Robert Aranowski

Influence of Ionic Liquid Structure on Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes Effectiveness in Carbon Dioxide/Methane Separation

This paper indicates the possibility of application of imidazolium ionic liquids immobilized in polymeric supports—supported ionic liquid membranes—in CO2 separation from gaseous streams (e.g., biogas). Imidazolium salts containing alkyl fluoride anions, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and trifluoromethanesulfonate, selectively separating CO2 were used. The permeability of CO2 through membranes was investigated under gas pressure of 30 kPa and temperature range 283–298 K. Permeability values occurred to be higher for ionic liquids containing bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion. Moreover, CO2 permeability exhibited an increase with increasing temperature for all investigated systems. Stability of supported ionic liquid membranes was studied. In total, polypropylene membrane revealed the best properties, mechanical stability and observed wettability of this support were better than for polyamide and polyvinylidene fluoride ones. Polyethersulfone supports showed similar contact angles; however, its mechanical stability was significantly lower. Obtained results allowed to evaluate the effectiveness of separation process using selected ILs and supports.

UV/VIS LIGHT-ENHANCED PHOTOCATALYSIS FOR WATER TREATMENT AND PROTECTION

Applied research data on advanced photocatalytic methods aimed at treatment of contaminated aqueous phase is presented. Phenol and chloroorganic pesticides (as model compounds) besides actual wastewater samples were UV- photodegraded using suspended TiO2 or UV/H2O2/air systems. Titanium dioxide catalysts modified with non-metal elements were used to photodegrade phenols in visible light. Laboratory and pilot scale reactors were used and the effect of process scale-up investigated.

Determination of binder-aggregate adhesion by contact angle measurement

The key factor in asphalt pavement durability, especially in the presence of water, is adhesion of the bituminous binder to mineral aggregates. There are currently no standard laboratory test procedures that can quickly and accurately measure the strength of the interaction (bond) between the binder and aggregate. In this regard, to evaluate the adhesion force measurements based on the contact angle between the binder and the aggregate by goniometric method were conducted. Contact angles at the mineral-binder-air interface were measured using a high temperature contact angle goniometer by a sessile drop technique. The influence of five adhesion promoters at different temperature (40 to 200°C, 104 to 392°F) for two minerals, granite and limestone, has been investigated. The road binder 35/50 (pen@25°C or @77°F) was used as the bituminous phase. Obtained results show that for granite, for nearly all used promoters, adhesion is better than for pure binder. In case of limestone, the difference of measured contact angles between pure binder and binder with additives is not evident and one can say that activity of some promoters is neutral or adhesion could be even worse. The results of contact angle tests at the full range of temperature can be used also for adhesion assessment for warm mix asphalt (WMA) technologies.