Cellulosic materials have several applications, from rheological modifiers to structural reinforcement and packaging components. Using cellulosic materials may also contribute to environmental sustainability because it can be sourced from agricultural byproducts. In this work, self-sustained composite films were produced by the casting of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers/graphite composite dispersions. Oscillatory rheology and tensile strength tests showed that the presence of graphite did not significantly contribute to the enhancement of neither the rheological nor mechanical properties of the dispersions and films. Morphological analysis showed that particle segregation and setting occurred during film casting, resulting in particle concentration gradient along the thickness of the film. These results could indicate the low exfoliation efficiency of the microfluidization process and, therefore, justify why the graphite did not act as a reinforcement of the cellulose matrix. However, the graphite particles contributed to a higher barrier to water vapor permeation of the cellulosic films. applications components byproducts work selfsustained self sustained TEMPOoxidized TEMPO oxidized nanofibersgraphite nanofibers therefore matrix However

A new nickel based layered double hydroxide nanomaterial, Ni0.8Ce0.2-LDH, constituted by about 3 nm large nanoparticles exhibiting enhanced electrocatalytic properties towards oxidation of glycerol in alkaline media, was prepared by incorporation of 20 wt.% of CeIII ions into α-nickel hydroxide. This can be oxidized to CeIV, as demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a much electron withdrawing and oxidizing species responsible for electronic interactions and additional electrocatalytic active sites giving rise to synergic effects. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images and the X-ray diffractograms indicated a material with a significantly lower size and degree of crystallinity than α-Ni(OH)2, one of the factors contributing to its enhanced electrochemical and electrocatalytic activity, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, suggesting a good potentiality for development of glycerol fuel cells.

Electrostatic phenomena were discovered long ago but their interpretation according to well-established atomic-molecular theory is still lacking. As a result, electrostatic phenomena are often irreproducible and uncontrolled, causing serious practical problems. Highly reproducible recent experimental results on electrostatic charging from this and other laboratories are reviewed in this work, together with a description of the relevant but not so usual Kelvin probe and Faraday cup techniques. These results support a new model for electrostatic charging of dielectrics and insulated metals, based on the role of moist atmosphere as a charge reservoir.