Physical One-Way Functions for Decentralized Consensus Via Proof of Physical Work.

Decentralized consensus on the state of the Bitcoin blockchain is ensured by proof of work. It relies on digital one-way functions and is associated with an enormous environmental impact. This paper conceptualizes a physical one-way function that aims to transform a digital, electricity-consuming consensus mechanism into a physical process.

Influence of aging, morphology and particle size on the behavior of microplastics during magnetic seeded filtration.

Magnetic seeded filtration (MSF) is a solid-liquid separation process based on the formation of hetero-agglomerates between target (non-magnetic) particles and added magnetic particles, followed by magnetic separation. Previous experimental studies reported high separation efficiencies for hydrophobic microplastic particles (MP) and focused mainly on the polymer type. This study investigates the influence of the particle size, morphology and aging on the separation efficiency of different polymer types.

Spray Flame Synthesis and Multiscale Characterization of Carbon Black-Silica Hetero-Aggregates.

The increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries requires constant improvements in the areas of production and recycling to reduce their environmental impact. In this context, this work presents a method for structuring carbon black aggregates by adding colloidal silica via a spray flame with the goal of opening up more choices for polymeric binders. The main focus of this research lies in the multiscale characterization of the aggregate properties via small-angle X-ray scattering, analytical disc centrifugation and electron microscopy.

Particle and Phase Analysis of Combusted Iron Particles for Energy Storage and Release.

The combustion of metal fuels as energy carriers in a closed-cycle carbon-free process is a promising approach for reducing CO emissions in the energy sector. For a possible large-scale implementation, the influence of process conditions on particle properties and vice versa has to be well understood. In this study, the influence of different fuel-air equivalence ratios on particle morphology, size and degree of oxidation in an iron-air model burner is investigated by means of small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, laser diffraction analysis and electron microscopy.

Separation of Microplastic Particles from Sewage Sludge Extracts Using Magnetic Seeded Filtration.

Microplastic particles (MP) are efficiently retained in wastewater treatment plants and enriched in sewage sludge. For monitoring MP contents in wastewater systems, sewage sludge is thus well suited, but also requires an isolation of MP from the sludge matrix, as other sewage sludge components may interfere with the MP identification and quantification. Although organic matter in sludge samples can be removed through acid and enzymatic digestion procedures, cellulose - mainly from toilet paper - remains in the digests, due to its high chemical resistivity and similar density to MP.