High Capacitive Storage Performance of Sulfur and Nitrogen Codoped Mesoporous Graphene.

PubMed

Ma, Xinlong; Gao, Daowei

2018-03-22

Mesoporous graphene is synthesized based on the chemical vapor deposition methodology by using heavy MgO flakes as substrates in a fluidized-bed reactor. Subsequently, sulfur and nitrogen coincorporation into graphene frameworks is realized by the reaction between carbon atoms and thiourea molecules. The as-obtained sulfur and nitrogen codoped mesoporous graphene (SNMG) exhibits remarkable capacitive energy-storage behavior, as a result of well-developed pore channels, in terms of that in a symmetric supercapacitor and lithium-ion hybrid capacitor (LIHC). The ultrahigh durability of the SNMG/SNMG symmetric supercapacitor is demonstrated by long-term cycling, for which no capacitance decay is found after 20 000 cycles. A LIHC constructed from commercial Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 (LTO) as the anode and SNMG as the cathode is capable of delivering much enhanced lithium-storage ability and better rate capability than that of activated carbon (AC)/LTO LIHC. Moreover, SNMG/LTO LIHC exhibits maximum energy and power densities of 86.2 Wh kg -1 and 7443 W kg -1 and maintains 87 % capacitance retention after 2000 cycles. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Role of Biomass Composition and Steam Treatment on Durability of Pellets

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

Tang, Yong; Chandra, Richard P.; Sokhansanj, Shahab

Steam treatment has been reported to improve the durability of wood pellet likely by changing the physical and chemical structures of wood particles, but published literature is inconclusive about which structure change is the major reason for enhanced durability. Here, in this paper, steam treatment was combined either with alkaline or with SO 2 to study. The solids obtained after steam treatments along with a control sample were dried and each was compacted into pellets. The pellets were then tested for durability. Steam treatment alone dominated improvements in durability. The pellet durability increased with the amount of xylose, but xylosemore » performed better in the pellet from raw poplar than did in the pellet from treated poplar. Water-soluble components contributed a maximum 4% of the durability of poplar pellets. The addition of lignin and sugars to substrates after steam treatment did not improve durability significantly. The surface modification that took place as a result of size reduction during steam treatment was the major reason, contributing about 50% of the durability of the pellet from steam-treated poplar. The acidity of steam treatment slightly affected the relative contributions of these structure changes on the durability. Lastly, the new knowledge helps tailor the chemical and/or mechanical pretreatment involved in pelleting biomass to durable pellets.« less

The Role of Biomass Composition and Steam Treatment on Durability of Pellets

DOE PAGES

Tang, Yong; Chandra, Richard P.; Sokhansanj, Shahab; ...

2018-03-03

Steam treatment has been reported to improve the durability of wood pellet likely by changing the physical and chemical structures of wood particles, but published literature is inconclusive about which structure change is the major reason for enhanced durability. Here, in this paper, steam treatment was combined either with alkaline or with SO 2 to study. The solids obtained after steam treatments along with a control sample were dried and each was compacted into pellets. The pellets were then tested for durability. Steam treatment alone dominated improvements in durability. The pellet durability increased with the amount of xylose, but xylosemore » performed better in the pellet from raw poplar than did in the pellet from treated poplar. Water-soluble components contributed a maximum 4% of the durability of poplar pellets. The addition of lignin and sugars to substrates after steam treatment did not improve durability significantly. The surface modification that took place as a result of size reduction during steam treatment was the major reason, contributing about 50% of the durability of the pellet from steam-treated poplar. The acidity of steam treatment slightly affected the relative contributions of these structure changes on the durability. Lastly, the new knowledge helps tailor the chemical and/or mechanical pretreatment involved in pelleting biomass to durable pellets.« less

High performance, high durability non-precious metal fuel cell catalysts

DOEpatents

Wood, Thomas E.; Atanasoski, Radoslav; Schmoeckel, Alison K.

2016-03-15

This invention relates to non-precious metal fuel cell cathode catalysts, fuel cells that contain these catalysts, and methods of making the same. The fuel cell cathode catalysts are highly nitrogenated carbon materials that can contain a transition metal. The highly nitrogenated carbon materials can be supported on a nanoparticle substrate.

Influence of agricultural management on chemical quality of a clay soil of semi-arid Morocco

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibno Namr, Khalid; Mrabet, Rachid

2004-06-01

Morocco's semi-arid lands are characterized by unique challenges. The most important obstacles to the development of durable agriculture are (1) limited and unpredictable supply of soil moisture and (2) low soil quality. Intensive use of soil throughout history has led to depletion in soil quality, leading in return to reduced yields because of the consequent reduced organic matter. Recognizing the need to recover soil quality and production decline, INRA scientists began, in the early 1980s, research on the effects of crop rotations, tillage and residue management on the productivity and quality of cropped soils. The present study concerns the short-term effect of rotation, tillage and residue management on selected quality indices of a calcixeroll (organic matter, nitrogen, particulate organic carbon (Cpom), particulate organic nitrogen (Npom) and pH). Hence, three rotations (wheat-wheat, WW; fallow-wheat, FW; and fallow-wheat-barley, FWB), two tillage systems (conventional offset disking, CT and no-tillage, NT), and three levels of residue in the NT system (NT 0 = no-residue cover, NT 50 = half surface residue cover, NT 100 = full surface residue cover) were selected. Three surface horizons were sampled (0-2.5, 2.5-7 and 7-20 cm). The study results showed an improvement of measured soil chemical properties under NT compared to CT, at the surface layer. No-tillage system helped sequestration of carbon and nitrogen, build-up of particulate organic carbon and nitrogen and sensible reduction of pH only at the surface layer. Continuous wheat permitted a slight improvement of soil quality, mainly at the 0-2.5 cm depth. Effects of rotation, tillage and residue level were reduced with depth of measurements.

Compositional threshold for Nuclear Waste Glass Durability

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

Kruger, Albert A.; Farooqi, Rahmatullah; Hrma, Pavel R.

2013-04-24

Within the composition space of glasses, a distinct threshold appears to exist that separates "good" glasses, i.e., those which are sufficiently durable, from "bad" glasses of a low durability. The objective of our research is to clarify the origin of this threshold by exploring the relationship between glass composition, glass structure and chemical durability around the threshold region.

One-step electrochemical synthesis of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped, high-quality graphene oxide.

PubMed

Parvez, Khaled; Rincón, Rosalba A; Weber, Nils-Eike; Cha, Kitty C; Venkataraman, Shyam S

2016-04-28

High-quality graphene oxide (GO) with high crystallinity and electrical conductivity as well as in situ doped with nitrogen and sulfur is obtained via the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite. Furthermore, iron incorporated GO sheets show promising catalytic activity and stable methanol tolerance durability when used as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction.

Sliding mode observer for proton exchange membrane fuel cell: automotive application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piffard, Maxime; Gerard, Mathias; Fonseca, Ramon Da; Massioni, Paolo; Bideaux, Eric

2018-06-01

This work proposes a state observer as a tool to manage cost and durability issues for PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) in automotive applications. Based on a dead-end anode architecture, the observer estimates the nitrogen build-up in the anode side, as well as relative humidities in the channels. These estimated parameters can then be used at fuel cell management level to enhance the durability of the stack. This observer is based on transport equations through the membrane and it reconstructs the behavior of the water and nitrogen inside the channels without the need of additional humidity sensors to correct the estimate. The convergence of the output variables is proved with Lyapunov theory for dynamic operating conditions. The validation is made with a high-fidelity model running a WLTC (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Cycle). This observer provides the average values of nitrogen and relative humidities with sufficient precision to be used in a global real-time control scheme.

Production and characterization of enzymatic cocktail produced by Aspergillus niger using green macroalgae as nitrogen source and its application in the pre-treatment for biogas production from Ulva rigida.

PubMed

Karray, Raida; Hamza, Manel; Sayadi, Sami

2016-09-01

Marine macroalgae are gaining more and more importance as a renewable feedstock for durable bioenergy production, but polysaccharides of this macroalgae are structurally complex in its chemical composition. The use of enzymatic hydrolysis may provide new pathways in the conversion of complex polysaccharides to fermentable sugars. In this study, an enzymatic cocktail with high specificity was first isolated from Aspergillus niger using the green macroalgae Ulva rigida as nitrogen source. The cocktail is rich on β-glucosidase, pectinase and carboxy-methyl-cellulase (CMCase). The highest activity was obtained with β-glucosidase (109IUmL(-1)) and pectinase (76IUmL(-1)), while CMCase present the lowest activity 4.6IUmL(-1). The U. rigida pre-treatment with this enzymatic cocktail showed high rate of reduced sugar release, and could bring promising prospects for enzymatic pre-treatment of the biogas production from U. rigida biomass which reached 1175mLgCODint(-1). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Critical role of intercalated water for electrocatalytically active nitrogen-doped graphitic systems

DOE PAGES

Martinez, Ulises; Dumont, Joseph H.; Holby, Edward F.; ...

2016-03-18

Graphitic materials are very essential in energy conversion and storage because of their excellent chemical and electrical properties. The strategy for obtaining functional graphitic materials involves graphite oxidation and subsequent dissolution in aqueous media, forming graphene-oxide nanosheets (GNs). Restacked GNs contain substantial intercalated water that can react with heteroatom dopants or the graphene lattice during reduction. We demonstrate that removal of intercalated water using simple solvent treatments causes significant structural reorganization, substantially affecting the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and stability of nitrogen-doped graphitic systems. Amid contrasting reports describing the ORR activity of GN-based catalysts in alkaline electrolytes, we demonstratemore » superior activity in an acidic electrolyte with an onset potential of ~0.9 V, a half-wave potential (E ½) of 0.71 V, and a selectivity for four-electron reduction of >95%. Finally and further, durability testing showed E ½ retention >95% in N 2- and O 2-saturated solutions after 2000 cycles, demonstrating the highest ORR activity and stability reported to date for GN-based electrocatalysts in acidic media.« less

Novel tiO2 nanocatalysts for wastewater purification: tapping energy from the sun.

PubMed

Liu, Y; Li, J; Qiu, X; Burda, C

2006-01-01

Water treatment using TiO2 semiconductor as a durable heterogeneous photocatalyst has been the focus of environmentalists in recent years. Currently, we developed an inexpensive and highly efficient approach for synthesizing nitrogen-doped TiO2 with lower band-gap energy that can respond to visible light. Doping on the molecular scale led to an enhanced nitrogen concentration of up to 21.8%. Reflectance measurements showed the synthesized N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles are catalytically active with the absorbance that extends into the visible region up to 600 nm. The water purification potential of this new class of compound was evaluated by studying the photodegradation of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) and E. coli. Experiments were conducted to compare the photocatalytic activities of N-doped TiO2 nanocatalysts and commercially available Degussa P25 power under identical solar light exposure. N-doped TiO2 demonstrated superior photocatalytic activities in both chemical compound degradation and bactericidal reactions. The result of this study shows the potential of applying new generations of catalyst for wastewater purification and disinfection.

Improved Helium-Barrier Bag

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Viger, Brent J.; Logan, Robert F.; Fink, Jeffrey E.

1992-01-01

Specially designed bag maintains helium atmosphere around large, low-temperature duct. Easy to install, durable, and reusable. Intended to prevent cryopumping occurring if air or nitrogen allowed to make contact with cold surface of duct.

Highly uniform distribution of Pt nanoparticles on N-doped hollow carbon spheres with enhanced durability for oxygen reduction reaction

DOE PAGES

Shi, Qiurong; Zhu, Chengzhou; Engelhard, Mark H.; ...

2017-01-19

Here, carbon-supported Pt nanostructures currently exhibited great potential in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Nitrogen-doped hollow carbon spheres (NHCSs) with extra low density and high specific surface area are promising carbon support for loading Pt NPs. The doped heteroatom of nitrogen could not only contribute to the active activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), but also shows a strong interaction with Pt NPs for entrapping them from dissolution/migration. This synergetic effect/interaction resulted in the uniform dispersion and strong combination of the Pt NPs on the carbon support and thus play a significant role in hindering the degradation of themore » catalytic activities of Pt NPs. As expected, the as-obtained Pt/NHCSs displayed improved catalytic activity and superior durability toward ORR.« less

Carbon nanocages: a new support material for Pt catalyst with remarkably high durability.

PubMed

Wang, Xiao Xia; Tan, Zhe Hua; Zeng, Min; Wang, Jian Nong

2014-03-24

Low durability is the major challenge hindering the large-scale implementation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology, and corrosion of carbon support materials of current catalysts is the main cause. Here, we describe the finding of remarkably high durability with the use of a novel support material. This material is based on hollow carbon nanocages developed with a high degree of graphitization and concurrent nitrogen doping for oxidation resistance enhancement, uniform deposition of fine Pt particles, and strong Pt-support interaction. Accelerated degradation testing shows that such designed catalyst possesses a superior electrochemical activity and long-term stability for both hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction relative to industry benchmarks of current catalysts. Further testing under conditions of practical fuel cell operation reveals almost no degradation over long-term cycling. Such a catalyst of high activity, particularly, high durability, opens the door for the next-generation PEMFC for "real world" application.

GC-MS Characterizations of Termiticidal Heartwood Extractives from Wood Species Utilized in Pakistan

Treesearch

Mark Mankowski; Blossie Boyd; Barbar Hassan; Grant T. Kirker

2016-01-01

Wood species that exhibit innate tolerance to wood destroying organisms such as termites are considered to be naturally durable. This durability can, in part, be due to the complex chemical compounds in the heartwood of naturally durable wood species. We examined the effects of varying concentrations of heartwood extractives on the subterranean termite, ...

Wood-plastic composites with reduced moisture : effects of chemical modification on durability in the laboratory and field

Treesearch

Rebecca E. Ibach; Craig M. Clemons; Rebecca L. Schumann

2007-01-01

Although laboratory evaluations of wood-plastic composites (WPCs) are helpful in predicting long-term durability, field studies are needed to verify overall long-term durability. Field exposure can encompass numerous degradations i.e., fungal, ultraviolet light, moisture, wind, temperature, freeze/thaw, wet/ dry cycling, termites, mold, etc. that traditionally are...

Well-defined porous membranes for robust omniphobic surfaces via microfluidic emulsion templating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Pingan; Kong, Tiantian; Tang, Xin; Wang, Liqiu

2017-06-01

Durability is a long-standing challenge in designing liquid-repellent surfaces. A high-performance omniphobic surface must robustly repel liquids, while maintaining mechanical/chemical stability. However, liquid repellency and mechanical durability are generally mutually exclusive properties for many omniphobic surfaces--improving one performance inevitably results in decreased performance in another. Here we report well-defined porous membranes for durable omniphobic surfaces inspired by the springtail cuticle. The omniphobicity is shown via an amphiphilic material micro-textured with re-entrant surface morphology; the mechanical durability arises from the interconnected microstructures. The innovative fabrication method--termed microfluidic emulsion templating--is facile, cost-effective, scalable and can precisely engineer the structural topographies. The robust omniphobic surface is expected to open up new avenues for diverse applications due to its mechanical and chemical robustness, transparency, reversible Cassie-Wenzel transition, transferability, flexibility and stretchability.

Durable silver mirror with ultra-violet thru far infra-red reflection

DOEpatents

Wolfe, Jesse D.

2010-11-23

A durable highly reflective silver mirror characterized by high reflectance in a broad spectral range of about 300 nm in the UV to the far infrared (.about.10000 nm), as well as exceptional environmental durability. A high absorptivity metal underlayer is used which prevents the formation of a galvanic cell with a silver layer while increasing the reflectance of the silver layer. Environmentally durable overcoat layers are provided to enhance mechanical and chemical durability and protect the silver layer from corrosion and tarnishing, for use in a wide variety of surroundings or climates, including harsh or extreme environments.

Laser Ablation Surface Preparation of Ti-6A1-4V for Adhesive Bonding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmieri, Frank L.; Watson, Kent A.; Morales, Guillermo; Williams, Thomas; Hicks, Robert; Wohl, Christopher J.; Hopkins, John W.; Connell, John W.

2012-01-01

Adhesive bonding offers many advantages over mechanical fastening, but requires certification before it can be incorporated in primary structures for commercial aviation without disbond-arrestment features or redundant load paths. Surface preparation is widely recognized as the key step to producing robust and predictable bonds. Laser ablation imparts both topographical and chemical changes to a surface which can lead to increased bond durability. A laser based process provides an alternative to chemical-dip, manual abrasion and grit blast treatments which are expensive, hazardous, polluting, and less precise. This report documents preliminary testing of a surface preparation technique using laser ablation as a replacement for the chemical etch and abrasive processes currently applied to Ti-6Al-4V alloy adherends. Failure mode, surface roughness, and chemical makeup were analyzed using fluorescence enhanced visualization, microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Single lap shear tests were conducted on bonded and aged specimens to observe bond strength retention and failure mode. Some promising results showed increasing strength and durability of lap shear specimens as laser ablation coverage area and beam intensity increased. Chemical analyses showed trends for surface chemical species which correlated with improved bond strength and durability. Combined, these results suggest that laser ablation is a viable process for inclusion with or/and replacement of one or more currently used titanium surface treatments. On-going work will focus on additional mechanical tests to further demonstrate improved bond durability.

Effects of Irradiation on Albite's Chemical Durability.

PubMed

Hsiao, Yi-Hsuan; La Plante, Erika Callagon; Krishnan, N M Anoop; Le Pape, Yann; Neithalath, Narayanan; Bauchy, Mathieu; Sant, Gaurav

2017-10-19

Albite (NaAlSi 3 O 8 ), a framework silicate of the plagioclase feldspar family and a common constituent of felsic rocks, is often present in the siliceous mineral aggregates that compose concrete. When exposed to radiation (e.g., in the form of neutrons) in nuclear power plants, the crystal structure of albite can undergo significant alterations. These alterations may degrade its chemical durability. Indeed, careful examinations of Ar + -implanted albite carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and molecular dynamics simulations show that albite's crystal structure, upon irradiation, undergoes progressive disordering, resulting in an expansion in its molar volume (i.e., a reduction of density) and a reduction in the connectivity of its atomic network. This loss of network connectivity (i.e., rigidity) results in an enhancement of the aqueous dissolution rate of albite-measured using vertical scanning interferometry (VSI) in alkaline environments-by a factor of 20. This enhancement in the dissolution rate (i.e., reduction in chemical durability) of albite following irradiation has significant impacts on the durability of felsic rocks and of concrete containing them upon their exposure to radiation in nuclear power plant (NPP) environments.

Moisture Sorption, Biological Durability, and Mechanical Performance of WPC Containing Modified Wood and Polylactates

Treesearch

B. Kristoffer Segerholm; Rebecca E. Ibach; Mats Westin

2012-01-01

Biological durability is an important feature for wood-plastic composites (WPC) intended for outdoor applications. One route to achieving WPC products with increased biological durability is to use wood preservative agents in the formulation of the WPC. Another option could be to use a chemically modified wood component that already exhibits increased resistance to...

Enhanced Fuel Cell Catalyst Durability with Nitrogen Modified Carbon Supports

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-12

detected in the undoped and JM5000 materials are related to the presence of a single nitrogen peak attributed to either amine, cyano or pyrrolic ...functionalities, including pyrrolic , pyridinic, amine and graphitic N. The bulk Ru:Pt ratio, measured with X-ray fluorescence (XRF), consistently...analysis suggests that the specific roles of pyridinic, pyrrollic , cyano, and graphic N are complex in nature and that the presence of two or more N

Vertically aligned BCN nanotubes with high capacitance.

PubMed

Iyyamperumal, Eswaramoorthi; Wang, Shuangyin; Dai, Liming

2012-06-26

Using a chemical vapor deposition method, we have synthesized vertically aligned BCN nanotubes (VA-BCNs) on a Ni-Fe-coated SiO(2)/Si substrate from a melamine diborate precursor. The effects of pyrolysis conditions on the morphology and thermal property of grown nanotubes, as well as the nanostructure and composition of an individual BCN nanotube, were systematically studied. It was found that nitrogen atoms are bonded to carbons in both graphitic and pyridinic forms and that the resultant VA-BCNs grown at 1000 °C show the highest specific capacitance (321.0 F/g) with an excellent rate capability and high durability with respect to nonaligned BCN (167.3 F/g) and undoped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (117.3 F/g) due to synergetic effects arising from the combined co-doping of B and N in CNTs and the well-aligned nanotube structure.

The use of new, aqueous chemical wood modifications to improve the durability of wood-plastic composites

Treesearch

Rebecca E. Ibach; Craig M. Clemons; George C. Chen

2017-01-01

The wood flour used in wood-plastic composites (WPCs) can biologically deteriorate and thus the overall mechanical performance of WPCs decrease when exposed to moisture and fungal decay. Protecting the wood flour by chemical modification can improve the durability of the wood in a nontoxic way so it is not harmful to the environment. WPCs were made with modified wood...

Nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel-supported spinel CoMn2O4 nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yisi; Li, Jie; Li, Wenzhang; Li, Yaomin; Chen, Qiyuan; Zhan, Faqi

2015-12-01

Spinel CoMn2O4 (CMO) nanoparticles grown on three-dimensional (3D) nitrogen-doped graphene areogel (NGA) is prepared by a facile two-step hydrothermal method. The NGA not only possesses the intrinsic property of graphene, but also has abundant pore conformations for supporting spinel metal oxide nanoparticles, thus would be suitable as a good electrocatalysts' support for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The structure, morphology, porous properties, and chemical composition of CMO/NGA are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrocatalytic activity of catalysts is discussed by cyclic voltammograms (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements in O2-saturated 0.1 M KOH electrolyte. The CMO/NGA hybrid exhibits more positive onset potential and half-wave potential, faster charge transfer than that of CMO and NGA, and its electrocatalytic performance is comparable with the commercial 20 wt.% Pt/C. Furthermore, it mainly favors a direct 4e- reaction pathway, and has excellent ethanol tolerance and high durability, which is attributed to the unique 3D crumpled porous nanostructure of NGA with large specific area and fast electron transport, and the synergic covalent coupling between the CoMn2O4 nanoparticles and NGA.

Technology of combined chemical-mechanical fabrication of durable coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smolentsev, V. P.; Ivanov, V. V.; Portnykh, A. I.

2018-03-01

The article presents the scientific fundamentals of methodology for calculating the modes and structuring the technological processes of combined chemical-mechanical fabrication of durable coatings. It is shown that they are based on classical patterns, describing the processes of simultaneous chemical and mechanical impact. The paper demonstrates the possibility of structuring a technological process, taking into account the systematic approach to impact management and strengthening the reciprocal positive influence of each impact upon the combined process. The combined processes have been planned for fabricating the model types of chemical-mechanical coatings of durable products in machine construction. The planning methodology is underpinned by a scientific hypothesis of a single source of impact management through energy potential of process components themselves, or by means of external energy supply through mechanical impact. The control of it is fairly thoroughly studied in the case of pulsed external strikes of hard pellets, similar to processes of vibroimpact hardening, thoroughly studied and mastered in many scientific schools of Russia.

Well-defined porous membranes for robust omniphobic surfaces via microfluidic emulsion templating

PubMed Central

Zhu, Pingan; Kong, Tiantian; Tang, Xin; Wang, Liqiu

2017-01-01

Durability is a long-standing challenge in designing liquid-repellent surfaces. A high-performance omniphobic surface must robustly repel liquids, while maintaining mechanical/chemical stability. However, liquid repellency and mechanical durability are generally mutually exclusive properties for many omniphobic surfaces—improving one performance inevitably results in decreased performance in another. Here we report well-defined porous membranes for durable omniphobic surfaces inspired by the springtail cuticle. The omniphobicity is shown via an amphiphilic material micro-textured with re-entrant surface morphology; the mechanical durability arises from the interconnected microstructures. The innovative fabrication method—termed microfluidic emulsion templating—is facile, cost-effective, scalable and can precisely engineer the structural topographies. The robust omniphobic surface is expected to open up new avenues for diverse applications due to its mechanical and chemical robustness, transparency, reversible Cassie–Wenzel transition, transferability, flexibility and stretchability. PMID:28604698

Synthesis and characterization of wollastonite glass-ceramics for dental implant applications.

PubMed

Saadaldin, Selma A; Rizkalla, Amin S

2014-03-01

To synthesize a glass-ceramic (GC) that is suitable for non-metallic one-piece dental implant application. Three glasses in a SiO2-Al2O3-CaO-CaF2-K2O-B2O3-P2O5-CeO2-Y2O3 system were produced by wet chemistry. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was carried out to determine the glass crystallization kinetic parameters and the heating schedules that were used for sintering of GCs. Crystalline phases and crystal morphologies were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Mechanical properties of the GCs were determined by ultrasonic and indentation tests and its machinability were evaluated. Chemical durability was carried out according to ISO 6872, whereas testing chemical degradation in tris buffered solution was executed according to ISO 10993-14. XRD of the GC specimens showed that wollastonite was the main crystalline with other secondary phases; GC2 had cristobalite as an additional phase. SEM of the GCs revealed dense acicular interlocking crystals. Young's modulus of elasticity (E), true hardness (Ho) and fracture toughness (KIC) of the GCs were 89-100GPa, 4.85-5.17GPa and 4.62-5.58MPam(0.5), respectively. All GCs were demonstrated excellent machinability. The GCs exhibited various chemical durability and degradation rates. KIC values of the GCs following chemical durability testing were not significantly different from those of the original materials (p>0.05). GC2 exhibited significantly higher KIC value compared with GC1 and GC3 (p<0.05) and its chemical durability satisfied ISO 6872 specification for dental ceramics. Wollastonite-cristobalite GC can be considered as a promising material for one-piece dental implant applications due to its strength, machinability and chemical durability. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Ceramic regenerator systems development program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fucinari, C. A.; Rahnke, C. J.; Rao, V. D. N.; Vallance, J. K.

1980-01-01

The DOE/NASA Ceramic Regenerator Design and Reliability Program aims to develop ceramic regenerator cores that can be used in passenger car and industrial/truck gas turbine engines. The major cause of failure of early gas turbine regenerators was found to be chemical attack of the ceramic material. Improved materials and design concepts aimed at reducing or eliminating chemical attack were placed on durability test in Ford 707 industrial gas turbine engines late in 1974. Results of 53,065 hours of turbine engine durability testing are described. Two materials, aluminum silicate and magnesium aluminum silicate, show promise. Five aluminum silicate cores attained the durability objective of 10,000 hours at 800 C (1472 F). Another aluminum silicate core shows minimal evidence of chemical attack after 8071 hours at 982 C (1800 F). Results obtained in ceramic material screening tests, aerothermodynamic performance tests, stress analysis, cost studies, and material specifications are included.

Effective and Durable Co Single Atomic Cocatalysts for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

PubMed

Zhao, Qi; Yao, Weifeng; Huang, Cunping; Wu, Qiang; Xu, Qunjie

2017-12-13

This research reports for the first time that single cobalt atoms anchored in nitrogen-doped graphene (Co-NG) can serve as a highly effective and durable cocatalyst for visible light photocatalytic hydrogen production from water. Results show that, under identical conditions, the hydrogen production rate (1382 μmol/h) for 0.25 wt % Co-NG-loaded CdS photocatalyst (0.25 wt % Co-NG/CdS) is 3.42 times greater than that of nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) loaded CdS photocatalyst (NG/CdS) and about 1.3 times greater than the greatest hydrogen production rate (1077 μmol/h) for 1.5 wt % Pt nanoparticle loaded CdS photocatalyst (1.5 wt % Pt-NPs/CdS). At 420 nm irradiation, the quantum efficiency of the 0.25 wt % Co-NG/CdS photocatalyst is 50.5%, the highest efficiency among those literature-reported non-noble metal cocatalysts. The Co-NG/CdS nanocomposite-based photocatalyst also has an extended durability. No activity decline was detected during three cyclic photocatalytic life span tests. The very low cocatalyst loading, along with the facile preparation technology for this non-noble metal cocatalyst, will significantly reduce the hydrogen production costs and finally lead to the commercialization of the solar catalytic hydrogen production process. Based on experimental results, we conclude that Co-NG can successfully replace noble metal cocatalysts as a highly effective and durable cocatalyst for renewable solar hydrogen production. This finding will point to a new way for the development of highly effective, long life span, non-noble metal-based cocatalysts for renewable and cost-effective hydrogen production.

Carbon nanocages: A new support material for Pt catalyst with remarkably high durability

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiao Xia; Tan, Zhe Hua; Zeng, Min; Wang, Jian Nong

2014-01-01

Low durability is the major challenge hindering the large-scale implementation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology, and corrosion of carbon support materials of current catalysts is the main cause. Here, we describe the finding of remarkably high durability with the use of a novel support material. This material is based on hollow carbon nanocages developed with a high degree of graphitization and concurrent nitrogen doping for oxidation resistance enhancement, uniform deposition of fine Pt particles, and strong Pt-support interaction. Accelerated degradation testing shows that such designed catalyst possesses a superior electrochemical activity and long-term stability for both hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction relative to industry benchmarks of current catalysts. Further testing under conditions of practical fuel cell operation reveals almost no degradation over long-term cycling. Such a catalyst of high activity, particularly, high durability, opens the door for the next-generation PEMFC for “real world” application. PMID:24658614

Enhancing the Chemical and Mechanical Durability of Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Andrew M.

Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells are energy conversion devices which generate electricity from the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. Currently, widespread adoption of PEM fuel cell technology is hindered by low component durability and high costs. In this work, strategies were investigated to improve the mechanical and chemical durability of the ion conducting polymer, or ionomer, which comprises the PEM, in order to directly address these limitations. Owing to their exceptional mechanical properties, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were investigated for mechanical reinforcement of the PEM. Because of their electronic conductivity, which diminishes cell performance, two strategies were developed to enable the use of CNTs as PEM reinforcement. These systems result in enhanced mechanical properties without sacrificing performance of the PEM during operation. Further, when coated with ceria (CeO2), which scavenges radicals that are generated during operation and cause PEM chemical degradation by attacking vulnerable chemical groups in the ionomer, MWCNTs further improved PEM chemical durability. During cell fabrication, conditioning, and discharge, Ce rapidly migrates between the PEM and catalyst layers (CLs), which reduces catalyst efficiency and leaves areas of the cell defenseless against radical attacks. Therefore, in order to stabilize Ce and localize it to areas of highest radical generation, it is critical to understand and identify the relative influences of different migration mechanisms. Using a novel elemental analysis technique, Ce migration was characterized due to potential and concentration gradients, water flux, and degradation of Ce-exchanged sulfonic acid groups within the PEM. Additionally, Zr-doped ceria was employed to resist migration due to ionomer degradation which improved cell durability, without reducing performance, resulting in PEM Ce stabilization near its initial concentrations after > 1,400 hours of testing. Ce was not observed to leave the cell during stress testing, however, it does irreversibly accumulate in the CLs, which reduces its scavenging efficacy in the system. In order to model Ce migration during fuel cell operation, the relevant Ce transport coefficients were determined under a range of conditions. This knowledge enables the development of additional system control and material engineering strategies to mitigate Ce migration in order to reduce performance losses and improve cell durability.

Durability and degradation analysis of hydrocarbon ionomer membranes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells accelerated stress evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimizu, Ryo; Tsuji, Junichi; Sato, Nobuyuki; Takano, Jun; Itami, Shunsuke; Kusakabe, Masato; Miyatake, Kenji; Iiyama, Akihiro; Uchida, Makoto

2017-11-01

The chemical durabilities of two proton-conducting hydrocarbon polymer electrolyte membranes, sulfonated benzophenone poly(arylene ether ketone) (SPK) semiblock copolymer and sulfonated phenylene poly(arylene ether ketone) (SPP) semiblock copolymer are evaluated under accelerated open circuit voltage (OCV) conditions in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). Post-test characterization of the membrane electrodes assemblies (MEAs) is carried out via gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. These results are compared with those of the initial MEAs. The SPP cell shows the highest OCV at 1000 h, and, in the post-test analysis, the SPP membrane retains up to 80% of the original molecular weight, based on the GPC results, and 90% of the hydrophilic structure, based on the NMR results. The hydrophilic structure of the SPP membrane is more stable after the durability evaluation than that of the SPK. From these results, the SPP membrane, with its simple hydrophilic structure, which does not include ketone groups, is seen to be significantly more resistant to radical attack. This structure leads to high chemical durability and thus impedes the chemical decomposition of the membrane.

Method For Selective Catalytic Reduction Of Nitrogen Oxides

DOEpatents

Mowery-Evans, Deborah L.; Gardner, Timothy J.; McLaughlin, Linda I.

2005-02-15

A method for catalytically reducing nitrogen oxide compounds (NO.sub.x, defined as nitric oxide, NO, +nitrogen dioxide, NO.sub.2) in a gas by a material comprising a base metal consisting essentially of CuO and Mn, and oxides of Mn, on an activated metal hydrous metal oxide support, such as HMO:Si. A promoter, such as tungsten oxide or molybdenum oxide, can be added and has been shown to increase conversion efficiency. This method provides good conversion of NO.sub.x to N.sub.2, good selectivity, good durability, resistance to SO.sub.2 aging and low toxicity compared with methods utilizing vanadia-based catalysts.

Method for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides

DOEpatents

Mowery-Evans, Deborah L [Broomfield, CO; Gardner, Timothy J [Albuquerque, NM; McLaughlin, Linda I [Albuquerque, NM

2005-02-15

A method for catalytically reducing nitrogen oxide compounds (NO.sub.x, defined as nitric oxide, NO, +nitrogen dioxide, NO.sub.2) in a gas by a material comprising a base metal consisting essentially of CuO and Mn, and oxides of Mn, on an activated metal hydrous metal oxide support, such as HMO:Si. A promoter, such as tungsten oxide or molybdenum oxide, can be added and has been shown to increase conversion efficiency. This method provides good conversion of NO.sub.x to N.sub.2, good selectivity, good durability, resistance to SO.sub.2 aging and low toxicity compared with methods utilizing vanadia-based catalysts.

Method for Providing Semiconductors Having Self-Aligned Ion Implant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, Philip G. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A method is disclosed that provides a self-aligned nitrogen-implant particularly suited for a Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET) semiconductor device preferably comprised of a silicon carbide (SiC). This self-aligned nitrogen-implant allows for the realization of durable and stable electrical functionality of high temperature transistors such as JFETs. The method implements the self-aligned nitrogen-implant having predetermined dimensions, at a particular step in the fabrication process, so that the SiC junction field effect transistors are capable of being electrically operating continuously at 500.degree. C. for over 10,000 hours in an air ambient with less than a 10% change in operational transistor parameters.

Method for Providing Semiconductors Having Self-Aligned Ion Implant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, Philip G. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A method is disclosed that provides a self-aligned nitrogen-implant particularly suited for a Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET) semiconductor device preferably comprised of a silicon carbide (SiC). This self-aligned nitrogen-implant allows for the realization of durable and stable electrical functionality of high temperature transistors such as JFETs. The method implements the self-aligned nitrogen-implant having predetermined dimensions, at a particular step in the fabrication process, so that the SiC junction field effect transistors are capable of being electrically operating continuously at 500.degree. C. for over 10,000 hours in an air ambient with less than a 10% change in operational transistor parameters.

Atomically dispersed Ni(i) as the active site for electrochemical CO2 reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Hong Bin; Hung, Sung-Fu; Liu, Song; Yuan, Kaidi; Miao, Shu; Zhang, Liping; Huang, Xiang; Wang, Hsin-Yi; Cai, Weizheng; Chen, Rong; Gao, Jiajian; Yang, Xiaofeng; Chen, Wei; Huang, Yanqiang; Chen, Hao Ming; Li, Chang Ming; Zhang, Tao; Liu, Bin

2018-02-01

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to chemical fuel offers a promising strategy for managing the global carbon balance, but presents challenges for chemistry due to the lack of effective electrocatalyst. Here we report atomically dispersed nickel on nitrogenated graphene as an efficient and durable electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction. Based on operando X-ray absorption and photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, the monovalent Ni(i) atomic center with a d9 electronic configuration was identified as the catalytically active site. The single-Ni-atom catalyst exhibits high intrinsic CO2 reduction activity, reaching a specific current of 350 A gcatalyst-1 and turnover frequency of 14,800 h-1 at a mild overpotential of 0.61 V for CO conversion with 97% Faradaic efficiency. The catalyst maintained 98% of its initial activity after 100 h of continuous reaction at CO formation current densities as high as 22 mA cm-2.

Palladium coated porous anodic alumina membranes for gas reforming processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jeremy P.; Brown, Ian W. M.; Bowden, Mark E.; Kemmitt, Timothy

2010-11-01

Nanostructured ceramic membranes with ultrathin coatings of palladium metal have been demonstrated to separate hydrogen gas from a gas mixture containing nitrogen with 10% carbon dioxide and 10% hydrogen at temperatures up to 550 °C. The mechanically robust and thermally durable membranes were fabricated using a combination of conventional and high-efficiency anodisation processes on high purity aluminium foils. A pH-neutral plating solution has also been developed to enable electroless deposition of palladium metal on templates which were normally prone to chemical corrosion in strong acid or base environment. Activation and thus seeding of palladium nuclei on the surface of the template were essential to ensure uniform and fast deposition, and the thickness of the metal film was controlled by time of deposition. The palladium coated membranes showed improved hydrogen selectivity with increased temperature as well as after prolonged exposure to hydrogen, demonstrating excellent potential for gas separation technologies.

Durability of traditional plasters with respect to blast furnace slag-based plaster

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

Cerulli, T.; Pistolesi, C.; Maltese, C.

2003-09-01

Blast furnace slag is a residue of steel production. It is a latent hydraulic binder and is normally used to improve the durability of concrete and mortars. Slag could be also used as rendering mortar for masonry and old buildings. Today, cement and hydraulic lime are the most popular hydraulic binders used to make plasters. They are characterised by a low durability when exposed to the action of chemical and physical agents. The aim of this study was to provide a comparison between the physical-mechanical properties of some renders made with ordinary Portland cement, hydraulic lime, or slag. Furthermore, anmore » investigation was carried out to analyse mortar resistance to several aggressive conditions like acid attack, freezing and thawing cycles, abrasion, sulphate aggression, cycles in ultraviolet screening device, and salt diffusion. The specimens, after chemical attack, have been characterised from the chemical-physical [specific surface according to the BET (Brunauer-Emmet-Teller) method], crystal-chemical (X-ray diffraction, XRD), and morphological (scanning electron microscopy, SEM) points of view.« less

Transparent and durable superhydrophobic coatings for anti-bioadhesion.

PubMed

Zhao, Xia; Yu, Bo; Zhang, Junping

2017-09-01

Although thousands of superhydrophobic coatings have been reported, transparent ones with high durability are rare. Here, transparent and durable superhydrophobic coatings were prepared by using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the templates. The superhydrophobic coatings were prepared by spray-coating the homogeneous suspension of polysiloxane-modified MWCNTs (MWCNTs@POS) in toluene onto glass slides, calcination in air at 500°C to form the silica nanotubes (SNTs), and then chemical vapor deposition of polydimethylsiloxane at 200°C onto the surface of the SNTs coatings. The MWCNTs@POS suspension was prepared by hydrolytic condensation of hexadecyltrimethoxysilane and tetraethoxysilane on the surface of MWCNTs. The coatings showed excellent superhydrophobicity (water contact angle=166.6°, sliding angle=1°) and high transparency (83.1% at 600nm). In addition, the transparent superhydrophobic coatings featured high mechanical, chemical and thermal durability. The coatings retained the excellent superhydrophobicity after intensive water jetting at 100kPa for 60min, immersion in various corrosive liquids for 24h, or kept at 390°C for 1h. Moreover, the transparent and durable superhydrophobic coatings exhibited very good anti-bioadhesive properties. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Extending the Season for Concrete Construction and Repair. Phase II - Defining Engineering Parameters

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-01

dosages, seemed to improve the freeze –thaw durability of concrete. Phase II found what appears to be a maximum dosage after which freeze –thaw...durability becomes a concern. That is because cement hydration can only create a finite amount of space to absorb these chemicals. Thus, for freeze ...protection, admixture dosages should be designed according to water content as specified in Phase I, while, for freeze –thaw durability, admixture dosages

Enhancing durability of wood-based composites with nanotechnology

Treesearch

Carol Clausen

2012-01-01

Wood protection systems are needed for engineered composite products that are susceptible to moisture and biodeterioration. Protection systems using nano-materials are being developed to enhance the durability of wood-based composites through improved resistance to biodeterioration, reduced environmental impact from chemical leaching, and improved resistance to...

Hierarchical porous nitrogen-rich carbon nanospheres with high and durable capabilities for lithium and sodium storage.

PubMed

Ma, Lianbo; Chen, Renpeng; Hu, Yi; Zhu, Guoyin; Chen, Tao; Lu, Hongling; Liang, Jia; Tie, Zuoxiu; Jin, Zhong; Liu, Jie

2016-10-20

To improve the energy storage performance of carbon-based materials, considerable attention has been paid to the design and fabrication of novel carbon architectures with structural and chemical modifications. Herein, we report that hierarchical porous nitrogen-rich carbon (HPNC) nanospheres originating from acidic etching of metal carbide/carbon hybrid nanoarchitectures can be employed as high-performance anode materials for both lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The structural advantages of HPNC nanospheres are that the exceptionally-high content of nitrogen (17.4 wt%) can provide abundant electroactive sites and enlarge the interlayer distance (∼3.5 Å) to improve the capacity, and the large amount of micropores and mesopores can serve as reservoirs for storing lithium/sodium ions. In LIBs, HPNC based anodes deliver a high reversible capacity of 1187 mA h g -1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g -1 , a great rate performance of 470 mA h g -1 at 5000 mA g -1 , and outstanding cycling stabilities with a capacity of 788 mA h g -1 after 500 cycles at 1000 mA g -1 . In SIBs, HPNC based anodes exhibit a remarkable reversible capacity of 357 mA h g -1 at 100 mA g -1 and high long-term stability with a capacity of 136 mA h g -1 after 500 cycles at 1000 mA g -1 .

Effect of Nitrogen Post-Doping on a Commercial Platinum-Ruthenium/Carbon Anode Catalyst

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-15

polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells ( PEMFCs ) closer to commercial viability. However, further improvements in fuel cell durability, particularly...have recently led to significant improvements [3e5]. The genesis of interest in modified carbon support materials for PEMFCs and DMFCs originated in

Antibacterial property of Ag nanoparticle-impregnated N-doped titania films under visible light

PubMed Central

Wong, Ming-Show; Chen, Chun-Wei; Hsieh, Chia-Chun; Hung, Shih-Che; Sun, Der-Shan; Chang, Hsin-Hou

2015-01-01

Photocatalysts produce free radicals upon receiving light energy; thus, they possess antibacterial properties. Silver (Ag) is an antibacterial material that disrupts bacterial physiology. Our previous study reported that the high antibacterial property of silver nanoparticles on the surfaces of visible light-responsive nitrogen-doped TiO2 photocatalysts [TiO2(N)] could be further enhanced by visible light illumination. However, the major limitation of this Ag-TiO2 composite material is its durability; the antibacterial property decreased markedly after repeated use. To overcome this limitation, we developed TiO2(N)/Ag/TiO2(N) sandwich films in which the silver is embedded between two TiO2(N) layers. Various characteristics, including silver and nitrogen amounts, were examined in the composite materials. Various analyses, including electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrum and methylene blue degradation rate analyses, were performed. The antibacterial properties of the composite materials were investigated. Here we revealed that the antibacterial durability of these thin films is substantially improved in both the dark and visible light, by which bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii, could be efficiently eliminated. This study demonstrated a feasible approach to improve the visible-light responsiveness and durability of antibacterial materials that contain silver nanoparticles impregnated in TiO2(N) films. PMID:26156001

Antibacterial property of Ag nanoparticle-impregnated N-doped titania films under visible light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, Ming-Show; Chen, Chun-Wei; Hsieh, Chia-Chun; Hung, Shih-Che; Sun, Der-Shan; Chang, Hsin-Hou

2015-07-01

Photocatalysts produce free radicals upon receiving light energy; thus, they possess antibacterial properties. Silver (Ag) is an antibacterial material that disrupts bacterial physiology. Our previous study reported that the high antibacterial property of silver nanoparticles on the surfaces of visible light-responsive nitrogen-doped TiO2 photocatalysts [TiO2(N)] could be further enhanced by visible light illumination. However, the major limitation of this Ag-TiO2 composite material is its durability; the antibacterial property decreased markedly after repeated use. To overcome this limitation, we developed TiO2(N)/Ag/TiO2(N) sandwich films in which the silver is embedded between two TiO2(N) layers. Various characteristics, including silver and nitrogen amounts, were examined in the composite materials. Various analyses, including electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrum and methylene blue degradation rate analyses, were performed. The antibacterial properties of the composite materials were investigated. Here we revealed that the antibacterial durability of these thin films is substantially improved in both the dark and visible light, by which bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii, could be efficiently eliminated. This study demonstrated a feasible approach to improve the visible-light responsiveness and durability of antibacterial materials that contain silver nanoparticles impregnated in TiO2(N) films.

Durable superhydrophobic and superamphiphobic polymeric surfaces and their applications: A review.

PubMed

Ellinas, Kosmas; Tserepi, Angeliki; Gogolides, Evangelos

2017-12-01

Wetting control is essential for many applications, such as self-cleaning, anti-icing, anti-fogging, antibacterial action as well as anti-reflection and friction control. While significant effort has been devoted to fabricate superhydrophobic/superamphiphobic surfaces (repellent to water and other low surface tension liquids), very few polymeric superhydrophobic/superamphiphobic surfaces can be considered as durable against various externally imposed stresses (e.g. application of heating, pressure, mechanical forces, chemical, etc.). Therefore, durability tests are extremely important for applications especially when such surfaces are made of "soft" materials. Here, we review the most recent and promising efforts reported towards the realization of durable, superhydrophobic/superamphiphobic, polymeric surfaces emphasizing the durability tests performed, and some important applications. We compare and put in context the scattered durability tests reported in the literature, and present conclusions, perspectives and challenges in the field. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Durability testing at 5 atmospheres of advanced catalysts and catalyst supports for gas turbine engine combustors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olson, B. A.; Lee, H. C.; Osgerby, I. T.; Heck, R. M.; Hess, H.

1980-01-01

The durability of CATCOM catalysts and catalyst supports was experimentally demonstrated in a combustion environment under simulated gas turbine engine combustor operating conditions. A test of 1000 hours duration was completed with one catalyst using no. 2 diesel fuel and operating at catalytically-supported thermal combustion conditions. The performance of the catalyst was determined by monitoring emissions throughout the test, and by examining the physical condition of the catalyst core at the conclusion of the test. Tests were performed periodically to determine changes in catalytic activity of the catalyst core. Detailed parametric studies were also run at the beginning and end of the durability test, using no. 2 fuel oil. Initial and final emissions for the 1000 hours test respectively were: unburned hydrocarbons (C3 vppm):0, 146, carbon monoxide (vppm):30, 2420; nitrogen oxides (vppm):5.7, 5.6.

A multifunctional polymeric nanofilm with robust chemical performances for special wettability.

PubMed

Wang, Yabin; Lin, Feng; Dong, Yaping; Liu, Zhong; Li, Wu; Huang, Yudong

2016-03-07

A multifunctional polymeric nanofilm of a triazinedithiolsilane compound, which can protect metallic substrates and activate the corresponding surface simultaneously, is introduced onto a copper mesh surface via facile solution-immersion approaches. The resultant interface exhibits hydrophilic features due to the existence of silanol groups (SiOH) outward and has the potential to act as a superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic material. As the polymeric nanofilm atop the copper mesh is modified with long-chain octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), the functionalized surface becomes superhydrophobic and superoleophilic. The OTS-modified polymeric nanofilm shows outstanding chemical durability and stability that are seldom concurrently satisfied for a material with special wettability, owing to its inherent architecture. These textures generate high separation efficiency, durable separation capability and excellent thermal stability. The protective ability, originating from the textures of the underlying cross-linked disulfide units (-SS-) and siloxane networks (SiOSi) on the top of the nanofilm, prolongs the chemical durability. The activating capability stemming from the residual SiOH groups improves the chemical stability as a result of the chemical bonds developed by these sites. The significant point of this investigation lies in enlightening us on the fabrication of multifunctional polymeric nanofilms on different metal surfaces using various triazinedithiolsilane compounds, and on the construction of interfaces with controllable wettable performances in demanding research or industrial applications.

Generator Set Durability Testing Using 25% ATJ Fuel Blend

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

Table Page Table 1. Chemical & Physical Properties of Evaluated 25% ATJ Blend .................................................... 3 Table 2... Chemical & Physical Properties of Evaluated 25% ATJ Blend .................................................... 4 Table 3. Chemical & Physical...Properties of Evaluated 25% ATJ Blend .................................................... 5 Table 4. Chemical & Physical Properties of Evaluated 25

Water purification by reverse osmosis using heterocyclic polymer membranes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, H.

1972-01-01

Pyrrone (polyimidazopyrrolone) polymers are a new class of thermally stable, radiation and chemical resistant aromatic-heterocyclic polymers featuring a greater chemical and mechanical durability than cellulose acetate.

Ceramic regenerator systems development program. [for automobile gas turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, J. A.; Fucinari, C. A.; Lingscheit, J. N.; Rahnke, C. J.

1977-01-01

Ceramic regenerator cores are considered that can be used in passenger car gas turbine engines, Stirling engines, and industrial/truck gas turbine engines. Improved materials and design concepts aimed at reducing or eliminating chemical attack were placed on durability test in Ford 707 industrial gas turbine engines. The results of 19,600 hours of turbine engine durability testing are described. Two materials, aluminum silicate and magnesium aluminum silicate, continue to show promise toward achieving the durability objectives of this program. A regenerator core made from aluminum silicate showed minimal evidence of chemical attack damage after 6935 hours of engine test at 800 C and another showed little distress after 3510 hours at 982 C. Results obtained in ceramic material screening tests, aerothermodynamic performance tests, stress analysis, cost studies, and material specifications are also included.

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

Riley, Brian J.; Kroll, Jared O.; Peterson, Jacob A.

This paper provides an overview of research evaluating the use of tellurite glass as a waste form for salt wastes from electrochemical processing. The capacities to immobilize different salts were evaluated including: a LiCl-Li2O oxide reduction salt (for oxide fuel) containing fission products, a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt (for metallic fuel) containing fission products, and SrCl2. Physical and chemical properties of the glasses were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, bulk density measurements, chemical durability tests, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray emission spectroscopy. These glasses were found to accommodate high concentrations of halide salts and have high densities. However, improvementsmore » are needed to meet chemical durability requirements.« less

Creep Behavior and Durability of Cracked CMC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhatt, R. T.; Fox, Dennis; Smith, Craig

2015-01-01

To understand failure mechanisms and durability of cracked Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), Melt Infiltration (MI) SiCSiC composites with Sylramic-iBN fibers and full Chemical vapour infiltration SiCSiC composites with Sylramic-ion bombarded BN (iBN) and Hi-Nicalon -S fibers were pre-cracked between 150 to 200 megapascal and then creep and Sustained Peak Low Cycle Fatigue (SPLCF) tested at 13150 C at stress levels from 35 to 103 megapascal for up to 200 hours under furnace and burner rig conditions. In addition creep testing was also conducted on pre-cracked full Chemical vapour infiltration SiCSiC composites at 14500 C between 35 and 103 megapascal for up to 200 hours under furnace conditions. If the specimens survived the 200 hour durability tests, then they were tensile tested at room temperature to determine their residual tensile properties. The failed specimens were examined by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the failure modes and mechanisms. The influence of crack healing matrix, fiber types, crack density, testing modes and interface oxidation on durability of cracked Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) will be discussed.

The effects of crystallization and residual glass on the chemical durability of iron phosphate waste forms containing 40 wt% of a high MoO3 Collins-CLT waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Jen-Hsien; Bai, Jincheng; Kim, Cheol-Woon; Brow, Richard K.; Szabo, Joe; Zervos, Adam

2018-03-01

The effects of cooling rate on the chemical durability of iron phosphate waste forms containing up to 40 wt% of a high MoO3 Collins-CLT waste simulant were determined at 90 °C using the product consistency test (PCT). The waste form, designated 40wt%-5, meets appropriate Department of Energy (DOE) standards when rapidly quenched from the melt (as-cast) and after slow cooling following the CCC (canister centerline cooling)-protocol, although the quenched glass is more durable. The analysis of samples from the vapor hydration test (VHT) and the aqueous corrosion test (differential recession test) reveals that rare earth orthophosphate (monazite) and Zr-pyrophosphate crystals that form on cooling are more durable than the residual glass in the 40wt%-5 waste form. The residual glass in the CCC-treated samples has a greater average phosphate chain length and a lower Fe/P ratio, and those contribute to its faster corrosion kinetics.

Durable crystalline Si photovoltaic modules based on silicone-sheet encapsulants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hara, Kohjiro; Ohwada, Hiroto; Furihata, Tomoyoshi; Masuda, Atsushi

2018-02-01

Crystalline Si photovoltaic (PV) modules were fabricated with sheets of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (silicone) as an encapsulant. The long-term durability of the silicone-encapsulated PV modules was experimentally investigated. The silicone-based modules enhanced the long-term durability against potential-induced degradation (PID) and a damp-heat (DH) condition at 85 °C with 85% relative humidity (RH). In addition, we designed and fabricated substrate-type Si PV modules based on the silicone encapsulant and an Al-alloy plate as the substratum, which demonstrated high impact resistance and high incombustible performance. The high chemical stability, high volume resistivity, rubber-like elasticity, and incombustibility of the silicone encapsulant resulted in the high durability of the modules. Our results indicate that silicone is an attractive encapsulation material, as it improves the long-term durability of crystalline Si PV modules.

Enhancing composite durability : using thermal treatments

Treesearch

Jerrold E. Winandy; W. Ramsay Smith

2007-01-01

The use of thermal treatments to enhance the moisture resistance and aboveground durability of solid wood materials has been studied for years. Much work was done at the Forest Products Laboratory in the last 15 years on the fundamental process of both short-and long-term exposure to heat on wood materials and its interaction with various treatment chemicals. This work...

Improved understanding of moisture effects on outdoor wood–adhesive bondlines

Treesearch

Joseph E. Jakes; Nayomi Plaza-Rodriguez; Xavier Arzola Villegas; Charles R. Frihart

2017-01-01

The development of improved moisture-durable wood adhesives for outdoor applications, such as repairing historic covered bridges, is hindered by an incomplete mechanistic understanding of what makes a wood–adhesive bond moisture-durable. The wood–adhesive bondline is extraordinarily difficult to study because of the chemical, structural, and mechanical complexities and...

Durability of wood/plastic composites made from Parthenium species

Treesearch

Poo Chow; Francis S. Nakayama; John A. Youngquist; James H. Muehl; Andrzej M. Krzysik

2002-01-01

Previous study indicated that the natural chemical constituents of the guayule plant (Parthenium argentatum) improved some durability properties of wood when it was treated with resin extracted from guayule. At present, there are about a dozen species of Parthenium growing in the North American continent. P. argentatum is the only species with harvestable amounts of...

A high-performance mesoporous carbon supported nitrogen-doped carbon electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jingjing; Lu, Shiyao; Chen, Xu; Wang, Jianan; Zhang, Bo; Zhang, Xinyu; Xiao, Chunhui; Ding, Shujiang

2017-12-01

Investigating low-cost and highly active electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) is of crucial importance for energy conversion and storage devices. Herein, we design and prepare mesoporous carbon supported nitrogen-doped carbon by pyrolysis of polyaniline coated on CMK-3. This electrocatalyst exhibits excellent performance towards ORR in alkaline media. The optimized nitrogen-doped mesoporous electrocatalyst show an onset potential (E onset) of 0.95 V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) and half-wave potential (E 1/2) of 0.83 V (versus RHE) in 0.1 M KOH. Furthermore, the as-prepared catalyst presents superior durability and methanol tolerance compared to commercial Pt/C indicating its potential applications in fuel cells and metal-air batteries.

A general approach for the direct fabrication of metal oxide-based electrocatalysts for efficient bifunctional oxygen electrodes

DOE PAGES

Wang, Jie; Wu, Zexing; Han, Lili; ...

2017-03-07

Here, we develop a simple one-pot synthetic strategy for the general preparation of nitrogen doped carbon supported metal/metal oxides (Co@CoO/NDC, Ni@NiO/NDC and MnO/NDC) derived from the complexing function of (ethylenediamine)tetraacetic acid (EDTA). EDTA serves not only as a resource to tune the morphology in terms of the complexation constant for M–EDTA, but also as a nitrogen and oxygen source for nitrogen doping and metal oxide formation, respectively. When the materials are used as electrocatalysts for the oxygen electrode reaction, Co@CoO/NDC-700 and MnO/NDC-700 show superior electrocatalytic activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), while Co@CoO/NDC-700 and Ni@NiO/NDC-700 exhibit excellent oxygen evolutionmore » reaction (OER) activities. Taken together, the resultant Co@CoO/NDC-700 exhibits the best catalytic activity with favorable reaction kinetics and durability as a bi-functional catalyst for the ORR and OER, which is much better than the other two catalysts, Pt/C and Ir/C. Moreover, as an air electrode for a homemade zinc–air battery, Co@CoO/NDC-700 shows superior cell performance with a highest power density of 192.1 mW cm -2, the lowest charge–discharge overpotential and high charge–discharge durability over 100 h.« less

Silk flame retardant finish by ternary silica sol containing boron and nitrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qiang-hua; Chen, Guo-qiang; Xing, Tie-ling

2017-11-01

A ternary flame retardant sol system containing Si, B and N was prepared via sol gel method using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a precursor, boric acid (H3BO3) and urea (CO(NH2)2) as flame retardant additives and then applied to silk fabric flame retardant finish. The FT-IR and SEM results showed that the nitrogen-boron-silica ternary sol was successfully prepared and entrapped onto the surface of silk fibers. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) test indicated that the silk fabric treated with 24% boric acid and 6% urea (relative to the TEOS) doped ternary silica sol system performed excellent flame retardancy with the LOI value of 34.6%. Furthermore, in order to endow silk fabric with durable flame retardancy, the silk fabric was pretreated with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) before the ternary sol system treatment. The BTCA pretreat ment applied to silk could effectively promote the washing durability of the ternary sol, and the LOI value of the treated sample after 10 times washing could still maintain at 30.8% compared with that of 31.0% before washing. Thermo gravimetric (TG), micro calorimeter combustion (MCC) and smoke density test results demonstrated that the thermal stability, heat release and smoke suppression of the nitrogen-boron-silica ternary system decreased somewhat compared with the boron-silica binary flame retardant system.

Low NO/x/ heavy fuel combustor program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lister, E.; Niedzwiecki, R. W.; Nichols, L.

1980-01-01

The paper deals with the 'Low NO/x/ Heavy Fuel Combustor Program'. Main program objectives are to generate and demonstrate the technology required to develop durable gas turbine combustors for utility and industrial applications, which are capable of sustained, environmentally acceptable operation with minimally processed petroleum residual fuels. The program will focus on 'dry' reductions of oxides of nitrogen (NO/x/), improved combustor durability and satisfactory combustion of minimally processed petroleum residual fuels. Other technology advancements sought include: fuel flexibility for operation with petroleum distillates, blends of petroleum distillates and residual fuels, and synfuels (fuel oils derived from coal or shale); acceptable exhaust emissions of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, sulfur oxides and smoke; and retrofit capability to existing engines.

Highly Stable, Anion Conductive, Comb-Shaped Copolymers for Alkaline Fuel Cells

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

Li, NW; Leng, YJ; Hickner, MA

2013-07-10

To produce an anion-conductive and durable polymer electrolyte for alkaline fuel cell applications, a series of quaternized poly(2,6-dimethyl phenylene oxide)s containing long alkyl side chains pendant to the nitrogen-centered cation were synthesized using a Menshutkin reaction to form comb-shaped structures. The pendant alkyl chains were responsible for the development of highly conductive ionic domains, as confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The comb-shaped polymers having one alkyl side chain showed higher hydroxide conductivities than those with benzyltrimethyl ammonium moieties or structures with more than one alkyl side chain per cationic site. The highest conductivity was observed for comb-shaped polymers withmore » benzyldimethylhexadecyl ammonium cations. The chemical stabilities of the comb-shaped membranes were evaluated under severe, accelerated-aging conditions, and degradation was observed by measuring IEC and ion conductivity changes during aging. The comb-shaped membranes retained their high ion conductivity in 1 M NaOH at 80 degrees C for 2000 h. These cationic polymers were employed as ionomers in catalyst layers for alkaline fuel cells. The results indicated that the C-16 alkyl side chain ionomer had a slightly better initial performance, despite its low IEC value, but very poor durability in the fuel cell. In contrast, 90% of the initial performance was retained for the alkaline fuel cell with electrodes containing the C-6 side chain after 60 h of fuel cell operation.« less

Facile preparation of super durable superhydrophobic materials.

PubMed

Wu, Lei; Zhang, Junping; Li, Bucheng; Fan, Ling; Li, Lingxiao; Wang, Aiqin

2014-10-15

The low stability, complicated and expensive fabrication procedures seriously hinder practical applications of superhydrophobic materials. Here we report an extremely simple method for preparing super durable superhydrophobic materials, e.g., textiles and sponges, by dip coating in fluoropolymers (FPs). The morphology, surface chemical composition, mechanical, chemical and environmental stabilities of the superhydrophobic textiles were investigated. The results show how simple the preparation of super durable superhydrophobic textiles can be! The superhydrophobic textiles outperform their natural counterparts and most of the state-of-the-art synthetic superhydrophobic materials in stability. The intensive mechanical abrasion, long time immersion in various liquids and repeated washing have no obvious influence on the superhydrophobicity. Water drops are spherical in shape on the samples and could easily roll off after these harsh stability tests. In addition, this simple dip coating approach is applicable to various synthetic and natural textiles and can be easily scaled up. Furthermore, the results prove that a two-tier roughness is helpful but not essential with regard to the creation of super durable superhydrophobic textiles. The combination of microscale roughness of textiles and materials with very low surface tension is enough to form super durable superhydrophobic textiles. According to the same procedure, superhydrophobic polyurethane sponges can be prepared, which show high oil absorbency, oil/water separation efficiency and stability. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biological Degradation of Chinese Fir with Trametes Versicolor (L.) Lloyd

PubMed Central

Chen, Meiling; Wang, Chuangui; Fei, Benhua; Ma, Xinxin; Zhang, Bo; Zhang, Shuangyan; Huang, Anmin

2017-01-01

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) has been an important afforestation species in northeast China. It has obvious defects of buckling and cracking easily, which are caused by its chemical components. Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd, a white-rot fungus, can decompose the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the wood. White-rot fungus was used to biologically degrade Chinese fir wood. The effects of different degradation time on the Chinese fir wood’s mechanical properties, micromorphology, chemical components, and crystallinity were studied. The results showed that the heartwood of Chinese fir was more durable than the sapwood and the durability class of Chinese fir was III. Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd had a greater influence on the mechanical properties (especially with respect to the modulus of elasticity (MOE)) for the sapwood. Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd degraded Chinese fir and colonized the lumen of various wood cell types in Chinese fir, penetrated cell walls via pits, caused erosion troughs and bore holes, and removed all cell layers. The ability of white-rot fungus to change the chemical composition mass fraction for Chinese fir was: hemicellulose > lignin > cellulose. The durability of the chemical compositions was: lignin > cellulose > hemicellulose. The crystallinity of the cellulose decreased and the mean size of the ordered (crystalline) domains increased after being treated by white-rot fungus. PMID:28773191

Heavily Graphitic-Nitrogen Self-doped High-porosity Carbon for the Electrocatalysis of Oxygen Reduction Reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Tong; Liao, Wenli; Li, Zhongbin; Sun, Lingtao; Shi, Dongping; Guo, Chaozhong; Huang, Yu; Wang, Yi; Cheng, Jing; Li, Yanrong; Diao, Qizhi

2017-11-01

Large-scale production of active and stable porous carbon catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) from protein-rich biomass became a hot topic in fuel cell technology. Here, we report a facile strategy for synthesis of nitrogen-doped porous nanocarbons by means of a simple two-step pyrolysis process combined with the activation of zinc chloride and acid-treatment process, in which kidney bean via low-temperature carbonization was preferentially adopted as the only carbon-nitrogen sources. The results show that this carbon material exhibits excellent ORR electrocatalytic activity, and higher durability and methanol-tolerant property compared to the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst for the ORR, which can be mainly attributed to high graphitic-nitrogen content, high specific surface area, and porous characteristics. Our results can encourage the synthesis of high-performance carbon-based ORR electrocatalysts derived from widely-existed natural biomass.

A one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of 3D nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels-supported NiS2 nanoparticles as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen-reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Wen-Jing; Li, Ju-Chuan; Chen, Ping; Shen, Yu-Hua; Xie, An-Jian

2014-03-01

Nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels-supported NiS2 nanoparticles (NiS2/NG) were synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method. In the process, l-cysteine was used not only as the nitrogen source to form the nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels, but also the sulfur source to form NiS2. The nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) hybrids show an interconnected reticulation of NG sheets with uniform deposition of NiS2 NPs, and the NiS2 NPs are deposited on the NG layers. In studying the effects of the NG and NiS2/NG for the ORR, we found that NiS2/NG shows a more positive onset potential, higher current density, and higher electron transfer number (˜4) for the oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media than NG. Furthermore, NiS2/NG shows better durability and methanol tolerance than the commercial Pt/C catalyst.

Importance of microscopy in durability studies of solidified and stabilized contaminated soils

USGS Publications Warehouse

Klich, I.; Wilding, L.P.; Drees, L.R.; Landa, E.R.

1999-01-01

Solidification/stabilization (S/S) is recognized by the U.S. EPA as a best demonstrated available technology for the containment of contaminated soils and other hazardous wastes that cannot be destroyed by chemical, thermal, or biological means. Despite the increased use of S/S technologies, little research has been conducted on the weathering and degradation of solidified and stabilized wastes once the treated materials have been buried. Published data to verify the performance and durability of landfilled treated wastes over time are rare. In this preliminary study, optical and electron microscopy (scanning electron microscopy [SEM], transmission electron microscopy [TEM] and electron probe microanalyses [EPMA]) were used to evaluate weathering features associated with metal-bearing contaminated soil that had been solidified and stabilized with Portland cement and subsequently buried on site, stored outdoors aboveground, or achieved in a laboratory warehouse for up to 6 yr. Physical and chemical alteration processes identified include: freeze-thaw cracking, cracking caused by the formation of expansive minerals such as ettringite, carbonation, and the movement of metals from waste aggregates into the cement micromass. Although the extent of degradation after 6 yr is considered slight to moderate, results of this study show that the same environmental concerns that affect the durability of concrete must be considered when evaluating the durability and permanence of the solidification and stabilization of contaminated soils with cement. In addition, such evaluations cannot be based on leaching and chemical analyses alone. The use of all levels of microscopic analyses must be incorporated into studies of the long-term performance of S/S technologies.Solidification/stabilization (S/S) is recognized by the U.S. EPA as a best demonstrated available technology for the containment of contaminated soils and other hazardous wastes that cannot be destroyed by chemical, thermal, or biological means. Despite the increased use of S/S technologies, little research has been conducted on the weathering and degradation of solidified and stabilized wastes once the treated materials have been buried. Published data to verify the performance and durability of landfilled treated wastes over time are rare. In this preliminary study, optical and electron microscopy (scanning electron microscopy [SEM], transmission electron microscopy [TEM] and electron probe microanalyses [EPMA]) were used to evaluate weathering features associated with metal-bearing contaminated soil that had been solidified and stabilized with Portland cement and subsequently buried on site, stored outdoors aboveground, or archived in a laboratory, warehouse for up to 6 yr. Physical and chemical alteration processes identified include: freeze-thaw cracking, cracking caused by the formation of expansive minerals such as ettringite, carbonation, and the movement of metals from waste aggregates into the cement micromass. Although the extent of degradation after 6 yr is considered slight to moderate, results of this study show that the same environmental concerns that affect the durability of concrete must be considered when evaluating the durability and permanence of the solidification and stabilization of contaminated soils with cement. In addition, such evaluations cannot be based on leaching and chemical analyses alone. The use of all levels of microscopic analyses must be incorporated into studies of the long-term performance of S/S technologies.

Characterization of extractives in durable and non-durable hardwoods: Black locust, Catalpa, and Honey mesquite

Treesearch

Roderquita K. Moore; Doreen Mann; Gabriel Epstein; Phoebe Wagner; Brett Hinkforth; Jun Hyunji

2017-01-01

Hardwoods are a class of tree that holds multiple types of extractives, some of which have their own specialized biological activity. Characterizing these compounds in greater depth can help virologists understand how natural chemicals are able to resist infection, leading to pharmaceutical uses. Hardwoods are known to contain high concentrations of different phenolic...

Durable underwater superoleophobic PDDA/halloysite nanotubes decorated stainless steel mesh for efficient oil-water separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hou, Kun; Zeng, Yicheng; Zhou, Cailong; Chen, Jiahui; Wen, Xiufang; Xu, Shouping; Cheng, Jiang; Lin, Yingguang; Pi, Pihui

2017-09-01

A durable underwater superoleophobic mesh was conveniently prepared by layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on a stainless steel mesh. The hierarchical structure and roughness of the PDDA/HNTs coating surface were controlled by adjusting the number of layer deposition cycles. When the PDDA/HNTs coating with 10 deposition cycles was decorated on the mesh with pore size of about 54 μm, the underwater superoleophobic mesh was obtained. The as-prepared underwater superoleophobic PDDA/HNTs decorated mesh exhibits outstanding oil-water separation performance with a separation efficiency of over 97% for various oil/water mixtures, which allowed water to pass through while repelled oil completely. In addition, the as-prepared decorated mesh still maintained high separation efficiency above 97% after repeated 20 separation times for hexane/water mixture or chloroform/water mixture. More importantly, the as-prepared decorated mesh is durable enough to resist chemical and mechanical challenges, such as strong alkaline, salt aqueous and sand abrasion. Therefore, the as-prepared decorated mesh has practical utility in oil-water separation due to its stable oil-water performance, remarkable chemical and mechanical durability and the facile and eco-friendly preparation process.

Bonding effectiveness to different chemically pre-treated dental zirconia.

PubMed

Inokoshi, Masanao; Poitevin, André; De Munck, Jan; Minakuchi, Shunsuke; Van Meerbeek, Bart

2014-09-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different chemical pre-treatments on the bond durability to dental zirconia. Fully sintered IPS e.max ZirCAD (Ivoclar Vivadent) blocks were subjected to tribochemical silica sandblasting (CoJet, 3M ESPE). The zirconia samples were additionally pre-treated using one of four zirconia primers/adhesives (Clearfil Ceramic Primer, Kuraray Noritake; Monobond Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent; Scotchbond Universal, 3M ESPE; Z-PRIME Plus, Bisco). Finally, two identically pre-treated zirconia blocks were bonded together using composite cement (RelyX Ultimate, 3M ESPE). The specimens were trimmed at the interface to a cylindrical hourglass and stored in distilled water (7 days, 37 °C), after which they were randomly tested as is or subjected to mechanical ageing involving cyclic tensile stress (10 N, 10 Hz, 10,000 cycles). Subsequently, the micro-tensile bond strength was determined, and SEM fractographic analysis performed. Weibull analysis revealed the highest Weibull scale and shape parameters for the 'Clearfil Ceramic Primer/mechanical ageing' combination. Chemical pre-treatment of CoJet (3M ESPE) sandblasted zirconia using Clearfil Ceramic Primer (Kuraray Noritake) and Monobond Plus (Ivoclar Vivadent) revealed a significantly higher bond strength than when Scotchbond Universal (3M ESPE) and Z-PRIME Plus (Bisco) were used. After ageing, Clearfil Ceramic Primer (Kuraray Noritake) revealed the most stable bond durability. Combined mechanical/chemical pre-treatment, the latter with either Clearfil Ceramic Primer (Kuraray Noritake) or Monobond Plus (Ivoclar Vivadent), resulted in the most durable bond to zirconia. As a standard procedure to durably bond zirconia to tooth tissue, the application of a combined 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate/silane ceramic primer to zirconia is clinically highly recommended.

Optical Basicity and Nepheline Crystallization in High Alumina Glasses

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

Rodriguez, Carmen P.; McCloy, John S.; Schweiger, M. J.

2011-02-25

The purpose of this study was to find compositions that increase waste loading of high-alumina wastes beyond what is currently acceptable while avoiding crystallization of nepheline (NaAlSiO4) on slow cooling. Nepheline crystallization has been shown to have a large impact on the chemical durability of high-level waste glasses. It was hypothesized that there would be some composition regions where high-alumina would not result in nepheline crystal production, compositions not currently allowed by the nepheline discriminator. Optical basicity (OB) and the nepheline discriminator (ND) are two ways of describing a given complex glass composition. This report presents the theoretical and experimentalmore » basis for these models. They are being studied together in a quadrant system as metrics to explore nepheline crystallization and chemical durability as a function of waste glass composition. These metrics were calculated for glasses with existing data and also for theoretical glasses to explore nepheline formation in Quadrant IV (passes OB metric but fails ND metric), where glasses are presumed to have good chemical durability. Several of these compositions were chosen, and glasses were made to fill poorly represented regions in Quadrant IV. To evaluate nepheline formation and chemical durability of these glasses, quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and the Product Consistency Test were conducted. A large amount of quantitative XRD data is collected here, both from new glasses and from glasses of previous studies that had not previously performed quantitative XRD on the phase assemblage. Appendix A critically discusses a large dataset to be considered for future quantitative studies on nepheline formation in glass. Appendix B provides a theoretical justification for choice of the oxide coefficients used to compute the OB criterion for nepheline formation.« less

Carbon-Coated Core-Shell Fe-Cu Nanoparticles as Highly Active and Durable Electrocatalysts for a Zn-Air Battery.

PubMed

Nam, Gyutae; Park, Joohyuk; Choi, Min; Oh, Pilgun; Park, Suhyeon; Kim, Min Gyu; Park, Noejung; Cho, Jaephil; Lee, Jang-Soo

2015-06-23

Understanding the interaction between a catalyst and oxygen has been a key step in designing better electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as well as applying them in metal-air batteries and fuel cells. Alloying has been studied to finely tune the catalysts' electronic structures to afford proper binding affinities for oxygen. Herein, we synthesized a noble-metal-free and nanosized transition metal CuFe alloy encapsulated with a graphitic carbon shell as a highly efficient and durable electrocatalyst for the ORR in alkaline solution. Theoretical models and experimental results demonstrated that the CuFe alloy has a more moderate binding strength for oxygen molecules as well as the final product, OH(-), thus facilitating the oxygen reduction process. Furthermore, the nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon-coated layer, formed catalytically under the influence of iron, affords enhanced charge transfer during the oxygen reduction process and superior durability. These benefits were successfully confirmed by realizing the catalyst application in a mechanically rechargeable Zn-air battery.

DOE Award No. DE-FC36-03GO13108 NOVEL NON-PRECIOUS METAL CATALYSTS FOR PEMFC: CATALYST SELECTION THROUGH MOLECULAR MODELING AND DURABILITY STUDIES Final Report (September 2003 – October 2008)

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

Branko N. Popov

2009-03-03

The objective of this project is to develop novel non-precious metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and demonstrate the potential of the catalysts to perform at least as good as conventional Pt catalysts currently in use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with a cost at least 50 % less than a target of 0.2 g (Pt loading)/peak kW and with durability > 2,000 h operation with less than 10 % power degradation. A novel nitrogen-modified carbon-based catalyst was obtained by modifying carbon black with nitrogen-containing organic precursor in the absence of transition metal precursor. The catalyst showsmore » the onset potential of approximately 0.76 V (NHE) for ORR and the amount of H2O2 of approximately 3% at 0.5 V (NHE). Furthermore, a carbon composite catalyst was achieved through the high-temperature pyrolysis of the precursors of transition metal (Co and Fe) and nitrogen supported on the nitrogen-modified carbon-based catalyst, followed by chemical post-treatment. This catalyst showed an onset potential for ORR as high as 0.87 V (NHE), and generated less than 1 % of H2O2. The PEM fuel cell exhibited a current density of 2.3 A cm-2 at 0.2 V for a catalyst loading of 6.0 mg cm-2. No significant performance degradation was observed for 480 h continuous operation. The characterization studies indicated that the metal-nitrogen chelate complexes decompose at the temperatures above 800 oC. During the pyrolysis, the transition metals facilitate the incorporation of pyridinic and graphitic nitrogen groups into the carbon matrix, and the carbon surface modified with nitrogen is active for ORR. In order to elucidate the role of transition metal precursor played in the formation of active sites in the non-precious metal catalysts, a novel ruthenium-based chelate (RuNx) catalyst was synthesized by using RuCl3 and propylene diammine as the Ru and N precursors, respectively, followed by high-temperature pyrolysis. This catalyst exhibited comparable catalytic activity and selectivity for ORR as the Pt catalyst. A theoretical analysis is made of the four-electron reduction reaction of oxygen to water over the mixed anion and cation (202) surface of pentlandite structure Co9Se8, one of several selenide phases. Reversible potentials for forming adsorbed reaction intermediates in acid are predicted using adsorption energies calculated with the Vienna ab initio simulation program (VASP) and the known bulk solution values together in a linear Gibbs energy relationship. The effect of hydrophobic and structural properties of a single/dual-layer cathode gas diffusion layer on mass transport in PEM fuel cells was studied using an analytical expression. The simulations indicated that liquid water transport at the cathode is controlled by the fraction of hydrophilic surface and the average pore diameter in the cathode gas diffusion layer. The optimized hydrophobicity and pore geometry in a dual-layer cathode GDL leads to an effective water management, and enhances the oxygen diffusion kinetics.« less

DOE Award No. DE-FC36-03GO13108 NOVEL NON-PRECIOUS METAL CATALYSTS FOR PEMFC: CATALYST SELECTION THROUGH MOLECULAR MODELING AND DURABILITY STUDIES Final Report (September 2003 – October 2008)

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

Branko N. Popov

2009-02-20

The objective of this project is to develop novel non-precious metal electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and demonstrate the potential of the catalysts to perform at least as good as conventional Pt catalysts currently in use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with a cost at least 50 % less than a target of 0.2 g (Pt loading)/peak kW and with durability > 2,000 h operation with less than 10 % power degradation. A novel nitrogen-modified carbon-based catalyst was obtained by modifying carbon black with nitrogen-containing organic precursor in the absence of transition metal precursor. The catalyst showsmore » the onset potential of approximately 0.76 V (NHE) for ORR and the amount of H2O2 of approximately 3% at 0.5 V (NHE). Furthermore, a carbon composite catalyst was achieved through the high-temperature pyrolysis of the precursors of transition metal (Co and Fe) and nitrogen supported on the nitrogen-modified carbon-based catalyst, followed by chemical post-treatment. This catalyst showed an onset potential for ORR as high as 0.87 V (NHE), and generated less than 1 % of H2O2. The PEM fuel cell exhibited a current density of 2.3 A cm-2 at 0.2 V for a catalyst loading of 6.0 mg cm-2. No significant performance degradation was observed for 480 h continuous operation. The characterization studies indicated that the metal-nitrogen chelate complexes decompose at the temperatures above 800 oC. During the pyrolysis, the transition metals facilitate the incorporation of pyridinic and graphitic nitrogen groups into the carbon matrix, and the carbon surface modified with nitrogen is active for ORR. In order to elucidate the role of transition metal precursor played in the formation of active sites in the non-precious metal catalysts, a novel ruthenium-based chelate (RuNx) catalyst was synthesized by using RuCl3 and propylene diammine as the Ru and N precursors, respectively, followed by high-temperature pyrolysis. This catalyst exhibited comparable catalytic activity and selectivity for ORR as the Pt catalyst. A theoretical analysis is made of the four-electron reduction reaction of oxygen to water over the mixed anion and cation (202) surface of pentlandite structure Co9Se8, one of several selenide phases. Reversible potentials for forming adsorbed reaction intermediates in acid are predicted using adsorption energies calculated with the Vienna ab initio simulation program (VASP) and the known bulk solution values together in a linear Gibbs energy relationship. The effect of hydrophobic and structural properties of a single/dual-layer cathode gas diffusion layer on mass transport in PEM fuel cells was studied using an analytical expression. The simulations indicated that liquid water transport at the cathode is controlled by the fraction of hydrophilic surface and the average pore diameter in the cathode gas diffusion layer. The optimized hydrophobicity and pore geometry in a dual-layer cathode GDL leads to an effective water management, and enhances the oxygen diffusion kinetics.« less

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

Riley, Brian J.; Kroll, Jared O.; Peterson, Jacob A.

Here, this paper provides an overview of research evaluating the use of lead tellurite glass as a waste form for salt wastes from electrochemical reprocessing of used nuclear fuel. The efficacy of using lead tellurite glass to immobilize three different salt compositions was evaluated: a LiCl-Li 2O oxide reduction salt containing fission products from oxide fuel, a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt containing fission products from metallic fuel, and SrCl 2. Physical and chemical properties of glasses made with these salts were characterized with X-ray diffraction, bulk density measurements, differential thermal analysis, chemical durability tests, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, and energy-dispersivemore » X-ray spectroscopy. These glasses were found to accommodate high salt concentrations and have high densities, but further development is needed to improve chemical durability.« less

Penning Ionization Electron Spectroscopy in Glow Discharge: A New Dimension for Gas Chromatography Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sheverev, V. A.; Khromov, N. A.; Kojiro, D. R.; Fonda, Mark (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Admixtures to helium of 100 ppm and 5 ppm of nitrogen, and 100 ppm and 10 ppm of carbon monoxide were identified and measured in the helium discharge afterglow using an electrical probe placed into the plasma. For nitrogen and carbon monoxide gases, the measured electron energy spectra display distinct characteristic peaks (fingerprints). Location of the peaks on the energy scale is determined by the ionization energies of the analyte molecules. Nitrogen and carbon monoxide fingerprints were also observed in a binary mixture of these gases in helium, and the relative concentration analytes has been predicted. The technically simple and durable method is considered a good candidate for a number of analytical applications, and in particular, in GC and for analytical flight instrumentation.

The Study on the Durability of Submerged Structure Displacement due to Concrete Failure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohd, M.; Zainon, O.; Rasib, A. W.; Majid, Z.

2016-09-01

Concrete structures that exposed to marine environments are subjected to multiple deterioration mechanisms. An overview of the existing technology for submerged concrete, pressure resistant, concrete structures which related such as cracks, debonds, and delamination are discussed. Basic knowledge related to drowning durability such as submerged concrete structures in the maritime environment are the durability of a concrete and the ability to resist to weathering, chemical attack, abrasion or other deterioration processes. The measuring techniques and instrumentation for geometrical monitoring of submerged structural displacements have traditionally been categorized into two groups according to the two main groups, namely as geodetic surveying and geotechnical structural measurements of local displacements. This paper aims to study the durability of submerged concrete displacement and harmful effects of submerged concrete structures.

Nitrogen-Coordinated Single Cobalt Atom Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

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

Wang, Xiao Xia; Cullen, David A.; Pan, Yung-Tin

Due to the Fenton reaction, the presence of Fe and peroxide in electrodes generates free radicals causing serious degradation of the organic ionomer and the membrane. Pt-free and Fe-free cathode catalysts therefore are urgently needed for durable and inexpensive proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this paper, a high-performance nitrogen-coordinated single Co atom catalyst is derived from Co-doped metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) through a one-step thermal activation. Aberration-corrected electron microscopy combined with X-ray absorption spectroscopy virtually verifies the CoN 4 coordination at an atomic level in the catalysts. Through investigating effects of Co doping contents and thermal activation temperature, anmore » atomically Co site dispersed catalyst with optimal chemical and structural properties has achieved respectable activity and stability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in challenging acidic media (e.g., half-wave potential of 0.80 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The performance is comparable to Fe-based catalysts and 60 mV lower than Pt/C -60 μg Pt cm -2). Fuel cell tests confirm that catalyst activity and stability can translate to high-performance cathodes in PEMFCs. Finally, the remarkably enhanced ORR performance is attributed to the presence of well-dispersed CoN 4 active sites embedded in 3D porous MOF-derived carbon particles, omitting any inactive Co aggregates.« less

Nitrogen-Coordinated Single Cobalt Atom Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

DOE PAGES

Wang, Xiao Xia; Cullen, David A.; Pan, Yung-Tin; ...

2018-01-24

Due to the Fenton reaction, the presence of Fe and peroxide in electrodes generates free radicals causing serious degradation of the organic ionomer and the membrane. Pt-free and Fe-free cathode catalysts therefore are urgently needed for durable and inexpensive proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In this paper, a high-performance nitrogen-coordinated single Co atom catalyst is derived from Co-doped metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) through a one-step thermal activation. Aberration-corrected electron microscopy combined with X-ray absorption spectroscopy virtually verifies the CoN 4 coordination at an atomic level in the catalysts. Through investigating effects of Co doping contents and thermal activation temperature, anmore » atomically Co site dispersed catalyst with optimal chemical and structural properties has achieved respectable activity and stability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in challenging acidic media (e.g., half-wave potential of 0.80 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The performance is comparable to Fe-based catalysts and 60 mV lower than Pt/C -60 μg Pt cm -2). Fuel cell tests confirm that catalyst activity and stability can translate to high-performance cathodes in PEMFCs. Finally, the remarkably enhanced ORR performance is attributed to the presence of well-dispersed CoN 4 active sites embedded in 3D porous MOF-derived carbon particles, omitting any inactive Co aggregates.« less

Nitrogen-Coordinated Single Cobalt Atom Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Wang, Xiao Xia; Cullen, David A; Pan, Yung-Tin; Hwang, Sooyeon; Wang, Maoyu; Feng, Zhenxing; Wang, Jingyun; Engelhard, Mark H; Zhang, Hanguang; He, Yanghua; Shao, Yuyan; Su, Dong; More, Karren L; Spendelow, Jacob S; Wu, Gang

2018-03-01

Due to the Fenton reaction, the presence of Fe and peroxide in electrodes generates free radicals causing serious degradation of the organic ionomer and the membrane. Pt-free and Fe-free cathode catalysts therefore are urgently needed for durable and inexpensive proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Herein, a high-performance nitrogen-coordinated single Co atom catalyst is derived from Co-doped metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) through a one-step thermal activation. Aberration-corrected electron microscopy combined with X-ray absorption spectroscopy virtually verifies the CoN 4 coordination at an atomic level in the catalysts. Through investigating effects of Co doping contents and thermal activation temperature, an atomically Co site dispersed catalyst with optimal chemical and structural properties has achieved respectable activity and stability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in challenging acidic media (e.g., half-wave potential of 0.80 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The performance is comparable to Fe-based catalysts and 60 mV lower than Pt/C -60 μg Pt cm -2 ). Fuel cell tests confirm that catalyst activity and stability can translate to high-performance cathodes in PEMFCs. The remarkably enhanced ORR performance is attributed to the presence of well-dispersed CoN 4 active sites embedded in 3D porous MOF-derived carbon particles, omitting any inactive Co aggregates. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Application of Chemistry in Materials Research at NASA GRC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kavandi, Janet L.

2016-01-01

Overview of NASA GRC Materials Development. New materials enabled by new chemistries offering unique properties and chemical processing techniques. Durability of materials in harsh environments requires understanding and modeling of chemical interaction of materials with the environment.

Tracing formation and durability of calcite in a Punic-Roman cistern mortar (Pantelleria Island, Italy).

PubMed

Dietzel, Martin; Schön, Frerich; Heinrichs, Jens; Deditius, Artur P; Leis, Albrecht

2016-01-01

Ancient hydraulic lime mortar preserves chemical and isotopic signatures that provide important information about historical processing and its durability. The distribution and isotopic composition of calcite in a mortar of a well-preserved Punic-Roman cistern at Pantelleria Island (Italy) was used to trace the formation conditions, durability, and individual processing periods of the cistern mortar. The analyses of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes of calcite revealed four individual horizons, D, E, B-1 and B-2, of mortar from the top to the bottom of the cistern floor. Volcanic and ceramic aggregates were used for the production of the mortar of horizons E/D and B-1/B-2, respectively. All horizons comprise hydraulic lime mortar characterized by a mean cementation index of 1.5 ± 1, and a constant binder to aggregate ratio of 0.31 ± 0.01. This suggests standardized and highly effective processing of the cistern. The high durability of calcite formed during carbonation of slaked lime within the matrix of the ancient mortar, and thus the excellent resistance of the hydraulic lime mortar against water, was documented by (i) a distinct positive correlation of δ(18)Ocalcite and δ(13)Ccalcite; typical for carbonation through a mortar horizon, (ii) a characteristic evolution of δ(18)Ocalcite and δ(13)Ccalcite through each of the four mortar horizons; lighter follow heavier isotopic values from upper to lower part of the cistern floor, and (iii) δ(18)Ocalcite varying from -10 to -5 ‰ Vienna Pee Dee belemnite (VPDB). The range of δ(18)Ocalcite values rule out recrystallization and/or neoformation of calcite through chemical attack of water stored in cistern. The combined studies of the chemical composition of the binder and the isotopic composition of the calcite in an ancient mortar provide powerful tools for elucidating the ancient techniques and processing periods. This approach helps to evaluate the durability of primary calcite and demonstrates the importance of calcite as a proxy for chemical attack and quality of the ancient inorganic binder.

Nondestructive chemical imaging of wood at the micro-scale: advanced technology to complement macro-scale evaluations

Treesearch

Barbara L. Illman; Julia Sedlmair; Miriam Unger; Carol Hirschmugl

2013-01-01

Chemical images help understanding of wood properties, durability, and cell wall deconstruction for conversion of lignocellulose to biofuels, nanocellulose and other value added chemicals in forest biorefineries. We describe here a new method for nondestructive chemical imaging of wood and wood-based materials at the micro-scale to complement macro-scale methods based...

Chemically stable and mechanically durable superamphiphobic aluminum surface with a micro/nanoscale binary structure.

PubMed

Peng, Shan; Yang, Xiaojun; Tian, Dong; Deng, Wenli

2014-09-10

We developed a simple fabrication method to prepare a superamphiphobic aluminum surface. On the basis of a low-energy surface and the combination of micro- and nanoscale roughness, the resultant surface became super-repellent toward a wide range of liquids with surface tensions of 25.3-72.1 mN m(-1). The applied approach involved (1) the formation of an irregular microplateau structure on an aluminum surface, (2) the fabrication of a nanoplatelet structure, and (3) fluorination treatment. The chemical stability and mechanical durability of the superamphiphobic surface were evaluated in detail. The results demonstrated that the surface presented an excellent chemical stability toward cool corrosive liquids (HCl/NaOH solutions, 25 °C) and 98% concentrated sulfuric acid, hot liquids (water, HCl/NaOH solutions, 30-100 °C), solvent immersion, high temperature, and a long-term period. More importantly, the surface also exhibited robust mechanical durability and could withstand multiple-fold, finger-touch, intensive scratching by a sharp blade, ultrasonication treatment, boiling treatment in water and coffee, repeated peeling by adhesive tape, and even multiple abrasion tests under 500 g of force without losing superamphiphobicity. The as-prepared superamphiphobic surface was also demonstrated to have excellent corrosion resistance. This work provides a simple, cost-effective, and highly efficient method to fabricate a chemically stable and mechanically robust superamphiphobic aluminum surface, which can find important outdoor applications.

Activation of Molecular Oxygen Using Durable Cobalt Encapsulated with Nitrogen-Doped Graphitic Carbon Shells for Aerobic Oxidation of Lignin-Derived Alcohols.

PubMed

Sun, Yuxia; Ma, Hong; Luo, Yang; Zhang, Shujing; Gao, Jin; Xu, Jie

2018-03-26

It has long been a challenge for activating O 2 by transition-metal nanocatalysts, which might lose activity due to strong tendency for oxidation. Herein, O 2 could be activated by durable encapsulated cobalt nanoparticles (NPs) with N-doped graphitic carbon shells (Co@N-C), but not by encapsulated cobalt NPs with graphitic carbon, exposed cobalt NPs supported on activated carbon, or N-doped carbon. Electron paramagnetic resonance, real-time in situ FTIR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry measurements demonstrated the generation of the highly active superoxide radical, O 2 .- . This unique ability enables Co@N-C to afford an excellent catalytic performance in model aerobic oxidation of monomeric lignin-derived alcohols. Further analysis elucidated that encapsulated cobalt and nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon might contribute to the capacity through influencing the electronic properties of outer layers. Moreover, through isolation by N-doped graphitic carbon shells, the inner metallic cobalt NPs are inaccessible in term of either alcohols or oxygenated products, and a distinctive resistance to leaching and agglomeration has been achieved. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Physical and chemical evaluation of furniture waste briquettes.

PubMed

Moreno, Ana Isabel; Font, Rafael; Conesa, Juan A

2016-03-01

Furniture waste is mainly composed of wood and upholstery foam (mostly polyurethane foam). Both of these have a high calorific value, therefore, energy recovery would be an appropriate process to manage these wastes. Nevertheless, the drawback is that the energy content of these wastes is limited due to their low density mainly that of upholstery foam. Densification of separate foam presents difficulties due to its elastic character. The significance of this work lies in obtaining densified material by co-densification of furniture wood waste and polyurethane foam waste. Densification of furniture wood and the co-densification of furniture wood waste with polyurethane foam have been studied. On the one hand, the parameters that have an effect on the quality of the furniture waste briquettes have been analysed, i.e., moisture content, compaction pressure, presence of lignin, etc. The maximum weight percentage of polyurethane foam that can be added with furniture wood waste to obtain durable briquettes and the optimal moisture were determined. On the other hand, some parameters were analysed in order to evaluate the possible effect on the combustion. The chemical composition of waste wood was compared with untreated wood biomass; the higher nitrogen content and the concentration of some metals were the most important differences, with a significant difference of Ti content. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nitrogen and Fluorine-Codoped Carbon Nanowire Aerogels as Metal-Free Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

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

Fu, Shaofang; Zhu, Chengzhou; Song, Junhua

2017-07-11

The development of active, durable, and low-cost catalysts to replace noble metal-based materials is highly desirable to promote the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells. Herein, nitrogen and fluorine-codoped three-dimensional carbon nanowire aerogels, composed of interconnected carbon nanowires, were synthesized for the first time by a hydrothermal carbonization process. Owing to their porous nanostructures and heteroatom-doping, the as-prepared carbon nanowire aerogels, with optimized composition, present excellent electrocatalytic activity that is comparable to commercial Pt/C. Remarkably, the aerogels also exhibit superior stability and methanol tolerance. This synthesis procedure paves a new way to design novel heteroatomdoped catalysts.

Extremely durable biofouling-resistant metallic surfaces based on electrodeposited nanoporous tungstite films on steel

PubMed Central

Tesler, Alexander B.; Kim, Philseok; Kolle, Stefan; Howell, Caitlin; Ahanotu, Onye; Aizenberg, Joanna

2015-01-01

Formation of unwanted deposits on steels during their interaction with liquids is an inherent problem that often leads to corrosion, biofouling and results in reduction in durability and function. Here we report a new route to form anti-fouling steel surfaces by electrodeposition of nanoporous tungsten oxide (TO) films. TO-modified steels are as mechanically durable as bare steel and highly tolerant to compressive and tensile stresses due to chemical bonding to the substrate and island-like morphology. When inherently superhydrophilic TO coatings are converted to superhydrophobic, they remain non-wetting even after impingement with yttria-stabilized-zirconia particles, or exposure to ultraviolet light and extreme temperatures. Upon lubrication, these surfaces display omniphobicity against highly contaminating media retaining hitherto unseen mechanical durability. To illustrate the applicability of such a durable coating in biofouling conditions, we modified naval construction steels and surgical instruments and demonstrated significantly reduced marine algal film adhesion, Escherichia coli attachment and blood staining. PMID:26482559

Extremely durable biofouling-resistant metallic surfaces based on electrodeposited nanoporous tungstite films on steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tesler, Alexander B.; Kim, Philseok; Kolle, Stefan; Howell, Caitlin; Ahanotu, Onye; Aizenberg, Joanna

2015-10-01

Formation of unwanted deposits on steels during their interaction with liquids is an inherent problem that often leads to corrosion, biofouling and results in reduction in durability and function. Here we report a new route to form anti-fouling steel surfaces by electrodeposition of nanoporous tungsten oxide (TO) films. TO-modified steels are as mechanically durable as bare steel and highly tolerant to compressive and tensile stresses due to chemical bonding to the substrate and island-like morphology. When inherently superhydrophilic TO coatings are converted to superhydrophobic, they remain non-wetting even after impingement with yttria-stabilized-zirconia particles, or exposure to ultraviolet light and extreme temperatures. Upon lubrication, these surfaces display omniphobicity against highly contaminating media retaining hitherto unseen mechanical durability. To illustrate the applicability of such a durable coating in biofouling conditions, we modified naval construction steels and surgical instruments and demonstrated significantly reduced marine algal film adhesion, Escherichia coli attachment and blood staining.

Extremely durable biofouling-resistant metallic surfaces based on electrodeposited nanoporous tungstite films on steel

DOE PAGES

Tesler, Alexander B.; Kim, Philseok; Kolle, Stefan; ...

2015-10-20

Formation of unwanted deposits on steels during their interaction with liquids is an inherent problem that often leads to corrosion, biofouling and results in reduction in durability and function. Here we report a new route to form anti-fouling steel surfaces by electrodeposition of nanoporous tungsten oxide (TO) films. TO-modified steels are as mechanically durable as bare steel and highly tolerant to compressive and tensile stresses due to chemical bonding to the substrate and island-like morphology. When inherently superhydrophilic TO coatings are converted to superhydrophobic, they remain non-wetting even after impingement with yttria-stabilized-zirconia particles, or exposure to ultraviolet light and extrememore » temperatures. Upon lubrication, these surfaces display omniphobicity against highly contaminating media retaining hitherto unseen mechanical durability. Furthermore, to illustrate the applicability of such a durable coating in biofouling conditions, we modified naval construction steels and surgical instruments and demonstrated significantly reduced marine algal film adhesion, Escherichia coli attachment and blood staining.« less

Organic monolith frits encased in polyether ether ketone tubing with improved durability for liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Park, Sin Young; Cheong, Won Jo

2015-09-01

This study introduces a preparation method for polymer-encased monolith frits with improved durability for liquid chromatography columns. The inner surface of the polyether ether ketone tubing is pretreated with sulfuric acid in the presence of catalysts (vanadium oxide and sodium sulfate). The tubing was rinsed with water and acetone, flushed with nitrogen, and treated with glycidyl methacrylate. After washing, the monolith reaction mixture composed of lauryl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, initiator, and porogenic solvent was filled in the tubing and subjected to in situ polymerization. The tubing was cut into thin slices and used as frits for microcolumns. To check their durability, the frit slices were placed in a vial and a heavy impact was applied on the vial by a vortex mixer for various periods. The frits made in the presence of catalysts were found to be more durable than those made without catalysts. Furthermore, when the monolith-incorporated tubing was used as a chromatography column, the column prepared in the presence of catalysts resulted in a better separation efficiency. The separation performance of the columns installed with the polyether ether ketone encased monolith frits was comparable to that of the columns installed with the commercial stainless-steel screen frits. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Is the efficacy of biological control against plant diseases likely to be more durable than that of chemical pesticides?

PubMed Central

Bardin, Marc; Ajouz, Sakhr; Comby, Morgane; Lopez-Ferber, Miguel; Graillot, Benoît; Siegwart, Myriam; Nicot, Philippe C.

2015-01-01

The durability of a control method for plant protection is defined as the persistence of its efficacy in space and time. It depends on (i) the selection pressure exerted by it on populations of plant pathogens and (ii) on the capacity of these pathogens to adapt to the control method. Erosion of effectiveness of conventional plant protection methods has been widely studied in the past. For example, apparition of resistance to chemical pesticides in plant pathogens or pests has been extensively documented. The durability of biological control has often been assumed to be higher than that of chemical control. Results concerning pest management in agricultural systems have shown that this assumption may not always be justified. Resistance of various pests to one or several toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis and apparition of resistance of the codling moth Cydia pomonella to the C. pomonella granulovirus have, for example, been described. In contrast with the situation for pests, the durability of biological control of plant diseases has hardly been studied and no scientific reports proving the loss of efficiency of biological control agents against plant pathogens in practice has been published so far. Knowledge concerning the possible erosion of effectiveness of biological control is essential to ensure a durable efficacy of biological control agents on target plant pathogens. This knowledge will result in identifying risk factors that can foster the selection of strains of plant pathogens resistant to biological control agents. It will also result in identifying types of biological control agents with lower risk of efficacy loss, i.e., modes of action of biological control agents that does not favor the selection of resistant isolates in natural populations of plant pathogens. An analysis of the scientific literature was then conducted to assess the potential for plant pathogens to become resistant to biological control agents. PMID:26284088

Assessment of lead tellurite glass for immobilizing electrochemical salt wastes from used nuclear fuel reprocessing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riley, Brian J.; Kroll, Jared O.; Peterson, Jacob A.; Pierce, David A.; Ebert, William L.; Williams, Benjamin D.; Snyder, Michelle M. V.; Frank, Steven M.; George, Jaime L.; Kruska, Karen

2017-11-01

This paper provides an overview of research evaluating the use of lead tellurite glass as a waste form for salt wastes from electrochemical reprocessing of used nuclear fuel. The efficacy of using lead tellurite glass to immobilize three different salt compositions was evaluated: a LiCl-Li2O oxide reduction salt containing fission products from oxide fuel, a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt containing fission products from metallic fuel, and SrCl2. Physical and chemical properties of glasses made with these salts were characterized with X-ray diffraction, bulk density measurements, differential thermal analysis, chemical durability tests, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. These glasses were found to accommodate high salt concentrations and have high densities, but further development is needed to improve chemical durability.

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

Riley, Brian J.; Kroll, Jared O.; Peterson, Jacob A.

This paper provides an overview of research evaluating the use of lead tellurite glass as a waste form for salt wastes from electrochemical reprocessing of used nuclear fuel. The efficacy of using lead tellurite glass to immobilize three different salt compositions was evaluated: a LiCl-Li2O oxide reduction salt containing fission products from oxide fuel, a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt containing fission products from metallic fuel, and SrCl2. Physical and chemical properties of glasses made with these salts were characterized with X-ray diffraction, bulk density measurements, differential thermal analysis, chemical durability tests, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Thesemore » glasses were found to accommodate high salt concentrations and have high densities, but further development is needed to improve chemical durability. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.« less

Consumption of a durable termite bait matrix by subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) and resulting insecticidal activity.

PubMed

Hamm, Ronda L; DeMark, Joseph J; Chin-Heady, Eva; Tolley, Mike P

2013-04-01

A novel durable termite bait was developed to enable continuous bait availability and lengthen the monitoring interval to 1 year. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the palatability and insecticidal activity of this bait to Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), R. virginicus (Banks), R. hesperus Banks, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Heterotermes aureus (Synder). Consumption of the blank durable bait matrix was significantly higher than consumption of a blank preferred textured cellulose matrix (PTC) by R. virginicus, R. flavipes and C. formosanus. R. flavipes, R. hesperus and H. aureus consumed significantly more durable bait than PTC when both contained the active ingredient noviflumuron. All bait treatments resulted in significant mortality relative to the untreated controls. Survivorship of R. virginicus, C. formosanus and H. aureus was 2% or less and not significantly different between the durable bait and PTC treatments containing noviflumuron. The durable bait matrix lagged behind the PTC matrix in mortality over time for all species tested except H. aureus. The durable bait was highly palatable and effective in inducing mortality to R. flavipes, R. virginicus, R. hesperus, C. formosanus and H. aureus in the laboratory. This unique bait matrix will be available to termites continuously and allows for an annual monitoring interval. The durability of this bait matrix is unprecedented, allowing for bait to remain active for years and thus providing continuous structural protection. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluating Naturally Durable Wood Species for Repair and Rehabilitation of Above-Ground Components of Covered Bridges

Treesearch

Grant T. Kirker; Carol A. Clausen; A. B Blodgett; Stan T. Lebow

2013-01-01

More than 1,500 covered bridges remain in the United States. They are a unique part of our history; thus, replacement of bridge components is an equally important part of preserving this uncommon style of craftsmanship. The goal of this project was to evaluate seven wood species for their durability in above-ground field exposure. Chemical analysis was also conducted...

LIMITED-USE CHEMICAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR EPA SUPERFUND ACTIVITIES

EPA Science Inventory

Because contractor field personnel complained about the poor durability and fit of limited-use chemical protective clothing (CPC) most commonly used at hazardous waste site operations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a study to characterize use of CPC; de...

LIMITED-USE CHEMICAL PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR EPA SUPERFUND ACTIVITIES

EPA Science Inventory

Because contractor field personnel complained about the poor durability and fit of limited-use chemical protective clothing (CPC) most commonly used at hazardous waste site operations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a study to • characterize use of CPC...

Long-term durability of geosynthetics based on exhumed samples from construction projects

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-04-01

This report presents the results of mechanical and chemical tests on 24 retrieved geosynthetics from 12 sites, across the United States and provides a baseline databank of mechanical and chemical properties of many commonly used geosynthesis in trans...

Friction Durability of Extremely Thin Diamond-Like Carbon Films at High Temperature

PubMed Central

Miyake, Shojiro; Suzuki, Shota; Miyake, Masatoshi

2017-01-01

To clarify the friction durability, both during and after the high-temperature heating of nanometer-thick diamond-like carbon (DLC) films, deposited using filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) and plasma chemical vapor deposition (P-CVD) methods, the dependence of the friction coefficient on the load and sliding cycles of the DLC films, were evaluated. Cluster-I consisted of a low friction area in which the DLC film was effective, while cluster-II consisted of a high friction area in which the lubricating effect of the DLC film was lost. The friction durability of the films was evaluated by statistical cluster analysis. Extremely thin FCVA-DLC films exhibited an excellent wear resistance at room temperature, but their friction durability was decreased at high temperatures. In contrast, the durability of the P-CVD-DLC films was increased at high temperatures when compared with that observed at room temperature. This inverse dependence on temperature corresponded to the nano-friction results obtained by atomic force microscopy. The decrease in the friction durability of the FCVA-DLC films at high temperatures, was caused by a complex effect of temperature and friction. The tribochemical reaction produced by the P-CVD-DLC films reduced their friction coefficient, increasing their durability at high temperatures. PMID:28772520

Friction Durability of Extremely Thin Diamond-Like Carbon Films at High Temperature.

PubMed

Miyake, Shojiro; Suzuki, Shota; Miyake, Masatoshi

2017-02-10

To clarify the friction durability, both during and after the high-temperature heating of nanometer-thick diamond-like carbon (DLC) films, deposited using filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) and plasma chemical vapor deposition (P-CVD) methods, the dependence of the friction coefficient on the load and sliding cycles of the DLC films, were evaluated. Cluster-I consisted of a low friction area in which the DLC film was effective, while cluster-II consisted of a high friction area in which the lubricating effect of the DLC film was lost. The friction durability of the films was evaluated by statistical cluster analysis. Extremely thin FCVA-DLC films exhibited an excellent wear resistance at room temperature, but their friction durability was decreased at high temperatures. In contrast, the durability of the P-CVD-DLC films was increased at high temperatures when compared with that observed at room temperature. This inverse dependence on temperature corresponded to the nano-friction results obtained by atomic force microscopy. The decrease in the friction durability of the FCVA-DLC films at high temperatures, was caused by a complex effect of temperature and friction. The tribochemical reaction produced by the P-CVD-DLC films reduced their friction coefficient, increasing their durability at high temperatures.

Glass formation, properties, and structure of soda-yttria-silicate glasses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Angel, Paul W.; Hann, Raiford E.

1991-01-01

The glass formation region of the soda yttria silicate system was determined. The glasses within this region were measured to have a density of 2.4 to 3.1 g/cu cm, a refractive index of 1.50 to 1.60, a coefficient of thermal expansion of 7 x 10(exp -6)/C, softening temperatures between 500 and 780 C, and Vickers hardness values of 3.7 to 5.8 GPa. Aqueous chemical durability measurements were made on select glass compositions while infrared transmission spectra were used to study the glass structure and its effect on glass properties. A compositional region was identified which exhibited high thermal expansion, high softening temperatures, and good chemical durability.

Facile Fabrication of a Polyethylene Mesh for Oil/Water Separation in a Complex Environment.

PubMed

Zhao, Tianyi; Zhang, Dongmei; Yu, Cunming; Jiang, Lei

2016-09-14

Low cost, eco-friendly, and easily scaled-up processes are needed to fabricate efficient oil/water separation materials, especially those useful in harsh environments such as highly acidic, alkaline, and salty environments, to deal with serious oil spills and industrial organic pollutants. Herein, a highly efficient oil/water separation mesh with durable chemical stability was fabricated by simply scratching and pricking a conventional polyethylene (PE) film. Multiscaled morphologies were obtained by this scratching and pricking process and provided the mesh with a special wettability performance termed superhydrophobicity, superoleophilicity, and low water adhesion, while the inert chemical properties of PE delivered chemical etching resistance to the fabricated mesh. In addition to a highly efficient oil/corrosive liquid separation, the fabricated PE mesh was also reusable and exhibited ultrafast oil/water separation solely by gravity. The easy operation, chemical durability, reusability, and efficiency of the novel PE mesh give it high potential for use in industrial and consumer applications.

Assessment of lead tellurite glass for immobilizing electrochemical salt wastes from used nuclear fuel reprocessing

DOE PAGES

Riley, Brian J.; Kroll, Jared O.; Peterson, Jacob A.; ...

2017-08-30

Here, this paper provides an overview of research evaluating the use of lead tellurite glass as a waste form for salt wastes from electrochemical reprocessing of used nuclear fuel. The efficacy of using lead tellurite glass to immobilize three different salt compositions was evaluated: a LiCl-Li 2O oxide reduction salt containing fission products from oxide fuel, a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt containing fission products from metallic fuel, and SrCl 2. Physical and chemical properties of glasses made with these salts were characterized with X-ray diffraction, bulk density measurements, differential thermal analysis, chemical durability tests, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, and energy-dispersivemore » X-ray spectroscopy. These glasses were found to accommodate high salt concentrations and have high densities, but further development is needed to improve chemical durability.« less

Core-Shell Co/CoO Integrated on 3D Nitrogen Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel as an Enhanced Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

PubMed Central

Wang, Meng; Hou, Yuyang; Slade, Robert C. T.; Wang, Jiazhao; Shi, Dongqi; Wexler, David; Liu, Huakun; Chen, Jun

2016-01-01

Here, we demonstrate that Cobalt/cobalt oxide core-shell nanoparticles integrated on nitrogen-doped (N-doped) three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide aerogel-based architecture (Co/CoO-NGA) were synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method followed by annealing treatment. The unique endurable porous structure could provide sufficient mass transfer channels and ample active sites on Co/CoO-NGA to facilitate the catalytic reaction. The synthesized Co/CoO-NGA was explored as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction, showing comparable oxygen reduction performance with excellent methanol resistance and better durability compared with Pt/C. PMID:27597939

Nanocomposite Phosphor Consisting of CaI2:Eu2+ Single Nanocrystals Embedded in Crystalline SiO2.

PubMed

Daicho, Hisayoshi; Iwasaki, Takeshi; Shinomiya, Yu; Nakano, Akitoshi; Sawa, Hiroshi; Yamada, Wataru; Matsuishi, Satoru; Hosono, Hideo

2017-11-29

High luminescence efficiency is obtained in halide- and chalcogenide-based phosphors, but they are impractical because of their poor chemical durability. Here we report a halide-based nanocomposite phosphor with excellent luminescence efficiency and sufficient durability for practical use. Our approach was to disperse luminescent single nanocrystals of CaI 2 :Eu 2+ in a chemically stable, translucent crystalline SiO 2 matrix. Using this approach, we successfully prepared a nanocomposite phosphor by means of self-organization through a simple solid-state reaction. Single nanocrystals of 6H polytype (thr notation) CaI 2 :Eu 2+ with diameters of about 50 nm could be generated not only in a SiO 2 amorphous powder but also in a SiO 2 glass plate. The nanocomposite phosphor formed upon solidification of molten CaI 2 left behind in the crystalline SiO 2 that formed from the amorphous SiO 2 under the influence of a CaI 2 flux effect. The resulting nanocomposite phosphor emitted brilliant blue luminescence with an internal quantum efficiency up to 98% upon 407 nm violet excitation. We used cathodoluminescence microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction patterns to confirm that the blue luminescence was generated only by the CaI 2 :Eu 2+ single nanocrystals. The phosphor was chemically durable because the luminescence sites were embedded in the crystalline SiO 2 matrix. The phosphor is suitable for use in near-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. The concept for this nanocomposite phosphor can be expected to be effective for improvements in the practicality of poorly durable materials such as halides and chalcogenides.

Iodosodalite Waste Forms from Low-Temperature Aqueous Process

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

Nam, Junghune; Chong, Saehwa; Riley, Brian J.

ABSTRACT Nuclear energy is one option to meet rising electricity demands, although one concern of this technology is the proper capture and storage of radioisotopes produced during fission processes. One of the more difficult radioisotopes is 129I due to its volatility and poor solubility in traditional waste forms such as borosilicate glass. Iodosodalite has been previously proposed as a viable candidate to immobilize iodine due to high iodine loading and good chemical durability. Iodosodalite was traditionally synthesized using solid state and hydrothermal techniques, but this paper discusses an aqueous synthesis approach to optimize and maximize the iodosodalite yield. Products weremore » pressed into pellets and fired with glass binders. Chemical durability and iodine retention results are included.« less

Reimplantation of the resected tumour-bearing segment after recycling using liquid nitrogen for osteosarcoma.

PubMed

Abdel Rahman, Mohamed; Bassiony, Ayman; Shalaby, Hisham

2009-10-01

Reconstruction after en block resection of malignant tumours is still the subject of debate. We questioned the effectiveness of reconstruction by reimplanting the tumour-bearing segment after recycling in liquid nitrogen. Ten patients with osteosarcoma around the knee were included, with a mean age of 21 years. The operative technique included wide en bloc excision, debridement, and management of the resected segment with liquid nitrogen followed by reimplantation and internal fixation. At a mean follow-up of 4.5 years there was no local or systemic recurrence and the mean functional score was 82.4%. The frozen graft united proximally and distally in all but one patient in a period ranging from six to ten months. The effectiveness of this reconstruction technique in properly selected patients with osteosarcoma is comparable to other techniques of biological reconstruction with the added benefit of being simple, cheap and durable.

Biological nitric oxide signalling: chemistry and terminology

PubMed Central

Heinrich, Tassiele A; da Silva, Roberto S; Miranda, Katrina M; Switzer, Christopher H; Wink, David A; Fukuto, Jon M

2013-01-01

Biological nitrogen oxide signalling and stress is an area of extreme clinical, pharmacological, toxicological, biochemical and chemical research interest. The utility of nitric oxide and derived species as signalling agents is due to their novel and vast chemical interactions with a variety of biological targets. Herein, the chemistry associated with the interaction of the biologically relevant nitrogen oxide species with fundamental biochemical targets is discussed. Specifically, the chemical interactions of nitrogen oxides with nucleophiles (e.g. thiols), metals (e.g. hemeproteins) and paramagnetic species (e.g. dioxygen and superoxide) are addressed. Importantly, the terms associated with the mechanisms by which NO (and derived species) react with their respective biological targets have been defined by numerous past chemical studies. Thus, in order to assist researchers in referring to chemical processes associated with nitrogen oxide biology, the vernacular associated with these chemical interactions is addressed. PMID:23617570

Highly photostable NV centre ensembles in CVD diamond produced by using N2O as the doping gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tallaire, A.; Mayer, L.; Brinza, O.; Pinault-Thaury, M. A.; Debuisschert, T.; Achard, J.

2017-10-01

High density Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centre ensembles incorporated in plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond are crucial to the development of more efficient sensing devices that use the properties of luminescent defects. Achieving high NV doping with N2 as the dopant gas source during diamond growth is, however, plagued by the formation of macroscopic and point defects that quench luminescence. Moreover, such NVs are found to exhibit poor photostability under high laser powers. Although this effect can be harnessed to locally and durably switch off NV luminescence for data storage, it is usually undesirable for most applications. In this work, the use of N2O as an alternative doping source is proposed. Much higher amounts of the doping gas can be added without significantly generating defects, which allows the incorporation of perfectly photostable and higher density NV ensembles. This effect is believed to be related to the lower dissociation energy of the N2O molecule together with the beneficial effect of the presence of a low and controlled amount of oxygen near the growing surface.

[Effects of different fertilization modes on vegetable growth, fertilizer nitrogen utilization, and nitrogen loss from vegetable field].

PubMed

Huang, Dong-feng; Wang, Guo; Li, Wei-hua; Qiu, Xiao-xuan

2009-03-01

A field experiment with Chinese cabbage, water spinach, and three-colored amaranth cropped three times in one year was conducted to study the effects of seven fertilization modes, i.e., none fertilization, basal application of chemical fertilizers, 1/2 basal application and 1/2 top-dressing of chemical fertilizers, basal application of chemical fertilizers and dicyandiamide, 1/2 basal application and 1/2 top-dressing of chemical fertilizers and dicyandiamide, 1/2 basal application and 1/2 top-dressing of chemical fertilizers and organic manure, and basal application of organic manure, on the plant height, yield, nitrogen accumulation, and fertilizer nitrogen utilization of the vegetables, and the loss of NO3- -N and NH4+ -N from vegetable field under natural rainfall condition. The results showed that comparing with none fertilization, the fertilization modes '1/2 basal application and 1/2 top-dressing of chemical fertilizers and organic manure' and 'basal application of chemical fertilizers and dicyandiamide' improved the agronomic properties of test vegetables, increased their yields by 103%-219% and 93%-226%, and nitrogen accumulation by 153% -216% and 231%-320%, respectively, and enhanced fertilizer nitrogen utilization rate. They also decreased the surface runoff loss of NO3- -N and NH4+ -N by 48.1% and 46.5%, respectively, compared with the mode 'basal application of chemical fertilizers', and hence, reduced the risk of agricultural non-point pollution. Therefore, these two fertilization modes could be popularized in vegetable production.

Halloysite-derived nitrogen doped carbon electrocatalysts for anion exchange membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yaxiang; Wang, Lianqin; Preuß, Kathrin; Qiao, Mo; Titirici, Maria-Magdalena; Varcoe, John; Cai, Qiong

2017-12-01

Developing the low-cost, highly active carbonaceous materials for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts has been a high-priority research direction for durable fuel cells. In this paper, two novel N-doped carbonaceous materials with flaky and rod-like morphology using the natural halloysite as template are obtained from urea nitrogen source as well as glucose (denoted as GU) and furfural (denoted as FU) carbon precursors, respectively, which can be directly applied as metal-free electrocatalysts for ORR in alkaline electrolyte. Importantly, compared with a benchmark Pt/C (20wt%) catalyst, the as-prepared carbon catalysts demonstrate higher retention in diffusion limiting current density (after 3000 cycles) and enhanced methanol tolerances with only 50-60mV negative shift in half-wave potentials. In addition, electrocatalytic activity, durability and methanol tolerant capability of the two N-doped carbon catalysts are systematically evaluated, and the underneath reasons of the outperformance of rod-like catalysts over the flaky are revealed. At last, the produced carbonaceous catalysts are also used as cathodes in the single cell H2/O2 anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC), in which the rod-like FU delivers a peak power density as high as 703 mW cm-2 (vs. 1106 mW cm-2 with a Pt/C benchmark cathode catalyst).

Complexing agents and pH influence on chemical durability of type I moulded glass containers.

PubMed

Biavati, Alberto; Poncini, Michele; Ferrarini, Arianna; Favaro, Nicola; Scarpa, Martina; Vallotto, Marta

2017-06-16

Among the factors that affect the glass surface chemical durability, pH and complexing agents presence in aqueous solution have the main role (1). Glass surface attack can be also related to the delamination issue with glass particles appearance in the pharmaceutical preparation. A few methods to check for glass containers delamination propensity and some control guidelines have been proposed (2,3). The present study emphasizes the possible synergy between a few complexing agents with pH on the borosilicate glass chemical durability. Hydrolytic attack was performed in small volume 23 ml type I glass containers autoclaved according to EP or USP for 1 hour at 121°C, in order to enhance the chemical attack due to time, temperature and the unfavourable surface/volume ratio. 0,048 M or 0.024 M (moles/liter) solutions of the acids citric, glutaric, acetic, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and sodium phosphate with water for comparison, were used for the trials. The pH was adjusted ± 0,05 units at fixed values 5,5-6,6-7-7,4-8-9 by LiOH diluted solution. Since silicon is the main glass network former, silicon release into the attack solutions was chosen as the main index of the glass surface attack and analysed by ICPAES. The work was completed by the analysis of the silicon release in the worst attack conditions, of moulded glass, soda lime type II and tubing borosilicate glass vials to compare different glass compositions and forming technologies. Surface analysis by SEM was finally performed to check for the surface status after the worst chemical attack condition by citric acid. Copyright © 2017, Parenteral Drug Association.

[Research advances on regulating soil nitrogen loss by the type of nitrogen fertilizer and its application strategy.

PubMed

Zhou, Wei; Lyu, Teng Fei; Yang, Zhi Ping; Sun, Hong; Yang, Liang Jie; Chen, Yong; Ren, Wan Jun

2016-09-01

Unreasonable application of nitrogen fertilizer to cropland decreases nitrogen use efficiency of crop. A large amount of nitrogen loss to environment through runoff, leaching, ammonia volati-lization, nitrification-denitrification, etc., causes water and atmospheric pollution, poses serious environmental problems and threatens human health. The type of nitrogen fertilizer and its application rate, time, and method have significant effects on nitrogen loss. The primary reason for nitrogen loss is attributed to the supersaturated soil nitrogen concentration. Making full use of environmental nitrogen sources, reducing the application rate of chemical nitrogen fertilizers, applying deep placement fertilizing method, and applying organic fertilizers with chemical nitrogen fertilizers, are effective practices for reducing nitrogen loss and improving nitrogen use efficiency. It is suggested that deve-loping new high efficiency nitrogen fertilizers, enhancing nitrogen management, and strengthening the monitoring and use of environmental nitrogen sources are the powerful tools to decrease nitrogen application rate and increase efficiency of cropland.

Flexible nitrogen-doped graphene/carbon nanotube/Co3O4 paper and its oxygen reduction activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shan-Shan; Cong, Huai-Ping; Wang, Ping; Yu, Shu-Hong

2014-06-01

Due to the demand of an efficient, inexpensive and scalable synthesis of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst for practical application in fuel cell, we demonstrate a facile strategy to fabricate the flexible nitrogen-doped graphene/carbon nanotube/Co3O4 (NG/CNT/Co3O4) paper catalyst. In the hydrothermal process, the in situ formation of Co3O4 nanoparticles, reduction of GO and doping of nitrogen species occur simultaneously in the assembled paper in ammonia solution. Because of the synergistic effects of three active components and the spacing effect of CNTs and Co3O4 nanoparticles on avoiding the re-aggregation of assembled graphene nanosheets, the free-standing NG/CNT/Co3O4 paper exhibits an enhanced ORR catalytic performance with stable durability and strong methanol-tolerant capability, indicating promising potential as ORR electrocatalyst in practical applications.Due to the demand of an efficient, inexpensive and scalable synthesis of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst for practical application in fuel cell, we demonstrate a facile strategy to fabricate the flexible nitrogen-doped graphene/carbon nanotube/Co3O4 (NG/CNT/Co3O4) paper catalyst. In the hydrothermal process, the in situ formation of Co3O4 nanoparticles, reduction of GO and doping of nitrogen species occur simultaneously in the assembled paper in ammonia solution. Because of the synergistic effects of three active components and the spacing effect of CNTs and Co3O4 nanoparticles on avoiding the re-aggregation of assembled graphene nanosheets, the free-standing NG/CNT/Co3O4 paper exhibits an enhanced ORR catalytic performance with stable durability and strong methanol-tolerant capability, indicating promising potential as ORR electrocatalyst in practical applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: XRD patterns, elemental mapping images, DSC-TGA curves and XPS spectrum of NG/CNT/Co3O4 paper; SEM images and XPS spectra of NG/Co3O4 paper; RDE curves and corresponding K-L plots of different catalysts. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr02101k

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

Storey, Robson, F.; Mauritz, Kenneth, A.; Patton, Derek, L.

The overall objective of this project was the development and evaluation of novel hydrocarbon fuel cell (FC) membranes that possess high temperature performance and long term chemical/mechanical durability in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FC). The major research theme was synthesis of aromatic hydrocarbon polymers of the poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PAES) type containing sulfonic acid groups tethered to the backbone via perfluorinated alkylene linkages and in some cases also directly attached to the phenylene groups along the backbone. Other research themes were the use of nitrogen-based heterocyclics instead of acid groups for proton conduction, which provides high temperature, lowmore » relative humidity membranes with high mechanical/thermal/chemical stability and pendant moieties that exhibit high proton conductivities in the absence of water, and synthesis of block copolymers consisting of a proton conducting block coupled to poly(perfluorinated propylene oxide) (PFPO) blocks. Accomplishments of the project were as follows: 1) establishment of a vertically integrated program of synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of FC membranes, 2) establishment of benchmark membrane performance data based on Nafion for comparison to experimental membrane performance, 3) development of a new perfluoroalkyl sulfonate monomer, N,N-diisopropylethylammonium 2,2-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl) pentafluoropropanesulfonate (HPPS), 4) synthesis of random and block copolymer membranes from HPPS, 5) synthesis of block copolymer membranes containing high-acid-concentration hydrophilic blocks consisting of HPPS and 3,3'-disulfonate-4,4'-dichlorodiphenylsulfone (sDCDPS), 6) development of synthetic routes to aromatic polymer backbones containing pendent 1H-1,2,3-triazole moieties, 7) development of coupling strategies to create phase-separated block copolymers between hydrophilic sulfonated prepolymers and commodity polymers such as PFPO, 8) establishment of basic performance properties of experimental membranes, 9) fabrication and FC performance testing of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) from experimental membranes, and 10) measurement of ex situ and in situ membrane durability of experimental membranes. Although none of the experimental hydrocarbon membranes that issued from the project displayed proton conductivities that met DOE requirements, the project contributed to our basic understanding of membrane structure-property relationships in a number of key respects. An important finding of the benchmark studies is that physical degradation associated with humidity and temperature variations in the FC tend to open new fuel crossover pathways and act synergistically with chemical degradation to accelerate overall membrane degradation. Thus, for long term membrane survival and efficient fuel utilization, membranes must withstand internal stresses due to humidity and temperature changes. In this respect, rigid aromatic hydrocarbon fuel cell membranes, e.g. PAES, offer an advantage over un-modified Nafion membranes. The benchmark studies also showed that broadband dielectric spectroscopy is a potentially powerful tool in assessing shifts in the fundamental macromolecular dynamics caused by Nafion chemical degradation, and thus, this technique is of relevance in interrogating proton exchange membrane durability in fuel cells and macromolecular dynamics as coupled to proton migration, which is of fundamental relevance in proton exchange membranes in fuel cells. A key finding from the hydrocarbon membrane synthesis effort was that rigid aromatic polymers containing isolated ion exchange groups tethered tightly to the backbone (short tether), such as HPPS, provide excellent mechanical and durability properties but do not provide sufficient conductivity, in either random or block configuration, when used as the sole ion exchange monomer. However, we continue to hypothesize that longer tethers, and tethered groups spaced more closely within the hydrophilic chain elements of the polymer, will yield highly conductive materials with excellent mechanical properties. Another key finding is the superior performance of PAES membranes upon being subjected to open circuit voltage (OCV) testing. Throughout the course of the experiment, OCV for the PAES not only stayed higher but also decayed at a much lower rate, which is attributed to better dimensional stability and improved mechanical and gas barrier properties. The rigid backbone reinforcement of PAES adds gas diffusion tortuosity that restricts membrane degradation and OCV loss due to reduced fuel crossover. The overall results of creep, contractile stress and mechanical tensile tests confirm the conclusion that degraded MEAs of PAES membrane can handle stress and are more likely to be more durable in a fuel cell, even after subjected to 62h of OCV degradation.« less

Ammonia-treated phosphate glasses useful for sealing to metals metals

DOEpatents

Brow, Richard K.; Day, Delbert E.

1991-01-01

A method of improving surface-dependent properties of phosphate glass such as durability and wear resistance without significantly affecting its thermal expansion coefficient is provided which comprises annealing the glass in a dry ammonia atmosphere at temperatures approximating the transition temperature of the glass. The ammonia annealing treatment of the present invention is carried out for a time sufficient to allow incorporation of a thin layer of nitrogen into the surface of the phosphate glass, and the treatment improves the durability of the glass without the reduction in the thermal expansion coefficient that has restricted the effectiveness of prior ammonia treatments. The improved phosphate glass resulting from this method is superior in wear resistance, yet maintains suitable thermal expansion properties so that it may be used effectively in a variety of applications requiring hermetic glass-metal seals.

Ammonia-treated phosphate glasses useful for sealing to metals

DOEpatents

Brow, R.K.; Day, D.E.

1991-09-03

A method of improving surface-dependent properties of phosphate glass such as durability and wear resistance without significantly affecting its thermal expansion coefficient is provided which comprises annealing the glass in a dry ammonia atmosphere at temperatures approximating the transition temperature of the glass. The ammonia annealing treatment of the present invention is carried out for a time sufficient to allow incorporation of a thin layer of nitrogen into the surface of the phosphate glass, and the treatment improves the durability of the glass without the reduction in the thermal expansion coefficient that has restricted the effectiveness of prior ammonia treatments. The improved phosphate glass resulting from this method is superior in wear resistance, yet maintains suitable thermal expansion properties so that it may be used effectively in a variety of applications requiring hermetic glass-metal seals.

Durability Enhancement of a Microelectromechanical System-Based Liquid Droplet Lens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyoo Lee, June; Park, Kyung-Woo; Kim, Hak-Rin; Kong, Seong Ho

2010-06-01

In this paper, we propose methods to enhance the durability of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based liquid droplet lens driven by electrowetting. The enhanced durability of the lens is achieved through not only improvement in quality of dielectric layer for electrowetting by minimizing concentration of coarse pinholes, but also mitigation of physical and electrostatic stresses by reforming lens cavity. Silicon dioxide layer is deposited using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, splitting the process into several steps to minimize the pinhole concentration in the oxide layer. And the stresses-reduced cavity in a form of overturned tetra-angular truncated pyramid with rounded corners, which is based on simulated results, is proposed and realized using silicon wet etching processes combined into anisotropic and isotropic etching.

Durable, Low-Surface-Energy Treatments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Willis, Paul B.; Mcelroy, Paul M.; Hickey, Gregory S.

1992-01-01

Chemical treatment for creation of durable, low-surface-energy coatings for glass, ceramics and other protonated surfaces easily applied, and creates very thin semipermanent film with extremely low surface tension. Exhibits excellent stability; surfaces retreated if coating becomes damaged or eroded. Uses include water-repellent surfaces, oil-repellent surfaces, antimigration barriers, corrosion barriers, mold-release agents, and self-cleaning surfaces. Film resists wetting by water, alcohols, hydrocarbon solvents, and silicone oil. Has moderate resistance to abrasion, such as rubbing with cloths, and compression molding to polymers and composite materials.

Silver iodide microstructures of a uniform towerlike shape: morphology purification via a chemical dissolution, simultaneously boosted catalytic durability, and enhanced catalytic performances.

PubMed

Lei, Bin; Zhu, Mingshan; Chen, Penglei; Chen, Chuncheng; Ma, Wanhong; Li, Tiesheng; Liu, Minghua

2014-03-26

The fabrication of microstructures/nanostructures of a uniform yet well-defined morphology has attracted broad interest from a variety of fields of advanced functional materials, especially catalysts. Most of the conventional methods generally suffer from harsh synthesis conditions, requirement of bulky apparatus, or incapability of scalable production, etc. To meet these formidable challenges, it is strongly desired to develop a facile, cost-effective, scalable method to fulfill a morphology purification. By a precipitation reaction between AgNO3 and KI, we report that irregular AgI structures, or their mixture with towerlike AgI architectures could be fabricated. Compared to the former, the mixed structures exhibit enhanced catalytic reactivity toward the photodegradation of Methyl Orange pollutant. However, its catalytic durability, which is one of the most crucial criteria that are required by superior catalysts, is poor. We further show that the irregular structures could be facilely removed from the mixture via a KI-assisted chemical dissolution, producing AgI of a uniform towerlike morphology. Excitingly, after such simple morphology purification, our towerlike AgI displays not only a boosted catalytic durability but also an enhanced catalytic reactivity. Our chemical dissolution-based morphology purification protocol might be extended to other systems, wherein high-quality advanced functional materials of desired properties might be developed.

Preparation of orthophosphate glasses in the MgO-CaO-SiO2-Nb2O5-P2O5 system.

PubMed

Lee, Sungho; Ueda, Kyosuke; Narushima, Takayuki; Nakano, Takayoshi; Kasuga, Toshihiro

2017-01-01

Niobia/magnesia-containing orthophosphate invert glasses were successfully prepared in our earlier work. Orthophosphate groups in the glasses were cross-linked by tetrahedral niobia (NbO4) and magnesia. The aim of this work is to prepare calcium orthophosphate invert glasses containing magnesia and niobia, incorporating silica, and to evaluate their structures and releasing behaviors. The glasses were prepared by melt-quenching, and their structures and ion-releasing behaviors were evaluated. 31P solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Raman spectroscopies showed the glasses consist of orthophosphate (PO4), orthosilicate (SiO4), and NbO4 tetrahedra. NbO4 and MgO in the glasses act as network formers. By incorporating SiO2 into the glasses, the chemical durability of the glasses was slightly improved. The glasses reheated at 800°C formed the orthophosphate crystalline phases, such as β-Ca3(PO4)2, Mg3(PO4)2 and Mg3Ca3(PO4)4 in the glasses. The chemical durability of the crystallized glasses was slightly improved. Orthosilicate groups and NbO4 in the glasses coordinated with each other to form Si-O-Nb bonds. The chemical durability of the glasses was slightly improved by addition of SiO2, since the field strength of Si is larger than that of Ca or Mg.

New Method to Synthesize Highly Active and Durable Chemically Ordered fct-PtCo Cathode Catalyst for PEMFCs.

PubMed

Jung, Won Suk; Popov, Branko N

2017-07-19

In the bottom-up synthesis strategy performed in this study, the Co-catalyzed pyrolysis of chelate-complex and activated carbon black at high temperatures triggers the graphitization reaction which introduces Co particles in the N-doped graphitic carbon matrix and immobilizes N-modified active sites for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the carbon surface. In this study, the Co particles encapsulated within the N-doped graphitic carbon shell diffuse up to the Pt surface under the polymer protective layer and forms a chemically ordered face-centered tetragonal (fct) Pt-Co catalyst PtCo/CCCS catalyst as evidenced by structural and compositional studies. The fct-structured PtCo/CCCS at low-Pt loading (0.1 mg Pt cm -2 ) shows 6% higher power density than that of the state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C catalyst. After the MEA durability test of 30 000 potential cycles, the performance loss of the catalyst is negligible. The electrochemical surface area loss is less than 40%, while that of commercial Pt/C is nearly 80%. After the accelerated stress test, the uniform catalyst distribution is retained and the mean particle size increases approximate 1 nm. The results obtained in this study indicated that highly stable compositional and structural properties of chemically ordered PtCo/CCCS catalyst contribute to its exceptional catalyst durability.

Effects of high pressure nitrogen on the thermal stability of SiC fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaskowiak, Martha H.

1991-01-01

Polymer-derived SiC fibers were exposed to nitrogen gas pressures of 7 and 50 atm at temperatures up to 1800 C. The fiber weight loss, chemical composition, and tensile strength were then measured at room temperature in order to understand the effects of nitrogen exposure on fiber stability. High pressure nitrogen treatments limited weight loss to 3 percent or less for temperatures up to 1800 C. The bulk Si-C-O chemical composition of the fiber remained relatively constant up to 1800 C with only a slight increase in nitrogen content after treatment at 50 atm; however, fiber strength retention was significantly improved. To further understand the effects of the nitrogen atmosphere on the fiber stability, the results of previous high pressure argon treatments were compared to those of the high pressure nitrogen treatments. High pressure inert gas can temporarily maintain fiber strength by physically inhibiting the evolution of gaseous species which result from internal reactions. In addition to this physical effect, it would appear that high pressure nitrogen further improved fiber temperature capability by chemically reacting with the fiber surface, thereby reducing the rate of gas evolution. Subsequent low pressure argon treatments following the initial nitrogen treatments resulted in stronger fibers than after argon treatment alone, further supporting the chemical reaction mechanism and its beneficial effects on fiber strength.

Removal of nutrients in denitrification system using coconut coir fibre for the biological treatment of aquaculture wastewater.

PubMed

Manoj, Valsa Remony; Vasudevan, Namasivayam

2012-03-01

Ideal bacterial support medium for fixed film denitrification processes/bioreactors must be inexpensive, durable and possess large surface area with sufficient porosity. The present study has been focussed on removing nitrate nitrogen at two different nitrate nitrogen loading rates (60 (NLR I) and 120 (NLR II) mg l(-1)) from simulated aquaculture wastewater. Coconut coir fibre and a commercially available synthetic reticulated plastic media (Fujino Spirals) were used as packing medium in two independent upflow anaerobic packed bed column reactors. Removal of nitrate nitrogen was studied in correlation with other nutrients (COD, TKN, dissolved orthophosphate). Maximum removal of 97% at NLR-I and 99% at NLR - II of nitrate nitrogen was observed in with either media. Greater consistency in the case of COD removal of upto 81% was observed at NLR II where coconut coir was used as support medium compared to 72% COD removal by Fujino Spirals. The results observed indicate that the organic support medium is just as efficient in nitrate nitrogen removal as conventionally used synthetic support medium. The study is important as it specifically focuses on denitrification of aquaculture wastewater using cheaper organic support medium in anoxic bioreactors for the removal of nitrate nitrogen; which is seldom addressed as a significant problem.

The challenge of bonding treated wood

Treesearch

Charles R. Frihart

2004-01-01

Wood products are quite durable if exposure to moisture is minimized; however, most uses of wood involve considerable exposure to moisture. To preserve the wood, chemicals are used to minimize moisture pickup, to prevent insect attack, and/or to resist microbial growth. The chemicals used as preservatives can interfere with adhesive bonds to wood. Given the many...

Molecular heterogeneous catalysts derived from bipyridine-based organosilica nanotubes for C–H bond activation† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details, material characterization data, catalytic measurement details. See DOI: 10.1039/c7sc00713b Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Zhang, Shengbo; Wang, Hua; Li, Mei; Han, Jinyu

2017-01-01

Heterogeneous metal complex catalysts for direct C–H activation with high activity and durability have always been desired for transforming raw materials into feedstock chemicals. This study described the design and synthesis of one-dimensional organosilica nanotubes containing 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) ligands in the framework (BPy-NT) and their post-synthetic metalation to provide highly active and robust molecular heterogeneous catalysts. By adjusting the ratios of organosilane precursors, very short BPy-NT with ∼50 nm length could be controllably obtained. The post-synthetic metalation of bipyridine-functionalized nanotubes with [IrCp*Cl(μ-Cl)]2 (Cp* = η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) and [Ir(cod)(OMe)]2 (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) afforded solid catalysts, IrCp*-BPy-NT and Ir(cod)-BPy-NT, which were utilized for C–H oxidation of heterocycles and cycloalkanes as well as C–H borylation of arenes. The cut-short nanotube catalysts displayed enhanced activities and durability as compared to the analogous homogeneous catalysts and other conventional heterogeneous catalysts, benefiting from the isolated active sites as well as the fast transport of substrates and products. After the reactions, a detailed characterization of Ir-immobilized BPy-NT via TEM, SEM, nitrogen adsorption, UV/vis, XPS, and 13C CP MAS NMR indicated the molecular nature of the active species as well as stable structures of nanotube scaffolds. This study demonstrates the potential of BPy-NT with a short length as an integration platform for the construction of efficient heterogeneous catalytic systems for organic transformations. PMID:28970878

Improved ADM1 model for anaerobic digestion process considering physico-chemical reactions.

PubMed

Zhang, Yang; Piccard, Sarah; Zhou, Wen

2015-11-01

The "Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1" (ADM1) was modified in the study by improving the bio-chemical framework and integrating a more detailed physico-chemical framework. Inorganic carbon and nitrogen balance terms were introduced to resolve the discrepancies in the original bio-chemical framework between the carbon and nitrogen contents in the degraders and substrates. More inorganic components and solids precipitation processes were included in the physico-chemical framework of ADM1. The modified ADM1 was validated with the experimental data and used to investigate the effects of calcium ions, magnesium ions, inorganic phosphorus and inorganic nitrogen on anaerobic digestion in batch reactor. It was found that the entire anaerobic digestion process might exist an optimal initial concentration of inorganic nitrogen for methane gas production in the presence of calcium ions, magnesium ions and inorganic phosphorus. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chitin: 'Forgotten' Source of Nitrogen: From Modern Chitin to Thermally Mature Kerogen: Lessons from Nitrogen Isotope Ratios

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schimmelmann, A.; Wintsch, R.P.; Lewan, M.D.; DeNiro, M.J.

1998-01-01

Chitinous biomass represents a major pool of organic nitrogen in living biota and is likely to have contributed some of the fossil organic nitrogen in kerogen. We review the nitrogen isotope biogeochemistry of chitin and present preliminary results suggesting interaction between kerogen and ammonium during thermal maturation. Modern arthropod chitin may shift its nitrogen isotope ratio by a few per mil depending on the chemical method of chitin preparation, mostly because N-containing non-amino-sugar components in chemically complex chitin cannot be removed quantitatively. Acid hydrolysis of chemically complex chitin and subsequent ion-chromatographic purification of the "deacetylated chitin-monomer" D-glucosamine (in hydrochloride form) provides a chemically well-defined, pure amino-sugar substrate for reproducible, high-precision determination of ??15N values in chitin. ??15N values of chitin exhibited a variability of about one per mil within an individual's exoskeleton. The nitrogen isotope ratio differed between old and new exoskeletons by up to 4 per mil. A strong dietary influence on the ??15N value of chitin is indicated by the observation of increasing ??15N values of chitin from marine crustaceans with increasing trophic level. Partial biodegradation of exoskeletons does not significantly influence ??15N values of remaining, chemically preserved amino sugar in chitin. Diagenesis and increasing thermal maturity of sedimentary organic matter, including chitin-derived nitrogen-rich moieties, result in humic compounds much different from chitin and may significantly change bulk ??15N values. Hydrous pyrolysis of immature source rocks at 330??C in contact with 15N-enriched NH4Cl, under conditions of artificial oil generation, demonstrates the abiogenic incorporation of inorganic nitrogen into carbon-bound nitrogen in kerogen. Not all organic nitrogen in natural, thermally mature kerogen is therefore necessarily derived from original organic matter, but may partly result from reaction with ammonium-containing pore waters.

N-doped carbon nanomaterials are durable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic fuel cells

PubMed Central

Shui, Jianglan; Wang, Min; Du, Feng; Dai, Liming

2015-01-01

The availability of low-cost, efficient, and durable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a prerequisite for commercialization of the fuel cell technology. Along with intensive research efforts of more than half a century in developing nonprecious metal catalysts (NPMCs) to replace the expensive and scarce platinum-based catalysts, a new class of carbon-based, low-cost, metal-free ORR catalysts was demonstrated to show superior ORR performance to commercial platinum catalysts, particularly in alkaline electrolytes. However, their large-scale practical application in more popular acidic polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells remained elusive because they are often found to be less effective in acidic electrolytes, and no attempt has been made for a single PEM cell test. We demonstrated that rationally designed, metal-free, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and their graphene composites exhibited significantly better long-term operational stabilities and comparable gravimetric power densities with respect to the best NPMC in acidic PEM cells. This work represents a major breakthrough in removing the bottlenecks to translate low-cost, metal-free, carbon-based ORR catalysts to commercial reality, and opens avenues for clean energy generation from affordable and durable fuel cells. PMID:26601132

N-doped carbon nanomaterials are durable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic fuel cells.

PubMed

Shui, Jianglan; Wang, Min; Du, Feng; Dai, Liming

2015-02-01

The availability of low-cost, efficient, and durable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a prerequisite for commercialization of the fuel cell technology. Along with intensive research efforts of more than half a century in developing nonprecious metal catalysts (NPMCs) to replace the expensive and scarce platinum-based catalysts, a new class of carbon-based, low-cost, metal-free ORR catalysts was demonstrated to show superior ORR performance to commercial platinum catalysts, particularly in alkaline electrolytes. However, their large-scale practical application in more popular acidic polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells remained elusive because they are often found to be less effective in acidic electrolytes, and no attempt has been made for a single PEM cell test. We demonstrated that rationally designed, metal-free, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes and their graphene composites exhibited significantly better long-term operational stabilities and comparable gravimetric power densities with respect to the best NPMC in acidic PEM cells. This work represents a major breakthrough in removing the bottlenecks to translate low-cost, metal-free, carbon-based ORR catalysts to commercial reality, and opens avenues for clean energy generation from affordable and durable fuel cells.

Non-carbon titanium cobalt nitride nanotubes supported platinum catalyst with high activity and durability for methanol oxidation reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiaoxiang; Li, Wuyi; Pan, Zhanchang; Xu, Yanbin; Liu, Gen; Hu, Guanghui; Wu, Shoukun; Li, Jinghong; Chen, Chun; Lin, Yingsheng

2018-05-01

Titanium cobalt nitride nanotubes (Ti0.95Co0.05N NTs) hybrid support, a novel robust non-carbon support material prepared by solvothermal and post-nitriding processes, is further decorated with Pt nanoparticles for the electrooxidation of methanol. The catalyst is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption/desorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical measurements. The morphology, structure and composition of the synthesized Ti0.95Co0.05N NTs suggest that the nanotube wall is porous and consists of homogeneous cohesively attached nitrides nanocube particles. Notable, Ti0.95Co0.05N NTs supported Pt catalyst exhibits significantly improved catalytic activity and durability for methanol electrooxidation compared with the conventional JM Pt/C catalyst. The experimental data indicate that enhanced catalytic activity and stability of Pt/Ti0.95Co0.05N NTs towards methanol electrooxidation might be mainly attributed to the tubular nanostructures and synergistic effect introduced by the Co doping. Both of them are playing an important role in improving the activity and durability of the Ti0.95Co0.05N NTs catalyst.

Application of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag in Cement Composites Exposed to Biogenic Acid Attack

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalcikova, M.; Estokova, A.; Luptakova, A.

2015-11-01

The deterioration of cement-based materials used for the civil infrastructure has led to the realization that cement-based materials, such as concrete, must be improved in terms of their properties and durability. Leaching of calcium ions increases the porosity of cement- based materials, consequently resulting in a negative effect on durability since it provides an entry for aggressive harmful ions, causing corrosion of concrete. The use supplementary cementing composite materials have been reported to improve the resistance of concrete to deterioration by aggressive chemicals. The paper is focused on the investigation of the influence of biogenic acid attack on the cement composites affected by bacteria Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. The concrete specimens with 65 wt. % addition of antimicrobial activated granulated blast furnace slag as durability increasing factor as well as without any addition were studied. The experiments proceeded during 150 days under model laboratory conditions. The pH values and chemical composition of leachates were measured after each 30- day cycle. The calcium and silicon contents in leachates were evaluated using X - ray fluorescence method (XRF). Summarizing the results, the 65% wt. addition of antimicrobial activated granulated blast furnace slag was not confirmed to be more resistant.

Liquidus temperature and chemical durability of selected glasses to immobilize rare earth oxides waste

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

Mohd Fadzil, Syazwani Binti; Hrma, Pavel R.; Schweiger, Michael J.

Pyroprocessing is a reprocessing method for managing and reusing used nuclear fuel (UNF) by dissolving it in an electrorefiner with a molten alkali or alkaline earth chloride salt mixture while avoiding wet reprocessing. Pyroprocessing UNF with a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt releases the fission products from the fuel and generates a variety of metallic and salt-based species, including rare earth (RE) chlorides. If the RE-chlorides are converted to oxides, borosilicate glass is a prime candidate for their immobilization because of its durability and ability to dissolve almost any RE waste component into the matrix at high loadings. Crystallization that occurs inmore » waste glasses as the waste loading increases may complicate glass processing and affect the product quality. This work compares three types of borosilicate glasses in terms of liquidus temperature (TL): the International Simple Glass designed by the International Working Group, sodium borosilicate glass developed by Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, and the lanthanide aluminoborosilicate (LABS) glass established in the United States. The LABS glass allows the highest waste loadings (over 50 mass% RE2O3) while possessing an acceptable chemical durability.« less

Liquidus temperature and chemical durability of selected glasses to immobilize rare earth oxides waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohd Fadzil, Syazwani; Hrma, Pavel; Schweiger, Michael J.; Riley, Brian J.

2015-10-01

Pyroprocessing is are processing method for managing and reusing used nuclear fuel (UNF) by dissolving it in an electrorefiner with a molten alkali or alkaline earth chloride salt mixture while avoiding wet reprocessing. Pyroprocessing UNF with a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt releases the fission products from the fuel and generates a variety of metallic and salt-based species, including rare earth (RE) chlorides. If the RE-chlorides are converted to oxides, borosilicate glass is a prime candidate for their immobilization because of its durability and ability to dissolve almost any RE waste component into the glass matrix at high loadings. Crystallization that occurs in waste glasses as the waste loading increases may complicate glass processing and affect the product quality. This work compares three types of borosilicate glasses in terms of liquidus temperature (TL): the International Simple Glass designed by the International Working Group, sodium borosilicate glass developed by Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, and the lanthanide aluminoborosilicate (LABS) glass established in the United States. The LABS glass allows the highest waste loadings (over 50 mass% RE2O3) while possessing an acceptable chemical durability.

Alkaline Activator Impact on the Geopolymer Binders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Błaszczyński, Tomasz Z.; Król, Maciej R.

2017-10-01

Concrete structures are constantly moving in the direction of improving the durability. Durability depends on many factors, which are the composition of concrete mix, the usage of additives and admixtures and the place, where material will work and carry the load. The introduction of new geopolymer binders for geopolymer structures adds a new aspect that is type of used activator. This substance with strongly alkaline reaction is divided because of the physical state, the alkaline degree and above all the chemical composition. Taking into account, that at present the geopolymer binders are made essentially from waste materials or by-products from the combustion of coal or iron ore smelting, unambiguous determination of the effect of the activator on the properties of the geopolymer material requires a number of trials, researches and observation. This paper shows the influence of the most alkaline activators on the basic parameters of the durability of geopolymer binders. In this study there were used highly alkaline hydroxides, water glasses and granules, which are waste materials in a variety of processes taking place in chemical plants. As the substrate of geopolymer binders there were used fly ash which came from coal and high calcareous ash from the burning of lignite.

Durability of cement and geopolimer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Błaszczyński, T.; Król, M.

2017-10-01

Concrete structures are constantly moving in the direction of improving the durability. This main feature depends on many factors, which are the composition of concrete mix, the usage of additives and admixtures and the place, where material will work and carry the load. The introduction of new geopolymer binders for geopolymer structures adds a new aspect that is type of used activator. This substance with strongly alkaline reaction is divided because of the physical state, the alkaline degree and above all the chemical composition. Taking into account, that at present the geopolymer binders are made essentially from waste materials or by products from the combustion of coal or iron ore smelting, unambiguous determination of the effect of the activator on the properties of the geopolymer material requires a number of trials, researches and observation. This paper shows the influence of the most alkaline activators on the basic parameters of the durability of geopolymer binders. In this study there were used a highly alkaline hydroxides, water glasses and granules, which are waste materials in a variety of processes taking place in a chemical plants. As the substrate of geopolymer binders there were used fly ash which came from coal and high calcium ash from the burning of lignite.

40 CFR 721.5330 - Nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Nickel salt of an organo compound... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.5330 Nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen. (a) Chemical... as nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen (PMN P-92-686) is subject to reporting under...

40 CFR 721.5330 - Nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Nickel salt of an organo compound... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.5330 Nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen. (a) Chemical... as nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen (PMN P-92-686) is subject to reporting under...

40 CFR 721.5330 - Nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Nickel salt of an organo compound... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.5330 Nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen. (a) Chemical... as nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen (PMN P-92-686) is subject to reporting under...

40 CFR 721.5330 - Nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 31 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Nickel salt of an organo compound... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.5330 Nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen. (a) Chemical... as nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen (PMN P-92-686) is subject to reporting under...

40 CFR 721.5330 - Nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 32 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Nickel salt of an organo compound... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.5330 Nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen. (a) Chemical... as nickel salt of an organo compound containing nitrogen (PMN P-92-686) is subject to reporting under...

Incorporation of low energy activated nitrogen onto HOPG surface: Chemical states and thermal stability studies by in-situ XPS and Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandran, Maneesh; Shasha, Michal; Michaelson, Shaul; Hoffman, Alon

2016-09-01

In this paper we report the chemical states analysis of activated nitrogen incorporated highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface under well-controlled conditions. Nitrogen incorporation is carried out by two different processes: an indirect RF nitrogen plasma and low energy (1 keV) N2+ implantation. Bonding configuration, concentration and thermal stability of the incorporated nitrogen species by aforesaid processes are systematically compared by in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Relatively large concentration of nitrogen is incorporated onto RF nitride HOPG surface (16.2 at.%), compared to N2+ implanted HOPG surface (7.7 at.%). The evolution of N 1s components (N1, N2, N3) with annealing temperature is comprehensively discussed, which indicates that the formation and reorganization of local chemical bonding states are determined by the process of nitridation and not by the prior chemical conditioning (i.e., amorphization or hydrogenation) of the HOPG surface. A combined XPS and Raman spectroscopy studies revealed that N2+ implantation process resulted in a high level of defects to the HOPG surface, which cannot be annealed-out by heat treatment up to 1000 °C. On the other hand, the RF nitrogen plasma process did not produce a high level of surface defects, while incorporating nearly the same amount of stable nitrogen species.

Chemical and mechanical aspects of HMR primer in relationship to wood bonding

Treesearch

Alfred W. Christiansen

2005-01-01

The mechanism by which hydroxymethylated resorcinol (HMR) primer improves the durability of various adhesives to wood has been hypothesized as covalent chemical links between the adhesive and primer and possibly between the primer and wood. The present work presents experiments to test this hypothesis. In the first test, some resorcinol was displaced by 2- methylres-...

Chemistry of wood in 3D: new infrared imaging

Treesearch

Barbara L. Illman; Julia Sedlmair; Miriam Unger; Casey Crooks; Marli Oliveira; Carol Hirschmugl

2015-01-01

Chemical detection, mapping and imaging in three dimensions will help refine our understanding of wood properties and durability. We describe here a pioneering infrared method to create visual 3D images of the chemicals in wood, providing for the first time, spatial and architectural information at the cellular level without liquid extraction or prior fixation....

Effects of chemically modified wood on bond durability

Treesearch

Rishawn Brandon; Rebecca E. Ibach; Charles R. Frihart

2005-01-01

Chemical modification of wood can improve its dimensional stability and resistance to biological degradation and moisture, but modification can also create a new surface for bonding. Acetylation of wood results in the loss of hydroxyl groups, making the wood more hydrophobic and reduces its ability to hydrogen-bond with the adhesive. In contrast, reacting wood with...

Performance and durability of improved air-atomizing splash-cone fuel nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ingebo, R. D.; Norgren, C. T.

1974-01-01

An improved design of air-atomizing fuel nozzles was determined from a study of four differently shaped splash-cone fuel nozzles after 56 hr of durability testing in a combustor segment. Test conditions included fuel-air ratios of 0.008 to 0.018, inlet-air total pressures of 41 to 203 N/cm, inlet-air temperatures of 477 to 811 K, and a reference velocity of 21.3 m/sec. Flat-tip fuel nozzles showed the least erosion damage and at a combustor operating condition of 700 K and 101 N/sq cm an oxides-of-nitrogen emission index of 12 and a smoke number of approximately 18 with a fuel-air ratio of 0.018. Emission indices for carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons were 44 and 16, respectively, at simulated idle conditions of 477 K and 41 N/sq cm.

Energy efficient engine combustor test hardware detailed design report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zeisser, M. H.; Greene, W.; Dubiel, D. J.

1982-01-01

The combustor for the Energy Efficient Engine is an annular, two-zone component. As designed, it either meets or exceeds all program goals for performance, safety, durability, and emissions, with the exception of oxides of nitrogen. When compared to the configuration investigated under the NASA-sponsored Experimental Clean Combustor Program, which was used as a basis for design, the Energy Efficient Engine combustor component has several technology advancements. The prediffuser section is designed with short, strutless, curved-walls to provide a uniform inlet airflow profile. Emissions control is achieved by a two-zone combustor that utilizes two types of fuel injectors to improve fuel atomization for more complete combustion. The combustor liners are a segmented configuration to meet the durability requirements at the high combustor operating pressures and temperatures. Liner cooling is accomplished with a counter-parallel FINWALL technique, which provides more effective heat transfer with less coolant.

water-soluble fluorocarbon coating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nanelli, P.

1979-01-01

Water-soluble fluorocarbon proves durable nonpolluting coating for variety of substrates. Coatings can be used on metals, masonry, textiles, paper, and glass, and have superior hardness and flexibility, strong resistance to chemicals fire, and weather.

Rate and yield relationships in the production of xanthan gum by batch fermentations using complex and chemically defined growth media

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

Pinches, A.; Pallent, L.J.

1986-10-01

Rate and yield information relating to biomass and product formation and to nitrogen, glucose and oxygen consumption are described for xanthan gum batch fermentations in which both chemically defined (glutamate nitrogen) and complex (peptone nitrogen) media are employed. Simple growth and product models are used for data interpretation. For both nitrogen sources, rate and yield parameter estimates are shown to be independent of initial nitrogen concentrations. For stationary phases, specific rates of gum production are shown to be independent of nitrogen source but dependent on initial nitrogen concentration. The latter is modeled empirically and suggests caution in applying simple productmore » models to xanthan gum fermentations. 13 references.« less

Selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides over a modified silicoaluminophosphate commercial zeolite.

PubMed

Petitto, Carolina; Delahay, Gérard

2018-03-01

Nitrogen oxides (NO x : NO, NO 2 ) are a concern due to their adverse health effects. Diesel engine transport sector is the major emitter of NO x . The regulations have been strengthened and to comply with them, one of the two methods commonly used is the selective catalytic reduction of NO x by NH 3 (NH 3 -SCR), NH 3 being supplied by the in-situ hydrolysis of urea. Efficiency and durability of the catalyst for this process are highly required. Durability is evaluated by hydrothermal treatment of the catalysts at temperature above 800°C. In this study, very active catalysts for the NH 3 -SCR of NO x were prepared by using a silicoaluminophosphate commercial zeolite as copper host structure. Characterizations by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and temperature programmed desorption of ammonia (NH 3 -TPD) showed that this commercial zeolite was hydrothermally stable up to 850°C and, was able to retain some structural properties up to 950°C. After hydrothermal treatment at 850°C, the NO x reduction efficiency into NH 3 -SCR depends on the copper content. The catalyst with a copper content of 1.25wt.% was the most active. The difference in activity was much more important when using NO than the fast NO/NO 2 reaction mixture. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A comparison of nitrogen-doped sonoelectrochemical and chemical graphene nanosheets as hydrogen peroxide sensors.

PubMed

Wu, Yi-Shan; Liu, Zhe-Ting; Wang, Tzu-Pei; Hsu, Su-Yang; Lee, Chien-Liang

2018-04-01

Nitrogen-doped graphene nanosheet (N-SEGN) with pyrrolic nitrogen and 5-9 vacancy defects has been successfully prepared from a hydrothermal reaction of tetra-2-pyridinylpyrazine and sonoelectrochemistry-exfoliated graphene nanosheet, with point defects. Additionally, based on the same reaction using chemically reduced graphene oxide, nitrogen-doped chemically reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) with graphitic nitrogen was prepared. The N-SEGN and N-rGO were used as a non-enzymatic H 2 O 2 sensors. The sensitivity of the N-SEGN was 231.3 μA·mM -1 ·cm -2 , much greater than 57.3 μA·mM -1 ·cm -2 of N-rGO. The N-SEGN showed their potential for being a H 2 O 2 sensor. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Plasma-chemical processes accompanying discharge in air excited by a microwave beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Askar'ian, G. A.; Batanov, G. M.; Gritsinin, S. I.; Kossyi, I. A.; Kostinskii, A. Iu.

1990-11-01

Experimental results are presented on plasma-chemical processes of nitrogen oxidation and ozone production accompanying microwave discharge in dry air and in nitrogen-oxygen mixtures. The degree of nitrogen oxidation and the energy expenditure toward the formation of oxides as a function of discharge conditions are established. The experimental results can be explained by assuming oxidation reactions of electron-excited metastable nitrogen molecules by oxygen atoms. Low ozone concentrations in the discharge indicate a significant energy input into the gas.

Ultrathin nitrogen-doped graphitized carbon shell encapsulating CoRu bimetallic nanoparticles for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

PubMed

Xu, You; Li, Yinghao; Yin, Shuli; Yu, Hongjie; Xue, Hairong; Li, Xiaonian; Wang, Hongjing; Wang, Liang

2018-06-01

Design of highly active and cost-effective electrocatalysts is very important for the generation of hydrogen by electrochemical water-splitting. Herein, we report the fabrication of ultrathin nitrogen-doped graphitized carbon shell encapsulating CoRu bimetallic nanoparticles (CoRu@NCs) and demonstrate their promising feasibility for efficiently catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) over a wide pH range. The resultant CoRu@NC nanohybrids possess an alloy-carbon core-shell structure with encapsulated low-ruthenium-content CoRu bimetallic alloy nanoparticles (10-30 nm) as the core and ultrathin nitrogen-doped graphitized carbon layers (2-6 layers) as the shell. Remarkably, the optimized catalyst (CoRu@NC-2 sample) with a Ru content as low as 2.04 wt% shows superior catalytic activity and excellent durability for HER in acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions. This work offers a new method for the design and synthesis of non-platium-based electrocatalysts for HER in all-pH.

Ultrathin nitrogen-doped graphitized carbon shell encapsulating CoRu bimetallic nanoparticles for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, You; Li, Yinghao; Yin, Shuli; Yu, Hongjie; Xue, Hairong; Li, Xiaonian; Wang, Hongjing; Wang, Liang

2018-06-01

Design of highly active and cost-effective electrocatalysts is very important for the generation of hydrogen by electrochemical water-splitting. Herein, we report the fabrication of ultrathin nitrogen-doped graphitized carbon shell encapsulating CoRu bimetallic nanoparticles (CoRu@NCs) and demonstrate their promising feasibility for efficiently catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) over a wide pH range. The resultant CoRu@NC nanohybrids possess an alloy–carbon core–shell structure with encapsulated low-ruthenium-content CoRu bimetallic alloy nanoparticles (10–30 nm) as the core and ultrathin nitrogen-doped graphitized carbon layers (2–6 layers) as the shell. Remarkably, the optimized catalyst (CoRu@NC-2 sample) with a Ru content as low as 2.04 wt% shows superior catalytic activity and excellent durability for HER in acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions. This work offers a new method for the design and synthesis of non-platium-based electrocatalysts for HER in all-pH.

Unconventional Constraints on Nitrogen Chemistry using DC3 Observations and Trajectory-based Chemical Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Q.; Henderson, B. H.

2017-12-01

Chemical transport models underestimate nitrogen dioxide observations in the upper troposphere (UT). Previous research in the UT succeeded in combining model predictions with field campaign measurements to demonstrate that the nitric acid formation rate (HO + NO2 → HNO3 (R1)) is overestimated by 22% (Henderson et al., 2012). A subsequent publication (Seltzer et al., 2015) demonstrated that single chemical constraint alters ozone and aerosol formation/composition. This work attempts to replicate previous chemical constraints with newer observations and a different modeling framework. We apply the previously successful constraint framework to Deep Convection Clouds and Chemistry (DC3). DC3 is a more recent field campaign where simulated nitrogen imbalances still exist. Freshly convected air parcels, identified in the DC3 dataset, as initial coordinates to initiate Lagrangian trajectories. Along each trajectory, we simulate the air parcel chemical state. Samples along the trajectories will form ensembles that represent possible realizations of UT air parcels. We then apply Bayesian inference to constrain nitrogen chemistry and compare results to the existing literature. Our anticipated results will confirm overestimation of HNO3 formation rate in previous work and provide further constraints on other nitrogen reaction rate coefficients that affect terminal products from NOx. We will particularly focus on organic nitrate chemistry that laboratory literature has yet to fully address. The results will provide useful insights into nitrogen chemistry that affects climate and human health.

Investigations into the chemical structure based selectivity of the microfabricated nitrogen-phosphorus detector

DOE PAGES

Brocato, Terisse A.; Hess, Ryan F.; Moorman, Matthew; ...

2015-10-28

The nitrogen and phosphorus atoms are constituents of some of the most toxic chemical vapors. Nitrogen-phosphorus gas chromatograph detectors (NPDs) rely on selective ionization of such compounds using ionization temperatures typically greater than 600 °C. NPDs have previously been reported to be 7*10 4× and 10 5× more sensitive for nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively, than for carbon. Presented here is an investigation of the structure-based selectivity of a microfabricated nitrogen-phosphorus detector (μNPD). The μNPD presented here is smaller than a dime and can be placed in a system that is 1/100th the size of a commercial NPD. Comparison of responsesmore » of such devices to homologous anilines (p-methoxyaniline, p-fluoroaniline, and aniline) revealed that detection selectivity, determined by the ratio of μNPD to nonselective flame ionization detector (FID) peak areas, is correlated with acid disassociation pK a values for the respective analine. Selectivity was determined to be greatest for p-methoxyaniline, followed by p-fluoroaniline, with aniline having the smallest response. The limit of detection for a nitrogen containing chemical, p-methoxyaniline, using the μNPD was determined to be 0.29 ng compared to 59 ng for a carbon chemical containing no nitrogen or phosphorus, 1,3,5-trimethybenzene. The μNPD presented here has increased detection for nitrogen and phosphorus compared to the FID and with a slight increase in detection of carbon compounds compared to commercial NPD's sensitivity to nitrogen and carbon.« less

[Effect of Membrane Wettability on Membrane Fouling and Chemical Durability of SPG Membranes].

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Xiao, Tai-min; Zhang, Jing; Cao, Li-ya; Du, Ya-wei; Liu, Chun; Zhang, Lei

2015-05-01

Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membranes have been applied for microbubble aeration in aerobic wastewater treatment. In the present study, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic SPG membranes were used in a microbubble-aerated biofilm reactor with online chemical cleaning, and their membrane fouling and chemical durability were determined to be strongly dependent on the membrane wettability. The fouling layer formed on the surface of both membranes was confirmed to be mainly organic fouling, and the hydrophobic membrane showed a relatively stronger resistance to the organic fouling. The severe chemical corrosion of the hydrophilic membrane was observed due to exposure to the alkaline sodium hypochlorite solution used for chemical cleaning, which resulted in significant increases in the median pore diameter and the porosity. On the other hand, the pore structure of the hydrophobic membrane changed slightly when exposed to the alkaline sodium hypochlorite solution, suggesting its strong alkali-resistance due to the non-wetting surface. However, the surface hydrophobic groups of hydrophobic membrane could be oxidized by sodium hypochlorite solution, resulting in more wettable membrane surface. The hydrophobic membrane also showed better performance in the respects of oxygen transfer, contaminant removal and energy-saving. Therefore, the hydrophobic membrane seemed more appropriate to be applied for microbubble aeration in aerobic wastewater treatment process.

Cellulose Nanocrystal Entrapment of Benzalkonium Chloride in Southern Pine: Biological, Chemical, and Physical Properties

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Vina W. Yang; Rachel A. Arango; Laura E. Hasburgh; Patricia K. Lebow; Richard S. Reiner

2015-01-01

Protecting wood products from biodeterioration has been a dynamic area of research in the past decade with an emphasis on the development of non-arsenical wood preservatives. Naturally occurring cellulose nanomaterials that are reported to have unique chemical properties, high strength, and stiffness were evaluated for the potential to improve durability of wood either...

Preparation and properties of electro-conductive fabrics based on polypyrrole: covalent vs. non-covalent attachment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

David, N. C.; Anavi, D.; Milanovich, M.; Popowski, Y.; Frid, L.; Amir, E.

2017-10-01

Electro-conductive fabrics were prepared via in situ oxidative polymerization of pyrrole (Py) in the presence of unmodified and chemically modified cotton fabrics. Chemical modification of cotton fabric was achieved by covalent attachment of a bifunctional linker molecule to the surface of the fabric, followed by incorporation of a monomer unit onto the linker. The fabrics were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Furthermore, the effect of Py concentration on the degree of polypyrrole (PPy) grafting, surface morphology, electrical resistivity, and laundering durability were studied for both types of cotton fabrics. Reductions of several orders of magnitude in surface and volume electrical resistivities were observed for both non-covalently and covalently linked cotton-PPy systems, whereas the effect of covalent pre-treatment of the fabric was stronger at low Py concentration. On the other hand, at higher monomer concentration, the electrical properties and laundering durability of the fabrics we comparable for both unmodified and chemically pre-treated cotton fabrics, indicating that only a small fraction of PPy chains were chemically grafted onto the fabric surface with the majority of the polymer being connected to the fabric through hydrogen bonds.

Long-Term benefits of stabilizing soil subgrades.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-06-01

The main intent of this study was an attempt to address questions concerning bearing strengths, longevity, durability, structural credit, economics, and performance of pavements resting on soil subgrades mixed with chemical admixtures. In-depth field...

Investigation of soluble salts on Kentucky bridges

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-01-01

Several state highway agencies are looking at ways to increase the durability of their bridge maintenance painting projects and are using/investigating various chemical neutralizers/soluble salt removers to preclude problems caused by soluble salts. ...

Organic nitrogen chemistry during low-grade metamorphism

USGS Publications Warehouse

Boudou, J.-P.; Schimmelmann, A.; Ader, M.; Mastalerz, Maria; Sebilo, M.; Gengembre, L.

2008-01-01

Most of the organic nitrogen (Norg) on Earth is disseminated in crustal sediments and rocks in the form of fossil nitrogen-containing organic matter. The chemical speciation of fossil Norg within the overall molecular structure of organic matter changes with time and heating during burial. Progressive thermal evolution of organic matter involves phases of enhanced elimination of Norg and ultimately produces graphite containing only traces of nitrogen. Long-term chemical and thermal instability makes the chemical speciation of Norg a valuable tracer to constrain the history of sub-surface metamorphism and to shed light on the subsurface biogeochemical nitrogen cycle and its participating organic and inorganic nitrogen pools. This study documents the evolutionary path of Norg speciation, transformation and elimination before and during metamorphism and advocates the use of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to monitor changes in Norg speciation as a diagnostic tool for organic metamorphism. Our multidisciplinary evidence from XPS, stable isotopes, traditional quantitative coal analyses, and other analytical approaches shows that at the metamorphic onset Norg is dominantly present as pyrrolic and pyridinic nitrogen. The relative abundance of nitrogen substituting for carbon in condensed, partially aromatic systems (where N is covalently bonded to three C atoms) increases exponentially with increasing metamorphic grade, at the expense of pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen. At the same time, much Norg is eliminated without significant nitrogen isotope fractionation. The apparent absence of Rayleigh-type nitrogen isotopic fractionation suggests that direct thermal loss of nitrogen from an organic matrix does not serve as a major pathway for Norg elimination. Instead, we propose that hot H, O-containing fluids or some of their components gradually penetrate into the carbonaceous matrix and eliminate Norg along a progressing reaction front, without causing nitrogen isotope fractionation in the residual Norg in the unreacted core of the carbonaceous matrix. Before the reaction front can reach the core, an increasing part of core Norg chemically stabilizes in the form of nitrogen atoms substituting for carbon in condensed, partially aromatic systems forming graphite-like structural domains with delocalized ??-electron systems (nitrogen atoms substituting for "graphitic" carbon in natural metamorphic organic matter). Thus, this nitrogen species with a conservative isotopic composition is the dominant form of residual nitrogen at higher metamorphic grade. ?? 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthetic biology approaches to engineering the nitrogen symbiosis in cereals.

PubMed

Rogers, Christian; Oldroyd, Giles E D

2014-05-01

Nitrogen is abundant in the earth's atmosphere but, unlike carbon, cannot be directly assimilated by plants. The limitation this places on plant productivity has been circumvented in contemporary agriculture through the production and application of chemical fertilizers. The chemical reduction of nitrogen for this purpose consumes large amounts of energy and the reactive nitrogen released into the environment as a result of fertilizer application leads to greenhouse gas emissions, as well as widespread eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems. The environmental impacts are intensified by injudicious use of fertilizers in many parts of the world. Simultaneously, limitations in the production and supply of chemical fertilizers in other regions are leading to low agricultural productivity and malnutrition. Nitrogen can be directly fixed from the atmosphere by some bacteria and Archaea, which possess the enzyme nitrogenase. Some plant species, most notably legumes, have evolved close symbiotic associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Engineering cereal crops with the capability to fix their own nitrogen could one day address the problems created by the over- and under-use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture. This could be achieved either by expression of a functional nitrogenase enzyme in the cells of the cereal crop or through transferring the capability to form a symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. While potentially transformative, these biotechnological approaches are challenging; however, with recent advances in synthetic biology they are viable long-term goals. This review discusses the possibility of these biotechnological solutions to the nitrogen problem, focusing on engineering the nitrogen symbiosis in cereals.

Nitrogen–doped graphitized carbon shell encapsulated NiFe nanoparticles: A highly durable oxygen evolution catalyst

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

Du, Lei; Luo, Langli; Feng, Zhenxing

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a crucial role in various energy conversion devices such as water electrolyzers and metal–air batteries. Precious metal catalysts such as Ir, Ru and their oxides are usually used for enhancing reaction kinetics but are limited by their scarce resource. The challenges associated with alternative non–precious metal catalysts such as transition metal oxides and (oxy)hydroxides etc. are their low electronic conductivity and durability. Herein, we report a highly active (360 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm–2GEO) and durable (no degradation after 20000 cycles) OER catalyst derived from bimetallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) precursors. This catalyst consists ofmore » NiFe nanoparticles encapsulated by nitrogen–doped graphitized carbon shells. The electron-donation/deviation from Fe and tuned electronic structure of metal cores by Ni are revealed to be primary contributors to the enhanced OER activity, whereas N concentration contributes negligibly. We further demonstrated that the structure and morphology of encapsulating carbon shells, which are the key factors influencing the durability, are facilely controlled by the chemical state of precursors.« less

Multifuel evaluation of rich/quench/lean combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Notardonato, J. J.; Novick, A. S.; Troth, D. L.

1982-01-01

The fuel flexible combustor technology was developed for application to the Model 570-K industrial gas turbine engine. The technology, to achieve emission goals, emphasizes dry NOx reduction methods. Due to the high levels of fuel-bound nitrogen (FBN), control of NOx can be effected through a staged combustor with a rich initial combustion zone. A rich/quench/lean variable geometry combustor utilizes the technology presented to achieve low NOx from alternate fuels containing FBN. The results focus on emissions and durability for multifuel operation.

Metal-Organic-Framework-Derived Dual Metal- and Nitrogen-Doped Carbon as Efficient and Robust Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts for Microbial Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Tang, Haolin; Cai, Shichang; Xie, Shilei; Wang, Zhengbang; Tong, Yexiang; Pan, Mu; Lu, Xihong

2016-02-01

A new class of dual metal and N doped carbon catalysts with well-defined porous structure derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been developed as a high-performance electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Furthermore, the microbial fuel cell (MFC) device based on the as-prepared Ni/Co and N codoped carbon as air cathode catalyst achieves a maximum power density of 4335.6 mW m -2 and excellent durability.

Complexing Agents and pH Influence on Chemical Durability of Type I Molded Glass Containers.

PubMed

Biavati, Alberto; Poncini, Michele; Ferrarini, Arianna; Favaro, Nicola; Scarpa, Martina; Vallotto, Marta

2017-01-01

Among the factors that affect the glass surface chemical durability, pH and complexing agents present in aqueous solution have the main role. Glass surface attack can be also related to the delamination issue causing glass particles' appearance in the pharmaceutical preparation. A few methods to check for glass containers delamination propensity and some control guidelines have been proposed. The present study emphasizes the possible synergy between a few complexing agents with pH on borosilicate glass chemical durability.Hydrolytic attack was performed in small-volume 23 mL type I glass containers autoclaved according to the European Pharmacopoeia or United States Pharmacopeia for 1 h at 121 °C, in order to enhance the chemical attack due to time, temperature, and the unfavorable surface/volume ratio. Solutions of 0.048 M or 0.024 M (M/L) of the acids citric, glutaric, acetic, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), together with sodium phosphate with water for comparison, were used for the trials. The pH was adjusted ±0.05 units at fixed values 5.5, 6.6, 7, 7.4, 8, and 9 by LiOH diluted solution.Because silicon is the main glass network former, silicon release into the attack solutions was chosen as the main index of the glass surface attack and analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. The work was completed by the analysis of the silicon release in the worst attack conditions of molded glass, soda lime type II glass, and tubing borosilicate glass vials to compare different glass compositions and forming technologies. Surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy was finally performed to check for the surface status after the worst chemical attack condition by citric acid. LAY ABSTRACT: Glass, like every packaging material, can have some usage limits, mainly in basic pH solutions. The issue of glass surface degradation particles that appear in vials (delamination) has forced a number of drug product recalls in recent years. To prevent such situations, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers need to understand the reasons for accelerate surface glass corrosion mainly in the case of injectables.Some drugs can contain active components with known ability to corrode glass silica networks. Sometimes these ingredients are dissolved in an alkaline medium that dramatically increases the glass corrosion and potentially causes the issue. As this action is strongly affected by time and temperature, flaking may become visible only after a long storage time. The purpose of this investigation is to verify the borosilicate glass chemical durability during controlled conditions of time and temperature when in contact with testing solutions containing different complexing agents by varying the pH. Si concentration in the extract solution is taken as an index of glass dissolution during constant autoclaving conditions for 1 h at 121 °C, which simulates approximately five years of contact at room temperature.Acetate, citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), phosphate, and glutarate 0.048 M or 0.024 M solutions were used at increasing pH from 5.5 to 9.0. The chemical durability of two borosilicate tubing glass vials of different glass compositions were compared with the molded one in the worst attack conditions by citric acid. Even if no delamination issue has been experienced by this study in type I molded and tubing containers, the conclusions developed can provide pharmaceutical manufacturers with useful information to prevent glass delamination risk in their processes. © PDA, Inc. 2017.

THE EFFECTS OF INITIAL ABUNDANCES ON NITROGEN IN PROTOPLANETARY DISKS

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

Schwarz, Kamber R.; Bergin, Edwin A.

2014-12-20

The dominant form of nitrogen provided to most solar system bodies is currently unknown, though available measurements show that the detected nitrogen in solar system rocks and ices is depleted with respect to solar abundances and the interstellar medium. We use a detailed chemical/physical model of the chemical evolution of a protoplanetary disk to explore the evolution and abundance of nitrogen-bearing molecules. Based on this model, we analyze how initial chemical abundances provided as either gas or ice during the early stages of disk formation influence which species become the dominant nitrogen bearers at later stages. We find that amore » disk with the majority of its initial nitrogen in either atomic or molecular nitrogen is later dominated by atomic and molecular nitrogen as well as NH{sub 3} and HCN ices, where the dominant species varies with disk radius. When nitrogen is initially in gaseous ammonia, it later becomes trapped in ammonia ice except in the outer disk where atomic nitrogen dominates. For a disk with the initial nitrogen in the form of ammonia ice, the nitrogen remains trapped in the ice as NH{sub 3} at later stages. The model in which most of the initial nitrogen is placed in atomic N best matches the ammonia abundances observed in comets. Furthermore, the initial state of nitrogen influences the abundance of N{sub 2}H{sup +}, which has been detected in protoplanetary disks. Strong N{sub 2}H{sup +} emission is found to be indicative of an N{sub 2} abundance greater than n{sub N{sub 2}}/n{sub H{sub 2}}>10{sup −6} in addition to tracing the CO snow line. Our models also indicate that NO is potentially detectable, with lower N gas abundances leading to higher NO abundances.« less

Extended Durability Testing of an External Fuel Processor for a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

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

Mark Perna; Anant Upadhyayula; Mark Scotto

2012-11-05

Durability testing was performed on an external fuel processor (EFP) for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power plant. The EFP enables the SOFC to reach high system efficiency (electrical efficiency up to 60%) using pipeline natural gas and eliminates the need for large quantities of bottled gases. LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc. (formerly known as Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US) Inc.) (LGFCS) is developing natural gas-fired SOFC power plants for stationary power applications. These power plants will greatly benefit the public by reducing the cost of electricity while reducing the amount of gaseous emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides,more » and nitrogen oxides compared to conventional power plants. The EFP uses pipeline natural gas and air to provide all the gas streams required by the SOFC power plant; specifically those needed for start-up, normal operation, and shutdown. It includes a natural gas desulfurizer, a synthesis-gas generator and a start-gas generator. The research in this project demonstrated that the EFP could meet its performance and durability targets. The data generated helped assess the impact of long-term operation on system performance and system hardware. The research also showed the negative impact of ambient weather (both hot and cold conditions) on system operation and performance.« less

Rapid immobilization of simulated radioactive soil waste by microwave sintering.

PubMed

Zhang, Shuai; Shu, Xiaoyan; Chen, Shunzhang; Yang, Huimin; Hou, Chenxi; Mao, Xueli; Chi, Fangting; Song, Mianxin; Lu, Xirui

2017-09-05

A rapid and efficient method is particularly necessary in the timely disposal of seriously radioactive contaminated soil. In this paper, a series of simulated radioactive soil waste containing different contents of neodymium oxide (3-25wt.%) has been successfully vitrified by microwave sintering at 1300°C for 30min. The microstructures, morphology, element distribution, density and chemical durability of as obtained vitrified forms have been analyzed. The results show that the amorphous structure, homogeneous element distribution, and regular density improvement are well kept, except slight cracks emerge on the magnified surface for the 25wt.% Nd 2 O 3 -containing sample. Moreover, all the vitrified forms exhibit excellent chemical durability, and the leaching rates of Nd are kept as ∼10 -4 -10 -6 g/(m 2 day) within 42days. This demonstrates a potential application of microwave sintering in radioactive contaminated soil disposal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Isolated boron and nitrogen sites on porous graphitic carbon synthesized from nitrogen-containing chitosan for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Sun, Li; Fu, Yu; Tian, Chungui; Yang, Ying; Wang, Lei; Yin, Jie; Ma, Jing; Wang, Ruihong; Fu, Honggang

2014-06-01

Separated boron and nitrogen porous graphitic carbon (BNGC) is fabricated by a facile hydrothermal coordination/ZnCl2-activation process from renewable and inexpensive nitrogen-containing chitosan. In this synthetic pathway, chitosan, which has a high nitrogen content, first coordinates with Fe(3+) ions to form chitosan-Fe that subsequently reacts with boric acid (boron source) to generate the BNGC precursor. After simultaneous carbonization and ZnCl2 activation followed by removal of the Fe catalyst, BNGC, containing isolated boron and nitrogen centers and having a high surface area of 1567 m(2)  g(-1) and good conductivity, can be obtained. Results indicate that use of chitosan as a nitrogen-containing carbon source effectively prevents nitrogen atoms from direct combination with boron atoms. In addition, the incorporation of Fe(3+) ions not only endows BNGC with high graphitization, but also favors for nitrogen fixation. Remarkably, the unique microstructure of BNGC enables its use as an advanced electrode material for energy storage. As electrode material for supercapacitors, BNGC shows a high capacitance of 313 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1), and also long-term durability and coulombic efficiency of >99.5 % after 5000 cycles. Notably, in organic electrolytes, the energy density could be up to 50.1 Wh kg(-1) at a power density of 10.5 kW kg(-1). The strategy developed herein opens a new avenue to prepare BNGC without inactive BN bonds from commercially available chitosan for high-performance supercapacitors. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Influences of the cold atmospheric plasma jet treatment on the properties of the demineralized dentin surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiaoming, ZHU; Heng, GUO; Jianfeng, ZHOU; Xiaofei, ZHANG; Jian, CHEN; Jing, LI; Heping, LI; Jianguo, TAN

2018-04-01

Improvement of the bonding strength and durability between the dentin surface and the composite resin is a challenging job in dentistry. In this paper, a radio-frequency atmospheric-pressure glow discharge (RF-APGD) plasma jet is employed for the treatment of the acid-etched dentin surfaces used for the composite restoration. The properties of the plasma treated dentin surfaces and the resin-dentin interfaces are analyzed using the x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, contact angle goniometer, scanning electron microscope and microtensile tester. The experimental results show that, due to the abundant chemically reactive species existing in the RF-APGD plasma jet under a stable and low energy input operating mode, the contact angle of the plasma-treated dentin surfaces decreases to a stable level with the increase of the atomic percentage of oxygen in the specimens; the formation of the long resin tags in the scattered clusters and the hybrid layers at the resin-dentin interfaces significantly improve the bonding strength and durability. These results indicate that the RF-APGD plasma jet is an effective tool for modifying the chemical properties of the dentin surfaces, and for improving the immediate bonding strength and the durability of the resin-dentin bonding in dentistry.

Crystallization in high-level waste glass: A review of glass theory and noteworthy literature

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

Christian, J. H.

2015-08-01

There is a fundamental need to continue research aimed at understanding nepheline and spinel crystal formation in high-level waste (HLW) glass. Specifically, the formation of nepheline solids (K/NaAlSiO₄) during slow cooling of HLW glass can reduce the chemical durability of the glass, which can cause a decrease in the overall durability of the glass waste form. The accumulation of spinel solids ((Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn)(Fe,Cr)₂O₄), while not detrimental to glass durability, can cause an array of processing problems inside of HLW glass melters. In this review, the fundamental differences between glass and solid-crystals are explained using kinetic, thermodynamic, and viscositymore » arguments, and several highlights of glass-crystallization research, as it pertains to high-level waste vitrification, are described. In terms of mitigating spinel in the melter and both spinel and nepheline formation in the canister, the complexity of HLW glass and the intricate interplay between thermal, chemical, and kinetic factors further complicates this understanding. However, new experiments seeking to elucidate the contributing factors of crystal nucleation and growth in waste glass, and the compilation of data from older experiments, may go a long way towards helping to achieve higher waste loadings while developing more efficient processing strategies.« less

Apatite and sodalite based glass-bonded waste forms for immobilization of 129I and mixed halide radioactive wastes

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

Goel, Ashutosh; McCloy, John S.; Riley, Brian J.

The goal of the project was to utilize the knowledge accumulated by the team, in working with minerals for chloride wastes and biological apatites, toward the development of advanced waste forms for immobilizing 129I and mixed-halide wastes. Based on our knowledge, experience, and thorough literature review, we had selected two minerals with different crystal structures and potential for high chemical durability, sodalite and CaP/PbV-apatite, to form the basis of this project. The focus of the proposed effort was towards: (i) low temperature synthesis of proposed minerals (iodine containing sodalite and apatite) leading to the development of monolithic waste forms, (ii)more » development of a fundamental understanding of the atomic-scale to meso-scale mechanisms of radionuclide incorporation in them, and (iii) understanding of the mechanism of their chemical corrosion, alteration mechanism, and rates. The proposed work was divided into four broad sections. deliverables. 1. Synthesis of materials 2. Materials structural and thermal characterization 3. Design of glass compositions and synthesis glass-bonded minerals, and 4. Chemical durability testing of materials.« less

Controlling cation segregation in perovskite-based electrodes for high electro-catalytic activity and durability.

PubMed

Li, Yifeng; Zhang, Wenqiang; Zheng, Yun; Chen, Jing; Yu, Bo; Chen, Yan; Liu, Meilin

2017-10-16

Solid oxide cell (SOC) based energy conversion systems have the potential to become the cleanest and most efficient systems for reversible conversion between electricity and chemical fuels due to their high efficiency, low emission, and excellent fuel flexibility. Broad implementation of this technology is however hindered by the lack of high-performance electrode materials. While many perovskite-based materials have shown remarkable promise as electrodes for SOCs, cation enrichment or segregation near the surface or interfaces is often observed, which greatly impacts not only electrode kinetics but also their durability and operational lifespan. Since the chemical and structural variations associated with surface enrichment or segregation are typically confined to the nanoscale, advanced experimental and computational tools are required to probe the detailed composition, structure, and nanostructure of these near-surface regions in real time with high spatial and temporal resolutions. In this review article, an overview of the recent progress made in this area is presented, highlighting the thermodynamic driving forces, kinetics, and various configurations of surface enrichment and segregation in several widely studied perovskite-based material systems. A profound understanding of the correlation between the surface nanostructure and the electro-catalytic activity and stability of the electrodes is then emphasized, which is vital to achieving the rational design of more efficient SOC electrode materials with excellent durability. Furthermore, the methodology and mechanistic understanding of the surface processes are applicable to other materials systems in a wide range of applications, including thermo-chemical photo-assisted splitting of H 2 O/CO 2 and metal-air batteries.

Dominant Overall Chemical Reaction in a Chlorine Trifluoride Silicon Nitrogen System at Atmospheric Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habuka, Hitoshi; Otsuka, Toru; Qu, Wei-Feng

1999-11-01

This study evaluates the overall chemical reaction in a chlorine trifluoride silicon nitrogen system at atmospheric pressure, based on the observation of the dominant chemical species in the gas phase using a quadrupole mass spectra analyzer coupled with a horizontal cold-wall single-wafer epitaxial reactor. Chlorine trifluoride gas etches the silicon surface, producing two major products, silicon tetrafluoride gas and chlorine gas, at room temperature and 530 K. The production of chlorosilanes was not observed in this study. The results obtained in this study indicate that the dominant overall chemical reaction in a chlorine trifluoride silicon nitrogen system is 3Si + 4ClF3 →3SiF4 ↑+ 2Cl2 ↑.

Effect of Sizings on the Durability of High Temperature Polymer Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allred, Ronald E.; Shin, E. Eugene; Inghram, Linda; McCorkle, Linda; Papadopoulos, Demetrios; Wheeler, Donald; Sutter, James K.

2003-01-01

To increase performance and durability of high-temperature composite for potential rocket engine components, it is necessary to optimize wetting and interfacial bonding between high modulus carbon fibers and high-temperature polyimide resins. Sizing commercially supplied on most carbon fiber are not compatible with polyimides. In this study, the chemistry of sizing on two high modulus carbon fiber (M40J and M60J, Tiray) was characterized. A continuous desizling system that uses an environmentally friendly chemical-mechanical process was developed for tow level fiber. Composites were fabricated with fibers containing the manufacturer's sizing, desized, and further treated with a reactive finish. Results of room-temperature tests after thermal aging show that the reactive finish produces a higher strength and more durable interface compared to the manufacturer's sizing. When exposed to moisture blistering tests, however, the butter bonded composite displayed a tendency to delaminate, presumably due to trapping of volatiles.

Hierarchical photonic structured stimuli-responsive materials as high-performance colorimetric sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Tao; Zhu, Shenmin; Chen, Zhixin; Wang, Wanlin; Zhang, Wang; Zhang, Di

2016-05-01

Hierarchical photonic structures in nature are of special interest because they can be used as templates for fabrication of stimuli-responsive photonic crystals (PCs) with unique structures beyond man-made synthesis. The current stimuli-responsive PCs templated directly from natural PCs showed a very weak external stimuli response and poor durability due to the limitations of natural templates. Herein, we tackle this problem by chemically coating functional polymers, polyacrylamide, on butterfly wing scales which have hierarchical photonic structures. As a result of the combination of the strong water absorption properties of the polyacrylamide and the PC structures of the butterfly wing scales, the designed materials demonstrated excellent humidity responsive properties and a tremendous colour change. The colour change is induced by the refractive index change which is in turn due to the swollen nature of the polymer when the relative humidity changes. The butterfly wing scales also showed an excellent durability which is due to the chemical bonds formed between the polymer and wing scales. The synthesis strategy provides an avenue for the promising applications of stimuli-responsive PCs with hierarchical structures.Hierarchical photonic structures in nature are of special interest because they can be used as templates for fabrication of stimuli-responsive photonic crystals (PCs) with unique structures beyond man-made synthesis. The current stimuli-responsive PCs templated directly from natural PCs showed a very weak external stimuli response and poor durability due to the limitations of natural templates. Herein, we tackle this problem by chemically coating functional polymers, polyacrylamide, on butterfly wing scales which have hierarchical photonic structures. As a result of the combination of the strong water absorption properties of the polyacrylamide and the PC structures of the butterfly wing scales, the designed materials demonstrated excellent humidity responsive properties and a tremendous colour change. The colour change is induced by the refractive index change which is in turn due to the swollen nature of the polymer when the relative humidity changes. The butterfly wing scales also showed an excellent durability which is due to the chemical bonds formed between the polymer and wing scales. The synthesis strategy provides an avenue for the promising applications of stimuli-responsive PCs with hierarchical structures. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01875k

Delta nitrogen tetroxide fueling operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grigsby, R. B.; Cross, T. M.; Rucci, T. D.

1978-01-01

The development of the Delta second stage nitrogen tetroxide fueling system is briefly summarized. The nitrogen tetroxide fueling system and the equipment used to protect the spacecraft environment from the toxic nitrogen tetroxide fumes are described. Topics covered include: the nitrogen tetroxide transfer system; loading operations; safety precautions; and chemical treatment of all toxic vapors.

Data on the chemical properties of commercial fish sauce products.

PubMed

Nakano, Mitsutoshi; Sagane, Yoshimasa; Koizumi, Ryosuke; Nakazawa, Yozo; Yamazaki, Masao; Watanabe, Toshihiro; Takano, Katsumi; Sato, Hiroaki

2017-12-01

This data article reports on the chemical properties of commercial fish sauce products associated with the fish sauce taste and flavor. All products were analyzed in triplicate. Dried solid content was analyzed by moisture analyzer. Fish sauce salinity was determined by a salt meter. pH was measured using a pH meter. The acidity was determined using a titration assay. Amino nitrogen and total nitrogen were evaluated using a titration assay and Combustion-type nitrogen analyzer, respectively. The analyzed products originated from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and Italy. Data on the chemical properties of the products are provided in table format in the current article.

Development of Chemical Indicators of Groundwater Contamination Near the Carcass Burial Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, H.; Choi, J.; Kim, M.; Choi, J.; Lee, M.; Lee, H.; Jeon, S.; Bang, S.; Noh, H.; Yoo, J.; Park, S.; Kim, H.; Kim, D.; Lee, Y.; Han, J.

2011-12-01

A serious outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) and avian influenza (AI) led to the culling of millions of livestock in South Korea from late 2010 to earlier 2011. Because of the scale of FMD and AI epidemic in Korea and rapid spread of the diseases, mass burial for the disposal of carcass was conducted to halt the outbreak. The improper construction of the burial site or inappropriate management of the carcass burial facility can cause the contamination of groundwater mainly due to the discharges of leachate through the base of disposal pit. The leachate from carcass burial contains by products of carcass decay such as amino acids, nitrate, ammonia and chloride. The presence of these chemical components in groundwater can be used as indicators demonstrating contamination of groundwater with leachate from carcass. The major concern about using these chemical indicators is that other sources including manures, fertilizers and waste waters from human or animal activities already exist in farming area. However, we lack the understanding of how groundwater contamination due to mass burial of carcass can be differentiated from the contamination due to livestock manures which shows similar chemical characteristics. The chemical compositions of the leachate from carcass burial site and the wastewater from livestock manure treatment facilities were compared. The chemical compositions considered include total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), nitrate, organic nitrogen (Organic nitrogen =TN-Ammonium Nitrogen- Nitrate nitrogen), ammonia, chloride, sodium, potassium and amino acids (20 analytes). The ratios of concentrations of the chemical compositions as indicators of contamination were determined to distinguish the sources of contamination in groundwater. Indicators which showed a linear relationship between two factors and revealed a distinct difference between the carcass leachate and livestock manure were chosen. In addition, the background level of the indicators in groundwater which was presumed not to be contaminated with the leachate was also considered. The indicators selected from these step were TN/nitrate nitrogen, organic nitrogen/TN, organic nitrogen/Cl and organic nitrogen/Na. In a similar manner, concentrations and peak pattern of amino acids with LC-MSMS as indicators were also selected. One more step added to identify the source of a contaminant release was the consideration of the transport of 20 amino acids in the subsurface which could significantly change the peak pattern among different amino acids. Six group of amino acid as indicators were chosen and they were Isoleucine/Valine, Leucine/Tryptophane, Valine/Tryptophane, Lysine/Leucine, Lysine/Isoleucine and Methionine/Lysine. The use of chemical indicators was attempted in this study to distinguish the sources of contamination by considering both the concentration of contaminants and the unique patterns of contamination.

High performance platinum single atom electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jing; Jiao, Menggai; Lu, Lanlu; Barkholtz, Heather M.; Li, Yuping; Wang, Ying; Jiang, Luhua; Wu, Zhijian; Liu, Di-Jia; Zhuang, Lin; Ma, Chao; Zeng, Jie; Zhang, Bingsen; Su, Dangsheng; Song, Ping; Xing, Wei; Xu, Weilin; Wang, Ying; Jiang, Zheng; Sun, Gongquan

2017-07-01

For the large-scale sustainable implementation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells in vehicles, high-performance electrocatalysts with low platinum consumption are desirable for use as cathode material during the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells. Here we report a carbon black-supported cost-effective, efficient and durable platinum single-atom electrocatalyst with carbon monoxide/methanol tolerance for the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. The acidic single-cell with such a catalyst as cathode delivers high performance, with power density up to 680 mW cm-2 at 80 °C with a low platinum loading of 0.09 mgPt cm-2, corresponding to a platinum utilization of 0.13 gPt kW-1 in the fuel cell. Good fuel cell durability is also observed. Theoretical calculations reveal that the main effective sites on such platinum single-atom electrocatalysts are single-pyridinic-nitrogen-atom-anchored single-platinum-atom centres, which are tolerant to carbon monoxide/methanol, but highly active for the oxygen reduction reaction.

High performance platinum single atom electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

PubMed Central

Liu, Jing; Jiao, Menggai; Lu, Lanlu; Barkholtz, Heather M.; Li, Yuping; Wang, Ying; Jiang, Luhua; Wu, Zhijian; Liu, Di-jia; Zhuang, Lin; Ma, Chao; Zeng, Jie; Zhang, Bingsen; Su, Dangsheng; Song, Ping; Xing, Wei; Xu, Weilin; Wang, Ying; Jiang, Zheng; Sun, Gongquan

2017-01-01

For the large-scale sustainable implementation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells in vehicles, high-performance electrocatalysts with low platinum consumption are desirable for use as cathode material during the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells. Here we report a carbon black-supported cost-effective, efficient and durable platinum single-atom electrocatalyst with carbon monoxide/methanol tolerance for the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. The acidic single-cell with such a catalyst as cathode delivers high performance, with power density up to 680 mW cm−2 at 80 °C with a low platinum loading of 0.09 mgPt cm−2, corresponding to a platinum utilization of 0.13 gPt kW−1 in the fuel cell. Good fuel cell durability is also observed. Theoretical calculations reveal that the main effective sites on such platinum single-atom electrocatalysts are single-pyridinic-nitrogen-atom-anchored single-platinum-atom centres, which are tolerant to carbon monoxide/methanol, but highly active for the oxygen reduction reaction. PMID:28737170

[Vertical Distribution Characteristics of Typical Forest Soil Organic Nitrogen in Dawei Mountain].

PubMed

Ding, Xian-qing; Ma, Hui-jing; Zhu, Xiao-long; Chen, Shan; Hou, Hong-bo; Peng, Pei-qin

2015-10-01

To clarify altitudinal gradient of subtropical forest soil total nitrogen and organic nitrogen, soil samples were collected per 10 cm on soil profile (0-100 cm) in Dawei Mountain, researched the variation of soil organic nitrogen and correlation with soil physical and chemical properties. The results showed that: (1) Total nitrogen, acid hydrolysable organic nitrogen and soluble organic nitrogen decreased with the increase of depth, content of each component in mountain granite yellow-brown soils was much higher affected by altitude; (2) The average percentage of soil organic nitrogen to total nitrogen was 97.39% ± 1.17%, and soil acid hydrolysable organic nitrogen was 64.38% ± 10.68%, each component decreased with the increase of soil depth; (3) Soil soluble organic nitrogen content was 9.92- 23.45 mg x kg(-1), free amino acids (1.62 - 12.02 mg x kg(-1)) accounted for about 27.36% ± 9.95% of soluble organic nitrogen; (4) Soil acid hydrolysable organic nitrogen and soluble organic nitrogen were significantly positively correlated with total nitrogen, total soluble nitrogen and inorganic nitrogen (P < 0.05), were highly significantly correlated with soil bulk density, organic carbon, and total phosphorus (P < 0.01). Organic nitrogen was the main body of soil nitrogen in typical subtropical forest, each component showed a downward trend increase with soil depth affected by altitude and soil physical and chemical properties. There was a close conversion relationship between soil organic nitrogen and other nitrogen forms, the characteristics of soil organic nitrogen will have profound impact on nitrogen cycling of forest ecological system.

Direct evidence that an extended hydrogen-bonding network influences activation of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate in aspartate aminotransferase

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

Dajnowicz, Steven; Parks, Jerry M.; Hu, Xiche

We used pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) is a fundamental, multifunctional enzyme cofactor to catalyze a wide variety of chemical reactions involved in amino acid metabolism. PLP-dependent enzymes optimize specific chemical reactions by modulating the electronic states of PLP through distinct active site environments. In aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), an extended hydrogen bond network is coupled to the pyridinyl nitrogen of the PLP, influencing the electrophilicity of the cofactor. This network, which involves residues Asp-222, His-143, Thr-139, His-189, and structural waters, is located at the edge of PLP opposite the reactive Schiff base. We demonstrate that this hydrogen bond network directly influences themore » protonation state of the pyridine nitrogen of PLP, which affects the rates of catalysis. We analyzed perturbations caused by single- and double-mutant variants using steady-state kinetics, high resolution X-ray crystallography, and quantum chemical calculations. Protonation of the pyridinyl nitrogen to form a pyridinium cation induces electronic delocalization in the PLP, which correlates with the enhancement in catalytic rate in AAT. Therefore, PLP activation is controlled by the proximity of the pyridinyl nitrogen to the hydrogen bond microenvironment. Quantum chemical calculations indicate that Asp-222, which is directly coupled to the pyridinyl nitrogen, increases the pKa of the pyridine nitrogen and stabilizes the pyridinium cation. His-143 and His-189 also increase the pKa of the pyridine nitrogen but, more significantly, influence the position of the proton that resides between Asp-222 and the pyridinyl nitrogen. Our findings indicate that the second shell residues directly enhance the rate of catalysis in AAT.« less

Direct evidence that an extended hydrogen-bonding network influences activation of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate in aspartate aminotransferase

DOE PAGES

Dajnowicz, Steven; Parks, Jerry M.; Hu, Xiche; ...

2017-02-23

We used pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) is a fundamental, multifunctional enzyme cofactor to catalyze a wide variety of chemical reactions involved in amino acid metabolism. PLP-dependent enzymes optimize specific chemical reactions by modulating the electronic states of PLP through distinct active site environments. In aspartate aminotransferase (AAT), an extended hydrogen bond network is coupled to the pyridinyl nitrogen of the PLP, influencing the electrophilicity of the cofactor. This network, which involves residues Asp-222, His-143, Thr-139, His-189, and structural waters, is located at the edge of PLP opposite the reactive Schiff base. We demonstrate that this hydrogen bond network directly influences themore » protonation state of the pyridine nitrogen of PLP, which affects the rates of catalysis. We analyzed perturbations caused by single- and double-mutant variants using steady-state kinetics, high resolution X-ray crystallography, and quantum chemical calculations. Protonation of the pyridinyl nitrogen to form a pyridinium cation induces electronic delocalization in the PLP, which correlates with the enhancement in catalytic rate in AAT. Therefore, PLP activation is controlled by the proximity of the pyridinyl nitrogen to the hydrogen bond microenvironment. Quantum chemical calculations indicate that Asp-222, which is directly coupled to the pyridinyl nitrogen, increases the pKa of the pyridine nitrogen and stabilizes the pyridinium cation. His-143 and His-189 also increase the pKa of the pyridine nitrogen but, more significantly, influence the position of the proton that resides between Asp-222 and the pyridinyl nitrogen. Our findings indicate that the second shell residues directly enhance the rate of catalysis in AAT.« less

Organic nitrogen storage in mineral soil: Implications for policy and management.

PubMed

Bingham, Andrew H; Cotrufo, M Francesca

2016-05-01

Nitrogen is one of the most important ecosystem nutrients and often its availability limits net primary production as well as stabilization of soil organic matter. The long-term storage of nitrogen-containing organic matter in soils was classically attributed to chemical complexity of plant and microbial residues that retarded microbial degradation. Recent advances have revised this framework, with the understanding that persistent soil organic matter consists largely of chemically labile, microbially processed organic compounds. Chemical bonding to minerals and physical protection in aggregates are more important to long-term (i.e., centuries to millennia) preservation of these organic compounds that contain the bulk of soil nitrogen rather than molecular complexity, with the exception of nitrogen in pyrogenic organic matter. This review examines for the first time the factors and mechanisms at each stage of movement into long-term storage that influence the sequestration of organic nitrogen in the mineral soil of natural temperate ecosystems. Because the factors which govern persistence are different under this newly accepted paradigm we examine the policy and management implications that are altered, such as critical load considerations, nitrogen saturation and mitigation consequences. Finally, it emphasizes how essential it is for this important but underappreciated pool to be better quantified and incorporated into policy and management decisions, especially given the lack of evidence for many soils having a finite capacity to sequester nitrogen. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Optimization of fertilization characteristics of urine by addition of Nitrosomonas europaea bio-seed.

PubMed

Hashemi, Shervin; Han, Mooyoung; Kim, Tschungil

2016-10-01

Because of the high concentration of nutrients in human urine, its utilization as an organic fertilizer has been notable throughout history. However, the nitrogen compounds in urine are not stable. Therefore, to convert urine into a suitable fertilizer, it is important to stabilize and adjust unstable nitrogen compounds such as ammonia. Because nitrification can influence the nitrogen profile, the use of nitrifying microorganisms can be useful for stabilizing the nitrogen profile of urine. This study investigated the changes in nitrogen compounds in pure urine and examined the effect of adding Nitrosomonas europaea bio-seed solution on these changes. It was found that the addition of bio-seed could reduce nitrogen loss as well as the time required to stabilize the nitrogen profile. Furthermore, the optimum concentration of bio-seed (6 × 10(5) N. europaea cells L(-1) ) that not only leads to the least nutrient loss but also results in an adequate nitrate/ammonium ratio and regulates the amount of nitrate produced, thereby preventing over-fertilization, was determined. At this concentration, no dilution or dewatering is required, thus minimizing water and energy consumption. Usage of the optimum of concentration of bio-seed will also eliminate the need for inorganic chemical additives. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tungsten carbide encapsulated in nitrogen-doped carbon with iron/cobalt carbides electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jie; Chen, Jinwei; Jiang, Yiwu; Zhou, Feilong; Wang, Gang; Wang, Ruilin

2016-12-01

This work presents a type of hybrid catalyst prepared through an environmental and simple method, combining a pyrolysis of transition metal precursors, a nitrogen-containing material, and a tungsten source to achieve a one-pot synthesis of N-doping carbon, tungsten carbides, and iron/cobalt carbides (Fe/Co/WC@NC). The obtained Fe/Co/WC@NC consists of uniform Fe3C and Co3C nanoparticles encapsulated in graphitized carbon with surface nitrogen doping, closely wrapped around a plate-like tungsten carbide (WC) that functions as an efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst. The introduction of WC is found to promote the ORR activity of Fe/Co-based carbide electrocatalysts, which is attributed to the synergistic catalysts of WC, Fe3C, and Co3C. Results suggest that the composite exhibits comparable electrocatalytic activity, higher durability, and ability for methanol tolerance compared with commercial Pt/C for ORR in alkaline electrolyte. These advantages make Fe/Co/WC@NC a promising ORR electrocatalyst and a cost-effective alternative to Pt/C for practical application as fuel cell.

Primer on Durability of Nuclear Power Plant Reinforced Concrete Structures - A Review of Pertinent Factors

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

Naus, Dan J

The objective of this study was to provide a primer on the environmental effects that can affect the durability of nuclear power plant concrete structures. As concrete ages, changes in its properties will occur as a result of continuing microstructural changes (i.e., slow hydration, crystallization of amorphous constituents, and reactions between cement paste and aggregates), as well as environmental influences. These changes do not have to be detrimental to the point that concrete will not be able to meet its performance requirements. Concrete, however, can suffer undesirable changes with time because of improper specifications, a violation of specifications, or adversemore » performance of its cement paste matrix or aggregate constituents under either physical or chemical attack. Contained in this report is a discussion on concrete durability and the relationship between durability and performance, a review of the historical perspective related to concrete and longevity, a description of the basic materials that comprise reinforced concrete, and information on the environmental factors that can affect the performance of nuclear power plant concrete structures. Commentary is provided on the importance of an aging management program.« less

Nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand removal from septic tank wastewater in subsurface flow constructed wetlands: substrate (cation exchange capacity) effects.

PubMed

Collison, Robert S; Grismer, Mark E

2014-04-01

The current article focuses on chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen (ammonium and nitrate) removal performance from synthetic human wastewater as affected by different substrate rocks having a range of porosities and cation exchange capacities (CECs). The aggregates included lava rock, lightweight expanded shale, meta-basalt (control), and zeolite. The first three had CECs of 1 to 4 mequiv/100 gm, whereas the zeolite CEC was much greater (-80 mequiv/100 gm). Synthetic wastewater was gravity fed to each constructed wetland system, resulting in a 4-day retention time. Effluent samples were collected, and COD and nitrogen species concentrations measured regularly during four time periods from November 2008 through June 2009. Chemical oxygen demand and nitrogen removal fractions were not significantly different between the field and laboratory constructed wetland systems when corrected for temperature. Similarly, overall COD and nitrogen removal fractions were practically the same for the aggregate substrates. The important difference between aggregate effects was the zeolite's ammonia removal process, which was primarily by adsorption. The resulting single-stage nitrogen removal process may be an alternative to nitrification and denitrification that may realize significant cost savings in practice.

Robust superhydrophobic surface on Al substrate with durability, corrosion resistance and ice-phobicity

PubMed Central

Wang, Guoyong; Liu, Shuai; Wei, Sufeng; Liu, Yan; Lian, Jianshe; Jiang, Qing

2016-01-01

Practical application of superhydrophobic surfaces is limited by the fragility of nanoscale asperities. Combining chemical etching and anodization, microscale pits and nanoscale pores, instead of the micro and nano protrusions on traditional superhydrophobic surfaces mimicking Lutos leaves, were fabricated on commercially pure aluminum surfaces. After modified by FDTS, the surfaces were superhydrophobic and self-cleaning. The ultrahigh hardness and electrochemical stability of Al2O3 coating endowed the surface excellent mechanical durability and good corrosion resistance. Because the method is scalable, it may find practical application on body panels of automobiles and aircrafts and so on. PMID:26853810

A novel strategy for durable superhydrophobic coating on glass substrate via using silica chains to fix silica particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Qi-Zhang; Fang, Yue-Yun; Liu, Peng-Yi; Zhu, Yan-Qing; Shi, Ji-Fu; Xu, Gang

2018-01-01

The practical application of superhydrophobic coatings on glass is usually restricted by their poor wear resistance due to the insufficient adhesion. A double-silica-layered structure was proposed to reinforce the coating adhesion on glass substrate. The wettability, surface morphologies, and chemical composition were investigated by water contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The prepared superhydrophobic coating displays a good wear-resistance by emery paper and sand abrasion, which also has excellent thermal stability and UV resistance. This strategy shows a bright future for durable superhydrophobic coating on glass.

Chemically Derivatized Semiconductor Photoelectrodes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wrighton, Mark S.

1983-01-01

Deliberate modification of semiconductor photoelectrodes to improve durability and enhance rate of desirable interfacial redox processes is discussed for a variety of systems. Modification with molecular-based systems or with metals/metal oxides yields results indicating an important role for surface modification in devices for fundamental study…

Effect of two doses of urea foliar application on leaves and grape nitrogen composition during two vintages.

PubMed

Pérez-Álvarez, Eva P; Garde-Cerdán, Teresa; García-Escudero, Enrique; Martínez-Vidaurre, José María

2017-06-01

Nitrogen affects grapevine growth and also yeast metabolism, which have a direct influence on fermentation kinetics and the formation of different volatile compounds. Throughout the grapevine cycle, soil nitrogen availability and grape nitrogen composition can vary because of different factors. Nitrogen foliar applications can contribute toward enhancing grapevine nitrogen status and minimize the problem of leaching that traditional nitrogen-soil applications can provoke. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of urea foliar applications on grapevine nitrogen status and grape amino acid content. Accordingly, two different doses of urea were applied over the leaves of a 'Tempranillo' vineyard. The highest urea doses affected nitrogen content on blade leaf tissues after veraison. Must amino acid profiles were modified by urea application and some of the compounds increased their concentrations. The effect of year on the increase of must total amino acid concentrations was more important than the effect of the doses applied. Urea foliar applications can be an interesting tool for decreasing grapevine nitrogen deficiencies. This method of nitrogen implementation in the vineyard could avoid sluggish fermentation problems during winemaking, enhance must nitrogen composition, and contribute to improving wine quality. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Optimization of pulsed DC PACVD parameters: Toward reducing wear rate of the DLC films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimi, Mansoureh; Mahboubi, Farzad; Naimi-Jamal, M. Reza

2016-12-01

The effect of pulsed direct current (DC) plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) parameters such as temperature, duty cycle, hydrogen flow, and argon/CH4 flow ratio on the wear behavior and wear durability of the diamond-like carbon (DLC) films was studied by using response surface methodology (RSM). DLC films were deposited on nitrocarburized AISI 4140 steel. Wear rate and wear durability of the DLC films were examined with the pin-on-disk method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and nanoindentation techniques were used for studying wear mechanisms, chemical structure, and hardness of the DLC films. RSM results show that duty cycle is one of the important parameters that affect the wear rate of the DLC samples. The wear rate of the samples deposited with a duty cycle of >75% decreases with an increase in the argon/CH4 ratio. In contrast, for a duty cycle of <65%, the wear rate increases with an increase in the argon/CH4 ratio. The wear durability of the DLC samples increases with an increase in the duty cycle, hydrogen flow, and argon/CH4 flow ratio at the deposition temperature between 85 °C and 110 °C. Oxidation, fatigue, abrasive wear, and graphitization are the wear mechanisms observed on the wear scar of the DLC samples deposited with the optimum deposition conditions.

Nitrogen

USGS Publications Warehouse

Apodaca, Lori E.

2013-01-01

The article presents an overview of the nitrogen chemical market as of July 2013, including the production of ammonia compounds. Industrial uses for ammonia include fertilizers, explosives, and plastics. Other topics include industrial capacity of U.S. ammonia producers CF Industries Holdings Inc., Koch Nitrogen Co., PCS Nitrogen, Inc., and Agrium Inc., the impact of natural gas prices on the nitrogen industry, and demand for corn crops for ethanol production.

Potential toxicity of nonregulated asbestiform minerals: balangeroite from the western Alps. Part 1: Identification and characterization.

PubMed

Groppo, Chiara; Tomatis, Maura; Turci, Francesco; Gazzano, Elena; Ghigo, Dario; Compagnoni, Roberto; Fubini, Bice

2005-01-08

In the Italian western Alps, asbestos mineralization (both chrysotile and tremolite amphibole) takes place from serpentinites, together with other less common asbestiform minerals not regulated by the current legislation. In the context of a study on the evaluation of the asbestos risk in this area, the possible role played by the associated asbestiform minerals in the overall toxicity of the airborne fraction has been examined. The first mineral investigated was balangeroite [(Mg,Fe2+,Fe3+,Mn2+)42Si16O54(OH)36], an iron-rich asbestiform contaminant of chrysotile from the Balangero mine (Piedmont), which crystallizes as rigid and brittle fibers. In order to prepare a sample in a form appropriate for chemical and cellular tests, the fibers were separated from the rock and comminuted without damage to their crystalline structure and surface state (as confirmed by X-ray diffraction [XRD] and ultraviolet-visible [UV-Vis] spectroscopy). The first properties examined were durability in simulated body fluids (Gamble's solution) and toxicity to epithelial cells. When compared to UICC crocidolite (the amphibole blue asbestos, regarded as the most pathogenic form), balangeroite appears even more durable than crocidolite. Balangeroite and UICC crocidolite showed a similar in vitro cytotoxic effect on a human epithelial cell line, as evidenced by leakage of intracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, which, observed after a 24-h incubation, was dose dependent and maximal at 12 microg/cm2 for each fiber type. Data show that chemical composition, form, durability, and cell toxicity indicate balangeroite as a potentially harmful fibrous mineral that needs to be examined by further chemical and cellular tests.

Zr-doped ceria additives for enhanced PEM fuel cell durability and radical scavenger stability

DOE PAGES

Baker, Andrew M.; Williams, Stefan Thurston DuBard; Mukundan, Rangachary; ...

2017-06-06

Doped ceria compounds demonstrate excellent radical scavenging abilities and are promising additives to improve the chemical durability of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Here in this paper, Ce 0.85Zr 0.15O 2 (CZO) nanoparticles were incorporated into the cathode catalyst layers (CLs) of PEM fuel cells (based on Nafion XL membranes containing 6.0 μg cm -2 ion-exchanged Ce) at loadings of 10 and 55 μg cm -2. When compared to a CZO-free baseline, CZO-containing membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) demonstrated extended lifetimes during PEM chemical stability accelerated stress tests (ASTs), exhibiting reduced electrochemical gas crossover, open circuit voltage decay, and fluoridemore » emission rates. The MEA with high CZO loading (55 μg cm -2) demonstrated performance losses, which are attributed to Ce poisoning of the PEM and CL ionomer regions, which is supported by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. In the MEA with the low CZO loading (10 μg cm -2), both the beginning of life (BOL) performance and the performance after 500 hours of ASTs were nearly identical to the BOL performance of the CZO-free baseline MEA. XRF analysis of the MEA with low CZO loading reveals that the BOL PEM Ce concentrations are preserved after 1408 hours of ASTs and that Ce contents in the cathode CL are not significant enough to reduce performance. Therefore, employing a highly effective radical scavenger such as CZO, at a loading of 10 μg cm -2 in the cathode CL, dramatically mitigates degradation effects, which improves MEA chemical durability and minimizes performance losses.« less

Plasma-Sprayed Refractory Oxide Coatings on Silicon-Base Ceramics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tewari, Surendra

1997-01-01

Silicon-base ceramics are promising candidate materials for high temperature structural applications such as heat exchangers, gas turbines and advanced internal combustion engines. Composites based on these materials are leading candidates for combustor materials for HSCT gas turbine engines. These materials possess a combination of excellent physical and mechanical properties at high temperatures, for example, high strength, high toughness, high thermal shock resistance, high thermal conductivity, light weight and excellent oxidation resistance. However, environmental durability can be significantly reduced in certain conditions such as when molten salts, H2 or water vapor are present. The oxidation resistance of silicon-base materials is provided by SiO2 protective layer. Molten salt reacts with SiO2 and forms a mixture of SiO2 and liquid silicate at temperatures above 800C. Oxygen diffuses more easily through the chemically altered layer, resulting in a catastrophic degradation of the substrate. SiC and Si3N4 are not stable in pure H2 and decompose to silicon and gaseous species such as CH4, SiH, SiH4, N2, and NH3. Water vapor is known to slightly increase the oxidation rate of SiC and Si3N4. Refractory oxides such as alumina, yttria-stabilized zirconia, yttria and mullite (3Al2O3.2SiO2) possess excellent environmental durability in harsh conditions mentioned above. Therefore, refractory oxide coatings on silicon-base ceramics can substantially improve the environmental durability of these materials by acting as a chemical reaction barrier. These oxide coatings can also serve as a thermal barrier. The purpose of this research program has been to develop refractory oxide chemical/thermal barrier coatings on silicon-base ceramics to provide extended temperature range and lifetime to these materials in harsh environments.

Zr-doped ceria additives for enhanced PEM fuel cell durability and radical scavenger stability

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

Baker, Andrew M.; Williams, Stefan Thurston DuBard; Mukundan, Rangachary

Doped ceria compounds demonstrate excellent radical scavenging abilities and are promising additives to improve the chemical durability of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Here in this paper, Ce 0.85Zr 0.15O 2 (CZO) nanoparticles were incorporated into the cathode catalyst layers (CLs) of PEM fuel cells (based on Nafion XL membranes containing 6.0 μg cm -2 ion-exchanged Ce) at loadings of 10 and 55 μg cm -2. When compared to a CZO-free baseline, CZO-containing membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) demonstrated extended lifetimes during PEM chemical stability accelerated stress tests (ASTs), exhibiting reduced electrochemical gas crossover, open circuit voltage decay, and fluoridemore » emission rates. The MEA with high CZO loading (55 μg cm -2) demonstrated performance losses, which are attributed to Ce poisoning of the PEM and CL ionomer regions, which is supported by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. In the MEA with the low CZO loading (10 μg cm -2), both the beginning of life (BOL) performance and the performance after 500 hours of ASTs were nearly identical to the BOL performance of the CZO-free baseline MEA. XRF analysis of the MEA with low CZO loading reveals that the BOL PEM Ce concentrations are preserved after 1408 hours of ASTs and that Ce contents in the cathode CL are not significant enough to reduce performance. Therefore, employing a highly effective radical scavenger such as CZO, at a loading of 10 μg cm -2 in the cathode CL, dramatically mitigates degradation effects, which improves MEA chemical durability and minimizes performance losses.« less

The Fixation of Nitrogen.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrew, S. P. S.

1978-01-01

Discusses the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen in the form of ammonia as one of the foundations of modern chemical industry. The article describes ammonia production and synthesis, purifying the hydrogen-nitrogen mix, nitric acid production, and its commericial plant. (HM)

Improved selectivity towards NO₂ of phthalocyanine-based chemosensors by means of original indigo/nanocarbons hybrid material.

PubMed

Brunet, J; Pauly, A; Dubois, M; Rodriguez-Mendez, M L; Ndiaye, A L; Varenne, C; Guérin, K

2014-09-01

A new and original gas sensor-system dedicated to the selective monitoring of nitrogen dioxide in air and in the presence of ozone, has been successfully achieved. Because of its high sensitivity and its partial selectivity towards oxidizing pollutants (nitrogen dioxide and ozone), copper phthalocyanine-based chemoresistors are relevant. The selectivity towards nitrogen dioxide results from the implementation of a high efficient and selective ozone filter upstream the sensing device. Thus, a powdered indigo/nanocarbons hybrid material has been developed and investigated for such an application. If nanocarbonaceous material acts as a highly permeable matrix with a high specific surface area, immobilized indigo nanoparticles are involved into an ozonolysis reaction with ozone leading to the selective removal of this analytes from air sample. The filtering yields towards each gas have been experimentally quantified and establish the complete removal of ozone while having the concentration of nitrogen dioxide unchanged. Long-term gas exposures reveal the higher durability of hybrid material as compared to nanocarbons and indigo separately. Synthesis, characterizations by many complementary techniques and tests of hybrid filters are detailed. Results on sensor-system including CuPc-based chemoresistors and indigo/carbon nanotubes hybrid material as in-line filter are illustrated. Sensing performances will be especially discussed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Revealing the Origin of Activity in Nitrogen-Doped Nanocarbons towards Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide.

PubMed

Xu, Junyuan; Kan, Yuhe; Huang, Rui; Zhang, Bingsen; Wang, Bolun; Wu, Kuang-Hsu; Lin, Yangming; Sun, Xiaoyan; Li, Qingfeng; Centi, Gabriele; Su, Dangsheng

2016-05-23

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are functionalized with nitrogen atoms for reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2 ). The investigation explores the origin of the catalyst's activity and the role of nitrogen chemical states therein. The catalysts show excellent performances, with about 90 % current efficiency for CO formation and stability over 60 hours. The Tafel analyses and density functional theory calculations suggest that the reduction of CO2 proceeds through an initial rate-determining transfer of one electron to CO2 , which leads to the formation of carbon dioxide radical anion (CO2 (.-) ). The initial reduction barrier is too high on pristine CNTs, resulting in a very high overpotentials at which the hydrogen evolution reaction dominates over CO2 reduction. The doped nitrogen atoms stabilize the radical anion, thereby lowering the initial reduction barrier and improving the intrinsic activity. The most efficient nitrogen chemical state for this reaction is quaternary nitrogen, followed by pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nitrogen plasma-treated multilayer graphene-based field effect transistor fabrication and electronic characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Wei-Jhih; Chang, Hsuan-Chen; Honda, Shin-ichi; Lin, Pao-Hung; Huang, Ying-Sheng; Lee, Kuei-Yi

2017-08-01

Chemical doping with hetero-atoms is an effective method used to change the characteristics of materials. Nitrogen doping technology plays a critical role in regulating the electronic properties of graphene. Nitrogen plasma treatment was used in this work to dope nitrogen atoms to modulate multilayer graphene electrical properties. The measured I-V multilayer graphene-base field-effect transistor characteristics (GFETs) showed a V-shaped transfer curve with the hole and electron region separated from the measured current-voltage (I-V) minimum. GFETs fabricated with multilayer graphene from chemical vapor deposition (CVD) exhibited p-type behavior because of oxygen adsorption. After using different nitrogen plasma treatment times, the minimum in I-V characteristic shifted into the negative gate voltage region with increased nitrogen concentration and the GFET channel became an n-type semiconductor. GFETs could be easily fabricated using this method with potential for various applications. The GFET transfer characteristics could be tuned precisely by adjusting the nitrogen plasma treatment time.

Bifunctional Nitrogen-Doped Microporous Carbon Microspheres Derived from Poly(o-methylaniline) for Oxygen Reduction and Supercapacitors.

PubMed

He, Yanzhen; Han, Xijiang; Du, Yunchen; Song, Bo; Xu, Ping; Zhang, Bin

2016-02-17

Heteroatom-doped carbon materials have attracted significant attention because of their applications in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and supercapacitors. Here we demonstrate a facile poly(o-methylaniline)-derived fabrication of bifunctional microporous nitrogen-doped carbon microspheres (NCMSs) with high electrocatalytic activity and stability for ORR and energy storage in supercapacitors. At a pyrolysis temperature of 900 °C, the highly dispersed NCMSs present a high surface area (727.1 m(2) g(-1)), proper total content of doping N, and high concentration of quaternary N, which exhibit superior electrocatalytic activities for ORR to the commercial Pt/C catalysts, high specific capacitance (414 F g(-1)), and excellent durability, making them very promising for advanced energy conversion and storage. The presented conducting polymer-derived strategy may provide a new way for the fabrication of heteroatom-doped carbon materials for energy device applications.

Durable bonds at the adhesive/dentin interface: an impossible mission or simply a moving target?

PubMed Central

SPENCER, Paulette; Jonggu PARK, Qiang YE; MISRA, Anil; BOHATY, Brenda S.; SINGH, Viraj; PARTHASARATHY, Ranga; SENE, Fábio; de Paiva GONÇALVES, Sérgio Eduardo; LAURENCE, Jennifer

2013-01-01

Composite restorations have higher failure rates, more recurrent caries and increased frequency of replacement as compared to dental amalgam. Penetration of bacterial enzymes, oral fluids, and bacteria into the crevices between the tooth and composite undermines the restoration and leads to recurrent decay and failure. The gingival margin of composite restora tions is particularly vulnerable to decay and at this margin, the adhesive and its seal to dentin provides the primary barrier between the prepared tooth and the environment. The intent of this article is to examine physico-chemical factors that affect the integrity and durability of the adhesive/dentin interfacial bond; and to explore how these factors act synergistically with mechanical forces to undermine the composite restoration. The article will examine the various avenues that have been pursued to address these problems and it will explore how alterations in material chemistry could address the detrimental impact of physico-chemical stresses on the bond formed at the adhesive/dentin interface. PMID:24855586

Durability of visitable concrete sewer gallery under the effect of domestic wastewater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salhi, Aimed; Kriker, Abdelouahed; Tioua, Tahar; Abimiloud, Youcef; Barluenga, Gonzalo

2016-07-01

The durability of concrete structures for the disposal of wastewater depends on their behavior when faced to different aggressions such as mechanics, chemical and biological, causing a deterioration often cementing matrix. The deterioration of recent evacuations wastewater infrastructure, made of reinforced concrete less than 15 years ago, has become an important concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the degradation and the factors responsible for the deterioration of the concrete visitable gallery of sewage from the town of Touggourt (south-east of Algeria). Thus, samples from different parts of the gallery were extracted and unaltered samples were selected as a reference. A degraded sample exposed to H2S gas and another sample of the gallery submerged into wastewater were analyzed to characterize the internal and external damage to the gallery as well as the chemical and mineralogical changes. These tests were complemented by a physical and mechanical characterization of the samples. The experimental results showed the strong anisotropy of both internal and external damage.

Preparation of porous yttrium oxide microparticles by gelation of ammonium alginate in aqueous solution containing yttrium ions.

PubMed

Kawashita, Masakazu; Matsui, Naoko; Li, Zhixia; Miyazaki, Toshiki

2010-06-01

Porous Y2O3 microparticles 500 microm in size were obtained, when 1 wt%-ammonium alginate aqueous solution was dropped into 0.5 M-YCl3 aqueous solution by a Pasteur pipette and the resultant gel microparticles were heat-treated at 1100 degrees C. Small pores less than 1 microm were formed in the microparticles by the heat treatment. The bulk density of the heat-treated microparticle was as low as 0.66 g cm(-3). The chemical durability of the heat-treated microparticles in simulated body fluid at pH = 6 and 7 was high enough for clinical application of in situ radiotherapy. Although the size of the microparticles should be decreased to around 25 microm using atomizing device such as spray gun for clinical application, we found that the porous Y2O3 microparticles with high chemical durability and low density can be obtained by utilizing gelation of ammonium alginate in YCl3 aqueous solution in this study.

Fast chemical and isotopic exchange of nitrogen during reaction with hot molybdenum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokochi, Reika; Marty, Bernard

2006-07-01

Molybdenum crucibles are commonly used to extract nitrogen from geological samples by induction heating. Because nitrogen is known to be reactive with certain metals (e.g., Ti and Fe), we have tested the reactivity of gaseous nitrogen with a Mo crucible held at 1800°C. The consumption of nitrogen, determined by monitoring the N2/40Ar ratio of the gas phase, varied between 25 and 100%, depending on the reaction duration. Nitrogen of the reacted gas was found to be systematically enriched in 15N relative to 14N by 10‰ compared to the initial isotopic composition, without any correlation with nitrogen consumption. We propose that a rapid isotopic exchange occurs between nitrogen originally trapped in the crucible and nitrogen from the gas phase, which modifies the isotopic composition of the reacted gas. This process can significantly bias the isotopic determination of nitrogen in rocks and minerals when a Mo furnace is used for gas extraction. Meanwhile, the rate of N-Mo chemical bonding may be controlled by the formation of nitride (rather than solid solution), a process slower than the isotopic exchange. The use of a Mo furnace for the extraction of trace nitrogen from rocks and minerals should therefore be avoided.

Synthesizing Nanomaterials for Energy Applications: Probing Activity as a Function of Composition, Morphology and Purity to Address Key Issues Associated with Fuel Cells and Li-Ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scofield, Megan Elaine

With the growing need to find alternative clean energy sources to fossil fuels, research into developing efficient fuel cells and batteries stands at the forefront of this grand effort. However, before mass commercialization, fundamental key issues need to be addressed. For example, fuel cells are subject to high catalyst costs and poor durability of the underlying carbon support. As a way to alleviate these issues, we have synthesized ultrathin one-dimensional (1D) alloy nanowires to probe the effect of composition, purity, and one-dimensionality upon the observed overall activity, performance, and durability. In terms of chemical composition, crystalline ultrathin PtM alloy nanowires (NWs) ('M' = Fe, Co, Ru, Cu, and Au) were generated and subsequently evaluated for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). Additionally, ternary-based catalysts were synthesized (PtRuFe) in order to analyze how chemical composition influences CO tolerance as well as methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) activities. In both cases, we utilized a sustainably mild, ambient wet-synthesis method for the fabrication of chemically pure and crystalline systems in order to fabricate ultrathin, homogeneous alloy NWs. Moreover, in these studies, our NW systems exhibit favorable synergistic electronic effects with respect to controls. To address another fundamental issue associated with the durability of fuel cells, we have synthesized various metal oxide and perovskite materials of different sizes and chemical compositions as supports for Pt nanoparticles (NPs). Specifically, we have demonstrated favorable metal support interactions between the Pt NPs and the SrRuO3 NP supports, which lead to increased MOR activity as compared with not only the other metal oxide supports tested but also the commercial Pt NP/C standard. In terms of Li-ion batteries, LiFePO4 materials have become increasingly popular as a cathode material due to the many benefits they possess including thermal stability, durability, low cost, and long life span. However, to broaden the general appeal of this material for practical electrochemical applications, it was useful to develop a relatively mild, reasonably simple synthesis method of this cathode material. We describe a generalizable, 2-step methodology of sustainably synthesizing LiFePO4 by incorporating a template-based, ambient, surfactantless, seedless, U-tube protocol in order to generate size and morphologically tailored, crystalline, phase-pure nanowires. Specifically, we demonstrate for the first time experimentally that the Fe-O3 chemical bond plays an important role in determining the overall conductivity of the material, an assertion which is further supported by recent "first-principles" calculations.

Cascading costs: an economic nitrogen cycle.

PubMed

Moomaw, William R; Birch, Melissa B L

2005-09-01

The chemical nitrogen cycle is becoming better characterized in terms of fluxes and reservoirs on a variety of scales. Galloway has demonstrated that reactive nitrogen can cascade through multiple ecosystems causing environmental damage at each stage before being denitrified to N(2). We propose to construct a parallel economic nitrogen cascade (ENC) in which economic impacts of nitrogen fluxes can be estimated by the costs associated with each stage of the chemical cascade. Using economic data for the benefits of damage avoided and costs of mitigation in the Chesapeake Bay basin, we have constructed an economic nitrogen cascade for the region. Since a single ton of nitrogen can cascade through the system, the costs also cascade. Therefore evaluating the benefits of mitigating a ton of reactive nitrogen released needs to consider the damage avoided in all of the ecosystems through which that ton would cascade. The analysis reveals that it is most cost effective to remove a ton of nitrogen coming from combustion since it has the greatest impact on human health and creates cascading damage through the atmospheric, terrestrial, aquatic and coastal ecosystems. We will discuss the implications of this analysis for determining the most cost effective policy option for achieving environmental quality goals.

Cascading costs: an economic nitrogen cycle.

PubMed

Moomaw, William R; Birch, Melissa B L

2005-12-01

The chemical nitrogen cycle is becoming better characterized in terms of fluxes and reservoirs on a variety of scales. Galloway has demonstrated that reactive nitrogen can cascade through multiple ecosystems causing environmental damage at each stage before being denitrified to N2. We propose to construct a parallel economic nitrogen cascade (ENC) in which economic impacts of nitrogen fluxes can be estimated by the costs associated with each stage of the chemical cascade. Using economic data for the benefits of damage avoided and costs of mitigation in the Chesapeake Bay basin, we have constructed an economic nitrogen cascade for the region. Since a single tonne of nitrogen can cascade through the system, the costs also cascade. Therefore evaluating the benefits of mitigating a tonne of reactive nitrogen released needs to consider the damage avoided in all of the ecosystems through which that tonne would cascade. The analysis reveals that it is most cost effective to remove a tonne of nitrogen coming from combustion since it has the greatest impact on human health and creates cascading damage through the atmospheric, terrestrial, aquatic and coastal ecosystems. We will discuss the implications of this analysis for determining the most cost effective policy option for achieving environmental quality goals.

Investigation of the Sensitivity, Selectivity, and Reversibility of the Chemically-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistor (CHEMFET) to Detect Nitrogen Dioxide, Dimethyl Methylphosphonate, and Boron Trifluoride

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

SENSITIVE FIELD- EFFECT TRANSISTOR (CHEMFET) TO DETECT NITROGEN DIOXIDE, DIMETHYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE, AND BORON TRIFLUORIDE CHAPTER 1 1 Introduction Our rapidly...AND REVERSIBILITY OF THE CHEMICALLY-SENSITIVE FIELD- EFFECT TRANSISTOR (CHEMFET) TO DETECT NITROGEN 3 E I1• DIOXIDE, DIMETHYL METHYLPHOSPHONATE, ELECTE...AND BORON TRIFLUORIDE Neal Terence Hauschild Second Lieutenant, USAF AFIT/GE/ENG/9 3S-10 93-23815I II11l11l11 l gll I 1i 1111 11 I DEPARTMENT OF THE

Zirconia based superhydrophobic coatings on cotton fabrics exhibiting excellent durability for versatile use

PubMed Central

Das, Indranee; De, Goutam

2015-01-01

A fluorinated silyl functionalized zirconia was synthesized by the sol-gel method to fabricate an extremely durable superhydrophobic coating on cotton fabrics by simple immersion technique. The fabric surfaces firmly attached with the coating material through covalent bonding, possessed superhydrophobicity with high water contact angle ≈163 ± 1°, low hysteresis ≈3.5° and superoleophilicity. The coated fabrics were effective to separate oil/water mixture with a considerably high separation efficiency of 98.8 wt% through ordinary filtering. Presence of highly stable (chemically and mechanically) superhydrophobic zirconia bonded with cellulose makes such excellent water repelling ability of the fabrics durable under harsh environment conditions like high temperature, strong acidic or alkaline solutions, different organic solvents and mechanical forces including extensive washings. Moreover, these coated fabrics retained self-cleanable superhydrophobic property as well as high water separation efficiency even after several cycles, launderings and abrasions. Therefore, such robust superhydrophobic ZrO2 coated fabrics have strong potential for various industrial productions and uses. PMID:26678754

Super-hydrophobic surfaces of SiO₂-coated SiC nanowires: fabrication, mechanism and ultraviolet-durable super-hydrophobicity.

PubMed

Zhao, Jian; Li, Zhenjiang; Zhang, Meng; Meng, Alan

2015-04-15

The interest in highly water-repellent surfaces of SiO2-coated SiC nanowires has grown in recent years due to the desire for self-cleaning and anticorrosive surfaces. It is imperative that a simple chemical treatment with fluoroalkylsilane (FAS, CF3(CF2)7CH2CH2Si(OC2H5)3) in ethanol solution at room temperature resulted in super-hydrophobic surfaces of SiO2-coated SiC nanowires. The static water contact angle of SiO2-coated SiC nanowires surfaces was changed from 0° to 153° and the morphology, microstructure and crystal phase of the products were almost no transformation before and after super-hydrophobic treatment. Moreover, a mechanism was expounded reasonably, which could elucidate the reasons for their super-hydrophobic behavior. It is important that the super-hydrophobic surfaces of SiO2-coated SiC nanowires possessed ultraviolet-durable (UV-durable) super-hydrophobicity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mechanically durable superoleophobic aluminum surfaces with microstep and nanoreticula hierarchical structure for self-cleaning and anti-smudge properties.

PubMed

Peng, Shan; Bhushan, Bharat

2016-01-01

Superoleophobic aluminum surfaces are of interest for self-cleaning, anti-smudge (fingerprint resistance), anti-fouling, and corrosion resistance applications. In the published literature on superoleophobic aluminum surfaces, mechanical durability, self-cleaning, and anti-smudge properties data are lacking. Microstep structure has often been used to prepare superhydrophobic aluminum surfaces which produce the microstructure. The nanoreticula structure has also been used, and is reported to be able to trap air-pockets, which are desirable for a high contact angle. In this work, the microstep and nanoreticula structures were produced on aluminum surfaces to form a hierarchical micro/nanostructure by a simple two-step chemical etching process. The hierarchical structure, when modified with fluorosilane, made the surface superoleophobic. The effect of nanostructure, microstructure, and hierarchical structure on wettability and durability were studied and compared. The superoleophobic aluminum surfaces were found to be wear resistant, self-cleaning, and have anti-smudge and corrosion resistance properties. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Environmental durability of polymer concrete

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

Palmese, G.R.; Chawalwala, A.J.

1996-12-31

Over the past two decades, polymer concrete has increasingly been used for a number of applications including piping, machine bases, chemically resistant flooring, and bridge overlays. Currently, the use of polymer concrete as a wear surface for polymeric composite bridge decks is being investigated. Polymer concrete is a particulate composite comprised of mineral aggregate bound by a polymeric matrix. Such materials possess significantly higher mechanical properties than Portland cement concrete. However, the mechanical characteristics and environmental durability of polymer concrete are influenced by a number of factors. Among these are the selection of aggregate and resin, surface treatment, and curemore » conditions. In this work the influence of matrix selection and cure history on the environmental durability of polymer concrete was investigated. Particular attention was given to the effects of water on composite properties and to the mechanisms by which degradation occurs. The basalt-based polymer concrete systems investigated were susceptible to attack by water. Furthermore, results suggest that property loss associated with water exposure was primarily a result of interfacial weakening.« less

Corrosion resistance and durability of superhydrophobic surface formed on magnesium alloy coated with nanostructured cerium oxide film and fluoroalkylsilane molecules in corrosive NaCl aqueous solution.

PubMed

Ishizaki, Takahiro; Masuda, Yoshitake; Sakamoto, Michiru

2011-04-19

The corrosion resistant performance and durability of the superhydrophobic surface on magnesium alloy coated with nanostructured cerium oxide film and fluoroalkylsilane molecules in corrosive NaCl aqueous solution were investigated using electrochemical and contact angle measurements. The durability of the superhydrophobic surface in corrosive 5 wt% NaCl aqueous solution was elucidated. The corrosion resistant performance of the superhydrophobic surface formed on magnesium alloy was estimated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The EIS measurements and appropriate equivalent circuit models revealed that the superhydrophobic surface considerably improved the corrosion resistant performance of magnesium alloy AZ31. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D 3359-02 cross cut tape test was performed to investigate the adhesion of the superhydrophobic film to the magnesium alloy surface. The corrosion formation mechanism of the superhydrophobic surface formed on the magnesium alloy was also proposed. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Cathodic protection of two concrete bridge decks using titanium-mesh anodes : interim report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1991-01-01

Expanded titanium mesh with a layer of precious metal oxides sintered around it has recently been introduced to fulfill the need for a durable anode in the cathodic protection (CP) of concrete bridge decks. In addition to being resistant to chemical ...

Single Cobalt Atoms with Precise N-Coordination as Superior Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts.

PubMed

Yin, Peiqun; Yao, Tao; Wu, Yuen; Zheng, Lirong; Lin, Yue; Liu, Wei; Ju, Huanxin; Zhu, Junfa; Hong, Xun; Deng, Zhaoxiang; Zhou, Gang; Wei, Shiqiang; Li, Yadong

2016-08-26

A new strategy for achieving stable Co single atoms (SAs) on nitrogen-doped porous carbon with high metal loading over 4 wt % is reported. The strategy is based on a pyrolysis process of predesigned bimetallic Zn/Co metal-organic frameworks, during which Co can be reduced by carbonization of the organic linker and Zn is selectively evaporated away at high temperatures above 800 °C. The spherical aberration correction electron microscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure measurements both confirm the atomic dispersion of Co atoms stabilized by as-generated N-doped porous carbon. Surprisingly, the obtained Co-Nx single sites exhibit superior ORR performance with a half-wave potential (0.881 V) that is more positive than commercial Pt/C (0.811 V) and most reported non-precious metal catalysts. Durability tests revealed that the Co single atoms exhibit outstanding chemical stability during electrocatalysis and thermal stability that resists sintering at 900 °C. Our findings open up a new routine for general and practical synthesis of a variety of materials bearing single atoms, which could facilitate new discoveries at the atomic scale in condensed materials. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Durable polydopamine-coated porous sulfur core-shell cathode for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Yuanfu; Xu, Hui; Bai, Zhaowen; Huang, Baoling; Su, Jingyang; Chen, Guohua

2015-12-01

Lithium-sulfur batteries show fascinating potential for advanced energy system due to their high specific capacity, low-cost, and environmental benignity. However, their wide applications have been plagued by low coulombic efficiency, fast capacity fading and poor rate performance. Herein, a facile method for preparation of S@PDA (PDA = polydopamine) composites with core-shell structure and good electrochemical performance as well as the First-Principles calculations on the interactions of PDA and polysulfides are reported. Taking the advantages of the core-shell structure with porous sulfur core, the high mechanical flexibility of PDA for accommodating the volumetric variation during the discharge/charge processes, the good lithium ion conductivity and the strong chemical interactions between the nitrogen/oxygen atoms with lone electron pair and lithium polysulfides for alleviating their dissolution, the S@PDA composites exhibit high discharge capacities at different current densities (1048 and 869 mAh g-1 at 0.2 and 0.8 A g-1, respectively) and excellent capacity retention capability. A capacity decay as low as 0.021% per cycle and an average coulombic efficiency of 98.5% is observed over a long-term cycling of 890 cycles at 0.8 A g-1. The S@PDA electrode has great potential as a low-cost cathode in high energy Li-S batteries.

Investigation of Chemical Durability Mechanisms and Structure of Fluoride Glasses.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-01

coatings on fluoride glasses , it is possible to state the following conclusions: ()Coatings are necessary for both bulk and fiber optics to avoid major...interest for fiber optics applications.’ The chemicalSp . b g rdurability behavior of fluoride glasses not containing zirconium will be reported in later... fiber optics glass containing the base ZBL composition with where X = ppm in solution. V = solution volume (mL), S = additives of Al, Li, and Pb (Fig. 2

Highly Repeatable and Recoverable Phototransistors Based on Multifunctional Channels of Photoactive CdS, Fast Charge Transporting ZnO, and Chemically Durable Al2O3 Layers.

PubMed

Ahn, Cheol Hyoun; Kang, Won Jun; Kim, Ye Kyun; Yun, Myeong Gu; Cho, Hyung Koun

2016-06-22

Highly repeatable and recoverable phototransistors were explored using a "multifunctional channels" structure with multistacked chalcogenide and oxide semiconductors. These devices were made of (i) photoactive CdS (with a visible band gap), (ii) fast charge transporting ZnO (with a high field-effect mobility), and (iii) a protection layer of Al2O3 (with high chemical durability). The CdS TFT without the Al2O3 protection layer did not show a transfer curve due to the chemical damage that occurred on the ZnO layer during the chemical bath deposition (CBD) process used for CdS deposition. Alternatively, compared to CdS phototransistors with long recovery time and high hysteresis (ΔVth = 19.5 V), our "multi-functional channels" phototransistors showed an extremely low hysteresis loop (ΔVth = 0.5V) and superior photosensitivity with repeatable high photoresponsivity (52.9 A/W at 400 nm). These improvements are likely caused by the physical isolation of the sensing region and charge transport region by the insertion of the ultrathin Al2O3 layer. This approach successfully addresses some of the existing problems in CdS phototransistors, such as the high gate-interface trap site density and high absorption of molecular oxygen, which originate from the polycrystalline CdS.

Land Application of Wastes: An Educational Program. Nitrogen Considerations - Module 15, Objectives, Script and Booklet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarkson, W. W.; And Others

This module expands on the introductory discussion of nitrogen in other modules. The various chemical forms of nitrogen found in land treatment systems are defined. Inputs from waste application as well as natural sources are quantified for typical situations. A discussion of nitrogen transformations in the soil includes mineralization and…

Development of high-performance blended cements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zichao

2000-10-01

This thesis presents the development of high-performance blended cements from industrial by-products. To overcome the low-early strength of blended cements, several chemicals were studied as the activators for cement hydration. Sodium sulfate was discovered as the best activator. The blending proportions were optimized by Taguchi experimental design. The optimized blended cements containing up to 80% fly ash performed better than Type I cement in strength development and durability. Maintaining a constant cement content, concrete produced from the optimized blended cements had equal or higher strength and higher durability than that produced from Type I cement alone. The key for the activation mechanism was the reaction between added SO4 2- and Ca2+ dissolved from cement hydration products.

Cyclic Fatigue Durability of Uncoated and EBC Coated 3D SiC/SiC Composites Under Thermal Gradient Conditions at 2700F in Air

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Craig; Harder, Bryan; Zhu, Dongming; Bhatt, Ramakrishna; Kalluri, Sreeramesh

2017-01-01

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) such as SiC/SiC are currently being designed and implemented in high temperature sections of aerospace turbine engines. Such components will be subject to through-thickness thermal gradients, which may affect the durability. In this study, SiC/SiC CMCs with a hybrid chemical vapor infiltrated (CVI) and polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) matrix were loaded in tension while one surface was heated with a laser and the opposite surface was cooled. Issues associated with laser testing will be discussed, along with initial results for coated and uncoated samples.

Adsorption Energies of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen Atoms on the Low-temperature Amorphous Water Ice: A Systematic Estimation from Quantum Chemistry Calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimonishi, Takashi; Nakatani, Naoki; Furuya, Kenji; Hama, Tetsuya

2018-03-01

We propose a new simple computational model to estimate the adsorption energies of atoms and molecules to low-temperature amorphous water ice, and we present the adsorption energies of carbon (3 P), nitrogen (4 S), and oxygen (3 P) atoms based on quantum chemistry calculations. The adsorption energies were estimated to be 14,100 ± 420 K for carbon, 400 ± 30 K for nitrogen, and 1440 ± 160 K for oxygen. The adsorption energy of oxygen is consistent with experimentally reported values. We found that the binding of a nitrogen atom is purely physisorption, while that of a carbon atom is chemisorption, in which a chemical bond to an O atom of a water molecule is formed. That of an oxygen atom has a dual character, with both physisorption and chemisorption. The chemisorption of atomic carbon also implies the possibility of further chemical reactions to produce molecules bearing a C–O bond, though this may hinder the formation of methane on water ice via sequential hydrogenation of carbon atoms. These properties would have a large impact on the chemical evolution of carbon species in interstellar environments. We also investigated the effects of newly calculated adsorption energies on the chemical compositions of cold dense molecular clouds with the aid of gas-ice astrochemical simulations. We found that abundances of major nitrogen-bearing molecules, such as N2 and NH3, are significantly altered by applying the calculated adsorption energy, because nitrogen atoms can thermally diffuse on surfaces, even at 10 K.

Optimizing the durability of the coarse fraction of porous asphalt RAP for effective recycling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holleran, Irina; Wilson, Douglas J.; Black, Philippa; Holleran, Glynn; Walubita, Lubinda F.

2017-09-01

Porous asphalt (PA) durability depends not only on the binder used to manufacture the mix, but also on the aggregates chosen, particularly the coarse fraction component. Aggregates for PA should be of the highest quality and highly durable to withstand the effects of weather and traffic. To recycle PA into a new PA mix, without compromising the long-term performance, the durability of the recovered aggregates from PA-derived reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) should be assessed alongside the aged binder properties. In this study, the Micro-Deval (MD) Abrasion test, combined with water absorption, was found to be a good predictor of asphalt mix performance for PA. Minerology of the aggregates is an important factor when setting limits for MD loss. New Zealand (NZ) aggregates are significantly younger in geological terms, and chemically and physically less stable compared to the aggregates used in many other countries. This is especially true for greywacke, the most used aggregate in NZ for road construction. If the MD limits reported in some literature are applied to NZ PA-derived RAP aggregates, poor performing material can be erroneously incorporated in asphalt mixes. Findings from this study contributes in understanding how PA-derived RAP can be recycled into new value PA mixes.

Environmental Barrier Coatings Having a YSZ Top Coat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Kang N.; Gray, Hugh (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) with a Si bond coat, a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) top coat, and various intermediate coats were investigated. EBCs were processed by atmospheric pressure plasma spraying. The EBC durability was determined by thermal cycling tests in water vapor at 1300 C and 1400 C, and in air at 1400 C and 1500 C. EBCs with a mullite (3Al2O3 (dot) 2SiO2) + BSAS (1 - xBaO (dot) xSrO (dot) Al2O3 (dot) 2SiO2) intermediate coat were more durable than EBCs with a mullite intermediate coat, while EBCs with a mullite/BSAS duplex intermediate coat resulted in inferior durability. The improvement with a mullite + BSAS intermediate coat was attributed to enhanced compliance of the intermediate coat due to the addition of a low modulus BSAS second phase. Mullite + BSAS/YSZ and BSAS/YSZ interfaces produced a low melting (less than 1400 C) reaction product, which is expected to degrade the EBC performance by increasing the thermal conductivity. EBCs with a mullite + BSAS / graded mullite + YSZ intermediate coat showed the best durability among the EBCs investigated in this study. This improvement was attributed to diffused CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) mismatch stress and improved chemical stability due to the compositionally graded mullite+YSZ layer.

Nitrogen–doped graphitized carbon shell encapsulated NiFe nanoparticles: A highly durable oxygen evolution catalyst

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

Du, Lei; Luo, Langli; Feng, Zhenxing

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a crucial role in various energy conversion devices such as water electrolyzers and metal–air batteries. Precious metal catalysts such as Ir, Ru and their oxides are usually used for enhanced reaction kinetics but are limited by their scarce resource. The challenges associated with alternative non–precious metal catalysts such as transition metal oxides and (oxy)hydroxides etc. are their low electronic conductivity and poor durability. Here, we report OER catalysts of NiFe nanoparticles encapsulated by nitrogen–doped graphitized carbon shells derived from bimetallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) precursors. The optimal OER catalyst shows excellent activity (360 mV overpotential atmore » 10 mA cm–2GEO) and durability (no obvious degradation after 20 000 cycles). The electron-donation from Fe and tuned electronic structure of metal cores by Ni are revealed to be primary contributors to the enhanced OER activity. We further demonstrated that the structure and morphology of encapsulating carbon shells, which are the key factors influencing the durability, are facilely controlled by chemical state of precursors. Severe metal particle growth probably caused by oxidation of carbon shells and encapsulated nanoparticles is believed to the main mechanism for activity degradation in these catalysts.« less

The position of gas turbine power plants with respect to the emission of nitrogen oxides by fossil-fueled energy installations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaiser, E.

1977-01-01

The amount of nitrogen oxides introduced into the atmosphere by gas turbines is very significant in relation to the total amount of nitrogen oxide emissions produced by chemical installations and combustion engines. Turbine manufacturers are therefore working to develop combustion chambers with sufficiently low nitrogen oxide emission concentrations. Attention is given to aspects of nitrogen oxide formation in gas turbines, the parameters which determine this formation, and suitable approaches to reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.

Marine and Freshwater Feedstocks as a Precursor for Nitrogen-Containing Carbons: A Review

PubMed Central

Ilnicka, Anna; Lukaszewicz, Jerzy P.

2018-01-01

Marine-derived as well as freshwater feedstock offers important benefits, such as abundance, morphological and structural variety, and the presence of multiple elements, including nitrogen and carbon. Therefore, these renewal resources may be useful for obtaining N- and C-containing materials that can be manufactured by various methods, such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal processes supported by means of chemical and physical activators. However, every synthesis concept relies on an efficient transfer of nitrogen and carbon from marine/freshwater feedstock to the final product. This paper reviews the advantages of marine feedstock over synthetic and natural but non-marine resources as precursors for the manufacturing of N-doped activated carbons. The manufacturing procedure influences some crucial properties of nitrogen-doped carbon materials, such as pore structure and the chemical composition of the surface. An extensive review is given on the relationship between carbon materials manufacturing from marine feedstock and the elemental content of nitrogen, together with a description of the chemical bonding of nitrogen atoms at the surface. N-doped carbons may serve as effective adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from the gas or liquid phase. Non-recognized areas of adsorption-based applications for nitrogen-doped carbons are presented, too. The paper proves that nitrogen-doped carbon materials belong to most of the prospective electrode materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies such as fuel cells, air–metal batteries, and supercapacitors, as well as for bioimaging. The reviewed material belongs to the widely understood field of marine biotechnology in relation to marine natural products. PMID:29701697

Chronic Nitrogen Deposition Influences the Chemical Dynamics of Leaf Litter and Fine Roots During Decomposition

EPA Science Inventory

Atmospheric nitrogen deposition induces a forest carbon sink across broad parts of the Northern Hemisphere; this carbon sink may partly result from slower litter decomposition. Although microbial responses to experimental nitrogen deposition have been well-studied, evidence linki...

Wood preservative testing

Treesearch

Rebecca Ibach; Stan T. Lebow

2012-01-01

Most wood species used in commercial and residential construction have little natural biological durability and will suffer from biodeterioration when exposed to moisture. Historically, this problem has been overcome by treating wood for outdoor use with toxic wood preservatives. As societal acceptance of chemical use changes, there is continual pressure to develop and...

Nitrogen-to-oxygen as a tracer of the chemical evolution of the Local and young Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez-Montero, E.

2013-05-01

Oxygen optical emission-lines are used exhaustively as tracers of the metal content in gaseous nebulae ionized during different episodes of massive star formation. The high luminosity of these lines make them to be detected from the Local Universe up to starbursts at high redshift. Occasionally, in those cases where these lines cannot be measured due to the spectral coverage or to the redshift, nitrogen emission-lines are used instead. However, both nitrogen and oxygen have different nucleosynthetic origins, so the study of chemical abundances from nitrogen emission-lines introduces variables depending on the star formation history of each galaxy that must be taken into account. This contribution summarizes those risks involved in using metallicity tracers based on optical nitrogen emission lines and also describes the advantages of using instead the nitrogen-to-oxygen ratio as a tracer itself, based mainly on its independence on star formation rate, avoiding selection effects at high redshift.

Atmospheric Pseudohalogen Chemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lary, David John

2004-01-01

Hydrogen cyanide is not usually considered in atmospheric chemical models. The paper presents three reasons why hydrogen cyanide is likely to be significant for atmospheric chemistry. Firstly, HCN is a product and marker of biomass burning. Secondly, it is also likely that lightning is producing HCN, and as HCN is sparingly soluble it could be a useful long-lived "smoking gun" marker of lightning activity. Thirdly, the chemical decomposition of HCN leads to the production of small amounts of the cyanide (CN) and NCO radicals. The NCO radical can be photolyzed in the visible portion of the spectrum yielding nitrogen atoms (N). The production of nitrogen atoms is significant as it leads to the titration of total nitrogen from the atmosphere via N+N->N2, where N2 is molecular nitrogen.

Crystallization in high-level waste glass: A review of glass theory and noteworthy literature

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

Christian, J. H.

2015-08-18

There is a fundamental need to continue research aimed at understanding nepheline and spinel crystal formation in high-level waste (HLW) glass. Specifically, the formation of nepheline solids (K/NaAlSiO 4) during slow cooling of HLW glass can reduce the chemical durability of the glass, which can cause a decrease in the overall durability of the glass waste form. The accumulation of spinel solids ((Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn)(Fe, Cr) 2O 4), while not detrimental to glass durability, can cause an array of processing problems inside HLW glass melters. In this review, the fundamental differences between glass and solid-crystals are explained using kinetic,more » thermodynamic, and viscosity arguments, and several highlights of glass-crystallization research, as it pertains to high-level waste vitrification, are described. In terms of mitigating spinel in the melter and both spinel and nepheline formation in the canister, the complexity of HLW glass and the intricate interplay between thermal, chemical, and kinetic factors further complicates this understanding. However, new experiments seeking to elucidate the contributing factors of crystal nucleation and growth in waste glass, and the compilation of data from older experiments, may go a long way towards helping to achieve higher waste loadings while developing more efficient processing strategies. Higher waste loadings and more efficient processing strategies will reduce the overall HLW Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) vitrification facilities mission life.« less

Effects of argon addition on a-CNx film deposition by hot carbon filament chemical vapor deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Yoshihisa; Aono, Masami; Yamazaki, Ayumi; Kitazawa, Nobuaki; Nakamura, Yoshikazu

2002-07-01

Using a carbon filament which supplies carbon and heat, amorphous carbon nitride (a-CNx) films were prepared on Si (100) substrates by hot filament chemical vapor deposition. Deposition was performed in a low-pressure atmosphere of pure nitrogen and a gas mixture of nitrogen and argon. Effects of argon additions to the nitrogen atmosphere on the film microstructure and interface composition between the film and substrate were studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). FESEM observations reveal that the film prepared in a pure nitrogen atmosphere has uniform nucleation and a densely packed columnar pieces structure. The film prepared in the nitrogen and argon gas mixture exhibits preferential nucleation and a tapered structure with macroscopic voids. Depth analyses using XPS reveal that the film prepared in pure nitrogen possesses a broad interface, which includes silicon carbide as well as a-CNx, whereas a sharp interface is discerned in the film prepared in the mixed nitrogen and argon gas. We observed that silicon carbide formation is suppressed by an argon addition to the nitrogen atmosphere during deposition. copyright 2002 American Vacuum Society.

Fe3C nanoparticle decorated Fe/N doped graphene for efficient oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Yanli; Huang, Xiaoqin; Hu, Weihua

2016-11-01

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts with high activity, low cost and good durability are crucial to promote the large-scale practical application of fuel cells. Particularly, iron carbide (Fe3C) supported on nitrogen-doped carbon has recently demonstrated compelling promise for ORR electrocatalysis. In this paper, we report the facile synthesis of mesoporous Fe/N-doped graphene with encapsulated Fe3C nanoparticles (Fe3C@Fe/N-graphene) and its superior ORR catalytic activity. This hybrid material was synthesized by the spontaneous oxidative polymerization of dopamine on graphene oxide (GO) sheets in the presence of iron ion, followed by thermal annealing in Argon (Ar) atmosphere. As-prepared material shows high ORR catalytic activity with overwhelming four-electron reduction pathway, long-term durability and high methanol tolerance in alkaline media. This work reports a facile method to synthesize promising ORR electrocatalysis with multiple components and hierarchical architecture, and may offer valuable insight into the underlying mechanism of Fe3C-boosted ORR activity of Fe/N doped carbon.

High performance platinum single atom electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

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

Liu, Jing; Jiao, Menggai; Lu, Lanlu

For the large-scale sustainable implementation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells in vehicles, high-performance electrocatalysts with low platinum consumption are desirable for use as cathode material during the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells. Here we report a carbon black-supported cost-effective, efficient and durable platinum single-atom electrocatalyst with carbon monoxide/methanol tolerance for the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. The acidic single-cell with such a catalyst as cathode delivers high performance, with power density up to 680 mW cm –2 at 80 °C with a low platinum loading of 0.09 mgPt cm –2, corresponding to a platinum utilization of 0.13 gPt kWmore » –1 in the fuel cell. Good fuel cell durability is also observed. As a result, theoretical calculations reveal that the main effective sites on such platinum single-atom electrocatalysts are single-pyridinic-nitrogen-atom-anchored single-platinum-atom centres, which are tolerant to carbon monoxide/methanol, but highly active for the oxygen reduction reaction.« less

High performance platinum single atom electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

DOE PAGES

Liu, Jing; Jiao, Menggai; Lu, Lanlu; ...

2017-07-24

For the large-scale sustainable implementation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells in vehicles, high-performance electrocatalysts with low platinum consumption are desirable for use as cathode material during the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells. Here we report a carbon black-supported cost-effective, efficient and durable platinum single-atom electrocatalyst with carbon monoxide/methanol tolerance for the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction. The acidic single-cell with such a catalyst as cathode delivers high performance, with power density up to 680 mW cm –2 at 80 °C with a low platinum loading of 0.09 mgPt cm –2, corresponding to a platinum utilization of 0.13 gPt kWmore » –1 in the fuel cell. Good fuel cell durability is also observed. As a result, theoretical calculations reveal that the main effective sites on such platinum single-atom electrocatalysts are single-pyridinic-nitrogen-atom-anchored single-platinum-atom centres, which are tolerant to carbon monoxide/methanol, but highly active for the oxygen reduction reaction.« less

Lean, premixed, prevaporized combustion for aircraft gas turbine engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mularz, E. J.

1979-01-01

The application of lean, premixed, prevaporized combustion to aircraft turbine engine systems can result in benefits in terms of superior combustion performance, improved combustor and turbine durability, and environmentally acceptable pollutant emissions. Lean, premixed prevaporized combustion is particularly attractive for reducing the oxides of nitrogen emissions during high altitude cruise. The NASA stratospheric cruise emission reduction program will evolve and demonstrate lean, premixed, prevaporized combustion technology for aircraft engines. This multiphased program is described. In addition, the various elements of the fundamental studies phase of the program are reviewed, and results to date of many of these studies are summarized.

Algicidal Activity of a Surface-Bonded Organosilicon Quaternary Ammonium Chloride

PubMed Central

Walters, P. A.; Abbott, E. A.; Isquith, A. J.

1973-01-01

The hydrolysis product of a quaternary amine-containing organosilicon salt, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, was found to exhibit algicidal activity while chemically bonded to a variety of substrates. Six representative species of Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, and Chrysophyta were used to evaluate the algicidal activity. Substrate-bonded 14C-labeled organosilicon quaternary ammonium salt when attached to nonwoven fibers was durable to repeated washings, and algicidal activity could not be attributed to slow release of the chemical. Images PMID:4632852

Crystallization, Optical and Chemical Properties of Fluoride Glasses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doremus, R. H.

1985-01-01

Fluoride glasses have great promise as infrared optical components, especially fibers, because they are transparent to 8 micrometers and higher. In order to optimize properties, different glass compositions are needed. Some are hard to form in a container, and may possibly be formable in a containerless furnace. Understanding of crystallization with and without a container could lead to glasses with optimum properties. Chemical durability (attack by water) can limit or extend the applicability of fluoride glasses. Progress to date is given.

Chemical Vapor Deposited Zinc Sulfide. SPIE Press Monograph

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

McCloy, John S.; Tustison, Randal W.

2013-04-22

Zinc sulfide has shown unequaled utility for infrared windows that require a combination of long-wavelength infrared transparency, mechanical durability, and elevated-temperature performance. This book reviews the physical properties of chemical vapor deposited ZnS and their relationship to the CVD process that produced them. An in-depth look at the material microstructure is included, along with a discussion of the material's optical properties. Finally, because the CVD process itself is central to the development of this material, a brief history is presented.

Austenitic-ferritic stainless steels: A state-of-the-art review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voronenko, B. I.

1997-10-01

Austenitic-ferritic stainless steels, more commonly known as duplex stainless steels, or DSS for short, consist of two basic phases. One is austenite, A, and the other is ferrite, F, present in about equal amounts (but not less than 30% each). The two phases owe their corrosion resistance to the high chromium content. Compared to austenitic stainless steels, ASS, they are stronger (without sacrificing ductility), resist corrosion better, and cost less due to their relatively low nickel content. DSS can be used in an environment where standard ASS are not durable enough, such as chloride solutions (ships, petrochemical plant, etc.). Due to their low nickel content and the presence of nickel, DSS have good weldability. However, they have a limited service temperature range (from -40 to 300°) because heating may cause them to give up objectionable excess phases and lower the threshold of cold brittleness in the heat-affected zone of welded joints. State-of-the art DSS are alloyed with nitrogen to stabilize their austenite, and in this respect the nitrogen does the job of nickel. Also, nitrogen enhances the strength and resistance to pitting and improves the structure of welds.

Chemical stability and electrical performance of dual-active-layered zinc-tin-oxide/indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors using a solution process.

PubMed

Kim, Chul Ho; Rim, You Seung; Kim, Hyun Jae

2013-07-10

We investigated the chemical stability and electrical properties of dual-active-layered zinc-tin-oxide (ZTO)/indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO) structures (DALZI) with the durability of the chemical damage. The IGZO film was easily corroded or removed by an etchant, but the DALZI film was effectively protected by the high chemical stability of ZTO. Furthermore, the electrical performance of the DALZI thin-film transistor (TFT) was improved by densification compared to the IGZO TFT owing to the passivation of the pin holes or pore sites and the increase in the carrier concentration due to the effect of Sn(4+) doping.

Open circuit voltage durability study and model of catalyst coated membranes at different humidification levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kundu, Sumit; Fowler, Michael W.; Simon, Leonardo C.; Abouatallah, Rami; Beydokhti, Natasha

Fuel cell material durability is an area of extensive research today. Chemical degradation of the ionomer membrane is one important degradation mechanism leading to overall failure of fuel cells. This study examined the effects of relative humidity on the chemical degradation of the membrane during open circuit voltage testing. Five Gore™ PRIMEA ® series 5510 catalyst coated membranes were degraded at 100%, 75%, 50%, and 20% RH. Open circuit potential and cumulative fluoride release were monitored over time. Additionally scanning electron microscopy images were taken at end of the test. The results showed that with decreasing RH fluoride release rate increased as did performance degradation. This was attributed to an increase in gas crossover with a decrease in RH. Further, it is also shown that interruptions in testing may heavily influence cumulative fluoride release measurements where frequent stoppages in testing will cause fluoride release to be underestimated. SEM analysis shows that degradation occurred in the ionomer layer close to the cathode catalyst. A chemical degradation model of the ionomer membrane was used to model the results. The model was able to predict fluoride release trends, including the effects of interruptions, showing that changes in gas crossover with RH could explain the experimental results.

Synergistically enhanced activity of nitrogen-doped carbon dots/graphene composites for oxygen reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hui; Zhao, Qingshan; Liu, Jingyan; Ma, Xiao; Rao, Yuan; Shao, Xiaodong; Li, Zhongtao; Wu, Wenting; Ning, Hui; Wu, Mingbo

2017-11-01

With rapid dissociative adsorption of oxygen, nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterials have been demonstrated to be efficient alternative catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. Herein, we developed a mild hydrothermal strategy to construct nitrogen-doped carbon dots/graphene (NCDs-NG) composites towards ORR. Carbon dots (CDs) were derived from petroleum coke via acid oxidation while graphene oxide (GO) was obtained from graphite by modified Hummer's method. Graphene was employed as a conductive substrate to disperse CDs during hydrothermal reducing reaction while ammonia was utilized as N source to dope both graphene and CDs. The synergistic effects, i.e. CDs as pillars for graphene and catalytic sites for ORR, the high conductivity of graphene, the quick O2 adsorption on doped pyridinic nitrogen endow the NCDs-NG composites with enhanced ORR catalytic performance in alkaline electrolyte. The onset potential of -95 mV and kinetic current density of 12.7 mA cm-2 at -0.7 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) can be compared to those of the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst. The electron transfer number is about 3.9, revealing a four-electron pathway for ORR. The optimal NCDs-NG catalyst shows superior durability and methanol tolerance than 20 wt% Pt/C. This work demonstrates a feasible and effective strategy to prepare metal-free efficient ORR electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications.

[Effects of long-term fertilization on organic nitrogen fractions in aquic brown soil].

PubMed

Ren, Jin Feng; Zhou, Hua; Ma, Qiang; Xu, Yong Gang; Jiang, Chun Ming; Pan, Fei Fei; Yu, Wan Tai

2017-05-18

The purpose of present research was to investigate how different fertilization regimes altered soil organic nitrogen fractions and their inter-annual dynamics based on a series of long-term experiment (initiated at 1990), including: CK (non-fertilization); M (recycled pig manure); NPK (chemical fertilizer NPK); NPK + M (recycled pig manure with chemical fertilizer NPK). The results showed that soil organic nitrogen components under the different fertilization treatments presented contrastive patterns from the establishment the experiments to 2015. Generally, acid hydrolysable organic nitrogen content increased year by year. The amino acid nitrogen content under CK and NPK treatments consistently declined, although amino acid nitrogen for M and NPK+M treatments showed a increasing trend. These phenomena were probably ascribed to the utilization of soil amino acids by microbes. From 1990 to 2015, NPK treatment substantially elevated the content of acid-released ammonium nitrogen by 31.1% compared with CK (mean value across the experiment), and for the treatments using organic manure (M and NPK+M), the contents of all fractions of soil organic nitrogen increased. Notably, the increase magnitudes for NPK+M were more dramatic than those of M. These results demonstrated that combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers could more effectively elevate soil organic nitrogen, subsequently helping to improve the capacity of soil nitrogen supply and enhance the soil fertility.

Vapor-Liquid Sol-Gel Approach to Fabricating Highly Durable and Robust Superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxane@Silica Surface on Polyester Textile for Oil-Water Separation.

PubMed

Su, Xiaojing; Li, Hongqiang; Lai, Xuejun; Zhang, Lin; Wang, Jing; Liao, Xiaofeng; Zeng, Xingrong

2017-08-23

Large-scale fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces with excellent durability by simple techniques has been of considerable interest for its urgent practical application in oil-water separation in recent years. Herein, we proposed a facile vapor-liquid sol-gel approach to fabricating highly durable and robust superhydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane@silica surfaces on the cross-structure polyester textiles. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the silica generated from the hydrolysis-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) gradually aggregated at microscale driven by the extreme nonpolar dihydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS(OH)). This led to construction of hierarchical roughness and micronano structures of the superhydrophobic textile surface. The as-fabricated superhydrophobic textile possessed outstanding durability in deionized water, various solvents, strong acid/base solutions, and boiling/ice water. Remarkably, the polyester textile still retained great water repellency and even after ultrasonic treatment for 18 h, 96 laundering cycles, and 600 abrasion cycles, exhibiting excellent mechanical robustness. Importantly, the superhydrophobic polyester textile was further applied for oil-water separation as absorption materials and/or filter pipes, presenting high separation efficiency and great reusability. Our method to construct superhydrophobic textiles is simple but highly efficient; no special equipment, chemicals, or atmosphere is required. Additionally, no fluorinated slianes and organic solvents are involved, which is very beneficial for environment safety and protection. Our findings conceivably stand out as a new tool to fabricate organic-inorganic superhydrophobic surfaces with strong durability and robustness for practical applications in oil spill accidents and industrial sewage emission.

SCR SYSTEMS FOR HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS: PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING EURO 4 EMISSION STANDARDS IN 2005

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

Frank, W; Huethwohl, G; Maurer, B

2003-08-24

Emissions of diesel engines contain some components, which support the generation of smog and which are classified hazardous. Exhaust gas aftertreatment is a powerful tool to reduce the NOx and Particulate emissions. The NOx-emission can be reduced by the SCR technology. SCR stands for Selective Catalytic Reduction. A reduction agent has to be injected into the exhaust upstream of a catalyst. On the catalyst the NOx is reduced to N2 (Nitrogen) and H2O (Water). This catalytic process was developed in Japan about 30 years ago to reduce the NOx emission of coal-fired power plants. The first reduction agent used wasmore » anhydrous ammonia (NH3). SCR technology was used with diesel engines starting mid of the 80s. First applications were stationary operating generator-sets. In 1991 a joint development between DaimlerChrysler, MAN, IVECO and Siemens was started to use SCR technology for the reduction of heavy duty trucks. Several fleet tests demonstrated the durability of the systems. To day, SCR technology is the most promising technology to fulfill the new European Regulations EURO 4 and EURO 5 being effective Oct. 2005 and Oct. 2008. The efficient NOx reduction of the catalyst allows an engine calibration for low fuel consumption. DaimlerChrysler decided to use the SCR technology on every heavy duty truck and bus in Europe and many other truck manufacturers will introduce SCR technology to fulfill the 2005 emission regulation. The truck manufacturers in Europe agreed to use aqueous solution of Urea as reducing agent. The product is called AdBlue. AdBlue is a non toxic, non smelling liquid. The consumption is about 5% of the diesel fuel consumption to reduce the NOx emissions. A small AdBlue tank has to be installed to the vehicle. With an electronically controlled dosing system the AdBlue is injected into the exhaust. The dosing system is simple and durable. It has proven its durability during winter and summer testing as well as in fleet tests. The infrastructure for AdBlue is under evaluation in Europe by Urea Producers and Mineral Oil companies to be readily available in time. Urea is one of the most common chemical products in the world and the production and the distribution very much experienced. However, a pure grade is needed for automotive application and requires special attention.« less

REACTIONS OF FUEL NITROGEN COMPOUNDS UNDER CONDITIONS OF INERT PYROLYSIS

EPA Science Inventory

The paper describes the pyrolysis of fossil fuels and model nitrogen compounds in helium in a small quartz plow reactor, as part of a study of the chemical mechanisms involved in the conversion of fuel-nitrogen compounds to nitric oxide (NO) during combustion. Hydrogen cyanide (H...

[Effect of NH4(+) -N/NO3(-)-N ratio in applied supplementary fertilizer on nitrogen metabolism and main chemical composition of Pinellia ternata].

PubMed

Hu, Long-Jiao; Wang, Kang-Cai; Li, Can-Wen

2013-07-01

To study the effect of nitrogen forms on nitrogen metabolism and main chemical composition of Pinellia ternate. Through the soilless cultivation experiment and based at the same nitrogen level and different NH4(+) -N/NO3(-) -N ratios, nitrate reductase (NR) activity, glutamine synthetase (GS) activity, the content of nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen in different parts of P. ternate were determined. The contents of total alkaloid, free total organic acids and guanosine in the tuber were determined. The yield of bulbil and tuber was calculated. The test results showed that, with the NH4(+) -N/NO3(-) -N ratio increasing, the activity of nitrate reductase decreased, the content of nitrate nitrogen in the leaves, petioles and tuber increasing initially, then decreased, and the content of nitrate nitrogen in the root decreased. Meanwhile, with the NH4(+) -N/NO3(-) -N ratio increasing, the activity of glutamine synthetase in the leaves, petioles and root increased, the activity of glutamine synthetase in the tuber increasing initially, then decreased. The contents of ammonium nitrogen in the leaves, tuber and root increased initially, then decreased, and the contents of ammonium nitrogen in the petioles increased with the NH4(+)(-N/NO3(-)-N ratio increasing. The yield of bulbil and tuber were the highest at the NH4(+)-N/NO3(-) -N ratio of 75: 25. The content of total alkaloid and guanosine in the tuber were the highest at the NH4(+)-N/NO3(-) -N ratio of 0: 100, and the contents were 0.245% and 0.0197% respectively. With the NH4(+)-N/NO3(-) -N ratio of 50: 50, the content of free total organic acids was the highest, it reached 0.7%, however, the content of free total organic acids was the lowest at the NH4(+) -N/NO3(-) -N ratio of 0: 100. Nitrogen fertilization significant influences the nitrogen metabolism, the yield and main chemical composition of P. ternate.

Properties and durability of the passive films on a nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy and an iron-based bulk metallic glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pharkya, Pallavi

Alloy 22, a Ni-Cr-Mo-W alloy, and SAM1651, an Fe-Cr-Mo-B-Y-C bulk metallic glass are highly corrosion-resistant alloys. The high corrosion resistance of these alloys is due to the formation of tenacious oxide films on their surfaces. This study examines the reformation behavior of the passive films as a function of the corrosion resistance of the alloys and the corrosivity of the environment. The main tasks of this study were (i) to determine the chemical durability of passive films on these highly corrosion-resistant alloys in aggressive environments, (ii) to investigate the durability after mechanically damaging the passive films either locally or over the entire surface area and to study the reformation kinetics, (iii) to compare the durability of the passive films of the aforementioned highly corrosion resistant alloys with an alloy of intermediate corrosion resistance, AL6XN, and an alloy of less corrosion resistance, 316L SS, (iv) to examine the evolution of the electronic properties of the passive films on alloy 22 and SAM1651 under different environmental conditions such as concentrated chloride solution, acidic solution, temperature, potential and oxyanions, and (v) to develop an understanding of the relationship between the passive films' composition, electronic and electrochemical properties and the performance. A combination of techniques was utilized to meet the above mentioned objectives. Cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP) was used to determine the electrochemical parameters such as freely corroding, breakdown and repassivation potentials. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to determine the electronic properties such as impedance, thickness and capacitance of the passive films. Mott-Schottky (M-S) analysis was used to determine the type and the density of the defects in the passive films. The mechanical durability and reformation kinetics of the passive films was investigated using a scratch-repassivation method. The quality and the protectiveness of the reformed passive films after scribing were examined using EIS, M-S analysis, and AES. The results show that the passive films on alloy 22 and SAM1651 possess high chemical and mechanical durability. The reformed passive films acquired the same electronic and elemental properties as the passive films which were undamaged. The passive films on SAM1651 and alloy 22 showed better corrosion resistance and durability than did the passive films on AL6XN and 316L SS. The results also showed that the passive film behavior depends on the inherent corrosion resistance of an alloy and the corrosivity of the environment. The inherent corrosion resistance depends on the concentration of the passivity-providing elements such as Cr and Mo in the bulk composition of the alloy (and passive film), and the corrosivity of the environment which is influenced by chloride concentration, oxyanions, temperature, pH, and oxidizing potential.

Immediate impact on the rim zone of cement based materials due to chemical attack

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

Schwotzer, M., E-mail: matthias.schwotzer@kit.edu; Scherer, T.; Gerdes, A.

2015-01-15

Cement based materials are in their widespread application fields exposed to various aqueous environments. This can lead to serious chemical changes affecting the durability of the materials. In particular in the context of service life prediction a detailed knowledge of the reaction mechanisms is a necessary base for the evaluation of the aggressivity of an aqueous medium and this is deduced commonly from long term investigations. However, these processes start immediately at the material/water-interface, when a cementitious system comes into contact with an aqueous solution, altering here the chemical composition and microstructure. This rim zone represents the first hurdle thatmore » has to be overcome by an attacking aqueous solution. Therefore, the properties of the surface near area should be closely associated with the further course of deterioration processes by reactive transport. In this context short term exposure experiments with hardened cement paste over 4 and 48 h have been carried out with demineralized water, hard tap water and different sulfate solutions. In order to investigate immediate changes in the near-surface region, depth profile cuts have been performed on the cement paste samples by means of focused ion beam preparation techniques. A scanning beam of Gallium ions is applied to cut a sharp edge in the cement paste surface, providing insights into the composition and microstructure of the upper ten to hundred microns. Electron microscopic investigations on such a section of the rim zone, together with surface sensitive X-ray diffraction accompanied by a detailed characterization of the bulk composition confirm that the properties of the material/water interface are of relevance for the durability of cement based systems in contact with aqueous solutions. In this manner, focused ion beam investigations constitute auspicious tools to contribute to a more sophisticated understanding of the reaction mechanisms. - Highlights: • The chemical stability is related to the properties of material/water interface. • Properties of the rim zone readjust quickly, triggered by hydrochemical conditions. • Durability research can be improved by combining FIB techniques and common analytics.« less

Prediction of hydrodynamics and chemistry of confined turbulent methane-air flames with attention to formation of oxides of nitrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elghobashi, S.; Spalding, D. B.; Srivatsa, S. K.

1977-01-01

A formulation of the governing partial differential equations for fluid flow and reacting chemical species in a tubular combustor is presented. A numerical procedure for the solution of the governing differential equations is described, and models for chemical equilibrium and chemical kinetics calculations are presented. The chemical equilibrium model is used to characterize the hydrocarbon reactions. The chemical kinetics model is used to predict the concentrations of the oxides of nitrogen. The combustor consists of a cylindrical duct of varying cross sections with concentric streams of gaseous fuel and air entering the duct at one end. Four sample cases with specified inlet and boundary conditions are considered, and the results are discussed

Development of batch producible hot embossing 3D nanostructured surface-enhanced Raman scattering chip technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chu-Yu; Tsai, Ming-Shiuan

2017-09-01

The main purpose of this study is to develop a batch producible hot embossing 3D nanostructured surface-enhanced Raman chip technology for high sensitivity label-free plasticizer detection. This study utilizing the AAO self-assembled uniform nano-hemispherical array barrier layer as a template to create a durable nanostructured nickel mold. With the hot embossing technique and the durable nanostructured nickel mold, we are able to batch produce the 3D Nanostructured Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering Chip with consistent quality. In addition, because of our SERS chip can be fabricated by batch processing, the fabrication cost is low. Therefore, the developed method is very promising to be widespread and extensively used in rapid chemical and biomolecular detection applications.

Cyclic Fatigue Durability of Uncoated and EBC Coated 3D SiC/SiC Composites Under Thermal Gradient Conditions at 2700F in Air

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Craig; Harder, Bryan; Zhu, Dongming; Bhatt, Ramakrishna; Kalluri, Sreeramesh

2017-01-01

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) such as SiCSiC are currently being designed and implemented in high temperature sections of aerospace turbine engines. Such components will be subject to through-thickness thermal gradients, which may affect the durability. In this study, SiCSiC CMCs with a hybrid chemical vapor infiltrated (CVI) and polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) matrix were loaded in tension while one surface was heated with a laser and the opposite surface was cooled. The samples were each coated with an environmental barrier coating (EBC), which was produced by electron beam physical deposition (EBPVD). Results for CMCs tested with and without the EBC be discussed.

Flexible Transparent Conductive Films with High Performance and Reliability Using Hybrid Structures of Continuous Metal Nanofiber Networks for Flexible Optoelectronics.

PubMed

Park, Juyoung; Hyun, Byung Gwan; An, Byeong Wan; Im, Hyeon-Gyun; Park, Young-Geun; Jang, Junho; Park, Jang-Ung; Bae, Byeong-Soo

2017-06-21

We report an Ag nanofiber-embedded glass-fabric reinforced hybrimer (AgNF-GFRHybrimer) composite film as a reliable and high-performance flexible transparent conducting film. The continuous AgNF network provides superior optoelectronic properties of the composite film by minimizing transmission loss and junction resistance. In addition, the excellent thermal/chemical stability and mechanical durability of the GFRHybrimer matrix provides enhanced mechanical durability and reliability of the final AgNF-GFRHybrimer composite film. To demonstrate the availability of our AgNF-GFRHybrimer composite as a transparent conducting film, we fabricated a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device on the AgNF-GFRHybrimer film; the OLED showed stable operation during a flexing.

Study of the activity of the local adding [ash from palm plantation wastes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezig, D.; Bentabba, M. T.

2018-05-01

The objectify of this work is to study the activity of the ash by substitution of 25℅ cement of mineral powder ash from palm plantation wastes, and its influences mechanical performances on mortar. Such as the resistance of the compression, the traction, and durability by reducing calcium hydroxide content Ca[OH]2 generated by chemical reaction of cement, which has a harmful effect in durability. The activity of this waste was evaluated in the utilized of mechanic attempts resistance of the compression and flexion in 28 day] was also studied, the obtained results shows the best result of the index of ash activity is i=0,69 was obtained in mixing cement with CRS.

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

Gangwal, S.K.; Gupta, R.P.; Khare, G.P.

The objectives of this project are to determine the long-term chemical reactivity and mechanical durability of a fluidized version of Phillips Petroleum Company`s proprietary Z-SORB sorbent for the desulfurization of coal-derived gases in a high-pressure (20 atm) fluidized-bed reactor under simulated U-Gas conditions and at a moderate operating temperature of 538 degrees C.

Development of durable green concrete exposed to deicing chemicals via synergistic use of locally available recycled materials and multi-scale modifiers

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2018-02-02

From the economic and social perspectives, the use of waste materials would not be attractive until their costs and quality can satisfy the construction requirements. In this study, a pure fly ash paste (PFAP) was developed in place of ordinary Portl...

Chemical durability and leaching mechanism of Ce0.5Eu0.5PO4 ceramics: Effects of temperature and pH values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xiaofeng; Teng, Yuancheng; Wu, Lang; Huang, Yi; Ma, Jiyan; Wang, Guolong

2015-11-01

Ce0.5Eu0.5PO4 ceramics with high relative density were prepared by hot-press (HPS) and pressureless (PLS) sintering. The effects of temperature and pH values on the chemical durability of the ceramics were investigated. The results show that an increase of acidity significantly accelerated the corrosion of the samples. In alkaline leachates, further release elements were prevented by the newborn surface precipitation. The leach rate (Rn) of HPS sample was similar to that of PLS specimen in deionized water, but higher Rn for PLS sample was found in pH = 11 solution. Moreover, apparent activation energy of the dissolution of Eu (40 ± 4 kJ mol-1) is much higher than that of Ce (20 ± 1 kJ mol-1), leading to the higher normalized elemental leach rate of Eu. Both the Eu and Ce elements have low leach rates (10-12-10-9 m d-1) after 42 days in all the leachates studied in this work.

[Nitrogen non-point source pollution identification based on ArcSWAT in Changle River].

PubMed

Deng, Ou-Ping; Sun, Si-Yang; Lü, Jun

2013-04-01

The ArcSWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model was adopted for Non-point source (NPS) nitrogen pollution modeling and nitrogen source apportionment for the Changle River watershed, a typical agricultural watershed in Southeast China. Water quality and hydrological parameters were monitored, and the watershed natural conditions (including soil, climate, land use, etc) and pollution sources information were also investigated and collected for SWAT database. The ArcSWAT model was established in the Changle River after the calibrating and validating procedures of the model parameters. Based on the validated SWAT model, the contributions of different nitrogen sources to river TN loading were quantified, and spatial-temporal distributions of NPS nitrogen export to rivers were addressed. The results showed that in the Changle River watershed, Nitrogen fertilizer, nitrogen air deposition and nitrogen soil pool were the prominent pollution sources, which contributed 35%, 32% and 25% to the river TN loading, respectively. There were spatial-temporal variations in the critical sources for NPS TN export to the river. Natural sources, such as soil nitrogen pool and atmospheric nitrogen deposition, should be targeted as the critical sources for river TN pollution during the rainy seasons. Chemical nitrogen fertilizer application should be targeted as the critical sources for river TN pollution during the crop growing season. Chemical nitrogen fertilizer application, soil nitrogen pool and atmospheric nitrogen deposition were the main sources for TN exported from the garden plot, forest and residential land, respectively. However, they were the main sources for TN exported both from the upland and paddy field. These results revealed that NPS pollution controlling rules should focus on the spatio-temporal distribution of NPS pollution sources.

Influence on wine biogenic amine composition of modifications to soil N availability and grapevine N by cover crops.

PubMed

Pérez-Álvarez, Eva P; Garde-Cerdán, Teresa; Cabrita, Maria João; García-Escudero, Enrique; Peregrina, Fernando

2017-11-01

Vineyard soil management can modify the nitrogen soil availability and, therefore, grape amino acid content. These compounds are precursors of biogenic amines, which have negative effects on wine quality and human health. The objective was to study whether the effect of conventional tillage and two cover crops (barley and clover) on grapevine nitrogen status could be related to wine biogenic amines. Over 4 years, soil NO 3 - -N, nitrogen content in leaf and wine biogenic amine concentration were determined. Barley reduced soil NO 3 - -N availability and clover increased it. In 2011, at bloom, nitrogen content decreased with barley treatment in both blade and petiole. In 2012, nitrogen content in both leaf tissues at bloom was greater with clover than with tillage and barley treatments. Also, total biogenic amines decreased in barley with respect to tillage and clover treatments. There were correlations between some individual and total biogenic amine concentrations with respect to nitrogen content in leaf tissues. Wine biogenic amine concentration can be affected by the grapevine nitrogen status, provoked by changes in the soil NO 3 - -N availability with both cover crop treatments. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Thermodynamic Routes to Novel Metastable Nitrogen-Rich Nitrides

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

Sun, Wenhao; Holder, Aaron; Orvañanos, Bernardo

Compared to oxides, the nitrides are relatively unexplored, making them a promising chemical space for novel materials discovery. Of particular interest are nitrogen-rich nitrides, which often possess useful semiconducting properties for electronic and optoelectronic applications. However, such nitrogen-rich compounds are generally metastable, and the lack of a guiding theory for their synthesis has limited their exploration. Here, we review the remarkable metastability of observed nitrides, and examine the thermodynamics of how reactive nitrogen precursors can stabilize metastable nitrogen-rich compositions during materials synthesis. We map these thermodynamic strategies onto a predictive computational search, training a data-mined ionic substitution algorithm specifically formore » nitride discovery, which we combine with grand-canonical DFT-SCAN phase stability calculations to compute stabilizing nitrogen chemical potentials. We identify several new nitrogen-rich binary nitrides for experimental investigation, notably the transition metal nitrides Mn3N4, Cr3N4, V3N4, and Nb3N5, the main group nitride SbN, and the pernitrides FeN2, CrN2, and Cu2N2. By formulating rational thermodynamic routes to metastable compounds, we expand the search space for functional technological materials beyond equilibrium phases and compositions.« less

Thermodynamic Routes to Novel Metastable Nitrogen-Rich Nitrides

DOE PAGES

Sun, Wenhao; Holder, Aaron; Orvañanos, Bernardo; ...

2017-07-17

Compared to oxides, the nitrides are relatively unexplored, making them a promising chemical space for novel materials discovery. Of particular interest are nitrogen-rich nitrides, which often possess useful semiconducting properties for electronic and optoelectronic applications. However, such nitrogen-rich compounds are generally metastable, and the lack of a guiding theory for their synthesis has limited their exploration. Here, we review the remarkable metastability of observed nitrides, and examine the thermodynamics of how reactive nitrogen precursors can stabilize metastable nitrogen-rich compositions during materials synthesis. We map these thermodynamic strategies onto a predictive computational search, training a data-mined ionic substitution algorithm specifically formore » nitride discovery, which we combine with grand-canonical DFT-SCAN phase stability calculations to compute stabilizing nitrogen chemical potentials. We identify several new nitrogen-rich binary nitrides for experimental investigation, notably the transition metal nitrides Mn3N4, Cr3N4, V3N4, and Nb3N5, the main group nitride SbN, and the pernitrides FeN2, CrN2, and Cu2N2. By formulating rational thermodynamic routes to metastable compounds, we expand the search space for functional technological materials beyond equilibrium phases and compositions.« less

Inoculation of new rhizobial isolates improve nutrient uptake and growth of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and arugula (Eruca sativa).

PubMed

de Souza, Eduardo M; Bassani, Victor L; Sperotto, Raul A; Granada, Camille E

2016-08-01

In the current agricultural model, the massive use of chemical fertilizer causes environmental and economic losses. Inoculation of plant-growth-promoting (PGP) nitrogen-fixing bacteria is an alternative to the use of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. In this study, rhizobia strains isolated from common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) root nodules were evaluated in an effort to identify an efficient nitrogen-fixing rhizobia strain able to improve bean germination and growth. Common bean plants were collected from seven sites in southern Brazil, and 210 native rhizobia isolates were obtained. Evaluation of PGP traits showed that most of the rhizobia isolates were non-siderophore producers and weak indolic compounds producers. Under laboratory conditions, rhizobia isolates E15 (Rhizobium leguminosarum) and L5 (Rhizobium radiobacter) increase germination percentage, length, and dry weight of common bean and arugula (Eruca sativa) seedlings. Under greenhouse conditions, common bean plants inoculated with the rhizobia isolates VC28 and L15 (both Rhizobium fabae) presented the highest nodule number and shoot dry matter, while VC28 also presented the highest values of shoot nitrogen and potassium. Isolate L17 presented highly effective N fixation, even with reduced nodulation. These new rhizobia isolates are attractive PGP alternatives to chemical fertilizers. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Electronic and Electrochemical Properties of Nitrogen Doped Carbon Nanotubes

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-31

will be investigated. The research results will evaluate the potentials of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes for development of cathodes, gas sensors ...DPA – diphenylanthracene CVD – chemical vapor deposition CNx – nitrogen-doped carbon CNT – carbon nanotube MWNT – multiwall carbon nanotube SEM...3 Summary Page The aim of the project was a study of effect of nitrogen doping on the electronic and electrochemical properties of CNT . During

Chemical Modification of Graphene Oxide by Nitrogenation: An X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy Study

DOE PAGES

Chuang, Cheng-Hao; Ray, Sekhar C.; Mazumder, Debarati; ...

2017-02-10

Nitrogen-doped graphene oxides (GO:N x) were synthesized by a partial reduction of graphene oxide (GO) using urea [CO(NH 2) 2 ]. Their electronic/bonding structures were investigated using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), valence-band photoemission spectroscopy (VB-PES), X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS). During GO:N x synthesis, different nitrogen-bonding species, such as pyrrolic/graphitic-nitrogen, were formed by replacing of oxygen-containing functional groups. At lower N-content (2.7 at%), pyrrolic-N, owing to surface and subsurface diffusion of C, N and NH is deduced from various X-ray spectroscopies. In contrast, at higher N-content (5.0 at%) graphitic nitrogen was formed in whichmore » each N-atom trigonally bonds to three distinct sp 2 -hybridized carbons with substitution of the N-atoms for C atoms in the graphite layer. Upon nitrogen substitution, the total density of state close to Fermi level is increased to raise the valence-band maximum, as revealed by VB-PES spectra, indicating an electron donation from nitrogen, molecular bonding C/N/O coordination or/and lattice structure reorganization in GO:N x . The well-ordered chemical environments induced by nitrogen dopant are revealed by XANES and RIXS measurements.« less

Chemical Modification of Graphene Oxide by Nitrogenation: An X-ray Absorption and Emission Spectroscopy Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuang, Cheng-Hao; Ray, Sekhar C.; Mazumder, Debarati; Sharma, Surbhi; Ganguly, Abhijit; Papakonstantinou, Pagona; Chiou, Jau-Wern; Tsai, Huang-Ming; Shiu, Hung-Wei; Chen, Chia-Hao; Lin, Hong-Ji; Guo, Jinghua; Pong, Way-Faung

2017-02-01

Nitrogen-doped graphene oxides (GO:Nx) were synthesized by a partial reduction of graphene oxide (GO) using urea [CO(NH2)2]. Their electronic/bonding structures were investigated using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), valence-band photoemission spectroscopy (VB-PES), X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS). During GO:Nx synthesis, different nitrogen-bonding species, such as pyrrolic/graphitic-nitrogen, were formed by replacing of oxygen-containing functional groups. At lower N-content (2.7 at%), pyrrolic-N, owing to surface and subsurface diffusion of C, N and NH is deduced from various X-ray spectroscopies. In contrast, at higher N-content (5.0 at%) graphitic nitrogen was formed in which each N-atom trigonally bonds to three distinct sp2-hybridized carbons with substitution of the N-atoms for C atoms in the graphite layer. Upon nitrogen substitution, the total density of state close to Fermi level is increased to raise the valence-band maximum, as revealed by VB-PES spectra, indicating an electron donation from nitrogen, molecular bonding C/N/O coordination or/and lattice structure reorganization in GO:Nx. The well-ordered chemical environments induced by nitrogen dopant are revealed by XANES and RIXS measurements.

Favorable effect of in-situ generated platinum in the membrane on fuel cell membrane durability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macauley, Natalia; Wong, Ka Hung; Watson, Mark; Kjeang, Erik

2015-12-01

The overall lifetime of polymer electrolyte fuel cells is often determined by the membrane durability. Platinum, which may dissolve from the catalyst layers during fuel cell operation and deposit in the membrane, has been shown to have both positive and negative effects on membrane stability. In the present work, we analyze what specific conditions are required in order to reach a favorable, membrane stabilizing effect with the controlled use of platinum in the membrane. Using accelerated membrane durability testing, field operated membrane samples, and electron microscopy, we demonstrate that a high platinum concentration with specific particle shapes and sizes is essential for enhanced membrane stability. Specifically, star shaped and dendritic particles with high particle density and high surface area are shown to be preferable. These particles contain high levels of Pt(111) and are expected to have high catalytic activity toward peroxide quenching and crossover gas consumption, thereby mitigating chemical membrane degradation. On the other hand, small, dispersed cubic particles are found to have no effect or the opposite, negative effect on membrane stability.

Fabrication of silver nanoparticle sponge leather with durable antibacterial property.

PubMed

Liu, Gongyan; Haiqi, Gao; Li, Kaijun; Xiang, Jun; Lan, Tianxiang; Zhang, Zongcai

2018-03-15

Leather product with durable antibacterial property is of great interest both from industry and consumer's point of view. To fabricate such functional leather, gallic acid modified silver nanoparticles (GA@AgNPs) were first in situ synthesized with a core-shell structure and an average size of 15.3nm. Due to its hydrophilic gallic acid surface, the GA@AgNPs possessed excellent stability and dispersibility in wide pH range from 3 to 12 and also showed effective antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of around 10μgmL -1 . Then, such GA@AgNPs were used as retanning agent to be successfully filled into leather matrix during the leather manufacturing process. Moreover, taking the advantage of its high surface density of carboxyl groups, these GA@AgNPs could be further chemically cross-linked onto collagen fibers by chrome tanning agent. After retanning, the resultant leather was given a "AgNPs sponge" feature with high payload of silver nanoparticles against laundry, exhibiting high and durable antibacterial activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Elicitor and nitrogen applications to Garnacha, Graciano and Tempranillo vines: effect on grape amino acid composition.

PubMed

Gutiérrez-Gamboa, Gastón; Portu, Javier; López, Rosa; Santamaría, Pilar; Garde-Cerdán, Teresa

2018-04-01

Elicitors and nitrogen foliar applications to vineyards could regulate grape nitrogen composition, which has an important effect on grape and wine quality. Thus the aim of this research was to study the effect of foliar elicitor treatments, methyl jasmonate (MeJ) and yeast extract (YE), and foliar nitrogen applications, urea (Ur) and phenylalanine (Phe), to Garnacha, Graciano and Tempranillo vines on grape amino acid composition. The results showed that elicitor and nitrogen foliar applications to Garnacha and Tempranillo grapevines decreased the must amino acid concentration. However, Phe application to these two grapevines increased the must Phe content. The treatments applied to Graciano grapevines barely effected the grape amino acid content. According to the percentage of variance attributable, the variety had a higher impact on the must amino acid composition than the treatments and their interaction, except in certain amino acids such as Phe. The influence of elicitor and nitrogen foliar applications to grapevines on grape amino acid concentration was strongly conditioned by the variety. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nanoscale carbon materials from hydrocarbons pyrolysis: Structure, chemical behavior, utilisation for non-aqueous supercapacitors

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

Savilov, Serguei V., E-mail: savilov@chem.msu.ru; Strokova, Natalia E.; Ivanov, Anton S.

Highlights: • N-doped and regular carbon nanomaterials were obtained by pyrolitic technique. • Dynamic vapor sorption of different solvents reveals smaller S{sub BET} values. • Steric hindrance and specific chemical interactions are the reasons for this. • Nitrogen doping leads to raise of capacitance and coulombic efficiency with non-aqueous N-containing electrolyte. - Abstract: This work systematically studies adsorption properties of carbon nanomaterials that are synthesized through hydrocarbons that is a powerful technique to fabricate different kinds of carbon materials, e.g., nanotubes, nanoshells, onions, including nitrogen substituted. The adsorption properties of the as-synthesized carbons are achieved by low temperature nitrogen adsorptionmore » and organic vapors sorption. Heptane, acetonitrile, water, ethanol, benzene and 1-methylimidazole, which are of great importance for development of supercapacitors, are used as substrates. It is discovered that while nitrogen adsorption reveals a high specific surface area, this parameter for most of organic compounds is rather small depending not only on the size of its molecule but also on chemical interactions for a pair adsorbent–adsorbate. The experimental values of heat of adsorption for carbon and N-substituted structures, when Coulomb cross-coupling of nitrogen atoms in adsorbent and adsorbate takes place, confirms this supposition.« less

Nitrogen–doped graphitized carbon shell encapsulated NiFe nanoparticles: A highly durable oxygen evolution catalyst

DOE PAGES

Du, Lei; Luo, Langli; Feng, Zhenxing; ...

2017-07-05

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a crucial role in various energy conversion devices such as water electrolyzers and metal–air batteries. Precious metal catalysts such as Ir, Ru and their oxides are usually used for enhancing reaction kinetics but are limited by their scarcity. The challenges associated with alternative non–precious metal catalysts such as transition metal oxides and (oxy)hydroxides are their low electronic conductivity and durability. The carbon encapsulating transition metal nanoparticles are expected to address these challenges. However, the relationship between precursor compositions and catalyst properties, and the intrinsic functions of each component has been rarely studied. In this paper,more » we report a highly durable (no degradation after 20,000 cycles) and highly active (360 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm –2 GEO) OER catalyst derived from bimetallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) precursors. This catalyst consists of NiFe nanoparticles encapsulated by nitrogen–doped graphitized carbon shells. The electron–donation/deviation from Fe and tuned lattice and electronic structures of metal cores by Ni are revealed to be primary contributors to the enhanced OER activity, whereas N concentration contributes negligibly. Finally, we further demonstrated that the structure and morphology of encapsulating carbon shells, which are the key factors influencing the durability, are facilely controlled by the chemical state of precursors.« less

CeO2 nanocubes-graphene oxide as durable and highly active catalyst support for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

PubMed Central

Lei, M.; Wang, Z. B.; Li, J. S.; Tang, H. L.; Liu, W. J.; Wang, Y. G.

2014-01-01

Rapid degradation of cell performance still remains a significant challenge for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this work, we develop novel CeO2 nanocubes-graphene oxide nanocomposites as durable and highly active catalyst support for proton exchange membrane fuel cell. We show that the use of CeO2 as the radical scavenger in the catalysts remarkably improves the durability of the catalyst. The catalytic activity retention of Pt-graphene oxide-8 wt.% CeO2 nanocomposites reaches as high as 69% after 5000 CV-cycles at a high voltage range of 0.8–1.23 V, in contrast to 19% for that of the Pt-graphene oxide composites. The excellent durability of the Pt-CeO2 nanocubes-graphene oxide catalyst is attributed to the free radical scavenging activity of CeO2, which significantly slows down the chemical degradation of Nafion binder in catalytic layers, and then alleviates the decay of Pt catalysts, resulting in the excellent cycle life of Pt-CeO2-graphene oxide nanocomposite catalysts. Additionally, the performance of single cell assembled with Nafion 211 membrane and Pt-CeO2-graphene oxide catalysts with different CeO2 contents in the cathode as well as the Pt-C catalysts in the anode are also recorded and discussed in this study. PMID:25491655

Nitrogen–doped graphitized carbon shell encapsulated NiFe nanoparticles: A highly durable oxygen evolution catalyst

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

Du, Lei; Luo, Langli; Feng, Zhenxing

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a crucial role in various energy conversion devices such as water electrolyzers and metal–air batteries. Precious metal catalysts such as Ir, Ru and their oxides are usually used for enhancing reaction kinetics but are limited by their scarcity. The challenges associated with alternative non–precious metal catalysts such as transition metal oxides and (oxy)hydroxides are their low electronic conductivity and durability. The carbon encapsulating transition metal nanoparticles are expected to address these challenges. However, the relationship between precursor compositions and catalyst properties, and the intrinsic functions of each component has been rarely studied. In this paper,more » we report a highly durable (no degradation after 20,000 cycles) and highly active (360 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm –2 GEO) OER catalyst derived from bimetallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) precursors. This catalyst consists of NiFe nanoparticles encapsulated by nitrogen–doped graphitized carbon shells. The electron–donation/deviation from Fe and tuned lattice and electronic structures of metal cores by Ni are revealed to be primary contributors to the enhanced OER activity, whereas N concentration contributes negligibly. Finally, we further demonstrated that the structure and morphology of encapsulating carbon shells, which are the key factors influencing the durability, are facilely controlled by the chemical state of precursors.« less

CeO2 nanocubes-graphene oxide as durable and highly active catalyst support for proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

PubMed

Lei, M; Wang, Z B; Li, J S; Tang, H L; Liu, W J; Wang, Y G

2014-12-10

Rapid degradation of cell performance still remains a significant challenge for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this work, we develop novel CeO2 nanocubes-graphene oxide nanocomposites as durable and highly active catalyst support for proton exchange membrane fuel cell. We show that the use of CeO2 as the radical scavenger in the catalysts remarkably improves the durability of the catalyst. The catalytic activity retention of Pt-graphene oxide-8 wt.% CeO2 nanocomposites reaches as high as 69% after 5000 CV-cycles at a high voltage range of 0.8-1.23 V, in contrast to 19% for that of the Pt-graphene oxide composites. The excellent durability of the Pt-CeO2 nanocubes-graphene oxide catalyst is attributed to the free radical scavenging activity of CeO2, which significantly slows down the chemical degradation of Nafion binder in catalytic layers, and then alleviates the decay of Pt catalysts, resulting in the excellent cycle life of Pt-CeO2-graphene oxide nanocomposite catalysts. Additionally, the performance of single cell assembled with Nafion 211 membrane and Pt-CeO2-graphene oxide catalysts with different CeO2 contents in the cathode as well as the Pt-C catalysts in the anode are also recorded and discussed in this study.

CeO2 nanocubes-graphene oxide as durable and highly active catalyst support for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, M.; Wang, Z. B.; Li, J. S.; Tang, H. L.; Liu, W. J.; Wang, Y. G.

2014-12-01

Rapid degradation of cell performance still remains a significant challenge for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). In this work, we develop novel CeO2 nanocubes-graphene oxide nanocomposites as durable and highly active catalyst support for proton exchange membrane fuel cell. We show that the use of CeO2 as the radical scavenger in the catalysts remarkably improves the durability of the catalyst. The catalytic activity retention of Pt-graphene oxide-8 wt.% CeO2 nanocomposites reaches as high as 69% after 5000 CV-cycles at a high voltage range of 0.8-1.23 V, in contrast to 19% for that of the Pt-graphene oxide composites. The excellent durability of the Pt-CeO2 nanocubes-graphene oxide catalyst is attributed to the free radical scavenging activity of CeO2, which significantly slows down the chemical degradation of Nafion binder in catalytic layers, and then alleviates the decay of Pt catalysts, resulting in the excellent cycle life of Pt-CeO2-graphene oxide nanocomposite catalysts. Additionally, the performance of single cell assembled with Nafion 211 membrane and Pt-CeO2-graphene oxide catalysts with different CeO2 contents in the cathode as well as the Pt-C catalysts in the anode are also recorded and discussed in this study.

Characteristics of Nitrogen Balances of Large-scale Stock Farms and Reduction of Environmental Nitrogen Loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hattori, Toshihiro; Takamatsu, Rieko

We calculated nitrogen balances on farm gate and soil surface on large-scale stock farms and discussed methods for reducing environmental nitrogen loads. Four different types of public stock farms (organic beef, calf supply and daily cows) were surveyed in Aomori Prefecture. (1) Farm gate and soil surface nitrogen inflows were both larger than the respective outflows on all types of farms. Farm gate nitrogen balance for beef farms were worse than that for dairy farms. (2) Soil surface nitrogen outflows and soil nitrogen retention were in proportion to soil surface nitrogen inflows. (3) Reductions in soil surface nitrogen retention were influenced by soil surface nitrogen inflows. (4) In order to reduce farm gate nitrogen retention, inflows of formula feed and chemical fertilizer need to be reduced. (5) In order to reduce soil surface nitrogen retention, inflows of fertilizer need to be reduced and nitrogen balance needs to be controlled.

Small rocket research and technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schneider, Steven; Biaglow, James

1993-01-01

Small chemical rockets are used on nearly all space missions. The small rocket program provides propulsion technology for civil and government space systems. Small rocket concepts are developed for systems which encompass reaction control for launch and orbit transfer systems, as well as on-board propulsion for large space systems and earth orbit and planetary spacecraft. Major roles for on-board propulsion include apogee kick, delta-V, de-orbit, drag makeup, final insertions, north-south stationkeeping, orbit change/trim, perigee kick, and reboost. The program encompasses efforts on earth-storable, space storable, and cryogenic propellants. The earth-storable propellants include nitrogen tetroxide (NTO) as an oxidizer with monomethylhydrazine (MMH) or anhydrous hydrazine (AH) as fuels. The space storable propellants include liquid oxygen (LOX) as an oxidizer with hydrazine or hydrocarbons such as liquid methane, ethane, and ethanol as fuels. Cryogenic propellants are LOX or gaseous oxygen (GOX) as oxidizers and liquid or gaseous hydrogen as fuels. Improved performance and lifetime for small chemical rockets are sought through the development of new predictive tools to understand the combustion and flow physics, the introduction of high temperature materials to eliminate fuel film cooling and its associated combustion inefficiency, and improved component designs to optimize performance. Improved predictive technology is sought through the comparison of both local and global predictions with experimental data. Results indicate that modeling of the injector and combustion process in small rockets needs improvement. High temperature materials require the development of fabrication processes, a durability data base in both laboratory and rocket environments, and basic engineering property data such as strength, creep, fatigue, and work hardening properties at both room and elevated temperature. Promising materials under development include iridium-coated rhenium and a ceramic composite of mixed hafnium carbide and tantalum carbide reinforced with graphite fibers.

Long Term Degradation of Resin for High Temperature Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patekar, Kaustubh A.

2000-01-01

The durability of polymer matrix composites exposed to harsh environments is a major concern. Surface degradation and damage are observed in polyimide composites used in air at 125 to 300 C. It is believed that diffusion of oxygen into the material and oxidative chemical reactions in the matrix are responsible. Previous work has characterized and modeled diffusion behavior, and thermogravimetric analyses (TGAs) have been carried out in nitrogen, air, and oxygen to provide quantitative information on thermal and oxidative reactions. However, the model developed using these data was not able to capture behavior seen in isothermal tests, especially those of long duration. A test program that focuses on lower temperatures and makes use of isothermal tests was undertaken to achieve a better understanding of the degradation reactions under use conditions. A new low-cost technique was developed to collect chemical degradation data for isothermal tests lasting over 200 hr in the temperature range 125 to 300 C. Results indicate complex behavior not captured by the previous TGA tests, including the presence of weight-adding reactions. Weight gain reactions dominated in the 125 to 225 C temperature range, while weight loss reactions dominated beyond 225 C. The data obtained from isothermal tests was used to develop a new model of the material behavior. This model was able to fully capture the behavior seen in the tests up to 275 C. Correlation of the current model with both isothermal data at 300 C and high rate TGA test data is mediocre. At 300 C and above, the reaction mechanisms appear to change. Attempts (which failed) to measure non-oxidative degradation indicate that oxidative reactions dominate the degradation at low temperatures. Based on this work, long term isothermal testing in an oxidative atmosphere is recommended for studying the degradation behavior of this class of materials.

Ru-N-C Hybrid Nanocomposite for Ammonia Dehydrogenation: Influence of N-doping on Catalytic Activity

PubMed Central

Hien, Nguyen Thi Bich; Kim, Hyo Young; Jeon, Mina; Lee, Jin Hee; Ridwan, Muhammad; Tamarany, Rizcky; Yoon, Chang Won

2015-01-01

For application to ammonia dehydrogenation, novel Ru-based heterogeneous catalysts, Ru-N-C and Ru-C, were synthesized via simple pyrolysis of a mixture of RuCl3·6H2O and carbon black with or without dicyandiamide as a nitrogen-containing precursor at 550 °C. Characterization of the prepared Ru-N-C and Ru-C catalysts via scanning transmission electron microscopy, in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, indicated the formation of hollow nanocomposites in which the average sizes of the Ru nanoparticles were 1.3 nm and 5.1 nm, respectively. Compared to Ru-C, the Ru-N-C nanocomposites not only proved to be highly active for ammonia dehydrogenation, giving rise to a NH3 conversion of >99% at 550 °C, but also exhibited high durability. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the Ru active sites in Ru-N-C were electronically perturbed by the incorporated nitrogen atoms, which increased the Ru electron density and ultimately enhanced the catalyst activity.

Nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbons for high performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Kai; Liu, Qiming

2016-08-01

The mesoporous carbons have been synthesized by using α-D(+)-Glucose, D-Glucosamine hydrochloride or their mixture as carbon precursors and mesoporous silicas (SBA-15 or MCF) as hard templates. The as-prepared products show a large pore volume (0.59-0.97 cm3 g-1), high surface areas (352.72-1152.67 m2 g-1) and rational nitrogen content (ca. 2.5-3.9 wt.%). The results of electrochemical tests demonstrate that both heteroatom doping and suitable pore structure play a decisive role in the performance of supercapacitors. The representative sample of SBA-15 replica obtained using D-Glucosamine hydrochloride only exhibits high specific capacitance (212.8 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) and good cycle durability (86.1% of the initial capacitance after 2000 cycles) in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte, which is attributed to the contribution of double layer capacitance and pseudo-capacitance. The excellent electrochemical performance makes it a promising electrode material for supercapacitors.

Reference book for the nitrogen industry worker in two volumes, volume 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1982-05-01

The first volume presents the physical and chemical properties of gaseous and liquid substances used and obtained at the nitrogen industry enterprises. It describes the different methods for producing and purifying production gases (nitrogen-hydrogen mixture, gas synthesis). It examines the physical and chemical properties of the processes of amonia and methanol synthesis, the industrial plans and the principles for automating them. Certain methods are given for technological calculations, characteristics of the catalysts are presented, and the employed equipment is described. It is designed for engineering-technical workers of enterprises of the nitrogen and other sectors of industry, for specialists working in the scientific research and planning institutes, design offices and other organizations, as well as for teachers of higher educational institutions and students specializing in the field of the technology of inorganic products.

Effects of various calcined ash and sludge waste loadings on the durability of a soda-lime-silica glass

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

Kramer, D.P.; Lewis, E.L.; Armstrong, K.M.

1982-01-01

A commercially available joule-heated glass furnace system is currently being evaluated at Mound as a means of reducing the volume of low-level radioactive waste similar to that found in light water reactor facilities. The furnace utilizes molten soda-lime-silica to initiate and support combustion of the waste feed and to serve as an immobilization matrix. First, corrosion studies were performed to determine the result that various waste loadings of glass would have on the refractory lining the furnace. Second, the chemical durability of soda-lime-silica under various waste loadings was assessed to determine its resistance to leaching under conditions similar to thosemore » encountered at waste disposal sites. Results proved that, although corrosion was quite significant for pure soda-lime-silica and a 10% waste loading, by the time a waste loading of 40% was achieved, the effects of corrosion were virtually nil. The temperature dependence of the corrosion caused by a 0% waste loading of soda-lime-silica on the refractory was also investigated. With an increase in temperature to 2650/sup 0/F, corrosion more than tripled. As a result, incineration and idle temperature is being maintained at, or below, 2400/sup 0/F. In conclusion, from the fact that the higher waste loading of soda-lime glass produced both increased chemical durability and increased refractory life, waste loadings in excess of 40%, and as high as 80%, may be achieved without adverse effect to the glass furnace system or its effectiveness for immobilizing radioactive waste.« less

Pesticide durability and the evolution of resistance: A novel application of survival analysis.

PubMed

Brevik, Kristian; Schoville, Sean D; Mota-Sanchez, David; Chen, Yolanda H

2018-03-01

Arthropod pests are widely perceived to evolve resistance to insecticides at different rates. Although widespread "successful" species are assumed to evolve quickly and minor pests slowly, few studies have utilized published data on resistance events to test for differences among species. Using 532 records from the Arthropod Pesticide Resistance Database covering 20 species, we applied a survival analysis to model the number of generations from insecticide introduction to the first report of arthropod resistance, providing one of the most comprehensive analyses of this question to date. Our approach tested: 1) whether successful pests evolve resistance faster than close relatives, 2) whether species differ significantly in the time to demonstrate resistance, and 3) whether different insecticide classes differ in durability (length of time an insecticide is used before resistance arises). We found that species differed significantly in the amount of time it took for resistance to be reported. Overall, the median duration between the introduction of an insecticide and the first report of resistance was 66 generations (95% c.i. 60-78 generations), and highly-resistant arthropods did not evolve resistance faster than their relatives. Insecticide durability did not differ by the mode of action or year of introduction. Arthropod species significantly varied in how rapidly they evolve resistance to new insecticides, regardless of their chemistry. Visualization of the history of insecticide resistance provides information to be used for understanding how pesticide resistance evolved and how it can best be managed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The chemical durability of tektites - A laboratory study and correlation with long-term corrosion behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barkatt, A.; Boulos, M. S.; Barkatt, A.; Sousanpour, W.; Boroomand, M. A.; Macedo, P. B.; Okeefe, J. A.

1984-01-01

Leach tests carried out on tektite specimens (indochinites and australites) under high-dilution conditions show a common behavior characterized by low leach rates (0.00018 g/sq m per d, or 7.2 x 10 to the -12th m/d at 23 C) and an activation energy of (79,600 + or - 700 J/mol). The extent of selective leaching is very small, of the order of 10 to the -8th m. Extrapolation of test results over the lifetime of the tektites gives an excellent agreement with field observations on the extent of corrosion, and this is an important step in establishing the validity of laboratory tests as a basis for the development of models and predictions concerning long-term durabilities at least in the limiting case of high dilution or rapid flow. The results are also shown to be in agreement with various previous observations on the corrosion resistance of tektites. The chemical durability of tektites is observed to be consistent with their composition, highlighting requirements of high corrosion resistance in glasses; these requirements include a silica content in excess of 67 mol percent, an extremely low water content, and an alkali content which is low both absolutely and relative to the di- and poly-valent metal oxide levels. It is shown that artificial glasses which fulfil these criteria are no less corrosion-resistant than the corresponding natural glasses. These conclusions have bearing on the development, as well as on the evaluation, of glasses intended for very long service, such as radioactive waste vitrification media.

Convergent evidence for widespread rock nitrogen sources in Earth’s surface environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houlton, B. Z.; Morford, S. L.; Dahlgren, R. A.

2018-04-01

Nitrogen availability is a pivotal control on terrestrial carbon sequestration and global climate change. Historical and contemporary views assume that nitrogen enters Earth’s land-surface ecosystems from the atmosphere. Here we demonstrate that bedrock is a nitrogen source that rivals atmospheric nitrogen inputs across major sectors of the global terrestrial environment. Evidence drawn from the planet’s nitrogen balance, geochemical proxies, and our spatial weathering model reveal that ~19 to 31 teragrams of nitrogen are mobilized from near-surface rocks annually. About 11 to 18 teragrams of this nitrogen are chemically weathered in situ, thereby increasing the unmanaged (preindustrial) terrestrial nitrogen balance from 8 to 26%. These findings provide a global perspective to reconcile Earth’s nitrogen budget, with implications for nutrient-driven controls over the terrestrial carbon sink.

Chapter 3: Soil Chemistry

Treesearch

Jennifer D. Knoepp; Leonard F. DeBano; Daniel G. Neary

2005-01-01

The chemical properties of the soil that are affected by fire include individual chemical characteristics, chemical reactions, and chemical processes (DeBano and others 1998). The soil chemical characteristics most commonly affected by fire are organic matter, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), cations, cation exchange capacity, pH, and buffer power...

Polymer useful for an ion exchange membrane

DOEpatents

Liang, Siwei; Lynd, Nathaniel A.

2017-03-14

The present invention provides for a polymer formed by reacting a first reactant polymer, or a mixture of first reactant polymers comprising different chemical structures, comprising a substituent comprising two or more nitrogen atoms (or a functional group/sidechain comprising a two or more nitrogen atoms) with a second reactant polymer, or a mixture of second reactant polymers comprising different chemical structures, comprising a halogen substituent (or a functional group/sidechain comprising a halogen).

Measurements of Positive Ambient Ions in Lamont OK as Part of the Holistic Interaction of Shallow Clouds Aerosols and Land Ecosystems (HISCALE II) Field Campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelhamid, A.; Stark, H.; Worsnop, D. R.; Nowak, J. B.; Kuang, C.; Bullard, R.; Browne, E. C.

2017-12-01

Atmospheric ions control the electrical properties of the atmosphere, influence chemical composition via ion-molecule and/or ion-catalyzed reactions, and affect new particle formation. Understanding the role of ions in these processes requires knowledge of ionic chemical composition. Due to the low concentration of ions, chemical composition measurements have historically been challenging. Recent advances in mass spectrometry, such as the atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight mass spectrometer (APi-TOF), are now making these measurements more feasible. Here, we present measurements of ambient cations during the HISCALE II field campaign (August- September 2016) in Lamont, OK. We discuss how the chemical composition of cations varies over the course of the campaign including before, during, and after new particle formation events. We specifically focus on the composition of organic nitrogen ions due to the potential importance of these compounds in atmospheric nucleation. We compare our results to measurements of neutral organic nitrogen compounds in order to gain insight into how organic nitrogen is chemically transformed in the atmosphere and how this influences new particle formation.

Durability of Ti-6Al-4V/LaRC-PETI-5 adhesive bonded system for HSCT applications

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

Parvatareddy, H.; Pasricha, A.; Dillard, D.A.

1996-12-31

Structural adhesive joints are being widely used and studied as alternatives to conventional fasteners in the aerospace, automotive, and other industries. Adhesive bonding offers advantages such as lower weight and lower manufacturing costs. Furthermore, high performance adhesives which are currently being synthesized (e.g. epoxies, phenolics, acrylics, thermoplastic polyimides) offer other useful properties such as higher modulus, higher toughness, and stability at high temperatures. In the present study, the durability of the Ti-6Al-4V/LaRC PETI-5 adhesive bonded system is being evaluated utilizing double cantilever beam (DCB) fracture specimens. These DCB tests have been used extensively to study adhesive joints. The current studymore » is part of a comprehensive study to develop a durable material system for application in the proposed mach 2.4 high speed civil transport (HSCT) aircraft. According to the design criteria, the material system to be used on the aircraft should be durable for over 60,000 hours of flight encountering temperatures during flight in the range of 177{degrees}C. Physical aging and chemical aging of the adhesive material are some of the important issues which have to be evaluated and taken into consideration for predicting the bond durability. In order to simulate the service environment conditions of the HSCT, the Ti-6Al-4V/LaRC PETI-5 bonds were aged in one of three temperatures; 150, 177, and 204{degrees}C, at one of three different environments; atmospheric air, and reduced air pressures of 2 psi air (13.8 KPa) and 0.2 psi air (1.38 KPa).« less

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

Fox, K. M.; Johnson, F. C.

Increased loading of high level waste in glass can lead to crystallization within the glass. Some crystalline species, such as spinel, have no practical impact on the chemical durability of the glass, and therefore may be acceptable from both a processing and a product performance standpoint. In order to operate a melter with a controlled amount of crystallization, options must be developed for remediating an unacceptable accumulation of crystals. This report describes preliminary experiments designed to evaluate the ability to dissolve spinel crystals in simulated waste glass melts via the addition of glass forming chemicals (GFCs).

Fluidizable zinc titanate materials with high chemical reactivity and attrition resistance

DOEpatents

Gupta, Raghubir P.; Gangwal, Santosh K.; Jain, Suresh C.

1993-01-01

Highly durable and chemically reactive zinc titanate materials are prepared in a particle size range of 50 to 400 .mu.m suitable for a fluidized-bed reactor for removing reduced sulfur species in a gaseous form by granulating a mixture of fine zinc oxide and titanium oxide with inorganic and organic binders and by optional additions of small amounts of activators such as CoO and MoO.sub.3 ; and then indurating it at 800.degree. to 900.degree. C. for a time sufficient to produce attrition-resistant granules.

Fluidizable zinc titanate materials with high chemical reactivity and attrition resistance

DOEpatents

Gupta, R.P.; Gangwal, S.K.; Jain, S.C.

1993-10-19

Highly durable and chemically reactive zinc titanate materials are prepared in a particle size range of 50 to 400 [mu]m suitable for a fluidized-bed reactor for removing reduced sulfur species in a gaseous form by granulating a mixture of fine zinc oxide and titanium oxide with inorganic and organic binders and by optional additions of small amounts of activators such as CoO and MoO[sub 3]; and then indurating it at 800 to 900 C for a time sufficient to produce attrition-resistant granules.

Chemical Communications

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-26

the need for alignment. We have also demonstrated the use of this technique with various materials as masks for silk biopolymer RIE processing and a...project. The automatization of silk solution was developed. Examination of different processing conditions for the raw material showed promise for...higher durability and higher flexibility optical substrates. Progress on interfaces was solidified. The previous findings on silk -metal interfaces

Introduction to session on materials and structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vosteen, L. F.

1978-01-01

A review was given of the development of composites for aircraft. Supporting base technology and the Aircraft Energy Efficiency Composites Program are included. Specific topics discussed include: (1) environmental effects on materials; (2) material quality and chemical characterization; (3) design and analysis methods; (4) structural durability; (5) impact sensitivity; (6) carbon fiber electrical effects; and (7) composite components.

Composition of the heartwood essential oil of incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens Torr.)

Treesearch

Sheeba Veluthoor; Rick G. Kelsey; M.P. Gonzalez-Hernandez; Nicholas Panella; Marc Dolan; Joe Karchesy

2011-01-01

Incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) is a tree native to Oregon and California, perhaps best known for its aromatic wood and use in the manufacturing of pencils. The wood is also highly valued for its decorative appearance and durability in lumber, related sawmill products, and fence posts. Chemical investigations of heartwood extracts have shown...

Long term durability of solid heartwood stakes treated with ACA or CCA

Treesearch

Mark E. Mankowski; Stan Lebow; Grant Kirker; Lee Gjovik

2017-01-01

Limited long-term field data exist evaluating the benefit of chemical wood preservatives on refractory wood species with abundant heartwood. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of preservative-treated refractory solid heartwood comprised of southern pine, Douglas-fir, or Engelmann spruce. Non-incised and incised solid lumber of these species...

Long term durability of wood-plastic composites made with chemically modified wood

Treesearch

Rebecca E. Ibach; Craig M. Clemons

2017-01-01

Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) have slower moisture sorption than solid wood, but over time moisture can impact the strength, stiffness, and decay of the composite. These changes will become increasingly important if WPCs are used in more challenging environments such as in ground-contact applications. There are several options for mitigating the moisture sorption of...

Synthesis of polybenzoxazine based nitrogen-rich porous carbons for carbon dioxide capture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Liu; Wang, Jianlong; Feng, Chong; Sun, Yahui; Li, Kaixi

2015-04-01

Nitrogen-rich porous carbons (NPCs) were synthesized from 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene, urea, and formaldehyde based on benzoxazine chemistry by a soft-templating method with KOH chemical activation. They possess high surface areas of 856.8-1257.8 m2 g-1, a large pore volume of 0.15-0.65 cm3 g-1, tunable pore structure, high nitrogen content (5.21-5.32 wt%), and high char yields. The amount of the soft-templating agent F127 has multiple influences on the textural and chemical properties of the carbons, affecting the surface area and pore structure, impacting the compositions of nitrogen species and resulting in an improvement of the CO2 capture performance. At 1 bar, high CO2 uptake of 4.02 and 6.35 mmol g-1 at 25 and 0 °C was achieved for the sample NPC-2 with a molar ratio of F127 : urea = 0.010 : 1. This can be attributed to its well-developed micropore structure and abundant pyridinic nitrogen, pyrrolic nitrogen and pyridonic nitrogen functionalities. The sample NPC-2 also exhibits a remarkable selectivity for CO2/N2 separation and a fast adsorption/desorption rate and can be easily regenerated. This suggests that the polybenzoxazine-based NPCs are desirable for CO2 capture because of possessing a high micropore surface area, a large micropore volume, appropriate pore size distribution, and a large number of basic nitrogen functionalities.Nitrogen-rich porous carbons (NPCs) were synthesized from 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene, urea, and formaldehyde based on benzoxazine chemistry by a soft-templating method with KOH chemical activation. They possess high surface areas of 856.8-1257.8 m2 g-1, a large pore volume of 0.15-0.65 cm3 g-1, tunable pore structure, high nitrogen content (5.21-5.32 wt%), and high char yields. The amount of the soft-templating agent F127 has multiple influences on the textural and chemical properties of the carbons, affecting the surface area and pore structure, impacting the compositions of nitrogen species and resulting in an improvement of the CO2 capture performance. At 1 bar, high CO2 uptake of 4.02 and 6.35 mmol g-1 at 25 and 0 °C was achieved for the sample NPC-2 with a molar ratio of F127 : urea = 0.010 : 1. This can be attributed to its well-developed micropore structure and abundant pyridinic nitrogen, pyrrolic nitrogen and pyridonic nitrogen functionalities. The sample NPC-2 also exhibits a remarkable selectivity for CO2/N2 separation and a fast adsorption/desorption rate and can be easily regenerated. This suggests that the polybenzoxazine-based NPCs are desirable for CO2 capture because of possessing a high micropore surface area, a large micropore volume, appropriate pore size distribution, and a large number of basic nitrogen functionalities. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Elemental and XPS analyses and XPS peak positions and relative content of N species in the NPCs. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr07409b

Beyond fossil fuel–driven nitrogen transformations

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

Chen, Jingguang G.; Crooks, Richard M.; Seefeldt, Lance C.

Nitrogen is fundamental to all of life and many industrial processes. The interchange of nitrogen oxidation states in the industrial production of ammonia, nitric acid, and other commodity chemicals is largely powered by fossil fuels. Here, a key goal of contemporary research in the field of nitrogen chemistry is to minimize the use of fossil fuels by developing more efficient heterogeneous, homogeneous, photo-, and electrocatalytic processes or by adapting the enzymatic processes underlying the natural nitrogen cycle. These approaches, as well as the challenges involved, are discussed in this Review.

Beyond fossil fuel–driven nitrogen transformations

DOE PAGES

Chen, Jingguang G.; Crooks, Richard M.; Seefeldt, Lance C.; ...

2018-05-25

Nitrogen is fundamental to all of life and many industrial processes. The interchange of nitrogen oxidation states in the industrial production of ammonia, nitric acid, and other commodity chemicals is largely powered by fossil fuels. Here, a key goal of contemporary research in the field of nitrogen chemistry is to minimize the use of fossil fuels by developing more efficient heterogeneous, homogeneous, photo-, and electrocatalytic processes or by adapting the enzymatic processes underlying the natural nitrogen cycle. These approaches, as well as the challenges involved, are discussed in this Review.

Adhesive Bonding of Titanium to Carbon-Carbon Composites for Heat Rejection Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cerny, Jennifer; Morscher, Gregory

2006-01-01

High temperature adhesives with good thermal conductivity, mechanical performance, and long term durability are crucial for the assembly of heat rejection system components for space exploration missions. In the present study, commercially available adhesives were used to bond high conductivity carbon-carbon composites to titanium sheets. Bonded pieces were also exposed to high (530 to 600 Kelvin for 24 hours) and low (liquid nitrogen 77K for 15 minutes) temperatures to evaluate the integrity of the bonds. Results of the microstructural characterization and tensile shear strengths of bonded specimens will be reported. The effect of titanium surface roughness on the interface microstructure will also be discussed.

Effect of nitrogen levels and nitrogen ratios on lodging resistance and yield potential of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

PubMed Central

Wang, Hui; Yi, Yuan; Ding, Jinfeng; Zhu, Min; Li, Chunyan; Guo, Wenshan; Feng, Chaonian; Zhu, Xinkai

2017-01-01

Lodging is one of the constraints that limit wheat yields and quality due to the unexpected bending or breaking stems on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production worldwide. In addition to choosing lodging resistance varieties, husbandry practices also have a significant effect on lodging. Nitrogen management is one of the most common and efficient methods. A field experiment with Yangmai 20 as research material (a widely-used variety) was conducted to study the effects of different nitrogen levels and ratios on culm morphological, anatomical characters and chemical components and to explore the nitrogen application techniques for lodging tolerance and high yield. Results showed that some index of basal internodes, such as stem wall thickness, filling degree, lignin content, cellulose content, water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and WSC/N ratio, were positively and significantly correlated with culm lodging-resistant index (CLRI). As the increase of nitrogen level and basal nitrogen ratio, the basal internodes became slender and fragile with the thick stem wall, while filling degree, chemical components and the strength of the stem decreased gradually, which significantly increased the lodging risk. The response of grain yield to nitrogen doses was quadratic and grain yield reached the highest at the nitrogen ratio of 50%:10%:20%:20% (the ratio of nitrogen amount applied before sowing, at tillering stage, jointing stage and booting stage respectively, abbreviated as 5:1:2:2). These results suggested that for Yangmai 20, the planting density of 180×104ha-1, nitrogen level of 225 kg ha-1, and the ratio of 5: 1: 2: 2 effectively increased lodging resistance and grain yield. This combination of planting density and nitrogen level and ratio could effectively relieve the contradiction between high-yielding and anti-lodging. PMID:29117250

Effect of nitrogen levels and nitrogen ratios on lodging resistance and yield potential of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

PubMed

Zhang, Mingwei; Wang, Hui; Yi, Yuan; Ding, Jinfeng; Zhu, Min; Li, Chunyan; Guo, Wenshan; Feng, Chaonian; Zhu, Xinkai

2017-01-01

Lodging is one of the constraints that limit wheat yields and quality due to the unexpected bending or breaking stems on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production worldwide. In addition to choosing lodging resistance varieties, husbandry practices also have a significant effect on lodging. Nitrogen management is one of the most common and efficient methods. A field experiment with Yangmai 20 as research material (a widely-used variety) was conducted to study the effects of different nitrogen levels and ratios on culm morphological, anatomical characters and chemical components and to explore the nitrogen application techniques for lodging tolerance and high yield. Results showed that some index of basal internodes, such as stem wall thickness, filling degree, lignin content, cellulose content, water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and WSC/N ratio, were positively and significantly correlated with culm lodging-resistant index (CLRI). As the increase of nitrogen level and basal nitrogen ratio, the basal internodes became slender and fragile with the thick stem wall, while filling degree, chemical components and the strength of the stem decreased gradually, which significantly increased the lodging risk. The response of grain yield to nitrogen doses was quadratic and grain yield reached the highest at the nitrogen ratio of 50%:10%:20%:20% (the ratio of nitrogen amount applied before sowing, at tillering stage, jointing stage and booting stage respectively, abbreviated as 5:1:2:2). These results suggested that for Yangmai 20, the planting density of 180×104ha-1, nitrogen level of 225 kg ha-1, and the ratio of 5: 1: 2: 2 effectively increased lodging resistance and grain yield. This combination of planting density and nitrogen level and ratio could effectively relieve the contradiction between high-yielding and anti-lodging.

Catalytic synthesis of ammonia-a "never-ending story"?

PubMed

Schlögl, Robert

2003-05-09

Nitrogen atoms are essential for the function of biological molecules and thus are and important component of fertilizers and medicaments. Bonds to nitrogen also find nonbiological uses in dyes, explosives, and resins. The synthesis of all these materials requires ammonia as an activated nitrogen building block. This situation is true for natural processes and the chemical industry. Knowledge of the various techniques for the preparation of ammonia is thus of fundamental importance for chemistry. The Haber-Bosch synthesis was the first heterogeneous catalytic system employed in the chemical industry and is still in use today. Understanding the mechanism and the translation of the knowledge into technical perfection has become a fundamental criterion for scientific development in catalysis research.

Effect of nitrogen and fish manure fertilization on growth and chemical composition of lettuce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yildirim, Ertan; Kul, Raziye; Turan, Metin; Ekinci, Melek; Alak, Gonca; Atamanalp, Muhammet

2016-04-01

Present experiment was designed to determine the response of various dozes of fish manure (FM) and commercial fertilizers on plant growth, yield and nutrient content of lettuce. The treatments consisted of fish manure, commercial fertilizer and the combination of fish manure and commercial fertilizer with four dozes of nitrogen (0 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha). The results of the study showed that treatments significantly affected the growth and chemical characteristics of lettuce. The best results in regard to plant growth and yield were obtained from 100 and 150 kg kg/ha nitrogen dozes of the combination of fish manure and commercial fertilizer.

Modified bamboo rayon-copper nanoparticle composites as antibacterial textiles.

PubMed

Teli, M D; Sheikh, Javed

2013-10-01

In the current study the bamboo rayon fabric grafted with acrylamide was utilized as a backbone to immobilize copper nanoprticles. The grafted bamboo rayon was first treated with CuSO4 followed by chemical reduction. The modified product was characterized using FTIR, TGA and SEM. The characteristic color developed after reduction was measured spectrophotometrically. The grafted bamboo rayon with Cu nanoparticles was then evaluated for antibacterial activity against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria and the durability of their antibacterial activity after washing. The product showed antibacterial activity against both types of bacterias which was found to be durable till 50 washes. The material can be claimed as suitable candidate for medical textile applications to prevent cross-infections. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An introduction to the nitrogen dynamics in controlled systems workshop. Life support and nitrogen: NASA's interest in nitrogen cycling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

MacElroy, R. D.; Smernoff, D. T.

1996-01-01

A Workshop on "Nitrogen Dynamics in Controlled Systems" was held September 26-28, 1995 at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The meetings were sponsored by the NASA Advanced Life Support program and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and hosted by Prof. Lester Packer of the University of California at Berkeley, and of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The Workshop participants were asked to: 1. summarize current knowledge on the cycling of nitrogen in closed systems; 2. identify the needs that closed systems may have for specific forms of nitrogen; 3. identify possible ways of generating and maintaining (or avoiding) specific forms and concentrations of nitrogen; 4. compare biological and physical/chemical methods of transforming nitrogen.

Nano-Architecture of nitrogen-doped graphene films synthesized from a solid CN source.

PubMed

Maddi, Chiranjeevi; Bourquard, Florent; Barnier, Vincent; Avila, José; Asensio, Maria-Carmen; Tite, Teddy; Donnet, Christophe; Garrelie, Florence

2018-02-19

New synthesis routes to tailor graphene properties by controlling the concentration and chemical configuration of dopants show great promise. Herein we report the direct reproducible synthesis of 2-3% nitrogen-doped 'few-layer' graphene from a solid state nitrogen carbide a-C:N source synthesized by femtosecond pulsed laser ablation. Analytical investigations, including synchrotron facilities, made it possible to identify the configuration and chemistry of the nitrogen-doped graphene films. Auger mapping successfully quantified the 2D distribution of the number of graphene layers over the surface, and hence offers a new original way to probe the architecture of graphene sheets. The films mainly consist in a Bernal ABA stacking three-layer architecture, with a layer number distribution ranging from 2 to 6. Nitrogen doping affects the charge carrier distribution but has no significant effects on the number of lattice defects or disorders, compared to undoped graphene synthetized in similar conditions. Pyridinic, quaternary and pyrrolic nitrogen are the dominant chemical configurations, pyridinic N being preponderant at the scale of the film architecture. This work opens highly promising perspectives for the development of self-organized nitrogen-doped graphene materials, as synthetized from solid carbon nitride, with various functionalities, and for the characterization of 2D materials using a significant new methodology.

Alternative Fuels Data Center: How Do Diesel Vehicles Work?

Science.gov Websites

reduces particulate matter and breaks down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water (DEF) is injected into the exhaust gas mixture and is reduced to nitrogen and water by chemical

Nitrogen dioxide

Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Nitrogen dioxide ; CASRN 10102 - 44 - 0 Human health assessment information on a chemical substance is included in the IRIS database only after a comprehensive review of toxicity data , as outlined in the IRIS assessment development process . Sections I ( Health Hazard Assessments for Noncarcinogeni

Influence of long-term fertilization on soil physicochemical properties in a brown soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dongdong; Luo, Peiyu; Han, Xiaori; Yang, Jinfeng

2018-01-01

This study aims to explore the influence on soil physicochemical properties under a 38-y long-term fertilization in a brown soil. Soil samples (0-20 cm)were taken from the six treatments of the long-term fertilization trial in October 2016:no fertilizer (CK), N1(mineral nitrogen fertilizer), N1P (mineral nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer), N1PK (mineral nitrogen, phosphate and potassic fertilizer), pig manure (M2), M2N1P (pig manure, mineral nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer).The results showed thatthe long-term application of chemical fertilizers reduced soil pH value, while the application of organic fertilizers increased pH value. Fertilization significantly increased the content of AHN, TN and SOM. Compared with the CK treatment and chemical fertilizer treatments, organic fertilizer treatments significantly increased the content of AP and TP. The content of AK and TK were no significant difference in different treatment.

XPS studies of nitrogen doping niobium used for accelerator applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Ziqin; Lu, Xiangyang; Tan, Weiwei; Zhao, Jifei; Yang, Deyu; Yang, Yujia; He, Yuan; Zhou, Kui

2018-05-01

Nitrogen doping study on niobium (Nb) samples used for the fabrication of superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities was carried out. The samples' surface treatment was attempted to replicate that of the Nb SRF cavities, which includes heavy electropolishing (EP), nitrogen doping and the subsequent EP with different amounts of material removal. The surface chemical composition of Nb samples with different post treatments has been studied by XPS. The chemical composition of Nb, O, C and N was presented before and after Gas Cluster Ion Beam (GCIB) etching. No signals of poorly superconducting nitrides NbNx was found on the surface of any doped Nb sample with the 2/6 recipe before GCIB etching. However, in the depth range greater than 30 nm, the content of N element is below the XPS detection precision scope even for the Nb sample directly after nitrogen doping treatment with the 2/6 recipe.

The effect of stem pruning and nitrogen levels of on some physico-chemical characteristics of pumpkin seed (Cucurbita pepo L.).

PubMed

Gholipouri, Abdolghayoum; Nazarnejad, H

2007-10-15

To investigate the effects of stem pruning (No heading, head pruning of stem after formation of 10 and 14 nodes) and nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha(-1)) on physical and chemical characteristic of pumpkin seed a Factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replication was carried out in Gorgan at 2003 and repeated in 2004 years. Results showed that the stem pruning has significant effect on traits such as seed oil, linoleic acid and oleic acid content. Nitrogen levels also have significant effect on seed dimension, seed oil, linoleic acid and oleic acid content. The largest amount of oil and linoleic acid content was obtained by stem pruning after forming 14 node and 100 kg ha(-1) nitrogen in separately, but the interaction of treatments were not significant difference for all of traits.

Efficiencies of multilayer infiltration systems for the removal of urban runoff pollutants.

PubMed

Hou, Lizhu; Liu, Fang; Feng, Chuanping; Wan, Li

2013-01-01

Current rates of urban development will result in water runoff becoming a major complication of urban water pollution. To address the worsening situation regarding water resource shortage and pollution, novel multilayer infiltration systems were designed and their effectiveness for removing pollutants in urban runoff tested experimentally. The multilayer infiltration systems effectively removed most pollutants, including organic matter (chemical oxygen demand (CODCr)), total nitrogen (TN), ammonia-nitrogen (NH4(+)-N) and total phosphorus (TP). CODCr, TN, NH4(+)-N, and TP were reduced by 68.67, 23.98, 82.66 and 92.11%, respectively. The main mechanism for nitrogen removal was biological nitrogen removal through nitrification and denitrification. Phosphorus in the urban runoff was removed mainly by fixation processes in the soil, such as adsorption and chemical precipitation. The results indicate that the proposed novel system has potential for removal of pollutants from urban runoff and subsequent reuse of the treated water.

Simultaneous reduction and nitrogen functionalization of graphene oxide using lemon for metal-free oxygen reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Begum, Halima; Ahmed, Mohammad Shamsuddin; Cho, Sung; Jeon, Seungwon

2017-12-01

Inspire by the vision of finding a simple and green method for simultaneous reduction and nitrogen (N)-functionalization of graphene oxide (GO), a N-rich reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has been synthesized through a facile and ecofriendly hydrothermal strategy while most of the existing methods are involving with multiple steps and highly toxic reducing agents that are harmful to human health and environment. In this paper, the simultaneous reduction and N-functionalization of GO using as available lemon juice (denoted as Lem-rGO) for metal-free electrocatalysis towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is described. The proposed method is based on the reduction of GO using of the reducing and the N-precursor capability of ascorbic acid and citric acid as well as the nitrogenous compounds, respectively, that containing in lemon juice. The resultant Lem-rGO has higher reduction degree, higher specific surface area and better crystalline nature with N-incorporation than that of well investigated ascorbic acid and citric acid treated rGO. As a result, it shows better ORR electrocatalytic activity in respect to the improved onset potential, electron transfer rate and kinetics than those typical rGO catalysts. Moreover, it shows a significant tolerance to the anodic fuels and durability than the Pt/C during ORR.

Transient analysis of gas transport in anode channel of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with dead-ended anode under pressure swing operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ichikawa, Yasushi; Oshima, Nobuyuki; Tabuchi, Yuichiro; Ikezoe, Keigo

2014-12-01

Further cost reduction is a critical issue for commercialization of fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) based on polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The cost of the fuel-cell system is driven by the multiple parts required to maximize stack performance and maintain durability and robustness. The fuel-cell system of the FCEV must be simplified while maintaining functionality. The dead-ended anode is considered as a means of simplification in this study. Generally, if hydrogen is supplied under constant pressure during dead-ended operation, stable power generation is impossible because of accumulation of liquid water produced by power generation and of nitrogen via leakage from the cathode through the membrane. Herein, pressure oscillation is applied to address this issue. Empirical and CFD data are employed to elucidate the mechanism of stable power generation using the pressure swing supply. Simultaneous and time-continuous measurements of the current distribution and gas concentration distribution are also conducted. The results demonstrate that the nitrogen concentration in the anode channel under pressure constant operation differs from that under pressure swing supply conditions. The transient two-dimensional CFD results indicate that oscillatory flow is generated by pressure swing supply, which periodically sweeps out nitrogen from the active area, resulting in stable power generation.

Synergistic effect of Nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon/graphene with enhanced catalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Dewang; Yuan, Wenjing; Li, Cun; Song, Jiming; Xie, Anjian; Shen, Yuhua

2017-01-01

Developing efficient and economical catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is important to promote the commercialization of fuel cells. Here, we report a simple and environmentally friendly method to prepare nitrogen (N) -doped hierarchical porous carbon (HPC)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites by reusing waste biomass (pomelo peel) coupled with graphene oxide (GO). This method is green, low-cost and without using any acid or alkali activator. The typical sample (N-HPC/RGO-1) contains 5.96 at.% nitrogen and larger BET surface area (1194 m2/g). Electrochemical measurements show that N-HPC/RGO-1 exhibits not only a relatively positive onset potential and high current density, but also considerable methanol tolerance and long-term durability in alkaline media as well as in acidic media. The electron transfer number is close to 4, which means that it is mostly via a four-electron pathway toward ORR. The excellent catalytic performance of N-HPC/RGO-1 is due to the synergistic effect of the inherent interwoven network structure of HPC, the good electrical conductivity of RGO, and the heteroatom doping for the composite. More importantly, this work demonstrates a good example for turning discarded rubbish into valuable functional products and addresses the disposal issue of waste biomass simultaneously for environment clean.

One-Pot Anchoring of Pd Nanoparticles on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon through Dopamine Self-Polymerization and Activity in the Electrocatalytic Methanol Oxidation Reaction.

PubMed

Li, Xin; Niu, Xiangheng; Zhang, Wenchi; He, Yanfang; Pan, Jianming; Yan, Yongsheng; Qiu, Fengxian

2017-03-09

Exploration of advanced electrocatalysts to promote the sluggish methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is of vital importance for developing high efficiency and low-cost direct methanol fuel cells. Highly dispersed palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) anchored on a nitrogen-doped carbon support were fabricated using a facile one-pot dopamine self-polymerization mediated redox strategy, in which dopamine not only acted as a moderate reductant to induce the formation of Pd NPs during self-polymerization but was also the precursor of the nitrogen-doped carbon support for Pd. The synthesized hybrid features the following characteristics: 1) High dispersity of Pd NPs, which exposed a high abundance of active surfaces and sites for heterogeneous electrocatalysis; 2) metal-support interactions, which may affect the surface chemistry and electron distribution of active Pd NPs; 3) the Pd NPs were partially imbedded or encapsulated into the support, thus reducing the possible agglomeration of Pd NPs during cyclic measurements. The electrocatalyst with such favorable features provided higher mass activity (2.2 times that of commercial Pd/C) and better durability (reduced loss of activity during simulated frequent startup-shutdown operations) for the MOR in alkaline media. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

General Solvent-dependent Strategy toward Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Graphene/Metal Oxide Nanohybrids: Effects of Nitrogen-containing Solvent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, Wei-Yao; Chen, Wei-Quan; Chiu, Yu-Hsiang; Ho, Yu-Hsuan; Chen, Chun-Hu

2016-11-01

A general solvent-dependent protocol directly influencing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in metal oxide/graphene nanohybrids has been demonstrated. We conducted the two-step synthesis of cobalt oxide/N-doped graphene nanohybrids (CNG) with solvents of water, ethanol, and dimethylformamide (DMF), representing tree typical categories of aqueous, polar organic, and organic N-containing solvents commonly adopted for graphene nanocomposites preparation. The superior ORR performance of the DMF-hybrids can be attributed to the high nitrogen-doping, aggregation-free hybridization, and unique graphene porous structures. As DMF is the more effective N-source, the spectroscopic results support a catalytic nitrogenation potentially mediated by cobalt-DMF coordination complexes. The wide-distribution of porosity (covering micro-, meso-, to macro-pore) and micron-void assembly of graphene may further enhance the diffusion kinetics for ORR. As the results, CNG by DMF-synthesis exhibits the high ORR activities close to Pt/C (i.e. only 8 mV difference of half-wave potential with electron transfer number of 3.96) with the better durability in the alkaline condition. Additional graphene hybrids comprised of iron and manganese oxides also show the superior ORR activities by DMF-synthesis, confirming the general solvent-dependent protocol to achieve enhanced ORR activities.

General Solvent-dependent Strategy toward Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Graphene/Metal Oxide Nanohybrids: Effects of Nitrogen-containing Solvent

PubMed Central

Kao, Wei-Yao; Chen, Wei-Quan; Chiu, Yu-Hsiang; Ho, Yu-Hsuan; Chen, Chun-Hu

2016-01-01

A general solvent-dependent protocol directly influencing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in metal oxide/graphene nanohybrids has been demonstrated. We conducted the two-step synthesis of cobalt oxide/N-doped graphene nanohybrids (CNG) with solvents of water, ethanol, and dimethylformamide (DMF), representing tree typical categories of aqueous, polar organic, and organic N-containing solvents commonly adopted for graphene nanocomposites preparation. The superior ORR performance of the DMF-hybrids can be attributed to the high nitrogen-doping, aggregation-free hybridization, and unique graphene porous structures. As DMF is the more effective N-source, the spectroscopic results support a catalytic nitrogenation potentially mediated by cobalt-DMF coordination complexes. The wide-distribution of porosity (covering micro-, meso-, to macro-pore) and micron-void assembly of graphene may further enhance the diffusion kinetics for ORR. As the results, CNG by DMF-synthesis exhibits the high ORR activities close to Pt/C (i.e. only 8 mV difference of half-wave potential with electron transfer number of 3.96) with the better durability in the alkaline condition. Additional graphene hybrids comprised of iron and manganese oxides also show the superior ORR activities by DMF-synthesis, confirming the general solvent-dependent protocol to achieve enhanced ORR activities. PMID:27853187

Nitrogen-doped graphene: effect of graphite oxide precursors and nitrogen content on the electrochemical sensing properties.

PubMed

Megawati, Monica; Chua, Chun Kiang; Sofer, Zdenek; Klímová, Kateřina; Pumera, Martin

2017-06-21

Graphene, produced via chemical methods, has been widely applied for electrochemical sensing due to its structural and electrochemical properties as well as its ease of production in large quantity. While nitrogen-doped graphenes are widely studied materials, the literature showing an effect of graphene oxide preparation methods on nitrogen quantity and chemical states as well as on defects and, in turn, on electrochemical sensing is non-existent. In this study, the properties of nitrogen-doped graphene materials, prepared via hydrothermal synthesis using graphite oxide produced by various classical methods using permanganate or chlorate oxidants Staudenmaier, Hummers, Hofmann and Brodie oxidation methods, were studied; the resulting nitrogen-doped graphene oxides were labeled as ST-GO, HU-GO, HO-GO and BR-GO, respectively. The electrochemical oxidation of biomolecules, such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, nicotinamide adenine nucleotide and DNA free bases, was carried out using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques. The nitrogen content in doped graphene oxides increased in the order ST-GO < BR-GO < HO-GO < HU-GO. In the same way, the pyridinic form of nitrogen increased and the electrocatalytic effect of N-doped graphene followed this trend, as shown in the cyclic voltammograms. This is a very important finding that provides insight into the electrocatalytic effect of N-doped graphene. The nitrogen-doped graphene materials exhibited improved sensitivity over bare glassy carbon for ascorbic acid, uric acid and dopamine detection. These studies will enhance our understanding of the effects of graphite oxide precursors on the electrochemical sensing properties of nitrogen-doped graphene materials.

Prebiotic Chemistry and Atmospheric Warming of Early Earth by an Active Young Sun

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Airapetian, V. S.; Glocer, A.; Gronoff, G.; Hebrard, E.; Danchi, W.

2016-01-01

Nitrogen is a critical ingredient of complex biological molecules. Molecular nitrogen, however, which was outgassed Into the Earth's early atmosphere, is relatively chemically inert and nitrogen fixation into more chemically reactive compounds requires high temperatures. Possible mechanisms of nitrogen fixation include lightning, atmospheric shock heating by meteorites, and solar ultraviolet radiation. Here we show that nitrogen fixation in the early terrestrial atmosphere can be explained by frequent and powerful coronal mass ejection events from the young Sun -- so-called superflares. Using magnetohydrodynamic simulations constrained by Kepler Space Telescope observations, we find that successive superflare ejections produce shocks that accelerate energetic particles, which would have compressed the early Earth's magnetosphere. The resulting extended polar cap openings provide pathways for energetic particles to penetrate into the atmosphere and, according to our atmospheric chemistry simulations, initiate reactions converting molecular nitrogen, carbon dioxide and methane to the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide as well as hydrogen cyanide, an essential compound for life. Furthermore, the destruction of N2, C02 and CH, suggests that these greenhouse gases cannot explain the stability of liquid water on the early Earth. Instead, we propose that the efficient formation of nitrous oxide could explain a warm early Earth.

Durability of template-free Fe-N-C foams for electrochemical oxygen reduction in alkaline solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mufundirwa, Albert; Harrington, George F.; Smid, Břetislav; Cunning, Benjamin V.; Sasaki, Kazunari; Lyth, Stephen M.

2018-01-01

Due to the high cost and limited availability of platinum, the development of non-platinum-group metals (non-PGM) catalysts is of paramount importance. A promising alternative to Pt are Fe-N-C-based materials. Here we present the synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of a template-free nitrogen-doped carbon foam, impregnated with iron. This low-cost and gram-scale method results in materials with micron-scale pore size and large surface area (1600 m2g-1). When applied as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst in alkaline solution, the Fe-N-C foams display extremely high initial activity, slightly out-performing commercially available non-PGM catalysts (NCP-2000, Pajarito Powder). The load-cycle durability in alkaline solution is investigated, and the performance steadily degrades over 60,000 potential cycles, whilst the commercial catalyst is remarkably stable. The post-operation catalyst microstructure is elucidated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to provide insight into the degradation processes. The resulting images suggest that potential cycling leads to leaching of atomically dispersed Fe-N2/4 sites in all the catalysts, whereas encapsulated iron nanoparticles are protected.

Theoretical and practical aspects of improving the durability of steel reinforcement in transport designs, using passivation and plasticizing chemical additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velichko, Evgenij; Talipov, Linar

2017-10-01

The article deals with the problem of steel reinforcement corrosion in reinforced concrete structures exposed to aggressive media, in particular in reinforced concrete construction of transport infrastructure, in snowy areas, and subject to the influence of chlorides contained in applied deicing agents. Basic schemes for preventing the reinforcement corrosion in reinforced-concrete structures have been considered and analyzed. Prospects of primary protection against corrosion of reinforcement by introducing chemical additives with plasticizing/passivating action in a concrete mixture with mixing water have been considered in detail. The physical/chemical mechanism of the protective action of a superplasticizer together with a passivator has been highlighted.

Functional expression of a heterologous nickel-dependent, ATP-independent urease in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Milne, N; Luttik, M A H; Cueto Rojas, H F; Wahl, A; van Maris, A J A; Pronk, J T; Daran, J M

2015-07-01

In microbial processes for production of proteins, biomass and nitrogen-containing commodity chemicals, ATP requirements for nitrogen assimilation affect product yields on the energy producing substrate. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a current host for heterologous protein production and potential platform for production of nitrogen-containing chemicals, uptake and assimilation of ammonium requires 1 ATP per incorporated NH3. Urea assimilation by this yeast is more energy efficient but still requires 0.5 ATP per NH3 produced. To decrease ATP costs for nitrogen assimilation, the S. cerevisiae gene encoding ATP-dependent urease (DUR1,2) was replaced by a Schizosaccharomyces pombe gene encoding ATP-independent urease (ure2), along with its accessory genes ureD, ureF and ureG. Since S. pombe ure2 is a Ni(2+)-dependent enzyme and Saccharomyces cerevisiae does not express native Ni(2+)-dependent enzymes, the S. pombe high-affinity nickel-transporter gene (nic1) was also expressed. Expression of the S. pombe genes into dur1,2Δ S. cerevisiae yielded an in vitro ATP-independent urease activity of 0.44±0.01 µmol min(-1) mg protein(-1) and restored growth on urea as sole nitrogen source. Functional expression of the Nic1 transporter was essential for growth on urea at low Ni(2+) concentrations. The maximum specific growth rates of the engineered strain on urea and ammonium were lower than those of a DUR1,2 reference strain. In glucose-limited chemostat cultures with urea as nitrogen source, the engineered strain exhibited an increased release of ammonia and reduced nitrogen content of the biomass. Our results indicate a new strategy for improving yeast-based production of nitrogen-containing chemicals and demonstrate that Ni(2+)-dependent enzymes can be functionally expressed in S. cerevisiae. Copyright © 2015 International Metabolic Engineering Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of halogenated aromatics/aliphatics and nitrogen(N)-heterocyclic aromatics on estimating the persistence of future pharmaceutical compounds using a modified QSAR model.

PubMed

Lim, Seung Joo; Fox, Peter

2014-02-01

The effects of halogenated aromatics/aliphatics and nitrogen(N)-heterocyclic aromatics on estimating the persistence of future pharmaceutical compounds were investigated using a modified half life equation. The potential future pharmaceutical compounds investigated were approximately 2000 pharmaceutical drugs currently undergoing the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) testing. EPI Suite (BIOWIN) model estimates the fates of compounds based on the biodegradability under aerobic conditions. While BIOWIN considered the biodegradability of a compound only, the half life equation used in this study was modified by biodegradability, sorption and cometabolic oxidation. It was possible that the potential future pharmaceutical compounds were more accurately estimated using the modified half life equation. The modified half life equation considered sorption and cometabolic oxidation of halogenated aromatic/aliphatics and nitrogen(N)-heterocyclic aromatics in the sub-surface, while EPI Suite (BIOWIN) did not. Halogenated aliphatics in chemicals were more persistent than halogenated aromatics in the sub-surface. In addition, in the sub-surface environment, the fates of organic chemicals were much more affected by halogenation in chemicals than by nitrogen(N)-heterocyclic aromatics. © 2013.

Chemical, Mechanical, and Durability Properties of Concrete with Local Mineral Admixtures under Sulfate Environment in Northwest China.

PubMed

Nie, Qingke; Zhou, Changjun; Shu, Xiang; He, Qiang; Huang, Baoshan

2014-05-13

Over the vast Northwest China, arid desert contains high concentrations of sulfate, chloride, and other chemicals in the ground water, which poses serious challenges to infrastructure construction that routinely utilizes portland cement concrete. Rapid industrialization in the region has been generating huge amounts of mineral admixtures, such as fly ash and slags from energy and metallurgical industries. These industrial by-products would turn into waste materials if not utilized in time. The present study evaluated the suitability of utilizing local mineral admixtures in significant quantities for producing quality concrete mixtures that can withstand the harsh chemical environment without compromising the essential mechanical properties. Comprehensive chemical, mechanical, and durability tests were conducted in the laboratory to characterize the properties of the local cementitious mineral admixtures, cement mortar and portland cement concrete mixtures containing these admixtures. The results from this study indicated that the sulfate resistance of concrete was effectively improved by adding local class F fly ash and slag, or by applying sulfate resistance cement to the mixtures. It is noteworthy that concrete containing local mineral admixtures exhibited much lower permeability (in terms of chloride ion penetration) than ordinary portland cement concrete while retaining the same mechanical properties; whereas concrete mixtures made with sulfate resistance cement had significantly reduced strength and much increased chloride penetration comparing to the other mixtures. Hence, the use of local mineral admixtures in Northwest China in concrete mixtures would be beneficial to the performance of concrete, as well as to the protection of environment.

Chemical, Mechanical, and Durability Properties of Concrete with Local Mineral Admixtures under Sulfate Environment in Northwest China

PubMed Central

Nie, Qingke; Zhou, Changjun; Shu, Xiang; He, Qiang; Huang, Baoshan

2014-01-01

Over the vast Northwest China, arid desert contains high concentrations of sulfate, chloride, and other chemicals in the ground water, which poses serious challenges to infrastructure construction that routinely utilizes portland cement concrete. Rapid industrialization in the region has been generating huge amounts of mineral admixtures, such as fly ash and slags from energy and metallurgical industries. These industrial by-products would turn into waste materials if not utilized in time. The present study evaluated the suitability of utilizing local mineral admixtures in significant quantities for producing quality concrete mixtures that can withstand the harsh chemical environment without compromising the essential mechanical properties. Comprehensive chemical, mechanical, and durability tests were conducted in the laboratory to characterize the properties of the local cementitious mineral admixtures, cement mortar and portland cement concrete mixtures containing these admixtures. The results from this study indicated that the sulfate resistance of concrete was effectively improved by adding local class F fly ash and slag, or by applying sulfate resistance cement to the mixtures. It is noteworthy that concrete containing local mineral admixtures exhibited much lower permeability (in terms of chloride ion penetration) than ordinary portland cement concrete while retaining the same mechanical properties; whereas concrete mixtures made with sulfate resistance cement had significantly reduced strength and much increased chloride penetration comparing to the other mixtures. Hence, the use of local mineral admixtures in Northwest China in concrete mixtures would be beneficial to the performance of concrete, as well as to the protection of environment. PMID:28788648

Organic Nitrogen in Atmospheric Drops and Particles: Concentrations, (Limited) Speciation, and Chemical Transformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anastasio, C.; Zhang, Q.

2003-12-01

While quite a bit is known of the concentrations, speciation, and chemistry of inorganic forms of nitrogen in the atmosphere, the same cannot be said for organic forms. Despite this, there is growing evidence that organic N (ON) is ubiquitous in the atmosphere, especially in atmospheric condensed phases such as fog/cloud drops and aerosol particles. Although the major compounds that make up organic N are generally unknown, as are the sources of these compounds, it is clear that there are significant fluxes of ON between the atmosphere and ecosystems. It also appears that organic N can have significant effects in both spheres. The goal of our recent work in this area has been to better describe the atmospheric component of the biogeochemistry of organic nitrogen. Based on particle, gas, and fogwater samples from Northern California we have made three major findings: 1) Organic N represents a significant component, approximately 20%, of the total atmospheric N loading in these samples. This is broadly consistent with studies from other locations. 2) Amino compounds, primarily as combined amino acids, account for approximately 20% of the measured ON in our condensed phase samples. Given the properties of amino acids, these compounds could significantly affect the chemical and physical properties of atmospheric particles. 3) Organic nitrogen in atmospheric particles and drops is transformed to inorganic forms - primarily ammonium, nitrate, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) - during exposure to sunlight and/or ozone. These chemical reactions likely increase the bioavailability of the condensed phase nitrogen pool and enhance its biological effects after deposition to ecosystems.

Novel Tool for Simultaneous Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotope Analyses in Aqueous Samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Federherr, E.; Schmidt, T. C.; Cerli, C.; Kalbitz, K.; Kupka, H. J.; Lange, L.; Dunsbach, R.; Panetta, R. J.; Kasson, A.

2014-12-01

Investigation of transformation and transport processes of carbon and nitrogen in ecosystems plays an important role to understand and predict their dynamics and role in biogeochemistry. Consequently, suitable and accurate methods for concentration as well as stable isotopic composition analysis of carbon and nitrogen in waters and aqueous solutions play a significant role. Traditionally dissolved carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis (SIA) is performed using either offline sample preparation followed by elemental analysis isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS) or modified wet chemical oxidation based device coupled to IRMS. Recently we presented a high temperature combustion system (HTC), which significantly improves upon these methods for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) SIA. The analysis of δ15N of dissolved nitrogen still has large limitations. Its low concentration makes EA/IRMS laborious, time and sample consuming. Systems based on wet chemical oxidation-IRMS bare the risk of sensitivity loss as well as of fractionation due to incomplete mineralization. In addition, the high solubility of molecular nitrogen in water remains a technical challenge, as it requires additional separation steps to distinguish between physically dissolved nitrogen and bound nitrogen. Further development of our HTC system lead to the implementation of the δ15N determination which now coupled, into a novel total organic carbon (TOC) analyzing system, especially designed for SIA of both, carbon and nitrogen. Integrated, innovative purge and trap technique (peak focusing) for nitrogen with aluminosilicate adsorber and peltier element based cooling system, in combination with high injection volume (up to 3 mL) as well as favorable carrier gas flow significantly improves sensitivity. Down to 1ppm and less total nitrogen can be measured with precision of ≤ 0.5‰. To lower the background caused by physically dissolved nitrogen new, membrane-vacuum based, degasser was designed for online separation of physically dissolved nitrogen. This novel HTC system, "iso TOC cube", provides an innovative tool with large potential in investigation of biogeochemical carbon and nitrogen cycles.

Distinguishing solid bitumens formed by thermochemical sulfate reduction and thermal chemical alteration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kelemen, S.R.; Walters, C.C.; Kwiatek, P.J.; Afeworki, M.; Sansone, M.; Freund, H.; Pottorf, R.J.; Machel, H.G.; Zhang, T.; Ellis, G.S.; Tang, Y.; Peters, K.E.

2008-01-01

Insoluble solid bitumens are organic residues that can form by the thermal chemical alteration (TCA) or thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) of migrated petroleum. TCA may actually encompass several low temperature processes, such as biodegradation and asphaltene precipitation, followed by thermal alteration. TSR is an abiotic redox reaction where petroleum is oxidized by sulfate. It is difficult to distinguish solid bitumens associated with TCA of petroleum from those associated with TSR when both processes occur at relatively high temperature. The focus of the present work was to characterize solid bitumen samples associated with TCA or TSR using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS is a surface analysis conducted on either isolated or in situ (>25 ??m diameter) solid bitumen that can provide the relative abundance and chemical speciation of carbon, organic and inorganic heteroatoms (NSO). In this study, naturally occurring solid bitumens from three locations, Nisku Fm. Brazeau River area (TSR-related), LaBarge Field Madison Fm. (TSR-related), and the Alaskan Brooks range (TCA-related), are compared to organic solids generated during laboratory simulation of the TSR and TCA processes. The abundance and chemical nature of organic nitrogen and sulfur in solid bitumens can be understood in terms of the nature of (1) petroleum precursor molecules, (2) the concentration of nitrogen by way of thermal stress and (3) the mode of sulfur incorporation. TCA solid bitumens originate from polar materials that are initially rich in sulfur and nitrogen. Aromaticity and nitrogen increase as thermal stress cleaves aliphatic moieties and condensation reactions take place. Organic sulfur in TCA organic solids remains fairly constant with increasing maturation (3.5 to ???17 sulfur per 100 carbons) into aromatic structures and to the low levels of nitrogen in their hydrocarbon precursors. Hence, XPS results provide organic chemical composition information that helps to distinguish whether solid bitumen, either in situ or removed and concentrated from the rock matrix, was formed via the TCA or TRS process. ?? 2008 Elsevier Ltd.

29 CFR Appendix A to Part 510 - Manufacturing Industries Eligible for Minimum Wage Phase-In

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... 286 1 Industrial organic chemicals. 2865 1 Cyclic organic crudes and intermediates, and organic dyes and pigments. 2869 a Industrial organic chemicals, not elsewhere classified. 287 1 Agricultural chemicals. 2873 1 Nitrogenous fertilizers. 2879 1 Pesticides and agricultural chemicals, not elsewhere...

A nitrogen-rich septage-effluent plume in a glacial aquifer, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, February 1990 through December 1992

USGS Publications Warehouse

Desimone, Leslie A.; Barlow, Paul M.; Howes, Brian L.

1996-01-01

Physical, chemical, and microbial processes controlled transport of a nitrogen-rich ground-water plume through a glacial aquifer. Lithologic heterogeneity and vertical head gradients influenced plume movement and geometry. Nitrate was the predominant nitrogen form and oxygen was depleted in the ground-water plume. However, denitrification transformed only 2 percent of plume nitrogen because of limited organic-carbon availability. Aerobic respiration, nitrification and cation exchange (unsaturated zone) and ammonium sorption (saturated zone) had larger effects.

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

King, Paul W; Chen, Jingguang G.; Crooks, Richard M.

Nitrogen is fundamental to all of life and many industrial processes. The interchange of nitrogen oxidation states in the industrial production of ammonia, nitric acid, and other commodity chemicals is largely powered by fossil fuels. A key goal of contemporary research in the field of nitrogen chemistry is to minimize the use of fossil fuels by developing more efficient heterogeneous, homogeneous, photo-, and electrocatalytic processes or by adapting the enzymatic processes underlying the natural nitrogen cycle. These approaches, as well as the challenges involved, are discussed in this Review.

Steam Cured Self-Consolidating Concrete and the Effects of Limestone Filler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aqel, Mohammad A.

The purpose of this thesis is to determine the effect and the mechanisms associated with replacing 15% of the cement by limestone filler on the mechanical properties and durability performance of self-consolidating concrete designed and cured for precast/prestressed applications. This study investigates the role of limestone filler on the hydration kinetics, mechanical properties (12 hours to 300 days), microstructural and durability performance (rapid chloride permeability, linear shrinkage, sulfate resistance, freeze-thaw resistance and salt scaling resistance) of various self-consolidating concrete mix designs containing 5% silica fume and steam cured at a maximum holding temperature of 55°C. This research also examines the resistance to delayed ettringite formation when the concrete is steam cured at 70°C and 82°C and its secondary consequences on the freeze-thaw resistance. The effect of several experimental variables related to the concrete mix design and also the curing conditions are examined, namely: limestone filler fineness, limestone filler content, cement type, steam curing duration and steam curing temperature. In general, the results reveal that self-consolidating concrete containing 15% limestone filler, steam cured at 55°C, 70°C and 82°C, exhibited similar or superior mechanical and transport properties as well as long term durability performance compared to similar concrete without limestone filler. When the concrete is steam cured at 55°C, the chemical reactivity of limestone filler has an important role in enhancing the mechanical properties at 16 hours (compared to the concrete without limestone filler) and compensating for the dilution effect at 28 days. Although, at 300 days, the expansion of all concrete mixes are below 0.05%, the corresponding freeze-thaw durability factors vary widely and are controlled by the steam curing temperature and the chemical composition of the cement. Overall, the material properties indicate that the use of 15% limestone filler as cement replacement is a viable option for the precast/prestressed concrete applications, and in addition, would also have economic and environmental benefits.

Synthesis of ‘reactive’ and covalent polymeric multilayer coatings with durable superoleophobic and superoleophilic properties under water† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Fig. S1–S15 accounting the growth of NC with and without the LbL deposition process, detailed comparisons of the multilayers of BPEI and NC, the change in the underwater oil-wettability with increasing deposition cycles of NC, the change in the optical transparency of the multilayers under water, the underwater oil-wettability of various model oils on post-modified multilayers of NC, bouncing of oil droplets underwater, the change in adhesive interactions with LbL deposition of NC, beading and wetting of oil droplets on post-modified multilayers under water, the effect of heating, freezing, and chemical and physical insults on the oil-wettability of the multilayers under water, LbL coating of various substrates, the guided transfer of oil droplets under water and the cleaning of oil using superoleophilic cotton under water. See DOI: 10.1039/c7sc01055a Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Parbat, Dibyangana

2017-01-01

Bioinspired underwater super-oil-wettability (superoleophilic/superoleophobic) properties are emerging as a potential avenue for developing smart materials for addressing issues related to healthcare, environment, energy, etc. However, the inherent poor durability of the materials that are mostly developed using polymeric hydrogel, metal oxide coatings and electrostatic multilayers often challenges the application of these wettability properties in practical scenarios. Here, ‘amine-reactive’ polymeric multilayers of nano-complex were developed to fabricate ‘internal’ underwater superoleophobic/superoleophilic coatings with impeccable physical/chemical durability. This allows the super-wetting properties to exist beyond the surface of the material and remain intact even after severe physical damage including erosion of the material and continuous exposure to an artificial-marine environment for more than 80 days. Moreover, this current design allowed for independent revalidation of some key hypotheses with direct experimental demonstrations, and provided a basis to develop highly durable super-oil-wettability properties under water. It is believed that this contemporary study will make a worthwhile contribution on developing multifunctional materials for widespread practical applications by exploiting these super-oil-wetting properties. PMID:28989639

The Use of Esterified Lignin for Synthesis of Durable Composites

Treesearch

S. Olsson; E. Ostmark; R.E. Ibach; C.M. Clemons; K.B. Segerholm; F. Englund

2011-01-01

Lignin is a natural polymer and one of the most abundant materials on earth. Despite this fact, lignin is often viewed as a by-product in chemical pulp processing and the use of lignin as a sustainable material is low. However, research and public awareness of sustainability have opened up new possibilities for using lignin as a material.

Understanding extractive bleed : wood extractives: distribution, properties, and classes

Treesearch

Edward Burke; Norm Slavik; Tony Bonura; Dennis Connelly; Tom Faris; Arnie Nebelsick; Brent Stuart; Sam Williams; Alex C. Wiedenhoeft

2010-01-01

Color, odor, and natural durability of heartwood are characteristics imparted by a class of chemicals in wood known collectively extractives. Wood is converted by the tree from sapwood to heartwood by the deposition of extractives, typically many years after the growth ring undergoing this change was formed by the tree. Extractives are thus not a part of the wood...

International Congress on Glass XII (in several languages)

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

Doremus, R H; LaCourse, W C; Mackenzie, J D

1980-01-01

A total of 158 papers are included under nine headings: structure and glass formation; optical properties; electrical and magnetic properties; mechanical properties and relaxation; mass transport; chemical durability and surfaces; nucleation; crystallization; and glass ceramics; processing; and automatic controls. Separate abstracts were prepared for eight papers; four of the remaining papers had been processed previously for the data base. (DLC)

40 CFR 62.1102 - Identification of sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) Allied Chemical Corporation in Alameda County. (b) Monsanto Company in Alameda County. (c) Occidental Chemical Company in Fresno County. (d) Stauffer Chemical Company in Alameda County. (e) Valley Nitrogen Products, Inc. in Kern County. Fluoride Emissions From Primary Aluminum Reduction Plants ...

40 CFR 62.1102 - Identification of sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) Allied Chemical Corporation in Alameda County. (b) Monsanto Company in Alameda County. (c) Occidental Chemical Company in Fresno County. (d) Stauffer Chemical Company in Alameda County. (e) Valley Nitrogen Products, Inc. in Kern County. Fluoride Emissions From Primary Aluminum Reduction Plants ...

40 CFR 62.1102 - Identification of sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) Allied Chemical Corporation in Alameda County. (b) Monsanto Company in Alameda County. (c) Occidental Chemical Company in Fresno County. (d) Stauffer Chemical Company in Alameda County. (e) Valley Nitrogen Products, Inc. in Kern County. Fluoride Emissions From Primary Aluminum Reduction Plants ...

40 CFR 62.1102 - Identification of sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) Allied Chemical Corporation in Alameda County. (b) Monsanto Company in Alameda County. (c) Occidental Chemical Company in Fresno County. (d) Stauffer Chemical Company in Alameda County. (e) Valley Nitrogen Products, Inc. in Kern County. Fluoride Emissions From Primary Aluminum Reduction Plants ...

UV-Resistant and Thermally Stable Superhydrophobic CeO2 Nanotubes with High Water Adhesion.

PubMed

Li, Xue-Ping; Sun, Ya-Li; Xu, Yao-Yi; Chao, Zi-Sheng

2018-06-03

A novel type of sticky superhydrophobic cerium dioxide (CeO 2 ) nanotube material is prepared by hydrothermal treatment without any chemical modification. A water droplet on the material surface shows a static water contact angle of about 157° but the water droplet is pinned on the material surface even when the material surface is turned upside down. Interestingly, the as-prepared CeO 2 nanotube material displays durable superhydrophobicity and enhanced adhesion to water under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. Importantly, this change in water adhesion can be reversed by heat treatment to restore the original adhesive value of 20 µL. Further, the maximum volume of the water droplet adhered on the material surface of CeO 2 nanotubes can be regulated without loss of superhydrophobicity during the heating treatment/UV-irradiation cycling. Meanwhile, the superhydrophobic CeO 2 nanotube material shows remarkable thermal stability even at temperatures as high as 450 °C, long-term durability in chemical environment, and air-storage and good resistance to oily contaminant. Finally, the potential application in no-loss water transportation of this sticky superhydrophobic CeO 2 material is demonstrated. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Antimicrobial durability of air filters coated with airborne Sophora flavescens nanoparticles.

PubMed

Chong, Eui-Seok; Hwang, Gi Byoung; Nho, Chu Won; Kwon, Bo Mi; Lee, Jung Eun; Seo, Sungchul; Bae, Gwi-Nam; Jung, Jae Hee

2013-02-01

Airborne biological particles containing viruses, bacteria, and/or fungi can be toxic and cause infections and allergy symptoms. Recently, natural materials such as tea tree oil and Sophora flavescens have shown promising antimicrobial activity when applied as air filter media. Although many of these studies demonstrated excellent antimicrobial efficacy, only a few of them considered external environmental effects such as the surrounding humidity, temperature, and natural degradation of chemicals, all of which can affect the antimicrobial performance of these natural materials. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial durability of air filters containing airborne nanoparticles from S. flavescens for 5 months. Antimicrobial tests and quantitative chemical analyses were performed every 30 days. Morphological changes in the nanoparticles were also evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The major antimicrobial compounds remained stable and active for ~90 days at room temperature. After about 90 days, the quantities of major antimicrobial compounds decreased noticeably with a consequent decrease in antimicrobial activity. These results are promising for the implementation of new technologies using natural antimicrobial products and provide useful information regarding the average life expectancy of antimicrobial filters using nanoparticles of S. flavescens. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Convergent evidence for widespread rock nitrogen sources in Earth's surface environment.

PubMed

Houlton, B Z; Morford, S L; Dahlgren, R A

2018-04-06

Nitrogen availability is a pivotal control on terrestrial carbon sequestration and global climate change. Historical and contemporary views assume that nitrogen enters Earth's land-surface ecosystems from the atmosphere. Here we demonstrate that bedrock is a nitrogen source that rivals atmospheric nitrogen inputs across major sectors of the global terrestrial environment. Evidence drawn from the planet's nitrogen balance, geochemical proxies, and our spatial weathering model reveal that ~19 to 31 teragrams of nitrogen are mobilized from near-surface rocks annually. About 11 to 18 teragrams of this nitrogen are chemically weathered in situ, thereby increasing the unmanaged (preindustrial) terrestrial nitrogen balance from 8 to 26%. These findings provide a global perspective to reconcile Earth's nitrogen budget, with implications for nutrient-driven controls over the terrestrial carbon sink. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

INORGANIC COORDINATION POLYMERS. IV. THE ATTEMPTED REPLACEMENT OF ACETYLACETONATE LIGANDS WITH PICOLINATE LIGANDS,

DTIC Science & Technology

HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS, PHOSPHENE OXIDES, BENZENE, CHROMIUM COMPOUNDS, CHEMICAL REAC, SYNTHESIS (CHEMISTRY), CHEMICAL ANALY, SPECTRA (INFRARED), ABSORPTION, DISPLACE, POLYMERIZATION, ORGANIC NITROGEN, AROMATIC COMPOUNDS.

Mechanical properties and durability of crumb rubber concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chylík, Roman; Trtík, Tomáš; Fládr, Josef; Bílý, Petr

2017-09-01

This paper is focused on concrete with admixture of rubber powder, generally called crumb rubber concrete (CRC). The inspiration was found in Arizona, where one of the first CRCs has been created. However, Arizona has completely different climates than Central Europe. Could we use the crumb rubber concrete on construction applications in the Central European climate too? The paper evaluates the influence of the rubber powder on material characteristics and durability of CRC. CRCs with various contents of fine and coarse crumb powder were compared. The tested parameters were slump, air content, permeability, resistance of concrete to water with deicing chemicals, compressive and splitting tensile strength. The tests showed that workability, compressive strength and permeability decreased as the amount of rubber increased, but the air content increased as the rubber content increased. Photos of air voids in cement matrix from electron microscope were captured. The results of laboratory tests showed that admixture of rubber powder in concrete could have a positive impact on durability of concrete and concurrently contribute to sustainable development. Considering the lower compressive strength, CRC is recommended for use in applications where the high strength of concrete is not required.

Properties of Cement Mortar by Use of Hot-Melt Polyamides as Substitute for Fine Aggregate

PubMed Central

Yuan, Xiongzhou; Xu, Weiting; Sun, Wei; Xing, Feng; Wang, Weilun

2015-01-01

This paper presents an experimental study on use of hot-melt polyamide (HMP) to prepare mortar specimens with improved crack healing and engineering properties. The role of HMP in the crack repairing of cement mortar subjected to several rounds of heat treatment was investigated. Compatibility between HMP and hydraulic cement was investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) technology. Mortar specimens were prepared using standard cement mortar mixes with HMP at 1%, 3% and 5% (by volume) for fine aggregate substitute. After curing for 28 days, HMP specimens were subjected to heating at temperature of 160 °C for one, two, and three days and then natural cooling down to ambient temperature. Mechanical and durability properties of the heated HMP mortars were evaluated and compared with those of the corresponding mortars without heating. The microscopic observation of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of HMP mortar was conducted through environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Results reveal that incorporation of HMP improves the workability of the HMP/cement binder while leading to decrease in compressive strength and durability. The heated HMP mortars after exposure to heating for one, two, and three days exhibit no obvious change in compressive strength while presenting notable increase in flexural strength and durability compared with the corresponding mortars without heating. The XRD, FTIR and ESEM analyses indicate that no obvious chemical reaction occurs between HMP and hydraulic cement, and thus the self-repairing for interfacial micro-crack in HMP/cement composite system is ascribed to the physical adhesion of HMP to cement matrix rather than the chemical bonding between them.

Effects of surface preparation on the long-term durability of adhesively bonded composite joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bardis, Jason Dante

The long-term durability of adhesively bonded composite joints is critical to modern aircraft structures, which are increasingly adopting bonding as an alternative option to mechanical fastening. The effects of the surface preparation of the adherends are critical, affecting initial strength, long-term durability, fracture toughness, and failure modes of bonded joints. In this study, several potential factors are evaluated, with focus on the following: (1) Effects of possible chemical contamination from release fabrics, release films, and peel plies during adherend cure. (2) Chemical and mechanical effects of abrasion on the fracture toughness and failure mode. (3) Characterization of paste and film adhesives. There are several standard test methods used to evaluate specimen fracture, but the majority concentrate on bonded metals and interlaminar composite fracture. Testing concentrated on mode I tests; a custom double cantilever beam specimen was devised and utilized, and two forms of a wedge crack test (traveling and static) were also used. Additionally, single lap shear tests were run to contrast the mode I tests. Non-destructive testing included X-ray photography of crack fronts, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy surface chemistry analyses, and scanning electron microscope imaging of prepared surfaces. All mode I test methods tended to be in agreement in the ranking of different surface preparation methods. Test results revealed that release agents deposited on adherend surfaces during their cure cycle prevented proper adhesion. While mechanical abrasion did improve their fracture toughness and lower their contamination greatly, the test values did not reach the levels of samples that were not contaminated before bonding, and the interfacial modes of failure did not always change to desirable modes.

Responses of soil physical and chemical properties to karst rocky desertification evolution in typical karst valley area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Fei; Zhou, Dequan; Bai, Xiaoyong; zeng, Cheng; Xiao, Jianyong; Qian, Qinghuan; Luo, Guangjie

2018-01-01

In order to reveal the differences of soil physical and chemical properties and their response mechanism to the evolution of KRD. The characteristics of soil physical and chemical properties of different grades of KRD were studied by field sampling method to research different types of KRD in the typical karst valley of southern China. Instead of using space of time, to explore the response and the mechanisms of the soil physical and chemical properties at the different evolution process. The results showed that: (1) There were significant differences in organic matter, pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, sediment concentration, clay content and AWHC in different levels of KRD environment. However, these indicators are not with increasing desertification degree has been degraded, but improved after a first degradation trends; (2) The correlation analysis showed that soil organic matter, acid, alkali, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and clay contents were significantly correlated with other physical and chemical factors. They are the key factors of soil physical and chemical properties, play a key role in improving soil physical and chemical properties and promoting nutrient cycling; (3) The principal component analysis showed that the cumulative contribution rate of organic matter, pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium and sediment concentration was 80.26%, which was the key index to evaluate rocky desertification degree based on soil physical and chemical properties. The results have important theoretical and practical significance for the protection and restoration of rocky desertification ecosystem in southwest China.

Performance Stability of Silicone Oxide-Coated Plastic Parenteral Vials.

PubMed

Weikart, Christopher M; Pantano, Carlo G; Shallenberger, Jeff R

2017-01-01

A new packaging system was developed for parenteral pharmaceuticals that combines the best attributes of plastic and glass without their respective drawbacks. This technological advancement is based on the synergy between high-precision injection-molded plastics and plasma coating technology. The result is a shatter-resistant, optically clear, low-particulate, and chemically durable packaging system. The demand for this product is driven by the expanding market, regulatory constraints, and product recalls for injectable drugs and biologics packaged in traditional glass materials. It is shown that this new packaging system meets or exceeds the important performance characteristics of glass, especially in eliminating the glass delamination and breakage that has been observed in many products. The new packaging system is an engineered, multilayer, glass-coated plastic composite that provides a chemically stable contact surface and oxygen barrier performance that exceeds a 2 year shelf life requirement. Evaluation of the coating system characteristics and performance stability to chemical, temperature, and mechanical extremes are reported herein. LAY ABSTRACT: A new packaging system for parenteral pharmaceuticals was developed that combines the best attributes of plastic and glass without their respective drawbacks. This technological advancement is based on the synergy between high-precision injection-molded plastics and plasma coating technology. The result is a shatter-resistant, optically clear, low-particulate, and chemically durable packaging system. It is shown that this new packaging system meets or exceeds the important performance characteristics of glass, especially in eliminating the glass delamination and breakage that has been observed in many products. The new packaging system is an engineered, multilayer, glass-coated plastic composite that provides a chemically stable contact surface and oxygen barrier performance that exceeds a 2 year shelf life requirement. Evaluation of the coating system characteristics and performance stability to chemical, temperature, and mechanical extremes are reported herein. © PDA, Inc. 2017.

Facilitation and inhibition: changes in plant nitrogen and secondary metabolites mediate interactions between above-ground and below-ground herbivores.

PubMed

Huang, Wei; Siemann, Evan; Yang, Xuefang; Wheeler, Gregory S; Ding, Jianqing

2013-09-22

To date, it remains unclear how herbivore-induced changes in plant primary and secondary metabolites impact above-ground and below-ground herbivore interactions. Here, we report effects of above-ground (adult) and below-ground (larval) feeding by Bikasha collaris on nitrogen and secondary chemicals in shoots and roots of Triadica sebifera to explain reciprocal above-ground and below-ground insect interactions. Plants increased root tannins with below-ground herbivory, but above-ground herbivory prevented this increase and larval survival doubled. Above-ground herbivory elevated root nitrogen, probably contributing to increased larval survival. However, plants increased foliar tannins with above-ground herbivory and below-ground herbivory amplified this increase, and adult survival decreased. As either foliar or root tannins increased, foliar flavonoids decreased, suggesting a trade-off between these chemicals. Together, these results show that plant chemicals mediate contrasting effects of conspecific larval and adult insects, whereas insects may take advantage of plant responses to facilitate their offspring performance, which may influence population dynamics.

Product selectivity of visible-light photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide using titanium dioxide doped by different nitrogen-sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhaoguo; Huang, Zhengfeng; Cheng, Xudong; Wang, Qingli; Chen, Yi; Dong, Peimei; Zhang, Xiwen

2015-11-01

The influence of nitrogen-source on the photocatalytic properties of nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide is herein first investigated from the perspective of the chemical bond form of the nitrogen element in the nitrogen-source. The definitive role of groups such as Nsbnd N from the nitrogen-source on the surface of as-prepared samples in the selectivity of the dominant product of photocatalytic reduction is demonstrated. Well-crystallized one-dimensional Nsbnd TiO2 nanorod arrays with a preferred orientation of the rutile (3 1 0) facet are manufactured via a hydrothermal treatment using hydrazine and ammonia variously as the source of nitrogen. Significant selectivity of the dominant reduced products has been exhibited for Nsbnd TiO2 prepared from different nitrogen-sources in carbon dioxide photocatalytic reduction under visible light illumination. CH4 is the main product with N2H4-doped Nsbnd TiO2, while CO is the main product with NH3-doped Nsbnd TiO2, which can be attributed to the existence of the reducing Nsbnd N groups in the N2H4-doped Nsbnd TiO2 surfaces after the hydrothermal treatment. Compared with the approaches previously reported, the facile one-step route utilized here accomplishes the fabrication of Nsbnd TiO2 possessing visible-light activity and attainment of selectivity of dominant photocatalytic reduction product simultaneously by choosing a nitrogen-source with appropriate chemical bond form, which provides a completely new approach to understanding the effects of doping treatment on photocatalytic properties.

The nitrogen cycle on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mancinelli, Rocco L.

1989-01-01

Nirtogen is an essential element for the evolution of life, because it is found in a variety of biologically important molecules. Therefore, N is an important element to study from a exobiological perspective. In particular, fixed nitrogen is the biologically useful form of nitrogen. Fixed nitrogen is generally defines as NH3, NH4(+), NO(x), or N that is chemically bound to either inorganic or organic molecules, and releasable by hydrolysis to NH3 or NH4(+). On Earth, the vast majority of nitrogen exists as N2 in the atmosphere, and not in the fixes form. On early Mars the same situations probably existed. The partial pressure of N2 on early Mars was thought to be 18 mb, significantly less than that of Earth. Dinitrogen can be fixed abiotically by several mechanisms. These mechanisms include thernal shock from meteoritic infall and lightning, as well as the interaction of light and sand containing TiO2 which produces NH3 that would be rapidly destroyed by photolysis and reaction with OH radicals. These mechanisms could have been operative on primitive Mars.The chemical processes effecting these compounds and possible ways of fixing or burying N in the Martian environment are described. Data gathered in this laboratory suggest that the low abundance of nitrogen along (compared to primitive Earth) may not significantly deter the origin and early evolution of a nitrogen utilizing organisms. However, the conditions on current Mars with respect to nitrogen are quite different, and organisms may not be able to utilize all of the available nitrogen.

Plasma impregnation of wood with fire retardants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pabeliña, Karel G.; Lumban, Carmencita O.; Ramos, Henry J.

2012-02-01

The efficacy of chemical and plasma treatments with phosphate and boric compounds, and nitrogen as flame retardants on wood are compared in this study. The chemical treatment involved the conventional method of spraying the solution over the wood surface at atmospheric condition and chemical vapor deposition in a vacuum chamber. The plasma treatment utilized a dielectric barrier discharge ionizing and decomposing the flame retardants into innocuous simple compounds. Wood samples are immersed in either phosphoric acid, boric acid, hydrogen or nitrogen plasmas or a plasma admixture of two or three compounds at various concentrations and impregnated by the ionized chemical reactants. Chemical changes on the wood samples were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) while the thermal changes through thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Plasma-treated samples exhibit superior thermal stability and fire retardant properties in terms of highest onset temperature, temperature of maximum pyrolysis, highest residual char percentage and comparably low total percentage weight loss.

Mass Separation by Metamaterials

PubMed Central

Restrepo-Flórez, Juan Manuel; Maldovan, Martin

2016-01-01

Being able to manipulate mass flow is critically important in a variety of physical processes in chemical and biomolecular science. For example, separation and catalytic systems, which requires precise control of mass diffusion, are crucial in the manufacturing of chemicals, crystal growth of semiconductors, waste recovery of biological solutes or chemicals, and production of artificial kidneys. Coordinate transformations and metamaterials are powerful methods to achieve precise manipulation of molecular diffusion. Here, we introduce a novel approach to obtain mass separation based on metamaterials that can sort chemical and biomolecular species by cloaking one compound while concentrating the other. A design strategy to realize such metamaterial using homogeneous isotropic materials is proposed. We present a practical case where a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen is manipulated using a metamaterial that cloaks nitrogen and concentrates oxygen. This work lays the foundation for molecular mass separation in biophysical and chemical systems through metamaterial devices. PMID:26912419

Ceramic regenerator systems development program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, J. A.; Fucinari, C. A.; Lingscheit, J. N.; Rahnke, C. J.; Rao, V. D.

1978-01-01

Ceramic regenerator cores are considered that can be used in passenger car gas turbine engines, Stirling engines, and industrial/truck gas turbine engines. Improved materials and design concepts aimed at reducing or eliminating chemical attack were placed on durability tests/in industrial gas turbine engines. A regenerator core made from aluminum silicate shows minimal evidence of chemical attack damage after 7804 hours of engine test at 800 C and another showed little distress after 4983 hours at 982 C. The results obtained in ceramic material screening tests, aerothermodynamic performance tests, stress analysis, cost studies, and material specifications are also included.

An Energy Balance Model to Predict Chemical Partitioning in a Photosynthetic Microbial Mat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoehler, Tori M.; Albert, Daniel B.; DesMarais, David J.

2006-01-01

Studies of biosignature formation in photosynthetic microbial mat communities offer potentially useful insights with regards to both solar and extrasolar astrobiology. Biosignature formation in such systems results from the chemical transformation of photosynthetically fixed carbon by accessory microorganisms. This fixed carbon represents a source not only of reducing power, but also energy, to these organisms, so that chemical and energy budgets should be coupled. We tested this hypothesis by applying an energy balance model to predict the fate of photosynthetic productivity under dark, anoxic conditions. Fermentation of photosynthetically fixed carbon is taken to be the only source of energy available to cyanobacteria in the absence of light and oxygen, and nitrogen fixation is the principal energy demand. The alternate fate for fixed carbon is to build cyanobacterial biomass with Redfield C:N ratio. The model predicts that, under completely nitrogen-limited conditions, growth is optimized when 78% of fixed carbon stores are directed into fermentative energy generation, with the remainder allocated to growth. These predictions were compared to measurements made on microbial mats that are known to be both nitrogen-limited and populated by actively nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. In these mats, under dark, anoxic conditions, 82% of fixed carbon stores were diverted into fermentation. The close agreement between these independent approaches suggests that energy balance models may provide a quantitative means of predicting chemical partitioning within such systems - an important step towards understanding how biological productivity is ultimately partitioned into biosignature compounds.

The United States Total DEPosition (TDEP) Project for Sulfur and Nitrogen

EPA Science Inventory

Estimates of total sulfur and nitrogen deposition are needed for use in critical loads and other ecosystem assessments. Measurements are available for some chemical species at individual locations for air concentration and wet deposition, but not dry deposition. Modeling provid...

Nitrogen Trifluoride: Its Chemistry, Toxicity, and Safe Handling.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-11-12

Hopkins University . LPAI—LtIP-1 , Nov 1961 . 27. Stauffer Chemical Co. Technical Bulletin. “Nitrogen Trifluoride and Tetrafluorohydrazine ” . Market ...Continued ) United Technologies Corp. Naval Postgraduate School Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Div. Attn: Libra ry, Tech. Repts. Florida Researc h & Development Ctr

The Joys of Liquid Nitrogen.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nolan, William T.; Gish, Thaddeus J.

1996-01-01

Presents 6 short experiments with liquid nitrogen that 12- and 13-year-old students can safely perform under close supervision. Helps the students in learning a number of basic chemical principles while spurring their curiosity and showing them how much fun chemistry can be. (JRH)

Conformational ordering of biomolecules in the gas phase: nitrogen collision cross sections measured on a prototype high resolution drift tube ion mobility-mass spectrometer.

PubMed

May, Jody C; Goodwin, Cody R; Lareau, Nichole M; Leaptrot, Katrina L; Morris, Caleb B; Kurulugama, Ruwan T; Mordehai, Alex; Klein, Christian; Barry, William; Darland, Ed; Overney, Gregor; Imatani, Kenneth; Stafford, George C; Fjeldsted, John C; McLean, John A

2014-02-18

Ion mobility-mass spectrometry measurements which describe the gas-phase scaling of molecular size and mass are of both fundamental and pragmatic utility. Fundamentally, such measurements expand our understanding of intrinsic intramolecular folding forces in the absence of solvent. Practically, reproducible transport properties, such as gas-phase collision cross-section (CCS), are analytically useful metrics for identification and characterization purposes. Here, we report 594 CCS values obtained in nitrogen drift gas on an electrostatic drift tube ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) instrument. The instrument platform is a newly developed prototype incorporating a uniform-field drift tube bracketed by electrodynamic ion funnels and coupled to a high resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The CCS values reported here are of high experimental precision (±0.5% or better) and represent four chemically distinct classes of molecules (quaternary ammonium salts, lipids, peptides, and carbohydrates), which enables structural comparisons to be made between molecules of different chemical compositions for the rapid "omni-omic" characterization of complex biological samples. Comparisons made between helium and nitrogen-derived CCS measurements demonstrate that nitrogen CCS values are systematically larger than helium values; however, general separation trends between chemical classes are retained regardless of the drift gas. These results underscore that, for the highest CCS accuracy, care must be exercised when utilizing helium-derived CCS values to calibrate measurements obtained in nitrogen, as is the common practice in the field.

Fauna-associated changes in chemical and biochemical properties of soil.

PubMed

Tripathi, G; Sharma, B M

2006-12-01

To study the impacts of abundance of woodlice, termites, and mites on some functional aspects of soil in order to elucidate the specific role of soil fauna in improving soil fertility in desert. Fauna-rich sites were selected as experimental sites and adjacent areas were taken as control. Soil samples were collected from both sites. Soil respiration was measured at both sites. The soil samples were sent to laboratory, their chemical and biochemical properties were analyzed. Woodlice showed 25% decrease in organic carbon and organic matter as compared to control site. Whereas termites and mites showed 58% and 16% decrease in organic carbon and organic matter. In contrast, available nitrogen (nitrate and ammonical both) and phosphorus exhibited 2-fold and 1.2-fold increase, respectively. Soil respiration and dehydrogenase activity at the sites rich in woodlice, termites and mites produced 2.5-, 3.5- and 2-fold increases, respectively as compared to their control values. Fauna-associated increase in these biological parameters clearly reflected fauna-induced microbial activity in soil. Maximum decrease in organic carbon and increase in nitrate-nitrogen and ammonical-nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil respiration and dehydrogenase activity were produced by termites and minimum by mites reflecting termite as an efficient soil improver in desert environment. The soil fauna-associated changes in chemical (organic carbon, nitrate-nitrogen, ammonical-nitrogen, phosphorus) and biochemical (soil respiration, dehydrogenase activity) properties of soil improve soil health and help in conservation of desert pedoecosystem.

Conformational Ordering of Biomolecules in the Gas Phase: Nitrogen Collision Cross Sections Measured on a Prototype High Resolution Drift Tube Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometer

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Ion mobility-mass spectrometry measurements which describe the gas-phase scaling of molecular size and mass are of both fundamental and pragmatic utility. Fundamentally, such measurements expand our understanding of intrinsic intramolecular folding forces in the absence of solvent. Practically, reproducible transport properties, such as gas-phase collision cross-section (CCS), are analytically useful metrics for identification and characterization purposes. Here, we report 594 CCS values obtained in nitrogen drift gas on an electrostatic drift tube ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) instrument. The instrument platform is a newly developed prototype incorporating a uniform-field drift tube bracketed by electrodynamic ion funnels and coupled to a high resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The CCS values reported here are of high experimental precision (±0.5% or better) and represent four chemically distinct classes of molecules (quaternary ammonium salts, lipids, peptides, and carbohydrates), which enables structural comparisons to be made between molecules of different chemical compositions for the rapid “omni-omic” characterization of complex biological samples. Comparisons made between helium and nitrogen-derived CCS measurements demonstrate that nitrogen CCS values are systematically larger than helium values; however, general separation trends between chemical classes are retained regardless of the drift gas. These results underscore that, for the highest CCS accuracy, care must be exercised when utilizing helium-derived CCS values to calibrate measurements obtained in nitrogen, as is the common practice in the field. PMID:24446877

The hard start phenomena in hypergolic engines. Volume 4: The chemistry of hydrazine fuels and nitrogen tetroxide propellant systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miron, Y.; Perlee, H. E.

1974-01-01

The various chemical reactions that occur and that could possibly occur in the RCS engines utilizing hydrazine-type fuel/nitrogen tetroxide propellant systems, prior to ignition (preignition), during combustion, and after combustion (postcombustion), and endeavors to relate the hard-start phenomenon to some of these reactions are discussed. The discussion is based on studies utilizing a variety of experimental techniques and apparatus as well as current theories of chemical reactions and reaction kinetics. The chemical reactions were studied in low pressure gas flow reactors, low temperature homogeneous- and heterogeneous-phase reactors, simulated two-dimensional (2-D) engines, and scaled and full size engines.

Flow-field differences and electromagnetic-field properties of air and N2 inductively coupled plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Minghao; Yamada, Kazuhiko; Takahashi, Yusuke; Liu, Kai; Zhao, Tong

2016-12-01

A numerical model for simulating air and nitrogen inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) was developed considering thermochemical nonequilibrium and the third-order electron transport properties. A modified far-field electromagnetic model was introduced and tightly coupled with the flow field equations to describe the Joule heating and inductive discharge phenomena. In total, 11 species and 49 chemical reactions of air, which include 5 species and 8 chemical reactions of nitrogen, were employed to model the chemical reaction process. The internal energy transfers among translational, vibrational, rotational, and electronic energy modes of chemical species were taken into account to study thermal nonequilibrium effects. The low-Reynolds number Abe-Kondoh-Nagano k-ɛ turbulence model was employed to consider the turbulent heat transfer. In this study, the fundamental characteristics of an ICP flow, such as the weak ionization, high temperature but low velocity in the torch, and wide area of the plasma plume, were reproduced by the developed numerical model. The flow field differences between the air and nitrogen ICP flows inside the 10-kW ICP wind tunnel were made clear. The interactions between the electromagnetic and flow fields were also revealed for an inductive discharge.

Nitrogen and triple oxygen isotopes in near-road air samples using chemical conversion and thermal decomposition.

PubMed

Smirnoff, Anna; Savard, Martine M; Vet, Robert; Simard, Marie-Christine

2012-12-15

The determination of triple oxygen (δ(18)O and δ(17)O) and nitrogen isotopes (δ(15)N) is important when investigating the sources and atmospheric paths of nitrate and nitrite. To fully understand the atmospheric contribution into the terrestrial nitrogen cycle, it is crucial to determine the δ(15)N values of oxidised and reduced nitrogen species in precipitation and dry deposition. In an attempt to further develop non-biotic methods and avoid expensive modifications of the gas-equilibration system, we have combined and modified sample preparation procedures and analytical setups used by other researchers. We first chemically converted NO(3)(-) and NH(4)(+) into NO(2)(-) and then into N(2)O. Subsequently, the resulting gas was decomposed into N(2) and O(2) and analyzed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) using a pre-concentration system equipped with a gold reduction furnace. The δ(17)O, δ(18)O and δ(15)N values of nitrate and nitrite samples were acquired simultaneously in one run using a single analytical system. Most importantly, the entire spectrum of δ(17)O, δ(18)O and/or δ(15)N values was determined from atmospheric nitrate, nitric oxide, ammonia and ammonium. The obtained isotopic values for air and precipitation samples were in good agreement with those from previous studies. We have further advanced chemical approaches to sample preparation and isotope analyses of nitrogen-bearing compounds. The proposed methods are inexpensive and easily adaptable to a wide range of laboratory conditions. This will substantially contribute to further studies on sources and pathways of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium in terrestrial nitrogen cycling. Copyright © 2012 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Inactivation of chemical and heat-resistant spores of Bacillus and Geobacillus by nitrogen cold atmospheric plasma evokes distinct changes in morphology and integrity of spores.

PubMed

van Bokhorst-van de Veen, Hermien; Xie, Houyu; Esveld, Erik; Abee, Tjakko; Mastwijk, Hennie; Nierop Groot, Masja

2015-02-01

Bacterial spores are resistant to severe conditions and form a challenge to eradicate from food or food packaging material. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment is receiving more attention as potential sterilization method at relatively mild conditions but the exact mechanism of inactivation is still not fully understood. In this study, the biocidal effect by nitrogen CAP was determined for chemical (hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide), physical (UV) and heat-resistant spores. The three different sporeformers used are Bacillus cereus a food-borne pathogen, and Bacillus atrophaeus and Geobacillus stearothermophilus that are used as biological indicators for validation of chemical sterilization and thermal processes, respectively. The different spores showed variation in their degree of inactivation by applied heat, hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, and UV treatments, whereas similar inactivation results were obtained with the different spores treated with nitrogen CAP. G. stearothermophilus spores displayed high resistance to heat, hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, while for UV treatment B. atrophaeus spores are most tolerant. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed distinct morphological changes for nitrogen CAP-treated B. cereus spores including etching effects and the appearance of rough spore surfaces, whereas morphology of spores treated with heat or disinfectants showed no such changes. Moreover, microscopy analysis revealed CAP-exposed B. cereus spores to turn phase grey conceivably because of water influx indicating damage of the spores, a phenomenon that was not observed for non-treated spores. In addition, data are supplied that exclude UV radiation as determinant of antimicrobial activity of nitrogen CAP. Overall, this study shows that nitrogen CAP treatment has a biocidal effect on selected Bacillus and Geobacillus spores associated with alterations in spore surface morphology and loss of spore integrity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The damage caused by Callosobruchus maculatus on cowpea grains is dependent on the plant genotype.

PubMed

Torres, Elida Barros; Nóbrega, Rafaela S A; Fernandes-Júnior, Paulo Ivan; Silva, Luciana Barboza; Dos Santos Carvalho, Gabriel; Marinho, Rita de Cassia Nunes; Pavan, Bruno E

2016-09-01

Beans from cowpea cultivars fertilized with mineral N or inoculated with various rhizobium strains may contain different nitrogen concentrations and nitrogen metabolite composition, which affects the beans' defense mechanisms against pests. In this study, the population growth of Callosobruchus maculatus reared on beans from four cowpea cultivars fertilized with different nitrogen sources was evaluated. The factors tested were beans from four cowpea cultivars and seven different nitrogen sources: mineral N fertilization, inoculation with five strains of symbiotic diazotrophic bacteria, and soil nitrogen (absolute control). BRS Tapaihum and BRS Acauã cultivars had lower cumulative emergence and instantaneous rate of population growth of the insects compared with other cultivars, indicating antixenosis resistance against C. maculatus. Inoculation of BRS Acauã cultivar with the diazotrophic bacteria strain BR 3299 resulted in higher mortality of C. maculatus. For BRS Tapaihum cultivar, inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria strains BR3267, BR 3262 and BR 3299, and nitrogen fertilization resulted in higher mortality among C. maculatus. BRS Tapaihum and BRS Acauã cultivars showed the lowest cumulative insect emergence and instantaneous rates of population growth, and the highest insect mortality, mainly when the grains were obtained from plants inoculated with rhizobial strains. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Prebiotic chemistry and atmospheric warming of early Earth by an active young Sun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Airapetian, V. S.; Glocer, A.; Gronoff, G.; Hébrard, E.; Danchi, W.

2016-06-01

Nitrogen is a critical ingredient of complex biological molecules. Molecular nitrogen, however, which was outgassed into the Earth’s early atmosphere, is relatively chemically inert and nitrogen fixation into more chemically reactive compounds requires high temperatures. Possible mechanisms of nitrogen fixation include lightning, atmospheric shock heating by meteorites, and solar ultraviolet radiation. Here we show that nitrogen fixation in the early terrestrial atmosphere can be explained by frequent and powerful coronal mass ejection events from the young Sun--so-called superflares. Using magnetohydrodynamic simulations constrained by Kepler Space Telescope observations, we find that successive superflare ejections produce shocks that accelerate energetic particles, which would have compressed the early Earth’s magnetosphere. The resulting extended polar cap openings provide pathways for energetic particles to penetrate into the atmosphere and, according to our atmospheric chemistry simulations, initiate reactions converting molecular nitrogen, carbon dioxide and methane to the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide as well as hydrogen cyanide, an essential compound for life. Furthermore, the destruction of N2, CO2 and CH4 suggests that these greenhouse gases cannot explain the stability of liquid water on the early Earth. Instead, we propose that the efficient formation of nitrous oxide could explain a warm early Earth.

Effect of added nitrogen fertilizer on pyrazines of roasted chicory.

PubMed

Jouquand, Céline; Niquet-Léridon, Céline; Loaec, Grégory; Tessier, Frédéric Jacques

2017-03-01

Coffee substitutes made of roasted chicory are affected by the formation of acrylamide whose main precursor is asparagine. One strategy for limiting the formation of acrylamide is to reduce free asparagine in the chicory roots by lessening the supply of nitrogen in the field. However, decreasing nitrogen fertilizer could affect the formation of the volatile compounds and, consequently, the sensory characteristics of the roasted chicory. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of the nitrogen supply in five commercial varieties on their aroma profile. The addition of 120 kg ha -1 of nitrogen fertilizer in the field resulted in a greater amount of pyrazines in the roasted chicory. Triangle tests were performed to determine the effect of the nitrogen level on the sensory quality of the five varieties. The results revealed that the chicory aroma was modified in two out of five varieties. The results of the present study suggest that a strategy aiming to limit the amount of acrylamide could affect the sensory quality of some varieties of chicory. Further acceptance tests need to be conducted to assess the effect (whether favourable or otherwise) on the sensory quality of the coffee substitutes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

CFD analysis of municipal solid waste combustion using detailed chemical kinetic modelling.

PubMed

Frank, Alex; Castaldi, Marco J

2014-08-01

Nitrogen oxides (NO x ) emissions from the combustion of municipal solid waste (MSW) in waste-to-energy (WtE) facilities are receiving renewed attention to reduce their output further. While NO x emissions are currently 60% below allowed limits, further reductions will decrease the air pollution control (APC) system burden and reduce consumption of NH3. This work combines the incorporation of the GRI 3.0 mechanism as a detailed chemical kinetic model (DCKM) into a custom three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model fully to understand the NO x chemistry in the above-bed burnout zones. Specifically, thermal, prompt and fuel NO formation mechanisms were evaluated for the system and a parametric study was utilized to determine the effect of varying fuel nitrogen conversion intermediates between HCN, NH3 and NO directly. Simulation results indicate that the fuel nitrogen mechanism accounts for 92% of the total NO produced in the system with thermal and prompt mechanisms accounting for the remaining 8%. Results also show a 5% variation in final NO concentration between HCN and NH3 inlet conditions, demonstrating that the fuel nitrogen intermediate assumed is not significant. Furthermore, the conversion ratio of fuel nitrogen to NO was 0.33, revealing that the majority of fuel nitrogen forms N2. © The Author(s) 2014.

Plasma polymerization of an ethylene-nitrogen gas mixture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hudis, M.; Wydeven, T.

1975-01-01

A procedure has been developed whereby nitrogen can be incorporated into an organic film from an ethylene-nitrogen gas mixture using an internal electrode capacitively coupled radio frequency reactor. The presence of nitrogen has been shown directly by infrared transmittance spectra and electron spectroscopic chemical analysis data, and further indirect evidence was provided by dielectric measurements and by the reverse osmosis properties of the film. Preparation of a nitrogen containing film did not require vapor from an organic nitrogen containing liquid monomer. Some control over the bonding and stoichiometry of the polymer film was provided by the added degree of freedom of the nitrogen partial pressure in the gas mixture. This new parameter strongly affected the dielectric properties of the plasma polymerized film and could affect the reverse osmosis behavior.

Chemical degradation of drinking water disinfection byproducts by millimeter-sized particles of iron-silicon and magnesium-aluminum alloys.

PubMed

Li, Tianyu; Chen, Yongmei; Wan, Pingyu; Fan, Maohong; Yang, X Jin

2010-03-03

The candidature of Fe-Si and Mg-Al alloys at millimeter-scale particle sizes for chemical degradation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water systems was substantiated by their enhanced corrosion resistance and catalytic effect on the degradation. The Mg-Al particles supplied electrons for reductive degradation, and the Fe-Si particles acted as a catalyst and provided the sites for the reaction. The alloy particles are obtained by mechanical milling and stable under ambient conditions. The proposed method for chemical degradation of DBPs possesses the advantages of relatively constant degradation performance, long-term durability, no secondary contamination, and ease of handling, storage and maintenance in comparison with nanoparticle systems.

Polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and nitrogenous compounds change during the ageing of Tempranillo and Verdejo sparkling wines.

PubMed

Martínez-Lapuente, Leticia; Apolinar-Valiente, Rafael; Guadalupe, Zenaida; Ayestarán, Belén; Pérez-Magariño, Silvia; Williams, Pascale; Doco, Thierry

2018-01-01

Verdejo and Tempranillo are traditional varieties for producing still wines; however, they could provide an alternative for the manufacturing of sparkling wines. Sparkling wines were elaborated by the traditional method, followed by ageing on lees for 9 months. A study on the changes that take place in polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and nitrogenous compounds during the ageing on lees of Tempranillo and Verdejo sparkling wines has been undertaken. Mannoproteins and the glucose residue of oligosaccharides were the major carbohydrates detected in all vinification stages. Yeast polysaccharides and glucan-like structures of the oligosaccharides increased after 3 months of ageing. The evolution of yeast polysaccharides and the composition of PRAG-like structure were different among grape varieties. A decrease in amino acids and biogenic amines was observed during the ageing. The contents of polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and nitrogenous compound were significantly higher in Tempranillo than in Verdejo sparkling wines at the end of the ageing period. Polysaccharides and oligosaccharides from yeast were more significant autolysis markers of sparkling wines than the nitrogenous compounds. Our data suggest a potential cultivar effect on the evolution of yeast polysaccharides and on the composition of PRAG, which may influence the physico-chemical and sensory properties of sparkling wines. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Leaching of wood preservative components and their mobility in the environment : summary of pertinent literature

Treesearch

S. Lebow

1996-01-01

Preservative-treated wood is an economical, durable, and aesthetically pleasing building material; therefore, it is a natural choice for construction projects in our National Forests, National Parks, and other public lands. However, we need to ensure that the chemicals used in treated wood do not pose a threat to people or the environment. The purpose of this report is...

An extraordinarily stable catalyst: Pt NPs supported on two-dimensional Ti3C2X2 (X = OH, F) nanosheets for oxygen reduction reaction.

PubMed

Xie, Xiaohong; Chen, Siguo; Ding, Wei; Nie, Yao; Wei, Zidong

2013-10-03

High dispersion Pt nanoparticles supported on 2D Ti3C2X2 (X = OH, F) nanosheets are presented and electro-chemical measurements confirm that the Pt/Ti3C2X2 catalyst shows enhanced durability and improved ORR activity compared with the commercial Pt/C catalyst.

Trends in Atmospheric Reactive Nitrogen for the Eastern United States

EPA Science Inventory

Reactive nitrogen can travel far from emission sources and impact sensitive ecosystems. From 2002-2006, policy actions have led to decreases in NO_x emissions from power plants and motor vehicles. In this study, atmospheric chemical transport modeling demonstrates tha...

Detoxification and immobilization of chromite ore processing residue in spinel-based glass-ceramic.

PubMed

Liao, Chang-Zhong; Tang, Yuanyuan; Lee, Po-Heng; Liu, Chengshuai; Shih, Kaimin; Li, Fangbai

2017-01-05

A promising strategy for the detoxification and immobilization of chromite ore processing residue (COPR) in a spinel-based glass-ceramic matrix is reported in this study. In the search for a more chemically durable matrix for COPR, the most critical crystalline phase for Cr immobilization was found to be a spinel solid solution with a chemical composition of MgCr 1.32 Fe 0.19 Al 0.49 O 4 . Using Rietveld quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis, we identified this final product is with the phases of spinel (3.5wt.%), diopside (5.2wt.%), and some amorphous contents (91.2wt.%). The partitioning ratio of Cr reveals that about 77% of the Cr was incorporated into the more chemically durable spinel phase. The results of Cr K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy show that no Cr(VI) was observed after conversion of COPR into a glass-ceramic, which indicates successful detoxification of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) in the COPR-incorporated glass-ceramic. The leaching performances of Cr 2 O 3 and COPR-incorporated glass-ceramic were compared with a prolonged acid-leaching test, and the results demonstrate the superiority of the COPR-incorporated glass-ceramic matrix in the immobilization of Cr. The overall results suggest that the use of affordable additives has potential in more reliably immobilizing COPR with a spinel-based glass-ceramic for safer disposal of this hazardous waste. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Introduction of low-temperature swirl technology of burning as a way of increase in ecological of low power boilers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trinchenko, A. A.; Paramonov, A. P.

2017-10-01

Work is devoted to the solution of problems of energy efficiency increase in low power boilers at combustion of solid fuel. The technological method of nitrogen oxides decomposition on a surface of carbon particles with education environmentally friendly carbonic acid and molecular nitrogen is considered during the work of a low-temperature swirl fire chamber. Based on the analysis of physical and chemical processes of a fuel chemically connected energy transition into thermal, using the diffusive and kinetic theory of burning modern approaches the technique, mathematical model and the settlement program for assessment of plant ecological indicators when using a new method are developed. Alternative calculations of furnace process are carried out, quantitative assessment of nitrogen oxides emissions level of the reconstructed boiler is executed. The results of modeling and experimental data have approved that the organization of swirl burning increases overall performance of a fire chamber and considerably reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides.

From nanoscale to macroscale: Engineering biomass derivatives with nitrogen doping for tailoring dielectric properties and electromagnetic absorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yana; Zhou, Zhili; Chen, Mingji; Huang, Yixing; Wang, Changxian; Song, Wei-Li

2018-05-01

Since achievement in electromagnetic (EM) technology dramatically promotes the critical requirement in developing advanced EM response materials, which are required to hold various advantageous features in light weight, small thickness, strong reflection loss and broadband absorption, the most important requirements, i.e. strong reflection loss and broadband absorption, are still highly pursued because of the intrinsic shortage in conventional EM absorbers. For addressing such critical problems, a unique three-dimensional nitrogen doped carbon monolith was demonstrated to understand the effects of the nitrogen doping on the dielectric and microwave absorption performance. The chemical components of the nitrogen doped carbon monoliths have been quantitatively determined for fully understanding the effects of nanoscale structures on the macroscopic composites. A modified Cole-Cole plot is plotted for guiding the chemical doping and material process, aiming to realizing the best matching conditions. The results have promised a universal route for achieving advanced materials with strong and broadband EM absorption.

Solubilities of nitrogen and noble gases in basalt melt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyazaki, A.; Hiyagon, H.; Sugiura, N.

1994-01-01

Nitrogen and noble gases are important tracers in geochemistry and chosmochemistry. Compared to noble gases, however, physicochemical properties of nitrogen, such as solubility in melt or melt/silicate partition, are not well known. Solubility of nitrogen in basalt melt depends on redox condition of the atmosphere. For example, solubility of nitrogen in E chondrite melt under reducing conditions is as high as 2 mol percent at 1500 C, suggesting that nitrogen is chemically dissolved in silicate melts, i.e., being dissolved as free anions or replacing oxygen sites in silicate network. However, the solubility and the dissolution mechanism of nitrogen under oxidizing conditions are not well investigated. To obtain nitrogen solubility in silicate melts under various redox conditions and to understand its mechanism, we are conducting experiments by using (15)N(15)N-labeled nitrogen gas. This makes it easy to distinguish dissolved nitrogen from later contamination of atmospheric nitrogen, and hence enables us to measure the nitrogen solubility accurately. As a preliminary experiment, we have measured solubility of nitrogen in basalt melt under the atmospheric oxygen pressure.

Photoelectroreduction of Building-Block Chemicals.

PubMed

Chen, Fengjiao; Cui, Wei; Zhang, Jie; Wang, Yeyun; Zhou, Junhua; Hu, Yongpan; Li, Yanguang; Lee, Shuit-Tong

2017-06-12

Conventional photoelectrochemical cells utilize solar energy to drive the chemical conversion of water or CO 2 into useful chemical fuels. Such processes are confronted with general challenges, including the low intrinsic activities and inconvenient storage and transportation of their gaseous products. A photoelectrochemical approach is proposed to drive the reductive production of industrial building-block chemicals and demonstrate that succinic acid and glyoxylic acid can be readily synthesized on Si nanowire array photocathodes free of any cocatalyst and at room temperature. These photocathodes exhibit a positive onset potential, large saturation photocurrent density, high reaction selectivity, and excellent operation durability. They capitalize on the large photovoltage generated from the semiconductor/electrolyte junction to partially offset the required external bias, and thereby make this photoelectrosynthetic approach significantly more sustainable compared to traditional electrosynthesis. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synergistic enhancement of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene with carbon nanospheres insertion for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction

DOE PAGES

Wu, Min; Xin, Huolin L.; Wang, Jie; ...

2015-03-13

A nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene/carbon black (NSGCB) nanocomposite for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was synthesized through a one-pot annealing of a precursor mixture containing graphene oxide, thiourea, and acidized carbon black (CB). The NSGCB showed excellent performance for the ORR with the onset and half-way potentials at 0.96 V and 0.81 V (vs. RHE), respectively. It is significantly improved over that of the catalysts derived from only graphene (0.90 V and 0.76 V) or carbon nanosphere (0.82 V and 0.74 V). The enhanced catalytic activity on the NSGCB electrode could be attributed to the synergistic effect of N/Smore » co-doping and the enlarged interlayer space resulted from the insertion of carbon nanosphere into the graphene sheets. The four-electron selectivity and the limiting current density of the NSGCB nanocomposite are comparable to that of the commercially Pt/C catalyst. Furthermore, the NSGCB nanocomposite was superior to Pt/C in terms of long-term durability and tolerance to methanol poisoning.« less

Air Purification Pavement Surface Coating by Atmospheric Pressure Cold Plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Westergreen, Joe; Pedrow, Patrick; Shen, Shihui; Jobson, Bertram

2011-10-01

This study develops an atmospheric pressure cold plasma (APCP) reactor to produce activated radicals from precursor molecules, and to immobilize nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder to substrate pavement materials. TiO2 has photocatalytic properties and under UV light can be used to oxidize and remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the atmosphere. Although TiO2 treated paving materials have great potential to improve air quality, current techniques to adhere TiO2 to substrate materials are either not durable or reduce direct contact of TiO2 with UV light, reducing the photocatalytic effect. To solve this technical difficulty, this study introduces APCP techniques to transportation engineering to coat TiO2 to pavement. Preliminary results are promising and show that TiO2 can be incorporated successfully into an APCP environment and can be immobilized at the surface of the asphalt substrate. The TiO2 coated material with APCP shows the ability to reduce nitrogen oxides when exposed to UV light in an environmental chamber. The plasma reactor utilizes high voltage streamers as the plasma source.

Synthesis of an efficient heteroatom-doped carbon electro-catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction by pyrolysis of protein-rich pulse flour cooked with SiO2 nanoparticles.

PubMed

Gokhale, Rohan; Unni, Sreekuttan M; Puthusseri, Dhanya; Kurungot, Sreekumar; Ogale, Satishchandra

2014-03-07

Development of a highly durable, fuel-tolerant, metal-free electro-catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential for robust and cost-effective Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (AEMFCs). Herein, we report the development of a nitrogen-doped (N-doped) hierarchically porous carbon-based efficient ORR electrocatalyst from protein-rich pulses. The process involves 3D silica nanoparticle templating of the pulse flour(s) followed by their double pyrolysis. The detailed experiments are performed on gram flour (derived from chickpeas) without any in situ/ex situ addition of dopants. The N-doped porous carbon thus generated shows remarkable electrocatalytic activity towards ORR in the alkaline medium. The oxygen reduction on this material follows the desired 4-electron transfer mechanism involving the direct reduction pathway. Additionally, the synthesized carbon catalyst also exhibits good electrochemical stability and fuel tolerance. The results are also obtained and compared with the case of soybean flour having higher nitrogen content to highlight the significance of different parameters in the ORR catalyst performance.

Mechanisms and modeling of the effects of additives on the nitrogen oxides emission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kundu, Krishna P.; Nguyen, Hung Lee; Kang, M. Paul

1991-01-01

A theoretical study on the emission of the oxides of nitrogen in the combustion of hydrocarbons is presented. The current understanding of the mechanisms and the rate parameters for gas phase reactions were used to calculate the NO(x) emission. The possible effects of different chemical species on thermal NO(x), on a long time scale were discussed. The mixing of these additives at various stages of combustion were considered and NO(x) concentrations were calculated; effects of temperatures were also considered. The chemicals such as hydrocarbons, H2, CH3OH, NH3, and other nitrogen species were chosen as additives in this discussion. Results of these calculations can be used to evaluate the effects of these additives on the NO(x) emission in the industrial combustion system.

Organometallic chemical vapor deposition of silicon nitride films enhanced by atomic nitrogen generated from surface-wave plasma

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

Okada, H.; Kato, M.; Ishimaru, T.

2014-02-20

Organometallic chemical vapor deposition of silicon nitride films enhanced by atomic nitrogen generated from surface-wave plasma is investigated. Feasibility of precursors of triethylsilane (TES) and bis(dimethylamino)dimethylsilane (BDMADMS) is discussed based on a calculation of bond energies by computer simulation. Refractive indices of 1.81 and 1.71 are obtained for deposited films with TES and BDMADMS, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the deposited film revealed that TES-based film coincides with the stoichiometric thermal silicon nitride.

40 CFR 442.2 - General definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., organic chemicals including: alcohols, aldehydes, formaldehydes, phenols, peroxides, organic salts, amines, amides, other nitrogen compounds, other aromatic compounds, aliphatic organic chemicals, glycols, glycerines, and organic polymers; refractory organic compounds including: ketones, nitriles, organo-metallic...

Surface composition XPS analysis of a plasma treated polystyrene: Evolution over long storage periods.

PubMed

Ba, Ousmane M; Marmey, Pascal; Anselme, Karine; Duncan, Anthony C; Ponche, Arnaud

2016-09-01

A polystyrene surface (PS) was initially treated by cold nitrogen and oxygen plasma in order to incorporate in particular amine and hydroxyl functions, respectively. The evolution of the chemical nature of the surface was further monitored over a long time period (580 days) by chemical assay, XPS and contact angle measurements. Surface density quantification of primary amine groups was performed using three chemical amine assays: 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (4-NBZ), Sulfo succinimidyl 6-[3'(2 pyridyldithio)-pionamido] hexanoate (Sulfo-LC-SPDP) and iminothiolane (ITL). The results showed amine densities were in the range of 2 per square nanometer (comparable to the results described in the literature) after 5min of nitrogen plasma treatment. Over the time period investigated, chemical assays, XPS and contact angles suggest a drastic significant evolution of the chemical nature of the surface within the first two weeks. Beyond that time period and up to almost two years, nitrogen plasma modified substrates exhibits a slow and continuous oxidation whereas oxygen plasma modifed polystyrene surface is chemically stable after two weeks of storage. The latter appeared to "ease of" showing relatively mild changes within the one year period. Our results suggest that it may be preferable to wait for a chemical "stabilization" period of two weeks before subsequent covalent immobilization of proteins onto the surface. The originality of this work resides in the study of the plasma treated surface chemistry evolution over long periods of storage time (580 days) considerably exceeding those described in the literature. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Unravelling chemical priming machinery in plants: the role of reactive oxygen-nitrogen-sulfur species in abiotic stress tolerance enhancement.

PubMed

Antoniou, Chrystalla; Savvides, Andreas; Christou, Anastasis; Fotopoulos, Vasileios

2016-10-01

Abiotic stresses severely limit crop yield and their detrimental effects are aggravated by climate change. Chemical priming is an emerging field in crop stress management. The exogenous application of specific chemical agents before stress events results in tolerance enhancement and reduction of stress impacts on plant physiology and growth. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the remarkable effects of chemical priming on plant physiology remain to be elucidated. Reactive oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur species (RONSS) are molecules playing a vital role in the stress acclimation of plants. When applied as priming agents, RONSS improve stress tolerance. This review summarizes the recent knowledge on the role of RONSS in cell signalling and gene regulation contributing to abiotic stress tolerance enhancement. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nanoscale Nitrogen Doping in Silicon by Self-Assembled Monolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Bin; Siampour, Hamidreza; Fan, Zhao; Wang, Shun; Kong, Xiang Yang; Mesli, Abdelmadjid; Zhang, Jian; Dan, Yaping

2015-07-01

This Report presents a nitrogen-doping method by chemically forming self-assembled monolayers on silicon. Van der Pauw technique, secondary-ion mass spectroscopy and low temperature Hall effect measurements are employed to characterize the nitrogen dopants. The experimental data show that the diffusion coefficient of nitrogen dopants is 3.66 × 10-15 cm2 s-1, 2 orders magnitude lower than that of phosphorus dopants in silicon. It is found that less than 1% of nitrogen dopants exhibit electrical activity. The analysis of Hall effect data at low temperatures indicates that the donor energy level for nitrogen dopants is located at 189 meV below the conduction band, consistent with the literature value.

Analysis of water and nitrogen use efficiency for maize (Zea mays L.) grown on soft rock and sand compound soil.

PubMed

Wang, Huanyuan; Han, Jichang; Tong, Wei; Cheng, Jie; Zhang, Haiou

2017-06-01

Maize was grown on compound soils constituted from mixtures of soft rock and sand at different ratios, and water use efficiency (WUE), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency (FNUE) were quantified. The data were used to assist in designing strategies for optimizing water and nitrogen management practices for maize on the substrates used. Maize was sown in composite soil prepared at three ratios of soft rock and sand (1:1, 1:2 and 1:5 v/v) in Mu Us Sandy Land, Yuyang district, Yulin city, China. Yields, amount of drainage, nitrogen (N) leaching, WUE and NUE were calculated. Then a water and nitrogen management model (WNMM) was calibrated and validated. No significant difference in evapotranspiration of maize was found among compound soils with soft rock/sand ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:5, while water drainage increased significantly with increasing soft rock/sand ratio. WUE increased to 1.30 kg m -3 in compound soil with 1:2 soft rock/sand ratio. Nitrogen leaching and ammonia volatilization were the main reason for nitrogen loss, and N reduction mainly relied on crop uptake. NUE and FNUE could reach 33.1 and 24.9 kg kg -1 N respectively. Water drainage and nitrogen leaching occurred mostly during heavy rainfall or irrigation. Through a scenario analysis of different rainfall types, water and fertilizer management systems were formulated each year. This study shows that soft rock plays a key role in improving the WUE, NUE and FNUE of maize. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

FACTORS AFFECTING SENSITIVITY OF CHEMICAL AND ECOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF MARINE EMBAYMEMTS TO NITROGEN LOADING

EPA Science Inventory

This paper summarizes an ongoing examination of the primary factors that affect sensitivity of marine embayment responses to nitrogen loading. Included is a discussion of two methods for using these factors: classification of embayments into discrete sensitivity classes and norma...

Corn grain yield and nutrient uptake from application of enhanced-efficiency nitrogen fertilizers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Increasing demand for food and agricultural products directly impact the use of chemical fertilizers particularly nitrogen (N). This study examined corn grain yield and nutrient uptake resulting from applications of different N fertilizer sources, urea (U), urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN), ammonium nitr...

Physical, chemical and biological properties of simulated beef cattle bedded manure packs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Manure including bedding material can be a valuable fertilizer, yet numerous, poorly characterized, environmental factors control its quality. The objective was to determine whether moisture content (MC), nutrient value (ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total po...

Facing the rain after the phase out: Performance evaluation of alternative fluorinated and non-fluorinated durable water repellents for outdoor fabrics.

PubMed

Schellenberger, S; Gillgard, P; Stare, A; Hanning, A; Levenstam, O; Roos, S; Cousins, I T

2018-02-01

Fluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) agents are used to obtain water and stain repellent textiles. Due to the on-going phase-out of DWRs based on side-chain fluorinated polymers (SFP) with "long" perfluoroalkyl chains, the textile industry lacks suitable alternatives with comparable material characteristics. The constant development and optimization of SFPs for textile applications initiated more than half a century ago has resulted in a robust and very efficient DWR-technology and textiles with exceptional hydro- and oleo-phobic properties. The industry is now in the predicament that the long-chain SFPs with the best technical performance have undesirable toxicological and environmental behaviour. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the technical performance of presently available fluorinated and non-fluorinated DWRs as part of a chemical alternatives assessment (CAA). The results are based on a study with synthetic outdoor fabrics treated with alternative DWRs and tested for repellency using industrial standard and complementary methods. Using this approach, the complex structure-property relationships of DWR-polymers could be explained on a molecular level. Both short-chain SFPs and non-fluorinated DWRs showed excellent water repellency and durability in some cases while short-chain SFPs were the more robust of the alternatives to long-chain SFPs. A strong decline in oil repellency and durability with perfluoroalkyl chain length was shown for SFP DWRs. Non-fluorinated alternatives were unable to repel oil, which might limit their potential for substitution in textile application that require repellency towards non-polar liquids. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Investigating mosquito net durability for malaria control in Tanzania - attrition, bioefficacy, chemistry, degradation and insecticide resistance (ABCDR): study protocol.

PubMed

Lorenz, Lena M; Overgaard, Hans J; Massue, Dennis J; Mageni, Zawadi D; Bradley, John; Moore, Jason D; Mandike, Renata; Kramer, Karen; Kisinza, William; Moore, Sarah J

2014-12-13

Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) are one of the major malaria vector control tools, with most countries adopting free or subsidised universal coverage campaigns of populations at-risk from malaria. It is essential to understand LLIN durability so that public health policy makers can select the most cost effective nets that last for the longest time, and estimate the optimal timing of repeated distribution campaigns. However, there is limited knowledge from few countries of the durability of LLINs under user conditions. This study investigates LLIN durability in eight districts of Tanzania, selected for their demographic, geographic and ecological representativeness of the country as a whole. We use a two-stage approach: First, LLINs from recent national net campaigns will be evaluated retrospectively in 3,420 households. Those households will receive one of three leading LLIN products at random (Olyset®, PermaNet®2.0 or Netprotect®) and will be followed up for three years in a prospective study to compare their performance under user conditions. LLIN durability will be evaluated by measuring Attrition (the rate at which nets are discarded by households), Bioefficacy (the insecticidal efficacy of the nets measured by knock-down and mortality of mosquitoes), Chemical content (g/kg of insecticide available in net fibres) and physical Degradation (size and location of holes). In addition, we will extend the current national mosquito insecticide Resistance monitoring program to additional districts and use these data sets to provide GIS maps for use in health surveillance and decision making by the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP). The data will be of importance to policy makers and vector control specialists both in Tanzania and the SSA region to inform best practice for the maintenance of high and cost-effective coverage and to maximise current health gains in malaria control.

On the physics of the emergence of sensorimotor control in the absence of the brain.

PubMed

Matsuno, Koichiro

2015-12-01

The evolutionary origin of sensorimotor control requires a sort of physical durability, other than Galilean inertia being accessible in third-person description in the present tense. One candidate to address this need is the 'class property' of a material body's durability remaining invariant during the exchange of component elements. Using grammatical tense as a descriptive attribute, this durability is accessible only in the frequent update of the present perfect tense in the present progressive tense at the 'now' of the present moment. In this view, the update of the perfect tense is equated with the onset and occurrence of on/off switching behavior of physical origin underlying the phenomena of sensorimotor control. Notably, the physical update of the perfect tense is specific only to the 'now and here' that is central in the tradition of phenomenology. The phenomena upholding thermodynamics, when taken apart from its theory, are decisive in facilitating the onset of sensorimotor control. Instrumental to the emergence of both life in general and sensorimotor control in particular may be the occurrence of a 'physical and chemical affinity' of the material bodies of whatever type. Such will let the constant exchange of component elements be feasible, so that the class identity equipped with the capacity for measurement is made available within the phenomenon. Material bodies constantly exchanging such component elements would make the material world open to biology by allowing each element to experience the organizational whole from within. The internal observer responsible for the origins of life may do double duty of letting itself be durable on the material basis while observing the conditions making it durable on the linguistic ground. The origins of life appear to us a material phenomenon when they are approached with use of our linguistic tools that can get rid of the strict stipulation of an abstract nature applied to the description of dynamical laws in physics. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Kinetics of the formation of ozone and nitrogen oxides due to a pulsed microwave discharge in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larin, V. F.; Rumiantsev, S. A.

1989-03-01

The paper presents results of a numerical simulation of the kinetics of plasma-chemical processes induced by a single microwave pulse in the stratosphere. It is shown that the gas temperature is one of the main factors influencing the concentration ratio of ozone and nitrogen oxides formed under the effect of a microwave pulse. Long pulses, producing considerable gas heating, favor the formation of nitrogen oxides.

Reverse osmosis membrane of high urea rejection properties. [water purification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, C. C.; Wydeven, T. J. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

Polymeric membranes suitable for use in reverse osmosis water purification because of their high urea and salt rejection properties are prepared by generating a plasma of an unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer and nitrogen gas from an electrical source. A polymeric membrane is formed by depositing a polymer of the unsaturated monomer from the plasma onto a substrate, so that nitrogen from the nitrogen gas is incorporated within the polymer in a chemically combined form.

Dosimetry Evolution in Teletherapy: Polimer Gel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamann, J. H.; Peixoto, J. G. P.

2018-03-01

Polymer gels evolution and chemical composition used in dosimetry. Type Composition First gels Folin’s Phenol or Gallic Acid Polymer Gel Agarose and N,N’-methylene-bis-acrylamide BANANA Bis, acrylamide, nitrous oxide and agarose BANG-1TM Bis, acrylamide, nitrogen and gelatin BANG-2TM Bis, acrylic acid, sodium hydroxide, nitrogen and gelatin BANG-3TM Bis, methacrylate acid, sodium hydroxide, nitrogen and gelatin MAGIC Methacrylate acid, ascorbic acid, gelatin and copper sulphate

One-step chemical vapor deposition synthesis and supercapacitor performance of nitrogen-doped porous carbon–carbon nanotube hybrids

PubMed Central

Bulusheva, Lyubov G; Fedorovskaya, Ekaterina O; Shubin, Yury V; Plyusnin, Pavel E; Lonchambon, Pierre; Senkovskiy, Boris V; Ismagilov, Zinfer R; Flahaut, Emmanuel; Okotrub, Alexander V

2017-01-01

Novel nitrogen-doped carbon hybrid materials consisting of multiwalled nanotubes and porous graphitic layers have been produced by chemical vapor deposition over magnesium-oxide-supported metal catalysts. CNx nanotubes were grown on Co/Mo, Ni/Mo, or Fe/Mo alloy nanoparticles, and MgO grains served as a template for the porous carbon. The simultaneous formation of morphologically different carbon structures was due to the slow activation of catalysts for the nanotube growth in a carbon-containing gas environment. An analysis of the obtained products by means of transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy methods revealed that the catalyst's composition influences the nanotube/porous carbon ratio and concentration of incorporated nitrogen. The hybrid materials were tested as electrodes in a 1M H2SO4 electrolyte and the best performance was found for a nitrogen-enriched material produced using the Fe/Mo catalyst. From the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data, it was concluded that the nitrogen doping reduces the resistance at the carbon surface/electrolyte interface and the nanotubes permeating the porous carbon provide fast charge transport in the cell. PMID:29354339

Hexacoordinated nitrogen(V) stabilized by high pressure

PubMed Central

Kurzydłowski, Dominik; Zaleski-Ejgierd, Patryk

2016-01-01

In all of its known connections nitrogen retains a valence shell electron count of eight therefore satisfying the golden rule of chemistry - the octet rule. Despite the diversity of nitrogen chemistry (with oxidation states ranging from + 5 to −3), and despite numerous efforts, compounds containing nitrogen with a higher electron count (hypervalent nitrogen) remain elusive and are yet to be synthesized. One possible route leading to nitrogen’s hypervalency is the formation of a chemical moiety containing pentavalent nitrogen atoms coordinated by more than four substituents. Here, we present theoretical evidence that a salt containing hexacoordinated nitrogen(V), in the form of an NF6− anion, could be synthesized at a modest pressure of 40 GPa (=400 kbar) via spontaneous oxidation of NF3 by F2. Our results indicate that the synthesis of a new class of compounds containing hypervalent nitrogen is within reach of current high-pressure experimental techniques. PMID:27808104

How the use of nitrogen fertiliser may switch plant suitability for aphids: the case of Miscanthus, a promising biomass crop, and the aphid pest Rhopalosiphum maidis.

PubMed

Bogaert, Florent; Chesnais, Quentin; Catterou, Manuella; Rambaud, Caroline; Doury, Géraldine; Ameline, Arnaud

2017-08-01

The use of nitrogen fertiliser in agrosystems can alter plant nitrogen and consequently improve nutrient availability for herbivores, potentially leading to better performance for herbivores and higher pest pressure in the field. We compared, in laboratory conditions, the effects of nitrogen fertilisation on a promising biomass crop, Miscanthus × giganteus, and its parents M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus. The plant-mediated effects were compared on the second trophic level, the green corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis. Results showed that the biomass and leaf C:N ratio of M. sinensis plants treated with nitrogen fertiliser were significantly greater than those of non-treated plants. As regards M. × giganteus and M. sacchariflorus, the only reported change was a significantly smaller leaf C:N ratio for treated M. sacchariflorus compared with non-treated plants. Surprisingly, nitrogen fertilisation had opposite effects on plant-herbivore interactions. Following nitrogen treatments, M. sinensis was less suitable in terms of intrinsic rate of increase for R. maidis, the feeding behaviour of which was negatively affected, while M. sacchariflorus and M. × giganteus exhibited greater suitability in terms of aphid weight. Nitrogen fertilisation had contrasting effects on the three species of Miscanthus plants. These effects cascaded up to the second trophic level, R. maidis aphid pests, either through a modification of their weight or demographic parameters. The implications of these results were discussed in the context of agricultural sustainability and intensive production practices. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Nitrogen status diagnosis and yield prediction of spring maize after green manure incorporation by using a digital camera].

PubMed

Bai, Jin-Shun; Cao, Wei-Dong; Xiong, Jing; Zeng, Nao-Hua; Shimizu, Katshyoshi; Rui, Yu-Kui

2013-12-01

In order to explore the feasibility of using the image processing technology to diagnose the nitrogen status and to predict the maize yield, a field experiment with different nitrogen rates with green manure incorporation was conducted. Maize canopy digital images over a range of growth stages were captured by digital camera. Maize nitrogen status and the relationships between image color indices derived by digital camera for maize at different growth stages and maize nitrogen status indicators were analyzed. These digital camera sourced image color indices at different growth stages for maize were also regressed with maize grain yield at maturity. The results showed that the plant nitrogen status for maize was improved by green manure application. The leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value), aboveground biomass and nitrogen uptake for green manure treatments at different maize growth stages were all higher than that for chemical fertilization treatments. The correlations between spectral indices with plant nitrogen indicators for maize affected by green manure application were weaker than that affected by chemical fertilization. And the correlation coefficients for green manure application were ranged with the maize growth stages changes. The best spectral indices for diagnosis of plant nitrogen status after green manure incorporation were normalized blue value (B/(R+G+B)) at 12-leaf (V12) stage and normalized red value (R/(R+G+B)) at grain-filling (R4) stage individually. The coefficients of determination based on linear regression were 0. 45 and 0. 46 for B/(R+G+B) at V12 stage and R/(R+G+B) at R4 stage respectively, acting as a predictor of maize yield response to nitrogen affected by green manure incorporation. Our findings suggested that digital image technique could be a potential tool for in-season prediction of the nitrogen status and grain yield for maize after green manure incorporation when the suitable growth stages and spectral indices for diagnosis were selected.

Nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon microsphere through KOH activation for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Jiang, Jingui; Chen, Hao; Wang, Zhao; Bao, Luke; Qiang, Yiwei; Guan, Shiyou; Chen, Jianding

2015-08-15

A porous carbon microsphere with moderate specific surface area and superior specific capacitance for supercapacitors is fabricated from polyphosphazene microsphere as the single heteroatoms source by the carbonization and subsequent KOH activation under N2 atmosphere. With KOH activation, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirms that the phosphorus of polyphosphazene microsphere totally vanishes, and the doping content of nitrogen and its population of various functionalities on porous carbon microsphere surface are tuned. Compared with non-porous carbon microsphere, the texture property of the resultant porous carbon microsphere subjected to KOH activation has been remarkably developed with the specific surface area growing from 315 to 1341 m(2) g(-1)and the pore volume turning from 0.17 to 0.69 cm(3) g(-1). Prepared with the KOH/non-porous carbon microsphere weight ratio at 1.0, the porous carbon microsphere with moderate specific surface area of 568 m(2) g(-1), exhibits intriguing electrochemical behavior in 1 M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte, with superior specific capacitance (278 F g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1)), good rate capability (147 F g(-1) remained at 10 A g(-1)) and robust cycling durability (No capacitance loss after 5000 cycles). The promising electrochemical performance could be ascribed to the synergy of nitrogen heteroatom functionalities and the porous morphology. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PAF-derived nitrogen-doped 3D Carbon Materials for Efficient Energy Conversion and Storage.

PubMed

Xiang, Zhonghua; Wang, Dan; Xue, Yuhua; Dai, Liming; Chen, Jian-Feng; Cao, Dapeng

2015-06-05

Owing to the shortage of the traditional fossil fuels caused by fast consumption, it is an urgent task to develop the renewable and clean energy sources. Thus, advanced technologies for both energy conversion (e.g., solar cells and fuel cells) and storage (e.g., supercapacitors and batteries) are being studied extensively. In this work, we use porous aromatic framework (PAF) as precursor to produce nitrogen-doped 3D carbon materials, i.e., N-PAF-Carbon, by exposing NH3 media. The "graphitic" and "pyridinic" N species, large surface area, and similar pore size as electrolyte ions endow the nitrogen-doped PAF-Carbon with outstanding electronic performance. Our results suggest the N-doping enhance not only the ORR electronic catalysis but also the supercapacitive performance. Actually, the N-PAF-Carbon obtains ~70 mV half-wave potential enhancement and 80% increase as to the limiting current after N doping. Moreover, the N-PAF-Carbon displays free from the CO and methanol crossover effect and better long-term durability compared with the commercial Pt/C benchmark. Moreover, N-PAF-Carbon also possesses large capacitance (385 F g(-1)) and excellent performance stability without any loss in capacitance after 9000 charge-discharge cycles. These results clearly suggest that PAF-derived N-doped carbon material is promising metal-free ORR catalyst for fuel cells and capacitor electrode materials.

Combined effects of climate, restoration measures and slope position in change in soil chemical properties and nutrient loss across lands affected by the Wenchuan Earthquake in China.

PubMed

Lin, Yongming; Deng, Haojun; Du, Kun; Rafay, Loretta; Zhang, Guang-Shuai; Li, Jian; Chen, Can; Wu, Chengzhen; Lin, Han; Yu, Wei; Fan, Hailan; Ge, Yonggang

2017-10-15

The MS 8.0Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008 caused huge damage to land cover in the northwest of China's Sichuan province. In order to determine the nutrient loss and short term characteristics of change in soil chemical properties, we established an experiment with three treatments ('undestroyed', 'destroyed and treated', and 'destroyed and untreated'), two climate types (semi-arid hot climate and subtropical monsoon climate), and three slope positions (upslope, mid-slope, and bottom-slope) in 2011. Ten soil properties-including pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , alkaline hydrolysable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium-were measured in surface soil samples in December 2014. Analyses were performed to compare the characteristics of 3-year change in soil chemical properties in two climate zones. This study revealed that soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, Ca 2+ content, alkaline hydrolysable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium were significantly higher in subtropical monsoon climate zones than in semi-arid hot climate zones. However, subtropical monsoon climate zones had a higher decrease in soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, and alkaline hydrolysable nitrogen in 'destroyed and untreated' sites than in semi-arid hot climate zones. Most soil chemical properties exhibited significant interactions, indicating that they may degrade or develop concomitantly. 'Destroyed and treated' sites in both climate types had lower C:P and N:P ratios than 'destroyed and untreated' sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first, second, and third principal components explained 76.53% of the variation and might be interpreted as structural integrity, nutrient supply availability, and efficiency of soil; the difference of soil parent material; as well as weathering and leaching effects. Our study indicated that the characteristics of short term change in soil properties were affected by climate types and treatments, but not slope positions. Our results provide useful information for the selection of restoration countermeasures in different climate types to facilitate ecological restoration and reconstruction strategies in earthquake-affected areas. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Heterodoped nanotubes: theory, synthesis, and characterization of phosphorus-nitrogen doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Cruz-Silva, Eduardo; Cullen, David A; Gu, Lin; Romo-Herrera, Jose Manuel; Muñoz-Sandoval, Emilio; López-Urías, Florentino; Sumpter, Bobby G; Meunier, Vincent; Charlier, Jean-Christophe; Smith, David J; Terrones, Humberto; Terrones, Mauricio

2008-03-01

Arrays of multiwalled carbon nanotubes doped with phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) are synthesized using a solution of ferrocene, triphenyl-phosphine, and benzylamine in conjunction with spray pyrolysis. We demonstrate that iron phosphide (Fe(3)P) nanoparticles act as catalysts during nanotube growth, leading to the formation of novel PN-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The samples were examined by high resolution electron microscopy and microanalysis techniques, and their chemical stability was explored by means of thermogravimetric analysis in the presence of oxygen. The PN-doped structures reveal important morphology and chemical changes when compared to N-doped nanotubes. These types of heterodoped nanotubes are predicted to offer many new opportunities in the fabrication of fast-response chemical sensors.

Bright and durable field emission source derived from refractory taylor cones

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

Hirsch, Gregory

A method of producing field emitters having improved brightness and durability relying on the creation of a liquid Taylor cone from electrically conductive materials having high melting points. The method calls for melting the end of a wire substrate with a focused laser beam, while imposing a high positive potential on the material. The resulting molten Taylor cone is subsequently rapidly quenched by cessation of the laser power. Rapid quenching is facilitated in large part by radiative cooling, resulting in structures having characteristics closely matching that of the original liquid Taylor cone. Frozen Taylor cones thus obtained yield desirable tipmore » end forms for field emission sources in electron beam applications. Regeneration of the frozen Taylor cones in-situ is readily accomplished by repeating the initial formation procedures. The high temperature liquid Taylor cones can also be employed as bright ion sources with chemical elements previously considered impractical to implement.« less

Comparison of Conventional Varnishes with Nanolacke UV Varnish With Respect to Hardness and Adhesion Durability

PubMed Central

Kaygin, Bulent; Akgun, Emre

2008-01-01

The long-term durability of varnished wooden surfaces used in either indoors or outdoors environments depends on the resistance of varnish layers on these surfaces against potential physical, mechanical and chemical effects to which they may be exposed. In this study, “Nanolacke ultraviolet varnish”, developed by a Turkish dying and varnish industry company and widely accepted as a 21st century technology has been compared to other conventional varnish systems widely used in the industry in terms of dry film resistance properties. In this study, cellulosic, polyurethane, polyester, synthetic and Nanolacke ultraviolet varnish have been applied on beech (Fagus orientalis L.) and oak (Quercus robur L.) wood samples which had been prepared according to the industry standards. Then, the hardness and adhesion resistance of these layers have been determined according to ASTM D 4366 and ASTM D 3359-2 standards, respectively. PMID:19325763

Large patternable metal nanoparticle sheets by photo/e-beam lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Noboru; Wang, Pangpang; Okamoto, Koichi; Ryuzaki, Sou; Tamada, Kaoru

2017-10-01

Techniques for micro/nano-scale patterning of large metal nanoparticle sheets can potentially be used to realize high-performance photoelectronic devices because the sheets provide greatly enhanced electrical fields around the nanoparticles due to localized surface plasmon resonances. However, no single metal nanoparticle sheet currently exists with sufficient durability for conventional lithographical processes. Here, we report large photo and/or e-beam lithographic patternable metal nanoparticle sheets with improved durability by incorporating molecular cross-linked structures between nanoparticles. The cross-linked structures were easily formed by a one-step chemical reaction; immersing a single nanoparticle sheet consisting of core metals, to which capping molecules ionically bond, in a dithiol ethanol solution. The ligand exchange reaction processes were discussed in detail, and we demonstrated 20 μm wide line and space patterns, and a 170 nm wide line of the silver nanoparticle sheets.

Revised models of interstellar nitrogen isotopic fractionation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wirström, E. S.; Charnley, S. B.

2018-03-01

Nitrogen-bearing molecules in cold molecular clouds exhibit a range of isotopic fractionation ratios and these molecules may be the precursors of 15N enrichments found in comets and meteorites. Chemical model calculations indicate that atom-molecular ion and ion-molecule reactions could account for most of the fractionation patterns observed. However, recent quantum-chemical computations demonstrate that several of the key processes are unlikely to occur in dense clouds. Related model calculations of dense cloud chemistry show that the revised 15N enrichments fail to match observed values. We have investigated the effects of these reaction rate modifications on the chemical model of Wirström et al. (2012) for which there are significant physical and chemical differences with respect to other models. We have included 15N fractionation of CN in neutral-neutral reactions and also updated rate coefficients for key reactions in the nitrogen chemistry. We find that the revised fractionation rates have the effect of suppressing 15N enrichment in ammonia at all times, while the depletion is even more pronounced, reaching 14N/15N ratios of >2000. Taking the updated nitrogen chemistry into account, no significant enrichment occurs in HCN or HNC, contrary to observational evidence in dark clouds and comets, although the 14N/15N ratio can still be below 100 in CN itself. However, such low CN abundances are predicted that the updated model falls short of explaining the bulk 15N enhancements observed in primitive materials. It is clear that alternative fractionating reactions are necessary to reproduce observations, so further laboratory and theoretical studies are urgently needed.

Attenuation of runoff and chemical loads in grass filter strips at two cattle feedlots, Minnesota, 1995-98

USGS Publications Warehouse

Komor, Stephen Charles; Hansen, Donald S.

2003-01-01

Attenuation of cattle feedlot runoff in two grass-covered filter strips in Minnesota was estimated by measuring chemical loads into and out of the strips. Filter strips of the Bock and Sanborn sites were 60-m long and 20-m wide and received runoff from cattle feedlots that supported 35 and 225 cattle, respectively. Feedlot and filter-strip runoff were measured using flumes with stage sensors. Water samples were collected using automated samplers. Attenuation values were calculated from four storm-runoff events. Ground water sampled beneath and outside the filter strips indicated some infiltration losses of sulfate, chloride, and nitrogen at the Bock site where soil permeability was greater than at the Sanborn site. Chemical constituents in filter-strip runoff, and their corresponding ranges of attenuation were as follows: chemical oxygen demand, 30–81 percent; dissolved chloride, 6–79 percent; dissolved sulfate, -3–82 percent; dissolved ammonia nitrogen, 33–80 percent; suspended ammonia plus organic nitrogen, 29–85 percent; dissolved organic nitrogen, 14–75 percent; suspended phosphorus, 24–82 percent; dissolved phosphorus, 14–72 percent; and fecal coliform bacteria, 18–79 percent. The ranges seem to be affected by barriers of direct contact of the runoff water with the soil. This varies seasonally by coverage of the soil by ice in winter and vegetation in summer months. Greater attenuation values occurred in October and May when mats of wilted, flat-lying grass covered the filter strips; attenuation values were less during the summer when tall growing grass covered the filter strips.

Optimal reduction of chemical oxygen demand and NH3-N from landfill leachate using a strongly resistant novel Bacillus salmalaya strain.

PubMed

Dadrasnia, Arezoo; Azirun, Mohd Sofian; Ismail, Salmah Binti

2017-11-28

When the unavoidable waste generation is considered as damaging to our environment, it becomes crucial to develop a sustainable technology to remediate the pollutant source towards an environmental protection and safety. The development of a bioengineering technology for highly efficient pollutant removal is this regard. Given the high ammonia nitrogen content and chemical oxygen demand of landfill leachate, Bacillus salmalaya strain 139SI, a novel resident strain microbe that can survive in high ammonia nitrogen concentrations, was investigated for the bioremoval of ammonia nitrogen from landfill leachate. The treatability of landfill leachate was evaluated under different treatment parameters, such as temperature, inoculum dosage, and pH. Results demonstrated that bioaugmentation with the novel strain can potentially improve the biodegradability of landfill leachate. B. salmalaya strain 139SI showed high potential to enhance biological treatment given its maximum NH 3 -N and COD removal efficiencies. The response surface plot pattern indicated that within 11 days and under optimum conditions (10% v/v inoculant, pH 6, and 35 °C), B. salmalaya strain139SI removed 78% of ammonia nitrogen. At the end of the study, biological and chemical oxygen demands remarkably decreased by 88% and 91.4%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that ammonia ions covered the cell surface of B. salmalaya strain139SI. Therefore, novel resistant Bacillus salmalaya strain139SI significantly reduces the chemical oxygen demand and NH 3 -N content of landfill leachate. Leachate treatment by B. salmalaya strain 139SI within 11 days.

Chemical and isotopic tracers illustrate pathways of nitrogen loss in a cranberry bed

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Limited research exists on the hydrological processes driving nitrogen (N) loss from cranberry production, which has been identified as a prominent source of watershed N loading in southeastern Massachusetts (MA). To quantify the hydrological processes underlying N export in cranberry farms, the geo...

Long-term incorporation of manure with chemical fertilizers reduced total nitrogen loss in rain-fed cropping systems

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Improving soil fertility/productivity and reducing environmental impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization in intensive farming systems are essential for sustainable agriculture and food security around the world. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term effects of various fertilization...

Determination of Meteorite Porosity Using Liquid Nitrogen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kohout, T.; Kletetschka, G.; Pesonen, L. J.; Wasilewski, P. J.

2005-01-01

We introduce a new harmless method for porosity measurement suitable for meteorite samples. The method is a modification of the traditional Archimedean method based on immersion of the samples in a liquid medium like water or organic liquids. In our case we used liquid nitrogen for its chemically inert characteristics.

Probing platinum degradation in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells by synchrotron X-ray microscopy.

PubMed

Berejnov, Viatcheslav; Martin, Zulima; West, Marcia; Kundu, Sumit; Bessarabov, Dmitri; Stumper, Jürgen; Susac, Darija; Hitchcock, Adam P

2012-04-14

Synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray spectromicroscopy (STXM) was used to characterize the local chemical environment at and around the platinum particles in the membrane (PTIM) which form in operationally tested (end-of-life, EOL) catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FC). The band of metallic Pt particles in operationally tested CCM membranes was imaged using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The cathode catalyst layer in the beginning-of-life (BOL) CCMs was fabricated using commercially available catalysts created from Pt precursors with and without nitrogen containing ligands. The surface composition of these catalyst powders was measured by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The local chemical environment of the PTIM in EOL CCMs was found to be directly related to the Pt precursor used in CCM fabrication. STXM chemical mapping at the N 1s edge revealed a characteristic spectrum at and around the dendritic Pt particles in CCMs fabricated with nitrogen containing Pt-precursors. This N 1s spectrum was identical to that of the cathode and different from the membrane. For CCM samples fabricated without nitrogen containing Pt-precursors the N 1s spectrum at the Pt particles was indistinguishable from that of the adjacent membrane. We interpret these observations to indicate that nitrogenous ligands in the nitrogen containing precursors, or decomposition product(s) from that source, are transported together with the dissolved Pt from the cathode into the membrane as a result of the catalyst degradation process. This places constraints on possible mechanisms for the PTIM band formation process.

Denitrification of combustion gases. [Patent application

DOEpatents

Yang, R.T.

1980-10-09

A method for treating waste combustion gas to remove the nitrogen oxygen gases therefrom is disclosed wherein the waste gas is first contacted with calcium oxide which absorbs and chemically reacts with the nitrogen oxide gases therein at a temperature from about 100/sup 0/ to 430/sup 0/C. The thus reacted calcium oxide (now calcium nitrate) is then heated at a temperature range between about 430/sup 0/ and 900/sup 0/C, resulting in regeneration of the calcium oxide and production of the decomposition gas composed of nitrogen and nitrogen oxide gas. The decomposition gases can be recycled to the calcium oxide contacting step to minimize the amount of nitrogen oxide gases in the final product gas.

Beyond fossil fuel-driven nitrogen transformations.

PubMed

Chen, Jingguang G; Crooks, Richard M; Seefeldt, Lance C; Bren, Kara L; Bullock, R Morris; Darensbourg, Marcetta Y; Holland, Patrick L; Hoffman, Brian; Janik, Michael J; Jones, Anne K; Kanatzidis, Mercouri G; King, Paul; Lancaster, Kyle M; Lymar, Sergei V; Pfromm, Peter; Schneider, William F; Schrock, Richard R

2018-05-25

Nitrogen is fundamental to all of life and many industrial processes. The interchange of nitrogen oxidation states in the industrial production of ammonia, nitric acid, and other commodity chemicals is largely powered by fossil fuels. A key goal of contemporary research in the field of nitrogen chemistry is to minimize the use of fossil fuels by developing more efficient heterogeneous, homogeneous, photo-, and electrocatalytic processes or by adapting the enzymatic processes underlying the natural nitrogen cycle. These approaches, as well as the challenges involved, are discussed in this Review. Copyright © 2018 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

Long-term evaluation of a nonpulsatile mechanical circulatory support system.

PubMed

Wakisaka, Y; Taenaka, Y; Chikanari, K; Nakatani, T; Tatsumi, E; Masuzawa, T; Nishimura, T; Takewa, Y; Ohno, T; Takano, H

1997-07-01

Antithrombogenicity of a centrifugal pump (CP) developed in our institute is provided by a central balancing hole (BH) in the impeller. A current CP, the National Cardiovascular Center (NCVC)-2, was ameliorated to improve antithrombogenicity, whereby the BH diameter was widened to improve self washout flow velocity, and an edge of the thrust bearing was rounded off to minimize flow separation. Effects of these modifications were assessed in a long-term in vivo experiment. The antithrombogenicity, hemolytic property, and mechanical durability of the NCVC-2 were investigated in 3 goats. The NCVC-2 was installed paracorporeally between the left atrium and the aorta and driven as long as possible at rotating speeds of about 2,800 rpm. The NCVC-2 ran for 50, 200, and 367+ days. The mean bypass flow rates were 6.8, 5.0, and 5.3 L/min, respectively. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) did not increase until one week before termination. Plasma free hemoglobin was kept to a level less than 15 mg/dl, except for the last week of the second case. These results indicate that the NCVC-2 has excellent antithrombogenicity, an acceptable hemolytic property and the necessary durability for prolonged use.

Novel synthesis of highly durable and active Pt catalyst encapsulated in nitrogen containing carbon for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyunjoon; Sung, Yung-Eun; Choi, Insoo; Lim, Taeho; Kwon, Oh Joong

2017-09-01

Novel synthesis of a Pt catalyst encapsulated in a N-containing carbon layer for use in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is described in this study. A Pt-aniline complex, formed by mixing Pt precursor and aniline monomer, was used as the source of Pt, C, and N. Heat treatment of the Pt-aniline complex with carbon black yielded 5 nm Pt nanoparticles encapsulated by a N-containing carbon layer originating from aniline carbonization. The synthesized Pt catalyst exhibited higher mass specific activity to oxygen reduction reaction than that shown by conventional Pt/C catalyst because pyridinic N with graphitic carbon in the carbon layer provided active sites for oxygen reduction reaction in addition to those provided by Pt. In single cell testing, initial performance of the synthesized catalyst was limited because the thick catalyst layer increased resistance related to mass transfer. However, it was observed that the carbon layer successfully prevented Pt nanoparticles from growing via agglomeration and Ostwald ripening under fuel cell operation, thereby improving durability. Furthermore, a mass specific performance of the synthesized catalyst higher than that of a conventional Pt/C catalyst was achieved by modifying the synthesized catalyst's layer thickness.

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

Coletti, Chiara, E-mail: chiara.coletti@studenti.u

During the firing of bricks, mineralogical and textural transformations produce an artificial aggregate characterised by significant porosity. Particularly as regards pore-size distribution and the interconnection model, porosity is an important parameter to evaluate and predict the durability of bricks. The pore system is in fact the main element, which correlates building materials and their environment (especially in cases of aggressive weathering, e.g., salt crystallisation and freeze-thaw cycles) and determines their durability. Four industrial bricks with differing compositions and firing temperatures were analysed with “direct” and “indirect” techniques, traditional methods (mercury intrusion porosimetry, hydric tests, nitrogen adsorption) and new analytical approachesmore » based on digital image reconstruction of 2D and 3D models (back-scattered electrons and computerised X-ray micro-Tomography, respectively). The comparison of results from different analytical methods in the “overlapping ranges” of porosity and the careful reconstruction of a cumulative curve, allowed overcoming their specific limitations and achieving better knowledge on the pore system of bricks. - Highlights: •Pore-size distribution and structure of the pore system in four commercial bricks •A multi-analytical approach combining “direct” and “indirect” techniques •Traditional methods vs. new approaches based on 2D/3D digital image reconstruction •The use of “overlapping ranges” to overcome the limitations of various techniques.« less

Structure-to-property relationships in fuel cell catalyst supports: Correlation of surface chemistry and morphology with oxidation resistance of carbon blacks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artyushkova, Kateryna; Pylypenko, Svitlana; Dowlapalli, Madhu; Atanassov, Plamen

2012-09-01

Linking durability of carbon blacks, expressed as their oxidation resistance, used in PEMFCs as catalyst supports, with their chemistry and morphology is an important task towards designing carbon blacks with desired properties. Structure-to-property relationship between surface chemistry determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), morphological structure determined by digital image processing of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, physical properties, and electrochemical corrosion behavior determined in an air-breathing gas-diffusion electrode is studied for several un-altered and several modified carbon blacks. We are showing that surface chemistry, graphitic content and certain physical characteristics such as Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and pore volume, determined by nitrogen adsorptions are not sufficient to explain high corrosion instability of types of carbon blacks. Inclusion of morphological characteristics, such as roughness, texture and shape parameters provide for more inclusive description and therefore more complete structure-to-property correlations of corrosion behavior of carbon blacks. This paper presents the first direct statistically-derived structure-to-property relationship, developed by multivariate analysis (MVA) that links chemical and physical structural properties of the carbon blacks to their critical properties as supports for PEMFC catalysts. We have found that balance between electrocatalytic activity and high resistance towards oxidation and corrosion is achieved by balance between amount of graphitic content and surface oxide coverage, smaller overall roughness and, finally, larger amount of big elongated and loose, and, hypothetically, more hydrophobic pores.

ANALYSIS OF THE WATER-SPLITTING CAPABILITIES OF GALLIUM INDIUM PHOSPHIDE NITRIDE (GaInPN)

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

Head, J.; Turner, J.

2007-01-01

With increasing demand for oil, the fossil fuels used to power society’s vehicles and homes are becoming harder to obtain, creating pollution problems and posing hazard’s to people’s health. Hydrogen, a clean and effi cient energy carrier, is one alternative to fossil fuels. Certain semiconductors are able to harness the energy of solar photons and direct it into water electrolysis in a process known as photoelectrochemical water-splitting. P-type gallium indium phosphide (p-GaInP2) in tandem with GaAs is a semiconductor system that exhibits water-splitting capabilities with a solar-tohydrogen effi ciency of 12.4%. Although this material is effi cient at producing hydrogenmore » through photoelectrolysis it has been shown to be unstable in solution. By introducing nitrogen into this material, there is great potential for enhanced stability. In this study, gallium indium phosphide nitride Ga1-yInyP1-xNx samples were grown using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition in an atmospheric-pressure vertical reactor. Photocurrent spectroscopy determined these materials to have a direct band gap around 2.0eV. Mott-Schottky analysis indicated p-type behavior with variation in fl atband potentials with varied frequencies and pH’s of solutions. Photocurrent onset and illuminated open circuit potential measurements correlated to fl atband potentials determined from previous studies. Durability analysis suggested improved stability over the GaInP2 system.« less

Facilitation and inhibition: changes in plant nitrogen and secondary metabolites mediate interactions between above-ground and below-ground herbivores

PubMed Central

Huang, Wei; Siemann, Evan; Yang, Xuefang; Wheeler, Gregory S.; Ding, Jianqing

2013-01-01

To date, it remains unclear how herbivore-induced changes in plant primary and secondary metabolites impact above-ground and below-ground herbivore interactions. Here, we report effects of above-ground (adult) and below-ground (larval) feeding by Bikasha collaris on nitrogen and secondary chemicals in shoots and roots of Triadica sebifera to explain reciprocal above-ground and below-ground insect interactions. Plants increased root tannins with below-ground herbivory, but above-ground herbivory prevented this increase and larval survival doubled. Above-ground herbivory elevated root nitrogen, probably contributing to increased larval survival. However, plants increased foliar tannins with above-ground herbivory and below-ground herbivory amplified this increase, and adult survival decreased. As either foliar or root tannins increased, foliar flavonoids decreased, suggesting a trade-off between these chemicals. Together, these results show that plant chemicals mediate contrasting effects of conspecific larval and adult insects, whereas insects may take advantage of plant responses to facilitate their offspring performance, which may influence population dynamics. PMID:23902902

Decomposition of nitric oxide in a hot nitrogen stream to synthesize air for hypersonic wind tunnel combustion testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zumdieck, J. F.; Zlatarich, S. A.

1974-01-01

A clean source of high enthalpy air was obtained from the exothermic decomposition of nitric oxide in the presence of strongly heated nitrogen. A nitric oxide jet was introduced into a confined coaxial nitrogen stream. Measurements were made of the extent of mixing and reaction. Experimental results are compared with one- and two-dimensional chemical kinetics computations. Both analyses predict much lower reactivity than was observed experimentally. Inlet nitrogen temperatures above 2400 K were sufficient to produce experimentally a completely reacted gas stream of synthetic air.

Examining the role of canister cooling conditions on the formation of nepheline from nuclear waste glasses

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

Christian, J. H.

2015-09-01

Nepheline (NaAlSiO₄) crystals can form during slow cooling of high-level waste (HLW) glass after it has been poured into a waste canister. Formation of these crystals can adversely affect the chemical durability of the glass. The tendency for nepheline crystallization to form in a HLW glass increases with increasing concentrations of Al₂O₃ and Na₂O.

The Brittleness and Chemical Stability of Optimized Geopolymer Composites

PubMed Central

Steinerova, Michaela; Matulova, Lenka; Vermach, Pavel; Kotas, Jindrich

2017-01-01

Geopolymers are known as high strength and durable construction materials but have a brittle fracture. In practice, this results in a sudden collapse at ultimate load, without any chance of preventing the breakdown of parts or of withstanding the stress for some time. Glass fiber usage as a total anisotropic shape acting as a compact structure component should hinder the fracture mechanism. The optimized compositions in this study led to a significant reinforcement, especially in the case of flexural strength, but also in terms of the compressive strength and notch toughness. The positive and negative influence of the fibers on the complex composite properties provided chemical stability. PMID:28772756

The Brittleness and Chemical Stability of Optimized Geopolymer Composites.

PubMed

Steinerova, Michaela; Matulova, Lenka; Vermach, Pavel; Kotas, Jindrich

2017-04-09

Geopolymers are known as high strength and durable construction materials but have a brittle fracture. In practice, this results in a sudden collapse at ultimate load, without any chance of preventing the breakdown of parts or of withstanding the stress for some time. Glass fiber usage as a total anisotropic shape acting as a compact structure component should hinder the fracture mechanism. The optimized compositions in this study led to a significant reinforcement, especially in the case of flexural strength, but also in terms of the compressive strength and notch toughness. The positive and negative influence of the fibers on the complex composite properties provided chemical stability.

The Influence of Sizings on the Durability of High-Temperature Polymer Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allred, Ronald E.; Wesson, Sheldon P.; Shin, E. Eugene; Inghram, Linda; McCorkle, Linda; Papadopoulos, Demetrios; Wheeler, Donald; Sutter, James K.

2004-01-01

To increase performance and durability of high-temperature composites for potential rocket engine components, it is necessary to optimize wetting and interfacial bonding between high modulus carbon fibers and high-temperature polyimide resins. Sizings commercially supplied on most carbon fibers are not compatible with polyimides. In this study, the chemistry of sizings on two high-modulus carbon fibers (M40J and M60J, Toray) was characterized as was the chemistry of PMR-II-50 fluorinated polyimide resin. The carbon fibers were characterized using single filament wetting, scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements. The polyimide matrix resins were coated onto glass filaments for characterization by wetting measurements. Surface energy components were obtained by wetting with nondispersive (methylene iodide), acidic (ethylene glycol), and basic (formamide) probes. A continuous desizing system that uses an environmentally friendly chemical-mechanical process was developed for tow level fiber. Composites were fabricated with fibers containing the manufacturer's sizing, desized, and further treated with a reactive finish. Results of room-temperature tests after thermal aging show that the reactive finish produces a higher strength and more durable interface compared to the manufacturer's sizing. When exposed to moisture blistering tests, however, the better bonded composite displayed a tendency to delaminate, presumably due to trapping of volatiles.

Localized heating/bonding techniques in MEMS packaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mabesa, J. R., Jr.; Scott, A. J.; Wu, X.; Auner, G. W.

2005-05-01

Packaging is used to protect and enable intelligent sensor systems utilized in manned/unmanned ground vehicle systems/subsystems. Because Micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) are used often in these sensor or actuation products, it must interact with the surrounding environment, which may be in direct conflict with the desire to isolate the electronics for improved reliability/durability performance. For some very simple devices, performance requirements may allow a high degree of isolation from the environment (e.g., stints and accelerometers). Other more complex devices (i.e. chemical and biological analysis systems, particularly in vivo systems) present extremely complex packaging requirements. Power and communications to MEMS device arrays are also extremely problematic. The following describes the research being performed at the U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command (RDECOM) Tank and Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC), in collaboration with Wayne State University, in Detroit, MI. The focus of the packaging research is limited to six main categories: a) provision for feed-through for electrical, optical, thermal, and fluidic interfaces; b) environmental management including atmosphere, hermiticity, and temperature; c) control of stress and mechanical durability; d) management of thermal properties to minimize absorption and/or emission; e) durability and structural integrity; and f) management of RF/magnetic/electrical and optical interference and/or radiation properties and exposure.

Durability to oxygen reactive ion etching enhanced by addition of synthesized bis(trimethylsilyl)phenyl-containing (meth)acrylates in ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Shunya; Sato, Hiroki; Tasaki, Yuhei; Watanuki, Kimihito; Nemoto, Nobukatsu; Nakagawa, Masaru

2016-06-01

We investigated the selection of bis(trimethylsilyl)phenyl-containing (meth)acrylates as additives to improve the durability to oxygen reactive ion etching (O2 RIE) of sub-50 nm imprint resist patterns suitable for bubble-defect-free UV nanoimprinting with a readily condensable gas. 2,5-Bis(2-acryloyloxyethoxy)-1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene, which has a diacrylate chemical structure similar to that of glycerol 1,3-diglycerolate diacrylate used as a base monomer, and 3-(2-methacryloyloxyethoxy)-1-(hydroxylethoxy)-2-propoxy-3,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene, which has a hydroxy group similar to the base monomer, were synthesized taking into consideration the Ohnishi and ring parameters, and the oxidization of the trimethylsilyl moiety to inorganic species during O2 RIE. The addition of the latter liquid additive to the base monomer decreased etching rate owing to the good miscibility of the additive in the base monomer, while the addition of the former crystalline additive caused phase separation after UV nanoimprinting. The latter additive worked as a compatibilizer to the former additive, which is preferred for etching durability improvement. The coexistence of the additives enabled the fabrication of a 45 nm line-and-space resist pattern by UV nanoimprinting, and its residual layer could be removed by O2 RIE.

Effect of feed moisture, extrusion temperature and screw speed on properties of soy white flakes based aquafeed: a response surface analysis.

PubMed

Singh, Sushil K; Muthukumarappan, Kasiviswanathan

2016-04-01

Soy white flakes (SWF) is an intermediate product during soy bean processing. It is an untoasted inexpensive product and contains around 51% of crude protein. It can be a potential source of protein to replace fish meal for developing aquafeed. The extrusion process is versatile and is used for the development of aquafeed. Our objective was to study the effects of inclusion of SWF (up to 50%) and other extrusion processing parameters such as barrel temperature and screw speed on the properties of aquafeed extrudates using a single-screw extruder. Extrudate properties, including pellet durability index, bulk density, water absorption and solubility indices and mass flow rate, were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the process variables. SWF was the most significant variable with quadratic effects on most of the properties. Increasing temperature and screw speed resulted in increase in durability and mass flow rate of extrudates. Response surface regression models were established to correlate the properties of extrudates to the process variables. SWF was used as an alternative protein source of fish meal. Our study shows that aquafeed with high durability, lower bulk density and lower water absorption and higher solubility indices can be obtained by adding SWF up to 40%. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development and freeze-thaw durability of high flyash-content concrete

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

Sajadi, J.

1987-01-01

Objectives were to investigate the effects on concrete strength, drying shrinkage, freeze-thaw durability, and air-void system parameters of replacing various amounts of portland cement with different types of fly ash and to compare selected characteristics of such fly-ash concretes and fly-ash concretes containing a high-range water-reducing admixture to those of a control mixture. It was concluded that concrete mixtures with 90-day compressive strengths equal to the control could be produced when large amounts of cement were replaced by fly ash. In addition, when the high-range water-reducing admixtures was employed, very large amounts of cement could be replaced by fly ashmore » to yield mixtures whose compressive strengths were equal to or greater than the strengths of the control mix at all ages. The maximum amount of cement that could be replaced for equal-strength mixtures depended upon the nature of the fly ash. Drying shrinkage of plain fly-ash concretes and fly-ash concretes containing the high-range water-reducing admixture were similar to those of the control mix. The optimum fly-ash content in a concrete is comparable in strength and durability to a conventional (control) concrete was influenced by the chemical and physical characteristics of the fly ash.« less

Vitrified metal finishing wastes I. Composition, density and chemical durability.

PubMed

Bingham, P A; Hand, R J

2005-03-17

Durable phosphate glasses were formed by vitrifying waste filter cakes from two metal finishing operations. Some melts formed crystalline components during cooling. Compositional analysis of dried, heat treated and vitrified samples was made using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively-coupled plasma spectroscopy and Leco induction furnace combustion analysis. Hydrolytic dissolution, measured by an adapted product consistency test, was reduced by up to 3 orders of magnitude upon heat treatment or vitrification, surpassing the performance of borosilicate glass in some cases. This was attributed to the high levels of iron and zinc in the wastes, which greatly improve the durability of phosphate glasses. One of the wastes arose from a metal phosphating process and was particularly suitable for vitrification due to its high P2O5 content and favourable melting behaviour. The other waste, which arose from a number of processes, was less suitable as it had a low P2O5 content and during heating it emitted harmful corrosive gases and underwent violent reactions. Substantial volume reductions were obtained by heat treatment and vitrification of both wastes. Compositions and performances of some vitrified wastes were comparable with those of glasses which are under consideration for the immobilisation of toxic and nuclear wastes.

Improved bonding of adhesive resin to sintered porcelain with the combination of acid etching and a two-liquid silane conditioner.

PubMed

Kato, H; Matsumura, H; Ide, T; Atsuta, M

2001-01-01

This study determined the bond strengths of adhesive resins joined to a feldspathic porcelain (VMK 68) for the purpose of developing the most durable surface preparation for the porcelain. Three porcelain surfaces-ground, air-abraded with alumina, and etched with hydrofluoric acid-were prepared. A two-liquid porcelain conditioner that contained both 4-methacryloyloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (4-META) and a silane coupler (Porcelain Liner M) was used as the priming agent. Each of the two liquid components of the conditioner was also used individually in order to examine the effects of the respective chemical ingredients on adhesive bonding. Two methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based resins initiated with tri-n-butylborane (TBB) either with or without 4-META (MMA-TBB and 4-META/MMA-TBB resins) were used as the luting agents. Shear bond strengths were determined both before and after thermocycling. Shear testing results indicated that thermocycling was effective for disclosing poor bonding systems, and that both mechanical and chemical retention were indispensable for bonding the porcelain. Of the combinations assessed, etching with hydrofluoric acid followed by two-liquid priming with the Porcelain Liner M material generated the most durable bond strength (33.3 MPa) for the porcelain bonded with the 4-META/MMA-TBB resin (Super-Bond C&B).

Chemically durable polymer electrolytes for solid-state alkaline water electrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Eun Joo; Capuano, Christopher B.; Ayers, Katherine E.; Bae, Chulsung

2018-01-01

Generation of high purity hydrogen using electrochemical splitting of water is one of the most promising methods for sustainable fuel production. The materials to be used as solid-state electrolytes for alkaline water electrolyzer require high thermochemical stability against hydroxide ion attack in alkaline environment during the operation of electrolysis. In this study, two quaternary ammonium-tethered aromatic polymers were synthesized and investigated for anion exchange membrane (AEM)-based alkaline water electrolyzer. The membranes properties including ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, swelling degree, and anion conductivity were studied. The membranes composed of all C-C bond polymer backbones and flexible side chain terminated by cation head groups exhibited remarkably good chemical stability by maintaining structural integrity in 1 M NaOH solution at 95 °C for 60 days. Initial electrochemical performance and steady-state operation performance were evaluated, and both membranes showed a good stabilization of the cell voltage during the steady-state operation at the constant current density at 200 mA/cm2. Although both membranes in current form require improvement in mechanical stability to afford better durability in electrolysis operation, the next generation AEMs based on this report could lead to potentially viable AEM candidates which can provide high electrolysis performance under alkaline operating condition.

Transforming a Simple Commercial Glue into Highly Robust Superhydrophobic Surfaces via Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition.

PubMed

Zhuang, Aoyun; Liao, Ruijin; Lu, Yao; Dixon, Sebastian C; Jiamprasertboon, Arreerat; Chen, Faze; Sathasivam, Sanjayan; Parkin, Ivan P; Carmalt, Claire J

2017-12-06

Robust superhydrophobic surfaces were synthesized as composites of the widely commercially available adhesives epoxy resin (EP) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The EP layer provided a strongly adhered micro/nanoscale structure on the substrates, while the PDMS was used as a post-treatment to lower the surface energy. In this study, the depositions of EP films were taken at a range of temperatures, deposition times, and substrates via aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD). A novel dynamic deposition temperature approach was developed to create multiple-layered periodic micro/nanostructures that significantly improved the surface mechanical durability. Water droplet contact angles (CA) of 160° were observed with droplet sliding angles (SA) frequently <1°. A rigorous sandpaper abrasion test demonstrated retention of superhydrophobic properties and superior robustness therein, while wear, anticorrosion (pH = 1-14, 72 h), and UV testing (365 nm, 3.7 mW/cm 2 , 120 h) were carried out to exhibit the environmental stability of the films. Self-cleaning behavior was demonstrated in clearing the surfaces of various contaminating powders and aqueous dyes. This facile and flexible method for fabricating highly durable superhydrophobic polymer films points to a promising future for AACVD in their scalable and low-cost production.

A testing platform for durability studies of polymers and fiber-reinforced polymer composites under concurrent hygrothermo-mechanical stimuli.

PubMed

Gomez, Antonio; Pires, Robert; Yambao, Alyssa; La Saponara, Valeria

2014-12-11

The durability of polymers and fiber-reinforced polymer composites under service condition is a critical aspect to be addressed for their robust designs and condition-based maintenance. These materials are adopted in a wide range of engineering applications, from aircraft and ship structures, to bridges, wind turbine blades, biomaterials and biomedical implants. Polymers are viscoelastic materials, and their response may be highly nonlinear and thus make it challenging to predict and monitor their in-service performance. The laboratory-scale testing platform presented herein assists the investigation of the influence of concurrent mechanical loadings and environmental conditions on these materials. The platform was designed to be low-cost and user-friendly. Its chemically resistant materials make the platform adaptable to studies of chemical degradation due to in-service exposure to fluids. An example of experiment was conducted at RT on closed-cell polyurethane foam samples loaded with a weight corresponding to ~50% of their ultimate static and dry load. Results show that the testing apparatus is appropriate for these studies. Results also highlight the larger vulnerability of the polymer under concurrent loading, based on the higher mid-point displacements and lower residual failure loads. Recommendations are made for additional improvements to the testing apparatus.

A Testing Platform for Durability Studies of Polymers and Fiber-reinforced Polymer Composites under Concurrent Hygrothermo-mechanical Stimuli

PubMed Central

Gomez, Antonio; Pires, Robert; Yambao, Alyssa; La Saponara, Valeria

2014-01-01

The durability of polymers and fiber-reinforced polymer composites under service condition is a critical aspect to be addressed for their robust designs and condition-based maintenance. These materials are adopted in a wide range of engineering applications, from aircraft and ship structures, to bridges, wind turbine blades, biomaterials and biomedical implants. Polymers are viscoelastic materials, and their response may be highly nonlinear and thus make it challenging to predict and monitor their in-service performance. The laboratory-scale testing platform presented herein assists the investigation of the influence of concurrent mechanical loadings and environmental conditions on these materials. The platform was designed to be low-cost and user-friendly. Its chemically resistant materials make the platform adaptable to studies of chemical degradation due to in-service exposure to fluids. An example of experiment was conducted at RT on closed-cell polyurethane foam samples loaded with a weight corresponding to ~50% of their ultimate static and dry load. Results show that the testing apparatus is appropriate for these studies. Results also highlight the larger vulnerability of the polymer under concurrent loading, based on the higher mid-point displacements and lower residual failure loads. Recommendations are made for additional improvements to the testing apparatus. PMID:25548950

Does allergic contact dermatitis from formaldehyde in clothes treated with durable-press chemical finishes exist in the USA?

PubMed

de Groot, Anton C; Maibach, Howard I

2010-03-01

Recent US studies have presented case series of patient with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) allegedly caused by formaldehyde in clothes treated with durable-press chemical finishes (DPCF), which are known formaldehyde releasers. However, the amounts of formaldehyde released by modern DPCF are thought to be well below the levels previously estimated to be able to elicit ACD. The objectives of this review are (i) to investigate whether clothes sold in the USA may contain enough free formaldehyde to elicit ACD in previously sensitized individuals and (ii) to assess the validity of US reports on ACD from formaldehyde in DPCF treated clothes. Literature was examined using various resources. The threshold level for formaldehyde in clothes that may cause ACD in sensitized individuals is unknown; we present data suggesting that levels < 200 ppm will be safe for most patients and that textiles will rarely contain higher amounts. All US studies presenting patients with ACD from formaldehyde in clothes had some weaknesses and in no report was the diagnosis proven beyond doubt. Currently, there is no definite proof that textile ACD from formaldehyde in DPCF in the USA exists. Future research should be directed at establishing the elicitation threshold and the amounts of formaldehyde present in textiles.

A novel pyrophosphate BaCr2(P2O7)2 as green pigment with high NIR solar reflectance and durable chemical stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Zhengxu; Zhang, Wanqi; Huang, Yanlin; Wei, Donglei; Seo, Hyo Jin

2014-08-01

A novel pyrophosphate BaCr2(P2O7)2 was synthesized by the conventional solid-state reaction. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectra were applied to characterize the powders. The refractive indexes and nature of the VB and CB were determined. The structure, color properties and application were investigated. The results reveal that the anomalist bodies with smooth surfaces were obtained at 1200 °C with a mean size of 3 μm. A high reflectance peak at 535 nm was observed in the visible region, which is associated with the brilliant and deep green color of this pigment. With all the acids, alkali and deionized water treatment, the polycrystalline pigment BaCr2(P2O7)2 was found to be durable in chemical stability. The significantly high NIR solar reflectance of BaCr2(P2O7)2 is 90.0%, a higher cooling ability, so it has been selected to be tested as cool green pigment in ceramics. Moreover, this novel pyrophosphate pigment has great potential as cool pigment for surface coating applications.

Electrospun sulfonated poly(ether ketone) nanofibers as proton conductive reinforcement for durable Nafion composite membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klose, Carolin; Breitwieser, Matthias; Vierrath, Severin; Klingele, Matthias; Cho, Hyeongrae; Büchler, Andreas; Kerres, Jochen; Thiele, Simon

2017-09-01

We show that the combination of direct membrane deposition with proton conductive nanofiber reinforcement yields highly durable and high power density fuel cells. Sulfonated poly(ether ketone) (SPEK) was directly electrospun onto gas diffusion electrodes and then filled with Nafion by inkjet-printing resulting in a 12 μm thin membrane. The ionic membrane resistance (30 mΩ*cm2) was well below that of a directly deposited membrane reinforced with chemically inert (PVDF-HFP) nanofibers (47 mΩ*cm2) of comparable thickness. The power density of the fuel cell with SPEK reinforced membrane (2.04 W/cm2) is 30% higher than that of the PVDF-HFP reinforced reference sample (1.57 W/cm2). During humidity cycling and open circuit voltage (OCV) hold, the SPEK reinforced Nafion membrane showed no measurable degradation in terms of H2 crossover current density, thus fulfilling the target of 2 mA/cm2 of the DOE after degradation. The chemical accelerated stress test (100 h OCV hold at 90 °C, 30% RH, H2/air, 50/50 kPa) revealed a degradation rate of about 0.8 mV/h for the fuel cell with SPEK reinforced membrane, compared to 1.0 mV/h for the PVDF-HFP reinforced membrane.

Bismuth-embedded SBA-15 mesoporous silica for radioactive iodine capture and stable storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jae Hwan; Cho, Yong-Jun; Shin, Jin Myeong; Yim, Man-Sung

2015-10-01

Efficient capture and stable storage of the long-lived iodine-129 (129I), released as off-gas from nuclear fuel reprocessing, have been of significant concern in the waste management field. In this study, bismuth-embedded SBA-15 mesoporous silica was firstly applied for iodine capture and storage. SBA-15 was functionalized with thiol (-SH) groups, followed by bismuth adsorption with Bi-S bonding, which was thermally treated to form Bi2S3 within SBA-15. The bismuth-embedded SBA-15s demonstrated high iodine loading capacities (up to 540 mg-I/g-sorbent), which benefitted from high surface area and porosity of SBA-15 as well as the formation of thermodynamically stable BiI3 compound. Iodine physisorption was effectively suppressed due to the large pores present in SBA-15, resulting in chemisorption as a main mechanism for iodine confinement. Furthermore, a chemically durable iodine-bearing material was made with a facile post-sorption process, during which the iodine-incorporated phase was changed from BiI3 to chemically durable Bi5O7I. Thus, our results showed that both efficient capture and stabilization of 129I would be possible with the bismuth-embedded SBA-15, in contrast to other sorbents mainly focused on iodine capture.

Atomic-Level Co3O4 Layer Stabilized by Metallic Cobalt Nanoparticles: A Highly Active and Stable Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction.

PubMed

Liu, Min; Liu, Jingjun; Li, Zhilin; Wang, Feng

2018-02-28

Developing atomic-level transition oxides may be one of the most promising ways for providing ultrahigh electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), compared with their bulk counterparts. In this article, we developed a set of atomically thick Co 3 O 4 layers covered on Co nanoparticles through partial reduction of Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles using melamine as a reductive additive at an elevated temperature. Compared with the original Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles, the synthesized Co 3 O 4 with a thickness of 1.1 nm exhibits remarkably enhanced ORR activity and durability, which are even higher than those obtained by a commercial Pt/C in an alkaline environment. The superior activity can be attributed to the unique physical and chemical structures of the atomic-level oxide featuring the narrowed band gap and decreased work function, caused by the escaped lattice oxygen and the enriched coordination-unsaturated Co 2+ in this atomic layer. Besides, the outstanding durability of the catalyst can result from the chemically epitaxial deposition of the Co 3 O 4 on the cobalt surface. Therefore, the proposed synthetic strategy may offer a smart way to develop other atomic-level transition metals with high electrocatalytic activity and stability for energy conversion and storage devices.

Investigation of dynamic driving cycle effect on the degradation of proton exchange membrane fuel cell by segmented cell technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, R.; Xiong, F.; Tang, W. C.; Técher, L.; Zhang, J. M.; Ma, J. X.

2014-08-01

Durability is one of the most important limiting factors for the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Fuel cells are more vulnerable to degradation under operating conditions as dynamic load cycle or start up/shut down. The purpose of this study is to evaluate influences of driving cycles on the durability of fuel cells through analyzing the degradation mechanism of a segmented cell in real time. This study demonstrates that the performance of the fuel cell significantly decreases after 200 cycles. The segmented cell technology is used to measure the local current density distribution, which shows that the current density at the exit region and the inlet region declines much faster than the other parts. Meanwhile, electro-chemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) reveals that after 200 cycles the ohmic resistance of fuel cell increases, especially at the cathode, and electro-chemical surface area (ESA) decreases from 392 to 307 cm2 mg-1. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) in cross-section demonstrate crackle flaw on the surface of the catalyst layer and the delamination of the electrodes from the membrane. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) results also show that the Pt particle size increases distinctly after driving cycles.

Metabolic engineering of microbial competitive advantage for industrial fermentation processes.

PubMed

Shaw, A Joe; Lam, Felix H; Hamilton, Maureen; Consiglio, Andrew; MacEwen, Kyle; Brevnova, Elena E; Greenhagen, Emily; LaTouf, W Greg; South, Colin R; van Dijken, Hans; Stephanopoulos, Gregory

2016-08-05

Microbial contamination is an obstacle to widespread production of advanced biofuels and chemicals. Current practices such as process sterilization or antibiotic dosage carry excess costs or encourage the development of antibiotic resistance. We engineered Escherichia coli to assimilate melamine, a xenobiotic compound containing nitrogen. After adaptive laboratory evolution to improve pathway efficiency, the engineered strain rapidly outcompeted a control strain when melamine was supplied as the nitrogen source. We additionally engineered the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Yarrowia lipolytica to assimilate nitrogen from cyanamide and phosphorus from potassium phosphite, and they outcompeted contaminating strains in several low-cost feedstocks. Supplying essential growth nutrients through xenobiotic or ecologically rare chemicals provides microbial competitive advantage with minimal external risks, given that engineered biocatalysts only have improved fitness within the customized fermentation environment. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Durability and inflammogenic impact of carbon nanotubes compared with asbestos fibres.

PubMed

Osmond-McLeod, Megan J; Poland, Craig A; Murphy, Fiona; Waddington, Lynne; Morris, Howard; Hawkins, Stephen C; Clark, Steve; Aitken, Rob; McCall, Maxine J; Donaldson, Ken

2011-05-13

It has been suggested that carbon nanotubes might conform to the fibre pathogenicity paradigm that explains the toxicities of asbestos and other fibres on a continuum based on length, aspect ratio and biopersistence. Some types of carbon nanotubes satisfy the first two aspects of the fibre paradigm but only recently has their biopersistence begun to be investigated. Biopersistence is complex and requires in vivo testing and analysis. However durability, the chemical mimicking of the process of fibre dissolution using in vitro treatment, is closely related to biopersistence and more readily determined. Here, we describe an experimental process to determine the durability of four types of carbon nanotubes in simulated biological fluid (Gambles solution), and their subsequent pathogenicity in vivo using a mouse model sensitive to inflammogenic effects of fibres. The in vitro and in vivo results were compared with well-characterised glass wool and asbestos fibre controls. After incubation for up to 24 weeks in Gambles solution, our control fibres were recovered at percentages consistent with their known in vitro durabilities and/or in vivo persistence, and three out of the four types of carbon nanotubes tested (single-walled (CNTSW) and multi-walled (CNTTANG2, CNTSPIN)) showed no, or minimal, loss of mass or change in fibre length or morphology when examined by electron microscopy. However, the fourth type [multi-walled (CNTLONG1)] lost 30% of its original mass within the first three weeks of incubation, after which there was no further loss. Electron microscopy of CNTLONG1 samples incubated for 10 weeks confirmed that the proportion of long fibres had decreased compared to samples briefly exposed to the Gambles solution. This loss of mass and fibre shortening was accompanied by a loss of pathogenicity when injected into the peritoneal cavities of C57Bl/6 mice compared to fibres incubated briefly. CNTSW did not elicit an inflammogenic effect in the peritoneal cavity assay used here. These results support the view that carbon nanotubes are generally durable but may be subject to bio-modification in a sample-specific manner. They also suggest that pristine carbon nanotubes, either individually or in rope-like aggregates of sufficient length and aspect ratio, can induce asbestos-like responses in mice, but that the effect may be mitigated for certain types that are less durable in biological systems. Results indicate that durable carbon nanotubes that are either short or form tightly bundled aggregates with no isolated long fibres are less inflammogenic in fibre-specific assays. © 2011 Osmond-McLeod et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Durability and inflammogenic impact of carbon nanotubes compared with asbestos fibres

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background It has been suggested that carbon nanotubes might conform to the fibre pathogenicity paradigm that explains the toxicities of asbestos and other fibres on a continuum based on length, aspect ratio and biopersistence. Some types of carbon nanotubes satisfy the first two aspects of the fibre paradigm but only recently has their biopersistence begun to be investigated. Biopersistence is complex and requires in vivo testing and analysis. However durability, the chemical mimicking of the process of fibre dissolution using in vitro treatment, is closely related to biopersistence and more readily determined. Here, we describe an experimental process to determine the durability of four types of carbon nanotubes in simulated biological fluid (Gambles solution), and their subsequent pathogenicity in vivo using a mouse model sensitive to inflammogenic effects of fibres. The in vitro and in vivo results were compared with well-characterised glass wool and asbestos fibre controls. Results After incubation for up to 24 weeks in Gambles solution, our control fibres were recovered at percentages consistent with their known in vitro durabilities and/or in vivo persistence, and three out of the four types of carbon nanotubes tested (single-walled (CNTSW) and multi-walled (CNTTANG2, CNTSPIN)) showed no, or minimal, loss of mass or change in fibre length or morphology when examined by electron microscopy. However, the fourth type [multi-walled (CNTLONG1)] lost 30% of its original mass within the first three weeks of incubation, after which there was no further loss. Electron microscopy of CNTLONG1 samples incubated for 10 weeks confirmed that the proportion of long fibres had decreased compared to samples briefly exposed to the Gambles solution. This loss of mass and fibre shortening was accompanied by a loss of pathogenicity when injected into the peritoneal cavities of C57Bl/6 mice compared to fibres incubated briefly. CNTSW did not elicit an inflammogenic effect in the peritoneal cavity assay used here. Conclusions These results support the view that carbon nanotubes are generally durable but may be subject to bio-modification in a sample-specific manner. They also suggest that pristine carbon nanotubes, either individually or in rope-like aggregates of sufficient length and aspect ratio, can induce asbestos-like responses in mice, but that the effect may be mitigated for certain types that are less durable in biological systems. Results indicate that durable carbon nanotubes that are either short or form tightly bundled aggregates with no isolated long fibres are less inflammogenic in fibre-specific assays. PMID:21569450

Phosphorylated Derivatives of Alkaloids and Nitrogen-containing Heterocycles — Cholinesterase Inhibitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadykov, Abid S.; Dalimov, D. N.; Godovikov, Nikolai N.

1983-10-01

The review deals with the synthesis and anticholinesterase activities of phosphorylated derivatives of certain alkaloids and nitrogen-containing heterocycles. It is shown that the conformational properties of the alkaloid and nitrogen-containing heterocycle residues in the composition of the organophosphorus inhibitor (OPI) molecule play an important role in the inhibition of the catalytic activity of cholinesterases. The type of inhibition of cholinesterases also varies as a function of chemical structure. The bibliography includes 45 references.

40 CFR 1065.15 - Overview of procedures for laboratory and field testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... nitrogen, NOX. (2) Hydrocarbons (HC), which may be expressed in the following ways: (i) Total hydrocarbons... chemical balances of the fuel, intake air, and exhaust. To calculate fuel consumed by a chemical balance...

40 CFR 1065.15 - Overview of procedures for laboratory and field testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... nitrogen, NOX. (2) Hydrocarbons (HC), which may be expressed in the following ways: (i) Total hydrocarbons... chemical balances of the fuel, intake air, and exhaust. To calculate fuel consumed by a chemical balance...

40 CFR 1065.15 - Overview of procedures for laboratory and field testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... nitrogen, NOX. (2) Hydrocarbons (HC), which may be expressed in the following ways: (i) Total hydrocarbons... chemical balances of the fuel, intake air, and exhaust. To calculate fuel consumed by a chemical balance...

40 CFR 1065.15 - Overview of procedures for laboratory and field testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... nitrogen, NOX. (2) Hydrocarbons (HC), which may be expressed in the following ways: (i) Total hydrocarbons... chemical balances of the fuel, intake air, and exhaust. To calculate fuel consumed by a chemical balance...

Spectroscopic Observation of Chemical Interaction Between Impact-induced Vapor Clouds and the Ambient Atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sugita, S.; Heineck, J. T.; Schultz, P. H.

2000-01-01

Chemical reactions within impact-induced vapor clouds were observed in laboratory experiments using a spectroscopic method. The results indicate that projectile-derived carbon-rich vapor reacts intensively with atmospheric nitrogen.

Evaluation of leachate dissolved organic nitrogen discharge effect on wastewater effluent quality.

PubMed

Bolyard, Stephanie C; Reinhart, Debra R

2017-07-01

Nitrogen is limited more and more frequently in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents because of the concern of causing eutrophication in discharge waters. Twelve leachates from eight landfills in Florida and California were characterized for total nitrogen (TN) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). The average concentration of TN and DON in leachate was approximately 1146mg/L and 40mg/L, respectively. Solid-phase extraction was used to fractionate the DON based on hydrophobic (recalcitrant fraction) and hydrophilic (bioavailable fraction) chemical properties. The average leachate concentrations of bioavailable (bDON) and recalcitrant (rDON) DON were 16.5mg/L and 18.4mg/L, respectively. The rDON fraction was positively correlated, but with a low R 2 , with total leachate apparent color dissolved UV 254 , chemical oxygen demand (COD), and humic acid (R 2 equals 0.38, 0.49, and 0.40, respectively). The hydrophobic fraction of DON (rDON) was highly colored. This fraction was also associated with over 60% of the total leachate COD. Multiple leachate and wastewater co-treatment simulations were carried out to assess the effects of leachate on total nitrogen wastewater effluent quality using removals for four WWTPs under different scenarios. The calculated pass through of DON suggests that leachate could contribute to significant amounts of nitrogen discharged to aquatic systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Production of fermentation aroma compounds by Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine yeasts: effects of yeast assimilable nitrogen on two model strains.

PubMed

Carrau, Francisco M; Medina, Karina; Farina, Laura; Boido, Eduardo; Henschke, Paul A; Dellacassa, Eduardo

2008-11-01

The contribution of yeast fermentation metabolites to the aromatic profile of wine is well documented; however, the biotechnological application of this knowledge, apart from strain selection, is still rather limited and often contradictory. Understanding and modeling the relationship between nutrient availability and the production of desirable aroma compounds by different strains must be one of the main objectives in the selection of industrial yeasts for the beverage and food industry. In order to overcome the variability in the composition of grape juices, we have used a chemically defined model medium for studying yeast physiological behavior and metabolite production in response to nitrogen supplementation so as to identify an appropriate yeast assimilable nitrogen level for strain differentiation. At low initial nitrogen concentrations, strain KU1 produced higher quantities of esters and fatty acids whereas M522 produced higher concentrations of isoacids, gamma-butyrolactone, higher alcohols and 3-methylthio-1-propanol. We propose that although strains KU1 and M522 have a similar nitrogen consumption profile, they represent useful models for the chemical characterization of wine strains in relation to wine quality. The differential production of aroma compounds by the two strains is discussed in relation to their capacity for nitrogen usage and their impact on winemaking. The results obtained here will help to develop targeted metabolic footprinting methods for the discrimination of industrial yeasts.

Effect of nitrogen fertilisation on the amino acid digestibility of different triticale genotypes in caecectomised laying hens.

PubMed

Siegert, Wolfgang; Boguhn, Jeannette; Maurer, Hans Peter; Weiss, Jochen; Zuber, Tobias; Möhring, Jens; Rodehutscord, Markus

2017-01-01

The influence of nitrogen fertilisation and genotype on the amino acid (AA) digestibility of triticale grain was investigated in caecectomised laying hens. Three genotypes, Grenado, EAW6002 and Lasko, were cultivated with and without nitrogen fertilisation at the end of the heading stage. The six triticale variants as well as a basal diet were each used to feed seven laying hens in a 7 × 7 Latin square design. Nitrogen fertilisation influenced the digestibility of Cys, Glu, Phe and Ser in some triticale genotypes and reduced Ala, Ile, Lys, Met and Val digestibility in all genotypes (P < 0.05). Nitrogen fertilisation increased the concentration of all AAs in the grain. Consequently, the concentration of digestible AAs in the grains was increased for most AAs upon nitrogen fertilisation. Overall, Lys had the lowest digestibility, whereas that of Glu and Pro was the highest. For the triticale genotypes, the level of AA digestibility was highest for EAW6002 followed by Lasko and Grenado, with significant differences (P < 0.05) between genotypes for some but not all AAs. The results indicated that the accuracy of the digestible AA supply for hen feeding might benefit from considering fertilisation and genotype-specific digestibility data in feed formulation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

An analytical study of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide emissions in hydrocarbon combustion with added nitrogen, preliminary results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bittker, D. A.

1979-01-01

The effect of combustor operating conditions on the conversion of fuel-bound nitrogen (FBN) to nitrogen oxides NO sub x was analytically determined. The effect of FBN and of operating conditions on carbon monoxide (CO) formation was also studied. For these computations, the combustor was assumed to be a two stage, adiabatic, perfectly-stirred reactor. Propane-air was used as the combustible mixture and fuel-bound nitrogen was simulated by adding nitrogen atoms to the mixture. The oxidation of propane and formation of NO sub x and CO were modeled by a fifty-seven reaction chemical mechanism. The results for NO sub x and CO formation are given as functions of primary and secondary stage equivalence ratios and residence times.

Mass spectral analysis of N-oxides of Chemical Weapons Convention related aminoethanols under electrospray ionization conditions.

PubMed

Sridhar, L; Karthikraj, R; Murty, M R V S; Raju, N Prasada; Vairamani, M; Prabhakar, S

2011-02-28

N,N'-Dialkylaminoethanols are the hydrolyzed products or precursors of chemical warfare agents such as V-agents and nitrogen mustards, and they are prone to undergo oxidation in environmental matrices or during decontamination processes. Consequently, screening of the oxidized products of aminoethanols in aqueous samples is an important task in the verification of chemical weapons convention-related chemicals. Here we report the successful characterization of the N-oxides of N,N'-dialkylaminoethanols, alkyl diethanolamines, and triethanolamine using positive ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra of the [M+H](+) and [M+Na](+) ions show diagnostic product ions that enable the unambiguous identification of the studied N-oxides, including those of isomeric compounds. The proposed fragmentation pathways are supported by high-resolution mass spectrometry data and product/precursor ion spectra. The CID spectra of [M+H](+) ions included [MH-CH(4)O(2)](+) as the key product ion, in addition to a distinctive alkene loss that allowed us to recognize the alkyl group attached to the nitrogen. The [M+Na](+) ions show characteristic product ions due to the loss of groups (R) attached to nitrogen either as a radical (R) or as a molecule [R+H or (R-H)] after hydrogen migration. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An ab initio chemical reaction model for the direct simulation Monte Carlo study of non-equilibrium nitrogen flows.

PubMed

Mankodi, T K; Bhandarkar, U V; Puranik, B P

2017-08-28

A new ab initio based chemical model for a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) study suitable for simulating rarefied flows with a high degree of non-equilibrium is presented. To this end, Collision Induced Dissociation (CID) cross sections for N 2 +N 2 →N 2 +2N are calculated and published using a global complete active space self-consistent field-complete active space second order perturbation theory N 4 potential energy surface and quasi-classical trajectory algorithm for high energy collisions (up to 30 eV). CID cross sections are calculated for only a selected set of ro-vibrational combinations of the two nitrogen molecules, and a fitting scheme based on spectroscopic weights is presented to interpolate the CID cross section for all possible ro-vibrational combinations. The new chemical model is validated by calculating equilibrium reaction rate coefficients that can be compared well with existing shock tube and computational results. High-enthalpy hypersonic nitrogen flows around a cylinder in the transition flow regime are simulated using DSMC to compare the predictions of the current ab initio based chemical model with the prevailing phenomenological model (the total collision energy model). The differences in the predictions are discussed.

Testing Silica Fume-Based Concrete Composites under Chemical and Microbiological Sulfate Attacks

PubMed Central

Estokova, Adriana; Kovalcikova, Martina; Luptakova, Alena; Prascakova, Maria

2016-01-01

Current design practices based on descriptive approaches to concrete specification may not be appropriate for the management of aggressive environments. In this study, the durability of cement-based materials with and without the addition of silica fume, subjected to conditions that leach calcium and silicon, were investigated. Chemical corrosion was simulated by employing various H2SO4 and MgSO4 solutions, and biological corrosion was simulated using Acidithiobacillus sp. bacterial inoculation, leading to disrupted and damaged surfaces; the samples’ mass changes were studied following both chemical and biological attacks. Different leaching trends were observed via X-ray fluorescence when comparing chemical with biological leaching. Lower leaching rates were found for concrete samples fortified with silica fume than those without silica fume. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy confirmed a massive sulfate precipitate formation on the concrete surface due to bacterial exposure. PMID:28773452

Physical and chemical characteristics of baddeleyite (monoclinic zirconia) in natural environments: an overview and case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lumpkin, G. R.

1999-08-01

This report provides an overview of the natural occurrence, physical characteristics, and chemical composition of the mineral baddeleyite, ideally ZrO 2. A survey of the literature shows that baddeleyite is widespread in nature as a trace mineral, but has a rather limited composition of 87-99 wt% ZrO 2 with most of the remainder comprised of FeO, TiO 2 and HfO 2. Natural baddeleyite is invariably monoclinic due to the low concentrations of large cations such as Ca and Y. Although the concentrations of Th and U are low (generally <1500 ppm U and <100 ppm Th), the cumulative alpha-decay dose reaches 0.1-1.1 × 10 16 mg -1 for samples with ages of 1-2 × 10 9 yr. The available data also suggest that baddeleyite is highly durable in aqueous fluids. For nuclear waste form applications, both the radiation damage effects and durability of baddeleyite need to be examined in further detail. A case study of baddeleyite from the Jacupiranga carbonatite complex of southern Brazil provides some additional information on the crystal chemistry, durability and radiation damage effects of the mineral. This work shows that baddeleyite can incorporate up to 4.1 wt% Nb 2O 5 and 1.2 wt% Ta 2O 5. Incorporation of Nb 5+ and Ta 5+ is partially compensated by the incorporation of up to 0.4 wt% MgO and 0.3 wt% FeO in a charge balanced substitution of the form 3Zr↔2(Nb, Ta) + (Mg, Fe). Similar substitution mechanisms may enable the incorporation of Np 5+ in the ZrO 2 phases of fuel and waste matrices. The mineral is highly resistant to hydrothermal alteration which affected associated uranpyrochlore crystals. Many of the baddeleyite crystals are partially enclosed within the uranpyrochlore grains which contain 19-26 wt% UO 2 and 0.3-3.5 wt% ThO 2. These baddeleyite crystals received maximum alpha-particle doses of 3-4.5 × 10 16 mg -1 within 10 μm of the uranpyrochlore grain boundary, but the intense irradiation has not affected either the structural integrity or the aqueous durability of the mineral.

Towards the Shell Biorefinery: Sustainable Synthesis of the Anticancer Alkaloid Proximicin A from Chitin.

PubMed

Sadiq, Alejandro D; Chen, Xi; Yan, Ning; Sperry, Jonathan

2018-02-09

A shell biorefinery would involve fractionation of crustacean shells and incorporation of the components into value-added products, particularly those that contain nitrogen. In a proof-of-concept study that validates this concept, the anticancer alkaloid proximicin A has been synthesized from the chitin-derived platform chemical 3-acetamido-5-acetylfuran (3A5AF). This study accentuates the leading role chitin is likely to play in the sustainable production of nitrogen-containing fine chemicals that are not directly attainable from lignocellulose. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chemical footprints of anthropogenic nitrogen deposition on recent soil C : N ratios in Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulder, C.; Hettelingh, J.-P.; Montanarella, L.; Pasimeni, M. R.; Posch, M.; Voigt, W.; Zurlini, G.

2015-03-01

Long-term human interactions with landscape and nature produced a plethora of trends and patterns of environmental disturbances in time and space. Nitrogen deposition, closely tracking energy and land use, is known to be among the main pollution drivers, affecting both freshwater as terrestrial ecosystems. We investigated the geographical distribution of nitrogen deposition and the impacts of accumulation on recent soil carbon to nitrogen ratios over Europe. After the Second Industrial Revolution (1880-2010), large landscape stretches characterized by different atmospheric deposition caused either by industrialized areas or by intensive agriculture emerged. Nitrogen deposition affects in a still recognizable way recent soil C : N ratios despite the emission abatement of oxidized and reduced nitrogen during the last two decades. Given the seemingly disparate land-use history, we focused on ~ 10 000 unmanaged ecosystems, providing evidence for a rapid response of nature to chronic nitrogen supply by atmospheric deposition.