. Microstructural analyses revealed that moderate Ce substitution effectively induced controlled lattice distortion and promoted densification, which inhibited abnormal grain growth and refined the microstructure. Such structural modulation not only enhanced domain wall pinning but also improved magnetocrystalline anisotropy, leading to a remarkable increase in coercivity. Magnetic measurements confirmed that the composition with a CeO2/La2O3 mass ratio of 2:8 and pre-sintered at 1180°C achieved the most balanced magnetic performance, exhibiting enhanced coercivity, sufficient remanence, and stable saturation magnetization. This work provides new insights into the cooperative effects between rare-earth doping ratios and thermal processing parameters, clarifying how lattice defects, grain boundary characteristics, and microstructural evolution collectively govern the magnetic properties of M-type ferrites. The findings establish a practical strategy for tailoring the microstructure-property relationship in rare-earth free permanent magnets, opening an optimized processing window for scalable fabrication of environmentally friendly, high-performance ferrite materials.

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Synergistic optimization mechanism of microstructure and magnetic properties in M-type strontium ferrite via Ce/La co-doping and pre-sintering temperature regulation

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225185• Jan 15, 2026

CFD Simulation and Structural Optimization of a Thermal Catalytic Degradation Reactor for Sulfur Hexafluoride

Authors: MA Jingxiang, XIA Zhonglin, LIU Zhiqiang, LIU Hongyu, YANG Fu, ZHU Hongtao, MA Shuangchen

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), widely used as an insulating gas in high-voltage electrical equipment, possesses a global warming potential (GWP) 25,200 times that of CO2, necessitating efficient degradation technologies. This study employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate the thermal catalytic degradation of SF6 in a fixed-bed reactor, integrating models for porous media, heat transfer, turbulence, and chemical kinetics. The simulations revealed significant radial non-uniformities in pressure, velocity, temperature, and species concentration distributions, with temperature identified as the dominant factor influencing degradation efficiency. Radial temperature gradients caused uneven reaction rates, with degradation rates near the wall substantially exceeding those at the central axis, thereby reducing overall SF6 conversion. To address this, structural optimizations were implemented, including reducing the reactor tube diameter and incorporating inert porous media with high thermal conductivity at both ends of the catalytic section. These modifications enhanced radial heat transfer, homogenized the temperature field, and improved the uniformity of reaction rates and species concentrations. Parametric studies on inlet gas velocity showed that both excessively low and high flow rates were detrimental: low velocities led to underutilization of the downstream catalyst and increased energy consumption, while high velocities deteriorated heat transfer and exacerbated radial temperature gradients. The optimal inlet velocity range was determined to be 0.4–0.8 m/s for a reactor tube inner diameter of 10 mm, balancing catalyst utilization, energy consumption, and degradation efficiency. This research provides data-driven guidance for the design and scale-up of SF6 catalytic degradation reactors.

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CFD Simulation and Structural Optimization of a Thermal Catalytic Degradation Reactor for Sulfur Hexafluoride

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225184• Jan 15, 2026

A Review on Energy-Saving and Consumption-Reducing Technologies for Thermal Power Units Based on Economic Benefit Evaluation

Authors: Tao JING, Quanjie LI, Xiannan DU, Naimu YANG, Zhenshuai YANG, Sizheng TONG, Bing LI, Ye FAN, Jinwen SHI

Thermal power units have long dominated China's energy structure due to the low cost of coal and their role in ensuring grid stability. However, under the dual pressures of climate change and national carbon peaking/neutrality goals, the environmental impact of their 'three wastes' has become critical, necessitating energy-saving retrofits. This review systematically examines mainstream energy-saving technologies for thermal power units, including boiler combustion optimization, heating surface cleaning, turbine flow path upgrades, waste heat recovery and cascade utilization, and cold-end system optimization. Using coal consumption rate as the core economic index, the study integrates case studies and operational data from typical domestic and international units to evaluate the latest progress, practical effects, advantages, and limitations of each technology. Results indicate that these technologies significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution. For instance, boiler combustion optimization based on support vector machines and neural networks enhances thermal efficiency and reduces NOx emissions. Turbine flow path modifications, from full three-dimensional CFD optimization to advanced blades and combined steam seals, yield notable gains in cylinder efficiency and heat rate reduction. Low-temperature economizers reduce coal consumption and auxiliary power/water use in dust removal and desulfurization systems. Heat pump applications include absorption, compression, and hybrid types. In cold-end optimization, data-driven predictive maintenance and real-time performance tuning of condensers achieve nearly 50% energy savings in circulating water pumps and an average coal consumption reduction of 2-3 g/(kW·h). Despite these advances, gaps remain in multi-objective optimization robustness, intelligent diagnosis, and advanced materials. Future research should focus on deep reinforcement learning for adaptive control, sensor networks for real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance, and high-temperature corrosion-resistant materials for heat exchangers, while balancing initial investment and maintenance costs.

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A Review on Energy-Saving and Consumption-Reducing Technologies for Thermal Power Units Based on Economic Benefit Evaluation

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225213• Jan 15, 2026

Gas-liquid dispersion characteristics in a stirred tank equipped with porous aeration tube

Authors: SUN Ruiyu, XIE Ping, CAI Ziqi, LIU Xinwei, GAO Zhengming, BAO Yuyun

Gas-liquid stirred tanks are widely used in oxidation, hydrogenation, and other chemical processes, where the gas dispersion state directly affects production efficiency. This study systematically investigated the effects of impeller type, impeller installation height, and rotational speed on gas-liquid dispersion in a stirred tank equipped with a porous tube sparger. Two typical impellers, a wide hydrofoil (WH) and a half-elliptical disk turbine (HEDT), were tested at various installation heights (L/D ratios) and gassing rates. The critical rotational speed for complete gas dispersion, agitation power consumption, and overall gas holdup were measured. Results showed that for both impellers, the critical Froude number (Fr) decreased significantly with increasing gas flow number (FlG). Under the same gassing rate, the HEDT impeller generally required a higher critical Fr and greater agitation power for complete dispersion compared to the WH impeller. Relative power demand (RPD) decreased as FlG increased, with a more pronounced decline at higher L/D ratios. At different impeller positions, the RPD of the HEDT impeller was higher than that of the WH impeller, indicating that the HEDT impeller's power was less affected by gas. Notably, the impeller installation height significantly influenced gas holdup and power consumption. When L/D = 0.75, higher gas holdup and lower power consumption were observed. This work provides crucial theoretical and data support for optimizing the design of gas-liquid stirred tanks with gas sparging, offering clear engineering value for enhancing mass transfer efficiency and energy-saving operation in chemical processes.

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Gas-liquid dispersion characteristics in a stirred tank equipped with porous aeration tube

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225221• Jan 15, 2026

Efficient Recovery of Lithium and Cobalt from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries Using a ChCl-OA-H2O Deep Eutectic Solvent

Authors: Libin TANG, Mingqiang CHENG, Zhipeng ZHOU, Juanjian RU, Cunying XU, Yixin HUA, Ding WANG

The proliferation of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in portable electronics and electric vehicles has generated a pressing need for sustainable recycling of spent batteries. Conventional pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical routes suffer from low metal recovery efficiencies or require additional precipitants. This study introduces a clean and efficient process for recovering lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co) from spent LiCoO2 cathode materials using a choline chloride-oxalic acid-water (ChCl-OA-H2O) deep eutectic solvent (DES). The method exploits selective precipitation of Co as cobalt oxalate dihydrate (CoC2O4·2H2O) followed by water-content-regulated recovery of Li as lithium oxalate (Li2C2O4) via evaporation crystallization, eliminating the need for external precipitants. Under optimized conditions (molar ratio 1:1:8, solid-liquid ratio 100 g/L, 90 °C, 6.5 h), the leaching efficiency of Li reached 99.4%, with recovery efficiencies of 88.3% for Li and 97.8% for Co. The DES system demonstrated robust cycling stability, maintaining Li and Co recoveries of 78.1% and 92.8% after six regeneration cycles. This work provides a low-pollution, economically viable pathway for LIB recycling, contributing to resource sustainability and offering significant industrial potential.

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Efficient Recovery of Lithium and Cobalt from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries Using a ChCl-OA-H2O Deep Eutectic Solvent

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225200• Jan 15, 2026

Effect of Foaming Agent on the Performance of Phosphogypsum-Based Lightweight Ceramsite

Authors: WU Guangchao, CHEN Kaixuan, WANG Ruiying, HU Haiyang, LI Jiamao, XU Weihong, LI Canhua

Phosphogypsum, a by-product of wet-process phosphoric acid production, poses severe environmental and safety challenges due to its massive annual output and stockpiling. This study addresses the urgent need for resource utilization by employing phosphogypsum as the primary raw material, supplemented with ground granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, and type II anhydrite. Two foaming agents, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and aluminum powder, were used to regulate pore structure, and their effects on ceramsite performance were compared. Under identical preparation conditions, aluminum powder yielded higher 7-day cylinder compressive strength than NaHCO3. Optimal formulations achieved a maximum cylinder compressive strength of 6.5 MPa with a bulk density of 1020 kg/m3, meeting lightweight aggregate concrete strength requirements. Aluminum powder produced closed pores, reducing bulk density to as low as 765 kg/m3, while NaHCO3 generated interconnected pores leading to higher water absorption. XRD, SEM, and BET analyses revealed that strength-contributing phases are calcium silicate hydrate and calcium aluminate hydrate; trace heavy metals (Mo, Ti) hinder their formation, causing structural defects. This work demonstrates a green, non-fired route for phosphogypsum valorization, offering environmental and economic benefits and a pathway for large-scale utilization.

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Effect of Foaming Agent on the Performance of Phosphogypsum-Based Lightweight Ceramsite

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225227• Jan 15, 2026

Scalable Green Synthesis of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride

Authors: LI Zhiyong, FANG Jinfa, WANG Linming, LIU Min

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) are foundational materials in sustainable chemical engineering due to their negligible volatility, exceptional thermal stability, and tunable properties. This study details the development, optimization, and analysis of an industrial-scale green synthesis pathway for 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) via quaternization of N-methylimidazole with 1-chlorobutane. Reaction parameters were optimized using orthogonal experimental design, and process intensification strategies were implemented to enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability. The optimal conditions were identified as a reaction temperature of 76 °C, a molar ratio of N-methylimidazole to 1-chlorobutane of 1:1.3, and a reaction time of 36 h, achieving a single-pass yield of 95.6%. Kinetic studies revealed a significant correlation between temperature, molar ratio, and conversion efficiency, with an activation energy (Ea) of approximately 135.7 kJ/mol, indicating pronounced temperature dependence. A closed-loop material recycling system was designed, enabling recovery rates of 99.5% for 1-chlorobutane and 98.1% for ethyl acetate, thereby curtailing raw material consumption and waste generation. This approach aligns with green chemistry principles and propels the process toward near-zero emissions. The pathway offers a scalable model for [Bmim]Cl manufacture and a transferable strategy for synthesizing other ionic liquids, representing a substantial advancement in sustainable process engineering.

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Scalable Green Synthesis of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225246• Jan 15, 2026

Experimental Study on Classification Performance of Multi-Arm Vortex Separator

Authors: Binghao YUAN, Jiaxu ZHANG, Chenglin E, Chunxi LU

The development of efficient catalyst classification technologies is crucial for optimizing fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) and catalytic pyrolysis coupling processes, where distinct particle size distributions are required for different reaction pathways. In this study, a large-scale cold-model experimental platform of a multi-arm vortex separator is established to explore the influence of operating conditions on classification behavior. Systematic experiments are conducted by changing ejection gas velocity (8~20 m/s), inlet particle concentration (30~70 g/m3), and bed linear velocity (0.15~0.25 m/s). The results demonstrate that ejection gas velocity governs classification sharpness by controlling the entrainment of fines within the coarse fraction. The increase in ejection gas velocity enlarges the upward axial gas velocity inside the device, thereby enhancing the entrainment effect on particles near the vortex arm outlets. Increasing the ejection gas velocity from 12 to 16 m/s reduces proportion of fine particles in coarse components from 14% to 12%. The inlet particle concentration imposes competing effects on classification performance: while higher concentrations promote agglomeration and modify turbulence distribution, excessive loading intensifies fine-particle entrainment, thereby diminishing classification selectivity. The system maintains stable pressure drop characteristics under different bed linear velocities, with the pressure drop increasing by maximum of about 15% when the bed linear velocity is raised from 0.15 m/s to 0.25 m/s. Analysis of grade efficiency curves reveals classical S-shaped profiles with cut sizes (dc50) shifting under different operating regimes. Higher particle concentrations reduces dc50, favoring fine-particle removal, while higher ejection gas velocities enlarge dc50, moving the classification boundary toward larger sizes. These findings confirm the synergistic effect of ejection gas velocity and inlet concentration, highlighting that rational parameter matching can simultaneously improve efficiency and selectivity. Beyond the experimental findings, this work emphasizes the broader applicability of multi-arm vortex separators in refining and petrochemical processes. By enabling precise adjustment of particle size distribution, the system offers a promising pathway for enhancing catalyst utilization, extending catalyst lifetime, and facilitating process intensification in coupled FCC-pyrolysis units.

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Experimental Study on Classification Performance of Multi-Arm Vortex Separator

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225159• Jan 15, 2026

Improvement of Homogeneity for Direct Cooling Battery Thermal Management System in Electric Vehicles under Dynamic Operating Conditions

Authors: ZHU Xijiao, MA Xiaona, YAN Huaxia, CHEN Yi

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric vehicles due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and stability. However, significant heat generation caused by power fluctuations under dynamic driving conditions poses substantial challenges to battery safety and longevity. Existing research often focuses on thermal behavior under fixed ambient temperatures or constant discharge rates, failing to replicate real-world dynamic operations. This study investigates the thermal performance of a 52 Ah battery pack under three typical dynamic operating conditions: steady operation, alternating load operation, and progressive acceleration. Experiments were conducted at ambient temperatures of 25, 30, and 35°C. Results show that the direct cooling thermal management system meets temperature control requirements during steady and alternating load operations at all tested temperatures. However, under progressive acceleration at 35°C, the battery pack's maximum surface temperature reaches 49.8°C with a significant temperature difference of 16.5°C, exceeding safe limits. After installing aluminum fins, the maximum temperature is reduced to 40.9°C, and the temperature difference drops to 5.0°C. Longitudinal temperature difference decreases from 11.2°C to 4.6°C, and transverse temperature difference from 5.9°C to 1.2°C. The fins enhance longitudinal heat conduction and mitigate transverse temperature imbalance. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing thermal management strategies and provide experimental data for developing more effective systems, contributing to improved battery safety and longevity under real-world driving conditions.

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Improvement of Homogeneity for Direct Cooling Battery Thermal Management System in Electric Vehicles under Dynamic Operating Conditions

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 4 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225191• Jan 15, 2026

Optimization Strategies for Thermal Transport Properties in p-Type Mg3Sb2-Based Thermoelectric Materials: A Review

Authors: Di ZHANG, Jiawei ZHA, Zhiyuan LIU

Mg3Sb2-based materials, featuring a unique layered crystal structure, exhibit a favorable combination of low thermal conductivity, high Seebeck coefficient, and decent carrier mobility, establishing them among the most promising mid-temperature thermoelectric systems under active investigation. However, p-type Mg3Sb2 derivatives demonstrate a comparatively lower thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) compared to their n-type counterparts. Enhancing the zT performance of p-type Mg3Sb2 is therefore essential for the development of high-efficiency thermoelectric devices based on this material system. This review systematically summarizes the critical factors governing the thermal transport properties of p-type Mg3Sb2, including intrinsic characteristics such as chemical bonding and crystal structure, as well as extrinsic parameters such as carrier concentration, mobility, point defects, microstructure, and temperature dependence effects. Furthermore, it highlights recent advances in strategies designed to optimize thermal conductivity (κ) and improve zT, mainly including point defect engineering (such as Mg-site doping, Sb-site doping, dual-site co-doping, as well as doping-assisted composite modification), low-dimensional and nanostructural design, and advanced preparation technologies. Experimental studies demonstrate that these targeted strategies, particularly the synergistic introduction of multi-scale defects, can effectively suppress phonon propagation and significantly reduce lattice thermal conductivity (κL). Consequently, substantial improvements in the overall zT of p-type Mg3Sb2-based materials have been realized, providing a robust scientific and technical foundation for accelerating the practical application of Mg3Sb2-based thermoelectric devices.

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225222• Jan 15, 2026

Study on Net Cross-Zone Flow Characteristics of Composite Tridimensional Rotational Flow Sieve Tray

Authors: Ping HUO, Yue MA, Hongkai WANG, Meng TANG

The composite tridimensional rotational flow sieve tray (CTRST) integrates a packing zone and a swirl zone to enhance gas-liquid contact, yet its application range and structural optimization are hindered by unclear cross-zone flow distribution mechanisms. This study experimentally investigates gas-liquid cross-zone distribution and flow loss in both zones, introducing net cross-zone flow proportions for gas and liquid phases to quantify inter-zone flow. Under tested conditions, the net liquid cross-zone flow proportion ranged from -0.325 to -0.370, indicating net liquid flow from the swirl zone to the packing zone, while the net gas flow proportion ranged from 0.022 to 0.310, indicating net gas flow from the packing zone to the swirl zone. Analysis of loss flow ratios revealed that liquid spray density and gas kinetic energy factor had minor influence on net liquid loss flow proportion (always less than -0.037), suggesting low resistance to liquid exchange. Conversely, gas loss flow proportion varied significantly from -0.047 to -0.319, indicating substantial resistance to gas cross-zone interaction. This gas loss ratio initially increased then decreased with liquid spray density, peaking at 92.26 m3/(m2·h), and increased with gas kinetic energy factor. A predictive model for net cross-zone flow proportions was developed, correlating operational parameters with flow loss intensity, providing theoretical support for optimizing tray design and operation.

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Study on Net Cross-Zone Flow Characteristics of Composite Tridimensional Rotational Flow Sieve Tray

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225241• Jan 15, 2026

Research Progress on CO2 Hydrogenation to Aromatics: Catalyst Design, Kinetic Modeling, and Reactor Engineering

Authors: Jie ZHANG, Zixuan GONG, Maoming GONG, Hui WANG

Amid the global pursuit of carbon neutrality, the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into high-value-added aromatics represents a critical frontier in sustainable chemistry. This process offers the dual benefit of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while establishing a non-petroleum route for the production of indispensable platform chemicals. However, the practical realization of CO2 conversion is hindered by formidable challenges originating from the thermodynamic stability of CO2 and the kinetic challenges in C-C bond formation. This review provides a critical and comprehensive analysis of recent progress on CO2 hydrogenation to aromatics, focusing on the development of catalyst design, reaction kinetics, and reactor engineering, with the goal of accelerating industrial application. The two dominant reaction pathways, i.e., the methanol-intermediate and the olefin-intermediate routes, are summarized and progress in the design of efficient multifunctional catalysts for each pathway is given. A key point in bifunctional catalyst development is the challenge of balancing the synergy and separation of hydrogenation sites and acidic aromatization active sites. Synergy is crucial for driving the reaction equilibrium forward by rapidly consuming intermediates, whereas separation, often achieved through sophisticated architectures like core-shell structures, is vital for preventing deactivation, such as the migration of alkaline promoters into the zeolite (the aromatization component). Also, this review analyzes the kinetic modeling progress proposed for this complex, multi-step reaction system. For the initial CO2 conversion step, the authors highlighted the evolution of kinetic models, particularly the ongoing efforts to accurately quantify the critical water inhibition effect in methanol synthesis. For the subsequent aromatization stage, this review critically compares two distinct modeling strategies: the use of lumping models, which simplify the reaction network for robust engineering simulations, and the single-event microkinetic (SEMK) models, which offer profound mechanistic insights by considering elementary reaction steps. Furthermore, it is pointed out that these kinetic models serve as indispensable inputs for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, which guide the design, optimization, and scale-up of industrial reactors. These simulations can address practical engineering challenges such as thermal management to control hotspots and fluid dynamics to mitigate excessive pressure drop. By systematically bridging the conceptual gap from atomic-level catalyst design to macro-scale reactor optimization, this review provides theoretical guidance aimed at accelerating the engineering scale-up of this vital carbon utilization technology.

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Research Progress on CO2 Hydrogenation to Aromatics: Catalyst Design, Kinetic Modeling, and Reactor Engineering

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225225• Jan 15, 2026

Measurement and Correlation of Rheological Properties of Molten Plastics and Their Blends

Authors: MA Shaoping, HAN Ying, WU Shuang, XIAO Yafeng, DONG Zhongtian, WANG Zhihui, ZHANG Qinghua, YANG Chao

The non-Newtonian rheological properties of plastic melts are critical for regulating plastic processing, molding, and recycling processes, ensuring processing stability and product performance. However, rheological data for commonly used plastics and their blends remain incomplete. This study combined experimental testing and theoretical modeling to investigate the rheological behaviors of four pure plastics—polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS)—and three binary blend systems: PE/ABS, PP/ABS, and PS/ABS. Rheological tests were conducted using a rheometer over a shear rate range of 0.1–100 s⁻¹ and temperatures from 180°C to 250°C. Results showed that the flow behavior index n was less than 1 for all samples, and apparent viscosity decreased significantly with increasing shear rate, indicating clear shear-thinning behavior. The consistency coefficient K followed the Arrhenius relationship with temperature, and melt viscosity decreased as temperature increased. The study quantitatively characterized the relationship between the mass fraction m (0.5 < m ≤ 1) of the main component in binary blends and melt viscosity. Based on experimental data, a component correction term was introduced into the traditional power-law model to construct a constitutive equation that simultaneously describes the effects of shear rate, temperature, and component fraction on melt viscosity. The average relative error between model predictions and experimental values was only 5.90%. These rheological data and the modified constitutive equation provide important theoretical support and data reference for optimizing process parameters in waste plastic recycling and injection molding.

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Measurement and Correlation of Rheological Properties of Molten Plastics and Their Blends

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225250• Jan 15, 2026

Research Progress and Intelligent Trend of Slag Foaming Prediction

Authors: Xinggan ZHANG, Yujie LIU, Mengting SHANG, Haichuan WANG, Yunjin XIA, Guilin SUN

Slag foaming is a critical phenomenon in electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, enhancing thermal efficiency, suppressing metal splashing, and stabilizing the refining process. Accurate prediction and control of slag foaming are essential for green and efficient steelmaking. This review systematically examines research progress on slag foaming prediction, clarifying the applicability, advantages, and limitations of different predictive methods to support intelligent control of foamy slags. Following the framework of 'influencing factors-prediction methods-development trends', the study summarizes the coupling effects of multiple variables such as basicity, viscosity, surface tension, suspended particles, gas parameters, and temperature on foam formation and stability. It compares five major prediction approaches: empirical formulas, dimensionless modeling, thermodynamic calculations, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and machine learning models, analyzing their core concepts, merits, and constraints. Results indicate that single models often struggle to balance real-time capability and accuracy, particularly under multi-variable coupling and complex operating conditions. Therefore, a hybrid prediction framework combining mechanism-based and data-driven models is proposed, emphasizing physical constraints, multi-scale coupling, and multi-source data fusion. This integrated approach is expected to advance slag foaming prediction from 'computable' to 'controllable and adjustable', offering methodological insights for the development of green and intelligent EAF steelmaking.

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Research Progress and Intelligent Trend of Slag Foaming Prediction

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225141• Jan 15, 2026

Effect of the Number of Clogged Bottom-Blowing Elements on the Flow Characteristics of Liquid Steel in Converter

Authors: Hao WU, Xueting JIANG, Guanghong ZHANG, Bingzheng XIAO, Haichuan WANG, Aijun DENG

This study established a three-dimensional transient gas-liquid two-phase flow model based on a 150-tonne converter to investigate the influence of the number of clogged bottom-blowing elements on the stirring efficiency of the molten pool. The numerical simulation results were validated against actual converter operating conditions. The findings revealed that the primary reason for deteriorated flow characteristics under multiple clogged tuyeres was the overall reduction in stirring energy input from the bottom-blowing gas. Specifically, when the number of clogged tuyeres reached three, the numerically simulated mixing time increased from 150.6 s to 219.3 s, a significant increase of 45.62%. This numerical result was in good agreement with water model experiments, indicating that prompt furnace bottom maintenance and tuyere replacement should be considered under such circumstances. At the same bottom-blowing intensity, the effective stirring area of a single inner-ring tuyere was 0.919 m2, while that of a single outer-ring tuyere was 1.651 m2. The combined effective area achieved through the synergy of inner and outer ring tuyeres was 2.940 m2, which was 14.4% greater than the sum of their individual areas. Clogging disrupted this synergistic stirring effect. A single clogged tuyere had a negligible impact on the distribution of dead zones. However, when tuyeres in both the inner and outer rings were clogged, dead zones became more numerous and concentrated. With 3 and 4 clogged tuyeres, the dead zone volume reached 3.703 and 5.946 m3, accounting for 17.31% and 27.79% of the total molten pool volume, respectively. An industrial plant trial conducted based on the numerical simulation scheme showed that key performance indicators deteriorated as the number of clogged tuyeres increased. With three clogged tuyeres, the average end-point oxygen content reached 0.0669wt%, which was 22.1% higher than that under non-clogged conditions. Concurrently, the total iron content in the slag reached 19.44%, a 24.5% increase compared to the non-clogged baseline.

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Effect of the Number of Clogged Bottom-Blowing Elements on the Flow Characteristics of Liquid Steel in Converter

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225215• Jan 15, 2026

Numerical Simulation of Lean Fuel Combustion Characteristics of CH4/H2/CO2

Authors: Yamei LAN, Hailong CHENG, Wulang YI

CO2 dilution is a recognized strategy for combustion control, yet its detailed effects on CH4/H2 combustion under lean conditions remain insufficiently characterized. This study numerically investigated jet diffusion flames in a triangular nozzle burner, varying CO2 mixing ratios from 0% to 40%, equivalence ratios from 0.4 to 0.9, at 300 K and 101325 Pa. The standard k-ε turbulence model and non-premixed combustion model were employed, with grid independence verified. Results showed that increasing CO2 blending reduced peak flame temperature, flame height, and average furnace temperature from 1688 K (0% CO2) to 1344 K (40% CO2). CO2 inhibited forward reactions of CO with O and OH, reducing O2 consumption. NOx emissions decreased by up to 95.5% at φ=0.7 (from 6.7×10-5 to 3.03×10-6) and 94.3% at φ=0.9, compared to pure methane. Conversely, H2 enrichment (0% to 40%) raised peak temperature from 2018 K to 2199 K and shifted the peak location closer to the burner (from 1.16 m to 0.82 m), promoting more compact flames. In CH4/H2 mixtures, CO2 still effectively reduced NOx, though the effect slightly weakened with higher CO2 ratios. Controlling CO2 blending below 30% balances NOx reduction and combustion stability. The CH4/H2/CO2 ternary strategy enables coordinated regulation of temperature and pollutant emissions, offering a technical pathway for hydrogen-rich fuel applications.

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Numerical Simulation of Lean Fuel Combustion Characteristics of CH4/H2/CO2

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225264• Jan 15, 2026

Study on Anti-poisoning Property and Mechanism of Rare Earth Superlattice Hydrogen Storage Alloys

Authors: Tianmeng HE, Yajie ZHANG, Xiaoyi XUE, He ZHANG, Shubin ZHANG, Jinpeng WANG, Hao WANG, Yanrong LIU

The high cost of high-purity hydrogen necessitates the utilization of low-cost industrial by-product hydrogen as an alternative gas source to reduce hydrogen storage costs. Industrial by-product hydrogen typically contains impurities such as H2S and CO, yet the poisoning mechanisms of these gases on superlattice hydrogen storage alloys during hydrogen absorption/desorption remain poorly understood. This study systematically investigates the poisoning effects and regeneration behavior of La0.65Mg1.32Ca1.03Ni9Y0.17 superlattice hydrogen storage alloy in atmospheres containing 10^-3 H2S and CO. The experimental protocol comprised 10 poisoning cycles followed by 1 regeneration, repeated to total 20 poisoning cycles and 2 pure hydrogen regenerations. Results show that in pure hydrogen, the alloy's hydrogen storage capacity gradually decreases after 22 cycles but is effectively restored after dehydrogenation at 473 K. In the presence of impurity gases, the hydrogen storage capacity retention rates after 10 poisoning cycles with H2S and CO are 3.56% and 2.71%, respectively; after 20 cycles, these decrease to 3.68% and 1.73%, respectively. After dehydrogenation at 473 K, retention rates recover to 40.35% and 98.27%, respectively. This indicates that poisoning severity follows the order CO > H2S, while regeneration difficulty follows H2S > CO. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that after poisoning, the main phase transforms from AB3 to AB3H, but reverts to AB3 after high-temperature dehydrogenation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that after H2S poisoning, CaS and CaSO4 form on the alloy surface, indicating irreversible chemical adsorption. In contrast, after CO poisoning, no new substances are detected, indicating reversible adsorption. This study clarifies the differentiated poisoning mechanisms of impurity gases and provides theoretical support for the application of rare-earth superlattice hydrogen storage alloys in complex atmospheres.

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Study on Anti-poisoning Property and Mechanism of Rare Earth Superlattice Hydrogen Storage Alloys

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225172• Jan 15, 2026

Preparation and Oil-Water Separation Performance of PVDF Membranes Co-modified with Dopamine and Polyvinyl Alcohol

Authors: PANG Shulei, WU Haitao, SUN Han, DONG Yanmao

The increasing discharge of oily wastewater from oil extraction and anthropogenic activities necessitates the development of efficient oil-water separation technologies to safeguard ecological and environmental safety and ensure sustainable resource utilization. Membrane separation technology, owing to its high efficiency and operational convenience, has emerged as a viable solution for treating oily wastewater. To enhance the hydrophilic and oleophobic properties of hydrophobic separation membranes, this study employed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hydrophobic microfiltration membranes with robust mechanical properties as substrates. Through a biomimetic coating approach, dopamine (DA) was first polymerized to form polydopamine (PDA) on the membrane surface, which subsequently reacted with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to construct a dense hydrophilic layer, yielding modified membranes with hydrophilic/oleophobic surface characteristics. The morphology and chemical composition of the modified membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Oil-water separation performance was comprehensively evaluated by measuring water contact angle, underwater oil contact angle, emulsion flux, and oil rejection. Under optimal conditions, the modified membrane M3 exhibited a pure water flux of 4893.2 ± 70.2 L/(m²·h), an emulsion flux of 2138.1 ± 29.4 L/(m²·h) for toluene-in-water emulsion, and an oil rejection of 98.5% ± 0.1%. Simulated fouling and regeneration tests using bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution demonstrated a flux recovery rate of 92.0% for M3, indicating excellent antifouling performance. Immersion tests in acid, alkali, and salt solutions confirmed the modified membrane's outstanding chemical stability. The designed PVDF modified membrane offers advantages of simplicity, environmental friendliness, and high efficiency, showing significant application potential in oil-water separation and providing a novel strategy for membrane development.

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Preparation and Oil-Water Separation Performance of PVDF Membranes Co-modified with Dopamine and Polyvinyl Alcohol

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225162• Jan 15, 2026

Effect of Tempering Temperature on Precipitates, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Quenched Cu-Cr-Ni Ultra-High Strength Weathering Steel

Authors: Tingting YU, Yongcheng MIAO, Ke ZHANG, Jinghui LI, Mingya ZHANG, Yong LI, Zhong HUANG, Hongbo PAN

The effects of tempering temperature on the microstructure, strength-toughness balance, and precipitates of a quenched Cu-Cr-Ni ultra-high strength weathering steel were systematically investigated. The steel was austenitized at 920°C, quenched, and then tempered at 500°C, 550°C, and 600°C. Microstructural characterization was performed using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while mechanical properties were evaluated via tensile and low-temperature impact tests. Results showed that as the tempering temperature increased from 500°C to 600°C, the microstructure transformed from lath-shaped tempered sorbite to a non-lath morphology. The fraction of rod-like cementite decreased, while spheroidized cementite increased, and the size of MC (M = Ti, Nb, V, Mo) precipitates decreased from an average of 12.2 nm to 9.9 nm. Consequently, yield strength and tensile strength decreased from 935 MPa and 958 MPa to 866 MPa and 888 MPa, respectively, whereas total elongation and impact energy at -40°C increased continuously, reaching maximum values of 5.0% and 280 J at 600°C. When tempered at 550°C, the steel exhibited a yield strength of 895 MPa, tensile strength of 921 MPa, elongation of 4.3%, and impact energy of 271 J at -40°C, demonstrating an optimal combination of strength and toughness. This improvement is primarily attributed to the spheroidization of cementite and the uniform dispersion of fine MC precipitates, which alleviate stress concentration, along with the softening of the acicular ferrite matrix during tempering.

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Effect of Tempering Temperature on Precipitates, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Quenched Cu-Cr-Ni Ultra-High Strength Weathering Steel

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.226111• Jan 15, 2026

Hydrogen-bonded networks and N2O/N2 adsorption separation performance of pyridinecarboxylate guanidinium HOFs

Authors: Lina JIA, Shiyao CHEN, Guoying ZHAO, Changyu SUN

Efficient capture of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) is critical for climate change mitigation and resource recovery. In this study, two guanidinium-based hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) with pyridyl nitrogen site isomerism, namely G-5,5'-BPyDC and G-4,4'-BPyDC, were constructed using 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid and 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid as ligands. The effects of ligand structure on hydrogen-bonded network, pore environment, and N2O/N2 adsorption separation performance were systematically investigated via single-crystal X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and gas adsorption experiments. Both frameworks are built via N-H...O hydrogen bonds. The asymmetric unit of G-5,5'-BPyDC contains two methanol molecules, resulting in larger free volume and surface area compared to G-4,4'-BPyDC, which exhibits more compact packing. Both materials show decomposition temperatures above 290°C, indicating good thermal stability. Hirshfeld surface analysis reveals that the total contribution of O-H/H-O and N-H/H-N hydrogen bonds in G-5,5'-BPyDC (32.0%) is higher than that in G-4,4'-BPyDC (29.7%). At 25°C and 4.0 MPa, the N2O adsorption capacity of G-5,5'-BPyDC is 2.32 mmol/g, surpassing that of G-4,4'-BPyDC (2.02 mmol/g). IAST calculations show that the selectivities of G-5,5'-BPyDC for N2O/N2 (50:50 and 10:90) mixtures reach 29.26 and 111.32, respectively, significantly superior to those of G-4,4'-BPyDC (6.61 and 17.03). Pyridyl nitrogen site isomerism effectively optimizes N2O/N2 adsorption and separation by modulating pore polarity and hydrogen-bonded network, offering a new strategy for isomer design.

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Hydrogen-bonded networks and N2O/N2 adsorption separation performance of pyridinecarboxylate guanidinium HOFs

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Original ResearchVol. 26, Issue 5 • pp. 100-112DOI: 10.12034/j.issn.1009-606X.225195• Jan 15, 2026

Simulation and optimization of pre-concentration extractive distillation for the separation of acetonitrile-n-propanol-water ternary azeotropic system

Authors: Shoushi BO, Meiyu WANG, Ying LI, Lanyi SUN

The separation of multicomponent azeotropic mixtures remains a persistent challenge in industrial wastewater treatment due to complex phase equilibrium behavior involving minimum/maximum boiling azeotropes and liquid-liquid phase separation. Pharmaceutical wastewater often contains a ternary mixture of acetonitrile, n-propanol, and water, which exhibits significant non-ideality and multiple azeotropic points, including binary azeotropes for acetonitrile-water, n-propanol-water, and acetonitrile-n-propanol pairs, as well as a ternary azeotrope. This study conducted a comprehensive investigation encompassing thermodynamic modeling, solvent screening, process design, and multi-objective optimization. A reliable thermodynamic framework was established using an activity coefficient model (NRTL), validated against experimental data. Systematic analysis of vapor-liquid equilibrium diagrams identified ethylene glycol as the optimal extractant due to its superior selectivity. Three distinct separation processes were developed: a conventional three-column distillation sequence (TCED), a four-column pre-concentration extractive distillation configuration (FCED), and an innovative three-column integrated pre-concentration extractive distillation system incorporating a thermally coupled column (TCED-IDC). Multi-objective optimization using the improved nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) targeted total annualized cost (TAC), CO2 emissions (ECO2), and thermodynamic efficiency (η), subject to stringent purity constraints (≥99.9 wt% for products and ≥99.99 wt% for extractant recycle). The integrated three-column configuration achieved 41.2% lower TAC, 50.4% lower CO2 emissions, and 102% higher thermodynamic efficiency compared to the conventional TCED process. This integrated pre-concentration extractive distillation process is established as an industrially viable, energy-efficient solution for acetonitrile-n-propanol-water separation, aligning with green chemistry principles.

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Simulation and optimization of pre-concentration extractive distillation for the separation of acetonitrile-n-propanol-water ternary azeotropic system

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