Both synthesis and photocatalytic potential of an innovative catalyst-powder type composite material based on the Zn or/and ZnO dispersed in a matrix of amorphous-carbon have been investigated. Zn/ZnO/amorphous-carbon nanostructured-matrix composite was prepared by partial pyrolysis method based on the Pechini method. The amorphous character of composite was characterized X-ray diffraction, while chemical bond investigated by infrared spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity directed to the degradation of the phenol red dye of small fraction of commercial ZnO, Zn/C and Zn/ZnO/C composites were evaluated as a function of the degradation reaction of the phenol red dye, in the alkaline medium pH = 9. A mass concentration of 1:10,000 was selected being considered 30 and 150 min of reaction A comparison between photocatalytic activity showed that the degradation rate of phenol red dye is more efficient at both ZnO/Zn/C and Zn/C amorphous composites when compared to the pristine ZnO. The efficiency obeys the following order C/Zn ≥ C/ZnO/Zn > commercial ZnO with conversion equal to 70% for C/Zn and C/ZnO/Zn, while for the ZnO is around 55%. The kinetic of degradation is discussed.

A functional inorganic-additive modifier of the thermal conductivity of biofuel type alcohol anhydrous was developed based on an amorphous carbon nanocomposite containing dispersed zinc. Dispersion and modification of thermal conductivity in biofuels type anydrous alcohol were considered, as well as in petro-diesel and a blend of biodiesel and petro-diesel. Fuels, alcohol, diesel and biodiesel acted as a continuous medium dispersing the particles of C/Zn. Both thermal conductivity and thermal resistivity measurements were carried out showing that the amorphous nanocomposite particles C/Zn act as an additive to improve the thermal conductivity of alcohol. The same phenomenon has not been identified for diesel, biodiesel and its blends. Increasing the thermal conductivity of the alcohol generated by adding of particles is discussed as a function of the concentration and molecular interactions on the surface of additive particles.

Both conductivity and thermal resistivity measurements of commercial graphite dispersions in non-aqueous polar fluids and non-polar fluids were carried out. Fluids exhibiting different densities as: mineral oil, ethylene glycol, glycerin bidistilled and liquid vaseline were used. Dispersions of commercial graphite containing 5, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80 weight percent were prepared by sonication technique. The thermal conductivity of each fluid increases as a function of the increasing of the volumetric density of fluid and of the fraction of graphite. Values of thermal conductivity of graphite dispersion were at around ten times higher than that value of the base-fluid. Effects of processing parameters of graphite dispersions on the magnitude of its thermal conductivity are discussed.