Polytechnic University of Valencia

About: Polytechnic University of Valencia is a education organization based out in Valencia, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Population. The organization has 16282 authors who have published 40162 publications receiving 850234 citations.

“Ab initio” synthesis of zeolites for preestablished catalytic reactions

Abstract: Unlike homogeneous catalysts that are often designed for particular reactions, zeolites are heterogeneous catalysts that are explored and optimized in a heuristic fashion. We present a methodology for synthesizing active and selective zeolites by using organic structure-directing agents that mimic the transition state (TS) of preestablished reactions to be catalyzed. In these zeolites, the pores and cavities could be generated approaching a molecular-recognition pattern. For disproportionation of toluene and isomerization of ethylbenzene into xylenes, the TSs are larger than the reaction products. Zeolite ITQ-27 showed high disproportionation activity, and ITQ-64 showed high selectivity for the desired para and ortho isomers. For the case of a product and TS of similar size, we synthesized a catalyst, MIT-1, for the isomerization of endo-dicyclopentane into adamantane.

Catalytic activity of palladium supported on single wall carbon nanotubes compared to palladium supported on activated carbon: Study of the Heck and Suzuki couplings, aerobic alcohol oxidation and selective hydrogenation

Abstract: Nanoparticles (2–10 nm) of palladium have been deposited on single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) by spontaneous reduction from Pd(OAc)2 or from oxime carbapalladacycle. These catalysts exhibit higher catalytic activity than palladium over activated carbon (Pd/C) for the Heck reaction of styrene and iodobenzene and for the Suzuki coupling of phenylboronic and iodobenzene. This fact has been attributed as reflecting the dramatic influence of the size particle on the activity of the palladium catalyst for C C bond forming reactions as compared to other reaction types less demanding from the point of view of the particle size. Thus, in contrast to the Heck and Suzuki reactions, Pd/C is more active than palladium nanoparticles deposited on SWNT for the catalytic oxidation by molecular oxygen of cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde and for the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to 3-phenylpropionaldehyde.

Electronic noses and tongues to assess food authenticity and adulteration

Abstract: Background There is a growing concern for the problem of food authenticity assessment (and hence the detection of food adulteration), since it cheats the consumer and can pose serious risk to health in some instances. Unfortunately, food safety/integrity incidents occur with worrying regularity, and therefore there is clearly a need for the development of new analytical techniques. Scope and approach In this review, after briefly commenting the principles behind the design of electronic noses and electronic tongues, the most relevant contributions of these sensor systems in food adulteration control and authenticity assessment over the past ten years are discussed. It is also remarked that future developments in the utilization of advanced sensors arrays will lead to superior electronic senses with more capabilities, thus making the authenticity and falsification assessment of food products a faster and more reliable process. Key findings and conclusions The use of both types of e-devices in this field has been steadily increasing along the present century, mainly due to the fact that their efficiency has been significantly improved as important developments are taking place in the area of data handling and multivariate data analysis methods.

Soil and water losses from new citrus orchards growing on sloped soils in the western Mediterranean basin

Abstract: Ten representative research sites were selected in eastern Spain to assess soil erosion rates and processes in new citrus orchards on sloping soils. The experimental plots were located at representatives sites on limestone, in areas with 498 to 715 mm year−1 mean annual rainfall, north-facing slopes, herbicide treated, and new (less than 3 years old) plantations. Ten rainfall simulation experiments (1 h at 55 mm h−1 on 0·25 m2 plots) were carried out at each of the 10 selected study sites to determine the interill soil erosion and runoff rates. The 100 rainfall simulation tests (10 × 10 m) showed that ponding and runoff occurred in all the plots, and quickly: 121 and 195 s, respectively, following rainfall initiation. Runoff discharge was one third of the rainfall, and sediment concentration reached 10·4 g L−1. The soil erosion rates were 2·4 Mg ha−1 h−1 under 5-year return period rainfall thunderstorms. These are among the highest soil erosion rates measured in the western Mediterranean basin, similar to badland, mine spoil and road embankment land surfaces. The positive relationship between runoff discharge and sediment concentration (r2 = 0·83) shows that the sediment availability is very high. Soil erosion rates on new citrus orchards growing on sloped soils are neither tolerable nor sustainable. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.