Particle-scale characteristics of the three distinct regions in the multi-chamber slot-rectangular spouted bed

Manipulation of Bowl-Shaped Nanoparticles Self-Assembled from a Bipyridine Pendant Containing Homopolymer

The morphological control and transformation of soft nanomaterials are critical for their physical and chemical properties, which can be achieved by dynamically regulating the hydrophilicity of amphiphilic polymers during self-assembly. Herein, an amphiphilic homopolymer poly(N-(2,2'-bipyridine)-4-acrylamide) (PBPyAA) with bipyridine pendants is synthesized, and the effect of various parameters including initial concentration, temperature, pH, and metal ion coordination on the self-assembly behavior and morphology of the assemblies is investigated. Upon changing the initial concentration of PBPyAA, bowl-shaped nanoparticles (BNPs) with precisely controlled diameter, opening size, and thickness are obtained. With the decrease of pH of the solution, the negatively charged surface of BNPs transforms to a positively charged state. Furthermore, the addition of divalent metal ions (Co2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+) induces the transformation of BNPs to vesicles and giant vesicles. The effect of the above factors on the morphology of the assemblies is essential to change the hydrophilicity of PBPyAA dynamically, leading to variation of the local viscosity during self-assembly. Overall, manipulation of the structural parameters of BNPs and transformation of BNPs to vesicles are achieved, providing fresh insights for the precise control of the morphologies of soft nanomaterials.

Insight on micro bubbling mechanism in a 2D fluidized bed with Group D particles

By CFD-DEM simulations, the present work is aimed to investigate the transient gas-solid bubbling mechanisms along a whole bubble lifecycle in a 2D fluidized bed from a micro perspective. Systemic comparisons with CCD measurements confirm the validity of current simulations. Afterward, the manner of particle motion and its driving mechanisms at various stages are investigated. In order to do that, external forces are analyzed at an individual particle level, including the drag, pressure gradient force, and their resultant acceleration together with gravity. Many interesting findings have been achieved. For example, a switch in directions of drag and pressure gradient forces at the root of an initial bubble enables its detachment. And, regarding their contributions to the burst of a bubble, the drag force is several times of the pressure gradient forces. Present efforts help to offer a novel view of particle dynamics during the bubbling fluidization.