In this work, the synthesis of nickel particles encapsulated in a few-layer graphene shell was carried out using the method of electric arc discharge in the liquid phase, in various media: deionized water, alcohol, and toluene. Nickel and graphite were used as electrodes. The study was carried out to analyze how various liquids, acting as a cooling medium and a source of carbon, affect the formation of a protective shell around metal particles. Raman studies, analysis of X-ray diffraction data, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of spherical encapsulated nickel particles in all types of liquid media. It was found out that the use of toluene as a cooling medium increased the number of particles with a graphite shell and allowed obtaining micro- and nanoparticles covered with monolayer graphene. The absence of oxygen in the composition of toluene, in contrast with alcohol and especially water, prevents the oxidation of nickel particles during the synthesis. This fact, along with the initial basic hexagonal carbon structure of toluene, makes it a good medium for the formation of metal particles covered with a protecting graphite shell as a result of arc discharge in the liquid phase.

This work investigates the effectiveness of fly ash particles as a solid demulsifier for destabilizing an oil-water emulsion and effectively removing water. The size of the fraction in the used solid powder does not exceed 40 microns in diameter. The demulsifier consists mainly of hematite (Fe2O3) and corundum (Al2O3) phases. The introduction of fly ash into the oil emulsion leads to demulsification of water from oil. The dosage of the powder ranged from 0.1 to 1 g. An increase in the dosage of fly ash leads to a rapid discharge of water from the emulsion. The study identifies the demulsifying properties of fly ash powder. Also, upon redispersion of demulsified samples, no re-emulsion was observed, as a result of which, it can be assumed that fly ash powder can contribute to deasphalting of oil-water emulsion. Reuse of industrial waste is an important method for improving the ecological state of the country.