One-pot solvothermal synthesis of ordered intermetallic Pt{sub 2}In{sub 3} as stable and efficient electrocatalyst towards direct alcohol fuel cell application

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

Jana, Rajkumar; Peter, Sebastian C., E-mail: sebastiancp@jncasr.ac.in

Ordered intermetallic Pt{sub 2}In{sub 3} nanoparticles have been synthesized by superhydride reduction of K{sub 2}PtCl{sub 4} and InCl{sub 3}.xH{sub 2}O precursors using facile, one-pot solvothermal method. We report surfactant free solvothermal synthesis of a novel ordered Pt{sub 2}In{sub 3} intermetallic nanoparticles for the first time. The structure and morphology of the catalyst has been confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic properties of the catalysts have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The as prepared Pt{sub 2}In{sub 3} catalyst exhibit far superior electrocatalytic activity andmore » stability towards alcohol oxidation over commercial Pt/C. The specific activity of as synthesized catalyst was found to be ~3.2 and ~2.3 times higher than commercial Pt/C for methanol and ethanol oxidation, respectively. This improved activity and durability of the Pt{sub 2}In{sub 3} nanoparticles can make the catalyst an ideal catalyst candidate for direct alcohol fuel cell. - Graphical abstract: The ordered structure of Pt{sub 2}In{sub 3} nanoparticles synthesized by solvothermal method has confirmed through XRD and TEM. Cyclic voltametry and chronoamperometry showed improved catalytic activity and stability compared to commercial Pt/C. - Highlights: • Ordered Pt{sub 2}In{sub 3} nanoparticles were synthesized by solvothermal method. • Electrooxidation of alcohols on Pt{sub 2}In{sub 3} catalyst was investigated in acidic medium. • Pt{sub 2}In{sub 3} catalyst has superior catalytic activity compared to commercial Pt/C. • Pt{sub 2}In{sub 3} catalyst exhibited much higher stability than commercial Pt/C.« less

Utilization of solvothermally grown InP/ZnS quantum dots as wavelength converters for fabrication of white light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Jang, Eun-Pyo; Yang, Heesun

2013-09-01

This work reports on a simple solvothermal synthesis of InP/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) using a much safer and cheaper phosphorus precursor of tris(dimethylamino)phosphine than the most popularly chosen tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine. The band gap of InP QDs is facilely controlled by varying the solvothermal core growth time (4 vs. 6 h) with a fixed temperature of 150 degrees C, and the successive solvothermal ZnS shelling at 220 degrees C for 6 h results in green- and yellow-emtting InP/ZnS QD with emission quantum yield of 41-42%. The broad size distribution of as-synthesized InP/ZnS QDs, which appears to be inherent in the current solvothermal approach, is improved by a size-selective sorting procedure, and the emission properties of the resulting size-sorted QD fractions are investigated. To produce white emission for general lighting source, a blue light-emitting diode (LED) is combined with non-size-soroted green or yellow QDs as wavelength converters. Furthermore, the QD-LED that includes a blend of green and yellow QDs is fabricated to generate a white lighting source with an enhanced color rendering performance, and its electroluminescent properties are characterized in detail.

Enhanced supercapacitive behaviour of Fe3O4/fMWCNT nanoassemblies synthesized by PEG-600 assisted solvothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aparna, M. L.; Sathyanarayanan, P.; Sahu, Niroj Kumar

2018-04-01

We report a simple PEG-600 assisted solvothermal method for the synthesis iron ferrite with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (Fe3O4/fMWCNT) composite nanoassemblies. The results show that the composite deliver excellent electrochemical activity because of the synergistic effect of each component. The fMWCNT act as a conductive network with high surface area promoting fast movement of electrons which enhances the charge storing nature and stability of Fe3O4 nanoassemblies.

Solvothermal synthesis of selenium nano and microspheres deposited on silicon surface by microwave-assisted method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Muthanna

2016-10-01

This work describes a new application of the solvothermal method, based on the microwave heating, for the synthesis of nano and microparticles of selenium. The reaction of selenium with hydrofluoric acid on the silicon surface is induced by microwave irradiation under high pressure and temperature of 60 bar and 160 °C, respectively. This method allows the deposition of spherical-like particles on the in situ etched silicon surface. The size of deposited selenium spheres scales from tens of nanometers up to tens of micrometers. The morphology and composition of the deposited selenium were analyzed by various analytical techniques. The formation dynamic of spherical structure is explained on the base of reduction of selenium species by hydrogen inside gas bubbles which are generated on the silicon surface by the etching process.

Solvothermal synthesis of graphene-Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} composite and the degradation activity under visible light

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

Tao, Wenguang; Chang, Jiuli; Wu, Dapeng

2013-02-15

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► Graphene-Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} composites were synthesized through a facile solvothermal method. ► Hydroxyl radicals are the main species responsible for the photodegradation activity. ► Graphene-Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} demonstrated dramatically improved visible light degradation activity. -- Abstract: Novel graphene-Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} (G-Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3}) composites were synthesized via a facile solvothermal method with graphene oxide (GO), SbCl{sub 3} and thiourea as the reactants. GO played an important role in controlling the size and the distribution of the formed Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} nanoparticles on the graphene sheets with different density. Due to the negative surface charge,more » smaller Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} particles size and efficient electrons transfer from Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} to graphene, the composites demonstrated improved photodegradation activity on rhodamine B (RhB). Among these composites, the product G-Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} 0.1, which was synthesized with the GO concentration of 0.1 mg/mL, exhibited the highest photodegradation activity owing to the considerable density of Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} nanoparticles onto graphene sheet free of aggregation. Hydroxyl radicals (·OH) derived from conduction band (CB) electrons of Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} is suggested to be responsible for the photodegradation of RhB. The high visible light degradation activity and the satisfactory cycling stability made the as-prepared G-Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} 0.1 an applicable photocatalyst.« less

A One-Step, Solvothermal Reduction Method for Producing Reduced Graphene Oxide Dispersions in Organic Solvents

PubMed Central

Dubin, Sergey; Gilje, Scott; Wang, Kan; Tung, Vincent C.; Cha, Kitty; Hall, Anthony S.; Farrar, Jabari; Varshneya, Rupal; Yang, Yang; Kaner, Richard B.

2014-01-01

Refluxing graphene oxide (GO) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) results in deoxygenation and reduction to yield a stable colloidal dispersion. The solvothermal reduction is accompanied by a color change from light brown to black. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the product confirm the presence of single sheets of the solvothermally reduced graphene oxide (SRGO). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of SRGO indicates a significant increase in intensity of the C=C bond character, while the oxygen content decreases markedly after the reduction is complete. X-ray diffraction analysis of SRGO shows a single broad peak at 26.24° 2θ (3.4 Å), confirming the presence of graphitic stacking of reduced sheets. SRGO sheets are redispersible in a variety of organic solvents, which may hold promise as an acceptor material for bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells, or electromagnetic interference shielding applications. PMID:20586422

Enhanced photocatalytic CO₂-reduction activity of electrospun mesoporous TiO₂ nanofibers by solvothermal treatment.

PubMed

Fu, Junwei; Cao, Shaowen; Yu, Jiaguo; Low, Jingxiang; Lei, Yongpeng

2014-06-28

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into renewable hydrocarbon fuels using semiconductor photocatalysts is considered as a potential solution to the energy deficiency and greenhouse effect. In this work, mesoporous TiO2 nanofibers with high specific surface areas and abundant surface hydroxyl groups are prepared using an electrospinning strategy combined with a subsequent calcination process, followed by a solvothermal treatment. The solvothermally treated mesoporous TiO2 nanofibers exhibit excellent photocatalytic performance on CO2 reduction into hydrocarbon fuels. The significantly improved photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity and the improved charge separation after solvothermal treatment. The highest activity is achieved for the sample with a 2-h solvothermal treatment, showing 6- and 25-fold higher CH4 production rate than those of TiO2 nanofibers without solvothermal treatment and P25, respectively. This work may also provide a prototype for studying the effect of solvothermal treatment on the structure and photocatalytic activity of semiconductor photocatalysts.

Synthesis of sub-micro-flakes CrSe2 on glass and (110) Si substrates by solvothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Qingkai; Liu, Changyou; Zhang, Binbin; Jie, Wanqi

2018-06-01

Layered structure MX2 (M = transition metal, X = S, Se and Te) chalcogenides have rich physic properties and potential applications. While it is still a challenge to prepare the chalcogenides by solvothermal method. In this work, we reported a new solution method to prepare CrSe2 sub-micro-flakes on different substrates. The surface morphologies, structures and compositions of the precursor CrSe2(en)1/2 and CrSe2 were investigated by SEM, XRD, thermogravimetric, IR and Raman spectra. The CrSe2 flakes with the sizes of 5-15 μm were obtained on both glass and (110) Si crystalline substrates. The formation mechanism of CrSe2 sub-micro-flakes is suggested.

One-pot solvothermal synthesis of ordered intermetallic Pt2In3 as stable and efficient electrocatalyst towards direct alcohol fuel cell application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jana, Rajkumar; Peter, Sebastian C.

2016-10-01

Ordered intermetallic Pt2In3 nanoparticles have been synthesized by superhydride reduction of K2PtCl4 and InCl3.xH2O precursors using facile, one-pot solvothermal method. We report surfactant free solvothermal synthesis of a novel ordered Pt2In3 intermetallic nanoparticles for the first time. The structure and morphology of the catalyst has been confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic properties of the catalysts have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The as prepared Pt2In3 catalyst exhibit far superior electrocatalytic activity and stability towards alcohol oxidation over commercial Pt/C. The specific activity of as synthesized catalyst was found to be 3.2 and 2.3 times higher than commercial Pt/C for methanol and ethanol oxidation, respectively. This improved activity and durability of the Pt2In3 nanoparticles can make the catalyst an ideal catalyst candidate for direct alcohol fuel cell.

Low-temperature solvothermal synthesis of EuS hollow microspheres

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

Peng, Yong; Wang, Hong; Li, Peng

2014-09-15

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of EuS hollow microspheres at low-temperature via solvothermal method for the first time. - Highlights: • We adopt an improved method to synthesise the (Phen)Eu(Et{sub 2}CNS{sub 2}){sub 3} in deionized water. • We have successfully synthesised the EuS hollow microsphere at 230 °C in acetonitrile. • The price of acetonitrile is more inexpensive, so the price of preparation was reduced. - Abstract: EuS crystals are synthesized by low-temperature solvothermal decomposition of the single source precursor complex (Phen)Eu(Et{sub 2}CNS{sub 2}){sub 3} in acetonitrile. X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, granulocyte diameter statistical analysis, surface energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis,more » and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy are used to characterize the structure and properties of the obtained EuS crystals. The results show that the formed EuS crystals are uniform hollow microspheres with a typical cubic phase structure of rock salt and the average particle size of 2.01 μm. The mechanisms for the thermal decomposition of the precursor complex and the formation of the EuS hollow microspheres are postulated based on the experimental observations and previous reports.« less

Effects of alcohol solvents on anatase TiO2 nanocrystals prepared by microwave-assisted solvothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yu-Chun; Tai, Yu-Chuen

2013-06-01

The effects of solvents on the anatase crystallite size prepared by sol-gel microwave-assisted solvothermal method were investigated in this study. Eight different alcohol solvents classified into two groups, i.e. primary and secondary/ternary alcohols, were used as reaction media and the effects of solvent properties, such as dielectric constant, boiling point, and internal pressure during the solvothermal process, on the crystallite size and shape were analyzed. According to the experimental results, selecting the solvent type allowed not only the alteration of the crystallite size but also the crystallite shape without the need of any additives. The boiling point of solvent was determined as the major factor influencing the crystallite size. Among the solvents with similar boiling points, the solvent with a higher carbon number produced the smaller crystallite size because of steric hindrance effect. In addition, the carboxyl groups dissociated from the alcohol solvent can play a role as a structural capping agent to retard the anatase crystal growth along the [001] direction and led to a rectangular crystallite shape with preferred development in {001} facets. On the other hand, the alcoholysis reaction was found easily occurred between the primary alcohol and isopropoxide that effectively limited the hydrolysis and condensation processes but also suppressed the structural capping effect. Therefore, the anatase crystals prepared in the primary alcohols became exceptionally small and showed spherical shape. Finally, the anatase crystals prepared using isopropanol demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity due to its evident preferred crystallization in the {001} facets.

TiO{sub 2} synthesized by microwave assisted solvothermal method: Experimental and theoretical evaluation

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

Moura, K.F.; Maul, J.; Albuquerque, A.R.

2014-02-15

In this study, a microwave assisted solvothermal method was used to synthesize TiO{sub 2} with anatase structure. The synthesis was done using Ti (IV) isopropoxide and ethanol without templates or alkalinizing agents. Changes in structural features were observed with increasing time of synthesis and evaluated using periodic quantum chemical calculations. The anatase phase was obtained after only 1 min of reaction besides a small amount of brookite phase. Experimental Raman spectra are in accordance with the theoretical one. Micrometric spheres constituted by nanometric particles were obtained for synthesis from 1 to 30 min, while spheres and sticks were observed aftermore » 60 min. - Graphical abstract: FE-SEM images of anatase obtained with different periods of synthesis associated with the order–disorder degree. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Anatase microspheres were obtained by the microwave assisted hydrothermal method. • Only ethanol and titanium isopropoxide were used as precursors during the synthesis. • Raman spectra and XRD patterns were compared with quantum chemical calculations. • Time of synthesis increased the short-range disorder in one direction and decreased in another.« less

Structural, optical and magnetic studies of CuFe2O4, MgFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles prepared by hydrothermal/solvothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurian, Jessyamma; Mathew, M. Jacob

2018-04-01

In this paper we report the structural, optical and magnetic studies of three spinel ferrites namely CuFe2O4, MgFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 prepared in an autoclave under the same physical conditions but with two different liquid medium and different surfactant. We use water as the medium and trisodium citrate as the surfactant for one method (Hydrothermal method) and ethylene glycol as the medium and poly ethylene glycol as the surfactant for the second method (solvothermal method). The phase identification and structural characterization are done using XRD and morphological studies are carried out by TEM. Cubical and porous spherical morphologies are obtained for hydrothermal and solvothermal process respectively without any impurity phase. The optical studies are carried out using FTIR and UV-Vis reflectance spectra. In order to elucidate the nonlinear optical behaviour of the prepared nanomaterial, open aperture z-scan technique is used. From the fitted z-scan curves nonlinear absorption coefficient and the saturation intensity are determined. The magnetic characterization of the samples is performed at room temperature using vibrating sample magnetometer measurements. The M-H curves obtained are fitted using theoretical equation and the different components of magnetization are determined. Nanoparticles with high saturation magnetization are obtained for MgFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4 prepared under solvothermal reaction. The magnetic hyperfine parameters and the cation distribution of the prepared materials are determined using room temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy. The fitted spectra reveal the difference in the magnetic hyperfine parameters owing to the change in size and morphology.

Swift tuning from spherical molybdenum microspheres to hierarchical molybdenum disulfide nanostructures by switching from solvothermal to hydrothermal synthesis route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qureshi, Nilam; Arbuj, Sudhir; Shinde, Manish; Rane, Sunit; Kulkarni, Milind; Amalnerkar, Dinesh; Lee, Haiwon

2017-09-01

Herein, we report the synthesis of metallic molybdenum microspheres and hierarchical MoS2 nanostructures by facile template-free solvothermal and hydrothermal approach, respectively. The morphological transition of the Mo microspheres to hierarchical MoS2 nanoflower architectures is observed to be accomplished with change in solvent from ethylenediamine to water. The resultant marigold flower-like MoS2 nanostructures are few layers thick with poor crystallinity while spherical ball-like molybdenum microspheres exhibit better crystalline nature. This is the first report pertaining to the synthesis of Mo microspheres and MoS2 nanoflowers without using any surfactant, template or substrate in hydro/solvothermal regime. It is opined that such nanoarchitectures of MoS2 are useful candidates for energy related applications such as hydrogen evolution reaction, Li ion battery and pseudocapacitors. Inquisitively, metallic Mo can potentially act as catalyst as well as fairly economical Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) substrate in biosensor applications.

Structural and Morphological Tuning of LiCoPO4 Materials Synthesized by Solvo-Thermal Methods for Li-Cell Applications

PubMed Central

Manzi, Jessica; Curcio, Mariangela; Brutti, Sergio

2015-01-01

Olivine-type lithium metal phosphates (LiMPO4) are promising cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. LiFePO4 (LFP) is commonly used in commercial Li-ion cells but the Fe3+/Fe2+ couple can be usefully substituted with Mn3+/Mn2+, Co3+/Co2+, or Ni3+/Ni2+, in order to obtain higher redox potentials. In this communication we report a systematic analysis of the synthesis condition of LiCoPO4 (LCP) using a solvo-thermal route at low temperature, the latter being a valuable candidate to overcome the theoretical performances of LFP. In fact, LCP shows higher working potential (4.8 V vs. 3.6 V) compared to LFP and similar theoretical capacity (167 mAh·g−1). Our goal is to show the effect of the synthesis condition of the ability of LCP to reversibly cycle lithium in electrochemical cells. LCP samples have been prepared through a solvo-thermal method in aqueous-non aqueous solvent blends. Different Co2+ salts have been used to study the effect of the anion on the crystal growth as well as the effect of solution acidity, temperature and reaction time. Materials properties have been characterized by Fast-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopies. The correlation between structure/morphology and electrochemical performances has been investigated by galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles. PMID:28347117

Hierarchical nanostructures of copper(II) phthalocyanine on electrospun TiO(2) nanofibers: controllable solvothermal-fabrication and enhanced visible photocatalytic properties.

PubMed

Zhang, Mingyi; Shao, Changlu; Guo, Zengcai; Zhang, Zhenyi; Mu, Jingbo; Cao, Tieping; Liu, Yichun

2011-02-01

In the present work, 2,9,16,23-tetranitrophthalocyanine copper(II) (TNCuPc)/TiO(2) hierarchical nanostructures were successfully fabricated by a simple combination method of electrospinning technique and solvothermal processing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffuse reflectance (DR), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) were used to characterize the as-synthesized TNCuPc/TiO(2) hierarchical nanostructures. The results showed that the secondary TNCuPc nanostructures were not only successfully grown on the primary TiO(2) nanofibers substrates but also uniformly distributed without aggregation. By adjusting the solvothermal fabrication parameters, the TNCuPc nanowires or nanoflowers were facilely fabricated, and also the loading amounts of TNCuPc could be controlled on the TNCuPc/TiO(2) hierarchical nanostructural nanofibers. And, there might exist the interaction between TNCuPc and TiO(2). A possible mechanism for the formation of TNCuPc/TiO(2) hierarchical nanostructures was suggested. The photocatalytic studies revealed that the TNCuPc/TiO(2) hierarchical nanostructures exhibited enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RB) compared with the pure TNCuPc or TiO(2) nanofibers under visible-light irradiation.

A strategy of combining SILAR with solvothermal process for In2S3 sensitized quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Peizhi; Tang, Qunwei; Ji, Chenming; Wang, Haobo

2015-12-01

Pursuit of an efficient strategy for quantum dot-sensitized photoanode has been a persistent objective for enhancing photovoltaic performances of quantum dot-sensitized solar cell (QDSC). We present here the fabrication of the indium sulfide (In2S3) quantum dot-sensitized titanium dioxide (TiO2) photoanode by combining successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) with solvothermal processes. The resultant QDSC consists of an In2S3 sensitized TiO2 photoanode, a liquid polysulfide electrolyte, and a Co0.85Se counter electrode. The optimized QDSC with photoanode prepared with the help of a SILAR method at 20 deposition cycles and solvothermal method yields a maximum power conversion efficiency of 1.39%.

Simple solvothermal synthesis of hydrophobic magnetic monodispersed Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles

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

Liu, Jing; Wang, Lu; Wang, Jing, E-mail: Jingwang@home.ipe.ac.cn

Graphical abstract: A facile method to produce monodispersed magnetite nanoparticles is based on the solvothermal reaction of iron acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) decomposition. The sizes ranged from 7 to 12 nm, which could be controlled by adjusting the volume ratio of oleylamine to n-hexane. Display Omitted Highlights: ► The solvethermal reaction of Fe(acac){sub 3} decomposition was carried out at mild temperature in the presence of oleylamine and n-hexane. ► The size of nanocrystals is controlled by adjusting the volume ratio of oleylamine to n-hexane. ► The low-boiling-point solvent n-hexane offered autogenous pressure parameter after gasified in the reaction temperature. ► The asmore » prepared hydrophobic monodisperse Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs can be used to prepare the magnetic micelles for future biomedical applications. -- Abstract: A new solvothermal method is proposed for the preparation of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles (NPs) from iron acetylacetonate in the presence of oleylamine and n-hexane. The products are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTG) analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometery. The new procedure yields superparamagnetic monodispersed Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} particles with sizes ranging from 7 nm to 12 nm. The nanocrystal sizes are controlled by adjusting the volume ratio of oleylamine to n-hexane. IR and TG/DTG analyses indicate that the oleylamine molecules, as stabilizers, are adsorbed on the surface of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs as bilayer adsorption models. The surface adsorption quantities of oleylamine on 7.5 and 10.4 nm-diameter Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs are 18% and 11%, respectively. The hydrophobic surface of the obtained nanocrystals is passivated by adsorbed organic solvent molecules. These molecules provide stability against agglomeration, enable solubility in nonpolar solvents, and allow the formation of magnetic

Morphology and band structure regulation of graphitic carbon nitride microspheres by solvothermal temperature to boost photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuaijun; Yan, Qingyun; Dong, Pei; Zhao, Chaocheng; Wang, Yongqiang; Liu, Fang; Li, Lin

2018-06-01

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) microspheres (CNMS) were fabricated via a solvothermal method by using supramolecular complexes of dicyandiamide and cyanuric chloride as precursors. The effect of solvothermal temperature on the morphology, band structure, and activity was systematically investigated. Structural characterization results indicate that the samples prepared at 180 °C (CNMS-180) and 200 °C (CNMS-200) possess spherical morphology, while irregular bulk particles were obtained at 160 °C (CN-160). In addition, the band gap increased as the solvothermal temperature decreased from 200 to 160 °C. In comparison with CN-160 and CNMS-200, the valence band of CNMS-180 was more positive and thus gives higher photo-oxidation capability. Accordingly, CNMS-180 exhibits higher photocatalytic degradation efficiency on Rhodamine B, stronger photocurrent response, and lower charge transfer resistance. Additionally, CNMS-180 exhibits excellent stability after four runs. This work might provide a guidance for the regulation of morphology and band structure of g-C3N4-based materials prepared at low temperatures.

Removal of brominated flame retardant from electrical and electronic waste plastic by solvothermal technique.

PubMed

Zhang, Cong-Cong; Zhang, Fu-Shen

2012-06-30

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in electrical and electronic (E&E) waste plastic are toxic, bioaccumulative and recalcitrant. In the present study, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) contained in this type of plastic was tentatively subjected to solvothermal treatment so as to obtain bromine-free plastic. Methanol, ethanol and isopropanol were examined as solvents for solvothermal treatment and it was found that methanol was the optimal solvent for TBBPA removal. The optimum temperature, time and liquid to solid ratio for solvothermal treatment to remove TBBPA were 90°C, 2h and 15:1, respectively. After the treatment with various alcohol solvents, it was found that TBBPA was finally transferred into the solvents and bromine in the extract was debrominated catalyzed by metallic copper. Bisphenol A and cuprous bromide were the main products after debromination. The morphology and FTIR properties of the plastic were generally unchanged after the solvothermal treatment indicating that the structure of the plastic maintained after the process. This work provides a clean and applicable process for BFRs-containing plastic disposal. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solvothermal synthesis of hierarchical TiO2 nanostructures with tunable morphology and enhanced photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Zhenghua; Meng, Fanming; Zhang, Miao; Wu, Zhenyu; Sun, Zhaoqi; Li, Aixia

2016-01-01

This paper presents controllable growth and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 hierarchical nanostructures by solvothermal method at different temperatures. It is revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that the morphology of TiO2 can be effectively controlled as rose-like, chrysanthemum-like and sea-urchin-like only changing solvothermal temperature. BET surface area analysis confirms the presence of a mesoporous network in all the nanostructures, and shows high surface area at relatively high temperature. The photocatalytic activities of the photocatalysts are evaluated by the photodegradation of RhB under UV light irradiation. The TiO2 samples exhibit high activity on the photodegradation of RhB, which is higher than that of the commercial P25. The enhancement in photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the synergetic effect of the surface area, crystallinity, band gap and crystalline size.

Solvothermal method as a green chemistry solution for micro-encapsulation of phase change materials for high temperature thermal energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tudor, Albert Ioan; Motoc, Adrian Mihail; Ciobota, Cristina Florentina; Ciobota, Dan. Nastase; Piticescu, Radu Robert; Romero-Sanchez, Maria Dolores

2018-05-01

Thermal energy storage systems using phase change materials (PCMs) as latent heat storage are one of the main challenges at European level in improving the performances and efficiency of concentrated solar power energy generation due to their high energy density. PCM with high working temperatures in the temperature range 300-500 °C are required for these purposes. However their use is still limited due to the problems raised by the corrosion of the majority of high temperature PCMs and lower thermal transfer properties. Micro-encapsulation was proposed as one method to overcome these problems. Different micro-encapsulation methods proposed in the literature are presented and discussed. An original process for the micro-encapsulation of potassium nitrate as PCM in inorganic zinc oxide shells based on a solvothermal method followed by spray drying to produce microcapsules with controlled phase composition and distribution is proposed and their transformation temperatures and enthalpies measured by differential scanning calorimetry are presented.

Natural sunlight irradiated flower-like CuS synthesized from DMF solvothermal treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Wei; Wang, Zihao; Zhou, Lei; Liu, Nianqi; Wang, Hongxing

2016-09-01

Three-dimensional CuS hierarchical crystals with high catalytic activity had been successfully fabricated using a facile solvothermal process. The CuS microparticles showed different flower-like morphology and good dispersion by optimizing reaction conditions. It was found that using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent reagent in the proper temperature conditions was favorable for the growth of hierarchically structured CuS. The hexagonal flower-like CuS synthesized at 170°C for 60 min displayed broad-spectrum photocatalytic properties under ultraviolet (UV) and visible irradiation. The as-prepared CuS crystals exhibited good performance to decolorize methylene blue (MB) solution under visible light irradiation. The total organic carbon (TOC) removal of rhodamine B (RhB) solution was nearly 60% after 5 h of the natural sunlight irradiation, and the property was stable after testing over four recycles, demonstrating a potential application in waster water treatment.

Surfactant-free solvothermal synthesis of Hydroxyapatite nested bundles for the effective photodegradation of cationic dyes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reeta Mary, I.; Sonia, S.; Navadeepthy, D.; Mangalaraj, D.; Viswanathan, C.; Ponpandian, N.

2018-05-01

In this study, hydroxyapatite nested bundles (HNBs) were successfully constructed from nanosticks as nanoscale building blocks via a facile, solvothermal process without using any surfactant. The fabricated HNBs were structurally analyzed using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which confirmed the purity of the HNBs. The surface characteristics were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and the optical characteristics by ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy. The synthesized HNBs were tested to determine their activity during the degradation of methylene blue, methylene violet, and rhodamine B via photocatalysis under UV irradiation. The degradation efficiency of HNBs and the rate of degradation can be explained based on the properties of the HNBs and cationic dyes.

Solvothermal synthesis of Au@Fe3O4 nanoparticles for antibacterial applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelgenbaeva, Zhazgul; Abdullaeva, Zhypargul; Murzubraimov, Bektemir

2018-04-01

We present Au@Fe3O4 nanoparticles obtained from Fe nanoparticles and HAuCl4 using a simple solvothermal method. Trisodium citrate (C6H5Na3O7*2H2O) served as a reducing agent for Au. X-ray diffraction analysis, electronic microscopes and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed cubic structure, elemental composition (Au, Fe and O) and spherical shape of nanoparticles. Antibacterial activity of the sample was tested against E. coli bacteria and obtained results were discussed.

Shape-controlled solvothermal synthesis of bismuth subcarbonate nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Gang; Yang, Hanmin; Rong, Kaifeng; Lu, Zhong; Yu, Xianglin; Chen, Rong

2010-08-01

Much effort has been devoted to the synthesis of novel nanostructured materials because of their unique properties and potential applications. Bismuth subcarbonate ((BiO) 2CO 3) is one of commonly used antibacterial agents against Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori). Different (BiO) 2CO 3 nanostructures such as cube-like nanoparticles, nanobars and nanoplates, were fabricated from bismuth nitrate via a simple solvothermal method. The nanostructures were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). It was found that the solvents and precursors have an influence on the morphologies of (BiO) 2CO 3 nanostructures. The possible formation mechanism of different (BiO) 2CO 3 nanostructures fabricated under different conditions was also discussed.

Erbium and nitrogen co-doped SrTiO{sub 3} with highly visible light photocatalytic activity and stability by solvothermal synthesis

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

Xu, Jing; Wei, Yuelin, E-mail: ylwei@hqu.edu.cn; Huang, Yunfang

Highlights: • Er/N co-doped SrTiO{sub 3} was prepared by a solvothermal process at low temperature. • The co-doping induces the band gap narrowing and prominent absorbance in visible light region. • The samples show excellent catalytic activity and stability under visible light irradiation. - Abstract: Erbium–nitrogen co-doped SrTiO{sub 3} photocatalysts have been synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The resulting samples were analyzed by FE-SEM, XRD, BET-surface area and UV–vis. The UV–vis absorption spectra of these powders indicated that erbium–nitrogen co-doped SrTiO{sub 3} possessed stronger absorption bands in the visible light region in comparison with that of pure SrTiO{sub 3}.more » The occurrence of the erbium–nitrogen co-doped cubic SrTiO{sub 3} induced the higher photocatalytic activities for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under irradiation by ultraviolet light and visible light, respectively, being superior to that of pure SrTiO{sub 3} and commercial TiO{sub 2} (P-25) powders. In addition, the Er–N co-doped SrTiO{sub 3} (initial molar ratios of Sr/Er/N = 1:0.015:0.1, designated as S5) sample showed the best photocatalytic activity with the degradation rate as high as 98% after 30 min under the visible light irradiation. After five cycles, the photocatalytic activity of the S5 catalyst showed no significant decrease, which indicated that the photocatalysts were stable under visible light irradiation.« less

Effect of precursor concentration on the electrical properties of LiFePO{sub 4} prepared by solvothermal method

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

Rabbani, Ahmad Yasin; Fakhri, Hafizh A.; Arifin, Muhammad

2016-02-08

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO{sub 4}) is frequently used for Li-ion battery cathode. LiFePO{sub 4} has the high specific capacity at 170 mAhg{sup −1}, stable voltage at 3.45 V, stable structure, cheap, and low toxicity. The objective of this research is investigating the effect of precursor concentration on the electrical properties of LiFePO{sub 4} prepared by solvothermal method. LiOH, FeSO{sub 4}, H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}, and citric acid were used as the precursors. The LiOH concentration was varied from 0.3 M to 1.8 M. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) measurement identified the Fe-O, O-P-O, and P-O bonds which corresponding to LiFePO{sub 4}.more » The result of 4-point probe measurement shows that, among the prepared samples, the sample from the precursor concentration of 1.8 M has the highest electrical conductivity.« less

Magnetic and photocatalytic studies on Zn1-xMgxFe2O4 nanocolloids synthesized by solvothermal reflux method.

PubMed

Manohar, A; Krishnamoorthi, C

2017-12-01

Biocompatible magnetic semiconductor Zn 1-x Mg x Fe 2 O 4 (x=0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 & 0.7) nanoparticles of around 10nm diameter were synthesized by solvothermal reflux method. The method produces well separated and narrow size distributed nanoparticles. Crystal structure, morphology, particles surface properties, surfactant quantity, colloidal stability, magnetic properties and photocatalytic properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were studied. Different characterizations confirmed that all compounds were single crystals and superparamagnetic at room temperature. Saturation mass magnetization (M s =57.5emu/g) enhances with substituent Mg 2+ concentration due to promotion of mixed spinel (normal and inverse) structure. Photocatalytic activity of all synthesized magnetic semiconductor nanoparticles were studied through methylene blue degradation. The degradation of 98% methylene blue was observed on 60 min irradiation of light. It is observed that photocatalytic activity slightly enhances with substituent Mg 2+ concentration. The synthesized biocompatible magnetic semiconductor nanoparticles can be utilized as photocatalysts and could also be recycled and separated by applying an external magnetic field. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-assisted solvothermal synthesis of flower-like SrCO{sub 3}:Tb{sup 3+} phosphors

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

Xue, Yannan; Ren, Xiaolei; Zhai, Xuefeng

Graphical abstract: A simple solvothermal method for the synthesis of flower-like SrCO{sub 3}:Tb{sup 3+} phosphors with the assistance of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, K30). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Well-crystallized flower-like SrCO{sub 3}:Tb{sup 3+} phosphors could be easily prepared by a simple solvothermal method with the assistance of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The amount of PVP and the reaction time have a strong effect on controlling the morphology and optical properties of SrCO{sub 3}:Tb{sup 3+} particles. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The main synthesizing process and the growth mechanism for the formation of final samples were proposed. -- Abstract: Well-crystallized flower-like SrCO{sub 3}:Tb{sup 3+} phosphors have been synthesized by anmore » inexpensive and friendly solvothermal process using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, K30) as an additive without further annealing treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) as well as photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) were used to characterize the resulting samples. The amount of PVP and the reaction time have strong effect on the morphology of the SrCO{sub 3}:Tb{sup 3+} particles. The results of XRD confirm the formation of a well-crystallized SrCO{sub 3} phase with an orthorhombic structure. The possible formation mechanism for flower-like SrCO{sub 3}:Tb{sup 3+} phosphor is proposed. The SrCO{sub 3}:Tb{sup 3+} phosphors show the characteristic {sup 5}D{sub 4}-{sup 7}F{sub J} (J = 6, 5, 4, 3) emission lines with green emission {sup 5}D{sub 4}-{sup 7}F{sub 5} (544 nm) as the most prominent group under ultraviolet excitation.« less

Solvothermal synthesis and surface chemistry to control the size and morphology of nanoquartz

DOE PAGES

Sochalski-Kolbus, Lindsay M.; Wang, Hsiu-Wen; Rondinone, Adam Justin; ...

2015-09-29

In this paper, we report a solvothermal synthesis method that allows the crystallization of quartz to occur at a relatively low temperature of 300°C in the form of isolated nanosized euhedral crystals. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small area electron diffraction (SAED) were used to confirm the phases present and their particle sizes, morphologies, and crystallinity of the products. In conclusion, the results show that it is possible to control the size and morphology of the nanoquartz from rough nanospheres to nanorods using fluoride, which templates the nanocrystals and moderates growth.

Facile solvothermal synthesis of mesostructured Fe3O4/chitosan nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for pH-responsive drug delivery and magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents.

PubMed

Zhao, Guanghui; Wang, Jianzhi; Peng, Xiaomen; Li, Yanfeng; Yuan, Xuemei; Ma, Yingxia

2014-02-01

We report a facile fabrication of a host-metal-guest coordination-bonding system in a mesostructured Fe3O4/chitosan nanoparticle that can act as a pH-responsive drug-delivery system. The mesostructured Fe3O4/chitosan was synthesized by a solvothermal approach with iron(III) chloride hexahydrate as a precursor, ethylene glycol as a reducing agent, ammonium acetate as a porogen, and chitosan as a surface-modification agent. Subsequently, doxorubicin (DOX), acting as a model drug (guest), was loaded onto the mesostructured Fe3O4/chitosan nanoparticles, with chitosan acting as a host molecule to form the NH2-Zn(II)-DOX coordination architecture. The release of DOX can be achieved through the cleavage of coordination bonds that are sensitive to variations in external pH under weakly acidic conditions. The pH-responsive nature of the nanoparticles was confirmed by in vitro releases and cell assay tests. Furthermore, the relaxation efficiency of the nanoparticles as high-performance magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents was also investigated. Experimental results confirm that the synthesized mesostructured Fe3O4/chitosan is a smart nanovehicle for drug delivery owing to both its pH-responsive nature and relaxation efficiency. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Synthesis of MnFe2O4 magnetic nano hollow spheres by a facile solvothermal route and its characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dey, Chaitali; Chaudhuri, Arka; Goswami, Madhuri Mandal

2018-04-01

Herein, we report the synthesis of manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) magnetic nano hollow sphere (NHS) by a solvothermal route. Crystalline phase was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). Magnetic measurements were done in vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and morphological structure was analyzed by field emission high resolution scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and structural characterization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal analysis was performed by thermo-gravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA). The size of the NHS was around 470 nm, this large size may show a potential applicability in industrial application, like dye adsorption, catalysis etc. In addition, because of its ferromagnetic character at room temperature, it can be easily separated by external magnetic field after the application is done.

Solvothermal synthesis of nanocrystalline TiO 2 in toluene with surfactant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Chung-Sik; Moon, Byung Kee; Park, Jong-Ho; Choi, Byung-Chun; Seo, Hyo-Jin

2003-10-01

Synthesis of narrow-dispersed nanocrystalline TiO 2 was investigated by surfactant-aided solvothermal synthetic method in toluene solutions. Titanium isopropoxide (TIP) was used as precursor, which was decomposed at high temperature in the surfactant-dissolved solution. After the solution was thermally treated at 250°C for 20 h in an autoclave, low-dispersed TiO 2 nanocrystalline particles with average size of <6 nm were synthesized. When sufficient amount of TIP or surfactant was added in the solution, long dumbbell-shaped nanorods were formed, which may be due to the oriented growth of particles along [0 0 1] axis. Characterization of products was investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.

α-Fe2O3 nanosheet-assembled hierarchical hollow mesoporous microspheres: Microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis and application in photocatalysis.

PubMed

Sun, Tuan-Wei; Zhu, Ying-Jie; Qi, Chao; Ding, Guan-Jun; Chen, Feng; Wu, Jin

2016-02-01

α-Fe2O3 nanosheet-assembled hierarchical hollow mesoporous microspheres (HHMSs) were prepared by thermal transformation of nanosheet-assembled hierarchical hollow mesoporous microspheres of a precursor. The precursor was rapidly synthesized using FeCl3·6H2O as the iron source, ethanolamine (EA) as the alkali source, and ethylene glycol (EG) as the solvent by the microwave-assisted solvothermal method. The samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm. The effects of the microwave solvothermal temperature and EA amount on the morphology of the precursor were investigated. The as-prepared α-Fe2O3 HHMSs exhibit a good photocatalytic activity for the degradation of salicylic acid, and are promising for the application in wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Facile synthesis of ultrafine cobalt oxide nanoparticles for high-performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Liu, Fangyan; Su, Hai; Jin, Long; Zhang, Haitao; Chu, Xiang; Yang, Weiqing

2017-11-01

The ultrafine Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles are successfully prepared by a novel solvothermal-precipitation approach which exploits the supernatant liquid of Co 3 O 4 nanoflake micropheres synthesized by solvothermal method before. Interestingly, the water is only employed to obtain the ultrafine nanoparticles in supernatant liquid which was usually thrown away before. The microstructure measurement results of the as-grown samples present the homogeneous disperse ultrafine Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles with the size of around 5-10nm. The corresponding synthesis mechanism of the ultrafine Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles is proposed. More importantly, these ultrafine Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles obtained at 250°C show the highest specific capacitance of 523.0Fg -1 at 0.5Ag -1 , 2.6 times that of Co 3 O 4 nanoflake micropheres due to the quantum size effect. Meanwhile, the sample annealed under 350°C possesses the best cycling stability with capacitance retention of 104.9% after 1500 cycles. These results unambiguously demonstrate that this work not only provides a novel, facile, and eco-friendly approach to prepare high-performance Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles electrode materials for supercapacitors but also develops a widely used method for the preparation of other materials on a large scale. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preparation of flower-like CuS by solvothermal method for photocatalytic, UV protection and EMI shielding applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xiao-Sai; Shen, Yong; Xu, Li-Hui; Wang, Li-Ming; Lu, Li-sha; Zhang, Ya-ting

2016-11-01

The flower-like CuS hierarchical structures were synthesized by solvothermal method. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-vis optical absorption spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results demonstrated that the as-prepared flower-like CuS with the diameter of 1-5 um was pure hexagonal phase CuS and had well-defined flower-like structures. (1) The as-prepared CuS was proved to possess high photocatalytic performance with band gap of 1.45 eV. The degradation rate of Methylene blue (MB) was up to, 98.26%, 100% after 30 min under UV and visible irradiation. (2)The UPF of cotton fabric treated with CuS reached up to 174 compared with the original untreated fabric with the UPF 20.62. (3) The electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of CuS coating was up to 27-31 dB when the content of CuS increased to 28.6%wt in the frequency of 300 KHz-3 GHz. Furthermore, the influence of reaction conditions on the morphology of the as-prepared CuS was investigated systematically and the possible formation mechanism of the CuS hierarchical structure was also proposed.

Solvothermal synthesis and high optical performance of three-dimensional sea-urchin-like TiO{sub 2}

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

Zhou, Yi, E-mail: zhouyihn@163.com; Wang, Yutang; Li, Mengyao

Graphical abstract: I–V characteristics of different TiO{sub 2} microspheres based DSSCs (a) 3D sphere-like, (b) 3D flower-like, (c) 3D sea-urchin-like. - Highlights: • 3D sea-urchin-like TiO{sub 2} was synthesized by solvothermal method. • The effects of preparation parameters on the microstructure of the microspheres were investigated. • The photoelectric properties of 3D sea-urchin-like TiO{sub 2} were studied upon DSSCs. • The PCE of the 3D sea-urchin-like TiO{sub 2} was higher than that of other morphologies. - Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) sea-urchin-like TiO{sub 2} microspheres were successfully synthesised by solvothermal method. The effects of preparation parameters including reaction temperature, concentration and massmore » fraction of precursor, and solvent volume on the microstructure of the microspheres were investigated. Results of scanning electron microscopy showed that the preparation parameters played a critical role in the morphology of 3D sea-urchin-like TiO{sub 2}. In addition, when the sea-urchin-like TiO{sub 2} nanostructures were used as the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) anode, the power-conversion efficiency was higher than that of other morphologies, which was due to the special 3D hierarchical nanostructure, large specific surface area, and enhanced absorption of UV–vis of the TiO{sub 2} nanostructures.« less

Solvothermal synthesis of nickel-tungsten sulfides for 2-propanol dehydration.

PubMed

Gómez-Gutiérrez, Claudia M; Luque, P A; Guerra-Rivas, G; López-Sánchez, J A; Armenta, M A; Quintana, J M; Olivas, A

2015-01-01

The bimetallic nickel-tungsten catalysts were prepared via solvothermal method. The X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) analysis revealed that the corresponding peaks at 14°, 34°, and 58° were for tungsten disulfide (WS2 ) hexagonal phase. The catalysts displayed different crystalline phase with nickel addition, and as an effect the WS2 surface area decreased from 74.7 to 2.0 m(2) g(--1) . In this sense, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed the layers set in direction (002) with an onion-like morphology, and in the center of the particles there is a large amount of nickel contained with 6-8 layers covering it. The catalytic dehydration of 2-propanol was selective to propene in 100% at 250 °C for the sample with 0.7 of atomic ratio of Ni/Ni + W. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Facile synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide composite via simple solvothermal route and their photocatalytic activity on methylene blue degradation.

PubMed

Atchudan, Raji; Edison, Thomas Nesakumar Jebakumar Immanuel; Perumal, Suguna; Karthikeyan, Dhanapalan; Lee, Yong Rok

2016-09-01

Zinc oxide nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide (ZnO@GO) composite was synthesized by simple solvothermal method where zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized via simple thermal oxidation and Hummers method, respectively. The obtained materials were thoroughly characterized by various physico-chemical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectrum shows the intensity of D to G value was close to one which confirms the obtained GO and ZnO@GO composite possesses moderate graphitization. TEM images shows the ZnO nanoparticles mean size of 15±5nm were dispersed over the wrinkled graphene layers. The photocatalytic performance of ZnO@GO composite on degradation of methylene blue (MB) is investigated and the results show that the GO plays an important role in the enhancement of photocatalytic performance. The synthesized ZnO@GO composite achieves a maximum degradation efficiency of 98.5% in a neutral solution under UV-light irradiation for 15min as compared with pure ZnO (degradation efficiency is 49% after 60min of irradiation) due to the increased light absorption, the reduced charge recombination with the introduction of GO. Moreover, the resulting ZnO@GO composite possesses excellent degradation efficiency as compared to ZnO nanoparticles alone on MB. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of reaction time on the structural, optical and electrical performance of copper antimony sulfide nanoparticles using solvothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

John, Bincy; Genifer Silvena, G.; Leo Rajesh, A.

2018-05-01

The less toxic and cost effective ternary Cu-Sb-S nanoparticles and thin films were synthesized and deposited using solvothermal and drop casting method. The reactions were carried out at different timings as 12-48 h, in steps of 12 h using ethylene glycol as solvent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as surfactant. Systematic analysis revealed that due to the influence of different reaction time, significant and unique changes were occurring on the crystal structure, optical and electrical properties of the material. The synthesized nanopowders and deposited films were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, Raman analysis, field emission scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer, UV-Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and hall measurement. XRD results showed that as the time increases crystallinity improves and phase transformation from chalcostibite to tetrahedrite occurs. The Optical performance revealed that the bandgap of nanoparticles were in the range of 1.21-1.49 eV. Hall measurements showed that the deposited Cu12Sb4S13 and CuSbS2 films exhibited p-type conductivity with carrier concentration ranging from 1016-1019 cm-3, indicating a promising p-type absorber material for photovoltaic applications.

Thin single-crystalline Bi2(Te1-xSex)3 ternary nanosheets synthesized by a solvothermal technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Jing; Jian, Jikang; Zhang, Zhihua; Wu, Rong; Li, Jin; Sun, Yanfei

2016-01-01

Bi2(Te1-xSex)3 ternary nanosheets have been successfully synthesized through a facile solvothermal technique using diethylenetriamine as solvent, where x can vary from 0 to 1. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicate that the as-synthesized Bi2(Te1-xSex)3 samples are nanosheets with rhombohedral structure, and the thickness of the nanosheets can be as thin as several nanometers. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) reveal that the nanosheets are single crystalline with a rhombohedral structure. Energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) and XRD analysis by Vegard's law confirm that the ternary Bi2(Te1-xSex)3 nanosheets have been obtained here. The growth of the nanosheets is discussed based on an amine-based molecular template mechanism that has been employed to synthesize some other metal chalcogenides.

Tin phosphide-based anodes for sodium-ion batteries: synthesis via solvothermal transformation of Sn metal and phase-dependent Na storage performance

PubMed Central

Shin, Hyun-Seop; Jung, Kyu-Nam; Jo, Yong Nam; Park, Min-Sik; Kim, Hansung; Lee, Jong-Won

2016-01-01

There is a great deal of current interest in the development of rechargeable sodium (Na)-ion batteries (SIBs) for low-cost, large-scale stationary energy storage systems. For the commercial success of this technology, significant progress should be made in developing robust anode (negative electrode) materials with high capacity and long cycle life. Sn-P compounds are considered promising anode materials that have considerable potential to meet the required performance of SIBs, and they have been typically prepared by high-energy mechanical milling. Here, we report Sn-P-based anodes synthesised through solvothermal transformation of Sn metal and their electrochemical Na storage properties. The temperature and time period used for solvothermal treatment play a crucial role in determining the phase, microstructure, and composition of the Sn-P compound and thus its electrochemical performance. The Sn-P compound prepared under an optimised solvothermal condition shows excellent electrochemical performance as an SIB anode, as evidenced by a high reversible capacity of ~560 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and cycling stability for 100 cycles. The solvothermal route provides an effective approach to synthesising Sn-P anodes with controlled phases and compositions, thus tailoring their Na storage behaviour. PMID:27189834

Solvothermal one-step synthesis of Ni-Al layered double hydroxide/carbon nanotube/reduced graphene oxide sheet ternary nanocomposite with ultrahigh capacitance for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Yang, Wanlu; Gao, Zan; Wang, Jun; Ma, Jing; Zhang, Milin; Liu, Lianhe

2013-06-26

A Ni-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH), mutil-wall carbon nanotube (CNT), and reduced graphene oxide sheet (GNS) ternary nanocomposite electrode material has been developed by a facile one-step ethanol solvothermal method. The obtained LDH/CNT/GNS composite displayed a three-dimensional (3D) architecture with flowerlike Ni-Al LDH/CNT nanocrystallites gradually self-assembled on GNS nanosheets. GNS was used as building blocks to construct 3D nanostructure, and the LDH/CNT nanoflowers in turn separated the two-dimensional (2D) GNS sheets, which preserved the high surface area of GNSs. Furthermore, the generated porous networks with a narrow pore size distribution in the LDH/CNT/GNS composite were also demonstrated by the N2 adsorption/desorption experiment. Such morphology would be favorable to improve the mass transfer and electrochemical action of the electrode. As supercapacitor electrode material, the LDH/CNT/GNS hybrid exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, including ultrahigh specific capacitance (1562 F/g at 5 mA/cm(2)), excellent rate capability, and long-term cycling performance, which could be a promising energy storage/conversion material for supercapacitor application.

Solvothermal transformation of a calcium oleate precursor into large-sized highly ordered arrays of ultralong hydroxyapatite microtubes.

PubMed

Lu, Bing-Qiang; Zhu, Ying-Jie; Chen, Feng; Qi, Chao; Zhao, Xin-Yu; Zhao, Jing

2014-06-02

Hydroxyapatite (HAP), a well-known member of the calcium phosphate family, is the major inorganic component of bones and teeth in vertebrates. The highly ordered arrays of HAP structures are of great significance for hard tissue repair and for understanding the formation mechanisms of bones and teeth. However, the synthesis of highly ordered HAP structure arrays remains a great challenge. In this work, inspired by the ordered structure of tooth enamel, we have successfully synthesized three-dimensional bulk materials with large sizes (millimeter scale) that are made of highly ordered arrays of ultralong HAP microtubes (HOAUHMs) by solvothermal transformation of calcium oleate precursor. The core-shell-structured oblate sphere consists of a core that is composed of HAP nanorods and a shell that consists of highly ordered HAP microtube arrays. The prepared HOAUHMs are large: 6.0 mm in diameter and up to 1.4 mm in thickness. With increasing solvothermal reaction time, the HOAUHMs grow larger; the microtubes become more uniform and more ordered. This work provides a new synthetic method for synthesizing highly ordered arrays of uniform HAP ultralong microtubes that are promising for biomedical applications. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Solvothermal fabrication and enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of Cu2O-reduced graphene oxide composite microspheres for photodegradation of Rhodamine B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Lingling; Wang, Guohong; Hao, Ruirui; Han, Deyan; Cao, Sheng

2015-12-01

The addition of graphene oxide (GO) in the semiconductors has been regarded as one of the effective methods to enhance their photocatalytic activity. In this study, Cu2O-reduced graphene oxide (Cu2O-rGO) composites with low loading (0-0.5 wt.%) of graphene oxide (GO) were produced by a one-step green solvothermal method in ethanol system by using Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and glutamic acid as copper precursor and reducing agent, respectively. During the solvothermal treatment, GO was reduced to rGO. The as-prepared Cu2O-reduced graphene oxide composite microspheres exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of RhB aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. At the optimal loading of graphene oxide (0.05 wt.%), Cu2O-rGO composites showed the highest photocatalytic activity, exceeding that of pure Cu2O and commercial Degussa P25 by a factor of 2.9 and 7.9, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity may be ascribed to the strong coupling interaction between Cu2O particles and rGO nanosheets, which reduces the recombination of charge carriers.

Hierarchical structures of ZnO spherical particles synthesized solvothermally

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Noriko; Haneda, Hajime

2011-12-01

We review the solvothermal synthesis, using a mixture of ethylene glycol (EG) and water as the solvent, of zinc oxide (ZnO) particles having spherical and flower-like shapes and hierarchical nanostructures. The preparation conditions of the ZnO particles and the microscopic characterization of the morphology are summarized. We found the following three effects of the ratio of EG to water on the formation of hierarchical structures: (i) EG restricts the growth of ZnO microcrystals, (ii) EG promotes the self-assembly of small crystallites into spheroidal particles and (iii) the high water content of EG results in hollow spheres.

Facile solvothermal synthesis of highly active and robust Pd1.87Cu0.11Sn electrocatalyst towards direct ethanol fuel cell applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jana, Rajkumar; Dhiman, Shikha; Peter, Sebastian C.

2016-08-01

Ordered intermetallic Pd1.87Cu0.11Sn ternary electrocatalyst has been synthesized by sodium borohydride reduction of precursor salts Pd(acac)2, CuCl2.2H2O and SnCl2 using one-pot solvothermal synthesis method at 220 °C with a reaction time of 24 h. To the best of our knowledge, here for the first time we report surfactant free synthesis of a novel ordered intermetallic ternary Pd1.87Cu0.11Sn nanoparticles. The ordered structure of the catalyst has been confirmed by powder x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Composition and morphology of the nanoparticles have been confirmed through field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry and TEM. The electrocatalytic activity and stability of the ternary electrocatalyst towards ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques. The catalyst is proved to be highly efficient and stable upto 500th cycle and even better than commercially available Pd/C (20 wt%) electrocatalysts. The specific and mass activity of the as synthesized ternary catalyst are found to be ∼4.76 and ∼2.9 times better than that of commercial Pd/C. The enhanced activity and stability of the ordered ternary Pd1.87Cu0.11Sn catalyst can make it as a promising candidate for the alkaline direct ethanol fuel cell application.

Mg doped Li2FeSiO4/C nanocomposites synthesized by the solvothermal method for lithium ion batteries.

PubMed

Kumar, Ajay; Jayakumar, O D; Jagannath; Bashiri, Parisa; Nazri, G A; Naik, Vaman M; Naik, Ratna

2017-10-14

A series of porous Li 2 Fe 1-x Mg x SiO 4 /C (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04) nanocomposites (LFS/C, 1Mg-LFS/C, 2Mg-LFS and 4Mg-LFS/C) have been synthesized via a solvo-thermal method using the Pluronic P123 polymer as an in situ carbon source. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction data of Li 2 Fe 1-x Mg x SiO 4 /C composites confirms the formation of the monoclinic P2 1 structure of Li 2 FeSiO 4 . The addition of Mg facilitates the growth of impurity-free Li 2 FeSiO 4 with increased crystallinity and particle size. Despite having the same percentage of carbon content (∼15 wt%) in all the samples, the 1Mg-LFS/C nanocomposite delivered the highest initial discharge capacity of 278 mA h g -1 (∼84% of the theoretical capacity) at the C/30 rate and also exhibited the best rate capability and cycle stability (94% retention after 100 charge-discharge cycles at 1C). This is attributed to its large surface area with a narrow pore size distribution and a lower charge transfer resistance with enhanced Li-ion diffusion coefficient compared to other nanocomposites.

High efficient photocatalytic selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde by solvothermal-synthesized ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres under visible light irradiation

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

Chen, Zhixin, E-mail: czx@fzu.edu.cn; Instrumental Measurement and Analysis Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002; Xu, Jingjing

Hexagonal ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} samples have been synthesized by a solvothermal method. Their properties have been determined by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible-light diffuse reflectance spectra, field emission scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectra. These results demonstrate that ethanol solvent has significant influence on the morphology, optical and electronic nature for such marigold-like ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres. The visible light photocatalytic activities of the ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} have been evaluated by selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde using molecular oxygen as oxidant. The results show that 100% conversion along with >99% selectivity are reached over ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4}more » prepared in ethanol solvent under visible light irradiation (λ>420 nm) of 2 h, but only 58% conversion and 57% yield are reached over ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} prepared in aqueous solvent. A possible mechanism of the high photocatalytic activity for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol over ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} is proposed and discussed. - Graphical abstract: Marigold-like ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres were synthesized by a solvothermal method. The high visible photocatalytic activities of ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} were evaluated by selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde under mild conditions. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Marigold-like ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres were synthesized by a solvothermal method. • The solvents have a remarkably influence on the morphology and properties of samples. • It is the first time to apply ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol. • ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} shows high photocatalytic activity for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol.« less

A facile method of preparing LiMnPO4/reduced graphene oxide aerogel as cathodic material for aqueous lithium-ion hybrid supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Lin; Wang, Senlin; Zhang, Xiao; He, Taobin; Lu, Fengxia; Li, Huichang; Ye, Junhui

2018-01-01

A facile method of preparing LiMnPO4/reduced graphene oxide aerogel (LMP/rGO) as cathodic material was reported here. LiMnPO4 nano-particles were prepared using a facile polyvinyl pyrrolidone-assisted solvothermal route. Then LMP/rGO aerogel was prepared using the accessible restacking method. The influence of the cathodic electrode composition (ratio of rGO to LiMnPO4) on the performance of the LMP/rGO was evaluated by constant-current discharge tests. When compared with 217C g-1 for the pristine LMP, the best LMP/rGO (the content of rGO is 27.3 wt%) exhibits a higher capacity of 464.5C g-1 (at 0.5 A g-1), which presenting the capacity enhance of 114%. Moreover, a lithium-ion hybrid supercapacitor (LIHS) was successfully assembled by using LMP/rGO aerogel as the cathodic electrode and rGO aerogel as the anodic electrode. The LMP/rGO//rGO device achieves excellent specific energy of 16.46 W h kg-1 at a power density of 0.38 kW kg-1, even under the higher specific power of 4.52 kW kg-1, there still holds the specific energy of 11.79 W h kg-1. The LMP/rGO//rGO device maintains 91.2% of the initial capacity after 10,000 cycles (at 2 A g-1), which displays high rate performance and long cycle life. The 3D LMP/rGO aerogel could be a promising candidate material for the lithium-ion hybrid supercapacitors.

Self-Sacrificial Salt Templating: Simple Auxiliary Control over the Nanoporous Structure of Porous Carbon Monoliths Prepared through the Solvothermal Route

PubMed Central

Feng, Junzong; Jiang, Yonggang; Liu, Ping; Zhang, Qiuhua; Wei, Ronghui; Chen, Xiang; Feng, Jian

2018-01-01

The conventional sol-gel method for preparing porous carbons is tedious and high-cost to prepare porous carbons and the control over the nanoporous architecture by solvents and carbonization is restricted. A simple and novel self-sacrificial salt templating method was first presented to adjust the microporous structure of porous carbon monoliths synthesized via the solvothermal method. Apart from good monolithic appearance, the solvothermal route allowed for ambient drying because it made sure that the polymerization reaction was completed quickly and thoroughly. The intact and crack-free porous carbon monoliths were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nitrogen sorption measurements. It was proven that the self-sacrificial salts NH4SCN had been removed during pyrolyzing and so, porous carbon monoliths could be directly obtained after carbonization without the need of washing removal of salts. Most importantly, the microporous specific surface area of the resultant porous carbon monoliths was dramatically increased up to 770 m2/g and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area was up to 1131 m2/g. That was because the salts NH4SCN as self-sacrificial templating helped to form more around 0.6 nm, 0.72 nm and 1.1 nm micropores. The self-sacrificial salt templating is also a suitable and feasible method for controlling the nanoporous structure of other porous materials. PMID:29671818

Solvo-thermal in situ transesterification of wet spent coffee grounds for the production of biodiesel.

PubMed

Park, Jeongseok; Kim, Bora; Son, Jeesung; Lee, Jae W

2018-02-01

This work addresses non-catalytic biodiesel production from spent coffee ground (SCG) by integrating solvo-thermal effect of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) with in situ transesterification over 160 °C. The SCG water content has a positive effect on the DCE hydrolysis up to 60 wt% due to the bimolecular substitution mechanism. The hydrolysis gives an acidic environment favorable for cellulose decomposition, SCG particle size reduction and lipid conversion. The optimal fatty acid ethyl ester yield was 11.8 wt% based on the mass of dried SCG with 3.36 ml ethanol and 3.16 ml DCE at 196.8 °C through the response surface methodology. Using the solvo-thermal effect, direct utilization of wet SCG as a biodiesel feedstock provides not only economic feasibility without using drying process and additional acid catalyst but also environmental advantage of recycling the municipal waste. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

One-pot solvothermal synthesis of dual-phase titanate/titania Nanoparticles and their adsorption and photocatalytic Performances

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

Cheng, Yu Hua; Gong, Dangguo; Tang, Yuxin

2014-06-01

Dual phase titanate/titania nanoparticles undergo phase transformation gradually with the increase of solvothermal synthesis temperature from 100 °C to 200 °C, and eventually are fully transformed into anatase TiO{sub 2}. The crystal structure change results in the changes of optical absorption, sensitizer/dopant formation and surface area of the materials which finally affect the overall dye removal ability. Reactions under dark and light have been conducted to distinguish the contributions of surface adsorption from photocatalytic degradation. The sample synthesized at 160 °C (S160) shows the best performances for both adsorption under dark and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visiblemore » light irradiation. The adsorption mechanism for S160 is determined as monolayer adsorption based on the adsorption isotherm test under dark condition, and an impressive adsorption capacity of 162.19 mg/g is achieved. For the photocatalytic application, this sample at 0.1 g/L loading is also able to degrade 20 ppm MB within 6 hours under the visible light (>420 nm) condition. - Graphical abstract: The effect of solvothermal synthesis temperature on the formation and dye removal performance of dual phase titanate/titania nanoparticles was unveiled and optimized. - Highlights: • Low temperature one-pot solvothermal synthesis of dual-phase photocatalysts. • Correlation of the synthesis temperature is made with the phase composition. • Adsorption isotherm, kinetics, photocatalytic degradation were studied. • Synthesis at 160 °C yields the best material for adsorption of MB in dark. • The same sample also shows the best visible light degradation of MB.« less

Synthesis of nanocrystalline TiO 2 in toluene by a solvothermal route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Chung-Sik; Moon, Byung Kee; Park, Jong-Ho; Tae Chung, Su; Son, Se-Mo

2003-07-01

A solvothermal synthetic method to TiO 2 nanoparticles has been investigated in toluene solutions with titanium isopropoxide (TIP) as precursor. Weight ratios of precursor to solvent prepared in the mixture are 5/100, 10/100, 20/100, 30/100 and 40/100. At the weight ratio of 10/100, 20/100 and 30/100, TiO 2 nanocrystalline particles were obtained after synthesis at 250°C for 3 h in an autoclave. X-ray diffraction and tranmission electron microscopy shows that the product has uniform anatase structure with average particle size below 20 nm. As the composition of TIP in the solution increases, the particle size of TiO 2 powder tends to increase. At 5/100 and 40/100, however, pale yellow colloidal solution is obtained after synthesis and crystalline phase of TiO 2 is not produced. The specific surface area of the TiO 2 nanocrystalline powder was also investigated using BET surface area analyzer.

Solvothermal synthesis of Bi2O3/BiVO4 heterojunction with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ying, Wu; Jing, Wang; Yunfang, Huang; Yuelin, Wei; Zhixian, Sun; Xuanqing, Zheng; Chengkun, Zhang; Ningling, Zhou; Leqing, Fan; Jihuai, Wu

2016-08-01

Novel, three-dimensional, flower-like Bi2O3/BiVO4 heterojunction photocatalysts have been prepared by the combination of homogeneous precipitation and two-step solvothermal method followed by thermal solution of NaOH etching process. The as-obtained samples were fully characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, and UV—vis diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy in detail. The crystallinity, microstructure, specific surface area, optical property and photocatalytic activity of samples greatly changed depending on solvothermal reaction time. The photocatalytic activities of samples were evaluated on the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible-light irradiation. The Bi2O3/BiVO4 exhibited much higher photocatalytic activities than pure BiVO4 and conventional TiO2 (P25). The result revealed that the three-dimensional heterojunction played a critical role in the separation of the electron and hole pairs and enhancement of the interfacial charge transfer efficiency, which was responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic activity. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 61306077, 21301060), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Nos. JB-ZR1109, JB-ZR1212), the National Science Foundation of Quanzhou City (No. 2014Z108), the Promotion Program for Young and Middle-aged Teachers in Science and Technology Research of Huaqiao University (No. ZQN-PY207), Discipline Innovation Team Project of Huaqiao University (No. 201320), and the Instrumental Analysis Center Huaqiao University.

Deep eutectic-solvothermal synthesis of nanostructured ceria

PubMed Central

Hammond, Oliver S.; Edler, Karen J.; Bowron, Daniel T.; Torrente-Murciano, Laura

2017-01-01

Ceria is a technologically important material with applications in catalysis, emissions control and solid-oxide fuel cells. Nanostructured ceria becomes profoundly more active due to its enhanced surface area to volume ratio, reactive surface oxygen vacancy concentration and superior oxygen storage capacity. Here we report the synthesis of nanostructured ceria using the green Deep Eutectic Solvent reline, which allows morphology and porosity control in one of the less energy-intensive routes reported to date. Using wide Q-range liquid-phase neutron diffraction, we elucidate the mechanism of reaction at a molecular scale at considerably milder conditions than the conventional hydrothermal synthetic routes. The reline solvent plays the role of a latent supramolecular catalyst where the increase in reaction rate from solvent-driven pre-organization of the reactants is most significant. This fundamental understanding of deep eutectic-solvothermal methodology will enable future developments in low-temperature synthesis of nanostructured ceria, facilitating its large-scale manufacturing using green, economic, non-toxic solvents. PMID:28120829

[Cu(I)(bpp)]BF4: the first extended coordination network prepared solvothermally in an ionic liquid solvent.

PubMed

Jin, Kun; Huang, Xiaoying; Pan, Long; Li, Jing; Appel, Aaron; Wherland, Scot; Pang, Long

2002-12-07

Use of an ionic liquid [bmim][BF4] (bmim = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) as solvent has resulted in the first extended coordination structure, the two-dimensional network [Cu(bpp)]BF4 [bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane], produced via a solvothermal route.

Synthesis of framework isomer MOFs containing zinc and 4-tetrazolyl benzenecarboxylic acid via a structure directing solvothermal approach

DOE PAGES

Ordonez, Carlos; Kinnibrugh, Tiffany L.; Xu, Hongwu; ...

2015-04-02

The solvothermal synthesis of framework isomers was carried out using the hybrid carboxylate and tetrazolate functional ligand, 4-tetrazolyl benzenecarboxylic acid (H₂TBC, TBC = 4-tetrazolyl benzenecarboxylate) and zinc. H₂TBC was also synthesized with the solvothermal approach, and is referred herein as structure 1. Using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, we found that the tetrazolate groups of TBC show an unusual “opposite-on” coordination mode with zinc. Three previously characterized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were obtained by systematically changing the solvents of the H₂TBC-Zn reaction, (1) ZnTBC, 2, which has a non-porous structure; (2) Zn₂(TBC)₂(H2O), 3, which has an amphiphilic pore structure and (3) Zn₂(TBC)₂{guest}, 4,more » which is porous and has channels containing uncoordinated N heteroatoms. Fluorescence spectra of 4 reveal a strong blue emission mainly from the TBC ligands.« less

Payment methods for outpatient care facilities

PubMed Central

Yuan, Beibei; He, Li; Meng, Qingyue; Jia, Liying

2017-01-01

Background Outpatient care facilities provide a variety of basic healthcare services to individuals who do not require hospitalisation or institutionalisation, and are usually the patient's first contact. The provision of outpatient care contributes to immediate and large gains in health status, and a large portion of total health expenditure goes to outpatient healthcare services. Payment method is one of the most important incentive methods applied by purchasers to guide the performance of outpatient care providers. Objectives To assess the impact of different payment methods on the performance of outpatient care facilities and to analyse the differences in impact of payment methods in different settings. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), 2016, Issue 3, part of the Cochrane Library (searched 8 March 2016); MEDLINE, OvidSP (searched 8 March 2016); Embase, OvidSP (searched 24 April 2014); PubMed (NCBI) (searched 8 March 2016); Dissertations and Theses Database, ProQuest (searched 8 March 2016); Conference Proceedings Citation Index (ISI Web of Science) (searched 8 March 2016); IDEAS (searched 8 March 2016); EconLit, ProQuest (searched 8 March 2016); POPLINE, K4Health (searched 8 March 2016); China National Knowledge Infrastructure (searched 8 March 2016); Chinese Medicine Premier (searched 8 March 2016); OpenGrey (searched 8 March 2016); ClinicalTrials.gov, US National Institutes of Health (NIH) (searched 8 March 2016); World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (searched 8 March 2016); and the website of the World Bank (searched 8 March 2016). In addition, we searched the reference lists of included studies and carried out a citation search for the included studies via ISI Web of Science to find other potentially relevant studies. We also contacted authors of the main included studies regarding any further published or unpublished work. Selection criteria Randomised

An integrated lean-methods approach to hospital facilities redesign.

PubMed

Nicholas, John

2012-01-01

Lean production methods for eliminating waste and improving processes in manufacturing are now being applied in healthcare. As the author shows, the methods are appropriate for redesigning hospital facilities. When used in an integrated manner and employing teams of mostly clinicians, the methods produce facility designs that are custom-fit to patient needs and caregiver work processes, and reduce operational costs. The author reviews lean methods and an approach for integrating them in the redesign of hospital facilities. A case example of the redesign of an emergency department shows the feasibility and benefits of the approach.

One-Pot Solvothermal Synthesis of Bi4V2O11 as A New Solar Water Oxidation Photocatalyst

PubMed Central

Jiang, Zaiyong; Liu, Yuanyuan; Li, Mengmeng; Jing, Tao; Huang, Baibiao; Zhang, Xiaoyang; Qin, Xiaoyan; Dai, Ying

2016-01-01

Bi4V2O11 was prepared via a one-pot solvothermal method and characterized via XRD, Raman, XPS, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The as-prepared Bi4V2O11 sample displays excellent photocatalytic activity towards oxygen evolution under light irradiation. The hierarchical structure is in favour of the spatial separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. Furthermore, the internal polar field also plays a role in improving the charge separation. Both of the two results are responsible for excellent activity of O2 evolution. The resulting hierarchical Bi4V2O11 sample should be very promising photocatalyst for the application of photocatalytic O2 evolution in the future. PMID:26947126

Direct Solvothermal Liquefaction of Pennisetum purpureum Biomass to Produce Biocrude Using Ethanol Solvent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adriane Ochiai, Mikael; Marrod Cruz, Salvador; Oporto, Louiellyn; de Leon, Rizalinda

2018-03-01

Direct solvothermal liquefaction was used in converting the lignocellulosic biomass, Pennisetum purpureum or Napier grass using ethanol as solvent. Liquefaction of Napier grass resulted in a dark and viscous bio-crude product and exhibited promising yields (34.6377% to 48.6267%). It was determined that the effects of temperature and residence time were statistically significant with the residence time having the greatest positive effect on yield. High yields of bio-crude from Napier grass seem to occur when solvothermal temperature, residence time increased and as solids ratio decreased. However, elemental analysis showed that the bio-crude produced needs to undergo deoxygenation (O: 14.25 - 49.42%) before mixing with petroleum. For the higher heating value (HHV), the parameters observed in the study were statistically insignificant, however, temperature was determined to have the greatest positive effect on HHV. It was observed that high HHV bio-crude were produced at high temperatures, low solids ratio, and low residence times. The acquired averages for the HHV (20.0333 MJ/kg to 29.7744 MJ/kg) were all higher than the HHV of the Napier grass sample used in the study (12.9394 MJ/kg). It was observed in the study, that even though solids ratio has the least effect on both responses, the choice of solids ratio is dependent on its interaction effects with the other parameters as its effects contribute to the observed responses.

Synthesis of gadolinium carbonate-conjugated-poly(ethylene)glycol (Gd{sub 2}(CO{sub 3}){sub 3}@PEG) particles via a modified solvothermal method

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

Nasution, Erika L. Y.; Ahab, Atika; Nuryadin, Bebeh W.

2016-02-08

PEGylated gadolinium carbonate ((Gd{sub 2}(CO{sub 3}){sub 3})@PEG) powder was successfully synthesized by a modified solvothermal method. The synthesized products were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). A systematic change in the chemical surface composition, crystallinity and size properties of the Gd{sub 2}(CO{sub 3}){sub 3}@PEG particles was observed by increasing the reaction time at 5 hours, 7 hours, and 8 hours. The corresponding XRD patterns showed that the Gd{sub 2}(CO{sub 3}){sub 3} particles had hexagonal symmetry (JCPDS No. 37-0559) with a crystallite size of 3.5,more » 2.9, and 4.6 nm. FTIR spectra showed that the Gd{sub 2}(CO{sub 3}){sub 3})@PEG particles were formed with the PEG as carbonyl and hydroxyl group attached to the surface. SEM analysis showed that the Gd{sub 2}(CO{sub 3}){sub 3})@PEG particles had a flake-like morphology of homogeneous sized particles and agglomerates. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of constituent Gd{sub 2}(CO{sub 3}){sub 3} elements.« less

Payment methods for outpatient care facilities.

PubMed

Yuan, Beibei; He, Li; Meng, Qingyue; Jia, Liying

2017-03-03

Outpatient care facilities provide a variety of basic healthcare services to individuals who do not require hospitalisation or institutionalisation, and are usually the patient's first contact. The provision of outpatient care contributes to immediate and large gains in health status, and a large portion of total health expenditure goes to outpatient healthcare services. Payment method is one of the most important incentive methods applied by purchasers to guide the performance of outpatient care providers. To assess the impact of different payment methods on the performance of outpatient care facilities and to analyse the differences in impact of payment methods in different settings. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), 2016, Issue 3, part of the Cochrane Library (searched 8 March 2016); MEDLINE, OvidSP (searched 8 March 2016); Embase, OvidSP (searched 24 April 2014); PubMed (NCBI) (searched 8 March 2016); Dissertations and Theses Database, ProQuest (searched 8 March 2016); Conference Proceedings Citation Index (ISI Web of Science) (searched 8 March 2016); IDEAS (searched 8 March 2016); EconLit, ProQuest (searched 8 March 2016); POPLINE, K4Health (searched 8 March 2016); China National Knowledge Infrastructure (searched 8 March 2016); Chinese Medicine Premier (searched 8 March 2016); OpenGrey (searched 8 March 2016); ClinicalTrials.gov, US National Institutes of Health (NIH) (searched 8 March 2016); World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (searched 8 March 2016); and the website of the World Bank (searched 8 March 2016).In addition, we searched the reference lists of included studies and carried out a citation search for the included studies via ISI Web of Science to find other potentially relevant studies. We also contacted authors of the main included studies regarding any further published or unpublished work. Randomised trials, non-randomised trials, controlled before

Template-Free Solvothermal Synthesis of Flower-Like BiOBr Microspheres in Ethanol Medium for Photocatalytic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Shaoming; Ren, Huijun; Fang, Yanfeng; Huang, Yingping; Li, Ruiping

2018-05-01

Three-dimensionally (3D) BiOBr microflowers were prepared by a simple solvothermal method, employing Bi(NO3)3 · 5H2O and NaBr as starting reagents in ethanol. The structural, light absorption and morphological properties of as-prepared BiOBr microspheres were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), etc. The results showed that ethanol acted not only as a solvent but also as a template in 3D BiOBr preparation. The BiOBr microspheres exhibited superior photocatalytic activity compared with 2D BiOBr nanosheets, far exceeding that of TiO2 (Degussa, P25). It was found that both superoxide radical (O2 •-) and holes (h+) played a key role in the degradation of RhB by BiOBr microflowers.

Solvothermal preparation of phthalocyanine nanorod/rGO composites and their application to visible-light-responsive photocatalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shuai; Lu, Yongting; Zhang, Fan; Qu, Jie; Lin, Bencai; Yuan, Ningyi; Fang, Bijun; Ding, Jian-Ning

2016-09-01

Phthalocyanine (Pc) nanorod/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites were prepared by a simple solvothermal method, in which Pc nanosheet and graphene oxide (GO) suspensions were mixed in methanol. As characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction, Pc nanorods with an amorphous structure and an average diameter of 250nm are partially covered by rGO sheets. In the photodegradation experiments, all the composites with different rGO content show enhanced photocatalytic activity for Rhodamine B decomposition under visible-light compared to pure Pc nanorods or rGO sheets. The enhanced photocatalytic activity shall be ascribed to the large surface area offered by rGO and the charge-transfer from Pc to rGO as indicated by the photoluminescence measurement, in which fluorescence intensity of the composites is much weaker than that of Pc nanorods.

Potassium-doped copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized by a solvothermal method as an anode material for high-performance lithium ion secondary battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thi, Trang Vu; Rai, Alok Kumar; Gim, Jihyeon; Kim, Jaekook

2014-06-01

A simple and efficient approach was developed to synthesize CuO nanoparticles with improved electrochemical performance. Potassium (K+)-doped CuO nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple and cost-effective solvothermal method followed by annealing at 500 °C for 5 h under air atmosphere. For comparison, an undoped CuO sample was also synthesized under the same conditions. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates that the K+ ion doping caused no change in the phase structure, and highly crystalline KxCu1-xO1-δ (x = 0.10) powder without any impurity was obtained. As an anode material for a lithium ion battery, the K+-doped CuO nanoparticle electrode exhibited better capacity retention with a reversible capacity of over 354.6 mA h g-1 for up to 30 cycles at 0.1 C, as well as a high charge capacity of 162.3 mA h g-1 at a high current rate of 3.2 C, in comparison to an undoped CuO electrode (275.9 mA h g-1 at 0.1 C and 68.9 mA h g-1 at 3.2 C). The high rate capability and better cycleability of the doped electrode can be attributed to the influence of the K+ ion nanostructure on the increased electronic conductivity, diffusion efficiency, and kinetic properties of CuO during the lithiation and delithiation process.

Solvo-thermal synthesis of a unique alkaline earth-transition Ba-Cd micro-porous coordination framework as hetero-metallic luminescent sensor for Cu2+ and real-time detection of benzaldehyde

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Bin; Ma, Dian Xue; Zhang, Hui Min; Meng, Xin; Qiu, Rong Rong; Ren, Rong; Wu, Jie; Wu, Xiang Xia; Huo, Jian Zhong; Liu, Yuan Yuan; Shi, Xue Fang

2018-06-01

In this work a unique hetero-metallic alkaline earth-transition Ba-Cd luminescent micro-porous metal-organic framework {[BaCd(μ6-tp)1.5(μ2-Cl)(H2O) (DMF)2]·0.75H2O}n (H2tp = terephthalic acid) (1) has been prepared under solvo-thermal conditions. In 1 infinite 1D {Ba-X-Cd} (X = O, Cl) inorganic chains are linked via these full de-pronated tp2- ligands forming a unique 3D I1O2 type micro-porous coordination framework. PXRD patterns of 1 have been determined confirming pure phases of 1. Luminescence investigations suggested that 1 exhibits highly selective and sensitive sensing for trace amounts of benzaldehyde in ethanol, which provides a facile method for real-time detection of benzaldehyde. Meanwhile 1 also exhibits highly selective and sensitive sensing for Cu2+ over other cations with high quenching efficiency Ksv value 1.15 × 104 L·mol-1. As far as we know, 1 represents the first example of alkaline earth-transition hetero-metallic Ba-Cd micro-porous coordination framework as bi-functional luminescent probes for Cu2+ and benzaldehyde.

Solvothermal tuning of photoluminescent graphene quantum dots: from preparation to photoluminescence mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Bao-Ping; Zhang, Xiaoru; Shang, Bing-Bing; Xiang, Dongshan; Zhang, Shenghui

2018-02-01

Solvothermal synthesis was employed to tune the surface states of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Two series of GQDs with the particle sizes from 2.6 to 4.5 nm were prepared as follows: (I) GQDs with the same size but different oxygen degrees; (II) GQDs with different core sizes but the similar surface chemistry. Both the large sizes and the high surface oxidation degrees led to the redshift photoluminescence (PL) of GQDs. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) spectra from two series of GQDs were all in accordance with their PL spectra, respectively, which provided good evidence for the conjugated structures in GQDs responsible for PL. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Ionic liquid-assisted solvothermal synthesis of hollow Mn2O3 anode and LiMn2O4 cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Xin; Wang, Jun; Jia, Haiping; Kloepsch, Richard; Liu, Haidong; Beltrop, Kolja; Li, Jie

2015-10-01

Mn-based Mn2O3 anode and LiMn2O4 cathode materials are prepared by a solvothermal method combined with post annealing process. Environmentally friendly ionic liquid 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate as both structure-directing agent and fluorine source is used to prepare hollow polyhedron MnF2 precursor. Both target materials Mn2O3 anode and LiMn2O4 cathode have the morphology of the MnF2 precursor. The Mn2O3 anode using carboxymethyl cellulose as binder could deliver slight better electrochemical performance than the one using poly (vinyldifluoride) as binder. The former has an initial charge capacity of 800 mAh g-1 at a current density of 101.8 mA g-1, and exhibits no obvious capacity decay for 150 cycles at 101.8 mA g-1. The LiMn2O4 cathode material prepared with molten salt assistant could display much better electrochemical performance than the one prepared without molten salt assistance. In particular, it has an initial discharge capacity of 117.5 mAh g-1 at a current density of 0.5C and good rate capability. In the field of lithium ion batteries, both the Mn2O3 anode and LiMn2O4 cathode materials could exhibit enhanced electrochemical performance due to the well formed morphology based on the ionic liquid-assisted solvothermal method.

The Synthesis of LiMnxFe1−xPO4/C Cathode Material through Solvothermal Jointed with Solid-State Reaction

PubMed Central

He, Xiangming; Wang, Jixian; Dai, Zhongjia; Wang, Li; Tian, Guangyu

2016-01-01

LiMnxFe1−xPO4/C material has been synthesized through a facile solid-state reaction under the condition of carbon coating, using solvothermal-prepared LiMnPO4 and LiFePO4 as precursors and sucrose as a carbon resource. XRD and element distribution analysis reveal completed solid-state reaction of precursors. LiMnxFe1−xPO4/C composites inherit the morphology of precursors after heat treatment without obvious agglomeration and size increase. LiMnxFe1−xPO4 solid solution forms at low temperature around 350 °C, and Mn2+/Fe2+ diffuse completely within 1 h at 650 °C. The LiMnxFe1−xPO4/C (x < 0.8) composite exhibits a high-discharge capacity of over 120 mAh·g−1 (500 Wh·kg−1) at low C-rates. This paves a way to synthesize the crystal-optimized LiMnxFe1−xPO4/C materials for high performance Li-ion batteries. PMID:28773887

Facile solvothermal synthesis of NaTi2(PO4)3/C porous plates as electrode materials for high-performance sodium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Zhifeng; Liu, Li; Yi, Lingguang; Xiao, Wei; Li, Min; Zhou, Qian; Guo, Guoxiong; Chen, Xiaoying; Shu, Hongbo; Yang, Xiukang; Wang, Xianyou

2016-09-01

NaTi2(PO4)3/C porous plates have been successfully synthesized via solvothermal approach with ammonia as inductive agent combined in-situ carbon coating. It reveals that the inductive agent plays a critical role in morphology-controllable fabrication. The morphology, structure, and electrochemical properties of NaTi2(PO4)3/C composites with multilayered plates, single-layered plate, porous multilayered plates all have been investigated, which are prepared by using urea, triethylamine, and ammonia, respectively. Among these samples, NaTi2(PO4)3/C porous multilayered plates with ammonia addition exhibit the best electrochemical properties due to their unique mesoporous structure. NaTi2(PO4)3/C porous multilayered plates deliver an initial specific capacity of 125 and 110 mAh g-1 at 0.1 and 1 C, respectively. Furthermore, NaTi2(PO4)3/C porous multilayered plates show a good rate capability, whose capacity and corresponding capacity retention reach 85 mAh g-1 and 82.4%, respectively, after 120 cycles under the high rate of 10 C. The excellent results indicate that the NaTi2(PO4)3/C porous multilayered plates are a promising electrode candidate for sodium ion battery.

Synthesis and structural properties of Ba(1-x)LaxTiO3 perovskite nanoparticles fabricated by solvothermal synthesis route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puli, Venkata Sreenivas; Adireddy, Shiva; Elupula, Ravinder; Molugu, Sudheer; Shipman, Josh; Chrisey, Douglas B.

2017-05-01

We report the successful synthesis and structural characterization of barium lanthanum titanate Ba(1-x)LaxTiO3 (x=0.003,0.006,0.010) nanoparticles. The colloidal nanoparticles were prepared with high yield by a solvothermal method at temperatures as low as 150°C for 24h. The as-prepared nanopowders were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD studies revealed pseudo-cubic crystalline structure, with no impurity phases at room temperature. However ferroelectric tetragonal modes were clearly observed using Raman spectroscopy measurements. From TEM measurements, uniformly sized BLT nanoparticles were observed. Selected area diffraction TEM images revealed polycrystalline perovskite ring patterns, identified as corresponding to the tetragonal phase.

Facile synthesis of uniform hierarchical composites CuO-CeO2 for enhanced dye removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Pan; Niu, Helin; Chen, Jingshuai; Song, Jiming; Mao, Changjie; Zhang, Shengyi; Gao, Yuanhao; Chen, Changle

2016-12-01

The hierarchically shaped CuO-CeO2 composites were prepared through a facile solvothermal method without using any template. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis. In the characterization, we found that CuO-CeO2 composites were showed uniform size and morphology which were consisted of the secondary nanoflakes interconnected with each other. Most interestingly, the composites showed efficient performance to remove methyl blue and Congo red dyes from water with maximum adsorption capacities of 2131.24 and 1072.09 mg g-1, respectively. In addition, because of their larger surface area and the unique hierarchical structures, the adsorption performance of the CuO-CeO2 composites is much better than the materials of CuO and CeO2.

Solvothermal synthesis of fusiform hexagonal prism SrCO{sub 3} microrods via ethylene glycol solution

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

Shi Liange; Du Fanglin

2007-08-07

Fusiform hexagonal prism SrCO{sub 3} microrods were prepared by a simple solvothermal route at 120 deg. C, and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. By controlling the content of ethylene glycol (EG), it was found that ethylene glycol (EG) played an important role in the formation of such SrCO{sub 3} microrods. Finally, effects of other solvents on the products, including 1,2-propanediol and glycerin, were also investigated.

Solvothermal synthesis of platinum alloy nanoparticles for oxygen reduction electrocatalysis.

PubMed

Carpenter, Michael K; Moylan, Thomas E; Kukreja, Ratandeep Singh; Atwan, Mohammed H; Tessema, Misle M

2012-05-23

Platinum alloy nanoparticles show great promise as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cell cathodes. We report here on the use of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as both solvent and reductant in the solvothermal synthesis of Pt alloy nanoparticles (NPs), with a particular focus on Pt-Ni alloys. Well-faceted alloy nanocrystals were generated with this method, including predominantly cubic and cuboctahedral nanocrystals of Pt(3)Ni, and octahedral and truncated octahedral nanocrystals of PtNi. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), were used to characterize crystallite morphology and composition. ORR activities of the alloy nanoparticles were measured with a rotating disk electrode (RDE) technique. While some Pt(3)Ni alloy nanoparticle catalysts showed specific activities greater than 1000 μA/cm(2)(Pt), alloy catalysts prepared with a nominal composition of PtNi displayed activities close to 3000 μA/cm(2)(Pt), or almost 15 times that of a state-of-the-art Pt/carbon catalyst. XRD and EDS confirmed the presence of two NP compositions in this catalyst. HAADF-STEM examination of the PtNi nanoparticle catalyst after RDE testing revealed the development of hollows in a number of the nanoparticles due to nickel dissolution. Continued voltage cycling caused further nickel dissolution and void formation, but significant activity remained even after 20,000 cycles.

Solvothermal synthesis, characterization and optical properties of ZnO, ZnO-MgO and ZnO-NiO, mixed oxide nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aslani, Alireza; Arefi, Mohammad Reza; Babapoor, Aziz; Amiri, Asghar; Beyki-Shuraki, Khalil

2011-03-01

ZnO-MgO and ZnO-NiO mixed oxides nanoparticles were produced from a solution containing Zinc acetate, Mg and Ni nitrate by Solvothermal method. The calcination process of the ZnO-MgO and ZnO-NiO composites nanoparticles brought forth polycrystalline two-phase ZnO-MgO and ZnO-NiO nanoparticles of 40-80 nm in diameters. ZnO, MgO and NiO were crystallized into würtzite and rock salt structures, respectively. The optical properties of ZnO-MgO and ZnO-NiO nanoparticles were obtained by solid state UV and solid state florescent. The XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopies of these nanoparticles were analyzed.

Microwave-Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis of VO2 Hollow Spheres and Their Conversion into V2O5 Hollow Spheres with Improved Lithium Storage Capability.

PubMed

Pan, Jing; Zhong, Li; Li, Ming; Luo, Yuanyuan; Li, Guanghai

2016-01-22

Monodispersed hierarchically structured V2O5 hollow spheres were successfully obtained from orthorhombic VO2 hollow spheres, which are in turn synthesized by a simple template-free microwave-assisted solvothermal method. The structural evolution of VO2 hollow spheres has been studied and explained by a chemically induced self-transformation process. The reaction time and water content in the reaction solution have a great influence on the morphology and phase structure of the resulting products in the solvothermal reaction. The diameter of the VO2 hollow spheres can be regulated simply by changing vanadium ion content in the reaction solution. The VO2 hollow spheres can be transformed into V2O5 hollow spheres with nearly no morphological change by annealing in air. The nanorods composed of V2O5 hollow spheres have an average length of about 70 nm and width of about 19 nm. When used as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, the V2O5 hollow spheres display a diameter-dependent electrochemical performance, and the 440 nm hollow spheres show the highest specific discharge capacity of 377.5 mAhg(-1) at a current density of 50 mAg(-1) , and are better than the corresponding solid spheres and nanorod assemblies. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Solvothermal Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Hierarchical CuS Microspheres from a Cu-Based Ionic Liquid Precursor for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Feng, Huijie; Yang, Jiaqin; Qin, Qing; Fan, Hongmin; Wei, Caiying; Zheng, Wenjun

2015-10-07

It is meaningful to exploit copper sulfide materials with desired structure as well as potential application due to their cheapness and low toxicity. A low-temperature and facile solvothermal method for preparing three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical covellite (CuS) microspheres from an ionic liquid precursor [Bmim]2Cu2Cl6 (Bmim = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) is reported. The formation of CuS nanostructures was achieved by decomposition of intermediate complex Cu(Tu)3Cl (thiourea = Tu), which produced CuS microspheres with diameters of 2.5-4 μm assembled by nanosheets with thicknesses of 10-15 nm. The ionic liquid, as an "all-in-one" medium, played a key role for the fabrication and self-assembly of CuS nanosheets. The alkylimidazolium rings ([Bmim](+)) were found to adsorb onto the (001) facets of CuS crystals, which inhibited the crystal growth along the [001] direction, while the alkyl chain had influence on the assembly of CuS nanosheets. The CuS microspheres showed enhanced electrochemical performance and high stability for the application in supercapacitors due to intriguing structural design and large specific surface area. When this well-defined CuS electrode was assembled into an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) with an activated carbon (AC) electrode, the CuS//AC-ASC demonstrated good cycle performance (∼88% capacitance after 4000 cycles) and high energy density (15.06 W h kg(-1) at a power density of 392.9 W kg(-1)). This work provides new insights into the use of copper sulfide electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitors and other electrochemical devices.

Solvo-thermal synthesis of a unique alkaline earth-transition Ba-Cd micro-porous coordination framework as hetero-metallic luminescent sensor for Cu2+ and real-time detection of benzaldehyde.

PubMed

Ding, Bin; Ma, Dian Xue; Zhang, Hui Min; Meng, Xin; Qiu, Rong Rong; Ren, Rong; Wu, Jie; Wu, Xiang Xia; Huo, Jian Zhong; Liu, Yuan Yuan; Shi, Xue Fang

2018-06-15

In this work a unique hetero-metallic alkaline earth-transition Ba-Cd luminescent micro-porous metal-organic framework {[BaCd(μ 6 -tp) 1.5 (μ 2 -Cl)(H 2 O) (DMF) 2 ]·0.75H 2 O} n (H 2 tp=terephthalic acid) (1) has been prepared under solvo-thermal conditions. In 1 infinite 1D {Ba-X-Cd} (X=O, Cl) inorganic chains are linked via these full de-pronated tp 2- ligands forming a unique 3D I 1 O 2 type micro-porous coordination framework. PXRD patterns of 1 have been determined confirming pure phases of 1. Luminescence investigations suggested that 1 exhibits highly selective and sensitive sensing for trace amounts of benzaldehyde in ethanol, which provides a facile method for real-time detection of benzaldehyde. Meanwhile 1 also exhibits highly selective and sensitive sensing for Cu 2+ over other cations with high quenching efficiency K sv value 1.15×10 4 L·mol -1 . As far as we know, 1 represents the first example of alkaline earth-transition hetero-metallic Ba-Cd micro-porous coordination framework as bi-functional luminescent probes for Cu 2+ and benzaldehyde. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Highly flexible sub-1 nm tungsten oxide nanobelts as efficient desulfurization catalysts.

PubMed

He, Jie; Liu, Huiling; Xu, Biao; Wang, Xun

2015-03-01

Ultrathin tungsten oxide nanobelts are successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal method. Sub-1 nm thickness and hydrophobic surface property endow the nanobelts with flexibility, viscosity, gelation, and good catalytic performance in oxidative desulfurization. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of hierarchical TiO2 microspheres for efficient electro-field-assisted-photocatalytic removal of tributyltin in tannery wastewater.

PubMed

Zhao, Yang; Huang, Zhiding; Chang, Wenkai; Wei, Chao; Feng, Xugen; Ma, Lin; Qi, Xiaoxia; Li, Zenghe

2017-07-01

Organotin compounds have been widely used in recent decades, however, the residential tributyltin (TBT) in environment has potential harmful effects on human health due to the disruption of endocrine system even at trace level. Herein, this work reports on an effective electro-field-assisted-photocatalytic technique for removal of TBT by applying an electric field to photocatalysis of as-prepared hierarchical TiO 2 microspheres. The synthesis of catalytic materials is based on a self-assembly process induced by microwave-assisted solvothermal reaction. Hierarchical TiO 2 microspheres consisting of nanowires can be obtained in short time with this facile method and possess high surface area and superior optical properties. As the catalyst, it was found that the reaction rate constant of electro-field-assisted-photocatalytic removal (0.0488 min -1 ) of TBT exhibited almost a 9 fold improvement as compared to that of photocatalysis (0.0052 min -1 ). The proposed mechanism of electro-field-assisted-photocatalytic removal of TBT was verified by using 117 Sn-enriched TBT spike solution as an isotopic tracer. In addition, varying impacts from some key reaction conditions, such as voltage of potential, pH value and the presence of Cr and formaldehyde were also discussed. The overall satisfactory TBT removal performance of the proposed electro-field-assisted-photocatalysis procedure with hierarchical TiO 2 microspheres, which was validated using actual tannery wastewater samples from three different kinds of tanning procedures. These attributes suggest that this electro-field-assisted-photocatalysis may have broad applications for the treatment of tannery wastewater. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Green synthesis of CuInS2/ZnS core-shell quantum dots by facile solvothermal route with enhanced optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jindal, Shikha; Giripunje, Sushama M.; Kondawar, Subhash B.; Koinkar, Pankaj

2018-03-01

We report an eco-friendly green synthesis of highly luminescent CuInS2/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) with average particle size ∼ 3.9 nm via solvothermal process. The present study embodies the intensification of CuInS2/ZnS QDs properties by the shell growth on the CuInS2 QDs. The as-prepared CuInS2 core and CuInS2/ZnS core-shell QDs have been characterized using a range of optical and structural techniques. By adopting a low temperature growth of CuInS2 core and high temperature growth of CuInS2/ZnS core-shell growth, the tuning of absorption and photoluminescence emission spectra were observed. Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy probe the effect of ZnS passivation on the electronic structure of the CuInS2 dots. In addition, QDs have been scrutinized using ultra violet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) to explore their electronic band structure. The band level positions of CuInS2 and CuInS2/ZnS QDs suffices the demand of non-toxic acceptor material for electronic devices. The variation in electronic energy levels of CuInS2 core with the coating of wide band gap ZnS shell influence the removal of trap assisted recombination on the surface of the core. QDs exhibited tunable emission from red to orange region. These studies reveal the feasibility of QDs in photovoltaic and light emitting diodes.

Solvothermal-induced self-assembly of Fe2O3/GS aerogels for high Li-storage and excellent stability.

PubMed

Wang, Ronghua; Xu, Chaohe; Du, Meng; Sun, Jing; Gao, Lian; Zhang, Peng; Yao, Heliang; Lin, Chucheng

2014-06-12

A novel solvothermal-induced self-assembly approach, using colloid sol as precursor, is developed to construct monolithic 3D metal oxide/GS (graphene sheets) aerogels. During the solvothermal process, graphene oxide (GO) is highly reduced to GS and self-assembles into 3D macroscopic hydrogels, accompanying with in situ transformation of colloid sol to metal oxides. As a proof of concept, Fe2 O3 /GS aerogels are synthesized based on Fe(OH)3 sol, in which GS self-assemble into an interconnected macroporous framework and Fe2 O3 nanocrystals (20-50 nm) uniformly deposit on GS. Benefitting from the integration of macroporous structures, large surface area, high electrical conductivity, and good electrode homogeneity, the hybrid electrode manifests a superior rate capability (930, 660 and 520 mAh g(-1) at 500, 2000 and 4000 mA g(-1), respectively) and excellent prolonged cycling stability at high rates (733 mAh g(-1) during 1000 charge/discharge cycles at 2000 mA g(-1)), demonstrating its great potential for application in high performance lithium ion batteries. The work described here provides a versatile pathway to construct various graphene-based hybrid aerogels. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Solvothermal synthesis of α-PbO from lead dioxide and its electrochemical performance as a positive electrode material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Pengran; Liu, Yi; Bu, Xianfu; Hu, Meng; Dai, Yuan; Gao, Xiaorui; Lei, Lixu

2013-11-01

Lead acid batteries have been widely used and have dominated the global secondary battery market. It is very important to recycle the spent batteries efficiently to eliminate possible pollution and to ensure sustainable production. In this paper, we report our investigation on the solvothermal treatment of PbO2, which is one of the model compounds for the positive active mixture, in methanol and the subsequent calcination of its product. The results show that the solvothermal treatment of PbO2 in pure methanol at 140 °C can produce a mixture of PbO and lead oxide carbonate, which can be calcined at a temperature below 500 °C to produce α-PbO. The as-prepared PbO powders are rod-like particles of about 0.5 micrometer in diameter and several micrometers in length, which can achieve a high discharge capacity of 165 mAh g-1 at the discharge current density of 5 mA g-1, and more than 90 mAh g-1 at 200 mA g-1 with excellent cycle stability. This study demonstrates a new way for the reuse of lead dioxide in spent lead acid batteries to produce highly active PbO.

Solvothermal growth of a ruthenium metal-organic framework featuring HKUST-1 structure type as thin films on oxide surfaces.

PubMed

Kozachuk, Olesia; Yusenko, Kirill; Noei, Heshmat; Wang, Yuemin; Walleck, Stephan; Glaser, Thorsten; Fischer, Roland A

2011-08-14

Phase-pure crystalline thin films of a mixed-valence Ru(2)(II,III) metal-organic framework with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate (btc) as a linker were solvothermally grown on amorphous alumina and silica surfaces. Based on the Rietveld refinement, the structure of Ru-MOF was assigned to be analogous to [Cu(3)(btc)(2)] (HKUST-1). This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

Solvothermal synthesis of N-doped graphene supported PtCo nanodendrites with highly catalytic activity for 4-nitrophenol reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiao-Fang; Zhu, Xiao-Yan; Feng, Jiu-Ju; Wang, Ai-Jun

2018-01-01

A simple solvothermal method was developed to prepare N-doped reduced graphene oxide supported homogeneous PtCo nanodendrites (PtCo NDs/N-rGO), where ethylene glycol (EG) served as the reducing agent and the solvent, and linagliptin as the structure-directing and stabilizing agent for PtCo NDs and dopant for rGO, respectively. Controlled researches showed that the dosage of linagliptin and the ratios of the two metal precursors were important in the current synthesis. The PtCo NDs/N-rGO nanocomposite exhibited higher catalytic activity towards the reduction of 4-nitrophnol (4-NP) in contrast with the referenced Pt1Co3 NCs/N-rGO, Pt3Co1 NCs/N-rGO and commercial Pt/C catalysts. More importantly, the constructed catalyst exhibited the superior stability without sacrificing the catalytic activity, showing great prospect for the reduction of 4-NP in practice.

Understanding the formation mechanism of graphene frameworks synthesized by solvothermal and rapid pyrolytic processes based on an alcohol-sodium hydroxide system.

PubMed

Cui, Huijuan; Zheng, Jianfeng; Yang, Pengju; Zhu, Yanyan; Wang, Zhijian; Zhu, Zhenping

2015-06-03

The determination of ways to facilitate the 2D-oriented assembly of carbons into graphene instead of other carbon structures while restraining the π-π stacking interaction is a challenge for the controllable bulk synthesis of graphene, which is vital both scientifically and technically. In this study, graphene frameworks (GFs) are synthesized by solvothermal and rapid pyrolytic processes based on an alcohol-sodium hydroxide system. The evolution mechanism of GFs is investigated systematically. Under sodium catalysis, the abundant carbon atoms produced by the fast decomposition of solvothermal intermediate self-assembled to graphene. The existence of abundant ether bonds may be favorable for 3D graphene formation. More importantly, GFs were successfully obtained using acetic acid as the carbon source in the synthetic process, suggesting the reasonability of analyzing the formation mechanism. It is quite possible to determine more favorable routes to synthesize graphene under this cognition. The electrochemical energy storage capacity of GFs was also studied, which revealed a high supercapacitor performance with a specific capacitance of 310.7 F/g at the current density of 0.2 A/g.

A multi-purpose reaction cell for the investigation of reactions under solvothermal conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heidenreich, N.; Rütt, U.; Köppen, M.; Inge, A. Ken; Beier, S.; Dippel, A.-C.; Suren, R.; Stock, N.

2017-10-01

A new versatile and easy-to-use remote-controlled reactor setup aimed at the analysis of chemical reactions under solvothermal conditions has been constructed. The reactor includes a heating system that can precisely control the temperature inside the reaction vessels in a range between ambient temperature and 180 °C. As reaction vessels, two sizes of commercially available borosilicate vessels (Vmax = 5 and 11 ml) can be used. The setup furthermore includes the option of stirring and injecting of up to two liquid additives or one solid during the reaction to initiate very fast reactions, quench reactions, or alter chemical parameters. In addition to a detailed description of the general setup and its functionality, three examples of studies conducted using this setup are presented.

Synthesis of the complex fluoride LiBaF 3 and optical spectroscopy properties of LiBaF 3: M( M=Eu,Ce) through a solvothermal process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hua, Ruinian; Lei, Bingfu; Xie, Demin; Shi, Chunshan

2003-11-01

The complex fluoride LiBaF 3 and LiBaF 3: M( M=Eu, Ce) is solvothermally synthesized at 180°C and characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy. In the solvothermal process, the solvents, molar ratios of initial mixtures and reaction temperature play important roles in the formation of products. The excitation and emission spectra of the LiBaF 3: M( M=Eu,Ce) have been measured by fluorescence spectrophotometer. In the LiBaF 3:Eu emission spectra, there is one sharp line emission located at 360 nm arising from f→ f transition of Eu 2+ in the host lattice, and typical doublet 5 d-4 f emission of Ce 3+ in LiBaF 3 powder is shown.

Photocatalytic study and superparamagnetic nature of Zn-doped MgFe2O4 colloidal size nanocrystals prepared by solvothermal reflux method.

PubMed

Manohar, A; Krishnamoorthi, C

2017-08-01

Biocompatible Mg 1-x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 (x=0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 & 0.8) nanoparticles were synthesized by solvothermal reflux method. All compounds were crystallized in cubic spinel structure with slightly enhance of lattice parameter with biocompatible substituent Zn 2+ concentration. All compounds were shown spherical geometry with average particle diameter is around 12nm (colloidal size). The spinel structure formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction,electron diffraction, infrared, Raman shift measurements. Infrared analysis shows oleic acid coating on the surface of nanoparticles and TGA analysis shows that oleic acid desorbs from nanoparticle by decomposition at around 400°C. UV-Vis-NIR spectra show all the compounds show energy band gap in the semiconductor range (≈ 1.9eV). All compounds show superparamagnetic characteristics at room temperature with enhanced saturated mass magnetization (M s ) with Zn 2+ concentration up to x=0.5 and then reduces with further enhance of x up to 0.8. The M s changes were ascribed to occupation of Zn 2+ at tetrahedral sites and proportional enhance of Fe 3+ at octahedral sites. The enhanced Fe 3+ concentration at octahedral sublattice leads to formation Fe 3+ -O 2- -Fe 3+ networks which favor antiferromagnetic interactions due to superexchange phenomenon. Photocatalytic activity of all compounds were studied through methylene blue (MB) degradation analysis. All compounds show ≈ 96% degradation of MB upon 70min irradiation of light on photoreactor vessel. In addition, photocatalytic activity (degradation efficiency) enhances with Zn 2+ concentration in MgFe 2 O 4 . The Zn 2+ substitution enhances both M s and photocatalytic activity biocompatible of MgFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Indium telluride nanotubes: Solvothermal synthesis, growth mechanism, and properties

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

Zhou, Liyan; Yan, Shancheng, E-mail: yansc@njupt.edu.cn; School of Geography and Biological Information, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210046

2014-03-15

A convenient solvothermal approach was applied for the first time to synthesize In{sub 2}Te{sub 3} nanotubes. The morphology of the resultant nanotubes was studied by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Nanotubes with a relatively uniform diameter of around 500 nm, tube wall thickness of 50–100 nm, and average length of tens of microns were obtained. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the crystal structures, composition, and optical properties of the products. To understand the growth mechanism of the In{sub 2}Te{sub 3} nanotubes, we studied the influences of temperature, reaction time, and polyvinylpyrrolidonemore » (PVP) and ethylene diamine (EDA) dosages on the final products. Based on the experimental results, a possible growth mechanism of In{sub 2}Te{sub 3} nanotubes was proposed. In this mechanism, TeO{sub 3}{sup −2} is first reduced to allow nucleation. Circumferential edges of these nucleated molecules attract further deposition, and nanotubes finally grow rapidly along the c-axis and relatively slowly along the circumferential direction. The surface area of the products was determined by BET and found to be 137.85 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}. This large surface area indicates that the nanotubes may be suitable for gas sensing and hydrogen storage applications. The nanotubes also showed broad light detection ranging from 300 nm to 1100 nm, which covers the UV–visible–NIR regions. Such excellent optical properties indicate that In{sub 2}Te{sub 3} nanotubes may enable significant advancements in new photodetection and photosensing applications. -- Graphical abstract: A convenient solvothermal approach was applied to synthesize In{sub 2}Te{sub 3} nanotubes, which has not been reported in the literature for our knowledge. Surface area of this material is 137.85 m{sup 2} g{sup −1} from the BET testing, and such a high value makes it probably suitable for gas sensing

Solvothermally Synthesized Sb2Te3 Platelets Show Unexpected Optical Contrasts in Mid-Infrared Near-Field Scanning Microscopy.

PubMed

Hauer, Benedikt; Saltzmann, Tobias; Simon, Ulrich; Taubner, Thomas

2015-05-13

We report nanoscale-resolved optical investigations on the local material properties of Sb2Te3 hexagonal platelets grown by solvothermal synthesis. Using mid-infrared near-field microscopy, we find a highly symmetric pattern, which is correlated to a growth spiral and which extends over the entire platelet. As the origin of the optical contrast, we identify domains with different densities of charge carriers. On Sb2Te3 samples grown by other means, we did not find a comparable domain structure.

Solvothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical Colloidal Nanocrystal Assemblies of ZnFe₂O₄ and Their Application in Water Treatment.

PubMed

Guo, Peizhi; Lv, Meng; Han, Guangting; Wen, Changna; Wang, Qianbin; Li, Hongliang; Zhao, Xiusong

2016-09-29

Hierarchical colloidal nanocrystal assemblies (CNAs) of ZnFe₂O₄ have been synthesized controllably by a solvothermal method. Hollow ZnFe₂O₄ spheres can be formed with the volume ratios of ethylene glycol to ethanol of 1:4 in the starting systems, while solid ZnFe₂O₄ CNAs are obtained by adjusting the volume proportion of ethylene glycol to ethanol from 1:2 to 2:1. Magnetometric measurement data showed that the ZnFe₂O₄ CNAs obtained with the volume ratios of 1:2 and 1:1 exhibited weak ferromagnetic behavior with high saturation magnetization values of 60.4 and 60.3 emu·g -1 , respectively. However, hollow spheres showed a saturation magnetization value of 52.0 emu·g -1 , but the highest coercivity among all the samples. It was found that hollow spheres displayed the best ability to adsorb Congo red dye among all the CNAs. The formation mechanisms of ZnFe₂O₄ CNAs, as well as the relationship between their structure, crystallite size, and properties were discussed based on the experimental results.

An integrated approach for facilities planning by ELECTRE method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elbishari, E. M. Y.; Hazza, M. H. F. Al; Adesta, E. Y. T.; Rahman, Nur Salihah Binti Abdul

2018-01-01

Facility planning is concerned with the design, layout, and accommodation of people, machines and activities of a system. Most of the researchers try to investigate the production area layout and the related facilities. However, few of them try to investigate the relationship between the production space and its relationship with service departments. The aim of this research to is to integrate different approaches in order to evaluate, analyse and select the best facilities planning method that able to explain the relationship between the production area and other supporting departments and its effect on human efforts. To achieve the objective of this research two different approaches have been integrated: Apple’s layout procedure as one of the effective tools in planning factories, ELECTRE method as one of the Multi Criteria Decision Making methods (MCDM) to minimize the risk of getting poor facilities planning. Dalia industries have been selected as a case study to implement our integration the factory have been divided two main different area: the whole facility (layout A), and the manufacturing area (layout B). This article will be concerned with the manufacturing area layout (Layout B). After analysing the data gathered, the manufacturing area was divided into 10 activities. There are five factors that the alternative were compared upon which are: Inter department satisfactory level, total distance travelled for workers, total distance travelled for the product, total time travelled for the workers, and total time travelled for the product. Three different layout alternatives have been developed in addition to the original layouts. Apple’s layout procedure was used to study and evaluate the different alternatives layouts, the study and evaluation of the layouts was done by calculating scores for each of the factors. After obtaining the scores from evaluating the layouts, ELECTRE method was used to compare the proposed alternatives with each other and with

Facile synthesis of bird's nest-like TiO2 microstructure with exposed (001) facets for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Guozhong; Zhang, Shuqu; Wang, Longlu; Liu, Ran; Zeng, Yunxiong; Xia, Xinnian; Liu, Yutang; Luo, Shenglian

2017-01-01

The scrupulous design of hierarchical structure and highly active crystal facets exposure is essential for the creation of photocatalytic system. However, it is still a big challenge for scrupulous design of TiO2 architectures. In this paper, bird's nest-like anatase TiO2 microstructure with exposed highly active (001) surface has been successfully synthesized by a facile one-step solvothermal method. Methylene blue (MB) is chosen as a model pollutant to evaluate photocatalytic activity of as-obtained TiO2 samples. The results show that the photocatalytic activity of the bird's nest-like sample is more excellent than P25 in the degradation of MB due to high specific surface area and highly active (001) crystal facets exposure when tested under simulated solar light. Besides, it can be readily separated from the photocatalytic system by sedimentation after photocatalytic reaction, which is a significant advantage against conventional powder photocatalyst. The bird's nest-like microspheres with novel structure may have potential application in photocatalysis and other fields.

Solvothermal-induced phase transition and visible photocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped titania.

PubMed

Liu, Jianjun; Qin, Wei; Zuo, Shengli; Yu, Yingchun; Hao, Zhengping

2009-04-15

Nitrogen-doped titania nanoparticles consisting of pure anatase, pure rutile and bicrystallites (anatase+rutile and anatase+brookite) have been prepared in TiCl(3)-HMT (hexamethylene tetramine)-alcohol solution under solvothermal process. The effect of the solvent type and amount of HMT as pH adjuster on the phase composition of titania and its visible photocatalytic activity for degradation to MO (methyl orange) was investigated. It is found that anatase gradually transferred to rutile with increase of carbon chain using methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol and 1-butanol as solvent. The pure anatase formed at the pH value of 1-2, while bicrystalline titania (anatase+rutile and anatase+brookite) at that of 7-10 in the presence of methanol. The bicrystalline (anatase+brookite) titania have the best visible photocatalytic activity among all the samples. The -(NO) and -(NH) dopants with an N (1s) binding energy of 400 eV may have positive effects on the visible light photocatalytic activity.

Highly intensified upconversion luminescence of Ca(2+) -doped Yb/Er:NaGdF(4) nanocrystals prepared by a solvothermal route.

PubMed

Lei, Lei; Chen, Daqin; Xu, Ju; Zhang, Rui; Wang, Yuansheng

2014-03-01

Upon introducing Ca(2+) dopants into the grain lattices by substituting Gd(3+) ions, irregular Yb/Er:NaGdF4 nanocrystals prepared through a simple solvothermal route convert into highly uniform nanorods. Meanwhile, their upconversion luminescence intensifies by about 200 times, probably due to a modification of the crystal structure of NaGdF4 and an improvement in the crystallinity of the nanophase. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Solvothermal Vapor Annealing of Lamellar Poly(styrene)-block-poly(d,l-lactide) Block Copolymer Thin Films for Directed Self-Assembly Application.

PubMed

Cummins, Cian; Mokarian-Tabari, Parvaneh; Andreazza, Pascal; Sinturel, Christophe; Morris, Michael A

2016-03-01

Solvothermal vapor annealing (STVA) was employed to induce microphase separation in a lamellar forming block copolymer (BCP) thin film containing a readily degradable block. Directed self-assembly of poly(styrene)-block-poly(d,l-lactide) (PS-b-PLA) BCP films using topographically patterned silicon nitride was demonstrated with alignment over macroscopic areas. Interestingly, we observed lamellar patterns aligned parallel as well as perpendicular (perpendicular microdomains to substrate in both cases) to the topography of the graphoepitaxial guiding patterns. PS-b-PLA BCP microphase separated with a high degree of order in an atmosphere of tetrahydrofuran (THF) at an elevated vapor pressure (at approximately 40-60 °C). Grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) measurements of PS-b-PLA films reveal the through-film uniformity of perpendicular microdomains after STVA. Perpendicular lamellar orientation was observed on both hydrophilic and relatively hydrophobic surfaces with a domain spacing (L0) of ∼32.5 nm. The rapid removal of the PLA microdomains is demonstrated using a mild basic solution for the development of a well-defined PS mask template. GISAXS data reveal the through-film uniformity is retained following wet etching. The experimental results in this article demonstrate highly oriented PS-b-PLA microdomains after a short annealing period and facile PLA removal to form porous on-chip etch masks for nanolithography application.

Fabrication of nickel-foam-supported layered zinc-cobalt hydroxide nanoflakes for high electrochemical performance in supercapacitors.

PubMed

Yuan, Peng; Zhang, Ning; Zhang, Dan; Liu, Tao; Chen, Limiao; Liu, Xiaohe; Ma, Renzhi; Qiu, Guanzhou

2014-10-04

Nickel foam supported Zn-Co hydroxide nanoflakes were fabricated by a facile solvothermal method. Benefited from the unique structure of Zn-Co hydroxide nanoflakes on a nickel foam substrate, the as prepared materials exhibited an excellent specific capacitance of 901 F g(-1) at 5 A g(-1) and remarkable cycling stability as electrode materials in supercapacitors.

The growth of high density network of MOF nano-crystals across macroporous metal substrates - Solvothermal synthesis versus rapid thermal deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maina, James W.; Gonzalo, Cristina Pozo; Merenda, Andrea; Kong, Lingxue; Schütz, Jürg A.; Dumée, Ludovic F.

2018-01-01

Fabrication of metal organic framework (MOF) films and membranes across macro-porous metal substrates is extremely challenging, due to the large pore sizes across the substrates, poor wettability, and the lack of sufficient reactive functional groups on the surface, which prevent high density nucleation of MOF crystals. Herein, macroporous stainless steel substrates (pore size 44 × 40 μm) are functionalized with amine functional groups, and the growth of ZIF-8 crystals investigated through both solvothermal synthesis and rapid thermal deposition (RTD), to assess the role of synthesis routes in the resultant membranes microstructure, and subsequently their performance. Although a high density of well interconnected MOF crystals was observed across the modified substrates following both techniques, RTD was found to be a much more efficient route, yielding high quality membranes under 1 h, as opposed to the 24 h required for solvothermal synthesis. The RTD membranes also exhibited high gas permeance, with He permeance of up to 2.954 ± 0.119 × 10-6 mol m-2 s-1 Pa-1, and Knudsen selectivities for He/N2, Ar/N2 and CO2/N2, suggesting the membranes were almost defect free. This work opens up route for efficient fabrication of MOF films and membranes across macro-porous metal supports, with potential application in electrically mediated separation applications.

Observation of magnetic anomalies in one-step solvothermally synthesized nickel-cobalt ferrite nanoparticles.

PubMed

Datt, Gopal; Sen Bishwas, Mousumi; Manivel Raja, M; Abhyankar, A C

2016-03-07

Magnetic anomalies corresponding to the Verwey transition and reorientation of anisotropic vacancies are observed at 151 K and 306 K, respectively, in NiCoFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by a modified-solvothermal method followed by annealing. Cationic disorder and spherical shape induced non-stoichiometry suppress the Verwey transition in the as-synthesized NPs. On the other hand, reorientation of anisotropic vacancies is quite robust. XRD and electron microscopy investigations confirm a single phase spinel structure and the surface morphology of the as-synthesized NPs changes from spherical to octahedral upon annealing. Rietveld analysis reveals that the Ni(2+) ions migrate from tetrahedral (A) to octahedral (B) sites upon annealing. The Mössbauer results show canted spins in both the NPs and the strength of superexchange is stronger in Co-O-Fe than Ni-O-Fe. Magnetic force images show that the as-synthesised NPs are single-domain whereas the annealed NPs are multi-domain octahedral particles. The FMR study reveals that both the NPs have a broad FMR line-width; and resonance properties are consistent with the random anisotropy model. The broad inhomogeneous FMR line-width, observation of the Verwey transition, tuning of the magnetic domain structure as well as the magnetic properties suggest that the NiCoFe2O4 ferrite NPs may be promising for future generation spintronics, magneto-electronics, and ultra-high-density recording media as well as for radar absorbing applications.

Solvothermal synthesis of V{sub 4}O{sub 9} flake-like morphology and its photocatalytic application in the degradation of methylene blue

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

Chine, M.K.; Sediri, F., E-mail: faouzi.sediri@ipeit.rnu.tn; Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université, Tunis-Elmanar, 2092 Elmanar, Tunis

2012-11-15

Highlights: ► Flake-like nanocrystalline V{sub 4}O{sub 9} was synthesized by a solvothermal route. ► Photocatalytic activity has been evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. ► V{sub 4}O{sub 9} nanoflakes exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity two times higher than the bulk V{sub 2}O{sub 5}. -- Abstract: Flake-like nanocrystalline V{sub 4}O{sub 9} has been successfully synthesized by solvothermal process using V{sub 2}O{sub 5} as vanadium source and phenolphthalein as a reducing agent and a structure-directing template. Techniques X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy have been used tomore » characterize the structure, the morphology and the composition of the material. The photocatalytic activity of the material has been evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation. As a result, after the lapse of 150 min, around 93.54% bleaching was observed, with V{sub 4}O{sub 9} nanoflakes yielding more photodegradation compared to that of bulk V{sub 2}O{sub 5}. This presents a degradation percentage of about 44.67%.« less

Facile synthesis of Nb2O5 nanobelts assembled from nanorods and their applications in lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiaodi; Liu, Guangyin; Chen, Hao; Ma, Jianmin; Zhang, Ruixue

2017-12-01

Hierarchical 1D Nb2O5 nanobelts are successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal method and following thermal treatment. The as-formed Nb2O5 nanobelts are characterized by XRD, FESEM, TEM, and BET, and the results indicate that they possess pseudohexagonal structure and are composed of ultranarrow nanorods with an average diameter of ca. 15 nm. When used as anodic materials for lithium ion batteries, the obtained Nb2O5 nanobelts can deliver initial discharge capacities of 209.3 mAh g-1 at the current density of 0.5 C. In addition, the Nb2O5 nanobelts exhibit a reversible capacity of 95.8 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at relatively high current density of 5 C. The good electrochemical performance of the Nb2O5 nanobelts may be ascribed to their good monodispersity, high specific surface areas, and narrow rod-like building blocks. The Nb2O5 nanobelts can be developed as promising anodes for high-rate 2 V LIBs with good safety.

Solvothermal synthesis of P25/Bi2WO6 nanocomposite photocatalyst and photocatalytic degradation of ethylene under visible light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Xianliang; Wang, Haidan; Li, Yingying; Ye, Shengying; Dionysiou, Dionysios D.

2018-05-01

P25/Bi2WO6 nanocomposite photocatalysts were synthesized by solvothermal method, and their photocatalytic activities were evaluated for the degradation of ethylene under visible light irradiation. The results show that P25/Bi2WO6 nanocomposites have higher photocatalytic activity than P25 and pure Bi2WO6. When the loading amount of P25 is 35%, the photocatalytic degradation of ethylene under visible light is the highest, which is 4.5 and 2.2 times higher than that of P25 and Bi2WO6, respectively. The improvement of the photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite is mainly due to the formation of the staggered heterojunctions in the contact interface of P25 and Bi2WO6. This can refine the grain and produce lattice defects in the interface of the composite, which could provide more active sites. Therefore, the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron-hole pair is improved, and the spectral response range is extended to the visible light region, thereby the absorption and utilization of light energy is improved.

Solvothermal syntheses and characterization of three new silver(I)/copper(I)-thioarsenates based on As{sup 2+}/As{sup 3+} ions

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

Yao, Hua-Gang, E-mail: hgyao@gdpu.edu.cn; Guangdong Cosmetics Engineering & Technology Research Center, Zhongshan 528458; Tang, Cheng-Fei

2017-02-15

Three new silver(I)/copper(I)-thioarsenates KAgAs{sup II}S{sub 2} (1), RbCu{sub 2}As{sup III}S{sub 3} (2) and RbCu{sub 4}As{sup III}S{sub 4} (3) have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. 1 exhibits a two-dimensional anionic network built up by As−As bond connecting the left- and right-handed helical [AgS{sub 2}]{sup 4−} chains, and represents the first examples of thioarsenates(II). The structure of 2 consists of two kinds of helical [Cu{sub 2}S{sub 3}]{sup 4–} chains linked by the arsenic atoms to form double layers with rubidium ions between the layers. Compound 3 is built up of infinite [Cu{sub 2}S{sub 2}]{sup 2–} chain and layered [Cu{sub 6}As{sub 2}S{submore » 6}] linked to form a three-dimensional anionic framework, [Cu{sub 4}AsS{sub 4}]{sup –}, and containing channels in which the rubidium cations reside. The optical properties of 1–3 have been investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy. - Graphical abstract: Three new silver(I)/copper(I)-thioarsenates have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. 1 represents the first examples of thioarsenates(II) while compounds 2 and 3 possess noncondensed pyramidal AsS{sub 3}{sup 3–} unit.« less

One-step solvothermal deposition of ZnO nanorod arrays on a wood surface for robust superamphiphobic performance and superior ultraviolet resistance

PubMed Central

Yao, Qiufang; Wang, Chao; Fan, Bitao; Wang, Hanwei; Sun, Qingfeng; Jin, Chunde; Zhang, Hong

2016-01-01

In the present paper, uniformly large-scale wurtzite-structured ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNAs) were deposited onto a wood surface through a one-step solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). ZNAs with a diameter of approximately 85 nm and a length of approximately 1.5 μm were chemically bonded onto the wood surface through hydrogen bonds. The superamphiphobic performance and ultraviolet resistance were measured and evaluated by water or oil contact angles (WCA or OCA) and roll-off angles, sand abrasion tests and an artificially accelerated ageing test. The results show that the ZNA-treated wood demonstrates a robust superamphiphobic performance under mechanical impact, corrosive liquids, intermittent and transpositional temperatures, and water spray. Additionally, the as-prepared wood sample shows superior ultraviolet resistance. PMID:27775091

One-step solvothermal deposition of ZnO nanorod arrays on a wood surface for robust superamphiphobic performance and superior ultraviolet resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Qiufang; Wang, Chao; Fan, Bitao; Wang, Hanwei; Sun, Qingfeng; Jin, Chunde; Zhang, Hong

2016-10-01

In the present paper, uniformly large-scale wurtzite-structured ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNAs) were deposited onto a wood surface through a one-step solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). ZNAs with a diameter of approximately 85 nm and a length of approximately 1.5 μm were chemically bonded onto the wood surface through hydrogen bonds. The superamphiphobic performance and ultraviolet resistance were measured and evaluated by water or oil contact angles (WCA or OCA) and roll-off angles, sand abrasion tests and an artificially accelerated ageing test. The results show that the ZNA-treated wood demonstrates a robust superamphiphobic performance under mechanical impact, corrosive liquids, intermittent and transpositional temperatures, and water spray. Additionally, the as-prepared wood sample shows superior ultraviolet resistance.

Positron annihilation spectroscopic studies of solvothermally synthesized ZnO nanobipyramids and nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghoshal, Tandra; Biswas, Subhajit; Kar, Soumitra; Chaudhuri, Subhadra; Nambissan, P. M. G.

2008-02-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) samples in the form of hexagonal-based bipyramids and particles of nanometer dimensions were synthesized through solvothermal route and characterized by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Positron annihilation experiments were performed to study the structural defects such as vacancies and surfaces in these nanosystems. From coincidence Doppler broadening measurements, the positron trapping sites were identified as Zn vacancies or Zn-O-Zn trivacancy clusters. The positron lifetimes, their relative intensities, and the Doppler broadened lineshape parameter S all showed characteristic changes across the nanobipyramid size corresponding to the thermal diffusion length of positrons. In large nanobipyramids, vacancies within the crystallites also trapped positrons and the effects of agglomeration of such vacancies due to increased temperatures of synthesis were reflected in the variation of the annihilation parameters with their base diameters. The sizes of the nanoparticles used were all in the limit of thermal diffusion length of positrons and the annihilation characteristics were in accordance with the decreasing contribution from surfaces with increasing particle size.

Positron annihilation spectroscopic studies of solvothermally synthesized ZnO nanobipyramids and nanoparticles.

PubMed

Ghoshal, Tandra; Biswas, Subhajit; Kar, Soumitra; Chaudhuri, Subhadra; Nambissan, P M G

2008-02-21

Zinc oxide (ZnO) samples in the form of hexagonal-based bipyramids and particles of nanometer dimensions were synthesized through solvothermal route and characterized by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Positron annihilation experiments were performed to study the structural defects such as vacancies and surfaces in these nanosystems. From coincidence Doppler broadening measurements, the positron trapping sites were identified as Zn vacancies or Zn-O-Zn trivacancy clusters. The positron lifetimes, their relative intensities, and the Doppler broadened lineshape parameter S all showed characteristic changes across the nanobipyramid size corresponding to the thermal diffusion length of positrons. In large nanobipyramids, vacancies within the crystallites also trapped positrons and the effects of agglomeration of such vacancies due to increased temperatures of synthesis were reflected in the variation of the annihilation parameters with their base diameters. The sizes of the nanoparticles used were all in the limit of thermal diffusion length of positrons and the annihilation characteristics were in accordance with the decreasing contribution from surfaces with increasing particle size.

Methods of sampling airborne fungi in working environments of waste treatment facilities.

PubMed

Černá, Kristýna; Wittlingerová, Zdeňka; Zimová, Magdaléna; Janovský, Zdeněk

2016-01-01

The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the efficiency of a filter based sampling method and a high volume sampling method for sampling airborne culturable fungi present in waste sorting facilities. Membrane filters method was compared with surface air system method. The selected sampling methods were modified and tested in 2 plastic waste sorting facilities. The total number of colony-forming units (CFU)/m3 of airborne fungi was dependent on the type of sampling device, on the time of sampling, which was carried out every hour from the beginning of the work shift, and on the type of cultivation medium (p < 0.001). Detected concentrations of airborne fungi ranged 2×102-1.7×106 CFU/m3 when using the membrane filters (MF) method, and 3×102-6.4×104 CFU/m3 when using the surface air system (SAS) method. Both methods showed comparable sensitivity to the fluctuations of the concentrations of airborne fungi during the work shifts. The SAS method is adequate for a fast indicative determination of concentration of airborne fungi. The MF method is suitable for thorough assessment of working environment contamination by airborne fungi. Therefore we recommend the MF method for the implementation of a uniform standard methodology of airborne fungi sampling in working environments of waste treatment facilities. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

Facile synthesis of upconversion nanoparticles with high purity using lanthanide oleate compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Ning; Ai, Chao-Chao; Zhou, Ya-Ming; Wang, Zuo; Ren, Lei

2018-02-01

A novel strategy for preparing highly pure NaYF4-based upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) was developed using lanthanide oleate compounds [Ln(OA)3] as the precursor, denoted as the Ln-OA preparation method. Compared to the conventional solvothermal method for synthesizing UCNPs using lanthanide chloride compounds (LnCl3) as the precursor (denoted as the Ln-Cl method), the Ln-OA strategy exhibited the merits of high purity, reduced purification process and a uniform size in preparing core and core-shell UCNPs excited by a 980 or 808 nm near infrared (NIR) laser. This work sheds new insight on the preparation of UCNPs and promotes their application in biomedical fields.

Solvothermal synthesis and structure of 3D frameworks of Nd(III) and Y(III) with thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate and N,N‧-diethylformamide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Swati; Yawer, Mohd; Kariem, Mukaddus; Sheikh, Haq Nawaz

2016-08-01

Two new 3D MOFs [Nd2(TDA)3(DEF)2(H2O)]n (1) and [Y4(TDA)6(DEF)4]n (2) [Thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (H2TDA) and N,N‧-diethylformamide (DEF)] were synthesized by solvothermal method. They were characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The two MOFs (1) and (2) belong to the monoclinic system with space group P21/n and C 2 respectively. Structural characterizations by single-crystal X-ray crystallography reveal that 1 and 2 adopt three-dimensional frameworks constructed by cross-linking of rod shaped infinite chain secondary building unit (SBU) by thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylates as linker. These frameworks feature rhomboidal channels, inside which coordinated DEF/H2O solvent molecules are located. DEF plays pivotal role in reaction and design of MOFs. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that both MOFs are thermally robust.

Facile Preparation of Nano-Bi₂MoO₆/Diatomite Composite for Enhancing Photocatalytic Performance under Visible Light Irradiation.

PubMed

Cai, Lu; Gong, Jiuyan; Liu, Jianshe; Zhang, Hailong; Song, Wendong; Ji, Lili

2018-02-09

In this work, a new nano-Bi₂MoO₆/diatomite composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) were employed to investigate the morphology, crystal structure, and optical properties. It was shown that nanometer-scaled Bi₂MoO₆ crystals were well-deposited on the surface of Bi₂MoO₆/diatomite. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained samples was evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under the visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. Moreover, trapping experiments were performed to investigate the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism. The results showed that the nano-Bi₂MoO₆/diatomite composite with the mass ratio of Bi₂MoO₆ to diatomaceous earth of 70% exhibited the highest activity, and the RhB degradation efficiency reached 97.6% within 60 min. The main active species were revealed to be h⁺ and•O 2- . As a photocatalytic reactor, its recycling performance showed a good stability and reusability. This new composite photocatalyst material holds great promise in the engineering field for the environmental remediation.

Ultrasonically assisted solvothermal synthesis of novel Ni/Al layered double hydroxide for capturing of Cd(II) from contaminated water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmanian, Omid; Maleki, Mohammad Hassan; Dinari, Mohammad

2017-11-01

A novel adsorbent of nickel aluminum layered double hydroxide (Ni/Al-LDH) was prepared through the precipitation of metal nitrates by ultrasonically assisted solvothermal method. The surface morphology, chemical structure and thermal properties of this compound were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The XRD, TEM and FE-SEM results established that the synthesized LDH have a well-ordered layer structure with good crystalline nature. Then it was applied to remove excessive Cd(II) ions from water and the effects of contact time, pH and adsorbent dose were examined at initial Cd(II) concentration of 10 mg/L. Results show that the time required to reach equilibrium was fast (40 min) and working pH solution was neutral (pH 7). Langmuir and Freundlich model of adsorption isotherms were explored; the results show that the Freundlich model was better fitted than that Langmuir model. This results predicting a multilayer adsorption of Cd(II) on LDH. The equilibrium kinetic adsorption data were fixed to the pseudo-second order kinetic equation.

Validation of cleaning method for various parts fabricated at a Beryllium facility

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

Davis, Cynthia M.

This study evaluated and documented a cleaning process that is used to clean parts that are fabricated at a beryllium facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The purpose of evaluating this cleaning process was to validate and approve it for future use to assure beryllium surface levels are below the Department of Energy’s release limits without the need to sample all parts leaving the facility. Inhaling or coming in contact with beryllium can cause an immune response that can result in an individual becoming sensitized to beryllium, which can then lead to a disease of the lungs called chronic berylliummore » disease, and possibly lung cancer. Thirty aluminum and thirty stainless steel parts were fabricated on a lathe in the beryllium facility, as well as thirty-two beryllium parts, for the purpose of testing a parts cleaning method that involved the use of ultrasonic cleaners. A cleaning method was created, documented, validated, and approved, to reduce beryllium contamination.« less

Unique and facile solvothermal synthesis of mesoporous WO3 using a solid precursor and a surfactant template as a photoanode for visible-light-driven water oxidation

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Mesoporous tungsten trioxide (WO3) was prepared from tungstic acid (H2WO4) as a tungsten precursor with dodecylamine (DDA) as a template to guide porosity of the nanostructure by a solvothermal technique. The WO3 sample (denoted as WO3-DDA) prepared with DDA was moulded on an electrode to yield efficient performance for visible-light-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) data of the WO3-DDA sample calcined at 400°C indicate a crystalline framework of the mesoporous structure with disordered arrangement of pores. N2 physisorption studies show a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area up to 57 m2 g-1 together with type IV isotherms and uniform distribution of a nanoscale pore size in the mesopore region. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images exhibit well-connected tiny spherical WO3 particles with a diameter of ca. 5 to 20 nm composing the mesoporous network. The WO3-DDA electrode generated photoanodic current density of 1.1 mA cm-2 at 1.0 V versus Ag/AgCl under visible light irradiation, which is about three times higher than that of the untemplated WO3. O2 (1.49 μmol; Faraday efficiency, 65.2%) was evolved during the 1-h photoelectrolysis for the WO3-DDA electrode under the conditions employed. The mesoporous electrode turned out to work more efficiently for visible-light-driven water oxidation relative to the untemplated WO3 electrode. PMID:25313301

Facile Synthesis of Novel Networked Ultralong Cobalt Sulfide Nanotubes and Its Application in Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Liu, Sangui; Mao, Cuiping; Niu, Yubin; Yi, Fenglian; Hou, Junke; Lu, Shiyu; Jiang, Jian; Xu, Maowen; Li, Changming

2015-11-25

Ultralong cobalt sulfide (CoS(1.097)) nanotube networks are synthesized by a simple one-step solvothermal method without any surfactant or template. A possible formation mechanism for the growth processes is proposed. Owing to the hollow structure and large specific area, the novel CoS(1.097) materials present outstanding electrochemical properties. Electrochemical measurements for supercapacitors show that the as-prepared ultralong CoS(1.097) nanotube networks exhibit high specific capacity, good capacity retention, and excellent Coulombic efficiency.

Shape-Evolution Control of hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 crystals via solvothermal synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Baohua; Guo, Fuqiang; Yang, Lianhong; Jia, Xiuling; Liu, Bin; Xie, Zili; Chen, Dunjun; Lu, Hai; Zhang, Rong; Zheng, Youdou

2017-02-01

We systematically synthesized CH3NH3PbI3 crystals using solvothermal process, and the reaction conditions such as concentration of the precursor, temperature, time, and lead source have been comprehensively investigated to obtain shape-controlled CH3NH3PbI3 crystals. The results showed that the CH3NH3PbI3 crystals exhibit tetragonal phase and the crystals change from nanoparticles to hopper-faced cuboids. Photoluminescence spectra of the crystals obtained with different lead sources show a blue shift due to the presence of defects in the crystals, and the peak intensity is very sensitive to the lead sources. Moreover, impurities (undesirable byproducts and excess components like HI or CH3NH2) presented during crystal growth can result in hopper growth.

Solvothermal synthesis of Zn{sub 2}GeO{sub 4}:Mn{sup 2+} nanophosphor in water/diethylene glycol system

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

Takeshita, Satoru; Honda, Joji; Isobe, Tetsuhiko, E-mail: isobe@applc.keio.ac.jp

2012-05-15

The influence of aging of the suspension containing the amorphous precusors on structural, compositional and photoluminescent properties is studied to understand the mechanism on the formation of Zn{sub 2}GeO{sub 4}:Mn{sup 2+} nanoparticles during the solvothermal reaction in the water/diethylene glycol mixed solvent. Aging at 200 Degree-Sign C for 20 min forms the crystalline Zn{sub 2}GeO{sub 4} nanorods and then they grow up to {approx} 50 nm in mean length after aging for 240 min. Their interplanar spacing of (410) increases with increasing the aging time. The photoluminescence intensity corresponding to the d-d transition of Mn{sup 2+} increases with increasing themore » aging time up to 120 min, and then decreases after aging for 240 min. The photoluminescence lifetime decreases with increasing the aging time, indicating the locally concentrated Mn{sup 2+} ions. These results reveal that Mn{sup 2+} ions gradually replace Zn{sup 2+} ions near surface through repeating dissolusion and precipitation processes during prolonged aging after the complete crystallization of Zn{sub 2}GeO{sub 4}. - Graphical abstract: TEM images of Zn{sub 2}GeO{sub 4}:Mn{sup 2+} nanoparticles aged at 200 Degree-Sign C for different aging times in the mixed solvent of water and diethylene glycol. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Mechanism on formation of Zn{sub 2}GeO{sub 4}:Mn{sup 2+} nanophosphor under solvothermal condition. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Zn{sub 2}GeO{sub 4} nanorods crystallize via amorphous precursors. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Gradual substitution of Mn{sup 2+} during prolonged aging. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Such an inhomogeneous Mn{sup 2+} doping process results in concentration quenching.« less

One-step solvothermal synthesis of carnation flower-like SnS2 as superior electrodes for supercapacitor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Rajneesh Kumar; Baek, Geun Woo; Kim, Kyuwon; Kwon, Hyuck-In; Jin, Sung Hun

2017-12-01

We report the synthesis of carnation flower-like SnS2 (CF-SnS2) via a one-step solvothermal method for potential application as supercapacitor electrodes in energy storage devices. The structural and morphological properties of CF-SnS2 were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman analysis, and field-emission scanning and transmission electron microscopies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning tunneling electron microscopy with color mapping verified the distribution of Sn and S, and depicted the successful formation of SnS2. Electrochemical studies were performed to explore the supercapacitive nature of CF-SnS2. Supercapacitors with CF-SnS2 electrodes delivered excellent cyclic voltammetry performances, superior gravimetric specific capacitances, and high power densities. The evaluated specific capacitance and power density reached ∼524.5 F/g and 12.3 W/kg, respectively, at a current density of 0.08 A/g, and ∼215.9 F/g and 61.4 W/kg, respectively, at a current density of 0.38 A/g. These values are at least two times higher than those previously reported. The long-term cyclic stability was also tested to demonstrate the endurance of the CF-SnS2-based supercapacitor, with a 66% rate retention and galvanostatic charge/discharge reversibility. These electrochemical findings indicate that CF-SnS2 is a promising candidate for electrode materials in supercapacitor applications.

Solvothermal synthesis of gallium-indium-zinc-oxide nanoparticles for electrolyte-gated transistors.

PubMed

Santos, Lídia; Nunes, Daniela; Calmeiro, Tomás; Branquinho, Rita; Salgueiro, Daniela; Barquinha, Pedro; Pereira, Luís; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2015-01-14

Solution-processed field-effect transistors are strategic building blocks when considering low-cost sustainable flexible electronics. Nevertheless, some challenges (e.g., processing temperature, reliability, reproducibility in large areas, and cost effectiveness) are requirements that must be surpassed in order to achieve high-performance transistors. The present work reports electrolyte-gated transistors using as channel layer gallium-indium-zinc-oxide nanoparticles produced by solvothermal synthesis combined with a solid-state electrolyte based on aqueous dispersions of vinyl acetate stabilized with cellulose derivatives, acrylic acid ester in styrene and lithium perchlorate. The devices fabricated using this approach display a ION/IOFF up to 1 × 10(6), threshold voltage (VTh) of 0.3-1.9 V, and mobility up to 1 cm(2)/(V s), as a function of gallium-indium-zinc-oxide ink formulation and two different annealing temperatures. These results validates the usage of electrolyte-gated transistors as a viable and promising alternative for nanoparticle based semiconductor devices as the electrolyte improves the interface and promotes a more efficient step coverage of the channel layer, reducing the operating voltage when compared with conventional dielectrics gating. Moreover, it is shown that by controlling the applied gate potential, the operation mechanism of the electrolyte-gated transistors can be modified from electric double layer to electrochemical doping.

Solvothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical TiO2 Microstructures with High Crystallinity and Superior Light Scattering for High-Performance Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Li, Zhao-Qian; Mo, Li-E; Chen, Wang-Chao; Shi, Xiao-Qiang; Wang, Ning; Hu, Lin-Hua; Hayat, Tasawar; Alsaedi, Ahmed; Dai, Song-Yuan

2017-09-20

In this article, hierarchical TiO 2 microstructures (HM-TiO 2 ) were synthesized by a simple solvothermal method adopting tetra-n-butyl titanate as the titanium source in a mixed solvent composed of N,N-dimethylformamide and acetic acid. Due to the high crystallinity and superior light-scattering ability, the resultant HM-TiO 2 are advantageous as photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. When assembled to the entire photovoltaic device with C101 dye as a sensitizer, the pure HM-TiO 2 -based solar cells showed an ultrahigh photovoltage up to 0.853 V. Finally, by employing the as-obtained HM-TiO 2 as the scattering layer and optimizing the architecture of dye-sensitized solar cells, both higher photovoltage and incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency value were harvested with respect to TiO 2 nanoparticles-based dye-sensitized solar cells, resulting in a high power conversion efficiency of 9.79%. This work provides a promising strategy to develop photoanode materials with outstanding photoelectric conversion performance.

Interesting electron storage phenomenon in the spherical Ag/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites and its application for the decomposition of acetaldehyde in the dark

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

Wang, Xinyan; State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, c/o Engineering Laboratory for Modern Analytical Techniques, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022; Wu, Tongshun

2016-01-15

Highlights: • The Ag/TiO{sub 2} composites have been prepared by a facile solvothermal method. • The photogenerated charges transfer behaviors between the Ag and TiO{sub 2}. • The Ag/TiO{sub 2} composites can store photogenerated electrons for a relative long time. • The Ag/TiO{sub 2} composite could be further used to decompose acetaldehyde in the dark. - Abstract: Ag/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposite has been prepared by a facile one-step low-temperature solvothermal method. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements have been used to characterize the detailed structure of the as-synthesized nanocomposite and the results indicate that the nanocompoistemore » is with the spherical structure and Ag and TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed in the sphere. Surface photovoltage (SPV) and transient photovoltage (TPV) techniques were used to further investigate the charge transfer behavior between the TiO{sub 2} and Ag in this composite material, and the results reveal that the nanocomposites could store the electrons for a relative long time even under air. Furthermore, these stored electrons in the nanocomposites have been successfully applied to decompose the acetaldehyde in the dark.« less

Ga2O3 and GaN nanocrystalline film: reverse micelle assisted solvothermal synthesis and characterization.

PubMed

Sinha, Godhuli; Ganguli, Dibyendu; Chaudhuri, Subhadra

2008-03-01

Gallium oxide (beta-Ga2O3) nanoparticles were successfully deposited on quartz glass substrates using sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT)/n-hexane/ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) reverse micelle-mediated solvothermal process with different omega values. The mean diameter of Ga2O3 particles was approximately 2-3 nm and found to be approximately independent of omega values of the reverse micelles. However, when the Ga2O3 nanocrystalline films were nitrided at 900 degrees C under flowing NH3 atmosphere for 1 h, the mean diameter of the resulted gallium nitride (wurtzite-GaN) nanoparticles varied from 3-9 nm. Both nanocrystalline films of Ga2O3 and GaN were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence in order to study their chemical and physical properties explicitly.

Facile fabrication of plate-shaped hydrohausmannite as electrode material for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Jun; Chai, Yao; Li, Deli; Li, Meng; Lu, Jiaxue; Li, Li; Luo, Min

2017-08-01

A simple and one-step solvothermal synthesis method has been developed to prepare two-dimensional (2-D) hydrohausmannite ((Mn4-2xMnx)Mn8O16-x(OH)x) nanoplates with radial length of 300 nm and thickness of about 25 nm in a binary ethanediamine/water solvent system. The formation mechanism of hydrohausmannite is suggested. As an anode material for electrochemical capacitors, the plate-shaped hydrohausmannite not only displays a high specific capacity (215 at 0.1 A g-1) and good rate capability, but also shows good stable performance along with 94% specific capacity retained after 3000 cycle tests. The method can be easily controlled and expected to be applicable for the large-scale preparation of the 2-D hydrohausmannite.

Solvothermal syntheses, crystal structures, and properties of lanthanide(III) thioarsenates [Ln(dien){sub 2}(μ-1κ,2κ{sup 2}-AsS{sub 4})]{sub n} (Ln==Sm, Eu, Gd) and [Ln(dien){sub 2}(1κ{sup 2}-AsS{sub 4})] (Ln==Tb, Dy, Ho)

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

Wang, Fang; Tang, Chunying; Chen, Ruihong

2013-10-15

Solvothermal reactions of Ln{sub 2}O{sub 3}, As and S in diethylenetriamine (dien) at 170 °C for 6 days afforded two structural types of lanthanide thioarsenates with the general formulae [Ln(dien){sub 2}(μ-1κ,2κ{sup 2}-AsS{sub 4})]{sub n} [Ln=Sm(1), Eu(2), Gd(3)] and [Ln(dien){sub 2}(1κ{sup 2}-AsS{sub 4})] [Ln=Tb(4), Dy(5), Ho(6)]. The Ln{sub 2}O{sub 3} oxides were converted to [Ln(dien){sub 2}]{sup 3+} complex units in the solvothermal reactions. The As atom binds four S atoms, forming a tetrahedral AsS{sub 4} unit. In 1−3, the AsS{sub 4} units interconnect the [Ln(dien){sub 2}]{sup 3+} cations via Ln−S bonds as tridentate μ-1κ,2κ{sup 2}-AsS{sub 4} bridging ligands, resulting in themore » neutral coordination polymers [Ln(dien){sub 2}(μ-1κ,2κ{sup 2}-AsS{sub 4})]{sub n} (Ln1). In 4−6, the AsS{sub 4} units coordinate with the Ln{sup 3+} ion of [Ln(dien){sub 2}]{sup 3+} as 1κ{sup 2}-AsS{sub 4} chelating ligands to form neutral coordination compounds [Ln(dien){sub 2}(1κ{sup 2}-AsS{sub 4})] (Ln2). The Ln{sup 3+} ions are in nine- and eight-coordinated environments in Ln1 and Ln2, respectively. The formation of Ln1 and Ln2 is related with ionic size of the Ln{sup 3+} ions. Optical absorption spectra showed that 1−6 have potential use as semiconductors with the band gaps in the range 2.18−3.21 eV. - Graphical abstract: Two types of Ln-thioarsenates [Ln(dien){sub 2}(μ-1κ,2κ{sup 2}-AsS{sub 4})]{sub n} and [Ln(dien){sub 2}(1κ{sup 2}-AsS{sub 4})] were prepared by solvothermal methods and the soft Lewis basic AsS{sub 4}{sup 3–} ligand to Ln(III) centers with polyamine co-ligand was obtained. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Lanthanide thioarsenates were prepared by solvothermal methods. • The soft Lewis basic AsS{sub 4} ligand coordinate Ln{sup 3+} ions with coexistence polyamine ligands. • Two structural types of Ln-thioarsenates with structural turnover at Tb were obtained along Ln series. • The Ln-thioarsenates are potential

One-step solvothermal synthesis, a worm-shaped morphology and luminescence properties of green-emitting Y2O2S:Tb3+ nanophosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Fan; Lian, Jingbao; Wu, Nianchu; He, Jiao; Zhang, Xue; Liu, Feng

2018-02-01

The worm-shaped Y2O2S:Tb3+ nanophosphors have been successfully prepared via one-step solvothermal synthesis, using ethanediamine as the main solvent and sublimed sulfur powder as the source of sulfur without adding additional structure-directing reagents. XRD, FT-IR, FESEM, PL and CIE chromaticity diagram were used to characterize the obtained products. XRD results demonstrate that all diffraction peaks of the sample can be well indexed to pure hexagonal phase of Y2O2S with optimal condition, i.e. the molar ration of S/Y3+m = 10, solvothermal temperature T = 220 °C and synthetic time t = 24 h. When t varies from 2 h to 24 h, the morphology of Y2O2S transforms from cauliflower-like structure to worm-shaped nanoparticles with the length of ∼80 nm. The formation mechanism depending on t has also been proposed. Upon 250 nm ultraviolet (UV) light excitation, the worm-shaped Y2O2S:Tb3+ nanophosphors exhibit green emissions, corresponding to the 5D4 → 7FJ (J = 6, 5, 4, 3) transitions of Tb3+ions. The quenching concentration is 7% and its corresponding lifetime is 1216 μs. The CIE chromaticity coordinates show the tuneable emission shifting from yellow green to yellowish green with increasing concentration of Tb3+ions from 1% to 7%. Those results suggest that the worm-shaped Y2O2S:Tb3+ nanophosphors may have potential applications in X-ray intensifying screens, fluorescence and biomedical fields.

Improvement of the BiOI photocatalytic activity optimizing the solvothermal synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mera, Adriana C.; Moreno, Yanko; Contreras, David; Escalona, Nestor; Meléndrez, Manuel F.; Mangalaraja, Ramalinga Viswanathan; Mansilla, Héctor D.

2017-01-01

BiOI nanostructured microspheres were obtained from the solvothermal synthesis route in the presence of ethylene glycol and KI as solvent and source of iodide, respectively. Optimal conditions for the synthesis were obtained by using multivariate analysis and choosing the photocatalytic oxidation rate constant of 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (gallic acid) as response factor under simulated solar radiation. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimum values of the reaction time and temperature which were 18 h and 126 °C, respectively, to obtain the most active catalyst. In addition, BiOI synthesis using ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ([bmim]I) as iodide source was also carried out for the comparison of microstructure and its photocatalytic efficiency. The obtained BiOI nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) attached with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) analyses for their changes in morphological and structural behaviors. It was observed that the synthesis temperature of BiOI nanostructures strongly influenced the morphology, crystalline phase, surface area and electrochemical behavior, and thus affecting the photocatalytic efficiency. The higher photocatalytic removal of gallic acid (60%) was reached within 30 min of irradiation with UV-A on microspheres obtained with ionic liquid. The (1 1 0) crystal phase of BiOI influenced the photocatalytic efficiency.

Solvothermal modification of BiOCl nanosheets with Bi nanoparticles using ascorbic acid as reductant and the superoxide radicals dominated photocatalytic performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Zhankui; Gao, Keke; Ge, Suxiang; Fa, Wenjun

2017-11-01

BiOCl nanosheets were solvothermally modified with Bi nanoparticles (NPs) using ascorbic acid as the reductant. The structures of Bi/BiOCl composites were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and SEM. The light absorption properties were measured by UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performances were evaluated by photodegrading methyl orange (MO) and the photocatalytic mechanism was investigated using trapping experiments and a fluorescent probe method. The results show that Bi NPs are uniformly distributed on the surfaces of BiOCl nanosheets and the modification amount of Bi NPs could be well controlled because of the mild property of ascorbic acid as reducing agent. The photocatalytic activities for the composites are improved obviously and the best photocatalytic performance is obtained when the weight ratio of Bi and BiOCl is1:10 and the photochemical reaction rate is 3.5 times that of pure BiOCl nanosheets and 19.7 times of Bi powders. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency is ascribed to the favorable formation of dominant \\cdot O2- radicals caused by the increased photoinduced electrons from both Bi NPs and BiOCl nanosheets.

High efficient photocatalytic selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde by solvothermal-synthesized ZnIn2S4 microspheres under visible light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhixin; Xu, Jingjing; Ren, Zhuyun; He, Yunhui; Xiao, Guangcan

2013-09-01

Hexagonal ZnIn2S4 samples have been synthesized by a solvothermal method. Their properties have been determined by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible-light diffuse reflectance spectra, field emission scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectra. These results demonstrate that ethanol solvent has significant influence on the morphology, optical and electronic nature for such marigold-like ZnIn2S4 microspheres. The visible light photocatalytic activities of the ZnIn2S4 have been evaluated by selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde using molecular oxygen as oxidant. The results show that 100% conversion along with >99% selectivity are reached over ZnIn2S4 prepared in ethanol solvent under visible light irradiation (λ>420 nm) of 2 h, but only 58% conversion and 57% yield are reached over ZnIn2S4 prepared in aqueous solvent. A possible mechanism of the high photocatalytic activity for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol over ZnIn2S4 is proposed and discussed.

Solvothermal fabrication of TiO2/sepiolite composite gel with exposed {0 0 1} and {1 0 1} facets and its enhanced photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ruirui; Ji, Zhijiang; Wang, Jing; Zhang, Jinjun

2018-05-01

A novel TiO2/sepiolite composite gel (TiSG) was fabricated in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) through a simple solvothermal reaction in an acetic acid-water solvent. A homogeneous anchoring of TiO2 nanoparticles with exposed {0 0 1} and {1 0 1} facets on sepiolite nanofibers was achieved. CTAB content, solvothermal temperature/time, and HAc content play crucial roles in the morphological and facet formation of TiSG. A possible mechanism for the formation of TiSG was further proposed. CTAB as capping/shape-controlling agent can strongly bind to the more reactive (0 0 1) facet of TiO2 and then mitigate the thermodynamically favored (0 0 1) plane growth. Eventually, the truncated octahedral TiO2 was obtained by controlling the growth rates in 〈0 0 1〉 and 〈1 0 1〉 directions. Sepiolite as a cross-linking agent provides sufficient crosslinking sites for TiO2 to induce three-dimensional (3D) network formation, thereby generating the composite gel. The synthesized TiSG samples were then used as photocatalysts, which exhibited increased methyl orange removal under UV-vis light (350-780 nm) by the synergistic effect of adsorption and in-situ photocatalytic degradation as compared to P25 and bare TiO2. The excellent photocatalytic performance of TiSG was mainly ascribed to the formations of 3D gel structure and surface heterojunctions between (0 0 1) and (1 0 1) facets.

Trinuclear organooxotin assemblies from solvothermal synthesis reaction: Crystal structure, hydrogen bonding and π π stacking interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Chunlin; Sun, Junshan; Zhang, Rufen

2007-05-01

Two new trinuclear mono-organooxotin(IV) complexes with 2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzoic acid and sodium perchlorate of the types: [(SnR) 3(OH)(2,3,4,5-F 4C 6HCO 2) 4 · ClO 4] · [O 2CC 6HF 4](R = PhCH 2, 1; o- F-PhCH 2 for 2), have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental, IR, 1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR and X-ray crystallography diffraction analyses. Complex 2 is also characterized by X-ray crystallography diffraction analyses. In complex 2, four carboxyl groups and a perchlorate bridged three tin atoms in a cyclohexane chair arrangement and form the basic framework. A hydroxyl group comprises the oxygen components of the stannoxane ring system. In these complexes, weak but significant intramolecular hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interaction are also shown. These contacts lead to aggregation and supramolecular assembly of complexes 1 and 2 into 1D or 2D framework.

Size control mechanism of ZnO nanoparticles obtained in microwave solvothermal synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wojnarowicz, Jacek; Chudoba, Tadeusz; Koltsov, Iwona; Gierlotka, Stanislaw; Dworakowska, Sylwia; Lojkowski, Witold

2018-02-01

The aim of the paper is to explain the mechanism of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle (NP) size control, which enables the size control of ZnO NPs obtained in microwave solvothermal synthesis (MSS) within the size range between circa 20 and 120 nm through the control of water content in the solution of zinc acetate in ethylene glycol. Heavy water was used in the tests. The mechanism of ZnO NPs size control was explained, discussed and experimentally verified. The discovery and investigation of this mechanism was possible by tracking the fate of water molecules during the whole synthesis process. All the synthesis products were identified. It was indicated that the MSS of ZnO NPs proceeded through the formation and conversion of intermediates such as Zn5(OH)8(CH3COO)2 · xH2O. Esters and H2O were the by-products of the MSS reaction of ZnO NPs. We justified that the esterification reaction is the decisive stage that is a prerequisite of the formation of ZnO NPs. The following parameters of the obtained ZnO NPs and of the intermediate were determined: pycnometric density, specific surface area, phase purity, average particles size, particles size distribution and chemical composition. The ZnO NPs morphology and structure were determined using scanning electron microscopy.

A facile one-pot solvothermal method for synthesis of magnetically recoverable Pd-Fe3O4 hybrid nanocatalysts for the Mizoroki-Heck reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhen, Fangchen; Ran, Maofei; Chu, Wei; Jiang, Chengfa; Sun, Wenjing

2018-03-01

Pd-Fe3O4 hybrid nanostructures were prepared using a simple one-pot hydrothermal method. The prepared materials were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma, N2 adsorption-desorption, and vibrating sample magnetometry. This self-assembled nanosystem acted as an efficient magnetically recyclable noble metal-based multi-functional nanocatalyst. It showed excellent catalytic activity and stability for the Heck reaction of iodobenzene and styrene under mild conditions. The methods used to prepare the Pd-Fe3O4 catalysts were simple and low-cost, which will be useful for the large-scale development and application of a magnetically recoverable Pd catalyst.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance of Er-doped Bi{sub 24}O{sub 31}Br{sub 10}: Facile synthesis and photocatalytic mechanism

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

Liu, Zhang Sheng, E-mail: lzsliu2008@hotmail.com; Liu, Zhi Lin; Liu, Jin Long

2016-04-15

Highlights: • Er-doped Bi{sub 24}O{sub 31}Br{sub 10} have been prepared via a one-pot solvothermal method. • Er doping drastically improves the photocatalytic activity of Bi{sub 24}O{sub 31}Br{sub 10}. • The enhanced activity is attributed to effective electron trapping and up-conversion process resulting from Er{sup 3+}. • Holes and super-oxide radicals are main active species. - Abstract: Erbium (Er) doped Bi{sub 24}O{sub 31}Br{sub 10} samples were successfully prepared by using a solvothermal method. The samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, BET, DRS, PL and EIS. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and methylmore » orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. The result shows that Er dopant induces a significant improvement in the photocatalytic activity. 1.0% Er–Bi{sub 24}O{sub 31}Br{sub 10} sample exhibits the best photocatalytic performance. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is attributed to the effective trapping of photogenerated electron by Er{sup 3+} ion and the up-conversion process resulting from Er dopant. In addition, it is found that holes and super-oxide radicals play main role in the photocatalytic degradation of RhB and MO.« less

Innovative biofilm inhibition and anti-microbial behavior of molybdenum sulfide nanostructures generated by microwave-assisted solvothermal route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qureshi, Nilam; Patil, Rajendra; Shinde, Manish; Umarji, Govind; Causin, Valerio; Gade, Wasudev; Mulik, Uttam; Bhalerao, Anand; Amalnerkar, Dinesh P.

2015-03-01

The incessant use of antibiotics against infectious diseases has translated into a vicious circle of developing new antibiotic drug and its resistant strains in short period of time due to inherent nature of micro-organisms to alter their genes. Many researchers have been trying to formulate inorganic nanoparticles-based antiseptics that may be linked to broad-spectrum activity and far lower propensity to induce microbial resistance than antibiotics. The way-out approaches in this direction are nanomaterials based (1) bactericidal and (2) bacteriostatic activities. We, herein, present hitherto unreported observations on microbial abatement using non-cytotoxic molybdenum disulfide nanostructures (MSNs) which are synthesized using microwave assisted solvothermal route. Inhibition of biofilm formation using MSNs is a unique feature of our study. Furthermore, this study evinces antimicrobial mechanism of MSNs by reactive oxygen species (ROS) dependent generation of superoxide anion radical via disruption of cellular functions.

The use of music in aged care facilities: A mixed-methods study.

PubMed

Garrido, Sandra; Dunne, Laura; Perz, Janette; Chang, Esther; Stevens, Catherine J

2018-02-01

Music is frequently used in aged care, being easily accessible and cost-effective. Research indicates that certain types of musical engagement hold greater benefits than others. However, it is not clear how effectively music is utilized in aged care facilities and what the barriers are to its further use. This study used a mixed-methods paradigm, surveying 46 aged care workers and conducting in-depth interviews with 5, to explore how music is used in aged care facilities in Australia, staff perceptions of the impact of music on residents, and the barriers to more effective implementation of music in aged care settings.

Solvothermal synthesis of monodisperse LiFePO4 micro hollow spheres as high performance cathode material for lithium ion batteries.

PubMed

Yang, Shiliu; Hu, Mingjun; Xi, Liujiang; Ma, Ruguang; Dong, Yucheng; Chung, C Y

2013-09-25

A microspherical, hollow LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode material with polycrystal structure was simply synthesized by a solvothermal method using spherical Li3PO4 as the self-sacrificed template and FeCl2·4H2O as the Fe(2+) source. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that the LFP micro hollow spheres have a quite uniform size of ~1 μm consisting of aggregated nanoparticles. The influences of solvent and Fe(2+) source on the phase and morphology of the final product were chiefly investigated, and a direct ion exchange reaction between spherical Li3PO4 templates and Fe(2+) ions was firstly proposed on the basis of the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) transformation of the products. The LFP nanoparticles in the micro hollow spheres could finely coat a uniform carbon layer ~3.5 nm by a glucose solution impregnating-drying-sintering process. The electrochemical measurements show that the carbon coated LFP materials could exhibit high charge-discharge capacities of 158, 144, 125, 101, and even 72 mAh g(-1) at 0.1, 1, 5, 20, and 50 C, respectively. It could also maintain 80% of the initial discharge capacity after cycling for 2000 times at 20 C.

Solvothermal fabrication of activated semi-coke supported TiO2-rGO nanocomposite photocatalysts and application for NO removal under visible light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Weiwei; Li, Chunhu; Wang, Liang; Sun, ShengNan; Yan, Xin

2015-10-01

The photocatalysts of activated semi-coke supported TiO2-rGO nanocomposite (TiO2-rGO/ASC) with different contents of reduced graphene oxide were fabricated by one-step solvothermal method for NO removal under visible light irradiation. It was confirmed that 8% content of reduced graphene oxide presented the best NO photooxidation performance under visible light irradiation at 70 °C with 350-400 mg/m3 NO,5% O2 and 5% relative humidity. The reasons for improved activity were discussed, alloyed with the mechanism of producing CO. Detailed structural information of TiO2-rGO/ASC photocatalysts was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS) and photoluminescence (PL), which indicated that the introduction of rGO was responsible for well dispersion, smaller crystalline size, red shift of absorption band and suppressing quick photo-induced charges recombination of TiO2-rGO/ASC photocatalysts. Optimization of operational parameters with 70 °C, 8% O2 and 8% relative humidity were also obtained. Deactivation of TiO2-rGO/ASC photocatalysts for NO removal was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Regeneration experiments showed that thermal vapor regeneration would be optimal method owing to excellent regenerative capacity and inexpensive procedure.

Guidelines for Analysis of Health Facilities Planning in Developing Countries. Volume 5: Health Facilities Planning. International Health Planning Methods Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Porter, Dennis R.; And Others

Intended to assist Agency for International Development (AID) officers, advisors, and health officials in incorporating health planning into national plans for economic development, this fifth of ten manuals in the International Health Planning Methods Series deals with health facilities planning in developing countries. While several specific…

Solvothermal synthesis, electromagnetic and electrochemical properties of jellylike cylinder graphene-Mn3O4 composite with highly coupled effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Yuting; Xie, Junliang; Li, Hong; Liu, Zirui; Xie, Yahong

2017-12-01

Jellylike cylinder graphene-Mn3O4 composite with highly coupled effect was successfully synthesized by a simple solvothermal process. Without using toxic reducing agent and expensive equipment, this method is environmental compatible and suitable for low cost mass production. High capacitance Mn3O4 nanoparticles are homogeneously anchored on excellent conductivity graphene framework and a growth mechanism is hypothesized. Excellent electron conductivity and unique structure of Mn3O4-graphene composite give rise to various applications such as microwave absorber and electrode material. As a microwave absorber, the composite exhibits lowest reflection loss of -14.2 dB in the frequency range of 2-18 GHz. Good microwave absorption performance is due to the structure of the composite where conductive channels form between nano sized Mn3O4 and high conductivity graphene with defects and dangling bonds. As for electrochemical property, Mn3O4-graphene composite with coupled effect shows excellent performance with highest specific capacitance of 246.7 F g-1 in saturated K2SO4 at a scan rate of 5 mV s-1. Good electrochemical property is also attributed to the structure with high utilization of Mn3O4, fast charge carrier transmission, and excellent electronic conductivity. This composite shows a promising application in absorbing materials and electrodes.

Effect of Microwave Radiation Power on the Size of Aggregates of ZnO NPs Prepared Using Microwave Solvothermal Synthesis

PubMed Central

Chudoba, Tadeusz; Gierlotka, Stanisław; Lojkowski, Witold

2018-01-01

This paper reports the possibility of changing the size of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) aggregates through a change of synthesis parameters. The effect of the changed power of microwave heating on the properties of ZnO NPs obtained by the microwave solvothermal synthesis from zinc acetate dissolved in ethylene glycol was tested for the first time. It was found that the size of ZnO aggregates ranged from 60 to 120 nm depending on the power of microwave radiation used in the synthesis of ZnO NPs. The increase in the microwave radiation power resulted in the reduction of the total synthesis time with simultaneous preservation of the constant size and shape of single ZnO NPs, which were synthesized at a pressure of 4 bar. All the obtained ZnO NPs samples were composed of homogeneous spherical particles that were single crystals with an average size of 27 ± 3 nm with a developed specific surface area of 40 m2/g and the skeleton density of 5.18 ± 0.03 g/cm3. A model of a mechanism explaining the correlation between the size of aggregates and the power of microwaves was proposed. This method of controlling the average size of ZnO NPs aggregates is presented for the first time and similar investigations are not found in the literature. PMID:29783651

Trade study comparing specimen chamber servicing methods for the Space Station Centrifuge Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calvisi, Michael L.; Sun, Sidney C.

1991-01-01

The Specimen Chamber Service Unit, a component of the Space Station Centrifuge Facility, must provide a clean enclosure on a continuing basis for the facility's plant, rodent and primate specimens. The specimen chambers can become soiled and can require periodic servicing to maintain a clean environment for the specimens. Two methods of servicing the specimen chambers are discussed: washing the chambers with an on-board washer, or disposing of the soiled chambers and replacing them with clean ones. Many of these issues are addressed by developing several servicing options, using either cleaning or replacement as the method of providing clean specimen chambers, and then evaluating each option according to a set of established quantitative and qualitative criteria. Disposing and replacing the Specimen Chambers is preferable to washing them.

Enhanced electrochemical capacitance of polyimidazole coated covellite CuS dispersed CNT composite materials for application in supercapacitors.

PubMed

Ravi, Seenu; Gopi, Chandu V V M; Kim, Hee Je

2016-08-02

Great attention has been paid to the design and synthesis of distinct core/shell heterostructures for high-performance supercapacitors. We have prepared unique heterostructures consisting of polyimidazole-coated copper sulphide over a carbon nanotube network (CuS@CNT) on nickel foam, which was accomplished through a facile and cost-effective solvothermal method combined with a dip coating process. Hexagonal covellite CuS nanoparticles were dispersed on CNTs using a solvothermal method where dimethylformamide and distilled water were used as solvents. The synthesized CuS and CuS@CNT supercapacitor electrode materials were thoroughly characterized. The polymer supported electrode (PIM/CuS@CNT) shows a high areal capacitance of 1.51 F cm(-2) at a current density of 1.2 A g(-1), which is higher than the CuS@CNT electrode and many other previously reported CuS electrode materials. After 1000 cycles at a high current density of 1.2 A g(-1), the retention rate is 92%, indicating good long-term cycling stability. These results indicate that the PIM/CuS@CNT electrode is promising for high-performance supercapacitor applications.

Facile Preparation of Nano-Bi2MoO6/Diatomite Composite for Enhancing Photocatalytic Performance under Visible Light Irradiation

PubMed Central

Gong, Jiuyan; Liu, Jianshe; Song, Wendong; Ji, Lili

2018-01-01

In this work, a new nano-Bi2MoO6/diatomite composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS) were employed to investigate the morphology, crystal structure, and optical properties. It was shown that nanometer-scaled Bi2MoO6 crystals were well-deposited on the surface of Bi2MoO6/diatomite. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained samples was evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under the visible light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. Moreover, trapping experiments were performed to investigate the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism. The results showed that the nano-Bi2MoO6/diatomite composite with the mass ratio of Bi2MoO6 to diatomaceous earth of 70% exhibited the highest activity, and the RhB degradation efficiency reached 97.6% within 60 min. The main active species were revealed to be h+ and•O2−. As a photocatalytic reactor, its recycling performance showed a good stability and reusability. This new composite photocatalyst material holds great promise in the engineering field for the environmental remediation. PMID:29425138

Evaluation of Gas-filled Ionization Chamber Method for Radon Measurement at Two Reference Facilities

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

Ishikawa, Tetsuo; Tokonami, Shinji; Kobayashi, Yosuke

2008-08-07

For quality assurance, gas-filled ionization chamber method was tested at two reference facilities for radon calibration: EML (USA) and PTB (Germany). Consequently, the radon concentrations estimated by the ionization chamber method were in good agreement with the reference radon concentrations provided by EML as well as PTB.

Solvothermal synthesis of well-dispersed MF2 (M = Ca,Sr,Ba) nanocrystals and their optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaoming; Quan, Zewei; Yang, Jun; Yang, Piaoping; Lian, Hongzhou; Lin, Jun

2008-02-01

MF2 (M = Ca,Sr,Ba) nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized via a solvothermal process in the presence of oleic acid and characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, UV/vis absorption spectra, photoluminescence (PL) excitation and emission spectra, and lifetimes, respectively. In the synthetic process, oleic acid as a surfactant played a crucial role in confining the growth and solubility of the MF2 NCs. The as-prepared CaF2, SrF2 and BaF2 NCs present morphologies of truncated octahedron, cube and sheet in a narrow distribution, respectively. Possible growth mechanisms were proposed to explain these results. The as-prepared NCs are highly crystalline and can be well dispersed in cyclohexane to form stable and clear colloidal solutions, which demonstrate strong emission bands centred at 400 nm in photoluminescence (PL) spectra compared with the cyclohexane solvent. The PL properties of the colloidal solutions of the as-prepared NCs can be ascribed to the trap states of surface defects.

Lidar Based Emissions Measurement at the Whole Facility Scale: Method and Error Analysis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Particulate emissions from agricultural sources vary from dust created by operations and animal movement to the fine secondary particulates generated from ammonia and other emitted gases. The development of reliable facility emission data using point sampling methods designed to characterize regiona...

Fabrication of selectively functionalized-graphene reinforced copper phthalocyanine nanocomposites with low dielectric loss and high dielectric constant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zicheng; Wei, Renbo; Liu, Xiaobo

2017-01-01

A novel kind of selectively functionalized-graphene reinforced copper phthalocyanine (RGO-O-CuPc) nanocomposites was successfully fabricated through a facile and effective three-step method, involving preferential surficial modification and reduction of graphene oxide (GO) sheets, and followed by incorporating with CuPc via in situ polymerization. The results of SEM, AFM, XPS, FTIR, XRD and UV-vis confirmed that GO was effectively surficial functionalized by a ring-open covalent reaction between amino in 3-aminophenoxyphthalonitrile (3-APN) and epoxy groups on the GO sheets, and partly reduced back to graphene under solvothermal conditions. And the RGO-O-CuPc was successfully fabricated by self-assembling of CuPc molecule on graphene sheets via in situ polymerization. As a consequence, the selective surface functionalization and solvothermal reduction of GO facilitated the improvement in the dielectric constant and AC conductivity, and the decrease in the dielectric loss of the graphene/CuPc nanocomposites.

One-step solvothermal synthesis of TiO2-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites with enhanced visible light photoreduction of Cr(VI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaikh, Aasiya; Mishra, Shailendra Prasad; Mohapatra, Priyabrata; Parida, Smrutiranjan

2017-06-01

Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), is a mutagenic and carcinogenic heavy metal environmental pollutant. Photoreduction is one of the remediation methods of the hexavalent chromium Cr(VI), which necessitates design of an efficient catalyst for visible light performance. Here, we report a one-step solvothermal synthesis of TiO2-reduced graphene oxide (TiO2- xRGO) composite catalysts using a mild reducing agent, dimethylformamide (DMF). Nanoscale TiO2 particles in the size range of 4-9 nm were formed on the reduced graphene sheets. The formation of the composite catalysts was accompanied by the appearance of a large fluorescence quenching, which indicates an efficient separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. The composites displayed excellent photoreduction of Cr(VI) in the visible light, which was found to be a function of the weight percentage of RGO in the composite. At the optimum composition of TiO2- xRGO, a maximum removal rate of 96% was recorded, which was higher than that of the pristine TiO2, which showed no appreciable catalytic activity under the same condition. The performance degraded with increasing RGO content in the composite, which can be attributed to the higher electron-hole recombination on the RGO surface. The Cr(VI) photoreduction also exhibited a pH dependence. The highest removal rate was observed in the acidic medium.

Facilities and Methods Used in Full-scale Airplane Crash-fire Investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Black, Dugald O.

1952-01-01

The facilities and the techniques employed in the conduct of full scale airplane crash-fire studies currently being conducted at the NACA Lewis laboratory are discussed herein. This investigation is part of a comprehensive study of the airplane crash-fire problem. The crash configuration chosen, the general physical layout of the crash site, the test methods, the instrumentation, the data-recording systems, and the post-crash examination procedure are described

Method for siting detectors within a facility

DOEpatents

Gleason, Nathaniel Jeremy Meyer

2007-12-11

A method, system and article of manufacture of siting one or more detectors in a facility represented with zones are provided. Signals S.sub.i,j representing an effect in zone j in response to a release of contaminant in zone i for one or more flow conditions are provided. A candidate architecture has one or more candidate zones. A limiting case signal is determined for each flow condition for multiple candidate architectures. The limiting case signal is a smallest system signal of multiple system signals associated with a release in a zone. Each system signal is a maximum one of the signals representing the effect in the candidate zones from the release in one zone for the flow condition. For each candidate architecture, a robust limiting case signal is determined based on a minimum of the limiting case signals. One candidate architecture is selected based on the robust limiting case signals.

Electrophoretic deposition of Cu2ZnSn(S0.5Se0.5)4 films using solvothermal synthesized nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badkoobehhezaveh, Amir Masoud; Abdizadeh, Hossein; Golobostanfard, Mohammad Reza

2018-01-01

In this paper, a simple, practical, and fast solvothermal route is presented for synthesizing the Cu2ZnSn(S0.5Se0.5)4 nanoparticles (CZTSSe). In this method, the precursors were dissolved in triethylenetetramine and placed in an autoclave at 240 °C for 1 h under controlled pressure and constant stirring. After washing the samples for several times with absolute ethanol, the obtained CZTSSe nanoparticles were successfully deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide substrates by convenient electrophoretic deposition (EPD) using colloidal nanoparticles. The most appropriate parameters for EPD of pre-synthesized CZTSSe nanoparticles which result in proper surface properties, controlled thickness, and high film quality are investigated by adjusting applied voltage, pH, and deposition time. X-ray diffraction pattern and Raman spectroscopy of the pre-synthesized nanoparticles show kesterite structure formation. The particle size of the CZTSSe nanoparticles is in the range of 100 to 400 nm and for some agglomerates, it is about 2 µm confirmed by scanning electron microscope. The deposited film with optimized parameter has acceptable quality without any crack in it with the thickness of about 4-5 µm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirms that the chemical composition of the samples is in near stoichiometric Cu-poor and Zn-rich region, which guarantees the p-type character of the film. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy also demonstrates that the optical band gap of the sample is about 1.2 eV.

Solvothermal synthesis of Mg-doped Li2FeSiO4/C nanocomposite cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Ajay; Jayakumar, O. D.; Naik, V. M.; Nazri, G. A.; Naik, R.

Lithium transition metal orthosilicates, such as Li2FeSiO4 and Li2MnSiO4, as cathode material have attracted much attention lately due to their high theoretical capacity ( 330 mAh/g), low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, they suffer from poor electronic conductivity and slow lithium ion diffusion in the solid phase. Several cation-doped orthosilicates have been studied to improve their electrochemical performance. We have synthesized partially Mg-substituted Li2Mgx Fe1-x SiO4-C, (x = 0.0, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04) nano-composites by solvothermal method followed by annealing at 600oC in argon flow. The structure and morphology of the composites were characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM. The surface area and pore size distribution were measured by using N2 adsorption/desorption curves. The electrochemical performance of the Li2MgxFe1-x SiO4-C composites was evaluated by Galvanostatic cycling against metallic lithium anode, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Li2Mg0.01Fe0.99SiO4-C sample shows a capacity of 278 mAh/g (at C/30 rate in the 1.5-4.6 V voltage window) with an excellent rate capability and stability, compared to the other samples. We attribute this observation to its higher surface area, enhanced electronic conductivity and higher lithium ion diffusion coefficient.

Efficient solvothermal wet in situ transesterification of Nannochloropsis gaditana for biodiesel production.

PubMed

Kim, Bora; Chang, Yong Keun; Lee, Jae W

2017-05-01

In situ transesterification of wet microalgae is a promising, simplified alternative biodiesel production process that replaces multiple operations of cell drying, extraction, and transesterification reaction. This study addresses enhanced biodiesel production from Nannochloropsis gaditana at elevated temperatures. Compared with the previously reported in situ transesterification process of conducting the reaction at a temperature ranging from 95 to 125 °C, the present work employs higher temperatures of at least 150 °C. This relatively harsh condition allows much less acid catalyst with or without co-solvent to be used during this single extraction-conversion process. Without any co-solvent, 0.58% (v/v) of H 2 SO 4 in the reaction medium can achieve 90 wt% of the total lipid conversion to biodiesel at 170 °C when the moisture content of wet algal paste is 80 wt%. Here, the effects of temperature, acid catalyst, and co-solvent on the FAEE yield and specification were scrutinized, and the reaction kinetic was investigated to understand the solvothermal in situ transesterification reaction at the high temperature. Having a biphasic system (water/chloroform) during the reaction also helped to meet biodiesel quality standard EN 14214, as Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ cations and phosphorus were detected only below 5 ppm. With highlights on the economic feasibility, wet in situ transesterification at the high temperature can contribute to sustainable production of biodiesel from microalgae by reducing the chemical input and relieve the burden of extensive post purification process, therefore a step towards green process.

Measurements of methane emissions from natural gas gathering facilities and processing plants: measurement methods

DOE PAGES

Roscioli, J. R.; Yacovitch, T. I.; Floerchinger, C.; ...

2015-05-07

Increased natural gas production in recent years has spurred intense interest in methane (CH 4) emissions associated with its production, gathering, processing, transmission, and distribution. Gathering and processing facilities (G&P facilities) are unique in that the wide range of gas sources (shale, coal-bed, tight gas, conventional, etc.) results in a wide range of gas compositions, which in turn requires an array of technologies to prepare the gas for pipeline transmission and distribution. We present an overview and detailed description of the measurement method and analysis approach used during a 20-week field campaign studying CH 4 emissions from the natural gasmore » G&P facilities between October 2013 and April 2014. Dual-tracer flux measurements and on-site observations were used to address the magnitude and origins of CH 4 emissions from these facilities. The use of a second tracer as an internal standard revealed plume-specific uncertainties in the measured emission rates of 20–47%, depending upon plume classification. Furthermore, combining downwind methane, ethane (C 2H 6), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2), and tracer gas measurements with on-site tracer gas release allows for quantification of facility emissions and in some cases a more detailed picture of source locations.« less

High-temperature acoustic test facilities and methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearson, Jerome

1994-09-01

The Wright Laboratory is the Air Force center for air vehicles, responsible for developing advanced technology and incorporating it into new flight vehicles and for continuous technological improvement of operational air vehicles. Part of that responsibility is the problem of acoustic fatigue. With the advent of jet aircraft in the 1950's, acoustic fatigue of aircraft structure became a significant problem. In the 1960's the Wright Laboratory constructed the first large acoustic fatigue test facilities in the United States, and the laboratory has been a dominant factor in high-intensity acoustic testing since that time. This paper discusses some of the intense environments encountered by new and planned Air Force flight vehicles, and describes three new acoustic test facilities of the Wright Laboratory designed for testing structures in these dynamic environments. These new test facilities represent the state of the art in high-temperature, high-intensity acoustic testing and random fatigue testing. They will allow the laboratory scientists and engineers to test the new structures and materials required to withstand the severe environments of captive-carry missiles, augmented lift wings and flaps, exhaust structures of stealth aircraft, and hypersonic vehicle structures well into the twenty-first century.

Facile fabrication of CNTs@C@MoSe2@Se hybrids with amorphous structure for high performance anode in lithium-ion batteries.

PubMed

Jin, Rencheng; Cui, Yuming; Wang, Qingyao; Li, Guihua

2017-12-15

Amorphous MoSe 2 and Se anchored on amorphous carbon coated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs@C@MoSe 2 @Se) have been synthesized by a facile solvothermal strategy. The one dimensional CNTs@C@MoSe 2 @Se can effectively buffer the volume variation, prohibit the aggregation and facilitate electron and ion transport throughout the electrode. Furthermore, the combination of MoSe 2 and Se also provides buffer spaces for the volumetric change during cycling. Thus, the obtained CNTs@C@MoSe 2 @Se hybrids display the enhanced cycle stability and excellent high rate capacity. The reversible capacity of 1010mAhg -1 can be achieved after 100 cycles at the current density of 0.1Ag -1 . Even after 500 cycles, a reversible capacity of 508mAhg -1 is still retained at 5Ag -1 . Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Facile mechanical shaking method is an improved isolation approach for islet preparation and transplantation.

PubMed

Yin, Nina; Chen, Tao; Yu, Yuling; Han, Yongming; Yan, Fei; Zheng, Zhou; Chen, Zebin

2016-12-01

Successful islet isolation is crucial for islet transplantation and cell treatment for type 1 diabetes. Current isolation methods are able to obtain 500-1,000 islets per rat, which results in a waste of ≥50% of total islets. In the present study, a facile mechanical shaking method for improving islet yield (up to 1,500 per rat) was developed and summarized, which was demonstrated to be more effective than the existing well-established stationary method. The present results showed that isolated islets have a maximum yield of 1,326±152 when shaking for 15 min for the fully-cannulated pancreas. For both fully-cannulated and half-cannulated pancreas in the presence of rat DNAse inhibitor, the optimal shaking time was amended to 20 min with a further increased yield of 1,344±134 and 1,286±124 islets, respectively. Furthermore, the majority of the isolated islets were morphologically intact with a well-defined surface and almost no central necrotic zone, which suggested that the condition of islets obtained via the mechanical shaking method was consistent with the stationary method. Islet size distribution was also calculated and it was demonstrated that islets from the stationary method exhibited the same size distribution as the non-cannulated group, which had more larger islets than the fully-cannulated and half-cannulated groups isolated via the shaking method. In addition, the results of glucose challenge showed that the refraction index of each group was >2.5, which indicated the well-preserved function of isolated islets. Furthermore, the transplanted islets exhibited a therapeutic effect after 1 day of transplantation; however, they failed to control blood glucose levels after ~7 days of transplantation. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that the facile mechanical shaking method may markedly improve the yield of rat islet isolation, and in vitro and in vivo investigation demonstrated the well-preserved function of isolated islets in the control of

Novel S-35 Intrinsic Tracer Method for Determining Groundwater Travel Time near Managed Aquifer Recharge Facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urióstegui, S. H.; Bibby, R. K.; Esser, B. K.; Clark, J. F.

2013-12-01

Identifying groundwater travel times near managed aquifer recharge (MAR) facilities is a high priority for protecting public and environmental health. For MAR facilities in California that incorporate tertiary wastewater into their surface-spreading recharge practices, the target subsurface residence time is >9 months to allow for the natural inactivation and degradation of potential contaminants (less time is needed for full advanced treated water). Established intrinsic groundwater tracer techniques such as tritium/helium-3 dating are unable to resolve timescales of <1 year. These limitations provide the motivation for evaluating a novel groundwater tracer method using a naturally occurring radioisotope of sulfur, sulfur-35 (S-35). After its production in the atmosphere by cosmic ray interaction with argon, S-35 enters the hydrologic cycle as dissolved sulfate through precipitation The short half-life of S-35 (3 months) is ideal for investigating recharge and transport of MAR groundwater on the <1 year timescale of interest to MAR managers. The method, however, has not been applied to MAR operations because of the difficulty in measuring S-35 with sufficient sensitivity in high-sulfate waters. We have developed a new method and have applied it at two southern California MAR facilities where groundwater travel times have previously been characterized using deliberate tracers: 1) Rio Hondo Spreading Grounds in Los Angeles County, and 2) Orange County Groundwater Recharge Facilities in Orange County. Reasonable S-35 travel times of <1 year were identified at both study sites. This method also identified seasonal patterns in subsurface travel times, which may not be revealed by a deliberate tracer study that is dependent on the hydrologic conditions during the tracer injection period.

Novel Biocontrol Methods for Listeria monocytogenes Biofilms in Food Production Facilities.

PubMed

Gray, Jessica A; Chandry, P Scott; Kaur, Mandeep; Kocharunchitt, Chawalit; Bowman, John P; Fox, Edward M

2018-01-01

High mortality and hospitalization rates have seen Listeria monocytogenes as a foodborne pathogen of public health importance for many years and of particular concern for high-risk population groups. Food manufactures face an ongoing challenge in preventing the entry of L. monocytogenes into food production environments (FPEs) due to its ubiquitous nature. In addition to this, the capacity of L. monocytogenes strains to colonize FPEs can lead to repeated identification of L. monocytogenes in FPE surveillance. The contamination of food products requiring product recall presents large economic burden to industry and is further exacerbated by damage to the brand. Poor equipment design, facility layout, and worn or damaged equipment can result in Listeria hotspots and biofilms where traditional cleaning and disinfecting procedures may be inadequate. Novel biocontrol methods may offer FPEs effective means to help improve control of L. monocytogenes and decrease cross contamination of food. Bacteriophages have been used as a medical treatment for many years for their ability to infect and lyse specific bacteria. Endolysins, the hydrolytic enzymes of bacteriophages responsible for breaking the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria, are being explored as a biocontrol method for food preservation and in nanotechnology and medical applications. Antibacterial proteins known as bacteriocins have been used as alternatives to antibiotics for biopreservation and food product shelf life extension. Essential oils are natural antimicrobials formed by plants and have been used as food additives and preservatives for many years and more recently as a method to prevent food spoilage by microorganisms. Competitive exclusion occurs naturally among bacteria in the environment. However, intentionally selecting and applying bacteria to effect competitive exclusion of food borne pathogens has potential as a biocontrol application. This review discusses these novel biocontrol methods and their

Method to synthesize metal chalcogenide monolayer nanomaterials

DOEpatents

Hernandez-Sanchez, Bernadette A.; Boyle, Timothy J.

2016-12-13

Metal chalcogenide monolayer nanomaterials can be synthesized from metal alkoxide precursors by solution precipitation or solvothermal processing. The synthesis routes are more scalable, less complex and easier to implement than other synthesis routes.

Solvothermal syntheses and characterization of three new silver(I)/copper(I)-thioarsenates based on As2+/As3+ ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Hua-Gang; Tang, Cheng-Fei; An, Yong-Lin; Ou, Zi-Jian; Wu, Guo-Hao; Lan, Pei; Zheng, Yi-Long

2017-02-01

Three new silver(I)/copper(I)-thioarsenates KAgAsIIS2 (1), RbCu2AsIIIS3 (2) and RbCu4AsIIIS4 (3) have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. 1 exhibits a two-dimensional anionic network built up by As-As bond connecting the left- and right-handed helical [AgS2]4- chains, and represents the first examples of thioarsenates(II). The structure of 2 consists of two kinds of helical [Cu2S3]4- chains linked by the arsenic atoms to form double layers with rubidium ions between the layers. Compound 3 is built up of infinite [Cu2S2]2- chain and layered [Cu6As2S6] linked to form a three-dimensional anionic framework, [Cu4AsS4]-, and containing channels in which the rubidium cations reside. The optical properties of 1-3 have been investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy.

Enhanced Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol Driven by Fe3O4-Au Magnetic Nanocomposite Interface Engineering: From Facile Preparation to Recyclable Application

PubMed Central

Chen, Yue; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Kou, Qiangwei; Liu, Yang; Han, Donglai; Wang, Dandan; Sun, Yantao; Zhang, Yongjun; Wang, Yaxin; Lu, Ziyang; Chen, Lei; Yang, Jinghai; Xing, Scott Guozhong

2018-01-01

In this work, we report the enhanced catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol driven by Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposite interface engineering. A facile solvothermal method is employed for Fe3O4 hollow microspheres and Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposite synthesis via a seed deposition process. Complementary structural, chemical composition and valence state studies validate that the as-obtained samples are formed in a pure magnetite phase. A series of characterizations including conventional scanning/transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetic testing and elemental mapping is conducted to unveil the structural and physical characteristics of the developed Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposites. By adjusting the quantity of Au seeds coating on the polyethyleneimine-dithiocarbamates (PEI-DTC)-modified surfaces of Fe3O4 hollow microspheres, the correlation between the amount of Au seeds and the catalytic ability of Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposites for 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) is investigated systematically. Importantly, bearing remarkable recyclable features, our developed Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposites can be readily separated with a magnet. Such Fe3O4-Au magnetic nanocomposites shine the light on highly efficient catalysts for 4-NP reduction at the mass production level. PMID:29789457

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.

Thiazolothiazole-linked porous organic polymers

DOE PAGES

Zhu, Xiang; Tian, Chengcheng; Jin, Tian; ...

2014-10-07

In this study, thiazolothiazole-linked porous organic polymers have been synthesized from a facile catalyst-free condensation reaction between aldehydes and dithiooxamide under solvothermal conditions. The resultant porous frameworks exhibit a highly selective uptake of CO 2 over N 2 under ambient conditions.

Classification of Reactor Facility Operational State Using SPRT Methods with Radiation Sensor Networks

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

Ramirez Aviles, Camila A.; Rao, Nageswara S.

We consider the problem of inferring the operational state of a reactor facility by using measurements from a radiation sensor network, which is deployed around the facility’s ventilation stack. The radiation emissions from the stack decay with distance, and the corresponding measurements are inherently random with parameters determined by radiation intensity levels at the sensor locations. We fuse measurements from network sensors to estimate the intensity at the stack, and use this estimate in a one-sided Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) to infer the on/off state of the reactor facility. We demonstrate the superior performance of this method over conventionalmore » majority vote fusers and individual sensors using (i) test measurements from a network of NaI sensors, and (ii) emulated measurements using radioactive effluents collected at a reactor facility stack. We analytically quantify the performance improvements of individual sensors and their networks with adaptive thresholds over those with fixed ones, by using the packing number of the radiation intensity space.« less

Paramagnetism of cobalt-doped ZnO nanoparticles obtained by microwave solvothermal synthesis.

PubMed

Wojnarowicz, Jacek; Kusnieruk, Sylwia; Chudoba, Tadeusz; Gierlotka, Stanislaw; Lojkowski, Witold; Knoff, Wojciech; Lukasiewicz, Malgorzata I; Witkowski, Bartlomiej S; Wolska, Anna; Klepka, Marcin T; Story, Tomasz; Godlewski, Marek

2015-01-01

Zinc oxide nanopowders doped with 1-15 mol % cobalt were produced by the microwave solvothermal synthesis (MSS) technique. The obtained nanoparticles were annealed at 800 °C in nitrogen (99.999%) and in synthetic air. The material nanostructure was investigated by means of the following techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD), helium pycnometry density, specific surface area (SSA), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and with magnetometry using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Irrespective of the Co content, nanoparticles in their initial state present a similar morphology. They are composed of loosely agglomerated spherical particles with wurtzite-type crystal structure with crystallites of a mean size of 30 nm. Annealing to temperatures of up to 800 °C induced the growth of crystallites up to a maximum of 2 μm in diameter. For samples annealed in high purity nitrogen, the precipitation of metallic α-Co was detected for a Co content of 5 mol % or more. For samples annealed in synthetic air, no change of phase structure was detected, except for precipitation of Co3O4 for a Co content of 15 mol %. The results of the magentometry investigation indicated that all as-synthesized samples displayed paramagnetic properties with a contribution of anti-ferromagnetic coupling of Co-Co pairs. After annealing in synthetic air, the samples remained paramagnetic and samples annealed under nitrogen flow showed a magnetic response under the influences of a magnetic field, likely related to the precipitation of metallic Co in nanoparticles.

Solvothermal indium fluoride chemistry: Syntheses and crystal structures of K{sub 5}In{sub 3}F{sub 14}, beta-(NH{sub 4}){sub 3}InF{sub 6} and [NH{sub 4}]{sub 3}[C{sub 6}H{sub 21}N{sub 4}]{sub 2}[In{sub 4}F{sub 21}

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

Jayasundera, Anil C.A.; Goff, Richard J.; Li Yang

2010-02-15

The solvothermal syntheses and crystal structures of three indium fluorides are presented. K{sub 5}In{sub 3}F{sub 14} (1) and beta-(NH{sub 4}){sub 3}InF{sub 6} (2) are variants on known inorganic structure types chiolite and cryolite, respectively, with the latter exhibiting a complex and apparently novel structural distortion. [NH{sub 4}]{sub 3}[C{sub 6}H{sub 21}N{sub 4}]{sub 2}[In{sub 4}F{sub 21}] (3) represents a new hybrid composition displaying a unique trimeric metal fluoride building unit. - Graphical abstract: Solvothermal synthesis has been used to prepare three indium fluorides, including a novel hybrid material containing a unique [In{sub 3}F{sub 15}] trimer templated by tren.

The Mistreatment of Women during Childbirth in Health Facilities Globally: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Bohren, Meghan A.; Vogel, Joshua P.; Hunter, Erin C.; Lutsiv, Olha; Makh, Suprita K.; Souza, João Paulo; Aguiar, Carolina; Saraiva Coneglian, Fernando; Diniz, Alex Luíz Araújo; Tunçalp, Özge; Javadi, Dena; Oladapo, Olufemi T.; Khosla, Rajat; Hindin, Michelle J.; Gülmezoglu, A. Metin

2015-01-01

Background Despite growing recognition of neglectful, abusive, and disrespectful treatment of women during childbirth in health facilities, there is no consensus at a global level on how these occurrences are defined and measured. This mixed-methods systematic review aims to synthesize qualitative and quantitative evidence on the mistreatment of women during childbirth in health facilities to inform the development of an evidence-based typology of the phenomenon. Methods and Findings We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases and grey literature using a predetermined search strategy to identify qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies on the mistreatment of women during childbirth across all geographical and income-level settings. We used a thematic synthesis approach to synthesize the qualitative evidence and assessed the confidence in the qualitative review findings using the CERQual approach. In total, 65 studies were included from 34 countries. Qualitative findings were organized under seven domains: (1) physical abuse, (2) sexual abuse, (3) verbal abuse, (4) stigma and discrimination, (5) failure to meet professional standards of care, (6) poor rapport between women and providers, and (7) health system conditions and constraints. Due to high heterogeneity of the quantitative data, we were unable to conduct a meta-analysis; instead, we present descriptions of study characteristics, outcome measures, and results. Additional themes identified in the quantitative studies are integrated into the typology. Conclusions This systematic review presents a comprehensive, evidence-based typology of the mistreatment of women during childbirth in health facilities, and demonstrates that mistreatment can occur at the level of interaction between the woman and provider, as well as through systemic failures at the health facility and health system levels. We propose this typology be adopted to describe the phenomenon and be used to develop measurement tools

Alternative financing mechanisms for ART programs in health facilities in Uganda: a mixed-methods approach.

PubMed

Zakumumpa, Henry; Bennett, Sara; Ssengooba, Freddie

2017-01-23

Sub-Saharan Africa is heavily dependent on global health initiatives (GHIs) for funding antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up. There are indications that global investments for ART scale-up are flattening. It is unclear what new funding channels can bridge the funding gap for ART service delivery. Many previous studies have focused on domestic government spending and international funding especially from GHIs. The objective of this study was to identify the funding strategies adopted by health facilities in Uganda to sustain ART programs between 2004 and 2014 and to explore variations in financing mechanisms by ownership of health facility. A mixed-methods approach was employed. A survey of health facilities (N = 195) across Uganda which commenced ART delivery between 2004 and 2009 was conducted. Six health facilities were purposively selected for in-depth examination. Semi-structured interviews (N = 18) were conducted with ART Clinic managers (three from each of the six health facilities). Statistical analyses were performed in STATA (Version 12.0) and qualitative data were analyzed by coding and thematic analysis. Multiple funding sources for ART programs were common with 140 (72%) of the health facilities indicating at least two concurrent grants supporting ART service delivery between 2009 and 2014. Private philanthropic aid emerged as an important source of supplemental funding for ART service delivery. ART financing strategies were differentiated by ownership of health facility. Private not-for-profit providers were more externally-focused (multiple grants, philanthropic aid). For-profit providers were more client-oriented (fee-for-service, insurance schemes). Public facilities sought additional funding streams not dissimilar to other health facility ownership-types. Over the 10-year study period, health facilities in Uganda diversified funding sources for ART service delivery. The identified alternative funding mechanisms could reduce dependence on

Microemulsion-mediated solvothermal synthesis of tin(IV) hydrogen phosphate rose-like three-dimensional nanostructures and their electrochemical properties

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

Yang Hui; He Xiaoyan; Cao Minhua

2009-03-05

Novel rose-like three-dimensional Sn(HPO{sub 4}){sub 2}.H{sub 2}O nanostructures self-assembled by tightly stacked nanopetals were successfully synthesized by a simple cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)/water/cyclohexane/n-pentanol microemulsion system under solvothermal conditions for the first time. A series of compared experiments were carried out to investigate the factors that influence the morphology and size of the products. It was found that the molar ratio of water to CTAB and the concentration of SnCl{sub 4} aqueous solution play important roles in the formation of the rose-like nanostructures. A possible formation mechanism of rose-like nanostructures was proposed, which may be related to the crystal structure of Sn(HPO{submore » 4}){sub 2}.H{sub 2}O and the spherical micelles formed by the microemulsion. The electrochemical properties of Sn(HPO{sub 4}){sub 2}.H{sub 2}O were investigated through cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) were used to characterize the products.« less

Preventing Airborne Disease Transmission: Review of Methods for Ventilation Design in Health Care Facilities

PubMed Central

Aliabadi, Amir A.; Rogak, Steven N.; Bartlett, Karen H.; Green, Sheldon I.

2011-01-01

Health care facility ventilation design greatly affects disease transmission by aerosols. The desire to control infection in hospitals and at the same time to reduce their carbon footprint motivates the use of unconventional solutions for building design and associated control measures. This paper considers indoor sources and types of infectious aerosols, and pathogen viability and infectivity behaviors in response to environmental conditions. Aerosol dispersion, heat and mass transfer, deposition in the respiratory tract, and infection mechanisms are discussed, with an emphasis on experimental and modeling approaches. Key building design parameters are described that include types of ventilation systems (mixing, displacement, natural and hybrid), air exchange rate, temperature and relative humidity, air flow distribution structure, occupancy, engineered disinfection of air (filtration and UV radiation), and architectural programming (source and activity management) for health care facilities. The paper describes major findings and suggests future research needs in methods for ventilation design of health care facilities to prevent airborne infection risk. PMID:22162813

Preventing airborne disease transmission: review of methods for ventilation design in health care facilities.

PubMed

Aliabadi, Amir A; Rogak, Steven N; Bartlett, Karen H; Green, Sheldon I

2011-01-01

Health care facility ventilation design greatly affects disease transmission by aerosols. The desire to control infection in hospitals and at the same time to reduce their carbon footprint motivates the use of unconventional solutions for building design and associated control measures. This paper considers indoor sources and types of infectious aerosols, and pathogen viability and infectivity behaviors in response to environmental conditions. Aerosol dispersion, heat and mass transfer, deposition in the respiratory tract, and infection mechanisms are discussed, with an emphasis on experimental and modeling approaches. Key building design parameters are described that include types of ventilation systems (mixing, displacement, natural and hybrid), air exchange rate, temperature and relative humidity, air flow distribution structure, occupancy, engineered disinfection of air (filtration and UV radiation), and architectural programming (source and activity management) for health care facilities. The paper describes major findings and suggests future research needs in methods for ventilation design of health care facilities to prevent airborne infection risk.

Novel Nano Boehmite prepared by Solvothermal reaction of aluminum hydroxide gel in Monoethanolamine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohta, Yasuhiro; Hayakawa, Tomokatsu; Inomata, Tomohiko; Ozawa, Tomohiro; Masuda, Hideki

2017-07-01

Solvothermal reaction of aluminum hydroxide gel (AHG) in monoethanolamine (MEA) was studied at several temperatures (100, 120, 150, and 200 °C) in several reaction times (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 13 h). The reaction product prepared at a low temperature of 120 °C in the reaction time more than 6 h gave a blue photoluminescence nanoboehmite intercalated with monoethanolamine derivatives (BM-MEA) in the colloidal solution, which showed a photoluminescence emission centered at 420 nm with an excitation of 360 nm. The powdery samples recovered from the reaction products were characterized by using elemental analysis, XRD analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG)-DTA, 13C and 27Al CP/MAS NMR spectroscopies, N2 gas adsorption/desorption isotherm, SEM and TEM images, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction revealed that the basal space in BM-MEA was expanded from 0.61 to 1.2 nm by intercalation of MEA derivatives to boehmite, and the IR and 13C CP/MAS NMR spectra determined that the intercalated MEA derivatives are protonated- and carbamate-substituted MEAs, which are formed in the layers through a covalent bond with Al-OH groups on boehmite surface. The empirical formula of BM-MEA was estimated to be AlO(OH)0.82(OCH2CH2NH3 +)0.05(OCH2CH2NHCOO-)0.13 on the basis of the elemental TG-DTA and IR spectral analyses. We discuss the reaction mechanism of a unique blue photoluminescence BM-MEA formed by proceeding in CO2-H2O-alkanolamine system.

Solvothermal Synthesis of a Hollow Micro-Sphere LiFePO4/C Composite with a Porous Interior Structure as a Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries

PubMed Central

Liu, Yang; Zhang, Jieyu; Li, Ying; Hu, Yemin; Li, Wenxian; Zhu, Mingyuan; Hu, Pengfei; Chou, Shulei; Wang, Guoxiu

2017-01-01

To overcome the low lithium ion diffusion and slow electron transfer, a hollow micro sphere LiFePO4/C cathode material with a porous interior structure was synthesized via a solvothermal method by using ethylene glycol (EG) as the solvent medium and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the surfactant. In this strategy, the EG solvent inhibits the growth of the crystals and the CTAB surfactant boots the self-assembly of the primary nanoparticles to form hollow spheres. The resultant carbon-coat LiFePO4/C hollow micro-spheres have a ~300 nm thick shell/wall consisting of aggregated nanoparticles and a porous interior. When used as materials for lithium-ion batteries, the hollow micro spherical LiFePO4/C composite exhibits superior discharge capacity (163 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), good high-rate discharge capacity (118 mAh g−1 at 10 C), and fine cycling stability (99.2% after 200 cycles at 0.1 C). The good electrochemical performances are attributed to a high rate of ionic/electronic conduction and the high structural stability arising from the nanosized primary particles and the micro-sized hollow spherical structure. PMID:29099814

Sandwiched Thin-Film Anode of Chemically Bonded Black Phosphorus/Graphene Hybrid for Lithium-Ion Battery.

PubMed

Liu, Hanwen; Zou, Yuqin; Tao, Li; Ma, Zhaoling; Liu, Dongdong; Zhou, Peng; Liu, Hongbo; Wang, Shuangyin

2017-09-01

A facile vacuum filtration method is applied for the first time to construct sandwich-structure anode. Two layers of graphene stacks sandwich a composite of black phosphorus (BP), which not only protect BP from quickly degenerating but also serve as current collector instead of copper foil. The BP composite, reduced graphene oxide coated on BP via chemical bonding, is simply synthesized by solvothermal reaction at 140 °C. The sandwiched film anode used for lithium-ion battery exhibits reversible capacities of 1401 mAh g -1 during the 200th cycle at current density of 100 mA g -1 indicating superior cycle performance. Besides, this facile vacuum filtration method may also be available for other anode material with well dispersion in N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP). © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Copper-Based Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles with Peroxidase-Like Activity for Sensitive Colorimetric Detection of Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Wang, Shuqin; Deng, Wenfang; Yang, Lu; Tan, Yueming; Xie, Qingji; Yao, Shouzhuo

2017-07-26

Cu-MOF nanoparticles with an average diameter of 550 nm were synthesized from 2-aminoterephthalic acid and Cu(NO 3 ) 2 by a mixed solvothermal method. The Cu-MOF nanoparticles can show peroxidase-like activity that can catalyze 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine to produce a yellow chromogenic reaction in the presence of H 2 O 2 . The presence of abundant amine groups on the surfaces of Cu-MOF nanoparticles enables facile modification of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) aptamer on Cu-MOF nanoparticles. By combining Cu-MOF-catalyzed chromogenic reaction with aptamer recognition and magnetic separation, a simple, sensitive, and selective colorimetric method for the detection of S. aureus was developed.

Solvothermal in situ synthesis of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}-multi-walled carbon nanotubes with enhanced heterogeneous Fenton-like activity

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

Deng, Jingheng; Wen, Xianghua, E-mail: xhwen@tsinghua.edu.cn; Wang, Qinian

Graphical abstract: After purification, the multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) act as seeds for Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles heterogeneous nucleation. The Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles with diameter range of 4.2–10.0 nm synthesized in situ on the MWCNTs under solvothermal condition. The formed nano Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}-MWCNTs decolorized the Acid Orange II effectively via Fenton-like reaction. Highlights: ► The amount of water tunes size and size distribution of the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles (FNs). ► FNs are homogeneously coated on the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). ► FNs have diameters in the range of 4.2–10.0 nm, average grain size of 7.4 nm. ►more » Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}-MWCNTs are used as a Fenton-like catalyst to decompose Acid Orange II. ► Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}-MWCNTs displayed a higher activity than nanometer-size Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}. -- Abstract: Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}-multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}-MWCNTs) hybrid materials were synthesized by a solvothermal process using acid treated MWCNTs and iron acetylacetonate in a mixed solution of ethylene glycol and ultrapure water. The materials were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The results showed that a small amount of water in the synthesis system played a role in controlling crystal phase formation, size of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}, and the homogeneous distribution of the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles deposited on the MWCNTs. The Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles had diameters in the range of 4.2–10.0 nm. They displayed good superparamagnetism at room temperature and their magnetization was influenced by the reaction conditions. They were used as a Fenton-like catalyst to decompose Acid Orange II and displayed a higher activity than nanometer-size Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}.« less

Complexation of Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} with lanthanide(III) centers influenced by ethylene polyamines: Solvothermal syntheses, crystal structures, and optical properties of lanthanide selenidostannates

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

Tang, Chunying; Wang, Fang; Chen, Ruihong

Lanthanide selenidostannates (H{sub 3}O){sub n}[Ce(tepa)(μ-1κ{sup 2}:2κ{sup 2}-Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6})]{sub n} (1), [(Yb(tepa)(μ-OH)){sub 2}(μ-1κ:2κ-Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6})]{sub n}·nH{sub 2}O (2), [Htrien]{sub 2}[(Ln(trien)(tren)){sub 2}(μ-1κ:2κ-Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6})][Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6}] (Ln=Ce(3), Nd(4)) and [(Yb(dien){sub 2}){sub 2}(μ-OH){sub 2}]Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} (5) were solvothermally prepared in different ethylene polyamines. The Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} unit connects [Ce(tepa)]{sup 3+} and [(Yb(tepa)(μ-OH)){sub 2}]{sup 4+} fragments with tetradentate μ-1κ{sup 2}Se{sup 1},Se{sup 2}:2κ{sup 2}Se{sup 5},Se{sup 6} and bidentate μ-1κSe{sup 1}:2κSe{sup 5} bridging coordination modes in tepa, to form polymers 1 and 2, respectively. It joins two [Ln(trien)(tren)]{sup 3+} fragments as a μ-1κSe{sup 1}:2κSe{sup 5} ligand to form binuclear complexes 3 and 4more » in trien. Unlike the Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} units in 1–4 that bind with Ln(III) centers as Se-donor ligands, the Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} unit in 5 exists as a discrete ion. The syntheses of 1–5 show that the ethylene polyamines play an important role in the complexation of Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} ligand with Ln(III) centers. Compounds 1–5 exhibit optical band gaps in the range of 2.09–2.42 eV, which are influenced by the complexation of Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} with Ln(III) centers. - Graphical abstract: New lanthanide complexes concerning the Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} ligand were solvothermally prepared, and the effect of ethylene polyamines on the complexation of Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} with Ln(III) centers are observed. Highlights: • Lanthanide complexes concerning the selenidostannates have been solvothermally prepared in different ethylene polyamines. • A tetradentate μ-1κ{sup 2}Se{sup 1},Se{sup 2}:2κ{sup 2}Se{sup 5},Se{sup 6} and a bidentate μ-1κSe{sup 1}:2κSe{sup 5} bridging coordination modes for the Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} ligand is obtained. • The complexation of the Sn{sub 2}Se{sub 6} ligand with Ln

Novel Biocontrol Methods for Listeria monocytogenes Biofilms in Food Production Facilities

PubMed Central

Gray, Jessica A.; Chandry, P. Scott; Kaur, Mandeep; Kocharunchitt, Chawalit; Bowman, John P.; Fox, Edward M.

2018-01-01

High mortality and hospitalization rates have seen Listeria monocytogenes as a foodborne pathogen of public health importance for many years and of particular concern for high-risk population groups. Food manufactures face an ongoing challenge in preventing the entry of L. monocytogenes into food production environments (FPEs) due to its ubiquitous nature. In addition to this, the capacity of L. monocytogenes strains to colonize FPEs can lead to repeated identification of L. monocytogenes in FPE surveillance. The contamination of food products requiring product recall presents large economic burden to industry and is further exacerbated by damage to the brand. Poor equipment design, facility layout, and worn or damaged equipment can result in Listeria hotspots and biofilms where traditional cleaning and disinfecting procedures may be inadequate. Novel biocontrol methods may offer FPEs effective means to help improve control of L. monocytogenes and decrease cross contamination of food. Bacteriophages have been used as a medical treatment for many years for their ability to infect and lyse specific bacteria. Endolysins, the hydrolytic enzymes of bacteriophages responsible for breaking the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria, are being explored as a biocontrol method for food preservation and in nanotechnology and medical applications. Antibacterial proteins known as bacteriocins have been used as alternatives to antibiotics for biopreservation and food product shelf life extension. Essential oils are natural antimicrobials formed by plants and have been used as food additives and preservatives for many years and more recently as a method to prevent food spoilage by microorganisms. Competitive exclusion occurs naturally among bacteria in the environment. However, intentionally selecting and applying bacteria to effect competitive exclusion of food borne pathogens has potential as a biocontrol application. This review discusses these novel biocontrol methods and their

Facile synthesis of antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles by a polymer-pyrolysis method

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

Li, Yuan-Qing, E-mail: yqli@mail.ipc.ac.cn; Wang, Jian-Lei; Fu, Shao-Yun, E-mail: syfu@mail.ipc.ac.cn

2010-06-15

In this article, antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles was synthesized by a facile polymer-pyrolysis method. The pyrolysis behaviors of the polymer precursors prepared via in situ polymerization of metal salts and acrylic acid were analyzed by simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). The structural and morphological characteristics of the products were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results reveal that the ATO nanoparticles calcined at 600 {sup o}C show good crystallinity with the cassiterite structure and cubic-spherical like morphology. The average particle size of ATO decreases from 200 to 15 nm as themore » Sb doping content increases from 5 mol% to 15 mol%. Electrical resistivity measurement shows that the resistivity for the 10-13 mol% Sb-doped SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles is reduced by more than three orders compared with the pure SnO{sub 2} nanoparticles. In addition, due to its versatility this polymer-pyrolysis method can be extended to facile synthesis of other doped n-type semiconductor, such as In, Ga, Al doped ZnO, Sn doped In{sub 2}O{sub 3}.« less

Lifting the 'violence veil': examining working conditions in long-term care facilities using iterative mixed methods.

PubMed

Daly, Tamara; Banerjee, Albert; Armstrong, Pat; Armstrong, Hugh; Szebehely, Marta

2011-06-01

We conducted a mixed-methods study-- the focus of this article--to understand how workers in long-term care facilities experienced working conditions. We surveyed unionized care workers in Ontario (n = 917); we also surveyed workers in three Canadian provinces (n = 948) and four Scandinavian countries (n = 1,625). In post-survey focus groups, we presented respondents with survey questions and descriptive statistical findings, and asked them: "Does this reflect your experience?" Workers reported time pressures and the frequency of experiences of physical violence and unwanted sexual attention, as we explain. We discuss how iteratively mixing qualitative and quantitative methods to triangulate survey and focus group results led to expected data convergence and to unexpected data divergence that revealed a normalized culture of structural violence in long-term care facilities. We discuss how the finding of structural violence emerged and also the deeper meaning, context, and insights resulting from our combined methods.

Facile Synthesis of Platelike Hierarchical Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 with Exposed {010} Planes for High-Rate and Long Cycling-Stable Lithium Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Zeng, Jiong; Cui, Yanhui; Qu, Deyang; Zhang, Qian; Wu, Junwei; Zhu, Xiaomeng; Li, Zuohua; Zhang, Xinhe

2016-10-05

Lithium-rich layered oxides are promising cathode candidates for the production of high-energy and high-power electronic devices with high specific capacity and high discharge voltage. However, unstable cycling performance, especially at high charge-recharge rate, is the most challenge issue which needs to be solved to foster the diffusion of these materials. In this paper, hierarchical platelike Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 O 2 cathode materials were synthesized by a facile solvothermal method followed by calcination. Calcination time was found to be a key parameter to obtain pure layered oxide phase and tailor its hierarchical morphology. The Li-rich material consists of primary nanoparticles with exposed {010} planes assembled to form platelike layers which exhibit low resistance to Li + diffusion. In detail, the product by calcination at 900 °C for 12 h exhibits specific capacity of 228, 218, and 204 mA h g -1 at 200, 400, and 1000 mA g -1 , respectively, whereas after 100 cycles at 1000 mA g -1 rate of charge and recharge the specific capacity was retained by about 91%.

The Scottish Structural Proteomics Facility: targets, methods and outputs.

PubMed

Oke, Muse; Carter, Lester G; Johnson, Kenneth A; Liu, Huanting; McMahon, Stephen A; Yan, Xuan; Kerou, Melina; Weikart, Nadine D; Kadi, Nadia; Sheikh, Md Arif; Schmelz, Stefan; Dorward, Mark; Zawadzki, Michal; Cozens, Christopher; Falconer, Helen; Powers, Helen; Overton, Ian M; van Niekerk, C A Johannes; Peng, Xu; Patel, Prakash; Garrett, Roger A; Prangishvili, David; Botting, Catherine H; Coote, Peter J; Dryden, David T F; Barton, Geoffrey J; Schwarz-Linek, Ulrich; Challis, Gregory L; Taylor, Garry L; White, Malcolm F; Naismith, James H

2010-06-01

The Scottish Structural Proteomics Facility was funded to develop a laboratory scale approach to high throughput structure determination. The effort was successful in that over 40 structures were determined. These structures and the methods harnessed to obtain them are reported here. This report reflects on the value of automation but also on the continued requirement for a high degree of scientific and technical expertise. The efficiency of the process poses challenges to the current paradigm of structural analysis and publication. In the 5 year period we published ten peer-reviewed papers reporting structural data arising from the pipeline. Nevertheless, the number of structures solved exceeded our ability to analyse and publish each new finding. By reporting the experimental details and depositing the structures we hope to maximize the impact of the project by allowing others to follow up the relevant biology.

Facile solvothermal synthesis of cube-like Ag@AgCl: a highly efficient visible light photocatalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Lei; Wang, Ping; Zhu, Chengzhou; Zhai, Yueming; Dong, Shaojun

2011-07-01

In this paper, a stable and highly efficient plasmonic photocatalyst, Ag@AgCl, with cube-like morphology, has been successfully prepared via a simple hydrothermal method. Using methylene dichloride as chlorine source in the synthesis can efficiently control the morphology of Ag@AgCl, due to the low release rate of chloride ions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra were used to characterize the obtained product. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained product was evaluated by the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation, and it was found, interestingly, that Ag@AgCl exhibits high visible light photocatalytic activity and good stability.In this paper, a stable and highly efficient plasmonic photocatalyst, Ag@AgCl, with cube-like morphology, has been successfully prepared via a simple hydrothermal method. Using methylene dichloride as chlorine source in the synthesis can efficiently control the morphology of Ag@AgCl, due to the low release rate of chloride ions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra were used to characterize the obtained product. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained product was evaluated by the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation, and it was found, interestingly, that Ag@AgCl exhibits high visible light photocatalytic activity and good stability. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: SEM images of the AgCl samples synthesized by changing the addition amount of PVP and AgNO3. See DOI: 10.1039/c1nr10247h

Solvothermal synthesis of TiO2 nanocrystals with {001} facets using titanic acid nanobelts for superior photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yuhui; Zong, Lanlan; Li, Qiuye; Li, Chen; Li, Junli; Yang, Jianjun

2017-01-01

Anatase TiO2 nanocrystals exposed with {001} facets were fabricated by solvothermal strategy in HF-C4H9OH mixed solution, using titanic acid nanobelts (TAN) as a precursor. The shape of TAN is a long flat plane with a high aspect ratio, and F- is easily adsorbed on the surface of the nanobelts, inducing a higher exposure of {001} facet of TiO2 nanoparticles during the structure reorganization. The exposed percentage of {001} facets could vary from 40 to 77% by adjusting the amount of HF. The as-prepared samples were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope. The photocatalytic measurement showed that TiO2 nanocrystals with 77% {001} facets exhibited much superior photocatalytic activity for photodegradation of methyl orange, methylene blue, and rhodamine B. And what's more, the mineralization rate of methyl orange was as high as 96% within 60 min. The photocatalytic enhancement is due to a large amount of the high energetic {001} facets exposing, the special truncated octahedral morphology and a stronger ability for dyes adsorption.

Spinel Ferrite Core–Shell Nanostructures by a Versatile Solvothermal Seed-Mediated Growth Approach and Study of Their Nanointerfaces

DOE PAGES

Sanna Angotzi, Marco; Musinu, Anna; Mameli, Valentina; ...

2017-07-23

An easy, low-cost, repeatable seed-mediated growth approach in solvothermal condition has been proposed to synthesize bimagnetic spinel ferrite core–shell heterostructures in the 10–20 nm particle size range. Cobalt ferrite and manganese ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe 2O 4 and MnFe 2O 4) have been coated with isostructural spinel ferrites like maghemite/magnetite, MnFe 2O 4, and CoFe 2O 4 with similar cell parameters to create different heterostructures. The conventional study of the structure, morphology, and composition has been combined with advanced techniques in order to achieve details on the interface at the nanoscale level. Clear evidence of the heterostructure formation have been obtainedmore » (i) indirectly by comparing the 57Fe Mössbauer spectra of the core–shell samples and an ad hoc mechanical mixture and (ii) directly by mapping the nanoparticles’ chemical composition by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in the scanning transmission electron microscopy mode (STEM). Additionally, chemical-sensitive electron tomography in STEM-EDX mode has been applied in order to obtain detailed 3D images with a sub-nanometer spatial resolution.« less

Spinel Ferrite Core–Shell Nanostructures by a Versatile Solvothermal Seed-Mediated Growth Approach and Study of Their Nanointerfaces

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

Sanna Angotzi, Marco; Musinu, Anna; Mameli, Valentina

An easy, low-cost, repeatable seed-mediated growth approach in solvothermal condition has been proposed to synthesize bimagnetic spinel ferrite core–shell heterostructures in the 10–20 nm particle size range. Cobalt ferrite and manganese ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe 2O 4 and MnFe 2O 4) have been coated with isostructural spinel ferrites like maghemite/magnetite, MnFe 2O 4, and CoFe 2O 4 with similar cell parameters to create different heterostructures. The conventional study of the structure, morphology, and composition has been combined with advanced techniques in order to achieve details on the interface at the nanoscale level. Clear evidence of the heterostructure formation have been obtainedmore » (i) indirectly by comparing the 57Fe Mössbauer spectra of the core–shell samples and an ad hoc mechanical mixture and (ii) directly by mapping the nanoparticles’ chemical composition by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in the scanning transmission electron microscopy mode (STEM). Additionally, chemical-sensitive electron tomography in STEM-EDX mode has been applied in order to obtain detailed 3D images with a sub-nanometer spatial resolution.« less

Analysis of the application of selected physico-chemical methods in eliminating odor nuisance of municipal facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Urszula; Grzelka, Agnieszka; Romanik, Elżbieta; Kuriata, Magdalena

2018-01-01

Operation of municipal management facilities is inseparable from the problem of malodorous compounds emissions to the atmospheric air. In that case odor nuisance is related to the chemical composition of waste, sewage and sludge as well as to the activity of microorganisms whose products of life processes can be those odorous compounds. Significant reduction of odorant emission from many sources can be achieved by optimizing parameters and conditions of processes. However, it is not always possible to limit the formation of odorants. In such cases it is best to use appropriate deodorizing methods. The choice of the appropriate method is based on in terms of physical parameters, emission intensity of polluted gases and their composition, if it is possible to determine. Among the solutions used in municipal economy, there can be distinguished physico-chemical methods such as sorption and oxidation. In cases where the source of the emission is not encapsulated, odor masking techniques are used, which consists of spraying preparations that neutralize unpleasant odors. The paper presents the characteristics of selected methods of eliminating odor nuisance and evaluation of their applicability in municipal management facilities.

Facile and rapid method of synthesizing Lithium Titanate for the use in energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samuel, J. J.; Beh, K. P.; Yam, F. K.

2018-04-01

Batteries are an important facet in today’s world. With smaller devices being produced, the challenge to power it with long lasting batteries continue to be quite the task. Recently, a new compound has proved its usefulness in battery fabrication that is Lithium Titanate (LTO). In this study a facile method of producing LTO via hydrolysis of Lithium Nitride and Titanium n-Butoxide. The method used in this study produced LTO in under 7 hours, much quicker than the standard processing time for LTO. The produced LTO is characterized using Raman Spectroscopy.

The Mistreatment of Women during Childbirth in Health Facilities Globally: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.

PubMed

Bohren, Meghan A; Vogel, Joshua P; Hunter, Erin C; Lutsiv, Olha; Makh, Suprita K; Souza, João Paulo; Aguiar, Carolina; Saraiva Coneglian, Fernando; Diniz, Alex Luíz Araújo; Tunçalp, Özge; Javadi, Dena; Oladapo, Olufemi T; Khosla, Rajat; Hindin, Michelle J; Gülmezoglu, A Metin

2015-06-01

Despite growing recognition of neglectful, abusive, and disrespectful treatment of women during childbirth in health facilities, there is no consensus at a global level on how these occurrences are defined and measured. This mixed-methods systematic review aims to synthesize qualitative and quantitative evidence on the mistreatment of women during childbirth in health facilities to inform the development of an evidence-based typology of the phenomenon. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases and grey literature using a predetermined search strategy to identify qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies on the mistreatment of women during childbirth across all geographical and income-level settings. We used a thematic synthesis approach to synthesize the qualitative evidence and assessed the confidence in the qualitative review findings using the CERQual approach. In total, 65 studies were included from 34 countries. Qualitative findings were organized under seven domains: (1) physical abuse, (2) sexual abuse, (3) verbal abuse, (4) stigma and discrimination, (5) failure to meet professional standards of care, (6) poor rapport between women and providers, and (7) health system conditions and constraints. Due to high heterogeneity of the quantitative data, we were unable to conduct a meta-analysis; instead, we present descriptions of study characteristics, outcome measures, and results. Additional themes identified in the quantitative studies are integrated into the typology. This systematic review presents a comprehensive, evidence-based typology of the mistreatment of women during childbirth in health facilities, and demonstrates that mistreatment can occur at the level of interaction between the woman and provider, as well as through systemic failures at the health facility and health system levels. We propose this typology be adopted to describe the phenomenon and be used to develop measurement tools and inform future research, programs, and

Surfactant 1-Hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride Can Convert One-Dimensional Viologen Bromoplumbate into Zero-Dimensional.

PubMed

Liu, Guangfeng; Liu, Jie; Nie, Lina; Ban, Rui; Armatas, Gerasimos S; Tao, Xutang; Zhang, Qichun

2017-05-15

A zero-dimensional N,N'-dibutyl-4,4'-dipyridinium bromoplumbate, [BV] 6 [Pb 9 Br 30 ], with unusual discrete [Pb 9 Br 30 ] 12- anionic clusters was prepared via a facile surfactant-mediated solvothermal process. This bromoplumbate exhibits a narrower optical band gap relative to the congeneric one-dimensional viologen bromoplumbates.

Solvothermal synthesis of nanoporous polymer chalk for painting superhydrophobic surfaces.

PubMed

Zhang, Yong-Lai; Wang, Jian-Nan; He, Yan; He, Yinyan; Xu, Bin-Bin; Wei, Shu; Xiao, Feng-Shou

2011-10-18

Reported here is a facile synthesis of nanoporous polymer chalk for painting superhydrophobic surfaces. Taking this nanoporous polymer as a media, superhydrophobicity is rapidly imparted onto three typical kinds of substrates, including paper, transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and finger skin. Quantitative characterization showed that the adhesion between the water droplet and polymer-coated substrates decreased significantly compared to that on the original surface, further indicating the effective wetting mode transformation. The nanoporous polymer coating would open a new door for facile, rapid, safe, and larger scale fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces on general substrates. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Sonochemical Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis of Gallium Oxynitride Nanosheets and their Solar-Driven Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting Applications.

PubMed

Iqbal, Naseer; Khan, Ibrahim; Yamani, Zain H; Qurashi, Ahsanullhaq

2016-08-26

Gallium oxynitride (GaON) nanosheets for photoelectrochemical (PEC) analysis are synthesized via direct solvothermal approach. Their FE-SEM revealed nanosheets morphology of GaON prepared at a reaction time of 24 hours at 180 °C. The elemental composition and mapping of Ga, O and N are carried out through electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The cubic structure of GaON nanosheets is elucidated by X-ray diffraction (XRD)analysis. The X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) further confirms Ga, O and N in their respective ratios and states. The optical properties of GaON nanosheets are evaluated via UV-Visible, Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy's. The band gap energy of ~1.9 eV is calculated from both absorption and diffused reflectance spectroscopy's which showed stronger p-d repulsions in the Ga (3d) and N (2p) orbitals. This effect and chemical nitridation caused upward shift of valence band and band gap reduction. The GaON nanosheets are investigated for PEC studies in a standard three electrode system under 1 Sun irradiation in 0.5 M Na2SO4. The photocurrent generation, oxidation and reduction reactions during the measurements are observed by Chronoampereometry, linear sweep Voltametry (LSV) and Cyclic Voltametry (CV) respectively. Henceforward, these GaON nanosheets can be used as potential photocatalyts for solar water splitting.

Sonochemical Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis of Gallium Oxynitride Nanosheets and their Solar-Driven Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting Applications

PubMed Central

Iqbal, Naseer; Khan, Ibrahim; Yamani, Zain H.; Qurashi, Ahsanullhaq

2016-01-01

Gallium oxynitride (GaON) nanosheets for photoelectrochemical (PEC) analysis are synthesized via direct solvothermal approach. Their FE-SEM revealed nanosheets morphology of GaON prepared at a reaction time of 24 hours at 180 °C. The elemental composition and mapping of Ga, O and N are carried out through electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The cubic structure of GaON nanosheets is elucidated by X-ray diffraction (XRD)analysis. The X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) further confirms Ga, O and N in their respective ratios and states. The optical properties of GaON nanosheets are evaluated via UV-Visible, Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy’s. The band gap energy of ~1.9 eV is calculated from both absorption and diffused reflectance spectroscopy’s which showed stronger p-d repulsions in the Ga (3d) and N (2p) orbitals. This effect and chemical nitridation caused upward shift of valence band and band gap reduction. The GaON nanosheets are investigated for PEC studies in a standard three electrode system under 1 Sun irradiation in 0.5 M Na2SO4. The photocurrent generation, oxidation and reduction reactions during the measurements are observed by Chronoampereometry, linear sweep Voltametry (LSV) and Cyclic Voltametry (CV) respectively. Henceforward, these GaON nanosheets can be used as potential photocatalyts for solar water splitting. PMID:27561646

Solvothermal synthesis of InP quantum dots and their enhanced luminescent efficiency by post-synthetic treatments.

PubMed

Byun, Ho-June; Lee, Ju Chul; Yang, Heesun

2011-03-01

InP quantum dots (QDs) were solvothermally synthesized by using a greener phosphorus source of P(N(CH(3))(2))(3) instead of highly toxic P(TMS)(3) widely used, and subsequently subjected to a size-sorting processing. While as-grown QDs showed an undetectably low emission intensity, post-synthetic treatments such as photo-etching, photo-radiation, and photo-assisted ZnS shell coating gave rise to a substantial increase in emission efficiency due to the effective removal and passivation of surface states. The emission efficiency of the photo-etched QDs was further enhanced by a consecutive UV photo-radiation, attributable to the photo-oxidation at QD surface. Furthermore, a relatively thick ZnS shell on the surface of InP QDs that were surface-modified with hydrophilic ligands beforehand was photochemically generated in an aqueous solution at room temperature. The resulting InP/ZnS core/shell QDs, emitting from blue to red wavelengths, were more efficient than the above photo-treated InP QDs, and their luminescent properties (emission bandwidth and quantum yield) were comparable to those of InP QDs synthesized with P(TMS)(3). Structural, size, and compositional analyses on InP/ZnS QDs were also conducted to elucidate their core/shell structure. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Highly biocompatible, nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite synthesized in a solvothermal process driven by high energy density microwave radiation

PubMed Central

Smolen, Dariusz; Chudoba, Tadeusz; Malka, Iwona; Kedzierska, Aleksandra; Lojkowski, Witold; Swieszkowski, Wojciech; Kurzydlowski, Krzysztof Jan; Kolodziejczyk-Mierzynska, Małgorzata; Lewandowska-Szumiel, Małgorzata

2013-01-01

A microwave, solvothermal synthesis of highly biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanopowder was developed. The process was conducted in a microwave radiation field having a high energy density of 5 W/mL and over a time less than 2 minutes. The sample measurements included: powder X-ray diffraction, density, specific surface area, and chemical composition. The morphology and structure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal behavior analysis was conducted using a simultaneous thermal analysis technique coupled with quadruple mass spectrometry. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy tests of heated samples were performed. A degradation test and a biocompatibility study in vitro using human osteoblast cells were also conducted. The developed method enables the synthesis of pure, fully crystalline hexagonal HAp nanopowder with a specific surface area close to 240 m2/g and a Ca/P molar ratio equal to 1.57. TEM measurements showed that this method results in particles with an average grain size below 6 nm. A 28-day degradation test conducted according to the ISO standard indicated a 22% loss of initial weight and a calcium ion concentration at 200 μmol/dm3 in the tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane hydrochloride test solution. The cytocompatibility of the obtained material was confirmed in a culture of human bone derived cells, both in an indirect test using the material extract, and in direct contact. A quantitative analysis was based on the 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide. Viability assay as well as on DNA content measurements in the PicoGreen test. Indirect observations were performed at one point in time according to the ISO standard for in vitro cytotoxicity (ie, after 24 hours of cell exposure to the extracts). The direct contact tests were completed at three time points: after 24 hours, on day 7, and on day 14 of a culture in an osteogenic

Automatic methods of the processing of data from track detectors on the basis of the PAVICOM facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleksandrov, A. B.; Goncharova, L. A.; Davydov, D. A.; Publichenko, P. A.; Roganova, T. M.; Polukhina, N. G.; Feinberg, E. L.

2007-02-01

New automatic methods essentially simplify and increase the rate of the processing of data from track detectors. This provides a possibility of processing large data arrays and considerably improves their statistical significance. This fact predetermines the development of new experiments which plan to use large-volume targets, large-area emulsion, and solid-state track detectors [1]. In this regard, the problem of training qualified physicists who are capable of operating modern automatic equipment is very important. Annually, about ten Moscow students master the new methods, working at the Lebedev Physical Institute at the PAVICOM facility [2 4]. Most students specializing in high-energy physics are only given an idea of archaic manual methods of the processing of data from track detectors. In 2005, on the basis of the PAVICOM facility and the physicstraining course of Moscow State University, a new training work was prepared. This work is devoted to the determination of the energy of neutrons passing through a nuclear emulsion. It provides the possibility of acquiring basic practical skills of the processing of data from track detectors using automatic equipment and can be included in the educational process of students of any physical faculty. Those who have mastered the methods of automatic data processing in a simple and pictorial example of track detectors will be able to apply their knowledge in various fields of science and technique. Formulation of training works for pregraduate and graduate students is a new additional aspect of application of the PAVICOM facility described earlier in [4].

A method for studying the development pattern of urban commercial service facilities based on customer reviews from social media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y. D.; Jiang, B. T.; Ye, X. Y.

2016-06-01

Urbanization is one of the most important human social activities in the 21st century (Chaolin et al., 2012). With an increasing number of people visiting cities, the provision of adequate urban service facilities, including public and commercial service facilities, in locations where people live has become an important guarantee of the success of urbanization. Exploring the commercial service facilities in a specific area of a city can help us understand the progress and trends of urban renewal in the area, provide a quantitative basis for evaluating the rationality of planning implementation, and facilitate an analysis of the effects of different factors on the regional development of a city (Schor et al. 2003). In this paper, we proposed a data processing and analysis method for studying the distribution and development pattern of urban commercial facilities based on customer reviews. In addition, based on road network constraints, we explored the patterns contained in customer reviews data, including patterns for the spatial distribution and spatial-temporal evolution of facilities as well as the number of facilities and degree of satisfaction.

Solvothermal synthesis and structure of coordination polymers of Nd(III) and Dy(III) with rigid isophthalic acid derivatives and flexible adipic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kariem, Mukaddus; Kumar, Manesh; Yawer, Mohd; Sheikh, Haq Nawaz

2017-12-01

Two new coordination polymers (CPs) with the formula [Nd(hip)(adip) 0.5(H2O)2]n.nH2O (1) and [Dy(aip)(adip)0.5(H2O)2]n.nH2O (2) were synthesized by self-assembly of lanthanide salts with rigid [5-hydroxyisophthalic acid (H2hip)], [5-aminoisophthalic acid (H2aip)] and flexible [adipic acid (H2adip)] linkers under solvothermal conditions. The CPs 1 &2 crystallize in monoclinic C2/c space group. Both the CPs have 1D linear ladder shaped extension with the linkages having the backbone of hip2-, aip2- and adip2- ligands. The 1D linear ladder chains generate three dimensional (3D) supramolecular frameworks via significant π-π and hydrogen bonding interactions. The CP 2 (Dy) emit strong ligand sensitized characteristic f-f luminescence emission. The CP 2 also exhibit weak ferromagnetic interactions at low temperatures.

SU-E-T-569: Neutron Shielding Calculation Using Analytical and Multi-Monte Carlo Method for Proton Therapy Facility

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

Cho, S; Shin, E H; Kim, J

2015-06-15

Purpose: To evaluate the shielding wall design to protect patients, staff and member of the general public for secondary neutron using a simply analytic solution, multi-Monte Carlo code MCNPX, ANISN and FLUKA. Methods: An analytical and multi-Monte Carlo method were calculated for proton facility (Sumitomo Heavy Industry Ltd.) at Samsung Medical Center in Korea. The NCRP-144 analytical evaluation methods, which produced conservative estimates on the dose equivalent values for the shielding, were used for analytical evaluations. Then, the radiation transport was simulated with the multi-Monte Carlo code. The neutron dose at evaluation point is got by the value using themore » production of the simulation value and the neutron dose coefficient introduced in ICRP-74. Results: The evaluation points of accelerator control room and control room entrance are mainly influenced by the point of the proton beam loss. So the neutron dose equivalent of accelerator control room for evaluation point is 0.651, 1.530, 0.912, 0.943 mSv/yr and the entrance of cyclotron room is 0.465, 0.790, 0.522, 0.453 mSv/yr with calculation by the method of NCRP-144 formalism, ANISN, FLUKA and MCNP, respectively. The most of Result of MCNPX and FLUKA using the complicated geometry showed smaller values than Result of ANISN. Conclusion: The neutron shielding for a proton therapy facility has been evaluated by the analytic model and multi-Monte Carlo methods. We confirmed that the setting of shielding was located in well accessible area to people when the proton facility is operated.« less

A facile method to align carbon nanotubes on polymeric membrane substrate

PubMed Central

Zhao, Haiyang; Zhou, Zhijun; Dong, Hang; Zhang, Lin; Chen, Huanlin; Hou, Lian

2013-01-01

The alignment of carbon nanotubes (CNT) is the fundamental requirement to ensure their excellent functions but seems to be desolated in recent years. A facile method, hot-press combined with peel-off (HPPO), is introduced here, through which CNT can be successfully vertically aligned on the polymeric membrane substrate. Shear force and mechanical stretch are proposed to be the main forces to align the tubes perpendicular to the substrate surface during the peel-off process. The alignment of CNT keeps its orientation in a thin hybrid membrane by dip-coating cellulose acetate dope solution. It is expected that the stable alignment of CNT by HPPO would contribute to the realization of its potential applications. PMID:24326297

Methods for detecting and locating leaks in containment facilities using electrical potential data and electrical resistance tomographic imaging techniques

DOEpatents

Daily, William D.; Laine, Daren L.; Laine, Edwin F.

2001-01-01

Methods are provided for detecting and locating leaks in liners used as barriers in the construction of landfills, surface impoundments, water reservoirs, tanks, and the like. Electrodes are placed in the ground around the periphery of the facility, in the leak detection zone located between two liners if present, and/or within the containment facility. Electrical resistivity data is collected using these electrodes. This data is used to map the electrical resistivity distribution beneath the containment liner or between two liners in a double-lined facility. In an alternative embodiment, an electrode placed within the lined facility is driven to an electrical potential with respect to another electrode placed at a distance from the lined facility (mise-a-la-masse). Voltage differences are then measured between various combinations of additional electrodes placed in the soil on the periphery of the facility, the leak detection zone, or within the facility. A leak of liquid through the liner material will result in an electrical potential distribution that can be measured at the electrodes. The leak position is located by determining the coordinates of an electrical current source pole that best fits the measured potentials with the constraints of the known or assumed resistivity distribution.

Methods for detecting and locating leaks in containment facilities using electrical potential data and electrical resistance tomographic imaging techniques

DOEpatents

Daily, William D.; Laine, Daren L.; Laine, Edwin F.

1997-01-01

Methods are provided for detecting and locating leaks in liners used as barriers in the construction of landfills, surface impoundments, water reservoirs, tanks, and the like. Electrodes are placed in the ground around the periphery of the facility, in the leak detection zone located between two liners if present, and/or within the containment facility. Electrical resistivity data is collected using these electrodes. This data is used to map the electrical resistivity distribution beneath the containment liner between two liners in a double-lined facility. In an alternative embodiment, an electrode placed within the lined facility is driven to an electrical potential with respect to another electrode placed at a distance from the lined facility (mise-a-la-masse). Voltage differences are then measured between various combinations of additional electrodes placed in the soil on the periphery of the facility, the leak detection zone, or within the facility. A leak of liquid though the liner material will result in an electrical potential distribution that can be measured at the electrodes. The leak position is located by determining the coordinates of an electrical current source pole that best fits the measured potentials with the constraints of the known or assumed resistivity distribution.

Methods for detecting and locating leaks in containment facilities using electrical potential data and electrical resistance tomographic imaging techniques

DOEpatents

Daily, W.D.; Laine, D.L.; Laine, E.F.

1997-08-26

Methods are provided for detecting and locating leaks in liners used as barriers in the construction of landfills, surface impoundments, water reservoirs, tanks, and the like. Electrodes are placed in the ground around the periphery of the facility, in the leak detection zone located between two liners if present, and/or within the containment facility. Electrical resistivity data is collected using these electrodes. This data is used to map the electrical resistivity distribution beneath the containment liner between two liners in a double-lined facility. In an alternative embodiment, an electrode placed within the lined facility is driven to an electrical potential with respect to another electrode placed at a distance from the lined facility (mise-a-la-masse). Voltage differences are then measured between various combinations of additional electrodes placed in the soil on the periphery of the facility, the leak detection zone, or within the facility. A leak of liquid though the liner material will result in an electrical potential distribution that can be measured at the electrodes. The leak position is located by determining the coordinates of an electrical current source pole that best fits the measured potentials with the constraints of the known or assumed resistivity distribution. 6 figs.

10 CFR 1040.72 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Existing facilities. 1040.72 Section 1040.72 Energy... § 1040.72 Existing facilities. (a) Accessibility. A recipient shall operate any program or activity to... facilities or every part of a facility accessible to and useable by handicapped persons. (b) Methods. A...

Synthesis and characterization of zinc borophosphates with ANA-zeotype framework by the microwave method

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

Song, Yu, E-mail: songyu@dlpu.edu.cn; Ding, Ling; An, Qingda

2013-06-15

Zinc borophosphate (NH{sub 4}){sub 16}[Zn{sub 16}B{sub 8}P{sub 24}O{sub 96}] (denoted as ZnBP-ANA) with ANA-zeotype structure has been synthesized by employing microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis in the reaction system ZnCl{sub 2}∙6H{sub 2}O-(NH{sub 4}){sub 2}HPO{sub 4}–H{sub 3}BO{sub 3} using ethylene glycol as a co-solvent. The influences of various experimental parameters, such as reaction temperature, solvent ratio, zinc precursors and reactive power, have been systematically investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and so on. Small and homogeneous ZnBP-ANA single crystal with regular cube morphology are crystallized by using microwave solvothermal synthesis method withinmore » a shorter time, and its grain size decreases with power. - Graphical abstract: Tailor-made ANA zeolites with varied size can be prepared by simply changing the reaction power. - Highlights: • Zinc borophosphate zeolites with ANA-zeotype structures were prepared by microwave technique. • The size of crystals could be controlled by tuning power. • Synthesis period can be significantly reduced by raising reaction temperature.« less

Fabrication and luminescent properties of Al2O3:Cr3 + microspheres via a microwave solvothermal route followed by heat treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Zhenfeng; Liu, Dianguang; Liu, Hui; Du, Juan; Yu, Hongguang; Deng, Jie

2012-06-01

AlOOH:Cr3 + powders were synthesized via a microwave solvothermal route at 433 K for 30 min and were used as the precursor and template for the preparation of γ-Al2O3:Cr3 + by thermal transformation at 773 K for 2 h in air. The obtained γ-Al2O3 based powders were microspheres with an average diameter about 1.9 μm. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed that the Al2O3:Cr3 + particles presented a symmetric broad R band at 696 nm without appreciable splitting when excited at 462 nm. It is shown that the 0.04 mol% of doping concentration of Cr3 + ions in γ-Al2O3:Cr3 + is optimum. According to Dexter's theory, the critical distance between Cr3 + ions for energy transfer was determined to be 47.54 Å. Based on the corresponding PL spectrum, full width at half maximum (FWHM) of Al2O3:Cr3 + (0.04 mol%) was calculated to be 3.35 nm.

A statistical method for determining the dimensions, tolerances and specification of optics for the Laser Megajoule facility (LMJ)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denis, Vincent

2008-09-01

This paper presents a statistical method for determining the dimensions, tolerance and specifications of components for the Laser MegaJoule (LMJ). Numerous constraints inherent to a large facility require specific tolerances: the huge number of optical components; the interdependence of these components between the beams of same bundle; angular multiplexing for the amplifier section; distinct operating modes between the alignment and firing phases; the definition and use of alignment software in the place of classic optimization. This method provides greater flexibility to determine the positioning and manufacturing specifications of the optical components. Given the enormous power of the Laser MegaJoule (over 18 kJ in the infrared and 9 kJ in the ultraviolet), one of the major risks is damage the optical mounts and pollution of the installation by mechanical ablation. This method enables estimation of the beam occultation probabilities and quantification of the risks for the facility. All the simulations were run using the ZEMAX-EE optical design software.

The Scottish Structural Proteomics Facility: targets, methods and outputs

PubMed Central

Oke, Muse; Carter, Lester G.; Johnson, Kenneth A.; Liu, Huanting; McMahon, Stephen A.; Yan, Xuan; Kerou, Melina; Weikart, Nadine D.; Kadi, Nadia; Sheikh, Md. Arif; Schmelz, Stefan; Dorward, Mark; Zawadzki, Michal; Cozens, Christopher; Falconer, Helen; Powers, Helen; Overton, Ian M.; van Niekerk, C. A. Johannes; Peng, Xu; Patel, Prakash; Garrett, Roger A.; Prangishvili, David; Botting, Catherine H.; Coote, Peter J.; Dryden, David T. F.; Barton, Geoffrey J.; Schwarz-Linek, Ulrich; Challis, Gregory L.; Taylor, Garry L.; White, Malcolm F.

2010-01-01

The Scottish Structural Proteomics Facility was funded to develop a laboratory scale approach to high throughput structure determination. The effort was successful in that over 40 structures were determined. These structures and the methods harnessed to obtain them are reported here. This report reflects on the value of automation but also on the continued requirement for a high degree of scientific and technical expertise. The efficiency of the process poses challenges to the current paradigm of structural analysis and publication. In the 5 year period we published ten peer-reviewed papers reporting structural data arising from the pipeline. Nevertheless, the number of structures solved exceeded our ability to analyse and publish each new finding. By reporting the experimental details and depositing the structures we hope to maximize the impact of the project by allowing others to follow up the relevant biology. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10969-010-9090-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. PMID:20419351

Solving the competitive facility location problem considering the reactions of competitor with a hybrid algorithm including Tabu Search and exact method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagherinejad, Jafar; Niknam, Azar

2018-03-01

In this paper, a leader-follower competitive facility location problem considering the reactions of the competitors is studied. A model for locating new facilities and determining levels of quality for the facilities of the leader firm is proposed. Moreover, changes in the location and quality of existing facilities in a competitive market where a competitor offers the same goods or services are taken into account. The competitor could react by opening new facilities, closing existing ones, and adjusting the quality levels of its existing facilities. The market share, captured by each facility, depends on its distance to customer and its quality that is calculated based on the probabilistic Huff's model. Each firm aims to maximize its profit subject to constraints on quality levels and budget of setting up new facilities. This problem is formulated as a bi-level mixed integer non-linear model. The model is solved using a combination of Tabu Search with an exact method. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with an upper bound that is achieved by applying Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions. Computational results show that our algorithm finds near the upper bound solutions in a reasonable time.

Shielding analyses of an AB-BNCT facility using Monte Carlo simulations and simplified methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Bo-Lun; Sheu, Rong-Jiun

2017-09-01

Accurate Monte Carlo simulations and simplified methods were used to investigate the shielding requirements of a hypothetical accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (AB-BNCT) facility that included an accelerator room and a patient treatment room. The epithermal neutron beam for BNCT purpose was generated by coupling a neutron production target with a specially designed beam shaping assembly (BSA), which was embedded in the partition wall between the two rooms. Neutrons were produced from a beryllium target bombarded by 1-mA 30-MeV protons. The MCNP6-generated surface sources around all the exterior surfaces of the BSA were established to facilitate repeated Monte Carlo shielding calculations. In addition, three simplified models based on a point-source line-of-sight approximation were developed and their predictions were compared with the reference Monte Carlo results. The comparison determined which model resulted in better dose estimation, forming the basis of future design activities for the first ABBNCT facility in Taiwan.

Surfactant-free synthesis of octahedral ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure with ultrahigh and selective adsorption capacity of malachite green

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jue; Zeng, Min; Yu, Ronghai

2016-05-01

A new octahedral ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure has been fabricated through a facile surfactant-free solvothermal method followed by thermal treatment. It exhibits a record-high adsorption capacity (up to 4983.0 mg·g-1) of malachite green (MG), which is a potentially harmful dye in prevalence and should be removed from wastewater and other aqueous solutions before discharging into the environment. The octahedral ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure also demonstrates strong selective adsorption towards MG from two kinds of mixed solutions: MG/methyl orange (MO) and MG/rhodamine B (RhB) mixtures, indicating its promise in water treatment.

Surfactant-free synthesis of octahedral ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure with ultrahigh and selective adsorption capacity of malachite green

PubMed Central

Liu, Jue; Zeng, Min; Yu, Ronghai

2016-01-01

A new octahedral ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure has been fabricated through a facile surfactant-free solvothermal method followed by thermal treatment. It exhibits a record-high adsorption capacity (up to 4983.0 mg·g−1) of malachite green (MG), which is a potentially harmful dye in prevalence and should be removed from wastewater and other aqueous solutions before discharging into the environment. The octahedral ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure also demonstrates strong selective adsorption towards MG from two kinds of mixed solutions: MG/methyl orange (MO) and MG/rhodamine B (RhB) mixtures, indicating its promise in water treatment. PMID:27142194

One-Pot Solvothermal in Situ Growth of 1D Single-Crystalline NiSe on Ni Foil as Efficient and Stable Transparent Conductive Oxide Free Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Bao, Chao; Li, Faxin; Wang, Jiali; Sun, Panpan; Huang, Niu; Sun, Yihua; Fang, Liang; Wang, Lei; Sun, Xiaohua

2016-12-07

One-dimensional single-crystal nanostructural nickel selenides were successfully in situ grown on metal nickel foils by two simple one-step solvothermal methods, which formed NiSe/Ni counter electrodes (CEs) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The nickel foil acted as the nickel source in the reaction process, a supporting substrate, and an electron transport "speedway". Electrochemical testing indicated that the top 1D single-crystal NiSe exhibited prominent electrocatalytic activity for I 3 - reduction. Due to the metallic conductivity of Ni substrate and the outstanding electrocatalytic activity of single-crystal NiSe, the DSSC based on a NiSe/Ni CE exhibited higher fill factor (FF) and larger short-circuit current density (J sc ) than the DSSC based on Pt/FTO CE. The corresponding power conversion efficiency (6.75%) outperformed that of the latter (6.18%). Moreover, the NiSe/Ni CEs also showed excellent electrochemical stability in the I - /I 3 - redox electrolyte. These findings indicated that single-crystal NiSe in situ grown on Ni substrate was a potential candidate to replace Pt/TCO as a cheap and highly efficient counter electrode of DSSC.

Method to synthesize lanthanide fluoride materials from lanthanide fluorinated alkoxides

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

Boyle, Timothy J.

Lanthanide fluorinated alkoxide derivatives can be synthesized from the alcoholysis reaction of the lanthanide bis-trimethylsilyl amide and an excess amount of hexafluoro iso-propanol. Nanoparticles can be formed from the lanthanide fluorinated alkoxide derivatives by a solvothermal or solution precipitation process.

Preparation of Nickel Cobalt Sulfide Hollow Nanocolloids with Enhanced Electrochemical Property for Supercapacitors Application

PubMed Central

Chen, Zhenhua; Wan, Zhanghui; Yang, Tiezhu; Zhao, Mengen; Lv, Xinyan; Wang, Hao; Ren, Xiuli; Mei, Xifan

2016-01-01

Nanostructured functional materials with hollow interiors are considered to be good candidates for a variety of advanced applications. However, synthesis of uniform hollow nanocolloids with porous texture via wet chemistry method is still challenging. In this work, nickel cobalt precursors (NCP) in sub-micron sized spheres have been synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The subsequent sulfurization process in hydrothermal system has changed the NCP to nickel cobalt sulfide (NCS) with porous texture. Importantly, the hollow interiors can be tuned through the sulfurization process by employing different dosage of sulfur source. The derived NCS products have been fabricated into supercapacitor electrodes and their electrochemical performances are measured and compared, where promising results were found for the next-generation high-performance electrochemical capacitors. PMID:27114165

Research and test facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

A description is given of each of the following Langley research and test facilities: 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel, 7-by 10-Foot High Speed Tunnel, 8-Foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel, 13-Inch Magnetic Suspension & Balance System, 14-by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel, 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel, 16-by 24-Inch Water Tunnel, 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel, 30-by 60-Foot Wind Tunnel, Advanced Civil Transport Simulator (ACTS), Advanced Technology Research Laboratory, Aerospace Controls Research Laboratory (ACRL), Aerothermal Loads Complex, Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility (ALDF), Avionics Integration Research Laboratory, Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART), Compact Range Test Facility, Differential Maneuvering Simulator (DMS), Enhanced/Synthetic Vision & Spatial Displays Laboratory, Experimental Test Range (ETR) Flight Research Facility, General Aviation Simulator (GAS), High Intensity Radiated Fields Facility, Human Engineering Methods Laboratory, Hypersonic Facilities Complex, Impact Dynamics Research Facility, Jet Noise Laboratory & Anechoic Jet Facility, Light Alloy Laboratory, Low Frequency Antenna Test Facility, Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel, Mechanics of Metals Laboratory, National Transonic Facility (NTF), NDE Research Laboratory, Polymers & Composites Laboratory, Pyrotechnic Test Facility, Quiet Flow Facility, Robotics Facilities, Scientific Visualization System, Scramjet Test Complex, Space Materials Research Laboratory, Space Simulation & Environmental Test Complex, Structural Dynamics Research Laboratory, Structural Dynamics Test Beds, Structures & Materials Research Laboratory, Supersonic Low Disturbance Pilot Tunnel, Thermal Acoustic Fatigue Apparatus (TAFA), Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT), Transport Systems Research Vehicle, Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel, and the Visual Motion Simulator (VMS).

A Facile Method for Preparation of Polymer Particles Having a "Cylindrical" Shape.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Suzuki, Toyoko; Minami, Hideto

2018-06-16

A facile and novel approach to prepare monodisperse polystyrene (PS) particles having a "cylindrical" shape was discovered. The proposed synthetic method involved dispersion polymerization of the spherical PS particles stirred in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) aqueous solution for several hours using a magnetic stirrer at room temperature. In the presence of PVP, the spherical PS particles deformed into cylindrical shapes following stirring; however, the particles did not deform in the absence of PVP. The deformation rate of the particles was affected by the molecular weight of the dissolved PVP. This stirring method is not only highly efficient and provides high yield, but is also applicable to other materials such as polymethyl methacrylate. Moreover, the cylindrical particles were successfully applied as particulate surfactants in a Pickering emulsion system, which exhibited excellent stability as comparison with the system using spherical particles as a surfactant. In the latter case, the emulsion was left standing for more than 4 months. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Single-step solvothermal synthesis of mesoporous Ag-TiO2-reduced graphene oxide ternary composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity.

PubMed

Sher Shah, Md Selim Arif; Zhang, Kan; Park, A Reum; Kim, Kwang Su; Park, Nam-Gyu; Park, Jong Hyeok; Yoo, Pil J

2013-06-07

With growing interest in the photocatalytic performance of TiO2-graphene composite systems, the ternary phase of TiO2, graphene, and Ag is expected to exhibit improved photocatalytic characteristics because of the improved recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers and potential contribution of the generation of localized surface plasmon resonance at Ag sites on a surface of the TiO2-graphene binary matrix. In this work, Ag-TiO2-reduced graphene oxide ternary nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by a simple solvothermal process. In a single-step synthetic procedure, the reduction of AgNO3 and graphene oxide and the hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide were spontaneously performed in a mixed solvent system of ethylene glycol, N,N-dimethylformamide and a stoichiometric amount of water without resorting to the use of typical reducing agents. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, along with different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, enabling us to confirm the successful reduction of AgNO3 and graphite oxide to metallic Ag and reduced graphene oxide, respectively. Due to the highly facilitated electron transport of well distributed Ag nanoparticles, the synthesized ternary nanocomposite showed enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of rhodamine B dye under visible light irradiation.

A template-free solvothermal synthesis and photoluminescence properties of multicolor Gd2O2S:xTb3+, yEu3+ hollow spheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sang, Xiaotong; Xu, Guangxi; Lian, Jingbao; Wu, Nianchu; Zhang, Xue; He, Jiao

2018-06-01

The multicolor Gd2O2S:xTb3+, yEu3+ hollow spheres were successfully synthesized via a template-free solvothermal route without the use of surfactant from commercially available Ln (NO3)3·6H2O (Ln = Gd, Tb and Eu), absolute ethanol, ethanediamine and sublimed sulfur as the starting materials. The phase, structure, particle morphology and photoluminescence (PL) properties of the as-obtained products were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and photoluminescence spectra. The influence of synthetic time on phase, structure and morphology was systematically investigated and discussed. The possible formation mechanism depending on synthetic time t for the Gd2O2S phase has been presented. These results demonstrate that the Gd2O2S hollow spheres could be obtained under optimal condition, namely solvothermal temperature T = 220 °C and synthetic time t = 16 h. The as-obtained Gd2O2S sample possesses hollow sphere structure, which has a typical size of about 2.5 μm in diameter and about 0.5 μm in shell thickness. PL spectroscopy reveals that the strongest emission peak for the Gd2O2S:xTb3+ and the Gd2O2S:yEu3+ samples is located at 545 nm and 628 nm, corresponding to 5D4→7F5 transitions of Tb3+ ions and 5D0→7F2 transitions of Eu3+ ions, respectively. The quenching concentration of Tb3+ ions and Eu3+ ions is 7%. In the case of Tb3+ and Eu3+ co-doped samples, when the concentration of Tb3+ or Eu3+ ions is 7%, the optimum concentration of Eu3+ or Tb3+ ions is determined to be 1%. Under 254 nm ultraviolet (UV) light excitation, the Gd2O2S:7%Tb3+, the Gd2O2S:7%Tb3+,1%Eu3+ and the Gd2O2S:7%Eu3+ samples give green, yellow and red light emissions, respectively. And the corresponding CIE coordinates vary from (0.3513, 0.5615), (0.4120, 0.4588) to (0.5868, 0.3023), which is also well consistent with their luminous photographs.

Single-step solvothermal synthesis of mesoporous Ag-TiO2-reduced graphene oxide ternary composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arif Sher Shah, Md. Selim; Zhang, Kan; Park, A. Reum; Kim, Kwang Su; Park, Nam-Gyu; Park, Jong Hyeok; Yoo, Pil J.

2013-05-01

With growing interest in the photocatalytic performance of TiO2-graphene composite systems, the ternary phase of TiO2, graphene, and Ag is expected to exhibit improved photocatalytic characteristics because of the improved recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers and potential contribution of the generation of localized surface plasmon resonance at Ag sites on a surface of the TiO2-graphene binary matrix. In this work, Ag-TiO2-reduced graphene oxide ternary nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by a simple solvothermal process. In a single-step synthetic procedure, the reduction of AgNO3 and graphene oxide and the hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide were spontaneously performed in a mixed solvent system of ethylene glycol, N,N-dimethylformamide and a stoichiometric amount of water without resorting to the use of typical reducing agents. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, along with different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, enabling us to confirm the successful reduction of AgNO3 and graphite oxide to metallic Ag and reduced graphene oxide, respectively. Due to the highly facilitated electron transport of well distributed Ag nanoparticles, the synthesized ternary nanocomposite showed enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of rhodamine B dye under visible light irradiation.With growing interest in the photocatalytic performance of TiO2-graphene composite systems, the ternary phase of TiO2, graphene, and Ag is expected to exhibit improved photocatalytic characteristics because of the improved recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers and potential contribution of the generation of localized surface plasmon resonance at Ag sites on a surface of the TiO2-graphene binary matrix. In this work, Ag-TiO2-reduced graphene oxide ternary nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by a simple solvothermal process. In a single-step synthetic procedure, the reduction

In situ solvothermal growth of metal-organic framework-5 supported on porous copper foam for noninvasive sampling of plant volatile sulfides.

PubMed

Hu, Yuling; Lian, Haixian; Zhou, Langjun; Li, Gongke

2015-01-06

The present study reported on an in situ solvothermal growth method for immobilization of metal-organic framework MOF-5 on porous copper foam support for enrichment of plant volatile sulfides. The porous copper support impregnated with mother liquor of MOF-5 anchors the nucleation and growth of MOF crystallites at its surface, and its architecture of the three-dimensional channel enables accommodation of the MOF-5 crystallite seed. A continuous and well-intergrown MOF-5 layer, evidenced from scanning electron microscope imaging and X-ray diffraction, was successfully immobilized on the porous metal bar with good adhesion and high stability. Results show that the resultant MOF-5 coating was thermally stable up to 420 °C and robust enough for replicate extraction for at least 200 times. The MOF-5 bar was then applied to the headspace sorptive extraction of the volatile organic sulfur compounds in Chinese chive and garlic sprout in combination with thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. It showed high extraction sensitivity and good selectivity to these plant volatile sulfides owing to the extraordinary porosity of the metal-organic framework as well as the interaction between the S-donor sites and the surface cations at the crystal edges. Several primary sulfur volatiles containing allyl methyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, diallyl sulfide, methyl allyl disulfide, and diallyl disulfide were quantified. Their limits of detection were found to be in the range of 0.2-1.7 μg/L. The organic sulfides were detected in the range of 6.0-23.8 μg/g with recoveries of 76.6-100.2% in Chinese chive and 11.4-54.6 μg/g with recoveries of 77.1-99.8% in garlic sprout. The results indicate the immobilization of MOF-5 on copper foam provides an efficient enrichment formats for noninvasive sampling of plant volatiles.

A Facile Method for Loading CeO2 Nanoparticles on Anodic TiO2 Nanotube Arrays.

PubMed

Liao, Yulong; Yuan, Botao; Zhang, Dainan; Wang, Xiaoyi; Li, Yuanxun; Wen, Qiye; Zhang, Huaiwu; Zhong, Zhiyong

2018-04-03

In this paper, a facile method was proposed to load CeO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) on anodic TiO 2 nanotube (NT) arrays, which leads to a formation of CeO 2 /TiO 2 heterojunctions. Highly ordered anatase phase TiO 2 NT arrays were fabricated by using anodic oxidation method, then these individual TiO 2 NTs were used as tiny "nano-containers" to load a small amount of Ce(NO 3 ) 3 solutions. The loaded anodic TiO 2 NTs were baked and heated to a high temperature of 450 °C, under which the Ce(NO 3 ) 3 would be thermally decomposed inside those nano-containers. After the thermal decomposition of Ce(NO 3 ) 3 , cubic crystal CeO 2 NPs were obtained and successfully loaded into the anodic TiO 2 NT arrays. The prepared CeO 2 /TiO 2 heterojunction structures were characterized by a variety of analytical technologies, including XRD, SEM, and Raman spectra. This study provides a facile approach to prepare CeO 2 /TiO 2 films, which could be very useful for environmental and energy-related areas.

One-pot solvothermal synthesis of graphene wrapped rice-like ferrous carbonate nanoparticles as anode materials for high energy lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fan; Zhang, Ruihan; Feng, Jinkui; Ci, Lijie; Xiong, Shenglin; Yang, Jian; Qian, Yitai; Li, Lifei

2014-11-01

Well dispersed rice-like FeCO3 nanoparticles were produced and combined with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) via a one-pot solvothermal route. SEM characterization shows that rice-like FeCO3 nanoparticles are homogeneously anchored on the surface of the graphene nanosheets; the addition of RGO is helpful to form a uniform morphology and reduce the particle size of FeCO3 to nano-grade. As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the FeCO3/RGO nanocomposites exhibit significantly improved lithium storage properties with a large reversible capacity of 1345 mA h g-1 for the first cycle and a capacity retention of 1224 mA h g-1 after 50 cycles with a good rate capability compared with pure FeCO3 particles. The superior electrochemical performance of the FeCO3/RGO nanocomposite electrode compared to the pure FeCO3 electrode can be attributed to the well dispersed RGO which enhances the electronic conductivity and accommodates the volume change during the conversion reactions. Our study shows that the FeCO3/RGO nanocomposite could be a suitable candidate for high capacity lithium-ion batteries.

Evaluation of Quantitative Exposure Assessment Method for Nanomaterials in Mixed Dust Environments: Application in Tire Manufacturing Facilities.

PubMed

Kreider, Marisa L; Cyrs, William D; Tosiano, Melissa A; Panko, Julie M

2015-11-01

Current recommendations for nanomaterial-specific exposure assessment require adaptation in order to be applied to complicated manufacturing settings, where a variety of particle types may contribute to the potential exposure. The purpose of this work was to evaluate a method that would allow for exposure assessment of nanostructured materials by chemical composition and size in a mixed dust setting, using carbon black (CB) and amorphous silica (AS) from tire manufacturing as an example. This method combined air sampling with a low pressure cascade impactor with analysis of elemental composition by size to quantitatively assess potential exposures in the workplace. This method was first pilot-tested in one tire manufacturing facility; air samples were collected with a Dekati Low Pressure Impactor (DLPI) during mixing where either CB or AS were used as the primary filler. Air samples were analyzed via scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to identify what fraction of particles were CB, AS, or 'other'. From this pilot study, it was determined that ~95% of all nanoscale particles were identified as CB or AS. Subsequent samples were collected with the Dekati Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI) at two tire manufacturing facilities and analyzed using the same methodology to quantify exposure to these materials. This analysis confirmed that CB and AS were the predominant nanoscale particle types in the mixing area at both facilities. Air concentrations of CB and AS ranged from ~8900 to 77600 and 400 to 22200 particles cm(-3), respectively. This method offers the potential to provide quantitative estimates of worker exposure to nanoparticles of specific materials in a mixed dust environment. With pending development of occupational exposure limits for nanomaterials, this methodology will allow occupational health and safety practitioners to estimate worker exposures to specific materials, even in scenarios

Association of U.S. Dialysis Facility Neighborhood Characteristics with Facility-Level Kidney Transplantation

PubMed Central

Plantinga, Laura; Pastan, Stephen; Kramer, Michael; McClellan, Ann; Krisher, Jenna; Patzer, Rachel E.

2014-01-01

Background Improving access to optimal healthcare may depend on attributes of neighborhoods where patients receive healthcare services. We investigated whether characteristics of dialysis facility neighborhoods—where most patients with end-stage renal disease are treated—were associated with facility-level kidney transplantation. Methods We examined the association between census tract (neighborhood)-level sociodemographic factors and facility-level kidney transplantation rate in 3,983 U.S. dialysis facilities with reported kidney transplantation rates. Number of kidney transplants and total person-years contributed at the facility level in 2007-2010 were obtained from the Dialysis Facility Report and linked to census tract data on sociodemographic characteristics from the American Community Survey 2006-2010 by dialysis facility location. We used multivariable Poisson models with generalized estimating equations to estimate associations between neighborhood characteristics and transplant incidence. Results U.S. dialysis facilities were located in neighborhoods with substantially greater proportions of black and poor residents, relative to the national average. Most facility neighborhood characteristics were associated with transplant, with incidence rate ratios (95% CI) for standardized increments (in percentage) of neighborhood exposures of: living in poverty, 0.88 (0.84-0.92), black race, 0.83 (0.78-0.89); high school graduates, 1.22 (1.17-1.26); and unemployed, 0.90 (0.85-0.95). Conclusion Dialysis facility neighborhood characteristics may be modestly associated with facility rates of kidney transplantation. The success of dialysis facility interventions to improve access to kidney transplantation may partially depend on reducing neighborhood-level barriers. PMID:25196018

Facile method for liquid-exfoliated graphene size prediction by UV-visible spectroscopy

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

Ismail, Zulhelmi, E-mail: helmie83@hotmail.com; Yusoh, Kamal, E-mail: kamal@ump.edu.my

2016-07-19

In this work, an application of UV spectroscopy for facile prediction of liquid –exfoliated graphene size is discussed. Dynamic light scattering method was used to estimate the graphene flake size ( whilst UV spectroscopy measurement was carried out for extinction coefficient value (ε) determination. It was found that the value of (ε) decreased gradually as the graphene size was further reduced after intense sonication time (7h). This observation showed the influence of sonication time on electronic structure of graphene. A mathematical equation was derived from log-log graph for correlation between () and (ε) value. Both values can be expressed inmore » a single equation as ( = (3.4 × 10{sup −2}) ε{sup 1.2}).« less

9 CFR 71.7 - Means of conveyance, facilities, premises, and cages and other equipment; methods of cleaning and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Means of conveyance, facilities, premises, and cages and other equipment; methods of cleaning and disinfecting. 71.7 Section 71.7 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE INTERSTATE...

9 CFR 71.7 - Means of conveyance, facilities, premises, and cages and other equipment; methods of cleaning and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Means of conveyance, facilities, premises, and cages and other equipment; methods of cleaning and disinfecting. 71.7 Section 71.7 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE INTERSTATE...

9 CFR 71.7 - Means of conveyance, facilities, premises, and cages and other equipment; methods of cleaning and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Means of conveyance, facilities, premises, and cages and other equipment; methods of cleaning and disinfecting. 71.7 Section 71.7 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE INTERSTATE...

9 CFR 71.7 - Means of conveyance, facilities, premises, and cages and other equipment; methods of cleaning and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Means of conveyance, facilities, premises, and cages and other equipment; methods of cleaning and disinfecting. 71.7 Section 71.7 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE INTERSTATE...

9 CFR 71.7 - Means of conveyance, facilities, premises, and cages and other equipment; methods of cleaning and...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Means of conveyance, facilities, premises, and cages and other equipment; methods of cleaning and disinfecting. 71.7 Section 71.7 Animals and Animal Products ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE INTERSTATE...

Solvothermal synthesis and structural characterization of a three-dimensional metal organic polymer [NaZn(1,2,4-BTC)] (1,2,4-BTC=1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lei; Shi, Zhan; Li, Guanghua; Fan, Yong; Fu, Wensheng; Feng, Shouhua

2004-01-01

A new three-dimensional metal-organic polymer, [NaZn(1,2,4-BTC)] (where 1,2,4-BTC=1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate), has been prepared under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1/ c, with cell parameters: a=9.7706(4) Å, b=12.3549(5) Å, c=6.8897(3) Å, β=91.640(2)°, V=831.35(6) Å 3 and Z=4. In the three-dimensional structure of the compound, each Zn atom is five-coordinated in distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry, while the sixfold coordination of Na corresponds to a slightly distorted triangular prism. The organic ligand, 1,2,4-BTC, shows a novel and unprecedented coordination mode: 11 bonds to 10 metals with each carboxylate function exhibiting different linkages. It remains stable when desolvated and when heated up to 410 °C.

Modified solvothermal synthesis of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) magnetic nanoparticles photocatalysts for degradation of methylene blue with H2O2/visible light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalam, Abul; Al-Sehemi, Abdullah G.; Assiri, Mohammed; Du, Gaohui; Ahmad, Tokeer; Ahmad, Irfan; Pannipara, M.

2018-03-01

Different grads of magnetic nano-scaled cobalt ferrites (CoFe2O4) photocatalysts were synthesized by modified Solvothermal (MST) process with and without polysaccharide. The indigenously synthesized photocatalysts were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm method. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study showed the Fe-O stretching vibration 590-619 cm-1, confirming the formation of metal oxide. The crystallite size of the synthesized photocatalysts was found in the range between 20.0 and 30.0 nm. The surface area of obtained magnetic nanoparticles is found to be reasonably high in the range of 63.0-76.0 m2/g. The results shown that only MST-2 is the most active catalyst for photo-Fenton like scheme for fast photodegradation action of methylene blue dye, this is possible due to optical band gap estimated of 2.65 eV. Captivatingly the percentage of degradation efficiency increases up to 80% after 140 min by using MST-2 photocatalyst. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light irradiation with cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles followed first order kinetic constant and rate constant of MST-2 is almost 2.0 times greater than MST-1 photocatalyst.

Space ultra-vacuum facility and method of operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naumann, Robert J. (Inventor)

1986-01-01

A wake shield facility providing an ultrahigh vacuum level for space processing is described. The facility is in the shape of a truncated, hollow hemispherical section, one side of the shield convex and the other concave. The shield surface is preferably made of material that has low out-gassing characteristics such as stainless steel. A material sample supporting fixture in the form of a carousel is disposed on the convex side of the shield at its apex. Movable arms, also on the convex side, are connected by the shield in proximity to the carousel, the arms supporting processing fixtures, and providing for movement of the fixtures to predetermined locations required for producing interations with material samples. For MBE processes a vapor jet projects a stream of vaporized material onto a sample surface. The fixtures are oriented to face the surface of the sample being processed when in their extended position, and when not in use they are retractable to a storage position. The concave side of the shield has a support structure including metal struts connected to the shield, extending radially inward. The struts are joined to an end plate disposed parallel to the outer edge of the shield. This system eliminates outgassing contamination.

Defect engineering of two-dimensional WO3 nanosheets for enhanced electrochromism and photoeletrochemical performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xiaofang; Zheng, Xiaoli; Yan, Bo; Xu, Tao; Xu, Qun

2017-04-01

The capability of introduction of oxygen vacancies in a controlled way has emerged as the heart of modern transition metal oxide semiconductor chemistry. As chemical defects, the oxygen vacancies have been proposed as electron donors, which are prone to increase carrier density and promote charge carrier separation. Herein, we have successfully prepared 2D WO3 ultrathin nanosheets with abundant surface oxygen vacancies by a combination of facile solvothermal reaction and hydrogenation method. The resultant hydrogenated WO3 ultrathin nanosheets exhibit remarkable electrochromism and photocatalytic performances compared with the non-hydrogenated samples, mainly due to their increased oxygen vacancies, narrowed band gap coupled with fast charge transfer and enhanced adsorption of visible light.

Synthesis of ultrathin mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanosheets on carbon fiber paper as integrated high-performance electrodes for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Fangze; Yu, Lin; Cheng, Gao; Lin, Ting; Sun, Ming; Ye, Fei; Li, Yongfeng

2014-04-01

Two-dimensional ultrathin mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanosheets on carbon fiber paper (CFP) are synthesized through a facile solvothermal method combined with a post thermal treatment. The well interconnected ultrathin NiCo2O4 nanosheets directly grown on the carbon nanofibers could allow for easy diffusion of the electrolyte, shorten the transport path of ion and electron and accommodate the strain during cycling. As a result, superior pseudocapacitive performance is achieved with large specific capacitance of 999 F g-1 at a high current density of 20 A g-1. The capacitance loss is 15.6% after 3000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g-1, displaying good cycle ability and high rate capability.

Competitive Facility Location with Random Demands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uno, Takeshi; Katagiri, Hideki; Kato, Kosuke

2009-10-01

This paper proposes a new location problem of competitive facilities, e.g. shops and stores, with uncertain demands in the plane. By representing the demands for facilities as random variables, the location problem is formulated to a stochastic programming problem, and for finding its solution, three deterministic programming problems: expectation maximizing problem, probability maximizing problem, and satisfying level maximizing problem are considered. After showing that one of their optimal solutions can be found by solving 0-1 programming problems, their solution method is proposed by improving the tabu search algorithm with strategic vibration. Efficiency of the solution method is shown by applying to numerical examples of the facility location problems.

Synergistically Active NiCo2 S4 Nanoparticles Coupled with Holey Defect Graphene Hydrogel for High-Performance Solid-State Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Tiruneh, Sintayehu Nibret; Kang, Bong Kyun; Kwag, Sung Hoon; Lee, YoungHun; Kim, MinSeob; Yoon, Dae Ho

2018-03-02

Nickel cobalt sulfide nanoparticles embedded in holey defect graphene hydrogel (HGH) that exhibit highly porous structures and uniform nickel cobalt sulfide nanoparticle sizes are successfully prepared by a facile solvothermal-hydrothermal method. As an electrode material for supercapacitors, the as-prepared NiCo 2 S 4 @HGH shows ultra-high specific capacitances of 1000 F g -1 and 800 F g -1 at 0.5 and 6 A g -1 , respectively, owing to the outstanding electrical conductivity of HGH and high specific capacitance of NiCo 2 S 4 . After 2100 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 6 A g -1 , 96.6 % of the specific capacitance was retained, signifying the superb durability of NiCo 2 S 4 @HGH. Moreover, remarkable specific capacitance (312.6 F g -1 ) and capacity retention (87 % after 5000 cycles) at 6 A g -1 were displayed by the symmetric solid-state supercapacitor fabricated by using NiCo 2 S 4 @HGH electrodes. These auspicious supercapacitor performances demonstrate that the as-developed solvothermal-hydrothermal approach can be widely used to prepare graphene-coupled binary metal sulfides for high-performance supercapacitor applications. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Graphene Oxide Directed One-Step Synthesis of Flowerlike Graphene@HKUST-1 for Enzyme-Free Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide in Biological Samples.

PubMed

Wang, Qingxiang; Yang, Yizhen; Gao, Feng; Ni, Jiancong; Zhang, Yanhui; Lin, Zhenyu

2016-11-30

A novel metal-organic framework (MOF)-based electroactive nanocomposite containing graphene fragments and HKUST-1 was synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal method using graphene oxide (GO), benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (BTC), and copper nitrate (Cu(NO 3 ) 2 ) as the raw materials. The morphology and structure characterization revealed that the GO could induce the transformation of HKUST-1 from octahedral structure to the hierarchical flower shape as an effective structure-directing agent. Also, it is interesting to find out that the GO was torn into small fragments to participate in the formation of HKUST-1 and then transformed into the reduction form during the solvothermal reaction process, which dramatically increased the surface area, electronic conductivity, and redox-activity of the material. Electrochemical assays showed that the synergy of graphene and HKUST-1 in the nanocomposite leaded to high electrocatalysis, fast response, and excellent selectivity toward the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). Based on these remarkable advantages, satisfactory results were obtained when the nanocomposite was used as a sensing material for electrochemical determination of H 2 O 2 in the complex biological samples such as human serum and living Raw 264.7 cell fluids.

One‐dimensional TiO2 Nanotube Photocatalysts for Solar Water Splitting

PubMed Central

Ge, Mingzheng; Li, Qingsong; Cao, Chunyan; Huang, Jianying; Li, Shuhui; Zhang, Songnan; Chen, Zhong; Zhang, Keqin; Al‐Deyab, Salem S.

2016-01-01

Hydrogen production from water splitting by photo/photoelectron‐catalytic process is a promising route to solve both fossil fuel depletion and environmental pollution at the same time. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes have attracted much interest due to their large specific surface area and highly ordered structure, which has led to promising potential applications in photocatalytic degradation, photoreduction of CO2, water splitting, supercapacitors, dye‐sensitized solar cells, lithium‐ion batteries and biomedical devices. Nanotubes can be fabricated via facile hydrothermal method, solvothermal method, template technique and electrochemical anodic oxidation. In this report, we provide a comprehensive review on recent progress of the synthesis and modification of TiO2 nanotubes to be used for photo/photoelectro‐catalytic water splitting. The future development of TiO2 nanotubes is also discussed. PMID:28105391

Controllable synthesis of layered Co-Ni hydroxide hierarchical structures for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Peng; Zhang, Ning; Zhang, Dan; Liu, Tao; Chen, Limiao; Ma, Renzhi; Qiu, Guanzhou; Liu, Xiaohe

2016-01-01

A facile solvothermal method is developed for synthesizing layered Co-Ni hydroxide hierarchical structures by using hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) as alkaline reagent. The electrochemical measurements reveal that the specific capacitances of layered bimetallic (Co-Ni) hydroxides are generally superior to those of layered monometallic (Co, Ni) hydroxides. The as-prepared Co0.5Ni0.5 hydroxide hierarchical structures possesses the highest specific capacitance of 1767 F g-1 at a galvanic current density of 1 A g-1 and an outstanding specific capacitance retention of 87% after 1000 cycles. In comparison with the dispersed nanosheets of Co-Ni hydroxide, layered hydroxide hierarchical structures show much superior electrochemical performance. This study provides a promising method to construct hierarchical structures with controllable transition-metal compositions for enhancing the electrochemical performance in hybrid supercapacitors.

Facile and template-free method toward chemical synthesis of polyaniline film/nanotube structures

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

Liu, Pei; Zhu, Yisi; Torres, Jorge

A facile and template-free method is reported to synthesize a new thin film structure: polyaniline (PANI) film/nanotubes (F/N) structure. The PANI F/N is a 100-nm thick PANI film embedded with PANI nanotubes. This well-controlled method requires no surfactant or organic acid as well as relatively low concentration of reagents. Synthesis condition studies reveal that aniline oligomers with certain structures are responsible for guiding the growth of the nanotubes. Electrical characterization also indicates that the PANI F/N possesses similar field-effect transistor characteristics to bare PANI film. With its 20% increased surface-area-to-volume (S/V) ratio contributed by surface embedded nanotubes and the excellentmore » p-type semiconducting characteristic, PANI F/N shows clear superiority compared with bare PANI film. Such advantages guarantee the PANI F/N a promising future toward the development of ultra-high sensitivity and low-cost biosensors.« less

Long-acting family planning method switching among revisit clients of public health facilities in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.

PubMed

Atnafe, Meselu; Assefa, Nega; Alemayehu, Tadesse

2016-01-01

"Contraceptive switching" from one method to another is a common phenomenon. Switching from a more effective long-acting method to a less effective method exposes women for unplanned pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the level and factors associated with long-acting family planning method switching to other methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2013 on 634 women attending public health facilities in Dire Dawa City Administration, Ethiopia. Participants of the study were revisit clients of family planning service and were interviewed as they appear in the clinics. Data were analyzed using crude and adjusted logistic regression, and results were reported using OR and corresponding 95 % CI. Long-acting family planning method switching among revisit clients was 40.4 %; switching from implant was 29.8 % and from IUCD, it was 10.6 %. The main reasons for methods switching were side effects of the methods such as bleeding, weight loss, and feeling of arm numbness. The tendency of switching was less among married women (AOR = 2.41, 95 % CI: 1.01, 5.74), women who had 2-4 and 5 and more children (AOR 3.00, 95 % CI: 1.59, 5.67) and (AOR 2.07, 95 % CI: 1.17, 3.66), respectively. It was also less among women who want to stop birth (AOR 5.11, 95 % CI: 1.15, 24.8), among those who mentioned health care providers as source of information for family planning (AOR 1.88, 95 % CI: 1.18, 3.01), and among women whose husbands were aware of their use of the methods (AOR 3.05, 95 % CI: 1.88, 4.94). Method switching from long-acting contraceptives to less effective methods is high. Method switching was significant among unmarried women, who had one child, plan to postpone fertility, and whose husbands were not aware of their wive's use of the method. In the provision of family planning service, the health care providers should give adequate information about each method and risks of method switching. Appropriate family

45 CFR 84.22 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., welfare, or other social services at alternate accessible sites, alteration of existing facilities and... to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving... handicapped persons in the most integrated setting appropriate. (c) Small health, welfare, or other social...

45 CFR 84.22 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., welfare, or other social services at alternate accessible sites, alteration of existing facilities and... to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving... handicapped persons in the most integrated setting appropriate. (c) Small health, welfare, or other social...

Is the closest facility the one actually used? An assessment of travel time estimation based on mammography facilities.

PubMed

Alford-Teaster, Jennifer; Lange, Jane M; Hubbard, Rebecca A; Lee, Christoph I; Haas, Jennifer S; Shi, Xun; Carlos, Heather A; Henderson, Louise; Hill, Deirdre; Tosteson, Anna N A; Onega, Tracy

2016-02-18

Characterizing geographic access depends on a broad range of methods available to researchers and the healthcare context to which the method is applied. Globally, travel time is one frequently used measure of geographic access with known limitations associated with data availability. Specifically, due to lack of available utilization data, many travel time studies assume that patients use the closest facility. To examine this assumption, an example using mammography screening data, which is considered a geographically abundant health care service in the United States, is explored. This work makes an important methodological contribution to measuring access--which is a critical component of health care planning and equity almost everywhere. We analyzed one mammogram from each of 646,553 women participating in the US based Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium for years 2005-2012. We geocoded each record to street level address data in order to calculate travel time to the closest and to the actually used mammography facility. Travel time between the closest and the actual facility used was explored by woman-level and facility characteristics. Only 35% of women in the study population used their closest facility, but nearly three-quarters of women not using their closest facility used a facility within 5 min of the closest facility. Individuals that by-passed the closest facility tended to live in an urban core, within higher income neighborhoods, or in areas where the average travel times to work was longer. Those living in small towns or isolated rural areas had longer closer and actual median drive times. Since the majority of US women accessed a facility within a few minutes of their closest facility this suggests that distance to the closest facility may serve as an adequate proxy for utilization studies of geographically abundant services like mammography in areas where the transportation networks are well established.

Boosting facility deliveries with results-based financing: a mixed-methods evaluation of the government midwifery incentive scheme in Cambodia.

PubMed

Ir, Por; Korachais, Catherine; Chheng, Kannarath; Horemans, Dirk; Van Damme, Wim; Meessen, Bruno

2015-08-15

Increasing the coverage of skilled attendance at births in a health facility (facility delivery) is crucial for saving the lives of mothers and achieving Millennium Development Goal five. Cambodia has significantly increased the coverage of facility deliveries and reduced the maternal mortality ratio in the last decade. The introduction of a nationwide government implemented and funded results-based financing initiative, known as the Government Midwifery Incentive Scheme (GMIS), is considered one of the most important contributors to this. We evaluated GMIS to explore its effects on facility deliveries and the health system. We used a mixed-methods design. An interrupted time series model was applied, using routine longitudinal data on reported deliveries between 2006 and 2011 that were extracted from the health information system. In addition, we interviewed 56 key informants and performed 12 focus group discussions with 124 women who had given birth (once or more) since 2006. Findings from the quantitative data were carefully interpreted and triangulated with those from qualitative data. We found that facility deliveries have tripled from 19% of the estimated number of births in 2006 to 57% in 2011 and this increase was more substantial at health centres as compared to hospitals. Segmented linear regressions showed that the introduction of GMIS in October 2007 made the increase in facility deliveries and deliveries with skilled attendants significantly jump by 18 and 10% respectively. Results from qualitative data also suggest that the introduction of GMIS together with other interventions that aimed to improve access to essential maternal health services led to considerable improvements in public health facilities and a steep increase in facility deliveries. Home deliveries attended by traditional birth attendants decreased concomitantly. We also outline several operational issues and limitations of GMIS. The available evidence strongly suggests that GMIS is an

A Videotape-Based Training Method for Improving the Detection of Depression in Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wood, Stacey; Cummings, Jeffrey L.; Schnelle, Betha; Stephens, Mary

2002-01-01

Purpose: This article reviews the effectiveness of a new training program for improving nursing staffs' detection of depression within long-term care facilities. The course was designed to increase recognition of the Minimal Data Set (MDS) Mood Trigger items, to be brief, and to rely on images rather than didactics. Design and Methods: This study…

Associations between Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Neighbourhood Recreational Facilities: The Features of the Facilities Matter

PubMed Central

Lee, Ka Yiu; Lee, Paul H.; Macfarlane, Duncan

2014-01-01

Objectives: To examine the associations between objectively-assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and perceived/objective measures of neighbourhood recreational facilities categorized into indoor or outdoor, public, residential or commercial facilities. The associations between facility perceptions and objectively-assessed numbers of recreational facilities were also examined. Method: A questionnaire was used on 480 adults to measure local facility perceptions, with 154 participants wearing ActiGraph accelerometers for ≥4 days. The objectively-assessed number of neighbourhood recreational facilities were examined using direct observations and Geographical Information System data. Results: Both positive and negative associations were found between MVPA and perceived/objective measures of recreational facilities. Some associations depended on whether the recreational facilities were indoor or outdoor, public or residential facilities. The objectively-assessed number of most public recreational facilities was associated with the corresponding facility perceptions, but the size of effect was generally lower than for residential recreational facilities. Conclusions: The objectively-assessed number of residential outdoor table tennis courts and public indoor swimming pools, the objectively-assessed presence of tennis courts and swimming pools, and the perceived presence of bike lanes and swimming pools were positive determinants of MVPA. It is suggested to categorize the recreational facilities into smaller divisions in order to identify unique associations with MVPA. PMID:25485980

Facile hydrothermal growth graphene/ZnO nanocomposite for development of enhanced biosensor.

PubMed

Low, Sze Shin; Tan, Michelle T T; Loh, Hwei-San; Khiew, Poi Sim; Chiu, Wee Siong

2016-01-15

Graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite was synthesised via a facile, green and efficient approach consisted of novel liquid phase exfoliation and solvothermal growth for sensing application. Highly pristine graphene was synthesised through mild sonication treatment of graphite in a mixture of ethanol and water at an optimum ratio. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD) affirmed the hydrothermal growth of pure zinc oxide nanoparticles from zinc nitrate hexahydrate precursor. The as-prepared graphene/zinc oxide (G/ZnO) nanocomposite was characterised comprehensively to evaluate its morphology, crystallinity, composition and purity. All results clearly indicate that zinc oxide particles were homogenously distributed on graphene sheets, without any severe aggregation. The electrochemical performance of graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry analysis. The resulting electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a linear range of 1-15 mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9977. The sensitivity of the graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite-modified hydrogen peroxide sensor was 3.2580 μAmM(-1) with a limit of detection of 7.4357 μM. An electrochemical DNA sensor platform was then fabricated for the detection of Avian Influenza H5 gene based on graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite. The results obtained from amperometry study indicate that the graphene/zinc oxide nanocomposite-enhanced electrochemical DNA biosensor is significantly more sensitive (P < 0.05) and efficient than the conventional agarose gel electrophoresis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selecting long-term care facilities with high use of acute hospitalisations: issues and options

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background This paper considers approaches to the question “Which long-term care facilities have residents with high use of acute hospitalisations?” It compares four methods of identifying long-term care facilities with high use of acute hospitalisations by demonstrating four selection methods, identifies key factors to be resolved when deciding which methods to employ, and discusses their appropriateness for different research questions. Methods OPAL was a census-type survey of aged care facilities and residents in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2008. It collected information about facility management and resident demographics, needs and care. Survey records (149 aged care facilities, 6271 residents) were linked to hospital and mortality records routinely assembled by health authorities. The main ranking endpoint was acute hospitalisations for diagnoses that were classified as potentially avoidable. Facilities were ranked using 1) simple event counts per person, 2) event rates per year of resident follow-up, 3) statistical model of rates using four predictors, and 4) change in ranks between methods 2) and 3). A generalized mixed model was used for Method 3 to handle the clustered nature of the data. Results 3048 potentially avoidable hospitalisations were observed during 22 months’ follow-up. The same “top ten” facilities were selected by Methods 1 and 2. The statistical model (Method 3), predicting rates from resident and facility characteristics, ranked facilities differently than these two simple methods. The change-in-ranks method identified a very different set of “top ten” facilities. All methods showed a continuum of use, with no clear distinction between facilities with higher use. Conclusion Choice of selection method should depend upon the purpose of selection. To monitor performance during a period of change, a recent simple rate, count per resident, or even count per bed, may suffice. To find high–use facilities regardless of resident needs

Evaluation of a simplified gross thrust calculation method for a J85-21 afterburning turbojet engine in an altitude facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baer-Riedhart, J. L.

1982-01-01

A simplified gross thrust calculation method was evaluated on its ability to predict the gross thrust of a modified J85-21 engine. The method used tailpipe pressure data and ambient pressure data to predict the gross thrust. The method's algorithm is based on a one-dimensional analysis of the flow in the afterburner and nozzle. The test results showed that the method was notably accurate over the engine operating envelope using the altitude facility measured thrust for comparison. A summary of these results, the simplified gross thrust method and requirements, and the test techniques used are discussed in this paper.

Facile synthesis of titania nanoparticles coated carbon nanotubes for selective enrichment of phosphopeptides for mass spectrometry analysis.

PubMed

Yan, Yinghua; Lu, Jin; Deng, Chunhui; Zhang, Xiangmin

2013-03-30

In this work, titania nanoparticles coated carbon nanotubes (denoted as CNTs/TiO2 composites) were synthesized through a facile but effective solvothermal reaction using titanium isopropoxide as the titania source, isopropyl alcohol as the solvent and as the basic catalyst in the presence of hydrophilic carbon nanotubes. Characterizations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicate that the CNTs/TiO2 composites consist of CNT core and a rough outer layer formed by titania nanoparticles (5-10nm). Measurements using wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD), zeta potential and N2 sorption reveal that the titania shell is formed by anatase titania nanoparticles, and the composites have a high specific surface area of about 104 m(2)/g. By using their high surface area and affinity to phosphopeptides, the CNTs/TiO2 composites were applied to selectively enrich phosphopeptides for mass spectrometry analysis. The high selectivity and capacity of the CNTs/TiO2 composites have been demonstrated by effective enrichment of phosphopeptides from digests of phosphoprotein, protein mixtures of β-casein and bovine serum albumin, human serum and rat brain samples. These results foresee a promising application of the novel CNTs/TiO2 composites in the selective enrichment of phosphopeptides. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Competitive Facility Location with Fuzzy Random Demands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uno, Takeshi; Katagiri, Hideki; Kato, Kosuke

2010-10-01

This paper proposes a new location problem of competitive facilities, e.g. shops, with uncertainty and vagueness including demands for the facilities in a plane. By representing the demands for facilities as fuzzy random variables, the location problem can be formulated as a fuzzy random programming problem. For solving the fuzzy random programming problem, first the α-level sets for fuzzy numbers are used for transforming it to a stochastic programming problem, and secondly, by using their expectations and variances, it can be reformulated to a deterministic programming problem. After showing that one of their optimal solutions can be found by solving 0-1 programming problems, their solution method is proposed by improving the tabu search algorithm with strategic oscillation. The efficiency of the proposed method is shown by applying it to numerical examples of the facility location problems.

A Facile Method to Fabricate Anisotropic Hydrogels with Perfectly Aligned Hierarchical Fibrous Structures.

PubMed

Mredha, Md Tariful Islam; Guo, Yun Zhou; Nonoyama, Takayuki; Nakajima, Tasuku; Kurokawa, Takayuki; Gong, Jian Ping

2018-03-01

Natural structural materials (such as tendons and ligaments) are comprised of multiscale hierarchical architectures, with dimensions ranging from nano- to macroscale, which are difficult to mimic synthetically. Here a bioinspired, facile method to fabricate anisotropic hydrogels with perfectly aligned multiscale hierarchical fibrous structures similar to those of tendons and ligaments is reported. The method includes drying a diluted physical hydrogel in air by confining its length direction. During this process, sufficiently high tensile stress is built along the length direction to align the polymer chains and multiscale fibrous structures (from nano- to submicro- to microscale) are spontaneously formed in the bulk material, which are well-retained in the reswollen gel. The method is useful for relatively rigid polymers (such as alginate and cellulose), which are susceptible to mechanical signal. By controlling the drying with or without prestretching, the degree of alignment, size of superstructures, and the strength of supramolecular interactions can be tuned, which sensitively influence the strength and toughness of the hydrogels. The mechanical properties are comparable with those of natural ligaments. This study provides a general strategy for designing hydrogels with highly ordered hierarchical structures, which opens routes for the development of many functional biomimetic materials for biomedical applications. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Detecting New Pedestrian Facilities from VGI Data Sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, S.; Xie, Z.

2017-12-01

Pedestrian facility (e.g. footbridge, pedestrian crossing and underground passage) information is an important basic data of location based service (LBS) for pedestrians. However, timely updating pedestrian facility information challenges due to facilities change frequently. Previous pedestrian facility information collecting and updating tasks are mainly completed by highly trained specialized persons. However, this conventional approach has several disadvantages such as high cost, long update cycle and so on. Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) has proven efficiency to provide new, free and fast growing spatial data. Pedestrian trajectory, which can be seen as measurements of real pedestrian road, is one of the most valuable information of VGI data. Although the accuracy of the trajectories is not too high, due to the large number of measurements, an improvement of quality of the road information can be achieved. Thus, we develop a method for detecting new pedestrian facilities based on the current road network and pedestrian trajectories. Specifically, 1) by analyzing speed, distance and direction, those outliers of pedestrian trajectories are removed, 2) a road network matching algorithm is developed for eliminating redundant trajectories, and 3) a space-time cluster algorithm is adopted for detecting new walking facilities. The performance of the method is evaluated with a series of experiments conducted on a part of the road network of Heifei and a large number of real pedestrian trajectories, and verified the results by using Tencent Street map. The results show that the proposed method is able to detecting new pedestrian facilities from VGI data accurately. We believe that the proposed method provides an alternative way for general road data acquisition, and can improve the quality of LBS for pedestrians.

Investigating walking environments in and around assisted living facilities: a facility visit study.

PubMed

Lu, Zhipeng

2010-01-01

This study explores assisted living residents' walking behaviors, locations where residents prefer to walk, and walking environments in and around assisted living facilities. Regular walking is beneficial to older adults' physical and psychological health. Yet frail older residents in assisted living are usually too sedentary to achieve these benefits. The physical environment plays an important role in promoting physical activity. However, there is little research exploring this relationship in assisted living settings. The researcher visited 34 assisted living facilities in a major Texas city. Methods included walk-through observation with the Assisted Living Facility Walking Environment Checklist, and interviews with administrators by open- and close-ended questions. The data from 26 facilities were analyzed using descriptive statistics (for quantitative data) and content analysis (for qualitative data). The results indicate that (a) residents were walking both indoors and outdoors for exercise or other purposes (e.g., going to destinations); (b) assisted living facility planning and design details-such as neighborhood sidewalk conditions, facility site selection, availability of seating, walking path configuration (e.g., looped/nonlooped path), amount of shading along the path, presence of handrails, existence of signage, etc.-may influence residents' walking behaviors; and (c) current assisted living facilities need improvement in all aspects to make their environments more walkable for residents. Findings of the study provide recommendations for assisted living facilities to improve the walkability of environments and to create environmental interventions to promote regular walking among their residents. This study also implies several directions for future research.

Solvothermal synthesis and controlled self-assembly of monodisperse titanium-based perovskite colloidal nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caruntu, Daniela; Rostamzadeh, Taha; Costanzo, Tommaso; Salemizadeh Parizi, Saman; Caruntu, Gabriel

2015-07-01

The rational design of monodisperse ferroelectric nanocrystals with controlled size and shape and their organization into hierarchical structures has been a critical step for understanding the polar ordering in nanoscale ferroelectrics, as well as the design of nanocrystal-based functional materials which harness the properties of individual nanoparticles and the collective interactions between them. We report here on the synthesis and self-assembly of aggregate-free, single-crystalline titanium-based perovskite nanoparticles with controlled morphology and surface composition by using a simple, easily scalable and highly versatile colloidal route. Single-crystalline, non-aggregated BaTiO3 colloidal nanocrystals, used as a model system, have been prepared under solvothermal conditions at temperatures as low as 180 °C. The shape of the nanocrystals was tuned from spheroidal to cubic upon changing the polarity of the solvent, whereas their size was varied from 16 to 30 nm for spheres and 5 to 78 nm for cubes by changing the concentration of the precursors and the reaction time, respectively. The hydrophobic, oleic acid-passivated nanoparticles exhibit very good solubility in non-polar solvents and can be rendered dispersible in polar solvents by a simple process involving the oxidative cleavage of the double bond upon treating the nanopowders with the Lemieux-von Rudloff reagent. Lattice dynamic analysis indicated that regardless of their size, BaTiO3 nanocrystals present local disorder within the perovskite unit cell, associated with the existence of polar ordering. We also demonstrate for the first time that, in addition to being used for fabricating large area, crack-free, highly uniform films, BaTiO3 nanocubes can serve as building blocks for the design of 2D and 3D mesoscale structures, such as superlattices and superparticles. Interestingly, the type of superlattice structure (simple cubic or face centered cubic) appears to be determined by the type of solvent

Nanostructured N-doped TiO2 marigold flowers for an efficient solar hydrogen production from H2S

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaudhari, Nilima S.; Warule, Sambhaji S.; Dhanmane, Sushil A.; Kulkarni, Milind V.; Valant, Matjaz; Kale, Bharat B.

2013-09-01

Nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanostructures in the form of marigold flowers have been synthesized for the first time using a facile solvothermal method. The structural analysis has shown that such an N-doped TiO2 system crystallizes in the anatase structure. The optical absorption spectra have clearly shown the shift in the absorption edge towards the visible-light range, which indicates successful nitrogen doping. The nitrogen doping has been further confirmed by photoluminescence and photoemission spectroscopy. Microscopy studies have shown the thin nanosheets (petals) of N-TiO2 with a thickness of ~2-3 nm, assembled in the form of the marigold flower with a high surface area (224 m2 g-1). The N-TiO2 nanostructure with marigold flowers is an efficient photocatalyst for the decomposition of H2S and production of hydrogen under solar light. The maximum hydrogen evolution obtained is higher than other known N-TiO2 systems. It is noteworthy that photohydrogen production using the unique marigold flowers of N-TiO2 from abundant H2S under solar light is hitherto unattempted. The proposed synthesis method can also be utilized to design other hierarchical nanostructured N-doped metal oxides.Nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanostructures in the form of marigold flowers have been synthesized for the first time using a facile solvothermal method. The structural analysis has shown that such an N-doped TiO2 system crystallizes in the anatase structure. The optical absorption spectra have clearly shown the shift in the absorption edge towards the visible-light range, which indicates successful nitrogen doping. The nitrogen doping has been further confirmed by photoluminescence and photoemission spectroscopy. Microscopy studies have shown the thin nanosheets (petals) of N-TiO2 with a thickness of ~2-3 nm, assembled in the form of the marigold flower with a high surface area (224 m2 g-1). The N-TiO2 nanostructure with marigold flowers is an efficient photocatalyst for the decomposition of H2S and

Modifications to ART service delivery models by health facilities in Uganda in promotion of intervention sustainability: a mixed methods study.

PubMed

Zakumumpa, Henry; Bennett, Sara; Ssengooba, Freddie

2017-04-04

In November 2015, WHO released new treatment guidelines recommending that all diagnosed as HIV positive be enrolled on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Sustaining and expanding ART scale-up programs in resource-limited settings will require adaptations and modifications to traditional ART delivery models to meet the rapid increase in demand. We identify modifications to ART service delivery models by health facilities in Uganda to sustain ART interventions over a 10-year period (2004-2014). A mixed methods approach involving two study phases was adopted. In the first phase, a survey of a nationally representative sample of health facilities (n = 195) in Uganda which were accredited to provide ART between 2004 and 2009 was conducted. The second phase involved semi-structured interviews (n = 18) with ART clinic managers of 6 of the 195 health facilities purposively selected from the first study phase. We adopted a thematic framework consisting of four categories of modifications (format, setting, personnel, and population). The majority of health facilities 185 (95%) reported making modifications to ART interventions between 2004 and 2014. Of the 195 health facilities, 157 (81%) rated the modifications made to ART as "major." Modifications to ART were reported under all the four themes. The quantitative and qualitative findings are integrated and presented under four themes. Format: Reducing the frequency of clinic appointments and pharmacy-only refill programs was identified as important strategies for decongesting ART clinics. Home-based care programs were introduced to reduce provider ART delivery costs. Personnel: Task shifting to non-physician cadre was reported in 181 (93%) of the health facilities. Visits to the ART clinic were rationalized in favor of the sub-population deemed to have more clinical need. Two health facilities focused on patients living nearer the health facilities to align with targets set by external donors. Over the study period

Downgrading Nuclear Facilities to Radiological Facilities

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

Jarry, Jeffrey F.; Farr, Jesse Oscar; Duran, Leroy

2015-08-01

Based on inventory reductions and the use of alternate storage facilities, the Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) downgraded 4 SNL Hazard Category 3 (HC-3) nuclear facilities to less-than-HC-3 radiological facilities. SNL’s Waste Management and Pollution Prevention Department (WMPPD) managed the HC-3 nuclear facilities and implemented the downgrade. This paper will examine the downgrade process,

Facile one-pot synthesis of cellulose nanocrystal-supported hollow CuFe2O4 nanoparticles as efficient catalyst for 4-nitrophenol reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Sufeng; Zhao, Dongyan; Hou, Chen; Liang, Chen; Li, Hao

2018-06-01

A facile and efficient one-pot method for the synthesis of well-dispersed hollow CuFe2O4 nanoparticles (H-CuFe2O4 NPs) in the presence of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as the support was described. Based on the one-pot solvothermal condition control, magnetic H-CuFe2O4 NPs were in-situ grown on the CNC surface uniformly. TEM images indicated good dispersity of H-CuFe2O4 NPs with uniform size of 300 nm. The catalytic activity of H-CuFe2O4/CNC was tested in the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in aqueous solution. Compared with most CNC-based ferrite catalysts, H-CuFe2O4/CNC catalyst exhibited an excellent catalytic activity toward the reduction of 4-NP. The catalytic performance of H-CuFe2O4/CNC catalyst was remarkably enhanced with the rate constant of 3.24 s-1 g-1, which was higher than H-CuFe2O4 NPs (0.50 s-1 g-1). The high catalytic activity was attributed to the introduction of CNC and the special hollow mesostructure of H-CuFe2O4 NPs. In addition, the H-CuFe2O4/CNC catalyst promised good conversion efficiency without significant decrease even after 10 cycles, confirming relatively high stability. Because of its environmental sustainability and magnetic separability, H-CuFe2O4/CNC catalyst was shown to indicate that the ferrite nanoparticles supported on CNC were acted as a promising catalyst and exhibited potential applications in numerous ferrite based catalytic reactions.

Shielding of medical imaging X-ray facilities: a simple and practical method.

PubMed

Bibbo, Giovanni

2017-12-01

The most widely accepted method for shielding design of X-ray facilities is that contained in the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report 147 whereby the computation of the barrier thickness for primary, secondary and leakage radiations is based on the knowledge of the distances from the radiation sources, the assumptions of the clinical workload, and usage and occupancy of adjacent areas. The shielding methodology used in this report is complex. With this methodology, the shielding designers need to make assumptions regarding the use of the X-ray room and the adjoining areas. Different shielding designers may make different assumptions resulting in different shielding requirements for a particular X-ray room. A more simple and practical method is to base the shielding design on the shielding principle used to shield X-ray tube housing to limit the leakage radiation from the X-ray tube. In this case, the shielding requirements of the X-ray room would depend only on the maximum radiation output of the X-ray equipment regardless of workload, usage or occupancy of the adjacent areas of the room. This shielding methodology, which has been used in South Australia since 1985, has proven to be practical and, to my knowledge, has not led to excess shielding of X-ray installations.

Solvothermal syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of three cobalt coordination polymers constructed from naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid and bis(imidazole) linkers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Jun-Liang; He, Kun-Huan; Wang, Duo-Zhi; Zhang, Ying-Hui; Wang, Dan-Hong

2018-07-01

Three new Co(II) coordination polymers with formulas of {[Co2(L1)(1,4-NDC)2]·3H2O}n (1), [Co3(L2)2(HCOO)2(1,4-NDC)2]n (2) and [Co2(L2)(μ3-OH)(1,4-NDC)1.5]n (3) (1,4-H2NDC = Naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, L1 = di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)methane, L2 = 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene) were solvothermal synthesized from 1,4-H2NDC with the aid of three different length-controllable auxiliary ligands and fully characterized. Their structures are determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectra, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. Complexes 1 and 3 display 3D framework structures, corresponding to a 6-connected (412·63) net, a 8-connected (424·5·63) net, respectively. However, it is noteworthy that the complex 1 displays a 2-fold interpenetrating framework structure, complex 3 possesses a self-interpenetrating framework structure. Complex 2 displays 2D 4-connected undulating plane net structure. Moreover, magnetic studies indicate antiferromagnetic interactions between the Co(II) ions in the four complexes.

New methods to detect particle velocity and mass flux in arc-heated ablation/erosion facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brayton, D. B.; Bomar, B. W.; Seibel, B. L.; Elrod, P. D.

1980-01-01

Arc-heated flow facilities with injected particles are used to simulate the erosive and ablative/erosive environments encountered by spacecraft re-entry through fog, clouds, thermo-nuclear explosions, etc. Two newly developed particle diagnostic techniques used to calibrate these facilities are discussed. One technique measures particle velocity and is based on the detection of thermal radiation and/or chemiluminescence from the hot seed particles in a model ablation/erosion facility. The second technique measures a local particle rate, which is proportional to local particle mass flux, in a dust erosion facility by photodetecting and counting the interruptions of a focused laser beam by individual particles.

Predicting site locations for biomass using facilities with Bayesian methods

Treesearch

Timothy M. Young; James H. Perdue; Xia Huang

2017-01-01

Logistic regression models combined with Bayesian inference were developed to predict locations and quantify factors that influence the siting of biomass-using facilities that use woody biomass in the Southeastern United States. Predictions were developed for two groups of mills, one representing larger capacity mills similar to pulp and paper mills (Group II...

21 CFR 200.10 - Contract facilities (including consulting laboratories) utilized as extramural facilities by...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... (IND) Application, any information obtained during the inspection of an extramural facility having a... Administration does not consider results of validation studies of analytical and assay methods and control...

INTEGRATION OF FACILITY MODELING CAPABILITIES FOR NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION ANALYSIS

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

Gorensek, M.; Hamm, L.; Garcia, H.

2011-07-18

Developing automated methods for data collection and analysis that can facilitate nuclear nonproliferation assessment is an important research area with significant consequences for the effective global deployment of nuclear energy. Facility modeling that can integrate and interpret observations collected from monitored facilities in order to ascertain their functional details will be a critical element of these methods. Although improvements are continually sought, existing facility modeling tools can characterize all aspects of reactor operations and the majority of nuclear fuel cycle processing steps, and include algorithms for data processing and interpretation. Assessing nonproliferation status is challenging because observations can come frommore » many sources, including local and remote sensors that monitor facility operations, as well as open sources that provide specific business information about the monitored facilities, and can be of many different types. Although many current facility models are capable of analyzing large amounts of information, they have not been integrated in an analyst-friendly manner. This paper addresses some of these facility modeling capabilities and illustrates how they could be integrated and utilized for nonproliferation analysis. The inverse problem of inferring facility conditions based on collected observations is described, along with a proposed architecture and computer framework for utilizing facility modeling tools. After considering a representative sampling of key facility modeling capabilities, the proposed integration framework is illustrated with several examples.« less

Future carbon beams at SPIRAL1 facility: Which method is the most efficient?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maunoury, L.; Delahaye, P.; Angot, J.; Dubois, M.; Dupuis, M.; Frigot, R.; Grinyer, J.; Jardin, P.; Leboucher, C.; Lamy, T.

2014-02-01

Compared to in-flight facilities, Isotope Separator On-Line ones can in principle produce significantly higher radioactive ion beam intensities. On the other hand, they have to cope with delays for the release and ionization which make the production of short-lived isotopes ion beams of reactive and refractory elements particularly difficult. Many efforts are focused on extending the capabilities of ISOL facilities to those challenging beams. In this context, the development of carbon beams is triggering interest [H. Frånberg, M. Ammann, H. W. Gäggeler, and U. Köster, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 77, 03A708 (2006); M. Kronberger, A. Gottberg, T. M. Mendonca, J. P. Ramos, C. Seiffert, P. Suominen, and T. Stora, in Proceedings of the EMIS 2012 [Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. B Production of molecular sideband radioisotope beams at CERN-ISOLDE using a Helicon-type plasma ion source (to be published)]: despite its refractory nature, radioactive carbon beams can be produced from molecules (CO or CO2), which can subsequently be broken up and multi-ionized to the required charge state in charge breeders or ECR sources. This contribution will present results of experiments conducted at LPSC with the Phoenix charge breeder and at GANIL with the Nanogan ECR ion source for the ionization of carbon beams in the frame of the ENSAR and EMILIE projects. Carbon is to date the lightest condensable element charge bred with an ECR ion source. Charge breeding efficiencies will be compared with those obtained using Nanogan ECRIS and charge breeding times will be presented as well.

Future carbon beams at SPIRAL1 facility: which method is the most efficient?

PubMed

Maunoury, L; Delahaye, P; Angot, J; Dubois, M; Dupuis, M; Frigot, R; Grinyer, J; Jardin, P; Leboucher, C; Lamy, T

2014-02-01

Compared to in-flight facilities, Isotope Separator On-Line ones can in principle produce significantly higher radioactive ion beam intensities. On the other hand, they have to cope with delays for the release and ionization which make the production of short-lived isotopes ion beams of reactive and refractory elements particularly difficult. Many efforts are focused on extending the capabilities of ISOL facilities to those challenging beams. In this context, the development of carbon beams is triggering interest [H. Frånberg, M. Ammann, H. W. Gäggeler, and U. Köster, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 77, 03A708 (2006); M. Kronberger, A. Gottberg, T. M. Mendonca, J. P. Ramos, C. Seiffert, P. Suominen, and T. Stora, in Proceedings of the EMIS 2012 [Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. B Production of molecular sideband radioisotope beams at CERN-ISOLDE using a Helicon-type plasma ion source (to be published)]: despite its refractory nature, radioactive carbon beams can be produced from molecules (CO or CO2), which can subsequently be broken up and multi-ionized to the required charge state in charge breeders or ECR sources. This contribution will present results of experiments conducted at LPSC with the Phoenix charge breeder and at GANIL with the Nanogan ECR ion source for the ionization of carbon beams in the frame of the ENSAR and EMILIE projects. Carbon is to date the lightest condensable element charge bred with an ECR ion source. Charge breeding efficiencies will be compared with those obtained using Nanogan ECRIS and charge breeding times will be presented as well.

Space simulation facilities providing a stable thermal vacuum facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tellalian, Martin L.

1990-01-01

CBI has recently constructed the Intermediate Thermal Vacuum Facility. Built as a corporate facility, the installation will first be used on the Boost Surveillance and Tracking System (BSTS) program. It will also be used to develop and test other sensor systems. The horizontal chamber has a horseshoe shaped cross section and is supported on pneumatic isolators for vibration isolation. The chamber structure was designed to meet stability and stiffness requirements. The design process included measurement of the ambient ground vibrations, analysis of various foundation test article support configurations, design and analysis of the chamber shell and modal testing of the chamber shell. A detailed 3-D finite element analysis was made in the design stage to predict the lowest three natural frequencies and mode shapes and to identify local vibrating components. The design process is described and the results are compared of the finite element analysis to the results of the field modal testing and analysis for the 3 lowest natural frequencies and mode shapes. Concepts are also presented for stiffening large steel structures along with methods to improve test article stability in large space simulation facilities.

Synthesis of belt-like BiOBr hierarchical nanostructure with high photocatalytic performance

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

Li, Haiping; Liu, Jingyi; Hu, Tingxia

2016-05-15

Highlights: • BiOBr hierarchical nanobelts (NBs) were solvothermally prepared. • NBs show higher specific surface area and photoabsorption than BiOBr nanosheets. • NBs exhibit higher photoactivity than the nanosheets. - Abstract: One-dimensional (1D) bismuth oxyhalide (BiOX) hierarchical nanostructures are always difficult to prepare. Herein, we report, for the first time, a simple synthesis of BiOBr nanobelts (NBs) via a facile solvothermal route, using bismuth subsalicylate as the template and bismuth source. The BiOBr nanobelts are composed of irregular single crystal nanoparticles with highly exposed (0 1 0) facets. Compared with the BiOBr nanosheets (NSs) with dominant exposed (0 0 1)more » facets, they exhibit higher photocatalytic activity toward degradation of Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue under visible light irradiation. The higher photocatalytic performance of BiOBr NBs arises from their larger specific surface area and higher photoabsorption capability. This study provides a simple route for synthesis of belt-like Bi-based hierarchical nanostructures.« less

Testing of the Defense Waste Processing Facility Cold Chemical Dissolution Method in Sludge Batch 9 Qualification

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

Edwards, T.; Pareizs, J.; Coleman, C.

For each sludge batch that is processed in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF), the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) tests the applicability of the digestion methods used by the DWPF Laboratory for elemental analysis of Sludge Receipt and Adjustment Tank (SRAT) Receipt samples and SRAT Product process control samples. DWPF SRAT samples are typically dissolved using a method referred to as the DWPF Cold Chemical or Cold Chem Method (CC), (see DWPF Procedure SW4- 15.201). Testing indicates that the CC method produced mixed results. The CC method did not result in complete dissolution of either the SRAT Receipt ormore » SRAT Product with some fine, dark solids remaining. However, elemental analyses did not reveal extreme biases for the major elements in the sludge when compared with analyses obtained following dissolution by hot aqua regia (AR) or sodium peroxide fusion (PF) methods. The CC elemental analyses agreed with the AR and PF methods well enough that it should be adequate for routine process control analyses in the DWPF after much more extensive side-by-side tests of the CC method and the PF method are performed on the first 10 SRAT cycles of the Sludge Batch 9 (SB9) campaign. The DWPF Laboratory should continue with their plans for further tests of the CC method during these 10 SRAT cycles.« less

Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles prepared from two novel natural precursors by facile thermal decomposition methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goudarzi, Mojgan; Mir, Noshin; Mousavi-Kamazani, Mehdi; Bagheri, Samira; Salavati-Niasari, Masoud

2016-09-01

In this work, two natural sources, including pomegranate peel extract and cochineal dye were employed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The natural silver complex from pomegranate peel extract resulted in nano-sized structures through solution-phase method, but this method was not efficient for cochineal dye-silver precursor and the as-formed products were highly agglomerated. Therefore, an alternative facile solid-state approach was investigated as for both natural precursors and the results showed successful production of well-dispersed nanoparticles with narrow size distribution for cochineal dye-silver precursor. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).

Virtual reality based adaptive dose assessment method for arbitrary geometries in nuclear facility decommissioning.

PubMed

Liu, Yong-Kuo; Chao, Nan; Xia, Hong; Peng, Min-Jun; Ayodeji, Abiodun

2018-05-17

This paper presents an improved and efficient virtual reality-based adaptive dose assessment method (VRBAM) applicable to the cutting and dismantling tasks in nuclear facility decommissioning. The method combines the modeling strength of virtual reality with the flexibility of adaptive technology. The initial geometry is designed with the three-dimensional computer-aided design tools, and a hybrid model composed of cuboids and a point-cloud is generated automatically according to the virtual model of the object. In order to improve the efficiency of dose calculation while retaining accuracy, the hybrid model is converted to a weighted point-cloud model, and the point kernels are generated by adaptively simplifying the weighted point-cloud model according to the detector position, an approach that is suitable for arbitrary geometries. The dose rates are calculated with the Point-Kernel method. To account for radiation scattering effects, buildup factors are calculated with the Geometric-Progression formula in the fitting function. The geometric modeling capability of VRBAM was verified by simulating basic geometries, which included a convex surface, a concave surface, a flat surface and their combination. The simulation results show that the VRBAM is more flexible and superior to other approaches in modeling complex geometries. In this paper, the computation time and dose rate results obtained from the proposed method were also compared with those obtained using the MCNP code and an earlier virtual reality-based method (VRBM) developed by the same authors. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Indicators of Dysphagia in Aged Care Facilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pu, Dai; Murry, Thomas; Wong, May C. M.; Yiu, Edwin M. L.; Chan, Karen M. K.

2017-01-01

Purpose: The current cross-sectional study aimed to investigate risk factors for dysphagia in elderly individuals in aged care facilities. Method: A total of 878 individuals from 42 aged care facilities were recruited for this study. The dependent outcome was speech therapist-determined swallowing function. Independent factors were Eating…

Facile time-of-flight methods for characterizing pulsed superfluid helium droplet beams

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

He, Yunteng; Zhang, Jie; Li, Yang

2015-08-15

We present two facile time-of-flight (TOF) methods of detecting superfluid helium droplets and droplets with neutral dopants. Without an electron gun and with only a heated filament and pulsed electrodes, the electron impact ionization TOF mass spectrometer can resolve ionized helium clusters such as He{sub 2}{sup +} and He{sub 4}{sup +}, which are signatures of superfluid helium droplets. Without ionizing any helium atoms, multiphoton non-resonant laser ionization of CCl{sub 4} doped in superfluid helium droplets at 266 nm generates complex cluster ions of dopant fragments with helium atoms, including (He){sub n}C{sup +}, (He){sub n}Cl{sup +}, and (He){sub n}CCl{sup +}. Usingmore » both methods, we have characterized our cryogenic pulsed valve—the Even-Lavie valve. We have observed a primary pulse with larger helium droplets traveling at a slower speed and a rebound pulse with smaller droplets at a faster speed. In addition, the pickup efficiency of dopant is higher for the primary pulse when the nozzle temperature is higher than 13 K, and the total time duration of the doped droplet pulse is only on the order of 20 μs. These results stress the importance of fast and easy characterization of the droplet beam for sensitive measurements such as electron diffraction of doped droplets.« less

The Impact of School Facilities on the Learning Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vandiver, Bert

2011-01-01

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the impact of the quality of facilities on the educational environment in high schools located in northeast Texas. The intent of this research study was to determine the relationship between school facilities and the school-learning environment. This study was a mixed method research that used…

Effect of alkali cations on two-dimensional networks of two new quaternary thioarsenates (III) prepared by a facile surfactant-thermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Dongming; Hou, Peipei; Liu, Chang; Chai, Wenxiang; Zheng, Xuerong; Zhang, Luodong; Zhi, Mingjia; Zhou, Chunmei; Liu, Yi

2016-09-01

Two new quaternary thioarsenates(III) NaAg2AsS3·H2O (1) and KAg2AsS3 (2) with high yields have been successfully prepared through a facile surfactant-thermal method. It is interesting that 2 can only be obtained with the aid of ethanediamine (en), which indicates that weak basicity of solvent is beneficial to the growth of 2 compared with 1. Both 1 and 2 feature the similar two-dimensional (2D) layer structures. However, the distortion of the primary honeycomb-like nets in 2 is more severe than that of 1, which demonstrates that Na+ and K+ cations have different structure directing effects on these two thioarsenates(III). Both experimental and theoretical studies confirm 1 and 2 are semiconductors with band gaps in the visible region. Our success in preparing these two quaternary thioarsenates(III) proves that surfactant-thermal technique is a powerful yet facile synthetic method to explore new complex chalcogenides.

Evaluation of aircraft crash hazard at Los Alamos National Laboratory facilities

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

Selvage, R.D.

This report selects a method for use in calculating the frequency of an aircraft crash occurring at selected facilities at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (the Laboratory). The Solomon method was chosen to determine these probabilities. Each variable in the Solomon method is defined and a value for each variable is selected for fourteen facilities at the Laboratory. These values and calculated probabilities are to be used in all safety analysis reports and hazards analyses for the facilities addressed in this report. This report also gives detailed directions to perform aircraft-crash frequency calculations for other facilities. This will ensure thatmore » future aircraft-crash frequency calculations are consistent with calculations in this report.« less

Facile method for modulating the profiles and periods of self-ordered three-dimensional alumina taper-nanopores.

PubMed

Li, Juan; Li, Congshan; Chen, Cheng; Hao, Qingli; Wang, Zhijia; Zhu, Jie; Gao, Xuefeng

2012-10-24

We report a facile nanofabrication method, one-step hard anodizing and etching peeling (OS-HA-EP) of aluminum foils followed by multistep mild anodizing and etching pore-widening (MS-MA-EW), for the controllable tailoring of hexagonally packed three-dimensional alumina taper-nanopores. Their profiles can be precisely tailored by the synergistic control of anodizing time, etching time and cyclic times at the MS-MA-EW stage, exemplified by linear cones, whorl-embedded cones, funnels, pencils, parabolas, and trumpets. Meantime, their periods can also be modulated in the range of 70-370 nm by choosing matched anodizing electrolytes (e.g., H(2)C(2)O(4), H(2)SO(4), H(2)C(2)O(4)-H(2)SO(4), and H(2)C(2)O(4)-C(2)H(5)OH mixture) and anodizing voltages at the OS-HA-EP stage. We also demonstrated that the long-range ordering of nanopits and the peak voltage of stable self-ordered HA, which are unachievable in a single H(2)C(2)O(4) electrolyte system, can be effectively tuned by simply adding tiny quantity of H(2)SO(4) and C(2)H(5)OH to keep an appropriate HA current density, respectively. This method of using the combination of simple pure chemical nanofabrication technologies is very facile and efficient in realizing the controllable tailoring of large-area alumina membranes containing self-ordered taper-nanopores. Our work opens a door for exploring the novel physical and chemical properties of different materials of nanotaper arrays.

Measuring and monitoring KIPT Neutron Source Facility Reactivity

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

Cao, Yan; Gohar, Yousry; Zhong, Zhaopeng

2015-08-01

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) of USA and Kharkov Institute of Physics and Technology (KIPT) of Ukraine have been collaborating on developing and constructing a neutron source facility at Kharkov, Ukraine. The facility consists of an accelerator-driven subcritical system. The accelerator has a 100 kW electron beam using 100 MeV electrons. The subcritical assembly has k eff less than 0.98. To ensure the safe operation of this neutron source facility, the reactivity of the subcritical core has to be accurately determined and continuously monitored. A technique which combines the area-ratio method and the flux-to-current ratio method is purposed to determine themore » reactivity of the KIPT subcritical assembly at various conditions. In particular, the area-ratio method can determine the absolute reactivity of the subcritical assembly in units of dollars by performing pulsed-neutron experiments. It provides reference reactivities for the flux-to-current ratio method to track and monitor the reactivity deviations from the reference state while the facility is at other operation modes. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to simulate both methods using the numerical model of the KIPT subcritical assembly. It is found that the reactivities obtained from both the area-ratio method and the flux-to-current ratio method are spatially dependent on the neutron detector locations and types. Numerical simulations also suggest optimal neutron detector locations to minimize the spatial effects in the flux-to-current ratio method. The spatial correction factors are calculated using Monte Carlo methods for both measuring methods at the selected neutron detector locations. Monte Carlo simulations are also performed to verify the accuracy of the flux-to-current ratio method in monitoring the reactivity swing during a fuel burnup cycle.« less

A new method for the preparation of a Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/graphene hybrid material and its applications in electromagnetic wave absorption

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

Wu, Tsung-Yung; Lu, Kai-Tai; Peng, Cheng-Hsiung

2015-10-15

Graphical abstract: A microwave-assisted solvothermal process was used to prepare Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles/graphene hybrids, which could be applied as an electromagnetic (EM) radiation absorbent. The absorber, composed of 20 wt% Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/graphene–epoxy, exhibited a dual-frequency reflection characteristic covering the C and Ku bands with maximum reflection losses of less than −20 dB at thicknesses of 4 and 5 mm. - Highlights: • Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/graphene composites were prepared by a microwave-assisted solvothermal route. • Uniform loading of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles on graphene was obtained. • The products as-synthesized show great promise as a microwave absorption material. •more » Synergistic effects of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and graphene caused improved absorption efficiency. • The Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/graphene product possessed a dual-frequency reflection characteristic. - Abstract: A rapid, simple, and inexpensive process combining a microwave-assisted technique and a solvothermal method has been developed using graphene sheets and FeCl{sub 3}·6H{sub 2}O as the reactant to prepare graphene/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticle hybrids, which can be applied as an electromagnetic radiation absorbent. The experimental factors (i.e., composition ratio, microwave power, and irradiation time) on the products’ characteristics were examined. Under optimal conditions, the morphological analysis revealed that the graphene sheet was homogeneously covered with Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles (∼50 nm). The electromagnetic parameters of the composites made from 20 wt% Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/graphene–epoxy were measured by a vector network analyzer. It was found that the 4- and 5 mm-thick composites could attain a reflection loss below −20 dB in the dual-ranges of 4–8 and 12–18 GHz.« less

Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youths' Public Facilities Use and Psychological Well-Being: A Mixed-Method Study.

PubMed

Weinhardt, Lance S; Stevens, Patricia; Xie, Hui; Wesp, Linda M; John, Steven A; Apchemengich, Immaculate; Kioko, David; Chavez-Korell, Shannon; Cochran, Katherine M; Watjen, Jennifer M; Lambrou, Nickolas H

2017-01-01

Purpose: In this study, we explored experiences and feelings of safety in public facilities in relation to psychological well-being among transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth in the Midwest in the summer of 2016, in the context of ongoing legislative proposals and regulations regarding school and public bathroom use in the United States. Methods: We used a mixed-method approach, with (1) a self-administered, paper-and-pencil survey of 120 TGNC youth, focusing on differences of self-esteem, resilience, quality of life (QoL), perceived stigma, feelings of safety, and experiences of public facility use and (2) two focus group interviews ( n =9) in which TGNC youth discussed individual perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of bathroom use outside participants' homes. The samples consisted predominantly of individuals assigned female at birth and currently of trans-masculine identity. Results: TGNC youth in our sample who reported that they had felt unsafe in bathrooms due to appearance or gender identity had significantly lower levels of resilience (mean (felt safe) =125.7 vs. mean (felt unsafe) =116.1; p =0.03, Cohen's d =0.44) and QoL (mean (felt safe) =59.1 vs. mean (felt unsafe) =51.9; p =0.04, Cohen's d =0.39), compared to those who felt safe. Meanwhile, feeling unsafe in bathrooms was associated with a greater level of perceived LGBT stigma (mean (felt safe) =2.3 vs. mean (felt unsafe) =2.6; p =0.03, Cohen's d =0.41) and problematic anxiety in the past year (χ 2 (1)=4.06; p =0.04). Individuals in the focus groups provided specific examples of their experiences of and concerns about locker room or bathroom use in public facilities, and on the impact of school bathroom-related policies and legislation on them. Conclusion: Perceptions of safety related to bathroom use are related to psychological well-being among TGNC youth. Our predominantly trans-masculine youth sample indicated that choice of bathroom and locker room use is important and that

Facility Condition Assessment from A to Z

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaleba, Frank

2013-01-01

This article will provide an overview of the options for performing facility condition assessments. Quite often, the facility manager will choose a condition assessment method without deliberate examination of what type of assessment is best suited to the needs of the organization. In addition, the needs of diverse audiences usually differ--for…

Reliable Facility Location Problem with Facility Protection

PubMed Central

Tang, Luohao; Zhu, Cheng; Lin, Zaili; Shi, Jianmai; Zhang, Weiming

2016-01-01

This paper studies a reliable facility location problem with facility protection that aims to hedge against random facility disruptions by both strategically protecting some facilities and using backup facilities for the demands. An Integer Programming model is proposed for this problem, in which the failure probabilities of facilities are site-specific. A solution approach combining Lagrangian Relaxation and local search is proposed and is demonstrated to be both effective and efficient based on computational experiments on random numerical examples with 49, 88, 150 and 263 nodes in the network. A real case study for a 100-city network in Hunan province, China, is presented, based on which the properties of the model are discussed and some managerial insights are analyzed. PMID:27583542

Facility and Methods Developed for Simulated Space Vacuum Ultraviolet Exposure Testing of Polymer Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dever, Joyce A.; Pietromica, Anthony J.; Stueber, Thomas J.; Sechkar, Edward A.; Messer, Russell K.

2002-01-01

Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation of wavelengths between 115 and 200 nm produced by the Sun in the space environment can degrade polymer films, producing changes in their optical, mechanical, and chemical properties. These effects are particularly important for thin polymer films being considered for ultralightweight space structures, because, for most polymers, VUV radiation is absorbed in a thin surface layer. The NASA Glenn Research Center has developed facilities and methods for long-term ground testing of polymer films to evaluate space environmental VUV radiation effects. VUV exposure can also be used as part of combined or sequential simulated space environmental exposures to determine combined damaging effects with other aspects of the space environment, which include solar ultraviolet radiation, solar flare x-rays, electron and proton radiation, atomic oxygen (for low-Earth-orbit missions), and temperature effects. Because the wavelength sensitivity of VUV damage is not well known for most materials, Glenn's VUV facility uses a broad-spectrum deuterium lamp with a magnesium fluoride window that provides output between 115 and 200 nm. Deuterium lamps of this type were characterized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and through measurements at Glenn. Spectral irradiance measurements show that from approximately 115 to 160 nm, deuterium lamp irradiance can be many times that of air mass zero solar irradiance, and as wavelength increases above approximately 160 nm, deuterium lamp irradiance decreases in comparison to the Sun. The facility is a cryopumped vacuum chamber that achieves a system pressure of approximately 5310(exp -6) torr. It contains four individual VUV-exposure compartments in vacuum, separated by water-cooled copper walls to minimize VUV radiation and any sample contamination cross interactions between compartments. Each VUV-exposure compartment contains a VUV deuterium lamp, a motor-controlled sample stage coupled with a

Coupled Facility/Payload Vibration Modeling Improvements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carnahan, Timothy M.; Kaiser, Michael

2015-01-01

A major phase of aerospace hardware verification is vibration testing. The standard approach for such testing is to use a shaker to induce loads into the payload. In preparation for vibration testing at NASA/GSFC there is an analysis to assess the responses of the payload. A new method of modeling the test is presented that takes into account dynamic interactions between the facility and the payload. This dynamic interaction has affected testing in the past, but been ignored or adjusted for during testing. By modeling the combination of the facility and test article (payload) it is possible to improve the prediction of hardware responses. Many aerospace test facilities work in similar way to those at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Lessons learned here should be applicable to other test facilities with similar setups.

A dose assessment method for arbitrary geometries with virtual reality in the nuclear facilities decommissioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Nan; Liu, Yong-kuo; Xia, Hong; Ayodeji, Abiodun; Bai, Lu

2018-03-01

During the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, a large number of cutting and demolition activities are performed, which results in a frequent change in the structure and produce many irregular objects. In order to assess dose rates during the cutting and demolition process, a flexible dose assessment method for arbitrary geometries and radiation sources was proposed based on virtual reality technology and Point-Kernel method. The initial geometry is designed with the three-dimensional computer-aided design tools. An approximate model is built automatically in the process of geometric modeling via three procedures namely: space division, rough modeling of the body and fine modeling of the surface, all in combination with collision detection of virtual reality technology. Then point kernels are generated by sampling within the approximate model, and when the material and radiometric attributes are inputted, dose rates can be calculated with the Point-Kernel method. To account for radiation scattering effects, buildup factors are calculated with the Geometric-Progression formula in the fitting function. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method was verified by means of simulations using different geometries and the dose rate results were compared with that derived from CIDEC code, MCNP code and experimental measurements.

Future carbon beams at SPIRAL1 facility: Which method is the most efficient?

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

Maunoury, L., E-mail: maunoury@ganil.fr; Delahaye, P.; Dubois, M.

2014-02-15

Compared to in-flight facilities, Isotope Separator On-Line ones can in principle produce significantly higher radioactive ion beam intensities. On the other hand, they have to cope with delays for the release and ionization which make the production of short-lived isotopes ion beams of reactive and refractory elements particularly difficult. Many efforts are focused on extending the capabilities of ISOL facilities to those challenging beams. In this context, the development of carbon beams is triggering interest [H. Frånberg, M. Ammann, H. W. Gäggeler, and U. Köster, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 77, 03A708 (2006); M. Kronberger, A. Gottberg, T. M. Mendonca, J. P.more » Ramos, C. Seiffert, P. Suominen, and T. Stora, in Proceedings of the EMIS 2012 [Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. B Production of molecular sideband radioisotope beams at CERN-ISOLDE using a Helicon-type plasma ion source (to be published)]: despite its refractory nature, radioactive carbon beams can be produced from molecules (CO or CO{sub 2}), which can subsequently be broken up and multi-ionized to the required charge state in charge breeders or ECR sources. This contribution will present results of experiments conducted at LPSC with the Phoenix charge breeder and at GANIL with the Nanogan ECR ion source for the ionization of carbon beams in the frame of the ENSAR and EMILIE projects. Carbon is to date the lightest condensable element charge bred with an ECR ion source. Charge breeding efficiencies will be compared with those obtained using Nanogan ECRIS and charge breeding times will be presented as well.« less

A new long-term care facilities model in nova scotia, Canada: protocol for a mixed methods study of care by design.

PubMed

Marshall, Emily Gard; Boudreau, Michelle Anne; Jensen, Jan L; Edgecombe, Nancy; Clarke, Barry; Burge, Frederick; Archibald, Greg; Taylor, Anthony; Andrew, Melissa K

2013-11-29

Prior to the implementation of a new model of care in long-term care facilities in the Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, residents entering long-term care were responsible for finding their own family physician. As a result, care was provided by many family physicians responsible for a few residents leading to care coordination and continuity challenges. In 2009, Capital District Health Authority (CDHA) implemented a new model of long-term care called "Care by Design" which includes: a dedicated family physician per floor, 24/7 on-call physician coverage, implementation of a standardized geriatric assessment tool, and an interdisciplinary team approach to care. In addition, a new Emergency Health Services program was implemented shortly after, in which specially trained paramedics dedicated to long-term care responses are able to address urgent care needs. These changes were implemented to improve primary and emergency care for vulnerable residents. Here we describe a comprehensive mixed methods research study designed to assess the impact of these programs on care delivery and resident outcomes. The results of this research will be important to guide primary care policy for long-term care. We aim to evaluate the impact of introducing a new model of a dedicated primary care physician and team approach to long-term care facilities in the CDHA using a mixed methods approach. As a mixed methods study, the quantitative and qualitative data findings will inform each other. Quantitatively we will measure a number of indicators of care in CDHA long-term care facilities pre and post-implementation of the new model. In the qualitative phase of the study we will explore the experience under the new model from the perspectives of stakeholders including family doctors, nurses, administration and staff as well as residents and family members. The proposed mixed method study seeks to evaluate and make policy recommendations related to primary care in long

Solvothermal synthesis of a new 3-D mixed-metal sulfide framework, (H1.33tren)[In2.67Sb1.33S8]·tren

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lampkin, John D.; Powell, Anthony V.; Chippindale, Ann M.

2016-11-01

A new indium(III) antimony(V) sulfide, (H1.33tren)[In2.67Sb1.33S8]·tren, has been prepared solvothermally at 433 K. The compound crystallises in the tetragonal space group I-42d (lattice parameters, a=12.6248(5) and c=19.4387(18) Å at 150 K) and contains adamantane-like T2 supertetrahedral units comprised of corner-sharing InS45- and SbS43- tetrahedra. The adamantane-like units are then linked through sulfur vertices to generate an open, 3-D framework structure containing large pores in which neutral, protonated tren (tris(2-aminoethylene)amine) molecules reside. The presence of the organic components was confirmed by solid-state 13C NMR (10 kHz), combustion and thermogravimetric analysis. The band gap, obtained from UV-vis diffuse reflectance measurements, is 2.7(2) eV. Stirring with either water or alkali-metal salt solution leads to removal of the neutral tren molecules and an 9% reduction in unit-cell volume on formation of (H1.33tren)[In2.67Sb1.33S8]·(H2O)4.

Sea-urchin-like Fe3O4@C@Ag particles: an efficient SERS substrate for detection of organic pollutants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Yingjie; Chen, Jin; Ding, Qianqian; Lin, Dongyue; Dong, Ronglu; Yang, Liangbao; Liu, Jinhuai

2013-06-01

Ag-coated sea-urchin-like Fe3O4@C core-shell particles can be synthesized by a facile one-step solvothermal method, followed by deposition of high-density Ag nanoparticles onto the carbon surface through an in situ growth process, respectively. The as-synthesized Ag-coated Fe3O4@C particles can be used as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate holding reproducible properties under an external magnetic force. The magnetic function of the particles allows concentrating the composite particles into small spatial regions, which can be exploited to decrease the amount of material per analysis while improving its SERS detection limit. In contrast to the traditional SERS substrates, the present Fe3O4@C@Ag particles hold the advantages of enrichment of organic pollutants for improving SERS detection limit and recycled utilization.Ag-coated sea-urchin-like Fe3O4@C core-shell particles can be synthesized by a facile one-step solvothermal method, followed by deposition of high-density Ag nanoparticles onto the carbon surface through an in situ growth process, respectively. The as-synthesized Ag-coated Fe3O4@C particles can be used as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate holding reproducible properties under an external magnetic force. The magnetic function of the particles allows concentrating the composite particles into small spatial regions, which can be exploited to decrease the amount of material per analysis while improving its SERS detection limit. In contrast to the traditional SERS substrates, the present Fe3O4@C@Ag particles hold the advantages of enrichment of organic pollutants for improving SERS detection limit and recycled utilization. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional XRD patterns and SEM images of Fe3O4@C particles, SERS spectra of 4-ATP and 4-MPY using Fe3O4@C@Ag particles as the active substrates, magnetic behaviour of Fe3O4@C and Fe3O4@C@Ag particles. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr01273e

The ISOLDE facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Catherall, R.; Andreazza, W.; Breitenfeldt, M.; Dorsival, A.; Focker, G. J.; Gharsa, T. P.; J, Giles T.; Grenard, J.-L.; Locci, F.; Martins, P.; Marzari, S.; Schipper, J.; Shornikov, A.; Stora, T.

2017-09-01

The ISOLDE facility has undergone numerous changes over the last 17 years driven by both the physics and technical community with a common goal to improve on beam variety, beam quality and safety. Improvements have been made in civil engineering and operational equipment while continuing developments aim to ensure operations following a potential increase in primary beam intensity and energy. This paper outlines the principal technical changes incurred at ISOLDE by building on a similar publication of the facility upgrades by Kugler (2000 Hyperfine Interact. 129 23-42). It also provides an insight into future perspectives through a brief summary issues addressed in the HIE-ISOLDE design study Catherall et al (2013 Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. B 317 204-207).

Method and means of monitoring the effluent from nuclear facilities

DOEpatents

Lattin, Kenneth R.; Erickson, Gerald L.

1976-01-01

Radioactive iodine is detected in the effluent cooling gas from a nuclear reactor or nuclear facility by passing the effluent gas through a continuously moving adsorbent filter material which is then purged of noble gases and conveyed continuously to a detector of radioactivity. The purging operation has little or no effect upon the concentration of radioactive iodine which is adsorbed on the filter material.

A New Long-Term Care Facilities Model in Nova Scotia, Canada: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study of Care by Design

PubMed Central

Boudreau, Michelle Anne; Jensen, Jan L; Edgecombe, Nancy; Clarke, Barry; Burge, Frederick; Archibald, Greg; Taylor, Anthony; Andrew, Melissa K

2013-01-01

Background Prior to the implementation of a new model of care in long-term care facilities in the Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, residents entering long-term care were responsible for finding their own family physician. As a result, care was provided by many family physicians responsible for a few residents leading to care coordination and continuity challenges. In 2009, Capital District Health Authority (CDHA) implemented a new model of long-term care called “Care by Design” which includes: a dedicated family physician per floor, 24/7 on-call physician coverage, implementation of a standardized geriatric assessment tool, and an interdisciplinary team approach to care. In addition, a new Emergency Health Services program was implemented shortly after, in which specially trained paramedics dedicated to long-term care responses are able to address urgent care needs. These changes were implemented to improve primary and emergency care for vulnerable residents. Here we describe a comprehensive mixed methods research study designed to assess the impact of these programs on care delivery and resident outcomes. The results of this research will be important to guide primary care policy for long-term care. Objective We aim to evaluate the impact of introducing a new model of a dedicated primary care physician and team approach to long-term care facilities in the CDHA using a mixed methods approach. As a mixed methods study, the quantitative and qualitative data findings will inform each other. Quantitatively we will measure a number of indicators of care in CDHA long-term care facilities pre and post-implementation of the new model. In the qualitative phase of the study we will explore the experience under the new model from the perspectives of stakeholders including family doctors, nurses, administration and staff as well as residents and family members. The proposed mixed method study seeks to evaluate and make policy recommendations related

Improving Ebola infection prevention and control in primary healthcare facilities in Sierra Leone: a single-group pretest post-test, mixed-methods study.

PubMed

Ratnayake, Ruwan; Ho, Lara S; Ansumana, Rashid; Brown, Hannah; Borchert, Matthias; Miller, Laura; Kratz, Thomas; McMahon, Shannon A; Sahr, Foday

2016-01-01

Accomplishing infection prevention and control (IPC) in health facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa is challenging. Owing to poor IPC, healthcare workers (HCWs) were frequently infected during Sierra Leone's Ebola epidemic. In late 2014, IPC was rapidly and nationally scaled up. We carried out workshops in sampled facilities to further improve adherence to IPC. We investigated HCW experiences and observed practice gaps, before and after the workshops. We conducted an uncontrolled, before and after, mixed-methods study in eight health facilities in Bo and Kenema Districts during December 2014 and January 2015. Quantitative methods administered to HCWs at baseline and follow-up included a survey on attitudes and self-efficacy towards IPC, and structured observations of behaviours. The intervention involved a workshop for HCWs to develop improvement plans for their facility. We analysed the changes between rounds in survey responses and behaviours. We used interviews to explore attitudes and self-efficacy throughout the study period. HCWs described IPC as 'life-saving' and personal protective equipment (PPE) as uncomfortable for providers and frightening for patients. At baseline, self-efficacy was high (median=4/strongly agree). Responses reflecting unfavourable attitudes were low for glove use (median=1/strongly disagree, IQR, 1-2) and PPE use with ill family members (median=1, IQR, 1-2), and mixed for PPE use with ill HCWs (median=2/disagree, IQR, 1-4). Observations demonstrated consistent glove reuse and poor HCW handwashing. The maintenance of distance (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.16) and patient handwashing (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.25) improved to >90%. We found favourable attitudes towards IPC and gaps in practice. Risk perceptions of HCWs and tendencies to ration PPE where chronic supply chain issues normally lead to PPE stock-outs may affect practice. As Sierra Leone's Ebola Recovery Strategy aims to make all facilities IPC compliant, socio

CeO₂ Enhanced Ethanol Sensing Performance in a CdS Gas Sensor.

PubMed

Li, Meishan; Ren, Wei; Wu, Rong; Zhang, Min

2017-07-05

CdS nanowires (NWs) were fabricated through a facile low-temperature solvothermal method, following which CeO₂ nanoparticles were modified on the NWs. The ethanol sensing characteristics of pure CdS and decorated ones with different CeO₂ content were studied. It was found that the sensing performance of CdS was significantly improved after CeO₂ decoration. In particular, the 5 at% CeO₂/CdS composite exhibited a much higher response to 100 ppm ethanol (about 52), which was 2.6 times larger than that of pure CdS. A fast response and recovery time (less than 12 s and 3 s, respectively) were obtained as well as an excellent selectivity. These results make the CeO₂-decorated CdS NWs good candidates for ethanol sensing applications.

Ag/MnO₂ Nanorod as Electrode Material for High-Performance Electrochemical Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Guo, Zengcai; Guan, Yuming; Dai, Chengxiang; Mu, Jingbo; Che, Hongwei; Wang, Guangshuo; Zhang, Xiaoliang; Zhang, Zhixiao; Zhang, Xiliang

2018-07-01

A one-dimensional hierarchical Ag nanoparticle (AgNP)/MnO2 nanorod (MND) nanocomposite was synthesized by combining a simple solvothermal method and a facile reduction approach in situ. Owing to its high electrical conductivity, the resulting AgNP/MND nanocomposite displayed a high specific capacitance of 314 F g-1 at a current density of 2 A g-1, which was much higher than that of pure MNDs (178 F g-1). Resistances of the electrolyte (Rs) and charge transportation (Rct) of the nanocomposite were much lower than that of pure MNDs. Moreover, the nanocomposite exhibited outstanding long-term cycling ability (9% loss of initial capacity after 1000 cycles). These results indicated that the nanocomposite could serve as a promising and useful electrode material for future energy-storage applications.

Coupled Facility-Payload Vibration Modeling Improvements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carnahan, Timothy M.; Kaiser, Michael A.

2015-01-01

A major phase of aerospace hardware verification is vibration testing. The standard approach for such testing is to use a shaker to induce loads into the payload. In preparation for vibration testing at National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Goddard Space Flight Center an analysis is performed to assess the responses of the payload. A new method of modeling the test is presented that takes into account dynamic interactions between the facility and the payload. This dynamic interaction has affected testing in the past, but been ignored or adjusted for during testing. By modeling the combined dynamics of the facility and test article (payload) it is possible to improve the prediction of hardware responses. Many aerospace test facilities work in similar way to those at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. Lessons learned here should be applicable to other test facilities with similar setups.

Applicability of the 5S management method for quality improvement in health-care facilities: a review.

PubMed

Kanamori, Shogo; Shibanuma, Akira; Jimba, Masamine

2016-01-01

The 5S management method (where 5S stands for sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain) was originally implemented by manufacturing enterprises in Japan. It was then introduced to the manufacturing sector in the West and eventually applied to the health sector for organizing and standardizing the workplace. 5S has recently received attention as a potential solution for improving government health-care services in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a narrative literature review to explore its applicability to health-care facilities globally, with a focus on three aspects: (a) the context of its application, (b) its impacts, and (c) its adoption as part of government initiatives. To identify relevant research articles, we researched public health databases in English, including CINAHL, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. We found 15 of the 114 articles obtained from the search results to be relevant for full-text analysis of the context and impacts of the 5S application. To identify additional information particularly on its adoption as part of government initiatives, we also examined other types of resources including reference books, reports, didactic materials, government documents, and websites. The 15 empirical studies highlighted its application in primary health-care facilities and a wide range of hospital areas in Brazil, India, Jordan, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, the UK, and the USA. The review also found that 5S was considered to be the starting point for health-care quality improvement. Ten studies presented its impacts on quality improvements; the changes resulting from the 5S application were classified into the three dimensions of safety, efficiency, and patient-centeredness. Furthermore, 5S was adopted as part of government quality improvement strategies in India, Senegal, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. 5S could be applied to health-care facilities regardless of locations. It could be not only a tool for health workers and

47 CFR 1.1850 - Program accessibility: Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... in such alteration or burdens must be made by the Managing Director, in consultation with the Section... not required to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in... structural changes in facilities are undertaken, such changes shall be made within three (3) years of the...

Non-platinum metal-organic framework based electro-catalyst for promoting oxygen reduction reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Dipanwita; Raut, Vrushali; Kireeti, Kota V. M. K.; Jha, Neetu

2018-04-01

We developed two non-precious Metal Organic Framework (MOF) based electrocatalysts, MOF-5 and MOF-i using solvothermal and refluxing methods. The MOFs prepared has been characterized by powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for structural and morphological insights. SEM images reveal cubic shape for solvothermally synthesized MOF-5, whereas refluxing method leads to platelet morphology of MOF-i. The synthesized MOFs has been investigated for Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) studies using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), with MOF modified Glassy Carbon (GC) as working electrode. The electrochemical data suggests higher activity of MOF-5 towards ORR compared to MOF-i.

Effect of alkali cations on two-dimensional networks of two new quaternary thioarsenates (III) prepared by a facile surfactant-thermal method

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

Yan, Dongming; Hou, Peipei; Liu, Chang

2016-09-15

Two new quaternary thioarsenates(III) NaAg{sub 2}AsS{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O (1) and KAg{sub 2}AsS{sub 3} (2) with high yields have been successfully prepared through a facile surfactant-thermal method. It is interesting that 2 can only be obtained with the aid of ethanediamine (en), which indicates that weak basicity of solvent is beneficial to the growth of 2 compared with 1. Both 1 and 2 feature the similar two-dimensional (2D) layer structures. However, the distortion of the primary honeycomb-like nets in 2 is more severe than that of 1, which demonstrates that Na{sup +} and K{sup +} cations have different structure directing effectsmore » on these two thioarsenates(III). Both experimental and theoretical studies confirm 1 and 2 are semiconductors with band gaps in the visible region. Our success in preparing these two quaternary thioarsenates(III) proves that surfactant-thermal technique is a powerful yet facile synthetic method to explore new complex chalcogenides. - Graphical abstract: Two new quaternary thioarsenates(III) NaAg{sub 2}AsS{sub 3}·H{sub 2}O (1) and KAg{sub 2}AsS{sub 3} (2) with high yields have been successfully prepared through a facile surfactant-thermal method. X-ray single crystal diffraction analyses demonstrate that Na{sup +} and K{sup +} cations have different structure directing effects on these two thioarsenates(III). Both experimental and theoretical studies confirm 1 and 2 are semiconductors with band gaps in the visible region. Display Omitted - Highlights: • NaAg{sub 2}AsS{sub 3}⋅H{sub 2}O (1) and KAg{sub 2}AsS{sub 3} (2) were prepared through surfactant-thermal method. • Crystal structures show Na{sup ±} and K{sup ±} have different structure directing effects. • The weak basicity of solvent is benefit to the growth of 2 compared with 1. • Experimental and theoretical studies confirm 1 and 2 are semiconductors.« less

Towards deriving Ni-rich cathode and oxide-based anode materials from hydroxides by sharing a facile co-precipitation method.

PubMed

Qiu, Haifa; Du, Tengfei; Wu, Junfeng; Wang, Yonglong; Liu, Jian; Ye, Shihai; Liu, Sheng

2018-05-22

Although intensive studies have been conducted on layered transition metal oxide(TMO)-based cathode materials and metal oxide-based anode materials for Li-ion batteries, their precursors generally follow different or even complex synthesis routes. To share one route for preparing precursors of the cathode and anode materials, herein, we demonstrate a facile co-precipitation method to fabricate Ni-rich hydroxide precursors of Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1(OH)2. Ni-rich layered oxide of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 is obtained by lithiation of the precursor in air. An NiO-based anode material is prepared by calcining the precursor or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) incorporated precursors. The pre-addition of ammonia solution can simplify the co-precipitation procedures and the use of an air atmosphere can also make the heat treatment facile. LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 as the cathode material delivers a reversible capacity of 194 mA h g-1 at 40 mA g-1 and a notable cycling retention of 88.8% after 100 cycles at 200 mA g-1. This noticeable performance of the cathode arises from a decent particle morphology and high crystallinity of the layered oxides. As the anode material, the MWCNTs-incorporated oxides deliver a much higher reversible capacity of 811.1 mA h g-1 after 200 cycles compared to the pristine oxides without MWCNTs. The improvement on electrochemical performance can be attributed to synergistic effects from MWCNTs incorporation, including reinforced electronic conductivity, rich meso-pores and an alleviated volume effect. This facile and sharing method may offer an integrated and economical approach for commercial production of Ni-rich electrode materials for Li-ion batteries.

A facile and green method towards coal-based fluorescent carbon dots with photocatalytic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Shengliang; Wei, Zhijia; Chang, Qing; Trinchi, Adrian; Yang, Jinlong

2016-08-01

One of the most widely used methods for exfoliating crystalline nanocarbon is via strong oxidizing acid treatment of bulk carbon sources, such as graphite, carbon black and coal. Not only is such method dangerous and accompanied by the liberation of toxic gases, it is also plagued by issues of purity, requiring the thorough and costly removal of the excess oxidizing acids and salts formed during the process. Herein we report a facile, green and inexpensive top-down strategy towards fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) from coal without incurring the burden of tedious or inefficient post-processing steps and facing the danger of highly toxic gas liberation. The presented approach shows a high yield and great potential for carbon dot production scale-up using coal, one of our most abundant and low-cost resources. The prepared CDs demonstrate photocatalytic behavior capable of rapidly degrading organic dyes under visible light. Our findings may lead to alternative uses of coal, particularly for applications including the treatment of environmental pollution, solar energy conversion or storage, and highlight coal's applicability in areas other than energy producing via burning of this great resource.

Estimation of Stormwater Interception Rate for various LID Facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, S.; Lee, O.; Choi, J.

2017-12-01

In this study, the stormwater interception rate is proposed to apply in the design of LID facilities. For this purpose, EPA-SWMM is built with some areas of Noksan National Industrial Complex where long-term observed stormwater data were monitored and stormwater interception rates for various design capacities of various LID facilities are estimated. While the sensitivity of stormwater interception rate according to design specifications of bio-retention and infiltration trench facilities is not large, the sensitivity of stormwater interception rate according to local rainfall characteristics is relatively big. As a result of comparing the present rainfall interception rate estimation method which is officially operated in Korea with the one proposed in this study, it will be presented that the present method is highly likely to overestimate the performance of the bio-retention and infiltration trench facilities. Finally, a new stormwater interception rate formulas for the bio-retention and infiltration trench LID facilities will be proposed. Acknowledgement This research was supported by a grant (2016000200002) from Public Welfare Technology Development Program funded by Ministry of Environment of Korean government.

Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youths' Public Facilities Use and Psychological Well-Being: A Mixed-Method Study

PubMed Central

Weinhardt, Lance S.; Stevens, Patricia; Xie, Hui; Wesp, Linda M.; John, Steven A.; Apchemengich, Immaculate; Kioko, David; Chavez-Korell, Shannon; Cochran, Katherine M.; Watjen, Jennifer M.; Lambrou, Nickolas H.

2017-01-01

Abstract Purpose: In this study, we explored experiences and feelings of safety in public facilities in relation to psychological well-being among transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth in the Midwest in the summer of 2016, in the context of ongoing legislative proposals and regulations regarding school and public bathroom use in the United States. Methods: We used a mixed-method approach, with (1) a self-administered, paper-and-pencil survey of 120 TGNC youth, focusing on differences of self-esteem, resilience, quality of life (QoL), perceived stigma, feelings of safety, and experiences of public facility use and (2) two focus group interviews (n=9) in which TGNC youth discussed individual perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of bathroom use outside participants' homes. The samples consisted predominantly of individuals assigned female at birth and currently of trans-masculine identity. Results: TGNC youth in our sample who reported that they had felt unsafe in bathrooms due to appearance or gender identity had significantly lower levels of resilience (mean(felt safe)=125.7 vs. mean(felt unsafe)=116.1; p=0.03, Cohen's d=0.44) and QoL (mean(felt safe)=59.1 vs. mean(felt unsafe)=51.9; p=0.04, Cohen's d=0.39), compared to those who felt safe. Meanwhile, feeling unsafe in bathrooms was associated with a greater level of perceived LGBT stigma (mean(felt safe)=2.3 vs. mean(felt unsafe)=2.6; p=0.03, Cohen's d=0.41) and problematic anxiety in the past year (χ2 (1)=4.06; p=0.04). Individuals in the focus groups provided specific examples of their experiences of and concerns about locker room or bathroom use in public facilities, and on the impact of school bathroom-related policies and legislation on them. Conclusion: Perceptions of safety related to bathroom use are related to psychological well-being among TGNC youth. Our predominantly trans-masculine youth sample indicated that choice of bathroom and locker room use is important and that antiharassment

National facilities study. Volume 4: Space operations facilities task group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

The principal objectives of the National Facilities Study (NFS) were to: (1) determine where U.S. facilities do not meet national aerospace needs; (2) define new facilities required to make U.S. capabilities 'world class' where such improvements are in the national interest; (3) define where consolidation and phase-out of existing facilities is appropriate; and (4) develop a long-term national plan for world-class facility acquisition and shared usage. The Space Operations Facilities Task Group defined discrete tasks to accomplish the above objectives within the scope of the study. An assessment of national space operations facilities was conducted to determine the nation's capability to meet the requirements of space operations during the next 30 years. The mission model used in the study to define facility requirements is described in Volume 3. Based on this model, the major focus of the Task Group was to identify any substantive overlap or underutilization of space operations facilities and to identify any facility shortfalls that would necessitate facility upgrades or new facilities. The focus of this initial study was directed toward facility recommendations related to consolidations, closures, enhancements, and upgrades considered necessary to efficiently and effectively support the baseline requirements model. Activities related to identifying facility needs or recommendations for enhancing U.S. international competitiveness and achieving world-class capability, where appropriate, were deferred to a subsequent study phase.

Dance Facilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ashton, Dudley, Ed.; Irey, Charlotte, Ed.

This booklet represents an effort to assist teachers and administrators in the professional planning of dance facilities and equipment. Three chapters present the history of dance facilities, provide recommended dance facilities and equipment, and offer some adaptations of dance facilities and equipment, for elementary, secondary and college level…

A novel facile method of labeling octreotide with (18)F-fluorine.

PubMed

Laverman, Peter; McBride, William J; Sharkey, Robert M; Eek, Annemarie; Joosten, Lieke; Oyen, Wim J G; Goldenberg, David M; Boerman, Otto C

2010-03-01

Several methods have been developed to label peptides with (18)F. However, in general these are laborious and require a multistep synthesis. We present a facile method based on the chelation of (18)F-aluminum fluoride (Al(18)F) by 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA). The method is characterized by the labeling of NOTA-octreotide (NOTA-d-Phe-cyclo[Cys-Phe-d-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys]-Throl (MH(+) 1305) [IMP466]) with (18)F. Octreotide was conjugated with the NOTA chelate and labeled with (18)F in a 2-step, 1-pot method. The labeling procedure was optimized with regard to the labeling buffer, peptide, and aluminum concentration. Radiochemical yield, specific activity, in vitro stability, and receptor affinity were determined. Biodistribution of (18)F-IMP466 was studied in AR42J tumor-bearing mice and compared with that of (68)Ga-labeled IMP466. In addition, small-animal PET/CT images were acquired. IMP466 was labeled with Al(18)F in a single step with 50% yield. The labeled product was purified by high-performance liquid chromatography to remove unbound Al(18)F and unlabeled peptide. The radiolabeling, including purification, was performed in 45 min. The specific activity was 45,000 GBq/mmol, and the peptide was stable in serum for 4 h at 37 degrees C. Labeling was performed at pH 4.1 in sodium citrate, sodium acetate, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, and 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid buffer and was optimal in sodium acetate buffer. The apparent 50% inhibitory concentration of the (19)F-labeled IMP466 determined on AR42J cells was 3.6 nM. Biodistribution studies at 2 h after injection showed a high tumor uptake of (18)F-IMP466 (28.3 +/- 5.2 percentage injected dose per gram [%ID/g]; tumor-to-blood ratio, 300 +/- 90), which could be blocked by an excess of unlabeled peptide (8.6 +/- 0.7 %ID/g), indicating that the accumulation in the tumor was receptor-mediated. Biodistribution of (68)Ga-IMP466 was similar to that of (18)F-IMP466. (18)F

Fabrication of flower-like Ni{sub 3}(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}(OH){sub 4} and their electrochemical properties evaluation

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

Kong, Ling-Bin, E-mail: konglb@lut.cn; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050; Deng, Li

Graphical abstract: Ni{sub 3}(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}(OH){sub 4} nano-flakes materials, which have a flower-like structure, were successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method without adding any surfactant. The as-prepared Ni{sub 3}(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}(OH){sub 4} possesses a maximum specific capacitance of 2212.5 F g{sup −1} at the current density of 5 mA, suggesting its potential application in electrode material for secondary batteries and electrochemical capacitors. Highlights: ► Flower-like Ni{sub 3}(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}(OH){sub 4} materials were fabricated in a simple method. ► High specific capacitance of 2212.5 F g{sup −1} has been achieved. ► For the first time the effects of concentration andmore » temperature on its specific capacitance has been studied. -- Abstract: Flower-like Ni{sub 3}(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}(OH){sub 4} was successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The microstructure and surface morphology of prepared Ni{sub 3}(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}(OH){sub 4} were physically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The electrochemical properties studies were carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry technology and AC impedance spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicate that the flower-like structure has a profound impact on electrode performance at high discharge capacitance. A maximum specific capacitance of 2212.5 F g{sup −1} at the current density of 5 mA could be achieved, suggesting its potential application in electrode material for secondary batteries and electrochemical capacitors. Furthermore, the effects of Ni(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}·6H{sub 2}O concentration and temperature on the microstructure and specific capacitance of prepared Ni{sub 3}(NO{sub 3}){sub 2}(OH){sub 4} have also been systematically studied. The results show that flower-like structure can be formed when the concentration is appropriate, while the

Practical methods for analyzing pedestrian and bicycle use of a transportation facility.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-02-01

The objective of the project is to analyze existing technologies used for the process of generating counts of bicycles : and pedestrians in transportation facilities such as walk and bicycle bridges, urban bicycle routes, bicycle trails etc. : The ad...

Playing Hardball with Facilities Expenses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fickes, Michael

1997-01-01

Describes one school district manager's tactics for successfully controlling district costs and increasing capital improvements while only marginally increasing the facilities maintenance budget. Highlights guidelines for controlling personnel requirements and cost-reduction methods. Discusses specific cost-control measures involving telephone…

Space ultra-vacuum facility and method of operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Naumann, Robert J. (Inventor)

1988-01-01

A wake shield space processing facility (10) for maintaining ultra-high levels of vacuum is described. The wake shield (12) is a truncated hemispherical section having a convex side (14) and a concave side (24). Material samples (68) to be processed are located on the convex side of the shield, which faces in the wake direction in operation in orbit. Necessary processing fixtures (20) and (22) are also located on the convex side. Support equipment including power supplies (40, 42), CMG package (46) and electronic control package (44) are located on the convex side (24) of the shield facing the ram direction. Prior to operation in orbit the wake shield is oriented in reverse with the convex side facing the ram direction to provide cleaning by exposure to ambient atomic oxygen. The shield is then baked-out by being pointed directed at the sun to obtain heating for a suitable period.

Mortality monitoring design for utility-scale solar power facilities

USGS Publications Warehouse

Huso, Manuela; Dietsch, Thomas; Nicolai, Chris

2016-05-27

IntroductionSolar power represents an important and rapidly expanding component of the renewable energy portfolio of the United States (Lovich and Ennen, 2011; Hernandez and others, 2014). Understanding the impacts of renewable energy development on wildlife is a priority for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in compliance with Department of Interior Order No. 3285 (U.S. Department of the Interior, 2009) to “develop best management practices for renewable energy and transmission projects on the public lands to ensure the most environmentally responsible development and delivery of renewable energy.” Recent studies examining effects of renewable energy development on mortality of migratory birds have primarily focused on wind energy (California Energy Commission and California Department of Fish and Game, 2007), and in 2012 the FWS published guidance for addressing wildlife conservation concerns at all stages of land-based wind energy development (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2012). As yet, no similar guidelines exist for solar development, and no published studies have directly addressed the methodology needed to accurately estimate mortality of birds and bats at solar facilities. In the absence of such guidelines, ad hoc methodologies applied to solar energy projects may lead to estimates of wildlife mortality rates that are insufficiently accurate and precise to meaningfully inform conversations regarding unintended consequences of this energy source and management decisions to mitigate impacts. Although significant advances in monitoring protocols for wind facilities have been made in recent years, there remains a need to provide consistent guidance and study design to quantify mortality of bats, and resident and migrating birds at solar power facilities (Walston and others, 2015).In this document, we suggest methods for mortality monitoring at solar facilities that are based on current methods used at wind power facilities but adapted for the

Research Update: Facile synthesis of CoFe2O4 nano-hollow spheres for efficient bilirubin adsorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakshit, Rupali; Pal, Monalisa; Chaudhuri, Arka; Mandal, Madhuri; Mandal, Kalyan

2015-11-01

Herein, we report an unprecedented bilirubin (BR) adsorption efficiency of CoFe2O4 (CFO) nanostructures in contrast to the commercially available activated carbon and resin which are generally used for haemoperfusion and haemodialysis. We have synthesized CFO nanoparticles of diameter 100 nm and a series of nano-hollow spheres of diameter 100, 160, 250, and 350 nm using a simple template free solvothermal technique through proper variation of reaction time and capping agent, oleylamine (OLA), respectively, and carried out SiO2 coating by employing Stöber method. The comparative BR adsorption study of CFO and SiO2 coated CFO nanostructures indicates that apart from porosity and hollow configuration of nanostructures, the electrostatic affinity between anionic carboxyl group of BR and cationic amine group of OLA plays a significant role in adsorbing BR. Finally, we demonstrate that the BR adsorption capacity of the nanostructures can be tailored by varying the morphology as well as size of the nanostructures. We believe that our developed magnetic nanostructures could be considered as a potential material towards therapeutic applications against hyperbilirubinemia.

Facile synthesis of high-temperature (1000 °C) phase-stable rice-like anatase TiO2 nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Lizhen; Chen, Qirong; Liu, Xiuyun; Wang, Miaomiao; Meng, Xiangfu

2015-05-01

High-temperature phase-stable rice-like anatase TiO2 nanocrystals were synthesized by one-pot solvothermal method using soluble titania xerogel and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as the precursor and the solvent, respectively. Sample characterization was carried out by powder X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results showed that TiO2 nanocrystals had rice-like shapes with an average size of 5 nm in width and 35 nm in length. The BET surface area was 153 m2/g. Unexpectedly, the rice-like TiO2 nanocrystals exhibited high-temperature phase stability, which could remain as pure anatase phase after calcinations at 1000 °C. Growth mechanism investigation revealed that the IPA solvent played a key role in nucleation and growth of rice-like anatase TiO2 nanocrystals. The photodegradation of rhodamine B demonstrated that rice-like anatase TiO2 nanocrystals exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation.

Biocompatible PEGylated MoS2 nanosheets: controllable bottom-up synthesis and highly efficient photothermal regression of tumor.

PubMed

Wang, Shige; Li, Kai; Chen, Yu; Chen, Hangrong; Ma, Ming; Feng, Jingwei; Zhao, Qinghua; Shi, Jianlin

2015-01-01

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, particularly MoS2 nanosheets, have been deemed as a novel category of NIR photothermal transducing agent. Herein, an efficient and versatile one-pot solvothermal synthesis based on "bottom-up" strategy has been, for the first time, proposed for the controlled synthesis of PEGylated MoS2 nanosheets by using a novel "integrated" precursor containing both Mo and S elements. This facile but unique PEG-mediated solvothermal procedure endowed MoS2 nanosheets with controlled size, increased crystallinity and excellent colloidal stability. The photothermal performance of nanosheets was optimized via modulating the particulate size and surface PEGylation. PEGylated MoS2 nanosheets with desired photothermal conversion performance and excellent colloidal and photothermal stability were further utilized for highly efficient photothermal therapy of cancer in a tumor-bearing mouse xenograft. Without showing observable in vitro and in vivo hemolysis, coagulation and toxicity, the optimized MoS2-PEG nanosheets showed promising in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer efficacy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bulk Enthalpy Calculations in the Arc Jet Facility at NASA ARC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, Corinna S.; Prabhu, Dinesh; Terrazas-Salinas, Imelda; Mach, Jeffrey J.

2011-01-01

The Arc Jet Facilities at NASA Ames Research Center generate test streams with enthalpies ranging from 5 MJ/kg to 25 MJ/kg. The present work describes a rigorous method, based on equilibrium thermodynamics, for calculating the bulk enthalpy of the flow produced in two of these facilities. The motivation for this work is to determine a dimensionally-correct formula for calculating the bulk enthalpy that is at least as accurate as the conventional formulas that are currently used. Unlike previous methods, the new method accounts for the amount of argon that is present in the flow. Comparisons are made with bulk enthalpies computed from an energy balance method. An analysis of primary facility operating parameters and their associated uncertainties is presented in order to further validate the enthalpy calculations reported herein.

Nonlinear optical and multi-photon absorption properties in graphene-ZnO nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Qing; Wang, Yu-Hua; Yu, Xiang-Xiang; Wang, Bo; Liang, Zhuang; Tang, Meng; Wu, An-Shun; Zhang, Hai-Jun; Liang, Feng; Xie, Ya-Feng; Wang, Jun

2018-04-01

Graphene-ZnO (GZO) nanocomposites were synthesized by a modified solvothermal method, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, and UV-vis absorption spectra. The controllable nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of as-prepared GZO nanocomposites were tested by an open-aperture Z-scan method with 1030 nm fs laser pulses; the tested results showed that there were five-photon absorption (5PA) at 46.8 GW cm-2, 3PA at 28.1 GW cm-2, 2PA at 18.7 GW cm-2, and a vital change from saturable absorption (SA) to reverse SA (RSA) with the increase of incident intensity. This was the first time that 5PA was found in GZO nanocomposites at such a low intensity, 46.8 GW cm-2. The tunable NLO property from SA to RSA and controllable multi-photon absorption provided a facile approach for their applications in optical, optoelectronic devices, and information storage.

Hexagonal-like Nb2O5 Nanoplates-Based Photodetectors and Photocatalyst with High Performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hui; Gao, Nan; Liao, Meiyong; Fang, Xiaosheng

2015-01-01

Ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors are important tools in the fields of optical imaging, environmental monitoring, and air and water sterilization, as well as flame sensing and early rocket plume detection. Herein, hexagonal-like Nb2O5 nanoplates are synthesized using a facile solvothermal method. UV photodetectors based on single Nb2O5 nanoplates are constructed and the optoelectronic properties have been probed. The photodetectors show remarkable sensitivity with a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 9617%, and adequate wavelength selectivity with respect to UV-A light. In addition, the photodetectors exhibit robust stability and strong dependence of photocurrent on light intensity. Also, a low-cost drop-casting method is used to fabricate photodetectors based on Nb2O5 nanoplate film, which exhibit singular thermal stability. Moreover, the hexagonal-like Nb2O5 nanoplates show significantly better photocatalytic performances in decomposing Methylene-blue and Rhdamine B dyes than commercial Nb2O5.

Facile synthesis of amine-functional reduced graphene oxides as modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe adsorbent for multi-pesticide residues analysis of tea.

PubMed

Ma, Guicen; Zhang, Minglu; Zhu, Li; Chen, Hongping; Liu, Xin; Lu, Chengyin

2018-01-05

Amine-functional reduced graphene oxide (amine-rGO) with different carbon chain length amino groups were successfully synthesized. The graphene oxides (GO) reduction as well as amino grafting were achieved simultaneously in one step via a facile solvothermal synthetic strategy. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to confirm the modification of GO with different amino groups. The adsorption performance of catechins and caffeine from tea acetonitrile extracts on different amine functional rGO samples were evaluated. It was found that tributylamine-functional rGO (tri-BuA-rGO) exhibited the highest adsorption ability for catechins and caffeine compared to GO and other amino group functional rGO samples. It was worth to note that the adsorption capacity of catechins on tri-BuA-rGO was 11 times higher than that of GO (203.7mgg -1 vs 18.7mgg -1 ). Electrostatic interaction, π-π interaction and surface hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of tri-BuA-rGO played important roles in the adsorption of catechins as well as caffeine. The gravimetric analysis confirmed that the tri-BuA-rGO achieved the highest efficient cleanup preformance compared with traditional dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) adsorbents like primary-secondary amine (PSA), graphitized carbon black (GCB) or C18. A multi-pesticides analysis method based on tri-BuA-rGO is validated on 33 representative pesticides in tea using gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry or high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The analysis method gave a high coefficient of determination (r 2 >0.99) for each pesticide and satisfactory recoveries in a range of 72.1-120.5%. Our study demonstrated that amine functional rGO as a new type of QuEChERS adsorbent is expected to be widely applied for analysis of pesticides at trace levels. Copyright © 2017

Facility Pollution Prevention Guide

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

Not Available

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has developed the Facility Pollution Prevention Guide for those who are interested in and responsible for pollution prevention in industrial or service facilities. It summarizes the benefits of a company-wide pollution prevention program and suggests ways to incorporate pollution prevention in company policies and practices. The Guide describes how to establish a company-wide pollution prevention program. It outlines procedures for conducting a preliminary assessment to identify opportunities for waste reduction or elimination. Then, it describes how to use the results of the preassessment to prioritize areas for detailed assessment, how to use themore » detailed assessment to develop pollution prevention options, and how to implement those options that withstand feasibility analysis. Methods of evaluating, adjusting, and maintaining the program are described. Later chapters deal with cost analysis for pollution prevention projects and with the roles of product design and energy conservation in pollution prevention. Appendices consist of materials that will support the pollution prevention effort: assessment worksheets, sources of additional information, examples of evaluative methods, and a glossary.« less

A user-friendly approach to cost accounting in laboratory animal facilities.

PubMed

Baker, David G

2011-08-19

Cost accounting is an essential management activity for laboratory animal facility management. In this report, the author describes basic principles of cost accounting and outlines steps for carrying out cost accounting in laboratory animal facilities. Methods of post hoc cost accounting analysis for maximizing the efficiency of facility operations are also described.

Statistical Calibration and Validation of a Homogeneous Ventilated Wall-Interference Correction Method for the National Transonic Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, Eric L.

2005-01-01

Wind tunnel experiments will continue to be a primary source of validation data for many types of mathematical and computational models in the aerospace industry. The increased emphasis on accuracy of data acquired from these facilities requires understanding of the uncertainty of not only the measurement data but also any correction applied to the data. One of the largest and most critical corrections made to these data is due to wall interference. In an effort to understand the accuracy and suitability of these corrections, a statistical validation process for wall interference correction methods has been developed. This process is based on the use of independent cases which, after correction, are expected to produce the same result. Comparison of these independent cases with respect to the uncertainty in the correction process establishes a domain of applicability based on the capability of the method to provide reasonable corrections with respect to customer accuracy requirements. The statistical validation method was applied to the version of the Transonic Wall Interference Correction System (TWICS) recently implemented in the National Transonic Facility at NASA Langley Research Center. The TWICS code generates corrections for solid and slotted wall interference in the model pitch plane based on boundary pressure measurements. Before validation could be performed on this method, it was necessary to calibrate the ventilated wall boundary condition parameters. Discrimination comparisons are used to determine the most representative of three linear boundary condition models which have historically been used to represent longitudinally slotted test section walls. Of the three linear boundary condition models implemented for ventilated walls, the general slotted wall model was the most representative of the data. The TWICS code using the calibrated general slotted wall model was found to be valid to within the process uncertainty for test section Mach numbers less

Health facility and skilled birth deliveries among poor women with Jamkesmas health insurance in Indonesia: a mixed-methods study.

PubMed

Brooks, Mohamad I; Thabrany, Hasbullah; Fox, Matthew P; Wirtz, Veronika J; Feeley, Frank G; Sabin, Lora L

2017-02-02

The growing momentum for quality and affordable health care for all has given rise to the recent global universal health coverage (UHC) movement. As part of Indonesia's strategy to achieve the goal of UHC, large investments have been made to increase health access for the poor, resulting in the implementation of various health insurance schemes targeted towards the poor and near-poor, including the Jamkesmas program. In the backdrop of Indonesia's aspiration to reach UHC is the high rate of maternal mortality that disproportionally affects poor women. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of health facility and skilled birth deliveries among poor women with and without Jamkesmas and explore perceived barriers to health insurance membership and maternal health service utilization. We used a mixed-methods design. Utilizing data from the 2012 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (n = 45,607), secondary analysis using propensity score matching was performed on key outcomes of interest: health facility delivery (HFD) and skilled birth delivery (SBD). In-depth interviews (n = 51) were conducted in the provinces of Jakarta and Banten among poor women, midwives, and government representatives. Thematic framework analysis was performed on qualitative data to explore perceived barriers. In 2012, 63.0% of women did not have health insurance; 19.1% had Jamkesmas. Poor women with Jamkesmas were 19% (OR = 1.19 [1.03-1.37]) more likely to have HFD and 17% (OR = 1.17 [1.01-1.35]) more likely to have SBD compared to poor women without insurance. Qualitative interviews highlighted key issues, including: lack of proper documentation for health insurance registration; the preference of pregnant women to deliver in their parents' village; the use of traditional birth attendants; distance to health facilities; shortage of qualified health providers; overcrowded health facilities; and lack of health facility accreditation. Poor women with

Wireless remote monitoring of critical facilities

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

Tsai, Hanchung; Anderson, John T.; Liu, Yung Y.

A method, apparatus, and system are provided for monitoring environment parameters of critical facilities. A Remote Area Modular Monitoring (RAMM) apparatus is provided for monitoring environment parameters of critical facilities. The RAMM apparatus includes a battery power supply and a central processor. The RAMM apparatus includes a plurality of sensors monitoring the associated environment parameters and at least one communication module for transmitting one or more monitored environment parameters. The RAMM apparatus is powered by the battery power supply, controlled by the central processor operating a wireless sensor network (WSN) platform when the facility condition is disrupted. The RAMM apparatusmore » includes a housing prepositioned at a strategic location, for example, where a dangerous build-up of contamination and radiation may preclude subsequent manned entrance and surveillance.« less

Facilities Performance Indicators Report 2013-14: Tracking Your Facilities Vital Signs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

APPA: Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers, 2015

2015-01-01

This paper features an expanded Web-based "Facilities Performance Indicators (FPI) Report." The purpose of APPA: Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers (APPA's) Facilities Performance Indicators is to provide a representative set of statistics about facilities in educational institutions. "The Facilities Performance…

Nuclotron-Based Ion Collider Facility (nica)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meshkov, I.; Sissakian, A.; Sorin, A.

2008-09-01

The project of an ion collider accelerator complex NICA that is under development at JINR is presented. The article is based on the Conceptual Design Report (CDR)1 of the NICA project delivered in January 2008. The article contains NICA facility scheme, the facility operation scenario, its elements parameters, the proposed methods of intense ion beam acceleration and achievement of the required luminosity of the collider. The symmetric mode of the collider operation is considered here and most attention is concentrated on the luminosity provision in collisions of uranium ions (nuclei).

Users Guide for the National Transonic Facility Research Data System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, Jean M.; Adcock, Jerry B.

1996-01-01

The National Transonic Facility is a complex cryogenic wind tunnel facility. This report briefly describes the facility, the data systems, and the instrumentation used to acquire research data. The computational methods and equations are discussed in detail and many references are listed for those who need additional technical information. This report is intended to be a user's guide, not a programmer's guide; therefore, the data reduction code itself is not documented. The purpose of this report is to assist personnel involved in conducting a test in the National Transonic Facility.

Amine-functionalized lanthanide-doped zirconia nanoparticles: optical spectroscopy, time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer biodetection, and targeted imaging.

PubMed

Liu, Yongsheng; Zhou, Shanyong; Tu, Datao; Chen, Zhuo; Huang, Mingdong; Zhu, Haomiao; Ma, En; Chen, Xueyuan

2012-09-12

Ultrasmall inorganic oxide nanoparticles doped with trivalent lanthanide ions (Ln(3+)), a new and huge family of luminescent bioprobes, remain nearly untouched. Currently it is a challenge to synthesize biocompatible ultrasmall oxide bioprobes. Herein, we report a new inorganic oxide bioprobe based on sub-5 nm amine-functionalized tetragonal ZrO(2)-Ln(3+) nanoparticles synthesized via a facile solvothermal method and ligand exchange. By utilizing the long-lived luminescence of Ln(3+), we demonstrate its application as a sensitive time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) bioprobe to detect avidin with a record-low detection limit of 3.0 nM. The oxide nanoparticles also exhibit specific recognition of cancer cells overexpressed with urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR, an important marker of tumor biology and metastasis) and thus may have great potentials in targeted bioimaging.

Plasmon-resonance-enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity of Ag quantum dots/TiO2 microspheres for methyl orange degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xin; Shang, Liwei; Wang, Dongjun; An, Li; Li, Zhonghua; Liu, Jiawen; Shen, Jun

2018-06-01

We successfully prepared Ag quantum dots modified TiO2 microspheres by facile solvothermal and calcination method. The as-prepared Ag quantum dots/TiO2 microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The Ag quantum dots/TiO2 photocatalyst showed excellent visible light absorption and efficient photocatalytic activity for methyl orange degradation. And the sample with the molar ratio of 0.05 (Ag to Ti) showed the best visible light photocatalytic activity for methyl orange degradation, mainly because of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effects of Ag quantum dots to generate electron and hole pairs for enhanced visible light photocatalysis. Finally, possible visible light photocatalytic mechanism of Ag quantum dots/TiO2 microspheres for methyl orange degradation was proposed in detail.

Peculiarities of organizing the construction of nuclear medicine facilities and the transportation of radionuclide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Telichenko, Valeriy; Malykha, Galina; Dorogan, Igor

2017-10-01

The article is devoted to the organization of construction of nuclear medicine facilities in Russia. The article describes the main methods of nuclear medical diagnostics, as well as the peculiarities of nuclear medicine facilities that determine the need for application of specific methods for organizing and managing the construction, methods of requirements management in the organization of construction of nuclear medicine facilities. Sustainable development of the transport of radioactive isotopes from the place of production to places of consumption is very important for the safety of the population. The requirements management system is an important and necessary component in organizing the construction of complex facilities, such as nuclear medicine facilities. The author developed and proposed a requirements management system for the design, construction and operation of a nuclear medicine facility, which provides for a cyclic sequence of actions. This system allows reducing the consumption of resources including material and energy during construction and operation of complex objects.

Health facilities at the district level in Indonesia

PubMed Central

Heywood, Peter; Harahap, Nida P

2009-01-01

Background At Independence the Government of Indonesia inherited a weak and unevenly distributed health system to which much of the population had only limited access. In response, the government decided to increase the number of facilities and to locate them closer to the people. To staff these health facilities the government introduced obligatory government service for all new graduates in medicine, nursing and midwifery. Most of these staff also established private practices in the areas in which they were located. The health information system contains little information on the health care facilities established for private practice by these staff. This article reports on the results of enumerating all health facilities in 15 districts in Java. Methods We enumerated all healthcare facilities, public and private, by type in each of 15 districts in Java. Results The enumeration showed a much higher number of healthcare facilities in each district than is shown in most reports and in the health information system which concentrates on public, multi-provider facilities. Across the 15 districts: 86% of facilities were solo-provider facilities for outpatient services; 13% were multi-provider facilities for outpatient services; and 1% were multi-provider facilities offering both outpatient and inpatient services. Conclusion The relatively good distribution of health facilities in Indonesia was achieved through establishing public health centers at the sub-district level and staffing them through a system of compulsory service for doctors, nurses and midwives. Subsequently, these public sector staff also established solo-provider facilities for their own private practice; these solo-provider facilities, of which those for nurses are almost half, comprise the largest category of outpatient care facilities, most are not included in official statistics. Now that Indonesia no longer has mandatory service for newly graduated doctors, nurses and midwives, it will have

Health Care Facilities Resilient to Climate Change Impacts

PubMed Central

Paterson, Jaclyn; Berry, Peter; Ebi, Kristie; Varangu, Linda

2014-01-01

Climate change will increase the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events and create risks that will impact health care facilities. Health care facilities will need to assess climate change risks and adopt adaptive management strategies to be resilient, but guidance tools are lacking. In this study, a toolkit was developed for health care facility officials to assess the resiliency of their facility to climate change impacts. A mixed methods approach was used to develop climate change resiliency indicators to inform the development of the toolkit. The toolkit consists of a checklist for officials who work in areas of emergency management, facilities management and health care services and supply chain management, a facilitator’s guide for administering the checklist, and a resource guidebook to inform adaptation. Six health care facilities representing three provinces in Canada piloted the checklist. Senior level officials with expertise in the aforementioned areas were invited to review the checklist, provide feedback during qualitative interviews and review the final toolkit at a stakeholder workshop. The toolkit helps health care facility officials identify gaps in climate change preparedness, direct allocation of adaptation resources and inform strategic planning to increase resiliency to climate change. PMID:25522050

A Hybrid Tabu Search Heuristic for a Bilevel Competitive Facility Location Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Küçükaydın, Hande; Aras, Necati; Altınel, I. Kuban

We consider a problem in which a firm or franchise enters a market by locating new facilities where there are existing facilities belonging to a competitor. The firm aims at finding the location and attractiveness of each facility to be opened so as to maximize its profit. The competitor, on the other hand, can react by adjusting the attractiveness of its existing facilities, opening new facilities and/or closing existing ones with the objective of maximizing its own profit. The demand is assumed to be aggregated at certain points in the plane and the facilities of the firm can be located at prespecified candidate sites. We employ Huff's gravity-based rule in modeling the behavior of the customers where the fraction of customers at a demand point that visit a certain facility is proportional to the facility attractiveness and inversely proportional to the distance between the facility site and demand point. We formulate a bilevel mixed-integer nonlinear programming model where the firm entering the market is the leader and the competitor is the follower. In order to find a feasible solution of this model, we develop a hybrid tabu search heuristic which makes use of two exact methods as subroutines: a gradient ascent method and a branch-and-bound algorithm with nonlinear programming relaxation.

A facile method for the preparation of monodisperse beads with uniform pore sizes for cell culture.

PubMed

Moon, Seung-Kwan; Oh, Myeong-Jin; Paik, Dong-Hyun; Ryu, Tae-Kyung; Park, Kyeongsoon; Kim, Sung-Eun; Park, Jong-Hoon; Kim, Jung-Hyun; Choi, Sung-Wook

2013-03-12

This paper describes a facile method for the preparation of porous gelatin beads with uniform pore sizes using a simple fluidic device and their application as supporting materials for cell culture. An aqueous gelatin droplet containing many uniform toluene droplets, produced in the fluidic device, is dropped into liquid nitrogen for instant freezing and the small toluene droplets evolve into pores in the gelatin beads after removal of toluene and then freeze-drying. The porous gelatin beads exhibit a uniform pore size and monodisperse diameter as well as large open pores at the surface. Fluorescence microscopy images of fibroblast-loaded gelatin beads confirm the attachment and proliferation of the cells throughout the porous gelatin beads. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Radiation therapy facilities in the United States

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

Ballas, Leslie K.; Elkin, Elena B.; Schrag, Deborah

2006-11-15

Purpose: About half of all cancer patients in the United States receive radiation therapy as a part of their cancer treatment. Little is known, however, about the facilities that currently deliver external beam radiation. Our goal was to construct a comprehensive database of all radiation therapy facilities in the United States that can be used for future health services research in radiation oncology. Methods and Materials: From each state's health department we obtained a list of all facilities that have a linear accelerator or provide radiation therapy. We merged these state lists with information from the American Hospital Association (AHA),more » as well as 2 organizations that audit the accuracy of radiation machines: the Radiologic Physics Center (RPC) and Radiation Dosimetry Services (RDS). The comprehensive database included all unique facilities listed in 1 or more of the 4 sources. Results: We identified 2,246 radiation therapy facilities operating in the United States as of 2004-2005. Of these, 448 (20%) facilities were identified through state health department records alone and were not listed in any other data source. Conclusions: Determining the location of the 2,246 radiation facilities in the United States is a first step in providing important information to radiation oncologists and policymakers concerned with access to radiation therapy services, the distribution of health care resources, and the quality of cancer care.« less

Ergonomics and simulation-based approach in improving facility layout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abad, Jocelyn D.

2018-02-01

The use of the simulation-based technique in facility layout has been a choice in the industry due to its convenience and efficient generation of results. Nevertheless, the solutions generated are not capable of addressing delays due to worker's health and safety which significantly impact overall operational efficiency. It is, therefore, critical to incorporate ergonomics in facility design. In this study, workstation analysis was incorporated into Promodel simulation to improve the facility layout of a garment manufacturing. To test the effectiveness of the method, existing and improved facility designs were measured using comprehensive risk level, efficiency, and productivity. Results indicated that the improved facility layout generated a decrease in comprehensive risk level and rapid upper limb assessment score; an increase of 78% in efficiency and 194% increase in productivity compared to existing design and thus proved that the approach is effective in attaining overall facility design improvement.

Identifying sources of fugitive emissions in industrial facilities using trajectory statistical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brereton, Carol A.; Johnson, Matthew R.

2012-05-01

Fugitive pollutant sources from the oil and gas industry are typically quite difficult to find within industrial plants and refineries, yet they are a significant contributor of global greenhouse gas emissions. A novel approach for locating fugitive emission sources using computationally efficient trajectory statistical methods (TSM) has been investigated in detailed proof-of-concept simulations. Four TSMs were examined in a variety of source emissions scenarios developed using transient CFD simulations on the simplified geometry of an actual gas plant: potential source contribution function (PSCF), concentration weighted trajectory (CWT), residence time weighted concentration (RTWC), and quantitative transport bias analysis (QTBA). Quantitative comparisons were made using a correlation measure based on search area from the source(s). PSCF, CWT and RTWC could all distinguish areas near major sources from the surroundings. QTBA successfully located sources in only some cases, even when provided with a large data set. RTWC, given sufficient domain trajectory coverage, distinguished source areas best, but otherwise could produce false source predictions. Using RTWC in conjunction with CWT could overcome this issue as well as reduce sensitivity to noise in the data. The results demonstrate that TSMs are a promising approach for identifying fugitive emissions sources within complex facility geometries.

Facile Synthesis of Mixed Metal Organic Frameworks: Electrode Materials for Supercapacitor with Excellent Areal Capacitance and Operational Stability.

PubMed

Kazemi, Sayed Habib; Hosseinzadeh, Batoul; Kazemi, Hojjat; Kiani, Mohammad Ali; Hajati, Shaaker

2018-06-08

Electrode materials with high surface area, tailored pore size and efficient capability for ion insertion and enhanced transport of electrons and ions are needed for advanced supercapacitors. In the present study, a mixed metal organic framework (cobalt and manganese based MOF) was synthesized through a simple one pot solvothermal method and employed as the electrode material for supercapacitor. Notably, Co-Mn MOF electrode displayed a large surface area and excellent cycling stability (over 95% capacitance retention after 1500 cycles). Also, superior pseudocapacitive behavior was observed for Co-Mn MOF electrode in KOH electrolyte with an exceptional areal capacitance of 1.318 F cm-2. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor was assembled using Co-Mn MOF and activated carbon electrode as positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The fabricated supercapacitor showed specific capacitances of 106.7 F g-1 at a scan rate of 10 mV s-1 and delivered maximum energy density of 30 Wh kg-1 at 2285.7 W kg-1. Our studies suggest the Co-Mn MOF as promising electrode materials for supercapacitor applications.

Facilities maintenance handbook

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

This handbook is a guide for facilities maintenance managers. Its objective is to set minimum facilities maintenance standards. It also provides recommendations on how to meet the standards to ensure that NASA maintains its facilities in a manner that protects and preserves its investment in the facilities in a cost-effective manner while safely and efficiently performing its mission. This handbook implements NMI 8831.1, which states NASA facilities maintenance policy and assigns organizational responsibilities for the management of facilities maintenance activities on all properties under NASA jurisdiction. It is a reference for facilities maintenance managers, not a step-by-step procedural manual. Because of the differences in NASA Field Installation organizations, this handbook does not assume or recommend a typical facilities maintenance organization. Instead, it uses a systems approach to describe the functions that should be included in any facilities maintenance management system, regardless of its organizational structure. For documents referenced in the handbook, the most recent version of the documents is applicable. This handbook is divided into three parts: Part 1 specifies common definitions and facilities maintenance requirements and amplifies the policy requirements contained in NMI 8831. 1; Part 2 provides guidance on how to meet the requirements of Part 1, containing recommendations only; Part 3 contains general facilities maintenance information. One objective of this handbook is to fix commonality of facilities maintenance definitions among the Centers. This will permit the application of uniform measures of facilities conditions, of the relationship between current replacement value and maintenance resources required, and of the backlog of deferred facilities maintenance. The utilization of facilities maintenance system functions will allow the Centers to quantitatively define maintenance objectives in common terms, prepare work plans, and

Core commands across airway facilities systems.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-05-01

This study takes a high-level approach to evaluate computer systems without regard to the specific method of : interaction. This document analyzes the commands that Airway Facilities (AF) use across different systems and : the meanings attributed to ...

A facile method to prepare superparamagnetic iron oxide and hydrophobic drug-encapsulated biodegradable polyurethane nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Cheng, Kuo-Wei; Hsu, Shan-hui

2017-01-01

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO NPs) have a wide range of biomedical applications such as in magnetic resonance imaging, targeting, and hyperthermia therapy. Aggregation of SPIO NPs can occur because of the hydrophobic surface and high surface energy of SPIO NPs. Here, we developed a facile method to encapsulate SPIO NPs in amphiphilic biodegradable polymer. Anionic biodegradable polyurethane nanoparticles (PU NPs) with ~35 nm size and different chemistry were prepared by waterborne processes. SPIO NPs were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation. SPIO NPs were then added to the aqueous dispersion of PU NPs, followed by application of high-frequency (~20 kHz) ultrasonic vibration for 3 min. This method rendered SPIO-PU hybrid NPs (size ~110 nm) suspended in water. SPIO-PU hybrid NPs contained ~50–60 wt% SPIO and retained the superparamagnetic property (evaluated by a magnetometer) as well as high contrast in magnetic resonance imaging. SPIO-PU NPs also showed the ability to provide cell hyperthermic treatment. Using the same ultrasonic method, hydrophobic drug (Vitamin K3 [VK3]) or (9-(methylaminomethyl) anthracene [MAMA]) could also be encapsulated in PU NPs. The VK3-PU or MAMA-PU hybrid NPs had ~35 nm size and different release profiles for PUs with different chemistry. The encapsulation efficiency for VK3 and MAMA was high (~95%) without burst release. The encapsulation mechanism may be attributed to the low glass transition temperature (Tg) and good mechanical compliance of PU NPs. The new encapsulation method involving waterborne biodegradable PU NPs is simple, rapid, and effective to produce multimodular NP carriers. PMID:28280341

A facile method to prepare superparamagnetic iron oxide and hydrophobic drug-encapsulated biodegradable polyurethane nanoparticles.

PubMed

Cheng, Kuo-Wei; Hsu, Shan-Hui

2017-01-01

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO NPs) have a wide range of biomedical applications such as in magnetic resonance imaging, targeting, and hyperthermia therapy. Aggregation of SPIO NPs can occur because of the hydrophobic surface and high surface energy of SPIO NPs. Here, we developed a facile method to encapsulate SPIO NPs in amphiphilic biodegradable polymer. Anionic biodegradable polyurethane nanoparticles (PU NPs) with ~35 nm size and different chemistry were prepared by waterborne processes. SPIO NPs were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation. SPIO NPs were then added to the aqueous dispersion of PU NPs, followed by application of high-frequency (~20 kHz) ultrasonic vibration for 3 min. This method rendered SPIO-PU hybrid NPs (size ~110 nm) suspended in water. SPIO-PU hybrid NPs contained ~50-60 wt% SPIO and retained the superparamagnetic property (evaluated by a magnetometer) as well as high contrast in magnetic resonance imaging. SPIO-PU NPs also showed the ability to provide cell hyperthermic treatment. Using the same ultrasonic method, hydrophobic drug (Vitamin K3 [VK3]) or (9-(methylaminomethyl) anthracene [MAMA]) could also be encapsulated in PU NPs. The VK3-PU or MAMA-PU hybrid NPs had ~35 nm size and different release profiles for PUs with different chemistry. The encapsulation efficiency for VK3 and MAMA was high (~95%) without burst release. The encapsulation mechanism may be attributed to the low glass transition temperature (Tg) and good mechanical compliance of PU NPs. The new encapsulation method involving waterborne biodegradable PU NPs is simple, rapid, and effective to produce multimodular NP carriers.

Synthesis, characterization and adsorption properties of magnetite/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites.

PubMed

Qi, Tingting; Huang, Chenchen; Yan, Shan; Li, Xiu-Juan; Pan, Si-Yi

2015-11-01

Three kinds of magnetite/reduced graphene oxide (MRGO) nanocomposites were prepared by solvothermal, hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods. The as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized and compared by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and zeta potential. The results showed that MRGO made by different methods differed in surface functional groups, crystal structure, particle sizes, surface morphology and surface charge. Due to their unlike features, these nanocomposites displayed dissimilar performances when they were used to adsorb drugs, dyes and metal ions. The MRGO prepared by the co-precipitation method showed special adsorption ability to negative ions, but those synthesized by the solvothermal method obtained the best extraction ability and reusability to the others and showed a good prospective in magnetic solid-phase extraction. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use the right preparation method before application in order to attain the best extraction performance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Facilities Performance Indicators Report, 2004-05. Facilities Core Data Survey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glazner, Steve, Ed.

2006-01-01

The purpose of "Facilities Performance Indicators" is to provide a representative set of statistics about facilities in educational institutions. The second iteration of the web-based Facilities Core Data Survey was posted and available to facilities professionals at more than 3,000 institutions in the Fall of 2005. The website offered a printed…

Synthesis of bilayer MoS{sub 2} nanosheets by a facile hydrothermal method and their methyl orange adsorption capacity

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

Ye, Lijuan; Xu, Haiyan; Zhang, Dingke

2014-07-01

Highlights: • Hexagonal phase of MoS{sub 2} nanosheets was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. • FE-SEM and TEM images show the sheets-like morphology of MoS{sub 2}. • Bilayer MoS{sub 2} can be grown under the optimized mole ratio of 2:1 of S:Mo at 180 °C for 50 h. • The MoS{sub 2} nanosheets possess high methyl orange adsorption capacity due to the large surface area. - Abstract: Molybdenum disulfide (MoS{sub 2}) nanosheets have received significant attention recently due to the potential applications for exciting physics and technology. Here we show that MoS{sub 2} nanosheets can be prepared by amore » facile hydrothermal method. The study of the properties of the MoS{sub 2} nanosheets prepared at different conditions suggests that the mole ratio of precursors and hydrothermal time significantly influences the purity, crystalline quality and thermal stability of MoS{sub 2}. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra and transmission electron microscopy results indicate that bilayer MoS{sub 2} can be grown under an optimized mole ratio of 2:1 of S:Mo at 180 °C for 50 h. Moreover, such ultrathin nanosheets exhibit a prominent photoluminescence and possess high methyl orange adsorption capacity due to the large surface area, which can be potentially used in photodevice and photochemical catalyst.« less

High-surface-area mesoporous TiO2 microspheres via one-step nanoparticle self-assembly for enhanced lithium-ion storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hsin-Yi; Chen, Jiazang; Hy, Sunny; Yu, Linghui; Xu, Zhichuan; Liu, Bin

2014-11-01

Mesoporous TiO2 microspheres assembled from TiO2 nanoparticles with specific surface areas as high as 150 m2 g-1 were synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal reaction of titanium isopropoxide and anhydrous acetone. Aldol condensation of acetone gradually releases structural H2O, which hydrolyzes and condenses titanium isopropoxide, forming TiO2 nanocrystals. Simultaneous growth and aggregation of TiO2 nanocrystals leads to the formation of high-surface-area TiO2 microspheres under solvothermal conditions. After a low-temperature post-synthesis calcination, carbonate could be incorporated into TiO2 as a dopant with the carbon source coming from the organic byproducts during the synthesis. Carbonate doping modifies the electronic structure of TiO2 (e.g., Fermi level, Ef), and thus influences its electrochemical properties. Solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation, which is not common for titania, could be initiated in carbonate-doped TiO2 due to elevated Ef. After removing carbonate dopants by high-temperature calcination, the mesoporous TiO2 microspheres showed much improved performance in lithium insertion and stability at various current rates, attributed to a synergistic effect of high surface area, large pore size and good anatase crystallinity.Mesoporous TiO2 microspheres assembled from TiO2 nanoparticles with specific surface areas as high as 150 m2 g-1 were synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal reaction of titanium isopropoxide and anhydrous acetone. Aldol condensation of acetone gradually releases structural H2O, which hydrolyzes and condenses titanium isopropoxide, forming TiO2 nanocrystals. Simultaneous growth and aggregation of TiO2 nanocrystals leads to the formation of high-surface-area TiO2 microspheres under solvothermal conditions. After a low-temperature post-synthesis calcination, carbonate could be incorporated into TiO2 as a dopant with the carbon source coming from the organic byproducts during the synthesis. Carbonate doping

A performance goal-based seismic design philosophy for waste repository facilities

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

Hossain, Q.A.

1994-12-31

A performance goal-based seismic design philosophy, compatible with DOE`s present natural phenomena hazards mitigation and {open_quotes}graded approach{close_quotes} philosophy, has been proposed for high level nuclear waste repository facilities. The rationale, evolution, and the desirable features of this method have been described. Why and how the method should and can be applied to the design of a repository facility are also discussed.

Thin layer chromatography coupled with surface-enhanced Raman scattering as a facile method for on-site quantitative monitoring of chemical reactions.

PubMed

Zhang, Zong-Mian; Liu, Jing-Fu; Liu, Rui; Sun, Jie-Fang; Wei, Guo-Hua

2014-08-05

By coupling surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with thin layer chromatography (TLC), a facile and powerful method was developed for on-site monitoring the process of chemical reactions. Samples were preseparated on a TLC plate following a common TLC procedure, and then determined by SERS after fabricating a large-area, uniform SERS substrate on the TLC plate by spraying gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Reproducible and strong SERS signals were obtained with substrates prepared by spraying 42-nm AuNPs at a density of 5.54 × 10(10) N/cm(2) on the TLC plate. The capacity of this TLC-SERS method was evaluated by monitoring a typical Suzuki coupling reaction of phenylboronic acid and 2-bromopyridine as a model. Results showed that this proposed method is able to identify reaction product that is invisible to the naked eye, and distinguish the reactant 2-bromopyridine and product 2-phenylpyridine, which showed almost the same retention factors (R(f)). Under the optimized conditions, the peak area of the characteristic Raman band (755 cm(-1)) of the product 2-phenylpyridine showed a good linear correlation with concentration in the range of 2-200 mg/L (R(2) = 0.9741), the estimated detection limit (1 mg/L 2-phenylpyridine) is much lower than the concentration of the chemicals in the common organic synthesis reaction system, and the product yield determined by the proposed TLC-SERS method agreed very well with that by UPLC-MS/MS. In addition, a new byproduct in the reaction system was found and identified through continuous Raman detection from the point of sample to the solvent front. This facile TLC-SERS method is quick, easy to handle, low-cost, sensitive, and can be exploited in on-site monitoring the processes of chemical reactions, as well as environmental and biological processes.

Lightning and surge protection of large ground facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stringfellow, Michael F.

1988-04-01

The vulnerability of large ground facilities to direct lightning strikes and to lightning-induced overvoltages on the power distribution, telephone and data communication lines are discussed. Advanced electrogeometric modeling is used for the calculation of direct strikes to overhead power lines, buildings, vehicles and objects within the facility. Possible modes of damage, injury and loss are discussed. Some appropriate protection methods for overhead power lines, structures, vehicles and aircraft are suggested. Methods to mitigate the effects of transients on overhead and underground power systems as well as within buildings and other structures are recommended. The specification and location of low-voltage surge suppressors for the protection of vulnerable hardware such as computers, telecommunication equipment and radar installations are considered. The advantages and disadvantages of commonly used grounding techniques, such as single point, multiple and isolated grounds are compared. An example is given of the expected distribution of lightning flashes to a large airport, its buildings, structures and facilities, as well as to vehicles on the ground.

48 CFR 3017.204-90 - Detention Facilities and Services (ICE).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Detention Facilities and Services (ICE). 3017.204-90 Section 3017.204-90 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF... SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS Options. 3017.204-90 Detention Facilities and Services (ICE). The ICE Head of...

48 CFR 3017.204-90 - Detention Facilities and Services (ICE).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2013-10-01 2012-10-01 true Detention Facilities and Services (ICE). 3017.204-90 Section 3017.204-90 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF... SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS Options 3017.204-90 Detention Facilities and Services (ICE). The ICE Head of...

48 CFR 3017.204-90 - Detention Facilities and Services (ICE).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Detention Facilities and Services (ICE). 3017.204-90 Section 3017.204-90 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF... SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS Options. 3017.204-90 Detention Facilities and Services (ICE). The ICE Head of...

48 CFR 3017.204-90 - Detention Facilities and Services (ICE).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Detention Facilities and Services (ICE). 3017.204-90 Section 3017.204-90 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF... SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS Options 3017.204-90 Detention Facilities and Services (ICE). The ICE Head of...

48 CFR 3017.204-90 - Detention Facilities and Services (ICE).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 7 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Detention Facilities and Services (ICE). 3017.204-90 Section 3017.204-90 Federal Acquisition Regulations System DEPARTMENT OF... SPECIAL CONTRACTING METHODS Options 3017.204-90 Detention Facilities and Services (ICE). The ICE Head of...

Cuckoo search via Levy flights applied to uncapacitated facility location problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mesa, Armacheska; Castromayor, Kris; Garillos-Manliguez, Cinmayii; Calag, Vicente

2017-11-01

Facility location problem (FLP) is a mathematical way to optimally locate facilities within a set of candidates to satisfy the requirements of a given set of clients. This study addressed the uncapacitated FLP as it assures that the capacity of every selected facility is finite. Thus, even if the demand is not known, which often is the case, in reality, organizations may still be able to take strategic decisions such as locating the facilities. There are different approaches relevant to the uncapacitated FLP. Here, the cuckoo search via Lévy flight (CS-LF) was used to solve the problem. Though hybrid methods produce better results, this study employed CS-LF to determine first its potential in finding solutions for the problem, particularly when applied to a real-world problem. The method was applied to the data set obtained from a department store in Davao City, Philippines. Results showed that applying CS-LF yielded better facility locations compared to particle swarm optimization and other existing algorithms. Although these results showed that CS-LF is a promising method to solve this particular problem, further studies on other FLP are recommended to establish a strong foundation of the capability of CS-LF in solving FLP.

Capabilities of the Large-Scale Sediment Transport Facility

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-01

experiments in wave /current environments. INTRODUCTION: The LSTF (Figure 1) is a large-scale laboratory facility capable of simulating conditions...comparable to low- wave energy coasts. The facility was constructed to address deficiencies in existing methods for calculating longshore sediment...transport. The LSTF consists of a 30 m wide, 50 m long, 1.4 m deep basin. Waves are generated by four digitally controlled wave makers capable of producing

The ERDA/LeRC photovoltaic systems test facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Forestieri, A. F.

1977-01-01

A test facility was designed, and built to provide a place where photovoltaic systems may be assembled and electrically configured, to evaluate system performance and characteristics. The facility consists of a solar cell array of an initial 10-kW peak power rating, test hardware for several alternate methods of power conditioning, a variety of loads, an electrical energy storage system, and an instrumentation and data acquisition system.

Measuring facility capability to provide routine and emergency childbirth care to mothers and newborns: An appeal to adjust for delivery caseload of facilities

PubMed Central

Allen, Stephanie M.; Opondo, Charles; Campbell, Oona M. R.

2017-01-01

Background Measurement of Emergency Obstetric Care capability is common, and measurement of newborn and overall routine childbirth care has begun in recent years. These assessments of facility capabilities can be used to identify geographic inequalities in access to functional health services and to monitor improvements over time. This paper develops an approach for monitoring the childbirth environment that accounts for the delivery caseload of the facility. Methods We used data from the Kenya Service Provision Assessment to examine facility capability to provide quality childbirth care, including infrastructure, routine maternal and newborn care, and emergency obstetric and newborn care. A facility was considered capable of providing a function if necessary tracer items were present and, for emergency functions, if the function had been performed in the previous three months. We weighted facility capability by delivery caseload, and compared results with those generated using traditional “survey weights”. Results Of the 403 facilities providing childbirth care, the proportion meeting criteria for capability were: 13% for general infrastructure, 6% for basic emergency obstetric care, 3% for basic emergency newborn care, 13% and 11% for routine maternal and newborn care, respectively. When the new caseload weights accounting for delivery volume were applied, capability improved and the proportions of deliveries occurring in a facility meeting capability criteria were: 51% for general infrastructure, 46% for basic emergency obstetric care, 12% for basic emergency newborn care, 36% and 18% for routine maternal and newborn care, respectively. This is because most of the caseload was in hospitals, which generally had better capability. Despite these findings, fewer than 2% of deliveries occurred in a facility capable of providing all functions. Conclusion Reporting on the percentage of facilities capable of providing certain functions misrepresents the capacity to

NASA Wallops Flight Facility Air-Sea Interaction Research Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Long, Steven R.

1992-01-01

This publication serves as an introduction to the Air-Sea Interaction Research Facility at NASA/GSFC/Wallops Flight Facility. The purpose of this publication is to provide background information on the research facility itself, including capabilities, available instrumentation, the types of experiments already done, ongoing experiments, and future plans.

Synthesis and characterization of a narrow size distribution of zinc oxide nanoparticles.

PubMed

Zak, A Khorsand; Razali, R; Majid, W H Abd; Darroudi, Majid

2011-01-01

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized via a solvothermal method in triethanolamine (TEA) media. TEA was utilized as a polymer agent to terminate the growth of ZnO-NPs. The ZnO-NPs were characterized by a number of techniques, including X-ray diffraction analysis, transition electron microscopy, and field emission electron microscopy. The ZnO-NPs prepared by the solvothermal process at 150°C for 18 hours exhibited a hexagonal (wurtzite) structure, with a crystalline size of 33 ± 2 nm, and particle size of 48 ± 7 nm. The results confirm that TEA is a suitable polymer agent to prepare homogenous ZnO-NPs.

Health facility committees and facility management - exploring the nature and depth of their roles in Coast Province, Kenya

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Community participation has been emphasized internationally as a way of enhancing accountability, as well as a means to enhance health goals in terms of coverage, access and effective utilization. In rural health facilities in Kenya, initiatives to increase community accountability have focused on Health Facility Committees (HFCs). In Coast Province the role of HFCs has been expanded with the introduction of direct funding of rural facilities. We explored the nature and depth of managerial engagement of HFCs at the facility level in two rural districts in this Coastal setting, and how this has contributed to community accountability Methods We conducted structured interviews with the health worker in-charge and with patients in 30 health centres and dispensaries. These data were supplemented with in-depth interviews with district managers, and with health workers and HFC members in 12 health centres and dispensaries. In-depth interviews with health workers and HFC members included a participatory exercise to stimulate discussion of the nature and depth of their roles in facility management. Results HFCs were generally functioning well and played an important role in facility operations. The breadth and depth of engagement had reportedly increased after the introduction of direct funding of health facilities which allowed HFCs to manage their own budgets. Although relations with facility staff were generally good, some mistrust was expressed between HFC members and health workers, and between HFC members and the broader community, partially reflecting a lack of clarity in HFC roles. Moreover, over half of exit interviewees were not aware of the HFC's existence. Women and less well-educated respondents were particularly unlikely to know about the HFC. Conclusions There is potential for HFCs to play an active and important role in health facility management, particularly where they have control over some facility level resources. However, to optimise their

Development of test methods for scale model simulation of aerial applications in the NASA Langley Vortex Research Facility. [agricultural aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jordan, F. L., Jr.

1980-01-01

As part of basic research to improve aerial applications technology, methods were developed at the Langley Vortex Research Facility to simulate and measure deposition patterns of aerially-applied sprays and granular materials by means of tests with small-scale models of agricultural aircraft and dynamically-scaled test particles. Interactions between the aircraft wake and the dispersed particles are being studied with the objective of modifying wake characteristics and dispersal techniques to increase swath width, improve deposition pattern uniformity, and minimize drift. The particle scaling analysis, test methods for particle dispersal from the model aircraft, visualization of particle trajectories, and measurement and computer analysis of test deposition patterns are described. An experimental validation of the scaling analysis and test results that indicate improved control of chemical drift by use of winglets are presented to demonstrate test methods.

Facilities Performance Indicators Report 2012-13: Tracking Your Facilities Vital Signs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

APPA: Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers, 2014

2014-01-01

This paper features an expanded Web-based "Facilities Performance Indicators (FPI) Report." The purpose of APPA's Facilities Performance Indicators is to provide a representative set of statistics about facilities in educational institutions. "The Facilities Performance Indicators Report" is designed for survey…

Planning and Designing Facilities. Facility Design and Development--Part 1

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hypes, Michael G.

2006-01-01

Before one begins the planning process for a new facility, it is important to determine if there is a need for a new facility. The demand for a new facility can be drawn from increases in the number of users, the type of users, and the type of events to be conducted in the facility. A feasibility study should be conducted to analyze the legal…

Method for assessment of stormwater treatment facilities - Synthetic road runoff addition including micro-pollutants and tracer.

PubMed

Cederkvist, Karin; Jensen, Marina B; Holm, Peter E

2017-08-01

Stormwater treatment facilities (STFs) are becoming increasingly widespread but knowledge on their performance is limited. This is due to difficulties in obtaining representative samples during storm events and documenting removal of the broad range of contaminants found in stormwater runoff. This paper presents a method to evaluate STFs by addition of synthetic runoff with representative concentrations of contaminant species, including the use of tracer for correction of removal rates for losses not caused by the STF. A list of organic and inorganic contaminant species, including trace elements representative of runoff from roads is suggested, as well as relevant concentration ranges. The method was used for adding contaminants to three different STFs including a curbstone extension with filter soil, a dual porosity filter, and six different permeable pavements. Evaluation of the method showed that it is possible to add a well-defined mixture of contaminants despite different field conditions by having a flexibly system, mixing different stock-solutions on site, and use bromide tracer for correction of outlet concentrations. Bromide recovery ranged from only 12% in one of the permeable pavements to 97% in the dual porosity filter, stressing the importance of including a conservative tracer for correction of contaminant retention values. The method is considered useful in future treatment performance testing of STFs. The observed performance of the STFs is presented in coming papers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

18. Topside facility, interior of facility manager's room, view towards ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

18. Topside facility, interior of facility manager's room, view towards west. Lyon - Whiteman Air Force Base, Oscar O-1 Minuteman Missile Alert Facility, Southeast corner of Twelfth & Vendenberg Avenues, Knob Noster, Johnson County, MO

Experimental Fuels Facility Re-categorization Based on Facility Segmentation

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

Reiss, Troy P.; Andrus, Jason

The Experimental Fuels Facility (EFF) (MFC-794) at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC) located on the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Site was originally constructed to provide controlled-access, indoor storage for radiological contaminated equipment. Use of the facility was expanded to provide a controlled environment for repairing contaminated equipment and characterizing, repackaging, and treating waste. The EFF facility is also used for research and development services, including fuel fabrication. EFF was originally categorized as a LTHC-3 radiological facility based on facility operations and facility radiological inventories. Newly planned program activities identified the need to receive quantities of fissionable materials in excessmore » of the single parameter subcritical limit in ANSI/ANS-8.1, “Nuclear Criticality Safety in Operations with Fissionable Materials Outside Reactors” (identified as “criticality list” quantities in DOE-STD-1027-92, “Hazard Categorization and Accident Analysis Techniques for Compliance with DOE Order 5480.23, Nuclear Safety Analysis Reports,” Attachment 1, Table A.1). Since the proposed inventory of fissionable materials inside EFF may be greater than the single parameter sub-critical limit of 700 g of U-235 equivalent, the initial re-categorization is Hazard Category (HC) 2 based upon a potential criticality hazard. This paper details the facility hazard categorization performed for the EFF. The categorization was necessary to determine (a) the need for further safety analysis in accordance with LWP-10802, “INL Facility Categorization,” and (b) compliance with 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 830, Subpart B, “Safety Basis Requirements.” Based on the segmentation argument presented in this paper, the final hazard categorization for the facility is LTHC-3. Department of Energy Idaho (DOE-ID) approval of the final hazard categorization determined by this hazard assessment document (HAD) was required

Assessment of air velocity sensors for use in animal produciton facilities

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ventilation is an integral part of thermal environment control in animal production facilities. Accurately measuring the air velocity distribution within these facilities is cumbersome using the traverse method and a distributed velocity measurement system would reduce the time necessary to perform ...

38 CFR 21.144 - Vocational course in a sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... workshop or rehabilitation facility may be authorized when the training offered is a sound method of... sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility. 21.144 Section 21.144 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief... in a sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility. (a) General. A vocational course in a sheltered...

38 CFR 21.144 - Vocational course in a sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... workshop or rehabilitation facility may be authorized when the training offered is a sound method of... sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility. 21.144 Section 21.144 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief... in a sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility. (a) General. A vocational course in a sheltered...

38 CFR 21.144 - Vocational course in a sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... workshop or rehabilitation facility may be authorized when the training offered is a sound method of... sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility. 21.144 Section 21.144 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief... in a sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility. (a) General. A vocational course in a sheltered...

38 CFR 21.144 - Vocational course in a sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... workshop or rehabilitation facility may be authorized when the training offered is a sound method of... sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility. 21.144 Section 21.144 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief... in a sheltered workshop or rehabilitation facility. (a) General. A vocational course in a sheltered...

Hanford Facility dangerous waste permit application, liquid effluent retention facility and 200 area effluent treatment facility

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

Coenenberg, J.G.

1997-08-15

The Hanford Facility Dangerous Waste Permit Application is considered to 10 be a single application organized into a General Information Portion (document 11 number DOE/RL-91-28) and a Unit-Specific Portion. The scope of the 12 Unit-Specific Portion is limited to Part B permit application documentation 13 submitted for individual, `operating` treatment, storage, and/or disposal 14 units, such as the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent 15 Treatment Facility (this document, DOE/RL-97-03). 16 17 Both the General Information and Unit-Specific portions of the Hanford 18 Facility Dangerous Waste Permit Application address the content of the Part B 19 permit applicationmore » guidance prepared by the Washington State Department of 20 Ecology (Ecology 1987 and 1996) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 21 (40 Code of Federal Regulations 270), with additional information needs 22 defined by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments and revisions of 23 Washington Administrative Code 173-303. For ease of reference, the Washington 24 State Department of Ecology alpha-numeric section identifiers from the permit 25 application guidance documentation (Ecology 1996) follow, in brackets, the 26 chapter headings and subheadings. A checklist indicating where information is 27 contained in the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent 28 Treatment Facility permit application documentation, in relation to the 29 Washington State Department of Ecology guidance, is located in the Contents 30 Section. 31 32 Documentation contained in the General Information Portion is broader in 33 nature and could be used by multiple treatment, storage, and/or disposal units 34 (e.g., the glossary provided in the General Information Portion). Wherever 35 appropriate, the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility and 200 Area Effluent 36 Treatment Facility permit application documentation makes cross-reference to 37 the General Information Portion, rather than

European network for promoting the physical health of residents in psychiatric and social care facilities (HELPS): background, aims and methods

PubMed Central

Weiser, Prisca; Becker, Thomas; Losert, Carolin; Alptekin, Köksal; Berti, Loretta; Burti, Lorenzo; Burton, Alexandra; Dernovsek, Mojca; Dragomirecka, Eva; Freidl, Marion; Friedrich, Fabian; Genova, Aneta; Germanavicius, Arunas; Halis, Ulaş; Henderson, John; Hjorth, Peter; Lai, Taavi; Larsen, Jens Ivar; Lech, Katarzyna; Lucas, Ramona; Marginean, Roxana; McDaid, David; Mladenova, Maya; Munk-Jørgensen, Povl; Paziuc, Alexandru; Paziuc, Petronela; Priebe, Stefan; Prot-Klinger, Katarzyna; Wancata, Johannes; Kilian, Reinhold

2009-01-01

Background People with mental disorders have a higher prevalence of physical illnesses and reduced life expectancy as compared with the general population. However, there is a lack of knowledge across Europe concerning interventions that aim at reducing somatic morbidity and excess mortality by promoting behaviour-based and/or environment-based interventions. Methods and design HELPS is an interdisciplinary European network that aims at (i) gathering relevant knowledge on physical illness in people with mental illness, (ii) identifying health promotion initiatives in European countries that meet country-specific needs, and (iii) at identifying best practice across Europe. Criteria for best practice will include evidence on the efficacy of physical health interventions and of their effectiveness in routine care, cost implications and feasibility for adaptation and implementation of interventions across different settings in Europe. HELPS will develop and implement a "physical health promotion toolkit". The toolkit will provide information to empower residents and staff to identify the most relevant risk factors in their specific context and to select the most appropriate action out of a range of defined health promoting interventions. The key methods are (a) stakeholder analysis, (b) international literature reviews, (c) Delphi rounds with experts from participating centres, and (d) focus groups with staff and residents of mental health care facilities. Meanwhile a multi-disciplinary network consisting of 15 European countries has been established and took up the work. As one main result of the project they expect that a widespread use of the HELPS toolkit could have a significant positive effect on the physical health status of residents of mental health and social care facilities, as well as to hold resonance for community dwelling people with mental health problems. Discussion A general strategy on health promotion for people with mental disorders must take into

Assessment of radiation shield integrity of DD/DT fusion neutron generator facilities by Monte Carlo and experimental methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, P.; Priya, S.; Patel, Tarun; Gopalakrishnan, R. K.; Sharma, D. N.

2015-01-01

DD/DT fusion neutron generators are used as sources of 2.5 MeV/14.1 MeV neutrons in experimental laboratories for various applications. Detailed knowledge of the radiation dose rates around the neutron generators are essential for ensuring radiological protection of the personnel involved with the operation. This work describes the experimental and Monte Carlo studies carried out in the Purnima Neutron Generator facility of the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Mumbai. Verification and validation of the shielding adequacy was carried out by measuring the neutron and gamma dose-rates at various locations inside and outside the neutron generator hall during different operational conditions both for 2.5-MeV and 14.1-MeV neutrons and comparing with theoretical simulations. The calculated and experimental dose rates were found to agree with a maximum deviation of 20% at certain locations. This study has served in benchmarking the Monte Carlo simulation methods adopted for shield design of such facilities. This has also helped in augmenting the existing shield thickness to reduce the neutron and associated gamma dose rates for radiological protection of personnel during operation of the generators at higher source neutron yields up to 1 × 1010 n/s.

Selection of facility location under environmental damage priority and using ELECTRE method.

PubMed

Gundogdu, Ceren Erdin

2011-03-01

In the recent years, the environmental problems have reached to a vital extent, which is pushing the boundaries and far beyond daily evaluations. Industrial plants, the energy sources and uncontrolled release of pollutant gases (SO2, CO2 etc.) in the production stage have the greatest share in the occurrence of unfavorable environmental conditions. For this reason, the dimension of the problems that may arise in the production stage of industrial plants is directly related to the selection of facility location. In this study, geographical regions (a total of 7 regions) of our country have been analyzed in terms of environmental values based on their basins and the unfavorable environmental problems that are currently being experienced. Considered as such, with the directives of an expert group composed of nature scientists, the criteria and alternative areas are determined using the data gathered on ecosystem, basin characteristics, and land types. Since the primary goal is to keep the environmental damages at the minimum level, comprehensive definition of the problem is constructed by consultation of the expert group and the criteria are determined. Considering the fact that it will prevent the drawbacks generated by making decisions depending on certain stereotypes toa great extent, ELECTRE (Elimination and Choice Translating Reality English - Elimination Et Choix Traduisant la Realite) method is used to determine in which geographic region our country's industrial plants should be located.

Combined electron-beam and coagulation purification of molasses distillery slops. Features of the method, technical and economic evaluation of large-scale facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pikaev, A. K.; Ponomarev, A. V.; Bludenko, A. V.; Minin, V. N.; Elizar'eva, L. M.

2001-04-01

The paper summarizes the results obtained from the study on combined electron-beam and coagulation method for purification of molasses distillery slops from distillery produced ethyl alcohol by fermentation of grain, potato, beet and some other plant materials. The method consists in preliminary mixing of industrial wastewater with municipal wastewater, electron-beam treatment of the mixture and subsequent coagulation. Technical and economic evaluation of large-scale facility (output of 7000 m 3 day -1) with two powerful cascade electron accelerators (total maximum beam power of 400 kW) for treatment of the wastewater by the above method was carried out. It was calculated that the cost of purification of the wastes is equal to 0.25 US$ m -3 that is noticeably less than in the case of the existing method.

45 CFR 605.22 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., assignment of aides to beneficiaries, home visits, delivery of health, welfare, or other social services at... changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with paragraph (a... in the most integrated setting appropriate. (c) Small health, welfare, or other social service...

34 CFR 104.22 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., delivery of health, welfare, or other social services at alternate accessible sites, alteration of existing... not required to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in... handicapped persons in the most integrated setting appropriate. (c) Small health, welfare, or other social...

45 CFR 605.22 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

..., assignment of aides to beneficiaries, home visits, delivery of health, welfare, or other social services at... changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with paragraph (a... in the most integrated setting appropriate. (c) Small health, welfare, or other social service...

FACILITY 846, SOUTHEAST END ON LEFT, WITH FACILITY 845 ON ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

FACILITY 846, SOUTHEAST END ON LEFT, WITH FACILITY 845 ON RIGHT AND FACILITY 847 IN CENTER BACKGROUND, QUADRANGLE J, VIEW FACING NORTH. - Schofield Barracks Military Reservation, Quadrangles I & J Barracks Type, Between Wright-Smith & Capron Avenues near Williston Avenue, Wahiawa, Honolulu County, HI

Aluminum-doped ceria-zirconia solid solutions with enhanced thermal stability and high oxygen storage capacity.

PubMed

Dong, Qiang; Yin, Shu; Guo, Chongshen; Sato, Tsugio

2012-10-01

A facile solvothermal method to synthesize aluminum-doped ceria-zirconia (Ce0.5Zr0.5-xAlxO2-x/2, x = 0.1 to 0.4) solid solutions was carried out using Ce(NH4)2(NO3)6, Zr(NO3)3·2H2O Al(NO3)3·9H2O, and NH4OH as the starting materials at 200°C for 24 h. The obtained solid solutions from the solvothermal reaction were calcined at 1,000°C for 20 h in air atmosphere to evaluate the thermal stability. The synthesized Ce0.5Zr0.3Al0.2O1.9 particle was characterized for the oxygen storage capacity (OSC) in automotive catalysis. For the characterization, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) technique were employed. The OSC values of all samples were measured at 600°C using thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis. Ce0.5Zr0.3Al0.2O1.9 solid solutions calcined at 1,000°C for 20 h with a BET surface area of 18 m2 g-1 exhibited a considerably high OSC of 427 μmol-O g-1 and good OSC performance stability. The same synthesis route was employed for the preparation of the CeO2 and Ce0.5Zr0.5O2. The incorporation of aluminum ion in the lattice of ceria-based catalyst greatly enhanced the thermal stability and OSC.

Determining health-care facility catchment areas in Uganda using data on malaria-related visits

PubMed Central

Charland, Katia; Kigozi, Ruth; Dorsey, Grant; Kamya, Moses R; Buckeridge, David L

2014-01-01

Abstract Objective To illustrate the use of a new method for defining the catchment areas of health-care facilities based on their utilization. Methods The catchment areas of six health-care facilities in Uganda were determined using the cumulative case ratio: the ratio of the observed to expected utilization of a facility for a particular condition by patients from small administrative areas. The cumulative case ratio for malaria-related visits to these facilities was determined using data from the Uganda Malaria Surveillance Project. Catchment areas were also derived using various straight line and road network distances from the facility. Subsequently, the 1-year cumulative malaria case rate was calculated for each catchment area, as determined using the three methods. Findings The 1-year cumulative malaria case rate varied considerably with the method used to define the catchment areas. With the cumulative case ratio approach, the catchment area could include noncontiguous areas. With the distance approaches, the denominator increased substantially with distance, whereas the numerator increased only slightly. The largest cumulative case rate per 1000 population was for the Kamwezi facility: 234.9 (95% confidence interval, CI: 226.2–243.8) for a straight-line distance of 5 km, 193.1 (95% CI: 186.8–199.6) for the cumulative case ratio approach and 156.1 (95% CI: 150.9–161.4) for a road network distance of 5 km. Conclusion Use of the cumulative case ratio for malaria-related visits to determine health-care facility catchment areas was feasible. Moreover, this approach took into account patients’ actual addresses, whereas using distance from the facility did not. PMID:24700977

Race, Wealth, and Solid Waste Facilities in North Carolina

PubMed Central

Norton, Jennifer M.; Wing, Steve; Lipscomb, Hester J.; Kaufman, Jay S.; Marshall, Stephen W.; Cravey, Altha J.

2007-01-01

Background Concern has been expressed in North Carolina that solid waste facilities may be disproportionately located in poor communities and in communities of color, that this represents an environmental injustice, and that solid waste facilities negatively impact the health of host communities. Objective Our goal in this study was to conduct a statewide analysis of the location of solid waste facilities in relation to community race and wealth. Methods We used census block groups to obtain racial and economic characteristics, and information on solid waste facilities was abstracted from solid waste facility permit records. We used logistic regression to compute prevalence odds ratios for 2003, and Cox regression to compute hazard ratios of facilities issued permits between 1990 and 2003. Results The adjusted prevalence odds of a solid waste facility was 2.8 times greater in block groups with ≥50% people of color compared with block groups with < 10% people of color, and 1.5 times greater in block groups with median house values < $60,000 compared with block groups with median house values ≥$100,000. Among block groups that did not have a previously permitted solid waste facility, the adjusted hazard of a new permitted facility was 2.7 times higher in block groups with ≥50% people of color compared with block groups with < 10% people of color. Conclusion Solid waste facilities present numerous public health concerns. In North Carolina solid waste facilities are disproportionately located in communities of color and low wealth. In the absence of action to promote environmental justice, the continued need for new facilities could exacerbate this environmental injustice. PMID:17805426

Unique Cobalt Sulfide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite as an Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries with Superior Rate Capability and Long Cycling Stability.

PubMed

Peng, Shengjie; Han, Xiaopeng; Li, Linlin; Zhu, Zhiqiang; Cheng, Fangyi; Srinivansan, Madhavi; Adams, Stefan; Ramakrishna, Seeram

2016-03-09

Exploitation of high-performance anode materials is essential but challenging to the development of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Among all proposed anode materials for SIBs, sulfides have been proved promising candidates due to their unique chemical and physical properties. In this work, a facile solvothermal method to in situ decorate cobalt sulfide (CoS) nanoplates on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to build CoS@rGO composite is described. When evaluated as anode for SIBs, an impressive high specific capacity (540 mAh g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) ), excellent rate capability (636 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1) and 306 mAh g(-1) at 10 A g(-1)), and extraordinarily cycle stability (420 mAh g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) after 1000 cycles) have been demonstrated by CoS@rGO composite for sodium storage. The synergetic effect between the CoS nanoplates and rGO matrix contributes to the enhanced electrochemical performance of the hybrid composite. The results provide a facile approach to fabricate promising anode materials for high-performance SIBs. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Proposal for a new categorization of aseptic processing facilities based on risk assessment scores.

PubMed

Katayama, Hirohito; Toda, Atsushi; Tokunaga, Yuji; Katoh, Shigeo

2008-01-01

Risk assessment of aseptic processing facilities was performed using two published risk assessment tools. Calculated risk scores were compared with experimental test results, including environmental monitoring and media fill run results, in three different types of facilities. The two risk assessment tools used gave a generally similar outcome. However, depending on the tool used, variations were observed in the relative scores between the facilities. For the facility yielding the lowest risk scores, the corresponding experimental test results showed no contamination, indicating that these ordinal testing methods are insufficient to evaluate this kind of facility. A conventional facility having acceptable aseptic processing lines gave relatively high risk scores. The facility showing a rather high risk score demonstrated the usefulness of conventional microbiological test methods. Considering the significant gaps observed in calculated risk scores and in the ordinal microbiological test results between advanced and conventional facilities, we propose a facility categorization based on risk assessment. The most important risk factor in aseptic processing is human intervention. When human intervention is eliminated from the process by advanced hardware design, the aseptic processing facility can be classified into a new risk category that is better suited for assuring sterility based on a new set of criteria rather than on currently used microbiological analysis. To fully benefit from advanced technologies, we propose three risk categories for these aseptic facilities.

Facilities | Bioenergy | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Facilities Facilities At NREL's state-of-the-art bioenergy research facilities, researchers design options. Photo of interior of industrial, two-story building with high-bay, piping, and large processing

The ASTROCULTURE Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

Research with plants in microgravity offers many exciting opportunities to gain new insights and could improve products on Earth ranging from crop production to fragrances and food flavorings. The ASTROCULTURE facility is a lead commercial facility for plant growth and plant research in microgravity and was developed by the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics (WSCAR), a NASA Commercial Space Center. On STS-95 it will support research that could help improve crop development leading to plants that are more disease resistant or have a higher yield and provide data on the production of plant essential oils---oils that contain the essence of the plant and provide both fragrance and flavoring. On STS-95, a flowering plant will be grown in ASTROCULTURE and samples taken using a method developed by the industry partner for this investigation. On Earth the samples will be analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and the data used to evaluate both the production of fragrant oils in microgravity and in the development of one or more products.

28 CFR 42.521 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with paragraph (a... this section within ninety days of the effective date of this subpart. However, where structural... completed no later than three years from the effective date of this subpart. If structural changes to...

28 CFR 42.521 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with paragraph (a... this section within ninety days of the effective date of this subpart. However, where structural... completed no later than three years from the effective date of this subpart. If structural changes to...

28 CFR 42.521 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with paragraph (a... this section within ninety days of the effective date of this subpart. However, where structural... completed no later than three years from the effective date of this subpart. If structural changes to...

28 CFR 42.521 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with paragraph (a... this section within ninety days of the effective date of this subpart. However, where structural... completed no later than three years from the effective date of this subpart. If structural changes to...

28 CFR 42.521 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with paragraph (a... this section within ninety days of the effective date of this subpart. However, where structural... completed no later than three years from the effective date of this subpart. If structural changes to...

Developing tourism facilities based on geotourism in Silalahi Village, Geopark Toba Caldera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ginting, Nurlisa; Sasmita, Anggun

2018-03-01

Toba Caldera is one of the biggest lakes in Indonesia with supervolcano geology phenomenon, and its result amazing natural resources. It makes Toba Lake become the number one tourism in North Sumatera. However, tourism in Toba Lake is still needed development. Geotourism is one of the concept that suitable for this case. It is because geotourism is a new development tourism concept that focuses on the natural and geological phenomenon. Silalahi Village is one of the areas in Toba Caldera that still needs development, especially in tourism facilities sector. This research aims to investigation the facilities concept based on geotourism in Silalahi Village that would be analyzed by three element of tourism facilities namely, accommodation, support facilities and tourism auxiliary facilities. The method used for this research is mixed methods by distributing 100 questionnaires, observations directly to the area and interviews with three informants related parties interested in tourism, such as local people, government, and academics. The data would be processed and analyzed with techniques of exploration. The result shows that the three elements of tourism facilities are still lacking and needs to improve to increase the economy and tourism in the area.

A method to assess the population-level consequences of wind energy facilities on bird and bat species: Chapter

USGS Publications Warehouse

Diffendorfer, James E.; Beston, Julie A.; Merrill, Matthew; Stanton, Jessica C.; Corum, Margo D.; Loss, Scott R.; Thogmartin, Wayne E.; Johnson, Douglas H.; Erickson, Richard A.; Heist, Kevin W.

2016-01-01

For this study, a methodology was developed for assessing impacts of wind energy generation on populations of birds and bats at regional to national scales. The approach combines existing methods in applied ecology for prioritizing species in terms of their potential risk from wind energy facilities and estimating impacts of fatalities on population status and trend caused by collisions with wind energy infrastructure. Methods include a qualitative prioritization approach, demographic models, and potential biological removal. The approach can be used to prioritize species in need of more thorough study as well as to identify species with minimal risk. However, the components of this methodology require simplifying assumptions and the data required may be unavailable or of poor quality for some species. These issues should be carefully considered before using the methodology. The approach will increase in value as more data become available and will broaden the understanding of anthropogenic sources of mortality on bird and bat populations.

EPA Facility Registry Service (FRS): Facility Interests Dataset

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This web feature service consists of location and facility identification information from EPA's Facility Registry Service (FRS) for all sites that are available in the FRS individual feature layers. The layers comprise the FRS major program databases, including:Assessment Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) : brownfields sites ; Air Facility System (AFS) : stationary sources of air pollution ; Air Quality System (AQS) : ambient air pollution data from monitoring stations; Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) : schools data on Indian land; Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) facilities; Clean Air Markets Division Business System (CAMDBS) : market-based air pollution control programs; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) : hazardous waste sites; Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS) : integrated enforcement and compliance information; National Compliance Database (NCDB) : Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) module of ICIS : NPDES surface water permits; Radiation Information Database (RADINFO) : radiation and radioactivity facilities; RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC) : best available air pollution technology requirements; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System (RCRAInfo) : tracks generators, transporters, treaters, storers, and disposers of haz

Biosecurity measures in 48 isolation facilities managing highly infectious diseases.

PubMed

Puro, Vincenzo; Fusco, Francesco M; Schilling, Stefan; Thomson, Gail; De Iaco, Giuseppina; Brouqui, Philippe; Maltezou, Helena C; Bannister, Barbara; Gottschalk, René; Brodt, Hans-Rheinhard; Ippolito, Giuseppe

2012-06-01

Biosecurity measures are traditionally applied to laboratories, but they may also be usefully applied in highly specialized clinical settings, such as the isolation facilities for the management of patients with highly infectious diseases (eg, viral hemorrhagic fevers, SARS, smallpox, potentially severe pandemic flu, and MDR- and XDR-tuberculosis). In 2009 the European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases conducted a survey in 48 isolation facilities in 16 European countries to determine biosecurity measures for access control to the facility. Security personnel are present in 39 facilities (81%). In 35 facilities (73%), entrance to the isolation area is restricted; control methods include electronic keys, a PIN system, closed-circuit TV, and guards at the doors. In 25 facilities (52%), identification and registration of all staff entering and exiting the isolation area are required. Access control is used in most surveyed centers, but specific lacks exist in some facilities. Further data are needed to assess other biosecurity aspects, such as the security measures during the transportation of potentially contaminated materials and measures to address the risk of an "insider attack."

Biosecurity Measures in 48 Isolation Facilities Managing Highly Infectious Diseases

PubMed Central

Puro, Vincenzo; Schilling, Stefan; Thomson, Gail; De Iaco, Giuseppina; Brouqui, Philippe; Maltezou, Helena C.; Bannister, Barbara; Gottschalk, René; Brodt, Hans-Rheinhard; Ippolito, Giuseppe

2012-01-01

Biosecurity measures are traditionally applied to laboratories, but they may also be usefully applied in highly specialized clinical settings, such as the isolation facilities for the management of patients with highly infectious diseases (eg, viral hemorrhagic fevers, SARS, smallpox, potentially severe pandemic flu, and MDR- and XDR-tuberculosis). In 2009 the European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases conducted a survey in 48 isolation facilities in 16 European countries to determine biosecurity measures for access control to the facility. Security personnel are present in 39 facilities (81%). In 35 facilities (73%), entrance to the isolation area is restricted; control methods include electronic keys, a PIN system, closed-circuit TV, and guards at the doors. In 25 facilities (52%), identification and registration of all staff entering and exiting the isolation area are required. Access control is used in most surveyed centers, but specific lacks exist in some facilities. Further data are needed to assess other biosecurity aspects, such as the security measures during the transportation of potentially contaminated materials and measures to address the risk of an “insider attack.” PMID:22571373

Ultrathin rhodium nanosheets.

PubMed

Duan, Haohong; Yan, Ning; Yu, Rong; Chang, Chun-Ran; Zhou, Gang; Hu, Han-Shi; Rong, Hongpan; Niu, Zhiqiang; Mao, Junjie; Asakura, Hiroyuki; Tanaka, Tsunehiro; Dyson, Paul Joseph; Li, Jun; Li, Yadong

2014-01-01

Despite significant advances in the fabrication and applications of graphene-like materials, it remains a challenge to prepare single-layered metallic materials, which have great potential applications in physics, chemistry and material science. Here we report the fabrication of poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-supported single-layered rhodium nanosheets using a facile solvothermal method. Atomic force microscope shows that the thickness of a rhodium nanosheet is <4 Å. Electron diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements suggest that the rhodium nanosheets are composed of planar single-atom-layered sheets of rhodium. Density functional theory studies reveal that the single-layered Rh nanosheet involves a δ-bonding framework, which stabilizes the single-layered structure together with the poly(vinylpyrrolidone) ligands. The poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-supported single-layered rhodium nanosheet represents a class of metallic two-dimensional structures that might inspire further fundamental advances in physics, chemistry and material science.

Stockpiles and food availability in feeding facilities after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

PubMed

Nozue, Miho; Ishikawa-Takata, Kazuko; Sarukura, Nobuko; Sako, Kazuko; Tsuboyama-Kasaoka, Nobuyo

2014-01-01

Food stockpiles and methods of ensuring food availability after the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011 have been studied. Questionnaires were sent to 1911 registered dietitians and general dietitians who were members of the Japan Dietetic Association in August 2012. Four hundred thirty-five dietitians (22.8%) completed the questionnaire about work involved in feeding facilities, types and administration of meals, and food stockpiles. Methods of ensuring food availability, preparation, and accommodating food for special dietary uses were recorded for the three-day period immediately following the earthquake, and the period from 4 days to one month after the earthquake. Three days after the earthquake, differences in administration of meals at feeding facilities providing three meals daily, food stockpiles, organization, contactable facilities, and how to contact them for food items were assessed. Sixty-nine percent of all feeding facilities in this study had stockpiles of food before the Great East Japan Earthquake. Administration of meals in feeding facilities and the possibility of contact with cooperative feeding facilities were found to correlate positively with ensuring the availability of food groups. Food scores were higher in facilities providing three meals daily by direct administration of meals and with accessible public administrators, cooperative facilities and suppliers, and facilities that were contactable by landline telephone, mobile phone, fax or email. The necessity for natural disaster-readiness through continuous stockpiling food at feeding facilities is confirmed. Each prospective feeding facility must be required to plan its stockpiles, their turnover and replaceability to maximise food security in the face of disaster.

Microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of flower-like Ag/AgBr/BiOBr microspheres and their high efficient photocatalytic degradation for p-nitrophenol

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

Li, Tingting, E-mail: tingtingli1983@hotmail.com; State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha 410082; Department of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Ecological Diagnosis, Remediation and Pollution Control, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063

Flower-like Ag/AgBr/BiOBr microspheres were successfully fabricated by the approach of microwave-assisted solvothermal and in situ photo-assisted reduction. A reactive ionic liquid 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C{sub 16}mim]Br) was employed as Br source in the presence of surfactant polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The photocatalytic activity of Ag/AgBr/BiOBr towards the decomposition of p-nitrophenol under visible light irradiation was evaluated. The results indicated that Ag/AgBr/BiOBr showed enhanced photocatalytic activity towards p-nitrophenol, comparing with P25, BiOBr and Ag/AgBr. More than 96% of p-nitrophenol was decomposed in 3.5 h under visible-light irradation. The excellent photocatalytic activity of flower-like Ag/AgBr/BiOBr microspheres can be attributed to the large specific surface area,more » strong visible-light absorption, suitable energy band structure and surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles. The possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the active species test and band gap structure analysis. - Graphical abstract: The photocatalytic reaction mechanisms of the as-prepared Ag/AgBr/BiOBr. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Successful synthesis of flower-like Ag/AgBr/BiOBr microspheres. • The Ag/AgBr/BiOBr showed much higher photocatalytic activity towards p-nitrophenol as compared to BiOBr and Ag/AgBr. • The reasons for the excellent photocatalytic activity are the large specific surface area, strong visible-light absorption and surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles. • The O{sub 2}·{sup −}, Br{sup 0} and photogenerated h{sup +} play key roles in the photocatalytic degradation process.« less

A Facile Method to Fabricate Double Gyroid as A Polymer Template for Nanohybrids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hsiao-Fang; Ho, Rong-Ming

2015-03-01

Here, we suggest a facile method to acquire double gyroid (DG) phase from the self-assembly of chiral block copolymers (BCPs*), polystyrene- b-poly(L-lactide) (PS-PLLA). A wide region for the formation of DG can be found in the phase diagram of the BCPs*, suggesting that helical phase (H*) from the self-assembly of BCPs* can serve as a stepping stone for the formation of the DG due to an easy path for order-order transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional (network) structure. Moreover, the order-order transition from metastable H* to stable DG can be expedited by blending the PS-PLLA with compatible entity. Moreover, PS-PLLA blends are prepared by using styrene oligomer (S) to fine-tune the morphologies of the blends at which the molecular weight ratio of the S and compatible PS block (r) is less than 0.1. Owing to the use of the low-molecular-weight oligomer, the increase of BCP chain mobility in the blends significantly reduces the transformation time for the order-order transition from H* to DG. Consequently, nanoporous gyroid SiO2 can be fabricated using hydrolyzed PS-PLLA blends as a template for sol-gel reaction followed by removal of the PS matrix.

Cobalt-based metal organic framework with superior lithium anodic performance

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

Hu, Xiaoshi; Hu, Huiping; Li, Chao

The reversible charging of a Co-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate MOF (Co-BDC MOF) prepared via an one-pot solvothermal method was studied for use as the anode in a Li-ion cell. It was found that this MOF anode provides high reversible capacities (1090 and 611 mA h g{sup −1} at current densities of 0.2 and 1 A g{sup −1}, respectively), and an impressive rate performance. Such an outstanding Li-ion storage property has not been reported previously for the LIB anodes within the MOFs category. Ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) studies of this material at different state of charge suggest that cobaltmore » stays at Co{sup 2+} state during discharge/charge process, so that in this case Li{sup +} may be inserted into the organic moiety without the direct participation of cobalt ions. - Graphical abstract: Co-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate MOF, synthesized through a straightforward solvothermal method, shows outstanding lithium storage performance. - Highlights: • Co-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate MOF is synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal method. • Reversible capacity of 1090 mA h g{sup −1} is achieved at a current density of 200 mA g{sup −1}. • Reversible capacity of 611 mA h g{sup −1} is achieved at a current density of 1 A g{sup −1}. • Li-ions may be inserted into the organic moieties.« less

Controllable Synthesis of Highly Luminescent Boron Nitride Quantum Dots.

PubMed

Li, Hongling; Tay, Roland Yingjie; Tsang, Siu Hon; Zhen, Xu; Teo, Edwin Hang Tong

2015-12-22

Boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs), as a new member of heavy metal-free quantum dots, have aroused great interest in fundamental research and practical application due to their unique physical/chemical properties. However, it is still a challenge to controllably synthesize high-quality BNQDs with high quantum yield (QY), uniform size and strong fluorescent. In this work, BNQDs have been successfully fabricated by the liquid exfoliation and the subsequent solvothermal process with respect to its facileness and easy large scale up. Importantly, BNQDs with high-quality can be controllably obtained by adjusting the synthetic parameters involved in the solvothermal process including filling factor, synthesis temperature, and duration time. Encouragingly, the as-prepared BNQDs possess strong blue luminescence with QY as high as 19.5%, which can be attributed to the synergetic effect of size, surface chemistry and edge defects. In addition, this strategy presented here provides a new reference for the controllable synthesis of other heavy metal-free QDs. Furthermore, the as-prepared BNQDs are non-toxic to cells and exhibit nanosecond-scaled lifetimes, suggesting they have great potential biological and optoelectronic applications. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Analysis of Student Satisfaction Toward Quality of Service Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Napitupulu, D.; Rahim, R.; Abdullah, D.; Setiawan, MI; Abdillah, LA; Ahmar, AS; Simarmata, J.; Hidayat, R.; Nurdiyanto, H.; Pranolo, A.

2018-01-01

The development of higher education is very rapid rise to the tight competition both public universities and private colleges. XYZ University realized to win the competition, required continuous quality improvement, including the quality of existing service facilities. Amenities quality services is believed to support the success of the learning activities and improve user satisfaction. This study aims to determine the extent to which the quality of the services effect on user satisfaction. The research method used is survey-based questionnaire that measure perception and expectation. The results showed a gap between perception and expectations of the respondents have a negative value for each item. This means XYZ service facility at the university is not currently meet the expectations of society members. Three service facility that has the lowest index is based on the perception of respondents is a laboratory (2.56), computer and multimedia (2.63) as well as wifi network (2.99). The magnitude of the correlation between satisfaction with the quality of service facilities is 0.725 which means a strong and positive relationship. The influence of the quality of service facilities to the satisfaction of the students is 0.525 meaning that the variable quality of the services facility can explain 52.5% of the variable satisfaction. The study provided recommendations for improvements to enhance the quality of services facility at the XYZ university facilities.

Solvothermal synthesis of stable nanoporous polymeric bases-crystalline TiO2 nanocomposites: visible light active and efficient photocatalysts for water treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Fujian; Kong, Weiping; Wang, Liang; Noshadi, Iman; Zhang, Zhonghua; Qi, Chenze

2015-02-01

Visible light active and stable nanoporous polymeric base-crystalline TiO2 nanocomposites were solvothermally synthesized from in situ copolymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) with 1-vinylimidazolate (VI) or 4-vinylpyridine (Py) in the presence of tetrabutyl titanate without the use of any other additives (PDVB-VI-TiO2-x, PDVB-Py-TiO2-x, where x stands for the molar ratio of TiO2 to VI or Py), which showed excellent activity with respect to catalyzing the degradation of organic pollutants of p-nitrophenol (PNP) and rhodamine-B (RhB). TEM and SEM images show that PDVB-VI-TiO2-x and PDVB-Py-TiO2-x have abundant nanopores, and TiO2 nanocrystals with a high degree of crystallinity were homogeneously embedded in the PDVB-VI-TiO2-x and PDVB-Py-TiO2-x, forming a stable ‘brick-and-mortar’ nanostructure. PDVB-VI and PDVB-Py supports act as the glue linking TiO2 nanocrystals to form nanopores and constraining the agglomeration of TiO2 nanocrystals. XPS spectra show evidence of unique interactions between TiO2 and basic sites in these samples. UV diffuse reflectance shows that PDVB-VI-TiO2-x and PDVB-Py-TiO2-x exhibit a unique response to visible light. Catalytic tests show that the PDVB-VI-TiO2-x and PDVB-Py-TiO2-x were active in catalyzing the degradation of PNP and RhB organic pollutants under visible light irradiation. The enhanced activities of the PDVB-VI-TiO2-x and PDVB-Py-TiO2-x were ascribed to synergistic effects between abundant nanopores and the unique optical adsorption of visible light in the samples.

Solvothermal synthesis of stable nanoporous polymeric bases-crystalline TiO2 nanocomposites: visible light active and efficient photocatalysts for water treatment.

PubMed

Liu, Fujian; Kong, Weiping; Wang, Liang; Noshadi, Iman; Zhang, Zhonghua; Qi, Chenze

2015-02-27

Visible light active and stable nanoporous polymeric base-crystalline TiO2 nanocomposites were solvothermally synthesized from in situ copolymerization of divinylbenzene (DVB) with 1-vinylimidazolate (VI) or 4-vinylpyridine (Py) in the presence of tetrabutyl titanate without the use of any other additives (PDVB-VI-TiO2-x, PDVB-Py-TiO2-x, where x stands for the molar ratio of TiO2 to VI or Py), which showed excellent activity with respect to catalyzing the degradation of organic pollutants of p-nitrophenol (PNP) and rhodamine-B (RhB). TEM and SEM images show that PDVB-VI-TiO2-x and PDVB-Py-TiO2-x have abundant nanopores, and TiO2 nanocrystals with a high degree of crystallinity were homogeneously embedded in the PDVB-VI-TiO2-x and PDVB-Py-TiO2-x, forming a stable 'brick-and-mortar' nanostructure. PDVB-VI and PDVB-Py supports act as the glue linking TiO2 nanocrystals to form nanopores and constraining the agglomeration of TiO2 nanocrystals. XPS spectra show evidence of unique interactions between TiO2 and basic sites in these samples. UV diffuse reflectance shows that PDVB-VI-TiO2-x and PDVB-Py-TiO2-x exhibit a unique response to visible light. Catalytic tests show that the PDVB-VI-TiO2-x and PDVB-Py-TiO2-x were active in catalyzing the degradation of PNP and RhB organic pollutants under visible light irradiation. The enhanced activities of the PDVB-VI-TiO2-x and PDVB-Py-TiO2-x were ascribed to synergistic effects between abundant nanopores and the unique optical adsorption of visible light in the samples.

22 CFR 142.16 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE CIVIL RIGHTS NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS... part is viewed in its entirety it is readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. This... facility accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. (b) Methods. A recipient may comply with the...

22 CFR 142.16 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE CIVIL RIGHTS NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS... part is viewed in its entirety it is readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. This... facility accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. (b) Methods. A recipient may comply with the...

22 CFR 142.16 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE CIVIL RIGHTS NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS... part is viewed in its entirety it is readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. This... facility accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. (b) Methods. A recipient may comply with the...

22 CFR 142.16 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE CIVIL RIGHTS NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS... part is viewed in its entirety it is readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. This... facility accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. (b) Methods. A recipient may comply with the...

22 CFR 142.16 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE CIVIL RIGHTS NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS... part is viewed in its entirety it is readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. This... facility accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. (b) Methods. A recipient may comply with the...

30 CFR 71.400 - Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary flush toilet facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Surface Bathing Facilities, Change Rooms, and Sanitary Flush Toilet Facilities at Surface Coal Mines § 71.400 Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary flush toilet... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary...

30 CFR 71.400 - Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary flush toilet facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Surface Bathing Facilities, Change Rooms, and Sanitary Flush Toilet Facilities at Surface Coal Mines § 71.400 Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary flush toilet... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary...

30 CFR 71.400 - Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary flush toilet facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Surface Bathing Facilities, Change Rooms, and Sanitary Flush Toilet Facilities at Surface Coal Mines § 71.400 Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary flush toilet... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary...

30 CFR 71.400 - Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary flush toilet facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... WORK AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Surface Bathing Facilities, Change Rooms, and Sanitary Flush Toilet Facilities at Surface Coal Mines § 71.400 Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary flush toilet... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Bathing facilities; change rooms; sanitary...

Best Practices for Controlling Tuberculosis-Training in Correctional Facilities: A Mixed Methods Evaluation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murray, Ellen R.

2016-01-01

According to the literature, identifying and treating tuberculosis (TB) in correctional facilities have been problematic for the inmates and also for the communities into which inmates are released. The importance of training those who can identify this disease early into incarceration is vital to halt the transmission. Although some training has…

Space syntax in healthcare facilities research: a review.

PubMed

Haq, Saif; Luo, Yang

2012-01-01

Space Syntax is a theory and method that has been developing for the last 40 years. Originally conceived as a theory of "society and space," it has expanded to other areas. An important aspect of this is technical; it allows the quantification of layouts, and unit spaces within a layout, so that the environment itself can produce independent variables in quantitative research. Increasingly, it is being used to study healthcare facilities. Space Syntax has thereby become relevant to healthcare facilities researchers and designers. This paper attempts to explain Space Syntax to a new audience of healthcare designers, administrators, and researchers; it provides a literature review on the use of Space Syntax in healthcare facility research and suggests some possibilities for future application.

Fault detection and analysis in nuclear research facility using artificial intelligence methods

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

Ghazali, Abu Bakar, E-mail: Abakar@uniten.edu.my; Ibrahim, Maslina Mohd

In this article, an online detection of transducer and actuator condition is discussed. A case study is on the reading of area radiation monitor (ARM) installed at the chimney of PUSPATI TRIGA nuclear reactor building, located at Bangi, Malaysia. There are at least five categories of abnormal ARM reading that could happen during the transducer failure, namely either the reading becomes very high, or very low/ zero, or with high fluctuation and noise. Moreover, the reading may be significantly higher or significantly lower as compared to the normal reading. An artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)more » are good methods for modeling this plant dynamics. The failure of equipment is based on ARM reading so it is then to compare with the estimated ARM data from ANN/ ANFIS function. The failure categories in either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ state are obtained from a comparison between the actual online data and the estimated output from ANN/ ANFIS function. It is found that this system design can correctly report the condition of ARM equipment in a simulated environment and later be implemented for online monitoring. This approach can also be extended to other transducers, such as the temperature profile of reactor core and also to include other critical actuator conditions such as the valves and pumps in the reactor facility provided that the failure symptoms are clearly defined.« less

Analysis on the Utility of Satellite Imagery for Detection of Agricultural Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, J.-M.; Baek, S.-H.; Jung, K.-Y.

2012-07-01

Now that the agricultural facilities are being increase owing to development of technology and diversification of agriculture and the ratio of garden crops that are imported a lot and the crops cultivated in facilities are raised in Korea, the number of vinyl greenhouses is tending upward. So, it is important to grasp the distribution of vinyl greenhouses as much as that of rice fields, dry fields and orchards, but it is difficult to collect the information of wide areas economically and correctly. Remote sensing using satellite imagery is able to obtain data of wide area at the same time, quickly and cost-effectively collect, monitor and analyze information from every object on earth. In this study, in order to analyze the utilization of satellite imagery at detection of agricultural facility, image classification was performed about the agricultural facility, vinyl greenhouse using Formosat-2 satellite imagery. The training set of sea, vegetation, building, bare ground and vinyl greenhouse was set to monitor the agricultural facilities of the object area and the training set for the vinyl greenhouses that are main monitoring object was classified and set again into 3 types according the spectral characteristics. The image classification using 4 kinds of supervise classification methods applied by the same training set were carried out to grasp the image classification method which is effective for monitoring agricultural facilities. And, in order to minimize the misclassification appeared in the classification using the spectral information, the accuracy of classification was intended to be raised by adding texture information. The results of classification were analyzed regarding the accuracy comparing with that of naked-eyed detection. As the results of classification, the method of Mahalanobis distance was shown as more efficient than other methods and the accuracy of classification was higher when adding texture information. Hence the more effective

Indoor Athletic Facilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fleming, E. Scott

2000-01-01

Examines the concept of shared-use facilities to help financially support and meet the demand for athletic facilities. Shared-use considerations are explored including cost sharing of ongoing operations, aesthetics, locker rooms, support facilities, parking and site access, and building access and security. (GR)

Mineral facilities of Africa and the Middle East

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eros, J.M.; Candelario-Quintana, Luissette

2006-01-01

This map displays over 1,500 mineral facilities in Africa and the Middle East. The mineral facilities include mines, plants, mills, or refineries of aluminum, cement, coal, copper, diamond, gold, iron and steel, nickel, platinum-group metals, salt, and silver, among others. The data used in this poster were compiled from multiple sources, including the 2004 USGS Minerals Yearbook (Africa and Middle East volume), Minerals Statistics and Information from the USGS Web site (http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/), and data collected by USGS minerals information country specialists. Data reflect the most recent published table of industry structure for each country. Other sources include statistical publications of individual countries, annual reports and press releases of operating companies, and trade journals. Due to the sensitivity of some energy commodity data, the quality of these data should be evaluated on a country-by-country basis. Additional information and explanation is available from the country specialists. See Table 1 for general information about each mineral facility site including country, location and facility name, facility type, latitude, longitude, mineral commodity, mining method, main operating company, status, capacity, and units.

Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility - A unique facility with new capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, P. A.; Stubbs, S. M.; Tanner, J. A.

1985-01-01

The Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility (ALDF), formerly called the Landing Loads Track, is described. The paper gives a historical overview of the original NASA Langley Research Center Landing Loads Track and discusses the unique features of this national test facility. Comparisons are made between the original track characteristics and the new capabilities of the Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility following the recently completed facility update. Details of the new propulsion and arresting gear systems are presented along with the novel features of the new high-speed carriage. The data acquisition system is described and the paper concludes with a review of future test programs.

EPA Facility Registry Service (FRS): Facility Interests Dataset Download

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This downloadable data package consists of location and facility identification information from EPA's Facility Registry Service (FRS) for all sites that are available in the FRS individual feature layers. The layers comprise the FRS major program databases, including:Assessment Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) : brownfields sites ; Air Facility System (AFS) : stationary sources of air pollution ; Air Quality System (AQS) : ambient air pollution data from monitoring stations; Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) : schools data on Indian land; Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) facilities; Clean Air Markets Division Business System (CAMDBS) : market-based air pollution control programs; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) : hazardous waste sites; Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS) : integrated enforcement and compliance information; National Compliance Database (NCDB) : Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) module of ICIS : NPDES surface water permits; Radiation Information Database (RADINFO) : radiation and radioactivity facilities; RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC) : best available air pollution technology requirements; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System (RCRAInfo) : tracks generators, transporters, treaters, storers, and disposers

Force Measurements in Short-Duration Hypersonic Facilities

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-11-01

method which depends upon a double differentiation of experimental data, albeit smoothed. When the motion is non -plarnar, the tricyclic method of...J.0. & Hamaker, F.M. An experimental investigation of the base pressure characteristics of (1955) non -lifting bodies of revolution at Mach numbers...AD-AO18 842 FORCE MEASUREMENTS IN SHORT-DURATION HYPERSONIC FACILITIES Leonard Bernstein, et al Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development

Health Facilities

MedlinePlus

Health facilities are places that provide health care. They include hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, and specialized care centers, ... psychiatric care centers. When you choose a health facility, you might want to consider How close it ...

Aeronautical facilities assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Penaranda, F. E. (Compiler)

1985-01-01

A survey of the free world's aeronautical facilities was undertaken and an evaluation made on where the relative strengths and weaknesses exist. Special emphasis is given to NASA's own capabilities and needs. The types of facilities surveyed are: Wind Tunnels; Airbreathing Propulsion Facilities; and Flight Simulators

Recommended methods for the disposal of sanitary wastes from temporary field medical facilities.

PubMed

Reed, R A; Dean, P T

1994-12-01

Emergency field medical facilities constructed after a disaster are frequently managed by medical staff even though many of the day-to-day problems of hospital management are unrelated to medicine. In this paper we discuss the short-term management of one of these problems, namely the control and disposal of sanitary wastes. It is aimed at persons in the medical profession who may find themselves responsible for a temporary hospital and have little or no previous experience of managing such situations. The wastes commonly generated are excreta, sullage and refuse. In addition, surface water must also be considered because its inadequate disposal is a potential health hazard. The paper concentrates on short-term measures appropriate for the first six months of the hospital or clinic's existence. Facilities expected to last longer are recommended to install conventional waste management systems appropriate to the local community and conditions. In most situations, wastes should be disposed of underground either by burial (for solids) or infiltration (for liquids). The design, construction and management of appropriate disposal systems are described.

Patient Care Staffing Levels and Facility Characteristics in U.S. Hemodialysis Facilities

PubMed Central

Yoder, Laura A. G.; Xin, Wenjun; Norris, Keith C.; Yan, Guofen

2013-01-01

Background Higher numbers of registered nurses per patient have been associated with improved patient outcomes in acute care facilities. Variation and associations of patient-care staffing levels and hemodialysis facility characteristics have not been previously examined. Study Design Cross-sectional study using Poisson regression to examine associations betwee patient-care staffing levels and hemodialysis facility characteristics. Setting & Participants 4,800 U.S. hemodialysis facilities in the 2009 CMS ESRD Annual Facility Survey (CMS-2744), USRDS. Predictors Facility characteristics, including profit status, freestanding status, chain affiliatio and geographic region, adjusted for facility size, capacity, functional type, and urbanicity. Outcomes Patient care staffing levels, including ratios of Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Patient Care Technicians (PCT), composite staff (RN+LPN+PCT), Social Workers, and Dietitians to in-center hemodialysis patients. Results After adjusting for background facility characteristics, the ratios of RNs and LPNs to patients were 35% (p<0.001) and 42% (p<0.001) lower, but the PCT-to-patient ratio was 16% (p<0.001) higher in for-profit facilities than those in nonprofit facilities (Rate ratio, 0.65, 95%CI, 0.63–0.68; 0.58, 0.51–0.65; 1.16, 1.12–1.19; respectively). Regionally, compared to the Northeast, the adjusted RN-to-patient ratio was 14% (p< 0.001) lower in the Midwest, 25% (p< 0.001) lower in the South, and 18% (p< 0.001) lower in the West. Even after additional adjustments, the large for-profit chains had significantly lower RN and LPN ratios than the largest nonprofit chain, but a significantly higher PCT-to-patient ratio. The overall composite staffing levels were also lower in for-profit and chain-affiliated facilities. The patterns hold when the hospital-based units were excluded. Limitations Nursing hours were not available. Conclusions The significant variation in patient-care staffing

Thermal oxidation synthesis hollow MoO{sub 3} microspheres and their applications in lithium storage and gas-sensing

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

Zhao, Xinyu; School of Petrochemical Engineering, Shenyang University of Technology, Liaoyang 111003; Cao, Minhua, E-mail: caomh@bit.edu.cn

2013-06-01

Graphical abstract: MoO{sub 3} hollow microspheres were synthesized via a facile and template-free solvothermal route and subsequent heat treatment in air. The MoO{sub 3} hollow microspheres exhibit an improved lithium storage and gas-sensing performance. Highlights: ► Hollow MoO{sub 3} microspheres were synthesized by thermal oxidation of hollow MoO{sub 2}. ► The MoO{sub 3} hollow microspheres have a relatively high specific surface area. ► The MoO{sub 3} hollow microspheres exhibit improved lithium storage performance. ► The MoO{sub 3} hollow microspheres show good responses to ammonia gas. - Abstract: In this paper, MoO{sub 3} hollow microspheres were synthesized via a facile andmore » template-free solvothermal route and subsequent heat treatment in air. The MoO{sub 3} hollow microspheres have a relatively high specific surface area, and with such a feature, the as-synthesized MoO{sub 3} hollow microspheres have potential applications in Li-ion battery and gas-sensor. When tested as a Li-storage anode material, the MoO{sub 3} hollow microspheres show a higher discharge capacity of 1377.1 mA h g{sup −1} in the first discharge and a high reversible capacity of 780 mA h g{sup −1} after 100 cycles at a rate of 1 C. Furthermore, as a gas sensing material, the MoO{sub 3} hollow microspheres exhibit an improved sensitivity and short response/recovery time to trace levels of ammonia gas.« less

METAL FINISHING FACILITY POLLUTION PREVENTION TOOL (MFFPPT)

EPA Science Inventory

The Metal Finishing Facility Pollution Tool (MFFPPT) is being developed to allow the metal finishing industry an easy method to evaluate potential pollution prevention options. In order to reduce the quantity of pollutants generated by a process, the sources of pollutants within ...

Data mining for rapid prediction of facility fit and debottlenecking of biomanufacturing facilities.

PubMed

Yang, Yang; Farid, Suzanne S; Thornhill, Nina F

2014-06-10

Higher titre processes can pose facility fit challenges in legacy biopharmaceutical purification suites with capacities originally matched to lower titre processes. Bottlenecks caused by mismatches in equipment sizes, combined with process fluctuations upon scale-up, can result in discarding expensive product. This paper describes a data mining decisional tool for rapid prediction of facility fit issues and debottlenecking of biomanufacturing facilities exposed to batch-to-batch variability and higher titres. The predictive tool comprised advanced multivariate analysis techniques to interrogate Monte Carlo stochastic simulation datasets that mimicked batch fluctuations in cell culture titres, step yields and chromatography eluate volumes. A decision tree classification method, CART (classification and regression tree) was introduced to explore the impact of these process fluctuations on product mass loss and reveal the root causes of bottlenecks. The resulting pictorial decision tree determined a series of if-then rules for the critical combinations of factors that lead to different mass loss levels. Three different debottlenecking strategies were investigated involving changes to equipment sizes, using higher capacity chromatography resins and elution buffer optimisation. The analysis compared the impact of each strategy on mass output, direct cost of goods per gram and processing time, as well as consideration of extra capital investment and space requirements. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental Measurements at the MASURCA Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Assal, W.; Bosq, J. C.; Mellier, F.

2012-12-01

Dedicated to the neutronics studies of fast and semi-fast reactor lattices, MASURCA (meaning “mock-up facility for fast breeder reactor studies at CADARACHE”) is an airflow cooled fast reactor operating at a maximum power of 5 kW playing an important role in the CEA research activities. At this facility, a lot of neutron integral experimental programs were undertaken. The purpose of this poster is to show a panorama of the facility from this experimental measurement point of view. A hint at the forthcoming refurbishment will be included. These programs include various experimental measurements (reactivity, distributions of fluxes, reaction rates), performed essentially with fission chambers, in accordance with different methods (noise methods, radial or axial traverses, rod drops) and involving several devices systems (monitors, fission chambers, amplifiers, power supplies, data acquisition systems ...). For this purpose are implemented electronics modules to shape the signals sent from the detectors in various mode (fluctuation, pulse, current). All the electric and electronic devices needed for these measurements and the relating wiring will be fully explained through comprehensive layouts. Data acquired during counting performed at the time of startup phase or rod drops are analyzed by the mean of a Neutronic Measurement Treatment (TMN in French) programmed on the basis of the MATLAB software. This toolbox gives the opportunity of data files management, reactivity valuation from neutronics measurements and transient or divergence simulation at zero power. Particular TMN using at MASURCA will be presented.

45 CFR 234.130 - Assistance in the form of institutional services in intermediate care facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... the intermediate care facility. (3) Provide methods of administration that include: (i) Placing of... intermediate care facility, whether the services actually rendered are adequate and responsive to the... intermediate care facility services under the medical assistance program, title XIX of the Act, but not later...

Take a Tour of Our Facility | Energy Systems Integration Facility | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Take a Tour of Our Facility Take a Tour of Our Facility The Energy Systems Integration Facility Optical Characterization Laboratory System Performance Laboratory Power Systems Integration Laboratory Control Room Energy Storage Laboratory Outdoor Testing Areas Outdoor Testing Areas Energy Systems

Limited Service Availability, Readiness, and Use of Facility-Based Delivery Care in Haiti: A Study Linking Health Facility Data and Population Data

PubMed Central

Wang, Wenjuan; Winner, Michelle; Burgert-Brucker, Clara R

2017-01-01

Background: Understanding the barriers that women in Haiti face to giving birth at a health facility is important for improving coverage of facility delivery and reducing persistently high maternal mortality. We linked health facility survey data and population survey data to assess the role of the obstetric service environment in affecting women's use of facility delivery care. Methods: Data came from the 2012 Haiti Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the 2013 Haiti Service Provision Assessment (SPA) survey. DHS clusters and SPA facilities were linked with their geographic coordinate information. The final analysis sample from the DHS comprised 4,921 women who had a live birth in the 5 years preceding the survey. Service availability was measured with the number of facilities providing delivery services within a specified distance from the cluster (within 5 kilometers for urban areas and 10 kilometers for rural areas). We measured facility readiness to provide obstetric care using 37 indicators defined by the World Health Organization. Random-intercept logistic regressions were used to model the variation in individual use of facility-based delivery care and cluster-level service availability and readiness, adjusting for other factors. Results: Overall, 39% of women delivered their most recent birth at a health facility and 61% delivered at home, with disparities by residence (about 60% delivered at a health facility in urban areas vs. 24% in rural areas). About one-fifth (18%) of women in rural areas and one-tenth (12%) of women in nonmetropolitan urban areas lived in clusters where no facility offered delivery care within the specified distances, while nearly all women (99%) in the metropolitan area lived in clusters that had at least 2 such facilities. Urban clusters had better service readiness compared with rural clusters, with a wide range of variation in both areas. Regression models indicated that in both rural and nonmetropolitan urban areas

Evaluation of design ventilation requirements for enclosed parking facilities

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

Ayari, A.; Krarti, M.

2000-07-01

This paper proposes a new design approach to determine the ventilation requirements for enclosed parking garages. The design approach accounts for various factors that affect the indoor air quality within a parking facility, including the average CO emission rate, the average travel time, the number of cars, and the acceptable CO level within the parking garage. This paper first describes the results of a parametric analysis based on the design method that was developed. Then the design method is presented to explain how the ventilation flow rate can be determined for any enclosed parking facility. Finally, some suggestions are proposedmore » to save fan energy for ventilating parking garages using demand ventilation control strategies.« less

Acetone gas sensor based on NiO/ZnO hollow spheres: Fast response and recovery, and low (ppb) detection limit.

PubMed

Liu, Chang; Zhao, Liupeng; Wang, Boqun; Sun, Peng; Wang, Qingji; Gao, Yuan; Liang, Xishuang; Zhang, Tong; Lu, Geyu

2017-06-01

NiO/ZnO composites were synthesized by decorating numerous NiO nanoparticles on the surfaces of well dispersed ZnO hollow spheres using a facile solvothermal method. Various kinds of characterization methods were utilized to investigate the structures and morphologies of the hybrid materials. The results revealed that the NiO nanoparticles with a size of ∼10nm were successfully distributed on the surfaces of ZnO hollow spheres in a discrete manner. As expected, the NiO/ZnO composites demonstrated dramatic improvements in sensing performances compared with pure ZnO hollow spheres. For example, the response of NiO/ZnO composites to 100ppm acetone was ∼29.8, which was nearly 4.6 times higher than that of primary ZnO at 275°C, and the response/recovery time were 1/20s, respectively. Meanwhile, the detection limit could extend down to ppb level. The likely reason for the improved gas sensing properties was also proposed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Facilities | Argonne National Laboratory

Science.gov Websites

Skip to main content Argonne National Laboratory Toggle Navigation Toggle Search Research Facilities Advanced Powertrain Research Facility Center for Transportation Research Distributed Energy Research Center Engine Research Facility Heat Transfer Laboratory Materials Engineering Research Facility

Casas Maternas in the Rural Highlands of Guatemala: A Mixed-Methods Case Study of the Introduction and Utilization of Birthing Facilities by an Indigenous Population

PubMed Central

Stollak, Ira; Valdez, Mario; Rivas, Karin; Perry, Henry

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: An international NGO, with financial and managerial support from “partner” communities, established Casas Maternas (birthing facilities) in 3 municipalities in the isolated northwestern highlands of the department of Huehuetenango in Guatemala—an area with high maternal mortality ratio (338 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births). Traditional birth attendants are encouraged to bring patients for delivery at the Casas Maternas, where trained staff are present and access to referral care is facilitated. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study in San Sebastian Coatán municipality to assess the contribution of 2 Casas Maternas to health facility deliveries among partner and non-partner communities, with particular emphasis on equity in access. We surveyed all women who delivered in the study area between April 2013 and March 2014, the first full year in which both Casas Maternas in the study area were operating. In addition, using purposive sampling, we conducted in-depth interviews with 22 women who delivered and 6 focus group discussions with 42 community leaders, traditional birth attendants, and Casas Maternas staff members. We analyzed the quantitative data using descriptive statstics and the qualitative data with descriptive content analysis. Results: Of the 321 women eligible for inclusion in the study, we surveyed 275 women (14.3% could not be located or refused to participate). Between April 2013 and March 2014, 70% of women living in partner communities delivered in a health facility (54% in a Casa Materna) compared with 30% of women living in non-partner communities (17% in a Casa Materna). There was no statistically significant difference in uptake of the Casa Materna by maternal education and only a weak effect by household wealth. In contrast, distance from the Casa Materna had a pronounced effect. Traditional birth attendants were strong advocates for utilization of the Casa Materna and played an important role in the

The ASTROCULTURE Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

Research with plants in microgravity offers many exciting opportunities to gain new insights and could improve products on Earth ranging from crop production to fragrances and food flavorings. The ASTROCULTURE facility is a lead commercial facility for plant growth and plant research in microgravity and was developed by the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics (WSCAR), a NASA Commercial Space Center. On STS-95 it will support research that could help improve crop development leading to plants that are more disease resistant or have a higher yield and provide data on the production of plant essential oils---oils that contain the essence of the plant and provide both fragrance and flavoring. On STS-95, a flowering plant will be grown in ASTROCULTURE and samples taken using a method developed by the industry partner for this investigation. On Earth, the samples will be analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and the data used to evaluate both the production of fragrant oils in microgravity and in the development of one or more products. The ASTROCULTURE payload uses these pourous tubes with precise pressure sensing and control for fluid delivery to the plant root tray.

A facile method for preparation superhydrophobic paper with enhanced physical strength and moisture-proofing property.

PubMed

Li, Hui; Yang, Jin; Li, Pan; Lan, Tianqing; Peng, Lincai

2017-03-15

We proposed a green and facile method to fabricate superhydrophobic paper in this study, which is layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition of TiO 2 nanoparticles/sodium alginate (ALG) multilayers on paper surface followed by an adsorption treatment of colloidal carnauba wax. The formation of TiO 2 /ALG multilayers on paper surface was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), zeta potential measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The wetting property of modified paper was investigated by water contact angle (WCA) measurement. Moreover, the modified paper tensile strength has been evaluated. The results showed that WCA of paper modified with a wax-treated (TiO 2 /ALG) 3.5 multilayer reached up to 151.5°, and this obtained superhydrophobic paper exhibited improved tensile strength (increased by 4.1% compared to the pristine paper), excellent moisture-proofing property and high strength stability under high relative humidity condition, which might has a great potential for use in the liquid paper packaging and moisture-proof paper packaging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

EPA Facility Registry Service (FRS): Facility Interests Dataset - Intranet

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This web feature service consists of location and facility identification information from EPA's Facility Registry Service (FRS) for all sites that are available in the FRS individual feature layers. The layers comprise the FRS major program databases, including:Assessment Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) : brownfields sites ; Air Facility System (AFS) : stationary sources of air pollution ; Air Quality System (AQS) : ambient air pollution data from monitoring stations; Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) : schools data on Indian land; Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) facilities; Clean Air Markets Division Business System (CAMDBS) : market-based air pollution control programs; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) : hazardous waste sites; Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS) : integrated enforcement and compliance information; National Compliance Database (NCDB) : Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) module of ICIS : NPDES surface water permits; Radiation Information Database (RADINFO) : radiation and radioactivity facilities; RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC) : best available air pollution technology requirements; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System (RCRAInfo) : tracks generators, transporters, treaters, storers, and disposers of haz

Experimental investigation for an isolation technique on conducting the electromechanical impedance method in high-temperature pipeline facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Na, Wongi S.; Lee, Hyeonseok

2016-11-01

In general, the pipelines within a nuclear power plant facility may experience high temperatures up to several hundred degrees. Thus it is absolutely vital to monitor these pipes to prevent leakage of radioactive substances which may lead to a catastrophic outcome of the surrounding environment. Over the years, one of the structural health monitoring technique known as the electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique has been of great interests in various fields including civil infrastructures, mechanical and aerospace structures. Although it has one of the best advantages to be able for a single piezoelectric transducer to act as a sensor and an actuator, simultaneously, its low curie temperature makes it difficult for the EMI technique to be conducted at high temperature environment. To overcome this problem, this study shows a method to avoid attaching the piezoelectric transducer directly onto the target structure using a metal wire for damage detection at high temperature. By shifting the frequency to compensate the signature changes subjected to the variations in temperature, the experimental results indicate that damage identification is more successful above 200 oC, making the metal wire method suitable for the EMI technique at high temperature environment.

Risk management technique for liquefied natural gas facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fedor, O. H.; Parsons, W. N.

1975-01-01

Checklists have been compiled for planning, design, construction, startup and debugging, and operation of liquefied natural gas facilities. Lists include references to pertinent safety regulations. Methods described are applicable to handling of other hazardous materials.

Reconstruction of 3d Objects of Assets and Facilities by Using Benchmark Points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baig, S. U.; Rahman, A. A.

2013-08-01

Acquiring and modeling 3D geo-data of building assets and facility objects is one of the challenges. A number of methods and technologies are being utilized for this purpose. Total station, GPS, photogrammetric and terrestrial laser scanning are few of these technologies. In this paper, points commonly shared by potential facades of assets and facilities modeled from point clouds are identified. These points are useful for modeling process to reconstruct 3D models of assets and facilities stored to be used for management purposes. These models are segmented through different planes to produce accurate 2D plans. This novel method improves the efficiency and quality of construction of models of assets and facilities with the aim utilize in 3D management projects such as maintenance of buildings or group of items that need to be replaced, or renovated for new services.

Facilities Performance Indicators Report 2011-12: Tracking Your Facilities Vital Signs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

APPA: Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers, 2013

2013-01-01

This paper provides an expanded Web-based "Facilities Performance Indicators (FPI) Report." The purpose of APPA's Facilities Performance Indicators is to provide a representative set of statistics about facilities in educational institutions. APPA's Information and Research Committee's goal for this year was to enhance the…

Identifying public water facilities with low spatial variability of disinfection by-products for epidemiological investigations

PubMed Central

Hinckley, A; Bachand, A; Nuckols, J; Reif, J

2005-01-01

Background and Aims: Epidemiological studies of disinfection by-products (DBPs) and reproductive outcomes have been hampered by misclassification of exposure. In most epidemiological studies conducted to date, all persons living within the boundaries of a water distribution system have been assigned a common exposure value based on facility-wide averages of trihalomethane (THM) concentrations. Since THMs do not develop uniformly throughout a distribution system, assignment of facility-wide averages may be inappropriate. One approach to mitigate this potential for misclassification is to select communities for epidemiological investigations that are served by distribution systems with consistently low spatial variability of THMs. Methods and Results: A feasibility study was conducted to develop methods for community selection using the Information Collection Rule (ICR) database, assembled by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The ICR database contains quarterly DBP concentrations collected between 1997 and 1998 from the distribution systems of 198 public water facilities with minimum service populations of 100 000 persons. Facilities with low spatial variation of THMs were identified using two methods; 33 facilities were found with low spatial variability based on one or both methods. Because brominated THMs may be important predictors of risk for adverse reproductive outcomes, sites were categorised into three exposure profiles according to proportion of brominated THM species and average TTHM concentration. The correlation between THMs and haloacetic acids (HAAs) in these facilities was evaluated to see whether selection by total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) corresponds to low spatial variability for HAAs. TTHMs were only moderately correlated with HAAs (r = 0.623). Conclusions: Results provide a simple method for a priori selection of sites with low spatial variability from state or national public water facility datasets as a means to reduce exposure

A model for evaluating the environmental benefits of elementary school facilities.

PubMed

Ji, Changyoon; Hong, Taehoon; Jeong, Kwangbok; Leigh, Seung-Bok

2014-01-01

In this study, a model that is capable of evaluating the environmental benefits of a new elementary school facility was developed. The model is composed of three steps: (i) retrieval of elementary school facilities having similar characteristics as the new elementary school facility using case-based reasoning; (ii) creation of energy consumption and material data for the benchmark elementary school facility using the retrieved similar elementary school facilities; and (iii) evaluation of the environmental benefits of the new elementary school facility by assessing and comparing the environmental impact of the new and created benchmark elementary school facility using life cycle assessment. The developed model can present the environmental benefits of a new elementary school facility in terms of monetary values using Environmental Priority Strategy 2000, a damage-oriented life cycle impact assessment method. The developed model can be used for the following: (i) as criteria for a green-building rating system; (ii) as criteria for setting the support plan and size, such as the government's incentives for promoting green-building projects; and (iii) as criteria for determining the feasibility of green building projects in key business sectors. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Low-Cost and Scaled-Up Production of Fluorine-Free, Substrate-Independent, Large-Area Superhydrophobic Coatings Based on Hydroxyapatite Nanowire Bundles.

PubMed

Chen, Fei-Fei; Yang, Zi-Yue; Zhu, Ying-Jie; Xiong, Zhi-Chao; Dong, Li-Ying; Lu, Bing-Qiang; Wu, Jin; Yang, Ri-Long

2018-01-09

To date, the scaled-up production and large-area applications of superhydrophobic coatings are limited because of complicated procedures, environmentally harmful fluorinated compounds, restrictive substrates, expensive equipment, and raw materials usually involved in the fabrication process. Herein, the facile, low-cost, and green production of superhydrophobic coatings based on hydroxyapatite nanowire bundles (HNBs) is reported. Hydrophobic HNBs are synthesised by using a one-step solvothermal method with oleic acid as the structure-directing and hydrophobic agent. During the reaction process, highly hydrophobic C-H groups of oleic acid molecules can be attached in situ to the surface of HNBs through the chelate interaction between Ca 2+ ions and carboxylic groups. This facile synthetic method allows the scaled-up production of HNBs up to about 8 L, which is the largest production scale of superhydrophobic paint based on HNBs ever reported. In addition, the design of the 100 L reaction system is also shown. The HNBs can be coated on any substrate with an arbitrary shape by the spray-coating technique. The self-cleaning ability in air and oil, high-temperature stability, and excellent mechanical durability of the as-prepared superhydrophobic coatings are demonstrated. More importantly, the HNBs are coated on large-sized practical objects to form large-area superhydrophobic coatings. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Centrifuge Facility Conceptual System Study. Volume 1: Facility overview and habitats

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Synnestvedt, Robert (Editor)

1990-01-01

The results are presented for a NASA Phase 1 study conducted from mid 1987 through mid 1989 at Ames Research Center. The Centrifuge Facility is the major element of the biological research facility for the implementation of NASA's Life Science Research Program on Space Station Freedom using non-human specimens (such as small primates, rodents, plants, insects, cell tissues). Five systems are described which comprise the Facility: habitats, holding units, centrifuge, glovebox, and service unit. Volume 1 presents a facility overview and describes the habitats - modular units which house living specimens.

Dialysis Facility Transplant Philosophy and Access to Kidney Transplantation in the Southeast

PubMed Central

Gander, Jennifer; Browne, Teri; Plantinga, Laura; Pastan, Stephen O; Sauls, Leighann; Krisher, Jenna; Patzer, Rachel E

2015-01-01

Background Little is known about the impact of dialysis facility treatment philosophy on access to transplant. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between dialysis facility transplant philosophy and facility-level access to kidney transplant waitlisting. Methods A 25-item questionnaire administered to Southeastern dialysis facilities (n=509) in 2012 captured facility transplant philosophy (categorized as “transplant is our first choice,” “transplant is a great option for some,” and “transplant is a good option, if the patient is interested”) .. Facility-level waitlisting and facility characteristics were obtained from the 2008-2011 Dialysis Facility Report. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examinethe association between dialysis facility transplant philosophy and facility waitlisting performance (dichotomized using the national median), where low performance was defined as less than 21.7% of dialysis patients waitlisted within a facility. Results Fewer than 25% (n=124) of dialysis facilities reported “transplant is our first option.” A total of 131 (31.4%) dialysis facilities in the Southeast were high-performing with respect to waitlisting. Adjusted analysis showed that facilities who reported “transplant is our first option” were twice (OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.0, 3.9) as likely to have high waitlisting performance compared to facilities who reported “transplant is a good option, if the patient is interested.” Conclusions Facilities with staff who had a more positive transplant philosophy were more likely to have better facility waitlisting performance. Future prospective studies are needed to further transplantation. PMID:26278585

Publically funded recreation facilities: obesogenic environments for children and families?

PubMed

Naylor, Patti-Jean; Bridgewater, Laura; Purcell, Megan; Ostry, Aleck; Wekken, Suzanne Vander

2010-05-01

Increasing healthy food options in public venues, including recreational facilities, is a health priority. The purpose of this study was to describe the public recreation food environment in British Columbia, Canada using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. Facility audits assessed policy, programs, vending, concessions, fundraising, staff meetings and events. Focus groups addressed context and issues related to action. Eighty-eighty percent of facilities had no policy governing food sold or provided for children/youth programs. Sixty-eight percent of vending snacks were chocolate bars and chips while 57% of beverages were sugar sweetened. User group fundraisers held at the recreation facilities also sold 'unhealthy' foods. Forty-two percent of recreation facilities reported providing user-pay programs that educated the public about healthy eating. Contracts, economics, lack of resources and knowledge and motivation of staff and patrons were barriers to change. Recreation food environments were obesogenic but stakeholders were interested in change. Technical support, resources and education are needed.

Publically Funded Recreation Facilities: Obesogenic Environments for Children and Families?

PubMed Central

Naylor, Patti-Jean; Bridgewater, Laura; Purcell, Megan; Ostry, Aleck; Wekken, Suzanne Vander

2010-01-01

Increasing healthy food options in public venues, including recreational facilities, is a health priority. The purpose of this study was to describe the public recreation food environment in British Columbia, Canada using a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. Facility audits assessed policy, programs, vending, concessions, fundraising, staff meetings and events. Focus groups addressed context and issues related to action. Eighty-eighty percent of facilities had no policy governing food sold or provided for children/youth programs. Sixty-eight percent of vending snacks were chocolate bars and chips while 57% of beverages were sugar sweetened. User group fundraisers held at the recreation facilities also sold ‘unhealthy’ foods. Forty-two percent of recreation facilities reported providing user-pay programs that educated the public about healthy eating. Contracts, economics, lack of resources and knowledge and motivation of staff and patrons were barriers to change. Recreation food environments were obesogenic but stakeholders were interested in change. Technical support, resources and education are needed. PMID:20623020

Research on common methods for evaluating the operation effect of integrated wastewater treatment facilities of iron and steel enterprises

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bingsheng, Xu

2017-04-01

Considering the large quantities of wastewater generated from iron and steel enterprises in China, this paper is aimed to research the common methods applied for evaluating the integrated wastewater treatment effect of iron and steel enterprises. Based on survey results on environmental protection performance, technological economy, resource & energy consumption, services and management, an indicator system for evaluating the operation effect of integrated wastewater treatment facilities is set up. By discussing the standards and industrial policies in and out of China, 27 key secondary indicators are further defined on the basis of investigation on main equipment and key processes for wastewater treatment, so as to determine the method for setting key quantitative and qualitative indicators for evaluation indicator system. It is also expected to satisfy the basic requirements of reasonable resource allocation, environmental protection and sustainable economic development, further improve the integrated wastewater treatment effect of iron and steel enterprises, and reduce the emission of hazardous substances and environmental impact.

47 CFR 4.5 - Definitions of outage, special offices and facilities, and 911 special facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... facilities, and 911 special facilities. 4.5 Section 4.5 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION... Definitions of outage, special offices and facilities, and 911 special facilities. (a) Outage is defined as a... government facilities.” 911 special facilities are addressed separately in paragraph (e) of this section. (c...

Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) Facility Stewardship Plan: Revision 2.1

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

Torres, Juan; Anderson, Art

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), has established the Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) on the campus of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and has designated it as a DOE user facility. This 182,500-ft2 research facility provides state-of-the-art laboratory and support infrastructure to optimize the design and performance of electrical, thermal, fuel, and information technologies and systems at scale. This Facility Stewardship Plan provides DOE and other decision makers with information about the existing and expected capabilities of the ESIF and the expected performance metrics to be applied to ESIF operations.more » This plan is a living document that will be updated and refined throughout the lifetime of the facility.« less

Defect engineering of UiO-66 for CO2 and H2O uptake - a combined experimental and simulation study.

PubMed

Liang, Weibin; Coghlan, Campbell J; Ragon, Florence; Rubio-Martinez, Marta; D'Alessandro, Deanna M; Babarao, Ravichandar

2016-03-21

Defect concentrations and their compensating groups have been systematically tuned within UiO-66 frameworks by using modified microwave-assisted solvothermal methods. Both of these factors have a pronounced effect on CO2 and H2O adsorption at low and high pressure.

Malaria diagnostic capacity in health facilities in Ethiopia

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Accurate early diagnosis and prompt treatment is one of the key strategies to control and prevent malaria in Ethiopia where both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are sympatric and require different treatment regimens. Microscopy is the standard for malaria diagnosis at the health centres and hospitals whereas rapid diagnostic tests are used at community-level health posts. The current study was designed to assess malaria microscopy capacity of health facilities in Oromia Regional State and Dire Dawa Administrative City, Ethiopia. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2011 in 122 health facilities, where health professionals were interviewed using a pre-tested, standardized assessment tool and facilities’ laboratory practices were assessed by direct observation. Results Of the 122 assessed facilities, 104 (85%) were health centres and 18 (15%) were hospitals. Out of 94 health facilities reportedly performing blood films, only 34 (36%) used both thin and thick smears for malaria diagnosis. The quality of stained slides was graded in 66 health facilities as excellent, good and poor quality in 11(17%), 31 (47%) and 24 (36%) respectively. Quality assurance guidelines and malaria microscopy standard operating procedures were found in only 13 (11%) facilities and 12 (10%) had involved in external quality assessment activities, and 32 (26%) had supportive supervision within six months of the survey. Only seven (6%) facilities reported at least one staff’s participation in malaria microscopy refresher training during the previous 12 months. Although most facilities, 96 (79%), had binocular microscopes, only eight (7%) had the necessary reagents and supplies to perform malaria microscopy. Treatment guidelines for malaria were available in only 38 (31%) of the surveyed facilities. Febrile patients with negative malaria laboratory test results were managed with artemether-lumefantrine or chloroquine in 51% (53

Regulating food service in North Carolina's long-term care facilities.

PubMed

DePorter, Cindy H

2005-01-01

Other commentaries in this issue of the North Carolina Medical Journal describe innovative food and dining practices in some of our state's long-term care facilities. Federal and state regulations do not prohibit these innovations, and DFS supports the concept of "enhancements" of the dining experience in these facilities. The Division of Facilities Services, therefore, encourages facilities to assess and operationalize various dining methods, allowing residents to select their foods, dining times, dining partners, and other preferences. The regulations allow facilities to utilize innovative dining approaches, such as buffet lines, or family-style serving options, which allow residents to order at the table as they would in a restaurant. The regulations do not dictate whether facilities should serve food to residents on trays, in buffet lines, or in a family style. While there are many regulations, they leave room for innovative new ideas as long as these ideas do not compromise resident health or safety.. Food consumption and the dining experience are an integral part of the resident's life in a nursing facility. It is important that resident preferences are being honored, and the dining experience is as pleasant and home-like as possible. The facility's responsibility is to provide adequate nutrition and hydration that assures the resident is at his/her highest level of functioning emotionally, functionally, and physically. Meeting the unique needs of each resident in a facility can be a daunting task, but one of immense importance to the quality long-term care.

Manufacturing Laboratory | Energy Systems Integration Facility | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Manufacturing Laboratory Manufacturing Laboratory Researchers in the Energy Systems Integration Facility's Manufacturing Laboratory develop methods and technologies to scale up renewable energy technology manufacturing capabilities. Photo of researchers and equipment in the Manufacturing Laboratory. Capability Hubs

14 CFR § 1251.301 - Existing facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... OF HANDICAP Accessibility § 1251.301 Existing facilities. (a) Accessibility. A recipient shall... entirety it is readily accessible to handicapped persons. This paragraph does not require a recipient to... handicapped persons. (b) Methods. A recipient may comply with the requirement of paragraph (a) of this section...

Three-dimensional sulphur/nitrogen co-doped reduced graphene oxide as high-performance supercapacitor binder-free electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huo, Jinghao; Zheng, Peng; Wang, Xiaofei; Guo, Shouwu

2018-06-01

Sulphur/nitrogen co-doped reduced graphene oxide (SNG) aerogels were prepared by a simple solvothermal method with l-cysteine-assisted in ethylene glycol. The morphology and composition tests showed that the S/N heteroatoms were evenly distributed on SNG microsheets, and these microsheets were further composed of SNG aerogels with three-dimensional (3D) porous structure. The cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests illustrated the SNG bind-free electrode possessed electric double-layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance, and had a capacitance of 254 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1. After the 5000 cycles tests, the capacitance retained 83.54% at a current density of 2 A g-1. Meanwhile, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data shown the electrode materials had excellent capacity and good conductivity. Hence, the SNG aerogel prepared by l-cysteine-assisted solvothermal method is a great material for high-performance supercapacitors.