Effects of pore formers on microstructure and performance of cathode membranes for solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, Lifang; Liu, Juncheng; Zhang, Yujun; Liu, Meilin

La 0.6Sr 0.4Co 0.2Fe 0.8O 3- δ (LSCF) is the most widely used cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. In the present communication, porous LSCF cathodes are fabricated by tape casting, a low-cost and reproducible fabrication process. The effects of four different pore formers, namely, graphite, carbon black, rice starch, and corn starch, on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of the LSCF cathode are investigated. Examination of the microstructures reveals that the shape of the pores, the pore size, and the pore distribution in the final ceramic are related to the type of pore formers. Impedance analysis and cell testing show that the best performance is obtained from the cathode using graphite as the pore former. The microstructure indicates that graphite results in a porous LSCF cathode with a large surface area and high porosity, which can offer a considerably long triple phase boundary for catalytic reactions as well as channels for gas phase transport.

Experimental high temperature carbon isotope fractionation involving graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kueter, N.; Schmidt, M. W.; Lilley, M. D.; Bernasconi, S. M.

2016-12-01

Graphite/carbonate carbon isotope fractionation was mainly investigated at 400- 800°C and is based on empirical calibrations, theoretical calculations and few experiments [1,2]. Own work on COH-fluid/graphite isotope fractionation shows that in experiments up to 1000oC a fluid phase is always enriched in 13C compared to coexisting graphitic carbon. The eventual kinetic isotope effect in these experiments is best displayed by the graphitic carbon being at least 3 ‰ lighter than methane. Only few experiments done in the graphite/carbonate pair dealt with higher temperatures reaching 1400°C, indicating a fractionation of up to 2 ‰ at temperatures of the Earth's mantle [2-4]. To better understand carbon isotope fractionation in crustal systems and still overcome kinetic effects, we study the graphite/carbonatite pair with piston cylinder experiments in the Na2CO3-CaCO3-CaO-COH system. Tartaric acid (C4H6O6) supplies reduced carbon, time series are performed at 10 kbar, 1300-1800°C. Initial experiments at 1300°C produce well-ordered, micron-sized graphite flakes growing attached to the capsule walls while the Na-Ca-carbonatite-melt quenches to dendritic textures. No gaseous phase was observed. Conditions well above the liquidus of the Na2CO3-CaCO3-binary lead to dissolution of the H2O from tartaric acid decomposition in the melt, any CO2-component is bound by the excess CaO to CaCO3melt while in the relatively oxidizing capsule environment any CH4-component reacts with CO2 to carbon and H2O. The graphite and the carbonatite quench are measured for their δ13C composition using a GasBench II (carbonate-dissolution in phosphoric acid) and TC/EA (residual graphite combusted in oxygen atmosphere) system coupled to a Thermo Fischer IRMS. Our results expand from the graphite-carbonate system to graphite-fluid system when adding available fluid-carbonate fractionation factors, but are also directly applicable to diamond synthesis as graphite is often found as a precursor phase in diamond-growth experiments in carbonatite systems and natural diamonds. [1] Chacko et al. (2001) Rev Min Geochem; Deines & Eggler (2009) GCA; [3] Scheele & Hoefs (1992) CMP; [4] Chacko et al. (1991) GCA

Gas chromatographic detection of some nitro explosive compounds in soil samples after solid-phase microextraction with carbon ceramic copper nanoparticle fibers.

PubMed

Farhadi, Khalil; Bochani, Shayesteh; Hatami, Mehdi; Molaei, Rahim; Pirkharrati, Hossein

2014-07-01

In this research, a new solid-phase microextraction fiber based on carbon ceramic composites with copper nanoparticles followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection was applied for the extraction and determination of some nitro explosive compounds in soil samples. The proposed method provides an overview of trends related to synthesis of solid-phase microextraction sorbents and their applications in preconcentration and determination of nitro explosives. The sorbents were prepared by mixing of copper nanoparticles with a ceramic composite produced by mixture of methyltrimethoxysilane, graphite, methanol, and hydrochloric acid. The prepared sorbents were coated on copper wires by dip-coating method. The prepared nanocomposites were evaluated statistically and provided better limits of detection than the pure carbon ceramic. The limit of detection of the proposed method was 0.6 μg/g with a linear response over the concentration range of 2-160 μg/g and square of correlation coefficient >0.992. The new proposed fiber has been demonstrated to be a suitable, inexpensive, and sensitive candidate for extraction of nitro explosive compounds in contaminated soil samples. The constructed fiber can be used more than 100 times without the need for surface generation. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ignitability of Diesel Fuel with an Inclusion of Ultrafine Carbon Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krivosheev, P. N.; Leshchevich, V. V.; Shimchenko, S. Yu.; Shushkov, S. V.; Penyazkov, O. G.

2017-11-01

Nanosize carbon fuel additions were synthesized by the action of an electric discharge on a diesel fuel. Depending on the discharge regime, variously shaped carbon particles, including planar graphitized ones, were formed in the fuel. Ignitability of the produced samples was assessed by the method of initiation of a foamed fuel sample by a lowcurrent electric arc. The modified fuel showed the improvement of the ignition characteristics in the presence of a nanodispersed solid phase.

Mechanically Induced Graphite-Nanodiamonds-Phase Transformations During High-Energy Ball Milling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Eskandarany, M. Sherif

2017-05-01

Due to their unusual mechanical, chemical, physical, optical, and biological properties, nearly spherical-like nanodiamonds have received much attention as desirable advanced nanomaterials for use in a wide spectrum of applications. Although, nanodiamonds can be successfully synthesized by several approaches, applications of high temperature and/or high pressure may restrict the real applications of such strategic nanomaterials. Distinct from the current preparation approaches used for nanodiamonds preparation, here we show a new process for preparing ultrafine nanodiamonds (3-5 nm) embedded in a homogeneous amorphous-carbon matrix. Our process started from high-energy ball milling of commercial graphite powders at ambient temperature under normal atmospheric helium gas pressure. The results have demonstrated graphite-single wall carbon nanotubes-amorphous-carbon-nanodiamonds phase transformations carried out through three subsequent stages of ball milling. Based on XRD and RAMAN analyses, the percentage of nanodiamond phase + C60 (crystalline phase) produced by ball milling was approximately 81%, while the amorphous phase amount was 19%. The pressure generated on the powder together the with temperature increase upon the ball-powder-ball collision is responsible for the phase transformations occurring in graphite powders.

Capacitor with a composite carbon foam electrode

DOEpatents

Mayer, Steven T.; Pekala, Richard W.; Kaschmitter, James L.

1999-01-01

Carbon aerogels used as a binder for granularized materials, including other forms of carbon and metal additives, are cast onto carbon or metal fiber substrates to form composite carbon thin film sheets. The thin film sheets are utilized in electrochemical energy storage applications, such as electrochemical double layer capacitors (aerocapacitors), lithium based battery insertion electrodes, fuel cell electrodes, and electrocapacitive deionization electrodes. The composite carbon foam may be formed by prior known processes, but with the solid partides being added during the liquid phase of the process, i.e. prior to gelation. The other forms of carbon may include carbon microspheres, carbon powder, carbon aerogel powder or particles, graphite carbons. Metal and/or carbon fibers may be added for increased conductivity. The choice of materials and fibers will depend on the electrolyte used and the relative trade off of system resistivity and power to system energy.

Method for fabricating composite carbon foam

DOEpatents

Mayer, Steven T.; Pekala, Richard W.; Kaschmitter, James L.

2001-01-01

Carbon aerogels used as a binder for granularized materials, including other forms of carbon and metal additives, are cast onto carbon or metal fiber substrates to form composite carbon thin film sheets. The thin film sheets are utilized in electrochemical energy storage applications, such as electrochemical double layer capacitors (aerocapacitors), lithium based battery insertion electrodes, fuel cell electrodes, and electrocapacitive deionization electrodes. The composite carbon foam may be formed by prior known processes, but with the solid particles being added during the liquid phase of the process, i.e. prior to gelation. The other forms of carbon may include carbon microspheres, carbon powder, carbon aerogel powder or particles, graphite carbons. Metal and/or carbon fibers may be added for increased conductivity. The choice of materials and fibers will depend on the electrolyte used and the relative trade off of system resistivity and power to system energy.

Capacitor with a composite carbon foam electrode

DOEpatents

Mayer, S.T.; Pekala, R.W.; Kaschmitter, J.L.

1999-04-27

Carbon aerogels used as a binder for granularized materials, including other forms of carbon and metal additives, are cast onto carbon or metal fiber substrates to form composite carbon thin film sheets. The thin film sheets are utilized in electrochemical energy storage applications, such as electrochemical double layer capacitors (aerocapacitors), lithium based battery insertion electrodes, fuel cell electrodes, and electrocapacitive deionization electrodes. The composite carbon foam may be formed by prior known processes, but with the solid particles being added during the liquid phase of the process, i.e. prior to gelation. The other forms of carbon may include carbon microspheres, carbon powder, carbon aerogel powder or particles, graphite carbons. Metal and/or carbon fibers may be added for increased conductivity. The choice of materials and fibers will depend on the electrolyte used and the relative trade off of system resistivity and power to system energy. 1 fig.

Composite carbon foam electrode

DOEpatents

Mayer, S.T.; Pekala, R.W.; Kaschmitter, J.L.

1997-05-06

Carbon aerogels used as a binder for granulated materials, including other forms of carbon and metal additives, are cast onto carbon or metal fiber substrates to form composite carbon thin film sheets. The thin film sheets are utilized in electrochemical energy storage applications, such as electrochemical double layer capacitors (aerocapacitors), lithium based battery insertion electrodes, fuel cell electrodes, and electrocapacitive deionization electrodes. The composite carbon foam may be formed by prior known processes, but with the solid particles being added during the liquid phase of the process, i.e. prior to gelation. The other forms of carbon may include carbon microspheres, carbon powder, carbon aerogel powder or particles, graphite carbons. Metal and/or carbon fibers may be added for increased conductivity. The choice of materials and fibers will depend on the electrolyte used and the relative trade off of system resistivity and power to system energy. 1 fig.

Graphite Carbon-Supported Mo2C Nanocomposites by a Single-Step Solid State Reaction for Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction.

PubMed

Huang, K; Bi, K; Liang, C; Lin, S; Wang, W J; Yang, T Z; Liu, J; Zhang, R; Fan, D Y; Wang, Y G; Lei, M

2015-01-01

Novel graphite-molybdenum carbide nanocomposites (G-Mo2C) are synthesized by a typical solid state reaction with melamine and MoO3 as precursors under inert atmosphere. The characterization results indicate that G-Mo2C composites are composed of high crystallization and purity of Mo2C and few layers of graphite carbon. Mo2C nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 5 to 50 nm are uniformly supported by surrounding graphite layers. It is believed that Mo atom resulting from the reduction of MoO3 is beneficial to the immobilization of graphite carbon. Moreover, the electrocatalytic performances of G-Mo2C for ORR in alkaline medium are investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), rotating disk electrode (RDE) and chronoamperometry test with 3M methanol. The results show that G-Mo2C has a considerable catalytic activity and superior methanol tolerance performance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) benefiting from the chemical interaction between the carbide nanoparticles and graphite carbon.

Phase Transition of H 2 in Subnanometer Pores Observed at 75 K

DOE PAGES

Olsen, Raina J.; Gillespie, Andrew K.; Contescu, Cristian I.; ...

2017-10-30

In this paper, we report a phase transition in H 2 adsorbed in a locally graphitic Saran carbon with subnanometer pores 0.5–0.65 nm in width, in which two layers of hydrogen can just barely squeeze, provided they pack tightly. The phase transition is observed at 75 K, temperatures far higher than other systems in which an adsorbent is known to increase phase transition temperatures: for instance, H 2 melts at 14 K in the bulk, but at 20 K on graphite because the solid H 2 is stabilized by the surface structure. Here we observe a transition at 75 Kmore » and 77–200 bar: from a low-temperature, low-density phase to a high-temperature, higher density phase. We model the low-density phase as a monolayer commensurate solid composed mostly of para-H 2 (the ground nuclear spin state, S = 0) and the high-density phase as an orientationally ordered bilayer commensurate solid composed mostly of ortho-H 2 (S = 1). We attribute the increase in density with temperature to the fact that the oblong ortho-H 2 can pack more densely. The transition is observed using two experiments. The high-density phase is associated with an increase in neutron backscatter by a factor of 7.0 ± 0.1. Normally, hydrogen produces no backscatter (scattering angle >90°). This backscatter appears along with a discontinuous increase in the excitation mass from 1.2 amu to 21.0 ± 2.3 amu, which we associate with collective nuclear spin excitations in the orientationally ordered phase. Film densities were measured using hydrogen adsorption. Finally, no phase transition was observed in H 2 adsorbed in control activated carbon materials.« less

Phase Transition of H 2 in Subnanometer Pores Observed at 75 K

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

Olsen, Raina J.; Gillespie, Andrew K.; Contescu, Cristian I.

In this paper, we report a phase transition in H 2 adsorbed in a locally graphitic Saran carbon with subnanometer pores 0.5–0.65 nm in width, in which two layers of hydrogen can just barely squeeze, provided they pack tightly. The phase transition is observed at 75 K, temperatures far higher than other systems in which an adsorbent is known to increase phase transition temperatures: for instance, H 2 melts at 14 K in the bulk, but at 20 K on graphite because the solid H 2 is stabilized by the surface structure. Here we observe a transition at 75 Kmore » and 77–200 bar: from a low-temperature, low-density phase to a high-temperature, higher density phase. We model the low-density phase as a monolayer commensurate solid composed mostly of para-H 2 (the ground nuclear spin state, S = 0) and the high-density phase as an orientationally ordered bilayer commensurate solid composed mostly of ortho-H 2 (S = 1). We attribute the increase in density with temperature to the fact that the oblong ortho-H 2 can pack more densely. The transition is observed using two experiments. The high-density phase is associated with an increase in neutron backscatter by a factor of 7.0 ± 0.1. Normally, hydrogen produces no backscatter (scattering angle >90°). This backscatter appears along with a discontinuous increase in the excitation mass from 1.2 amu to 21.0 ± 2.3 amu, which we associate with collective nuclear spin excitations in the orientationally ordered phase. Film densities were measured using hydrogen adsorption. Finally, no phase transition was observed in H 2 adsorbed in control activated carbon materials.« less

Reduced sediment melting at 7.5-12 GPa: phase relations, geochemical signals and diamond nucleation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brey, G. P.; Girnis, A. V.; Bulatov, V. K.; Höfer, H. E.; Gerdes, A.; Woodland, A. B.

2015-08-01

Melting of carbonated sediment in the presence of graphite or diamond was experimentally investigated at 7.5-12 GPa and 800-1600 °C in a multianvil apparatus. Two starting materials similar to GLOSS of Plank and Langmuir (Chem Geol 145:325-394, 1998) were prepared from oxides, carbonates, hydroxides and graphite. One mixture (Na-gloss) was identical in major element composition to GLOSS, and the other was poorer in Na and richer in K (K-gloss). Both starting mixtures contained ~6 wt% CO2 and 7 wt% H2O and were doped at a ~100 ppm level with a number of trace elements, including REE, LILE and HFSE. The near-solidus mineral assemblage contained a silica polymorph (coesite or stishovite), garnet, kyanite, clinopyroxene, carbonates (aragonite and magnesite-siderite solid solution), zircon, rutile, bearthite and hydrous phases (phengite and lawsonite at <9 GPa and the hydrous aluminosilicates topaz-OH and phase egg at >10 GPa). Hydrous phases disappear at ~900 °C, and carbonates persist up to 1000-1100 °C. At temperatures >1200 °C, the mineral assemblage consists of coesite or stishovite, kyanite and garnet. Clinopyroxene stability depends strongly on the Na content in the starting mixture; it remains in the Na-gloss composition up to 1600 °C at 12 GPa, but was not observed in K-gloss experiments above 1200 °C. The composition of melt or fluid changes gradually with increasing temperature from hydrous carbonate-rich (<10 wt% SiO2) at 800-1000 °C to volatile-rich silicate liquids (up to 40 wt% SiO2) at high temperatures. Trace elements were analyzed in melts and crystalline phases by LA ICP MS. The garnet-melt and clinopyroxene-melt partition coefficients are in general consistent with results from the literature for volatile-free systems and silicocarbonate melts derived by melting carbonated peridotites. Most trace elements are strongly incompatible in kyanite and silica polymorphs ( D < 0.01), except for V, Cr and Ni, which are slightly compatible in kyanite ( D > 1). Aragonite and Fe-Mg carbonate have very different REE partition coefficients ( D Mst-Sd/L ~ 0.01 and D Arg/L ~ 1). Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf are strongly incompatible in both carbonates. The bearthite/melt partition coefficients are very high for LREE (>10) and decrease to ~1 for HREE. All HFSE are strongly incompatible in bearthite. In contrast, Ta, Nb, Zr and Hf are moderately to strongly compatible in ZrSiO4 and TiO2 phases. Based on the obtained partition coefficients, the composition of a mobile phase derived by sediment melting in deep subduction zones was calculated. This phase is strongly enriched in incompatible elements and displays a pronounced negative Ta-Nb anomaly but no Zr-Hf anomaly. Although all experiments were conducted in the diamond stability field, only graphite was observed in low-temperature experiments. Spontaneous diamond nucleation and the complete transformation of graphite to diamond were observed at temperatures above 1200-1300 °C. We speculate that the observed character of graphite-diamond transformation is controlled by relationships between the kinetics of metastable graphite dissolution and diamond nucleation in a hydrous silicocarbonate melt that is oversaturated in C.

Inexpensive Chemiresistor Sensors for Real Time Ground Water Contamination Measurement

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-04-01

for Liquid Phase PEVA -40-C Chemiresistor Under Vapor Phase Exposure...29 6 -40-C (’ DIP • LDRD LOD MTBE ppb ppm PCP PDPP PECH PEVA PIB RH SAW SEED SERDP SLM trans-DCE TCE VERI voc L1R!Ro...Nomenclature Suffix for polymer inks, indicating percentage of total solids weight made up of graphitized carbon particles (e.g., PEVA -40-C) dual inline

Microwave plasma chemical synthesis of nanocrystalline carbon film structures and study their properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bushuev, N.; Yafarov, R.; Timoshenkov, V.; Orlov, S.; Starykh, D.

2015-08-01

The self-organization effect of diamond nanocrystals in polymer-graphite and carbon films is detected. The carbon materials deposition was carried from ethanol vapors out at low pressure using a highly non-equilibrium microwave plasma. Deposition processes of carbon film structures (diamond, graphite, graphene) is defined. Deposition processes of nanocrystalline structures containing diamond and graphite phases in different volume ratios is identified. The solid film was obtained under different conditions of microwave plasma chemical synthesis. We investigated the electrical properties of the nanocrystalline carbon films and identified it's from various factors. Influence of diamond-graphite film deposition mode in non-equilibrium microwave plasma at low pressure on emission characteristics was established. This effect is justified using the cluster model of the structure of amorphous carbon. It was shown that the reduction of bound hydrogen in carbon structures leads to a decrease in the threshold electric field of emission from 20-30 V/m to 5 V/m. Reducing the operating voltage field emission can improve mechanical stability of the synthesized film diamond-graphite emitters. Current density emission at least 20 A/cm2 was obtained. Nanocrystalline carbon film materials can be used to create a variety of functional elements in micro- and nanoelectronics and photonics such as cold electron source for emission in vacuum devices, photonic devices, cathodoluminescent flat display, highly efficient white light sources. The obtained graphene carbon net structure (with a net size about 6 μm) may be used for the manufacture of large-area transparent electrode for solar cells and cathodoluminescent light sources

Reversible temperature regulation of electrical and thermal conductivity using liquid–solid phase transitions

PubMed Central

Zheng, Ruiting; Gao, Jinwei; Wang, Jianjian; Chen, Gang

2011-01-01

Reversible temperature tuning of electrical and thermal conductivities of materials is of interest for many applications, including seasonal regulation of building temperature, thermal storage and sensors. Here we introduce a general strategy to achieve large contrasts in electrical and thermal conductivities using first-order phase transitions in percolated composite materials. Internal stress generated during a phase transition modulates the electrical and thermal contact resistances, leading to large contrasts in the electrical and thermal conductivities at the phase transition temperature. With graphite/hexadecane suspensions, the electrical conductivity changes 2 orders of magnitude and the thermal conductivity varies up to 3.2 times near 18 °C. The generality of the approach is also demonstrated in other materials such as graphite/water and carbon nanotube/hexadecane suspensions. PMID:21505445

Reversible temperature regulation of electrical and thermal conductivity using liquid-solid phase transitions.

PubMed

Zheng, Ruiting; Gao, Jinwei; Wang, Jianjian; Chen, Gang

2011-01-01

Reversible temperature tuning of electrical and thermal conductivities of materials is of interest for many applications, including seasonal regulation of building temperature, thermal storage and sensors. Here we introduce a general strategy to achieve large contrasts in electrical and thermal conductivities using first-order phase transitions in percolated composite materials. Internal stress generated during a phase transition modulates the electrical and thermal contact resistances, leading to large contrasts in the electrical and thermal conductivities at the phase transition temperature. With graphite/hexadecane suspensions, the electrical conductivity changes 2 orders of magnitude and the thermal conductivity varies up to 3.2 times near 18 °C. The generality of the approach is also demonstrated in other materials such as graphite/water and carbon nanotube/hexadecane suspensions.

Ionic liquids at the surface of graphite: Wettability and structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bordes, Emilie; Douce, Laurent; Quitevis, Edward L.; Pádua, Agílio A. H.; Costa Gomes, Margarida

2018-05-01

The aim of this work is to provide a better understanding of the interface between graphite and different molecular and ionic liquids. Experimental measurements of the liquid surface tension and of the graphite-liquid contact angle for sixteen ionic liquids and three molecular liquids are reported. These experimental values allowed the calculation of the solid/liquid interfacial energy that varies, for the ionic liquids studied, between 14.5 mN m-1 for 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide and 37.8 mN m-1 for 3-dodecyl-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium tetrafluoroborate. Imidazolium-based ionic liquids with large alkyl side-chains or functionalized with benzyl groups seem to interact more favourably with freshly peeled graphite surfaces. Even if the interfacial energy seems a good descriptor to assess the affinity of a liquid for a carbon-based solid material, we conclude that both the surface tension of the liquid and the contact angle between the liquid and the solid can be significant. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the ordering of the ions near the graphite surface. We conclude that the presence of large alkyl side-chains in the cations increases the ordering of ions at the graphite surface. Benzyl functional groups in the cations lead to a large affinity towards the graphite surface.

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies of graphite materials prepared by high-temperature treatment of unburned carbon concentrates from combustion fly ashes

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

Miguel Cabielles; Jean-Nol Rouzaud; Ana B. Garcia

2009-01-15

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) has been used in this work to study the microstructural (structure and microtexture) changes occurring during the high-temperature treatment of the unburned carbon concentrates from coal combustion fly ashes. Emphasis was placed on two aspects: (i) the development of graphitic carbon structures and (ii) the disordered carbon forms remaining in the graphitized samples. In addition, by coupling HRTEM with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, the transformations with the temperature of the inorganic matter (mainly iron- and silicon-based phases) of the unburned carbon concentrates were evidenced. The HRTEM results were compared to the averaged structural order of the materialsmore » as evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. As indicated by XRD and Raman parameters, more-ordered materials were obtained from the unburned carbon concentrates with higher mineral/inorganic matter, thus inferring the catalytic effect of some of their components. However, the average character of the information provided by these instrumental techniques seems to be inconclusive in discriminating between carbon structures with different degrees of order (stricto sensu graphite, graphitic, turbostratic, etc.) in a given graphitized unburned carbon. Unlike XRD and Raman, HRTEM is a useful tool for imaging directly the profile of the polyaromatic layers (graphene planes), thus allowing the sample heterogeneity to be looked at, specifically the presence of disordered carbon phases. 49 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Evidence of nanocrystalline semiconducting graphene monoxide during thermal reduction of graphene oxide in vacuum.

PubMed

Mattson, Eric C; Pu, Haihui; Cui, Shumao; Schofield, Marvin A; Rhim, Sonny; Lu, Ganhua; Nasse, Michael J; Ruoff, Rodney S; Weinert, Michael; Gajdardziska-Josifovska, Marija; Chen, Junhong; Hirschmugl, Carol J

2011-12-27

As silicon-based electronics are reaching the nanosize limits of the semiconductor roadmap, carbon-based nanoelectronics has become a rapidly growing field, with great interest in tuning the properties of carbon-based materials. Chemical functionalization is a proposed route, but syntheses of graphene oxide (G-O) produce disordered, nonstoichiometric materials with poor electronic properties. We report synthesis of an ordered, stoichiometric, solid-state carbon oxide that has never been observed in nature and coexists with graphene. Formation of this material, graphene monoxide (GMO), is achieved by annealing multilayered G-O. Our results indicate that the resulting thermally reduced G-O (TRG-O) consists of a two-dimensional nanocrystalline phase segregation: unoxidized graphitic regions are separated from highly oxidized regions of GMO. GMO has a quasi-hexagonal unit cell, an unusually high 1:1 O:C ratio, and a calculated direct band gap of ∼0.9 eV.

Carbon deposition thresholds on nickel-based solid oxide fuel cell anodes I. Fuel utilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhn, J.; Kesler, O.

2015-03-01

In the first of a two part publication, the effect of fuel utilization (Uf) on carbon deposition rates in solid oxide fuel cell nickel-based anodes was studied. Representative 5-component CH4 reformate compositions (CH4, H2, CO, H2O, & CO2) were selected graphically by plotting the solutions to a system of mass-balance constraint equations. The centroid of the solution space was chosen to represent a typical anode gas mixture for each nominal Uf value. Selected 5-component and 3-component gas mixtures were then delivered to anode-supported cells for 10 h, followed by determination of the resulting deposited carbon mass. The empirical carbon deposition thresholds were affected by atomic carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) fractions of the delivered gas mixtures and temperature. It was also found that CH4-rich gas mixtures caused irreversible damage, whereas atomically equivalent CO-rich compositions did not. The coking threshold predicted by thermodynamic equilibrium calculations employing graphite for the solid carbon phase agreed well with empirical thresholds at 700 °C (Uf ≈ 32%); however, at 600 °C, poor agreement was observed with the empirical threshold of ∼36%. Finally, cell operating temperatures correlated well with the difference in enthalpy between the supplied anode gas mixtures and their resulting thermodynamic equilibrium gas mixtures.

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of the initial stages of solid-electrolyte interphase formation on lithium ion battery graphitic anodes.

PubMed

Leung, Kevin; Budzien, Joanne L

2010-07-07

The decomposition of ethylene carbonate (EC) during the initial growth of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) films at the solvent-graphitic anode interface is critical to lithium ion battery operations. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of explicit liquid EC/graphite interfaces are conducted to study these electrochemical reactions. We show that carbon edge terminations are crucial at this stage, and that achievable experimental conditions can lead to surprisingly fast EC breakdown mechanisms, yielding decomposition products seen in experiments but not previously predicted.

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS OF 2-PHASE MULTISORBENT SAMPLERS FOR VOCS (BCO-L-31.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to describe the methodology for the analysis of certain trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air that are captured on two-phase carbon-based multisorbent tubes packed with Carbotrap (graphitized carbon blacks) and Carbosieve S-III (a carbon molecu...

Solid-phase extraction of polar pesticides from environmental water samples on graphitized carbon and Empore-activated carbon disks and on-line coupling to octadecyl-bonded silica analytical columns.

PubMed

Slobodník, J; Oztezkizan, O; Lingeman, H; Brinkman, U A

1996-10-25

The suitability of Empore-activated carbon disks (EACD), Envi-Carb graphitized carbon black (GCB) and CPP-50 graphitized carbon for the trace enrichment of polar pesticides from water samples was studied by means of off-line and on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE). In the off-line procedure, 0.5-2 l samples spiked with a test mixture of oxamyl, methomyl and aldicarb sulfoxide were enriched on EnviCarb SPE cartridges or 47 mm diameter EACD and eluted with dichloromethane-methanol. After evaporation, a sample was injected onto a C18-bonded silica column and analysed by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet (LC-UV) detection. EACD performed better than EnviCarb cartridges in terms of breakthrough volumes (> 2 l for all test analytes), reproducibility (R.S.D. of recoveries, 4-8%, n = 3) and sampling speed (100 ml/min); detection limits in drinking water were 0.05-0.16 microgram/l. In the on-line experiments, 4.6 mm diameter pieces cut from original EACD and stacked onto each other in a 9 mm long precolumn, and EnviCarb and CPP-50 packed in 10 x 2.0 mm I.D. precolumn, were tested, and 50-200 ml spiked water samples were preconcentrated. Because of the peak broadening caused by the strong sorption of the analytes on carbon, the carbon-packed precolumns were eluted by a separate stream of 0.1 ml/min acetonitrile which was mixed with the gradient LC eluent in front of the C18 analytical column. The final on-line procedure was also applied for the less polar propoxur, carbaryl and methiocarb. EnviCarb could not be used due to its poor pressure resistance. CPP-50 provided less peak broadening than EACD: peak widths were 0.1-0.3 min and R.S.D. of peak heights 4-14% (n = 3). In terms of analyte trapping efficiency on-line SPE-LC-UV with a CPP-50 precolumn also showed better performance than when Bondesil C18/OH or polymeric PLRP-S was used, but chromatographic resolution was similar. With the CPP-50-based system, detection limits of the test compounds were 0.05-1 microgram/l in surface water.

Liquid-phase pulsed laser ablation synthesis of graphitized carbon-encapsulated palladium core-shell nanospheres for catalytic reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yu-jin; Ma, Rory; Reddy, D. Amaranatha; Kim, Tae Kyu

2015-12-01

Graphitized carbon-encapsulated palladium (Pd) core-shell nanospheres were produced via pulsed laser ablation of a solid Pd foil target submerged in acetonitrile. The microstructural features and optical properties of these nanospheres were characterized via high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV-visible spectroscopy. Microstructural analysis indicated that the core-shell nanostructures consisted of single-crystalline cubic metallic Pd spheres that serve as the core material, over which graphitized carbon was anchored as a heterogeneous shell. The absorbance spectrum of the synthesized nanostructures exhibited a broad (absorption) band at ∼264 nm; this band corresponded to the typical inter-band transition of a metallic system and resulted possibly from the absorbance of the ionic Pd2+. The catalytic properties of the Pd and Pd@C core-shell nanostructures were investigated using the reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline by an excess amount of NaBH4 in an aqueous solution at room temperature, as a model reaction. Owing to the graphitized carbon-layered structure and the high specific surface area, the resulting Pd@C nanostructures exhibited higher conversion efficiencies than their bare Pd counterparts. In fact, the layered structure provided access to the surface of the Pd nanostructures for the hydrogenation reaction, owing to the synergistic effect between graphitized carbon and the nanostructures. Their unique structure and excellent catalytic performance render Pd@C core-shell nanostructures highly promising candidates for catalysis applications.

Development of a ReaxFF Potential for Carbon Condensed Phases and Its Application to the Thermal Fragmentation of a Large Fullerene

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

Srinivasan, Sriram Goverapet; van Duin, Adri C. T.; Ganesh, P.

2015-01-20

In this article, we report the development of a ReaxFF reactive potential that can accurately describe the chemistry and dynamics of carbon condensed phases. Density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations were performed to obtain the equation of state for graphite and diamond and the formation energies of defects in graphene and amorphous phases from fullerenes. The DFT data were used to reparametrize ReaxFFCHO, resulting in a new potential called ReaxFFC-2013. ReaxFFC-2013 accurately predicts the atomization energy of graphite and closely reproduces the DFT-based energy difference between graphite and diamond, and the barrier for transition from graphite to diamond. ReaxFFC-2013 also accuratelymore » predicts the DFT-based energy barrier for Stone–Wales transformation in a C60(Ih) fullerene through the concerted rotation of a C2 unit. Later, MD simulations of a C180 fullerene using ReaxFFC-2013 suggested that the thermal fragmentation of these giant fullerenes is an exponential function of time. An Arrhenius-type equation was fit to the decay rate, giving an activation energy of 7.66 eV for the loss of carbon atoms from the fullerene. Although the decay of the molecule occurs primarily via the loss of C2 units, we observed that, with an increase in temperature, the probability of loss of larger fragments increases. The ReaxFFC-2013 potential developed in this work, and the results obtained on fullerene fragmentation, provide an important step toward the full computational chemical modeling of coal pyrolysis, soot incandescence, high temperature erosion of graphitic rocket nozzles, and ablation of carbon-based spacecraft materials during atmospheric reentry.« less

Development of a ReaxFF potential for carbon condensed phases and its application to the thermal fragmentation of a large fullerene

DOE PAGES

Srinivasan, Sriram Goverapet; Adri C. T. van Duin; Ganesh, Panchapakesan

2015-01-06

In this paper, we report the development of a ReaxFF reactive potential that can accurately describe the chemistry and dynamics of carbon condensed phases. Density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations were performed to obtain the equation of state for graphite and diamond and the formation energies of defects in graphene and amorphous phases from fullerenes. The DFT data were used to reparametrize ReaxFF CHO, resulting in a new potential called ReaxFF C-2013. ReaxFF C-2013 accurately predicts the atomization energy of graphite and closely reproduces the DFT-based energy difference between graphite and diamond, and the barrier for transition from graphite to diamond.more » ReaxFF C-2013 also accurately predicts the DFT-based energy barrier for Stone–Wales transformation in a C 60(I h) fullerene through the concerted rotation of a C 2 unit. Later, MD simulations of a C 180 fullerene using ReaxFF C-2013 suggested that the thermal fragmentation of these giant fullerenes is an exponential function of time. An Arrhenius-type equation was fit to the decay rate, giving an activation energy of 7.66 eV for the loss of carbon atoms from the fullerene. Although the decay of the molecule occurs primarily via the loss of C 2 units, we observed that, with an increase in temperature, the probability of loss of larger fragments increases. Finally, the ReaxFF C-2013 potential developed in this work, and the results obtained on fullerene fragmentation, provide an important step toward the full computational chemical modeling of coal pyrolysis, soot incandescence, high temperature erosion of graphitic rocket nozzles, and ablation of carbon-based spacecraft materials during atmospheric reentry.« less

Composite materials for thermal energy storage

DOEpatents

Benson, David K.; Burrows, Richard W.; Shinton, Yvonne D.

1986-01-01

The present invention discloses composite material for thermal energy storage based upon polyhydric alcohols, such as pentaerythritol, trimethylol ethane (also known as pentaglycerine), neopentyl glycol and related compounds including trimethylol propane, monoaminopentaerythritol, diamino-pentaerythritol and tris(hydroxymethyl)acetic acid, separately or in combinations, which provide reversible heat storage through crystalline phase transformations. These phase change materials do not become liquid during use and are in contact with at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, carbon siliceous, plastic, cellulosic, natural fiber, artificial fiber, concrete, gypsum, porous rock, and mixtures thereof. Particulate additions, such as aluminum or graphite powders, as well as metal and carbon fibers can also be incorporated therein. Particulate and/or fibrous additions can be introduced into molten phase change materials which can then be cast into various shapes. After the phase change materials have solidified, the additions will remain dispersed throughout the matrix of the cast solid. The polyol is in contact with at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, carbon siliceous, plastic, cellulosic, natural fiber, artificial fiber, concrete, gypsum, and mixtures thereof.

Flame speed enhancement of solid nitrocellulose monopropellant coupled with graphite at microscales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, S.; Yehia, O.; Qiao, L.

2016-03-01

The flame-speed-enhancement phenomenon of a solid monopropellant (nitrocellulose) using a highly conductive thermal base (graphite sheet) was demonstrated and studied both experimentally and theoretically. A propellant layer ranging from 20 μm to 170 μm was deposited on the top of a 20-μm thick graphite sheet. Self-propagating oscillatory combustion waves were observed, with average flame speed enhancements up to 14 times the bulk value. The ratio of the fuel-to-graphite layer thickness affects not only the average reaction front velocities but also the period and the amplitude of the combustion wave oscillations. To better understand the flame-speed enhancement and the oscillatory nature of the combustion waves, the coupled nitrocellulose-graphite system was modeled using one-dimensional energy conservation equations along with simple one-step chemistry. The period and the amplitude of the oscillatory combustion waves were predicted as a function of the ratio of the fuel-to-graphite thickness (R), the ratio of the graphite-to-fuel thermal diffusivity (α0), and the non-dimensional inverse adiabatic temperature rise (β). The predicted flame speeds and the characteristics of the oscillations agree well with the experimental data. The new concept of using a highly conductive thermal base such as carbon-based nano- and microstructures to enhance flame propagation speed or burning rate of propellants and fuels could lead to improved performance of solid and liquid rocket motors, as well as of the alternative energy conversion microelectromechanical devices.

Solid-phase reductive amination for glycomic analysis.

PubMed

Jiang, Kuan; Zhu, He; Xiao, Cong; Liu, Ding; Edmunds, Garrett; Wen, Liuqing; Ma, Cheng; Li, Jing; Wang, Peng George

2017-04-15

Reductive amination is an indispensable method for glycomic analysis, as it tremendously facilitates glycan characterization and quantification by coupling functional tags at the reducing ends of glycans. However, traditional in-solution derivatization based approach for the preparation of reductively aminated glycans is quite tedious and time-consuming. Here, a simpler and more efficient strategy termed solid-phase reductive amination was investigated. The general concept underlying this new approach is to streamline glycan extraction, derivatization, and purification on non-porous graphitized carbon sorbents. Neutral and sialylated standard glycans were utilized to test the feasibility of the solid-phase method. As results, almost complete labeling of those glycans with four common labels of aniline, 2-aminobenzamide (2-AB), 2-aminobenzoic acid (2-AA) and 2-amino-N-(2-aminoethyl)-benzamide (AEAB) was obtained, and negligible desialylation occurred during sample preparation. The labeled glycans derived from glycoproteins showed excellent reproducibility in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. Direct comparisons based on fluorescent absorbance and relative quantification using isotopic labeling demonstrated that the solid-phase strategy enabled 20-30% increase in sample recovery. In short, the solid-phase strategy is simple, reproducible, efficient, and sensitive for glycan analysis. This method was also successfully applied for N-glycan profiling of HEK 293 cells with MALDI-TOF MS, showing its attractive application in the high-throughput analysis of mammalian glycome. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Determination of submicrogram-per-liter concentrations of caffeine in surface water and groundwater samples by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Burkhardt, M.R.; Soliven, P.P.; Werner, S.L.; Vaught, D.G.

1999-01-01

A method for determining submicrogram-per-liter concentrations of caffeine in surface water and groundwater samples has been developed. Caffeine is extracted from a 1 L water sample with a 0.5 g graphitized carbon-based solid-phase cartridge, eluted with methylene chloride-methanol (80 + 20, v/v), and analyzed by liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detection. The single-operator method detection limit for organic-free water samples was 0.02 ??g/L. Mean recoveries and relative standard deviations were 93 ?? 13% for organicfree water samples fortified at 0.04 ??g/L and 84 ?? 4% for laboratory reagent spikes fortified at 0.5 ??g/L. Environmental concentrations of caffeine ranged from 0.003 to 1.44 ??g/L in surface water samples and from 0.01 to 0.08 ??g/L in groundwater samples.

Nucleotide and Nucleotide Sugar Analysis by Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry on Surface-Conditioned Porous Graphitic Carbon

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

We examined the analysis of nucleotides and nucleotide sugars by chromatography on porous graphitic carbon with mass spectrometric detection, a method that evades contamination of the MS instrument with ion pairing reagent. At first, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and other triphosphate nucleotides exhibited very poor chromatographic behavior on new columns and could hardly be eluted from columns previously cleaned with trifluoroacetic acid. Satisfactory performance of both new and older columns could, however, be achieved by treatment with reducing agent and, unexpectedly, hydrochloric acid. Over 40 nucleotides could be detected in cell extracts including many isobaric compounds such as ATP, deoxyguanosine diphosphate (dGTP), and phospho-adenosine-5′-phosphosulfate or 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) and its much more abundant isomer 2′,3′-cylic AMP. A fast sample preparation procedure based on solid-phase extraction on carbon allowed detection of very short-lived analytes such as cytidine 5'-monophosphate (CMP)-2-keto-deoxy-octulosonic acid. In animal cells and plant tissues, about 35 nucleotide sugars were detected, among them rarely considered metabolites such as uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP)-l-arabinopyranose, UDP-l-arabinofuranose, guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP)-l-galactofuranose, UDP-l-rhamnose, and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-sugars. Surprisingly, UDP-arabinopyranose was also found in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Due to the unique structural selectivity of graphitic carbon, the method described herein distinguishes more nucleotides and nucleotide sugars than previously reported approaches. PMID:21043458

Solid hydrogen coated graphite particles in the interstellar medium. I.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swamy, K. S. K.; Wickramasinghe, N. C.

1969-01-01

Solid para hydrogen coated graphite particles expulsion into interstellar medium from star formation regions, considering mantles stability and particles extinction efficiency, albedo and phase function

Magnetic porous Fe3O4/carbon octahedra derived from iron-based metal-organic framework as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wenhui; Wu, Xiaofeng; Li, Shuangde; Tang, Wenxiang; Chen, Yunfa

2018-04-01

The synthesis of effective and recyclable Fenton-like catalyst is still a key factor for advanced oxidation processes. Herein, magnetic porous Fe3O4/carbon octahedra were constructed by a two-step controlled calcination of iron-based metal organic framework. The porous octahedra were assembled by interpenetrated Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with graphitic carbon layer, offering abundant mesoporous channels for the solid-liquid contact. Moreover, the oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of graphitic carbon endow the catalysts with hydrophilic nature and well-dispersion into water. The porous Fe3O4/carbon octahedra show efficiently heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions for decomposing the organic dye methylene blue (MB) with the help of H2O2, and nearly 100% removal efficiency within 60 min. Furthermore, the magnetic catalyst retains the activity after ten cycles and can be easily separated by external magnetic field, indicating the long-term catalytic durability and recyclability. The good Fenton-like catalytic performance of the as-synthesized Fe3O4/carbon octahedra is ascribed to the unique mesoporous structure derived from MOF-framework, as well as the sacrificial role and stabilizing effect of graphitic carbon layer. This work provides a facile strategy for the controllable synthesis of integrated porous octahedral structure with graphitic carbon layer, and thereby the catalyst holds significant potential for wastewater treatment.

Developpement d'un modele thermodynamique pour les cristallites de coke: Application aux systems carbone-hydrogene et carbone-soufre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouzilleau, Philippe

Carbon materials are essential components of multiple key industrial processes. One example of such a process is the production of aluminum using the Hall-Heroult process. It is well known that important quantities of carbon materials are regularily consumed by the operation of the Hall-Heroult process. In recent years, the increased impurity content of industrial carbon materials motivated the development of a better understanding for the high temperature behavior of these specific materials. The most common forms of carbon materials used in the industry are cokes. Cokes are carbon materials which, following heat treatment, present a crystalline structure similar to that observed in graphite. However, the observed crystallite size of cokes is usually much smaller than the one observed in graphite. For this reason, the chemical and thermodynamic properties of the ordered phase of cokes (i.e. coke crystallites) are very different than those of graphite (although coke crystallites of infinite size would possess properties almost identical to graphite). Coke crystallites consist of hexagonal planes of carbon atoms stacked one above the other. This particular aspect causes strong anisotropic properties in coke crystallites. No thermodynamic model was found for the production of a reliable correlation between the effect of crystallite size and chemical composition for the predictive calculations of the thermodynamic properties (and phase equilibriums) of coke crystallites. It is also difficult to produce predictive calculations that can be compared to experimental results using such a thermodynamic model. The goal of the present work is to propose a thermodynamic model designed to solve this problem. The present model is based on the well-defined geometrical properties of coke cristallites. This geometry allows the development of mathematical equations for the calculation of the mass balances of the crystallite (using a simplified geometry) using only the commonly used cristallite size parameters La (diameter of the crystallite) and Lc (height of the crystallite). The use of the Compound Energy Formalism is necessary to establish the methodology of the present model. Globally, the planar structure of the crystallites is divided into three sublattices on which individual chemical species are assumed to mix randomly. Appropriate thermodynamic paths are used to define the relative enthalpies and absolute entropies of these chemical species. The relative enthalpy and absolute entropy of the coke crystallites are derived for various values of La in the carbon/hydrogen and carbon/sulfur chemical systems. For the carbon/hydrogen system, the model parameters are based on the known values for the entropy of formation of simple hydrogenous organic compounds in the gaseous phase and known carbon/hydrogen bond enthalpies. Also, additional enthalpic properties of coke crystallites and graphitic structures are required for the definition of the thermodynamic paths (for example, the enthalpy associated with the delocalization of one electron in graphitic structures). Results for the carbon/hydrogen system are compared to experiments concerning the dehydrogenation of various cokes. A very satisfying agreement is obtained between the dehydrogenation curves predictively calculated by the model and the reported experimental results (obtained using slow heating rates). Most of the hydrogen content of coke crystallites (this content does not inclue the hydrogen in the condensed volatile matter phase) is predicted to leave the crystalline structure for temperatures between 1100 and 1300 K. Also, experimental measurements of the Gibbs energy of coke relative to graphite are reported. These measurements were obtained using a solid state electrochemical technique. A stabiliy of approximately 900 J g-1, relative to graphite, is reported for temperatures between 950 and 1250 K and for a crystallite size La of ˜10 nm. This value is in excellent agreement with the present thermodynamic model. Finally, an open discussion is made on the possible existance of a degraphitization behavior for coke crystallites heat treated above 2585 K. For the carbon/sulfur system, a modeling approach similar to the one developed for the carbon/hydrogen system is used. Approximately 75% of the model parameters of the carbon/hydrogen and carbon/sulfur systems are common to the two models. Predictive desulfurization curves using the current thermodynamic model are presented for temperatures above 1500 K. A very good agreement is obtained between the model calculations and the reported experimental data. Most of the sulfur content of coke crystallites is predicted to leave the crystallites for temperatures between 1600 and 1850 K. This temperature range is very similar to the puffing temperatures typically found during the desulfurization of petrochemical cokes. The good precision of the model for both studied systems (carbon/sulfur and carbon/hydrogen) combined with the transferability of the model parameters between the carbon/hydrogen and carbon/sulfur systems tend to validate the global approach developed so far.

Improved modeling of two-dimensional transitions in dense phases on crystalline surfaces. Krypton–graphite system

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

Ustinov, E. A., E-mail: eustinov@mail.wplus.net

This paper presents a refined technique to describe two-dimensional phase transitions in dense fluids adsorbed on a crystalline surface. Prediction of parameters of 2D liquid–solid equilibrium is known to be an extremely challenging problem, which is mainly due to a small difference in thermodynamic functions of coexisting phases and lack of accuracy of numerical experiments in case of their high density. This is a serious limitation of various attempts to circumvent this problem. To improve this situation, a new methodology based on the kinetic Monte Carlo method was applied. The methodology involves analysis of equilibrium gas–liquid and gas–solid systems undergoingmore » an external potential, which allows gradual shifting parameters of the phase coexistence. The interrelation of the chemical potential and tangential pressure for each system is then treated with the Gibbs–Duhem equation to obtain the point of intersection corresponding to the liquid/solid–solid equilibrium coexistence. The methodology is demonstrated on the krypton–graphite system below and above the 2D critical temperature. Using experimental data on the liquid–solid and the commensurate–incommensurate transitions in the krypton monolayer derived from adsorption isotherms, the Kr–graphite Lennard–Jones parameters have been corrected resulting in a higher periodic potential modulation.« less

Nucleation and growth studies of crystalline carbon phases at nanoscale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mani, Radhika C.

Understanding the nucleation and early stage growth of crystals from the vapor phase is important for realizing large-area single-crystal quality films, controlled synthesis of nanocrystals, and the possible discovery of new phases of materials. Carbon provides the most interesting system because all its known crystalline phases (diamond, graphite and carbon nanotubes) are technologically important materials. Hence, this dissertation is focused on studying the nucleation and growth of carbon phases synthesized from the vapor phase. Nucleation experiments were performed in a microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor, and the resulting carbon nanocrystals were analyzed primarily using electron nanodiffraction and Raman spectroscopy. These studies led to the discovery of two new crystalline phases of sp 3 carbon other than diamond: face-centered and body-centered cubic carbon. Nanodiffraction results revealed possible hydrogen substitution into diamond-cubic lattices, indicating that these new phases probably act as intermediates in diamond nucleation. Nucleation experiments also led to the discovery of two new morphologies for sp2 carbon: nanocrystals of graphite and tapered, hollow 1-D structures termed here as "carbon nanopipettes". A Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) algorithm was developed to simulate the growth of individual diamond crystals from the vapor phase, starting with small clusters of carbon atoms (or seeds). Specifically, KMC simulations were used to distinguish the kinetic rules that give rise to a star-shaped decahedral morphology compared to decahedral crystals. KMC simulations revealed that slow adsorption on the {111} step-propagation sites compared to kink sites leads to star-decahedral crystals, and higher adsorption leads to decahedral crystals. Since the surfaces of the nanocrystals of graphite and nanopipettes were expected to be composed primarily of edge-plane sites, the electrochemical behavior of both these materials were investigated with compounds requiring chemisorption, specifically biologically important species. Both these materials exhibited a stable and reversible voltammetric behavior for dopamine (a neurotransmitter) similar to that of graphite edge planes. Furthermore, a simple bottom-up concept utilizing the tapered morphology of the nanopipettes was developed to assemble a nanoarray sensor for fast cyclic voltammetry. In summary, the main outcomes of this dissertation include: the discovery of new crystalline carbon phases, understanding kinetic faceting of multiply twinned diamond crystals and tapered morphologies of carbon nanotubes, and development of new electrode materials based on sp2 carbon nanocrystals for sensing biologically important analytes.

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS OF 3-PHASE MULTISORBENT SAMPLERS FOR VOCS (BCO-L-22.1)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to describe the methodology for the analysis of certain trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air that are captured on carbon-based multisorbent tubes packed with Carbotrap C, Carbotrap (graphitized carbon blacks), and Carbosieve S-III (a carbon mo...

Application of sunflower stalk-carbon nitride nanosheets as a green sorbent in the solid-phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons followed by high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Marzi Khosrowshahi, Elnaz; Razmi, Habib

2018-02-08

A green biocomposite of sunflower stalks and graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets has been applied as a solid-phase extraction adsorbent for sample preparation of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different solutions using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Before the modification, sunflower stalks exhibited relatively low adsorption to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extraction. The modified sunflower stalks showed increased adsorption to the analytes extraction due to the increase in surface and existence of a π-π interaction between the analytes and graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets on the surface. Under the optimal conditions, the limits of detection and quantification for five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons compounds could reach 0.4-32 and 1.2-95 ng/L, respectively. The method accuracy was evaluated using recovery measurements in spiked real samples and good recoveries from 71 to 115% with relative standard deviations of <10% have been achieved. The developed method was successfully applied for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons determination in various samples-well water, tap water, soil, vegetable, and barbequed meat (kebab)-with analytes contents ranging from 0.065 to 13.3 μg/L. The prepared green composite as a new sorbent has some advantages including ease of preparation, low cost, and good reusability. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Composite materials for thermal energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benson, D. K.; Burrows, R. W.; Shinton, Y. D.

1985-01-01

A composite material for thermal energy storage based upon polyhydric alcohols, such as pentaerythritol, trimethylol ethane (also known as pentaglycerine), neopentyl glycol and related compounds including trimethylol propane, monoaminopentaerythritol, diamino-pentaerythritol and tris(hydroxymethyl)acetic acid, separately or in combinations, which provide reversible heat storage through crystalline phase transformations are discussed. These PCM's do not become liquid during use and are in contact with at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, carbon, siliceous, plastic, cellulosic, natural fiber, artificial fiber, concrete, gypsum, porous rock, and mixtures thereof. Particulate additions such as aluminum or graphite powders, as well as metal and carbon fibers can also be incorporated therein. Particulate and/or fibrous additions can be introduced into molten phase change materials which can then be cast into various shapes. After the phase change materials have solidified, the additions will remain dispersed throughout the matrix of the cast solid. The polyol is in contact with at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, carbon, siliceous, plastic, cellulosic, natural fiber, artificial fiber, concrete, gypsum, and mixtures thereof.

Composite materials for thermal energy storage

DOEpatents

Benson, D.K.; Burrows, R.W.; Shinton, Y.D.

1985-01-04

A composite material for thermal energy storage based upon polyhydric alcohols, such as pentaerythritol, trimethylol ethane (also known as pentaglycerine), neopentyl glycol and related compounds including trimethylol propane, monoaminopentaerythritol, diamino-pentaerythritol and tris(hydroxymethyl)acetic acid, separately or in combinations, which provide reversible heat storage through crystalline phase transformations. These PCM's do not become liquid during use and are in contact with at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, carbon, siliceous, plastic, cellulosic, natural fiber, artificial fiber, concrete, gypsum, porous rock, and mixtures thereof. Particulate additions such as aluminum or graphite powders, as well as metal and carbon fibers can also be incorporated therein. Particulate and/or fibrous additions can be introduced into molten phase change materials which can then be cast into various shapes. After the phase change materials have solidified, the additions will remain dispersed throughout the matrix of the cast solid. The polyol is in contact with at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals, carbon, siliceous, plastic, cellulosic, natural fiber, artificial fiber, concrete, gypsum, and mixtures thereof.

Fe-Ni-Cu-C-S phase relations at high pressures and temperatures - The role of sulfur in carbon storage and diamond stability at mid- to deep-upper mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsuno, Kyusei; Dasgupta, Rajdeep

2015-02-01

Constraining the stable form of carbon in the deep mantle is important because carbon has key influence on mantle processes such as partial melting and element mobility, thereby affecting the efficiency of carbon exchange between the endogenic and exogenic reservoirs. In the reduced, mid- to deep-upper mantle, the chief host of deep carbon is expected to be graphite/diamond but in the presence of Fe-Ni alloy melt in the reduced mantle and owing to high solubility of carbon in such alloy phase, diamond may become unstable. To investigate the nature of stable, C-bearing phases in the reduced, mid- to deep-upper mantle, here we have performed experiments to examine the effect of sulfur on the phase relations of the Ni-rich portion of Fe-Ni ± Cu-C-S system, and carbon solubility in the Fe-Ni solid and Fe-Ni-S liquid alloys at 6-8 GPa and 800-1400 °C using a multianvil press. Low-temperature experiments for six starting mixes (Ni/(Fe + Ni) ∼ 0.61, 8-16 wt.% S) contain C-bearing, solid Fe-Ni alloy + Fe-Ni-C-S alloy melt + metastable graphite, and the solid alloy-out boundary is constrained, at 1150-1200 °C at 6 GPa and 900-1000 °C at 8 GPa for S-poor starting mix, and at 1000-1050 °C at 6 GPa and 900-1000 °C at 8 GPa for the S-rich starting mix. The carbon solubility in the liquid alloy significantly diminishes from 2.1 to 0.8 wt.% with sulfur in the melt increasing from 8 to 24 wt.%, irrespective of temperature. We also observed a slight decrease of carbon solubility in the liquid alloy with increasing pressure when alloy liquid contains >∼18 wt.% S, and with decreasing Ni/(Fe + Ni) ratio from 0.65 to ∼0.53. Based on our results, diamond, coexisting with Ni-rich sulfide liquid alloy is expected to be stable in the reduced, alloy-bearing oceanic mantle with C content as low as 20 to 5 ppm for mantle S varying between 100 and 200 ppm. Deep, reduced root of cratonic mantle, on the other hand, is expected to have C distributed among solid alloy, liquid alloy, and diamond for low-S (≤100 ppm S) domains and between liquid alloy and diamond in high-S (≥150 ppm S) domains. Our findings can explain the observation of Ni-rich sulfide and/or Fe-Ni alloy inclusions in diamond and suggest that diamond stability in the alloy-bearing, reduced mantle does not necessarily require excess C supply from recycled, crustal lithologies. Our prediction of diamond stability in the background, depleted upper mantle, owing to the interaction with mantle sulfides, is also consistent with the carbon isotopic composition of peridotitic diamond (δ13C of - 5 ± 1 ‰), which suggests no significant input from recycled carbon.

Solid phase microbial fuel cell (SMFC) for harnessing bioelectricity from composite food waste fermentation: influence of electrode assembly and buffering capacity.

PubMed

Mohan, S Venkata; Chandrasekhar, K

2011-07-01

Solid phase microbial fuel cells (SMFC; graphite electrodes; open-air cathode) were designed to evaluate the potential of bioelectricity production by stabilizing composite canteen based food waste. The performance was evaluated with three variable electrode-membrane assemblies. Experimental data depicted feasibility of bioelectricity generation from solid state fermentation of food waste. Distance between the electrodes and presence of proton exchange membrane (PEM) showed significant influence on the power yields. SMFC-B (anode placed 5 cm from cathode-PEM) depicted good power output (463 mV; 170.81 mW/m(2)) followed by SMFC-C (anode placed 5 cm from cathode; without PEM; 398 mV; 53.41 mW/m(2)). SMFC-A (PEM sandwiched between electrodes) recorded lowest performance (258 mV; 41.8 mW/m(2)). Sodium carbonate amendment documented marked improvement in power yields due to improvement in the system buffering capacity. SMFCs operation also documented good substrate degradation (COD, 76%) along with bio-ethanol production. The operation of SMFC mimicked solid-sate fermentation which might lead to sustainable solid waste management practices. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electrolytic Generation of Nano-Scale Carbon Phases with Framework Structures in Molten Salts on Metal Cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novoselova, Inessa A.; Oliinyk, Nikolai F.; Voronina, Anastasiya B.; Volkov, Sergei V.

2008-08-01

An electrochemical study of mechanisms of electrodeposition of carbon solid phases from halide melts (Na,K|Cl; Na,K,Cs|Cl), saturated with carbon dioxide under an excessive pressure of up to 1.5 MPa, has been carried out in the temperature range 550 - 850 °C by cyclic voltammetry. It has been found that the cathode process occurs in three steps at sweep rates of less than 0.1 Vs-1, and its electrochemical-chemical-electrochemical (ECE) mechanism is suggested. It has furthermore been found that cathodic deposits contain nano-sized carbon particles of different forms and structure: blocks of amorphous carbon, crystalline graphite, carbon nanotubes (CNT), and nanofibres. The outer diameter of the tubes is 5 - 250 nm, and the internal diameter is 2 - 140 nm. A correlation between the product structure and yield against electrolysis conditions and regimes has been established.

Equation of state and phase diagram of carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Averin, A. B.; Dremov, V. V.; Samarin, S. I.; Sapozhnikov, A. T.

1996-05-01

Thermodynamically consistent equation of state (EOS) for graphite and diamond is proposed. The EOS satisfactorily describes experimental data on shock compression, heat capacity, thermal expansion and phase equilibrium and can be used in mathematical models and computer codes for calculation of graphite-diamond phase transition under dynamic loading. Monte-Carlo calculations of diamond thermodynamic properties have been carried out to check correctness of the EOS in the regions of phase diagram where experimental data are absent. On the basis of the EOS and Grover's model of liquid state the EOS of liquid carbon have been constructed and carbon phase diagram (graphite and diamond melting curves and triple point) have been calculated. Comparison of calculated and experimental Hugoniots has stated a question about diamond melting curve.

In silico carbon molecular beam epitaxial growth of graphene on the h-BN substrate: carbon source effect on van der Waals epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jonghoon; Varshney, Vikas; Park, Jeongho; Farmer, Barry L.; Roy, Ajit K.

2016-05-01

Against the presumption that hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) should provide an ideal substrate for van der Waals (vdW) epitaxy to grow high quality graphene films, carbon molecular beam epitaxy (CMBE) techniques using solid carbon sublimation have reported relatively poor quality of the graphene. In this article, the CMBE growth of graphene on the h-BN substrate is numerically studied in order to identify the effect of the carbon source on the quality of the graphene film. The carbon molecular beam generated by the sublimation of solid carbon source materials such as graphite and glassy carbon is mostly composed of atomic carbon, carbon dimers and carbon trimers. Therefore, the graphene film growth becomes a complex process involving various deposition characteristics of a multitude of carbon entities. Based on the study of surface adsorption and film growth characteristics of these three major carbon entities comprising graphite vapour, we report that carbon trimers convey strong traits of vdW epitaxy prone to high quality graphene growth, while atomic carbon deposition is a surface-reaction limited process accompanied by strong chemisorption. The vdW epitaxial behaviour of carbon trimers is found to be substantial enough to nucleate and develop into graphene like planar films within a nanosecond of high flux growth simulation, while reactive atomic carbons tend to impair the structural integrity of the crystalline h-BN substrate upon deposition to form an amorphous interface between the substrate and the growing carbon film. The content of reactive atomic carbons in the molecular beam is suspected to be the primary cause of low quality graphene reported in the literature. A possible optimization of the molecular beam composition towards the synthesis of better quality graphene films is suggested.Against the presumption that hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) should provide an ideal substrate for van der Waals (vdW) epitaxy to grow high quality graphene films, carbon molecular beam epitaxy (CMBE) techniques using solid carbon sublimation have reported relatively poor quality of the graphene. In this article, the CMBE growth of graphene on the h-BN substrate is numerically studied in order to identify the effect of the carbon source on the quality of the graphene film. The carbon molecular beam generated by the sublimation of solid carbon source materials such as graphite and glassy carbon is mostly composed of atomic carbon, carbon dimers and carbon trimers. Therefore, the graphene film growth becomes a complex process involving various deposition characteristics of a multitude of carbon entities. Based on the study of surface adsorption and film growth characteristics of these three major carbon entities comprising graphite vapour, we report that carbon trimers convey strong traits of vdW epitaxy prone to high quality graphene growth, while atomic carbon deposition is a surface-reaction limited process accompanied by strong chemisorption. The vdW epitaxial behaviour of carbon trimers is found to be substantial enough to nucleate and develop into graphene like planar films within a nanosecond of high flux growth simulation, while reactive atomic carbons tend to impair the structural integrity of the crystalline h-BN substrate upon deposition to form an amorphous interface between the substrate and the growing carbon film. The content of reactive atomic carbons in the molecular beam is suspected to be the primary cause of low quality graphene reported in the literature. A possible optimization of the molecular beam composition towards the synthesis of better quality graphene films is suggested. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Three movie files: 3mer-physorption.mpg and 3mer-chemisorption.mpg feature examples of the adsorption state sampling of a carbon trimer on the heated h-BN substrate as mentioned in the ``Single Molecule Adsorption Study'' section. In 3mer-film-growth.mpg, an instance of honey comb formation during the initial phase of graphene growth simulation using a carbon trimer beam is captured. An initially sp hybridized carbon atom (red colored) becomes sp2 hybridized as a result of additional covalent bonding with the impinging carbon trimer. As the bond angle around the red carbon changes from 180 degree (sp) to 120 degree (sp2), nearby carbon atoms enclose to form a hexagon structure composed of 6 carbon atoms. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01396a

Electrolyte volume effects on electrochemical performance and solid electrolyte interphase in Si-graphite/NMC lithium-ion pouch cells

DOE PAGES

An, Seong Jin; Li, Jianlin; Daniel, Claus; ...

2017-05-15

This study aims to explore the correlations between electrolyte volume, electrochemical performance, and properties of the solid electrolyte interphase in pouch cells with Si-graphite composite anodes. The electrolyte is 1.2 M LiPF 6 in ethylene carbonate:ethylmethyl carbonate with 10 wt.% fluoroethylene carbonate. Single layer pouch cells (100 mAh) were constructed with 15 wt.% Si-graphite/LiNi 0.5Mn 0.3CO 0.2O 2 electrodes. It is found that a minimum electrolyte volume factor of 3.1 times the total pore volume of cell components (cathode, anode, and separator) is needed for better cycling stability. Less electrolyte causes increases in ohmic and charge transfer resistances. Lithium dendritesmore » are observed when the electrolyte volume factor is low. The resistances from the anodes become significant as the cells are discharged. As a result, solid electrolyte interphase thickness grows as the electrolyte volume factor increases and is non-uniform after cycling.« less

Influence of free carbon on the characteristics of ZrC and deposition of near-stoichiometric ZrC in TRISO coated particle fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Daejong; Ko, Myeong Jin; Park, Ji Yeon; Cho, Moon Sung; Kim, Weon-Ju

2014-08-01

Advanced TRISO coated particles with a ZrC coating layer as a main pressure boundary were fabricated by a fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition (FBCVD) method using a chloride process. Experiments were performed to determine the effect of codeposition of graphitic carbon on the hardness and obtain the stoichiometric ZrC phase. The ZrC coating layer was composed of a mixture of ZrC and graphitic carbon phases at a low ZrCl4/CH4 ratio. A near-stoichiometric ZrC without the free carbon can be obtained by employing an impeller-driven ZrCl4 vaporizer. The codeposition of the graphitic carbon significantly lowered the hardness of ZrC while increasing the fraction of the carbon. The hardness reached its maximum when ZrC was in a slight carbon deficit without free carbon. As the graphitic carbon increased up to 12 vol%, the hardness was reduced by approximately 50% compared to the near-stoichiometric ZrC.

Application of multiwall carbon nanotubes-based matrix solid phase dispersion extraction for determination of hormones in butter by gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Su, Rui; Wang, Xinghua; Xu, Xu; Wang, Ziming; Li, Dan; Zhao, Xin; Li, Xueyuan; Zhang, Hanqi; Yu, Aimin

2011-08-05

The multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-based matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) was applied for the extraction of hormones, including 17-α-ethinylestradiol, 17-α-estradiol, estriol, 17-β-estradiol, estrone, medroxyprogesterone, progesterone and norethisterone acetate in butter samples. The method includes MSPD extraction of the target analytes from butter samples, derivatization of hormones with heptafluorobutyric acid anhydride-acetonitrile mixture, and determination by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The mixture containing 0.30 g graphitized MWCNTs and 0.10 g MWCNTs was selected as absorbent. Ethyl acetate was used as elution solvent. The elution solvent volume and flow rate were 12 mL and 0.9 mL min(-1), respectively. The recoveries of hormones obtained by analyzing the five spiked butter samples were from 84.5 to 111.2% and relative standard deviations from 1.9 to 8.9%. Limits of detection and quantification for determining the analytes were in the range of 0.2-1.3 and 0.8-4.5 μg kg(-1), respectively. Compared with other traditional methods, the proposed method is simpler in the operation and shorter in the sample pretreatment time. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solid Fuel Burning in Steady, Strained, Premixed Flow Fields: The Graphite/Air/Methane System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Egolfopoulos, Fokion N.; Wu, Ming-Shin (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

A detailed numerical investigation was conducted on the simultaneous burning of laminar premixed CH4/air flames and solid graphite in a stagnation flow configuration. The graphite and methane were chosen for this model, given that they are practical fuels and their chemical kinetics are considered as the most reliable ones among solid and hydrocarbon fuels, respectively. The simulation was performed by solving the quasi-one-dimensional equations of mass, momentum, energy, and species. The GRI 2.1 scheme was used for the gas-phase kinetics, while the heterogeneous kinetics were described by a six-step mechanism including stable and radical species. The effects of the graphite surface temperature, the gas-phase equivalence ratio, and the aerodynamic strain rate on the graphite burning rate and NO, production and destruction mechanisms were assessed. Results indicate that as the graphite temperature increases, its burning rate as well as the NO, concentration increase. Furthermore, it was found that by increasing the strain rate, the graphite burning rate increases as a result of the augmented supply of the gas-phase reactants towards the surface, while the NO, concentration decreases as a result of the reduced residence time. The effect of the equivalence ratio on both the graphite burning rate and NO, concentration was found to be non-monotonic and strongly dependent on the graphite temperature. Comparisons between results obtained for a graphite and a chemically inert surface revealed that the chemical activity of the graphite surface can result to the reduction of NO through reactions of the CH3, CH2, CH, and N radicals with NO.

Artificially-built solid electrolyte interphase via surface-bonded vinylene carbonate derivative on graphite by molecular layer deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chae, Seulki; Lee, Jeong Beom; Lee, Jae Gil; Lee, Tae-jin; Soon, Jiyong; Ryu, Ji Heon; Lee, Jin Seok; Oh, Seung M.

2017-12-01

Vinylene carbonate (VC) is attached in a ring-opened form on a graphite surface by molecular layer deposition (MLD) method, and its role as a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) former is studied. When VC is added into the electrolyte solution of a graphite/LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) full-cell, it is reductively decomposed to form an effective SEI on the graphite electrode. However, VC in the electrolyte solution has serious adverse effects due to its poor stability against electrochemical oxidation on the LNMO positive electrode. A excessive acid generation as a result of VC oxidation is observed, causing metal dissolution from the LNMO electrode. The dissolved metal ions are plated on the graphite electrode to destroy the SEI layer, eventually causing serious capacity fading and poor Coulombic efficiency. The VC derivative on the graphite surface also forms an effective SEI layer on the graphite negative electrode via reductive decomposition. The detrimental effects on the LNMO positive electrode, however, can be avoided because the bonded VC derivative on the graphite surface cannot move to the LNMO electrode. Consequently, the graphite/LNMO full-cell fabricated with the VC-attached graphite outperforms the cells without VC or with VC in the electrolyte, in terms of Coulombic efficiency and capacity retention.

Solid-state graphene formation via a nickel carbide intermediate phase [Nickel carbide (Ni 3C) as an intermediate phase for graphene formation

DOE PAGES

Xiong, W; Zhou, Yunshen; Hou, Wenjia; ...

2015-11-10

Direct formation of graphene with controlled number of graphitic layers on dielectric surfaces is highly desired for practical applications. Despite significant progress achieved in understanding the formation of graphene on metallic surfaces through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of hydrocarbons, very limited research is available elucidating the graphene formation process via rapid thermal processing (RTP) of solid-state amorphous carbon, through which graphene is formed directly on dielectric surfaces accompanied by autonomous nickel evaporation. It is suggested that a metastable hexagonal nickel carbide (Ni 3C) intermediate phase plays a critical role in transforming amorphous carbon to 2D crystalline graphene and contributing tomore » the autonomous Ni evaporation. Temperature resolved carbon and nickel evolution in the RTP process is investigated using Auger electron spectroscopic (AES) depth profiling and glancing-angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD). Formation, migration and decomposition of the hexagonal Ni 3C are confirmed to be responsible for the formation of graphene and the evaporation of Ni at 1100 °C. The Ni 3C-assisted graphene formation mechanism expands the understanding of Ni-catalyzed graphene formation, and provides insightful guidance for controlled growth of graphene through the solid-state transformation process.« less

Preparation by low-temperature nonthermal plasma of graphite fiber and its characteristics for solid-phase microextraction.

PubMed

Luo, Fan; Wu, Zucheng; Tao, Ping; Cong, Yanqing

2009-01-05

Low-temperature nonthermal plasma has been used to prepare solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers with high adsorbability, long-term serviceability, and high reproducibility. Graphite rods serving as fiber precursors were treated by an air plasma discharged at 15.2-15.5 kV for a duration of 8 min. Sampling results revealed that the adsorptive capacity of the homemade fiber was 2.5-34.6 times that of a polyacrylate (PA) fiber for alcohols (methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol), and about 1.4-1.6 times and 2.5-5.1 times that of an activated carbon fiber (ACF) for alcohols and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes), respectively. It is confirmed from FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer) and SEM (scanning electron microscope) analyses that the improvement in the adsorptive performance attributed to increased surface energy and roughness of the graphite fiber. Using gas chromatography (GC)-flame-ionization detector (FID), the limits of detection (LODs) of the alcohols and BTEX ranged between 0.19 and 3.75 microg L(-1), the linear ranges were between 0.6 and 35,619 microg L(-1) with good linearity (R(2)=0.9964-0.9997). It was demonstrated that nonthermal plasma offers a fast and simple method for preparing an efficient graphite SPME fiber, and that SPME using the homemade fiber represents a sensitive and selective extraction method for the analysis of a wide range of organic compounds.

A new carbon-based magnetic material for the dispersive solid-phase extraction of UV filters from water samples before liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

PubMed

Piovesana, Susy; Capriotti, Anna Laura; Cavaliere, Chiara; La Barbera, Giorgia; Samperi, Roberto; Zenezini Chiozzi, Riccardo; Laganà, Aldo

2017-07-01

Magnetic solid-phase extraction is one of the most promising new extraction methods for liquid samples before ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis. Several types of materials, including carbonaceous ones, have been prepared for this purpose. In this paper, for the first time, the preparation, characterization, and sorption capability of Fe 3 O 4 -graphitized carbon black (mGCB) composite toward some compounds of environmental interest were investigated. The synthesized mGCB consisted of micrometric GCB particles with 55 m 2  g -1 surface area bearing some carbonyl and hydroxyl functionalities and the surface partially decorated by Fe 3 O 4 microparticles. The prepared mGCB was firstly tested as an adsorbent for the extraction from surface water of 50 pollutants, including estrogens, perfluoroalkyl compounds, UV filters, and quinolones. The material showed good affinity to many of the tested compounds, except carboxylates and glucoronates; however, some compounds were difficult to desorb. Ten UV filters belonging to the chemical classes of benzophenones and p-aminobenzoates were selected, and parameters were optimized for the extraction of these compounds from surface water before UHPLC-MS/MS determination. Then, the method was validated in terms of linearity, trueness, intra-laboratory precision, and detection and quantification limits. In summary, the method performance (trueness, expressed as analytical recovery, 85-114%; RSD 5-15%) appears suitable for the determination of the selected compounds at the level of 10-100 ng L -1 , with detection limits in the range of 1-5 ng L -1 . Finally, the new method was compared with a published one, based on conventional solid-phase extraction with GCB, showing similar performance in real sample analysis. Graphical Abstract Workflow of the analytical method based on magnetic solid-phase extraction followed by LC-MS/MS determination.

Rapid prototyping of carbon-based chemiresistive gas sensors on paper

PubMed Central

Mirica, Katherine A.; Azzarelli, Joseph M.; Weis, Jonathan G.; Schnorr, Jan M.; Swager, Timothy M.

2013-01-01

Chemically functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising materials for sensing of gases and volatile organic compounds. However, the poor solubility of carbon nanotubes hinders their chemical functionalization and the subsequent integration of these materials into devices. This manuscript describes a solvent-free procedure for rapid prototyping of selective chemiresistors from CNTs and graphite on the surface of paper. This procedure enables fabrication of functional gas sensors from commercially available starting materials in less than 15 min. The first step of this procedure involves the generation of solid composites of CNTs or graphite with small molecule selectors—designed to interact with specific classes of gaseous analytes—by solvent-free mechanical mixing in a ball mill and subsequent compression. The second step involves deposition of chemiresistive sensors by mechanical abrasion of these solid composites onto the surface of paper. Parallel fabrication of multiple chemiresistors from diverse composites rapidly generates cross-reactive arrays capable of sensing and differentiating gases and volatile organic compounds at part-per-million and part-per-thousand concentrations. PMID:23942132

Interface structure between tetraglyme and graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minato, Taketoshi; Araki, Yuki; Umeda, Kenichi; Yamanaka, Toshiro; Okazaki, Ken-ichi; Onishi, Hiroshi; Abe, Takeshi; Ogumi, Zempachi

2017-09-01

Clarification of the details of the interface structure between liquids and solids is crucial for understanding the fundamental processes of physical functions. Herein, we investigate the structure of the interface between tetraglyme and graphite and propose a model for the interface structure based on the observation of frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy in liquids. The ordering and distorted adsorption of tetraglyme on graphite were observed. It is found that tetraglyme stably adsorbs on graphite. Density functional theory calculations supported the adsorption structure. In the liquid phase, there is a layered structure of the molecular distribution with an average distance of 0.60 nm between layers.

Laser-induced phase separation of silicon carbide

PubMed Central

Choi, Insung; Jeong, Hu Young; Shin, Hyeyoung; Kang, Gyeongwon; Byun, Myunghwan; Kim, Hyungjun; Chitu, Adrian M.; Im, James S.; Ruoff, Rodney S.; Choi, Sung-Yool; Lee, Keon Jae

2016-01-01

Understanding the phase separation mechanism of solid-state binary compounds induced by laser–material interaction is a challenge because of the complexity of the compound materials and short processing times. Here we present xenon chloride excimer laser-induced melt-mediated phase separation and surface reconstruction of single-crystal silicon carbide and study this process by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and a time-resolved reflectance method. A single-pulse laser irradiation triggers melting of the silicon carbide surface, resulting in a phase separation into a disordered carbon layer with partially graphitic domains (∼2.5 nm) and polycrystalline silicon (∼5 nm). Additional pulse irradiations cause sublimation of only the separated silicon element and subsequent transformation of the disordered carbon layer into multilayer graphene. The results demonstrate viability of synthesizing ultra-thin nanomaterials by the decomposition of a binary system. PMID:27901015

Carboxylate modified porous graphitic carbon: a new class of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography phases.

PubMed

Wahab, M Farooq; Ibrahim, Mohammed E A; Lucy, Charles A

2013-06-18

Stationary phases for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) are predominantly based on silica and polymer supports. We present porous graphitic carbon particles with covalently attached carboxylic acid groups (carboxylate-PGC) as a new HILIC stationary phase. PGC particles were modified by adsorbing the diazonium salt of 4-aminobenzoic acid onto the PGC, followed by reduction of the adsorbed salt with sodium borohydride. The newly developed carboxylate-PGC phase exhibits different selectivity than that of 35 HPLC columns, including bare silica, zwitterionic, amine, reversed, and unmodified PGC phases. Carboxylate-PGC is stable from pH 2.0 to 12.6, yielding reproducible retention even at pH 12.6. Characterization of the new phase is presented by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, zeta potentials, and elemental analysis. The chromatographic performance of carboxylate-PGC as a HILIC phase is illustrated by separations of carboxylic acids, nucleotides, phenols, and amino acids.

Developments in Hollow Graphite Fiber Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stallcup, Michael; Brantley, Lott W., Jr. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Hollow graphite fibers will be lighter than standard solid graphite fibers and, thus, will save weight in optical components. This program will optimize the processing and properties of hollow carbon fibers developed by MER and to scale-up the processing to produce sufficient fiber for fabricating a large ultra-lightweight mirror for delivery to NASA.

Effect of fluroine content, atmosphere, and burnishing technique on the lubricating properties of graphite fluoride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fusaro, R. L.

1974-01-01

Eight different graphite fluoride compounds with fluorine to carbon ratios varying from x = 0.25 to 1.1 were evaluated as burnished films in order to determine the effect of fluorine content on the solid lubricant properties of graphite fluoride. For comparison, similar experiments were conducted on graphite burnished films. It was found that even a small amount of fluorine in graphite fluoride (CF0.25)n improved the lubricating properties of graphite. However, such factors as burnishing atmosphere, burnishing technique, test atmosphere, and specimen temperature affected the results as much as varying the fluorine to carbon ratio of the compound. Best life was found for films that were machined burnished in moist air and tested in moist air.

Graphite fluoride lubrication: The effect of fluorine content, atmosphere, and burnishing technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fusaro, R. L.

1975-01-01

Eight different graphite fluoride compounds with fluorine to carbon ratios varying from x = 0.25 to 1.1 were evaluated as burnished films in order to determine the effect of fluorine content on the solid lubricant properties of graphite fluoride. For comparison, similar experiments were conducted on graphite burnished films. It was found that even a small amount of fluorine in graphite fluoride (CF sub 0.25) sub n improved the lubricating properties of graphite. Such factors as burnishing atmosphere, burnishing technique, test atmosphere, and specimen temperature affected the results as much as varying the fluorine to carbon ratio of the compound. Best life was found for films that were machine-burnished in moist air and tested in moist air.

Structural studies on carbon materials for advanced space technology. Part 1: Structure and oxidation behavior of some carbon/carbon composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fischbach, D. B.; Uptegrove, D. R.; Srinivasagopalan, S.

1974-01-01

The microstructure and some microstructural effects of oxidation have been investigated for laminar carbon fiber cloth/cloth binder matrix composite materials. It was found that cloth wave is important in determining the macrostructure of the composites X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the composites were more graphitic than the constituent fiber phases, indicating a graphitic binder matrix phase. Various tests which were conducted to investigate specific properties of the material are described. It was learned that under the moderate temperature and oxidant flow conditions studied, C-700, 730 materials exhibit superior oxidation resistance primarily because of the inhibiting influence of the graphitized binder matrix.

Retention and effective diffusion of model metabolites on porous graphitic carbon.

PubMed

Lunn, Daniel B; Yun, Young J; Jorgenson, James W

2017-12-29

The study of metabolites in biological samples is of high interest for a wide range of biological and pharmaceutical applications. Reversed phase liquid chromatography is a common technique used for the separation of metabolites, but it provides little retention for polar metabolites. An alternative to C18 bonded phases, porous graphitic carbon has the ability to provide significant retention for both non-polar and polar analytes. The goal of this work is to study the retention and effective diffusion properties of porous graphitic carbon, to see if it is suitable for the wide injection bands and long run times associated with long, packed capillary-scale separations. The retention of a set of standard metabolites was studied for both stationary phases over a wide range of mobile phase conditions. This data showed that porous graphitic carbon benefits from significantly increased retention (often >100 fold) under initial gradient conditions for these metabolites, suggesting much improved ability to focus a wide injection band at the column inlet. The effective diffusion properties of these columns were studied using peak-parking experiments with the standard metabolites under a wide range of retention conditions. Under the high retention conditions, which can be associated with retention after injection loading for gradient separations, D eff /D m ∼0.1 for both the C18-bonded and porous graphitic carbon columns. As C18 bonded particles are widely, and successfully utilized for long gradient separations without issue of increasing peak width from longitudinal diffusion, this suggests that porous graphitic carbon should be amenable for long runtime gradient separations as well. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

REFRACTORY COATING FOR GRAPHITE MOLDS

DOEpatents

Stoddard, S.D.

1958-06-24

Refractory coating for graphite molds used in the casting of uranium is described. The coating is an alumino-silicate refractory composition which may be used as a mold surface in solid form or as a coating applied to the graphite mold. The composition consists of a mixture of ball clay, kaolin, alumina cement, alumina, water, sodium silicate, and sodium carbonate.

Process of making carbon-carbon composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kowbel, Witold (Inventor); Withers, James C. (Inventor); Bruce, Calvin (Inventor); Vaidyanathan, Ranji (Inventor); Loutfy, Raouf O. (Inventor)

2000-01-01

A carbon composite structure, for example, an automotive engine piston, is made by preparing a matrix including of a mixture of non crystalline carbon particulate soluble in an organic solvent and a binder that has a liquid phase. The non crystalline particulate also contains residual carbon hydrogen bonding. An uncured structure is formed by combining the matrix mixture, for example, carbon fibers such as graphite dispersed in the mixture and/or graphite cloth imbedded in the mixture. The uncured structure is cured by pyrolyzing it in an inert atmosphere such as argon. Advantageously, the graphite reinforcement material is whiskered prior to combining it with the matrix mixture by a novel method involving passing a gaseous metal suboxide over the graphite surface.

Monolithic quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells based on graphene-modified mesoscopic carbon-counter electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, Yaoguang; Han, Hongwei

2013-01-01

A monolithic quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) based on graphene-modified mesoscopic carbon-counter electrode is developed. A TiO2-working electrode layer, ZrO2 spacer layer, and carbon counter electrode layer were constructed on a single conducting glass substrate by screen printing. The quasi-solid-state polymer gel electrolyte employed a polymer composite as the gelator, and effectively infiltrated the porous layers. Fabricated with normal carbon-counter electrode (NC-CE) containing graphite and carbon black, the DSSC had a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.09% with the fill factor of 0.63 at 100 mW cm-2 AM1.5 illumination. When the NC-CE was modified with graphene sheets, the PCE and fill factor were enhanced to 6.27% and 0.71, respectively. This improvement indicates excellent conductivity and high electrocatalytic activity of the graphene sheets, which have been considered as a promising platinum-free electrode material for DSSCs.

The origin of epigenetic graphite: evidence from isotopes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Weis, P.L.; Friedman, I.; Gleason, J.P.

1981-01-01

Stable carbon isotope ratios measured in syngenetic graphite, epigenetic graphite, and graphitic marble suggests that syngenetic graphite forms only by the metamorphism of carbonaceous detritus. Metamorphism of calcareous rocks with carbonaceous detritus is accompanied by an exchange of carbon between the two, which may result in large changes in isotopic composition of the non-carbonate phase but does not affect the relative proportions of the two reactants in the rock. Epigenetic graphite forms only from carbonaceous material or preexisting graphite. The reactions involved are the water gas reaction (C + H2O ??? CO + H2) at 800-900??C, and the Boudouard reaction (2CO ??? C + CO2), which probably takes place at temperatures about 50-100??C lower. ?? 1982.

Structure of spontaneously formed solid-electrolyte interphase on lithiated graphite determined using small-angle neutron scattering

DOE PAGES

Sacci, Robert L.; Banuelos, Jose Leobardo; Veith, Gabriel M.; ...

2015-03-25

We report the first small-angle neutron scattering of a chemically formed solid-electrolyte interphase from LixC6 reacting with ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbon solvent. This provides a different and perhaps simpler view of SEI formation than the usual electrochemically-driven reaction. We show that an organic layer coats the graphite particles filling in micro-pores and is polymeric in nature being 1-3 nm thick. We used inelastic neutron scattering to probe the chemistry, and we found that the SEI showed similar inelastic scattering to polyethylene oxide.

Quantifying microstructural dynamics and electrochemical activity of graphite and silicon-graphite lithium ion battery anodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pietsch, Patrick; Westhoff, Daniel; Feinauer, Julian; Eller, Jens; Marone, Federica; Stampanoni, Marco; Schmidt, Volker; Wood, Vanessa

2016-09-01

Despite numerous studies presenting advances in tomographic imaging and analysis of lithium ion batteries, graphite-based anodes have received little attention. Weak X-ray attenuation of graphite and, as a result, poor contrast between graphite and the other carbon-based components in an electrode pore space renders data analysis challenging. Here we demonstrate operando tomography of weakly attenuating electrodes during electrochemical (de)lithiation. We use propagation-based phase contrast tomography to facilitate the differentiation between weakly attenuating materials and apply digital volume correlation to capture the dynamics of the electrodes during operation. After validating that we can quantify the local electrochemical activity and microstructural changes throughout graphite electrodes, we apply our technique to graphite-silicon composite electrodes. We show that microstructural changes that occur during (de)lithiation of a pure graphite electrode are of the same order of magnitude as spatial inhomogeneities within it, while strain in composite electrodes is locally pronounced and introduces significant microstructural changes.

Effects of Propylene Carbonate Content in CsPF6-Containing Electrolytes on the Enhanced Performances of Graphite Electrode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

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

Zheng, Jianming; Yan, Pengfei; Cao, Ruiguo

2016-02-10

Cesium salt has been demonstrated as an efficient electrolyte additive in suppressing the lithium (Li) dendrite formation and directing the formation of an ultrathin and stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) even in propylene carbonate (PC)-ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolytes. Here, we further investigate the effect of PC content in the presence of CsPF6 additive (0.05 M) on the performances of graphite electrode in Li||graphite half cells and in graphite||LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) full cells. It is found that the performance of graphite electrode is also affected by PC content even though CsPF6 additive is present in the electrolytes. An optimal PC content ofmore » 20% by weight in the solvent mixtures is identified. The enhanced electrochemical performance of graphite electrode is attributed to the synergistic effects of the Cs+ additive and the PC solvent. The formation of a robust, ultrathin and compact SEI layer containing lithium-enriched species on the graphite electrode, directed by Cs+, effectively suppresses the PC co-intercalation and thus prevents the graphite exfoliation. This SEI layer is only permeable for de-solvated Li+ ions and allows fast Li+ ion transport through it, which therefore largely alleviates the Li dendrite formation on graphite electrode during lithiation even at high current densities. The presence of low-melting-point PC solvent also enables the sustainable operation of the graphite||NCA full cells under a wide spectrum of temperatures. The fundamental findings of this work shed light on the importance of manipulating/maintaining the electrode/electrolyte interphasial stability in a variety of energy storage devices.« less

The aqueous electrochemistry of carbon-based surfaces-investigation by scanning tunneling microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mühl, T.; Myhra, S.

2007-04-01

Electro-oxidation of carbon-based materials will lead to conversion of the solid to CO2/CO at the anode, with H2 being produced at the cathode. Recent voltammetric investigations of carbon nano-tubes and single crystal graphite have shown that only edge sites and other defect sites are electrochemically active. Local oxidation of diamond-like carbon films (DLC) by an STM tip in moist air followed by imaging allows correlation of topographical change with electro-chemical conditions and surface reactivity. The results may have implications for lithographic processing of carbon surfaces, and may have relevance for electrochemical H2 production.

Monolithic quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells based on graphene modified mesoscopic carbon counter electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, Yaoguang; Li, Xiong; Liu, Guanghui; Wang, Heng; Ku, Zhiliang; Xu, Mi; Liu, Linfeng; Hu, Min; Yang, Ying; Han, Hongwei

2013-03-01

We have developed a monolithic quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) based on graphene modified mesoscopic carbon counter electrode (GC-CE), which offers a promising prospect for commercial applications. Based on the design of a triple layer structure, the TiO2 working electrode layer, ZrO2 spacer layer and carbon counter electrode (CE) layer are constructed on a single conducting glass substrate by screen-printing. The quasi-solid-state polymer gel electrolyte employs a polymer composite as the gelator and could effectively infiltrate into the porous layers. Fabricated with normal carbon counter electrode (NC-CE) containing graphite and carbon black, the device shows a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.09% with the fill factor (FF) of 0.63 at 100 mW cm-2 AM1.5 illumination. When the NC-CE is modified with graphene sheets, the PCE and FF could be enhanced to 6.27% and 0.71, respectively. This improvement indicates excellent conductivity and high electrocatalytic activity of the graphene sheets, which have been considered as a promising platinum-free electrode material for DSSCs.

Lithium storage in structurally tunable carbon anode derived from sustainable source

DOE PAGES

Lim, Daw Gen; Kim, Kyungho; Razdan, Mayuri; ...

2017-09-01

Here, a meticulous solid state chemistry approach has been developed for the synthesis of carbon anode from a sustainable source. The reaction mechanism of carbon formation during pyrolysis of sustainable feed-stock was studied in situ by employing Raman microspectroscopy. No Raman spectral changes observed below 160°C (thermally stable precursor) followed by color change, however above 280°C characteristic D and G bands of graphitic carbon are recorded. Derived carbon particles exhibited high specific surface area with low structural ordering (active carbons) to low specific surface area with high graphitic ordering as a function of increasing reaction temperature. Carbons synthesized at 600°Cmore » demonstrated enhanced reversible lithiation capacity (390 mAh g -1), high charge-discharge rate capability, and stable cycle life. On the contrary, carbons synthesized at higher temperatures (>1200°C) produced more graphite-like structure yielding longer specific capacity retention with lower reversible capacity.« less

Phase diagram of carbon and the factors limiting the quantity and size of natural diamonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blank, Vladimir D.; Churkin, Valentin D.; Kulnitskiy, Boris A.; Perezhogin, Igor A.; Kirichenko, Alexey N.; Denisov, Viktor N.; Erohin, Sergey V.; Sorokin, Pavel B.; Popov, Mikhail Yu

2018-03-01

Phase diagrams of carbon, and those focusing on the graphite-to-diamond transitional conditions in particular, are of great interest for fundamental and applied research. The present study introduces a number of experiments carried out to convert graphite under high-pressure conditions, showing a formation of stable phase of fullerene-type onions cross-linked by sp3-bonds in the 55-115 GPa pressure range instead of diamonds formation (even at temperature 2000-3000 K) and the already formed diamonds turn into carbon onions. Our results refute the widespread idea that diamonds can form at any pressure from 2.2 to 1000 GPa. The phase diagram built within this study allows us not only to explain the existing numerous experimental data on the formation of diamond from graphite, but also to make assumptions about the conditions of its growth in Earth’s crust.

Body-centered orthorhombic C 16 : A novel topological node-line semimetal

DOE PAGES

Wang, Jian -Tao; Weng, Hongming; Nie, Simin; ...

2016-05-11

We identify by ab initio calculations a novel topological semimetal carbon phase in all-sp 2 bonding networks with a 16-atom body-centered orthorhombic unit cell, termed bco-C 16. Total-energy calculations show that bco-C 16 is comparable to solid fcc-C 60 in energetic stability, and phonon and molecular dynamics simulations confirm its dynamical stability. This all-sp 2 carbon allotrope can be regarded as a three-dimensional modification of graphite, and its simulated x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern matches well a previously unexplained diffraction peak in measured XRD spectra of detonation and chimney soot, indicating its presence in the specimen. Electronic band structure calculations revealmore » that bco-C 16 is a topological node-line semimetal with a single nodal ring. Lastly, these findings establish a novel carbon phase with intriguing structural and electronic properties of fundamental significance and practical interest.« less

Relationship between Structural Characteristics of Activated Carbons and Their Concentrating Efficiency with Respect to Nitroorganics.

PubMed

Leboda, R.; Gun'ko, V. M.; Tomaszewski, W.; Trznadel, B. J.

2001-07-15

The relationships between structural properties of activated microporous, micro-mesoporous, mesoporous, and graphitized carbons determined on the basis of nitrogen adsorption at 77.4 K and the efficiency of concentrating (solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique) several nitroorganic compounds from polar solvents were investigated. Microporosity, mesoporosity, fractality, and other characteristics of adsorbents were analyzed to evaluate the dependence of the effectiveness of the SPE technique with respect to nitrate esters, cyclic nitroamines, and nitroaromatics on the origin and texture of carbons. The values of the free energy of solvation and dipole moment of nitroorganic compounds in polar liquids computed with the SM5.42/PM3 method with consideration of geometry relaxation in solution were utilized to elucidate features of their concentration of carbon adsorbents. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

Investigating the Co-Adsorption Behavior of Nucleic-Acid Base (Thymine and Cytosine) and Melamine at Liquid/Solid Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Huiling; Li, Yinli; Chen, Dong; Liu, Bo

2016-12-01

The co-adsorption behavior of nucleic-acid base (thymine; cytosine) and melamine was investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) technique at liquid/solid (1-octanol/graphite) interface. STM characterization results indicate that phase separation happened after dropping the mixed solution of thymine-melamine onto highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface, while the hetero-component cluster-like structure was observed when cytosine-melamine binary assembly system is used. From the viewpoints of non-covalent interactions calculated by using density functional theory (DFT) method, the formation mechanisms of these assembled structures were explored in detail. This work will supply a methodology to design the supramolecular assembled structures and the hetero-component materials composed by biological and chemical compound.

Pressure-induced superconductivity in CaC2

PubMed Central

Li, Yan-Ling; Luo, Wei; Zeng, Zhi; Lin, Hai-Qing; Mao, Ho-kwang; Ahuja, Rajeev

2013-01-01

Carbon can exist as isolated dumbbell, 1D chain, 2D plane, and 3D network in carbon solids or carbon-based compounds, which attributes to its rich chemical binding way, including sp-, sp2-, and sp3-hybridized bonds. sp2-hybridizing carbon always captures special attention due to its unique physical and chemical property. Here, using an evolutionary algorithm in conjunction with ab initio method, we found that, under compression, dumbbell carbon in CaC2 can be polymerized first into 1D chain and then into ribbon and further into 2D graphite sheet at higher pressure. The C2/m structure transforms into an orthorhombic Cmcm phase at 0.5 GPa, followed by another orthorhombic Immm phase, which is stabilized in a wide pressure range of 15.2–105.8 GPa and then forced into MgB2-type phase with wide range stability up to at least 1 TPa. Strong electron–phonon coupling λ in compressed CaC2 is found, in particular for Immm phase, which has the highest λ value (0.562–0.564) among them, leading to its high superconducting critical temperature Tc (7.9∼9.8 K), which is comparable with the 11.5 K value of CaC6. Our results show that calcium not only can stabilize carbon sp2 hybridization at a larger range of pressure but also can contribute in superconducting behavior, which would further ignite experimental and theoretical interest in alkaline–earth metal carbides to uncover their peculiar physical properties under extreme conditions. PMID:23690580

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride/carbon nanotube/Bi2WO6 ternary Z-scheme heterojunction with carbon nanotube as efficient electron mediator.

PubMed

Jiang, Deli; Ma, Wanxia; Xiao, Peng; Shao, Leqiang; Li, Di; Chen, Min

2018-02-15

All-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction has attracted much attention in photocatalytic field because of its strong ability in charge separation and transfer. In the present study, all-solid-state ternary Z-scheme heterojunction constructed by graphitic carbon nitride (CN) nanosheet, carbon nanotube (CNT), and Bi 2 WO 6 (BWO) nanosheet, in which CNT was employed as the electron mediator. The CN/CNT/BWO ternary Z-scheme heterojunction shows the enhanced photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) as compared to the pristine g-C 3 N 4 , Bi 2 WO 6 , CNT/BWO, CNT/CN, and CN/BWO. The significantly improved photocatalytic activity can be mainly ascribed to the formed CNT-mediated Z-scheme heterojunction, which facilitates the separation and transfer of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Our work provides a rational design of all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction with CNT as the electron mediator for highly efficient photocatalysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CH4 Hydrate Formation between Silica and Graphite Surfaces: Insights from Microsecond Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

PubMed

He, Zhongjin; Linga, Praveen; Jiang, Jianwen

2017-10-31

Microsecond simulations have been performed to investigate CH 4 hydrate formation from gas/water two-phase systems between silica and graphite surfaces, respectively. The hydrophilic silica and hydrophobic graphite surfaces exhibit substantially different effects on CH 4 hydrate formation. The graphite surface adsorbs CH 4 molecules to form a nanobubble with a flat or negative curvature, resulting in a low aqueous CH 4 concentration, and hydrate nucleation does not occur during 2.5 μs simulation. Moreover, an ordered interfacial water bilayer forms between the nanobubble and graphite surface thus preventing their direct contact. In contrast, the hydroxylated-silica surface prefers to be hydrated by water, with a cylindrical nanobubble formed in the solution, leading to a high aqueous CH 4 concentration and hydrate nucleation in the bulk region; during hydrate growth, the nanobubble is gradually covered by hydrate solid and separated from the water phase, hence slowing growth. The silanol groups on the silica surface can form strong hydrogen bonds with water, and hydrate cages need to match the arrangements of silanols to form more hydrogen bonds. At the end of the simulation, the hydrate solid is separated from the silica surface by liquid water, with only several cages forming hydrogen bonds with the silica surface, mainly due to the low CH 4 aqueous concentrations near the surface. To further explore hydrate formation between graphite surfaces, CH 4 /water homogeneous solution systems are also simulated. CH 4 molecules in the solution are adsorbed onto graphite and hydrate nucleation occurs in the bulk region. During hydrate growth, the adsorbed CH 4 molecules are gradually converted into hydrate solid. It is found that the hydrate-like ordering of interfacial water induced by graphite promotes the contact between hydrate solid and graphite. We reveal that the ability of silanol groups on silica to form strong hydrogen bonds to stabilize incipient hydrate solid, as well as the ability of graphite to adsorb CH 4 molecules and induce hydrate-like ordering of the interfacial water, are the key factors to affect CH 4 hydrate formation between silica and graphite surfaces.

A superhard, quenchable carbon polymorph formed by the room-temperature compression of graphite (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Kiefer, B.; Lee, K. K.

2010-12-01

As one of the revolutionary inventions of the 20th century, synthetic diamond has had a large impact on industry and on scientific research. However, the necessities of high pressures, high temperatures and a metal catalyst during the manufacturing of synthetic diamond make it energy consuming thus limits its availability and use. Here, we report on the synthesis of a superhard non-diamond material resulting from the compression of graphite above ~20 GPa at room temperature without the utilization of metal catalysts. The final product includes a nano-sized phase of carbon that is recoverable at ambient conditions. Furthermore, the ring cracks left on the diamond anvils suggest that the hardness of this post-graphite phase is at least comparable to that of diamond. We use high-resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy to monitor the structural transformation in graphite under high pressure and room temperature and find the transition to be sluggish. The possible crystal structure of the new, quenchable phase will be discussed and the time-dependent formation of this superhard post-graphite carbon will be addressed and compared to first-principle predictions.

The modeling and synthesis of nanodiamonds by laser ablation of graphite and diamond-like carbon in liquid-confined ambient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basso, L.; Gorrini, F.; Bazzanella, N.; Cazzanelli, M.; Dorigoni, C.; Bifone, A.; Miotello, A.

2018-01-01

Nanodiamonds have attracted considerable interest for their potential applications in quantum computation, sensing, and bioimaging. However, synthesis of nanodiamonds typically requires high pressures and temperatures, and is still a challenge. Here, we demonstrate production of nanodiamonds by pulsed laser ablation of graphite and diamond-like carbon in water. Importantly, this technique enables production of nanocrystalline diamonds at room temperature and standard pressure conditions. Moreover, we propose a method for the purification of nanodiamonds from graphitic and amorphous carbon phases that do not require strong acids and harsh chemical conditions. Finally, we present a thermodynamic model that describes the formation of nanodiamonds during pulsed laser ablation. We show that synthesis of the crystalline phase is driven by a graphite-liquid-diamond transition process that occurs at the extreme thermodynamic conditions reached inside the ablation plume.

Microstructure, elastic, and inelastic properties of biomorphic carbons carbonized using a Fe-containing catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orlova, T. S.; Kardashev, B. K.; Smirnov, B. I.; Gutierrez-Pardo, A.; Ramirez-Rico, J.

2016-12-01

The microstructure and amplitude dependences of the Young's modulus E and internal friction (logarithmic decrement δ), and microplastic properties of biocarbon matrices BE-C(Fe) obtained by beech tree carbonization at temperatures T carb = 850-1600°C in the presence of an iron-containing catalyst are studied. By X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy, it is shown that the use of Fe-catalyst during carbonization with T carb ≥ 1000°C leads to the appearance of a bulk graphite phase in the form of nanoscale bulk graphite inclusions in a quasi-amorphous matrix, whose volume fraction and size increase with T carb. The correlation of the obtained dependences E( T carb) and δ( T carb) with microstructure evolution with increasing T carb is revealed. It is found that E is mainly defined by a crystalline phase fraction in the amorphous matrix, i.e., a nanocrystalline phase at T carb < 1150°C and a bulk graphite phase at T carb > 1300°C. Maximum values E = 10-12 GPa are achieved for samples with T carb ≈ 1150 and 1600°C. It is shown that the microplasticity manifest itself only in biocarbons with T carb ≥ 1300°C (upon reaching a significant volume of the graphite phase); in this case, the conditional microyield stress decreases with increasing total volume of introduced mesoporosity (free surface area).

Dynamic molecular structure of plant biomass-derived black carbon (biochar)

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

Keiluweit, M.; Nico, P.S.; Johnson, M.G.

2009-11-15

Char black carbon (BC), the solid residue of incomplete combustion, is continuously being added to soils and sediments due to natural vegetation fires, anthropogenic pollution, and new strategies for carbon sequestration ('biochar'). Here we present a molecular-level assessment of the physical organization and chemical complexity of biomass-derived chars and, specifically, that of aromatic carbon in char structures. BET-N{sub 2} surface area, X-ray diffraction (XRD), synchrotron-based Near-edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy are used to show how two plant materials (wood and grass) undergo analogous, but quantitatively different physical-chemical transitions as charring temperature increases frommore » 100 to 700 C. These changes suggest the existence of four distinct categories of char consisting of a unique mixture of chemical phases and physical states: (i) in transition chars the crystalline character of the precursor materials is preserved, (ii) in amorphous chars the heat-altered molecules and incipient aromatic polycondensates are randomly mixed, (iii) composite chars consist of poorly ordered graphene stacks embedded in amorphous phases, and (iv) turbostratic chars are dominated by disordered graphitic crystallites. The molecular variations among the different char categories translate into differences in their ability to persist in the environment and function as environmental sorbents.« less

Catalytic graphitization behavior of phenolic resins by addition of in situ formed nano-Fe particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rastegar, H.; Bavand-vandchali, M.; Nemati, A.; Golestani-Fard, F.

2018-07-01

This work presents the catalytic graphitization process of phenolic resins (PR's) by addition of in situ nano-Fe particles as catalyst. Pyrolysis treatments of prepared compositions including various contents of nano-Fe particles were carried out at 600-1200 °C for 3 h under reducing atmosphere and graphitization process were evaluated by different techniques such as X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) and Raman spectroscopy that mainly performed to identify the phase and microstructural analysis, oxidation resistance and extend of graphitized carbon formation. Results indicate that, in situ graphitic carbon development were already observed after firing the samples at 800 °C for 3 h under reducing atmosphere, increasing temperature and amount of nano-Fe led to a more effective graphitization level. In addition, the different nano crystalline carbon shapes such as onion and bamboo like and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were in situ identified during graphitization process of nano-Fe containing samples. It was suggested that formation of these different nano carbon structures related to nano-Fe catalyst behavior and the carbon shell growth.

Design and Preparation of Carbon Based Composite Phase Change Material for Energy Piles.

PubMed

Yang, Haibin; Memon, Shazim Ali; Bao, Xiaohua; Cui, Hongzhi; Li, Dongxu

2017-04-07

Energy piles-A fairly new renewable energy concept-Use a ground heat exchanger (GHE) in the foundation piles to supply heating and cooling loads to the supported building. Applying phase change materials (PCMs) to piles can help in maintaining a stable temperature within the piles and can then influence the axial load acting on the piles. In this study, two kinds of carbon-based composite PCMs (expanded graphite-based PCM and graphite nanoplatelet-based PCM) were prepared by vacuum impregnation for potential application in energy piles. Thereafter, a systematic study was performed and different characterization tests were carried out on two composite PCMs. The composite PCMs retained up to 93.1% of paraffin and were chemically compatible, thermally stable and reliable. The latent heat of the composite PCM was up to 152.8 J/g while the compressive strength of cement paste containing 10 wt % GNP-PCM was found to be 37 MPa. Hence, the developed composite PCM has potential for thermal energy storage applications.

Design and Preparation of Carbon Based Composite Phase Change Material for Energy Piles

PubMed Central

Yang, Haibin; Memon, Shazim Ali; Bao, Xiaohua; Cui, Hongzhi; Li, Dongxu

2017-01-01

Energy piles—A fairly new renewable energy concept—Use a ground heat exchanger (GHE) in the foundation piles to supply heating and cooling loads to the supported building. Applying phase change materials (PCMs) to piles can help in maintaining a stable temperature within the piles and can then influence the axial load acting on the piles. In this study, two kinds of carbon-based composite PCMs (expanded graphite-based PCM and graphite nanoplatelet-based PCM) were prepared by vacuum impregnation for potential application in energy piles. Thereafter, a systematic study was performed and different characterization tests were carried out on two composite PCMs. The composite PCMs retained up to 93.1% of paraffin and were chemically compatible, thermally stable and reliable. The latent heat of the composite PCM was up to 152.8 J/g while the compressive strength of cement paste containing 10 wt % GNP-PCM was found to be 37 MPa. Hence, the developed composite PCM has potential for thermal energy storage applications. PMID:28772752

Hot filament technique for measuring the thermal conductivity of molten lithium fluoride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaworske, Donald A.; Perry, William D.

1990-01-01

Molten salts, such as lithium fluoride, are attractive candidates for thermal energy storage in solar dynamic space power systems because of their high latent heat of fusion. However, these same salts have poor thermal conductivities which inhibit the transfer of heat into the solid phase and out of the liquid phase. One concept for improving the thermal conductivity of the thermal energy storage system is to add a conductive filler material to the molten salt. High thermal conductivity pitch-based graphite fibers are being considered for this application. Although there is some information available on the thermal conductivity of lithium fluoride solid, there is very little information on lithium fluoride liquid, and no information on molten salt graphite fiber composites. This paper describes a hot filament technique for determining the thermal conductivity of molten salts. The hot filament technique was used to find the thermal conductivity of molten lithium fluoride at 930 C, and the thermal conductivity values ranged from 1.2 to 1.6 W/mK. These values are comparable to the slightly larger value of 5.0 W/mK for lithium fluoride solid. In addition, two molten salt graphite fiber composites were characterized with the hot filament technique and these results are also presented.

Tris(trimethylsilyl) Phosphite as an Efficient Electrolyte Additive To Improve the Surface Stability of Graphite Anodes.

PubMed

Yim, Taeeun; Han, Young-Kyu

2017-09-27

Tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite (TMSP) has received considerable attention as a functional additive for various cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries, but the effect of TMSP on the surface stability of a graphite anode has not been studied. Herein, we demonstrate that TMSP serves as an effective solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)-forming additive for graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). TMSP forms SEI layers by chemical reactions between TMSP and a reductively decomposed ethylene carbonate (EC) anion, which is strikingly different from the widely known mechanism of the SEI-forming additives. TMSP is stable under cathodic polarization, but it reacts chemically with radical anion intermediates derived from the electrochemical reduction of the carbonate solvents to generate a stable SEI layer. These TMSP-derived SEI layers improve the interfacial stability of the graphite anode, resulting in a retention of 96.8% and a high Coulombic efficiency of 95.2%. We suggest the use of TMSP as a functional additive that effectively stabilizes solid electrolyte interfaces of both the anode and cathode in lithium-ion batteries.

Core-level photoabsorption study of defects and metastable bonding configurations in boron nitride

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

Jimenez, I.; Jankowski, A.F.; Terminello, L.J.

1997-04-01

Boron nitride is an interesting material for technological applications and for fundamental solid state physics investigations. It is a compound isoelectronic with carbon and, like carbon can possess sp{sup 2} and sp{sup 3} bonded phases resembling graphite and diamond. BN crystallizes in the sp{sup 2}-bonded hexagonal (h-BN), rhombohedral (r-BN) and turbostratic phases, and in the sp{sup 3}-bonded cubic (c-BN) and wurtzite (w-BN) phases. A new family of materials is obtained when replacing C-C pairs in graphite with isoelectronic B-N pairs, resulting in C{sub 2}BN compounds. Regarding other boron compounds, BN is exceptional in the sense that it has standard two-centermore » bonds with conventional coordination numbers, while other boron compounds (e.g. B{sub 4}C) are based on the boron icosahedron unit with three-center bonds and high coordination numbers. The existence of several allotropic forms and fullerene-like structures for BN suggests a rich variety of local bonding and poses the questions of how this affects the local electronic structure and how the material accommodates the stress induced in the transition regions between different phases. One would expect point defects to play a crucial role in stress accommodation, but these must also have a strong influence in the electronic structure, since the B-N bond is polar and a point defect will thus be a charged structure. The study of point defects in relationship to the electronic structure is of fundamental interest in these materials. Recently, the authors have shown that Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) is sensitive to point defects in h-BN, and to the formation of metastable phases even in amorphous materials. This is significant since other phase identification techniques like vibrational spectroscopies or x-ray diffraction yield ambiguous results for nanocrystalline and amorphous samples. Serendipitously, NEXAFS also combines chemical selectivity with point defect sensitivity.« less

Characterization of carbon ion implantation induced graded microstructure and phase transformation in stainless steel

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

Feng, Kai; Wang, Yibo; Li, Zhuguo, E-mail: lizg@sjtu.edu.cn

Austenitic stainless steel 316L is ion implanted by carbon with implantation fluences of 1.2 × 10{sup 17} ions-cm{sup −} {sup 2}, 2.4 × 10{sup 17} ions-cm{sup −} {sup 2}, and 4.8 × 10{sup 17} ions-cm{sup −} {sup 2}. The ion implantation induced graded microstructure and phase transformation in stainless steel is investigated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The corrosion resistance is evaluated by potentiodynamic test. It is found that the initial phase is austenite with a small amount of ferrite. After low fluence carbon ion implantation, an amorphous layer and ferrite phase enrichedmore » region underneath are formed. Nanophase particles precipitate from the amorphous layer due to energy minimization and irradiation at larger ion implantation fluence. The morphology of the precipitated nanophase particles changes from circular to dumbbell-like with increasing implantation fluence. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is enhanced by the formation of amorphous layer and graphitic solid state carbon after carbon ion implantation. - Highlights: • Carbon implantation leads to phase transformation from austenite to ferrite. • The passive film on SS316L becomes thinner after carbon ion implantation. • An amorphous layer is formed by carbon ion implantation. • Nanophase precipitate from amorphous layer at higher ion implantation fluence. • Corrosion resistance of SS316L is improved by carbon implantation.« less

RETENTION OF HALOCARBONS ON A HEXAFLUOROPROPYLENE EPOXIDE-MODIFIED GRAPHITIZED CARBON BLACK - IV. PROPANE- BASED COMPOUNDS

EPA Science Inventory

The retention characteristics of 25 propane-based bromofluorocarbon, chlorocarbon, chlorofluorocarbon, and fluorocarbon fluids have been studied as a function of temperature on a stationary phase consisting of a 5% (m/m) coating of a low-molecular-mass polymer of hexafluoropropyl...

Solvent decompositions and physical properties of decomposition compounds in Li-ion battery electrolytes studied by DFT calculations and molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Tasaki, Ken

2005-02-24

The density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed for the reduction decompositions of solvents widely used in Li-ion secondary battery electrolytes, ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), dimethyl carbonates (DMC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), and diethyl carbonate (DEC), including a typical electrolyte additive, vinylene carbonate (VC), at the level of B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,p), both in the gas phase and solution using the polarizable conductor calculation model. In the gas phase, the first electron reduction for the cyclic carbonates and for the linear carbonates is found to be exothermic and endothermic, respectively, while the second electron reduction is endothermic for all the compounds examined. On the contrary, in solution both first and second electron reductions are exothermic for all the compounds. Among the solvents and the additive examined, the likelihood of undergoing the first electron reduction in solution was found in the order of EC > PC > VC > DMC > EMC > DEC with EC being the most likely reduced. VC, on the other hand, is most likely to undergo the second electron reduction among the compounds, in the order of VC > EC > PC. Based on the results, the experimentally demonstrated effectiveness of VC as an excellent electrolyte additive was discussed. The bulk thermodynamic properties of two dilithium alkylene glycol dicarbonates, dilithium ethylene glycol dicarbonate (Li-EDC) and dilithium 1,2-propylene glycol dicarbonate (Li-PDC), as the major component of solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) films were also examined through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in order to understand the stability of the SEI film. It was found that film produced from a decomposition of EC, modeled by Li-EDC, has a higher density, more cohesive energy, and less solubility to the solvent than the film produced from decomposition of PC, Li-PDC. Further, MD simulations of the interface between the decomposition compound and graphite suggested that Li-EDC has more favorable interactions with the graphite surface than Li-PDC. The difference in the SEI film stability and the behavior of Li-ion battery cycling among the solvents were discussed in terms of the molecular structures.

Spectral Properties of Gas-phase Condensed Fullerene-like Carbon Nanoparticles from Far-ultraviolet to Infrared Wavelengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jäger, C.; Mutschke, H.; Henning, Th.; Huisken, F.

2008-12-01

Carbon solids are ubiquitous material in interstellar space. However, the formation pathway of carbonaceous matter in astrophysical environments, as well as in terrestrial gas-phase condensation reactions, is not yet understood. Laser ablation of graphite in different quenching gas atmospheres, such as pure He, He/H2, and He/H2O at varying pressures, is used to synthesize very small, fullerene-like carbon nanoparticles. The particles are characterized by very small diameters between 1 and 4 nm and a disturbed onion-like structure. The soot particles extracted from the condensation zone obviously represent a very early stage of particle condensation. The spectral properties have been measured from the far-ultraviolet (FUV; λ = 120 nm) to the mid-infrared (MIR; λ = 15 μm). The seedlike soot particles show strong absorption bands in the 3.4 μm range. The profile and the intensity pattern of the 3.4 μm band of the diffuse interstellar medium can be well reproduced by the measured 3.4 μm profile of the condensed particles; however, all the carbon which is left to form solids is needed to fit the intensity of the interstellar bands. In contrast to the assumption that onion-like soot particles could be the carriers of the interstellar ultraviolet (UV) bump, our very small onion-like carbon nanoparticles do not show distinct UV bands due to (π-π*) transitions.

Preliminary Results of IS Plasma Focus as a Breeder of Short-Lived Radioisotopes 12C(d,n)13N

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadat Kiai, S. M.; Elahi, M.; Adlparvar, S.; Shahhoseini, E.; Sheibani, S.; Ranjber akivaj, H.; Alhooie, S.; Safarien, A.; Farhangi, S.; Aghaei, N.; Amini, S.; Khalaj, M. M.; Zirak, A. R.; Dabirzadeh, A. A.; Soleimani, J.; Torkzadeh, F.; Mousazadeh, M. M.; Moradi, K.; Abdollahzadeh, M.; Talaei, A.; Zaeem, A. A.; Moslehi, A.; Kashani, A.; Babazadeh, A. R.; Bagiyan, F.; Ardestani, M.; Roozbahani, A.; Pourbeigi, H.; Tajik Ahmadi, H.; Ahmadifaghih, M. A.; Mahlooji, M. S.; Mortazavi, B. N.; Zahedi, F.

2011-04-01

Modified IS (Iranian Sun) plasma focus (10 kJ,15 kV, 94 μF, 0.1 Hz) has been used to produce the short-lived radioisotope 13N (half-life of 9.97 min) through 12C(d,n)13N nuclear reaction. The filling gas was 1.5-3 torr of hydrogen (60%) deuterium (40%) mixture. The target was solid nuclear grade graphite with 5 mm thick, 9 cm width and 13 in length. The activations of the exogenous target on average of 20 shots (only one-third acceptable) through 10-13 kV produced the 511 keV gamma rays. Another peak found at the 570 keV gamma of which both was measured by a NaI portable gamma spectrometer calibrated by a 137Cs 0.25 μCi sealed reference source with its single line at 661.65 keV and 22Na 0.1 μCi at 511 keV. To measure the gamma rays, the graphite target converts to three different phases; solid graphite, powder graphite, and powder graphite in water solution. The later phase approximately has a doubled activity with respect to the solid graphite target up to 0.5 μCi of 511 keV and 1.1 μCi of 570 keV gamma lines were produced. This increment in activity was perhaps due to structural transformation of graphite powder to nano-particles characteristic in liquid water.

A long life 4 V class lithium-ion polymer battery with liquid-free polymer electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Yo; Shono, Kumi; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Ohno, Yasutaka; Tabuchi, Masato; Oka, Yoshihiro; Nakamura, Tatsuya; Miyashiro, Hajime

2017-02-01

Ether-based solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) is one of the most well-known lithium ion conductors. Unlike the other inorganic electrolytes, SPE exhibits advantages of flexibility and large-area production, enabling low cost production of large size batteries. However, because the ether group is oxidized at 4 V versus Li/Li+ cathode, and due to its high irreversibility with the carbon anode, ether-based SPE was believed to be inapplicable to 4 V class lithium-ion batteries with carbon anode. Here we report a remarkably stable SPE in combination with a 4 V class cathode and carbon anode achieved by the proper design at the interface. The introduced boron-based lithium salt prohibits further oxidation of SPE at the cathode interface. The surface modification of graphite by the annealing of polyvinyl chloride mostly prohibits the continuous consumption of lithium at the graphite anode. Using above interface design, we achieved 60% capacity retention after 5400 cycles. The proposed battery provides a possible approach for realizing flammable electrolyte-free lithium-ion batteries, which achieve innovative safety improvements of large format battery systems for stationary use.

Controlling Fundamentals in High-Energy High-Rate Pulsed Power Materials Processing of Powdered Tungsten, Titanium Aluminides, and Copper-Graphite Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-10-01

phase systems such as tungsten; plastic flow of a minor low -temperature phase in a two phase non-interacting system such as tungsten- copper ; and...consolidation heat treatment. The de- the wetting of graphite by copper or during consolidation by this tech- tailed phase transformation evolution other...The driving potential for this solid state phase transformation is the free surface energy associated with the total powder particle surface area in the

Promising Cell Configuration for Next-Generation Energy Storage: Li2S/Graphite Battery Enabled by a Solvate Ionic Liquid Electrolyte.

PubMed

Li, Zhe; Zhang, Shiguo; Terada, Shoshi; Ma, Xiaofeng; Ikeda, Kohei; Kamei, Yutaro; Zhang, Ce; Dokko, Kaoru; Watanabe, Masayoshi

2016-06-29

Lithium-ion sulfur batteries with a [graphite|solvate ionic liquid electrolyte|lithium sulfide (Li2S)] structure are developed to realize high performance batteries without the issue of lithium anode. Li2S has recently emerged as a promising cathode material, due to its high theoretical specific capacity of 1166 mAh/g and its great potential in the development of lithium-ion sulfur batteries with a lithium-free anode such as graphite. Unfortunately, the electrochemical Li(+) intercalation/deintercalation in graphite is highly electrolyte-selective: whereas the process works well in the carbonate electrolytes inherited from Li-ion batteries, it cannot take place in the ether electrolytes commonly used for Li-S batteries, because the cointercalation of the solvent destroys the crystalline structure of graphite. Thus, only very few studies have focused on graphite-based Li-S full cells. In this work, simple graphite-based Li-S full cells were fabricated employing electrolytes beyond the conventional carbonates, in combination with highly loaded Li2S/graphene composite cathodes (Li2S loading: 2.2 mg/cm(2)). In particular, solvate ionic liquids can act as a single-phase electrolyte simultaneously compatible with both the Li2S cathode and the graphite anode and can further improve the battery performance by suppressing the shuttle effect. Consequently, these lithium-ion sulfur batteries show a stable and reversible charge-discharge behavior, along with a very high Coulombic efficiency.

Extended Solids of Carbon Monoxide formed from Re2(CO)12

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciezak-Jenkins, Jennifer

Extended solids are formed from simple molecular gases under extreme P/T and are of considerable interest as high-energy-density materials. It has been postulated that a transformation from a single-bonded polymeric-like material back to the more stable triply-bonded diatomic phase would be a highly exothermic process yielding large amounts of energy. The extended polymeric solid of CO was first reported and recovered from high pressure conditions in 2005. Although the material was found to have potentially interesting energetic properties, it showed a number of stability issues, degrading into CO2 and graphitic carbon over 3 to 5 days. As such, our lab has been focused on the identification of methods to increase the metastability of the recovered solid. Metal carbonyls offer one such route for stabilization. In this talk, our progress in the study of the synthesis, characterization, and recovery of extended solids of CO starting from Re2(CO)12\\ to pressures near 50 GPa will be presented. I will discuss the analysis and the implications of these results. New opportunities and challenges that have arisen in the course of our studies that will be pursued in the future will also be presented. Ref

The phase diagram and hardness of carbon nitrides

DOE PAGES

Dong, Huafeng; Oganov, Artem R.; Zhu, Qiang; ...

2015-05-06

Novel superhard materials, especially those with superior thermal and chemical stability, are needed to replace diamond. Carbon nitrides (C-N), which are likely to possess these characteristics and have even been expected to be harder than diamond, are excellent candidates. Here we report three new superhard and thermodynamically stable carbon nitride phases. Based on a systematic evolutionary structure searches, we report a complete phase diagram of the C-N system at 0–300 GPa and analyze the hardest metastable structures. Surprisingly, we find that at zero pressure, the earlier proposed graphitic-C 3N 4 structure (P6-bar m2) is dynamically unstable, and we find themore » lowest-energy structure based on s-triazine unit and s-heptazine unit.« less

Graphite as a Biomarker in Rocks of the 3.8 Ga Isua Supracrustal Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lepland, A.; van Zuilen, M.; Layne, G. D.; Arrhenius, G.

2002-12-01

Recent petrographic and isotopic studies of graphite and apatite in supracrustal rocks from the 3.8 Ga Isua belt (ISB) in southern West Greenland [1, 2] have shown inconsistencies in interpreting traces of life in the earliest terrestrial sediment record. Isotopically light graphitic carbon, suggestive of a bioorganic origin, has been previously reported from the carbonate-rich Isua rocks [3, 4] that at the time were recognized as sedimentary deposits. However, these carbonate-rich rocks, that provided the basis for original biologic interpretations, have been shown to have a metasomatic origin [5] not sedimentary as previously believed. This protolith reinterpretation has highlighted the need for assessment of graphite genesis and related isotopic systematics when using graphite as an ancient biomarker. We have, for this purpose, studied graphite in a suite of samples from the ISB including metacarbonates, turbidites, cherts and banded iron formations (BIFs). Graphite is relatively abundant (0.1-2 wt. %) in metacarbonate samples, while the abundances of reduced carbon in metasedimentary BIFs and metacherts are below 100 ppm. Petrographic analyses show that graphite in metacarbonates typically associates with Fe-bearing carbonate and magnetite. This mineral association indicates graphite formation in Isua metacarbonates by thermal-metamorphic reduction of carbonate ion, in which the carbonate ion is reduced to form graphite and ferrous iron is oxidized to form magnetite. Carbon isotopic compositions of graphite (δ13C ca. -2 per mil) and associated Fe-carbonate (δ13C ca. -6 per mil) indicate isotopic equilibrium between these two phases at ca. 500 C, consistent with the metamorphic history of the ISB. Stepped-combustion experiments undertaken on Isua BIFs and metacherts reveal that these sediments contain virtually no graphite, and the small amount of reduced carbon found there represents recent organic contamination. Our stepped-combustion-mass-spectrometry data demonstrate that previous isotopic results on graphite deficient Isua rocks obtained by single step combustion are unreliable. The proposed biologic significance of graphite occurring as inclusions in apatite [4] in Isua rocks is not supported by our findings because such graphite-apatite association can only be found in biologically irrelevant metacarbonate rocks. The isotopic systematics of the epigenetic processes responsible for formation of isotopically light graphite enclosed in apatite crystals [4] will be discussed, integrating new ion microprobe isotope data on graphite in apatite and other mineral phases occurring in Isua metacarbonates. References: [1] van Zuilen, M., Lepland, A. and Arrhenius, G., 2002. Reassessing the evidence for the earliest traces of life. Nature 418: 627-630. [2] Lepland, A., Arrhenius, G. and Cornell, D. in press. Apatite in early Archean Isua supracrustal rocks, southern West Greenland: its origin, association with graphite and potential as a biomarker. Precam. Res. [3] Schidlowski, M., 1988. A 3,800-million-year isotopic record of life from carbon in sedimentary rocks. Nature 333: 313-318. [4] Mojzsis, S.J., Arrhenius, G., McKeegan, K.D., Harrison, T.M., Nutman, A.P. and Friend, C.R.L., 1996. Evidence for life on Earth before 3800 million years ago. Nature 384: 55-59. [5] Rosing, M.T., Rose, N.M., Bridgwater, D. and Thomsen, H.S., 1996. Earliest part of Earth's stratigraphic record: a reappraisal of the >3.7 Ga Isua (Greenland) supracrustal sequence. Geol. 24: 43-46.

In Situ Raman Microscopy of a Single Graphite Microflake Electrode in a Li(+)-containing Electrolyte

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shi, Qing-Fang; Dokko, Kaoru; Scherson, Daniel A.

2003-01-01

Highly detailed Raman spectra from a single KS-44 graphite microflake electrode as a function of the applied potential have been collected in situ using a Raman microscope and a sealed spectroelectrochemical cell isolated from the laboratory environment. Correlations were found between the Raman spectral features and the various Li(+) intercalation stages while recording in real time Raman spectra during a linear potential scan from 0.7 down ca. 0.0V vs Li/Li(+) at a rate of 0.1 mV/s in a 1M LiClO4 solution in a 1:l (by volume) ethylene carbonate (EC):diethyl carbonate (DEC) mixture. In particular, clearly defined isosbestic points were observed for data collected in the potential range where the transition between dilute phase 1 and phase 4 of lithiated graphite is known to occur, i.e. 0.157 < E < 0.215 vs Li/Li(+). Statistical analysis of the spectroscopic data within this region made it possible to determine independently the fraction of each of the two phases present as a function of potential without relying on coulometric information and then predict, based on the proposed stoichiometry for the transition, a spectrally-derived voltammetric feature.

Catalytic Graphitization of Coal-Based Carbon Materials with Light Rare Earth Elements.

PubMed

Wang, Rongyan; Lu, Guimin; Qiao, Wenming; Yu, Jianguo

2016-08-30

The catalytic graphitization mechanism of coal-based carbon materials with light rare earth elements was investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, selected-area electron diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The interface between light rare earth elements and carbon materials was carefully observed, and two routes of rare earth elements catalyzing the carbon materials were found: dissolution-precipitation and carbide formation-decomposition. These two simultaneous processes certainly accelerate the catalytic graphitization of carbon materials, and light rare earth elements exert significant influence on the microstructure and thermal conductivity of graphite. Moreover, by virtue of praseodymium (Pr), it was found that a highly crystallographic orientation of graphite was induced and formed, which was reasonably attributed to the similar arrangements of the planes perpendicular to (001) in both graphite and Pr crystals. The interface between Pr and carbon was found to be an important factor for the orientation of graphite structure.

A unifying picture of gas-phase formation and growth of PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons), soot, diamond and graphite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frenklach, Michael

1990-01-01

A variety of seemingly different carbon formation processes -- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and diamond in the interstellar medium, soot in hydrocarbon flames, graphite and diamond in plasma-assisted-chemical vapor deposition reactors -- may all have closely related underlying chemical reaction mechanisms. Two distinct mechanisms for gas-phase carbon growth are discussed. At high temperatures it proceeds via the formation of carbon clusters. At lower temperatures it follows a polymerization-type kinetic sequence of chemical reactions of acetylene addition to a radical, and reactivation of the resultant species through H-abstraction by a hydrogen atom.

Towards vaporized molecular discrimination: a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor system using cobalt-containing mesoporous graphitic carbon.

PubMed

Tang, Jing; Torad, Nagy L; Salunkhe, Rahul R; Yoon, Jang-Hee; Al Hossain, Md Shahriar; Dou, Shi Xue; Kim, Jung Ho; Kimura, Tatsuo; Yamauchi, Yusuke

2014-11-01

A recent study on nanoporous carbon based materials (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 2864) showed that the presence of abundant graphitized sp(2) carbon species in the frameworks led to higher affinity for aromatic hydrocarbons than their aliphatic analogues. Herein, improved understanding of the sensitive and selective detection of aromatic substances by using mesoporous carbon (MPC)-based materials, combined with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor system, was obtained. MPCs were synthesized by direct carbonization of mesoporous polymers prepared from resol through a soft templating approach with Pluronic F127. The carbon-based frameworks can be graphitized through the addition of a cobalt source to the precursor solution, according to the catalytic activity of the cobalt nanoparticles formed during the carbonization process. From the Raman data, the degree of the graphitization was clearly increased by increasing the cobalt content and elevating the carbonization temperature. From a QCM study, it was proved that the highly graphitized MPCs exhibited a higher affinity for aromatic hydrocarbons than their aliphatic analogues. By increasing the degree of graphitization in the carbon-based pore walls, the MPCs showed both larger adsorption uptake and faster sensor response towards toxic benzene and toluene vapors. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Processing and fabrication of mixed uranium/refractory metal carbide fuels with liquid-phase sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knight, Travis W.; Anghaie, Samim

2002-11-01

Optimization of powder processing techniques were sought for the fabrication of single-phase, solid-solution mixed uranium/refractory metal carbide nuclear fuels - namely (U, Zr, Nb)C. These advanced, ultra-high temperature nuclear fuels have great potential for improved performance over graphite matrix, dispersed fuels tested in the Rover/NERVA program of the 1960s and early 1970s. Hypostoichiometric fuel samples with carbon-to-metal ratios of 0.98, uranium metal mole fractions of 5% and 10%, and porosities less than 5% were fabricated. These qualities should provide for the longest life and highest performance capability for these fuels. Study and optimization of processing methods were necessary to provide the quality assurance of samples for meaningful testing and assessment of performance for nuclear thermal propulsion applications. The processing parameters and benefits of enhanced sintering by uranium carbide liquid-phase sintering were established for the rapid and effective consolidation and formation of a solid-solution mixed carbide nuclear fuel.

Superconducting Continuous Graphene Fibers via Calcium Intercalation.

PubMed

Liu, Yingjun; Liang, Hui; Xu, Zhen; Xi, Jiabin; Chen, Genfu; Gao, Weiwei; Xue, Mianqi; Gao, Chao

2017-04-25

Superconductors are important materials in the field of low-temperature magnet applications and long-distance electrical power transmission systems. Besides metal-based superconducting materials, carbon-based superconductors have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Up to now, five allotropes of carbon, including diamond, graphite, C 60 , CNTs, and graphene, have been reported to show superconducting behavior. However, most of the carbon-based superconductors are limited to small size and discontinuous phases, which inevitably hinders further application in macroscopic form. Therefore, it raises a question of whether continuously carbon-based superconducting wires could be accessed, which is of vital importance from viewpoints of fundamental research and practical application. Here, inspired by superconducting graphene, we successfully fabricated flexible graphene-based superconducting fibers via a well-established calcium (Ca) intercalation strategy. The resultant Ca-intercalated graphene fiber (Ca-GF) shows a superconducting transition at ∼11 K, which is almost 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of early reported alkali metal intercalated graphite and comparable to that of commercial superconducting NbTi wire. The combination of lightness and easy scalability makes Ca-GF highly promising as a lightweight superconducting wire.

Experimental Determination of Carbon Isotope Fractionation in C-O-H-Fluids and the Carbonate-melt - Graphite System at High Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kueter, N.; Schmidt, M. W.; Lilley, M. D.; Bernasconi, S. M.

2017-12-01

The understanding of deep-earth carbon fluxes depends greatly on the investigation of carbon isotope systematics in C-O-H-fluids and carbon minerals, such as graphite and diamond (C0). The isotope fractionation factors between the different C-phases and species (in e.g. a fluid) thus govern the observed isotope fractionation patterns. C-isotope fractionation factors relevant for high temperatures are mainly derived from theoretical calculations [e.g. 1,2,3] and, with few exceptions, lack experimental determinations [e.g. 4]. Hundreds of own experiments aimed at equilibrating elemental carbon (C0, graphite/diamond) with C-O-H-fluids demonstrate that kinetics reigns as no system would be closed for H on time scales and temperatures allowing for graphite to equilibrate. To overcome this problem, we performed two studies to determine the C-isotope fractionation in 1) the CO2-CO-CH4 system and 2) the carbonate-melt - graphite system. Equilibrium C-isotope fractionation factors were obtained for CO2 - CO and CH4 - CO pairs (600 - 1200°C) and graphite - Na2CO3/CaCO3melt (900 - 1500°C). Combined with the already available fractionation data for the CaCO3-CO2 pair (400-950°C) from Chacko et al. [4], we determined experimentally based C-isotope fractionation factors for C0 - CH4 and CO2 - C0 pairs by 1) Δ13CCO2-graphite = Δ13CCO2-carbonate + Δ13CCarbonate-graphite and 2) Δ13Cgraphite-CH4 = Δ13CCO2-CH4 - Δ13CCO2-graphite . Current calculated fractionation factors relevant for mantle temperatures (1100 - 1500°C) suggest C-isotope partitioning in the CO2 - C0 pair on the order of 4.2 to 2.4‰, about 2‰ less than predicted by theoretically derived factors [3]. In contrast, our calculations suggest fractionation of about 1.4 to 1.1‰ for the C0 - CH4 pair, about 1‰ higher than expected by theory [3]. [1] Richet et al. (1977) Ann. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci.; [2] Polyakov & Kharlashina (1995) GCA; [3] Bottinga (1969) GCA; [4] Chacko et al. (2001) Rev Mineral Geochem

Novel approach to microwave-assisted extraction and micro-solid-phase extraction from soil using graphite fibers as sorbent.

PubMed

Xu, Li; Lee, Hian Kee

2008-05-30

A single-step extraction-cleanup procedure involving microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and micro-solid-phase extraction (micro-SPE) has been developed for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soil samples. Micro-SPE is a relatively new extraction procedure that makes use of a sorbent enclosed within a sealed polypropylene membrane envelope. In the present work, for the first time, graphite fiber was used as a sorbent material for extraction. MAE-micro-SPE was used to cleanup sediment samples and to extract and preconcentrate five PAHs in sediment samples prepared as slurries with addition of water. The best extraction conditions comprised of microwave heating at 50 degrees C for a duration of 20 min, and an elution (desorption) time of 5 min using acetonitrile with sonication. Using gas chromatography (GC)-flame ionization detection (FID), the limits of detection (LODs) of the PAHs ranged between 2.2 and 3.6 ng/g. With GC-mass spectrometry (MS), LODs were between 0.0017 and 0.0057 ng/g. The linear ranges were between 0.1 and 50 or 100 microg/g for GC-FID analysis, and 1 and 500 or 1000 ng/g for GC-MS analysis. Granular activated carbon was also used for the micro-SPE device but was found to be not as efficient in the PAH extraction. The MAE-micro-SPE method was successfully used for the extraction of PAHs in river and marine sediments, demonstrating its applicability to real environmental solid matrixes.

Raman Scattering in a New Carbon Material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Voronov, O. A.; Street, K. W., Jr.

2010-01-01

Samples of a new carbon material, Diamonite-B, were fabricated under high pressure from a commercial carbon black--identified as mixed fullerenes. The new material is neither graphite-like nor diamond-like, but exhibits electrical properties close to graphite and mechanical properties close to diamond. The use of Raman spectroscopy to investigate the vibrational dynamics of this new carbon material and to provide structural characterization of its short-, medium- and long-range order is reported. We also provide the results of investigations of these samples by high-resolution electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Hardness, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and other properties of this new material are compared with synthetic graphite-like and diamond-like materials, two other phases of synthetic bulk carbon.

Anthracite-Derived Dual-Phase Carbon-Coated Li3V2(PO4)3 as High-Performance Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Ding, Xiao-Kai; Zhang, Lu-Lu; Yang, Xue-Lin; Fang, Hui; Zhou, Ying-Xian; Wang, Ji-Qing; Ma, Di

2017-12-13

In this study, low cost anthracite-derived dual-phase carbon-coated Li 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 composites have been successfully prepared via a traditional solid-phase method. XRD results show that the as-prepared samples have high crystallinity and anthracite introduction has no influence on the LVP crystal structure. The LVP/C particles are uniformly covered with a dual-phase carbon layer composed of amorphous carbon and graphitic carbon. The effect of the amount of anthracite on the battery performance of LVP as a cathode material has also been studied. The LVP/C composite obtained with 10 wt % anthracite (LVP/C-10) delivers the highest initial charge/discharge capacities of 186.1/168.2 mAh g -1 at 1 C and still retains the highest discharge capacity of 134.0 mAh g -1 even after 100 cycles. LVP/C-10 also displays an outstanding average capacity of 140.8 mAh g -1 at 5 C. The superior rate capability and cycling stability of LVP/C-10 is ascribed to the reduced particle size, decreased charge-transfer resistance, and improved lithium ion diffusion coefficient. Our results demonstrate that using anthracite as a carbon source opens up a new strategy for larger-scale synthesis of LVP and other electrode materials with poor electronic conductivity for lithium ion batteries.

Photoemission studies of fluorine functionalized porous graphitic carbon

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

Ganegoda, Hasitha; Olive, Daniel; Cheng, Lidens

2012-03-01

Porous graphitic carbon (PGC) has unique properties desirable for liquid chromatography applications when used as a stationary phase. The polar retention effect on graphite (PREG) allows efficient separation of polar and non-polar solutes. Perfluorinated hydrocarbons however lack polarizabilty and display strong lipo- and hydrophobicity, hence common lipophilic and hydrophilic analytes have low partition coefficiency in fluorinated stationary phases. Attractive interaction between fluorinated stationary phase and fluorinated analytes results in strong retention compared to non-fluorinated analytes. In order to change the selectivities of PGC, it is necessary to develop a bonded PGC stationary phase. In this study, we have synthesized perfluorinated,more » PGC using hepatadecafluoro-1-iodooctane, under different temperature conditions. Surface functionalization of the raw material was studied using photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). Results indicate the existence of fluorine containing functional groups, -CF, -CF{sub 2} along with an intercalated electron donor species. Multiple oxygen functional groups were also observed, likely due to the presence of oxygen in the starting material. These oxygen species may be responsible for significant modifications to planer and tetrahedral carbon ratios.« less

Chemistry of carbon nanomaterials: Uses of lithium nanotube salts in organic syntheses and functionalization of graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chattopadhyay, Jayanta

The effective utilization of carbon nanomaterials, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and graphite, has been hindered due to difficulties (poor solubility, poly-dispersity) in processing. Therefore, a high degree of sidewall functionalization, either covalent or non-covalent, is often required to overcome these difficulties as the functionalized nanomaterials exhibit better solubility (either in organic solvents or in water), dispersity, manipulation, and processibility. This thesis presents a series of convenient and efficient organic synthetic routes to functionalize carbon nanomaterials. Carbon nanotube salts, prepared by treating SWNTs with lithium in liquid ammonia, react readily with aryl halides to yield aryl-functionalized SWNTs. These arylated SWNTs are soluble in methanol and water upon treatment with oleum. Similarly, SWNTs can be covalently functionalized by different heteroatoms (nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur). Using the reductive alkylation approach, a synthetic scheme is designed to prepare long chain carboxylic acid functionalized SWNTs [SWNTs-(RCOOH)] that can react with (1) amine-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to yield water-soluble biocompatible PEGylated SWNTs that are likely to be useful in a variety of biomedical applications; (2) polyethyleneimine (PEI) to prepare a SWNTs-PEI based adsorbent material that shows a four-fold improvement in the adsorption capacity of carbon dioxide over commonly used materials, making it useful for regenerable carbon dioxide removal in spaceflight; (3) chemically modified SWNTs-(RCOOH) to permit covalent bonding to the nylon matrix, thus allowing the formation of nylon 6,10 and nylon 6,10/SWNTs-(RCOOH) nanocomposites. Furthermore, we find that the lithium salts of carbon nanotubes serve as a source of electrons to induce polymerization of simple alkenes and alkynes onto the surface of carbon nanotubes. In the presence of sulfide/disulfide bonds, SWNT salts can initiate the single electron transfer (SET) mechanism to functionalize carbon nanotubes with different alkyl/aryl groups. Using the reductive alkylation approach, we can also functionalize graphites by alkyl/carboxylic acid groups, making graphite soluble in organic solvents and water. Tailoring of graphite layers is also accomplished by using different metals in liquid ammonia. Finally, SWNT-epoxides/graphite epoxides are synthesized using m-CPBA. Quantification of the epoxide substituents on the nanotube/graphite surface is evaluated through the catalytic de-epoxidation reaction using MeReO 3/PPh3 as heterogeneous catalyst. In summary, the proposed covalent functionalization methods yield derivatized nanomaterials that can provide a solid platform for a number of exciting applications, ranging from material science to biomedical devices. Furthermore, the results presented in this thesis provide insight into the molecular chemistry at nano-resolution.

RETENTION OF HALOCARBONS ON A HEXAFLUOROPROPYLENE-EPOXIDE MODIFIED GRAPHITIZED CARBON BLACK, PART 5: HEAVIER ETHANE- AND ETHENE-BASED COMPOUNDS

EPA Science Inventory

The paper gives results of a study of the retention characteristics of 13 heavier ethane-based and 8 ethene-based halocarbon fluids related to alternative refrigerant research as a function of temperature on a stationary phase consisting of a 5% (by mass) coating of a low molecul...

Carbon nanohorns under cold compression to 40 GPa: Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bo; Nan, Yanli; Zhao, Xiang; Song, Xiaolong; Li, Haining; Wu, Jie; Su, Lei

2017-11-01

We report a high-pressure behavior of carbon nanohorns (CNHs) to 40 GPa at ambient temperature by in situ Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron radiation x-ray diffraction (XRD) in a diamond anvil cell. In Raman measurement, multiple structural transitions are observed. In particular, an additional band at ˜1540 cm-1 indicative of sp3 bonding is shown above 35 GPa, but it reverses upon releasing pressure, implying the formation of a metastable carbon phase having both sp2 and sp3 bonds. Raman frequencies of all bands (G, 2D, D + G, and 2D') are dependent upon pressure with respective pressure coefficients, among which the value for the G band is as small as ˜2.65 cm-1 GPa-1 above 10 GPa, showing a superior high-pressure structural stability. Analysis based on mode Grüneisen parameter demonstrates the similarity of high-pressure behavior between CNHs and single-walled carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, the bulk modulus and Grüneisen parameter for the G band of CNHs are calculated to be ˜33.3 GPa and 0.1, respectively. In addition, XRD data demonstrate that the structure of post-graphite phase derives from surface nanohorns. Based on topological defects within conical graphene lattice, a reasonable transformation route from nanohorns to the post-graphite phase is proposed.

Speciation of residual carbon contained in UO{sub 2}

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

Ziouane, Yannis; Arab-Chapelet, Bénédicte; Tamain, Christelle

2016-12-15

UO{sub 2} powders were synthesized thanks to oxalic precipitation (platelet morphology) and sol-gel route and completely characterized. A secondary phase was found depending on the calcination atmospheres. This phase has been identified by Raman spectroscopy as graphitic material (i.e. carbon-based secondary compound) and quantified by thermogravimetric analyses. Its amount varies with the calcination atmosphere. The presence of this secondary phase has no significant effect on the lattice parameter and its specific surface area. - Graphical abstract: Figure 2: Raman spectroscopy of the three UO{sub 2} powders and of the dissolution residues.

Tribological Behavior of Nano-Onions in Krytox 143AB Evaluated

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Street, Kenneth W.; VanderWal, Randy L.; Marchetti, Mario; Tomasek, Aaron J.

2005-01-01

Nanoparticles have been developed over the past 10 years and have found several applications. This work presents the use of carbon nano-onions as a potential oil additive for aerospace applications. Researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center tested lubricant lifetimes in ambient air and ultrahigh vacuum and characterized the breakdown products of the friction and wear. These carbon nanoparticles can provide adequate lubrication very similar to that of graphitic material when run in air. Soot represents one of the very first nanostructured materials, although it has rarely been considered as such. Changes in the carbon nanostructure, resulting in increased graphitic layer plane length, correlate with reactivity loss. Upon heating spherically shaped nanometer-sized carbon black in the absence of oxidant, graphene sheets form, and the initial soot particle templates the growth of a graphitic particle into what is best described as a sphere with many flat sides having a hollow interior. Because there are no edge sites, these polygonal graphitic particles, or nano-onions, are relatively resistant to oxidation. Graphite is used as a solid lubricant because of its stability at moderately high temperatures. However, the temperature at which graphite oxidizes rapidly is strongly influenced by surface area. With the size of particles typically employed in lubrication, a great amount of thermal stability is lost because of size reduction either during preparation or during lubrication of contacting parts. Therefore, we have undertaken a study of the lubricating ability of graphitic nano-onions (ref. 1).

Porous Graphitic Carbon Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Drought Stress-Responsive Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides in Plant Tissues.

PubMed

Jorge, Tiago F; Florêncio, Maria H; António, Carla

2017-01-01

Drought is a major limiting factor in agriculture and responsible for dramatic crop yield losses worldwide. The adjustment of the metabolic status via accumulation of drought stress-responsive osmolytes is one of the many strategies that some plants have developed to cope with water deficit conditions. Osmolytes are highly polar compounds, analysis of whcih is difficult with typical reversed-phase chromatography. Porous graphitic carbon (PGC) has shown to be a suitable alternative to reversed-phase stationary phases for the analysis of highly polar compounds typically found in the plant metabolome. In this chapter, we describe the development and validation of a PGC-based liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS n ) method suitable for the target analysis of water-soluble carbohydrates, such as raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs). We present detailed information regarding PGC column equilibration, LC-MS n system operation, data analysis, and important notes to be considered during the steps of method development and validation.

The Development of Novel Nanomaterials for Separation Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zewe, Joseph William

Separation efficiency is inversely proportional to the diameter of the particles of the stationary phase. Accordingly, a major aim of current separations research is focused on the reduction of both the diameter and particle-to-particle size variation of sorbent materials utilized as stationary phases. Herein, novel methods for the fabrication and application of various nanoscale stationary phases are described. Electrospinning is a simple and cost-effective method of generating nanofibers; here both polymeric and carbon electrospun nanofibers are applied as sorbent materials. Carbon nanofibers are of particular interest; graphite and glassy carbon are widely utilized in separation science due to their chemical and mechanical stability and unique selectivity. Electrospun carbon nanofibers have proven to be ideal for use as an extractive phase for solid phase microextraction (SPME) and have been successfully coupled to both gas and liquid chromatography. The high surface area nanofibrous mat provides extraction efficiencies for both polar and nonpolar compounds that range from 2-8 times greater than those attainable using currently available commercial SPME fibers. The electrospun nanofibrous SPME phases proved to be very stable when immersed in a range of solvents, demonstrating increased stability relative to conventional liquid SPME coatings. The chemical and mechanical stability of the electrospun carbon nanofiber SPME phases expands the range of compounds that are applicable to SPME while extending the lifetime of the SPME fibers. Molecularly imprinted (MI) electrospun polymeric and carbon nanofibers were also generated using the template molecule dibutyl butyl phosphonate (DBBP), a surrogate for chemical warfare agents. Nicotine was also used as a template molecule. The MI-nanofibers imprinted with DBBP were applied as an adsorbent for SPME. The MI-SPME fibers preferentially adsorbed the DBBP template molecule relative to the non-imprinted SPME fibers, demonstrating that imprinted surfaces containing analyte-specific recognition sites can be produced. MI-nicotine electrospun nanofibers were also studied as a solid phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent for the extraction of nicotine from water. The MI-nanofibers showed a greater extraction efficiency for nicotine relative to their non-imprinted counterparts. Electrospun nanofibers have proven to be effective stationary phases in ultra-thin layer chromatography (UTLC), giving more efficient separations in shorter analysis times than traditional particle-based stationary phases. This technology was further enhanced by aligning the nanofibrous mats in a single direction. Aligned electrospun UTLC (AE-UTLC) devices showed improved performance relative to non-aligned electrospun UTLC phases, demonstrating higher separation efficiency and reduced times of analysis. All currently utilized carbon sorbents, including the carbon nanofibers described in this work, possess at least two different surface sites for interaction with solutes, namely basal-plane and edge-plane sites. It is predicted that a more homogenous carbon surface, consisting entirely of either all-basal or all-edge plane sites, would produce a separation with a significant improvement in chromatographic efficiency. Progress toward homogenous carbon phases and their application and sorption behavior are also discussed.

Designed synergetic effect of electrolyte additives to improve interfacial chemistry of MCMB electrode in propylene carbonate-based electrolyte for enhanced low and room temperature performance.

PubMed

Wotango, Aselefech Sorsa; Su, Wei-Nien; Haregewoin, Atetegeb Meazah; Chen, Hung-Ming; Cheng, Ju-Hsiang; Lin, Ming-Hsien; Wang, Chia-Hsin; Hwang, Bing-Joe

2018-05-09

The performance of lithium ion batteries rapidly falls at lower temperatures due to decreasing conductivity of electrolytes and Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) on graphite anode. Hence, it limits the practical use of lithium ion batteries at sub-zero temperatures and also affects the development of lithium ion batteries for widespread applications. The SEI formed on the graphite surface is very influential in determining the performance of the battery. Herein, a new electrolyte additive, 4-Chloromethyl-1,3,2-dioxathiolane-2-oxide (CMDO), is prepared to improve the properties of commonly used electrolyte constituents - ethylene carbonate (EC), and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC). The formation of an efficient passivation layer in propylene carbonate (PC) -based electrolyte for MCMB electrode was investigated. The addition of CMDO resulted in a much less irreversible capacity loss and induces thin SEI formation. However, the combination of the three additives played a key role to enhance reversible capacity of MCMB electrode at lower or ambient temperature. The electrochemical measurement analysis showed that the SEI formed from a mixture of the three additives gave better intercalation-deintercalation of lithium ions.

Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline graphite from coconut shell with heating process

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

Wachid, Frischa M., E-mail: frischamw@yahoo.com, E-mail: adhiyudhaperkasa@yahoo.com, E-mail: afandisar@yahoo.com, E-mail: nurulrosyidah92@gmail.com, E-mail: darminto@physics.its.ac.id; Perkasa, Adhi Y., E-mail: frischamw@yahoo.com, E-mail: adhiyudhaperkasa@yahoo.com, E-mail: afandisar@yahoo.com, E-mail: nurulrosyidah92@gmail.com, E-mail: darminto@physics.its.ac.id; Prasetya, Fandi A., E-mail: frischamw@yahoo.com, E-mail: adhiyudhaperkasa@yahoo.com, E-mail: afandisar@yahoo.com, E-mail: nurulrosyidah92@gmail.com, E-mail: darminto@physics.its.ac.id

Graphite were synthesized and characterized by heating process of coconut shell with varying temperature (400, 800 and 1000°C) and holding time (3 and 5 hours). After heating process, the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and analyzed by X'pert HighScore Plus Software, Scanning Electron Microcope-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX) and Transmission Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (TEM-EDX). Graphite and londsdaelite phase were analyzed by XRD. According to EDX analysis, the sample was heated in 1000°C got the highest content of carbon. The amorphous carbon and nanocrystalline graphite were observed by SEM-EDX and TEM-EDX.

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

Xiong, W; Zhou, Yunshen; Hou, Wenjia

Direct formation of graphene with controlled number of graphitic layers on dielectric surfaces is highly desired for practical applications. Despite significant progress achieved in understanding the formation of graphene on metallic surfaces through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of hydrocarbons, very limited research is available elucidating the graphene formation process via rapid thermal processing (RTP) of solid-state amorphous carbon, through which graphene is formed directly on dielectric surfaces accompanied by autonomous nickel evaporation. It is suggested that a metastable hexagonal nickel carbide (Ni 3C) intermediate phase plays a critical role in transforming amorphous carbon to 2D crystalline graphene and contributing tomore » the autonomous Ni evaporation. Temperature resolved carbon and nickel evolution in the RTP process is investigated using Auger electron spectroscopic (AES) depth profiling and glancing-angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD). Formation, migration and decomposition of the hexagonal Ni 3C are confirmed to be responsible for the formation of graphene and the evaporation of Ni at 1100 °C. The Ni 3C-assisted graphene formation mechanism expands the understanding of Ni-catalyzed graphene formation, and provides insightful guidance for controlled growth of graphene through the solid-state transformation process.« less

Impact delivery of organic matter on the acapulcoite-lodranite parent-body deduced from C, N isotopes and nanostructures of carbon phases in Acapulco and Lodran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charon, E.; Aléon, J.; Rouzaud, J.-N.

2014-10-01

The structure and nanostructures of carbon phases from the Acapulco and Lodran meteorites and their carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition were investigated at the nanometer and micrometer scale using a systematic combination of Raman microspectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry to determine their origin and thermal evolution. Several morphological types were recognized belonging to roughly two isotopic and structural families: coarse carbon grains and rosettes, only found in Acapulco, and vein-like carbon occurrences present in both Acapulco and Lodran. Carbon phases in Acapulco are highly graphitized, and show a genetic relationship with metal indicative of metal-assisted graphitization. By contrast, carbon phases in Lodran are exclusively disordered mesoporous turbostratic carbons, in spite of their inclusion in metal and the higher peak temperature experienced by the Lodran parent body. δ13C values range between -59‰ and +37‰ in Acapulco and between -38‰ and -1‰ in Lodran and show in both cases a peak in their distribution at the value of chondritic insoluble organic matter (IOM, -10‰ to -15‰). N concentrations together with δ15N values indicate a mixing between a component akin to chondritic IOM in Lodran with a δ15N value around +10‰ to +20‰ and a component akin to that in the most N-poor Acapulco graphites. The latter are systematically depleted in 15N with a δ15N value constant at ∼-140‰ for N concentrations below ∼1.4 wt%. These observations can be explained if carbon phases in Acapulco and Lodran result from the late impact introduction of CI-CM like IOM, after significant cooling of the parent-body, and subsequent carbonization and graphitization of IOM by interaction with FeNi metal by the heat wave induced by the impact. Temperatures probably reached 900 °C in Acapulco, enough to achieve metal-assisted graphitization but were not significantly higher than 650 °C in Lodran. Carbon phases in Lodran would have been formed by the secondary carbonization of hydrocarbon fluids released during the primary carbonization of IOM. In the framework of this model, the C isotopic compositions can be reproduced using Rayleigh distillation at each carbonization step and the N isotopic compositions can be understood as resulting from the variable loss and preservation of 15N-rich nitriles (δ15N ∼ +800‰) and 15N-poor pyrroles (δ15N = -140‰) during carbonization. The combined interpretation of the temperatures deduced from this model, petrographic cooling rates, and thermochronological indicators suggest that the CI-CM IOM could have been introduced in the parent-body by an impact, about 10 Myr after solar system formation.

Influence of oxygen on the carbide formation on tungsten

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luthin, J.; Linsmeier, Ch.

2001-03-01

As a first wall material in nuclear fusion devices, tungsten will interact with carbon and oxygen from the plasma. In this study, we report on the process of thermally induced carbide formation of thin carbon films on polycrystalline tungsten and the influence of oxygen on this process. All investigations are performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Carbon films are supplied through electron beam evaporation of graphite. The carbidization process, monitored during increased substrate temperature, can be divided into four phases. In phase I disordered carbon converts into graphite-like carbon. In phase II significant diffusion and the reaction to W 2C is observed, followed by phase III which is dominated by the presence of W 2C and the beginning reaction to WC. Finally in phase IV only WC is present, but the total carbon amount has strongly decreased. Different mechanisms of oxygen influence on the carbide formation are proposed and measurements of the reaction of carbon on tungsten with intermediate oxide layers are presented in detail. A WO 2+ x intermediate layer completely inhibits the carbide formation, while a WO 2 layer leads to WC formation at temperatures above 1270 K.

Separations of corticosteroids using electrochemically modulated liquid chromatography: Selectivity enhancements at a porous graphitic carbon stationary phase

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

Ting, E.Y.; Porter, M.D.

Electrochemically modulated liquid chromatography has been applied to the separation of a mixture of structurally similar corticosteroids (i.e., prednisone, prednisolone, cortisone, and hydrocortisone) using a porous graphitic carbon stationary phase. Changes in the voltage applied to the column markedly affected the efficiency as well as the elution order of the separation, with the mixture fully resolved at large negative values of applied potential. Mechanistic aspects in terms of the influence of changes in the applied voltage on the extent of the interactions between these analytes and the stationary phase are briefly discussed. 19 refs., 2 figs.

Structural changes in a commercial lithium-ion battery during electrochemical cycling: An in situ neutron diffraction study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Neeraj; Peterson, Vanessa K.; Elcombe, Margaret M.; Avdeev, Maxim; Studer, Andrew J.; Blagojevic, Ned; Yusoff, Rozila; Kamarulzaman, Norlida

The structural response to electrochemical cycling of the components within a commercial Li-ion battery (LiCoO 2 cathode, graphite anode) is shown through in situ neutron diffraction. Lithuim insertion and extraction is observed in both the cathode and anode. In particular, reversible Li incorporation into both layered and spinel-type LiCoO 2 phases that comprise the cathode is shown and each of these components features several phase transitions attributed to Li content and correlated with the state-of-charge of the battery. At the anode, a constant cell voltage correlates with a stable lithiated graphite phase. Transformation to de-lithiated graphite at the discharged state is characterised by a sharp decrease in both structural cell parameters and cell voltage. In the charged state, a two-phase region exists and is composed of the lithiated graphite phase and about 64% LiC 6. It is postulated that trapping Li in the solid|electrolyte interface layer results in minimal structural changes to the lithiated graphite anode across the constant cell voltage regions of the electrochemical cycle.

Formation, characterization and dynamics of onion like carbon structures from nanodiamonds using reactive force-fields for electrical energy storage

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

Kent, Paul R

We simulate the experimentally observed graphitization of nanodiamonds into multi-shell onion-like carbon nanostructures, also called carbon onions, at different temperatures, using reactive force fields. The simulations include long-range Coulomb and van der Waals interactions. Our results suggest that long-range interactions play a crucial role in the phase-stability and the graphitization process. Graphitization is both enthalpically and entropically driven and can hence be controlled with temperature. The outer layers of the nanodiamond have a lower kinetic barrier toward graphitization irrespective of the size of the nanodiamond and graphitize within a few-hundred picoseconds, with a large volume increase. The inner core ofmore » the nanodiamonds displays a large size-dependent kinetic barrier, and graphitizes much more slowly with abrupt jumps in the internal energy. It eventually graphitizes by releasing pressure and expands once the outer shells have graphitized. The degree of transformation at a particular temperature is thereby determined by a delicate balance between the thermal energy, long-range interactions, and the entropic/enthalpic free energy gained by graphitization. Upon full graphitization, a multi-shell carbon nanostructure appears, with a shell-shell spacing of about {approx}3.4 {angstrom} for all sizes. The shells are highly defective with predominantly five- and seven-membered rings to curve space. Larger nanodiamonds with a diameter of 4 nm can graphitize into spiral structures with a large ({approx}29-atom carbon ring) pore opening on the outermost shell. Such a large one-way channel is most attractive for a controlled insertion of molecules/ions such as Li ions, water, or ionic liquids, for increased electrochemical capacitor or battery electrode applications.« less

One pot synthesis of magnetic graphene/carbon nanotube composites as magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction adsorbent for rapid determination of oxytetracycline in sewage water.

PubMed

Sun, Yunyun; Tian, Jing; Wang, Lu; Yan, Hongyuan; Qiao, Fengxia; Qiao, Xiaoqiang

2015-11-27

A simple and time-saving one pot synthesis of magnetic graphene/carbon nanotube composites (M-G/CNTs) was developed that could avoid the tedious drying process of graphite oxide, and G/CNTs were modified by Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the reduction procedure. It contributed to a shorten duration of the synthesis process of M-G/CNTs. The obtained M-G/CNTs were characterized and the results indicated that CNTs and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were served as spacer distributing to the layers of graphene, which was beneficial for enlarging surface area and improving extraction efficiency. Moreover, M-G/CNTs showed good magnetic property and outstanding thermal stability. Then M-G/CNTs were applied as adsorbent of magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction for rapid extraction and determination of oxytetracycline in sewage water. Under the optimum conditions, good linearity was obtained in the range of 20-800ngmL(-1) and the recoveries were ranged from 95.5% to 112.5% with relative standard deviations less than 5.8%. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lithium loss in the solid electrolyte interphase: Lithium quantification of aged lithium ion battery graphite electrodes by means of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwieters, Timo; Evertz, Marco; Mense, Maximilian; Winter, Martin; Nowak, Sascha

2017-07-01

In this work we present a new method using LA-ICP-MS to quantitatively determine the lithium content in aged graphite electrodes of a lithium ion battery (LIB) by performing total depth profiling. Matrix matched solid external standards are prepared using a solid doping approach to avoid elemental fractionation effects during the measurement. The results are compared and matched to the established ICP-OES technique for bulk quantification after performing a microwave assisted acid digestion. The method is applied to aged graphite electrodes in order to determine the lithium immobilization (= "Li loss") in the solid electrolyte interphase after the first cycle of formation. For this, different samples including a reference sample are created to obtain varying thicknesses of the SEI covering the electrode particles. By applying defined charging voltages, an initial lithiation process is performed to obtain specific graphite intercalation compounds (GICs, with target stoichiometries of LiC30, LiC18, LiC12 and LiC6). Afterwards, the graphite electrode is completely discharged to obtain samples without mobile, thus active lithium in its lattice. Taking the amount of lithium into account which originates from the residues of the LiPF6 (dissolved in the carbon components containing electrolyte), it is possible to subtract the amount of lithium in the SEI.

Method and apparatus for producing a carbon based foam article having a desired thermal-conductivity gradient

DOEpatents

Klett, James W [Knoxville, TN; Cameron, Christopher Stan [Sanford, NC

2010-03-02

A carbon based foam article is made by heating the surface of a carbon foam block to a temperature above its graphitizing temperature, which is the temperature sufficient to graphitize the carbon foam. In one embodiment, the surface is heated with infrared pulses until heat is transferred from the surface into the core of the foam article such that the graphitizing temperature penetrates into the core to a desired depth below the surface. The graphitizing temperature is maintained for a time sufficient to substantially entirely graphitize the portion of the foam article from the surface to the desired depth below the surface. Thus, the foam article is an integral monolithic material that has a desired conductivity gradient with a relatively high thermal conductivity in the portion of the core that was graphitized and a relatively low thermal conductivity in the remaining portion of the foam article.

New method for binder and carbon black detection at nanometer scale in carbon electrodes for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfaffmann, Lukas; Jaiser, Stefan; Müller, Marcus; Scharfer, Philip; Schabel, Wilhelm; Bauer, Werner; Scheiba, Frieder; Ehrenberg, Helmut

2017-09-01

In the current work, graphite electrodes comprising PVDF binder and carbon black are subjected to characterization. An energy selective backscatter detector is used to localize carbon black and fluorine of PVDF. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between graphite, amorphous carbon and fluorine rich regions. Typically, an angular selective backscatter detector is employed to obtain an image providing the material contrast of the sample. Suitable materials for that detector are e.g. alloys to observe intermetallic phases, semiconductor for ;channeling contrast;, or imaging SiO2 and Au nanoparticles in biological cells. However, this detector cannot be used to distinguish between light elements with low atomic numbers, such as C to P. In addition, the contrast of fluorine rich regions and graphite is poor in normal in-lens images due to the low difference of the atomic mass between C and F. The aim of this study is to enhance the contrast of fluorine rich regions to graphite to carbon black. Therefore, the energy selective backscatter detector is used and its advantages and setup is described. Finally this technique is applied to investigate 400 μm thick cross-sections of graphite electrodes dried at different temperatures and obtain the carbon black distribution.

Isotopic measurements (C,N,O) of detonation soot produced from labeled and unlabeled Composition B-3 indicate source of solid carbon residues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podlesak, David; Manner, Virginia; Amato, Ronald; Dattelbaum, Dana; Gusavsen, Richard; Huber, Rachel

2017-06-01

Detonation of HE is an exothermic process whereby metastable complex molecules are converted to simple stable molecules such as H2 O, N2, CO, CO2, and solid carbon. The solid carbon contains various allotropes such as detonation nanodiamonds, graphite, and amorphous carbon. It is well known that certain HE formulations such as Composition B (60% RDX, 40% TNT) produce greater amounts of solid carbon than other more oxygen-balanced formulations. To develop a greater understanding of how formulation and environment influence solid carbon formation, we synthesized TNT and RDX with 13 C and 15 N at levels slightly above natural abundance levels. Synthesized RDX and TNT were mixed at a ratio of 60:40 to form Composition B and solid carbon residues were collected from detonations of isotopically-labeled as well as un-labelled Composition B. The raw HE and detonation residues were analyzed isotopically for C, N, O isotopic compositions. We will discuss differences between treatments groups as a function of formulation and environment. LA-UR - 17-21266.

Structural optimization of structured carbon-based energy-storing composite materials used in space vehicles.

PubMed

Yu, Jia; Yu, Zhichao; Tang, Chenlong

2016-07-04

The hot work environment of electronic components in the instrument cabin of spacecraft was researched, and a new thermal protection structure, namely graphite carbon foam, which is an impregnated phase-transition material, was adopted to implement the thermal control on the electronic components. We used the optimized parameters obtained from ANSYS to conduct 2D optimization, 3-D modeling and simulation, as well as the strength check. Finally, the optimization results were verified by experiments. The results showed that after optimization, the structured carbon-based energy-storing composite material could reduce the mass and realize the thermal control over electronic components. This phase-transition composite material still possesses excellent temperature control performance after its repeated melting and solidifying.

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

Ganesh, Panchapakesan; Kent, Paul R; Mochalin, Vadym N

We simulate the experimentally observed graphitization of nanodiamonds into multi-shell onion-like carbon nanostructures, also called carbon onions, at different temperatures, using reactive force fields. The simulations include long-range Coulomb and van der Waals interactions. Our results suggest that long-range interactions play a crucial role in the phase-stability and the graphitization process. Graphitization is both enthalpically and entropically driven and can hence be controlled with temperature. The outer layers of the nanodiamond have a lower kinetic barrier toward graphitization irrespective of the size of the nanodiamond and graphitize within a few-hundred picoseconds, with a large volume increase. The inner core ofmore » the nanodiamonds displays a large size-dependent kinetic barrier, and graphitizes much more slowly with abrupt jumps in the internal energy. It eventually graphitizes by releasing pressure and expands once the outer shells have graphitized. The degree of transformation at a particular temperature is thereby determined by a delicate balance between the thermal energy, long-range interactions, and the entropic/enthalpic free energy gained by graphitization. Upon full graphitization, a multi-shell carbon nanostructure appears, with a shell-shell spacing of about {approx}3.4 {angstrom} for all sizes. The shells are highly defective with predominantly five- and seven-membered rings to curve space. Larger nanodiamonds with a diameter of 4 nm can graphitize into spiral structures with a large ({approx}29-atom carbon ring) pore opening on the outermost shell. Such a large one-way channel is most attractive for a controlled insertion of molecules/ions such as Li ions, water, or ionic liquids, for increased electrochemical capacitor or battery electrode applications.« less

Formation mechanism of the graphite-rich protective layer in blast furnace hearths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Ke-xin; Zhang, Jian-liang; Liu, Zheng-jian; Liu, Feng; Liang, Li-sheng

2016-01-01

A long campaign life of blast furnaces is heavily linked to the existence of a protective layer in their hearths. In this work, we conducted dissection studies and investigated damage in blast furnace hearths to estimate the formation mechanism of the protective layer. The results illustrate that a significant amount of graphite phase was trapped within the hearth protective layer. Furthermore, on the basis of the thermodynamic and kinetic calculations of the graphite precipitation process, a precipitation potential index related to the formation of the graphite-rich protective layer was proposed to characterize the formation ability of this layer. We determined that, under normal operating conditions, the precipitation of graphite phase from hot metal was thermodynamically possible. Among elements that exist in hot metal, C, Si, and P favor graphite precipitation, whereas Mn and Cr inhibit this process. Moreover, at the same hot-face temperature, an increase of carbon concentration in hot metal can shorten the precipitation time. Finally, the results suggest that measures such as reducing the hot-face temperature and increasing the degree of carbon saturation in hot metal are critically important to improve the precipitation potential index.

A shear localization mechanism for lubricity of amorphous carbon materials

PubMed Central

Ma, Tian-Bao; Wang, Lin-Feng; Hu, Yuan-Zhong; Li, Xin; Wang, Hui

2014-01-01

Amorphous carbon is one of the most lubricious materials known, but the mechanism is not well understood. It is counterintuitive that such a strong covalent solid could exhibit exceptional lubricity. A prevailing view is that lubricity of amorphous carbon results from chemical passivation of dangling bonds on surfaces. Here we show instead that lubricity arises from shear induced strain localization, which, instead of homogeneous deformation, dominates the shearing process. Shear localization is characterized by covalent bond reorientation, phase transformation and structural ordering preferentially in a localized region, namely tribolayer, resulting in shear weakening. We further demonstrate an anomalous pressure induced transition from stick-slip friction to continuous sliding with ultralow friction, due to gradual clustering and layering of graphitic sheets in the tribolayer. The proposed shear localization mechanism sheds light on the mechanism of superlubricity, and would enrich our understanding of lubrication mechanism of a wide variety of amorphous materials. PMID:24412998

The Role of Cesium Cation in Controlling Interphasial Chemistry on Graphite Anode in Propylene Carbonate-Rich Electrolytes

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

Xiang, Hongfa; Mei, Donghai; Yan, Pengfei

2015-09-10

Propylene carbonate (PC) is seldom used in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its sustained co-intercalation into graphene structure and the eventual graphite exfoliation, despite potential advantages it brings, such as wider liquid range and lower cost. Here we discover that cesium cation (Cs+), originally used to suppress dendrite growth of Li metal anode, directs the formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on graphitic anode in PC-rich electrolytes through preferential solvation. Effective suppression of PC-decomposition and graphite-exfoliation was achieved when the ratio of ethylene carbonate (EC)/PC in electrolytes was so adjusted that the reductive decomposition of Cs+-(EC)m (1≤m≤2) complex precedes thatmore » of Li+-(PC)n (3≤n≤5). The interphase directed by Cs+ is stable, ultrathin and compact, leading to significant improvements in LIB performances. In a broader context, the accurate tailoring of SEI chemical composition by introducing a new solvation center represents a fundamental breakthrough in manipulating interfacial reactions processes that once were elusive.« less

Identification and Quantification of Carbon Phases in Conversion Fuel for the Transient Reactor Test Facility

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

Steele, Robert; Mata, Angelica; Dunzik-Gougar, Mary Lou

2016-06-01

As part of an overall effort to convert US research reactors to low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel use, a LEU conversion fuel is being designed for the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) at the Idaho National Laboratory. TREAT fuel compacts are comprised of UO2 fuel particles in a graphitic matrix material. In order to refine heat transfer modeling, as well as determine other physical and nuclear characteristics of the fuel, the amount and type of graphite and non-graphite phases within the fuel matrix must be known. In this study, we performed a series of complementary analyses, designed to allow detailed characterizationmore » of the graphite and phenolic resin based fuel matrix. Methods included Scanning Electron and Transmission Electron Microscopies, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and Dual-Beam Focused Ion Beam Tomography. Our results indicate that no single characterization technique will yield all of the desired information; however, through the use of statistical and empirical data analysis, such as curve fitting, partial least squares regression, volume extrapolation and spectra peak ratios, a degree of certainty for the quantity of each phase can be obtained.« less

Fabricating solid carbon porous electrodes from powders

DOEpatents

Kaschmitter, James L.; Tran, Tri D.; Feikert, John H.; Mayer, Steven T.

1997-01-01

Fabrication of conductive solid porous carbon electrodes for use in batteries, double layer capacitors, fuel cells, capacitive dionization, and waste treatment. Electrodes fabricated from low surface area (<50 m.sup.2 /gm) graphite and cokes exhibit excellent reversible lithium intercalation characteristics, making them ideal for use as anodes in high voltage lithium insertion (lithium-ion) batteries. Electrodes having a higher surface area, fabricated from powdered carbon blacks, such as carbon aerogel powder, carbon aerogel microspheres, activated carbons, etc. yield high conductivity carbon compositives with excellent double layer capacity, and can be used in double layer capacitors, or for capacitive deionization and/or waste treatment of liquid streams. By adding metallic catalysts to be high surface area carbons, fuel cell electrodes can be produced.

Fabricating solid carbon porous electrodes from powders

DOEpatents

Kaschmitter, J.L.; Tran, T.D.; Feikert, J.H.; Mayer, S.T.

1997-06-10

Fabrication is described for conductive solid porous carbon electrodes for use in batteries, double layer capacitors, fuel cells, capacitive deionization, and waste treatment. Electrodes fabricated from low surface area (<50 m{sup 2}/gm) graphite and cokes exhibit excellent reversible lithium intercalation characteristics, making them ideal for use as anodes in high voltage lithium insertion (lithium-ion) batteries. Electrodes having a higher surface area, fabricated from powdered carbon blacks, such as carbon aerogel powder, carbon aerogel microspheres, activated carbons, etc. yield high conductivity carbon composites with excellent double layer capacity, and can be used in double layer capacitors, or for capacitive deionization and/or waste treatment of liquid streams. By adding metallic catalysts to high surface area carbons, fuel cell electrodes can be produced. 1 fig.

Research on the transformation mechanism of graphite phase and microstructure in the heated region of gray cast iron by laser cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yancong; Zhan, Xianghua; Yi, Peng; Liu, Tuo; Liu, Benliang; Wu, Qiong

2018-03-01

A double-track lap cladding experiment involving gray cast iron was established to investigate the transformation mechanism of graphite phase and microstructure in a laser cladding heated region. The graphite phase and microstructure in different heated regions were observed under a microscope, and the distribution of elements in various heated regions was analyzed using an electron probe. Results show that no graphite existed in the cladding layer and in the middle and upper parts of the binding region. Only some of the undissolved small graphite were observed at the bottom of the binding region. Except the refined graphite size, the morphological characteristics of substrate graphite and graphite in the heat-affected zone were similar. Some eutectic clusters, which grew along the direction of heat flux, were observed in the heat-affected zone whose microstructure was transformed into a mixture of austenite, needle-like martensite, and flake graphite. Needle-like martensite around graphite was fine, but this martensite became sparse and coarse when it was away from graphite. Some martensite clusters appeared in the local area near the binding region, and the carbon atoms in the substrate did not diffuse into the cladding layer through laser cladding, which only affected the bonding area and the bottom of the cladding layer.

Design, fabrication, and testing of nanostructured carbons and composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhiyong

Many applications, such as catalysis, sensing, separation and energy storage and conversion, will benefit from the miniaturization of materials to nanometer length scales. This dissertation details my study of nanocomposites based on three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) carbons and zirconia, and three-dimensionally ordered macroporous/mesoporous (3DOM/m) carbons. The macropores of these materials were produced using colloidal crystal templates while the mesopores were generated using surfactant templates. These solids are composed of close-packed and three-dimensionally interconnected spherical macropores surrounded by nanoscale solid or mesoporous wall skeletons. This unique architecture offers large surface areas, pore volumes, and good access into the bulk via a macroporous network. 3DOM carbons have been demonstrated as promising electrode materials for lithium ion batteries and sensors, but their electrochemical performance still needs to be improved. As a model system for the modification of the electrode, 3DOM C/TiO2 was synthesized by fabricating a conformal coating of TiO2 nanoparticles on the macropore walls of 3DOM C. My research further extended the micro-structural design of monolithic carbon from 3DOM to 3DOM/m. 3DOM/m C monoliths with high surface areas, controllable mesopore sizes, and mesopore ordering, were synthesized by three methods. One of the methods is simpler and more environment benign than previously reported methods. The mesopores in 3DOM/m C-based electrode provide room to accommodate secondary phases, such as graphitic carbon, SnO2 and Si which can improve the conductivity or lithium capacity of the electrode. Owing to this advantage, 3DOM/m C/C and 3DOM/m C/SnO2 exhibited significantly improved rate performance, lithium capacity and cycleability, compared with 3DOM C. To meet the demands of nano-sized functional materials in applications such as nano-device fabrication and drug delivery, mesoporous carbon nanoparticles with cubic, spherical and tetrapod shapes were also synthesized. In addition, new methods were developed to assemble nanocomposites of bifunctional catalyst components. These materials were designed for the potential direct conversion of synthesis gas to clean liquid fuels. Coatings of zeolite and cobalt nanoparticles were fabricated on 3DOM promoted zirconia. The 3DOM zirconia-based nanocomposites were characterized by a wide variety of techniques to illustrate their morphologies, internal structures, chemical compositions, porosity, and crystallographic phases.

Hugoniots of aerogels involving carbon and resorcinol formaldehyde

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

Hrubesh, L H; Ree, F H; Schmidt, R D

1999-06-24

Recently, a first-order phase transition is predicted in liquid carbon using atomistic simulation and Brenner's bond order potential. There are also experimental data suggesting a possibility for a first-order phase transition. In light of this, a thermochemical equilibrium code (CHEQ) is used to provide guidance to experiments to find a liquid-liquid phase change in carbon foam and carbon-rich aerogel, resorcinol formaldehyde. Isotherms and Hugoniots were computed based on the previous analysis by van Thiel and Ree. The present calculations predict the liquid-liquid-graphite triple point to be at 5000 K and 5.2 GPa and its critical point to be at 6000more » K and 8.8 GPa. The present Hugoniot calculations suggest that the liquid-liquid phase transition may be detected by performing a shock experiment with initial density of approximately 0.15 gm/cm{sup 3}.« less

Carbon-based nanomaterial synthesis using nanosecond electrical discharges in immiscible layered liquids: n-heptane and water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamdan, Ahmad; Cha, Min Suk

2018-06-01

Plasmas in- or in-contact with liquids have been extensively investigated due to their high potential for a wide range of applications including, but not limited to, water treatment, material synthesis and functionalization, bio-medical applications, and liquid fuel reformation. Recently, we successfully developed a discharge using two immiscible liquids, having very different electrical permittivities, which could significantly intensify the electric field intensity. Here, we establish nanosecond discharges at the interface n-heptane-water (with respective relative dielectric permittivities of 2 and 80) to enable the synthesis of carbon-based nanomaterials. A characterization of the as-synthesized material and the annealed (500 °C) material, using various techniques (Fourier-transform, infra-red, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, etc), shows that the as-synthesized material is a mixture of two carbon-based phases: a crystalline phase (graphite like) embedded into a phase of hydrogenated amorphous carbon. The existence of two-phases may be explained by the non-homogeneity of the discharge that induces various chemical reactions in the plasma channel.

Nanocrystalline sp{sup 2} and sp{sup 3} carbons: CVD synthesis and applications

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

Terranova, M. L.; Rossi, M.; Tamburri, E., E-mail: emanuela.tamburri@uniroma2.it

The design and production of innovative materials based on nanocrystalline sp{sup 2}- and sp{sup 3}-coordinated carbons is presently a focus of the scientific community. We present a review of the nanostructures obtained in our labs using a series of synthetic routes, which make use of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques for the selective production of non-planar graphitic nanostructures, nanocrystalline diamonds, and hybrid two-phase nanostructures.

Solid-phase glycan isolation for glycomics analysis

PubMed Central

Yang, Shuang; Zhang, Hui

2013-01-01

Glycosylation is one of the most significant protein PTMs. The biological activities of proteins are dramatically changed by the glycans associated with them. Thus, structural analysis of the glycans of glycoproteins in complex biological or clinical samples is critical in correlation with the functions of glycans with diseases. Profiling of glycans by HPLC-MS is a commonly used technique in analyzing glycan structures and quantifying their relative abundance in different biological systems. Methods relied on MS require isolation of glycans from negligible salts and other contaminant ions since salts and ions may interfere with the glycans, resulting in poor glycan ionization. To accomplish those objectives, glycan isolation and clean-up methods including SPE, liquid-phase extraction, chromatography, and electrophoresis have been developed. Traditionally, glycans are isolated from proteins or peptides using a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic columns: proteins and peptides remain on hydrophobic absorbent while glycans, salts, and other hydrophilic reagents are collected as flowthrough. The glycans in the flowthrough are then purified through graphite-activated carbon column by hydrophilic interaction LC. Yet, the drawback in these affinity-based approaches is nonspecific binding. As a result, chemical methods by hydrazide or oxime have been developed for solid-phase isolation of glycans with high specificity and yield. Combined with high-resolution MS, specific glycan isolation techniques provide tremendous potentials as useful tools for glycomics analysis. PMID:23090885

Solid-phase glycan isolation for glycomics analysis.

PubMed

Yang, Shuang; Zhang, Hui

2012-12-01

Glycosylation is one of the most significant protein PTMs. The biological activities of proteins are dramatically changed by the glycans associated with them. Thus, structural analysis of the glycans of glycoproteins in complex biological or clinical samples is critical in correlation with the functions of glycans with diseases. Profiling of glycans by HPLC-MS is a commonly used technique in analyzing glycan structures and quantifying their relative abundance in different biological systems. Methods relied on MS require isolation of glycans from negligible salts and other contaminant ions since salts and ions may interfere with the glycans, resulting in poor glycan ionization. To accomplish those objectives, glycan isolation and clean-up methods including SPE, liquid-phase extraction, chromatography, and electrophoresis have been developed. Traditionally, glycans are isolated from proteins or peptides using a combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic columns: proteins and peptides remain on hydrophobic absorbent while glycans, salts, and other hydrophilic reagents are collected as flowthrough. The glycans in the flowthrough are then purified through graphite-activated carbon column by hydrophilic interaction LC. Yet, the drawback in these affinity-based approaches is nonspecific binding. As a result, chemical methods by hydrazide or oxime have been developed for solid-phase isolation of glycans with high specificity and yield. Combined with high-resolution MS, specific glycan isolation techniques provide tremendous potentials as useful tools for glycomics analysis. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

On the Application of Lithium Additives in the Electrolytic Production of Primary Aluminum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saitov, A. V.; Bazhin, V. Yu.; Povarov, V. G.

2017-12-01

The behavior of carbon-graphite subjected to treatment in the lithium carbonate Li2CO3 melt without cryolite and alkali-metal fluorides is studied to reliably estimate the influence of lithium on the surface layers of a carbon-containing cathode lining. The chemical composition and the structure of the carbon-graphite material after its interaction with lithium in the Li2CO3 melt have been studied. The high-temperature interaction of the system components in the melt is found to be accompanied by fracture of the operating surface of the carbon-graphite material, while the carbon-graphite surface does not failed upon interacting with lithium vapors. Based on the obtained data, a model for the formation of lithium ions during the reduction of lithium and its interaction with a carbon-graphite sample during the electrolysis of lithium carbonate is proposed.

Comparison of several solid-phase extraction sorbents for continuous determination of amines in water by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Jurado-Sánchez, Beatriz; Ballesteros, Evaristo; Gallego, Mercedes

2009-08-15

A semiautomatic method has been proposed for the determination of different types of amines in water samples including anilines, chloroanilines, N-nitrosamines and aliphatic amines. The analytes were retained on a solid-phase extraction sorbent column and after elution, 1 microL of the extract was analysed by gas chromatography coupled with electron impact ionization mass spectrometry. A systematic overview is given of the advantages and disadvantages of several sorbents (LiChrolut EN, Oasis HLB, RP-C(18), graphitized carbon black, fullerenes and nanotubes) in the retention of amine compounds and based on sensitivity, selectivity and reliability. The retention efficiency for the studied amines was higher (ca. 100%) with LiChrolut EN and Oasis HLB than it was with RP-C(18) and fullerenes (53 and 62%, respectively, on average). Detection limits of 0.5-16 ng L(-1) for the 27 amines studied were obtained when using a sorbent column containing 75 mg of LiChrolut EN for 100mL of sample, the RSD being lower than 6.5%. The method was applied with good accuracy and precision in the determination of amines in various types of water including river, pond, tap, well, drinking, swimming pool and waste.

Hydrothermal carbonization of food waste for nutrient recovery and reuse.

PubMed

Idowu, Ifeolu; Li, Liang; Flora, Joseph R V; Pellechia, Perry J; Darko, Samuel A; Ro, Kyoung S; Berge, Nicole D

2017-11-01

Food waste represents a rather large and currently underutilized source of potentially available and reusable nutrients. Laboratory-scale experiments evaluating the hydrothermal carbonization of food wastes collected from restaurants were conducted to understand how changes in feedstock composition and carbonization process conditions influence primary and secondary nutrient fate. Results from this work indicate that at all evaluated reaction times and temperatures, the majority of nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium remain integrated within the solid-phase, while the majority of potassium and sodium reside in the liquid-phase. The fate of phosphorus is dependent on reaction times and temperatures, with solid-phase integration increasing with higher reaction temperature and longer time. A series of leaching experiments to determine potential solid-phase nutrient availability were also conducted and indicate that, at least in the short term, nitrogen release from the solids is small, while almost all of the phosphorus present in the solids produced from carbonizing at 225 and 250°C is released. At a reaction temperature of 275°C, smaller fractions of the solid-phase total phosphorus are released as reaction times increase, likely due to increased solids incorporation. Using these data, it is estimated that up to 0.96% and 2.30% of nitrogen and phosphorus-based fertilizers, respectively, in the US can be replaced by the nutrients integrated within hydrochar and liquid-phases generated from the carbonization of currently landfilled food wastes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structure and phase transitions of monolayers of intermediate-length n-alkanes on graphite studied by neutron diffraction and molecular dynamics simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diama, A.; Matthies, B.; Herwig, K. W.; Hansen, F. Y.; Criswell, L.; Mo, H.; Bai, M.; Taub, H.

2009-08-01

We present evidence from neutron diffraction measurements and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of three different monolayer phases of the intermediate-length alkanes tetracosane (n-C24H50 denoted as C24) and dotriacontane (n-C32H66 denoted as C32) adsorbed on a graphite basal-plane surface. Our measurements indicate that the two monolayer films differ principally in the transition temperatures between phases. At the lowest temperatures, both C24 and C32 form a crystalline monolayer phase with a rectangular-centered (RC) structure. The two sublattices of the RC structure each consists of parallel rows of molecules in their all-trans conformation aligned with their long axis parallel to the surface and forming so-called lamellas of width approximately equal to the all-trans length of the molecule. The RC structure is uniaxially commensurate with the graphite surface in its [110] direction such that the distance between molecular rows in a lamella is 4.26 Å=√3 ag, where ag=2.46 Å is the lattice constant of the graphite basal plane. Molecules in adjacent rows of a lamella alternate in orientation between the carbon skeletal plane being parallel and perpendicular to the graphite surface. Upon heating, the crystalline monolayers transform to a "smectic" phase in which the inter-row spacing within a lamella expands by ˜10% and the molecules are predominantly oriented with the carbon skeletal plane parallel to the graphite surface. In the smectic phase, the MD simulations show evidence of broadening of the lamella boundaries as a result of molecules diffusing parallel to their long axis. At still higher temperatures, they indicate that the introduction of gauche defects into the alkane chains drives a melting transition to a monolayer fluid phase as reported previously.

Structure and phase transitions of monolayers of intermediate-length n-alkanes on graphite studied by neutron diffraction and molecular dynamics simulation.

PubMed

Diama, A; Matthies, B; Herwig, K W; Hansen, F Y; Criswell, L; Mo, H; Bai, M; Taub, H

2009-08-28

We present evidence from neutron diffraction measurements and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of three different monolayer phases of the intermediate-length alkanes tetracosane (n-C(24)H(50) denoted as C24) and dotriacontane (n-C(32)H(66) denoted as C32) adsorbed on a graphite basal-plane surface. Our measurements indicate that the two monolayer films differ principally in the transition temperatures between phases. At the lowest temperatures, both C24 and C32 form a crystalline monolayer phase with a rectangular-centered (RC) structure. The two sublattices of the RC structure each consists of parallel rows of molecules in their all-trans conformation aligned with their long axis parallel to the surface and forming so-called lamellas of width approximately equal to the all-trans length of the molecule. The RC structure is uniaxially commensurate with the graphite surface in its [110] direction such that the distance between molecular rows in a lamella is 4.26 A=sqrt[3a(g)], where a(g)=2.46 A is the lattice constant of the graphite basal plane. Molecules in adjacent rows of a lamella alternate in orientation between the carbon skeletal plane being parallel and perpendicular to the graphite surface. Upon heating, the crystalline monolayers transform to a "smectic" phase in which the inter-row spacing within a lamella expands by approximately 10% and the molecules are predominantly oriented with the carbon skeletal plane parallel to the graphite surface. In the smectic phase, the MD simulations show evidence of broadening of the lamella boundaries as a result of molecules diffusing parallel to their long axis. At still higher temperatures, they indicate that the introduction of gauche defects into the alkane chains drives a melting transition to a monolayer fluid phase as reported previously.

Theoretical investigation of magnetic properties in interfaces of magnetic nanoparticles and amorphous carbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Shih-Jye; Hsu, Hua-Shu; Ovchinnikov, Sergei; Chen, Guan-Long

2017-06-01

Based on the experimental finding of the exchange bias in amorphous carbon samples with embedded Co nanoparticles and on the graphited character of the amorphous carbon interface confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations we have proposed the interface of graphited carbon to be antiferromagnetic. A theoretical model, which comprises the Kondo interactions in the interfaces of Co nanoparticles and the induced antiferromagnetic interactions in the graphited carbons, is employed to evaluate the ferromagnetism of the interfaces of Co nanoparticles. We have shown that the ferromagnetism of interfaces of Co nanoparticles will be enhanced by the increase of antiferromagnetic interaction as well as the increase of electron density in the graphited carbons. In particular, we found that the antiferromagnetic interactions in graphited carbons will change the spin-wave excitation in interfaces of Co nanoparticles from the quasiacoustic mode to the quasioptical one.

Origin of melting point depression for rare gas solids confined in carbon pores

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

Morishige, Kunimitsu, E-mail: morishi@chem.ous.ac.jp; Kataoka, Takaaki

To obtain insights into the mechanism of the melting-point depression of rare gas solids confined in crystalline carbon pores, we examined the freezing and melting behavior of Xe and Ar confined to the crystalline pores of ordered mesoporous carbons as well as compressed exfoliated graphite compared to the amorphous pores of ordered mesoporous silicas, by means of X-ray diffraction. For the Xe and Ar confined to the crystalline carbon pores, there was no appreciable thermal hysteresis between freezing and melting. Furthermore, the position of the main diffraction peak did not change appreciably on freezing and melting. This strongly suggests thatmore » the liquids confined in the carbon pores form a multilayered structure parallel to the smooth walls. For the Xe and Ar confined to the amorphous silica pores, on the other hand, the position of the main diffraction peak shifted into higher scattering angle on freezing suggested that the density of the confined solid is distinctly larger than for the confined liquid. Using compressed exfoliated graphite with carbon walls of higher crystallinity, we observed that three-dimensional (3D) microcrystals of Xe confined in the slit-shaped pores melted to leave the unmelted bilayers on the pore walls below the bulk triple point. The lattice spacing of the 3D microcrystals confined is larger by ∼0.7% than that of the bilayer next to the pore walls in the vicinity of the melting point.« less

Dual-Layer Oxidation-Protective Plasma-Sprayed SiC-ZrB2/Al2O3-Carbon Nanotube Coating on Graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ariharan, S.; Sengupta, Pradyut; Nisar, Ambreen; Agnihotri, Ankur; Balaji, N.; Aruna, S. T.; Balani, Kantesh

2017-02-01

Graphite is used in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors because of its outstanding irradiation performance and corrosion resistance. To restrict its high-temperature (>873 K) oxidation, atmospheric-plasma-sprayed SiC-ZrB2-Al2O3-carbon nanotube (CNT) dual-layer coating was deposited on graphite substrate in this work. The effect of each layer was isolated by processing each component of the coating via spark plasma sintering followed by isothermal kinetic studies. Based on isothermal analysis and the presence of high residual thermal stress in the oxide scale, degradation appeared to be more severe in composites reinforced with CNTs. To avoid the complexity of analysis of composites, the high-temperature activation energy for oxidation was calculated for the single-phase materials only, yielding values of 11.8, 20.5, 43.5, and 4.5 kJ/mol for graphite, SiC, ZrB2, and CNT, respectively, with increased thermal stability for ZrB2 and SiC. These results were then used to evaluate the oxidation rate for the composites analytically. This study has broad implications for wider use of dual-layer (SiC-ZrB2/Al2O3) coatings for protecting graphite crucibles even at temperatures above 1073 K.

Plasma carburizing with surface micro-melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balanovsky, A. E.; Grechneva, M. V.; Van Huy, Vu; Ponomarev, B. B.

2018-03-01

This paper presents carburizing the surface of 20 low carbon steel using electric arc and graphite prior. A carbon black solution was prepared with graphite powder and sodium silicate in water. A detailed analysis of the phase structure and the distribution profile of the sample hardness after plasma treatment were given. The hardened layer consists of three different zones: 1 – the cemented layer (thin white zone) on the surface, 2 – heat-affected zone (darkly etching structure), 3 – the base metal. The experimental result shows that the various microstructures and micro-hardness profiles were produced depending on the type of graphite coating (percentage of liquid glass) and processing parameters. The experiment proved that the optimum content of liquid glass in graphite coating is 50–87.5%. If the amount of liquid glass is less than 50%, adhesion to metal is insufficient. If liquid glass content is more than 87.5%, carburization of a metal surface does not occur. A mixture of the eutectic lamellar structure, martensite and austenite was obtained by using graphite prior with 67% sodium silicate and the levels of the hardness layer increased to around 1000 HV. The thickness of the cemented layer formed on the surface was around 200 μm. It is hoped that this plasma surface carburizing treatment could improve the tribological resistance properties.

Multiresidue method for the determination of 227 pesticides in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhu, Yong-Zhe; Zhao, Mei-Ai; Nan Feng, Ya; Han Kim, Jeong

2014-10-01

A high-throughput, rapid, and efficient modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method with a simple cleanup procedure has been developed for simultaneously determining 227 pesticides in pepper samples by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (running time: 10 min). Pesticide residues were extracted/partitioned with an acetonitrile/DisQuE QuEChERS pouch, and the resulting samples were cleaned up with different methods: dispersive solid-phase extraction with primary secondary amines or multiwalled carbon nanotubes and graphitized carbon solid mini cartridge column. The results indicated that multiwalled carbon nanotubes dispersive sorbents achieved the best recoveries and had less matrix interference. The numbers of pesticides with a recovery in the range of 70-120% were 199 at a spiked level of 40 μg/kg. The correlation coefficients (r(2)) for 227 pesticides were above 0.99, while the limits of quantitation of pesticides in pepper samples ranged from 0.13 to 13.51 μg/kg (S/N = 10), and the limits of detection ranged from 0.04 to 4.05 μg/kg (S/N = 3). The relative standard deviations of approximately 197 pesticides were below 20% at spiked levels of 40 μg/kg. Based on these results, the proposed method was chosen as the most suitable cleanup procedure for the determination of multiresidue pesticides in pepper samples. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chromatographic performance of synthetic polycrystalline diamond as a stationary phase in normal phase high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Peristyy, Anton; Paull, Brett; Nesterenko, Pavel N

2015-04-24

The chromatographic properties of high pressure high temperature synthesised diamond (HPHT) are investigated in normal phase mode of high performance liquid chromatography. Purified nonporous irregular shape particles of average particles size 1.2 μm and specific surface area 5.1 m(2) g(-1) were used for packing 100×4.6 mm ID or 50×4.6 mm ID stainless steel columns. The retention behaviour of several classes of compounds including alkyl benzenes, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), alkylphenylketones, phenols, aromatic acids and bases were studied using n-hexane-2-propanol mixtures as mobile phase. The results are compared with those observed for microdispersed sintered detonation nanodiamond (MSDN) and porous graphitic carbon (PGC). HPHT diamond revealed distinctive separation selectivity, which is orthogonal to that observed for porous graphitic carbon; while selectivities of HPHT diamond and microdispersed sintered detonation nanodiamonds are similar. Owing to non-porous particle nature, columns packed with high pressure high temperature diamond exhibited excellent mass transfer and produce separations with maximum column efficiency of 128,200 theoretical plates per meter. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Graphene nanocomposites for electrochemical cell electrodes

DOEpatents

Zhamu, Aruna; Jang, Bor Z.; Shi, Jinjun

2015-11-19

A composite composition for electrochemical cell electrode applications, the composition comprising multiple solid particles, wherein (a) a solid particle is composed of graphene platelets dispersed in or bonded by a first matrix or binder material, wherein the graphene platelets are not obtained from graphitization of the first binder or matrix material; (b) the graphene platelets have a length or width in the range of 10 nm to 10 .mu.m; (c) the multiple solid particles are bonded by a second binder material; and (d) the first or second binder material is selected from a polymer, polymeric carbon, amorphous carbon, metal, glass, ceramic, oxide, organic material, or a combination thereof. For a lithium ion battery anode application, the first binder or matrix material is preferably amorphous carbon or polymeric carbon. Such a composite composition provides a high anode capacity and good cycling response. For a supercapacitor electrode application, the solid particles preferably have meso-scale pores therein to accommodate electrolyte.

Aniline-modified porous graphitic carbon for hydrophilic interaction and attenuated reverse phase liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Iverson, Chad D; Lucy, Charles A

2014-12-19

Most stationary phases for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) are based on silica. Porous graphitic carbon (PGC) is an attractive alternative to silica-based phases due to its chemical and thermal stability, and unique selectivity. However, native PGC is strongly hydrophobic and in some instances excessively retentive. PGC particles with covalently attached aniline groups (Dimethylaniline-PGC and Aniline-PGC) were synthesized to alter the surface polarity of PGC. First, the diazonium salt of N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine or 4-nitroaniline was adsorbed onto the PGC surface. The adsorbed salt was reduced with sodium borohydride and (Aniline-PGC only) the nitro group was further reduced with iron powder to the aniline. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the surface functionalities and that these moieties were introduced to the surface at concentrations of 0.9 and 2.1molecules/nm(2), respectively. These modified PGC phases (especially Aniline-PGC) were evaluated as HILIC and reversed phases. The Dimethylaniline-PGC phase displayed only weak HILIC retention of phenolic solutes. In contrast, the Aniline-PGC phase displayed up to nearly a 7-fold increase in HILIC retention vs. an aniline-silica phase and selectivity that differed from 10 other HILIC phases. Introduction of aniline groups to the PGC surface reduced the RPLC retentivity of PGC up to more than 5-fold and improved the separation efficiency up to 6-fold. The chromatographic performance of Aniline-PGC is demonstrated by separations of nucleotides, nucleosides, carboxylic acids, basic pharmaceuticals, and other compounds. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pressure induced solid-solid reconstructive phase transition in LiGa O2 dominated by elastic strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Qiwei; Yan, Xiaozhi; Lei, Li; Wang, Qiming; Feng, Leihao; Qi, Lei; Zhang, Leilei; Peng, Fang; Ohfuji, Hiroaki; He, Duanwei

2018-01-01

Pressure induced solid-solid reconstructive phase transitions for graphite-diamond, and wurtzite-rocksalt in GaN and AlN occur at significantly higher pressure than expected from equilibrium coexistence and their transition paths are always inconsistent with each other. These indicate that the underlying nucleation and growth mechanism in the solid-solid reconstructive phase transitions are poorly understood. Here, we propose an elastic-strain dominated mechanism in a reconstructive phase transition, β -LiGa O2 to γ -LiGa O2 , based on in situ high-pressure angle dispersive x-ray diffraction and single-crystal Raman scattering. This mechanism suggests that the pressure induced solid-solid reconstructive phase transition is neither purely diffusionless nor purely diffusive, as conventionally assumed, but a combination. The large elastic strains are accumulated, with the coherent nucleation, in the early stage of the transition. The elastic strains along the 〈100 〉 and 〈001 〉 directions are too large to be relaxed by the shear stress, so an intermediate structure emerges reducing the elastic strains and making the transition energetically favorable. At higher pressures, when the elastic strains become small enough to be relaxed, the phase transition to γ -LiGa O2 begins and the coherent nucleation is substituted with a semicoherent one with Li and Ga atoms disordered.

Quantitative mass spectrometric analysis of glycoproteins combined with enrichment methods.

PubMed

Ahn, Yeong Hee; Kim, Jin Young; Yoo, Jong Shin

2015-01-01

Mass spectrometry (MS) has been a core technology for high sensitive and high-throughput analysis of the enriched glycoproteome in aspects of quantitative assays as well as qualitative profiling of glycoproteins. Because it has been widely recognized that aberrant glycosylation in a glycoprotein may involve in progression of a certain disease, the development of efficient analysis tool for the aberrant glycoproteins is very important for deep understanding about pathological function of the glycoprotein and new biomarker development. This review first describes the protein glycosylation-targeting enrichment technologies mainly employing solid-phase extraction methods such as hydrizide-capturing, lectin-specific capturing, and affinity separation techniques based on porous graphitized carbon, hydrophilic interaction chromatography, or immobilized boronic acid. Second, MS-based quantitative analysis strategies coupled with the protein glycosylation-targeting enrichment technologies, by using a label-free MS, stable isotope-labeling, or targeted multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) MS, are summarized with recent published studies. © 2014 The Authors. Mass Spectrometry Reviews Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Plasma-induced damage of tungsten coatings on graphite limiters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fortuna, E.; Rubel, M. J.; Psoda, M.; Andrzejczuk, M.; Kurzydowski, K. J.; Miskiewicz, M.; Philipps, V.; Pospieszczyk, A.; Sergienko, G.; Spychalski, M.; Zielinski, W.

2007-03-01

Vaccum plasma sprayed tungsten coatings with an evaporated sandwich Re-W interlayer on graphite limiter blocks were studied after the experimental campaign in the TEXTOR tokamak. The coating morphology was modified by high-heat loads and co-deposition of species from the plasma. Co-deposits contained fuel species, carbon, boron and silicon. X-ray diffractometer phase analysis indicated the coexistence of metallic tungsten and its carbides (WC and W2C) and boride (W2B). In the Re-W layer the presence of carbon was detected in a several micrometres thick zone. In the overheated part of the limiter, the Re-W layer was transformed into a sigma phase.

On a Heat Exchange Problem under Sharply Changing External Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khishchenko, K. V.; Charakhch'yan, A. A.; Shurshalov, L. V.

2018-02-01

The heat exchange problem between carbon particles and an external environment (water) is stated and investigated based on the equations of heat conducting compressible fluid. The environment parameters are supposed to undergo large and fast variations. In the time of about 100 μs, the temperature of the environment first increases from the normal one to 2400 K, is preserved at this level for about 60 μs, and then decreases to 300 K during approximately 50 μs. At the same periods of time, the pressure of the external environment increases from the normal one to 67 GPa, is preserved at this level, and then decreases to zero. Under such external conditions, the heating of graphite particles of various sizes, their phase transition to the diamond phase, and the subsequent unloading and cooling almost to the initial values of the pressure and temperature without the reverse transition from the diamond to the graphite phase are investigated. Conclusions about the maximal size of diamond particles that can be obtained in experiments on the shock compression of the mixture of graphite with water are drawn.

Equations of State and Phase Diagrams of Ammonia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glasser, Leslie

2009-01-01

We present equations of state relating the phases and a three-dimensional phase diagram for ammonia with its solid, liquid, and vapor phases, based on fitted authentic experimental data and including recent information on the high-pressure solid phases. This presentation follows similar articles on carbon dioxide and water published in this…

Magnetic carbon nanostructures: microwave energy-assisted pyrolysis vs. conventional pyrolysis.

PubMed

Zhu, Jiahua; Pallavkar, Sameer; Chen, Minjiao; Yerra, Narendranath; Luo, Zhiping; Colorado, Henry A; Lin, Hongfei; Haldolaarachchige, Neel; Khasanov, Airat; Ho, Thomas C; Young, David P; Wei, Suying; Guo, Zhanhu

2013-01-11

Magnetic carbon nanostructures from microwave assisted- and conventional-pyrolysis processes are compared. Unlike graphitized carbon shells from conventional heating, different carbon shell morphologies including nanotubes, nanoflakes and amorphous carbon were observed. Crystalline iron and cementite were observed in the magnetic core, different from a single cementite phase from the conventional process.

Characterization of Detonation Soot Produced During Steady and Overdriven Conditions for Three High Explosive Formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podlesak, David; Amato, Ronald; Dattelbaum, Dana; Firestone, Millicent; Gustavsen, Richard; Huber, Rachel; Ringstrand, Bryan

2015-06-01

The detonation of high explosives (HE) produces a dense fluid of molecular gases and solid carbon. The solid detonation carbon contains various carbon allotropes such as detonation nanodiamonds, ``onion-like'' carbon, graphite and amorphous carbon, with the formation of the different forms dependent upon pressure, temperature and the environmental conditions of the detonation. We have collected solid carbon residues from controlled detonations of three HE formulations (Composition B-3, PBX 9501, and PBX 9502). Soot was collected from experiments designed to produce both steady and overdriven conditions, and from detonations in both an ambient (air) atmosphere and in an inert Ar atmosphere. Structural studies to glean the features of the solid carbon products have been performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and X-Ray Pair Distribution Function measurements (PDF). Bulk soot was also analyzed for elemental and isotopic compositions. We will discuss differences in the structure and composition of the detonation carbon as a function of formulation, detonation conditions, and the surrounding atmosphere.

A contrastive study of three graphite anodes in the piperidinium based electrolytes for lithium ion batteries

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

Jiang, Xiao-Tao; Wang, Chen-Yi; Gao, Kun, E-mail: gaokun0451@163.com

Graphical abstract: The fitting results of R{sub sei} and R{sub ct} of three graphite/Li cells. Besides three graphite/Li cells show the similar R{sub sei}, the NG198/Li cell demonstrates a higher R{sub ct} value in all test temperatures. Especially, the R{sub ct} at 333 K is even up to 355.8 Ω cm{sup 2}. Obviously, the narrow distribution of edge plane for NG198 caused this result, and then greatly restricts its cell capacity. By contrast, CMB with bigger specific surface area and more Li{sup +} insertion points shows lower resistance at room temperature, which should help to improve its capacity. - Highlights:more » • SEI film is closely related to graphite structures and formation temperature. • The graphite with bigger surface area and more Li{sup +} insertion points behaves better. • The graphite with narrow edge plane is uncompetitive for ionic liquid electrolyte. - Abstract: The electrochemical behaviors of natural graphite (NG198), artificial graphite (AG360) and carbon microbeads (CMB) in an ionic liquid based electrolyte are investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The surface and structure of three graphite materials are characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) before and after cycling. It is found that solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is closely related to graphite structure. Benefiting from larger specific surface area and more dispersed Li{sup +} insertion points, CMB shows a better Li{sup +} insertion/de-insertion behavior than NG198 and AG360. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) prove that the SEI of different graphite electrodes has different intrinsic resistance and Li{sup +} penetrability. By comparison, CMB behaves better cell performances than AG360, while the narrow edge plane makes NG198 uncompetitive as a potential anode for the ionic liquids (ILs)-type Li-ion battery.« less

Evidence for Bulk Ripplocations in Layered Solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruber, Jacob; Lang, Andrew C.; Griggs, Justin; Taheri, Mitra L.; Tucker, Garritt J.; Barsoum, Michel W.

2016-09-01

Plastically anisotropic/layered solids are ubiquitous in nature and understanding how they deform is crucial in geology, nuclear engineering, microelectronics, among other fields. Recently, a new defect termed a ripplocation-best described as an atomic scale ripple-was proposed to explain deformation in two-dimensional solids. Herein, we leverage atomistic simulations of graphite to extend the ripplocation idea to bulk layered solids, and confirm that it is essentially a buckling phenomenon. In contrast to dislocations, bulk ripplocations have no Burgers vector and no polarity. In graphite, ripplocations are attracted to other ripplocations, both within the same, and on adjacent layers, the latter resulting in kink boundaries. Furthermore, we present transmission electron microscopy evidence consistent with the existence of bulk ripplocations in Ti3SiC2. Ripplocations are a topological imperative, as they allow atomic layers to glide relative to each other without breaking the in-plane bonds. A more complete understanding of their mechanics and behavior is critically important, and could profoundly influence our current understanding of how graphite, layered silicates, the MAX phases, and many other plastically anisotropic/layered solids, deform and accommodate strain.

Characterization of detonation soot produced during steady and overdriven conditions for three high explosive formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podlesak, David W.; Huber, Rachel C.; Amato, Ronald S.; Dattelbaum, Dana M.; Firestone, Millicent A.; Gustavsen, Richard L.; Johnson, Carl E.; Mang, Joseph T.; Ringstrand, Bryan S.

2017-01-01

The detonation of high explosives (HE) produces a dense fluid of molecular gases and solid carbon. The solid detonation carbon contains various carbon allotropes such as detonation nanodiamonds, onion-like carbon, graphite and amorphous carbon, with the formation of the different forms dependent upon pressure, temperature and the environmental conditions of the detonation. We have collected solid carbon residues from controlled detonations of three HE formulations (Composition B-3, PBX 9501, and PBX 9502). Soot was collected from experiments designed to produce both steady and overdriven conditions, and from detonations in both an ambient (air) atmosphere and in an inert Ar atmosphere. Differences in solid carbon residues were quantified using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and carbon isotope measurements. Environmental conditions, HE formulation, and peak pressures influenced the amount of and isotopic composition of the carbon in the soot. Detonations in an Ar atmosphere produced greater amounts of carbon soot with lower δ13C values than those in ambient air. Therefore, solid carbon residues continued to evolve after detonation due to excess oxygen in the ambient air detonations. As well, higher peak pressures in overdriven conditions produced less carbon soot with, in general, higher δ13C values. Consequently, while overdriven conditions only produced peak pressures for a limited duration, it was enough to influence the composition of the solid carbon residues.

Graphite-(Mo,W)S2 intergrowth as a palaeoenvironmental proxy in metasedimentary rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabral, Alexandre Raphael; Zeh, Armin; da Silva Viana, Nívea Cristina; Schirmer, Thomas; Lehmann, Bernd

2017-12-01

Molybdenum enrichment in pristine organic-C-rich sedimentary rocks forms the basis for inferring the presence of dissolved oxygen in seawater. Organic matter removes dissolved hexavalent Mo from seawater where anoxic and euxinic conditions are attained. However, it is unknown whether this Mo-based proxy is retained under metamorphic conditions where organic C is no longer preserved. Here, we describe aggregates of graphite and molybdenite (MoS2) containing up to 21 mass per cent of W as tungstenite (WS2) in solid solution. These aggregates are disseminated in a sulfide-rich Mn-silicate-carbonate rock (queluzite), metamorphosed under amphibolite-facies conditions within the Archaean Barbacena greenstone belt in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Our finding indicates that: (i) W is, like Mo, a palaeoenvironmental proxy; (ii) the W proxy is sensitive to high fS2/fO2 environments; (iii) both Mo and W proxies survive amphibolite-facies overprint as (Mo,W)S2 intergrown with graphite. Archaean greenstones are potential candidates for storing palaeoenvironmental information as (Mo,W)S2-graphite intergrowths.

Quality of Graphite Target for Biological/Biomedical/Environmental Applications of 14C-Accelerator Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Catalytic graphitization for 14C-accelerator mass spectrometry (14C-AMS) produced various forms of elemental carbon. Our high-throughput Zn reduction method (C/Fe = 1:5, 500 °C, 3 h) produced the AMS target of graphite-coated iron powder (GCIP), a mix of nongraphitic carbon and Fe3C. Crystallinity of the AMS targets of GCIP (nongraphitic carbon) was increased to turbostratic carbon by raising the C/Fe ratio from 1:5 to 1:1 and the graphitization temperature from 500 to 585 °C. The AMS target of GCIP containing turbostratic carbon had a large isotopic fractionation and a low AMS ion current. The AMS target of GCIP containing turbostratic carbon also yielded less accurate/precise 14C-AMS measurements because of the lower graphitization yield and lower thermal conductivity that were caused by the higher C/Fe ratio of 1:1. On the other hand, the AMS target of GCIP containing nongraphitic carbon had higher graphitization yield and better thermal conductivity over the AMS target of GCIP containing turbostratic carbon due to optimal surface area provided by the iron powder. Finally, graphitization yield and thermal conductivity were stronger determinants (over graphite crystallinity) for accurate/precise/high-throughput biological, biomedical, and environmental14C-AMS applications such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination (ADME), and physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) of nutrients, drugs, phytochemicals, and environmental chemicals. PMID:20163100

Carbothermal transformation of a graphitic carbon nanofiber/silica aerogel composite to a SiC/silica nanocomposite.

PubMed

Lu, Weijie; Steigerwalt, Eve S; Moore, Joshua T; Sullivan, Lisa M; Collins, W Eugene; Lukehart, C M

2004-09-01

Carbon nanofiber/silica aerogel composites are prepared by sol-gel processing of surface-enhanced herringbone graphitic carbon nanofibers (GCNF) and Si(OMe)4, followed by supercritical CO2 drying. Heating the resulting GCNF/silica aerogel composites to 1650 degrees C under a partial pressure of Ar gas initiates carbothermal reaction between the silica aerogel matrix and the carbon nanofiber component to form SiC/silica nanocomposites. The SiC phase is present as nearly spherical nanoparticles, having an average diameter of ca. 8 nm. Formation of SiC is confirmed by powder XRD and by Raman spectroscopy.

Inorganic nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles.

PubMed

Tenne, R

2006-11-01

Although graphite, with its anisotropic two-dimensional lattice, is the stable form of carbon under ambient conditions, on nanometre length scales it forms zero- and one-dimensional structures, namely fullerenes and nanotubes, respectively. This virtue is not limited to carbon and, in recent years, fullerene-like structures and nanotubes have been made from numerous compounds with layered two-dimensional structures. Furthermore, crystalline and polycrystalline nanotubes of pure elements and compounds with quasi-isotropic (three-dimensional) unit cells have also been synthesized, usually by making use of solid templates. These findings open up vast opportunities for the synthesis and study of new kinds of nanostructures with properties that may differ significantly from the corresponding bulk materials. Various potential applications have been proposed for the inorganic nanotubes and the fullerene-like phases. Fullerene-like nanoparticles have been shown to exhibit excellent solid lubrication behaviour, suggesting many applications in, for example, the automotive and aerospace industries, home appliances, and recently for medical technology. Various other potential applications, in catalysis, rechargeable batteries, drug delivery, solar cells and electronics have also been proposed.

Inorganic nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tenne, R.

2006-11-01

Although graphite, with its anisotropic two-dimensional lattice, is the stable form of carbon under ambient conditions, on nanometre length scales it forms zero- and one-dimensional structures, namely fullerenes and nanotubes, respectively. This virtue is not limited to carbon and, in recent years, fullerene-like structures and nanotubes have been made from numerous compounds with layered two-dimensional structures. Furthermore, crystalline and polycrystalline nanotubes of pure elements and compounds with quasi-isotropic (three-dimensional) unit cells have also been synthesized, usually by making use of solid templates. These findings open up vast opportunities for the synthesis and study of new kinds of nanostructures with properties that may differ significantly from the corresponding bulk materials. Various potential applications have been proposed for the inorganic nanotubes and the fullerene-like phases. Fullerene-like nanoparticles have been shown to exhibit excellent solid lubrication behaviour, suggesting many applications in, for example, the automotive and aerospace industries, home appliances, and recently for medical technology. Various other potential applications, in catalysis, rechargeable batteries, drug delivery, solar cells and electronics have also been proposed.

The effects of hydrogen proportion on the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials with gaseous detonation (deflagration) method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Tiejun; Li, Xiaojie; Lee, John H. S.; Yan, Honghao

2018-02-01

Using ferrocene, H2 and O2, Carbon nanomaterials were prepared with gaseous detonation (deflagration) method. The effects of H2 on the phase and morphology of carbon nanomaterials were studied by various proportions of H2 in the reaction. The prepared samples were characterized by x-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscope and Raman spectrometer. The results show that hydrogen proportion has a great influence on the phase and morphology of carbon nanomaterials. The high hydrogen proportion leads to much unreacted hydrogen, which could protect the iron atom from oxidation of carbon and dilute the reactants contributing to uniform particle size. In addition, the graphitization degree of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, observed in samples with high H2 proportion, is high enough to see the lattice fringes, but the degree of graphitization of whole sample is lower than which fabricated with low H2 proportion, and it may result from the low energy generation.

Graphite-based photovoltaic cells

DOEpatents

Lagally, Max; Liu, Feng

2010-12-28

The present invention uses lithographically patterned graphite stacks as the basic building elements of an efficient and economical photovoltaic cell. The basic design of the graphite-based photovoltaic cells includes a plurality of spatially separated graphite stacks, each comprising a plurality of vertically stacked, semiconducting graphene sheets (carbon nanoribbons) bridging electrically conductive contacts.

Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films.

PubMed

Jung, Hyun Young; Karimi, Majid B; Hahm, Myung Gwan; Ajayan, Pulickel M; Jung, Yung Joon

2012-01-01

Here we construct mechanically flexible and optically transparent thin film solid state supercapacitors by assembling nano-engineered carbon electrodes, prepared in porous templates, with morphology of interconnected arrays of complex shapes and porosity. The highly textured graphitic films act as electrode and current collector and integrated with solid polymer electrolyte, function as thin film supercapacitors. The nanostructured electrode morphology and the conformal electrolyte packaging provide enough energy and power density for the devices in addition to excellent mechanical flexibility and optical transparency, making it a unique design in various power delivery applications.

Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films

PubMed Central

Jung, Hyun Young; Karimi, Majid B.; Hahm, Myung Gwan; Ajayan, Pulickel M.; Jung, Yung Joon

2012-01-01

Here we construct mechanically flexible and optically transparent thin film solid state supercapacitors by assembling nano-engineered carbon electrodes, prepared in porous templates, with morphology of interconnected arrays of complex shapes and porosity. The highly textured graphitic films act as electrode and current collector and integrated with solid polymer electrolyte, function as thin film supercapacitors. The nanostructured electrode morphology and the conformal electrolyte packaging provide enough energy and power density for the devices in addition to excellent mechanical flexibility and optical transparency, making it a unique design in various power delivery applications. PMID:23105970

Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Hyun Young; Karimi, Majid B.; Hahm, Myung Gwan; Ajayan, Pulickel M.; Jung, Yung Joon

2012-10-01

Here we construct mechanically flexible and optically transparent thin film solid state supercapacitors by assembling nano-engineered carbon electrodes, prepared in porous templates, with morphology of interconnected arrays of complex shapes and porosity. The highly textured graphitic films act as electrode and current collector and integrated with solid polymer electrolyte, function as thin film supercapacitors. The nanostructured electrode morphology and the conformal electrolyte packaging provide enough energy and power density for the devices in addition to excellent mechanical flexibility and optical transparency, making it a unique design in various power delivery applications.

An analytical bond-order potential for carbon

DOE PAGES

Zhou, Xiaowang; Ward, Donald K.; Foster, Michael E.

2015-05-27

Carbon is the most widely studied material today because it exhibits special properties not seen in any other materials when in nano dimensions such as nanotube and graphene. Reduction of material defects created during synthesis has become critical to realize the full potential of carbon structures. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, in principle, allow defect formation mechanisms to be studied with high fidelity, and can, therefore, help guide experiments for defect reduction. Such MD simulations must satisfy a set of stringent requirements. First, they must employ an interatomic potential formalism that is transferable to a variety of carbon structures. Second, themore » potential needs to be appropriately parameterized to capture the property trends of important carbon structures, in particular, diamond, graphite, graphene, and nanotubes. The potential must predict the crystalline growth of the correct phases during direct MD simulations of synthesis to achieve a predictive simulation of defect formation. An unlimited number of structures not included in the potential parameterization are encountered, thus the literature carbon potentials are often not sufficient for growth simulations. We have developed an analytical bond order potential for carbon, and have made it available through the public MD simulation package LAMMPS. We also demonstrate that our potential reasonably captures the property trends of important carbon phases. As a result, stringent MD simulations convincingly show that our potential accounts not only for the crystalline growth of graphene, graphite, and carbon nanotubes but also for the transformation of graphite to diamond at high pressure.« less

An analytical bond-order potential for carbon.

PubMed

Zhou, X W; Ward, D K; Foster, M E

2015-09-05

Carbon is the most widely studied material today because it exhibits special properties not seen in any other materials when in nano dimensions such as nanotube and graphene. Reduction of material defects created during synthesis has become critical to realize the full potential of carbon structures. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, in principle, allow defect formation mechanisms to be studied with high fidelity, and can, therefore, help guide experiments for defect reduction. Such MD simulations must satisfy a set of stringent requirements. First, they must employ an interatomic potential formalism that is transferable to a variety of carbon structures. Second, the potential needs to be appropriately parameterized to capture the property trends of important carbon structures, in particular, diamond, graphite, graphene, and nanotubes. Most importantly, the potential must predict the crystalline growth of the correct phases during direct MD simulations of synthesis to achieve a predictive simulation of defect formation. Because an unlimited number of structures not included in the potential parameterization are encountered, the literature carbon potentials are often not sufficient for growth simulations. We have developed an analytical bond order potential for carbon, and have made it available through the public MD simulation package LAMMPS. We demonstrate that our potential reasonably captures the property trends of important carbon phases. Stringent MD simulations convincingly show that our potential accounts not only for the crystalline growth of graphene, graphite, and carbon nanotubes but also for the transformation of graphite to diamond at high pressure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

All Carbon-Based Photodetectors: An eminent integration of graphite quantum dots and two dimensional graphene

PubMed Central

Cheng, Shih-Hao; Weng, Tong-Min; Lu, Meng-Lin; Tan, Wei-Chun; Chen, Ju-Ying; Chen, Yang-Fang

2013-01-01

Photodetectors with ultrahigh sensitivity based on the composite made with all carbon-based materials consisting of graphite quantum dots (QDs), and two dimensional graphene crystal have been demonstrated. Under light illumination, remarkably, a photocurrent responsivity up to 4 × 107 AW−1 can be obtained. The underlying mechanism is attributed to the spatial separation of photogenerated electrons and holes due to the charge transfer caused by the appropriate band alignment across the interface between graphite QDs and graphene. Besides, the large absorptivity of graphite QDs and the excellent conductivity of the graphene sheet also play significant roles. Our result therefore demonstrates an outstanding illustration for the integration of the distinct properties of nanostructured carbon materials with different dimensionalities to achieve highly efficient devices. Together with the associated mechanism, it paves a valuable step for the further development of all carbon-based, cheap, and non-toxic optoelectronics devices with excellent performance. PMID:24045846

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of N-doped TiO2 produced in a solid phase reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xin, Gang; Pan, Hongfei; Chen, Dan; Zhang, Zhihua; Wen, Bin

2013-02-01

N-doped TiO2 was synthesized by calcining a mixture of titanic acid and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) at temperatures above 500 °C. The final samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The photocatalytic activity of N-doped TiO2 was studied by assessing the degradation of methylene blue in an aqueous solution, under visible light and UV light irradiation. It was found that the N-doped TiO2 displayed higher photocatalytic activity than pure TiO2, under both visible and UV light.

Boron nitride as desalting material in combination with phosphopeptide enrichment in shotgun proteomics.

PubMed

Furuhashi, Takeshi; Nukarinen, Ella; Ota, Shigenori; Weckwerth, Wolfram

2014-05-01

Hydrophilic peptides in shotgun proteomics have been shown to be problematic in conventional chromatography. Typically, C18 solid phase extraction or peptide traps are used for desalting the sample prior to mass spectrometry analysis, but the capacity to retain hydrophilic peptides is not very high, causing a bias toward more hydrophobic peptides. This is particularly problematic in phosphoproteomic studies. We tested the compatibility of commercially available boron nitride as a novel material for peptide desalting. Boron nitride can be used to recover a wide range of peptides with different physicochemical properties comparable to combined C18 and graphite carbon material. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Technology development for phosphoric acid fuel cell powerplant, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christner, L.

1979-01-01

A technique for producing an acid inventory control member by spraying FEP onto a partially screened carbon paper backing is discussed. Theoretical analysis of the acid management indicates that the vapor composition of 103% H3PO4 is approximately 1.0 ppm P4O10. An SEM evaluation of corrosion resistance of phenolic resins and graphite/phenolic resin composites in H3PO4 at 185 C shows specific surface etching. Carbonization of graphite/phenolic bipolar plates is achieved without blistering.

Graphitized Porous Carbon for Rapid Screening of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptide GAMVVH from Silkworm Pupa Protein and Molecular Insight into Inhibition Mechanism.

PubMed

Tao, Mengliang; Sun, Huaju; Liu, Long; Luo, Xuan; Lin, Guoyou; Li, Renbo; Zhao, Zhenxia; Zhao, Zhongxing

2017-10-04

A novel hydrophobic hexapeptide with high angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was screened from silkworm pupa protein (SPP) hydrolysate via graphitized porous carbon and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography methods. Graphitized porous carbon derived from dopamine, possessing high surface area and high graphitic carbon, was used to rapidly screen and enrich hydrophobic peptides from SPP hydrolysate. The ACE inhibition pattern and mechanism of the purified peptide were also systematically studied by the classic Lineweaver-Burk model and by molecular docking/dynamic simulation. The novel hydrophobic hexapeptide was identified as Gly-Ala-Met-Val-Val-His (GAMVVH, IC 50 = 19.39 ± 0.21 μM) with good thermal/antidigestive stabilities. Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed that GAMVVH behaved as a competitive ACE inhibitor. It formed hydrogen bonds with S1 and S2 pockets of ACE and established competitive coordination with Zn(II) of ACE. The synergy of hydrogen bonds with active pockets and Zn(II) coordination efficiently changed the three-dimensional structure of ACE and thus inhibited bioactivity of ACE.

Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes/Graphite Nanosheets Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for the Simultaneous Determination of Acetaminophen and Dopamine.

PubMed

Zhang, Susu; He, Ping; Zhang, Guangli; Lei, Wen; He, Huichao

2015-01-01

Graphite nanosheets prepared by thermal expansion and successive sonication were utilized for the construction of a multi-walled carbon nanotubes/graphite nanosheets based amperometric sensing platform to simultaneously determine acetaminophen and dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid in physiological conditions. The synergistic effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and graphite nanosheets catalyzed the electrooxidation of acetaminophen and dopamine, leading to a remarkable potential difference up to 200 mV. The as-prepared modified electrode exhibited linear responses to acetaminophen and dopamine in the concentration ranges of 2.0 × 10(-6) - 2.4 × 10(-4) M (R = 0.999) and 2.0 × 10(-6) - 2.0 × 10(-4) M (R = 0.998), respectively. The detection limits were down to 2.3 × 10(-7) M for acetaminophen and 3.5 × 10(-7) M for dopamine (S/N = 3). Based on the simple preparation and prominent electrochemical properties, the obtained multi-walled carbon nanotubes/graphite nanosheets modified electrode would be a good candidate for the determination of acetaminophen and dopamine without the interference of ascorbic acid.

Preparation and characterization of hierarchical porous carbons derived from solid leather waste for supercapacitor applications.

PubMed

Konikkara, Niketha; Kennedy, L John; Vijaya, J Judith

2016-11-15

Utilization of crust leather waste (CLW) as precursors for the preparation of hierarchical porous carbons (HPC) were investigated. HPCs were prepared from CLW by pre-carbonization followed by chemical activation using KOH at relatively high temperatures. Textural properties of HPC's showed an extent of micro-and mesoporosity with maximum BET surface area of 716m(2)/g. Inducements of graphitic planes in leather waste derived carbons were observed from X-ray diffraction and HR-TEM analysis. Microstructure, thermal behavior and surface functional groups were identified using FT-Raman, thermo gravimetric analysis and FT-IR techniques. HPCs were evaluated for electrochemical properties by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) by three electrode system. CLC9 sample showed a maximum capacitance of 1960F/g in 1M KCl electrolyte. Results achieved from rectangular curves of CV, GCD symmetric curves and Nyquist plots show that the leather waste carbon is suitable to fabricate supercapacitors as it possess high specific capacitance and electrochemical cycle stability. The present study proposes an effective method for solid waste management in leather industry by the way of converting toxic leather waste to new graphitic porous carbonaceous materials as a potential candidate for energy storage devices. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Construction of 3D nanostructure hierarchical porous graphitic carbons by charge-induced self-assembly and nanocrystal-assisted catalytic graphitization for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Ma, Fangwei; Ma, Di; Wu, Guang; Geng, Weidan; Shao, Jinqiu; Song, Shijiao; Wan, Jiafeng; Qiu, Jieshan

2016-05-10

A smart and sustainable strategy based on charge-induced self-assembly and nanocrystal-assisted catalytic graphitization is explored for the efficient construction of 3D nanostructure hierarchical porous graphitic carbons from the pectin biopolymer. The electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged pectin chains and magnesium ions plays a crucial role in the formation of 3D architectures. The 3D HPGCs possess a three-dimensional carbon framework with a hierarchical porous structure, flake-like graphitic carbon walls and high surface area (1320 m(2) g(-1)). The 3D HPGCs show an outstanding specific capacitance of 274 F g(-1) and excellent rate capability with a high capacitance retention of 85% at a high current density of 50 A g(-1) for supercapacitor electrodes. This strategy provided a novel approach to effectively construct 3D porous carbon nanostructures from biopolymers.

Metal Dusting: Catastrophic Corrosion by Carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, David J.; Zhang, Jianqiang

2012-12-01

Reducing gases rich in carbon-bearing species such as CO can be supersaturated with respect to graphite at intermediate temperatures of about 400-700°C. Engineering alloys such as low-alloy and stainless steels, and heat-resisting iron-, nickel-, and cobalt-base alloys catalyze gas processes that release the carbon. An understanding of how the resulting carbon deposition can destroy alloys at a catastrophically rapid rate has been the objective of a great deal of research. The current review of recent work on metal dusting covers the mass transfer—principally carbon diffusion—and graphite nucleation processes involved. A clear distinction emerges between ferritic alloys, which form cementite and precipitate graphite within that carbide, and austenitics that nucleate graphite directly within the metal. The latter process is facilitated by the strong orientation relationship between the graphite and face-centered cubic (fcc) lattices. Strategies for the control of dusting are briefly outlined.

Processing of solid solution, mixed uranium/refractory metal carbides for advanced space nuclear power and propulsion systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knight, Travis Warren

Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) and space nuclear power are two enabling technologies for the manned exploration of space and the development of research outposts in space and on other planets such as Mars. Advanced carbide nuclear fuels have been proposed for application in space nuclear power and propulsion systems. This study examined the processing technologies and optimal parameters necessary to fabricate samples of single phase, solid solution, mixed uranium/refractory metal carbides. In particular, the pseudo-ternary carbide, UC-ZrC-NbC, system was examined with uranium metal mole fractions of 5% and 10% and corresponding uranium densities of 0.8 to 1.8 gU/cc. Efforts were directed to those methods that could produce simple geometry fuel elements or wafers such as those used to fabricate a Square Lattice Honeycomb (SLHC) fuel element and reactor core. Methods of cold uniaxial pressing, sintering by induction heating, and hot pressing by self-resistance heating were investigated. Solid solution, high density (low porosity) samples greater than 95% TD were processed by cold pressing at 150 MPa and sintering above 2600 K for times longer than 90 min. Some impurity oxide phases were noted in some samples attributed to residual gases in the furnace during processing. Also, some samples noted secondary phases of carbon and UC2 due to some hyperstoichiometric powder mixtures having carbon-to-metal ratios greater than one. In all, 33 mixed carbide samples were processed and analyzed with half bearing uranium as ternary carbides of UC-ZrC-NbC. Scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and density measurements were used to characterize samples. Samples were processed from powders of the refractory mono-carbides and UC/UC 2 or from powders of uranium hydride (UH3), graphite, and refractory metal carbides to produce hypostoichiometric mixed carbides. Samples processed from the constituent carbide powders and sintered at temperatures above the melting point of UC showed signs of liquid phase sintering and were shown to be largely solid solutions. Pre-compaction of mixed carbide powders prior to sintering was shown to be necessary to achieve high densities. Hypostoichiometric, samples processed at 2500 K exhibited only the initial stage of sintering and solid solution formation. Based on these findings, a suggested processing methodology is proposed for producing high density, solid solution, mixed carbide fuels. Pseudo-binary, refractory carbide samples hot pressed at 3100 K and 6 MPa showed comparable densities (approximately 85% of the theoretical value) to samples processed by cold pressing and sintering at temperatures of 2800 K.

Direct growth of nano-crystalline graphite films using pulsed laser deposition with in-situ monitoring based on reflection high-energy electron diffraction technique

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

Kwak, Jeong Hun; Lee, Sung Su; Lee, Hyeon Jun

2016-03-21

We report an experimental method to overcome the long processing time required for fabricating graphite films by a transfer process from a catalytic layer to a substrate, as well as our study of the growth process of graphite films using a pulsed laser deposition combined with in-situ monitoring based on reflection high-energy electron diffraction technique. We monitored the structural evolution of nano-crystalline graphite films directly grown on AlN-coated Si substrates without any catalytic layer. We found that the carbon films grown for less than 600 s cannot manifest the graphite structure due to a high defect density arising from grain boundaries;more » however, the carbon film can gradually become a nano-crystalline graphite film with a thickness of approximately up to 5 nm. The Raman spectra and electrical properties of carbon films indicate that the nano-crystalline graphite films can be fabricated, even at the growth temperature as low as 850 °C within 600 s.« less

Phase equilibrium in argon films stabilized by homogeneous surfaces and thermodynamics of two-stage melting transition.

PubMed

Ustinov, E A

2014-02-21

Freezing of gases adsorbed on open surfaces (e.g., graphite) and in narrow pores is a widespread phenomenon which is a subject of a large number of publications. Modeling of the gas/liquid-solid transition is usually accomplished with a molecular simulation technique. However, quantitative analysis of the gas/liquid-solid coexistence and thermodynamic properties of the solid layer still encounters serious difficulties. This is mainly due to the effect of simulation box size on the lattice constant. Since the lattice constant is a function of loading and temperature, once the ordering transition has occurred, the simulation box size must be corrected in the course of simulation according to the Gibbs-Duhem equation. A significant problem is also associated with accurate prediction of the two-dimensional liquid-solid coexistence because of a small difference in densities of coexisting phases. The aim of this study is thermodynamic analysis of the two-dimensional phase coexistence in systems involving crystal-like free of defects layers in narrow slit pores. A special attention was paid to the determination of triple point temperatures. It is shown that intrinsic properties of argon monolayer adsorbed on the graphite surface are similar to those of isolated monolayer accommodated in the slit pore having width of two argon collision diameters. Analysis of the latter system is shown to be clearer and less time-consuming than the former one, which has allowed for explanation of the experimentally observed two-stage melting transition of argon monolayer on graphite without invoking the periodic surface potential modulation and orientational transition.

Phase equilibrium in argon films stabilized by homogeneous surfaces and thermodynamics of two-stage melting transition

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

Ustinov, E. A., E-mail: eustinov@mail.wplus.net

Freezing of gases adsorbed on open surfaces (e.g., graphite) and in narrow pores is a widespread phenomenon which is a subject of a large number of publications. Modeling of the gas/liquid–solid transition is usually accomplished with a molecular simulation technique. However, quantitative analysis of the gas/liquid–solid coexistence and thermodynamic properties of the solid layer still encounters serious difficulties. This is mainly due to the effect of simulation box size on the lattice constant. Since the lattice constant is a function of loading and temperature, once the ordering transition has occurred, the simulation box size must be corrected in the coursemore » of simulation according to the Gibbs–Duhem equation. A significant problem is also associated with accurate prediction of the two-dimensional liquid–solid coexistence because of a small difference in densities of coexisting phases. The aim of this study is thermodynamic analysis of the two-dimensional phase coexistence in systems involving crystal-like free of defects layers in narrow slit pores. A special attention was paid to the determination of triple point temperatures. It is shown that intrinsic properties of argon monolayer adsorbed on the graphite surface are similar to those of isolated monolayer accommodated in the slit pore having width of two argon collision diameters. Analysis of the latter system is shown to be clearer and less time-consuming than the former one, which has allowed for explanation of the experimentally observed two-stage melting transition of argon monolayer on graphite without invoking the periodic surface potential modulation and orientational transition.« less

Survival of carbon grains in shocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seab, C. Gregory

1990-01-01

Supernova shocks play a significant part in the life of an interstellar grain. In a typical 10 to the 9th power year lifetime, a grain will be hit by an average of 10 shocks of 100 km s(sup -1) or greater velocity, and even more shocks of lower velocity. Evaluation of the results of this frequent shock processing is complicated by a number of uncertainties, but seems to give about 10 percent destruction of silicate grains and about half that for graphite grains. Because of the frequency of shocking, the mineralogy and sizes of the grain population is predominately determined by shock processing effects, and not by the initial grain nucleation and growth environment. One consequence of the significant role played by interstellar shocks is that a certain fraction (up to 5 percent) of the carbon should be transformed into the diamond phase. Diamond transformation is observed in the laboratory at threshold shock pressures easily obtainable in grain-grain collisions in supernova shocks. Yields for transforming graphite, amorphous carbon, glassy carbon, and other nearly pure carbon solids into diamond are quite high. Impurities up to at least the 10 percent level (for oxygen) are tolerated in the process. The typical size diamond expected from shock transformation agrees well with the observed sizes in the Lewis et al. findings in meteoritic material. Isotropic anomalies already contained in the grain are likely to be retained through the conversion process, while others may be implanted by the shock if the grain is close to the supernova. The meteoritic diamonds are likely to be the results of transformation of carbon grains in grain-grain collisions in supernova shock waves.

Unusual Electronic Structures of CO2 at Deep Mantle Pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shieh, S. R.; Jarrige, I.; Hiraoka, N.; Wu, M.; Tse, J.; MI, Z.; Kaci, L.; Cai, Y.

2011-12-01

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important planetary gas phase found in the Venus, Earth and Mars. The high-pressure behavior of CO2 will have important implications for understanding the evolution and dynamics of planetary interiors. CO2 shows six solid phases and one amorphous phase at various pressure and temperature conditions. However, knowledge of its electronic structure remains unclear and may provide clues for the stability fields. Here we report the electronic structures of CO2 at high pressure and room temperature. The high-pressure inelastic x-ray scattering measurements of CO2 were conducted at beamline BL12XU, SPring-8. A monochromatic beam with incident energy about 10 KeV was focused to a size of 20 by 30 um2. The inelastic x-ray scattering photons were collected at about 35 degrees and a solid state Si detector with resolution of about 1.4 eV was used. Each spectrum was collected for 8-20 hours. Our oxygen K-edge results show that a strong pi resonance peak and some weak sigma peaks were observed in CO2-I. For the carbon K-edge of CO2-I, only a single strong pi resonance peak and a weak broad sigma peak at 313 eV was observed. This unique feature of carbon K-edge spectrum differs from those of graphite and diamond. Furthermore, we found that feature of oxygen K-edge spectra showed change at above 7.4 GPa, indicating the phase transition to CO2-III at pressure lower than those of x-ray diffraction reports. Moreover, at about 50 GPa, both oxygen and carbon K-edge of CO2 exhibit dramatic feature change and could be attributed to polymerization phenomena. It is found that only theoretical calculations including excitonic effects reproduced the experimental trend and indicate polymerization has occurred at 50 GPa and 300 K.

Simultaneous Determination of Perfluorinated Compounds in Edible Oil by Gel-Permeation Chromatography Combined with Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Yang, Lili; Jin, Fen; Zhang, Peng; Zhang, Yanxin; Wang, Jian; Shao, Hua; Jin, Maojun; Wang, Shanshan; Zheng, Lufei; Wang, Jing

2015-09-30

A simple analytical method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of 18 perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in edible oil. The target compounds were extracted by acetonitrile, purified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) using graphitized carbon black (GCB) and octadecyl (C18), and analyzed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ES-MS/MS) in negative ion mode. Recovery studies were performed at three fortification levels. The average recoveries of all target PFCs ranged from 60 to 129%, with an acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD) (1-20%, n = 3). The method detection limits (MDLs) ranged from 0.004 to 0.4 μg/kg, which was significantly improved compared with the existing liquid-liquid extraction and cleanup method. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of all target PFCs in edible oil samples collected from markets in Beijing, China, and the results revealed that C6-C10 perfluorocarboxylic acid (PFCAs) and C7 perfluorosulfonic acid PFSAs were the major PFCs detected in oil samples.

Validation of QuEChERS based method for determination of fenitrothion residues in tomatoes by gas chromatography-flame photometric detector: Decline pattern and risk assessment.

PubMed

Malhat, Farag; Boulangé, Julien; Abdelraheem, Ehab; Abd Allah, Osama; Abd El-Hamid, Rania; Abd El-Salam, Shokr

2017-08-15

A simple and rapid gas chromatography with flame photometric detector (GC-FPD) determination method was developed to detect residue levels and investigate the dissipation pattern and safe use of fenitrothion in tomatoes. A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) using an ethyl acetate-based extraction, followed by a dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) with primary-secondary amine (PSA) and graphite carbon black (GCB) for clean up, was applied prior to GC-FPD analysis. The method showed satisfactory linearity, recovery and precision. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.005 and 0.01mg/kg, respectively. The residue levels of fenitrothion were best described by first order kinetics with a half-life of 2.2days in tomatoes. The potential health risks posed by fenitrothion were not significant, based on supervised residue trial data. The current findings could provide guidance for safe and reasonable use of fenitrothion in tomatoes and prevent health problems to consumers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Propylene Carbonate Content in CsPF 6 -Containing Electrolytes on the Enhanced Performances of Graphite Electrode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

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

Zheng, Jianming; Yan, Pengfei; Cao, Ruiguo

2016-02-15

The effects Of propylene carbonate (PC) content in CsPF6-containing electrolytes on the performances of graphite electrode in lithium half cells and in graphite parallel to LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) full cells are investigated. It is found that the performance of graphite electrode is significantly-affected by PC content in the CsPF6-containing electrolytes. An optimal PC content of 20% by weight in the solvent mixtures is identified. The enhanced electrochemical performance of graphite electrode can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the PC solvent and the Cs+ additive. The synergistic effects of Cs+ additive and appropriate amount of PC enable the formation ofmore » a robust, ultrathin, and compact solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the surface of graphite electrode, which is only permeable for desolvated Li+ ions and allows fast Li+ ion transport through it. Therefore, this SEI layer effectively suppresses the PC cointercalation and largely alleviates the Li dendrite formation on graphite electrode during lithiation even at relatively high current densities. The presence of low-melting-point PC solvent improves the sustainable operation of graphite parallel to NCA full cells under a wide temperature range. The fundamental findings also shed light On the importance of manipulating/maintaining the electrode/electrolyte interphasial stability in various energy-storage devices.« less

Tubular graphite cones.

PubMed

Zhang, Guangyu; Jiang, Xin; Wang, Enge

2003-04-18

We report the synthesis of tubular graphite cones using a chemical vapor deposition method. The cones have nanometer-sized tips, micrometer-sized roots, and hollow interiors with a diameter ranging from about 2 to several tens of nanometers. The cones are composed of cylindrical graphite sheets; a continuous shortening of the graphite layers from the interior to the exterior makes them cone-shaped. All of the tubular graphite cones have a faceted morphology. The constituent graphite sheets have identical chiralities of a zigzag type across the entire diameter, imparting structural control to tubular-based carbon structures. The tubular graphite cones have potential for use as tips for scanning probe microscopy, but with greater rigidity and easier mounting than currently used carbon nanotubes.

Formation, characterization, and dynamics of onion-like carbon structures for electrical energy storage from nanodiamonds using reactive force fields

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

Ganesh, P.; Kent, P. R. C.; Mochalin, V.

We simulate the experimentally observed graphitization of nanodiamonds into multi-shell onion-like carbonnanostructures, also called carbon onions, at different temperatures, using reactive force fields. The simulations include long-range Coulomb and van der Waals interactions. Our results suggest that long-range interactions play a crucial role in the phase-stability and the graphitization process. Graphitization is both enthalpically and entropically driven and can hence be controlled with temperature. The outer layers of the nanodiamond have a lower kinetic barrier toward graphitization irrespective of the size of the nanodiamond and graphitize within a few-hundred picoseconds, with a large volume increase. The inner core of themore » nanodiamonds displays a large size-dependent kinetic barrier, and graphitizes much more slowly with abrupt jumps in the internal energy. It eventually graphitizes by releasing pressure and expands once the outer shells have graphitized. The degree of transformation at a particular temperature is thereby determined by a delicate balance between the thermal energy, long-range interactions, and the entropic/enthalpic free energy gained by graphitization. Upon full graphitization, a multi-shell carbonnanostructure appears, with a shell-shell spacing of about ~3.4 Å for all sizes. The shells are highly defective with predominantly five- and seven-membered rings to curve space. Larger nanodiamonds with a diameter of 4 nm can graphitize into spiral structures with a large (~29-atom carbon ring) pore opening on the outermost shell. Such a large one-way channel is most attractive for a controlled insertion of molecules/ions such as Li ions, water, or ionic liquids, for increased electrochemical capacitor or battery electrode applications.« less

Cold cathode vacuum discharge tube

DOEpatents

Boettcher, Gordon E.

1998-01-01

A cold cathode vacuum discharge tube, and method for making same, with an interior surface of the trigger probe coated with carbon deposited by carbon vapor deposition (CVD) or diamond-like carbon (DLC) deposition. Preferably a solid graphite insert is employed in the probe-cathode structure in place of an aluminum bushing employed in the prior art. The CVD or DLC probe face is laser scribed to allow resistance trimming to match available trigger voltage signals and to reduce electrical aging.

Determination of diphenylarsinic acid, phenylarsonic acid and inorganic arsenic in drinking water by graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry after simultaneous separation and preconcentration with solid-phase extraction disks.

PubMed

Hagiwara, Kenta; Inui, Tetsuo; Koike, Yuya; Nakamura, Toshihiro

2013-01-01

A simple method of graphite-furnace atomic-absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) after solid-phase extraction (SPE) was developed for the determination of diphenylarsinic acid (DPAA), phenylarsonic acid (PAA), and inorganic arsenic (iAs) in drinking water. This method involves the simultaneous collection of DPAA, PAA, and iAs using three stacked SPE disks, i.e., an Empore SDB-XD disk (the upper layer), an activated carbon disk (the middle layer), and a Cation-SR disk loaded with Zr and Ca (ZrCa-CED; the lower layer). A 200-mL aqueous sample was adjusted to pH 3 with nitric acid and passed through the SPE disks at a flow rate of 15 mL min(-1), to concentrate DPAA on the SDB-XD disk, PAA on the activated carbon disk, and iAs on the ZrCa-CED. The As compounds were eluted from the disks with 10 mL of ethanol containing 0.5 mol L(-1) ammonia solution for DPAA, 20 mL of 1 mol L(-1) ammonia solution for PAA, and 20 mL of 6 mol L(-1) hydrochloric acid for iAs. The eluates of DPAA, PAA, and iAs were diluted to 20, 25, and 25 mL, respectively, with deionized water, and then analyzed by GFAAS. The detection limits of As (three-times the standard deviation (n = 3) of the blank values) were 0.13 and 0.16 μg L(-1) at enrichment factors of 10 and 8, respectively, using a 200-mL water sample. Spike tests with 2 μg (10 μg L(-1)) of DPAA, PAA, and iAs in 200 mL of tap water and bottled drinking water showed good recoveries (96.1-103.8%).

Carbon Papers and Aerogels Based on Graphene Layers and Chitosan: Direct Preparation from High Surface Area Graphite.

PubMed

Barbera, Vincenzina; Guerra, Silvia; Brambilla, Luigi; Maggio, Mario; Serafini, Andrea; Conzatti, Lucia; Vitale, Alessandra; Galimberti, Maurizio

2017-12-11

In this work, carbon papers and aerogels based on graphene layers and chitosan were prepared. They were obtained by mixing chitosan (CS) and a high surface area nanosized graphite (HSAG) in water in the presence of acetic acid. HSAG/CS water dispersions were stable for months. High resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of few graphene layers in water suspensions. Casting or lyophilization of such suspensions led to the preparation of carbon paper and aerogel, respectively. In X-ray spectra of both aerogels and carbon paper, peaks due to regular stacks of graphene layers were not detected: graphene with unaltered sp 2 structure was obtained directly from graphite without the use of any chemical reaction. The composites were demonstrated to be electrically conductive thanks to the graphene. Chitosan thus makes it possible to obtain monolithic carbon aerogels and flexible and free-standing graphene papers directly from a nanosized graphite by avoiding oxidation to graphite oxide and successive reduction. Strong interaction between polycationic chitosan and the aromatic substrate appears to be at the origin of the stability of HSAG/CS adducts. Cation-π interaction is hypothesized, also on the basis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy findings. This work paves the way for the easy large-scale preparation of carbon papers through a method that has a low environmental impact and is based on a biosourced polymer, graphene, and water.

Influence of surface passivation on the friction and wear behavior of ultrananocrystalline diamond and tetrahedral amorphous carbon thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konicek, A. R.; Grierson, D. S.; Sumant, A. V.; Friedmann, T. A.; Sullivan, J. P.; Gilbert, P. U. P. A.; Sawyer, W. G.; Carpick, R. W.

2012-04-01

Highly sp3-bonded, nearly hydrogen-free carbon-based materials can exhibit extremely low friction and wear in the absence of any liquid lubricant, but this physical behavior is limited by the vapor environment. The effect of water vapor on friction and wear is examined as a function of applied normal force for two such materials in thin film form: one that is fully amorphous in structure (tetrahedral amorphous carbon, or ta-C) and one that is polycrystalline with <10 nm grains [ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD)]. Tribologically induced changes in the chemistry and carbon bond hybridization at the surface are correlated with the effect of the sliding environment and loading conditions through ex situ, spatially resolved near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. At sufficiently high relative humidity (RH) levels and/or sufficiently low loads, both films quickly achieve a low steady-state friction coefficient and subsequently exhibit low wear. For both films, the number of cycles necessary to reach the steady-state is progressively reduced for increasing RH levels. Worn regions formed at lower RH and higher loads have a higher concentration of chemisorbed oxygen than those formed at higher RH, with the oxygen singly bonded as hydroxyl groups (C-OH). While some carbon rehybridization from sp3 to disordered sp2 bonding is observed, no crystalline graphite formation is observed for either film. Rather, the primary solid-lubrication mechanism is the passivation of dangling bonds by OH and H from the dissociation of vapor-phase H2O. This vapor-phase lubrication mechanism is highly effective, producing friction coefficients as low as 0.078 for ta-C and 0.008 for UNCD, and wear rates requiring thousands of sliding passes to produce a few nanometers of wear.

Direct laser writing of micro-supercapacitors on hydrated graphite oxide films.

PubMed

Gao, Wei; Singh, Neelam; Song, Li; Liu, Zheng; Reddy, Arava Leela Mohana; Ci, Lijie; Vajtai, Robert; Zhang, Qing; Wei, Bingqing; Ajayan, Pulickel M

2011-07-31

Microscale supercapacitors provide an important complement to batteries in a variety of applications, including portable electronics. Although they can be manufactured using a number of printing and lithography techniques, continued improvements in cost, scalability and form factor are required to realize their full potential. Here, we demonstrate the scalable fabrication of a new type of all-carbon, monolithic supercapacitor by laser reduction and patterning of graphite oxide films. We pattern both in-plane and conventional electrodes consisting of reduced graphite oxide with micrometre resolution, between which graphite oxide serves as a solid electrolyte. The substantial amounts of trapped water in the graphite oxide makes it simultaneously a good ionic conductor and an electrical insulator, allowing it to serve as both an electrolyte and an electrode separator with ion transport characteristics similar to that observed for Nafion membranes. The resulting micro-supercapacitor devices show good cyclic stability, and energy storage capacities comparable to existing thin-film supercapacitors.

Direct laser writing of micro-supercapacitors on hydrated graphite oxide films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Wei; Singh, Neelam; Song, Li; Liu, Zheng; Reddy, Arava Leela Mohana; Ci, Lijie; Vajtai, Robert; Zhang, Qing; Wei, Bingqing; Ajayan, Pulickel M.

2011-08-01

Microscale supercapacitors provide an important complement to batteries in a variety of applications, including portable electronics. Although they can be manufactured using a number of printing and lithography techniques, continued improvements in cost, scalability and form factor are required to realize their full potential. Here, we demonstrate the scalable fabrication of a new type of all-carbon, monolithic supercapacitor by laser reduction and patterning of graphite oxide films. We pattern both in-plane and conventional electrodes consisting of reduced graphite oxide with micrometre resolution, between which graphite oxide serves as a solid electrolyte. The substantial amounts of trapped water in the graphite oxide makes it simultaneously a good ionic conductor and an electrical insulator, allowing it to serve as both an electrolyte and an electrode separator with ion transport characteristics similar to that observed for Nafion membranes. The resulting micro-supercapacitor devices show good cyclic stability, and energy storage capacities comparable to existing thin-film supercapacitors.

A Rapid Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction Method Followed by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis for the Determination of Mycotoxins in Cereals

PubMed Central

La Barbera, Giorgia; Capriotti, Anna Laura; Cavaliere, Chiara; Foglia, Patrizia; Montone, Carmela Maria; Zenezini Chiozzi, Riccardo; Laganà, Aldo

2017-01-01

Mycotoxins can contaminate various food commodities, including cereals. Moreover, mycotoxins of different classes can co-contaminate food, increasing human health risk. Several analytical methods have been published in the literature dealing with mycotoxins determination in cereals. Nevertheless, in the present work, the aim was to propose an easy and effective system for the extraction of six of the main mycotoxins from corn meal and durum wheat flour, i.e., the main four aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and the mycoestrogen zearalenone. The developed method exploited magnetic solid phase extraction (SPE), a technique that is attracting an increasing interest as an alternative to classical SPE. Therefore, the use of magnetic graphitized carbon black as a suitable extracting material was tested. The same magnetic material proved to be effective in the extraction of mycoestrogens from milk, but has never been applied to complex matrices as cereals. Ultra high–performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used for detection. Recoveries were >60% in both cereals, even if the matrix effects were not negligible. The limits of quantification of the method results were comparable to those obtained by other two magnetic SPE-based methods applied to cereals, which were limited to one or two mycotoxins, whereas in this work the investigated mycotoxins belonged to three different chemical classes. PMID:28430148

A Rapid Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction Method Followed by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis for the Determination of Mycotoxins in Cereals.

PubMed

Barbera, Giorgia La; Capriotti, Anna Laura; Cavaliere, Chiara; Foglia, Patrizia; Montone, Carmela Maria; Chiozzi, Riccardo Zenezini; Laganà, Aldo

2017-04-21

Mycotoxins can contaminate various food commodities, including cereals. Moreover, mycotoxins of different classes can co-contaminate food, increasing human health risk. Several analytical methods have been published in the literature dealing with mycotoxins determination in cereals. Nevertheless, in the present work, the aim was to propose an easy and effective system for the extraction of six of the main mycotoxins from corn meal and durum wheat flour, i.e., the main four aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and the mycoestrogen zearalenone. The developed method exploited magnetic solid phase extraction (SPE), a technique that is attracting an increasing interest as an alternative to classical SPE. Therefore, the use of magnetic graphitized carbon black as a suitable extracting material was tested. The same magnetic material proved to be effective in the extraction of mycoestrogens from milk, but has never been applied to complex matrices as cereals. Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used for detection. Recoveries were >60% in both cereals, even if the matrix effects were not negligible. The limits of quantification of the method results were comparable to those obtained by other two magnetic SPE-based methods applied to cereals, which were limited to one or two mycotoxins, whereas in this work the investigated mycotoxins belonged to three different chemical classes.

Effect of Vinylene Carbonate and Fluoroethylene Carbonate on SEI Formation on Graphitic Anodes in Li-Ion Batteries

DOE PAGES

Nie, Mengyun; Demeaux, Julien; Young, Benjamin T.; ...

2015-07-23

Binder free (BF) graphite electrodes were utilized to investigate the effect of electrolyte additives fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC) on the structure of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI). The structure of the SEI has been investigated via ex-situ surface analysis including X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Hard XPS (HAXPES), Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The components of the SEI have been further investigated via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of D2O extractions. The SEI generated on the BF-graphite anode with a standard electrolyte (1.2 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC) / ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), 3/7more » (v/v)) is composed primarily of lithium alkyl carbonates (LAC) and LiF. Incorporation of VC (3% wt) results in the generation of a thinner SEI composed of Li2CO3, poly(VC), LAC, and LiF. Incorporation of VC inhibits the generation of LAC and LiF. Incorporation of FEC (3% wt) also results in the generation of a thinner SEI composed of Li2CO3, poly(FEC), LAC, and LiF. The concentration of poly(FEC) is lower than the concentration of poly(VC) and the generation of LAC is inhibited in the presence of FEC. The SEI appears to be a homogeneous film for all electrolytes investigated.« less

Investigation of diamond deposition by chemical vapor transport with hydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piekarczyk, Wladyslaw; Messier, Russell F.; Roy, Rustum; Engdahl, Chris

1990-12-01

The carbon-hydrogen chemical vapor transport system was examined in accordance with a four-stage transport model. A result of this examination is that graphite co-deposition could be avoided when diamond is deposited from gas solutions under-saturated with respect to diamond. Actual deposition experiments showed that this unusual requirement can be fulfilled but only for the condition that the transport distance between the carbon source and the substrate surface is short. In such a case diamond can be deposited equally from super-saturated as well as from under-saturated gas solutions. On the basis of thermodynamic considerations a possible explanation of this unusual phenomenon is given. It is shown that there is a possibility of deposition of diamond from both super-saturated as well as under-saturated gas solutions but only on the condition that they are in a non-equilibrium state generally called the activated state. A model of the diamond deposition process consisting of two steps is proposed. In the first step diamond and graphite are deposited simultaneously. The most important carbon deposition reaction is C2H2(g) + 2 H(g) C(diamond graphite) + CH(g). The amount of co-deposited graphite is not a direct function of the saturation state of the gas phase. In the second step graphite is etched according to the most probable reaction C(graphite) + 4 H(g) CH4(g). Atomic hydrogen in a super-equilibrium concentration is necessary not only to etch graphite but also to precipitate and graphite. 1.

Diamond deposition by chemical vapor transport with hydrogen in a closed system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piekarczyk, W.; Messier, R.; Roy, R.; Engdahl, C.

1990-11-01

The carbon-hydrogen chemical vapor transport system was examined in accordance with a four-stage transport model. A result of this examination is that graphite co-deposition could be avoided when diamond is deposited from gas solutions undersaturated with regard to diamond. Actual deposition experiments showed that this unusual requirement can be fulfilled but only for the condition that the transport distance between the carbon source and the substrate surface is short. In such a case diamond can be deposited equally from supersaturated as well as from undersaturated gas solutions. On the basis of thermodynamic considerations, a possible explanation of this unusual phenomenon is given. It is shown that there is a possibility of deposition of diamond from both supersaturated and undersaturated gas solutions but only on the condition that they are in a non-equilibrium state generally called the activated state. A model of the diamond deposition process consisting of two steps is proposed. In the first step diamond and graphite are deposited simultaneously. The most important carbon deposition reaction is C 2H 2(g)+2H(g) = C(diamond+graphite) +CH 4(g). The amount of co-deposited graphite is not a direct function of the saturation state of the gas phase. In the second step graphite is etched according to the most probable reaction C(graphite)+4H(g) = CH 4(g). Atomic hydrogen in a concentration exceeding equilibrium is necessary not only to etch graphite, but also to precipitate diamond and graphite.

Platinum-free, carbon-based materials as efficient counter electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widiyandari, Hendri; Prasetio, Adi; Purwanto, Agus; Subagio, Agus; Hidayat, Rachmat

2018-06-01

The electrocatalytic potential of carbon materials makes them the most viable candidate to replace Pt as a counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this research, we report our study using graphite, CNT/graphite composite, CNT, and Pt-based CEs in DSSCs. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement showed that the CNT-based CE (CNT-CE) has the lowest charge transport resistance (R ct) compared with graphite and the CNT/graphite composite. The photovoltaic performance measurement showed that the CNT-CE resulted in a short-circuit photocurrent density (J sc) of 3.59 mA·cm‑2 whereas the Pt-based CE (Pt-CE) resulted in a J sc of 2.76 mA·cm‑2.

Nucleation and Growth of Graphite in Eutectic Spheroidal Cast Iron: Modeling and Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carazo, Fernando D.; Dardati, Patricia M.; Celentano, Diego J.; Godoy, Luis A.

2016-06-01

A new model of graphite growth during the continuous cooling of eutectic spheroidal cast iron is presented in this paper. The model considers the nucleation and growth of graphite from pouring to room temperature. The microstructural model of solidification accounts for the eutectic as divorced and graphite growth rate as a function of carbon gradient at the liquid in contact with the graphite. In the solid state, the microstructural model takes into account three stages for graphite growth, namely (1) from the end of solidification to the upper bound of intercritical stable eutectoid, (2) during the intercritical stable eutectoid, and (3) from the lower bound of intercritical stable eutectoid to room temperature. The micro- and macrostructural models are coupled using a sequential multiscale approach. Numerical results for graphite fraction and size distribution are compared with experimental results obtained from a cylindrical cup, in which the graphite volumetric fraction and size distribution were obtained using the Schwartz-Saltykov approach. The agreements between the experimental and numerical results for the fraction of graphite and the size distribution of spheroids reveal the importance of numerical models in the prediction of the main aspects of graphite in spheroidal cast iron.

The complex ion structure of warm dense carbon measured by spectrally resolved x-ray scattering

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

Kraus, D.; Barbrel, B.; Falcone, R. W.

2015-05-15

We present measurements of the complex ion structure of warm dense carbon close to the melting line at pressures around 100 GPa. High-pressure samples were created by laser-driven shock compression of graphite and probed by intense laser-generated x-ray sources with photon energies of 4.75 keV and 4.95 keV. High-efficiency crystal spectrometers allow for spectrally resolving the scattered radiation. Comparing the ratio of elastically and inelastically scattered radiation, we find evidence for a complex bonded liquid that is predicted by ab-initio quantum simulations showing the influence of chemical bonds under these conditions. Using graphite samples of different initial densities we demonstrate the capability ofmore » spectrally resolved x-ray scattering to monitor the carbon solid-liquid transition at relatively constant pressure of 150 GPa. Showing first single-pulse scattering spectra from cold graphite of unprecedented quality recorded at the Linac Coherent Light Source, we demonstrate the outstanding possibilities for future high-precision measurements at 4th Generation Light Sources.« less

Perfluoroalkyl-substituted ethylene carbonates: Novel electrolyte additives for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Ye; Casselman, Matthew D.; Li, Yan; Wei, Alexander; Abraham, Daniel P.

2014-01-01

A new family of polyfluoroalkyl-substituted ethylene carbonates is synthesized and tested as additives in lithium-ion cells containing EC:EMC + LiPF6-based electrolyte. The influence of these compounds is investigated in Li1.2Ni0.15Mn0.55Co0.1O2//graphite cells via a combination of galvanostatic cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. Among the four additives studied in this work (4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (TFM-EC), 4-(perfluorobutyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (PFB-EC), 4-(perfluorohexyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (PFH-EC), and 4-(perfluorooctyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (PFO-EC)), small amounts (0.5 wt%) of PFO-EC is found to be most effective in lessening cell performance degradation during extended cycling. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy are used to further characterize the effects of PFO-EC on the positive and negative electrodes. LSV data from the electrolyte, and XPS analyses of electrodes harvested after cycling, suggest that PFO-EC is oxidized on the cathode forming surface films that slow electrode/cell impedance rise. Differential capacity (dQ/dV) plots from graphite//Li cells suggest that PFO-EC is involved in solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation. Raman data from anodes after cycling suggest that structural disordering of graphite is reduced by the addition of PFO-EC, which may explain the improved cell capacity retention.

Encapsulation of LiFePO4 by in-situ graphitized carbon cage towards enhanced low temperature performance as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Bin; Ding, Zhaojun; Zhang, Jianxin; Feng, Xiaoyu; Yin, Longwei

2014-08-01

The severe capacity decay of LiFePO4 at low temperatures (≤0 °C) limits its wide applications as cathode materials for energy storage batteries. Creating comprehensive carbon network between particles with improved electronic conductivity is a well known solution to this problem. Here, a novel structured LiFePO4/C composite was prepared by a facile solid state route, in which nanosized LiFePO4 spheres were encapsulated by in-situ graphitized carbon cages. With the enhancement in electronic conductivity (2.15e-1 S cm-1), the composite presented excellent rate performance at room temperature and remarkable capacity retention at -40 °C, with charge transfer resistance much lower than commercial LiFePO4.

Multi-phase CFD modeling of solid sorbent carbon capture system

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

Ryan, E. M.; DeCroix, D.; Breault, R.

2013-07-01

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to investigate a low temperature post-combustion carbon capture reactor. The CFD models are based on a small scale solid sorbent carbon capture reactor design from ADA-ES and Southern Company. The reactor is a fluidized bed design based on a silica-supported amine sorbent. CFD models using both Eulerian–Eulerian and Eulerian–Lagrangian multi-phase modeling methods are developed to investigate the hydrodynamics and adsorption of carbon dioxide in the reactor. Models developed in both FLUENT® and BARRACUDA are presented to explore the strengths and weaknesses of state of the art CFD codes for modeling multi-phase carbon capturemore » reactors. The results of the simulations show that the FLUENT® Eulerian–Lagrangian simulations (DDPM) are unstable for the given reactor design; while the BARRACUDA Eulerian–Lagrangian model is able to simulate the system given appropriate simplifying assumptions. FLUENT® Eulerian–Eulerian simulations also provide a stable solution for the carbon capture reactor given the appropriate simplifying assumptions.« less

Multi-Phase CFD Modeling of Solid Sorbent Carbon Capture System

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

Ryan, Emily M.; DeCroix, David; Breault, Ronald W.

2013-07-30

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to investigate a low temperature post-combustion carbon capture reactor. The CFD models are based on a small scale solid sorbent carbon capture reactor design from ADA-ES and Southern Company. The reactor is a fluidized bed design based on a silica-supported amine sorbent. CFD models using both Eulerian-Eulerian and Eulerian-Lagrangian multi-phase modeling methods are developed to investigate the hydrodynamics and adsorption of carbon dioxide in the reactor. Models developed in both FLUENT® and BARRACUDA are presented to explore the strengths and weaknesses of state of the art CFD codes for modeling multi-phase carbon capturemore » reactors. The results of the simulations show that the FLUENT® Eulerian-Lagrangian simulations (DDPM) are unstable for the given reactor design; while the BARRACUDA Eulerian-Lagrangian model is able to simulate the system given appropriate simplifying assumptions. FLUENT® Eulerian-Eulerian simulations also provide a stable solution for the carbon capture reactor given the appropriate simplifying assumptions.« less

Immobilization and stretching of 5'-pyrene-terminated DNA on carbon film deposited on electron microscope grid.

PubMed

Loukanov, Alexandre; Filipov, Chavdar; Lecheva, Marta; Emin, Saim

2015-11-01

The immobilization and stretching of randomly coiled DNA molecules on hydrophobic carbon film is a challenging microscopic technique, which possess various applications, especially for genome sequencing. In this report the pyrenyl nucleus is used as an anchor moiety to acquire higher affinity of double stranded DNA to the graphite surface. DNA and pyrene are joined through a linker composed of four aliphatic methylene groups. For the preparation of pyrene-terminated DNA a multifunctional phosphoramidite monomer compound was designed. It contains pyrenylbutoxy group as an anchor moiety for π-stacking attachment to the carbon film, 2-cyanoethyloxy, and diisopropylamino as coupling groups for conjugation to activated oligonucleotide chain or DNA molecule. This monomer derivative was suitable for incorporation into automated solid-phase DNA synthesis and was attached to the 5' terminus of the DNA chain through a phosphodiester linkage. The successful immobilization and stretching of pyrene-terminated DNA was demonstrated by conventional 100 kV transmission electron microscope. The microscopic analysis confirmed the stretched shape of the negatively charged nucleic acid pieces on the hydrophobic carbon film. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Carbon contamination in scanning transmission electron microscopy and its impact on phase-plate applications.

PubMed

Hettler, Simon; Dries, Manuel; Hermann, Peter; Obermair, Martin; Gerthsen, Dagmar; Malac, Marek

2017-05-01

We analyze electron-beam induced carbon contamination in a transmission electron microscope. The study is performed on thin films potentially suitable as phase plates for phase-contrast transmission electron microscopy. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy and phase-plate imaging is utilized to analyze the contamination. The deposited contamination layer is identified as a graphitic carbon layer which is not prone to electrostatic charging whereas a non-conductive underlying substrate charges. Several methods that inhibit contamination are evaluated and the impact of carbon contamination on phase-plate imaging is discussed. The findings are in general interesting for scanning transmission electron microscopy applications. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Upshot of natural graphite inclusion on the performance of porous conducting carbon fiber paper in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaushal, Shweta; Negi, Praveen; Sahu, A. K.; Dhakate, S. R.

2017-09-01

Porous conducting carbon fiber paper (PCCFP) is one of the vital component of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in a fuel cell. This PCCFP serves as the most suitable substrate for the GDL due to its electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, and porosity. In this approach, carbon fiber composite papers were developed by incorporating different fractions of natural graphite (NG) in the matrix phase, i.e. Phenolic resin, and using the combined process of paper making and carbon-carbon composite formation technique. These prepared samples were then heat treated at 1800 °C in an inert atmosphere. The effect of natural graphite incorporation was ascertained by characterizing porous carbon paper by various techniques i.e. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, electrical and mechanical properties, and I-V performance in a unit fuel cell assembly. The inclusion of NG certainly enhance the properties of the carbon matrix as well as improving the conductive path of carbon fibers. In this study addition of 1 wt.% of natural graphite demonstrated a significant improvement in the electrical conductivity and performance of PCCFP and resulted in the improvement of power density from 361-563 mW cm-2. This paper reports that the uniform dispersion of NG was able to generate a maximum number of macrosize pores in the carbon paper that strengthened the flexural modulus from 4 to 12 GPa without compromising the porosity required for the GDL.

What predictions can be made on the nature of carbon and carbon-bearing compounds (hydrocarbons) in the interstellar medium based on studies of interplanetary dust particles?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rietmeijer, F. J. M.

1986-01-01

The nature of hydrocarbons and properties of elemental carbon in circumstellar, interstellar, and interplanetary dust is a long standing problem in astronomy and meteorite research. The textures and crystallographical properties of poorly graphitized carbon (PGC) from carbonaceous chondrites and Chondritic Porous Aggregates (CPAs) are comparable with PGCs formed by dehydrogenation and carbonization of hydrocarbon precursors under natural terrestrial and experimental conditions. A multistage model of hydrocarbon diagenesis in CPA and carbonaceous chondrite (proto-) planetary parent bodies was proposed in which hydrocarbons are subjected to low temperature hydrous pyrolysis. Continued efforts to recognize hydrocarbons and elemental phases in CPAs may allow understanding of the multistage hydrocarbon/elemental carbon model.

Epitaxial Growth of Aligned and Continuous Carbon Nanofibers from Carbon Nanotubes.

PubMed

Lin, Xiaoyang; Zhao, Wei; Zhou, Wenbin; Liu, Peng; Luo, Shu; Wei, Haoming; Yang, Guangzhi; Yang, Junhe; Cui, Jie; Yu, Richeng; Zhang, Lina; Wang, Jiaping; Li, Qunqing; Zhou, Weiya; Zhao, Weisheng; Fan, Shoushan; Jiang, Kaili

2017-02-28

Exploiting the superior properties of nanomaterials at macroscopic scale is a key issue of nanoscience. Different from the integration strategy, "additive synthesis" of macroscopic structures from nanomaterial templates may be a promising choice. In this paper, we report the epitaxial growth of aligned, continuous, and catalyst-free carbon nanofiber thin films from carbon nanotube films. The fabrication process includes thickening of continuous carbon nanotube films by gas-phase pyrolytic carbon deposition and further graphitization of the carbon layer by high-temperature treatment. As-fabricated nanofibers in the film have an "annual ring" cross-section, with a carbon nanotube core and a graphitic periphery, indicating the templated growth mechanism. The absence of a distinct interface between the carbon nanotube template and the graphitic periphery further implies the epitaxial growth mechanism of the fiber. The mechanically robust thin film with tunable fiber diameters from tens of nanometers to several micrometers possesses low density, high electrical conductivity, and high thermal conductivity. Further extension of this fabrication method to enhance carbon nanotube yarns is also demonstrated, resulting in yarns with ∼4-fold increased tensile strength and ∼10-fold increased Young's modulus. The aligned and continuous features of the films together with their outstanding physical and chemical properties would certainly promote the large-scale applications of carbon nanofibers.

Ultralightweight, low expansion, fiber reinforced SiC composite lithography stage. Final technical report, 17 December 1998--17 June 1999

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

Robichaud, J.L.

1999-06-17

During the Phase 1 SBIR, SSG has integrated a number of advanced Silicon Carbide (SiC) materials to produce an innovative, lightweight, fracture tough, dimensionally stable, composite mask platen for use on an SVGL Microalign instrument. The fiber reinforced SiC material used has several critical advantages when compared to other competing materials: significantly improved lightweighting (SiC provides a specific stiffness which can be 8x better than aluminum, 8x better than Zerodur, and 2x better than carbon fiber/graphite epoxy based composite materials); excellent long term dimensional stability (through low CTE and no moisture absorption); superior damping (20x better than aluminum 2x bettermore » than carbon fiber/graphite epoxy). All of these advantages combine to yield an optimal material for high speed translation stage applications. During the Phase 1 SBIR SSG has designed, modeled, fabricated, and tested an ultralightweight composite SiC platen which is currently being integrated onto an SVGL Microalign instrument. The platen is ultralightweight (4 lbs with overall dimensions of approx. 18 inch x 10 inch x 1.5 inch) and stiff (first resonant mode at 770 Hz), and meets all of SVG`s operational and functional requirements. SVGL has supported the Phase 1 effort by providing co-funding during Phase 1, and this support is intended to continue through Phase 2.« less

[Determination of lead in edible salt with solid-phase extraction and GFAAS].

PubMed

Zhao, Xin; Zhou, Shuang; Ma, Lan; Yang, Dajin

2013-01-01

Establishing a method for determination of lead in salt with solid-phase extraction and GFAAS. Salt sample was diluted to a certain volume directly with ammonium acetate, then the sample solution was filtered through the solid phase extraction column which has been pre-activated. Lead ions were retained, and the sodium chloride matrix was removed. After elution, the collected lead ions was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry in 257.4 nm. This method can be used effectively to wipe off the sodium chloride in matrix. The limit of detection was 0.7 microg/kg and the limit of quantification was 2 microg/kg. Solid phase extraction technique can be used effectively to reduce the interference in matrix and improves the accuracy and reproducibility of detection.

Cold cathode vacuum discharge tube

DOEpatents

Boettcher, G.E.

1998-03-10

A cold cathode vacuum discharge tube, and method for making same, are disclosed with an interior surface of the trigger probe coated with carbon deposited by carbon vapor deposition (CVD) or diamond-like carbon (DLC) deposition. Preferably a solid graphite insert is employed in the probe-cathode structure in place of an aluminum bushing employed in the prior art. The CVD or DLC probe face is laser scribed to allow resistance trimming to match available trigger voltage signals and to reduce electrical aging. 15 figs.

Ionic liquid-assisted multiwalled carbon nanotube-dispersive micro-solid phase extraction for sensitive determination of inorganic As species in garlic samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grijalba, Alexander Castro; Escudero, Leticia B.; Wuilloud, Rodolfo G.

2015-08-01

A highly sensitive dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-μ-SPE) method combining an ionic liquid (IL) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for inorganic As species (As(III) and As(V)) species separation and determination in garlic samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) was developed. Trihexyl(tetradecil)phosphonium chloride IL was used to form an ion pair with the arsenomolybdate complex obtained by reaction of As(V) with molybdate ion. Afterwards, 1.0 mg of MWCNTs was dispersed for As(V) extraction and the supernatant was separated by centrifugation. MWCNTs were re-dispersed with tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactant and ultrasound followed by direct injection into the graphite furnace of ETAAS for As determination. Pyrolysis and atomization conditions were carefully studied for complete decomposition of MWCNTs and IL matrices. Under optimum conditions, an extraction efficiency of 100% and a preconcentration factor of 70 were obtained with 5 mL of garlic extract. The detection limit was 7.1 ng L- 1 and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) for six replicate measurements at 5 μg L- 1 of As were 5.4% and 4.8% for As(III) and As(V), respectively. The proposed D-μ-SPE method allowed the efficient separation and determination of inorganic As species in a complex matrix such as garlic extract.

Electrocatalytic N-Doped Graphitic Nanofiber - Metal/Metal Oxide Nanoparticle Composites.

PubMed

Tang, Hongjie; Chen, Wei; Wang, Jiangyan; Dugger, Thomas; Cruz, Luz; Kisailus, David

2018-03-01

Carbon-based nanocomposites have shown promising results in replacing commercial Pt/C as high-performance, low cost, nonprecious metal-based oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. Developing unique nanostructures of active components (e.g., metal oxides) and carbon materials is essential for their application in next generation electrode materials for fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Herein, a general approach for the production of 1D porous nitrogen-doped graphitic carbon fibers embedded with active ORR components, (M/MO x , i.e., metal or metal oxide nanoparticles) using a facile two-step electrospinning and annealing process is reported. Metal nanoparticles/nanoclusters nucleate within the polymer nanofibers and subsequently catalyze graphitization of the surrounding polymer matrix and following oxidation, create an interconnected graphite-metal oxide framework with large pore channels, considerable active sites, and high specific surface area. The metal/metal oxide@N-doped graphitic carbon fibers, especially Co 3 O 4 , exhibit comparable ORR catalytic activity but superior stability and methanol tolerance versus Pt in alkaline solutions, which can be ascribed to the synergistic chemical coupling effects between Co 3 O 4 and robust 1D porous structures composed of interconnected N-doped graphitic nanocarbon rings. This finding provides a novel insight into the design of functional electrocatalysts using electrospun carbon nanomaterials for their application in energy storage and conversion fields. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Graphite nanoplatelets/multiwalled carbon nanotubes hybrid nanostructure for electrochemical capacitor.

PubMed

Mishra, Ashish Kumar; Ramaprabhu, S

2012-08-01

Recently, the focus on carbon based nanostructures for various applications has been due to their novel properties such as high electrical conductivity, high mechanical strength and high surface area. In the present work, we have investigated the charge storage capacity of modified graphite nanoplatelets and hybrid structure of graphite nanoplatelets-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). These MWNTs can be used as spacers to reduce the possibility of restacking of graphite nanoplatelets and hence increases the surface area of the hybrid carbon nanostructure thereby high degree of metal oxide decoration is achieved over the hybrid structure. MWNTs were prepared by catalytic chemical vapor deposition technique and further purified with air oxidation and acid treatment. Graphite was treated with conc. nitric acid and sulphuric acid in the volumetric ratio of 1:3 for 3 days and these modified graphite nanoplatelets were further stirred with MWNTs in equal weight ratio to form hybrid nanostructure. Further, ruthenium oxide (RuO2) nanoparticles were decorated on this hybrid structure using chemical route followed by calcination. RuO2 decorated hybrid carbon nanostructure was characterized by using X-ray diffraction, Electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The performance of the hybrid structure based nanocomposite as electrochemical capacitor electrodes was analyzed by studing its capacitive and charge-discharge behaviours using cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry techniques and the results have been discussed.

Comparative inhalation toxicity of multi-wall carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and low surface carbon black.

PubMed

Ma-Hock, Lan; Strauss, Volker; Treumann, Silke; Küttler, Karin; Wohlleben, Wendel; Hofmann, Thomas; Gröters, Sibylle; Wiench, Karin; van Ravenzwaay, Bennard; Landsiedel, Robert

2013-06-17

Carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and carbon black are seemingly chemically identical carbon-based nano-materials with broad technological applications. Carbon nanotubes and carbon black possess different inhalation toxicities, whereas little is known about graphene and graphite nanoplatelets. In order to compare the inhalation toxicity of the mentioned carbon-based nanomaterials, male Wistar rats were exposed head-nose to atmospheres of the respective materials for 6 hours per day on 5 consecutive days. Target concentrations were 0.1, 0.5, or 2.5 mg/m3 for multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 0.5, 2.5, or 10 mg/m3 for graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and low-surface carbon black. Toxicity was determined after end of exposure and after three-week recovery using broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and microscopic examinations of the entire respiratory tract. No adverse effects were observed after inhalation exposure to 10 mg/m3 graphite nanoplatelets or relatively low specific surface area carbon black. Increases of lavage markers indicative for inflammatory processes started at exposure concentration of 0.5 mg/m3 for multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 10 mg/m3 for graphene. Consistent with the changes in lavage fluid, microgranulomas were observed at 2.5 mg/m3 multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 10 mg/m3 graphene. In order to evaluate volumetric loading of the lung as the key parameter driving the toxicity, deposited particle volume was calculated, taking into account different methods to determine the agglomerate density. However, the calculated volumetric load did not correlate to the toxicity, nor did the particle surface burden of the lung. The inhalation toxicity of the investigated carbon-based materials is likely to be a complex interaction of several parameters. Until the properties which govern the toxicity are identified, testing by short-term inhalation is the best option to identify hazardous properties in order to avoid unsafe applications or select safer alternatives for a given application.

Thermal Properties of Cement-Based Composites for Geothermal Energy Applications.

PubMed

Bao, Xiaohua; Memon, Shazim Ali; Yang, Haibin; Dong, Zhijun; Cui, Hongzhi

2017-04-27

Geothermal energy piles are a quite recent renewable energy technique where geothermal energy in the foundation of a building is used to transport and store geothermal energy. In this paper, a structural-functional integrated cement-based composite, which can be used for energy piles, was developed using expanded graphite and graphite nanoplatelet-based composite phase change materials (CPCMs). Its mechanical properties, thermal-regulatory performance, and heat of hydration were evaluated. Test results showed that the compressive strength of GNP-Paraffin cement-based composites at 28 days was more than 25 MPa. The flexural strength and density of thermal energy storage cement paste composite decreased with increases in the percentage of CPCM in the cement paste. The infrared thermal image analysis results showed superior thermal control capability of cement based materials with CPCMs. Hence, the carbon-based CPCMs are promising thermal energy storage materials and can be used to improve the durability of energy piles.

Thermal Properties of Cement-Based Composites for Geothermal Energy Applications

PubMed Central

Bao, Xiaohua; Memon, Shazim Ali; Yang, Haibin; Dong, Zhijun; Cui, Hongzhi

2017-01-01

Geothermal energy piles are a quite recent renewable energy technique where geothermal energy in the foundation of a building is used to transport and store geothermal energy. In this paper, a structural–functional integrated cement-based composite, which can be used for energy piles, was developed using expanded graphite and graphite nanoplatelet-based composite phase change materials (CPCMs). Its mechanical properties, thermal-regulatory performance, and heat of hydration were evaluated. Test results showed that the compressive strength of GNP-Paraffin cement-based composites at 28 days was more than 25 MPa. The flexural strength and density of thermal energy storage cement paste composite decreased with increases in the percentage of CPCM in the cement paste. The infrared thermal image analysis results showed superior thermal control capability of cement based materials with CPCMs. Hence, the carbon-based CPCMs are promising thermal energy storage materials and can be used to improve the durability of energy piles. PMID:28772823

A rechargeable iodine-carbon battery that exploits ion intercalation and iodine redox chemistry.

PubMed

Lu, Ke; Hu, Ziyu; Ma, Jizhen; Ma, Houyi; Dai, Liming; Zhang, Jintao

2017-09-13

Graphitic carbons have been used as conductive supports for developing rechargeable batteries. However, the classic ion intercalation in graphitic carbon has yet to be coupled with extrinsic redox reactions to develop rechargeable batteries. Herein, we demonstrate the preparation of a free-standing, flexible nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped hierarchically porous graphitic carbon for iodine loading by pyrolysis of polyaniline coated cellulose wiper. We find that heteroatoms could provide additional defect sites for encapsulating iodine while the porous carbon skeleton facilitates redox reactions of iodine and ion intercalation. The combination of ion intercalation with redox reactions of iodine allows for developing rechargeable iodine-carbon batteries free from the unsafe lithium/sodium metals, and hence eliminates the long-standing safety issue. The unique architecture of the hierarchically porous graphitic carbon with heteroatom doping not only provides suitable spaces for both iodine encapsulation and cation intercalation but also generates efficient electronic and ionic transport pathways, thus leading to enhanced performance.Carbon-based electrodes able to intercalate Li + and Na + ions have been exploited for high performing energy storage devices. Here, the authors combine the ion intercalation properties of porous graphitic carbons with the redox chemistry of iodine to produce iodine-carbon batteries with high reversible capacities.

Converting a carbon preform object to a silicon carbide object

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levin, Harry (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A process for converting in depth a carbon or graphite preform object to a silicon carbide object, silicon carbide/silicon object, silicon carbide/carbon-core object, or a silicon carbide/silicon/carbon-core object, by contacting it with silicon liquid and vapor over various lengths of contact time in a reaction chamber. In the process, a stream comprised of a silicon-containing precursor material in gaseous phase below the decomposition temperature of said gas and a coreactant, carrier or diluent gas such as hydrogen is passed through a hole within a high emissivity, thin, insulating septum into the reaction chamber above the melting point of silicon. The thin septum has one face below the decomposition temperature of the gas and an opposite face exposed to the reaction chamber. Thus, the precursor gas is decomposed directly to silicon in the reaction chamber. Any stream of decomposition gas and any unreacted precursor gas from the reaction chamber is removed. A carbon or graphite preform object placed in the reaction chamber is contacted with the silicon. The carbon or graphite preform object is recovered from the reactor chamber after it has been converted to a desired silicon carbide, silicon and carbon composition.

Interplay between discharge physics, gas phase chemistry and surface processes in hydrocarbon plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassouni, Khaled

2013-09-01

In this paper we present two examples that illustrate two different contexts of the interplay between plasma-surface interaction process and discharge physics and gas phase chemistry in hydrocarbon discharges. In the first example we address the case of diamond deposition processes and illustrate how a detailed investigation of the discharge physics, collisional processes and transport phenomena in the plasma phase make possible to accurately predict the key local-parameters, i.e., species density at the growing substrate, as function of the macroscopic process parameters, thus allowing for a precise control of diamond deposition process. In the second example, we illustrate how the interaction between a rare gas pristine discharge and carbon (graphite) electrode induce a dramatic change on the discharge nature, i.e., composition, ionization kinetics, charge equilibrium, etc., through molecular growth and clustering processes, solid particle formation and dusty plasma generation. Work done in collaboration with Alix Gicquel, Francois Silva, Armelle Michau, Guillaume Lombardi, Xavier Bonnin, Xavier Duten, CNRS, Universite Paris 13.

Retention behaviour of polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters on porous graphitic carbon.

PubMed

Gaudin, Karen; Hanai, Toshihiko; Chaminade, Pierre; Baillet, Arlette

2007-07-20

Retention with porous graphitic carbon was investigated with 25 structures of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) with two different mobile phases: CH(3)CN:CHCl(3) 60:40 (v/v) and CH(3)OH:CHCl(3) 60:40 (v/v) with both 0.1% triethylamine (TEA) and an equimolar amount of HCOOH. Preliminary results showed that the use of TEA/HCOOH led to the response increase of saturated FAMEs with evaporative light scattering detection. No increase was observed for unsaturated one. These modifiers may slightly reduce the retention of FAMEs but did not significantly modify the separation factor with porous graphitic carbon. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated for each structure using Van't Hoff plot measured over the temperature range from 10 to 50 degrees C, with the both mobile phase conditions. All the studied compounds were found linked by the same retention mechanism on porous graphitic carbon. Quantitative in silico analysis of the retention using a molecular mechanics calculation demonstrated a good correlation between the retention factors and the molecular interaction energy values (r>0.93). Especially the Van der Waals energy was predominant, and the contribution of electrostatic energy was negligible for the quantitative analysis of the retention. The results indicate that Van der Waals force, hydrophobic interaction, is predominant for the retention of FAMEs on this packing material. The relative retention for highly unsaturated homologues can be changed by the selection of the weak solvent CH(3)CN or CH(3)OH. Then isomers differing only in the position of the carbon double bond on the alkyl chain can be separated and their behaviour is summarised as the closer the carbon double bonds to the FAME polar head, the more the retention decreases. Finally, the more important the number of carbon double bonds in the alkyl chain is, the smaller the retention is.

QUANTITATIVE MASS SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS OF GLYCOPROTEINS COMBINED WITH ENRICHMENT METHODS

PubMed Central

Ahn, Yeong Hee; Kim, Jin Young; Yoo, Jong Shin

2015-01-01

Mass spectrometry (MS) has been a core technology for high sensitive and high-throughput analysis of the enriched glycoproteome in aspects of quantitative assays as well as qualitative profiling of glycoproteins. Because it has been widely recognized that aberrant glycosylation in a glycoprotein may involve in progression of a certain disease, the development of efficient analysis tool for the aberrant glycoproteins is very important for deep understanding about pathological function of the glycoprotein and new biomarker development. This review first describes the protein glycosylation-targeting enrichment technologies mainly employing solid-phase extraction methods such as hydrizide-capturing, lectin-specific capturing, and affinity separation techniques based on porous graphitized carbon, hydrophilic interaction chromatography, or immobilized boronic acid. Second, MS-based quantitative analysis strategies coupled with the protein glycosylation-targeting enrichment technologies, by using a label-free MS, stable isotope-labeling, or targeted multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) MS, are summarized with recent published studies. © 2014 The Authors. Mass Spectrometry Reviews Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Rapid Commun. Mass Spec Rev 34:148–165, 2015. PMID:24889823

Carbon Nanostructure Examined by Lattice Fringe Analysis of High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanderWal, Randy L.; Tomasek, Aaron J.; Street, Kenneth; Thompson, William K.

2002-01-01

The dimensions of graphitic layer planes directly affect the reactivity of soot towards oxidation and growth. Quantification of graphitic structure could be used to develop and test correlations between the soot nanostructure and its reactivity. Based upon transmission electron microscopy images, this paper provides a demonstration of the robustness of a fringe image analysis code for determining the level of graphitic structure within nanoscale carbon, i.e. soot. Results, in the form of histograms of graphitic layer plane lengths, are compared to their determination through Raman analysis.

Carbon Nanostructure Examined by Lattice Fringe Analysis of High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanderWal, Randy L.; Tomasek, Aaron J.; Street, Kenneth; Thompson, William K.; Hull, David R.

2003-01-01

The dimensions of graphitic layer planes directly affect the reactivity of soot towards oxidation and growth. Quantification of graphitic structure could be used to develop and test correlations between the soot nanostructure and its reactivity. Based upon transmission electron microscopy images, this paper provides a demonstration of the robustness of a fringe image analysis code for determining the level of graphitic structure within nanoscale carbon, i.e., soot. Results, in the form of histograms of graphitic layer plane lengths, are compared to their determination through Raman analysis.

Superparamagnetism in carbon-coated Co particles produced by the Kratschmer carbon arc process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McHenry, M. E.; Majetich, S. A.; Artman, J. O.; Degraef, M.; Staley, S. W.

1994-04-01

A process based on the Kratschmer-Huffman carbon arc method of preparing fullerenes has been used to generate carbon-coated cobalt and cobalt carbide nanocrystallites. Magnetic nanocrystallites are extracted from the soot with a gradient field technique. For Co/C composites, structural characterization by x-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of a fcc Co phase, graphite, and a minority Co2C phase. The majority of Co nanocrystals exists as nominally spherical particles, 0.5-5 nm in radius. Hysteretic and temperature-dependent magnetic response, in randomly and magnetically aligned powder samples frozen in epoxy reveals fine-particle magnetism associated with monodomain Co particles. The magnetization exhibits a unique functional dependence on H/T, and hysteresis below a blocking temperature, TB~=160 K. Below TB, the temperature dependence of the coercivity is given by Hc=Hci[1-(T/TB)1/2], with Hci~=450 Oe.

Use of a heated graphite scrubber as a means of reducing interferences in UV-absorbance measurements of atmospheric ozone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turnipseed, Andrew A.; Andersen, Peter C.; Williford, Craig J.; Ennis, Christine A.; Birks, John W.

2017-06-01

A new solid-phase scrubber for use in conventional ozone (O3) photometers was investigated as a means of reducing interferences from other UV-absorbing species and water vapor. It was found that when heated to 100-130 °C, a tubular graphite scrubber efficiently removed up to 500 ppb ozone and ozone monitors using the heated graphite scrubber were found to be less susceptible to interferences from water vapor, mercury vapor, and aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to conventional metal oxide scrubbers. Ambient measurements from a graphite scrubber-equipped photometer and a co-located Federal equivalent method (FEM) ozone analyzer showed excellent agreement over 38 days of measurements and indicated no loss in the scrubber's ability to remove ozone when operated at 130 °C. The use of a heated graphite scrubber was found to reduce the interference from mercury vapor to ≤ 3 % of that obtained using a packed-bed Hopcalite scrubber. For a series of substituted aromatic compounds (ranging in volatility and absorption cross section at 253.7 nm), the graphite scrubber was observed to consistently exhibit reduced levels of interference, typically by factors of 2.5 to 20 less than with Hopcalite. Conventional solid-phase scrubbers also exhibited complex VOC adsorption and desorption characteristics that were dependent upon the relative humidity (RH), volatility of the VOC, and the available surface area of the scrubber. This complex behavior involving humidity is avoided by use of a heated graphite scrubber. These results suggest that heated graphite scrubbers could be substituted in most ozone photometers as a means of reducing interferences from other UV-absorbing species found in the atmosphere. This could be particularly important in ozone monitoring for compliance with the United States (U.S.) Clean Air Act or for use in VOC-rich environments such as in smog chambers and monitoring indoor air quality.

The solid film lubrication by carbon ion implantation into α-Al 2O 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jun, Tian; Qizu, Wang; Qunji, Xue

1998-10-01

Improvement in tribological performance by C +110 keV implantation can be achieved by having a more graphite-like carbon structure on Al 2O 3. It was shown that fracture toughness and critical peeling load increased for a fluence of 5 × 10 17C +/cm 2 because of residual compression stress and amorphism of surface. The testing in a different implantation dose indicated that the friction and wear mechanism in Optimol fretting wear machine (SRV) was a combination of surface structure and its abrasive wear. Raman shift shows that the amorphous graphite with 5 × 10 17-1 × 10 18 C +/cm 2 implantation dose was formed on Al 2O 3 surface, so that it reduced friction coefficient and wear of Al 2O 3, also it is noticed that the failure of lubrication due to graphite-like film wear is much earlier in the implantation sample with 1 × 10 17C +/cm 2 dose.

Pyrolytic Carbon Nanosheets for Ultrafast and Ultrastable Sodium-Ion Storage.

PubMed

Cho, Se Youn; Kang, Minjee; Choi, Jaewon; Lee, Min Eui; Yoon, Hyeon Ji; Kim, Hae Jin; Leal, Cecilia; Lee, Sungho; Jin, Hyoung-Joon; Yun, Young Soo

2018-04-01

Na-ion cointercalation in the graphite host structure in a glyme-based electrolyte represents a new possibility for using carbon-based materials (CMs) as anodes for Na-ion storage. However, local microstructures and nanoscale morphological features in CMs affect their electrochemical performances; they require intensive studies to achieve high levels of Na-ion storage performances. Here, pyrolytic carbon nanosheets (PCNs) composed of multitudinous graphitic nanocrystals are prepared from renewable bioresources by heating. In particular, PCN-2800 prepared by heating at 2800 °C has a distinctive sp 2 carbon bonding nature, crystalline domain size of ≈44.2 Å, and high electrical conductivity of ≈320 S cm -1 , presenting significantly high rate capability at 600 C (60 A g -1 ) and stable cycling behaviors over 40 000 cycles as an anode for Na-ion storage. The results of this study show the unusual graphitization behaviors of a char-type carbon precursor and exceptionally high rate and cycling performances of the resulting graphitic material, PCN-2800, even surpassing those of supercapacitors. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Graphitization of Glassy Carbon after Compression at Room Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiell, T. B.; McCulloch, D. G.; McKenzie, D. R.; Field, M. R.; Haberl, B.; Boehler, R.; Cook, B. A.; de Tomas, C.; Suarez-Martinez, I.; Marks, N. A.; Bradby, J. E.

2018-05-01

Glassy carbon is a technologically important material with isotropic properties that is nongraphitizing up to ˜3000 °C and displays complete or "superelastic" recovery from large compression. The pressure limit of these properties is not yet known. Here we use experiments and modeling to show permanent densification, and preferred orientation occurs in glassy carbon loaded to 45 GPa and above, where 45 GPa represents the limit to the superelastic and nongraphitizing properties of the material. The changes are explained by a transformation from its s p2 rich starting structure to a s p3 rich phase that reverts to fully s p2 bonded oriented graphite during pressure release.

Saccharide-based graphitic carbon nanocoils as supports for PtRu nanoparticles for methanol electrooxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sevilla, Marta; Lota, Grzegorz; Fuertes, Antonio B.

Highly graphitic carbon nanocoils were synthesised from the catalytic graphitization of carbon spherules obtained by the hydrothemal treatment of different saccharides (sucrose, glucose and starch). This nanostructured carbon was characterized by X-ray power diffraction, N 2 adsorption and microscopy techniques (SEM and TEM). The carbon nanocoils were used as a support for PtRu nanoparticles, which were well-dispersed over the carbon surface. This catalytic system was investigated for use as an electrocatalyst for methanol electrooxidation in an acid medium. The experiments were carried out at two working temperatures (25 °C and 60 °C). It was found that the carbon nanocoils supporting PtRu nanoparticles exhibit a high catalytic activity, which is even higher than that of conventional carbon supports (Vulcan XC-72R). We believe that the high electrocatalytic activity of the carbon nanocoils presented here is due to the combination of a good electrical conductivity, derived from their graphitic structure, and a wide porosity that allows the diffusional resistances of reactants/products to be minimized.

Carbon Solubility in Metallic Iron and Melting Relations in the Fe-C System at High Pressure and Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Fei, Y.

2006-05-01

Carbon has been proposed to be one of the light elements in the Earth's core. Knowledge of phase relations in the Fe-C system at high pressure and temperature is needed to understand the carbon content in the core and its effect on the physical properties and the temperature of the core. Experimental data in this system at high pressure and temperature are limited. In this study we report new experimental data on melting relations up to 25 GPa. The experiments were performed using piston-cylinder and multi-anvil devices at the Geophysical Laboratory. Mixtures of fine power of pure iron and graphite with different carbon content were prepared as starting materials. The starting materials were loaded into MgO capsules and then compressed to the desired pressures, using various high-pressure cell assemblies that have been calibrated at high pressure. High temperatures were achieved using either graphite heater (<6 GPa) or rhenium heater at higher pressures and measured with a tungsten-rhenium thermocouple. Melting relations were determined with a JEOL JXA-8900 electron microprobe, based on quench textures and chemical composition of the quenched phases. Powder X- ray diffraction technique was also used to identify phases and determine unit cell parameters. A positive slope between the solubility of carbon in metallic iron and pressure was found at elevated temperatures. The eutectic temperature increases with increasing pressure. The liquidus temperature determined in this study is significantly lower than the calculated value in previous study. Our study presents directly experimental measurements of the melting relations in the Fe-C system at high pressure and temperature, which provides better constraints on composition and temperature of the Earth's core.

Surface properties and graphitization of polyacrylonitrile based fiber electrodes affecting the negative half-cell reaction in vanadium redox flow batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langner, J.; Bruns, M.; Dixon, D.; Nefedov, A.; Wöll, Ch.; Scheiba, F.; Ehrenberg, H.; Roth, C.; Melke, J.

2016-07-01

Carbon felt electrodes for vanadium redox flow batteries are obtained by the graphitization of polyacrylonitrile based felts at different temperatures. Subsequently, the surface of the felts is modified via thermal oxidation at various temperatures. A single-cell experiment shows that the voltage efficiency is increased by this treatment. Electrode potentials measured with reference electrode setup show that this voltage efficiency increase is caused mainly by a reduction of the overpotential of the negative half-cell reaction. Consequently, this reaction is investigated further by cyclic voltammetry and the electrode activity is correlated with structural and surface chemical properties of the carbon fibers. By Raman, X-ray photoelectron and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy the role of edge sites and oxygen containing functional groups (OCFs) for the electrochemical activity are elucidated. A significant activity increase is observed in correlation with these two characteristics. The amount of OCFs is correlated with structural defects (e.g. edge sites) of the carbon fibers and therefore decreases with an increasing graphitization degree. Thus, for the same thermal oxidation temperature carbon fibers graphitized at a lower temperature show higher activities than those graphitized at a higher temperature.

IR femtochemistry on the surface of wide-gap ionic crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laptev, V. B.; Chekalin, S. V.; Dorofeyev, I. A.; Kompanets, V. O.; Pigulsky, S. V.; Ryabov, E. A.

2018-02-01

We have found and studied a phenomenon of the growth of films resulting from decomposition of some organic and silicon-containing molecules adsorbed on the surface of ionic crystals under the action of IR (1.4-5.4 µm) femtosecond radiation of a moderate intensity, ~1011 W cm-2. In the gas phase, these molecules do not decompose. Microstructured films consisting of amorphous carbon, graphite oxide, and silicon dioxide have been obtained. The formation of carbon films was accompanied by the appearance of different hydrocarbons in the gas phase. The extensive films of graphite oxide have been obtained. The decomposition of molecules on the surface is apparently caused by non-resonant ionization and subsequent deep fragmentation. The mechanisms of ionization at relatively low intensities of the femtosecond IR radiation have been discussed.

Diazonium modification of porous graphitic carbon with catechol and amide groups for hydrophilic interaction and attenuated reversed phase liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Iverson, Chad D; Zhang, Ya; Lucy, Charles A

2015-11-27

Porous graphitic carbon (PGC) is an increasingly popular and attractive phase for HPLC on account of its chemical and thermal stability, and its unique separation mechanism. However, native PGC is strongly hydrophobic and in some instances excessively retentive. As part of our effort to build a library of hydrophilic covalently modified PGC phases, we functionalized PGC with catechol and amide groups by means of aryl diazonium chemistry to produce two new phases. Successful grafting was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Under HILIC conditions, the Catechol-PGC showed up to 5-fold increased retention relative to unmodified PGC and selectivity that differed from four other HILIC phases. Under reversed phase conditions, the Amide-PGC reduced the retentivity of PGC by almost 90%. The chromatographic performance of Catechol-PGC and Amide-PGC is demonstrated by separations of nucleobases, nucleosides, phenols, alkaline pharmaceuticals, and performance enhancing stimulants. These compounds had retention factors (k) ranging from 0.5 to 13. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Method of preparing graphene-sulfur nanocomposites for rechargeable lithium-sulfur battery electrodes

DOEpatents

Liu, Jun; Lemmon, John P; Yang, Zhenguo; Cao, Yuliang; Li, Xiaolin

2015-04-07

A method of preparing a graphene-sulfur nanocomposite for a cathode in a rechargeable lithium-sulfur battery comprising thermally expanding graphite oxide to yield graphene layers, mixing the graphene layers with a first solution comprising sulfur and carbon disulfide, evaporating the carbon disulfide to yield a solid nanocomposite, and grinding the solid nanocomposite to yield the graphene-sulfur nanocomposite. Rechargeable-lithium-sulfur batteries having a cathode that includes a graphene-sulfur nanocomposite can exhibit improved characteristics. The graphene-sulfur nanocomposite can be characterized by graphene sheets with particles of sulfur adsorbed to the graphene sheets. The sulfur particles have an average diameter of less than 50 nm.

Resistivity of Carbon-Carbon Composites Halved

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaier, James R.

2004-01-01

Carbon-carbon composites have become the material of choice for applications requiring strength and stiffness at very high temperatures (above 2000 C). These composites comprise carbon or graphite fibers embedded in a carbonized or graphitized matrix. In some applications, such as shielding sensitive electronics in very high temperature environments, the performance of these materials would be improved by lowering their electrical resistivity. One method to lower the resistivity of the composites is to lower the resistivity of the graphite fibers, and a proven method to accomplish that is intercalation. Intercalation is the insertion of guest atoms or molecules into a host lattice. In this study the host fibers were highly graphitic pitch-based graphite fibers, or vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCF), and the intercalate was bromine. Intercalation compounds of graphite are generally thought of as being only metastable, but it has been shown that the residual bromine graphite fiber intercalation compound is remarkably stable, resisting decomposition even at temperatures at least as high as 1000 C. The focus of this work was to fabricate composite preforms, determine whether the fibers they were made from were still intercalated with bromine after processing, and determine the effect on composite resistivity. It was not expected that the resistivity would be lowered as dramatically as with graphite polymer composites because the matrix itself would be much more conductive, but it was hoped that the gains would be substantial enough to warrant its use in high-performance applications. In a collaborative effort supporting a Space Act Agreement between the NASA Glenn Research Center and Applied Sciences, Inc. (Cedarville, OH), laminar preforms were fabricated with pristine and bromine-intercalated pitch-based fibers (P100 and P100-Br) and VGCF (Pyro I and Pyro I-Br). The green preforms were carbonized at 1000 C and then heat treated to 3000 C. To determine whether the fibers in the samples were still intercalated after composite fabrication, they were subjected to X-ray diffraction. The composites containing intercalated graphite fibers showed much higher background scatter than that of pristine fibers, indicating the presence of bromine in the samples. More importantly, faint features indicative of intercalation were visible in the diffraction pattern, showing that the fibers were still intercalated.

Formation and chemical reactivity of carbon fibers prepared by defluorination of graphite fluoride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hung, Ching-Cheh

1994-01-01

Defluorination of graphite fluoride (CFX) by heating to temperatures of 250 to 450 C in chemically reactive environments was studied. This is a new and possibly inexpensive process to produce new carbon-based materials. For example, CF 0.68 fibers, made from P-100 carbon fibers, can be defluorinated in BrH2C-CH = CH-CH2Br (1,4-dibromo-2butene) heated to 370 C, and graphitized to produce fibers with an unusually high modulus and a graphite layer structure that is healed and cross-linked. Conversely, a sulfur-doped, visibly soft carbon fiber was produced by defluorinating CF 0.9 fibers, made from P-25, in sulfur (S) vapor at 370 C and then heating to 660 C in nitrogen (N2). Furthermore, defluorination of the CF 0.68 fibers in bromine (Br2) produced fragile, structurally damaged carbon fibers. Heating these fragile fibers to 1100 C in N2 caused further structural damage, whereas heating to 150 C in bromoform (CHBr3) and then to 1100 C in N2 healed the structural defects. The defluorination product of CFX, tentatively called activated graphite, has the composition and molecular structure of graphite, but is chemically more reactive. Activated graphite is a scavenger of manganese (Mn), and can be intercalated with magnesium (Mg). Also, it can easily collect large amounts of an alloy made from copper (Cu) and type 304 stainless steel to form a composite. Finally, there are indications that activated graphite can wet metals or ceramics, thereby forming stronger composites with them than the pristine carbon fibers can form.

"Bricks and mortar" self-assembly approach to graphitic mesoporous carbon nanocomposites

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

Fulvio, P. F.; Mayes, R.; Wang, X. Q.

2011-04-20

Mesoporous carbon materials do not have sufficient ordering at the atomic scale to exhibit good electronic conductivity. To date, mesoporous carbons having uniform mesopores and high surface areas have been prepared from partially-graphitizable precursors in the presence of templates. High temperature thermal treatments above 2000 °C, which are usually required to increase conductivity, result in a partial or total collapse of the mesoporous structures and reduced surface areas induced by growth of graphitic domains, limiting their applications in electric double layer capacitors and lithium-ion batteries. In this work, we successfully implemented a “brick-and-mortar” approach to obtain ordered graphitic mesoporous carbonmore » nanocomposites with tunable mesopore sizes below 850 °C without using graphitization catalysts or high temperature thermal treatments. Phenolic resin-based mesoporous carbons act as mortar to highly conductive carbon blacks and carbon onions (bricks). The capacitance and resistivity of final materials can be tailored by changing the mortar to brick ratios.« less

Brick-and-Mortar Self-Assembly Approach to Graphitic Mesoporous Carbon Nanocomposites

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

Dai, Sheng; Fulvio, Pasquale F; Mayes, Richard T

2011-01-01

Mesoporous carbon materials do not have sufficient ordering at the atomic scale to exhibit good electronic conductivity. To date, mesoporous carbons having uniform mesopores and high surface areas have been prepared from partially-graphitizable precursors in the presence of templates. High temperature thermal treatments above 2000 C, which are usually required to increase conductivity, result in a partial or total collapse of the mesoporous structures and reduced surface areas induced by growth of graphitic domains, limiting their applications in electric double layer capacitors and lithium-ion batteries. In this work, we successfully implemented a 'brick-and-mortar' approach to obtain ordered graphitic mesoporous carbonmore » nanocomposites with tunable mesopore sizes below 850 C without using graphitization catalysts or high temperature thermal treatments. Phenolic resin-based mesoporous carbons act as mortar to highly conductive carbon blacks and carbon onions (bricks). The capacitance and resistivity of final materials can be tailored by changing the mortar to brick ratios.« less

Symposium on High Power, Ambient Temperature Lithium Batteries, 180th Meeting of the Electrochemical Society, Phoenix, AZ, Oct. 13-17, 1991, Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, W. D. K. (Editor); Halpert, Gerald (Editor)

1992-01-01

Papers presented in these proceedings are on the state of the art in high-power lithium batteries, a design analysis of high-power Li-TiS2 battery, the performance and safety features of spiral wound lithium/thionyl chloride cells, the feasibility of a superhigh energy density battery of the Li/BrF3 electrochemical system, and an enhanced redox process of disulfide compounds and their application in high energy storage. Attention is also given to the structure and charge-discharge characteristics of mesophase-pitch based carbons, a study of carbons and graphites as anodes for lithium rechargeable cells, Li metal-free rechargeable Li(1+x)Mn2O4/carbon cells, and rechargeable lithium batteries using V6O13/V5O5 as the positive electrode material. Other papers discuss the electrochemical stability of organic electrolytes in contact with solid inorganic cathode materials, the electrochemical behavior of methyl formate solutions, and the interface between a solid polymer electrolyte and lithium anode.

Monolithic porous graphitic carbons obtained through catalytic graphitization of carbon xerogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiciński, Wojciech; Norek, Małgorzata; Bystrzejewski, Michał

2013-01-01

Pyrolysis of organic xerogels accompanied by catalytic graphitization and followed by selective-combustion purification was used to produce porous graphitic carbons. Organic gels impregnated with iron(III) chloride or nickel(II) acetate were obtained through polymerization of resorcinol and furfural. During the pyrolysis stage graphitization of the gel matrix occurs, which in turn develops mesoporosity of the obtained carbons. The evolution of the carbon into graphitic structures is strongly dependent on the concentrations of the transition metal. Pyrolysis leads to monoliths of carbon xerogel characterized by substantially enhanced mesoporosity resulting in specific surface areas up to 400 m2/g. Removal of the amorphous carbon by selective-combustion purification reduces the xerogels' mesoporosity, occasionally causing loss of their mechanical strength. The graphitized carbon xerogels were investigated by means of SEM, XRD, Raman scattering, TG-DTA and N2 physisorption. Through this procedure well graphitized carbonaceous materials can be obtained as bulk pieces.

Speciation of As(III) and As(V) in water samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after solid phase extraction combined with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic drop.

PubMed

Shamsipur, Mojtaba; Fattahi, Nazir; Assadi, Yaghoub; Sadeghi, Marzieh; Sharafi, Kiomars

2014-12-01

A solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on the solidification of floating organic drop (DLLME-SFO) method, using diethyldithiphosphate (DDTP) as a proper chelating agent, has been developed as an ultra preconcentration technique for the determination of inorganic arsenic in water samples prior to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Variables affecting the performance of both steps were thoroughly investigated. Under optimized conditions, 100mL of As(ΙΙΙ) solution was first concentrated using a solid phase sorbent. The extract was collected in 2.0 mL of acetone and 60.0 µL of 1-undecanol was added into the collecting solvent. The mixture was then injected rapidly into 5.0 mL of pure water for further DLLME-SFO. Total inorganic As(III, V) was extracted similarly after reduction of As(V) to As(III) with potassium iodide and sodium thiosulfate and As(V) concentration was calculated by difference. A mixture of Pd(NO3)2 and Mg(NO3)2 was used as a chemical modifier in GFAAS. The analytical characteristics of the method were determined. The calibration graph was linear in the rage of 10-100 ng L(-1) with detection limit of 2.5 ng L(-1). Repeatability (intra-day) and reproducibility (inter-day) of method based on seven replicate measurements of 80 ng L(-1) of As(ΙΙΙ) were 6.8% and 7.5%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to speciation of As(III), As(V) and determination of the total amount of As in water samples and in a certified reference material (NIST RSM 1643e). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Developments in carbon materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burchell, Timothy D.

1994-01-01

The following carbon-based materials are reviewed and their applications discussed: fullerenes; graphite (synthetic and manufactured); activated carbon fibers; and carbon-carbon composites. Carbon R&D activities at ORNL are emphasized.

High-pressure-assisted design of porous topological semimetal carbon for Li-ion battery anode with high-rate performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Junyi; Wang, Shuo; Qie, Yu; Zhang, Cunzhi; Sun, Qiang

2018-02-01

It has been a great challenge to develop a high-rate anode material with high-capacity, fast Li-ions diffusion and long cycling life going beyond the commercially used graphite in Li-ion battery. Here for the first time we propose a strategy combined high-pressure synthesis method with the global structure search to find a topological semimetal porous carbon as the desired anode. Our crystal-structure searching shows that we can obtain the ground state of an orthorhombic phase Li C6 with regular pores at 30 GPa, and when the Li atoms are removed, the resulting carbon structure is the recently predicted interlocked graphene network (IGN) that is a topological semimetal with an intrinsic high electronic conductivity. Based on the state-of-the-art first-principles calculations, we further find that the Li-ion migration energy barrier in the IGN is extremely low and the estimated diffusion coefficient can reach a magnitude of 10-4c m2/s at both low and high Li concentrations, which is three orders of magnitude larger than that of graphite anode. Moreover, the volume changes during the Li insertion and deinsertion are smaller than 3.2 % , while the theoretical specific capacity is the same as that of graphite anode. Our studies not only suggest a practical way of synthesizing the topological semimetal carbon but also propose a new anode material for Li-ion battery.

Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometric detection of vanadium in water and food samples after solid phase extraction on multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Wadhwa, Sham Kumar; Tuzen, Mustafa; Gul Kazi, Tasneem; Soylak, Mustafa

2013-11-15

Vanadium(V) ions as 8-hydroxyquinoline chelates were loaded on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) in a mini chromatographic column. Vanadium was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Various analytical parameters including pH of the working solutions, amounts of 8-hydroxyquinoline, eluent type, sample volume, and flow rates were investigated. The effects of matrix ions and some transition metals were also studied. The column can be reused 250 times without any loss in its sorption properties. The preconcentration factor was found as 100. Detection limit (3 s) and limit of quantification (10 s) for the vanadium in the optimal conditions were observed to be 0.012 µg L(-1) and 0.040 μg L(-1), respectively. The capacity of adsorption was 9.6 mg g(-1). Relative standard deviation (RSD) was found to be 5%. The validation of the method was confirmed by using NIST SRM 1515 Apple leaves, NIST SRM 1570a Spinach leaves and GBW 07605 Tea certified reference materials. The procedure was applied to the determination of vanadium in tap water and bottled drinking water samples. The procedure was also successfully applied to microwave digested food samples including black tea, coffee, tomato, cabbage, zucchini, apple and chicken samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Graphitic Carbon-Based Nanostructures for Energy and Environmental Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Ka Long Donald

This thesis focuses on the synthesis and characterization of graphitic carbonbased photocatalytic nanostructures for energy and environmental applications. The preparation of carbon- and oxygen-rich graphitic carbon nitride with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution property was investigated. Composite materials based on graphene quantum dots were also prepared. These composites were used for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and photoelectrocatalytic disinfection. The first part of this thesis describes a facile method for the preparation of carbon- and oxygen-rich graphitic carbon nitride by thermal condensation. Incorporation of carbon and oxygen enhanced the photoresponse of carbon nitride in the visible-light region. After exfoliation, the product was c.a. 45 times more active than bulk graphitic carbon nitride in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible-light irradiation. In the second part, a simple approach to enhance the photocatalytic activity of red phosphorus was developed. Mechanical ball milling was applied to reduce the size of red phosphorus and to deposit graphene quantum dots (GQDs) onto red phosphorus. The product exhibited high visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance in the photodegradation of Rhodamine B. The incorporation of GQDs in titanium dioxide could also extend the absorption spectrum of TiO2 into the visible-light range. The third part of this thesis reports on the fabrication of a visible-light-driven composite photocatalyst of TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) and GQDs. Carboxyl-containing GQDs were covalently coupled to amine-modified TNAs. The product exhibited enhanced photocurrent and high photoelectrocatalytic performance in the inactivation of E. coli under visible-light irradiation. The role of various reactive species in the photoelectrocatalytic process was investigated.

Extraterrestrial diamond inclusions reveal a Mars-sized planet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nabiei, F.; Badro, J.; Dennenwaldt, T.; Oveisi, E.; Cantoni, M.; Hébert, C.; El Goresy, A.; Barrat, J. A.; Gillet, P.

2017-12-01

Ureilites are achondritic meteorites, distinct by their high carbon content. Carbon dominantly exists as graphite and diamond forming veins between olivine and pyroxene grains in the matrix. The presence of diamonds is, often, attributed to the shock-induced transformation from graphite. However, a recent study (Miyahara et al. 2016) on Almahata Sitta MS-170 mainly based on the large size of diamonds suggested their growth in the static high pressure conditions of planetary interior. We prepared five thin sections by the focused ion beam (FIB) from the diamonds in Almahatta Sitta MS-170 for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Abundance of dislocations, stacking faults and {111} twinnings indicate significant deformation. Moreover, large numbers of inclusions are found in diamonds. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) showed that when a twinning is intersected with an inclusion, it transforms to graphite. This together with other morphological and crystallographical characteristics of the graphite and diamond phases point to the shock-induced transformation of diamond to graphite. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and electron diffraction were used to chemically and structurally characterize the diamond inclusions. Most of the inclusions are Fe-Ni-S-P type up to 60 nm in diameter, each consisting of three phases: kamacite (Fe, Ni), troilite (FeS) and Schreibersite ((Fe,Ni)3P). The inclusions always have euhedral shape indicating the existence of a parent phase that later broke down. Chemical analysis of complete inclusions (identified with electron tomography) agrees with the stoichiometric (Fe0.93,Ni0.07)3(S0.88,P0.12) phase that only forms above 21 GPa (Gu et al. 2016). The ureilite parent body (UPB) needs to be at least about Mars-sized to generate such a pressure at its core-mantle boundary. This is in the same size range estimated for the planetary embryos forming early in the Solar System. Moreover, although the UPB did not go through an extensive magma ocean period, it was partially differentiated through segregation of S-rich core (Warren et al. 2006). The existence of Mg-free chromite (Cr2FeO4) inclusions in diamond and the vein-like arrangement of Fe-S inclusions suggest that the diamonds are formed from Fe-S-C melt at the pressures exceeding 21 GPa inside the UPB.

In Situ Observations of Phase Transitions in Metastable Nickel (Carbide)/Carbon Nanocomposites

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Nanocomposite thin films comprised of metastable metal carbides in a carbon matrix have a wide variety of applications ranging from hard coatings to magnetics and energy storage and conversion. While their deposition using nonequilibrium techniques is established, the understanding of the dynamic evolution of such metastable nanocomposites under thermal equilibrium conditions at elevated temperatures during processing and during device operation remains limited. Here, we investigate sputter-deposited nanocomposites of metastable nickel carbide (Ni3C) nanocrystals in an amorphous carbon (a-C) matrix during thermal postdeposition processing via complementary in situ X-ray diffractometry, in situ Raman spectroscopy, and in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. At low annealing temperatures (300 °C) we observe isothermal Ni3C decomposition into face-centered-cubic Ni and amorphous carbon, however, without changes to the initial finely structured nanocomposite morphology. Only for higher temperatures (400–800 °C) Ni-catalyzed isothermal graphitization of the amorphous carbon matrix sets in, which we link to bulk-diffusion-mediated phase separation of the nanocomposite into coarser Ni and graphite grains. Upon natural cooling, only minimal precipitation of additional carbon from the Ni is observed, showing that even for highly carbon saturated systems precipitation upon cooling can be kinetically quenched. Our findings demonstrate that phase transformations of the filler and morphology modifications of the nanocomposite can be decoupled, which is advantageous from a manufacturing perspective. Our in situ study also identifies the high carbon content of the Ni filler crystallites at all stages of processing as the key hallmark feature of such metal–carbon nanocomposites that governs their entire thermal evolution. In a wider context, we also discuss our findings with regard to the much debated potential role of metastable Ni3C as a catalyst phase in graphene and carbon nanotube growth. PMID:27746852

Spine-like Nanostructured Carbon Interconnected by Graphene for High-performance Supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Sang-Hoon; Yoon, Seung-Beom; Kim, Hyun-Kyung; Han, Joong Tark; Park, Hae-Woong; Han, Joah; Yun, Seok-Min; Jeong, Han Gi; Roh, Kwang Chul; Kim, Kwang-Bum

2014-08-01

Recent studies on supercapacitors have focused on the development of hierarchical nanostructured carbons by combining two-dimensional graphene and other conductive sp2 carbons, which differ in dimensionality, to improve their electrochemical performance. Herein, we report a strategy for synthesizing a hierarchical graphene-based carbon material, which we shall refer to as spine-like nanostructured carbon, from a one-dimensional graphitic carbon nanofiber by controlling the local graphene/graphitic structure via an expanding process and a co-solvent exfoliation method. Spine-like nanostructured carbon has a unique hierarchical structure of partially exfoliated graphitic blocks interconnected by thin graphene sheets in the same manner as in the case of ligaments. Owing to the exposed graphene layers and interconnected sp2 carbon structure, this hierarchical nanostructured carbon possesses a large, electrochemically accessible surface area with high electrical conductivity and exhibits high electrochemical performance.

Spine-like nanostructured carbon interconnected by graphene for high-performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Park, Sang-Hoon; Yoon, Seung-Beom; Kim, Hyun-Kyung; Han, Joong Tark; Park, Hae-Woong; Han, Joah; Yun, Seok-Min; Jeong, Han Gi; Roh, Kwang Chul; Kim, Kwang-Bum

2014-08-19

Recent studies on supercapacitors have focused on the development of hierarchical nanostructured carbons by combining two-dimensional graphene and other conductive sp(2) carbons, which differ in dimensionality, to improve their electrochemical performance. Herein, we report a strategy for synthesizing a hierarchical graphene-based carbon material, which we shall refer to as spine-like nanostructured carbon, from a one-dimensional graphitic carbon nanofiber by controlling the local graphene/graphitic structure via an expanding process and a co-solvent exfoliation method. Spine-like nanostructured carbon has a unique hierarchical structure of partially exfoliated graphitic blocks interconnected by thin graphene sheets in the same manner as in the case of ligaments. Owing to the exposed graphene layers and interconnected sp(2) carbon structure, this hierarchical nanostructured carbon possesses a large, electrochemically accessible surface area with high electrical conductivity and exhibits high electrochemical performance.

Spine-like Nanostructured Carbon Interconnected by Graphene for High-performance Supercapacitors

PubMed Central

Park, Sang-Hoon; Yoon, Seung-Beom; Kim, Hyun-Kyung; Han, Joong Tark; Park, Hae-Woong; Han, Joah; Yun, Seok-Min; Jeong, Han Gi; Roh, Kwang Chul; Kim, Kwang-Bum

2014-01-01

Recent studies on supercapacitors have focused on the development of hierarchical nanostructured carbons by combining two-dimensional graphene and other conductive sp2 carbons, which differ in dimensionality, to improve their electrochemical performance. Herein, we report a strategy for synthesizing a hierarchical graphene-based carbon material, which we shall refer to as spine-like nanostructured carbon, from a one-dimensional graphitic carbon nanofiber by controlling the local graphene/graphitic structure via an expanding process and a co-solvent exfoliation method. Spine-like nanostructured carbon has a unique hierarchical structure of partially exfoliated graphitic blocks interconnected by thin graphene sheets in the same manner as in the case of ligaments. Owing to the exposed graphene layers and interconnected sp2 carbon structure, this hierarchical nanostructured carbon possesses a large, electrochemically accessible surface area with high electrical conductivity and exhibits high electrochemical performance. PMID:25134517

CMB-13 research on carbon and graphite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, M. C.

1972-01-01

The research on graphite and carbon for this period is reported. Topics discussed include: effects of grinding on the Santa Marie graphites, properties and purities of coal-tar, resin-bonded graphite, carbonization of resin components, and glass-like carbon filler.

Applications Of Graphite Fluoride Fibers In Outer Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hung, Ching-Cheng; Long, Martin; Dever, Therese

1993-01-01

Report characterizes graphite fluoride fibers made from commercially available graphitized carbon fibers and discusses some potential applications of graphite fluoride fibers in outer space. Applications include heat-sinking printed-circuit boards, solar concentrators, and absorption of radar waves. Other applications based on exploitation of increased resistance to degradation by atomic oxygen, present in low orbits around Earth.

Oxidation resistant slurry coating for carbon-based materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smialek, J. L.; Rybicki, G. C. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

An oxidation resistant coating is produced on carbon-base materials, and the same processing step effects an infiltration of the substrate with silicon containing material. The process comprises making a slurry of nickel and silicon powders in a nitrocellulose lacquer, spraying onto the graphite or carbon-carbon substrate, and sintering in vacuum to form a fused coating that wets and covers the surface as well as penetrates into the pores of the substrate. Optimum wetting and infiltration occurs in the range of Ni-60 w/o Si to Ni-90 w/o Si with deposited thicknesses of 25-100 mg/sq. cm. Sintering temperatures of about 1200 C to about 1400 C are used, depending on the melting point of the specific coating composition. The sintered coating results in Ni-Si intermetallic phases and SiC, both of which are highly oxidation resistant.

The provenance and formation of reduced carbon phases on Mars from the study of Martian meteorites.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steele, A.; McCubbin, F. M.; Fries, M.

2015-12-01

Organic carbon compounds are essential building blocks of terrestrial life, so the occurrence and origin (biotic or abiotic) of organic compounds on Mars is of great significance. Indeed, the question of Martian organic matter is among the highest priority targets for robotic spacecraft missions in the next decade includ- ing the Mars Science Laboratory and Mars 2020. Sev- eral Martian meteorites contain organic carbon (i.e., macromolecular reduced carbon-rich material, not nec- essarily related to biota), but there is little agreement on its origins. Initial hypotheses for the origin of this organic carbon included: terrestrial contamination; chondritic meteoritic input; thermal decomposition of Martian carbonate minerals; direct precipitation from cooling aqueous fluids; and the remains of ancient Martian biota. We report on results from the analysis of 14 martian meteorites and show the distribution of organic phases throughout the samples analyzed. We will present formation scearios for each of the types of organic matter discovered. These studies when combined show 4 possible pools of reduced carbon on Mars. 1) impact generated graphite in the Tissint meteorite, 2) secondary hydrothermal generated graphite in ALH 84001, 3) primary igneous reduced carbon in 12 Martian meteorites associated with spinel inclusions in olivine and pyroxene 4) and potentially primary hydrothermally formed organic carbon / nitrogen containing organic species in the maskelynite phases of the Tissint meteorite. These studies show that Mars has produced reduced carbon / organic carbon via several mechanisms and reveal that the building blocks of life, if not life itself, are present on Mars.

Determination of acetanilide herbicides in cereal crops using accelerated solvent extraction, solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-electron capture detector.

PubMed

Zhang, Yaping; Yang, Jun; Shi, Ronghua; Su, Qingde; Yao, Li; Li, Panpan

2011-07-01

A method was developed to determine eight acetanilide herbicides from cereal crops based on accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) analysis. During the ASE process, the effect of four parameters (temperature, static time, static cycles and solvent) on the extraction efficiency was considered and compared with shake-flask extraction method. After extraction with ASE, four SPE tubes (graphitic carbon black/primary secondary amine (GCB/PSA), GCB, Florisil and alumina-N) were assayed for comparison to obtain the best clean-up efficiency. The results show that GCB/PSA cartridge gave the best recoveries and cleanest chromatograms. The analytical process was validated by the analysis of spiked blank samples. Performance characteristics such as linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), precision and recovery were studied. At 0.05 mg/kg spiked level, recoveries and precision values for rice, wheat and maize were 82.3-115.8 and 1.1-13.6%, respectively. For all the herbicides, LOD and LOQ ranged from 0.8 to 1.7 μg/kg and from 2.4 to 5.3 μg/kg, respectively. The proposed analytical methodology was applied for the analysis of the targets in samples; only three herbicides, propyzamid, metolachlor and diflufenican, were detected in two samples. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Comparative inhalation toxicity of multi-wall carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and low surface carbon black

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and carbon black are seemingly chemically identical carbon-based nano-materials with broad technological applications. Carbon nanotubes and carbon black possess different inhalation toxicities, whereas little is known about graphene and graphite nanoplatelets. Methods In order to compare the inhalation toxicity of the mentioned carbon-based nanomaterials, male Wistar rats were exposed head-nose to atmospheres of the respective materials for 6 hours per day on 5 consecutive days. Target concentrations were 0.1, 0.5, or 2.5 mg/m3 for multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 0.5, 2.5, or 10 mg/m3 for graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and low-surface carbon black. Toxicity was determined after end of exposure and after three-week recovery using broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and microscopic examinations of the entire respiratory tract. Results No adverse effects were observed after inhalation exposure to 10 mg/m3 graphite nanoplatelets or relatively low specific surface area carbon black. Increases of lavage markers indicative for inflammatory processes started at exposure concentration of 0.5 mg/m3 for multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 10 mg/m3 for graphene. Consistent with the changes in lavage fluid, microgranulomas were observed at 2.5 mg/m3 multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 10 mg/m3 graphene. In order to evaluate volumetric loading of the lung as the key parameter driving the toxicity, deposited particle volume was calculated, taking into account different methods to determine the agglomerate density. However, the calculated volumetric load did not correlate to the toxicity, nor did the particle surface burden of the lung. Conclusions The inhalation toxicity of the investigated carbon-based materials is likely to be a complex interaction of several parameters. Until the properties which govern the toxicity are identified, testing by short-term inhalation is the best option to identify hazardous properties in order to avoid unsafe applications or select safer alternatives for a given application. PMID:23773277

Preparation of Ceramic-Bonded Carbon Block for Blast Furnace

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yiwei; Li, Yawei; Sang, Shaobai; Chen, Xilai; Zhao, Lei; Li, Yuanbing; Li, Shujing

2014-01-01

Traditional carbon blocks for blast furnaces are mainly produced with electrically calcined anthracite owing to its good hot metal corrosion resistance. However, this kind of material shows low thermal conductivity and does not meet the demands for cooling of the hearth and the bottom of blast furnaces. In this article, a new kind of a high-performance carbon block has been prepared via ceramic-bonded carbon (CBC) technology in a coke bed at 1673 K (1400 °C) using artificial graphite aggregate, alumina, metallic aluminum, and silicon powders as starting materials. The results showed that artificial graphite aggregates were strongly bonded by the three-dimensional network of ceramic phases in carbon blocks. In this case, the good resistance of the CBC blocks against erosion/corrosion by the hot metal is provided by the ceramic matrix and the high thermal conductivity by the graphite aggregates. The microstructure of this carbon block resembles that of CBC composites with a mean pore size of less than 0.1 μm, and up to 90 pct of the porosity shows a pore size <1 μm. Its thermal conductivity is higher than 30 W · m-1 · K-1 [293 K (20 °C)]. Meanwhile, its hot metal corrosion resistance is better than that of traditional carbon blocks.

Evaluation of pulmonary and systemic toxicity following lung exposure to graphite nanoplates: a member of the graphene-based nanomaterial family.

PubMed

Roberts, Jenny R; Mercer, Robert R; Stefaniak, Aleksandr B; Seehra, Mohindar S; Geddam, Usha K; Chaudhuri, Ishrat S; Kyrlidis, Angelos; Kodali, Vamsi K; Sager, Tina; Kenyon, Allison; Bilgesu, Suzan A; Eye, Tracy; Scabilloni, James F; Leonard, Stephen S; Fix, Natalie R; Schwegler-Berry, Diane; Farris, Breanne Y; Wolfarth, Michael G; Porter, Dale W; Castranova, Vincent; Erdely, Aaron

2016-06-21

Graphene, a monolayer of carbon, is an engineered nanomaterial (ENM) with physical and chemical properties that may offer application advantages over other carbonaceous ENMs, such as carbon nanotubes (CNT). The goal of this study was to comparatively assess pulmonary and systemic toxicity of graphite nanoplates, a member of the graphene-based nanomaterial family, with respect to nanoplate size. Three sizes of graphite nanoplates [20 μm lateral (Gr20), 5 μm lateral (Gr5), and <2 μm lateral (Gr1)] ranging from 8-25 nm in thickness were characterized for difference in surface area, structure,, zeta potential, and agglomeration in dispersion medium, the vehicle for in vivo studies. Mice were exposed by pharyngeal aspiration to these 3 sizes of graphite nanoplates at doses of 4 or 40 μg/mouse, or to carbon black (CB) as a carbonaceous control material. At 4 h, 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, and 2 months post-exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage was performed to collect fluid and cells for analysis of lung injury and inflammation. Particle clearance, histopathology and gene expression in lung tissue were evaluated. In addition, protein levels and gene expression were measured in blood, heart, aorta and liver to assess systemic responses. All Gr samples were found to be similarly composed of two graphite structures and agglomerated to varying degrees in DM in proportion to the lateral dimension. Surface area for Gr1 was approximately 7-fold greater than Gr5 and Gr20, but was less reactive reactive per m(2). At the low dose, none of the Gr materials induced toxicity. At the high dose, Gr20 and Gr5 exposure increased indices of lung inflammation and injury in lavage fluid and tissue gene expression to a greater degree and duration than Gr1 and CB. Gr5 and Gr20 showed no or minimal lung epithelial hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and no development of fibrosis by 2 months post-exposure. In addition, the aorta and liver inflammatory and acute phase genes were transiently elevated in Gr5 and Gr20, relative to Gr1. Pulmonary and systemic toxicity of graphite nanoplates may be dependent on lateral size and/or surface reactivity, with the graphite nanoplates > 5 μm laterally inducing greater toxicity which peaked at the early time points post-exposure relative to the 1-2 μm graphite nanoplate.

Highly selective dopamine electrochemical sensor based on electrochemically pretreated graphite and nafion composite modified screen printed carbon electrode.

PubMed

Ku, Shuhao; Palanisamy, Selvakumar; Chen, Shen-Ming

2013-12-01

Herein, we report a highly selective dopamine electrochemical sensor based on electrochemically pretreated graphite/nafion composite modified screen printed carbon (SPC) electrode. Electrochemically activated graphite/nafion composite was prepared by using a simple electrochemical method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) used to characterize the surface morphology of the fabricated composite electrode. The SEM result clearly indicates that the graphitic basal planes were totally disturbed and leads to the formation of graphite nanosheets. The composite modified electrode showed an enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of DA when compared with either electrochemical pretreated graphite or nafion SPC electrodes. The fabricated composite electrode exhibits a good electrocatalytic oxidation toward DA in the linear response range from 0.5 to 70 μM with the detection limit of 0.023 μM. The proposed sensor also exhibits very good selectivity and stability, with the appreciable sensitivity. In addition, the proposed sensor showed satisfactory recovery results toward the commercial pharmaceutical DA samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Method for reproducibly preparing a low-melting high-carbon yield precursor

DOEpatents

Smith, Wesley E.; Napier, Jr., Bradley

1978-01-01

The present invention is directed to a method for preparing a reproducible synthetic carbon precursor by the autoclave polymerization of indene (C.sub.9 H.sub.8) at a temperature in the range of 470.degree.-485.degree. C, and at a pressure in the range of about 1000 to about 4300 psi. Volatiles in the resulting liquid indene polymer are removed by vacuum outgassing to form a solid carbon precursor characterized by having a relatively low melting temperature, high-carbon yield, and high reproducibility which provide for the fabrication of carbon and graphite composites having strict requirements for reproducible properties.

Seasonal multiphase equilibria in the atmospheres of Titan and Pluto

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, S. P.; Kargel, J. S.

2017-12-01

At the extremely low temperatures in Titan's upper troposphere and on Pluto's surface, the atmospheres as a whole are subject to freeze into solid solutions, not pure ices. The presence of the solid phases introduces conditions with rich phase equilibria upon seasonal changes, even if the temperature undergoes only small changes. For the first time, the profile of atmospheric methane in Titan's troposphere will be reproduced complete with the solid solutions. This means that the freezing point, i.e. the altitude where the first solid phase appears, is determined. The seasonal change will also be evaluated both at the equator and the northern polar region. For Pluto, also for the first time, the seasonal solid-vapor equilibria will be evaluated. The fate of the two solid phases, the methane-rich and carbon-monoxide-rich solid solutions, will be analyzed upon temperature and pressure changes. Such investigations are enabled by the development of a molecular-based thermodynamic model for cryogenic chemical systems, referred to as CRYOCHEM, which includes solid solutions in its phase-equilibria calculations. The atmospheres of Titan and Pluto are modeled as ternary gas mixtures: nitrogen-methane-ethane and nitrogen-methane-carbon monoxide, respectively. Calculations using CRYOCHEM can provide us with compositions not only in two-phase equilibria, but also that in three-phase equilibria. Densities of all phases involved will also be calculated. For Titan, density inversion between liquid and solid phases will be identified and presented. In the inversion, the density of solid phase is less than that in the liquid phase. The method and results of this work will be useful for further investigations and modeling on the atmospheres of Titan, Pluto, and other bodies with similar conditions in the Solar System and beyond.

Water flow in carbon-based nanoporous membranes impacted by interactions between hydrated ions and aromatic rings.

PubMed

Liu, Jian; Shi, Guosheng; Fang, Haiping

2017-02-24

Carbon-based nanoporous membranes, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene/graphene oxide and graphyne, have shown great potential in water desalination and purification, gas and ion separation, biosensors, and lithium-based batteries, etc. A deep understanding of the interaction between hydrated ions in an aqueous solution and the graphitic surface in systems composed of water, ions and a graphitic surface is essential for applications with carbon-based nanoporous membrane platforms. In this review, we describe the recent progress of the interaction between hydrated ions and aromatic ring structures on the carbon-based surface and its applications in the water flow in a carbon nanotube. We expect that these works can be extended to the understanding of water flow in other nanoporous membranes, such as nanoporous graphene, graphyne and stacked sheets of graphene oxide.

Three-dimensional time-dependent computer modeling of the electrothermal atomizers for analytical spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsivilskiy, I. V.; Nagulin, K. Yu.; Gilmutdinov, A. Kh.

2016-02-01

A full three-dimensional nonstationary numerical model of graphite electrothermal atomizers of various types is developed. The model is based on solution of a heat equation within solid walls of the atomizer with a radiative heat transfer and numerical solution of a full set of Navier-Stokes equations with an energy equation for a gas. Governing equations for the behavior of a discrete phase, i.e., atomic particles suspended in a gas (including gas-phase processes of evaporation and condensation), are derived from the formal equations molecular kinetics by numerical solution of the Hertz-Langmuir equation. The following atomizers test the model: a Varian standard heated electrothermal vaporizer (ETV), a Perkin Elmer standard THGA transversely heated graphite tube with integrated platform (THGA), and the original double-stage tube-helix atomizer (DSTHA). The experimental verification of computer calculations is carried out by a method of shadow spectral visualization of the spatial distributions of atomic and molecular vapors in an analytical space of an atomizer.

Thermal Conductivity of Eutectic Nitrates and Nitrates/Expanded Graphite Composite as Phase Change Materials.

PubMed

Xiao, Xin; Zhang, Peng; Meng, Zhao-Nan; Li, Ming

2015-04-01

Nitrates and eutectic nitrate mixtures are considered as potential phase change materials (PCMs) for the middle-temperature-range solar energy storage applications. But the extensive utilization is restricted by the poor thermal conductivity and thermal stability. In the present study, sodium nitrate-potassium nitrate eutectic mixture was used as the base PCM, and expanded graphite (EG) was added to the mixture so as to improve the thermal conductivities. The elaboration method consists of a physically mixing of salt powders with or without EG, and the composite PCMs were cold-compressed to form shape-stabilized PCMs at room temperature. The thermal conductivities of the composite PCMs fabricated by cold-compression were investigated at different temperatures by the steady state method. The results showed that the addition of EG significantly enhanced the thermal conductivities. The thermal conductivities of pure nitrates and nitrates/EG composite PCMs in solid state showed the behavior of temperature dependant, and they slightly decreased with the increase of the temperature.

From spent graphite to amorphous sp2+sp3 carbon-coated sp2 graphite for high-performance lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Zhen; Zhuang, Yuchan; Deng, Yaoming; Song, Xiaona; Zuo, Xiaoxi; Xiao, Xin; Nan, Junmin

2018-02-01

Today, with the massive application of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) in the portable devices and electric vehicles, to supply the active materials with high-performances and then to recycle their wastes are two core issues for the development of LIBs. In this paper, the spent graphite (SG) in LIBs is used as raw materials to fabricate two comparative high-capacity graphite anode materials. Based on a microsurgery-like physical reconstruction, the reconstructed graphite (RG) with a sp2+sp3 carbon surface is prepared through a microwave exfoliation and subsequent spray drying process. In contrast, the neural-network-like amorphous sp2+sp3 carbon-coated graphite (AC@G) is synthesized using a self-reconfigurable chemical reaction strategy. Compared with SG and commercial graphite (CG), both RG and AC@G have enhanced specific capacities, from 311.2 mAh g-1 and 360.7 mAh g-1 to 409.7 mAh g-1 and 420.0 mAh g-1, at 0.1C after 100 cycles. In addition, they exhibit comparable cycling stability, rate capability, and voltage plateau with CG. Because the synthesis of RG and AC@G represents two typical physical and chemical methods for the recycling of SG, these results on the sp2+sp3 carbon layer coating bulk graphite also reveal an approach for the preparation of high-performance graphite anode materials derived from SG.

Cobalt/copper-decorated carbon nanofibers as novel non-precious electrocatalyst for methanol electrooxidation

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

In this study, Co/Cu-decorated carbon nanofibers are introduced as novel electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation. The introduced nanofibers have been prepared based on graphitization of poly(vinyl alcohol) which has high carbon content compared to many polymer precursors for carbon nanofiber synthesis. Typically, calcination in argon atmosphere of electrospun nanofibers composed of cobalt acetate tetrahydrate, copper acetate monohydrate, and poly(vinyl alcohol) leads to form carbon nanofibers decorated by CoCu nanoparticles. The graphitization of the poly(vinyl alcohol) has been enhanced due to presence of cobalt which acts as effective catalyst. The physicochemical characterization affirmed that the metallic nanoparticles are sheathed by thin crystalline graphite layer. Investigation of the electrocatalytic activity of the introduced nanofibers toward methanol oxidation indicates good performance, as the corresponding onset potential was small compared to many reported materials; 310 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl electrode) and a current density of 12 mA/cm2 was obtained. Moreover, due to the graphite shield, good stability was observed. Overall, the introduced study opens new avenue for cheap and stable transition metals-based nanostructures as non-precious catalysts for fuel cell applications. PMID:24387682

Hard-Soft Composite Carbon as a Long-Cycling and High-Rate Anode for Potassium-Ion Batteries

DOE PAGES

Jian, Zelang; Hwang, Sooyeon; Li, Zhifei; ...

2017-05-05

There exist tremendous needs for sustainable storage solutions for intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy. Thus, systems based on Earth-abundant elements deserve much attention. Potassium-ion batteries represent a promising candidate because of the abundance of potassium resources. As for the choices of anodes, graphite exhibits encouraging potassium-ion storage properties; however, it suffers limited rate capability and poor cycling stability. Here in this paper, nongraphitic carbons as K-ion anodes with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as the binder are systematically investigated. Compared to hard carbon and soft carbon, a hard–soft composite carbon with 20 wt% soft carbon distributed inmore » the matrix phase of hard carbon microspheres exhibits highly amenable performance: high capacity, high rate capability, and very stable long-term cycling. In contrast, pure hard carbon suffers limited rate capability, while the capacity of pure soft carbon fades more rapidly.« less

Hard-Soft Composite Carbon as a Long-Cycling and High-Rate Anode for Potassium-Ion Batteries

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

Jian, Zelang; Hwang, Sooyeon; Li, Zhifei

There exist tremendous needs for sustainable storage solutions for intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy. Thus, systems based on Earth-abundant elements deserve much attention. Potassium-ion batteries represent a promising candidate because of the abundance of potassium resources. As for the choices of anodes, graphite exhibits encouraging potassium-ion storage properties; however, it suffers limited rate capability and poor cycling stability. Here in this paper, nongraphitic carbons as K-ion anodes with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as the binder are systematically investigated. Compared to hard carbon and soft carbon, a hard–soft composite carbon with 20 wt% soft carbon distributed inmore » the matrix phase of hard carbon microspheres exhibits highly amenable performance: high capacity, high rate capability, and very stable long-term cycling. In contrast, pure hard carbon suffers limited rate capability, while the capacity of pure soft carbon fades more rapidly.« less

High temperature in-situ observations of multi-segmented metal nanowires encapsulated within carbon nanotubes by in-situ filling technique.

PubMed

Hayashi, Yasuhiko; Tokunaga, Tomoharu; Iijima, Toru; Iwata, Takuya; Kalita, Golap; Tanemura, Masaki; Sasaki, Katsuhiro; Kuroda, Kotaro

2012-08-08

Multi-segmented one-dimensional metal nanowires were encapsulated within carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through in-situ filling technique during plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and environmental TEM were employed to characterize the as-prepared sample at room temperature and high temperature. The selected area electron diffractions revealed that the Pd4Si nanowire and face-centered-cubic Co nanowire on top of the Pd nanowire were encapsulated within the bottom and tip parts of the multiwall CNT, respectively. Although the strain-induced deformation of graphite walls was observed, the solid-state phases of Pd4Si and Co-Pd remain even at above their expected melting temperatures and up to 1,550 ± 50°C. Finally, the encapsulated metals were melted and flowed out from the tip of the CNT after 2 h at the same temperature due to the increase of internal pressure of the CNT.

Effects of potential models on the adsorption of ethane and ethylene on graphitized thermal carbon black. Study of two-dimensional critical temperature and isosteric heat versus loading.

PubMed

Do, D D; Do, H D

2004-12-07

Adsorption of ethylene and ethane on graphitized thermal carbon black and in slit pores whose walls are composed of graphene layers is studied in detail to investigate the packing efficiency, the two-dimensional critical temperature, and the variation of the isosteric heat of adsorption with loading and temperature. Here we used a Monte Carlo simulation method with a grand canonical Monte Carlo ensemble. A number of two-center Lennard-Jones (LJ) potential models are investigated to study the impact of the choice of potential models in the description of adsorption behavior. We chose two 2C-LJ potential models in our investigation of the (i) UA-TraPPE-LJ model of Martin and Siepmann for ethane and Wick et al. for ethylene and (ii) AUA4-LJ model of Ungerer et al. for ethane and Bourasseau et al. for ethylene. These models are used to study the adsorption of ethane and ethylene on graphitized thermal carbon black. It is found that the solid-fluid binary interaction parameter is a function of adsorbate and temperature, and the adsorption isotherms and heat of adsorption are well described by both the UA-TraPPE and AUA models, although the UA-TraPPE model performs slightly better. However, the local distributions predicted by these two models are slightly different. These two models are used to explore the two-dimensional condensation for the graphitized thermal carbon black, and these values are 110 K for ethylene and 120 K for ethane.

Nanostructures nucleation in carbon-metal gaseous phase: A molecular dynamics study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galiullina, G. M.; Orekhov, N. D.; Stegailov, V. V.

2018-01-01

We perform nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation of carbon nanoclusters nucleation and early stages of growth from the gaseous phase. We analyze the catalytic effect of iron atoms on the nucleation kinetics and structure of the resultant nanoparticles. Reactive Force Field (ReaxFF) is used in the simulations for the description of bond formation and dissociation during the nucleation process at the nanoscale. The catalytic effect of iron reveals itself even on nanosecond simulation times: iron atoms accelerate the process of clustering but result in less graphitized carbon structures.

Construction and performance evaluation of mediator-less microbial fuel cell using carbon nanotubes as an anode material.

PubMed

Roh, Sung-Hee; Kim, Sun-Il

2012-05-01

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy using the catalytic reaction of microorganisms. We investigated the performance of mediator-less MFC with carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/graphite felt composite electrodes. The addition of CNTs to a graphite felt electrode increases the specific surface area of the electrode and enhances the charge transfer capability so as to cause considerable improvement of the electrochemical activity for the anode reaction in a MFC. The performance of the MFC using CNTs/graphite felt electrode has been compared against a plain graphite felt electrode based MFC. A CNTs/graphite felt electrode showed as high as 15% increase in the power density (252 mW/m2) compared to graphite felt electrode (214 mW/m2). The CNTs/graphite felt anode therefore offers good prospects for application in MFCs.

Shock induced polymorphic transition in quartz, carbon, and boron nitride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tan, Hua; Ahrens, Thomas J.

1990-01-01

The model proposed by Ahrens (1988) to explain the mechanism of the polymorphism in silicates is revised, and the revised model is applied to the quartz/stishovite, graphite/diamond, and graphite-boron nitride (g-BN) phase transformations. In this model, a key assumption is that transformation to a high-density amorphous or possibly liquid phase which rapidly crystallized to the high-pressure phase is triggered by the high temperatures in the shear band and upon crossing the metastable extension of a melting curve. Good agreement between the calcualted results and published data is obtained. The present theory predicts the standard entropy for cubic BN to be 0.4-0.5 J/g K.

DNA Origami Reorganizes upon Interaction with Graphite: Implications for High-Resolution DNA Directed Protein Patterning

PubMed Central

Rahman, Masudur; Neff, David; Green, Nathaniel; Norton, Michael L.

2016-01-01

Although there is a long history of the study of the interaction of DNA with carbon surfaces, limited information exists regarding the interaction of complex DNA-based nanostructures with the important material graphite, which is closely related to graphene. In view of the capacity of DNA to direct the assembly of proteins and optical and electronic nanoparticles, the potential for combining DNA-based materials with graphite, which is an ultra-flat, conductive carbon substrate, requires evaluation. A series of imaging studies utilizing Atomic Force Microscopy has been applied in order to provide a unified picture of this important interaction of structured DNA and graphite. For the test structure examined, we observe a rapid destabilization of the complex DNA origami structure, consistent with a strong interaction of single-stranded DNA with the carbon surface. This destabilizing interaction can be obscured by an intentional or unintentional primary intervening layer of single-stranded DNA. Because the interaction of origami with graphite is not completely dissociative, and because the frustrated, expanded structure is relatively stable over time in solution, it is demonstrated that organized structures of pairs of the model protein streptavidin can be produced on carbon surfaces using DNA origami as the directing material. PMID:28335324

Sensitive Voltammetric Determination of Natural Flavonoid Quercetin on a Disposable Graphite Lead

PubMed Central

Vu, Dai Long; Žabčíková, Simona; Ertek, Bensu; Dilgin, Yusuf

2015-01-01

Summary In this paper, a pencil graphite electrode was pretreated using chronoamperometry technique in phosphate buffer solution (pH=7.0) for sensitive determination of quercetin. Oxidation of quercetin was investigated using pretreated pencil graphite electrode and anodic stripping differential pulse voltammetry. Under optimal conditions, the anodic current of quercetin exhibited linear response to its concentration in the range from 0.001 to 1.5 µmol/L with the limit of detection of 0.3·10–3 µmol/L. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of quercetin in cranberry and blackcurrant juices with recovery rate from 93.2 to 94.7%. Solid-phase extraction was found to be necessary prior to voltammetric determination of quercetin in fruit juice samples using pretreated pencil graphite electrode. PMID:27904372

Mechanically robust, electrically conductive ultralow-density carbon nanotube-based aerogels

DOEpatents

Worsley, Marcus A.; Baumann, Theodore F.; Satcher, Jr., Joe H.

2016-10-04

Disclosed here is a device comprising a porous carbon aerogel or composite thereof as an energy storage material, catalyst support, sensor or adsorbent, wherein the porous carbon aerogel comprises a network of interconnected struts comprising carbon nanotube bundles covalently crosslinked by graphitic carbon nanoparticles, wherein the carbon nanotubes account for 5 to 95 wt. % of the aerogel and the graphitic carbon nanoparticles account for 5 to 95 wt. % of the aerogel, and wherein the aerogel has an electrical conductivity of at least 10 S/m and is capable of withstanding strains of more than 10% before fracture.

Structure and Optical Properties of Carbon Nanoparticles Generated by Laser Treatment of Graphite in Liquids.

PubMed

Tarasenka, Natalie; Stupak, Aleksandr; Tarasenko, Nikolai; Chakrabarti, Supriya; Mariotti, Davide

2017-05-05

In this paper, we report the one-step synthesis of luminescent carbon nanoparticles (NPs) via laser irradiation of a graphite target in a solvent [H 2 O, ethanol, or a 0.008 m aqueous diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) solution]. This is a simple approach for the fabrication of carbon dots with tunable photoluminescence (PL) that differs from other preparation methods, as no post-passivation step is required. The unfocused beam of the second harmonic (wavelength 532 nm) of the Nd:YAG laser was used in our experiments. The sizes of the prepared NPs were mainly distributed in the range of 1-8 nm with an average value of 3 nm. Carbon NPs of different inner structure were prepared: hexagonal diamond phase in aqueous DTPA solution, orthorhombic carbon phase in ethanol, and amorphous carbon in water. The synthesized carbon NPs have strong luminescence in the visible region, which makes them attractive for numerous biological applications. The photoluminescence of the synthesized NPs was investigated at different excitation wavelengths, from 260 to 450 nm. The highest intensities of the emission bands were detected for an excitation wavelength of 400 nm. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Kinetics of the solid-state carbothermic reduction of wessel manganese ores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akdogan, Guven; Eric, R. Hurman

1995-02-01

Reduction of manganese ores from the Wessel mine of South Africa has been investigated in the temperature range 1100 °C to 1350 °C with pure graphite as the reductant under argon atmosphere. The rate and degree of reduction were found to increase with increasing temperature and decreasing particle sizes of both the ore and the graphite. The reduction was found to occur in two stages: (1) The first stage includes the rapid reduction of higher oxides of manganese and iron to MnO and FeO. The rate control appears to be mixed, both inward diffusion of CO and outward diffusion of CO2 across the porous product layer, and the reaction of carbon monoxide on the pore walls of the oxide phase play important roles. The values of effective CO-CO2 diffusivities generated by the mathematical model are in the range from 2.15 x 10-5 to 6.17 X 10-5 cm2.s-1 for different ores at 1300 °C. Apparent activation energies range from 81. 3 to 94.6 kJ/kg/mol. (2) The second stage is slower during which MnO and FeO are reduced to mixed carbide of iron and manganese. The chemical reaction between the manganous oxide and carbon dissolved in the metal phase or metal carbide seems to be the rate-controlling process The rate constant of chemical reaction between MnO and carbide on the surface of the impervious core was found to lie in the range from 1.53 x 10-8 to 1.32 x 10-7 mol . s-1 . cm-2. Apparent activation energies calculated are in the range from 102.1 to 141.7 kJ/kg/mol.

Tunable Graphitic Carbon Nano-Onions Development in Carbon Nanofibers for Multivalent Energy Storage

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

Schwarz, Haiqing L.

2016-01-01

We developed a novel porous graphitic carbon nanofiber material using a synthesis strategy combining electrospinning and catalytic graphitization. RF hydrogel was used as carbon precursors, transition metal ions were successfully introduced into the carbon matrix by binding to the carboxylate groups of a resorcinol derivative. Transition metal particles were homogeneously distributed throughout the carbon matrix, which are used as in-situ catalysts to produce graphitic fullerene-like nanostructures surrounding the metals. The success design of graphitic carbons with enlarged interlayer spacing will enable the multivalent ion intercalation for the development of multivalent rechargeable batteries.

Formation of Reversible Solid Electrolyte Interface on Graphite Surface from Concentrated Electrolytes

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

Lu, Dongping; Tao, Jinhui; Yan, Pengfei

2017-02-10

Interfacial phenomena have always been key determinants for the performance of energy storage technologies. The solid electrolyte interfacial (SEI) layer, pervasive on the surfaces of battery electrodes for numerous chemical couples, directly affects the ion transport, charge transfer and lifespan of the entire energy system. Almost all SEI layers, however, are unstable resulting in the continuous consumption of the electrolyte. Typically, this leads to the accumulation of degradation products on/restructuring of the electrode surface and thus increased cell impedance, which largely limits the long-term operation of the electrochemical reactions. Herein, a completely new SEI formation mechanism has been discovered, inmore » which the electrolyte components reversibly self-assemble into a protective surface coating on a graphite electrode upon changing the potential. In contrast to the established wisdom regarding the necessity of employing the solvent ethylene carbonate (EC) to form a protective SEI layer on graphite, a wide range of EC-free electrolytes are demonstrated for the reversible intercalation/deintercalation of Li+ cations within a graphite lattice, thereby providing tremendous flexibility in electrolyte tailoring for battery couples. This novel finding is broadly applicable and provides guidance for how to control interfacial reactions through the relationship between ion aggregation and solvent decomposition at polarized interfaces.« less

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

PubMed Central

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

2014-01-01

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

Electrochemical and thermal studies of lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Wenquan

The structural, electrochemical, and thermal characteristics of carbonaceous anodes and LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathode in Li-ion cells were investigated using various electrochemical and calorimetric techniques. The electrode-electrolyte interface was investigated for various carbonaceous materials such as graphite with different shapes, surface modified graphite with copper, and novel carbon material derived from sepiolite template. The structural and morphological properties were determined using XRD, TGA, SEM, BET techniques. The electrochemical characteristics were studied using conventional electrochemical techniques such as galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and impedance (AC and DC) methods. It was observed that the electrochemical active surface area instead of the BET area plays a critical role in the irreversible capacity loss associated with the carbonaceous anodes. It was also found that the exfoliation of carbon anodes especially in PC based electrolyte could be significantly reduced by protective copper coating of the natural graphite. LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathode material was found to possess high energy density and excellent cycling characteristics. The structural and electrochemical properties of LiNi0.8Co 0.2O2 synthesized by sol-gel and solid-state methods were studied. Results of the AC impedance spectroscopy carried out on LiNi 0.8Co0.2O2 cathodes revealed that the charge transfer resistance is a function of the state of charge. The solid state Li + diffusion was calculated to be around 10-13 cm2/s in the oxide particle by Warburg impedance method. In addition, the cell fabricated with LiNi0.8Co0.2O 2 cathode showed excellent energy and power performance under static and dynamic load conditions that prevail in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles. Thermal properties of the LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathode, carbonaceous anodes, and Li-ion cells fabricated with these electrodes were also investigated using isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and accelerated rate calorimetry (ARC). Isothermal micro-calorimeter was used to investigate the thermal behavior of the Li-ion cell and its electrodes. The overall heat changes during charge-discharge processes were explained in terms of the irreversible (resistive) and reversible (entropic) heats. It was observed that the reversible heat strongly depends on the structural or phase change occurring in the electrodes during Li-ion insertion and extraction reactions. It was also found that the contribution of the reversible heat to the overall cell heat generation rate was significant only at low cycling rates.

Topological Characterization of Carbon Graphite and Crystal Cubic Carbon Structures.

PubMed

Siddiqui, Wei Gao Muhammad Kamran; Naeem, Muhammad; Rehman, Najma Abdul

2017-09-07

Graph theory is used for modeling, designing, analysis and understanding chemical structures or chemical networks and their properties. The molecular graph is a graph consisting of atoms called vertices and the chemical bond between atoms called edges. In this article, we study the chemical graphs of carbon graphite and crystal structure of cubic carbon. Moreover, we compute and give closed formulas of degree based additive topological indices, namely hyper-Zagreb index, first multiple and second multiple Zagreb indices, and first and second Zagreb polynomials.

Influence of various Activated Carbon based Electrode Materials in the Performance of Super Capacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajay, K. M.; Dinesh, M. N.

2018-02-01

Various activated carbon based electrode materials with different surface areas was prepared on stainless steel based refillable super capacitor model using spin coating. Bio Synthesized Activated Carbon (BSAC), Activated Carbon (AC) and Graphite powder are chosen as electrode materials in this paper. Electrode materials prepared using binder solution which is 6% by wt. polyvinylidene difluoride, 94% by wt. dimethyl fluoride. 3M concentrated KOH solution is used as aqueous electrolyte with PVDF thin film as separator. It is tested for electrochemical characterizations and material characterizations. It is observed that the Specific capacitance of Graphite, Biosynthesized active carbon and Commercially available activated carbon are 16.1F g-1, 53.4F g-1 and 107.6F g-1 respectively at 5mV s-1 scan rate.

Polarization dependence of laser interaction with carbon fibers and CFRP.

PubMed

Freitag, Christian; Weber, Rudolf; Graf, Thomas

2014-01-27

A key factor for laser materials processing is the absorptivity of the material at the laser wavelength, which determines the fraction of the laser energy that is coupled into the material. Based on the Fresnel equations, a theoretical model is used to determine the absorptivity for carbon fiber fabrics and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). The surface of each carbon fiber is considered as multiple layers of concentric cylinders of graphite. With this the optical properties of carbon fibers and their composites can be estimated from the well-known optical properties of graphite.

New insights into canted spiro carbon interstitial in graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

EL-Barbary, A. A.

2017-12-01

The self-interstitial carbon is the key to radiation damage in graphite moderator nuclear reactor, so an understanding of its behavior is essential for plant safety and maximized reactor lifetime. The density functional theory is applied on four different graphite unit cells, starting from of 64 carbon atoms up to 256 carbon atoms, using AIMPRO code to obtain the energetic, athermal and mechanical properties of carbon interstitial in graphite. This study presents first principles calculations of the energy of formation that prove its high barrier to athermal diffusion (1.1 eV) and the consequent large critical shear stress (39 eV-50 eV) necessary to shear graphite planes in its presence. Also, for the first time, the gamma surface of graphite in two dimensions is calculated and found to yield the critical shear stress for perfect graphite. Finally, in contrast to the extensive literature describing the interstitial of carbon in graphite as spiro interstitial, in this work the ground state of interstitial carbon is found to be canted spiro interstitial.

Cold cathode vacuum discharge tube

DOEpatents

Boettcher, G.E.

1998-04-14

A cold cathode vacuum discharge tube, and method for making same, with an interior surface of the trigger probe coated with carbon deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or diamond-like carbon (DLC) deposition are disclosed. Preferably a solid graphite insert is employed in the probe-cathode structure in place of an aluminum bushing employed in the prior art. The CVD or DLC probe face is laser scribed to allow resistance trimming to match available trigger voltage signals and to reduce electrical aging. 14 figs.

Intercalation of Lithium in Pitch-Based Graphitized Carbon Fibers Chemically Modified by Fluorine: Soft Carbon With or Without an Oxide Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hung, Ching-Chen; Prisko, Aniko

1999-01-01

The effects of carbon structure and surface oxygen on the carbon's performance as the anode in lithium-ion battery were studied. Two carbon materials were used for the electrochemical tests: soft carbon made from defluorination of graphite fluoride, and the carbon precursor from which the graphite fluoride was made. In this research the precursor was graphitized carbon fiber P-100. It was first fluorinated to form CF(0.68), then defluorinated slowly at 350 to 450 C in bromoform, and finally heated in 1000 C nitrogen before exposed to room temperature air, producing disordered soft carbon having basic surface oxides. This process caused very little carbon loss. The electrochemical test involved cycles of lithium intercalation and deintercalation using C/saturated LiI-50/50 (vol %) EC and DMC/Li half cell. The cycling test had four major results. (1) The presence of a basic oxide surface may prevent solvent from entering the carbon structure and therefore prolong the carbon's cycle life for lithium intercalation-deintercalation. (2) The disordered soft carbon can store lithium through two different mechanisms. One of them is lithium intercalation. which gives the disordered carbon an electrochemical behavior similar to its more ordered graphitic precursor. The other is unknown in its chemistry, but is responsible for the high-N,oltage portion (less than 0.3V) of the charge-discharge curve. (3) Under certain conditions, the disordered carbon can store more lithium than its precursor. (4) These sample and its precursor can intercalate at 200 mA/g. and deintercalate at a rate of 2000 mA/g without significant capacity loss.

Analysis of triacylglycerols on porous graphitic carbon by high temperature liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Merelli, Bérangère; De Person, Marine; Favetta, Patrick; Lafosse, Michel

2007-07-20

The retention behaviour of several triacylglycerols (TAGs) and fats on Hypercarb, a porous graphitic carbon column (PGC), was investigated in liquid chromatography (LC) under isocratic elution mode with an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). Mixtures of chloroform/isopropanol were selected as mobile phase for a suitable retention time to study the influence of temperature. The retention was different between PGC and non-aqueous reversed phase liquid chromatography (NARP-LC) on octadecyl phase. The retention of TAGs was investigated in the interval 30-70 degrees C. Retention was greatly affected by temperature: it decreases as the column temperature increases. Selectivity of TAGs was also slightly influenced by the temperature. Moreover, this chromatographic method is compatible with a mass spectrometer (MS) detector by using atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI): same fingerprints of cocoa butter and shea butter were obtained with LC-ELSD and LC-APCI-MS. These preliminary results showed that the PGC column could be suitable to separate quickly triacylglycerols in high temperature conditions coupled with ELSD or MS detector.

Porous graphitic carbon nanosheets derived from cornstalk biomass for advanced supercapacitors.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Mu, Guang; Tian, Chungui; Sun, Li; Zhou, Wei; Yu, Peng; Yin, Jie; Fu, Honggang

2013-05-01

Porous graphitic carbon nanosheets (PGCS) are synthesized by an in situ self-generating template strategy based on the carburized effect of iron with cornstalks. Cornstalks firstly coordinate with [Fe(CN)(6)](4-) ions to form the cornstalk-[Fe(CN)(6)](4-) precursor. After carbonization and removal of the catalyst, PGCS are obtained. Series experiments indicate that PGCS can only be formed when using an iron-based catalyst that can generate a carburized phase during the pyrolytic process. The unique structures of PGCS exhibit excellent capacitive performance. The PGCS-1-1100 sample (synthesized from 0.1 M [Fe(CN)(6)](4-) with a carbonization temperature of 1100 °C), which shows excellent electrochemical capacitance (up to 213 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1)), cycling stability, and rate performance in 6 M KOH electrolyte. In the two-electrode symmetric supercapacitors, the maximum energy densities that can be achieved are as high as 9.4 and 61.3 Wh kg(-1) in aqueous and organic electrolytes, respectively. Moreover, high energy densities of 8.3 and 40.6 Wh kg(-1) are achieved at the high power density of 10.5 kW kg(-1) in aqueous and organic electrolytes, respectively. This strategy holds great promise for preparing PGCS from natural resources, including cornstalks, as advanced electrodes in supercapacitors. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of magnetic and electric coupling fields on micro- and nano- structure of carbon films in the CVD diamond process and their electron field emission property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yijia; Li, Jiaxin; Hu, Naixiu; Jiang, Yunlu; Wei, Qiuping; Yu, Zhiming; Long, Hangyu; Zhu, Hekang; Xie, Youneng; Ma, Li; Lin, Cheng-Te; Su, Weitao

2018-03-01

In this paper, both electric field and magnetic field were used to assist the hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) and we systematically investigated the effects of which on the (1) phase composition, (2) grain size, (3) thickness and (4) preferred orientation of diamond films through SEM, Raman and XRD. The application of magnetic field in electric field, so called ‘the magnetic and electric coupling fields’, enhanced the graphitization and refinement of diamond crystals, slowed down the decrease of film thickness along with the increase of bias current, and suppressed diamond (100) orientation. During the deposition process, the electric field provided additional energy to HFCVD system and generated large number of energetic particles which might annihilate at the substrate and lose kinetic energy, while the Lorentz force, provided by magnetic field, could constrict charged particles (including electrons) to do spiral movement, which prolonged their moving path and life, thus the system energy increased. With the graphitization of diamond films intensified, the preferred orientation of diamond films completely evolved from (110) to (100), until the orientation and diamond phase disappeared, which can be attributed to (I) the distribution and concentration ratio of carbon precursors (C2H2 and CH3) and (II) graphitization sequence of diamond crystal facets. Since the electron field emission property of carbon film is sensitive to the phase composition, thickness and preferred orientation, nano- carbon cones, prepared by the negative bias current of 20 mA and magnetic field strength of 80 Gauss, exhibited the lowest turn-on field of 6.1 V -1 μm-1.

New Occurrence of Shocked Graphite Aggregates at Barringer Crater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miura, Y.; Noma, Y.; Iancu, O. G.

1993-07-01

High-pressure carbon minera]s are considered to be formed by solid-solid transformation under static or impact high-pressure condition, but shocked quartz aggregates of impact craters are considered to be formed by quenched accretion of various aggregates by dynamic impact process [1-3]. The main purpose of this study is to elucidate new findings and occurrences of shocked graphite (SG) aggregates [2,3] at the Barringer meteorite crater. The graphite nodule block of Barringer Crater used in this study is collected near the rim. The sample is compared with standard graphite samples of Korea, Madagascar, and artificial impact graphites. There are four different mineral aggregates of the Barringer graphite nodule sample: (1) shocked graphite-1, (2) shocked graphite-2 and hexagonal diamond in the vein, (3) shocked quartz-1 (with kamacite) in the rim, and (4) calcite in the rim (Table 1). X-ray diffraction peaks of shocked graphite reveal low X-ray intensity, high Bragg-angle shift of X-ray diffraction peak, and multiple splitting of X-ray diffraction peaks. X-ray calculated density (rho) has been determined by X-ray diffractometer by the equation of density deviation Delta rho (%) = 100 x {(rho-rho(sub)0)/rho(sub)0}, where standard density rho(sub)0 is 2.255 g/cm^3 in Korean graphite [2,3]. The high-density value of shocked graphite grain obtained in Barringer is Delta rho = +0.6 +/- 0.1%. Shocked hexagonal diamonds (chaoite) show a high value of Delta rho = +0.6 +/- 0.9%. Analytical electron microscopy data reveal three different aggregates in the graphite nodule samples (Table 1): (1) shocked graphite-1 in the matrix, which contains uniformly Fe and Ca elements formed under gas state; (2) shocked graphite-2 in the vein, where crystallized shocked graphites and hexagonal diamonds are surrounded by kamacite-rich metals formed under gas-melt states of mixed compositions from iron meteorite and target rocks; and (3) shocked quartz-1 and kamacite in the rim, where coexisted elements are supplied from kamacite, sandstone, and limestone. The shocked quartz-1 grains with high density contain Fe and Ca elements that are different from the shocked quartz-2 of pure silica [1] formed at the final stage from the Coconino sandstone. (4) Limestone in the rim is attached from Kaibab limestone. The present shocked graphites with high density are the same as artificial fine-grained shocked graphites (Delta rho = +0.7%). Table 1, which appears here in the hard copy, shows formation stages with two shocked graphites in the Barringer Crater. Formation of shocked aggregates with chemical contamination indicate dynamic accretion processes of quenching and depression at impact. The existence of two shocked graphites indicates the two formation stages of the first gas-state and the second gas-melt states with quenching processes. The origin of carbon in the shocked graphites is considered in this study to be from Kaibab limestone. References: [1] Miura Y. (1991) Shock Waves, 1, 35-41. [2] Miura Y. (1992) Proc. Shock Waves (Japan), 2, 54-57. [3] Miura Y. et al. (1993) Symp. NIPR Antarctic Meteorite (Tokyo), in press. [4] Foote A. E. (1891) Am. J. Sci., 42, 413-417. [5] Hannemann R. E. et al. (1967) Science, 155, 995-997.

Graphitic Carbon Nitride Supported Catalysts for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Graphitic carbon nitrides are investigated for developing highly durable Pt electrocatalyst supports for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Three different graphitic carbon nitride materials were synthesized with the aim to address the effect of crystallinity, porosity, and composition on the catalyst support properties: polymeric carbon nitride (gCNM), poly(triazine) imide carbon nitride (PTI/Li+Cl–), and boron-doped graphitic carbon nitride (B-gCNM). Following accelerated corrosion testing, all graphitic carbon nitride materials are found to be more electrochemically stable compared to conventional carbon black (Vulcan XC-72R) with B-gCNM support showing the best stability. For the supported catalysts, Pt/PTI-Li+Cl– catalyst exhibits better durability with only 19% electrochemical surface area (ECSA) loss versus 36% for Pt/Vulcan after 2000 scans. Superior methanol oxidation activity is observed for all graphitic carbon nitride supported Pt catalysts on the basis of the catalyst ECSA. PMID:24748912

Wettability of graphitic-carbon and silicon surfaces: MD modeling and theoretical analysis

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

Ramos-Alvarado, Bladimir; Kumar, Satish; Peterson, G. P.

2015-07-28

The wettability of graphitic carbon and silicon surfaces was numerically and theoretically investigated. A multi-response method has been developed for the analysis of conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of droplets wettability. The contact angle and indicators of the quality of the computations are tracked as a function of the data sets analyzed over time. This method of analysis allows accurate calculations of the contact angle obtained from the MD simulations. Analytical models were also developed for the calculation of the work of adhesion using the mean-field theory, accounting for the interfacial entropy changes. A calibration method is proposed to providemore » better predictions of the respective contact angles under different solid-liquid interaction potentials. Estimations of the binding energy between a water monomer and graphite match those previously reported. In addition, a breakdown in the relationship between the binding energy and the contact angle was observed. The macroscopic contact angles obtained from the MD simulations were found to match those predicted by the mean-field model for graphite under different wettability conditions, as well as the contact angles of Si(100) and Si(111) surfaces. Finally, an assessment of the effect of the Lennard-Jones cutoff radius was conducted to provide guidelines for future comparisons between numerical simulations and analytical models of wettability.« less

Astronomical observations of solid phase carbon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jura, M.

1990-01-01

In the outer envelopes of red giants, when the gas cools sufficiently, molecules and solids form. Thermodynamically, the most stable molecule is CO, and it is usually assumed that all the available carbon and oxygen are consumed in the formation of this molecule (Salpeter 1977). If the carbon abundance is greater than the oxygen abundance, then the carbon left over after the formation of CO is available for solid grains. Because carbon is by far the most abundant species available for making solids in these environments, researchers anticipate that the grains are composed of nearly pure carbon in some form. The observations which can be used to infer the nature of this solid phase carbon are discussed. The observations of the dust around carbon-rich red giants are discussed. These results are then placed into their broader astrophysical context.

Carbide Coatings for Nickel Alloys, Graphite and Carbon/Carbon Composites to be used in Fluoride Salt Valves

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

Nagle, Denis; Zhang, Dajie

2015-10-22

The focus of this research was concerned with developing materials technology that supports the evolution of Generation IV Advanced High Temperature Reactor (AHTR) concepts. Specifically, we investigate refractory carbide coatings for 1) nickel alloys, and 2) commercial carbon-carbon composites (CCCs). Numerous compelling reasons have driven us to focus on carbon and carbide materials. First, unlike metals, the strength and modulus of CCCs increase with rising temperature. Secondly, graphite and carbon composites have been proven effective for resisting highly corrosive fluoride melts such as molten cryolite [Na₃AlF₆] at ~1000°C in aluminum reduction cells. Thirdly, graphite and carbide materials exhibit extraordinary radiationmore » damage tolerance and stability up to 2000°C. Finally, carbides are thermodynamically more stable in liquid fluoride salt than the corresponding metals (i.e. Cr and Zr) found in nickel based alloys.« less

Nanocarbon: Defect Architectures and Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vuong, Amanda

The allotropes of carbon make its solid phases amongst the most diverse of any element. It can occur naturally as graphite and diamond, which have very different properties that make them suitable for a wide range of technological and commercial purposes. Recent developments in synthetic carbon include Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG) and nano-carbons, such as fullerenes, nanotubes and graphene. The main industrial application of bulk graphite is as an electrode material in steel production, but in purified nuclear graphite form, it is also used as a moderator in Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors across the United Kingdom. Both graphene and graphite are damaged over time when subjected to bombardment by electrons, neutrons or ions, and these have a wide range of effects on their physical and electrical properties, depending on the radiation flux and temperature. This research focuses on intrinsic defects in graphene and dimensional change in nuclear graphite. The method used here is computational chemistry, which complements physical experiments. Techniques used comprise of density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD), which are discussed in chapter 2 and chapter 3, respectively. The succeeding chapters describe the results of simulations performed to model defects in graphene and graphite. Chapter 4 presents the results of ab initio DFT calculations performed to investigate vacancy complexes that are formed in AA stacked bilayer graphene. In AB stacking, carbon atoms surrounding the lattice vacancies can form interlayer structures with sp2 bonding that are lower in energy compared to in-plane reconstructions. From the investigation of AA stacking, sp2 interlayer bonding of adjacent multivacancy defects in registry creates a type of stable sp2 bonded wormhole between the layers. Also, a new class of mezzanine structure characterised by sp3 interlayer bonding, resembling a prismatic vacancy loop has also been identified. The mezzanine, which is a V6 hexavacancy variant, where six sp3 carbon atoms sit midway between two carbon layers and bond to both, is substantially more stable than any other vacancy aggregate in AA stacked layers. Chapter 5 presents the results of ab initio DFT calculations performed to investigate the wormhole and mezzanine defect that were identified in chapter 4 and the ramp defect discovered by Trevethan et al.. DFT calculations were performed on these defects in twisted bilayer graphene. From the investigation of vacancy complexes in twisted bilayer graphene, it is found that vacancy complexes are unstable in the twisted region and are more favourable in formation energy when the stacking arrangement is close to AA or AB stacking. It has also been discovered that the ramp defect is more stable in the twisted bilayer graphene compared to the mezzanine defect. Chapter 6 presents the results of ab initio DFT calculations performed to investigate a form of extending defect, prismatic edge dislocation. Suarez-Martinez et al.'s research suggest the armchair core is disconnected from any other layer, whilst the zigzag core is connected. In the investigation here, the curvature of the mezzanine defect allows it to swing between the armchair, zigzag and Klein in the AA stacking. For the AB stacking configuration, the armchair and zigzag core are connected from any other layer. Chapter 7 present results of MD simulations using the adaptive intermolecular reactive empirical bond order (AIREBO) potential to investigate the dimensional change of graphite due to the formation of vacancies present in a single crystal. It has been identified that there is an expansion along the c-axis, whilst a contraction along the a- and b- axes due to the coalescence of vacancy forming in-plane and between the layers. The results here are in good agreement with experimental studies of low temperature irradiation. The final chapter gives conclusions to this work.

Transfer impedance measurements of the space shuttle Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) joints, wire meshes and a carbon graphite motor case

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papazian, Peter B.; Perala, Rodney A.; Curry, John D.; Lankford, Alan B.; Keller, J. David

1988-01-01

Using three different current injection methods and a simple voltage probe, transfer impedances for Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) joints, wire meshes, aluminum foil, Thorstrand and a graphite composite motor case were measured. In all cases, the surface current distribution for the particular current injection device was calculated analytically or by finite difference methods. The results of these calculations were used to generate a geometric factor which was the ratio of total injected current to surface current density. The results were validated in several ways. For wire mesh measurements, results showed good agreement with calculated results for a 14 by 18 Al screen. SRM joint impedances were independently verified. The filiment wound case measurement results were validated only to the extent that their curve shape agrees with the expected form of transfer impedance for a homogeneous slab excited by a plane wave source.

Theoretical and computer models of detonation in solid explosives

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

Tarver, C.M.; Urtiew, P.A.

1997-10-01

Recent experimental and theoretical advances in understanding energy transfer and chemical kinetics have led to improved models of detonation waves in solid explosives. The Nonequilibrium Zeldovich - von Neumann - Doring (NEZND) model is supported by picosecond laser experiments and molecular dynamics simulations of the multiphonon up-pumping and internal vibrational energy redistribution (IVR) processes by which the unreacted explosive molecules are excited to the transition state(s) preceding reaction behind the leading shock front(s). High temperature, high density transition state theory calculates the induction times measured by laser interferometric techniques. Exothermic chain reactions form product gases in highly excited vibrational states,more » which have been demonstrated to rapidly equilibrate via supercollisions. Embedded gauge and Fabry-Perot techniques measure the rates of reaction product expansion as thermal and chemical equilibrium is approached. Detonation reaction zone lengths in carbon-rich condensed phase explosives depend on the relatively slow formation of solid graphite or diamond. The Ignition and Growth reactive flow model based on pressure dependent reaction rates and Jones-Wilkins-Lee (JWL) equations of state has reproduced this nanosecond time resolved experimental data and thus has yielded accurate average reaction zone descriptions in one-, two- and three- dimensional hydrodynamic code calculations. The next generation reactive flow model requires improved equations of state and temperature dependent chemical kinetics. Such a model is being developed for the ALE3D hydrodynamic code, in which heat transfer and Arrhenius kinetics are intimately linked to the hydrodynamics.« less

KSC-2014-2127

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-11

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, arrives at the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the Delta II rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to the rocket's first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

KSC-2014-2126

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-11

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, is towed to Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the Delta II rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to the rocket's first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

KSC-2014-2140

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-11

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A second solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, is towed to Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the Delta II rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to the rocket's first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

Ultrahigh Surface Area Three-Dimensional Porous Graphitic Carbon from Conjugated Polymeric Molecular Framework

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Porous graphitic carbon is essential for many applications such as energy storage devices, catalysts, and sorbents. However, current graphitic carbons are limited by low conductivity, low surface area, and ineffective pore structure. Here we report a scalable synthesis of porous graphitic carbons using a conjugated polymeric molecular framework as precursor. The multivalent cross-linker and rigid conjugated framework help to maintain micro- and mesoporous structures, while promoting graphitization during carbonization and chemical activation. The above unique design results in a class of highly graphitic carbons at temperature as low as 800 °C with record-high surface area (4073 m2 g–1), large pore volume (2.26 cm–3), and hierarchical pore architecture. Such carbons simultaneously exhibit electrical conductivity >3 times more than activated carbons, very high electrochemical activity at high mass loading, and high stability, as demonstrated by supercapacitors and lithium–sulfur batteries with excellent performance. Moreover, the synthesis can be readily tuned to make a broad range of graphitic carbons with desired structures and compositions for many applications. PMID:27162953

Ultrahigh Surface Area Three-Dimensional Porous Graphitic Carbon from Conjugated Polymeric Molecular Framework

DOE PAGES

To, John W. F.; Chen, Zheng; Yao, Hongbin; ...

2015-05-18

Porous graphitic carbon is essential for many applications such as energy storage devices, catalysts, and sorbents. However, current graphitic carbons are limited by low conductivity, low surface area, and ineffective pore structure. Here we report a scalable synthesis of porous graphitic carbons using a conjugated polymeric molecular framework as precursor. The multivalent cross-linker and rigid conjugated framework help to maintain micro- and mesoporous structures, while promoting graphitization during carbonization and chemical activation. The above unique design results in a class of highly graphitic carbons at temperature as low as 800 °C with record-high surface area (4073 m 2 g –1),more » large pore volume (2.26 cm –3), and hierarchical pore architecture. Such carbons simultaneously exhibit electrical conductivity >3 times more than activated carbons, very high electrochemical activity at high mass loading, and high stability, as demonstrated by supercapacitors and lithium–sulfur batteries with excellent performance. Moreover, the synthesis can be readily tuned to make a broad range of graphitic carbons with desired structures and compositions for many applications.« less

Synthesis, physical and chemical properties, and potential applications of graphite fluoride fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hung, Ching-Cheh; Long, Martin; Stahl, Mark

1987-01-01

Graphite fluoride fibers can be produced by fluorinating pristine or intercalated graphite fibers. The higher the degree of graphitization of the fibers, the higher the temperature needed to reach the same degree of fluorination. Pitched based fibers were fluorinated to flourine-to-carbon atom rations between 0 and 1. The graphite fluoride fibers with a fluorine-to-carbon atom ration near 1 have extensive visible structural damage. On the other hand, fluorination of fibers pretreated with bromine or fluorine and bromine result in fibers with a fluorine-to-carbon atom ratio nearly equal to 0.5 with no visible structural damage. The electrical resistivity of the fibers is dependent upon the fluorine to carbon atom ratio and ranged from .01 to 10 to the 11th ohm/cm. The thermal conductivity of these fibers ranged from 5 to 73 W/m-k, which is much larger than the thermal conductivity of glass, which is the regular filler in epoxy composites. If graphite fluoride fibers are used as a filler in epoxy or PTFE, the resulting composite may be a high thermal conductivity material with an electrical resistivity in either the insulator or semiconductor range. The electrically insulating product may provide heat transfer with lower temperature gradients than many current electrical insulators. Potential applications are presented.

Surface modification by carbon ion implantation for the application of ni-based amorphous alloys as bipolar plate in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Min-Uk; Kim, Do-Hyang; Han, Seung-hee; Fleury, Eric; Seok, Hyun-Kwang; Cha, Pil-Ryung; Kim, Yu-Chan

2011-04-01

Ni-based amorphous alloys with surface modification by carbon ion implantation are proposed as an alternative bipolar plate material for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Both Ni60Nb20Ti10Zr10 alloys with and without carbon ion implantation have corrosion resistance as good as graphite as well as much lower contact resistance than 316L stainless steel in the PEMFC environment. The formation of conductive surface carbide due to carbon ion implantation results in a decrease in the contact resistance to a level comparable to that of graphite. This combination of excellent properties indicates that carbon ion implanted Ni-based amorphous alloys can be potential candidate materials for bipolar plates in PEMFCs.

Radiation damage and thermal shock response of carbon-fiber-reinforced materials to intense high-energy proton beams

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

Simos, N.; Zhong, Z.; Ghose, S.

Here, a comprehensive study on the effects of energetic protons on carbon-fiber composites and compounds under consideration for use as low-Z pion production targets in future high-power accelerators and low-impedance collimating elements for intercepting TeV-level protons at the Large Hadron Collider has been undertaken addressing two key areas, namely, thermal shock absorption and resistance to irradiation damage. Carbon-fiber composites of various fiber weaves have been widely used in aerospace industries due to their unique combination of high temperature stability, low density, and high strength. The performance of carbon-carbon composites and compounds under intense proton beams and long-term irradiation have beenmore » studied in a series of experiments and compared with the performance of graphite. The 24-GeV proton beam experiments confirmed the inherent ability of a 3D C/C fiber composite to withstand a thermal shock. A series of irradiation damage campaigns explored the response of different C/C structures as a function of the proton fluence and irradiating environment. Radiolytic oxidation resulting from the interaction of oxygen molecules, the result of beam-induced radiolysis encountered during some of the irradiation campaigns, with carbon atoms during irradiation with the presence of a water coolant emerged as a dominant contributor to the observed structural integrity loss at proton fluences ≥5×10 20 p/cm 2. The carbon-fiber composites were shown to exhibit significant anisotropy in their dimensional stability driven by the fiber weave and the microstructural behavior of the fiber and carbon matrix accompanied by the presence of manufacturing porosity and defects. Carbon-fiber-reinforced molybdenum-graphite compounds (MoGRCF) selected for their impedance properties in the Large Hadron Collider beam collimation exhibited significant decrease in postirradiation load-displacement behavior even after low dose levels (~5×10 18 p cm -2). In addition, the studied MoGRCF compound grade suffered a high degree of structural degradation while being irradiated in a vacuum after a fluence ~5×10 20 p cm -2. Finally, x-ray diffraction studies on irradiated C/C composites and a carbon-fiber-reinforced Mo-graphite compound revealed (a) low graphitization in the “as-received” 3D C/C and high graphitization in the MoGRCF compound, (b) irradiation-induced graphitization of the least crystallized phases in the carbon fibers of the 2D and 3D C/C composites, (c) increased interplanar distances along the c axis of the graphite crystal with increasing fluence, and (d) coalescence of interstitial clusters after irradiation forming new crystalline planes between basal planes and excellent agreement with fast neutron irradiation effects.« less

Radiation damage and thermal shock response of carbon-fiber-reinforced materials to intense high-energy proton beams

DOE PAGES

Simos, N.; Zhong, Z.; Ghose, S.; ...

2016-11-16

Here, a comprehensive study on the effects of energetic protons on carbon-fiber composites and compounds under consideration for use as low-Z pion production targets in future high-power accelerators and low-impedance collimating elements for intercepting TeV-level protons at the Large Hadron Collider has been undertaken addressing two key areas, namely, thermal shock absorption and resistance to irradiation damage. Carbon-fiber composites of various fiber weaves have been widely used in aerospace industries due to their unique combination of high temperature stability, low density, and high strength. The performance of carbon-carbon composites and compounds under intense proton beams and long-term irradiation have beenmore » studied in a series of experiments and compared with the performance of graphite. The 24-GeV proton beam experiments confirmed the inherent ability of a 3D C/C fiber composite to withstand a thermal shock. A series of irradiation damage campaigns explored the response of different C/C structures as a function of the proton fluence and irradiating environment. Radiolytic oxidation resulting from the interaction of oxygen molecules, the result of beam-induced radiolysis encountered during some of the irradiation campaigns, with carbon atoms during irradiation with the presence of a water coolant emerged as a dominant contributor to the observed structural integrity loss at proton fluences ≥5×10 20 p/cm 2. The carbon-fiber composites were shown to exhibit significant anisotropy in their dimensional stability driven by the fiber weave and the microstructural behavior of the fiber and carbon matrix accompanied by the presence of manufacturing porosity and defects. Carbon-fiber-reinforced molybdenum-graphite compounds (MoGRCF) selected for their impedance properties in the Large Hadron Collider beam collimation exhibited significant decrease in postirradiation load-displacement behavior even after low dose levels (~5×10 18 p cm -2). In addition, the studied MoGRCF compound grade suffered a high degree of structural degradation while being irradiated in a vacuum after a fluence ~5×10 20 p cm -2. Finally, x-ray diffraction studies on irradiated C/C composites and a carbon-fiber-reinforced Mo-graphite compound revealed (a) low graphitization in the “as-received” 3D C/C and high graphitization in the MoGRCF compound, (b) irradiation-induced graphitization of the least crystallized phases in the carbon fibers of the 2D and 3D C/C composites, (c) increased interplanar distances along the c axis of the graphite crystal with increasing fluence, and (d) coalescence of interstitial clusters after irradiation forming new crystalline planes between basal planes and excellent agreement with fast neutron irradiation effects.« less

Radiation damage and thermal shock response of carbon-fiber-reinforced materials to intense high-energy proton beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simos, N.; Zhong, Z.; Ghose, S.; Kirk, H. G.; Trung, L.-P.; McDonald, K. T.; Kotsina, Z.; Nocera, P.; Assmann, R.; Redaelli, S.; Bertarelli, A.; Quaranta, E.; Rossi, A.; Zwaska, R.; Ammigan, K.; Hurh, P.; Mokhov, N.

2016-11-01

A comprehensive study on the effects of energetic protons on carbon-fiber composites and compounds under consideration for use as low-Z pion production targets in future high-power accelerators and low-impedance collimating elements for intercepting TeV-level protons at the Large Hadron Collider has been undertaken addressing two key areas, namely, thermal shock absorption and resistance to irradiation damage. Carbon-fiber composites of various fiber weaves have been widely used in aerospace industries due to their unique combination of high temperature stability, low density, and high strength. The performance of carbon-carbon composites and compounds under intense proton beams and long-term irradiation have been studied in a series of experiments and compared with the performance of graphite. The 24-GeV proton beam experiments confirmed the inherent ability of a 3D C/C fiber composite to withstand a thermal shock. A series of irradiation damage campaigns explored the response of different C/C structures as a function of the proton fluence and irradiating environment. Radiolytic oxidation resulting from the interaction of oxygen molecules, the result of beam-induced radiolysis encountered during some of the irradiation campaigns, with carbon atoms during irradiation with the presence of a water coolant emerged as a dominant contributor to the observed structural integrity loss at proton fluences ≥5 ×1020 p /cm2 . The carbon-fiber composites were shown to exhibit significant anisotropy in their dimensional stability driven by the fiber weave and the microstructural behavior of the fiber and carbon matrix accompanied by the presence of manufacturing porosity and defects. Carbon-fiber-reinforced molybdenum-graphite compounds (MoGRCF) selected for their impedance properties in the Large Hadron Collider beam collimation exhibited significant decrease in postirradiation load-displacement behavior even after low dose levels (˜5 ×1018 p cm-2 ). In addition, the studied MoGRCF compound grade suffered a high degree of structural degradation while being irradiated in a vacuum after a fluence ˜5 ×1020 p cm-2 . Finally, x-ray diffraction studies on irradiated C/C composites and a carbon-fiber-reinforced Mo-graphite compound revealed (a) low graphitization in the "as-received" 3D C/C and high graphitization in the MoGRCF compound, (b) irradiation-induced graphitization of the least crystallized phases in the carbon fibers of the 2D and 3D C/C composites, (c) increased interplanar distances along the c axis of the graphite crystal with increasing fluence, and (d) coalescence of interstitial clusters after irradiation forming new crystalline planes between basal planes and excellent agreement with fast neutron irradiation effects.

Magnetic dummy molecularly imprinted polymers based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for rapid selective solid-phase extraction of 4-nonylphenol in aqueous samples.

PubMed

Rao, Wei; Cai, Rong; Yin, Yuli; Long, Fang; Zhang, Zhaohui

2014-10-01

In this paper, a highly selective sample clean-up procedure combining magnetic dummy molecular imprinting with solid-phase extraction was developed for rapid separation and determination of 4-nonylphenol (NP) in the environmental water samples. The magnetic dummy molecularly imprinted polymers (mag-DMIPs) based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes were successfully synthesized with a surface molecular imprinting technique using 4-tert-octylphenol as the dummy template and tetraethylorthosilicate as the cross-linker. The maximum adsorption capacity of the mag-DMIPs for NP was 52.4 mg g(-1) and it took about 20 min to achieve the adsorption equilibrium. The mag-DMIPs exhibited the specific selective adsorption toward NP. Coupled with high performance liquid chromatography analysis, the mag-DMIPs were used to extract solid-phase and detect NP in real water samples successfully with the recoveries of 88.6-98.1%. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation of graphene by electrical explosion of graphite sticks.

PubMed

Gao, Xin; Xu, Chunxiao; Yin, Hao; Wang, Xiaoguang; Song, Qiuzhi; Chen, Pengwan

2017-08-03

Graphene nanosheets were produced by electrical explosion of high-purity graphite sticks in distilled water at room temperature. The as-prepared samples were characterized by various techniques to find different forms of carbon phases, including graphite nanosheets, few-layer graphene, and especially, mono-layer graphene with good crystallinity. Delicate control of energy injection is critical for graphene nanosheet formation, whereas mono-layer graphene was produced under the charging voltage of 22.5-23.5 kV. On the basis of electrical wire explosion and our experimental results, the underlying mechanism that governs the graphene generation was carefully illustrated. This work provides a simple but innovative route for producing graphene nanosheets.

Catalytic Graphitization for Preparation of Porous Carbon Material Derived from Bamboo Precursor and Performance as Electrode of Electrical Double-Layer Capacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsubota, Toshiki; Maguchi, Yuta; Kamimura, Sunao; Ohno, Teruhisa; Yasuoka, Takehiro; Nishida, Haruo

2015-12-01

The combination of addition of Fe (as a catalyst for graphitization) and CO2 activation (a kind of gaseous activation) was applied to prepare a porous carbon material from bamboo powder (a waste product of superheated steam treatment). Regardless of the heat treatment temperature, many macropores were successfully formed after the heating process by removal of Fe compounds. A turbostratic carbon structure was generated in the Fe-added sample heated at 850°C. It was confirmed that the added Fe acted as a template for pore formation. Moreover, it was confirmed that the added Fe acted as a catalyst for graphitization. The resulting electrochemical performance as the electrode of an electrical double-layer capacitor, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and charge-discharge testing, could be explained based on the graphitization and activation effects. Addition of Fe could affect the electrical properties of carbon material derived from bamboo.

Thermal desorption of formamide and methylamine from graphite and amorphous water ice surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaabouni, H.; Diana, S.; Nguyen, T.; Dulieu, F.

2018-04-01

Context. Formamide (NH2CHO) and methylamine (CH3NH2) are known to be the most abundant amine-containing molecules in many astrophysical environments. The presence of these molecules in the gas phase may result from thermal desorption of interstellar ices. Aims: The aim of this work is to determine the values of the desorption energies of formamide and methylamine from analogues of interstellar dust grain surfaces and to understand their interaction with water ice. Methods: Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments of formamide and methylamine ices were performed in the sub-monolayer and monolayer regimes on graphite (HOPG) and non-porous amorphous solid water (np-ASW) ice surfaces at temperatures 40-240 K. The desorption energy distributions of these two molecules were calculated from TPD measurements using a set of independent Polanyi-Wigner equations. Results: The maximum of the desorption of formamide from both graphite and ASW ice surfaces occurs at 176 K after the desorption of H2O molecules, whereas the desorption profile of methylamine depends strongly on the substrate. Solid methylamine starts to desorb below 100 K from the graphite surface. Its desorption from the water ice surface occurs after 120 K and stops during the water ice sublimation around 150 K. It continues to desorb from the graphite surface at temperatures higher than160 K. Conclusions: More than 95% of solid NH2CHO diffuses through the np-ASW ice surface towards the graphitic substrate and is released into the gas phase with a desorption energy distribution Edes = 7460-9380 K, which is measured with the best-fit pre-exponential factor A = 1018 s-1. However, the desorption energy distribution of methylamine from the np-ASW ice surface (Edes = 3850-8420 K) is measured with the best-fit pre-exponential factor A = 1012 s-1. A fraction of solid methylamine monolayer of roughly 0.15 diffuses through the water ice surface towards the HOPG substrate. This small amount of methylamine desorbs later with higher binding energies (5050-8420 K) that exceed that of the crystalline water ice (Edes = 4930 K), which is calculated with the same pre-exponential factor A = 1012 s-1. The best wetting ability of methylamine compared to H2O molecules makes CH3NH2 molecules a refractory species for low coverage. Other binding energies of astrophysical relevant molecules are gathered and compared, but we could not link the chemical functional groups (amino, methyl, hydroxyl, and carbonyl) with the binding energy properties. Implications of these high binding energies are discussed.

Applying the Coupled-Cluster Ansatz to Solids and Surfaces in the Thermodynamic Limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruber, Thomas; Liao, Ke; Tsatsoulis, Theodoros; Hummel, Felix; Grüneis, Andreas

2018-04-01

Modern electronic structure theories can predict and simulate a wealth of phenomena in surface science and solid-state physics. In order to allow for a direct comparison with experiment, such ab initio predictions have to be made in the thermodynamic limit, substantially increasing the computational cost of many-electron wave-function theories. Here, we present a method that achieves thermodynamic limit results for solids and surfaces using the "gold standard" coupled cluster ansatz of quantum chemistry with unprecedented efficiency. We study the energy difference between carbon diamond and graphite crystals, adsorption energies of water on h -BN, as well as the cohesive energy of the Ne solid, demonstrating the increased efficiency and accuracy of coupled cluster theory for solids and surfaces.

Quenchable compressed graphite synthesized from neutron-irradiated highly oriented pyrolytic graphite in high pressure treatment at 1500 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niwase, Keisuke; Terasawa, Mititaka; Honda, Shin-ichi; Niibe, Masahito; Hisakuni, Tomohiko; Iwata, Tadao; Higo, Yuji; Hirai, Takeshi; Shinmei, Toru; Ohfuji, Hiroaki; Irifune, Tetsuo

2018-04-01

The super hard material of "compressed graphite" (CG) has been reported to be formed under compression of graphite at room temperature. However, it returns to graphite under decompression. Neutron-irradiated graphite, on the other hand, is a unique material for the synthesis of a new carbon phase, as reported by the formation of an amorphous diamond by shock compression. Here, we investigate the change of structure of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) irradiated with neutrons to a fluence of 1.4 × 1024 n/m2 under static pressure. The neutron-irradiated HOPG sample was compressed to 15 GPa at room temperature and then the temperature was increased up to 1500 °C. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy on the recovered sample clearly showed the formation of a significant amount of quenchable-CG with ordinary graphite. Formation of hexagonal and cubic diamonds was also confirmed. The effect of irradiation-induced defects on the synthesis of quenchable-CG under high pressure and high temperature treatment was discussed.

The effect of carbon crystal structure on treat reactor physics calculations

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

Swanson, R.W.; Harrison, L.J.

1988-01-01

The Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) at Argonne National Laboratory-West (ANL-W) is fueled with urania in a graphite and carbon mixture. This fuel was fabricated from a mixture of graphite flour, thermax (a thermatomic carbon produced by ''cracking'' natural gas), coal-tar resin and U/sub 3/O/sub 8/. During the fabrication process, the fuel was baked to dissociate the resin, but the high temperature necessary to graphitize the carbon in the thermax and in the resin was avoided. Therefore, the carbon crystal structure is a complex mixture of graphite particles in a nongraphitized elemental carbon matrix. Results of calculations using macroscopic carbonmore » cross sections obtained by mixing bound-kernel graphite cross sections for the graphitized carbon and free-gas carbon cross sections for the remainder of the carbon and calculations using only bound-kernel graphite cross sections are compared to experimental data. It is shown that the use of the hybridized cross sections which reflect the allotropic mixture of the carbon in the TREAT fuel results in a significant improvement in the accuracy of calculated neutronics parameters for the TREAT reactor. 6 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Methane Decomposition and Carbon Growth on Y2O3, Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia, and ZrO2

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Carbon deposition following thermal methane decomposition under dry and steam reforming conditions has been studied on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), Y2O3, and ZrO2 by a range of different chemical, structural, and spectroscopic characterization techniques, including aberration-corrected electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electric impedance spectroscopy, and volumetric adsorption techniques. Concordantly, all experimental techniques reveal the formation of a conducting layer of disordered nanocrystalline graphite covering the individual grains of the respective pure oxides after treatment in dry methane at temperatures T ≥ 1000 K. In addition, treatment under moist methane conditions causes additional formation of carbon-nanotube-like architectures by partial detachment of the graphite layers. All experiments show that during carbon growth, no substantial reduction of any of the oxides takes place. Our results, therefore, indicate that these pure oxides can act as efficient nonmetallic substrates for methane-induced growth of different carbon species with potentially important implications regarding their use in solid oxide fuel cells. Moreover, by comparing the three oxides, we could elucidate differences in the methane reactivities of the respective SOFC-relevant purely oxidic surfaces under typical SOFC operation conditions without the presence of metallic constituents. PMID:24587591

Modelling of ceramide interactions with porous graphite carbon in non-aqueous liquid chromatography.

PubMed

West, C; Cilpa, G; Gaudin, K; Chaminade, P; Lesellier, E

2005-09-16

Interactions of solutes on porous graphitic carbon (PGC) with non-aqueous mobile phases are studied by the linear solvation energy relationship (LSER). Studies have been carried out with eight binary mixtures composed of a weak solvent (acetonitrile or methanol) and a strong solvent (tetrahydrofuran, n-butanol, CH2Cl2, 1,1,2-trichloro-2,2,1-trifluoroethane). The systematic analysis of a set of test compounds was performed for each solvent mixture in isocratic mode (50:50). The results were compared to those obtained on PGC with hydro-organic liquids and supercritical fluids. They were then correlated with the observed retention behaviour of lipid compounds, more particularly ceramides.

Experimental determination of dissolved CO2 content in nominally anhydrous andesitic melts at graphite/diamond saturation - Remobilization of deeply subducted reduced carbon via partial melts of MORB-like eclogite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eguchi, J.; Dasgupta, R.

2015-12-01

Experimental phase relations of carbonated lithologies [1] and geochemistry of deep diamonds [2] suggest that deep recycling of carbon has likely been efficient for a significant portion of Earth's history. Both carbonates and organic carbon subduct into the mantle, but with gradual decrease of fO2 with depth [3] most carbon in deep mantle rocks including eclogite could be diamond/graphite [4]. Previous studies investigated the transfer of CO2 from subducted eclogite to the ambient mantle by partial melting in the presence of carbonates, i.e., by generation of carbonate-rich melts [5]. However, the transfer of carbon from subducted eclogite to the mantle can also happen, perhaps more commonly, by extraction of silicate partial melt in the presence of reduced carbon; yet, CO2 solubility in eclogite-derived andesitic melt at graphite/diamond saturation remains unconstrained. CO2content of eclogite melts is also critical as geochemistry of many ocean island basalts suggest the presence of C and eclogite in their source regions [6]. In the present study we determine CO2 concentration in a model andesitic melt [7] at graphite/diamond saturation at conditions relevant for partial melting of eclogite in the convecting upper mantle. Piston cylinder and multi anvil experiments were conducted at 1-6 GPa and 1375-1550 °C using Pt/Gr double capsules. Oxygen fugacity was monitored with Pt-Fe sensors in the starting mix. Completed experiments at 1-3 GPa show that CO2 concentration increases with increasing P, T, and fO2 up to ~0.3 wt%. Results were used to develop empirical and thermodynamic models to predict CO2 concentration in partial melts of graphite saturated eclogite. This allowed us to quantify the extent to which CO2 can mobilize from eclogitic heterogeneities at graphite/diamond saturated conditions. With estimates of eclogite contribution to erupted basaltic lavas, the models developed here allow us to put constraints on the flux of CO2 to mantle source regions coming from subducted crust and investigate the possible role this process may play in the deep carbon cycle. [1] Dasgupta (2013) RiMG. [2] Shirey, et al. (2013) RiMG. [3] Frost & McCammon (2008) Ann Rev Earth Plan Sci. [4] Stagno, et al. (2015) CMP. [5] Kiseeva, et al. (2012) JPet. [6] Mallik & Dasgupta (2014) G3. [7] Spandler, et al. (2008) JPet.

A Raman Study of Carbonates and Organic Contents in Five CM Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Q. H. S.; Zolensky, M. E.; Bodnar, R. J.; Farley, C.; Cheung, J. C. H.

2016-01-01

Carbonates comprise the second most abundant class of carbon-bearing phases in carbonaceous chondrites after organic matter (approximately 2 wt.%), followed by other C-bearing phases such as diamond, silicon carbide, and graphite. Therefore, understanding the abundances of carbonates and the associated organic matter provide critical insight into the genesis of major carbonaceous components in chondritic materials. Carbonates in CM chondrites mostly occur as calcite (of varying composition) and dolomite. Properly performed, Raman spectroscopy provides a non-destructive technique for characterizing meteorite mineralogy and organic chemistry. It is sensitive to many carbonaceous phases, allows the differentiation of organic from inorganic materials, and the interpretation of their spatial distribution. Here, with the use of Raman spectroscopy, we determine the structure of the insoluble organic matter (IOM) in the matrix and carbonate phases in five CM chondrites: Jbilet Winselwan, Murchison, Nogoya, Santa Cruz, and Wisconsin Range (WIS) 91600, and interpret the relative timing of carbonate precipitation and the extent of the associated alteration events.

Making Diamond in the Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strong, Herbert

1975-01-01

Discusses the graphite to diamond transformation and a phase diagram for carbon. Describes high temperature-higher pressure experimental apparatus and growth of diamonds from seed crystals. Reviews properties of the diamond which suggest uses for the synthetic product. Illustrations with text. (GH)

Integral throat entrance development, qualification and production for the Antares 3 nozzle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clayton, F. I.; Dirling, R. B.; Eitman, D. A.; Loomis, W. C.

1982-01-01

Although design analyses of a G-90 graphite integral throat entrance for the Antares 3 solid rocket motor nozzle indicated acceptable margins of safety, the nozzle throat insert suffered a thermostructural failure during the first development firing. Subsequent re-analysis using properties measured on material from the same billet as the nozzle throat insert showed negative margins. Carbon-carbon was investigated and found to result in large positive margins of safety. The G-90 graphite was replaced by SAI fast processed 4-D material which uses Hercules HM 10000 fiber as the reinforcement. Its construction allows powder filling of the interstices after preform fabrication which accelerates the densification process. Allied 15V coal tar pitch is then used to complete densification. The properties were extensively characterized on this material and six nozzles were subjected to demonstration, development and qualification firings.

Wear and Friction Behavior of Metal Impregnated Microporous Carbon Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goller, Gultekin; Koty, D. P.; Tewari, S. N.; Singh, M.; Tekin, A.

1996-01-01

Metal-matrix composites have been prepared by pressure-infiltration casting of copper-base alloy melts into microporous carbon preforms. The carbon preforms contained varying proportions of amorphous carbon and graphite. Load dependence of the wear and friction behavior of the composite pins has been examined under ambient conditions against cast-iron plates, using a pin-on-plate reciprocating wear tester. The wear resistance of the composite is significantly improved, as compared with the base alloy. Contrary to the normally expected behavior, the addition of graphite to the amorphous carbon does not reduce the friction coefficient, especially at high loads. The wear and friction behavior of the composites is very sensitive to the size and distribution of the microstructural constituents.

Sensitivity enhancement for nitrophenols using cationic surfactant-modified activated carbon for solid-phase extraction surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Chen, Y C; Tsai, M F

2000-01-01

Previous work has demonstrated that a combination of solid-phase extraction with surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization (SPE-SALDI) mass spectrometry can be applied to the determination of trace nitrophenols in water. An improved method to lower the detection limit of this hyphenated technique is described in this present study. Activated carbon powder is used as both the SPE adsorbent and the SALDI solid in the analysis by SPE-SALDI. The surface of the activated carbon is modified by passing an aqueous solution of a cationic surfactant through the SPE cartridge. The results demonstrate that the sensitivity for nitrophenols in the analysis by SPE-SALDI can be improved by using cationic surfactants to modify the surface of the activated carbon. The detection limit for nitrophenols is about 25 ppt based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 by sampling from 100 mL of solution. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Novel materials for electrochemical power sources—introduction of PUREBLACK ® Carbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barsukov, Igor V.; Gallego, Maritza A.; Doninger, Joseph E.

Graphitization heat treatment of a precursor carbon black was seen to effectively produce a wide variety of forms of partially graphitized nano-sized carbonaceous materials with a set of unique properties, some of which are reported in this paper in comparison with those properties of the precursor carbon material. These novel materials were given the name of PUREBLACK ® Carbons. Among some of the unique properties are: higher conductivity than that of acetylene type carbon blacks due to PUREBLACK ® Carbon's particles having more graphitic structure; very low to zero volatile content (external oxygen, sulfur, etc., groups, which are often believed to be the cause of initiation of self-discharge reactions in batteries); very low equilibrium moisture pickup (20 ppm level), which makes it particularly attractive in lithium metal or lithium-ion based electrochemical systems; high purity. Electrochemical testing of the newly proposed PUREBLACK ® Carbons in several battery systems offers significant promise that it presents a viable solution to the needs of industry.

Regularities of the sorption of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives under conditions of reversed phase HPLC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nekrasova, N. A.; Kurbatova, S. V.; Zemtsova, M. N.

2016-12-01

Regularities of the sorption of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives on octadecylsilyl silica gel and porous graphitic carbon from aqueous acetonitrile solutions were investigated. The effect the molecular structure and physicochemical parameters of the sorbates have on their retention characteristics under conditions of reversed phase HPLC are analyzed.

Solid-phase electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide films in alkaline solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basirun, Wan J.; Sookhakian, Mehran; Baradaran, Saeid; Mahmoudian, Mohammad R.; Ebadi, Mehdi

2013-09-01

Graphene oxide (GO) film was evaporated onto graphite and used as an electrode to produce electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) films by electrochemical reduction in 6 M KOH solution through voltammetric cycling. Fourier transformed infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of ERGO. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterization of ERGO and GO films in ferrocyanide/ferricyanide redox couple with 0.1 M KCl supporting electrolyte gave results that are in accordance with previous reports. Based on the EIS results, ERGO shows higher capacitance and lower charge transfer resistance compared to GO.

CMB-13 research on carbon and graphite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, M. C.

1972-01-01

Preliminary results of the research on carbon and graphite accomplished during this report period are presented. Included are: particle characteristics of Santa Maria fillers, compositions and density data for hot-molded Santa Maria graphites, properties of hot-molded Santa Maria graphites, and properties of hot-molded anisotropic graphites. Ablation-resistant graphites are also discussed.

First-principles determination of the Raman fingerprint of rhombohedral graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torche, Abderrezak; Mauri, Francesco; Charlier, Jean-Christophe; Calandra, Matteo

2017-09-01

Multilayer graphene with rhombohedral stacking is a promising carbon phase possibly displaying correlated states like magnetism or superconductivity due to the occurrence of a flat surface band at the Fermi level. Recently, flakes of thickness up to 17 layers were tentatively attributed to ABC sequences although the Raman fingerprint of rhombohedral multilayer graphene is currently unknown and the 2D resonant Raman spectrum of Bernal graphite is not understood. We provide a first principles description of the 2D Raman peak in three and four layers graphene (all stackings) as well as in Bernal, rhombohedral, and an alternation of Bernal and rhombohedral graphite. We give practical prescriptions to identify long range sequences of ABC multilayer graphene. Our work is a prerequisite to experimental nondestructive identification and synthesis of rhombohedral graphite.

Transformation of graphite by tectonic and hydrothermal processes in an active plate boundary fault zone, Alpine Fault, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirilova, Matina; Toy, Virginia; Timms, Nicholas; Halfpenny, Angela; Menzies, Catriona; Craw, Dave; Rooney, Jeremy; Giorgetti, Carolina

2017-04-01

Graphite is a material with one of the lowest frictional strengths, with coefficient of friction of 0.1 and thus in natural fault zones it may act as a natural solid lubricant. Graphitization, or the transformation of organic matter (carbonaceous material, or CM) into crystalline graphite, is induced by compositional and structural changes during diagenesis and metamorphism. The supposed irreversible nature of this process has allowed the degree of graphite crystallinity to be calibrated as an indicator of the peak temperatures reached during progressive metamorphism. We examine processes of graphite emplacement and deformation in the Alpine Fault Zone, New Zealand's active continental tectonic plate boundary. Raman spectrometry indicates that graphite in the distal, amphibolite-facies Alpine Schist, which experienced peak metamorphic temperatures up to 640 ◦C, is highly crystalline and occurs mainly along grain boundaries within quartzo-feldspathic domains. The subsequent mylonitisation in the Alpine Fault Zone resulted in progressive reworking of CM under lower temperature conditions (500◦C-600◦C) in a structurally controlled environment, resulting in spatial clustering in lower-strain protomylonites, and further foliation-alignment in higher-strain mylonites. Subsequent brittle deformation of the mylonitised schists resulted in cataclasites that contain over three-fold increase in the abundance of graphite than mylonites. Furthermore, cataclasites contain graphite with two different habits: highly-crystalline, foliated forms that are inherited mylonitic graphite; and lower-crystallinity, less mature patches of finer-grained graphite. The observed graphite enrichment and the occurrence of poorly-organised graphite in the Alpine Fault cataclasites could result from: i) hydrothermal precipitation from carbon-supersaturated fluids; and/or ii) mechanical degradation by structural disordering of mylonitic graphite combined with strain-induced graphite localisation. The lack of published systematic studies of mechanical modification of the structure of graphite inhibits further conclusion to be drawn. Thus, we performed laboratory deformation experiments during which we sheared highly crystalline graphite powder at room temperature, normal stresses of 5 MPa and 25 MPa and sliding velocities of 1 µm/s, 10 µm/s and 100 µm/s. The degree of graphite crystallinity, both in the starting and resulting materials, was analysed by Raman microspectroscopy. Our results demonstrate consistent decrease of graphite crystallinity with increasing shear strain. We conclude that: i) graphite 'thermometers' are unreliable in brittely deformed rocks; ii) a shear strain calibration of graphite 'thermometers' is needed; iii) fault creep is very likely responsible for the observed structural and textural characteristics of graphite in the Alpine Fault cataclasites. Finally, to investigate the possibility of hydrothermal origin for at least some of the graphite in the Alpine Fault cataclasites we will also present synchrotron FTIR and carbon isotope analysis of the Alpine fault rocks.

Characterization of Organic Materials in the Xenolithic Clasts in Sharps (H3.4) Meteorite Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Q. H. S.; Zolensky, M. E.; Bodnar, R. J.; Kebukawa, Y.

2015-01-01

Graphitization of carbon is an irreversible process which alters the structure of graphitic materials in response to the increase in metamorphic grade (temperature and/or pressure). Carbonaceous materials offer a reliable geothermometer as their Raman spectra change systematically with increasing metamorphic grade. In this study, we identified carbonaceous materials in the xenolithic clasts in Sharps and interpreted their metamorphic history by revealing the structural organization (order) of the polyaromatic organic phases using micro-Raman spectroscopy.

Characterization of Organic Materials in the Xenolithic Clasts in Sharps (H3.4) Meteorite Using Microraman Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Q. H. S.; Zolensky, M. E.; Bodnar, R. J.; Kebukawa, Y.

2015-01-01

Graphitization of carbon is an irreversible process which alters the structure of graphitic materials in response to the increase in metamorphic grade (temperature and/or pressure). Carbonaceous materials offer a reliable geothermometer as their Raman spectra change systematically with increasing metamorphic grade [1-3]. In this study, we identified carbonaceous materials in the xenolithic clasts in Sharps and interpreted their metamorphic history by revealing the structural organization (order) of the polyaromatic organic phases using µ-Raman spectroscopy.

Production of Metal-Free Composites Composed of Graphite Oxide and Oxidized Carbon Nitride Nanodots and Their Enhanced Photocatalytic Performances.

PubMed

Kim, Seung Yeon; Oh, Junghoon; Park, Sunghee; Shim, Yeonjun; Park, Sungjin

2016-04-04

A novel metal-free composite (GN) composed of two types of carbon-based nanomaterials, graphite oxide (GO) and 2D oxidized carbon nitride (OCN) nanodots was produced. Chemical and morphological characterizations reveal that GN contains a main component of GO with well-dispersed 2D OCN nanodots. GN shows enhanced photocatalytic performance for degrading an organic pollutant, Rhodamine B, under visible light. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Stacked graphene nanofibers for electrochemical oxidation of DNA bases.

PubMed

Ambrosi, Adriano; Pumera, Martin

2010-08-21

In this article, we show that stacked graphene nanofibers (SGNFs) demonstrate superior electrochemical performance for oxidation of DNA bases over carbon nanotubes (CNTs). This is due to an exceptionally high number of accessible graphene sheet edges on the surface of the nanofibers when compared to carbon nanotubes, as shown by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The oxidation signals of adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine exhibit two to four times higher currents than on CNT-based electrodes. SGNFs also exhibit higher sensitivity than do edge-plane pyrolytic graphite, glassy carbon, or graphite microparticle-based electrodes. We also demonstrate that influenza A(H1N1)-related strands can be sensitively oxidized on SGNF-based electrodes, which could therefore be applied to label-free DNA analysis.

Highly sensitive and selective hyphenated technique (molecularly imprinted polymer solid-phase microextraction-molecularly imprinted polymer sensor) for ultra trace analysis of aspartic acid enantiomers.

PubMed

Prasad, Bhim Bali; Srivastava, Amrita; Tiwari, Mahavir Prasad

2013-03-29

The present work is related to combination of molecularly imprinted solid-phase microextraction and complementary molecularly imprinted polymer-sensor. The molecularly imprinted polymer grafted on titanium dioxide modified silica fiber was used for microextraction, while the same polymer immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotubes/titanium dioxide modified pencil graphite electrode served as a detection tool. In both cases, the surface initiated polymerization was found to be advantageous to obtain a nanometer thin imprinted film. The modified silica fiber exhibited high adsorption capacity and enantioselective diffusion of aspartic acid isomers into respective molecular cavities. This combination enabled double preconcentrations of d- and l-aspartic acid that helped sensing both isomers in real samples, without any cross-selectivity and matrix complications. Taking into account 6×10(4)-fold dilution of serum and 2×10(3)-fold dilution of cerebrospinal fluid required by the proposed method, the limit of detection for l-aspartic acid is 0.031ngmL(-1). Also, taking into account 50-fold dilution required by the proposed method, the limit of detection for d-aspartic acid is 0.031ngmL(-1) in cerebrospinal fluid. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PolyHIPE Derived Freestanding 3D Carbon Foam for Cobalt Hydroxide Nanorods Based High Performance Supercapacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patil, Umakant M.; Ghorpade, Ravindra V.; Nam, Min Sik; Nalawade, Archana C.; Lee, Sangrae; Han, Haksoo; Jun, Seong Chan

2016-10-01

The current paper describes enhanced electrochemical capacitive performance of chemically grown Cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)2) nanorods (NRs) decorated porous three dimensional graphitic carbon foam (Co(OH)2/3D GCF) as a supercapacitor electrode. Freestanding 3D porous GCF is prepared by carbonizing, high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) polymerized styrene and divinylbenzene. The PolyHIPE was sulfonated and carbonized at temperature up to 850 °C to obtain graphitic 3D carbon foam with high surface area (389 m2 g-1) having open voids (14 μm) interconnected by windows (4 μm) in monolithic form. Moreover, entangled Co(OH)2 NRs are anchored on 3D GCF electrodes by using a facile chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The wide porous structure with high specific surface area (520 m2 g-1) access offered by the interconnected 3D GCF along with Co(OH)2 NRs morphology, displays ultrahigh specific capacitance, specific energy and power. The Co(OH)2/3D GCF electrode exhibits maximum specific capacitance about ~1235 F g-1 at ~1 A g-1 charge-discharge current density, in 1 M aqueous KOH solution. These results endorse potential applicability of Co(OH)2/3D GCF electrode in supercapacitors and signifies that, the porous GCF is a proficient 3D freestanding framework for loading pseudocapacitive nanostructured materials.

Production of aluminum-silicon alloy and ferrosilicon and commercial purity aluminum by the direct reduction process. First interim technical report, Phase D, January 1-March 31, 1981

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

Bruno, M.J.

1981-04-01

Operation of the bench AF-reactor on burden with all reducing carbon exterior to the ore pellet resulted in low metal alloy product yields and prematurely terminated runs, indicating the need for intimate contact between alumina and carbon to produce oxycarbide liquid prior to reaction with solid silicon carbide. Carbon solubility tests made on 60Al-40Si alloys at 2200/sup 0/C in graphite crucibles indicated continued reaction to form SiC for one hour. Efficiency of reduction to SiC ranged from 68 to 100%. The A-C two-electrode submerged arc reactor pilot, SAR-II, was successfully operated on both alumina-clay-coke and alumina-silicon carbide-coke (from the VSRmore » prereduction) burdens. Metal alloy was produced and tapped in each of four runs. The pilot crystallizer was operated to evalute the two-stage (stop and go) crystallization technique on obtaining high yields of Al in Al-Si eutectic, with a limit of 1.0% Fe and 0.1% Ti in the alloy product. 18 figures, 19 tables. (DLC)« less

A new phase transformation path from nanodiamond to new-diamond via an intermediate carbon onion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, J.; Li, J. L.; Liu, P.; Yang, G. W.

2014-11-01

The investigation of carbon allotropes such as graphite, diamond, fullerenes, nanotubes and carbon onions and mechanisms that underlie their mutual phase transformation is a long-standing problem of great fundamental importance. New diamond (n-diamond) is a novel metastable phase of carbon with a face-centered cubic structure; it is called ``new diamond'' because many reflections in its electron diffraction pattern are similar to those of diamond. However, producing n-diamond from raw carbon materials has so far been challenging due to n-diamond's higher formation energy than that of diamond. Here, we, for the first time, demonstrate a new phase transformation path from nanodiamond to n-diamond via an intermediate carbon onion in the unique process of laser ablation in water, and establish that water plays a crucial role in the formation of n-diamond. When a laser irradiates colloidal suspensions of nanodiamonds at ambient pressure and room temperature, nanodiamonds are first transformed into carbon onions serving as an intermediate phase, and sequentially carbon onions are transformed into n-diamonds driven by the laser-induced high temperature and high pressure from the carbon onion as a nanoscaled temperature and pressure cell upon the process of laser irradiation in a liquid. This phase transformation not only provides new insight into the physical mechanism involved, but also offers one suitable opportunity for breaking controllable pathways between n-diamond and carbon allotropes such as diamond and carbon onions.The investigation of carbon allotropes such as graphite, diamond, fullerenes, nanotubes and carbon onions and mechanisms that underlie their mutual phase transformation is a long-standing problem of great fundamental importance. New diamond (n-diamond) is a novel metastable phase of carbon with a face-centered cubic structure; it is called ``new diamond'' because many reflections in its electron diffraction pattern are similar to those of diamond. However, producing n-diamond from raw carbon materials has so far been challenging due to n-diamond's higher formation energy than that of diamond. Here, we, for the first time, demonstrate a new phase transformation path from nanodiamond to n-diamond via an intermediate carbon onion in the unique process of laser ablation in water, and establish that water plays a crucial role in the formation of n-diamond. When a laser irradiates colloidal suspensions of nanodiamonds at ambient pressure and room temperature, nanodiamonds are first transformed into carbon onions serving as an intermediate phase, and sequentially carbon onions are transformed into n-diamonds driven by the laser-induced high temperature and high pressure from the carbon onion as a nanoscaled temperature and pressure cell upon the process of laser irradiation in a liquid. This phase transformation not only provides new insight into the physical mechanism involved, but also offers one suitable opportunity for breaking controllable pathways between n-diamond and carbon allotropes such as diamond and carbon onions. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05246c

Friction and wear of carbon-graphite materials for high-energy brakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bill, R. C.

1978-01-01

Caliper type brake simulation experiments were conducted on seven different carbon graphite materials formulations against a steel disk material and against a carbon graphite disk material. The effects of binder level, boron carbide (B4C) additions, SiC additions, graphite fiber additions, and graphite cloth reinforcement on friction and wear behavior were investigated. Reductions in binder level, additions of B4C, and additions of SiC each resulted in increased wear. The wear rate was not affected by the addition of graphite fibers. Transition to severe wear and high friction was observed in the case of graphite-cloth-reinforced carbon sliding against a disk of similar composition. The transition was related to the disruption of a continuous graphite shear film that must form on the sliding surfaces if low wear is to occur.

Radial Breathing Modes in Cosmochemistry and Meteoritics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, T.L.; Wilson, K.B.

2009-01-01

One area of continuing interest in cosmochemistry and meteoritics (C&M) is the identification of the nature of Q-phase, although some researchers in C&M are not reporting relevant portions of Raman spectral data. Q is the unidentified carrier of noble gases in carbonaceous chondrites (CCs). Being carbonaceous, the focus has been on any number of Q-candidates arising from the sp2 hybridization of carbon (C). These all derive from various forms of graphene, a monolayer of C atoms packed into a two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal honeycomb lattice that is the basic building block for graphitic materials of all other dimensions for sp2 allotropes of C. As a basic lattice, 2D graphene can be curled into fullerenes (0D), wrapped into carbon nanotubes or CNTs (1D), and stacked into graphite (3D). These take such additional forms as scroll-like carbon whiskers, carbon fibers, carbon onions, GPCs (graphite polyhedral crystals) [6], and GICs (graphite intercalation compounds). Although all of these have been observed in meteoritics, the issue is which can explain the Q-abundances. In brief, one or more of the 0D-3D sp2 hybridization forms of C is Q. For some Q-candidates, the radial breathing modes (RBMs) are the most important Raman active vibrational modes that exist, and bear a direct relevance to solving this puzzle. Typically in C&M they are ignored when present. Their importance is addressed here as smoking-gun signatures for certain Q-candidates and are very relevant to the ultimate identification of Q.

Purification and preparation of graphite oxide from natural graphite

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

Panatarani, C., E-mail: c.panatarani@phys.unpad.ac.id; Muthahhari, N.; Joni, I. Made

2016-03-11

Graphite oxide has attracted much interest as a possible route for preparation of natural graphite in the large-scale production and manipulation of graphene as a material with extraordinary electronic properties. Graphite oxide was prepared by modified Hummers method from purified natural graphite sample from West Kalimantan. We demonstrated that natural graphite is well-purified by acid leaching method. The purified graphite was proceed for intercalating process by modifying Hummers method. The modification is on the reaction time and temperature of the intercalation process. The materials used in the intercalating process are H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} and KMNO{sub 4}. The purified natural graphitemore » is analyzed by carbon content based on Loss on Ignition test. The thermo gravimetricanalysis and the Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy are performed to investigate the oxidation results of the obtained GO which is indicated by the existence of functional groups. In addition, the X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy are also applied to characterize respectively for the crystal structure and elemental analysis. The results confirmed that natural graphite samples with 68% carbon content was purified into 97.68 % carbon content. While the intercalation process formed a formation of functional groups in the obtained GO. The results show that the temperature and reaction times have improved the efficiency of the oxidation process. It is concluded that these method could be considered as an important route for large-scale production of graphene.« less

Analysis of the Cytotoxicity of Carbon-Based Nanoparticles, Diamond and Graphite, in Human Glioblastoma and Hepatoma Cell Lines

PubMed Central

Wierzbicki, Mateusz; Jaworski, Sławomir; Kutwin, Marta; Sawosz, Ewa; Chwalibog, André; Pijanowska, Dorota Genowefa; Pluta, Krzysztof Dariusz

2015-01-01

Nanoparticles have attracted a great deal of attention as carriers for drug delivery to cancer cells. However, reports on their potential cytotoxicity raise questions of their safety and this matter needs attentive consideration. In this paper, for the first time, the cytotoxic effects of two carbon based nanoparticles, diamond and graphite, on glioblastoma and hepatoma cells were compared. First, we confirmed previous results that diamond nanoparticles are practically nontoxic. Second, graphite nanoparticles exhibited a negative impact on glioblastoma, but not on hepatoma cells. The studied carbon nanoparticles could be a potentially useful tool for therapeutics delivery to the brain tissue with minimal side effects on the hepatocytes. Furthermore, we showed the influence of the nanoparticles on the stable, fluorescently labeled tumor cell lines and concluded that the labeled cells are suitable for drug cytotoxicity tests. PMID:25816103

Analysis of the cytotoxicity of carbon-based nanoparticles, diamond and graphite, in human glioblastoma and hepatoma cell lines.

PubMed

Zakrzewska, Karolina Ewa; Samluk, Anna; Wierzbicki, Mateusz; Jaworski, Sławomir; Kutwin, Marta; Sawosz, Ewa; Chwalibog, André; Pijanowska, Dorota Genowefa; Pluta, Krzysztof Dariusz

2015-01-01

Nanoparticles have attracted a great deal of attention as carriers for drug delivery to cancer cells. However, reports on their potential cytotoxicity raise questions of their safety and this matter needs attentive consideration. In this paper, for the first time, the cytotoxic effects of two carbon based nanoparticles, diamond and graphite, on glioblastoma and hepatoma cells were compared. First, we confirmed previous results that diamond nanoparticles are practically nontoxic. Second, graphite nanoparticles exhibited a negative impact on glioblastoma, but not on hepatoma cells. The studied carbon nanoparticles could be a potentially useful tool for therapeutics delivery to the brain tissue with minimal side effects on the hepatocytes. Furthermore, we showed the influence of the nanoparticles on the stable, fluorescently labeled tumor cell lines and concluded that the labeled cells are suitable for drug cytotoxicity tests.

Surface Anchoring of Nematic Phase on Carbon Nanotubes: Nanostructure of Ultra-High Temperature Materials

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

Ogale, Amod A

2012-04-27

Nuclear energy is a dependable and economical source of electricity. Because fuel supply sources are available domestically, nuclear energy can be a strong domestic industry that can reduce dependence on foreign energy sources. Commercial nuclear power plants have extensive security measures to protect the facility from intruders [1]. However, additional research efforts are needed to increase the inherent process safety of nuclear energy plants to protect the public in the event of a reactor malfunction. The next generation nuclear plant (NGNP) is envisioned to utilize a very high temperature reactor (VHTR) design with an operating temperature of 650-1000°C [2]. Onemore » of the most important safety design requirements for this reactor is that it must be inherently safe, i.e., the reactor must shut down safely in the event that the coolant flow is interrupted [2]. This next-generation Gen IV reactor must operate in an inherently safe mode where the off-normal temperatures may reach 1500°C due to coolant-flow interruption. Metallic alloys used currently in reactor internals will melt at such temperatures. Structural materials that will not melt at such ultra-high temperatures are carbon/graphtic fibers and carbon-matrix composites. Graphite does not have a measurable melting point; it is known to sublime starting about 3300°C. However, neutron radiation-damage effects on carbon fibers are poorly understood. Therefore, the goal of this project is to obtain a fundamental understanding of the role of nanotexture on the properties of resulting carbon fibers and their neutron-damage characteristics. Although polygranular graphite has been used in nuclear environment for almost fifty years, it is not suitable for structural applications because it do not possess adequate strength, stiffness, or toughness that is required of structural components such as reaction control-rods, upper plenum shroud, and lower core-support plate [2,3]. For structural purposes, composites consisting of strong carbon fibers embedded in a carbon matrix are needed. Such carbon/carbon (C/C) composites have been used in aerospace industry to produce missile nose cones, space shuttle leading edge, and aircraft brake-pads. However, radiation-tolerance of such materials is not adequately known because only limited radiation studies have been performed on C/C composites, which suggest that pitch-based carbon fibers have better dimensional stability than that of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based fibers [4]. The thermodynamically-stable state of graphitic crystalline packing of carbon atoms derived from mesophase pitch leads to a greater stability during neutron irradiation [5]. The specific objectives of this project were: (i) to generating novel carbonaceous nanostructures, (ii) measure extent of graphitic crystallinity and the extent of anisotropy, and (iii) collaborate with the Carbon Materials group at Oak Ridge National Lab to have neutron irradiation studies and post-irradiation examinations conducted on the carbon fibers produced in this research project.« less

Characterization of rhamnolipids by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry after solid-phase extraction.

PubMed

Behrens, Beate; Engelen, Jeannine; Tiso, Till; Blank, Lars Mathias; Hayen, Heiko

2016-04-01

Rhamnolipids are surface-active agents with a broad application potential that are produced in complex mixtures by bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas. Analysis from fermentation broth is often characterized by laborious sample preparation and requires hyphenated analytical techniques like liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to obtain detailed information about sample composition. In this study, an analytical procedure based on chromatographic method development and characterization of rhamnolipid sample material by LC-MS as well as a comparison of two sample preparation methods, i.e., liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction, is presented. Efficient separation was achieved under reversed-phase conditions using a mixed propylphenyl and octadecylsilyl-modified silica gel stationary phase. LC-MS/MS analysis of a supernatant from Pseudomonas putida strain KT2440 pVLT33_rhlABC grown on glucose as sole carbon source and purified by solid-phase extraction revealed a total of 20 congeners of di-rhamnolipids, mono-rhamnolipids, and their biosynthetic precursors 3-(3-hydroxyalkanoyloxy)alkanoic acids (HAAs) with different carbon chain lengths from C8 to C14, including three rhamnolipids with uncommon C9 and C11 fatty acid residues. LC-MS and the orcinol assay were used to evaluate the developed solid-phase extraction method in comparison with the established liquid-liquid extraction. Solid-phase extraction exhibited higher yields and reproducibility as well as lower experimental effort.

Graphitized-carbon fiber/carbon char fuel

DOEpatents

Cooper, John F [Oakland, CA

2007-08-28

A method for recovery of intact graphitic fibers from fiber/polymer composites is described. The method comprises first pyrolyzing the graphite fiber/polymer composite mixture and then separating the graphite fibers by molten salt electrochemical oxidation.

Synthesis of monolithic graphene – graphite integrated electronics

PubMed Central

Park, Jang-Ung; Nam, SungWoo; Lee, Mi-Sun; Lieber, Charles M.

2013-01-01

Encoding electronic functionality into nanoscale elements during chemical synthesis has been extensively explored over the past decade as the key to developing integrated nanosystems1 with functions defined by synthesis2-6. Graphene7-12 has been recently explored as a two-dimensional nanoscale material, and has demonstrated simple device functions based on conventional top-down fabrication13-20. However, the synthetic approach to encoding electronic functionality and thus enabling an entire integrated graphene electronics in a chemical synthesis had not previously been demonstrated. Here we report an unconventional approach for the synthesis of monolithically-integrated electronic devices based on graphene and graphite. Spatial patterning of heterogeneous catalyst metals permits the selective growth of graphene and graphite, with controlled number of graphene layers. Graphene transistor arrays with graphitic electrodes and interconnects were formed from synthesis. These functional, all-carbon structures were transferrable onto a variety of substrates. The integrated transistor arrays were used to demonstrate real-time, multiplexed chemical sensing, and more significantly, multiple carbon layers of the graphene-graphite device components were vertically assembled to form a three-dimensional flexible structure which served as a top-gate transistor array. These results represent a substantial progress towards encoding electronic functionality via chemical synthesis and suggest future promise for one-step integration of graphene-graphite based electronics. PMID:22101813

Synthesis of monolithic graphene-graphite integrated electronics.

PubMed

Park, Jang-Ung; Nam, SungWoo; Lee, Mi-Sun; Lieber, Charles M

2011-11-20

Encoding electronic functionality into nanoscale elements during chemical synthesis has been extensively explored over the past decade as the key to developing integrated nanosystems with functions defined by synthesis. Graphene has been recently explored as a two-dimensional nanoscale material, and has demonstrated simple device functions based on conventional top-down fabrication. However, the synthetic approach to encoding electronic functionality and thus enabling an entire integrated graphene electronics in a chemical synthesis had not previously been demonstrated. Here we report an unconventional approach for the synthesis of monolithically integrated electronic devices based on graphene and graphite. Spatial patterning of heterogeneous metal catalysts permits the selective growth of graphene and graphite, with a controlled number of graphene layers. Graphene transistor arrays with graphitic electrodes and interconnects were formed from the synthesis. These functional, all-carbon structures were transferable onto a variety of substrates. The integrated transistor arrays were used to demonstrate real-time, multiplexed chemical sensing and more significantly, multiple carbon layers of the graphene-graphite device components were vertically assembled to form a three-dimensional flexible structure which served as a top-gate transistor array. These results represent substantial progress towards encoding electronic functionality through chemical synthesis and suggest the future promise of one-step integration of graphene-graphite based electronics.

Impact and collisional processes in the solar system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahrens, Thomas J.; Gazis, C.; Pepin, R.; Becker, R.; Cronin, R.; Tyburczy, J.; Tingle, T.; Duffy, T.; Rowan, L.

1991-01-01

As impact cratered terrains have been successively recognized on certain planets and planetary satellites, it has become clear that impact processes are important to the understanding of the accretion and evolution of all solid planets. The noble gases in the normalized atmospheric inventories of the planets and the normalized gas content of meteorites are grossly similar, but demonstrate differences from each other which are not understood. In order to study shock devolatilization of the candidate carrier phases which are principally thought to be carbonaceous or hydrocarbons in planetesimals, experiments were conducted on noble gase implantation in various carbons: carbon black, activated charcoal, graphite, and carbon glass. These were candidate starting materials for impact devolatilization experiments. Initial experiments were conducted on vitreous amorphous carbon samples which were synthesized under vapor saturated conditions using argon as the pressurizing medium. An amino acid and surface analysis by laser ionization analyses were performed on three samples of shocked Murchison meteorite. A first study was completed in which a series of shock loading experiments on a porous limestone and on a non-porous gabbro in one and three dimensions were performed. Also a series of recovery experiments were conducted in which shocked molten basalt a 1700 C is encapsulated in molybdenum containers and shock recovered from up to 6 GPa pressures.

Enhancing thermal conductivity of fluids with graphite nanoparticles and carbon nanotube

DOEpatents

Zhang, Zhiqiang [Lexington, KY; Lockwood, Frances E [Georgetown, KY

2008-03-25

A fluid media such as oil or water, and a selected effective amount of carbon nanomaterials necessary to enhance the thermal conductivity of the fluid. One of the preferred carbon nanomaterials is a high thermal conductivity graphite, exceeding that of the neat fluid to be dispersed therein in thermal conductivity, and ground, milled, or naturally prepared with mean particle size less than 500 nm, and preferably less than 200 nm, and most preferably less than 100 nm. The graphite is dispersed in the fluid by one or more of various methods, including ultrasonication, milling, and chemical dispersion. Carbon nanotubes with graphitic structure is another preferred source of carbon nanomaterial, although other carbon nanomaterials are acceptable. To confer long term stability, the use of one or more chemical dispersants is preferred. The thermal conductivity enhancement, compared to the fluid without carbon nanomaterial, is proportional to the amount of carbon nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes and/or graphite) added.

Nature of Reduced Carbon in Martian Meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gibson, Everett K., Jr.; McKay, D. S.; Thomas-Keprta, K. L.; Clemett, S. J.; White, L. M.

2012-01-01

Martian meteorites provide important information on the nature of reduced carbon components present on Mars throughout its history. The first in situ analyses for carbon on the surface of Mars by the Viking landers yielded disappointing results. With the recognition of Martian meteorites on Earth, investigations have shown carbon-bearing phases exist on Mars. Studies have yielded presence of reduced carbon, carbonates and inferred graphitic carbon phases. Samples ranging in age from the first approximately 4 Ga of Mars history [e.g. ALH84001] to nakhlites with a crystallization age of 1.3 Ga [e.g. Nakhla] with aqueous alteration processes occurring 0.5-0.7 Ga after crystallizaton. Shergottites demonstrate formation ages around 165-500 Ma with younger aqueous alterations events. Only a limited number of the Martian meteorites do not show evidence of significance terrestrial alterations. Selected areas within ALH84001, Nakhla, Yamato 000593 and possibly Tissint are suitable for study of their indigenous reduced carbon bearing phases. Nakhla possesses discrete, well-defined carbonaceous phases present within iddingsite alteration zones. Based upon both isotopic measurements and analysis of Nakhla's organic phases the presence of pre-terrestrial organics is now recognized. The reduced carbon-bearing phases appear to have been deposited during preterrestrial aqueous alteration events that produced clays. In addition, the microcrystalline layers of Nakhla's iddingsite have discrete units of salt crystals suggestive of evaporation processes. While we can only speculate on the origin of these unique carbonaceous structures, we note that the significance of such observations is that it may allow us to understand the role of Martian carbon as seen in the Martian meteorites with obvious implications for astrobiology and the pre-biotic evolution of Mars. In any case, our observations strongly suggest that reduced organic carbon exists as micrometer- size, discrete structures on Mars associated with clay and salt minerals. The Mars Science Laboratory s investigators should be aware of reduced organic carbon components within clay-bearing phases.

Synthesis of metal free ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride sheet for photocatalytic dye degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Shakeelur; Momin, Bilal; Higgins M., W.; Annapure, Uday S.; Jha, Neetu

2018-04-01

In recent times, low cost and metal free photocatalyts driven under visible light have attracted a lot of interest. One such photo catalyst researched extensively is bulk graphitic carbon nitride sheets. But the low surface area and weak mobility of photo generated electrons limits its photocatalytic performance in the visible light spectrum. Here we present the facile synthesis of ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride using a cost effective melamine precursor and its application in highly efficient photocatalytic dye degradation of Rhodamine B molecules. Compared to bulk graphitic carbon nitride, the synthesized ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride shows an increase in surface area, a a decrease in optical band gap and effective photogenerated charge separation which facilitates the harvest of visible light irradiation. Due to these optimal properties of ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride, it shows excellent photocatalytic activity with photocatalytic degradation of about 95% rhodamine B molecules in 1 hour.

Microwave assisted solid phase extraction for separation preconcentration sulfamethoxazole in wastewater using tyre based activated carbon as solid phase material prior to spectrophotometric determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mogolodi Dimpe, K.; Mpupa, Anele; Nomngongo, Philiswa N.

2018-01-01

This work was chiefly encouraged by the continuous consumption of antibiotics which eventually pose harmful effects on animals and human beings when present in water systems. In this study, the activated carbon (AC) was used as a solid phase material for the removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in wastewater samples. The microwave assisted solid phase extraction (MASPE) as a sample extraction method was employed to better extract SMX in water samples and finally the analysis of SMX was done by the UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The microwave assisted solid phase extraction method was optimized using a two-level fractional factorial design by evaluating parameters such as pH, mass of adsorbent (MA), extraction time (ET), eluent ratio (ER) and microwave power (MP). Under optimized conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.5 μg L- 1 and 1.7 μg L- 1, respectively, and intraday and interday precision expressed in terms of relative standard deviation were > 6%.The maximum adsorption capacity was 138 mg g- 1 for SMX and the adsorbent could be reused eight times. Lastly, the MASPE method was applied for the removal of SMX in wastewater samples collected from a domestic wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and river water.

Cobalt ion-coordinated self-assembly synthesis of nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon nanosheets for efficiently catalyzing oxygen reduction.

PubMed

Wang, Haitao; Wang, Wei; Asif, Muhammad; Yu, Yang; Wang, Zhengyun; Wang, Junlei; Liu, Hongfang; Xiao, Junwu

2017-10-19

The design and synthesis of a promising porous carbon-based electrocatalyst with an ordered and uninterrupted porous structure for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is still a significant challenge. Herein, an efficient catalyst based on cobalt-embedded nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon nanosheets (Co/N-OMCNS) is successfully prepared through a two-step procedure (cobalt ion-coordinated self-assembly and carbonization process) using 3-aminophenol as a nitrogen source, cobalt acetate as a cobalt source and Pluronic F127 as a mesoporous template. This work indicates that the formation of a two dimensional nanosheet structure is directly related to the extent of the cobalt ion coordination interaction. Moreover, the critical roles of pyrolysis temperature in nitrogen doping and ORR catalytic activity are also investigated. Benefiting from the high surface area and graphitic degree, high contents of graphitic N and pyridinic N, ordered interconnected mesoporous carbon framework, as well as synergetic interaction between the cobalt nanoparticles and protective nitrogen doped graphitic carbon layer, the resultant optimal catalyst Co/N-OMCNS-800 (pyrolyzed at 800 °C) exhibits comparable ORR catalytic activity to Pt/C, superior tolerance to methanol crossover and stability.

Low-Energy, Hydrogen-Free Method of Diamond Synthesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varshney, Deepak (Inventor); Morell, Gerardo (Inventor); Weiner, Brad R. (Inventor); Makarov, Vladimir (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Diamond thin films were deposited on copper substrate by the Vapor Solid (VS) deposition method using a mixture of fullerene C(sub 60) and graphite as the source material. The deposition took place only when the substrate was kept in a narrow temperature range of approximately 550-650 C. Temperatures below and above this range results in the deposition of fullerenes and other carbon compounds, respectively.

Improved adhesion of ultra-hard carbon films on cobalt–chromium orthopaedic implant alloy

PubMed Central

Vaid, Rishi; Diggins, Patrick; Weimer, Jeffrey J.; Koopman, M.; Vohra, Yogesh K.

2010-01-01

While interfacial graphite formation and subsequent poor film adhesion is commonly reported for chemical vapor deposited hard carbon films on cobalt-based materials, we find the presence of O2 in the feedgas mixture to be useful in achieving adhesion on a CoCrMo alloy. Nucleation studies of surface structure before formation of fully coalesced hard carbon films reveal that O2 feedgas helps mask the catalytic effect of cobalt with carbon through early formation of chromium oxides and carbides. The chromium oxides, in particular, act as a diffusion barrier to cobalt, minimizing its migration to the surface where it would otherwise interact deleteriously with carbon to form graphite. When O2 is not used, graphitic soot forms and films delaminate readily upon cooling to room temperature. Continuous 1 μm-thick nanostructured carbon films grown with O2 remain adhered with measured hardness of 60 GPa and show stable, non-catastrophic circumferential micro-cracks near the edges of indent craters made using Rockwell indentation. PMID:21221739

Physicochemical characterization, and relaxometry studies of micro-graphite oxide, graphene nanoplatelets, and nanoribbons.

PubMed

Paratala, Bhavna S; Jacobson, Barry D; Kanakia, Shruti; Francis, Leonard Deepak; Sitharaman, Balaji

2012-01-01

The chemistry of high-performance magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents remains an active area of research. In this work, we demonstrate that the potassium permanganate-based oxidative chemical procedures used to synthesize graphite oxide or graphene nanoparticles leads to the confinement (intercalation) of trace amounts of Mn(2+) ions between the graphene sheets, and that these manganese intercalated graphitic and graphene structures show disparate structural, chemical and magnetic properties, and high relaxivity (up to 2 order) and distinctly different nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion profiles compared to paramagnetic chelate compounds. The results taken together with other published reports on confinement of paramagnetic metal ions within single-walled carbon nanotubes (a rolled up graphene sheet) show that confinement (encapsulation or intercalation) of paramagnetic metal ions within graphene sheets, and not the size, shape or architecture of the graphitic carbon particles is the key determinant for increasing relaxivity, and thus, identifies nano confinement of paramagnetic ions as novel general strategy to develop paramagnetic metal-ion graphitic-carbon complexes as high relaxivity MRI contrast agents.

Physicochemical Characterization, and Relaxometry Studies of Micro-Graphite Oxide, Graphene Nanoplatelets, and Nanoribbons

PubMed Central

Paratala, Bhavna S.; Jacobson, Barry D.; Kanakia, Shruti; Francis, Leonard Deepak; Sitharaman, Balaji

2012-01-01

The chemistry of high-performance magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents remains an active area of research. In this work, we demonstrate that the potassium permanganate-based oxidative chemical procedures used to synthesize graphite oxide or graphene nanoparticles leads to the confinement (intercalation) of trace amounts of Mn2+ ions between the graphene sheets, and that these manganese intercalated graphitic and graphene structures show disparate structural, chemical and magnetic properties, and high relaxivity (up to 2 order) and distinctly different nuclear magnetic resonance dispersion profiles compared to paramagnetic chelate compounds. The results taken together with other published reports on confinement of paramagnetic metal ions within single-walled carbon nanotubes (a rolled up graphene sheet) show that confinement (encapsulation or intercalation) of paramagnetic metal ions within graphene sheets, and not the size, shape or architecture of the graphitic carbon particles is the key determinant for increasing relaxivity, and thus, identifies nano confinement of paramagnetic ions as novel general strategy to develop paramagnetic metal-ion graphitic-carbon complexes as high relaxivity MRI contrast agents. PMID:22685555

Calculations of stopping powers of 100 eV-30 keV electrons in 31 elemental solids

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

Tanuma, S.; Powell, C. J.; Penn, D. R.

We present calculated electron stopping powers (SPs) for 31 elemental solids (Li, Be, glassy C, graphite, diamond, Na, Mg, K, Sc, Ti, V, Fe, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, In, Sn, Cs, Gd, Tb, Dy, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, and Bi). These SPs were determined with an algorithm previously used for the calculation of electron inelastic mean free paths and from energy-loss functions (ELFs) derived from experimental optical data. The SP calculations were made for electron energies between 100 eV and 30 keV and supplement our earlier SP calculations for ten additional solids (Al, Si, Cr, Ni,more » Cu, Ge, Pd, Ag, Pt, and Au). Plots of SP versus atomic number for the group of 41 solids show clear trends. Multiple peaks and shoulders are seen that result from the contributions of valence-electron and various inner-shell excitations. Satisfactory agreement was found between the calculated SPs and values from the relativistic Bethe SP equation with recommended values of the mean excitation energy (MEE) for energies above 10 keV. We determined effective MEEs versus maximum excitation energy from the ELFs for each solid. Plots of effective MEE versus atomic number showed the relative contributions of valence-electron and different core-electron excitations to the MEE. For a maximum excitation energy of 30 keV, our effective MEEs agreed well for Be, graphite, Na, Al, and Si with recommended MEEs; a difference for Li was attributed to sample oxidation in the SP measurements for the recommended MEE. Substantially different effective MEEs were found for the three carbon allotropes (graphite, diamond, and glassy C)« less

Friction and wear of carbon-graphite materials for high energy brakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bill, R. C.

1975-01-01

Caliper-type brakes simulation experiments were conducted on seven different carbon-graphite material formulations against a steel disk material and against a carbon-graphite disk material. The effects of binder level, boron carbide (B4C) additions, graphite fiber additions, and graphite cloth reinforcement on friction and wear behavior were investigated. Reductions in binder level and additions of B4C each resulted in increased wear. The wear rate was not affected by the addition of graphite fibers. Transition to severe wear and high friction was observed in the case of graphite-cloth-reinforced carbon sliding against a disk of similar composition. This transition was related to the disruption of a continuous graphite shear film that must form on the sliding surfaces if low wear is to occur. The exposure of the fiber structure of the cloth constituent is believed to play a role in the shear film disruption.

Phase composition and tribomechanical properties of Ti-B-C nanocomposite coatings prepared by magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez-López, J. C.; Abad, M. D.; Justo, A.; Gago, R.; Endrino, J. L.; García-Luis, A.; Brizuela, M.

2012-09-01

Protective nanocomposite coatings based on hard ceramic phases (TiC, TiB2) combined with amorphous carbon (a-C) are of interest because of their adequate balance between mechanical and tribological performances. In this work, Ti-B-C nanocomposite coatings were prepared by co-sputtering of graphite and TiB2 targets. Varying the discharge power ratio applied to the graphite and TiB2 targets from 0 to 2, the a-C content in the coatings could be tuned from 0 to 60%, as observed by means of Raman and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The microstructural characterization demonstrated a progressive decrease in crystallinity from an initial nanocrystalline (nc) TiB2-like structure to a distorted TiBxCy ternary compound with increasing C concentration. X-ray absorption near-edge structure measurements on the B K-edge helped to determine a hexagonal arrangement around the B atoms in the ternary TiBxCy phase. A fitting analysis of the C 1s XPS peak allowed us to evaluate the relative amount of a-C and TiBxCy components. A drastic change in hardness (from 52 to 13 GPa) and friction coefficient values (from 0.8 to 0.2) is noticed when moving from nc-TiB2 to TiBC/a-C nanocomposites. The fraction of a-C necessary to decrease the friction below 0.2 was found to be 45%. Raman observation of the wear tracks determined the presence of disordered sp2-bonded carbon phase associated with the diminution of the friction level.

Recompressed exfoliated graphite articles

DOEpatents

Zhamu, Aruna; Shi, Jinjun; Guo, Jiusheng; Jang, Bor Z

2013-08-06

This invention provides an electrically conductive, less anisotropic, recompressed exfoliated graphite article comprising a mixture of (a) expanded or exfoliated graphite flakes; and (b) particles of non-expandable graphite or carbon, wherein the non-expandable graphite or carbon particles are in the amount of between about 3% and about 70% by weight based on the total weight of the particles and the expanded graphite flakes combined; wherein the mixture is compressed to form the article having an apparent bulk density of from about 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 to about 2.0 g/cm.sup.3. The article exhibits a thickness-direction conductivity typically greater than 50 S/cm, more typically greater than 100 S/cm, and most typically greater than 200 S/cm. The article, when used in a thin foil or sheet form, can be a useful component in a sheet molding compound plate used as a fuel cell separator or flow field plate. The article may also be used as a current collector for a battery, supercapacitor, or any other electrochemical cell.

Differential Sputtering Behavior of Pyrolytic Graphite and Carbon-Carbon Composite Under Xenon Bombardment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, John D.; Johnson, Mark L.; Williams, Desiree D.

2003-01-01

A differential sputter yield measurement technique is described, which consists of a quartz crystal monitor that is swept at constant radial distance from a small target region where a high current density xenon ion beam is aimed. This apparatus has been used to characterize the sputtering behavior of various forms of carbon including polycrystalline graphite, pyrolytic graphite, and PVD-infiltrated and pyrolized carbon-carbon composites. Sputter yield data are presented for pyrolytic graphite and carbon-carbon composite over a range of xenon ion energies from 200 eV to 1 keV and angles of incidence from 0 deg (normal incidence) to 60 deg .

Development of seal ring carbon-graphite materials (tasks 5, 6, and 7)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fechter, N. J.; Petrunich, P. S.

1972-01-01

Carbon-graphite seal ring bodies for operation at air temperatures to 1300 F(704 C) were manufactured from three select formulations. Mechanical and thermal properties, porosities, and oxidation rates were measured. The results have shown that: (1) Major property improvements anticipated from the screening studies were not realized because of processing problems associated with the scale-up in material size and probable deterioration of a phenolic resin binder; (2) the mechanical properties of a phenolic resin-bonded, carbon-graphite material can be improved by applying high pressure during carbonization; and (3) the textile form of graphite fiber used as the minor filler component in a carbon-graphite material can beneficially affect mechanical properties.

All-solid-state supercapacitors on silicon using graphene from silicon carbide

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

Wang, Bei; Ahmed, Mohsin; Iacopi, Francesca, E-mail: f.iacopi@griffith.edu.au

2016-05-02

Carbon-based supercapacitors are lightweight devices with high energy storage performance, allowing for faster charge-discharge rates than batteries. Here, we present an example of all-solid-state supercapacitors on silicon for on-chip applications, paving the way towards energy supply systems embedded in miniaturized electronics with fast access and high safety of operation. We present a nickel-assisted graphitization method from epitaxial silicon carbide on a silicon substrate to demonstrate graphene as a binder-free electrode material for all-solid-state supercapacitors. We obtain graphene electrodes with a strongly enhanced surface area, assisted by the irregular intrusion of nickel into the carbide layer, delivering a typical double-layer capacitancemore » behavior with a specific area capacitance of up to 174 μF cm{sup −2} with about 88% capacitance retention over 10 000 cycles. The fabrication technique illustrated in this work provides a strategic approach to fabricate micro-scale energy storage devices compatible with silicon electronics and offering ultimate miniaturization capabilities.« less

Halloysite nanotubes as a solid sorbent in ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction for the determination of bismuth in water samples using high-resolution continuum source graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krawczyk-Coda, Magdalena

2017-03-01

In this research, a simple, accurate, and inexpensive preconcentration procedure was developed for the determination of bismuth in water samples, using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR CS GFAAS). During the preconcentration step, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were used as a solid sorbent in ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction (USA DMSPE). The influence of the pH of the sample solution, amount of HNTs, and extraction time, as well as of the main parameters of HR CS GFAAS, on absorbance was investigated. The limit of detection was 0.005 μg L- 1. The preconcentration factor achieved for bismuth was 32. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 4%. The accuracy of this method was validated by analyses of NIST SRM 1643e (Trace elements in water) and TMDA-54.5 (A high level fortified sample for trace elements) certified reference materials. The measured bismuth contents in these certified reference materials were in satisfactory agreement with the certified values according to the t-test for a 95% confidence level. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of bismuth in five different real water samples (seawater, lake water, river water, stream water and rain water).

Novel phase of carbon, ferromagnetism, and conversion into diamond

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

Narayan, Jagdish, E-mail: narayan@ncsu.edu; Bhaumik, Anagh

2015-12-07

We report the discovery of a new phase of carbon (referred to as Q-carbon) and address fundamental issues related to direct conversion of carbon into diamond at ambient temperatures and pressures in air without any need for catalyst and presence of hydrogen. The Q-carbon is formed as result of quenching from super undercooled state by using high-power nanosecond laser pulses. We discuss the equilibrium phase diagram (P vs. T) of carbon and show that by rapid quenching kinetics can shift thermodynamic graphite/diamond/liquid carbon triple point from 5000 K/12 GPa to super undercooled carbon at atmospheric pressure in air. It is shown thatmore » nanosecond laser heating of diamond-like amorphous carbon on sapphire, glass, and polymer substrates can be confined to melt carbon in a super undercooled state. By quenching the carbon from the super undercooled state, we have created a new state of carbon (Q-carbon) from which nanodiamond, microdiamond, microneedles, and single-crystal thin films are formed depending upon the nucleation and growth times allowed for diamond formation. The Q-carbon quenched from liquid is a new state of solid carbon with a higher mass density than amorphous carbon and a mixture of mostly fourfold sp{sup 3} (75%–85%) with the rest being threefold sp{sup 2} bonded carbon (with distinct entropy). It is expected to have new and improved mechanical hardness, electrical conductivity, chemical, and physical properties, including room-temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM) and enhanced field emission. Here we present interesting results on RTFM, enhanced electrical conductivity and surface potential of Q-carbon to emphasize its unique properties. The Q-carbon exhibits robust bulk ferromagnetism with estimated Curie temperature of about 500 K and saturation magnetization value of 20 emu g{sup −1}. From the Q-carbon, diamond phase is nucleated and a variety of micro- and nanostructures and large-area single-crystal diamond sheets are grown by allowing growth times as needed. Subsequent laser pulses can be used to grow nanodiamond into microdiamond and nucleate other nanostructures of diamond on the top of existing microdiamond and create novel nanostructured materials. The microstructural details provide insights into the mechanism of formation of nanodiamond, microdiamond, nanoneedles, microneedles, and single-crystal thin films. This process allows carbon-to-diamond conversion and formation of useful nanostructures and microstructures at ambient temperatures in air at atmospheric pressure on practical and heat-sensitive substrates in a controlled way without need for any catalysts and hydrogen to stabilize sp{sup 3} bonding for diamond formation.« less

Novel phase of carbon, ferromagnetism, and conversion into diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narayan, Jagdish; Bhaumik, Anagh

2015-12-01

We report the discovery of a new phase of carbon (referred to as Q-carbon) and address fundamental issues related to direct conversion of carbon into diamond at ambient temperatures and pressures in air without any need for catalyst and presence of hydrogen. The Q-carbon is formed as result of quenching from super undercooled state by using high-power nanosecond laser pulses. We discuss the equilibrium phase diagram (P vs. T) of carbon and show that by rapid quenching kinetics can shift thermodynamic graphite/diamond/liquid carbon triple point from 5000 K/12 GPa to super undercooled carbon at atmospheric pressure in air. It is shown that nanosecond laser heating of diamond-like amorphous carbon on sapphire, glass, and polymer substrates can be confined to melt carbon in a super undercooled state. By quenching the carbon from the super undercooled state, we have created a new state of carbon (Q-carbon) from which nanodiamond, microdiamond, microneedles, and single-crystal thin films are formed depending upon the nucleation and growth times allowed for diamond formation. The Q-carbon quenched from liquid is a new state of solid carbon with a higher mass density than amorphous carbon and a mixture of mostly fourfold sp3 (75%-85%) with the rest being threefold sp2 bonded carbon (with distinct entropy). It is expected to have new and improved mechanical hardness, electrical conductivity, chemical, and physical properties, including room-temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM) and enhanced field emission. Here we present interesting results on RTFM, enhanced electrical conductivity and surface potential of Q-carbon to emphasize its unique properties. The Q-carbon exhibits robust bulk ferromagnetism with estimated Curie temperature of about 500 K and saturation magnetization value of 20 emu g-1. From the Q-carbon, diamond phase is nucleated and a variety of micro- and nanostructures and large-area single-crystal diamond sheets are grown by allowing growth times as needed. Subsequent laser pulses can be used to grow nanodiamond into microdiamond and nucleate other nanostructures of diamond on the top of existing microdiamond and create novel nanostructured materials. The microstructural details provide insights into the mechanism of formation of nanodiamond, microdiamond, nanoneedles, microneedles, and single-crystal thin films. This process allows carbon-to-diamond conversion and formation of useful nanostructures and microstructures at ambient temperatures in air at atmospheric pressure on practical and heat-sensitive substrates in a controlled way without need for any catalysts and hydrogen to stabilize sp3 bonding for diamond formation.

Theoretical Study of Diamond-Like Carbons and Nucleation of Diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Choon-Heung

Different forms of amorphous carbon and hydrocarbons with varying elastic and optical properties, hardness, density and hydrogen content exist depending on the preparation technique. The structure can vary from graphitic to diamond -like, i.e., from mainly threefold coordinated to mainly four-fold coordinated. In order to study the properties of such materials, microscopic models must be developed. These studies include the modelling of crosslinked defective graphite, diamond nucleation along the graphite edges, and diamond-like carbons. Tamor's proposed structure for diamondlike carbon consists of crosslinked graphitic regions. We studied a concrete realization of this model in which the cross -links are produced by shortening the interplanar bond lengths. The model study was accomplished with a pure rhombohedral graphite cell. For this study we used a semi-empirical potential based on Tersoff's environment-dependent potential which contains angular terms. It is enhanced by a long-range potential which describes the interplanar interactions. We found a configuration corresponding to a local minimum. More general features such as the randomness of the distribution of cross-links are needed for a realistic model. A model study of diamond/graphite interfaces was motivated by recent observations by Li and Angus. They observed a significant enhancement of diamond nucleation on the graphite edge planes with the preferential orientation relationship: {0001} _{g} | {111 }_{d}, < 1120 >_{g} | < 101>_{d}. Two possible interface structures were studied using the Tersoff potential. We found that the models have comparable low interface energies even if they contain some dangling bonds. Moreover, lower interface energies were found when the dangling bonds of the non-bonded diamond layer were satisfied with hydrogen. We have proposed a growth mechanism based on this study. Finally, we constructed realistic models of dense amorphous carbon. The WWW (introduced earlier for a-Si by Wooten, Winer and Weaire) model was the starting structure. The effects of clustering of the threefold coordinated atoms in pairs, chains, or graphitic (planar hexagonal clusters) were studied. The resulting models were relaxed using the Tersoff potential. Their electronic structures were studied using an empirical tight-binding scheme with parameters adjusted to reproduce the diamond and graphite band-structures. The models were found to have densities of ~ 3 g/cm^3 and bulk moduli of ~3.1 Mbar. Localized dangling bonds and pi - pi^* states were found within the wide gap of the WWW model consistent with optical gaps of the order of 0.5-2 eV. Hydrogen atoms were introduced to remove some of the dangling bonds. The models were found to account for the essential features of ion-beam deposited amorphous carbon and hydrogenated amorphous carbon.

Wear Behavior of Low-Cost, Lightweight TiC/Ti-6Al-4V Composite Under Fretting: Effectiveness of Solid-Film Lubricant Counterparts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa; Street, Kenneth W., Jr.; Sanders, Jeffrey H.; Hager, Carl H., Jr.; Zabinski, Jeffrey S.; VanderWal, Randall L.; Andrews, Rodney; Lerch, Bradley A.

2007-01-01

The wear behavior of low-cost, lightweight 10-wt% TiC-particulate-reinforced Ti-6Al-4V matrix composite (TiC/Ti- 6Al-4V) was examined under fretting at 296, 423, and 523 K in air. Bare 10-wt% TiC/Ti-6Al-4V hemispherical pins were used in contact with dispersed multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), magnetron-sputtered diamondlike carbon/chromium (DLC/Cr), magnetron-sputtered graphite-like carbon/chromium (GLC/Cr), and magnetron-sputtered molybdenum disulphide/titanium (MoS2/Ti) deposited on Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb, and nickel-based superalloy 718. When TiC/Ti-6Al-4V was brought into contact with bare Ti-6Al-4V, bare Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb, and bare nickel-based superalloy 718, strong adhesion, severe galling, and severe wear occurred. However, when TiC/Ti-6Al-4V was brought into contact with MWNT, DLC/Cr, GLC/Cr, and MoS2/Ti coatings, no galling occurred in the contact, and relatively minor wear was observed regardless of the coating. All the solid-film lubricants were effective from 296 to 523 K, but the effectiveness of the MWNT, DLC/Cr, GLC/Cr, and MoS2/Ti coatings decreased as temperature increased.

Recent developments and future trends in solid phase microextraction techniques towards green analytical chemistry.

PubMed

Spietelun, Agata; Marcinkowski, Łukasz; de la Guardia, Miguel; Namieśnik, Jacek

2013-12-20

Solid phase microextraction find increasing applications in the sample preparation step before chromatographic determination of analytes in samples with a complex composition. These techniques allow for integrating several operations, such as sample collection, extraction, analyte enrichment above the detection limit of a given measuring instrument and the isolation of analytes from sample matrix. In this work the information about novel methodological and instrumental solutions in relation to different variants of solid phase extraction techniques, solid-phase microextraction (SPME), stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) and magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) is presented, including practical applications of these techniques and a critical discussion about their advantages and disadvantages. The proposed solutions fulfill the requirements resulting from the concept of sustainable development, and specifically from the implementation of green chemistry principles in analytical laboratories. Therefore, particular attention was paid to the description of possible uses of novel, selective stationary phases in extraction techniques, inter alia, polymeric ionic liquids, carbon nanotubes, and silica- and carbon-based sorbents. The methodological solutions, together with properly matched sampling devices for collecting analytes from samples with varying matrix composition, enable us to reduce the number of errors during the sample preparation prior to chromatographic analysis as well as to limit the negative impact of this analytical step on the natural environment and the health of laboratory employees. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pulsed photoinitiated fabrication of inkjet printed titanium dioxide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite thin films.

PubMed

Bourgeois, Briley; Luo, Sijun; Riggs, Brian; Ji, Yaping; Adireddy, Shiva; Schroder, Kurt; Farnsworth, Stan; Chrisey, Douglas; Escarra, Matthew

2018-08-03

This work reports a new technique for scalable and low-temperature processing of nanostructured TiO 2 thin films, allowing for practical manufacturing of TiO 2 -based devices such as perovskite solar cells at low-temperature or on flexible substrates. Dual layers of dense and mesoporous TiO 2 /graphitic oxide nanocomposite films are synthesized simultaneously using inkjet printing and pulsed photonic irradiation. Investigation of process parameters including precursor concentration (10-20 wt%) and exposure fluence (4.5-8.5 J cm -2 ) reveals control over crystalline quality, graphitic oxide phase, film thickness, dendrite density, and optical properties. Raman spectroscopy shows the E g peak, characteristic of anatase phase titania, increases in intensity with higher photonic irradiation fluence, suggesting increased crystallinity through higher fluence processing. Film thickness and dendrite density is shown to increase with precursor concentration in the printed ink. The dense base layer thickness was controlled between 20 and 80 nm. The refractive index of the films is determined by ellipsometry to be 1.92 ± 0.08 at 650 nm. Films exhibit an energy weighted optical transparency of 91.1%, in comparison to 91.3% of a thermally processed film, when in situ carbon materials were removed. Transmission and diffuse reflectance are used to determine optical band gaps of the films ranging from 2.98 to 3.38 eV in accordance with the photonic irradiation fluence and suggests tunability of TiO 2 phase composition. The sheet resistance of the synthesized films is measured to be 14.54 ± 1.11 Ω/□ and 28.90 ± 2.24 Ω/□ for films as-processed and after carbon removal, respectively, which is comparable to high temperature processed TiO 2 thin films. The studied electrical and optical properties of the light processed films show comparable results to traditionally processed TiO 2 while offering the distinct advantages of scalable manufacturing, low-temperature processing, simultaneous bilayer fabrication, and in situ formation of removable carbon nanocomposites.

High efficiency organic-electrolyte DSSC based on hydrothermally deposited titanium carbide-carbon counter electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Towannang, Madsakorn; Kumlangwan, Pantiwa; Maiaugree, Wasan; Ratchaphonsaenwong, Kunthaya; Harnchana, Viyada; Jarenboon, Wirat; Pimanpang, Samuk; Amornkitbamrung, Vittaya

2015-07-01

Pt-free TiC based electrodes were hydrothermally deposited onto FTO/glass substrates and used as dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) counter electrodes. A promising efficiency of 3.07% was obtained from the annealed hydrothermal TiC DSSCs based on a disulfide/thiolate electrolyte. A pronounced improvement in performance of 3.59% was achieved by compositing TiC with carbon, compared to that of a Pt DSSC, 3.84%. TEM analysis detected that the TiC particle surfaces were coated by thin carbon layer (7 nm). The SAED pattern and Raman spectrum of TiC-carbon films suggested that the carbon layer was composed of amorphous and graphite carbon. The formation of graphite on the TiC nanoparticles plays a crucial role in enhancing the film's reduction current to 10.12 mA/cm2 and in reducing the film impedance to 237.63 Ω, resulting in a high efficiency of the TiC-carbon DSSC. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

HRTEM low dose: the unfold of the morphed graphene, from amorphous carbon to morphed graphenes.

PubMed

Calderon, H A; Okonkwo, A; Estrada-Guel, I; Hadjiev, V G; Alvarez-Ramírez, F; Robles Hernández, F C

We present experimental evidence under low-dose conditions transmission electron microscopy for the unfolding of the evolving changes in carbon soot during mechanical milling. The milled soot shows evolving changes as a function of the milling severity or time. Those changes are responsible for the transformation from amorphous carbon to graphenes, graphitic carbon, and highly ordered structures such as morphed graphenes, namely Rh6 and Rh6-II. The morphed graphenes are corrugated layers of carbon with cross-linked covalently nature and sp 2 - or sp 3 -type allotropes. Electron microscopy and numerical simulations are excellent complementary tools to identify those phases. Furthermore, the TEAM 05 microscope is an outstanding tool to resolve the microstructure and prevent any damage to the sample. Other characterization techniques such as XRD, Raman, and XPS fade to convey a true identification of those phases because the samples are usually blends or mixes of the mentioned phases.

Macroporous graphitic carbon foam decorated with polydopamine as a high-performance anode for microbial fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Hongmei; Yang, Lu; Deng, Wenfang; Tan, Yueming; Xie, Qingji

2017-09-01

Herein, a macroporous graphitic carbon foam (MGCF) electrode decorated with polydopamine (PDA) is used as a high-performance anode for microbial fuel cell (MFC) applications. The MGCF is facilely prepared by pyrolysis of a powder mixture comprising maltose, nickel nitrate, and ammonia chloride, without using solid porous template. The MGCF is coated with PDA by self-polymerization of dopamine in a basic solution. The MGCF can provide a large surface area for bacterial attachment, and PDA coated on the MGCF electrode can further promote bacterial adhesion resulting from the improved hydrophility, so the MGCF-PDA electrode as an anode in a MFC can show ultrahigh bacterial loading capacity. Moreover, the electrochemical oxidation of flavins at the MGCF-PDA electrode is greatly accelerated, so the extracellular electron transfer mediated by flavins is improved. As a result, the MFC equipped with a MGCF-PDA anode can show a maximum power density of 1735 mW cm-2, which is 6.7 times that of a MFC equipped with a commercial carbon felt anode, indicating a promising anode for MFC applications.

Carbon deposition thresholds on nickel-based solid oxide fuel cell anodes II. Steam:carbon ratio and current density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuhn, J.; Kesler, O.

2015-03-01

For the second part of a two part publication, coking thresholds with respect to molar steam:carbon ratio (SC) and current density in nickel-based solid oxide fuel cells were determined. Anode-supported button cell samples were exposed to 2-component and 5-component gas mixtures with 1 ≤ SC ≤ 2 and zero fuel utilization for 10 h, followed by measurement of the resulting carbon mass. The effect of current density was explored by measuring carbon mass under conditions known to be prone to coking while increasing the current density until the cell was carbon-free. The SC coking thresholds were measured to be ∼1.04 and ∼1.18 at 600 and 700 °C, respectively. Current density experiments validated the thresholds measured with respect to fuel utilization and steam:carbon ratio. Coking thresholds at 600 °C could be predicted with thermodynamic equilibrium calculations when the Gibbs free energy of carbon was appropriately modified. Here, the Gibbs free energy of carbon on nickel-based anode support cermets was measured to be -6.91 ± 0.08 kJ mol-1. The results of this two part publication show that thermodynamic equilibrium calculations with appropriate modification to the Gibbs free energy of solid-phase carbon can be used to predict coking thresholds on nickel-based anodes at 600-700 °C.

Investigation on the formation of lonsdaleite from graphite

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

Greshnyakov, V. A.; Belenkov, E. A., E-mail: belenkov@csu.ru

2017-02-15

Structural stability and the possible pathways to experimental formation of lonsdaleite—a hexagonal 2H polytype of diamond—have been studied in the framework of the density functional theory (DFT). It is established that the structural transformation of orthorhombic Cmmm graphite to 2H polytype of diamond must take place at a pressure of 61 GPa, while the formation of lonsdaleite from hexagonal P6/mmm graphite must take place at 56 GPa. The minimum potential barrier height separating the 2H polytype state from graphite is only 0.003 eV/atom smaller than that for the cubic diamond. The high potential barrier is indicative of the possibility ofmore » stable existence of the hexagonal diamond under normal conditions. In this work, we have also analyzed the X-ray diffraction and electron-microscopic data available for nanodiamonds found in meteorite impact craters in search for the presence of hexagonal diamond. Results of this analysis showed that pure 3C and 2H polytypes are not contained in the carbon materials of impact origin, the structure of nanocrystals found representing diamonds with randomly packed layers. The term “lonsdaleite,” used to denote carbon materials found in meteorite impact craters and diamond crystals with 2H polytype structure, is rather ambiguous, since no pure hexagonal diamond has been identified in carbon phases found at meteorite fall sites.« less

Thermal expansion of selected graphite reinforced polyimide-, epoxy-, and glass-matrix composite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tompkins, S. S.

1985-01-01

The thermal expansion of three epoxy-matrix composites, a polyimide-matrix composite and a borosilicate glass-matrix composite, each reinforced with continuous carbon fibers, has been measured and compared. The expansion of a composite with a rubber toughened epoxy-matrix and P75S carbon fibers was very different from the expansion of two different single phase epoxy-matrix composites with P75S fibers although all three had the same stacking sequence. Reasonable agreement was obtained between measured thermal-expansion data and results from classical laminate theory. The thermal expansion of a material may change markedly as a result of thermal cycling. Microdamage, induced by 250 cycles between -156 C and 121 C in the graphite/polyimide laminate, caused a 53 percent decrease in the coefficient of thermal expansion. The thermal expansion of the graphite/glass laminate was not changed by 100 thermal cycles from -129 C to 38 C; however, a residual strain of about 10 x 10 to the minus 6 power was measured for the laminate tested.

Molecular equilibria and condensation sequences in carbon rich gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharp, C. M.; Wasserburg, G. J.

1993-01-01

Chemical equilibria in stellar atmospheres have been investigated by many authors. Lattimer, Schramm, and Grossman presented calculations in both O rich and C rich environments and predicted possible presolar condensates. A recent paper by Cherchneff and Barker considered a C rich composition with PAH's included in the calculations. However, the condensation sequences of C bearing species have not been investigated in detail. In a carbon rich gas surrounding an AGB star, it is often assumed that graphite (or diamond) condenses out before TiC and SiC. However, Lattimer et al. found some conditions under which TiC condenses before graphite. We have performed molecular equilibrium calculations to establish the stability fields of C(s), TiC(s), and SiC(s) and other high temperature phases under conditions of different pressures and C/O. The preserved presolar interstellar dust grains so far discovered in meteorites are graphite, diamond, SiC, TiC, and possibly Al2O3.

Continuous Carbon Nanotube-Ultrathin Graphite Hybrid Foams for Increased Thermal Conductivity and Suppressed Subcooling in Composite Phase Change Materials.

PubMed

Kholmanov, Iskandar; Kim, Jaehyun; Ou, Eric; Ruoff, Rodney S; Shi, Li

2015-12-22

Continuous ultrathin graphite foams (UGFs) have been actively researched recently to obtain composite materials with increased thermal conductivities. However, the large pore size of these graphitic foams has resulted in large thermal resistance values for heat conduction from inside the pore to the high thermal conductivity graphitic struts. Here, we demonstrate that the effective thermal conductivity of these UGF composites can be increased further by growing long CNT networks directly from the graphite struts of UGFs into the pore space. When erythritol, a phase change material for thermal energy storage, is used to fill the pores of UGF-CNT hybrids, the thermal conductivity of the UGF-CNT/erythritol composite was found to increase by as much as a factor of 1.8 compared to that of a UGF/erythritol composite, whereas breaking the UGF-CNT bonding in the hybrid composite resulted in a drop in the effective room-temperature thermal conductivity from about 4.1 ± 0.3 W m(-1) K(-1) to about 2.9 ± 0.2 W m(-1) K(-1) for the same UGF and CNT loadings of about 1.8 and 0.8 wt %, respectively. Moreover, we discovered that the hybrid structure strongly suppresses subcooling of erythritol due to the heterogeneous nucleation of erythritol at interfaces with the graphitic structures.

Role of carbon nano-materials in the analysis of biological materials by laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Najam-ul-Haq, M; Rainer, M; Szabó, Z; Vallant, R; Huck, C W; Bonn, G K

2007-03-10

At present, carbon nano-materials are being utilized in various procedures, especially in laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) for analyzing a range of analytes, which include peptides, proteins, metabolites, and polymers. Matrix-oriented LDI-MS techniques are very well established, with weak organic acids as energy-absorbing substances. Carbon materials, such as nano-tubes and fullerenes are being successfully applied in the small-mass range, where routine matrices have strong background signals. In addition, the role of carbon nano-materials is very well established in the fractionation and purification fields. Modified diamond powder and surfaces are utilized in binding peptides and proteins from complex biological fluids and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS). Polylysine-coated diamond is used for solid-phase extraction to pre-concentrate DNA oligonucleotides. Graphite is useful for desalting, pre-concentration, and as energy-absorbing material (matrix) in desorption/ionization. Carbon nano-tubes in their different derivatized forms are used as matrix materials for the analysis of a range of analytes, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides, proteins, and some environmental samples by LDI-MS. Fullerenes are modified in different ways to bind serum entities analyzed through MALDI/TOF-MS and are subsequently utilized in their identifications. In addition, the fullerenes are a promising matrix in LDI-MS, but improvements are needed.

Equivalent-Continuum Modeling With Application to Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Odegard, Gregory M.; Gates, Thomas S.; Nicholson, Lee M.; Wise, Kristopher E.

2002-01-01

A method has been proposed for developing structure-property relationships of nano-structured materials. This method serves as a link between computational chemistry and solid mechanics by substituting discrete molecular structures with equivalent-continuum models. It has been shown that this substitution may be accomplished by equating the vibrational potential energy of a nano-structured material with the strain energy of representative truss and continuum models. As important examples with direct application to the development and characterization of single-walled carbon nanotubes and the design of nanotube-based devices, the modeling technique has been applied to determine the effective-continuum geometry and bending rigidity of a graphene sheet. A representative volume element of the chemical structure of graphene has been substituted with equivalent-truss and equivalent continuum models. As a result, an effective thickness of the continuum model has been determined. This effective thickness has been shown to be significantly larger than the interatomic spacing of graphite. The effective thickness has been shown to be significantly larger than the inter-planar spacing of graphite. The effective bending rigidity of the equivalent-continuum model of a graphene sheet was determined by equating the vibrational potential energy of the molecular model of a graphene sheet subjected to cylindrical bending with the strain energy of an equivalent continuum plate subjected to cylindrical bending.

Giant Paramagnetism of Copper Nanoparticles in Nanocomposites Cu@C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharoyan, Eduard; Mirzakhanyan, Armen; Gyulasaryan, Harutyun; Manukyan, Aram; Estiphanos, Medhanie; Goff, Michael; Bernal, Oscar; Kocharian, Armen

The copper nanoparticles in nanocomposites Cu@C, encapsulated in graphitized carbon shell was obtained by the solid-phase pyrolysis method of polycrystalline phthalocyanine (CuPc, Pc =C32N8H16) . The average sizes of the nanoparticles are in the range of 2-6 nm. Magnetic measurements were carried out by vibrational magnetometer in the temperature range 10-300 K. At low temperatures (<70K) we observed a giant paramagnetism, apparently due to the (ballistic) conduction electron (large orbital magnetism). The values of the specific susceptibility at T = 10K with magnetic specific susceptibility of 510-5 emu/gOe order. This work was supported by the RA MES State Committee of Science, in the frames of the research project SCS-13-1C090. The work at California State University was supported by the National Science Foundation-Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials under Grant DMR-1523588.

Comparison of biodegradation of poly(ethylene glycol)s and poly(propylene glycol)s.

PubMed

Zgoła-Grześkowiak, Agnieszka; Grześkowiak, Tomasz; Zembrzuska, Joanna; Łukaszewski, Zenon

2006-07-01

The biodegradation of poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) and poly(propylene glycol)s (PPGs), both being major by-products of non-ionic surfactants biodegradation, was studied under the conditions of the River Water Die-Away Test. PEGs were isolated from a water matrix using solid-phase extraction with graphitized carbon black sorbent, then derivatized with phenyl isocyanate and determined by HPLC with UV detection. PPGs were isolated from a water matrix by liquid-liquid extraction with chloroform, then derivatized with naphthyl isocyanate and determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. The primary biodegradation of both PEGs and PPGs reached approximately 99% during the test. The tests show different biodegradation pathways of PEG and PPG. During PEG biodegradation, their chains are shortened leading to the formation of ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. During PPG biodegradation, no short-chained biodegradation products were found.

Carbon fiber manufacturing via plasma technology

DOEpatents

Paulauskas, Felix L.; Yarborough, Kenneth D.; Meek, Thomas T.

2002-01-01

The disclosed invention introduces a novel method of manufacturing carbon and/or graphite fibers that avoids the high costs associated with conventional carbonization processes. The method of the present invention avoids these costs by utilizing plasma technology in connection with electromagnetic radiation to produce carbon and/or graphite fibers from fully or partially stabilized carbon fiber precursors. In general, the stabilized or partially stabilized carbon fiber precursors are placed under slight tension, in an oxygen-free atmosphere, and carbonized using a plasma and electromagnetic radiation having a power input which is increased as the fibers become more carbonized and progress towards a final carbon or graphite product. In an additional step, the final carbon or graphite product may be surface treated with an oxygen-plasma treatment to enhance adhesion to matrix materials.

WKB calculation of multiple spin exchange in monolayer solid 3He

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashizawa, Hisayuki; Hirashima, D. S.

2000-10-01

An insight is given into the multiple spin exchange in the registered 3×3 phase of solid 3He adsorbed on graphite with a WKB calculation taking account of the corrugation of the substrate potential. The corrugation is essential for this phase to be realized, and is found to suppress the exchange processes of many (>=4) particles to make only the two- and the three-spin exchanges relevant. When the magnitude of the corrugation is modest, the exchange can be ferromagnetic, in agreement with the experiment by Ikegami et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 2478 (1998)]. Validity and limitation of the WKB approximation are also discussed.

Enhanced graphitization of carbon around carbon nanotubes during the formation of carbon nanotube/graphite composites by pyrolysis of carbon nanotube/polyaniline composites.

PubMed

Nam, Dong Hoon; Cha, Seung Il; Jeong, Yong Jin; Hong, Soon Hyung

2013-11-01

The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are actively applied to the reinforcements for composite materials during last decade. One of the attempts is development of CNT/Carbon composites. Although there are some reports on the enhancement of mechanical properties by addition of CNTs in carbon or carbon fiber, it is far below the expectation. Considering the microstructure of carbon materials such as carbon fiber, the properties of them can be modified and enhanced by control of graphitization and alignment of graphene planes. In this study, enhanced graphitization of carbon has been observed the vicinity of CNTs during the pyrolysis of CNT/Polyaniline composites. As a result, novel types of composite, consisting of treading CNTs and coated graphite, can be fabricated. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed a specific orientation relationship between the graphene layers and the CNTs, with an angle of 110 degrees between the layers and the CNT axis. The possibility of graphene alignment control in the carbon by the addition of CNTs is demonstrated.

Laser-induced transformation of graphitic materials to two-dimensional graphene-like structures at ambient conditions.

PubMed

Antonelou, Aspasia; Benekou, Vasiliki; Dracopoulos, Vasileios; Kollia, Mary; Yannopoulos, Spyros N

2018-06-27

Laser processing of carbon containing compounds towards the formation of graphene-based structures gains ground over the last years in view of the practicality that lasers offer against other conventional graphene preparation methods. The current work explores the viability of low-cost lasers, operating at ambient conditions, for the transformation of various graphitic materials to structures with graphene-like atomic arrangement. Starting materials are at two opposing sides. On one side stand typical graphite powder with Bernal stacking and strong sp2 character, while nanocrystalline or quasi-amorphous graphitic powders such as carbon black and activated carbon are also investigated. Electron microscopies are employed to observe post-irradiation morphological changes while Raman scattering identifies details on atomic arrangement. It is demonstrated that graphene-like structures can be prepared either by starting from a well-organized Bernal-stacked network or by irradiating the quasi-amorphous forms of nanocrystalline carbon. Mild structural changes in the former case pertain to increase of the interlayer spacing, which could possibly be rationalized by considering a mechanism based on Coulomb expansion. For less organized carbon structures, reorganization of the atomic arrangement with an appreciable sp3 to sp2 transformation is observed. The findings of this work confirm that laser processing at minimal chamber conditions demonstrate high potential for preparing high-quality graphene-based structures starting from low cost materials. The proposed method being easily scalable adaptable to current technological platforms is expected to be transformed to a viable and eco-friendly graphene production technology. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

ZnO/graphite composites and its antibacterial activity at different conditions.

PubMed

Dědková, Kateřina; Janíková, Barbora; Matějová, Kateřina; Čabanová, Kristina; Váňa, Rostislav; Kalup, Aleš; Hundáková, Marianna; Kukutschová, Jana

2015-10-01

The paper reports laboratory preparation, characterization and in vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of ZnO/graphite nanocomposites. Zinc chloride and sodium carbonate served as precursors for synthesis of zinc oxide, while micromilled and natural graphite were used as the matrix for ZnO nanoparticles anchoring. During the reaction of ZnCl2 with saturated aqueous solution of Na2CO3a new compound is created. During the calcination at the temperature of 500 °C this new precursors decomposes and ZnO nanoparticles are formed. Composites ZnO/graphite with 50 wt.% of ZnO particles were prepared. X-ray powder diffraction and Raman microspectroscopy served as phase-analytical methods. Scanning electron microscopy technique was used for morphology characterization of the prepared samples and EDS mapping for visualization of elemental distribution. A developed modification of the standard microdilution test was used for in vitro evaluation of daylight induced antibacterial activity and antibacterial activity at dark conditions. Common human pathogens served as microorganism for antibacterial assay. Antibacterial activity of ZnO/graphite composites could be based on photocatalytic reaction; however there is a role of Zn(2+) ions on the resulting antibacterial activity which proved the experiments in dark condition. There is synergistic effect between Zn(2+) caused and reactive oxygen species caused antibacterial activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fullerenes: An extraterrestrial carbon carrier phase for noble gases

PubMed Central

Becker, Luann; Poreda, Robert J.; Bunch, Ted E.

2000-01-01

In this work, we report on the discovery of naturally occurring fullerenes (C60 to C400) in the Allende and Murchison meteorites and some sediment samples from the 65 million-year-old Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary layer (KTB). Unlike the other pure forms of carbon (diamond and graphite), fullerenes are extractable in an organic solvent (e.g., toluene or 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene). The recognition of this unique property led to the detection and isolation of the higher fullerenes in the Kratschmer/Huffmann arc evaporated graphite soot and in the carbon material in the meteorite and impact deposits. By further exploiting the unique ability of the fullerene cage structure to encapsulate and retain noble gases, we have determined that both the Allende and Murchison fullerenes and the KTB fullerenes contain trapped noble gases with ratios that can only be described as extraterrestrial in origin. PMID:10725367

B{sub 4}C-SiC reaction-sintered coatings on graphite plasma facing components

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

Valentine, P.G.; Trester, P.W.; Winter, J.

1994-05-01

Boron carbide plus silicon carbide (B{sub 4}C-SiC) reaction-sintered coatings for use on graphite plasma-facing components were developed. Such coatings are of interest in TEXTOR tokamak limiter-plasma interactions as a means of reducing carbon erosion, of providing a preferred release of boron for oxygen gettering, and of investigating silicon`s effect on radiative edge phenomena. Specimens evaluated had (a) either Ringsdorfwerke EK 98 graphite or Le Carbon Lorraine felt-type AEROLOR A05 CFC substrates; (b) multiphase coatings, comprised of B{sub 4}C, Sic, and graphite; (c) nominal coating compositions of 69 wt.-% B{sub 4}C + 31 wt.-% SiC; and (d) nominal coating thicknesses betweenmore » 250 and 775 {mu}m. Coated coupons were evaluated by high heat flux experiments in the JUDITH (electron beam) test facility at KFA. Simulated disruptions, with energy densities up to 10 MJm{sup {minus}2}, and normal operation simulations, with power densities up to 12 MWm{sup {minus}2}, were conducted. The coatings remained adherent; at the highest levels tested, minor changes occurred, including localized remelting, modification of the crystallographic phases, occasional microcracking, and erosion.« less

On-line solid phase selective separation and preconcentration of Cd(II) by solid-phase extraction using carbon active modified with methyl thymol blue.

PubMed

Ensafi, Ali A; Ghaderi, Ali R

2007-09-05

An on-line flow system was used to develop a selective and efficient on-line sorbent extraction preconcentration system for cadmium. The method is based on adsorption of cadmium ions onto the activated carbon modified with methyl thymol blue. Then the adsorbed ions were washed using 0.5M HNO(3) and the eluent was used to determine the Cd(II) ions using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results obtained show that the modified activated carbon has the greatest adsorption capacity of 80 microg of Cd(II) per 1.0 g of the solid phase. The optimal pH value for the quantitative preconcentration was 9.0 and full desorption is achieved by using 0.5M HNO(3) solution. It is established that the solid phase can be used repeatedly without a considerable adsorption capacity loss. The detection limit was less than 1 ngmL(-1) Cd(II), with an enrichment factor of 1000. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 1-2000 ngmL(-1) Cd(II). The developed method has been applied to the determination of trace cadmium (II) in water samples and in the following reference materials: sewage sludge (CRM144R), and sea water (CASS.4) with satisfactory results. The accuracy was assessed through recovery experiments.

Hypophosphite/Graphitic Carbon Nitride Hybrids: Preparation and Flame-Retardant Application in Thermoplastic Polyurethane

PubMed Central

Shi, Yongqian; Fu, Libi; Chen, Xilei; Guo, Jin; Yang, Fuqiang; Wang, Jingui; Zheng, Yuying; Hu, Yuan

2017-01-01

A series of aluminum hypophosphite (AHPi)/graphite-like carbon nitride (g-C3N4) (designated as CAHPi) hybrids were prepared, followed by incorporation into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The introduction of CAHPi hybrids into TPU led to a marked reduction in the peak of the heat release rate (pHRR), total heat release, weight loss rate, smoke production rate and total smoke production (TSP). For instance, pHRR and TSP decreased by 40% and 50% for TPU/CAHPi20. Furthermore, the increasing fire growth index and decreasing fire performance index were obtained for TPU/CAHPi systems, suggesting reduced fire hazards. It was found that improved fire safety of TPU nanocomposites was contributed by condensed phase and gas phase mechanisms. On one hand, g-C3N4 accelerated the thermal decomposition of AHPi for the formation of more char layers. On the other hand, g-C3N4 induced AHPi to generate more free radical capture agents when exposed to flame, besides protecting AHPi against thermal oxidation. PMID:28872606

Roll-to-Roll Laser-Printed Graphene-Graphitic Carbon Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Kang, Sangmin; Lim, Kyungmi; Park, Hyeokjun; Park, Jong Bo; Park, Seong Chae; Cho, Sung-Pyo; Kang, Kisuk; Hong, Byung Hee

2018-01-10

Carbon electrodes including graphene and thin graphite films have been utilized for various energy and sensor applications, where the patterning of electrodes is essentially included. Laser scribing in a DVD writer and inkjet printing were used to pattern the graphene-like materials, but the size and speed of fabrication has been limited for practical applications. In this work, we devise a simple strategy to use conventional laser-printer toner materials as precursors for graphitic carbon electrodes. The toner was laser-printed on metal foils, followed by thermal annealing in hydrogen environment, finally resulting in the patterned thin graphitic carbon or graphene electrodes for supercapacitors. The electrochemical cells made of the graphene-graphitic carbon electrodes show remarkably higher energy and power performance compared to conventional supercapacitors. Furthermore, considering the simplicity and scalability of roll-to-roll (R2R) electrode patterning processes, the proposed method would enable cheaper and larger-scale synthesis and patterning of graphene-graphitic carbon electrodes for various energy applications in the future.

Template confined synthesis of amorphous carbon nanotubes and its confocal Raman microscopy

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

Maity, Supratim; Roychowdhury, Tuhin; Chattopadhyay, Kalyan Kumar, E-mail: kalyan-chattopadhyay@yahoo.com

2014-04-24

Amorphous carbon nanotubes (aCNTs) were synthesized by AAO (anodic aluminum oxide) template at a temperature 500 °C in nitrogen atmosphere using the citric acid as a carbon source without the help of any catalyst particles. Morphological analysis of the as prepared samples was carried out by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Confocal Raman imaging has been studied and an attempt has been made to find out the graphitic (sp{sup 2}) and disordered phase of the CNTs.

Influence of Inner Transducer Properties on EMF Response and Stability of Solid-Contact Anion Selective Membrane Electrodes Based on Metalloporphyrin Ionophores

PubMed Central

Górski, Łukasz; Matusevich, Alexey; Pietrzak, Mariusz; Wang, Lin; Meyerhoff, Mark E.; Malinowska, Elżbieta

2010-01-01

The performance of solid-contact/coated wire type electrodes with plasticized PVC membranes containing metalloporphyrins as anion selective ionophores is reported. The membranes are deposited on transducers based on graphite pastes and graphite rods. The hydrophobicity of the underlying conductive transducer surface is found to be a key factor that influences the formation of an aqueous layer beneath the polymer film. Elimination of this ill-defined water layer greatly improves the electrochemical properties of the ion-sensors, such as EMF stability and life-time. Only highly lipophilic electrode substrates, namely graphite paste with mineral oil, were shown to prevent the formation of aqueous layer underneath the ion-sensing membrane. The possibility of employing Co(III)-tetraphenylporphyrin both as NO2− selective ionophore and as electron/ion conducting species to ensure ion-to-electron translation was also discussed based on the results of preliminary experiments. PMID:20357903

Nitrous Oxide/Paraffin Hybrid Rocket Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zubrin, Robert; Snyder, Gary

2010-01-01

Nitrous oxide/paraffin (N2OP) hybrid rocket engines have been invented as alternatives to other rocket engines especially those that burn granular, rubbery solid fuels consisting largely of hydroxyl- terminated polybutadiene (HTPB). Originally intended for use in launching spacecraft, these engines would also be suitable for terrestrial use in rocket-assisted takeoff of small airplanes. The main novel features of these engines are (1) the use of reinforced paraffin as the fuel and (2) the use of nitrous oxide as the oxidizer. Hybrid (solid-fuel/fluid-oxidizer) rocket engines offer advantages of safety and simplicity over fluid-bipropellant (fluid-fuel/fluid-oxidizer) rocket en - gines, but the thrusts of HTPB-based hybrid rocket engines are limited by the low regression rates of the fuel grains. Paraffin used as a solid fuel has a regression rate about 4 times that of HTPB, but pure paraffin fuel grains soften when heated; hence, paraffin fuel grains can, potentially, slump during firing. In a hybrid engine of the present type, the paraffin is molded into a 3-volume-percent graphite sponge or similar carbon matrix, which supports the paraffin against slumping during firing. In addition, because the carbon matrix material burns along with the paraffin, engine performance is not appreciably degraded by use of the matrix.

Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings on Diamond, SiC and Nitride Wide Bandgap Semiconductors Held at San Francisco, California on 4-8 April 1994. Volume 339.

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-04-08

demonstrated that there existed no graphite phase at the surface of the as-deposited and 02 plasma treated polycrystalline diamond films. W 3- uO 2.5...diamond, highly ordered pyrolitic graphite ( HOPG ), and an amorphous carbon surface created by 1 keV ion bombardment of diamond. The diamond surface was...Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Materials Research Society. Meeting (1994 : San Francisco, Calif.). Symposium D. Diamond, SiC and nitride

The influence of the ion plasma flow on the phase composition and microhardness of carbon coatings doped with metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudenkov, A. S.; Piliptsou, D. G.; Luchnikov, P. A.; Rogachev, A. V.; Jiang, Xiaohong; Fedosenko, N. N.

2018-01-01

The Raman spectroscopy method established that subsequent treatment with ion ions leads to a change in the microstructure of coatings based on carbon and metals. It is established that the structure change is determined by the changes occurring at the interface and depends on the sp3 → sp2 phase transition due to the appearance of local thermal peaks at the end of tracks of nitrogen ions implanted in the coating volume. It is shown that the microhardness of metal-carbon coatings (α-C: Cu, α-C: Ti, α-C:Al) increases after ion-plasma treatment, which is determined by the formation of solid interstitial phases based on CNx and metal carbonitrides.

Synthesis of single-crystal-like nanoporous carbon membranes and their application in overall water splitting

PubMed Central

Wang, Hong; Min, Shixiong; Ma, Chun; Liu, Zhixiong; Zhang, Weiyi; Wang, Qiang; Li, Debao; Li, Yangyang; Turner, Stuart; Han, Yu; Zhu, Haibo; Abou-hamad, Edy; Hedhili, Mohamed Nejib; Pan, Jun; Yu, Weili; Huang, Kuo-Wei; Li, Lain-Jong; Yuan, Jiayin; Antonietti, Markus; Wu, Tom

2017-01-01

Nanoporous graphitic carbon membranes with defined chemical composition and pore architecture are novel nanomaterials that are actively pursued. Compared with easy-to-make porous carbon powders that dominate the porous carbon research and applications in energy generation/conversion and environmental remediation, porous carbon membranes are synthetically more challenging though rather appealing from an application perspective due to their structural integrity, interconnectivity and purity. Here we report a simple bottom–up approach to fabricate large-size, freestanding and porous carbon membranes that feature an unusual single-crystal-like graphitic order and hierarchical pore architecture plus favourable nitrogen doping. When loaded with cobalt nanoparticles, such carbon membranes serve as high-performance carbon-based non-noble metal electrocatalyst for overall water splitting. PMID:28051082

State and solubility of cadmium as related to xenotic inorganic phases generated homogeneously in soils

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

Walker, W.J.

The state and solubility of cadmium in waste-treated soils was investigated. Three sets of experiments were designed to elucidate solid phase control of soil solution cadmium. First, the soil solution composition of two soils amended with either sludge or metal contaminated mulch was examined to determine the presence of anions capable of precipitating or co-precipitating cadmium. Results indicated that no known pure solid phases of cadmium developed but that high concentrations of phosphate, sulfate and carbonate apparently influenced cadmium solubility. Secondly, three soils were amended with 10 ug of cadmium as cadmium acetate/g of soil. Three different levels of glycerophosphate,more » cysteine and acetate were added to the soils and incubated at constant temperature and water content in order to release phosphate, sulfate and alkalinity under conditions conducive for homogeneous precipitation. Another set of treatments was prepared in the same fashion with an additional amendment of calcium carbonate to raise soil pH's to 7.0. In the presence of sulfate, cadmium solubility increased with no apparent solid phase formation. The addition of calcium carbonate shifted solid phase control to either calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate. The generation of alkalinity by acetate addition produced solid phase calcium carbonate which in turn controlled cadmium solubility through chemisorption of cadmium on calcite surfaces. In the presence of monobasic calcium phosphate, cadmium was interfacially adsorbed. In the presence of dibasic calcium phosphate, however, cadmium was homogeneously precipitated in the host crystal suggesting possible solid solution.« less

Factors affecting the thermal shock behavior of yttria stabilized hafnia based graphite and tungsten composites.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lineback, L. D.; Manning, C. R.

1971-01-01

Hafnia-based composites containing either graphite or tungsten were investigated as rocket nozzle throat inserts in solid propellant rocket engines. The thermal shock resistance of these materials is considered in terms of macroscopic thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, modulus of elasticity, and compressive fracture stress. The effect of degree of hafnia stabilization, density, and graphite or tungsten content upon these parameters is discussed. The variation of the ratio of elastic modulus to compressive fracture stress with density and its effect upon thermal shock resistance of these materials are discussed in detail.

Silicon algae with carbon topping as thin-film anodes for lithium-ion microbatteries by a two-step facile method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biserni, E.; Xie, M.; Brescia, R.; Scarpellini, A.; Hashempour, M.; Movahed, P.; George, S. M.; Bestetti, M.; Li Bassi, A.; Bruno, P.

2015-01-01

Silicon-based electrodes for Li-ion batteries (LIB) attract much attention because of their high theoretical capacity. However, their large volume change during lithiation results in poor cycling due to mechanical cracking. Moreover, silicon can hardly form a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer with common electrolytes. We present a safe, innovative strategy to prepare nanostructured silicon-carbon anodes in a two-step process. The nanoporosity of Si films accommodates the volume expansion while a disordered graphitic C layer on top promotes the formation of a stable SEI. This approach shows its promises: carbon-coated porous silicon anodes perform in a very stable way, reaching the areal capacity of ∼175 μAh cm-2, and showing no decay for at least 1000 cycles. With requiring only a two-step deposition process at moderate temperatures, this novel very simple cell concept introduces a promising way to possibly viable up-scaled production of next-generation nanostructured Si anodes for lithium-ion microbatteries.

Carbon in iron phases under high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, L.; Skorodumova, N. V.; Belonoshko, A. B.; Johansson, B.; Ahuja, R.

2005-11-01

The influence of carbon impurities on the properties of iron phases (bcc, hcp, dhcp, fcc) has been studied using the first-principles projector augmented-wave (PAW) method for a wide pressure range. It is shown that the presence of ~6 at. % of interstitial carbon has a little effect on the calculated structural sequence of the iron phases under high pressure. The bcc -> hcp transition both for pure iron and iron containing carbon takes place around 9 GPa. According to the enthalpies comparison, the solubility of carbon into the iron solid is decreased by high pressure. The coexistence of iron carbide (Fe3C) + pure hcp Fe is most stable phase at high pressure compared with other phases. Based on the analysis of the pressure-density dependences for Fe3C and hcp Fe, we suggest that there might be some fraction of iron carbide present in the core.

Method of fabricating graphite for use as a skeletal prosthesis and product thereof

DOEpatents

Eatherly, Walter P.; Robbins, J. M.; Rosson, Sr., David E.

1978-01-01

A method for producing porous graphite for use as bone replacement with a structure for osteon penetration. Graphite is produced with ordered circular pores of 100 to 1000 microns in diameter covering at least 25% of the exposed surfaces. A cylindrical fiber is coated with a carbon flour-pitch mix and is then wound on a bobbin in a predetermined manner. The product of winding is dried, pressed, carbonized, and then graphitized. The fibers are removed either chemically or by volatilization during carbonization or graphitization.

Solid lubrication design methodology, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pallini, R. A.; Wedeven, L. D.; Ragen, M. A.; Aggarwal, B. B.

1986-01-01

The high temperature performance of solid lubricated rolling elements was conducted with a specially designed traction (friction) test apparatus. Graphite lubricants containing three additives (silver, phosphate glass, and zinc orthophosphate) were evaluated from room temperature to 540 C. Two hard coats were also evaluated. The evaluation of these lubricants, using a burnishing method of application, shows a reasonable transfer of lubricant and wear protection for short duration testing except in the 200 C temperature range. The graphite lubricants containing silver and zinc orthophosphate additives were more effective than the phosphate glass material over the test conditions examined. Traction coefficients ranged from a low of 0.07 to a high of 0.6. By curve fitting the traction data, empirical equations for slope and maximum traction coefficient as a function of contact pressure (P), rolling speed (U), and temperature (T) can be developed for each lubricant. A solid lubricant traction model was incorporated into an advanced bearing analysis code (SHABERTH). For comparison purposes, preliminary heat generation calculations were made for both oil and solid lubricated bearing operation. A preliminary analysis indicated a significantly higher heat generation for a solid lubricated ball bearing in a deep groove configuration. An analysis of a cylindrical roller bearing configuration showed a potential for a low friction solid lubricated bearing.

Recent advances in graphite powder-based electrodes.

PubMed

Bellido-Milla, Dolores; Cubillana-Aguilera, Laura Ma; El Kaoutit, Mohammed; Hernández-Artiga, Ma Purificación; Hidalgo-Hidalgo de Cisneros, José Luis; Naranjo-Rodríguez, Ignacio; Palacios-Santander, José Ma

2013-04-01

Graphite powder-based electrodes have the electrochemical performance of quasi-noble metal electrodes with intrinsic advantages related to the possibility of modification to enhance selectivity and their easily renewable surface, with no need for hazardous acids or bases for their cleaning. In contrast with commercial electrodes, for example screen-printed or sputtered-chip electrodes, graphite powder-based electrodes can also be fabricated in any laboratory with the form and characteristics desired. They are also readily modified with advanced materials, with relatively high reproducibility. All these characteristics make them a very interesting option for obtaining a large variety of electrodes to resolve different kinds of analytical problems. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art, advantages, and disadvantages of graphite powder-based electrodes in electrochemical analysis in the 21st century. It includes recent trends in carbon paste electrodes, devoting special attention to the use of emergent materials as new binders and to the development of other composite electrodes. The most recent advances in the use of graphite powder-modified sol-gel electrodes are also described. The development of sonogel-carbon electrodes and their use in electrochemical sensors and biosensors is included. These materials extend the possibilities of applications, especially for industrial technology-transfer purposes, and their development could affect not only electroanalytical green chemistry but other interesting areas also, for example catalysis and energy conversion and storage.

Electrochemical investigations of ionic liquids with vinylene carbonate for applications in rechargeable lithium ion batteries

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

Sun, Xiao-Guang; Dai, Sheng

2010-01-01

Ionic liquids based on methylpropylpyrrolidinium (MPPY) and methylpropylpiperidinium (MPPI) cations and bis(trifluoromethanesulfionyl)imide (TFSI) anion have been synthesized and characterized by thermal analysis, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy as well as gavanostatic charge/discharge tests. 10 wt% of vinylene carbonate (VC) was added to the electrolytes of 0.5 M LiTFSI/MPPY.TFSI and 0.5 M LiTFSI/MPPI.TFSI, which were evaluated in Li || natural graphite (NG) half cells at 25 oC and 50 oC under different current densities. At 25 oC, due to their intrinsic high viscosities, the charge/discharge capacities under the current density of 80 A cm-2 were much lower than those under the currentmore » density of 40 A cm-2. At 50 oC, with reduced viscosities, the charge/discharge capacities under both current densities were almost indistinguishable, which were also close to the typical values obtained using conventional carbonate electrolytes. In addition, the discharge capacities of the half cells were very stable with cycling, due to the effective formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the graphite electrode. On the contrary, the charge/discharge capacities of the Li || LiCoO2 cells using both ionic liquid electrolytes under the current density of 40 A cm-2 decreased continually with cycling, which were primarily due to the low oxidative stability of VC on the surface of LiCoO2.« less

Graphitized carbon nanofiber-Pt nanoparticle hybrids as sensitive tool for preparation of screen printing biosensors. Detection of lactate in wines and ciders.

PubMed

Loaiza, Oscar A; Lamas-Ardisana, Pedro J; Añorga, Larraitz; Jubete, Elena; Ruiz, Virginia; Borghei, Maryam; Cabañero, Germán; Grande, Hans J

2015-02-01

This work describes the fabrication of a new lactate biosensor. The strategy is based on the use of a novel hybrid nanomaterial for amperometric biosensors i.e. platinum nanoparticles (PtNps) supported on graphitized carbon nanofibers (PtNps/GCNF) prepared by chemical reduction of the Pt precursor at GCNF surfaces. The biosensors were constructed by covalent immobilization of lactate oxidase (LOx) onto screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) modified with PtNps (PtNps/GCNF-SPCEs) using polyethyleneimine (PEI) and glutaraldehyde (GA). Experimental variables concerning both the biosensor design and the detection process were investigated for an optimal analytical performance. Lactate biosensors show good reproducibility (RSD 4.9%, n=10) and sensitivity (41,302±546) μA/Mcm(2), with a good limit of detection (6.9μM). Covalent immobilization of the enzyme allows the reuse of the biosensor for several measurements, converting them in a cheap alternative to the solid electrodes. The long-term stability of the biosensors was also evaluated. 90% of the signal was kept after 3months of storage at room temperature (RT), while 95% was retained after 18months at -20°C. These results demonstrate that the method provides sensitive electrochemical lactate biosensors where the stability of the enzymatic activity can be preserved for a long period of time in adequate storage conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PolyHIPE Derived Freestanding 3D Carbon Foam for Cobalt Hydroxide Nanorods Based High Performance Supercapacitor

PubMed Central

Patil, Umakant M.; Ghorpade, Ravindra V.; Nam, Min Sik; Nalawade, Archana C.; Lee, Sangrae; Han, Haksoo; Jun, Seong Chan

2016-01-01

The current paper describes enhanced electrochemical capacitive performance of chemically grown Cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)2) nanorods (NRs) decorated porous three dimensional graphitic carbon foam (Co(OH)2/3D GCF) as a supercapacitor electrode. Freestanding 3D porous GCF is prepared by carbonizing, high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) polymerized styrene and divinylbenzene. The PolyHIPE was sulfonated and carbonized at temperature up to 850 °C to obtain graphitic 3D carbon foam with high surface area (389 m2 g−1) having open voids (14 μm) interconnected by windows (4 μm) in monolithic form. Moreover, entangled Co(OH)2 NRs are anchored on 3D GCF electrodes by using a facile chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The wide porous structure with high specific surface area (520 m2 g−1) access offered by the interconnected 3D GCF along with Co(OH)2 NRs morphology, displays ultrahigh specific capacitance, specific energy and power. The Co(OH)2/3D GCF electrode exhibits maximum specific capacitance about ~1235 F g−1 at ~1 A g−1 charge-discharge current density, in 1 M aqueous KOH solution. These results endorse potential applicability of Co(OH)2/3D GCF electrode in supercapacitors and signifies that, the porous GCF is a proficient 3D freestanding framework for loading pseudocapacitive nanostructured materials. PMID:27762284

Adhesion force interactions between cyclopentane hydrate and physically and chemically modified surfaces.

PubMed

Aman, Zachary M; Sloan, E Dendy; Sum, Amadeu K; Koh, Carolyn A

2014-12-07

Interfacial interactions between liquid-solid and solid-solid phases/surfaces are of fundamental importance to the formation of hydrate deposits in oil and gas pipelines. This work establishes the effect of five categories of physical and chemical modification to steel on clathrate hydrate adhesive force: oleamide, graphite, citric acid ester, nonanedithiol, and Rain-X anti-wetting agent. Hydrate adhesive forces were measured using a micromechanical force apparatus, under both dry and water-wet surface conditions. The results show that the graphite coating reduced hydrate-steel adhesion force by 79%, due to an increase in the water wetting angle from 42 ± 8° to 154 ± 7°. Two chemical surface coatings (nonanedithiol and the citric acid ester) induced rapid hydrate growth in the hydrate particles; nonanedithiol increased hydrate adhesive force by 49% from the baseline, while the citric acid ester coating reduced hydrate adhesion force by 98%. This result suggests that crystal growth may enable a strong adhesive pathway between hydrate and other crystalline structures, however this effect may be negated in cases where water-hydrocarbon interfacial tension is minimised. When a liquid water droplet was placed on the modified steel surfaces, the graphite and citric acid ester became less effective at reducing adhesive force. In pipelines containing a free water phase wetting the steel surface, chemical or physical surface modifications alone may be insufficient to eliminate hydrate deposition risk. In further tests, the citric acid ester reduced hydrate cohesive forces by 50%, suggesting mild activity as a hybrid anti-agglomerant suppressing both hydrate deposition and particle agglomeration. These results demonstrate a new capability to develop polyfunctional surfactants, which simultaneously limit the capability for hydrate particles to aggregate and deposit on the pipeline wall.

KOVATS RETENTION INDICES OF HALOCARBONS ON A HEXAFLUOROPROPYLENE EPOXIDE-MODIFIED GRAPHITIZED CARBON BLACK

EPA Science Inventory

The article gives results of measuring Kovats retention indices of 97 halocarbons related to research on alternative refrigerants, propellants, foaming agents, and blowing agents, on a packed-column stationary phase consisting of a 5% mass coating of a low-molecular-weight polyme...

Magnetic graphitic carbon nitride: its application in the C–H activation of amines

EPA Science Inventory

Magnetic graphitic carbon nitride, Fe@g-C3N4, has been synthesized by adorning graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) support with iron oxide via non-covalent interaction. The magnetically recyclable catalyst showed excellent reactivity for expeditious C-H activation and cyanation of ...

Transferring-free and large-area graphitic carbon film growth by using molecular beam epitaxy at low growth temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Meng-Yu; Wang, Cheng-Hung; Pao, Chun-Wei; Lin, Shih-Yen

2015-09-01

Graphitic carbon films prepared by using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on metal templates with different thicknesses deposited on SiO2/Si substrates are investigated in this paper. With thick Cu templates, only graphitic carbon flakes are obtained near the Cu grain boundaries at low growth temperatures on metal/SiO2 interfaces. By replacing the Cu templates with thin Ni templates, complete graphitic carbon films with superior crystalline quality is obtained at 600 °C on SiO2/Si substrates after removing the Ni templates. The enhanced attachment of the graphitic carbon film to the SiO2/Si substrates with reduced Ni thickness makes the approach a promising approach for transferring-free graphene preparation at low temperature by using MBE.

Potassium vapor assisted preparation of highly graphitized hierarchical porous carbon for high rate performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zheng; Zeng, Ying; Tang, Qunli; Hu, Aiping; Xiao, Kuikui; Zhang, Shiying; Deng, Weina; Fan, Binbin; Zhu, Yanfei; Chen, Xiaohua

2017-09-01

Ultrahigh graphitized carbon microspheres with rich hierarchical pores (AGHPCM-1) have been successfully synthesized through the one-step activation-carbonization strategy (OACS) with porous sulfonated poly-divinylbenzene as the carbon precursor, iron as the hard template and catalyst, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) as activation agent. Through the XRD, TEM, Raman and BET analysis, AGHPCM-1 shows very high graphitization degree and rich micro-, meso- and macro-pores. More importantly, the mechanism for KOH to improve the graphitization degree of carbon materials in OACS has been illustrated by the thermodynamical theory. The tremendous heat releasing from the reaction between the catalyst precursor of Fe2O3 and potassium vapor plays a key role in the formation of graphitized carbon. It may provide a general direction to prepare highly graphitized porous carbon at a moderate temperature. Integrating the advantages of high graphitization degree and rich hierarchical porous structure, the AGHPCM-1 exhibits an excellent rate performance with a response to up to the high current density of 150 A g-1 and high scan rate of 2000 mV s-1. No obvious capacitance decay can be observed after 10000 charge/discharge cycles even at the high current density of 20 A g-1.

Surface engineering of graphitic carbon nitride polymers with cocatalysts for photocatalytic overall water splitting

PubMed Central

Zhang, Guigang; Lan, Zhi-An

2017-01-01

Graphitic carbon nitride based polymers, being metal-free, accessible, environmentally benign and sustainable, have been widely investigated for artificial photosynthesis in recent years for the photocatalytic splitting of water to produce hydrogen fuel. However, the photocatalytic stoichiometric splitting of pure water into H2 and O2 with a molecular ratio of 2 : 1 is far from easy, and is usually hindered by the huge activation energy barrier and sluggish surface redox reaction kinetics. Herein, we provide a concise overview of cocatalyst modified graphitic carbon nitride based photocatalysts, with our main focus on the modulation of the water splitting redox reaction kinetics. We believe that a timely and concise review on this promising but challenging research topic will certainly be beneficial for general readers and researchers in order to better understand the property–activity relationship towards overall water splitting, which could also trigger the development of new organic architectures for photocatalytic overall water splitting through the rational control of surface chemistry. PMID:28959425

Regeneration of carboxylic acid-laden basic sorbents by leaching with a volatile base in an organic solvent

DOEpatents

King, C. Judson; Husson, Scott M.

1999-01-01

Carboxylic acids are sorbed from aqueous feedstocks onto a solid adsorbent. The acids are freed from the sorbent phase by treating it with an organic solution of alkylamine thus forming an alkylamine/carboxylic acid complex which is decomposed with improved efficiency to the desired carboxylic acid and the alkylamine. Carbon dioxide addition can be used to improve the adsorption or the carboxylic acids by the solid phase sorbent.

Microwave assisted solid phase extraction for separation preconcentration sulfamethoxazole in wastewater using tyre based activated carbon as solid phase material prior to spectrophotometric determination.

PubMed

Mogolodi Dimpe, K; Mpupa, Anele; Nomngongo, Philiswa N

2018-01-05

This work was chiefly encouraged by the continuous consumption of antibiotics which eventually pose harmful effects on animals and human beings when present in water systems. In this study, the activated carbon (AC) was used as a solid phase material for the removal of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in wastewater samples. The microwave assisted solid phase extraction (MASPE) as a sample extraction method was employed to better extract SMX in water samples and finally the analysis of SMX was done by the UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The microwave assisted solid phase extraction method was optimized using a two-level fractional factorial design by evaluating parameters such as pH, mass of adsorbent (MA), extraction time (ET), eluent ratio (ER) and microwave power (MP). Under optimized conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.5μgL -1 and 1.7μgL -1 , respectively, and intraday and interday precision expressed in terms of relative standard deviation were >6%.The maximum adsorption capacity was 138mgg -1 for SMX and the adsorbent could be reused eight times. Lastly, the MASPE method was applied for the removal of SMX in wastewater samples collected from a domestic wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and river water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Porous carbon-coated graphite electrodes for energy production from salinity gradient using reverse electrodialysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Su-Yoon; Jeong, Ye-Jin; Chae, So-Ryong; Yeon, Kyeong-Ho; Lee, Yunkyu; Kim, Chan-Soo; Jeong, Nam-Jo; Park, Jin-Soo

2016-04-01

Performance of graphite foil electrodes coated by porous carbon black (i.e., Vulcan) was investigated in comparison with metal electrodes for reverse electrodialysis (RED) application. The electrode slurry that was used for fabrication of the porous carbon-coated graphite foil is composed of 7.2 wt% of carbon black (Vulcan X-72), 0.8 wt% of a polymer binder (polyvinylidene fluoride, PVdF), and 92.0 wt% of a mixing solvent (dimethylacetamide, DMAc). Cyclic voltammograms of both the porous carbon (i.e., Vulcan)-coated graphite foil electrode and the graphite foil electrode without Vulcan showed good reversibility in the hexacyanoferrate(III) (i.e., Fe(CN)63-) and hexacyanoferrate(II) (i.e., Fe(CN)64-) redox couple and 1 M Na2SO4 at room temperature. However, anodic and cathodic current of the Vulcan-coated graphite foil electrode was much higher than those of the graphite foil electrode. Using a bench-scale RED stack, the current-voltage polarization curve of the Vulcan-coated graphite electrode was compared to that of metal electrodes such as iridium (Ir) and platinum (Pt). From the results, it was confirmed that resistance of four different electrodes increased with the following order: the Vulcan-coated graphite foil

Modeling the Voltage Dependence of Electrochemical Reactions at Solid-Solid and Solid-Liquid Interfaces in Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, Kevin

2015-03-01

Electrochemical reactions at electrode/electrolyte interfaces are critically dependent on the total electrochemical potential or voltage. In this presentation, we briefly review ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD)-based estimate of voltages on graphite basal and edge planes, and then apply similar concepts to solid-solid interfaces relevant to lithium ion and Li-air batteries. Thin solid films on electrode surfaces, whether naturally occuring during power cycling (e.g., undesirable lithium carbonate on Li-air cathodes) or are artificially introduced, can undergo electrochemical reactions as the applied voltage varies. Here the onset of oxidation of lithium carbonate and other oxide thin films on model gold electrode surfaces is correlated with the electronic structure in the presence/absence of solvent molecules. Our predictions help determine whether oxidation first occurs at the electrode-thin film or electrolyte-thin film interface. Finally, we will critically compare the voltage estimate methodology used in the fuel cell community with the lithium cohesive energy calibration method broadly applied in the battery community, and discuss why they may yield different predictions. This work was supported by Nanostructures for Electrical Energy Storage (NEES), an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences under Award Number DESC0001160. Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Deparment of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

KSC-2014-2139

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-11

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A worker attaches a solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

KSC-2014-2142

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-11

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The first solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, has been attached to the Delta II first stage in the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to its first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

KSC-2014-2131

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-11

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A crane lifts the solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, following its delivery to the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the Delta II rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to the rocket's first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

KSC-2014-2134

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-11

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A worker inspects the solid rocket motor, or SRM, for NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 mission, or OCO-2, after it is lifted into a vertical position beside the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Operations are underway to attach the Delta II rocket's three SRMs, known as graphite epoxy motors, to the rocket's first stage. OCO-2 is scheduled to launch into a polar Earth orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II 7320-10C rocket in July. Once in orbit, OCO-2 will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere and provide scientists with a better idea of the chemical compound's impacts on climate change. Scientists will analyze this data to improve our understanding of the natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important atmospheric gas. To learn more about OCO-2, visit http://oco.jpl.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin

Graphitic biocarbon from metal-catalyzed hydrothermal carbonization of lignin

DOE PAGES

Demir, Muslum; Kahveci, Zafer; Aksoy, Burak; ...

2015-10-09

Lignin is a high-volume byproduct from the pulp and paper industry and is currently burned to generate electricity and process heat. Moreover, the industry has been searching for high value-added uses of lignin to improve the process economics. In addition, battery manufacturers are seeking nonfossil sources of graphitic carbon for environmental sustainability. In our work, lignin (which is a cross-linked polymer of phenols, a component of biomass) is converted into graphitic porous carbon using a two-step conversion. Lignin is first carbonized in water at 300 °C and 1500 psi to produce biochar, which is then graphitized using a metal nitratemore » catalyst at 900–1100 °C in an inert gas at 15 psi. Graphitization effectiveness of three different catalysts—iron, cobalt, and manganese nitrates—is examined. The product is analyzed for morphology, thermal stability, surface properties, and electrical conductivity. Both temperature and catalyst type influenced the degree of graphitization. A good quality graphitic carbon was obtained using catalysis by Mn(NO 3) 2 at 900 °C and Co(NO 3) 2 at 1100 °C.« less

Fluence correction factor for graphite calorimetry in a clinical high-energy carbon-ion beam.

PubMed

Lourenço, A; Thomas, R; Homer, M; Bouchard, H; Rossomme, S; Renaud, J; Kanai, T; Royle, G; Palmans, H

2017-04-07

The aim of this work is to develop and adapt a formalism to determine absorbed dose to water from graphite calorimetry measurements in carbon-ion beams. Fluence correction factors, [Formula: see text], needed when using a graphite calorimeter to derive dose to water, were determined in a clinical high-energy carbon-ion beam. Measurements were performed in a 290 MeV/n carbon-ion beam with a field size of 11  ×  11 cm 2 , without modulation. In order to sample the beam, a plane-parallel Roos ionization chamber was chosen for its small collecting volume in comparison with the field size. Experimental information on fluence corrections was obtained from depth-dose measurements in water. This procedure was repeated with graphite plates in front of the water phantom. Fluence corrections were also obtained with Monte Carlo simulations through the implementation of three methods based on (i) the fluence distributions differential in energy, (ii) a ratio of calculated doses in water and graphite at equivalent depths and (iii) simulations of the experimental setup. The [Formula: see text] term increased in depth from 1.00 at the entrance toward 1.02 at a depth near the Bragg peak, and the average difference between experimental and numerical simulations was about 0.13%. Compared to proton beams, there was no reduction of the [Formula: see text] due to alpha particles because the secondary particle spectrum is dominated by projectile fragmentation. By developing a practical dose conversion technique, this work contributes to improving the determination of absolute dose to water from graphite calorimetry in carbon-ion beams.

Exploiting Anti-T-shaped Graphene Architecture to Form Low Tortuosity, Sieve-like Interfaces for High-Performance Anodes for Li-Based Cells

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Graphitic carbon anodes have long been used in Li ion batteries due to their combination of attractive properties, such as low cost, high gravimetric energy density, and good rate capability. However, one significant challenge is controlling, and optimizing, the nature and formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Here it is demonstrated that carbon coating via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) facilitates high electrochemical performance of carbon anodes. We examine and characterize the substrate/vertical graphene interface (multilayer graphene nanowalls coated onto carbon paper via plasma enhanced CVD), revealing that these low-tortuosity and high-selection graphene nanowalls act as fast Li ion transport channels. Moreover, we determine that the hitherto neglected parallel layer acts as a protective surface at the interface, enhancing the anode performance. In summary, these findings not only clarify the synergistic role of the parallel functional interface when combined with vertical graphene nanowalls but also have facilitated the development of design principles for future high rate, high performance batteries. PMID:29392179

Comparing the catalytic oxidation of ethanol at the solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces over size-controlled Pt nanoparticles: striking differences in kinetics and mechanism.

PubMed

Sapi, Andras; Liu, Fudong; Cai, Xiaojun; Thompson, Christopher M; Wang, Hailiang; An, Kwangjin; Krier, James M; Somorjai, Gabor A

2014-11-12

Pt nanoparticles with controlled size (2, 4, and 6 nm) are synthesized and tested in ethanol oxidation by molecular oxygen at 60 °C to acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide both in the gas and liquid phases. The turnover frequency of the reaction is ∼80 times faster, and the activation energy is ∼5 times higher at the gas-solid interface compared to the liquid-solid interface. The catalytic activity is highly dependent on the size of the Pt nanoparticles; however, the selectivity is not size sensitive. Acetaldehyde is the main product in both media, while twice as much carbon dioxide was observed in the gas phase compared to the liquid phase. Added water boosts the reaction in the liquid phase; however, it acts as an inhibitor in the gas phase. The more water vapor was added, the more carbon dioxide was formed in the gas phase, while the selectivity was not affected by the concentration of the water in the liquid phase. The differences in the reaction kinetics of the solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces can be attributed to the molecular orientation deviation of the ethanol molecules on the Pt surface in the gas and liquid phases as evidenced by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy.

Molecular dynamics simulations of shock compressed heterogeneous materials. II. The graphite/diamond transition case for astrophysics applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pineau, N.; Soulard, L.; Colombet, L.; Carrard, T.; Pellé, A.; Gillet, Ph.; Clérouin, J.

2015-03-01

We present a series of molecular dynamics simulations of the shock compression of copper matrices containing a single graphite inclusion: these model systems can be related to some specific carbon-rich rocks which, after a meteoritic impact, are found to contain small fractions of nanodiamonds embedded in graphite in the vicinity of high impedance minerals. We show that the graphite to diamond transformation occurs readily for nanometer-sized graphite inclusions, via a shock accumulation process, provided the pressure threshold of the bulk graphite/diamond transition is overcome, independently of the shape or size of the inclusion. Although high diamond yields (˜80%) are found after a few picoseconds in all cases, the transition is non-isotropic and depends substantially on the relative orientation of the graphite stack with respect to the shock propagation, leading to distinct nucleation processes and size-distributions of the diamond grains. A substantial regraphitization process occurs upon release and only inclusions with favorable orientations likely lead to the preservation of a fraction of this diamond phase. These results agree qualitatively well with the recent experimental observations of meteoritic impact samples.

Multi-residue method for the determination of 450 pesticide residues in honey, fruit juice and wine by double-cartridge solid-phase extraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Pang, G-F; Fan, C-L; Liu, Y-M; Cao, Y-Z; Zhang, J-J; Fu, B-L; Li, X-M; Li, Z-Y; Wu, Y-P

2006-08-01

A multi-residue method was developed for the determination of 450 pesticide residues in honey, fruit juice and wine using double-cartridge solid-phase extraction (SPE), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The method development was based on an appraisal of the characteristics of GC-MS and LC-MS-MS for 654 pesticides as well as the efficiency of extraction and purification from honey, fruit juice and wine. Samples were first diluted with water plus acetone, then extracted with portions of dichloromethane. The extracts were concentrated and cleaned up with graphitized carbon black and aminopropyl cartridges stacked in tandem. Pesticides were eluted with acetonitrile + toluene, and the eluates were concentrated. For 383 pesticides, the eluate was extracted with hexane twice and internal standard solution was added prior to GC-MS determination. For 67 pesticides, extraction was with methanol prior to LC-MS-MS determination. The limit of detection for the method was between 1.0 and 300 ng g(-1) depending on each pesticide analyte. At the three fortification levels of 2.0-3000 ng g(-1), the average recovery rates were between 59 and 123%, among which 413 pesticides (92% of the 450) had recovery rates of 70-120% and 35 pesticides (8% of the 450) had recovery rates of 59-70%. There were 437 pesticides (97% of the 450) with a relative standard deviation below 25%; there were 13 varieties (3% of the 450) between 25.0 and 30.4%.

Evaluation of a new carbon/zirconia-based sorbent for the cleanup of food extracts in multiclass analysis of pesticides and environmental contaminants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A novel carbon/zirconia based material, SupelTM QuE Verde (Verde), was evaluated in a filter-vial dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) cleanup of QuEChERS extracts of pork, salmon, kale, and avocado for residual analysis of pesticides and environmental contaminants. Low pressure (LP) GC-MS/MS w...

Heterogeneous photo-Fenton processes using graphite carbon coating hollow CuFe2O4 spheres for the degradation of methylene blue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xiaojun; Wang, Kebai; Li, Dai; Qin, Jiabin

2017-10-01

The novel graphite carbon coating hollow CuFe2O4 spheres were fabricated through solvothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectra, etc. The catalytic performance of the graphite carbon coating hollow CuFe2O4 spheres was evaluated in photo-Fenton-like degradation of methylene blue (MB) using H2O2 as a green oxidant under light irradiation (λ > 400 nm). The results demonstrated that the hollow CuFe2O4 spheres with graphite carbon coating exhibited superior catalytic activity. In the preparation process of catalyst, the addition of glucose was very important to its catalytic performance. Photoresponse analysis of the typical samples proved that CuFe2O4@graphite carbon core-shell hollow spheres possessed excellent photocurrent response and lower electrochemical impedance. In addition, a possible mechanism for photocatalytic degradation of MB had been presumed. Moreover, after five regeneration cycles, the graphite carbon coating hollow CuFe2O4 spheres still exhibited better properties.

Enhancement of the Rate Capability of LiFePO4 by a New Highly Graphitic Carbon-Coating Method.

PubMed

Song, Jianjun; Sun, Bing; Liu, Hao; Ma, Zhipeng; Chen, Zhouhao; Shao, Guangjie; Wang, Guoxiu

2016-06-22

Low lithium ion diffusivity and poor electronic conductivity are two major drawbacks for the wide application of LiFePO4 in high-power lithium ion batteries. In this work, we report a facile and efficient carbon-coating method to prepare LiFePO4/graphitic carbon composites by in situ carbonization of perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride during calcination. Perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride containing naphthalene rings can be easily converted to highly graphitic carbon during thermal treatment. The ultrathin layer of highly graphitic carbon coating drastically increased the electronic conductivity of LiFePO4. The short pathway along the [010] direction of LiFePO4 nanoplates could decrease the Li(+) ion diffusion path. In favor of the high electronic conductivity and short lithium ion diffusion distance, the LiFePO4/graphitic carbon composites exhibit an excellent cycling stability at high current rates at room temperature and superior performance at low temperature (-20 °C).

Theoretical Limits of Energy Density in Silicon-Carbon Composite Anode Based Lithium Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Dash, Ranjan; Pannala, Sreekanth

2016-06-17

Silicon (Si) is under consideration as a potential next-generation anode material for the lithium ion battery (LIB). Experimental reports of up to 40% increase in energy density of Si anode based LIBs (Si-LIBs) have been reported in literature. However, this increase in energy density is achieved when the Si-LIB is allowed to swell (volumetrically expand) more than graphite based LIB (graphite-LIB) and beyond practical limits. The volume expansion of LIB electrodes should be negligible for applications such as automotive or mobile devices. We determine the theoretical bounds of Si composition in a Si-carbon composite (SCC) based anode to maximize the volumetric energy density of a LIB by constraining the external dimensions of the anode during charging. The porosity of the SCC anode is adjusted to accommodate the volume expansion during lithiation. The calculated threshold value of Si was then used to determine the possible volumetric energy densities of LIBs with SCC anode (SCC-LIBs) and the potential improvement over graphite-LIBs. The level of improvement in volumetric and gravimetric energy density of SCC-LIBs with constrained volume is predicted to be less than 10% to ensure the battery has similar power characteristics of graphite-LIBs.

Electrochemical sensing and biosensing platform based on chemically reduced graphene oxide.

PubMed

Zhou, Ming; Zhai, Yueming; Dong, Shaojun

2009-07-15

In this paper, the characterization and application of a chemically reduced graphene oxide modified glassy carbon (CR-GO/GC) electrode, a novel electrode system, for the preparation of electrochemical sensing and biosensing platform are proposed. Different kinds of important inorganic and organic electroactive compounds (i.e., probe molecule (potassium ferricyanide), free bases of DNA (guanine (G), adenine (A), thymine (T), and cytosine (C)), oxidase/dehydrogenase-related molecules (hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)/beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)), neurotransmitters (dopamine (DA)), and other biological molecules (ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA), and acetaminophen (APAP)) were employed to study their electrochemical responses at the CR-GO/GC electrode, which shows more favorable electron transfer kinetics than graphite modified glassy carbon (graphite/GC) and glassy carbon (GC) electrodes. The greatly enhanced electrochemical reactivity of the four free bases of DNA at the CR-GO/GC electrode compared with that at graphite/GC and GC electrodes makes the CR-GO/GC electrode a better choice for the electrochemical biosensing of four DNA bases in both the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) at physiological pH without a prehydrolysis step. This allows us to detect a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site for short oligomers with a particular sequence at the CR-GO/GC electrode without any hybridization or labeling processes in this work, suggesting the potential applications of CR-GO in the label-free electrochemical detection of DNA hybridization or DNA damage for further research. Based on the greatly enhanced electrochemical reactivity of H2O2 and NADH at the CR-GO/GC electrode, CR-GO/GC electrode-based bioelectrodes (in connection with glucose oxidase (GOD) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)) show a better analytical performance for the detection of glucose and ethanol compared with graphite/GC- or GC-based bioelectrodes. By comparing the electrochemical performance of CR-GO with that of the conventional graphite and GC, we reveal that CR-GO with the nature of a single sheet showing favorable electrochemical activity should be a kind of more robust and advanced carbon electrode material which may hold great promise for electrochemical sensors and biosensors design.

[Determination of perfluoroalkyl acids in lamb liver by high performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry combined with dispersive solid phase extraction].

PubMed

Zhu, Pingping; Yue, Zhenfeng; Zheng, Zongkun; Zhang, Yi; Li, Wenyin; Zhao, Fengjuan; Xiao Chengui; Bai, Runye; Lin, Wei

2015-05-01

A method was developed for the determination of 19 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAs) in lamb liver by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/ MS) combined with dispersive solid phase extraction. The sample was extracted with acidified acetonitrile, and then cleaned-up by a mixture of N-propylethylenediamine (PSA), C18 and graphitized carbon black (GCB) sorbents. The 19 PFAs were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS with a C18 chromatographic column, adopting the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with negative electrospray ionization. The effects of the dosages of hydrochloric acid and the sorbents on the recoveries of the 19 PFAs were studied. For accurate quantitative analysis, the isotope internal standard method was used. The calibration curves were linear with the correlation coefficients over 0.998 in the range of 0.05-20 µg/kg for the 19 PFAs. The limits of detection were 0.004-0.111 µg/kg. The limits of quantification were 0.012-0.370 µg/kg. The mean recoveries of the 19 PFAs at spiked levels of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 µg/kg were in the range from 80% to 128% with the relative standard deviations of 0.31%-11.1%. The developed method is rapid, simple, accurate. It is suitable for the determination of the 19 PFAs in large quantities of lamb liver samples.

Online combination of reversed-phase/reversed-phase and porous graphitic carbon liquid chromatography for multicomponent separation of proteomics and glycoproteomics samples.

PubMed

Lam, Maggie P Y; Lau, Edward; Siu, S O; Ng, Dominic C M; Kong, Ricky P W; Chiu, Philip C N; Yeung, William S B; Lo, Clive; Chu, Ivan K

2011-11-01

In this paper, we describe an online combination of reversed-phase/reversed-phase (RP-RP) and porous graphitic carbon (PGC) liquid chromatography (LC) for multicomponent analysis of proteomics and glycoproteomics samples. The online RP-RP portion of this system provides comprehensive 2-D peptide separation based on sequence hydrophobicity at pH 2 and 10. Hydrophilic components (e.g. glycans, glycopeptides) that are not retained by RP are automatically diverted downstream to a PGC column for further trapping and separation. Furthermore, the RP-RP/PGC system can provide simultaneous extension of the hydropathy range and peak capacity for analysis. Using an 11-protein mixture, we found that the system could efficiently separate native peptides and released N-glycans from a single sample. We evaluated the applicability of the system to the analysis of complex biological samples using 25 μg of the lysate of a human choriocarcinoma cell line (BeWo), confidently identifying a total of 1449 proteins from a single experiment and up to 1909 distinct proteins from technical triplicates. The PGC fraction increased the sequence coverage through the inclusion of additional hydrophilic sequences that accounted for up to 6.9% of the total identified peptides from the BeWo lysate, with apparent preference for the detection of hydrophilic motifs and proteins. In addition, RP-RP/PGC is applicable to the analysis of complex glycomics samples, as demonstrated by our analysis of a concanavalin A-extracted glycoproteome from human serum; in total, 134 potentially N-glycosylated serum proteins, 151 possible N-glycosylation sites, and more than 40 possible N-glycan structures recognized by concanavalin A were simultaneously detected. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ion irradiation induced structural modifications and increase in elastic modulus of silica based thin films

PubMed Central

Shojaee, S. A.; Qi, Y.; Wang, Y. Q.; Mehner, A.; Lucca, D. A.

2017-01-01

Ion irradiation is an alternative to heat treatment for transforming organic-inorganic thin films to a ceramic state. One major shortcoming in previous studies of ion-irradiated films is the assumption that constituent phases in ion-irradiated and heat-treated films are identical and that the ion irradiation effect is limited to changes in composition. In this study, we investigate the effects of ion irradiation on both the composition and structure of constituent phases and use the results to explain the measured elastic modulus of the films. The results indicated that the microstructure of the irradiated films consisted of carbon clusters within a silica matrix. It was found that carbon was present in a non-graphitic sp2-bonded configuration. It was also observed that ion irradiation caused a decrease in the Si-O-Si bond angle of silica, similar to the effects of applied pressure. A phase transformation from tetrahedrally bonded to octahedrally bonded silica was also observed. The results indicated the incorporation of carbon within the silica network. A combination of the decrease in Si-O-Si bond angle and an increase in the carbon incorporation within the silica network was found to be responsible for the increase in the elastic modulus of the films. PMID:28071696

Ion irradiation induced structural modifications and increase in elastic modulus of silica based thin films

DOE PAGES

Shojaee, S. A.; Qi, Y.; Wang, Y. Q.; ...

2017-01-10

Ion irradiation is an alternative to heat treatment for transforming organic-inorganic thin films to a ceramic state. One major shortcoming in previous studies of ion-irradiated films is the assumption that constituent phases in ion-irradiated and heat-treated films are identical and that the ion irradiation effect is limited to changes in composition. Here, we investigate the effects of ion irradiation on both the composition and structure of constituent phases and use the results to explain the measured elastic modulus of the films. Our results indicated that the microstructure of the irradiated films consisted of carbon clusters within a silica matrix. Itmore » was found that carbon was present in a non-graphitic sp 2-bonded configuration. It was also observed that ion irradiation caused a decrease in the Si-O-Si bond angle of silica, similar to the effects of applied pressure. A phase transformation from tetrahedrally bonded to octahedrally bonded silica was also observed. The results indicated the incorporation of carbon within the silica network. Finally, a combination of the decrease in Si-O-Si bond angle and an increase in the carbon incorporation within the silica network was found to be responsible for the increase in the elastic modulus of the films.« less

In operando spectroscopic studies of high temperature electrocatalysts used for energy conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McIntyre, Melissa Dawn

Solid-state electrochemical cells are efficient energy conversion devices that can be used for clean energy production or for removing air pollutants from exhaust gas emitted by combustion processes. For example, solid oxide fuel cells generate electricity with low emissions from a variety of fuel sources; solid oxide electrolysis cells produce zero-emission H2 fuel; and solid-state DeNOx cells remove NOx gases from diesel exhaust. In order to maintain high conversion efficiencies, these systems typically operate at temperatures ≥ 500°C. The high operating temperatures, however, accelerate chemical and mechanical cell degradation. To improve device durability, a mechanistic understanding of the surface chemistry occurring at the cell electrodes (anode and cathode) is critical in terms of refining cell design, material selection and operation protocols. The studies presented herein utilized in operando Raman spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical measurements to directly correlate molecular/material changes with device performance in solid oxide cells under various operating conditions. Because excessive carbon accumulation with carbon-based fuels destroys anodes, the first three studies investigated strategies for mitigating carbon accumulation on Ni cermet anodes. Results from the first two studies showed that low amounts of solid carbon stabilized the electrical output and improved performance of solid oxide fuel cells operating with syn-gas (H 2/CO fuel mixture). The third study revealed that infiltrating anodes with Sn or BaO suppressed carbon accumulation with CH4 fuel and that H2O was the most effective reforming agent facilitating carbon removal. The last two studies explored how secondary phases formed in traditional solid oxide cell materials doped with metal oxides improve electrochemical performance. Results from the fourth study suggest that the mixed ion-electron conducting Zr5Ti7O24 secondary phase can expand the electrochemically active region and increase electrochemical activity in cermet electrodes. The final study of lanthanum strontium manganite cathodes infiltrated with BaO revealed the reversible decomposition/formation of a Ba3Mn2O8 secondary phase under applied potentials and proposed mechanisms for the enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen reduction associated with this compound under polarizing conditions. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that mechanistic information obtained from molecular/material specific techniques coupled with electrochemical measurements can be used to help optimize materials and operating conditions in solid-state electrochemical cells.

Polymer/graphite oxide composites as high-performance materials for electric double layer capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tien, Chien-Pin; Teng, Hsisheng

A single graphene sheet represents a carbon material with the highest surface area available to accommodating molecules or ions for physical and chemical interactions. Here we demonstrate in an electric double layer capacitor the outstanding performance of graphite oxide for providing a platform for double layer formation. Graphite oxide is generally the intermediate compound for obtaining separated graphene sheets. Instead of reduction with hydrazine, we incorporate graphite oxide with a poly(ethylene oxide)-based polymer and anchor the graphene oxide sheets with poly(propylene oxide) diamines. This polymer/graphite oxide composite shows in a "dry" gel-electrolyte system a double layer capacitance as high as 130 F g -1. The polymer incorporation developed here can significantly diversify the application of graphene-based materials in energy storage devices.

A comparison of the bromination dynamics of various carbon and graphite fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaier, James R.

1987-01-01

The electrical resistance of four grades of pitch-based graphite fibers and three experimental organic vapor-derived fibers was determined in situ during bromination and subsequent exposure to ambient laboratory air. The results show that the least graphitic pitch-based fiber does not brominate significantly, and that bromination and debrominaton reactions proceed much slower for vapor-derived fibers than for pitch-based ones. It is suggested that this decreased reacton rate is primarily due to the differences in graphene plane orientation between the fiber types. The results also imply that the vapor-derived and pitch-based fibers produce true intercalation compounds.

Multilayer graphane synthesized under high hydrogen pressure

DOE PAGES

Antonov, V. E.; Bashkin, I. O.; Bazhenov, A. V.; ...

2015-12-19

A new hydrocarbon – hydrographite – with the composition close to CH is shown to form from graphite and gaseous hydrogen at pressures above 2 GPa and temperatures from 450 to 700 °C. Hydrographite is a black solid thermally stable under ambient conditions. When heated in vacuum, it decomposes into graphite and molecular hydrogen at temperatures from 500 to 650 °C. Powder X-ray diffraction characterizes hydrographite as a multilayer “graphane II” phase predicted by ab initio calculations [Wen X-D et al. PNAS 2011; 108:6833] and consisting of graphane sheets in the chair conformation stacked along the hexagonal c axis inmore » the -ABAB- sequence. The crystal structure of the synthesized phase belongs to the P63mc space group. Moreover, the unit cell parameters are a = 2.53(1) Å and c = 9.54(1) Å and therefore exceed the corresponding parameters of graphite by 2.4(2)% and 42.0(3)%. Stretching vibrations of C–H groups on the surface of the hydrographite particles are examined by infrared spectroscopy.« less

Carbon isotope geochemistry of graphite vein deposits from New Hampshire, U.S.A.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rumble, Douglas, III; Hoering, Thomas C.

1986-06-01

Graphite veins of hydrothermal origin occur throughout central New Hampshire. Veins truncate sillimanite-grade, metasedimentary rocks of Early Devonian-Silurian age and range in size from microscopic to meters in thickness. In addition to graphite, veins may contain quartz, tourmaline, ilmenite, rutile, sillimanite, muscovite or chlorite. Vein mineralogy is generally compatible with wall rock mineral assemblages. Mineralization structures include wall-rock alteration zones, coxcomb graphite crystals on vein walls, and botryoidal, concentrically layered graphite-silicate nodules. The δ13C values of graphite in 14 deposits studied range from - 28%. (PDB) to - 9%. Veins whose textures give evidence of a single stage of mineralization have a narrow range of δ13C values (± 0.2%.). Other veins record successive episodes of graphite precipitation and have ranges of 3-6%. In one sample, adjacent layers of graphite differ by 3%. The wide range of δ13C may be explained by mixing carbon from two crustal reservoirs: biogenic, reduced carbon and carbonate. Precipitation of graphite results from mixing two or more aqueous fluids with different CO 2/CH 4 ratios. Parental fluids are produced by devolatilization during metamorphism. Water-rich fluids with CH4 > CO2 and low δ13C are derived from pelites that contained organic matter; whereas fluids with CO2 > CH4 and high δ13C come from siliceous carbonates.

The First Layer of 4He, H2, and Ne Adsorbed on HiPco™ Carbon Nanotube Bundles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vilches, O. E.; Ramachandran, S.; Wilson, T. A.; Dash, J. G.

2006-09-01

We summarize results from AC and DC heat capacity measurements of 4He, H2, and Ne adsorbed on HiPco™ purified, closed-end single-wall carbon nanotube bundles (SWNTB) for the first adsorbed layer. We find two regions in the coverage domain: below ≈1/3 monolayer the adsorbate occupies high binding energy sites, mostly the external grooves of the bundles, while above ≈1/3 monolayer the external graphene surface is covered. No phase transitions have been observed at any temperature for all the adsorbates, a range of T where two-dimensional phases and phase transitions are seen for the same adsorbates deposited on exfoliated graphite.

Atomic Layer Deposition of Metal Oxides on sp2-Graphitic Carbon Substrates

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-31

supercapacitors . The research explored the ALD nucleation procedure based on NO2 and TMA. Al2O3 ALD films resulting from the nucleation procedure were...TiO2 and ZnO were used for electrodes for Li ion batteries and pseudocapacitance supercapacitors . 15. SUBJECT TERMS F-16 Aircraft, High Power...sp2 Graphitic Carbon Substrates 11 4.4.1 TiO2 ALD as Anode Material for Li Ion Batteries 11 4.4.2 TiO2 ALD for Pseudocapacitance Supercapacitors

Battery Electrode Materials with High Cycle Lifetimes

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

Prof. Brent Fultz

2001-06-29

In an effort to understand the capacity fade of nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, we performed a systematic study of the effects of solute additions on the cycle life of metal hydride electrodes. We also performed a series of measurements on hydrogen absorption capacities of novel carbon and graphite-based materials including graphite nanofibers and single-walled carbon nanotubes. Towards the end of this project we turned our attention to work on Li-ion cells with a focus on anode materials.

Development of wide temperature electrolyte for graphite/ LiNiMnCoO2 Li-ion cells: High throughput screening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kafle, Janak; Harris, Joshua; Chang, Jeremy; Koshina, Joe; Boone, David; Qu, Deyang

2018-07-01

In this report, we demonstrate that the low temperature power capability of a Li-ion battery can be substantially improved not by adding commercially unavailable additives into the electrolyte, but by rational design of the composition of the most commonly used solvents. Through the detail analysis with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the formation of a homogenous solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer on the carbon anode surface is found to be critical to ensure the performance of a Li-ion battery in a wide temperature range. The post mortem analysis of the negative electrode by XPS revealed that all the electrolyte compositions form similar compounds in the solid electrolyte interphase. However, the electrolytes which give higher capacities at low temperature showed higher percentage of LiF and lower percentage of carbon containing species such as lithium carbonate and lithium ethylene di-carbonate. The electrolyte compositions where cyclic carbonates make up less than 25% of the total solvent showed increased low temperature performance. The solvent composition with higher percentage of linear short chain carbonates showed an improved low temperature performance. The high temperature performances were similar in almost all the combinations.

High Temperature Chemistry in the Columbia Accident Investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobson, Nathan; Opila, Elizabeth; Tallant, David; Simpson, Regina

2004-01-01

Initial estimates on the temperature and conditions of the breach in Columbia's wing focused on analyses of the slag deposits. These deposits are complex mixtures of the reinforced carbon/carbon (RCC) constituents, insulation material, and wing structural materials. However it was possible to clearly discern melted/solidified Cerachrome(R) insulation, indicating the temperatures had exceeded 1760 C. Current research focuses on the carbon/carbon in the path from the breach. Carbon morphology indicates heavy oxidation and erosion. Raman spectroscopy yielded further temperature estimates. A technique developed at Sandia National Laboratories is based on crystallite size in carbon chars. Lower temperatures yield nanocrystalline graphite; whereas higher temperatures yield larger graphite crystals. By comparison to standards the temperatures on the recovered RCC fragments were estimated to have been greater than 2700 C.

Enhancing the Liquid-Phase Exfoliation of Graphene in Organic Solvents upon Addition of n-Octylbenzene

PubMed Central

Haar, Sébastien; El Gemayel, Mirella; Shin, Yuyoung; Melinte, Georgian; Squillaci, Marco A.; Ersen, Ovidiu; Casiraghi, Cinzia; Ciesielski, Artur; Samorì, Paolo

2015-01-01

Due to a unique combination of electrical and thermal conductivity, mechanical stiffness, strength and elasticity, graphene became a rising star on the horizon of materials science. This two-dimensional material has found applications in many areas of science ranging from electronics to composites. Making use of different approaches, unfunctionalized and non-oxidized graphene sheets can be produced; among them an inexpensive and scalable method based on liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite (LPE) holds potential for applications in opto-electronics and nanocomposites. Here we have used n-octylbenzene molecules as graphene dispersion-stabilizing agents during the graphite LPE process. We have demonstrated that by tuning the ratio between organic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone or ortho-dichlorobenzene, and n-octylbenzene molecules, the concentration of exfoliated graphene can be enhanced by 230% as a result of the high affinity of the latter molecules for the basal plane of graphene. The LPE processed graphene dispersions were further deposited onto solid substrates by exploiting a new deposition technique called spin-controlled drop casting, which was shown to produce uniform highly conductive and transparent graphene films. PMID:26573383

Continuous Heterogeneous Photocatalysis in Serial Micro-Batch Reactors.

PubMed

Pieber, Bartholomäus; Shalom, Menny; Antonietti, Markus; Seeberger, Peter H; Gilmore, Kerry

2018-01-29

Solid reagents, leaching catalysts, and heterogeneous photocatalysts are commonly employed in batch processes but are ill-suited for continuous-flow chemistry. Heterogeneous catalysts for thermal reactions are typically used in packed-bed reactors, which cannot be penetrated by light and thus are not suitable for photocatalytic reactions involving solids. We demonstrate that serial micro-batch reactors (SMBRs) allow for the continuous utilization of solid materials together with liquids and gases in flow. This technology was utilized to develop selective and efficient fluorination reactions using a modified graphitic carbon nitride heterogeneous catalyst instead of costly homogeneous metal polypyridyl complexes. The merger of this inexpensive, recyclable catalyst and the SMBR approach enables sustainable and scalable photocatalysis. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Electronic properties of high-temperature superconductors and novel carbon-based conductors and superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuhrer, Michael Sears

This thesis is divided into three sections. The first section discusses the electrical transport properties of a highly anisotropic high temperature superconductor, Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8, in magnetic fields. High temperature superconductivity has greatly expanded the study of vortex matter: the state of the quantized magnetic field excitations, or vortices, in a superconductor. The effects of tilted fields and fields parallel to the planes are studied: striking deviations from the expectations of a simple anisotropic superconductivity model are found, indicating that the layered structure of high temperature superconductors plays a significant role in determining the dynamics and phases of vortex matter. For the case of parallel magnetic fields, the Josephson vortex state, a new phase transition is identified, the melting of the Josephson vortex lattice. A mechanism for Josephson vortex lattice melting is proposed to explain the differences in the phase diagrams from the usual case of Abrikosov vortex lattice melting. The second section discusses experiments on C60-containing solids. A method for growing high quality single crystals of C60 is described. Isotopically pure single crystal samples of the fulleride superconductor Rb3C60 were synthesized in order to measure the carbon isotope effect on superconductivity. By measuring the superconducting transitions in the resistance of single crystals of Rb3C60, the carbon isotope effect was determined with unprecedented accuracy. Measurement of the isotope effect gives essential information for determination of the superconducting parameters, necessary for a complete theoretical picture of superconductivity in this material. New intercalated graphite compounds containing C60, and their electronic properties, are also discussed. The third section discusses the electrical transport and magnetotransport properties of mats of single-walled carbon nanotubes. Single-walled nanotubes are an intriguing new physical system: nanowires of pure carbon with nanometerscale diameters and lengths of microns. The previously unexplained low-temperature properties are shown to be due to localization. The radius of the localized states is determined, and the hopping conduction is found to be three-dimensional in nature. The magnetotransport also agrees with models of variable range hopping in two or greater dimensions, indicating that mats of single-walled nanotubes are well-connected metallic networks.

Two-stage preparation of magnetic sorbent based on exfoliated graphite with ferrite phases for sorption of oil and liquid hydrocarbons from the water surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavlova, Julia A.; Ivanov, Andrei V.; Maksimova, Natalia V.; Pokholok, Konstantin V.; Vasiliev, Alexander V.; Malakho, Artem P.; Avdeev, Victor V.

2018-05-01

Due to the macropore structure and the hydrophobic properties, exfoliated graphite (EG) is considered as a perspective sorbent for oil and liquid hydrocarbons from the water surface. However, there is the problem of EG collection from the water surface. One of the solutions is the modification of EG by a magnetic compound and the collection of EG with sorbed oil using the magnetic field. In this work, the method of the two-stage preparation of exfoliated graphite with ferrite phases is proposed. This method includes the impregnation of expandable graphite in the mixed solution of iron (III) chloride and cobalt (II) or nickel (II) nitrate in the first stage and the thermal exfoliation of impregnated expandable graphite with the formation of exfoliated graphite containing cobalt and nickel ferrites in the second stage. Such two-stage method makes it possible to obtain the sorbent based on EG modified by ferrimagnetic phases with high sorption capacity toward oil (up to 45-51 g/g) and high saturation magnetization (up to 42 emu/g). On the other hand, this method allows to produce the magnetic sorbent in a short period of time (up to 10 s) during which the thermal exfoliation is carried out in the air atmosphere.

Apparatus for producing diamond-like carbon flakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banks, Bruce A. (Inventor)

1986-01-01

A vacuum arc from a spot at the face of a graphite cathode to a graphite anode produces a beam of carbon ions and atoms. A carbon coating from this beam is deposited on an ion beam sputtered target to produce diamond-like carbon flakes. A graphite tube encloses the cathode, and electrical isolation is provided by an insulating sleeve. The tube forces the vacuum arc spot to be confined to the surface on the outermost end of the cathode. Without the tube the arc spot will wander to the side of the cathode. This spot movement results in low rates of carbon deposition, and the properties of the deposited flakes are more graphite-like than diamond-like.

Low-temperature field ion microscopy of carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ksenofontov, V. A.; Gurin, V. A.; Gurin, I. V.; Kolosenko, V. V.; Mikhailovskij, I. M.; Sadanov, E. V.; Mazilova, T. I.; Velikodnaya, O. A.

2007-10-01

The methods of high-resolution field ion microscopy with sample cooling to liquid helium temperature are used in a study of the products of gas-phase catalytic pyrolysis of hydrocarbons in the form of graphitized fibers containing carbon nanotubes. Full atomic resolution of the end cap of closed carbon nanotubes is achieved for the first time. It is found that the atomic structure of the tops of the caps of subnanometer carbon tubes consists predominantly of hexagonal rings. A possible reason for the improvement of the resolution of field ion images of nanotubes upon deep cooling is discussed.

Thermo-mechanical evaluation of carbon-carbon primary structure for SSTO vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Croop, Harold C.; Lowndes, Holland B.; Hahn, Steven E.; Barthel, Chris A.

1998-01-01

An advanced development program to demonstrate carbon-carbon composite structure for use as primary load carrying structure has entered the experimental validation phase. The component being evaluated is a wing torque box section for a single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. The validation or demonstration component features an advanced carbon-carbon design incorporating 3D woven graphite preforms, integral spars, oxidation inhibited matrix, chemical vapor deposited (CVD) oxidation protection coating, and ceramic matrix composite fasteners. The validation component represents the culmination of a four phase design and fabrication development effort. Extensive developmental testing was performed to verify material properties and integrity of basic design features before committing to fabrication of the full scale box. The wing box component is now being set up for testing in the Air Force Research Laboratory Structural Test Facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. One of the important developmental tests performed in support of the design and planned testing of the full scale box was the fabrication and test of a skin/spar trial subcomponent. The trial subcomponent incorporated critical features of the full scale wing box design. This paper discusses the results of the trial subcomponent test which served as a pathfinder for the upcoming full scale box test.

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

PubMed

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

2018-06-01

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-06-01

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

Voronoi-Tessellated Graphite Produced by Low-Temperature Catalytic Graphitization from Renewable Resources.

PubMed

Zhao, Leyi; Zhao, Xiuyun; Burke, Luke T; Bennett, J Craig; Dunlap, Richard A; Obrovac, Mark N

2017-09-11

A highly crystalline graphite powder was prepared from the low temperature (800-1000 °C) graphitization of renewable hard carbon precursors using a magnesium catalyst. The resulting graphite particles are composed of Voronoi-tessellated regions comprising irregular sheets; each Voronoi-tessellated region having a small "seed" particle located near their centroid on the surface. This suggests nucleated outward growth of graphitic carbon, which has not been previously observed. Each seed particle consists of a spheroidal graphite shell on the inside of which hexagonal graphite platelets are perpendicularly affixed. This results in a unique high surface area graphite with a high degree of graphitization that is made with renewable feedstocks at temperatures far below that conventionally used for artificial graphites. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Carbon Fibers Conductivity Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, C. Y.; Butkus, A. M.

1980-01-01

In an attempt to understand the process of electrical conduction in polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers, calculations were carried out on cluster models of the fiber consisting of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen atoms using the modified intermediate neglect of differential overlap (MINDO) molecular orbital (MO) method. The models were developed based on the assumption that PAN carbon fibers obtained with heat treatment temperatures (HTT) below 1000 C retain nitrogen in a graphite-like lattice. For clusters modeling an edge nitrogen site, analysis of the occupied MO's indicated an electron distribution similar to that of graphite. A similar analysis for the somewhat less stable interior nitrogen site revealed a partially localized II electron distribution around the nitrogen atom. The differences in bonding trends and structural stability between edge and interior nitrogen clusters led to a two-step process proposed for nitrogen evolution with increasing HTT.

Finite Element Simulation of Solid Rocket Booster Separation Motors During Motor Firing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu. Weiping; Crane, Debora J.

2007-01-01

One of the toughest challenges facing Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) engineers is to ensure that any design changes made to the Shuttle-Derived Booster Separation Motors (BSM) for future space exploration vehicles is able to withstand the increasingly hostile motor firing environment without cracking its critical component - the graphite throat. This paper presents a critical analysis methodology and techniques for assessing effects of BSM design changes with great accuracy and precision. For current Space Shuttle operation, the motor firing occurs at SRB separation - approximately 125 seconds after Shuttle launch at an altitude of about 28 miles. The motor operation event lasts about two seconds, however, the surface temperature of the graphite throat increases approximately 3400 F in less than one second with a corresponding increase in surface pressure of approximately 2200 pounds per square inch (psi) in less than one-tenth of a second. To capture this process fully and accurately, a two-phase sequentially coupled thermal-mechanical finite element approach was developed. This method allows the time- and location-dependent pressure fields to interact with the spatial-temporal thermal fields throughout the operation. The material properties of graphite throat are orthotropic and temperature-dependent. The analysis involves preload and multiple body contacts.

Characterization of exposures to nanoscale particles and fibers during solid core drilling of hybrid carbon nanotube advanced composites.

PubMed

Bello, Dhimiter; Wardle, Brian L; Zhang, Jie; Yamamoto, Namiko; Santeufemio, Christopher; Hallock, Marilyn; Virji, M Abbas

2010-01-01

This work investigated exposures to nanoparticles and nanofibers during solid core drilling of two types of advanced carbon nanotube (CNT)-hybrid composites: (1) reinforced plastic hybrid laminates (alumina fibers and CNT); and (2) graphite-epoxy composites (carbon fibers and CNT). Multiple real-time instruments were used to characterize the size distribution (5.6 nm to 20 microm), number and mass concentration, particle-bound polyaromatic hydrocarbons (b-PAHs), and surface area of airborne particles at the source and breathing zone. Time-integrated samples included grids for electron microscopy characterization of particle morphology and size resolved (2 nm to 20 microm) samples for the quantification of metals. Several new important findings herein include generation of airborne clusters of CNTs not seen during saw-cutting of similar composites, fewer nanofibers and respirable fibers released, similarly high exposures to nanoparticles with less dependence on the composite thickness, and ultrafine (< 5 nm) aerosol originating from thermal degradation of the composite material.