Sample records for adsorbed gas molecules

  1. Adsorption of CO and O2 molecules on Li metal adsorbed graphene: Search for graphene based gas sensors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaur, Gagandeep; Gupta, Shuchi; Sachdeva, Ritika; Dharamvir, Keya

    2018-05-01

    Adsorption of small gas molecules (such as CO and O2) on pristine graphene (PG) and Li-adsorbed graphene (PG-Li) have been investigated using first principles methods within density functional theory (DFT). We also notice that PG-Li has a higher chemical reactivity towards the gas molecules as compared to PG and these molecules have higher adsorption energy on this surface. Moreover, the strong interactions between PG-Li and the adsorbed molecules (as compared to PG and gas molecules) induce dramatic changes to the electronic properties of PG adsorbed with Li and make PG-Li a promising candidate as sensing material for CO and O2 gases.

  2. Mechanism of charge transfer and its impacts on Fermi-level pinning for gas molecules adsorbed on monolayer WS2.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Changjie; Yang, Weihuang; Zhu, Huili

    2015-06-07

    Density functional theory calculations were performed to assess changes in the geometric and electronic structures of monolayer WS2 upon adsorption of various gas molecules (H2, O2, H2O, NH3, NO, NO2, and CO). The most stable configuration of the adsorbed molecules, the adsorption energy, and the degree of charge transfer between adsorbate and substrate were determined. All evaluated molecules were physisorbed on monolayer WS2 with a low degree of charge transfer and accept charge from the monolayer, except for NH3, which is a charge donor. Band structure calculations showed that the valence and conduction bands of monolayer WS2 are not significantly altered upon adsorption of H2, H2O, NH3, and CO, whereas the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals of O2, NO, and NO2 are pinned around the Fermi-level when these molecules are adsorbed on monolayer WS2. The phenomenon of Fermi-level pinning was discussed in light of the traditional and orbital mixing charge transfer theories. The impacts of the charge transfer mechanism on Fermi-level pinning were confirmed for the gas molecules adsorbed on monolayer WS2. The proposed mechanism governing Fermi-level pinning is applicable to the systems of adsorbates on recently developed two-dimensional materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides.

  3. Selective Gas Capture Ability of Gas-Adsorbent-Incorporated Cellulose Nanofiber Films.

    PubMed

    Shah, Kinjal J; Imae, Toyoko

    2016-05-09

    The 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNF) were hybridized with cation and anion-exchange organoclays, where poly(amido amine) dendrimers were loaded to enhance the functionality of gas adsorption, since dendrimers have the high adsorbability and the enough selectivity on the gas adsorption. The thin films were prepared from the organoclay-TOCNF hybrids and supplied to the gas adsorption. The adsorption of CO2 and NH3 gases increased with an increasing amount of organoclays in TOCNF films, but the behavior of the increase depended on gases, clays, and dendrimers. The hydrotalcite organoclay-TOCNF films displayed the highest adsorption of both gases, but the desorption of CO2 gas from hydrotalcite organoclay-TOCNF films was drastically high in comparison with the other systems. While the CO2 gas is adsorbed and remained on cationic dendrimer sites in cation-exchange organoclay-TOCNF films, the CO2 gas is adsorbed on cationic clay sites in anion exchange organoclay-TOCNF films, and it is easily desorbed from the films. The NH3 adsorption is inversive to the CO2 adsorption. Then the CO2 molecules adsorbed on the cationic dendrimers and the NH3 molecules adsorbed on the anionic dendrimers are preferably captured in these adsorbents. The present research incorporated dendrimers will be contributing to the development of gas-specialized adsorbents, which are selectively storable only in particular gases.

  4. Tunable electronic and optical properties of gas molecules adsorbed monolayer graphitic ZnO: Implications for gas sensor and environment monitoring

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Wei; Du, Qikui; Zhang, Lifa

    2017-12-01

    Due to the large surface area and the peculiar electronic characters, great attention has been paid to 2D materials for the gas sensing applications. Here, using the hybrid density functional calculations, we systematically study the adsorptions of gas molecules on the monolayer graphitic ZnO (g-ZnO), including CO, H2, H2O, H2S, NH3, NO, NO2, O2, and SO2. For most of the molecules, g-ZnO shows superior sensing performance to the well-known MoS2, black phosphorus, blue phosphorus, antimonene, and germanene. H2S, NO, NO2, and SO2 act as charge acceptors, and CO, H2, H2O, and NH3 serve as charge donors. These molecules also induce distinct modifications to the electronic structures, work functions, and optical adsorptions. NO, NO2, and O2 form flat bands in the bandgaps of the spin-up or spin-down states, whereas other molecules mainly tune the bandgaps and the orbital couplings. In particular, g-ZnO is most likely to adsorb the atmospheric pollutant SO2, which has the strongest interaction through hybridizing its widely broadened 2p orbitals with the 3d orbitals of g-ZnO. Moreover, the improved visible light absorption is demonstrated in the NO2 adsorbed g-ZnO. Our results not only confirm that the electronic and optical properties of g-ZnO can be effectively tuned by the selective adsorption of gas molecules but also provide insightful guidance for the potential application of g-ZnO in the field of gas sensors.

  5. Electronic properties of NH{sub 4}-adsorbed graphene nanoribbon as a promising candidate for a gas sensor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Harada, Naoki, E-mail: harada.naoki@jp.fujitsu.com; Sato, Shintaro

    2016-05-15

    The electronic properties of NH{sub 4}-adsorbed N = 7 armchair graphene nanoribbons (AGNRs) were theoretically investigated using self-consistent atomistic simulations to explore the feasibility of AGNRs as a gas sensing material. Whereas a pristine AGNR has a finite band gap and is an intrinsic semiconductor, an NH{sub 4}-adsorbed AGNR exhibits heavily doped n-type properties similar to a graphene sheet with the molecules adsorbed. The electric characteristics of a back-gated AGNR gas sensor were also simulated and the drain current changed exponentially with increasing number of adsorbed molecules. We may conclude that an AGNR is promising as a highly sensitive gas-sensingmore » material with large outputs.« less

  6. Thermal properties of adsorbed molecule in external field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Devi, Sumana; Vidhani, Bhavna; Prasad, Vinod

    2018-05-01

    Thermodynamic properties such as free energy, internal energy, entropy and specific heat of an adsorbed molecule are systematically investigated in static electric field for four different confinements. The confined potentials taken are suitable for different experimental conditions and are very useful in determining properties of molecules adsorbed under different environments. The time independent Schrödinger equation is solved numerically using accurate 9-point finite difference method. The Energy spectrum thus obtained is used to find thermal properties of the adsorbed molecule. Interesting results are obtained and explained.

  7. A theoretical study on metal atom-modified BC3 sheets for effects of gas molecule adsorptions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Yanan; Cui, Xiao; Chen, Weiguang; Zhu, Dalei; Chai, Huaduo; Dai, Xianqi

    2018-06-01

    Based on the first-principle calculations, the chemical reactivity of transition metal (Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) dopants within BC3 sheets toward toxic gas molecules (CO, NO, NO2, SO2, and HCN) is comparably investigated. First, the adsorbed gases on metal-modified BC3 sheets exhibit the different stability. Compared with other gases, the metal-modified BC3 substrates exhibit the stronger affinity toward the NO and NO2 molecules (> 1.0 eV), while the adsorbed HCN has the smallest adsorption energy, illustrating that the NO and NO2 as specific toxic gas molecule can be easily detected. Second, the adsorbed gas molecules can effectively regulate the electronic structure and magnetic property of BC3 systems. Fox example, the strong adsorption of NO and NO2 on Fe-modified BC3 systems exhibits non-magnetic property, yet these gases on Co modified BC3 systems exhibit the magnetic character. In addition, the adsorbed NO and SO2 can induce and turn the degree of magnetic moments of Ni- and Cu-modified BC3 systems. Therefore, the different kinds of adsorbed gases on metal-modified BC3 sheets can be distinguished through investigating the changed magnetic moments of system, which would provide important information for designing the functional BC3-based materials.

  8. Detection of gas molecules on single Mn adatom adsorbed graphyne: a DFT-D study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, Zhansheng; Lv, Peng; Ma, Dongwei; Yang, Xinwei; Li, Shuo; Yang, Zongxian

    2018-02-01

    As one of the prominent applications in intelligent systems, gas sensing technology has attracted great interest in both industry and academia. In the current study, the pristine graphyne (GY) without and with a single Mn atom is investigated to detect the gas molecules (CO, CH4, CO2, NH3, NO and O2). The pristine GY is promising to detect O2 molecules because of its chemical adsorption on GY with large electron transfer. The great stability of the Mn/GY is found, and the Mn atom prefers to anchor at the alkyne ring as a single atom. Upon single Mn atom anchoring, the sensitivity and selectivity of GY based gas sensors is significantly improved for various molecules, except CH4. The recovery time of the Mn/GY after detecting the gas molecules may help to appraise the detection efficiency for the Mn/GY. The current study will help to understand the mechanism of detecting the gas molecules, and extend the potentially fascinating applications of GY-based materials.

  9. Adsorbed molecules in external fields: Effect of confining potential

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tyagi, Ashish; Silotia, Poonam; Maan, Anjali; Prasad, Vinod

    2016-12-01

    We study the rotational excitation of a molecule adsorbed on a surface. As is well known the interaction potential between the surface and the molecule can be modeled in number of ways, depending on the molecular structure and the geometry under which the molecule is being adsorbed by the surface. We explore the effect of change of confining potential on the excitation, which is largely controlled by the static electric fields and continuous wave laser fields. We focus on dipolar molecules and hence we restrict ourselves to the first order interaction in field-molecule interaction potential either through permanent dipole moment or/and the molecular polarizability parameter. It is shown that confining potential shapes, strength of the confinement, strongly affect the excitation. We compare our results for different confining potentials.

  10. Adsorbed Molecules and Surface Treatment Effect on Optical Properties of ZnO Nanowires Grown by MOCVD

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jabri, S.; Souissi, H.; Sallet, V.; Lusson, A.; Meftah, A.; Galtier, P.; Oueslati, M.

    2017-07-01

    We have investigated the optical properties of ZnO nanowires grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) with nitrous oxide (N2O) as oxygen precursor. Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman measurements showed the influence of adsorbed molecules on the optical properties. Low-temperature (4 K) PL studies on the surface exciton (SX) at 3.3660 eV elucidated the nature and origin of this emission. In particular, surface treatment by annealing at high temperature under inert gas reduced the emission intensity of SX. Raman vibrational spectra proved that presence of a considerable amount of adsorbed molecules on the surface of ZnO nanowires plays a key role in the occurrence of surface excitons.

  11. Adsorbed molecules in external fields: Effect of confining potential.

    PubMed

    Tyagi, Ashish; Silotia, Poonam; Maan, Anjali; Prasad, Vinod

    2016-12-05

    We study the rotational excitation of a molecule adsorbed on a surface. As is well known the interaction potential between the surface and the molecule can be modeled in number of ways, depending on the molecular structure and the geometry under which the molecule is being adsorbed by the surface. We explore the effect of change of confining potential on the excitation, which is largely controlled by the static electric fields and continuous wave laser fields. We focus on dipolar molecules and hence we restrict ourselves to the first order interaction in field-molecule interaction potential either through permanent dipole moment or/and the molecular polarizability parameter. It is shown that confining potential shapes, strength of the confinement, strongly affect the excitation. We compare our results for different confining potentials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Gas storage using fullerene based adsorbents

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mikhael, Michael G. (Inventor); Loutfy, Raouf O. (Inventor); Lu, Xiao-Chun (Inventor); Li, Weijiong (Inventor)

    2000-01-01

    This invention is directed to the synthesis of high bulk density high gas absorption capacity adsorbents for gas storage applications. Specifically, this invention is concerned with novel gas absorbents with high gravimetric and volumetric gas adsorption capacities which are made from fullerene-based materials. By pressing fullerene powder into pellet form using a conventional press, then polymerizing it by subjecting the fullerene to high temperature and high inert gas pressure, the resulting fullerene-based materials have high bulk densities and high gas adsorption capacities. By pre-chemical modification or post-polymerization activation processes, the gas adsorption capacities of the fullerene-based adsorbents can be further enhanced. These materials are suitable for low pressure gas storage applications, such as oxygen storage for home oxygen therapy uses or on-board vehicle natural gas storage. They are also suitable for storing gases and vapors such as hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

  13. Excited-state potential-energy surfaces of metal-adsorbed organic molecules from linear expansion Δ-self-consistent field density-functional theory (ΔSCF-DFT).

    PubMed

    Maurer, Reinhard J; Reuter, Karsten

    2013-07-07

    Accurate and efficient simulation of excited state properties is an important and much aspired cornerstone in the study of adsorbate dynamics on metal surfaces. To this end, the recently proposed linear expansion Δ-self-consistent field method by Gavnholt et al. [Phys. Rev. B 78, 075441 (2008)] presents an efficient alternative to time consuming quasi-particle calculations. In this method, the standard Kohn-Sham equations of density-functional theory are solved with the constraint of a non-equilibrium occupation in a region of Hilbert-space resembling gas-phase orbitals of the adsorbate. In this work, we discuss the applicability of this method for the excited-state dynamics of metal-surface mounted organic adsorbates, specifically in the context of molecular switching. We present necessary advancements to allow for a consistent quality description of excited-state potential-energy surfaces (PESs), and illustrate the concept with the application to Azobenzene adsorbed on Ag(111) and Au(111) surfaces. We find that the explicit inclusion of substrate electronic states modifies the topologies of intra-molecular excited-state PESs of the molecule due to image charge and hybridization effects. While the molecule in gas phase shows a clear energetic separation of resonances that induce isomerization and backreaction, the surface-adsorbed molecule does not. The concomitant possibly simultaneous induction of both processes would lead to a significantly reduced switching efficiency of such a mechanism.

  14. Analysis of Adsorbed Natural Gas Tank Technology

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Knight, Ernest; Schultz, Conrad; Rash, Tyler; Dohnke, Elmar; Stalla, David; Gillespie, Andrew; Sweany, Mark; Seydel, Florian; Pfeifer, Peter

    With gasoline being an ever decreasing finite resource and with the desire to reduce humanity's carbon footprint, there has been an increasing focus on innovation of alternative fuel sources. Natural gas burns cleaner, is more abundant, and conforms to modern engines. However, storing compressed natural gas (CNG) requires large, heavy gas cylinders, which limits space and fuel efficiency. Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) technology allows for much greater fuel storage capacity and the ability to store the gas at a much lower pressure. Thus, ANG tanks are much more flexible in terms of their size, shape, and weight. Our ANG tank employs monolithic nanoporous activated carbon as its adsorbent material. Several different configurations of this Flat Panel Tank Assembly (FPTA) along with a Fuel Extraction System (FES) were examined to compare with the mass flow rate demands of an engine.

  15. Theory of raman scattering from molecules adsorbed at semiconductor surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ueba, H.

    1983-09-01

    A theory is presented to calculate the Raman polarizability of an adsorbed molecule at a semiconductor surface, where the electronic excitation in the molecular site interacts with excitons (elementary excitations in the semiconductor) through non-radiative energy transfer between them, in an intermediate state in the Raman scattering process. The Raman polarizability thus calculated is found to exhibit a peak at the energy corresponding to a resonant excitation of excitons, thereby suggesting the possibility of surface enhanced Raman scattering on semiconductor surfaces. The mechanism studied here can also give an explanation of a recent observation of the Raman excitation profiles of p-NDMA and p-DMAAB adsorbed on ZnO or TiO 2, where those profiles were best described by assuming a resonant intermediate state of the exciton transition in the semiconductors. It is also demonstrated that in addition to vibrational Raman scattering, excitonic Raman scattering of adsorbed molecules will occur in the coupled molecule-semiconductor system, where the molecular returns to its ground electronic state by leaving an exciton in the semiconductor. A spectrum of the excitonic Raman scattering is expected to appear in the background of the vibrational Raman band and to be characterized by the electronic structure of excitons. A desirable experiment is suggested for an examination of the theory.

  16. High Selective Gas Detection for small molecules based on Germanium selenide monolayer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Lian; Yang, Qun; Wang, Zeping; Ye, Huaiyu; Chen, Xianping; Fan, Xuejun; Zhang, Guoqi

    2018-03-01

    Predictive calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) are used here to study the electronic and optical properties of GeSe monolayer after adsorbing gas molecules (O2, NH3, SO2, H2, CO2, H2S, NO2, CH4, H2O, NO, CO). Our results reveal that for all the gas molecules considered, only NH3 is adsorbed on GeSe monolayer by physisorption. Whereas SO2 and NO2 are chemisorbed on GeSe monolayer with strong adsorption energies. In addition, the adsorption of O2, NO and NO2 distinctly enhances the optical absorbance and broaden the absorbance range of GeSe monolayer in visible light region. Also, it is found that the adsorption of H2S, NO and NH3 can reduce the work function of the GeSe monolayer. The results indicate that GeSe monolayer is not only a promising candidate for the sensing, capture, and storage of NH3, but also an anticipated disposable gas sensor or metal-free catalyst for detecting and catalyzing SO2 and NO2. Furthermore, it has excellent potential to be applied to optical sensors, solar cells, nanoelectronics or optoelectronics devices.

  17. Thermodynamic characteristics of the adsorption of organic molecules on modified MCM-41 adsorbents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gus'kov, V. Yu.; Sukhareva, D. A.; Salikhova, G. R.; Karpov, S. I.; Kudasheva, F. Kh.; Roessner, F.; Borodina, E. V.

    2017-07-01

    The adsorption of a number of organic molecules on samples of MCM-41 adsorbent modified with dichloromethylphenylsilane and subsequently treated with sulfuric acid (MDCS) and N-trimethoxysilylpropyl- N, N, N-trimethylammonium chloride (MNM) is studied. Specific retention volumes equal to the Henry constant are determined by means of inverse gas chromatography at infinite dilution. The thermodynamic characteristics of adsorption, the dispersive and specific components of the Helmholtz energy of adsorption, and the increment of the methyl group to the heat of adsorption are calculated. It is shown that the grafting of aminosilane and phenylsilane groups enhances the forces of dispersion and reduces specific interactions. A greater drop in polarity is observed for MDCS than for MNM, due to the stronger polarity of amoinosilane; the enthalpy factor makes the main contribution to the adsorption of organic compounds on the investigated adsorbents. It is found that the MNM sample is capable of the irreversible adsorption of alcohols.

  18. DNA Molecules Adsorbed on Rippled Supported Cationic Lipid Membranes -- A new way to stretch DNAs

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Golubovic, Leonardo

    2005-03-01

    We discuss a novel approach to control to shapes of DNA molecules. We elucidate the recent experimental work of M. Hochrein, L. Golubovic and J. Raedler, on the conformational behavior of DNA molecules adsorbed on lipid membranes that are supported on grooved micro-structured surfaces. We explain the striking ability of the edges formed on these supported membranes to adsorb and completely orient (stretch) very long DNA molecules. Here we explain the experimentally observed DNA stretching effect in terms of the surface curvature dependent electrostatic potential seen by the adsorbed DNA molecules. On the curved, rippled membrane, we show that the DNA molecules undergo localization transitions causing them to stretch by binding to the ripple edges of the supported membrane. In the future, this stretching will allow to directly image, by the common fluorescence microscopy, fundamental biological processes of the interactions between DNA and single protein molecules.

  19. Diffusion Monte Carlo simulations of gas phase and adsorbed D2-(H2)n clusters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Curotto, E.; Mella, M.

    2018-03-01

    We have computed ground state energies and analyzed radial distributions for several gas phase and adsorbed D2(H2)n and HD(H2)n clusters. An external model potential designed to mimic ionic adsorption sites inside porous materials is used [M. Mella and E. Curotto, J. Phys. Chem. A 121, 5005 (2017)]. The isotopic substitution lowers the ground state energies by the expected amount based on the mass differences when these are compared with the energies of the pure clusters in the gas phase. A similar impact is found for adsorbed aggregates. The dissociation energy of D2 from the adsorbed clusters is always much higher than that of H2 from both pure and doped aggregates. Radial distributions of D2 and H2 are compared for both the gas phase and adsorbed species. For the gas phase clusters, two types of hydrogen-hydrogen interactions are considered: one based on the assumption that rotations and translations are adiabatically decoupled and the other based on nonisotropic four-dimensional potential. In the gas phase clusters of sufficiently large size, we find the heavier isotopomer more likely to be near the center of mass. However, there is a considerable overlap among the radial distributions of the two species. For the adsorbed clusters, we invariably find the heavy isotope located closer to the attractive interaction source than H2, and at the periphery of the aggregate, H2 molecules being substantially excluded from the interaction with the source. This finding rationalizes the dissociation energy results. For D2-(H2)n clusters with n ≥12 , such preference leads to the desorption of D2 from the aggregate, a phenomenon driven by the minimization of the total energy that can be obtained by reducing the confinement of (H2)12. The same happens for (H2)13, indicating that such an effect may be quite general and impact on the absorption of quantum species inside porous materials.

  20. Modeling adsorption: Investigating adsorbate and adsorbent properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Webster, Charles Edwin

    1999-12-01

    Surface catalyzed reactions play a major role in current chemical production technology. Currently, 90% of all chemicals are produced by heterogeneously catalyzed reactions. Most of these catalyzed reactions involve adsorption, concentrating the substrate(s) (the adsorbate) on the surface of the solid (the adsorbent). Pore volumes, accessible surface areas, and the thermodynamics of adsorption are essential in the understanding of solid surface characteristics fundamental to catalyst and adsorbent screening and selection. Molecular properties such as molecular volumes and projected molecular areas are needed in order to convert moles adsorbed to surface volumes and areas. Generally, these molecular properties have been estimated from bulk properties, but many assumptions are required. As a result, different literature values are employed for these essential molecular properties. Calculated molar volumes and excluded molecular areas are determined and tabulated for a variety of molecules. Molecular dimensions of molecules are important in the understanding of molecular exclusion as well as size and shape selectivity, diffusion, and adsorbent selection. Molecular dimensions can also be used in the determination of the effective catalytic pore size of a catalyst. Adsorption isotherms, on zeolites, (crystalline mineral oxides) and amorphous solids, can be analyzed with the Multiple Equilibrium Analysis (MEA) description of adsorption. The MEA produces equilibrium constants (Ki), capacities (ni), and thermodynamic parameters (enthalpies, ΔHi, and entropies, ΔSi) of adsorption for each process. Pore volumes and accessible surface areas are calculated from the process capacities. Adsorption isotherms can also be predicted for existing and new adsorbate-adsorbent systems with the MEA. The results show that MEA has the potential of becoming a standard characterization method for microporous solids that will lead to an increased understanding of their behavior in gas

  1. Controlled enzymatic cutting of DNA molecules adsorbed on surfaces using soft lithography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Auerbach, Alyssa; Budassi, Julia; Shea, Emily; Zhu, Ke; Sokolov, Jonathan

    2013-03-01

    The enzyme DNase I was applied to adsorbed and aligned DNA molecules (Lamda, 48.5 kilobase pairs (kbp), and T4, 165.6 kbp), stretched linearly on a surface, by stamping with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) grating. The DNAs were cut by the enzyme into separated, micron-sized segments along the length of the molecules at positions determined by the grating dimensions (3-20 microns). Ozone-treated PDMS stamps were coated with DNase I solutions and placed in contact with surface-adsorbed DNA molecules deposited on a 750 polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) film spun-cast onto a silicon substrate. The stamps were applied under pressure for times up to 15 minutes at 37 C. The cutting was observed by fluorescence microscopy imaging of DNA labeled with YOYO dye. Cutting was found to be efficient despite the steric hindrance due to surface attachment of the molecules. Methods for detaching and separating the cut segments for sequencing applications will be discussed. Supported by NSF-DMR program.

  2. Sorption of organic molecules on surfaces of a microporous polymer adsorbent modified with different quantities of uracil

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gus'kov, V. Yu.; Ganieva, A. G.; Kudasheva, F. Kh.

    2016-11-01

    The sorption of organic molecules on the surfaces of a number of adsorbents based on a microporous copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene modified with different quantities of uracil is studied by means of inverse gas chromatography at infinite dilution. Samples containing 10-6, 10-5, 10-4, 10-3, 10-2, and 0.5 × 10‒1 weight parts of uracil (the pC of uracil ranges from 1.3 to 6) are studied. The contributions from different intermolecular interactions to the Helmholtz energy of sorption are calculated via the linear free energy relationship. It is found that as the concentration of uracil on the surface of the polymer adsorbent grows, the contributions from different intermolecular interactions and the conventional polarity of the surface have a bend at pC = 3, due probably to the formation of a supramolecular structure of uracil. Based on the obtained results, it is concluded that the formation of the supramolecular structure of uracil on the surface of the polymer adsorbent starts when pC < 3.

  3. Kondo effect in single cobalt phthalocyanine molecules adsorbed on Au(111) monoatomic steps

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Aidi; Hu, Zhenpeng; Wang, Bing; Xiao, Xudong; Yang, Jinlong; Hou, J. G.

    2008-06-01

    The Kondo effect in single dehydrogenated cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) molecules adsorbed on Au(111) monoatomic steps was studied with a low temperature scanning tunneling microscope. The CoPc molecules adsorbed on Au(111) monoatomic steps show two typical configurations, which can be dehydrogenated to reveal Kondo effect. Moreover, the Kondo temperatures (TK) measured for different molecules vary in a large range from ~150 to ~550 K, increasing monotonically with decreasing Co-Au distance. A simple model consisting of a single Co 3dz2 orbital and a Au 6s orbital is considered and gives a qualitative explanation to the dependence. The large variation of TK is attributed to the variation of the interaction between the magnetic-active cobalt ion and the Au substrate resulted from different Co-Au distances.

  4. Investigation of molecule-adsorption kinetics by a pulsed laser desorption technique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Varakin, V. N.; Lozovskii, A. D.; Panesh, A. M.; Simonov, A. P.

    1987-02-01

    The laser thermal desorption technique is used to measure the adsorption kinetics of SO2 and CO molecules on stainless steel with the aim of investigating the initial stage of oxidation of the steel by adsorbed CO molecules. Attention is given to the dependence of the rate of establishment of the equilibrium concentration of adsorbed molecules on SO2-gas pressure; CO adsorption kinetics on stainless steel at a gas pressure of 9 x 10 to the -8th torr; and the dependence of the concentration of adsorbed CO molecules on exposure in the gas at a pressure of 9 x 10 to the -8th torr under irradiation by laser pulses with repetition periods of 1-2, 2-4, 3-6, and 4-8 min.

  5. Adsorption Mechanism of Inhibitor and Guest Molecules on the Surface of Gas Hydrates.

    PubMed

    Yagasaki, Takuma; Matsumoto, Masakazu; Tanaka, Hideki

    2015-09-23

    The adsorption of guest and kinetic inhibitor molecules on the surface of methane hydrate is investigated by using molecular dynamics simulations. We calculate the free energy profile for transferring a solute molecule from bulk water to the hydrate surface for various molecules. Spherical solutes with a diameter of ∼0.5 nm are significantly stabilized at the hydrate surface, whereas smaller and larger solutes exhibit lower adsorption affinity than the solutes of intermediate size. The range of the attractive force is subnanoscale, implying that this force has no effect on the macroscopic mass transfer of guest molecules in crystal growth processes of gas hydrates. We also examine the adsorption mechanism of a kinetic hydrate inhibitor. It is found that a monomer of the kinetic hydrate inhibitor is strongly adsorbed on the hydrate surface. However, the hydrogen bonding between the amide group of the inhibitor and water molecules on the hydrate surface, which was believed to be the driving force for the adsorption, makes no contribution to the adsorption affinity. The preferential adsorption of both the kinetic inhibitor and the spherical molecules to the surface is mainly due to the entropic stabilization arising from the presence of cavities at the hydrate surface. The dependence of surface affinity on the size of adsorbed molecules is also explained by this mechanism.

  6. Heating and cooling system for an on-board gas adsorbent storage vessel

    DOEpatents

    Tamburello, David A.; Anton, Donald L.; Hardy, Bruce J.; Corgnale, Claudio

    2017-06-20

    In one aspect, a system for controlling the temperature within a gas adsorbent storage vessel of a vehicle may include an air conditioning system forming a continuous flow loop of heat exchange fluid that is cycled between a heated flow and a cooled flow. The system may also include at least one fluid by-pass line extending at least partially within the gas adsorbent storage vessel. The fluid by-pass line(s) may be configured to receive a by-pass flow including at least a portion of the heated flow or the cooled flow of the heat exchange fluid at one or more input locations and expel the by-pass flow back into the continuous flow loop at one or more output locations, wherein the by-pass flow is directed through the gas adsorbent storage vessel via the by-pass line(s) so as to adjust an internal temperature within the gas adsorbent storage vessel.

  7. Properties of Carbon Nanotubes: Defects, Adsorbates, and Gas Sensing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Eastman, Micah C.

    Carbon naotubes and graphene have been a trending research topic in the past decade. These graphitic compounds exhibit numerous advantageous properties (electronic, mechanical, thermal, optical, etc) which industry and researchers alike are excited to take advantage of. Beyond the challenges of yield and controlled growth, there are a number of standing questions which govern some of the more fundamental characteristics of these materials: What role do lattice defects play in the adsorption of gas molecules on the surface of carbon nanotubes? How are the electronic states of the carbon nanotubes influenced by these adsorbed molecules? And how can we develop models to predict useful applications of this knowledge? In order to address these questions, this study combines Raman spectroscopy and electronic measurements carried out in highly controlled environments of carbon nanotube transistors. Assessing these data in conjunction shows that the defect density of a carbon nanotube channel has no correlation with observed threshold voltage shifts, or change in Schottky barrier, due to the presence of ambient oxygen. With these insights in mind, a dynamic adsorption-desorption model is proposed which addresses the oxygen sensitivity of carbon nanotube transistors. Instrumentation and computational developments which facilitated these measurements are also disclosed.

  8. Imaging the wave functions of adsorbed molecules

    PubMed Central

    Lüftner, Daniel; Ules, Thomas; Reinisch, Eva Maria; Koller, Georg; Soubatch, Serguei; Tautz, F. Stefan; Ramsey, Michael G.; Puschnig, Peter

    2014-01-01

    The basis for a quantum-mechanical description of matter is electron wave functions. For atoms and molecules, their spatial distributions and phases are known as orbitals. Although orbitals are very powerful concepts, experimentally only the electron densities and -energy levels are directly observable. Regardless whether orbitals are observed in real space with scanning probe experiments, or in reciprocal space by photoemission, the phase information of the orbital is lost. Here, we show that the experimental momentum maps of angle-resolved photoemission from molecular orbitals can be transformed to real-space orbitals via an iterative procedure which also retrieves the lost phase information. This is demonstrated with images obtained of a number of orbitals of the molecules pentacene (C22H14) and perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (C24H8O6), adsorbed on silver, which are in excellent agreement with ab initio calculations. The procedure requires no a priori knowledge of the orbitals and is shown to be simple and robust. PMID:24344291

  9. Effect of lattice-gas atoms on the adsorption behaviour of thioether molecules.

    PubMed

    Pan, Yi; Yang, Bing; Hulot, Catherine; Blechert, Siegfried; Nilius, Niklas; Freund, Hans-Joachim

    2012-08-21

    Using STM topographic imaging and spectroscopy, we have investigated the adsorption of two thioether molecules, 1,2-bis(phenylthio)benzene and (bis(3-phenylthio)-phenyl)sulfane, on noble and transition metal surfaces. The two substrates show nearly antipodal behaviour. Whereas complexes with one or two protruding centres are observed on Au(111), only flat and uniform ad-structures are found on NiAl(110). The difference is ascribed to the possibility of the thioethers to form metal-organic complexes by coordinating lattice-gas atoms on the Au(111), while only the pristine molecules adsorb on the alloy surface. The metal coordination in the first case is driven by the formation of strong Au-S bonds and enables the formation of characteristic monomer, dimer and chain-like structures of the thioethers, using the Au atoms as linkers. A similar mechanism is not available on the NiAl, because no lattice gas develops at this surface at room temperature. Our work demonstrates how surface properties, i.e. the availability of mobile ad-species, determine the interaction of organic molecules with metallic substrates.

  10. First-principles study of pollutant molecules absorbed on polymeric adsorbents using the vdW-DF2 functional

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Jinguo; Wang, Yapeng; Tian, Ting; Zhang, Qianfan

    2018-03-01

    Polymeric adsorbents have been attracting increasing attention because of their favorable structrual properties and effectiveness of solving small molecules contaminants. However, due to the absence of deep insight into the adsorption mechanism of polymeric adsorbents, researches on new polymeric adsorbents can only be carried out by repeated experiments and tests, which is extremely inefficient. Therefore, investigating the adsorption process of polymeric adsorbents, especially the mechanism of adsorbing various air pollutant molecules by materials modelling and simulation, is of great significance. Here in this work, we systematically studied the adsorption mechanism by first-principles computation with van der Waals interaction. It demonstrates that the adsorption between them was pure physisorption originating from the hydrogen bond and intermolecular forces consisting of Keesom force, Debye force and London dispersion force. The proportions of these forces varied according to different adsorption systems. The adsorption effects were determined by the polymers’ dipole moment and polarizability. The adsorption performance of some polymers with special structures was also investigated to explore their possibility as potential adsorbents. The results of our simulation can provide some guidance for developing new polymeric adsorbents with better performance.

  11. Gas separation device based on electrical swing adsorption

    DOEpatents

    Judkins, Roddie R.; Burchell, Timothy D.

    1999-10-26

    A method and apparatus for separating one constituent, especially carbon dioxide, from a fluid mixture, such as natural gas. The fluid mixture flows through an adsorbent member having an affinity for molecules of the one constituent, the molecules being adsorbed on the adsorbent member. A voltage is applied to the adsorbent member, the voltage imparting a current flow which causes the molecules of the one constituent to be desorbed from the adsorbent member.

  12. Periodic DFT study of acidic trace atmospheric gas molecule adsorption on Ca- and Fe-doped MgO(001) surface basic sites.

    PubMed

    Baltrusaitis, Jonas; Hatch, Courtney; Orlando, Roberto

    2012-08-02

    The electronic properties of undoped and Ca- or Fe-doped MgO(001) surfaces, as well as their propensity toward atmospheric acidic gas (CO2, SO2, and NO2) uptake was investigated with an emphasis on gas adsorption on the basic MgO oxygen surface sites, O(surf), using periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Adsorption energy calculations show that MgO doping will provide stronger interactions of the adsorbate with the O(surf) sites than the undoped MgO for a given adsorbate molecule. Charge transfer from the iron atom in Fe-doped MgO(001) to NO2 was shown to increase the binding interaction between adsorbate by an order of magnitude, when compared to that of undoped and Ca-doped MgO(001) surfaces. Secondary binding interactions of adsorbate oxygen atoms were observed with surface magnesium sites at distances close to those of the Mg-O bond within the crystal. These interactions may serve as a preliminary step for adsorption and facilitate further adsorbate transformations into other binding configurations. Impacts on global atmospheric chemistry are discussed as these adsorption phenomena can affect atmospheric gas budgets via altered partitioning and retention on mineral aerosol surfaces.

  13. Periodic DFT study of acidic trace atmospheric gas molecule adsorption on Ca and Fe doped MgO (001) surface basic sites

    PubMed Central

    Hatch, Courtney; Orlando, Roberto

    2012-01-01

    The electronic properties of undoped and Ca or Fe doped MgO (001) surfaces, as well as their propensity towards atmospheric acidic gas (CO2, SO2 and NO2) uptake was investigated with an emphasis on gas adsorption on the basic MgO oxygen surface sites, Osurf, using periodic Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Adsorption energy calculations show that MgO doping will provide stronger interactions of the adsorbate with the Osurf sites than the undoped MgO for a given adsorbate molecule. Charge transfer from the iron atom in Fe doped MgO (001) to NO2 was shown to increase the binding interaction between adsorbate by an order of magnitude, when compared to that of undoped and Ca doped MgO (001) surfaces. Secondary binding interactions of adsorbate oxygen atoms were observed with surface magnesium sites at distances close to those of the Mg-O bond within the crystal. These interactions may serve as a preliminary step for adsorption and facilitate further adsorbate transformations into other binding configurations. Impacts on global atmospheric chemistry are discussed as these adsorption phenomena can affect atmospheric gas budgets via altered partitioning and retention on mineral aerosol surfaces. PMID:22775293

  14. First-principles study on the structure and electronic property of gas molecules adsorption on Ge2Li2 monolayer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, Yiwei; Long, Linbo; Mao, Yuliang; Zhong, Jianxin

    2018-06-01

    Using first-principles methods, we have studied the adsorption of gas molecules (CO2, CH4, H2S, H2 and NH3) on two dimensional Ge2Li2 monolayer. The adsorption geometries, adsorption energies, charge transfer, and band structures of above mentioned gas molecules adsorption on Ge2Li2 monolayer are analyzed. It is found that the adsorption of CO2 on Ge2Li2 monolayer is a kind of strong chemisorption, while other gas molecules such as CH4, H2S, H2 and NH3 are physisorption. The strong covalent binding is formed between the CO2 molecule and the nearest Ge atom in Ge2Li2 monolayer. This adsorption of CO2 molecule on Ge2Li2 monolayer leads to a direct energy gap of 0.304 eV. Other gas molecules exhibit mainly ionic binding to the nearest Li atoms in Ge2Li2 monolayer, which leads to indirect energy gap after adsorptions. Furthermore, it is found that the work function of Ge2Li2 monolayer is sensitive with the variation of adsorbents. Our results reveal that the Ge2Li2 monolayer can be used as a kind of nano device for gas molecules sensor.

  15. Field-induced structural control of COx molecules adsorbed on graphene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matsubara, Manaho; Okada, Susumu

    2018-05-01

    Using the density functional theory combined with both the van der Waals correction and the effective screening medium method, we investigate the energetics and electronic structures of CO and CO2 molecules adsorbed on graphene surfaces in the field-effect-transistor structure with respect to the external electric field by the excess electrons/holes. The binding energies of CO and CO2 molecules to graphene monotonically increase with increasing hole and electron concentrations. The increase occurs regardless of the molecular conformations to graphene and the counter electrode, indicating that the carrier injection substantially enhances the molecular adsorption on graphene. Injected carriers also modulate the stable molecular conformation, which is metastable in the absence of an electric field.

  16. Multicomponent Gas Storage in Organic Cage Molecules

    DOE PAGES

    Zhang, Fei; He, Yadong; Huang, Jingsong; ...

    2017-05-18

    Porous liquids are a promising new class of materials featuring nanoscale cavity units dispersed in liquids that are suitable for applications such as gas storage and separation. In this work, we use molecular dynamics simulations to examine the multicomponent gas storage in a porous liquid consisting of crown-ether-substituted cage molecules dissolved in a 15-crown-5 solvent. We compute the storage of three prototypical small molecules including CO 2, CH 4, and N 2 and their binary mixtures in individual cage molecules. For porous liquids in equilibrium with a binary 1:1 gas mixture bath with partial gas pressure of 27.5 bar, amore » cage molecule shows a selectivity of 4.3 and 13.1 for the CO 2/CH 4 and CO 2/N 2 pairs, respectively. We provide a molecular perspective of how gas molecules are stored in the cage molecule and how the storage of one type of gas molecule is affected by other types of gas molecules. Finally, our results clarify the molecular mechanisms behind the selectivity of such cage molecules toward different gases.« less

  17. Adsorbed Natural Gas Storage in Optimized High Surface Area Microporous Carbon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Romanos, Jimmy; Rash, Tyler; Nordwald, Erik; Shocklee, Joshua Shawn; Wexler, Carlos; Pfeifer, Peter

    2011-03-01

    Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) is an attractive alternative technology to compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the efficient storage of natural gas, in particular for vehicular applications. In adsorbants engineered to have pores of a few molecular diameters, a strong van der Walls force allows reversible physisorption of methane at low pressures and room temperature. Activated carbons were optimized for storage by varying KOH:C ratio and activation temperature. We also consider the effect of mechanical compression of powders to further enhance the volumetric storage capacity. We will present standard porous material characterization (BET surface area and pore-size distribution from subcritical N2 adsorption) and methane isotherms up to 250 bar at 293K. At sufficiently high pressure, specific surface area, methane binding energy and film density can be extracted from supercritical methane adsorption isotherms. Research supported by the California Energy Commission (500-08-022).

  18. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) by molecules adsorbed at spherical particles: errata

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kerker, M.; Wang, D.S.; Chew, H.

    1980-12-15

    A model for Raman scattering by a molecule adsorbed at the surface of a spherical particle is articulated by treating the molecule as a classical electric dipole. This follows Moskovits's suggestion (J. Chem. Phys. 69, 4159 (1978)) and the experiments by Creighton et al. (J. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans. II, 75, 790(1979)) that such a system may exhibit SERS simlar to that at roughened electrode surfaces. The molecule is stimulated by a primary field comprised of the incident and near-scattered fields. Emission consists of the dipole field plus a scattered field, each at the shifted frequency. Addition of feedback termsmore » between the dipole and the particle makes only a negligible contribution to the fields. For pyridine adsorbed at the surface of a silver sphere, the 1010 cm/sup -1/ band is enhanced by approx.10/sup 6/ if the radius is much less than the wavelengths and the excitation wavelength is approx.382 nm, a wavelength for which the relative refractive index of silver is close to m = ..sqrt..2i. Detailed results are given for the effect upon the angular distribution and the polarization of the Raman emission of particle size, distance from the surface, excitation wavelength, and location of the molecule upon the surface. These results simulate those observed at roughened silver electrodes and suggest that the mechanism of SERS at those electrodes may resemble the electromagnetic mechanism elucidated here. The authors predict that comparable effects should be observed for fluorescent scattering. 53 references, 9 figures.« less

  19. Doping and defect-induced germanene: A superior media for sensing H2S, SO2, and CO2 gas molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Monshi, M. M.; Aghaei, S. M.; Calizo, I.

    2017-11-01

    First-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) have been employed to investigate the structural, electronic, and gas-sensing properties of pure, defected, and doped germanene nanosheets. Our calculations have revealed that while a pristine germanene nanosheet adsorbs CO2 weakly, H2S moderately, and SO2 strongly, the introduction of vacancy defects increases the sensitivity significantly which is promising for future gas-sensing applications. Mulliken population analysis imparts that an appreciable amount of charge transfer occurs between gas molecules and a germanene nanosheet which supports our results for adsorption energies of the systems. The enhancement of the interactions between gas molecules and the germanene nanosheet has been further investigated by density of states. Projected density of states provides detailed insight of the gas molecule's contribution in the gas-sensing system. Additionally, the influences of substituted dopant atoms such as B, N, and Al in the germanene nanosheet have also been considered to study the impact on its gas sensing ability. There was no significant improvement found in the doped gas sensing capability of germanene over the vacancy defects, except for CO2 upon adsorption on N-doped germanene.

  20. In situ STM imaging of the structures of pentacene molecules adsorbed on Au(111).

    PubMed

    Pong, Ifan; Yau, Shuehlin; Huang, Peng-Yi; Chen, Ming-Chou; Hu, Tarng-Shiang; Yang, Yawchia; Lee, Yuh-Lang

    2009-09-01

    In situ scanning tunneling microscope (STM) was used to examine the spatial structures of pentacene molecules adsorbed onto a Au(111) single-crystal electrode from a benzene dosing solution containing 16-400 microM pentacene. Molecular-resolution STM imaging conducted in 0.1 M HClO(4) revealed highly ordered pentacene structures of ( radical31 x radical31)R8.9 degrees , (3 x 10), ( radical31 x 10), and ( radical7 x 2 radical7)R19.1 degrees adsorbed on the reconstructed Au(111) electrode dosed with different pentacene solutions. These pentacene structures and the reconstructed Au(111) substrate were stable between 0.2 and 0.8 V [vs reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE]. Increasing the potential to E > 0.8 V lifted the reconstructed Au(111) surface and disrupted the ordered pentacene adlattices simultaneously. Ordered pentacene structures could be restored by applying potentials negative enough to reinforce the reconstructed Au(111). At potentials negative of 0.2 V, the adsorption of protons became increasingly important to displace adsorbed pentacene admolecules. Although the reconstructed Au(111) structure was not essential to produce ordered pentacene adlayers, it seemed to help the adsorption of pentacene molecules in a long-range ordered pattern. At room temperature (25 degrees C), approximately 100 pentacene molecules seen in STM images could rotate and align themselves to a neighboring domain in 10 s, suggesting that pentacene admolecules could be mobile on Au(111) under the STM imaging conditions of -150 mV in bias voltage and 1 nA in feedback current.

  1. Adsorbing H₂S onto a single graphene sheet: A possible gas sensor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Reshak, A. H., E-mail: maalidph@yahoo.co.uk; Center of Excellence Geopolymer and Green Technology, School of Material Engineering, University Malaysia Perlis, 01007 Kangar, Perlis; Auluck, S.

    2014-09-14

    The electronic structure of pristine graphene sheet and the resulting structure of adsorbing a single molecule of H₂S on pristine graphene in three different sites (bridge, top, and hollow) are studied using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. Our calculations show that the adsorption of H₂S molecule on the bridge site opens up a small direct energy gap of about 0.1 eV at symmetry point M, while adsorption of H₂S on top site opens a gap of 0.3 eV around the symmetry point K. We find that adsorbed H₂S onto the hollow site of pristine graphene sheet causesmore » to push the conduction band minimum and the valence band maximum towards Fermi level resulting in a metallic behavior. Comparing the angular momentum decomposition of the atoms projected electronic density of states of pristine graphene sheet with that of H₂S–graphene for three different cases, we find a significant influence of the location of the H₂S molecule on the electronic properties especially the strong hybridization between H₂S molecule and graphene sheet.« less

  2. Interaction of surface hydroxyls with adsorbed molecules. A quantum-chemical study

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Geerlings, P.; Tariel, N.; Botrel, A.

    1984-11-08

    A study has been conducted to explain the interaction mechanisms of (bridging and terminal) surface hydroxyl groups with molecules, using ab initio, EHT, and CNDO/2-FA quantum-chemical calculations. Bond strength variations and charge shifts were found to be in complete agreement with Gutmann's rules, and provide a basis for the understanding of the Bronsted acid properties of zeolites and amorphous silica-alumina. A quantitative measure of the interaction strength is possible by referring to the experimentally determined donor number (Gutmann) following many molecules, but care should be taken for those molecules for which the donor strength was determined by indirect methods. Onlymore » a few exceptions to Gutmann's rules should exist, e.g., in those cases where the atom interacting with the proton is not the most electronegative of the donor molecule (such as for CO). Individual bonds in a given complex are more susceptible to perturbations (changes in composition and interactions with adsorbing molecules) if the coordination number increases. These rules are in agreement with the observations and apply to all reactions (inter- or intramolecular) involving a change in coordination. 52 references, 6 figures, 4 tables.« less

  3. Tribochemical synthesis of nano-lubricant films from adsorbed molecules at sliding solid interface: Tribo-polymers from α-pinene, pinane, and n-decane

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Xin; Barthel, Anthony J.; Kim, Seong H.

    2016-06-01

    The mechanochemical reactions of adsorbed molecules at sliding interfaces were studied for α-pinene (C10H16), pinane (C10H18), and n-decane (C10H22) on a stainless steel substrate surface. During vapor phase lubrication, molecules adsorbed at the sliding interface could be activated by mechanical shear. Under the equilibrium adsorption condition of these molecules, the friction coefficient of sliding steel surfaces was about 0.2 and a polymeric film was tribochemically produced. The synthesis yield of α-pinene tribo-polymers was about twice as much as pinane tribo-polymers. In contrast to these strained bicyclic hydrocarbons, n-decane showed much weaker activity for tribo-polymerization at the same mechanical shear condition. These results suggested that the mechanical shear at tribological interfaces could induce the opening of the strained ring structure of α-pinene and pinane, which leads to polymerization of adsorbed molecules at the sliding track. On a stainless steel surface, such polymerization reactions of adsorbed molecules do not occur under typical surface reaction conditions. The mechanical properties and boundary lubrication efficiency of the produced tribo-polymer films are discussed.

  4. Modeling the binding of fulvic acid by goethite: the speciation of adsorbed FA molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Filius, Jeroen D.; Meeussen, Johannes C. L.; Lumsdon, David G.; Hiemstra, Tjisse; van Riemsdijk, Willem H.

    2003-04-01

    Under natural conditions, the adsorption of ions at the solid-water interface may be strongly influenced by the adsorption of organic matter. In this paper, we describe the adsorption of fulvic acid (FA) by metal(hydr)oxide surfaces with a heterogeneous surface complexation model, the ligand and charge distribution (LCD) model. The model is a self-consistent combination of the nonideal competitive adsorption (NICA) equation and the CD-MUSIC model. The LCD model can describe simultaneously the concentration, pH, and salt dependency of the adsorption with a minimum of only three adjustable parameters. Furthermore, the model predicts the coadsorption of protons accurately for an extended range of conditions. Surface speciation calculations show that almost all hydroxyl groups of the adsorbed FA molecules are involved in outer sphere complexation reactions. The carboxylic groups of the adsorbed FA molecule form inner and outer sphere complexes. Furthermore, part of the carboxylate groups remain noncoordinated and deprotonated.

  5. Halo-substituted azobenzenes adsorbed at Ag(111) and Au(111) interfaces: Structures and optical properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hughes, Zak E.; Baev, Alexander; Prasad, Paras N.; Walsh, Tiffany R.

    2017-05-01

    The adsorption of azobenzene (AB), ortho fluoro-azobenzene (FAB) and ortho chlor-azobenzol (ClAB), in both the cis and trans isomers, at the Au(111) and Ag(111) surfaces is investigated using plane-wave density functional calculations with the revPBE-vdW-DF functional. The resulting adsorption energies and internal structures of AB adsorbed to both metal surfaces are in broad agreement with available experimental data. In the gas phase, FAB and ClAB feature a significant reduction in the energy difference between the two isomeric states, compared with AB. This relative reduction in the energy difference is still significant for the adsorbed form of FAB but is only weakly apparent for ClAB. The absorption spectra of the molecules have also been calculated, with the halogen substituents generating significant changes in the gas phase, but only a modest difference for the adsorbed molecules.

  6. How Does the Surface of Al-ITQ-HB 2D-MOF Condition the Intermolecular Interactions of an Adsorbed Organic Molecule?

    PubMed

    Caballero-Mancebo, Elena; Moreno, José María; Corma, Avelino; Díaz, Urbano; Cohen, Boiko; Douhal, Abderrazzak

    2018-05-30

    In this work, we unravel how the two-dimensional Al-ITQ-4-heptylbenzoic acid (HB) metal-organic framework (MOF) changes the interactions of Nile red (NR) adsorbed on its surface. Time-resolved emission experiments indicate the occurrence of energy transfer between adsorbed NR molecules, in abnormally long time constant of 2-2.5 ns, which gets shorter (∼0.25 ns) when the concentration of the surface-adsorbed NR increases. We identify the emission from local excited state of aggregates and charge transfer and energy transfer between adsorbed molecules. Femtosecond emission studies reveal an ultrafast process (∼425 fs) in the NR@Al-ITQ-HB composites, assigned to an intramolecular charge transfer in NR molecules. A comparison of the observed photobehavior with that of NR/SiO 2 and NR/Al 2 O 3 composites suggests that the occurrence of energy transfer in the NR@MOF complexes is a result of specific and nonspecific interactions, reflecting the different surface properties of Al-ITQ-HB that are of relevance to the reported high catalytic activity. Our results provide new knowledge for further researches on other composites with the aim to improve understanding of photocatalytic and photonic processes within MOFs.

  7. Adsorption of gas molecules on a manganese phthalocyanine molecular device and its possibility as a gas sensor.

    PubMed

    Zou, Dongqing; Zhao, Wenkai; Cui, Bin; Li, Dongmei; Liu, Desheng

    2018-01-17

    A theoretical investigation of the gas detection performance of manganese(ii) phthalocyanine (MnPc) molecular junctions for six different gases (NO, CO, O 2 , CO 2 , NO 2 , and NH 3 ) is executed through a non-equilibrium Green's function technique in combination with spin density functional theory. Herein, we systematically studied the adsorption structural configurations, the adsorption energy, the charge transfer, and the spin transport properties of the MnPc molecular junctions with these gas adsorbates. Remarkably, NO adsorption can achieve an off-state of the Mn spin; this may be an effective measure to switch the molecular spin. In addition, our results indicate that by measuring spin filter efficiency and the changes in total current through the molecular junctions, the CO, NO, O 2 , and NO 2 gas molecules can be detected selectively. However, the CO 2 and NH 3 gas adsorptions are difficult to be detected due to weak van der Waals interaction between these two gases and central Mn atom. Our findings provide important clues to the application of nanosensors for highly sensitive and selective based on MnPc molecular junction systems.

  8. Agricultural Waste as Sources for Mercury Adsorbents in Gas Applications

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Increased emphasis on reduction of mercury emissions from coal fired electric power plants have resulted in environmental regulations that may in the future require application of activated carbons as mercury sorbents. The sorbents could be injected into the flue gas stream where it adsorbs the mer...

  9. Adsorption and dissociation of sulfur-based toxic gas molecules on silicene nanoribbons: a quest for high-performance gas sensors and catalysts.

    PubMed

    Walia, Gurleen Kaur; Randhawa, Deep Kamal Kaur

    2018-03-16

    The adsorption behavior of sulfur-based toxic gases (H 2 S and SO 2 ) on armchair silicene nanoribbons (ASiNRs) was investigated using first-principles density functional theory (DFT). Being a zero band gap material, application of bulk silicene is limited in nanoelectronics, despite its high carrier mobility. By restricting its dimensions into one dimension, construction of nanoribbons, and by introduction of a defect, its band gap can be tuned. Pristine armchair silicene nanoribbons (P-ASiNRs) have a very low sensitivity to gas molecules. Therefore, a defect was introduced by removal of one Si atom, leading to increased sensitivity. To deeply understand the impact of the aforementioned gases on silicene nanoribbons, electronic band structures, density of states, charge transfers, adsorption energies, electron densities, current-voltage characteristics and most stable adsorption configurations were calculated. H 2 S is dissociated completely into HS and H species when adsorbed onto defective armchair silicene nanoribbons (D-ASiNRs). Thus, D-ASiNR is a likely catalyst for dissociation of the H 2 S gas molecule. Conversely, upon SO 2 adsorption, P-ASiNR acts as a suitable sensor, whereas D-ASiNR provides enhanced sensitivity compared with P-ASiNR. On the basis of these results, D-ASiNR can be expected to be a disposable sensor for SO 2 detection as well as a catalyst for H 2 S reduction. Graphical abstract Comparison of I-V characteristics of pristine and defective armchair silicene nanoribbons with H 2 S and SO 2 adsorbed on them.

  10. Magnetization switching in ferromagnets by adsorbed chiral molecules without current or external magnetic field.

    PubMed

    Ben Dor, Oren; Yochelis, Shira; Radko, Anna; Vankayala, Kiran; Capua, Eyal; Capua, Amir; Yang, See-Hun; Baczewski, Lech Tomasz; Parkin, Stuart Stephen Papworth; Naaman, Ron; Paltiel, Yossi

    2017-02-23

    Ferromagnets are commonly magnetized by either external magnetic fields or spin polarized currents. The manipulation of magnetization by spin-current occurs through the spin-transfer-torque effect, which is applied, for example, in modern magnetoresistive random access memory. However, the current density required for the spin-transfer torque is of the order of 1 × 10 6  A·cm -2 , or about 1 × 10 25 electrons s -1 cm -2 . This relatively high current density significantly affects the devices' structure and performance. Here we demonstrate magnetization switching of ferromagnetic thin layers that is induced solely by adsorption of chiral molecules. In this case, about 10 13 electrons per cm 2 are sufficient to induce magnetization reversal. The direction of the magnetization depends on the handedness of the adsorbed chiral molecules. Local magnetization switching is achieved by adsorbing a chiral self-assembled molecular monolayer on a gold-coated ferromagnetic layer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. These results present a simple low-power magnetization mechanism when operating at ambient conditions.

  11. Magnetization switching in ferromagnets by adsorbed chiral molecules without current or external magnetic field

    PubMed Central

    Ben Dor, Oren; Yochelis, Shira; Radko, Anna; Vankayala, Kiran; Capua, Eyal; Capua, Amir; Yang, See-Hun; Baczewski, Lech Tomasz; Parkin, Stuart Stephen Papworth; Naaman, Ron; Paltiel, Yossi

    2017-01-01

    Ferromagnets are commonly magnetized by either external magnetic fields or spin polarized currents. The manipulation of magnetization by spin-current occurs through the spin-transfer-torque effect, which is applied, for example, in modern magnetoresistive random access memory. However, the current density required for the spin-transfer torque is of the order of 1 × 106 A·cm−2, or about 1 × 1025 electrons s−1 cm−2. This relatively high current density significantly affects the devices' structure and performance. Here we demonstrate magnetization switching of ferromagnetic thin layers that is induced solely by adsorption of chiral molecules. In this case, about 1013 electrons per cm2 are sufficient to induce magnetization reversal. The direction of the magnetization depends on the handedness of the adsorbed chiral molecules. Local magnetization switching is achieved by adsorbing a chiral self-assembled molecular monolayer on a gold-coated ferromagnetic layer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. These results present a simple low-power magnetization mechanism when operating at ambient conditions. PMID:28230054

  12. Determination of maximal amount of minor gases adsorbed in a shale sample by headspace gas chromatography.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chun-Yun; Hu, Hui-Chao; Chai, Xin-Sheng; Pan, Lei; Xiao, Xian-Ming

    2014-02-07

    In this paper, we present a novel method for determining the maximal amount of ethane, a minor gas species, adsorbed in a shale sample. The method is based on the time-dependent release of ethane from shale samples measured by headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC). The study includes a mathematical model for fitting the experimental data, calculating the maximal amount gas adsorbed, and predicting results at other temperatures. The method is a more efficient alternative to the isothermal adsorption method that is in widespread use today. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Formation of Adsorbed Oxygen Radicals on Minerals at the Martian Surface and the Decomposition of Organic Molecules

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yen, A. S.; Kim, S. S.; Freeman, B. A.; Hecht, M. H.

    2000-01-01

    We present experimental evidence that superoxide ions form on mineral grains at the martian surface and show that these adsorbates can explain the unusual reactivity of the soil as well as the apparent absence of organic molecules.

  14. Oriented xenon hydride molecules in the gas phase

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buck, Udo; Fárník, Michal

    The production of the xenon hydride molecules HXeX with X = I and Cl in the gas phase is reviewed. These molecules are generated by the photolysis of the hydrogen halide HI and HCl molecules on the surface of large xenon Xen clusters. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the flexible H atoms react with the heavy XeX moiety and form the desired molecules with nearly no rotational motion. They are observed by photodissociation with subsequent detection of the kinetic energy of the H atom fragment. During the generating process, the cluster starts to evaporate and the hydride molecule is left essentially free. For further discrimination against the H atom fragments from HX, the HXeX molecules are oriented in a combined pulsed laser field and a weak electrostatic field. The three topics which represent the background of our experiments are briefly reviewed: the nature and generation of rare gas hydrides, the alignment and orientation of molecules in electric fields, and the photodissociation of selected molecules in rare gas clusters. The conditions for detecting them in the gas phase are discussed. This is the trade off between the stability, which requires high electron affinity, and the conditions for orientation, which necessitate large polarizability anisotropies and dipole moments. Finally the prospects of detecting other classes of molecules are discussed.

  15. Photodecomposition of Mo(CO)/sub 6/ adsorbed on Si(100)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Creighton, J.R.

    1986-01-15

    The photochemical properties of Mo(CO)/sub 6/ adsorbed on Si(100) were investigated using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and Auger spectroscopy. TPD experiments indicate that Mo(CO)/sub 6/ physisorbs on silicon and desorbs at 210--230 K. At 150 K, KrF laser radiation (248 nm) partially decomposes the adsorbed Mo(CO)/sub 6/ releasing gas-phase CO in the process and TPD experiments after irradiation show that additional CO desorbs at 335 K. However, Auger analysis indicates that one CO molecule per molybdenum atom dissociates, leaving the molybdenum overlayer heavily contaminated with carbon and oxygen. The cross section for photodecomposition was measured to be 5 +- 3more » x 10/sup -17/ cm/sup 2/. Decomposition of the excited molecule must compete strongly with energy relaxation to account for the magnitude of this cross section.« less

  16. Effect of substrate thickness on ejection of phenylalanine molecules adsorbed on free-standing graphene bombarded by 10 keV C60

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Golunski, M.; Verkhoturov, S. V.; Verkhoturov, D. S.; Schweikert, E. A.; Postawa, Z.

    2017-02-01

    Molecular dynamics computer simulations have been employed to investigate the effect of substrate thickness on the ejection mechanism of phenylalanine molecules deposited on free-standing graphene. The system is bombarded from the graphene side by 10 keV C60 projectiles at normal incidence and the ejected particles are collected both in transmission and reflection directions. It has been found that the ejection mechanism depends on the substrate thickness. At thin substrates mostly organic fragments are ejected by direct collisions between projectile atoms and adsorbed molecules. At thicker substrates interaction between deforming topmost graphene sheet and adsorbed molecules becomes more important. As this process is gentle and directionally correlated, it leads predominantly to ejection of intact molecules. The implications of the results to a novel analytical approach in Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry based on ultrathin free-standing graphene substrates and a transmission geometry are discussed.

  17. Poultry manure as raw material for mercury adsorbents in gas applications

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Klasson, K.T.; Lima, I.M.; Boihem, L.L.

    2009-09-30

    The quantity of poultry manure generated each year is large, and technologies that take advantage of the material should be explored. At the same time, increased emphasis on the reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired electric power plants has resulted in environmental regulations that may, in the future, require application of activated carbons as mercury sorbents. The sorbents could be injected into the flue gas stream, where they could adsorb the mercury. The sorbents (now containing mercury) would be removed via filtration or other means from the flue gas. Our preliminary work has demonstrated that activated carbon made from poultrymore » manure can adsorb mercury from air with good efficiency. In laboratory experiments, an activated carbon made from turkey cake manure removed the majority of elemental mercury from a hot air stream. Other activated carbons made from chicken and turkey litter manure were also efficient. In general, unwashed activated carbons made from poultry manure were more efficient in removing mercury than their acid-washed counterparts. The results suggest that the adsorption of mercury was mainly due to chemisorption on the surface of the carbon. Other potential uses for the activated carbons are the removal of mercury from air and natural gas.« less

  18. Exploration of sensing of nitrogen dioxide and ozone molecules using novel TiO2/Stanene heterostructures employing DFT calculations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abbasi, Amirali; Sardroodi, Jaber Jahanbin

    2018-06-01

    Based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we explored the sensing capabilities and electronic structures of TiO2/Stanene heterostructures as novel and highly efficient materials for detection of toxic NO2 and O3 molecules in the environment. Studied gas molecules were positioned at different sites and orientations towards the nanocomposite, and the adsorption process was examined based on the most stable structures. We found that both of these molecules are chemically adsorbed on the TiO2/Stanene heterostructures. The calculations of the adsorption energy indicate that the fivefold coordinated titanium sites of the TiO2/Stanene are the most stable sites for the adsorption of NO2 and O3 molecules. The side oxygen atoms of the gas molecules were found to be chemically bonded to these titanium atoms. The adsorption of gas molecules is an exothermic process, and the adsorption on the pristine nanocomposite is more favorable in energy than that on the nitrogen-doped nanocomposite. The effects of van der Waals interactions were taken into account, which indicate the adsorption energies were increased for the most sable configurations. The gas sensing response and charge transfers were analyzed in detail. The pristine nanocomposites have better sensing response than the doped ones. The spin density distribution plots indicate that the magnetization was mainly located over the adsorbed gas molecules. Mulliken charge analysis reveals that both NO2 and O3 molecules behave as charge acceptors, as evidenced by the accumulation of electronic charges on the adsorbed molecules predicted by charge density difference calculations. Our DFT results provide a theoretical basis for an innovative gas sensor system designed from a sensitive TiO2/Stanene heterostructures for efficient detection of harmful air pollutants such as NO2 and O3.

  19. Toluene and acetaldehyde removal from air on to graphene-based adsorbents with microsized pores.

    PubMed

    Kim, Ji Min; Kim, Ji Hoon; Lee, Chang Yeon; Jerng, Dong Wook; Ahn, Ho Seon

    2018-02-15

    Volatile organic compound (VOC) gases can cause harm to the human body with exposure over the long term even at very low concentrations (ppmv levels); thus, effective absorbents for VOC gas removal are an important issue. In this study, accordingly, graphene-based adsorbents with microsized pores were used as adsorbents to remove toluene and acetaldehyde gases at low concentrations (30ppm). Sufficient amounts of the adsorbents were prepared for use on filters and were loaded uniformly at 0.1-0.5g on a 50×50mm 2 area, to evaluate their adsorption features with low gas concentrations. The morphology and chemical composition of the adsorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Microwave irradiation and heat treatment near 800°C under KOH activation resulted in enlargement of the pristine graphene surface and its specific surface area; maximum volume capacities of 3510m 3 /g and 630m 3 /g were observed for toluene and acetaldehyde gas. The high removal efficiency for toluene (98%) versus acetaldehyde (30%) gas was attributed to π-π interactions between the pristine graphene surface and toluene molecules. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Food wastes derived adsorbents for carbon dioxide and benzene gas sorption.

    PubMed

    Opatokun, Suraj Adebayo; Prabhu, Azhagapillai; Al Shoaibi, Ahmed; Srinivasakannan, C; Strezov, Vladimir

    2017-02-01

    Food wastes are produced worldwide in large quantities that could have potential to produce higher value products, including industrial adsorbents. The present work attempts valorization of food waste by CO 2 activation and functionalization through nitric acid and melamine treatment. The prepared porous materials were subjected to gas phase adsorption of CO 2 and benzene gases. The resultant highly porous carbon materials with surface area range from 797 to 1025 m 2 /g were synthesized showing uptake capacities of 4.41, 4.07, 4.18 and 4.36 mmol/g of CO 2 and 345, 305, 242.5 and 380.7 mg/g of C 6 H 6 respectively for PyF515, PyF520, PyF715 and PyF720 in the absence of doped carbon matrix. Differential thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis showed the thermostability of the precursors to validate selected initial pyrolysis temperatures (500 and 700 °C). C 6 H 6 sorption lies mainly in the physisorption region for all adsorbents ensuring re-generation potential. PyF720 and PyF520 recorded the highest isosteric enthalpy of 64.4 kJ/mol and 48.7 kJ/mol respectively, despite the low degree of coverage of the latter. Thus, PyF515 and PyF720 demonstrated the potential for use as sustainable and cost effective adsorbents for benzene gas containment suitable for swing adsorption system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. First-principles investigation of armchair boron nitride nanoribbons for sensing PH3 gas molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Srivastava, Pankaj; Jaiswal, Neeraj K.; Sharma, Varun

    2014-09-01

    The present work exhibits density functional theory (DFT) based first-principles calculations to explore the sensing properties of bare armchair boron nitride nanoribbons (ABNNR) for PH3 gas molecules. Edges of the ribbon were considered as the sites of possible adsorption with two different configurations i.e. adsorption at one edge and adsorption at both edges of the ribbon. It is revealed that B atoms of the ribbons are more energetically favorable sites for the adsorption of PH3 molecules as compared with N atoms. The adsorption of PH3 affects the electronic properties of nanoribbons. One edge PH3 adsorbed ribbons are metallic whereas in both edges PH3 adsorption, the band gap is decreased than that of bare ribbon. The changes in electronic properties caused by PH3 adsorption are further supported by the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the considered configurations. The results show that ABNNR can serve as a potential candidate for PH3 sensing applications.

  2. Phase properties of elastic waves in systems constituted of adsorbed diatomic molecules on the (001) surface of a simple cubic crystal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deymier, P. A.; Runge, K.

    2018-03-01

    A Green's function-based numerical method is developed to calculate the phase of scattered elastic waves in a harmonic model of diatomic molecules adsorbed on the (001) surface of a simple cubic crystal. The phase properties of scattered waves depend on the configuration of the molecules. The configurations of adsorbed molecules on the crystal surface such as parallel chain-like arrays coupled via kinks are used to demonstrate not only linear but also non-linear dependency of the phase on the number of kinks along the chains. Non-linear behavior arises for scattered waves with frequencies in the vicinity of a diatomic molecule resonance. In the non-linear regime, the variation in phase with the number of kinks is formulated mathematically as unitary matrix operations leading to an analogy between phase-based elastic unitary operations and quantum gates. The advantage of elastic based unitary operations is that they are easily realizable physically and measurable.

  3. Adsorption separation of carbon dioxide from flue gas by a molecularly imprinted adsorbent.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yi; Shen, Yanmei; Ma, Guoyi; Hao, Rongjie

    2014-01-01

    CO2 separation by molecularly imprinted adsorbent from coal-fired flue gas after desulfurization system has been studied. The adsorbent was synthesized by molecular imprinted technique, using ethanedioic acid, acrylamide, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the template, functional monomer, and cross-linker, respectively. According to the conditions of coal-fired flue gas, the influencing factors, including adsorption temperature, desorption temperature, gas flow rate, and concentrations of CO2, H2O, O2, SO2, and NO, were studied by fixed bed breakthrough experiments. The experimental conditions were optimized to gain the best adsorption performance and reduce unnecessary energy consumption in future practical use. The optimized adsorption temperature, desorption temperature, concentrations of CO2, and gas flow rate are 60 °C, 80 °C, 13%, and 170 mL/min, respectively, which correspond to conditions of practical flue gases to the most extent. The CO2 adsorption performance was nearly unaffected by H2O, O2, and NO in the flue gas, and was promoted by SO2 within the emission limit stipulated in the Chinese emission standards of air pollutants for a thermal power plant. The maximum CO2 adsorption capacity, 0.57 mmol/g, was obtained under the optimized experimental conditions, and the SO2 concentration was 150 mg/m(3). The influence mechanisms of H2O, O2, SO2, and NO on CO2 adsorption capacity were investigated by infrared spectroscopic analysis.

  4. Investigation of the SERS Spectra of Hydroquinone Molecule Adsorbed on Titanium Dioxide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Polubotko, A. M.; Chelibanov, V. P.

    2018-01-01

    The paper analyzes the SERS spectrum of hydroquinone adsorbed on nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2). It is seen that the enhancement is stronger for a larger mean size of nanoparticles that is in agreement with an electrostatic approximation. In addition, it is found that there are the lines, which are forbidden in usual Raman spectra. There is also an enhancement caused both by the normal and tangential components of the electric field. This result is in agreement with the theory of SERS on semiconductor and dielectric substrates. The discovery of the forbidden lines indicates on the sufficiently large role of the strong quadrupole light-molecule interaction in such a system.

  5. Internal Reflection Spectra of Surface Compounds and Adsorbed Molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zolotarev, V. M.; Lygin, V. I.; Tarasevich, B. N.

    1981-01-01

    The application of attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy in surface studies of inorganic adsorbents and catalysts, polymers, and optically transparent electrodes is discussed. The basic principles of ATR spectroscopy as applied to surface phenomena are considered, with special reference to thin films, industrial adsorbents and catalysts, and polymer degradation processes. 276 references.

  6. Adsorption and Desorption of Hydrogen by Gas-Phase Palladium Clusters Revealed by In Situ Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Takenouchi, Masato; Kudoh, Satoshi; Miyajima, Ken; Mafuné, Fumitaka

    2015-07-02

    Adsorption and desorption of hydrogen by gas-phase Pd clusters, Pdn(+), were investigated by thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The desorption processes were examined by heating the clusters that had adsorbed hydrogen at room temperature. The clusters remaining after heating were monitored by mass spectrometry as a function of temperature up to 1000 K, and the temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) curve was obtained for each Pdn(+). It was found that hydrogen molecules were released from the clusters into the gas phase with increasing temperature until bare Pdn(+) was formed. The threshold energy for desorption, estimated from the TPD curve, was compared to the desorption energy calculated by using DFT, indicating that smaller Pdn(+) clusters (n ≤ 6) tended to have weakly adsorbed hydrogen molecules, whereas larger Pdn(+) clusters (n ≥ 7) had dissociatively adsorbed hydrogen atoms on the surface. Highly likely, the nonmetallic nature of the small Pd clusters prevents hydrogen molecule from adsorbing dissociatively on the surface.

  7. Photodissociation and caging of HBr and HI molecules on the surface of large rare gas clusters.

    PubMed

    Baumfalk, R; Nahler, N H; Buck, U

    2001-01-01

    Photodissociation experiments were carried out at a wavelength of 243 nm for single HBr and HI molecules adsorbed on the surface of large Nen, Arn, Krn and Xen clusters. The average size is about = 130; the size ranges = 62-139 for the system HBr-Arn and = 110-830 for HI-Xen were covered. In this way the dependence of the photodissociation dynamics on both the size and the rare gas host cluster was investigated. The main observable is the kinetic energy distribution of the outgoing H atoms. The key results are that we do not find any size dependence for either system but that we observe a strong dependence on the rare gas clusters. All systems exhibit H atoms with no energy loss that indicate direct cage exit and those with nearly zero energy that are an indication of complete caging. The intensity ratio of caged to uncaged H atoms is largest for Nen, decreases with increasing mass of the cage atoms, and is weakest for Xen. On the basis of accompanying calculations this behaviour is attributed to the large amplitude motion of the light H atom. This leads to direct cage exit and penetration of the atom through the cluster with different energy transfer per collision depending on the rare gas atoms. The differences between HBr and HI molecules are attributed to different surface states, a flat and an encapsulated site.

  8. Noble metal (Pt or Au)-doped monolayer MoS2 as a promising adsorbent and gas-sensing material to SO2, SOF2 and SO2F2: a DFT study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Dachang; Zhang, Xiaoxing; Tang, Ju; Cui, Hao; Li, Yi

    2018-02-01

    We explored the adsorption of SO2, SOF2, and SO2F2 on Pt- or Au-doped MoS2 monolayer based on density functional theory. The adsorption energy, adsorption distance, charge transfer as well as density of states were discussed. SO2 and SOF2 exhibit strong chemical interactions with Pt-doped MoS2 based on large adsorption energy, charge transfer, and changes of electron orbitals in gas molecule. SO2 also shows obvious chemisorption on Au-doped MoS2 with apparent magnetism transfer from Au to gas molecules. The adsorption of SO2F2 on Pt-MoS2 and SOF2 on Au-MoS2 exhibits weaker chemical interactions and SO2F2 losses electrons when adsorbed on Pt-MoS2 which is different from other gas adsorption. The adsorption of SO2F2 on Au-MoS2 represents no obvious chemical interaction but physisorption. The gas-sensing properties are also evaluated based on DFT results. This work could provide prospects and application value for typical noble metal-doped MoS2 as gas-sensing materials.

  9. Research on the theory and application of adsorbed natural gas used in new energy vehicles: A review

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nie, Zhengwei; Lin, Yuyi; Jin, Xiaoyi

    2016-09-01

    Natural gas, whose primary constituent is methane, has been considered a convincing alternative for the growth of the energy supply worldwide. Adsorbed natural gas (ANG), the most promising methane storage method, has been an active field of study in the past two decades. ANG constitutes a safe and low-cost way to store methane for natural gas vehicles at an acceptable energy density while working at substantially low pressures (3.5-4.0 MPa), allowing for conformable store tank. This work serves to review the state-of-the-art development reported in the scientific literature on adsorbents, adsorption theories, ANG conformable tanks, and related technologies on ANG vehicles. Patent literature has also been searched and discussed. The review aims at illustrating both achievements and problems of the ANG technologies- based vehicles, as well as forecasting the development trends and critical issues to be resolved of these technologies.

  10. Preparation of activated carbon from waste plastics polyethylene terephthalate as adsorbent in natural gas storage

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuliusman; Nasruddin; Sanal, A.; Bernama, A.; Haris, F.; Ramadhan, I. T.

    2017-02-01

    The main problem is the process of natural gas storage and distribution, because in normal conditions of natural gas in the gas phase causes the storage capacity be small and efficient to use. The technology is commonly used Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The weakness of this technology safety level is low because the requirement for high-pressure CNG (250 bar) and LNG requires a low temperature (-161°C). It takes innovation in the storage of natural gas using the technology ANG (Adsorbed Natural Gas) with activated carbon as an adsorbent, causing natural gas can be stored in a low pressure of about 34.5. In this research, preparation of activated carbon using waste plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET plastic waste is a good raw material for making activated carbon because of its availability and the price is a lot cheaper. Besides plastic PET has the appropriate characteristics as activated carbon raw material required for the storage of natural gas because the material is hard and has a high carbon content of about 62.5% wt. The process of making activated carbon done is carbonized at a temperature of 400 ° C and physical activation using CO2 gas at a temperature of 975 ° C. The parameters varied in the activation process is the flow rate of carbon dioxide and activation time. The results obtained in the carbonization process yield of 21.47%, while the yield on the activation process by 62%. At the optimum process conditions, the CO2 flow rate of 200 ml/min and the activation time of 240 minutes, the value % burn off amounted to 86.69% and a surface area of 1591.72 m2/g.

  11. First-principles study of Au–Cu alloy surface changes induced by gas adsorption of CO, NO, or O{sub 2}

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dhifallah, Marwa; Université de Gabes, Unité de recherche environnement, Catalyse et Analyse des Procédés, 6072 Gabes; Dhouib, Adnene

    2016-07-14

    The surface composition of bimetallics can be strongly altered by adsorbing molecules where the metal with the strongest interaction with the adsorbate segregates into the surface. To investigate the effect of reactive gas on the surface composition of Au–Cu alloy, we examined by means of density functional theory to study the segregation behavior of copper in gold matrices. The adsorption mechanisms of CO, NO, and O{sub 2} gas molecules on gold, copper, and gold-copper low index (111), (100), and (110) surfaces were analyzed from energetic and electronic points of view. Our results show a strong segregation of Cu toward themore » (110) surface in the presence of all adsorbed molecules. Interestingly, the Cu segregation toward the (111) and (100) surface could occur only in the presence of CO and at a lower extent in the presence of NO. The analysis of the electronic structure highlights the different binding characters of adsorbates inducing the Cu segregation.« less

  12. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) from a molecule adsorbed on a nanoscale silver particle cluster in a holographic plate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jusinski, Leonard E.; Bahuguna, Ramen; Das, Amrita; Arya, Karamjeet

    2006-02-01

    Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy has become a viable technique for the detection of single molecules. This highly sensitive technique is due to the very large (up to 14 orders in magnitude) enhancement in the Raman cross section when the molecule is adsorbed on a metal nanoparticle cluster. We report here SERS (Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy) experiments performed by adsorbing analyte molecules on nanoscale silver particle clusters within the gelatin layer of commercially available holographic plates which have been developed and fixed. The Ag particles range in size between 5 - 30 nanometers (nm). Sample preparation was performed by immersing the prepared holographic plate in an analyte solution for a few minutes. We report here the production of SERS signals from Rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules of nanomolar concentration. These measurements demonstrate a fast, low cost, reproducible technique of producing SERS substrates in a matter of minutes compared to the conventional procedure of preparing Ag clusters from colloidal solutions. SERS active colloidal solutions require up to a full day to prepare. In addition, the preparations of colloidal aggregates are not consistent in shape, contain additional interfering chemicals, and do not generate consistent SERS enhancement. Colloidal solutions require the addition of KCl or NaCl to increase the ionic strength to allow aggregation and cluster formation. We find no need to add KCl or NaCl to create SERS active clusters in the holographic gelatin matrix. These holographic plates, prepared using simple, conventional procedures, can be stored in an inert environment and preserve SERS activity after several weeks subsequent to preparation.

  13. Improved of Natural Gas Storage with Adsorbed Natural Gas (ANG) Technology Using Activated Carbon from Plastic Waste Polyethylene Terepthalate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuliusman; Nasruddin; Sanal, A.; Bernama, A.; Haris, F.; Hardhi, M.

    2017-07-01

    Indonesia imports high amount of Fuel Oil. Although Indonesia has abundant amount of natural gas reserve, the obstacle lies within the process of natural gas storage itself. In order to create a safe repository, the ANG (Adsorbed Natural Gas) technology is planned. ANG technology in itself has been researched much to manufacture PET-based activated carbon for natural gas storage, but ANG still has several drawbacks. This study begins with making preparations for the equipment and materials that will be used, by characterizing the natural gas, measuring the empty volume, and degassing. The next step will be to examine the adsorption process. The maximum storage capacity obtained in this study for a temperature of 27°C and pressure of 35 bar is 0.0586 kg/kg, while for the desorption process, a maximum value for desorption efficiency was obtained on 35°C temperature with a value of 73.39%.

  14. Methane Recovery from Gaseous Mixtures Using Carbonaceous Adsorbents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buczek, Bronisław

    2016-06-01

    Methane recovery from gaseous mixtures has both economical and ecological aspect. Methane from different waste gases like mine gases, nitrogenated natural gases and biogases can be treated as local source for production electric and heat energy. Also occurs the problem of atmosphere pollution with methane that shows over 20 times more harmful environmental effect in comparison to carbon dioxide. One of the ways utilisation such gases is enrichment of methane in the PSA technique, which requires appropriate adsorbents. Active carbons and carbon molecular sieve produced by industry and obtained in laboratory scale were examined as adsorbent for methane recuperation. Porous structure of adsorbents was investigated using densimetry measurements and adsorption of argon at 77.5K. On the basis of adsorption data, the Dubinin-Radushkevich equation parameters, micropore volume (Wo) and characteristics of energy adsorption (Eo) as well as area micropores (Smi) and BET area (SBET) were determined. The usability of adsorbents in enrichment of the methane was evaluated in the test, which simulate the basic stages of PSA process: a) adsorbent degassing, b) pressure raise in column by feed gas, c) cocurrent desorption with analysis of out flowing gas. The composition of gas phase was accepted as the criterion of the suitability of adsorbent for methane separation from gaseous mixtures. The relationship between methane recovery from gas mixture and texture parameters of adsorbents was found.

  15. Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/polypyrrole core-shell nanofibers: a novel polymeric adsorbent/conducting polymer nanostructures for ultrasensitive gas sensors.

    PubMed

    Wang, Wei; Li, Zhenyu; Jiang, Tingting; Zhao, Zhiwei; Li, Ye; Wang, Zhaojie; Wang, Ce

    2012-11-01

    Conducting polymers-based gas sensors have attracted increasing research attention these years. The introduction of inorganic sensitizers (noble metals or inorganic semiconductors) within the conducting polymers-based gas sensors has been regarded as the generally effective route for further enhanced sensors. Here we demonstrate a novel route for highly-efficient conducting polymers-based gas sensors by introduction of polymeric sensitizers (polymeric adsorbent) within the conducting polymeric nanostructures to form one-dimensional polymeric adsorbent/conducting polymer core-shell nanocomposites, via electrospinning and solution-phase polymerization. The adsorption effect of the SPEEK toward NH₃ can facilitate the mass diffusion of NH₃ through the PPy layers, resulting in the enhanced sensing signals. On the basis of the SPEEK/PPy nanofibers, the sensors exhibit large gas responses, even when exposed to very low concentration of NH₃ (20 ppb) at room temperature.

  16. Control of the dipole layer of polar organic molecules adsorbed on metal surfaces via different charge-transfer channels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Meng-Kai; Nakayama, Yasuo; Zhuang, Ying-Jie; Su, Kai-Jun; Wang, Chin-Yung; Pi, Tun-Wen; Metz, Sebastian; Papadopoulos, Theodoros A.; Chiang, T.-C.; Ishii, Hisao; Tang, S.-J.

    2017-02-01

    Organic molecules with a permanent electric dipole moment have been widely used as a template for further growth of molecular layers in device structures. Key properties of the resulting organic films such as energy level alignment (ELA), work function, and injection/collection barrier are linked to the magnitude and direction of the dipole moment at the interface. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we have systematically investigated the coverage-dependent work function and spectral line shapes of occupied molecular energy states (MESs) of chloroaluminium-phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) grown on Ag(111). We demonstrate that the dipole orientation of the first ClAlPc layer can be controlled by adjusting the deposition rate and postannealing conditions, and we find that the ELA at the interface differs by ˜0.4 eV between the Cl up and down configurations of the adsorbed ClAlPc molecules. These observations are rationalized by density functional theory (DFT) calculations based on a realistic model of the ClAlPc/Ag(111) interface, which reveal that the different orientations of the ClAlPc dipole layer lead to different charge-transfer channels between the adsorbed ClAlPc and Ag(111) substrate. Our findings provide a useful framework toward method development for ELA tuning.

  17. Ab Initio Cluster Calculations for the Adsorption of Small Molecules on Oxide Surfaces - from Single Molecules to Monolayers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pykavy, M.; Staemmler, V.; Rittner, F.

    2000-04-01

    Quantum chemical ab initio cluster calculations were performed for the adsorption of small molecules on metal oxide surfaces. Two systems were studied in detail: The adsorption of N2 on the (110) surface plane of TiO2 (rutile) and the adsorption of CO on the polar (0001) surface of Cr2O3. In both cases a full five-dimensional potential for the interaction of a single molecule with the respective surface was calculated. For N2/TiO2 (110) the minimum was found for the end-on adsorption of N2 atop a coordinately unsaturated surface Ti atom, with an adsorption energy of (35 ± 5) kJ/mol. In the case of CO/Cr2O3 (0001) the CO molecule is adsorbed strongly tilted (almost side-on) along a line connecting two Cr3+ ions at the surface; the calculated adsorption energy is 22 kJ/mol. In conjunction with empirical pair potentials for the N2/N2 and CO/CO interaction in the gas phase, Monte Carlo simulations were carried out to determine adsorption isotherms and the geometric structure of adsorbed monolayers.

  18. Hydrogen Abstraction from Individual Thiophenol Molecules Adsorbed on Cu(111)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rao, Bommisetty; Kwon, Ki-Young; Liu, Anwei; Zhang, Jin-Tao; Bartels, Ludwig

    2004-03-01

    Thiol compounds on metal surfaces have been studied intensively because of their ability to form self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). However, the transition from the thiol to the surface thiolate is difficult to investigate in detail in the solution phase. Here we report on STM measurements that address the adsorption of a variety of substituted thiophenols on Cu(111) at 15K in vacuum. At this temperature, adsorption does not cause immediate scission of the S-H bond. We confirmed this by STM-based vibrational spectroscopy. Consequently, the sulfur atom of the thiol group adsorbs on-top of a substrate atom, which results in a sufficient separation of the aryl group from the substrate to allow its free rotation even at 15K. Asymmetrically substituted thiophenols result in STM images of pronounced helicity, which indicates that the molecules cannot tilt upright to exchange their adsorption side. Attachment of electrons from the tunneling current can cause hydrogen abstraction from the thiophenols, which locks them into the substrate. We investigated the dependence of the yield of the hydrogen abstraction on the thiophenol substituent identity and position. We find pronounced variations which may follow the Hammett Equation known from Standard Organic Chemistry.

  19. Adsorbates in a Box: Titration of Substrate Electronic States

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Zhihai; Wyrick, Jonathan; Luo, Miaomiao; Sun, Dezheng; Kim, Daeho; Zhu, Yeming; Lu, Wenhao; Kim, Kwangmoo; Einstein, T. L.; Bartels, Ludwig

    2010-08-01

    Nanoscale confinement of adsorbed CO molecules in an anthraquinone network on Cu(111) with a pore size of ≈4nm arranges the CO molecules in a shell structure that coincides with the distribution of substrate confined electronic states. Molecules occupy the states approximately in the sequence of rising electron energy. Despite the sixfold symmetry of the pore boundary itself, the adsorbate distribution adopts the threefold symmetry of the network-substrate system, highlighting the importance of the substrate even for such quasi-free-electron systems.

  20. An in situ XPS study of L-cysteine co-adsorbed with water on polycrystalline copper and gold

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jürgensen, Astrid; Raschke, Hannes; Esser, Norbert; Hergenröder, Roland

    2018-03-01

    The interactions of biomolecules with metal surfaces are important because an adsorbed layer of such molecules introduces complex reactive functionality to the substrate. However, studying these interactions is challenging: they usually take place in an aqueous environment, and the structure of the first few monolayers on the surface is of particular interest, as these layers determine most interfacial properties. Ideally, this requires surface sensitive analysis methods that are operated under ambient conditions, for example ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS). This paper focuses on an AP-XPS study of the interaction of water vapour and l-Cysteine on polycrystalline copper and gold surfaces. Thin films of l-Cysteine were characterized with XPS in UHV and in a water vapour atmosphere (P ≤ 1 mbar): the structure of the adsorbed l-Cysteine layer depended on substrate material and deposition method, and exposure of the surface to water vapour led to the formation of hydrogen bonds between H2O molecules and the COO- and NH2 groups of adsorbed l-Cysteine zwitterions and neutral molecules, respectively. This study also proved that it is possible to investigate monolayers of biomolecules in a gas atmosphere with AP-XPS using a conventional laboratory Al-Kα x-ray source.

  1. Making More-Complex Molecules Using Superthermal Atom/Molecule Collisions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shortt, Brian; Chutjian, Ara; Orient, Otto

    2008-01-01

    A method of making more-complex molecules from simpler ones has emerged as a by-product of an experimental study in outer-space atom/surface collision physics. The subject of the study was the formation of CO2 molecules as a result of impingement of O atoms at controlled kinetic energies upon cold surfaces onto which CO molecules had been adsorbed. In this study, the O/CO system served as a laboratory model, not only for the formation of CO2 but also for the formation of other compounds through impingement of rapidly moving atoms upon molecules adsorbed on such cold interstellar surfaces as those of dust grains or comets. By contributing to the formation of increasingly complex molecules, including organic ones, this study and related other studies may eventually contribute to understanding of the origins of life.

  2. High-resolution mid-infrared spectroscopy of buffer-gas-cooled methyltrioxorhenium molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tokunaga, S. K.; Hendricks, R. J.; Tarbutt, M. R.; Darquié, B.

    2017-05-01

    We demonstrate cryogenic buffer-gas cooling of gas-phase methyltrioxorhenium (MTO). This molecule is closely related to chiral organometallic molecules where the parity-violating energy differences between enantiomers is measurable. The molecules are produced with a rotational temperature of approximately 6 K by laser ablation of an MTO pellet inside a cryogenic helium buffer gas cell. Facilitated by the low temperature, we demonstrate absorption spectroscopy of the 10.2 μm antisymmetric Re=O stretching mode of MTO with a resolution of 8 MHz and a frequency accuracy of 30 MHz. We partially resolve the hyperfine structure and measure the nuclear quadrupole coupling of the excited vibrational state. Our ability to produce dense samples of complex molecules of this type at low temperatures represents a key step towards a precision measurement of parity violation in a chiral species.

  3. SO x /NO x Removal from Flue Gas Streams by Solid Adsorbents: A Review of Current Challenges and Future Directions

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rezaei, Fateme; Rownaghi, Ali A.; Monjezi, Saman

    One of the main challenges in the power and chemical industries is to remove generated toxic or environmentally harmful gases before atmospheric emission. To comply with stringent environmental and pollutant emissions control regulations, coal-fired power plants must be equipped with new technologies that are efficient and less energy-intensive than status quo technologies for flue gas cleanup. While conventional sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) removal technologies benefit from their large-scale implementation and maturity, they are quite energy-intensive. In view of this, the development of lower-cost, less energy-intensive technologies could offer an advantage. Significant energy and cost savings can potentiallymore » be realized by using advanced adsorbent materials. One of the major barriers to the development of such technologies remains the development of materials that are efficient and productive in removing flue gas contaminants. In this review, adsorption-based removal of SOx/NOx impurities from flue gas is discussed, with a focus on important attributes of the solid adsorbent materials as well as implementation of the materials in conventional and emerging acid gas removal technologies. The requirements for effective adsorbents are noted with respect to their performance, key limitations, and suggested future research directions. The final section includes some key areas for future research and provides a possible roadmap for the development of technologies for the removal of flue gas impurities that are more efficient and cost-effective than status quo approaches.« less

  4. DFT study of adsorption of picric acid molecule on the surface of single-walled ZnO nanotube; as potential new chemical sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farmanzadeh, Davood; Tabari, Leila

    2015-01-01

    Using density functional theory (DFT), we have investigated the adsorption of picric acid (PA) molecule on the surface of (8,0) single-walled ZnO nanotube (ZnONT). The results show that the PA molecule can be chemisorbed on the surface of ZnONT with adsorption energies of -82.01 and -75.26 kJ/mol in gas and aqueous phase, respectively. Frontier molecular orbital analysis show that HOMO/LUMO gap of ZnONT reduces from 1.66 and 1.75 eV in the pristine nanotube to 0.83 and 0.72 eV in PA-adsorbed form in gas and aqueous phase, respectively. It suggests that the process can affect the electronic properties of the studied nanotube which would lead to its conductance change upon the adsorption of PA molecule. The modifying effect on the electrical conductance of ZnONT underlies the working mechanism of gas sensors for detecting the PA molecules. Analyses of the adsorption behavior of the electrically charged ZnONT toward PA molecule in the gas phase show that the PA molecule can be strongly adsorbed on the negatively charged ZnONT surface with significant adsorption energy (-135.1 kJ/mol). However, from the HOMO/LUMO gap changes, it can be concluded that the positive ZnONT might sensitively detect the PA molecule in comparison to the negative tube. These results can provide helpful information for experimental investigation to develop novel nanotube-based sensors.

  5. Reactions of gas phase H atoms with ethylene, acetylene and ethane adsorbed on Ni( 1 1 1 )

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bürgi, T.; Trautman, T. R.; Gostein, M.; Lahr, D. L.; Haug, K. L.; Ceyer, S. T.

    2002-03-01

    The products of the reaction of the most energetic form of hydrogen, gas phase H atoms, with ethylene, acetylene and ethane adsorbed on a Ni(1 1 1) surface at 60 K are probed. Adsorbed ethylidyne (CCH 3) is identified by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy to be the major product (30% yield) in all three cases. Adsorbed acetylene is a minor product (3% yield) and arises as a consequence of a dynamic equilibrium between CCH 3 and C 2H 2 in the presence of gas phase H atoms. The observation of the same product for the reaction of H atoms with all three hydrocarbons implies that CCH 3 is the most stable C 2 species in the presence of coadsorbed hydrogen. The rates of CCH 3 production are measured as a function of the time of exposure of H atoms to each hydrocarbon. A simple kinetic model treating each reaction as a pseudo-first order reaction in the hydrocarbon coverage is fit to these data. A mechanism for the formation of CCH 3 via a CHCH 2 intermediate common to all three reactants is proposed to describe this model. The observed instability of the CH 2CH 3 species relative to C 2H 4 plays a role in the formulation of this mechanism as does the observed stability of CHCH 2 species in the presence of coadsorbed hydrogen. The CH 2CH 3 and the CHCH 2 species are produced by the translational activation of ethane and the dissociative ionization of ethane and ethylene, respectively. In addition, the binding energy and the vibrational spectrum of ethane adsorbed on Ni(1 1 1) are determined and exceptionally high resolution vibrational spectra of adsorbed ethylene and acetylene are presented.

  6. Regenerable activated bauxite adsorbent alkali monitor probe

    DOEpatents

    Lee, S.H.D.

    1992-12-22

    A regenerable activated bauxite adsorber alkali monitor probe for field applications to provide reliable measurement of alkali-vapor concentration in combustion gas with special emphasis on pressurized fluidized-bed combustion (PFBC) off-gas. More particularly, the invention relates to the development of a easily regenerable bauxite adsorbent for use in a method to accurately determine the alkali-vapor content of PFBC exhaust gases. 6 figs.

  7. Atomic scale friction of molecular adsorbates during diffusion.

    PubMed

    Lechner, B A J; de Wijn, A S; Hedgeland, H; Jardine, A P; Hinch, B J; Allison, W; Ellis, J

    2013-05-21

    Experimental observations suggest that molecular adsorbates exhibit a larger friction coefficient than atomic species of comparable mass, yet the origin of this increased friction is not well understood. We present a study of the microscopic origins of friction experienced by molecular adsorbates during surface diffusion. Helium spin-echo measurements of a range of five-membered aromatic molecules, cyclopentadienyl, pyrrole, and thiophene, on a copper(111) surface are compared with molecular dynamics simulations of the respective systems. The adsorbates have different chemical interactions with the surface and differ in bonding geometry, yet the measurements show that the friction is greater than 2 ps(-1) for all these molecules. We demonstrate that the internal and external degrees of freedom of these adsorbate species are a key factor in the underlying microscopic processes and identify the rotation modes as the ones contributing most to the total measured friction coefficient.

  8. Mercury adsorption properties of sulfur-impregnated adsorbents

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hsi, N.-C.; Rood, M.J.; Rostam-Abadi, M.; Chen, S.; Chang, R.

    2002-01-01

    Carbonaceous and noncarbonaceous adsorbents were impregnated with elemental sulfur to evaluate the chemical and physical properties of the adsorbents and their equilibrium mercury adsorption capacities. Simulated coal combustion flue gas conditions were used to determine the equilibrium adsorption capacities for Hg0 and HgCl2 gases to better understand how to remove mercury from gas streams generated by coal-fired utility power plants. Sulfur was deposited onto the adsorbents by monolayer surface deposition or volume pore filling. Sulfur impregnation increased the total sulfur content and decreased the total and micropore surface areas and pore volumes for all of the adsorbents tested. Adsorbents with sufficient amounts of active adsorption sites and sufficient microporous structure had mercury adsorption capacities up to 4,509 ??g Hg/g adsorbent. Elemental sulfur, organic sulfur, and sulfate were formed on the adsorbents during sulfur impregnation. Correlations were established with R2>0.92 between the equilibrium Hg0/HgCl2 adsorption capacities and the mass concentrations of elemental and organic sulfur. This result indicates that elemental and organic sulfur are important active adsorption sites for Hg0 and HgCl2.

  9. Rotary adsorbers for continuous bulk separations

    DOEpatents

    Baker, Frederick S [Oak Ridge, TN

    2011-11-08

    A rotary adsorber for continuous bulk separations is disclosed. The rotary adsorber includes an adsorption zone in fluid communication with an influent adsorption fluid stream, and a desorption zone in fluid communication with a desorption fluid stream. The fluid streams may be gas streams or liquid streams. The rotary adsorber includes one or more adsorption blocks including adsorbent structure(s). The adsorbent structure adsorbs the target species that is to be separated from the influent fluid stream. The apparatus includes a rotary wheel for moving each adsorption block through the adsorption zone and the desorption zone. A desorption circuit passes an electrical current through the adsorbent structure in the desorption zone to desorb the species from the adsorbent structure. The adsorbent structure may include porous activated carbon fibers aligned with their longitudinal axis essentially parallel to the flow direction of the desorption fluid stream. The adsorbent structure may be an inherently electrically-conductive honeycomb structure.

  10. Method of monitoring photoactive organic molecules in-situ during gas-phase deposition of the photoactive organic molecules

    DOEpatents

    Forrest, Stephen R.; Vartanian, Garen; Rolin, Cedric

    2015-06-23

    A method for in-situ monitoring of gas-phase photoactive organic molecules in real time while depositing a film of the photoactive organic molecules on a substrate in a processing chamber for depositing the film includes irradiating the gas-phase photoactive organic molecules in the processing chamber with a radiation from a radiation source in-situ while depositing the film of the one or more organic materials and measuring the intensity of the resulting photoluminescence emission from the organic material. One or more processing parameters associated with the deposition process can be determined from the photoluminescence intensity data in real time providing useful feedback on the deposition process.

  11. Driving force behind adsorption-induced protein unfolding: a time-resolved X-ray reflectivity study on lysozyme adsorbed at an air/water interface.

    PubMed

    Yano, Yohko F; Uruga, Tomoya; Tanida, Hajime; Toyokawa, Hidenori; Terada, Yasuko; Takagaki, Masafumi; Yamada, Hironari

    2009-01-06

    Time-resolved X-ray reflectivity measurements for lysozyme (LSZ) adsorbed at an air/water interface were performed to study the mechanism of adsorption-induced protein unfolding. The time dependence of the density profile at the air/water interface revealed that the molecular conformation changed significantly during adsorption. Taking into account previous work using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, we propose that the LSZ molecules initially adsorbed on the air/water interface have a flat unfolded structure, forming antiparallel beta-sheets as a result of hydrophobic interactions with the gas phase. In contrast, as adsorption continues, a second layer forms in which the molecules have a very loose structure having random coils as a result of hydrophilic interactions with the hydrophilic groups that protrude from the first layer.

  12. A permanent magnet trap for buffer gas cooled atoms and molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nohlmans, D.; Skoff, S. M.; Hendricks, R. J.; Segal, D. M.; Sauer, B. E.; Hinds, E. A.; Tarbutt, M. R.

    2013-05-01

    Cold molecules are set to provide a wealth of new science compared to their atomic counterparts. Here we want to present preliminary results for cooling and trapping atoms/molecules in a permanent magnetic trap. By replacing the conventional buffer gas cell with an arrangement of permanent magnets, we will be able to trap a fraction of the molecules right where they are cooled. For this purpose we have designed a quadrupole trap using NdFeB magnets, which has a trap depth of 0.4 K for molecules with a magnetic moment of 1 μB. Cold helium gas is pulsed into the trap region by a solenoid valve and the atoms/molecules are subsequently ablated into this and cooled via elastic collisions, leaving a fraction of them trapped. This new set-up is currently being tested with lithium atoms as they are easier to make. After having optimised the trapping and detection processes, we will use the same trap for YbF molecules.

  13. Adsorption of HCN molecules on Ni, Pd and Pt-doped (7, 0) boron nitride nanotube: a DFT study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Habibi-Yangjeh, Aziz; Basharnavaz, Hadi

    2018-05-01

    We studied affinity of pure and Ni, Pd and Pt-doped (7, 0) boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) to toxic HCN molecules using density functional theory calculations. The results indicated that the pure (7, 0) BNNTs can weakly adsorb HCN molecules with adsorption energy of -0.2474 eV. Upon adsorption of HCN molecules on this nanotube, the band gap energy was decreased from 3.320 to 2.960 eV. The more negative adsorption energy between these transition metal-doped (7, 0) BNNTs and HCN molecules indicated that doping of (7, 0) BNNTs with Ni, Pd and Pt elements can significantly improve the affinity of BNNTs toward this gas. Additionally, it was found that the interaction energy between HCN molecules and Pt-doped BNNTs is more negative than those of the Ni and Pd-doped BNNTs. These observations suggested that the Pt-doped (7, 0) BNNTs are strongly sensitive to HCN molecules and therefore it may be used in gas sensor devices for detecting this toxic gas.

  14. Smart Adsorbents with Photoregulated Molecular Gates for Both Selective Adsorption and Efficient Regeneration.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Lei; Jiang, Yao; Yan, Ni; Shan, Shu-Feng; Liu, Xiao-Qin; Sun, Lin-Bing

    2016-09-07

    Selective adsorption and efficient regeneration are two crucial issues for adsorption processes; unfortunately, only one of them instead of both is favored by traditional adsorbents with fixed pore orifices. Herein, we fabricated a new generation of smart adsorbents through grafting photoresponsive molecules, namely, 4-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl-ureido)azobenzene (AB-TPI), onto pore orifices of the support mesoporous silica. The azobenzene (AB) derivatives serve as the molecular gates of mesopores and are reversibly opened and closed upon light irradiation. Irradiation with visible light (450 nm) causes AB molecules to isomerize from cis to trans configuration, and the molecular gates are closed. It is easy for smaller adsorbates to enter while difficult for the larger ones, and the selective adsorption is consequently facilitated. Upon irradiation with UV light (365 nm), the AB molecules are transformed from trans to cis isomers, promoting the desorption of adsorbates due to the opened molecular gates. The present smart adsorbents can consequently benefit not only selective adsorption but also efficient desorption, which are exceedingly desirable for adsorptive separation but impossible for traditional adsorbents with fixed pore orifices.

  15. Method of recovering adsorbed liquid compounds from molecular sieve columns

    DOEpatents

    Burkholder, H.R.; Fanslow, G.E.

    1983-12-20

    Molecularly adsorbed volatile liquid compounds are recovered from molecular sieve adsorbent columns by directionally applying microwave energy to the bed of the adsorbent to produce a mixed liquid-gas effluent. The gas portion of the effluent generates pressure within the bed to promote the discharge of the effluent from the column bottoms. Preferably the discharged liquid-gas effluent is collected in two to three separate fractions, the second or intermediate fraction having a substantially higher concentration of the desorbed compound than the first or third fractions. The desorption does not need to be assisted by passing a carrier gas through the bed or by applying reduced pressure to the outlet from the bed. 8 figs.

  16. Method of recovering adsorbed liquid compounds from molecular sieve columns

    DOEpatents

    Burkholder, Harvey R.; Fanslow, Glenn E.

    1983-01-01

    Molecularly adsorbed volatile liquid compounds are recovered from molecular sieve adsorbent columns by directionally applying microwave energy to the bed of the adsorbent to produce a mixed liquid-gas effluent. The gas portion of the effluent generates pressure within the bed to promote the discharge of the effluent from the column bottoms. Preferably the discharged liquid-gas effluent is collected in two to three separate fractions, the second or intermediate fraction having a substantially higher concentration of the desorbed compound than the first or third fractions. The desorption does not need to be assisted by passing a carrier gas through the bed or by applying reduced pressure to the outlet from the bed.

  17. Correlation between surface morphology and surface forces of protein A adsorbed on mica.

    PubMed Central

    Ohnishi, S; Murata, M; Hato, M

    1998-01-01

    We have investigated the morphology and surface forces of protein A adsorbed on mica surface in the protein solutions of various concentrations. The force-distance curves, measured with a surface force apparatus (SFA), were interpreted in terms of two different regimens: a "large-distance" regimen in which an electrostatic double-layer force dominates, and an "adsorbed layer" regimen in which a force of steric origin dominates. To further clarify the forces of steric origin, the surface morphology of the adsorbed protein layer was investigated with an atomic force microscope (AFM) because the steric repulsive forces are strongly affected by the adsorption mode of protein A molecules on mica. At lower protein concentrations (2 ppm, 10 ppm), protein A molecules were adsorbed "side-on" parallel to the mica surfaces, forming a monolayer of approximately 2.5 nm. AFM images at higher concentrations (30 ppm, 100 ppm) showed protruding structures over the monolayer, which revealed that the adsorbed protein A molecules had one end oriented into the solution, with the remainder of each molecule adsorbed side-on to the mica surface. These extending ends of protein A overlapped each other and formed a "quasi-double layer" over the mica surface. These AFM images proved the existence of a monolayer of protein A molecules at low concentrations and a "quasi-double layer" with occasional protrusions at high concentrations, which were consistent with the adsorption mode observed in the force-distance curves. PMID:9449346

  18. Amine-pillared Nanosheet Adsorbents for CO2 Capture Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Hui

    Amine-functionalized solid adsorbents have gained attention within the last decade for their application in carbon dioxide capture, due to their many advantages such as low energy cost for regeneration, tunable structure, elimination of corrosion problems, and additional advantages. However, one of the challenges facing this technology is to accomplish both high CO 2 capture capacity along with high CO2 diffusion rates concurrently. Current amine-based solid sorbents such as porous materials similar to SBA-15 have large pores diffusion entering molecules; however, the pores become clogged upon amine inclusion. To meet this challenge, our group's solution involves the creation of a new type of material which we are calling-amino-pillared nanosheet (APN) adsorbents which are generated from layered nanosheet precursors. These materials are being proposed because of their unique lamellar structure which exhibits ability to be modified by organic or inorganic pillars through consecutive swelling and pillaring steps to form large mesoporous interlayer spaces. After the expansion of the layer space through swelling and pillaring, the large pore space can be functionalized with amine groups. This selective functionalization is possible by the choice of amine group introduced. Our choice, large amine molecules, do not access the micropore within each layer; however, either physically or chemically immobilized onto the surface of the mesoporous interlayer space between each layer. The final goal of the research is to investigate the ability to prepare APN adsorbents from a model nanoporous layered materials including nanosheets precursor material MCM-22(P) and nanoporous layered silicate material AMH-3. MCM-22(P) contains 2-dimensional porous channels, 6 membered rings (MB) openings perpendicular to the layers and 10 MB channels in the plane of the layers. However, the transport limiting openings (6 MB) to the layers is smaller than CO2 gas molecules. In contrast, AMH-3 has

  19. Small molecule inhibitors block Gas6-inducible TAM activation and tumorigenicity.

    PubMed

    Kimani, Stanley G; Kumar, Sushil; Bansal, Nitu; Singh, Kamalendra; Kholodovych, Vladyslav; Comollo, Thomas; Peng, Youyi; Kotenko, Sergei V; Sarafianos, Stefan G; Bertino, Joseph R; Welsh, William J; Birge, Raymond B

    2017-03-08

    TAM receptors (Tyro-3, Axl, and Mertk) are a family of three homologous type I receptor tyrosine kinases that are implicated in several human malignancies. Overexpression of TAMs and their major ligand Growth arrest-specific factor 6 (Gas6) is associated with more aggressive staging of cancers, poorer predicted patient survival, acquired drug resistance and metastasis. Here we describe small molecule inhibitors (RU-301 and RU-302) that target the extracellular domain of Axl at the interface of the Ig-1 ectodomain of Axl and the Lg-1 of Gas6. These inhibitors effectively block Gas6-inducible Axl receptor activation with low micromolar IC 50s in cell-based reporter assays, inhibit Gas6-inducible motility in Axl-expressing cell lines, and suppress H1299 lung cancer tumor growth in a mouse xenograft NOD-SCIDγ model. Furthermore, using homology models and biochemical verifications, we show that RU301 and 302 also inhibit Gas6 inducible activation of Mertk and Tyro3 suggesting they can act as pan-TAM inhibitors that block the interface between the TAM Ig1 ectodomain and the Gas6 Lg domain. Together, these observations establish that small molecules that bind to the interface between TAM Ig1 domain and Gas6 Lg1 domain can inhibit TAM activation, and support the further development of small molecule Gas6-TAM interaction inhibitors as a novel class of cancer therapeutics.

  20. Adsorption structures and energetics of molecules on metal surfaces: Bridging experiment and theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maurer, Reinhard J.; Ruiz, Victor G.; Camarillo-Cisneros, Javier; Liu, Wei; Ferri, Nicola; Reuter, Karsten; Tkatchenko, Alexandre

    2016-05-01

    Adsorption geometry and stability of organic molecules on surfaces are key parameters that determine the observable properties and functions of hybrid inorganic/organic systems (HIOSs). Despite many recent advances in precise experimental characterization and improvements in first-principles electronic structure methods, reliable databases of structures and energetics for large adsorbed molecules are largely amiss. In this review, we present such a database for a range of molecules adsorbed on metal single-crystal surfaces. The systems we analyze include noble-gas atoms, conjugated aromatic molecules, carbon nanostructures, and heteroaromatic compounds adsorbed on five different metal surfaces. The overall objective is to establish a diverse benchmark dataset that enables an assessment of current and future electronic structure methods, and motivates further experimental studies that provide ever more reliable data. Specifically, the benchmark structures and energetics from experiment are here compared with the recently developed van der Waals (vdW) inclusive density-functional theory (DFT) method, DFT + vdWsurf. In comparison to 23 adsorption heights and 17 adsorption energies from experiment we find a mean average deviation of 0.06 Å and 0.16 eV, respectively. This confirms the DFT + vdWsurf method as an accurate and efficient approach to treat HIOSs. A detailed discussion identifies remaining challenges to be addressed in future development of electronic structure methods, for which the here presented benchmark database may serve as an important reference.

  1. Investigation of the adsorption of ozone molecules on TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposites by DFT computations: Applications to gas sensor devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abbasi, Amirali; Sardroodi, Jaber Jahanbin

    2018-04-01

    The adsorption of O3 molecule on the undoped and N-doped TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposites was studied using first principles density functional theory calculations. O3 interaction with TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposites is considered so as to investigate WSe2 effects on the adsorption process. WSe2 favors the adsorption of O3 on TiO2 particles. In other words, WSe2 is conducive to the interaction of O3 molecule with fivefold coordinated titanium sites of TiO2. The effects of vdW interactions were taken into account in order to obtain equilibrium geometries of O3 molecules at TiO2/WSe2 interfaces. For all adsorption configurations, the binding site was positioned on the fivefold coordinated titanium atoms. The results show that the interactions between O3 and TiO2 in TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposites are stronger than those between O3 and bare TiO2, suggesting that WSe2 helps to strengthen the interaction of ozone molecule with TiO2 particles. The results also indicate that the adsorption of the O3 molecule on the N-doped TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposite is more energetically favorable than the adsorption of O3 on the pristine one, representing that the N-doped nanocomposites are more sensitive than the undoped ones. Our DFT results clearly show that the N-doped TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposite would be a promising O3 gas sensor. The electronic structure of the adsorption system was also investigated, including analysis of the total and projected density of states, and charge density differences of the TiO2/WSe2 with adsorbed O3 molecules. The charge density difference calculations indicate that the charges were accumulated over the adsorbed O3 molecule. Besides, the N-doped nanocomposites have better sensing response than the pristine ones. This work was devoted to provide the theory basis for the design and development of novel and advanced O3 sensors based on modified TiO2/WSe2 nanocomposites.

  2. Direct Structural Identification of Gas Induced Gate-Opening Coupled with Commensurate Adsorption in a Microporous Metal-Organic Framework.

    PubMed

    Banerjee, Debasis; Wang, Hao; Plonka, Anna M; Emge, Thomas J; Parise, John B; Li, Jing

    2016-08-08

    Gate-opening is a unique and interesting phenomenon commonly observed in flexible porous frameworks, where the pore characteristics and/or crystal structures change in response to external stimuli such as adding or removing guest molecules. For gate-opening that is induced by gas adsorption, the pore-opening pressure often varies for different adsorbate molecules and, thus, can be applied to selectively separate a gas mixture. The detailed understanding of this phenomenon is of fundamental importance to the design of industrially applicable gas-selective sorbents, which remains under investigated due to the lack of direct structural evidence for such systems. We report a mechanistic study of gas-induced gate-opening process of a microporous metal-organic framework, [Mn(ina)2 ] (ina=isonicotinate) associated with commensurate adsorption, by a combination of several analytical techniques including single crystal X-ray diffraction, in situ powder X-ray diffraction coupled with differential scanning calorimetry (XRD-DSC), and gas adsorption-desorption methods. Our study reveals that the pronounced and reversible gate opening/closing phenomena observed in [Mn(ina)2 ] are coupled with a structural transition that involves rotation of the organic linker molecules as a result of interaction of the framework with adsorbed gas molecules including carbon dioxide and propane. The onset pressure to open the gate correlates with the extent of such interaction. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Theoretical insight of adsorption thermodynamics of multifunctional molecules on metal surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Loffreda, David

    2006-05-01

    Adsorption thermodynamics based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations are exposed for the interaction of several multifunctional molecules with Pt and Au(1 1 0)-(1 × 2) surfaces. The Gibbs free adsorption energy explicitly depends on the adsorption internal energy, which is derived from DFT adsorption energy, and the vibrational entropy change during the chemisorption process. Zero-point energy (ZPE) corrections have been systematically applied to the adsorption energy. Moreover the vibrational entropy change has been computed on the basis of DFT harmonic frequencies (gas and adsorbed phases, clean surfaces), which have been extended to all the adsorbate vibrations and the metallic surface phonons. The phase diagrams plotted in realistic conditions of temperature (from 100 to 400 K) and pressure (0.15 atm) show that the ZPE corrected adsorption energy is the main contribution. When strong chemisorption is considered on the Pt surface, the multifunctional molecules are adsorbed on the surface in the considered temperature range. In contrast for weak chemisorption on the Au surface, the thermodynamic results should be held cautiously. The systematic errors of the model (choice of the functional, configurational entropy and vibrational entropy) make difficult the prediction of the adsorption-desorption phase boundaries.

  4. Electronic energy level alignment at metal-molecule interfaces with a GW approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tamblyn, Isaac; Darancet, Pierre; Quek, Su Ying; Bonev, Stanimir A.; Neaton, Jeffrey B.

    2011-11-01

    Using density functional theory and many-body perturbation theory within a GW approximation, we calculate the electronic structure of a metal-molecule interface consisting of benzene diamine (BDA) adsorbed on Au(111). Through direct comparison with photoemission data, we show that a conventional G0W0 approach can underestimate the energy of the adsorbed molecular resonance relative to the Au Fermi level by up to 0.8 eV. The source of this discrepancy is twofold: a 0.7 eV underestimate of the gas phase ionization energy (IE), and a 0.2 eV overestimate of the Au work function. Refinements to self-energy calculations within the GW framework that account for deviations in both the Au work function and BDA gas-phase IE can result in an interfacial electronic level alignment in quantitative agreement with experiment.

  5. Adsorbate-induced lifting of substrate relaxation is a general mechanism governing titania surface chemistry.

    PubMed

    Silber, David; Kowalski, Piotr M; Traeger, Franziska; Buchholz, Maria; Bebensee, Fabian; Meyer, Bernd; Wöll, Christof

    2016-09-30

    Under ambient conditions, almost all metals are coated by an oxide. These coatings, the result of a chemical reaction, are not passive. Many of them bind, activate and modify adsorbed molecules, processes that are exploited, for example, in heterogeneous catalysis and photochemistry. Here we report an effect of general importance that governs the bonding, structure formation and dissociation of molecules on oxidic substrates. For a specific example, methanol adsorbed on the rutile TiO 2 (110) single crystal surface, we demonstrate by using a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques that strongly bonding adsorbates can lift surface relaxations beyond their adsorption site, which leads to a significant substrate-mediated interaction between adsorbates. The result is a complex superstructure consisting of pairs of methanol molecules and unoccupied adsorption sites. Infrared spectroscopy reveals that the paired methanol molecules remain intact and do not deprotonate on the defect-free terraces of the rutile TiO 2 (110) surface.

  6. Adsorbate-induced lifting of substrate relaxation is a general mechanism governing titania surface chemistry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Silber, David; Kowalski, Piotr M.; Traeger, Franziska; Buchholz, Maria; Bebensee, Fabian; Meyer, Bernd; Wöll, Christof

    2016-09-01

    Under ambient conditions, almost all metals are coated by an oxide. These coatings, the result of a chemical reaction, are not passive. Many of them bind, activate and modify adsorbed molecules, processes that are exploited, for example, in heterogeneous catalysis and photochemistry. Here we report an effect of general importance that governs the bonding, structure formation and dissociation of molecules on oxidic substrates. For a specific example, methanol adsorbed on the rutile TiO2(110) single crystal surface, we demonstrate by using a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques that strongly bonding adsorbates can lift surface relaxations beyond their adsorption site, which leads to a significant substrate-mediated interaction between adsorbates. The result is a complex superstructure consisting of pairs of methanol molecules and unoccupied adsorption sites. Infrared spectroscopy reveals that the paired methanol molecules remain intact and do not deprotonate on the defect-free terraces of the rutile TiO2(110) surface.

  7. Database of Novel and Emerging Adsorbent Materials

    National Institute of Standards and Technology Data Gateway

    SRD 205 NIST/ARPA-E Database of Novel and Emerging Adsorbent Materials (Web, free access)   The NIST/ARPA-E Database of Novel and Emerging Adsorbent Materials is a free, web-based catalog of adsorbent materials and measured adsorption properties of numerous materials obtained from article entries from the scientific literature. Search fields for the database include adsorbent material, adsorbate gas, experimental conditions (pressure, temperature), and bibliographic information (author, title, journal), and results from queries are provided as a list of articles matching the search parameters. The database also contains adsorption isotherms digitized from the cataloged articles, which can be compared visually online in the web application or exported for offline analysis.

  8. Adsorption of gas molecules on Cu impurities embedded monolayer MoS2: A first- principles study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, B.; Li, C. Y.; Liu, L. L.; Zhou, B.; Zhang, Q. K.; Chen, Z. Q.; Tang, Z.

    2016-09-01

    Adsorption of small gas molecules (O2, NO, NO2 and NH3) on transition-metal Cu atom embedded monolayer MoS2 was investigated by first-principles calculations based on the density-functional theory (DFT). The embedded Cu atom is strongly constrained on the sulfur vacancy of monolayer MoS2 with a high diffusion barrier. The stable adsorption geometry, charge transfer and electronic structures of these gas molecules on monolayer MoS2 embedded with transition-metal Cu atom are discussed in detail. It is found that the monolayer MoS2 with embedded Cu atom can effectively capture these gas molecules with high adsorption energy. The NH3 molecule acts as electron donor after adsorption, which is different from the other gas molecules (O2, NO, and NO2). The results suggest that MoS2-Cu system may be promising for future applications in gas molecules sensing and catalysis, which is similar to those of the transition-metal embedded graphene.

  9. Laboratory Studies of Stabilities of Heterocyclic Aromatic Molecules: Suggested Gas Phase Ion-Molecule Routes to Production in Interstellar Gas Clouds

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Adams, Nigel G.; Fondren, L. Dalila; McLain, Jason L.; Jackson, Doug M.

    2006-01-01

    Several ring compounds have been detected in interstellar gas clouds, ISC, including the aromatic, benzene. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs, have been implicated as carriers of diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) and unidentified infrared (UIR) bands. Heterocyclic aromatic rings of intermediate size containing nitrogen, possibly PreLife molecules, were included in early searches but were not detected and a recent search for Pyrimidine was unsuccessful. Our laboratory investigations of routes to such molecules could establish their existence in ISC and suggest conditions under which their concentrations would be maximized thus aiding the searches. The stability of such ring compounds (C5H5N, C4H4N2, C5H11N and C4H8O2) has been tested in the laboratory using charge transfer excitation in ion-molecule reactions. The fragmentation paths, including production of C4H4(+), C3H3N(+) and HCN, suggest reverse routes to the parent molecules, which are presently under laboratory investigation as production sources.

  10. Porous materials as high performance adsorbents for CO2 capture, gas separation and purification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Jun

    Global warming resulted from greenhouse gases emission has received a widespread attention. Among the greenhouse gases, CO2 contributes more than 60% to global warming due to its huge emission amount. The flue gas contains about 15% CO2 with N2 as the balance. If CO2 can be separated from flue gas, the benefit is not only reducing the global warming effect, but also producing pure CO2 as a very useful industry raw material. Substantial progress is urgent to be achieved in an industrial process. Moreover, energy crisis is one of the biggest challenges for all countries due to the short life of fossil fuels, such as, petroleum will run out in 50 years and coal will run out in 150 years according to today's speed. Moreover, the severe pollution to the environment caused by burning fossil fuels requires us to explore sustainable, environment-friendly, and facile energy sources. Among several alternative energy sources, natural gas is one of the most promising alternative energy sources due to its huge productivity, abundant feed stock, and ease of generation. In order to realize a substantial adsorption process in industry, synthesis of new adsorbents or modification of existing adsorbent with improved properties has become the most critical issue. This dissertation reports systemic characterization and development of five serials of novel adsorbents with advanced adsorption properties. In chapter 2, nitrogen-doped Hypercross-linking Polymers (HCPs) have been synthesized successfully with non-carcinogenic chloromethyl methyl ether (CME) as the cross-linking agent within a single step. Texture properties, surface morphology, CO2/N2 selectivity, and adsorption heat have been presented and demonstrated properly. A comprehensive discussion on factors that affect the CO2 adsorption and CO2/N 2 separation has also been presented. It was found that high micropore proportion and N-content could effectively enhance CO2 uptake and CO2/N2 separation selectivity. In chapter 3, a

  11. Study of Molecular-Shape Selectivity of Zeolites by Gas Chromatography

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chao, Pei-Yu; Chuang, Yao-Yuan; Ho, Grace Hsiuying; Chuang, Shiow-Huey; Tsai, Tseng-Chang; Lee, Chi-Young; Tsai, Shang-Tien; Huang, Jun-Fu

    2008-01-01

    A sorption experiment using a gas chromatograph is described that can help students understand the "molecular-shape selectivity" behavior of zeolites in the subnano regime. Hexane isomers are used as probe molecules to demonstrate the sorption phenomena. In the experiment, a zeolite adsorbs certain hexane isomers with molecular sizes smaller than…

  12. How mobile are dye adsorbates and acetonitrile molecules on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles? A quasi-elastic neutron scattering study

    PubMed Central

    Vaissier, Valerie; Sakai, Victoria Garcia; Li, Xiaoe; Cabral, João T.; Nelson, Jenny; Barnes, Piers R. F.

    2016-01-01

    Motions of molecules adsorbed to surfaces may control the rate of charge transport within monolayers in systems such as dye sensitized solar cells. We used quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) to evaluate the possible dynamics of two small dye moieties, isonicotinic acid (INA) and bis-isonicotinic acid (BINA), attached to TiO2 nanoparticles via carboxylate groups. The scattering data indicate that moieties are immobile and do not rotate around the anchoring groups on timescales between around 10 ps and a few ns (corresponding to the instrumental range). This gives an upper limit for the rate at which conformational fluctuations can assist charge transport between anchored molecules. Our observations suggest that if the conformation of larger dye molecules varies with time, it does so on longer timescales and/or in parts of the molecule which are not directly connected to the anchoring group. The QENS measurements also indicate that several layers of acetonitrile solvent molecules are immobilized at the interface with the TiO2 on the measurement time scale, in reasonable agreement with recent classical molecular dynamics results. PMID:27991538

  13. How mobile are dye adsorbates and acetonitrile molecules on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles? A quasi-elastic neutron scattering study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vaissier, Valerie; Sakai, Victoria Garcia; Li, Xiaoe; Cabral, João T.; Nelson, Jenny; Barnes, Piers R. F.

    2016-12-01

    Motions of molecules adsorbed to surfaces may control the rate of charge transport within monolayers in systems such as dye sensitized solar cells. We used quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) to evaluate the possible dynamics of two small dye moieties, isonicotinic acid (INA) and bis-isonicotinic acid (BINA), attached to TiO2 nanoparticles via carboxylate groups. The scattering data indicate that moieties are immobile and do not rotate around the anchoring groups on timescales between around 10 ps and a few ns (corresponding to the instrumental range). This gives an upper limit for the rate at which conformational fluctuations can assist charge transport between anchored molecules. Our observations suggest that if the conformation of larger dye molecules varies with time, it does so on longer timescales and/or in parts of the molecule which are not directly connected to the anchoring group. The QENS measurements also indicate that several layers of acetonitrile solvent molecules are immobilized at the interface with the TiO2 on the measurement time scale, in reasonable agreement with recent classical molecular dynamics results.

  14. Heat capacity of xenon adsorbed on nanobundle grooves

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chishko, K. A.; Sokolova, E. S.

    2016-02-01

    A model of a one-dimensional nonideal gas in an external transverse force field is used to interpret the experimentally observed thermodynamic properties of xenon deposited in grooves on the surface of carbon nanobundles. A nonideal gas model with pairwise interactions is not entirely adequate for describing dense adsorbates (at low temperatures), but makes it easy to account for the exchange of particles between the 1D adsorbate and the 3D atmosphere, which is an important factor at intermediate (on the order of 35 K for xenon) and, especially, high (˜100 K) temperatures. In this paper, we examine a 1D real gas taking only the one-dimensional Lennard-Jones interaction into account, but under exact equilibrium with respect to the number of particles between the 1D adsorbate and the 3D atmosphere of the measurement cell. The low-temperature branch of the specific heat is fitted independently by an elastic chain model so as to obtain the best agreement between theory and experiment over the widest possible region, beginning at zero temperature. The gas approximation sets in after temperatures for which the phonon specific heat of the chain essentially transforms to a one-dimensional equipartition law. Here the basic parameters of both models can be chosen so that the heat capacity C(T) of the chain transforms essentially continuously into the corresponding curve for the gas approximation. Thus, it can be expected that an adequate interpretation of the real temperature dependences of the specific heat of low-dimensionality atomic adsorbates can be obtained through a reasonable combination of the phonon and gas approximations. The main parameters of the gas approximation (such as the desorption energy) obtained by fitting the theory to experiments on the specific heat of xenon correlate well with published data.

  15. Fe-doped graphene nanosheet as an adsorption platform of harmful gas molecules (CO, CO2, SO2 and H2S), and the co-adsorption in O2 environments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cortés-Arriagada, Diego; Villegas-Escobar, Nery; Ortega, Daniela E.

    2018-01-01

    The adsorption of pollutant gases (CO, CO2, SO2 and H2S) onto Fe-doped graphene nanosheets (FeG) is studied on the basis of density functional theory calculations at the PBE/Def2-SVP level of theory. The most stable adsorption configurations, binding characteristics, electronic properties and stability at room temperature of the FeG-Gas interactions is fully analyzed. The gas molecules are chemisorbed onto FeG with adsorption energies in the range of 0.54-1.8 eV, with an enhanced adsorption strength compared to intrinsic graphene. The stability of the FeG-Gas interactions is dominated by Lewis-acid-base interactions, and its strength is sorted as SO2 > CO > H2S > CO2. The adsorption stability is also retained at room temperature (300 K). Due to the strong interaction of SO2, CO, and H2S, FeG could catalyze or activate these gas molecules, suggesting the possibility of FeG as a catalyst substrate. The electron acceptor/donor character of CO, CO2, SO2 and H2S molecules when adsorbed onto FeG causes charge transfer processes that are responsible for the change in conductance of FeG; thus, the response of the HOMO-LUMO gap of FeG under gas adsorption could be useful for sensing applications. Furthermore, the analysis of the co-adsorption in O2 environments shows that the CO2 interaction turns unstable onto FeG, while the sensing response towards H2S is suppressed. Finally, these results give new insights into the emerging applications of Fe-doped graphene in gas capture/filtration devices, solid-state gas sensors or as a catalyst substrate.

  16. Complex organic molecules in strongly UV-irradiated gas.

    PubMed

    Cuadrado, S; Goicoechea, J R; Cernicharo, J; Fuente, A; Pety, J; Tercero, B

    2017-07-01

    We investigate the presence of complex organic molecules (COMs) in strongly UV-irradiated interstellar molecular gas. We have carried out a complete millimetre (mm) line survey using the IRAM 30 m telescope towards the edge of the Orion Bar photodissociation region (PDR), close to the H 2 dissociation front, a position irradiated by a very intense far-UV (FUV) radiation field. These observations have been complemented with 8.5″ resolution maps of the H 2 CO J K a , K c = 5 1,5 → 4 1,4 and C 18 O J = 3 → 2 emission at 0.9 mm. Despite being a harsh environment, we detect more than 250 lines from COMs and related precursors: H 2 CO, CH 3 OH, HCO, H 2 CCO, CH 3 CHO, H 2 CS, HCOOH, CH 3 CN, CH 2 NH, HNCO, [Formula: see text] and HC 3 N (in decreasing order of abundance). For each species, the large number of detected lines allowed us to accurately constrain their rotational temperatures ( T rot ) and column densities ( N ). Owing to subthermal excitation and intricate spectroscopy of some COMs (symmetric- and asymmetric-top molecules such as CH 3 CN and H 2 CO, respectively), a correct determination of N and T rot requires building rotational population diagrams of their rotational ladders separately. The inferred column densities are in the 10 11 - 10 13 cm -2 range. We also provide accurate upper limit abundances for chemically related molecules that might have been expected, but are not conclusively detected at the edge of the PDR (HDCO, CH 3 O, CH 3 NC, CH 3 CCH, CH 3 OCH 3 , HCOOCH 3 , CH 3 CH 2 OH, CH 3 CH 2 CN, and CH 2 CHCN). A non-thermodynamic equilibrium excitation analysis for molecules with known collisional rate coefficients suggests that some COMs arise from different PDR layers but we cannot resolve them spatially. In particular, H 2 CO and CH 3 CN survive in the extended gas directly exposed to the strong FUV flux ( T k = 150 - 250 K and T d ≳ 60 K), whereas CH 3 OH only arises from denser and cooler gas clumps in the more shielded PDR interior

  17. Density functional theory study the effects of oxygen-containing functional groups on oxygen molecules and oxygen atoms adsorbed on carbonaceous materials.

    PubMed

    Qi, Xuejun; Song, Wenwu; Shi, Jianwei

    2017-01-01

    Density functional theory was used to study the effects of different types of oxygen-containing functional groups on the adsorption of oxygen molecules and single active oxygen atoms on carbonaceous materials. During gasification or combustion reactions of carbonaceous materials, oxygen-containing functional groups such as hydroxyl(-OH), carbonyl(-CO), quinone(-O), and carboxyl(-COOH) are often present on the edge of graphite and can affect graphite's chemical properties. When oxygen-containing functional groups appear on a graphite surface, the oxygen molecules are strongly adsorbed onto the surface to form a four-member ring structure. At the same time, the O-O bond is greatly weakened and easily broken. The adsorption energy value indicates that the adsorption of oxygen molecules changes from physisorption to chemisorption for oxygen-containing functional groups on the edge of a graphite surface. In addition, our results indicate that the adsorption energy depends on the type of oxygen-containing functional group. When a single active oxygen atom is adsorbed on the bridge site of graphite, it gives rise to a stable epoxy structure. Epoxy can cause deformation of the graphite lattice due to the transition of graphite from sp2 to sp3 after the addition of an oxygen atom. For quinone group on the edge of graphite, oxygen atoms react with carbon atoms to form the precursor of CO2. Similarly, the single active oxygen atoms of carbonyl groups can interact with edge carbon atoms to form the precursor of CO2. The results show that oxygen-containing functional groups on graphite surfaces enhance the activity of graphite, which promotes adsorption on the graphite surface.

  18. Density functional theory study the effects of oxygen-containing functional groups on oxygen molecules and oxygen atoms adsorbed on carbonaceous materials

    PubMed Central

    Song, Wenwu; Shi, Jianwei

    2017-01-01

    Density functional theory was used to study the effects of different types of oxygen-containing functional groups on the adsorption of oxygen molecules and single active oxygen atoms on carbonaceous materials. During gasification or combustion reactions of carbonaceous materials, oxygen-containing functional groups such as hydroxyl(-OH), carbonyl(-CO), quinone(-O), and carboxyl(-COOH) are often present on the edge of graphite and can affect graphite’s chemical properties. When oxygen-containing functional groups appear on a graphite surface, the oxygen molecules are strongly adsorbed onto the surface to form a four-member ring structure. At the same time, the O-O bond is greatly weakened and easily broken. The adsorption energy value indicates that the adsorption of oxygen molecules changes from physisorption to chemisorption for oxygen-containing functional groups on the edge of a graphite surface. In addition, our results indicate that the adsorption energy depends on the type of oxygen-containing functional group. When a single active oxygen atom is adsorbed on the bridge site of graphite, it gives rise to a stable epoxy structure. Epoxy can cause deformation of the graphite lattice due to the transition of graphite from sp2 to sp3 after the addition of an oxygen atom. For quinone group on the edge of graphite, oxygen atoms react with carbon atoms to form the precursor of CO2. Similarly, the single active oxygen atoms of carbonyl groups can interact with edge carbon atoms to form the precursor of CO2. The results show that oxygen-containing functional groups on graphite surfaces enhance the activity of graphite, which promotes adsorption on the graphite surface. PMID:28301544

  19. Guest Molecule Exchange Kinetics for the 2012 Ignik Sikumi Gas Hydrate Field Trial

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    White, Mark D.; Lee, Won Suk

    A commercially viable technology for producing methane from natural gas hydrate reservoirs remains elusive. Short-term depressurization field tests have demonstrated the potential for producing natural gas via dissociation of the clathrate structure, but the long-term performance of the depressurization technology ultimately requires a heat source to sustain the dissociation. A decade of laboratory experiments and theoretical studies have demonstrated the exchange of pure CO2 and N2-CO2 mixtures with CH4 in sI gas hydrates, yielding critical information about molecular mechanisms, recoveries, and exchange kinetics. Findings indicated the potential for producing natural gas with little to no production of water and rapidmore » exchange kinetics, generating sufficient interest in the guest-molecule exchange technology for a field test. In 2012 the U.S. DOE/NETL, ConocoPhillips Company, and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation jointly sponsored the first field trial of injecting a mixture of N2-CO2 into a CH4-hydrate bearing formation beneath the permafrost on the Alaska North Slope. Known as the Ignik Sikumi #1 Gas Hydrate Field Trial, this experiment involved three stages: 1) the injection of a N2-CO2 mixture into a targeted hydrate-bearing layer, 2) a 4-day pressurized soaking period, and 3) a sustained depressurization and fluid production period. Data collected during the three stages of the field trial were made available after an extensive quality check. These data included continuous temperature and pressure logs, injected and recovered fluid compositions and volumes. The Ignik Sikumi #1 data set is extensive, but contains no direct evidence of the guest-molecule exchange process. This investigation is directed at using numerical simulation to provide an interpretation of the collected data. A numerical simulator, STOMP-HYDT-KE, was recently completed that solves conservation equations for energy, water, mobile fluid guest molecules, and hydrate

  20. The study of electronic structure and properties of silicene for gas sensor application

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wella, Sasfan A.; Syaputra, Marhamni; Wungu, Triati D. K., E-mail: triati@fi.itb.ac.id

    2016-03-11

    In this study, we investigated the adsorption of gas molecules (H{sub 2}S, CO) on pristine silicene using first principles calculation. The structure, electronic properties, and adsorption energy of H{sub 2}S,CO/silicene are discussed thoroughly. We found that the pristine silicenewith low buckling structure is the most stable as compared with planar and high buckling structures. Silicene was able to detect a gas molecule which can be observed according tothe density of states analysis. Though a gas molecule adsorbed weakly, the electronic properties of the low buckling pristine silicene changed from semi-metal (zero band gap) to semiconductor. The adsorption energy of H{submore » 2}S and CO on silicene is 0.075 eV and 0.06 eV, respectively.« less

  1. Hydration level dependence of the microscopic dynamics of water adsorbed in ultramicroporous carbon

    DOE PAGES

    Mamontov, Eugene; Yue, Yanfeng; Bahadur, Jitendra; ...

    2016-10-20

    Even when not functionalized intentionally, most carbon materials are not hydrophobic and readily adsorb water molecules from atmospheric water vapor. We have equilibrated an ultramicroporous carbon at several levels of relative humidity, thereby attaining various hydration levels. The water molecules were adsorbed on the pore walls (but did not fill completely the pore volume) and thus could be better described as hydration, or surface, rather than confined, water. We used quasielastic neutron scattering to perform a detailed investigation of the dependence of microscopic dynamics of these adsorbed water species on the hydration level and temperature. The behavior of hydration watermore » in ultramicroporous carbon clearly demonstrates the same universal traits that characterize surface (hydration) water in other materials that are surface-hydrated. In addition, unless special treatment is intentionally applied to ultramicroporous carbon, the species filling its pores in various applications, ranging from hydrogen molecules to electrolytes, likely find themselves in contact with non-freezing water molecules characterized by rich microscopic dynamics.« less

  2. Catalytic activity of Cu4-cluster to adsorb H2S gas: h-BN nanosheet

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kansara, Shivam; Gupta, Sanjeev K.; Sonvane, Yogesh

    2018-05-01

    We have investigated the electronic properties, adsorptions strength and charge transfer using first principles calculations using density functional theory (DFT). The hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) substrate shows metallic behavior, which helps to enhance the absorption process. The adsorption of three different orientations (S, D and T) of the H2S gas molecules to analyze the maximum adsorption strength from them onto a copper cluster (Cu4) based on h-BN nanosheet. The maximum adsorption energy of the H2S gas molecule is -1.50 eV for the S orientation and for D and U, it is -0.71 eV and -0.78 eV, respectively. The results show that Cu4 cluster helps to capture H2S gas from the environment and results are useful for the cleaning environment from the toxic gases.

  3. Thermodynamics of the adsorption of organic molecules on graphitized carbon black modified with a monolayer of 5-hydroxy-6-methyluracil

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gus'kov, V. Yu.; Ivanov, S. P.; Shaikhitdinova, Yu. F.; Kudasheva, F. Kh.

    2016-10-01

    Thermodynamic characteristics of the adsorption of alkanes, alcohols, arenes, and esters on graphitized carbon black with a deposited monolayer (0.17%) of 5-hydroxy-6-methyluracil are studied by means of inverse gas chromatography at infinite dilution. It is established that size effects (violation of the additivity of molar changes in internal energy and the entropy of adsorption for pairs of molecules of one homologous series that differ by one methyl group) are observed when organic molecules are adsorbed on the surface of the resulting adsorbent. The size effects are similar to those observed when 1% 5-hydroxy-6-methyluracil is deposited on graphitized carbon black. It is concluded that the observed violation of additivity is associated with cavities in the supramolecular structure.

  4. Probing Buffer-Gas Cooled Molecules with Direct Frequency Comb Spectroscopy in the Mid-Infrrared

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Spaun, Ben; Changala, Bryan; Bjork, Bryce J.; Heckl, Oliver H.; Patterson, David; Doyle, John M.; Ye, Jun

    2015-06-01

    We present the first demonstration of cavity-enhanced direct frequency comb spectroscopy on buffer-gas cooled molecules.By coupling a mid-infrared frequency comb to a high-finesse cavity surrounding a helium buffer-gas chamber, we can gather rotationally resolved absorption spectra with high sensitivity over a broad wavelength region. The measured ˜10 K rotational and translational temperatures of buffer-gas cooled molecules drastically simplify the observed spectra, compared to those of room temperature molecules, and allow for high spectral resolution limited only by Doppler broadening (10-100 MHz). Our system allows for the extension of high-resolution spectroscopy to larger molecules, enabling detailed analysis of molecular structure and dynamics, while taking full advantage of the powerful optical properties of frequency combs. A. Foltynowicz et al. Cavity-enhanced optical frequency comb spectroscopy in the mid-infrared application to trace detection of hydrogen peroxide. Applied Physics B, vol. 110, pp. 163-175, 2013. {D. Patterson and J. M. Doyle. Cooling molecules in a cell for FTMW spectroscopy. Molecular Physics 110, 1757-1766, 2012

  5. Complex organic molecules in strongly UV-irradiated gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cuadrado, S.; Goicoechea, J. R.; Cernicharo, J.; Fuente, A.; Pety, J.; Tercero, B.

    2017-07-01

    We investigate the presence of complex organic molecules (COMs) in strongly UV-irradiated interstellar molecular gas. We have carried out a complete millimetre (mm) line survey using the IRAM 30 m telescope towards the edge of the Orion Bar photodissociation region (PDR), close to the H2 dissociation front, a position irradiated by a very intense far-UV (FUV) radiation field. These observations have been complemented with 8.5'' resolution maps of the H2CO JKa,Kc = 51,5 → 41,4 and C18O J = 3 → 2 emission at 0.9 mm. Despite being a harsh environment, we detect more than 250 lines from COMs and related precursors: H2CO, CH3OH, HCO, H2CCO, CH3CHO, H2CS, HCOOH, CH3CN, CH2NH, HNCO, H213CO, and HC3N (in decreasing order of abundance). For each species, the large number of detected lines allowed us to accurately constrain their rotational temperatures (Trot) and column densities (N). Owing to subthermal excitation and intricate spectroscopy of some COMs (symmetric- and asymmetric-top molecules such as CH3CN and H2CO, respectively), a correct determination of N and Trot requires building rotational population diagrams of their rotational ladders separately. The inferred column densities are in the 1011-1013 cm-2 range. We also provide accurate upper limit abundances for chemically related molecules that might have been expected, but are not conclusively detected at the edge of the PDR (HDCO, CH3O, CH3NC, CH3CCH, CH3OCH3, HCOOCH3, CH3CH2OH, CH3CH2CN, and CH2CHCN). A non-thermodynamic equilibrium excitation analysis for molecules with known collisional rate coefficients suggests that some COMs arise from different PDR layers but we cannot resolve them spatially. In particular, H2CO and CH3CN survive in the extended gas directly exposed to the strong FUV flux (Tk = 150-250 K and Td≳ 60 K), whereas CH3OH only arises from denser and cooler gas clumps in the more shielded PDR interior (Tk = 40-50 K). The non-detection of HDCO towards the PDR edge is consistent with the

  6. Crystallographic studies of gas sorption in metal–organic frameworks

    PubMed Central

    Carrington, Elliot J.; Vitórica-Yrezábal, Iñigo J.; Brammer, Lee

    2014-01-01

    Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous crystalline materials of modular design. One of the primary applications of these materials is in the adsorption and separation of gases, with potential benefits to the energy, transport and medical sectors. In situ crystallography of MOFs under gas atmospheres has enabled the behaviour of the frameworks under gas loading to be investigated and has established the precise location of adsorbed gas molecules in a significant number of MOFs. This article reviews progress in such crystallographic studies, which has taken place over the past decade, but has its origins in earlier studies of zeolites, clathrates etc. The review considers studies by single-crystal or powder diffraction using either X-rays or neutrons. Features of MOFs that strongly affect gas sorption behaviour are discussed in the context of in situ crystallographic studies, specifically framework flexibility, and the presence of (organic) functional groups and unsaturated (open) metal sites within pores that can form specific interactions with gas molecules. PMID:24892587

  7. Miscibility and interaction between 1-alkanol and short-chain phosphocholine in the adsorbed film and micelles.

    PubMed

    Takajo, Yuichi; Matsuki, Hitoshi; Kaneshina, Shoji; Aratono, Makoto; Yamanaka, Michio

    2007-09-01

    The miscibility and interaction of 1-hexanol (C6OH) and 1-heptanol (C7OH) with 1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DHPC) in the adsorbed films and micelles were investigated by measuring the surface tension of aqueous C6OH-DHPC and aqueous C7OH-DHPC solutions. The surface density, the mean molecular area, the composition of the adsorbed film, and the excess Gibbs energy of adsorption g(H,E), were estimated. Further, the critical micelle concentration of the mixtures was determined from the surface tension versus molality curves; the micellar composition was calculated. The miscibility of the 1-alkanols and DHPC molecules in the adsorbed film and micelles was examined using the phase diagram of adsorption (PDA) and that of micellization (PDM). The PDA and the composition dependence of g(H,E) indicated the non-ideal mixing of the 1-alkanols and DHPC molecules due to the attractive interaction between the molecules in the adsorbed film, while the PDM indicated that the 1-alkanol molecules were not incorporated in the micelles within DHPC rich region. The dependence of the mean molecular area of the mixtures on the surface composition suggested that the packing property of the adsorbed film depends on the chain length of 1-alkanol: C6OH expands the DHPC adsorbed film more than C7OH.

  8. Sensitivity and resolution in frequency comb spectroscopy of buffer gas cooled polyatomic molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Changala, P. Bryan; Spaun, Ben; Patterson, David; Doyle, John M.; Ye, Jun

    2016-12-01

    We discuss the use of cavity-enhanced direct frequency comb spectroscopy in the mid-infrared region with buffer gas cooling of polyatomic molecules for high-precision rovibrational absorption spectroscopy. A frequency comb coupled to an optical enhancement cavity allows us to collect high-resolution, broad-bandwidth infrared spectra of translationally and rotationally cold (10-20 K) gas-phase molecules with high absorption sensitivity and fast acquisition times. The design and performance of the combined apparatus are discussed in detail. Recorded rovibrational spectra in the CH stretching region of several organic molecules, including vinyl bromide (CH_2CHBr), adamantane (C_{10}H_{16}), and diamantane (C_{14}H_{20}) demonstrate the resolution and sensitivity of this technique, as well as the intrinsic challenges faced in extending the frontier of high-resolution spectroscopy to large complex molecules.

  9. Comparison of gas-solid chromatography and MM2 force field molecular binding energies for greenhouse gases on a carbonaceous surface.

    PubMed

    Rybolt, Thomas R; Bivona, Kevin T; Thomas, Howard E; O'Dell, Casey M

    2009-10-01

    Gas-solid chromatography was used to determine B(2s) (gas-solid virial coefficient) values for eight molecular adsorbates interacting with a carbon powder (Carbopack B, Supelco). B(2s) values were determined by multiple size variant injections within the temperature range of 313-553 K. The molecular adsorbates included: carbon dioxide (CO(2)); tetrafluoromethane (CF(4)); hexafluoroethane (C(2)F(6)); 1,1-difluoroethane (C(2)H(4)F(2)); 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (C(2)H(3)ClF(2)); dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl(2)F(2)); trichlorofluoromethane (CCl(3)F); and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (C(2)H(3)Cl(3)). Two of these molecules are of special interest because they are "super greenhouse gases". The global warming potential, GWP, for CF(4) is 6500 and for C(2)F(6) is 9200 relative to the reference value of 1 for CO(2). The GWP index considers both radiative blocking and molecular lifetime. For these and other industrial greenhouse gases, adsorptive trapping on a carbonaceous solid, which depends on molecule-surface binding energy, could avoid atmospheric release. The temperature variations of the gas-solid virial coefficients in conjunction with van't Hoff plots were used to find the experimental adsorption energy or binding energy values (E(*)) for each adsorbate. A molecular mechanics based, rough-surface model was used to calculate the molecule-surface binding energy (Ecal(*)) using augmented MM2 parameters. The surface model consisted of parallel graphene layers with two separated nanostructures each containing 17 benzene rings arranged in linear strips. The separation of the parallel nanostructures had been optimized in a prior study to appropriately represent molecule-surface interactions for Carbopack B. Linear regressions of E(*) versus Ecal(*) for the current data set of eight molecules and the same surface model gave E(*)=0.926 Ecal(*) and r(2)=0.956. A combined set of the current and prior Carbopack B adsorbates studied (linear alkanes, branched alkanes, cyclic alkanes

  10. Interaction of a single acetophenone molecule with group III-IV elements mediated by Si(001)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Racis, A.; Jurczyszyn, L.; Radny, M. W.

    2018-03-01

    A theoretical study of an influence of the acetophenone molecule adsorbed on the Si(001) on the local chemical reactivity of silicon surface is presented. The obtained results indicate that the interaction of the molecule with silicon substrate breaks the intra-dimer π bonds in four surface silicon dimers interacting directly with adsorbed molecule. This leads to the formation of two pairs of unpaired dangling bonds at two opposite sides of the molecule. It is demonstrated that these dangling bonds increase considerably the local chemical reactivity of the silicon substrate in the vicinity of the adsorbed molecule. Consequently, it is shown that such molecule bonded with Si(001) can stabilize the position of In and Pb adatoms diffusing on silicon substrate at two sides and initiate the one-dimensional aggregation of the metallic adatoms on the Si(001) substrate anchored at both sides of the adsorbed molecule. This type of aggregation leads to the growth of chain-like atomic structures in opposite directions, pinned to adsorbed molecule and oriented perpendicular to the rows of surface silicon dimers.

  11. Analysis and comparison of inertinite-derived adsorbent with conventional adsorbents.

    PubMed

    Gangupomu, Roja Haritha; Kositkanawuth, Ketwalee; Sattler, Melanie L; Ramirez, David; Dennis, Brian H; MacDonnell, Frederick M; Billo, Richard; Priest, John W

    2012-05-01

    To increase U.S. petroleum energy-independence, the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) has developed a coal liquefaction process that uses a hydrogenated solvent and a proprietary catalyst to convert lignite coal to crude oil. This paper reports on part of the environmental evaluation of the liquefaction process: the evaluation of the solid residual from liquefying the coal, called inertinite, as a potential adsorbent for air and water purification. Inertinite samples derived from Arkansas and Texas lignite coals were used as test samples. In the activated carbon creation process, inertinite samples were heated in a tube furnace (Lindberg, Type 55035, Arlington, UT) at temperatures ranging between 300 and 850 degrees C for time spans of 60, 90, and 120 min, using steam and carbon dioxide as oxidizing gases. Activated inertinite samples were then characterized by ultra-high-purity nitrogen adsorption isotherms at 77 K using a high-speed surface area and pore size analyzer (Quantachrome, Nova 2200e, Kingsville, TX). Surface area and total pore volume were determined using the Brunauer Emmet, and Teller method, for the inertinite samples, as well as for four commercially available activated carbons (gas-phase adsorbents Calgon Fluepac-B and BPL 4 x 6; liquid-phase adsorbents Filtrasorb 200 and Carbsorb 30). In addition, adsorption isotherms were developed for inertinite and the two commercially available gas-phase carbons, using methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) as an example compound. Adsorption capacity was measured gravimetrically with a symmetric vapor sorption analyzer (VTI, Inc., Model SGA-100, Kingsville, TX). Also, liquid-phase adsorption experiments were conducted using methyl orange as an example organic compound. The study showed that using inertinite from coal can be beneficially reused as an adsorbent for air or water pollution control, although its surface area and adsorption capacity are not as high as those for commercially available activated

  12. Screening of metal-organic frameworks for carbon dioxide capture from flue gas using a combined experimental and modeling approach.

    PubMed

    Yazaydin, A Ozgür; Snurr, Randall Q; Park, Tae-Hong; Koh, Kyoungmoo; Liu, Jian; Levan, M Douglas; Benin, Annabelle I; Jakubczak, Paulina; Lanuza, Mary; Galloway, Douglas B; Low, John J; Willis, Richard R

    2009-12-30

    A diverse collection of 14 metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) was screened for CO(2) capture from flue gas using a combined experimental and modeling approach. Adsorption measurements are reported for the screened MOFs at room temperature up to 1 bar. These data are used to validate a generalized strategy for molecular modeling of CO(2) and other small molecules in MOFs. MOFs possessing a high density of open metal sites are found to adsorb significant amounts of CO(2) even at low pressure. An excellent correlation is found between the heat of adsorption and the amount of CO(2) adsorbed below 1 bar. Molecular modeling can aid in selection of adsorbents for CO(2) capture from flue gas by screening a large number of MOFs.

  13. Sticking of Molecules on Nonporous Amorphous Water Ice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Jiao; Acharyya, Kinsuk; Vidali, Gianfranco

    2016-05-01

    Accurate modeling of physical and chemical processes in the interstellar medium (ISM) requires detailed knowledge of how atoms and molecules adsorb on dust grains. However, the sticking coefficient, a number between 0 and 1 that measures the first step in the interaction of a particle with a surface, is usually assumed in simulations of ISM environments to be either 0.5 or 1. Here we report on the determination of the sticking coefficient of H2, D2, N2, O2, CO, CH4, and CO2 on nonporous amorphous solid water. The sticking coefficient was measured over a wide range of surface temperatures using a highly collimated molecular beam. We showed that the standard way of measuring the sticking coefficient—the King-Wells method—leads to the underestimation of trapping events in which there is incomplete energy accommodation of the molecule on the surface. Surface scattering experiments with the use of a pulsed molecular beam are used instead to measure the sticking coefficient. Based on the values of the measured sticking coefficient, we suggest a useful general formula of the sticking coefficient as a function of grain temperature and molecule-surface binding energy. We use this formula in a simulation of ISM gas-grain chemistry to find the effect of sticking on the abundance of key molecules both on grains and in the gas phase.

  14. Deformability of adsorbents during adsorption and principles of the thermodynamics of solid-phase systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tovbin, Yu. K.

    2017-09-01

    A microscopic theory of adsorption, based on a discrete continuum lattice gas model for noninert (including deformable) adsorbents that change their lattice parameters during adsorption, is presented. Cases of the complete and partial equilibrium states of the adsorbent are considered. In the former, the adsorbent consists of coexisting solid and vapor phases of adsorbent components, and the adsorbate is a mobile component of the vapor phase with an arbitrary density (up to that of the liquid adsorbate phase). The adsorptive transitioning to the bound state changes the state of the near-surface region of the adsorbent. In the latter, there are no equilibrium components of the adsorbent between the solid and vapor phases. The adsorbent state is shown to be determined by its prehistory, rather than set by chemical potentials of vapor of its components. Relations between the microscopic theory and thermodynamic interpretations are discussed: (1) adsorption on an open surface, (2) two-dimensional stratification of the adsorbate mobile phase on an open homogeneous surface, (3) small microcrystals in vacuum and the gas phase, and (4) adsorption in porous systems.

  15. Measurement of the orientation of buffer-gas-cooled, electrostatically-guided ammonia molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Steer, Edward W.; Petralia, Lorenzo S.; Western, Colin M.; Heazlewood, Brianna R.; Softley, Timothy P.

    2017-02-01

    The extent to which the spatial orientation of internally and translationally cold ammonia molecules can be controlled as molecules pass out of a quadrupole guide and through different electric field regions is examined. Ammonia molecules are collisionally cooled in a buffer gas cell, and are subsequently guided by a three-bend electrostatic quadrupole into a detection chamber. The orientation of ammonia molecules is probed using (2 + 1) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionisation (REMPI), with the laser polarisation axis aligned both parallel and perpendicular to the time-of-flight axis. Even with the presence of a near-zero field region, the ammonia REMPI spectra indicate some retention of orientation. Monte Carlo simulations propagating the time-dependent Schrödinger equation in a full basis set including the hyperfine interaction enable the orientation of ammonia molecules to be calculated - with respect to both the local field direction and a space-fixed axis - as the molecules pass through different electric field regions. The simulations indicate that the orientation of ∼95% of ammonia molecules in JK =11 could be achieved with the application of a small bias voltage (17 V) to the mesh separating the quadrupole and detection regions. Following the recent combination of the buffer gas cell and quadrupole guide apparatus with a linear Paul ion trap, this result could enable one to examine the influence of molecular orientation on ion-molecule reaction dynamics and kinetics.

  16. Rigorous Mathematical Modeling of Adsorption System with Electrothermal Regeneration of the Used Adsorbent

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-12-01

    DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT. ________//signature//________________ ________//signature//________________ PATRICK D. SULLIVAN, Ph.D., P.E. SANDRA R ...adsorber, at r =1.24 cm: (a) gas phase; (b) solid phase..................................................................................... 30 46 The...34 57 Axial profiles of the gas velocity during adsorption in the 2-cartridge adsorber at r =1.25cm..... 34 60

  17. A flexible metal–organic framework: Guest molecules controlled dynamic gas adsorption

    DOE PAGES

    Mahurin, Shannon Mark; Li, Man -Rong; Wang, Hailong; ...

    2015-04-13

    A flexible metal–organic framework (MOF) of [Zn 3(btca) 2(OH) 2]·(guest) n (H 2btca = 1,2,3-benzotriazole-5-carboxylic acid) that exhibits guest molecule-controlled dynamic gas adsorption is reported in which carbon dioxide molecules rather than N 2, He, and Ar induce a structural transition with a corresponding appearance of additional steps in the isotherms. Physical insights into the dynamic adsorption behaviors of flexible compound 1 were detected by gas adsorption at different temperatures and different pressures and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular simulations. Interestingly, by taking advantage of the flexible nature inherent to the framework, this MOF material enables highlymore » selective adsorption of CO 2/N 2, CO 2/Ar, and CO 2/He of 36.3, 32.6, and 35.9, respectively, at 298 K. Furthermore, this class of flexible MOFs has potential applications for controlled release, molecular sensing, noble gas separation, smart membranes, and nanotechnological devices.« less

  18. Concurrent removal of elemental mercury and SO2 from flue gas using a thiol-impregnated CaCO3-based adsorbent: a full factorial design study.

    PubMed

    Balasundaram, Karthik; Sharma, Mukesh

    2018-06-01

    Mercury (Hg) emitted from coal-based thermal power plants (CTPPs) can accumulate and bio-magnify in the food chain, thereby posing a risk to humans and wildlife. The central idea of this study was to develop an adsorbent which can concurrently remove elemental mercury (Hg 0 ) and SO 2 emitted from coal-based thermal power plants (CTPPs) in a single unit operation. Specifically, a composite adsorbent of CaCO 3 impregnated with 2-mercaptobenimidazole (2-MBI) (referred to as modified calcium carbonate (MCC)) was developed. While 2-MBI having sulfur functional group could selectively adsorb Hg 0 , CaCO 3 could remove SO 2 . Performance of the adsorbent was evaluated in terms of (i) removal (%) of Hg 0 and SO 2 , (ii) adsorption mechanism, (iii) adsorption kinetics, and (iv) leaching potential of mercury from spent adsorbent. The adsorption studies were performed using a 2 2 full factorial design of experiments with 15 ppbV of Hg 0 and 600 ppmV of SO 2 . Two factors, (i) reaction temperature (80 and 120 °C; temperature range in flue gas) and (ii) mass of 2-MBI (10 and 15 wt%), were investigated for the removal of Hg 0 and SO 2 (as %). The maximum Hg 0 and SO 2 removal was 86 and 93%, respectively. The results of XPS characterization showed that chemisorption is the predominant mechanism of Hg 0 and SO 2 adsorption on MCC. The Hg 0 adsorption on MCC followed Elovich kinetic model which is also indicative of chemisorption on heterogeneous surface. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) leached mercury from the spent adsorbent were within the acceptable levels defined in these tests. The engineering significance of this study is that the 2-MBI-modified CaCO 3 -based adsorbent has potential for concurrent removal of Hg 0 and SO 2 in a single unit operation. With only minor process modifications, the newly developed adsorbent can replace CaCO 3 in the flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) system.

  19. Recovery of nitrogen and light hydrocarbons from polyalkene purge gas

    DOEpatents

    Zwilling, Daniel Patrick; Golden, Timothy Christoph; Weist, Jr., Edward Landis; Ludwig, Keith Alan

    2003-06-10

    A method for the separation of a gas mixture comprises (a) obtaining a feed gas mixture comprising nitrogen and at least one hydrocarbon having two to six carbon atoms; (b) introducing the feed gas mixture at a temperature of about 60.degree. F. to about 105.degree. F. into an adsorbent bed containing adsorbent material which selectively adsorbs the hydrocarbon, and withdrawing from the adsorbent bed an effluent gas enriched in nitrogen; (c) discontinuing the flow of the feed gas mixture into the adsorbent bed and depressurizing the adsorbent bed by withdrawing depressurization gas therefrom; (d) purging the adsorbent bed by introducing a purge gas into the bed and withdrawing therefrom an effluent gas comprising the hydrocarbon, wherein the purge gas contains nitrogen at a concentration higher than that of the nitrogen in the feed gas mixture; (e) pressurizing the adsorbent bed by introducing pressurization gas into the bed; and (f) repeating (b) through (e) in a cyclic manner.

  20. The gas phase origin of complex organic molecules precursors in prestellar cores

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bacmann, A.; Faure, A.

    2015-05-01

    Complex organic molecules (COMs) have long been observed in the warm regions surrounding nascent protostars. The recent discovery of oxygen-bearing COMs like methyl formate or dimethyl ether in prestellar cores (Bacmann et al. [2]), where gas and dust temperatures rarely exceed 10-15 K, has challenged the previously accepted models according to which COM formation relied on the diffusion of heavy radicals on warm (˜30 K) grains. Following these detections, new questions have arisen: do non-thermal processes play a role in increasing radical mobility or should new gas-phase routes be explored? The radicals involved in the formation of the aforementioned COMs, HCO and CH3O represent intermediate species in the grain-surface synthesis of methanol which proceeds via successive hydrogenations of CO molecules in the ice. We present here observations of methanol and its grain-surface precursors HCO, H2CO, CH3O in a sample of prestellar cores and derive their relative abundances. We find that the relative abundances HCO:H2CO:CH3O:CH3OH are constant across the core sample, close to 10:100:1:100. Our results also show that the amounts of HCO and CH3O are consistent with a gas-phase synthesis of these species from H2CO and CH3OH via radical-neutral or ion-molecule reactions followed by dissociative recombinations. Thus, while grain chemistry is necessary to explain the abundances of the parent volatile CH3OH, and possibly H2CO, the reactive species HCO and CH3O might be daughter molecules directly produced in the gas-phase.

  1. Self-consistent field theory of polymer-ionic molecule complexation.

    PubMed

    Nakamura, Issei; Shi, An-Chang

    2010-05-21

    A self-consistent field theory is developed for polymers that are capable of binding small ionic molecules (adsorbates). The polymer-ionic molecule association is described by Ising-like binding variables, C(i) ((a))(kDelta)(=0 or 1), whose average determines the number of adsorbed molecules, n(BI). Polymer gelation can occur through polymer-ionic molecule complexation in our model. For polymer-polymer cross-links through the ionic molecules, three types of solutions for n(BI) are obtained, depending on the equilibrium constant of single-ion binding. Spinodal lines calculated from the mean-field free energy exhibit closed-loop regions where the homogeneous phase becomes unstable. This phase instability is driven by the excluded-volume interaction due to the single occupancy of ion-binding sites on the polymers. Moreover, sol-gel transitions are examined using a critical degree of conversion. A gel phase is induced when the concentration of adsorbates is increased. At a higher concentration of the adsorbates, however, a re-entrance from a gel phase into a sol phase arises from the correlation between unoccupied and occupied ion-binding sites. The theory is applied to a model system, poly(vinyl alcohol) and borate ion in aqueous solution with sodium chloride. Good agreement between theory and experiment is obtained.

  2. Interference-free coherence dynamics of gas-phase molecules using spectral focusing.

    PubMed

    Wrzesinski, Paul J; Roy, Sukesh; Gord, James R

    2012-10-08

    Spectral focusing using broadband femtosecond pulses to achieve highly selective measurements has been employed for numerous applications in spectroscopy and microspectroscopy. In this work we highlight the use of spectral focusing for selective excitation and detection of gas-phase species. Furthermore, we demonstrate that spectral focusing, coupled with time-resolved measurements based upon probe delay, allows the observation of interference-free coherence dynamics of multiple molecules and gas-phase temperature making this technique ideal for gas-phase measurements of reacting flows and combustion processes.

  3. Gas-phase spectra of MgO molecules: a possible connection from gas-phase molecules to planet formation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kloska, Katherine A.; Fortenberry, Ryan C.

    2018-02-01

    A more fine-tuned method for probing planet-forming regions, such as protoplanetary discs, could be rovibrational molecular spectroscopy observation of particular premineral molecules instead of more common but ultimately less related volatile organic compounds. Planets are created when grains aggregate, but how molecules form grains is an ongoing topic of discussion in astrophysics and planetary science. Using the spectroscopic data of molecules specifically involved in mineral formation could help to map regions where planet formation is believed to be occurring in order to examine the interplay between gas and dust. Four atoms are frequently associated with planetary formation: Fe, Si, Mg and O. Magnesium, in particular, has been shown to be in higher relative abundance in planet-hosting stars. Magnesium oxide crystals comprise the mineral periclase making it the chemically simplest magnesium-bearing mineral and a natural choice for analysis. The monomer, dimer and trimer forms of (MgO)n with n = 1-3 are analysed in this work using high-level quantum chemical computations known to produce accurate results. Strong vibrational transitions at 12.5, 15.0 and 16.5 μm are indicative of magnesium oxide monomer, dimer and trimer making these wavelengths of particular interest for the observation of protoplanetary discs and even potentially planet-forming regions around stars. If such transitions are observed in emission from the accretion discs or absorptions from stellar spectra, the beginning stages of mineral and, subsequently, rocky body formation could be indicated.

  4. Exploring the dynamic behaviors and transport properties of gas molecules in a transmembrane cyclic peptide nanotube.

    PubMed

    Li, Rui; Fan, Jianfen; Li, Hui; Yan, Xiliang; Yu, Yi

    2013-12-05

    The dynamic behaviors and transport properties of O2, CO2, and NH3 molecules through a transmembrane cyclic peptide nanotube (CPNT) of 8×cyclo-(WL)4/POPE have been investigated by steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations and adaptive biasing force (ABF) samplings. Different external forces are needed for three gas molecules to enter the channel. The periodic change of the pulling force curve for a gas traveling through the channel mainly arises from the regular and periodic arrangement of the composed CP subunits of the CPNT. Radial distribution functions (RDFs) between gas and water disclose the density decrease of channel water, which strongly aggravates the discontinuity of H-bond formation between a gas molecule and the neighboring water. Compared to hardly any H-bond formation between CO2 (or O2) and the framework of the CPNT, NH3 can form abundant H-bonds with the carbonyl/amide groups of the CPNT, leading to a fierce competition to NH3-water H-bonded interactions. In addition to direct H-bonded interactions, all three gases can form water bridges with the tube. The potential profile of mean force coincides with the occurring probability of a gas molecule along the tube axis. The energy barriers at two mouths of the CPNT elucidate the phenomenon that CO2 and O2 are thoroughly confined in the narrow lumen while NH3 can easily go outside the tube. Intermolecular interactions of each gas with channel water and the CPNT framework and the formation of H-bonds and water bridges illuminate the different gas translocation behaviors. The results uncover interesting and comprehensive mechanisms underlying the permeation characteristics of three gas molecules traveling through a transmembrane CPNT.

  5. Analysis of Adsorbate-Adsorbate and Adsorbate-Adsorbent Interactions to Decode Isosteric Heats of Gas Adsorption.

    PubMed

    Madani, S Hadi; Sedghi, Saeid; Biggs, Mark J; Pendleton, Phillip

    2015-12-21

    A qualitative interpretation is proposed to interpret isosteric heats of adsorption by considering contributions from three general classes of interaction energy: fluid-fluid heat, fluid-solid heat, and fluid-high-energy site (HES) heat. Multiple temperature adsorption isotherms are defined for nitrogen, T=(75, 77, 79) K, argon at T=(85, 87, 89) K, and for water and methanol at T=(278, 288, 298) K on a well-characterized polymer-based, activated carbon. Nitrogen and argon are subjected to isosteric heat analyses; their zero filling isosteric heats of adsorption are consistent with slit-pore, adsorption energy enhancement modelling. Water adsorbs entirely via specific interactions, offering decreasing isosteric heat at low pore filling followed by a constant heat slightly in excess of water condensation enthalpy, demonstrating the effects of micropores. Methanol offers both specific adsorption via the alcohol group and non-specific interactions via its methyl group; the isosteric heat increases at low pore filling, indicating the predominance of non-specific interactions. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Nanofiber adsorbents for high productivity downstream processing.

    PubMed

    Hardick, Oliver; Dods, Stewart; Stevens, Bob; Bracewell, Daniel G

    2013-04-01

    Electrospun polymeric nanofiber adsorbents offer an alternative ligand support surface for bioseparations. Their non-woven fiber structure with diameters in the sub-micron range creates a remarkably high surface area. To improve the purification productivity of biological molecules by chromatography, cellulose nanofiber adsorbents were fabricated and assembled into a cartridge and filter holder format with a volume of 0.15 mL, a bed height of 0.3 mm and diameter of 25 mm. The present study investigated the performance of diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) derivatized regenerated cellulose nanofiber adsorbents based on criteria including mass transfer and flow properties, binding capacity, and fouling effects. Our results show that nanofibers offer higher flow and mass transfer properties. The non-optimized DEAE-nanofiber adsorbents indicate a binding capacity of 10% that of packed bed systems with BSA as a single component system. However, they operate reproducibly at flowrates of a hundred times that of packed beds, resulting in a potential productivity increase of 10-fold. Lifetime studies showed that this novel adsorbent material operated reproducibly with complex feed material (centrifuged and 0.45 µm filtered yeast homogenate) and harsh cleaning-in-place conditions over multiple cycles. DEAE nanofibers showed superior operating performance in permeability and fouling over conventional adsorbents indicating their potential for bioseparation applications. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  7. Rotational relaxation of fluoromethane molecules in low-temperature collisions with buffer-gas helium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xingjia; Xu, Liang; Yin, Yanning; Xu, Supeng; Xia, Yong; Yin, Jianping

    2016-06-01

    We propose a method to study the rotational relaxation of polar molecules [here taking fluoromethane (CH3F ) as an example] in collisions with 3.5 K buffer-gas helium (He) atoms by using an electrostatic guiding technique. The dependence of the guiding signal of CH3F on the injected He flux and the dependence of the guiding efficiency of CH3F on its rotational temperature are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. By comparing the experimental and simulated results, we find that the translational and rotational temperatures of the buffer-gas cooled CH3F molecules can reach to about 5.48 and 0.60 K, respectively, and the ratio between the translational and average rotational collisional cross sections of CH3F -He is γ =σt/σr=36.49 ±6.15 . In addition, the slowing, cooling, and boosting effects of the molecular beam with different injected He fluxes are also observed and their forming conditions are investigated in some detail. Our study shows that our proposed method can not only be used to measure the translational and rotational temperatures of the buffer-gas cooled molecules, but also to measure the ratio of the translational collisional cross section to the average rotational collisional cross section, and even to measure the average rotational collisional cross section when the translational collisional cross section is measured by fitting the lifetime of molecule signal to get a numerical solution from the diffusion equation of buffer-gas He atoms in the cell.

  8. Molecular simulation of excess isotherm and excess enthalpy change in gas-phase adsorption.

    PubMed

    Do, D D; Do, H D; Nicholson, D

    2009-01-29

    We present a new approach to calculating excess isotherm and differential enthalpy of adsorption on surfaces or in confined spaces by the Monte Carlo molecular simulation method. The approach is very general and, most importantly, is unambiguous in its application to any configuration of solid structure (crystalline, graphite layer or disordered porous glass), to any type of fluid (simple or complex molecule), and to any operating conditions (subcritical or supercritical). The behavior of the adsorbed phase is studied using the partial molar energy of the simulation box. However, to characterize adsorption for comparison with experimental data, the isotherm is best described by the excess amount, and the enthalpy of adsorption is defined as the change in the total enthalpy of the simulation box with the change in the excess amount, keeping the total number (gas + adsorbed phases) constant. The excess quantities (capacity and energy) require a choice of a reference gaseous phase, which is defined as the adsorptive gas phase occupying the accessible volume and having a density equal to the bulk gas density. The accessible volume is defined as the mean volume space accessible to the center of mass of the adsorbate under consideration. With this choice, the excess isotherm passes through a maximum but always remains positive. This is in stark contrast to the literature where helium void volume is used (which is always greater than the accessible volume) and the resulting excess can be negative. Our definition of enthalpy change is equivalent to the difference between the partial molar enthalpy of the gas phase and the partial molar enthalpy of the adsorbed phase. There is no need to assume ideal gas or negligible molar volume of the adsorbed phase as is traditionally done in the literature. We illustrate this new approach with adsorption of argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide under subcritical and supercritical conditions.

  9. Radiolysis of alanine adsorbed in a clay mineral

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Aguilar-Ovando, Ellen Y.; Negron-Mendoza, Alicia

    2013-07-03

    Optical activity in molecules is a chemical characteristic of living beings. In this work, we examine the hypothesis of the influence of different mineral surfaces on the development of a specific chirality in organic molecules when subjected to conditions simulating the primitive Earth during the period of chemical evolution. By using X-ray diffraction techniques and HPLC/ELSD to analyze aqueous suspensions of amino acids adsorbed on minerals irradiated in different doses with a cobalt-60 gamma source, the experiments attempt to prove the hypothesis that some solid surfaces (like clays and meteorite rocks) may have a concentration capacity and protective role againstmore » external sources of ionizing radiation (specifically {gamma}-ray) for some organic compounds (like some amino acids) adsorbed on them. Preliminary results show a slight difference in the adsorption and radiolysis of the D-and L-alanine.« less

  10. Molecular Structure and Equilibrium Forces of Bovine Submaxillary Mucin Adsorbed at a Solid-Liquid Interface.

    PubMed

    Zappone, Bruno; Patil, Navinkumar J; Madsen, Jan B; Pakkanen, Kirsi I; Lee, Seunghwan

    2015-04-21

    By combining dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and surface force apparatus, the conformation of bovine submaxillary mucin in dilute solution and nanomechanical properties of mucin layers adsorbed on mica have been investigated. The samples were prepared by additional chromatographic purification of commercially available products. The mucin molecule was found to have a z-average hydrodynamic diameter of ca. 35 nm in phosphate buffered solution, without any particular secondary or tertiary structure. The contour length of the mucin is larger than, yet of the same order of magnitude as the diameter, indicating that the molecule can be modeled as a relatively rigid polymeric chain due to the large persistence length of the central glycosylated domain. Mucin molecules adsorbed abundantly onto mica from saline buffer, generating polymer-like, long-ranged, repulsive, and nonhysteretic forces upon compression of the adsorbed layers. Detailed analysis of such forces suggests that adsorbed mucins had an elongated conformation favored by the stiffness of the central domain. Acidification of aqueous media was chosen as means to reduce mucin-mucin and mucin-substrate electrostatic interactions. The hydrodynamic diameter in solution did not significantly change when the pH was lowered, showing that the large persistence length of the mucin molecule is due to steric hindrance between sugar chains, rather than electrostatic interactions. Remarkably, the force generated by an adsorbed layer with a fixed surface coverage also remained unaltered upon acidification. This observation can be linked to the surface-protective, pH-resistant role of bovine submaxillary mucin in the variable environmental conditions of the oral cavity.

  11. The influence of adsorbent microstructure upon adsorption equilibria: Investigations of a model system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaminsky, R. D.; Monson, P. A.

    1991-08-01

    We present a theoretical study of the influence of the microstructure of a porous adsorbent upon associated adsorption behavior. A model is developed which describes the interactions of adsorbed molecules with an adsorbent treated as a matrix of particles each of which is a continuum of interaction centers. The model leads to an analytic expression for the adsorbate-adsorbent particle potential which is an analog of the 9-3 potential model for adsorption on planar solid surfaces. To illustrate the utility of the approach, an application to methane adsorbed in a microporous silica gel is presented. Several adsorbent microstructures are investigated, including a variety of crystal lattices as well as structures derived from equilibrium configurations of hard spheres. Adsorption in these structures is studied through calculation of Henry's law constants and by using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation to determine adsorption isotherms and the structure of adsorbed fluids. The results obtained are related to details of the adsorbent microstructure.

  12. Framework for scalable adsorbate–adsorbate interaction models

    DOE PAGES

    Hoffmann, Max J.; Medford, Andrew J.; Bligaard, Thomas

    2016-06-02

    Here, we present a framework for physically motivated models of adsorbate–adsorbate interaction between small molecules on transition and coinage metals based on modifications to the substrate electronic structure due to adsorption. We use this framework to develop one model for transition and one for coinage metal surfaces. The models for transition metals are based on the d-band center position, and the models for coinage metals are based on partial charges. The models require no empirical parameters, only two first-principles calculations per adsorbate as input, and therefore scale linearly with the number of reaction intermediates. By theory to theory comparison withmore » explicit density functional theory calculations over a wide range of adsorbates and surfaces, we show that the root-mean-squared error for differential adsorption energies is less than 0.2 eV for up to 1 ML coverage.« less

  13. Adsorption of diclofenac and nimesulide on activated carbon: Statistical physics modeling and effect of adsorbate size

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sellaoui, Lotfi; Mechi, Nesrine; Lima, Éder Cláudio; Dotto, Guilherme Luiz; Ben Lamine, Abdelmottaleb

    2017-10-01

    Based on statistical physics elements, the equilibrium adsorption of diclofenac (DFC) and nimesulide (NM) on activated carbon was analyzed by a multilayer model with saturation. The paper aimed to describe experimentally and theoretically the adsorption process and study the effect of adsorbate size using the model parameters. From numerical simulation, the number of molecules per site showed that the adsorbate molecules (DFC and NM) were mostly anchored in both sides of the pore walls. The receptor sites density increase suggested that additional sites appeared during the process, to participate in DFC and NM adsorption. The description of the adsorption energy behavior indicated that the process was physisorption. Finally, by a model parameters correlation, the size effect of the adsorbate was deduced indicating that the molecule dimension has a negligible effect on the DFC and NM adsorption.

  14. Desorption of isopropyl alcohol from adsorbent with non-thermal plasma.

    PubMed

    Shiau, Chen Han; Pan, Kuan Lun; Yu, Sheng Jen; Yan, Shaw Yi; Chang, Moo Been

    2017-09-01

    Effective desorption of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) from adsorbents with non-thermal plasma is developed. In this system, IPA is effectively adsorbed with activated carbon while dielectric barrier discharge is applied to replace the conventional thermal desorption process to achieve good desorption efficiency, making the treatment equipment smaller in size. Various adsorbents including molecular sieves and activated carbon are evaluated for IPA adsorption capacity. The results indicate that BAC has the highest IPA adsorption capacity (280.31 mg IPA/g) under the operating conditions of room temperature, IPA of 400 ppm, and residence time of 0.283 s among 5 adsorbents tested. For the plasma desorption process, the IPA selectivity of 89% is achieved with BAC as N 2 is used as desorbing gas. In addition, as air or O 2 is used as desorbing gas, the IPA desorption concentration is reduced, because air and O 2 plasmas generate active species to oxidize IPA to form acetone, CO 2 , and even CO. Furthermore, the results of the durability test indicate that the amount of IPA desorbed increases with increasing desorption times and plasma desorption process has a higher energy efficiency if compared with thermal desorption. Overall, this study indicates that non-thermal plasma is a viable process for removing VOCs to regenerate adsorbent.

  15. Experimental Determination of the Molar Absorption Coefficient of n-Hexane Adsorbed on High-Silica Zeolites.

    PubMed

    Gatti, Giorgio; Olivas Olivera, Diana F; Sacchetto, Vittoria; Cossi, Maurizio; Braschi, Ilaria; Marchese, Leonardo; Bisio, Chiara

    2017-09-06

    Determination of the molar absorption coefficients of the CH 3 bending mode at ν˜ =1380 cm -1 (ϵ 1380 ) of n-hexane adsorbed from the gas phase on two different dealuminated zeolites is derived by a combination of IR spectroscopy and microgravimetric analysis. High-silica zeolite Y (HSZ-Y) and zeolite ZSM-5 (with SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 ratios of 200 and 280, respectively) with different textural and surface features are selected to evaluate the effect of the pore structure and architecture on the value of ϵ 1380 of the adsorbed n-hexane. Experimental data indicate that the molecule experiences a different adsorption environment inside zeolites; thus resulting in a significant change of the dipole moment and very different ϵ 1380 values: (0.278±0.018) cm μmol -1 for HSZ-Y and (0.491±0.032) cm μmol -1 for ZSM-5. Experimental data are also supported by computational modeling, which confirms the effect of different matrices on the IR absorption intensity. This study reveals that the use of probe molecules for quantitative measurements of surface sites has to be judiciously adopted, especially if adsorption occurs in the restricted spaces of microporous materials. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  16. Conformational changes of the amyloid beta-peptide (1-40) adsorbed on solid surfaces.

    PubMed

    Giacomelli, Carla E; Norde, Willem

    2005-05-23

    The conformational change of the 39-43 residues of the amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) toward a beta-sheet enriched state promotes self-aggregation of the peptide molecules and constitutes the major peptide component of the amyloid plaques in Alzheimer patients. The crucial question behind the self-aggregation of Abeta is related to the different pathways the peptide may take after cleavage from the amyloid precursor proteins at cellular membranes. This work is aiming at determining the conformation of the Abeta (1-40) adsorbed on hydrophobic Teflon and hydrophilic silica particles, as model sorbent surfaces mimicking the apolar transmembrane environment and the polar, charged membrane surface, respectively. The mechanism by which the Abeta interacts with solid surfaces strongly depends on the hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of the particles. Hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions contribute differently in each case, causing a completely different conformational change of the adsorbed molecules on the two surfaces. When hydrophobic interactions between the peptide and the sorbent prevail, the adsorbed Abeta (1-40) mainly adopts an alpha-helix conformation due to H-bonding in the apolar part of the peptide that is oriented towards the surface. On the other hand, when the peptide adsorbs by electrostatic interactions beta-sheet formation is promoted due to intermolecular association between the apolar parts of the adsorbed peptide. Irrespective of the characteristics of the solid sorbent, crowding the surface results in intermolecular association between adsorbed molecules leading to a strong aggregation tendency of the Abeta (1-40). [Diagram: see text] CD spectra of Abeta (1-40) at pH 7: A) in solution ([Abeta]=0.2 mg.ml(-1)) freshly prepared (line) and after overnight incubation (symbols);B) on Teflon (Gamma=0.5 mg.m(-2)).

  17. Nanoclay-Based Solid-Amine Adsorbents for Carbon Dioxide Capture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roth, Elliot A.

    The objective of this research was to develop an efficient, low cost, recyclable solid sorbent for carbon dioxide adsorption from large point sources, such as coal-fired power plants. The current commercial way to adsorb CO 2 is to use a liquid amine or ammonia process. These processes are used in industry in the "sweetening" of natural gas, but liquid based technologies are not economically viable in the adsorption of CO2 from power plants due to the extremely large volume of CO2 and the inherent high regeneration costs of cycling the sorbent. Therefore, one of the main objectives of this research was to develop a novel sorbent that can be cycled and uses very little energy for regeneration. The sorbent developed here is composed of a nanoclay (montmorillonite), commonly used in the production of polymer nanocomposites, grafted with commercially available amines. (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane (APTMS) was chemically grafted to the edge hydroxyl groups of the clay. While another amine, polyethylenimine (PEI), was attached to the surface of the clay by electrostatic interactions. To confirm the attachment of amines to the clay, the samples were characterized using FTIR and the corresponding peaks for amines were observed. The amount of amine loaded onto the support was determined by TGA techniques. The treated clay was initially analyzed for CO2 adsorption in a pure CO 2 stream. The adsorption temperatures that had the highest adsorption capacity were determined to be between 75°C and 100°C for all of the samples tested at atmospheric pressure. The maximum CO2 adsorption capacity observed was with nanoclay treated with both APTMS and PEI at 85°C. In a more realistic flue gas of 10% CO2 and 90% N2, the adsorbents had essentially the same overall CO2 adsorption capacity indicating that the presence of nitrogen did not hinder the adsorption of CO2. Adsorption studies in pure CO2 at room temperature under pressure from 40-300 PSI were also conducted. The average

  18. Structure of Irreversibly Adsorbed Star Polymers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Akgun, Bulent; Aykan, Meryem Seyma; Canavar, Seda; Satija, Sushil K.; Uhrig, David; Hong, Kunlun

    Formation of irreversibly adsorbed polymer chains on solid substrates have a huge impact on the wetting, glass transition, aging and polymer chain mobility in thin films. In recent years there has been many reports on the formation, kinetics and dynamics of these layers formed by linear homopolymers. Recent studies showed that by varying the number of polymer arms and arm molecular weight one can tune the glass transition temperature of thin polymer films. Using polymer architecture as a tool, the behavior of thin films can be tuned between the behavior of linear chains and soft colloids. We have studied the effect of polymer chain architecture on the structure of dead layer using X-ray reflectivity (XR) and atomic force microscopy. Layer thicknesses and densities of flattened and loosely adsorbed chains has been measured for linear, 4-arm, and 8-arm star polymers with identical total molecular weight as a function of substrate surface energy, annealing temperature and annealing time. Star polymers have been synthesized using anionic polymerization. XR measurements showed that 8-arm star PS molecules form the densest and the thickest dead layers among these three molecules.

  19. Probing the dynamics of 3He atoms adsorbed on MCM-41 with pulsed NMR

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huan, C.; Masuhara, N.; Adams, J.; Lewkowitz, M.; Sullivan, N. S.

    2018-03-01

    We report measurements of the nuclear spin-spin and spin-lattice relaxation times for 3He adsorbed on MCM-41 for temperatures 0.08 < T < 1.2 K. Deviations from Curie behavior are observed at low temperatures. The relaxation times exhibit a two-component behavior representing the differing dynamics of the mobile quasi-free molecules in the center of the tubes compared to the adsorbed layer on the walls. The amplitudes of the two components provide an accurate measure of the number of fluid-like molecules traveling in the center of the nanotubes.

  20. The Density and Refractive Index of Adsorbing Protein Layers

    PubMed Central

    Vörös, Janos

    2004-01-01

    The structure of the adsorbing layers of native and denatured proteins (fibrinogen, γ-immunoglobulin, albumin, and lysozyme) was studied on hydrophilic TiO2 and hydrophobic Teflon-AF surfaces using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation and optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy techniques. The density and the refractive index of the adsorbing protein layers could be determined from the complementary information provided by the two in situ instruments. The observed density and refractive index changes during the protein-adsorption process indicated the presence of conformational changes (e.g., partial unfolding) in general, especially upon contact with the hydrophobic surface. The structure of the formed layers was found to depend on the size of the proteins and on the experimental conditions. On the TiO2 surface smaller proteins formed a denser layer than larger ones and the layer of unfolded proteins was less dense than that adsorbed from the native conformation. The hydrophobic surface induced denaturation and resulted in the formation of thin compact protein films of albumin and lysozyme. A linear correlation was found between the quartz crystal microbalance measured dissipation factor and the total water content of the layer, suggesting the existence of a dissipative process that is related to the solvent molecules present inside the adsorbed protein layer. Our measurements indicated that water and solvent molecules not only influence the 3D structure of proteins in solution but also play a crucial role in their adsorption onto surfaces. PMID:15240488

  1. Cryogenic buffer-gas loading and magnetic trapping of CrH and MnH molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stoll, Michael; Bakker, Joost M.; Steimle, Timothy C.; Meijer, Gerard; Peters, Achim

    2008-09-01

    We report on the buffer-gas cooling and trapping of CrH and MnH molecules in a magnetic quadrupole trap with densities on the order of 106cm-3 at a temperature of 650mK . Storage times of up to 180ms have been observed, corresponding to a 20-fold lifetime enhancement with respect to the field-free diffusion through the He3 buffer-gas. Using Monte Carlo trajectory simulations, inelastic molecule- He3 collision cross sections of 1.6×10-18 and 3.1×10-17cm2 are extracted for CrH and MnH, respectively. Furthermore, elastic molecule- He3 collision cross sections of 1.4(±0.5)×10-14cm2 are determined for both species. We conclude that the confinement time of these molecules in a magnetic trapping field is limited by inelastic collisions with the helium atoms leading to Zeeman relaxation.

  2. Zinc oxide doped graphene oxide films for gas sensing applications

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chetna,, E-mail: chetna2288@gmail.com; Kumar, Shani; Chaudhary, S.

    Graphene Oxide (GO) is analogous to graphene, but presence of many functional groups makes its physical and chemical properties essentially different from those of graphene. GO is found to be a promising material for low cost fabrication of highly versatile and environment friendly gas sensors. Selectivity, reversibility and sensitivity of GO based gas sensor have been improved by hybridization with Zinc Oxide nanoparticles. The device is fabricated by spin coating of deionized water dispersed GO flakes (synthesized using traditional hummer’s method) doped with Zinc Oxide on standard glass substrate. Since GO is an insulator and functional groups on GO nanosheetsmore » play vital role in adsorbing gas molecules, it is being used as an adsorber. Additionally, on being exposed to certain gases the electric and optical characteristics of GO material exhibit an alteration in behavior. For the conductivity, we use Zinc Oxide, as it displays a high sensitivity towards conduction. The effects of the compositions, structural defects and morphologies of graphene based sensing layers and the configurations of sensing devices on the performances of gas sensors were investigated by Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction(XRD) and Keithley Sourcemeter.« less

  3. Molecules, magic and forgetful fruit flies: the supernatural science of medical gas research.

    PubMed

    Mychaskiw, George

    2011-09-06

    Medical gas research often involves the study of molecules under extraphysiologic conditions, that is, conditions that do not exist in nature. This "supernatural" nature of medical gas research sometimes produces results that appear to be almost "magic" to those schooled in traditional physiology"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic".-Arthur C. Clarke.

  4. Molecules, magic and forgetful fruit flies: the supernatural science of medical gas research

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Medical gas research often involves the study of molecules under extraphysiologic conditions, that is, conditions that do not exist in nature. This "supernatural" nature of medical gas research sometimes produces results that appear to be almost "magic" to those schooled in traditional physiology "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic". -Arthur C. Clarke PMID:22146602

  5. Hypercrosslinked poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) resin as a specific polymeric adsorbent for purification of berberine hydrochloride from aqueous solutions.

    PubMed

    Li, Yin; Cao, Ruofan; Wu, Xiaofei; Huang, Jianhan; Deng, Shuguang; Lu, Xiuyang

    2013-06-15

    A hypercrosslinked poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) resin (TEPA) was synthesized and characterized as a specific polymeric adsorbent for concentrating berberine hydrochloride from aqueous solutions. Three organic molecules of different sizes (2-naphthol, berberine hydrochloride, and Congo red) were used as target molecules to elucidate the molecular sieving effect of the TEPA adsorbent. Because the TEPA adsorbent has a pore structure consisting mainly of micropores and mesopores, the adsorption of 2-naphthol from aqueous solutions is very efficient due to the micropore filling effect. The adsorption of berberine hydrochloride mostly takes place in the mesopores as well as macropores, while the adsorption of Congo red mainly occurs in the macropores. The smaller adsorbate molecule (2-naphthol) reaches the adsorption equilibrium much faster than the larger ones (berberine hydrochloride and Congo red). An adsorption breakthrough experiment with an aqueous solution containing 2-naphthol and berberine hydrochloride demonstrated that the TEPA adsorbent could effectively remove 2-naphthol from berberine hydrochloride at 0-107 BV (bed volume, 1 BV=10 ml), and the berberine hydrochloride concentration was increased from 66.7% to 99.4%, suggesting that this polymeric adsorbent is promising for purifying berberine hydrochloride and similar alkaloids from herbal plant extracts. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Properties and potential environmental applications of carbon adsorbents from waste tire rubber

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Lehmann, C.M.B.; Rameriz, D.; Rood, M.J.; Rostam-Abadi, M.

    2000-01-01

    The properties of tire-derived carbon adsorbents (TDCA) produced from select tire chars were compared with those derived from an Illinois coal and pistachio nut shells. Chemical analyses of the TDCA indicated that these materials contain metallic elements not present in coal-and nut shell-derived carbons. These metals, introduced during the production of tire rubber, potentially catalyze steam gasification reactions of tire char. TDCA carbons contained larger meso-and macopore volumes than their counterparts derived from coal and nut shell (on the moisture-and ash-free-basis). Adsorptive properties of the tire-derived adsorbent carbons for air separation, gas storage, and gas clean up were also evaluated and compared with those of the coal-and nut shell derived carbons as well as a commercial activated carbon. The results revealed that TDCA carbons are suitable adsorbents for removing vapor-phase mercury from combustion flue gases and hazardous organic compounds from industrial gas streams.

  7. DNA molecules on periodically microstructured lipid membranes: Localization and coil stretching

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hochrein, Marion B.; Leierseder, Judith A.; Golubović, Leonardo; Rädler, Joachim O.

    2007-02-01

    We explore large scale conformations of DNA molecules adsorbed on curved surfaces. For that purpose, we investigate the behavior of DNA adsorbed on periodically shaped cationic lipid membranes. These unique membrane morphologies are supported on grooved, one-dimensionally periodic microstructured surfaces. Strikingly, we find that these periodically structured membranes are capable to stretch DNA coils. We elucidate this phenomenon in terms of surface curvature dependent potential energy attained by the adsorbed DNA molecules. Due to it, DNA molecules undergo a localization transition causing them to stretch by binding to highly curved sections (edges) of the supported membranes. This effect provides a new venue for controlling conformations of semiflexible polymers such as DNA by employing their interactions with specially designed biocompatible surfaces. We report the first experimental observation of semiflexible polymers unbinding transition in which DNA molecules unbind from one-dimensional manifolds (edges) while remaining bound to two-dimensional manifolds (cationic membranes).

  8. Modeling Adsorption and Reactions of Organic Molecules at Metal Surfaces

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Conspectus The understanding of adsorption and reactions of (large) organic molecules at metal surfaces plays an increasingly important role in modern surface science and technology. Such hybrid inorganic/organic systems (HIOS) are relevant for many applications in catalysis, light-emitting diodes, single-molecule junctions, molecular sensors and switches, and photovoltaics. Obviously, the predictive modeling and understanding of the structure and stability of such hybrid systems is an essential prerequisite for tuning their electronic properties and functions. At present, density-functional theory (DFT) is the most promising approach to study the structure, stability, and electronic properties of complex systems, because it can be applied to both molecules and solids comprising thousands of atoms. However, state-of-the-art approximations to DFT do not provide a consistent and reliable description for HIOS, which is largely due to two issues: (i) the self-interaction of the electrons with themselves arising from the Hartree term of the total energy that is not fully compensated in approximate exchange-correlation functionals, and (ii) the lack of long-range part of the ubiquitous van der Waals (vdW) interactions. The self-interaction errors sometimes lead to incorrect description of charge transfer and electronic level alignment in HIOS, although for molecules adsorbed on metals these effects will often cancel out in total energy differences. Regarding vdW interactions, several promising vdW-inclusive DFT-based methods have been recently demonstrated to yield remarkable accuracy for intermolecular interactions in the gas phase. However, the majority of these approaches neglect the nonlocal collective electron response in the vdW energy tail, an effect that is particularly strong in condensed phases and at interfaces between different materials. Here we show that the recently developed DFT+vdWsurf method that accurately accounts for the collective electronic

  9. Equilibrium and heat of adsorption of diethyl phthalate on heterogeneous adsorbents.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Weiming; Xu, Zhengwen; Pan, Bingcai; Hong, Changhong; Jia, Kun; Jiang, Peijuan; Zhang, Qingjian; Pan, Bingjun

    2008-09-01

    Removal of phthalate esters from water has been of considerable concern recently. In the present study, the adsorptive removal performance of diethyl phthalate (DEP) from water was investigated with the aminated polystyrene resin (NDA-101) and oxidized polystyrene resin (NDA-702). In addition, the commercial homogeneous polystyrene resin (XAD-4) and acrylic ester resin (Amberlite XAD-7) as well as coal-based granular activated carbon (AC-750) were chosen for comparison. The corresponding equilibrium isotherms are well described by the Freundlich equation and the adsorption capacities for DEP followed the order NDA-702 > NDA-101 > AC-750 > XAD-4 > XAD-7. Analysis of adsorption mechanisms suggested that these adsorbents spontaneously adsorb DEP molecules driven mainly by enthalpy change, and the adsorption process was derived by multiple adsorbent-adsorbate interactions such as hydrogen bonding, pi-pi stacking, and micropore filling. The information related to the adsorbent surface heterogeneity and the adsorbate-adsorbate interaction was obtained by Do's model. All the results indicate that heterogeneous resins NDA-702 and NDA-101 have excellent potential as an adsorption material for the removal of DEP from the contaminated water.

  10. Amine-tethered solid adsorbents coupling high adsorption capacity and regenerability for CO2 capture from ambient air.

    PubMed

    Choi, Sunho; Gray, McMahan L; Jones, Christopher W

    2011-05-23

    Silica supported poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) materials are prepared via impregnation and demonstrated to be promising adsorbents for CO(2) capture from ultra-dilute gas streams such as ambient air. A prototypical class 1 adsorbent, containing 45 wt% PEI (PEI/silica), and two new modified PEI-based aminosilica adsorbents, derived from PEI modified with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (A-PEI/silica) or tetraethyl orthotitanate (T-PEI/silica), are prepared and characterized by using thermogravimetric analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. The modifiers are shown to enhance the thermal stability of the polymer-oxide composites, leading to higher PEI decomposition temperatures. The modified adsorbents present extremely high CO(2) adsorption capacities under conditions simulating ambient air (400 ppm CO(2) in inert gas), exceeding 2 mol(CO (2)) kg(sorbent)(-1), as well as enhanced adsorption kinetics compared to conventional class 1 sorbents. The new adsorbents show excellent stability in cyclic adsorption-desorption operations, even under dry conditions in which aminosilica adsorbents are known to lose capacity due to urea formation. Thus, the adsorbents of this type can be considered promising materials for the direct capture of CO(2) from ultra-dilute gas streams such as ambient air. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Adsorption Site of Gas Molecules on Defective Armchair Graphene Nanoribbon Formed Through Ion Bombardment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Auzar, Zuriana; Johari, Zaharah; Sakina, S. H.; Alias, N. Ezaila

    2018-02-01

    High sensitivity and selectivity is desired in sensing devices. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of the ion bombardment process in creating a defect on graphene nanoribbons (GNR), which significantly affects sensing properties, in particular adsorption energy, charge transfer and sensitivity. A process has been developed to form the defect on the GNR surface using molecular dynamic (MD) with a reactive force field with nitrogen ion. The sensing properties were calculated using the extended Huckel theory when oxygen (O2) and ammonia (NH3) molecules are exposed to different areas on the defective site. Through simulation, it was found that the ion bombardment process formed various types of defects on the GNR surface. Most notably, molecules adsorbed on the ripple area considerably improve the sensitivity by more than 50%. This indicates that the defect on the armchair graphene nanoribbon (AGNR) surface can be a method to enhance graphene-based sensing performance.

  12. Molecular Electronic Devices Based On Electrooptical Behavior Of Heme-Like Molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Simic-Glavaski, B.

    1986-02-01

    This paper discusses application of the electrically modulated and unusually strong Raman emitted light produced by an adsorbed monolayer of phthalocyanine molecules on silver electrode or silver bromide substrates and on neural membranes. The analysis of electronic energy levels in semiconducting silver bromide and the adsorbed phthalocyanine molecules suggests a lasing mechanism as a possible origin of the high enhancement factor in surface enhanced Raman scattering. Electrically modulated Raman scattering may be used as a carrier of information which is drawn fran the fast intramolecular electron transfer aN,the multiplicity of quantum wells in phthalocyanine molecules. Fast switching times on the order of 10-13 seconds have been measured at room temperature. Multilevel and multioutput optical signals have also been obtained fran such an electrically modulated adsorbed monolayer of phthalocyanine molecules which can be precisely addressed and interrogated. This may be of practical use to develop Nlecular electronic devices with high density memory and fast parallel processing systems with a typical 1020 gate Hz/cm2 capacity at room temperature for use in optical computers. The paper also discusses the electrooptical modulation of Raman signals obtained from adsorbed bio-compatible phthalocyanine molecules on nerve membranes. This optical probe of neural systems can be used in studies of complex information processing in neural nets and provides a possible method for interfacing natural and man-made information processing devices.

  13. Interactions between nitrogen and oxygen molecules studied by gas-phase NMR spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Garbacz, Piotr; Misiak, Maria; Jackowski, Karol

    2018-05-01

    Gas-phase 14N and 15N NMR studies of nitrogen and synthetic air pressurized up to 300 bar were performed. It was found that the magnetic shielding of an isolated N2 molecule, σ0(N) = -63.4(2) ppm, is in good agreement with the results of ab initio calculations. The binary N2-O2 interactions contribute to shielding an order of the magnitude larger than the N2-N2 pairs. For nitrogen the three body collisions become observable by NMR for pressure higher than 200 bar and the appropriate coefficient can be practically assigned to the interaction between one molecule of N2 and a pair of O2 molecules.

  14. Ca-Embedded C2N: an efficient adsorbent for CO2 capture.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yuzhen; Meng, Zhaoshun; Guo, Xiaojian; Xu, Genjian; Rao, Dewei; Wang, Yuhui; Deng, Kaiming; Lu, Ruifeng

    2017-10-25

    Carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas causes severe impacts on the environment, whereas it is also a necessary chemical feedstock that can be converted into carbon-based fuels via electrochemical reduction. To efficiently and reversibly capture CO 2 , it is important to find novel materials for a good balance between adsorption and desorption. In this study, we performed first-principles calculations and grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations, to systematically study metal-embedded carbon nitride (C 2 N) nanosheets for CO 2 capture. Our first-principles results indicated that Ca atoms can be uniformly trapped in the cavity center of C 2 N structure, while the transition metals (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co) are favorably embedded in the sites off the center of the cavity. The determined maximum number of CO 2 molecules with strong physisorption showed that Ca-embedded C 2 N monolayer is the most promising CO 2 adsorbent among all considered metal-embedded materials. Moreover, GCMC simulations revealed that at room temperature the gravimetric density for CO 2 adsorbed on Ca-embedded C 2 N reached 50 wt% at 30 bar and 23 wt% at 1 bar, higher than other layered materials, thus providing a satisfactory system for the CO 2 capture and utilization.

  15. Buffer Gas Cooled Molecule Source for Cpmmw Spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Yan; Grimes, David; Barnum, Timothy J.; Klein, Ethan; Field, Robert W.

    2014-06-01

    We have built a new molecular beam source that implements 20 K Neon buffer gas cooling for the study of the spectra of small molecules. In particular, laser ablation of BaF2 pellets has been optimized to produce a molecular beam of BaF with a number density more than 100 times greater than what we have previously obtained from a typical Smalley-type photoablation supersonic beam source. Moreover, the forward beam velocity of 150 m/s in our apparatus represents an approximate 10-fold reduction, improving spectroscopic resolution from 500 kHz to better than 50 kHz at 100 GHz in a chirped-pulse millimeter-wave experiment in which resolution is limited by Doppler broadening. Novel improvements in our buffer gas source and advantages for CPmmW spectroscopy studies will be discussed. We thank David Patterson, John Barry, John Doyle, and David DeMille for help in the design of our source.

  16. Single molecule detection of nitric oxide enabled by d(AT)15 DNA adsorbed to near infrared fluorescent single-walled carbon nanotubes.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jingqing; Boghossian, Ardemis A; Barone, Paul W; Rwei, Alina; Kim, Jong-Ho; Lin, Dahua; Heller, Daniel A; Hilmer, Andrew J; Nair, Nitish; Reuel, Nigel F; Strano, Michael S

    2011-01-26

    We report the selective detection of single nitric oxide (NO) molecules using a specific DNA sequence of d(AT)(15) oligonucleotides, adsorbed to an array of near-infrared fluorescent semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (AT(15)-SWNT). While SWNT suspended with eight other variant DNA sequences show fluorescence quenching or enhancement from analytes such as dopamine, NADH, L-ascorbic acid, and riboflavin, d(AT)(15) imparts SWNT with a distinct selectivity toward NO. In contrast, the electrostatically neutral polyvinyl alcohol enables no response to nitric oxide, but exhibits fluorescent enhancement to other molecules in the tested library. For AT(15)-SWNT, a stepwise fluorescence decrease is observed when the nanotubes are exposed to NO, reporting the dynamics of single-molecule NO adsorption via SWNT exciton quenching. We describe these quenching traces using a birth-and-death Markov model, and the maximum likelihood estimator of adsorption and desorption rates of NO is derived. Applying the method to simulated traces indicates that the resulting error in the estimated rate constants is less than 5% under our experimental conditions, allowing for calibration using a series of NO concentrations. As expected, the adsorption rate is found to be linearly proportional to NO concentration, and the intrinsic single-site NO adsorption rate constant is 0.001 s(-1) μM NO(-1). The ability to detect nitric oxide quantitatively at the single-molecule level may find applications in new cellular assays for the study of nitric oxide carcinogenesis and chemical signaling, as well as medical diagnostics for inflammation.

  17. Charge-transfer photodissociation of adsorbed molecules via electron image states

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jensen, E. T.

    The 248 and 193 nm photodissociations of submonolayer quantities of CH{sub 3}Br and CH{sub 3}I adsorbed on thin layers of n-hexane indicate that the dissociation is caused by dissociative electron attachment from subvacuum level photoelectrons created in the copper substrate. The characteristics of this photodissociation-translation energy distributions and coverage dependences show that the dissociation is mediated by an image potential state which temporarily traps the photoelectrons near the n-hexane-vacuum interface, and then the charge transfers from this image state to the affinity level of a coadsorbed halomethane which then dissociates.

  18. Graphene symmetry-breaking with molecular adsorbates: modeling and experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Groce, M. A.; Hawkins, M. K.; Wang, Y. L.; Cullen, W. G.; Einstein, T. L.

    2012-02-01

    Graphene's structure and electronic properties provide a framework for understanding molecule-substrate interactions and developing techniques for band gap engineering. Controlled deposition of molecular adsorbates can create superlattices which break the degeneracy of graphene's two-atom unit cell, opening a band gap. We simulate scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy measurements for a variety of organic molecule/graphene systems, including pyridine, trimesic acid, and isonicotinic acid, based on density functional theory calculations using VASP. We also compare our simulations to ultra-high vacuum STM and STS results.

  19. Measurement of Fatigue Crack Growth Relationships in Hydrogen Gas for Pressure Swing Adsorber Vessel Steels

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Somerday, Brian P.; Barney, Monica

    We measured the hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth rates (da/dN) for SA516 Grade 70 steel as a function of stress-intensity factor range (ΔK) and load-cycle frequency to provide life-prediction data relevant to pressure swing adsorber (PSA) vessels. For ΔK values up to 18.5 MPa m 1/2, the baseline da/dN versus ΔK relationship measured at 1Hz in 2.8 MPa hydrogen gas represents an upper bound with respect to crack growth rates measured at lower frequency. However, at higher ΔK values, we found that the baseline da/dN data had to be corrected to account for modestly higher crack growth rates at the lowermore » frequencies relevant to PSA vessel operation.« less

  20. Measurement of Fatigue Crack Growth Relationships in Hydrogen Gas for Pressure Swing Adsorber Vessel Steels

    DOE PAGES

    Somerday, Brian P.; Barney, Monica

    2014-12-04

    We measured the hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth rates (da/dN) for SA516 Grade 70 steel as a function of stress-intensity factor range (ΔK) and load-cycle frequency to provide life-prediction data relevant to pressure swing adsorber (PSA) vessels. For ΔK values up to 18.5 MPa m 1/2, the baseline da/dN versus ΔK relationship measured at 1Hz in 2.8 MPa hydrogen gas represents an upper bound with respect to crack growth rates measured at lower frequency. However, at higher ΔK values, we found that the baseline da/dN data had to be corrected to account for modestly higher crack growth rates at the lowermore » frequencies relevant to PSA vessel operation.« less

  1. Discrete unified gas kinetic scheme for all Knudsen number flows. III. Binary gas mixtures of Maxwell molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yue; Zhu, Lianhua; Wang, Ruijie; Guo, Zhaoli

    2018-05-01

    Recently a discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (DUGKS) in a finite-volume formulation based on the Boltzmann model equation has been developed for gas flows in all flow regimes. The original DUGKS is designed for flows of single-species gases. In this work, we extend the DUGKS to flows of binary gas mixtures of Maxwell molecules based on the Andries-Aoki-Perthame kinetic model [P. Andries et al., J. Stat. Phys. 106, 993 (2002), 10.1023/A:1014033703134. A particular feature of the method is that the flux at each cell interface is evaluated based on the characteristic solution of the kinetic equation itself; thus the numerical dissipation is low in comparison with that using direct reconstruction. Furthermore, the implicit treatment of the collision term enables the time step to be free from the restriction of the relaxation time. Unlike the DUGKS for single-species flows, a nonlinear system must be solved to determine the interaction parameters appearing in the equilibrium distribution function, which can be obtained analytically for Maxwell molecules. Several tests are performed to validate the scheme, including the shock structure problem under different Mach numbers and molar concentrations, the channel flow driven by a small gradient of pressure, temperature, or concentration, the plane Couette flow, and the shear driven cavity flow under different mass ratios and molar concentrations. The results are compared with those from other reliable numerical methods. The results show that the proposed scheme is an effective and reliable method for binary gas mixtures in all flow regimes.

  2. Magnetic coupling of Fe-porphyrin molecules adsorbed on clean and c(2×2) oxygen-reconstructed Co(100) investigated by spin-polarized photoemission spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weber, A. P.; Caruso, A. N.; Vescovo, E.; Ali, Md. E.; Tarafder, K.; Janjua, S. Z.; Sadowski, J. T.; Oppeneer, P. M.

    2013-05-01

    The spin-polarized electronic structure of iron octaethylporphyrin (FeOEP) molecules adsorbed on a pristine and on a c(2×2) oxygen-reconstructed Co(100) surface has been analyzed by means of spin-polarized photoemission spectroscopy (SPPES) and first-principles density functional theory with the on-site Coulomb repulsion U term (DFT+U) calculations with and without Van der Waals corrections. The aim is to examine the magnetic exchange mechanism between the FeOEP molecules and the Co(100) substrate in the presence or absence of the oxygen mediator. The results demonstrate that the magnetic coupling from the ferromagnetic substrate to the adsorbed FeOEP molecules is ferromagnetic, whereas, the coupling is antiferromagnetic for the FeOEP on the c(2×2)O/Co(100) system. Spin-resolved partial densities of states extracted from ab initio DFT+U modeling are in fairly good comparison with the electronic spectral densities seen in angle-integrated SPPES energy dispersion curves for submonolayer coverages of FeOEP. Through combined analysis of these spectra and theoretical results, we determine that hybridization of 2p orbitals of N and O with Co 3d orbitals facilitates indirect magnetic exchange interactions between Fe and Co, whereas, a direct Fe-Co interaction involving the Fe dz2 orbital is also found for FeOEP on Co. It is observed through SPPES that the spin polarization of the photoemission-visible molecular overlayers decreases to zero as coverage is increased beyond the submonolayer regime, indicating that only interfacial magnetic coupling is at work. Microspot low-energy electron diffraction and low-energy electron microscopy were performed to characterize the physical order of the molecular coverage, revealing that FeOEP structural domains are orders of magnitude greater in size on c(2×2)O/Co(100) than on clean Co(100), which coincides with reduced scattering from the disorder and sharper features seen in SPPES.

  3. Magnetic trapping of buffer-gas-cooled chromium atoms and prospects for the extension to paramagnetic molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bakker, Joost M.; Stoll, Michael; Weise, Dennis R.; Vogelsang, Oliver; Meijer, Gerard; Peters, Achim

    2006-10-01

    We report the successful buffer-gas cooling and magnetic trapping of chromium atoms with densities exceeding 1012 atoms per cm3 at a temperature of 350 mK for the trapped sample. The possibilities of extending the method to buffer-gas cool and magnetically trap molecules are discussed. To minimize the most important loss mechanism in magnetic trapping, molecules with a small spin spin interaction and a large rotational constant are preferred. Both the CrH (6Σ+ ground state) and MnH (7Σ+) radicals appear to be suitable systems for future experiments.

  4. Black Molecular Adsorber Coatings for Spaceflight Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abraham, Nithin Susan; Hasegawa, Mark Makoto; Straka, Sharon A.

    2014-01-01

    The molecular adsorber coating is a new technology that was developed to mitigate the risk of on-orbit molecular contamination on spaceflight missions. The application of this coating would be ideal near highly sensitive, interior surfaces and instruments that are negatively impacted by outgassed molecules from materials, such as plastics, adhesives, lubricants, epoxies, and other similar compounds. This current, sprayable paint technology is comprised of inorganic white materials made from highly porous zeolite. In addition to good adhesion performance, thermal stability, and adsorptive capability, the molecular adsorber coating offers favorable thermal control characteristics. However, low reflectivity properties, which are typically offered by black thermal control coatings, are desired for some spaceflight applications. For example, black coatings are used on interior surfaces, in particular, on instrument baffles for optical stray light control. Similarly, they are also used within light paths between optical systems, such as telescopes, to absorb light. Recent efforts have been made to transform the white molecular adsorber coating into a black coating with similar adsorptive properties. This result is achieved by optimizing the current formulation with black pigments, while still maintaining its adsorption capability for outgassing control. Different binder to pigment ratios, coating thicknesses, and spray application techniques were explored to develop a black version of the molecular adsorber coating. During the development process, coating performance and adsorption characteristics were studied. The preliminary work performed on black molecular adsorber coatings thus far is very promising. Continued development and testing is necessary for its use on future contamination sensitive spaceflight missions.

  5. Black molecular adsorber coatings for spaceflight applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abraham, Nithin S.; Hasegawa, Mark M.; Straka, Sharon A.

    2014-09-01

    The molecular adsorber coating is a new technology that was developed to mitigate the risk of on-orbit molecular contamination on spaceflight missions. The application of this coating would be ideal near highly sensitive, interior surfaces and instruments that are negatively impacted by outgassed molecules from materials, such as plastics, adhesives, lubricants, epoxies, and other similar compounds. This current, sprayable paint technology is comprised of inorganic white materials made from highly porous zeolite. In addition to good adhesion performance, thermal stability, and adsorptive capability, the molecular adsorber coating offers favorable thermal control characteristics. However, low reflectivity properties, which are typically offered by black thermal control coatings, are desired for some spaceflight applications. For example, black coatings are used on interior surfaces, in particular, on instrument baffles for optical stray light control. Similarly, they are also used within light paths between optical systems, such as telescopes, to absorb light. Recent efforts have been made to transform the white molecular adsorber coating into a black coating with similar adsorptive properties. This result is achieved by optimizing the current formulation with black pigments, while still maintaining its adsorption capability for outgassing control. Different binder to pigment ratios, coating thicknesses, and spray application techniques were explored to develop a black version of the molecular adsorber coating. During the development process, coating performance and adsorption characteristics were studied. The preliminary work performed on black molecular adsorber coatings thus far is very promising. Continued development and testing is necessary for its use on future contamination sensitive spaceflight missions.

  6. Many-body dispersion effects in the binding of adsorbates on metal surfaces

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Maurer, Reinhard J.; Ruiz, Victor G.; Tkatchenko, Alexandre

    2015-09-14

    A correct description of electronic exchange and correlation effects for molecules in contact with extended (metal) surfaces is a challenging task for first-principles modeling. In this work, we demonstrate the importance of collective van der Waals dispersion effects beyond the pairwise approximation for organic–inorganic systems on the example of atoms, molecules, and nanostructures adsorbed on metals. We use the recently developed many-body dispersion (MBD) approach in the context of density-functional theory [Tkatchenko et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 236402 (2012) and Ambrosetti et al., J. Chem. Phys. 140, 18A508 (2014)] and assess its ability to correctly describe the binding ofmore » adsorbates on metal surfaces. We briefly review the MBD method and highlight its similarities to quantum-chemical approaches to electron correlation in a quasiparticle picture. In particular, we study the binding properties of xenon, 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic acid, and a graphene sheet adsorbed on the Ag(111) surface. Accounting for MBD effects, we are able to describe changes in the anisotropic polarizability tensor, improve the description of adsorbate vibrations, and correctly capture the adsorbate–surface interaction screening. Comparison to other methods and experiment reveals that inclusion of MBD effects improves adsorption energies and geometries, by reducing the overbinding typically found in pairwise additive dispersion-correction approaches.« less

  7. Potential interstellar noble gas molecules: ArOH+ and NeOH+ rovibrational analysis from quantum chemical quartic force fields

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Theis, Riley A.; Fortenberry, Ryan C.

    2016-03-01

    The discovery of ArH+ in the interstellar medium has shown that noble gas chemistry may be of more chemical significance than previously believed. The present work extends the known chemistry of small noble gas molecules to NeOH+ and ArOH+. Besides their respective neonium and argonium diatomic cation cousins, these hydroxyl cation molecules are the most stable small noble gas molecules analyzed of late. ArOH+ is once again more stable than the neon cation, but both are well-behaved enough for a complete quartic force field analysis of their rovibrational properties. The Ar-O bond in ArOH+ , for instance, is roughly three-quarters of the strength of the Ar-H bond in ArH+ highlighting the rigidity of this system. The rotational constants, geometries, and vibrational frequencies for both molecules and their various isotopologues are computed from ab initio quantum chemical theory at high-level, and it is shown that these cations may form in regions where peroxy or weakly-bound alcohols may be present. The resulting data should be of significant assistance for the laboratory or observational analysis of these potential interstellar molecules.

  8. Adsorption and Desorption of Carbon Dioxide and Water Mixtures on Synthetic Hydrophobic Carbonaceous Adsorbents

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Finn, John E.; Harper, Lynn D. (Technical Monitor)

    1994-01-01

    Several synthetic carbonaceous adsorbents produced through pyrolysis of polymeric materials are available commercially. Some appear to have advantages over activated carbon for certain adsorption applications. In particular, they can have tailored hydrophobicities that are significantly greater than that of activated carbon, while moderately high surfaces areas are retained. These sorbents are being investigated for possible use in removing trace contaminants and excess carbon dioxide from air in closed habitats, plant growth chambers, and other applications involving purification of humid gas streams. We have analyzed the characteristics of a few of these adsorbents through adsorption and desorption experiments and standard characterization techniques. This paper presents pure and multicomponent adsorption data collected for carbon dioxide and water on two synthetic carbonaceous adsorbents having different hydrophobicities and capillary condensation characteristics. The observations are interpreted through consideration of the pore structure and surface chemistry of the solids and interactions between adsorbed carbon dioxide, water, and the solvent gas.

  9. Interplay of polyelectrolytes with different adsorbing surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Feng

    We study the adsorption of polyelectrolytes from solution onto different adsorbing surfaces, focusing on the electrostatic interactions. Measurements of the surface excess, fractional ionization of chargeable groups, segmental orientation, and adsorption kinetics were made using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the mode of attenuated total reflection. Different adsorbing surfaces, from single solid surfaces, solid surfaces modified with adsorbed polymer layer, to fluid-like surfaces-biomembranes were adopted. Both atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescent techniques were employed to investigate the fluid-like surfaces in the absence and in the presence of polyelectrolytes. The work focuses on three primary issues: (i) the charge regulation of weak polyelectrolytes on both homogeneous and heterogeneous surfaces, (ii) the dynamics of adsorption when the surface possesses reciprocal mobility, i.e., biomembrane surface, and (iii) the structural and dynamical properties of the fluid-like surfaces interacting with polyelectrolytes. We find that the ionization of chargeable groups in weak polyelectrolytes is controlled by the charge balance between the adsorbates and the surfaces. A new interpretation of ionization in the adsorbed layer provides a new insight into the fundamental problem of whether ions of opposite charge associate or remain separate. Bjerrum length is found to be a criterion for the onset of surface ionization suppression, which helps to predict and control the conformation transition of proteins. In addition to the effect of different surfaces on the adsorption behavior of polyelectrolytes, we also focused on the response of the surfaces to the adsorbates. Chains that encountered sparsely-covered surfaces spread to maximize the number of segment-surface contacts at rates independent of the molar mass. Surface reconstruction rather than molar mass of the adsorbing molecules appeared to determine the rate of spreading. This contrasts starkly

  10. Electric-field controlled capture or release of phosgene molecule on graphene-based materials: First principles calculations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Tong; Sun, Hao; Wang, Fengdi; Zhang, Wanqiao; Ma, Junmei; Tang, Shuwei; Gong, Hongwei; Zhang, Jingping

    2018-01-01

    Phosgene, one of the common chemicals in many industry areas, is extremely harmful to human and the environment. Thus, it is necessary to design the advanced materials to detect or remove phosgene effectively. In fact, detection or adsorption of some small gas molecules are not the most difficult to actualize. Whereas, one of the primary challenges is the gas molecules desorption from the adsorbent for the purpose of recycling of substrate materials since the small gas molecules interacts strongly with the substrates. In this work, the interaction between the phosgene molecule and pristine or Mn-doped graphene sheets with different electric field and charge state are investigated by using first-principles simulations. Our results show that the adsorption energy of phosgene on Mn-doped graphene is dramatically weakened by applying an external negative electric field but is obviously enhanced by introducing a positive electric field. These processes can be easily controlled by transform the direction of the electric field. Thus, introducing an external electric field or charge in the system may be an excellent method to control the phosgene molecule adsorption and desorption on Mn-doped graphene sheet. All energy needed is just a small quantity of electricity, which satisfies well the requirement of green chemistry and sustainable development. The mechanism and reason of reversible adsorption/desorption is also revealed in terms of energy, charge distribution and orbital analysis. Such spontaneous adsorption or desorption makes Mn-doped graphene to be used as an excellent reusable scavenger of phosgene.

  11. Apport de la microscopie a effet tunnel a la caracterisation d'interfaces molecule-metal a fort transfert de charge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bedwani, Stephane

    conventional Cartesian grid but with a significantly smaller number of calculated pixels. This module is independent of the solver used to compute the tunneling current and can be transposed to different imaging techniques. Our work on the adsorption of TCNE molecules on Cu(100) surfaces revealed that the molecules assemble into a 1D chain, thereby buckling excessively a few Cu atoms from the surface. The large deformations observed at the molecule-metal interface show that the Cu atoms close to the TCNE nitrile groups assist the molecular assembly and show a distinct behavior compared with other Cu atoms. A strong charge-transfer is observed at the interface leading to an almost complete occupation of the state ascribed to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of TCNE in gas phase. In addition, a back-donation of charge from the molecule to the metal via the states associated with the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) of TCNE in gas phase may be seen. The magnitude of the charge-transfer between a TCNE molecule and Cu atoms is of the same order on the Cu(111) surface but causes much less buckling than that on the Cu(100) surface. However, experimental STM images of single TCNE molecules adsorbed on Cu(111) surfaces reveal a surprising electronic multistability. In addition, scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) reveals that one of these states has a magnetic nature and shows a Kondo resonance. STM simulations identified the source of two non-magnetic states. DFT-LDA calculations were able to ascribe the magnetic state to the partial occupation of a state corresponding to the LUMO+2 of TCNE. Moreover, the calculations showed that additional molecular deformations to those of TCNE in adsorbed phase, such the elongation of the C=C central bond and the bend of nitrile groups toward the surface, favor this charge-transfer to the LUMO+2. This suggested the presence of a Kondo state through the vibrational excitation of the stretching mode of the C=C central bond

  12. Study of gas adsorption on as-produced and modified carbon nanotubes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rawat, Dinesh Singh

    Volumetric adsorption isotherm measurements were used to study the adsorption characteristics of Ethane (C2H6) and Butane (C 4H10) on as-produced single-walled carbon nanotubes. The binding energy of the adsorbed alkane molecule was found to increase with increasing carbon chain length. Two adsorption substeps were obtained for each alkane molecule. However, the size of the high pressure substep was found to be gradually smearing with the increase in size of the adsorbed molecule. This phenomenon is interpreted as size entropy effect for linear molecules. This interpretation was also verified by determining the specific surface area of the substrate using linear molecules of different sizes. Kinetics measurements of alkane adsorption on SWNTs were also conducted and their dependence on the molecular length was determined. Similar adsorption measurements were performed for Argon (Ar) on as-produced single-walled carbon nanotubes and nanotubes that were structurally modified using acid treatment. Enhancement of the sorptive capacity and the presence of two distinct kinetics of gas adsorption verified partial opening of single walled carbon nanotubes as a result of chemical treatment. Mutiwalled carbon nanotubes were exposed to oxygen plasma treatment for varying time periods. Afterwards, adsorption measurements of Methane (CH 4) were conducted on untreated and oxygen plasma treated tubes. The presence of an additional substep, after exposing multiwalled carbon nanotubes to oxygen plasma for varying time periods, suggested progressive cleaning of nanotube surface.

  13. Dynamics of copper-phthalocyanine molecules on Au/Ge(001).

    PubMed

    Sotthewes, K; Heimbuch, R; Zandvliet, H J W

    2015-10-07

    Spatially resolved current-time scanning tunneling spectroscopy combined with current-distance spectroscopy has been used to characterize the dynamic behavior of copper-phthalocyanine (CuPc) molecules adsorbed on a Au-modified Ge(001) surface. The analyzed CuPc molecules are adsorbed in a "molecular bridge" configuration, where two benzopyrrole groups (lobes) are connected to a Au-induced nanowire, whereas the other two lobes are connected to the adjacent nanowire. Three types of lobe configurations are found: a bright lobe, a dim lobe, and a fuzzy lobe. The dim and fuzzy lobes exhibit a well-defined switching behavior between two discrete levels, while the bright lobe shows a broad oscillation band. The observed dynamic behavior is induced by electrons that are injected into the LUMO+1 orbital of the CuPc molecule. By precisely adjusting the tip-molecule distance, the switching frequency of the lobes can be tuned accurately.

  14. Physics with Cold Molecules Using Buffer Gas Cooling: Precision Measurement, Collisions, and Laser Cooling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hutzler, Nicholas R.; Doyle, John M.

    2014-06-01

    Cryogenic buffer gas cooled beams and cells can be used to study many species, from atoms and polar molecules to biomolecules. We report on recent applications of this technique to improve the limit on the electron electric dipole moment [1], load polar molecules into a magnetic trap through optical pumping [2], perform chirally sensitive microwave spectroscopy on polyatomic molecules [3], progress towards magneto-optical trapping of polar molecules [4], and studies of atom-molecule sticking [5]. [1] The ACME Collaboration: J. Baron et al., Science 343, p. 269 (2014) [2] B. Hemmerling et al., arXiv:1310.2669, to appear in Phys. Rev. Lett. [3] D. Patterson, M. Schnell, & J. M. Doyle, Nature 497, p. 475 (2013) [4] H. Lu et al., arXiv:1310.3239, to appear in New. J. Phys. [5] J. Piskorski et al., under preparation

  15. Ordered phases of ethylene adsorbed on charged fullerenes and their aggregates☆

    PubMed Central

    Zöttl, Samuel; Kaiser, Alexander; Daxner, Matthias; Goulart, Marcelo; Mauracher, Andreas; Probst, Michael; Hagelberg, Frank; Denifl, Stephan; Scheier, Paul; Echt, Olof

    2014-01-01

    In spite of extensive investigations of ethylene adsorbed on graphite, bundles of nanotubes, and crystals of fullerenes, little is known about the existence of commensurate phases; they have escaped detection in almost all previous work. Here we present a combined experimental and theoretical study of ethylene adsorbed on free C60 and its aggregates. The ion yield of (C60)m(C2H4)n+ measured by mass spectrometry reveals a propensity to form a structurally ordered phase on monomers, dimers and trimers of C60 in which all sterically accessible hollow sites over carbon rings are occupied. Presumably the enhancement of the corrugation by the curvature of the fullerene surface favors this phase which is akin to a hypothetical 1 × 1 phase on graphite. Experimental data also reveal the number of molecules in groove sites of the C60 dimer through tetramer. The identity of the sites, adsorption energies and orientations of the adsorbed molecules are determined by molecular dynamics calculations based on quantum chemical potentials, as well as density functional theory. The decrease in orientational order with increasing temperature is also explored in the simulations whereas in the experiment it is impossible to vary the temperature. PMID:25843960

  16. Monte Carlo calculations of diatomic molecule gas flows including rotational mode excitation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yoshikawa, K. K.; Itikawa, Y.

    1976-01-01

    The direct simulation Monte Carlo method was used to solve the Boltzmann equation for flows of an internally excited nonequilibrium gas, namely, of rotationally excited homonuclear diatomic nitrogen. The semi-classical transition probability model of Itikawa was investigated for its ability to simulate flow fields far from equilibrium. The behavior of diatomic nitrogen was examined for several different nonequilibrium initial states that are subjected to uniform mean flow without boundary interactions. A sample of 1000 model molecules was observed as the gas relaxed to a steady state starting from three specified initial states. The initial states considered are: (1) complete equilibrium, (2) nonequilibrium, equipartition (all rotational energy states are assigned the mean energy level obtained at equilibrium with a Boltzmann distribution at the translational temperature), and (3) nonequipartition (the mean rotational energy is different from the equilibrium mean value with respect to the translational energy states). In all cases investigated the present model satisfactorily simulated the principal features of the relaxation effects in nonequilibrium flow of diatomic molecules.

  17. Bicarbonate Elution of Uranium from Amidoxime-Based Polymer Adsorbents for Sequestering Uranium from Seawater

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pan, Horng-Bin; Wai, Chien M.; Kuo, Li-Jung

    Uranium adsorbed on amidoxime-based polyethylene fibers in simulated seawater can be quantitatively eluted using 3 M KHCO3 at 40°C. Thermodynamic calculations are in agreement with the experimental observation that at high bicarbonate concentrations (3 M) uranyl ions bound to amidoxime molecules are converted to uranyl tris-carbonato complex in the aqueous solution. The elution process is basically the reverse reaction of the uranium adsorption process which occurs at a very low bicarbonate concentration (~10-3 M) in seawater. In real seawater experiments, the bicarbonate elution is followed by a NaOH treatment to remove natural organic matter adsorbed on the polymer adsorbent. Usingmore » the sequential bicarbonate and NaOH elution, the adsorbent is reusable after rinsing with deionized water and the recycled adsorbent shows no loss of uranium loading capacity based on real seawater experiments.« less

  18. Bicarbonate Elution of Uranium from Amidoxime-Based Polymer Adsorbents for Sequestering Uranium from Seawater

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pan, Horng-Bin; Wai, Chien M.; Kuo, Li-Jung

    Uranium adsorbed on amidoxime-based polyethylene fibers in simulated seawater can be quantitatively eluted using 3 M KHCO 3 at 40°C. Thermodynamic calculations are in agreement with the experimental observation that at high bicarbonate concentrations (3 M) uranyl ions bound to amidoxime molecules are converted to uranyl tris-carbonato complex in the aqueous solution. The elution process is basically the reverse reaction of the uranium adsorption process which occurs at a very low bicarbonate concentration (~10 -3 M) in seawater. The bicarbonate elution is followed by a NaOH treatment to remove natural organic matter adsorbed on the polymer adsorbent, in real seawatermore » experiments. Furthermore, by using the sequential bicarbonate and NaOH elution, the adsorbent is reusable after rinsing with deionized water and the recycled adsorbent shows no loss of uranium loading capacity based on real seawater experiments.« less

  19. Bicarbonate Elution of Uranium from Amidoxime-Based Polymer Adsorbents for Sequestering Uranium from Seawater

    DOE PAGES

    Pan, Horng-Bin; Wai, Chien M.; Kuo, Li-Jung; ...

    2017-05-02

    Uranium adsorbed on amidoxime-based polyethylene fibers in simulated seawater can be quantitatively eluted using 3 M KHCO 3 at 40°C. Thermodynamic calculations are in agreement with the experimental observation that at high bicarbonate concentrations (3 M) uranyl ions bound to amidoxime molecules are converted to uranyl tris-carbonato complex in the aqueous solution. The elution process is basically the reverse reaction of the uranium adsorption process which occurs at a very low bicarbonate concentration (~10 -3 M) in seawater. The bicarbonate elution is followed by a NaOH treatment to remove natural organic matter adsorbed on the polymer adsorbent, in real seawatermore » experiments. Furthermore, by using the sequential bicarbonate and NaOH elution, the adsorbent is reusable after rinsing with deionized water and the recycled adsorbent shows no loss of uranium loading capacity based on real seawater experiments.« less

  20. Heterogeneous Reactions of Limonene on Mineral Dust: Impacts of Adsorbed Water and Nitric Acid.

    PubMed

    Lederer, Madeline R; Staniec, Allison R; Coates Fuentes, Zoe L; Van Ry, Daryl A; Hinrichs, Ryan Z

    2016-12-08

    Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), including the monoterpene limonene, are a major source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). While gas-phase oxidation initiates the dominant pathway for BVOC conversion to SOA, recent studies have demonstrated that biogenic hydrocarbons can also directly react with acidic droplets. To investigate whether mineral dust may facilitate similar reactive uptake of biogenic hydrocarbons, we studied the heterogeneous reaction of limonene with mineral substrates using condensed-phase infrared spectroscopy and identified the formation of irreversibly adsorbed organic products. For kaolinite, Arizona Test Dust, and silica at 30% relative humidity, GC-MS identified limonene-1,2-diol as the dominant product with total organic surface concentrations on the order of (3-5) × 10 18 molecules m -2 . Experiments with 18 O-labeled water support a mechanism initiated by oxidation of limonene by surface redox sites forming limonene oxide followed by water addition to the epoxide to form limonenediol. Limonene uptake on α-alumina, γ-alumina, and montmorillonite formed additional products in high yield, including carveol, carvone, limonene oxide, and α-terpineol. To model tropospheric processing of mineral aerosol, we also exposed each mineral substrate to gaseous nitric acid prior to limonene uptake and identified similar surface adsorbed products that were formed at rates 2 to 5 times faster than without nitrate coatings. The initial rate of reaction was linearly dependent on gaseous limonene concentration between 5 × 10 12 and 5 × 10 14 molecules cm -3 (0.22-20.5 ppm) consistent with an Eley-Rideal-type mechanism in which gaseous limonene reacts directly with reactive surface sites. Increasing relative humidity decreased the amount of surface adsorbed products indicating competitive adsorption of surface adsorbed water. Using a laminar flow tube reactor we measured the uptake coefficient for limonene on kaolinite at 25% RH to range from

  1. Laser electrospray mass spectrometry of adsorbed molecules at atmospheric pressure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brady, John J.; Judge, Elizabeth J.; Simon, Kuriakose; Levis, Robert J.

    2010-02-01

    Atmospheric pressure mass analysis of solid phase biomolecules is performed using laser electrospray mass spectrometry (LEMS). A non-resonant femtosecond duration laser pulse vaporizes native samples at atmospheric pressure for subsequent electrospray ionization and transfer into a mass spectrometer. LEMS was used to detect a complex molecule (irinotecan HCl), a complex mixture (cold medicine formulation with active ingredients: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr and doxylamine succinate), and a biological building block (deoxyguanosine) deposited on steel surfaces without a matrix molecule.

  2. Dynamics of copper-phthalocyanine molecules on Au/Ge(001)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sotthewes, K.; Heimbuch, R.; Zandvliet, H. J. W.

    2015-10-07

    Spatially resolved current-time scanning tunneling spectroscopy combined with current-distance spectroscopy has been used to characterize the dynamic behavior of copper-phthalocyanine (CuPc) molecules adsorbed on a Au-modified Ge(001) surface. The analyzed CuPc molecules are adsorbed in a “molecular bridge” configuration, where two benzopyrrole groups (lobes) are connected to a Au-induced nanowire, whereas the other two lobes are connected to the adjacent nanowire. Three types of lobe configurations are found: a bright lobe, a dim lobe, and a fuzzy lobe. The dim and fuzzy lobes exhibit a well-defined switching behavior between two discrete levels, while the bright lobe shows a broad oscillationmore » band. The observed dynamic behavior is induced by electrons that are injected into the LUMO+1 orbital of the CuPc molecule. By precisely adjusting the tip-molecule distance, the switching frequency of the lobes can be tuned accurately.« less

  3. Contactless experiments on individual DNA molecules show no evidence for molecular wire behavior.

    PubMed

    Gómez-Navarro, C; Moreno-Herrero, F; de Pablo, P J; Colchero, J; Gómez-Herrero, J; Baró, A M

    2002-06-25

    A fundamental requirement for a molecule to be considered a molecular wire (MW) is the ability to transport electrical charge with a reasonably low resistance. We have carried out two experiments that measure first, the charge transfer from an electrode to the molecule, and second, the dielectric response of the MW. The latter experiment requires no contacts to either end of the molecule. From our experiments we conclude that adsorbed individual DNA molecules have a resistivity similar to mica, glass, and silicon oxide substrates. Therefore adsorbed DNA is not a conductor, and it should not be considered as a viable candidate for MW applications. Parallel studies on other nanowires, including single-walled carbon nanotubes, showed conductivity as expected.

  4. Atomic-Scale Control of Electron Transport through Single Molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Y. F.; Kröger, J.; Berndt, R.; Vázquez, H.; Brandbyge, M.; Paulsson, M.

    2010-04-01

    Tin-phthalocyanine molecules adsorbed on Ag(111) were contacted with the tip of a cryogenic scanning tunneling microscope. Orders-of-magnitude variations of the single-molecule junction conductance were achieved by controllably dehydrogenating the molecule and by modifying the atomic structure of the surface electrode. Nonequilibrium Green’s function calculations reproduce the trend of the conductance and visualize the current flow through the junction, which is guided through molecule-electrode chemical bonds.

  5. Unusual Entropy of Adsorbed Methane on Zeolite-Templated Carbon

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Stadie, Nicholas P.; Murialdo, Maxwell; Ahn, Channing C.

    2015-11-25

    Methane adsorption at high pressures and across a wide range of temperatures was investigated on the surface of three porous carbon adsorbents with complementary structural properties. The measured adsorption equilibria were analyzed using a method that can accurately account for nonideal fluid properties and distinguish between absolute and excess quantities of adsorption, and that also allows the direct calculation of the thermodynamic potentials relevant to adsorption. On zeolite-templated carbon (ZTC), a material that exhibits extremely high surface area with optimal pore size and homogeneous structure, methane adsorption occurs with unusual thermodynamic properties that are greatly beneficial for deliverable gas storage:more » an enthalpy of adsorption that increases with site occupancy, and an unusually low entropy of the adsorbed phase. The origin of these properties is elucidated by comparison of the experimental results with a statistical mechanical model. The results indicate that temperature-dependent clustering (i.e., reduced configurations) of the adsorbed phase due to enhanced lateral interactions can account for the peculiarities of methane adsorbed on ZTC.« less

  6. A DFT and QTAIM study of the adsorption of organic molecules over the copper-doped coronene and circumcoronene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Malček, Michal; Cordeiro, M. Natalia D. S.

    2018-01-01

    Graphene based materials are nowadays extensively studied because of their potential applications as gas sensors, biosensors or adsorbents. Doping the graphene surface with heteroatoms or transition metals can improve its electronic properties and chemical reactivity. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons coronene and circumcoronene can be used as models of tiny graphene quantum dots. The adsorption of a set of organic molecules (water, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen sulfide, methanol, ethanol and oxygen molecule) over the copper-doped coronene and circumcoronene was theoretically studied using density functional theory (DFT) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). In the case of coronene, only one site was considered for the Cu-doping, whereas in the case of circumcoronene being a polyaromatic hydrocarbon composed of 54 carbon atoms, three different sites for Cu-doping were considered. For the systems under study, the adsorption of O2 was found energetically the most favorable, with energetic outcome ranging from -3.1 to -3.7 eV related to the position of dopant Cu atom. Changes in the topology of charge densities at Cu and in its vicinity after the adsorption of studied molecules were investigated in the framework of QTAIM. In addition, QTAIM analysis of bond critical points (BCP) was employed to study the character of the newly formed chemical bonds. The results of this study point out the suitability of Cu-doped graphene materials as sensors and/or adsorbents in practical applications.

  7. Gas storage carbon with enhanced thermal conductivity

    DOEpatents

    Burchell, Timothy D.; Rogers, Michael Ray; Judkins, Roddie R.

    2000-01-01

    A carbon fiber carbon matrix hybrid adsorbent monolith with enhanced thermal conductivity for storing and releasing gas through adsorption and desorption is disclosed. The heat of adsorption of the gas species being adsorbed is sufficiently large to cause hybrid monolith heating during adsorption and hybrid monolith cooling during desorption which significantly reduces the storage capacity of the hybrid monolith, or efficiency and economics of a gas separation process. The extent of this phenomenon depends, to a large extent, on the thermal conductivity of the adsorbent hybrid monolith. This invention is a hybrid version of a carbon fiber monolith, which offers significant enhancements to thermal conductivity and potential for improved gas separation and storage systems.

  8. Characterization of Noble Gas Ion Beam Fabricated Single Molecule Nanopore Detectors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rollings, Ryan; Ledden, Bradley; Shultz, John; Fologea, Daniel; Li, Jiali; Chervinsky, John; Golovchenko, Jene

    2006-03-01

    Nanopores fabricated with low energy noble gas ion beams in a silicon nitride membrane can be employed as the fundamental element of single biomolecule detection and characterization devices [1,2]. With the help of X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Rutherford Backscattering (RBS), we demonstrate that the electrical noise properties, and hence ultimate sensitivity of nanopore single molecule detectors depends on ion beam species and nanopore annealing conditions. .1. Li, J., D. Stein, C. McMullan, D. Branton, M.J. Aziz, and J.A. Golovchenko, Ion-beam sculpting at nanometre length scales. Nature, 2001. 412(12 July): p. 166-169. 2. Li, J., M. Gershow, D. Stein, E. Brandin, and J.A. Golovchenko, DNA Molecules and Configurations in a Solid-state Nanopore Microscope. Nature Materials, 2003. 2: p. 611-615.

  9. Falling microbead counter-flow process for separating gas mixtures

    DOEpatents

    Hornbostel, Marc D.; Krishnan, Gopala N.; Sanjurjo, Angel

    2015-07-07

    A method and reactor for removing a component from a gas stream is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing the gas stream containing the component that is to be removed and adsorbing the component out of the gas stream as the gas stream rises via microbeads of a sorbent falling down an adsorber section of a reactor.

  10. CO oxidation reaction on Pt(111) studied by the dynamic Monte Carlo method including lateral interactions of adsorbates.

    PubMed

    Nagasaka, Masanari; Kondoh, Hiroshi; Nakai, Ikuyo; Ohta, Toshiaki

    2007-01-28

    The dynamics of adsorbate structures during CO oxidation on Pt(111) surfaces and its effects on the reaction were studied by the dynamic Monte Carlo method including lateral interactions of adsorbates. The lateral interaction energies between adsorbed species were calculated by the density functional theory method. Dynamic Monte Carlo simulations were performed for the oxidation reaction over a mesoscopic scale, where the experimentally determined activation energies of elementary paths were altered by the calculated lateral interaction energies. The simulated results reproduced the characteristics of the microscopic and mesoscopic scale adsorbate structures formed during the reaction, and revealed that the complicated reaction kinetics is comprehensively explained by a single reaction path affected by the surrounding adsorbates. We also propose from the simulations that weakly adsorbed CO molecules at domain boundaries promote the island-periphery specific reaction.

  11. A study of surface enhanced Raman scattering for furfural adsorbed on silver surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jia, Ting-jian; Li, Peng-wei; Shang, Zhi-guo; Zhang, Ling; He, Ting-chao; Mo, Yu-jun

    2008-02-01

    The normal Raman spectrum (NRS) and the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum of furfural in silver colloid were recorded and analyzed in this paper. The assignment of these bands to furfural molecules was performed by density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The data of the SERS by comparing with the one of NRS show that furfural molecules are adsorbed on the silver surface via the nonbonding electrons of the carbonyl oxygen.

  12. Adsorption of different amphiphilic molecules onto polystyrene latices.

    PubMed

    Jódar-Reyes, A B; Ortega-Vinuesa, J L; Martín-Rodríguez, A

    2005-02-15

    In order to know the influence of the surface characteristics and the chain properties on the adsorption of amphiphilic molecules onto polystyrene latex, a set of experiments to study the adsorption of ionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and an amphiphilic synthetic peptide on different latex dispersions was performed. The adsorbed amount versus the equilibrium surfactant concentration was determined. The main adsorption mechanism was the hydrophobic attraction between the nonpolar tail of the molecule and the hydrophobic regions of the latex surface. This attraction overcame the electrostatic repulsion between chains and latex surface with identical charge sign. However, the electrostatic interactions chain-surface and chain-chain also played a role. General patterns for the adsorption of ionic chains on charged latex surfaces could be established. Regarding the shape, the isotherms presented different plateaus corresponding to electrostatic effects and conformational changes. The surfactant size also affects the adsorption results: the higher the hydrophilic moiety in the surfactant molecule the lower the adsorbed amount.

  13. STICKING OF MOLECULES ON NONPOROUS AMORPHOUS WATER ICE

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    He, Jiao; Vidali, Gianfranco; Acharyya, Kinsuk, E-mail: gvidali@syr.edu

    2016-05-20

    Accurate modeling of physical and chemical processes in the interstellar medium (ISM) requires detailed knowledge of how atoms and molecules adsorb on dust grains. However, the sticking coefficient, a number between 0 and 1 that measures the first step in the interaction of a particle with a surface, is usually assumed in simulations of ISM environments to be either 0.5 or 1. Here we report on the determination of the sticking coefficient of H{sub 2}, D{sub 2}, N{sub 2}, O{sub 2}, CO, CH{sub 4}, and CO{sub 2} on nonporous amorphous solid water. The sticking coefficient was measured over a widemore » range of surface temperatures using a highly collimated molecular beam. We showed that the standard way of measuring the sticking coefficient—the King–Wells method—leads to the underestimation of trapping events in which there is incomplete energy accommodation of the molecule on the surface. Surface scattering experiments with the use of a pulsed molecular beam are used instead to measure the sticking coefficient. Based on the values of the measured sticking coefficient, we suggest a useful general formula of the sticking coefficient as a function of grain temperature and molecule-surface binding energy. We use this formula in a simulation of ISM gas–grain chemistry to find the effect of sticking on the abundance of key molecules both on grains and in the gas phase.« less

  14. Monitoring and Control of an Adsorption System Using Electrical Properties of the Adsorbent for Organic Compound Abatement.

    PubMed

    Hu, Ming-Ming; Emamipour, Hamidreza; Johnsen, David L; Rood, Mark J; Song, Linhua; Zhang, Zailong

    2017-07-05

    Adsorption systems typically need gas and temperature sensors to monitor their adsorption/regeneration cycles to separate gases from gas streams. Activated carbon fiber cloth (ACFC)-electrothermal swing adsorption (ESA) is an adsorption system that has the potential to be controlled with the electrical properties of the adsorbent and is studied here to monitor and control the adsorption/regeneration cycles without the use of gas and temperature sensors and to predict breakthrough before it occurs. The ACFC's electrical resistance was characterized on the basis of the amount of adsorbed organic gas/vapor and the adsorbent temperature. These relationships were then used to develop control logic to monitor and control ESA cycles on the basis of measured resistance and applied power values. Continuous sets of adsorption and regeneration cycles were performed sequentially entirely on the basis of remote electrical measurements and achieved ≥95% capture efficiency at inlet concentrations of 2000 and 4000 ppm v for isobutane, acetone, and toluene in dry and elevated relative humidity gas streams, demonstrating a novel cyclic ESA system that does not require gas or temperature sensors. This contribution is important because it reduces the cost and simplifies the system, predicts breakthrough before its occurrence, and reduces emissions to the atmosphere.

  15. Enhanced detection of thiophenol adsorbed on gold nanoparticles by SFG and DFG nonlinear optical spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Pluchery, Olivier; Humbert, Christophe; Valamanesh, Mehrnoush; Lacaze, Emmanuelle; Busson, Bertrand

    2009-09-21

    Sum frequency generation (SFG) and difference frequency generation (DFG) are applied to study vibrational resonance of the thiophenol molecule adsorbed on two different gold samples. One sample is made of 17 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) fixed on a silicon substrate that has been previously functionalized with a silane monolayer (aminopropyltriethoxysilane, APTES). This sample is fully characterized through visible reflection spectroscopy and AFM. The second sample is a gold monocrystal also covered with thiophenol molecules. From their comparison, an enhancement factor of 21 is deduced for the SFG signal on AuNPs with respect to the Au(111), related to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR). From a combined analysis of the SFG and DFG spectra, we demonstrate that SFG/DFG spectroscopy is able to identify the nature of the substrate where the molecules are adsorbed. This opens new perspectives for this nonlinear spectroscopy by adding to its well-known intrinsic surface specificity, the ability to selectively probe the chemical layer capping the AuNPs.

  16. Quantitative analysis of desorption and decomposition kinetics of formic acid on Cu(111): The importance of hydrogen bonding between adsorbed species

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shiozawa, Yuichiro; Koitaya, Takanori; Mukai, Kozo

    2015-12-21

    Quantitative analysis of desorption and decomposition kinetics of formic acid (HCOOH) on Cu(111) was performed by temperature programmed desorption (TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-resolved infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy. The activation energy for desorption is estimated to be 53–75 kJ/mol by the threshold TPD method as a function of coverage. Vibrational spectra of the first layer HCOOH at 155.3 K show that adsorbed molecules form a polymeric structure via the hydrogen bonding network. Adsorbed HCOOH molecules are dissociated gradually into monodentate formate species. The activation energy for the dissociation into monodentate formate species is estimated to be 65.0 kJ/mol atmore » a submonolayer coverage (0.26 molecules/surface Cu atom). The hydrogen bonding between adsorbed HCOOH species plays an important role in the stabilization of HCOOH on Cu(111). The monodentate formate species are stabilized at higher coverages, because of the lack of vacant sites for the bidentate formation.« less

  17. Molecular switches from benzene derivatives adsorbed on metal surfaces

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Wei; Filimonov, Sergey N.; Carrasco, Javier; Tkatchenko, Alexandre

    2013-01-01

    Transient precursor states are often experimentally observed for molecules adsorbing on surfaces. However, such precursor states are typically rather short-lived, quickly yielding to more stable adsorption configurations. Here we employ first-principles calculations to systematically explore the interaction mechanism for benzene derivatives on metal surfaces, enabling us to selectively tune the stability and the barrier between two metastable adsorption states. In particular, in the case of the tetrachloropyrazine molecule, two equally stable adsorption states are identified with a moderate and conceivably reversible barrier between them. We address the feasibility of experimentally detecting the predicted bistable behaviour and discuss its potential usefulness in a molecular switch. PMID:24157660

  18. Statistical mechanical model of gas adsorption in porous crystals with dynamic moieties

    PubMed Central

    Braun, Efrem; Carraro, Carlo; Smit, Berend

    2017-01-01

    Some nanoporous, crystalline materials possess dynamic constituents, for example, rotatable moieties. These moieties can undergo a conformation change in response to the adsorption of guest molecules, which qualitatively impacts adsorption behavior. We pose and solve a statistical mechanical model of gas adsorption in a porous crystal whose cages share a common ligand that can adopt two distinct rotational conformations. Guest molecules incentivize the ligands to adopt a different rotational configuration than maintained in the empty host. Our model captures inflections, steps, and hysteresis that can arise in the adsorption isotherm as a signature of the rotating ligands. The insights disclosed by our simple model contribute a more intimate understanding of the response and consequence of rotating ligands integrated into porous materials to harness them for gas storage and separations, chemical sensing, drug delivery, catalysis, and nanoscale devices. Particularly, our model reveals design strategies to exploit these moving constituents and engineer improved adsorbents with intrinsic thermal management for pressure-swing adsorption processes. PMID:28049851

  19. Statistical mechanical model of gas adsorption in porous crystals with dynamic moieties.

    PubMed

    Simon, Cory M; Braun, Efrem; Carraro, Carlo; Smit, Berend

    2017-01-17

    Some nanoporous, crystalline materials possess dynamic constituents, for example, rotatable moieties. These moieties can undergo a conformation change in response to the adsorption of guest molecules, which qualitatively impacts adsorption behavior. We pose and solve a statistical mechanical model of gas adsorption in a porous crystal whose cages share a common ligand that can adopt two distinct rotational conformations. Guest molecules incentivize the ligands to adopt a different rotational configuration than maintained in the empty host. Our model captures inflections, steps, and hysteresis that can arise in the adsorption isotherm as a signature of the rotating ligands. The insights disclosed by our simple model contribute a more intimate understanding of the response and consequence of rotating ligands integrated into porous materials to harness them for gas storage and separations, chemical sensing, drug delivery, catalysis, and nanoscale devices. Particularly, our model reveals design strategies to exploit these moving constituents and engineer improved adsorbents with intrinsic thermal management for pressure-swing adsorption processes.

  20. Multicomponent gas sorption Joule-Thomson refrigeration

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, Jack A. (Inventor); Petrick, S. Walter (Inventor); Bard, Steven (Inventor)

    1991-01-01

    The present invention relates to a cryogenic Joule-Thomson refrigeration capable of pumping multicomponent gases with a single stage sorption compressor system. Alternative methods of pumping a multicomponent gas with a single stage compressor are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the sorbent geometry is such that a void is defined near the output of the sorption compressor. When the sorbent is cooled, the sorbent primarily adsorbs the higher boiling point gas such that the lower boiling point gas passes through the sorbent to occupy the void. When the sorbent is heated, the higher boiling point gas is desorbed at high temperature and pressure and thereafter propels the lower boiling point gas out of the sorption compressor. A mixing chamber is provided to remix the constituent gases prior to expansion of the gas through a Joule-Thomson valve. Other methods of pumping a multicomponent gas are disclosed. For example, where the sorbent is porous and the low boiling point gas does not adsorb very well, the pores of the sorbent will act as a void space for the lower boiling point gas. Alternatively, a mixed sorbent may be used where a first sorbent component physically adsorbs the high boiling point gas and where the second sorbent component chemically absorbs the low boiling point gas.

  1. Interfacial charge transfer absorption: Application to metal molecule assemblies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Creutz, Carol; Brunschwig, Bruce S.; Sutin, Norman

    2006-05-01

    Optically induced charge transfer between adsorbed molecules and a metal electrode was predicted by Hush to lead to new electronic absorption features, but has been only rarely observed experimentally. Interfacial charge transfer absorption (IFCTA) provides information concerning the barriers to charge transfer between molecules and the metal/semiconductor and the magnitude of the electronic coupling and could thus provide a powerful tool for understanding interfacial charge-transfer kinetics. Here, we utilize a previously published model [C. Creutz, B.S. Brunschwig, N. Sutin, J. Phys. Chem. B 109 (2005) 10251] to predict IFCTA spectra of metal-molecule assemblies and compare the literature observations to these predictions. We conclude that, in general, the electronic coupling between molecular adsorbates and the metal levels is so small that IFCTA is not detectable. However, few experiments designed to detect IFCTA have been done. We suggest approaches to optimizing the conditions for observing the process.

  2. Adsorption and structure of the adsorbed layer of ionic surfactants.

    PubMed

    Ivanov, Ivan B; Ananthapadmanabhan, Kavssery P; Lips, Alex

    2006-11-16

    Our goal in this study was to investigate theoretically and experimentally the adsorption of ionic surfactants and the role of different factors in the mechanism of adsorption, the adsorption parameters and the structure of the adsorbed layer. We used available literature data for the interfacial tension, sigma, vs. concentration, C(s), for sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in three representative systems with Air/Water (A/W), Oil/Water (O/W) and Oil/Water + 0.1 M NaCl (O/WE) interfaces. We derived 6 new adsorption isotherms and 6 new equations of state (EOS) based on the adsorption isotherms for non-ionic surfactants of Langmuir, Volmer and Helfand-Frisch-Lebowitz (HFL) with interaction term betatheta2/2 in the EOS, theta=alphaGamma being the degree of coverage, with Gamma--adsorption and alpha--minimum area per molecule. We applied Gouy equation for high surface potentials and modified it to account for partial penetration of the counterions in the adsorbed layer. The equations were written in terms of the effective concentration C=[C(s)(C(s)+C(el))](1/2), where C(s) and C(el) are, respectively concentrations of the surfactant and the electrolyte. We showed that the adsorption constant K was model independent and derived an equation for the effective thickness of the adsorbed layer, delta(s). We found also that the minimum area per molecule, alpha, is larger than the true area, alpha(0), which depends on the adsorption model and is a function of the adsorption Gamma. The interaction term betatheta2/2 in the Langmuir EOS was found to be exact for small beta<1, but for the Volmer EOS it turned out to be only a crude approximation. Semi-quantitative considerations about the interaction between adsorbed discrete charges revealed that at A/W interface part of the adsorbed surfactant molecules are partially immersed in water, which leads to decreased repulsion and increased adsorption Gamma. At O/W the larger adsorption energy keeps the surfactant molecules on the surface

  3. Electrostatic placement of single ferritin molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumagai, Shinya; Yoshii, Shigeo; Yamada, Kiyohito; Matsukawa, Nozomu; Fujiwara, Isamu; Iwahori, Kenji; Yamashita, Ichiro

    2006-04-01

    We electrostatically placed a single ferritin molecule on a nanometric 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) pattern that was on an oxidized Si substrate. The numerical analysis of the total interaction free energy for ferritin predicted that a quadrilateral array of 15nm diameter APTES nanodisks placed at intervals of 100nm would accommodate a single molecule of ferritin in each disk under a Debye length of 14nm. The experiments we conducted conformed to theoretical predictions and we successfully placed a single ferritin molecule on each ATPES disk without ferritin adsorbing on the SiO2 substrate surface.

  4. The environmental effect on the radial breathing mode of carbon nanotubes. II. Shell model approximation for internally and externally adsorbed fluids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Longhurst, M. J.; Quirke, N.

    2006-11-01

    We have previously shown that the upshift in the radial breathing mode (RBM) of closed (or infinite) carbon nanotubes in solution is almost entirely due to coupling of the RBM with an adsorbed layer of fluid on the nanotube surface. The upshift can be modeled analytically by considering the adsorbed fluid as an infinitesimally thin shell, which interacts with the nanotube via a continuum Lennard-Jones potential. Here we extend the model to include internally as well as externally adsorbed waterlike molecules, and find that filling the nanotubes leads to an additional upshift of two to six wave numbers. We show that using molecular dynamics, the RBM can be accurately reproduced by replacing the fluid molecules with a mean field harmonic shell potential, greatly reducing simulation times.

  5. Ni-catalysed WO3 nanostructures grown by electron beam rapid thermal annealing for NO2 gas sensing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chandrasekaran, Gopalakrishnan; Sundararaj, Anuraj; Therese, Helen Annal; Jeganathan, K.

    2015-07-01

    Ni-catalysed WO3 (Ni-WO3) nanowires and nanosheets were grown on Si (100) substrates using electron beam evaporation followed by electron beam-assisted rapid thermal annealing process. Gas-sensing measurements were performed for various concentrations of NO2 in dry air at a temperature range of 50-400 °C. Nanowires and nanosheets show optimum sensor response of 229 and 197 at operating temperatures of 200 and 250 °C, respectively, for 100 ppm of NO2 exposure. Nanowires demonstrated a rapid response time of 66 s, but a slow recovery time of 204 s owing to poor rate of desorption of the adsorbed NO2 gas molecules from the internal porous structure of nanowires. In contrast, the recovery time for nanosheet was 126 s due to higher desorption rate of the adhered NO2 molecules associated with low surface area and less porous structure of nanosheet. The gas-sensing mechanism of WO3 nanostructure is discussed briefly.

  6. Rapid and selective detection of acetone using hierarchical ZnO gas sensor for hazardous odor markers application.

    PubMed

    Jia, Qianqian; Ji, Huiming; Zhang, Ying; Chen, Yalu; Sun, Xiaohong; Jin, Zhengguo

    2014-07-15

    Hierarchical nanostructured ZnO dandelion-like spheres were synthesized via solvothermal reaction at 200°C for 4h. The products were pure hexagonal ZnO with large exposure of (002) polar facet. Side-heating gas sensor based on hierarchical ZnO spheres was prepared to evaluate the acetone gas sensing properties. The detection limit to acetone for the ZnO sensor is 0.25ppm. The response (Ra/Rg) toward 100ppm acetone was 33 operated at 230°C and the response time was as short as 3s. The sensor exhibited remarkable acetone selectivity with negligible response toward other hazardous gases and water vapor. The high proportion of electron depletion region and oxygen vacancies contributed to high gas response sensitivity. The hollow and porous structure of dandelion-like ZnO spheres facilitated the diffusion of gas molecules, leading to a rapid response speed. The largely exposed (002) polar facets could adsorb acetone gas molecules easily and efficiently, resulting in a rapid response speed and good selectivity of hierarchical ZnO spheres gas sensor at low operating temperature. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Adsorbent capability testing using desorption efficiency method on palm oil fiber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Manap, Nor Rahafza Abdul; Shamsudin, Roslinda

    2015-09-01

    The palm oil fiber had been used as filler in making thermoplastics, biocomposites and also used as adsorbent in treating waste water. In this study, palm oil fiber was used as adsorbent to treat indoor air pollutants that caused by toluene, ethylbenzene, ortho-, meta-, and para- xylene (o-, m-, p-xylene). Known amount of pollutants, ranges between 1.3 to 28 ppm was spiked into palm oil fiber and left in refrigerator for 24 hours. Then, elution of the pollutants was carried out by carbon disulphide as mobile phase or eluent. The ability of palm oil fiber as adsorbent was determine using desorption efficiency technique by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC/FID). The desorption efficiency percentage given by toluene was in the range of 88.9% to 100%, 91% to 100% for ethylbenzene, 65% to 100% for pm-xylene and 92.9% to 100% for o-xylene. This percentage indicates that palm oil fiber can be used as adsorbent to treat indoor air pollutants.

  8. Three new defined proton affinities for polybasic molecules in the gas-phase: Proton microaffinity, proton macroaffinity and proton overallaffinity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salehzadeh, Sadegh; Bayat, Mehdi

    2006-08-01

    A theoretical study on complete protonation of a series of tetrabasic molecules with general formula N[(CH 2) nNH 2][(CH 2) mNH 2][(CH 2) pNH 2] (tren, pee, ppe, tpt, epb and ppb) is reported. For first time, three kinds of gas-phase proton affinities for each polybasic molecule are defined as: 'proton microaffinity (PA n, i)', 'proton macroaffinity (PA)' and 'proton overall affinity ( PA)'. The variations of calculated logPA in the series of these molecules is very similar to that of their measured log Kn. There is also a good correlation between the calculated gas-phase proton macroaffinities and proton overallaffinities with corresponding equilibrium macroconstants and overall protonation constants in solution.

  9. The formation of urea in space. I. Ion-molecule, neutral-neutral, and radical gas-phase reactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brigiano, Flavio Siro; Jeanvoine, Yannick; Largo, Antonio; Spezia, Riccardo

    2018-02-01

    Context. Many organic molecules have been observed in the interstellar medium thanks to advances in radioastronomy, and very recently the presence of urea was also suggested. While those molecules were observed, it is not clear what the mechanisms responsible to their formation are. In fact, if gas-phase reactions are responsible, they should occur through barrierless mechanisms (or with very low barriers). In the past, mechanisms for the formation of different organic molecules were studied, providing only in a few cases energetic conditions favorable to a synthesis at very low temperature. A particularly intriguing class of such molecules are those containing one N-C-O peptide bond, which could be a building block for the formation of biological molecules. Urea is a particular case because two nitrogen atoms are linked to the C-O moiety. Thus, motivated also by the recent tentative observation of urea, we have considered the synthetic pathways responsible to its formation. Aims: We have studied the possibility of forming urea in the gas phase via different kinds of bi-molecular reactions: ion-molecule, neutral, and radical. In particular we have focused on the activation energy of these reactions in order to find possible reactants that could be responsible for to barrierless (or very low energy) pathways. Methods: We have used very accurate, highly correlated quantum chemistry calculations to locate and characterize the reaction pathways in terms of minima and transition states connecting reactants to products. Results: Most of the reactions considered have an activation energy that is too high; but the ion-molecule reaction between NH2OHNH2OH2+ and formamide is not too high. These reactants could be responsible not only for the formation of urea but also of isocyanic acid, which is an organic molecule also observed in the interstellar medium.

  10. Gas-phase geometry optimization of biological molecules as a reasonable alternative to a continuum environment description: fact, myth, or fiction?

    PubMed

    Sousa, Sérgio Filipe; Fernandes, Pedro Alexandrino; Ramos, Maria João

    2009-12-31

    Gas-phase optimization of single biological molecules and of small active-site biological models has become a standard approach in first principles computational enzymology. The important role played by the surrounding environment (solvent, enzyme, both) is normally only accounted for through higher-level single point energy calculations performed using a polarizable continuum model (PCM) and an appropriate dielectric constant with the gas-phase-optimized geometries. In this study we analyze this widely used approximation, by comparing gas-phase-optimized geometries with geometries optimized with different PCM approaches (and considering different dielectric constants) for a representative data set of 20 very important biological molecules--the 20 natural amino acids. A total of 323 chemical bonds and 469 angles present in standard amino acid residues were evaluated. The results show that the use of gas-phase-optimized geometries can in fact be quite a reasonable alternative to the use of the more computationally intensive continuum optimizations, providing a good description of bond lengths and angles for typical biological molecules, even for charged amino acids, such as Asp, Glu, Lys, and Arg. This approximation is particularly successful if the protonation state of the biological molecule could be reasonably described in vacuum, a requirement that was already necessary in first principles computational enzymology.

  11. Wannier-function-based constrained DFT with nonorthogonality-correcting Pulay forces in application to the reorganization effects in graphene-adsorbed pentacene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roychoudhury, Subhayan; O'Regan, David D.; Sanvito, Stefano

    2018-05-01

    Pulay terms arise in the Hellmann-Feynman forces in electronic-structure calculations when one employs a basis set made of localized orbitals that move with their host atoms. If the total energy of the system depends on a subspace population defined in terms of the localized orbitals across multiple atoms, then unconventional Pulay terms will emerge due to the variation of the orbital nonorthogonality with ionic translation. Here, we derive the required exact expressions for such terms, which cannot be eliminated by orbital orthonormalization. We have implemented these corrected ionic forces within the linear-scaling density functional theory (DFT) package onetep, and we have used constrained DFT to calculate the reorganization energy of a pentacene molecule adsorbed on a graphene flake. The calculations are performed by including ensemble DFT, corrections for periodic boundary conditions, and empirical Van der Waals interactions. For this system we find that tensorially invariant population analysis yields an adsorbate subspace population that is very close to integer-valued when based upon nonorthogonal Wannier functions, and also but less precisely so when using pseudoatomic functions. Thus, orbitals can provide a very effective population analysis for constrained DFT. Our calculations show that the reorganization energy of the adsorbed pentacene is typically lower than that of pentacene in the gas phase. We attribute this effect to steric hindrance.

  12. An eco-friendly approach for heavy metal adsorbent regeneration using CO2-responsive molecular octopus.

    PubMed

    Bai, Yu; Liang, Yen Nan; Hu, Xiao

    2017-10-01

    Perennial problems of adsorption in wastewater treatment include adsorbent recycling, generation of waste sludge and secondary pollution because harmful concentrated acids, bases or strong chelators are often used for adsorbent regeneration and adsorbate recovery. We report, for the first time, an eco-friendly regeneration concept demonstrated with a CO 2 -responsive octopus-like polymeric adsorbent. Various heavy metals can be scavenged at very high Q e by such adsorbent through coordination. Most importantly, the rapid and complete regeneration of the adsorbent and recovery of the heavy metal ions can be readily achieved by CO 2 bubbling within a few minutes under mild conditions, i.e., room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The adsorbent can then be restored to its adsorptive state and reused upon removal of CO 2 by simply bubbling another gas. This eco-friendly, effective, ultra-fast and repeatable CO 2 -triggered regeneration process using CO 2 -responsive adsorbent with versatile structure, morphology or form can be incorporated into a sustainable closed-loop wastewater treatment process to solve the perennial problems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. New Antifouling Platform Characterized by Single-Molecule Imaging

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    Antifouling surfaces have been widely studied for their importance in medical devices and industry. Antifouling surfaces mostly achieved by methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) have shown biomolecular adsorption less than 1 ng/cm2 which was measured by surface analytical tools such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), or optical waveguide lightmode (OWL) spectroscopy. Herein, we utilize a single-molecule imaging technique (i.e., an ultimate resolution) to study antifouling properties of functionalized surfaces. We found that about 600 immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules are adsorbed. This result corresponds to ∼5 pg/cm2 adsorption, which is far below amount for the detection limit of the conventional tools. Furthermore, we developed a new antifouling platform that exhibits improved antifouling performance that shows only 78 IgG molecules adsorbed (∼0.5 pg/cm2). The antifouling platform consists of forming 1 nm TiO2 thin layer, on which peptidomimetic antifouling polymer (PMAP) is robustly anchored. The unprecedented antifouling performance can potentially revolutionize a variety of research fields such as single-molecule imaging, medical devices, biosensors, and others. PMID:24503420

  14. New antifouling platform characterized by single-molecule imaging.

    PubMed

    Ryu, Ji Young; Song, In Taek; Lau, K H Aaron; Messersmith, Phillip B; Yoon, Tae-Young; Lee, Haeshin

    2014-03-12

    Antifouling surfaces have been widely studied for their importance in medical devices and industry. Antifouling surfaces mostly achieved by methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) have shown biomolecular adsorption less than 1 ng/cm(2) which was measured by surface analytical tools such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), or optical waveguide lightmode (OWL) spectroscopy. Herein, we utilize a single-molecule imaging technique (i.e., an ultimate resolution) to study antifouling properties of functionalized surfaces. We found that about 600 immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules are adsorbed. This result corresponds to ∼5 pg/cm(2) adsorption, which is far below amount for the detection limit of the conventional tools. Furthermore, we developed a new antifouling platform that exhibits improved antifouling performance that shows only 78 IgG molecules adsorbed (∼0.5 pg/cm(2)). The antifouling platform consists of forming 1 nm TiO2 thin layer, on which peptidomimetic antifouling polymer (PMAP) is robustly anchored. The unprecedented antifouling performance can potentially revolutionize a variety of research fields such as single-molecule imaging, medical devices, biosensors, and others.

  15. Molecular Adsorber Coating

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Straka, Sharon; Peters, Wanda; Hasegawa, Mark; Hedgeland, Randy; Petro, John; Novo-Gradac, Kevin; Wong, Alfred; Triolo, Jack; Miller, Cory

    2011-01-01

    A document discusses a zeolite-based sprayable molecular adsorber coating that has been developed to alleviate the size and weight issues of current ceramic puck-based technology, while providing a configuration that more projects can use to protect against degradation from outgassed materials within a spacecraft, particularly contamination-sensitive instruments. This coating system demonstrates five times the adsorption capacity of previously developed adsorber coating slurries. The molecular adsorber formulation was developed and refined, and a procedure for spray application was developed. Samples were spray-coated and tested for capacity, thermal optical/radiative properties, coating adhesion, and thermal cycling. Work performed during this study indicates that the molecular adsorber formulation can be applied to aluminum, stainless steel, or other metal substrates that can accept silicate-based coatings. The coating can also function as a thermal- control coating. This adsorber will dramatically reduce the mass and volume restrictions, and is less expensive than the currently used molecular adsorber puck design.

  16. Surface-enhanced Raman spectrum of Gly-Gly adsorbed on the silver colloidal surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiaojuan, Yuan; Huaimin, Gu; Jiwei, Wu

    2010-08-01

    Raman and SERS spectra of homodipeptide Gly-Gly and Gly were recorded and compared in this paper, and band assignment for the functional groups contained in these molecules was analyzed in detail. Time-dependent and pH-dependent SERS spectra of Gly-Gly molecule adsorbed on nano-colloidal silver surface were also studied. The time-dependent SERS spectra of Gly-Gly are characterized by the increase in intensity of bands primarily representing the vibrational signatures emanating from the amino and amide moiety of Gly-Gly molecule. It is found that the adsorption style of Gly-Gly on the silver colloid changes as time goes on; at 5 min after adding the sample to the silver colloid, Gly-Gly adsorbs on silver surface firstly through the carboxylate, amino and amide groups, and then the carboxylate group is far away from the silver surface at 10 min to 3 days. The SERS variation of Gly-Gly with the change of pH suggests that the adsorption style is pH-dependent, the different adsorption behavior of the Gly-Gly occurs on silver surface at different pH values.

  17. Development of a computationally-designed polymeric adsorbent specific for mycotoxin patulin.

    PubMed

    Piletska, Elena V; Pink, Demi; Karim, Kal; Piletsky, Sergey A

    2017-12-04

    Patulin is a toxic compound which is found predominantly in apples affected by mould rot. Since apples and apple-containing products are a popular food for the elderly, children and babies, the monitoring of the toxin is crucial. This paper describes a development of a computationally-designed polymeric adsorbent for the solid-phase extraction of patulin, which provides an effective clean-up of the food samples and allows the detection and accurate quantification of patulin levels present in apple juice using conventional chromatography methods. The developed bespoke polymer demonstrates a quantitative binding towards the patulin present in undiluted apple juice. The polymer is inexpensive and easy to mass-produce. The contributing factors to the function of the adsorbent is a combination of acidic and basic functional monomers producing a zwitterionic complex in the solution that formed stronger binding complexes with the patulin molecule. The protocols described in this paper provide a blueprint for the development of polymeric adsorbents for other toxins or different food matrices.

  18. Forces between Two Glass Surfaces with Adsorbed Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Salicylate.

    PubMed

    Imae, T; Kato, M; Rutland, M

    2000-02-22

    Forces have been measured for hexadecyltrimethylammonium salicylate (C(16)TASal) layers on glass beads. During the inward process, hydrophobic attraction occurred at lower adsorption of C(16)TASal and electrostatic repulsion interactions happened at higher adsorption. While the jump-in phenomenon was observed for solutions of concentrations below the critical micelle concentration (cmc = 0.15 mM), the step-in phenomenon was characteristic for solutions at the cmc and above the cmc, suggesting the push-out of adsorbed C(16)TASal layers and/or inserted micelles. The remarkable pull-off phenomenon on the outward process occurred for all solutions, indicating a strong interaction between C(16)TASal molecules. For aqueous 0.15 mM C(16)TASal solutions of various NaSal concentrations, on the inward process, the electrostatic repulsive interaction decreased with adding NaSal. This is due to the electrostatic shielding by salt excess. The height of the force wall on the inward process reached a maximum at 0.01 M NaSal, but the interlocking between molecules on two surfaces during the outward process was minimized at 0.1 M NaSal. These tendencies, which are different from that of the electrostatic repulsion interaction, imply the strong cohesion between adsorbed C(16)TASal layers.

  19. Brome isotope selective control of CF3Br molecule clustering by IR laser radiation in gas-dynamic expansion of CF3Br - Ar mixture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Apatin, V. M.; Lokhman, V. N.; Makarov, G. N.; Ogurok, N.-D. D.; Ryabov, E. A.

    2018-02-01

    We report the results of research on the experimental control of CF3Br molecule clustering under gas-dynamic expansion of the CF3Br - Ar mixture at a nozzle exit by using IR laser radiation. A cw CO2 laser is used for exciting molecules and clusters in the beam and a time-of-flight mass-spectrometer with laser UV ionisation of particles for their detection. The parameters of the gas above the nozzle are determined (compositions and pressure) at which intensive molecule clustering occurs. It is found that in the case of the CF3Br gas without carrier when the pressure P0 above the nozzle does not exceed 4 atm, molecular clusters actually are not generated in the beam. If the gas mixture of CF3Br with argon is used at a pressure ratio 1 : N, where N >= 3, and the total pressure above the nozzle is P0 >= 2 atm, then there occurs molecule clustering. We study the dependences of the efficiency of suppressing the molecule clustering on parameters of the exciting pulse, gas parameters above the nozzle, and on a distance of the molecule irradiation zone from the nozzle exit section. It is shown that in the case of resonant vibrational excitation of gas-dynamically cooled CF3Br molecules at the nozzle exit one can realise isotope-selective suppression of molecule clustering with respect to bromine isotopes. With the CF3Br - Ar mixtures having the pressure ratio 1 : 3 and 1 : 15, the enrichment factors obtained with respect to bromine isotopes are kenr ≈ 1.05 ± 0.005 and kenr ≈ 1.06 ± 0.007, respectively, under jet irradiation by laser emission in the 9R(30) line (1084.635 cm-1). The results obtained let us assume that this method can be used to control clustering of molecules comprising heavy element isotopes, which have a small isotopic shift in IR absorption spectra.

  20. Applying Alkyl-Chain Surface Functionalizations in Mesoporous Inorganic Structures: Their Impact on Gas Flow and Selectivity Depending on Temperature.

    PubMed

    Besser, Benjamin; Ahmed, Atiq; Baune, Michael; Kroll, Stephen; Thöming, Jorg; Rezwan, Kurosch

    2016-10-12

    Porous inorganic capillary membranes are prepared to serve as model structures for the experimental investigation of the gas transport in functionalized mesopores. The porous structures possess a mean pore diameter of 23 nm which is slightly reduced to 20 nm after immobilizing C 16 -alkyl chains on the surface. Gas permeation measurements are performed at temperatures ranging from 0 to 80 °C using Ar, N 2 , and CO 2 . Nonfunctionalized structures feature a gas transport according to Knudsen diffusion with regard to gas flow and selectivity. After C 16 -functionalization, the gas flow is reduced by a factor of 10, and the ideal selectivities deviate from the Knudsen theory. CO 2 adsorption measurements show a decrease in total amount of adsorbed gas and isosteric heat of adsorption. It is hypothesized that the immobilized C 16 -chains sterically influence the gas transport behavior without a contribution from adsorption effects. The reduced gas flow derives from an additional surface resistance caused by the C 16 -chains spacially limiting the adsorption and desorption directions for gas molecules propagating through the structure, resulting in longer diffusion paths. In agreement, the gas flow is found to correlate with the molecular diameter of the gas species (CO 2 < Ar < N 2 ) increasing the resistance for larger molecules. This affects the ideal selectivities with the relation [Formula: see text]. The influence on selectivity increases with increasing temperature which leads to the conclusion that the temperature induced movement of the C 16 -chains is responsible for the stronger interaction between gas molecules and surface functional groups.

  1. Buffer Gas Modifiers Effect Resolution in Ion Mobility Spectrometry through Selective Ion-Molecule Clustering Reactions

    PubMed Central

    Fernández-Maestre, Roberto; Wu, Ching; Hill, Herbert H.

    2013-01-01

    RATIONALE When polar molecules (modifiers) are introduced into the buffer gas of an ion mobility spectrometer, most ion mobilities decrease due to the formation of ion-modifier clusters. METHODS We used ethyl lactate, nitrobenzene, 2-butanol, and tetrahydrofuran-2-carbonitrile as buffer gas modifiers and electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) coupled to quadrupole mass spectrometry. Ethyl lactate, nitrobenzene, and tetrahydrofuran-2-carbonitrile had not been tested as buffer gas modifiers and 2-butanol had not been used with basic amino acids. RESULTS The ion mobilities of several diamines (arginine, histidine, lysine, and atenolol) were not affected or only slightly reduced when these modifiers were introduced into the buffer gas (3.4% average reduction in an analyte's mobility for the three modifiers). Intramolecular bridges caused limited change in the ion mobilities of diamines when modifiers were added to the buffer gas; these bridges hindered the attachment of modifier molecules to the positive charge of ions and delocalized the charge, which deterred clustering. There was also a tendency towards large changes in ion mobility when the mass of the analyte decreased; ethanolamine, the smallest compound tested, had the largest reduction in ion mobility with the introduction of modifiers into the buffer gas (61%). These differences in mobilities, together with the lack of shift in bridge-forming ions, were used to separate ions that overlapped in IMS, such as isoleucine and lysine, and arginine and phenylalanine, and made possible the prediction of separation or not of overlapping ions. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of modifiers into the buffer gas in IMS can selectively alter the mobilities of analytes to aid in compound identification and/or enable the separation of overlapping analyte peaks. PMID:22956312

  2. An accurate empirical method to predict the adsorption strength for π-orbital contained molecules on two dimensional materials.

    PubMed

    Li, Hongping; Wang, Changwei; Xun, Suhang; He, Jing; Jiang, Wei; Zhang, Ming; Zhu, Wenshuai; Li, Huaming

    2018-06-01

    To obtain the adsorption strength is the key point for materials design and parameters optimization in chemical engineering. Here we report a simple but accuracy method to estimate the adsorptive energies by counting the number of π-orbital involved atoms based on theoretical computations for hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and graphene. Computational results by density function theory (DFT) as well as spin-component scaled second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (SCS-MP2) both confirm that the adsorptive energies correlate well with the number of π-orbital involved atoms for π-orbital contained molecules. The selected molecules (adsorbates) are commonly used in chemical industry, which contains C, N, S, O atoms. The predicted results for the proposed formulas agree well with the current and previous DFT calculated values both on h-BN and graphene surfaces. Further, it can be also used to predict the adsorptive energies for small π-orbital contained molecules on BN and carbon nanotubes. The interaction type for these adsorptions is typical π-π interaction. Further investigations show that the physical origin of these interactions source from the polar interactions between the adsorbents and adsorbates. Hence, for separation or removal of aromatic molecules, how to modify the aromaticity and polarity of both adsorbents and adsorbates will be the key points for experiments. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Energy level alignment at molecule-metal interfaces from an optimally tuned range-separated hybrid functional

    DOE PAGES

    Liu, Zhen-Fei; Egger, David A.; Refaely-Abramson, Sivan; ...

    2017-02-21

    The alignment of the frontier orbital energies of an adsorbed molecule with the substrate Fermi level at metal-organic interfaces is a fundamental observable of significant practical importance in nanoscience and beyond. Typical density functional theory calculations, especially those using local and semi-local functionals, often underestimate level alignment leading to inaccurate electronic structure and charge transport properties. Here, we develop a new fully self-consistent predictive scheme to accurately compute level alignment at certain classes of complex heterogeneous molecule-metal interfaces based on optimally tuned range-separated hybrid functionals. Starting from a highly accurate description of the gas-phase electronic structure, our method by constructionmore » captures important nonlocal surface polarization effects via tuning of the long-range screened exchange in a range-separated hybrid in a non-empirical and system-specific manner. We implement this functional in a plane-wave code and apply it to several physisorbed and chemisorbed molecule-metal interface systems. Our results are in quantitative agreement with experiments, the both the level alignment and work function changes. This approach constitutes a new practical scheme for accurate and efficient calculations of the electronic structure of molecule-metal interfaces.« less

  4. Energy level alignment at molecule-metal interfaces from an optimally tuned range-separated hybrid functional

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Zhen-Fei; Egger, David A.; Refaely-Abramson, Sivan; Kronik, Leeor; Neaton, Jeffrey B.

    2017-03-01

    The alignment of the frontier orbital energies of an adsorbed molecule with the substrate Fermi level at metal-organic interfaces is a fundamental observable of significant practical importance in nanoscience and beyond. Typical density functional theory calculations, especially those using local and semi-local functionals, often underestimate level alignment leading to inaccurate electronic structure and charge transport properties. In this work, we develop a new fully self-consistent predictive scheme to accurately compute level alignment at certain classes of complex heterogeneous molecule-metal interfaces based on optimally tuned range-separated hybrid functionals. Starting from a highly accurate description of the gas-phase electronic structure, our method by construction captures important nonlocal surface polarization effects via tuning of the long-range screened exchange in a range-separated hybrid in a non-empirical and system-specific manner. We implement this functional in a plane-wave code and apply it to several physisorbed and chemisorbed molecule-metal interface systems. Our results are in quantitative agreement with experiments, the both the level alignment and work function changes. Our approach constitutes a new practical scheme for accurate and efficient calculations of the electronic structure of molecule-metal interfaces.

  5. Frontier molecular orbitals of a single molecule adsorbed on thin insulating films supported by a metal substrate: electron and hole attachment energies.

    PubMed

    Scivetti, Iván; Persson, Mats

    2017-09-06

    We present calculations of vertical electron and hole attachment energies to the frontier orbitals of a pentacene molecule absorbed on multi-layer sodium chloride films supported by a copper substrate using a simplified density functional theory (DFT) method. The adsorbate and the film are treated fully within DFT, whereas the metal is treated implicitly by a perfect conductor model. We find that the computed energy gap between the highest and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals-HOMO and LUMO -from the vertical attachment energies increases with the thickness of the insulating film, in agreement with experiments. This increase of the gap can be rationalised in a simple dielectric model with parameters determined from DFT calculations and is found to be dominated by the image interaction with the metal. We find, however, that this simplified model overestimates the downward shift of the energy gap in the limit of an infinitely thick film.

  6. Frontier molecular orbitals of a single molecule adsorbed on thin insulating films supported by a metal substrate: electron and hole attachment energies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Scivetti, Iván; Persson, Mats

    2017-09-01

    We present calculations of vertical electron and hole attachment energies to the frontier orbitals of a pentacene molecule absorbed on multi-layer sodium chloride films supported by a copper substrate using a simplified density functional theory (DFT) method. The adsorbate and the film are treated fully within DFT, whereas the metal is treated implicitly by a perfect conductor model. We find that the computed energy gap between the highest and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals—HOMO and LUMO -from the vertical attachment energies increases with the thickness of the insulating film, in agreement with experiments. This increase of the gap can be rationalised in a simple dielectric model with parameters determined from DFT calculations and is found to be dominated by the image interaction with the metal. We find, however, that this simplified model overestimates the downward shift of the energy gap in the limit of an infinitely thick film.

  7. A machine learning approach to graph-theoretical cluster expansions of the energy of adsorbate layers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vignola, Emanuele; Steinmann, Stephan N.; Vandegehuchte, Bart D.; Curulla, Daniel; Stamatakis, Michail; Sautet, Philippe

    2017-08-01

    The accurate description of the energy of adsorbate layers is crucial for the understanding of chemistry at interfaces. For heterogeneous catalysis, not only the interaction of the adsorbate with the surface but also the adsorbate-adsorbate lateral interactions significantly affect the activation energies of reactions. Modeling the interactions of the adsorbates with the catalyst surface and with each other can be efficiently achieved in the cluster expansion Hamiltonian formalism, which has recently been implemented in a graph-theoretical kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) scheme to describe multi-dentate species. Automating the development of the cluster expansion Hamiltonians for catalytic systems is challenging and requires the mapping of adsorbate configurations for extended adsorbates onto a graphical lattice. The current work adopts machine learning methods to reach this goal. Clusters are automatically detected based on formalized, but intuitive chemical concepts. The corresponding energy coefficients for the cluster expansion are calculated by an inversion scheme. The potential of this method is demonstrated for the example of ethylene adsorption on Pd(111), for which we propose several expansions, depending on the graphical lattice. It turns out that for this system, the best description is obtained as a combination of single molecule patterns and a few coupling terms accounting for lateral interactions.

  8. Static and hydrodynamic studies of the conformation of adsorbed macromolecules at the solid/liquid interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yavorsky, D. P.

    1981-08-01

    The structure of an adsorbed macromolecular layer at the solid/liquid interface under both stationary and flow conditions is examined. The conformation of adsorbed bovine serum albumin (BSA) is deduced from the thickness of surface layers formed on the pore walls of track etched (mica) membranes. Changes in membrane permeability due to protein adsorption are related directly to a net reduction in pore size or an equivalent adsorbed layer thickness. Complementary permeability measurements using electrolyte conduction, tracer diffusion, and pressure driven flow have verified the unique structural qualities of the track etched membrane and collectively demonstrate an ability to determine bare pore size with an accuracy of + or - 2A. The average static thickness of an adsorbed BSA layer, as derived from electrolyte conduction and tracer diffusion, was 43 + or - 3A independent of pore size. In comparison with the known BSA solution dimensions, this measured thickness is consistent with a monolayer of structurally unperturbed protein molecules each oriented in a "side-on" position. Pronounced conformational changes in adsorbed BSA layers were observed under conditions of shear flow. Electrostatic interactions were also shown to significantly affect adsorbed protein conformation through changes in solution ionic strength and surface charge.

  9. Lipase hydration state in the gas phase: sorption isotherm measurements and inverse gas chromatography.

    PubMed

    Marton, Zsuzsanna; Chaput, Ludovic; Pierre, Guillaume; Graber, Marianne

    2010-11-01

    The adsorption of water and substrate on immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B was studied by performing adsorption isotherm measurements and using inverse gas chromatography (IGC). Water adsorption isotherm of the immobilized enzyme showed singular profile absorption incompatible with the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller model, probably due to the hydrophobic nature of the support, leading to very low interactions with water. IGC allowed determining the evolution with water thermodynamic activity (a(W)) of both dispersive surface energies and acidity and basicity constants of immobilized enzyme. These results showed that water molecules progressively covered immobilized enzyme, when increasing a(W), leading to a saturation of polar groups above a(W) 0.1 and full coverage of the surface above a(W) 0.25. IGC also enabled relevant experiments to investigate the behavior of substrates under a(W) that they will experience, in a competitive situation with water. Results indicated that substrates had to displace water molecules in order to adsorb on the enzyme from a(W) values ranging from 0.1 to 0.2, depending on the substrate. As the conditions used for these adsorption studies resemble the ones of the continuous enzymatic solid/gas reactor, in which activity and selectivity of the lipase were extensively studied, it was possible to link adsorption results with particular effects of water on enzyme properties.

  10. The uranium from seawater program at PNNL: Overview of marine testing, adsorbent characterization, adsorbent durability, adsorbent toxicity, and deployment studies

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gill, Gary A.; Kuo, Li -Jung; Janke, Christopher James

    The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's (PNNL) Marine Science Laboratory (MSL) located along the coast of Washington State is evaluating the performance of uranium adsorption materials being developed for seawater extraction under realistic marine conditions with natural seawater. Two types of exposure systems were employed in this program: flow-through columns for testing of fixed beds of individual fibers and pellets and a recirculating water flume for testing of braided adsorbent material. Testing consists of measurements of the adsorption of uranium and other elements from seawater as a function of time, typically 42 to 56 day exposures, to determine the adsorbent capacitymore » and adsorption rate (kinetics). Analysis of uranium and other trace elements collected by the adsorbents was conducted following strong acid digestion of the adsorbent with 50% aqua regia using either Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) or Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The ORNL 38H adsorbent had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.30 ± 0.68 g U/ kg adsorbent (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation adsorption capacity of 4.89 ± 0.83 g U/kg of adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half-saturation time of 28 10 days. The AF1 adsorbent material had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.9 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation capacity of 5.4 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half saturation time of 23 2 days. The ORNL amidoxime-based adsorbent materials are not specific for uranium, but also adsorb other elements from seawater. The major doubly charged cations in seawater (Ca and Mg) account for a majority of the cations adsorbed (61% by mass and 74% by molar percent). For the ORNL AF1 adsorbent material, U is the 4th most abundant element adsorbed by mass and 7th most abundant by molar percentage. Marine testing

  11. The uranium from seawater program at PNNL: Overview of marine testing, adsorbent characterization, adsorbent durability, adsorbent toxicity, and deployment studies

    DOE PAGES

    Gill, Gary A.; Kuo, Li -Jung; Janke, Christopher James; ...

    2016-02-07

    The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's (PNNL) Marine Science Laboratory (MSL) located along the coast of Washington State is evaluating the performance of uranium adsorption materials being developed for seawater extraction under realistic marine conditions with natural seawater. Two types of exposure systems were employed in this program: flow-through columns for testing of fixed beds of individual fibers and pellets and a recirculating water flume for testing of braided adsorbent material. Testing consists of measurements of the adsorption of uranium and other elements from seawater as a function of time, typically 42 to 56 day exposures, to determine the adsorbent capacitymore » and adsorption rate (kinetics). Analysis of uranium and other trace elements collected by the adsorbents was conducted following strong acid digestion of the adsorbent with 50% aqua regia using either Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) or Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The ORNL 38H adsorbent had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.30 ± 0.68 g U/ kg adsorbent (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation adsorption capacity of 4.89 ± 0.83 g U/kg of adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half-saturation time of 28 10 days. The AF1 adsorbent material had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.9 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation capacity of 5.4 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half saturation time of 23 2 days. The ORNL amidoxime-based adsorbent materials are not specific for uranium, but also adsorb other elements from seawater. The major doubly charged cations in seawater (Ca and Mg) account for a majority of the cations adsorbed (61% by mass and 74% by molar percent). For the ORNL AF1 adsorbent material, U is the 4th most abundant element adsorbed by mass and 7th most abundant by molar percentage. Marine testing

  12. Interactions of gaseous molecules with X-ray photons and photoelectrons in AP-XPS study of solid surface in gas phase.

    PubMed

    Tao, Franklin Feng; Nguyen, Luan

    2018-04-18

    Studies of the surface of a catalyst in the gas phase via photoelectron spectroscopy is an important approach to establish a correlation between the surface of a catalyst under reaction conditions or during catalysis and its corresponding catalytic performance. Unlike the well understood interactions between photoelectrons and the atomic layers of a surface in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and the well-developed method of quantitative analysis of a solid surface in UHV, a fundamental understanding of the interactions between X-ray photons and gaseous molecules and between photoelectrons and molecules of the gas phase in ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) is lacking. Through well designed experiments, here the impact of the interactions between photoelectrons and gaseous molecules and interactions between X-ray photons and gaseous molecules on the intensity of the collected photoelectrons have been explored. How the changes in photoelectron intensity resulting from these interactions influence measurement of the authentic atomic ratio of element M to A of a solid surface has been discussed herein, and methods to correct the measured nominal atomic ratio of two elements of a solid surface upon travelling through a gas phase to its authentic atomic ratio have been developed.

  13. Raman spectral signatures as conformational probes of gas phase flexible molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Golan, Amir; Mayorkas, Nitzan; Rosenwaks, Salman; Bar, Ilana

    2009-07-01

    A novel application of ionization-loss stimulated Raman spectroscopy (ILSRS) for monitoring the spectral features of four conformers of a gas phase flexible molecule is reported. The Raman spectral signatures of four conformers of 2-phenylethylamine are well matched by the results of density functional theory calculations, showing bands uniquely identifying the structures. The measurement of spectral signatures by ILSRS in an extended spectral range, with a conventional laser source, is instrumental in facilitating the unraveling of intra- and intermolecular interactions that are significant in biological structure and activity.

  14. Development of resin adsorbents for blood purification at Nankai University in China.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yong-Jian; Yu, Yao-Ting

    2011-04-01

    Various types of porous resin adsorbents based on polystyrene, agarose, and cellulose as matrixes coupling with DNA, amino acids and other biological active molecules as ligands were extensively studied in China. Molecular recognition between the ligand and pathogenic molecule was investigated. Several commercialized products are now widely used in hospitals all over China. Whole blood hemoperfusion is used to treat patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, uremia acute intoxication, and hyperbilirubinemia. Clinical performances of hundreds and thousands of patients treated by whole blood sorption therapy show that the therapy is safe, efficient, and cost-effective.

  15. The Buffer-Gas Positron Accumulator and Resonances in Positron-Molecule Interactions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Surko, C.M.

    2007-01-01

    This is a personal account of the development of our buffer-gas positron trap and the new generation of cold beams that these traps enabled. Dick Drachman provided much appreciated advice to us from the time we started the project. The physics underlying trap operation is related to resonances (or apparent resonances) in positron-molecule interactions. Amusingly, experiments enabled by the trap allowed us to understand these processes. The positron-resonance "box score" to date is one resounding "yes," namely vibrational Feshbach resonances in positron annihilation on hydrocarbons; a "probably" for positron-impact electronic excitation of CO and NZ;an d a "maybe" for vibrational excitation of selected molecules. Two of these processes enabled the efficient operation of the trap, and one almost killed it in infancy. We conclude with a brief overview of further applications of the trapping technology discussed here, such as "massive" positron storage and beams with meV energy resolution.

  16. In situ modification of chromatography adsorbents using cold atmospheric pressure plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Olszewski, P.; Willett, T. C.; Theodosiou, E.; Thomas, O. R. T.; Walsh, J. L.

    2013-05-01

    Efficient manufacturing of increasingly sophisticated biopharmaceuticals requires the development of new breeds of chromatographic materials featuring two or more layers, with each layer affording different functions. This letter reports the in situ modification of a commercial beaded anion exchange adsorbent using atmospheric pressure plasma generated within gas bubbles. The results show that exposure to He-O2 plasma in this way yields significant reductions in the surface binding of plasmid DNA to the adsorbent exterior, with minimal loss of core protein binding capacity; thus, a bi-layered chromatography material exhibiting both size excluding and anion exchange functionalities within the same bead is produced.

  17. Substrate preparation for reliable imaging of DNA molecules with the scanning force microscope.

    PubMed

    Vesenka, J; Guthold, M; Tang, C L; Keller, D; Delaine, E; Bustamante, C

    1992-07-01

    A simple method of substrate preparation for imaging circular DNA molecules with the scanning force microscope (SFM) is presented. These biomolecules are adsorbed onto mica that has been soaked in magnesium acetate, sonicated and glow-discharged. The stylus-sample forces that may be endured before sample damage occurs depends on the ambient relative humidity. Images of circular DNA molecules have been obtained routinely using tips specially modified by an electron beam with a radius of curvature, Rc, of about 10 nm [D. Keller and C. Chih-Chung, Surf. Sci. 268 (1992) 333]. The resolution of these adsorbed biomolecules is determined by the Rc. At higher forces individual circular DNA molecules can be manipulated with the SFM stylus. Strategies to develop still sharper probes will be discussed.

  18. Communication: Gas-phase structural isomer identification by Coulomb explosion of aligned molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burt, Michael; Amini, Kasra; Lee, Jason W. L.; Christiansen, Lars; Johansen, Rasmus R.; Kobayashi, Yuki; Pickering, James D.; Vallance, Claire; Brouard, Mark; Stapelfeldt, Henrik

    2018-03-01

    The gas-phase structures of four difluoroiodobenzene and two dihydroxybromobenzene isomers were identified by correlating the emission angles of atomic fragment ions created, following femtosecond laser-induced Coulomb explosion. The structural determinations were facilitated by confining the most polarizable axis of each molecule to the detection plane prior to the Coulomb explosion event using one-dimensional laser-induced adiabatic alignment. For a molecular target consisting of two difluoroiodobenzene isomers, each constituent structure could additionally be singled out and distinguished.

  19. Molecular conformation of linear alkane molecules: From gas phase to bulk water through the interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murina, Ezequiel L.; Fernández-Prini, Roberto; Pastorino, Claudio

    2017-08-01

    We studied the behavior of long chain alkanes (LCAs) as they were transferred from gas to bulk water, through the liquid-vapor interface. These systems were studied using umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulation and we have calculated properties like free energy profiles, molecular orientation, and radius of gyration of the LCA molecules. The results show changes in conformation of the solutes along the path. LCAs adopt pronounced molecular orientations and the larger ones extend appreciably when partially immersed in the interface. In bulk water, their conformations up to dodecane are mainly extended. However, larger alkanes like eicosane present a more stable collapsed conformation as they approach bulk water. We have characterized the more probable configurations in all interface and bulk regions. The results obtained are of interest for the study of biomatter processes requiring the transfer of hydrophobic matter, especially chain-like molecules like LCAs, from gas to bulk aqueous systems through the interface.

  20. Measurements of water molecule density by tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy in dielectric barrier discharges with gas-water interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tachibana, Kunihide; Nakamura, Toshihiro; Kawasaki, Mitsuo; Morita, Tatsuo; Umekawa, Toyofumi; Kawasaki, Masahiro

    2018-01-01

    We measured water molecule (H2O) density by tunable diode-laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) for applications in dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) with a gas-water interface. First, the effects of water temperature and presence of gas flow were tested using a Petri dish filled with water and a gas injection nozzle. Second, the TDLAS system was applied to the measurements of H2O density in two types of DBDs; one was a normal (non-inverted) type with a dielectric-covered electrode above a water-filled counter electrode and the other was an inverted type with a water-suspending mesh electrode above a dielectric-covered counter electrode. The H2O density in the normal DBD was close to the density estimated from the saturated vapor pressure, whereas the density in the inverted DBD was about half of that in the former type. The difference is attributed to the upward gas flow in the latter type, that pushes the water molecules up towards the gas-water interface.

  1. Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals: Solvatochromic behaviour, sensing solvent molecules and gas sorption property

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yang, Ji-Min; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Linyi 276005; Liu, Qing

    2014-10-15

    Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals with controllable morphology and size were successfully obtained by solvothermal method. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), elemental analysis, UV–vis and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The factors influencing the crystal morphology and size were investigated. The gas sorption measurements reveal that highly crystalline particles have large Langmuir surface area. It was found that the Co(II)-doped MOF-5 shows enhanced hydrostability and the sorption profiles of the Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals are dependent on the morphology and sizemore » of the particles. Porous Co(II)-doped MOF-5 is stable upon the removal of guest molecules and exhibits different colour with accommodating different solvent molecule, which means that it can act as solvatochromic sensing materials for recognition of solvent molecules. - Graphical abstract: Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals with different shapes and sizes were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method, which not only enhance gas sorption properties and structural stability of MOFs towards moisture, but also act as new sensing materials for sensing small molecules. - Highlights: • Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals with controllable morphology and size were obtained. • Co(II)-doped MOF-5 nano/microcrystals enhance the structural stability towards moisture. • Co(II)-doped MOF-5 can act as new sensing material for sensing small molecules.« less

  2. A study of vibrating nanotubes with additional adsorbed masses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adler, Joan; Adler, Omri

    2017-11-01

    We describe calculations of the electronic density surrounding strained nanotubes. These are then used to estimate the nanotube wall width. This width is an essential parameter for the analysis of the nanotube vibrations. By studying the effect of additional adsorbed molecules on the nanotubes’ vibrations and their frequency changes we can deduce the molecules’ mass. Our calculations show that the strain does not greatly affect the nanotube width, but the vibrations change sufficiently for the mass to be detected.

  3. Surface enhanced Raman scattering of new acridine based fluorophore adsorbed on silver electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Solovyeva, Elena V.; Myund, Liubov A.; Denisova, Anna S.

    2015-10-01

    4,5-Bis(N,N-di(2-hydroxyethyl)iminomethyl)acridine (BHIA) is a new acridine based fluoroionophore and a highly-selective sensor for cadmium ion. The direct interaction of the aromatic nitrogen atom with a surface is impossible since there are bulky substituents in the 4,5-positions of the acridine fragment. Nevertheless BHIA molecule shows a reliable SERS spectrum while adsorbed on a silver electrode. The analysis of SERS spectra pH dependence reveals that BHIA species adsorbed on a surface can exist in both non-protonated and protonated forms. The adsorption of BHIA from alkaline solution is accompanied by carbonaceous species formation at the surface. The intensity of such "carbon bands" turned out to be related with the supporting electrolyte (KCl) concentration. Upon lowering the electrode potential the SERS spectra of BHIA do not undergo changes but the intensity of bands decreases. This indicates that the adsorption mechanism on the silver surface is realized via aromatic system of acridine fragment. In case of such an adsorption mechanism the chelate fragment of the BHIA molecule is capable of interaction with the solution components. Addition of Cd2+ ions to a system containing BHIA adsorbed on a silver electrode in equilibrium with the solution leads to the formation of BHIA/Cd2+ complex which desorption causes the loss of SERS signal.

  4. Carbon dioxide adsorbents containing magnesium oxide suitable for use at high temperatures

    DOEpatents

    Mayorga, Steven Gerard; Weigel, Scott Jeffrey; Gaffney, Thomas Richard; Brzozowski, Jeffrey Richard

    2001-01-01

    Adsorption of carbon dioxide from gas streams at temperatures in the range of 300 to 500.degree. C. is carried out with a solid adsorbent containing magnesium oxide, preferably promoted with an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate so that the atomic ratio of alkali metal to magnesium is in the range of 0.006 to 2.60. Preferred adsorbents are made from the precipitate formed on addition of alkali metal and carbonate ions to an aqueous solution of a magnesium salt. Atomic ratios of alkali metal to magnesium can be adjusted by washing the precipitate with water. Low surface area adsorbents can be made by dehydration and CO.sub.2 removal of magnesium hydroxycarbonate, with or without alkali metal promotion. The process is especially valuable in pressure swing adsorption operations.

  5. Transparent, Ultrahigh-Gas-Barrier Films with a Brick-Mortar-Sand Structure.

    PubMed

    Dou, Yibo; Pan, Ting; Xu, Simin; Yan, Hong; Han, Jingbin; Wei, Min; Evans, David G; Duan, Xue

    2015-08-10

    Transparent and flexible gas-barrier materials have shown broad applications in electronics, food, and pharmaceutical preservation. Herein, we report ultrahigh-gas-barrier films with a brick-mortar-sand structure fabricated by layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of XAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH, X=Mg, Ni, Zn, Co) nanoplatelets and polyacrylic acid (PAA) followed by CO2 infilling, denoted as (XAl-LDH/PAA)n-CO2. The near-perfectly parallel orientation of the LDH "brick" creates a long diffusion length to hinder the transmission of gas molecules in the PAA "mortar". Most significantly, both the experimental studies and theoretical simulations reveal that the chemically adsorbed CO2 acts like "sand" to fill the free volume at the organic-inorganic interface, which further depresses the diffusion of permeating gas. The strategy presented here provides a new insight into the perception of barrier mechanism, and the (XAl-LDH/PAA)n-CO2 film is among the best gas barrier films ever reported. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Exploration of bulk and interface behavior of gas molecules and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid using equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation and quantum chemical calculation.

    PubMed

    Yang, Quan; Achenie, Luke E K

    2018-04-18

    Ionic liquids (ILs) show brilliant performance in separating gas impurities, but few researchers have performed an in-depth exploration of the bulk and interface behavior of penetrants and ILs thoroughly. In this research, we have performed a study on both molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and quantum chemical (QC) calculation to explore the transport of acetylene and ethylene in the bulk and interface regions of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM]-[BF4]). The diffusivity, solubility and permeability of gas molecules in the bulk were researched with MD simulation first. The subdiffusion behavior of gas molecules is induced by coupling between the motion of gas molecules and the ions, and the relaxation processes of the ions after the disturbance caused by gas molecules. Then, QC calculation was performed to explore the optical geometry of ions, ion pairs and complexes of ions and penetrants, and interaction potential for pairs and complexes. Finally, nonequilibrium MD simulation was performed to explore the interface structure and properties of the IL-gas system and gas molecule behavior in the interface region. The research results may be used in the design of IL separation media.

  7. Molecular adsorption on graphene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kong, Lingmei; Enders, Axel; Rahman, Talat S.; Dowben, Peter A.

    2014-11-01

    Current studies addressing the engineering of charge carrier concentration and the electronic band gap in epitaxial graphene using molecular adsorbates are reviewed. The focus here is on interactions between the graphene surface and the adsorbed molecules, including small gas molecules (H2O, H2, O2, CO, NO2, NO, and NH3), aromatic, and non-aromatic molecules (F4-TCNQ, PTCDA, TPA, Na-NH2, An-CH3, An-Br, Poly (ethylene imine) (PEI), and diazonium salts), and various biomolecules such as peptides, DNA fragments, and other derivatives. This is followed by a discussion on graphene-based gas sensor concepts. In reviewing the studies of the effects of molecular adsorption on graphene, it is evident that the strong manipulation of graphene’s electronic structure, including p- and n-doping, is not only possible with molecular adsorbates, but that this approach appears to be superior compared to these exploiting edge effects, local defects, or strain. However, graphene-based gas sensors, albeit feasible because huge adsorbate-induced variations in the relative conductivity are possible, generally suffer from the lack of chemical selectivity.

  8. Physics of Molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Williams, D.; Murdin, P.

    2000-11-01

    Many varieties of molecule have been detected in the Milky Way and in other galaxies. The processes by which these molecules are formed and destroyed are now broadly understood (see INTERSTELLAR CHEMISTRY). These molecules are important components of galaxies in two ways. Firstly, radiation emitted by molecules enables us to trace the presence of diffuse gas, to infer its physical properties and ...

  9. Allantoin as a solid phase adsorbent for removing endotoxins.

    PubMed

    Vagenende, Vincent; Ching, Tim-Jang; Chua, Rui-Jing; Gagnon, Pete

    2013-10-04

    In this study we present a simple and robust method for removing endotoxins from protein solutions by using crystals of the small-molecule compound 2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl urea (allantoin) as a solid phase adsorbent. Allantoin crystalline powder is added to a protein solution at supersaturated concentrations, endotoxins bind and undissolved allantoin crystals with bound endotoxins are removed by filtration or centrifugation. This method removes an average of 99.98% endotoxin for 20 test proteins. The average protein recovery is ∼80%. Endotoxin binding is largely independent of pH, conductivity, reducing agent and various organic solvents. This is consistent with a hydrogen-bond based binding mechanism. Allantoin does not affect protein activity and stability, and the use of allantoin as a solid phase adsorbent provides better endotoxin removal than anion exchange, polymixin affinity and biological affinity methods for endotoxin clearance. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Flue gas adsorption on periodic mesoporous phenylene-silica: a DFT approach.

    PubMed

    Lourenço, Mirtha A O; Ferreira, Paula; Gomes, José R B

    2018-06-20

    Periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) were suggested as potential adsorbents for CO2/CH4 separation because of their large affinities towards CO2 and low interaction with CH4. Herewith, we present a comprehensive computational study on the binding properties of flue gas species with the pore walls of periodic mesoporous phenylene-silica (Ph-PMO) for understanding the possible impact of other gaseous species in the CO2/CH4 separation. The calculations considered three exchange-correlation functionals (PBE, PBE-D2 and M06-2X) based on the density functional theory and the walls of the periodic mesoporous phenylene-silica were modelled within the cluster model approach. The components of the flue gas considered were the diatomic CO, H2, N2, O2 and NO molecules, the triatomic CO2, H2O, H2S and SO2 species, the tetratomic SO3 and NH3 gases and the pentatomic CH4 molecule. The calculated data demonstrate that the presence of H2O, SO2, NH3, H2S and SO3 is a significant threat to CO2 capture by Ph-PMO and suggest that the Ph-PMO material would present high selectivity for CO2 over CH4, CO, H2 or N2 adsorption. The adsorption behaviour of flue gas components in Ph-PMO can be directly related to the experimental proton affinities, basicities or even the polarizabilities of the gaseous molecules.

  11. A Comprehensive Study of Hydrogen Adsorbing to Amorphous Water ice: Defining Adsorption in Classical Molecular Dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dupuy, John L.; Lewis, Steven P.; Stancil, P. C.

    2016-11-01

    Gas-grain and gas-phase reactions dominate the formation of molecules in the interstellar medium (ISM). Gas-grain reactions require a substrate (e.g., a dust or ice grain) on which the reaction is able to occur. The formation of molecular hydrogen (H2) in the ISM is the prototypical example of a gas-grain reaction. In these reactions, an atom of hydrogen will strike a surface, stick to it, and diffuse across it. When it encounters another adsorbed hydrogen atom, the two can react to form molecular hydrogen and then be ejected from the surface by the energy released in the reaction. We perform in-depth classical molecular dynamics simulations of hydrogen atoms interacting with an amorphous water-ice surface. This study focuses on the first step in the formation process; the sticking of the hydrogen atom to the substrate. We find that careful attention must be paid in dealing with the ambiguities in defining a sticking event. The technical definition of a sticking event will affect the computed sticking probabilities and coefficients. Here, using our new definition of a sticking event, we report sticking probabilities and sticking coefficients for nine different incident kinetic energies of hydrogen atoms [5-400 K] across seven different temperatures of dust grains [10-70 K]. We find that probabilities and coefficients vary both as a function of grain temperature and incident kinetic energy over the range of 0.99-0.22.

  12. Stability of metal organic frameworks and interaction of small gas molecules in these materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tan, Kui

    The work in this dissertation combines spectroscopy ( in-situ infrared absorption and Raman), powder X-ray diffraction and DFT calculations to study the stability of metal organic frameworks materials (MOFs) in the presence of water vapor and other corrosive gases (e.g., SO 2, NO2 NO), and the interaction and competitive co-adsorption of several gases within MOFs by considering two types of prototypical MOFs: 1) a MOF with saturated metal centers based on paddlewheel secondary building units: M(bdc)(ted)0.5 [M=Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, ted = triethylenediamine], and 2) a MOF with unsaturated metal centers: M2(dobdc) [M=Mg2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and dobdc = 2,5-dihydroxybenzenedicarboxylate]. We find that the stability of MOFs to water vapor critically depends on their structure and the specific metal cation in the building units. For M(bdc)(ted)0.5, the metal-bdc bond is the most vulnerable for Cu(bdc)(ted)0.5, while the metal-ted bond is first attacked for the Zn and Co analogs. In contrast, Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5 remains stable under the same conditions. For M2(dobdc), or MOF-74, the weak link is the dobdc-metal bond. The water molecule is dissociatively adsorbed at the metal-oxygen group with OH adsorption directly on the metal center and H adsorption on the bridging O of the phenolate group in the dobdc linker. Other technologically important molecules besides water, such as NO, NO2, SO2, tend to poison M2(dobdc) through dissociative or molecular adsorption onto the open metal sites. A high uptake SO2 capacity was measured in M(bdc)(ted)0.5, attributed to multipoint interactions between the guest SO2 molecule and the MOF host. In the case of competitive co-adsorption between CO2 and other small molecules, we find that binding energy alone is not a good indicator of molecular site occupation within the MOF (i.e., it cannot successfully predict and evaluate the displacement of CO2 by other molecules). Instead, we show that the kinetic barrier for the

  13. Fundamental adsorption characteristics of carbonaceous adsorbents for 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene in a model gas of an incineration plant.

    PubMed

    Inoue, Kenichiro; Kawamoto, Katsuya

    2005-08-01

    Carbonaceous adsorbents such as activated carbon have been used to reduce the emission of organic pollutants from incineration plants. However, with this method, the amount and type of adsorbent to be used are based only on empirical results, which may lead to overuse of the adsorbents. The fundamental adsorption characteristics of several kinds of activated carbon, activated coke, and carbide wood were examined using 1 ,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene as an adsorbate. The removal performance and various equilibrium adsorption characteristics of these adsorbents were analyzed using laboratory-scale adsorption equipment. The equilibrium adsorption amount increased by a factor of 1.9-3.2 at 150 degrees C compared with that at 190 degrees C. The effect of the moisture content on adsorption capacity was relatively small in comparison with that of the temperature. The micropore volume for pore diameters of 2 nm or less was the most important factor governing the adsorption capacity for all adsorbents. Activated carbon showed superior adsorption ability compared to activated coke and carbide wood, although all adsorbents were sufficient for practical use.

  14. The Uranium from Seawater Program at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Overview of Marine Testing, Adsorbent Characterization, Adsorbent Durability, Adsorbent Toxicity, and Deployment Studies

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gill, Gary A.; Kuo, Li-Jung; Janke, Chris J.

    The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) Marine Science Laboratory (MSL) located along the coast of Washington State is evaluating the performance of uranium adsorption materials being developed for seawater extraction under realistic marine conditions with natural seawater. Two types of exposure systems were employed in this program: flow-through columns for testing of fixed beds of individual fibers and pellets and a recirculating water flume for testing of braided adsorbent material. Testing consists of measurements of the adsorption of uranium and other elements from seawater as a function of time, typically 42 to 56 day exposures, to determine the adsorbent capacitymore » and adsorption rate (kinetics). Analysis of uranium and other trace elements collected by the adsorbents was conducted following strong acid digestion of the adsorbent with 50% aqua regia using either Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) or Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The ORNL 38H adsorbent had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.30 ± 0.68 g U/ kg adsorbent (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation adsorption capacity of 4.89 ± 0.83 g U/kg of adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half-saturation time of 28 ± 10 days. The AF1 adsorbent material had a 56 day adsorption capacity of 3.9 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu), a saturation capacity of 5.4 ± 0.2 g U/kg adsorbent material (normalized to a salinity of 35 psu) and a half saturation time of 23 ± 2 days. The ORNL amidoxime-based adsorbent materials are not specific for uranium, but also adsorb other elements from seawater. The major doubly charged cations in seawater (Ca and Mg) account for a majority of the cations adsorbed (61% by mass and 74% by molar percent). For the ORNL AF1 adsorbent material, U is the 4th most abundant element adsorbed by mass and 7th most abundant by molar percentage« less

  15. Application of banana peels waste as adsorbents for the removal of CO2, NO, NOx, and SO2 gases from motorcycle emissions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Viena, V.; Elvitriana; Wardani, S.

    2018-03-01

    The aims of the study were to investigate the application of banana peels as adsorbent for the removal of CO, NO, NOx and SO2 gases from motorcycles emissions. The effect of differents thermal activation on the characteristics of banana peels adsorbent (BPA) such as moisture content, ash content, volatile matter and fixed carbon has been studied using proximate analysis. The study of Iodine adsorption capacity of BPA was obtained at 952 mg/g adsorbent. Structure and morphology of BPA were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that BPA could significantly adsorbed the CO and SO2 gases emissions from motorcycles, but not applicable for NO, NOx gases. After 10 minutes of flue gas analysis at idle mode using BPA adsorption tube, CO gas could be totally removed, from initial 19618 ppm to 0 ppm, while SO2 gas could also be totally removed from 24523 ppm to 0 ppm. SEM test showed that temperature of activation had significant effect on the size of pores of BPA formed. BPA was suitable for application in removing CO and SO2 gases emissions from motorcycles and it helps to reduce the green house gas effects of fossil fuel to the environment.

  16. SERS and DFT study of p-hydroxybenzoic acid adsorbed on colloidal silver particles.

    PubMed

    Chen, Y; Chen, S J; Li, S; Wei, J J

    2015-10-16

    In this study, normal Raman spectra of p—hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) powder and its surface—enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra in silver colloidal solutions were measured under near infrared excitation conditions. In theoretical calculation, two models of PHBA adsorbed on the surfaces of silver nanoparticles were established. The Raman frequencies of these two models using density functional theory (DFT) method were calculated, and compared with the experimental results. It was found that the calculated Raman frequencies were in good agreement with experimental values, which indicates that there are two enhanced mechanism physical (electromagnetic, EM) enhancement and chemical (charge—transfer, CT) enhancement, in silver colloidal solutions regarding SERS effect. Furthermore, from high—quality SERS spectrum of PHBA obtained in silver colloids, we inferred that PHBA molecules in silver colloids adsorb onto the metal surfaces through carboxyl at a perpendicular orientation. The combination of SERS spectra and DFT calculation is thus useful for studies of the adsorption—orientation of a molecule on a metal colloid.

  17. A first-principles study on adsorption behaviors of pristine and Li-decorated graphene sheets toward hydrazine molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Huadong; Cheng, Xinlu; Wang, Wei

    2018-03-01

    The adsorption behaviors and properties of hydrazine (N2H4) molecules on pristine and Li-decorated graphene sheets were investigated by means of first-principles based on density functional theory. We systematically analyzed the optimal geometry, average binding energy, charge transfer, charge density difference and density of states of N2H4 molecules adsorbed on pristine and Li-decorated graphene sheets. It is found that the interaction between single N2H4 molecule and pristine graphene is weak physisorption with the low binding energy of -0.026 eV, suggesting that the pristine graphene sheet is insensitive to the presence of N2H4 molecule. However, it is markedly enhanced after lithium decoration with the high binding energy of -1.004 eV, verifying that the Li-decorated graphene sheet is significantly sensitive to detect N2H4 molecule. Meanwhile, the effects of the concentrations of N2H4 molecules on two different substrates were studied detailedly. For pristine graphene substrate, the average binding energy augments apparently with increasing the number of N2H4 molecules, which is mainly attributed to the van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds among N2H4 clusters. Li-decorated graphene sheet has still a strong affinity to N2H4 molecules despite the corresponding average binding energy emerges a contrary tendency. Overall, Li-decorated graphene sheet could be considered as a potential gas sensor in field of hydrazine molecules.

  18. Insight into the adsorption of PPCPs by porous adsorbents: Effect of the properties of adsorbents and adsorbates.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Zengyin; Xie, Jiawen; Zhang, Mancheng; Zhou, Qing; Liu, Fuqiang

    2016-07-01

    Adsorption is an efficient method for removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). Magnetic resins are efficient adsorbents for water treatment and exhibit potential for PPCP removal. In this study, the magnetic hypercrosslinked resin Q100 was used for adsorption of PPCPs. The adsorption behavior of this resin was compared with those of two activated carbons, namely, Norit and F400D. Norit exhibited the fastest adsorption kinetics, followed by Q100. Norit featured a honeycomb shape and long-range ordered pore channels, which facilitated the diffusion of PPCPs. Moreover, the large average pore size of Q100 reduced diffusion resistance. The adsorbed amounts of 11 PPCPs on the three adsorbents increased with increasing adsorbate hydrophobicity. For Q100, a significant linear correlation was observed between the adsorption performance for PPCPs and hydrophobicity (logD value) of adsorbates (R(2) = 0.8951); as such, PPCPs with high logD values (>1.69) could be efficiently removed. Compared with those of Norit and F400D, the adsorption performance of Q100 was less affected by humic acid because of the dominant hydrophobic interaction. Furthermore, Q100 showed improved regeneration performance, which renders it promising for PPCP removal in practical applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. A Micro-Preconcentrator Combined Olfactory Sensing System with a Micromechanical Cantilever Sensor for Detecting 2,4-Dinitrotoluene Gas Vapor

    PubMed Central

    Chae, Myung-Sic; Kim, Jinsik; Yoo, Yong Kyoung; Kang, Ji Yoon; Lee, Jeong Hoon; Hwang, Kyo Seon

    2015-01-01

    Preventing unexpected explosive attacks and tracing explosion-related molecules require the development of highly sensitive gas-vapor detection systems. For that purpose, a micromechanical cantilever-based olfactory sensing system including a sample preconcentrator was developed to detect 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT), which is a well-known by-product of the explosive molecule trinitrotoluene (TNT) and exists in concentrations on the order of parts per billion in the atmosphere at room temperature. A peptide receptor (His-Pro-Asn-Phe-Ser-Lys-Tyr-Ile-Leu-His-Gln-Arg) that has high binding affinity for 2,4-DNT was immobilized on the surface of the cantilever sensors to detect 2,4-DNT vapor for highly selective detection. A micro-preconcentrator (µPC) was developed using Tenax-TA adsorbent to produce higher concentrations of 2,4-DNT molecules. The preconcentration was achieved via adsorption and thermal desorption phenomena occurring between target molecules and the adsorbent. The µPC directly integrated with a cantilever sensor and enhanced the sensitivity of the cantilever sensor as a pretreatment tool for the target vapor. The response was rapidly saturated within 5 min and sustained for more than 10 min when the concentrated vapor was introduced. By calculating preconcentration factor values, we verified that the cantilever sensor provides up to an eightfold improvement in sensing performance. PMID:26213944

  20. Viscoelastic properties of cationic starch adsorbed on quartz studied by QCM-D.

    PubMed

    Tammelin, Tekla; Merta, Juha; Johansson, Leena-Sisko; Stenius, Per

    2004-12-07

    The adsorption and viscoelastic properties of layers of a cationic polyelectrolyte (cationic starch, CS, with 2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammoniumchloride as the substituent) adsorbed from aqueous solutions (pH 7.5, added NaCl 0, 1, 100, and 500 mM) on silica were studied with a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). Three different starches were investigated (weight-average molecular weights M(w) approximately 8.7 x 10(5) and 4.5 x 10(5) with degree of substitution DS = 0.75 and M(w) approximately 8.8 x 10(5) with DS = 0.2). At low ionic strength, the adsorbed layers are thin and rigid and the amount adsorbed can be calculated using the Sauerbrey equation. When the ionic strength is increased, significant changes take place in the amount of adsorbed CS and the viscoelasticity of the adsorbed layer. These changes were analyzed assuming that the layer can be described as a Voigt element on a rigid surface in contact with purely viscous solvent. It was found that CS with low charge density forms a thicker and more mobile layer with higher viscosity and elasticity than CS with high charge density. The polymers adsorbed on the silica even when the ionic strength was so high that electrostatic interactions were effectively screened. At this high ionic strength, it was possible to study the effect of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the CS on the properties of the adsorbed film. Increasing the molecular weight of CS resulted in a larger hydrodynamic thickness. CS with a narrow molecular weight distribution formed a more compact and rigid layer than broadly distributed CS, presumably due to the better packing of the molecules.

  1. Molecules for organic electronics studied one by one.

    PubMed

    Meyer, Jörg; Wadewitz, Anja; Lokamani; Toher, Cormac; Gresser, Roland; Leo, Karl; Riede, Moritz; Moresco, Francesca; Cuniberti, Gianaurelio

    2011-08-28

    The electronic and geometrical structure of single difluoro-bora-1,3,5,7-tetraphenyl-aza-dipyrromethene (aza-BODIPY) molecules adsorbed on the Au(111) surface is investigated by low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy in conjunction with ab initio density functional theory simulations of the density of states and of the interaction with the substrate. Our DFT calculations indicate that the aza-bodipy molecule forms a chemical bond with the Au(111) substrate, with distortion of the molecular geometry and significant charge transfer between the molecule and the substrate. Nevertheless, most likely due to the low corrugation of the Au(111) surface, diffusion of the molecule is observed for applied bias in excess of 1 V.

  2. Generation, Detection and characterization of Gas-Phase Transition Metal containing Molecules

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Steimle, Timothy

    The objective of this project was to generate, detect, and characterize small, gas-phase, metal containing molecules. In addition to being relevant to high temperature chemical environments (e.g. plasmas and combustion), gas-phase experiments on metal containing molecules serve as the most direct link to a molecular-level theoretical model for catalysis. Catalysis (i.e. the addition of a small about of recoverable material to control the rate and direction of a chemical reaction) is critical to the petroleum and pharmaceutical industries as well as environmental remediation. Currently, the majority of catalytic materials are based on very expensive metals such as platinum (Pt), palladiummore » (Pd), iridium (Ir,) rhenium (Re), and rhodium (Rh). For example, the catalyst used for converting linear hydrocarbon molecules (e.g. hexane) to cyclic molecules (e.g. cyclohexane) is a mixture of Pt and Re suspended on alumina. It enables straight chain alkanes to be converted into branched-chain alkanes, cyclohexanes and aromatic hydrocarbons which are used, amongst other things, to enhance the octane number of petrol. A second example is the heterogeneous catalysis used in automobile exhaust systems to: a) decrease nitrogen oxide; b) reduce carbon monoxide; and c) oxidize unburned hydrocarbons. The exhaust is vented through a high-surface area chamber lined with Pt, Pd, and Rh. For example, the carbon monoxide is catalytically converted to carbon dioxide by reaction with oxygen. The research results from this work have been published in readily accessible journals1-28. The ground and excited electronic state properties of small metal containing molecules that we determine were: a) electronic state distributions and lifetimes, b) vibrational frequencies, c) bond lengths and angles, d) hyperfine interactions, e) permanent electric dipole moments, mel, and f) magnetic dipoles, μ m. In general terms, μ el, gives insight into the charge distribution and mm into the number

  3. Structural, electronic and optical properties of CO adsorbed on the defective anatase TiO2 (101) surface; a DFT study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rafique, Muhammad; Shuai, Yong; Hassan, Muhammad

    2017-08-01

    This paper illustrates the study of stable structural, electronic and optical properties of carbon mono oxide (CO) molecule adsorbed on pure anatase TiO2 (101) surface and CO molecule adsorbed on defective anatase TiO2 (101) surface containing oxygen (O) atom subsurface vacancy using first-principles study calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) method. A foreign molecule CO was added in the interstitial space of anatase TiO2 (101) surface. It was observed that, adsorption of CO molecule is not favorable on pure anatase TiO2 (101) surface, however adsorption process is improved when subsurface contains O atom vacancy defect. In case of anatase TiO2 (101) surface containing subsurface vacancy, adsorption process is exothermic, resulting in stable structures. The adsorption energies calculated for CO molecules adsorbed at O2c site, at defect site and at Ti5c site of anatase surface containing subsurface O vacancy are 0.16 eV (at O2c), 0.32 eV (at defect site) and 0.43 eV (at Ti5c) site. DOS and PDOS plots are calculated for all the structures. Results indicated that CO molecule adsorption introduces surface states at the Fermi energy level (EF) as shown in partial density of states (PDOS) plots. The dielectric matrix and absorption coefficient (α) for defective anatase TiO2 (101) surface, CO adsorbed at O2c site, at defect site and at Ti5C site of anatase TiO2 (101) surface containing O atom subsurface vacancy has been calculated within the random phase approximation (RPA) using VASP (Vienna ab-initio simulation package) code. It was observed that upon CO adsorption at defective anatase surface, real and imaginary dielectric function peaks were shifted towards lower energy level and a small absorption peak was observed at 1.1 eV energy level which is not present in case of defective anatase (101) surface. CO adsorption produces a red shift in the absorption spectrum of anatase TiO2 (101) surface containing subsurface O atom vacancy.

  4. Amine-functionalized mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite adsorbents for carbon dioxide capture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yisong; Du, Tao; Song, Yanli; Che, Shuai; Fang, Xin; Zhou, Lifeng

    2017-11-01

    ZSM-5 type zeolite with mesoporous structure was prepared and then amine-functionalized with tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) by wet impregnation method to form a series of CO2 adsorbents (ZTx). The structural properties of ZSM-5 and ZTx were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TGA/DTG, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, SEM and EDX techniques. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbents with different amine loading was measured at a temperature from 40 to 100 °C and the adsorption capacity of ZT7 was 1.80 mmol/g at 100 °C. The adsorption process and mechanism were studied by fitting the experimental data used the three adsorption kinetic models, and a complex physical and chemical mixing process was produced as the amine entered the surface and pore size of the zeolite. The high adsorption selectivity at 10% CO2 concentration and the stability of the five adsorption desorption cycles indicated that ZT7 is a suitable and promising CO2 adsorbent for the purification of industrial flue gas.

  5. Adsorption properties of argon on Ti doped SBA-15.

    PubMed

    Kim, Euikwoun; Lee, Sang-Hwa; Kim, Jaeyong

    2014-11-01

    Thermodynamic properties of argon on Ti doped Santa barbara amorphous No. 15 (SBA-15) were investigated in the temperature range of 77-89 K to understand the interaction of gas molecules with porous materials. When the total amount of adsorbed molecules is plotted as a function of the equilibrium vapor pressure of the adsorbed Ar, the results exhibit two distinct isotherm steps. The first step appears at the beginning of the isotherm while the second step locates at 0.7 of the normalized pressure. The existence of the second isotherm step which spanned in the normalized pressure from 0.7 to 0.9 is confirmed when the isotherm data were plotted in terms of the 2-dimensional compressibility values. The total amount of adsorbed molecules forming the second isotherm step is 2.5 times greater than the one for the first step. These adsorption behaviors are typical patterns noted from porous materials and far different from the ones observed from non-pore materials. Our observations demonstrate that most of adsorbed molecules reside in the pores and the height of the second isotherm step is strongly associated with filling pores with gas molecules.

  6. Complete braided adsorbent for marine testing to demonstrate 3g-U/kg-adsorbent

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Janke, Chris; Yatsandra, Oyola; Mayes, Richard

    ORNL has manufactured four braided adsorbents that successfully demonstrated uranium adsorption capacities ranging from 3.0-3.6 g-U/kg-adsorbent in marine testing at PNNL. Four new braided and leno woven fabric adsorbents have also been prepared by ORNL and are currently undergoing marine testing at PNNL.

  7. Charge transfer and adsorption-desorption kinetics in carbon nanotube and graphene gas sensing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Sang-Zi; Chen, Gugang; Harutyunyan, Avetik; Cole, Milton; Sofo, Jorge

    2014-03-01

    Detection of molecules in the gas phase by carbon nanotube and graphene has great application potentials due to the high sensitivity and surface-to-volume ratio. In chemiresistor, the conductance of the materials has been proposed to change as a result of charge transfer from the adsorbed molecules. Due to self-interaction errors, calculations using LDA or GGA density functionals have an innate disadvantage in dealing with charge transfer situations. A model which takes into consideration the dielectric interaction between the graphene surface and the molecule is employed to estimate the distance where charge transfer becomes favorable. Adsorption-desorption kinetics is studied with a modified Langmuir model, including sites from which the molecules do not desorb within the experimental time. Assuming a constant mobility, the model reproduces existing experimental conductance data. Its parameters provide information about the microscopic process during the detection and varying them allows optimization of aspects of sensor performance, including sensitivity, detection limit and response time. This work is supported by Honda Research Institute USA, Inc.

  8. Formation of complex organic molecules in cold objects: the role of gas-phase reactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Balucani, Nadia; Ceccarelli, Cecilia; Taquet, Vianney

    2015-04-01

    While astrochemical models are successful in reproducing many of the observed interstellar species, they have been struggling to explain the observed abundances of complex organic molecules. Current models tend to privilege grain surface over gas-phase chemistry in their formation. One key assumption of those models is that radicals trapped in the grain mantles gain mobility and react on lukewarm ( ≳ 30 K) dust grains. Thus, the recent detections of methyl formate (MF) and dimethyl ether (DME) in cold objects represent a challenge and may clarify the respective role of grain-surface and gas-phase chemistry. We propose here a new model to form DME and MF with gas-phase reactions in cold environments, where DME is the precursor of MF via an efficient reaction overlooked by previous models. Furthermore, methoxy, a precursor of DME, is also synthesized in the gas phase from methanol, which is desorbed by a non-thermal process from the ices. Our new model reproduces fairly well the observations towards L1544. It also explains, in a natural way, the observed correlation between DME and MF. We conclude that gas-phase reactions are major actors in the formation of MF, DME and methoxy in cold gas. This challenges the exclusive role of grain-surface chemistry and favours a combined grain-gas chemistry.

  9. Gas Sensing Analysis of Ag-Decorated Graphene for Sulfur Hexafluoride Decomposition Products Based on the Density Functional Theory

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Xiaoxing; Huang, Rong; Gui, Yingang; Zeng, Hong

    2016-01-01

    Detection of decomposition products of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is one of the best ways to diagnose early latent insulation faults in gas-insulated equipment, and the occurrence of sudden accidents can be avoided effectively by finding early latent faults. Recently, functionalized graphene, a kind of gas sensing material, has been reported to show good application prospects in the gas sensor field. Therefore, calculations were performed to analyze the gas sensing properties of intrinsic graphene (Int-graphene) and functionalized graphene-based material, Ag-decorated graphene (Ag-graphene), for decomposition products of SF6, including SO2F2, SOF2, and SO2, based on density functional theory (DFT). We thoroughly investigated a series of parameters presenting gas-sensing properties of adsorbing process about gas molecule (SO2F2, SOF2, SO2) and double gas molecules (2SO2F2, 2SOF2, 2SO2) on Ag-graphene, including adsorption energy, net charge transfer, electronic state density, and the highest and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. The results showed that the Ag atom significantly enhances the electrochemical reactivity of graphene, reflected in the change of conductivity during the adsorption process. SO2F2 and SO2 gas molecules on Ag-graphene presented chemisorption, and the adsorption strength was SO2F2 > SO2, while SOF2 absorption on Ag-graphene was physical adsorption. Thus, we concluded that Ag-graphene showed good selectivity and high sensitivity to SO2F2. The results can provide a helpful guide in exploring Ag-graphene material in experiments for monitoring the insulation status of SF6-insulated equipment based on detecting decomposition products of SF6. PMID:27809269

  10. Single Molecule Raman Spectroscopy Under High Pressure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Yuanxi; Dlott, Dana

    2014-06-01

    Pressure effects on surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra of Rhdoamine 6G adsorbed on silver nanoparticle surfaces was studied using a confocal Raman microscope. Colloidal silver nanoparticles were treated with Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and its isotopically substituted partner, R6G-d4. Mixed isotopomers let us identify single-molecule spectra, since multiple-molecule spectra would show vibrational transitions from both species. The nanoparticles were embedded into a poly vinyl alcohol film, and loaded into a diamond anvil cell for the high-pressure Raman scattering measurement. Argon was the pressure medium. Ambient pressure Raman scattering spectra showed few single-molecule spectra. At moderately high pressure ( 1GPa), a surprising effect was observed. The number of sites with observable spectra decreased dramatically, and most of the spectra that could be observed were due to single molecules. The effects of high pressure suppressed the multiple-molecule Raman sites, leaving only the single-molecule sites to be observed.

  11. HIGH RESOLUTION SPECTROSCOPY IN THE GAS PHASE: Even Large Molecules Have Well-Defined Shapes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pratt, David W.

    1998-10-01

    A review of recent high-resolution microwave, infrared, and optical spectroscopy experiments demonstrates that remarkable progress has been made in the past 20 years in determining the equilibrium geometries of large polyatomic molecules and their clusters in the gas phase, and how these geometries change when the photon is absorbed. A special focus is on the dynamical information that can be obtained from such studies, particularly of electronically excited states.

  12. Enhanced Optical and Electric Manipulation of a Quantum Gas of KRb Molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Covey, Jacob P.

    Polar molecules are an ideal platform for studying quantum information and quantum simulation due to their long-range dipolar interactions. However, they have many degrees of freedom at disparate energy scales and thus are difficult to cool. Ultracold KRb molecules near quantum degeneracy were first produced in 2008. Nevertheless, it was found that even when prepared in the absolute lowest state chemical reactions can make the gas unstable. During my PhD we worked to mitigate these limitations by loading molecules into an optical lattice where the tunneling rates, and thus the chemistry, can be exquisitely controlled. This setting allowed us to start using the rotational degree of freedom as a pseudo-spin, and paved the way for studying models of quantum magnetism, such as the t-J model and the XXZ model. Further, by allowing molecules of two "spin''-states to tunnel in the lattice, we were able to observe a continuous manifestion of the quantum Zeno effect, where increased mobility counterintuitively suppresses dissipation from inelastic collisions. In a deep lattice we observed dipolar spin-exchange interactions, and we were able to elucidate their truly many-body nature. These two sets of experiments informed us that the filling fraction of the molecules in the lattice was only 5-10%, and so we implemented a quantum synthesis approach where atomic insulators were used to maximize the number of sites with one K and one Rb, and then these "doublons'' were converted to molecules with a filling of 30%. Despite these successes, a number of tools such as high resolution detection and addressing as well as large, stable electric fields were unavailable. Also during my PhD I led efforts to design, build, test, and implement a new apparatus which provides access to these tools and more. We have successfully produced ultracold molecules in this new apparatus, and we are now applying AC and DC electric fields with in vacuum electrodes. This apparatus will allow us to study

  13. Adsorption and oxidation of formaldehyde on a polycrystalline Pt film electrode: An in situ IR spectroscopy search for adsorbed reaction intermediates

    PubMed Central

    Behm, R Jürgen

    2014-01-01

    Summary As part of a mechanistic study of the electrooxidation of C1 molecules we have systematically investigated the dissociative adsorption/oxidation of formaldehyde on a polycrystalline Pt film electrode under experimental conditions optimizing the chance for detecting weakly adsorbed reaction intermediates. Employing in situ IR spectroscopy in an attenuated total reflection configuration (ATR-FTIRS) with p-polarized IR radiation to further improve the signal-to-noise ratio, and using low reaction temperatures (3 °C) and deuterium substitution to slow down the reaction kinetics and to stabilize weakly adsorbed reaction intermediates, we could detect an IR absorption band at 1660 cm−1 characteristic for adsorbed formyl intermediates. This assignment is supported by an isotope shift in wave number. Effects of temperature, potential and deuterium substitution on the formation and disappearance of different adsorbed species (COad, adsorbed formate, adsorbed formyl), are monitored and quantified. Consequences on the mechanism for dissociative adsorption and oxidation of formaldehyde are discussed. PMID:24991512

  14. Epoxide-functionalization of polyethyleneimine for synthesis of stable carbon dioxide adsorbent in temperature swing adsorption

    PubMed Central

    Choi, Woosung; Min, Kyungmin; Kim, Chaehoon; Ko, Young Soo; Jeon, Jae Wan; Seo, Hwimin; Park, Yong-Ki; Choi, Minkee

    2016-01-01

    Amine-containing adsorbents have been extensively investigated for post-combustion carbon dioxide capture due to their ability to chemisorb low-concentration carbon dioxide from a wet flue gas. However, earlier studies have focused primarily on the carbon dioxide uptake of adsorbents, and have not demonstrated effective adsorbent regeneration and long-term stability under such conditions. Here, we report the versatile and scalable synthesis of a functionalized-polyethyleneimine (PEI)/silica adsorbent which simultaneously exhibits a large working capacity (2.2 mmol g−1) and long-term stability in a practical temperature swing adsorption process (regeneration under 100% carbon dioxide at 120 °C), enabling the separation of concentrated carbon dioxide. We demonstrate that the functionalization of PEI with 1,2-epoxybutane reduces the heat of adsorption and facilitates carbon dioxide desorption (>99%) during regeneration compared with unmodified PEI (76%). Moreover, the functionalization significantly improves long-term adsorbent stability over repeated temperature swing adsorption cycles due to the suppression of urea formation and oxidative amine degradation. PMID:27572662

  15. Thermal and FTIR spectroscopic analysis of the interactions of aniline adsorbed on to MCM-41 mesoporous material.

    PubMed

    Eimer, Griselda A; Gómez Costa, Marcos B; Pierella, Liliana B; Anunziata, Oscar A

    2003-07-15

    The adsorption of aniline on Na-AlMCM-41 synthesized by us has been characterized by infrared spectroscopy, temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and differential thermal analysis methods. Aniline would be mostly bound to the mesostructure through weak pi interactions. On the mesostructure containing adsorbed water, the co-adsorption of aniline could occur by weak hydrogen bonding through surface water molecules. For water, two possible modes of adsorption have been identified. Different associations between aniline and hydrated and nonhydrated mesostructures have been evaluated in order to favor the posterior in situ polymerization of adsorbed aniline.

  16. EVALUATION OF SOLID ADSORBENTS FOR THE COLLECTION AND ANALYSES OF AMBIENT BIOGENIC VOLATILE ORGANICS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Micrometeorological flux measurements of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) usually require that large volumes of air be collected (whole air samples) or focused during the sampling process (cryogenic trapping or gas-solid partitioning on adsorbents) in order to achiev...

  17. Volatile organic compound adsorption in a gas-solid fluidized bed.

    PubMed

    Ng, Y L; Yan, R; Tsen, L T S; Yong, L C; Liu, M; Liang, D T

    2004-01-01

    Fluidization finds many process applications in the areas of catalytic reactions, drying, coating, combustion, gasification and microbial culturing. This work aims to compare the dynamic adsorption characteristics and adsorption rates in a bubbling fluidized bed and a fixed bed at the same gas flow-rate, gas residence time and bed height. Adsorption with 520 ppm methanol and 489 ppm isobutane by the ZSM-5 zeolite of different particle size in the two beds enabled the differentiation of the adsorption characteristics and rates due to bed type, intraparticle mass transfer and adsorbate-adsorbent interaction. Adsorption of isobutane by the more commonly used activated carbon provided the comparison of adsorption between the two adsorbent types. With the same gas residence time of 0.79 seconds in both the bubbling bed and fixed bed of the same bed size of 40 mm diameter and 48 mm height, the experimental results showed a higher rate of adsorption in the bubbling bed as compared to the fixed bed. Intraparticle mass transfer and adsorbent-adsorbate interaction played significant roles in affecting the rate of adsorption, with intraparticle mass transfer being more dominant. The bubbling bed was observed to have a steeper decline in adsorption rate with respect to increasing outlet concentration compared to the fixed bed. The adsorption capacities of zeolite for the adsorbates studied were comparatively similar in both beds; fluidizing, and using smaller particles in the bubbling bed did not increase the adsorption capacity of the ZSM-5 zeolite. The adsorption capacity of activated carbon for isobutane was much higher than the ZSM-5 zeolite for isobutane, although at a lower adsorption rate. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy was used as an analytical tool for the quantification of gas concentration. Calibration was done using a series of standards prepared by in situ dilution with nitrogen gas, based on the ideal gas law and relating partial pressure to gas

  18. Dynamic technique for measuring adsorption in a gas chromatograph

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Deuel, C. L.; Hultgren, N. W.; Mobert, M. L.

    1973-01-01

    Gas-chromatographic procedure, together with mathematical analysis of adsorption isotherm, allows relative surface areas and adsorptive powers for trace concentrations to be determined in a few minutes. Technique may be used to evaluate relative surface areas of different adsorbates, expressed as volume of adsorbent/gram of adsorbate, and to evaluate their relative adsorptive power.

  19. Normal and frictional interactions of purified human statherin adsorbed on molecularly-smooth solid substrata.

    PubMed

    Harvey, Neale M; Carpenter, Guy H; Proctor, Gordon B; Klein, Jacob

    2011-09-01

    Human salivary statherin was purified from parotid saliva and adsorbed to bare hydrophilic (HP) mica and STAI-coated hydrophobic (HB) mica in a series of Surface Force Balance experiments that measured the normal (F(n)) and friction forces (F(s)*) between statherin-coated mica substrata. Readings were taken both in the presence of statherin solution (HP and HB mica) and after rinsing (HP mica). F(n) measurements showed, for both substrata, monotonic steric repulsion that set on at a surface separation D ~20 nm, indicating an adsorbed layer whose unperturbed thickness was ca 10 nm. An additional longer-ranged repulsion, probably of electrostatic double-layer origin, was observed for rinsed surfaces under pure water. Under applied pressures of ~1 MPa, each surface layer was compressed to a thickness of ca 2 nm on both types of substratum, comparable with earlier estimates of the size of the statherin molecule. Friction measurements, in contrast with F(n) observations, were markedly different on the two different substrata: friction coefficients, μ ≡ ∂F(s)*/∂F(n), on the HB substratum (μ ≈ 0.88) were almost an order of magnitude higher than on the HP substratum (μ ≈ 0.09 and 0.12 for unrinsed and rinsed, respectively), and on the HB mica there was a lower dependence of friction on sliding speed than on the HP mica. The observations were attributed to statherin adsorbing to the mica in multimer aggregates, with internal re-arrangement of the protein molecules within the aggregate dependent on the substratum to which the aggregate adsorbed. This internal re-arrangement permitted aggregates to be of similar size on HP and HB mica but to have different internal molecular orientations, thus exposing different moieties to the solution in each case and accounting for the very different friction behaviour.

  20. Influence of the adsorption geometry of PTCDA on Ag(111) on the tip-molecule forces in non-contact atomic force microscopy.

    PubMed

    Langewisch, Gernot; Falter, Jens; Schirmeisen, André; Fuchs, Harald

    2014-01-01

    Perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) adsorbed on a metal surface is a prototypical organic-anorganic interface. In the past, scanning tunneling microscopy and scanning tunneling spectroscopy studies of PTCDA adsorbed on Ag(111) have revealed differences in the electronic structure of the molecules depending on their adsorption geometry. In the work presented here, high-resolution 3D force spectroscopy measurements at cryogenic temperatures were performed on a surface area that contained a complete PTCDA unit cell with the two possible geometries. At small tip-molecule separations, deviations in the tip-sample forces were found between the two molecule orientations. These deviations can be explained by a different electron density in both cases. This result demonstrates the capability of 3D force spectroscopy to detect even small effects in the electronic properties of organic adsorbates.

  1. From illite/smectite clay to mesoporous silicate adsorbent for efficient removal of chlortetracycline from water.

    PubMed

    Wang, Wenbo; Tian, Guangyan; Zong, Li; Zhou, Yanmin; Kang, Yuru; Wang, Qin; Wang, Aiqin

    2017-01-01

    A series of mesoporous silicate adsorbents with superior adsorption performance for hazardous chlortetracycline (CTC) were sucessfully prepared via a facile one-pot hydrothermal reaction using low-cost illite/smectite (IS) clay, sodium silicate and magnesium sulfate as the starting materials. In this process, IS clay was "teared up" and then "rebuilt" as new porous silicate adsorbent with high specific surface area of 363.52m 2 /g (about 8.7 folds higher than that of IS clay) and very negative Zeta potential (-34.5mV). The inert SiOSi (Mg, Al) bonds in crystal framework of IS were broken to form Si(Al) O - groups with good adsorption activity, which greatly increased the adsorption sites served for holding much CTC molecules. Systematic evaluation on adsorption properties reveals the optimal silicate adsorbent can adsorb 408.81mg/g of CTC (only 159.7mg/g for raw IS clay) and remove 99.3% (only 46.5% for raw IS clay) of CTC from 100mg/L initial solution (pH3.51; adsorption temperature 30°C; adsorbent dosage, 3g/L). The adsorption behaviors of CTC onto the adsorbent follows the Langmuir isotherm model, Temkin equation and pseudo second-order kinetic model. The mesopore adsorption, electrostatic attraction and chemical association mainly contribute to the enhanced adsorption properties. As a whole, the high-efficient silicate adsorbent could be candidates to remove CTC from the wastewater with high amounts of CTC. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  2. The role of electric field in enhancing separation of gas molecules (H2S, CO2, H2O) on VIB modified g-C3N4 (0 0 1)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Fang; Li, Penghui; Wei, Shiqian; Guo, Jiaxing; Dan, Meng; Zhou, Ying

    2018-07-01

    In this study, the first-principles calculations were performed to investigate the adsorption behaviors of gas molecules H2S, CO2 and H2O on Cr, Mo and W modified g-C3N4 (0 0 1) surface. The results show that H2S, CO2 and H2O are physically adsorbed on the pristine g-C3N4, while the adsorption becomes chemisorbed due to the introduction of transition metals which significantly improve the interfacial electron transfer and narrow the band gap of g-C3N4 (0 0 1). Furthermore, it is found that the adsorption behaviors can be greatly influenced by the applied electric field. The adsorption energy is generally arranged in the order of Eads(H2S) > Eads(H2O) > Eads(CO2), and W/g-C3N4 (0 0 1) exhibits the best separation capability. The study could provide a versatile approach to selectively capture and separate the mixed gases in the catalytic reactions by controlling the applied intensity of electric field.

  3. Observation of the adsorption and desorption of vibrationally excited molecules on a metal surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shirhatti, Pranav R.; Rahinov, Igor; Golibrzuch, Kai; Werdecker, Jörn; Geweke, Jan; Altschäffel, Jan; Kumar, Sumit; Auerbach, Daniel J.; Bartels, Christof; Wodtke, Alec M.

    2018-06-01

    The most common mechanism of catalytic surface chemistry is that of Langmuir and Hinshelwood (LH). In the LH mechanism, reactants adsorb, become thermalized with the surface, and subsequently react. The measured vibrational (relaxation) lifetimes of molecules adsorbed at metal surfaces are in the range of a few picoseconds. As a consequence, vibrational promotion of LH chemistry is rarely observed, with the exception of LH reactions occurring via a molecular physisorbed intermediate. Here, we directly detect adsorption and subsequent desorption of vibrationally excited CO molecules from a Au(111) surface. Our results show that CO (v = 1) survives on a Au(111) surface for 1 × 10-10 s. Such long vibrational lifetimes for adsorbates on metal surfaces are unexpected and pose an interesting challenge to the current understanding of vibrational energy dissipation on metal surfaces. They also suggest that vibrational promotion of surface chemistry might be more common than is generally believed.

  4. Measurement of the average mass of proteins adsorbed to a nanoparticle by using a suspended microchannel resonator.

    PubMed

    Nejadnik, M Reza; Jiskoot, Wim

    2015-02-01

    We assessed the potential of a suspended microchannel resonator (SMR) to measure the adsorption of proteins to nanoparticles. Standard polystyrene beads suspended in buffer were weighed by a SMR system. Particle suspensions were mixed with solutions of bovine serum albumin (BSA) or monoclonal human antibody (IgG), incubated at room temperature for 3 h and weighed again with SMR. The difference in buoyant mass of the bare and protein-coated polystyrene beads was calculated into real mass of adsorbed proteins. The average surface area occupied per protein molecule was calculated, assuming a monolayer of adsorbed protein. In parallel, dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and zeta potential measurements were performed. SMR revealed a statistically significant increase in the mass of beads because of adsorption of proteins (for BSA and IgG), whereas DLS and NTA did not show a difference between the size of bare and protein-coated beads. The change in the zeta potential of the beads was also measurable. The surface area occupied per protein molecule was in line with their known size. Presented results show that SMR can be used to measure the mass of adsorbed protein to nanoparticles with a high precision in the presence of free protein. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

  5. Adsorbed states of chlorophenol on Cu(110) and controlled switching of single-molecule junctions

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Okuyama, H., E-mail: hokuyama@kuchem.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Kitaguchi, Y.; Hattori, T.

    A molecular junction of substituted benzene (chlorophenol) is fabricated and controlled by using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). Prior to the junction formation, the bonding geometry of the molecule on the surface is characterized by STM and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). EELS shows that the OH group of chlorophenol is dissociated on Cu(110) and that the molecule is bonded nearly flat to the surface via an O atom, with the Cl group intact. We demonstrate controlled contact of an STM tip to the “available” Cl group and lift-up of the molecule while it is anchored to the surface viamore » an O atom. The asymmetric bonding motifs of the molecule to the electrodes allow for reversible control of the junction.« less

  6. Characterization of Adsorbents for Cytokine Removal from Blood in an In Vitro Model.

    PubMed

    Harm, Stephan; Gabor, Franz; Hartmann, Jens

    2015-01-01

    Cytokines are basic targets that have to be removed effectively in order to improve the patient's health status in treating severe inflammation, sepsis, and septic shock. Although there are different adsorbents commercially available, the success of their clinical use is limited. Here, we tested different adsorbents for their effective removal of cytokines from plasma and the resulting effect on endothelial cell activation. The three polystyrene divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) based adsorbents Amberchrom CG161c and CG300m and a clinically approved haemoperfusion adsorbent (HAC) were studied with regard to cytokine removal in human blood. To induce cytokine release from leucocytes, human blood cells were stimulated with 1 ng/ml LPS for 4 hours. Plasma was separated and adsorption experiments in a dynamic model were performed. The effect of cytokine removal on endothelial cell activation was evaluated using a HUVEC-based cell culture model. The beneficial outcome was assessed by measuring ICAM-1, E-selectin, and secreted cytokines IL-8 and IL-6. Additionally the threshold concentration for HUVEC activation by TNF-α and IL-1β was determined using this cell culture model. CG161c showed promising results in removing the investigated cytokines. Due to its pore size the adsorbent efficiently removed the key factor TNF-α, outperforming the commercially available adsorbents. The CG161c treatment reduced cytokine secretion and expression of cell adhesion molecules by HUVEC which underlines the importance of effective removal of TNF-α in inflammatory diseases. These results confirm the hypothesis that cytokine removal from the blood should approach physiological levels in order to reduce endothelial cell activation.

  7. Characterization of Adsorbents for Cytokine Removal from Blood in an In Vitro Model

    PubMed Central

    Gabor, Franz; Hartmann, Jens

    2015-01-01

    Introduction. Cytokines are basic targets that have to be removed effectively in order to improve the patient's health status in treating severe inflammation, sepsis, and septic shock. Although there are different adsorbents commercially available, the success of their clinical use is limited. Here, we tested different adsorbents for their effective removal of cytokines from plasma and the resulting effect on endothelial cell activation. Methods. The three polystyrene divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) based adsorbents Amberchrom CG161c and CG300m and a clinically approved haemoperfusion adsorbent (HAC) were studied with regard to cytokine removal in human blood. To induce cytokine release from leucocytes, human blood cells were stimulated with 1 ng/ml LPS for 4 hours. Plasma was separated and adsorption experiments in a dynamic model were performed. The effect of cytokine removal on endothelial cell activation was evaluated using a HUVEC-based cell culture model. The beneficial outcome was assessed by measuring ICAM-1, E-selectin, and secreted cytokines IL-8 and IL-6. Additionally the threshold concentration for HUVEC activation by TNF-α and IL-1β was determined using this cell culture model. Results. CG161c showed promising results in removing the investigated cytokines. Due to its pore size the adsorbent efficiently removed the key factor TNF-α, outperforming the commercially available adsorbents. The CG161c treatment reduced cytokine secretion and expression of cell adhesion molecules by HUVEC which underlines the importance of effective removal of TNF-α in inflammatory diseases. Conclusion. These results confirm the hypothesis that cytokine removal from the blood should approach physiological levels in order to reduce endothelial cell activation. PMID:26770992

  8. Mechanism of formation of humus coatings on mineral surfaces 3. Composition of adsorbed organic acids from compost leachate on alumina by solid-state 13C NMR

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Wershaw, R. L.; Llaguno, E.C.; Leenheer, J.A.

    1996-01-01

    The adsorption of compost leachate DOC on alumina is used as a model for elucidation of the mechanism of formation of natural organic coatings on hydrous metal oxide surfaces in soils and sediments. Compost leachate DOC is composed mainly of organic acid molecules. The solid-state 13C NMR spectra of these organic acids indicate that they are very similar in composition to aquatic humic substances. Changes in the solid-state 13C NMR spectra of compost leachate DOC fractions adsorbed on alumina indicate that the DOC molecules are most likely adsorbed on metal oxide surfaces through a combination of polar and hydrophobic interaction mechanisms. This combination of polar and hydrophobic mechanism leads to the formation of bilayer coatings of the leachate molecules on the oxide surfaces.

  9. Enriching the hydrogen storage capacity of carbon nanotube doped with polylithiated molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Panigrahi, P.; Naqvi, S. R.; Hankel, M.; Ahuja, R.; Hussain, T.

    2018-06-01

    In a quest to find optimum materials for efficient storage of clean energy, we have performed first principles calculations to study the structural and energy storage properties of one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with polylithiated molecules (PLMs). Van der Waals corrected calculations disclosed that various PLMs like CLi, CLi2, CLi3, OLi, OLi2, OLi3, bind strongly to CNTs even at high doping concentrations ensuring a uniform distribution of dopants without forming clusters. Bader charge analysis reveals that each Li in all the PLMs attains a partial positive charge and transform into Li+ cations. This situation allows multiple H2 molecules adsorbed with each Li+ through the polarization of incident H2 molecules via electrostatic and van der Waals type of interaction. With a maximum doping concentration, that is 3CLi2/3CLi3 and 3OLi2/3OLi3 a maximum of 36 H2 molecules could be adsorbed that corresponds to a reasonably high H2 storage capacity with the adsorption energies in the range of -0.33 to -0.15 eV/H2. This suits the ambient condition applications.

  10. Screening of charged impurities as a possible mechanism for conductance change in graphene gas sensing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liang, Sang-Zi; Chen, Gugang; Harutyunyan, Avetik R.; Sofo, Jorge O.

    2014-09-01

    In carbon nanotube and graphene gas sensing, the measured conductance change after the sensor is exposed to target molecules has been traditionally attributed to carrier density change due to charge transfer between the sample and the adsorbed molecule. However, this explanation has many problems when it is applied to graphene: The increased amount of Coulomb impurities should lead to decrease in carrier mobility which was not observed in many experiments, carrier density is controlled by the gate voltage in the experimental setup, and there are inconsistencies in the energetics of the charge transfer. In this paper we explore an alternative mechanism. Charged functional groups and dipolar molecules on the surface of graphene may counteract the effect of charged impurities on the substrate. Because scattering of electrons with these charged impurities has been shown to be the limiting factor in graphene conductivity, this leads to significant changes in the transport behavior. A model for the conductivity is established using the random phase approximation dielectric function of graphene and the first-order Born approximation for scattering. The model predicts optimal magnitudes for the charge and dipole moment which maximally screen a given charged impurity. The dipole screening is shown to be generally weaker than the charge screening although the former becomes more effective with higher gate voltage away from the charge neutrality point. The model also predicts that with increasing amount of adsorbates, the charge impurities eventually become saturated and additional adsorption always lead to decreasing conductivity.

  11. Polystyrene-Divinylbenzene-Based Adsorbents Reduce Endothelial Activation and Monocyte Adhesion Under Septic Conditions in a Pore Size-Dependent Manner.

    PubMed

    Eichhorn, Tanja; Rauscher, Sabine; Hammer, Caroline; Gröger, Marion; Fischer, Michael B; Weber, Viktoria

    2016-10-01

    Endothelial activation with excessive recruitment and adhesion of immune cells plays a central role in the progression of sepsis. We established a microfluidic system to study the activation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by conditioned medium containing plasma from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated whole blood or from septic blood and to investigate the effect of adsorption of inflammatory mediators on endothelial activation. Treatment of stimulated whole blood with polystyrene-divinylbenzene-based cytokine adsorbents (average pore sizes 15 or 30 nm) prior to passage over the endothelial layer resulted in significantly reduced endothelial cytokine and chemokine release, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 secretion, adhesion molecule expression, and in diminished monocyte adhesion. Plasma samples from sepsis patients differed substantially in their potential to induce endothelial activation and monocyte adhesion despite their almost identical interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels. Pre-incubation of the plasma samples with a polystyrene-divinylbenzene-based adsorbent (30 nm average pore size) reduced endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression to baseline levels, resulting in significantly diminished monocyte adhesion. Our data support the potential of porous polystyrene-divinylbenzene-based adsorbents to reduce endothelial activation under septic conditions by depletion of a broad range of inflammatory mediators.

  12. Effects of adatom and gas molecule adsorption on the physical properties of tellurene: a first principles investigation.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiao Hua; Wang, Da Wei; Yang, Ai Jun; Koratkar, Nikhil; Chu, Ji Feng; Lv, Pin Lei; Rong, Ming Zhe

    2018-02-07

    Tellurene is a new member of the two-dimensional (2D) materials' family, whose existence has been recently confirmed by first principles calculation and experimental work. Tellurene is also the first 2D mono-elemental material of group-VI predicted by scientists, and investigations of its basic properties are still in their infancy. In this study, we use first principles calculation based on density functional theory to investigate the adsorption of nineteen typical adatoms (Li, Na, K, Ca, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, Au, Pd, Pt, B, N, O, Si, Cl, and Al), and five typical gas molecules (H 2 , O 2 , H 2 O, NO 2 , and NH 3 ) on α-phase as well as β-phase tellurene sheets. Our calculations shows that most adatoms are chemisorbed on tellurene sheets with large adsorption energies. Moreover, some of the adatoms are observed to give rise to distinct structural deformations and even local reconstructions. We report that a variety of electronic states are induced by the adatoms, which implies that different electronic structures can be engineered by the adsorption of adatoms. In fact, n-type doping, p-type doping, half-metal, and spin-gapless semiconductor features can be acquired by doping adatoms on tellurene sheets. Our calculations also show that the five gas molecules are all physisorbed on tellurene sheets, and no splitting behaviors are observed. Therefore, the adsorption of the five gas molecules has a weak effect on the electronic properties of tellurene. To conclude, our results indicate that adatom engineering may be used to greatly expand the potential applications of 2D tellurene.

  13. Modulating the magnetic behavior of Fe(II)-MOF-74 by the high electron affinity of the guest molecule.

    PubMed

    Han, Sungmin; Kim, Heejin; Kim, Jaehoon; Jung, Yousung

    2015-07-14

    As a new class of magnetic materials, metal-organic framework (MOF) has received a significant attention due to their functionality and porosity that can provide diverse magnetic phenomena by utilizing host-guest chemistry. For Fe-MOF-74, we here find using density functional calculations that the O2 and C2H4 adsorptions result in the ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) orderings along the 1D chain of an hexagonal MOF framework, respectively, while their adsorption energies, pi-complexation, and geometrical changes are all similar upon binding. We reveal that this different magnetism behavior is attributed to the different electronic effects, where the adsorbed O2 greatly withdraws a minor spin electron from the Fe centers. The latter significant back donation opens a new channel for superexchange interactions that can enhance the FM coupling between Fe centers, where the strength of calculated intrachain FM coupling constrant (Jin) in O2 adsorbed Fe-MOF-74 is more than 10 times enhanced compared to bare Fe-MOF-74. This prediction suggests a possibility for the conceptual usage of Fe-MOF-74 as a gas sensor based on its magnetic changes caused by the adsorbed gases. Furthermore, the suggested mechanism might be used to control the magnetic properties of MOFs using the guest molecules, although concrete strategies to enhance such magnetic interactions to be used in practical applications would require further significant investigation.

  14. An advanced molecule-surface scattering instrument for study of vibrational energy transfer in gas-solid collisions.

    PubMed

    Ran, Qin; Matsiev, Daniel; Wodtke, Alec M; Auerbach, Daniel J

    2007-10-01

    We describe an advanced and highly sensitive instrument for quantum state-resolved molecule-surface energy transfer studies under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. The apparatus includes a beam source chamber, two differential pumping chambers, and a UHV chamber for surface preparation, surface characterization, and molecular beam scattering. Pulsed and collimated supersonic molecular beams are generated by expanding target molecule mixtures through a home-built pulsed nozzle, and excited quantum state-selected molecules were prepared via tunable, narrow-band laser overtone pumping. Detection systems have been designed to measure specific vibrational-rotational state, time-of-flight, angular and velocity distributions of molecular beams coming to and scattered off the surface. Facilities are provided to clean and characterize the surface under UHV conditions. Initial experiments on the scattering of HCl(v = 0) from Au(111) show many advantages of this new instrument for fundamental studies of the energy transfer at the gas-surface interface.

  15. Formation of novel rare-gas-containing molecules by molecular photodissociation in clusters.

    PubMed

    Cohen, A; Niv, M Y; Gerber, R B

    2001-01-01

    Recent work by Räsänen and coworkers showed that photolysis of hydrides in rare-gas matrices results in part in formation of novel, rare-gas-containing molecules. Thus, photolysis of HCl in Xe and of H2O in Xe result respectively in formation of HXeCl and HXeOH in the Xe matrices. Ab initio calculations show that the compounds HRgY so formed are stable in isolation, and that by the strength and nature of the bonding these are molecules, very different from the corresponding weakly bound clusters Rg...HY. This paper presents a study of the formation mechanism of HRgY following the photolysis of HY in clusters Rgn(HY). Calculations are described for HXeCl, as a representative example. Potential energy surfaces that govern the formation of HXeCl in the photolysis of HCl in xenon clusters are obtained, and the dynamics on these surfaces is analyzed, partly with insight from trajectories of molecular dynamics simulations. The potential surfaces are obtained by a new variant of the DIM (diatomics in molecules) and DIIS (diatomics in ionic systems) models. Non-adiabatic couplings are also obtained. The main results are: (1) Properties of HXeCl predicted by the DIM-DIIS model are in reasonable accord with results of ab initio calculations. (2) The potential along the isomerization path HXeCl-->Xe...HCl predicted by DIM is in semiquantitative accord with the ab initio results. (3) Surface-hopping molecular dynamics simulations of the process in clusters, with "on the fly" calculations of the DIM-DIIS potentials and non-adiabatic couplings are computationally feasible. (4) Formation of HXeCl, following photolysis of HCl in Xe54(HCl), requires cage-exit of the H atom as a precondition. The H atom and the Cl can then attack the same Xe atom on opposite sides, leading to charge transfer and production of the ionic HXeCl. (5) Non-adiabatic processes play an important role, both in the reagent configurations, and at the charge-transfer stage. The results open the way to

  16. Density functional theory study of nitrogen atoms and molecules interacting with Fe(1 1 1) surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nosir, M. A.; Martin-Gondre, L.; Bocan, G. A.; Díez Muiño, R.

    2016-09-01

    We present Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for the investigation of the structural relaxation of Fe(1 1 1), as well as for the study of the interaction of nitrogen atoms and molecules with this surface. We perform spin polarized DFT calculations using VASP (Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package) code. We use the supercell approach and up to 19 slab layers for the relaxation of the Fe(1 1 1) surface. We find a contraction of the first two interlayer distances with a relative value of Δ12 = - 7.8 % and Δ23 = - 21.7 % with respect to the bulk reference. The third interlayer distance is however expanded with a relative change of Δ34 = 9.7 % . Early experimental studies of the surface relaxation using Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED) and Medium Energy Ion Scattering (MEIS) showed contradictory results, even on the relaxation general trend. Our current theoretical results support the LEED conclusions and are consistent qualitatively with other recent theoretical calculations. In addition, we study the interaction energy of nitrogen atoms and molecules on the Fe(1 1 1) surface. The nitrogen atoms are adsorbed in the hollow site of the unit cell, with an adsorption energy consistent with the one found in previous studies. In addition, we find the three molecularly adsorbed states that are observed experimentally. Two of them correspond to the adsorbed molecule oriented normal to the surface and a third one corresponds to the molecule adsorbed parallel to the surface. We conclude that our results are accurate enough to be used to build a full six-dimensional potential energy surface for the N2 system.

  17. Removal of dioxins and furans from flue gases by non-flammable adsorbents in a fixed bed.

    PubMed

    Fell, H J; Tuczek, M

    1998-01-01

    The presented adsorption--process KOMBISORBON is applied for high efficient off-gas purification, preferably of polychlorinated dioxins and furans from off-gas of incineration plants, which are generated, when these are operated under unfavourable conditions [2]. This off-gas purification process complies with german laws, which limit the concentration of these substances to less than 0.1 ng toxicity equivalents (TE) per cubic metre of gas [1]. The adsorbent, the adsorption process and its plant concept (fixed bed) is described in detail including economics and obtained operation results. Alternative removal technologies are briefly outlined.

  18. Ordered Structure Formed by Biologically Related Molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hatta, Ichiro; Nishino, Junichiro; Sumi, Akinori; Hibino, Masahiro

    1995-07-01

    The two-dimensional arrangement of biologically related molecules was studied by means of scanning probe microscopy. For monolayers of fatty acid molecules with a saturated hydrocarbon chain adsorbed on a graphite substrate, in the scanning tunneling microscope image, the position associated with the carbon atoms was clearly distinguished. In addition, based on the image for fatty acid molecules with an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain, at the position of a double bond, local electrical conductance was found to increase. Based on the images, it was pointed out that not the position of each carbon but the interaction between a graphite substrate and an alkyl chain plays an important role in imaging. On the other hand, for the surface of Langmuir-Blodgett films composed of phosphatidic acids with cations, the scanning force microscope image shows, for the first time, evidence of the methyl ends in the arrangement of phospholipid molecules.

  19. Direct structural evidence of commensurate-to-incommensurate transition of hydrocarbon adsorption in a microporous metal organic framework

    DOE PAGES

    Banerjee, Debasis; Wang, Hao; Gong, Qihan; ...

    2015-10-27

    Here, the efficiency of physisorption-based separation of gas-mixtures depends on the selectivity of adsorbent which is directly linked to size, shape, polarizability and other physical properties of adsorbed molecules. Commensurate adsorption is an interesting and important adsorption phenomenon, where the adsorbed amount, location, and orientation of an adsorbate are commensurate with the crystal symmetry of the adsorbent. Understanding this phenomenon is important and beneficial as it can provide vital information about adsorbate–adsorbent interaction and adsorption–desorption mechanism. So far, only sporadic examples of commensurate adsorption have been reported in porous materials such as zeolites and metal organic frameworks (MOFs). In thismore » work we show for the first time direct structural evidence of commensurate-to-incommensurate transition of linear hydrocarbon molecules (C 2–C7) in a microporous MOF, by employing a number of analytical techniques including single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), in situ powder X-ray diffraction coupled with differential scanning calorimetry (PXRD-DSC), gas adsorption and molecular simulations.« less

  20. Nanoporous Boron Nitride as Exceptionally Thermally Stable Adsorbent: Role in Efficient Separation of Light Hydrocarbons.

    PubMed

    Saha, Dipendu; Orkoulas, Gerassimos; Yohannan, Samuel; Ho, Hoi Chun; Cakmak, Ercan; Chen, Jihua; Ozcan, Soydan

    2017-04-26

    In this work, nanoporous boron nitride sample was synthesized with a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 1360 m 2 /g and particle size 5-7 μm. The boron nitride was characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy (TEM and SEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under nitrogen and air and subsequent analysis with XPS and XRD suggested that its structure is stable in air up to 800 °C and in nitrogen up to 1050 °C, which is higher than most of the common adsorbents reported so far. Nitrogen and hydrocarbon adsorption at 298 K and pressure up to 1 bar suggested that all hydrocarbon adsorption amounts were higher than that of nitrogen and the adsorbed amount of hydrocarbon increases with an increase in its molecular weight. The kinetics of adsorption data suggested that adsorption becomes slower with the increase in molecular weight of hydrocarbons. The equilibrium data suggested that that boron nitride is selective to paraffins in a paraffin-olefin mixture and hence may act as an "olefin generator". The ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST)-based selectivity for CH 4 /N 2 , C 2 H 6 /CH 4 , and C 3 H 8 /C 3 H 6 was very high and probably higher than the majority of adsorbents reported in the literature. IAST-based calculations were also employed to simulate the binary mixture adsorption data for the gas pairs of CH 4 /N 2 , C 2 H 6 /CH 4 , C 2 H 6 /C 2 H 4 , and C 3 H 8 /C 3 H 6 . Finally, a simple mathematical model was employed to simulate the breakthrough behavior of the above-mentioned four gas pairs in a dynamic column experiment. The overall results suggest that nanoporous boron nitride can be used as a potential adsorbent for light hydrocarbon separation.

  1. Noble gas storage and delivery system for ion propulsion

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Back, Dwight Douglas (Inventor); Ramos, Charlie (Inventor)

    2001-01-01

    A method and system for storing and delivering a noble gas for an ion propulsion system where an adsorbent bearing a noble gas is heated within a storage vessel to desorb the noble gas which is then flowed through a pressure reduction device to a thruster assembly. The pressure and flow is controlled using a flow restrictor and low wattage heater which heats an adsorbent bed containing the noble gas propellant at low pressures. Flow rates of 5-60 sccm can be controlled to within about 0.5% or less and the required input power is generally less than 50 W. This noble gas storage and delivery system and method can be used for earth orbit satellites, and lunar or planetary space missions.

  2. Turning things downside up: Adsorbate induced water flipping on Pt(111)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kimmel, Gregory A.; Zubkov, Tykhon; Smith, R. Scott

    2014-11-14

    We have examined the adsorption of the weakly bound species N2, O2, CO and Kr on the water monolayer on Pt(111) using a combination of molecular beam dosing, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS), and temperature programmed desorption (TPD). In contrast to multilayer crystalline ice, the adsorbate-free water monolayer is characterized by a lack of dangling OH bonds protruding into the vacuum (H-up). Instead, the non-hydrogen-bonded OH groups are oriented downward (H-down) to maximize their interaction with the underlying Pt(111) substrate. Adsorption of Kr and O2 have little effect on the structure and vibrational spectrum of the “ ” water monolayermore » while adsorption of both N2, and CO are effective in “flipping” H-down water molecules into an H-up configuration. This “flipping” occurs readily upon adsorption at temperatures as low as 20 K and the water monolayer transforms back to the H-down, “ ” structure upon adsorbate desorption above 35 K, indicating small energy differences and barriers between the H-down and H-up configurations. The results suggest that converting water in the first layer from H-down to H-up is mediated by the electrostatic interactions between the water and the adsorbates.« less

  3. Expansion Hamiltonian model for a diatomic molecule adsorbed on a surface: Vibrational states of the CO/Cu(100) system including surface vibrations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meng, Qingyong; Meyer, Hans-Dieter

    2015-10-01

    Molecular-surface studies are often done by assuming a corrugated, static (i.e., rigid) surface. To be able to investigate the effects that vibrations of surface atoms may have on spectra and cross sections, an expansion Hamiltonian model is proposed on the basis of the recently reported [R. Marquardt et al., J. Chem. Phys. 132, 074108 (2010)] SAP potential energy surface (PES), which was built for the CO/Cu(100) system with a rigid surface. In contrast to other molecule-surface coupling models, such as the modified surface oscillator model, the coupling between the adsorbed molecule and the surface atoms is already included in the present expansion SAP-PES model, in which a Taylor expansion around the equilibrium positions of the surface atoms is performed. To test the quality of the Taylor expansion, a direct model, that is avoiding the expansion, is also studied. The latter, however, requests that there is only one movable surface atom included. On the basis of the present expansion and direct models, the effects of a moving top copper atom (the one to which CO is bound) on the energy levels of a bound CO/Cu(100) system are studied. For this purpose, the multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree calculations are carried out to obtain the vibrational fundamentals and overtones of the CO/Cu(100) system including a movable top copper atom. In order to interpret the results, a simple model consisting of two coupled harmonic oscillators is introduced. From these calculations, the vibrational levels of the CO/Cu(100) system as function of the frequency of the top copper atom are discussed.

  4. Expansion Hamiltonian model for a diatomic molecule adsorbed on a surface: Vibrational states of the CO/Cu(100) system including surface vibrations

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Meng, Qingyong, E-mail: mengqingyong@dicp.ac.cn; Meyer, Hans-Dieter, E-mail: hans-dieter.meyer@pci.uni-heidelberg.de

    2015-10-28

    Molecular-surface studies are often done by assuming a corrugated, static (i.e., rigid) surface. To be able to investigate the effects that vibrations of surface atoms may have on spectra and cross sections, an expansion Hamiltonian model is proposed on the basis of the recently reported [R. Marquardt et al., J. Chem. Phys. 132, 074108 (2010)] SAP potential energy surface (PES), which was built for the CO/Cu(100) system with a rigid surface. In contrast to other molecule-surface coupling models, such as the modified surface oscillator model, the coupling between the adsorbed molecule and the surface atoms is already included in themore » present expansion SAP-PES model, in which a Taylor expansion around the equilibrium positions of the surface atoms is performed. To test the quality of the Taylor expansion, a direct model, that is avoiding the expansion, is also studied. The latter, however, requests that there is only one movable surface atom included. On the basis of the present expansion and direct models, the effects of a moving top copper atom (the one to which CO is bound) on the energy levels of a bound CO/Cu(100) system are studied. For this purpose, the multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree calculations are carried out to obtain the vibrational fundamentals and overtones of the CO/Cu(100) system including a movable top copper atom. In order to interpret the results, a simple model consisting of two coupled harmonic oscillators is introduced. From these calculations, the vibrational levels of the CO/Cu(100) system as function of the frequency of the top copper atom are discussed.« less

  5. Gas cleaning and hydrogen sulfide removal for COREX coal gas by sorption enhanced catalytic oxidation over recyclable activated carbon desulfurizer.

    PubMed

    Sun, Tonghua; Shen, Yafei; Jia, Jinping

    2014-02-18

    This paper proposes a novel self-developed JTS-01 desulfurizer and JZC-80 alkaline adsorbent for H2S removal and gas cleaning of the COREX coal gas in small-scale and commercial desulfurizing devices. JTS-01 desulfurizer was loaded with metal oxide (i.e., ferric oxides) catalysts on the surface of activated carbons (AC), and the catalyst capacity was improved dramatically by means of ultrasonically assisted impregnation. Consequently, the sulfur saturation capacity and sulfur capacity breakthrough increased by 30.3% and 27.9%, respectively. The whole desulfurizing process combined selective adsorption with catalytic oxidation. Moreover, JZC-80 adsorbent can effectively remove impurities such as HCl, HF, HCN, and ash in the COREX coal gas, stabilizing the system pressure drop. The JTS-01 desulfurizer and JZC-80 adsorbent have been successfully applied for the COREX coal gas cleaning in the commercial plant at Baosteel, Shanghai. The sulfur capacity of JTS-01 desulfurizer can reach more than 50% in industrial applications. Compared with the conventional dry desulfurization process, the modified AC desulfurizers have more merit, especially in terms of the JTS-01 desulfurizer with higher sulfur capacity and low pressure drop. Thus, this sorption enhanced catalytic desulfurization has promising prospects for H2S removal and other gas cleaning.

  6. First-principles calculation of adsorption of shale gas on CaCO3 (100) surfaces.

    PubMed

    Luo, Qiang; Pan, Yikun; Guo, Ping; Wang, Zhouhua; Wei, Na; Sun, Pengfei; Liu, Yuxiao

    2017-06-16

    To demonstrate the adsorption strength of shale gas to calcium carbonate in shale matrix, the adsorption of shale gas on CaCO3 (100) surfaces was studied using the first-principles method, which is based on the density functional theory (DFT). The structures and electronic properties of CH4, C2H6, CO2 and N2 molecules were calculated by the generalized gradient approximation (GGA), for a coverage of 1 monolayer (ML). Under the same conditions, the density of states (DOS) of CaCO3 (100) surfaces before and after the adsorption of shale gas molecules at high-symmetry adsorption sites were compared. The results showed that the adsorption energies of CH4, C2H6, CO2 and N2 on CaCO3 (100) surfaces were between 0.2683 eV and -0.7388 eV. When a CH4 molecule was adsorbed at a hollow site and its 2 hydrogen atoms were parallel to the long diagonal (H3) on the CaCO3 (100) surface, it had the most stable adsorption, and the adsorption energy was only -0.4160 eV. The change of adsorption energy of CH4 was no more than 0.0535 eV. Compared with the DOS distribution of CH4 before adsorption, it shifted to the left overall after adsorption. At the same time, the partial density of states (PDOS) curves of CaCO3 (100) surfaces before and after adsorption basically overlapped. This work showed that the adsorption effect of shale gas on calcium carbonate is very weak, and the adsorption is physisorption at the molecular level.

  7. Adsorption performance of Rh decorated SWCNT upon SF6 decomposed components based on DFT method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xiaoxing; Cui, Hao; Dong, Xingchen; Chen, Dachang; Tang, Ju

    2017-10-01

    Transition metal decorated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) applied in the field of gas adsorption and storage have in recent years accepted considerable attentions because of their superior adsorbing performance. In electrical engineering, they are employed as adsorbents to remove the decomposed products of SF6 caused by partial discharge, for guaranteeing the insulation status of gas insulation switchgear (GIS). In this paper, Rh doped SWCNT is introduced to investigate its adsorption properties towards typical gases of SF6 based on density functional theory (DFT) method. Both single and double molecules adsorbing systems were performed to investigate the adsorption ability of proposed material. Results indicate that Rh-CNT, which has strong interaction with defined gas molecules, is a promising material for SF6 decompositions adsorption especially SO2 and SOF2 that exhibit topmost sensitivity to the modified surface. Therefore, we suggest the Rh-CNT to be an adsorbent to be applied in GIS for guaranteeing the operation state of such devices and even to be exploited as gas sensor to evaluate the insulation state of the power system. Our calculations would provide experimentalist with a first insight into physicochemical properties of this material.

  8. Adsorption of polar organic molecules on sediments: Case-study on Callovian-Oxfordian claystone.

    PubMed

    Rasamimanana, S; Lefèvre, G; Dagnelie, R V H

    2017-08-01

    The release and transport of anthropogenic organic matter through the geosphere is often an environmental criterion of safety. Sedimentary rocks are widely studied in this context as geological barriers for waste management. It is the case of Callovian-Oxfordian claystone (COx), for which several studies report adsorption of anthropogenic organic molecules. In this study, we evaluated and reviewed adsorption data of polar organic molecules on COx claystone. Experiments were performed on raw claystone, decarbonated and clay fractions. Adsorption isotherms were measured with adsorbates of various polarities: adipate, benzoate, ortho-phthalate, succinate, gluconate, oxalate, EDTA, citrate. A significant adsorption was observed for multidentate polycarboxylic acids as evidenced with phthalate, succinate, oxalate, gluconate, EDTA and citrate (R d  = 1.53, 3.52, 8.4, 8.8, 12.4, 54.7 L kg -1 respectively). Multiple linear regression were performed as a statistical analysis to determine the predictors from these adsorption data. A linear correlation between adsorption data (R d ) and dipole moment (μ) of adsorbates was evidenced (R 2  = 0.91). Molecules with a high dipole moment, μ(D) > 2.5, displayed a significant adsorption, R d ≫1 L kg -1 . A qualitative correlation can be easily estimated using the water/octanol partition coefficient, P ow , of adsorbates (R 2  = 0.77). In this case, two opposite trends were distinguished for polar and apolar molecules. The use of organic carbon content in sediments is relevant for predicting adsorption of apolar compounds, log (P ow )>+1. The oxides/clays contents may be relevant regarding polar molecules, log ( apparent P ow )<-1. The proposed scheme offers a general methodology for investigation of geo-barriers towards heterogeneous organic plumes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. A surprising way to control the charge transport in molecular electronics: the subtle impact of the coverage of self-assembled monolayers of floppy molecules adsorbed on metallic electrodes.

    PubMed

    Bâldea, Ioan

    2017-10-26

    Inspired by earlier attempts in organic electronics aiming at controlling charge injection from metals into organic materials by manipulating the Schottky energy barrier using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), recent experimental and theoretical work in molecular electronics showed that metal-organic interfaces can be controlled via changes in the metal work function that are induced by SAMs. In this paper we indicate a different route to achieve interface-driven control over the charge transfer/transport at the molecular scale. It is based on the fact that, in floppy molecule based SAMs, the molecular conformation can be tuned by varying the coverage of the adsorbate. We demonstrate this effect with the aid of benchmark molecules that are often used to fabricate nanojunctions and consist of two rings that can easily rotate relative to each other. We show that, by varying the coverage of the SAM, the twisting angle φ of the considered molecular species can be modified by a factor of two. Given the fact that the low bias conductance G scales as cos 2  φ, this results in a change in G of over one order of magnitude for the considered molecular species. Tuning the twisting angle by controlling the SAM coverage may be significant, e.g., for current efforts to fabricate molecular switches. Conversely, the lack of control over the local SAM coverage may be problematic for the reproducibility and interpretation of the STM (scanning tunneling microscope) measurements on repeatedly forming single molecule break junctions.

  10. Polyethyleneimine Incorporated Metal-Organic Frameworks Adsorbent for Highly Selective CO2 Capture

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Yichao; Yan, Qiuju; Kong, Chunlong; Chen, Liang

    2013-01-01

    A series of polyethyleneimine (PEI) incorporated MIL-101 adsorbents with different PEI loadings were reported for the first time in the present work. Although the surface area and pore volume of MIL-101 decreased significantly after loading PEI, all the resulting composites exhibited dramatically enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity at low pressures. At 100 wt% PEI loading, the CO2 adsorption capacity at 0.15 bar reached a very competitive value of 4.2 mmol g−1 at 25°C, and 3.4 mmol g−1 at 50°C. More importantly, the resulting adsorbents displayed rapid adsorption kinetics and ultrahigh selectivity for CO2 over N2 in the designed flue gas with 0.15 bar CO2 and 0.75 bar N2. The CO2 over N2 selectivity was up to 770 at 25°C, and 1200 at 50°C. We believe that the PEI based metal-organic frameworks is an attractive adsorbent for CO2 capture. PMID:23681218

  11. Numerical solution of fractured horizontal wells in shale gas reservoirs considering multiple transport mechanisms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Yu-long; Tang, Xu-chuan; Zhang, Lie-hui; Tang, Hong-ming; Tao, Zheng-Wu

    2018-06-01

    The multiscale pore size and specific gas storage mechanism in organic-rich shale gas reservoirs make gas transport in such reservoirs complicated. Therefore, a model that fully incorporates all transport mechanisms and employs an accurate numerical method is urgently needed to simulate the gas production process. In this paper, a unified model of apparent permeability was first developed, which took into account multiple influential factors including slip flow, Knudsen diffusion (KD), surface diffusion, effects of the adsorbed layer, permeability stress sensitivity, and ad-/desorption phenomena. Subsequently, a comprehensive mathematical model, which included the model of apparent permeability, was derived to describe gas production behaviors. Thereafter, on the basis of unstructured perpendicular bisection grids and finite volume method, a fully implicit numerical simulator was developed using Matlab software. The validation and application of the new model were confirmed using a field case reported in the literature. Finally, the impacts of related influencing factors on gas production were analyzed. The results showed that KD resulted in a negligible impact on gas production in the proposed model. The smaller the pore size was, the more obvious the effects of the adsorbed layer on the well production rate would be. Permeability stress sensitivity had a slight effect on well cumulative production in shale gas reservoirs. Adsorbed gas made a major contribution to the later flow period of the well; the greater the adsorbed gas content, the greater the well production rate would be. This paper can improve the understanding of gas production in shale gas reservoirs for petroleum engineers.

  12. An experimental study of the effects of adsorbing and non-adsorbing gases on friction and permeability evolution in clay-rich fault gouge

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lisabeth, H. P.; Zoback, M. D.

    2017-12-01

    Understanding the flow of fluids through fractures in clay-rich rocks is fundamental to a number of geoengineering enterprises, including development of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, nuclear waste storage and geological carbon sequestration. High clay content tends to make rocks plastic, low-porosity and anisotropic. In addition, some gasses adsorb to clay mineral surfaces, resulting in swelling and concomitant changes in physical properties. These complexities can lead to coupled behaviors that render prediction of fluid behavior in the subsurface difficult. We present the results of a suite of triaxial experiments on binary mixtures of quartz and illite grains to separate and quantify the effects of hydrostatic pressure, differential stress, clay content and gas chemistry on the evolution of mechanical and hydraulic characteristics of the gouge material during deformation. Tests are run on saw-cut samples prepared with gouge at 20 MPa confining pressure, 10 MPa pore pressure and at room temperature. Argon or carbon dioxide is used as pore fluid. Sample permeability, stress and strain are monitored continuously during hydrostatic and axial deformation. We find that pressure and shearing both lead to reductions in permeability. Adsorbing gas leads to swelling and promotes permeability reduction, but appears to have no effect on frictional properties. These results indicate that the seal integrity of clay-rich caprocks may not be compromised by shear deformation, and that depletion and shear deformation of unconventional reservoirs is expected to result in production declines.

  13. Loosely-Bound Diatomic Molecules.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Balfour, W. J.

    1979-01-01

    Discusses concept of covalent bonding as related to homonuclear diatomic molecules. Article draws attention to the existence of bound rare gas and alkaline earth diatomic molecules. Summarizes their molecular parameters and offers spectroscopic data. Strength and variation with distance of interatomic attractive forces is given. (Author/SA)

  14. Surface area of vermiculite with nitrogen and carbon dioxide as adsorbates

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Thomas, Josephus; Bohor, Bruce F.

    1969-01-01

    Surface-area studies were made on several homoionic vermiculites with both nitrogen and carbon dioxide as adsorbates. These studies show that only very slight penetration occurs between individual vermiculite platelets. This is in contrast to an earlier investigation of montmorillonite where it was found that the degree of penetration between layers is quite high, particularly for carbon dioxide, and is governed by the size and charge of the interlayer cation. The inability of these adsorbates to penetrate substantially between vermiculite platelets is due primarily to this mineral's high surface-charge density.The extent of penetration of nitrogen and carbon dioxide at the edges of vermiculite platelets, though slight, is influenced by the coordinated water retained within the sample at a given degassing temperature. Forces between layers are weakened with increasing water content, which permits slightly greater penetration by adsorbate gases. Thus, the surface area of vermiculite, as determined by gas adsorption, is larger than the calculated external surface area based upon particle size and shape considerations. In addition, "extra" surface is provided by the lifting and scrolling of terminal platelets. These morphological features are shown in scanning electron micrographs of a naturally occuring vermiculite.

  15. Theoretical Investigation of Single-Molecule Sensing Using Nanotube-Enhanced Circular Dichroism.

    PubMed

    Silva, Jaime; Milne, Bruce F; Nogueira, Fernando

    2018-06-19

    First-principles calculations have been used to investigate the potential use of circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy in single-molecule sensing. Using a real-space implementation of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), several systems involving single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and small molecules have been studied to evaluate their CD response. Large induced CD (ICD) effects, differing for each test molecule, were observed in all SWCNT-molecule complexes. As the SWCNT used in this study shows no intrinsic CD response, the ICD spectra are the result of interaction with the small molecules. This finding is general and independent of the (a)chiral nature of the adsorbed molecule. Our results indicate that it is possible to design a system that uses SWCNT for detection of molecules using the change in CD spectrum of the system induced by adsorption of the molecule onto the SWCNT surface.

  16. Development and characterization of activated hydrochars from orange peels as potential adsorbents for emerging organic contaminants.

    PubMed

    Fernandez, M E; Ledesma, B; Román, S; Bonelli, P R; Cukierman, A L

    2015-05-01

    Activated hydrochars obtained from the hydrothermal carbonization of orange peels (Citrus sinensis) followed by various thermochemical processing were assessed as adsorbents for emerging contaminants in water. Thermal activation under flows of CO2 or air as well as chemical activation with phosphoric acid were applied to the hydrochars. Their characteristics were analyzed and related to their ability to uptake three pharmaceuticals (diclofenac sodium, salicylic acid and flurbiprofen) considered as emerging contaminants. The hydrothermal carbonization and subsequent activations promoted substantial chemical transformations which affected the surface properties of the activated hydrochars; they exhibited specific surface areas ranging from 300 to ∼620 m(2)/g. Morphological characterization showed the development of coral-like microspheres dominating the surface of most hydrochars. Their ability to adsorb the three pharmaceuticals selected was found largely dependent on whether the molecules were ionized or in their neutral form and on the porosity developed by the new adsorbents. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Cytokine adsorbing columns.

    PubMed

    Taniguchi, Takumi

    2010-01-01

    Sepsis induces the activation of complement and the release of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. The inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide induced by sepsis can decrease systemic vascular resistance, resulting in profound hypotension. The combination of hypotension and microvascular occlusion results in tissue ischemia and ultimately leads to multiple organ failure. Recently, several experimental and clinical studies have reported that treatment for adsorption of cytokines is beneficial during endotoxemia and sepsis. Therefore, the present article discusses cytokine adsorbing columns. These columns, such as CytoSorb, CYT-860-DHP, Lixelle, CTR-001 and MPCF-X, the structures of which vary significantly, have excellent adsorption rates for inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL8. Many studies have demonstrated that treatment with cytokine adsorbing columns has beneficial effects on the survival rate and inflammatory responses in animal septic models. Moreover, several cases have been reported in which treatment with cytokine adsorbing columns is very effective in hemodynamics and organ failures in critically ill patients. Although further investigations and clinical trials are needed, in the future treatment with cytokine adsorbing columns may play a major role in the treatment of hypercytokinemia such as multiple organ failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  18. Calculation of ground state rotational populations for kinetic gas homonuclear diatomic molecules including electron-impact excitation and wall collisions.

    PubMed

    Farley, David R

    2010-09-07

    A model has been developed to calculate the ground state rotational populations of homonuclear diatomic molecules in kinetic gases, including the effects of electron-impact excitation, wall collisions, and gas feed rate. The equations are exact within the accuracy of the cross sections used and of the assumed equilibrating effect of wall collisions. It is found that the inflow of feed gas and equilibrating wall collisions can significantly affect the rotational distribution in competition with nonequilibrating electron-impact effects. The resulting steady-state rotational distributions are generally Boltzmann for N≥3, with a rotational temperature between the wall and feed gas temperatures. The N=0,1,2 rotational level populations depend sensitively on the relative rates of electron-impact excitation versus wall collision and gas feed rates.

  19. Prebiotic molecules formation through the gas-phase reaction between HNO and CH2CHOH2+

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Redondo, Pilar; Martínez, Henar; Largo, Antonio; Barrientos, Carmen

    2017-07-01

    Context. Knowing how the molecules that are present in the ISM can evolve to more complex ones is an interesting topic in interstellar chemistry. The study of possible reactions between detected species can help to understand the evolution in complexity of the interstellar matter and also allows knowing the formation of new molecules which could be candidates to be detected. We focus our attention on two molecules detected in space, vinyl alcohol (CH2CHOH) and azanone (HNO). Aims: We aim to carry out a theoretical study of the ion-molecule reaction between protonated vinyl alcohol and azanone. The viability of formation of complex organic molecules (COMs) from these reactants is expected to provide some insight into the formation of prebiotic species through gas phase reactions. Methods: The reaction of protonated vinyl alcohol with azanone has been theoretically studied by using ab initio methods. Stationary points on the potential energy surface (PES) were characterized at the second-order Moller-Plesset level in conjunction with the aug-cc-pVTZ (correlation-consistent polarized valence triple-zeta) basis set. In addition, the electronic energies were refined by means of single-point calculations at the CCSD(T) level (coupled cluster single and double excitation model augmented with a non-iterative treatment of triple excitations) with the same basis set. Results: From a thermodynamic point of view, twelve products, composed of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen which could be precursors in the formation of more complex biological molecules, can be obtained from this reaction. Among these, we focus especially on ionized glycine and two of its isomers. The analysis of the PES shows that only formation of cis- and trans-O-protonated imine acetaldehyde, CH2NHCOH+ and, CHNHCHOH+, are viable under interstellar conditions. Conclusions: The reaction of protonated vinyl alcohol with azanone can evolve in the interstellar medium to more complex organic molecules of

  20. Experimental demonstration of a single-molecule electric motor.

    PubMed

    Tierney, Heather L; Murphy, Colin J; Jewell, April D; Baber, Ashleigh E; Iski, Erin V; Khodaverdian, Harout Y; McGuire, Allister F; Klebanov, Nikolai; Sykes, E Charles H

    2011-09-04

    For molecules to be used as components in molecular machines, methods that couple individual molecules to external energy sources and that selectively excite motion in a given direction are required. Significant progress has been made in the construction of molecular motors powered by light and by chemical reactions, but electrically driven motors have not yet been built, despite several theoretical proposals for such motors. Here we report that a butyl methyl sulphide molecule adsorbed on a copper surface can be operated as a single-molecule electric motor. Electrons from a scanning tunnelling microscope are used to drive the directional motion of the molecule in a two-terminal setup. Moreover, the temperature and electron flux can be adjusted to allow each rotational event to be monitored at the molecular scale in real time. The direction and rate of the rotation are related to the chiralities of both the molecule and the tip of the microscope (which serves as the electrode), illustrating the importance of the symmetry of the metal contacts in atomic-scale electrical devices.

  1. Milestone Report - Complete New Adsorbent Materials for Marine Testing to Demonstrate 4.5 g-U/kg Adsorbent

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Janke, Christopher James; Das, Sadananda; Oyola, Yatsandra

    2014-08-01

    This report describes work on the successful completion of Milestone M2FT-14OR03100115 (8/20/2014) entitled, “Complete new adsorbent materials for marine testing to demonstrate 4.5 g-U/kg adsorbent”. This effort is part of the Seawater Uranium Recovery Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, and involved the development of new adsorbent materials at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and marine testing at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). ORNL has recently developed two new families of fiber adsorbents that have demonstrated uranium adsorption capacities greater than 4.5 g-U/kg adsorbent after marine testing at PNNL. One adsorbent wasmore » synthesized by radiation-induced graft polymerization of itaconic acid and acrylonitrile onto high surface area polyethylene fibers followed by amidoximation and base conditioning. This fiber showed a capacity of 4.6 g-U/kg adsorbent in marine testing at PNNL. The second adsorbent was prepared by atom-transfer radical polymerization of t-butyl acrylate and acrylonitrile onto halide-functionalized round fibers followed by amidoximation and base hydrolysis. This fiber demonstrated uranium adsorption capacity of 5.4 g-U/kg adsorbent in marine testing at PNNL.« less

  2. Pulse gas chromatographic study of adsorption of substituted aromatics and heterocyclic molecules on MIL-47 at zero coverage.

    PubMed

    Duerinck, Tim; Couck, Sarah; Vermoortele, Frederik; De Vos, Dirk E; Baron, Gino V; Denayer, Joeri F M

    2012-10-02

    The low coverage adsorptive properties of the MIL-47 metal organic framework toward aromatic and heterocyclic molecules are reported in this paper. The effect of molecular functionality and size on Henry adsorption constants and adsorption enthalpies of alkyl and heteroatom functionalized benzene derivates and heterocyclic molecules was studied using pulse gas chromatography. By means of statistical analysis, experimental data was analyzed and modeled using principal component analysis and partial least-squares regression. Structure-property relationships were established, revealing and confirming several trends. Among the molecular properties governing the adsorption process, vapor pressure, mean polarizability, and dipole moment play a determining role.

  3. Gas adsorption properties of hybrid graphene-MOF materials.

    PubMed

    Szczęśniak, Barbara; Choma, Jerzy; Jaroniec, Mietek

    2018-03-15

    Nowadays, hybrid porous materials consisting of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and graphene nanosheets become more and more attractive because of their growing applications in adsorption, catalysis and related areas. Incorporation of graphene oxide into MOFs can provide benefits such as increased water resistance and thermal stability as well as enhanced surface area and adsorption properties. Graphene oxide is one of the best additives to other materials owing to its two main virtues: high atomic density and large amount of surface functional groups. Due to its dense array of atoms, graphene oxide can significantly increase dispersion forces in graphene-MOF materials, which is beneficial for adsorption of small molecules. This work presents a concise appraisal of adsorption properties of MOFs and graphene-MOF hybrids toward CO 2 , volatile organic compounds, hydrogen and methane. It shows that the graphene-MOF materials represent an important class of materials with potential applications in adsorption and catalysis. A special emphasis of this article is placed on their adsorption applications for gas capture and storage. A large number of graphene-MOF adsorbents has been so far explored and their appraisal could be beneficial for researchers interested in the development of hybrid adsorbents for adsorption-based applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering enhancement of thymine adsorbed on graphene oxide

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) of carbon nanostructures, namely, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, and multiwall carbon nanotubes as well CARS spectra of thymine (Thy) molecules adsorbed on graphene oxide were studied. The spectra of the samples were compared with spontaneous Raman scattering (RS) spectra. The CARS spectra of Thy adsorbed on graphene oxide are characterized by shifts of the main bands in comparison with RS. The CARS spectra of the initial nanocarbons are definitely different: for all investigated materials, there is a redistribution of D- and G-mode intensities, significant shift of their frequencies (more than 20 cm-1), and appearance of new modes about 1,400 and 1,500 cm-1. The D band in CARS spectra is less changed than the G band; there is an absence of 2D-mode at 2,600 cm-1 for graphene and appearance of intensive modes of the second order between 2,400 and 3,000 cm-1. Multiphonon processes in graphene under many photon excitations seem to be responsible for the features of the CARS spectra. We found an enhancement of the CARS signal from thymine adsorbed on graphene oxide with maximum enhancement factor about 105. The probable mechanism of CARS enhancement is discussed. PMID:24948887

  5. Mobility of adsorbed Cry1Aa insecticidal toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on montmorillonite measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Helassa, Nordine; Daudin, Gabrielle; Noinville, Sylvie; Janot, Jean-Marc; Déjardin, Philippe; Staunton, Siobhán; Quiquampoix, Hervé

    2010-06-01

    The insecticidal toxins produced by genetically modified Bt crops are introduced into soil through root exudates and tissue decomposition and adsorb readily on soil components, especially on clays. This immobilisation and the consequent concentration of the toxins in "hot spots" could increase the exposure of soil organisms. Whereas the effects on non-target organisms are well documented, few studies consider the migration of the toxin in soil. In this study, the residual mobility of Bt Cry1Aa insecticidal toxin adsorbed on montmorillonite was assessed using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). This technique, which is usually used to study dynamics of cytoplasmic and membrane molecules in live cells, was applied for the first time to a protein adsorbed on a finely divided swelling clay mineral, montmorillonite. No mobility of adsorbed toxin was observed at any pH and at different degrees of surface saturation.

  6. Packaging of single DNA molecules by the yeast mitochondrial protein Abf2p: reinterpretation of recent single molecule experiments.

    PubMed

    Stigter, Dirk

    2004-07-01

    Brewer et al. (Biophys. J. 85 (2003) 2519-2524) have studied the compaction of dsDNA in a double flow cell by observing the extension of stained DNA tethered in buffer solutions with or without Abf2p. They use a Langmuir adsorption model in which one Abf2p molecule adsorbs on one site on the DNA, and the binding constant, K, is given as the ratio of the experimental rates of adsorption and desorption. This paper presents an improved interpretation. Instead of Langmuir adsorption we use the more appropriate McGhee-von Hippel (J. Mol. Biol. 86 (1974) 469-489) theory for the adsorption of large ligands to a one-dimensional lattice. We assume that each adsorbed molecule shortens the effective contour length of DNA by the foot print of Abf2p of 27 base pairs. When Abf2p adsorbs to DNA stretched in the flowing buffer solution, we account for a tension effect that decreases the adsorption rate and the binding constant by a factor of 2 to 4. The data suggest that the accessibility to Abf2p decreases significantly with increasing compaction of DNA, resulting in a lower adsorption rate and a lower binding constant. The kinetics reported by Brewer et al. (Biophys. J. 85 (2003) 2519-2524) lead to a binding constant K=3.6 x 10(6) M(-1) at the beginning, and to K=5 x 10(5) M(-1) near the end of a compaction run, more than an order of magnitude lower than the value K=2.57 x 10(7) M(-1) calculated by Brewer et al. (Biophys. J. 85 (2003) 2519-2524).

  7. Effect of adsorbate electrophilicity and spiky uneven surfaces on single gold nanourchin-based localized surface plasmon resonance sensors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Geun Wan; Ha, Ji Won

    2018-04-01

    We present single particle studies on gold nanourchins (AuNUs) for their use as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensors under dark-field (DF) microscopy. First, the LSPR wavelength of single AuNUs was red-shifted as thiol molecules were attached onto the surface. AuNUs with sharp tips showed higher sensitivity for detecting thiol molecules than gold nanospheres (AuNSs) of similar size. Second, the degree of red shift was affected by the electrophilicity of adsorbate molecules on the nanoparticle surface. Last, real-time monitoring of molecular binding events on single AuNUs was achieved with introducing 1 μM of 4-aminothiophenol.

  8. Elementary sulfur in effluent from denitrifying sulfide removal process as adsorbent for zinc(II).

    PubMed

    Chen, Chuan; Zhou, Xu; Wang, Aijie; Wu, Dong-hai; Liu, Li-hong; Ren, Nanqi; Lee, Duu-Jong

    2012-10-01

    The denitrifying sulfide removal (DSR) process can simultaneously convert sulfide, nitrate and organic compounds into elementary sulfur (S(0)), di-nitrogen gas and carbon dioxide, respectively. However, the S(0) formed in the DSR process are micro-sized colloids with negatively charged surface, making isolation of S(0) colloids from other biological cells and metabolites difficult. This study proposed the use of S(0) in DSR effluent as a novel adsorbent for zinc removal from wastewaters. Batch and continuous tests were conducted for efficient zinc removal with S(0)-containing DSR effluent. At pH<7.5, removal rates of zinc(II) were increased with increasing pH. The formed S(0) colloids carried negative charge onto which zinc(II) ions could be adsorbed via electrostatic interactions. The zinc(II) adsorbed S(0) colloids further enhanced coagulation-sedimentation efficiency of suspended solids in DSR effluents. The DSR effluent presents a promising coagulant for zinc(II) containing wastewaters. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Turning things downside up: Adsorbate induced water flipping on Pt(111)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kimmel, Greg A., E-mail: gregory.kimmel@pnnl.gov, E-mail: bruce.kay@pnnl.gov; Zubkov, Tykhon; Smith, R. Scott

    2014-11-14

    We have examined the adsorption of the weakly bound species N{sub 2}, O{sub 2}, CO, and Kr on the (√(37)×√(37))R25.3{sup ∘} water monolayer on Pt(111) using a combination of molecular beam dosing, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, and temperature programmed desorption. In contrast to multilayer crystalline ice, the adsorbate-free water monolayer is characterized by a lack of dangling OH bonds protruding into the vacuum (H-up). Instead, the non-hydrogen-bonded OH groups are oriented downward (H-down) to maximize their interaction with the underlying Pt(111) substrate. Adsorption of Kr and O{sub 2} have little effect on the structure and vibrational spectrum of the “√(37)”more » water monolayer while adsorption of both N{sub 2}, and CO are effective in “flipping” H-down water molecules into an H-up configuration. This “flipping” occurs readily upon adsorption at temperatures as low as 20 K and the water monolayer transforms back to the H-down, “√(37)” structure upon adsorbate desorption above 35 K, indicating small energy differences and barriers between the H-down and H-up configurations. The results suggest that converting water in the first layer from H-down to H-up is mediated by the electrostatic interactions between the water and the adsorbates.« less

  10. Spontaneous symmetry breaking and strong deformations in metal adsorbed graphene sheets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jalbout, A. F.; Ortiz, Y. P.; Seligman, T. H.

    2013-03-01

    We study the adsorption of Li to graphene flakes simulated as aromatic molecules. Surprisingly the out of plane deformation is much stronger for the double adsorption from both sides to the same ring than for a single adsorption, although a symmetric solution seems possible. We thus have an interesting case of spontaneous symmetry breaking. While we cannot rule out a Jahn Teller deformation with certainty, this explanation seems unlikely and other options are discussed. We find a similar behavior for boron-nitrogen sheets, and also for other light alkalines as adsorbants.

  11. Possible pore size effects on the state of tris(8-quinolinato)aluminum(III) (Alq3) adsorbed in mesoporous silicas and their temperature dependence.

    PubMed

    Tagaya, Motohiro; Ogawa, Makoto

    2008-12-07

    The states of tris(8-quinolinato)aluminum(III) (Alq3) adsorbed in mesoporous silicas with different pore sizes (2.5, 3.1 and 5.0 nm) were investigated. Alq3 was successfully occluded into the mesoporous silicas from solution and the adsorbed amount of Alq3 per BET surface area was effectively controlled by changing the added amount Alq3 to the solution. The state of Alq3 in the mesopore varied depending on the pore size as well as the adsorbed amount of Alq3 as revealed by variation of the photoluminescence spectra. The luminescence of the adsorbed Alq3 was found to be temperature-dependent, indicating the mobility of the adsorbed Alq3 to temperature variations. The temperature-dependence also depended on the pore size. The guest-guest interactions between Alq3 molecules as well as the host-guest interactions between Alq3 and the mesopore were controlled by the pore size.

  12. Adsorption of aromatic compounds by carbonaceous adsorbents: a comparative study on granular activated carbon, activated carbon fiber, and carbon nanotubes.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Shujuan; Shao, Ting; Kose, H Selcen; Karanfil, Tanju

    2010-08-15

    Adsorption of three aromatic organic compounds (AOCs) by four types of carbonaceous adsorbents [a granular activated carbon (HD4000), an activated carbon fiber (ACF10), two single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT, SWNT-HT), and a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT)] with different structural characteristics but similar surface polarities was examined in aqueous solutions. Isotherm results demonstrated the importance of molecular sieving and micropore effects in the adsorption of AOCs by carbonaceous porous adsorbents. In the absence of the molecular sieving effect, a linear relationship was found between the adsorption capacities of AOCs and the surface areas of adsorbents, independent of the type of adsorbent. On the other hand, the pore volume occupancies of the adsorbents followed the order of ACF10 > HD4000 > SWNT > MWNT, indicating that the availability of adsorption site was related to the pore size distributions of the adsorbents. ACF10 and HD4000 with higher microporous volumes exhibited higher adsorption affinities to low molecular weight AOCs than SWNT and MWNT with higher mesopore and macropore volumes. Due to their larger pore sizes, SWNTs and MWNTs are expected to be more efficient in adsorption of large size molecules. Removal of surface oxygen-containing functional groups from the SWNT enhanced adsorption of AOCs.

  13. A novel superparamagnetic surface molecularly imprinted nanoparticle adopting dummy template: an efficient solid-phase extraction adsorbent for bisphenol A.

    PubMed

    Lin, Zhenkun; Cheng, Wenjing; Li, Yanyan; Liu, Zhiren; Chen, Xiangping; Huang, Changjiang

    2012-03-30

    Leakage of the residual template molecules is one of the biggest challenges for application of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) in solid-phase extraction (SPE). In this study, bisphenol F (BPF) was adopted as a dummy template to prepare MIP of bisphenol A (BPA) with a superparamagnetic core-shell nanoparticle as the supporter, aiming to avoid residual template leakage and to increase the efficiency of SPE. Characterization and test of the obtained products (called mag-DMIP beads) revealed that these novel nanoparticles not only had excellent magnetic property but also displayed high selectivity to the target molecule BPA. As mag-DMIP beads were adopted as the adsorbents of solid-phase extraction for detecting BPA in real water samples, the recoveries of spiked samples ranged from 84.7% to 93.8% with the limit of detection of 2.50 pg mL(-1), revealing that mag-DMIP beads were efficient SPE adsorbents. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Electrons, Photons, and Force: Quantitative Single-Molecule Measurements from Physics to Biology

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Single-molecule measurement techniques have illuminated unprecedented details of chemical behavior, including observations of the motion of a single molecule on a surface, and even the vibration of a single bond within a molecule. Such measurements are critical to our understanding of entities ranging from single atoms to the most complex protein assemblies. We provide an overview of the strikingly diverse classes of measurements that can be used to quantify single-molecule properties, including those of single macromolecules and single molecular assemblies, and discuss the quantitative insights they provide. Examples are drawn from across the single-molecule literature, ranging from ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy studies of adsorbate diffusion on surfaces to fluorescence studies of protein conformational changes in solution. PMID:21338175

  15. Continuous reduction of cyclic adsorbed and desorbed NO(x) in diesel emission using nonthermal plasma.

    PubMed

    Kuwahara, Takuya; Nakaguchi, Harunobu; Kuroki, Tomoyuki; Okubo, Masaaki

    2016-05-05

    Considering the recent stringent regulations governing diesel NO(x) emission, an aftertreatment system for the reduction of NO(x) in the exhaust gas has been proposed and studied. The proposed system is a hybrid method combining nonthermal plasma and NOx adsorbent. The system does not require precious metal catalysts or harmful chemicals such as urea and ammonia. In the present system, NO(x) in diesel emission is treated by adsorption and desorption by adsorbent as well as nonthermal plasma reduction. In addition, the remaining NO(x) in the adsorbent is desorbed again in the supplied air by residual heat. The desorbed NO(x) in air recirculates into the intake of the engine, and this process, i.e., exhaust gas components' recirculation (EGCR) achieves NO(x) reduction. Alternate utilization of two adsorption chambers in the system can achieve high-efficiency NO(x) removal continuously. An experiment with a stationary diesel engine for electric power generation demonstrates an energy efficiency of 154 g(NO2)/kWh for NO(x) removal and continuous NO(x) reduction of 70.3%. Considering the regulation against diesel emission in Japan, i.e., the new regulation to be imposed on vehicles of 3.5-7.5 ton since 2016, the present aftertreatment system fulfills the requirement with only 1.0% of engine power. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  16. Method And Apparatus For Regenerating Nox Adsorbers

    DOEpatents

    Driscoll, J. Joshua; Endicott, Dennis L.; Faulkner, Stephen A.; Verkiel, Maarten

    2006-03-28

    Methods and apparatuses for regenerating a NOx adsorber coupled with an exhaust of an engine. An actuator drives a throttle valve to a first position when regeneration of the NOx adsorber is desired. The first position is a position that causes the regeneration of the NOx adsorber. An actuator drives the throttle valve to a second position while regeneration of the NOx adsorber is still desired. The second position being a position that is more open than the first position and operable to regenerate a NOx adsorber.

  17. Dynamic terahertz spectroscopy of gas molecules mixed with unwanted aerosol under atmospheric pressure using fibre-based asynchronous-optical-sampling terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

    PubMed Central

    Hsieh, Yi-Da; Nakamura, Shota; Abdelsalam, Dahi Ghareab; Minamikawa, Takeo; Mizutani, Yasuhiro; Yamamoto, Hirotsugu; Iwata, Tetsuo; Hindle, Francis; Yasui, Takeshi

    2016-01-01

    Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is a promising method for analysing polar gas molecules mixed with unwanted aerosols due to its ability to obtain spectral fingerprints of rotational transition and immunity to aerosol scattering. In this article, dynamic THz spectroscopy of acetonitrile (CH3CN) gas was performed in the presence of smoke under the atmospheric pressure using a fibre-based, asynchronous-optical-sampling THz time-domain spectrometer. To match THz spectral signatures of gas molecules at atmospheric pressure, the spectral resolution was optimized to 1 GHz with a measurement rate of 1 Hz. The spectral overlapping of closely packed absorption lines significantly boosted the detection limit to 200 ppm when considering all the spectral contributions of the numerous absorption lines from 0.2 THz to 1 THz. Temporal changes of the CH3CN gas concentration were monitored under the smoky condition at the atmospheric pressure during volatilization of CH3CN droplets and the following diffusion of the volatilized CH3CN gas without the influence of scattering or absorption by the smoke. This system will be a powerful tool for real-time monitoring of target gases in practical applications of gas analysis in the atmospheric pressure, such as combustion processes or fire accident. PMID:27301319

  18. Dynamic terahertz spectroscopy of gas molecules mixed with unwanted aerosol under atmospheric pressure using fibre-based asynchronous-optical-sampling terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hsieh, Yi-Da; Nakamura, Shota; Abdelsalam, Dahi Ghareab; Minamikawa, Takeo; Mizutani, Yasuhiro; Yamamoto, Hirotsugu; Iwata, Tetsuo; Hindle, Francis; Yasui, Takeshi

    2016-06-01

    Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is a promising method for analysing polar gas molecules mixed with unwanted aerosols due to its ability to obtain spectral fingerprints of rotational transition and immunity to aerosol scattering. In this article, dynamic THz spectroscopy of acetonitrile (CH3CN) gas was performed in the presence of smoke under the atmospheric pressure using a fibre-based, asynchronous-optical-sampling THz time-domain spectrometer. To match THz spectral signatures of gas molecules at atmospheric pressure, the spectral resolution was optimized to 1 GHz with a measurement rate of 1 Hz. The spectral overlapping of closely packed absorption lines significantly boosted the detection limit to 200 ppm when considering all the spectral contributions of the numerous absorption lines from 0.2 THz to 1 THz. Temporal changes of the CH3CN gas concentration were monitored under the smoky condition at the atmospheric pressure during volatilization of CH3CN droplets and the following diffusion of the volatilized CH3CN gas without the influence of scattering or absorption by the smoke. This system will be a powerful tool for real-time monitoring of target gases in practical applications of gas analysis in the atmospheric pressure, such as combustion processes or fire accident.

  19. Dynamic terahertz spectroscopy of gas molecules mixed with unwanted aerosol under atmospheric pressure using fibre-based asynchronous-optical-sampling terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Hsieh, Yi-Da; Nakamura, Shota; Abdelsalam, Dahi Ghareab; Minamikawa, Takeo; Mizutani, Yasuhiro; Yamamoto, Hirotsugu; Iwata, Tetsuo; Hindle, Francis; Yasui, Takeshi

    2016-06-15

    Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is a promising method for analysing polar gas molecules mixed with unwanted aerosols due to its ability to obtain spectral fingerprints of rotational transition and immunity to aerosol scattering. In this article, dynamic THz spectroscopy of acetonitrile (CH3CN) gas was performed in the presence of smoke under the atmospheric pressure using a fibre-based, asynchronous-optical-sampling THz time-domain spectrometer. To match THz spectral signatures of gas molecules at atmospheric pressure, the spectral resolution was optimized to 1 GHz with a measurement rate of 1 Hz. The spectral overlapping of closely packed absorption lines significantly boosted the detection limit to 200 ppm when considering all the spectral contributions of the numerous absorption lines from 0.2 THz to 1 THz. Temporal changes of the CH3CN gas concentration were monitored under the smoky condition at the atmospheric pressure during volatilization of CH3CN droplets and the following diffusion of the volatilized CH3CN gas without the influence of scattering or absorption by the smoke. This system will be a powerful tool for real-time monitoring of target gases in practical applications of gas analysis in the atmospheric pressure, such as combustion processes or fire accident.

  20. Molecular dynamics investigation of separation of hydrogen sulfide from acidic gas mixtures inside metal-doped graphite micropores.

    PubMed

    Huang, Pei-Hsing

    2015-09-21

    The separation of poisonous compounds from various process fluids has long been highly intractable, motivating the present study on the dynamic separation of H2S in acidic-gas-mixture-filled micropores. The molecular dynamics approach, coupled with the isothermal-isochoric ensemble, was used to model the molecular interactions and adsorption of H2S/CO2/CO/H2O mixtures inside metal-doped graphite slits. Due to the difference in the adsorption characteristics between the two distinct adsorbent materials, the metal dopant in the graphitic micropores leads to competitive adsorption, i.e. the Au and graphite walls compete to capture free adsorbates. The effects of competitive adsorption, coupled with changes in the gas temperature, concentration, constituent ratio and slit width on the constituent separation of mixtures were systematically studied. The molecule-wall binding energies calculated in this work (those of H2S, H2O and CO on Au walls and those of H2O, CO and CO2 on graphite walls) show good agreement with those obtained using density functional theory (DFT) and experimental results. The z-directional self-diffusivities (Dz) for adsorbates inside the slit ranged from 10(-9) to 10(-7) m(2) s(-1) as the temperature was increased from 10 to 500 K. The values are comparable with those for a typical microporous fluid (10(-8)-10(-9) m(2) s(-1) in a condensed phase and 10(-6)-10(-7) m(2) s(-1) in the gaseous state). The formation of H-bonding networks and hydrates of H2S is disadvantageous for the separation of mixtures. The results indicate that H2S can be efficiently separated from acidic gas mixtures onto the Au(111) surface by (i) reducing the mole fraction of H2S and H2O in the mixtures, (ii) raising the gas temperature to the high temperature limit (≥400 K), and (iii) lowering the slit width to below the threshold dimension (≤23.26 Å).

  1. Complex Organic Molecules Formation in Space Through Gas Phase Reactions: A Theoretical Approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Redondo, Pilar; Barrientos, Carmen; Largo, Antonio

    2017-02-01

    Chemistry in the interstellar medium (ISM) is capable of producing complex organic molecules (COMs) of great importance to astrobiology. Gas phase and grain surface chemistry almost certainly both contribute to COM formation. Amino acids as building blocks of proteins are some of the most interesting COMs. The simplest one, glycine, has been characterized in meteorites and comets and, its conclusive detection in the ISM seems to be highly plausible. In this work, we analyze the gas phase reaction of glycine and {{{CH}}5}+ to establish the role of this process in the formation of alanine or other COMs in the ISM. Formation of protonated α- and β-alanine in spite of being exothermic processes is not viable under interstellar conditions because the different paths leading to these isomers present net activation energies. Nevertheless, glycine can evolve to protonated 1-imide-2, 2-propanediol, protonated amino acetone, protonated hydroxyacetone, and protonated propionic acid. However, formation of acetic acid and protonated methylamine is also a favorable process and therefore will be a competitive channel with the evolution of glycine to COMs.

  2. On the Relative "Transparency" of Gas-phase Coronene Molecules to Low-energy Electrons: Effects on the Interstellar Medium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Carelli, F.; Gianturco, F. A.

    2011-12-01

    Free, gas-phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are understood to play an important role in the interstellar medium (ISM), as they are thought to significantly contribute to both diffused and unidentified infrared interstellar bands. They are also considered fundamental blocks of the interstellar dust, whose nature has important implications for a plethora of physical and chemical nanoscopic processes within the ISM. Since free electrons represent a versatile alternative way to transport energy in the interstellar space, in this paper we compute from quantum scattering methods the angular redistributions of free electrons by gas-phase coronene molecules, the latter of which are believed to be one of the most representative PAHs, in order to assess their role in describing the efficiency of electron deflection by this molecule. The associated rates can provide useful information about the coupling mechanism between external radio-frequency fields and complex molecular plasmas containing neutral and ionized PAHs. They can also yield information on the possible presence of such species in the dust phase of the medium.

  3. Isomerization of One Molecule Observed through Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Tallarida, Nicholas; Rios, Laura; Apkarian, Vartkess A; Lee, Joonhee

    2015-10-14

    While exploring photoisomerization of azobenzyl thiols (ABT) adsorbed on Au(111), through joint scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) studies, the reversible photoisomerization of one molecule is captured in TERS trajectories. The unique signature of single molecule isomerization is observed in the form of anticorrelated flip-flops between two distinct spectra with two discrete, on- and off-levels. The apparently heterogeneously photocatalyzed reaction is assigned to cis-trans isomerization of an outlier, which is chemisorbed on the silver tip of the STM. Otherwise, the ensemble of ABT molecules that lie flat on Au(111) remain strongly coupled to the surface, excluding the possibility of photoisomerization or detection through TERS.

  4. Adsorption of Organic Molecules to van der Waals Materials: Comparison of Fluorographene and Fluorographite with Graphene and Graphite

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Understanding strength and nature of noncovalent binding to surfaces imposes significant challenge both for computations and experiments. We explored the adsorption of five small nonpolar organic molecules (acetone, acetonitrile, dichloromethane, ethanol, ethyl acetate) to fluorographene and fluorographite using inverse gas chromatography and theoretical calculations, providing new insights into the strength and nature of adsorption of small organic molecules on these surfaces. The measured adsorption enthalpies on fluorographite range from −7 to −13 kcal/mol and are by 1–2 kcal/mol lower than those measured on graphene/graphite, which indicates higher affinity of organic adsorbates to fluorographene than to graphene. The dispersion-corrected functionals performed well, and the nonlocal vdW DFT functionals (particularly optB86b-vdW) achieved the best agreement with the experimental data. Computations show that the adsorption enthalpies are controlled by the interaction energy, which is dominated by London dispersion forces (∼70%). The calculations also show that bonding to structural features, like edges and steps, as well as defects does not significantly increase the adsorption enthalpies, which explains a low sensitivity of measured adsorption enthalpies to coverage. The adopted Langmuir model for fitting experimental data enabled determination of adsorption entropies. The adsorption on the fluorographene/fluorographite surface resulted in an entropy loss equal to approximately 40% of the gas phase entropy. PMID:28145699

  5. Enhanced CO2 adsorptive performance of PEI/SBA-15 adsorbent using phosphate ester based surfactants as additives.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Dandan; Liu, Yue; Wang, Haiqiang; Weng, Xiaole; Wu, Zhongbiao

    2015-12-01

    In this study, a series of polyetherimide/SBA-15: 2-D hexagonal P6mm, Santa Barbara USA (PEI/SBA-15) adsorbents modified by phosphoric ester based surfactants (including tri(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (BEP) and trimethyl phosphonoacetate (TMPA)) were prepared for CO2 adsorption. Experimental results indicated that the addition of TEP and BEP had positive effects on CO2 adsorption capacity over PEI/SBA-15. In particular, the CO2 adsorption amount could be improved by around 20% for 45PEI-5TEP/SBA-15 compared to the additive-free adsorbent. This could be attributed to the decrease of CO2 diffusion resistance in the PEI bulk network due to the interactions between TEP and loaded PEI molecules, which was further confirmed by adsorption kinetics results. In addition, it was also found that the cyclic performance of the TEP-modified adsorbent was better than the surfactant-free one. This could be due to two main reasons, based on the results of in situ DRIFT and TG-DSC tests. First and more importantly, adsorbed CO2 species could be desorbed more rapidly over TEP-modified adsorbent during the thermal desorption process. Furthermore, the enhanced thermal stability after TEP addition ensured lower degradation of amine groups during adsorption/desorption cycles. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  6. Bioavailability of Carbon Nanomaterial-Adsorbed Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons to Pimphales promelas: Influence of Adsorbate Molecular Size and Configuration.

    PubMed

    Linard, Erica N; Apul, Onur G; Karanfil, Tanju; van den Hurk, Peter; Klaine, Stephen J

    2017-08-15

    Despite carbon nanomaterials' (CNMs) potential to alter the bioavailability of adsorbed contaminants, information characterizing the relationship between adsorption behavior and bioavailability of CNM-adsorbed contaminants is still limited. To investigate the influence of CNM morphology and organic contaminant (OC) physicochemical properties on this relationship, adsorption isotherms were generated for a suite of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and exfoliated graphene (GN) in conjunction with determining the bioavailability of the adsorbed PAHs to Pimphales promelas using bile analysis via fluorescence spectroscopy. Although it appeared that GN adsorbed PAHs indiscriminately compared to MWCNTs, the subsequent bioavailability of GN-adsorbed PAHs was more sensitive to PAH morphology than MWCNTs. GN was effective at reducing bioavailability of linear PAHs by ∼70%, but had little impact on angular PAHs. MWCNTs were sensitive to molecular size, where bioavailability of two-ringed naphthalene was reduced by ∼80%, while bioavailability of the larger PAHs was reduced by less than 50%. Furthermore, the reduction in bioavailability of CNM-adsorbed PAHs was negatively correlated with the amount of CNM surface area covered by the adsorbed-PAHs. This study shows that the variability in bioavailability of CNM-adsorbed PAHs is largely driven by PAH size, configuration and surface area coverage.

  7. Time distribution of adsorption entropy of gases on heterogeneous surfaces by reversed-flow gas chromatography.

    PubMed

    Katsanos, Nicholas A; Kapolos, John; Gavril, Dimitrios; Bakaoukas, Nicholas; Loukopoulos, Vassilios; Koliadima, Athanasia; Karaiskakis, George

    2006-09-15

    The reversed-flow gas chromatography (RF-GC) technique has been applied to measure the adsorption entropy over time, when gaseous pentane is adsorbed on the surface of two solids (gamma-alumina and a silica supported rhodium catalyst) at 393.15 and 413.15K, respectively. Utilizing experimental chromatographic data, this novel methodology also permits the simultaneous measurement of the local adsorption energy, epsilon, local equilibrium adsorbed concentration, c(s)(*), and local adsorption isotherm, theta(p, T, epsilon) in a time resolved way. In contrast with other inverse gas chromatographic methods, which determine the standard entropy at zero surface coverage, the present method operates over a wide range of surface coverage taking into account not only the adsorbate-adsorbent interaction, but also the adsorbate-adsorbate interaction. One of the most interesting observations of the present work is the fact that the interaction of n-pentane is spontaneous on the Rh/SiO(2) catalyst for a very short time interval compared to that on gamma-Al(2)O(3). This can explain the different kinetic behavior of each particular gas-solid system, and it can be attributed to the fact that large amounts of n-C(5)H(12) are present on the active sites of the Rh/SiO(2) catalyst compared to those on gamma-Al(2)O(3), as the local equilibrium adsorbed concentration values, c(s)(*), indicate.

  8. Highly ordered molecular rotor matrix on a nanopatterned template: titanyl phthalocyanine molecules on FeO/Pt(111).

    PubMed

    Lu, Shuangzan; Huang, Min; Qin, Zhihui; Yu, Yinghui; Guo, Qinmin; Cao, Gengyu

    2018-08-03

    Molecular rotors, motors and gears play important roles in artificial molecular machines, in which rotor and motor matrices are highly desirable for large-scale bottom-up fabrication of molecular machines. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of a highly ordered molecular rotor matrix by depositing nonplanar dipolar titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc, C 32 H 16 N 8 OTi) molecules on a Moiré patterned dipolar FeO/Pt(111) substrate. TiOPc molecules with O atoms pointing outwards from the substrate (upward) or towards the substrate (downward) are alternatively adsorbed on the fcc sites by strong lateral confinement. The adsorbed molecules, i.e. two kinds of molecular rotors, show different scanning tunneling microscopy images, thermal stabilities and rotational characteristics. Density functional theory calculations clarify that TiOPc molecules anchoring upwards with high adsorption energies correspond to low-rotational-rate rotors, while those anchoring downwards with low adsorption energies correspond to high-rotational-rate rotors. A robust rotor matrix fully occupied by low-rate rotors is fabricated by depositing molecules on the substrate at elevated temperature. Such a paradigm opens up a promising route to fabricate functional molecular rotor matrices, driven motor matrices and even gear groups on solid substrates.

  9. 3D Oxidized Graphene Frameworks: An Efficient Adsorbent for Methylene Blue

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pandey, Abhishek; Deb, Madhurima; Tiwari, Shreya; Pawar, Pranav Bhagwan; Saxena, Sumit; Shukla, Shobha

    2018-04-01

    Extraordinary properties of graphene and its derivatives have found application in varied areas such as energy, electronics, optical devices and sensors, to name a few. Large surface area along with specialized functional groups make these materials attractive for removal of dye molecules in solution via adsorption. Industrial effluents contain large amounts of toxic chemicals resulting in pollution of water bodies, which pose environmental hazards in general. Here we report application of 3D oxidized graphene frameworks in the efficient removal of cationic dye molecules such as methylene blue via adsorption. Systematic parametric studies investigating the effect of the initial dye concentration, pH and contact time have been performed. Spectroscopic analysis of the filtrate suggests that tortuous paths in 3D oxidized graphene frameworks result in efficient removal of dye molecules due to enhanced interaction. The hydroxyl groups retained in these 3D oxidized graphene frameworks facilitate adsorption of the dye molecules while passing through the adsorbent. pH studies suggest that maximum removal efficiency for methylene blue was achieved at pH value of 9. The results suggest that these 3D oxidized graphene frameworks can be used for purification of large volumes of contaminated water from cationic dyes in waste water treatment plants.

  10. [Ability of typical greenery shrubs of Beijing to adsorb and arrest PM2.5 ].

    PubMed

    Liang, Dan; Wang, Bin; Wang, Yun-qi; Zhang, Hui-lan; Yang, Song-nan; Li, Ang

    2014-09-01

    Four typical types of green shrubs of Beijing (Euonymus japonicus, Buxus microphylla, Berberis thunbergii cv. atropurpurea, Taxus cuspidate cv. nana) were selected to study their capacities in adsorbing and arresting PM2.5 using both field observations and air chamber simulations. Concurrently, in order to analyze the pollution characteristics of Beijing in winter and spring, the PM2.5 concentrations of December 2012 to May 2013 were collected. Experimental results showed that: From the gas chamber experiments, the ability to adsorb and arrest PM2.5 was in the order of Berberis thunbergii cv. atropurpurea > Buxus microphylla > Taxus cuspidate cv. nana > Euonymus japonicus, mainly due to the differences in leaf characteristics; Outside measurement results showed that the ability to adsorb and arrest PM2.5 was ranked as Buxus microphylla > Berberis thunbergii cv. atropurpurea > Taxus cuspidate cv. nana > Euonymus japonicus. Chamber simulation and outdoor observation showed that Buxus microphylla and Berberis thunbergii cv. atropurpurea had strong ability to adsorb and arrest PM2.5; Meanwhile, the slight differences between the chamber simulation and outdoor observation results might be related to plant structure. Compared to tree species, the planting condition of shrub species was loose, and it greened quickly; By analyzing the Beijing PM2.5 concentration values in winter and spring, it was found that the PM2.5 concentration was particularly high in the winter of Beijing, and evergreen shrubs maintained the ability to adsorb and arrest PM2.5.

  11. Radiation-induced transformations of isolated CH3CN molecules in noble gas matrices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kameneva, Svetlana V.; Volosatova, Anastasia D.; Feldman, Vladimir I.

    2017-12-01

    The transformations of isolated CH3CN molecules in various solid noble-gas matrices (Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe) under the action of X-ray irradiation at 5 K were investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. The main products are CH3NC, CH2CNH and CH2NCH molecular isomers as well as CH2CN and CH2NC radicals. The matrix has a strong effect on the distribution of reaction channels. In particular, the highest relative yield of keteneimine (CH2CNH) was found in Ne matrix, whereas the formation of CH3NC predominates in xenon. It was explained by differences in the matrix ionization energy (IE) resulting in different distributions of hot ionic reactions. The reactions of neutral excited states are mainly involved in Xe matrix with low IE, while the isomerization of the primary acetonitrile positive ions may be quite effective in Ne and Ar. Annealing of the irradiated samples results in mobilization of trapped hydrogen atoms followed by their reactions with radicals to yield parent molecule and its isomers. The scheme of the radiation-induced processes and its implications for the acetonitrile chemistry in cosmic ices are discussed.

  12. Infrared absorption by molecular gases as a probe of nanoporous silica xerogel and molecule-surface collisions: Low-pressure results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vander Auwera, J.; Ngo, N. H.; El Hamzaoui, H.; Capoen, B.; Bouazaoui, M.; Ausset, P.; Boulet, C.; Hartmann, J.-M.

    2013-10-01

    Transmission spectra of gases confined (but not adsorbed) within the pores of a 1.4-cm-thick silica xerogel sample have been recorded between 2.5 and 5 μm using a high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometer. This was done for pure CO, CO2, N2O, H2O, and CH4 at room temperature and pressures of a few hectopascals. Least-squares fits of measured absorption lines provide the optical-path lengths within the confined (LC) and free (LF) gas inside the absorption cell and the half width at half maximum ΓC of the lines of the confined gases. The values of LC and LF retrieved using numerous transitions of all studied species are very consistent. Furthermore, LC is in satisfactory agreement with values obtained from independent measurements, thus showing that reliable information on the open porosity volume can be retrieved from an optical experiment. The values of ΓC, here resulting from collisions of the molecules with the inner surfaces of the xerogel pores, are practically independent of the line for each gas and inversely proportional to the square root of the probed-molecule molar mass. This is a strong indication that, for the studied transitions, a single collision of a molecule with a pore surface is sufficient to change its rotational state. A previously proposed simple model, used for the prediction of the line shape, leads to satisfactory agreement with the observations. It also enables a determination of the average pore size, bringing information complementary to that obtained from nitrogen adsorption porosimetry.

  13. Chemical wiring and soldering toward all-molecule electronic circuitry.

    PubMed

    Okawa, Yuji; Mandal, Swapan K; Hu, Chunping; Tateyama, Yoshitaka; Goedecker, Stefan; Tsukamoto, Shigeru; Hasegawa, Tsuyoshi; Gimzewski, James K; Aono, Masakazu

    2011-06-01

    Key to single-molecule electronics is connecting functional molecules to each other using conductive nanowires. This involves two issues: how to create conductive nanowires at designated positions, and how to ensure chemical bonding between the nanowires and functional molecules. Here, we present a novel method that solves both issues. Relevant functional molecules are placed on a self-assembled monolayer of diacetylene compound. A probe tip of a scanning tunneling microscope is then positioned on the molecular row of the diacetylene compound to which the functional molecule is adsorbed, and a conductive polydiacetylene nanowire is fabricated by initiating chain polymerization by stimulation with the tip. Since the front edge of chain polymerization necessarily has a reactive chemical species, the created polymer nanowire forms chemical bonding with an encountered molecular element. We name this spontaneous reaction "chemical soldering". First-principles theoretical calculations are used to investigate the structures and electronic properties of the connection. We demonstrate that two conductive polymer nanowires are connected to a single phthalocyanine molecule. A resonant tunneling diode formed by this method is discussed. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  14. Conductivity Modifications of Graphene by Electron Donative Organic Molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Masujima, Hiroaki; Mori, Takehiko; Hayamizu, Yuhei

    2017-07-01

    Graphene has been studied for the application of transparent electrodes in flexible electrical devices with semiconductor organics. Control of the charge carrier density in graphene is crucial to reduce the contact resistance between graphene and the active layer of organic semiconductor. Chemical doping of graphene is an approach to change the carrier density, where the adsorbed organic molecules donate or accept electrons form graphene. While various acceptor organic molecules have been demonstrated so far, investigation about donor molecules is still poor. In this work, we have investigated doping effect in graphene field-effect transistors functionalized by organic donor molecules such as dibenzotetrathiafulvalene (DBTTF), hexamethyltetrathiafulvalene (HMTTF), 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (DAN), and N, N, N', N'-tetramethyl- p-phenylenediamine (TMPD). Based on conductivity measurements of graphene transistors, the former three molecules do not have any significant effect to graphene transistors. However, TMPD shows effective n-type doping. The doping effect has a correlation with the level of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of each molecule, where TMPD has the highest HOMO level.

  15. Adsorbent Alkali Conditioning for Uranium Adsorption from Seawater. Adsorbent Performance and Technology Cost Evaluation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tsouris, Costas; Mayes, Richard T.; Janke, Christopher James

    The Fuel Resources program of the Fuel Cycle Research and Development program of the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) is focused on identifying and implementing actions to assure that nuclear fuel resources are available in the United States. An immense source of uranium is seawater, which contains an estimated amount of 4.5 billion tonnes of dissolved uranium. This unconventional resource can provide a price cap and ensure centuries of uranium supply for future nuclear energy production. NE initiated a multidisciplinary program with participants from national laboratories, universities, and research institutes to enable technical breakthroughs related to uranium recovery from seawater.more » The goal is to develop advanced adsorbents to reduce the seawater uranium recovery technology cost and uncertainties. Under this program, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has developed a new amidoxime-based adsorbent of high surface area, which tripled the uranium capacity of leading Japanese adsorbents. Parallel efforts have been focused on the optimization of the physicochemical and operating parameters used during the preparation of the adsorbent for deployment. A set of parameters that need to be optimized are related to the conditioning of the adsorbent with alkali solution, which is necessary prior to adsorbent deployment. Previous work indicated that alkali-conditioning parameters significantly affect the adsorbent performance. Initiated in 2014, this study had as a goal to determine optimal parameters such as base type and concentration, temperature, and duration of conditioning that maximize the uranium adsorption performance of amidoxime functionalized adsorbent, while keeping the cost of uranium production low. After base-treatment at various conditions, samples of adsorbent developed at ORNL were tested in this study with batch simulated seawater solution of 8-ppm uranium concentration, batch seawater spiked with uranium nitrate at 75-100 ppb uranium, and

  16. CO adsorption on N2-precovered NaY faujasite: a FTIR analysis of the resulting adsorbed species.

    PubMed

    Cairon, Olivier

    2013-08-26

    To productively complete the information regarding the reversible adsorption of a gas mixture on the micropores of cationic zeolites, the adsorption of the two gases N2 and CO on NaY faujasite is taken as a model case study. We analyze herein CO adsorption (77 K) on two distinct N2-precovered NaY sets (low and medium). We outline the continuous desorption of N2 adducts during CO admittance to full N2 desorption for the highest CO loadings. These features contrast with preceding results obtained for N2 loading on CO-precovered NaY. By comparing these results with the sole CO admission and combining both studies regarding the co-adsorption sets, we demonstrate the influence of the basic strength of the two gases regarding the nature of the surface-adsorbed species formed. We also propose and discuss a hypothesis regarding the formation of adsorbed mixed species having both N2 and CO as ligands. These new findings strengthen the statistical response of IR signatures as a helpful proposal for analyzing adsorbed species and their assignments. This survey completes the molecular understanding of gas-mixture adsorption that lacks experimental data to date. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Breakthrough indicator for aromatic VOCs using needle trap samplers for activated carbon adsorbent.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Wen-Hsi; Jiang, Jia-Rong; Huang, Yi-Ning; Huang, Shiun-Chian; Yu, Yan-Pin

    2012-08-01

    Internal circulation cabinets equipped with granular activated carbon (GAC) for adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are widely used to store bottles containing organic solvents in universities, colleges, and hospital laboratories throughout Taiwan. This work evaluates the VOC adsorption capacities of GAC using various adsorption times for gas stream mixtures of 100 ppm toluene and 100 ppm o-xylene. Additionally, needle trap sampling (NTS) technology was used to indicate the time for renewing the GAC to avoid VOC breakthrough from adsorbents. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed models can linearly express toluene and o-xylene adsorption capacities as the natural logarithm of adsorption time (ln(t)) and can accurately simulate the equilibrium adsorption capacities (Qe, g VOCs/g GAC) for gaseous toluene and o-xylene. The NTS, packed with 60-80 mesh divinylbenzene (DVB) particles, was compared in terms of extraction efficiency by simultaneously using the 75-microm Carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane-solid-phase microextraction (Carboxen/PDMS-SPME) fiber for time-weighted average (TWA) sampling, and experimental results indicated that the packed DVB-NTS achieved higher toluene extraction rates. Additionally, the NTS installed in the outlet air stream for adsorbing toluene and o-xylene exhausted through GAC accurately indicated toluene and o-xylene breakthrough times of 4700-5000 min. The GAC-NTS operational instructions to indicate the replacing time of adsorbent in the internal circulation cabinets are also included in this paper.

  18. Removal of VOCs from humidified gas streams using activated carbon cloth

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Cal, M.P.; Rood, M.J.; Larson, S.M.

    1996-01-01

    This research investigates the effects of relative humidity (RH) on the adsorption of soluble (acetone) and insoluble (benzene) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with activated carbon cloths (ACC). A gravimetric balance was used in conjunction with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrophotometer to determine the individual amounts of water and VOC adsorbed on an ACC sample. RH values from 0 to 90% and organic concentrations from 350 to 1000 ppmv were examined. The presence of water vapor in the gas-stream along with acetone (350 and 500 ppmv) had little effect on the adsorption capacity of acetone even at 90% RH. Water vapor in the gas stream had little effect on the adsorption capacity of benzene (500 ppmv) until about 65% RH, when a rapid decrease resulted in the adsorption capacity of benzene with increasing RH. This RH was also about where capillary condensation of water vapor occurs within ACC pores. Water vapor condenses within the ACC pores, making them unavailable for benzene adsorption. Increasing benzene concentration can have a significant effect on the amount of water vapor adsorbed. At 86% RH and 500 ppmv, 284 mg/g water was adsorbed, while at 86% RH and 1000 ppmv, only 165 mg/g water was adsorbed. Water vapor was more inhibitory for benzene adsorption as benzene concentration in the gas stream decreased. Copyright ?? 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.

  19. Measurement of breakthrough volumes of volatile chemical warfare agents on a poly(2,6-diphenylphenylene oxide)-based adsorbent and application to thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis.

    PubMed

    Kanamori-Kataoka, Mieko; Seto, Yasuo

    2015-09-04

    To establish adequate on-site solvent trapping of volatile chemical warfare agents (CWAs) from air samples, we measured the breakthrough volumes of CWAs on three adsorbent resins by an elution technique using direct electron ionization mass spectrometry. The trapping characteristics of Tenax(®) TA were better than those of Tenax(®) GR and Carboxen(®) 1016. The latter two adsorbents showed non-reproducible breakthrough behavior and low VX recovery. The specific breakthrough values were more than 44 (sarin) L/g Tenax(®) TA resin at 20°C. Logarithmic values of specific breakthrough volume for four nerve agents (sarin, soman, tabun, and VX) showed a nearly linear correlation with the reciprocals of their boiling points, but the data point of sulfur mustard deviated from this linear curve. Next, we developed a method to determine volatile CWAs in ambient air by thermal desorption-gas chromatography (TD-GC/MS). CWA solutions that were spiked into the Tenax TA(®) adsorbent tubes were analyzed by a two-stage TD-GC/MS using a Tenax(®) TA-packed cold trap tube. Linear calibration curves for CWAs retained in the resin tubes were obtained in the range between 0.2pL and 100pL for sarin, soman, tabun, cyclohexylsarin, and sulfur mustard; and between 2pL and 100pL for VX and Russian VX. We also examined the stability of CWAs in Tenax(®) TA tubes purged with either dry or 50% relative humidity air under storage conditions at room temperature or 4°C. More than 80% sarin, soman, tabun, cyclohexylsarin, and sulfur mustard were recovered from the tubes within 2 weeks. In contrast, the recoveries of VX and Russian VX drastically reduced with storage time at room temperature, resulting in a drop to 10-30% after 2 weeks. Moreover, we examined the trapping efficiency of Tenax TA(®) adsorbent tubes for vaporized CWA samples (100mL) prepared in a 500mL gas sampling cylinder. In the concentration range of 0.2-2.5mg/m(3), >50% of sarin, soman, tabun, cyclohexylsarin, and HD were

  20. Commensurability and transformations of adsorbed phases on a heterogeneous solid with periodic distribution of surface energy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cortés, Joaquin; Valencia, Eliana

    1997-07-01

    Monte Carlo experiments are used to investigate the adsorption of argon on a heterogeneous solid with a periodic distribution of surface energy. A study is made of the relation between the adsorbate molecule's diameter and the distance between the sites of maximum surface energy on the critical temperature, the observed phase changes, and the commensurability of the surface phase structure determined in the simulation.

  1. Adlayer structure dependent ultrafast desorption dynamics in carbon monoxide adsorbed on Pd (111)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hong, Sung-Young; Xu, Pan; Camillone, Nina R.; White, Michael G.; Camillone, Nicholas

    2016-07-01

    We report our ultrafast photoinduced desorption investigation of the coverage dependence of substrate-adsorbate energy transfer in carbon monoxide adlayers on the (111) surface of palladium. As the CO coverage is increased, the adsorption site population shifts from all threefold hollows (up to 0.33 ML), to bridge and near bridge (>0.5 to 0.6 ML) and finally to mixed threefold hollow plus top site (at saturation at 0.75 ML). We show that between 0.24 and 0.75 ML this progression of binding site motifs is accompanied by two remarkable features in the ultrafast photoinduced desorption of the adsorbates: (i) the desorption probability increases roughly two orders magnitude, and (ii) the adsorbate-substrate energy transfer rate observed in two-pulse correlation experiments varies nonmonotonically, having a minimum at intermediate coverages. Simulations using a phenomenological model to describe the adsorbate-substrate energy transfer in terms of frictional coupling indicate that these features are consistent with an adsorption-site dependent electron-mediated energy coupling strength, ηel, that decreases with binding site in the order: three-fold hollow > bridge and near bridge > top site. This weakening of ηel largely counterbalances the decrease in the desorption activation energy that accompanies this progression of adsorption site motifs, moderating what would otherwise be a rise of several orders of magnitude in the desorption probability. Within this framework, the observed energy transfer rate enhancement at saturation coverage is due to interadsorbate energy transfer from the copopulation of molecules bound in three-fold hollows to their top-site neighbors.

  2. Surface Chirality of Gly-Pro Dipeptide Adsorbed on a Cu(110) Surface.

    PubMed

    Cruguel, Hervé; Méthivier, Christophe; Pradier, Claire-Marie; Humblot, Vincent

    2015-07-01

    The adsorption of chiral Gly-Pro dipeptide on Cu(110) has been characterized by combining in situ polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-RAIRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The chemical state of the dipeptide, and its anchoring points and adsorption geometry, were determined at various coverage values. Gly-Pro molecules are present on Cu(110) in their anionic form (NH2 /COO(-)) and adsorb under a 3-point binding via both oxygen atoms of the carboxylate group and via the nitrogen atom of the amine group. Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) have shown the presence of an extended 2D chiral array, sustained via intermolecular H-bonds interactions. Furthermore, due to the particular shape of the molecule, only one homochiral domain is formed, creating thus a truly chiral surface. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. The Zn12O12 cluster-assembled nanowires as a highly sensitive and selective gas sensor for NO and NO2.

    PubMed

    Yong, Yongliang; Su, Xiangying; Zhou, Qingxiao; Kuang, Yanmin; Li, Xiaohong

    2017-12-13

    Motivated by the recent realization of cluster-assembled nanomaterials as gas sensors, first-principles calculations are carried out to explore the stability and electronic properties of Zn 12 O 12 cluster-assembled nanowires and the adsorption behaviors of environmental gases on the Zn 12 O 12 -based nanowires, including CO, NO, NO 2 , SO 2 , NH 3 , CH 4 , CO 2 , O 2 and H 2 . Our results indicate that the ultrathin Zn 12 O 12 cluster-assembled nanowires are particularly thermodynamic stable at room temperature. The CO, NO, NO 2 , SO 2 , and NH 3 molecules are all chemisorbed on the Zn 12 O 12 -based nanowires with reasonable adsorption energies, but CH 4 , CO 2 , O 2 and H 2 molecules are only physically adsorbed on the nanowire. The electronic properties of the Zn 12 O 12 -based nanowire present dramatic changes after the adsorption of the NO and NO 2 molecules, especially their electric conductivity and magnetic properties, however, the other molecules adsorption hardly change the electric conductivity of the nanowire. Meanwhile, the recovery time of the nanowire sensor at T = 300 K is estimated at 1.5 μs and 16.7 μs for NO and NO 2 molecules, respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivities of NO and NO 2 are much larger than that of the other molecules. Our results thus conclude that the Zn 12 O 12 -based nanowire is a potential candidate for gas sensors with highly sensitivity for NO and NO 2 .

  4. Electrospray deposition of organic molecules on bulk insulator surfaces.

    PubMed

    Hinaut, Antoine; Pawlak, Rémy; Meyer, Ernst; Glatzel, Thilo

    2015-01-01

    Large organic molecules are of important interest for organic-based devices such as hybrid photovoltaics or molecular electronics. Knowing their adsorption geometries and electronic structures allows to design and predict macroscopic device properties. Fundamental investigations in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) are thus mandatory to analyze and engineer processes in this prospects. With increasing size, complexity or chemical reactivity, depositing molecules by thermal evaporation becomes challenging. A recent way to deposit molecules in clean conditions is Electrospray Ionization (ESI). ESI keeps the possibility to work with large molecules, to introduce them in vacuum, and to deposit them on a large variety of surfaces. Here, ESI has been successfully applied to deposit triply fused porphyrin molecules on an insulating KBr(001) surface in UHV environment. Different deposition coverages have been obtained and characterization of the surface by in-situ atomic force microscopy working in the non-contact mode shows details of the molecular structures adsorbed on the surface. We show that UHV-ESI, can be performed on insulating surfaces in the sub-monolayer regime and to single molecules which opens the possibility to study a variety of complex molecules.

  5. Breakthrough in Xenon Capture and Purification Using Adsorbent-Supported Silver Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Deliere, Ludovic; Coasne, Benoit; Topin, Sylvain; Gréau, Claire; Moulin, Christophe; Farrusseng, David

    2016-07-04

    Rare gas capture and purification is a major challenge for energy, environment, and health applications. Of utmost importance for the nuclear industry, novel separation processes for Xe are urgently needed for spent nuclear fuel reprocessing and nuclear activity monitoring. The recovered, non-radioactive Xe is also of high economic value for lighting, surgical anesthetic, etc. Here, using adsorption and breakthrough experiments and statistical mechanics molecular simulation, we show the outstanding performance of zeolite-supported silver nanoparticles to capture/separate Xe at low concentrations (0.087-100 ppm). We also establish the efficiency of temperature swing adsorption based on such adsorbents for Xe separation from Kr/Xe mixtures and air streams corresponding to off-gases generated by nuclear reprocessing. This study paves the way for the development of novel, cost-efficient technologies relying on the large selectivity/capacity of adsorbent-supported silver nanoparticles which surpass all materials ever tested. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Nanospectroscopy of thiacyanine dye molecules adsorbed on silver nanoparticle clusters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ralević, Uroš; Isić, Goran; Anicijević, Dragana Vasić; Laban, Bojana; Bogdanović, Una; Lazović, Vladimir M.; Vodnik, Vesna; Gajić, Radoš

    2018-03-01

    The adsorption of thiacyanine dye molecules on citrate-stabilized silver nanoparticle clusters drop-cast onto freshly cleaved mica or highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surfaces is examined using colocalized surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The incidence of dye Raman signatures in photoluminescence hotspots identified around nanoparticle clusters is considered for both citrate- and borate-capped silver nanoparticles and found to be substantially lower in the former case, suggesting that the citrate anions impede the efficient dye adsorption. Rigorous numerical simulations of light scattering on random nanoparticle clusters are used for estimating the electromagnetic enhancement and elucidating the hotspot formation mechanism. The majority of the enhanced Raman signal, estimated to be more than 90%, is found to originate from the nanogaps between adjacent nanoparticles in the cluster, regardless of the cluster size and geometry.

  7. The study of excited oxygen molecule gas species production and quenching on thermal protection system materials

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nordine, Paul C.; Fujimoto, Gordon T.; Greene, Frank T.

    1987-01-01

    The detection of excited oxygen and ozone molecules formed by surface catalyzed oxygen atom recombination and reaction was investigated by laser induced fluorescence (LIF), molecular beam mass spectrometric (MBMS), and field ionization (FI) techniques. The experiment used partially dissociated oxygen flows from a microwave discharge at pressures in the range from 60 to 400 Pa or from an inductively coupled RF discharge at atmospheric pressure. The catalyst materials investigated were nickel and the reaction cured glass coating used for Space Shuttle reusable surface insulation tiles. Nonradiative loss processes for the laser excited states makes LIF detection of O2 difficult such that formation of excited oxygen molecules could not be detected in the flow from the microwave discharge or in the gaseous products of atom loss on nickel. MBMS experiments showed that ozone was a product of heterogeneous O atom loss on nickel and tile surfaces at low temperatures and that ozone is lost on these materials at elevated temperatures. FI was separately investigated as a method by which excited oxygen molecules may be conveniently detected. Partial O2 dissociation decreases the current produced by FI of the gas.

  8. Application of the Real-Time Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory to Excited-State Dynamics of Molecules and 2D Materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miyamoto, Yoshiyuki; Rubio, Angel

    2018-04-01

    We review our recent developments in the ab initio simulation of excited-state dynamics within the framework of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). Our targets range from molecules to 2D materials, although the methods are general and can be applied to any other finite and periodic systems. We discuss examples of excited-state dynamics obtained by real-time TDDFT coupled with molecular dynamics (MD) and the Ehrenfest approximation, including photoisomerization in molecules, photoenhancement of the weak interatomic attraction of noble gas atoms, photoenhancement of the weak interlayer interaction of 2D materials, pulse-laser-induced local bond breaking of adsorbed atoms on 2D sheets, modulation of UV light intensity by graphene nanoribbons at terahertz frequencies, and collision of high-speed ions with the 2D material to simulate the images taken by He ion microscopy. We illustrate how the real-time TDDFT approach is useful for predicting and understanding non-equilibrium dynamics in condensed matter. We also discuss recent developments that address the excited-state dynamics of systems out of equilibrium and future challenges in this fascinating field of research.

  9. Improvement of gas-adsorption performances of Ag-functionalized monolayer MoS2 surfaces: A first-principles study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Jian; Lou, Huan

    2018-05-01

    Investigations of the adsorptions of representative gases (NO2, NH3, H2S, SO2, CO, and HCHO) on different Ag-functionalized monolayer MoS2 surfaces were performed by first principles methods. The adsorption configurations, adsorption energies, electronic structure properties, and charge transfer were calculated, and the results show that the adsorption activities to gases of monolayer MoS2 are dramatically enhanced by the Ag-modification. The Ag-modified perfect MoS2 (Ag-P) and MoS2 with S-vacancy (Ag-Vs) substrates exhibit a more superior adsorption activity to NO2 than other gases, which is consistent with the experimental reports. The charge transfer processes of different molecules adsorbed on different surfaces exhibit various characteristics, with potential benefits to gas selectivity. For instance, the NO2 and SO2 obtain more electrons from both Ag-P and Ag-Vs substrates but the NH3 and H2S donate more electrons to materials than others. In addition, the CO and HCHO possess totally opposite charge transfer directs on both substrates, respectively. The BS and PDOS calculations show that semiconductor types of gas/Ag-MoS2 systems are more determined by the metal-functionalization of material, and the directs and numbers of charge transfer process between gases and adsorbents can cause the increase or decline of material resistance theoretically, which is helpful to gas detection and distinction. The further analysis indicates suitable co-operation between the gain-lost electron ability of gas and metallicity of featuring metal might adjust the resistivity of complex and contribute to new thought for metal-functionalization. Our works provide new valuable ideas and theoretical foundation for the potential improvement of MoS2-based gas sensor performances, such as sensitivity and selectivity.

  10. Gas storage and separation by electric field swing adsorption

    DOEpatents

    Currier, Robert P; Obrey, Stephen J; Devlin, David J; Sansinena, Jose Maria

    2013-05-28

    Gases are stored, separated, and/or concentrated. An electric field is applied across a porous dielectric adsorbent material. A gas component from a gas mixture may be selectively separated inside the energized dielectric. Gas is stored in the energized dielectric for as long as the dielectric is energized. The energized dielectric selectively separates, or concentrates, a gas component of the gas mixture. When the potential is removed, gas from inside the dielectric is released.

  11. Method for modifying trigger level for adsorber regeneration

    DOEpatents

    Ruth, Michael J.; Cunningham, Michael J.

    2010-05-25

    A method for modifying a NO.sub.x adsorber regeneration triggering variable. Engine operating conditions are monitored until the regeneration triggering variable is met. The adsorber is regenerated and the adsorbtion efficiency of the adsorber is subsequently determined. The regeneration triggering variable is modified to correspond with the decline in adsorber efficiency. The adsorber efficiency may be determined using an empirically predetermined set of values or by using a pair of oxygen sensors to determine the oxygen response delay across the sensors.

  12. Applications for activated carbons from waste tires: Natural gas storage and air pollution control

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Brady, T.A.; Rostam-Abadi, M.; Rood, M.J.

    1996-01-01

    Natural gas storage for natural gas vehicles and the separation and removal of gaseous contaminants from gas streams represent two emerging applications for carbon adsorbents. A possible precursor for such adsorbents is waste tires. In this study, activated carbon has been developed from waste tires and tested for its methane storage capacity and SO2 removal from a simulated flue-gas. Tire-derived carbons exhibit methane adsorption capacities (g/g) within 10% of a relatively expensive commercial activated carbon; however, their methane storage capacities (Vm/Vs) are almost 60% lower. The unactivated tire char exhibits SO2 adsorption kinetics similar to a commercial carbon used for flue-gas clean-up. Copyright ?? 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.

  13. Development of chemically activated N-enriched carbon adsorbents from urea-formaldehyde resin for CO2 adsorption: Kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics.

    PubMed

    Tiwari, Deepak; Bhunia, Haripada; Bajpai, Pramod K

    2018-07-15

    Nitrogen enriched carbon adsorbents with high surface areas were successfully prepared by carbonizing the low-cost urea formaldehyde resin, followed by KOH activation. Different characterization techniques were used to determine the structure and surface functional groups. Maximum surface area and total pore volume of 4547 m 2  g -1 and 4.50 cm 3  g -1 were found by controlling activation conditions. The optimized sample denoted as UFA-3-973 possesses a remarkable surface area, which is found to be one of the best surface areas achieved so far. Nitrogen content of this sample was found to be 22.32%. Dynamic CO 2 uptake capacity of the carbon adsorbents were determined thermogravimetrically at different CO 2 concentrations (6-100%) and adsorption temperatures (303-373 K) which have a much more relevance for the flue gas application. Highest adsorption capacity of 2.43 mmol g -1 for this sample was obtained at 303 K under pure CO 2 flow. Complete regenerability of the adsorbent over four adsorption-desorption cycles was obtained. Fractional order kinetic model provided best description of adsorption over all adsorption temperatures and CO 2 concentrations. Heterogeneity of the adsorbent surface was confirmed from the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms fits and isosteric heat of adsorption values. Exothermic, spontaneous and feasible nature of adsorption process was confirmed from thermodynamic parameter values. The combination of high surface area and large pore volume makes the adsorbent a new promising carbon material for CO 2 capture from power plant flue gas and for other relevant applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Adsorption equilibrium and dynamics of gasoline vapors onto polymeric adsorbents.

    PubMed

    Jia, Lijuan; Yu, Weihua; Long, Chao; Li, Aimin

    2014-03-01

    The emission of gasoline vapors is becoming a significant environmental problem especially for the population-dense area and also results in a significant economic loss. In this study, adsorption equilibrium and dynamics of gasoline vapors onto macroporous and hypercrosslinked polymeric resins at 308 K were investigated and compared with commercial activated carbon (NucharWV-A 1100). The results showed that the equilibrium and breakthrough adsorption capacities of virgin macroporous and hypercrosslinked polymeric resins were lower than virgin-activated carbon. Compared with origin adsorbents, however, the breakthrough adsorption capacities of the regenerated activated carbon for gasoline vapors decreased by 58.5 % and 61.3 % when the initial concentration of gasoline vapors were 700 and 1,400 mg/L, while those of macroporous and hypercrosslinked resins decreased by 17.4 % and 17.5 %, and 46.5 % and 45.5 %, respectively. Due to the specific bimodal property in the region of micropore (0.5-2.0 nm) and meso-macropore (30-70 nm), the regenerated hypercrosslinked polymeric resin exhibited the comparable breakthrough adsorption capacities with the regenerated activated carbon at the initial concentration of 700 mg/L, and even higher when the initial concentration of gasoline vapors was 1,400 mg/L. In addition, 90 % of relative humidity had ignorable effect on the adsorption of gasoline vapors on hypercrosslinked polymeric resin. Taken together, it is expected that hypercrosslinked polymeric adsorbent would be a promising adsorbent for the removal of gasoline vapors from gas streams.

  15. Single-molecule interfacial electron transfer dynamics in solar energy conversion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dhital, Bharat

    This dissertation work investigated the parameters affecting the interfacial electron transfer (ET) dynamics in dye-semiconductor nanoparticles (NPs) system by using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging combined with electrochemistry. The influence of the molecule-substrate electronic coupling, the molecular structure, binding geometry on the surface and the molecule-attachment surface chemistry on interfacial charge transfer processes was studied on zinc porphyrin-TiO2 NP systems. The fluorescence blinking measurement on TiO2 NP demonstrated that electronic coupling regulates dynamics of charge transfer processes at the interface depending on the conformation of molecule on the surface. Moreover, semiconductor surface charge induced electronic coupling of molecule which is electrostatically adsorbed on the semiconductor surface also predominantly alters the ET dynamics. Furthermore, interfacial electric field and electron accepting state density dependent ET dynamics has been dissected in zinc porphyrin-TiO2 NP system by observing the single-molecule fluorescence blinking dynamics and fluorescence lifetime with and without applied bias. The significant difference in fluorescence fluctuation and lifetime suggested the modulation of charge transfer dynamics at the interface with external electric field perturbation. Quasi-continuous distribution of fluorescence intensity with applied negative potential was attributed to the faster charge recombination due to reduced density of electron accepting states. The driving force and electron accepting state density ET dependent dynamics has also been probed in zinc porphyrin-TiO2 NP and zinc porphyrin-indium tin oxide (ITO) systems. Study of a molecule adsorbed on two different semiconductors (ITO and TiO2), with large difference in electron densities and distinct driving forces, allows us to observe the changes in rates of back electron transfer process reflected by the suppressed fluorescence blinking of

  16. Adsorption of binary gas mixtures in heterogeneous carbon predicted by density functional theory: on the formation of adsorption azeotropes.

    PubMed

    Ritter, James A; Pan, Huanhua; Balbuena, Perla B

    2010-09-07

    Classical density functional theory (DFT) was used to predict the adsorption of nine different binary gas mixtures in a heterogeneous BPL activated carbon with a known pore size distribution (PSD) and in single, homogeneous, slit-shaped carbon pores of different sizes. By comparing the heterogeneous results with those obtained from the ideal adsorbed solution theory and with those obtained in the homogeneous carbon, it was determined that adsorption nonideality and adsorption azeotropes are caused by the coupled effects of differences in the molecular size of the components in a gas mixture and only slight differences in the pore sizes of a heterogeneous adsorbent. For many binary gas mixtures, selectivity was found to be a strong function of pore size. As the width of a homogeneous pore increases slightly, the selectivity for two different sized adsorbates may change from being greater than unity to less than unity. This change in selectivity can be accompanied by the formation of an adsorption azeotrope when this same binary mixture is adsorbed in a heterogeneous adsorbent with a PSD, like in BPL activated carbon. These results also showed that the selectivity exhibited by a heterogeneous adsorbent can be dominated by a small number of pores that are very selective toward one of the components in the gas mixture, leading to adsorption azeotrope formation in extreme cases.

  17. Exchange and correlation in positronium-molecule scattering

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fabrikant, I. I.; Wilde, R. S.

    2018-05-01

    Exchange and correlations play a particularly important role in positronium (Ps) collisions with atoms and molecules, since the static potential for Ps interaction with a neutral system is zero. Theoretical description of both effects is a very challenging task. In the present work we use the free-electron-gas model to describe exchange and correlations in Ps collisions with molecules similar to the approach widely used in the theory of electron-molecule collisions. The results for exchange and correlation energies are presented as functions of the Fermi momentum of the electron gas and the Ps incident energy. Using the Thomas-Fermi model, these functions can be converted into exchange and correlation potentials for Ps interaction with molecules as functions of the distance between the projectile and the target.

  18. Water adsorbate phases on ZnO and impact of vapor pressure on the equilibrium shape of nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kenmoe, Stephane; Biedermann, P. Ulrich

    2018-02-01

    ZnO nanoparticles are used as catalysts and have potential applications in gas-sensing and solar energy conversion. A fundamental understanding of the exposed crystal facets, their surface chemistry, and stability as a function of environmental conditions is essential for rational design and improvement of synthesis and properties. We study the stability of water adsorbate phases on the non-polar low-index (10 1 ¯ 0 ) and (11 2 ¯ 0 ) surfaces from low coverage to multilayers using ab initio thermodynamics. We show that phonon contributions and the entropies due to a 2D lattice gas at low coverage and multiple adsorbate configurations at higher coverage have an important impact on the stability range of water adsorbate phases in the (T,p) phase diagram. Based on this insight, we compute and analyze the possible growth mode of water films for pressures ranging from UHV via ambient conditions to high pressures and the impact of water adsorption on the equilibrium shape of nanoparticles in a humid environment. A 2D variant of the Wulff construction shows that the (10 1 ¯ 0 ) and (11 2 ¯ 0 ) surfaces coexist on 12-faceted prismatic ZnO nanoparticles in dry conditions, while in humid environment, the (10 1 ¯ 0 ) surface is selectively stabilized by water adsorption resulting in hexagonal prisms.

  19. Volumetric Interpretation of Protein Adsorption: Interfacial Packing of Protein Adsorbed to Hydrophobic Surfaces from Surface-Saturating Solution Concentrations

    PubMed Central

    Kao, Ping; Parhi, Purnendu; Krishnan, Anandi; Noh, Hyeran; Haider, Waseem; Tadigadapa, Srinivas; Allara, David L.; Vogler, Erwin A.

    2010-01-01

    The maximum capacity of a hydrophobic adsorbent is interpreted in terms of square or hexagonal (cubic and face-centered-cubic, FCC) interfacial packing models of adsorbed blood proteins in a way that accommodates experimental measurements by the solution-depletion method and quartz-crystal-microbalance (QCM) for the human proteins serum albumin (HSA, 66 kDa), immunoglobulin G (IgG, 160 kDa), fibrinogen (Fib, 341 kDa), and immunoglobulin M (IgM, 1000 kDa). A simple analysis shows that adsorbent capacity is capped by a fixed mass/volume (e.g. mg/mL) surface-region (interphase) concentration and not molar concentration. Nearly analytical agreement between the packing models and experiment suggests that, at surface saturation, above-mentioned proteins assemble within the interphase in a manner that approximates a well-ordered array. HSA saturates a hydrophobic adsorbent with the equivalent of a single square-or-hexagonally-packed layer of hydrated molecules whereas the larger proteins occupy two-or-more layers, depending on the specific protein under consideration and analytical method used to measure adsorbate mass (solution depletion or QCM). Square-or-hexagonal (cubic and FCC) packing models cannot be clearly distinguished by comparison to experimental data. QCM measurement of adsorbent capacity is shown to be significantly different than that measured by solution depletion for similar hydrophobic adsorbents. The underlying reason is traced to the fact that QCM measures contribution of both core protein, water of hydration, and interphase water whereas solution depletion measures only the contribution of core protein. It is further shown that thickness of the interphase directly measured by QCM systematically exceeds that inferred from solution-depletion measurements, presumably because the static model used to interpret solution depletion does not accurately capture the complexities of the viscoelastic interfacial environment probed by QCM. PMID:21035180

  20. Volumetric interpretation of protein adsorption: interfacial packing of protein adsorbed to hydrophobic surfaces from surface-saturating solution concentrations.

    PubMed

    Kao, Ping; Parhi, Purnendu; Krishnan, Anandi; Noh, Hyeran; Haider, Waseem; Tadigadapa, Srinivas; Allara, David L; Vogler, Erwin A

    2011-02-01

    The maximum capacity of a hydrophobic adsorbent is interpreted in terms of square or hexagonal (cubic and face-centered-cubic, FCC) interfacial packing models of adsorbed blood proteins in a way that accommodates experimental measurements by the solution-depletion method and quartz-crystal-microbalance (QCM) for the human proteins serum albumin (HSA, 66 kDa), immunoglobulin G (IgG, 160 kDa), fibrinogen (Fib, 341 kDa), and immunoglobulin M (IgM, 1000 kDa). A simple analysis shows that adsorbent capacity is capped by a fixed mass/volume (e.g. mg/mL) surface-region (interphase) concentration and not molar concentration. Nearly analytical agreement between the packing models and experiment suggests that, at surface saturation, above-mentioned proteins assemble within the interphase in a manner that approximates a well-ordered array. HSA saturates a hydrophobic adsorbent with the equivalent of a single square or hexagonally-packed layer of hydrated molecules whereas the larger proteins occupy two-or-more layers, depending on the specific protein under consideration and analytical method used to measure adsorbate mass (solution depletion or QCM). Square or hexagonal (cubic and FCC) packing models cannot be clearly distinguished by comparison to experimental data. QCM measurement of adsorbent capacity is shown to be significantly different than that measured by solution depletion for similar hydrophobic adsorbents. The underlying reason is traced to the fact that QCM measures contribution of both core protein, water of hydration, and interphase water whereas solution depletion measures only the contribution of core protein. It is further shown that thickness of the interphase directly measured by QCM systematically exceeds that inferred from solution-depletion measurements, presumably because the static model used to interpret solution depletion does not accurately capture the complexities of the viscoelastic interfacial environment probed by QCM. Copyright © 2010

  1. NOx adsorber and method of regenerating same

    DOEpatents

    Endicott, Dennis L [Peoria, IL; Verkiel, Maarten [Metamora, IL; Driscoll, James J [Dunlap, IL

    2007-01-30

    New technologies, such as NOx adsorber catalytic converters, are being used to meet increasingly stringent regulations on undesirable emissions, including NOx emissions. NOx adsorbers must be periodically regenerated, which requires an increased fuel consumption. The present disclosure includes a method of regenerating a NOx adsorber within a NOx adsorber catalytic converter. At least one sensor positioned downstream from the NOx adsorber senses, in the downstream exhaust, at least one of NOx, nitrous oxide and ammonia concentrations a plurality of times during a regeneration phase. The sensor is in communication with an electronic control module that includes a regeneration monitoring algorithm operable to end the regeneration phase when a time rate of change of the at least one of NOx, nitrous oxide and ammonia concentrations is after an expected plateau region begins.

  2. Stability of a Benzyl Amine Based CO2 Capture Adsorbent in View of Regeneration Strategies

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    In this work, the chemical and thermal stability of a primary amine-functionalized ion-exchange resin (Lewatit VP OC 1065) is studied in view of the potential options of regenerating this sorbent in a CO2 removal application. The adsorbent was treated continuously in the presence of air, different O2/CO2/N2 mixtures, concentrated CO2, and steam, and then the remaining CO2 adsorption capacity was measured. Elemental analysis, BET/BJH analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were applied to characterize adsorbent properties. This material was found to be thermally and hydrothermally stable at high temperatures. However, significant oxidative degradation occurred already at moderate temperatures (above 70 °C). Temperatures above 120 °C lead to degradation in concentrated dry CO2. Adding moisture to the concentrated CO2 stream improves the CO2-induced stability. Adsorbent regeneration with nitrogen stripping is studied with various parameters, focusing on minimizing the moles of purge gas required per mole of CO2 desorbed. PMID:28405055

  3. Chemo-mechanical coupling in kerogen gas adsorption/desorption.

    PubMed

    Ho, Tuan Anh; Wang, Yifeng; Criscenti, Louise J

    2018-05-09

    Kerogen plays a central role in hydrocarbon generation in an oil/gas reservoir. In a subsurface environment, kerogen is constantly subjected to stress confinement or relaxation. The interplay between mechanical deformation and gas adsorption of the materials could be an important process for shale gas production but unfortunately is poorly understood. Using a hybrid Monte Carlo/molecular dynamics simulation, we show here that a strong chemo-mechanical coupling may exist between gas adsorption and mechanical strain of a kerogen matrix. The results indicate that the kerogen volume can expand by up to 5.4% and 11% upon CH4 and CO2 adsorption at 192 atm, respectively. The kerogen volume increases with gas pressure and eventually approaches a plateau as the kerogen becomes saturated. The volume expansion appears to quadratically increase with the amount of gas adsorbed, indicating a critical role of the surface layer of gas adsorbed in the bulk strain of the material. Furthermore, gas uptake is greatly enhanced by kerogen swelling. Swelling also increases the surface area, porosity, and pore size of kerogen. Our results illustrate the dynamic nature of kerogen, thus questioning the validity of the current assumption of a rigid kerogen molecular structure in the estimation of gas-in-place for a shale gas reservoir or gas storage capacity for subsurface carbon sequestration. The coupling between gas adsorption and kerogen matrix deformation should be taken into consideration.

  4. Random walk on a leash: a simple single-molecule diffusion model for surface-tethered redox molecules with flexible linkers.

    PubMed

    Huang, Kuan-Chun; White, Ryan J

    2013-08-28

    We develop a random walk model to simulate the Brownian motion and the electrochemical response of a single molecule confined to an electrode surface via a flexible molecular tether. We use our simple model, which requires no prior knowledge of the physics of the molecular tether, to predict and better understand the voltammetric response of surface-confined redox molecules when motion of the redox molecule becomes important. The single molecule is confined to a hemispherical volume with a maximum radius determined by the flexible molecular tether (5-20 nm) and is allowed to undergo true three-dimensional diffusion. Distance- and potential-dependent electron transfer probabilities are evaluated throughout the simulations to generate cyclic voltammograms of the model system. We find that at sufficiently slow cyclic voltammetric scan rates the electrochemical reaction behaves like an adsorbed redox molecule with no mass transfer limitation; thus, the peak current is proportional to the scan rate. Conversely, at faster scan rates the diffusional motion of the molecule limits the simulated peak current, which exhibits a linear dependence on the square root of the scan rate. The switch between these two limiting regimes occurs when the diffusion layer thickness, (2Dt)(1/2), is ~10 times the tether length. Finally, we find that our model predicts the voltammetric behavior of a redox-active methylene blue tethered to an electrode surface via short flexible single-stranded, polythymine DNAs, allowing the estimation of diffusion coefficients for the end-tethered molecule.

  5. Photonic molecules for improving the optical response of macroporous silicon photonic crystals for gas sensing purposes.

    PubMed

    Cardador, D; Segura, D; Rodríguez, A

    2018-02-19

    In this paper, we report the benefits of working with photonic molecules in macroporous silicon photonic crystals. In particular, we theoretically and experimentally demonstrate that the optical properties of a resonant peak produced by a single photonic atom of 2.6 µm wide can be sequentially improved if a second and a third cavity of the same length are introduced in the structure. As a consequence of that, the base of the peak is reduced from 500 nm to 100 nm, while its amplitude remains constant, increasing its Q-factor from its initial value of 25 up to 175. In addition, the bandgap is enlarged almost twice and the noise within it is mostly eliminated. In this study we also provide a way of reducing the amplitude of one or two peaks, depending whether we are in the two- or three-cavity case, by modifying the length of the involved photonic molecules so that the remainder can be used to measure gas by spectroscopic methods.

  6. Magnetoassociation of KRb Feshbach molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cumby, Tyler; Perreault, John; Shewmon, Ruth; Jin, Deborah

    2010-03-01

    I will discuss experiments in which we study the creation of ^40K^87Rb Feshbach molecules via magnetoassociation. We measure the molecule number as a function of the magnetic-field sweep rate through the interspecies Feshbach resonance and explore the dependence of association on the initial atom gas conditions. This study of the Feshbach molecule creation process may be relevant to the production of ultracold polar molecules, where magnetoassociated Feshbach molecules can be a crucial first step [1].[4pt] [1] K.-K. Ni, S. Ospelkaus, M. H. G. de Miranda, A. Peer, B. Neyenhuis, J. J. Zirbel, S. Kotochigova, P. S. Julienne, D. S. Jin, and J. Ye, Science, 2008, 322, 231- 235.

  7. Magnetoassociation of KRb Feshbach molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cumby, Tyler; Perreault, John; Shewmon, Ruth; Jin, Deborah

    2010-03-01

    I will discuss experiments in which we study the creation of ^40K^87Rb Feshbach molecules via magnetoassociation. We measure the molecule number as a function of the magnetic-field sweep rate through the interspecies Feshbach resonance and explore the dependence of association on the initial atom gas conditions. This study of the Feshbach molecule creation process may be relevant to the production of ultracold polar molecules, where magnetoassociated Feshbach molecules can be a crucial first step [1].[4pt] [1] K.-K. Ni, S. Ospelkaus, M. H. G. de Miranda, A. Peer, B. Neyenhuis, J. J. Zirbel, S. Kotochigova, P. S. Julienne, D. S. Jin, and J. Ye, Science, 2008, 322, 231-235.

  8. Laboratory Studies on the Formation of Carbon-Bearing Molecules in Extraterrestrial Environments: From the Gas Phase to the Solid State

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jamieson, C. S.; Guo, Y.; Gu, X.; Zhang, F.; Bennett, C. J.; Kaiser, R. I.

    2006-01-01

    A detailed knowledge of the formation of carbon-bearing molecules in interstellar ices and in the gas phase of the interstellar medium is of paramount interest to understand the astrochemical evolution of extraterrestrial environments (1). This research also holds strong implications to comprehend the chemical processing of Solar System environments such as icy planets and their moons together with the atmospheres of planets and their satellites (2). Since the present composition of each interstellar and Solar System environment reflects the matter from which it was formed and the processes which have changed the chemical nature since the origin (solar wind, planetary magnetospheres, cosmic ray exposure, photolysis, chemical reactions), a detailed investigation of the physicochemical mechanisms altering the pristine environment is of paramount importance to grasp the contemporary composition. Once these underlying processes have been unraveled, we can identify those molecules, which belonged to the nascent setting, distinguish molecular species synthesized in a later stage, and predict the imminent chemical evolution of, for instance, molecular clouds. Laboratory experiments under controlled physicochemical conditions (temperature, pressure, chemical composition, high energy components) present ideal tools for simulating the chemical evolution of interstellar and Solar System environments. Here, laboratory experiments can predict where and how (reaction mechanisms; chemicals necessary) in extraterrestrial environments and in the interstellar medium complex, carbon bearing molecules can be formed on interstellar grains and in the gas phase. This paper overviews the experimental setups utilized in our laboratory to mimic the chemical processing of gas phase and solid state (ices) environments. These are a crossed molecular beams machine (3) and a surface scattering setup (4). We also present typical results of each setup (formation of amino acids, aldehydes, epoxides

  9. Activity, conformation and dynamics of cutinase adsorbed on poly(methyl methacrylate) latex particles.

    PubMed

    Baptista, R P; Santos, A M; Fedorov, A; Martinho, J M G; Pichot, C; Elaïssari, A; Cabral, J M S; Taipa, M A

    2003-05-08

    The adsorption of a recombinant cutinase from Fusarium solani pisi onto the surface of 100 nm diameter poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) latex particles was evaluated. Adsorption of cutinase is a fast process since more than 70% of protein molecules are adsorbed onto PMMA at time zero of experiment, irrespective of the tested conditions. A Langmuir-type model fitted both protein and enzyme activity isotherms at 25 degrees C. Gamma(max) increased from 1.1 to 1.7 mg m(-2) and U(max) increased from 365 to 982 U m(-2) as the pH was raised from 4.5 to 9.2, respectively. A decrease (up to 50%) in specific activity retention was observed at acidic pH values (pH 4.5 and 5.2) while almost no inactivation (eta(act) congruent with 87-94%) was detected upon adsorption at pH 7.0 and 9.2. Concomitantly, far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra evidenced a reduction in the alpha-helical content of adsorbed protein at acidic pH values while at neutral and alkaline pH the secondary structure of adsorbed cutinase was similar to that of native protein. Fluorescence anisotropy decays showed the release of some constraints to the local motion of the Trp69 upon protein adsorption at pH 8.0, probably due to the disruption of the tryptophan-alanine hydrogen bond when the tryptophan interacts with the PMMA surface. Structural data associated with activity measurements at pH 7.0 and 9.2 showed that cutinase adsorbs onto PMMA particles in an end-on orientation with active site exposed to solvent and full integrity of cutinase secondary structure. Hydrophobic interactions are likely the major contribution to the adsorption mechanism at neutral and alkaline pH values, and a higher amount of protein is adsorbed to PMMA particles with increasing temperature at pH 9.2. The maximum adsorption increased from 88 to 140 mg cutinase per g PMMA with temperature raising from 25 to 50 degrees C, at pH 9.2.

  10. Monte Carlo Study of the Diffusion of CO Molecules inside Anthraquinone Hexagons on Cu(111)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Kwangmoo; Einstein, T. L.; Wyrick, Jon; Bartels, Ludwig

    2010-03-01

    Using Monte Carlo calculations of the two-di-men-sion-al (2D) lattice gas model, we study the diffusion of CO molecules inside anthraquinone (AQ) hexagons on a Cu(111) plane. We use experimentally-derived CO-CO interactionsfootnotetextK.L. Wong, , L. Bartels, J. Chem.Phys.123, 201102 (2005) and the analytic expression for the long-range surface-state- mediated interactionsfootnotetextK. Berland, TLE, and P. Hyldgaard, Phys.Rev. B 80, 155431 (2009) to describe the CO-AQ interactions. We assume that the CO-CO interactions are not affected by the presence of AQ's and that the CO-AQ interactions can be controlled by varying the intra-surface-state (ISS) reflectance r and the ISS phase shift δ of the indirect-electronic adsorbate-pair interactions. Comparing our results with experimental observations, we find that not only pair but also surface-state-mediated trio interactionsfootnotetextP. Hyldgaard and T.L. Einstein, EPL 59, 265 (2002) are needed to understand the data.

  11. Modification of Ag nanoparticles with mixed thiols for improved SERS detection of poorly adsorbing target molecules: detection of MDMA.

    PubMed

    Stewart, Alan; Bell, Steven E J

    2011-04-21

    Here we report an example of a mixed thiol monolayer on the surface of Ag nanoparticles which promotes adsorption and quantitative SERS detection of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy"); the thiols in the mixed monolayers act synergistically since MDMA does not adsorb onto colloids modified with either of the thiols separately. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

  12. Interaction between phases in the liquid–gas system

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Berry, R. S., E-mail: bmsmirnov@gmail.com; Smirnov, B. M.

    This work analyzes the equilibrium between a liquid and a gas over this liquid separated by an interface. Various gas forms exist inside the liquid: dissolved gas molecules attached to solvent molecules, free gas molecules, and gaseous bubbles. Thermodynamic equilibrium is maintained between two phases; the first phase is the liquid containing dissolved and free molecules, and the second phase is the gas over the liquid and bubbles inside it. Kinetics of gas transition between the internal and external gas proceeds through bubbles and includes the processes of bubbles floating up and bubble growth as a result of association duemore » to the Smoluchowski mechanism. Evolution of a gas in the liquid is considered using the example of oxygen in water, and numerical parameters of this system are given. In the regime under consideration for an oxygen–water system, transport of oxygen into the surrounding air proceeds through micron-size bubbles with lifetimes of hours. This regime is realized if the total number of oxygen molecules in water is small compared with the numbers of solvated and free molecules in the liquid.« less

  13. Photophysics of sunscreen molecules in the gas phase: a stepwise approach towards understanding and developing next-generation sunscreens

    PubMed Central

    Rodrigues, Natércia D. N.; Staniforth, Michael

    2016-01-01

    The relationship between exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and skin cancer urges the need for extra photoprotection, which is presently provided by widespread commercially available sunscreen lotions. Apart from having a large absorption cross section in the UVA and UVB regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, the chemical absorbers in these photoprotective products should also be able to dissipate the excess energy in a safe way, i.e. without releasing photoproducts or inducing any further, harmful, photochemistry. While sunscreens are tested for both their photoprotective capability and dermatological compatibility, phenomena occurring at the molecular level upon absorption of UV radiation are largely overlooked. To date, there is only a limited amount of information regarding the photochemistry and photophysics of these sunscreen molecules. However, a thorough understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms by which popular sunscreen molecular constituents dissipate excess energy has the potential to aid in the design of more efficient, safer sunscreens. In this review, we explore the potential of using gas-phase frequency- and time-resolved spectroscopies in an effort to better understand the photoinduced excited-state dynamics, or photodynamics, of sunscreen molecules. Complementary computational studies are also briefly discussed. Finally, the future outlook of expanding these gas-phase studies into the solution phase is considered. PMID:27956888

  14. Photophysics of sunscreen molecules in the gas phase: a stepwise approach towards understanding and developing next-generation sunscreens

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rodrigues, Natércia D. N.; Staniforth, Michael; Stavros, Vasilios G.

    2016-11-01

    The relationship between exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and skin cancer urges the need for extra photoprotection, which is presently provided by widespread commercially available sunscreen lotions. Apart from having a large absorption cross section in the UVA and UVB regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, the chemical absorbers in these photoprotective products should also be able to dissipate the excess energy in a safe way, i.e. without releasing photoproducts or inducing any further, harmful, photochemistry. While sunscreens are tested for both their photoprotective capability and dermatological compatibility, phenomena occurring at the molecular level upon absorption of UV radiation are largely overlooked. To date, there is only a limited amount of information regarding the photochemistry and photophysics of these sunscreen molecules. However, a thorough understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms by which popular sunscreen molecular constituents dissipate excess energy has the potential to aid in the design of more efficient, safer sunscreens. In this review, we explore the potential of using gas-phase frequency- and time-resolved spectroscopies in an effort to better understand the photoinduced excited-state dynamics, or photodynamics, of sunscreen molecules. Complementary computational studies are also briefly discussed. Finally, the future outlook of expanding these gas-phase studies into the solution phase is considered.

  15. Theoretical study of water-gas shift reaction on the silver nanocluster

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arab, Ali; Sharafie, Darioush; Fazli, Mostafa

    2017-10-01

    The kinetics of water gas shift reaction (WGSR) on the silver nanocluster was investigated using density functional theory according to the carboxyl associative mechanism. The hybrid B3PW91 functional along with the 6-31+G* and LANL2DZ basis sets were used throughout the calculations. It was observed that CO and H2O molecules adsorb physically on the Ag5 cluster without energy barrier as the initial steps of WGSR. The next three steps including H2Oads dissociation, carboxyl (OCOHads) formation, and CO2(ads) formation were accompanied by activation barrier. Transition states, as well as energy profiles of these three steps, were determined and analyzed. Our results revealed that the carboxyl and CO2(ads) formation were fast steps whereas H2Oads dissociation was the slowest step of WGSR.

  16. Adsorbent catalytic nanoparticles and methods of using the same

    DOEpatents

    Slowing, Igor Ivan; Kandel, Kapil

    2017-01-31

    The present invention provides an adsorbent catalytic nanoparticle including a mesoporous silica nanoparticle having at least one adsorbent functional group bound thereto. The adsorbent catalytic nanoparticle also includes at least one catalytic material. In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of using and making the adsorbent catalytic nanoparticles. In some examples, the adsorbent catalytic nanoparticles can be used to selectively remove fatty acids from feedstocks for biodiesel, and to hydrotreat the separated fatty acids.

  17. Laboratory Measurements of Oxygen Gas Release from Basaltic Minerals Exposed to UV- Radiation: Implications for the Viking Gas Exchange Experiments

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hurowitz, J. A.; Yen, A. S.

    2007-12-01

    The biology experiments onboard the Viking Landers determined that the Martian soils at Chryse and Utopia Planitia contain an unknown chemical compound of a highly oxidizing nature. The Gas Exchange Experiments (GEx) demonstrated that the humidification of a 1-cc Martian soil sample resulted in the production of as much as 790 nanomoles of oxygen gas. Yen et al. (2000) have provided experimental evidence that superoxide radicals can be generated on plagioclase feldspar (labradorite) grain surfaces by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light in the presence of oxygen gas. Adsorbed superoxide radicals are thought to react readily with water vapor, and produce oxygen gas in quantities sufficient to explain the Viking GEx results. Direct evidence for the formation of oxygen gas, however, was not provided in the experiments of Yen et al (2000). Accordingly, the motivation of this study is to determine whether superoxide radicals adsorbed on labradorite surfaces are capable of producing oxygen gas upon exposure to water vapor. We have constructed an experimental apparatus that is capable of monitoring oxygen gas release from basaltic mineral powders that have been exposed to UV-radiation under Martian atmospheric pressure conditions. The apparatus consists of a stainless-steel vacuum chamber with a UV- transparent window where sample radiation exposures are performed. The vacuum chamber has multiple valved ports for injection of gases and water vapor. The vacuum chamber is connected via a precision leak valve to a quadrupole mass spectrometer, which measures changes in the composition of the headspace gases over our mineral samples. We will report on the results of our experiments, which are aimed at detecting and quantifying oxygen gas release from UV-exposed basaltic mineral samples using this new experimental facility. These results will further constrain whether superoxide ions adsorbed on mineral surfaces provide a viable explanation for the Viking GEx results, which have

  18. Multicomponent Gas Diffusion and an Appropriate Momentum Boundary Condition

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Noever, David A.

    1994-01-01

    Multicomponent gas diffusion is reviewed with particular emphasis on gas flows near solid boundaries-the so-called Kramers-Kistemaker effect. The aim is to derive an appropriate momentum boundary condition which governs many gaseous species diffusing together. The many species' generalization of the traditional single gas condition, either as slip or stick (no-slip), is not obvious, particularly for technologically important cases of lower gas pressures and very dissimilar molecular weight gases. No convincing theoretical case exists for why two gases should interact with solid boundaries equally but in opposite flow directions, such that the total gas flow exactly vanishes. ln this way, the multicomponent no-slip boundary requires careful treatment The approaches discussed here generally adopt a microscopic model for gas-solid contact. The method has the advantage that the mathematics remain tractable and hence experimentally testable. Two new proposals are put forward, the first building in some molecular collision physics, the second drawing on a detailed view of surface diffusion which does not unphysically extrapolate bulk gas properties to govern the adsorbed molecules. The outcome is a better accounting of previously anomalous experiments. Models predict novel slip conditions appearing even for the case of equal molecular weight components. These approaches become particularly significant in view of a conceptual contradiction found to arise in previous derivations of the appropriate boundary conditions. The analogous case of three gases, one of which is uniformly distributed and hence non-diffusing, presents a further refinement which gives unexpected flow reversals near solid boundaries. This case is investigated alone and for aggregating gas species near their condensation point. In addition to predicting new physics, this investigation carries practical implications for controlling vapor diffusion in the growth of crystals used in medical diagnosis (e

  19. Correlation between active layer thickness and ambient gas stability in IGZO thin-film transistors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gao, Xu; Lin, Meng-Fang; Mao, Bao-Hua; Shimizu, Maki; Mitoma, Nobuhiko; Kizu, Takio; Ou-Yang, Wei; Nabatame, Toshihide; Liu, Zhi; Tsukagoshi, Kazuhito; Wang, Sui-Dong

    2017-01-01

    Decreasing the active layer thickness has been recently reported as an alternative way to achieve fully depleted oxide thin-film transistors for the realization of low-voltage operations. However, the correlation between the active layer thickness and device resistivity to environmental changes is still unclear, which is important for the optimized design of oxide thin-film transistors. In this work, the ambient gas stability of IGZO thin-film transistors is found to be strongly correlated to the IGZO thickness. The TFT with the thinnest IGZO layer shows the highest intrinsic electron mobility in a vacuum, which is greatly reduced after exposure to O2/air. The device with a thick IGZO layer shows similar electron mobility in O2/air, whereas the mobility variation measured in the vacuum is absent. The thickness dependent ambient gas stability is attributed to a high-mobility region in the IGZO surface vicinity with less sputtering-induced damage, which will become electron depleted in O2/air due to the electron transfer to adsorbed gas molecules. The O2 adsorption and deduced IGZO surface band bending is demonstrated by the ambient-pressure x-ray photoemission spectroscopy results.

  20. Natural Gas Storage Research at Savannah River National Laboratory

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Anton, Don; Sulic, Martin; Tamburello, David A.

    As an alternative to imported oil, scientists at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River National Laboratory are looking at abundant, domestically sourced natural gas, as an alternative transportation fuel. SRNL is investigating light, inexpensive, adsorbed natural gas storage systems that may fuel the next generation of automobiles.

  1. Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction Study of Structure and Growth of Adsorbed Layers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dai, Pengcheng

    Synchrotron x-ray diffraction and scanning-tunneling -microscopy (STM) experiments reveal a new commensurate monolayer structure of 10CB (decylcyanobiphenyl) molecules adsorbed on the (0001) graphite surface. Our results are consistent with two generic structures for nCB monolayers on surfaces of hexagonal symmetry. The monolayer d spacing of the new phase inferred by STM is 10% layer than that obtained by x-ray diffraction on the same sample. We suggest that part of this discrepancy results from a systematic error introduced in calibration of the STM length scale against the graphite substrate. For multilayer nCB films, we find that a polycrystalline structure is formed and most of the adsorbed molecules are aligned with their long axis perpendicular to the graphite surface. Synchrotron x-ray scattering has been used to investigate the structure and growth of xenon physisorbed on the Ag(111) surface using a specially designed ultra -high vacuum (UHV) chamber. For growth under quasi-equilibrium conditions, the bulk Xe-Xe spacing is reached at monolayer completion and solid films of thickness >= 220 A are observed in which an 'ABC' stacking sequence predominates. Under kinetic growth conditions, intensity oscillations at the Xe anti-Bragg position of the specular rod are observed as a function of time, indicating layer -by-layer growth. Analysis of the specular reflectivity at different coverages yields the fractional layer occupancies and the spacing between the Ag(111) surface and first Xe layer. We have conducted a series of low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) 'kinetic isotherm' experiments on both xenon and hexane rm(C_6H_{14 }) films adsorbed on the Ag(111) surface. Our preliminary results show that under the pressure and temperature range accessible to the experiments, all of the Xe kinetic isotherms fall on a universal curve which is concave upward. However, the hexane kinetic isotherms have a qualitatively different shape (S-like) at the higher

  2. State-specific enhancement of Cl+ and Cl- desorption for SiCl4 adsorbed on a Si(100) surface following Cl 2 p and Si 2 p core-level excitations.

    PubMed

    Chen, J M; Lu, K T

    2001-04-02

    State-specific desorption for SiCl4 adsorbed on a Si(100) surface at approximately 90 K with variable coverage following the Cl 2p and Si 2p core-level excitations has been investigated using synchrotron radiation. The Cl+ yields show a significant enhancement following the Cl 2p-->8a*1 excitation. The Cl- yields are notably enhanced at the 8a*1 resonance at both Cl 2p and Si 2p edges. The enhancement of the Cl- yield occurs through the formation of highly excited states of the adsorbed molecules. These results provide some new dissociation processes from adsorbates on surfaces via core-level excitation.

  3. A new interstellar molecule - Tricarbon monoxide

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Matthews, H. E.; Irvine, W. M.; Friberg, P.; Brown, R. D.; Godfrey, P. D.

    1984-01-01

    The C3O molecule, whose pure rotational spectrum has only recently been studied in the laboratory, has been detected in the cold, dark interstellar Taurus Molecular Cloud 1. Since C3O is the first interstelar carbon chain molecule to contain oxygen, its existence places an important new constraint on chemical schemes for cold interstellar clouds. The abundance of C3O can be understood in terms of purely gas-phase ion-molecule chemistry.

  4. SERS+MEF of the anti-tumoral drug emodin adsorbed on silver nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sevilla, Paz; De Llanos, Raquel; Domingo, Concepción; Sánchez-Cortés, Santiago; García-Ramos, José V.

    2010-02-01

    Metal nanostructures are known to amplify the spontaneous emission of fluorescent molecules by resonant coupling to external electromagnetic fields. We have used spectroscopy to characterize the structural properties of emodin molecules, a natural anthraquinone dye, and bovine serum albumin, the most abundant protein in plasma, in the presence of silver nanoparticles. Aggregation of emodin at pH=10 and pH=6 gives rise to SERS and MEF effects in silver colloid. We have obtained MEF spectra at acidic pH=2.9 using two different silver nanostructures. We have also studied the change in the secondary structure of bovine serum albumin adsorbed on metal nanoparticles surface. Circular dichroism, fluorescence emission and fluorescence lifetime measurements indicate an increase in the alfa-helical content of the protein and a change in the environment of the tryptophan residues that bury in the interior of the biomolecule. This variation on the secondary structure could have further influence in the binding of the drug to form transport and regulatory complexes.

  5. Quantum mechanical computations and spectroscopy: from small rigid molecules in the gas phase to large flexible molecules in solution.

    PubMed

    Barone, Vincenzo; Improta, Roberto; Rega, Nadia

    2008-05-01

    Interpretation of structural properties and dynamic behavior of molecules in solution is of fundamental importance to understand their stability, chemical reactivity, and catalytic action. While information can be gained, in principle, by a variety of spectroscopic techniques, the interpretation of the rich indirect information that can be inferred from the analysis of experimental spectra is seldom straightforward because of the subtle interplay of several different effects, whose specific role is not easy to separate and evaluate. In such a complex scenario, theoretical studies can be very helpful at two different levels: (i) supporting and complementing experimental results to determine the structure of the target molecule starting from its spectral properties; (ii) dissecting and evaluating the role of different effects in determining the observed spectroscopic properties. This is the reason why computational spectroscopy is rapidly evolving from a highly specialized research field into a versatile and widespread tool for the assignment of experimental spectra and their interpretation in terms of chemical physical effects. In such a situation, it becomes important that both computationally and experimentally oriented chemists are aware that new methodological advances and integrated computational strategies are available, providing reliable estimates of fundamental spectral parameters not only for relatively small molecules in the gas phase but also for large and flexible molecules in condensed phases. In this Account, we review the most significant methodological contributions from our research group in this field, and by exploiting some recent results of their application to the computation of IR, UV-vis, NMR, and EPR spectral parameters, we discuss the microscopic mechanisms underlying solvent and vibrational effects on the spectral parameters. After reporting some recent achievements for the study of excited states by first principle quantum mechanical

  6. Gas/vapour separation using ultra-microporous metal-organic frameworks: insights into the structure/separation relationship.

    PubMed

    Adil, Karim; Belmabkhout, Youssef; Pillai, Renjith S; Cadiau, Amandine; Bhatt, Prashant M; Assen, Ayalew H; Maurin, Guillaume; Eddaoudi, Mohamed

    2017-06-06

    The separation of related molecules with similar physical/chemical properties is of prime industrial importance and practically entails a substantial energy penalty, typically necessitating the operation of energy-demanding low temperature fractional distillation techniques. Certainly research efforts, in academia and industry alike, are ongoing with the main aim to develop advanced functional porous materials to be adopted as adsorbents for the effective and energy-efficient separation of various important commodities. Of special interest is the subclass of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with pore aperture sizes below 5-7 Å, namely ultra-microporous MOFs, which in contrast to conventional zeolites and activated carbons show great prospects for addressing key challenges in separations pertaining to energy and environmental sustainability, specifically materials for carbon capture and separation of olefin/paraffin, acetylene/ethylene, linear/branched alkanes, xenon/krypton, etc. In this tutorial review we discuss the latest developments in ultra-microporous MOF adsorbents and their use as separating agents via thermodynamics and/or kinetics and molecular sieving. Appreciably, we provide insights into the distinct microscopic mechanisms governing the resultant separation performances, and suggest a plausible correlation between the inherent structural features/topology of MOFs and the associated gas/vapour separation performance.

  7. Gas phase basicities of polyfunctional molecules. Part 5: Non-aromatic sp2 nitrogen containing compounds.

    PubMed

    Bouchoux, Guy; Eckert-Maksic, Mirjana

    2018-03-01

    This paper constitutes the fifth part of a general review of the gas-phase protonation thermochemistry of polyfunctional molecules (Part 1: Theory and methods, Mass Spectrom Rev 2007, 26:775-835, Part 2: Saturated basic sites, Mass Spectrom Rev 2012, 31:353-390, Part 3: Amino acids, Mass Spectrom Rev 2012, 31:391-435, Part 4: Carbonyl as basic site, Mass Spectrom Rev 2015, 34:493-534). This part is devoted to non-aromatic molecules characterized by a lone pair located on a sp 2 nitrogen atom, it embraces functional groups such as imines, amidines, guanidines, diazenes, hydrazines, oximes, and phosphazenes. Specific examples are examined under five major chapters. In the first one, aliphatic and unsaturated (conjugated and cyclic) imines, hydrazones, and oximes are considered. A second chapter describes the protonation energetic of aliphatic, conjugated, or cyclic amidines. Guanidines, polyguanides, and biomolecules containing guanidine were examined in the third chapter. A fourth chapter describes the particular case of the phosphazene molecules. Finally, diazenes and azides were considered in the last chapter. Experimental data were re-evaluated according to the presently adopted basicity scale, i.e., PA(NH 3 ) = 853.6 kJ/mol, GB (NH 3 ) = 819 kJ/mol. Structural and energetic information given by G4MP2 quantum chemistry computations on typical systems are presented. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 37:139-170, 2018. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. Mechanochemical Association Reaction of Interfacial Molecules Driven by Shear.

    PubMed

    Khajeh, Arash; He, Xin; Yeon, Jejoon; Kim, Seong H; Martini, Ashlie

    2018-05-29

    Shear-driven chemical reaction mechanisms are poorly understood because the relevant reactions are often hidden between two solid surfaces moving in relative motion. Here, this phenomenon is explored by characterizing shear-induced polymerization reactions that occur during vapor phase lubrication of α-pinene between sliding hydroxylated and dehydroxylated silica surfaces, complemented by reactive molecular dynamics simulations. The results suggest that oxidative chemisorption of the α-pinene molecules at reactive surface sites, which transfers oxygen atoms from the surface to the adsorbate molecule, is the critical activation step. Such activation takes place more readily on the dehydroxylated surface. During this activation, the most strained part of the α-pinene molecules undergoes a partial distortion from its equilibrium geometry, which appears to be related to the critical activation volume for mechanical activation. Once α-pinene molecules are activated, association reactions occur between the newly attached oxygen and one of the carbon atoms in another molecule, forming ether bonds. These findings have general implications for mechanochemistry because they reveal that shear-driven reactions may occur through reaction pathways very different from their thermally induced counterparts and specifically the critical role of molecular distortion in such reactions.

  9. Investigations Into the Reusability of Amidoxime-Based Polymeric Uranium Adsorbents

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kuo, Li-Jung; Gill, Gary A.; Strivens, Jonathan E.

    Significant advancements in amidoxime-based polymeric adsorbents to extract uranium from seawater are achieved in recent years. The success of uranium adsorbent development can help provide a sustainable supply of fuel for nuclear reactors. To bring down the production cost of this new technology, in addition to the development of novel adsorbents with high uranium capacity and manufacture cost, the development of adsorbent re-using technique is critical because it can further reduce the cost of the adsorbent manufacture. In our last report, the use of high concentrations of bicarbonate solution (3M KHCO3) was identified as a cost-effective, environmental friendly method tomore » strip uranium from amidoxime-based polymeric adsorbents. This study aims to further improve the method for high recovery of uranium capacity in re-uses and to evaluate the performance of adsorbents after multiple re-use cycles. Adsorption of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the uranium adsorbents during seawater exposure can hinder the uranium adsorption and slow down the adsorption rate. An additional NaOH rinse (0.5 M NaOH, room temperature) was applied after the 3 M KHCO3 elution to remove natural organic matter from adsorbents. The combination of 3 M KHCO3 elution and 0.5 M NaOH rinse significantly improves the recovery of uranium adsorption capacity in the re-used adsorbents. In the first re-use, most ORNL adsorbents tested achieve ~100% recovery by using 3 M KHCO3 elution + 0.5 M NaOH rinse approach, in comparison to 54% recovery when only 3 M KHCO3 elution was applied. A significant drop in capacity was observed when the adsorbents went through more than one re-use. FTIR spectra revealed that degradation of amidoxime ligands occurs during seawater exposure, and is more significant the longer the exposure time. Significantly elevated ratios of Ca/U and Mg/U in re-used adsorbents support the decrease in abundance of amidoxime ligands and increase carboxylate group from FT

  10. DFT study on the adsorption behavior and electronic response of AlN nanotube and nanocage toward toxic halothane gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohammadi, R.; Hosseinian, A.; Khosroshahi, E. Saedi; Edjlali, L.; Vessally, E.

    2018-04-01

    We have investigated the adsorption of a halothane molecule on the AlN nanotube, and nanocage using density functional theory calculations. We predicted that the halothane molecule tends to be physically adsorbed on the surface of AlN nanotube with adsorption energy (Ead) of -4.2 kcal/mol. The electronic properties of AlN nanotube are not affected by the halothane, and it is not a sensor. But the AlN nanocage is more reactive than the AlN nanotube because of its higher curvature. The halothane tends to be adsorbed on a hexagonal ring, an Alsbnd N bond, and a tetragonal ring of the AlN nanocage. The adsorption ability order is as follows: tetragonal ring (Ead = -14.7 kcal/mol) > Alsbnd N bond (Ead = -12.3 kcal/mol) > hexagonal ring (Ead = -10.1 kcal/mol). When a halothane molecule is adsorbed on the AlN nanocage, its electrical conductivity is increased, demonstrating that it can yield an electronic signal at the presence of this molecule, and can be employed in chemical sensors. The AlN nanocage benefits from a short recovery time of about 58 ms at room temperature.

  11. Radiolytic stability of gibbsite and boehmite with adsorbed water

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huestis, Patricia; Pearce, Carolyn I.; Zhang, X.; N'Diaye, Alpha T.; Rosso, Kevin M.; LaVerne, Jay A.

    2018-04-01

    Aluminum oxyhydroxide (boehmite, AlOOH) and aluminum hydroxide (gibbsite, Al(OH)3) powders with adsorbed water were irradiated with γ-rays and 5 MeV He ions (α-particles) in order to determine overall radiation stability and chemical modification to the surface. No variation in overall phase or crystallinity due to radiolysis was observed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy for doses up to 2 MGy with γ-rays and 175 MGy with α-particles. Temperature programed desorption (TPD) of the water from the surface to the gas phase indicated that the water was chemisorbed and strongly bound. Water adsorption sites are of similar energy for both gibbsite and boehmite. Observation of the water adsorbed on the surface of gibbsite and boehmite with diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) showed broad peaks at 3100-3600 cm-1 due to OH stretching that slowly decreased on heating to 500 °C, which corresponds well with the water vapor evolution observed with TPD. Both materials were found to be amorphous following heating to 500 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated surface reduction of Al(III) to Al metal on radiolysis with α-particles. Complete loss of chemisorbed water and the formation of bulk O atoms was observed following radiolysis with α-particles.

  12. Gastrointestinal gas.

    PubMed Central

    Fardy, J; Sullivan, S

    1988-01-01

    Complaints related to gastrointestinal gas are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Various therapies have been proposed, yet none has appeared to be extremely effective. A review of the literature revealed little hard evidence to support the use of simethicone, pancreatic enzymes, anticholinergic agents or antibiotics. Evidence supporting the use of prokinetic agents has been the strongest, and there may be a pathophysiologic basis for the use of these agents if the complaints are related to abnormal intestinal motility. The use of activated charcoal for adsorbing intestinal gas has been effective in healthy subjects but has not been properly investigated in patients with gas complaints. Dietary modification may be beneficial in certain cases. Additional controlled trials are necessary to clarify the issues in the treatment of this common problem. PMID:3058280

  13. Natural Gas Storage Research at Savannah River National Laboratory

    ScienceCinema

    Anton, Don; Sulic, Martin; Tamburello, David A.

    2018-01-16

    As an alternative to imported oil, scientists at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River National Laboratory are looking at abundant, domestically sourced natural gas, as an alternative transportation fuel. SRNL is investigating light, inexpensive, adsorbed natural gas storage systems that may fuel the next generation of automobiles.

  14. Oriented Polar Molecules in a Solid Inert-Gas Matrix: A Proposed Method for Measuring the Electric Dipole Moment of the Electron

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vutha, A.; Horbatsch, M.; Hessels, E.

    2018-01-01

    We propose a very sensitive method for measuring the electric dipole moment of the electron using polar molecules embedded in a cryogenic solid matrix of inert-gas atoms. The polar molecules can be oriented in the $\\hat{\\rm{z}}$ direction by an applied electric field, as has recently been demonstrated by Park, et al. [Angewandte Chemie {\\bf 129}, 1066 (2017)]. The trapped molecules are prepared into a state which has its electron spin perpendicular to $\\hat{\\rm{z}}$, and a magnetic field along $\\hat{\\rm{z}}$ causes precession of this spin. An electron electric dipole moment $d_e$ would affect this precession due to the up to 100~GV/cm effective electric field produced by the polar molecule. The large number of polar molecules that can be embedded in a matrix, along with the expected long coherence times for the precession, allows for the possibility of measuring $d_e$ to an accuracy that surpasses current measurements by many orders of magnitude. Because the matrix can inhibit molecular rotations and lock the orientation of the polar molecules, it may not be necessary to have an electric field present during the precession. The proposed technique can be applied using a variety of polar molecules and inert gases, which, along with other experimental variables, should allow for careful study of systematic uncertainties in the measurement.

  15. Highly efficient spin polarizer based on individual heterometallic cubane single-molecule magnets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dong, Damin

    2015-09-01

    The spin-polarized transport across a single-molecule magnet [Mn3Zn(hmp)3O(N3)3(C3H5O2)3].2CHCl3 has been investigated using a density functional theory combined with Keldysh non-equilibrium Green's function formalism. It is shown that this single-molecule magnet has perfect spin filter behaviour. By adsorbing Ni3 cluster onto non-magnetic Au electrode, a large magnetoresistance exceeding 172% is found displaying molecular spin valve feature. Due to the tunneling via discrete quantum-mechanical states, the I-V curve has a stepwise character and negative differential resistance behaviour.

  16. Thermodynamics and kinetics of gas storage in porous liquids

    DOE PAGES

    Zhang, Fei; Yang, Fengchang; Huang, Jingsong; ...

    2016-07-05

    The recent synthesis of organic molecular liquids with permanent porosity (Giri et al., Nature, 2015, 527, 216) opens up exciting new avenues for gas capture, storage, and separation. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we study the thermodynamics and kinetics for the storage of CH 4, CO 2, and N 2 molecules in porous liquids consisting of crown-ether substituted cage molecules in a 15-crown-5 solvent. It is found that the gas storage capacity per cage molecule follows the order of CH 4 > CO 2 > N 2, which does not correlate simply with the size of gas molecules. Different gas moleculesmore » are stored inside the cage differently, e.g., CO 2 molecules prefer the cage s core while CH 4 molecules favor both the core and the branch regions. All gas molecules considered can enter the cage essentially without energy barriers, and their dynamics inside the cage are only slightly hindered by the nanoscale confinement. In addition, all gas molecules can leave the cage on nanosecond time scale by overcoming a modest energy penalty. The molecular mechanisms of these observations are clarified.« less

  17. Thermodynamics and kinetics of gas storage in porous liquids

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhang, Fei; Yang, Fengchang; Huang, Jingsong

    The recent synthesis of organic molecular liquids with permanent porosity (Giri et al., Nature, 2015, 527, 216) opens up exciting new avenues for gas capture, storage, and separation. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we study the thermodynamics and kinetics for the storage of CH 4, CO 2, and N 2 molecules in porous liquids consisting of crown-ether substituted cage molecules in a 15-crown-5 solvent. It is found that the gas storage capacity per cage molecule follows the order of CH 4 > CO 2 > N 2, which does not correlate simply with the size of gas molecules. Different gas moleculesmore » are stored inside the cage differently, e.g., CO 2 molecules prefer the cage s core while CH 4 molecules favor both the core and the branch regions. All gas molecules considered can enter the cage essentially without energy barriers, and their dynamics inside the cage are only slightly hindered by the nanoscale confinement. In addition, all gas molecules can leave the cage on nanosecond time scale by overcoming a modest energy penalty. The molecular mechanisms of these observations are clarified.« less

  18. Chemistry and temperature-assisted dehydrogenation of C60H30 molecules on TiO2(110) surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sánchez-Sánchez, Carlos; Martínez, José Ignacio; Lanzilotto, Valeria; Biddau, Giulio; Gómez-Lor, Berta; Pérez, Rubén; Floreano, Luca; López, María Francisca; Martín-Gago, José Ángel

    2013-10-01

    The thermal induced on-surface chemistry of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) deposited on dielectric substrates is very rich and complex. We evidence temperature-assisted (cyclo)dehydrogenation reactions for C60H30 molecules and the subsequent bottom-up formation of assembled nanostructures, such as nanodomes, on the TiO2(110) surface. To this aim we have deposited, under ultra-high vacuum, a submonolayer coverage of C60H30 and studied, by a combination of experimental techniques (STM, XPS and NEXAFS) and theoretical methods, the different chemical on-surface interaction stages induced by the increasing temperature. We show that room temperature adsorbed molecules exhibit a weak interaction and freely diffuse on the surface, as previously reported for other aromatics. Nevertheless, a slight annealing induces a transition from this (meta)stable configuration into chemisorbed molecules. This adsorbate-surface interaction deforms the C60H30 molecular structure and quenches surface diffusion. Higher annealing temperatures lead to partial dehydrogenation, in which the molecule loses some of the hydrogen atoms and LUMO levels spread in the gap inducing a net total energy gain. Further annealing, up to around 750 K, leads to complete dehydrogenation. At these temperatures the fully dehydrogenated molecules link between them in a bottom-up coupling, forming nanodomes or fullerene-like monodisperse species readily on the dielectric surface. This work opens the door to the use of on-surface chemistry to generate new bottom-up tailored structures directly on high-K dielectric surfaces.The thermal induced on-surface chemistry of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) deposited on dielectric substrates is very rich and complex. We evidence temperature-assisted (cyclo)dehydrogenation reactions for C60H30 molecules and the subsequent bottom-up formation of assembled nanostructures, such as nanodomes, on the TiO2(110) surface. To this aim we have deposited

  19. The influence of photoelectron processes in a semiconductor substrate on the adsorption of polycationic and polyanionic molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stetsyura, S. V.; Kozlowski, A. V.

    2017-03-01

    White-light illumination during the adsorption of polyanionic molecules of glucose oxidase (GO x ) enzyme on the surface of p-Si/SiO2/polyethylenimine structure leads to a threefold decrease in the surface concentration of GO x molecules. Same illumination during the GO x adsorption on the n-Si/SiO2/PEI structure leads to a sevenfold increase in the surface concentration of enzyme molecules. Changes in the amount of adsorbed GO x molecules depending on the intensity of irradiation are explained by electron transfer processes and recharging of electronic states at the Si/SiO2 interface and within SiO2 layer.

  20. Gas-phase binding energies for non-covalent Aβ-40 peptide/small molecule complexes from CID mass spectrometry and RRKM theory.

    PubMed

    Mayer, Paul M; Martineau, Eric

    2011-03-21

    The gas-phase binding of small molecules to the Amyloid β-40 peptide generated by electrospray ionization has been explored with collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry and kinetic rate theory. This study discusses a simple procedure used to theoretically model the experimental breakdown diagrams for the Aβ-40 peptide complexed with a series of aminosulfonate small molecules, namely homotaurine, 3-cyclohexylamino-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPSO), 3-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-β-carbolin-2-yl)propane-1-sulfonic acid, 3-(1,3,4,9-tetrahydro-2H-β-carbolin-2-yl)butane-1-sulfonic acid, and 3-(cyclohexylamino)propane-1-sulfonic acid. An alternative procedure employing an extrapolation procedure for k(E) is also discussed.

  1. A quorum-sensing molecule acts as a morphogen controlling gas vesicle organelle biogenesis and adaptive flotation in an enterobacterium

    PubMed Central

    Ramsay, Joshua P.; Williamson, Neil R.; Spring, David R.; Salmond, George P. C.

    2011-01-01

    Gas vesicles are hollow intracellular proteinaceous organelles produced by aquatic Eubacteria and Archaea, including cyanobacteria and halobacteria. Gas vesicles increase buoyancy and allow taxis toward air–liquid interfaces, enabling subsequent niche colonization. Here we report a unique example of gas vesicle-mediated flotation in an enterobacterium; Serratia sp. strain ATCC39006. This strain is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae previously studied for its production of prodigiosin and carbapenem antibiotics. Genes required for gas vesicle synthesis mapped to a 16.6-kb gene cluster encoding three distinct homologs of the main structural protein, GvpA. Heterologous expression of this locus in Escherichia coli induced copious vesicle production and efficient cell buoyancy. Gas vesicle morphogenesis in Serratia enabled formation of a pellicle-like layer of highly vacuolated cells, which was dependent on oxygen limitation and the expression of ntrB/C and cheY-like regulatory genes within the gas-vesicle gene cluster. Gas vesicle biogenesis was strictly controlled by intercellular chemical signaling, through an N-acyl homoserine lactone, indicating that in this system the quorum-sensing molecule acts as a morphogen initiating organelle development. Flagella-based motility and gas vesicle morphogenesis were also oppositely regulated by the small RNA-binding protein, RsmA, suggesting environmental adaptation through physiological control of the choice between motility and flotation as alternative taxis modes. We propose that gas vesicle biogenesis in this strain represents a distinct mechanism of mobility, regulated by oxygen availability, nutritional status, the RsmA global regulatory system, and the quorum-sensing morphogen. PMID:21873216

  2. A quorum-sensing molecule acts as a morphogen controlling gas vesicle organelle biogenesis and adaptive flotation in an enterobacterium.

    PubMed

    Ramsay, Joshua P; Williamson, Neil R; Spring, David R; Salmond, George P C

    2011-09-06

    Gas vesicles are hollow intracellular proteinaceous organelles produced by aquatic Eubacteria and Archaea, including cyanobacteria and halobacteria. Gas vesicles increase buoyancy and allow taxis toward air-liquid interfaces, enabling subsequent niche colonization. Here we report a unique example of gas vesicle-mediated flotation in an enterobacterium; Serratia sp. strain ATCC39006. This strain is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae previously studied for its production of prodigiosin and carbapenem antibiotics. Genes required for gas vesicle synthesis mapped to a 16.6-kb gene cluster encoding three distinct homologs of the main structural protein, GvpA. Heterologous expression of this locus in Escherichia coli induced copious vesicle production and efficient cell buoyancy. Gas vesicle morphogenesis in Serratia enabled formation of a pellicle-like layer of highly vacuolated cells, which was dependent on oxygen limitation and the expression of ntrB/C and cheY-like regulatory genes within the gas-vesicle gene cluster. Gas vesicle biogenesis was strictly controlled by intercellular chemical signaling, through an N-acyl homoserine lactone, indicating that in this system the quorum-sensing molecule acts as a morphogen initiating organelle development. Flagella-based motility and gas vesicle morphogenesis were also oppositely regulated by the small RNA-binding protein, RsmA, suggesting environmental adaptation through physiological control of the choice between motility and flotation as alternative taxis modes. We propose that gas vesicle biogenesis in this strain represents a distinct mechanism of mobility, regulated by oxygen availability, nutritional status, the RsmA global regulatory system, and the quorum-sensing morphogen.

  3. Infrared Spectroscopic and Electronic Structure Investigations of Beryllium Halide Molecules, Cations, and Anions in Noble Gas Matrices.

    PubMed

    Yu, Wenjie; Andrews, Lester; Wang, Xuefeng

    2017-11-22

    Laser-ablated Be atoms, cations, and electrons were reacted with F 2 , ClF, Cl 2 , NF 3 , CCl 4 , CF 2 Cl 2 , HCl, DCl, and SiCl 4 diluted in noble gases. The major products were the dihalides BeF 2 , BeClF, BeCl 2 , and the hydride chloride HBeCl, whose identities were confirmed by comparison with previous evaporative work, deuterium substitution, and vibrational frequency calculations. The matrix-isolated fundamental frequency of the BeF molecule is higher, and the frequency of BeCl is lower, than that determined for the gas-phase molecules. The BeF + and BeCl + cations formed strong dipole-induced dipole complexes in solid Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe with stepwise increase in computed noble gas dissociation energies. Going down the family NgBeF + and NgBeCl + series (Ng = Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe) the Mulliken charges q(Be) decrease, while q(Ng) increases, and the dipole moments decrease, which suggests covalent bonding in the xenon species. We find that the largest intramatrix shift is Ne to Ar which follows the largest factor increase for the Ng atomic polarizabilities. Extra electrons produce Cl - , which reacts with HCl to form the stable HCl 2 - anion and possibly with BeCl 2 to give BeCl 3 - . A weak band observed in neon experiments with F 2 is probably due to BeF 3 - .

  4. Superdiffusive gas recovery from nanopores

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Haiyi; He, Yadong; Qiao, Rui

    2016-11-01

    Understanding the recovery of gas from reservoirs featuring pervasive nanopores is essential for effective shale gas extraction. Classical theories cannot accurately predict such gas recovery and many experimental observations are not well understood. Here we report molecular simulations of the recovery of gas from single nanopores, explicitly taking into account molecular gas-wall interactions. We show that, in very narrow pores, the strong gas-wall interactions are essential in determining the gas recovery behavior both quantitatively and qualitatively. These interactions cause the total diffusion coefficients of the gas molecules in nanopores to be smaller than those predicted by kinetic theories, hence slowing down the rate of gas recovery. These interactions also lead to significant adsorption of gas molecules on the pore walls. Because of the desorption of these gas molecules during gas recovery, the gas recovery from the nanopore does not exhibit the usual diffusive scaling law (i.e., the accumulative recovery scales as R ˜t1 /2 ) but follows a superdiffusive scaling law R ˜tn (n >0.5 ), which is similar to that observed in some field experiments. For the system studied here, the superdiffusive gas recovery scaling law can be captured well by continuum models in which the gas adsorption and desorption from pore walls are taken into account using the Langmuir model.

  5. First-principles investigation on defect-induced silicene nanoribbons - A superior media for sensing NH3, NO2 and NO gas molecules

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Walia, Gurleen Kaur; Randhawa, Deep Kamal Kaur

    2018-04-01

    In this paper, the electronic and transport properties of armchair silicene nanoribbons (ASiNRs) are analyzed for their application as highly selective and sensitive gas molecule sensors. The study is focused on sensing three nitrogen based gases; ammonia (NH3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO), which depending upon their adsorption energy and charge transfer, form bonds of varying strength with ASiNRs. The negligible band gap of ASiNRs is tuned by adding a defect in ASiNRs. Adsorption of NH3 leads to the opening of band gap whereas on adsorption of NO2 and NO, ASiNRs exhibit metallic nature. Distinctly divergent electronic and transport properties of ASiNRs are observed and on adsorption of NH3, NO2 and NO, renders them suitable for sensing them. All gas molecules show stronger adsorption on defective ASiNRs (D-ASiNRs) as compared to pristine ASiNRs (P-ASiNRs). The work reveals that introduction of defect can drastically improve the sensitivity of ASiNRs.

  6. Regenerative adsorbent heat pump

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jones, Jack A. (Inventor)

    1991-01-01

    A regenerative adsorbent heat pump process and system is provided which can regenerate a high percentage of the sensible heat of the system and at least a portion of the heat of adsorption. A series of at least four compressors containing an adsorbent is provided. A large amount of heat is transferred from compressor to compressor so that heat is regenerated. The process and system are useful for air conditioning rooms, providing room heat in the winter or for hot water heating throughout the year, and, in general, for pumping heat from a lower temperature to a higher temperature.

  7. Chiral symmetry breaking during the self-assembly of monolayers from achiral purine molecules.

    PubMed

    Sowerby, S J; Heckl, W M; Petersen, G B

    1996-11-01

    Scanning tunneling microscopy was used to investigate the structure of the two-dimensional adsorbate formed by molecular self-assembly of the purine base, adenine, on the surfaces of the naturally occurring mineral molybdenite and the synthetic crystal highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. Although formed from adenine, which is achiral, the observed adsorbate surface structures were enantiomorphic on molybdenite. This phenomenon suggests a mechanism for the introduction of a localized chiral symmetry break by the spontaneous crystallization of these prebiotically available molecules on inorganic surfaces and may have some role in the origin of biomolecular optical asymmetry. The possibility that purine-pyrimidine arrays assembled on naturally occurring mineral surfaces might act as possible templates for biomolecular assembly is discussed.

  8. [Effect of SO2 volume fraction in flue gas on the adsorption behaviors adsorbed by ZL50 activated carbon and kinetic analysis].

    PubMed

    Gao, Ji-xian; Wang, Tie-feng; Wang, Jin-fu

    2010-05-01

    The influence of SO2 dynamic adsorption behaviors using ZL50 activated carbon for flue gas desulphurization and denitrification under different SO2 volume fraction was investigated experimentally, and the kinetic analysis was conducted by kinetic models. With the increase of SO2 volume fraction in flue gas, the SO2 removal ratio and the activity ratio of ZL50 activated carbon decreased, respectively, and SO2 adsorption rate and capacity increased correspondingly. The calculated results indicate that Bangham model has the best prediction effect, the chemisorption processes of SO2 was significantly affected by catalytic oxidative reaction. The adsorption rate constant of Lagergren's pseudo first order model increased with the increase of inlet SO, volume fraction, which indicated that catalytic oxidative reaction of SO2 adsorbed by ZL50 activated carbon may be the rate controlling step in earlier adsorption stage. The Lagergren's and Bangham's initial adsorption rate were deduced and defined, respectively. The Ho's and Elovich's initial adsorption rate were also deduced in this paper. The Bangham's initial adsorption rate values were defined in good agreement with those of experiments. The defined Bangham's adsorptive reaction kinetic model can describe the SO2 dynamic adsorption rate well. The studied results indicated that the SO2 partial order of initial reaction rate was one or adjacent to one, while the O2 and water vapor partial order of initial reaction rate were constants ranging from 0.15-0.20 and 0.45-0.50, respectively.

  9. Ballistic thermophoresis of adsorbates on free-standing graphene.

    PubMed

    Panizon, Emanuele; Guerra, Roberto; Tosatti, Erio

    2017-08-22

    The textbook thermophoretic force which acts on a body in a fluid is proportional to the local temperature gradient. The same is expected to hold for the macroscopic drift behavior of a diffusive cluster or molecule physisorbed on a solid surface. The question we explore here is whether that is still valid on a 2D membrane such as graphene at short sheet length. By means of a nonequilibrium molecular dynamics study of a test system-a gold nanocluster adsorbed on free-standing graphene clamped between two temperatures [Formula: see text] apart-we find a phoretic force which for submicron sheet lengths is parallel to, but basically independent of, the local gradient magnitude. This identifies a thermophoretic regime that is ballistic rather than diffusive, persisting up to and beyond a 100-nanometer sheet length. Analysis shows that the phoretic force is due to the flexural phonons, whose flow is known to be ballistic and distance-independent up to relatively long mean-free paths. However, ordinary harmonic phonons should only carry crystal momentum and, while impinging on the cluster, should not be able to impress real momentum. We show that graphene and other membrane-like monolayers support a specific anharmonic connection between the flexural corrugation and longitudinal phonons whose fast escape leaves behind a 2D-projected mass density increase endowing the flexural phonons, as they move with their group velocity, with real momentum, part of which is transmitted to the adsorbate through scattering. The resulting distance-independent ballistic thermophoretic force is not unlikely to possess practical applications.

  10. Ballistic thermophoresis of adsorbates on free-standing graphene

    PubMed Central

    Panizon, Emanuele; Guerra, Roberto; Tosatti, Erio

    2017-01-01

    The textbook thermophoretic force which acts on a body in a fluid is proportional to the local temperature gradient. The same is expected to hold for the macroscopic drift behavior of a diffusive cluster or molecule physisorbed on a solid surface. The question we explore here is whether that is still valid on a 2D membrane such as graphene at short sheet length. By means of a nonequilibrium molecular dynamics study of a test system—a gold nanocluster adsorbed on free-standing graphene clamped between two temperatures ΔT apart—we find a phoretic force which for submicron sheet lengths is parallel to, but basically independent of, the local gradient magnitude. This identifies a thermophoretic regime that is ballistic rather than diffusive, persisting up to and beyond a 100-nanometer sheet length. Analysis shows that the phoretic force is due to the flexural phonons, whose flow is known to be ballistic and distance-independent up to relatively long mean-free paths. However, ordinary harmonic phonons should only carry crystal momentum and, while impinging on the cluster, should not be able to impress real momentum. We show that graphene and other membrane-like monolayers support a specific anharmonic connection between the flexural corrugation and longitudinal phonons whose fast escape leaves behind a 2D-projected mass density increase endowing the flexural phonons, as they move with their group velocity, with real momentum, part of which is transmitted to the adsorbate through scattering. The resulting distance-independent ballistic thermophoretic force is not unlikely to possess practical applications. PMID:28774954

  11. Physical adsorption at the nanoscale: Towards controllable scaling of the substrate-adsorbate van der Waals interaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ambrosetti, Alberto; Silvestrelli, Pier Luigi; Tkatchenko, Alexandre

    2017-06-01

    The Lifshitz-Zaremba-Kohn (LZK) theory is commonly considered as the correct large-distance limit for the van der Waals (vdW) interaction of adsorbates (atoms, molecules, or nanoparticles) with solid substrates. In the standard approximate form, implicitly based on local dielectric functions, the LZK approach predicts universal power laws for vdW interactions depending only on the dimensionality of the interacting objects. However, recent experimental findings are challenging the universality of this theoretical approach at finite distances of relevance for nanoscale assembly. Here, we present a combined analytical and numerical many-body study demonstrating that physical adsorption can be significantly enhanced at the nanoscale. Regardless of the band gap or the nature of the adsorbate specie, we find deviations from conventional LZK power laws that extend to separation distances of up to 10-20 nm. Comparison with recent experimental observations of ultra-long-ranged vdW interactions in the delamination of graphene from a silicon substrate reveals qualitative agreement with the present theory. The sensitivity of vdW interactions to the substrate response and to the adsorbate characteristic excitation frequency also suggests that adsorption strength can be effectively tuned in experiments, paving the way to an improved control of physical adsorption at the nanoscale.

  12. Comparison of the adsorbed conformation of barley lipid transfer protein at the decane-water and vacuum-water interface: a molecular dynamics simulation.

    PubMed

    Euston, S R; Hughes, P; Naser, Md A; Westacott, R E

    2008-05-01

    Molecular dynamics simulation is used to model the adsorption of the barley lipid transfer protein (LTP) at the decane-water and vacuum-water interfaces. Adsorption at both surfaces is driven by displacement of water molecules from the interfacial region. LTP adsorbed at the decane surface exhibits significant changes in its tertiary structure, and penetrates a considerable distance into the decane phase. At the vacuum-water interface LTP shows small conformational changes away from its native structure and does not penetrate into the vacuum space. Modification of the conformational stability of LTP by reduction of its four disulphide bonds leads to an increase in conformational entropy of the molecules, which reduces the driving force for adsorption. Evidence for changes in the secondary structure are also observed for native LTP at the decane-water interface and reduced LTP at the vacuum-water interface. In particular, intermittent formation of short (six-residue) regions of beta-sheet is found in these two systems. Formation of interfacial beta-sheet in adsorbed proteins has been observed experimentally, notably in the globular milk protein beta-lactoglobulin and lysozyme.

  13. Decomposition of adsorbed VX on activated carbons studied by {sup 31}P MAS NMR

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ishay Columbus; Daniel Waysbort; Liora Shmueli

    2006-06-15

    The fate of the persistent OP nerve agent O-ethyl S-(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl) methylphosphonothioate (VX) on granular activated carbons that are used for gas filtration was studied by means of 31P magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. Four types of activated carbon were used, including coal-based BPL. VX as vapor or liquid was adsorbed on carbon granules, and MAS NMR spectra were recorded periodically. The results show that at least 90% of the adsorbed VX decomposes within 20 days or less to the nontoxic ethyl methylphosphonic acid (EMPA) and bis(S-2-diisopropylaminoethane) ((DES){sub 2}). Decomposition occurred irrespective of the phase from which VX was loaded,more » the presence of metal impregnation on the carbon surface, and the water content of the carbon. Theoretical and practical aspects of the degradation are discussed. 17 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.« less

  14. Superstructures and Electronic Properties of Manganese-Phthalocyanine Molecules on Au(110) from Submonolayer Coverage to Ultrathin Molecular Films.

    PubMed

    Topyła, M; Néel, N; Kröger, J

    2016-07-12

    The adsorption of manganese-phthalocyanine molecules on Au(110) was investigated using a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope. A rich variety of commensurate superstructures was observed upon increasing the molecule coverage from submonolayers to ultrathin films. All structures were associated with reconstructions of the Au(110) substrate. Molecules adsorbed in the second molecular layer exhibited negative differential conductance occurring symmetrically around zero bias voltage. A double-barrier tunneling model rationalized this observation in terms of a peaked molecular resonance at the Fermi energy together with a voltage drop across the molecular film.

  15. Chitin Adsorbents for Toxic Metals: A Review

    PubMed Central

    Anastopoulos, Ioannis; Bhatnagar, Amit; Bikiaris, Dimitrios N.; Kyzas, George Z.

    2017-01-01

    Wastewater treatment is still a critical issue all over the world. Among examined methods for the decontamination of wastewaters, adsorption is a promising, cheap, environmentally friendly and efficient procedure. There are various types of adsorbents that have been used to remove different pollutants such as agricultural waste, compost, nanomaterials, algae, etc., Chitin (poly-β-(1,4)-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine) is the second most abundant natural biopolymer and it has attracted scientific attention as an inexpensive adsorbent for toxic metals. This review article provides information about the use of chitin as an adsorbent. A list of chitin adsorbents with maximum adsorption capacity and the best isotherm and kinetic fitting models are provided. Moreover, thermodynamic studies, regeneration studies, the mechanism of adsorption and the experimental conditions are also discussed in depth. PMID:28067848

  16. Influence of alkane and perfluorocarbon vapors on adsorbed surface layers and spread insoluble monolayers of surfactants, proteins and lipids.

    PubMed

    Fainerman, V B; Aksenenko, E V; Miller, R

    2017-06-01

    The influence of hexane vapor in the air atmosphere on the surface tension of water and solutions of C 10 EO 8 , C n TAB and proteins are presented. For dry air, a fast and strong decrease of surface tension of water was observed. In humid air, the process is slower and the surface tension higher. There are differences between the results obtained by the maximum bubble pressure, pendant drop and emerging bubble methods, which are discussed in terms of depletion and initial surface load. The surface tension of aqueous solutions of β-сasein (BCS), β-lactoglobulin (BLG) and human serum albumin (HSA) at the interfaces with air and air-saturated hexane vapor were measured. The results indicate that the equilibrium surface tension in the hexane vapor atmosphere is considerably lower (at 13-20mN/m) as compared to the values at the interface with pure air. A reorientation model is proposed assuming several states of adsorbed molecules with different molar area values. The newly developed theoretical model is used to describe the effect of alkane vapor in the gas phase on the surface tension. This model assumes that the first layer is composed of surfactant (or protein) molecules mixed with alkane, and the second layer is formed by alkane molecules only. The processing of the experimental data for the equilibrium surface tension for the C 10 EO 8 and BCS solutions results in a perfect agreement between the observed and calculated values. The co-adsorption mechanism of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) and the fluorocarbon molecules leads to remarkable differences in the surface pressure term of cohesion Π coh . This in turn leads to a very efficient fluidization of the monolayer. It was found that the adsorption equilibrium constant for dioctanoyl phosphatidyl choline is increased in the presence of perfluorohexane, and the intermolecular interaction of the components is strong. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Utility of adsorbents in the purification of drinking water: a review of characterization, efficiency and safety evaluation of various adsorbents.

    PubMed

    Dubey, Shashi Prabha; Gopal, Krishna; Bersillon, J L

    2009-05-01

    Clean drinking water is one of the implicit requisites fora healthy human population. However the growing industrialization and extensive use of chemicals for various concerns, has increased the burden of unwanted pollutants in the drinking water of developing countries like India. The entry of potentially hazardous substances into the biota has been magnifying day by day. In the absence of a possible stoppage of these, otherwise, useful chemicals, the only way to maintain safer water bodies is to develop efficient purifying technologies. One such immensely beneficial procedure that has been in use is that of purification of water using 'adsorbents'. Indigenous minerals and natural plants products have potential for removing many pollutants viz. fluoride, arsenic, nitrate, heavy metals, pesticides as well as trihalomethanes. Adsorbents which are derived from carbon, alumina, zeolite, clay minerals, iron ores, industrial by products, and natural products viz. parts of the plants, herbs and algal biomass offer promising potential of removal. In the recent years attention has been paid to develop process involving screening/pretreatment/activation/impregnation using alkalies, acids, alum, lime, manganese dioxide, ferric chloride and other chemicals which are found to enhance their adsorbing efficiency. Chemical characterization of these adsorbents recapitulates the mechanism of the process. It is imperative to observe that capacities of the adsorbents may vary depending on the characteristics, chemical modifications and concentration of the individual adsorbent. Removal kinetics is found to be based on the experimental conditions viz. pH, concentration of the adsorbate, quantity of the adsorbent and temperature. It is suggested that isotherm model is suitable tool to assess the adsorption capacities in batch and column modes. Safety evaluation and risk assessment of the process/products may be useful to provide guidelines for its sustainable disposal.

  18. Substrate dependent structure of adsorbed aryl isocyanides studied by sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Ito, Mikio; Noguchi, Hidenori; Ikeda, Katsuyoshi; Uosaki, Kohei

    2010-04-07

    Effects of metal substrate on the bonding nature of isocyanide group of two aryl isocyanides, 1,4-phenylene diisocyanide (PDI) and 4-methylphenyl isocyanide (MPI), and tilt angle of MPI were examined by measuring sum frequency generation (SFG) spectra of the self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of these molecules on Au, Pt, Ag, and Pd surfaces. The SFG peaks due to "metal bonded" and "free"-NC groups were resolved by comparing the SFG spectra of PDI with IR spectra obtained by DFT calculations and previous results of vibrational spectroscopy. Based on the peak positions of the "metal bonded"-NC, it is clarified that while PDI and MPI were adsorbed at top sites on Au, Ag, and Pt surfaces, they adsorbed at bridge sites on the Pd surface. The tilt angles of MPI were determined from the intensity ratio between the SFG peaks of C-H symmetric and asymmetric stretching vibrational modes of the CH(3) group. The tilt angles of the MPI SAMs were in the order of Pt < Pd < Ag < Au, reflecting the bonding nature between the -NC group and the substrate atoms.

  19. Bifunctional 3D porous Cu(I) metal-organic framework with gas sorption and luminescent properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xing, Guang'en; Zhang, Yan; Cao, Xiulian

    2017-10-01

    A new Cu(I) metal-organic framework, namely [Cu(L)]2n·n(H2O) (1 HL = 5-(4-Pyridyl)-1H-tetrazole), has been successfully synthesized via the solvothermal reactions of CuI and 5-(4-Pyridyl)-1H-tetrazole ligand, and further characterized by elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction analysis, thermal analysis and single crystal X-ray structural analysis. The L- ligand displays a μ4-N2, N3, N4, N5 coordination mode bridging Cu(I) ions into a 3D porous framework with the opened 1D channels filled by the lattice water molecules. Gas sorption investigations indicated that compound 1 can selectively adsorb CO2 over N2 at 298 K, and luminescent properties investigations revealed that compound 1 features luminescent sensing function for nitrobenzene.

  20. Enhanced Recovery in Tight Gas Reservoirs using Maxwell-Stefan Equations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Santiago, C. J. S.; Kantzas, A.

    2017-12-01

    Due to the steep production decline in unconventional gas reservoirs, enhanced recovery (ER) methods are receiving great attention from the industry. Wet gas or liquid rich reservoirs are the preferred ER candidates due to higher added value from natural gas liquids (NGL) production. ER in these reservoirs has the potential to add reserves by improving desorption and displacement of hydrocarbons through the medium. Nevertheless, analysis of gas transport at length scales of tight reservoirs is complicated because concomitant mechanisms are in place as pressure declines. In addition to viscous and Knudsen diffusion, multicomponent gas modeling includes competitive adsorption and molecular diffusion effects. Most models developed to address these mechanisms involve single component or binary mixtures. In this study, ER by gas injection is investigated in multicomponent (C1, C2, C3 and C4+, CO2 and N2) wet gas reservoirs. The competing effects of Knudsen and molecular diffusion are incorporated by using Maxwell-Stefan equations and the Dusty-Gas approach. This model was selected due to its superior properties on representing the physics of multicomponent gas flow, as demonstrated during the presented model validation. Sensitivity studies to evaluate adsorption, reservoir permeability and gas type effects are performed. The importance of competitive adsorption on production and displacement times is demonstrated. In the absence of adsorption, chromatographic separation is negligible. Production is merely dictated by competing effects between molecular and Knudsen diffusion. Displacement fronts travel rapidly across the medium. When adsorption effects are included, molecules with lower affinity to the adsorption sites will be produced faster. If the injected gas is inert (N2), an increase in heavier fraction composition occurs in the medium. During injection of adsorbing gases (CH4 and CO2), competitive adsorption effects will contribute to improved recovery of heavier

  1. Gas and Bloating

    PubMed Central

    2006-01-01

    Gaseous symptoms including eructation, flatulence, and bloating occur as a consequence of excess gas production, altered gas transit, or abnormal perception of normal amounts of gas within the gastrointestinal tract. There are many causes of gas and bloating including aerophagia, luminal obstructive processes, carbohydrate intolerance syndromes, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, diseases of gut motor activity, and functional bowel disorders including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Because of the prominence of gaseous complaints in IBS, recent investigations have focused on new insights into pathogenesis and novel therapies of bloating. The evaluation of the patient with unexplained gas and bloating relies on careful exclusion of organic disease with further characterization of the underlying condition with directed functional testing. Treatment of gaseous symptomatology should be targeted to pathophysiologic defects whenever possible. Available therapies include lifestyle alterations, dietary modifications, enzyme preparations, adsorbents and agents which reduce surface tension, treatments that alter gut flora, and drugs that modulate gut transit. PMID:28316536

  2. Synthesis, Development, and Testing of High-Surface-Area Polymer-Based Adsorbents for the Selective Recovery of Uranium from Seawater

    DOE PAGES

    Oyola, Yatsandra; Janke, Christopher J.; Dai, Sheng

    2016-02-29

    The ocean contains uranium with an approximate concentration of 3.34 ppb, which can serve as an incredible supply source to sustain nuclear energy in the United States. Unfortunately, technology currently available to recover uranium from seawater is not efficient enough and mining uranium on land is still more economical. For this study, we have developed polymer-based adsorbents with high uranium adsorption capacities by grafting amidoxime onto high-surface-area polyethylene (PE) fibers. Various process conditions have been screened, in combination with developing a rapid testing protocol (<24 h), to optimize the process. These adsorbents are synthesized through radiation-induced grafting of acrylonitrile (AN)more » and methacrylic acid (MAA) onto PE fibers, followed by the conversion of nitriles to amidoximes and basic conditioning. In addition, the uranium adsorption capacity, measured in units of g U/kg ads, is greatly increased by reducing the diameter of the PE fiber or changing its morphology. An increase in the surface area of the PE polymer fiber allows for more grafting sites that are positioned in more-accessible locations, thereby increasing access to grafted molecules that would normally be located in the interior of a fiber with a larger diameter. Polymer fibers with hollow morphologies are able to adsorb beyond 1 order of magnitude more uranium from simulated seawater than current commercially available adsorbents. Finally, several high-surface-area fibers were tested in natural seawater and were able to extract 5–7 times more uranium than any adsorbent reported to date.« less

  3. Electron impact excitation of the merocyanine molecule in the gas phase

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kulinich, A. V.; Ishchenko, A. A.; Kukhta, I. N.; Mitryukhin, L. K.; Kazakov, S. M.; Kukhta, A. V.

    2018-03-01

    Electronic transitions in a merocyanine dye were studied in the gas phase using electron energy loss spectroscopy and compared with the optical absorption spectra. It was found that the most intense band of the S1 ← S0 polymethine transition lies at 2.8 eV in vapor and 2.4 eV in n-hexane. Higher electronic transitions in the range of 3.7-7 eV were also analyzed. Besides, the singlet-triplet transition was revealed near 1.8 eV. TDDFT simulation of singlet-singlet transitions in the studied molecule was performed using B97D3, B3LYP, B3PW91 and wB97xD functionals. The calculated energy of the long-wavelength transition is closest to the experimental value with the latter. Other functionals result in the energy 0.2-0.4 eV exceeding experimental. The interpretation of higher transitions/bands is complicated due to their superposition and difference between experimental and calculated data. The excitation anisotropy spectra were measured in glycerol for more reliable determination of higher transitions and comparison with the TDDFT/PCM simulation.

  4. Definitive Ideal-Gas Thermochemical Functions of the H216O Molecule

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Furtenbacher, Tibor; Szidarovszky, Tamás; Hrubý, Jan; Kyuberis, Aleksandra A.; Zobov, Nikolai F.; Polyansky, Oleg L.; Tennyson, Jonathan; Császár, Attila G.

    2016-12-01

    A much improved temperature-dependent ideal-gas internal partition function, Qint(T), of the H216O molecule is reported for temperatures between 0 and 6000 K. Determination of Qint(T) is principally based on the direct summation technique involving all accurate experimental energy levels known for H216O (almost 20 000 rovibrational energies including an almost complete list up to a relative energy of 7500 cm-1), augmented with a less accurate but complete list of first-principles computed rovibrational energy levels up to the first dissociation limit, about 41 000 cm-1 (the latter list includes close to one million bound rovibrational energy levels up to J = 69, where J is the rotational quantum number). Partition functions are developed for ortho- and para-H216O as well as for their equilibrium mixture. Unbound rovibrational states of H216O above the first dissociation limit are considered using an approximate model treatment. The effect of the excited electronic states on the thermochemical functions is neglected, as their contribution to the thermochemical functions is negligible even at the highest temperatures considered. Based on the high-accuracy Qint(T) and its first two moments, definitive results, in 1 K increments, are obtained for the following thermochemical functions: Gibbs energy, enthalpy, entropy, and isobaric heat capacity. Reliable uncertainties (approximately two standard deviations) are estimated as a function of temperature for each quantity determined. These uncertainties emphasize that the present results are the most accurate ideal-gas thermochemical functions ever produced for H216O. It is recommended that the new value determined for the standard molar enthalpy increment at 298.15 K, 9.904 04 ± 0.000 01 kJ mol-1, should replace the old CODATA datum, 9.905 ± 0.005 kJ mol-1.

  5. Combustion of Organic Molecules by the Thermal Decomposition of Perchlorate Salts: Implications for Organics at the Mars Phoenix Scout Landing Site

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ming, D.W.; Morris, R.V.; Niles, B.; Lauer, H.V.; Archer, P.D.; Sutter, B.; Boynton, W.V.; Golden, D.C.

    2009-01-01

    The Mars 2007 Phoenix Scout Mission successfully landed on May 25, 2008 and operated on the northern plains of Mars for 150 sols. The primary mission objective was to study the history of water and evaluate the potential for past and present habitability in Martian arctic ice-rich soil [1]. Phoenix landed near 68 N latitude on polygonal terrain created by ice layers that are a few centimeters under loose soil materials. The Phoenix Mission is assessing the potential for habitability by searching for organic molecules in the ice or icy soils at the landing site. Organic molecules are necessary building blocks for life, although their presence in the ice or soil does not indicate life itself. Phoenix searched for organic molecules by heating soil/ice samples in the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer (TEGA, [2]). TEGA consists of 8 differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) ovens integrated with a magnetic-sector mass spectrometer with a mass range of 2-140 daltons [2]. Endothermic and exothermic reactions are recorded by the TEGA DSC as samples are heated from ambient to 1000 C. Evolved gases, including any organic molecules and their fragments, are simultaneously measured by the mass spectrometer during heating. Phoenix TEGA data are still under analysis; however, no organic fragments have been identified to date in the evolved gas analysis (EGA). The MECA Wet Chemistry Lab (WCL) discovered a perchlorate salt in the Phoenix soils and a mass 32 peak evolved between 325 and 625 C for one surface sample dubbed Baby Bear [3]. The mass 32 peak is attributed to evolved O2 generated during the thermal decomposition of the perchlorate salt. Perchlorates are very strong oxidizers when heated, so it is possible that organic fragments evolved in the temperature range of 300-600 C were combusted by the O2 released during the thermal decomposition of the perchlorate salt. The byproduct of the combustion of organic molecules is CO2. There is a prominent release of CO2 between 200

  6. Preparation of a new adsorbent from activated carbon and carbon nanofiber (AC/CNF) for manufacturing organic-vacbpour respirator cartridge

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    In this study a composite of activated carbon and carbon nanofiber (AC/CNF) was prepared to improve the performance of activated carbon (AC) for adsorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and its utilization for respirator cartridges. Activated carbon was impregnated with a nickel nitrate catalyst precursor and carbon nanofibers (CNF) were deposited directly on the AC surface using catalytic chemical vapor deposition. Deposited CNFs on catalyst particles in AC micropores, were activated by CO2 to recover the surface area and micropores. Surface and textural characterizations of the prepared composites were investigated using Brunauer, Emmett and Teller’s (BET) technique and electron microscopy respectively. Prepared composite adsorbent was tested for benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX) adsorption and then employed in an organic respirator cartridge in granular form. Adsorption studies were conducted by passing air samples through the adsorbents in a glass column at an adjustable flow rate. Finally, any adsorbed species not retained by the adsorbents in the column were trapped in a charcoal sorbent tube and analyzed by gas chromatography. CNFs with a very thin diameter of about 10-20 nm were formed uniformly on the AC/CNF. The breakthrough time for cartridges prepared with CO2 activated AC/CNF was 117 minutes which are significantly longer than for those cartridges prepared with walnut shell- based activated carbon with the same weight of adsorbents. This study showed that a granular form CO2 activated AC/CNF composite could be a very effective alternate adsorbent for respirator cartridges due to its larger adsorption capacities and lower weight. PMID:23369424

  7. Novel adhesive properties of poly(ethylene-oxide) adsorbed nanolayers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeng, Wenduo

    Solid-polymer interfaces play crucial roles in the multidisciplinary field of nanotechnology and are the confluence of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. There is now growing evidence that polymer chains irreversibly adsorb even onto weakly attractive solid surfaces, forming a nanometer-thick adsorbed polymer layer ("adsorbed polymer nanolayers"). It has also been reported that the adsorbed layers greatly impact on local structures and properties of supported polymer thin films. In this thesis, I aim to clarify adhesive and tribological properties of adsorbed poly(ethylene-oxide) (PEO) nanolayers onto silicon (Si) substrates, which remain unsolved so far. The adsorbed nanolayers were prepared by the established protocol: one has to equilibrate the melt or dense solution against a solid surface; the unadsorbed chains can be then removed by a good solvent, while the adsorbed chains are assumed to maintain the same conformation due to the irreversible freezing through many physical solid-segment contacts. I firstly characterized the formation process and the surface/film structures of the adsorbed nanolayers by using X-ray reflectivity, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. Secondly, to compare the surface energy of the adsorbed layers with the bulk, static contact angle measurements with two liquids (water and glycerol) were carried out using a optical contact angle meter equipped with a video camera. Thirdly, I designed and constructed a custom-built adhesion-testing device to quantify the adhesive property. The experimental results provide new insight into the microscopic structure - macroscopic property relationship at the solid-polymer interface.

  8. Trapping gases in metal-organic frameworks with a selective surface molecular barrier layer

    DOE PAGES

    Tan, Kui; Zuluaga, Sebastian; Fuentes, Erika; ...

    2016-12-13

    The main challenge for gas storage and separation in nanoporous materials is that many molecules of interest adsorb too weakly to be effectively retained. Instead of synthetically modifying the internal surface structure of the entire bulk—as is typically done to enhance adsorption—here we show that post exposure of a prototypical porous metal-organic framework to ethylenediamine can effectively retain a variety of weakly adsorbing molecules (for example, CO, CO 2, SO 2, C 2H 4, NO) inside the materials by forming a monolayer-thick cap at the external surface of microcrystals. Furthermore, this capping mechanism, based on hydrogen bonding as explained bymore » ab initio modelling, opens the door for potential selectivity. For example, water molecules are shown to disrupt the hydrogen-bonded amine network and diffuse through the cap without hindrance and fully displace/release the retained small molecules out of the metal-organic framework at room temperature. Lastly, these findings may provide alternative strategies for gas storage, delivery and separation.« less

  9. Flow boundary conditions for chain-end adsorbing polymer blends.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Xin; Andrienko, Denis; Delle Site, Luigi; Kremer, Kurt

    2005-09-08

    Using the phenol-terminated polycarbonate blend as an example, we demonstrate that the hydrodynamic boundary conditions for a flow of an adsorbing polymer melt are extremely sensitive to the structure of the epitaxial layer. Under shear, the adsorbed parts (chain ends) of the polymer melt move along the equipotential lines of the surface potential whereas the adsorbed additives serve as the surface defects. In response to the increase of the number of the adsorbed additives the surface layer becomes thinner and solidifies. This results in a gradual transition from the slip to the no-slip boundary condition for the melt flow, with a nonmonotonic dependence of the slip length on the surface concentration of the adsorbed ends.

  10. Nano-sized Adsorbate Structure Formation in Anisotropic Multilayer System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kharchenko, Vasyl O.; Kharchenko, Dmitrii O.; Yanovsky, Vladimir V.

    2017-05-01

    In this article, we study dynamics of adsorbate island formation in a model plasma-condensate system numerically. We derive the generalized reaction-diffusion model for adsorptive multilayer system by taking into account anisotropy in transfer of adatoms between neighbor layers induced by electric field. It will be found that with an increase in the electric field strength, a structural transformation from nano-holes inside adsorbate matrix toward separated nano-sized adsorbate islands on a substrate is realized. Dynamics of adsorbate island sizes and corresponding distributions are analyzed in detail. This study provides an insight into details of self-organization of adatoms into nano-sized adsorbate islands in anisotropic multilayer plasma-condensate systems.

  11. Non-targeted evaluation of selectivity of water-compatible class selective adsorbents for the analysis of steroids in wastewater.

    PubMed

    Kopperi, Matias; Riekkola, Marja-Liisa

    2016-05-12

    Selective adsorbents for solid-phase extraction are needed to meet the low concentration requirements of new environmental quality standard directives, especially for the analysis of estrogens in wastewater. In this work, bulk polymerization procedures were first optimized for the synthesis of non-imprinted polymers (NIP) with low non-specific adsorption of nonpolar compounds in aqueous environments. Water-compatible molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) were then synthetized by increasing the selectivity of the polymer towards steroids with a testosterone template (average imprinting factor > 10). In addition, the affinity of synthetized entrapped β-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin polymers (ECD) towards steroids was clarified. The polymers were applied to the extraction of spiked wastewater effluent samples and their performance compared to commercially available adsorbents. The selectivity of the studied adsorbents was evaluated utilizing liquid chromatography ‒ mass spectrometry as well as comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography ‒ time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Affinity between adsorbents and steroids as well as matrix removal potential were measured with targeted methodologies, and two novel non-targeted methodologies were proposed to quantitatively measure adsorbent selectivity by utilizing chemometrics. Semi-quantitative selectivity was measured from the ratio of peak areas between steroidal and other compounds. Semi-qualitative selectivity was calculated from the ratio between the number of tentatively identified steroidal and other compounds. The synthetized polymers provided good matrix removal potential (ion suppression 15-30%) and semi-qualitative selectivity (∼4 units) compared to the commercial adsorbents (ion suppression 45-80%, selectivity < 3 units). Simple non-targeted approaches provided a novel method of quantifying the selectivity of extraction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Driving Organic Molecule Crystalliztion with Surface Reconstructions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bickel, Jessica; Trovato, Gianfranco

    This work examines how surface reconstructions can drive crystallization of organic molecules via self-assembly. Organic electronic molecules have low conductivities compared to inorganic materials, but crystallizing these polymers increases their conductivity. This project uses surface reconstructions with periodically repeating topographies to drive the crystallization process. The samples are grown by placing a drop of a dilute PEDOT solution on the clean Si(001)-(2x1) or Si(111)-(7x7) surface reconstruction and heating the surface up to both evaporate the solvent and promote diffusion of the polymer to the thermodynamically defined lowest energy position. The resulting samples are characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) with respect to their crystallinity and electronic properties. Of particular interest is whether there is a preferential location for the PEDOT molecule to adsorb and whether there are any conformational changes upon adsorption that modify the HOMO-LUMO gap. This work is being done in a new pan-style RHK-STM enclosed in a glovebox at Cleveland State University. The glovebox has O2 and H2O levels of less than 1ppm. This allows for sample preparation and imaging in a controlled environment that is free from contamination.

  13. Combination of rice husk and coconut shell activated adsorbent to adsorb Pb(II) ionic metal and it’s analysis using solid-phase spectrophotometry (sps)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rohmah, D. N.; Saputro, S.; Masykuri, M.; Mahardiani, L.

    2018-03-01

    The purpose of this research was to know the effect and determine the mass comparation which most effective combination between rice husk and coconut shell activated adsorbent to adsorb Pb (II) ion using SPS method. This research used experimental method. Technique to collecting this datas of this research is carried out by several stages, which are: (1) carbonization of rice husk and coconut shell adsorbent using muffle furnace at a temperature of 350°C for an hour; (2) activation of the rice husk and coconut shell adsorbent using NaOH 1N and ZnCl2 15% activator; (3) contacting the adsorbent of rice husk and coconut shell activated adsorbent with liquid waste simulation of Pb(II) using variation comparison of rice husk and coconut shell, 1:0; 0:1; 1:1; 2:1; 1:2; (4) analysis of Pb(II) using Solid-Phase Spectrophotometry (SPS); (5) characterization of combination rice husk and coconut shell activated adsorbent using FTIR. The result of this research show that the combined effect of combination rice husk and coconut shell activated adsorbent can increase the ability of the adsorbent to absorb Pb(II) ion then the optimum adsorbent mass ratio required for absorbing 20 mL of Pb(II) ion with a concentration of 49.99 µg/L is a ratio of 2:1 with the absorption level of 97,06%Solid-Phase Spectrophotometry (SPS) is an effective method in the level of µg/L, be marked with the Limit of Detection (LOD) of 0.03 µg/L.

  14. Growth of Ammonium Bisulfate Clusters by Adsorption of Oxygenated Organic Molecules

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    DePalma, Joseph W.; Wang, Jian; Wexler, Anthony S.

    Quantum chemical calculations were employed to model the interactions of the [(NH 4 +) 4(HSO 4 -) 4] ammonium bisulfate cluster with one or more molecular products of monoterpene oxidation. A strong interaction was found between the bisulfate ion of the cluster and a carboxylic acid, aldehyde or ketone functionality of the organic molecule. Free energies of adsorption for carboxylic acids were in the -70 to -73 kJ/mol range, while those for aldehydes and ketones were in the -46 to -50 kJ/mol range. These values suggest that a small ambient ammonium bisulfate cluster, such as the [(NH 4 +) 4(SOmore » 4 -) 4] cluster, is able to adsorb an oxygenated organic molecule. Although adsorption of the first molecule is highly favorable, adsorption of subsequent molecules is not, suggesting that sustained uptake of organic molecules does not occur, and thus is not a pathway for continuing growth of the cluster. This result is consistent with ambient measurements showing that particles below ~1 nm grow slowly, while those above 1 nm grow at an increasing rate presumably due to a lower surface energy barrier enabling the uptake of organic molecules. This work provides insight into the molecular level interactions which affect sustained cluster growth by uptake of organic molecules.« less

  15. Growth of Ammonium Bisulfate Clusters by Adsorption of Oxygenated Organic Molecules

    DOE PAGES

    DePalma, Joseph W.; Wang, Jian; Wexler, Anthony S.; ...

    2015-10-21

    Quantum chemical calculations were employed to model the interactions of the [(NH 4 +) 4(HSO 4 -) 4] ammonium bisulfate cluster with one or more molecular products of monoterpene oxidation. A strong interaction was found between the bisulfate ion of the cluster and a carboxylic acid, aldehyde or ketone functionality of the organic molecule. Free energies of adsorption for carboxylic acids were in the -70 to -73 kJ/mol range, while those for aldehydes and ketones were in the -46 to -50 kJ/mol range. These values suggest that a small ambient ammonium bisulfate cluster, such as the [(NH 4 +) 4(SOmore » 4 -) 4] cluster, is able to adsorb an oxygenated organic molecule. Although adsorption of the first molecule is highly favorable, adsorption of subsequent molecules is not, suggesting that sustained uptake of organic molecules does not occur, and thus is not a pathway for continuing growth of the cluster. This result is consistent with ambient measurements showing that particles below ~1 nm grow slowly, while those above 1 nm grow at an increasing rate presumably due to a lower surface energy barrier enabling the uptake of organic molecules. This work provides insight into the molecular level interactions which affect sustained cluster growth by uptake of organic molecules.« less

  16. Sulfur mustard gas adsorption on ZnO fullerene-like nanocage: Quantum chemical calculations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kazemi, Mohammad; Rad, Ali Shokuhi

    2017-06-01

    In the present study, we used density functional theory calculations (at B3LYP and ωB97XD Levels) to search on the adsorption of Sulfur mustard gas (defined as mustard gas) on the surface of fullerene-like ZnO nanocage as a semiconductor. We found three different configurations of adsorbed gas on the surface of this nanostructure semiconductor. The values of adsorption energy of mustard gas are calculated in the range of -144∼ -200 kJ/mol with enthalpies in the range of -132∼-195 kJ/mol and Gibbs free energies in the range of -88∼-144 kJ/mol (T = 298 K, based on ωB97XD level), which indicate exothermic and spontaneous chemisorption. For all geometries, we calculated geometry parameters by taking into account the charge analysis and frontier molecular orbital study. The result of this study can be a support for next studies to develop new nanomaterials as adsorbent/sensor for mustard gas.

  17. Molecular sieve adsorbents and membranes for applications in the production of renewable fuels and chemicals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ranjan, Rajiv

    Metal organic frameworks (MOF), a new class of porous materials, have emerged as promising candidate for gas storage, separation membrane and chemical sensors. We used secondary growth method to grow microporous metal organic framework (MMOF) films on porous alumina supports. Examination of the film using SEM and XRD showed that the crystals were well inter-grown and preferentially oriented. Gas permeation study showed that membranes were defect free and moderate selectivity was achieved for H2/N2 gas pairs. The next project had to do with ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass as an alternate energy source. However, toxic inhibitors produced from the hydrolysis of biomass decrease ethanol yield during the fermentation process. We demonstrated the use of zeolites for the pretreatment of hydrolyzate in order to remove inhibitors like 5-Hydroxymethylfurfuraldehyde (HMF) and furfural from aqueous solution. Zeolites exhibit preferential adsorption of the inhibitors and in effect improve the ethanol yield during fermentation. Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST) was also used to predict adsorption isotherms for HMF-furfural mixtures using single component adsorption data. We also studied production of HMF, a potential substitute as a building block for plastic and chemical production, from renewable biomass resources. Catalytic dehydration of fructose for HMF production faces problems like low conversion and yield. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) can be used as the solvent as well as the catalyst resulting in high HMF yield. We studied a reaction-separation system for this dehydration reaction where the product (HMF) could be recovered by selective adsorption on solid adsorbents from the reaction mixture.

  18. Experimental screening of porous materials for high pressure gas adsorption and evaluation in gas separations: application to MOFs (MIL-100 and CAU-10).

    PubMed

    Wiersum, Andrew D; Giovannangeli, Christophe; Vincent, Dominique; Bloch, Emily; Reinsch, Helge; Stock, Norbert; Lee, Ji Sun; Chang, Jong-San; Llewellyn, Philip L

    2013-02-11

    A high-throughput gas adsorption apparatus is presented for the evaluation of adsorbents of interest in gas storage and separation applications. This instrument is capable of measuring complete adsorption isotherms up to 40 bar on six samples in parallel using as little as 60 mg of material. Multiple adsorption cycles can be carried out and four gases can be used sequentially, giving as many as 24 adsorption isotherms in 24 h. The apparatus has been used to investigate the effect of metal center (MIL-100) and functional groups (CAU-10) on the adsorption of N(2), CO(2), and light hydrocarbons on MOFs. This demonstrates how it can serve to evaluate sample quality and adsorption reversibility, to determine optimum activation conditions and to estimate separation properties. As such it is a useful tool for the screening of novel adsorbents for different applications in gas separation, providing significant time savings in identifying potentially interesting materials.

  19. Radiolytic stability of gibbsite and boehmite with adsorbed water

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Huestis, Patricia; Pearce, Carolyn I.; Zhang, X.

    Aluminum oxyhydroxide (boehmite, AlOOH) and aluminum hydroxide (gibbsite, Al(OH)3) powders with adsorbed water were irradiated with -rays and 5 MeV He ions (α-particles) in order to determine overall radiation stability and chemical modification to the surface. No variation in overall phase or crystallinity due to radiolysis was observed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy for doses up to 2 MGy with -rays and 175 MGy with α-particles. Temperature programed desorption (TPD) of the water from the surface to the gas phase indicated that the water was chemisorbed and strongly bound. Water adsorption sites are of similar energy for bothmore » gibbsite and boehmite. Observation of the water adsorbed on the surface of gibbsite and boehmite with diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) showed broad peaks at 3100-3600 cm-1 due to OH stretching that slowly decreased on heating to 500oC, which corresponds well with the water vapor evolution observed with TPD. Both materials were found to be amorphous following heating to 500oC. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated surface reduction of Al(III) to Al metal on radiolysis with α-particles. Complete loss of chemisorbed water and the formation of bulk O atoms was observed following radiolysis with α-particles.« less

  20. In-situ probing of coupled atomic restructuring and metallicity of oxide heterointerfaces induced by polar adsorbates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ryu, S.; Zhou, H.; Paudel, T. R.; Irwin, J.; Podkaminer, J. P.; Bark, C. W.; Lee, D.; Kim, T. H.; Fong, D. D.; Rzchowski, M. S.; Tsymbal, E. Y.; Eom, C. B.

    2017-10-01

    Microscopic understanding of the surface-controlled conductivity of the two dimensional electron gas at complex oxide interfaces is crucial for developing functional interfaces. We observe conductivity and structural modification using in-situ synchrotron surface x-ray diffraction as the surface of a model LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (001) heterostructure is changed by polar adsorbates. We find that polar adsorbate-induced interfacial metallicity reduces polar distortions in the LaAlO3 layer. First-principles density functional theory calculations show that surface dipoles introduced by polar adsorbates lead to additional charge transfer and the reduction of polar displacements in the LaAlO3 layer, consistent with the experimental observations. Our study supports that internal structural deformations controlling functionalities can be driven without the application of direct electrical or thermal bias and offers a route to tuning interfacial properties. These results also highlight the important role of in-situ x-ray scattering with atomic resolution in capturing and exploring structural distortions and charge density changes caused by external perturbations such as chemical adsorption, redox reaction, and generation and/or annihilation of surface defects.

  1. In-situ probing of coupled atomic restructuring and metallicity of oxide heterointerfaces induced by polar adsorbates

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ryu, S.; Zhou, H.; Paudel, T. R.

    Microscopic understanding of the surface-controlled conductivity of the two dimensional electron gas at complex oxide interfaces is crucial for developing functional interfaces. We observe conductivity and structural modification using in-situ synchrotron surface x-ray diffraction as the surface of a model LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (001) heterostructure is changed by polar adsorbates. We find that polar adsorbate-induced interfacial metallicity reduces polar distortions in the LaAlO3 layer. First-principles density functional theory calculations show that surface dipoles introduced by polar adsorbates lead to additional charge transfer and the reduction of polar displacements in the LaAlO3 layer, consistent with the experimental observations. Our study supports that internalmore » structural deformations controlling functionalities can be driven without the application of direct electrical or thermal bias and offers a route to tuning interfacial properties. These results also highlight the important role of in-situ x-ray scattering with atomic resolution in capturing and exploring structural distortions and charge density changes caused by external perturbations such as chemical adsorption, redox reaction, and generation and/or annihilation of surface defects.« less

  2. Photoemission into water adsorbed on metals: Probing dissociative electron transfer using theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Yu; Whitten, J. L.

    The photoinduced dissociation of water adsorbed on a silver nanoparticle is explored using theory to probe reaction pathways that produce hydrogen. Ab initio configuration theory is used to describe the systems. A formulation that allows excited electronic states embedded in a near continuum of lower energy states to be calculated accurately is described. Electron attachment of a photoemitted electron to adsorbed water can lead to the formation of H2 at a very low energy barrier with oxygen remaining on the Ag surface. A large energy barrier to form H2 plus adsorbed O is found for the ground state. The excited state has a much smaller barrier to OH stretch; however, to dissociate, the system must cross over from the excited state to the ground state potential energy surface. The cross over point is near the transition state for a ground state process. A characteristic feature of the excited state potential curve is an increase in energy in the early stages of OH stretch as the charge transfer state evolves from a state with considerable Rydberg character to one that has a typical OH antibonding molecular orbital. Another pathway releases a H atom leaving OH on the surface. Effects due to doping of a Ag nanoparticle with a K electron donor atom are compared with those caused by a Fermi level shift due to an applied potential. Results are also reported for electron transfer to a solvated lithium ion, Li(H2O) 6+, near the surface of a silver particle. A steering mechanism is found that involves the interaction of a hydridic hydrogen formed after electron transfer with an acidic hydrogen of a second solvated water molecule.

  3. Determination of pore size distributions of porous chromatographic adsorbents by inverse size-exclusion chromatography.

    PubMed

    Yao, Yan; Lenhoff, Abraham M

    2004-05-28

    The macroscopic properties of porous chromatographic adsorbents are directly influenced by the pore structure, with the pore size distribution (PSD) playing a major role beyond simply the mean pore size. Inverse size-exclusion chromatography (ISEC), a widely used chromatographic method for determining the PSD of porous media, provides more relevant information on liquid chromatographic materials in situ than traditional methods, such as gas sorption and mercury intrusion. The fundamentals and applications of ISEC in the characterization of the pore structure are reviewed. The description of the probe solutes and the pore space, as well as theoretical models for deriving the PSD from solute partitioning behavior, are discussed. Precautions to ensure integrity of the experiments are also outlined, including accounting for probe polydispersity and minimization of solute-adsorbent interactions. The results that emerge are necessarily model-dependent, but ISEC nonetheless represents a powerful and non-destructive source of quantitative pore structure information that can help to elucidate chromatographic performance observations covering both retention and rate aspects.

  4. Surface sodium lignosulphonate-immobilized sawdust particle as an efficient adsorbent for capturing Hg2+ from aqueous solution.

    PubMed

    Gao, Shan; Luo, Tiantian; Zhou, Qi; Luo, Wenjun; Li, Haifeng; Jing, Luru

    2018-05-01

    In this work, the soluble sodium lignosulphonate (LS Na ) molecules were successfully grafted onto the surface of pine sawdust (PSD) particles to obtain an efficient adsorbent (PSD-LS) for removing Hg 2+ from wastewater. In advance, the surface of sawdust particles were carboxymethylated by chloroacetic acid, the LS Na would be anchored on the surface by a heterogeneous esterification reaction occurred between the hydroxyl of LS Na and carboxyl on PSD surface. The resultant product (PSD-LS) exhibited a good adsorption performance for Hg 2+ with adsorption capacity up to 164.77 mg/g and it was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effects of pH, contact time, adsorption temperature and initial concentration on the adsorption of Hg 2+ were investigated. Results showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model could describe the adsorption process better. In addition, the composite adsorbent has outstanding reusability with high and stable desorption rates under several continuous cycle. These findings suggested that PSD-LS was a potential adsorbent to remove hazardous metal ions from wastewater. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Adsorption characteristics of siloxanes in landfill gas by the adsorption equilibrium test.

    PubMed

    Nam, Sangchul; Namkoong, Wan; Kang, Jeong-Hee; Park, Jin-Kyu; Lee, Namhoon

    2013-10-01

    Due to the increase in energy cost by constantly high oil prices and the obligation to reduce greenhouse effect gases, landfill gas is frequently used as an alternative energy source for producing heat and electricity. Most of landfill gas utility facilities, however, are experiencing problems controlling siloxanes from landfill gas as their catalytic oxidizers are becoming fouled by silicon dioxide dust. To evaluate adsorption characteristics of siloxanes, an adsorption equilibrium test was conducted and parameters in the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were analyzed. Coconut activated carbon (CA1), coal activated carbon (CA2), impregnated activated carbon (CA3), silicagel (NCA1), and activated alumina (NCA2) were used for the adsorption of the mixed siloxane which contained hexamethyldisiloxane (L2), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5). L2 had higher removal efficiency in noncarbon adsorbents compared to carbon adsorbents. The application of Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm demonstrated that coconut based CA1 and CA3 provided higher adsorption capacity on L2. And CA2 and NCA1 provided higher adsorption capacity on D4 and D5. Based on the experimental results, L2, D4, and D5 were converted by adsorption and desorption in noncarbon adsorbents. Adsorption affinity of siloxane is considered to be affect by the pore size distribution of the adsorbents and by the molecular size of each siloxane. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Ultrafast and Ultrasensitive Gas Sensors Derived from a Large Fermi-Level Shift in the Schottky Junction with Sieve-Layer Modulation.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Ching-Cheng; Wu, Chia-Lin; Liao, Yu-Ming; Chen, Yang-Fang

    2016-07-13

    Gas sensors play an important role in numerous fields, covering a wide range of applications, including intelligent systems and detection of harmful and toxic gases. Even though they have attracted much attention, the response time on the order of seconds to minutes is still very slow. To circumvent the existing problems, here, we provide a seminal attempt with the integration of graphene, semiconductor, and an addition sieve layer forming a nanocomposite gas sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity and ultrafast response. The designed sieve layer has a suitable band structure that can serve as a blocking layer to prevent transfer of the charges induced by adsorbed gas molecules into the underlying semiconductor layer. We found that the sensitivity can be reduced to the parts per million level, and the ultrafast response of around 60 ms is unprecedented compared with published graphene-based gas sensors. The achieved high performance can be interpreted well by the large change of the Fermi level of graphene due to its inherent nature of the low density of states and blocking of the sieve layer to prevent charge transfer from graphene to the underlying semiconductor layer. Accordingly, our work is very useful and timely for the development of gas sensors with high performance for practical applications.

  7. Different catalytic effects of a single water molecule: the gas-phase reaction of formic acid with hydroxyl radical in water vapor.

    PubMed

    Anglada, Josep M; Gonzalez, Javier

    2009-12-07

    The effect of a single water molecule on the reaction mechanism of the gas-phase reaction between formic acid and the hydroxyl radical was investigated with high-level quantum mechanical calculations using DFT-B3LYP, MP2 and CCSD(T) theoretical approaches in concert with the 6-311+G(2df,2p) and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. The reaction between HCOOH and HO has a very complex mechanism involving a proton-coupled electron transfer process (pcet), two hydrogen-atom transfer reactions (hat) and a double proton transfer process (dpt). The hydroxyl radical predominantly abstracts the acidic hydrogen of formic acid through a pcet mechanism. A single water molecule affects each one of these reaction mechanisms in different ways, depending on the way the water interacts. Very interesting is also the fact that our calculations predict that the participation of a single water molecule results in the abstraction of the formyl hydrogen of formic acid through a hydrogen atom transfer process (hat).

  8. Mixed titanium, silicon, and aluminum oxide nanostructures as novel adsorbent for removal of rhodamine 6G and methylene blue as cationic dyes from aqueous solution.

    PubMed

    Pal, Umapada; Sandoval, Alberto; Madrid, Sergio Isaac Uribe; Corro, Grisel; Sharma, Vivek; Mohanty, Paritosh

    2016-11-01

    Mixed oxide nanoparticles containing Ti, Si, and Al of 8-15 nm size range were synthesized using a combined sol-gel - hydrothermal method. Effects of composition on the structure, morphology, and optical properties of the nanoparticles were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), microRaman spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Dye removal abilities of the nanoparticles from aqueous solutions were tested for different cationic dyes. While all the mixed oxide nanoparticles revealed high and fast adsorption of cationic dyes, the particles containing Ti and Si turned out to be the best. The adsorption kinetics and equilibrium adsorption behavior of the adsorbate - adsorbent systems could be well described by pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. Estimated thermodynamic parameters revealed the adsorption process is spontaneous, driven mainly by the electrostatic force between the cationic dye molecules and negative charge at nanoparticle surface. Highest dye adsorption capacity (162.96 mg MB/g) of the mixed oxide nanostructures containing Ti and Si is associated to their high specific surface area, and the presence of surface Si-O(δ-) groups, in addition to the hydroxyl groups of amorphous titania. Mixed oxide nanoparticles containing 75% Ti and 25% Si seen to be the most efficient adsorbents for removing cationic dye molecules from wastewater. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Carbon dioxide pressure swing adsorption process using modified alumina adsorbents

    DOEpatents

    Gaffney, Thomas Richard; Golden, Timothy Christopher; Mayorga, Steven Gerard; Brzozowski, Jeffrey Richard; Taylor, Fred William

    1999-01-01

    A pressure swing adsorption process for absorbing CO.sub.2 from a gaseous mixture containing CO.sub.2 comprising introducing the gaseous mixture at a first pressure into a reactor containing a modified alumina adsorbent maintained at a temperature ranging from 100.degree. C. and 500.degree. C. to adsorb CO.sub.2 to provide a CO.sub.2 laden alumina adsorbent and a CO.sub.2 depleted gaseous mixture and contacting the CO.sub.2 laden adsorbent with a weakly adsorbing purge fluid at a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure to desorb CO.sub.2 from the CO.sub.2 laden alumina adsorbent. The modified alumina adsorbent which is formed by depositing a solution having a pH of 3.0 or more onto alumina and heating the alumina to a temperature ranging from 100.degree. C. and 600.degree. C., is not degraded by high concentrations of water under process operating conditions.

  10. Carbon dioxide pressure swing adsorption process using modified alumina adsorbents

    DOEpatents

    Gaffney, T.R.; Golden, T.C.; Mayorga, S.G.; Brzozowski, J.R.; Taylor, F.W.

    1999-06-29

    A pressure swing adsorption process for absorbing CO[sub 2] from a gaseous mixture containing CO[sub 2] comprises introducing the gaseous mixture at a first pressure into a reactor containing a modified alumina adsorbent maintained at a temperature ranging from 100 C and 500 C to adsorb CO[sub 2] to provide a CO[sub 2] laden alumina adsorbent and a CO[sub 2] depleted gaseous mixture and contacting the CO[sub 2] laden adsorbent with a weakly adsorbing purge fluid at a second pressure which is lower than the first pressure to desorb CO[sub 2] from the CO[sub 2] laden alumina adsorbent. The modified alumina adsorbent which is formed by depositing a solution having a pH of 3.0 or more onto alumina and heating the alumina to a temperature ranging from 100 C and 600 C, is not degraded by high concentrations of water under process operating conditions. 1 fig.

  11. Selective catalytic oxidation: a new catalytic approach to the desulfurization of natural gas and liquid petroleum gas for fuel cell reformer applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lampert, J.

    In both natural gas and liquid petroleum gas (LPG), sulfur degrades the performance of the catalysts used in fuel reformers and fuel cells. In order to improve system performance, the sulfur must be removed to concentrations of less than 200 ppbv (in many applications to less than 20 ppbv) before the fuel reforming operation. Engelhard Corporation presents a unique approach to the desulfurization of natural gas and LPG. This new method catalytically converts the organic and inorganic sulfur species to sulfur oxides. The sulfur oxides are then adsorbed on a high capacity adsorbent. The sulfur compounds in the fuel are converted to sulfur oxides by combining the fuel with a small amount of air. The mixture is then heated from 250 to 270 °C, and contacted with a monolith supported sulfur tolerant catalyst at atmospheric pressure. When Engelhard Corporation demonstrated this catalytic approach in the laboratory, the result showed sulfur breakthrough to be less than 10 ppbv in the case of natural gas, and less than 150 ppbv for LPG. We used a simulated natural gas and LPG mixture, doped with a 50-170 ppmv sulfur compound containing equal concentrations of COS, ethylmercaptan, dimethylsulfide, methylethylsulfide and tetrahydrothiophene. There is no need for recycled H 2 as in the case for hydrodesulfurization.

  12. Sorption of small molecules in polymeric media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Camboni, Federico; Sokolov, Igor M.

    2016-12-01

    We discuss the sorption of penetrant molecules from the gas phase by a polymeric medium within a model which is very close in spirit to the dual sorption mode model: the penetrant molecules are partly dissolved within the polymeric matrix, partly fill the preexisting voids. The only difference with the initial dual sorption mode situation is the assumption that the two populations of molecules are in equilibrium with each other. Applying basic thermodynamics principles we obtain the dependence of the penetrant concentration on the pressure in the gas phase and find that this is expressed via the Lambert W-function, a different functional form than the one proposed by dual sorption mode model. The Lambert-like isotherms appear universally at low and moderate pressures and originate from the assumption that the internal energy in a polymer-penetrant-void ternary mixture is (in the lowest order) a bilinear form in the concentrations of the three components. Fitting the existing data shows that in the domain of parameters where the dual sorption mode model is typically applied, the Lambert function, which describes the same behavior as the one proposed by the gas-polymer matrix model, fits the data equally well.

  13. Oil palm biomass as an adsorbent for heavy metals.

    PubMed

    Vakili, Mohammadtaghi; Rafatullah, Mohd; Ibrahim, Mahamad Hakimi; Abdullah, Ahmad Zuhairi; Salamatinia, Babak; Gholami, Zahra

    2014-01-01

    Many industries discharge untreated wastewater into the environment. Heavy metals from many industrial processes end up as hazardous pollutants of wastewaters.Heavy metal pollution has increased in recent decades and there is a growing concern for the public health risk they may pose. To remove heavy metal ions from polluted waste streams, adsorption processes are among the most common and effective treatment methods. The adsorbents that are used to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous media have both advantages and disadvantages. Cost and effectiveness are two of the most prominent criteria for choosing adsorbents. Because cost is so important, great effort has been extended to study and find effective lower cost adsorbents.One class of adsorbents that is gaining considerable attention is agricultural wastes. Among many alternatives, palm oil biomasses have shown promise as effective adsorbents for removing heavy metals from wastewater. The palm oil industry has rapidly expanded in recent years, and a large amount of palm oil biomass is available. This biomass is a low-cost agricultural waste that exhibits, either in its raw form or after being processed, the potential for eliminating heavy metal ions from wastewater. In this article, we provide background information on oil palm biomass and describe studies that indicate its potential as an alternative adsorbent for removing heavy metal ions from wastewater. From having reviewed the cogent literature on this topic we are encouraged that low-cost oil-palm-related adsorbents have already demonstrated outstanding removal capabilities for various pollutants.Because cost is so important to those who choose to clean waste streams by using adsorbents, the use of cheap sources of unconventional adsorbents is increasingly being investigated. An adsorbent is considered to be inexpensive when it is readily available, is environmentally friendly, is cost-effective and be effectively used in economical processes. The

  14. Synthesis of Zn-MOF incorporating titanium-hydrides as active sites binding H{sub 2} molecules

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Jongsik, E-mail: jkim40@nd.edu; Ok Kim, Dong; Wook Kim, Dong

    2015-10-15

    This paper describes the synthetic effort for a Zn-MOF imparting Ti-H as a preferential binding site potentially capturing H{sub 2} molecules via Kubas-type interaction. The formation mechanism of Ti-H innate to the final material was potentially demonstrated to follow a radical dissociation rather than a β-hydrogen elimination and a C-H reductive elimination. - Graphical abstract: This study details the synthesis and the formation mechanism of Zn-MOF adsorbent site-isolating TiH{sub 3} that can potentially capture H{sub 2} molecules via Kubas-binding mechanism. - Highlights: • OH-functionalized Zn-MOF was employed as a reactive template to site-isolate TiH{sub 3}. • This MOF was post-syntheticallymore » modified using a tetracyclohexyl titanium (IV). • This intermediate was hydrogenolyzed to change ligand from cyclohexyl to hydride. • Formation mechanism of TiH{sub 3} was investigated via two control GC–MS experiments. • Final Zn-MOF potentially site-isolating TiH{sub 3} species was used as a H{sub 2} adsorbent.« less

  15. The efficiency of photodissociation for molecules in interstellar ices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kalvāns, J.

    2018-05-01

    Processing by interstellar photons affects the composition of the icy mantles on interstellar grains. The rate of photodissociation in solids differs from that of molecules in the gas phase. The aim of this work was to determine an average, general ratio between photodissociation coefficients for molecules in ice and gas. A 1D astrochemical model was utilized to simulate the chemical composition for a line of sight through a collapsing interstellar cloud core, whose interstellar extinction changes with time. At different extinctions, the calculated column densities of icy carbon oxides and ammonia (relative to water ice) were compared to observations. The latter were taken from literature data of background stars sampling ices in molecular clouds. The best-fit value for the solid/gas photodissociation coefficient ratio was found to be ≈0.3. In other words, gas-phase photodissociation rate coefficients have to be reduced by a factor of 0.3 before applying them to icy species. A crucial part of the model is a proper inclusion of cosmic-ray induced desorption. Observations sampling gas with total extinctions in excess of ≈22 mag were found to be uncorrelated to modelling results, possibly because of grains being covered with non-polar molecules.

  16. Detection of ionized gas molecules in air by graphene and carbon nanotube networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hao, Ji; Li, Bo; Yung, Hyun Young; Liu, Fangze; Hong, Sanghyung; Jung, Yung Joon; Kar, Swastik

    The liquid phase ions sensing by graphene and carbon nanotube has been demonstrated in many publications due to the minimum gate voltage easily shift induced by ionic gating effect, but it is still unclear for vapor phase ions sensing. Here we want to report that the ionized gas molecules in air can be also very sensitively detected by graphene and carbon nanotube networks under very low applied voltage, which shows the very high charge to current amplification factor, the value can be up to 108 A/C, and the direction of current-change can be used to differentiate the positive and negative ions. In further, the field effect of graphene device induced by vapor phase ions was discussed. NSF ECCS 1202376, NSF ECCS CAREER 1351424 and NSF DMREF 1434824, a Northeastern University Provost's Tier-1 seed Grant for interdisciplinary research, Technology Innovation Program (10050481) from Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy of Republic of Korea.

  17. Method of making improved gas storage carbon with enhanced thermal conductivity

    DOEpatents

    Burchell, Timothy D [Oak Ridge, TN; Rogers, Michael R [Knoxville, TN

    2002-11-05

    A method of making an adsorbent carbon fiber based monolith having improved methane gas storage capabilities is disclosed. Additionally, the monolithic nature of the storage carbon allows it to exhibit greater thermal conductivity than conventional granular activated carbon or powdered activated carbon storage beds. The storage of methane gas is achieved through the process of physical adsorption in the micropores that are developed in the structure of the adsorbent monolith. The disclosed monolith is capable of storing greater than 150 V/V of methane [i.e., >150 STP (101.325 KPa, 298K) volumes of methane per unit volume of storage vessel internal volume] at a pressure of 3.5 MPa (500 psi).

  18. Adsorption of CO2 from flue gas streams by a highly efficient and stable aminosilica adsorbent.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shou-Heng; Lin, Yuan-Chung; Chien, Yi-Chi; Hyu, Han-Ren

    2011-02-01

    Three ordered mesoporous silicas (OMSs) with different pore sizes and pore architectures were prepared and modified with amine functional groups by a postgrafting method. The carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption on these amine-modified OMSs was measured by using microbalances at 348 K, and their adsorption capacities were found to be 0.2-1.4 mmol g(-1) under ambient pressure using dry 15% CO2. It was found experimentally that the CO2 adsorption capacity and adsorption rate were attributed to the density of amine groups and pore volume, respectively. A simple method is described for the production of densely anchored amine groups on a solid adsorbent invoking direct incorporation of tetraethylenepentamine onto the as-synthesized OMSs. Unlike conventional amine-modified OMSs, which typically show CO2 adsorption capacity less than 2 mmol g(-1), such organic template occluded amine-OMS composites possessed remarkably high CO2 uptake of approximately 4.6 mmol g(-1) at 348 K and 1 atm for a dry 15% CO2/nitrogen feed mixture. The enhancement of 8% in CO2 adsorption capacity was also observed in the presence of 10.6% water vapor. Durability tests done by cyclic adsorption-desorption revealed that these adsorbents also possess excellent stability.

  19. Investigation of structural changes of β-casein and lysozyme at the gas-liquid interface during foam fractionation.

    PubMed

    Barackov, Ivana; Mause, Anika; Kapoor, Shobhna; Winter, Roland; Schembecker, Gerhard; Burghoff, Bernhard

    2012-10-15

    Purification and separation of proteins play a major role in biotechnology. Nowadays, alternatives to multistep operations suffering from low product yields and high costs are investigated closely amidst which one of the promising options is foam fractionation. The molecular behavior at the gas-liquid interface plays an important role in the formation and stabilization of enriched foam. This study for the first time correlates the physico-chemical parameters to the molecular structure in view of protein enrichment during foam fractionation of the two relatively different proteins lysozyme and β-casein employing biophysical techniques such as circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS). In case of lysozyme, high enrichment was achieved at pHmolecules under favorable foaming conditions that resulted with high enrichment of foamed protein. Under these favorable conditions, CD spectra and IRRA spectra show that the unfolding of lysozyme is partially irreversible. However, the unfavorable foaming conditions, giving low enrichment, promote only minor structural changes and these changes are fully reversible. In case of β-casein, no pronounced unfolding can be observed using CD spectroscopy and IRRAS. The β-casein molecules adsorb and purely reorient at the gas-liquid interface, depending on favorable or unfavorable conditions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. A highly sensitive chemical gas detecting device based on N-doped ZnO as a modified nanostructure media: A DFT+NBO analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abbasi, Amirali; Sardroodi, Jaber Jahanbin

    2018-02-01

    We presented a density functional theory study of the adsorption of O3 and NO2 molecules on ZnO nanoparticles. Various adsorption geometries of O3 and NO2 over the nanoparticles were considered. For both O3 and NO2 adsorption systems, it was found that the adsorption on the N-doped nanoparticle is more favorable in energy than that on the pristine one. Therefore, the N-doped ZnO has a better efficiency to be utilized as O3 and NO2 detection device. For all cases, the binding sites were located on the zinc atoms of the nanoparticle. The charge analysis based on natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis indicates that charge was transferred from the surface to the adsorbed molecule. The projected density of states of the interacting atoms represent the formation of chemical bonds at the interface region. Molecular orbitals of the adsorption systems indicate that the HOMOs were mainly localized on the adsorbed O3 and NO2 molecules, whereas the electronic densities in the LUMOs were dominant at the ZnO nanocrystal surface. By examining the distribution of spin densities, we found that the magnetization was mainly located over the adsorbed molecules. For NO2 adsorbate, we found that the symmetric and asymmetric stretches were shifted to a lower frequency. The bending stretch mode was shifted to the higher frequency. Our DFT results thus provide a theoretical basis for why the adsorption of O3 and NO2 molecules on the N-doped ZnO nanoparticles may increase, giving rise to design and development of innovative and highly efficient sensor devices for O3 and NO2 recognition.