The development of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) has provided an alternative approach for producing high-quality welds, in a fast and reliable manner. This study focuses on the mechanical properties of the dissimilar friction stir welding of AA6061-T6 and AA7075-T6 aluminum alloys. The FSW process parameters such as tool rotational speed, tool traverse speed, tilt angle, and tool offset influence the mechanical properties of the friction stir welded joints significantly. A mathematical regression model is developed to determine the empirical relationship between the FSW process parameters and mechanical properties, and the results are validated. In order to obtain the optimal values of process parameters that simultaneously optimize the ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and minimum hardness in the heat affected zone (HAZ), a metaheuristic, multi objective algorithm based on biogeography based optimization is proposed. The Pareto optimal frontiers for triple and dual objective functions are obtained and the best optimal solution is selected through using two different decision making techniques, technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and Shannon's entropy.
Mesoporous Mn1.5Co1.5O₄ (MCO) spinel films were prepared directly on a conductive nickel (Ni) foam substrate via electrodeposition and an annealing treatment as supercapacitor electrodes. The electrodeposition time markedly influenced the surface morphological, textural, and supercapacitive properties of MCO/Ni electrodes. The (MCO/Ni)-15 min electrode (electrodeposition time: 15 min) exhibited the highest capacitance among three electrodes (electrodeposition times of 7.5, 15, and 30 min, respectively). Further, an asymmetric supercapacitor that utilizes (MCO/Ni)-15 min as a positive electrode, a plasma-treated activated carbon (PAC)/Ni electrode as a negative electrode, and carboxymethyl cellulose-lithium nitrate (LiNO₃) gel electrolyte (denoted as (PAC/Ni)//(MCO/Ni)-15 min) was fabricated. In a stable operation window of 2.0 V, the device exhibited an energy density of 27.6 Wh·kg-1 and a power density of 1.01 kW·kg-1 at 1 A·g-1. After 5000 cycles, the specific energy density retention and power density retention were 96% and 92%, respectively, demonstrating exceptional cycling stability. The good supercapacitive performance and excellent stability of the (PAC/Ni)//(MCO/Ni)-15 min device can be ascribed to the hierarchical structure and high surface area of the (MCO/Ni)-15 min electrode, which facilitate lithium ion intercalation and deintercalation at the electrode/electrolyte interface and mitigate volume change during long-term charge/discharge cycling.
This work describes the development of supported zeolite-Y membranes, prepared using the hydrothermal method, for the removal of nickel from an aqueous solution. Alumina hollow fibers prepared using the phase inversion and sintering technique were used as an inert support. The supported zeolite-Y membranes were characterized using the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the water permeation and rejection test. The performance of the supported zeolite-Y membranes for heavy metal removal using batch adsorption and filtration test was studied using the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The adsorption study shows that the removal of nickel was pH-dependent but affected by the presence of α-alumina. The seeded zeolite-Y membrane gave the highest adsorption capacity which was 126.2 mg g-1. This enabled the membrane to remove 63% of nickel ions from the aqueous solution within 180 min of contact time. The adsorption mechanism of nickel onto the zeolite-Y membrane was best fitted to the Freundlich isotherm. The kinetic study concluded that the adsorption was best fitted to pseudo-second-order model with higher correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9996). The filtration study proved that the zeolite-Y membrane enabled to reduce the concentration of heavy metal at parts per billion level.
Impacts of gold nanoparticles on MHD Poiseuille flow of nanofluid in a porous medium are studied. Mixed convection is induced due to external pressure gradient and buoyancy force. Additional effects of thermal radiation, chemical reaction and thermal diffusion are also considered. Gold nanoparticles of cylindrical shape are considered in kerosene oil taken as conventional base fluid. However, for comparison, four other types of nanoparticles (silver, copper, alumina and magnetite) are also considered. The problem is modeled in terms of partial differential equations with suitable boundary conditions and then computed by perturbation technique. Exact expressions for velocity and temperature are obtained. Graphical results are mapped in order to tackle the physics of the embedded parameters. This study mainly focuses on gold nanoparticles; however, for the sake of comparison, four other types of nanoparticles namely silver, copper, alumina and magnetite are analyzed for the heat transfer rate. The obtained results show that metals have higher rate of heat transfer than metal oxides. Gold nanoparticles have the highest rate of heat transfer followed by alumina and magnetite. Porosity and magnetic field have opposite effects on velocity.
As textile production flourishes nowadays, the amount of dyed wastewater entering the
water body has also increased. Dyes could have serious negative impacts to the environment
and also the human health, hence, they need to be removed from the water body. In this
study, layered double hydroxide (LDH) of manganese/aluminium (MnAl) was synthesised
to be used as a potential adsorbent to remove methyl orange (MO) dye due to its unique
lamellar structure which provides LDH with high anion adsorption and exchange ability.
MnAl was synthesized by using co-precipitation method and characterized by powder X-ray
diffraction (PXRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Inductively coupled
plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur
(CHNS) elemental analysers, and Accelerated Surface Area and Porosity Analyzer (ASAP).
Adsorption studies were conducted at different contact times and dosages of MnAl to evaluate
the performance of MnAl in removing MO from water. Kinetic and isotherm models were
tested using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich
isotherm. MnAl LDH was found to be perfectly fitted into pseudo-second order and Langmuir
isotherm.
Hydrocarbon is a light-non aqueous phase liquid or known as LNAPL. It poses environmental hazard if accidentally spilled out into the soil and water systems as a result of its insoluble nature in water. LNAPL component infiltrates into soil through pore spaces and afloat at the top of groundwater level. Some of this hydrocarbon would trap and clog within the voids, difficult to remove and costly to clean. The occurence of hydrocarbon in the soil definitely degraded the behaviour of soils in terms of engineering properties. This study aimed to investigate the engineering properties of oil-contaminated soil for two different residual soils originally developed from in-situ weathering of granitic and metasedimentary rocks. The physical characterisations of the soil were determined including particle size distribution, specific gravity test and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The engineering parameters for the contaminated and uncontaminated soils were Atterberg limits, compaction and soil shear strength (UU tests). The amounts of hydrocarbon added to soil were varied at 0%, 4%, 8%, 12% and 16% of dried weigth of soil samples. The results from the particle size distribution analysis showed that residual soil from granitic rock comprises of 38% sand, 33% silt and 4% clay while metasedimentary soil consists of 4% sand, 43% silt dan 29% clay. The mean values of specific gravity for the granitic and metasedimentary soils were 2.56 and 2.61, respectively. The types of minerals present in granitic soil sample were quartz, kaolinite and gibbsite while metasedimentary soil consists of quartz and kaolinite. The Atterberg limits value decreased as a result of increasing amount of added hydrocarbon into the soil. A similar behaviouir was observed with the values of maximum dry density and optimum water content with increasing hydrocarbon content. The overall unconsolidated undrained shear strength, Cu showed a decreasing trend with the increase in hydrocarbon content.
This paper presents the application of zinc/aluminium-layered double hydroxide-quinclorac (Zn/Al-LDH-QC) as a modifier of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) paste electrode for the determination of bisphenol A (BPA). The Zn/Al-LDH-QC/MWCNT morphology was examined by a transmission electron microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was utilized to investigate the electrode interfacial properties. The electrochemical responses of the modified electrode towards BPA were thoroughly evaluated by using square-wave voltammetry technique. The electrode demonstrated three linear plots of BPA concentrations from 3.0 × 10-8⁻7.0 × 10-7 M (R² = 0.9876), 1.0 × 10-6⁻1.0 × 10-5 M (R² = 0.9836) and 3.0 × 10-5⁻3.0 × 10-4 M (R² = 0.9827) with a limit of detection of 4.4 × 10-9 M. The electrode also demonstrated good reproducibility and stability up to one month. The presence of several metal ions and organic did not affect the electrochemical response of BPA. The electrode is also applicable for BPA determination in baby bottle and mineral water samples with a range of recovery between 98.22% and 101.02%.
Radon gas has been known as one of the main factors that cause breathing complications which lead to lung cancer, second only after smoking habit. As one of the most commonly found Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM), its contribution to background radiation is immense, and its contributors, Uranium and Thorium are widely available on Earth and have been in existence for such a long time with long half-lives. Indoor radon exposure contributed by building materials worsens the effects. The probability of inhaling radon-polluted air and being surrounded by it in any buildings is very high. This research is focused on the detection of radon emanation rate from various building materials which are commonly being used in Malaysia. Throughout this research, common building materials used in constructions in Malaysia were collected and indoor radon exposure from each material was measured individually using Tight Chamber Method coupled to a Continuous Radon Monitor, CRM 1029. It has been shown that sand brick is the biggest contributor to indoor radon compared to other samples such as sand, soil, black cement, white cement, and clay brick. From the results, materials which have high radon emanation could be reconsidered as building materials and mitigation action can be chosen, suitable to its application.
Mineral composition of rock has a very important influence on the physical and mechanical properties of tunnel surrounding rock. Take Dangjianshan tunnel in cold regions for example, the rock specimens in different parts of tunnel were taken to carry out the detection test of mineral composition. By the detail qualitative and quantitative analysis, the relationship between mineral composition and surrounding rock engineering properties was explored. First of all, the composition and content of minerals contained in in the rock specimens were detected by X ray fluorescence spectrometer and X ray powder diffraction. The detection results show that rock of tunnel contains high hardness minerals such as quartz and feldspar which were proven by initial engineering geological investigation report, in addition, it also contains several kinds of low hardness minerals including inclined chlorite and illite which may exhibit large deformation characteristic of soft rock after the tunnel excavation in case of meeting water and weathering conditions. The total content of inclined chlorite and illite accounted for a considerable component in main tunnel, inclined shaft and parallel pilot respectively and the influence on surrounding rock engineering properties cannot be ignored. Therefore, mineral composition detection must be paid attention to after tunnel excavation. Secondly, the effects of mineral composition on surrounding rock were analyzed in aspects of rock strength, weathering resistance, water softening property and excavation deformation through comparing the rock samples in different parts of tunnel. The comparative results showed that when the mineral contents is high with high hardness and poor hydrophilicity, tunnel surrounding rock plays a better performance of physical and mechanical properties, vice versa. Finally, according to the specific geological and construction parameters of the tunnel, the correlation analysis was studied about the vault settlement after tunnel excavation and the hydrophilicity mineral content in main cave. The logarithmic relationship between them was found and the correlation coefficient was 0.98. It can provide a useful reference for the settlement prediction of Dangjinshan tunnel construction.
A study has been carried out to characterize hydrocarbons emitted from the burning of three tropical wood species. The woods were burned to ember and smoke aerosols emitted were sampled using high volume sampler fitted with a pre-cleaned glass fibre filters. Hydrocarbons were extracted using ultrasonic agitation with dichloromethane-methanol (3:1 v/v) as solvent and the extracts obtained were then fractionated on silica-alumina column. Detection and quantification of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) compounds were carried out using GC-MS. The results indicated that the major aliphatic hydrocarbons characterized were straight chain n-alkanes in the range of C12-C35 with Cmax in the range of C27-C33. Rhizophora apiculata and Hevea brasiliensis wood smoke exhibited a weak odd to even carbon number predominance with carbon preference index (CPI) values greater than one whereas Melaleuca cajuputi wood smoke aerosols did not exhibit similar pattern with CPI obtained close to one. The results obtained also indicated that burning of these wood resulted in formation of PAHs compounds in their smoke aerosols with predominance of three to four rings PAHs over the two, five and lesser of six rings PAHs. PAH diagnostic ratios calculated except for Flan/(Flan+Py) and Indeno/(Indeno+BgP) were consistent with the ratios suggested for wood combustion source as reported in literatures. In the case of the latter, two diagnostic ratios, the values were generally lower than the range normally reported for wood combustion.
The purpose of this study was to determine aluminium (Al) concentrations in groundwater used for drinking and cooking and its related health risk among population of 28th Mile Orang Asli village in Jenderam Hilir, Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 100 respondents were recruited, comprising 51 (51.0 %) male and 49 (49.0 %) female residents. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine Al concentration, while the LAMOTTE TRACER ORP PockeTester was used to measure pH levels. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. Results showed that Al concentration ranged from 0.041 - 0.136 mg/L with a mean of 0.136 + SD 0.041 mg/L, hence the values obtained were below the standard value (0.2 mg/L). pH levels ranged from 3.82 to 5.84, with a mean of 4.163 + SD 0.411, which is acidic and below the range permitted by the health authorities. The acidic nature may have an impact on the Al concentration in the water. The Hazard Index (HI) was found to be less than 1, thus there was no health risk of Al exposure in drinking water for the respondents involved. The study area was considered safe from having health risk associated with Al exposure.
Nanoparticles are defined as ultrafine particles sized between 1 and 100 nanometres in diameter. In recent decades, there has been wide scientific research on the various uses of nanoparticles in construction, electronics, manufacturing, cosmetics, and medicine. The advantages of using nanoparticles in construction are immense, promising extraordinary physical and chemical properties for modified construction materials. Among the many different types of nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, carbon nanotubes, silica, copper, clay, and aluminium oxide are the most widely used nanoparticles in the construction sector. The promise of nanoparticles as observed in construction is reflected in other adoptive industries, driving the growth in demand and production quantity at an exorbitant rate. The objective of this study was to analyse the use of nanoparticles within the construction industry to exemplify the benefits of nanoparticle applications and to address the short-term and long-term effects of nanoparticles on the environment and human health within the microcosm of industry so that the findings may be generalised. The benefits of nanoparticle utilisation are demonstrated through specific applications in common materials, particularly in normal concrete, asphalt concrete, bricks, timber, and steel. In addition, the paper addresses the potential benefits and safety barriers for using nanomaterials, with consideration given to key areas of knowledge associated with exposure to nanoparticles that may have implications for health and environmental safety. The field of nanotechnology is considered rather young compared to established industries, thus limiting the time for research and risk analysis. Nevertheless, it is pertinent that research and regulation precede the widespread adoption of potentially harmful particles to mitigate undue risk.
The chemical reactions of dry-disposed ash dump, ingressed oxygen, carbon dioxide, and infiltrating rainwater affect mineralogical transformation, redistribution, and migration of chemical species. Composite samples of weathered coal fly ash taken at various depths and fresh coal fly ash were examined using organic petrographic, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence techniques, and successive extraction procedures. Results obtained show relative enrichment of glass, Al-Fe-oxides, calcite, and tridymite in the weathered CFA, but the fresh CFA is enriched in mullite, inertinite, maghemite, and ettringite. The enrichment of the weathered CFA in amorphous glass suggests higher reactivity when compared to fresh CFA. The evident depletion of soluble oxides in the weathered CFA is attributed to flushing of the soluble salts by percolating rainwater. Comparative enrichment of examined elements in water-soluble, exchangeable, reducible, and residual fractions of the weathered CFA is partly due to the slow release of adsorbed chemical species from the alumina-silicate matrix and diffusion from the deeper sections of the particles of coal fly ash. Sodium and potassium show enrichment in the oxidisable fraction of fresh CFA. The estimated mobility factor indicates mobility for Ca, Mg, Na, Se, Mo, and Sb and K, Sr, V, Cu, Cr, Se, and B in fresh and weathered CFAs, respectively.
The high-strength leachate produced from sanitary landfill is a serious issue around the world as it poses adverse effects on aquatic life and human health. Physio-chemical technology is one of the promising options as the leachate normally presents in stabilized form and not fully amendable by biological treatment. In this research, the effectiveness of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) augmented electrocoagulation process (hybrid system) for removing high-strength ammonia (3,442 mg/L) and color (8,427 Pt-Co) from naturally saline (15 ppt) local landfill leachate was investigated. A batch mode laboratory-scale reactor with parallel-monopolar aluminum electrodes attached to a direct current (DC) electric power was used as an electrocoagulation reactor for performance enhancement purpose. Optimum operational conditions of 146 g/L zeolite dosage, 600 A/m2 current density, 60 min treatment time, 200 rpm stirring speed, 35 min settling duration, and pH 9 were recorded with up to 70% and 88% removals of ammonia and color, respectively. The estimated overall operational cost was 26.22 $/m3 . The biodegradability of the leachate had improved from 0.05 to 0.27 in all post-treatment processes. The findings revealed the ability of the hybrid process as a viable option in eliminating concentrated ammonia and color in natural saline landfill leachate. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Clinoptilolite was augmented on the electrocoagulation process in saline and stabilized landfill leachate (15 ppt). The high strength NH3 -N (3,442 mg/L) and color (8,427 Pt-Co) were 70% and 88% removed, respectively. The optimum conditions occurred at 140 g/L zeolite, 60 mA/cm2 current density, 60 min, and final pH of 8.20. The biodegradability of the leachate improved from 0.05 to 0.27 after the treatment. This hybrid treatment was simple, faster, and did not require auxiliary electrolyte.
The utilization of metal-oxide nanoparticles in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) has generated considerable research interest to increase the oil recovery. Among these nanoparticles, alumina nanoparticles (Al2O3-NPs) have proved promising in improving the oil recovery mechanism due to their prominent thermal properties. However, more significantly, these nanoparticles, coupled with electromagnetic (EM) waves, can be polarized to reduce water/oil mobility ratio and create disturbances at the oil/nanofluid interface, so that oil can be released from the reservoir rock surfaces and travelled easily to the production well. Moreover, alumina exists in various transition phases (γ, δ, θ, κ, β, η, χ), providing not only different sizes and morphologies but phase-dependent dielectric behavior at the applied EM frequencies. In this research, the oil recovery mechanism under EM fields of varying frequencies was investigated, which involved parameters such as mobility ratio, interfacial tension (IFT) and wettability. The displacement tests were conducted in water-wet sandpacks at 95 °C, by employing crude oil from Tapis. Alumina nanofluids (Al2O3-NFs) of four different phases (α, κ, θ and γ) and particle sizes (25-94.3 nm) were prepared by dispersing 0.01 wt. % NPs in brine (3 wt. % NaCl) together with SDBS as a dispersant. Three sequential injection scenarios were performed in each flooding scheme: (i) preflushes brine as a secondary flooding, (ii) conventional nano/EM-assisted nanofluid flooding, and (iii) postflushes brine to flush NPs. Compared to conventional nanofluid flooding (3.03-11.46% original oil in place/OOIP) as incremental oil recovery, EM-assisted nanofluid flooding provided an increase in oil recovery by approximately 4.12-12.90% of OOIP for different phases of alumina. It was established from these results that the recovery from EM-assisted nanofluid flooding is itself dependent on frequency, which is associated with good dielectric behavior of NPs to formulate the oil recovery mechanism including (i) mobility ratio improvement due to an electrorheological (ER) effect, (ii) interfacial disturbances by the oil droplet deformation, and (iii) wettability alteration by increased surface-free energy.
In this research, an attempt to develop zwitterion composite adsorbent is conducted by modifying chitosan (CHS) with a covalent cross-linker (epichlorohydrin, ECH) and an aluminosilicate mineral (zeolite, ZL). The zwitterion composite adsorbent of chitosan-epichlorohydrin/zeolite (CHS-ECH/ZL) is performed multifunctional tasks by removing two structurally different cationic (methylene blue dye, MB), and anionic (reactive red 120 dye, RR120) dyes from aqueous solutions. The surface property, crystallinity, morphology, functionality, and charge of the CHS-ECH/ZL are analyzed using BET, XRD, SEM, FTIR, and pHpzc, analyses, respectively. The influence of pertinent parameters namely CHS-ECH/ZL dosage (0.02-0.5 g), solution pH (4-10), temperature (303-323K), initial dye concentration (30-400 mg/L), and contact time (0-600 min) on the MB and RR120 removal are tested. The research findings revealed that the adsorption isotherm at equilibrium well explained in according to the Freundlich isotherm model, and the recorded adsorption capacities of CHS-ECH/ZL are 156.1 and 284.2 mg/g for MB and RR120 respectively at 30 °C. The mechanism of MB and RR120 adsorption onto the CHS-ECH/ZL indicates various types of interactions namely, electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and Yoshida H-bonding in addition to n-π interaction. Overall, this research introduces CHS-ECH/ZL composite as an eco-friendly zwitterion adsorbent with good applicability towards the two structurally different cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous environment.
Conventional thermal fluids with suspended nanoparticles, known as nanofluids, have been developed for heat transfer applications. Heat transfer loss could be reduced significantly if the thermophysical properties of the heat transfer fluid are improved, which to some extent, could reduce the present global environmental challenges associated with energy utilization, such as climate change and global warming. In this work, the role of the concentration of sodium dodecyl-benzene sulfonate (SDBS) in the stability of Al₂O₃/bio-oil nanofluid is investigated the zeta potential value, and its implications to the viscosity and thermal conductivity of the nanofluid are explored. The bio-oil based nanofluid is fixed using a two-step method in which the prepared base fluid is added with 13-nm alumina nanoparticles powder. Various weight fractions of SDBS (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 1.0 wt%) are used for both 0.1 and 0.2 wt% Al₂O₃ to investigate the significance of the stability of a nanofluid on its thermal conductivity and viscosity. Results indicate that a stable nanofluid has reduced viscosity and increased thermal conductivity.
In recent years, solar energy technologies have developed an emerging edge. The incessant research to develop a power source alternative to fossil fuel because of its scarcity and detrimental effects on the environment is the main driving force. In addition, nanofluids have gained immense interest as superior heat transfer fluid in solar technologies for the last decades. In this research, a binary solution of ionic liquid (IL) + water based ionanofluids is formulated successfully with two dimensional MXene (Ti3C2) nano additives at three distinct concentrations of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 wt % and the optimum concentration is used to check the performance of a hybrid solar PV/T system. The layered structure of MXene and high absorbance of prepared nanofluids have been perceived by SEM and UV-vis respectively. Rheometer and DSC are used to assess the viscosity and heat capacity respectively while transient hot wire technique is engaged for thermal conductivity measurement. A maximum improvement of 47% in thermal conductivity is observed for 0.20 wt % loading of MXene. Furthermore, the viscosity is found to rise insignificantly with addition of Ti3C2 by different concentrations. Conversely, viscosity decreases substantially as the temperature increases from 20 °C to 60 °C. However, based on their thermophysical properties, 0.20 wt % is found to be the optimum concentration. A comparative analysis in terms of heat transfer performance with three different nanofluids in PV/T system shows that, IL+ water/MXene ionanofluid exhibits highest thermal, electrical, and overall heat transfer efficiency compared to water/alumina, palm oil/MXene, and water alone. Maximum electrical efficiency and thermal efficiency are recorded as 13.95% and 81.15% respectively using IL + water/MXene, besides that, heat transfer coefficients are also noticed to increase by 12.6% and 2% when compared to water/alumina and palm oil/MXene respectively. In conclusion, it can be demonstrated that MXene dispersed ionanofluid might be great a prospect in the field of heat transfer applications since they can augment the heat transfer rate considerably which improves system efficiency.
An all-solid-state potentiometric electrode system for aluminium ion determination was developed with a new aluminium ion sensor as the working electrode based on a new ionophore for aluminium ion, 1,1'-[(methylazanediyl)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)]bis[3-(naphthalen-1-yl)thiourea] (ACH). The reference electrode was a potassium ion sensor, which acts as a pseudo-reference. Both electrodes were made from Ag/AgCl screen-print electrodes fabricated from a non-plasticized and photocurable poly(n-butyl acrylate) membrane that contained various other membrane components. The pseudo-reference potential based on the potassium ion sensor was fixed in 0.050 M KNO3, and such concentration of K+ ion did not interfere with the measurement of the Al3+ ion using the aluminium sensor. With such a pseudo-reference and in the presence of 0.050 M KNO3 as a background medium, the aluminium sensor measured changes of aluminium ion concentrations linearly from 10-6 to 10-2 M Al3+ ion with a Nernstian response of 17.70 ± 0.13 mV/decade. A low detection limit of 2.45 × 10-7 M was achieved with this all-solid-state potentiometric system. The aluminium sensor was insensitive to pH effects from 2.0 to 8.0 with a response time of less than 50 s. Under optimum conditions, a lifetime of 49 days was achieved with good sensor selectivity, reversibility, repeatability, and reproducibility. The all-solid-state electrode system was applied to analyze the Al3+ ion content of water samples from a water treatment plant. Compared with the conventional potentiometric detection system for aluminium ions, the new all-solid-state aluminium ion sensor incorporating a pseudo-reference from the potassium sensor demonstrated similar analytical performance. It thus provided a convenient means of aluminium content analysis in water treatment plants.