Zhi-Cheng Tan

Bio: Zhi-Cheng Tan is an academic researcher from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics. The author has contributed to research in topics: Heat capacity & Enthalpy. The author has an hindex of 29, co-authored 223 publications receiving 2933 citations. Previous affiliations of Zhi-Cheng Tan include Hunan University of Arts and Science & Chinese Academy of Sciences.

An adiabatic low-temperature calorimeter for heat capacity measurement of small samples

Abstract: A small sample adiabatic calorimeter for measuring heat capacities in the temperature range 60–350 K using the Nernst method has been constructed. The sample cell of the calorimeter is 6 cm3 in the internal volume, equipped with a miniature platinum thermometer and surrounded by two adiabatic shields. Two sets of 6-junction chromel-copel thermocouples were mounted between the cell and the shields to indicate the temperature differences between them. The adiabatic conditions of the cell were automatically controlled by two sets of temperature controller. A mechanical pump was used to pump out the vapour of liquid nitrogen in the cryostat to solidify N2 (1), and 60 K or even lower temperature was obtained. The performance of this apparatus was evaluated by heat capacity measurements on α-alumina. The deviations of experimental results from a smoothed curve lie within ±0.2%, while the inaccuracy is within ±0.5% compared with the recommended reference data in the wole temperature range.

Enhancement of Molar Heat Capacity of Nanostructured Al2O3

Abstract: The nanosized alumina prepared by the hydrolysis method with an average particle size of 20 nm was characterized by X-ray diffraction. The heat capacity measurements of the prepared sample were carried out using an adiabatic calorimeter in the temperature range from 78 to 370 K. Enhancement of heat capacity was observed in the nanostructured materials as the heat capacity data were compared with those of the corresponding coarse-grained materials. The enhanced heat capacity was discussed on the basis of experiments. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry were used to determine the thermal stability of the nanostructured alumina.

Density and Surface Tension of Ionic Liquids [Cnpy][NTf2] (n = 2, 4, 5)

Abstract: Density and surface tension of the air- and water-stable hydrophobic ionic liquids N-alkylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Cnpy][NTf2], n = 2, 4, 5) were measured in the temperature range T = (283.15 to 338.15) K. The melting temperatures of the samples were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Decomposition temperatures are higher than 600 K as determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG).

Mechanochemistry: opportunities for new and cleaner synthesis

Abstract: The aim of this critical review is to provide a broad but digestible overview of mechanochemical synthesis, i.e. reactions conducted by grinding solid reactants together with no or minimal solvent. Although mechanochemistry has historically been a sideline approach to synthesis it may soon move into the mainstream because it is increasingly apparent that it can be practical, and even advantageous, and because of the opportunities it provides for developing more sustainable methods. Concentrating on recent advances, this article covers industrial aspects, inorganic materials, organic synthesis, cocrystallisation, pharmaceutical aspects, metal complexes (including metal–organic frameworks), supramolecular aspects and characterization methods. The historical development, mechanistic aspects, limitations and opportunities are also discussed (314 references).

Ionic Liquids-Based Extraction: A Promising Strategy for the Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Abstract: Ionic Liquids-Based Extraction: A Promising Strategy for theAdvanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle Xiaoqi Sun, Huimin Luo, and Sheng Dai* Chemical Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States Energy and Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916, United States State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China

A review of microencapsulation methods of phase change materials (PCMs) as a thermal energy storage (TES) medium

Abstract: Microencapsulation of phase change materials (PCMs) is an effective way of enhancing their thermal conductivity and preventing possible interaction with the surrounding and leakage during the melting process, where there is no complete overview of the several methods and techniques for microencapsulation of different kinds of PCMs that leads to microcapsules with different morphology, structure, and thermal properties. In this paper, microencapsulation methods are perused and classified into three categories, i.e. physical, physic-chemical, and chemical methods. It summarizes the techniques used for microencapsulation of PCMs and hence provides a useful tool for the researchers working in this area. Among all the microencapsulation methods, the most common methods described in the literature for the production of microencapsulated phase change materials (MEPCMs) are interfacial polymerization, suspension polymerization, coacervation, emulsion polymerization, and spray drying.