Spatial distribution of trace metals in the Krka River, Croatia: an example of the self-purification.

PubMed

Cukrov, Neven; Cmuk, Petra; Mlakar, Marina; Omanović, Dario

2008-08-01

The spatial distribution of dissolved and total trace metals (Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu) in the Krka River (partly located in the Krka National Park) has been studied using a "clean" sampling, handling and analysis technique. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) with a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) has been used for trace metal analysis. The Krka River has been divided into the upper and lower flow region with respect to the metals concentration and main physico-chemical parameters. A significant increase in trace metal concentration as the result of the untreated waste water discharge downstream of Knin Town has been registered in the upper flow region. Due to a specific characteristic of the Krka, the so-called self-purification process, a decrease in the elevated trace metals concentration from the water column takes place at numerous small lakes formed by tufa barriers (at the end of the upper flow region). The clean groundwater input at the beginning of the lower flow region additionally contributes to the observed decrease in trace metals concentration in the Krka, maintaining them at a very low level in the remaining region of fresh-water flow. The determined median total concentrations were zinc 120-7400 ng l(-1), cadmium 3-8 ng l(-1), lead 11-250 ng l(-1) and copper 110-440 ng l(-1). Karst rivers, such as the Krka River, with extremely low natural concentrations of trace metals are highly sensitive to the anthropogenic influence. Therefore, such aquatic systems require implementation of strict protection regimes in the entire catchments area.

Determination of allura red in some food samples by adsorptive stripping voltammetry.

PubMed

Alghamdi, Ahmad H

2005-01-01

Square wave (SW) voltammetry was used to explore the adsorption properties of the food additive dye Allura Red on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). By using the adsorptive stripping voltammetric approach, we developed a sensitive electroanalytical method for the determination of this azo dye. A well-developed voltammetric peak probably related to the cathodic reduction of the azo moiety was obtained in pH 9 Britton-Robinson (B-R) buffer at 613 mV. Cyclic voltammetric studies indicated that the reduction process was irreversible and primarily controlled by adsorption. The adsorptive voltammetric signal was evaluated with respect to various experimental conditions; the optimized values were supporting electrolyte, B-R buffer; pH 11; accumulation time, 180 s; accumulation potential, 0.0 V; scan rate, 900 mV/s; pulse amplitude, 75 mV; and SW frequency, 90 Hz. Adsorptive voltammetric peak current showed a linear response for Allura Red in the concentration range of 2.5 x 10(-8) to 2.0 x 10(-7) mol/L (r = 0.998). The limit of detection was 8.5 x 10(-9) mol/L (4.2 ng/mL), the precision in terms of relative standard deviation was 1.3%, and the mean recovery was 102%. Possible interferences by several substances usually present in food products such as food additive azo dyes (E110, E102), gelatin, natural and artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and antioxidants were also evaluated. The proposed electrochemical procedure was successfully applied to the determination of this food dye in commercially available candy and a soft drink. The results were compared by statistical evaluation with those obtained by a reference spectrophotometric method.

Micro-valve pump light valve display

DOEpatents

Yeechun Lee.

1993-01-19

A flat panel display incorporates a plurality of micro-pump light valves (MLV's) to form pixels for recreating an image. Each MLV consists of a dielectric drop sandwiched between substrates, at least one of which is transparent, a holding electrode for maintaining the drop outside a viewing area, and a switching electrode from accelerating the drop from a location within the holding electrode to a location within the viewing area. The sustrates may further define non-wetting surface areas to create potential energy barriers to assist in controlling movement of the drop. The forces acting on the drop are quadratic in nature to provide a nonlinear response for increased image contrast. A crossed electrode structure can be used to activate the pixels whereby a large flat panel display is formed without active driver components at each pixel.

Micro-valve pump light valve display

DOEpatents

Lee, Yee-Chun

1993-01-01

A flat panel display incorporates a plurality of micro-pump light valves (MLV's) to form pixels for recreating an image. Each MLV consists of a dielectric drop sandwiched between substrates, at least one of which is transparent, a holding electrode for maintaining the drop outside a viewing area, and a switching electrode from accelerating the drop from a location within the holding electrode to a location within the viewing area. The sustrates may further define non-wetting surface areas to create potential energy barriers to assist in controlling movement of the drop. The forces acting on the drop are quadratic in nature to provide a nonlinear response for increased image contrast. A crossed electrode structure can be used to activate the pixels whereby a large flat panel display is formed without active driver components at each pixel.

Protein-Modified-Paramagnetic-Particles as a Tool for Detection of Silver(I) Ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kizek, R.; Krizkova, S.; Adam, V.; Huska, D.; Hubalek, J.; Trnkova, L.

2009-04-01

In a number of published articles the toxic effect of silver(I) ions on aquatic organisms is described. Silver(I) ions in aquatic environment are stable in a wide range of pH. Under alkali pH AgOH and Ag(OH)2- can be formed. However, in water environment there are many compounds to interact with silver(I) ions. The most important ones are chloride anions, which forms insoluble precipitate with silver(I) ions (AgCl). The insoluble silver containing compounds do not pose any threat to aquatic organisms. Toxicity of silver ions is probably caused by their very good affinity to nucleic acids and also proteins. The binding into active enzyme site leads to the expressive enzyme reaction inhibition. Silver(I) ions are into living environment introduced thanks to anthropogenic activities. They easily contaminate atmosphere as well as aquatic environment or soils. Several authors described using of carbon electrode as working electrode for determination of silver. Recently, we have suggested heavy metal biosensor based on interaction of metal ions with low molecular mass protein called metallothionein (MT), which was adsorbed on the surface of hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The biosensor was successfully used for detection of cadmium(II) and zinc(II) ions, cisplatin, cisplatin-DNA adducts and palladium(II) ions. Due to the convincing results with MT as biological component we report on suggesting of heavy metal biosensor based on immobilization of metallothionein (MT) on the surface of carbon paste electrode (CPE) via MT-antibodies. Primarily we studied of basic electrochemical behaviour of MT at surface of carbon paste electrode by using of square wave voltammetry (SWV). Detection limit (3 S/N) for MT was evaluated as 0.1 μg/ml. After that we have evaluated the electroactivity of MT at surface of SWV, we aimed our attention on the way of capturing of MT on the surface of CPE. We choose antibody against MT obtained from chicken eggs for these purposes. Antibodies incorporated mixed with carbon paste were stable. Even after 14 days we did not determine change in the peak height higher than 5 %. Further linkage of MT with polyclonal chicken antibodies incorporated in carbon paste electrode was determined by SWV. Two signals were observed in voltammograms, cysMT corresponding to -SH moieties of MT and Wa corresponding to tryptophan residues of chicken antibodies. We optimized time of interaction (300 s) and concentration of MT (125 µg/ml) to suggest silver(I) ions biosensor. Biosensor (MT-antibody-modified CPE) prepared under the optimized conditions was utilized for silver(I) ions detection. The detection limit (3 S/N) for silver(I) ions were estimated as 100 nM. The proposed biosensor was tested by detection of silver(I) ions spiked in various water samples (from very pure distilled water to rainwater). Recoveries varied from 74 to 104 %. MT, low molecular mass proteins rich cysteine, play important role in the processes of heavy metals ions metabolism. Due to their unique physico-chemical properties they are able to bind heavy metals with high affinity. We used this feature to suggest simple biosensor based on immobilization of MT on the surface of carbon paste electrode via chicken antibodies against MT. The suggested biosensor was further successfully employed to detect silver(I) ions. The main advantage of the biosensor is that it can be easily miniaturized, whereas carbon nanostructures with immobilized MT should be used as working electrodes. Acknowledgements Financial support from INCHEMBIOL MSMT 0021622412 and GA CR 526/07/0674 is highly acknowledged.

Electrostatic coalescence system with independent AC and DC hydrophilic electrodes

DOEpatents

Hovarongkura, A. David; Henry, Jr., Joseph D.

1981-01-01

An improved electrostatic coalescence system is provided in which independent AC and DC hydrophilic electrodes are employed to provide more complete dehydration of an oil emulsion. The AC field is produced between an AC electrode array and the water-oil interface wherein the AC electrode array is positioned parallel to the interface which acts as a grounded electrode. The emulsion is introduced into the AC field in an evenly distributed manner at the interface. The AC field promotes drop-drop and drop-interface coalescence of the water phase in the entering emulsion. The continuous oil phase passes upward through the perforated AC electrode array and enters a strong DC field produced between closely spaced DC electrodes in which small dispersed droplets of water entrained in the continuous phase are removed primarily by collection at hydrophilic DC electrodes. Large droplets of water collected by the electrodes migrate downward through the AC electrode array to the interface. All phase separation mechanisms are utilized to accomplish more complete phase separation.

Electrochemistry in an acoustically levitated drop.

PubMed

Chainani, Edward T; Ngo, Khanh T; Scheeline, Alexander

2013-02-19

Levitated drops show potential as microreactors, especially when radicals are present as reactants or products. Solid/liquid interfaces are absent or minimized, avoiding adsorption and interfacial reaction of conventional microfluidics. We report amperometric detection in an acoustically levitated drop with simultaneous ballistic addition of reactant. A gold microelectrode sensor was fabricated with a lithographic process; active electrode area was defined by a photosensitive polyimide mask. The microdisk gold working electrode of radius 19 μm was characterized using ferrocenemethanol in aqueous buffer. Using cyclic voltammetry, the electrochemically active surface area was estimated by combining a recessed microdisk electrode model with the Randles-Sevcik equation. Computer-controlled ballistic introduction of reactant droplets into the levitated drop was developed. Chronoamperometric measurements of ferrocyanide added ballistically demonstrate electrochemical monitoring using the microfabricated electrode in a levitated drop. Although concentration increases with time due to drop evaporation, the extent of concentration is predictable with a linear evaporation model. Comparison of diffusion-limited currents in pendant and levitated drops show that convection arising from acoustic levitation causes an enhancement of diffusion-limited current on the order of 16%.

Effect of electrode intrusion on pressure drop and electrochemical performance of an all-vanadium redox flow battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, S.; Jayanti, S.

2017-08-01

In this paper, we present a study of the effect of electrode intrusion into the flow channel in an all-vanadium redox flow battery. Permeability, pressure drop and electrochemical performance have been measured in a cell with active area 100 cm2and 414 cm2 fitted with a carbon felt electrode of thickness of 3, 6 or 9 mm compressed to 1.5, 2.5 or 4 mm, respectively, during assembly. Results show that the pressure drop is significantly higher than what can be expected in the thick electrode case while its electrochemical performance is lower. Detailed flow analysis using computational fluid dynamics simulations in two different flow fields shows that both these results can be attributed to electrode intrusion into the flow channel leading to increased resistance to electrolyte flow through the electrode. A correlation is proposed to evaluate electrode intrusion depth as a function of compression.

Charged Water Droplets can Melt Metallic Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elton, Eric; Rosenberg, Ethan; Ristenpart, William

2016-11-01

A water drop, when immersed in an insulating fluid, acquires charge when it contacts an energized electrode. Provided the electric field is strong enough, the drop will move away to the opposite electrode, acquire the opposite charge, and repeat the process, effectively 'bouncing' back and forth between the electrodes. A key implicit assumption, dating back to Maxwell, has been that the electrode remains unaltered by the charging process. Here we demonstrate that the electrode is physically deformed during each charge transfer event with an individual water droplet or other conducting object. We used optical, electron, and atomic force microscopy to characterize a variety of different metallic electrodes before and after drops were electrically bounced on them. Although the electrodes appear unchanged to the naked eye, the microscopy reveals that each charge transfer event yielded a crater approximately 1 micron wide and 50 nm deep, with the exact dimensions proportional to the applied field strength. We present evidence that the craters are formed by localized melting of the electrodes via Joule heating in the metal and concurrent dielectric breakdown of the surrounding fluid, suggesting that the electrode locally achieves temperatures exceeding 3400°C. Present address: Dept. Materials Sci. Engineering, MIT.

Breath Figures under Electrowetting: Electrically Controlled Evolution of Drop Condensation Patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baratian, Davood; Dey, Ranabir; Hoek, Harmen; van den Ende, Dirk; Mugele, Frieder

2018-05-01

We show that electrowetting (EW) with structured electrodes significantly modifies the distribution of drops condensing onto flat hydrophobic surfaces by aligning the drops and by enhancing coalescence. Numerical calculations demonstrate that drop alignment and coalescence are governed by the drop-size-dependent electrostatic energy landscape that is imposed by the electrode pattern and the applied voltage. Such EW-controlled migration and coalescence of condensate drops significantly alter the statistical characteristics of the ensemble of droplets. The evolution of the drop size distribution displays self-similar characteristics that significantly deviate from classical breath figures on homogeneous surfaces once the electrically induced coalescence cascades set in beyond a certain critical drop size. The resulting reduced surface coverage, coupled with earlier drop shedding under EW, enhances the net heat transfer.

Electro-hydrodynamic printing of drugs onto edible substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yueyang; Elele, Ezinwa; Palle, Prashanth; Khusid, Boris; Basaran, Osman; McGough, Patrick T.; Collins, Robert T.

2009-11-01

While most existing drugs are manufactured as tablets using powder processing techniques, there is growing interest in printing drops containing pharmaceutical actives on edible substrates. We have developed a drop-on-demand (DOD) printing method appropriate for either replacing existing manufacturing platforms or enabling personalized medicine that overcomes the various critical challenges facing current DOD technologies. To eliminate adverse effects of electro-chemical reactions at the fluid-electrode interface, the fluid is infused into an electrically insulating nozzle to form a pendant drop that serves as a floating electrode capacitively coupled to external electrodes. A liquid bridge is formed and broken as the voltage applied at the electrode is varied in time. This gentle method for drop deposition has been demonstrated to operate with fluids spanning over three orders of magnitude in viscosity and conductivity. The proposed method has the potential for the evolving field of pharmaceutical and biomedical applications requiring the deposition of fluids at the exact locations with high volume accuracy.

A new strategy for the modification of a carbon paste electrode with carrageenan hydrogel for a sensitive and selective determination of arsenic in natural waters.

PubMed

Núñez, Claudia; Arancibia, Verónica; Triviño, Juan José

2018-09-01

An adsorptive stripping voltammetric method for the determination of As(III) and As total in water samples using a carrageenan modified carbon paste electrode is presented for the first time (CAR-CPE). The modified electrode was prepared in different ways: by adding CAR in solid form or as a hydrogel together with graphite and paraffin, as well as adsorbing CAR by applying a potential on an unmodified carbon paste electrode. The best results were obtained when CAR was incorporated as hydrogel (HCAR-CPE). The selection of the ratio amounts for electrode preparation was carried out applying a multivariate experimental design. Variables like amount of graphite (U 1 ), HCAR (U 2 ) and paraffin (U 3 ) were optimized using a (2 K +2K+C) model. The results showed that the amount of HCAR was the most significant factor, and the adequate U 1 :U 2 :U 3 ratio to prepare the electrode was: 493 mg of graphite, 214 μL of paraffin and 134 μL of carrageenan as gel. The optimum parameters for the determination of As(III) were pH = 3.25 (0.01 mol L -1 H 3 PO 4 /H 2 PO 4 - solution); E acc = -0.50 V and t acc = 30 s. The electrode presents good linear behavior concentration range from 0.50 to 6.70 μg L -1 , with a limit of detection of 0.22 μg L -1 . The relative standard deviation was 5.0% at the 1.5 μg L -1 As(III) level (n = 16). The method was validated by quantifying As(III) in spiked tap water from laboratory (RE: 3.0%), and it was applied for the determination of As total in water samples from the Loa River (North of Chile) prior reduction of As(V) with Na 2 S 2 O 3 solution, obtaining 814.00 ± 0.03 μg L -1 . The results of the proposed method were compared with those obtained by adsorptive stripping voltammetry with HMDE and by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Controlling charge on levitating drops.

PubMed

Hilger, Ryan T; Westphall, Michael S; Smith, Lloyd M

2007-08-01

Levitation technologies are used in containerless processing of materials, as microscale manipulators and reactors, and in the study of single drops and particles. Presented here is a method for controlling the amount and polarity of charge on a levitating drop. The method uses single-axis acoustic levitation to trap and levitate a single, initially neutral drop with a diameter between 400 microm and 2 mm. This drop is then charged in a controllable manner using discrete packets of charge in the form of charged drops produced by a piezoelectric drop-on-demand dispenser equipped with a charging electrode. The magnitude of the charge on the dispensed drops can be adjusted by varying the voltage applied to the charging electrode. The polarity of the charge on the added drops can be changed allowing removal of charge from the trapped drop (by neutralization) and polarity reversal. The maximum amount of added charge is limited by repulsion of like charges between the drops in the trap. This charging scheme can aid in micromanipulation and the study of charged drops and particles using levitation.

Coplanar electrowetting-induced stirring as a tool to manipulate biological samples in lubricated digital microfluidics. Impact of ambient phase on drop internal flow patterna)

PubMed Central

Davoust, Laurent; Fouillet, Yves; Malk, Rachid; Theisen, Johannes

2013-01-01

Oscillating electrowetting on dielectrics (EWOD) with coplanar electrodes is investigated in this paper as a way to provide efficient stirring within a drop with biological content. A supporting model inspired from Ko et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 94, 194102 (2009)] is proposed allowing to interpret oscillating EWOD-induced drop internal flow as the result of a current streaming along the drop surface deformed by capillary waves. Current streaming behaves essentially as a surface flow generator and the momentum it sustains within the (viscous) drop is even more significant as the surface to volume ratio is small. With the circular electrode pair considered in this paper, oscillating EWOD sustains toroidal vortical flows when the experiments are conducted with aqueous drops in air as ambient phase. But when oil is used as ambient phase, it is demonstrated that the presence of an electrode gap is responsible for a change in drop shape: a pinch-off at the electrode gap yields a peanut-shaped drop and a symmetry break-up of the EWOD-induced flow pattern. Viscosity of oil is also responsible for promoting an efficient damping of the capillary waves which populate the surface of the actuated drop. As a result, the capillary network switches from one standing wave to two superimposed traveling waves of different mechanical energy, provided that actuation frequency is large enough, for instance, as large as the one commonly used in electrowetting applications (f ∼ 500 Hz and beyond). Special emphasis is put on stirring of biological samples. As a typical application, it is demonstrated how beads or cell clusters can be focused under flow either at mid-height of the drop or near the wetting plane, depending on how the nature of the capillary waves is (standing or traveling), and therefore, depending on the actuation frequency (150 Hz–1 KHz). PMID:24404038

Effect of monopolar radiofrequency energy on pacemaker function.

PubMed

Govekar, Henry R; Robinson, Thomas N; Varosy, Paul D; Girard, Guillaume; Montero, Paul N; Dunn, Christina L; Jones, Edward L; Stiegmann, Greg V

2012-10-01

This study aimed to quantify the clinical parameters of mono- and bipolar instruments that inhibit pacemaker function. The specific aims were to quantify pacer inhibition resulting from the monopolar instrument by altering the generator power setting, the generator mode, the distance between the active electrode and the pacemaker, and the location of the dispersive electrode. A transvenous ventricular lead pacemaker overdrive paced the native heart rate of an anesthetized pig. The primary outcome variable was pacer inhibition quantified as the number of beats dropped by the pacemaker during 5 s of monopolar active electrode activation. Lowering the generator power setting from 60 to 30 W decreased the number of dropped paced events (2.3 ± 1.2 vs 1.6 ± 0.8 beats; p = 0.045). At 30 W of power, use of the cut mode decreased the number of dropped paced beats compared with the coagulation mode (0.6 ± 0.5 vs 1.6 ± 0.8; p = 0.015). At 30 W coagulation, firing the active electrode at different distances from the pacemaker generator (3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30 cm) did not change the number of dropped paced beats (p = 0.314, analysis of variance [ANOVA]). The dispersive electrode was placed in four locations (right/left gluteus, right/left shoulder). More paced beats were dropped when the current vector traveled through the pacemaker/leads than when it did not (1.5 ± 1.0 vs 0.2 ± 0.4; p < 0.001). Clinical parameters that reduce the inhibition of a pacemaker by monopolar instruments include lowering the generator power setting, using cut (vs coagulation) mode, and locating the dispersive electrode so the current vector does not traverse the pacemaker generator or leads.

Membrane Bioprobe Electrodes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rechnitz, Garry A.

1975-01-01

Describes the design of ion selective electrodes coupled with immobilized enzymes which operate either continuously or on drop-sized samples. Cites techniques for urea, L-phenylalanine and amygdalin. Micro size electrodes for use in single cells are discussed. (GH)

Electrical Contacts to Individual Colloidal Semiconductor Nanorods

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

Trudeau, Paul-Emile; Sheldon, Matt; Altoe, Virginia

We report the results of charge transport studies on single CdTe nanocrystals contacted via evaporated Pd electrodes. Device charging energy, E{sub c}, monitored as a function of electrode separation drops suddenly at separations below {approx}55 nm. This drop can be explained by chemical changes induced by the metal electrodes. This explanation is corroborated by ensemble X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies of CdTe films as well as single particle measurements by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-Rays (EDX). Similar to robust optical behavior obtained when Nanocrystals are coated with a protective shell, we find that a protective SiO2 layermore » deposited between the nanocrystal and the electrode prevents interface reactions and an associated drop in E{sub c,max}. This observation of interface reactivity and its effect on electrical properties has important implications for the integration of nanocrystals into conventional fabrication techniques and may enable novel nano-materials.« less

Measured radial dependence of the peak sheath voltages present in very high frequency capacitive discharges

DOE PAGES

Barnat, E. V.; Miller, P. A.; Hebner, G. A.; ...

2007-05-16

In this paper, the radial distribution of the measured voltage drop across a sheath formed between a 300mm electrode and an argon plasma discharge is shown to depend on the excitation radio frequency, under constant power and pressure conditions. At a lower frequency of 13.56MHz, the voltage drop across the sheath is uniform across the 300mm electrode, while at higher frequencies of 60 and 162MHz the voltage drop becomes radially nonuniform. Finally, the magnitude and spatial extent of the nonuniformity become greater with increasing frequency.

Cobalt Phthalocyanine Modified Electrodes Utilised in Electroanalysis: Nano-Structured Modified Electrodes vs. Bulk Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes

PubMed Central

Foster, Christopher W.; Pillay, Jeseelan; Metters, Jonathan P.; Banks, Craig E.

2014-01-01

Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPC) compounds have been reported to provide electrocatalytic performances towards a substantial number of analytes. In these configurations, electrodes are typically constructed via drop casting the CoPC onto a supporting electrode substrate, while in other cases the CoPC complex is incorporated within the ink of a screen-printed sensor, providing a one-shot economical and disposable electrode configuration. In this paper we critically compare CoPC modified electrodes prepared by drop casting CoPC nanoparticles (nano-CoPC) onto a range of carbon based electrode substrates with that of CoPC bulk modified screen-printed electrodes in the sensing of the model analytes l-ascorbic acid, oxygen and hydrazine. It is found that no “electrocatalysis” is observed towards l-ascorbic acid using either of these CoPC modified electrode configurations and that the bare underlying carbon electrode is the origin of the obtained voltammetric signal, which gives rise to useful electroanalytical signatures, providing new insights into literature reports where “electrocatalysis” has been reported with no clear control experiments undertaken. On the other hand true electrocatalysis is observed towards hydrazine, where no such voltammetric features are witnessed on the bare underlying electrode substrate. PMID:25414969

In-Situ through-Plane Measurements of Ionic Potential Distributions in Non-Precious Metal Catalyst Electrode for PEFC

DOE PAGES

Komini Babu, S.; Chung, H. T.; Zelenay, P.; ...

2015-09-14

This manuscript presents micro-scale experimental diagnostics and nano-scale resolution X-ray imaging applied to the study of proton conduction in non-precious metal catalyst (NPMC) fuel cell cathodes. NPMC’s have the potential to reduce the cost of the fuel cell for multiple applications. But, NPMC electrodes are inherently thick compared to the convention Pt/C electrode due to the lower volumetric activity. Thus, the electric potential drop through the Nafion across the electrode thickness can yield significant performance loss. Ionomer distributions in the NPMC electrodes with different ionomer loading are extracted from morphological data using nanoscale X-ray computed tomography (nano-XCT) imaging of themore » cathode. Microstructured electrode scaffold (MES) diagnostics are used to measure the electrolyte potential at discrete points across the thickness of the catalyst layer. When using that apparatus, the electrolyte potential drop, the through-thickness reaction distribution, and the proton conductivity are measured and correlated with the corresponding Nafion morphology and cell performance.« less

Modeling of Schottky Barrier Modulation due to Oxidation at Metallic Electrode and Semiconducting Carbon Nanotube Junction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamada, Toshishige; Biegel, Bryan (Technical Monitor)

2003-01-01

A model is proposed for the previously reported lower Schottky barrier for holes PHI (sub bH) in air than in vacuum at a metallic electrode - semiconducting carbon nanotube (CNT) junction. We assume that there is a transition region between the electrode and the CNT, and an appreciable potential can drop there. The role of the oxidation is to increase this potential drop with negatively charged oxygen molecules on the CNT, leading to lower PHI(sub Bh) after oxidation. The mechanism prevails in both p- and n-CNTs, and the model consistently explains the key experimental findings.

Pitch Adaptation Patterns in Bimodal Cochlear Implant Users: Over Time and After Experience

PubMed Central

Reiss, Lina A.J.; Ito, Rindy A.; Eggleston, Jessica L.; Liao, Selena; Becker, Jillian J.; Lakin, Carrie E.; Warren, Frank M.; McMenomey, Sean O.

2014-01-01

Background Pitch plasticity has been observed in Hybrid cochlear implant (CI) users. Does pitch plasticity also occur in bimodal CI users with traditional long-electrode CIs, and is pitch adaptation pattern associated with electrode discrimination or speech recognition performance? Objective Characterize pitch adaptation patterns in long-electrode CI users, correlate these patterns with electrode discrimination and speech perception outcomes, and analyze which subject factors are associated with the different patterns. Methods Electric-to-acoustic pitch matches were obtained in 19 subjects over time from CI activation to at least 12 months after activation, and in a separate group of 18 subjects in a single visit after at least 24 months of CI experience. Audiometric thresholds, electrode discrimination performance, and speech perception scores were also measured. Results Subjects measured over time had pitch adaptation patterns that fit one of the following categories: 1) “Pitch-adapting”, i.e. the mismatch between perceived electrode pitch and the corresponding frequency-to-electrode allocations decreased; 2) “Pitch-dropping”, i.e. the pitches of multiple electrodes dropped and converged to a similar low pitch; 3) “Pitch-unchanging”, i.e. electrode pitches did not change. Subjects measured after CI experience had a parallel set of adaptation patterns: 1) “Matched-pitch”, i.e. the electrode pitch was matched to the frequency allocation; 2) “Low-pitch”, i.e. the pitches of multiple electrodes were all around the lowest frequency allocation; 3) “Nonmatched-pitch”, i.e. the pitch patterns were compressed relative to the frequency allocations and did not fit either the matched-pitch or low-pitch categories. Unlike Hybrid CI users which were mostly in the pitch-adapting/matched-pitch category, the majority of bimodal CI users were in the latter two categories, pitch-dropping/low-pitch or pitch-unchanging/nonmatched-pitch. Subjects with pitch-adapting or matched-pitch patterns tended to have better low-frequency thresholds than subjects in the latter categories. Changes in electrode discrimination over time were not associated with changes in pitch differences between electrodes. Reductions in speech perception scores over time showed a weak but nonsignificant association with dropping-pitch patterns. Conclusions Bimodal CI users with more residual hearing may have somewhat greater similarity to Hybrid CI users and be more likely to adapt pitch perception to reduce mismatch with the frequencies allocated to the electrodes and the acoustic hearing. In contrast, bimodal CI users with less residual hearing exhibit either no adaptation, or surprisingly, a third pattern in which the pitches of the basal electrodes drop to match the frequency range allocated to the most apical electrode. The lack of association of electrode discrimination changes with pitch changes suggests that electrode discrimination does not depend on perceived pitch differences between electrodes, but rather on some other characteristics such as timbre. In contrast, speech perception may depend more on pitch perception and the ability to distinguish pitch between electrodes, especially since during multi-electrode stimulation, cues such as timbre may be less useful for discrimination. PMID:25319401

Biosensors Based on Urease Adsorbed on Nickel, Platinum, and Gold Conductometric Transducers Modified with Silicalite and Nanozeolites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kucherenko, Ivan S.; Soldatkin, Oleksandr O.; Kasap, Berna Ozansoy; Kurç, Burcu Akata; Melnyk, Volodymir G.; Semenycheva, Lyudmila M.; Dzyadevych, Sergei V.; Soldatkin, Alexei P.

This work describes urease-based conductometric biosensors that were created using nontypical method of urease immobilization via adsorption on micro- and nanoporous particles: silicalite and nanocrystalline zeolites Beta (BEA) and L. Conductometric transducers with nickel, gold, and platinum interdigitated electrodes were used. Active regions of the nickel transducers were modified with microparticles using two procedures—spin coating and drop coating. Gold and platinum transducers were modified with silicalite using drop coating since it was more effective. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate effectiveness of these procedures. The procedure of spin coating produced more uniform layers of particles (and biosensors had good reproducibility of preparation), but it was more complicated, drop coating was easier and led to formation of a bulk of particles; thus, biosensors had bigger sensitivity but worse reproducibility of preparation. Urease was immobilized onto transducers modified with particles by physical adsorption. Analytical characteristics of the obtained biosensors for determination of urea (calibration curves, sensitivity, limit of detection, linear concentration range, noise of responses, reproducibility of signal during a day, and operational stability during 3 days) were compared. Biosensors with all three particles deposited by spin coating showed similar characteristics; however, silicalite was a bit more effective. Biosensors based on nickel transducers modified by drop coating had better characteristics in comparison with modification by spin coating (except reproducibility of preparation). Transducers with gold electrodes showed best characteristics while creating biosensors, platinum electrodes were slightly inferior to them, and nickel electrodes were the worst.

Voltammetric analysis of N-containing drugs using the hanging galinstan drop electrode (HGDE).

PubMed

Channaa, H; Surmann, P

2009-03-01

The electrochemical behaviour of several N-containing voltammetric active drugs such as 1,4-benzodiazepines (chlordiazepoxide, nitrazepam and diazepam) as well as one nitro-compound (nitrofurantoin) and one azo-compound (phenazopyridine) is described using a new kind of liquid electrode, the hanging galinstan drop electrode. Concentrations of 10(-5) - 10(-8) mol L(-1) are generally measurable. Differential pulse and adsorptive stripping voltammograms are recorded in different supporting electrolytes, like 0.1 M KNO3, acetate buffer solution pH = 4.6 and phosphate buffer solution pH = 7.0. The effects of varying the starting potentials, U(start) for DPV and accumulation times, t(acc) for AdSV are considered. Briefly, it is shown that the novel galinstan electrode is suitable for reducing several functional groups in organic substances, here presented for N-oxide-, azomethine-, nitro- and azo-groups.

Simulation of the Dropping Mercury Electrode by Orthogonal Collocation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-08-18

Electro byOtoyI =111. - e 15,, "A’Al,.rt arp t2g? ____________ ;f f-1e of Navel Rehnar..h .905 Chemistry Program - Chemitry CO&e 41? Unkclass ified Pe . nI...transport to a dropping mercury electrode lomr.i. Accurate values for’ the concentration profiles and current are obtained with minimal computational effort...offered by COMPUTATIONAL ASP’ECTS KOutecky (14) which is corrected for spherical dittusion Results accurate to 0.4 0 of Koutecky’s calculated values I 08 n

Liquid electrode

DOEpatents

Ekechukwu, Amy A.

1994-01-01

A dropping electrolyte electrode for use in electrochemical analysis of non-polar sample solutions, such as benzene or cyclohexane. The liquid electrode, preferably an aqueous salt solution immiscible in the sample solution, is introduced into the solution in dropwise fashion from a capillary. The electrolyte is introduced at a known rate, thus, the droplets each have the same volume and surface area. The electrode is used in making standard electrochemical measurements in order to determine properties of non-polar sample solutions.

Electrode Slurry Particle Density Mapping Using X-ray Radiography

DOE PAGES

Higa, Kenneth; Zhao, Hui; Parkinson, Dilworth Y.; ...

2017-01-05

The internal structure of a porous electrode strongly influences battery performance. Understanding the dynamics of electrode slurry drying could aid in engineering electrodes with desired properties. For instance, one might monitor the dynamic, spatially-varying thickness near the edge of a slurry coating, as it should lead to non-uniform thickness of the dried film. This work examines the dynamic behavior of drying slurry drops consisting of SiO x and carbon black particles in a solution of carboxymethylcellulose and deionized water, as an experimental model of drying behavior near the edge of a slurry coating. An X-ray radiography-based procedure is developed tomore » calculate the evolving spatial distribution of active material particles from images of the drying slurry drops. To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to use radiography to investigate battery slurry drying, as well as the first to determine particle distributions from radiography images of drying suspensions. The dynamic results are consistent with tomography reconstructions of the static, fully-dried films. It is found that active material particles can rapidly become non-uniformly distributed within the drops. Heating can promote distribution uniformity, but seemingly must be applied very soon after slurry deposition. Higher slurry viscosity is found to strongly restrain particle redistribution.« less

Electrochemical Oscillations of Nickel Electrodissolution in an Epoxy-Based Microchip Flow Cell

PubMed Central

Cioffi, Alexander G.; Martin, R. Scott; Kiss, István Z.

2011-01-01

We investigate the nonlinear dynamics of transpassive electrodissolution of nickel in sulfuric acid in an epoxy-based microchip flow cell. We observed bistability, smooth, relaxation, and period-2 waveform current oscillations with external resistance attached to the electrode in the microfabricated electrochemical cell with 0.05 mm diameter Ni wire under potentiostatic control. Experiments with 1mm × 0.1 mm Ni electrode show spontaneous oscillations without attached external resistance; similar surface area electrode in macrocell does not exhibit spontaneous oscillations. Combined experimental and numerical studies show that spontaneous oscillation with the on-chip fabricated electrochemical cell occurs because of the unusually large ohmic potential drop due to the constrained current in the narrow flow channel. This large IR potential drop is expected to have an important role in destabilizing negative differential resistance electrochemical (e.g., metal dissolution and electrocatalytic) systems in on-chip integrated microfludic flow cells. The proposed experimental setup can be extendend to multi-electrode configurations; the epoxy-based substrate procedure thus holds promise in electroanalytical applications that require collector-generator multi-electrodes wires with various electrode sizes, compositions, and spacings as well as controlled flow conditions. PMID:21822407

Electrochemical Oscillations of Nickel Electrodissolution in an Epoxy-Based Microchip Flow Cell.

PubMed

Cioffi, Alexander G; Martin, R Scott; Kiss, István Z

2011-08-01

We investigate the nonlinear dynamics of transpassive electrodissolution of nickel in sulfuric acid in an epoxy-based microchip flow cell. We observed bistability, smooth, relaxation, and period-2 waveform current oscillations with external resistance attached to the electrode in the microfabricated electrochemical cell with 0.05 mm diameter Ni wire under potentiostatic control. Experiments with 1mm × 0.1 mm Ni electrode show spontaneous oscillations without attached external resistance; similar surface area electrode in macrocell does not exhibit spontaneous oscillations. Combined experimental and numerical studies show that spontaneous oscillation with the on-chip fabricated electrochemical cell occurs because of the unusually large ohmic potential drop due to the constrained current in the narrow flow channel. This large IR potential drop is expected to have an important role in destabilizing negative differential resistance electrochemical (e.g., metal dissolution and electrocatalytic) systems in on-chip integrated microfludic flow cells. The proposed experimental setup can be extendend to multi-electrode configurations; the epoxy-based substrate procedure thus holds promise in electroanalytical applications that require collector-generator multi-electrodes wires with various electrode sizes, compositions, and spacings as well as controlled flow conditions.

Segmented electrode hall thruster with reduced plume

DOEpatents

Fisch, Nathaniel J.; Raitses, Yevgeny

2004-08-17

An apparatus and method for thrusting plasma, utilizing a Hall thruster with segmented electrodes along the channel, which make the acceleration region as localized as possible. Also disclosed are methods of arranging the electrodes so as to minimize erosion and arcing. Also disclosed are methods of arranging the electrodes so as to produce a substantial reduction in plume divergence. The use of electrodes made of emissive material will reduce the radial potential drop within the channel, further decreasing the plume divergence. Also disclosed is a method of arranging and powering these electrodes so as to provide variable mode operation.

Liquid electrode

DOEpatents

Ekechukwu, A.A.

1994-07-05

A dropping electrolyte electrode is described for use in electrochemical analysis of non-polar sample solutions, such as benzene or cyclohexane. The liquid electrode, preferably an aqueous salt solution immiscible in the sample solution, is introduced into the solution in dropwise fashion from a capillary. The electrolyte is introduced at a known rate, thus, the droplets each have the same volume and surface area. The electrode is used in making standard electrochemical measurements in order to determine properties of non-polar sample solutions. 2 figures.

Modeling of Carbon Nanotube Schottky Barrier Reduction for Holes in Air

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamada, Toshishige

2003-01-01

A model is proposed for the previously reported lower Schottky barrier for holes Phi(sub Bh) in air than in vacuum at a metallic electrode - semiconducting carbon nanotube (CNT) junction. We consider that there is a transition region between the electrode and the CNT, and an appreciable potential can drop there. The role of the oxidation is to increase this potential drop with negatively charged oxygen molecules on the CNT, leading to lower Phi(sub Bh) after oxidation. The mechanism prevails in both p- and n-CNTs, and the model consistently explains the key experimental findings.

Square wave voltammetry at the dropping mercury electrode: Experimental

USGS Publications Warehouse

Turner, J.A.; Christie, J.H.; Vukovic, M.; Osteryoung, R.A.

1977-01-01

Experimental verification of earlier theoretical work for square wave voltammetry at the dropping mercury electrode is given. Experiments using ferric oxalate and cadmium(II) in HCl confirm excellent agreement with theory. Experimental peak heights and peak widths are found to be within 2% of calculated results. An example of trace analysis using square wave voltammetry at the DME is presented. The technique is shown to have the same order of sensitivity as differential pulse polarography but is much faster to perform. A detection limit for cadmium in 0.1 M HCl for the system used here was 7 ?? 10-8 M.

Quick don-doff electrode pastes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mosier, B.

1969-01-01

Evaluation of electrode pastes for use in electrocardiographs and electroencephalographs found that the one having the desired don-doff properties had to be water soluble or a water dispersible base. Poly /methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride/ or starch gels of the gum drop variety are two such bases.

Electrochemical characteristics of flexible micro supercapacitors with reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotubes composite electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Kyungwhan; Cho, Kyoungah; Kim, Sangsig

2018-06-01

In this study, we fabricate solid-state flexible micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) with reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotube (rGO-CNT) composite electrodes and investigate the electrochemical characteristics by comparing with those of an MSC with rGO electrodes. Regarding the resistance-capacitance time constant and IR drop, the addition of CNTs into the rGO electrodes shows a significant effect owing to both the decrease in the resistance and the increase in the permeability of the electrolytes. Compared to the rGO MSCs, the rGO-CNT MSCs show an excellent areal capacitance of 2.6 mF/cm2, a smaller IR drop of 11 mV, a lower RC time constant of 6 ms, and faster charging/discharging rates with a high scan rate ability up to 100 V/s. The mechanical stability of the flexible rGO-CNT MSCs is verified by 1000 bending cycles. In addition, the electrochemical characteristics of the flexible rGO-CNT MSCs are maintained regardless of the MSC array type.

Rough Gold Electrodes for Decreasing Impedance at the Electrolyte/Electrode Interface

PubMed Central

Koklu, Anil; Sabuncu, Ahmet C.; Beskok, Ali

2016-01-01

Electrode polarization at the electrolyte/electrode interface is often undesirable for bio-sensing applications, where charge accumulated over an electrode at constant potential causes large potential drop at the interface and low measurement sensitivity. In this study, novel rough electrodes were developed for decreasing electrical impedance at the interface. The electrodes were fabricated using electrochemical deposition of gold and sintering of gold nanoparticles. The performances of the gold electrodes were compared with platinum black electrodes. A constant phase element model was used to describe the interfacial impedance. Hundred folds of decrease in interfacial impedance were observed for fractal gold electrodes and platinum black. Biotoxicity, contact angle, and surface morphology of the electrodes were investigated. Relatively low toxicity and hydrophilic nature of the fractal and granulated gold electrodes make them suitable for bioimpedance and cell electromanipulation studies compared to platinum black electrodes which are both hydrophobic and toxic. PMID:27695132

21 CFR 172.133 - Dimethyl dicarbonate.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... titration Reference electrode Glass electrode reagents Acetone, analytical-grade Solution of 1 N... sample (W) and dissolve in 100 mL acetone. Add accurately 25 mL of the 1 N diisobutylamine solution by... the diisobutylamine solution, always use the same pipette and wait for a further three drops to fall...

Determination of trace arsenic on hanging copper amalgam drop electrode.

PubMed

Piech, Robert; Baś, Bogusław; Niewiara, Ewa; Kubiak, Władysław W

2007-04-30

Hanging copper amalgam drop electrode has been applied for trace determination of arsenic by cathodic stripping analysis. Detection limit for As(III) as low as 0.33nM (0.02mug/L) at deposition time (240s) could be obtained. For seven successive determinations of As(III) at concentration of 5nM relative standard deviation was 2.5% (n=7). Interferences from selected metals and surfactant substances were examined. Absence of copper ions in sample solution causes easier optimization and makes method less vulnerable on contamination. The developed method was validated by analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs) and applied to arsenic determinations in natural water samples.

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

Higa, Kenneth; Zhao, Hui; Parkinson, Dilworth Y.

The internal structure of a porous electrode strongly influences battery performance. Understanding the dynamics of electrode slurry drying could aid in engineering electrodes with desired properties. For instance, one might monitor the dynamic, spatially-varying thickness near the edge of a slurry coating, as it should lead to non-uniform thickness of the dried film. This work examines the dynamic behavior of drying slurry drops consisting of SiO x and carbon black particles in a solution of carboxymethylcellulose and deionized water, as an experimental model of drying behavior near the edge of a slurry coating. An X-ray radiography-based procedure is developed tomore » calculate the evolving spatial distribution of active material particles from images of the drying slurry drops. To the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to use radiography to investigate battery slurry drying, as well as the first to determine particle distributions from radiography images of drying suspensions. The dynamic results are consistent with tomography reconstructions of the static, fully-dried films. It is found that active material particles can rapidly become non-uniformly distributed within the drops. Heating can promote distribution uniformity, but seemingly must be applied very soon after slurry deposition. Higher slurry viscosity is found to strongly restrain particle redistribution.« less

Parasitic Currents Caused by Different Ionic and Electronic Conductivities in Fuel Cell Anodes.

PubMed

Schalenbach, Maximilian; Zillgitt, Marcel; Maier, Wiebke; Stolten, Detlef

2015-07-29

The electrodes in fuel cells simultaneously realize electric and ionic conductivity. In the case of acidic polymer electrolytes, the electrodes are typically made of composites of carbon-supported catalyst and Nafion polymer electrolyte binder. In this study, the interaction of the proton conduction, the electron conduction, and the electrochemical hydrogen conversion in such composite electrode materials was examined. Exposed to a hydrogen atmosphere, these composites displayed up to 10-fold smaller resistivities for the proton conduction than that of Nafion membranes. This effect was ascribed to the simultaneously occurring electrochemical hydrogen oxidation and evolution inside the composite samples, which are driven by different proton and electron resistivities. The parasitic electrochemical currents resulting were postulated to occur in the anode of fuel cells with polymer, solid oxide, or liquid alkaline electrolytes, when the ohmic drop of the ion conduction in the anode is higher with the anodic kinetic overvoltage (as illustrated in the graphical abstract). In this case, the parasitic electrochemical currents increase the anodic kinetic overpotential and the ohmic drop in the anode. Thinner fuel cell anodes with smaller ohmic drops for the ion conduction may reduce the parasitic electrochemical currents.

Preparation and characterization of electrodes for the NASA Redox storage system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reid, M. A.; Gahn, R. F.; Ling, J. S.; Charleston, J.

1980-01-01

Electrodes for the Redox energy storage system based on iron and chromium chloride reactants is discussed. The physical properties of several lots of felt were determined. Procedures were developed for evaluating electrode performance in lab scale cells. Experimental procedures for evaluating electrodes by cyclic voltammetry are described which minimize the IR losses due to the high internal resistance in the felt (distributed resistance). Methods to prepare electrodes which reduced the coevolution of hydrogen at the chromium electrode and eleminate the drop in voltage on discharge occasionally seen with previous electrodes were discussed. Single cells of 0.3329 ft area with improved membranes and electrodes are operating at over 80% voltage efficiency and coulombic efficiencies of over 98% at current densities of 16 to 20 amp % ft.

Large charged drop levitation against gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhim, Won-Kyu; Chung, Sang Kun; Hyson, Michael T.; Trinh, Eugene H.; Elleman, Daniel D.

1987-01-01

A hybrid electrostatic-acoustic levitator that can levitate and manipulate a large liquid drop in one gravity is presented. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time such large drops (up to 4 mm in diameter in the case of water) have been levitated against 1-gravity. This makes possible, for the first time, many new experiments both in space and in ground-based laboratories, such as 1)supercooling and superheating, 2) containerless crystal growth from various salt solutions or melts, 3) drop dynamics of oscillating or rotating liquid drops, 4) drop evaporation and Rayleigh bursting, and 5) containerless material processing in space. The digital control system, liquid drop launch process, principles of electrode design, and design of a multipurpose room temperature levitation chamber are described. Preliminary results that demonstrate drop oscillation and rotation, and crystal growth from supersaturated salt solutions are presented.

Cathodic Stripping Analysis Complicated by Adsorption Processes: Determination of 2-Thiouracil at a Rotating Silver Disk Electrode,

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-01-01

concentration, poten- tial sweep rate, rotation speed, deposition potential and other parameters -on the shape and height of the stripping peaks have...concentration, potential sweep rate, rotation speed, deposition potential and other parameters on the shape and height of the stripping peaks have been...of the greater surface area of a solid electrode compared to a dropping mercury electrode. Cathodic stripping voltametry at a rotating silver disk

Circular chemiresistors for microchemical sensors

DOEpatents

Ho, Clifford K [Albuquerque, NM

2007-03-13

A circular chemiresistor for use in microchemical sensors. A pair of electrodes is fabricated on an electrically insulating substrate. The pattern of electrodes is arranged in a circle-filling geometry, such as a concentric, dual-track spiral design, or a circular interdigitated design. A drop of a chemically sensitive polymer (i.e., chemiresistive ink) is deposited on the insulating substrate on the electrodes, which spreads out into a thin, circular disk contacting the pair of electrodes. This circularly-shaped electrode geometry maximizes the contact area between the pair of electrodes and the polymer deposit, which provides a lower and more stable baseline resistance than with linear-trace designs. The circularly-shaped electrode pattern also serves to minimize batch-to-batch variations in the baseline resistance due to non-uniform distributions of conductive particles in the chemiresistive polymer film.

Integrating a Silicon Solar Cell with a Triboelectric Nanogenerator via a Mutual Electrode for Harvesting Energy from Sunlight and Raindrops.

PubMed

Liu, Yuqiang; Sun, Na; Liu, Jiawei; Wen, Zhen; Sun, Xuhui; Lee, Shuit-Tong; Sun, Baoquan

2018-03-27

Solar cells, as promising devices for converting light into electricity, have a dramatically reduced performance on rainy days. Here, an energy harvesting structure that integrates a solar cell and a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) device is built to realize power generation from both sunlight and raindrops. A heterojunction silicon (Si) solar cell is integrated with a TENG by a mutual electrode of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) film. Regarding the solar cell, imprinted PEDOT:PSS is used to reduce light reflection, which leads to an enhanced short-circuit current density. A single-electrode-mode water-drop TENG on the solar cell is built by combining imprinted polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a triboelectric material combined with a PEDOT:PSS layer as an electrode. The increasing contact area between the imprinted PDMS and water drops greatly improves the output of the TENG with a peak short-circuit current of ∼33.0 nA and a peak open-circuit voltage of ∼2.14 V, respectively. The hybrid energy harvesting system integrated electrode configuration can combine the advantages of high current level of a solar cell and high voltage of a TENG device, promising an efficient approach to collect energy from the environment in different weather conditions.

Electrohydrodynamic generation of millimetric drops and control of electrification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, Sungchan

2017-07-01

We report a simple method for millimetric drop generation by electrohydrodynamic (EHD) detachment using a conventional nozzle-ring device. The EHD detachment method provides distinct features of uniform-size and controlled electrification of millimetric drops. The drop dynamics of detachment and shape oscillation are recorded using a high-speed camera and analyzed for several dc voltages applied to the electrode. Experimental studies show that an oscillation frequency can be closely related to the amount of electric charge, which can be explained based on both effective interfacial tension and inviscid Rayleigh and Lamb frequency. Furthermore, we present a concept to generate a neutral drop by adjusting the duration time of a pulse signal and discuss a drop oscillation induced by the detachment. This study can provide potential implications for drop manipulation, such as transporting, merging, and mixing, in microfluidic platforms.

In situ emulsification using a non-uniform alternating electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Suhwan; Saveliev, Alexei V.

2014-08-01

We report an electric field based method for in situ emulsification of water droplets immersed in a continuous oil phase. High density water-in-oil emulsions are generated using non-uniform ac electric fields applied between needle and plate electrodes. An initial water droplet is entrained in the area of high electric field near the needle electrode where it is dispersed under the influence of high electric stresses. Breakup mechanisms responsible for a gradual dispersion of the water droplets are investigated. Identified mechanisms involve drop elongation to a cylindrical shape followed by a capillary breakup, ac electrospraying from individual water droplets, and formation and breakup of bead-like structures comprised by the water droplets interconnected by thin water bridges. Water droplets with diameters close to 1 μm and a narrow size distribution are formed at long processing times. The generated emulsion has a well-defined boundary and is confined near the needle electrode in a shape resembling a pendant drop.

A numerical study on electrochemical transport of ions in calcium fluoride slag

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karimi-Sibaki, E.; Kharicha, A.; Wu, M.; Ludwig, A.

2016-07-01

Electrically resistive CaF 2-based slags are widely used in electroslag remelting (ESR) process to generate Joule heat for the melting of electrode. The electric current is conducted by ions (electrolyte) such as Ca +2 or F -, thus it is necessary to establish electrochemical models to study electrical behavior of slag. This paper presents a numerical model on electrochemical transport of ions in an arbitrary symmetrical (ZZ) and non-symmetrical (CaF2) stagnant electrolytes blocked by two parallel, planar electrodes. The dimensionless Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) equations are solved to model electro-migration and diffusion of ions. The ions are considered to be inert that no Faradic reactions occur. Spatial variations of concentrations of ions, charge density and electric potential across the electrolyte are analyzed. It is shown that the applied potential has significant influence on the system response. At high applied voltage, the anodic potential drop near the electrode is significantly larger than cathodic potential drop in fully dissociated CaF2 electrolyte.

Impact of rounded electrode corners on breakdown characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamazaki, Taisei; Asubar, Joel T.; Tokuda, Hirokuni; Kuzuhara, Masaaki

2018-05-01

We investigated the impact of rounded electrode corners on the breakdown characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors. For standard reference devices, catastrophic breakdown occurred predominantly near the sharp electrode corners. By introducing a rounded-electrode architecture, premature breakdown at the corners was mitigated. Moreover, the rate of breakdown voltage (V BR) degradation with an increasing gate width (W G) was significantly lower for devices with rounded corners. When W G was increased from 100 µm to 10 mm, the V BR of the reference device dropped drastically, from 1,200 to 300 V, whereas that of the rounded-electrode device only decreased to a respectable value of 730 V.

Label-Free Electrochemical Detection of Vanillin through Low-Defect Graphene Electrodes Modified with Au Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Gao, Jingyao; Yuan, Qilong; Ye, Chen; Guo, Pei; Du, Shiyu; Lai, Guosong; Yu, Aimin; Jiang, Nan; Fu, Li; Lin, Cheng-Te; Chee, Kuan W A

2018-03-25

Graphene is an excellent modifier for the surface modification of electrochemical electrodes due to its exceptional physical properties and, for the development of graphene-based chemical and biosensors, is usually coated on glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) via drop casting. However, the ease of aggregation and high defect content of reduced graphene oxides degrade the electrical properties. Here, we fabricated low-defect graphene electrodes by catalytically thermal treatment of HPHT diamond substrate, followed by the electrodeposition of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) with an average size of ≈60 nm on the electrode surface using cyclic voltammetry. The Au nanoparticle-decorated graphene electrodes show a wide linear response range to vanillin from 0.2 to 40 µM with a low limit of detection of 10 nM. This work demonstrates the potential applications of graphene-based hybrid electrodes for highly sensitive chemical detection.

Electric field effects on current–voltage relationships in microfluidic channels presenting multiple working electrodes in the weak-coupling limit

DOE PAGES

Contento, Nicholas M.; Bohn, Paul W.

2014-05-23

While electrochemical methods are well suited for lab-on-a-chip applications, reliably coupling multiple, electrode-controlled processes in a single microfluidic channel remains a considerable challenge, because the electric fields driving electrokinetic flow make it difficult to establish a precisely known potential at the working electrode(s). The challenge of coupling electrochemical detection with microchip electrophoresis is well known; however, the problem is general, arising in other multielectrode arrangements with applications in enhanced detection and chemical processing. Here, we study the effects of induced electric fields on voltammetric behavior in a microchannel containing multiple in-channel electrodes, using a Fe(CN) 6 3/4- model system. Whenmore » an electric field is induced by applying a cathodic potential at one inchannel electrode, the half-wave potential (E 1/2) for the oxidation of ferrocyanide at an adjacent electrode shifts to more negative potentials. The E 1/2 value depends linearly on the electric field current at a separate in-channel electrode. The observed shift in E 1/2 is quantitatively described by a model, which accounts for the change in solution potential caused by the iR drop along the length of the microchannel. The model, which reliably captures changes in electrode location and solution conductivity, apportions the electric field potential between iR drop and electrochemical potential components, enabling the study of microchannel electric field magnitudes at low applied potentials. In the system studied, the iR component of the electric field potential increases exponentially with applied current before reaching an asymptotic value near 80 % of the total applied potential. The methods described will aid in the development and interpretation of future microchip electrochemistry methods, particularly those that benefit from the coupling of electrokinetic and electrochemical phenomena at low voltages.« less

The Influence of Electrode and Channel Configurations on Flow Battery Performance

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

Darling, RM; Perry, ML

2014-05-21

Flow batteries with flow-through porous electrodes are compared to cells with porous electrodes adjacent to either parallel or interdigitated channels. Resistances and pressure drops are measured for different configurations to augment the electrochemical data. Cell tests are done with an electrolyte containing VO2+ and VO2+ in sulfuric acid that is circulated through both anode and cathode from a single reservoir. Performance is found to depend sensitively on the combination of electrode and flow field. Theoretical explanations for this dependence are provided. Scale-up of flow through and interdigitated designs to large active areas is also discussed. (C) 2014 The Electrochemical Society.more » All rights reserved.« less

Actuation of digital micro drops by electrowetting on open microfluidic chips fabricated in photolithography.

PubMed

Ko, Hyojin; Lee, Jeong Soo; Jung, Chan-Hee; Choi, Jae-Hak; Kwon, Oh-Sun; Shin, Kwanwoo

2014-08-01

Basic manipulations of discrete liquid drops on opened microfluidic chips based on electrowetting on dielectrics were described. While most developed microfluidic chips are closed systems equipped with a top plate to cover mechanically and to contact electrically to drop samples, our chips are opened systems with a single plate without any electric contact to drops directly. The chips consist of a linear array of patterned electrodes at 1.8 mm pitch was fabricated on a glass plate coated with thin hydrophobic and dielectric layers by using various methods including photolithography, spin coating and ion sputtering. Several actuations such as lateral oscillation, colliding mergence and translational motion for 3-10 μL water drops have been demonstrated satisfactory. All these kinetic performances of opened chips were similar to those of closed chip systems, indicating superiority of a none-contact method for the transport of drops on opened microfluidic chips actuated by using electrowetting technique.

Fast Response Polypyrrole Actuators with Auxiliary Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zama, Tetsuji; Hara, Susumu; Takashima, Wataru; Kaneto, Keiichi

2005-11-01

Electrochemical polypyrrole (PPy) actuators, prepared electrochemically from a methyl benzoate solution of tetra-n-butylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate (TBACF3SO3), have been studied to improve the response rate by two methods; 1) a PPy film attached with plural auxiliary electrodes of thin Au coils, 2) a PPy film equipped with a compliant Au electrode on one side of the film. With increasing the number of auxiliary electrodes for the first method, the film responded faster as if it were a shorter film. These results are due to the decrease in the IR voltage drop along the film from the electrodes and also due to the increased current to the whole film via plural electrodes. The PPy film with the Au thin layer (the second method) exhibited up to 8.8%/s strain rate, which was much faster than that (0.5%/s) without the auxiliary electrodes, keeping the maximum strain of 12--13%. The auxiliary electrodes improved not only the response speed of the PPy actuators but also the durability upon cycling electrochemically.

Occupational asthma due to manual metal-arc welding of special stainless steels.

PubMed

Hannu, T; Piipari, R; Kasurinen, H; Keskinen, H; Tuppurainen, M; Tuomi, T

2005-10-01

Occupational asthma (OA) can be induced by fumes of manual metal-arc welding on stainless steel. In recent years, the use of special stainless steels (SSS) with high chromium content has increased. This study presents two cases of OA caused by manual metal-arc welding on SSS. In both cases, the diagnosis of OA was based on respiratory symptoms, occupational exposure and positive findings in the specific challenge tests. In the first case, a 46-yr-old welder had experienced severe dyspnoea while welding SSS (SMO steel), but not in other situations. Challenge tests with both mild steel and stainless steel using a common electrode were negative. Welding SSS with a special electrode caused a delayed 37% drop in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). In the second case, a 34-yr-old male had started to experience dyspnoea during the past few years, while welding especially SSS (Duplex steel). The workplace peak expiratory flow monitoring was suggestive of OA. Challenge tests with both mild steel and stainless steel using a common electrode did not cause bronchial obstruction. Welding SSS with a special electrode caused a delayed 31% drop in FEV1. In conclusion, exposure to manual metal-arc welding fumes of special stainless steel should be considered as a new cause of occupational asthma.

Imprinted polymer-modified hanging mercury drop electrode for differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetric analysis of creatine.

PubMed

Lakshmi, Dhana; Sharma, Piyush S; Prasad, Bhim B

2007-06-15

The molecularly imprinted polymer [poly(p-aminobenzoicacid-co-1,2-dichloroethane)] film casting was made on the surface of a hanging mercury drop electrode by drop-coating method for the selective and sensitive evaluation of creatine in water, blood serum and pharmaceutical samples. The molecular recognition of creatine by the imprinted polymer was found to be specific via non-covalent (electrostatic) imprinting. The creatine binding could easily be detected by differential pulse, cathodic stripping voltammetric signal at optimised operational conditions: accumulation potential -0.01 V (versus Ag/AgCl), polymer deposition time 15s, template accumulation time 60s, pH 7.1 (supporting electrolyte< or =5 x 10(-4)M NaOH), scan rate 10 mV s(-1), pulse amplitude 25 mV. The modified sensor in the present study was found to be highly reproducible and selective with detection limit 0.11 ng mL(-1) of creatine. Cross-reactivity studies revealed no response to the addition of urea, creatinine and phenylalanine; however, some insignificant magnitude of current was observed for tryptophan and histidine in the test samples.

Method of low temperature operation of an electrochemical cell array

DOEpatents

Singh, P.; Ruka, R.J.; Bratton, R.J.

1994-04-26

A method is described for operating an electrochemical cell generator apparatus containing a generator chamber containing an array of cells having interior and exterior electrodes with solid electrolyte between the electrodes, where a hot gas contacts the outside of the cells and the generating chamber normally operates at over 850 C, where N[sub 2] gas is fed to contact the interior electrode of the cells in any case when the generating chamber temperature drops for whatever reason to within the range of from 550 C to 800 C, to eliminate cracking within the cells. 2 figures.

Stripping voltammetry in environmental and food analysis.

PubMed

Brainina, K Z; Malakhova, N A; Stojko, N Y

2000-10-01

The review covers over 230 papers published mostly in the last 5 years. The goal of the review is to attract the attention of researchers and users to stripping voltammetry in particular, its application in environmental monitoring and analysis of foodstuffs. The sensors employed are impregnated graphite, carbon paste, thick film carbon/graphite and thin film metallic electrodes modified in-situ or beforehand. Hanging mercury drop electrodes and mercury coated glassy carbon electrodes are also mentioned. Strip and long-lived sensors for portable instruments and flow through systems are discussed as devices for future development and application of stripping voltammetry.

Voltammetric analysis of ceftazidime after preconcentration at various mercury and carbon electrodes: application to sub-ppb level determination in urine samples.

PubMed

El-Maali, N A

2000-04-28

The electrochemical behavior of ceftazidime (CFZ) at four different kinds of electrodes viz. static mercury drop electrode (SMDE), controlled growth mercury electrode (CGME), glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and carbon paste electrode (CPE) has been presented. Optimal operational parameters have been selected for the drug preconcentration and determination in aqueous medium. Down to 2x10(-10) M CFZ is achieved as detection limit at the CGME. Modification of the CPE with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) enhances both the sensitivity and selectivity for the drug accumulation and, therefore, its determination at very low levels. Application of the proposed method for CFZ analysis in spiked urine samples or those taken after metabolism has been easily assessed. Down to 1x10(-9) M CFZ (0.695 ng ml(-1)) could be easily achieved in such samples.

Electrochemical properties of nanostructured porous gold electrodes in biofouling solutions.

PubMed

Patel, Jay; Radhakrishnan, Logudurai; Zhao, Bo; Uppalapati, Badharinadh; Daniels, Rodney C; Ward, Kevin R; Collinson, Maryanne M

2013-12-03

The effect of electrode porosity on the electrochemical response of redox active molecules (potassium ferricyanide, ruthenium(III) hexammine, and ferrocene methanol) in the presence of bovine serum albumin or fibrinogen was studied at macroporous (pore diameter: 1200 nm), hierarchical (1200/60 nm), and nanoporous (<50 nm) gold. These electrodes were prepared using standard templating or dealloying techniques, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) was utilized to evaluate the effect of protein adsorption on the electron transfer of the diffusing redox probes. Following exposure to albumin (or fibrinogen) under near neutral pH conditions, planar gold electrodes showed an immediate reduction in Faradaic peak current and increase in peak splitting for potassium ferricyanide. The rate at which the CV curves changed was highly dependent on the morphology of the electrode. For example, the time required for the Faradaic current to drop to one-half of its original value was 3, 12, and 38 min for planar gold, macroporous gold, and hierarchical gold, respectively. Remarkably, for nanoporous gold, only a few percent drop in the peak Faradaic current was observed after an hour in solution. A similar suppression in the voltammetry at planar gold was also noted for ruthenium hexammine at pH 3 after exposure to albumin for several hours. At nanoporous gold, no significant loss in response was observed. The order of performance of the electrodes as judged by their ability to efficiently transfer electrons in the presence of biofouling agents tracked porosity with the electrode having the smallest pore size and largest surface area, providing near ideal results. Nanoporous gold electrodes when immersed in serum or heparinized blood containing potassium ferricyanide showed ideal voltammetry while significant fouling was evident in the electrochemical response at planar gold. The small nanopores in this 3D open framework are believed to restrict the transport of large biomolecules, thus minimizing passivation of the inner surfaces while permitting access to small redox probes to efficiently exchange electrons.

Hybrid Electrostatic/Acoustic Levitator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhim, Won K.; Trinh, Eugene H.; Chung, Sang K.; Elleman, Daniel D.

1987-01-01

Because electrostatic and acoustic forces independent of each other, hybrid levitator especially suitable for studies of drop dynamics. Like all-acoustic or all-electrostatic systems, also used in studies of containerless material processing. Vertical levitating force applied to sample by upper and lower electrodes. Torques or vibrational forces in horizontal plane applied by acoustic transducers. Electrically charged water drop about 4 mm in diameter levitated electrostatically and rotated acoustically until it assumed dumbell shape and broke apart.

Inkjet printed multiwall carbon nanotube electrodes for dielectric elastomer actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baechler, Curdin; Gardin, Samuele; Abuhimd, Hatem; Kovacs, Gabor

2016-05-01

Dielectric elastomers (DE’s) offer promising applications as soft and light-weight electromechanical actuators. It is known that beside the dielectric material, the electrode properties are of particular importance regarding the DE performance. Therefore, in recent years various studies have focused on the optimization of the electrode in terms of conductivity, stretchability and reliability. However, less attention was given to efficient electrode processing and deposition methods. In the present study, digital inkjet printing was used to deposit highly conductive and stretchable electrodes on silicone. Inkjet printing is a versatile and cost effective deposition method, which allows depositing complex-shaped electrode patterns with high precision. The electrodes were printed using an ink based on industrial low-cost MWCNT. Experiments have shown that the strain-conductivity properties of the printed electrode are strongly depended on the deposition parameters like drop-spacing and substrate temperature. After the optimization of the printing parameters, thin film electrodes could be deposited showing conductivities of up to 30 S cm-1 without the need of any post-treatment. In addition, electromechanical tests with fabricated DE actuators have revealed that the inkjet printed MWCNT electrodes are capable to self-clear in case of a dielectric breakdown.

Electrowetting for Digital Microfluidics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunt, Tom; Adamson, Kristi; Issadore, David; Westervelt, Robert

2006-03-01

Droplet based chemistry promises to greatly impact biomedical research, providing new avenues for high throughput, low volume assays such as drug screening. Electrowetting on Dielectric (EWOD) is an excellent technique for manipulating microscopic drops of liquid. EWOD uses buried electrodes to locally change the surface energy between a droplet and a substrate. We present microfabricated devices for moving droplets with EWOD. One example of such a device consists of a series of 16 interdigitated electrodes, decreasing in size from 1mm to 20 microns. Each electrode is addressable by an independent, computer controlled, high voltage supply. This work made possible by a gift from Phillip Morris and the NSEC NSF grant PHY-0117795.

Method of low temperature operation of an electrochemical cell array

DOEpatents

Singh, Prabhakar; Ruka, Roswell J.; Bratton, Raymond J.

1994-01-01

In the method of operating an electrochemical cell generator apparatus containing a generator chamber (20) containing an array of cells (12) having interior and exterior electrodes with solid electrolyte between the electrodes, where a hot gas (F) contacts the outside of the cells (12) and the generating chamber normally operates at over 850.degree. C., where N.sub.2 gas is fed to contact the interior electrode of the cells (12) in any case when the generating chamber (20) temperature drops for whatever reason to within the range of from 550.degree. C. to 800.degree. C., to eliminate cracking within the cells (12).

Characterization of reaction kinetics in a porous electrode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fedkiw, Peter S.

1990-01-01

A continuum-model approach, analogous to porous electrode theory, was applied to a thin-layer cell of rectangular and cylindrical geometry. A reversible redox couple is assumed, and the local reaction current density is related to the potential through the formula of Hubbard and Anson for a uniformily accessible thin-layer cell. The placement of the reference electrode is also accounted for in the analysis. Primary emphasis is placed on the effect of the solution-phase ohmic potential drop on the voltammogram characteristics. Correlation equations for the peak-potential displacement from E(sup 0 prime) and the peak current are presented in terms of two dimensionless parameters.

Determination of nitrobenzene in wastewater using a hanging mercury drop electrode.

PubMed

Liang, Shu-Xuan; Zhang, Huan-Kun; Lu, Da

2007-06-01

The determination of trace amount nitrobenzene in wastewater on a hanging mercury drop electrode was studied. The determination conditions of pH, supporting electrolyte, accumulation potential, accumulation time, and voltammetric response were optimized. The sharp peak of the nitrobenzene was appeared at 0.05 V. The peak electric current was proportional to the concentration of nitrobenzene in the range of 1.47 x 10(-5) approximately 1.0 x 10(-3) mol/l with relative standard deviations of 3.99 approximately 8.94%. The detection limit of the nitrobenzene in water was 5 x 10(-6) mol/l. The proposed method offered low limit of determination, easy operation, the use of simple instrumentation, high sensitivity and good reproducibility. It was applied to the determination of nitrobenzene in wastewater with an average recovery of 94.0% approximately 105%. The proposed method provided fast, sensitive and sometimes real time detection of nitrobenzene.

Microwave Dielectric Heating of Drops in Microfluidic Devices†

PubMed Central

Issadore, David; Humphry, Katherine J.; Brown, Keith A.; Sandberg, Lori; Weitz, David; Westervelt, Robert M.

2010-01-01

We present a technique to locally and rapidly heat water drops in microfluidic devices with microwave dielectric heating. Water absorbs microwave power more efficiently than polymers, glass, and oils due to its permanent molecular dipole moment that has a large dielectric loss at GHz frequencies. The relevant heat capacity of the system is a single thermally isolated picoliter drop of water and this enables very fast thermal cycling. We demonstrate microwave dielectric heating in a microfluidic device that integrates a flow-focusing drop maker, drop splitters, and metal electrodes to locally deliver microwave power from an inexpensive, commercially available 3.0 GHz source and amplifier. The temperature of the drops is measured by observing the temperature dependent fluorescence intensity of cadmium selenide nanocrystals suspended in the water drops. We demonstrate characteristic heating times as short as 15 ms to steady-state temperatures as large as 30°C above the base temperature of the microfluidic device. Many common biological and chemical applications require rapid and local control of temperature, such as PCR amplification of DNA, and can benefit from this new technique. PMID:19495453

Optoelectric biosensor using indium-tin-oxide electrodes.

PubMed

Choi, Chang Kyoung; Kihm, Kenneth D; English, Anthony E

2007-06-01

The use of an optically thin indium-tin-oxide (ITO) electrode is presented for an optoelectric biosensor simultaneously recording optical images and microimpedance to examine time-dependent cellular growth. The transmittance of a 100 nm thick ITO electrode layer is approximately the same as the transmittance of a clean glass substrate, whereas the industry-standard Au(47.5 nm)/Ti(2.5 nm) electrode layer drops the transmittance to less than 10% of that of the glass substrate. The simultaneous optoelectric measurements permit determining the correlation of the cell-covered area increase with the microimpedance increase, and the example results obtained for live porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells delineate the quantitative and comprehensive nature of cellular attachment and spreading to the substrate, which has not been clearly perceived before.

Potentiometric sensors with carbon black supporting platinum nanoparticles.

PubMed

Paczosa-Bator, Beata; Cabaj, Leszek; Piech, Robert; Skupień, Krzysztof

2013-11-05

For the first time, a single-piece, all-solid-state ion-selective electrode was fabricated with carbon black supporting platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs-CB) and a polymeric membrane. The PtNPs-CB, as an intermediate layer, was drop-casted directly on the solid substrate, and then an ionophore-doped solvent polymeric membrane was added in order to form a sensor. The performance of the newly developed electrodes was evaluated on the basis of potassium and nitrate ions. The stability of the electrical potential for the electrodes was examined by performing current-reversal chronopotentiometry, and the influence of the interfacial water film was assessed by the potentiometric aqueous-layer test. Fabricated potassium- and nitrate-selective electrodes displayed a Nernstian slope and several outstanding properties such as high long-term potential stability, potential repeatability, and reproducibility.

A review of the design and clinical evaluation of the ShefStim array-based functional electrical stimulation system.

PubMed

Kenney, Laurence P; Heller, Ben W; Barker, Anthony T; Reeves, Mark L; Healey, Jamie; Good, Timothy R; Cooper, Glen; Sha, Ning; Prenton, Sarah; Liu, Anmin; Howard, David

2016-11-01

Functional electrical stimulation has been shown to be a safe and effective means of correcting foot drop of central neurological origin. Current surface-based devices typically consist of a single channel stimulator, a sensor for determining gait phase and a cuff, within which is housed the anode and cathode. The cuff-mounted electrode design reduces the likelihood of large errors in electrode placement, but the user is still fully responsible for selecting the correct stimulation level each time the system is donned. Researchers have investigated different approaches to automating aspects of setup and/or use, including recent promising work based on iterative learning techniques. This paper reports on the design and clinical evaluation of an electrode array-based FES system for the correction of drop foot, ShefStim. The paper reviews the design process from proof of concept lab-based study, through modelling of the array geometry and interface layer to array search algorithm development. Finally, the paper summarises two clinical studies involving patients with drop foot. The results suggest that the ShefStim system with automated setup produces results which are comparable with clinician setup of conventional systems. Further, the final study demonstrated that patients can use the system without clinical supervision. When used unsupervised, setup time was 14min (9min for automated search plus 5min for donning the equipment), although this figure could be reduced significantly with relatively minor changes to the design. Copyright © 2016 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical detection of dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid using graphene modified electrodes.

PubMed

Kim, Yang-Rae; Bong, Sungyool; Kang, Yeon-Joo; Yang, Yongtak; Mahajan, Rakesh Kumar; Kim, Jong Seung; Kim, Hasuck

2010-06-15

Dopamine plays a significant role in the function of human metabolism. It is important to develop sensitive sensor for the determination of dopamine without the interference by ascorbic acid. This paper reports the synthesis of graphene using a modified Hummer's method and its application for the electrochemical detection of dopamine. Electrochemical measurements were performed at glassy carbon electrode modified with graphene via drop-casting method. Cyclic voltammogram of ferri/ferrocyanide redox couple at graphene modified electrode showed an increased current intensity compared with glassy carbon electrode and graphite modified electrode. The decrease of charge transfer resistance was also analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The capacity of graphene modified electrode for selective detection of dopamine was confirmed in a sufficient amount of ascorbic acid (1 mM). The observed linear range for the determination of dopamine concentration was from 4 microM to 100 microM. The detection limit was estimated to be 2.64 microM. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Accessing the bottleneck in all-solid state batteries, lithium-ion transport over the solid-electrolyte-electrode interface.

PubMed

Yu, Chuang; Ganapathy, Swapna; Eck, Ernst R H van; Wang, Heng; Basak, Shibabrata; Li, Zhaolong; Wagemaker, Marnix

2017-10-20

Solid-state batteries potentially offer increased lithium-ion battery energy density and safety as required for large-scale production of electrical vehicles. One of the key challenges toward high-performance solid-state batteries is the large impedance posed by the electrode-electrolyte interface. However, direct assessment of the lithium-ion transport across realistic electrode-electrolyte interfaces is tedious. Here we report two-dimensional lithium-ion exchange NMR accessing the spontaneous lithium-ion transport, providing insight on the influence of electrode preparation and battery cycling on the lithium-ion transport over the interface between an argyrodite solid-electrolyte and a sulfide electrode. Interfacial conductivity is shown to depend strongly on the preparation method and demonstrated to drop dramatically after a few electrochemical (dis)charge cycles due to both losses in interfacial contact and increased diffusional barriers. The reported exchange NMR facilitates non-invasive and selective measurement of lithium-ion interfacial transport, providing insight that can guide the electrolyte-electrode interface design for future all-solid-state batteries.

Electrochemical methods for monitoring of environmental carcinogens.

PubMed

Barek, J; Cvacka, J; Muck, A; Quaiserová, V; Zima, J

2001-04-01

The use of modern electroanalytical techniques, namely differential pulse polarography, differential pulse voltammetry on hanging mercury drop electrode or carbon paste electrode, adsorptive stripping voltammetry and high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection for the determination of trace amounts of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds, azo compounds, heterocyclic compounds, nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic and heterocyclic amines is discussed. Scope and limitations of these methods are described and some practical applications based on their combination with liquid-liquid or solid phase extraction are given.

Electrical Field Dependence of Protein Conformation and Channel Function in Lipid Membranes of Different Compositions

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-07-01

surface because of the previous potential sweeps ). c- Cyclic voltamograms after different exposure times of the Hg drop electrode to a solution of lpg/ml...Cd + and 10-M NaCl. b - Cyclic voltamograms under similar conditions. Exposure time indicated, sweep rate O.2V/sec. specific capacitance < 4pf/cm 2...alamethicin. Cyclic voltametry shows (Fig. 3b) that it is the reduction current depending on the transport of TI+ ions across the monolayer to the electrode

Rapid detection of bacteria in foods and biological fluids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fealey, R. D.; Renner, W.

1973-01-01

Simple and inexpensive apparatus, called "redox monitoring cell," rapidly detects presence of bacteria. Bacteria is detected by measuring drop in oxygen content in test solution. Apparatus consists of vial with two specially designed electrodes connected to sensitive voltmeter.

Bendable Electro-chemical Lactate Sensor Printed with Silver Nano-particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abrar, Md Abu; Dong, Yue; Lee, Paul Kyuheon; Kim, Woo Soo

2016-07-01

Here we report a flexible amperometric lactate biosensor using silver nanoparticle based conductive electrode. Mechanically bendable cross-serpentine-shaped silver electrode is generated on flexible substrate for the mechanical durability such as bending. The biosensor is designed and fabricated by modifying silver electrode with lactate oxidase immobilized by bovine serum albumin. The in-sensor pseudo Ag/AgCl reference electrode is fabricated by chloridization of silver electrode, which evinced its long-term potential stability against a standard commercial Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The amperometric response of the sensor shows linear dependence with lactate concentration of 1~25 mM/L. Anionic selectivity is achieved by using drop-casted Nafion coated on silver electrode against anionic interferences such as ascorbate. This non-invasive electrochemical lactate sensor also demonstrates excellent resiliency against mechanical deformation and temperature fluctuation which leads the possibility of using it on human epidermis for continuous measurement of lactate from sweat. Near field communication based wireless data transmission is demonstrated to reflect a practical approach of the sensor to measure lactate concentration portably using human perspiration.

Electronic drop sensing in microfluidic devices: automated operation of a nanoliter viscometer

PubMed Central

Srivastava, Nimisha; Burns, Mark A.

2007-01-01

We describe three droplet sensing techniques: a digital electrode, an analog electrode, and a thermal method. All three techniques use a single layer of metal lines that is easy to microfabricate and an electronic signal can be produced using low DC voltages. While the electrode methods utilize changes in electrical conductivity when the air/liquid interface of the droplet passes over a pair of electrodes, the thermal method is based on convective heat loss from a locally heated region. For the electrode method, the analog technique is able to detect 25 nL droplets while the digital technique is capable of detecting droplets as small as 100 pL. For thermal sensing, temperature profiles in the range of 36 °C and higher were used. Finally, we have used the digital electrode method and an array of electrodes located at preset distances to automate the operation of a previously described microfluidic viscometer. The viscometer is completely controlled by a laptop computer, and the total time for operation including setup, calibration, sample addition and viscosity calculation is approximately 4 minutes. PMID:16738725

Bendable Electro-chemical Lactate Sensor Printed with Silver Nano-particles

PubMed Central

Abrar, Md Abu; Dong, Yue; Lee, Paul Kyuheon; Kim, Woo Soo

2016-01-01

Here we report a flexible amperometric lactate biosensor using silver nanoparticle based conductive electrode. Mechanically bendable cross-serpentine-shaped silver electrode is generated on flexible substrate for the mechanical durability such as bending. The biosensor is designed and fabricated by modifying silver electrode with lactate oxidase immobilized by bovine serum albumin. The in-sensor pseudo Ag/AgCl reference electrode is fabricated by chloridization of silver electrode, which evinced its long-term potential stability against a standard commercial Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The amperometric response of the sensor shows linear dependence with lactate concentration of 1~25 mM/L. Anionic selectivity is achieved by using drop-casted Nafion coated on silver electrode against anionic interferences such as ascorbate. This non-invasive electrochemical lactate sensor also demonstrates excellent resiliency against mechanical deformation and temperature fluctuation which leads the possibility of using it on human epidermis for continuous measurement of lactate from sweat. Near field communication based wireless data transmission is demonstrated to reflect a practical approach of the sensor to measure lactate concentration portably using human perspiration. PMID:27465437

A polyamidoamine dendrimer-streptavidin supramolecular architecture for biosensor development.

PubMed

Soda, N; Arotiba, O A

2017-12-01

A novel polyamidoamine dendrimer-streptavidin supramolecular architecture suitable as a versatile platform for biosensor development is reported. The dendrimer was electrodeposited on a glassy carbon electrode via cyclic voltammetry. The dendrimer electrode was further modified with streptavidin by electrostatic attraction upon drop coating. The platform i.e. the dendrimer-streptavidin modified electrode was electrochemically interrogated in phosphate buffer, ferrocyanide and H 2 O 2 . The dendrimer-streptavidin platform was used in the preparation of a simple DNA biosensor as a proof of concept. The supramolecular architecture of dendrimer-streptavidin was stable, electroactive and thus lends itself as a versatile immobilisation layer for any biotinylated bioreceptors in biosensor development. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SOLVING THE STAND-OFF PROBLEM FOR MAGNETIZED TARGET FUSION: PLASMA STREAMS AS DISPOSABLE ELECTRODES, PLUS A LOCAL SPHERICAL BLANKET

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

Ryutov, D D; Thio, Y F

In a fusion reactor based on the Magnetized Target Fusion approach, the permanent power supply has to deliver currents up to a few mega-amperes to the target dropped into the reaction chamber. All the structures situated around the target will be destroyed after every pulse and have to be replaced at a frequency of 1 to 10 Hz. In this paper, an approach based on the use of spherical blanket surrounding the target, and pulsed plasma electrodes connecting the target to the power supply, is discussed. A brief physic analysis of the processes associated with creation of plasma electrodes ismore » discussed.« less

All-solid-state micro-supercapacitors based on inkjet printed graphene electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiantong; Mishukova, Viktoriia; Östling, Mikael

2016-09-01

The all-solid-state graphene-based in-plane micro-supercapacitors are fabricated simply through reliable inkjet printing of pristine graphene in interdigitated structure on silicon wafers to serve as both electrodes and current collectors, and a following drop casting of polymer electrolytes (polyvinyl alcohol/H3PO4). Benefiting from the printing processing, an attractive porous electrode microstructure with a large number of vertically orientated graphene flakes is observed. The devices exhibit commendable areal capacitance over 0.1 mF/cm2 and a long cycle life of over 1000 times. The simple and scalable fabrication technique for efficient micro-supercapacitors is promising for on-chip energy storage applications in emerging electronics.

Transformation of atmospheric components near a spark discharge at the anode polarization of a metallic electrode hanging over a solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orlov, A. M.; Yavtushenko, I. O.; Bodnarskii, D. S.

2013-03-01

The variation of the pressure of a gas phase activated by spark discharges between an aqueous electrolyte solution (liquid cathode) and a metallic electrode (anode) hanging over the solution is studied. A mathematical model of the proceeding reaction kinetics is constructed, and the variation of the partial pressures of all initial and produced components in the gas phase is calculated. Both the Faraday and non-Faraday mechanisms of gas component production from water are confirmed. It is found that a large overhanging drop responsible for additional supply of simultaneously produced H2 and O2 molecules forms rapidly at the end face of the anodically polarized electrode.

Plasma layers near the electrodes of a cesium diode - Anode layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oganezov, Z. A.; Timoshenko, L. S.; Tskhakaya, V. K.

1982-08-01

A planar electron beam probe is used to study the plasma layer in contact with a nonemitting electrode. It is found that the field distribution in the space-charge region of the layer adjacent to a nonemitting electrode is linear and obeys a specific empirical relation over a large range of variation in the plasma parameters, while the potential distribution has a corresponding parabolic form. In order for these values to be consistent, it is necessary to assume that the potential at the boundary between the quasi-neutral plasma and the space-charge is equal to a value which is substantially larger than the theoretically permitted potential drop in a quasi-neutral plasma.

Optimizing results of lithotripsy using robust electromagnetic probe.

PubMed

Keeley, F X; Pye, S D; Smith, G; Tolley, D A

1999-05-01

A significant impediment to the measurement of the pressures and forces created by lithotripter shockwaves has been their destructive properties, which have rendered most measuring devices impractical. We have developed and tested a robust electromagnetic probe to measure cavitational forces in vitro in the focal zones of extracorporeal lithotripters. The probe responds to the pressure gradient generated by the radial motion of cavitation bubbles. The effects of shockwaves from the Dornier MPL 9000 electrohydraulic lithotripter were measured over the lifetime of multiple electrodes. The pulse energy from the electrodes dropped off rapidly after approximately 50% of the lifetime quoted by the manufacturer. The electrodes were more efficient at higher power settings. As a result, we altered our protocol for the treatment of ureteral stones to use a higher kilovoltage and a second electrode whenever necessary. Stone-free rates after shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in situ for stones < 11 mm have increased from 68.2% to 83.3%, and the retreatment rate has dropped from 23% to 15%. Despite significantly higher power settings (23.7 kV v 18.7 kV; P < 0.0001), the need for sedoanalgesia has remained relatively constant (26% v 31%). Measurement of cavitational forces from lithotripters using a robust electromagnetic probe is useful in planning treatment strategy. We have demonstrated a clinically measurable improvement since implementing our new treatment protocol. Because the probe responds directly to cavitational forces, it should also prove useful for the objective comparison of different SWL machines.

Ferrocene-functionalized graphene electrode for biosensing applications.

PubMed

Rabti, Amal; Mayorga-Martinez, Carmen C; Baptista-Pires, Luis; Raouafi, Noureddine; Merkoçi, Arben

2016-07-05

A novel ferrocene-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based electrode is proposed. It was fabricated by the drop casting of ferrocene-functionalized graphene onto polyester substrate as the working electrode integrated within screen-printed reference and counter electrodes. The ferrocene-functionalized rGO has been fully characterized using FTIR, XPS, contact angle measurements, SEM and TEM microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The XPS and EDX analysis showed the presence of Fe element related to the introduced ferrocene groups, which is confirmed by a clear CV signal at ca. 0.25 V vs. Ag/AgCl (0.1 KCl). Mediated redox catalysis of H2O2 and bio-functionalization with glucose oxidase for glucose detection were achieved by the bioelectrode providing a proof for potential biosensing applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermally Deposited Palladium-Tungsten Carbide and Platinum-Tungsten Carbide Counter Electrodes for a High Performance Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Based on Organic T-/T₂ Electrolyte.

PubMed

Towannang, Madsakorn; Thiangkaew, Anongnad; Maiaugree, Wasan; Ratchaphonsaenwong, Kunthaya; Jarernboon, Wirat; Pimanpang, Samuk; Amornkitbamrung, Vittaya

2018-02-01

Tungsten carbide (WC) particles (~1 μm) were dispersed in DI water and dropped onto conductive glass. The resulting WC films were used as dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) counter electrodes. The performance of the WC DSSC based on the organic thiolate/disulfide (T-/T2) electrolyte was ~0.78%. The cell efficiency was greatly improved after decorating palladium (Pd) or platinum (Pt) nanoparticles on WC particles with a promising efficiency of ~2.15% for Pd-WC DSSC and ~4.62% for Pt-WC DSSC. The efficiency improvement of the composited (Pd-WC and Pt-WC) cells is attributed to co-functioning catalysts, the large electrode interfacial area and a low charge-transfer resistance at the electrolyte/counter electrode interface.

The investigation of an electric arc in the long cylindrical channel of the powerful high-voltage AC plasma torch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutberg, Ph G.; Popov, S. D.; Surov, A. V.; Serba, E. O.; Nakonechny, Gh V.; Spodobin, V. A.; Pavlov, A. V.; Surov, A. V.

2012-12-01

The comparison of conductivity obtained in experiments with calculated values is made in this paper. Powerful stationary plasma torches with prolonged period of continuous work are popular for modern plasmachemical applications. The maximum electrode lifetime with the minimum erosion can be reached while working on rather low currents. Meanwhile it is required to provide voltage arc drop for the high power achievement. Electric field strength in the arc column of the high-voltage plasma torch, using air as a plasma-forming gas, does not exceed 15 V/cm. It is possible to obtain the high voltage drop in the long arc stabilized in the channel by the intensive gas flow under given conditions. Models of high voltage plasma torches with rod electrodes with power up to 50 kW have been developed and investigated. The plasma torch arcs are burning in cylindrical channels. Present investigations are directed at studying the possibility of developing long arc plasma torches with higher power. The advantage of AC power supplies usage is the possibility of the loss minimization due to the reactive power compensation. The theoretical maximum of voltage arc drop for power supplies with inductive current limitations is about 50 % of the no-load voltage for a single-phase circuit and about 30 % for the three-phase circuit. Burning of intensively blown arcs in the long cylindrical channel using the AC power supply with 10 kV no-load voltage is experimentally investigated in the work. Voltage drops close to the maximum possible had been reached in the examined arcs in single-phase and three-phase modes. Operating parameters for single-phase mode were: current -30 A, voltage drop -5 kV, air flow rate 35 g/s; for three-phase mode: current (40-85) A, voltage drop (2.5-3.2) kV, air flow rate (60-100) g/s. Arc length in the installations exceeded 2 m.

A method for improving the drop test performance of a MEMS microphone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winter, Matthias; Ben Aoun, Seifeddine; Feiertag, Gregor; Leidl, Anton; Scheele, Patrick; Seidel, Helmut

2009-05-01

Most micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) microphones are designed as capacitive microphones where a thin conductive membrane is located in front of a rigid counter electrode. The membrane is exposed to the environment to convert sound into vibrations of the membrane. The movement of the membrane causes a change in the capacitance between the membrane and the counter electrode. The resonance frequency of the membrane is designed to occur above the acoustic spectrum to achieve a linear frequency response. To obtain a good sensitivity the thickness of the membrane must be as small as possible, typically below 0.5 μm. These fragile membranes may be damaged by rapid pressure changes. For cell phones, drop tests are among the most relevant reliability tests. The extremely high acceleration during the drop impact leads to fast pressure changes in the microphone which could result in a rupture of the membrane. To overcome this problem a stable protection layer can be placed at a small distance to the membrane. The protective layer has small holes to form a low pass filter for air pressure. The low pass filter reduces pressure changes at high frequencies so that damage to the membrane by excitation in resonance will be prevented.

Pumping power considerations in the designs of NASA-Redox flow cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoberecht, M. A.

1981-01-01

Pressure drop data for six different cell geometries of various flow port, manifold, and cavity dimensions are presented. The redox/energy/storage system uses two fully soluble redox couples as anode and cathode fluids. Both fluids are pumped through a redox cell, or stack of cells, where the electrochemical reactions take place at porous carbon felt electrodes. Pressure drop losses are therefore associated with this system due to the continuous flow of reactant solutions. The exact pressure drop within a redox flow cell is directly dependent on the flow rate as well as the various cell dimensions. Pumping power requirements for a specific set of cell operating conditions are found for various cell geometries once the flow rate and pressure drop are determined. These pumping power requirements contribute to the overall system parasitic energy losses which must be minimized, the choice of cell geometry becomes critical.

Morphological Behavior of Printed Silver Electrodes with Protective Self-Assembled Monolayers for Electrochemical Migration.

PubMed

Sekine, Tomohito; Sato, Jun; Takeda, Yasunori; Kumaki, Daisuke; Tokito, Shizuo

2018-05-09

We evaluated the electrochemical behaviors and reliability of printed silver (Ag) electrodes prepared from nanoparticle inks with the use of protective self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) under electronic bias conditions. The printed Ag electrodes were fabricated by inkjet printing on a hydrophobic substrate. The SAMs, which acted as barriers to moisture, were prepared by immersing the substrate in a pentafluorobenzenethiol solution at ambient temperature (25 °C). We investigated the electrochemical migration phenomenon using the water drop method, and the results showed that the formation of dendrites connecting the cathode and the anode, which can affect the electrochemical reliability of an electric device, was suppressed in the presence of the SAMs. The time before short circuit occurred was found to depend on the spacing between the electrodes, i.e., 130 s, when the distance between the electrodes was 200 μm in the presence of an SAM. We demonstrated that Ag electrodes treated using the procedure described in this work suppress the occurrence of electrical short circuits caused by Ag dendrite formation and thus their electrochemical properties are substantially improved.

A computation study on the interplay between surface morphology and electrochemical performance of patterned thin film electrodes for Li-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gur, Sourav; Frantziskonis, George N.; Aifantis, Katerina E.

2017-08-01

Recent experiments illustrate that the morphology of the electrode surface impacts the voltage - capacity curves and long term cycling performance of Li-ion batteries. The present study systematically explores the role of the electrode surface morphology and uncertainties in the reactions that occur during electrochemical cycling, by performing kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). This allows encoding of the inherent stochasticity at discrete microscale reaction events over the deterministic mean field reaction dynamics that occur in Li-ion cells. The electrodes are taken to be dense thin films whose surfaces are patterned with conical, trapezoidal, dome-shaped, or pillar-shaped structures. It is shown that the inherent perturbations in the reactions together with the characteristics of the electrode surface configuration can significantly improve battery performance, mainly because patterned surfaces, as opposed to flat surfaces, result in a smaller voltage drop. The most efficient pattern was the trapezoidal, which is consistent with experimental evidence on Si patterned electrodes.

Fabrication of resistively-coupled single-electron device using an array of gold nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huong, Tran Thi Thu; Matsumoto, Kazuhiko; Moriya, Masataka; Shimada, Hiroshi; Kimura, Yasuo; Hirano-Iwata, Ayumi; Mizugaki, Yoshinao

2017-08-01

We demonstrated one type of single-electron device that exhibited electrical characteristics similar to those of resistively-coupled SE transistor (R-SET) at 77 K and room temperature (287 K). Three Au electrodes on an oxidized Si chip served as drain, source, and gate electrodes were formed using electron-beam lithography and evaporation techniques. A narrow (70-nm-wide) gate electrode was patterned using thermal evaporation, whereas wide (800-nm-wide) drain and source electrodes were made using shadow evaporation. Subsequently, aqueous solution of citric acid and 15-nm-diameter gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and toluene solution of 3-nm-diameter Au NPs chemisorbed via decanethiol were dropped on the chip to make the connections between the electrodes. Current-voltage characteristics between the drain and source electrodes exhibited Coulomb blockade (CB) at both 77 and 287 K. Dependence of the CB region on the gate voltage was similar to that of an R-SET. Simulation results of the model based on the scanning electron microscopy image of the device could reproduce the characteristics like the R-SET.

Electrochemical double layers at the interface between glassy electrolytes and platinum: Differentiating between the anode and the cathode capacitance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruempelmann, J.; Mariappan, C. R.; Schober, C.; Roling, B.

2010-12-01

We have measured potential-dependent interfacial capacitances of two Na-Ca-phosphosilicate glasses and of an AgI-doped silver borate glass between ion-blocking Pt electrodes. An asymmetric electrode configuration with highly dissimilar electrode areas on both faces of the glass samples allowed us to determine the capacitance at the small-area electrode. Using equivalent circuit fitting we extract potential-dependent double-layer capacitances. The potential-dependent anodic capacitance exhibits a weak maximum and drops strongly at higher potentials. The cathodic capacitance exhibits a more pronounced maximum, this maximum being responsible for the maximum in the total capacitance observed in measurements in a symmetrical electrode configuration. The capacitance maxima of the Na-Ca phosphosilicate glasses show up at higher electrode potentials than the maxima of the AgI-doped silver borate glass. Remarkably, for both types of glasses, the potential of the cathodic capacitance maximum is closely related to the activation energy of the bulk ion transport. We compare our results to recent theoretical predictions by Shklovskii and co-workers.

An electrode comprising of graphene nanopowder inserted in an enclosed structure in anodic aluminium oxide coated with PANI by using low temperature hydrothermal process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shivhare, Sugam; Vyas, Supriya; Bagal, Vivekanand S.; Sharma, Malvika; Gautam, Mangla Dave

2018-04-01

Elements like C and its allotropes (Graphene) Sn, Al, Ge, and their compounds are commonly used anodic materials in Li-ion secondary batteries. Out of them Graphene is a promising anodic material for Li-ion batteries as it having high theoretical capacity of 4100 mAh/g as it formed Li4.4C. However, the formation of Li4.4C induces a large volume expansion in the electrode and leads to a rapid drop in capacity. To overcome this problem many experiments and theoretical efforts have been focused on enhancing structural stability of Graphene in electrode. Several methods have been also reported for the fabrication of three-dimensional electrode arrays. In this study, we report an improvement of the cycling performance of graphene nanopowder-based electrode. Graphene nanopowder was inserted and confined on the anodic aluminum oxide coated with polyaniline (PANI) by using a new method. It is confirmed from this study that cycling behavior of the graphene powder electrode can be significantly improved by using the method proposed in this study.

Mapping the droplet transfer modes for an ER100S-1 GMAW electrode

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

Heald, P.R.; Madigan, R.B.; Siewert, T.A.

1994-02-01

Welds were made with a 1.2-mm-diameter AWS ER100S-1 electrode using Ar-2% O[sub 2] shielding gas to map the effects of contact-tube-to-work distance (13, 19 and 25 mm), current, voltage, and wire feed rate on metal transfer. The droplet transfer modes were identified for each map by both the sound of the arc and images from a laser back-lit high-speed video system. The modes were correlated to digital records of the voltage and current fluctuations. The maps contain detailed information on the spray transfer mode, including the boundaries of drop spray, streaming spray and rotating spray modes. The metal transfer modemore » boundaries shifted with an increase in contact-tube-to-work distance. Increasing the contact-tube-to-work distance from 13 to 19 mm resulted in a 15 mm/s increase in the wire feet rate for the globular-to-drop-spray transition.« less

Electrochemical behavior of phytochelatins and related peptides at the hanging mercury drop electrode in the presence of cobalt(II) ions.

PubMed

Dorcák, Vlastimil; Sestáková, Ivana

2006-01-01

Direct current voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry have been used to investigate the electrochemical behaviour of two phytochelatins: heptapeptide (gamma-Glu-Cys)3-Gly and pentapeptide (gamma-Glu-Cys)2-Gly, tripeptide glutathione gamma-Glu-Cys-Gly and its fragments: dipeptides Cys-Gly and gamma-Glu-Cys at the hanging mercury drop electrode in the presence of cobalt(II) ions. Most interesting results were obtained with direct current voltammetry in the potential region of -0.80 V up to -1.80 V. Differential pulse voltammetry of the same solutions of Co(II) with peptides gives more complicated voltammograms with overlapping peaks, probably in connection with the influence of adsorption at slow scan rates necessarily used in this method. However, in using Brdicka catalytic currents for analytical purposes, differential pulse voltammograms seem to be more helpful. Presented investigations have shown that particularly the prewave of cobalt(II) allows distinguishing among phytochelatins, glutathione, and its fragments.

Electrical properties of graphene film for counter electrode in dye sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalifa, Ali; Shafie, S.; Hasan, W. Z. W.; Lim, H. N.; Rusop, M.; Samaila, Buda

2018-05-01

A graphene counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cell was prepared simply by drop casting method on a conducting FTO glass at room temperature. Raman spectroscopy was used to study the defection in the graphene films. The sheet resistance was also measured and recoded minimum value of 7.04 Ω/□ at 22.19µm thickness. The casted films show good adhesion to substrates with low defects. A DSSC based on graphene counter electrode demonstrates reasonable conversion efficiency of 2.78% with short circuit current of 7.60mA, open circuit voltage of 0.69V and fill factor of 0.52. The high conductivity and low defects render the prepared graphene dispersion for DSSCs' CE application.

Fabrication of Amperometric Glucose Sensor Using Glucose Oxidase-Cellulose Nanofiber Aqueous Solution.

PubMed

Yasuzawa, Mikito; Omura, Yuya; Hiura, Kentaro; Li, Jiang; Fuchiwaki, Yusuke; Tanaka, Masato

2015-01-01

Cellulose nanofiber aqueous solution, which remained virtually transparent for more than one week, was prepared by using the clear upper layer of diluted cellulose nanofiber solution produced by wet jet milling. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was easily dissolved in this solution and GOx-immobilized electrode was easily fabricated by simple repetitious drops of GOx-cellulose solution on the surface of a platinum-iridium electrode. Glucose sensor properties of the obtained electrodes were examined in phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.4 at 40°C. The obtained electrode provided a glucose sensor response with significantly high response speed and good linear relationship between glucose concentration and response current. After an initial decrease of response sensitivity for a few days, relatively constant sensitivity was obtained for about 20 days. Nevertheless, the influence of electroactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, uric acid and acetoaminophen were not negletable.

Lab-on-a-chip sensor for measuring Zn by stripping voltammetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pei, Xing; Kang, Wenjing; Yue, Wei; Bange, Adam; Wong, Hector R.; Heineman, William R.; Papautsky, Ian

2012-03-01

This work reports on continuing development of a lab-on-a-chip sensor for electrochemical detection of heavy metal zinc in blood serum. The sensor consists of a three electrode system, including an environmentally-friendly bismuth working electrode, a Ag/AgCl reference electrode, and a gold auxiliary electrode. By optimizing the electrodeposition of bismuth film, better control of fabrication steps and improving interface between the sensor and potentiostat, repeatability and sensitivity of the lab-on-a-chip sensor has been improved. Through optimization of electrolyte and stripping voltammetry parameters, limits of detection were greatly improved. The optimized sensor was able to measure zinc in in the physiological range of 65-95 μg/dL. Ultimately, with further development and integrated sample preparation sensor system will permit rapid (min) measurements of zinc from a sub-mL sample (a few drops of blood) for bedside monitoring.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A HIGH INTENSITY ARC DISCHARGE

DOEpatents

Luce, J.S.

1960-01-01

A device is described for producing an energetic d-c carbon arc discharge between widely spaced electrodes with arc currents in excess of 100 amperes in a magnetic field of about 3000 gauss and witnin an evacuated enclo sure at a pressure of about 10/sup -5/ mm Hg. No defining electrodes are used in the device, thus essentially eliminating the problems of shorting which heretofore limited the amount of current that could be produced in an arc discharge. The energetic carbon arc discharge is sustained by the potential across the electrodes and by carbon ions and electrons released from the electrodes during arc operation. A large part of the potential drop of the arc occurs along the arc and many energetic electrons reach the anode because the arc pressure is relatively low, and few collisions occur. The carbon discharge is also an efficient ion pump.

Analysis of Drop Shapes during Electrowetting on a Dielectric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daneshbod, Yousef

2005-03-01

Electrowetting refers to the electrostatic control of the interfacial energy of a liquid on a solid, primarily used for the transport of micro-liter volumes of drops on surfaces with embedded electrode arrays. In the present work, the drop is modeled as a two-dimensional lens-like conductor immersed in an infinite dielectric medium slightly above a planar conductor. A matched asymptotic expansion is used to approximate the electrostatic field surrounding the drop. The outer problem models the drop as a conducting circular segment resting on the conducting plane, each maintained at a separate constant potential. The inner problem corrects the region near the edge of the drop by modeling it as an infinite planar conducting wedge lying slightly above the conducting plane. By matching the inner and outer solutions, the charge density along the entire surface of the drop can be approximated, enabling the calculation of the total capacitance of the system. An energy minimization method similar to that of Shapiro et al. [J. Appl. Phys., 93, 5794 (2003)] is applied to the total energy consisting of the liquid/gas, liquid/solid and solid/gas surface energies, together with the electrostatic contribution, subject to the constraint that the drop volume remains constant. A modified form of the Young-Lippmann equation is thus derived that includes the contribution from the extra capacitance of the drop obtained via matched asymptotics.

Cybernetic Control of an Electrochemical Repertoire.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

He, Peixin; And Others

1982-01-01

Describes major features of a computer-operated, cybernetic potentiostat and the development, design, and operation of the software in ROM. The instrument contains control circuitry and software making it compatible with the static mercury drop electrode produced by EG&G Princeton Applied Research Corporation. Sample results using the…

Electrical stimulation causes rapid changes in electrode impedance of cell-covered electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newbold, Carrie; Richardson, Rachael; Millard, Rodney; Seligman, Peter; Cowan, Robert; Shepherd, Robert

2011-06-01

Animal and clinical observations of a reduction in electrode impedance following electrical stimulation encouraged the development of an in vitro model of the electrode-tissue interface. This model was used previously to show an increase in impedance with cell and protein cover over electrodes. In this paper, the model was used to assess the changes in electrode impedance and cell cover following application of a charge-balanced biphasic current pulse train. Following stimulation, a large and rapid drop in total impedance (Zt) and access resistance (Ra) occurred. The magnitude of this impedance change was dependent on the current amplitude used, with a linear relationship determined between Ra and the resulting cell cover over the electrodes. The changes in impedance due to stimulation were shown to be transitory, with impedance returning to pre-stimulation levels several hours after cessation of stimulation. A loss of cells over the electrode surface was observed immediately after stimulation, suggesting that the level of stimulation applied was creating localized changes to cell adhesion. Similar changes in electrode impedance were observed for in vivo and in vitro work, thus helping to verify the in vitro model, although the underlying mechanisms may differ. A change in the porosity of the cellular layer was proposed to explain the alterations in electrode impedance in vitro. These in vitro studies provide insight into the possible mechanisms occurring at the electrode-tissue interface in association with electrical stimulation.

Bioelectroanalysis in a Drop: Construction of a Glucose Biosensor

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amor-Gutierrez, O.; Rama, E. C.; Fernandez-Abedul, M. T.; Costa-García, A.

2017-01-01

This lab experiment describes a complete method to fabricate an enzymatic glucose electroanalytical biosensor by students. Using miniaturized and disposable screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), students learn how to use them as transducers and understand the importance SPEs have acquired in sensor development during the last years. Students can also…

Electrowetting on semiconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palma, Cesar; Deegan, Robert

2015-01-01

Applying a voltage difference between a conductor and a sessile droplet sitting on a thin dielectric film separating it from the conductor will cause the drop to spread. When the conductor is a good metal, the change of the drop's contact angle due to the voltage is given by the Young-Lippmann (YL) equation. Here, we report experiments with lightly doped, single crystal silicon as the conductive electrode. We derive a modified YL equation that includes effects due to the semiconductor and contact line pinning. We show that light induces a non-reversible wetting transition, and that our model agrees well with our experimental results.

Electrodeless electro-hydrodynamic gentle printing of personalized medicines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khusid, Boris; Elele, Ezinwa; Shen, Yueyang

2010-11-01

Drop-on-demand (DOD) principle appears to be a particular promising approach for manufacturing personalized treatments carefully tailored to a patient's genetic background. The authors have recently developed a DOD method for gentle printing of personalized medicines. A fluid is infused into an electrically insulating nozzle to form a pendant drop. A sufficiently strong voltage pulse is applied to external electrodes to stretch the pendant drop until it touches an electrically insulating film and forms a liquid bridge. As the liquid bridge is intentionally formed in an unstable configuration, it breaks up, creating two drops, one on the film and the other hanging from the nozzle. To prove the validity and versatility of the method, experiments are conducted on fluids whose viscosity, conductivity, dielectric constant, and surface tension vary over a broad range, respectively: 1-1045 cP, 0.02-290 μS/cm, 9-78, and 41-72 dyn/cm. We present a scaling analysis that captures the essential physics of drop evolution and provides the critical design guidelines. The work was supported by NSF Engineering Research Center on Structured Organic Particulate Systems.

Drive electrostatic plasma oscillations in a closed electron drift accelerator

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

Morozov, A.I.; Nevrovskii, V.A.; Smirnov, V.A.

1973-09-01

The present work describes and experimental investigation of the perturbations created in the plasma of a closed electron drift accelerator (CEDA) by a time-varying potential applied to an electrode in the plasma. In particular, the driven electrostatic oscillations are in phase over the entire volume of the channel and the attenuation of the signal amplitude is sensitive to the direction of the electron flux in the accelerator. Certain aspects of the propagation of the harmonic signals and pulses in the plasma are established. A substantial drop in signal amplitude occurs between the electrode and the plasma. (auth)

Dynamic Response in Nanoelectrowetting on a Dielectric.

PubMed

Choudhuri, Jyoti Roy; Vanzo, Davide; Madden, Paul Anthony; Salanne, Mathieu; Bratko, Dusan; Luzar, Alenka

2016-09-27

Droplet spreading at an applied voltage underlies the function of tunable optical devices including adjustable lenses and matrix display elements. Faster response and the enhanced resolution motivate research toward miniaturization of these devices to nanoscale dimensions. The response of an aqueous nanodroplet to an applied field can differ significantly from macroscopic predictions. Understanding these differences requires characterization at the molecular level. We describe the equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of nanosized aqueous droplets on a hydrophobic surface with the embedded concentric electrodes. Constant electrode potential is enforced by a rigorous account of the metal polarization. We demonstrate that the reduction of the equilibrium contact angle is commensurate to, and adjusts reversibly with, the voltage change. For a droplet with O(10) nm diameter, a typical response time to the imposition of the field is of O(10(2)) ps. Drop relaxation is about twice as fast when the field is switched off. The friction coefficient obtained from the rate of the drop relaxation on the nonuniform surface, decreases when the droplet approaches equilibrium from either direction, that is, by spreading or receding. The strong dependence of the friction on the surface hydrophilicity points to the dominance of the liquid-surface friction at the drop's perimeter as described in the molecular kinetic theory. This approach enables correct predictions of trends in dynamic responses associated with varied voltage or substrate material.

Heart rate detection from single-foot plantar bioimpedance measurements in a weighing scale.

PubMed

Diaz, Delia H; Casas, Oscar; Pallas-Areny, Ramon

2010-01-01

Electronic bathroom scales are an easy-to-use, affordable mean to measure physiological parameters in addition to body weight. They have been proposed to obtain the ballistocardiogram (BCG) and derive from it the heart rate, cardiac output and systolic blood pressure. Therefore, weighing scales may suit intermittent monitoring in e-health and patient screening. Scales intended for bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) have also been proposed to estimate the heart rate by amplifying the pulsatile impedance component superimposed on the basal impedance. However, electronic weighing scales cannot easily obtain the BCG from people that have a single leg neither are bioimpedance measurements between both feet recommended for people wearing a pacemaker or other electronic implants, neither for pregnant women. We propose a method to detect the heart rate (HR) from bioimpedance measured in a single foot while standing on an bathroom weighting scale intended for BIA. The electrodes built in the weighing scale are used to apply a 50 kHz voltage between the outer electrode pair and to measure the drop in voltage across the inner electrode pair. The agreement with the HR simultaneously obtained from the ECG is excellent. We have also compared the drop in voltage across the waist and the thorax with that obtained when measuring bioimpedance between both feet to compare the possible risk of the proposed method to that of existing BIA scales.

Experimental verification of gain drop due to general ion recombination for a carbon-ion pencil beam

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

Tansho, Ryohei, E-mail: r-tansho@nirs.go.jp; Furukawa, Takuji; Hara, Yousuke

Purpose: Accurate dose measurement in radiotherapy is critically dependent on correction for gain drop, which is the difference of the measured current from the ideal saturation current due to general ion recombination. Although a correction method based on the Boag theory has been employed, the theory assumes that ionized charge density in an ionization chamber (IC) is spatially uniform throughout the irradiation volume. For particle pencil beam scanning, however, the charge density is not uniform, because the fluence distribution of a pencil beam is not uniform. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of the nonuniformity ofmore » ionized charge density on the gain drop due to general ion recombination. Methods: The authors measured the saturation curve, namely, the applied voltage versus measured current, using a large plane-parallel IC and 24-channel parallel-plate IC with concentric electrodes. To verify the effect of the nonuniform ionized charge density on the measured saturation curve, the authors calculated the saturation curve using a method which takes into account the nonuniform ionized charge density and compared it with the measured saturation curves. Results: Measurement values of the different saturation curves in the different channels of the concentric electrodes differed and were consistent with the calculated values. The saturation curves measured by the large plane-parallel IC were also consistent with the calculation results, including the estimation error of beam size and of setup misalignment. Although the impact of the nonuniform ionized charge density on the gain drop was clinically negligible with the conventional beam intensity, it was expected that the impact would increase with higher ionized charge density. Conclusions: For pencil beam scanning, the assumption of the conventional Boag theory is not valid. Furthermore, the nonuniform ionized charge density affects the prediction accuracy of gain drop when the ionized charge density is increased by a higher dose rate and/or lower beam size.« less

The Influence of Anion Shape on the Electrical Double Layer Microstructure and Capacitance of Ionic Liquids-Based Supercapacitors by Molecular Simulations.

PubMed

Chen, Ming; Li, Song; Feng, Guang

2017-02-16

Room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are an emerging class of electrolytes for supercapacitors. In this work, we investigate the effects of different supercapacitor models and anion shape on the electrical double layers (EDLs) of two different RTILs: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([Emim][Tf₂N]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium 2-(cyano)pyrrolide ([Emim][CNPyr]) by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The EDL microstructure is represented by number densities of cations and anions, and the potential drop near neutral and charged electrodes reveal that the supercapacitor model with a single electrode has the same EDL structure as the model with two opposite electrodes. Nevertheless, the employment of the one-electrode model without tuning the bulk density of RTILs is more time-saving in contrast to the two-electrode one. With the one-electrode model, our simulation demonstrated that the shapes of anions significantly imposed effects on the microstructure of EDLs. The EDL differential capacitance vs. potential (C-V) curves of [Emim][CNPyr] electrolyte exhibit higher differential capacitance at positive potentials. The modeling study provides microscopic insight into the EDLs structure of RTILs with different anion shapes.

A reference electrode based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB) polymer for decentralized chemical measurements.

PubMed

Guinovart, Tomàs; Crespo, Gastón A; Rius, F Xavier; Andrade, Francisco J

2014-04-22

A new solid-state reference electrode using a polymeric membrane of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), Ag/AgCl and NaCl to be used in decentralized chemical measurements is presented. The electrode is made by drop-casting the membrane cocktail onto a glassy carbon (GC) substrate. A stable potential (less than 1 mV dec(-1)) over a wide range of concentrations for the several chemical species tested is obtained. No significant influence to changes in redox potential, light and pH are observed. The response of this novel electrode shows good correlation when compared with a conventional double-junction reference electrode. Also good long-term stability (90±33 μV/h) and a lifetime of approximately 4 months are obtained. Aspects related to the working mechanisms are discussed. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) studies reveal the presence of nanopores and channels on the surface, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of optimized electrodes show low bulk resistances, usually in the kΩ range, suggesting that a nanoporous polymeric structure is formed in the interface with the solution. Future applications of this electrode as a disposable device for decentralized measurements are discussed. Examples of the utilization on wearable substrates (tattoos, fabrics, etc) are provided. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical characterisation and anodic stripping voltammetry at mesoporous platinum rotating disc electrodes.

PubMed

Lozano-Sanchez, Pablo; Elliott, Joanne M

2008-02-01

Using the technique of liquid crystal templating a rotating disc electrode (RDE) was modified with a high surface area mesoporous platinum film. The surface area of the electrode was characterised by acid voltammetry, and found to be very high (ca. 86 cm(2)). Acid characterisation of the electrode produced distorted voltammograms was interpreted as being due to the extremely large surface area which produced a combination of effects such as localised pH change within the pore environment and also ohmic drop effects. Acid voltammetry in the presence of two different types of surfactant, namely Tween 20 and Triton X-100, suggested antifouling properties associated with the mesoporous deposit. Further analysis of the modified electrode using a redox couple in solution showed typical RDE behaviour although extra capacitive currents were observed due to the large surface area of the electrode. The phenomenon of underpotential deposition was exploited for the purpose of anodic stripping voltammetry and results were compared with data collected for microelectrodes. Underpotential deposition of metal ions at the mesoporous RDE was found to be similar to that at conventional platinum electrodes and mesoporous microelectrodes although the rate of surface coverage was found to be slower at a mesoporous RDE. It was found that a mesoporous RDE forms a suitable system for quantification of silver ions in solution.

All Inkjet-Printed Amperometric Multiplexed Biosensors Based on Nanostructured Conductive Hydrogel Electrodes.

PubMed

Li, Lanlan; Pan, Lijia; Ma, Zhong; Yan, Ke; Cheng, Wen; Shi, Yi; Yu, Guihua

2018-06-13

Multiplexing, one of the main trends in biosensors, aims to detect several analytes simultaneously by integrating miniature sensors on a chip. However, precisely depositing electrode materials and selective enzymes on distinct microelectrode arrays remains an obstacle to massively produced multiplexed sensors. Here, we report on a "drop-on-demand" inkjet printing process to fabricate multiplexed biosensors based on nanostructured conductive hydrogels in which the electrode material and several kinds of enzymes were printed on the electrode arrays one by one by employing a multinozzle inkjet system. The whole inkjet printing process can be finished within three rounds of printing and only one round of alignment. For a page of sensor arrays containing 96 working electrodes, the printing process took merely ∼5 min. The multiplexed assays can detect glucose, lactate, and triglycerides in real time with good selectivity and high sensitivity, and the results in phosphate buffer solutions and calibration serum samples are comparable. The inkjet printing process exhibited advantages of high efficiency and accuracy, which opens substantial possibilities for massive fabrication of integrated multiplexed biosensors for human health monitoring.

Fabrication of silver nanowires and metal oxide composite transparent electrodes and their application in UV light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Xingzhen; Ma, Jiangang; Xu, Haiyang; Wang, Chunliang; Liu, Yichun

2016-08-01

In this paper, we prepared the silver nanowires (AgNWs)/aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) composite transparent conducting electrodes for n-ZnO/p-GaN heterojunction light emitting-diodes (LEDs) by drop casting AgNW networks and subsequent atomic layer deposition (ALD) of AZO at 150 °C. The contact resistances between AgNWs were dramatically reduced by pre-annealing in the vacuum chamber before the ALD of AZO. In this case, AZO works not only as the conformal passivation layer that protects AgNWs from oxidation, but also as the binding material that improves AgNWs adhesion to substrates. Due to the localized surface plasmons (LSPs) of the AgNWs resonant coupling with the ultraviolet (UV) light emission from the LEDs, a higher UV light extracting efficiency is achieved from LEDs with the AgNWs/AZO composite electrodes in comparison with the conventional AZO electrodes. Additionally, the antireflective nature of random AgNW networks in the composite electrodes caused a broad output light angular distribution, which could be of benefit to certain optoelectronic devices like LEDs and solar cells.

Behaviour and quantification studies of terbacil and lenacil in environmental samples using cyclic and adsorptive stripping voltammetry at hanging mercury drop electrode.

PubMed

Thriveni, T; Rajesh Kumar, J; Sujatha, D; Sreedhar, N Y

2007-05-01

The cyclic voltammograms of terbacil and lenacil at the hanging mercury drop electrode showed a single well defined four electron irreversible peak in universal buffer of pH 4.0 for both compounds. The peak potentials were shifted to more negative values on the increase of pH of the medium, implying the involvement of protons in the electrode reaction and that the proton transfer reaction precedes the proper electrode process. The four electron single peak may be attributed to the simultaneous reduction of carbonyl groups present in 2 and 4 in pyrimidine ring of terbacil and lenacil to the corresponding hydroxy derivative. Based on the interfacial adsorptive character of the terbacil and lenacil onto the mercury electrode surface, a simple sensitive and low cost differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetric procedure was optimized for the analysis of terbacil and lenacil. The optimal operational conditions of the proposed procedure were accumulation potential E (acc) = -0.4 V, accumulation time t (acc) = 80 s, scan rate = 40 mV s(-1), pulse amplitude = 25 mV using a universal buffer pH 4.0 as a supporting electrolyte. The linear concentration range was found to be 1.5 x 10(-5) to 1.2 x 10(-9) mol/l and 1.5 x 10(-5) to 2.5 x 10(-8) mol/l with the lower detection limit of 1.22 x 10(-9) and 2.0 x 10(-8) mol/l. The correlation coefficient and relative standard deviation values are found to be 0.942, 0.996, 1.64% and 1.23%, respectively, for 10 replicants. The procedure was successfully applied for determination of terbacil and lenacil in formulations, mixed formulations, environmental samples such as fruit samples and spiked water samples.

Effects of microstructural defects on the performance of base-metal multilayer ceramic capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samantaray, Malay M.

Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), owing to their processing conditions, can exhibit microstructure defects such as electrode porosity and roughness. The effect of such extrinsic defects on the electrical performance of these devices needs to be understood in order to achieve successful miniaturization into the submicron dielectric layer thickness regime. Specifically, the presence of non-planar and discontinuous electrodes can lead to local field enhancements while the relative morphologies of two adjacent electrodes determine variations in the local dielectric thickness. To study the effects of electrode morphologies, an analytical approach is taken to calculate the electric field enhancement and leakage current with respect to an ideal parallel-plate capacitor. Idealized electrode defects are used to simulate the electric field distribution. It is shown that the electrode roughness causes both the electric field and the leakage current to increase with respect to that of the ideal flat parallel-plate capacitor. Moreover, finite element methods are used to predict electric field enhancements by as high as 100% within capacitor structures containing rough interfaces and porosity. To understand the influence of microstructural defects on field distributions and leakage current, the real three-dimensional microstructure of local regions in MLCCs are reconstructed using a serial-sectioning technique in the focused ion beam. These microstructures are then converted into a finite element model in order to simulate the perturbations in electric field due to the presence of electrode defects. The electric field is three times the average value, and this leads to increase in current density of these devices. It is also shown that increasing sintering rates of MLCCs leads to improved electrode morphology with smoother more continuous electrodes, which in turn leads to a decrease in electric field enhancement and calculated leakage current density. To simulate scaling effects, the dielectric layer thickness is reduced from 2.0mum to 0.5mum in the three-dimensional microstructure keeping the same electrode morphology. It is seen that the effect of microstructure defects is more pronounced as one approaches thinner layers, leading to higher local electric field concentrations and a concomitant drop in insulation resistance. It is also seen that the electric field values are as high as 3.8 times the average field in termination regions due the disintegrated structure of the electrodes. In order to assess the effect of microstructure on MLCC performance, two sets of multilayer capacitors subjected to two vastly different sintering rates of 150ºC/hr and 3000ºC/hr are compared for their electrical properties. Capacitors with higher electrode continuity exhibit proportionally higher capacitance, provided the grain size distributions are similar. From the leakage current measurements, it is found that the Schottky barrier at the electrode-dielectric interface controls the conduction mechanism. This barrier height is calculated to be 1.06 eV for slow-fired MLCCs and was 1.15 for fast-fired MLCCs. This shows that high concentration of electrode defects cause field perturbations and subsequent drop in the net Schottky barrier height. These results are further supported by frequency-dependent impedance measurements. With temperature dependence behavior of current-voltage trends we note that below temperatures of 135°C, the conduction is controlled by interfacial effects, whereas at higher temperatures it is consistent with bulk-controlled space charge limited current for the samples that are highly reoxidized. The final part of this work studies the various aspects of the initial stages of degradation of MLCCs. MLCCs subjected to unipolar and bipolar degradation are studied for changes in microstructure and electrical properties. With bipolar degradation studies new insights into degradation are gained. First, the ionic accumulation with oxygen vacancies at cathodes is only partially reversible. This has implications on the controlling interface with electronic conduction. Also, it is shown that oxygen vacancy accumulation near the cathodes leads to a drop in insulation resistance. The capacitance also increases with progressive steps of degradation due to the effective thinning of dielectric layer. The reduction in interfacial resistance is also confirmed by impedance analysis. Finally, it is observed that on degradation, the dominant leakage current mechanism changes from being controlled by cathodic injection of electrons to being controlled by their anodic extraction. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Binaural unmasking with multiple adjacent masking electrodes in bilateral cochlear implant users

PubMed Central

Lu, Thomas; Litovsky, Ruth; Zeng, Fan-Gang

2011-01-01

Bilateral cochlear implant (BiCI) users gain an advantage in noisy situations from a second implant, but their bilateral performance falls short of normal hearing listeners. Channel interactions due to overlapping electrical fields between electrodes can impair speech perception, but its role in limiting binaural hearing performance has not been well characterized. To address the issue, binaural masking level differences (BMLD) for a 125 Hz tone in narrowband noise were measured using a pair of pitch-matched electrodes while simultaneously presenting the same masking noise to adjacent electrodes, representing a more realistic stimulation condition compared to prior studies that used only a single electrode pair. For five subjects, BMLDs averaged 8.9 ± 1.0 dB (mean ± s.e.) in single electrode pairs but dropped to 2.1 ± 0.4 dB when presenting noise on adjacent masking electrodes, demonstrating a negative impact of the additional maskers. Removing the masking noise from only the pitch-matched electrode pair not only lowered thresholds but also resulted in smaller BMLDs. The degree of channel interaction estimated from auditory nerve evoked potentials in three subjects was significantly and negatively correlated with BMLD. The data suggest that if the amount of channel interactions can be reduced, BiCI users may experience some performance improvements related to binaural hearing. PMID:21682415

Renewable Solid Electrodes in Microfluidics: Recovering the Electrochemical Activity without Treating the Surface.

PubMed

Teixeira, Carlos A; Giordano, Gabriela F; Beltrame, Maisa B; Vieira, Luis C S; Gobbi, Angelo L; Lima, Renato S

2016-11-15

The contamination, passivation, or fouling of the detection electrodes is a serious problem undermining the analytical performance of electroanalytical devices. The methods to regenerate the electrochemical activity of the solid electrodes involve mechanical, physical, or chemical surface treatments that usually add operational time, complexity, chemicals, and further instrumental requirements to the analysis. In this paper, we describe for the first time a reproducible method for renewing solid electrodes whenever their morphology or composition are nonspecifically changed without any surface treatment. These renewable electrodes are the closest analogue to the mercury drop electrodes. Our approach was applied in microfluidics, where the downsides related to nonspecific modifications of the electrode are more critical. The renewal consisted in manually sliding metal-coated microwires across a channel with the sample. For this purpose, the chip was composed of a single piece of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with three parallel channels interconnected to one perpendicular and top channel. The microwires were inserted in each one of the parallel channels acting as working, counter, and pseudoreference electrodes for voltammetry. This assembly allowed the renewal of all the three electrodes by simply pulling the microwires. The absence of any interfaces in the chips and the elastomeric nature of the PDMS allowed us to pull the microwires without the occurrence of leakages for the electrode channels even at harsh flow rates of up to 40.0 mL min -1 . We expect this paper can assist the researchers to develop new microfluidic platforms that eliminate any steps of electrode cleaning, representing a powerful alternative for precise and robust analyses to real samples.

Derivation and calibration of a gas metal arc welding (GMAW) dynamic droplet model

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

Reutzel, E.W.; Einerson, C.J.; Johnson, J.A.

1996-12-31

A rudimentary, existing dynamic model for droplet growth and detachment in gas metal arc welding (GMAW) was improved and calibrated to match experimental data. The model simulates droplets growing at the end of an imaginary spring. Mass is added to the drop as the electrode melts, the droplet grows, and the spring is displaced. Detachment occurs when one of two criteria is met, and the amount of mass that is detached is a function of the droplet velocity at the time of detachment. Improvements to the model include the addition of a second criterion for drop detachment, a more sophisticatedmore » model of the power supply and secondary electric circuit, and the incorporation of a variable electrode resistance. Relevant physical parameters in the model were adjusted during model calibration. The average current, droplet frequency, and parameter-space location of globular-to-streaming mode transition were used as criteria for tuning the model. The average current predicted by the calibrated model matched the experimental average current to within 5% over a wide range of operating conditions.« less

Linear scan voltammetric indirect determination of Al(III) by the catalytic cathodic response of norepinephrine at the hanging mercury drop electrode.

PubMed

Zhang, Fuping; Ji, Ming; Xu, Quan; Yang, Li; Bi, Shuping

2005-09-01

The biological effects of aluminum (Al) have received much attention in recent years. Al is of basic relevance as concern with its reactivity and bioavailability. In this paper, the electrochemical behaviors of norepinephrine (NE) in the absence and presence of Al(III) at the hanging mercury drop electrode have been studied and applied to the practical analysis. Highly selective catalytic cathodic peak of NE is yielded by linear scan voltammetry (LSV) at -1.32 V (vs. SCE). A linear relationship holds between the cathodic peak current and the Al(III) concentration. It has been successfully applied to the determination of Al(III) in real waters and synthetic biological samples with satisfying results, which are in accordance with those obtained by ICP-AES method. The electrochemical properties and the mechanisms of the peaks in the presence and absence of Al(III) have been explored. The results show that they are irreversible adsorptive hydrogen catalytic waves. These studies not only enrich the methods of determining Al, but also lay foundations of further understanding of the mechanisms of neurodementia.

A study of electrostatic spring softening for dual-axis micromirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yi; E H Tay, Francis; Zhou, Guangya; Siong Chau, Fook

2006-08-01

Electrostatic spring softening is an important characteristic of electrostatically actuated dual-axis micromirror, since it lowers the resonant frequencies. This paper presents an approach based on approximating the electrostatic forces by the first-order Taylor's series expansion to investigate this characteristic. The dual-axis micromirror studied in this paper has three motion modes, two torsional (about x- and y-axis, respectively) and one translational (about z-axis). The stiffnesses of all these modes are softened by a DC bias voltage applied to the mirror plate. The resonant frequencies are lowered with the increment of the bias voltage. The relationship of the bias voltage and the resonant frequencies of all the motion modes is derived. The analytical results show that the resonant frequency curves are affected by the capacitor geometries, i.e. the gap between the mirror plate and the electrodes and the electrodes size. The lowering curves drop slowly when the bias voltage is small. While for large bias voltage, the lowering curves drop rapidly. The experiment results are consistent with those obtained by the analytical approach.

Electroencephalogram approximate entropy influenced by both age and sleep.

PubMed

Lee, Gerick M H; Fattinger, Sara; Mouthon, Anne-Laure; Noirhomme, Quentin; Huber, Reto

2013-01-01

The use of information-based measures to assess changes in conscious state is an increasingly popular topic. Though recent results have seemed to justify the merits of such methods, little has been done to investigate the applicability of such measures to children. For our work, we used the approximate entropy (ApEn), a measure previously shown to correlate with changes in conscious state when applied to the electroencephalogram (EEG), and sought to confirm whether previously reported trends in adult ApEn values across wake and sleep were present in children. Besides validating the prior findings that ApEn decreases from wake to sleep (including wake, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and non-REM sleep) in adults, we found that previously reported ApEn decreases across vigilance states in adults were also present in children (ApEn trends for both age groups: wake > REM sleep > non-REM sleep). When comparing ApEn values between age groups, adults had significantly larger ApEn values than children during wakefulness. After the application of an 8 Hz high-pass filter to the EEG signal, ApEn values were recalculated. The number of electrodes with significant vigilance state effects dropped from all 109 electrodes with the original 1 Hz filter to 1 electrode with the 8 Hz filter. The number of electrodes with significant age effects dropped from 10 to 4. Our results support the notion that ApEn can reliably distinguish between vigilance states, with low-frequency sleep-related oscillations implicated as the driver of changes between vigilance states. We suggest that the observed differences between adult and child ApEn values during wake may reflect differences in connectivity between age groups, a factor which may be important in the use of EEG to measure consciousness.

Influence of architecture and material properties on vanadium redox flow battery performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houser, Jacob; Clement, Jason; Pezeshki, Alan; Mench, Matthew M.

2016-01-01

This publication reports a design optimization study of all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRBs), including performance testing, distributed current measurements, and flow visualization. Additionally, a computational flow simulation is used to support the conclusions made from the experimental results. This study demonstrates that optimal flow field design is not simply related to the best architecture, but is instead a more complex interplay between architecture, electrode properties, electrolyte properties, and operating conditions which combine to affect electrode convective transport. For example, an interdigitated design outperforms a serpentine design at low flow rates and with a thin electrode, accessing up to an additional 30% of discharge capacity; but a serpentine design can match the available discharge capacity of the interdigitated design by increasing the flow rate or the electrode thickness due to differing responses between the two flow fields. The results of this study should be useful to design engineers seeking to optimize VRB systems through enhanced performance and reduced pressure drop.

Effects of the molecule-electrode interface on the low-bias conductance of Cu-H2-Cu single-molecule junctions.

PubMed

Jiang, Zhuoling; Wang, Hao; Shen, Ziyong; Sanvito, Stefano; Hou, Shimin

2016-07-28

The atomic structure and electronic transport properties of a single hydrogen molecule connected to both symmetric and asymmetric Cu electrodes are investigated by using the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism combined with the density functional theory. Our calculations show that in symmetric Cu-H2-Cu junctions, the low-bias conductance drops rapidly upon stretching, while asymmetric ones present a low-bias conductance spanning the 0.2-0.3 G0 interval for a wide range of electrode separations. This is in good agreement with experiments on Cu atomic contacts in a hydrogen environment. Furthermore, the distribution of the calculated vibrational energies of the two hydrogen atoms in the asymmetric Cu-H2-Cu junction is also consistent with experiments. These findings provide clear evidence for the formation of asymmetric Cu-H2-Cu molecular junctions in breaking Cu atomic contacts in the presence of hydrogen and are also helpful for the design of molecular devices with Cu electrodes.

Ac electroosmotic flows above coplanar electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kweon Suh, Yong

2009-03-01

Interactive numerical method has been proposed to calculate the ac electroosmotic flows above a pair of coplanar electrodes. The thin electrical triple layer (ETL) has been modeled by an asymptotic theory developed by the authors. The model corresponds to a simple dynamic equation for the surface charge density representing the integrated charge over the inner layer. Interactive calculation of the dynamic equation and the Laplace equation for several periods of ac frequency then yielded steady-state distribution of potential and the potential drop across the Stern and inner layers. The Smoluchowski's slip velocity was then determined from those two set of data and used as the boundary condition for the calculation of the Stokes' flow above the electrodes. We have shown that our solutions compared well with the experimental data reported in the literature. We investigated the effect of various parameters on the slip velocity distribution, such as the ac frequency, the electrode length, the effective Stern-layer thickness and the adsorption coefficients.

Thin-layer voltammetry of soluble species on screen-printed electrodes: proof of concept.

PubMed

Botasini, S; Martí, A C; Méndez, E

2016-10-17

Thin-layer diffusion conditions were accomplished on screen-printed electrodes by placing a controlled-weight onto the cast solution and allowing for its natural spreading. The restricted diffusive conditions were assessed by cyclic voltammetry at low voltage scan rates and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The relationship between the weight exerted over the drop and the thin-layer thickness achieved was determined, in such a way that the simple experimental set-up designed for this work could be developed into a commercial device with variable control of the thin-layer conditions. The experimental results obtained resemble those reported for the voltammetric features of electroactive soluble species employing electrodes modified with carbon nanotubes or graphene layers, suggesting that the attainment of the benefits reported for these nanomaterials could be done simply by forcing the solution to spread over the screen-printed electrodic system to form a thin layer solution. The advantages of thin-layer voltammetry in the kinetic characterization of quasi-reversible and irreversible processes are highlighted.

Experimental Study of Heating of a Liquid Cathode and Transfer of Its Components into the Gas Phase under the Action of a DC Discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirotkin, N. A.; Titov, V. A.

2018-04-01

An atmospheric-pressure dc discharge in air ( i = 10-50 mA) with metal and liquid electrolyte electrodes was studied experimentally. An aqueous solution of sodium chloride (0.5 mol/L) was used as the cathode or anode. The electric field strength in the plasma and the cathode (anode) voltage drops were obtained from the measured dependences of the discharge voltage on the electrode gap length. The gas temperature was deduced from the spectral distribution of nitrogen emission in the band N2( C 3Π u → B 3Π g , 0-2). The time dependences of the temperatures of the liquid electrolyte electrodes during the discharge and in its afterglow, as well as the evaporation rate of the solution, were determined experimentally. The contributions of ion bombardment and heat flux from the plasma to the heating of the liquid electrode and transfer of solvent (water) into the gas phase are discussed using the experimental data obtained.

A Novel of Multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes/Chitosan Electrochemical Sensor for Determination of Cupric ion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Funeng; Li, Lei

2018-03-01

A multi-wall carbon nanotubes/Chitosan electrochemical sensor had been fabricated by dropping CHS/MWNT solution directly onto the GC surface. The sensor was charactered by cyclic voltammetry and AC impedance with K3Fe(CN)6 as a electrochemical probe; Cyclic voltammograms(CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) indicated that the active area and electrochemical behavior of the sensor increased and improved significantly after the electrode was modified by carbon nanotubes dispersed by the chitosan. The sensor showed good electrocatalytic activity of K3Fe(CN)6. Also, from the cyclic voltammograms, we can see the process was diffusion controlled on the bare electrode and kinetics and diffusion controlled on the modified electrode. Finally Cu2+ responsed sensitively at the sensor which supplied a new method for the detection of Cu2+.

Bendable solid-state supercapacitors with Au nanoparticle-embedded graphene hydrogel films

PubMed Central

Yang, Kyungwhan; Cho, Kyoungah; Yoon, Dae Sung; Kim, Sangsig

2017-01-01

In this study, we fabricate bendable solid-state supercapacitors with Au nanoparticle (NP)-embedded graphene hydrogel (GH) electrodes and investigate the influence of the Au NP embedment on the internal resistance and capacitive performance. Embedding the Au NPs into the GH electrodes results in a decrease of the internal resistance from 35 to 21 Ω, and a threefold reduction of the IR drop at a current density of 5 A/g when compared with GH electrodes without Au NPs. The Au NP-embedded GH supercapacitors (NP-GH SCs) exhibit excellent capacitive performances, with large specific capacitance (135 F/g) and high energy density (15.2 W·h/kg). Moreover, the NP-GH SCs exhibit comparable areal capacitance (168 mF/cm2) and operate under tensile/compressive bending. PMID:28074865

Electrochemical Detectors in HPLC and Ion Chromatography.

PubMed

Horvai, George; Pungor, ErnÕ

1989-01-01

Back in 1952, the renowned Polish electrochemist Wiktor Kemula introduced chromato-polarography, 1 i.e., polaro-graphic detection for liquid chromatography. This technique continued to develop slowly until the early 1970s (for a review see Reference 2) when modem high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) emerged. This new, highly efficient chromatographc method could only be. used with detectors ensuring low dispersion. It was not easy to modify the dropping mercury electrode cells to satisfy this requirement. However, at the same time, electroanalytical chemists, who already had much experience in using carbon-based electrodes for oxidative detection in flow analysis, put forward the idea of oxidative amperometric detection in liquid chromatography. 3,4 In this technique, solid or quasi-solid (paste) electrodes were used and this made possible the construction of miniaturized cells with just a few microliter volume.

Manufacture and application of RuO2 solid-state metal-oxide pH sensor to common beverages.

PubMed

Lonsdale, W; Wajrak, M; Alameh, K

2018-04-01

A new reproducible solid-state metal-oxide pH sensor for beverage quality monitoring is developed and characterised. The working electrode of the developed pH sensor is based on the use of laser-etched sputter-deposited RuO 2 on Al 2 O 3 substrate, modified with thin layers of sputter-deposited Ta 2 O 5 and drop-cast Nafion for minimisation of redox interference. The reference electrode is manufactured by further modifying a working electrode with a porous polyvinyl butyral layer loaded with fumed SiO 2 . The developed pH sensor shows excellent performance when applied to a selection of beverage samples, with a measured accuracy within 0.08 pH of a commercial glass pH sensor. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Silver-silver sulfate reference electrodes for use in lead-acid batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruetschi, Paul

Electrochemical properties of silver-silver sulfate reference electrodes for lead-acid batteries are described, and the following possible applications discussed: Determination of individual capacities of positive and negative plates. Monitoring individual electrode behavior during deep discharge and cell reversal. Optimization charge or discharge parameters, by controlling the current such that pre-determined limits of positive or negative half-cell potential are respected. Observation of acid concentration differences, for example due to acid stratification, by measuring diffusion potentials (concentration-cell voltages). Detection of defective cells, and defective plate sets, in a string of cells, at the end of their service life. Silver-silver sulfate reference electrodes, permanently installed in lead-acid cells, may be a means to improve battery management, and therewith to improve reliability and service life. In vented batteries, reference electrodes may be used to limit positive plate polarization during charge, or float-charge. Limiting the positive half-cell potential to an upper, pre-set value would permit to keep anodic corrosion as low as possible. During cycling, discharge could be terminated when the half-cell potential of the positive electrode has dropped to a pre-set limit. This would prevent excessive discharge of the positive electrodes, which could result in an improvement of cycle life. In valve-regulated batteries, reference electrodes may be used to adjust float-charge conditions such as to assure sufficient cathodic polarization of the negative electrodes, in order to avoid sulfation. The use of such reference electrodes could be beneficial particularly in multi-cell batteries, with overall voltages above 12 V, operated in a partial-state-of-charge.

Carbon supercapacitors

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

Delnick, F.M.

1993-11-01

Carbon supercapacitors are represented as distributed RC networks with transmission line equivalent circuits. At low charge/discharge rates and low frequencies these networks approximate a simple series R{sub ESR}C circuit. The energy efficiency of the supercapacitor is limited by the voltage drop across the ESR. The pore structure of the carbon electrode defines the electrochemically active surface area which in turn establishes the volume specific capacitance of the carbon material. To date, the highest volume specific capacitance reported for a supercapacitor electrode is 220F/cm{sup 3} in aqueous H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} (10) and {approximately}60 F/cm{sup 3} in nonaqueous electrolyte (8).

Automatic Control of Arc Process for Making Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, Carl D.; Pulumbarit, Robert B.; Victor, Joe

2004-01-01

An automatic-control system has been devised for a process in which carbon nanotubes are produced in an arc between a catalyst-filled carbon anode and a graphite cathode. The control system includes a motor-driven screw that adjusts the distance between the electrodes. The system also includes a bridge circuit that puts out a voltage proportional to the difference between (1) the actual value of potential drop across the arc and (2) a reference value between 38 and 40 V (corresponding to a current of about 100 A) at which the yield of carbon nanotubes is maximized. Utilizing the fact that the potential drop across the arc increases with the interelectrode gap, the output of the bridge circuit is fed to a motor-control circuit that causes the motor to move the anode toward or away from the cathode if the actual potential drop is more or less, respectively, than the reference potential. Thus, the system regulates the interelectrode gap to maintain the optimum potential drop. The system also includes circuitry that records the potential drop across the arc and the relative position of the anode holder as function of time.

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

Reed, David; Thomsen, Edwin; Li, Bin

Three flow designs were operated in a 3-cell 1 kW class all vanadium mixed acid redox flow battery. The influence of electrode surface area and flow rate on the coulombic, voltage, and energy efficiency and the pressure drop in the flow circuit will be discussed and correlated to the flow design. Material cost associated with each flow design will also be discussed.

Unraveling the Role of Sulfur Compounds in Acid Rain Formation: Experiments on a Wetted Glass pH Electrode

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lopes, Fernando S.; Coelho, Lucia H. G.; Gutz, Ivano G. R.; Vitz, Ed

2010-01-01

Vast quantities, on the order of megatons, of pollutants are emitted monthly to the atmosphere both by natural and anthropogenic sources. The evaluation of rainwater composition has great importance in understanding the atmospheric chemical composition, as water drops scavenge particles and soluble atmospheric pollutants. Most students are aware…

Decoding Network Structure in On-Chip Integrated Flow Cells with Synchronization of Electrochemical Oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Yanxin; Kiss, István Z.

2017-04-01

The analysis of network interactions among dynamical units and the impact of the coupling on self-organized structures is a challenging task with implications in many biological and engineered systems. We explore the coupling topology that arises through the potential drops in a flow channel in a lab-on-chip device that accommodates chemical reactions on electrode arrays. The networks are revealed by analysis of the synchronization patterns with the use of an oscillatory chemical reaction (nickel electrodissolution) and are further confirmed by direct decoding using phase model analysis. In dual electrode configuration, a variety coupling schemes, (uni- or bidirectional positive or negative) were identified depending on the relative placement of the reference and counter electrodes (e.g., placed at the same or the opposite ends of the flow channel). With three electrodes, the network consists of a superposition of a localized (upstream) and global (all-to-all) coupling. With six electrodes, the unique, position dependent coupling topology resulted spatially organized partial synchronization such that there was a synchrony gradient along the quasi-one-dimensional spatial coordinate. The networked, electrode potential (current) spike generating electrochemical reactions hold potential for construction of an in-situ information processing unit to be used in electrochemical devices in sensors and batteries.

Application of active electrode compensation to perform continuous voltage-clamp recordings with sharp microelectrodes.

PubMed

Gómez-González, J F; Destexhe, A; Bal, T

2014-10-01

Electrophysiological recordings of single neurons in brain tissues are very common in neuroscience. Glass microelectrodes filled with an electrolyte are used to impale the cell membrane in order to record the membrane potential or to inject current. Their high resistance induces a high voltage drop when passing current and it is essential to correct the voltage measurements. In particular, for voltage clamping, the traditional alternatives are two-electrode voltage-clamp technique or discontinuous single electrode voltage-clamp (dSEVC). Nevertheless, it is generally difficult to impale two electrodes in a same neuron and the switching frequency is limited to low frequencies in the case of dSEVC. We present a novel fully computer-implemented alternative to perform continuous voltage-clamp recordings with a single sharp-electrode. To reach such voltage-clamp recordings, we combine an active electrode compensation algorithm (AEC) with a digital controller (AECVC). We applied two types of control-systems: a linear controller (proportional plus integrative controller) and a model-based controller (optimal control). We compared the performance of the two methods to dSEVC using a dynamic model cell and experiments in brain slices. The AECVC method provides an entirely digital method to perform continuous recording and smooth switching between voltage-clamp, current clamp or dynamic-clamp configurations without introducing artifacts.

Copper-phospholipid interaction at cell membrane model hydrophobic surfaces.

PubMed

Mlakar, Marina; Cuculić, Vlado; Frka, Sanja; Gašparović, Blaženka

2018-04-01

Detailed investigation of Cu (II) binding with natural lipid phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in aqueous solution was carried out by voltammetric measurements at the mercury drop electrode, complemented by monolayer studies in a Langmuir trough and electrophoretic measurements, all used as models for hydrophobic cell membranes. Penetration of copper ions into the PG layer was facilitated by the formation of hydrophilic Cu-Phenanthroline (Phen) complex in the subphase, followed by the mixed ligand Cu-Phen-PG complex formation at the hydrophobic interface. Electrophoretic measurements indicated a comparatively low abundance of the formed mixed ligand complex within the PG vesicles, resulting it the zeta potential change of +0.83mV, while monolayer studies confirmed their co-existence at the interface. The Cu-Phen-PG complex was identified in the pH range from 6 to 9. The stoichiometry of the complex ([PhenCuOHPG]), as well as its stability and kinetics of formation, were determined at the mercury drop electrode. Cu-Phen-PG reduces quasireversibly at about -0.7V vs. Ag/AgCl including reactant adsorption, followed by irreversible mixed complex dissociation, indicating a two-electron transfer - chemical reaction (EC mechanism). Consequently, the surface concentration (γ) of the adsorbed [PhenCuOHPG] complex at the hydrophobic electrode surface was calculated to be (3.35±0.67)×10 -11 molcm -2 . Information on the mechanism of Cu (II) - lipid complex formation is a significant contribution to the understanding of complex processes at natural cell membranes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transport Powder and Liquid Samples by Surface Acoustic Waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bao, Xiaoqi; Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Sherrit, Stewart; Badescu, Mircea; Louyeh, Sahar

2009-01-01

Sample transport is an important requirement for In-situ analysis of samples in NASA planetary exploration missions. Tests have shown that powders or liquid drops on a surface can be transported by surface acoustic waves (SAW) that are generated on the surface using interdigital transducers. The phenomena were investigated experimentally and to generate SAWs interdigital electrodes were deposited on wafers of 128 deg rotated Y-cut LiNbO?. Transporting capability of the SAW device was tested using particles of various sizes and drops of various viscosities liquids. Because of different interaction mechanisms with the SAWs, the powders and the liquid drops were observed to move in opposite directions. In the preliminary tests, a speed of 180 mm/s was achieved for powder transportation. The detailed experimental setup and results are presented in this paper. The transporting mechanism can potentially be applied to miniaturize sample analysis system or " lab-on-chip" devices.

Improved performance of inkjet-printed Ag source/drain electrodes for organic thin-film transistors by overcoming the coffee ring effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Cheng-Fang; Lin, Yan; Lai, Wen-Yong; Huang, Wei

2017-11-01

Inkjet printing is a promising technology for the scalable fabrication of organic electronics because of the material conservation and facile patterning as compared with other solution processing techniques. In this study, we have systematically investigated the cross-sectional profile control of silver (Ag) electrode via inkjet printing. A facile methodology for achieving inkjet-printed Ag source/drain with improved profiles is developed. It is demonstrated that the printing conditions such as substrate temperature, drop spacing and printing layers affect the magnitude of the droplet deposition and the rate of evaporation, which can be optimized to greatly reduce the coffee ring effects for improving the inkjet-printed electrode profiles. Ag source/drain electrodes with uniform profiles were successfully inkjet-printed and incorporated into organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). The resulting devices showed superior electrical performance than those without special treatments. It is noted to mention that the strategy for modulating the inkjet-printed Ag electrodes in this work does not demand the ink formulation or complicated steps, which is beneficial for scaling up the printing techniques for potential large-area/mass manufacturing.

Preparation of superconductor precursor powders

DOEpatents

Bhattacharya, R.

1998-08-04

A process for the preparation of a precursor metallic powder composition for use in the subsequent formation of a superconductor. The process comprises the steps of providing an electrodeposition bath comprising an electrolyte medium and a cathode substrate electrode, and providing to the bath one or more soluble salts of one or more respective metals which are capable of exhibiting superconductor properties upon subsequent appropriate treatment. The bath is continually energized to cause the metallic and/or reduced particles formed at the electrode to drop as a powder from the electrode into the bath, and this powder, which is a precursor powder for superconductor production, is recovered from the bath for subsequent treatment. The process permits direct inclusion of all metals in the preparation of the precursor powder, and yields an amorphous product mixed on an atomic scale to thereby impart inherent high reactivity. Superconductors which can be formed from the precursor powder include pellet and powder-in-tube products. 7 figs.

Preparation of superconductor precursor powders

DOEpatents

Bhattacharya, Raghunath

1998-01-01

A process for the preparation of a precursor metallic powder composition for use in the subsequent formation of a superconductor. The process comprises the steps of providing an electrodeposition bath comprising an electrolyte medium and a cathode substrate electrode, and providing to the bath one or more soluble salts of one or more respective metals which are capable of exhibiting superconductor properties upon subsequent appropriate treatment. The bath is continually energized to cause the metallic and/or reduced particles formed at the electrode to drop as a powder from the electrode into the bath, and this powder, which is a precursor powder for superconductor production, is recovered from the bath for subsequent treatment. The process permits direct inclusion of all metals in the preparation of the precursor powder, and yields an amorphous product mixed on an atomic scale to thereby impart inherent high reactivity. Superconductors which can be formed from the precursor powder include pellet and powder-in-tube products.

Hg(2+) detection using a disposable and miniaturized screen-printed electrode modified with nanocomposite carbon black and gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Cinti, Stefano; Santella, Francesco; Moscone, Danila; Arduini, Fabiana

2016-05-01

A miniaturized screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with a carbon black-gold nanoparticle (CBNP-AuNP) nanocomposite has been developed as an electrochemical sensor for the detection of inorganic mercury ions (Hg(2+)). The working electrode surface has been modified with nanocomposite constituted of CBNPs and AuNPs by an easy drop casting procedure that makes this approach extendible to an automatable mass production of modified SPEs. Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) was adopted to perform Hg(2+) detection, revealing satisfactory sensitivity and detection limit, equal to 14 μA ppb(-1) cm(-2) and 3 ppb, respectively. The applicability of the CBNP-AuNP-SPE for the determination of inorganic mercury has been assessed in river water by a simple filtration and acidification of the sample as well as in soil by means of a facile acidic extraction procedure assisted by ultrasound.

Effect of conducting core on the dynamics of a compound drop in an AC electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soni, Purushottam; Dixit, Divya; Juvekar, Vinay A.

2017-11-01

Dynamics of 0.1M NaCl/castor oil/silicone oil compound drop in an alternating electric field of frequency 1 Hz was investigated experimentally in a parallel plate electrode cell. A novel yet simple method was used for producing the compound drop with different ratios of the core radius to shell radius. Deformation dynamics under both transient and cyclical steady states were recorded using high-speed imaging. We observed that with an increase in the radius ratio, deformation of the shell increases and that of the core decreases. The temporal deformation of the core always leads that of the shell. The phase lead between the core and the shell is independent of electric field strength and salt concentration in the core but strongly depends on the viscosity of the medium and radius ratio. At a small radius ratio, the breakup of the core is similar to the disintegration of the isolated drop in an infinite fluid; whereas the core attends a diamond-like shape at a high radius ratio before ejecting the small droplets from the tips.

Graphene Transparent Conductive Electrodes for Next- Generation Microshutter Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Mary; Sultana, Mahmooda; Hess, Larry

2012-01-01

Graphene is a single atomic layer of graphite. It is optically transparent and has high electron mobility, and thus has great potential to make transparent conductive electrodes. This invention contributes towards the development of graphene transparent conductive electrodes for next-generation microshutter arrays. The original design for the electrodes of the next generation of microshutters uses indium-tin-oxide (ITO) as the electrode material. ITO is widely used in NASA flight missions. The optical transparency of ITO is limited, and the material is brittle. Also, ITO has been getting more expensive in recent years. The objective of the invention is to develop a graphene transparent conductive electrode that will replace ITO. An exfoliation procedure was developed to make graphene out of graphite crystals. In addition, large areas of single-layer graphene were produced using low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) with high optical transparency. A special graphene transport procedure was developed for transferring graphene from copper substrates to arbitrary substrates. The concept is to grow large-size graphene sheets using the LPCVD system through chemical reaction, transfer the graphene film to a substrate, dope graphene to reduce the sheet resistance, and pattern the film to the dimension of the electrodes in the microshutter array. Graphene transparent conductive electrodes are expected to have a transparency of 97.7%. This covers the electromagnetic spectrum from UV to IR. In comparison, ITO electrodes currently used in microshutter arrays have 85% transparency in mid-IR, and suffer from dramatic transparency drop at a wavelength of near-IR or shorter. Thus, graphene also has potential application as transparent conductive electrodes for Schottky photodiodes in the UV region.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING CHARGED PARTICLE MOTION

DOEpatents

Kerns, Q.A.

1959-08-01

An analog system for determining the motion of charged particles in three dimensional electrical fields is described. A model electrode structure is formed and potentials are applied to the electrodes to provide an analog of the field which is to be studied. To simulate charged particles within the model, conducting spheres are placed at points from which particle motion is to be traced. To free the spheres from gravitational attraction in order that they will be electrostatically accelerated through the model, the apparatus is suspended and dropped. During the pericd that the model is dropping the spheres move through the electrcde structure with a motion corresponding to that of particles in the real system. The model is photographed in the course of falling so that the instantaneous position of the spheres within the simulated field at selected times may be observed and measured. The device thus gives data of particles in the real system. The model is photographed in the course of falling so that the instantaneous position of the spheres within the simulated field at selected times may be observed and measured. The device thus gives data which frequently can otherwise be obtained only with a digital computer.

Optical sensors based on the NiPc-CoPc composite films deposited by drop casting and under the action of centrifugal force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatima, Noshin; Ahmed, Muhammad M.; Karimov, Khasan S.; Ahmad, Zubair; Fariq Muhammad, Fahmi

2017-06-01

In this study, solution processed composite films of nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) are deposited by drop casting and under centrifugal force. The films are deposited on surface-type inter-digitated silver electrodes on ceramic alumina substrates. The effects of illumination on the impedance and capacitance of the NiPc-CoPc composite samples are investigated. The samples deposited under centrifugal force show better conductivity than the samples deposited by drop casting technique. In terms of impedance and capacitance sensitivities the samples fabricated under centrifugal force are more sensitive than the drop casting samples. The values of impedance sensitivity ({S}z) are equal to (-1.83) {{M}}{{Ω }}\\cdot {{cm}}2/{mW} and (-5.365){{M}}{{Ω }}\\cdot {{cm}}2/{mW} for the samples fabricated using drop casting and under centrifugal force, respectively. Similarly, the values of capacitance sensitivity ({S}{{c}}) are equal to 0.083 {pF}\\cdot {{cm}}2/{mW} and 0.185 {pF}\\cdot {{cm}}2/{mW} for the samples fabricated by drop casting and under centrifugal force. The films deposited using the different procedures could potentially be viable for different operational modes (i.e., conductive or capacitive) of the optical sensors. Both experimental and simulated results are discussed. Project supported by the Center for Advanced Materials (CAM), Qatar University, Qatar.

Effects of the molecule-electrode interface on the low-bias conductance of Cu–H{sub 2}–Cu single-molecule junctions

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

Jiang, Zhuoling; Centre for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871; Wang, Hao

The atomic structure and electronic transport properties of a single hydrogen molecule connected to both symmetric and asymmetric Cu electrodes are investigated by using the non-equilibrium Green’s function formalism combined with the density functional theory. Our calculations show that in symmetric Cu–H{sub 2}–Cu junctions, the low-bias conductance drops rapidly upon stretching, while asymmetric ones present a low-bias conductance spanning the 0.2–0.3 G{sub 0} interval for a wide range of electrode separations. This is in good agreement with experiments on Cu atomic contacts in a hydrogen environment. Furthermore, the distribution of the calculated vibrational energies of the two hydrogen atoms inmore » the asymmetric Cu–H{sub 2}–Cu junction is also consistent with experiments. These findings provide clear evidence for the formation of asymmetric Cu–H{sub 2}–Cu molecular junctions in breaking Cu atomic contacts in the presence of hydrogen and are also helpful for the design of molecular devices with Cu electrodes.« less

Preparation of lead-zirconium-titanium film and powder by electrodeposition

DOEpatents

Bhattacharya, Raghu N.; Ginley, David S.

1995-01-01

A process for the preparation of lead-zirconium-titanium (PZT) film and powder compositions. The process comprises the steps of providing an electrodeposition bath, providing soluble salts of lead, zirconium and titanium metals to this bath, electrically energizing the bath to thereby direct ions of each respective metal to a substrate electrode and cause formation of metallic particles as a recoverable film of PZT powder on the electrode, and also recovering the resultant film as a powder. Recovery of the PZT powder can be accomplished by continually energizing the bath to thereby cause powder initially deposited on the substrate-electrode to drop therefrom into the bath from which it is subsequently removed. A second recovery alternative comprises energizing the bath for a period of time sufficient to cause PZT powder deposition on the substrate-electrode only, from which it is subsequently recovered. PZT film and powder so produced can be employed directly in electronic applications, or the film and powder can be subsequently oxidized as by an annealing process to thereby produce lead-zirconium-titanium oxide for use in electronic applications.

Preparation of lead-zirconium-titanium film and powder by electrodeposition

DOEpatents

Bhattacharya, R.N.; Ginley, D.S.

1995-10-31

A process is disclosed for the preparation of lead-zirconium-titanium (PZT) film and powder compositions. The process comprises the steps of providing an electrodeposition bath, providing soluble salts of lead, zirconium and titanium metals to this bath, electrically energizing the bath to thereby direct ions of each respective metal to a substrate electrode and cause formation of metallic particles as a recoverable film of PZT powder on the electrode, and also recovering the resultant film as a powder. Recovery of the PZT powder can be accomplished by continually energizing the bath to thereby cause powder initially deposited on the substrate-electrode to drop therefrom into the bath from which it is subsequently removed. A second recovery alternative comprises energizing the bath for a period of time sufficient to cause PZT powder deposition on the substrate-electrode only, from which it is subsequently recovered. PZT film and powder so produced can be employed directly in electronic applications, or the film and powder can be subsequently oxidized as by an annealing process to thereby produce lead-zirconium-titanium oxide for use in electronic applications. 4 figs.

Evolution of Reduced Graphene Oxide-SnS2 Hybrid Nanoparticle Electrodes in Li-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Modarres, Mohammad H; Lim, Jonathan Hua-Wei; George, Chandramohan; De Volder, Michael

2017-06-22

Hybrid nanomaterials where active battery nanoparticles are synthesized directly onto conductive additives such as graphene hold the promise of improving the cyclability and energy density of conversion and alloying type Li-ion battery electrodes. Here we investigate the evolution of hybrid reduced graphene oxide-tin sulfide (rGO-SnS 2 ) electrodes during battery cycling. These hybrid nanoparticles are synthesized by a one-step solvothermal microwave reaction which allows for simultaneous synthesis of the SnS 2 nanocrystals and reduction of GO. Despite the hybrid architecture of these electrodes, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that the impedance doubles in about 25 cycles and subsequently gradually increases, which may be caused by an irreversible surface passivation of rGO by sulfur enriched conversion products. This surface passivation is further confirmed by post-mortem Raman spectroscopy of the electrodes, which no longer detects rGO peaks after 100 cycles. Moreover, galvanostatic intermittent titration analysis during the 1st and 100th cycles shows a drop in Li-ion diffusion coefficient of over an order of magnitude. Despite reports of excellent cycling performance of hybrid nanomaterials, our work indicates that in certain electrode systems, it is still critical to further address passivation and charge transport issues between the active phase and the conductive additive in order to retain high energy density and cycling performance.

Evolution of Reduced Graphene Oxide–SnS2 Hybrid Nanoparticle Electrodes in Li-Ion Batteries

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Hybrid nanomaterials where active battery nanoparticles are synthesized directly onto conductive additives such as graphene hold the promise of improving the cyclability and energy density of conversion and alloying type Li-ion battery electrodes. Here we investigate the evolution of hybrid reduced graphene oxide–tin sulfide (rGO-SnS2) electrodes during battery cycling. These hybrid nanoparticles are synthesized by a one-step solvothermal microwave reaction which allows for simultaneous synthesis of the SnS2 nanocrystals and reduction of GO. Despite the hybrid architecture of these electrodes, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that the impedance doubles in about 25 cycles and subsequently gradually increases, which may be caused by an irreversible surface passivation of rGO by sulfur enriched conversion products. This surface passivation is further confirmed by post-mortem Raman spectroscopy of the electrodes, which no longer detects rGO peaks after 100 cycles. Moreover, galvanostatic intermittent titration analysis during the 1st and 100th cycles shows a drop in Li-ion diffusion coefficient of over an order of magnitude. Despite reports of excellent cycling performance of hybrid nanomaterials, our work indicates that in certain electrode systems, it is still critical to further address passivation and charge transport issues between the active phase and the conductive additive in order to retain high energy density and cycling performance. PMID:28804530

Electrocatalytic oxidation of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine at metal oxide doped phthalocyanine/MWCNT composite sensor

PubMed Central

Mphuthi, Ntsoaki G.; Adekunle, Abolanle S.; Ebenso, Eno E.

2016-01-01

Glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with metal oxides (MO = Fe3O4, ZnO) nanoparticles doped phthalocyanine (Pc) and functionalized MWCNTs, and the electrocatalytic properties were studied. Successful synthesis of the metal oxide nanoparticles and the MO/Pc/MWCNT composite were confirmed using FTIR, Raman and SEM techniques. The electrodes were characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. The electrocatalytic behaviour of the electrode towards epinephrine (EP) and norepinephrine (NE) oxidation was investigated using CV and DPV. Result showed that GCE-MWCNT/Fe3O4/2,3-Nc, GCE-MWCNT/Fe3O429H,31H-Pc, GCE-MWCNT/ZnO/2,3-Nc and GCE-MWCNT/ZnO/29H,31H-Pc electrodes gave enhanced EP and NE current response. Stability study indicated that the four GCE-MWCNT/MO/Pc modified electrodes were stable against electrode fouling effect with the percentage NE current drop of 5.56–5.88% after 20 scans. GCE-MWCNT/Fe3O4/29H,31H-Pc gave the lowest limit of detection (4.6 μM) towards EP while MWCNT/ZnO/29H,31H-Pc gave the lowest limit of detection (1.7 μM) towards NE. The limit of detection and sensitivity of the electrodes compared well with literature. Electrocatalytic oxidation of EP and NE on GCE-MWCNT/MO/Pc electrodes was diffusion controlled with some adsorption of electro-oxidation reaction intermediates products. The electrodes were found to be electrochemically stable, reusable and can be used for the analysis of EP and NE in real life samples. PMID:27245690

Influence of the electrode gap separation on the pseudospark-sourced electron beam generation

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

Zhao, J., E-mail: junping.zhao@qq.com; State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, West Xianning Road, Xi'an 710049; Department of Physics, SUPA, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0NG Scotland

Pseudospark-sourced electron beam is a self-focused intense electron beam which can propagate without any external focusing magnetic field. This electron beam can drive a beam-wave interaction directly or after being post-accelerated. It is especially suitable for terahertz radiation generation due to the ability of a pseudospark discharge to produce small size in the micron range and very high current density and bright electron beams. In this paper, a single-gap pseudospark discharge chamber has been built and tested with several electrode gap separations to explore the dependence of the pseudospark-sourced electron beam current on the discharge voltage and the electrode gapmore » separation. Experimental results show that the beam pulses have similar pulse width and delay time from the distinct drop of the applied voltage for smaller electrode gap separations but longer delay time for the largest gap separation used in the experiment. It has been found that the electron beam only starts to occur when the charging voltage is above a certain value, which is defined as the starting voltage of the electron beam. The starting voltage is different for different electrode gap separations and decreases with increasing electrode gap separation in our pseudospark discharge configuration. The electron beam current increases with the increasing discharge voltage following two tendencies. Under the same discharge voltage, the configuration with the larger electrode gap separation will generate higher electron beam current. When the discharge voltage is higher than 10 kV, the beam current generated at the electrode gap separation of 17.0 mm, is much higher than that generated at smaller gap separations. The ionization of the neutral gas in the main gap is inferred to contribute more to the current increase with increasing electrode gap separation.« less

Exact Analytic Result of Contact Value for the Density in a Modified Poisson-Boltzmann Theory of an Electrical Double Layer.

PubMed

Lou, Ping; Lee, Jin Yong

2009-04-14

For a simple modified Poisson-Boltzmann (SMPB) theory, taking into account the finite ionic size, we have derived the exact analytic expression for the contact values of the difference profile of the counterion and co-ion, as well as of the sum (density) and product profiles, near a charged planar electrode that is immersed in a binary symmetric electrolyte. In the zero ionic size or dilute limit, these contact values reduce to the contact values of the Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) theory. The analytic results of the SMPB theory, for the difference, sum, and product profiles were compared with the results of the Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations [ Bhuiyan, L. B.; Outhwaite, C. W.; Henderson, D. J. Electroanal. Chem. 2007, 607, 54 ; Bhuiyan, L. B.; Henderson, D. J. Chem. Phys. 2008, 128, 117101 ], as well as of the PB theory. In general, the analytic expression of the SMPB theory gives better agreement with the MC data than the PB theory does. For the difference profile, as the electrode charge increases, the result of the PB theory departs from the MC data, but the SMPB theory still reproduces the MC data quite well, which indicates the importance of including steric effects in modeling diffuse layer properties. As for the product profile, (i) it drops to zero as the electrode charge approaches infinity; (ii) the speed of the drop increases with the ionic size, and these behaviors are in contrast with the predictions of the PB theory, where the product is identically 1.

Screen-printed electrode modified with carbon black and chitosan: a novel platform for acetylcholinesterase biosensor development.

PubMed

Talarico, Daria; Arduini, Fabiana; Amine, Aziz; Cacciotti, Ilaria; Moscone, Danila; Palleschi, Giuseppe

2016-10-01

We report a screen-printed electrode (SPE) modified with a dispersion of carbon black (CB) and chitosan by drop casting. A cyclic voltammetry technique towards ferricyanide, caffeic acid, hydroquinone, and thiocholine was performed and an improvement of the electrochemical response with respect to bare SPE as well as SPE modified only with chitosan was observed. The possibility to detect thiocholine at a low applied potential with high sensitivity was exploited and an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biosensor was developed. A dispersion of CB, chitosan, and AChE was used to fabricate this biosensor in one step by drop casting. The enzymatic activity of the immobilized AChE was determined measuring the enzymatic product thiocholine at +300 mV. Owing to the capability of organophosphorus pesticides to inhibit AChE, this biosensor was used to detect these pollutants, and paraoxon was taken as model compound. The enzyme inhibition was linearly related to the concentration of paraoxon up to 0.5 μg L(-1), and a low detection limit equal to 0.05 μg L(-1) (calculated as 10% of inhibition) was achieved. This biosensor was challenged for paraoxon detection in drinking waters with satisfactory recovery values. The use of AChE embedded in a dispersion of CB and chitosan allowed an easy and fast production of a sensitive biosensor suitable for paraoxon detection in drinking waters at legal limit levels. Graphical Abstract Biosensors based on screen-printed electrodes modified with Acetylcholinesterase, Carbon Black, and Chitosan for organophosphorus pesticide detection.

Analytical Method for Determining Tetrazene in Water.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-01

8217-decanesulfonic acid sodium salt. The mobile phase pH was adjusted to 3 with glacial acetic acid. The modified mobile phase was optimal for separating of...modified with sodium tartrate, gave a well-defined reduction wave at the dropping mercury electrode. The height of the reduction wave was proportional to...anitmony trisulphide, nitrocellulose, PETN, powdered aluminum and calcium silicide . The primer samples were sequentially extracted, first with

A new aptamer/graphene interdigitated gold electrode piezoelectric sensor for rapid and specific detection of Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Lian, Yan; He, Fengjiao; Wang, Huan; Tong, Feifei

2015-03-15

A novel aptamer/graphene interdigitated gold electrode piezoelectric sensor was developed for the rapid and specific detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by employing S. aureus aptamer as a biological recognition element. 4-Mercaptobenzene-diazonium tetrafluoroborate (MBDT) salt was used as a molecular cross-linking agent to chemically bind graphene to interdigital gold electrodes (IDE) that are connected to a series electrode piezoelectric quartz crystal (SPQC). S. aureus aptamers were assembly immobilized onto graphene via the π-π stacking of DNA bases. Due to the specific binding between S. aureus and aptamer, when S. aureus is present, the DNA bases interacted with the aptamer, thereby dropping the aptamer from the surface of the graphene. The electric parameters of the electrode surface was changed and resulted in the change of oscillator frequency of the SPQC. This detection was completed within 60min. The constructed sensor demonstrated a linear relationship between resonance frequency shifts with bacterial concentrations ranging from 4.1×10(1)-4.1×10(5)cfu/mL with a detection limit of 41cfu/mL. The developed strategy can detect S. aureus rapidly and specifically for clinical diagnosis and food testing. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Automated Method to Monitor Cell Migration.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giaever, Ivar; Keese, Charles R.

2002-03-01

Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) has been developed as a non-invasive means to follow cell behavior in culture. In this method cells are cultured on small (250 micrometer diameter) gold film electrodes. The impedance of the electrode is measured by an AC current about 1 microampere. When challenged by biochemical or physical stimuli the cells will respond by changing their morphology and motion. These changes are reflected in the measured impedance values. In this study, the basic ECIS system was used in both a non-invasive and invasive mode to carry out an automated wound-healing assay for quantifying cell migration activity. BSC-1, MDCK, and NRK cell lines were grown to confluence in ECIS wells before data was collected. An AC current of approximately 1 milliampere at 40,000 Hz was applied for several seconds, killing the cells in contact with the ECIS electrode and dropping the impedance to that of a cell-free electrode. For the next few hours following this incursion, the neighboring cells migrate into the wounded area replacing the dead cells, and the electrodes return to impedance values of unwounded controls. Data shows that the time required for the completion of this activity is strongly dependent upon cell type, medium composition, and the type of protein adsorbed to the substrate.

Development of in vivo impedance spectroscopy techniques for measurement of micropore formation following microneedle insertion

PubMed Central

Brogden, Nicole K.; Ghosh, Priyanka; Hardi, Lucia; Crofford, Leslie J.; Stinchcomb, Audra L.

2013-01-01

Microneedles provide a minimally invasive means to enhance skin permeability by creating micron-scale channels (micropores) that provide a drug delivery pathway. Adequate formation of the micropores is critical to the success of this unique drug delivery technique. The objective of these studies was to develop sensitive and reproducible impedance spectroscopy techniques to monitor micropore formation in animal models and human subjects. Hairless guinea pigs, a Yucatan miniature pig, and human volunteers were treated with 100 microneedle insertions per site following an overnight pre-hydration period. Repeated measurements were made pre- and post-microneedle treatment using dry and gel Ag/AgCl electrodes applied with light vs. direct pressure to hold the electrode to the skin surface. Impedance measurements dropped significantly post-microneedle application at all sites (p < 0.05, irrespective of electrode type or gel application), confirming micropore formation. In the Yucatan pig and human subjects, gel electrodes with direct pressure yielded the lowest variability (demonstrated by lower %RSD), whereas dry electrodes with direct pressure were superior in the guinea pigs. These studies confirm that impedance measurements are suitable for use in both clinical and animal research environments to monitor formation of new micropores that will allow for drug delivery through the impermeable skin layers. PMID:23589356

Development of in vivo impedance spectroscopy techniques for measurement of micropore formation following microneedle insertion.

PubMed

Brogden, Nicole K; Ghosh, Priyanka; Hardi, Lucia; Crofford, Leslie J; Stinchcomb, Audra L

2013-06-01

Microneedles (MNs) provide a minimally invasive means to enhance skin permeability by creating micron-scale channels (micropores) that provide a drug delivery pathway. Adequate formation of the micropores is critical to the success of this unique drug delivery technique. The objective of the current work was to develop sensitive and reproducible impedance spectroscopy techniques to monitor micropore formation in animal models and human subjects. Hairless guinea pigs, a Yucatan miniature pig, and human volunteers were treated with 100 MN insertions per site following an overnight prehydration period. Repeated measurements were made pre- and post-MN treatment using dry and gel Ag/AgCl electrodes applied with light verses direct pressure to hold the electrode to the skin surface. Impedance measurements dropped significantly post-MN application at all sites (p < 0.05, irrespective of electrode type or gel application), confirming micropore formation. In the Yucatan pig and human subjects, gel electrodes with direct pressure yielded the lowest variability (demonstrated by lower %relative standard deviation), whereas dry electrodes with direct pressure were superior in the guinea pigs. These studies confirm that impedance measurements are suitable for use in both clinical and animal research environments to monitor the formation of new micropores that will allow for drug delivery through the impermeable skin layers. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In Situ Activation of Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Anchored on Graphite Foam for a High-Capacity Anode.

PubMed

Ji, Junyi; Liu, Jilei; Lai, Linfei; Zhao, Xin; Zhen, Yongda; Lin, Jianyi; Zhu, Yanwu; Ji, Hengxing; Zhang, Li Li; Ruoff, Rodney S

2015-08-25

We report the fabrication of a three-dimensional free-standing nitrogen-doped porous graphene/graphite foam by in situ activation of nitrogen-doped graphene on highly conductive graphite foam (GF). After in situ activation, intimate "sheet contact" was observed between the graphene sheets and the GF. The sheet contact produced by in situ activation is found to be superior to the "point contact" obtained by the traditional drop-casting method and facilitates electron transfer. Due to the intimate contact as well as the use of an ultralight GF current collector, the composite electrode delivers a gravimetric capacity of 642 mAh g(-1) and a volumetric capacity of 602 mAh cm(-3) with respect to the whole electrode mass and volume (including the active materials and the GF current collector). When normalized based on the mass of the active material, the composite electrode delivers a high specific capacity of up to 1687 mAh g(-1), which is superior to that of most graphene-based electrodes. Also, after ∼90 s charging, the anode delivers a capacity of about 100 mAh g(-1) (with respect to the total mass of the electrode), indicating its potential use in high-rate lithium-ion batteries.

Droplet combustion at reduced gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dryer, F. L.; Williams, F. A.

1988-01-01

The current work involves theoretical analyses of the effects identified, experiments in the NASA Lewis drop towers performed in the middeck areas of the Space Shuttle. In addition, there is laboratory work associated with the design of the flight apparatus. Calculations have shown that some of the test-matrix data can be obtained in drop towers, and some are achievable only in the space experiments. The apparatus consists of a droplet dispensing device (syringes), a droplet positioning device (opposing, retractable, hollow needles), a droplet ignition device (two matched pairs of retractable spark electrodes), gas and liquid handling systems, a data acquisition system (mainly giving motion-picture records of the combustion in two orthogonal views, one with backlighting for droplet resolution), and associated electronics.

Droplet Translation Actuated by Photoelectrowetting.

PubMed

Palma, Cesar; Deegan, Robert D

2018-03-13

In traditional electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) devices, droplets are moved about a substrate using electric fields produced by an array of discrete electrodes. In this study, we show that a drop can be driven across a substrate with a localized light beam by exploiting the photoelectrowetting (PEW) effect, a light-activated variant of EWOD. Droplet transport actuated by PEW eliminates the need for electrode arrays and the complexities entailed in their fabrication and control, and offers a new approach for designing lab-on-a-chip applications. We report measurements of the maximum droplet speed as a function of frequency and magnitude of the applied bias, intensity of illumination, volume of the droplet, and viscosity and also introduce a model that reproduces these data.

Plasma development in the accelerator of a 2-kJ focus discharge.

PubMed

Fischer, H; Haering, K H

1979-07-01

Optical image structures from early breakdown ( approximately 200 nsec) to focus formation (~1300 nsec) in 3 Torr hydrogen were studied by means of 2 image converter shutters having 50-nsec and 10-nsec exposure. Space charge limited cathode spots at the outer electrode (OE)-spoke-shaped positive columns across the gap-and an extended electron cloud along the center electrode (CE) determine the current flow during early breakdown. Ionization increases exponentially within the center gap plasma. This is separated from the CE by a pattern of anode drop filaments. Filament structures grow into the z-axis accelerated current sheath, which in addition carries the early spoke pattern. The sheath appears homogeneous after leaving the accelerator exit.

A graphene oxide pH sensor for wound monitoring.

PubMed

Melai, B; Salvo, P; Calisi, N; Moni, L; Bonini, A; Paoletti, C; Lomonaco, T; Mollica, V; Fuoco, R; Di Francesco, F

2016-08-01

This article describes the fabrication and characterization of a pH sensor for monitoring the wound status. The pH sensitive layer consists of a graphene oxide (GO) layer obtained by drop-casting 5 μΐ of GO dispersion onto the working electrode of a screen-printed substrate. Sensitivity was 31.8 mV/pH with an accuracy of 0.3 unit of pH. Open-circuit potentiometry was carried out to measure pH in an exudate sample. The GO pH sensor proved to be reliable as the comparison with results obtained from a standard glass electrode pH-meter showed negligible differences (<; 0.09 pH units in the worst case) for measurements performed over a period of 4 days.

Measurement of thin liquid film drainage using a novel high-speed impedance analyzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hool, Kevin O.; Saunders, Robert C.; Ploehn, Harry J.

1998-09-01

This work describes the design and implementation of a new instrument, called the thin film impedance analyzer, which measures the rate of drainage of thin oil films. The instrument forms an oil film by elevating a planar oil-water interface into a water drop hanging from a stainless steel capillary tube immersed in the oil. The instrument measures the magnitude of the impedance of the matter between the capillary tube and a screen electrode immersed in the lower water phase. Under appropriate conditions, the capacitance of the oil film dominates the impedance. The instrument records the increase in the magnitude of the admittance associated with the draining and thinning of the oil film. The features of the drainage curves vary considerably with the type, amount, and location of surfactants in the oil and water phases, as well as with user-specified values of drop volume, drop equilibration time, and extent of drop compression. For this reason, the instrument has utility as a screening tool for selecting surfactants for emulsion formulations. Potential future uses include accelerated prediction of emulsion stability and extraction of oil-water interfacial rheological parameters.

Determination of heavy metals in mussel and oyster samples with tris (2,2‧-bipyridyl) ruthenium (II)/graphene/Nafion® modified glassy carbon electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palisoc, Shirley T.; Uy, Donald Jans S.; Natividad, Michelle T.; Lopez, Toni Beth G.

2017-11-01

Tris (2,2‧-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)/graphene/Nafion® modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) were fabricated using the drop coating method. The modified electrode was used as the working electrode in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for the determination of lead, cadmium, and copper in mussel and oyster samples. The concentration of Tris (2,2‧-bipyridyl) ruthenium (II) and graphene were varied while those of Nafion®, methanol, and ethanol were held constant in the coating solution. The morphology and elemental composition of the fabricated electrodes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was done to investigate the reversibility and stability of the modified electrodes. The modified electrode with the best figures of merit was utilized for the detection of copper (Cu2+), lead (Pb2+) and cadmium (Cd2+) via DPV. This was the electrode modified with 4 mg [Ru (bpy)3]2+ and 3 mg graphene. The anodic current and metal concentration showed linear relationship in the range of 48 ppb-745 ppb for Pb2+, 49 ppb-613 ppb for Cd2+, and 28 ppb-472 ppb for Cu2+. The limits of detection for lead, cadmium, and copper were 48 ppb, 49 ppb, and 28 ppb, respectively. Results from atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) were compared with those measured with DPV. Lead, cadmium, and copper were in mussels, oysters, and sea water. In addition, DPV was able to detect other metals such as zinc, iron, tin and mercury in sea water samples and some samples of oysters.

Preparation of superconductor precursor powders

DOEpatents

Bhattacharya, Raghunath; Blaugher, Richard D.

1995-01-01

A process for the preparation of a precursor metallic powder composition for use in the subsequent formation of a superconductor. The process comprises the steps of providing an electrodeposition bath comprising an electrolyte medium and a cathode substrate electrode, and providing to the bath one or more soluble salts of one or more respective metals, such as nitrate salts of thallium, barium, calcium, and copper, which are capable of exhibiting superconductor properties upon subsequent appropriate treatment. The bath is continually energized to cause the metallic particles formed at the electrode to drop as a powder from the electrode into the bath, and this powder, which is a precursor powder for superconductor production, is recovered from the bath for subsequent treatment. The process permits direct inclusion of thallium in the preparation of the precursor powder, and yields an amorphous product mixed on an atomic scale to thereby impart inherent high reactivity. Superconductors which can be formed from the precursor powder include pellet and powder-in-tube products.

A study of the sink effect by blood vessels in radiofrequency ablation.

PubMed

Zorbas, George; Samaras, Theodoros

2015-02-01

The objective of the current work was to study the sink effect in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) caused by a blood vessel located close to an electrode in a two-compartment numerical model, consisting of a spherical tumor embedded in healthy liver tissue. Several blood vessels of different sizes were studied at different distances from the electrode. It was found that when a straight blood vessel, cylindrical in shape, is located parallel to the electrode, the minimum distance for a drop of only 10% in the isothermal treatment volume above 50°C, compared to the model without the blood vessel, varies from 4.49 mm (for a vessel of 2mm in diameter) to 20.02 mm (for a vessel 20mm in diameter). The results can be used as a guideline to clinical practitioners, in order to quickly assess the potential impact of existing blood vessels on the resulting treatment volume. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using Evoked Potentials to Match Interaural Electrode Pairs with Bilateral Cochlear Implants

PubMed Central

Delgutte, Bertrand

2007-01-01

Bilateral cochlear implantation seeks to restore the advantages of binaural hearing to the profoundly deaf by providing binaural cues normally important for accurate sound localization and speech reception in noise. Psychophysical observations suggest that a key issue for the implementation of a successful binaural prosthesis is the ability to match the cochlear positions of stimulation channels in each ear. We used a cat model of bilateral cochlear implants with eight-electrode arrays implanted in each cochlea to develop and test a noninvasive method based on evoked potentials for matching interaural electrodes. The arrays allowed the cochlear location of stimulation to be independently varied in each ear. The binaural interaction component (BIC) of the electrically evoked auditory brainstem response (EABR) was used as an assay of binaural processing. BIC amplitude peaked for interaural electrode pairs at the same relative cochlear position and dropped with increasing cochlear separation in either direction. To test the hypothesis that BIC amplitude peaks when electrodes from the two sides activate maximally overlapping neural populations, we measured multiunit neural activity along the tonotopic gradient of the inferior colliculus (IC) with 16-channel recording probes and determined the spatial pattern of IC activation for each stimulating electrode. We found that the interaural electrode pairings that produced the best aligned IC activation patterns were also those that yielded maximum BIC amplitude. These results suggest that EABR measurements may provide a method for assigning frequency–channel mappings in bilateral implant recipients, such as pediatric patients, for which psychophysical measures of pitch ranking or binaural fusion are unavailable. PMID:17225976

Using evoked potentials to match interaural electrode pairs with bilateral cochlear implants.

PubMed

Smith, Zachary M; Delgutte, Bertrand

2007-03-01

Bilateral cochlear implantation seeks to restore the advantages of binaural hearing to the profoundly deaf by providing binaural cues normally important for accurate sound localization and speech reception in noise. Psychophysical observations suggest that a key issue for the implementation of a successful binaural prosthesis is the ability to match the cochlear positions of stimulation channels in each ear. We used a cat model of bilateral cochlear implants with eight-electrode arrays implanted in each cochlea to develop and test a noninvasive method based on evoked potentials for matching interaural electrodes. The arrays allowed the cochlear location of stimulation to be independently varied in each ear. The binaural interaction component (BIC) of the electrically evoked auditory brainstem response (EABR) was used as an assay of binaural processing. BIC amplitude peaked for interaural electrode pairs at the same relative cochlear position and dropped with increasing cochlear separation in either direction. To test the hypothesis that BIC amplitude peaks when electrodes from the two sides activate maximally overlapping neural populations, we measured multiunit neural activity along the tonotopic gradient of the inferior colliculus (IC) with 16-channel recording probes and determined the spatial pattern of IC activation for each stimulating electrode. We found that the interaural electrode pairings that produced the best aligned IC activation patterns were also those that yielded maximum BIC amplitude. These results suggest that EABR measurements may provide a method for assigning frequency-channel mappings in bilateral implant recipients, such as pediatric patients, for which psychophysical measures of pitch ranking or binaural fusion are unavailable.

Memristor-integrated voltage-stabilizing supercapacitor system.

PubMed

Liu, Bin; Liu, Boyang; Wang, Xianfu; Wu, Xinghui; Zhao, Wenning; Xu, Zhimou; Chen, Di; Shen, Guozhen

2014-08-06

Voltage-stabilized supercapacitors: A single supercapacitor formed with PCBM/Pt/IPS nanorod-array electrodes is designed and delivers enhanced areal capacitance, capacitance retention, and excellent electrical stability under bending, while a significant voltage-decrease is observed during the discharging process. Once integrated with the memristor, the memristor-integrated supercapacitor systems deliver an extremely low voltage-drop, indicating greatly enhanced voltage-stabilizing features. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Application of graphene-ionic liquid-chitosan composite-modified carbon molecular wire electrode for the sensitive determination of adenosine-5'-monophosphate.

PubMed

Shi, Fan; Gong, Shixing; Xu, Li; Zhu, Huanhuan; Sun, Zhenfan; Sun, Wei

2013-12-01

In this paper, a graphene (GR) ionic liquid (IL) 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and chitosan composite-modified carbon molecular wire electrode (CMWE) was fabricated by a drop-casting method and further applied to the sensitive electrochemical detection of adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP). CMWE was prepared with diphenylacetylene (DPA) as the modifier and the binder. The properties of modified electrode were examined by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Electrochemical behaviors of AMP was carefully investigated with enhanced responses appeared, which was due to the presence of GR-IL composite on the electrode surface with excellent electrocatalytic ability. A well-defined oxidation peak of AMP appeared at 1.314 V and the electrochemical parameters were calculated by electrochemical methods. Under the selected conditions, the oxidation peak current of AMP was proportional to its concentration in the range from 0.01 μM to 80.0 μM with the detection limit as 3.42 nM (3σ) by differential pulse voltammetry. The proposed method exhibited good selectivity and was applied to the detection of vidarabine monophosphate injection samples with satisfactory results. © 2013.

Fabrication of high-performance supercapacitors based on transversely oriented carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markoulidis, F.; Lei, C.; Lekakou, C.

2013-04-01

High-performance supercapacitors with organic electrolyte 1 M TEABF4 (tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate) in PC (propylene carbonate) were fabricated and tested, based on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) deposited by electrophoresis on three types of alternative substrates: aluminium foil, ITO (indium tin oxide) coated PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film and PET film. In all cases, SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and STEM (scanning transmission electron microscopy) micrographs demonstrated that protruding, transversely oriented MWNT structures were formed, which should increase the transverse conductivity of these MWNT electrodes. The best supercapacitor cell of MWNT electrodes deposited on aluminium foil displayed good transverse orientation of the MWNT structures as well as an in-plane MWNT network at the feet of the protruding structures, which ensured good in-plane conductivity. Capacitor cells with MWNT electrodes deposited either on ITO-coated PET film or on PET film demonstrated lower but still very good performance due to the high density of transversely oriented MWNT structures (good transverse conductivity) but some in-plane inhomogeneities. Capacitor cells with drop-printed MWNTs on aluminium foil, without any transverse orientation, had 16-30 times lower specific capacitance and 5-40 times lower power density than the capacitor cells with the electrophoretically deposited MWNT electrodes.

Membrane-spacer assembly for flow-electrode capacitive deionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Ki Sook; Cho, Younghyun; Choo, Ko Yeon; Yang, SeungCheol; Han, Moon Hee; Kim, Dong Kook

2018-03-01

Flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI) is a desalination process designed to overcome the limited desalination capacity of conventional CDI systems due to their fixed electrodes. Such a FCDI cell system is comprised of a current collector, freestanding ion-exchange membrane (IEM), gasket, and spacer for flowing saline water. To simplify the cell system, in this study we combined the membrane and spacer into a single unit, by coating the IEM on a porous ceramic structure that acts as the spacer. The combination of membrane with the porous structure avoids the use of costly freestanding IEM. Furthermore, the FCDI system can be readily scaled up by simply inserting the IEM-coated porous structures in between the channels for flow electrodes. However, coating the IEM on such porous ceramic structures can cause a sudden drop in the treatment capacity, if the coated IEM penetrates the ceramic pores and prevents these pores from acting as saline flow channels. To address this issue, we blocked the larger microscale pores on the outer surface with SiO2 and polymeric multilayers. Thus, the IEM is coated only onto the top surface of the porous structure, while the internal pores remain empty to function as water channels.

Square-wave stripping voltammetric determination of caffeic acid on electrochemically reduced graphene oxide-Nafion composite film.

PubMed

Filik, Hayati; Çetintaş, Gamze; Avan, Asiye Aslıhan; Aydar, Sevda; Koç, Serkan Naci; Boz, İsmail

2013-11-15

An electrochemical sensor composed of Nafion-graphene nanocomposite film for the voltammetric determination of caffeic acid (CA) was studied. A Nafion graphene oxide-modified glassy carbon electrode was fabricated by a simple drop-casting method and then graphene oxide was electrochemically reduced over the glassy carbon electrode. The electrochemical analysis method was based on the adsorption of caffeic acid on Nafion/ER-GO/GCE and then the oxidation of CA during the stripping step. The resulting electrode showed an excellent electrocatalytical response to the oxidation of caffeic acid (CA). The electrochemistry of caffeic acid on Nafion/ER-GO modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) were studied by cyclic voltammetry and square-wave adsorption stripping voltammetry (SW-AdSV). At optimized test conditions, the calibration curve for CA showed two linear segments: the first linear segment increased from 0.1 to 1.5 and second linear segment increased up to 10 µM. The detection limit was determined as 9.1×10(-8) mol L(-1) using SW-AdSV. Finally, the proposed method was successfully used to determine CA in white wine samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Proximity-induced superconductivity in crystalline Cu and Co nanowires and nanogranular Co structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kompaniiets, M.; Dobrovolskiy, O. V.; Neetzel, C.; Begun, E.; Porrati, F.; Ensinger, W.; Huth, M.

2014-08-01

We report an experimental study of proximity effect-induced superconductivity in crystalline Cu and Co nanowires and a nanogranular Co nanowire structure in contact with a superconducting W-based floating electrode (inducer). For electrical resistance measurements up to three pairs of Pt-based voltage leads were attached at different distances beside the inner inducer electrode, thus allowing us to probe the proximity effect over a length of 2-12 μm. Up to 30% resistance drops with respect to the normal-state value have been observed for the crystalline Co and Cu nanowires when sweeping the temperature below Tc of the inducer (5.2 K). By contrast, relative R(T) drops were found to be an order of magnitude smaller for the nanogranular Co nanowire structure. Our analysis of the resistance data shows that the superconducting proximity length in crystalline Cu and Co is about 1 μm at 2.4 K, attesting to a long-range proximity effect in the Co nanowire. Moreover, this long-range proximity effect is insusceptible to magnetic fields up to 11 T, which is indicative of spin-triplet pairing. At the same time, proximity-induced superconductivity in the nanogranular Co nanowire is strongly suppressed due to the dominating Cooper pair scattering caused by its intrinsic microstructure.

Fabrication of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell MEAs utilizing inkjet print technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Towne, Silas; Viswanathan, Vish; Holbery, James; Rieke, Peter

Utilizing drop-on-demand technology, we have successfully fabricated hydrogen-air polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), demonstrated some of the processing advantages of this technology and have demonstrated that the performance is comparable to conventionally fabricated membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Commercial desktop inkjet printers were used to deposit the active catalyst electrode layer directly from print cartridges onto Nafion ® polymer membranes in the hydrogen form. The layers were well-adhered and withstood simple tape peel, bending and abrasion tests and did so without any post-deposition hot press step. The elimination of this processing step suggests that inkjet-based fabrication or similar processing technologies may provide a route to less expensive large-scale fabrication of PEMFCs. When tested in our experimental apparatus, open circuit voltages up to 0.87 V and power densities of up to 155 mW cm -2 were obtained with a catalyst loading of 0.20 mg Pt cm -2. A commercially available membrane under identical, albeit not optimized test conditions, showed about 7% greater power density. The objective of this work was to demonstrate some of the processing advantages of drop-on-demand technology for fabrication of MEAs. It remains to be determined if inkjet fabrication offers performance advantages or leads to more efficient utilization of expensive catalyst materials.

Current and temperature distributions in-situ acquired by electrode-segmentation along a microtubular solid oxide fuel cell operating with syngas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aydın, Özgür; Nakajima, Hironori; Kitahara, Tatsumi

2015-10-01

Addressing the fuel distribution and endothermic cooling by the internal reforming, we have measured longitudinal current/temperature variations by ;Electrode-segmentation; in a microtubular solid oxide fuel cell operated with syngas (50% pre-reformed methane) and equivalent H2/N2 (100% conversion of syngas to H2) at three different flow rates. Regardless of the syngas flow rates, currents and temperatures show irregular fluctuations with varying amplitudes from upstream to downstream segment. Analysis of the fluctuations suggests that the methane steam reforming reaction is highly affected by the H2 partial pressure. Current-voltage curves plotted for the syngas and equivalent H2/N2 flow rates reveal that the fuel depletion is enhanced toward the downstream during the syngas operation, resulting in a larger performance degradation. All the segments exhibit temperature drops with the syngas flow compared with the equivalent H2/N2 flow due to the endothermic cooling by the methane steam reforming reaction. Despite the drops, the segment temperatures remain above the furnace temperature; besides, the maximum temperature difference along the cell diminishes. The MSR reaction rate does not consistently increase with the decreasing gas inlet velocity (increasing residence time on the catalyst); which we ascribe to the dominating impact of the local temperatures.

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

Lee, Hong-Sub; Park, Hyung-Ho, E-mail: hhpark@yonsei.ac.kr

The resistive switching (RS) phenomenon in transition metal oxides (TMOs) has received a great deal of attention for non-volatile memory applications. Various RS mechanisms have been suggested as to explain the observed RS characteristics. Many reports suggest that changes of interface and the role of oxygen vacancies originate in RS phenomena; therefore, in this study, we use a liquid drop of mercury as the top electrode (TE), epitaxial Pr{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} (PCMO) (110) film of the perovskite manganite family for RS material, and an Nb-doped (0.7 at. %) SrTiO{sub 3} (100) single crystal as the substrate to observe changes inmore » the interface between the TE and TMOs. The use of removable liquid electrode Hg drop as TE not only enables observation of the RS characteristic as a bipolar RS curve (counterclockwise) but also facilitates analysis of the valence band of the PCMO surface after resistive switching via photoelectron spectroscopy. The observed I-V behaviors of the low and high resistance states (HRS) are explained with an electrochemical migration model in PCMO film where accumulated oxygen vacancies at the interface between the Hg TE and PCMO (110) surface induce the HRS. The interpreted RS mechanism is directly confirmed via valence band spectrum analysis.« less

A comparison of recording modalities of P300 event-related potentials (ERP) for brain-computer interface (BCI) paradigm.

PubMed

Mayaud, L; Congedo, M; Van Laghenhove, A; Orlikowski, D; Figère, M; Azabou, E; Cheliout-Heraut, F

2013-10-01

A brain-computer interface aims at restoring communication and control in severely disabled people by identification and classification of EEG features such as event-related potentials (ERPs). The aim of this study is to compare different modalities of EEG recording for extraction of ERPs. The first comparison evaluates the performance of six disc electrodes with that of the EMOTIV headset, while the second evaluates three different electrode types (disc, needle, and large squared electrode). Ten healthy volunteers gave informed consent and were randomized to try the traditional EEG system (six disc electrodes with gel and skin preparation) or the EMOTIV Headset first. Together with the six disc electrodes, a needle and a square electrode of larger surface were simultaneously recording near lead Cz. Each modality was evaluated over three sessions of auditory P300 separated by one hour. No statically significant effect was found for the electrode type, nor was the interaction between electrode type and session number. There was no statistically significant difference of performance between the EMOTIV and the six traditional EEG disc electrodes, although there was a trend showing worse performance of the EMOTIV headset. However, the modality-session interaction was highly significant (P<0.001) showing that, while the performance of the six disc electrodes stay constant over sessions, the performance of the EMOTIV headset drops dramatically between 2 and 3h of use. Finally, the evaluation of comfort by participants revealed an increasing discomfort with the EMOTIV headset starting with the second hour of use. Our study does not recommend the use of one modality over another based on performance but suggests the choice should be made on more practical considerations such as the expected length of use, the availability of skilled labor for system setup and above all, the patient comfort. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Test-beds for molecular electronics: metal-molecules-metal junctions based on Hg electrodes.

PubMed

Simeone, Felice Carlo; Rampi, Maria Anita

2010-01-01

Junctions based on mesoscopic Hg electrodes are used to characterize the electrical properties of the organic molecules organized in self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The junctions M-SAM//SAM-Hg are formed by one electrode based on metals (M) such as Hg, Ag, Au, covered by a SAM, and by a second electrode always formed by a Hg drop carrying also a SAM. The electrodes, brought together by using a micromanipulator, sandwich SAMs of different nature at the contact area (approximately = 0.7 microm2). The high versatility of the system allows a series of both electrical and electrochemical junctions to be assembled and characterized: (i) The compliant nature of the Hg electrodes allows incorporation into the junction and measurement of the electrical behavior of a large number of molecular systems and correlation of their electronic structure to the electrical behavior; (ii) by functionalizing both electrodes with SAMs exposing different functional groups, X and Y, it is possible to compare the rate of electron transfer through different X...Y molecular interactions; (iii) when the junction incorporates one of the electrode formed by a semitransparent film of Au, it allows electrical measurements under irradiation of the sandwiched SAMs. In this case the junction behaves as a photoswitch; iv) incorporation of redox centres with low lying, easily reachable energy levels, provides electron stations as indicated by the hopping mechanism dominating the current flow; (v) electrochemical junctions incorporating redox centres by both covalent and electrostatic interactions permit control of the potential of the electrodes with respect to that of the redox state by means of an external reference electrode. Both these junctions show an electrical behavior similar to that of conventional diodes, even though the mechanism generating the current flow is different. These systems, demonstrating high mechanical stability and reproducibility, easy assembly, and a wide variety of produced results, are convenient test-beds for molecular electronics and represent a useful complement to physics-based experimental methods.

Safe electrode trajectory planning in SEEG via MIP-based vessel segmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scorza, Davide; Moccia, Sara; De Luca, Giuseppe; Plaino, Lisa; Cardinale, Francesco; Mattos, Leonardo S.; Kabongo, Luis; De Momi, Elena

2017-03-01

Stereo-ElectroEncephaloGraphy (SEEG) is a surgical procedure that allows brain exploration of patients affected by focal epilepsy by placing intra-cerebral multi-lead electrodes. The electrode trajectory planning is challenging and time consuming. Various constraints have to be taken into account simultaneously, such as absence of vessels at the electrode Entry Point (EP), where bleeding is more likely to occur. In this paper, we propose a novel framework to help clinicians in defining a safe trajectory and focus our attention on EP. For each electrode, a Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) image was obtained from Computer Tomography Angiography (CTA) slices of the brain first centimeter measured along the electrode trajectory. A Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), modified to include neighborhood prior through Markov Random Fields (GMM-MRF), is used to robustly segment vessels and deal with the noisy nature of MIP images. Results are compared with simple GMM and manual global Thresholding (Th) by computing sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and Dice similarity index against manual segmentation performed under the supervision of an expert surgeon. In this work we present a novel framework which can be easily integrated into manual and automatic planner to help surgeon during the planning phase. GMM-MRF qualitatively showed better performance over GMM in reproducing the connected nature of brain vessels also in presence of noise and image intensity drops typical of MIP images. With respect Th, it is a completely automatic method and it is not influenced by inter-subject variability.

Development of a sequential injection-square wave voltammetry method for determination of paraquat in water samples employing the hanging mercury drop electrode.

PubMed

dos Santos, Luciana B O; Infante, Carlos M C; Masini, Jorge C

2010-03-01

This work describes the development and optimization of a sequential injection method to automate the determination of paraquat by square-wave voltammetry employing a hanging mercury drop electrode. Automation by sequential injection enhanced the sampling throughput, improving the sensitivity and precision of the measurements as a consequence of the highly reproducible and efficient conditions of mass transport of the analyte toward the electrode surface. For instance, 212 analyses can be made per hour if the sample/standard solution is prepared off-line and the sequential injection system is used just to inject the solution towards the flow cell. In-line sample conditioning reduces the sampling frequency to 44 h(-1). Experiments were performed in 0.10 M NaCl, which was the carrier solution, using a frequency of 200 Hz, a pulse height of 25 mV, a potential step of 2 mV, and a flow rate of 100 µL s(-1). For a concentration range between 0.010 and 0.25 mg L(-1), the current (i(p), µA) read at the potential corresponding to the peak maximum fitted the following linear equation with the paraquat concentration (mg L(-1)): i(p) = (-20.5 ± 0.3)C (paraquat) - (0.02 ± 0.03). The limits of detection and quantification were 2.0 and 7.0 µg L(-1), respectively. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by recovery studies using spiked water samples that were also analyzed by molecular absorption spectrophotometry after reduction of paraquat with sodium dithionite in an alkaline medium. No evidence of statistically significant differences between the two methods was observed at the 95% confidence level.

Flexible 3D porous CuO nanowire arrays for enzymeless glucose sensing: in situ engineered versus ex situ piled

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jianfei; Zhu, Yihua; Yang, Xiaoling; Chen, Wei; Zhou, Ying; Li, Chunzhong

2014-12-01

Convenient determination of glucose in a sensitive, reliable and cost-effective way has aroused sustained research passion, bringing along assiduous investigation of high-performance electroactive nanomaterials to build enzymeless sensors. In addition to the intrinsic electrocatalytic capability of the sensing materials, electrode architecture at the microscale is also crucial for fully enhancing the performance. In this work, free-standing porous CuO nanowire (NW) was taken as a model sensing material to illustrate this point, where an in situ formed 3D CuO nanowire array (NWA) and CuO nanowires pile (NWP) immobilized with polymer binder by conventional drop-casting technique were both studied for enzymeless glucose sensing. The NWA electrode exhibited greatly promoted electrochemistry characterized by decreased overpotential for electro-oxidation of glucose and over 5-fold higher sensitivity compared to the NWP counterpart, benefiting from the binder-free nanoarray structure. Besides, its sensing performance was also satisfying in terms of rapidness, selectivity and durability. Further, the CuO NWA was utilized to fabricate a flexible sensor which showed excellent performance stability against mechanical bending. Thanks to its favorable electrode architecture, the CuO NWA is believed to offer opportunities for building high-efficiency flexible electrochemical devices.Convenient determination of glucose in a sensitive, reliable and cost-effective way has aroused sustained research passion, bringing along assiduous investigation of high-performance electroactive nanomaterials to build enzymeless sensors. In addition to the intrinsic electrocatalytic capability of the sensing materials, electrode architecture at the microscale is also crucial for fully enhancing the performance. In this work, free-standing porous CuO nanowire (NW) was taken as a model sensing material to illustrate this point, where an in situ formed 3D CuO nanowire array (NWA) and CuO nanowires pile (NWP) immobilized with polymer binder by conventional drop-casting technique were both studied for enzymeless glucose sensing. The NWA electrode exhibited greatly promoted electrochemistry characterized by decreased overpotential for electro-oxidation of glucose and over 5-fold higher sensitivity compared to the NWP counterpart, benefiting from the binder-free nanoarray structure. Besides, its sensing performance was also satisfying in terms of rapidness, selectivity and durability. Further, the CuO NWA was utilized to fabricate a flexible sensor which showed excellent performance stability against mechanical bending. Thanks to its favorable electrode architecture, the CuO NWA is believed to offer opportunities for building high-efficiency flexible electrochemical devices. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: TEM images of CuO nanowires. SEM images of the composite film of CuO NWs in the Nafion binder. Flowchart of electrodes fabrication procedures. Current response time to addition of the glucose. Amperometric i-t test for the NWP under +0.35 V. Nyquist plot of the electrodes. SEM images of fractured parts of CuO nanowires at the NWP-Nafion film. Parameter comparison of enzymeless sensors for glucose detection. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05620e

Application of Chemical Doping and Architectural Design Principles To Fabricate Nanowire Co2Ni3ZnO8 Arrays for Aqueous Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Liu, Qi; Yang, Bin; Liu, Jingyuan; Yuan, Yi; Zhang, Hongsen; Liu, Lianhe; Wang, Jun; Li, Rumin

2016-08-10

Electrode materials derived from transition metal oxides have a serious problem of low electron transfer rate, which restricts their practical application. However, chemically doped graphene transforms the chemical bonding configuration to enhance electron transfer rate and, therefore, facilitates the successful fabrication of Co2Ni3ZnO8 nanowire arrays. In addition, the Co2Ni3ZnO8 electrode materials, considered as Ni and Zn ions doped into Co3O4, have a high electron transfer rate and electrochemical response capability, because the doping increases the degree of crystal defect and reaction of Co/Ni ions with the electrolyte. Hence, the Co2Ni3ZnO8 electrode exhibits a high rate property and excellent electrochemical cycle stability, as determined by electrochemical analysis of the relationship between specific capacitance, IR drop, Coulomb efficiency, and different current densities. From the results of a three-electrode system of electrochemical measurement, the Co2Ni3ZnO8 electrode demonstrates a specific capacitance of 1115 F g(-1) and retains 89.9% capacitance after 2000 cycles at a current density of 4 A g(-1). The energy density of the asymmetric supercapacitor (AC//Co2Ni3ZnO8) is 54.04 W h kg(-1) at the power density of 3200 W kg(-1).

Visualizing the Zero-Potential Line of Bipolar Electrodes with Arbitrary Geometry.

PubMed

Li, Meng; Liu, Shasha; Jiang, Yingyan; Wang, Wei

2018-06-05

In a typical bipolar electrochemistry (BPE) configuration, voltage applied between the two driving electrodes induced a potential drop through solution filled in the microchannel, resulting in an interfacial potential difference between solution and BPE varied along the BPE. In the present work, we employed a recently developed plasmonic imaging technique to map the distribution of surface potential of bipolar electrodes with various geometries including round, triangle, hexagon, star, and rhombus shapes under the nonfaradaic charging process, from which the line of zero potential (LZP) was visualized and determined. We further investigated the dependence of LZP on electrode geometry and the distribution of external electric field and explained the experimental results with a charge balance mechanism. The triangular and star-shaped BPEs show quite different LZP features from the other ones with symmetrical geometry. These experimentally obtained potential distributions are all in good agreement with electromagnetic simulations. Finally, the line of zero overpotential (LZO) of the triangular-shaped BPE under faradaic reactions were investigated. The results confirm the shift of LZO when faradaic reactions occurred at the corresponding ends of BPE. The present work demonstrates the first experimental capability to map the potential distribution of BPE with arbitrary geometry under an arbitrary driving field. It is anticipated to help the design and optimization on the geometry of electrodes and microchannels with implications for boosting their applications in chemical sensing and materials synthesis.

Experimental and theoretical characterization of the voltage distribution generated by deep brain stimulation.

PubMed

Miocinovic, Svjetlana; Lempka, Scott F; Russo, Gary S; Maks, Christopher B; Butson, Christopher R; Sakaie, Ken E; Vitek, Jerrold L; McIntyre, Cameron C

2009-03-01

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and shows great promise for numerous other disorders. While the fundamental purpose of DBS is to modulate neural activity with electric fields, little is known about the actual voltage distribution generated in the brain by DBS electrodes and as a result it is difficult to accurately predict which brain areas are directly affected by the stimulation. The goal of this study was to characterize the spatial and temporal characteristics of the voltage distribution generated by DBS electrodes. We experimentally recorded voltages around active DBS electrodes in either a saline bath or implanted in the brain of a non-human primate. Recordings were made during voltage-controlled and current-controlled stimulation. The experimental findings were compared to volume conductor electric field models of DBS parameterized to match the different experiments. Three factors directly affected the experimental and theoretical voltage measurements: 1) DBS electrode impedance, primarily dictated by a voltage drop at the electrode-electrolyte interface and the conductivity of the tissue medium, 2) capacitive modulation of the stimulus waveform, and 3) inhomogeneity and anisotropy of the tissue medium. While the voltage distribution does not directly predict the neural response to DBS, the results of this study do provide foundational building blocks for understanding the electrical parameters of DBS and characterizing its effects on the nervous system.

Inkjet-printed selective microfluidic biosensor using CNTs functionalized by cytochrome P450 enzyme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krivec, Matic; Leitner, Raimund; Überall, Florian; Hochleitner, Johannes

2017-05-01

An additive manufacturing concept, consisting of 3D photopolymer printing and Ag nanoparticle printing, was investigated for the construction of a microfluidic biosensor based on immobilized cytochrome P450 enzyme. An acylate-type microfluidic chamber composed of two parts, i.e. chamber-housing and chamber-lid was printed with a polyjet 3D printer. A 3-electrode sensor structure was inkjet-printed on the lid using a combination of Ag and graphene printing. The working electrode was covered with carbon nanotubes by drop-casting and immobilized with cytochrome P450 2D6 enzyme. The microfluidic sensor shows a significant response to a test xenobiotic, i.e. dextromethorphan; the cyclic voltammetrical measurements show a corresponding oxidation peak at 0.4 V with around 5 μM detection limit.

Silver nanowire-based transparent, flexible, and conductive thin film

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

The fabrication of transparent, conductive, and uniform silver nanowire films using the scalable rod-coating technique is described in this study. Properties of the transparent conductive thin films are investigated, as well as the approaches to improve the performance of transparent silver nanowire electrodes. It is found that silver nanowires are oxidized during the coating process. Incubation in hydrogen chloride (HCl) vapor can eliminate oxidized surface, and consequently, reduce largely the resistivity of silver nanowire thin films. After HCl treatment, 175 Ω/sq and approximately 75% transmittance are achieved. The sheet resistivity drops remarkably with the rise of the film thickness or with the decrease of transparency. The thin film electrodes also demonstrated excellent flexible stability, showing < 2% resistance change after over 100 bending cycles. PMID:21711602

ESM of ionic and electrochemical phenomena on the nanoscale

DOE PAGES

Kalinin, Sergei V.; Kumar, Amit; Balke, Nina; ...

2011-01-01

Operation of energy storage and conversion devices is ultimately controlled by series of intertwined ionic and electronic transport processes and electrochemical reactions at surfaces and interfaces, strongly mediated by strain and mechanical processes. In a typical fuel cell, these include chemical species transport in porous cathode and anode materials, gas-solid electrochemical reactions at grains and triple-phase boundaries (TPBs), ionic and electronic flows in multicomponent electrodes, and chemical and electronic potential drops at internal interfaces in electrodes and electrolytes. Furthermore, all these phenomena are sensitively affected by the microstructure of materials from device level to the atomic scales. Similar spectrum ofmore » length scales and phenomena underpin operation of other energy systems including primary and secondary batteries, as well as hybrid systems such flow and metal-air/water batteries.« less

Pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes/SDS modified carbon paste electrode as an amperometric sensor for epinephrine.

PubMed

Thomas, Tony; Mascarenhas, Ronald J; D' Souza, Ozma J; Detriche, Simon; Mekhalif, Zineb; Martis, Praveen

2014-07-01

An amperometric sensor for the determination of epinephrine (EP) was fabricated by modifying the carbon paste electrode (CPE) with pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (pMWCNTs) using bulk modification followed by drop casting of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) onto the surface for its optimal potential application. The modified electrode showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards EP by decreasing the overpotential and greatly enhancing the current sensitivity. FE-SEM images confirmed the dispersion of pMWCNTs in the CPE matrix. EDX analysis ensured the surface coverage of SDS. A comparative study of pMWCNTs with those of oxidized MWCNTs (MWCNTsOX) modified electrodes reveals that the former is the best base material for the construction of the sensor with advantages of lower oxidation overpotential and the least background current. The performance of the modified electrode was impressive in terms of the least charge transfer resistance (Rct), highest values for diffusion coefficient (DEP) and standard heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (k°). Analytical characterization of the modified electrode exhibited two linear dynamic ranges from 1.0×10(-7) to 1.0×10(-6)M and 1.0×10(-6) to 1.0×10(-4)M with a detection limit of (4.5±0.18)×10(-8)M. A 100-fold excess of serotonin, acetaminophen, folic acid, uric acid, tryptophan, tyrosine and cysteine, 10-fold excess of ascorbic acid and twofold excess of dopamine do not interfere in the quantification of EP at this electrode. The analytical applications of the modified electrode were demonstrated by determining EP in spiked blood serum and adrenaline tartrate injection. The modified electrode involves a simple fabrication procedure, minimum usage of the modifier, quick response, excellent stability, reproducibility and anti-fouling effects. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Carbon Nanotube-Based Ion Selective Sensors for Wearable Applications.

PubMed

Roy, Soumyendu; David-Pur, Moshe; Hanein, Yael

2017-10-11

Wearable electronics offer new opportunities in a wide range of applications, especially sweat analysis using skin sensors. A fundamental challenge in these applications is the formation of sensitive and stable electrodes. In this article we report the development of a wearable sensor based on carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode arrays for sweat sensing. Solid-state ion selective electrodes (ISEs), sensitive to Na + ions, were prepared by drop coating plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) doped with ionophore and ion exchanger on CNT electrodes. The ion selective membrane (ISM) filled the intertubular spaces of the highly porous CNT film and formed an attachment that was stronger than that achieved with flat Au, Pt, or carbon electrodes. Concentration of the ISM solution used influenced the attachment to the CNT film, the ISM surface morphology, and the overall performance of the sensor. Sensitivity of 56 ± 3 mV/decade to Na + ions was achieved. Optimized solid-state reference electrodes (REs), suitable for wearable applications, were prepared by coating CNT electrodes with colloidal dispersion of Ag/AgCl, agarose hydrogel with 0.5 M NaCl, and a passivation layer of PVC doped with NaCl. The CNT-based REs had low sensitivity (-1.7 ± 1.2 mV/decade) toward the NaCl solution and high repeatability and were superior to bare Ag/AgCl, metals, carbon, and CNT films, reported previously as REs. CNT-based ISEs were calibrated against CNT-based REs, and the short-term stability of the system was tested. We demonstrate that CNT-based devices implemented on a flexible support are a very attractive platform for future wearable technology devices.

Flexible multichannel vagus nerve electrode for stimulation and recording for heart failure treatment.

PubMed

Xue, Ning; Martinez, Ignacio Delgado; Sun, Jianhai; Cheng, Yuhua; Liu, Chunxiu

2018-07-30

Vagus nerve stimulation is an emerging bioelectronic medicine to modulate cardiac function, as the nerve provides parasympathetic innervation to the heart. In this study, we developed a polyimide based 2D cuff electrode to wrap around on the vagus nerve. Thanks to the tiny size and bendable protruding structure of the contact tips of the device, the electrode sites are able to flexibly bend to touch the nerve, selectively record and stimulate the vagus nerve. Gold, platinum and platinum black materials were chosen to compose the electrodes for nerve stimulation and recording, respectively. Since the platinum black has ~30 times larger charge delivery capacity (CDC) than gold, Pt black electrode is used for nerve stimulation. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry measurement of the three materials were conducted in vitro, revealing the results of 405 kΩ, 41 kΩ, 10.5 kΩ, @1 kHz and 0.81 mC/cm 2 , 4.26 mC/cm 2 , 25.5 mC/cm 2 , respectively (n = 3). The cuff electrodes were implanted into the right-sided vagus nerve of rats for in vivo experiment. Biphasic current configuration was implemented for nerve stimulation with frequency of 10 Hz, pulse during of 300 μs and various currents stimulus. The result shows the heart beat frequency drops up to 36% during the stimulation and was able to return the regular frequency as stimulation was removed. Subsequently, the vagus nerve signals were recorded with the four channel cuff electrodes. The magnitude of the compound nerve action potentials (CNAPs) is ~10 μV and the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is ~20. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nanostructured ZnO in a Metglas/ZnO/Hemoglobin Modified Electrode to Detect the Oxidation of the Hemoglobin Simultaneously by Cyclic Voltammetry and Magnetoelastic Resonance.

PubMed

Sagasti, Ariane; Bouropoulos, Nikolaos; Kouzoudis, Dimitris; Panagiotopoulos, Apostolos; Topoglidis, Emmanuel; Gutiérrez, Jon

2017-07-25

In the present work, a nanostructured ZnO layer was synthesized onto a Metglas magnetoelastic ribbon to immobilize hemoglobin (Hb) on it and study the Hb's electrochemical behavior towards hydrogen peroxide. Hb oxidation by H₂O₂ was monitored simultaneously by two different techniques: Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Magnetoelastic Resonance (MR). The Metglas/ZnO/Hb system was simultaneously used as a working electrode for the CV scans and as a magnetoelastic sensor excited by external coils, which drive it to resonance and interrogate it. The ZnO nanoparticles for the ZnO layer were grown hydrothermally and fully characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL). Additionally, the ZnO layer's elastic modulus was measured using a new method, which makes use of the Metglas substrate. For the detection experiments, the electrochemical cell was performed with a glass vial, where the three electrodes (working, counter and reference) were immersed into PBS (Phosphate Buffer Solution) solution and small H₂O₂ drops were added, one at a time. CV scans were taken every 30 s and 5 min after the addition of each drop and meanwhile a magnetoelastic measurement was taken by the external coils. The CV plots reveal direct electrochemical behavior of Hb and display good electrocatalytic response to the reduction of H₂O₂. The measured catalysis currents increase linearly with the H₂O₂ concentration in a wide range of 25-350 μM with a correlation coefficient 0.99. The detection limit is 25-50 μM. Moreover, the Metglas/ZnO/Hb electrode displays rapid response (30 s) to H₂O₂, and exhibits good stability and reproducibility of the measurements. On the other hand, the magnetoelastic measurements show a small linear mass increase versus the H₂O₂ concentration with a slope of 152 ng/μM, which is probably due to H₂O₂ adsorption in ZnO during the electrochemical reaction. No such effects were detected during the control experiment when only PBS solution was present for a long time.

Determination of Sudan I in drinks containing Sunset yellow by adsorptive stripping voltammetry.

PubMed

Gómez, Marisol; Arancibia, Verónica; Aliaga, Margarita; Núñez, Claudia; Rojas-Romo, Carlos

2016-12-01

An efficient, fast and sensitive method for the determination of Sudan I (SI) in drinks containing Sunset yellow (Sy) is developed and validated using an adsorptive stripping voltammetric procedure. Sy is currently added to a large number of foods; however during their synthesis SI may be produced. The determination is based on adsorption of Sy and SI onto HMDE and later reduction of the azo group at -0.71 and -0.82V, respectively. Using the best set of the experimental conditions (pH 12.3; Eads: -0.40V) for the determination of SI in Sy, a linear response for SI in the concentration range 0.5-27.2μgL(-1) was found, with a detection limit of 1.5μgL(-1) in a tads of only 30s. The method was applied to the determination of SI in commercial drinks with satisfactory results. The presence of SI was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel MEMS inertial switch with a reinforcing rib structure and electrostatic power assist to prolong the contact time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jian; Wang, Yan; Yang, Zhuoqing; Ding, Guifu; Zhao, Xiaolin; Wang, Hong

2018-03-01

The MEMS inertial switch is widely used in various industries owing to its advantage of small size, high integration, low power consumption and low costs, especially in the timing of Internet of things, such as toys, handheld devices, accessories and vibration testing. This paper provided a novel inertial switch with a reinforcing rib structure and electrostatic power assist. The designed inertial switch can reduce the complexity of the post-processing circuit and broaden its application prospect. The continuous electrostatic force can extend the contact time of the designed inertia switch before the leakage of electricity ends. The moving electrode with a reinforcing rib structure can effectively restrain the bending of the lower surface of moving electrode caused by residual stress. The array-type fixed electrode can ensure stable contact between the electrodes when the device is sensitive to external shocks. The dynamic displacement-time curve can be simulated by the COMSOL finite element simulation software. The laminated plating process is used to produce the designed inertial switch and the drop hammer acceleration monitoring system is used to test the fabricated device. The results indicate that, compared with the traditional design, the bouncing phenomenon can be prevented and extend the contact time to 336μs.

How voltage drops are manifested by lithium ion configurations at interfaces and in thin films on battery electrodes

DOE PAGES

Leung, Kevin; Leenheer, Andrew Jay

2015-04-09

Battery electrode surfaces are generally coated with electronically insulating solid films of thickness 1-50 nm. Both electrons and Li + can move at the electrode–surface film interface in response to the voltage, which adds complexity to the “electric double layer” (EDL). We also apply Density Functional Theory (DFT) to investigate how the applied voltage is manifested as changes in the EDL at atomic length scales, including charge separation and interfacial dipole moments. Illustrating examples include Li 3PO 4, Li 2CO 3, and Li xMn 2O 4 thin films on Au(111) surfaces under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Adsorbed organic solvent molecules canmore » strongly reduce voltages predicted in vacuum. We propose that manipulating surface dipoles, seldom discussed in battery studies, may be a viable strategy to improve electrode passivation. We also distinguish the computed potential governing electrons, which is the actual or instantaneous voltage, and the “lithium cohesive energy”-based voltage governing Li content widely reported in DFT calculations, which is a slower-responding self-consistency criterion at interfaces. Furthermore, this distinction is critical for a comprehensive description of electrochemical activities on electrode surfaces, including Li + insertion dynamics, parasitic electrolyte decomposition, and electrodeposition at overpotentials.« less

A Particle-in-Cell Simulation for the Traveling Wave Direct Energy Converter (TWDEC) for Fusion Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chap, Andrew; Tarditi, Alfonso G.; Scott, John H.

2013-01-01

A Particle-in-cell simulation model has been developed to study the physics of the Traveling Wave Direct Energy Converter (TWDEC) applied to the conversion of charged fusion products into electricity. In this model the availability of a beam of collimated fusion products is assumed; the simulation is focused on the conversion of the beam kinetic energy into alternating current (AC) electric power. The model is electrostatic, as the electro-dynamics of the relatively slow ions can be treated in the quasistatic approximation. A two-dimensional, axisymmetric (radial-axial coordinates) geometry is considered. Ion beam particles are injected on one end and travel along the axis through ring-shaped electrodes with externally applied time-varying voltages, thus modulating the beam by forming a sinusoidal pattern in the beam density. Further downstream, the modulated beam passes through another set of ring electrodes, now electrically oating. The modulated beam induces a time alternating potential di erence between adjacent electrodes. Power can be drawn from the electrodes by connecting a resistive load. As energy is dissipated in the load, a corresponding drop in beam energy is measured. The simulation encapsulates the TWDEC process by reproducing the time-dependent transfer of energy and the particle deceleration due to the electric eld phase time variations.

Performance of a low cost interdigitated flow design on a 1 kW class all vanadium mixed acid redox flow battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, David; Thomsen, Edwin; Li, Bin; Wang, Wei; Nie, Zimin; Koeppel, Brian; Sprenkle, Vincent

2016-02-01

Three flow designs were operated in a 3-cell 1 kW class all vanadium mixed acid redox flow battery. The influence of electrode surface area and flow rate on the coulombic, voltage, and energy efficiency and the pressure drop in the flow circuit will be discussed and correlated to the flow design. Material cost associated with each flow design will also be discussed.

Analysis of Plasma Communication Schemes for Hypersonic Vehicles: Final Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-01

repel the more mobile species. In this way quasi -neutrality can be maintained in the plasma. The potential drops near the conducting surfaces are of... potential VM cannot be determined from a quasi - neutral diffusion theory and depends on the details of sheath physics at electrode surfaces. In the...the mid potential VM, which cannot be determined by simple quasi -neutral fluid theory, is in general a function of L. This L dependence, which

A sensitive, selective and rapid determination of lead(II) ions in real-life samples using an electrochemically reduced graphene oxide-graphite reinforced carbon electrode.

PubMed

Hamsawahini, Kunashegaran; Sathishkumar, Palanivel; Ahamad, Rahmalan; Yusoff, Abdull Rahim Mohd

2015-11-01

In this study, a sensitive and cost-effective electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ErGO) on graphite reinforced carbon (GRC) was developed for the detection of lead (Pb(II)) ions present in the real-life samples. A film of graphene oxide (GO) was drop-casted on GRC and their electrochemical properties were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), amperometry and square wave voltammetry (SWV). Factors influencing the detection of Pb(II) ions, such as grades of GRC, constant applied cathodic potential (CACP), concentration of hydrochloric acid and drop-casting drying time were optimised. GO is irreversibly reduced in the range of -0.7 V to -1.6 V vs Ag/AgCl (3 M) in acidic condition. The results showed that the reduction behaviour of GO contributed to the high sensitivity of Pb(II) ions detection even at nanomolar level. The ErGO-GRC showed the detection limit of 0.5 nM and linear range of 3-15 nM in HCl (1 M). The developed electrode has potential to be a good candidate for the determination of Pb(II) ions in different aqueous system. The proposed method gives a good recovery rate of Pb(II) ions in real-life water samples such as tap water and river water. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Applicability of the Child-Langmuir laws versions for describing the glow discharge cathode sheath in CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisovskiy, Valeriy; Krol, Hennadii; Osmayev, Ruslan; Yegorenkov, Vladimir

2016-09-01

This work is devoted to the determination of the law that may be applicable to the description of the cathode sheath in CO2. To this end three versions of the Child-Langmuir law have been considered - a collision free one (for the ions moving through a cathode sheath without collisions with gas molecules) as well as two collision- related versions- one for a constant mean free path of positive ions and one for a constant mobility of positive ions. The current-voltage characteristics and the cathode sheath thickness of the glow discharge in carbon oxide have been simultaneously measured in the pressure range from 0.05 to 1 Torr and with the discharge current values up to 80 mA. The inter-electrode distance has been chosen such that the discharge consists only of the cathode sheath and a small portion of the negative glow, i.e. the experiments have been performed in short tubes. In this case the voltage drop across the cathode sheath is equal approximately to the voltage drop across the electrodes. In the whole range of the discharge conditions we have studied the cathode sheath characteristics are found to obey correctly only to the Child-Langmuir law version with a constant ion mobility. The reason for this phenomenon may be related with a significant conversion of carbon dioxide molecules.

Investigation of the transition of multicycle AC operation in ISTTOK under edge electrode biasing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malaquias, A.; Henriques, R. B.; Silva, C.; Figueiredo, H.; Nedzelskiy, I. S.; Fernandes, H.; Sharma, R.; Plyusnin, V. V.

2017-11-01

In this paper we present recent results obtained on plasma edge electrode biasing during AC discharges. The goal is to obtain experimental evidence on a number of plasma parameters that can play a role during the AC transition on the repeatability and reproducibility of AC operation. The control of the plasma density in the quiescent phase is made just before the AC transition by means of positive edge biasing leading to a transitory improved of density (30%-40%). Gas puff experiments show that the increase of background gas pressure during discharge led to a better success of the AC transition. The experimental results indicate that the increase of density during the AC transition induced by edge biasing is followed by an electron temperature drop. The drop in electron temperature leads in most cases the formation of runaway electrons. It has been observed that the runaway population during discharge flattop depends on the interplay between gas content and plasma density and temperature. The results also confirm that the correct balance of external magnetic fields is crucial during the AC transition phase where drift electron currents are formed. The results from the heavy ion beam diagnostic show that the formation of plasma current during consecutive AC transitions is asymmetric. Numerical simulations indicate that for some particular conditions this result could be reproduced from assuming the presence of two counter-currents during AC transition.

Novel non-equilibrium modelling of a DC electric arc in argon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baeva, M.; Benilov, M. S.; Almeida, N. A.; Uhrlandt, D.

2016-06-01

A novel non-equilibrium model has been developed to describe the interplay of heat and mass transfer and electric and magnetic fields in a DC electric arc. A complete diffusion treatment of particle fluxes, a generalized form of Ohm’s law, and numerical matching of the arc plasma with the space-charge sheaths adjacent to the electrodes are applied to analyze in detail the plasma parameters and the phenomena occurring in the plasma column and the near-electrode regions of a DC arc generated in atmospheric pressure argon for current levels from 20 A up to 200 A. Results comprising electric field and potential, current density, heating of the electrodes, and effects of thermal and chemical non-equilibrium are presented and discussed. The current-voltage characteristic obtained is in fair agreement with known experimental data. It indicates a minimum for arc current of about 80 A. For all current levels, a field reversal in front of the anode accompanied by a voltage drop of (0.7-2.6) V is observed. Another field reversal is observed near the cathode for arc currents below 80 A.

Development of a semigraphitic sulfur-doped ordered mesoporous carbon material for electroanalytical applications

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

Maluta, Jaqueline R.; Machado, Sergio A. S.; Chaudhary, Umesh

The modification of traditional electrodes with mesoporous carbons is a promising strategy to produce high performance electrodes for electrochemical sensing. The high surface area of mesoporous carbons provides a large number of electroactive sites for binding analytes. Controlling the pore size and structure of mesoporous carbons and modifying their electronic properties via doping offers additional benefits like maximizing transport and tuning the electrochemical processes associated with analyte detection. This work reports a facile method to produce sulfur-doped ordered mesoporous carbon materials (S-OMC) with uniform pore structure, large pore volume, high surface area and semigraphitic structure. The synthesis used thiophenol asmore » a single source of carbon and sulfur, and iron as a catalyst for low temperature carbonization. The S-OMC material was deposited on a glassy carbon electrode and used as a sensor with high sensitivity (11.7 A L mol-1) and selectivity for chloramphenicol detection in presence of other antibiotics. As a proof-of-concept, the sensor was applied to the direct analysis of the drug in reconstituted powdered milk and in commercial eye drops.« less

Development of a semigraphitic sulfur-doped ordered mesoporous carbon material for electroanalytical applications

DOE PAGES

Maluta, Jaqueline R.; Machado, Sergio A. S.; Chaudhary, Umesh; ...

2017-10-29

The modification of traditional electrodes with mesoporous carbons is a promising strategy to produce high performance electrodes for electrochemical sensing. The high surface area of mesoporous carbons provides a large number of electroactive sites for binding analytes. Controlling the pore size and structure of mesoporous carbons and modifying their electronic properties via doping offers additional benefits like maximizing transport and tuning the electrochemical processes associated with analyte detection. This work reports a facile method to produce sulfur-doped ordered mesoporous carbon materials (S-OMC) with uniform pore structure, large pore volume, high surface area and semigraphitic structure. The synthesis used thiophenol asmore » a single source of carbon and sulfur, and iron as a catalyst for low temperature carbonization. The S-OMC material was deposited on a glassy carbon electrode and used as a sensor with high sensitivity (11.7 A L mol-1) and selectivity for chloramphenicol detection in presence of other antibiotics. As a proof-of-concept, the sensor was applied to the direct analysis of the drug in reconstituted powdered milk and in commercial eye drops.« less

Frequency Dependence of Low-Voltage Electrowetting Investigated by Impedance Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Li, Ying-Jia; Cahill, Brian P

2017-11-14

An electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) electrode was developed that facilitates the use of low alternating voltages (≤5 V AC ). This allows online investigation of the frequency dependence of electrowetting by means of impedance spectroscopy. The EWOD electrode is based on a dielectric bilayer consisting of an anodic tantalum pentoxide (Ta 2 O 5 ) thin film (d = 59.35 nm) with a high relative permittivity (ε d = 26.3) and a self-assembled hydrophobic silane monolayer. The frequency dependence of electrowetting was studied using an aqueous μL-sized sessile droplet on the planar EWOD electrode in oil. Experiments using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and optical imaging indicate the frequency dependence of all three variables in the Young-Lippmann equation: the voltage drop across the dielectric layers, capacitance per unit area, and contact angle under voltage. The electrowetting behavior induced by AC voltages is shown to be well described by the Young-Lippmann equation for AC applications below a frequency threshold. Moreover, the dielectric layers act as a capacitor and the stored electrostatic potential energy is revealed to only partially contribute to the electrowetting.

Reduced graphite oxide in supercapacitor electrodes.

PubMed

Lobato, Belén; Vretenár, Viliam; Kotrusz, Peter; Hulman, Martin; Centeno, Teresa A

2015-05-15

The current energy needs have put the focus on highly efficient energy storage systems such as supercapacitors. At present, much attention focuses on graphene-like materials as promising supercapacitor electrodes. Here we show that reduced graphite oxide offers a very interesting potential. Materials obtained by oxidation of natural graphite and subsequent sonication and reduction by hydrazine achieve specific capacitances as high as 170 F/g in H2SO4 and 84F/g in (C2H5)4NBF4/acetonitrile. Although the particle size of the raw graphite has no significant effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of the reduced materials, that exfoliated from smaller particles (<75 μm) result more advantageous for the release of the stored electrical energy. This effect is particularly evident in the aqueous electrolyte. Graphene-like materials may suffer from a drop in their specific surface area upon fabrication of electrodes with features of the existing commercial devices. This should be taken into account for a reliable interpretation of their performance in supercapacitors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Calcium-selective electrodes based on photo-cured polyurethane-acrylate membranes covalently attached to methacrylate functionalized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as solid-contact.

PubMed

Ocaña, Cristina; Abramova, Natalia; Bratov, Andrey; Lindfors, Tom; Bobacka, Johan

2018-08-15

We report here the fabrication of solid-contact calcium-selective electrodes (Ca 2+ -SCISEs) made of a polyurethane acrylate ion-selective membrane (ISM) that was covalently attached to the underlying ion-to-electron transducer (solid-contact). Methacrylate-functionalized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (Meth-PEDOT) and Meth-PEDOT films containing either multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) or carboxylated MWCNT (cMWCNT) were used as solid contacts. The solid contacts were deposited by drop-casting on screen-printed electrodes and characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiometry. Covalent binding between the solid contact and the ISM was obtained via photopolymerization in order to increase the robustness of the Ca 2+ -SCISEs. The performance of the Ca 2+ -SCISEs was studied by measuring their potentiometric response and their sensitivity to light, oxygen and carbon dioxide. Meth-PEDOT was found to be a promising solid-contact material to develop low-cost and easy to prepare ISEs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and life testing of thermionic converters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, L.; Bruce, R.

1973-01-01

An unfueled converter containing a chloride-fluoride duplex tungsten emitter of 4.78 eV vacuum work function was tested for 46,647 hours at an emitter temperature of 1973 K and an electrode power output of about 8 watts/sq cm. The test demonstrated the superior and stable performance of the (110) oriented tungsten emitter at high temperatures. Three 90 UC-10 ZrC(C/U = 1.04, tungsten additive = 4 wt %) fueled converters were fabricated and tested at an emitter temperature of 1873 K. Converter containing chloride-arc-cast duplex tungsten cladding showed temperature thermionic performance and slower rate of performance drop than converter containing chloride-fluoride duplex tungsten cladding. This is believed to be due to the superior fuel component diffusion resistance of the arc-cast tungsten substrate used in the fuel cladding. It was shown that a converter containing a carbide fueled chloride-arc-cast duplex tungsten emitter with an initial electrode power output of 6.80 watts/sq cm could still deliver an electrode power output of 6.16 watts/sq cm after 18,632 hours of operation at an emitter temperature of 1873 K.

Noncontact surface tension and viscosity measurements of molten oxides with a pressurized hybrid electrostatic-aerodynamic levitator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishikawa, Takehiko; Yu, Jianding; Paradis, Paul-François

2006-05-01

In order to measure the surface tension and the viscosity of molten oxides, the oscillation drop technique has been applied on a pressurized hybrid electrostatic-aerodynamic levitator. To suppress the electrical discharge between the top and bottom electrodes, the drop excitation method which has been used with high vacuum electrostatic levitators has been modified. As a demonstration, the surface tension and viscosity of liquid BaTiO3 were measured using this new method. Over the 1500-2000K interval, the surface tension was measured as γ(T )=349-0.03 (T-Tm) (10-3N/m), where Tm=1893K is the melting temperature. Similarly, the viscosity was determined as η(T )=0.53exp[5.35×104/(RT)](10-3Pas) over the same temperature interval.

Determination of the levitation limits of dust particles within the sheath in complex plasma experiments

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

Douglass, Angela; Land, Victor; Qiao Ke

2012-01-15

Experiments are performed in which dust particles are levitated at varying heights above the powered electrode in a radio frequency plasma discharge by changing the discharge power. The trajectories of particles dropped from the top of the discharge chamber are used to reconstruct the vertical electric force acting on the particles. The resulting data, together with the results from a self-consistent fluid model, are used to determine the lower levitation limit for dust particles in the discharge and the approximate height above the lower electrode where quasineutrality is attained, locating the sheath edge. These results are then compared with currentmore » sheath models. It is also shown that particles levitated within a few electron Debye lengths of the sheath edge are located outside the linearly increasing portion of the electric field.« less

Asymmetric Nanopore Electrode-Based Amplification for Electron Transfer Imaging in Live Cells.

PubMed

Ying, Yi-Lun; Hu, Yong-Xu; Gao, Rui; Yu, Ru-Jia; Gu, Zhen; Lee, Luke P; Long, Yi-Tao

2018-04-25

Capturing real-time electron transfer, enzyme activity, molecular dynamics, and biochemical messengers in living cells is essential for understanding the signaling pathways and cellular communications. However, there is no generalizable method for characterizing a broad range of redox-active species in a single living cell at the resolution of cellular compartments. Although nanoelectrodes have been applied in the intracellular detection of redox-active species, the fabrication of nanoelectrodes to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the probe remains challenging because of the stringent requirements of 3D fabrication. Here, we report an asymmetric nanopore electrode-based amplification mechanism for the real-time monitoring of NADH in a living cell. We used a two-step 3D fabrication process to develop a modified asymmetric nanopore electrode with a diameter down to 90 nm, which allowed for the detection of redox metabolism in living cells. Taking advantage of the asymmetric geometry, the above 90% potential drop at the two terminals of the nanopore electrode converts the faradaic current response into an easily distinguishable bubble-induced transient ionic current pattern. Therefore, the current signal was amplified by at least 3 orders of magnitude, which was dynamically linked to the presence of trace redox-active species. Compared to traditional wire electrodes, this wireless asymmetric nanopore electrode exhibits a high signal-to-noise ratio by increasing the current resolution from nanoamperes to picoamperes. The asymmetric nanopore electrode achieves the highly sensitive and selective probing of NADH concentrations as low as 1 pM. Moreover, it enables the real-time nanopore monitoring of the respiration chain (i.e., NADH) in a living cell and the evaluation of the effects of anticancer drugs in an MCF-7 cell. We believe that this integrated wireless asymmetric nanopore electrode provides promising building blocks for the future imaging of electron transfer dynamics in live cells.

A novel paper-based device coupled with a silver nanoparticle-modified boron-doped diamond electrode for cholesterol detection.

PubMed

Nantaphol, Siriwan; Chailapakul, Orawon; Siangproh, Weena

2015-09-03

A novel paper-based analytical device (PAD) coupled with a silver nanoparticle-modified boron-doped diamond (AgNP/BDD) electrode was first developed as a cholesterol sensor. The AgNP/BDD electrode was used as working electrode after modification by AgNPs using an electrodeposition method. Wax printing was used to define the hydrophilic and hydrophobic areas on filter paper, and then counter and reference electrodes were fabricated on the hydrophilic area by screen-printing in house. For the amperometric detection, cholesterol and cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) were directly drop-cast onto the hydrophilic area, and H2O2 produced from the enzymatic reaction was monitored. The fabricated device demonstrated a good linearity (0.39 mg dL(-1) to 270.69 mg dL(-1)), low detection limit (0.25 mg dL(-1)), and high sensitivity (49.61 μA mM(-1) cm(-2)). The precision value for ten replicates was 3.76% RSD for 1 mM H2O2. In addition, this biosensor exhibited very high selectivity for cholesterol detection and excellent recoveries for bovine serum analysis (in the range of 99.6-100.8%). The results showed that this new sensing platform will be an alternative tool for cholesterol detection in routine diagnosis and offers the advantages of low sample/reagent consumption, low cost, portability, and short analysis time. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dimensionless numbers and correlating equations for the analysis of the membrane-gas diffusion electrode assembly in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gyenge, E. L.

The Quraishi-Fahidy method [Can. J. Chem. Eng. 59 (1981) 563] was employed to derive characteristic dimensionless numbers for the membrane-electrolyte, cathode catalyst layer and gas diffuser, respectively, based on the model presented by Bernardi and Verbrugge for polymer electrolyte fuel cells [AIChE J. 37 (1991) 1151]. Monomial correlations among dimensionless numbers were developed and tested against experimental and mathematical modeling results. Dimensionless numbers comparing the bulk and surface-convective ionic conductivities, the electric and viscous forces and the current density and the fixed surface charges, were employed to describe the membrane ohmic drop and its non-linear dependence on current density due to membrane dehydration. The analysis of the catalyst layer yielded electrode kinetic equivalents of the second Damköhler number and Thiele modulus, influencing the penetration depth of the oxygen reduction front based on the pseudohomogeneous film model. The correlating equations for the catalyst layer could describe in a general analytical form, all the possible electrode polarization scenarios such as electrode kinetic control coupled or not with ionic and/or oxygen mass transport limitation. For the gas diffusion-backing layer correlations are presented in terms of the Nusselt number for mass transfer in electrochemical systems. The dimensionless number-based correlating equations for the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) could provide a practical approach to quantify single-cell polarization results obtained under a variety of experimental conditions and to implement them in models of the fuel cell stack.

Electrochemical detection of nanomolar dopamine in the presence of neurophysiological concentration of ascorbic acid and uric acid using charge-coated carbon nanotubes via facile and green preparation.

PubMed

Oh, Jeong-Wook; Yoon, Yeo Woon; Heo, Jihye; Yu, Joonhee; Kim, Hasuck; Kim, Tae Hyun

2016-01-15

Negatively charged multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared using simple sonication technique with non-toxic citric acid (CA) for the electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA). CA/MWCNTs were placed on glassy carbon (GC) electrodes by drop-casting method and then electrochemical determinations of DA were performed in the presence of highly concentrated ascorbic acid (AA). For the comparison of the charge effect on MWCNTs surface, positively charged polyethyleneimine (PEI)/MWCNT/GC electrode and pristine MWCNT/GC electrode were also prepared. Contrary to conventional GC electrode, all three types of MWCNT modified electrodes (CA/MWCNT/GC, PEI/MWCNT/GC, and pristine MWCNT/GC) can discriminate ~μM of DA from 1mM AA using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) due to the inherent electrocatalytic effect of MWCNTs. Compared to positively charged PEI/MWCNT/GC and pristine MWCNT/GC electrodes, negatively charged CA/MWCNT/GC electrode remarkably enhanced the electrochemical sensitivity and selectivity of DA, showing the linear relationship between DPV signal and DA concentration in the range of 10-1000nM even in the presence of ~10(5) times concentrated AA, which is attributed to the synergistic effect of the electrostatic interaction between cationic DA molecules and negatively charged MWCNTs and the inherent electrocatalytic property of MWCNT. As a result, the limit of detection (LOD) of DA for CA/MWCNT/GC electrode was 4.2nM, which is 5.2 and 16.5 times better than those for MWCNT/GC electrode and PEI/MWCNT/GC electrode even in the presence of 1mM AA. This LOD value for DA at CA/MWCNT/GC electrode is one of the lowest values compared to the previous reports and is low enough for the early diagnosis of neurological disorder in the presence of physiological AA concentration (~0.5mM). In addition, the high selectivity and sensitivity of DA at CA/MWCNT/GC electrode were well kept even in the presence of both 1mM AA and 10μM uric acid (UA) as similar as neurophysiological concentration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preliminary results in the NASA Lewis H2-O2 combustion MHD experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, J. M.

1979-01-01

MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) power generation experiments were carried out in the NASA Lewis Research Center cesium-seeded H2-O2 combustion facility. This facility uses a neon-cooled cryomagnet capable of producing magnetic fields in excess of 5 tesla. The effects of power takeoff location, generator loading, B-field strength, and electrode breakdown on generator performance are discussed. The experimental data is compared to a theory based on one-dimensional flow with heat transfer, friction, and voltage drops.

Investigation of an Aberrant Cell Voltage During the Filling of a Large Lithium Thionyl Chloride Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thaller, Lawrence H.; Quinzio, Michael V.

1997-01-01

The investigation of an aberrant cell voltage during the filling of a large lithium thionyl chloride cell summary is at: an aberrant voltage trace was noted during the review of cell filling data; incident was traced to an interruption during filling; experimentation suggested oxidizable sites within the carbon electrode were responsible for the drop in voltage; the voltage anomaly could be reproduced by interrupting the filling of similar cells; and anomalous voltage dip was not due to a short.

Partially Reduced Graphene Oxide Modified Tetrahedral Amorphous Carbon Thin-Film Electrodes as a Platform for Nanomolar Detection of Dopamine

DOE PAGES

Wester, Niklas; Sainio, Sami; Palomäki, Tommi; ...

2017-03-16

Here, we present for the first time tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C)—a partially reduced graphene oxide (PRGO) hybrid electrode nanomaterial platform for electrochemical sensing of dopamine (DA). Graphene oxide was synthesized with the modified Hummer’s method. Before modification of ta-C by drop casting, partial reduction of the GO was carried out to improve electrochemical properties and adhesion to the ta-C thin film. A facile nitric acid treatment that slightly reoxidized the surface and modified the surface chemistry was subsequently performed to further improve the electrochemical properties of the electrodes. The largest relative increase was seen in carboxyl groups. The HNO 3more » treatment increased the sensitivity toward DA and AA and resulted in a cathodic shift in the oxidation of AA. The fabricated hybrid electrodes were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Moreover, compared to the plain ta-C electrode the hybrid electrode was shown to exhibit superior sensitivity and selectivity toward DA in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA), enabling simultaneous sensing of AA and DA close to the physiological concentrations by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Two linear ranges of 0–1 μM and 1–100 μM and a detection limit (S/N = 3.3) of 2.6 nM for DA were determined by means of cyclic voltammetry. Thus, the current work provides a fully CMOS-compatible carbon based hybrid nanomaterial that shows potential for in vivo measurements of DA.« less

Partially Reduced Graphene Oxide Modified Tetrahedral Amorphous Carbon Thin-Film Electrodes as a Platform for Nanomolar Detection of Dopamine

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

Wester, Niklas; Sainio, Sami; Palomäki, Tommi

Here, we present for the first time tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C)—a partially reduced graphene oxide (PRGO) hybrid electrode nanomaterial platform for electrochemical sensing of dopamine (DA). Graphene oxide was synthesized with the modified Hummer’s method. Before modification of ta-C by drop casting, partial reduction of the GO was carried out to improve electrochemical properties and adhesion to the ta-C thin film. A facile nitric acid treatment that slightly reoxidized the surface and modified the surface chemistry was subsequently performed to further improve the electrochemical properties of the electrodes. The largest relative increase was seen in carboxyl groups. The HNO 3more » treatment increased the sensitivity toward DA and AA and resulted in a cathodic shift in the oxidation of AA. The fabricated hybrid electrodes were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Moreover, compared to the plain ta-C electrode the hybrid electrode was shown to exhibit superior sensitivity and selectivity toward DA in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA), enabling simultaneous sensing of AA and DA close to the physiological concentrations by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Two linear ranges of 0–1 μM and 1–100 μM and a detection limit (S/N = 3.3) of 2.6 nM for DA were determined by means of cyclic voltammetry. Thus, the current work provides a fully CMOS-compatible carbon based hybrid nanomaterial that shows potential for in vivo measurements of DA.« less

Electrode Reactions in Slowly Relaxing Media

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

Matyushov, Dmitry V.; Newton, Marshall D.

Here, standard models of reaction kinetics in condensed materials rely on the Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution for the population of reactants at the top of the free energy barrier separating them from the products. While energy dissipation and quantum effects at the barrier top can potentially affect the transmission coefficient entering the rate preexponential factor, much stronger dynamical effects on the reaction barrier are caused by the breakdown of ergodicity for populating the reaction barrier (violation of the Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics). When the spectrum of medium modes coupled to the reaction coordinate includes fluctuations slower than the reaction rate, such nuclear motions dynamicallymore » freeze on the reaction time-scale and do not contribute to the activation barrier. In this paper, we consider the consequences of this scenario for electrode reactions in slowly relaxing media. Changing electrode overpotential speeds electrode electron transfer up, potentially cutting through the spectrum of nuclear modes coupled to the reaction coordinate. The reorganization energy of electrochemical electron transfer becomes a function of the electrode overpotential, switching between the thermodynamic value at low rates to the nonergodic limit at higher rates. The sharpness of this transition depends of the relaxation spectrum of the medium. The reorganization energy experiences a sudden drop with increasing overpotential for a medium with a Debye relaxation, but becomes a much shallower function of the overpotential for media with stretched exponential dynamics. The latter scenario characterizes electron transfer in ionic liquids. The analysis of electrode reactions in room-temperature ionic liquids shows that the magnitude of the free energy of nuclear solvation is significantly below its thermodynamic limit. Finally, this result applies to reaction times faster than microseconds and is currently limited by the available dielectric relaxation data.« less

Electrode Reactions in Slowly Relaxing Media

DOE PAGES

Matyushov, Dmitry V.; Newton, Marshall D.

2017-11-17

Here, standard models of reaction kinetics in condensed materials rely on the Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution for the population of reactants at the top of the free energy barrier separating them from the products. While energy dissipation and quantum effects at the barrier top can potentially affect the transmission coefficient entering the rate preexponential factor, much stronger dynamical effects on the reaction barrier are caused by the breakdown of ergodicity for populating the reaction barrier (violation of the Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics). When the spectrum of medium modes coupled to the reaction coordinate includes fluctuations slower than the reaction rate, such nuclear motions dynamicallymore » freeze on the reaction time-scale and do not contribute to the activation barrier. In this paper, we consider the consequences of this scenario for electrode reactions in slowly relaxing media. Changing electrode overpotential speeds electrode electron transfer up, potentially cutting through the spectrum of nuclear modes coupled to the reaction coordinate. The reorganization energy of electrochemical electron transfer becomes a function of the electrode overpotential, switching between the thermodynamic value at low rates to the nonergodic limit at higher rates. The sharpness of this transition depends of the relaxation spectrum of the medium. The reorganization energy experiences a sudden drop with increasing overpotential for a medium with a Debye relaxation, but becomes a much shallower function of the overpotential for media with stretched exponential dynamics. The latter scenario characterizes electron transfer in ionic liquids. The analysis of electrode reactions in room-temperature ionic liquids shows that the magnitude of the free energy of nuclear solvation is significantly below its thermodynamic limit. Finally, this result applies to reaction times faster than microseconds and is currently limited by the available dielectric relaxation data.« less

Probing electron transfer mechanisms in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 using a nanoelectrode platform and single-cell imaging

PubMed Central

Jiang, Xiaocheng; Hu, Jinsong; Fitzgerald, Lisa A.; Biffinger, Justin C.; Xie, Ping; Ringeisen, Bradley R.; Lieber, Charles M.

2010-01-01

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising approach for sustainable energy production as they generate electricity directly from metabolism of organic substrates without the need for catalysts. However, the mechanisms of electron transfer between microbes and electrodes, which could ultimately limit power extraction, remain controversial. Here we demonstrate optically transparent nanoelectrodes as a platform to investigate extracellular electron transfer in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, where an array of nanoholes precludes or single window allows for direct microbe-electrode contacts. Following addition of cells, short-circuit current measurements showed similar amplitude and temporal response for both electrode configurations, while in situ optical imaging demonstrates that the measured currents were uncorrelated with the cell number on the electrodes. High-resolution imaging showed the presence of thin, 4- to 5-nm diameter filaments emanating from cell bodies, although these filaments do not appear correlated with current generation. Both types of electrodes yielded similar currents at longer times in dense cell layers and exhibited a rapid drop in current upon removal of diffusible mediators. Reintroduction of the original cell-free media yielded a rapid increase in current to ∼80% of original level, whereas imaging showed that the positions of > 70% of cells remained unchanged during solution exchange. Together, these measurements show that electron transfer occurs predominantly by mediated mechanism in this model system. Last, simultaneous measurements of current and cell positions showed that cell motility and electron transfer were inversely correlated. The ability to control and image cell/electrode interactions down to the single-cell level provide a powerful approach for advancing our fundamental understanding of MFCs. PMID:20837546

Externally applied electric fields up to 1.6 × 10(5) V/m do not affect the homogeneous nucleation of ice in supercooled water.

PubMed

Stan, Claudiu A; Tang, Sindy K Y; Bishop, Kyle J M; Whitesides, George M

2011-02-10

The freezing of water can initiate at electrically conducting electrodes kept at a high electric potential or at charged electrically insulating surfaces. The microscopic mechanisms of these phenomena are unknown, but they must involve interactions between water molecules and electric fields. This paper investigates the effect of uniform electric fields on the homogeneous nucleation of ice in supercooled water. Electric fields were applied across drops of water immersed in a perfluorinated liquid using a parallel-plate capacitor; the drops traveled in a microchannel and were supercooled until they froze due to the homogeneous nucleation of ice. The distribution of freezing temperatures of drops depended on the rate of nucleation of ice, and the sensitivity of measurements allowed detection of changes by a factor of 1.5 in the rate of nucleation. Sinusoidal alternation of the electric field at frequencies from 3 to 100 kHz prevented free ions present in water from screening the electric field in the bulk of drops. Uniform electric fields in water with amplitudes up to (1.6 ± 0.4) × 10(5) V/m neither enhanced nor suppressed the homogeneous nucleation of ice. Estimations based on thermodynamic models suggest that fields in the range of 10(7)-10(8) V/m might cause an observable increase in the rate of nucleation.

Photocurrent enhancement of n-type Cu2O electrodes achieved by controlling dendritic branching growth.

PubMed

McShane, Colleen M; Choi, Kyoung-Shin

2009-02-25

Cu(2)O electrodes composed of dendritic crystals were produced electrochemically using a slightly acidic medium (pH 4.9) containing acetate buffer. The buffer played a key role for stabilizing dendritic branching growth as a pH drop during the synthesis prevents formation of morphologically unstable branches and promotes faceted growth. Dendritic branching growth enabled facile coverage of the substrate with Cu(2)O while avoiding growth of a thicker Cu(2)O layer and increasing surface areas. The resulting electrodes showed n-type behavior by generating anodic photocurrent without applying an external bias (zero-bias photocurrent under short-circuit condition) in an Ar-purged 0.02 M K(2)SO(4) solution. The zero-bias photocurrent of crystalline dendritic electrodes was significantly higher than that of the electrodes containing micrometer-size faceted crystals deposited without buffer. In order to enhance photocurrent further a strategy of improving charge-transport properties by increasing dendritic crystal domain size was investigated. Systematic changes in nucleation density and size of the dendritic Cu(2)O crystals were achieved by altering the deposition potential, Cu(2+) concentration, and acetate concentration. Increasing dendritic crystal size consistently resulted in the improvement of photocurrent regardless of the method used to regulate crystal size. The electrode composed of dendritic crystals with the lateral dimension of ca. 12000 microm(2) showed more than 20 times higher zero-bias photocurrent than that composed of dendritic crystals with the lateral dimension of ca. 100 microm(2). The n-type nature of the Cu(2)O electrodes prepared by this study were confirmed by linear sweep voltammetry with chopped light and capacitance measurements (i.e., Mott-Schottky plots). The flatband potential in a 0.2 M K(2)SO(4) solution (pH 6) was estimated to be -0.78 vs Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The IPCE measured without applying an external bias was approximately 1% for the visible region. With appropriate doping studies and surface treatment to improve charge transport and interfacial kinetics more efficient n-type Cu(2)O electrodes will be prepared for use in various photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic devices.

Design of a High-resolution Optoelectronic Retinal Prosthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palanker, Daniel

2005-03-01

It has been demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the retina can produce visual percepts in blind patients suffering from macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. So far retinal implants have had just a few electrodes, whereas at least several thousand pixels would be required for any functional restoration of sight. We will discuss physical limitations on the number of stimulating electrodes and on delivery of information and power to the retinal implant. Using a model of extracellular stimulation we derive the threshold values of current and voltage as a function of electrode size and distance to the target cell. Electrolysis, tissue heating, and cross-talk between neighboring electrodes depend critically on separation between electrodes and cells, thus strongly limiting the pixels size and spacing. Minimal pixel density required for 20/80 visual acuity (2500 pixels/mm2, pixel size 20 um) cannot be achieved unless the target neurons are within 7 um of the electrodes. At a separation of 50 um, the density drops to 44 pixels/mm2, and at 100 um it is further reduced to 10 pixels/mm2. We will present designs of subretinal implants that provide close proximity of electrodes to cells using migration of retinal cells to target areas. Two basic implant geometries will be described: perforated membranes and protruding electrode arrays. In addition, we will discuss delivery of information to the implant that allows for natural eye scanning of the scene, rather than scanning with a head-mounted camera. It operates similarly to ``virtual reality'' imaging devices where an image from a video camera is projected by a goggle-mounted collimated infrared LED-LCD display onto the retina, activating an array of powered photodiodes in the retinal implant. Optical delivery of visual information to the implant allows for flexible control of the image processing algorithms and stimulation parameters. In summary, we will describe solutions to some of the major problems facing the realization of a functional retinal implant: high pixel density, proximity of electrodes to target cells, natural eye scanning capability, and real-time image processing adjustable to retinal architecture.

Solar energy storage using surfactant micelles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastava, R. C.; Marwadi, P. R.; Latha, P. K.; Bhise, S. B.

1982-09-01

The results of experiments designed to test the soluble reduced form of thionine dye as a suitable solar energy storage agent inside the hydrophobic core of surfactant micelles are discussed. Aqueous solutions of thionine, methylene blue, cetyl pyridinium bromide, sodium lauryl sulphate, iron salts, and iron were employed as samples of anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants. The solutions were exposed to light until the dye disappeared, and then added drop-by-drop to surfactant solutions. The resultant solutions were placed in one cell compartment while an aqueous solution with Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) ions were placed in another, with the compartments being furnished with platinum electrodes connected using a saturated KCl-agar bridge. Data was gathered on the short circuit current, maximum power, and internal resistance encountered. Results indicate that dye-surfactant systems are viable candidates for solar energy storage for later conversion to electrical power.

Bubble dynamics, two-phase flow, and boiling heat transfer in a microgravity environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, Jacob N.

1994-01-01

The two-phase bubbly flow and boiling heat transfer in microgravity represents a substantial challenge to scientists and engineers and yet there is an urgent need to seek fundamental understanding in this area for future spacecraft design and space missions. At Washington State University, we have successfully designed, built and tested a 2.1 second drop tower with an innovation airbag deceleration system. Microgravity boiling experiments performed in our 0.6 second Drop Tower produced data flow visualizations that agree with published results and also provide some new understanding concerning flow boiling and microgravity bubble behavior. On the analytical and numerical work, the edge effects of finite divergent electrode plates on the forces experienced by bubbles were investigated. Boiling in a concentric cylinder microgravity and an electric field was numerically predicted. We also completed a feasibility study for microgravity boiling in an acoustic field.

High elastic modulus polymer electrolytes suitable for preventing thermal runaway in lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Mullin, Scott; Panday, Ashoutosh; Balsara, Nitash Pervez; Singh, Mohit; Eitouni, Hany Basam; Gomez, Enrique Daniel

2014-04-22

A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1.times.10.sup.7 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1.times.10.sup.-5 Scm.sup.-1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics. In another aspect, the electrolyte exhibits a conductivity drop when the temperature of electrolyte increases over a threshold temperature, thereby providing a shutoff mechanism for preventing thermal runaway in lithium battery cells.

Quantum dot as spin current generator and energy harvester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szukiewicz, Barbara; Wysokiński, Karol I.

2015-05-01

The thermoelectric transport in the device composed of a central nanoscopic system in contact with two electrodes and subject to the external magnetic field of Zeeman type has been studied. The device can support pure spin current in the electrodes and may serve as a source of the temperature induced spin currents with possible applications in spintronics. The system may also be used as an energy harvester. We calculate its thermodynamic efficiency η and the power output P. The maximal efficiency of the device reaches the Carnot value when the device works reversibly but with the vanishing power. The interactions between carriers diminish the maximal efficiency of the device, which under the constant load drops well below the Carnot limit but may exceed the Curzon-Ahlborn limit. While the effect of intradot Coulomb repulsion on η depends on the parameters, the interdot/interlevel interaction strongly diminishes the device efficiency.

A simple differential pulse polarographic method for the determination of thymoquinone in black seed oil.

PubMed

Michelitsch, Astrid; Rittmannsberger, Anna

2003-01-01

A reliable and simple differential pulse polarographic method is described for the determination of thymoquinone in black seed oil. The polarographic behaviour of thymoquinone was examined in various buffer systems over the pH range 5.0-10.0. Thymoquinone is reduced in a single, reversible peak at the dropping mercury electrode. The differential pulse polarogram showed a distinct peak in Sörensen buffer:methanol (3:7, v/v; pH 8.5) at a peak potential of -0.095 V (vs. silver/silver chloride electrode), and a plot of peak height against concentration was found to be linear over the range 0.2-15.0 microg/mL (R = 0.9998). The limit of detection was calculated to be 0.054 microg/mL. The polarographic method has been applied to determine thymoquinone in two black seed oil preparations available on the Austrian pharmaceutical market.

The re-emergence of sodium ion batteries: testing, processing, and manufacturability

PubMed Central

Roberts, Samuel; Kendrick, Emma

2018-01-01

With the re-emergence of sodium ion batteries (NIBs), we discuss the reasons for the recent interests in this technology and discuss the synergies between lithium ion battery (LIB) and NIB technologies and the potential for NIB as a “drop-in” technology for LIB manufacturing. The electrochemical testing of sodium materials in sodium metal anode arrangements is reviewed. The performance, stability, and polarization of the sodium in these test cells lead to alternative testing in three-electrode and alternative anode cell configurations. NIB manufacturability is also discussed, together with the impact that the material stability has upon the electrodes and coating. Finally, full-cell NIB technologies are reviewed, and literature proof-of-concept cells give an idea of some of the key differences in the testing protocols of these batteries. For more commercially relevant formats, safety, passive voltage control through cell balancing and cell formation aspects are discussed. PMID:29910609

Chemistry of vinylidene complexes. XXIV. A new μ-vinylidene complex containing RePt core, and platinum-bound carbonyl ligand. Spectroscopic, structural and electrochemical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verpekin, Victor V.; Vasiliev, Alexander D.; Kondrasenko, Alexander A.; Burmakina, Galina V.; Chudin, Oleg S.; Pavlenko, Nina I.; Zimonin, Dmitry V.; Rubaylo, Anatoly I.

2018-07-01

The novel heterobinuclear μ-vinylidene complex [Cp(CO)2Re(μ-C=CHPh)Pt(PPh3)(CO)] (1) was isolated from the reaction mixture of [Cp(CO)2Re(μ-C=CHPh)Fe(CO)4] and Pt(PPh3)4 for the first time. Alternative high-yield synthetic approaches to 1 were developed including the reactions of [Cp(CO)2Re(μ-C=CHPh)Pt(PPh3)2] (2) with Co2(CO)8 and Rh(acac)(CO)2. The complex was characterized by IR and 1H, 13C and 31P NMR spectroscopy, a molecular structure of 1 was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The electrochemical behavior of the new complex was studied by cyclic voltammetry at platinum or glassed carbon electrodes and by dc polarography at a dropping mercury electrode.

Development of a portable analyzer with polymer lab-on-a-chip (LOC) for continuous sampling and monitoring of Pb(II).

PubMed

Jang, A; Zou, Z; MacKnight, E; Wu, P M; Kim, I S; Ahn, C H; Bishop, P L

2009-01-01

A new portable analyzer with polymer lab-on-a-chip (LOC) has been designed, fabricated and fully characterized for continuous sampling and monitoring of lead (Pb(II)) in this work. As the working electrodes of the sensor, bismuth (Bi (III)) which allowed the advantage of being more environmentally friendly than traditional mercury drop electrodes was used, while maintaining similar sensitivity and other desirable characteristics. The size of a portable analyzer was 30 cmx23 cmx7 cm, and the weight was around 3 kg. The small size gives the advantage of being portable for field use while not sacrificing portability for accuracy of measurement. Furthermore, the autonomous system developed in coordination with the development of new polymer LOC integrated with electrochemical sensors can provide an innovative way to monitor surface waters in an efficient, cost-effective and sustainable manner.

Durability test with fuel starvation using a Pt/CNF catalyst in PEMFC.

PubMed

Jung, Juhae; Park, Byungil; Kim, Junbom

2012-01-05

In this study, a catalyst was synthesized on carbon nanofibers [CNFs] with a herringbone-type morphology. The Pt/CNF catalyst exhibited low hydrophilicity, low surface area, high dispersion, and high graphitic behavior on physical analysis. Electrodes (5 cm2) were prepared by a spray method, and the durability of the Pt/CNF was evaluated by fuel starvation. The performance was compared with a commercial catalyst before and after accelerated tests. The fuel starvation caused carbon corrosion with a reverse voltage drop. The polarization curve, EIS, and cyclic voltammetry were analyzed in order to characterize the electrochemical properties of the Pt/CNF. The performance of a membrane electrode assembly fabricated from the Pt/CNF was maintained, and the electrochemical surface area and cell resistance showed the same trend. Therefore, CNFs are expected to be a good support in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

Durability test with fuel starvation using a Pt/CNF catalyst in PEMFC

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

In this study, a catalyst was synthesized on carbon nanofibers [CNFs] with a herringbone-type morphology. The Pt/CNF catalyst exhibited low hydrophilicity, low surface area, high dispersion, and high graphitic behavior on physical analysis. Electrodes (5 cm2) were prepared by a spray method, and the durability of the Pt/CNF was evaluated by fuel starvation. The performance was compared with a commercial catalyst before and after accelerated tests. The fuel starvation caused carbon corrosion with a reverse voltage drop. The polarization curve, EIS, and cyclic voltammetry were analyzed in order to characterize the electrochemical properties of the Pt/CNF. The performance of a membrane electrode assembly fabricated from the Pt/CNF was maintained, and the electrochemical surface area and cell resistance showed the same trend. Therefore, CNFs are expected to be a good support in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. PMID:22221426

Tungsten carbide nanorods with zirconium dioxide composite for low cost with high efficiency Pt-free counter electrode in dye sensitized solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijayakumar, P.; Senthil Pandian, M.; Ramasamy, P.

2018-04-01

Tungsten carbide nanorods/Zirconium dioxide (WC-NRs/ZrO2) composite material was used as a counter electrode (CE) for efficient dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) fabrication. The prepared WC-NRs/ZrO2 (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP)/2-Propanol) gel is drop casted on the FTO substrate for CE. The morphological analysis was confirmed by FESEM and TEM. Nyquist plot clearly indicates that the NMP based WC-NRs/ZrO2 CE possesses high electrocatalytic activity and faster charge-transfer ability for the reduction of I3- due to the lower charge transfer resistance. The fabricated WC-NRs/ZrO2 (NMP) composite CE is demonstrated with high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.63% in comparison to the WC-NRs/ZrO2 (2-propanol) CE of 2.29% under same conditions.

Biosensor based on tyrosinase immobilized on a single-walled carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode for detection of epinephrine

PubMed Central

Apetrei, Irina Mirela; Apetrei, Constantin

2013-01-01

A biosensor comprising tyrosinase immobilized on a single-walled carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode has been developed. The sensitive element, ie, tyrosinase, was immobilized using a drop-and-dry method followed by cross-linking. Tyrosinase maintained high bioactivity on this nanomaterial, catalyzing the oxidation of epinephrine to epinephrine-quinone, which was electrochemically reduced (−0.07 V versus Ag/AgCl) on the biosensor surface. Under optimum conditions, the biosensor showed a linear response in the range of 10–110 μM. The limit of detection was calculated to be 2.54 μM with a correlation coefficient of 0.977. The repeatability, expressed as the relative standard deviation for five consecutive determinations of 10−5 M epinephrine solution was 3.4%. A good correlation was obtained between results obtained by the biosensor and those obtained by ultraviolet spectrophotometric methods. PMID:24348034

Acute changes associated with electrode insertion measured with optical coherence microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammer, Daniel X.; Lozzi, Andrea; Boretsky, Adam; Agrawal, Anant; Welle, Cristin G.

2016-03-01

Despite advances in functional neural imaging, penetrating microelectrodes provide the most direct interface for the extraction of neural signals from the nervous system and are a critical component of many high degree-of-freedom braincomputer interface devices. Electrode insertion is a traumatic event that elicits a complex neuroinflammatory response. In this investigation we applied optical coherence microscopy (OCM), particularly optical coherence angiography (OCA), to characterize the immediate tissue response during microelectrode insertion. Microelectrodes of varying dimension and footprint (one-, two-, and four-shank) were inserted into mouse motor cortex beneath a window after craniotomy surgery. The microelectrodes were inserted in 3-4 steps at 15-20°, with approximately 250 μm linear insertion distance for each step. Before insertion and between each step, OCM datasets were collected, including for quantitative capillary velocimetry. A cohort of control animals without microelectrode insertion was also imaged over a similar time period (2-3 hours). Mechanical tissue deformation was observed in all the experimental animals. The quantitative angiography results varied across animals, and were not correlated with device dimensions. In some cases, localized flow drop-out was observed in a small region surrounding the electrode, while in other instances a global disruption in flow occurred, perhaps as a result of large vessel compression caused by mechanical pressure. OCM is a tool that can be used in various neurophotonics applications, including quantification of the neuroinflammatory response to penetrating electrode insertion.

Fabrication and testing of an electrochemical microcell for in situ soft X-ray microspectroscopy measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gianoncelli, A.; Kaulich, B.; Kiskinova, M.; Mele, C.; Prasciolu, M.; Sgura, I.; Bozzini, B.

2013-03-01

In this paper we report on the fabrication and testing of a novel concept of electrochemical microcell for in-situ soft X-ray microspectroscopy in transmission. The microcell, fabricated by electron-beam lithography, implements an improved electrode design, with optimal current density distribution and minimised ohmic drop, allowing the same three-electrode electrochemical control achievable with traditional cells. Moreover standard electroanalytical measurements, such as cyclic voltammetry, can be routinely performed. As far as the electrolyte is concerned, we selected a room-temperature ionic-liquid. Some of the materials belonging to this class, in addition to a broad range of outstanding electrochemical properties, feature two highlights that are crucial for in situ, soft X-ray transmission work: spinnability, enabling accurate thickness control, and stability to UHV, allowing operation of an open cell in the analysis chamber vacuum (10-6 mbar). The cell can, of course, be used also with non-vacuum stable electrolytes in the sealed version developed in previous work in our group. In this study, the microcell designed, fabricated and tested in situ by applying an anodic polarisation to a Au electrode and following the formation of a distribution of corrosion features. This specific material combination presented in this work does not limit the cell concept, that can implement any electrodic material grown by lithography, any liquid electrolyte and any spinnable solid electrolyte.

Electrochemical enzymatic fenitrothion sensor based on a tyrosinase/poly(2-hydroxybenzamide)-modified graphite electrode.

PubMed

Alves, Maria de Fátima; Corrêa, Ricardo Augusto Moreira de Souza; da Cruz, Filipe Soares; Franco, Diego Leoni; Ferreira, Lucas Franco

2018-07-15

This paper reports the electrosynthesis and characterisation of a polymeric film derived from 2-hydroxybenzamide over a graphite electrode and its application as an enzymatic biosensor for the determination and quantification of the pesticide fenitrothion. The material was analysed by scanning electron microscopy and its electrochemical properties characterised by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The enzyme tyrosinase was immobilised over the modified electrode by the drop and dry technique. Catechol was determined by direct reduction of biocatalytically formed o-quinone by employing the flow injection analysis technique. The analytical characteristics of the proposed sensor were optimised as follows: phosphate buffer 0.050 M at pH 6.5, flow rate 5.0 mL min -1 , sample injection volume 150 μL, catechol concentration 1.0 mM and maximum inhibition time by fenitrothion of 6 min. The biosensors showed a linear response to pesticide concentration from 0.018 to 3.60 μM. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were calculated as 4.70 nM and 15.9 nM (RSD < 2.7%), respectively. The intra- and inter-electrode RSDs were 3.35% (n = 15) and 8.70% (n = 7), respectively. In addition, water samples spiked with the pesticide showed an average recovery of 97.6% (±1.53). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design and Optimization of a Stationary Electrode in a Vertically-Driven MEMS Inertial Switch for Extending Contact Duration

PubMed Central

Xu, Qiu; Yang, Zhuo-Qing; Fu, Bo; Bao, Yan-Ping; Wu, Hao; Sun, Yun-Na; Zhao, Meng-Yuan; Li, Jian; Ding, Gui-Fu; Zhao, Xiao-Lin

2017-01-01

A novel micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) inertial microswitch with a flexible contact-enhanced structure to extend the contact duration has been proposed in the present work. In order to investigate the stiffness k of the stationary electrodes, the stationary electrodes with different shapes, thickness h, width b, and length l were designed, analyzed, and simulated using ANSYS software. Both the analytical and the simulated results indicate that the stiffness k increases with thickness h and width b, while decreasing with an increase of length l, and it is related to the shape. The inertial micro-switches with different kinds of stationary electrodes were simulated using ANSYS software and fabricated using surface micromachining technology. The dynamic simulation indicates that the contact time will decrease with the increase of thickness h and width b, but increase with the length l, and it is related to the shape. As a result, the contact time decreases with the stiffness k of the stationary electrode. Furthermore, the simulated results reveal that the stiffness k changes more rapidly with h and l compared to b. However, overlarge dimension of the whole microswitch is contradicted with small footprint area expectation in the structure design. Therefore, it is unreasonable to extend the contact duration by increasing the length l excessively. Thus, the best and most convenient way to prolong the contact time is to reduce the thickness h of the stationary electrode while keeping the plane geometric structure of the inertial micro-switch unchanged. Finally, the fabricated micro-switches with different shapes of stationary electrodes have been evaluated by a standard dropping hammer system. The test maximum contact time under 288 g acceleration can reach 125 µs. It is shown that the test results are in accordance with the simulated results. The conclusions obtained in this work can provide guidance for the future design and fabrication of inertial microswitches. PMID:28272330

Design and Optimization of a Stationary Electrode in a Vertically-Driven MEMS Inertial Switch for Extending Contact Duration.

PubMed

Xu, Qiu; Yang, Zhuo-Qing; Fu, Bo; Bao, Yan-Ping; Wu, Hao; Sun, Yun-Na; Zhao, Meng-Yuan; Li, Jian; Ding, Gui-Fu; Zhao, Xiao-Lin

2017-03-07

A novel micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) inertial microswitch with a flexible contact-enhanced structure to extend the contact duration has been proposed in the present work. In order to investigate the stiffness k of the stationary electrodes, the stationary electrodes with different shapes, thickness h , width b , and length l were designed, analyzed, and simulated using ANSYS software. Both the analytical and the simulated results indicate that the stiffness k increases with thickness h and width b , while decreasing with an increase of length l , and it is related to the shape. The inertial micro-switches with different kinds of stationary electrodes were simulated using ANSYS software and fabricated using surface micromachining technology. The dynamic simulation indicates that the contact time will decrease with the increase of thickness h and width b , but increase with the length l , and it is related to the shape. As a result, the contact time decreases with the stiffness k of the stationary electrode. Furthermore, the simulated results reveal that the stiffness k changes more rapidly with h and l compared to b . However, overlarge dimension of the whole microswitch is contradicted with small footprint area expectation in the structure design. Therefore, it is unreasonable to extend the contact duration by increasing the length l excessively. Thus, the best and most convenient way to prolong the contact time is to reduce the thickness h of the stationary electrode while keeping the plane geometric structure of the inertial micro-switch unchanged. Finally, the fabricated micro-switches with different shapes of stationary electrodes have been evaluated by a standard dropping hammer system. The test maximum contact time under 288 g acceleration can reach 125 µs. It is shown that the test results are in accordance with the simulated results. The conclusions obtained in this work can provide guidance for the future design and fabrication of inertial microswitches.

Distribution of ion contents and microorganisms during the electro-bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated saline soil.

PubMed

Zhang, Meng; Guo, Shuhai; Li, Fengmei; Wu, Bo

2017-10-15

This study investigated the distribution of ion contents and microorganisms during the electro-bioremediation (EK-Bio) of petroleum-contaminated saline soil. The results showed that soil ions tend to accumulate around the electrodes, and the concentration was correlated with the distance from the electrodes. The average soil ion content was 7.92 g/kg around the electrodes (site A) and 0.55 g/kg at the furthest distance from the electrodes (site B) after 112 days of treatment, while the initial average content was 3.92 g/kg. Smooth linear (R 2 = 0.98) loss of soil ions was observed at site C, which was closer to the electrodes than site B, and had a final average soil ion content of 1.96 g/kg. The dehydrogenase activity was much higher in EK-Bio test soil than in the Bio test soil after 28 days of treatment, and followed the order: site C > site B > site A. However, the soil dehydrogenase activity dropped continuously when the soil ion reached very high and low concentrations at sites A and B. The soil microbial community varied in sample sites that had different ion contents, and the soil microbial diversity followed the order: site C > site B > site A. The applied electric field clearly enhanced the biodegradation efficiency for soil petroleum contaminants. However, the biodegradation promotion effects were weakening in soils where the ion contents were extremely high and low (sites A and B). These results can provide useful information for EK-Bioremediation of organic-contaminated saline soil.

Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes Modified with Cobalt Phthalocyanine for Selective Sulfur Detection in Cosmetic Products

PubMed Central

Chen, Pei-Yen; Luo, Chin-Hsiang; Chen, Mei-Chin; Tsai, Feng-Jie; Chang, Nai-Fang; Shih, Ying

2011-01-01

Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) films were deposited on the surface of a screen-printed carbon electrode using a simple drop coating method. The cyclic voltammogram of the resulting CoPc modified screen-printed electrode (CoPc/SPE) prepared under optimum conditions shows a well-behaved redox couple due to the (CoI/CoII) system. The CoPc/SPE surface demonstrates excellent electrochemical activity towards the oxidation of sulfur in a 0.01 mol·L−1 NaOH. A linear calibration curve with the detection limit (DL, S/N = 3) of 0.325 mg·L−1 was achieved by CoPc/SPE coupled with flow injection analysis of the sulfur concentration ranging from 4 to 1120 mg·L−1. The precision of the system response was evaluated (3.60% and 3.52% RSD for 12 repeated injections), in the range of 64 and 480 mg·L−1 sulfur. The applicability of the method was successfully demonstrated in a real sample analysis of sulfur in anti-acne creams, and good recovery was obtained. The CoPc/SPE displayed several advantages in sulfur determination including easy fabrication, high stability, and low cost. PMID:21747708

Scanning electron microscopy of chronically implanted intracortical microelectrode arrays in non-human primates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrese, James C.; Aceros, Juan; Donoghue, John P.

2016-04-01

Objective. Signal attenuation is a major problem facing intracortical sensors for chronic neuroprosthetic applications. Many studies suggest that failure is due to gliosis around the electrode tips, however, mechanical and material causes of failure are often overlooked. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to progressive signal decline by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visualize structural changes in chronically implanted arrays and histology to examine the tissue response at corresponding implant sites. Approach. We examined eight chronically implanted intracortical microelectrode arrays (MEAs) explanted from non-human primates at times ranging from 37 to 1051 days post-implant. We used SEM, in vivo neural recordings, and histology (GFAP, Iba-1, NeuN). Three MEAs that were never implanted were also imaged as controls. Main results. SEM revealed progressive corrosion of the platinum electrode tips and changes to the underlying silicon. The parylene insulation was prone to cracking and delamination, and in some instances the silicone elastomer also delaminated from the edges of the MEA. Substantial tissue encapsulation was observed and was often seen growing into defects in the platinum and parylene. These material defects became more common as the time in vivo increased. Histology at 37 and 1051 days post-implant showed gliosis, disruption of normal cortical architecture with minimal neuronal loss, and high Iba-1 reactivity, especially within the arachnoid and dura. Electrode tracts were either absent or barely visible in the cortex at 1051 days, but were seen in the fibrotic encapsulation material suggesting that the MEAs were lifted out of the brain. Neural recordings showed a progressive drop in impedance, signal amplitude, and viable channels over time. Significance. These results provide evidence that signal loss in MEAs is truly multifactorial. Gliosis occurs in the first few months after implantation but does not prevent useful recordings for several years. Progressive meningeal fibrosis encapsulates and lifts MEAs out of the cortex while ongoing foreign body reactions lead to progressive degradation of the materials. Long-term impedance drops are due to the corrosion of platinum, cracking and delamination of parylene, and delamination of silicone elastomer. Oxygen radicals released by cells of the immune system likely mediate the degradation of these materials. Future MEA designs must address these problems through more durable insulation materials, more inert electrode alloys, and pharmacologic suppression of fibroblasts and leukocytes.

Scanning electron microscopy of chronically implanted intracortical microelectrode arrays in non-human primates

PubMed Central

Barrese, James C; Aceros, Juan; Donoghue, John P

2016-01-01

Objective Signal attenuation is a major problem facing intracortical sensors for chronic neuroprosthetic applications. Many studies suggest that failure is due to gliosis around the electrode tips, however, mechanical and material causes of failure are often overlooked. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to progressive signal decline by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visualize structural changes in chronically implanted arrays and histology to examine the tissue response at corresponding implant sites. Approach We examined eight chronically implanted intracortical microelectrode arrays (MEAs) explanted from non-human primates at times ranging from 37 to 1051 days post-implant. We used SEM, in vivo neural recordings, and histology (GFAP, Iba-1, NeuN). Three MEAs that were never implanted were also imaged as controls. Main results SEM revealed progressive corrosion of the platinum electrode tips and changes to the underlying silicon. The parylene insulation was prone to cracking and delamination, and in some instances the silicone elastomer also delaminated from the edges of the MEA. Substantial tissue encapsulation was observed and was often seen growing into defects in the platinum and parylene. These material defects became more common as the time in vivo increased. Histology at 37 and 1051 days post-implant showed gliosis, disruption of normal cortical architecture with minimal neuronal loss, and high Iba-1 reactivity, especially within the arachnoid and dura. Electrode tracts were either absent or barely visible in the cortex at 1051 days, but were seen in the fibrotic encapsulation material suggesting that the MEAs were lifted out of the brain. Neural recordings showed a progressive drop in impedance, signal amplitude, and viable channels over time. Significance These results provide evidence that signal loss in MEAs is truly multifactorial. Gliosis occurs in the first few months after implantation but does not prevent useful recordings for several years. Progressive meningeal fibrosis encapsulates and lifts MEAs out of the cortex while ongoing foreign body reactions lead to progressive degradation of the materials. Long-term impedance drops are due to the corrosion of platinum, cracking and delamination of parylene, and delamination of silicone elastomer. Oxygen radicals released by cells of the immune system likely mediate the degradation of these materials. Future MEA designs must address these problems through more durable insulation materials, more inert electrode alloys, and pharmacologic suppression of fibroblasts and leukocytes. PMID:26824680

Scanning electron microscopy of chronically implanted intracortical microelectrode arrays in non-human primates.

PubMed

Barrese, James C; Aceros, Juan; Donoghue, John P

2016-04-01

Signal attenuation is a major problem facing intracortical sensors for chronic neuroprosthetic applications. Many studies suggest that failure is due to gliosis around the electrode tips, however, mechanical and material causes of failure are often overlooked. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to progressive signal decline by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to visualize structural changes in chronically implanted arrays and histology to examine the tissue response at corresponding implant sites. We examined eight chronically implanted intracortical microelectrode arrays (MEAs) explanted from non-human primates at times ranging from 37 to 1051 days post-implant. We used SEM, in vivo neural recordings, and histology (GFAP, Iba-1, NeuN). Three MEAs that were never implanted were also imaged as controls. SEM revealed progressive corrosion of the platinum electrode tips and changes to the underlying silicon. The parylene insulation was prone to cracking and delamination, and in some instances the silicone elastomer also delaminated from the edges of the MEA. Substantial tissue encapsulation was observed and was often seen growing into defects in the platinum and parylene. These material defects became more common as the time in vivo increased. Histology at 37 and 1051 days post-implant showed gliosis, disruption of normal cortical architecture with minimal neuronal loss, and high Iba-1 reactivity, especially within the arachnoid and dura. Electrode tracts were either absent or barely visible in the cortex at 1051 days, but were seen in the fibrotic encapsulation material suggesting that the MEAs were lifted out of the brain. Neural recordings showed a progressive drop in impedance, signal amplitude, and viable channels over time. These results provide evidence that signal loss in MEAs is truly multifactorial. Gliosis occurs in the first few months after implantation but does not prevent useful recordings for several years. Progressive meningeal fibrosis encapsulates and lifts MEAs out of the cortex while ongoing foreign body reactions lead to progressive degradation of the materials. Long-term impedance drops are due to the corrosion of platinum, cracking and delamination of parylene, and delamination of silicone elastomer. Oxygen radicals released by cells of the immune system likely mediate the degradation of these materials. Future MEA designs must address these problems through more durable insulation materials, more inert electrode alloys, and pharmacologic suppression of fibroblasts and leukocytes.

Nanostructured ZnO in a Metglas/ZnO/Hemoglobin Modified Electrode to Detect the Oxidation of the Hemoglobin Simultaneously by Cyclic Voltammetry and Magnetoelastic Resonance

PubMed Central

Sagasti, Ariane; Bouropoulos, Nikolaos; Kouzoudis, Dimitris; Panagiotopoulos, Apostolos; Topoglidis, Emmanuel; Gutiérrez, Jon

2017-01-01

In the present work, a nanostructured ZnO layer was synthesized onto a Metglas magnetoelastic ribbon to immobilize hemoglobin (Hb) on it and study the Hb’s electrochemical behavior towards hydrogen peroxide. Hb oxidation by H2O2 was monitored simultaneously by two different techniques: Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Magnetoelastic Resonance (MR). The Metglas/ZnO/Hb system was simultaneously used as a working electrode for the CV scans and as a magnetoelastic sensor excited by external coils, which drive it to resonance and interrogate it. The ZnO nanoparticles for the ZnO layer were grown hydrothermally and fully characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL). Additionally, the ZnO layer’s elastic modulus was measured using a new method, which makes use of the Metglas substrate. For the detection experiments, the electrochemical cell was performed with a glass vial, where the three electrodes (working, counter and reference) were immersed into PBS (Phosphate Buffer Solution) solution and small H2O2 drops were added, one at a time. CV scans were taken every 30 s and 5 min after the addition of each drop and meanwhile a magnetoelastic measurement was taken by the external coils. The CV plots reveal direct electrochemical behavior of Hb and display good electrocatalytic response to the reduction of H2O2. The measured catalysis currents increase linearly with the H2O2 concentration in a wide range of 25–350 μM with a correlation coefficient 0.99. The detection limit is 25–50 μM. Moreover, the Metglas/ZnO/Hb electrode displays rapid response (30 s) to H2O2, and exhibits good stability and reproducibility of the measurements. On the other hand, the magnetoelastic measurements show a small linear mass increase versus the H2O2 concentration with a slope of 152 ng/μM, which is probably due to H2O2 adsorption in ZnO during the electrochemical reaction. No such effects were detected during the control experiment when only PBS solution was present for a long time. PMID:28773209

Stack developments in a kW class all vanadium mixed acid redox flow battery at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

DOE PAGES

Reed, David M.; Thomsen, Edwin C.; Li, Bin; ...

2015-11-21

Over the past several years, efforts have been focused on improving the performance of kW class stacks with increasing current density. The influence of the Nafion membrane resistance, an interdigitated design to reduce the pressure drop in the electrolyte circuit, the temperature of the electrolyte, and the electrode structure will be discussed and correlated to the electrical performance. Furthermore, improvements to the stack energy efficiency and how those translate to the overall system efficiency will also be discussed.

Fabrication of Intermetallic Titanium Alloy Based on Ti2AlNb by Rapid Quenching of Melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senkevich, K. S.; Serov, M. M.; Umarova, O. Z.

2017-11-01

The possibility of fabrication of rapidly quenched fibers from alloy Ti - 22Al - 27Nb by extracting a hanging melt drop is studied. The special features of the production of electrodes for spraying the fibers by sintering mechanically alloyed powdered components of the alloy, i.e., titanium hydride, niobium, and aluminum dust, are studied. The rapidly quenched fibers with homogeneous phase composition and fine-grained structure produced from alloy Ti - 22Al - 27Nb are suitable for manufacturing compact semiproducts by hot pressing.

Effect of Inverter Power Source Characteristics on Welding Stability and Heat Affected Zone Dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Il'yaschenko, D. P.; Chinakhov, D. A.; Mamadaliev, R. A.

2018-01-01

The paper presents results the research in the effect of power sources dynamic characteristics on stability of melting and electrode metal transfer to the weld pool shielded metal arc welding. It is proved that when applying inverter-type welding power sources, heat and mass transfer characteristics change, arc gap short-circuit time and drop generation time are reduced. This leads to reduction of weld pool heat content and contraction of the heat-affected zone by 36% in comparison the same parameters obtained using a diode rectifier.

Motor unit recruitment and firing rate in medial gastrocnemius muscles during external perturbations in standing in humans.

PubMed

Pollock, C L; Ivanova, T D; Hunt, M A; Garland, S J

2014-10-01

There is limited investigation of the interaction between motor unit recruitment and rate coding for modulating force during standing or responding to external perturbations. Fifty-seven motor units were recorded from the medial gastrocnemius muscle with intramuscular electrodes in response to external perturbations in standing. Anteriorly directed perturbations were generated by applying loads in 0.45-kg increments at the pelvis every 25-40 s until 2.25 kg was maintained. Motor unit firing rate was calculated for the initial recruitment load and all subsequent loads during two epochs: 1) dynamic response to perturbation directly following each load drop and 2) maintenance of steady state between perturbations. Joint kinematics and surface electromyography (EMG) from lower extremities and force platform measurements were assessed. Application of the external loads resulted in a significant forward progression of the anterior-posterior center of pressure (AP COP) that was accompanied by modest changes in joint angles (<3°). Surface EMG increased more in medial gastrocnemius than in the other recorded muscles. At initial recruitment, motor unit firing rate immediately after the load drop was significantly lower than during subsequent load drops or during the steady state at the same load. There was a modest increase in motor unit firing rate immediately after the load drop on subsequent load drops associated with regaining balance. There was no effect of maintaining balance with increased load and forward progression of the AP COP on steady-state motor unit firing rate. The medial gastrocnemius utilized primarily motor unit recruitment to achieve the increased levels of activation necessary to maintain standing in the presence of external loads. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Restoration of ankle movements with the ActiGait implantable drop foot stimulator: a safe and reliable treatment option for permanent central leg palsy.

PubMed

Martin, Klaus Daniel; Polanski, Witold Henryk; Schulz, Anne-Kathrin; Jöbges, Michael; Hoff, Hansjoerg; Schackert, Gabriele; Pinzer, Thomas; Sobottka, Stephan B

2016-01-01

OBJECT The ActiGait drop foot stimulator is a promising technique for restoration of lost ankle function by an implantable hybrid stimulation system. It allows ankle dorsiflexion by active peroneal nerve stimulation during the swing phase of gait. In this paper the authors report the outcome of the first prospective study on a large number of patients with stroke-related drop foot. METHODS Twenty-seven patients who experienced a stroke and with persisting spastic leg paresis received an implantable ActiGait drop foot stimulator for restoration of ankle movement after successful surface test stimulation. After 3 to 5 weeks, the stimulator was activated, and gait speed, gait endurance, and activation time of the system were evaluated and compared with preoperative gait tests. In addition, patient satisfaction was assessed using a questionnaire. RESULTS Postoperative gait speed significantly improved from 33.9 seconds per 20 meters to 17.9 seconds per 20 meters (p < 0.0001), gait endurance from 196 meters in 6 minutes to 401 meters in 6 minutes (p < 0.0001), and activation time from 20.5 seconds to 10.6 seconds on average (p < 0.0001). In 2 patients with nerve injury, surgical repositioning of the electrode cuff became necessary. One patient showed a delayed wound healing, and in another patient the system had to be removed because of a wound infection. Marked improvement in mobility, social participation, and quality of life was confirmed by 89% to 96% of patients. CONCLUSIONS The ActiGait implantable drop foot stimulator improves gait speed, endurance, and quality of life in patients with stroke-related drop foot. Regarding gait speed, the ActiGait system appears to be advantageous compared with foot orthosis or surface stimulation devices. Randomized trials with more patients and longer observation periods are needed to prove the long-term benefit of this device.

Radiofrequency multielectrode catheter ablation in the atrium.

PubMed

Panescu, D; Fleischman, S D; Whayne, J G; Swanson, D K; Mirotznik, M S; McRury, I; Haines, D E

1999-04-01

We developed a temperature-controlled radiofrequency (RF) system which can ablate by delivering energy to up to six 12.5 mm long coil electrodes simultaneously. Temperature feedback was obtained from temperature sensors placed at each end of coil electrodes, in diametrically opposite positions. The coil electrodes were connected in parallel, via a set of electronic switches, to a 150 W 500 kHz temperature-controlled RF generator. Temperatures measured at all user-selected coil electrodes were processed by a microcontroller which sent the maximum value to the temperature input of the generator. The generator adjusted the delivered power to regulate the temperature at its input within a 5 degrees C interval about a user-defined set point. The microcontroller also activated the corresponding electronic switches so that temperatures at all selected electrodes were controlled within a 5 degrees C interval with respect to each other. Physical aspects of tissue heating were first analysed using finite element models and current density measurements. Results from these analyses also constituted design input. The performance of this system was studied in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, at set temperatures of 70 degrees C, 85% of the lesions were contiguous. All lesions created at set temperatures of 80 and 90 degrees C were contiguous. The lesion length increased almost linearly with the number of electrodes. Power requirements to reach a set temperature were larger as more electrodes were driven by the generator. The system impedance decreased as more electrodes were connected in the ablation circuit and reached a low of 45.5 ohms with five coil electrodes in the circuit. In vivo, right atrial lesions were created in eight mongrel canines. The power needed to reach 70 degrees C set temperature varied between 15 and 114 W. The system impedance was 105+/-16 ohms, with one coil electrode in the circuit, and dropped to 75+/-12 ohms when two coil electrodes were simultaneously powered. The length and the width of the lesion set varied between 17.6+/-6.1 and 59.2+/-11.7 mm and 5.9+/-0.7 and 7.1+/-1.2 mm respectively. No sudden impedance rises occurred and 75% of the lesions were contiguous. From the set of contiguous lesions, 90% were potentially therapeutic as they were transmural and extended over the entire target region. The average total procedure and fluoroscopy times were 83.4 and 5.9 min respectively. We concluded that the system can safely perform long and contiguous lesions in canine right atria.

Review—Multifunctional Materials for Enhanced Li-Ion Batteries Durability: A Brief Review of Practical Options

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

Banerjee, Anjan; Shilina, Yuliya; Ziv, Baruch

Transition metal (TM) ions dissolution from positive electrodes, migration to and deposition on negative electrodes, followed by Mn-catalyzed reactions of solvents and anions, with loss of Li+ ions, is a major degradation (DMDCR) mechanism in Li-ion batteries (LIBs) with spinel positive electrode materials. While the details of the DMDCR mechanism are still under debate, it is clear that HF and other acid species’ attack is the main cause in solutions with LiPF6 electrolyte. We first review the work on various mitigation measures for the DMDCR mechanism, now spanning more than two decades. We then discuss recent progress on our understandingmore » of Mn species in electrolyte solutions and the extension of a mitigation measure first proposed by Tarascon and coworkers in 1999, namely chelation of TM cations, to Mn cation trapping, HF scavenging, and alkali metal ions dispensing multi-functional materials. We focus on practicable, drop-in technical solutions, based on placing such materials in the inter-electrode space, with significant benefits for LIBs performance: increased capacity retention during operation at room and above-ambient temperatures as well as robust (both maximally ionically conducting and electronically insulating) solid-electrolyte interfaces, having reduced charge transfer and film resistances at both negative and positive electrodes. We illustrate the multifunctional materials approach with both new and previously published data. We also discuss and offer our evaluation regarding the merits and drawbacks of the various mitigation measures, with an eye for practically relevant technical solutions capable to meet both the performance requirements and cost constraints for commercial LIBs, and end with recommendations for future work.« less

Simulations of Cyclic Voltammetry for Electric Double Layers in Asymmetric Electrolytes: A Generalized Modified Poisson-Nernst-Planck Model

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

Wang, Hainan; Thiele, Alexander; Pilon, Laurent

2013-11-15

This paper presents a generalized modified Poisson–Nernst–Planck (MPNP) model derived from first principles based on excess chemical potential and Langmuir activity coefficient to simulate electric double-layer dynamics in asymmetric electrolytes. The model accounts simultaneously for (1) asymmetric electrolytes with (2) multiple ion species, (3) finite ion sizes, and (4) Stern and diffuse layers along with Ohmic potential drop in the electrode. It was used to simulate cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements for binary asymmetric electrolytes. The results demonstrated that the current density increased significantly with decreasing ion diameter and/or increasing valency |z i| of either ion species. By contrast, the ionmore » diffusion coefficients affected the CV curves and capacitance only at large scan rates. Dimensional analysis was also performed, and 11 dimensionless numbers were identified to govern the CV measurements of the electric double layer in binary asymmetric electrolytes between two identical planar electrodes of finite thickness. A self-similar behavior was identified for the electric double-layer integral capacitance estimated from CV measurement simulations. Two regimes were identified by comparing the half cycle period τ CV and the “RC time scale” τ RC corresponding to the characteristic time of ions’ electrodiffusion. For τ RC ← τ CV, quasi-equilibrium conditions prevailed and the capacitance was diffusion-independent while for τ RC → τ CV, the capacitance was diffusion-limited. The effect of the electrode was captured by the dimensionless electrode electrical conductivity representing the ratio of characteristic times associated with charge transport in the electrolyte and that in the electrode. The model developed here will be useful for simulating and designing various practical electrochemical, colloidal, and biological systems for a wide range of applications.« less

Particle size effect in porous film electrodes of ligand-modified graphene for enhanced supercapacitor performance

DOE PAGES

Jang, Gyoung Gug; Song, Bo; Moon, Kyoung-sik; ...

2017-04-17

Graphene-based electrodes for high performance supercapacitors are developed by taking advantage of particle size control, large mass loading, and surface functionalization of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets. Two controlled sizes of graphene sheets (100 nm vs. 45 μm average lateral dimensions) were prepared to study two-electrode system performance. The nano-size graphenes led to the formation of mesoporous films, resulting in higher capacitance, better capacitance retension and lower equivalent series resistance (ESR), indicating better surface usability for diffusion and accessibility of electrolyte ions by shortening transport paths (compared with horizontally stacked films from micro-sized graphenes). For studies using an aqueous electrolyte,more » the maximum specific capacitance of nano-rGO film was 302 F/g (at 1 A/g with 4.3 mg/cm 2 of mass loading), which was ~2.4 times higher than micro-rGO film, and achieved a ~67% reduced ESR. With an organic electrolyte, the nano-rGO delivered ~4.2 times higher capacitance (115 F/g at 2 A/g with 4.3 mg/cm 2), 4.0 times lower IR drops, and an order-of-magnitude lower charge-transfer resistance with an energy density of 18.7 Wh/kg. Finally, the results of this work indicate that the size control of graphene sheet particles for film deposit electrodes can be a simple but effective approach to improve supercapacitor performance.« less

Particle size effect in porous film electrodes of ligand-modified graphene for enhanced supercapacitor performance

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

Jang, Gyoung Gug; Song, Bo; Moon, Kyoung-sik

Graphene-based electrodes for high performance supercapacitors are developed by taking advantage of particle size control, large mass loading, and surface functionalization of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets. Two controlled sizes of graphene sheets (100 nm vs. 45 μm average lateral dimensions) were prepared to study two-electrode system performance. The nano-size graphenes led to the formation of mesoporous films, resulting in higher capacitance, better capacitance retension and lower equivalent series resistance (ESR), indicating better surface usability for diffusion and accessibility of electrolyte ions by shortening transport paths (compared with horizontally stacked films from micro-sized graphenes). For studies using an aqueous electrolyte,more » the maximum specific capacitance of nano-rGO film was 302 F/g (at 1 A/g with 4.3 mg/cm 2 of mass loading), which was ~2.4 times higher than micro-rGO film, and achieved a ~67% reduced ESR. With an organic electrolyte, the nano-rGO delivered ~4.2 times higher capacitance (115 F/g at 2 A/g with 4.3 mg/cm 2), 4.0 times lower IR drops, and an order-of-magnitude lower charge-transfer resistance with an energy density of 18.7 Wh/kg. Finally, the results of this work indicate that the size control of graphene sheet particles for film deposit electrodes can be a simple but effective approach to improve supercapacitor performance.« less

A solid-state thin-film Ag/AgCl reference electrode coated with graphene oxide and its use in a pH sensor.

PubMed

Kim, Tae Yong; Hong, Sung A; Yang, Sung

2015-03-17

In this study, we describe a novel solid-state thin-film Ag/AgCl reference electrode (SSRE) that was coated with a protective layer of graphene oxide (GO). This layer was prepared by drop casting a solution of GO on the Ag/AgCl thin film. The potential differences exhibited by the SSRE were less than 2 mV for 26 days. The cyclic voltammograms of the SSRE were almost similar to those of a commercial reference electrode, while the diffusion coefficient of Fe(CN)63- as calculated from the cathodic peaks of the SSRE was 6.48 × 10-6 cm2/s. The SSRE was used in conjunction with a laboratory-made working electrode to determine its suitability for practical use. The average pH sensitivity of this combined sensor was 58.5 mV/pH in the acid-to-base direction; the correlation coefficient was greater than 0.99. In addition, an integrated pH sensor that included the SSRE was packaged in a secure digital (SD) card and tested. The average sensitivity of the chip was 56.8 mV/pH, with the correlation coefficient being greater than 0.99. In addition, a pH sensing test was also performed by using a laboratory-made potentiometer, which showed a sensitivity of 55.4 mV/pH, with the correlation coefficient being greater than 0.99.

In situ detection of microbial c-type cytochrome based on intrinsic peroxidase-like activity using screen-printed carbon electrode.

PubMed

Wen, Junlin; He, Daigui; Yu, Zhen; Zhou, Shungui

2018-08-15

C-type cytochromes (c-cyts) facilitate microbial extracellular electron transfer and play critical roles in biogeochemical cycling, bioelectricity generation and bioremediation. In this study, a simple and effective method has been developed to detect microbial c-cyts by means of peroxidase mimetic reaction on screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). To this end, bacteria cells were immobilized onto the working electrode surface of SPCE by a simple drop casting. After introducing 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) solution, microbial c-cyts with peroxidase-like activity catalyze the oxidation of TMB in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The oxidized TMB was electrochemically determined and the current signal was employed to calculate the c-cyts content. This electrochemical method is highly sensitive for microbial c-cyts with a low detection limit of 40.78 fmol and a wide detection range between 51.70 fmol and 6.64 pmol. Moreover, the proposed technique can be universally expanded to detect c-cyts in other bacteria species such as Fontibacter ferrireducens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Comamonas guangdongensis and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the proposed method confers an in situ facile and quantitative c-cyts detection without any destructive sample preparations, complex electrode modifications and expensive enzyme- or metal particle- based signal amplification. The suggested method advances an intelligent strategy for in situ quantification of microbial c-cyts and consequently holds promising application potential in microbiology and environmental science. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Self-focused acoustic ejectors for viscous liquids.

PubMed

Hon, S F; Kwok, K W; Li, H L; Ng, H Y

2010-06-01

Self-focused acoustic ejectors using the Fresnel zone plate (FZP) have been developed for ejecting viscous liquids, without nozzle, in the drop-on-demand mode. The FZP is composed of a lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric plate patterned with a series of annular electrodes, with the unelectroded region of the plate removed. Our results show that the acoustic waves are effectively self-focused by constructive interference in glycerin (with a viscosity of 1400 mPa s), giving small focal points with a high pressure. Due to the high attenuation, the wave pressure decreases significantly with the distance from the FZP. Nevertheless, the pressure at the focal points 2.5 and 6.5 mm from the FZP is high enough to eject glycerin droplets in the drop-on-demand mode. Driven by a simple wave train comprising a series of sinusoidal voltages with an amplitude of 35 V, a frequency of 4.28 MHz, and a duration of 2 ms, the ejector can eject fine glycerin droplets with a diameter of 0.4 mm at a repetition frequency of 120 Hz in a downward direction. Droplets of other viscous liquids, such as the prepolymer of an epoxy with a viscosity of 2000 mPa s, can also be ejected in the drop-on-demand mode under similar conditions.

HPAEC-PAD for oligosaccharide analysis-novel insights into analyte sensitivity and response stability.

PubMed

Mechelke, Matthias; Herlet, Jonathan; Benz, J Philipp; Schwarz, Wolfgang H; Zverlov, Vladimir V; Liebl, Wolfgang; Kornberger, Petra

2017-12-01

The rising importance of accurately detecting oligosaccharides in biomass hydrolyzates or as ingredients in food, such as in beverages and infant milk products, demands for the availability of tools to sensitively analyze the broad range of available oligosaccharides. Over the last decades, HPAEC-PAD has been developed into one of the major technologies for this task and represents a popular alternative to state-of-the-art LC-MS oligosaccharide analysis. This work presents the first comprehensive study which gives an overview of the separation of 38 analytes as well as enzymatic hydrolyzates of six different polysaccharides focusing on oligosaccharides. The high sensitivity of the PAD comes at cost of its stability due to recession of the gold electrode. By an in-depth analysis of the sensitivity drop over time for 35 analytes, including xylo- (XOS), arabinoxylo- (AXOS), laminari- (LOS), manno- (MOS), glucomanno- (GMOS), and cellooligosaccharides (COS), we developed an analyte-specific one-phase decay model for this effect over time. Using this model resulted in significantly improved data normalization when using an internal standard. Our results thereby allow a quantification approach which takes the inevitable and analyte-specific PAD response drop into account. Graphical abstract HPAEC-PAD analysis of oligosaccharides and determination of PAD response drop leading to an improved data normalization.

Double-sided anodic titania nanotube arrays: a lopsided growth process.

PubMed

Sun, Lidong; Zhang, Sam; Sun, Xiao Wei; Wang, Xiaoyan; Cai, Yanli

2010-12-07

In the past decade, the pore diameter of anodic titania nanotubes was reported to be influenced by a number of factors in organic electrolyte, for example, applied potential, working distance, water content, and temperature. All these were closely related to potential drop in the organic electrolyte. In this work, the essential role of electric field originating from the potential drop was directly revealed for the first time using a simple two-electrode anodizing method. Anodic titania nanotube arrays were grown simultaneously at both sides of a titanium foil, with tube length being longer at the front side than that at the back side. This lopsided growth was attributed to the higher ionic flux induced by electric field at the front side. Accordingly, the nanotube length was further tailored to be comparable at both sides by modulating the electric field. These results are promising to be used in parallel configuration dye-sensitized solar cells, water splitting, and gas sensors, as a result of high surface area produced by the double-sided architecture.

Foot and Ankle Kinematics and Dynamic Electromyography: Quantitative Analysis of Recovery From Peroneal Neuropathy in a Professional Football Player.

PubMed

Prasad, Nikhil K; Coleman Wood, Krista A; Spinner, Robert J; Kaufman, Kenton R

The assessment of neuromuscular recovery after peripheral nerve surgery has typically been a subjective physical examination. The purpose of this report was to assess the value of gait analysis in documenting recovery quantitatively. A professional football player underwent gait analysis before and after surgery for a peroneal intraneural ganglion cyst causing a left-sided foot drop. Surface electromyography (SEMG) recording from surface electrodes and motion parameter acquisition from a computerized motion capture system consisting of 10 infrared cameras were performed simultaneously. A comparison between SEMG recordings before and after surgery showed a progression from disorganized activation in the left tibialis anterior and peroneus longus muscles to temporally appropriate activation for the phase of the gait cycle. Kinematic analysis of ankle motion planes showed resolution from a complete foot drop preoperatively to phase-appropriate dorsiflexion postoperatively. Gait analysis with dynamic SEMG and motion capture complements physical examination when assessing postoperative recovery in athletes.

First steps towards a constructal Microbial Fuel Cell.

PubMed

Lepage, Guillaume; Perrier, Gérard; Ramousse, Julien; Merlin, Gérard

2014-06-01

In order to reach real operating conditions with consequent organic charge flow, a multi-channel reactor for Microbial Fuel Cells is designed. The feed-through double chamber reactor is a two-dimensional system with four parallel channels and Reticulated Vitreous Carbon as electrodes. Based on thermodynamical calculations, the constructal-inspired distributor is optimized with the aim to reduce entropy generation along the distributing path. In the case of negligible singular pressure drops, the Hess-Murray law links the lengths and the hydraulic diameters of the successive reducing ducts leading to one given working channel. The determination of generated entropy in the channels of our constructal MFC is based on the global hydraulic resistance caused by both regular and singular pressure drops. Polarization, power and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy show the robustness and the efficiency of the cell, and therefore the potential of the constructal approach. Routes towards improvements are suggested in terms of design evolutions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Investigation on simultaneous determination of dihydroxybenzene isomers in water samples using multi-walled carbon nanotube modified screen-printed electrode].

PubMed

Li, Yuan-Ting; Li, Da-Wei; Song, Wei; Long, Yi-Tao

2011-02-01

A disposable electrode, multi-walled carbon nanotube modified screen printed electrode (MWCNT/SPE), had been fabricated using screen printing technology and drop-coating method to determine dihydroxybenzene isomers (hydroquinone, catechol and resorcinol). The cyclic voltammetry behavior of dihydroxybenzene isomers had been investigated with the MWCNT/SPE. The results reveal that MWCNT/SPE, which shows a strong electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of dihydroxybenzenes, can entirely separate the oxidation peaks of them. According to differential pulse voltammetry tests, the peak currents of dihydroxybenzene isomers are linear to their concentrations at the range of 8.20 x 10(-6) -1.00 x 10(-3), 8.20 x 10(-6) -1.00 x 10(-3) and 1.64 x 10(-5) -1.16 x 10(-3) mol x L(-1), with the detection limits of 4.34 x 10(-6), 3.42 x 10(-6) and 6.70 x 10(-6) mol x L(-1) for hydroquinone, catechol and resorcinol, respectively. For the determination of dihydroxybenzene isomers in water samples, the value of recovery found by standard addition method was in the range of 96.2%-104.9%. These results indicate MWCNT/SPE can be applied to rapid in-situ determination of dihydroxybenzenes-polluted water samples.

Blood pressure control with selective vagal nerve stimulation and minimal side effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plachta, Dennis T. T.; Gierthmuehlen, Mortimer; Cota, Oscar; Espinosa, Nayeli; Boeser, Fabian; Herrera, Taliana C.; Stieglitz, Thomas; Zentner, Joseph

2014-06-01

Objective. Hypertension is the largest threat to patient health and a burden to health care systems. Despite various options, 30% of patients do not respond sufficiently to medical treatment. Mechanoreceptors in the aortic arch relay blood pressure (BP) levels through vagal nerve (VN) fibers to the brainstem and trigger the baroreflex, lowering the BP. Selective electrical stimulation of these nerve fibers reduced BP in rats. However, there is no technique described to localize and stimulate these fibers inside the VN without inadvertent stimulation of non-baroreceptive fibers causing side effects like bradycardia and bradypnea. Approach. We present a novel method for selective VN stimulation to reduce BP without the aforementioned side effects. Baroreceptor compound activity of rat VN (n = 5) was localized using a multichannel cuff electrode, true tripolar recording and a coherent averaging algorithm triggered by BP or electrocardiogram. Main results. Tripolar stimulation over electrodes near the barofibers reduced the BP without triggering significant bradycardia and bradypnea. The BP drop was adjusted to 60% of the initial value by varying the stimulation pulse width and duration, and lasted up to five times longer than the stimulation. Significance. The presented method is robust to impedance changes, independent of the electrode's relative position, does not compromise the nerve and can run on implantable, ultra-low power signal processors.

Performance and durability of carbon black-supported Pd catalyst covered with silica layers in membrane-electrode assemblies of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujii, Keitaro; Ito, Mizuki; Sato, Yasushi; Takenaka, Sakae; Kishida, Masahiro

2015-04-01

Pd metal particles supported on a high surface area carbon black (Pd/CB) were covered with silica layers to improve the durability under severe cathode condition of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The performance and the durability of the silica-coated Pd/CB (SiO2/Pd/CB) were investigated by rotating disk electrode (RDE) in aqueous HClO4 and single cell test of the membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs). SiO2/Pd/CB showed excellent durability exceeding Pt/CB during potential cycle in single cell test as well as in RDE measurement while Pd/CB significantly degraded. Furthermore, the MEA using SiO2/Pd/CB as the cathode catalyst showed higher performance than that using Pd/CB even in the initial state. The catalytic activity of SiO2/Pd/CB was higher than that of Pd/CB, and the drop of the cell performances due to the inhibition of electron conduction, proton conduction, and oxygen diffusion by the silica layer was not significant. It has been shown that the silica-coating is a very practical technique that can stabilize metal species originally unstable in the cathode condition of PEMFCs without a decrease in the cell performance.

A prepositioned areal electrofishing apparatus for sampling stream habitats

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fisher, William L.; Brown, Marshall E.

1993-01-01

We describe the design, use, and sampling characteristics ofan electrofishing apparatus used to sample fish in stream habitats. The apparatus uses two prepositioned areal electrofishing devices (PAED) of different designs, a bottom parallel electrode PAED and a suspended dropper electrode PAED. To determine the effective immobilization ranges of the PAEDs, we evaluated intensities and shapes of the PAEDs' electrical fields, and the electroshock responses of fish in cages in concrete tanks and in four streams in Alabama with different water conductivities. Electroshock responses indicated that complete immobilization occurred at voltage gradients of 1.0 V/cm or higher (voltage drop, 400 V AC), as far as 35 cm from the PAED electrodes, although some fish were immobilized up to 65 cm away at 0.3 V/cm. We estimated the immobilization (stun) power density threshold to be about 10 μW/cm3. Stream evaluations of the PAEDs revealed that higher voltages were needed to immobilize fish at lower (35 μS/cm) and higher (120 and 125 μS/cm) water conductivities, whereas lower voltages were required at an intermediate conductivity (60 μS/cm). These results conformed with the predictions of power transfer theory and underscored the need to calibrate PAEDs to stream conductivities to standardize the effective sampling range.

Biomimetic hydrogels for biosensor implant biocompatibility: electrochemical characterization using micro-disc electrode arrays (MDEAs).

PubMed

Justin, Gusphyl; Finley, Stephen; Abdur Rahman, Abdur Rub; Guiseppi-Elie, Anthony

2009-02-01

Our interest is in the development of engineered microdevices for continuous remote monitoring of intramuscular lactate, glucose, pH and temperature during post-traumatic hemorrhaging. Two important design considerations in the development of such devices for in vivo diagnostics are discussed; the utility of micro-disc electrode arrays (MDEAs) for electrochemical biosensing and the application of biomimetic, bioactive poly(HEMA)-based hydrogel composites for implant biocompatibility. A poly(HEMA)-based hydrogel membrane containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) was UV cross-linked with tetraethyleneglycol diacrylate following application to MDEAs (50 mum discs) and to 250 mum diameter gold electrodes within 8-well culture ware. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) of the MDEAs revealed a reduction in the apparent diffusion coefficient of ferrocenemonocarboxylic acid (FcCO(2)H), from 6.68 x 10(-5) to 6.74 x 10(-6) cm(2)/s for the uncoated and 6 mum thick hydrogel coated devices, respectively. Single frequency (4 kHz) temporal impedance measurements of the hydrogels in the 8-well culture ware showed a reversible 5% change in the absolute impedance of the hydrogels when exposed to a pH change between 6.1 to 7.2 and a 20% drop between pH 6.1 and 8.8.

COMMUNICATION: Minocycline increases quality and longevity of chronic neural recordings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rennaker, R. L.; Miller, J.; Tang, H.; Wilson, D. A.

2007-06-01

Brain/machine interfaces could potentially be used in the treatment of a host of neurological disorders ranging from paralysis to sensory deficits. Insertion of chronic micro-electrode arrays into neural tissue initiates a host of immunological responses, which typically leads to the formation of a cellular sheath around the implant, resulting in the loss of useful signals. Minocycline has been shown to have neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects in certain neural injury and neurodegenerative disease models. This study examined the effects of minocycline administration on the quality and longevity of chronic multi-channel microwire neural implants 1 week and 1 month post-implantation in auditory cortex. The mean signal-to-noise ratio for the minocycline group stabilized at the end of week 1 and remained above 4.6 throughout the following 3 weeks. The control group signal-to-noise ratio dropped throughout the duration of the study and at the end of 4 weeks was 2.6. Furthermore, 68% of electrodes from the minocycline group showed significant stimulus-driven activity at week 4 compared to 12.5% of electrodes in the control group. There was a significant reduction in the number of activated astrocytes around the implant in minocycline subjects, as well as a reduction in total area occupied by activated astrocytes at 1 and 4 weeks.

Graphene/activated carbon supercapacitors with sulfonated-polyetheretherketone as solid-state electrolyte and multifunctional binder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y.-R.; Chiu, K.-F.; Lin, H. C.; Chen, C.-L.; Hsieh, C. Y.; Tsai, C. B.; Chu, B. T. T.

2014-11-01

Sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK) has been synthesised by sulphonation process and used as the solid-state electrolyte, binder and surfactant for supercapacitors. Reduced graphene dispersed by SPEEK is used as a high-efficiency conducting additive in solid-state supercapacitors. It is found that SPEEK can improve the stability of the reduced graphene dispersion significantly, and therefore, the solid-state supercapacitors show a large decrease in IR drop and charge-transfer resistance (Rct), resulting in a higher rate capability. The solid-state supercapacitors with the activated carbon/reduced graphene/SPEEK/electrode can be operated from 1 to 8 A/g and exhibit capacity retention of 93%. The noteworthy is more than twice higher value for capacity retention by comparison with the solid-state supercapacitors using activated carbon/reduced graphene/PVDF electrode (capacity retention is 36%). The cell of reduced graphene with SPEEK can be cycled over 5000 times at 5 A/g with no capacitance fading.

Phytic acid/graphene oxide nanocomposites modified electrode for electrochemical sensing of dopamine.

PubMed

Wang, Donglei; Xu, Fei; Hu, Jiajie; Lin, Meng

2017-02-01

An electrochemical sensor for determining dopamine was developed by modifying phytic acid/graphene oxide (PA/GO) nanocomposites onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). PA functionalized GO was prepared by an ultra-sonication method. Subsequently, the PA/GO nanocomposites were drop-casted on a glassy carbon substrate. The structural feature of the PA/GO modified GCE was confirmed by attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. The proposed electrochemical sensor was applied to detect various concentrations of DA by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The PA/GO/GCE was considered to be highly sensitive to DA in the range of 0.05-10μM. In addition, the PA/GO/GCE demonstrated high electrochemical selectivity toward DA in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). The prepared electrochemical DA sensor was applied for detection of DA in dopamine hydrochloride injection and spiked samples of human urine with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis and Numerical Simulation of EWOD of a Droplet for Application in a Variable Focus Microlens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yuan-Jen; Mohseni, Kamran; Bright, Victor

2006-11-01

Modification of the curvature of the interface between a conductive (water) and isolating (oil) liquids is used in order to design a tunable microlens. Electrowetting on Dielectric (EWOD), the modification of surface energy of a conductive droplet on an isolated electrode, is employed in order to change the interface curvature and tune the microlens. Several features of the microlens design are addressed. These includes: the drop-centering mechanism, matching of the density of the two immiscible liquids, refractive indexes of the two liquids, and planar electrodes for electrowetting. A dimensional analysis is performed to identify the relevant nondimensional parameters. Direct numerical simulation of the hydrodynamic and electric fields is carried out. It is found that the focal length of the microlens changes continuously from negative to positive by applying a voltage from 0 to 200 volts. The focusing speed of the microlens is calculated to be around 10 milli-seconds. A successfully fabricated microlens device has been demonstrated.

The research of differential reference electrode arrayed flexible IGZO glucose biosensor based on microfluidic framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jian-Syun; Chou, Jung-Chuan; Liao, Yi-Hung; Chen, Ruei-Ting; Huang, Min-Siang; Wu, Tong-Yu

2017-03-01

This study used a fast, simple, and low-cost method to fabricate arrayed flexible glucose biosensor, and the glucose biosensor was integrated with microfluidic framework for investigating sensing characteristics of glucose biosensor at the dynamic conditions. The indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) was adopted as sensing membrane and it was deposited on aluminum electrodes / polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate by the radio frequency sputtering system. Then, we utilized screen-printed technology to accomplish miniaturization of glucose biosensor. Finally, the glucose sensing membrane was composed of glucose oxidase (GOx) and nafion, which was dropped on IGZO sensing membrane to complete glucose biosensor. According to the experimental results, we found that optimal sensing characteristics of arrayed flexible IGZO glucose biosensor at the dynamic conditions were better than at the static conditions. The optimal average sensitivity and linearity of the arrayed flexible IGZO glucose biosensor were 7.255 mV/mM and 0.994 at 20 µL/min flow rate, respectively.

Electrochemical behaviors of wax-coated Li powder/Li 4Ti 5O 12 cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Han Eol; Seong, Il Won; Yoon, Woo Young

The wax-coated Li powder specimen was effectively synthesized using the drop emulsion technique (DET). The wax layer on the powder was verified by SEM, Focused Ion Beam (FIB), EDX and XPS. The porosity of a sintered wax-coated Li electrode was measured by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and compared with that of a bare, i.e., un-coated Li electrode. The electrochemical behavior of the wax-coated Li powder anode cell was examined by the impedance analysis and cyclic testing methods. The cyclic behavior of the wax-coated Li powder anode with the Li 4Ti 5O 12 (LTO) cathode cell was examined at a constant current density of 0.35 mA cm -2 with the cut-off voltages of 1.2-2.0 V at 25 °C. Over 90% of the initial capacity of the cell remained even after the 300th cycle. The wax-coated Li powder was confirmed to be a stable anode material.

Diminiode thermionic conversion with 111-iridium electrodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koeger, E. W.; Bair, V. L.; Morris, J. F.

1976-01-01

Preliminary data indicating thermionic-conversion potentialities for a 111-iridium emitter and collector spaced 0.2 mm apart are presented. These results comprise output densities of current and of power as functions of voltage for three sets of emitter, collector, and reservoir temperatures: 1553, 944, 561 K; 1605, 898, 533 K; and 1656, 1028, 586 K. For the 1605 K evaluation, estimates produced work-function values of 2.22 eV for the emitter and 1.63 eV for the collector with a 2.0-eV barrier index (collector work function plus interelectrode voltage drop) corresponding to the maximum output of 5.5 W/sq cm at 0.24 volt. The current, voltage curve for the 1656 K 111-iridium diminiode yields a 6.2 W/sq cm maximum at 0.25 volt and is comparable with the 1700 K envelope for a diode with an etched-rhenium emitter and a 0.025-mm electrode gap made by TECO and evaluated by NASA.

Determination of fluorine and chlorine in geological materials by induction furnace pyrohydrolysis and standard-addition ion-selective electrode measurement.

PubMed

Rice, T D

1988-03-01

Fluorine and chlorine in geological materials are volatilized by pyrohydrolysis at about 1150 degrees in a stream of oxygen (1000 ml/min) plus steam in an induction furnace. The catalyst is a 7:2:1 mixture of silica gel, tungstic oxide and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. The sample/catalyst mixture is pyrohydrolysed in a re-usable alumina crucible (already containing four drops of 1 + 3 phosphoric acid) inserted in a silica-enclosed graphite crucible. The absorption solution is buffered at pH 6.5 and spiked with 1.6 mug of fluoride and 16 mug of chloride per g of solution, to ensure rapid and linear electrode response during subsequent standard-addition measurement. The simple plastic absorption vessel has 99.5% efficiency. The 3s limits of detection are 5-10 mug/g and 40-100 mug/g for fluorine and chlorine respectively. The procedure is unsuitable for determining chlorine in coal.

Circuit analysis on the inductance evolution based on electrical signal from various type plasma focus device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamad, Saiful Najmee; Ismail, Fairuz Diana; Noorden, Ahmad Fakhrurrazi Ahmad; Haider, Zuhaib; Ali, Jalil

2017-03-01

Numerous configurations of plasma focus devices (PFD) have been introduced around the globe. The distinct electrode configuration of the PFD will give out different inductance profile. A circuit analysis has been done to study on the significant difference between the inductance evolution in a coaxial discharge based on various published results of PFD. The discharge current signal, tube voltage and current derivative of the particular shots from distinct PFD was digitized and analyze. The investigation was piloted for three different types of PFD. It was observed that there is a significant difference for the normalize inductance profile during the discharge between the individual PFD with different electrode configuration. The depletion of the radial start current with the normalised inductance development for Mather type (PF-1000) is found to be 25.9% from static discharge. The current depletion continues to drop 1.1% and 1.3% more for a Spherical type (PNK-13) and Filippov type (PF-3) respectively.

An Amperometric Immunosensor Based on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes-Thionine-Chitosan Nanocomposite Film for Chlorpyrifos Detection

PubMed Central

Sun, Xia; Cao, Yaoyao; Gong, Zhili; Wang, Xiangyou; Zhang, Yan; Gao, Jinmei

2012-01-01

In this work, a novel amperometric immunosensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes-thionine-chitosan (MWCNTs-THI-CHIT) nanocomposite film as electrode modified material was developed for the detection of chlorpyrifos residues. The nanocomposite film was dropped onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and then the anti-chlorpyrifos monoclonal antibody was covalently immobilized onto the surface of MWCNTs-THI-CHIT/GCE using the crosslinking agent glutaraldehyde (GA). The modification procedure was characterized by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under the optimized conditions, a linear relationship between the relative change in peak current of different pulse voltammetry (DPV) and the logarithm of chlorpyrifos solution concentration was obtained in the range from 0.1 to 1.0 × 105 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.046 ng/mL. The proposed chlorpyrifos immunosensor exhibited high reproducibility, stability, and good selectivity and regeneration, making it a potential alternative tool for ultrasensitive detection of chlorpyrifos residues in vegetables and fruits. PMID:23443396

Infrared photodetectors based on reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles and graphene oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, H.; Tajdidzadeh, M.; Thambiratnam, K.; Yasin, M.

2018-06-01

Two photodiode (PD) designs incorporating graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are proposed and fabricated. Both PDs have 50 mm thick silver electrodes deposited on the active area, and another electrode consisting of either GO or rGO nanoparticles (NPs). The GO and rGO NPs are deposited onto the p-type silicon substrate by the drop casting method. Both fabricated PDs show good sensitivity and quick responses under 974 nm laser illumination at 150 mW. The photoresponsivity values and external quantum efficiency of both photodetectors are measured to be approximately 800 µAw‑1 and 0.12% for the GO based PD and 1.6 m Aw‑1 and 0.20% for the rGO based PD. Both PDs also have response and recovery times of 114 µs and 276 µs as well as 11 µs and 678 µs for the GO and rGO based PDs respectively. The proposed PDs would have significant applications in many optoelectronic devices as well as nanoelectronics.

Carbon Nanotube-based microelectrodes for enhanced detection of neurotransmitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobs, Christopher B.

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is one of the common techniques used for rapid measurement of neurotransmitters in vivo. Carbon-fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) are typically used for neurotransmitter detection because of sub-second measurement capabilities, ability to measure changes in neurotransmitter concentration during neurotransmission, and the small size electrode diameter, which limits the amount of damage caused to tissue. Cylinder CFMEs, typically 50 -- 100 microm long, are commonly used for in vivo experiments because the electrode sensitivity is directly related to the electrode surface area. However the length of the electrode can limit the spatial resolution of neurotransmitter detection, which can restrict experiments in Drosophila and other small model systems. In addition, the electrode sensitivity toward dopamine and serotonin detection drops significantly for measurements at rates faster than 10 Hz, limiting the temporal resolution of CFMEs. While the use of FSCV at carbon-fiber microelectrodes has led to substantial strides in our understanding of neurotransmission, techniques that expand the capabilities of CFMEs are crucial to fully maximize the potential uses of FSCV. This dissertation introduces new methods to integrate carbon nanotubes (CNT) into microelectrodes and discusses the electrochemical enhancements of these CNT-microelectrodes. The electrodes are specifically designed with simple fabrication procedures so that highly specialized equipment is not necessary, and they utilize commercially available materials so that the electrodes could be easily integrated into existing systems. The electrochemical properties of CNT modified CFMEs are characterized using FSCV and the effect of CNT functionalization on these properties is explored in Chapter 2. For example, CFME modification using carboxylic acid functionalized CNTs yield about a 6-fold increase in dopamine oxidation current, but modification with octadecylamine CNTs results in a negligible change to the signal. Chapter 3 is devoted to the development and characterization of new CNT-Yarn Microelectrodes (CNTYME) which display a beneficial enhancement in sensitivity and reduction in both electron transfer kinetics and overpotential. Chapter 4 introduces the high-speed dopamine detection capabilities of CNTYMEs, almost two orders of magnitude faster than at CFMEs without any compromise in electrochemical sensitivity, and discusses how adsorption and desorption relate to this phenomenon.

Response Changes During Insertion of a Cochlear Implant Using Extracochlear Electrocochleography.

PubMed

Giardina, Christopher K; Khan, Tatyana E; Pulver, Stephen H; Adunka, Oliver F; Buchman, Craig A; Brown, Kevin D; Pillsbury, Harold C; Fitzpatrick, Douglas C

2018-03-16

Electrocochleography is increasingly being utilized as an intraoperative monitor of cochlear function during cochlear implantation (CI). Intracochlear recordings from the advancing electrode can be obtained through the device by on-board capabilities. However, such recordings may not be ideal as a monitor because the recording electrode moves in relation to the neural and hair cell generators producing the responses. The purposes of this study were to compare two extracochlear recording locations in terms of signal strength and feasibility as intraoperative monitoring sites and to characterize changes in cochlear physiology during CI insertion. In 83 human subjects, responses to 90 dB nHL tone bursts were recorded both at the round window (RW) and then at an extracochlear position-either adjacent to the stapes or on the promontory just superior to the RW. Recording from the fixed, extracochlear position continued during insertion of the CI in 63 cases. Before CI insertion, responses to low-frequency tones at the RW were roughly 6 dB larger than when recording at either extracochlear site, but the two extracochlear sites did not differ from one another. During CI insertion, response losses from the promontory or adjacent to the stapes stayed within 5 dB in ≈61% (38/63) of cases, presumably indicating atraumatic insertions. Among responses which dropped more than 5 dB at any time during CI insertion, 12 subjects showed no response recovery, while in 13, the drop was followed by partial or complete response recovery by the end of CI insertion. In cases with recovery, the drop in response occurred relatively early (<15 mm insertion) compared to those where there was no recovery. Changes in response phase during the insertion occurred in some cases; these may indicate a change in the distributions of generators contributing to the response. Monitoring the electrocochleography during CI insertion from an extracochlear site reveals insertions that are potentially atraumatic show interaction with cochlear structures followed by response recovery or show interactions such that response losses persist to the end of recording.

Power characteristics in GMAW: Experimental and numerical investigation

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

Joensson, P.G.; Szekely, J.; Madigan, R.B.

1995-03-01

The voltage and power distributions in gas metal arc welding (GMAW) were studied both experimentally and numerically. The principal voltage drop takes place in the arc, which also constitutes the dominant power contribution. Within the arc, the dominating voltage contributions are from the arc column and the cathode fall, while the anode fall and the electrode regions are less significant. The power input to the arc column increases with both increasing current and increasing arc length. These results indicate that it is critical to control the arc length in order to control the power input to the system.

Thermionic energy conversion technology - Present and future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shimada, K.; Morris, J. F.

1977-01-01

Aerospace and terrestrial applications of thermionic direct energy conversion and advances in direct energy conversion (DEC) technology are surveyed. Electrode materials, the cesium plasma drop (the difference between the barrier index and the collector work function), DEC voltage/current characteristics, conversion efficiency, and operating temperatures are discussed. Attention is centered on nuclear reactor system thermionic DEC devices, for in-core or out-of-core operation. Thermionic fuel elements, the radiation shield, power conditions, and a waste heat rejection system are considered among the thermionic DEC system components. Terrestrial applications include topping power systems in fossil fuel and solar power generation.

Estimation of Tegaserod Maleate by Differential Pulse Polarography

PubMed Central

Rajput, S. J.; Raj, H. A.

2009-01-01

A highly sensitive differential pulse polarographic method has been developed for the estimation of tegaserod maleate after treating it with hydrogen peroxide solution. The oxidation of tegaserod maleate is a reversible process as the oxidized product could be reduced at hanging mercury drop electrode in a quantitative manner using differential pulse polarography mode. The limit of quantification was 0.1ng/ml. The voltametric peak was obtained at -1.05 volts in presence of 0.1M potassium chloride as supporting electrolyte. The technique could be used successfully to analyze tegaserod maleate in its tablet formulation. PMID:20177456

Heart rate changes during electroconvulsive therapy

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background This observational study documented heart rate over the entire course of electrically induced seizures and aimed to evaluate the effects of stimulus electrode placement, patients' age, stimulus dose, and additional predictors. Method In 119 consecutive patients with 64 right unilateral (RUL) and 55 bifrontal (BF) electroconvulsive treatments, heart rate graphs based on beat-to-beat measurements were plotted up to durations of 130 s. Results In RUL stimulation, the initial drop in heart rate lasted for 12.5 ± 2.6 s (mean ± standard deviation). This depended on stimulus train duration, age, and baseline heart rate. In seizures induced with BF electrode placement, a sympathetic response was observed within the first few seconds of the stimulation phase (median 3.5 s). This was also the case with subconvulsive stimulations. The mean peak heart rate in all 119 treatments amounted to 135 ± 20 bpm and depended on baseline heart rate and seizure duration; electrode placement, charge dose, and age were insignificant in regression analysis. A marked decline in heart rate in connection with seizure cessation occurred in 71% of treatments. Conclusions A significant independent effect of stimulus electrode positioning on cardiac action was evident only in the initial phase of the seizures. Electrical stimulation rather than the seizure causes the initial heart rate increase in BF treatments. The data reveal no rationale for setting the stimulus doses as a function of intraictal peak heart rates (‘benchmark method’). The marked decline in heart rate at the end of most seizures is probably mediated by a baroreceptor reflex. PMID:23764036

Composite electronic materials based on poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) and highly charged poly(aryleneethynylene)-wrapped carbon nanotubes for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Rosario-Canales, Mariem R; Deria, Pravas; Therien, Michael J; Santiago-Avilés, Jorge J

2012-01-01

Supercapacitor charge storage media were fabricated using the semiconducting polymer poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) (PProDOT) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) that were helically wrapped with ionic, conjugated poly[2,6-{1,5-bis(3-propoxysulfonicacidsodiumsalt)}naphthylene]ethynylene (PNES). These PNES-wrapped SWNTs (PNES-SWNTs) enable efficient dispersion of individualized nanotubes in a wide range of organic solvents. PNES-SWNT film-modified Pt electrodes were prepared by drop casting PNES-SWNT suspensions in MeOH; high stability, first-generation PProDOT/PNES/SWNT composites were realized via electropolymerization of the ProDOT parent monomer (3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) in a 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide/propylene carbonate solution at the PNES-SWNT-modified electrode. The electrochemical properties of PProDOT and PProDOT/PNES/SWNT single electrodes and devices were examined using cyclic voltammetric methods. The hybrid composites were found to enhance key supercapacitor figures of merit (charge capacity and capacitance) by approximately a factor of 2 relative to those determined for benchmark Type I devices that exploited a classic PProDOT-based electrode material. The charge/discharge stability of the supercapacitors was probed by repeated rounds of cyclic voltammetric evaluation at a minimum depth of discharge of 73%; these experiments demonstrated that the hybrid PProDOT/PNES/SWNT composites retained ~90% of their initial charge capacity after 21,000 charge/discharge cycles, contrasting analogous data obtained for PProDOT-based devices, which showed only 84% retention of their initial charge capacity. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Ultra-miniaturization of a planar amperometric sensor targeting continuous intradermal glucose monitoring.

PubMed

Ribet, Federico; Stemme, Göran; Roxhed, Niclas

2017-04-15

An ultra-miniaturized electrochemical biosensor for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is presented. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the possibility of an overall reduction in sensor size to allow minimally invasive glucose monitoring in the interstitial fluid in the dermal region, in contrast to larger state-of-the-art systems, which are necessarily placed in the subcutaneous layer. Moreover, the reduction in size might be a key factor to improve the stability and reliability of transdermal sensors, due to the reduction of the detrimental foreign body reaction and of consequent potential failures. These advantages are combined with lower invasiveness and discomfort for patients. The realized device consists of a microfabricated three-electrode enzymatic sensor with a total surface area of the sensing portion of less than 0.04mm 2 , making it the smallest fully integrated planar amperometric glucose sensor area reported to date. The working electrode and counter electrode consist of platinum and are functionalized by drop casting of three polymeric membranes. The on-chip iridium oxide (IrOx) pseudo-reference electrode provides the required stability for measurements under physiological conditions. The device is able to dynamically and linearly measure glucose concentrations in-vitro over the relevant physiological range, while showing sufficient selectivity to known interfering species present in the interstitial fluid, with resolution and sensitivity (1.51nA/mM) comparable to that of state-of-art commercial CGM systems. This work can therefore enable less invasive and improved CGM in patients affected by diabetes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Amalgam Electrode-Based Electrochemical Detector for On-Site Direct Determination of Cadmium(II) and Lead(II) from Soils

PubMed Central

Nejdl, Lukas; Kynicky, Jindrich; Brtnicky, Martin; Vaculovicova, Marketa; Adam, Vojtech

2017-01-01

Toxic metal contamination of the environment is a global issue. In this paper, we present a low-cost and rapid production of amalgam electrodes used for determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in environmental samples (soils and wastewaters) by on-site analysis using difference pulse voltammetry. Changes in the electrochemical signals were recorded with a miniaturized potentiostat (width: 80 mm, depth: 54 mm, height: 23 mm) and a portable computer. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated for the geometric surface of the working electrode 15 mm2 that can be varied as required for analysis. The LODs were 80 ng·mL−1 for Cd(II) and 50 ng·mL−1 for Pb(II), relative standard deviation, RSD ≤ 8% (n = 3). The area of interest (Dolni Rozinka, Czech Republic) was selected because there is a deposit of uranium ore and extreme anthropogenic activity. Environmental samples were taken directly on-site and immediately analysed. Duration of a single analysis was approximately two minutes. The average concentrations of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in this area were below the global average. The obtained values were verified (correlated) by standard electrochemical methods based on hanging drop electrodes and were in good agreement. The advantages of this method are its cost and time effectivity (approximately two minutes per one sample) with direct analysis of turbid samples (soil leach) in a 2 M HNO3 environment. This type of sample cannot be analyzed using the classical analytical methods without pretreatment. PMID:28792458

Towards timely Alzheimer diagnosis: A self-powered amperometric biosensor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

PubMed

Moreira, Felismina T C; Sale, M Goreti F; Di Lorenzo, Mirella

2017-01-15

Serious brain disorders, such as the Alzheimer's Disease (AD), are associated with a marked drop in the levels of important neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine (ACh). Real time monitoring of such biomarkers can therefore play a critical role in enhancing AD therapies by allowing timely diagnosis, verifications of treatment effectiveness, and developments of new medicines. In this study, we present the first acetylcholine/oxygen hybrid enzymatic fuel cell for the self-powered on site detection of ACh in plasma, which is based on the combination of an enzymatic anode with a Pt cathode. Firstly, an effective acetylcholinesterase immobilized electrode was developed and its electrochemical performance evaluated. Highly porous gold was used as the electrode material, and the enzyme was immobilized via a one step rapid and simple procedure that does not require the use of harsh chemicals or any electrode/enzyme pre-treatments. The resulting enzymatic electrode was subsequently used as the anode of a miniature flow-through membrane-less fuel cell and showed excellent response to varying concentrations of ACh. The peak power generated by the fuel cell was 4nW at a voltage of 260mV and with a current density of 9μAcm -2 . The limit of detection of the fuel cell sensor was 10μM, with an average response time as short as 3min. These exciting results open new horizons for point-of-care Alzheimer diagnosis and provide an attractive potential alternative to established methods that require laborious and time-consuming sample treatments and expensive instruments. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Redox properties of undoped 5 nm diamond nanoparticles.

PubMed

Holt, Katherine B; Ziegler, Christoph; Caruana, Daren J; Zang, Jianbing; Millán-Barrios, Enrique J; Hu, Jingping; Foord, John S

2008-01-14

This paper demonstrates the promoting effects of 5 nm undoped detonation diamond nanoparticles on redox reactions in solution. An enhancement in faradaic current for the redox couples Ru(NH(3))(6)(3+/2+) and Fe(CN)(6)(4-/3-) was observed for a gold electrode modified with a drop-coated layer of nanodiamond (ND), in comparison to the bare gold electrode. The ND layer was also found to promote oxygen reduction. Surface modification of the ND powders by heating in air or in a hydrogen flow resulted in oxygenated and hydrogenated forms of the ND, respectively. Oxygenated ND was found to exhibit the greatest electrochemical activity and hydrogenated ND the least. Differential pulse voltammetry of electrode-immobilised ND layers in the absence of solution redox species revealed oxidation and reduction peaks that could be attributed to direct electron transfer (ET) reactions of the ND particles themselves. It is hypothesised that ND consists of an insulating sp(3) diamond core with a surface that has significant delocalised pi character due to unsatisfied surface atoms and C[double bond, length as m-dash]O bond formation. At the nanoscale surface properties of the particles dominate over those of the bulk, allowing ET to occur between these essentially insulating particles and a redox species in solution or an underlying electrode. We speculate that reversible reduction of the ND may occur via electron injection into available surface states at well-defined reduction potentials and allow the ND particles to act as a source and sink of electrons for the promotion of solution redox reactions.

Vacuum-Assisted Low-Temperature Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide Thin-Film Electrodes for High-Performance Transparent and Flexible All-Solid-State Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Aytug, Tolga; Rager, Matthew S; Higgins, Wesley; Brown, Forrest G; Veith, Gabriel M; Rouleau, Christopher M; Wang, Hui; Hood, Zachary D; Mahurin, Shannon M; Mayes, Richard T; Joshi, Pooran C; Kuruganti, Teja

2018-04-04

Simple and easily integrated design of flexible and transparent electrode materials affixed to polymer-based substrates hold great promise to have a revolutionary impact on the functionality and performance of energy storage devices for many future consumer electronics. Among these applications are touch sensors, roll-up displays, photovoltaic cells, health monitors, wireless sensors, and wearable communication devices. Here, we report an environmentally friendly, simple, and versatile approach to produce optically transparent and mechanically flexible all-solid-state supercapacitor devices. These supercapacitors were constructed on tin-doped indium oxide coated polyethylene terephthalate substrates by intercalation of a polymer-based gel electrolyte between two reduced graphene oxide (rGO) thin-film electrodes. The rGO electrodes were fabricated simply by drop-casting of graphene oxide (GO) films, followed by a novel low-temperature (≤250 °C) vacuum-assisted annealing approach for the in situ reduction of GO to rGO. A trade-off between the optical transparency and electrochemical performance is determined by the concentration of the GO in the initial dispersion, whereby the highest capacitance (∼650 μF cm -2 ) occurs at a relatively lower optical transmittance (24%). Notably, the all-solid-state supercapacitors demonstrated excellent mechanical flexibility with a capacity retention rate above 90% under various bending angles and cycles. These attributes underscore the potential of the present approach to provide a path toward the realization of thin-film-based supercapacitors as flexible and transparent energy storage devices for a variety of practical applications.

Electrochemiluminescence sensor for melamine based on a Ru(bpy)₃²⁺-doped silica nanoparticles/carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Nafion composite film modified electrode.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaomei; Lian, Sai; Ma, Ying; Peng, Aihong; Tian, Xiaotian; Huang, Zhiyong; Chen, Xi

2016-01-01

In this work, a sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for the determination of melamine (MEL) was developed based on a Ru(bpy)3(2+)-doped silica nanoparticles (RUDS)/carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CMWCNTs)/Nafion composite film modified electrode. The homogeneous spherical RUDS were synthesized by a reverse microemulsion method. As Ru(bpy)3(2+) were encapsulated in the RUDS, Ru(bpy)3(2+) dropping from the modified electrode can be greatly prevented, which is helpful for obtaining a stable ECL signal. Moreover, to improve the conductivity of the film and promote the electron transfer rate on electrode surface, CMWCNTs with excellent electrical conductivity and large surface area were applied in the construction of the sensing film. As CMWCNTs acted as electron bridges making more Ru(bpy)3(2+) participate in the reaction, the ECL intensity was greatly enhanced. Under the optimum conditions, the relative ECL signal (△IECL) was proportional to the logarithmic MEL concentration ranging from 5×10(-13) to 1×10(-7) mol L(-1) with a detection limit of 1×10(-13) mol L(-1). To verify the reliability, the thus-fabricated ECL sensor was applied to determine the concentration of MEL in milk. Based on these investigations, the proposed ECL sensor exhibited good feasibility and high sensitivity for the determination of MEL, promising the applicability of this sensor in practical analysis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of electric field on the fracture toughness (KIc) of ceramic PZT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goljahi, Sam; Lynch, Christopher S.

2013-09-01

This work was motivated by the observation that a small percentage of the ceramic lead zirconate titanate (PZT) parts in a device application, one that requires an electrode pattern on the PZT surface, developed fatigue cracks at the edges of the electrodes; yet all of the parts were subjected to similar loading. To obtain additional information on the fracture behavior of this material, similar specimens were run at higher voltage in the laboratory under a microscope to observe the initiation and growth of the fatigue cracks. A sequence of experiments was next performed to determine whether there were fracture toughness variations that depended on material processing. Plates were cut from a single bar in different locations and the Vickers indentation technique was used to measure the relative fracture toughness as a function of position along the bar. Small variations in toughness were found, that may account for some of the devices developing fatigue cracks and not others. Fracture toughness was measured next as a function of electric field. The surface crack in flexure technique was modified to apply an electric field perpendicular to a crack. The results indicate that the fracture toughness drops under a positive electric field and increases under a negative electric field that is less than the coercive field, but as the negative coercive field is approached the fracture toughness drops. Examination of the fracture surfaces using an optical microscope and a surface profilometer reveal the initial indentation crack shape and (although less accurately) the crack shape and size at the transition from stable to unstable growth. These results are discussed in terms of a ferroelastic toughening mechanism that is dependent on electric field.

Large-Area Direct Laser-Shock Imprinting of a 3D Biomimic Hierarchical Metal Surface for Triboelectric Nanogenerators.

PubMed

Jin, Shengyu; Wang, Yixiu; Motlag, Maithilee; Gao, Shengjie; Xu, Jin; Nian, Qiong; Wu, Wenzhuo; Cheng, Gary J

2018-03-01

Ongoing efforts in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) focus on enhancing power generation, but obstacles concerning the economical and cost-effective production of TENGs continue to prevail. Micro-/nanostructure engineering of polymer surfaces has been dominantly utilized for boosting the contact triboelectrification, with deposited metal electrodes for collecting the scavenged energy. Nevertheless, this state-of-the-art approach is limited by the vague potential for producing 3D hierarchical surface structures with conformable coverage of high-quality metal. Laser-shock imprinting (LSI) is emerging as a potentially scalable approach for directly surface patterning of a wide range of metals with 3D nanoscale structures by design, benefiting from the ultrahigh-strain-rate forming process. Here, a TENG device is demonstrated with LSI-processed biomimetic hierarchically structured metal electrodes for efficient harvesting of water-drop energy in the environment. Mimicking and transferring hierarchical microstructures from natural templates, such as leaves, into these water-TENG devices is effective regarding repelling water drops from the device surface, since surface hydrophobicity from these biomicrostructures maximizes the TENG output. Among various leaves' microstructures, hierarchical microstructures from dried bamboo leaves are preferable regarding maximizing power output, which is attributed to their unique structures, containing both dense nanostructures and microscale features, compared with other types of leaves. Also, the triboelectric output is significantly improved by closely mimicking the hydrophobic nature of the leaves in the LSI-processed metal surface after functionalizing it with low-surface-energy self-assembled-monolayers. The approach opens doors to new manufacturable TENG technologies for economically feasible and ecologically friendly production of functional devices with directly patterned 3D biomimic metallic surfaces in energy, electronics, and sensor applications. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Electrodialytic extraction of anionic pharmaceutical compounds from a single drop of whole blood using a supported liquid membrane.

PubMed

Imoto, Yurika; Nishiyama, Hiroka; Nakamura, Yukihide; Ohira, Shin-Ichi; Toda, Kei

2018-05-01

A method to introduce target analytes to a chromatograph from a single drop of whole blood was investigated for minimally invasive monitoring of anionic pharmaceuticals. In this work, salicylate and loxoprofen were examined as organic anions. A micro ion extractor (MIE) has been developed for extraction of inorganic trace anions from whole blood, but this device is not suitable for extraction of pharmaceuticals. In the present study, we improved and optimized the MIE device for organic anion extraction. Various supported liquid membranes were evaluated for use as the ion transfer membrane, with each membrane placed between a droplet sample (donor) and an acceptor solution. A supported liquid membrane of porous polypropylene impregnated with 1-butanol was selected. In addition, the methods for electric field creation and electrode contact were examined to improve the characteristics of the MIE device. The current and extraction time were also optimized. With the optimized method, salicylate and loxoprofen were successfully extracted from a single drop of whole blood. Changes in the concentrations of these pharmaceuticals in blood over time were monitored after administration. As only 25μL of whole blood was required for analysis, repeat measurements could be conducted to monitor changes in the concentrations. This MIE will be useful for monitoring pharmaceutical concentrations in blood. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Speciation studies of nickel and chromium in wastewater from an electroplating plant.

PubMed

Kiptoo, Jackson K; Ngila, J Catherine; Sawula, Gerald M

2004-09-08

A speciation scheme involving the use of flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and differential pulse adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (DPAdCSV) techniques was applied to studies of nickel and chromium in wastewater from a nickel-chrome electroplating plant. Dimethylglyoxime (DMG) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) were employed as complexing agents for adsorptive voltammetric determination of Ni and Cr, respectively. Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were determined by exploiting differences in their reactivity towards DTPA at HMDE. Total dissolved metal content was in the range 2906-3141 and 30.7-31.2mgl(-1) for Ni and Cr, respectively. A higher percentage of the metal was present as labile species (mean value of 67.9% for Ni and 79.8% for Cr) suggesting that strongly binding ligands are not ubiquitous in the sample. About 77.8% of Cr was found to exist in the higher oxidization state, Cr(IV). Results on effect of dilution on lability of the metal forms in the sample using DPAdCSV showed slight peak shifts to a more negative (cathodic) value by -0.036V for Ni and -0.180V for Cr with a dilution factor of 100, while peak intensity (cathodic current) remained fairly constant.

2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D-hBN) Explored for the Electrochemical Sensing of Dopamine.

PubMed

Khan, Aamar F; Brownson, Dale A C; Randviir, Edward P; Smith, Graham C; Banks, Craig E

2016-10-04

Crystalline 2D hexagonal boron nitride (2D-hBN) nanosheets are explored as a potential electrocatalyst toward the electroanalytical sensing of dopamine (DA). The 2D-hBN nanosheets are electrically wired via a drop-casting modification process onto a range of commercially available carbon supporting electrodes, including glassy carbon (GC), boron-doped diamond (BDD), and screen-printed graphitic electrodes (SPEs). 2D-hBN has not previously been explored toward the electrochemical detection/electrochemical sensing of DA. We critically evaluate the potential electrocatalytic performance of 2D-hBN modified electrodes, the effect of supporting carbon electrode platforms, and the effect of "mass coverage" (which is commonly neglected in the 2D material literature) toward the detection of DA. The response of 2D-hBN modified electrodes is found to be largely dependent upon the interaction between 2D-hBN and the underlying supporting electrode material. For example, in the case of SPEs, modification with 2D-hBN (324 ng) improves the electrochemical response, decreasing the electrochemical oxidation potential of DA by ∼90 mV compared to an unmodified SPE. Conversely, modification of a GC electrode with 2D-hBN (324 ng) resulted in an increased oxidation potential of DA by ∼80 mV when compared to the unmodified electrode. We explore the underlying mechanisms of the aforementioned examples and infer that electrode surface interactions and roughness factors are critical considerations. 2D-hBN is utilized toward the sensing of DA in the presence of the common interferents ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). 2D-hBN is found to be an effective electrocatalyst in the simultaneous detection of DA and UA at both pH 5.0 and 7.4. The peak separations/resolution between DA and UA increases by ∼70 and 50 mV (at pH 5.0 and 7.4, respectively, when utilizing 108 ng of 2D-hBN) compared to unmodified SPEs, with a particularly favorable response evident in pH 5.0, giving rise to a significant increase in the peak current of DA. The limit of detection (3σ) is found to correspond to 0.65 μM for DA in the presence of UA. However, it is not possible to deconvolute the simultaneous detection of DA and AA. The observed electrocatalytic effect at 2D-hBN has not previously been reported in the literature when supported upon carbon or any other electrode. We provide valuable insights into the modifier-substrate interactions of this material, essential for those designing, fabricating, and consequently performing electrochemical experiments utilizing 2D-hBN and related 2D materials.

Normal Forces at Solid-Liquid Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Ratul

Adhesion can be defined as the tendency of dissimilar particles or surfaces to cling on to one another. Fields that require knowledge about adhesion interactions at the solid-liquid interface span over a wide spectrum from biotechnological issues such as liquid adhesion to skin tissues, insect feet adhesion to solids, or contact lenses to tear fluid adhesion; filtration issues such as membrane fouling and membrane affinity to different liquids; oil and gas extraction where one needs knowledge of the adhesion of the oil and brine to the rock; fuel cells in which droplets are formed on the electrodes and need to be considered in the system's design; classic chemical engineering industry such as drop adhesion to the mist eliminators in flash drums, or to heat exchangers; and classic surface science such as nano-structured surfaces, self cleaning surfaces, and general wetting phenomena. We execute the Young-Dupre (Y-P) gedanken experiment to establish unique values of work of adhesion rather than a work of adhesion range that the contact angle hysteresis results in. We use the Centrifugal Adhesion Balance (CAB) which allows independent manipulation of normal and lateral forces to induce an increase in the normal force which pulls on a liquid drop while keeping zero lateral force. This method mimics a drop that is subjected to a gravitational force that is gradually increasing. The values obtained for the work of adhesion are independent of drop size and are in agreement with the Y-P estimate. Cyclically varying the normal force, just to prevent the drop flying away from the surface will also enable us to study the Contact Angle Hysteresis for a pendant drop. With this set up, the work of adhesion is not only calculated from experimental normal force measurements, but the found results are also used to provide a venue for calculating the Young equilibrium contact angle, theta0. According to Shanahan and de Gennes, a liquid drop with a non-zero contact angle is associated with a deformation of the solid surface at the three phase contact line, causing the triple line to protrude up and form a rim, this is due to the unsatisfied normal component of the surface tension. Such rims were demonstrated by Care et al, and by Extrand, and the stresses associated with the rims facilitate reorientation of solid molecules at the interface, and therefore result in stronger solid liquid interaction at the rim. This stronger interaction gives rise to retention forces (due to adhesion). Recently, Xu et al, wrote a force equation based on this understanding, we test the validity of this approach and the Furmidge - Dussan model and other, more empirical, retention force approaches. A liquid drop that partially wets a solid surface will slide along the plane when a force beyond a critical value is applied to it. We study the sliding pattern of such a drop. Experiments for identifying the pattern of motion of liquid drops under influence of different normal forces are performed. We use a centrifugal adhesion balance (CAB) to study the pattern of drop motion under different effective gravities. A drop on a solid surface only slides after a certain critical force is applied to it, which is dependent on the drop volume, surface heterogeneities and other factors, even after the application of force the drop doesn't continue to move uniformly, which is the subject matter of this discussion.

Ultrahigh-power supercapacitors based on highly conductive graphene nanosheet/nanometer-sized carbide-derived carbon frameworks.

PubMed

Yan, Pengtao; Zhang, Xuesha; Hou, Meiling; Liu, Yanyan; Liu, Ting; Liu, Kang; Zhang, Ruijun

2018-06-22

In order to develop energy storage devices with high power performance, electrodes should hold well-defined pathways for efficient ionic and electronic transport. Herein, we demonstrate a highly conductive graphene nanosheet/nanometer-sized carbide-derived carbon framework (hcGNS/nCDC). In this architecture, nCDC possesses short transport paths for electrolyte ions, thus ensuring the rapid ions transportation. The excellent electrical conductivity of hcGNS can reduce the electrode internal resistance for the supercapacitor and thus endows the hcGNS/nCDC composite electrodes with excellent electronic transportation performance. Electrochemical measurements show that the cyclic voltammogram of hcGNS/nCDC can maintain a rectangular-like shape with the increase of the scan rate from 5 mV s -1 to 20 V s -1 , and the specific capacitance retention is up to 51% even at a high scan rate of 20 V s -1 , suggesting ultrahigh power performance, which, to the best of our knowledge, is among the best power performances reported so far for the carbon materials. Furthermore, the hcGNS/nCDC composite also shows an excellent cycling stability (no drop in its capacitance occurs even after 10000 cycles). This work demonstrates the advantage in the ultrahigh power performance for the framework having both short transport pathways for electrolyte ions and high electrical conductivity.

A facile approach to fabricate flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors based on MnFe2O4/graphene hybrids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Weihua; Lai, Ting; Dai, Wanlin; Ye, Jianshan

2014-06-01

A critical challenge for the construction of flexible electrochemical capacitors is the preparation of flexible electrodes with large specific capacitance and robust mechanical strength. Here, we demonstrate a facile approach to make high performance and flexible electrodes by dropping MnFe2O4/graphene hybrid inks onto flexible graphite sheets (as current collectors and substrates) and drying under an infrared lamp. MnFe2O4/graphene hybrid inks are synthesized by immobilizing the MnFe2O4 microspheres on the graphene nanosheets via a simple solvothermal route. Electrochemical studies show that MnFe2O4/graphene exhibits a high capacitance of 300 F g-1 at a current density of 0.3 A g-1. In addition, the excellent electrochemical performance of a supercapacitor consisting of a sandwich structure of two pieces of MnFe2O4/graphene hybrids modified electrodes separated by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-H2SO4 gel electrolyte is further explored. Our studies reveal that the flexible supercapacitor device with 227 μm thickness can achieve a maximum specific capacitance of 120 F g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 and excellent cycle performance retaining 105% capacitance after 5000 cycles. This research may offer a method for the fabrication of lightweight, stable, flexible and high performance energy storage devices.

Ultrahigh-power supercapacitors based on highly conductive graphene nanosheet/nanometer-sized carbide-derived carbon frameworks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Pengtao; Zhang, Xuesha; Hou, Meiling; Liu, Yanyan; Liu, Ting; Liu, Kang; Zhang, Ruijun

2018-06-01

In order to develop energy storage devices with high power performance, electrodes should hold well-defined pathways for efficient ionic and electronic transport. Herein, we demonstrate a highly conductive graphene nanosheet/nanometer-sized carbide-derived carbon framework (hcGNS/nCDC). In this architecture, nCDC possesses short transport paths for electrolyte ions, thus ensuring the rapid ions transportation. The excellent electrical conductivity of hcGNS can reduce the electrode internal resistance for the supercapacitor and thus endows the hcGNS/nCDC composite electrodes with excellent electronic transportation performance. Electrochemical measurements show that the cyclic voltammogram of hcGNS/nCDC can maintain a rectangular-like shape with the increase of the scan rate from 5 mV s‑1 to 20 V s‑1, and the specific capacitance retention is up to 51% even at a high scan rate of 20 V s‑1, suggesting ultrahigh power performance, which, to the best of our knowledge, is among the best power performances reported so far for the carbon materials. Furthermore, the hcGNS/nCDC composite also shows an excellent cycling stability (no drop in its capacitance occurs even after 10000 cycles). This work demonstrates the advantage in the ultrahigh power performance for the framework having both short transport pathways for electrolyte ions and high electrical conductivity.

A fully spray-coated fuel cell membrane electrode assembly using Aquivion ionomer with a graphene oxide/cerium oxide interlayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breitwieser, Matthias; Bayer, Thomas; Büchler, Andreas; Zengerle, Roland; Lyth, Stephen M.; Thiele, Simon

2017-05-01

A novel multilayer membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is fabricated in this work, within a single spray-coating device. For the first time, direct membrane deposition is used to fabricate a PEMFC by spraying the short-side-chain ionomer Aquivion directly onto the gas diffusion electrodes. The fully sprayed MEA, with an Aquivion membrane 10 μm in thickness, achieved a high power density of 1.6 W/cm2 for H2/air operation at 300 kPaabs. This is one of the highest reported values for thin composite membranes operated in H2/air atmosphere. By the means of confocal laser scanning microscopy, individual carbon fibers from the gas diffusion layer are identified to penetrate through the micro porous layer (MPL), likely causing a low electrical cell resistance in the range of 150 Ω cm2 through the thin sprayed membranes. By spraying a 200 nm graphene oxide/cerium oxide (GO/CeO2) interlayer between two layers of Aquivion ionomer, the impact of the electrical short is eliminated and the hydrogen crossover current density is reduced to about 1 mA/cm2. The peak power density of the interlayer-containing MEA drops only by 10% compared to a pure Aquivion membrane of similar thickness.

The detection of organic solvent vapor by using polymer coated chemocapacitor sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rusdiarna Indrapraja, Apik; Rivai, Muhammad; Arifin, Achmad; Purwanto, Djoko

2017-05-01

A chemocapacitor consists of planar interdigital electrodes (IDE) made by two comb electrodes on a substrate. A dielectric film was applied on the electrodes in which the absorbed vapor will modify its permittivity. This study has fabricated chemocapacitor with the IDE distance of 0.5 mm, while the dielectric film was a sensitive layer consisting of a polymeric material. The deposition of the polymeric film was accomplished by drop casting. A sensor array consisting of four chemocapacitors coated with different polymers namely PEG-1540, PEG-20M, PEG-6000, and PVP was used to obtain the pattern of shift in the capacitance. The integrated circuit AD7746 was used as the capacitance to-digital converter (CDC). The organic solvents of ethanol, benzene, and aceton were used as the vapor samples in this experiment. The results showed that the change in the capacitance value increases proportionally to the concentration of vapour where sensors coated with PEG-1540 and PVP have higher sensitivity, i.e. 0.0028pF/part per thousand and 0.0027pF/part per thousand, respectively. Based on the capacitance to digital conversion capabilities, the system provides there solution of 0.4084ppm. The sensor array could produce a different pattern for each of the vapor sample. The Neural Network pattern recognition system could identify the type of vapor automatically with the root mean square error of 10-5

Low hydrostatic head electrolyte addition to fuel cell stacks

DOEpatents

Kothmann, Richard E.

1983-01-01

A fuel cell and system for supply electrolyte, as well as fuel and an oxidant to a fuel cell stack having at least two fuel cells, each of the cells having a pair of spaced electrodes and a matrix sandwiched therebetween, fuel and oxidant paths associated with a bipolar plate separating each pair of adjacent fuel cells and an electrolyte fill path for adding electrolyte to the cells and wetting said matrices. Electrolyte is flowed through the fuel cell stack in a back and forth fashion in a path in each cell substantially parallel to one face of opposite faces of the bipolar plate exposed to one of the electrodes and the matrices to produce an overall head uniformly between cells due to frictional pressure drop in the path for each cell free of a large hydrostatic head to thereby avoid flooding of the electrodes. The bipolar plate is provided with channels forming paths for the flow of the fuel and oxidant on opposite faces thereof, and the fuel and the oxidant are flowed along a first side of the bipolar plate and a second side of the bipolar plate through channels formed into the opposite faces of the bipolar plate, the fuel flowing through channels formed into one of the opposite faces and the oxidant flowing through channels formed into the other of the opposite faces.

Numerical Investigation of Influence of Electrode Immersion Depth on Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in Electroslag Remelting Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qiang; Cai, Hui; Pan, Liping; He, Zhu; Liu, Shuang; Li, Baokuan

2016-12-01

The influence of the electrode immersion depth on the electromagnetic, flow and temperature fields, as well as the solidification progress in an electroslag remelting furnace have been studied by a transient three-dimensional coupled mathematical model. Maxwell's equations were solved by the electrical potential approach. The Lorentz force and Joule heating were added into the momentum and energy conservation equations as a source term, respectively, and were updated at each time step. The volume of fluid method was invoked to track the motion of the metal droplet and slag-metal interface. The solidification was modeled by an enthalpy-porosity formulation. An experiment was carried out to validate the model. The total amount of Joule heating decreases from 2.13 × 105 W to 1.86 × 105 W when the electrode immersion depth increases from 0.01 m to 0.03 m. The variation law of the slag temperature is different from that of the Joule heating. The volume average temperature rises from 1856 K to 1880 K when the immersion depth increases from 0.01 m to 0.02 m, and then drops to 1869 K if the immersion depth continuously increases to 0.03 m. As a result, the deepest metal pool, which is around 0.03 m, is formed when the immersion depth is 0.02 m.

Linearisation of λDNA molecules by instantaneous variation of the trapping electrode voltage inside a micro-channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanasaki, Itsuo; Yukimoto, Naoya; Uehara, Satoshi; Shintaku, Hirofumi; Kawano, Satoyuki

2015-04-01

Because long DNA molecules usually exist in random coil states due to the entropic effect, linearisation is required for devices equipped with nanopores where electrical sequencing is necessary during single-file translocation. We present a novel technique for linearising DNA molecules in a micro-channel. In our device, electrodes are embedded in the bottom surface of the channel. The application of a voltage induces the trapping of λDNA molecules on the positive electrode. An instantaneous voltage drop is used to put the λDNA molecules in a partly released state and the hydrodynamic force of the solution induces linearisation. Phenomena were directly observed using an optical microscopy system equipped with a high-speed camera and the linearisation principle was explored in detail. Furthermore, we estimate the tensile characteristics produced by the flow of the solution through a numerical model of a tethered polymer subject to a Poiseuille flow. The mean tensile force is in the range of 0.1-1 pN. This is sufficiently smaller than the structural transition point of λDNA but counterbalances the entropic elasticity that causes the random coil shape of λDNA molecules in solution. We show the important role of thermal fluctuation in the manipulation of molecules in solution and clarify the tensile conditions required for DNA linearisation using a combination of solution flow and voltage variation in a microchannel.

Scalable High-Performance Ultraminiature Graphene Micro-Supercapacitors by a Hybrid Technique Combining Direct Writing and Controllable Microdroplet Transfer.

PubMed

Shen, Daozhi; Zou, Guisheng; Liu, Lei; Zhao, Wenzheng; Wu, Aiping; Duley, Walter W; Zhou, Y Norman

2018-02-14

Miniaturization of energy storage devices can significantly decrease the overall size of electronic systems. However, this miniaturization is limited by the reduction of electrode dimensions and the reproducible transfer of small electrolyte drops. This paper reports first a simple scalable direct writing method for the production of ultraminiature microsupercapacitor (MSC) electrodes, based on femtosecond laser reduced graphene oxide (fsrGO) interlaced pads. These pads, separated by 2 μm spacing, are 100 μm long and 8 μm wide. A second stage involves the accurate transfer of an electrolyte microdroplet on top of each individual electrode, which can avoid any interference of the electrolyte with other electronic components. Abundant in-plane mesopores in fsrGO induced by a fs laser together with ultrashort interelectrode spacing enables MSCs to exhibit a high specific capacitance (6.3 mF cm -2 and 105 F cm -3 ) and ∼100% retention after 1000 cycles. An all graphene resistor-capacitor (RC) filter is also constructed by combining the MSC and a fsrGO resistor, which is confirmed to exhibit highly enhanced performance characteristics. This new hybrid technique combining fs laser direct writing and precise microdroplet transfer easily enables scalable production of ultraminiature MSCs, which is believed to be significant for practical application of micro-supercapacitor microelectronic systems.

Thermal stability of Ag, Al, Sn, Pb, and Hg films reinforced by 2D (C, Si) crystals and the formation of interfacial fluid states in them upon heating. MD experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polukhin, V. A.; Kurbanova, E. D.

2016-02-01

Molecular dynamics simulation is used to study the thermal stability of the interfacial states of metallic Al, Ag, Sn, Pb, and Hg films (i.e., the structural elements of superconductor composites and conducting electrodes) reinforced by 2D graphene and silicene crystals upon heating up to disordering and to analyze the formation of nonautonomous fluid pseudophases in interfaces. The effect of perforation defects in reinforcing 2D-C and 2D-Si planes with passivated edge covalent bonds on the atomic dynamics is investigated. As compared to Al and Ag, the diffusion coefficients in Pd and Hg films increase monotonically with temperature during thermally activated disordering processes, the interatomic distances decrease, the sizes decrease, drops form, and their density profile grows along the normal. The coagulation of Pb and Hg drops is accompanied by a decrease in the contact angle, the reduction of the interface contact with graphene, and the enhancement of its corrugation (waviness).

Ozone sensing based on palladium decorated carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Colindres, Selene Capula; Aguir, Khalifa; Cervantes Sodi, Felipe; Vargas, Luis Villa; Salazar, José Moncayo; Febles, Vicente Garibay

2014-04-14

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were easily and efficiently decorated with Pd nanoparticles through a vapor-phase impregnation-decomposition method starting from palladium acetylacetonates. The sensor device consisted on a film of sensitive material (MWCNTs-Pd) deposited by drop coating on platinum interdigitated electrodes on a SiO₂ substrate. The sensor exhibited a resistance change to ozone (O₃) with a response time of 60 s at different temperatures and the capability of detecting concentrations up to 20 ppb. The sensor shows the best response when exposed to O3 at 120 °C. The device shows a very reproducible sensor performance, with high repeatability, full recovery and efficient response.

Preparation of Single-Layer MoS 2xSe 2(1-x) and Mo xW 1-xS 2 Nanosheets with High-Concentration Metallic 1T Phase

DOE PAGES

Tan, Chaoliang; Zhao, Wei; Chaturvedi, Apoorva; ...

2016-02-24

The high-yield and scalable production of single-layer ternary transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets with ≈66% of metallic 1T phase, including MoS 2xSe 2(1-x) and Mo xW 1-xS 2 is here achieved via electrochemical Li-intercalation and the exfoliation method. Thin film MoS 2xSe 2(1-x) nanosheets drop-cast on a fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate are used as an efficient electrocatalyst on the counter electrode for the tri-iodide reduction in a dye-sensitized solar cell.

Performance Theory of Diagonal Conducting Wall MHD Accelerators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litchford, R. J.

2003-01-01

The theoretical performance of diagonal conducting wall crossed field accelerators is examined on the basis of an infinite segmentation assumption using a cross-plane averaged generalized Ohm's law for a partially ionized gas, including ion slip. The desired accelerator performance relationships are derived from the cross-plane averaged Ohm's law by imposing appropriate configuration and loading constraints. A current dependent effective voltage drop model is also incorporated to account for cold-wall boundary layer effects including gasdynamic variations, discharge constriction, and electrode falls. Definition of dimensionless electric fields and current densities lead to the construction of graphical performance diagrams, which further illuminate the rudimentary behavior of crossed field accelerator operation.

Transthoracic impedance study with large self-adhesive electrodes in two conventional positions for defibrillation.

PubMed

Krasteva, Vessela; Matveev, Mikhail; Mudrov, Nikolay; Prokopova, Rada

2006-10-01

External defibrillation requires the application of high voltage electrical impulses via large external electrodes, placed on selected locations on the thorax surface. The position of the electrodes is one of the major determinants of the transthoracic impedance (TTI) which influences the intracardiac current flow during electric shock and defibrillation success. The variety of factors which influence TTI measurements raised our interest to investigate the range of TTI values and the temporal TTI variance during long-term application of defibrillation self-adhesive electrodes in two conventional positions on the patient's chest--position 1 (sub-clavicular/sub-axillar position) and position 2 (antero-posterior position). The prospective study included 86 randomly selected volunteers (39 male and 49 female, 67 patients with normal skin, 13 patients with dry skin and 6 patients with greasy skin, 16 patients with chest pilosity and 70 patients without chest pilosity). The TTI was measured according to the interelectrode voltage drop obtained by passage of a low-amplitude high-frequency current (32 kHz) between the two self-adhesive electrodes (active area about 92 cm2). For each patient, the TTI values were measured within 10 s, 1 min and 5 min after sticking the electrodes to the skin surface, independently for the two tested electrode positions. We found that the expected TTI range is between 58 Omega and 152 Omega for position 1 and between 55 Omega and 149 Omega for position 2. Although the two TTI ranges are comparable, we measured significantly higher TTI mean of about (107.2 +/- 22.3) Omega for position 1 compared to (96.6 +/- 19.2) Omega for position 2 (p = 0.001). This fact suggested that the antero-posterior position of the electrodes is favourable for defibrillation. Within the investigated time interval of 5 min, we observed a significant TTI reduction with about 6.9% (7.4 Omega/107.2 Omega) for position 1 and about 5.3% (5.1 Omega/96.6 Omega) for position 2. We suppose that the long-term application of self-adhesive electrodes would lead to improvement of the physical conditions for conduction of the defibrillation current and to diminution of energy loss in the electrode-skin contact impedance. We found that gender is important when position 1 is used because women have significantly higher TTI (111 +/- 20.3) Omega compared to the TTI of men (102.6 +/- 24) Omega (p = 0.0442). Although we found some specifics of the electrode-skin contact layer, we can conclude that because of the insignificant differences in TTI, the operator of the defibrillator paddles does not need to take into consideration the skin type and pilosity of the patients. Analysis of the correlations between TTI and the individual patient characteristics (chest size, weight, height, age) showed that these patient characteristics are unreliable factors for prediction of the TTI values and optimal defibrillation pulse parameters and energy.

A method for determining the actual rate of orientation switching of DNA self-assembled monolayers using optical and electrochemical frequency response analysis.

PubMed

Casanova-Moreno, J; Bizzotto, D

2015-02-17

Electrostatic control of the orientation of fluorophore-labeled DNA strands immobilized on an electrode surface has been shown to be an effective bioanalytical tool. Modulation techniques and later time-resolved measurements were used to evaluate the kinetics of the switching between lying and standing DNA conformations. These measurements, however, are the result of a convolution between the DNA "switching" response time and the other frequency limited responses in the measurement. In this work, a method for analyzing the response of a potential driven DNA sensor is presented by calculating the potential effectively dropped across the electrode interface (using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) as opposed to the potential applied to the electrochemical cell. This effectively deconvolutes the effect of the charging time on the observed frequency response. The corrected response shows that DNA is able to switch conformation faster than previously reported using modulation techniques. This approach will ensure accurate measurements independent of the electrochemical system, removing the uncertainty in the analysis of the switching response, enabling comparison between samples and measurement systems.

All-solid-state flexible supercapacitors based on papers coated with carbon nanotubes and ionic-liquid-based gel electrolytes.

PubMed

Kang, Yu Jin; Chung, Haegeun; Han, Chi-Hwan; Kim, Woong

2012-02-17

All-solid-state flexible supercapacitors were fabricated using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), regular office papers, and ionic-liquid-based gel electrolytes. Flexible electrodes were made by coating CNTs on office papers by a drop-dry method. The gel electrolyte was prepared by mixing fumed silica nanopowders with ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][NTf(2)]). This supercapacitor showed high power and energy performance as a solid-state flexible supercapacitor. The specific capacitance of the CNT electrodes was 135 F g(-1) at a current density of 2 A g(-1), when considering the mass of active materials only. The maximum power and energy density of the supercapacitors were 164 kW kg(-1) and 41 Wh kg(-1), respectively. Interestingly, the solid-state supercapacitor with the gel electrolyte showed comparable performance to the supercapacitors with ionic-liquid electrolyte. Moreover, the supercapacitor showed excellent stability and flexibility. The CNT/paper- and gel-based supercapacitors may hold great potential for low-cost and high-performance flexible energy storage applications.

All-solid-state flexible supercapacitors based on papers coated with carbon nanotubes and ionic-liquid-based gel electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Yu Jin; Chung, Haegeun; Han, Chi-Hwan; Kim, Woong

2012-02-01

All-solid-state flexible supercapacitors were fabricated using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), regular office papers, and ionic-liquid-based gel electrolytes. Flexible electrodes were made by coating CNTs on office papers by a drop-dry method. The gel electrolyte was prepared by mixing fumed silica nanopowders with ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][NTf2]). This supercapacitor showed high power and energy performance as a solid-state flexible supercapacitor. The specific capacitance of the CNT electrodes was 135 F g-1 at a current density of 2 A g-1, when considering the mass of active materials only. The maximum power and energy density of the supercapacitors were 164 kW kg-1 and 41 Wh kg-1, respectively. Interestingly, the solid-state supercapacitor with the gel electrolyte showed comparable performance to the supercapacitors with ionic-liquid electrolyte. Moreover, the supercapacitor showed excellent stability and flexibility. The CNT/paper- and gel-based supercapacitors may hold great potential for low-cost and high-performance flexible energy storage applications.

Hybrid ternary rice paper-manganese oxide-carbon nanotube nanocomposites for flexible supercapacitors.

PubMed

Jiang, Wenchao; Zhang, Kaixi; Wei, Li; Yu, Dingshan; Wei, Jun; Chen, Yuan

2013-11-21

Modern portable electronic devices create a strong demand for flexible energy storage devices. Paper based nanocomposites are attractive as sustainable materials for such applications. Here, we directly explored the hydroxyl chemistry of cellulose fibers to synthesize hybrid ternary nanocomposites, comprised of rice paper, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and manganese oxide nanoparticles. The functional groups on cellulose fibers can react with adsorbed permanganate ions, resulting in uniform deposition of manganese oxide nanoparticles. SWCNTs coated on top of manganese oxide nanoparticles form a highly conductive network connecting individual manganese oxide particles. By using the hybrid ternary composites as electrodes, the assembled two-electrode supercapacitors demonstrated high capacitance (260.2 F g(-1)), energy (9.0 W h kg(-1)), power (59.7 kW kg(-1)), and cycle stability (12% drop after 3000 cycles). In addition, the nanocomposites show good strength and excellent mechanical flexibility, and their capacitance shows negligible changes after bending more than 100 times. These findings suggest that opportunities exist to further explore the rich chemistry of cellulose fibers for innovative energy applications.

Electrochemical Behavior of Quinoxalin-2-one Derivatives at Mercury Electrodes and Its Analytical Use

PubMed Central

Zimpl, Milan; Skopalova, Jana; Jirovsky, David; Bartak, Petr; Navratil, Tomas; Sedonikova, Jana; Kotoucek, Milan

2012-01-01

Derivatives of quinoxalin-2-one are interesting compounds with potential pharmacological activity. From this point of view, understanding of their electrochemical behavior is of great importance. In the present paper, a mechanism of electrochemical reduction of quinoxalin-2-one derivatives at mercury dropping electrode was proposed. Pyrazine ring was found to be the main electroactive center undergoing a pH-dependent two-electron reduction process. The molecule protonization of nitrogen in the position 4 precedes the electron acceptance forming a semiquinone radical intermediate which is relatively stable in acidic solutions. Its further reduction is manifested by separated current signal. A positive mesomeric effect of the nonprotonized amino group in the position 7 of the derivative III accelerates the semiquinone reduction yielding a single current wave. The suggested reaction mechanism was verified by means of direct current polarography, differential pulse, cyclic and elimination voltammetry, and coulometry with subsequent GC/MS analysis. The understanding of the mechanism was applied in developing of analytical method for the determination of the studied compounds. PMID:22666117

Direct electrochemical stripping detection of cystic-fibrosis-related DNA linked through cadmium sulfide quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marin, Sergio; Merkoçi, Arben

2009-02-01

Electrochemical detection of a cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs)-DNA complex connected to paramagnetic microbeads (MB) was performed without the need for chemical dissolving. The method is based on dropping 20 µl of CdS QD-DNA-MB suspension on the surface of a screen-printed electrode. It is followed by magnetic collection on the surface of the working electrode and electrochemical detection using square-wave voltammetry (SWV), giving a well-shaped and sensitive analytical signal. A cystic-fibrosis-related DNA sequence was sandwiched between the two DNA probes. One DNA probe is linked via biotin-streptavidin bonding with MB and the other one via thiol groups with the CdS QD used as tags. Nonspecific signals of DNA were minimized using a blocking agent and the results obtained were successfully employed in a model DNA sensor with an interest in future applications in the clinical field. The developed nanoparticle biosensing system may offer numerous opportunities in other fields where fast, low cost and efficient detection of small volume samples is required.

Adsorption of cationic surfactants on covered hanging mercury drop electrode surface of variable area.

PubMed

Koniari, Argyri; Avranas, Antonis

2012-09-15

Cetyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (CDBACl) or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is preadsorbed on mercury and used as substrate. The adsorptive stripping voltammetry with the two-step procedure is used. The mercury droplet with the preadsorbed surfactant is expanded in aqueous solutions of KCl, KBr, CTAB, CDBACl, or cetylethyldimethylammonium bromide (CEDAB). The surface area was increased from 0.0022cm(2) up to 0.0571cm(2). The surfactant molecules are maintained close to each other and in the vicinity of the electrode by the applied electric field. The expanding of the droplets resulted in a reorientation of the adsorbed molecules depending on the surfactant surface concentration. In some cases, condensed films were observed. Differences were noticed in the adsorption and desorption potential region. A linear increase in the capacitance current with the surface area was found in all cases up to a maximum increase in the surface area. Partly disorganized films were also observed. In some cases, defects were noticed during expansion. In one case, fractal structure was observed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

State Waste Discharge Permit Application: Electric resistance tomography testing

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

Not Available

1994-04-01

This permit application documentation is for a State Waste Discharge Permit issued in accordance with requirements of Washington Administrative Code 173-216. The activity being permitted is a technology test using electrical resistance tomography. The electrical resistance tomography technology was developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and has been used at other waste sites to track underground contamination plumes. The electrical resistance tomography technology measures soil electrical resistance between two electrodes. If a fluid contaminated with electrolytes is introduced into the soil, the soil resistance is expected to drop. By using an array of measurement electrodes in several boreholes, the arealmore » extent of contamination can be estimated. At the Hanford Site, the purpose of the testing is to determine if the electrical resistance tomography technology can be used in the vicinity of large underground metal tanks without the metal tank interfering with the test. It is anticipated that the electrical resistance tomography technology will provide a method for accurately detecting leaks from the bottom of underground tanks, such as the Hanford Site single-shell tanks.« less

In-House fabrication and Electrical characterization of planner si-nanogap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhahi, Th. S.; Adam, Tijjani; Hashim, U.

2017-10-01

Nanogap is increasingly known to be beneficial, dependable and higher sensing technology. Another possible purpose is to examine a bioactivity and study the reaction of single molecule. It is important to carefully recognize the differences between the sensor surface and electrode in order to incorporate the biological system with nanogap. Also, it crucial to examine the dielectric properties between the planar nanogap with and without a sample. Electrical concentration between the electrodes could be increased due to integrating of microfluidic channel when the sample is being used. This paper is a report on an electrical point of view of planar nanogap capacitor device with comparison of different excitation frequency with and without microfluidic channel. By using 40 nm Si nanogap devices, the sensitivity of nanogap was compared by dropping deionized water and pH 7 onto the target. Experiments were carried out in wide range of frequencies from 1 Hz to 1 MHz at room temperature with 30 mV input signal (0 V, DC, Offset). Both effects of excitation frequency on capacitance sampling with 10 µm microfluidic integration were analyzed.

Fabrication of Si negative electrodes for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) using cross-linked polymer binders.

PubMed

Jang, Suk-Yong; Han, Sien-Ho

2016-12-19

Currently, Si as an active material for LIBs has been attracting much attention due to its high theoretical specific capacity (3572 mAh g -1 ). However, a disadvantage when using a Si negative electrode for LIBs is the abrupt drop of its capabilities during the cycling process. Therefore, there have been a few studies of polymers such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) given that the robust structure of a polymeric binder to LIBs anodes is a promising means by which to enhance the performance of high-capacity anodes. These studies essentially focused mainly on modifying of the linear-polymer component or on copolymers dissolved in solvents. Cross-linking polymers as a binder may be preferred due to their good scratch resistance, excellent chemical resistance and high levels of adhesion and resilience. However, because these types of polymers (with a rigid structure and cross-linking points) are also insoluble in general organic solvents, applying these types in this capacity is virtually impossible.

Amperometric Biosensor Based on Zirconium Oxide/Polyethylene Glycol/Tyrosinase Composite Film for the Detection of Phenolic Compounds.

PubMed

Ahmad, Nor Monica; Abdullah, Jaafar; Yusof, Nor Azah; Ab Rashid, Ahmad Hazri; Abd Rahman, Samsulida; Hasan, Md Rakibul

2016-06-29

A phenolic biosensor based on a zirconium oxide/polyethylene glycol/tyrosinase composite film for the detection of phenolic compounds has been explored. The formation of the composite film was expected via electrostatic interaction between hexacetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and zirconium oxide nanoparticles casted on screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Herein, the electrode was treated by casting hexacetyltrimethylammonium bromide on SPCE to promote a positively charged surface. Later, zirconium oxide was mixed with polyethylene glycol and the mixture was dropped cast onto the positively charged SPCE/CTAB. Tyrosinase was further immobilized onto the modified SPCE. Characterization of the prepared nanocomposite film and the modified SPCE surface was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Cyclic voltamogram (CV). The developed biosensor exhibits rapid response for less than 10 s. Two linear calibration curves towards phenol in the concentrations ranges of 0.075-10 µM and 10-55 µM with the detection limit of 0.034 µM were obtained. The biosensor shows high sensitivity and good storage stability for at least 30 days.

A novel perfusion-based method for cochlear implant electrode insertion.

PubMed

Kale, Sushrut; Cervantes, Vanessa M; Wu, Mailing R; Pisano, Dominic V; Sheth, Nakul; Olson, Elizabeth S

2014-08-01

A cochlear implant (CI) restores partial hearing to profoundly deaf individuals. CI electrodes are inserted manually in the cochlea and surgeons rely on tactile feedback from the implant to determine when to stop the insertion. This manual insertion method results in a large degree of variability in surgical outcomes and intra-cochlear trauma. Additionally, implants often span only the basal turn. In the present study we report on the development of a new method to assist CI electrode insertion. The design objectives are (1) an automated and standardized insertion technique across patients with (2) more apical insertion than is possible by the contemporary methods, while (3) minimizing insertion trauma. The method relies on a viscous fluid flow through the cochlea to carry the electrode array with it. A small cochleostomy (∼100-150 um in diameter) is made in scala vestibuli (SV) and the round window (RW) membrane is opened. A flow of diluted Sodium Hyaluronate (also known as Hyaluronic Acid, (HA)) is set up from the RW to the SV opening using a perfusion pump that sets up a unidirectional flow. Once the flow is established an implant is dropped into the ongoing flow. Here we present a proof-of-concept study where we used this technique to insert silicone implants all the way to the cochlear apex in rats and gerbils. In light-microscopic histology, the implantation occurred without cochlear trauma. To further assess the ototoxicity of the HA perfusion, we measured compound action potential (CAP) thresholds following the perfusion of HA, and found that the CAP thresholds were substantially elevated. Thus, at this point the method is promising, and requires further development to become clinically viable. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impedimetric genosensor for ultratrace detection of hepatitis B virus DNA in patient samples assisted by zeolites and MWCNT nano-composites.

PubMed

Narang, Jagriti; Singhal, Chaitali; Malhotra, Nitesh; Narang, Sumit; Pn, Anoop Krishna; Gupta, Riya; Kansal, Ruby; Pundir, C S

2016-12-15

Nanocrystals of zeolites (Nanocrys Zeo) and Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) based diagnostic genosensor was employed for detection of polymerase chain (PCR) amplified HBVDNA in blood of hepatitis B patients. The ssDNA-nanocomposite modified electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The hybridization between ss DNA probe and target ss DNA was detected by reduction in current, generated by interaction of methylene blue (MB) with free guanine (3'G) of ssDNA. Nanocrys zeo were deposited on the Fluorine doped tin oxide glass electrode (FTO) by drop-casting method for better immobilization of ss DNA while MWCNTs are incorporated into the zeolite-assembly to enhance the electro-conductivity of the present genosensor. The ssDNA-nanocomposite modified FTO electrode exhibited optimum current within 5s, at pH 5.6, and incubation temperature of 45°C. The value of charge transfer resistance (Rct) was linear with the number of copies of target DNA between 150 and 10(6) copies/ml. The limit of detection (LOD) of the sensor was 50 copies/ml. Within and between batches coefficients of variation (CV) were 2.5% and 3.2% respectively. Results obtained with our genosensor were also correlated with those by RT-PCR and r(2) value found with good accuracy of 97%. The electrode was reused by dipping it into 0.1M NaOH for 3min and lost 50% of its initial activity in 4 weeks. Furthermore the technique employed for detection of HBV is EIS, which is convenient and required less analysis time. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hybrid ternary rice paper-manganese oxide-carbon nanotube nanocomposites for flexible supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Wenchao; Zhang, Kaixi; Wei, Li; Yu, Dingshan; Wei, Jun; Chen, Yuan

2013-10-01

Modern portable electronic devices create a strong demand for flexible energy storage devices. Paper based nanocomposites are attractive as sustainable materials for such applications. Here, we directly explored the hydroxyl chemistry of cellulose fibers to synthesize hybrid ternary nanocomposites, comprised of rice paper, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and manganese oxide nanoparticles. The functional groups on cellulose fibers can react with adsorbed permanganate ions, resulting in uniform deposition of manganese oxide nanoparticles. SWCNTs coated on top of manganese oxide nanoparticles form a highly conductive network connecting individual manganese oxide particles. By using the hybrid ternary composites as electrodes, the assembled two-electrode supercapacitors demonstrated high capacitance (260.2 F g-1), energy (9.0 W h kg-1), power (59.7 kW kg-1), and cycle stability (12% drop after 3000 cycles). In addition, the nanocomposites show good strength and excellent mechanical flexibility, and their capacitance shows negligible changes after bending more than 100 times. These findings suggest that opportunities exist to further explore the rich chemistry of cellulose fibers for innovative energy applications.Modern portable electronic devices create a strong demand for flexible energy storage devices. Paper based nanocomposites are attractive as sustainable materials for such applications. Here, we directly explored the hydroxyl chemistry of cellulose fibers to synthesize hybrid ternary nanocomposites, comprised of rice paper, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and manganese oxide nanoparticles. The functional groups on cellulose fibers can react with adsorbed permanganate ions, resulting in uniform deposition of manganese oxide nanoparticles. SWCNTs coated on top of manganese oxide nanoparticles form a highly conductive network connecting individual manganese oxide particles. By using the hybrid ternary composites as electrodes, the assembled two-electrode supercapacitors demonstrated high capacitance (260.2 F g-1), energy (9.0 W h kg-1), power (59.7 kW kg-1), and cycle stability (12% drop after 3000 cycles). In addition, the nanocomposites show good strength and excellent mechanical flexibility, and their capacitance shows negligible changes after bending more than 100 times. These findings suggest that opportunities exist to further explore the rich chemistry of cellulose fibers for innovative energy applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Chemical structures of functional groups on cellulose fibers, the surface water wettability of rice paper, CV curves of supercapacitors at different scan rates, galvanostatic charge-discharge curves of supercapacitors at different current densities, TGA profiles of the SWCNT-MnO2-paper composites synthesized at different temperatures, TEM images of MnO2 particles deposited on rice paper at different temperatures, photographs of supercapacitors under different bending test conditions, and a video of bending and folding the SWCNT-MnO2-paper composites. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr03010e

Parametric and cycle tests of a 40-A-hr bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cataldo, R. L.

1986-01-01

A series of tests was performed to characterize battery performance relating to certain operating parameters which included charge current, discharge current, temperature and pressure. The parameters were varied to confirm battery design concepts and to determine optimal operating conditions. Spacecraft power requirements are constantly increasing. Special spacecraft such as the Space Station and platforms will require energy storage systems of 130 and 25 kWh, respectively. The complexity of these high power systems will demand high reliability, and reduced mass and volume. A system that uses batteries for storage will require a cell count in excess of 400 units. These cell units must then be assembled into several batteries with over 100 cells in a series connected string. In an attempt to simplify the construction of conventional cells and batteries, the NASA Lewis Research Center battery systems group initiated work on a nickel-hydrogen battery in a bipolar configuration in early 1981. Features of the battery with this bipolar construction show promise in improving both volumetric and gravimetric energy densities as well as thermal management. Bipolar construction allows cooling in closer proximity to the cell components, thus heat removal can be accomplished at a higher rejection temperature than conventional cell designs. Also, higher current densities are achievable because of low cell impedance. Lower cell impedance is achieved via current flow perpendicular to the electrode face, thus reducing voltage drops in the electrode grid and electrode terminals tabs.

Catheter-based renal denervation for resistant hypertension: Twenty-four month results of the EnligHTN I first-in-human study using a multi-electrode ablation system.

PubMed

Tsioufis, Costas P; Papademetriou, Vasilios; Dimitriadis, Kyriakos S; Kasiakogias, Alexandros; Tsiachris, Dimitrios; Worthley, Matthew I; Sinhal, Ajay R; Chew, Derek P; Meredith, Ian T; Malaiapan, Yuvi; Thomopoulos, Costas; Kallikazaros, Ioannis; Tousoulis, Dimitrios; Worthley, Stephen G

2015-12-15

Long term safety and efficacy data of multi-electrode ablation system for renal denervation (RDN) in patients with drug resistant hypertension (dRHT) are limited. We studied 46 patients (age: 60 ± 10 years, 4.7 ± 1.0 antihypertensive drugs) with drug resistant hypertension (dRHT). Reduction in office BP at 24 months from baseline was -29/-13 mmHg, while the reduction in 24-hour ambulatory BP and in home BP at 24 months were -13/-7 mmHg and -11/-6 mmHg respectively (p<0.05 for all). A correlation analysis revealed that baseline office and ambulatory BP were related to the extent of office and ambulatory BP drop. Apart from higher body mass index (33.3 ± 4.7 vs 29.5 ± 6.2 kg/m(2), p<0.05), there were no differences in patients that were RDN responders defined as ≥10 mmHg decrease (74%, n=34) compared to non-responders. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed no prognosticators of RDN response (p=NS for all). At 24 months there were no new serious device or procedure related adverse events. The EnligHTN I study shows that the multi-electrode ablation system provides a safe method of RDN in dRHT accompanied by a clinically relevant and sustained BP reduction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Membrane electrode assembly fabricated with the combination of Pt/C and hollow shell structured-Pt-SiO2@ZrO2 sphere for self-humidifying proton exchange membrane fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ko, Y. D.; Yang, H. N.; Züttel, Andreas; Kim, S. D.; Kim, W. J.

2017-11-01

The Pt-supported hollow structured Pt-HZrO2 with the shell thickness of 27 nm is successfully synthesized. The water retention ability of Pt-HZrO2 is significantly enhanced compared with that of SiO2@ZrO2 due to the hydrophilic hollow structured HZrO2with high BET surface area. Pt-C and Pt-HZrO2 are combined with different weight fractions to prepare the double catalyst electrode (DCE). The membrane electrode assembly with the DCE is fabricated and applied to both anode and cathode or anode side only. The water flooding and thus rapid voltage drop is affected by the presence/or absence of the DCE at the cathode side. The cell test and visual experiment suggests that the Pt-HZrO2 layer adsorb the water molecules generated by the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), preventing the water flooding. The power generation under RH 0% strongly suggests the back-diffusion of water molecules generated by the ORR. The flow rate to the cathode significantly affects the water flooding and cell performance. Higher flow rate to the cathode is advantageous to expel the water generated by the ORR, thus preventing water flooding and enhancing the cell performance. Therefore, the weight fraction of Pt-C to Pt-HZrO2 and the flow rate to the cathode should be well balanced.

ERGO grown on Ni-Cu foam frameworks by constant potential method as high performance electrodes for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirzaee, Majid; Dehghanian, Changiz; Sabet Bokati, Kazem

2018-04-01

This study presents composite electrode materials based on Electrochemically Reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) and Ni-Cu Foam for supercapacitor applications. Constant potential (CP) method was used to form reduced graphene oxide on Ni-Cu foam and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectra (XPS), Raman Spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements. ERGO improves the electrical conduction leading to decrease of the internal resistance of the heterostructure. The ERGO served as a conductive network to facilitate the collection and transportation of electrons during the cycling, improved the conductivity of Ni-Cu foam, and allowed for a larger specific surface area. The irregular porous structure allowed for the easy diffusion of the electrolyte into the inner region of the electrode. Moreover, the nanocomposite directly fabricated on Ni-Cu foam with a better adhesion and avoided the use of polymer binder. This method efficiently reduced ohmic polarization and enhanced the rate capability. As a result, the Ni-Cu foam/ERGO nanocomposite exhibited a specific capacitance of 1259.3 F g-1 at 2 A g-1and about 99.3% of the capacitance retained after 5000 cycles. The capacitance retention was about 3% when the current density increased from 2 A g-1 to 15 A g-1. This two-step process drop cast and GO reduction by potentiostatic method is nontoxic and scalable and holds promise for improved energy density from redox capacitance in comparison with the conventional double layer supercapacitors.

Printing Semiconductor-Insulator Polymer Bilayers for High-Performance Coplanar Field-Effect Transistors.

PubMed

Bu, Laju; Hu, Mengxing; Lu, Wanlong; Wang, Ziyu; Lu, Guanghao

2018-01-01

Source-semiconductor-drain coplanar transistors with an organic semiconductor layer located within the same plane of source/drain electrodes are attractive for next-generation electronics, because they could be used to reduce material consumption, minimize parasitic leakage current, avoid cross-talk among different devices, and simplify the fabrication process of circuits. Here, a one-step, drop-casting-like printing method to realize a coplanar transistor using a model semiconductor/insulator [poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/polystyrene (PS)] blend is developed. By manipulating the solution dewetting dynamics on the metal electrode and SiO 2 dielectric, the solution within the channel region is selectively confined, and thus make the top surface of source/drain electrodes completely free of polymers. Subsequently, during solvent evaporation, vertical phase separation between P3HT and PS leads to a semiconductor-insulator bilayer structure, contributing to an improved transistor performance. Moreover, this coplanar transistor with semiconductor-insulator bilayer structure is an ideal system for injecting charges into the insulator via gate-stress, and the thus-formed PS electret layer acts as a "nonuniform floating gate" to tune the threshold voltage and effective mobility of the transistors. Effective field-effect mobility higher than 1 cm 2 V -1 s -1 with an on/off ratio > 10 7 is realized, and the performances are comparable to those of commercial amorphous silicon transistors. This coplanar transistor simplifies the fabrication process of corresponding circuits. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Submerged arc welding of heavy plate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, R. A.

1972-01-01

The submerged arc process is particularly suitable for heavy plate welding because of its ability to combine very high deposit rates along with excellent quality. It does these things without the smoke and spatter often accompanying other processes. It is available today in several forms that are pointed to the fabricators of heavy sections with long, short or round about welds. Tandem arc full automatic equipment is particularly suitable for those long heavy welds where speed and deposit rate are of the first order. An attachment called long stick-out which makes use of the IR drop on long electrode extensions can be included on this equipment to increase deposition rates 50% or more.

Nucleation and Growth of Lithium Peroxide in the Li-O2 Battery.

PubMed

Lau, Sampson; Archer, Lynden A

2015-09-09

We study the relationship between Li2O2 morphology and the electrochemical performance of the Li-O2 battery using a combination of experiment and theory. Experimental Li-O2 battery discharge curves are accurately captured by a theoretical model in which electrode performance is limited by the nucleation and growth of discrete Li2O2 nanostructures in the cathode. We further show that the characteristic sharp voltage drop widely reported at the end of discharge results from the decrease in electrochemical surface area as Li2O2 covers the cathode surface. Preventing surface nucleation is highlighted as a core strategy for increasing Li-O2 battery capacity.

Ozone Sensing Based on Palladium Decorated Carbon Nanotubes

PubMed Central

Colindres, Selene Capula; Aguir, Khalifa; Sodi, Felipe Cervantes; Vargas, Luis Villa; Moncayo Salazar, José A.; Febles, Vicente Garibay

2014-01-01

Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were easily and efficiently decorated with Pd nanoparticles through a vapor-phase impregnation-decomposition method starting from palladium acetylacetonates. The sensor device consisted on a film of sensitive material (MWCNTs-Pd) deposited by drop coating on platinum interdigitated electrodes on a SiO2 substrate. The sensor exhibited a resistance change to ozone (O3) with a response time of 60 s at different temperatures and the capability of detecting concentrations up to 20 ppb. The sensor shows the best response when exposed to O3 at 120 °C. The device shows a very reproducible sensor performance, with high repeatability, full recovery and efficient response. PMID:24736133

An 11 cm long atmospheric pressure cold plasma plume for applications of plasma medicine

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

Lu Xinpei; Jiang Zhonghe; Xiong Qing

2008-02-25

In this letter, a room temperature atmospheric pressure plasma jet device is reported. The high voltage electrode of the device is covered by a quartz tube with one end closed. The device, which is driven by a kilohertz ac power supply, is capable of generating a plasma plume up to 11 cm long in the surrounding room air. The rotational and vibrational temperatures of the plasma plume are 300 and 2300 K, respectively. A simple electrical model shows that, when the plasma plume is contacted with a human, the voltage drop on the human is less than 66 V formore » applied voltage of 5 kV (rms)« less

Performance Theory of Diagonal Conducting Wall Magnetohydrodynamic Accelerators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litchford, R. J.

2004-01-01

The theoretical performance of diagonal conducting wall crossed-field accelerators is examined on the basis of an infinite segmentation assumption using a cross-plane averaged generalized Ohm s law for a partially ionized gas, including ion slip. The desired accelerator performance relationships are derived from the cross-plane averaged Ohm s law by imposing appropriate configuration and loading constraints. A current-dependent effective voltage drop model is also incorporated to account for cold-wall boundary layer effects, including gasdynamic variations, discharge constriction, and electrode falls. Definition of dimensionless electric fields and current densities leads to the construction of graphical performance diagrams, which further illuminate the rudimentary behavior of crossed-field accelerator operation.

Off-design performance analysis of MHD generator channels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, D. R.; Williams, T. S.

1980-01-01

A computer code for performing parametric design point calculations, and evaluating the off-design performance of MHD generators has been developed. The program is capable of analyzing Faraday, Hall, and DCW channels, including the effect of electrical shorting in the gas boundary layers and coal slag layers. Direct integration of the electrode voltage drops is included. The program can be run in either the design or off-design mode. Details of the computer code, together with results of a study of the design and off-design performance of the proposed ETF MHD generator are presented. Design point variations of pre-heat and stoichiometry were analyzed. The off-design study included variations in mass flow rate and oxygen enrichment.

An Improved Electrochemical Aptasensor for Chloramphenicol Detection Based on Aptamer Incorporated Gelatine

PubMed Central

Hamidi-Asl, Ezat; Dardenne, Freddy; Blust, Ronny; De Wael, Karolien

2015-01-01

Because of the biocompatible properties of gelatine and the good affinity of aptamers for their targets, the combination of aptamer and gelatine type B is reported as promising for the development of biosensing devices. Here, an aptamer for chloramphenicol (CAP) is mixed with different types of gelatine and dropped on the surface of disposable gold screen printed electrodes. The signal of the CAP reduction is investigated using differential pulse voltammetry. The diagnostic performance of the sensor is described and a detection limit of 1.83 × 10−10 M is found. The selectivity and the stability of the aptasensor are studied and compared to those of other CAP sensors described in literature. PMID:25825978

Modeling of Gate Bias Modulation in Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect-Transistor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toshishige, Yamada; Biegel, Bryan A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The threshold voltages of a carbon-nanotube (CNT) field-effect transistor (FET) are studied. The CNT channel is so thin that there is no voltage drop perpendicular to the gate electrode plane, and this makes the device characteristics quite unique. The relation between the voltage and the electrochemical potentials, and the mass action law for electrons and holes are examined in the context of CNTs, and inversion and accumulation threshold voltages (V(sub Ti), and V(sub Ta)) are derived. V(sub Ti) of the CNTFETs has a much stronger doping dependence than that of the metal-oxide- semiconductor FETs, while V(sub Ta) of both devices depends weakly on doping with the same functional form.

Impact of interfacial resistance switching on thermoelectric effect of Nb-doped SrTiO3 single crystalline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Peijian; Meng, Yang; Liu, Ziyu; Li, Dong; Su, Tao; Meng, Qingyu; Mao, Qi; Pan, Xinyu; Chen, Dongmin; Zhao, Hongwu

2012-03-01

The thermoelectric properties of the bistable resistance states in Nb doped SrTiO3 single crystal have been investigated. The Seebeck coefficients for both low and high resistance states change linearly with temperature. The three-terminals contrast measurement demonstrates that a large fraction of the voltage drop is applied at the tiny volume near the bottom interface between the electrode and the oxide bulk. Therefore, the metallic oxide bulk plays a dominant role in the temperature dependence of Seebeck coefficients. The thermoelectric properties of new resistance switching (RS) devices with minimized non-RS volume could be exploited for the RS mechanism and novel applications.

Degradation Mechanisms of Electrochemically Cycled Graphite Anodes in Lithium-ion Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, Sandeep

This research is aimed at developing advanced characterization methods for studying the surface and subsurface damage in Li-ion battery anodes made of polycrystalline graphite and identifying the degradation mechanisms that cause loss of electrochemical capacity. Understanding microstructural aspects of the graphite electrode degradation mechanisms during charging and discharging of Li-ion batteries is of key importance in order to design durable anodes with high capacity. An in-situ system was constructed using an electrochemical cell with an observation window, a large depth-of-field digital microscope and a micro-Raman spectrometer. It was revealed that electrode damage by removal of the surface graphite fragments of 5-10 mum size is the most intense during the first cycle that led to a drastic capacity drop. Once a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer covered the electrode surface, the rate of graphite particle loss decreased. Yet, a gradual loss of capacity continued by the formation of interlayer cracks adjacent to SEI/graphite interfaces. Deposition of co-intercalation compounds, LiC6, Li2CO3 and Li2O, near the crack tips caused partial closure of propagating graphite cracks during cycling and reduced the crack growth rate. Bridging of crack faces by delaminated graphite layers also retarded crack propagation. The microstructure of the SEI layer, formed by electrochemical reduction of the ethylene carbonate based electrolyte, consisted of ˜5-20 nm sized crystalline domains (containing Li2CO3, Li2O 2 and nano-sized graphite fragments) dispersed in an amorphous matrix. During the SEI formation, two regimes of Li-ion diffusion were identified at the electrode/electrolyte interface depending on the applied voltage scan rate (dV/dt). A low Li-ion diffusion coefficient ( DLi+) at dV/dt < 0.05 mVs-1 produced a tubular SEI that uniformly covered the graphite surface and prevented damage at 25°C. At 60°C, a high D Li+ formed a Li2CO3-enriched SEI and ensued a 28% increase in the battery capacity at 25°C. On correlating the microscopic information to the electrochemical performance, novel Li2CO3-coated electrodes were fabricated that were durable. The SEI formed on pre-treated electrodes reduced the strain in the graphite lattice from 0.4% (for uncoated electrodes) to 0.1%, facilitated Li-ion diffusion and hence improved the capacity retention of Li-ion batteries during long-term cycling.

Reliability of high strain ionomeric polymer transducers fabricated using the direct assembly process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akle, Barbar; Nawshin, Saila; Leo, Donald

2007-04-01

Ionomeric polymer transducers have received considerable attention in the past several years. These actuators, sometimes referred to as artificial muscles, have the ability to generate large bending strain and moderate stress at low applied voltages. As sensors, ionic polymer transducers generate an electric response due to mechanical strain. Typically, ionic polymer transducers are composed of Nafion-117 membranes with platinum electrodes and are saturated with water diluents. Recently the authors have developed a novel fabrication technique called the direct assembly process (DAP), which allowed improved control of the electrode morphology and composition. The DAP consists of spraying two high surface area metal-ionomer electrodes on a Nafion membrane. The benefits of the DAP process over previous methods is the ability to control the thickness of the electrode, the ability to control the composition of the electrode layer of the transducer, and the ability for it to be used with a wide variety of diluents. In past work we have demonstrated that platinum, ruthenium dioxide, and single-walled carbon nanotubes can be used as electrode material with diluents such as water, formamide, and ionic liquids. In this work we will present a reliability study of transducers fabricated using the DAP. Water-hydrated transducers dehydrate and stop moving within 5 min while operating in air under the application of ± 2 V. Ionic liquid based transducers are demonstrated to operate in air for over 400 000 cycles with little loss in performance, and are reliable up to 1 million cycles with a performance loss of less than 43%. The main source of degradation is the adhesion of the conductive surface to the high surface area electrode. This is enhanced in this study by using a PUU linking polymer that has good adhesion properties to gold. Large voltage and large strain are proven to decrease the life of the transducer. Formamide based samples are stable for 3 days under a 1 V actuation signal, while they are only reliable for 3-4 h under a 2 V actuation signal. Solvent evaporation is the main reason for degradation in formamide samples and it is increased at 2 V, indicating some electrochemical activity at such high voltages. Finally the initial drop in performance and the fluctuation in the generated strain are shown to be due to the loss of humidity absorbed from ambient air and the fluctuation in this ambient humidity, respectively.

Effects of Humidity and Temperature on Orange Dye-Based Organic Field Effect Transistors Fabricated at Different Gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatima, N.; Ahmed, M. M.; Karimov, Kh. S.

2017-11-01

This study reports the fabrication of organic field effect transistors (OFETs) using 3-[ethyl[4-[(4-nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]amino]propanenitrile, usually known as Orange-Dye 25 (OD) and its composite with sugar. The study investigated the heat- and humidity-dependent electrical characteristics of the fabricated devices. Fabrication was carried out from the aqueous solution of the materials using different gravity conditions, i.e., at positive (normal) gravity (+1 g) and at negative gravity (-1 g). A thin layer (10-15 μm) of OD or OD:sugar was deposited by drop-casting on pre-fabricated drain and source silver (Ag) electrodes having 30 μm separation and 2 mm length followed by aluminum (Al) thermal evaporation to achieve a Schottky barrier. Devices fabricated using OD at -1 g were more sensitive in capacitance-temperature and impedance-humidity relationships than those fabricated at +1 g. Moreover, OFETs fabricated at -1 g using OD:sugar offered capacitance-temperature sensitivity much higher than the devices fabricated at +1 g. It has been observed that, in the drop-casting method, the properties of OFETs are dependent upon gravity as well as the solution composition employed for channel definition.

Determination of picloram in natural waters employing sequential injection square wave voltammetry using the hanging mercury drop electrode.

PubMed

Dos Santos, Luciana B O; Masini, Jorge C

2007-05-15

This paper describes the development of a sequential injection analysis method to automate the determination of picloram by square wave voltammetry exploiting the concept of monosegmented flow analysis to perform in-line sample conditioning and standard addition. To perform these tasks, an 800muL monosegment is formed, composed by 400muL of sample and 400muL of conditioning/standard solution, in medium of 0.10molL(-1) H(2)SO(4). Homogenization of the monosegment is achieved by three flow reversals. After homogenization the mixture zone is injected toward the flow cell, which is adapted to the capillary of a hanging drop mercury electrode, at a flow rate of 50muLs(-1). After a suitable delay time, the potential is scanned from -0.5 to -1.0V versus Ag/AgCl at frequency of 300Hz and pulse height of 25mV. The linear dynamic range is observed for picloram concentrations between 0.10 and 2.50mgL(-1) fitting to the linear equation I(p)=(-2.19+/-0.03)C(picloram)+(0.096+/-0.039), with R(2)=0.9996, for which the slope is given in muALmg(-1). The detection and quantification limits are 0.036 and 0.12mgL(-1), respectively. The sampling frequency is 37h(-1) when the standard addition protocol is followed, but can be increased to 41h(-1) if the protocol to obtain in-line external calibration curve is used for quantification. The method was applied for determination of picloram in spiked water samples and the accuracy was evaluated by comparison with high performance liquid chromatography using molecular absorption at 220nm for detection. No evidences of statistically significant differences between the two methods were observed.

Circular electrodes to reduce the current variation of OTFTs with the drop-casted semiconducting layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dipu Kabir, H. M.; Ahmed, Zubair; Kariyadan, Remashan; Zhang, Lining; Chan, Mansun

2018-06-01

Circular organic thin film transistor (OTFT) structures are proposed to reduce the impact of variable grain alignment on the drive current of the polycrystalline organic thin film transistor (OTFT). As the circular structure is planar symmetric, the orientation of the grain cannot affect the drive current of the circular OTFT. Thus, circular electrodes expected to provide a lower variation. Top-gate, bottom-contact circular and conventional OTFTs with drop-casted polycrystalline 6,13-Bis(triisopropyl-silylethynyl) (TIPS)-Pentacene organic semiconducting layer (OSC) are fabricated to verify the theoretical variation reduction. The relative standard deviation (RSD), defined as the ratio of standard deviation and the average of drive current is used as the degree of variations in different structures. According to our fabrication result, circular transistors have a significantly lower variation (20% RSD), compared to the variation of conventional OTFTs (61% RSD). His research interests include Organic Electronics, VLSI Design, Embedded System, Neural Networks, and Solid-state devices. Between July 2001 and December 2002, he was a Visiting Professor at University of California at Berkeley and the Co-director of the BSIM program. He is currently still consulting on the development of the next generation compact models. He has been actively contributing to the professional community and hold many positions. He was a Board of Governor, Chair of the Education Committee, the Chair of the Region 10 subcommittee and a Distinguished lecturer of the IEEE Electron Device Society. He has also chaired many international conferences and acting as editors for a number of technical journals. In addition, he has received many awards including the UC Regents Fellowship, Golden Keys Scholarship for Academic Excellence, SRC Inventor Recognition Award, Rockwell Research Fellowship, R&D 100 award (for the BSIM3v3 project), Distinguished Teaching Award, the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation awards, and EDS Education Award etc. He is a Fellow of HKIE, IET and IEEE.

Status of Electrostatic Accelerometer Development for Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On Mission (GRACE FO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perrot, Eddy; Boulanger, Damien; Christophe, Bruno; Foulon, Bernard; Liorzou, Françoise; Lebat, Vincent; Huynh, Phuong-Anh

2015-04-01

The GRACE FO mission, led by the JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), is an Earth-orbiting gravity mission, continuation of the GRACE mission, which will produce an accurate model of the Earth's gravity field variation providing global climatic data during five years at least. The mission involves two satellites in a loosely controlled tandem formation, with a micro-wave link measuring the inter-satellites distance variation. Earth's mass distribution non-uniformities cause variations of the inter-satellite distance. This variation is measured to recover gravity, after subtracting the non-gravitational contributors, as the residual drag. ONERA (the French Aerospace Lab) is developing, manufacturing and testing electrostatic accelerometers measuring this residual drag applied on the satellites. The accelerometer is composed of two main parts: the Sensor Unit (including the Sensor Unit Mechanics - SUM - and the Front-End Electronic Unit - FEEU) and the Interface Control Unit - ICU. In the Accelerometer Core, located in the Sensor Unit Mechanics, the proof mass is levitated and maintained at the center of an electrode cage by electrostatic forces. Thus, any drag acceleration applied on the satellite involves a variation on the servo-controlled electrostatic suspension of the mass. The voltage on the electrodes providing this electrostatic force is the measurement output of the accelerometer. The impact of the accelerometer defaults (geometry, electronic and parasitic forces) leads to bias, misalignment and scale factor error, non-linearity and noise. Some of these accelerometer defaults are characterized by tests with micro-gravity pendulum bench on ground and with drops in ZARM catapult. The Critical Design Review was achieved successfully on September 2014. The Engineering Model (EM) was integrated and tested successfully, with ground levitation, drops, Electromagnetic Compatibility and thermal vacuum. The integration of the first Flight Model has begun on December 2014 and will be achieved on January 2015. The results of the Engineering Model tests and the status of the Flight Models will be presented.

Tests Results of the Electrostatic Accelerometer Flight Models for Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On Mission (GRACE FO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perrot, E.; Boulanger, D.; Christophe, B.; Foulon, B.; Lebat, V.; Huynh, P. A.; Liorzou, F.

2015-12-01

The GRACE FO mission, led by the JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), is an Earth-orbiting gravity mission, continuation of the GRACE mission, which will produce an accurate model of the Earth's gravity field variation providing global climatic data during five years at least. The mission involves two satellites in a loosely controlled tandem formation, with a micro-wave link measuring the inter-satellites distance variation. Earth's mass distribution non-uniformities cause variations of the inter-satellite distance. This variation is measured to recover gravity, after subtracting the non-gravitational contributors, as the residual drag. ONERA (the French Aerospace Lab) is developing, manufacturing and testing electrostatic accelerometers measuring this residual drag applied on the satellites. The accelerometer is composed of two main parts: the Sensor Unit (including the Sensor Unit Mechanics - SUM - and the Front-End Electronic Unit - FEEU) and the Interface Control Unit - ICU. In the Accelerometer Core, located in the Sensor Unit Mechanics, the proof mass is levitated and maintained at the center of an electrode cage by electrostatic forces. Thus, any drag acceleration applied on the satellite involves a variation on the servo-controlled electrostatic suspension of the mass. The voltage on the electrodes providing this electrostatic force is the output measurement of the accelerometer. The impact of the accelerometer defaults (geometry, electronic and parasitic forces) leads to bias, misalignment and scale factor error, non-linearity and noise. Some of these accelerometer defaults are characterized by tests with micro-gravity pendulum bench on ground and with drops in ZARM catapult. The Critical Design Review was achieved successfully on September 2014. The Engineering Model (EM) was integrated and tested successfully, with ground levitation, drops, Electromagnetic Compatibility and thermal vacuum. The integration of the two Flight Models was done on July 2015. The tests will be achieved from July to November 2015. The results of the Engineering Model and Flight Models tests will be presented.

Wafer level fabrication of single cell dispenser chips with integrated electrodes for particle detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schoendube, Jonas; Yusof, Azmi; Kalkandjiev, Kiril; Zengerle, Roland; Koltay, Peter

2015-02-01

This work presents the microfabrication and experimental evaluation of a dispenser chip, designed for isolation and printing of single cells by combining impedance sensing and drop-on-demand dispensing. The dispenser chip features 50  ×  55 µm (width × height) microchannels, a droplet generator and microelectrodes for impedance measurements. The chip is fabricated by sandwiching a dry film photopolymer (TMMF) between a silicon and a Pyrex wafer. TMMF has been used to define microfluidic channels, to serve as low temperature (75 °C) bonding adhesive and as etch mask during 300 µm deep HF etching of the Pyrex wafer. Due to the novel fabrication technology involving the dry film resist, it became possible to fabricate facing electrodes at the top and bottom of the channel and to apply electrical impedance sensing for particle detection with improved performance. The presented microchip is capable of dispensing liquid and detecting microparticles via impedance measurement. Single polystyrene particles of 10 µm size could be detected with a mean signal amplitude of 0.39  ±  0.13 V (n=439 ) at particle velocities of up to 9.6 mm s-1 inside the chip.

Recent trends in carbon nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors for biomolecules: A review

PubMed Central

Yang, Cheng; Denno, Madelaine E.; Pyakurel, Poojan; Venton, B. Jill

2015-01-01

Carbon nanomaterials are advantageous for electrochemical sensors because they increase the electroactive surface area, enhance electron transfer, and promote adsorption of molecules. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been incorporated into electrochemical sensors for biomolecules and strategies have included the traditional dip coating and drop casting methods, direct growth of CNTs on electrodes and the use of CNT fibers and yarns made exclusively of CNTs. Recent research has also focused on utilizing many new types of carbon nanomaterials beyond CNTs. Forms of graphene are now increasingly popular for sensors including reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanohorns, graphene nanofoams, graphene nanorods, and graphene nanoflowers. In this review, we compare different carbon nanomaterial strategies for creating electrochemical sensors for biomolecules. Analytes covered include neurotransmitters and neurochemicals, such as dopamine, ascorbic acid, and serotonin; hydrogen peroxide; proteins, such as biomarkers; and DNA. The review also addresses enzyme-based electrodes that are used to detect non-electroactive species such as glucose, alcohols, and proteins. Finally, we analyze some of the future directions for the field, pointing out gaps in fundamental understanding of electron transfer to carbon nanomaterials and the need for more practical implementation of sensors. PMID:26320782

Highly-sensitive cholesterol biosensor based on platinum-gold hybrid functionalized ZnO nanorods.

PubMed

Wang, Chengyan; Tan, Xingrong; Chen, Shihong; Yuan, Ruo; Hu, Fangxin; Yuan, Dehua; Xiang, Yun

2012-05-30

A novel scheme for the fabrication of gold/platinum hybrid functionalized ZnO nanorods (Pt-Au@ZnONRs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified electrode is presented and its application for cholesterol biosensor is investigated. Firstly, Pt-Au@ZnONRs was prepared by the method of chemical synthesis. Then, the Pt-Au@ZnONRs suspension was dropped on the MWCNTs modified glass carbon electrode, and followed with cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) immobilization by the adsorbing interaction between the nano-material and ChOx as well as the electrostatic interaction between ZnONRs and ChOx molecules. The combination of MWCNTs and Pt-Au@ZnONRs provided a favorable environment for ChOx and resulted in the enhanced analytical response of the biosensor. The resulted biosensor exhibited a linear response to cholesterol in the wide range of 0.1-759.3 μM with a low detection limit of 0.03 μM and a high sensitivity of 26.8 μA mM(-1). The calculated apparent Michaelis constant K(M)(app) was 1.84 mM, indicating a high affinity between ChOx and cholesterol. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High performance 1.2 Ah Si-alloy/Graphite|LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 prototype Li-ion battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marinaro, Mario; Yoon, Dong-hwan; Gabrielli, Giulio; Stegmaier, Petra; Figgemeier, Egbert; Spurk, Paul C.; Nelis, Daniël; Schmidt, Gregory; Chauveau, Jerome; Axmann, Peter; Wohlfahrt-Mehrens, Margret

2017-07-01

The study reports on realization and electrochemical testing of prototype Si-alloy/Graphite|LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 batteries. Water soluble polyacrylic acid (PAA), used as the only binder at the anode side, demonstrates excellent dispersant and binding properties. Sedimentation tests and rheological measurements show remarkable stability and mostly a thinning behavior of the non-Newtonian type of slurry. The cathode is processed in N-Methylpyrrolidone based slurry using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the binding agent. The electronic conductivities of the manufactured Si-alloy/Graphite and LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 electrodes are evaluated. Furthermore, the cathode and anode electrochemical behavior is initially studied in half-cells, and subsequently in full Li-ion stacked prototype soft pouch-cells (1.22 Ah). It is demonstrated that the manufactured prototype cells can sustain about 290 charge/discharge galvanostatic cycles before the retained capacity drops below 80%. Cell aging is monitored using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), whereas post-mortem SEM analysis of electrodes cross-section is used to shed light on the causes of performance degradation of the cells.

Recent trends in carbon nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors for biomolecules: A review.

PubMed

Yang, Cheng; Denno, Madelaine E; Pyakurel, Poojan; Venton, B Jill

2015-08-05

Carbon nanomaterials are advantageous for electrochemical sensors because they increase the electroactive surface area, enhance electron transfer, and promote adsorption of molecules. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been incorporated into electrochemical sensors for biomolecules and strategies have included the traditional dip coating and drop casting methods, direct growth of CNTs on electrodes and the use of CNT fibers and yarns made exclusively of CNTs. Recent research has also focused on utilizing many new types of carbon nanomaterials beyond CNTs. Forms of graphene are now increasingly popular for sensors including reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanohorns, graphene nanofoams, graphene nanorods, and graphene nanoflowers. In this review, we compare different carbon nanomaterial strategies for creating electrochemical sensors for biomolecules. Analytes covered include neurotransmitters and neurochemicals, such as dopamine, ascorbic acid, and serotonin; hydrogen peroxide; proteins, such as biomarkers; and DNA. The review also addresses enzyme-based electrodes that are used to detect non-electroactive species such as glucose, alcohols, and proteins. Finally, we analyze some of the future directions for the field, pointing out gaps in fundamental understanding of electron transfer to carbon nanomaterials and the need for more practical implementation of sensors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Amperometric Biosensor Based on Zirconium Oxide/Polyethylene Glycol/Tyrosinase Composite Film for the Detection of Phenolic Compounds

PubMed Central

Ahmad, Nor Monica; Abdullah, Jaafar; Yusof, Nor Azah; Ab Rashid, Ahmad Hazri; Abd Rahman, Samsulida; Hasan, Md. Rakibul

2016-01-01

A phenolic biosensor based on a zirconium oxide/polyethylene glycol/tyrosinase composite film for the detection of phenolic compounds has been explored. The formation of the composite film was expected via electrostatic interaction between hexacetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and zirconium oxide nanoparticles casted on screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). Herein, the electrode was treated by casting hexacetyltrimethylammonium bromide on SPCE to promote a positively charged surface. Later, zirconium oxide was mixed with polyethylene glycol and the mixture was dropped cast onto the positively charged SPCE/CTAB. Tyrosinase was further immobilized onto the modified SPCE. Characterization of the prepared nanocomposite film and the modified SPCE surface was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Cyclic voltamogram (CV). The developed biosensor exhibits rapid response for less than 10 s. Two linear calibration curves towards phenol in the concentrations ranges of 0.075–10 µM and 10–55 µM with the detection limit of 0.034 µM were obtained. The biosensor shows high sensitivity and good storage stability for at least 30 days. PMID:27367738

Drug Loading Capacity of Environmentally Sensitive Polymeric Microgels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDonough, Ryan; Streletzky, Kiril; Bayachou, Mekki; Peiris, Pubudu

2009-10-01

Microgel nanoparticles consisting of cross-linked polymer hydroxypropyl cellulose chains have a temperature dependent volume phase transition, prompting the use of microgels for controlled drug transport. Drug particles aggregate in the slightly hydrophobic interior of microgels. Microgels are stored in equilibrium until the critical temperature (Tv) is reached and the volume phase transition limits available space, thus expelling the drugs. Our study was designed to test this property of microgels using amperometric electrochemical methods. A critical assumption was that small molecules inside microgels would not interact via diffusion with the electrode surface and thus total current would be decreased across the electrodes in a microgel sample. A room temperature (Troom) flow amperometric measurement comparing microgel/tylenol solution with control tylenol samples yielded about 20% tylenol concentration reduction of the microgel sample. Results from the steady state electrochemical experiment confirm the presence of about 20% tylenol concentration drop of the microgel sample compared to control sample at Troom. Using the steady-state experiment with a cyclic temperature ramp from Troom to beyond Tv showed that the tylenol concentration change between the temperature extremes was greater for the microgel solution than for the control solution.

Mass transfer study on the electrochemical removal of copper ions from synthetic effluents using reticulated vitreous carbon.

PubMed

Britto-Costa, Pedro H; Ruotolo, Luís Augusto M

2013-01-01

Porous electrodes have been successfully used for metal electrodeposition from diluted aqueous solution due to their high porosity and specific surface area, which lead to high mass transfer rates. This work studies the mass transfer of copper electrodeposition on reticulated vitreous carbon in a flow reactor without membrane. The flow configuration, otherwise the filter-press electrochemical reactors, was designed in order to minimize the pressure drop. The mass transfer coefficient was determined by voltammetric and galvanostatic electrodeposition. In the voltammetric experiments a Luggin capillary was used to measure the current-potential curves and to determine the limiting current (and, consequently, the mass transfer coefficient). In the galvanostatic experiments the concentration-time curves were obtained and considering a limiting current kinetics model, the mass transfer coefficient (k(m)) was determined for different flow velocities. The results showed that both methods give similar values of k(m), thus the voltammetric method can be recommended because it is faster and simpler. Finally, the reactor performance was compared with others from literature, and it was observed that the proposed reactor design has high Sherwood numbers similar to other reactor configurations using membranes and reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes.

In Situ Electrochemical Deposition of Microscopic Wires

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yun, Minhee; Myung, Nosang; Vasquez, Richard

2005-01-01

A method of fabrication of wires having micron and submicron dimensions is built around electrochemical deposition of the wires in their final positions between electrodes in integrated circuits or other devices in which the wires are to be used. Heretofore, nanowires have been fabricated by a variety of techniques characterized by low degrees of controllability and low throughput rates, and it has been necessary to align and electrically connect the wires in their final positions by use of sophisticated equipment in expensive and tedious post-growth assembly processes. The present method is more economical, offers higher yields, enables control of wire widths, and eliminates the need for post-growth assembly. The wires fabricated by this method could be used as simple electrical conductors or as transducers in sensors. Depending upon electrodeposition conditions and the compositions of the electroplating solutions in specific applications, the wires could be made of metals, alloys, metal oxides, semiconductors, or electrically conductive polymers. In this method, one uses fabrication processes that are standard in the semiconductor industry. These include cleaning, dry etching, low-pressure chemical vapor deposition, lithography, dielectric deposition, electron-beam lithography, and metallization processes as well as the electrochemical deposition process used to form the wires. In a typical case of fabrication of a circuit that includes electrodes between which microscopic wires are to be formed on a silicon substrate, the fabrication processes follow a standard sequence until just before the fabrication of the microscopic wires. Then, by use of a thermal SiO-deposition technique, the electrodes and the substrate surface areas in the gaps between them are covered with SiO. Next, the SiO is electron-beam patterned, then reactive-ion etched to form channels having specified widths (typically about 1 m or less) that define the widths of the wires to be formed. Drops of an electroplating solution are placed on the substrate in the regions containing the channels thus formed, then the wires are electrodeposited from the solution onto the exposed portions of the electrodes and into the channels. The electrodeposition is a room-temperature, atmospheric-pressure process. The figure shows an example of palladium wires that were electrodeposited into 1-mm-wide channels between gold electrodes.

The subthalamic microlesion story in Parkinson's disease: electrode insertion-related motor improvement with relative cortico-subcortical hypoactivation in fMRI.

PubMed

Jech, Robert; Mueller, Karsten; Urgošík, Dušan; Sieger, Tomáš; Holiga, Štefan; Růžička, Filip; Dušek, Petr; Havránková, Petra; Vymazal, Josef; Růžička, Evžen

2012-01-01

Electrode implantation into the subthalamic nucleus for deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with a temporary motor improvement occurring prior to neurostimulation. We studied this phenomenon by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) when considering the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) and collateral oedema. Twelve patients with PD (age 55.9± (SD)6.8 years, PD duration 9-15 years) underwent bilateral electrode implantation into the subthalamic nucleus. The fMRI was carried out after an overnight withdrawal of levodopa (OFF condition): (i) before and (ii) within three days after surgery in absence of neurostimulation. The motor task involved visually triggered finger tapping. The OFF/UPDRS-III score dropped from 33.8±8.7 before to 23.3±4.8 after the surgery (p<0.001), correlating with the postoperative oedema score (p<0.05). During the motor task, bilateral activation of the thalamus and basal ganglia, motor cortex and insula were preoperatively higher than after surgery (p<0.001). The results became more enhanced after compensation for the oedema and UPDRS-III scores. In addition, the rigidity and axial symptoms score correlated inversely with activation of the putamen and globus pallidus (p<0.0001). One month later, the OFF/UPDRS-III score had returned to the preoperative level (35.8±7.0, p = 0.4).In conclusion, motor improvement induced by insertion of an inactive electrode into the subthalamic nucleus caused an acute microlesion which was at least partially related to the collateral oedema and associated with extensive impact on the motor network. This was postoperatively manifested as lowered movement-related activation at the cortical and subcortical levels and differed from the known effects of neurostimulation or levodopa. The motor system finally adapted to the microlesion within one month as suggested by loss of motor improvement and good efficacy of deep brain stimulation.

The Subthalamic Microlesion Story in Parkinson's Disease: Electrode Insertion-Related Motor Improvement with Relative Cortico-Subcortical Hypoactivation in fMRI

PubMed Central

Urgošík, Dušan; Sieger, Tomáš; Holiga, Štefan; Růžička, Filip; Dušek, Petr; Havránková, Petra; Vymazal, Josef; Růžička, Evžen

2012-01-01

Electrode implantation into the subthalamic nucleus for deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with a temporary motor improvement occurring prior to neurostimulation. We studied this phenomenon by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) when considering the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III) and collateral oedema. Twelve patients with PD (age 55.9± (SD)6.8 years, PD duration 9–15 years) underwent bilateral electrode implantation into the subthalamic nucleus. The fMRI was carried out after an overnight withdrawal of levodopa (OFF condition): (i) before and (ii) within three days after surgery in absence of neurostimulation. The motor task involved visually triggered finger tapping. The OFF/UPDRS-III score dropped from 33.8±8.7 before to 23.3±4.8 after the surgery (p<0.001), correlating with the postoperative oedema score (p<0.05). During the motor task, bilateral activation of the thalamus and basal ganglia, motor cortex and insula were preoperatively higher than after surgery (p<0.001). The results became more enhanced after compensation for the oedema and UPDRS-III scores. In addition, the rigidity and axial symptoms score correlated inversely with activation of the putamen and globus pallidus (p<0.0001). One month later, the OFF/UPDRS-III score had returned to the preoperative level (35.8±7.0, p = 0.4). In conclusion, motor improvement induced by insertion of an inactive electrode into the subthalamic nucleus caused an acute microlesion which was at least partially related to the collateral oedema and associated with extensive impact on the motor network. This was postoperatively manifested as lowered movement-related activation at the cortical and subcortical levels and differed from the known effects of neurostimulation or levodopa. The motor system finally adapted to the microlesion within one month as suggested by loss of motor improvement and good efficacy of deep brain stimulation. PMID:23145068

"Long-term stability of stimulating spiral nerve cuff electrodes on human peripheral nerves".

PubMed

Christie, Breanne P; Freeberg, Max; Memberg, William D; Pinault, Gilles J C; Hoyen, Harry A; Tyler, Dustin J; Triolo, Ronald J

2017-07-11

Electrical stimulation of the peripheral nerves has been shown to be effective in restoring sensory and motor functions in the lower and upper extremities. This neural stimulation can be applied via non-penetrating spiral nerve cuff electrodes, though minimal information has been published regarding their long-term performance for multiple years after implantation. Since 2005, 14 human volunteers with cervical or thoracic spinal cord injuries, or upper limb amputation, were chronically implanted with a total of 50 spiral nerve cuff electrodes on 10 different nerves (mean time post-implant 6.7 ± 3.1 years). The primary outcome measures utilized in this study were muscle recruitment curves, charge thresholds, and percent overlap of recruited motor unit populations. In the eight recipients still actively involved in research studies, 44/45 of the spiral contacts were still functional. In four participants regularly studied over the course of 1 month to 10.4 years, the charge thresholds of the majority of individual contacts remained stable over time. The four participants with spiral cuffs on their femoral nerves were all able to generate sufficient moment to keep the knees locked during standing after 2-4.5 years. The dorsiflexion moment produced by all four fibular nerve cuffs in the active participants exceeded the value required to prevent foot drop, but no tibial nerve cuffs were able to meet the plantarflexion moment that occurs during push-off at a normal walking speed. The selectivity of two multi-contact spiral cuffs was examined and both were still highly selective for different motor unit populations for up to 6.3 years after implantation. The spiral nerve cuffs examined remain functional in motor and sensory neuroprostheses for 2-11 years after implantation. They exhibit stable charge thresholds, clinically relevant recruitment properties, and functional muscle selectivity. Non-penetrating spiral nerve cuff electrodes appear to be a suitable option for long-term clinical use on human peripheral nerves in implanted neuroprostheses.

The determination of Volta-potentials at the metal/solution interface

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

Yakovlev, V.M.

1985-08-01

This paper discusses the effect of polar dielectric solvents on the Voltapotential component caused by the change in surface potential in sp-metals which are in contact with a solution at the point of zero charge. It is shown that this change depends relatively little on the metal and solvent. A change in potential drop occurs in the metal as a result of phase contact. This change is known to be responsible for the decrease in surface energy of the metal such as is revealed in the effect of enhanced metallic ductility during mechanical working in polar media. The conjugate effectmore » of improved wettability is seen during cathodic polarization of electrodes when the metal's surface potential also should decrease.« less

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) stimulation of jet breakup

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crowley, J. M.

1982-01-01

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) excitation of liquid jets offers an alternative to piezoelectric excitation without the complex frequency response caused by piezoelectric and mechanical resonances. In an EHD exciter, an electrode near the nozzle applies an alternating Coulomb force to the jet surface, generating a disturbance which grows until a drop breaks off downstream. This interaction is modelled quite well by a linear, long wave model of the jet together with a cylindrical electric field. The breakup length, measured on a 33 micrometer jet, agrees quite well with that predicted by the theory, and increases with the square of the applied voltage, as expected. In addition, the frequency response is very smooth, with pronounced nulls occurring only at frequencies related to the time which the jet spends inside the exciter.

An enzyme logic bioprotonic transducer

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

Miyake, Takeo; Keene, Scott; Deng, Yingxin

2015-01-01

Translating ionic currents into measureable electronic signals is essential for the integration of bioelectronic devices with biological systems. We demonstrate the use of a Pd/PdH{sub x} electrode as a bioprotonic transducer that connects H{sup +} currents in solution into an electronic signal. This transducer exploits the reversible formation of PdH{sub x} in solution according to PdH↔Pd + H{sup +} + e{sup −}, and the dependence of this formation on solution pH and applied potential. We integrate the protonic transducer with glucose dehydrogenase as an enzymatic AND gate for glucose and NAD{sup +}. PdH{sub x} formation and associated electronic current monitorsmore » the output drop in pH, thus transducing a biological function into a measurable electronic output.« less

Miniature Biometric Sensor Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Falker, John; Terrier, Douglas; Clayton, Ronald; Hanson, Andrea; Cooper, Tommy; Downs, Meghan; Flint, Stephanie; Reyna, Baraquiel; Simon, Cory; Wilt, Grier

2015-01-01

Heart rate monitoring (HRM) is a critical need during exploration missions. Unlike the four separate systems used on ISS today, the single HRM system should perform as a diagnostic tool, perform well during exercise or high level activity, and be suitable for use during EVA. Currently available HRM technologies are dependent on uninterrupted contact with the skin and are prone to data drop-out and motion artifact when worn in the spacesuit or during exercise. Here, we seek an alternative to the chest strap and electrode based sensors currently in use on ISS today. This project aims to develop a single, high performance, robust biosensor with focused efforts on improved heart rate data quality collection during high intensity activity such as exercise or EVA.

Delayed changes in auditory status in cochlear implant users with preserved acoustic hearing.

PubMed

Scheperle, Rachel A; Tejani, Viral D; Omtvedt, Julia K; Brown, Carolyn J; Abbas, Paul J; Hansen, Marlan R; Gantz, Bruce J; Oleson, Jacob J; Ozanne, Marie V

2017-07-01

This retrospective review explores delayed-onset hearing loss in 85 individuals receiving cochlear implants designed to preserve acoustic hearing at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between 2001 and 2015. Repeated measures of unaided behavioral audiometric thresholds, electrode impedance, and electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) amplitude growth functions were used to characterize longitudinal changes in auditory status. Participants were grouped into two primary categories according to changes in unaided behavioral thresholds: (1) stable hearing or symmetrical hearing loss and (2) delayed loss of hearing in the implanted ear. Thirty-eight percent of this sample presented with delayed-onset hearing loss of various degrees and rates of change. Neither array type nor insertion approach (round window or cochleostomy) had a significant effect on prevalence. Electrode impedance increased abruptly for many individuals exhibiting precipitous hearing loss; the increase was often transient. The impedance increases were significantly larger than the impedance changes observed for individuals with stable or symmetrical hearing loss. Moreover, the impedance changes were associated with changes in behavioral thresholds for individuals with a precipitous drop in behavioral thresholds. These findings suggest a change in the electrode environment coincident with the change in auditory status. Changes in ECAP thresholds, growth function slopes, and suprathreshold amplitudes were not correlated with changes in behavioral thresholds, suggesting that neural responsiveness in the region excited by the implant is relatively stable. Further exploration into etiology of delayed-onset hearing loss post implantation is needed, with particular interest in mechanisms associated with changes in the intracochlear environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High performance 3-coil wireless power transfer system for the 512-electrode epiretinal prosthesis.

PubMed

Zhao, Yu; Nandra, Mandheerej; Yu, Chia-Chen; Tai, Yu-chong

2012-01-01

The next-generation retinal prostheses feature high image resolution and chronic implantation. These features demand the delivery of power as high as 100 mW to be wireless and efficient. A common solution is the 2-coil inductive power link, used by current retinal prostheses. This power link tends to include a larger-size extraocular receiver coil coupled to the external transmitter coil, and the receiver coil is connected to the intraocular electrodes through a trans-sclera trans-choroid cable. In the long-term implantation of the device, the cable may cause hypotony (low intraocular pressure) and infection. However, when a 2-coil system is constructed from a small-size intraocular receiver coil, the efficiency drops drastically which may induce over heat dissipation and electromagnetic field exposure. Our previous 2-coil system achieved only 7% power transfer. This paper presents a fully intraocular and highly efficient wireless power transfer system, by introducing another inductive coupling link to bypass the trans-sclera trans-choroid cable. With the specific equivalent load of our customized 512-electrode stimulator, the current 3-coil inductive link was measured to have the overall power transfer efficiency around 36%, with 1-inch separation in saline. The high efficiency will favorably reduce the heat dissipation and electromagnetic field exposure to surrounding human tissues. The effect of the eyeball rotation on the power transfer efficiency was investigated as well. The efficiency can still maintain 14.7% with left and right deflection of 30 degree during normal use. The surgical procedure for the coils' implantation into the porcine eye was also demonstrated.

Voltammetric method for the determination of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in pure form and in pharmaceutical formulations.

PubMed

Tyszczuk, Katarzyna; Korolczuk, Mieczyslaw

2010-06-01

A highly sensitive and simple voltammetric method for the determination of sildenafil citrate (SC) was developed. The method is based on the accumulation by adsorption of SC on a lead film modified glassy carbon electrode (LF/GCE) and then the reduction of SC throughout the stripping step. During the determinations of SC at the lead film electrode three adsorptive stripping voltammetric peaks at -1.2, -1.33 and -1.45V were observed. The respective response selected for identification and quantification has been evaluated with respect to the composition and pH of the supporting electrolyte, the potential and the time of the lead film formation, the potential and the time of the SC accumulation and other variables. Experimental results indicate an excellent linear correlation between the peak current and concentration in the range of 2x10(-9)-1.5x10(-7)mol/L (for peaks 1 and 2) and 1x10(-8)-1.5x10(-7)mol/L (for the peak 3). The detection limits (LOD) for SC following 30s of accumulation time were equal to 9x10(-10)mol/L (for peaks 1 and 2) and 4.5x10(-9)mol/L (for the peak 3). The method was successfully applied to the determination of SC in the tablets (Viagra 25 and Viagra 50) and average the contents were in close agreement with those quoted by the manufacturer and with those obtained by the reported spectrophotometric method and voltammetric method using a hanging mercury drop electrode. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analytical investigation of critical phenomena in MHD power generators

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

Not Available

1980-07-31

Critical phenomena in the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) High Performance Demonstration Experiment (HPDE) and the US U-25 Experiment, are analyzed. Also analyzed are the performance of a NASA-specified 500 MW(th) flow train and computations concerning critica issues for the scale-up of MHD Generators. The HPDE is characterized by computational simulations of both the nominal conditions and the conditions during the experimental runs. The steady-state performance is discussed along with the Hall voltage overshoots during the start-up and shutdown transients. The results of simulations of the HPDE runs with codes from the Q3D and TRANSIENT code families are compared tomore » the experimental results. The results of the simulations are in good agreement with the experimental data. Additional critica phenomena analyzed in the AEDC/HPDE are the optimal load schedules, parametric variations, the parametric dependence of the electrode voltage drops, the boundary layer behavior, near electrode phenomena with finite electrode segmentation, and current distribution in the end regions. The US U-25 experiment is characterized by computational simulations of the nominal operating conditions. The steady-state performance for the nominal design of the US U-25 experiment is analyzed, as is the dependence of performance on the mass flow rate. A NASA-specified 500 MW(th) MHD flow train is characterized for computer simulation and the electrical, transport, and thermodynamic properties at the inlet plane are analyzed. Issues for the scale-up of MHD power trains are discussed. The AEDC/HPDE performance is analyzed to compare these experimental results to scale-up rules.« less

Green synthesized gold nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide for sensitive determination of chloramphenicol in milk, powdered milk, honey and eye drops.

PubMed

Karthik, R; Govindasamy, Mani; Chen, Shen-Ming; Mani, Veerappan; Lou, Bih-Show; Devasenathipathy, Rajkumar; Hou, Yu-Shen; Elangovan, A

2016-08-01

A simple and rapid green synthesis using Bischofia javanica Blume leaves as reducing agent was developed for the preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). AuNPs decorated graphene oxide (AuNPs/GO) was prepared and employed for the sensitive amperometric determination of chloramphenicol. The green biosynthesis requires less than 40s to reduce gold salts to AuNPs. The formations of AuNPs and AuNPs/GO were evaluated by scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, UV-Visible and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction studies, and electrochemical methods. AuNPs/GO composite film modified electrode was fabricated and shown excellent electrocatalytic ability towards chloramphenicol. Under optimal conditions, the amperometric sensing platform has delivered wide linear range of 1.5-2.95μM, low detection limit of 0.25μM and high sensitivity of 3.81μAμM(-1)cm(-2). The developed sensor exhibited good repeatability and reproducibility, anti-interference ability and long-term storage stability. Practical feasibility of the sensor has been demonstrated in food samples (milk, powdered milk and honey) and pharmaceutical sample (eye drops). The green synthesized AuNPs/GO composite has great potential for analysis of food samples in food safety measures. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and characterization of poly-3-((2,5-hydroquinone)vinyl)-1H-pyrrole: investigation on backbone/pendant interactions in a conducting redox polymer.

PubMed

Huang, Hao; Karlsson, Christoffer; Strømme, Maria; Gogoll, Adolf; Sjödin, Martin

2017-04-19

We herein report the synthesis and electrochemical characterization of poly-3-((2,5-hydroquinone)vinyl)-1H-pyrrole, consisting of a polypyrrole backbone derivatized at the beta position by a vinyl-hydroquinone pendant group. The structure of the polymer was characterized by solid state NMR spectroscopy. The interactions between the polypyrrole backbone and the oxidized quinone or reduced hydroquinone pendant groups are probed by several in situ methods. In situ attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows a spectroscopic response from both the doping of the polymer backbone and the redox activity of the pendant groups. Using an in situ Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance we reveal that the polymer doping is unaffected by the pendant group redox chemistry, as opposed to previous reports. Despite the continuous doping the electrochemical conversion from the hydroquinone state to the quinone state results in a significant conductance drop, as observed by in situ conductivity measurements using an Interdigitated Array electrode set-up. Twisting of the conducting polymer backbone as a result of a decreased separation between pendant groups due to π-π stacking in the oxidized state is suggested as the cause of this conductance drop.

Low resistance AL2O3 magnetic tunnel junctions optimized through in situ conductance measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolfman, J.; Mauri, D.; Lin, T.; Yang, J.; Chen, T.

2005-06-01

In situ electrical conductance is used to monitor the growth and natural oxidation of aluminum on top of a CoFe electrode. Light oxidation is found to enhance the electron specular scattering of the CoFe/vacuum interface. Aluminum deposited onto CoFe intermixes to a depth of a few atomic layers, however, subsequent natural oxidation tends to reverse this interdiffusion through oxygen-driven A1 segregation. At the right A1 thickness, natural oxidation creates a clean and specular CoFe /AlOx interface very similar to the best achievable CoFe/vacuum interface. For thicker A1, natural oxidation leaves behind underoxidized AlOx and most importantly an interdiffused CoFe /Al interface. Using 2Torr×150-s natural oxidation, we have fabricated magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with a peak tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) of 18% for a resistance area product of 7Ωμm2, at the A1 metal thickness of 6 Å. With the same oxidation process TMR drops to only 8% when A1 is increased to 9 Å. Contrary to the accepted view, we do not attribute this TMR drop to A1 underoxidation, but primarily to the interdiffusion at the CoFe /Al interface. This assertion is strongly supported by a second set of MTJs differing only by the insertion of a nano-oxide layer (NOL) on top of CoFe. In this case when Al is increased from 6 to 9 Å, the TMR does not drop but increases from 16% to 27%. This is significant because NOL is found to effectively prevent Al diffusion into CoFe. NOL is also found to act as a reservoir of oxygen, which is subsequently consumed by Al.

2D particle-in-cell simulation of the entire process of surface flashover on insulator in vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hongguang; Zhang, Jianwei; Li, Yongdong; Lin, Shu; Zhong, Pengfeng; Liu, Chunliang

2018-04-01

With the introduction of an external circuit model and a gas desorption model, the surface flashover on the plane insulator-vacuum interface perpendicular to parallel electrodes is simulated by a Particle-In-Cell method. It can be seen from simulations that when the secondary electron emission avalanche (SEEA) occurs, the current sharply increases because of the influence of the insulator surface charge on the cathode field emission. With the introduction of the gas desorption model, the current keeps on increasing after SEEA, and then the feedback of the external circuit causes the voltage between the two electrodes to decrease. The cathode emission current decreases, while the anode current keeps growing. With the definition that flashover occurs when the diode voltage drops by more than 20%, we obtained the simulated flashover voltage which agrees with the experimental value with the use of the field enhancement factor β = 145 and the gas molecule desorption coefficient γ=0.25 . From the simulation results, we can also see that the time delay of flashover decreases exponentially with voltage. In addition, from the gas desorption model, the gas density on the insulator surface is found to be proportional to the square of the gas desorption rate and linear with time.

Junctionless Diode Enabled by Self-Bias Effect of Ion Gel in Single-Layer MoS2 Device.

PubMed

Khan, Muhammad Atif; Rathi, Servin; Park, Jinwoo; Lim, Dongsuk; Lee, Yoontae; Yun, Sun Jin; Youn, Doo-Hyeb; Kim, Gil-Ho

2017-08-16

The self-biasing effects of ion gel from source and drain electrodes on electrical characteristics of single layer and few layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) field-effect transistor (FET) have been studied. The self-biasing effect of ion gel is tested for two different configurations, covered and open, where ion gel is in contact with either one or both, source and drain electrodes, respectively. In open configuration, the linear output characteristics of the pristine device becomes nonlinear and on-off ratio drops by 3 orders of magnitude due to the increase in "off" current for both single and few layer MoS 2 FETs. However, the covered configuration results in a highly asymmetric output characteristics with a rectification of around 10 3 and an ideality factor of 1.9. This diode like behavior has been attributed to the reduction of Schottky barrier width by the electric field of self-biased ion gel, which enables an efficient injection of electrons by tunneling at metal-MoS 2 interface. Finally, finite element method based simulations are carried out and the simulated results matches well in principle with the experimental analysis. These self-biased diodes can perform a crucial role in the development of high-frequency optoelectronic and valleytronic devices.

Outstanding features of alginate-based gel electrolyte with ionic liquid for electric double layer capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soeda, Kazunari; Yamagata, Masaki; Ishikawa, Masashi

2015-04-01

An alginate-based gel electrolyte with an ionic liquid (Alg/IL) is investigated for electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) by using physicochemical and electrochemical measurements. The Alg/EMImBF4 (EMImBF4 = 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) gel electrolyte is thermally stable up to 280 °C, where EMImBF4 decomposes. Furthermore, the EDLC with the gel electrolyte can be operated even at high temperature. The cell containing Alg/EMImBF4 is also electrochemically stable even under high voltage (∼3.5 V) operation. Thus, the alginate is a suitable host polymer for the gel electrolyte for EDLCs. According to the result of charge-discharge characteristics, the voltage drop in the charge-discharge curve for the cell with Alg/EMImBF4 gel electrolyte is considerably smaller than that with liquid-phase EMImBF4 electrolyte. To clarify the effect of Alg in contact with the activated carbon electrode, we also prepared an Alg-containing ACFC electrode (Alg + ACFC), and evaluated its EDLC characteristics in liquid EMImBF4. The results prove that the presence of Alg close to the active materials significantly reduces the internal resistance of the EDLC cell, which may be attributed to the high affinity of Alg to activated carbon.

Flexoelectric effect in an in-plane switching (IPS) liquid crystal cell for low-power consumption display devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Min Su; Bos, Philip J.; Kim, Dong-Woo; Yang, Deng-Ke; Lee, Joong Hee; Lee, Seung Hee

2016-10-01

Technology of displaying static images in portable displays, advertising panels and price tags pursues significant reduction in power consumption and in product cost. Driving at a low-frequency electric field in fringe-field switching (FFS) mode can be one of the efficient ways to save powers of the recent portable devices, but a serious drop of image-quality, so-called image-flickering, has been found in terms of the coupling of elastic deformation to not only quadratic dielectric effect but linear flexoelectric effect. Despite of the urgent requirement of solving the issue, understanding of such a phenomenon is yet vague. Here, we thoroughly analyze and firstly report the flexoelectric effect in in-plane switching (IPS) liquid crystal cell. The effect takes place on the area above electrodes due to splay and bend deformations of nematic liquid crystal along oblique electric fields, so that the obvious spatial shift of the optical transmittance is experimentally observed and is clearly demonstrated based on the relation between direction of flexoelectric polarization and electric field polarity. In addition, we report that the IPS mode has inherent characteristics to solve the image-flickering issue in the low-power consumption display in terms of the physical property of liquid crystal material and the electrode structure.

Experimental study of low-temperature plasma of electrical discharges with liquid electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheltukhin, Viktor; Gaisin, Almaz

2016-09-01

Results of the experimental research of discharge between the liquid jet cathode (LJC) and the metal anode are presented. The discharge was studied over the voltage range U = 100 - 600 V, discharge current range I = 0 . 1 - 0 . 25 A, external pressure range P =105 Pa, discharge power Pd = 10 - 150 W. We used the techniques of infrared thermography and spectral measurements. Schlieren's photography is applied for describing the processes in liquid and gas phase. Results of the experimental researches of discharge current-voltage characteristic (CVC), the surface temperature distribution both on the LJC and the metal anode, a spectral measurements are showed. Effects of action both of breakdown and discharge on the jet flow as well as on the air flow near the discharge are described. It is found that the discharge CVC has an ascending behavior due to increase of plasma current density. The discharge is generated on the borders between the LJC and the metal anode as well as along the LJC misshaping this one. It is established that both the convection streams and an electrolyte drops are formed during the discharge burn. It is found that the discharge temperature in the vicinity of electrode surface reaches T 348 K. The work was funded by RFBR, according to the research projects No.,14-01-0755.

Flexoelectric effect in an in-plane switching (IPS) liquid crystal cell for low-power consumption display devices.

PubMed

Kim, Min Su; Bos, Philip J; Kim, Dong-Woo; Yang, Deng-Ke; Lee, Joong Hee; Lee, Seung Hee

2016-10-12

Technology of displaying static images in portable displays, advertising panels and price tags pursues significant reduction in power consumption and in product cost. Driving at a low-frequency electric field in fringe-field switching (FFS) mode can be one of the efficient ways to save powers of the recent portable devices, but a serious drop of image-quality, so-called image-flickering, has been found in terms of the coupling of elastic deformation to not only quadratic dielectric effect but linear flexoelectric effect. Despite of the urgent requirement of solving the issue, understanding of such a phenomenon is yet vague. Here, we thoroughly analyze and firstly report the flexoelectric effect in in-plane switching (IPS) liquid crystal cell. The effect takes place on the area above electrodes due to splay and bend deformations of nematic liquid crystal along oblique electric fields, so that the obvious spatial shift of the optical transmittance is experimentally observed and is clearly demonstrated based on the relation between direction of flexoelectric polarization and electric field polarity. In addition, we report that the IPS mode has inherent characteristics to solve the image-flickering issue in the low-power consumption display in terms of the physical property of liquid crystal material and the electrode structure.

Development of membrane electrode assembly for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell by catalyst coating membrane method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Huagen; Su, Huaneng; Pollet, Bruno G.; Pasupathi, Sivakumar

2015-08-01

Membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which contains cathode and anode catalytic layer, gas diffusion layers (GDL) and electrolyte membrane, is the key unit of a PEMFC. An attempt to develop MEA for ABPBI membrane based high temperature (HT) PEMFC is conducted in this work by catalyst coating membrane (CCM) method. The structure and performance of the MEA are examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and I-V curve. Effects of the CCM preparation method, Pt loading and binder type are investigated for the optimization of the single cell performance. Under 160 °C and atmospheric pressure, the peak power density of the MEA, with Pt loading of 0.5 mg cm-2 and 0.3 mg cm-2 for the cathode and the anode, can reach 277 mW cm-2, while a current density of 620 A cm-2 is delivered at the working voltage of 0.4 V. The MEA prepared by CCM method shows good stability operating in a short term durability test: the cell voltage maintained at ∼0.45 V without obvious drop when operated at a constant current density of 300 mA cm-2 and 160 °C under ambient pressure for 140 h.

Chemical vapor deposition of mesoporous graphene nanoballs for supercapacitor.

PubMed

Lee, Jung-Soo; Kim, Sun-I; Yoon, Jong-Chul; Jang, Ji-Hyun

2013-07-23

A mass-producible mesoporous graphene nanoball (MGB) was fabricated via a precursor-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique for supercapacitor application. Polystyrene balls and reduced iron created under high temperature and a hydrogen gas environment provide a solid carbon source and a catalyst for graphene growth during the precursor-assisted CVD process, respectively. Carboxylic acid and sulfonic acid functionalization of the polystyrene ball facilitates homogeneous dispersion of the hydrophobic polymer template in the metal precursor solution, thus, resulting in a MGB with a uniform number of graphene layers. The MGB is shown to have a specific surface area of 508 m(2)/g and is mesoporous with a mean mesopore diameter of 4.27 nm. Mesopores are generated by the removal of agglomerated iron domains, permeating down through the soft polystyrene spheres and providing the surface for subsequent graphene growth during the heating process in a hydrogen environment. This technique requires only drop-casting of the precursor/polystyrene solution, allowing for mass-production of multilayer MGBs. The supercapacitor fabricated by the use of the MGB as an electrode demonstrates a specific capacitance of 206 F/g and more than 96% retention of capacitance after 10,000 cycles. The outstanding characteristics of the MGB as an electrode for supercapacitors verify the strong potential for use in energy-related areas.

In situ reduced graphene oxide interlayer for improving electrode performance in ZnO nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkatesan, A.; Ramesha, C. K.; Kannan, E. S.

2016-06-01

The effect of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) thin film on the transport characteristics of vertically aligned zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) grown on ITO substrate was studied. GO was uniformly drop casted on ZnO NRs as a passivation layer and then converted into RGO by heating it at 60 °C prior to metal electrode deposition. This low temperature reduction is facilitated by the thermally excited electrons from ZnI interstitial sites (~30 meV). Successful reduction of GO was ascertained from the increased disorder band (D) intensity in the Raman spectra. Temperature (298 K-10 K) dependent transport measurements of RGO-ZnO NRs indicate that the RGO layer not only acts as a short circuiting inhibitor but also reduces the height of the potential barrier for electron tunneling. This is confirmed from the temperature dependent electrical characteristics which revealed a transition of carrier transport from thermionic emission at high temperature (T  >  100 K) to tunneling at low temperature (T  <  100 K) across the interface. Our technique is the most promising approach for making reliable electrical contacts on vertically aligned ZnO NRs and improving the reproducibility of device characteristics.

Miniature Biosensor with Health Risk Assessment Feedback

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanson, Andrea; Downs, Meghan; Kalogera, Kent; Buxton, Roxanne; Cooper, Tommy; Cooper, Alan; Cooper, Ross

2016-01-01

Heart rate (HR) monitoring is a medical requirement during exercise on the International Space Station (ISS), fitness tests, and extravehicular activity (EVA); however, NASA does not currently have the technology to consistently and accurately monitor HR and other physiological data during these activities. Performance of currently available HR monitor technologies is dependent on uninterrupted contact with the torso and are prone to data drop-out and motion artifact. Here, we seek an alternative to the chest strap and electrode based sensors currently in use on ISS today. This project aims to develop a high performance, robust earbud based biosensor with focused efforts on improved HR data quality during exercise or EVA. A health risk assessment algorithm will further advance the goals of autonomous crew health care for exploration missions.

Bio-heat transfer model of electroconvulsive therapy: Effect of biological properties on induced temperature variation.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Marilia M; Wen, Paul; Ahfock, Tony

2016-08-01

A realistic human head model consisting of six tissue layers was modelled to investigate the behavior of temperature profile and magnitude when applying electroconvulsive therapy stimulation and different biological properties. The thermo-electrical model was constructed with the use of bio-heat transfer equation and Laplace equation. Three different electrode montages were analyzed as well as the influence of blood perfusion, metabolic heat and electric and thermal conductivity in the scalp. Also, the effect of including the fat layer was investigated. The results showed that temperature increase is inversely proportional to electrical and thermal conductivity increase. Furthermore, the inclusion of blood perfusion slightly drops the peak temperature. Finally, the inclusion of fat is highly recommended in order to acquire more realistic results from the thermo-electrical models.

Evidence of plasticity in the pontocerebellar conditioned stimulus pathway during classical conditioning of the eyeblink response in the rabbit.

PubMed

Tracy, Jo Anne; Thompson, Judith K; Krupa, David J; Thompson, Richard F

2013-10-01

Electrical stimulation thresholds required to elicit eyeblinks with either pontine or cerebellar interpositus stimulation were measured before and after classical eyeblink conditioning with paired pontine stimulation (conditioned stimulus, CS) and corneal airpuff (unconditioned stimulus, US). Pontine stimulation thresholds dropped dramatically after training and returned to baseline levels following extinction, whereas interpositus thresholds and input-output functions remained stable across training sessions. Learning rate, magnitude of threshold change, and electrode placements were correlated. Pontine projection patterns to the cerebellum were confirmed with retrograde labeling techniques. These results add to the body of literature suggesting that the pons relays CS information to the cerebellum and provide further evidence of synaptic plasticity in the cerebellar network. 2013 APA, all rights reserved

Investigation on cone jetting regimes of liquid droplets subjected to pyroelectric fields induced by laser blasts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gennari, Oriella; Battista, Luigi; Silva, Benjamin; Grilli, Simonetta; Miccio, Lisa; Vespini, Veronica; Coppola, Sara; Orlando, Pierangelo; Aprin, Laurent; Slangen, Pierre; Ferraro, Pietro

2015-02-01

Electrical conductivity and viscosity play a major role in the tip jetting behaviour of liquids subjected to electrohydrodynamic (EHD) forces, thus influencing significantly the printing performance. Recently, we developed a nozzle- and electrode-free pyro-EHD system as a versatile alternative to conventional EHD configurations and we demonstrated different applications, including inkjet printing and three-dimensional lithography. However, only dielectric fluids have been used in all of those applications. Here, we present an experimental characterization of the pyro-EHD jetting regimes, induced by laser blasts, of sessile drops in case of dielectric and conductive liquids in order to extend the applicability of the system to a wider variety of fields including biochemistry and biotechnology where conductive aqueous solutions are typically used.

Core/shell colloidal quantum dot exciplex states for the development of highly efficient quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Wang, Jin; Mora-Seró, Iván; Pan, Zhenxiao; Zhao, Ke; Zhang, Hua; Feng, Yaoyu; Yang, Guang; Zhong, Xinhua; Bisquert, Juan

2013-10-23

Searching suitable panchromatic QD sensitizers for expanding the light-harvesting range, accelerating charge separation, and retarding charge recombination is an effective way to improve power conversion efficiency (PCE) of quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). One possible way to obtain a wide absorption range is to use the exciplex state of a type-II core/shell-structured QDs. In addition, this system could also provide a fast charge separation and low charge-recombination rate. Herein, we report on using a CdTe/CdSe type-II core/shell QD sensitizer with an absorption range extending into the infrared region because of its exciplex state, which is covalently linked to TiO2 mesoporous electrodes by dropping a bifunctional linker molecule mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-capped QD aqueous solution onto the film electrode. High loading and a uniform distribution of QD sensitizer throughout the film electrode thickness have been confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) elemental mapping. The accelerated electron injection and retarded charge-recombination pathway in the built CdTe/CdSe QD cells in comparison with reference CdSe QD-based cells have been confirmed by impedance spectroscopy, fluorescence decay, and intensity-modulated photocurrent/photovoltage spectroscopy (IMPS/IMVS) analysis. With the combination of the high QD loading and intrinsically superior optoelectronic properties of type-II core/shell QD (wide absorption range, fast charge separation, and slow charge recombination), the resulting CdTe/CdSe QD-based regenerative sandwich solar cells exhibit a record PCE of 6.76% (J(sc) = 19.59 mA cm(-2), V(oc) = 0.606 V, and FF = 0.569) with a mask around the active film under a full 1 sun illumination (simulated AM 1.5), which is the highest reported to date for liquid-junction QDSCs.

Enhanced electroanalysis in lithium potassium eutectic (LKE) using microfabricated square microelectrodes.

PubMed

Corrigan, Damion K; Blair, Ewen O; Terry, Jonathan G; Walton, Anthony J; Mount, Andrew R

2014-11-18

Molten salts (MSs) are an attractive medium for chemical and electrochemical processing and as a result there is demand for MS-compatible analysis technologies. However, MSs containing redox species present a challenging environment in which to perform analytical measurements because of their corrosive nature, significant thermal convection and the high temperatures involved. This paper outlines the fabrication and characterization of microfabricated square microelectrodes (MSMs) designed for electrochemical analysis in MS systems. Their design enables precise control over electrode dimension, the minimization of stress because of differential thermal expansion through design for high temperature operation, and the minimization of corrosive attack through effective insulation. The exemplar MS system used for characterization was lithium chloride/potassium chloride eutectic (LKE), which has potential applications in pyrochemical nuclear fuel reprocessing, metal refining, molten salt batteries and electric power cells. The observed responses for a range of redox ions between 400 and 500 °C (673 and 773 K) were quantitative and typical of microelectrodes. MSMs also showed the reduced iR drop, steady-state diffusion-limited response, and reduced sensitivity to convection seen for microelectrodes under ambient conditions and expected for these electrodes in comparison to macroelectrodes. Diffusion coefficients were obtained in close agreement with literature values, more readily and at greater precision and accuracy than both macroelectrode and previous microelectrode measurements. The feasibility of extracting individual physical parameters from mixtures of redox species (as required in reprocessing) and of the prolonged measurement required for online monitoring was also demonstrated. Together, this demonstrates that MSMs provide enhanced electrode devices widely applicable to the characterization of redox species in a range of MS systems.

Study of storage capacity in various carbon/graphene-based solid-state supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subramaniam, C. K.; Boopalan, G.

2014-09-01

Solid-state electrochemical double-layer capacitor (SEDLC) forms excellent energy storage device for high-power applications. They are highly reliable, with no electrolyte leaks, and can be packaged to suit various applications. The electrode material can be activated carbon to graphene. These can have a range of particle size, surface area, pore size and pore distribution for charge storage. The emphasis will be to optimize the graphene to carbon blend in the electrodes which would provide appreciable storage density of the SEDLC. We can use perfluorosulfonic acid polymer as the solid electrolyte in the SEDLC assembly. They have high ionic conductivity, good thermal stability, and mechanical strength. They also have excellent long-term chemical stability. Carbon is widely used for many practical applications, especially for the adsorption of ions and molecules, as it is possible to synthesize one-, two- or three-dimensional (1-, 2-, or 3-D) carbons. Some of the problems in activated carbon like varying micro or mesopores, poor ion mobility due to varying pore distribution, low electrical conductivity, can be overcome using graphene and blends of graphene with carbon of the right pore dimension and distribution. Graphene in various structural nomenclatures have been used by various groups for charge storage. Graphene nanoplates (GNP), with narrow mesopore distributions have been effectively used for SEDLCs. SEDLCs assembled with GNP and blends of GNP with Vulcan XC and solid polymer electrolyte like Nafion show exceptional performance. The cyclic voltammetric studies show that they support high scan rates with substantial smaller capacitance drop as we increase scan rates. Optimization of the electrode structure in terms of blend percentage, binder content and interface character in the frequency and time domain provides excellent insight into the double-layer interface.

Preparation and characterization of reduced graphene oxide supported nickel oxide nanoparticle-based platform for sensor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roychoudhury, Appan; Prateek, Arneish; Basu, Suddhasatwa; Jha, Sandeep Kumar

2018-03-01

A nanostructured composite film comprising reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) has been prepared and utilized for development of a simple yet efficient sensor for detection of dopamine and epinephrine in a single run. The hybrid material rGO-NiO nanocomposite was synthesized chemically, and the formation of nanocomposite was confirmed via X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman, UV-Vis, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques. The incorporation of NiO NPs on rGO support was found to provide improved sensing characteristics at electrode interface due to enhanced electron mobility on rGO sheet and high catalytic activity of NiO NPs. Subsequently, the synthesized rGO-NiO nanocomposite was deposited onto indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrate by simple drop-casting method, and the electrode was characterized through atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies. After optimization of experimental conditions electrochemically for its high sensitivity, the fabricated rGO-NiO/ITO electrode was used for simultaneous detection of dopamine and epinephrine by square wave voltammetry (SWV) method. The results showed high sensitivity of 0.545 and 0.638 μA/μM for dopamine and epinephrine respectively in a broad linear range of 0.5-50 μM. Moreover, remarkable detection limits of 0.495 and 0.423 μM were found for dopamine and epinephrine, and the developed sensor exhibited a wide separation of 380 mV between the respective detection peaks of dopamine and epinephrine. Beside this, the proposed sensor was successfully applied in presence of high concentration of interfering agents, ascorbic acid and uric acid, and validated with real serum samples.

Electroactive Self-Assembled Monolayers Detect Micelle Formation.

PubMed

Dionne, Eric R; Badia, Antonella

2017-02-15

The interfacial electrochemistry of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of ferrocenyldodecanethiolate on gold (FcC 12 SAu) electrodes is applied to detect the micellization of some common anionic surfactants, sodium n-alkyl sulfates, sodium n-alkyl sulfonates, sodium diamyl sulfosuccinate, and sodium dodecanoate, in aqueous solution by cyclic voltammetry. The apparent formal redox potential (E°' SAM ) of the FcC 12 SAu SAM is used to track changes in the concentration of the unaggregated surfactant anions and determine the critical micelle concentration (cmc). The effect of added salt (NaF) on the sodium alkyl sulfate concentration dependence of E°' SAM is also investigated. Weakly hydrated anions, such as ClO 4 - , pair with the electrogenerated SAM-bound ferroceniums to neutralize the excess positive charge created at the SAM/electrolyte solution interface and stabilize the oxidized cations. E°' SAM exhibits a Nernstian-type dependence on the anion activity in solution. Aggregation of the surfactant anions into micelles above the cmc causes the free surfactant anion activity to deviate from the molar concentration of added surfactant, resulting in a break in the plot of E°' SAM versus the logarithm of the concentration of anionic surfactant. The concentration at which this deviation occurs is in good agreement with literature or experimentally determined values of the cmc. The effects of Ohmic potential drop, liquid junction potential, and surfactant adsorption behavior on E°' SAM are addressed. Ultimately, the E°' SAM response as a function of the anionic surfactant concentration exhibits the same features reported using potentiometry and surfactant ion-selective electrodes, which provide a direct measure of the free surfactant anion activity, thus making FcC 12 SAu SAM electrodes useful for the detection of surfactant aggregation and micelle formation.

Graphene-Supported Platinum Catalyst-Based Membrane Electrode Assembly for PEM Fuel Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devrim, Yilser; Albostan, Ayhan

2016-08-01

The aim of this study is the preparation and characterization of a graphene-supported platinum (Pt) catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications. The graphene-supported Pt catalysts were prepared by chemical reduction of graphene and chloroplatinic acid (H2PtCl6) in ethylene glycol. X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy have been used to analyze structure and surface morphology of the graphene-supported catalyst. The TGA results showed that the Pt loading of the graphene-supported catalyst was 31%. The proof of the Pt particles on the support surfaces was also verified by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analysis. The commercial carbon-supported catalyst and prepared Pt/graphene catalysts were used as both anode and cathode electrodes for PEMFC at ambient pressure and 70°C. The maximum power density was obtained for the Pt/graphene-based membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with H2/O2 reactant gases as 0.925 W cm2. The maximum current density of the Pt/graphene-based MEA can reach 1.267 and 0.43 A/cm2 at 0.6 V with H2/O2 and H2/air, respectively. The MEA prepared by the Pt/graphene catalyst shows good stability in long-term PEMFC durability tests. The PEMFC cell voltage was maintained at 0.6 V without apparent voltage drop when operated at 0.43 A/cm2 constant current density and 70°C for 400 h. As a result, PEMFC performance was found to be superlative for the graphene-supported Pt catalyst compared with the Pt/C commercial catalyst. The results indicate the graphene-supported Pt catalyst could be utilized as the electrocatalyst for PEMFC applications.

Comparison of regression models for estimation of isometric wrist joint torques using surface electromyography

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Several regression models have been proposed for estimation of isometric joint torque using surface electromyography (SEMG) signals. Common issues related to torque estimation models are degradation of model accuracy with passage of time, electrode displacement, and alteration of limb posture. This work compares the performance of the most commonly used regression models under these circumstances, in order to assist researchers with identifying the most appropriate model for a specific biomedical application. Methods Eleven healthy volunteers participated in this study. A custom-built rig, equipped with a torque sensor, was used to measure isometric torque as each volunteer flexed and extended his wrist. SEMG signals from eight forearm muscles, in addition to wrist joint torque data were gathered during the experiment. Additional data were gathered one hour and twenty-four hours following the completion of the first data gathering session, for the purpose of evaluating the effects of passage of time and electrode displacement on accuracy of models. Acquired SEMG signals were filtered, rectified, normalized and then fed to models for training. Results It was shown that mean adjusted coefficient of determination (Ra2) values decrease between 20%-35% for different models after one hour while altering arm posture decreased mean Ra2 values between 64% to 74% for different models. Conclusions Model estimation accuracy drops significantly with passage of time, electrode displacement, and alteration of limb posture. Therefore model retraining is crucial for preserving estimation accuracy. Data resampling can significantly reduce model training time without losing estimation accuracy. Among the models compared, ordinary least squares linear regression model (OLS) was shown to have high isometric torque estimation accuracy combined with very short training times. PMID:21943179

Surfactant exfoliated 2D hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D-hBN) explored as a potential electrochemical sensor for dopamine: surfactants significantly influence sensor capabilities.

PubMed

Khan, Aamar F; Brownson, Dale A C; Foster, Christopher W; Smith, Graham C; Banks, Craig E

2017-05-21

Surfactant exfoliated 2D hexagonal Boron Nitride (2D-hBN) nanosheets are explored as a potential electrochemical sensing platform and evaluated towards the electroanalytical sensing of dopamine (DA) in the presence of the common interferents, ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). Surfactant exfoliated 2D-hBN nanosheets (2-4 layers) fabricated using sodium cholate in aqueous media are electrically wired via a drop-casting modification process onto disposable screen-printed graphite electrodes (SPEs). We critically evaluate the performance of these 2D-hBN modified SPEs and demonstrate the effect of 'mass coverage' towards the detection of DA, AA and UA. Previous studies utilising surfactant-free (pristine) 2D-hBN modified SPEs have shown a beneficial effect towards the detection of DA, AA and UA when compared to the underlying/unmodified graphite-based electrode. We show that the fabrication route utilised to prepare 2D-hBN is a vital experimental consideration, such that the beneficial effect previously reported is considerably reduced when surfactant exfoliated 2D-hBN is utilised. We demonstrate for the first time, through implementation of control experiments in the form of surfactant modified graphite electrodes, that sodium cholate is a major contributing factor to the aforementioned detrimental behaviour. The significance here is not in the material per se, but the fundamental knowledge of the surfactant and surface coverage changing the electrochemical properties of the material under investigation. Given the wide variety of ionic and non-ionic surfactants that are utilised in the manufacture of novel 2D materials, the control experiments reported herein need to be performed in order to de-convolute the electrochemical response and effectively evaluate the 'underlying surface/surfactant/2D materials' electrocatalytic contribution.

Status of Electrostatic Accelerometer Development for Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-on Mission (GRACE FO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebat, V.; Boulanger, D.; Christophe, B.; Foulon, B.; Liorzou, F.; Perrot, E.; Huynh, P. A.

2014-12-01

The GRACE FO mission, led by the JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), is an Earth-orbiting gravity mission, continuation of the GRACE mission, which will produce an accurate model of the Earth's gravity field variation providing global climatic data during five years at least. The mission involves two satellites in a loosely controlled tandem formation, with a micro-wave link measuring the inter-satellites distance variation. Earth's mass distribution non-uniformities cause variations of the inter-satellite distance. This variation is measured to recover gravity, after subtracting the non-gravitational contributors, as the residual drag. ONERA (the French Aerospace Lab) is developing, manufacturing and testing electrostatic accelerometers measuring this residual drag applied on the satellites. The accelerometer is composed of two main parts: the Sensor Unit (including the Sensor Unit Mechanics - SUM - and the Front-End Electronic Unit - FEEU) and the Interface Control Unit - ICU. In the Accelerometer Core, located in the Sensor Unit Mechanics, the proof mass is levitated and maintained at the center of an electrode cage by electrostatic forces. Thus, any drag acceleration applied on the satellite involves a variation on the servo-controlled electrostatic suspension of the mass. The voltage on the electrodes providing this electrostatic force is the measurement output of the accelerometer. The impact of the accelerometer defaults (geometry, electronic and parasitic forces) leads to bias, misalignment and scale factor error, non-linearity and noise. Some of these accelerometer defaults are characterized by tests with micro-gravity pendulum bench on ground and with drops in ZARM catapult. The Preliminary Design Review was achieved successfully on November 2013. The Engineering Model (EM) was integrated successfully and is under test, with ground levitation, drops, Electromagnetic Compatibility and thermal vacuum. The complete EM tests will be achieved on October 2014. The Critical Design Review is scheduled at the end of September 2014, and the integration of the first Flight Model will begin on October 2014. The results of the Engineering Model tests and the status of the Flight Models will be presented.

Engineering Nanoscale Polymers in Photovoltaics and Supercapacitors: Experimental and Theoretical Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smolin, Yuriy Y.

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and carbon-based supercapacitors are promising energy conversion and storage systems, respectively, because they can be made inexpensively, have good performance, and can be integrated into portable and flexible electronics. Both systems utilize nanostructured porous electrodes, leading to fewer diffusion limitations and higher active surface areas for interfacial processes compared to planar electrodes. A major drawback of the DSSC design is the use of a liquid electrolyte, since it is prone to leakage and evaporation--hindering DSSC applications, durability, and thermal stability. A polymer electrolyte (PE) can overcome these shortcomings; however, the integration of a PE within the mesoporous TiO2 photoanode of DSSCs with pore openings of 10-20 nm and photoanode thicknesses of 10 microm is very challenging. Solution-based deposition methods such as spin coating and drop casting to deposit PEs has led to incomplete pore filling inside the mesoporous photoanode, resulting in lower than optimal efficiencies. To overcome these challenges, a solvent-free method called initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) was adopted to deposit PEs within the porous TiO2 electrode. In iCVD, the monomer and initiator are vapors which easily penetrate into the porous electrode. By carefully controlling the iCVD processing parameters, complete pore filling of PEs into the TiO2 photoanode was achieved, leading to 50% improvement in conversion efficiency. Polymers with ether, ester, pyridine, pyrrolidone, imidazole and epoxy functionality were synthesized and integrated. The findings indicated that DSSC characteristics, including open circuit voltage, short circuit current density and fill factor, can be tuned by polymer chemistry. A promising approach to improve the energy density of supercapacitor electrodes is to integrate inexpensive conducting polymers (CPs), such as polyaniline (PANI). Unfortunately, most CPs are insoluble, and integrating CPs into tortuous electrode pores with aspect ratios of >10,000 while preserving the intrinsic pore structures, to retain the double layer capacitance, is very challenging. Therefore, similarly to the iCVD process, oxidative CVD (oCVD) was chosen to bypass the limited solubility of CPs to deposit thin conformal CP films onto porous electrodes. By controlling the oCVD deposition parameters, PANI films on the order of a few nm were integrated into carbide-derived-carbon (CDC) electrodes, leading to a doubling of the capacitance. This yielded a PANI-only capacitance of 690 F/g, close to the theoretical value of 750 F/g. This work also combined experiments with first-principles modeling to develop a model-guided design and optimization framework, allowing for optimal device design and the intelligent selection of polymer chemistries with minimal experimental investigations. For example, to determine the effects of PE chemistry on DSSC processes, parameter estimation and parametric sensitivity studies were conducted which indicated that a shift in the conduction band of TiO2 and a suppression of the back electron transfer at the dye-TiO2-PE interface was induced by the side group PE chemistry. Furthermore, optimal design specifications for a PE DSSC were calculated using the model, and optimally performing DSSCs were subsequently fabricated and tested, validating the model.

Vibrational Stark Effect to Probe the Electric-Double Layer of the Ionic Liquid-Metal Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia Rey, Natalia; Moore, Alexander Knight; Toyouchi, Shuichi; Dlott, Dana

2017-06-01

Vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy is used to study the effect of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) in situ at the electrical double layer (EDL). RTILs have been recognized as electrolytes without solvent for applications in batteries, supercapacitors and electrodeposition^{1}. The molecular response of the RTIL in the EDL affects the performance of these devices. We use the vibrational Stark effect on CO as a probe to detect the changes in the electric field affected by the RTIL across the EDL on metal electrodes. The Stark effect is a shift in the frequency in response to an externally applied electric field and also influenced by the surrounding electrolyte and electrode^{2}. The CO Stark shift is monitored by the CO-VSFG spectra on Pt or Ag in a range of different imidazolium-based RTILs electrolytes, where their composition is tuned by exchanging the anion, the cation or the imidazolium functional group. We study the free induction decay (FID)^{3} of the CO to monitor how the RTIL structure and composition affect the vibrational relaxation of the CO. Combining the CO vibrational Stark effect and the FID allow us to understand how the RTIL electrochemical response, molecular orientation response and collective relaxation affect the potential drop of the electric field across the EDL, and, in turn, how determines the electrical capacitance or reactivity of the electrolyte/electrode interface. ^{1}Fedorov, M. V.; Kornyshev, A. A., Ionic Liquids at Electrified Interfaces. Chem. Rev. 2014, 114, 2978-3036. ^{2} (a) Lambert, D. K., Vibrational Stark Effect of Adsorbates at Electrochemical Interfaces. Electrochim. Acta 1996, 41, 623-630. (b) Oklejas, V.; Sjostrom, C.; Harris, J. M., SERS Detection of the Vibrational Stark Effect from Nitrile-Terminated SAMs to Probe Electric Fields in the Diffuse Double-Layer. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 2408-2409. ^{3}Symonds, J. P. R.; Arnolds, H.; Zhang, V. L.; Fukutani, K.; King, D. A.,Broadband Femtosecond Sum-Frequency Spectroscopy of CO on Ru{1010} in the Frequency and Time Domains. J. Chem. Phys. 2004, 120, 7158-7164.

COUPLED MULTI-ELECTRODE INVESTIGATION OF CREVICE CORROSION OF 316 STAINLESS STEEL

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

F. Bocher, J. R. Scully

2006-01-30

Crevice corrosion is currently studied using either one of two techniques depending on the data needed. The first method is a multi-crevice former over a metallic sample; this provides information on the severity of crevice corrosion (depth, position, frequency) but delivers little to no electrochemical information [1]. The second method involves the potentiodynamic or potentiostatic study of an uncreviced sample in model crevice solution or under a crevice former in aggressive solution [2]. Crevice corrosion is highly dependent on the position in the crevice. The distance from the crevice mouth will affect the depth of attack, the solution composition andmore » pH, and the ohmic drop and the true potential in the crevice [3-6]. These in turn affect the current density as a function of potential and position. An Multi-Channel Micro-Electrode Analyzer' (MMA) has been recently used to demonstrate the interaction between localized corrosion sites (pitting corrosion and intergranular corrosion) [7]. MMA can provide spatial resolution of electrochemical properties in the crevice. By coupling such a tool with scaling laws derived from experimental data (a simple equation linking the depth of crevice corrosion initiation to the crevice gap), it is possible to produce highly instrumented crevices, rescaled to enable spatial resolution of local corrosion processes. In this study, the use of multi-wires arrays (up to 100 closed packed wires simulating a planar electrode, divided in 10 distinctively controllable groups) electrically coupled through zero resistance ammeters enables the observation of the current evolution as a function of position inside and outside the crevice. For instance, the location of crevice initiation sites and propagation behavior can be studied under various conditions. Experiments can be conducted with various realistic variables. These can either be electrochemical (such as proximate cathode) or physical (crevice former material or position). Using new impedance-capable MMA, it is also possible to monitor the film breakdown and the early stages of crevice corrosion as a function of the wires position. In this talk, the use of multi-electrode array to study crevice corrosion of 316 stainless steel and a Ni-Cr-Mo alloy is reviewed.« less

COUPLED MULTI-ELECTRODE INVESTIGATION OF CREVICE CORROSION OF 316 STAINLESS STEEL

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

F. Bocher and J. R. Scully

2006-01-30

Crevice corrosion is currently studied using either one of two techniques depending on the data needed. The first method is a multi-crevice former over a metallic sample; this provides information on the severity of crevice corrosion (depth, position, frequency) but delivers little to no electrochemical information [1]. The second method involves the potentiodynamic or potentiostatic study of an uncreviced sample in model crevice solution or under a crevice former in aggressive solution [2]. Crevice corrosion is highly dependent on the position in the crevice. The distance from the crevice mouth will affect the depth of attack, the solution composition andmore » pH, and the ohmic drop and the true potential in the crevice [3-6]. These in turn affect the current density as a function of potential and position. A Multi-Channel Micro-Electrode Analyzer (MMA) has been recently used to demonstrate the interaction between localized corrosion sites (pitting corrosion and intergranular corrosion) [7]. MMA can provide spatial resolution of electrochemical properties in the crevice. By coupling such a tool with scaling laws derived from experimental data (a simple equation linking the depth of crevice corrosion initiation to the crevice gap), it is possible to produce highly instrumented crevices, rescaled to enable spatial resolution of local corrosion processes. In this study, the use of multi-wires arrays (up to 100 closed packed wires simulating a planar electrode, divided in 10 distinctively controllable groups) electrically coupled through zero resistance ammeters enables the observation of the current evolution as a function of position inside and outside the crevice. For instance, the location of crevice initiation sites and propagation behavior can be studied under various conditions. Experiments can be conducted with various realistic variables. These can either be electrochemical (such as proximate cathode) or physical (crevice former material or position). Using new impedance-capable MMA, it is also possible to monitor the film breakdown and the early stages of crevice corrosion as a function of the wires position. In this talk, the use of multi-electrode array to study crevice corrosion of 316 stainless steel and a Ni-Cr-Mo alloy is reviewed.« less

Nonvolatile memory behavior of nanocrystalline cellulose/graphene oxide composite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valentini, L.; Cardinali, M.; Fortunati, E.; Kenny, J. M.

2014-10-01

With the continuous advance of modern electronics, the demand for nonvolatile memory cells rapidly grows. In order to develop post-silicon electronic devices, it is necessary to find innovative solutions to the eco-sustainability problem of materials for nonvolatile memory cells. In this work, we realized a resistive memory device based on graphene oxide (GO) and GO/cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) thin films. Aqueous solutions of GO and GO with CNC have been prepared and drop cast between two metal electrodes. Such thin-film based devices showed a transition between low and high conductivity states upon the forward and backward sweeping of an external electric field. This reversible current density transition behavior demonstrates a typical memory characteristic. The obtained results open an easy route for electronic information storage based on the integration of nanocrystalline cellulose onto graphene based devices.

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION Generation of stable multi-jets by flow-limited field-injection electrostatic spraying and their control via I-V characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, W.; Heil, P. E.; Choi, H.; Kim, K.

2010-12-01

The I-V characteristics of flow-limited field-injection electrostatic spraying (FFESS) were investigated, exposing a new way to predict and control the specific spraying modes from single-jet to multi-jet. Monitoring the I-V characteristics revealed characteristic drops in the current upon formation of an additional jet in the multi-jet spraying mode. For fixed jet numbers, space-charge-limited current behaviour was measured which was attributed to space charge in the dielectric liquids between the needle electrode and the nozzle opening. The present work establishes that FFESS can, in particular, generate stable multiple jets and that their control is possible through monitoring the I-V characteristics. This can allow for automatic control of the FFESS process and expedite its future scientific and industrial applications.

Localized spiraling plasma ejection contributing the ion-flux broadening in the detached linear plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, H.; Takeyama, K.; Yoshikawa, M.; Kajita, S.; Ohno, N.; Hayashi, Y.

2018-07-01

We have performed multipoint measurements with segmented electrodes and a microwave interferometer in the linear plasma device NAGDIS-II, in order to reveal cross-field motion and axial localization of the enhanced radial transport in the detached plasma. By changing the neutral pressure successively and applying several statistical analysis techniques, it was clarified that there is axially localized ion flux broadening accompanying an enhanced plasma ejection from the center with radially elongated spiraling structure. The spiraling plasma ejection accompanies the m = 0 mode drop near the center with the similar time scale. Further, such behavior composed of f > 1 kHz fluctuations is modulated by several-hundred-hertz fluctuation with m = 0. This cross-field transport causes non-negligible effect for the reduction of the ion flux peak in the detached plasma.

Cylindrical geometry hall thruster

DOEpatents

Raitses, Yevgeny; Fisch, Nathaniel J.

2002-01-01

An apparatus and method for thrusting plasma, utilizing a Hall thruster with a cylindrical geometry, wherein ions are accelerated in substantially the axial direction. The apparatus is suitable for operation at low power. It employs small size thruster components, including a ceramic channel, with the center pole piece of the conventional annular design thruster eliminated or greatly reduced. Efficient operation is accomplished through magnetic fields with a substantial radial component. The propellant gas is ionized at an optimal location in the thruster. A further improvement is accomplished by segmented electrodes, which produce localized voltage drops within the thruster at optimally prescribed locations. The apparatus differs from a conventional Hall thruster, which has an annular geometry, not well suited to scaling to small size, because the small size for an annular design has a great deal of surface area relative to the volume.

Hierarchical cobalt-based hydroxide microspheres for water oxidation.

PubMed

Zhang, Ye; Cui, Bai; Derr, Olivia; Yao, Zhibo; Qin, Zhaotong; Deng, Xiangyun; Li, Jianbao; Lin, Hong

2014-03-21

3D hierarchical cobalt hydroxide carbonate hydrate (Co(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11H2O) has been synthesized featuring a hollow urchin-like structure by a one-step hydrothermal method at modest temperature on FTO glass substrates. The functionalities of precursor surfactants were isolated and analyzed. A plausible formation mechanism of the spherical urchin-like microclusters has been furnished through time-dependent investigations. Introduction of other transitional metal doping (Cu, Ni) would give rise to a substantial morphological change associated with a surface area drop. The directly grown cobalt-based hydroxide composite electrodes were found to be capable of catalyzing oxygen evolution reaction (OER) under both neutral pH and alkaline conditions. The favorable 3D dendritic morphology and porous structure provide large surface areas and possible defect sites that are likely responsible for their robust electrochemical activity.

Rubbery computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Katherine E.; Henke, E.-F. Markus; Slipher, Geoffrey A.; Anderson, Iain A.

2017-04-01

Electromechanically coupled dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) and dielectric elastomer switches (DESs) may form digital logic circuitry made entirely of soft and flexible materials. The expansion in planar area of a DEA exerts force across a DES, which is a soft electrode with strain-dependent resistivity. When compressed, the DES drops steeply in resistance and changes state from non-conducting to conducting. Logic operators may be achieved with different arrangements of interacting DE actuators and switches. We demonstrate combinatorial logic elements, including the fundamental Boolean logic gates, as well as sequential logic elements, including latches and flip-flops. With both data storage and signal processing abilities, the necessary calculating components of a soft computer are available. A noteworthy advantage of a soft computer with mechanosensitive DESs is the potential for responding to environmental strains while locally processing information and generating a reaction, like a muscle reflex.

Thermodynamics of adsorption of dithiocarbamates at the hanging mercury drop.

PubMed

Giannakopoulos, Evangelos; Deligiannakis, Yiannis

2007-02-27

Two dimethyldithiocarbamate (DMDTC) pesticides, thiram and ziram, are adsorbed onto a Hg drop via an entropically driven process. The adsorption isotherms are described by the Frumkin equation. For both molecules, the adsorption is characterized by a nonlinear pseudosigmoid temperature dependence of the Gibbs free energy. For the temperature range of 273-313 K, DeltaGADS varies between -43.4 and -56.71 kJ/mol for thiram and -42.60 and -55.67 kJ/mol for ziram. This variation of DeltaGADS reveals that the adsorption strength is increased at higher temperatures. During the adsorption of either molecule, strong lateral interactions are developed between neighboring adsorbates, which are severely weakened as the temperature increases. A unified reaction scheme is suggested for both ziram and thiram that predicts the formation and adsorption of a surface complex, (DMDTC)2Hg. In the case of thiram, two DMDTC molecules are formed by the cleavage of the disulfide S-S bond near the Hg electrode. The thermodynamic and structural parameters reveal that there are two limiting thermodynamic regimes for the adsorbed (DMDTC)2Hg species that originate from two limiting adsorption conformations of the adsorbates on the Hg surface. A transition occurs between these two conformations at temperatures in the region of 285-295 K. This transition is accompanied by large entropic and enthalpic changes.

A hybrid chip based on aerodynamics and electrostatics for the size-dependent classification of ultrafine and nano particles.

PubMed

Kim, Yong-Ho; Park, Dongho; Hwang, Jungho; Kim, Yong-Jun

2009-09-21

Conventional virtual impactors experience a large pressure drop when they classify particles according to size, in particular ultrafine particles smaller than 100 nm in diameter. Therefore, most virtual impactors have been used to classify particles larger than 100 nm. Their cut-off diameters are also fixed by the geometry of their flow channels. In the proposed virtual impactor, particles smaller than 100 nm are accelerated by applying DC potentials to an integrated electrode pair. By the electrical acceleration, the large pressure drop could be significantly decreased and new cut-off diameters smaller than 100 nm could be successfully added. The geometric cut-off diameter (GCD) of the proposed virtual impactor was designed to be 1.0 microm. Performances including the GCD and wall loss were examined by classifying dioctyl sebacate of 100 to 600 nm in size and carbon particles of 0.6 to 10 microm in size. The GCD was measured to be 0.95 microm, and the wall loss was highest at 1.1 microm. To add new cut-off diameters, monodisperse NaCl particles ranging from 15 to 70 nm were classified using the proposed virtual impactor with applying a DC potential of 0.25 to 3.0 kV. In this range of the potential, the new cut-off diameters ranging from 15 to 35 nm was added.

Humidity dependence of molecular tunnel junctions with an AlOx/COOH- interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaohang; McGill, Stephen; Xiong, Peng

2006-03-01

We have studied the electron transport in planar tunneling junctions with aluminum oxide and an organic self-assembled monolayer (SAM) as the tunnel barrier. The structure of the junctions is Al/AlOx/SAM/(Au, Pb) with a junction area of ˜ 0.4mm^2. The organic molecules investigated include mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHA), hexadecanoic acid (HDA), and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS); all of which form ordered SAMs on top of aluminum oxide. The use of a superconducting electrode (Al) enables us to determine unambiguously that these are high-quality tunnel junctions. For junctions incorporating MHA, the transport behavior is found to be strongly humidity dependent. The resistance of these junctions drops more than 50% when placed in dry nitrogen and recovers when returned into the ambient. The same drop also occurs when the sample is placed into a vacuum, and backfilling the vacuum with either dry N2 or O2 has negligible effect on the resistance. For comparison, junctions with HDA show the same humidity dependence, while OTS samples do not. Since both MHA and HDA have carboxylic groups and OTS does not, the results suggest that water molecules at the AlOx/COOH- interface play the central role in the observed behavior. Inelastic tunneling spectroscopy (IETS) has also been performed to understand the role of water. This work was supported by a FSU Research Foundation PEG grant.

Myoelectric stimulation on peroneal muscles resists simulated ankle sprain motion.

PubMed

Fong, Daniel Tik-Pui; Chu, Vikki Wing-Shan; Chan, Kai-Ming

2012-07-26

The inadequate reaction time of the peroneal muscles in response to an incorrect foot contact event has been proposed as one of the etiological factors contributing to ankle joint inversion injury. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a myoelectric stimulation applied to the peroneal muscles in the prevention of a simulated ankle inversion trauma. Ten healthy male subjects performed simulated inversion and supination tests on a pair of mechanical sprain simulators. An electrical signal was delivered to the peroneal muscles of the subjects through a pair of electrode pads. The start of the stimulus was synchronized with the drop of the sprain simulator's platform. In order to determine the maximum delay time which the stimulus could still resist the simulated ankle sprain motion, different delay time were test (0, 5, 10, and 15ms). Together with the control trial (no stimulus), there were 5 testing conditions for both simulated inversion and supination test. The effect was quantified by the drop in maximum ankle tilting angle and angular velocity, as determined by a motion analysis system with a standard laboratory procedure. Results showed that the myoelectric stimulation was effective in all conditions except the one with myoelectric stimulus delayed for 15ms in simulated supination test. It is concluded that myoelectric stimulation on peroneal muscles could resist an ankle spraining motion. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nano interfaced biosensor for detection of choline in triple negative breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Thiagarajan, Vignesh; Madhurantakam, Sasya; Sethuraman, Swaminathan; Balaguru Rayappan, John Bosco; Maheswari Krishnan, Uma

2016-01-15

Choline, a type of Vitamin B, is an important nutrient in the human body and is involved in key metabolic pathways. Abnormal levels of choline leads to diseased conditions. The levels of choline and its associated compounds are found to be elevated in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. The choline level ranges from 0.4 to 4.9mmol/kg in TNBC. Thus the detection of choline levels in cells can aid in diagnosing breast cancer. The present work aims to develop a nano-interfaced electrochemical biosensor for the rapid detection of choline in cancer cells. For electrochemical detection, glassy carbon electrode coated with a zinc oxide nano-interface was used as the working electrode. Zinc oxide synthesized by hydrothermal method was characterized using SEM and XRD. The choline oxidase (ChOx) enzyme was immobilized on the nano-interface by drop-casting. Choline oxidase (ChOx) converts choline to betaine and H2O2 in the presence of oxygen. The H2O2 produced was determined amperometrically. The amount of H2O2 produced is directly proportional to concentration of choline present. The sensitivity, selectivity, stability and concentration studies were carried out and quantification of choline in TNBC was also carried out. The results demonstrate that this biosensor has the potential to be developed as a clinical tool for breast cancer detection. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Study of Active Micromixer Driven by Electrothermal Force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Kuan-Rong; Chang, Jeng-Shian; Chao, Sheng D.; Wung, Tzong-Shyan; Wu, Kuang-Chong

2012-04-01

Biochemical applications of microchips often require a rapid mixing of different fluid samples. At the microscale level, fluid flow is usually a highly ordered laminar flow and diffusion is the primary mechanism for mixing owing to the lack of disturbances, yielding inefficiency for practical biochemical analysis. In this work, we design a prototype active micromixer by employing the electrothermal effect. We apply to the flow microchannel a non-uniform AC electric field, which can generate an electrothermal force on the fluid flow and induce vortex pairs for enhancing mixing efficiency. The performance of this active micromixer is studied and compared, under the same mixing quality, with that of a conventional passive micromixer of the same size with obstacles in the flow channel by three-dimensional finite element simulations. The numerical results show that the pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet for the active micromixer is much less than (only 3000th) that for the passive micro-mixer with the same mixing quality. To obtain an optimal mixing quality, we have systematically studied the mixing quality by varying the geometrical arrangements of the electrodes. An almost complete mixing can be obtained using a specific design. Moreover, the temperature increases around the electrodes are lower than 3 K, which does not adversely affect the biochemical analysis. It is suggested that the prototype active micromixer designed is promising and effective and useful for biochemical analysis.

The Child-Langmuir laws and cathode sheath in the N2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisovskiy, Valeriy; Artushenko, Ekaterina; Yegorenkov, Vladimir

2013-09-01

It is established which of the Child-Langmuir collisional laws are most appropriate for describing the cathode sheath in the N2O. At low pressure p < 0 . 3 Torr the Child-Langmuir law version relating to the constant ion mobility. At p > 0 . 75 Torr one has to employ the law version for which it is assumed that ion mean free path within the cathode sheath is constant. In the intermediate pressure range 0 . 3 < p < 0 . 75 Torr neither of the Child-Langmuir law versions gives a correct description of the cathode sheath in the N2O. The ratio of the normal current density to the gas pressure squared J /p2 , the normal voltage drop and the cathode sheath thickness are determined. For the stainless steel cathode they equals to U = 364 V and pd = 2 . 5 Torr .mm. At large N2O pressure the above ratio remains constant and it amounts to J /p2 = 0.44 mA/(cm .Torr)2 for any inter-electrode gap value we studied. On decreasing the N2O pressure the ratio J /p2 increases and for narrow gaps between electrodes it may approach several or even several tens mA/(cm .Torr)2. and Scientific Center of Physical Technologies, Svobody Sq.6, Kharkov, 61022, Ukraine.

Adsorption of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and/or cetyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride on partly covered hanging mercury drop electrode.

PubMed

Koniari, Argyri; Avranas, Antonis

2011-10-01

Adsorbed cetyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (CDBACl) or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on mercury is used as template for the adsorption of CTAB, CDBACl, or their equimolar mixture at 20 °C. Adsorptive stripping voltammetry with the two step procedure is used. The results are compared with previously published results on the adsorption of CTAB and CDBACl on mercury and then transferred in base electrolyte. A surfactant is preadsorbed. The adsorption of the second does not remove away from the mercury the first one, as evidenced by the capacitance measurements and the repeated scans. The surfactants were maintained close to each other and in the vicinity of the electrode by the applied electric field. In all cases studied, there was a decrease in the capacitance in the potential range -0.8 to -1 V to very low capacitance values forming condensed film. Mixed films and synergy effects were observed. The already adsorbed CTAB on mercury did not permit the desorption-reorientation peaks of CDBACl. Shifts of the capacitance peaks were observed to more positive potentials and were attributed to the occurrence of a slow change in the organization of the monolayer. The electrical state of the preadsorbed surfactant would be of critical importance in the formation of the various structures. The results suggested that the ordering and arrangement of molecules could be controlled by appropriate selection of templates. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

1.4 µm-Thick Transparent Radio Frequency Transmission Lines Based on Instant Fusion of Polyethylene Terephthalate Through Surface of Ag Nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sang-Woo; Kim, Kwang-Seok; Park, Myeongkoo; Nah, Wansoo; Kim, Dae Up; Lee, Cheul-Ro; Jung, Seung-Boo; Kim, Jong-Woong

2018-05-01

Though a percolated network of silver nanowires (AgNWs) has been considered the most promising flexible transparent electrode because of it high conductivity, high transmittance, and excellent flexibility, fabrication of AgNW-based transmission lines designed to conduct high frequency signals has been scarcely reported. The fabrication and performance of extremely thin (1.4 µm thick) and low lossy (smaller than - 17 dB for reflection coefficient corresponding to 2.5 GHz) transmission lines with unprecedented transparency (higher than 90% for the entire visible light spectrum) are demonstrated in this study. AgNWs deposited onto a 1.4 µm-thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet were irradiated by intense-pulsed-light to selectively raise their temperature. The intensive photon energy delivered to the AgNWs simultaneously caused the active diffusion of Ag atoms and plasmonic welding, resulting in large drops in resistivity without drastic changes in their physical shape or the optical transmittance of the films. Furthermore, absorption of heat also thermally activated the underlying polymer and causing it to react with the surface of the AgNWs—this results in enhanced adhesion between the AgNWs and the PET. Measurements and simulation of specially designed coplanar waveguide circuits revealed that the fabricated electrode could simultaneously provide excellent transmission characteristics and mechanical stability and transparency.

Conductivity degradation of polyvinylidene fluoride composite binder during cycling: Measurements and simulations for lithium-ion batteries

DOE PAGES

Grillet, Anne M.; Humplik, Thomas; Stirrup, Emily K.; ...

2016-07-02

The polymer-composite binder used in lithium-ion battery electrodes must both hold the electrodes together and augment their electrical conductivity while subjected to mechanical stresses caused by active material volume changes due to lithiation and delithiation. We have discovered that cyclic mechanical stresses cause significant degradation in the binder electrical conductivity. After just 160 mechanical cycles, the conductivity of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF):carbon black binder dropped between 45–75%. This degradation in binder conductivity has been shown to be quite general, occurring over a range of carbon black concentrations, with and without absorbed electrolyte solvent and for different polymer manufacturers. Mechanical cycling ofmore » lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) cathodes caused a similar degradation, reducing the effective electrical conductivity by 30–40%. Mesoscale simulations on a reconstructed experimental cathode geometry predicted the binder conductivity degradation will have a proportional impact on cathode electrical conductivity, in qualitative agreement with the experimental measurements. Lastly, ohmic resistance measurements were made on complete batteries. Direct comparisons between electrochemical cycling and mechanical cycling show consistent trends in the conductivity decline. This evidence supports a new mechanism for performance decline of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries during operation – electrochemically-induced mechanical stresses that degrade binder conductivity, increasing the internal resistance of the battery with cycling.« less

Relation between the ion size and pore size for an electric double-layer capacitor.

PubMed

Largeot, Celine; Portet, Cristelle; Chmiola, John; Taberna, Pierre-Louis; Gogotsi, Yury; Simon, Patrice

2008-03-05

The research on electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLC), also known as supercapacitors or ultracapacitors, is quickly expanding because their power delivery performance fills the gap between dielectric capacitors and traditional batteries. However, many fundamental questions, such as the relations between the pore size of carbon electrodes, ion size of the electrolyte, and the capacitance have not yet been fully answered. We show that the pore size leading to the maximum double-layer capacitance of a TiC-derived carbon electrode in a solvent-free ethyl-methylimmidazolium-bis(trifluoro-methane-sulfonyl)imide (EMI-TFSI) ionic liquid is roughly equal to the ion size (approximately 0.7 nm). The capacitance values of TiC-CDC produced at 500 degrees C are more than 160 F/g and 85 F/cm(3) at 60 degrees C, while standard activated carbons with larger pores and a broader pore size distribution present capacitance values lower than 100 F/g and 50 F/cm(3) in ionic liquids. A significant drop in capacitance has been observed in pores that were larger or smaller than the ion size by just an angstrom, suggesting that the pore size must be tuned with sub-angstrom accuracy when selecting a carbon/ion couple. This work suggests a general approach to EDLC design leading to the maximum energy density, which has been now proved for both solvated organic salts and solvent-free liquid electrolytes.

Silk provides a new avenue for third generation biosensors: Sensitive, selective and stable electrochemical detection of nitric oxide.

PubMed

Musameh, Mustafa M; Dunn, Christopher J; Uddin, Md Hemayet; Sutherland, Tara D; Rapson, Trevor D

2018-04-30

Using heme entrapped in recombinant silk films, we have produced 3rd generation biosensors, which allow direct electron transfer from the heme center to an electrode avoiding the need for electron mediators. Here, we demonstrate the use of these heme-silk films for the detection of nitric oxide (NO) at nanomolar levels in the presence and absence of oxygen. The sensor was prepared by drop-casting a silk solution on a glassy carbon electrode modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) followed by infusion with heme. The sensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and showed well defined and reversible Fe + / Fe 3+ redox couple activity, with NO detection by oxidation at potentials above +0.45V or reduction at potentials below - 0.7V. Evaluation of the effect of pH on the sensor response to NO reduction indicated a maximum response at pH 3. The sensor showed good linearity in the concentration range from 19 to 190nM (R 2 = 0.99) with a detection limit of 2nM. The sensor had excellent selectivity towards NO with no or negligible interference from oxygen, nitrite, nitrate, dopamine and ascorbic acid and retained 86% of response after 2 months of operation and storage at room temperature. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental Observation of the Effects of Translational and Rotational Electrode Misalignment on a Planar Linear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Yuan; Decker, Trevor K.; McClellan, Joshua S.; Wu, Qinghao; De la Cruz, Abraham; Hawkins, Aaron R.; Austin, Daniel E.

2018-04-01

The performance of miniaturized ion trap mass analyzers is limited, in part, by the accuracy with which electrodes can be fabricated and positioned relative to each other. Alignment of plates in a two-plate planar LIT is ideal to characterize misalignment effects, as it represents the simplest possible case, having only six degrees of freedom (DOF) (three translational and three rotational). High-precision motorized actuators were used to vary the alignment between the two ion trap plates in five DOFs—x, y, z, pitch, and yaw. A comparison between the experiment and previous simulations shows reasonable agreement. Pitch, or the degree to which the plates are parallel along the axial direction, has the largest and sharpest impact to resolving power, with resolving power dropping noticeably with pitch misalignment of a fraction of a degree. Lateral displacement (x) and yaw (rotation of one plate, but plates remain parallel) both have a strong impact on ion ejection efficiency, but little effect on resolving power. The effects of plate spacing (y-displacement) on both resolving power and ion ejection efficiency are attributable to higher-order terms in the trapping field. Varying the DC (axial) trapping potential can elucidate the effects where more misalignments in more than one DOF affect performance. Implications of these results for miniaturized ion traps are discussed. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Self-spinning nanoparticle laden microdroplets for sensing and energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharjee, Mitradip; Pasumarthi, Viswanath; Chaudhuri, Joydip; Singh, Amit Kumar; Nemade, Harshal; Bandyopadhyay, Dipankar

2016-03-01

Exposure of a volatile organic vapour could set in powerful rotational motion a microdroplet composed of an aqueous salt solution loaded with metal nanoparticles. The solutal Marangoni motion on the surface originating from the sharp difference in the surface tension of water and organic vapour stimulated the strong vortices inside the droplet. The vapour sources of methanol, ethanol, diethyl ether, toluene, and chloroform stimulated motions of different magnitudes could easily be correlated to the surface tension gradient on the drop surface. Interestingly, when the nanoparticle laden droplet of aqueous salt solution was connected to an external electric circuit through a pair of electrodes, an ~85-95% reduction in the electrical resistance was observed across the spinning droplet. The extent of reduction in the resistance was found to have a correlation with the difference in the surface tension of the vapour source and the water droplet, which could be employed to distinguish the vapour sources. Remarkably, the power density of the same prototype was estimated to be around 7 μW cm-2, which indicated the potential of the phenomenon in converting surface energy into electrical in a non-destructive manner and under ambient conditions. Theoretical analysis uncovered that the difference in the ζ-potential near the electrodes was the major reason for the voltage generation. The prototype could also detect the repeated exposure and withdrawal of vapour sources, which helped in the development of a proof-of-concept detector to sense alcohol issuing out of the human breathing system.Exposure of a volatile organic vapour could set in powerful rotational motion a microdroplet composed of an aqueous salt solution loaded with metal nanoparticles. The solutal Marangoni motion on the surface originating from the sharp difference in the surface tension of water and organic vapour stimulated the strong vortices inside the droplet. The vapour sources of methanol, ethanol, diethyl ether, toluene, and chloroform stimulated motions of different magnitudes could easily be correlated to the surface tension gradient on the drop surface. Interestingly, when the nanoparticle laden droplet of aqueous salt solution was connected to an external electric circuit through a pair of electrodes, an ~85-95% reduction in the electrical resistance was observed across the spinning droplet. The extent of reduction in the resistance was found to have a correlation with the difference in the surface tension of the vapour source and the water droplet, which could be employed to distinguish the vapour sources. Remarkably, the power density of the same prototype was estimated to be around 7 μW cm-2, which indicated the potential of the phenomenon in converting surface energy into electrical in a non-destructive manner and under ambient conditions. Theoretical analysis uncovered that the difference in the ζ-potential near the electrodes was the major reason for the voltage generation. The prototype could also detect the repeated exposure and withdrawal of vapour sources, which helped in the development of a proof-of-concept detector to sense alcohol issuing out of the human breathing system. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Discussion of simulation with results, characterization and movies of particle motion inside droplets along with detailed explanation. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00217j

Structural Integration of Silicon Solar Cells and Lithium-ion Batteries Using Printed Electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Jin Sung

Inkjet printing of electrode using copper nanoparticle ink is presented. Electrode was printed on a flexible glass epoxy composite substrate using drop on demand piezoelectric dispenser and was sintered at 200°C in N 2 gas condition. The printed electrodes were made with various widths and thicknesses. Surface morphology of electrode was analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Reliable dimensions for printed electronics were found from this study. Single-crystalline silicon solar cells were tested under four-point bending to find the feasibility of directly integrating them onto a carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminate. These solar cells were not able to withstand 0.2% strain. On the other hand, thin-film amorphous silicon solar cells were subjected to flexural fatigue loadings. The current density-voltage curves were analyzed at different cycles, and there was no noticeable degradation on its performance up to 100 cycles. A multifunctional composite laminate which can harvest and store solar energy was fabricated using printed electrodes. The integrated printed circuit board (PCB) was co-cured with a carbon/epoxy composite laminate by the vacuum bag molding process in an autoclave; an amorphous silicon solar cell and a thin-film solid state lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery were adhesively joined and electrically connected to a thin flexible PCB; and then the passive components such as resistors and diodes were electrically connected to the printed circuit board by silver pasting. Since a thin-film solid state Li-ion battery was not able to withstand tensile strain above 0.4%, thin Li-ion polymer batteries were tested under various mechanical loadings and environmental conditions to find the feasibility of using the polymer batteries for our multifunctional purpose. It was found that the Li-ion polymer batteries were stable under pressure and tensile loading without any noticeable degradation on its charge and discharge performances. Also, the active materials did not decompose at 80°C, and the battery was performing well under low temperature of -27°C. Lastly, the batteries were embedded inside a carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminate to characterize their performance under fatigue loading. Finally, an intense pulsed light (IPL) was used to sinter printed silver nanoink patterns. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to find grain size of printed silver nanoink patterns. From these analyses it was confirmed that IPL is able to adequately sinter silver nanoink patterns for printed electronics without degradation of the substrates in less than 30 ms.

Effect of baclofen on the acid pocket at the gastroesophageal junction.

PubMed

Scarpellini, E; Boecxstaens, V; Farré, R; Bisschops, R; Dewulf, D; Gasbarrini, A; Pauwels, A; Blondeau, K; Tack, J

2015-07-01

Previous studies established that a pocket of highly acidic gastric juice is present postprandially at the gastroesophageal junction in man. The GABA-B agonist baclofen inhibits postprandial reflux events through its effects on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The aim of the current study was to investigate whether baclofen would affect the location and the extent of the postprandial acid pocket in healthy volunteers. Twelve healthy volunteers underwent acid pocket studies on two different occasions, at least 1 week apart. LES position was determined preprandially with pull-through manometry. Dual pH electrode and manometry probe stepwise pull-through (1 cm/minute, LES-10 to +5 cm) was performed at 30-minute intervals for 150 minutes, with administration of placebo or baclofen 40 mg after the first and ingestion of a liquid meal after the second pull-through. After placebo, a significant drop in intragastric gastric pH was present at the gastroesophageal junction after the meal, reflecting the acid pocket, and this was associated with a drop in LES pressure. Baclofen did not affect the presence of the acid pocket, but prevented the postprandial drop in LES pressure, and the extent of the acid pocket above the upper margin of the manometrically located LES was significantly decreased by baclofen (1.6 ± 0.7 vs. 0.3 ± 0.4 cm at 60 minutes, 2.2 ± 0.6 vs. 0.2 ± 0.6 at 90 minutes, and 1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 0.7 ± 0.7 cm at 120 minutes, all P < 0.05). Baclofen does not alter the intragastric acid pocket, but limits its extension into the distal esophagus, probably through an increase in postprandial LES pressure. © 2014 International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

EMG analysis of peroneal and tibialis anterior muscle activity prior to foot contact during functional activities.

PubMed

McLoda, T A; Hansen, A J; Birrer, D A

2004-06-01

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the pre-activity of the tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL), and peroneus brevis (PB) prior to foot contact during three conditions. Twenty-six subjects (age 22 +/- 2 yrs; 15 male, 11 female) with no lower extremity injuries reported for data collection. Data were collected from each subject's dominant leg using surface electromyography (EMG). EMG electrodes were applied over the test muscles using a standard protocol. A heel-toe strike transducer was affixed to the bottom of the subject's shoe. The subject completed two randomized trials of walking on a treadmill (5.6 kph), jogging on a treadmill (9.3 kph) and drop landing from a 38 cm box. Isometric reference positions (IRPs) were recorded for the TA, PL, and PB. Muscle data were normalized to IRPs and the average processed EMG for the 200 ms prior to heel strike during walking and jogging and prior to toe strike when dropping from the box was used for analysis. A one-way repeated measures MANOVA was used to detect differences in pre-activity of the muscles between the three conditions. Univariate tests were used to determine differences for each muscle and Tukey's was applied post hoc to determine individual effect differences. The MANOVA revealed significant differences among the three conditions (F2.50 = 10.770; P < .0005). Average TA activity was significantly higher during jogging (Tukey's; P < .0005). Significant differences existed between each condition for the TA. Average PL and PB activity was significantly higher when drop landing (Tukey's; P < .0005). There was no significant difference between walking and jogging for the PL and PB. The amount of muscle pre-activity occurring before heel or toe strike provides useful information for the examination of reaction times to unexpected inversion during dynamic activities.

Enhanced efficiency of hybrid amorphous silicon solar cells based on single-walled carbon nanotubes/polymer composite thin film.

PubMed

Rajanna, Pramod Mulbagal; Gilshteyn, Evgenia; Yagafarov, Timur; Alekseeva, Alena; Anisimov, Anton; Sergeev, Oleg; Neumueller, Alex; Bereznev, Sergei; Maricheva, Jelena; Nasibulin, Albert

2018-01-09

We report a simple approach to fabricate hybrid solar cells (HSCs) based on a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film and a thin film hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). Randomly oriented high quality SWCNTs with an enhanced conductivity by means of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate are used as a window layer and a front electrode. A series of HSCs are fabricated in ambient conditions with different SWCNT film thicknesses. The polymethylmethacrylate layer drop-casted on fabricated HSCs reduces the reflection fourfold and enhances the short-circuit Jsc, open-circuit Voc, and efficiency by nearly 10%. A state-of-the-art J-V performance is shown for SWCNT/a-Si HSC with an open-circuit voltage of 900 mV and efficiency of 3.4% under simulated one-sun AM 1.5G direct illumination. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Enhanced efficiency of hybrid amorphous silicon solar cells based on single-walled carbon nanotubes and polymer composite thin film.

PubMed

Rajanna, Pramod M; Gilshteyn, Evgenia P; Yagafarov, Timur; Aleekseeva, Alena K; Anisimov, Anton S; Neumüller, Alex; Sergeev, Oleg; Bereznev, Sergei; Maricheva, Jelena; Nasibulin, Albert G

2018-01-31

We report a simple approach to fabricate hybrid solar cells (HSCs) based on a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film and thin film hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). Randomly oriented high-quality SWCNTs with conductivity enhanced by means of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate are used as a window layer and a front electrode. A series of HSCs are fabricated in ambient conditions with varying SWCNT film thicknesses. The polymethylmethacrylate layer drop-casted on fabricated HSCs reduces the reflection fourfold and enhances the short-circuit J sc , open-circuit V oc , and efficiency by nearly 10%. A state-of-the-art J-V performance is shown for SWCNT/a-Si HSC with an open-circuit voltage of 900 mV and an efficiency of 3.4% under simulated one-sun AM 1.5 G direct illumination.

3D silicone rubber interfaces for individually tailored implants.

PubMed

Stieghorst, Jan; Bondarenkova, Alexandra; Burblies, Niklas; Behrens, Peter; Doll, Theodor

2015-01-01

For the fabrication of customized silicone rubber based implants, e.g. cochlear implants or electrocortical grid arrays, it is required to develop high speed curing systems, which vulcanize the silicone rubber before it runs due to a heating related viscosity drop. Therefore, we present an infrared radiation based cross-linking approach for the 3D-printing of silicone rubber bulk and carbon nanotube based silicone rubber electrode materials. Composite materials were cured in less than 120 s and material interfaces were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, curing related changes in the mechanical and cell-biological behaviour were investigated with tensile and WST-1 cell biocompatibility tests. The infrared absorption properties of the silicone rubber materials were analysed with fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in transmission and attenuated total reflection mode. The heat flux was calculated by using the FTIR data, emissivity data from the infrared source manufacturer and the geometrical view factor of the system.

Design of a miniature flow cell for in situ x-ray imaging of redox flow batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jervis, Rhodri; Brown, Leon D.; Neville, Tobias P.; Millichamp, Jason; Finegan, Donal P.; Heenan, Thomas M. M.; Brett, Dan J. L.; Shearing, Paul R.

2016-11-01

Flow batteries represent a possible grid-scale energy storage solution, having many advantages such as scalability, separation of power and energy capabilities, and simple operation. However, they can suffer from degradation during operation and the characteristics of the felt electrodes are little understood in terms of wetting, compression and pressure drops. Presented here is the design of a miniature flow cell that allows the use of x-ray computed tomography (CT) to study carbon felt materials in situ and operando, in both lab-based and synchrotron CT. Through application of the bespoke cell it is possible to observe felt fibres, electrolyte and pore phases and therefore enables non-destructive characterisation of an array of microstructural parameters during the operation of flow batteries. Furthermore, we expect this design can be readily adapted to the study of other electrochemical systems.

Engineering aspects and hardware verification of a volume producable solid oxide fuel cell stack design for diesel auxiliary power units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stelter, Michael; Reinert, Andreas; Mai, Björn Erik; Kuznecov, Mihail

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack module is presented that is designed for operation on diesel reformate in an auxiliary power unit (APU). The stack was designed using a top-down approach, based on a specification of an APU system that is installed on board of vehicles. The stack design is planar, modular and scalable with stamped sheet metal interconnectors. It features thin membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), such as electrolyte supported cells (ESC) and operates at elevated temperatures around 800 °C. The stack has a low pressure drop in both the anode and the cathode to facilitate a simple system layout. An overview of the technical targets met so far is given. A stack power density of 0.2 kW l -1 has been demonstrated in a fully integrated, thermally self-sustaining APU prototype running with diesel and without an external water supply.

Primary thermometry with nanoscale tunnel junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirvi, K. P.; Kauppinen, J. P.; Paalanen, M. A.; Pekola, J. P.

1995-10-01

We have found current-voltage (I-V) and conductance (dI/dV) characteristics of arrays of nanoscale tunnel junctions between normal metal electrodes to exhibit suitable features for primary thermometry. The current through a uniform array depends on the ratio of the thermal energy kBT and the electrostatic charging energy E c of the islands between the junctions and is completely blocked by Coulomb repulsion at T = 0 and at small voltages eV/2 ≤ Ec. In the opposite limit, kBT ≫ Ec, the width of the conductance minimum scales linearly and universally with T and N, the number of tunnel junctions, and qualifies as a primary thermometer. The zero bias drop in the conductance is proportional to T-1 and can be used as a secondary thermometer. We will show with Monte Carlo simulations how background charge and nonuniformities of the array will affect the thermometer.

Analytical study of nano-scale logical operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Moumita; Maiti, Santanu K.

2018-07-01

A complete analytical prescription is given to perform three basic (OR, AND, NOT) and two universal (NAND, NOR) logic gates at nano-scale level using simple tailor made geometries. Two different geometries, ring-like and chain-like, are taken into account where in each case the bridging conductor is coupled to a local atomic site through a dangling bond whose site energy can be controlled by means of external gate electrode. The main idea is that when injecting electron energy matches with site energy of local atomic site transmission probability drops exactly to zero, whereas the junction exhibits finite transmission for other energies. Utilizing this prescription we perform logical operations, and, we strongly believe that the proposed results can be verified in laboratory. Finally, we numerically compute two-terminal transmission probability considering general models and the numerical results match exactly well with our analytical findings.

Nonvolatile memory behavior of nanocrystalline cellulose/graphene oxide composite films

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

Valentini, L., E-mail: luca.valentini@unipg.it; Cardinali, M.; Fortunati, E.

2014-10-13

With the continuous advance of modern electronics, the demand for nonvolatile memory cells rapidly grows. In order to develop post-silicon electronic devices, it is necessary to find innovative solutions to the eco-sustainability problem of materials for nonvolatile memory cells. In this work, we realized a resistive memory device based on graphene oxide (GO) and GO/cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) thin films. Aqueous solutions of GO and GO with CNC have been prepared and drop cast between two metal electrodes. Such thin-film based devices showed a transition between low and high conductivity states upon the forward and backward sweeping of an external electricmore » field. This reversible current density transition behavior demonstrates a typical memory characteristic. The obtained results open an easy route for electronic information storage based on the integration of nanocrystalline cellulose onto graphene based devices.« less

RF Noise Generation in High-Pressure Short-Arc DC Xenon Lamps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minayeva, Olga; Doughty, Douglas

2007-10-01

Continuous direct current xenon arcs will generate RF noise under certain circumstance, which can lead to excessive electro- magnetic interference in systems that use these arcs as light sources. Phenomenological observations are presented for xenon arcs having arc gaps ˜1 mm, cold fill pressures of ˜2.5 MPa, and currents up to 30 amps. Using a loop antenna in the vicinity of an operating lamp, it is observed that as the current to the arc is lowered there is a reproducible threshold at which the RF noise generation begins. This threshold is accompanied by a small abrupt drop in voltage (˜0.2 volts). The RF emission appears in pulses ˜150 nsec wide separated by ˜300 nec - the pulse interval decreases with decreasing current. The properties of the RF emission as a function of arc parameters (such as pressure, arc gap, electrode design) will be discussed and a semi-quantitative model presented.

Enhanced efficiency of hybrid amorphous silicon solar cells based on single-walled carbon nanotubes and polymer composite thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajanna, Pramod M.; Gilshteyn, Evgenia P.; Yagafarov, Timur; Aleekseeva, Alena K.; Anisimov, Anton S.; Neumüller, Alex; Sergeev, Oleg; Bereznev, Sergei; Maricheva, Jelena; Nasibulin, Albert G.

2018-03-01

We report a simple approach to fabricate hybrid solar cells (HSCs) based on a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film and thin film hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). Randomly oriented high-quality SWCNTs with conductivity enhanced by means of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate are used as a window layer and a front electrode. A series of HSCs are fabricated in ambient conditions with varying SWCNT film thicknesses. The polymethylmethacrylate layer drop-casted on fabricated HSCs reduces the reflection fourfold and enhances the short-circuit J sc , open-circuit V oc , and efficiency by nearly 10%. A state-of-the-art J-V performance is shown for SWCNT/a-Si HSC with an open-circuit voltage of 900 mV and an efficiency of 3.4% under simulated one-sun AM 1.5 G direct illumination.

Design of a new nanocomposite between bismuth nanoparticles and graphene oxide for development of electrochemical sensors.

PubMed

Bindewald, Eduardo H; Schibelbain, Arthur F; Papi, Maurício A P; Neiva, Eduardo G C; Zarbin, Aldo J G; Bergamini, Márcio F; Marcolino-Júnior, Luiz H

2017-10-01

This study describes a new route for preparation of a nanocomposite between graphene oxide (GO) and bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) and its evaluation as modifier electrode for development of electrochemical sensors. BiNPs were synthesized under ultrasound conditions using Bi(NO 3 ) 3 as metal precursor and ascorbic acid (AA) as reducing agent/passivating. Some experimental parameters of BiNPs synthesis such as Bi 3+ :AA molar ratio and reaction time were conducted aiming the best voltammetric performance of the sensor. Glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were modified by drop-casting with the BiNPs dispersions and anodic stripping voltammetry measurements were performed and revealed an improvement in the sensitivityfor determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) compared to an unmodified electrode. The best electrochemical response was obtained for a BiNPs synthesis with Bi 3+ :AA molar ratio of 1:6 and reaction time of 10min, which yielded Bi metallic nanoparticles with average size of 5.4nm confirmed by XRD and TEM images, respectively. GO was produced by graphite oxidation using potassium permanganate and exfoliated with an ultrasound tip. GO-BiNPs nanocomposite was obtained by a simple mixture of GO and BiNPs dispersions in water and kept under ultrasonic bath for 1h. GCE were modified with a nanocomposite suspension containing 0.3 and 1.5mgmL -1 of GO and BiNPs in water, respectively. Under optimized conditions, the proposed nanocomposite was evaluated on the voltammetric determination of Pb (II) and Cd (II), leading to a linear response range between 0.1 and 1.4μmolL -1 for both cations, with limit of detection of 30 and 27nmolL -1 , respectively. These results indicate the great potential of the GO-BiNPs nanocomposite for improving the sensitivity of voltammetric procedures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical Deposition of Nanostructured Conducting Polymer Coatings on Neural Prosthetic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Junyan; Martin, David

2003-03-01

Micromachined neural prosthetic devices facilitate the functional stimulation of and recording from the central nervous system (CNS). These devices have been fabricated to consist of silicon shanks that have gold or iridium sites along their surface. Our goal is to improve the biocompatibility and long-term performance of the neural prosthetic probes when they are implanted chronically in the brain. In our most recent efforts we have established that electrochemical polymerization can be used to deposit fuzzy coatings of conducting polymers specifically on the electrode sites. For neural prosthetic devices that are intended for long term implantation, we need to develop surfaces that provide intimate contact and promote efficient signal transport at the interface of the microelectrode array and brain tissue. We have developed methods to rapidly and reliably fabricate nanostructured conducting polymer coatings on the electrode probes using templated and surfactant-mediated techniques. Conducting polymer nanomushrooms and nanohairs of polypyrrole (PPy) were electrochemically polymerized onto the functional sites of neural probes by using either nanoporous block copolymers thin films, "track-etched" polycarbonate films or anodic aluminium oxide membranes as templates. Nanofibers of conducting polymers have also been successfully obtained by polymerizations in the presence of surfactants. The influence of current density, monomer concentration, surfactant concentration, and deposition charge on the thickness and morphology of the nanostructured conducting polymer coatings has been studied by optical, scanned probe, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. As compared with the normal nodular morphology of polypyrrole, the nanostructured morphologies grown from the neural electrode result in fuzzy coatings with extremely high surface area. The electrical properties of the polymer coatings were studied by Impedance Spectroscopy (IS) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). The significant drop in impedance in magnitude and phase angle is consistent with an increase of the surface area due to the roughened surface morphology.

Transverse tripolar spinal cord stimulation: results of an international multicenter study.

PubMed

Oakley, John C; Espinosa, Francisco; Bothe, Hans; McKean, John; Allen, Peter; Burchiel, Kim; Quartey, Gilbert; Spincemaille, Geert; Nuttin, Bart; Gielen, Frans; King, Gary; Holsheimer, Jan

2006-07-01

Experienced neurosurgeons at eight spinal cord stimulation centers in the United States, Canada, and Europe participated in a study from 1997 to 2000 investigating the safety, performance, and efficacy of a Transverse Tripolar Stimulation (TTS) system invented at the University of Twente, the Netherlands. This device was proposed to improve the ability of spinal cord stimulation to adequately overlap paresthesia to perceived areas of pain. Fifty-six patients with chronic, intractable neuropathic pain of the trunk and/or limbs more than three months' duration (average 105 months) were enrolled with follow-up periods at 4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. All patients had a new paddle-type lead implanted with four electrodes, three of them aligned in a row perpendicular to the cord. Fifteen of these patients did not undergo permanent implantation. Of the 41 patients internalized, 20 patients chose conventional programming using an implanted pulse generator to drive four electrodes, while 21 patients chose a tripole stimulation system, which used radiofrequency power and signal transmission and an implanted dual-channel receiver to drive three electrodes using simultaneous pulses of independently variable amplitude. On average, the visual analog scale scores dropped more for patients with TTS systems (32%) than for conventional polarity systems (16%). Conventional polarity systems were using higher frequencies on average, while usage range was similar. Most impressive was the well-controlled "steering" of the paresthesias according to the dermatomal topography of the dorsal columns when using the TTS-balanced pulse driver. The most common complication was lead migration. While the transverse stimulation system produced acceptable outcomes for overall pain relief, an analysis of individual pain patterns suggests that it behaves like spinal cord stimulation in general with the best control of extremity neuropathic pain. This transverse tripole lead and driving system introduced the concept of electrical field steering by selective recruitment of axonal nerve fiber tracts in the dorsal columns.

Electrochemical sensor with flavin-containing monooxygenase for triethylamine solution.

PubMed

Saito, Hirokazu; Shirai, Takeshi; Kudo, Hiroyuki; Mitsubayashi, Kohji

2008-06-01

A bioelectronic sensor for triethylamine (TEA) was developed with a flavin-containing monooxygenase type 3 (FMO-3). The TEA biosensor consisted of a Clark-type dissolved-oxygen electrode and an FMO-3 immobilized membrane. The FMO-3 solution was mixed with a poly(vinyl alcohol) containing stilbazolium groups (PVA-SbQ), coated on to the dialysis membrane, and the membrane was irradiated with a fluorescent light to immobilize the enzyme. In order to amplify the biosensor output, a substrate regeneration cycle, obtained by coupling the monooxygenase with L-ascorbic acid (AsA) as reducing reagent system, was applied. The effect of pH on the determination of TEA was studied. The maximum response was achieved at pH >9.0. A drop of the phosphate buffer solution with the AsA was put on the sensing area of the oxygen electrode, and the FMO-3 immobilized membrane was placed on the oxygen electrode and covered with a supporting Nylon mesh net which was secured with a silicone O-ring. A measurement system for TEA solution was constructed using the FMO-3 biosensor, a personal computer, a computer-controlled potentiostat, and an A/D converter. The FMO-3 biosensor was used to measure TEA solution from 0.5 to 4.0 mmol L(-1) with 10.0 mmol L(-1) AsA. The biosensor also had good reproducibility, for example a 6.31% coefficient of variation for five measurements, and the output current was maintained over a few hours. In order to improve the selectivity of the TEA biosensor, three type of biosensor with FMO isomer types 1, 3, and 5 were constructed and used to measure nitrogen and sulfur compounds. The outputs of the isomer biosensors indicated individual patterns for each sample solution. The selectivity of TEA biosensor would be improved, and determination of sulfur and nitrogen compounds would be possible, by using the different output of biosensors prepared from different FMO isomers.

Electrodeionization Using Microseparated Bipolar Membranes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lyons, Donald; Jackson, George; Andrews, Craig C.; Tennakoon, Charles L, K.; Singh, Waheguru; Hitchens, G. Duncan; Jabs, Harry; Chepin, James F.; Archer, Shivaun; Gonzalez-Martinez, Anukia;

Pulse Detonation Rocket MHD Power Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litchford, Ron J.; Cook, Stephen (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A pulse detonation research engine (MSFC (Marshall Space Flight Center) Model PDRE (Pulse Detonation Rocket Engine) G-2) has been developed for the purpose of examining integrated propulsion and magnetohydrodynamic power generation applications. The engine is based on a rectangular cross-section tube coupled to a converging-diverging nozzle, which is in turn attached to a segmented Faraday channel. As part of the shakedown testing activity, the pressure wave was interrogated along the length of the engine while running on hydrogen/oxygen propellants. Rapid transition to detonation wave propagation was insured through the use of a short Schelkin spiral near the head of the engine. The measured detonation wave velocities were in excess of 2500 m/s in agreement with the theoretical C-J velocity. The engine was first tested in a straight tube configuration without a nozzle, and the time resolved thrust was measured simultaneously with the head-end pressure. Similar measurements were made with the converging-diverging nozzle attached. The time correlation of the thrust and head-end pressure data was found to be excellent. The major purpose of the converging-diverging nozzle was to configure the engine for driving an MHD generator for the direct production of electrical power. Additional tests were therefore necessary in which seed (cesium-hydroxide dissolved in methanol) was directly injected into the engine as a spray. The exhaust plume was then interrogated with a microwave interferometer in an attempt to characterize the plasma conditions, and emission spectroscopy measurements were also acquired. Data reduction efforts indicate that the plasma exhaust is very highly ionized, although there is some uncertainty at this time as to the relative abundance of negative OH ions. The emission spectroscopy data provided some indication of the species in the exhaust as well as a measurement of temperature. A 24-electrode-pair segmented Faraday channel and 0.6 Tesla permanent magnet assembly were then installed on Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC's) rectangular channel pulse detonation research engine. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) electrical power extraction experiments were carried out for a range of load impedances in which cesium hydroxide seed (dissolved in methanol) was sprayed into the gaseous oxygen/hydrogen propellants. Positive power extraction was obtained, but preliminary analysis of the data indicated that the plasma electrical conductivity is lower than anticipated and the near-electrode voltage drop is not negligible. It is believed that the electrical conductivity is reduced due to a large population of negative OH ions. This occurs because OH has a strong affinity for capturing free electrons. The effect of near-electrode voltage drop is associated with the high surface-to-volume ratio of the channel (1-inch by 1-inch cross-section) where surface effects play a dominant role. As usual for MHD devices, higher performance will require larger scale devices. Overall, the gathered data is extremely valuable from the standpoint of understanding plasma behavior and for developing empirical scaling laws.

Substrate-Independent Surface Energy Tuning via Siloxane Treatment for Printed Electronics.

PubMed

Schlisske, Stefan; Held, Martin; Rödlmeier, Tobias; Menghi, Silvia; Fuchs, Kathleen; Ruscello, Marta; Morfa, Anthony J; Lemmer, Uli; Hernandez-Sosa, Gerardo

2018-05-29

Digital printing enables solution processing of functional materials and opens a new route to fabricate low-cost electronic devices. One crucial parameter that affects the wettability of inks for all printing techniques is the surface free energy (SFE) of the substrate. Siloxanes, with their huge variety of side chains and their ability to form self-assembled monolayers, offer exhaustive control of the substrate SFE from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Thus, siloxane treatment is a suitable approach to adjust the substrate conditions to the desired ink, instead of optimizing the ink to an arbitrary substrate. In this work, the influence of different fluorinated and nonfluorinated siloxanes on the SFE of different substrates, such as polymers, glasses, and metals, are examined. By mixing several siloxanes, we demonstrate the fine tuning of the surface energy. The polar and dispersive components of the SFE are determined by the Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaelble (OWRK) method. Furthermore, the impact of the siloxanes and therefore the SFE on the pinning of droplets and wet films are assessed via dynamic contact angle measurements. SFE-optimized substrates enable tailoring the resolution of inkjet printed silver structures. A nanoparticulate silver ink was used for printing single drops, lines, and source-drain electrodes for transistors. These were examined in terms of diameter, edge quality, and functionality. We show that by adjusting the SFE of an arbitrary substrate, the printed resolution is substantially increased by minimizing the printed drop size by up to 70%.

Real-time controller for foot-drop correction by using surface electromyography sensor.

PubMed

Al Mashhadany, Yousif I; Abd Rahim, Nasrudin

2013-04-01

Foot drop is a disease caused mainly by muscle paralysis, which incapacitates the nerves generating the impulses that control feet in a heel strike. The incapacity may stem from lesions that affect the brain, the spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. The foot becomes dorsiflexed, affecting normal walking. A design and analysis of a controller for such legs is the subject of this article. Surface electromyography electrodes are connected to the skin surface of the human muscle and work on the mechanics of human muscle contraction. The design uses real surface electromyography signals for estimation of the joint angles. Various-speed flexions and extensions of the leg were analyzed. The two phases of the design began with surface electromyography of real human leg electromyography signal, which was subsequently filtered, amplified, and normalized to the maximum amplitude. Parameters extracted from the surface electromyography signal were then used to train an artificial neural network for prediction of the joint angle. The artificial neural network design included various-speed identification of the electromyography signal and estimation of the angles of the knee and ankle joints by a recognition process that depended on the parameters of the real surface electromyography signal measured through real movements. The second phase used artificial neural network estimation of the control signal, for calculation of the electromyography signal to be stimulated for the leg muscle to move the ankle joint. Satisfactory simulation (MATLAB/Simulink version 2012a) and implementation results verified the design feasibility.

In vivo polymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in the living rat hippocampus does not cause a significant loss of performance in a delayed alternation task

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Liangqi; Shaw, Crystal L.; Kuo, Chin-chen; Griffin, Amy L.; Martin, David C.

2014-04-01

After extended implantation times, traditional intracortical neural probes exhibit a foreign-body reaction characterized by a reactive glial sheath that has been associated with increased system impedance and signal deterioration. Previously, we have proposed that the local in vivo polymerization of an electronically and ionically conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), might help to rebuild charge transport pathways across the glial scar between the device and surrounding parenchyma (Richardson-Burns et al 2007 J. Neural Eng. 4 L6-13). The EDOT monomer can be delivered via a microcannula/electrode system into the brain tissue of living animals followed by direct electrochemical polymerization, using the electrode itself as a source of oxidative current. In this study, we investigated the long-term effect of local in vivo PEDOT deposition on hippocampal neural function and histology. Rodent subjects were trained on a hippocampus-dependent task, delayed alternation (DA), and implanted with the microcannula/electrode system in the hippocampus. The animals were divided into four groups with different delay times between the initial surgery and the electrochemical polymerization: (1) control (no polymerization), (2) immediate (polymerization within 5 min of device implantation), (3) early (polymerization within 3-4 weeks after implantation) and (4) late (polymerization 7-8 weeks after polymerization). System impedance at 1 kHz was recorded and the tissue reactions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We found that under our deposition conditions, PEDOT typically grew at the tip of the electrode, forming an ˜500 µm cloud in the tissue. This is much larger than the typical width of the glial scar (˜150 µm). After polymerization, the impedance amplitude near the neurologically important frequency of 1 kHz dropped for all the groups; however, there was a time window of 3-4 weeks for an optimal decrease in impedance. For all surgery-polymerization time intervals, the polymerization did not cause significant deficits in performance of the DA task, suggesting that hippocampal function was not impaired by PEDOT deposition. However, GFAP+ and ED-1+ cells were also found at the deposition two weeks after the polymerization, suggesting potential secondary scarring. Therefore, less extensive deposition or milder deposition conditions may be desirable to minimize this scarring while maintaining decreased system impedance.

In vivo polymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) in living rat hippocampus does not cause a significant loss of performance in a delayed alternation (DA) task

PubMed Central

Ouyang, Liangqi; Shaw, Crystal L.; Kuo, Chin-chen; Griffin, Amy L.; Martin, David C.

2014-01-01

After extended implantation times, traditional intracortical neural probes exhibit a foreign body reaction characterized by a reactive glial sheath that has been associated with increased system impedance and signal deterioration. Previously, we have proposed that the local in vivo polymerization of an electronically and ionically conducting polymer, poly(3,4 ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT), might help to rebuild charge transport pathways across the glial scar between the device and surrounding parenchyma (Richardson-Burns, Hendricks, & Martin, 2007). The EDOT monomer can be delivered via a microcannula/electrode system into the brain tissue of living animals followed by direct electrochemical polymerization, using the electrode itself as a source of oxidative current. In this study we investigated the long-term effect of local in vivo PEDOT deposition on hippocampal neural function and histology. Rodent subjects were trained on a hippocampus-dependent task, Delayed Alternation (DA), and implanted with the microcannula/electrode system in the hippocampus. The animals were divided into four groups with different delay times between the initial surgery and the electrochemical polymerization: (1) Control (no polymerization), (2) Immediate (polymerization within 5 minutes of device implantation), (3) Early (polymerization within 3–4 weeks after implantation), and (4) Late (polymerization 7–8 weeks after polymerization). System impedance at 1 kHz was recorded and the tissue reactions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We found that under our deposition conditions, PEDOT typically grew at the tip of the electrode, forming a ~500 μm cloud into the tissue. This is much larger than the typical width of the glial scar (~150 μm). After polymerization, the impedance amplitude near the neurologically important frequency of 1 kHz dropped for all the groups, however, there was a time window of 3–4 weeks for optimal decrease in impedance. For all surgery-polymerization time intervals, the polymerization did not cause significant deficits in performance of the DA task, suggesting that hippocampal function was not impaired by PEDOT deposition. However, GFAP+ and ED-1+ cells were also found at the deposition 2 weeks after the polymerization, suggesting potential secondary scarring. Therefore less extensive deposition or milder deposition conditions may be desirable to minimize this scarring while maintaining decreased system impedance. PMID:24503720

Caramel popcorn shaped silicon particle with carbon coating as a high performance anode material for Li-ion batteries.

PubMed

He, Meinan; Sa, Qina; Liu, Gao; Wang, Yan

2013-11-13

Silicon is a very promising anode material for lithium ion batteries. It has a 4200 mAh/g theoretical capacity, which is ten times higher than that of commercial graphite anodes. However, when lithium ions diffuse to Si anodes, the volume of Si will expand to almost 400% of its initial size and lead to the crack of Si. Such a huge volume change and crack cause significant capacity loss. Meanwhile, with the crack of Si particles, the conductivity between the electrode and the current collector drops. Moreover, the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which is generated during the cycling, reduces the discharge capacity. These issues must be addressed for widespread application of this material. In this work, caramel popcorn shaped porous silicon particles with carbon coating are fabricated by a set of simple chemical methods as active anode material. Si particles are etched to form a porous structure. The pores in Si provide space for the volume expansion and liquid electrolyte diffusion. A layer of amorphous carbon is formed inside the pores, which gives an excellent isolation between the Si particle and electrolyte, so that the formation of the SEI layer is stabilized. Meanwhile, this novel structure enhances the mechanical properties of the Si particles, and the crack phenomenon caused by the volume change is significantly restrained. Therefore, an excellent cycle life under a high rate for the novel Si electrode is achieved.

Methods for implantation of micro-wire bundles and optimization of single/multiunit recordings from human mesial temporal lobe

PubMed Central

Misra, A; Burke, JF; Ramayya, A; Jacobs, J; Sperling, MR; Moxon, KA; Kahana, MJ; Evans, JJ; Sharan, AD

2014-01-01

Objective The authors report methods developed for the implantation of micro-wire bundles into mesial temporal lobe structures and subsequent single neuron recording in epileptic patients undergoing in-patient diagnostic monitoring. This is done with the intention of lowering the perceived barriers to routine single neuron recording from deep brain structures in the clinical setting. Approach Over a 15 month period, 11 patients were implanted with platinum micro-wire bundles into mesial temporal structures. Protocols were developed for A) monitoring electrode integrity through impedance testing, B) ensuring continuous 24-7 recording, C) localizing micro-wire position and “splay” pattern and D) monitoring grounding and referencing to maintain the quality of recordings. Main Result Five common modes of failure were identified: 1) broken micro-wires from acute tensile force, 2) broken micro-wires from cyclic fatigue at stress points, 3) poor in-vivo micro-electrode separation, 4) motion artifact and 5) deteriorating ground connection and subsequent drop in common mode noise rejection. Single neurons have been observed up to 14 days post implantation and on 40% of micro-wires. Significance Long-term success requires detailed review of each implant by both the clinical and research teams to identify failure modes, and appropriate refinement of techniques while moving forward. This approach leads to reliable unit recordings without prolonging operative times, which will help increase the availability and clinical viability of human single neuron data. PMID:24608589

Disposable L-lactate biosensor based on a screen-printed carbon electrode enhanced by graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, Dandan; He, Yu; Rong, Yuanzhen; Wang, You; Li, Guang

2016-04-01

In this work, an amperometric L-lactate biosensor based on a graphene-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was constructed. First, the electrocatalytic performance of the SPCE modified with graphene by a one-step electrodeposition process (OerGO/SPCE) was investigated. The cyclic voltammogram of OerGO/SPCE, which showed a well-defined redox peak, had a smaller peak potential separation than that of SPCE, revealing the improvement in electron transfer speed brought about by modifying with graphene. Next, lactate oxidase and potassium ferricyanide were dropped on the OerGO/SPCE to construct a graphene-modified L-lactate biosensor (LOD/K3[Fe(CN)6]/OerGO/SPCE). The proposed biosensor, with a detection limit of 60 μM, had a high sensitivity (42.42 μA mM-1 cm-2) when working at a low working potential (0.15 V). The linear range was 0.5 mM-15 mM, covering the detecting range of L-lactate in clinical applications. The L-lactate biosensor had a short response time (10 s) and required only 10 μl of the sample. This L-lactate sensor modified with electrodeposited graphene had a larger sensitivity than that based on the bare SPCE. Thus, our low-cost and disposable L-lactate biosensor enhanced by graphene can perform as an attractive electrochemical device that can be manufactured for point-of-care testing (POCT) devices and be employed in POCT applications.

Supercapacitors incorporating hollow cobalt sulfide hexagonal nanosheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Zusing; Chen, Chia-Ying; Chang, Huan-Tsung

We have prepared hollow cobalt sulfide (CoS) hexagonal nanosheets (HNSs) from Co(NO 3) 2 and thioacetamide in the presence of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) at 100 °C under alkaline condition. The as-prepared hollow CoS HNSs have an average edge length ca. 110 ± 27 nm and an outer shell of 16 ± 4 nm in thickness from 500 counts. The CoS HNSs are deposited onto transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates through a drop-dry process to prepare two types of supercapacitors (SCs); high rate and large per-area capacitance. The electrolyte used in this study is KOH (aq). The CoS HNSs (8 μg cm -2) electrodes exhibit excellent capacity properties, including high energy density (13.2 h kg -1), power density (17.5 kW kg -1), energy deliverable efficiency (81.3-85.3%), and stable cycle life (over 10,000 cycles) at a high discharge current density of 64.6 A g -1. With their fast charging and discharging rates (<3 s), the CoS HNSs show characteristics of high-rate SCs. The CoS HNS SCs having high mass loading (9.7 mg cm -2) provide high per-area capacitance of 1.35 F cm -2 and per-mass capacitance of 138 F g -1, respectively, showing characteristics of SCs with large per-area capacitance. Our results have demonstrated the potential of the CoS HNS electrodes hold great practical potential in many fields such as automobile and computer industries.

Alterations in body fluid content can be detected by bioelectrical impedance analysis.

PubMed

Scheltinga, M R; Jacobs, D O; Kimbrough, T D; Wilmore, D W

1991-05-01

The electrical resistance across the whole body and its segments to the conduction of a weak alternating current was determined in human subjects under three different conditions: (1) during bed rest, (2) during infusion of 1 liter of saline, and (3) during donation of 1 unit of blood. During bed rest, extracellular and total body water were measured by dilution of bromide and heavy water, respectively. Electrical resistance obtained from electrodes placed on proximal portions of extremities ("proximal resistance") accounted for less than 50% of that determined by electrodes positioned on routinely used portions of a hand and foot ("whole body resistance"). Following saline infusion, resistance determined from the whole body and all its segments fell (P less than 0.001); the magnitude of the drop in both proximal and whole body resistance was inversely related to the volume of total body water (TBW) (r = -0.82, P less than 0.002, and r = -0.73, P less than 0.01, respectively). In contrast, blood donation was associated with significantly increased resistance at both measurement sites. TBW predicted from anthropometrics was inversely related to both proximal (r = -0.90, P less than 0.001) and whole body resistance (r = -0.75, P less than 0.001). Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a simple technique which may be useful in monitoring minimal alterations in TBW. Furthermore, altered fluid status may be predicted more accurately by changes in proximal resistance compared to changes in traditionally used whole body resistance.

Two-dimensional plasmons in lateral carbon nanotube network structures and their effect on the terahertz radiation detection

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

Ryzhii, V.; Institute of Ultra High Frequency Semiconductor Electronics of RAS, Moscow 117105; Center for Photonics and Infrared Engineering, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow 111005

2016-07-28

We consider the carrier transport and plasmonic phenomena in the lateral carbon nanotube (CNT) networks forming the device channel with asymmetric electrodes. One electrode is the Ohmic contact to the CNT network and the other contact is the Schottky contact. These structures can serve as detectors of the terahertz (THz) radiation. We develop the device model for collective response of the lateral CNT networks which comprise a mixture of randomly oriented semiconductor CNTs (s-CNTs) and quasi-metal CNTs (m-CNTs). The proposed model includes the concept of the collective two-dimensional (2D) plasmons in relatively dense networks of randomly oriented CNTs (CNT “felt”)more » and predicts the detector responsivity spectral characteristics exhibiting sharp resonant peaks at the signal frequencies corresponding to the 2D plasmonic resonances. The detection mechanism is the rectification of the ac current due the nonlinearity of the Schottky contact current-voltage characteristics under the conditions of a strong enhancement of the potential drop at this contact associated with the plasmon excitation. The detector responsivity depends on the fractions of the s- and m-CNTs. The burning of the near-contact regions of the m-CNTs or destruction of these CNTs leads to a marked increase in the responsivity in agreement with our experimental data. The resonant THz detectors with sufficiently dense lateral CNT networks can compete and surpass other THz detectors using plasmonic effects at room temperatures.« less

Immobilization of myoglobin on Au nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotube/polytyramine composite as a mediator-free H2O2 and nitrite biosensor

PubMed Central

Vilian, A. T. Ezhil; Veeramani, Vediyappan; Chen, Shen-Ming; Madhu, Rajesh; Kwak, Cheol Hwan; Huh, Yun Suk; Han, Young-Kyu

2015-01-01

A novel composite film was designed for use as a highly selective mediator-free amperometric biosensor, and a method was created for accomplishing direct electrochemistry of myoglobin on a multi-walled carbon nanotube and tyramine-modified composite decorated with Au nanoparticles on a glassy carbon electrode. The ultraviolet-visible and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results showed that myoglobin retained its native conformation in the interaction with Au-PTy-f-MWCNT. The surface coverage of Mb-heme-Fe(II)/(III) immobilized on Au-PTy-f-MWCNT and the heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constant were 2.12 × 10−9 mol cm−2 and 4.86 s−1, respectively, indicating a higher loading capacity of the nanocomposite for direct electron transfer of Mb onto the electrode surface. The proposed Mb/Au-PTy-f-MWCNT biofilm exhibited excellent electrocatalytic behavior toward the reduction of H2O2 and the oxidation of nitrite with linear ranges of 2 to 5000 μM and 1 to 8000 μM and lower detection limits of 0.01 μM and 0.002 μM, respectively. An apparent Michaelis-Menten constant of 0.12 mM indicated that the Mb immobilized on the Au-PTy-f-MWCNT film retained its native activity. This biosensor can be successfully applied to detect H2O2 and nitrite in disinfectant cream, eye drops, pickle juice, and milk samples. PMID:26672985

Determination of carmine food dye (E120) in foodstuffs by stripping voltammetry.

PubMed

Alghamdi, Ahmad H; Alshammery, Hamed M; Abdalla, Mohamed A; Alghamdi, Ali F

2009-01-01

The behavior of the food colorant agent carmine (E120) was studied by square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SW-AdSV) at the hanging mercury drop electrode. It was observed that carmine gave a sensitive stripping voltammetric peak at -350 mV in pH 3 acetate buffer. The cyclic voltammetric technique was also used to characterize the electrochemical reduction process of carmine. The adsorptive voltammetric signal was evaluated with respect to various experimental conditions, and the optimized values were supporting electrolyte, acetate buffer; buffer acidity, pH 3; dye concentration, 3 x 10(-7) M; accumulation time, 150 s; accumulation potential, -0.2 V; scan rate, 300 mV/s; pulse amplitude, 185 mV; SW frequency, 20 Hz; working electrode area, 0.6 mm2; and convection rate, 2600 rpm. The SW-AdSV peak currents depended linearly on the concentration of carmine from 5 x 10(-8) to 1.25 x 10(-7) mol/L (r = 0.99). A detection limit of 1.43 x 10(-9) mol/L with an RSD of 2.2% and a mean recovery of 97.9% were obtained. Possible interferences by several substances usually present in food products such as food additive dyes (E102, E100, E123, E127, and E129), artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and antioxidants were also evaluated. The proposed electrochemical procedure was successfully applied to the determination of carmine food dye in spiked commercially available ice cream and soft drinks.

A new amperometric nanostructured sensor for the analytical determination of hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Guascito, M R; Filippo, E; Malitesta, C; Manno, D; Serra, A; Turco, A

2008-12-01

A new amperometric, nanostructured sensor for the analytical determination of hydrogen peroxide is proposed. This sensor was constructed by immobilizing silver nanoparticles in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film on a platinum electrode, which was performed by direct drop-casting silver nanoparticles that were capped in a PVA colloidal suspension. UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to give a complete characterization of the nanostructured film. Cyclic voltammetry experiments yielded evidence that silver nanoparticles facilitate hydrogen peroxide reduction, showing excellent catalytic activity. Moreover, the cronoamperometric response of modified sensors was dependent on nanoparticle lifetime. Experiments were performed, using freshly prepared solutions, after 4 and 8 days. Results concerning the quantitative analysis of hydrogen peroxide, in terms of detection limit, linear range, sensitivity and standard deviation (STD), are discussed for each tested sensor type. Utilization of two different linear ranges (40 microM to 6mM and 1.25 microM to 1.0mM) enabled the assessment of concentration intervals having up to three orders of magnitude. Moreover, the electrode made using a 4-day-old solution showed the maximal sensitivity of 128 nA microM(-1)(4090 nA microM(-1)cm(-2)), yielding a limit of detection of 1 microuM and STD of 2.5 microAmM(-1). All of these analytical parameters make the constructed sensors suitable for peroxide determination in aqueous solution.

Self-spinning nanoparticle laden microdroplets for sensing and energy harvesting.

PubMed

Bhattacharjee, Mitradip; Pasumarthi, Viswanath; Chaudhuri, Joydip; Singh, Amit Kumar; Nemade, Harshal; Bandyopadhyay, Dipankar

2016-03-21

Exposure of a volatile organic vapour could set in powerful rotational motion a microdroplet composed of an aqueous salt solution loaded with metal nanoparticles. The solutal Marangoni motion on the surface originating from the sharp difference in the surface tension of water and organic vapour stimulated the strong vortices inside the droplet. The vapour sources of methanol, ethanol, diethyl ether, toluene, and chloroform stimulated motions of different magnitudes could easily be correlated to the surface tension gradient on the drop surface. Interestingly, when the nanoparticle laden droplet of aqueous salt solution was connected to an external electric circuit through a pair of electrodes, an ∼85-95% reduction in the electrical resistance was observed across the spinning droplet. The extent of reduction in the resistance was found to have a correlation with the difference in the surface tension of the vapour source and the water droplet, which could be employed to distinguish the vapour sources. Remarkably, the power density of the same prototype was estimated to be around 7 μW cm(-2), which indicated the potential of the phenomenon in converting surface energy into electrical in a non-destructive manner and under ambient conditions. Theoretical analysis uncovered that the difference in the ζ-potential near the electrodes was the major reason for the voltage generation. The prototype could also detect the repeated exposure and withdrawal of vapour sources, which helped in the development of a proof-of-concept detector to sense alcohol issuing out of the human breathing system.

Conducting polymer based DNA biosensor for the detection of the Bacillus cereus group species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velusamy, Vijayalakshmi; Arshak, Khalil; Korostynska, Olga; Oliwa, Kamila; Adley, Catherine

2009-05-01

Biosensor designs are emerging at a significant rate and play an increasingly important role in foodborne pathogen detection. Conducting polymers are excellent tools for the fabrication of biosensors and polypyrrole has been used in the detection of biomolecules due to its unique properties. The prime intention of this paper was to pioneer the design and fabrication of a single-strand (ss) DNA biosensor for the detection of the Bacillus cereus (B.cereus) group species. Growth of B. cereus, results in production of several highly active toxins. Therefore, consumption of food containing >106 bacteria/gm may results in emetic and diarrhoeal syndromes. The most common source of this bacterium is found in liquid food products, milk powder, mixed food products and is of particular concern in the baby formula industry. The electrochemical deposition technique, such as cyclic voltammetry, was used to develop and test a model DNA-based biosensor on a gold electrode electropolymerized with polypyrrole. The electrically conducting polymer, polypyrrole is used as a platform for immobilizing DNA (1μg) on the gold electrode surface, since it can be more easily deposited from neutral pH aqueous solutions of pyrrolemonomers. The average current peak during the electrodeposition event is 288μA. There is a clear change in the current after hybridization of the complementary oligonucleotide (6.35μA) and for the noncomplementary oligonucleotide (5.77μA). The drop in current after each event was clearly noticeable and it proved to be effective.

Influence of electric current on bacterial viability in wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Wei, V; Elektorowicz, M; Oleszkiewicz, J A

2011-10-15

Minimizing the influence of electric current on bacterial viability in the electro-technologies such as electrophoresis and electrocoagulation is crucial in designing and operating the electric hybrid wastewater treatment system. In this study the biomass from a membrane bioreactor (MBR) was subjected to constant direct current and the bacterial viability was monitored against electrical intensity, duration as well as the spatial vicinity related to the electrodes. It was found that the bacterial viability was not significantly affected (less than 10% of death percentage) when the applied electric current density (CD) was less than 6.2 A/m2 after 4 h. The percentage of live cell dropped by 15% and 29% at CD of 12.3 A/m2 and 24.7 A/m2, respectively. The pH of electrolytic biomass fluid has shifted to alkaline (from nearly neutral to around pH 10) at CD above 12.3 A/m2, which could have been the contributing factor for the bacterial inactivation. The temperature change in the electrolytic media at all current densities during 4 h of experiment was less than 2 °C, thus temperature effects were negligible. Bacteria experienced different micro-environments in the electrochemical reactor. Bacterial cells on the cathode surface exhibited highest death rate, whereas bacteria outside the space between electrodes were the least affected. It was concluded that in an electro-technology integrated wastewater treatment process, sufficient mixing should be used to avoid localized inactivation of bacterial cells. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mass-Producible 2D-MoS2-Impregnated Screen-Printed Electrodes That Demonstrate Efficient Electrocatalysis toward the Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

PubMed

Rowley-Neale, Samuel J; Smith, Graham C; Banks, Craig E

2017-07-12

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (2D-MoS 2 ) screen-printed electrodes (2D-MoS 2 -SPEs) have been designed, fabricated, and evaluated toward the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) within acidic aqueous media. A screen-printable ink has been developed that allows for the tailoring of the 2D-MoS 2 content/mass used in the fabrication of the 2D-MoS 2 -SPEs, which critically affects the observed ORR performance. In comparison to the graphite SPEs (G-SPEs), the 2D-MoS 2 -SPEs are shown to exhibit an electrocatalytic behavior toward the ORR which is found, critically, to be reliant upon the percentage mass incorporation of 2D-MoS 2 in the 2D-MoS 2 -SPEs; a greater percentage mass of 2D-MoS 2 incorporated into the 2D-MoS 2 -SPEs results in a significantly less electronegative ORR onset potential and a greater signal output (current density). Using optimally fabricated 2D-MoS 2 -SPEs, an ORR onset and a peak current of approximately +0.16 V [vs saturated calomel electrode (SCE)] and -1.62 mA cm -2 , respectively, are observed, which exceeds the -0.53 V (vs SCE) and -635 μA cm -2 performance of unmodified G-SPEs, indicating an electrocatalytic response toward the ORR utilizing the 2D-MoS 2 -SPEs. An investigation of the underlying electrochemical reaction mechanism of the ORR within acidic aqueous solutions reveals that the reaction proceeds via a direct four-electron process for all of the 2D-MoS 2 -SPE variants studied herein, where oxygen is electrochemically favorably reduced to water. The fabricated 2D-MoS 2 -SPEs are found to exhibit no degradation in the observed achievable current over the course of 1000 repeat scans. The production of such inks and the resultant mass-producible 2D-MoS 2 -SPEs mitigates the need to modify post hoc an electrode via the drop-casting technique that has been previously shown to result in a loss of achievable current over the course of 1000 repeat scans. The 2D-MoS 2 -SPEs designed, fabricated, and tested herein could have commercial viability as electrocatalytic fuel cell electrodes because of being economical as a result of their scales of economy and inherent tailorability. The technique utilized herein to produce the 2D-MoS 2 -SPEs could be adapted for the incorporation of different 2D nanomaterials, resulting in SPEs with the inherent advantages identified above.

A microfluidic biochip for complete blood cell counts at the point-of-care

PubMed Central

Hassan, U.; Reddy, B.; Damhorst, G.; Sonoiki, O.; Ghonge, T.; Yang, C.; Bashir, R.

2016-01-01

Complete blood cell counts (CBCs) are one of the most commonly ordered and informative blood tests in hospitals. The results from a CBC, which typically include white blood cell (WBC) counts with differentials, red blood cell (RBC) counts, platelet counts and hemoglobin measurements, can have implications for the diagnosis and screening of hundreds of diseases and treatments. Bulky and expensive hematology analyzers are currently used as a gold standard for acquiring CBCs. For nearly all CBCs performed today, the patient must travel to either a hospital with a large laboratory or to a centralized lab testing facility. There is a tremendous need for an automated, portable point-of-care blood cell counter that could yield results in a matter of minutes from a drop of blood without any trained professionals to operate the instrument. We have developed microfluidic biochips capable of a partial CBC using only a drop of whole blood. Total leukocyte and their 3-part differential count are obtained from 10 μL of blood after on-chip lysing of the RBCs and counting of the leukocytes electrically using microfabricated platinum electrodes. For RBCs and platelets, 1 μL of whole blood is diluted with PBS on-chip and the cells are counted electrically. The total time for measurement is under 20 minutes. We demonstrate a high correlation of blood cell counts compared to results acquired with a commercial hematology analyzer. This technology could potentially have tremendous applications in hospitals at the bedside, private clinics, retail clinics and the developing world. PMID:26909365

A microfluidic biochip for complete blood cell counts at the point-of-care.

PubMed

Hassan, U; Reddy, B; Damhorst, G; Sonoiki, O; Ghonge, T; Yang, C; Bashir, R

2015-12-01

Complete blood cell counts (CBCs) are one of the most commonly ordered and informative blood tests in hospitals. The results from a CBC, which typically include white blood cell (WBC) counts with differentials, red blood cell (RBC) counts, platelet counts and hemoglobin measurements, can have implications for the diagnosis and screening of hundreds of diseases and treatments. Bulky and expensive hematology analyzers are currently used as a gold standard for acquiring CBCs. For nearly all CBCs performed today, the patient must travel to either a hospital with a large laboratory or to a centralized lab testing facility. There is a tremendous need for an automated, portable point-of-care blood cell counter that could yield results in a matter of minutes from a drop of blood without any trained professionals to operate the instrument. We have developed microfluidic biochips capable of a partial CBC using only a drop of whole blood. Total leukocyte and their 3-part differential count are obtained from 10 μL of blood after on-chip lysing of the RBCs and counting of the leukocytes electrically using microfabricated platinum electrodes. For RBCs and platelets, 1 μL of whole blood is diluted with PBS on-chip and the cells are counted electrically. The total time for measurement is under 20 minutes. We demonstrate a high correlation of blood cell counts compared to results acquired with a commercial hematology analyzer. This technology could potentially have tremendous applications in hospitals at the bedside, private clinics, retail clinics and the developing world.

Relationship between frequency and impedance change in an infusion rate measurement system employing a capacitance sensor - biomed 2011.

PubMed

Amano, Hikaru; Ogawa, Hidekuni; Maki, Hiromichi; Tsukamoto, Sosuke; Yonezawa, Yoshiharu; Hahn, Allen W; Caldwell, W Morton

2011-01-01

We have been searching for a suitable frequency range for an electrical impedance measurement infusion solution drip monitoring system, which we have previously reported. This electrical impedance, which is formed between two electrodes wrapped around the infusion supply polyvinyl-chloride tube and around the drip chamber, is changed by the growth and fall of each drop of fluid. Thus, the drip rate can be detected by measuring this impedance. However, many different kinds of infusion solutions such as glucose, amino acid, soya oil, and lactated Ringer’s solution are used in hospitals and care facilities. Therefore, it was necessary to find a suitable frequency for driving the capacitance-change sensor with a wide range of infusion solutions. In this study, the sensor electrical impedance change of 16 infusion solutions was measured from 1 kHz up to 1 MHz. The drip impedance produced by 5% glucose solution, 10% glucose solution and soya oil indicated the maximum sensor output change at 10 kHz, 20 kHz, and 70 kHz, respectively. The other 13 infusion solutions increased up to 10 kHz, and were constant from 10 kHz to 1 MHz. However, the growth, fall, and drip rate of the drops of all the infusion solutions were monitored by measuring the impedance change from 10 kHz to 30 kHz. Our experimental results indicated that most suitable excitation range for the infusion monitoring system is from 10 kHz to 30 kHz. Thus, we can now “fine-tune” the system for optimal sensing.

PEDOT-based composites as electrode materials for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhiheng; Richardson, Georgia F; Meng, Qingshi; Zhu, Shenmin; Kuan, Hsu-Chiang; Ma, Jun

2016-01-29

Poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (denoted PEDOT) already has a brief history of being used as an active material in supercapacitors. It has many advantages such as low-cost, flexibility, and good electrical conductivity and pseudocapacitance. However, the major drawback is low stability, which means an obvious capacitance drop after a certain number of charge-discharge cycles. Another disadvantage is its limited capacitance and this becomes an issue for industrial applications. To solve these problems, there are several approaches including the addition of conducting nanofillers to increase conductivity, and mixing or depositing metal oxide to enhance capacitance. Furthermore, expanding the surface area of PEDOT is one of the main methods to improve its performance in energy storage applications through special processes; for example using a three-dimensional substrate or preparing PEDOT aerogel through freeze drying. This paper reviews recent techniques and outcomes of PEDOT based composites for supercapacitors, as well as detailed calculations about capacitances. Finally, this paper outlines the new direction and recent challenges of PEDOT based composites for supercapacitor applications.

Studies of charge transport in DNA films using the time-of-flight (TOF) technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yaney, Perry P.; Gorman, Timothy; Ouchen, Fahima; Grote, James G.

2011-09-01

Measurements were carried out on salmon DNA-based films, including as-received DNA (molecular weight, MW>2000 kDa) without and with hexacetyltrimethl-ammonium chloride (CTMA) surfactant, and sonicated DNA of MW~200 kDa with CTMA. The test specimens were spin-coated or drop-cast films on ITO-coated quartz slides with a gold charge-collecting electrode. To protect the films from atmospheric influences, the TOF devices were coated with a 200-400 nm polyurethane passivation layer. A quadrupled 20 ns, pulsed Nd:YAG laser with output at 266 nm was used for charge injection. The room temperature photoconductive transients were dispersive to varying degrees with hole mobilities in DNA materials films ranging between 2E-5 to 6E-3 cm2/Vs for fields ranging from 8 to 58 kV/cm. Only hole response was observed in DNA. The dispersive data were analyzed using a simple, quasi-empirical equation for the photocurrent transient data.

Graphene versus Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Electrochemical Glucose Biosensing

PubMed Central

Zheng, Dan; Vashist, Sandeep Kumar; Dykas, Michal Marcin; Saha, Surajit; Al-Rubeaan, Khalid; Lam, Edmond; Luong, John H.T.; Sheu, Fwu-Shan

2013-01-01

A simple procedure was developed for the fabrication of electrochemical glucose biosensors using glucose oxidase (GOx), with graphene or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Graphene and MWCNTs were dispersed in 0.25% 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and drop cast on 1% KOH-pre-treated glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs). The EDC (1-ethyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide)-activated GOx was then bound covalently on the graphene- or MWCNT-modified GCE. Both the graphene- and MWCNT-based biosensors detected the entire pathophysiological range of blood glucose in humans, 1.4–27.9 mM. However, the direct electron transfer (DET) between GOx and the modified GCE’s surface was only observed for the MWCNT-based biosensor. The MWCNT-based glucose biosensor also provided over a four-fold higher current signal than its graphene counterpart. Several interfering substances, including drug metabolites, provoked negligible interference at pathological levels for both the MWCNT- and graphene-based biosensors. However, the former was more prone to interfering substances and drug metabolites at extremely pathological concentrations than its graphene counterpart. PMID:28809354

Graphene versus Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Electrochemical Glucose Biosensing.

PubMed

Zheng, Dan; Vashist, Sandeep Kumar; Dykas, Michal Marcin; Saha, Surajit; Al-Rubeaan, Khalid; Lam, Edmond; Luong, John H T; Sheu, Fwu-Shan

2013-03-14

: A simple procedure was developed for the fabrication of electrochemical glucose biosensors using glucose oxidase (GOx), with graphene or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Graphene and MWCNTs were dispersed in 0.25% 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and drop cast on 1% KOH-pre-treated glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs). The EDC (1-ethyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide)-activated GOx was then bound covalently on the graphene- or MWCNT-modified GCE. Both the graphene- and MWCNT-based biosensors detected the entire pathophysiological range of blood glucose in humans, 1.4-27.9 mM. However, the direct electron transfer (DET) between GOx and the modified GCE's surface was only observed for the MWCNT-based biosensor. The MWCNT-based glucose biosensor also provided over a four-fold higher current signal than its graphene counterpart. Several interfering substances, including drug metabolites, provoked negligible interference at pathological levels for both the MWCNT- and graphene-based biosensors. However, the former was more prone to interfering substances and drug metabolites at extremely pathological concentrations than its graphene counterpart.

A repeatedly refuelable mediated biofuel cell based on a hierarchical porous carbon electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujita, Shuji; Yamanoi, Shun; Murata, Kenichi; Mita, Hiroki; Samukawa, Tsunetoshi; Nakagawa, Takaaki; Sakai, Hideki; Tokita, Yuichi

2014-05-01

Biofuel cells that generate electricity from renewable fuels, such as carbohydrates, must be reusable through repeated refuelling, should these devices be used in consumer electronics. We demonstrate the stable generation of electricity from a glucose-powered mediated biofuel cell through multiple refuelling cycles. This refuelability is achieved by immobilizing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an electron-transfer mediator, and redox enzymes in high concentrations on porous carbon particles constituting an anode while maintaining their electrochemical and enzymatic activities after the immobilization. This bioanode can be refuelled continuously for more than 60 cycles at 1.5 mA cm-2 without significant potential drop. Cells assembled with these bioanodes and bilirubin-oxidase-based biocathodes can be repeatedly used to power a portable music player at 1 mW cm-3 through 10 refuelling cycles. This study suggests that the refuelability within consumer electronics should facilitate the development of long and repeated use of the mediated biofuel cells as well as of NAD-based biosensors, bioreactors, and clinical applications.

Benchmarking nanoparticulate metal oxide electrocatalysts for the alkaline water oxidation reaction

DOE PAGES

Jung, Suho; McCrory, Charles C. L.; Ferrer, Ivonne M.; ...

2016-11-27

Nanoparticulate metal-oxide catalysts are among the most prevalent systems for alkaline water oxidation. However, comparisons of the electrochemical performance of these materials have been challenging due to the different methods of attachment, catalyst loadings, and electrochemical test conditions reported in the literature. Here in this paper, we have leveraged a conventional drop-casting method that allows for the successful adhesion of a wide range of nanoparticulate catalysts to glassy-carbon electrode surfaces. We have applied this adhesion method to prepare catalyst films from 16 crystalline metal-oxide nanoparticles with a constant loading of 0.8 mg cm -2, and evaluated the resulting nanoparticulate filmsmore » for the oxygen evolution reaction under conditions relevant to an integrated solar fuels device. In general, the activities of the adhered nanoparticulate films are similar to those of thin-film catalysts prepared by electrodeposition or sputtering, achieving 10 mA cm -2 current densities per geometric area at overpotentials of ~0.35–0.5 V.« less

Investigation of materials for inert electrodes in aluminum electrodeposition cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haggerty, J. S.; Sadoway, D. R.

1987-09-01

Work was divided into major efforts. The first was the growth and characterization of specimens; the second was Hall cell performance testing. Cathode and anode materials were the subject of investigation. Preparation of specimens included growth of single crystals and synthesis of ultra high purity powders. Special attention was paid to ferrites as they were considered to be the most promising anode materials. Ferrite anode corrosion rates were studied and the electrical conductivities of a set of copper-manganese ferrites were measured. Float Zone, Pendant Drop Cryolite Experiments were undertaken because unsatisfactory choices of candidate materials were being made on the basis of a flawed set of selection criteria applied to an incomplete and sometimes inaccurate data base. This experiment was then constructed to determine whether the apparatus used for float zone crystal growth could be adapted to make a variety of important based melts and their interactions with candidate inert anode materials. Compositions), driven by our perception that the basis for prior selection of candidate materials was inadequate. Results are presented.

Spectroscopic evidence for the origin of the dumbbell cyclic voltammogram of single-walled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Al-zubaidi, Ayar; Ishii, Yosuke; Yamada, Saki; Matsushita, Tomohiro; Kawasaki, Shinji

2013-12-21

We investigated the changes in charge carrier density responsible for the dumbbell-like cyclic voltammogram of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) used as electric double layer capacitor electrodes. We utilized in situ Raman spectroscopy of SWCNTs in the potential range where the dumbbell voltammogram is observed and electric double layer charging would be the dominant mechanism. The study revealed that, unexpectedly, the spectroscopic changes coinciding with the dumbbell steps on the voltammogram occur more sharply in metallic tubes, as seen from (1) the sudden enhancement in the intensity of the BWF Breit-Wigner-Fano (BWF) feature, (2) a considerably more significant frequency upshift of G(+) and G' bands, and (3) a drop in radial breathing mode intensity, compared to those in the spectra of semiconducting tubes. In addition, the spectroscopic changes observed with open-end SWCNT samples were more defined and correlated more accurately with the electronic structure of the tubes compared to those observed with closed-end SWCNTs.

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

Medyantseva, E.P.; Budnikov, G.K.; Balakaeva, T.A.

The interest in the analytical chemistry of ruthenium and its compounds has recently been increasing. Ruthenium compounds can be used an antitumor agents and in the treatment of tuberculosis and fungal infections. It has been suggested that there is a specific relationship between the reduction potentials of the compounds and their biological activity. Of greatest interest among the biologically active compounds are the compounds with nitrogen-containing heterocycles. In order to obtain information on the degree of oxidation of the central atom in the complexes and to select the optimum conditions for the determination of the mono- and bi-nuclear complexes ofmore » ruthenium compounds with biologically active ligands such as imidazole (Im), histidine (His), benzimidazole (BIm) and its methyl derivative [1,2(CH{sub 3}){sub 2} - BIm], benzohyroxamic acid (Bha), and 1-phenyl-2-methylamino-1-propanol or ephedrine (Eph) in the present work, the authors studied their electrochemical behavior at dropping mercury (dme) and a platinum electrodes. 6 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.« less

Solution processed flexible organic thin film back-gated transistors based on polyimide dielectric films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Janghoon; Min, Yoonki; Lee, Dongjin

2018-04-01

An organic thin film back-gated transistor (OBGT) was fabricated and characterized. The gate electrode was printed on the back side of substrate, and the dielectric layer was omitted by substituting the dielectric layer with the polyimide (PI) film substrate. Roll-to-roll (R2R) gravure printing, doctor blading, and drop casting methods were used to fabricate the OBGT. The printed OBGT device shows better performance compared with an OTFT device based on dielectric layer of BaTiO3. Additionally, a calendering process enhanced the performance by a factor of 3 to 7 (mobility: 0.016 cm2/V.s, on/off ratio: 9.17×103). A bending test was conducted to confirm the flexibility and durability of the OBGT device. The results show the fabricated device endures 20000-cyclic motions. The realized OBGT device was successfully fabricated and working, which is meaningful for production engineering from the viewpoint of process development.

A new experimental device to evaluate eye ulcers using a multispectral electrical impedance technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellotti, Mariela I.; Bast, Walter; Berra, Alejandro; Bonetto, Fabián J.

2011-07-01

We present a novel experimental technique to determine eye ulcers in animals using a spectral electrical impedance technique. We expect that this technique will be useful in dry eye syndrome. We used a sensor that is basically a platinum (Pt) microelectrode electrically insulated by glass from a cylindrical stainless steel counter-electrode. This sensor was applied to the naked eye of New Zealand rabbits (2.0-3.5 kg in weight). Whereas half of the eyes were normal (control), we applied to the remainder a few drops of 20% (v/v) alcohol to produce an ulcer in the eye. Using a multispectral electrical impedance system we measured ulcerated and control eyes and observed significant difference between normal and pathological samples. We also investigated the effects of different applied pressures and natural degradation of initially normal eyes as a function of time. We believe that this technique could be sufficiently sensitive and repetitive to help diagnose ocular surface diseases such as dry eye syndrome.

A repeatedly refuelable mediated biofuel cell based on a hierarchical porous carbon electrode.

PubMed

Fujita, Shuji; Yamanoi, Shun; Murata, Kenichi; Mita, Hiroki; Samukawa, Tsunetoshi; Nakagawa, Takaaki; Sakai, Hideki; Tokita, Yuichi

2014-05-13

Biofuel cells that generate electricity from renewable fuels, such as carbohydrates, must be reusable through repeated refuelling, should these devices be used in consumer electronics. We demonstrate the stable generation of electricity from a glucose-powered mediated biofuel cell through multiple refuelling cycles. This refuelability is achieved by immobilizing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an electron-transfer mediator, and redox enzymes in high concentrations on porous carbon particles constituting an anode while maintaining their electrochemical and enzymatic activities after the immobilization. This bioanode can be refuelled continuously for more than 60 cycles at 1.5 mA cm(-2) without significant potential drop. Cells assembled with these bioanodes and bilirubin-oxidase-based biocathodes can be repeatedly used to power a portable music player at 1 mW cm(-3) through 10 refuelling cycles. This study suggests that the refuelability within consumer electronics should facilitate the development of long and repeated use of the mediated biofuel cells as well as of NAD-based biosensors, bioreactors, and clinical applications.

Droplets Formation and Merging in Two-Phase Flow Microfluidics

PubMed Central

Gu, Hao; Duits, Michel H. G.; Mugele, Frieder

2011-01-01

Two-phase flow microfluidics is emerging as a popular technology for a wide range of applications involving high throughput such as encapsulation, chemical synthesis and biochemical assays. Within this platform, the formation and merging of droplets inside an immiscible carrier fluid are two key procedures: (i) the emulsification step should lead to a very well controlled drop size (distribution); and (ii) the use of droplet as micro-reactors requires a reliable merging. A novel trend within this field is the use of additional active means of control besides the commonly used hydrodynamic manipulation. Electric fields are especially suitable for this, due to quantitative control over the amplitude and time dependence of the signals, and the flexibility in designing micro-electrode geometries. With this, the formation and merging of droplets can be achieved on-demand and with high precision. In this review on two-phase flow microfluidics, particular emphasis is given on these aspects. Also recent innovations in microfabrication technologies used for this purpose will be discussed. PMID:21731459

On the impact of water activity on reversal tolerant fuel cell anode performance and durability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Bo Ki; Mandal, Pratiti; Oh, Jong-Gil; Litster, Shawn

2016-10-01

Durability of polymer electrolyte fuel cells in automotive applications can be severely affected by hydrogen starvation arising due to transients during the drive-cycle. It causes individual cell voltage reversal, yielding water electrolysis and carbon corrosion reactions at the anode, ultimately leading to catastrophic cell failure. A popular material-based mitigation strategy is to employ a reversal tolerant anode (RTA) that includes oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst (e.g., IrO2) to promote water electrolysis over carbon corrosion. Here we report that RTA performance surprisingly drops under not only water-deficient but also water-excess conditions. This presents a significant technical challenge since the most common triggers for cell reversal involve excess liquid water. Our findings from detailed electrochemical diagnostics and nano-scale X-ray computed tomography provide insight into how automotive fuel cells can overcome critical vulnerabilities using material-based solutions. Our work also highlights the need for improved materials, electrode designs, and operation strategies for robust RTAs.

High efficiency thermionic converter studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huffman, F. N.; Sommer, A. H.; Balestra, C. L.; Briere, D. P.; Oettinger, P. E.

1976-01-01

The objective is to improve thermionic converter performance by means of reduced interelectrode losses, greater emitter capabilities, and lower collector work functions until the converter performance level is suitable for out-of-core space reactors and radioisotope generators. Electrode screening experiments have identified several promising collector materials. Back emission work function measurements of a ZnO collector in a thermionic diode have given values less than 1.3 eV. Diode tests were conducted over the range of temperatures of interest for space power applications. Enhanced mode converter experiments have included triodes operated in both the surface ionization and plasmatron modes. Pulsed triodes were studied as a function of pulse length, pulse potential, inert gas fill pressure, cesium pressure, spacing, emitter temperature and collector temperature. Current amplifications (i.e., mean output current/mean grid current) of several hundred were observed up to output current densities of one amp/sq cm. These data correspond to an equivalent arc drop less than 0.1 eV.

Electrodeposition of Au/Ag bimetallic dendrites assisted by Faradaic AC-electroosmosis flow

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

Ji, Jianlong; Li, Pengwei; Sang, Shengbo, E-mail: sbsang@tyut.edu.cn

2014-03-15

Au/Ag bimetallic dendrites were synthesized successfully from the corresponding aqueous solution via the AC electrodeposition method. Both of the morphologies and compositions could be tuned by the electrolyte concentration and AC frequency. The prepared bimetallic dendrites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–vis spectroscopy. The underlying dendrite growth mechanism was then proposed in the context of the Directed Electrochemical Nanowires Assembly (DENA) models. Owing to the unscreened voltage dropping in the electrolyte bulk, electromigration dominates the species flux process, and cations tend to accumulate in areas with strong electricmore » field intensity, such as electrode edges. Moreover, Faradaic AC-electro-osmosis (ACEO) flow could increase the effective diffusion layer thickness in these areas during the electrochemical reaction, and leads to dendrite growth. Further Micro-Raman observations illustrated that the Au/Ag bimetallic dendrites exhibited pronounced surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity, using 4-mercaptopyridine (4-MP) as model molecules.« less

A repeatedly refuelable mediated biofuel cell based on a hierarchical porous carbon electrode

PubMed Central

Fujita, Shuji; Yamanoi, Shun; Murata, Kenichi; Mita, Hiroki; Samukawa, Tsunetoshi; Nakagawa, Takaaki; Sakai, Hideki; Tokita, Yuichi

2014-01-01

Biofuel cells that generate electricity from renewable fuels, such as carbohydrates, must be reusable through repeated refuelling, should these devices be used in consumer electronics. We demonstrate the stable generation of electricity from a glucose-powered mediated biofuel cell through multiple refuelling cycles. This refuelability is achieved by immobilizing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an electron-transfer mediator, and redox enzymes in high concentrations on porous carbon particles constituting an anode while maintaining their electrochemical and enzymatic activities after the immobilization. This bioanode can be refuelled continuously for more than 60 cycles at 1.5 mA cm−2 without significant potential drop. Cells assembled with these bioanodes and bilirubin-oxidase-based biocathodes can be repeatedly used to power a portable music player at 1 mW cm−3 through 10 refuelling cycles. This study suggests that the refuelability within consumer electronics should facilitate the development of long and repeated use of the mediated biofuel cells as well as of NAD-based biosensors, bioreactors, and clinical applications. PMID:24820210

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

Kimura, Tomoharu; Yamada, Hirofumi, E-mail: h-yamada@kuee.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Kobayashi, Kei

The device performances of organic thin film transistors are often limited by the metal–organic interface because of the disordered molecular layers at the interface and the energy barriers against the carrier injection. It is important to study the local impedance at the interface without being affected by the interface morphology. We combined frequency modulation atomic force microscopy with scanning impedance microscopy (SIM) to sensitively measure the ac responses of the interface to an ac voltage applied across the interface and the dc potential drop at the interface. By using the frequency-modulation SIM (FM-SIM) technique, we characterized the interface impedance ofmore » a Pt electrode and a single pentacene grain as a parallel circuit of a contact resistance and a capacitance. We found that the reduction of the contact resistance was caused by the reduction of the energy level mismatch at the interface by the FM-SIM measurements, demonstrating the usefulness of the FM-SIM technique for investigation of the local interface impedance without being affected by its morphology.« less