Using an epidemiological framework and bovine spongiform encephalopathy investigation questionnaire to investigate suspect bovine spongiform encephalopathy cases: an example from a bovine spongiform encephalopathy case in Ireland in 2015.

In several EU member states, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) cases have been identified in cattle born after the reinforced ban (BARB cases), for reasons that are not entirely clear. Epidemiological investigation of these cases has proved challenging. The European Food Safety Authority recently recommended the collection of a predefined set of epidemiological data from BSE suspects and confirmed BSE cases to aid future investigations. In this study, we present an epidemiological framework and BSE investigation questionnaire to aid the investigation of suspect BSE cases, and illustrate its application during the investigation of a BSE case in Ireland in 2015. It is recommended that the framework and questionnaire are used concurrently: the framework provides structure and focus, whereas the questionnaire (with 135 questions) aids data collection. The framework focuses on confirmation and discrimination, estimating the date and location of exposure, and determining the method/source of exposure. The BSE case in Ireland in 2015 was a BARB case born in 2010. It was identified with classical BSE at an authorised knackery as part of Ireland's targeted active surveillance programme for BSE. No definitive source of infection with the BSE agent could be attributed in this case.

Towards Carbon-Neutral CO2 Conversion to Hydrocarbons.

With fossil fuels still predicted to contribute close to 80 % of the primary energy consumption by 2040, methods to limit further CO2 emissions in the atmosphere are urgently needed to avoid the catastrophic scenarios associated with global warming. In parallel with improvements in energy efficiency and CO2 storage, the conversion of CO2 has emerged as a complementary route with significant potential. In this work we present the direct thermo-catalytic conversion of CO2 to hydrocarbons using a novel iron nanoparticle-carbon nanotube (Fe@CNT) catalyst. We adopted a holistic and systematic approach to CO2 conversion by integrating process optimization-identifying reaction conditions to maximize conversion and selectivity towards long chain hydrocarbons and/or short olefins-with catalyst optimization through the addition of promoters. The result is the production of valuable hydrocarbons in a manner that can approach carbon neutrality under realistic industrial process conditions.

Cobalt catalysts for the conversion of CO2 to light hydrocarbons at atmospheric pressure.

A series of cobalt heterogeneous catalysts have been developed that are effective for the conversion of CO2 to hydrocarbons. The effect of the promoter and loadings have been investigated.

Promoter Effects on Iron-Silica Fischer-Tropsch Nanocatalysts: Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Lower Olefins and Hydrocarbons at Atmospheric Pressure.

If CO2 hydrogenation is to become a viable process for the utilisation of CO2 , improved catalysts are urgently needed. We report the promotional effects of Group 11 and 13 metals on the performance of iron-silica catalyst systems under atmospheric pressure. The addition of low loadings of gold resulted in a significant improvement in catalyst performance both in terms of conversion and selectivity to lower (C2 -C4 ) olefins. Small loadings of indium proved highly effective for increasing CO2 conversion, whereas at higher loadings the selectivity to lower olefins could be dramatically increased. Catalysis tests involving palladium-promoted systems also proved successful with large increases in selectivity towards C5+ hydrocarbons observed. The catalysts were characterised by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TEM and SEM, which confirmed the nanostructured nature of the catalytic species involved.

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes: growth, mechanism and structure.

Nitrogen-doped bamboo-structured carbon nanotubes have been successfully grown using a series of cobalt/molybdenum catalysts. The morphology and structure of the nanotubes were analysed by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The level of nitrogen doping, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, was found to range between 0.5 to 2.5 at.%. The growth of bamboo-structured nanotubes in the presence of nitrogen, in preference to single-walled and multi-walled nanotubes, was due to the greater binding energy of nitrogen for cobalt in the catalyst compared to the binding strength of carbon to cobalt, as determined by density functional theory.

Supercritical fluid synthesis of magnetic hexagonal nanoplatelets of magnetite.

A supercritical fluid technique was used to prepare hexagonal nanoplatelets of magnetite. Ferrocene was used as the Fe source, and sc-CO(2) acted as both a solvent and oxygen source in the process. Powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements were used to characterize the products. It was found that the morphology and structure of the product strongly depended on the reaction conditions.