This paper reports the synthesis and use of a novel metal-organic framework (MOF), named Zr-BADS, within the thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes for reverse osmosis (RO) applications. Two types of zirconium-based MOFs, Zr-BADS-1 and Zr-BADS-2, were synthesized via a solvothermal method using bicinchoninic acid disodium salt as a linker and either dimethylformamide or ethanol as solvent, respectively. TFN membranes were prepared by embedding these MOFs within the polyamide thin film supported by a polysulfone support sheet. The specific surface area of Zr-BADS-1 and Zr-BADS-2 was determined to be 396.1 and 278.6 m2/g, respectively, indicating significant surface area conducive to water permeation. Scanning electron microscopic analysis r

A novel demountable shear connector for precast steel‐concrete composite bridges is presented. The connector uses high‐strength steel bolts, which are fastened to the top flange of the steel beam with the aid of a special locking nut configuration that prevents slip of bolts within their holes. Moreover, the connector promotes accelerated construction and overcomes typical construction tolerances issues of precast structures. Most importantly, the connector allows bridge disassembly, and therefore, can address different bridge deterioration scenarios with minimum disturbance to traffic flow, i.e. (i) precast deck panels can be rapidly uplifted and replaced; (ii) connectors can be rapidly removed and replaced; and (iii) steel beams can b

The syntheses, characterizations and structures of three novel dichloro(bis{2-[1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-κN3]pyridine-κN})metal(II), [M(L)2Cl2], complexes (metal = Mn, Co and Ni) are presented. In the solid state the molecules are arranged in infinite hydrogen-bonded 3D supramolecular structures, further stabilized by weak intermolecular π…π interactions. The DFT results for all the different spin states and isomers of dichloro(bis{2-[1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-κN3]pyridine-κN})metal(II) complexes, [M(L1)2Cl2], support experimental measurements, namely that (i) d5 [Mn(L1)2Cl2] is high spin with S = 5/2; (ii) d7 [Co(L1)2Cl2] has a spin state of S = 3/2, (iii) d8 [Ni(L1)2Cl2] has a spin state of S =

          This study was done to evaluate a new technique to determine the presence of methamphetamine in the hair using nano bentonite-based adsorbent as the filler of extraction column. The state of the art of this study was based on the presence of silica in the nano bentonite that was assumed can interact with methamphetamine. The hair used was treated using methanol to extract the presence of methamphetamine, then it was continued by sonicating the hair sample. Qualitative analysis using Marquish reagent was performed to confirm the presence of methamphetamine in the isolate.The hair sample that has been taken in a different period confirmed that this current developing method can be used to analyzed methamphetamine. This m

Tin oxide: titanium oxide: bismuth oxide (SnO2 )1–x(TiO 2 :Bi 2O3 ) x composites with different loading ratios (0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25 and 0.3) have numerous new application in microelectronics, sensors, and capacitors. This work concerned with the synthesis of (SnO 2 )1–x(TiO 2 :Bi 2O3 ) xcomposites as well as, thin films which were deposited on glass substrates as well as, silicon wafers by using pulsed laser deposition. The diffraction pattern confirms the anatase teteragonal phase of undoped tin oxide. It was observed some peaks related with titanium and bismuth oxides appeared at high loading ratios. Upon the transmission-spectra analysis, the undoped samples declared transmittance 60–67% in a visible spectrum, and the energy ga