Effect of proton-conduction in electrolyte on electric efficiency of multi-stage solid oxide fuel cells.

PubMed

Matsuzaki, Yoshio; Tachikawa, Yuya; Somekawa, Takaaki; Hatae, Toru; Matsumoto, Hiroshige; Taniguchi, Shunsuke; Sasaki, Kazunari

2015-07-28

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising electrochemical devices that enable the highest fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiencies under high operating temperatures. The concept of multi-stage electrochemical oxidation using SOFCs has been proposed and studied over the past several decades for further improving the electrical efficiency. However, the improvement is limited by fuel dilution downstream of the fuel flow. Therefore, evolved technologies are required to achieve considerably higher electrical efficiencies. Here we present an innovative concept for a critically-high fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiency of up to 85% based on the lower heating value (LHV), in which a high-temperature multi-stage electrochemical oxidation is combined with a proton-conducting solid electrolyte. Switching a solid electrolyte material from a conventional oxide-ion conducting material to a proton-conducting material under the high-temperature multi-stage electrochemical oxidation mechanism has proven to be highly advantageous for the electrical efficiency. The DC efficiency of 85% (LHV) corresponds to a net AC efficiency of approximately 76% (LHV), where the net AC efficiency refers to the transmission-end AC efficiency. This evolved concept will yield a considerably higher efficiency with a much smaller generation capacity than the state-of-the-art several tens-of-MW-class most advanced combined cycle (MACC).

The effect of silver (Ag) addition to mechanical and electrical properties of copper alloy (Cu) casting product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Felicia, Dian M.; Rochiem, R.; Laia, Standley M.

2018-04-01

Copper have good mechanical properties and good electrical conductivities. Therefore, copper usually used as electrical components. Silver have better electrical conductivities than copper. Female contact resistor is one of the electrical component used in circuit breaker. This study aims to analyze the effect of silver addition to hardness, strength, and electric conductivity properties of copper alloy. This study uses variation of 0; 0.035; 0.07; 0.1 wt. % Ag (silver) addition to determine the effect on mechanical properties and electrical properties of copper alloy through sand casting process. Modelling of thermal analysis and structural analysis was calculated to find the best design for the sand casting experiments. The result of Cu-Ag alloy as cast will be characterized by OES test, metallography test, Brinell hardness test, tensile test, and LCR meter test. The result of this study showed that the addition of silver increase mechanical properties of Cu-Ag. The maximum hardness value of this alloy is 83.1 HRB which is Cu-0.01 Ag and the lowest is 52.26 HRB which is pure Cu. The maximum strength value is 153.2 MPa which is Cu-0.07 Ag and the lowest is 94.6 MPa which is pure Cu. Silver addition decrease electrical properties of this alloy. The highest electric conductivity is 438.98 S/m which is pure Cu and the lowest is 52.61 S.m which is Cu-0.1 Ag.

Electrical properties of Mg doped ZnO nanostructure annealed at different temperature

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

Mohamed, R., E-mail: ruziana12@gmail.com; Mamat, M. H., E-mail: hafiz-030@yahoo.com; Rusop, M., E-mail: nanouitm@gmail.com

In this work, ZincOxide (ZnO) nanostructures doped with Mg were successfully grown on the glass substrate. Magnesium (Mg) metal element was added in the ZnO host which acts as a doping agent. Different temperature in range of 250°C to 500°C was used in order to investigate the effect of annealing temperature of ZnO thin films. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) was used to investigate the physical characteristic of ZnO thin films. FESEM results have revealed that ZnO nanorods were grown vertically aligned. The structural properties were determined by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. XRD results showed Mg doped ZnOmore » thin have highest crystalinnity at 500°C annealing temperature. The electrical properties were investigating by using Current-Voltage (I-V) measurement. I-V measurement showed the electrical properties were varied at different annealing temperature. The annealing temperature at 500°C has the highest electrical conductance properties.« less

Significant improvement in Mn2O3 transition metal oxide electrical conductivity via high pressure

PubMed Central

Hong, Fang; Yue, Binbin; Hirao, Naohisa; Liu, Zhenxian; Chen, Bin

2017-01-01

Highly efficient energy storage is in high demand for next-generation clean energy applications. As a promising energy storage material, the application of Mn2O3 is limited due to its poor electrical conductivity. Here, high-pressure techniques enhanced the electrical conductivity of Mn2O3 significantly. In situ synchrotron micro X-Ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and resistivity measurement revealed that resistivity decreased with pressure and dramatically dropped near the phase transition. At the highest pressure, resistivity reduced by five orders of magnitude and the sample showed metal-like behavior. More importantly, resistivity remained much lower than its original value, even when the pressure was fully released. This work provides a new method to enhance the electronic properties of Mn2O3 using high-pressure treatment, benefiting its applications in energy-related fields. PMID:28276479

The Conductance of Porphyrin-Based Molecular Nanowires Increases with Length.

PubMed

Algethami, Norah; Sadeghi, Hatef; Sangtarash, Sara; Lambert, Colin J

2018-06-13

High electrical conductance molecular nanowires are highly desirable components for future molecular-scale circuitry, but typically molecular wires act as tunnel barriers and their conductance decays exponentially with length. Here, we demonstrate that the conductance of fused-oligo-porphyrin nanowires can be either length independent or increase with length at room temperature. We show that this negative attenuation is an intrinsic property of fused-oligo-porphyrin nanowires, but its manifestation depends on the electrode material or anchor groups. This highly desirable, nonclassical behavior signals the quantum nature of transport through such wires. It arises because with increasing length the tendency for electrical conductance to decay is compensated by a decrease in their highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gap. Our study reveals the potential of these molecular wires as interconnects in future molecular-scale circuitry.

Organometallic Polymeric Conductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

For aerospace applications, the use of polymers can result in tremendous weight savings over metals. Suitable polymeric materials for some applications like EMI shielding, spacecraft grounding, and charge dissipation must combine high electrical conductivity with long-term environmental stability, good processability, and good mechanical properties. Recently, other investigators have reported hybrid films made from an electrically conductive polymer combined with insulating polymers. In all of these instances, the films were prepared by infiltrating an insulating polymer with a precursor for a conductive polymer (either polypyrrole or polythiophene), and oxidatively polymerizing the precursor in situ. The resulting composite films have good electrical conductivity, while overcoming the brittleness inherent in most conductive polymers. The highest conductivities reported (approximately 4/Scm) were achieved with polythiophene in a polystyrene host polymer. The best films using a polyamide as base polymer were four orders of magnitude less conductive than the polystyrene films. The authors suggested that this was because polyimides were unable to swell sufficiently for infiltration of monomer as in the polystyrene. It was not clear, however, if the different conductivities obtained were merely the result of differing oxidation conditions. Oxidation time, temperature and oxidant concentration varied widely among the studies.

The enhanced thermoelectric properties of BiMnO3 ceramics by Sr-doped

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, X. Y.; Wang, Y.; Peng, J. J.; Wang, B. L.; Wei, K. L.; Liu, J. M.; He, Q. Y.

2018-04-01

A series of Bi1‑xSrxMnO3 (x = 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55) samples labeled as BSMO040, BSMO045, BSMO050, and BSMO055, respectively, have been fabricated by the modified solid-state reaction method. The crystal structural, microstructures, and chemical states of the elements and the thermoelectric properties were investigated with respect to the partial substitution of Sr2+ for Bi3+. The samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) at 723 K, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Moreover, their electrical conductivities (σ), Seebeck coefficients (S), and thermal conductivities (κ) were determined. All the samples exhibited orthorhombic structure. The partial substitution of Sr2+ for Bi3+ caused valence shift of some Mn ions from +3 to +4 to maintain electric charge balance. The change in electric charge led to an increase in electron concentration, and thus, the electrical conductivity as well as the absolute value of Seebeck coefficient increased. Consequently, the power factor also increased. The highest power factor (0.3 × 10‑4 Wm‑1 K‑1) was obtained for BSMO055 at 1023 K. Moreover, the highest dimensionless figure-of-merit (ZT) obtained in this study was 0.015 for BSMO055 at 1073 K. It can be concluded that the partial substitution of Sr2+ for Bi3+ in the Bi1‑xSrxMnO3 samples (x = 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, and 0.55) improved the thermoelectric properties effectively.

Conductive properties of methanogenic biofilms.

PubMed

Li, Cheng; Lesnik, Keaton Larson; Liu, Hong

2018-02-01

Extracellular electron transfer between syntrophic partners needs to be efficiently maintained in methanogenic environments. Direct extracellular electron transfer via electrical current is an alternative to indirect hydrogen transfer but requires construction of conductive extracellular structures. Conductive mechanisms and relationship between conductivity and the community composition in mixed-species methanogenic biofilms are not well understood. The present study investigated conductive behaviors of methanogenic biofilms and examined the correlation between biofilm conductivity and community composition between different anaerobic biofilms enriched from the same inoculum. Highest conductivity observed in methanogenic biofilms was 71.8±4.0μS/cm. Peak-manner response of conductivity upon changes over a range of electrochemical potentials suggests that electron transfer in methanogenic biofilms occurs through redox driven super-exchange. The strong correlation observed between biofilm conductivity and Geobacter spp. in the metabolically diverse anaerobic communities suggests that the efficiency of DEET may provide pressure for microbial communities to select for species that can produce electrical conduits. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrical properties of multiphase composites based on carbon nanotubes and an optimized clay content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egiziano, Luigi; Lamberti, Patrizia; Spinelli, Giovanni; Tucci, Vincenzo; Guadagno, Liberata; Vertuccio, Luigi

2016-05-01

The experimental results concerning the characterization of a multiphase nanocomposite systems based on epoxy matrix, loaded with different amount of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and an optimized Hydrotalcite (HT) clay content (i.e. 0.6 wt%), duly identified by an our previous theoretical study based on Design of Experiment (DoE), are presented. Dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA) reveal that even the introduction of higher HT loading (up to 1%wt) don't affect significantly the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites while morphological investigations show an effective synergy between clay and carbon nanotubes that leads to peculiar micro/nanostructures that favor the creation of the electrical conductive network inside the insulating resin. An electrical characterization is carried out in terms of DC electrical conductivity, percolation threshold (EPT) and frequency response in the range 10Hz-1MHz. In particular, the measurements of the DC conductivity allow to obtain the typical "percolation" curve also found for classical CNT-polymer mixtures and a value of about 2 S/m for the electrical conductivity is achieved at the highest considered CNTs concentration (i.e. 1 wt%). The results suggest that multiphase nanocomposites obtained incorporating dispersive nanofillers, in addition to the conductive one, may be a valid alternative to the polymer blends, to improve the properties of the polymeric materials thus able to meet high demands, particularly concerning their mechanical and thermal stability and electrical features required in the aircraft engineering.

Conductivity enhancement of surface-polymerized polyaniline films via control of processing conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Chung Hyoi; Jang, Sung Kyu; Kim, Felix Sunjoo

2018-01-01

We investigate a fast and facile approach for the simultaneous synthesis and coating of conducting polyaniline (PANI) onto a substrate and the effects of processing conditions on the electrical properties of the fabricated films. Simultaneous polymerizing and depositing on the substrate forms a thin film with the average thickness of 300 nm and sheet resistance of 304 Ω/sq. Deposition conditions such as polymerization time (3-240 min), temperature (-10 to 40 °C), concentrations of monomer and oxidant (0.1-0.9 M), and type of washing solvents (acetone, water, and/or HCl solution) affect the film thickness, doping state, absorption characteristics, and solid-state nanoscale morphology, therefore affecting the electrical conductivity. Among the conditions, the surface-polymerized PANI film deposited at room temperature with acetone washing showed the highest conductivity of 22.2 S/cm.

Highly Flexible and Conductive Glycerol-Doped PEDOT:PSS Films Prepared Under an Electric Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki; Aizawa, Kengo; Chonan, Yasunori; Komiyama, Takao; Aoyama, Takashi; Sakai, Eiichi; Qiu, Jianhui; Sato, Naoki

2018-06-01

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films doped with several sugar alcohols, viz. xylitol (XL), glycerol (GL), and polyglycerol (PG), at various levels have been synthesized and their thermoelectric properties studied. Among these specimens, 2.5 vol.% GL-doped films showed the best performance with electrical conductivity σ, Seebeck coefficient S, and power factor S 2 σ at room temperature reaching 1040 S/cm, 19 μV/K, and 37 μW/m-K2, respectively. Next, we synthesized films under an electric field E pr for the purpose of crystal growth. GL-doped films showed σ enhancement with increase of E pr. The highest σ value of 1300 S/cm was attained at E pr = 4 kV/cm. S and thermal conductivity κ values were almost independent of E pr. The ZT value was calculated to be between 0.017 and 0.101 at room temperature. We also examined film flexibility. High flexibility was achieved on GL doping, and it was not deteriorated when synthesized under an electric field.

Highly Flexible and Conductive Glycerol-Doped PEDOT:PSS Films Prepared Under an Electric Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaguchi, Hiroyuki; Aizawa, Kengo; Chonan, Yasunori; Komiyama, Takao; Aoyama, Takashi; Sakai, Eiichi; Qiu, Jianhui; Sato, Naoki

2018-04-01

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films doped with several sugar alcohols, viz. xylitol (XL), glycerol (GL), and polyglycerol (PG), at various levels have been synthesized and their thermoelectric properties studied. Among these specimens, 2.5 vol.% GL-doped films showed the best performance with electrical conductivity σ, Seebeck coefficient S, and power factor S 2 σ at room temperature reaching 1040 S/cm, 19 μV/K, and 37 μW/m-K2, respectively. Next, we synthesized films under an electric field E pr for the purpose of crystal growth. GL-doped films showed σ enhancement with increase of E pr. The highest σ value of 1300 S/cm was attained at E pr = 4 kV/cm. S and thermal conductivity κ values were almost independent of E pr. The ZT value was calculated to be between 0.017 and 0.101 at room temperature. We also examined film flexibility. High flexibility was achieved on GL doping, and it was not deteriorated when synthesized under an electric field.

Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of n-type Bi2O2Se Ceramics Induced by Ge Doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruleova, P.; Plechacek, T.; Kasparova, J.; Vlcek, M.; Benes, L.; Lostak, P.; Drasar, C.

2018-02-01

Ceramic samples with the composition Bi2- x Ge x O2Se1.01 ( x = 0, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1) were synthesized by solid-state reaction and compacted using a hot-pressing technique. The prepared materials were characterized by x-ray diffraction analysis, electron microscopy, and measurements of electrical conductivity σ, Seebeck coefficient S, and thermal conductivity in the temperature range 300-780 K. Ge in the Bi2O2Se host structure led to an increase of the free electron concentration compared to pristine Bi2O2Se1.01. The donor effect is attributed to point substitutional defects in the Bi sublattice— {Ge}_{{Bi}}^{ + }, and oxygen vacancies {V}_{{O}}^{ + 2} producing free electrons. As a result, we observe an increase in the electrical conductivity and decrease in Seebeck coefficient while thermal conductivity κ changes slightly. The highest value of the dimensionless figure of merit ZT = σS 2 T/ κ reaches 0.25 for the composition Bi1.95Ge0.05O2Se1.01 at T = 723 K, which is, to date, the highest ZT value reported for Bi2O2Se ceramics. Our results suggest that Bi2O2Se is still worth exploring.

A Spherical Electro Optic High Voltage Sensor

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-01

electro - optic (EO) crystal is introduced for photonic measurement of pulsed high-voltage fields. A spherical shape is used in order to reduce electric field gradients in the vicinity of the sensor. The sensor is pure dielectric and is interrogated remotely using a laser. The sensor does not require the connection of any conducting components, which results in the highest electrical isolation. The spherical nature of the crystal coupled with the incident laser beam, and crossed polarizers (intensity modulation scheme). automatically produces interference figures. The

Electrical study on Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Polyvinyl alcohol based bio-polymer blend electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saadiah, M. A.; Samsudin, A. S.

2018-04-01

The present work deals with the formulation of bio-materials namely carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for bio-polymer blend electrolytes (BBEs) system which was successfully carried out with different ratio of polymer blend. The biopolymer blend was prepared via economical & classical technique that is solution casting technique and was characterized by using impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The ionic conductivity was achieved to optimum value 9.12 x 10-6 S/cm at room temperature for sample containing ratio 80:20 of CMC:PVA. The highest conducting sample was found to obey the Arrhenius behaviour with a function of temperature. The electrical properties were analyzed using complex permittivity ε* and complex electrical modulus M* for BBEs system and it shows the non-Debye characteristics where no single relaxation time has observed.

Electricity Cogenerator from Hydrogen and Biogas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinate, W.; Chinnasa, P.; Dangphonthong, D.

2017-09-01

This research studied about electricity cogenerator from Hydrogen and Biogas and the factors that cause that effecting Hydrogen from Aluminium which was a cylindrical feature. By using a catalyst was NaOH and CaO, it was reacted in distilled water with percentage of Aluminium: the catalyst (NaOH and CaO) and brought to mix with Biogas afterwards, that have been led to electricity from generator 1 kilowatt. The research outcomes were concentration of solutions that caused amount and percent of maximum Hydrogen was to at 10 % wt and 64.73 % which rate of flowing of constant gas 0.56 litter/minute as temperature 97 degree Celsius. After that led Hydrogen was mixed by Biogas next, conducted to electricity from generator and levelled the voltage of generator at 220 Volt. There after the measure of electricity current and found electricity charge would be constant at 3.1 Ampere. And rate of Biogas flowing and Hydrogen, the result was the generator used Biogas rate of flowing was highest 9 litter/minute and the lowest 7.5 litter/minute, which had rate of flowing around 8.2 litter/minute. Total Biogas was used around 493.2 litter or about 0.493 m3 and Hydrogen had rate of flowing was highest 2.5 litter/minute.

Novel Electrospun Dual-Layered Composite Nanofibrous Membrane Endowed with Electricity-Magnetism Bifunctionality at One Layer and Photoluminescence at the Other Layer.

PubMed

Wang, Zijiao; Ma, Qianli; Dong, Xiangting; Li, Dan; Xi, Xue; Yu, Wensheng; Wang, Jinxian; Liu, Guixia

2016-10-05

Dual-layered composite nanofibrous membrane equipped with electrical conduction, magnetism and photoluminescence trifunctionality is constructed via electrospinning. The composite membrane consists of a polyaniline (PANI)/Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) tuned electrical-magnetic bifunctional nanofibrous layer at one side and a Eu(TTA) 3 (TPPO) 2 /polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) photoluminescent nanofibrous layer at the other side, and the two layers are tightly combined face-to-face together into the novel dual-layered composite membrane with trifunctionality. The electric conductivity and magnetism of electrical-magnetic bifunctionality can be respectively tunable via modulating the respective PANI and Fe 3 O 4 NPs contents, and the highest electric conductivity approaches the order of 1 × 10 -2 S cm -1 . Predominant red emission at 615 nm can be obviously observed in the photoluminescent layer under 366 nm excitation. Moreover, the luminescent intensity of photoluminescent layer is almost unaffected by the electrical-magnetic bifunctional layer because of the fact that the photoluminescent materials have been successfully isolated from dark-colored PANI and Fe 3 O 4 NPs. The novel dual-layered composite nanofibrous membrane with trifunctionality has potentials in many fields. Furthermore, the design philosophy and fabrication method for the dual-layered multifunctional membrane provide a new and facile strategy toward other membranes with multifunctionality.

A study of electrochemical devices based on Agar-Agar-NH4I biopolymer electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selvalakshmi, S.; Mathavan, T.; Selvasekarapandian, S.; Premalatha, M.

2018-04-01

A polymer electrolyte system has been developed using a biopolymer namely, Agar-Agar in combination with ammonium iodide in different weight percentages by solution casting technique. The films were characterized electrically by AC Impedance Spectroscopy for its conductivity. The highest conductivity achieved at room temperature was for 50 wt. % agar-agar: 50 wt. % NH4I with a conductivity value of 1.20 × 10-4 Scm-1. An electrochemical cell was fabricated in the configuration of: Zn + ZnSO4.7H2O + graphite (anode) | 50 wt. % (Agar-agar): 50 wt. % NH4I (electrolyte) | PbO2 + V2O5 + graphite (cathode) and it produced a maximum open circuit voltage of 1.73 V. A single PEM fuel cell was constructed with the highest conducting sample (50 wt. % (Agar-agar): 50 wt. % NH4I) and it exhibited an output voltage of 408mV.

Some physiological responses of wheat and bean to soil salinity at low matric suctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khatar, Mahnaz; Mohammadi, Mohammad Hossein; Shekari, Farid

2017-01-01

The effect of soil matric suction (2-33 kPa) and salinity (soil solution electrical conductivity 0.7-8 dS m-1 for bean and 2-20 dS m-1 for wheat) on some physiological characteristics of bean and wheat in a clay loam soil under greenhouse condition was investigated. The results showed that the leaf chlorophyll content index and potassium concentration decrease under salinity stress and increase with matric suction from 2 to 33 kPa suction for both plants. The wheat chlorophyll content index declines during the stress spell but bean chlorophyll content index remains nearly constant. The lowest values of the content of soluble sugars and the highest values of leaf proline content are observed at2 kPa matric suction (highest aeration stress) for bean and wheat. As matric suction increases from 2 to 6 kPa, the soluble sugars increases and proline content decreases significantly and then soluble sugars decreases and proline content increases until 10 kPa suction, and the soluble sugars remains nearly constant at the higher matric suctions for both plants. While the electrical conductivity effect on the soluble sugars is not significant, the values of proline content for both crop increase significantly with electrical conductivity. It was shown that the aeration stress can result in more considerable and rapid physiological responses, in comparison with salinity stress. There is a strong correlation between wheat and bean chlorophyll content index and potassium concentration under salinity and aeration stresses.

Formation of 3D graphene foams on soft templated metal monoliths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tynan, Michael K.; Johnson, David W.; Dobson, Ben P.; Coleman, Karl S.

2016-07-01

Graphene foams are leading contenders as frameworks for polymer thermosets, filtration/pollution control and for use as an electrode material in energy storage devices, taking advantage of graphene's high electrical conductivity and the porous structure of the foam. Here we demonstrate a simple synthesis of a macroporous 3D graphene material templated from a dextran/metal salt gel, where the metal was cobalt, nickel, copper, and iron. The gel was annealed to form a metal oxide foam prior to a methane chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Cobalt metal gels were shown to afford the highest quality material as determined by electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and Raman spectroscopy.Graphene foams are leading contenders as frameworks for polymer thermosets, filtration/pollution control and for use as an electrode material in energy storage devices, taking advantage of graphene's high electrical conductivity and the porous structure of the foam. Here we demonstrate a simple synthesis of a macroporous 3D graphene material templated from a dextran/metal salt gel, where the metal was cobalt, nickel, copper, and iron. The gel was annealed to form a metal oxide foam prior to a methane chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Cobalt metal gels were shown to afford the highest quality material as determined by electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Raman, EDX, PXRD, TGA, electrical conductivity data and SEM. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02455f

Electrical Transport Properties of Single-Crystalline β-Zn4Sb3 Prepared Through the Zn-Sn Mixed-Flux Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongxia; Deng, Shuping; Shen, Lanxian; Wang, Jinsong; Feng, Cheng; Deng, Shukang

2017-03-01

β-Zn4Sb3 is a promising p-type thermoelectric material for utilization in moderate temperatures. This study prepares a group of single-crystalline β-Zn4Sb3 samples using the Zn-Sn mixed-flux method based on the stoichiometric ratios of Zn4+ x Sb3Sn y . The effect of Zn-to-Sn proportion in the flux on the structure and electrical transport properties is investigated. All samples are strip-shaped single crystals of different sizes. The actual Zn content of the present samples is improved (>3.9) compared with that of the samples prepared through the Sn flux method. Larger lattice parameters are also obtained. The carrier concentration of all the samples is in the order of over 1019 cm-3. With increasing Sn rate in the flux, this carrier concentration decreases, whereas mobility is significantly enhanced. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficients of all the samples exhibit a behavior that of a degenerate semiconductor transport. Electrical conductivity initially increases and then decreases as the Sn ratio in the flux increases. The electrical conductivity of the x: y = 5:1 sample reaches 6.45 × 104 S m-1 at 300 K. Benefitting from the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, the flux proportion of the x: y = 7:1 sample finally achieves the highest power factor value of 1.4 × 10-3 W m-1 K-2 at 598 K.

Styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer compatibilized carbon black/polypropylene/polystyrene composites with tunable morphology, electrical conduction and rheological stabilities.

PubMed

Song, Yihu; Xu, Chunfeng; Zheng, Qiang

2014-04-21

We report a facile kinetic strategy in combination with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer compatibilizers for preparing carbon black (CB) filled immiscible polypropylene (PP)/polystyrene (PS) (1/1) blends with finely tuned morphologies and show the important role of location and migration of CB nanoparticles in determining the electrical conductivity and rheological behaviour of the composites. A novel method of mixing a SBS/CB (5/3) masterbatch with the polymers allowed producing composites with CB aggregates dispersed partially in the unfavorable PP phase and partially in the PP side of the interface to exhibit diverse phase connectivity and electrical conductivity depending on the compounding sequences. A cocontinuous morphology with CB enrichment along the interface was formed in the composite prepared by mixing the SBS/CB masterbatch with the premixed PP/PS blend, giving rise to a highest electrical conductivity and dynamic moduli at low frequencies. On the other hand, mixing the masterbatch with one and then with another polymer yielded droplet (PS)-in-matrix (filled PP) composites. The composites underwent phase coalescence and CB redistribution accompanied by marked dynamic electrical conduction and modulus percolations as a function of time during thermal annealing at 180 °C. The composites with the initial droplet-in-matrix morphology progressed anomalously into the cocontinuous morphology, reflecting a common mechanism being fairly nonspecific for understanding the processing of filled multicomponent composites with tailored performances of general concern.

Ultralight Graphene Foam/Conductive Polymer Composites for Exceptional Electromagnetic Interference Shielding.

PubMed

Wu, Ying; Wang, Zhenyu; Liu, Xu; Shen, Xi; Zheng, Qingbin; Xue, Quan; Kim, Jang-Kyo

2017-03-15

Ultralight, high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding graphene foam (GF)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) composites are developed by drop coating of PEDOT:PSS on cellular-structured, freestanding GFs. To enhance the wettability and the interfacial bonds with PEDOT:PSS, GFs are functionalized with 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid. The GF/PEDOT:PSS composites possess an ultralow density of 18.2 × 10 -3 g/cm 3 and a high porosity of 98.8%, as well as an enhanced electrical conductivity by almost 4 folds from 11.8 to 43.2 S/cm after the incorporation of the conductive PEDOT:PSS. Benefiting from the excellent electrical conductivity, ultralight porous structure, and effective charge delocalization, the composites deliver remarkable EMI shielding performance with a shielding effectiveness (SE) of 91.9 dB and a specific SE (SSE) of 3124 dB·cm 3 /g, both of which are the highest among those reported in the literature for carbon-based polymer composites. The excellent electrical conductivities of composites arising from both the GFs with three-dimensionally interconnected conductive networks and the conductive polymer coating, as well as the left-handed composites with absolute permittivity and/or permeability larger than one give rise to significant microwave attenuation by absorption.

Electrically conductive nanostructured silver doped zinc oxide (Ag:ZnO) prepared by solution-immersion technique

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

Afaah, A. N., E-mail: afaahabdullah@yahoo.com; Asib, N. A. M., E-mail: amierahasib@yahoo.com; Aadila, A., E-mail: aadilaazizali@gmail.com

2016-07-06

p-type ZnO films have been fabricated on ZnO-seeded glass substrate, using AgNO{sub 3} as a source of silver dopant by facile solution-immersion. Cleaned glass substrate were seeded with ZnO by mist-atomisation, and next the seeded substrates were immersed in Ag:ZnO solution. The effects of Ag doping concentration on the Ag-doped ZnO have been investigated. The substrates were immersed in different concentrations of Ag dopant with variation of 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 at. %. The surface morphology of the films was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). In order to investigate the electrical properties, the films weremore » characterized by Current-Voltage (I-V) measurement. FESEM micrographs showed uniform distribution of nanostructured ZnO and Ag:ZnO. Besides, the electrical properties of Ag-doped ZnO were also dependent on the doping concentration. The I-V measurement result indicated the electrical properties of 1 at. % Ag:ZnO thin film owned highest electrical conductivity.« less

Cation-Dependent Intrinsic Electrical Conductivity in Isostructural Tetrathiafulvalene-Based Microporous Metal–Organic Frameworks

DOE PAGES

Park, Sarah S.; Hontz, Eric R.; Sun, Lei; ...

2015-01-26

Isostructural metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) M 2(TTFTB) (M = Mn, Co, Zn, and Cd; H4TTFTB = tetrathiafulvalene tetrabenzoate) exhibit a striking correlation between their single-crystal conductivities and the shortest S···S interaction defined by neighboring TTF cores, which inversely correlates with the ionic radius of the metal ions. The larger cations cause a pinching of the S···S contact, which is responsible for better orbital overlap between p z orbitals on neighboring S and C atoms. Density functional theory calculations show that these orbitals are critically involved in the valence band of these materials, such that modulation of the S···S distance has anmore » important effect on band dispersion and, implicitly, on the conductivity. The Cd analogue, with the largest cation and shortest S···S contact, shows the largest electrical conductivity, σ = 2.86 (±0.53) × 10 -4 S/cm, which is also among the highest in microporous MOFs. These results describe the first demonstration of tunable intrinsic electrical conductivity in this class of materials and serve as a blueprint for controlling charge transport in MOFs with π-stacked motifs.« less

Highly anisotropic conductivity of tablets pressed from polyaniline-montmorillonite nanocomposite

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

Tokarský, Jonáš, E-mail: jonas.tokarsky@vsb.cz; IT4Innovations Centre of Excellence, VŠB-TU Ostrava, 17. listopadu 15/2172, 708 33 Ostrava—Poruba; Kulhánková, Lenka

2016-03-15

Highlights: • Montmorillonite (MMT) can be intercalated with polyaniline (PANI) chains. • Tablets pressed from PANI/MMT exhibit high anisotropy in electrical conductivity. • Pressure 28MPa is sufficient to reach the anisotropy. • Tablets pressed from pure PANI also exhibit anisotropy in electrical conductivity. - Abstract: Polyaniline-montmorillonite nanocomposite was prepared from anilinium sulfate (precursor) and ammonium peroxodisulfate (oxidizing agent) using simple one-step method. The resulting nanocomposite obtained in powder form has been pressed into tablets using various compression pressures (28–400 MPa). Electrical conductivities of tablets in two perpendicular directions, i.e. direction parallel with the main surface of tablet (σ=) and inmore » orthogonal direction (σ⊥), and corresponding anisotropy factors (i.e., the ratio σ=/σ⊥) have been studied in dependence on compression pressure used during the preparation. Polyaniline-montmorillonite nanocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and molecular modeling which led to the understanding of the internal structure. Measurement of hardness performed on pressed tablets has been also involved. Taking into account the highest value of anisotropy factor reached (σ=/σ⊥ = 490), present study shows a chance to design conductors with nearly two-dimensional conductivity.« less

Effect of electrical coupling on ionic current and synaptic potential measurements.

PubMed

Rabbah, Pascale; Golowasch, Jorge; Nadim, Farzan

2005-07-01

Recent studies have found electrical coupling to be more ubiquitous than previously thought, and coupling through gap junctions is known to play a crucial role in neuronal function and network output. In particular, current spread through gap junctions may affect the activation of voltage-dependent conductances as well as chemical synaptic release. Using voltage-clamp recordings of two strongly electrically coupled neurons of the lobster stomatogastric ganglion and conductance-based models of these neurons, we identified effects of electrical coupling on the measurement of leak and voltage-gated outward currents, as well as synaptic potentials. Experimental measurements showed that both leak and voltage-gated outward currents are recruited by gap junctions from neurons coupled to the clamped cell. Nevertheless, in spite of the strong coupling between these neurons, the errors made in estimating voltage-gated conductance parameters were relatively minor (<10%). Thus in many cases isolation of coupled neurons may not be required if a small degree of measurement error of the voltage-gated currents or the synaptic potentials is acceptable. Modeling results show, however, that such errors may be as high as 20% if the gap-junction position is near the recording site or as high as 90% when measuring smaller voltage-gated ionic currents. Paradoxically, improved space clamp increases the errors arising from electrical coupling because voltage control across gap junctions is poor for even the highest realistic coupling conductances. Furthermore, the common procedure of leak subtraction can add an extra error to the conductance measurement, the sign of which depends on the maximal conductance.

Exploring Carbon Nanotubes for Nanoscale Devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Han, Jie; Dai; Anantram; Jaffe; Saini, Subhash (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are shown to promise great opportunities in nanoelectronic devices and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) because of their inherent nanoscale sizes, intrinsic electric conductivities, and seamless hexagonal network architectures. I present our collaborative work with Stanford on exploring CNTs for nanodevices in this talk. The electrical property measurements suggest that metallic tubes are quantum wires. Furthermore, two and three terminal CNT junctions have been observed experimentally. We have proposed and studied CNT-based molecular switches and logic devices for future digital electronics. We also have studied CNTs based NEMS inclusing gears, cantilevers, and scanning probe microscopy tips. We investigate both chemistry and physics based aspects of the CNT NEMS. Our results suggest that CNT have ideal stiffness, vibrational frequencies, Q-factors, geometry-dependent electric conductivities, and the highest chemical and mechanical stabilities for the NEMS. The use of CNT SPM tips for nanolithography is presented for demonstration of the advantages of the CNT NEMS.

Thermoelectric and Transport Properties of Delafossite CuCrO2:Mg Thin Films Prepared by RF Magnetron Sputtering

PubMed Central

Sinnarasa, Inthuga; Thimont, Yohann; Presmanes, Lionel; Barnabé, Antoine; Tailhades, Philippe

2017-01-01

P-type Mg doped CuCrO2 thin films have been deposited on fused silica substrates by Radio-Frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The as-deposited CuCrO2:Mg thin films have been annealed at different temperatures (from 450 to 650 °C) under primary vacuum to obtain the delafossite phase. The annealed samples exhibit 3R delafossite structure. Electrical conductivity σ and Seebeck coefficient S of all annealed films have been measured from 40 to 220 °C. The optimized properties have been obtained for CuCrO2:Mg thin film annealed at 550 °C. At a measurement temperature of 40 °C, this sample exhibited the highest electrical conductivity of 0.60 S·cm−1 with a Seebeck coefficient of +329 µV·K−1. The calculated power factor (PF = σS²) was 6 µW·m−1·K−2 at 40 °C and due to the constant Seebeck coefficient and the increasing electrical conductivity with measurement temperature, it reached 38 µW·m−1·K−2 at 220 °C. Moreover, according to measurement of the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity in temperature, we confirmed that CuCrO2:Mg exhibits hopping conduction and degenerates semiconductor behavior. Carrier concentration, Fermi level, and hole effective mass have been discussed. PMID:28654011

Preparation of multi-layer film consisting of hydrogen-free DLC and nitrogen-containing DLC for conductive hard coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iijima, Yushi; Harigai, Toru; Isono, Ryo; Degai, Satoshi; Tanimoto, Tsuyoshi; Suda, Yoshiyuki; Takikawa, Hirofumi; Yasui, Haruyuki; Kaneko, Satoru; Kunitsugu, Shinsuke; Kamiya, Masao; Taki, Makoto

2018-01-01

Conductive hard-coating films have potential application as protective films for contact pins used in the electrical inspection process for integrated circuit chips. In this study, multi-layer diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were prepared as conductive hard-coating films. The multi-layer DLC films consisting of DLC and nitrogen-containing DLC (N-DLC) film were prepared using a T-shape filtered arc deposition method. Periodic DLC/N-DLC four-layer and eight-layer films had the same film thickness by changing the thickness of each layer. In the ball-on-disk test, the N-DLC mono-layer film showed the highest wear resistance; however, in the spherical polishing method, the eight-layer film showed the highest polishing resistance. The wear and polishing resistance and the aggressiveness against an opponent material of the multi-layer DLC films improved by reducing the thickness of a layer. In multi-layer films, the soft N-DLC layer between hard DLC layers is believed to function as a cushion. Thus, the tribological properties of the DLC films were improved by a multi-layered structure. The electrical resistivity of multi-layer DLC films was approximately half that of the DLC mono-layer film. Therefore, the periodic DLC/N-DLC eight-layer film is a good conductive hard-coating film.

Characterization of poly methyl methaacrylate and reduced graphene oxide composite for application as electrolyte in dye sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shrivatsav, Roshan; Mahalingam, Vignesh; Lakshmi Narayanan, E. R.; Naveen Balaji, N.; Balu, Murali; Krishna Prasad, R.; Kumaresan, Duraisamy

2018-04-01

Quasi-solid state iodide/triiodide redox electrolyte containing reduced graphene oxide and poly (methyl methaacrylate) (RGO-PMMA) composites for the fabrication of more durable, high performance dye sensitized solar cells are prepared. The morphological analysis of prepared RGO-PMMA composites showed formation of spherical like morphologies of RGO dispersed PMMA particles with their macroscopic inter-particle networks having voids. The x ray diffraction and electrical conductivity studies showed the addition of 1 wt% of filler RGO into amorphous PMMA matrix increased the electrical conductivity of the polymer composite about three orders of magnitude from 10‑7 and 10‑4 S cm‑1. Further, the photovoltaic current-voltage analysis of DSSCs with different RGO-PMMA composite based iodide/triiodide redox electrolytes showed the highest power conversion efficiency of 5.38% and the fill factor 0.63 for 2% RGO-PMMA electrolyte. The EIS analysis showed an increased recombination resistance (Rct2) at TiO2 electrode/dye/electrolyte interface due to the better electrical conductivity of RGO with good ionic conductivity in 2% RGO-PMMA composite based redox electrolyte boosted the generation of a high current density and fill factor in their DSSCs.

Extending the 3ω method: thermal conductivity characterization of thin films.

PubMed

Bodenschatz, Nico; Liemert, André; Schnurr, Sebastian; Wiedwald, Ulf; Ziemann, Paul

2013-08-01

A lock-in technique for measurement of thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity of thin films is presented. The technique is based on the 3ω approach using electrical generation and detection of oscillatory heat along a thin metal strip. Thin films are deposited onto the backside of commercial silicon nitride membranes, forming a bilayer geometry with distinct thermal parameters. Stepwise comparison to an adapted heat diffusion model delivers these parameters for both layers. Highest sensitivity is found for metallic thin films.

Electrode Models for Electric Current Computed Tomography

PubMed Central

CHENG, KUO-SHENG; ISAACSON, DAVID; NEWELL, J. C.; GISSER, DAVID G.

2016-01-01

This paper develops a mathematical model for the physical properties of electrodes suitable for use in electric current computed tomography (ECCT). The model includes the effects of discretization, shunt, and contact impedance. The complete model was validated by experiment. Bath resistivities of 284.0, 139.7, 62.3, 29.5 Ω · cm were studied. Values of “effective” contact impedance z used in the numerical approximations were 58.0, 35.0, 15.0, and 7.5 Ω · cm2, respectively. Agreement between the calculated and experimentally measured values was excellent throughout the range of bath conductivities studied. It is desirable in electrical impedance imaging systems to model the observed voltages to the same precision as they are measured in order to be able to make the highest resolution reconstructions of the internal conductivity that the measurement precision allows. The complete electrode model, which includes the effects of discretization of the current pattern, the shunt effect due to the highly conductive electrode material, and the effect of an “effective” contact impedance, allows calculation of the voltages due to any current pattern applied to a homogeneous resistivity field. PMID:2777280

Electrode models for electric current computed tomography.

PubMed

Cheng, K S; Isaacson, D; Newell, J C; Gisser, D G

1989-09-01

This paper develops a mathematical model for the physical properties of electrodes suitable for use in electric current computed tomography (ECCT). The model includes the effects of discretization, shunt, and contact impedance. The complete model was validated by experiment. Bath resistivities of 284.0, 139.7, 62.3, 29.5 omega.cm were studied. Values of "effective" contact impedance zeta used in the numerical approximations were 58.0, 35.0, 15.0, and 7.5 omega.cm2, respectively. Agreement between the calculated and experimentally measured values was excellent throughout the range of bath conductivities studied. It is desirable in electrical impedance imaging systems to model the observed voltages to the same precision as they are measured in order to be able to make the highest resolution reconstructions of the internal conductivity that the measurement precision allows. The complete electrode model, which includes the effects of discretization of the current pattern, the shunt effect due to the highly conductive electrode material, and the effect of an "effective" contact impedance, allows calculation of the voltages due to any current pattern applied to a homogeneous resistivity field.

Enhancement of optical transmittance and electrical resistivity of post-annealed ITO thin films RF sputtered on Si

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Ahmad Hadi; Hassan, Zainuriah; Shuhaimi, Ahmad

2018-06-01

This paper reports on the enhancement of optical transmittance and electrical resistivity of indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent conductive oxides (TCO) deposited by radio frequency (RF) sputtering on Si substrate. Post-annealing was conducted on the samples at temperature ranges of 500-700 °C. From X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), ITO (2 2 2) peak was observed after post-annealing indicating crystallization phase of the films. From UV-vis measurements, the ITO thin film shows highest transmittance of more than 90% at post-annealing temperature of 700 °C as compared to the as-deposited thin films. From atomic force microscope (AFM), the surface roughness becomes smoother after post-annealing as compared to the as-deposited. The lowest electrical resistivity for ITO sample is 6.68 × 10-4 Ω cm after post-annealed at 700 °C that are contributed by high carrier concentration and mobility. The improved structural and surface morphological characteristics helps in increasing the optical transmittance and reducing the electrical resistivity of the ITO thin films.

Synthesis, thermal and electrical properties of Al-doped Bi{sub 4}V{sub 1.8}Cu{sub 0.2}O{sub 10.7}

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

Essalim, R.; Ammar, A.; Tanouti, B.

2016-08-15

Partial substitution of copper with aluminum in Bi{sub 4}V{sub 1.8}Cu{sub 0.2}O{sub 10.7} has led to the Bi{sub 4}V{sub 1.8}Cu{sub 0.2−x}Al{sub x}O{sub 10.7+x/2} solid solution. X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis have shown that the compounds with x=0.05 and x=0.10 are tetragonal with γ′ form of Bi{sub 4}V{sub 2}O{sub 11}, while the compound with x=0.15 is of β polymorph. The effect of Al{sup 3+} doping on electrical conductivity has been studied using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. The electrical conductivity of doped samples along with the amount of Al{sup 3+} has been studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range 250–700 °C. Themore » slope changes observed in the Arrhenius plots agree with the microstructural transitions occurring in these compounds. The highest ionic conductivity values are obtained for the sample with x=0.05. - Graphical abstract: Arrhenius plots of the electrical conductivity of the of Bi{sub 4}V{sub 1.8}Cu{sub 0.2−x}Al{sub x}O{sub 10.7+x/2} compounds. Display Omitted.« less

STUDY ON LITHIUM FAST ION CONDUCTORS OF Li2O SiO2 V2O5 SYSTEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Geng; Wang, Wenji

Fast ion conductors of Li2O SiO2 V2O5 system have been prepared by using Li2O, SiO2 and V2O5 as starting materials. The optimal ratio of starting materials was designed by Uniform Design. The conductivities of both electric and ionic were investigated. The highest ion conductivity is 1.5 × 10-4S/cm at ambient temperature for the above lithium fast ion conductor system, the electronic conductivity is 4 orders of magnitude lower than the ionic conductivity.

Facile high-yield synthesis of polyaniline nanosticks with intrinsic stability and electrical conductivity.

PubMed

Li, Xin-Gui; Li, Ang; Huang, Mei-Rong

2008-01-01

Chemical oxidative polymerization at 15 degrees C was used for the simple and productive synthesis of polyaniline (PAN) nanosticks. The effect of polymerization media on the yield, size, stability, and electrical conductivity of the PAN nanosticks was studied by changing the concentration and nature of the acid medium and oxidant and by introducing organic solvent. Molecular and supramolecular structure, size, and size distribution of the PAN nanosticks were characterized by UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, laser particle-size analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Introduction of organic solvent is advantageous for enhancing the yield of PAN nanosticks but disadvantageous for formation of PAN nanosticks with small size and high conductivity. The concentration and nature of the acid medium have a major influence on the polymerization yield and conductivity of the nanosized PAN. The average diameter and length of PAN nanosticks produced with 2 M HNO(3) and 0.5 M H(2)SO(4) as acid media are about 40 and 300 nm, respectively. The PAN nanosticks obtained in an optimal medium (i.e., 2 M HNO(3)) exhibit the highest conductivity of 2.23 S cm(-1) and the highest yield of 80.7 %. A mechanism of formation of nanosticks instead of nanoparticles is proposed. Nanocomposite films of the PAN nanosticks with poly(vinyl alcohol) show a low percolation threshold of 0.2 wt %, at which the film retains almost the same transparency and strength as pure poly(vinyl alcohol) but 262 000 times the conductivity of pure poly(vinyl alcohol) film. The present synthesis of PAN nanosticks requires no external stabilizer and provides a facile and direct route for fabrication of PAN nanosticks with high yield, controllable size, intrinsic self-stability, strong redispersibility, high purity, and optimizable conductivity.

Soil Properties, Nutrient Dynamics, and Soil Enzyme Activities Associated with Garlic Stalk Decomposition under Various Conditions

PubMed Central

Han, Xu; Cheng, Zhihui; Meng, Huanwen

2012-01-01

The garlic stalk is a byproduct of garlic production and normally abandoned or burned, both of which cause environmental pollution. It is therefore appropriate to determine the conditions of efficient decomposition, and equally appropriate to determine the impact of this decomposition on soil properties. In this study, the soil properties, enzyme activities and nutrient dynamics associated with the decomposition of garlic stalk at different temperatures, concentrations and durations were investigated. Stalk decomposition significantly increased the values of soil pH and electrical conductivity. In addition, total nitrogen and organic carbon concentration were significantly increased by decomposing stalks at 40°C, with a 5∶100 ratio and for 10 or 60 days. The highest activities of sucrase, urease and alkaline phosphatase in soil were detected when stalk decomposition was performed at the lowest temperature (10°C), highest concentration (5∶100), and shortest duration (10 or 20 days). The evidence presented here suggests that garlic stalk decomposition improves the quality of soil by altering the value of soil pH and electrical conductivity and by changing nutrient dynamics and soil enzyme activity, compared to the soil decomposition without garlic stalks. PMID:23226411

The impact of NiO on microstructure and electrical property of solid oxide fuel cell anode

PubMed Central

Li, Yan; Luo, Zhong-yang; Yu, Chun-jiang; Luo, Dan; Xu, Zhu-an; Cen, Ke-fa

2005-01-01

Ni-Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (Ni-SDC) cermet was selected as anode material for reduced temperature (800 °C) solid oxide fuel cells in this study. The influence of NiO powder fabrication methods for Ni-SDC cermets on the electrode performance was investigated so that the result obtained can be applied to make high-quality anode. Three kinds of NiO powder were synthesized with a fourth kind being available in the market. Four types of anode precursors were fabricated with these NiO powders and Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC), and then were reduced to anode wafers for sequencing measurement. The electrical conductivity of the anodes was measured and the effect of microstructure was investigated. It was found that the anode electrical conductivity depends strongly on the NiO powder morphologies, microstructure of the cermet anode and particle sizes, which are decided by NiO powder preparation technique. The highest electrical conductivity is obtained for anode cermets with NiO powder synthesized by NiCO3·2Ni(OH)2·4H2O or Ni(NO3)2·6H2O decomposition technique. PMID:16252348

Effect of Surfactant Type and Sonication Energy on the Electrical Conductivity Properties of Nanocellulose-CNT Nanocomposite Films.

PubMed

Siljander, Sanna; Keinänen, Pasi; Räty, Anna; Ramakrishnan, Karthik Ram; Tuukkanen, Sampo; Kunnari, Vesa; Harlin, Ali; Vuorinen, Jyrki; Kanerva, Mikko

2018-06-20

We present a detailed study on the influence of sonication energy and surfactant type on the electrical conductivity of nanocellulose-carbon nanotube (NFC-CNT) nanocomposite films. The study was made using a minimum amount of processing steps, chemicals and materials, to optimize the conductivity properties of free-standing flexible nanocomposite films. In general, the NFC-CNT film preparation process is sensitive concerning the dispersing phase of CNTs into a solution with NFC. In our study, we used sonication to carry out the dispersing phase of processing in the presence of surfactant. In the final phase, the films were prepared from the dispersion using centrifugal cast molding. The solid films were analyzed regarding their electrical conductivity using a four-probe measuring technique. We also characterized how conductivity properties were enhanced when surfactant was removed from nanocomposite films; to our knowledge this has not been reported previously. The results of our study indicated that the optimization of the surfactant type clearly affected the formation of freestanding films. The effect of sonication energy was significant in terms of conductivity. Using a relatively low 16 wt. % concentration of multiwall carbon nanotubes we achieved the highest conductivity value of 8.4 S/cm for nanocellulose-CNT films ever published in the current literature. This was achieved by optimizing the surfactant type and sonication energy per dry mass. Additionally, to further increase the conductivity, we defined a preparation step to remove the used surfactant from the final nanocomposite structure.

Middle atmosphere electrical energy coupling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hale, L. C.

1989-01-01

The middle atmosphere (MA) has long been known as an absorber of radio waves, and as a region of nonlinear interactions among waves. The region of highest transverse conductivity near the top of the MA provides a common return for global thunderstorm, auroral Birkeland, and ionospheric dynamo currents, with possibilities for coupling among them. Their associated fields and other transverse fields map to lower altitudes depending on scale size. Evidence now exists for motion-driven aerosol generators, and for charge trapped at the base of magnetic field lines, both capable of producing large MA electric fields. Ionospheric Maxwell currents (curl H) parallel to the magnetic field appear to map to lower altitudes, with rapidly time-varying components appearing as displacement currents in the stratosphere. Lightning couples a (primarily ELF and ULF) current transient to the ionosphere and magnetosphere whose wave shape is largely dependent on the MA conductivity profile. Electrical energy is of direct significance mainly in the upper MA, but electrodynamic transport of minor constituents such as smoke particles or CN may be important at other altitudes.

Incorporation of polydimethylsiloxane with reduced graphene oxide and zinc oxide for tensile and electrical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danial, N. S.; Ramli, Muhammad. M.; Halin, D. S. C.; Hong, H. C.; Isa, S. Salwa M.; Abdullah, M. M. A. B.; Anhar, N. A. M.; Talip, L. F. A.; Mazlan, N. S.

2017-09-01

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is an organosilicon polymer that is commonly used to incorporate with other fillers. PDMS in high viscous liquid form is mechanically stirred with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and mixed with zinc oxide (ZnO) with specific ratio, thus rendering into two types of samples. The mechanical and electrical properties of both samples are characterized. The result shows that PDMS sample with 50 mg rGO has the highest tensile strength with the value of 9.1 MPa. For electrical properties, sample with the lowest resistance is PDMS with 50 mg rGO and ZnO with the value of l.67×l05 Ω. This experiment shows the significant role of conductive fillers like rGO and ZnO incorporated in polymeric material such as PDMS to improve its electrical properties.

Prospects for using carbon-carbon composites for EMI shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gaier, James R.

1990-01-01

Since pyrolyzed carbon has a higher electrical conductivity than most polymers, carbon-carbon composites would be expected to have higher electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding ability than polymeric resin composites. A rule of mixtures model of composite conductivity was used to calculate the effect on EMI shielding of substituting a pyrolyzed carbon matrix for a polymeric matrix. It was found that the improvements were small, no more than about 2 percent for the lowest conductivity fibers (ex-rayon) and less than 0.2 percent for the highest conductivity fibers (vapor grown carbon fibers). The structure of the rule of mixtures is such that the matrix conductivity would only be important in those cases where it is much higher than the fiber conductivity, as in metal matrix composites.

Nano silver diffusion behaviour on conductive polymer during doping process for high voltage application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammad, A.; Mahmood, A.; Chin, K. T.; Danquah, M. K.; van Stratan, S.

2017-06-01

Conductive polymer had opened a new era of engineering for microelectronics and semiconductor applications. However, it is still a challenge for high voltage applications due to lower electrical conductivity compare to metals. This results tremendous energy losses during transmission and restricts its usage. In order to address such problem a novel method was investigated using nano silver particle doped iodothiophene since silver is the highest electrical conductive material. The experiments were carried out to study the organometallic diffusion behaviour of nanosilver doped iodothiophene with different concentration of iodothiophene. Five different mixing ratio between nanosilver and the solution of iodothiophene dissolved in diethyl ether were used which are 1:1.25, 1:1.5, 1:2.5, 1:3 and l:5. It was revealed that there is an effective threshold concentration of which the nano silver evenly distributed and there was no coagulation observed. These parameters laid the foundation of better doping process between the nano silver and the polymer significantly which would contribute developing conductive polymer towards high voltage application for industries that are vulnerable to corrosive environment.

Microstructure factor and mechanical and electronic properties of hydrogenated amorphous and nanocrystalline silicon thin-films for microelectromechanical systems applications

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

Mouro, J.; Gualdino, A.; Chu, V.

2013-11-14

Thin-film silicon allows the fabrication of MEMS devices at low processing temperatures, compatible with monolithic integration in advanced electronic circuits, on large-area, low-cost, and flexible substrates. The most relevant thin-film properties for applications as MEMS structural layers are the deposition rate, electrical conductivity, and mechanical stress. In this work, n{sup +}-type doped hydrogenated amorphous and nanocrystalline silicon thin-films were deposited by RF-PECVD, and the influence of the hydrogen dilution in the reactive mixture, the RF-power coupled to the plasma, the substrate temperature, and the deposition pressure on the structural, electrical, and mechanical properties of the films was studied. Three differentmore » types of silicon films were identified, corresponding to three internal structures: (i) porous amorphous silicon, deposited at high rates and presenting tensile mechanical stress and low electrical conductivity, (ii) dense amorphous silicon, deposited at intermediate rates and presenting compressive mechanical stress and higher values of electrical conductivity, and (iii) nanocrystalline silicon, deposited at very low rates and presenting the highest compressive mechanical stress and electrical conductivity. These results show the combinations of electromechanical material properties available in silicon thin-films and thus allow the optimized selection of a thin silicon film for a given MEMS application. Four representative silicon thin-films were chosen to be used as structural material of electrostatically actuated MEMS microresonators fabricated by surface micromachining. The effect of the mechanical stress of the structural layer was observed to have a great impact on the device resonance frequency, quality factor, and actuation force.« less

Physiology response of fourth generation saline resistant soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) with application of several types of antioxidants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manurung, I. R.; Rosmayati; Rahmawati, N.

2018-02-01

Antioxidant applications are expected to reduce the adverse effects of soil saline. This research was conducted in plastic house, Plant Tissue Laboratory Faculty of Agriculture and Plant Physiology Laboratory Faculty of Mathematic and Natural Science, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan also in Research Centers and Industry Standardization, Medan from July-December 2016. The objective of the research was to know the effect of various antioxidant treatments with different concentrations (control, ascorbic acid 250, 500 and 750 ppm; salicylic acid 250, 500 and 750 ppm; α-tocopherol 250, 500 and 750 ppm) on fourth generation soybean physiology in saline condition (Electric Conductivity 5-6 dS/m). The results of this research showed that the antioxidant type and concentration affected not significantly to physiology of fourth generation soybean. Descriptively the highest average of superoxide dismutase and peroxide dismutase was showed on ascorbic acid 250 ppm. The highest average of ascorbate peroxidase was showed on α-tocopherol 750 ppm. The highest average of carotenoid content was showed on ascorbic acid 500 ppm. The highest average of chlorophyll content was showed on α-tocopherol 250 ppm. The highest average of ratio of K/Na was showed on salicylic acid 250 ppm.

Silver Flakes and Silver Dendrites for Hybrid Electrically Conductive Adhesives with Enhanced Conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Hongru; Li, Zhuo; Tian, Xun; Yan, Shaocun; Li, Zhe; Guo, Xuhong; Ma, Yanqing; Ma, Lei

2018-03-01

Silver dendrites were prepared by a facile replacement reaction between silver nitrate and zinc microparticles of 20 μm in size. The influence of reactant molar ratio, reaction solution volume, silver nitrate concentration, and reaction time on the morphology of dendrites was investigated systematically. It was found that uniform tree-like silver structures are synthesized under the optimal conditions. Their structure can be described as a trunk, symmetrical branches, and leaves, which length scales of 5-10, 1-2 μm, and 100-300 nm, respectively. All features were systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, and x-ray powder diffraction. A hybrid fillers system using silver flakes and dendrites as electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) exhibited excellent overall performance. This good conductivity can be attributed mainly to the synergy between the silver microflakes (5-20 μm sized irregular sheet structures) and dendrites, allowing more conductive pathways to be formed between the fillers. In order to further optimize the overall electrical conductivity, various mixtures of silver microflakes and silver dendrites were tested in ECAs, with results indicating that the highest conductivity was shown when the amounts of silver microflakes, silver dendrites and the polymer matrix were 69.4 wt.% (20.82 vol.%), 0.6 wt.% (0.18 vol.%), and 30.0 wt.% (79.00 vol.%), respectively. The corresponding mass ratio of silver flakes to silver dendrites was 347:3. The resistivity of ECAs reached as low as 1.7 × 10-4 Ω cm.

Structural and electrical characterization of tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) doped with NH4HCO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Premalatha, M.; Mathavan, T.; Selvasekarapandian, S.; Selvalakshmi, S.

2018-04-01

In the modern era, development of electrochemical energy devices such as batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors gain attention due to the deficiency of renewable energy resources. More specifically, proton conducting materials create prime interest in the development of electrochemical devices. In this regards, a novel proton conducting biopolymer electrolyte based on Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide (TSP) was synthesized with different concentration of ammonium formate (NH4HCO2). The amorphous nature of the polymer electrolytes has been identified by XRD technique. The observed ionic conductivity values reveal that the biopolymer containing 1 g TSP: 0.4 g NH4HCO2 has highest ionic conductivity 1.23×10-3 S cm-1.

Sintering temperature effect on electrical and thermal properties of Zn1-xAlxO as thermoelectric material candidate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fajarin, Rindang; Rahel, Amelthia; Widyastuti

2018-04-01

Thermoelectric is a device to convert residual heat energy into electricity. Electrical and thermal properties of constituent material determine thermoelectric efficiency. One of metal oxides, namely zinc oxide (ZnO), is highly stable in a large temperature range, non-toxic, low cost and eco-friendly, has potential application as thermoelectric at high temperature. The aims of this study are to synthesize Zn0.98Al0.02O by coprecipitation method using ZnO and Al2O3 powders as raw materials, and to investigate the effect of sintering temperatures (at 700, 800, 900, and 950°C) on the electrical and thermal properties of the material. The sample products were analyzed by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) measurements to identify phase content, to observe particle morphology and to analyze distribution of elements in the sample, respectively. LCR meter was conducted to study electrical measurements of the samples. Further, thermal properties of the samples were analyzed by TGA measurements. The data show that Al3+ ions have been successfully doped into ZnO crystal lattice and they tend to increase the electrical conductivity of the samples. The sintered Zn0.98Al0.02O sample at 900°C has the highest conductivity value (4.53 × 10-4 S/m) compared to the others. It is relatively stable at high temperature, and thus, it can be used as one promising candidate for thermoelectric material at high temperature.

Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Bo; Chang, Aimin; Zhao, Qing; Ye, Haitao; Wu, Yiquan

2014-11-01

The microstructure and thermoelectric properties of Yb-doped Ca0.9- x Yb x La0.1 MnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) ceramics prepared by using the Pechini method derived powders have been investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis has shown that all samples exhibit single phase with orthorhombic perovskite structure. All ceramic samples possess high relative densities, ranging from 97.04% to 98.65%. The Seebeck coefficient is negative, indicating n-type conduction in all samples. The substitution of Yb for Ca leads to a marked decrease in the electrical resistivity, along with a moderate decrease in the absolute value of the Seebeck coefficient. The highest power factor is obtained for the sample with x = 0.05. The electrical conduction in these compounds is due to electrons hopping between Mn3+ and Mn4+, which is enhanced by increasing Yb content.

The Effect of (Ag, Ni, Zn)-Addition on the Thermoelectric Properties of Copper Aluminate

PubMed Central

Yanagiya, Shun-ichi; Van Nong, Ngo; Xu, Jianxiao; Pryds, Nini

2010-01-01

Polycrystalline bulk copper aluminate Cu1-x-yAgxByAlO2 with B = Ni or Zn were prepared by spark plasma sintering and subsequent thermal treatment. The influence of partial substitution of Ag, Ni and Zn for Cu-sites in CuAlO2 on the high temperature thermoelectric properties has been studied. The addition of Ag and Zn was found to enhance the formation of CuAlO2 phase and to increase the electrical conductivity. The addition of Ag or Ag and Ni on the other hand decreases the electrical conductivity. The highest power factor of 1.26 × 10-4 W/mK2 was obtained for the addition of Ag and Zn at 1,060 K, indicating a significant improvement compared with the non-doped CuAlO2 sample.

High Transparent and Conductive TiO2/Ag/TiO2 Multilayer Electrode Films Deposited on Sapphire Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loka, Chadrasekhar; Moon, Sung Whan; Choi, YiSik; Lee, Kee-Sun

2018-03-01

Transparent conducting oxides attract intense interests due to its diverse industrial applications. In this study, we report sapphire substrate-based TiO2/Ag/TiO2 (TAT) multilayer structure of indium-free transparent conductive multilayer coatings. The TAT thin films were deposited at room temperature on sapphire substrates and a rigorous analysis has been presented on the electrical and optical properties of the films as a function of Ag thickness. The optical and electrical properties were mainly controlled by the Ag mid-layer thickness of the TAT tri-layer. The TAT films showed high luminous transmittance 84% at 550 nm along with noteworthy low electrical resistance 3.65 × 10-5 Ω-cm and sheet resistance of 3.77 Ω/square, which is better are than those of amorphous ITO films and any sapphire-based dielectric/metal/dielectric multilayer stack. The carrier concentration of the films was increased with respect to Ag thickness. We obtained highest Hackke's figure of merit 43.97 × 10-3 Ω-1 from the TAT multilayer thin film with a 16 nm thick Ag mid-layer.

Numerically simulated exposure of children and adults to pulsed gradient fields in MRI.

PubMed

Samoudi, Amine M; Vermeeren, Gunter; Tanghe, Emmeric; Van Holen, Roel; Martens, Luc; Josephs, Wout

2016-11-01

To determine exposure to gradient switching fields of adults and children in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner by evaluating internal electric fields within realistic models of adult male, adult female, and child inside transverse and longitudinal gradient coils, and to compare these results with compliance guidelines. Patients inside x-, y-, and z-gradient coils were simulated using anatomically realistic models of adult male, adult female, and child. The induced electric fields were computed for 1 kHz sinusoidal current with a magnitude of 1 A in the gradient coils. Rheobase electric fields were then calculated and compared to the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 2004 and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 2010 guidelines. The effect of the human body, coil type, and skin conductivity on the induced electric field was also investigated. The internal electric fields are within the first level controlled operating mode of the guidelines and range from 2.7V m -1 to 4.5V m -1 , except for the adult male inside the y-gradient coil (induced field reaches 5.4V m -1 ).The induced electric field is sensitive to the coil type (electric field in the skin of adult male: 4V m -1 , 4.6V m -1 , and 3.8V m -1 for x-, y-, and z-gradient coils, respectively), the human body model (electric field in the skin inside y-gradient coil: 4.6V m -1 , 4.2V m -1 , and 3V m -1 for adult male, adult female, and child, respectively), and the skin conductivity (electric field 2.35-4.29% higher for 0.1S m -1 skin conductivity compared to 0.2S m -1 ). The y-gradient coil induced the largest fields in the patients. The highest levels of internal electric fields occurred for the adult male model. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1360-1367. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Foldable Thermoelectric Materials: Improvement of the Thermoelectric Performance of Directly Spun CNT Webs by Individual Control of Electrical and Thermal Conductivity.

PubMed

An, Cheng Jin; Kang, Young Hun; Lee, A-Young; Jang, Kwang-Suk; Jeong, Youngjin; Cho, Song Yun

2016-08-31

We suggest the fabrication of foldable thermoelectric (TE) materials by embedding conducting polymers into Au-doped CNT webs. The CNT bundles, which are interconnected by a direct spinning method to form 3D networks without interfacial contact resistance, provide both high electrical conductivity and high carrier mobility. The ZT value of the spun CNT web is significantly enhanced through two simple processes. Decorating the porous CNT webs with Au nanoparticles increases the electrical conductivity, resulting in an optimal ZT of 0.163, which represents a more than 2-fold improvement compared to the ZT of pristine CNT webs (0.079). After decoration, polyaniline (PANI) is integrated into the Au-doped CNT webs both to improve the Seebeck coefficient by an energy-filtering effect and to decrease the thermal conductivity by the phonon-scattering effect. This leads to a ZT of 0.203, which is one of the highest ZT values reported for organic TE materials. Moreover, Au-doped CNT/PANI web is ultralightweight, free-standing, thermally stable, and mechanically robust, which makes it a viable candidate for a hybrid TE conversion device for wearable electronics. When a 20 K temperature gradient is applied to the TE module consisting of seven p-n couples, 1.74 μW of power is generated.

Transparent Conducting Mo-Doped CdO Thin Films by Spray Pyrolysis Method for Solar Cell Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helen, S. J.; Devadason, Suganthi; Haris, M.; Mahalingam, T.

2018-04-01

Pure and 3%, 5%, and 7% molybdenum-doped cadmium oxide (CdO) thin films have been prepared on glass substrates preheated to 400°C using a spray pyrolysis technique, then analyzed using x-ray diffraction analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence and Hall measurements. The films were found to have polycrystalline nature with cubic structure. The crystallite size was calculated to be ˜ 12 nm for various doping concentrations. Doping improved the optical transparency of the CdO thin film, with the 5% Mo-doped film recording the highest transmittance in the optical region. The energy bandgap deduced from optical studies ranged from 2.38 eV and 2.44 eV for different Mo doping levels. The electrical conductivity was enhanced on Mo doping, with the highest conductivity of 1.74 × 103 (Ω cm)-1 being achieved for the 5% Mo-doped CdO thin film.

Temperature-dependent impedance spectroscopy of La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 nano-crystalline material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kafa, C. A.; Triyono, D.; Laysandra, H.

2017-04-01

LaFeO3 is a material with perovskite structure which electrical properties frequently investigated. Research are done due to the exhibition of excellent gas sensing behavior through resistivity comparison from the p-type semiconductor. Sr doping on LaFeO3 or La1-xSrxFeO3 are able to improve the electrical conductivity through structural modification. Using Sr dopant concentration (x) of 0.2, La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 nano-crystal pellet was synthesized. The synthesis used sol-gel method, followed by gradual heat treatment and uniaxial compaction. XRD characterization shows that the structure of the sample is Orthorhombic Perovskite. Topography of the sample by SEM reveals grain and grain boundary existence with emerging agglomeration. The electrical properties of the material, as functions of temperature and frequency, were measured by Impedance Spectroscopy method using RLC meter, for temperatures of 303-373K. Through the Nyquist plot and Bode plot, the electrical conductivity of La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 is contributed by the grain and grain boundary. Finally, the electrical permittivities of La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 are increasing with temperature increase, with the highest achieved when measured at 1 kHz frequency.

Characterization of un-plasticized and propylene carbonate plasticized carboxymethyl cellulose doped ammonium chloride solid biopolymer electrolytes.

PubMed

Ahmad, N H; Isa, M I N

2016-02-10

Two solid biopolymer electrolytes (SBEs) systems of carboxymethyl cellulose doped ammonium chloride (CMC-AC) and propylene carbonate plasticized (CMC-AC-PC) were prepared via solution casting technique. The ionic conductivity of SBEs were analyzed using electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the frequency range of 50 Hz-1 MHz at ambient temperature (303K). The highest ionic conductivity of CMC-AC SBE is 1.43 × 10(-3)S/cm for 16 wt.% of AC while the highest conductivity of plasticized SBE system is 1.01 × 10(-2)S/cm when added with 8 wt.% of PC. TGA/DSC showed that the addition of PC had increased the decomposition temperature compared of CMC-AC SBE. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed the occurrence of complexation between the SBE components and it is proved successfully executed by Gaussian software. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that amorphous nature of SBEs. It is believed that the PC is one of the most promising plasticizer to enhance the ionic conductivity and performance for SBE system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optical band gap tuning and electrical properties of polyaniline and its nanocomposites for hybrid solar cell application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, R.; Choudhary, R. B.; Kandulna, R.

2018-05-01

Hcl doped conducting polyaniline-CdS nanocomposite has been prepared via In-situ polymerization in which cadmium nitrate was used as a source for cadmium. The structural morphology was investigated using FESEM and the presence of fibrous polyaniline and CdS nanoparticles. The synthesis of CdS and polyaniline was confirmed using the XRD analysis. I-V characteristic was used to explore the electrical behavior of PANI and its nanocoposites. Optical properties were studied and minimum band gap with highest band absorbance was found for synergistic concentration PANI-CdS (10%) for solar cells application.

Mapping Near-Surface Salinization Using Long-wavelength AIRSAR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paine, Jeffery G.

2003-01-01

In May 1999, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory acquired airborne synthetic aperture radar (AIRSAR) data over the Hatchel and Montague Test Sites in Texas. We analyzed P- and L-band polarimetric radar data from these AIRSAR missions to assess whether AIRSAR could be used as a rapid and remote platform for screening large areas at risk for near-surface soil and water salinization. Ongoing geological, geophysical, and hydrological studies at the Hatchel Test Site in Runnels County and the Montague Test Site in Montague County have demonstrated the utility of high-resolution airborne electromagnetic (EM) induction in mapping electrical conductivity changes that accompany shallow natural and oil-field related salinization at these sites in the Colorado and Red River basins. We compared AIRSAR and airborne EM data quantitatively by (1) selecting representative flight lines from airborne EM surveys of the Hatchel and Montague sites, (2) extracting measurement locations and apparent conductivities at the highest available EM frequency, (3) identifying and extracting all P- and L-band backscatter intensities for all locations within 5 m of an airborne EM measurement, and (4) examining the spatial and magnitude relationships between apparent conductivity and all radar polarization and polarization-ratio combinations. For both test sites, backscatter intensity in all individual P- and L-band polarizations was slightly negatively correlated with apparent conductivity. In most modes this was manifested as a decrease in the range and magnitude of backscatter intensity as apparent conductivity increased. Select single-band and cross-band polarization ratios exhibited somewhat higher correlation with apparent conductivity by partly diminishing the dominance of the vegetation contribution to V backscatter intensity. The highest correlation with conductivity was obtained using the L-band vertical- to cross-polarization ratio, the P-band vertical- to L-band cross-polarization ratio, and the P-band vertical-to cross-polarization ratio. These correlations were higher for the more arid (and less electrically conductive) Hatchel Test Site than they were for the Montague Test Site.

Metamaterial Behavior of Polymer Nanocomposites Based on Polypropylene/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Fabricated by Means of Ultrasound-Assisted Extrusion

PubMed Central

Pérez-Medina, Juan C.; Waldo-Mendoza, Miguel A.; Cruz-Delgado, Víctor J.; Quiñones-Jurado, Zoe V.; González-Morones, Pablo; Ziolo, Ronald F.; Martínez-Colunga, Juan G.; Soriano-Corral, Florentino; Avila-Orta, Carlos A.

2016-01-01

Metamaterial behavior of polymer nanocomposites (NCs) based on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was investigated based on the observation of a negative dielectric constant (ε′). It is demonstrated that as the dielectric constant switches from negative to positive, the plasma frequency (ωp) depends strongly on the ultrasound-assisted fabrication method, as well as on the melt flow index of the iPP. NCs were fabricated using ultrasound-assisted extrusion methods with 10 wt % loadings of MWCNTs in iPPs with different melt flow indices (MFI). AC electrical conductivity (σ(AC)) as a function of frequency was determined to complement the electrical classification of the NCs, which were previously designated as insulating (I), static-dissipative (SD), and conductive (C) materials. It was found that the SD and C materials can also be classified as metamaterials (M). This type of behavior emerges from the negative dielectric constant observed at low frequencies although, at certain frequencies, the dielectric constant becomes positive. Our method of fabrication allows for the preparation of metamaterials with tunable ωp. iPP pure samples show only positive dielectric constants. Electrical conductivity increases in all cases with the addition of MWCNTs with the largest increases observed for samples with the highest MFI. A relationship between MFI and the fabrication method, with respect to electrical properties, is reported. PMID:28774042

Effect of Variable Oxidation States of Vanadium on the Structural, Optical, and Dielectric Properties of B2O3-Li2O-ZnO-V2O5 Glasses.

PubMed

Arya, S K; Danewalia, S S; Arora, Manju; Singh, K

2016-12-01

In the present study, the effect of variable vanadium oxidation states on the structural, optical, and dielectric properties of vanadium oxide containing lithium borate glasses has been investigated. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies indicate that vanadium in these glasses is mostly in the V 4+ state, having a tetragonal symmetry. As the glass composition of V 2 O 5 increases, tetragonality also increases at the cost of octahedral symmetry. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of these glasses are dominated by zinc oxide transition, whereas the peaks pertaining to the vanadyl group are not visible in the PL spectra. The optical absorption spectra show a single wide absorption band, which is attributed to V 4+ ions in these glasses. The ac conductivity of the glasses increases with an increase in vanadium content. The highest electrical conductivity observed is ∼10 -5 S cm -1 at 250 °C for the glass with 2.5 mol % V 2 O 5 . Electrical conductivity is dominated by electron conduction, as indicated by the activation energy calculation.

A lithium superionic conductor.

PubMed

Kamaya, Noriaki; Homma, Kenji; Yamakawa, Yuichiro; Hirayama, Masaaki; Kanno, Ryoji; Yonemura, Masao; Kamiyama, Takashi; Kato, Yuki; Hama, Shigenori; Kawamoto, Koji; Mitsui, Akio

2011-07-31

Batteries are a key technology in modern society. They are used to power electric and hybrid electric vehicles and to store wind and solar energy in smart grids. Electrochemical devices with high energy and power densities can currently be powered only by batteries with organic liquid electrolytes. However, such batteries require relatively stringent safety precautions, making large-scale systems very complicated and expensive. The application of solid electrolytes is currently limited because they attain practically useful conductivities (10(-2) S cm(-1)) only at 50-80 °C, which is one order of magnitude lower than those of organic liquid electrolytes. Here, we report a lithium superionic conductor, Li(10)GeP(2)S(12) that has a new three-dimensional framework structure. It exhibits an extremely high lithium ionic conductivity of 12 mS cm(-1) at room temperature. This represents the highest conductivity achieved in a solid electrolyte, exceeding even those of liquid organic electrolytes. This new solid-state battery electrolyte has many advantages in terms of device fabrication (facile shaping, patterning and integration), stability (non-volatile), safety (non-explosive) and excellent electrochemical properties (high conductivity and wide potential window).

Thermoelectric properties of fully hydrogenated graphene: Semi-classical Boltzmann theory

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

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

2015-06-14

Based on the calculated band structure, the electronic transport coefficients of chair-/boat-like graphane were evaluated by using the semi-classical Boltzmann theory and rigid band model. The maximum value of electrical conductivity for chair (boat)-like graphane of about 1.4 (0.6) × 10{sup 19} (Ωms){sup −1} is achieved at 600 K. The charge carrier concentration and the electrical conductivity linearly increase with increasing the temperature in agreement with the experimental work for graphene. The investigated materials exhibit the highest value of Seebeck coefficient at 300 K. We should emphasize that in the chemical potential between ∓0.125 μ(eV) the investigated materials exhibit minimum value of electronic thermalmore » conductivity, therefore, maximum efficiency. As the temperature increases, the electronic thermal conductivity increases exponentially, in agreement with the experimental data of graphene. We also calculated the power factor of chair-/boat-like graphane at 300 and 600 K as a function of chemical potential between ∓0.25 μ(eV)« less

Electronic transition and electrical transport properties of delafossite CuCr1-xMgxO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 12%) films prepared by the sol-gel method: A composition dependence study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, M. J.; Duan, Z. H.; Zhang, J. Z.; Zhang, S.; Li, Y. W.; Hu, Z. G.; Chu, J. H.

2013-10-01

Highly transparent CuCr1-xMgxO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 12%) films were prepared on (001) sapphire substrates by sol-gel method. The microstructure, phonon modes, optical band gap, and electrical transport properties have been systematically discussed. It was found that Mg-doping improved the crystal quality and enhanced the (00l) preferred orientation. The spectral transmittance of films approaches about 70%-75% in the visible-near-infrared wavelength region. With increasing Mg-composition, the optical band gap first declines and climbs up due to the band gap renormalization and Burstein-Moss effect. The direct and indirect band gaps of CuCr0.94Mg0.06O2 film are 3.00 and 2.56 eV, respectively. In addition, it shows a crossover from the thermal activation behavior to that of three-dimensional variable range hopping from temperature-dependent electrical conductivity. The crossover temperature decreases with increasing Mg-doping composition, which can be ascribed to the change of spin-charge coupling between the hole and the local spin at Cr site. It should be noted that the electrical conductivity of CuCr1-xMgxO2 films becomes larger with increasing x value. The highest electrical conductivity of 3.85 S cm-1 at room temperature for x = 12% is four-order magnitude larger than that (8.81 × 10-4 S cm-1) for pure CuCrO2 film. The high spectral transmittance and larger conductivity indicate that Mg-doped CuCrO2 films are promising for optoelectronic device applications.

Development of electrical-erosion instrument for direct write micro-patterning on large area conductive thin films

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

Álvarez, Ángel Luis; Coya, Carmen; García-Vélez, Miguel

2015-08-15

We have developed a complete instrument to perform direct, dry, and cost-effective lithography on conductive materials, based on localized electrical discharges, which avoids using masks or chemicals typical of conventional photolithography. The technique is considered fully compatible with substrate transport based systems, like roll-to-roll technology. The prototype is based on two piezo nano-steppers coupled to three linear micro-stages to cover a large scale operation from micrometers to centimeters. The operation mode consists of a spring probe biased at low DC voltage with respect to a grounded conductive layer. The tip slides on the target layer keeping contact with the materialmore » in room conditions, allowing continuous electric monitoring of the process, and also real-time tilt correction via software. The sliding tip leaves an insulating path (limited by the tip diameter) along the material, enabling to draw electrically insulated tracks and pads. The physical principle of operation is based in the natural self-limitation of the discharge due to material removal or insulation. The so produced electrical discharges are very fast, in the range of μs, so features may be performed at speeds of few cm/s, enabling scalability to large areas. The instrument has been tested on different conducting materials as gold, indium tin oxide, and aluminum, allowing the fabrication of alphanumeric displays based on passive matrix of organic light emitting diodes without the use of masks or photoresists. We have verified that the highest potential is achieved on graphene, where no waste material is detected, producing excellent well defined edges. This allows manufacturing graphene micro-ribbons with a high aspect ratio up to 1200:1.« less

Development of electrical-erosion instrument for direct write micro-patterning on large area conductive thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Álvarez, Ángel Luis; Coya, Carmen; García-Vélez, Miguel

2015-08-01

We have developed a complete instrument to perform direct, dry, and cost-effective lithography on conductive materials, based on localized electrical discharges, which avoids using masks or chemicals typical of conventional photolithography. The technique is considered fully compatible with substrate transport based systems, like roll-to-roll technology. The prototype is based on two piezo nano-steppers coupled to three linear micro-stages to cover a large scale operation from micrometers to centimeters. The operation mode consists of a spring probe biased at low DC voltage with respect to a grounded conductive layer. The tip slides on the target layer keeping contact with the material in room conditions, allowing continuous electric monitoring of the process, and also real-time tilt correction via software. The sliding tip leaves an insulating path (limited by the tip diameter) along the material, enabling to draw electrically insulated tracks and pads. The physical principle of operation is based in the natural self-limitation of the discharge due to material removal or insulation. The so produced electrical discharges are very fast, in the range of μs, so features may be performed at speeds of few cm/s, enabling scalability to large areas. The instrument has been tested on different conducting materials as gold, indium tin oxide, and aluminum, allowing the fabrication of alphanumeric displays based on passive matrix of organic light emitting diodes without the use of masks or photoresists. We have verified that the highest potential is achieved on graphene, where no waste material is detected, producing excellent well defined edges. This allows manufacturing graphene micro-ribbons with a high aspect ratio up to 1200:1.

Development of electrical-erosion instrument for direct write micro-patterning on large area conductive thin films.

PubMed

Álvarez, Ángel Luis; Coya, Carmen; García-Vélez, Miguel

2015-08-01

We have developed a complete instrument to perform direct, dry, and cost-effective lithography on conductive materials, based on localized electrical discharges, which avoids using masks or chemicals typical of conventional photolithography. The technique is considered fully compatible with substrate transport based systems, like roll-to-roll technology. The prototype is based on two piezo nano-steppers coupled to three linear micro-stages to cover a large scale operation from micrometers to centimeters. The operation mode consists of a spring probe biased at low DC voltage with respect to a grounded conductive layer. The tip slides on the target layer keeping contact with the material in room conditions, allowing continuous electric monitoring of the process, and also real-time tilt correction via software. The sliding tip leaves an insulating path (limited by the tip diameter) along the material, enabling to draw electrically insulated tracks and pads. The physical principle of operation is based in the natural self-limitation of the discharge due to material removal or insulation. The so produced electrical discharges are very fast, in the range of μs, so features may be performed at speeds of few cm/s, enabling scalability to large areas. The instrument has been tested on different conducting materials as gold, indium tin oxide, and aluminum, allowing the fabrication of alphanumeric displays based on passive matrix of organic light emitting diodes without the use of masks or photoresists. We have verified that the highest potential is achieved on graphene, where no waste material is detected, producing excellent well defined edges. This allows manufacturing graphene micro-ribbons with a high aspect ratio up to 1200:1.

Effects of reclamation years on composition and diversity of soil bacterial communities in Northwest China.

PubMed

Cheng, Zhibo; Zhang, Fenghua; Gale, William Jeffrey; Wang, Weichao; Sang, Wen; Yang, Haichang

2018-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate bacterial community structure and diversity in soil aggregate fractions when salinized farmland was reclaimed after >27 years of abandonment and then farmed again for 1, 5, 10, and 15 years. Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing was performed to characterize the soil bacterial communities in 5 aggregate size classes in each treatment. The results indicated that reclamation significantly increased macro-aggregation (>0.25 mm), as well as soil organic C, available N, and available P. The 10-year field had the largest proportion (93.9%) of soil in the macro-aggregate size classes (i.e., >0.25 mm) and the highest soil electrical conductivity. The 5 most dominant phyla in the soil samples were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Acidobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. The phylogenetic diversity, Chao1, and Shannon indices increased after the abandoned land was reclaimed for farming, reaching maximums in the 15-year field. Among aggregate size classes, the 1-0.25 mm aggregates generally had the highest phylogenetic diversity, Chao1, and Shannon indices. Soil organic C and soil electrical conductivity were the main environmental factors affecting the soil bacterial communities. The composition and structure of the bacterial communities also varied significantly depending on soil aggregate size and time since reclamation.

Wind turbine generator interaction with conventional diesel generators on Block Island, Rhode Island. Volume 2: Data analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilreker, V. F.; Stiller, P. H.; Scott, G. W.; Kruse, V. J.; Smith, R. F.

1984-01-01

Assessing the performance of a MOD-OA horizontal axis wind turbine connected to an isolated diesel utility, a comprehensive data measurement program was conducted on the Block Island Power Company installation on Block Island, Rhode Island. The detailed results of that program focusing on three principal areas of (1) fuel displacement (savings), (2) dynamic interaction between the diesel utility and the wind turbine, (3) effects of three models of wind turbine reactive power control are presented. The approximate two month duration of the data acquisition program conducted in the winter months (February into April 1982) revealed performance during periods of highest wind energy penetration and hence severity of operation. Even under such conditions fuel savings were significant resulting in a fuel reduction of 6.7% while the MOD-OA was generating 10.7% of the total electrical energy. Also, electrical disturbance and interactive effects were of an acceptable level.

High quality of IWO films prepared at room temperature by reactive plasma deposition for photovoltaic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zhongdan; Meng, Fanying; Cui, Yanfeng; Shi, Jianhua; Feng, Zhiqiang; Liu, Zhengxin

2013-02-01

High-quality tungsten-doped indium oxide (IWO) films are deposited on glass substrates at room temperature by the reactive plasma deposition (RPD) process under different oxygen/argon (O2/Ar) ratios. It is revealed that the O2/Ar ratio plays an important role in obtaining high conductivity without compromising the optical transmission of the films. The effect of the annealing temperature on the structure, electrical and optical properties of IWO thin films is investigated. The as-deposited film is crystalline and then re-crystallizes by postannealing. In this work, the IWO film with the O2/Ar ratio of 14% annealed at 220 °C exhibits the best electrical conductivity, with a lowest resistivity of 3.34 × 10-4 Ω cm and a highest mobility of 77.8 cm2 V-1 s-1, and which has the average transmittance of 85.50% (visible region) and 94.21% (near-infrared region). These optical and electrical characteristics of IWO films make them suitable for a-Si/C-Si heterojunction solar cell applications.

Transport properties of alumina nanofluids.

PubMed

Wong, Kau-Fui Vincent; Kurma, Tarun

2008-08-27

Recent studies have showed that nanofluids have significantly greater thermal conductivity compared to their base fluids. Large surface area to volume ratio and certain effects of Brownian motion of nanoparticles are believed to be the main factors for the significant increase in the thermal conductivity of nanofluids. In this paper all three transport properties, namely thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and viscosity, were studied for alumina nanofluid (aluminum oxide nanoparticles in water). Experiments were performed both as a function of volumetric concentration (3-8%) and temperature (2-50 °C). Alumina nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 36 nm were dispersed in water. The effect of particle size was not studied. The transient hot wire method as described by Nagaska and Nagashima for electrically conducting fluids was used to test the thermal conductivity. In this work, an insulated platinum wire of 0.003 inch diameter was used. Initial calibration was performed using de-ionized water and the resulting data was within 2.5% of standard thermal conductivity values for water. The thermal conductivity of alumina nanofluid increased with both increase in temperature and concentration. A maximum thermal conductivity of 0.7351 W m(-1) K(-1) was recorded for an 8.47% volume concentration of alumina nanoparticles at 46.6 °C. The effective thermal conductivity at this concentration and temperature was observed to be 1.1501, which translates to an increase in thermal conductivity by 22% when compared to water at room temperature. Alumina being a good conductor of electricity, alumina nanofluid displays an increasing trend in electrical conductivity as volumetric concentration increases. A microprocessor-based conductivity/TDS meter was used to perform the electrical conductivity experiments. After carefully calibrating the conductivity meter's glass probe with platinum tip, using a standard potassium chloride solution, readings were taken at various volumetric concentrations. A 3457.1% increase in the electrical conductivity was measured for a small 1.44% volumetric concentration of alumina nanoparticles in water. The highest value of electrical conductivity, 314 µS cm(-1), was recorded for a volumetric concentration of 8.47%. In the determination of the kinematic viscosity of alumina nanofluid, a standard kinematic viscometer with constant temperature bath was used. Calibrated capillary viscometers were used to measure flow under gravity at precisely controlled temperatures. The capillary viscometers were calibrated with de-ionized water at different temperatures, and the resulting kinematic viscosity values were found to be within 3% of the standard published values. An increase of 35.5% in the kinematic viscosity was observed for an 8.47% volumetric concentration of alumina nanoparticles in water. The maximum kinematic viscosity of alumina nanofluid, 2.901 42 mm(2) s(-1), was obtained at 0 °C for an 8.47% volumetric concentration of alumina nanoparticles. The experimental results of the present work will help researchers arrive at better theoretical models.

Assembly of 1D nanofibers into a 2D bi-layered composite nanofibrous film with different functionalities at the two layers via layer-by-layer electrospinning.

PubMed

Wang, Zijiao; Ma, Qianli; Dong, Xiangting; Li, Dan; Xi, Xue; Yu, Wensheng; Wang, Jinxian; Liu, Guixia

2016-12-21

A two-dimensional (2D) bi-layered composite nanofibrous film assembled by one-dimensional (1D) nanofibers with trifunctionality of electrical conduction, magnetism and photoluminescence has been successfully fabricated by layer-by-layer electrospinning. The composite film consists of a polyaniline (PANI)/Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle (NP)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) tuned electrical-magnetic bifunctional layer on one side and a Tb(TTA) 3 (TPPO) 2 /polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) photoluminescent layer on the other side, and the two layers are tightly combined face-to-face together into the novel bi-layered composite film of trifunctionality. The brand-new film has totally different characteristics at the double layers. The electrical conductivity and magnetism of the electrical-magnetic bifunctional layer can be, respectively, tunable via modulating the PANI and Fe 3 O 4 NP contents, and the highest electrical conductivity can reach up to the order of 10 -2 S cm -1 , and predominant intense green emission at 545 nm is obviously observed in the photoluminescent layer under the excitation of 357 nm single-wavelength ultraviolet light. More importantly, the luminescence intensity of the photoluminescent layer remains almost unaffected by the electrical-magnetic bifunctional layer because the photoluminescent materials have been successfully isolated from dark-colored PANI and Fe 3 O 4 NPs. By comparing with the counterpart single-layered composite nanofibrous film, it is found that the bi-layered composite nanofibrous film has better performance. The novel bi-layered composite nanofibrous film with trifunctionality has potential in the fields of nanodevices, molecular electronics and biomedicine. Furthermore, the design conception and fabrication technique for the bi-layered multifunctional film provide a new and facile strategy towards other films of multifunctionality.

A summary of the ECAS performance and cost results for MHD system. [Energy Conversion Alternatives Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seikel, G. R.; Sovie, R. J.; Burns, R. K.; Barna, G. J.; Burkhart, J. A.; Nainiger, J. J.; Smith, J. M.

1976-01-01

The interagency-funded, NASA-coordinated Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS) has studied the potential of various advanced power plant concepts using coal and coal-derived fuel. Principle studies were conducted through prime contracts with the General Electric Company and the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. The results indicate that open-cycle coal-fired direct-preheat MHD systems have potentially one of the highest coal-pile-to-bus-bar efficiencies and also one of the lowest costs of electricity (COE) of the systems studied. Closed-cycle MHD systems may have the potential to approach the efficiency and COE of open-cycle MHD. The 1200-1500 F liquid-metal MHD systems studied do not appear to have the potential of exceeding the efficiency or competing with the COE of advanced steam plants.

Conformal Coating Strategy Comprising N-doped Carbon and Conventional Graphene for Achieving Ultrahigh Power and Cyclability of LiFePO4.

PubMed

Zhang, Kan; Lee, Jeong-Taik; Li, Ping; Kang, Byoungwoo; Kim, Jung Hyun; Yi, Gi-Ra; Park, Jong Hyeok

2015-10-14

Surface carbon coating to improve the inherent poor electrical conductivity of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) has been considered as most efficient strategy. Here, we also report one of the conventional methods for LFP but exhibiting a specific capacity beyond the theoretical value, ultrahigh rate performance, and excellent long-term cyclability: the specific capacity is 171.9 mAh/g (70 μm-thick electrode with ∼10 mg/cm(2) loading mass) at 0.1 C (17 mA/g) and retains 143.7 mAh/g at 10 C (1.7 A/g) and 95.8% of initial capacity at 10 C after 1000 cycles. It was found that the interior conformal N-C coating enhances the intrinsic conductivity of LFP nanorods (LFP NR) and the exterior reduced graphene oxide coating acts as an electrically conducting secondary network to electrically connect the entire electrode. The great electron transport mutually promoted with shorten Li diffusion length on (010) facet exposed LFP NR represents the highest specific capacity value recorded to date at 10 C and ultralong-term cyclability. This conformal carbon coating approach can be a promising strategy for the commercialization of LFP cathode in lithium ion batteries.

Moderate temperature-dependent surface and volume resistivity and low-frequency dielectric constant measurements of pure and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) doped polyvinyl alcohol thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edwards, Matthew; Guggilla, Padmaja; Reedy, Angela; Ijaz, Quratulann; Janen, Afef; Uba, Samuel; Curley, Michael

2017-08-01

Previously, we have reported measurements of temperature-dependent surface resistivity of pure and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNCT) doped amorphous Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) thin films. In the temperature range from 22 °C to 40 °C with humidity-controlled environment, we found the surface resistivity to decrease initially, but to rise steadily as the temperature continued to increase. Moreover, electric surface current density (Js) was measured on the surface of pure and MWCNT doped PVA thin films. In this regard, the surface current density and electric field relationship follow Ohm's law at low electric fields. Unlike Ohmic conduction in metals where free electrons exist, selected captive electrons are freed or provided from impurities and dopants to become conduction electrons from increased thermal vibration of constituent atoms in amorphous thin films. Additionally, a mechanism exists that seemingly decreases the surface resistivity at higher temperatures, suggesting a blocking effect for conducting electrons. Volume resistivity measurements also follow Ohm's law at low voltages (low electric fields), and they continue to decrease as temperatures increase in this temperature range, differing from surface resistivity behavior. Moreover, we report measurements of dielectric constant and dielectric loss as a function of temperature and frequency. Both the dielectric constant and dielectric loss were observed to be highest for MWCNT doped PVA compared to pure PVA and commercial paper, and with frequency and temperature for all samples.

Highly conductive and porous activated reduced graphene oxide films for high-power supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhang, Li Li; Zhao, Xin; Stoller, Meryl D; Zhu, Yanwu; Ji, Hengxing; Murali, Shanthi; Wu, Yaping; Perales, Stephen; Clevenger, Brandon; Ruoff, Rodney S

2012-04-11

We present a novel method to prepare highly conductive, free-standing, and flexible porous carbon thin films by chemical activation of reduced graphene oxide paper. These flexible carbon thin films possess a very high specific surface area of 2400 m(2) g(-1) with a high in-plane electrical conductivity of 5880 S m(-1). This is the highest specific surface area for a free-standing carbon film reported to date. A two-electrode supercapacitor using these carbon films as electrodes demonstrated an excellent high-frequency response, an extremely low equivalent series resistance on the order of 0.1 ohm, and a high-power delivery of about 500 kW kg(-1). While higher frequency and power values for graphene materials have been reported, these are the highest values achieved while simultaneously maintaining excellent specific capacitances and energy densities of 120 F g(-1) and 26 W h kg(-1), respectively. In addition, these free-standing thin films provide a route to simplify the electrode-manufacturing process by eliminating conducting additives and binders. The synthetic process is also compatible with existing industrial level KOH activation processes and roll-to-roll thin-film fabrication technologies. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Novel Proton Conducting Solid Bio-polymer Electrolytes Based on Carboxymethyl Cellulose Doped with Oleic Acid and Plasticized with Glycerol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chai, M. N.; Isa, M. I. N.

2016-06-01

The plasticized solid bio-polymer electrolytes (SBEs) system has been formed by introducing glycerol (Gly) as the plasticizer into the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) doped with oleic acid (OA) via solution casting techniques. The ionic conductivity of the plasticized SBEs has been studied using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy. The highest conductivity achieved is 1.64 × 10-4 S cm-1 for system containing 40 wt. % of glycerol. FTIR deconvolution technique had shown that the conductivity of CMC-OA-Gly SBEs is primarily influenced by the number density of mobile ions. Transference number measurement has shown that the cation diffusion coefficient and ionic mobility is higher than anion which proved the plasticized polymer system is a proton conductor.

The effect of temperature and moisture on electrical resistance, strain sensitivity and crack sensitivity of steel fiber reinforced smart cement composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teomete, Egemen

2016-07-01

Earthquakes, material degradations and other environmental factors necessitate structural health monitoring (SHM). Metal foil strain gages used for SHM have low durability and low sensitivity. These factors motivated researchers to work on cement based strain sensors. In this study, the effects of temperature and moisture on electrical resistance, compressive and tensile strain gage factors (strain sensitivity) and crack sensitivity were determined for steel fiber reinforced cement based composite. A rapid increase of electrical resistance at 200 °C was observed due to damage occurring between cement paste, aggregates and steel fibers. The moisture—electrical resistance relationship was investigated. The specimens taken out of the cure were saturated with water and had a moisture content of 9.49%. The minimum electrical resistance was obtained at 9% moisture at which fiber-fiber and fiber-matrix contact was maximum and the water in micro voids was acting as an electrolyte, conducting electrons. The variation of compressive and tensile strain gage factors (strain sensitivities) and crack sensitivity were investigated by conducting compression, split tensile and notched bending tests with different moisture contents. The highest gage factor for the compression test was obtained at optimal moisture content, at which electrical resistance was minimum. The tensile strain gage factor for split tensile test and crack sensitivity increased by decreasing moisture content. The mechanisms between moisture content, electrical resistance, gage factors and crack sensitivity were elucidated. The relations of moisture content with electrical resistance, gage factors and crack sensitivities have been presented for the first time in this study for steel fiber reinforced cement based composites. The results are important for the development of self sensing cement based smart materials.

Characterization Report on Fuels for NEAMS Model Validation

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

Gofryk, Krzysztof

Nearly 20% of the world’s electricity today is generated by nuclear energy from uranium dioxide (UO 2) fuel. The thermal conductivity of UO 2 governs the conversion of heat produced from fission events into electricity and it is an important parameter in reactor design and safety. While nuclear fuel operates at high to very high temperatures, thermal conductivity and other materials properties lack sensitivity to temperature variations and to material variations at reactor temperatures. As a result, both the uncertainties in laboratory measurements at high temperatures and the small differences in properties of different materials inevitably lead to large uncertaintiesmore » in models and little predictive power. Conversely, properties measured at low to moderate temperatures have more sensitivity, less uncertainty, and have larger differences in properties for different materials. These variations need to be characterized as they will afford the highest predictive capability in modeling and offer best assurances for validation and verification at all temperatures. This is well emphasized in the temperature variation of the thermal conductivity of UO 2.« less

Optical and electrical properties of CuMO2 transparent p-type conductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Draeseke, A. D.; Jayaraj, M. K.; Ulbrich, T.; Kroupp, M.; Tate, J.; Nagarajan, R.; Oblezov, A.; Sleight, A. W.

2001-03-01

Wide band gap oxides of the type CuMO2 with the delafossite structure are p-type conductors and many of them are transparent. Films of these p-type oxides have been grown by sputtering and thermal evaporation, and characterized electrically and optically. We present transport and optical transmission measurements for CuY_1-xCa_xO_2, CuScO_2+x and other similar materials. Conductivities are in the range 1 200 S/cm and depend on details of film preparation. The carriers are p-type as determined by thermopower measurements, and typical Seebeck coefficients are several hundred µV/K. Optical transparency varies considerably, but is about 40% at 550 nm for the highest conductivity films. Excellent transparency can be achieved at the expense of conductivity, and optimization is being studied. Band gaps derived from optical transmission are larger than 3.1 eV. Prototype all-oxide pn diodes have been fabricated. This work was partially supported by the NSF under DMR-0071727 and by the Research Corporation under RA0291.

Gel electrolytes with I-/I3- redox mediator based on methylcellulose for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusof, S. Z.; Woo, H. J.; Careem, M. A.; Arof, A. K.

2018-05-01

A new gel electrolyte comprising methylcellulose (MC), LiBOB and succinonitrile (SN) has been prepared with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as solvent. The electrolyte with composition 8.73 wt % MC-2.92 wt % LiBOB-1.01 wt % SN-87.34 wt % DMSO exhibits the highest conductivity of 1.18 mS cm-1 at 25 °C. On partially substituting LiBOB with TMAI, the sample designated as TMAI 95 has the highest conducting composition of 8.70 wt % MC-0.14 wt % LiBOB-1.01 wt % SN-2.77 wt % TMAI-0.35 wt % I2-87.03 wt % DMSO. The conductivity is 1.96 mS cm-1. This sample is used to fabricate a dye sensitized photovoltaic cell that converts photons to electricity at an efficiency of 3.46%. The conductivity of this sample has been enhanced to 3.08 mS cm-1 on addition of 1.0 wt % butyl-methyl immidazolium iodide (BMII) ionic liquid and the efficiency of the cell fabricated is 4.63%. Total replacement of LiBOB component in the electrolyte with the same amount of LiI results in a conductivity increase of ∼23.5% and the DSSC exhibits a 5.72% efficiency.

The effect of CO2 gas adsorption on the electrical properties of Fe doped TiO2 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mardare, Diana; Adomnitei, Catalin; Florea, Daniel; Luca, Dumitru; Yildiz, Abdullah

2017-11-01

CO2 has to be monitored for indoor air quality, being also an important greenhouse gas. The electrical and sensing gas properties of the undoped and Fe doped TiO2 thin films, obtained by RF sputtering, have been investigated in different CO2 atmospheres. It was observed that the response to CO2 increases by Fe doping for the lowest doped film, and then decreases, as the dopant concentration increases. An explanation was given based on multiphonon-assisted hopping model. By studying the films electrical conductivity in front of a certain CO2 atmosphere, we have qualitatively evidenced the semiconducting n-type nature of the films under study, except for the highest Fe doped film which has a p-type behavior. An important finding is that Fe doping determines the decrease of the optimum operating temperature, approaching the room temperature.

Effect of Ni and Ti substitutions on Li1.05Mn2O4-δ electrical conductivities at high temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abe, Satoko; Iwasaki, Shoko; Shimonishi, Yuta; Komine, Shigeki; Munakata, Fumio

2016-10-01

Samples of Li1.05Mn2O4-δ, Li1.05Mn1.5Ni0.5O4-δ, and Li1.05Mn1.0Ni0.5Ti0.5O4-δ were prepared by a solid-state reaction technique and ultimately refined to a space group Fd-3m of spinel structure by the Rietveld method using synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction data. Comparison of lattice constants suggested that Ni-substitution increased the covalency in the bonding of MO6 (M: metal ion at 16d site) octahedrals, but Ni/Ti co-substitution decreased the covalency of M-O bonds and introduced structural distortion. Electrical conductivity measurements by a four-probe method resulted in the determination that electrical conduction (within all samples) exhibits a nonadiabatic hopping process at high temperatures. The activation energies of Li1.05Mn2O4-δ and Li1.05Mn1.5Ni0.5O4-δ were found to be of similar values. The Ni/Ti co-substituted sample of Li1.05Mn1.0Ni0.5Ti0.5O4-δ, on the other hand, showed the highest activation energy among all the measured samples. Substitution reduced the electrical conductivity relative to Li1.05Mn2O4-δ; furthermore, both the substituted samples (Li1.05Mn1.5Ni0.5O4-δ and Li1.05Mn1.0Ni0.5Ti0.5O4-δ) were found to exhibit functional independence from oxygen partial pressure (PO2).

Coating-Free, Air-Stable Silver Nanowires for High-performance Transparent Conductive Film.

PubMed

Tang, Long; Zhang, Jiajia; Dong, Lei; Pan, Yunmei; Yang, Chongyang; Li, Mengxiong; Ruan, Yingbo; Ma, Jianhua; Lu, Hongbin

2018-06-21

Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) based films are considered as a promising alternative for traditional indium tin oxide (ITO) but still suffer from some limitations, including insufficient conductivity, transparency and environmental instability. We here report a novel etching synthesis strategy to improve the performance of Ag NW films. Different from the traditional methods to synthesize high aspect ratios of NWs or employ electrically conductive coatings, we find it effective to reduce the high-reactivity defects of NWs for optimizing the comprehensive performance of Ag NW films. In this strategy etching can suppress the generation of high-reactivity defects and meanwhile the etching growth of NWs can be accomplished in an uneven ligand distribution environment. The resulting Ag NWs are uniformly straight and sharp-edged structure. The transparent conductive film (TCF) obtained exhibits simultaneous improvements in electrical conductivity, transparency and air-stability. Even after exposure in air for 200 days and no any protective coatings, the film can still meet the highest requirement of practical applications, with a figure of merit 361 (i.e., FoM > 350). These results not only demonstrate the importance of defect control in the synthesis of Ag NWs, but also pave a way for further optimizing the performance of Ag NW-based films. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Investigation of Thermal and Electrical Properties for Conductive Polymer Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juwhari, Hassan K.; Abuobaid, Ahmad; Zihlif, Awwad M.; Elimat, Ziad M.

2017-10-01

This study addresses the effects of temperature ranging from 300 K to 400 K on thermal ( κ) and electrical ( σ) conductivities, and Lorenz number ( L) for different conductive polymeric composites (CPCs), as tailoring the ratios between both conductivities of the composites can be influential in the design optimization of certain thermo-electronic devices. Both κ and σ were found to have either a linear or a nonlinear (2nd and 3rd degree polynomial function) increasing behavior with increased temperatures, depending on the conduction mechanism occurring in the composite systems studied. Temperature-dependent behavior of L tends to show decreasing trends above 300 K, where at 300 K the highest and the lowest values were found to be 3 × 103 W Ω/K2 for CPCs containing iron particles and 3 × 10-2 W Ω/K2 for CPCs-containing carbon fibers respectively. Overall, temperature-dependent behavior of κ/ σ and L can be controlled by heterogeneous structures produced via mechanical-molding-compression. These structures are mainly responsible for energy-transfer processes or transport properties that take place by electrons and phonons in the CPCs' bulks. Hence, the outcome is considered significant in the development process of high performing materials for the thermo-electronic industry.

Performance of fuel cell using calcium phosphate hydrogel membrane prepared from waste incineration fly ash and chicken bone powder.

PubMed

Fukui, Kunihiro; Arimitsu, Naoki; Jikihara, Kenji; Yamamoto, Tetsuya; Yoshida, Hideto

2009-09-15

Waste incineration fly ash and bone powder could be successfully recycled to calcium phosphate hydrogel, a type of fast proton conductor. The electric conductivity of the crystallized hydrogel from them was compared with that from calcium carbonate reagent. It was found that the conductivity of the hydrogel from bone powder is almost equal to that from calcium carbonate reagent, which is higher than that from incineration fly ash. Because the crystallized hydrogel from incineration ash has a lower crystallinity than that from bone powder and calcium carbonate reagent. However, the difference of the conductivity among them can be hardly observed above 100 degrees C. The fuel cell with membrane electrode assembly (MEA) using the calcium phosphate hydrogel membrane prepared from incineration fly ash and bone powder was observed to generate electricity. The performance of fuel cells having the hydrogel membrane obtained from all raw materials increases with the cell temperature, and the fuel cell containing the hydrogel membrane from incineration fly ash has the highest dependence of the fuel cell performance. For this reason, the difference in the cell performance among them can be hardly observed above 120 degrees C. This tendency agrees with the change in the electric conductivity with the temperature. Further, the performance of all fuel cells with the hydrogel membrane is superior to that of the fuel cell with perfluorosulfonic polymer membrane at temperatures greater than approximately 85 degrees C.

Microstructure and Electrical Conductivity of ZnO Addition on the Properties of (Bi0.92Ho0.03Er0.05)2O3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ermiş, İ.; Çorumlu, V.; Sertkol, M.; Öztürk, M.; Kaleli, M.; Çetin, A.; Turemiş, M.; Arı, M.

2016-11-01

The solid electrolyte is one of the most important components for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The various divalent or trivalent metal ion-doped bismuth-based materials exhibit good ionic conductivity. Therefore, these materials are used as electrolytes in the SOFC. In this paper, the samples of (Bi0.92- x Ho0.03Er0.05)2O3 + (ZnO) x solutions with a 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2 molar ratio are synthesized by the solid state reaction method. The detailed structural and electrical characterizations are investigated by using x-ray diffraction (XRD), alternating current electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD patterns of all samples are indexed on a monoclinic symmetry with a P21/c space group. In addition, the rietveld parameters are determined by using the FullProf software program. The impedance measurements of the samples are obtained at the 1 Hz to 20 MHz frequency range. The impedance value of the pellets increases with temperature. Based on the impedance results, it is found that the contribution of grain (bulk) is more than a grain boundary in terms of conductivity, which permits the attribution of a grain boundary. The ionic conductivity decreases with an increasing amount of Zn contribution. The value of highest electrical conductivity among all samples is calculated as 0.358 S cm-1 at 800°C for undoped (Bi0.92Ho0.03Er0.05)2O3.

Thermoelectric Properties of Poly(selenophene- co-3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) via Electropolymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Hua; Ming, Shouli; Lin, Kaiwen; Liu, Hongtao; Chen, Shuai; Lu, Baoyang; Xu, Jingkun

2017-05-01

Conducting polymers as thermoelectric (TE) materials have drawn extensive attention most recently because they are intrinsically light weight, flexible, highly processable, abundant in nature, and have especially low thermal conductivity. Relative studies have been focused on several typical structures such as polyacetylene, polyaniline, polythiophenes. However, TE performance of polyselenophenes have drawn very little attention because of its unstability and difficulty in synthesis. Previously, our group demonstrated that polyselenophene revealed high Seebeck coefficient (>180 μV K-1), but their electrical conductivity was very low (typically 10-5-10-2 S cm-1). For the sake of improving the thermoelectric performance of polyselenophene, the simplest and most effective method is to copolymerize with other high-performance thermoelectric materials. Herein, 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), the monomer precursor of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (probably the best organic thermoelectric materials so far) was chosen to copolymerize with selenophene (SE) under different feeding ratios via electropolymerization to improve the thermoelectric performance. It is found that the electrical conductivity of all the copolymer films was obviously enhanced with the highest value of 0.91 S cm-1 by inserting EDOT in the conjugated block, whereas their Seebeck coefficient was brought down to 12 μV K-1. In this work, We obtained four different feeding ratios copolymers of SE and EDOT, 2:1 (PA), 1:1 (PB), 1:2 (PC), and 1:5 (PD). The copolymers had improved electrical conductivity and environmental stability compared with polyselenophene. Furthermore, with increasing the feeding ratio of EDOT, the TE performance of the copolymers was significantly improved.

Adsorption properties of chloropicrin on pristine and borazine-doped nanographenes: A theoretical study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseinian, Akram; Vessally, Esmail; Babazadeh, Mirzaagha; Edjlali, Ladan; Es'haghi, Moosa

2018-04-01

Recently, nanographenes were introduced as definite segments of graphene where their end atoms are saturated with hydrogens. In this study, we explored the reactivity and electronic sensitivity of a hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC) and newly synthesized borazine-like ring-doped nanographenes (BNG) to the chloropicrin molecule based on density functional theory. We found that chloropicrin is preferentially adsorbed via its N atoms on both HBC and BNG nanographenes. The electronic properties of HBC were predicted to be sensitive to chloropicrin but the adsorption capacity is low because of the small adsorption energy (-7.1 kcal/mol). However, chloropicrin is adsorbed somewhat more strongly on BNG, with an adsorption energy of about -29.9 kcal/mol. After the adsorption of chloropicrin, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level of BNG stabilizes and the highest occupied molecular orbital-LUMO gap is decreased by about 85.9%. Thus, BNG converts from a semiconductor into a semimetal with a higher electrical conductivity. The change in electrical conductivity can generate an electrical signal, which is helpful for detecting chloropicrin. In addition, we predicted a short recovery time of 14.6 s at 350 K for this sensor.

Low-temperature thermoelectric properties of Pb doped Cu2SnSe3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad K, Shyam; Rao, Ashok; Gahtori, Bhasker; Bathula, Sivaiah; Dhar, Ajay; Chang, Chia-Chi; Kuo, Yung-Kang

2017-09-01

A series of Cu2Sn1-xPbxSe3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) compounds was prepared by solid state synthesis technique. The electrical resistivity (ρ) decreased with increase in Pb content up to x = 0.01, thereafter it increased with further increase in x (till x = 0.03). However, the lowest value of electrical resistivity is observed for Cu2Sn0.96Pb0.04Se3. Analysis of electrical resistivity of all the samples suggests that small poloron hoping model is operative in the high temperature regime while variable range hopping is effective in the low temperature regime. The positive Seebeck coefficient (S) for pristine and doped samples in the entire temperature range indicates that the majority charge carriers are holes. The electronic thermal conductivity (κe) of the Cu2Sn1-xPbxSe3 compounds was estimated by the Wiedemann-Franz law and found that the contribution from κe is less than 1% of the total thermal conductivity (κ). The highest ZT 0.013 was achieved at 400 K for the sample Cu2Sn0.98Pb0.02Se3, about 30% enhancement as compared to the pristine sample.

Conductivity Modifications of Graphene by Electron Donative Organic Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masujima, Hiroaki; Mori, Takehiko; Hayamizu, Yuhei

2017-07-01

Graphene has been studied for the application of transparent electrodes in flexible electrical devices with semiconductor organics. Control of the charge carrier density in graphene is crucial to reduce the contact resistance between graphene and the active layer of organic semiconductor. Chemical doping of graphene is an approach to change the carrier density, where the adsorbed organic molecules donate or accept electrons form graphene. While various acceptor organic molecules have been demonstrated so far, investigation about donor molecules is still poor. In this work, we have investigated doping effect in graphene field-effect transistors functionalized by organic donor molecules such as dibenzotetrathiafulvalene (DBTTF), hexamethyltetrathiafulvalene (HMTTF), 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (DAN), and N, N, N', N'-tetramethyl- p-phenylenediamine (TMPD). Based on conductivity measurements of graphene transistors, the former three molecules do not have any significant effect to graphene transistors. However, TMPD shows effective n-type doping. The doping effect has a correlation with the level of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of each molecule, where TMPD has the highest HOMO level.

Synthesis and characterization of polymer matrix composite material with combination of ZnO filler and nata de coco fiber as a candidate of semiconductor material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saputra, Asep Handaya; Anindita, Hana Nabila

2015-12-01

Synthesis of semiconductor composite using acrylic matrix filled with ZnO and nata de coco fiber has been conducted in this research. The purpose of this research is to obtain semiconductor composite material that has a good mechanical strength and thermal resistance. In situ polymerization method is used in this research and the composites are ready to be characterized after 12 hours. The main parameter that is characterized is the electric conductivity of the composite. Additional parameters are also characterized such as composite's elastic modulus and glass transition temperature. The composites that has been made in this research can be classified as semiconductor material because the conductivity is in the range of 10-8-103 S/cm. In general the addition of ZnO and nata de coco filler can increase the conductivity of the composite. The highest semiconductor characteristic in acrylic/ZnO composite is obtained from 30% volume filler that reach 3.4 x 10-7 S/cm. Similar with acrylic/ZnO composite, in acrylic/nata de coco fiber composite the highest semiconductor characteristic is also obtained from 30% volume filler that reach 1.15 x 10-7 S/cm. Combination of 20% volume of ZnO, 10% volume of nata de coco, and 70% volume of acrylic resulting in composite with electric conductivity of 1.92 x 10-7 S/cm. In addition, combination of ZnO and nata de coco fiber as filler in composite can also improve the characteristic of composite where composite with 20% volume of ZnO filler and 10% volume of nata de coco fiber resulting in composite with elastic modulus of 1.79 GPa and glass transition temperature of 175.73°C which is higher than those in acrylic/ZnO composite.

Influence of anodization parameters on the volume expansion of anodic aluminum oxide formed in mixed solution of phosphoric and oxalic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, Tzung-Ta; Chang, Yao-Chung

2014-01-01

The growth of anodic alumina oxide was conducted in the mixed solution of phosphoric and oxalic acids. The influence of anodizing voltage, electrolyte temperature, and concentration of phosphoric and oxalic acids on the volume expansion of anodic aluminum oxide has been investigated. Either anodizing parameter is chosen to its full extent of range that allows the anodization process to be conducted without electric breakdown and to explore the highest possible volume expansion factor. The volume expansion factors were found to vary between 1.25 and 1.9 depending on the anodizing parameters. The variation is explained in connection with electric field, ion transport number, temperature effect, concentration, and activity of acids. The formation of anodic porous alumina at anodizing voltage 160 V in 1.1 M phosphoric acid mixed with 0.14 M oxalic acid at 2 °C showed the peak volume expansion factor of 1.9 and the corresponding moderate growth rate of 168 nm/min.

Influence of graphene quantum dots on electrical properties of polymer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arthisree, D.; Joshi, Girish M.

2017-07-01

We successfully prepared synthetic nanocomposite (SNC) by dispersing graphene quantum dots (GQD) in cellulose acetate (CA) polymer system. The dispersion and occupied network of GQD were foreseen by microscopic techniques. The variation of plane to crossed linked array network was observed by the polarizing optical microscopic (POM) technique. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the leaves like impressions of GQD in host polymer system. The series network of GQD occupied in CA at higher resolution was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The two dimensional (2D) topographic images demonstrated an entangled polymer network to plane morphology. The variation in surface roughness was evaluated from the dimensional (3D) topography. The influence of temperature on AC conductivity with highest value (4  ×  10-5 S cm-1), contributes to the decrease in activation energy. The DC conductivity obeys the percolation criteria co-related to the GQD loading by weight fraction. Furthermore, this synthetic nanocomposite is feasible for the development of sensing and electrical applications.

Polyethylene glycol assisted growth of Sn-doped ZnO nanorod arrays prepared via sol-gel immersion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, A. S.; Mamat, M. H.; Malek, M. F.; Saidi, S. A.; Yusoff, M. M.; Mohamed, R.; Sin, N. D. Md; Suriani, A. B.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

Tin-doped zinc oxide (SZO) nanorod films at different concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) were successfully deposited on zinc oxide (ZnO) seeded layer catalyst using sol-gel immersion method. The morphology of the samples were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), optical properties using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and electrical properties using I-V measurement system. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics displayed that 5 wt % sample produced the highest conductivity.

Electrical conductivity of oxidized-graphenic nanoplatelets obtained from bamboo: effect of the oxygen content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gross, K.; Prías Barragán, J. J.; Sangiao, S.; De Teresa, J. M.; Lajaunie, L.; Arenal, R.; Ariza Calderón, H.; Prieto, P.

2016-09-01

The large-scale production of graphene and reduced-graphene oxide (rGO) requires low-cost and eco-friendly synthesis methods. We employed a new, simple, cost-effective pyrolytic method to synthetize oxidized-graphenic nanoplatelets (OGNP) using bamboo pyroligneous acid (BPA) as a source. Thorough analyses via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy provides a complete structural and chemical description at the local scale of these samples. In particular, we found that at the highest carbonization temperature the OGNP-BPA are mainly in a sp2 bonding configuration (sp2 fraction of 87%). To determine the electrical properties of single nanoplatelets, these were contacted by Pt nanowires deposited through focused-ion-beam-induced deposition techniques. Increased conductivity by two orders of magnitude is observed as oxygen content decreases from 17% to 5%, reaching a value of 2.3 × 103 S m-1 at the lowest oxygen content. Temperature-dependent conductivity reveals a semiconductor transport behavior, described by the Mott three-dimensional variable range hopping mechanism. From the localization length, we estimate a band-gap value of 0.22(2) eV for an oxygen content of 5%. This investigation demonstrates the great potential of the OGNP-BPA for technological applications, given that their structural and electrical behavior is similar to the highly reduced rGO sheets obtained by more sophisticated conventional synthesis methods.

Effects of Synthesis Method on Electrical Properties of Graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuad, M. F. I. Ahmad; Jarni, H. H.; Shariffudin, W. N.; Othman, N. H.; Rahim, A. N. Che Abdul

2018-05-01

The aim of this study is to achieve the highest reduction capability and complete reductions of oxygen from graphene oxide (GO) by using different type of chemical methods. The modification of Hummer’s method has been proposed to produce GO, and hydrazine hydrate has been utilized in the GO’s reduction process into graphene. There are two types of chemical method are used to synthesize graphene; 1) Sina’s method and 2) Sasha’s method. Both GO and graphene were then characterized using X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FT-IR). The graph patterns obtained from XRD showed that the values of graphene and GO are within their reliable ranges, FT-IR identified the comparison functional group between GO and graphene. Graphene was verified to experience the reduction process due to absent of functional group consist of oxygen has detected. Electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS) was then conducted to test the ability of conducting electricity of two batches (each weighted 1.6g) of graphene synthesized using different methods (Sina’s method and Sasha’s method). Sasha’s method was proven to have lower conductivity value compare to Sina’s method, with value of 6.2E+02 S/m and 8.1E+02 S/m respectively. These values show that both methods produced good graphene; however, by using Sina’s method, the graphene produced has better electrical properties.

Surface microstructure evolution of highly transparent and conductive Al-doped ZnO thin films and its application in CIGS solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Ke; Liu, Jingjing; Jin, Ranran; Liu, Jingling; Liu, Xinsheng; Lu, Zhangbo; Liu, Ya; Liu, Xiaolan; Du, Zuliang

2017-07-01

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) has attained intensive attention as being a very good transparent conducting oxide for photovoltaic applications. In this work, AZO films have been deposited on glass substrate by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The influences of substrate temperatures on morphological, structural, optical and electrical properties of AZO films were systematically investigated. The results indicate that all AZO films have the hexagonal structure with c-axis preferred orientation. Morphological and electrical measurements have revealed that the substrate temperatures have strong influence on the microstructure, optical and electrical properties of AZO films. The AZO film is highly transparent from ultraviolet up to near infrared range with highest average transparency exceeding 83%. The minimum resistivity is as low as 6.1 × 10-4 Ω cm. The carrier concentration and mobility are as high as 3.357 × 1020 cm-3 and 30.48 cm2/Vs, respectively. Finally, the performances of the AZO film are evaluated by its practical application in Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 (CIGS) photovoltaic device as a transparent electrode. Benefited from its highly transparent and conductive feature, the most efficient device reveals an efficiency of 7.8% with a short-circuit current density of 28.99 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 430 mV, and a fill factor of 62.44 under standard conditions.

Effect of fluorine doping on highly transparent conductive spray deposited nanocrystalline tin oxide thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moholkar, A. V.; Pawar, S. M.; Rajpure, K. Y.; Bhosale, C. H.; Kim, J. H.

2009-09-01

The undoped and fluorine doped thin films are synthesized by using cost-effective spray pyrolysis technique. The dependence of optical, structural and electrical properties of SnO 2 films, on the concentration of fluorine is reported. Optical absorption, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Hall effect studies have been performed on SnO 2:F (FTO) films coated on glass substrates. The film thickness varies from 800 to 1572 nm. X-ray diffraction pattern reveals the presence of cassiterite structure with (2 0 0) preferential orientation for FTO films. The crystallite size varies from 35 to 66 nm. SEM and AFM study reveals the surface of FTO to be made of nanocrystalline particles. The electrical study reveals that the films are degenerate and exhibit n-type electrical conductivity. The 20 wt% F doped film has a minimum resistivity of 3.8 × 10 -4 Ω cm, carrier density of 24.9 × 10 20 cm -3 and mobility of 6.59 cm 2 V -1 s -1. The sprayed FTO film having minimum resistance of 3.42 Ω/cm 2, highest figure of merit of 6.18 × 10 -2 Ω -1 at 550 nm and 96% IR reflectivity suggest, these films are useful as conducting layers in electrochromic and photovoltaic devices and also as the passive counter electrode.

High Thermoelectric Performance of In4Se3-Based Materials and the Influencing Factors.

PubMed

Yin, Xin; Liu, Jing-Yuan; Chen, Ling; Wu, Li-Ming

2018-02-20

Materials that can directly convert electricity into heat, i.e., thermoelectric materials, have attracted renewed attention globally for sustainable energy applications. As one of the state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials, In 4 Se 3 features an interesting crystal structure of quasi-two-dimensional sheets comprising In/Se chains that provide a platform to achieve a Peierls distortion and support a charge density wave instability. Single-crystal In 4 Se 3-δ (δ = 0.65) shows strong anisotropy in its thermoelectric properties with a very high ZT of 1.48 at 705 K in the b-c plane (one of the highest values for an n-type thermoelectric material to date) but a much lower ZT of approximately 0.5 in the a-b plane. Because of the random dispersion of grains and the grain boundary effect, the electrical transport properties of polycrystalline In 4 Se 3 are poor, which is the main impediment to improve their performance. The In4-site in the In 4 Se 3 unit cell is substitutional for dopants such as Pb, which increases the carrier concentration by 2 orders of magnitude and the electrical conductivity to 143 S/cm. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity markedly increases to approximately 160 S/cm when Cu is doped into the interstitial site but remains as low as 30 S/cm with In1/In2/In3-site dopants, e.g., Ni, Zn, Ga, and Sn. In particular, the In4-site dopant ytterbium introduces a pinning level that highly localizes the charge carriers; thus, the electrical conductivity is maintained within an order of magnitude of 30 S/cm. Meanwhile, ytterbium also creates resonance states around the Fermi level that increase the Seebeck coefficient to -350 μV/K, the highest value at the ZT peak. However, the maximum solubility of the dopant may be limited by the Se-vacancy concentration. In addition, a Se vacancy also destroys the regular lattice vibrations and weakens phonon transport. Finally, nanoinclusions can effectively scatter the middle wavelength phonons, resulting in a decrease in the lattice thermal conductivity. Because of the multiple-dopant strategy, polycrystalline materials are competitive with single crystals regarding ZT values; for instance, Pb/Sn-co-doped In 4 Pb 0.01 Sn 0.04 Se 3 has ZT = 1.4 at 733 K, whereas In 4 Se 2.95 (CuI) 0.01 has ZT = 1.34 at 723 K. These properties illustrate the promise of polycrystalline In 4 Se 3 -based materials for various applications. Finally, the ZT values of all single crystalline and polycrystalline In 4 Se 3 materials have been summarized as a function of the doping strategy applied at the different lattice sites. Additionally, the correlations between the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient of all the polycrystalline materials are presented. These insights may provide new ideas in the search for and selection of new thermoelectric compounds in the In/Se and related In/Te, Sn/Se, and Sn/Te systems.

Socio-economic factors affecting the conservation of natural woodlands in Central Riyadh Area – Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

Al-Subaiee, Faisal Sultan

2015-01-01

This study aimed to identify some socioeconomic factors affecting local people in central Riyadh area for the utilization of wood and other energy sources in cooking and heating in order to develop some recommendations for conserving woodlands. The study results revealed that gas is the most common energy source used for cooking with a mean usage level of 2.79 (SD = 0.58). On the other hand, wood ranked first for heating with the highest mean, usage level of 1.90 (SD = 1.06). However, electricity and gas as sources of energy for heating ranked second and third with mean usage level of 1.81 and 0.80 respectively. The study revealed that local people with the university education were significantly making higher use of electricity for both cooking and heating and those with no formal education ranked the highest on wood use for both cooking and heating. In addition, those living in traditional houses significantly used more wood for cooking than those living in villas and apartments. Also, local people with high income levels significantly were using more electricity for heating than others. The study recommended conducting extension and environmental awareness raising programs to enhance local residents’ adoption of wood substitutes, promoting employment opportunities for unemployed locals, and subsidizing prices of alternative energy sources. PMID:27081355

Thermoelectric Properties of Bi2Te3: CuI and the Effect of Its Doping with Pb Atoms

PubMed Central

Han, Mi-Kyung; Lee, Da-Hee; Kim, Sung-Jin

2017-01-01

In order to understand the effect of Pb-CuI co-doping on the thermoelectric performance of Bi2Te3, n-type Bi2Te3 co-doped with x at % CuI and 1/2x at % Pb (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, and 0.10) were prepared via high temperature solid state reaction and consolidated using spark plasma sintering. Electron and thermal transport properties, i.e., electrical conductivity, carrier concentration, Hall mobility, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity, of CuI-Pb co-doped Bi2Te3 were measured in the temperature range from 300 K to 523 K, and compared to corresponding x% of CuI-doped Bi2Te3 and undoped Bi2Te3. The addition of a small amount of Pb significantly decreased the carrier concentration, which could be attributed to the holes from Pb atoms, thus the CuI-Pb co-doped samples show a lower electrical conductivity and a higher Seebeck coefficient when compared to CuI-doped samples with similar x values. The incorporation of Pb into CuI-doped Bi2Te3 rarely changed the power factor because of the trade-off relationship between the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient. The total thermal conductivity(κtot) of co-doped samples (κtot ~ 1.4 W/m∙K at 300 K) is slightly lower than that of 1% CuI-doped Bi2Te3 (κtot ~ 1.5 W/m∙K at 300 K) and undoped Bi2Te3 (κtot ~ 1.6 W/m∙K at 300 K) due to the alloy scattering. The 1% CuI-Pb co-doped Bi2Te3 sample shows the highest ZT value of 0.96 at 370 K. All data on electrical and thermal transport properties suggest that the thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3 and its operating temperature can be controlled by co-doping. PMID:29072613

Thermoelectric Properties of Bi₂Te₃: CuI and the Effect of Its Doping with Pb Atoms.

PubMed

Han, Mi-Kyung; Jin, Yingshi; Lee, Da-Hee; Kim, Sung-Jin

2017-10-26

In order to understand the effect of Pb-CuI co-doping on the thermoelectric performance of Bi₂Te₃, n -type Bi₂Te₃ co-doped with x at % CuI and 1/2 x at % Pb ( x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.07, and 0.10) were prepared via high temperature solid state reaction and consolidated using spark plasma sintering. Electron and thermal transport properties, i.e., electrical conductivity, carrier concentration, Hall mobility, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity, of CuI-Pb co-doped Bi₂Te₃ were measured in the temperature range from 300 K to 523 K, and compared to corresponding x % of CuI-doped Bi₂Te₃ and undoped Bi₂Te₃. The addition of a small amount of Pb significantly decreased the carrier concentration, which could be attributed to the holes from Pb atoms, thus the CuI-Pb co-doped samples show a lower electrical conductivity and a higher Seebeck coefficient when compared to CuI-doped samples with similar x values. The incorporation of Pb into CuI-doped Bi₂Te₃ rarely changed the power factor because of the trade-off relationship between the electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient. The total thermal conductivity(κ tot ) of co-doped samples (κ tot ~ 1.4 W/m∙K at 300 K) is slightly lower than that of 1% CuI-doped Bi₂Te₃ (κ tot ~ 1.5 W/m∙K at 300 K) and undoped Bi₂Te₃ (κ tot ~ 1.6 W/m∙K at 300 K) due to the alloy scattering. The 1% CuI-Pb co-doped Bi₂Te 3 sample shows the highest ZT value of 0.96 at 370 K. All data on electrical and thermal transport properties suggest that the thermoelectric properties of Bi₂Te 3 and its operating temperature can be controlled by co-doping.

High permittivity polyaniline-barium titanate nanocomposites with excellent electromagnetic interference shielding response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saini, Parveen; Arora, Manju; Gupta, Govind; Gupta, Bipin Kumar; Singh, Vidya Nand; Choudhary, Veena

2013-05-01

Organic conductive polymers are at the forefront of materials science research because of their diverse applications built around their interesting and unique properties. This work reports for the first time a correlation between the structural, electrical, and electromagnetic properties of polyaniline (PANI)-tetragonal BaTiO3 (TBT) nanocomposites prepared by in-situ emulsion polymerization. XRD studies and HRTEM micrographs of these nanocomposites clearly revealed the incorporation of TBT nanoparticles in the conducting PANI matrix. EPR and XPS measurements reveal that increase in loading level of BaTiO3 results in a reduction of the doping level of PANI. The Ku-Band (12.4-18 GHz) network analysis of these composites shows exceptional microwave shielding response with absorption dominated total shielding effectiveness (SET) value of -71.5 dB (blockage of more than 99.99999% of incident radiation) which is the highest value reported in the literature. Such a high attenuation level, which critically depends on the fraction of BaTiO3 is attributed to optimized dielectric and electrical attributes. This demonstrates the possibility of using these materials in stealth technology and for making futuristic radar absorbing materials (RAMs).Organic conductive polymers are at the forefront of materials science research because of their diverse applications built around their interesting and unique properties. This work reports for the first time a correlation between the structural, electrical, and electromagnetic properties of polyaniline (PANI)-tetragonal BaTiO3 (TBT) nanocomposites prepared by in-situ emulsion polymerization. XRD studies and HRTEM micrographs of these nanocomposites clearly revealed the incorporation of TBT nanoparticles in the conducting PANI matrix. EPR and XPS measurements reveal that increase in loading level of BaTiO3 results in a reduction of the doping level of PANI. The Ku-Band (12.4-18 GHz) network analysis of these composites shows exceptional microwave shielding response with absorption dominated total shielding effectiveness (SET) value of -71.5 dB (blockage of more than 99.99999% of incident radiation) which is the highest value reported in the literature. Such a high attenuation level, which critically depends on the fraction of BaTiO3 is attributed to optimized dielectric and electrical attributes. This demonstrates the possibility of using these materials in stealth technology and for making futuristic radar absorbing materials (RAMs). Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr00634d

Manufacturing conductive polyaniline/graphite nanocomposites with spent battery powder (SBP) for energy storage: A potential approach for sustainable waste management.

PubMed

Duan, Xiaojuan; Deng, Jinxing; Wang, Xue; Guo, Jinshan; Liu, Peng

2016-07-15

A potential approach for sustainable waste management of the spent battery material (SBM) is established for manufacturing conductive polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites as electrode materials for supercapacitors, following the principle of "What comes from the power should be used for the power". The ternary nanocomposites (G/MnO2/PANI) containing PANI, graphite powder (G) and remanent MnO2 nanoparticles and the binary nanocomposites of polyaniline and graphite powder (G/PANI) are synthesized by the chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline in hydrochloric aqueous solution with the MnO2 nanoparticles in the spent battery powder (SBP) as oxidant. The G/PANI sample, which was prepared with MnO2/aniline mole ratio of 1:1 with 1.0mL aniline in 50mL of 1.0molL(-1) HCl, exhibits the electrical conductivity of 22.22Scm(-1), the highest specific capacitance up to 317Fg(-1) and the highest energy density of 31.0 Wh kg(-1), with retention of as high as 84.6% of its initial capacitance after 1000 cycles, indicating good cyclic stability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Powder-Suspended Dielectric on the EDM Characteristics of Inconel 625

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talla, Gangadharudu; Gangopadhyay, S.; Biswas, C. K.

2016-02-01

The current work attempts to establish the criteria for powder material selection by investigating the influence of various powder-suspended dielectrics and machining parameters on various EDM characteristics of Inconel 625 (a nickel-based super alloy) which is nowadays regularly used in aerospace, chemical, and marine industries. The powders include aluminum (Al), graphite, and silicon (Si) that have significant variation in their thermo-physical characteristics. Results showed that powder properties like electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, density, and hardness play a significant role in changing the machining performance and the quality of the machined surface. Among the three powders, highest material removal rate was observed for graphite powder due to its high electrical and thermal conductivities. Best surface finish and least radial overcut (ROC) were attained using Si powder. Maximum microhardness was found for Si due to its low thermal conductivity and high hardness. It is followed by graphite and aluminum powders. Addition of powder to the dielectric has increased the crater diameter due to expansion of plasma channel. Powder-mixed EDM (PMEDM) was also effective in lowering the density of surface cracks with least number of cracks obtained with graphite powder. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated possible formation of metal carbides along with grain growth phenomenon of Inconel 625 after PMEDM.

Effect of co-doping process on topography, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanostructured

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohamed, R.; Mamat, M. H.; Malek, M. F.; Ismail, A. S.; Yusoff, M. M.; Syamsir, S. A.; Khusaimi, Z.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

We investigated of Undoped ZnO and Magnesium (Mg)-Aluminium (Al) co-doped Zinc Oxide (MAZO) nanostructured films were prepared by sol gel spin coating technique. The surface topography was analyzed using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Based on the AFM results, Root Mean Square (RMS) of MAZO films have rougher surface compared to pure ZnO films. The optical and electrical properties of thin film samples were characterized using Uv-Vis spectroscopy and two point probes, current-voltage (I-V) measurements. The transmittance spectra for both thin samples was above 80% in the visible wavelength. The MAZO film shows the highest conductivity compared to pure ZnO films. This result indicates that the improvement of carrier mobility throughout doping process and possibly contribute by extra ion charge.

Restoration of high zinc and lead tailings with municipal biosolids and lime: a field study.

PubMed

Brown, Sally; Svendsen, Alex; Henry, Chuck

2009-01-01

A field study was conducted to test the ability of biosolids (BS) and different types of lime to increase soil pH, neutralize subsoil acidity, and restore a vegetative cover to alluvial mine tailings in Leadville, CO. The tailings had soil pH of 5.2 and total Cd, Pb, and Zn of 75+/-20, 2600+/-1100, and 6700+/-1900 mg kg(-1). Types of lime included agricultural lime (AL), sugar beet lime (SBL), and lime kiln dust (LKD) applied at 224 Mg ha(-1) calcium carbonate equivalent. Plots were established in 2000 and monitored intermittently through 2007. All amendments increased pH in surface and subsurface depths, with LKD, LKD+BS, and SBL+BS being the most effective. Amendments also reduced 0.01 mol L(-1) Ca(NO3)2 extractable Zn and Cd compared to the control. Plant growth was sparse on all treatments with limited yield for three of four harvests. Poor growth may have been related to elevated electrical conductivity (EC). All amendments except LKD alone (5.79 dS m(-1)) increased EC compared to the control treatment (5.28 dS m(-1)). Electrical conductivity was highest in 2002 which had the lowest summer rainfall. In 2005 EC in all treatments except the SBL+BS was similar in the surface soil. Aboveground plant tissue concentrations of Zn and Cd were also elevated. Limited precipitation and high electrical conductivity may be responsible for poor plant growth. Higher rainfall for the last sampling period resulted in significant growth in the LKD+BS, SBL+BS, and LKD alone treatments.

Optimization of Electrical Stimulation Parameters for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

PubMed Central

Tandon, Nina; Marsano, Anna; Maidhof, Robert; Wan, Leo; Park, Hyoungshin; Vunjak-Novakovic, Gordana

2010-01-01

In vitro application of pulsatile electrical stimulation to neonatal rat cardiomyocytes cultured on polymer scaffolds has been shown to improve the functional assembly of cells into contractile cardiac tissue constrcuts. However, to date, the conditions of electrical stimulation have not been optimized. We have systematically varied the electrode material, amplitude and frequency of stimulation, to determine the conditions that are optimal for cardiac tissue engineering. Carbon electrodes, exhibiting the highest charge-injection capacity and producing cardiac tissues with the best structural and contractile properties, and were thus used in tissue engineering studies. Cardiac tissues stimulated at 3V/cm amplitude and 3Hz frequency had the highest tissue density, the highest concentrations of cardiac troponin-I and connexin-43, and the best developed contractile behavior. These findings contribute to defining bioreactor design specifications and electrical stimulation regime for cardiac tissue engineering. PMID:21604379

Development of a new medium frequency EM device: Mapping soil water content variations using electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kessouri, P.; Buvat, S.; Tabbagh, A.

2012-12-01

Both electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity of soil are influenced by its water content. Dielectric permittivity is usually measured in the high frequency range, using GPR or TDR, where the sensitivity to water content is high. However, its evaluation is limited by a low investigation depth, especially for clay rich soils. Electrical conductivity is closely related not only to soil water content, but also to clay content and soil structure. A simultaneous estimation of these electrical parameters can allow the mapping of soil water content variations for an investigation depth close to 1m. In order to estimate simultaneously both soil electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity, an electromagnetic device working in the medium frequency range (between 100 kHz and 10 MHz) has been designed. We adopted Slingram geometry for the EM prototype: its PERP configuration (vertical transmission loop Tx and horizontal measuring loop Rx) was defined using 1D ground models. As the required investigation depth is around 1m, the coil spacing was fixed to 1.2m. This prototype works in a frequency range between 1 and 5 MHz. After calibration, we tested the response of prototype to objects with known properties. The first in situ measurements were led on experimental sites with different types of soils and different water content variations (artificially created or natural): sandy alluvium on a plot of INRA (French National Institute for Agricultural Research) in Orléans (Centre, France), a clay-loam soil on an experimental site in Estrée-Mons (Picardie, France) and fractured limestone at the vicinity of Grand (Vosges, France). In the case of the sandy alluvium, the values of dielectric permittivity measured are close to those of HF permittivity and allow the use of existing theoretical models to determine the soil water content. For soils containing higher amount of clay, the coupled information brought by the electrical conductivity and the dielectric permittivity is used. Variations of water content detected by the EM prototype are confirmed by additional DC electrical profiling and direct mass water content measurements along depth. For the clay-loam soil, containing more than 20% of clay, the relative dielectric permittivity values, ranging from 63 to 138, are much higher than those expected in the high frequency range (above 20 MHz, the highest measured permittivity is equal to 81 for water). In the medium frequency range, those values are very likely due to interfacial polarization. This effect, also known as Maxwell-Wagner polarization, should increase with the soil clay content. The first measuring trial is coherent with the gravimetric water content as well as DC electrical profiling measurements. For a clay rich soil, the EM prototype is able to detect water content variations for an investigation depth close to 1m with both electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity in the medium frequency range. Other field experiments are scheduled to confirm these results on other types of soils.

Methane yield enhancement via electroporation of organic waste.

PubMed

Safavi, Seyedeh Masoumeh; Unnthorsson, Runar

2017-08-01

An experimental study with pulsed electric field (PEF) pre-treatment was conducted to investigate its effect on methane production. PEF pre-treatment converts organic solids into soluble and colloidal forms, increasing bioavailability for anaerobic microorganisms participating in methane generation process. The substrates tested were landfill leachate and fruit/vegetable. Three treatment intensities of 15, 30, and 50kWh/m 3 were applied to investigate the influence of pre-treatment on methane production via biochemical methane potential test. Threshold treatment intensity was found to be around 30kWh/m 3 for landfill leachate beyond which the methane production enhanced linearly with increase in intensity. Methane production of the landfill leachate significantly increased up to 44% with the highest intensity. The result of pulsed electric field pre-treatment on fruit/vegetable showed that 15kWh/m 3 was the intensity by which the highest amount of methane (up to 7%) was achieved. Beyond this intensity, the methane production decreased. Chemical oxygen demand removals were increased up to 100% for landfill leachate and 17% for fruit/vegetable, compared to the untreated slurries. Results indicate that the treatment intensity has a significant effect on the methane production and biosolid removal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Garnet-type solid-state fast Li ion conductors for Li batteries: critical review.

PubMed

Thangadurai, Venkataraman; Narayanan, Sumaletha; Pinzaru, Dana

2014-07-07

Batteries are electrochemical devices that store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy. Among known batteries, Li ion batteries (LiBs) provide the highest gravimetric and volumetric energy densities, making them ideal candidates for use in portable electronics and plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. Conventional LiBs use an organic polymer electrolyte, which exhibits several safety issues including leakage, poor chemical stability and flammability. The use of a solid-state (ceramic) electrolyte to produce all-solid-state LiBs can overcome all of the above issues. Also, solid-state Li batteries can operate at high voltage, thus, producing high power density. Various types of solid Li-ion electrolytes have been reported; this review is focused on the most promising solid Li-ion electrolytes based on garnet-type metal oxides. The first studied Li-stuffed garnet-type compounds are Li5La3M2O12 (M = Nb, Ta), which show a Li-ion conductivity of ∼10(-6) at 25 °C. La and M sites can be substituted by various metal ions leading to Li-rich garnet-type electrolytes, such as Li6ALa2M2O12, (A = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sr0.5Ba0.5) and Li7La3C2O12 (C = Zr, Sn). Among the known Li-stuffed garnets, Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 exhibits the highest bulk Li-ion conductivity of 10(-3) S cm(-1) at 25 °C with an activation energy of 0.35 eV, which is an order of magnitude lower than that of the currently used polymer, but is chemically stable at higher temperatures and voltages compared to polymer electrolytes. Here, we discuss the chemical composition-structure-ionic conductivity relationship of the Li-stuffed garnet-type oxides, as well as the Li ion conduction mechanism.

Effects of Different Surfactants on Structural, Tribological and Electrical Properties of Pulsed Electro-Codeposited Cu-ZrO2 Composite Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maharana, H. S.; Basu, A.

2018-03-01

Cu-ZrO2 composite coating was synthesized by pulse electrodeposition from an acidic sulfate electrolyte dispersed with nano-sized ZrO2 particles. Effects of different surfactants in different amounts on the codeposition and distribution of ZrO2 particles in the copper matrix, surface-mechanical (hardness and wear) and electrical (conductivity) properties of developed composite coatings have been thoroughly investigated. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), poly acrylic acid (PAA) and glucose have been added in the electrolyte in different concentrations as anionic, polymeric and nonionic surfactants. Obtained experimental results confirmed that addition of SDS up to 1 g/L improves the amount of codeposited ZrO2 particles in the copper matrix and surface-mechanical properties of the nanocomposite coatings. But, in case of PAA- and glucose-assisted coatings, highest amount of ZrO2 codeposition was observed in 0.5 g/L PAA and 20 g/L glucose-assisted coatings, which in turn affected the mechanical properties. Surface-mechanical properties were found to be affected by coating matrix morphology and crystallographic orientation along with embedded ZrO2 particle content. Electrical conductivity of all the deposits not only depends upon the codeposition of ZrO2 particles in the matrix but also on the microstructure and crystallographic orientation.

Thermoelectric Properties of Bi Doped Tetrahedrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prem Kumar, D. S.; Chetty, R.; Femi, O. E.; Chattopadhyay, K.; Malar, P.; Mallik, R. C.

2017-05-01

Bi doped tetrahedrites with nominal compositions of Cu12Sb4- x Bi x S13 ( x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) were synthesized by the solid state reaction method. Powder x-ray diffraction patterns confirmed that Cu12Sb4S13 (tetrahedrite structure) was the main phase, along with Cu3SbS4 and Cu3SbS3 as the secondary phases. Electron probe microanalysis provided the elemental composition of all the samples. It was confirmed that the main phase is the tetrahedrite phase with slight deviations in the stoichiometry. All the transport properties were measured between 423 K and 673 K. The electrical resistivity increased with an increase in Bi content for all the samples, possibly induced by the variation in the carrier concentration, which may be due to the influence of impurity phases. The increase in electrical resistivity with an increase in temperature indicates the degenerate semiconducting nature of the samples. The absolute Seebeck coefficient is positive throughout the temperature range indicating the p-type nature of the samples. The Seebeck coefficient for all the samples increased with an increase in Bi content as electrical resistivity. The variation of electrical resistivity and the Seebeck coefficient with doping can be attributed to the changes in the carrier concentration of the samples. The total thermal conductivity increases with an increase in temperature and decreases with an increase in the Bi content that could be due to the reduction in carrier thermal conductivity. The highest thermoelectric figure of merit ( zT) 0.84 at 673 K was obtained for the sample with x = 0.2 due to lower thermal conductivity (1.17 W/m K).

Correction of temperature and bulk electrical conductivity effects on soil water content measurements using ECH2O EC-5, TE and 5TE sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenbaum, Ulrike; Huisman, Sander; Vrba, Jan; Vereecken, Harry; Bogena, Heye

2010-05-01

For a monitoring of dynamic spatiotemporal soil moisture patterns at the catchment scale, automated and continuously measuring systems that provide spatial coverage and high temporal resolution are needed. Promising techniques like wireless sensor networks (e.g. SoilNet) have to integrate low-cost electromagnetic soil water content sensors [1], [2]. However, the measurement accuracy of such sensors is often deteriorated by effects of temperature and soil bulk electrical conductivity. The objective of this study is to derive and validate correction functions for such temperature and electrical conductivity effects for the ECH2O EC-5, TE and 5TE sensors. We used dielectric liquids with known dielectric properties for two different laboratory experiments. In the first experiment, the temperature of eight reference liquids with permittivity ranging from 7 to 42 was varied from 5 to 40°C. All sensor types showed an underestimation of permittivity for low temperatures and an overestimation for high temperatures. In the second experiment, the conductivity of the reference liquids was increased by adding NaCl. The highest deviations occurred for high permittivity and electrical conductivity between ~0.8 and 1.5 dS/m (underestimation from 8 to 16 permittivity units depending on sensor type). For higher electrical conductivity (2.5 dS/m), the permittivity was overestimated (10 permittivity units for the EC-5 and 7 for the 5TE sensor). Based on these measurements on reference liquids, we derived empirical correction functions that are able to correct thermal and conductivity effects on measured sensor response. These correction functions were validated using three soil samples (coarse sand, silty clay loam and bentonite). For the temperature correction function, the results corresponded better with theoretical predictions after correction for temperature effects on the sensor circuitry. It was also shown that the application of the conductivity correction functions improved the accuracy of the soil water content predictions considerably. References: [1] Bogena, H.R., J.A. Huisman, C. Oberdörster, H. Vereecken (2007): Evaluation of a low-cost soil water content sensor for wireless network applications. Journal of Hydrology: 344, 32- 42. [2] Rosenbaum, U., Huisman, J.A., Weuthen, A., Vereecken, H. and Bogena, H.R. (2010): Quantification of sensor-to-sensor variability of the ECH2O EC-5, TE and 5TE sensors in dielectric liquids. Accepted for publication in VZJ (09/2009).

Tuning the Electrical and Thermal Conductivities of Thermoelectric Oxides through Impurity Doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres Arango, Maria A.

Waste heat and thermal gradients available at power plants can be harvested to power wireless networks and sensors by using thermoelectric (TE) generators that directly transform temperature differentials into electrical power. Oxide materials are promising for TE applications in harsh industrial environments for waste heat recovery at high temperatures in air, because they are lightweight, cheaply produced, highly efficient, and stable at high temperatures in air. Ca3Co4O9(CCO) with layered structure is a promising p-type thermoelectric oxide with extrapolated ZT value of 0.87 in single crystal form [1]. However the ZT values for the polycrystalline ceramics remain low of ˜0.1-0.3. In this research, nanostructure engineering approaches including doping and addition of nanoinclusions were applied to the polycrystalline CCO ceramic to improve the energy conversion efficiency. Polycrystalline CCO samples with various Bi doping levels were prepared through the sol-gel chemical route synthesis of powders, pressing and sintering of the pellets. Microstructure features of Bi doped ceramic bulk samples such as porosity, development of crystal texture, grain boundary dislocations and segregation of Bi dopants at various grain boundaries are investigated from microns to atomic scale. The results of the present study show that the Bi-doping is affecting both the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity simultaneously, and the optimum Bi doping level is strongly correlated with the microstructure and the processing conditions of the ceramic samples. At the optimum doping level and processing conditions of the ceramic samples, the Bi substitution of Ca results in the increase of the electrical conductivity, decrease of the thermal conductivity, and improvement of the crystal texture. The atomic resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) Z-contrast imaging and the chemistry analysis also reveal the Bi-segregation at grain boundaries of CCO polycrystalline samples. In order to further decrease the thermal conductivity and increase the overall energy conversion efficiency of ceramic samples. The highest ZT value obtained is 0.32 at 973K for Ca and Co site Bi doping. The effect of the nanoinclusions on the performance and the microstructure of CCO were investigated as well.

Thermal Conductivity of Diamond Composites

PubMed Central

Kidalov, Sergey V.; Shakhov, Fedor M.

2009-01-01

A major problem challenging specialists in present-day materials sciences is the development of compact, cheap to fabricate heat sinks for electronic devices, primarily for computer processors, semiconductor lasers, high-power microchips, and electronics components. The materials currently used for heat sinks of such devices are aluminum and copper, with thermal conductivities of about 250 W/(m·K) and 400 W/(m·K), respectively. Significantly, the thermal expansion coefficient of metals differs markedly from those of the materials employed in semiconductor electronics (mostly silicon); one should add here the low electrical resistivity metals possess. By contrast, natural single-crystal diamond is known to feature the highest thermal conductivity of all the bulk materials studied thus far, as high as 2,200 W/(m·K). Needless to say, it cannot be applied in heat removal technology because of high cost. Recently, SiC- and AlN-based ceramics have started enjoying wide use as heat sink materials; the thermal conductivity of such composites, however, is inferior to that of metals by nearly a factor two. This prompts a challenging scientific problem to develop diamond-based composites with thermal characteristics superior to those of aluminum and copper, adjustable thermal expansion coefficient, low electrical conductivity and a moderate cost, below that of the natural single-crystal diamond. The present review addresses this problem and appraises the results reached by now in studying the possibility of developing composites in diamond-containing systems with a view of obtaining materials with a high thermal conductivity.

Thermoelectric Properties of Mg2Si0.995Sb0.005 Prepared by the High-Pressure High-Temperature Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jialiang; Chen, Gang; Duan, Bo; Zhu, Yaju; Hu, Xiaojun; Zhai, Pengcheng; Li, Peng

2017-05-01

Mg2Si0.995Sb0.005 compound was prepared by the high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) method. The simultaneous synthesis and consolidation in one step could be completed in <15 min. The effects of pressure and temperature on the thermoelectric properties of Mg2Si0.995Sb0.005 were analyzed in this work. With the pressure and temperature increasing, the electrical conductivity rises markedly, while the Seebeck coefficient changes slightly, which results in significant enhancement of the power factor. The Mg2Si0.995Sb0.005 sample prepared under the condition of 1073 K and 2 GPa achieves the highest power factor of ˜2.12 × 10-3 W m-1 K-2 at 575 K. As the sample prepared at 973 K and 2 GPa retains a lower thermal conductivity, it obtains the highest thermoelectric figure-of-merit ZT ˜0.62 at 800 K. In conclusion, the HPHT method can serve as a route to prepare Sb-doped Mg2Si thermoelectric materials efficiently.

Passive safety device and internal short tested method for energy storage cells and systems

DOEpatents

Keyser, Matthew; Darcy, Eric; Long, Dirk; Pesaran, Ahmad

2015-09-22

A passive safety device for an energy storage cell for positioning between two electrically conductive layers of the energy storage cell. The safety device also comprising a separator and a non-conductive layer. A first electrically conductive material is provided on the non-conductive layer. A first opening is formed through the separator between the first electrically conductive material and one of the electrically conductive layers of the energy storage device. A second electrically conductive material is provided adjacent the first electrically conductive material on the non-conductive layer, wherein a space is formed on the non-conductive layer between the first and second electrically conductive materials. A second opening is formed through the non-conductive layer between the second electrically conductive material and another of the electrically conductive layers of the energy storage device. The first and second electrically conductive materials combine and exit at least partially through the first and second openings to connect the two electrically conductive layers of the energy storage device at a predetermined temperature.

Effect of graphitic carbon nanomodifiers on the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of linear low density polyethylene nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villacorta Hernandez, Byron S.

Conductive polymer composites have become alternative materials for providing electromagnetic and electrostatic shielding where metals are not suitable. In this study, the effect of crystallinity, morphology, concentration and orientation of carbon nanomodifiers on shielding provided by their polyethylene-based composites has been investigated relative to their transport properties. First, the electrical properties and EM SE of composites consisting of heat-treated carbon nanofibers (PyrografRTM-III PR-19 CNF) in a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix were assessed. Heat treatment (HT) of CNF at 2500°C significantly improved their graphitic crystallinity and intrinsic transport properties, thereby increasing the EM SE of the nanocomposites. Although the strain-to-failure was about one-third that of pure LLDPE, the absolute value of 180+/-98% indicates a significant retention of ductility. Second, the influence of the morphology of carbon modifiers on the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of their composites was investigated. Four heat-treated carbon modifiers were investigated: PR-19 HT carbon nanofibers, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT HT), helical multi-walled carbon nanotubes (HCNT HT), and pitch-based P-55 carbon fibers (CF). MWHT HT, with the highest aspect ratio, led to the largest composite electrical and thermal conductivities (34 S/m, 1 W/m.K) and EM SE (~24 dB). In contrast, HCNT HT, due to their coiled shape and low aspect ratio, led to a non-percolating microstructure in the composites, which produced poor EM SE (<1 dB). Nonetheless, HCNT HT composites displayed the highest ductility (~250%) and flexibility, which is probably owed to the matrix-modifier mechanical bonding (interlocking) provided by the helical morphology. Using the carbon modifiers that previously led to the best EM SE (i.e., PR-19 HT and MWNT HT), the influence of composite electrical properties on the plane-wave EM SE in the VHF-UHF bands was studied further. Both graphitic nanomodifiers were dispersed in LLDPE matrix to produce a nominally random in-plane modifier orientation. For a concentration of 10 vol% nanomodifiers, EM SE values of 22 dB and 24 dB were obtained for PR-19 HT and MWNT HT nanocomposites (2.5-mm thick), respectively. At a high concentration of 40 vol%, EM SE values as high as 68 dB and 55 dB were respectively attained. Because such nanocomposites possess only moderate electrical conductivity, a model for generally-lossy materials was used to predict the plane-wave EM SE and its components. Based on the material properties of the nanocomposites, the predicted values of EM SE were found to be consistent with the experimental values. Finally, the electrical conductivity and EM SE of nanocomposites that contained 10 vol% of oriented graphitic nanomodifiers (PR-19 HT and MWNT HT) in LLDPE are reported. Micro-filament spinning was used to generate flow-induced orientation of the carbon nanomodifiers. Consequently, the conductivity of the resulting nanocomposites exhibited anisotropy. Thus, the in-plane conductivity in the longitudinal direction (PR-19 HT comp.: ~0.02 S/m; MWNT HT comp.: ~3 S/m) was at least an order of magnitude higher than that along the transverse direction. As measured with a rectangular waveguide (WR510, 1.45-2.2 GHz), the PR-19 HT and MWNT HT oriented nanocomposites (1-mm thick) displayed EM SE values of 0.7+/-0.4 dB and 3.0+/-0.8 dB, respectively, when the nanomodifiers were transversely oriented with the polarized electric field. In contrast, when the orientation of the nanomodifiers was parallel with the field, values of 3.2+/-1.0 dB and 9.0+/-1.0 dB were obtained, respectively. Therefore, as a result of this anisotropy, as analyzed by polarized electromagnetic waves, the composites displayed anisotropic shielding. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Effects of spin entropy and lattice strain from mixed-trivalent Fe3+/Cr3+ on the electronic, thermoelectric and optical properties of delafossite CuFe1-x Cr x O2 (x  =  0.25, 0.5, 0.75)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruttanapun, Chesta; Maensiri, Santi

2015-12-01

Mixed-trivalent Fe3+/Cr3+ content CuFe1-x Cr x O2 (x  =  0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) compounds were synthesized to investigate the effects of spin entropy, and lattice strain on their electronic, thermoelectric and optical properties. The XPS results showed the existence of mixed Cu1+/Cu2+, Fe3+/Fe4+ and Cr2+/Cr3+ ion states in the structures. The mixed Fe3+/Cr3+ions caused a strong correlation to occur between the spin and the orbitals of the carriers in the octahedral layer of the sample, affecting the carrier degeneracy Seebeck coefficient behaviour, and the Cu2+ and Fe4+ ions caused an effect of enhancing the electric conductivity. These effects meant that CuFe0.75Cr0.25O2 had the highest electrical conductivity, an enhanced Seebeck coefficient compared to that of CuFeO2-based compounds, and the highest thermopower value. The lowest thermal conductivity was that of CuFe0.5Cr0.5O2, which was a result of the mismatched atomic radii of the mixed trivalent Fe3+(0.645 Å)/Cr3+(0.615 Å), which caused the lattice strain to occur in the structure and thus affected the point defect scattering of the phonon thermal conductivity. The lowest total thermal conductivity was that of CuFe0.5Cr0.5O2, because it had the maximum lattice strain. Overall, the effect of the mixed trivalent elements caused CuFe0.75Cr0.25O2 to have the highest value of the dimensionless figure of merit ZT, with a value that was four times that of CuFeO2-based compounds and six times that of CuCrO2-based compounds. With regard to optical properties, the lattice strain causes the indirect optical gap to increase with increasing x content, but has no effect on the direct optical gap. These results verified that the mixed-trivalent Fe3+/Cr3+ content of CuFe1-x Cr x O2 (x  =  0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) affected the electronic, thermoelectric and optical properties of the structure by causing spin entropy and lattice strain to occur.

Can basal magma oceans generate magnetic fields?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stegman, D. R.; Ziegler, L. B.; Davies, C.

2015-12-01

Earth's magnetic field is very old, with recent data now showing the field possibly extended back to 4.1 billion years ago (Tarduno et al., Science, 2015). Yet, based upon our current knowledge there are difficulties in sustained a core dynamo over most of Earth's history. Moreover, recent estimates of thermal and electrical conductivity of liquid iron at core conditions from mineral physics experiments indicate that adiabatic heat flux is approximately 15 TW, nearly 3 times larger than previously thought, exacerbating difficulties for driving a core dynamo by convective core cooling alone throughout Earth history. A long-lived basal magma ocean in the lowermost mantle has been proposed to exist in the early Earth, surviving perhaps into the Archean. While the modern, solid lower mantle is an electromagnetic insulator, electrical conductivities of silicate melts are known to be higher, though as yet they are unconstrained for lowermost mantle conditions. Here we explore the geomagnetic consequences of a basal magma ocean layer for a range of possible electrical conductivities. For the highest electrical conductivities considered, we find a basal magma ocean could be a primary dynamo source region. This would suggest the proposed three magnetic eras observed in paleomagnetic data originate from distinct sources for dynamo generation: from 4.5-2.45 Ga within a basal magma ocean, from 2.25-0.4 Ga within a superadiabatically cooled liquid core, and from 0.4-present within a quasi-adiabatic core that includes a solidifying inner core. We have extended this work by developing a new code, Dynamantle, which is a model with an entropy-based approach, similar to those commonly used in core dynamics models. We present new results using this code to assess the conditions under which basal magma oceans can generate positive ohmic dissipation. This is more generally useful than just considering the early Earth, but also for many silicate exoplanets in which basal magma oceans are even more likely to exist.

Thermomagnetic coolers based on Bi and Bi-Sb nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huber, Tito E.; Constant, Pierre

2001-02-01

Bulk Bi, a semimetal, and Bi-Sb, have the highest thermoelectric figure of merit Z at 100 K. The thermoelectric properties of these materials are strongly anisotropic. The best thermoelectric performance is observed when the electrical current flows along the trigonal axis. However, Bi single crystals are easily cleaved along the trigonal planes. This lack of strength has largely prevented the use of these materials in practical thermoelectric coolers. Composite technology offers the opportunity to increase the toughness of Bi and Bi-Sb. Also, microengineering Bi into composites may lead to a significant improvement in their thermoelectric performance, because of the reduction of phonon conductivity from phonon scattering at the grain boundaries and interfaces. It has been shown theoretically that quantum-wire structures have the potential to significantly improve Z over the bulk value. We have synthesized microwire composites and present measurements of its electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient that are very encouraging. The role that a tough thermoelectric cooler could have in extending the lifetime of a space system such as Space InfraRed Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is briefly discussed. .

Electrical, optical and structural properties of transparent conducting Al doped ZnO (AZO) deposited by sol-gel spin coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tonny, Kaniz Naila; Rafique, Rosaleena; Sharmin, Afrina; Bashar, Muhammad Shahriar; Mahmood, Zahid Hasan

2018-06-01

Al doped ZnO (AZO) films are fabricated by using sol-gel spin coating method and changes in electrical, optical and structural properties due to variation in film thickness is studied. AZO films provide c-axis orientation along the (002) plane and peak sharpness increased with film thickness is evident from XRD analysis. Conductivity (σ) of AZO films has increased from 2.34 (Siemens/cm) to 20156.27 (Siemens/cm) whereas sheet resistance (Rsh) decreases from 606300 (ohms/sq.) to 2.08 (ohm/sq.) with increase of film thickness from 296 nm to 1030 nm. Optical transmittance (T%) of AZO films is decreased from around 82% to 62% in the visible region. And grain size (D) of AZO thin films has been found to increase from 19.59 nm to 25.25 nm with increase of film thickness. Figure of Merit is also calculated for prepared sample of AZO. Among these four sample of AZO thin films, L-15 sample (having thickness in 895 nm) has provided highest figure of merit which is 5.49*10^-4 (Ω-1).

Thermoelectric generator based on composites obtained by sintering of detonation nanodiamonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eidelman, E. D.; Meilakhs, A. P.; Semak, B. V.; Shakhov, F. M.

2017-11-01

A model of a thermoelectric generator is proposed, in which composite materials obtained by sintering diamond nanoparticles are used as the main component. To increase the useful conversion of heat into electric current, it is proposed to use the effect of electron drag by ballistic phonons. To reduce the ineffective heat spread, it is proposed to use the effect of thermal resistance of the boundaries between the graphite-like and diamond-like phases of the composite. An experimental confirmation of the existence of an optimal volume ratio between graphite-like and diamond-like phases of the composite is predicted and obtained. The highest achieved value of thermoelectric coefficient in the actual structure is 80 µV K-1 (which means 20 times increase compared to that of composites not of the optimal structure), with a thermal conductivity of 50 W m-1 K-1. These results were obtained with constant electrical conductivity. The combined influence of these two effects in case of the ideal composite structure should result in an increase of the thermoelectric efficiency parameter by three orders of magnitude.

Precipitation chemistry along an inland transect on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington

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

Blew, R.D.; Edmonds, R.L.

1995-03-01

The objective of this study was to examine oceanic influences, seasonal variation, and effect of distance from the ocean on the chemistry of bulk precipitation falling on the Pacific coast of Washington State. Bulk precipitation was collected at Sites 4, 13, 24, and 31 km inland from the Pacific Ocean. Mean electrical conductivity of precipitation ranged from 0.47 to 1.02 mS m{sup -1} and mean pH ranged from 5.3 to 5.6. Annual precipitation increased from 2780 mm at 4 km to approximately 3500 mm at 13 km from the coast and remained constant through 31 km inland. Precipitation was highestmore » in the late fall and winter months and lowest during the summer. Rates of ion deposition had a similar seasonal pattern to that of precipitation. Concentrations of Cl, SO{sub 4}, Mg, Na, and excess Ca (Ca in excess of expected sea salt levels) were highest nearest to the coast and were reflected in higher electrical conductivity in precipitation falling closets to the coast.« less

Supercapacitor electrode materials with hierarchically structured pores from carbonization of MWCNTs and ZIF-8 composites.

PubMed

Li, Xueqin; Hao, Changlong; Tang, Bochong; Wang, Yue; Liu, Mei; Wang, Yuanwei; Zhu, Yihua; Lu, Chenguang; Tang, Zhiyong

2017-02-09

Due to their high specific surface area and good electric conductivity, nitrogen-doped porous carbons (NPCs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted much attention for electrochemical energy storage applications. In the present work, we firstly prepared MWCNT/ZIF-8 composites by decoration of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) onto the surface of multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs), then obtained MWCNT/NPCs by the direct carbonization of MWCNT/ZIF-8. By controlling the reaction conditions, MWCNT/ZIF-8 with three different particle sizes were synthesized. The effect of NPCs size on capacitance performance has been evaluated in detail. The MWCNT/NPC with large-sized NPC (MWCNT/NPC-L) displayed the highest specific capacitance of 293.4 F g -1 at the scan rate of 5 mV s -1 and only lost 4.2% of capacitance after 10 000 cyclic voltammetry cycles, which was attributed to the hierarchically structured pores, N-doping and high electrical conductivity. The studies of symmetric two-electrode supercapacitor cells also confirmed MWCNT/NPC-L as efficient electrode materials that have good electrochemical performance, especially for high-rate applications.

Electricity Generation and Community Wastewater Treatment by Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rakthai, S.; Potchanakunakorn, R.; Changjan, A.; Intaravicha, N.; Pramuanl, P.; Srigobue, P.; Soponsathien, S.; Kongson, C.; Maksuwan, A.

2018-05-01

The attractive solution to the pressing issues of energy production and community wastewater treatment was using of Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). The objective of this research was to study the efficiency of electricity generation and community wastewater treatment of MFCs. This study used an experimental method completely randomized design (CRD), which consisted of two treatment factors (4×5 factorial design). The first factor was different solution containing organic matter (T) and consisting of 4 level factors including T1 (tap water), T2 (tap water with soil), T3 (50 % V/V community wastewater with soil), and T4 (100% community wastewater with soil). The second factor was the time (t), consisting of 5 level factors t1 (day 1), t2 (day 2), t3 (day 3), t4 (day 4), and t5 (day 5). There were 4 experimental models depending on containing organic matter (T1-T4). The parameter measured consisted of Open Circuit Voltage (OCV), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Dissolve Solid (TDS), acidity (pH), Electric Conductivity (EC) and number of bacteria. Data were analysed by ANOVA, followed by Duncan test. The results of this study showed that, the T3 was the highest voltage at 0.816 V (P<0.05) and T4, T2, and Ti were 0.800, 0.797 and 0.747 V, respectively. The T3 was the lowest COD at 24.120 mg/L and T4 was 38.067 mg/L (P<0.05). The best model for electricity generation and community wastewater treatment by Microbial Fuel Cells was T3. This model generated highest voltage at 0.816 V, and reduction of COD at 46.215%.

Downhole transmission system

DOEpatents

Hall, David R [Provo, UT; Fox, Joe [Spanish Fork, UT

2008-01-15

A transmission system in a downhole component comprises a data transmission element in both ends of the downhole component. Each data transmission element houses an electrically conducting coil in a MCEI circular trough. An electrical conductor connects both the transmission elements. The electrical conductor comprises at least three electrically conductive elements insulated from each other. In the preferred embodiment the electrical conductor comprises an electrically conducting outer shield, an electrically conducting inner shield and an electrical conducting core. In some embodiments of the present invention, the electrical conductor comprises an electrically insulating jacket. In other embodiments, the electrical conductor comprises a pair of twisted wires. In some embodiments, the electrical conductor comprises semi-conductive material.

Effect of ‘A’-site non stoichiometry in strontium doped lanthanum ferrite based solid oxide fuel cell cathodes

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

Banerjee, Koyel; Mukhopadhyay, Jayanta, E-mail: jayanta_mu@cgcri.res.in; Barman, Madhurima

2015-12-15

Highlights: • La{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}Co{sub y}Fe{sub 1−y}O{sub 3−δ}, x = 0.4; y = 0.2 system varying La-site (0.6–0.54) are studied. • Combustion synthesis technique is used to prepare the powder samples. • Highest electrical conductivity observed with largest A-site deficit composition. • Lowest cathode polarization is found with the same composition (0.02 Ω cm{sup 2}). • Composition with largest A-site deficiency exhibits best performance (2.84 A cm{sup −2}). - Abstract: Effect of A-site non-stoichiometry in strontium doped lanthanum cobalt ferrite (La{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}Co{sub y}Fe{sub 1−y}O{sub 3−δ}, x = 0.4; y = 0.2) is studied in a systematic manner with variationmore » of ‘A’ site stoichiometry from 1 to 0.94. The perovskite based cathode compositions are synthesized by combustion synthesis. Powder characterizations reveal rhombohedral crystal structure with crystallite size ranging from 29 to 34 nm with minimum lattice spacing of 0.271 nm. Detailed sintering studies along with total DC electrical conductivities are evaluated in the bulk form with variation of sintering temperatures. The electrode polarizations are measured in the symmetric cell configuration by impedance spectroscopy which is found to be the lowest (0.02 Ω cm{sup 2} at 800 °C) for cathode having highest degree of ‘A’-site deficiency. The same cathode composition exhibits a current density of 2.84 A cm{sup −2} (at 0.7 V, 800 °C) in anode-supported single cell. An attempt has been made to correlate the trend of electrical behaviour with increasing ‘A’-site deficiency for such cathode compositions.« less

In-Situ Wire Damage Detection System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jolley, Scott T. (Inventor); Gibson, Tracy L. (Inventor); Medelius, Pedro J. (Inventor); Roberson, Luke B. (Inventor); Tate, Lanetra C. (Inventor); Smith, Trent M. (Inventor); Williams, Martha K. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

An in-situ system for detecting damage in an electrically conductive wire. The system includes a substrate at least partially covered by a layer of electrically conductive material forming a continuous or non-continuous electrically conductive layer connected to an electrical signal generator adapted to delivering electrical signals to the electrically conductive layer. Data is received and processed to identify damage to the substrate or electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive material may include metalized carbon fibers, a thin metal coating, a conductive polymer, carbon nanotubes, metal nanoparticles or a combination thereof.

Mechanical behavior and electrical conductivity of La1-xCaxCoO3 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.55) perovskites

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

Pathak, Siddhartha; Steinmetz, David; Kuebler, Jakob

2010-01-01

This paper compares the important mechanical properties and the electrical conductivities from room temperature to 800oC of four LaCoO3 based cobaltite compositions with 0, 20, 40 and 55% Ca2+ ions substituted on the A site of the perovskite structure respectively. Ca2+ doped lanthanum cobaltite materials are strong candidates for use as cathodes in lower temperature solid oxide fuel cells operating at or below 800oC. Among these four cobaltite compositions, two (LaCoO3 and La0.8Ca0.2CoO3) were found to be phase pure materials, whereas the remaining two compositions (La0.6Ca0.4CoO3 and La0.45Ca0.55CoO3) contained precipitation of secondary phases such as CaO and Co3O4. The mechanicalmore » properties of the four compositions, in terms of Young s modulus, four-point bending strength and fracture toughness measurements, were measured at both room temperature and 800oC. At room temperature, doping with Ca2+ was found to substantially increase the mechanical properties of the cobaltites, whereas at 800oC the pure LaCoO3 composition exhibited higher modulus and strength values than La0.8Ca0.2CoO3. All of the four compositions exhibited ferroelastic behavior, as shown by the hysteresis loops generated during uniaxial load-unload compression tests. Electrical conductivity measurements showed the La0.8Ca0.2CoO3 composition to have the highest conductivity among the four compositions.« less

Variations of magnetic and electrostatic atmospheric parameters and dynamics of the heart rate in mHz range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagorskiy, Petr; Zenchenko, Tatiana; Breus, Tamara; Smirnov, Sergey

The objective of this work was to study the degree of synchronization of heart rate (HR) of healthy volunteers with magnetic variations and various weather conditions in mHz - frequency range. Experimental results for synchronic registration of physiological variations, atmospheric electrical and meteorological parameters with a time resolution of 0.5-1 min are presented. The experiment was conducted in a building of IMCES SB RAS (Tomsk). 15 experiments of 60 minutes each were conducted, and four volunteers of all ages in a state of rest were examined. Meteorological parameters (atmospheric pressure, relative air humidity and temperatureas well as a wind speed) were measured using standard meteorological devices located on the roof of the same building and also on the open area. Data on geomagnetic activity on the nearest magnetic station Klyichi were obtained from the site http://ottawa.intermagnet.org/apps/download/index-eng.php # view. The electric field intensity was recorded the following way: in the room (5-storey panel ferroconcrete building) by the autonomous fluxmeter CS110 at a distance of 1.5 meters from the investigated volunteers, and on the open test - area by the stationary electric fluxmeter "Field 2". Data analysis techniques were: cross-correlation analysis, spectral analysis (Fourier transform and the calculation of the coherence function) and wavelet analysis. It was found that the dependence of the heart rate variation dynamics from the X-component of the Earth magnetic field magnitude was observed in 53% of cases, from the relative humidity - in 33%, from the atmospheric pressure, the wind speed and intensity of the electric field in an open area - in 20%, from the intensity the electric field in the room of the experiment - in 7% of cases. It was found not only coincidence of observed values of oscillation periods in physiological and geophysical series lasting 5-30 minutes, but also moments of approximate synchronicity in their appearance and disappearance. The highest degree of synchronization of HR with the variations of the geomagnetic field (in all four conducted experiments in this day) was observed in the most geomagnetically quiet day - 04.10.12 (Ap = 1), while the lowest one - in the day of the geomagnetic disturbances - 01.10.12 (Ap = 32). The characteristics of the electric field variations in the time-frequency domain in the experiments conducted indoors and outdoors differ fundamentally.

Study of the thermoelectric properties of lead selenide doped with boron, gallium, indium, or thallium.

PubMed

Zhang, Qian; Cao, Feng; Lukas, Kevin; Liu, Weishu; Esfarjani, Keivan; Opeil, Cyril; Broido, David; Parker, David; Singh, David J; Chen, Gang; Ren, Zhifeng

2012-10-24

Group IIIA elements (B, Ga, In, and Tl) have been doped into PbSe for enhancement of thermoelectric properties. The electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity were systematically studied. Room-temperature Hall measurements showed an effective increase in the electron concentration upon both Ga and In doping and the hole concentration upon Tl doping to ~7 × 10(19) cm(-3). No resonant doping phenomenon was observed when PbSe was doped with B, Ga, or In. The highest room-temperature power factor ~2.5 × 10(-3) W m(-1) K(-2) was obtained for PbSe doped with 2 atom % B. However, the power factor in B-doped samples decreased with increasing temperature, opposite to the trend for the other dopants. A figure of merit (ZT) of ~1.2 at ~873 K was achieved in PbSe doped with 0.5 atom % Ga or In. With Tl doping, modification of the band structure around the Fermi level helped to increase the Seebeck coefficient, and the lattice thermal conductivity decreased, probably as a result of effective phonon scattering by both the heavy Tl(3+) ions and the increased grain boundary density after ball milling. The highest p-type ZT value was ~1.0 at ~723 K.

High thermoelectric power factor in two-dimensional crystals of Mo S2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hippalgaonkar, Kedar; Wang, Ying; Ye, Yu; Qiu, Diana Y.; Zhu, Hanyu; Wang, Yuan; Moore, Joel; Louie, Steven G.; Zhang, Xiang

2017-03-01

The quest for high-efficiency heat-to-electricity conversion has been one of the major driving forces toward renewable energy production for the future. Efficient thermoelectric devices require high voltage generation from a temperature gradient and a large electrical conductivity while maintaining a low thermal conductivity. For a given thermal conductivity and temperature, the thermoelectric power factor is determined by the electronic structure of the material. Low dimensionality (1D and 2D) opens new routes to a high power factor due to the unique density of states (DOS) of confined electrons and holes. The 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) semiconductors represent a new class of thermoelectric materials not only due to such confinement effects but especially due to their large effective masses and valley degeneracies. Here, we report a power factor of Mo S2 as large as 8.5 mW m-1K-2 at room temperature, which is among the highest measured in traditional, gapped thermoelectric materials. To obtain these high power factors, we perform thermoelectric measurements on few-layer Mo S2 in the metallic regime, which allows us to access the 2D DOS near the conduction band edge and exploit the effect of 2D confinement on electron scattering rates, resulting in a large Seebeck coefficient. The demonstrated high, electronically modulated power factor in 2D TMDCs holds promise for efficient thermoelectric energy conversion.

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

Tooker, Angela C.; Felix, Sarah H.; Pannu, Satinderpall S.

A neural interface includes a first dielectric material having at least one first opening for a first electrical conducting material, a first electrical conducting material in the first opening, and at least one first interconnection trace electrical conducting material connected to the first electrical conducting material. A stiffening shank material is located adjacent the first dielectric material, the first electrical conducting material, and the first interconnection trace electrical conducting material.

Optimization of neural network for ionic conductivity of nanocomposite solid polymer electrolyte system (PEO-LiPF 6-EC-CNT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johan, Mohd Rafie; Ibrahim, Suriani

2012-01-01

In this study, the ionic conductivity of a nanocomposite polymer electrolyte system (PEO-LiPF 6-EC-CNT), which has been produced using solution cast technique, is obtained using artificial neural networks approach. Several results have been recorded from experiments in preparation for the training and testing of the network. In the experiments, polyethylene oxide (PEO), lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF 6), ethylene carbonate (EC) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are mixed at various ratios to obtain the highest ionic conductivity. The effects of chemical composition and temperature on the ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolyte system are investigated. Electrical tests reveal that the ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolyte system varies with different chemical compositions and temperatures. In neural networks training, different chemical compositions and temperatures are used as inputs and the ionic conductivities of the resultant polymer electrolytes are used as outputs. The experimental data is used to check the system's accuracy following the training process. The neural network is found to be successful for the prediction of ionic conductivity of nanocomposite polymer electrolyte system.

The special features of the crystal structure and properties of oxides with mixed conductivity based on lanthanum gallate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Politova, E. D.; Ivanov, S. A.; Kaleva, G. M.; Mosunov, A. V.; Rusakov, V. S.

2008-10-01

The paper presents a review of works on the synthesis, structural composition effects, phase transitions, and electrical conductivity properties of multicomponent solid solutions based on heterosubstituted lanthanum gallate (La,A)(Ga,M)O3 - y . High-temperature phase transitions and structural and charge ordering effects were studied. The presence of iron cations in different valence states was proved; the relative contents of these cations depended on the x parameter and nonstoichiometry parameter y of the base composition. For M = Fe, antiferromagnetic ordering was observed; its temperature interval was determined by the concentration of iron cations in the high-spin state. The total conductivity was found to increase as the concentration of transition metal cations grew because of an increase in the electronic conductivity component. The data on structural parameters and dc and ac conductivity substantiated the conclusion that the highest ionic conductivity and permeability to oxygen were characteristic of iron-containing oxides. The results obtained are evidence that crystal chemical factors play a determining role in the formation of the ion-conducting properties of anion-deficient perovskite-like oxides.

Origin and enhancement of spin polarized current in diluted magnetic oxides by oxygen vacancies

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

Chou, Hsiung, E-mail: hchou@mail.nsysu.edu.tw; Yang, Kung-Shang; Tsao, Yao-Chung

Spin polarized current (SPC) is a crucial characteristic of diluted magnetic oxides due to the potential application of oxides in spintronic devices. However, most research has been focused on ferromagnetic properties rather than polarization of electric current, because direct measurements are difficult and the origin of SPC has yet to be fully understood. The method to increase the SPC percentage is beyond practical consideration at present. To address this problem, we focus on the role of oxygen vacancies (V{sub O}) on SPC, which are controlled by growing the Co-doped ZnO thin-films at room temperature in a reducing atmosphere [Ar + (1%–30%)H{sub 2}].more » We found that the conductivity increases with an increase of V{sub O} via two independent channels: the variable range hopping (VRH) within localized states and the itinerant transport in the conduction band. The point contact Andreev reflection measurements at 4.2 K, where the electric conduction is governed only by the VRH mechanism, prove that the current flowing in the VRH hopping channel is SPC. The percentage of SPC increases with the introduction of V{sub O} and increase in its concentration. The transport measurement shows that by manipulating V{sub O}, one can control the percentage of VRH hopping conduction such that it can even dominate room temperature conduction. The highest achieved SPC ratio at room temperature was 80%.« less

Apparatus for detecting alpha radiation in difficult access areas

DOEpatents

Steadman, Peter; MacArthur, Duncan W.

1997-09-02

An electrostatic alpha radiation detector for measuring alpha radiation emitted from inside an enclosure comprising an electrically conductive expandable electrode for insertion into the enclosure. After insertion, the electrically conductive expandable electrode is insulated from the enclosure and defines a decay cavity between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure so that air ions generated in the decay cavity are electrostatically captured by the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure when an electric potential is applied between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure. Indicator means are attached to the electrically conductive expandable electrode for indicating an electrical current produced by generation of the air ions generated in the decay cavity by collisions between air molecules and the alpha particles emitted from the enclosure. A voltage source is connected between the indicator means and the electrically conductive enclosure for creating an electric field between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure.

Enhancing the performance of green solid-state electric double-layer capacitor incorporated with fumed silica nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Mee Yoke; Numan, Arshid; Liew, Chiam-Wen; Ng, H. M.; Ramesh, K.; Ramesh, S.

2018-06-01

Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) based on fumed silica nanoparticles as nanofillers, hydroxylethyl cellulose (HEC) as host polymer, magnesium trifluoromethanesulfonate salt and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ionic liquid is prepared by solution casting technique. The ionic conductivity, interactions of adsorbed ions on the host polymer, structural crystallinity and thermal stability are evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. Ionic conductivity studies at room temperature reveals that the SPE with 2 wt. % of fumed silica nanoparticles gives the highest conductivity compared to its counterpart. The XRD and FTIR studies confirm the dissolution of salt, ionic liquid and successful incorporation of fumed silica nanoparticles with host polymer. In order to examine the performance of SPEs, electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) are fabricated by using activated carbon electrodes. EDLC studies demonstrate that SPE incorporated with 2 wt. % fumed silica nanoparticles gives high specific capacitance (25.0 F/g) at a scan rate of 5 mV/s compared to SPE without fumed silica. Additionally, it is able to withstand 71.3% of capacitance from its initial capacitance value over 1600 cycles at a current density of 0.4 A/g.

Exploratory studies on some electrochemical cell systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaudhuri, Srikumar; Guha, D.

Exploratory studies were conducted on cell systems with different metal anodes, and iodine and sulphur mixed with graphite powder in a polymer matrix as cathodes, using different electrolytes in non-aqueous and aqueous media as ionic charge carriers. The electrical conductance of the electrolyte solutions in aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, the open circuit voltage (OCV) and short circuit current (SCC) for the different cell systems were measured. To date, the non-aqueous solvents used in our studies were dimethylformamide, formamide, dioxan, and nitrobenzene, and the electrolytes used were potassium iodide, caustic potash, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and calcium chloride. These electrolytes were used in both non-aqueous and aqueous media. In general, aqueous electrolyte solutions gave a better performance than non-aqueous electrolyte solutions. Of the aqueous electrolytes, the highest conductance was shown by potassium chloride solution in water (conductance=0.0334 mho). However, the best OCV and SCC were shown by aluminium as anode and iodine as cathode with a saturated solution of caustic potash in water. The OCV was 1.85 V and the SCC was 290 mA cm -2. The highest conductance among the non-aqueous systems was shown by caustic potash in formamide. (Conductance=0.013 mho.) The best OCV and SCC, however, were shown by a zinc anode and iodine cathode with saturated potassium chloride in formamide, having an OCV of 1.55 V and an SCC of 150 mA cm -2. Further studies are in progress to obtain detailed performance data and recharging characteristics of some of the more promising systems reported here.

Low resistance thin film organic solar cell electrodes

DOEpatents

Forrest, Stephen [Princeton, NJ; Xue, Jiangeng [Piscataway, NJ

2008-01-01

A method which lower the series resistance of photosensitive devices includes providing a transparent film of a first electrically conductive material arranged on a transparent substrate; depositing and patterning a mask over the first electrically conductive material, such that openings in the mask have sloping sides which narrow approaching the substrate; depositing a second electrically conductive material directly onto the first electrically conductive material exposed in the openings of the mask, at least partially filling the openings; stripping the mask, leaving behind reentrant structures of the second electrically conductive material which were formed by the deposits in the openings of the mask; after stripping the mask, depositing a first organic material onto the first electrically conductive material in between the reentrant structures; and directionally depositing a third electrically conductive material over the first organic material deposited in between the reentrant structures, edges of the reentrant structures aligning deposition so that the third electrically conductive material does not directly contact the first electrically conductive material, and does not directly contact the second electrically conductive material.

High-performance thermoelectricity in edge-over-edge zinc-porphyrin molecular wires.

PubMed

Noori, Mohammed; Sadeghi, Hatef; Lambert, Colin J

2017-04-20

If high efficiency organic thermoelectric materials could be identified, then these would open the way to a range of energy harvesting technologies and Peltier coolers using flexible and transparent thin-film materials. We have compared the thermoelectric properties of three zinc porphyrin (ZnP) dimers and a ZnP monomer and found that the "edge-over-edge" dimer formed from stacked ZnP rings possesses a high electrical conductance, negligible phonon thermal conductance and a high Seebeck coefficient of the order of 300 μV K -1 . These combine to yield a predicted room-temperature figure of merit of ZT ≈ 4, which is the highest room-temperature ZT ever reported for a single organic molecule. This high value of ZT is a consequence of the low phonon thermal conductance arising from the stacked nature of the porphyrin rings, which hinders phonon transport through the edge-over-edge molecule and enhances the Seebeck coefficient.

Optimal design of high temperature metalized thin-film polymer capacitors: A combined numerical and experimental method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhuo; Li, Qi; Trinh, Wei; Lu, Qianli; Cho, Heejin; Wang, Qing; Chen, Lei

2017-07-01

The objective of this paper is to design and optimize the high temperature metalized thin-film polymer capacitor by a combined computational and experimental method. A finite-element based thermal model is developed to incorporate Joule heating and anisotropic heat conduction arising from anisotropic geometric structures of the capacitor. The anisotropic thermal conductivity and temperature dependent electrical conductivity required by the thermal model are measured from the experiments. The polymer represented by thermally crosslinking benzocyclobutene (BCB) in the presence of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) is selected for high temperature capacitor design based on the results of highest internal temperature (HIT) and the time to achieve thermal equilibrium. The c-BCB/BNNS-based capacitor aiming at the operating temperature of 250 °C is geometrically optimized with respect to its shape and volume. "Safe line" plot is also presented to reveal the influence of the cooling strength on capacitor geometry design.

Improved electrical conductivity of poly(ethylene oxide) nanofibers using multi-walled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J. Y.; Kang, T.-H.; Choi, J. H.; Choi, I.-S.; Yu, W.-R.

2018-03-01

Highly conductive nanofibers with 1570 S/m were obtained from an electrospun solution of polymer containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Homogeneous dispersion of high concentrations of MWCNTs was achieved by attaching poly(styrenesulfonic acid graft aniline) (PSS-g-ANI), an amphiphilic surfactant, to the MWCNT surface. The hydrophilic sulfonic acid group facilitated the dissolution of PSS-g-ANI-grafted MWCNTs in a polyethylene oxide (PEO) solution up to 6.7 wt% MWCNT. To our knowledge, this is the highest level of MWCNT doping attained in a solution designed for electrospinning. With the incorporation of PSS-g-ANI, the concentration of MWCNTs embedded in the electrospun nanofibers increased. More importantly, the alignment of MWCNTs along the nanofiber axis increased significantly, as confirmed by observed birefringence under crossed polarizers. The combination of higher doping levels and better alignment afforded highly conductive nanofibers suitable for electronic nanodevices.

Effect of selenium deficiency on the thermoelectric properties of n -type In 4 Se 3 - x compounds

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

Zhu, G. H.; Lan, Y. C.; Wang, H.

2011-03-01

Thermoelectric properties of dense bulk polycrystalline In 4 Se 3 - x ( x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.65, and 0.8) compounds are investigated. A peak dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit ( ZT ) of about 1 is achieved for x = 0.65 and 0.8. The peak ZT is about 50% higher than the previously reported highest value for polycrystalline In 4 Se 3 - x compounds. Our In 4 Se 3 - x samples were prepared by ball milling and hot pressing. We show that it is possible to effectively control the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity by controllingmore » selenium (Se) deficiency x . The ZT enhancement is mainly attributed to the thermal conductivity reduction due to the increased phonon scattering by Se deficiency, defects, and nanoscale inclusions in the ball-milled and hot-pressed dense bulk In 4 Se 3 - x samples.« less

Effect of selenium deficiency on the thermoelectric properties of n-type In 4Se 3-x compounds

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

Zhu, G H; Lan, Y C; Wang, H

2011-03-04

Thermoelectric properties of dense bulk polycrystalline In 4Se 3-x (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.65, and 0.8) compounds are investigated. A peak dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of about 1 is achieved for x = 0.65 and 0.8. The peak ZT is about 50% higher than the previously reported highest value for polycrystalline In 4Se 3-x} compounds. Our In 4Se 3-x samples were prepared by ball milling and hot pressing. We show that it is possible to effectively control the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity by controlling selenium (Se) deficiency x. The ZT enhancement is mainly attributed to themore » thermal conductivity reduction due to the increased phonon scattering by Se deficiency, defects, and nanoscale inclusions in the ball-milled and hot-pressed dense bulk In 4Se 3-x samples.« less

Flexible neural interfaces with integrated stiffening shank

DOEpatents

Tooker, Angela C.; Felix, Sarah H.; Pannu, Satinderpall S.; Shah, Kedar G.; Sheth, Heeral; Tolosa, Vanessa

2016-07-26

A neural interface includes a first dielectric material having at least one first opening for a first electrical conducting material, a first electrical conducting material in the first opening, and at least one first interconnection trace electrical conducting material connected to the first electrical conducting material. A stiffening shank material is located adjacent the first dielectric material, the first electrical conducting material, and the first interconnection trace electrical conducting material.

High slot utilization systems for electric machines

DOEpatents

Hsu, John S

2009-06-23

Two new High Slot Utilization (HSU) Systems for electric machines enable the use of form wound coils that have the highest fill factor and the best use of magnetic materials. The epoxy/resin/curing treatment ensures the mechanical strength of the assembly of teeth, core, and coils. In addition, the first HSU system allows the coil layers to be moved inside the slots for the assembly purpose. The second system uses the slided-in teeth instead of the plugged-in teeth. The power density of the electric machine that uses either system can reach its highest limit.

Modelling and assessment of the electric field strength caused by mobile phone to the human head.

PubMed

Buckus, Raimondas; Strukcinskiene, Birute; Raistenskis, Juozas; Stukas, Rimantas

2016-06-01

Electromagnetic field exposure is the one of the most important physical agents that actively affects live organisms and environment. Active use of mobile phones influences the increase of electromagnetic field radiation. The aim of the study was to measure and assess the electric field strength caused by mobile phones to the human head. In this paper the software "COMSOL Multiphysics" was used to establish the electric field strength created by mobile phones around the head. The second generation (2G) Global System for Mobile (GSM) phones that operate in the frequency band of 900 MHz and reach the power of 2 W have a stronger electric field than (2G) GSM mobile phones that operate in the higher frequency band of 1,800 MHz and reach the power up to 1 W during conversation. The third generation of (3G) UMTS smart phones that effectively use high (2,100 MHz) radio frequency band emit the smallest electric field strength values during conversation. The highest electric field strength created by mobile phones is around the ear, i.e. the mobile phone location. The strength of mobile phone electric field on the phantom head decreases exponentially while moving sidewards from the center of the effect zone (the ear), and constitutes 1-12% of the artificial head's surface. The highest electric field strength values of mobile phones are associated with their higher power, bigger specific energy absorption rate (SAR) and lower frequency of mobile phone. The stronger electric field emitted by the more powerful mobile phones takes a higher percentage of the head surface. The highest electric field strength created by mobile phones is distributed over the user's ear.

High-Power Hall Thruster Technology Evaluated for Primary Propulsion Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manzella, David H.; Jankovsky, Robert S.; Hofer, Richard R.

2003-01-01

High-power electric propulsion systems have been shown to be enabling for a number of NASA concepts, including piloted missions to Mars and Earth-orbiting solar electric power generation for terrestrial use (refs. 1 and 2). These types of missions require moderate transfer times and sizable thrust levels, resulting in an optimized propulsion system with greater specific impulse than conventional chemical systems and greater thrust than ion thruster systems. Hall thruster technology will offer a favorable combination of performance, reliability, and lifetime for such applications if input power can be scaled by more than an order of magnitude from the kilowatt level of the current state-of-the-art systems. As a result, the NASA Glenn Research Center conducted strategic technology research and development into high-power Hall thruster technology. During program year 2002, an in-house fabricated thruster, designated the NASA-457M, was experimentally evaluated at input powers up to 72 kW. These tests demonstrated the efficacy of scaling Hall thrusters to high power suitable for a range of future missions. Thrust up to nearly 3 N was measured. Discharge specific impulses ranged from 1750 to 3250 sec, with discharge efficiencies between 46 and 65 percent. This thruster is the highest power, highest thrust Hall thruster ever tested.

Oahu wind power survey, first report

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

Ramage, C.S.; Daniels, P.A.; Schroeder, T.A.

1977-05-01

A wind power survey has been conducted on Oahu since summer 1975. At seventeen potentially windy sites, calibrated anemometers and wind vanes were installed and recordings made on computer-processable magnetic tape cassettes. From monthly mean wind speeds--normalized by comparing with Honolulu Airport means winds--it was concluded that about 23 mi/hr represented the highest average annual wind speed likely to be attained on Oahu and that the Koko Head and Kahuku areas gave the most promise for wind energy generation. Diurnal variation of the wind in these areas roughly parallels diurnal variation of electric power demand.

Apparatus for detecting alpha radiation in difficult access areas

DOEpatents

Steadman, P.; MacArthur, D.W.

1997-09-02

An electrostatic alpha radiation detector for measuring alpha radiation emitted from inside an enclosure comprising an electrically conductive expandable electrode for insertion into the enclosure is disclosed. After insertion, the electrically conductive expandable electrode is insulated from the enclosure and defines a decay cavity between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure so that air ions generated in the decay cavity are electrostatically captured by the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure when an electric potential is applied between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure. Indicator means are attached to the electrically conductive expandable electrode for indicating an electrical current produced by generation of the air ions generated in the decay cavity by collisions between air molecules and the alpha particles emitted from the enclosure. A voltage source is connected between the indicator means and the electrically conductive enclosure for creating an electric field between the electrically conductive expandable electrode and the enclosure. 4 figs.

Effect of methyl red dye on dielectric and conductivity properties of PEO/CdCl{sub 2} electrolytes

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

Kamath, Archana; Devendrappa, H., E-mail: dehu2010@gmail.com

2016-05-06

In this report the conductivity and dielectric properties of polyethylene oxide-cadmium chloride (PEO/CdCl{sub 2}) polymer electrolyte films doped with an azo dye methyl red (MR) are discussed. The films were prepared by solution casting technique at different concentrations of the dye in PEO/CdCl{sub 2} electrolyte. The thermal behavior, chemical interaction of the dye with the electrolyte and surface morphology were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. The conductivity and dielectric properties were measured as a function of composition and temperature using complex impedance spectroscopy. The temperature dependent electrical conductivitymore » of the films exhibited Arrhenius type behavior. Conductivity and dielectric results also signify the enhancement in the amorphous phase of the polymer electrolyte dye systems. The value of highest conductivity observed is 1.21x10{sup −4} at 343K and the conductivity of the film was enhanced by a three orders of magnitude.« less

Hydroxyl radical production in plasma electrolysis with KOH electrolyte solution

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

Saksono, Nelson; Febiyanti, Irine Ayu, E-mail: irine.ayu41@ui.ac.id; Utami, Nissa

2015-12-29

Plasma electrolysis is an effective technology for producing hydroxyl radical (•OH). This method can be used for waste degradation process. This study was conducted to obtain the influence of applied voltage, electrolyte concentration, and anode depth in the plasma electrolysis system for producing hydroxyl radical. The materials of anode and cathode, respectively, were made from tungsten and stainless steel. KOH solution was used as the solution. Determination of hydroxyl radical production was done by measuring H{sub 2}O{sub 2} amount formed in plasma system using an iodometric titration method, while the electrical energy consumed was obtained by measuring the electrical currentmore » throughout the process. The highest hydroxyl radical production was 3.51 mmol reached with 237 kJ energy consumption in the power supply voltage 600 V, 0.02 M KOH, and 0.5 cm depth of anode.« less

Drilling of Hybrid Titanium Composite Laminate (HTCL) with Electrical Discharge Machining.

PubMed

Ramulu, M; Spaulding, Mathew

2016-09-01

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the application of die sinker electrical discharge machining (EDM) as it applies to a hybrid titanium thermoplastic composite laminate material. Holes were drilled using a die sinker EDM. The effects of peak current, pulse time, and percent on-time on machinability of hybrid titanium composite material were evaluated in terms of material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate, and cut quality. Experimental models relating each process response to the input parameters were developed and optimum operating conditions with a short cutting time, achieving the highest workpiece MRR, with very little tool wear were determined to occur at a peak current value of 8.60 A, a percent on-time of 36.12%, and a pulse time of 258 microseconds. After observing data acquired from experimentation, it was determined that while use of EDM is possible, for desirable quality it is not fast enough for industrial application.

Drilling of Hybrid Titanium Composite Laminate (HTCL) with Electrical Discharge Machining

PubMed Central

Ramulu, M.; Spaulding, Mathew

2016-01-01

An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the application of die sinker electrical discharge machining (EDM) as it applies to a hybrid titanium thermoplastic composite laminate material. Holes were drilled using a die sinker EDM. The effects of peak current, pulse time, and percent on-time on machinability of hybrid titanium composite material were evaluated in terms of material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate, and cut quality. Experimental models relating each process response to the input parameters were developed and optimum operating conditions with a short cutting time, achieving the highest workpiece MRR, with very little tool wear were determined to occur at a peak current value of 8.60 A, a percent on-time of 36.12%, and a pulse time of 258 microseconds. After observing data acquired from experimentation, it was determined that while use of EDM is possible, for desirable quality it is not fast enough for industrial application. PMID:28773866

Electrical relaxation, optical and magnetic studies of nanocrystalline lithium ferrite synthesized by different chemical routes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheruku, Rajesh; Govindaraj, G.; Vijayan, Lakshmi

2017-12-01

The nanocrystalline lithium ferrite was synthesized by wet chemical methods such as solution combustion technique, sol-gel, and hydrothermal for a comparative study. Different characterization techniques like x-ray powder diffraction and thermal analysis were employed to confirm the structure and phase. Temperature-dependent Raman analysis was employed to classify the phonon modes associated with precise atomic motions existing in the synthesized materials. Morphology of sample surface was explored by scanning electron microscopy, and elemental analysis was done by energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. The nanocrystalline nature of the materials was confirmed through transmission electron microscopy. Magnetic properties of these samples were explored through a vibrating sample magnetometer. Ac electrical impedance spectroscopy data were investigated using two Cole-Cole functions, and activation energies were calculated for all materials. Among them, solution combustion prepared lithium ferrite shows the highest conductivity and lowest activation energy.

Dielectrophoresis of Cells

PubMed Central

Pohl, Herbert A.; Crane, Joe S.

1971-01-01

Dielectrophoresis, the motion produced by the action of nonuniform electric field upon a neutral object, is shown to be a simple and useful technique for the study of cellular organisms. In the present study of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) using a simple pin-pin electrode system of platinum and high-frequency alternating fields, one observes that the collectability of cells at the electrode tip, i.e. at the region of highest field strength, depends upon physical parameters such as field strength, field uniformity, frequency, cell concentration, suspension conductivity, and time of collection. The yield of cells collected is also observed to depend upon biological factors such as colony age, thermal treatment of the cells, and chemical poisons, but not upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. Several interesting side effect phenomena coincident with nonuniform electric field conditions were observed, including stirring (related to “jet” effects at localized electrode sites), discontinuous repulsions, and cellular rotation which was found to be frequency dependent. ImagesFIGURE 2 PMID:5132497

Tunable electrical conductivity in oriented thin films of tetrathiafulvalene-based covalent organic framework

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

Cai, SL; Zhang, YB; Pun, AB

2014-09-16

Despite the high charge-carrier mobility in covalent organic frameworks (COFs), the low intrinsic conductivity and poor solution processability still impose a great challenge for their applications in flexible electronics. We report the growth of oriented thin films of a tetrathiafulvalene-based COF (TTF-COF) and its tunable doping. The porous structure of the crystalline TTF-COF thin film allows the diffusion of dopants such as I-2 and tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) for redox reactions, while the closely packed 2D grid sheets facilitate the cross-layer delocalization of thus-formed TTF radical cations to generate more conductive mixed-valence TTF species, as is verified by UV-vis-NIR and electron paramagneticmore » resonance spectra. Conductivity as high as 0.28 S m(-1) is observed for the doped COF thin films, which is three orders of magnitude higher than that of the pristine film and is among the highest for COF materials.« less

Study of the electrical and thermal performances of photovoltaic thermal collector-compound parabolic concentrated

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaaz, Ahed Hameed; Sopian, Kamaruzzaman; Gaaz, Tayser Sumer

2018-06-01

The importance of utilizing the solar energy as a very suitable source among multi-source approaches to replace the conventional energy is on the rise in the last four decades. The invention of the photovoltaic module (PV) could be the corner stone in this process. However, the limited amount of energy obtained from PV was and still the main challenge of full utilization of the solar energy. In this paper, the use of the compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) along with the thermal photovoltaic module (PVT) where the cooling process of the CPC is conducted using a novel technique of water jet impingement has applied experimentally and physically tested. The test includes the effect of water jet impingement on the total power, electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency, and total efficiency on CPC-PVT system. The cooling process at the maximum irradiation by water jet impingement resulted in improving the electrical efficiency by 7%, total output power by 31% and the thermal efficiency by 81%. These results outperform the recent highest results recorded by the most recent work.

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

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

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

2016-02-08

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

Electrical burns in Chinese fishermen using graphite rods under high-voltage cables.

PubMed

Wang, Fei; Chen, Xu-Lin; Wang, Yong-Jie; Chen, Xia-Ying; Guo, Feng; Sun, Ye-Xiang

2007-01-01

The 42 patients admitted to our Burn Center from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2005, with electrical and fire burn injuries caused by electricity-conducting graphite-carbon fishing rods touching overhead high voltage electrical lines were epidemiologically studied retrospectively. All patients were men, with a mean age of 40.33 years. The majority of patients (59.5%) were burned with less than 10%, mostly deep burns. The hand was the predominant electricity "entry" point and foot was the most frequent "exit" point. Admissions increased from 5 in 6 years, 1994 to 2000, to 15 in 3 years, 2000 through 2002, to 22 cases in 3 years, 2003 through 2005. Spring and fall, and months May and October were times of highest incidence. The treatment was complex, difficult, long, and costly. Thirty-eight patients (90.4%) required operations, including early excision and graft (34 patients), and amputation (14 patients). Two patients had an inhalation injury that necessitated a tracheostomy and four victims had additional skin and soft-tissue injury. Thirty-two patients had a record of unconsciousness immediately after the electrical injury and atrial premature beats were a frequently found arrhythmia. A significant (P <.01) increase in serum creatine kinase MB fraction was found in 11 patients. The mean time in hospital of the survivors was 28.97 days. Acute renal failure was the commonest complication and one patient died of sepsis with giving a mortality rate of 2.4%. Caution and preventive measures are warranted while fishing near electrical wires, and improvements in electrical burn treatment are needed.

High conductance surge cable

DOEpatents

Murray, M.M.; Wilfong, D.H.; Lomax, R.E.

1998-12-08

An electrical cable for connecting transient voltage surge suppressors to electrical power panels. A strip of electrically conductive foil defines a longitudinal axis, with a length of an electrical conductor electrically attached to the metallic foil along the longitudinal axis. The strip of electrically conductive foil and the length of an electrical conductor are covered by an insulating material. For impedance matching purposes, triangular sections can be removed from the ends of the electrically conductive foil at the time of installation. 6 figs.

Method of Fault Detection and Rerouting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gibson, Tracy L. (Inventor); Medelius, Pedro J. (Inventor); Lewis, Mark E. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

A system and method for detecting damage in an electrical wire, including delivering at least one test electrical signal to an outer electrically conductive material in a continuous or non-continuous layer covering an electrically insulative material layer that covers an electrically conductive wire core. Detecting the test electrical signals in the outer conductive material layer to obtain data that is processed to identify damage in the outer electrically conductive material layer.

Electrically conductive proppant and methods for detecting, locating and characterizing the electrically conductive proppant

DOEpatents

Cannan, Chad; Bartel, Lewis; Palisch, Terrence; Aldridge, David

2015-01-13

Electrically conductive proppants and methods for detecting, locating, and characterizing same are provided. The electrically conductive proppant can include a substantially uniform coating of an electrically conductive material having a thickness of at least 500 nm. The method can include injecting a hydraulic fluid into a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to open a fracture therein, injecting into the fracture a fluid containing the electrically conductive proppant, electrically energizing the earth at or near the fracture, and measuring three dimensional (x, y, and z) components of electric and magnetic field responses at a surface of the earth or in an adjacent wellbore.

Bisphenol A Exposure and Cardiac Electrical Conduction in Excised Rat Hearts

PubMed Central

Jaimes, Rafael; Asfour, Huda; Swift, Luther M.; Wengrowski, Anastasia M.; Sarvazyan, Narine; Kay, Matthew W.

2014-01-01

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to produce polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins that are widely used in everyday products, such as food and beverage containers, toys, and medical devices. Human biomonitoring studies have suggested that a large proportion of the population may be exposed to BPA. Recent epidemiological studies have reported correlations between increased urinary BPA concentrations and cardiovascular disease, yet the direct effects of BPA on the heart are unknown. Objectives: The goal of our study was to measure the effect of BPA (0.1–100 μM) on cardiac impulse propagation ex vivo using excised whole hearts from adult female rats. Methods: We measured atrial and ventricular activation times during sinus and paced rhythms using epicardial electrodes and optical mapping of transmembrane potential in excised rat hearts exposed to BPA via perfusate media. Atrioventricular activation intervals and epicardial conduction velocities were computed using recorded activation times. Results: Cardiac BPA exposure resulted in prolonged PR segment and decreased epicardial conduction velocity (0.1–100 μM BPA), prolonged action potential duration (1–100 μM BPA), and delayed atrioventricular conduction (10–100 μM BPA). These effects were observed after acute exposure (≤ 15 min), underscoring the potential detrimental effects of continuous BPA exposure. The highest BPA concentration used (100 μM) resulted in prolonged QRS intervals and dropped ventricular beats, and eventually resulted in complete heart block. Conclusions: Our results show that acute BPA exposure slowed electrical conduction in excised hearts from female rats. These findings emphasize the importance of examining BPA’s effect on heart electrophysiology and determining whether chronic in vivo exposure can cause or exacerbate conduction abnormalities in patients with preexisting heart conditions and in other high-risk populations. Citation: Posnack NG, Jaimes R III, Asfour H, Swift LM, Wengrowski AM, Sarvazyan N, Kay MW. 2014. Bisphenol A exposure and cardiac electrical conduction in excised rat hearts. Environ Health Perspect 122:384–390; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1206157 PMID:24487307

Electric-field control of conductance in metal quantum point contacts by electric-double-layer gating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shibata, K.; Yoshida, K.; Daiguji, K.; Sato, H.; , T., Ii; Hirakawa, K.

2017-10-01

An electric-field control of quantized conductance in metal (gold) quantum point contacts (QPCs) is demonstrated by adopting a liquid-gated electric-double-layer (EDL) transistor geometry. Atomic-scale gold QPCs were fabricated by applying the feedback-controlled electrical break junction method to the gold nanojunction. The electric conductance in gold QPCs shows quantized conductance plateaus and step-wise increase/decrease by the conductance quantum, G0 = 2e2/h, as EDL-gate voltage is swept, demonstrating a modulation of the conductance of gold QPCs by EDL gating. The electric-field control of conductance in metal QPCs may open a way for their application to local charge sensing at room temperature.

Towards a predictive route for selection of doping elements for the thermoelectric compound PbTe from first-principles

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

Joseph, Elad; Amouyal, Yaron, E-mail: amouyal@technion.ac.il

2015-05-07

Striving for improvements of the thermoelectric (TE) properties of the technologically important lead telluride (PbTe) compound, we investigate the influence of different doping elements on the thermal conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and electrical conductivity applying density functional theory calculations. Our approach combines total-energy calculations yielding lattice vibrational properties with the Boltzmann transport theory to obtain electronic transport properties. We find that doping with elements from the 1st and 3rd columns of the periodic table reduces the sound velocity and, consequently, the lattice thermal conductivity, while 2nd column dopants have no such influence. Furthermore, 1.6 at. % doping with 4th and 5th columnmore » elements provides the highest reduction of lattice thermal conductivity. Out of this group, Hf doping results in maximum reduction of the sound velocity from 2030 m s{sup −1} for pure PbTe to 1370 m s{sup −1}, which is equivalent to ca. 32% reduction of lattice thermal conductivity. The highest power factor values calculated for 1.6 at. % doping range between 40 and 56 μW cm{sup −1} K{sup −2}, and are obtained for substitution with dopants having the same valence as Pb or Te, such as those located at the 2nd, 14th, and 16th columns of the periodic table. We demonstrate how this method may be generalized for dopant-selection-oriented materials design aimed at improving TE performance of other compounds.« less

Electrical conductivity modeling in fractal non-saturated porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, W.; Cai, J.; Hu, X.; Han, Q.

2016-12-01

The variety of electrical conductivity in non-saturated conditions is important to study electric conduction in natural sedimentary rocks. The electrical conductivity in completely saturated porous media is a porosity-function representing the complex connected behavior of single conducting phases (pore fluid). For partially saturated conditions, the electrical conductivity becomes even more complicated since the connectedness of pore. Archie's second law is an empirical electrical conductivity-porosity and -saturation model that has been used to predict the formation factor of non-saturated porous rock. However, the physical interpretation of its parameters, e.g., the cementation exponent m and the saturation exponent n, remains questionable. On basis of our previous work, we combine the pore-solid fractal (PSF) model to build an electrical conductivity model in non-saturated porous media. Our theoretical porosity- and saturation-dependent models contain endmember properties, such as fluid electrical conductivities, pore fractal dimension and tortuosity fractal dimension (representing the complex degree of electrical flowing path). We find the presented model with non-saturation-dependent electrical conductivity datasets indicate excellent match between theory and experiments. This means the value of pore fractal dimension and tortuosity fractal dimension change from medium to medium and depends not only on geometrical properties of pore structure but also characteristics of electrical current flowing in the non-saturated porous media.

Thermoelectric Properties and Morphology of Si/SiC Thin-Film Multilayers Grown by Ion Beam Sputtering

DOE PAGES

Cramer, Corson; Farnell, Casey; Farnell, Cody; ...

2018-03-19

Multilayers (MLs) of 31 bi-layers and a 10-nm layer thickness each of Si/SiC were deposited on silicon, quartz and mullite substrates using a high-speed, ion-beam sputter deposition process. The samples deposited on the silicon substrates were used for imaging purposes and structural verification as they did not allow for accurate electrical measurement of the material. The Seebeck coefficient and the electrical resistivity on the mullite and the quartz substrates were reported as a function of temperature and used to compare the film performance. The thermal conductivity measurement was performed for ML samples grown on Si, and an average value ofmore » the thermal conductivity was used to find the figure of merit, zT, for all samples tested. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra showed an amorphous nature of the thin films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the film morphology and verify the nature of the crystallinity. The mobility of the multilayer films was measured to be only 0.039 to 1.0 cm 2/Vs at room temperature. The samples were tested three times in the temperature range of 300 K to 900 K to document the changes in the films with temperature cycling. The highest Seebeck coefficient is measured for a Si/SiC multilayer system on quartz and mullite substrates and were observed at 870 K to be roughly -2600 μV/K due to a strain-induced redistribution of the states’ effect. The highest figure of merit, zT, calculated for the multilayers in this study was 0.08 at 870 K.« less

Thermoelectric Properties and Morphology of Si/SiC Thin-Film Multilayers Grown by Ion Beam Sputtering

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

Cramer, Corson; Farnell, Casey; Farnell, Cody

Multilayers (MLs) of 31 bi-layers and a 10-nm layer thickness each of Si/SiC were deposited on silicon, quartz and mullite substrates using a high-speed, ion-beam sputter deposition process. The samples deposited on the silicon substrates were used for imaging purposes and structural verification as they did not allow for accurate electrical measurement of the material. The Seebeck coefficient and the electrical resistivity on the mullite and the quartz substrates were reported as a function of temperature and used to compare the film performance. The thermal conductivity measurement was performed for ML samples grown on Si, and an average value ofmore » the thermal conductivity was used to find the figure of merit, zT, for all samples tested. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra showed an amorphous nature of the thin films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the film morphology and verify the nature of the crystallinity. The mobility of the multilayer films was measured to be only 0.039 to 1.0 cm 2/Vs at room temperature. The samples were tested three times in the temperature range of 300 K to 900 K to document the changes in the films with temperature cycling. The highest Seebeck coefficient is measured for a Si/SiC multilayer system on quartz and mullite substrates and were observed at 870 K to be roughly -2600 μV/K due to a strain-induced redistribution of the states’ effect. The highest figure of merit, zT, calculated for the multilayers in this study was 0.08 at 870 K.« less

High-quality multilayer graphene on an insulator formed by diffusion controlled Ni-induced layer exchange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murata, H.; Saitoh, N.; Yoshizawa, N.; Suemasu, T.; Toko, K.

2017-12-01

The Ni-induced layer-exchange growth of amorphous carbon is a unique method used to fabricate uniform multilayer graphene (MLG) directly on an insulator. To improve the crystal quality of MLG, we prepare AlOx or SiO2 interlayers between amorphous C and Ni layers, which control the extent of diffusion of C atoms into the Ni layer. The growth morphology and Raman spectra observed from MLG formed by layer exchange strongly depend on the material type and thickness of the interlayers; a 1-nm-thick AlOx interlayer is found to be ideal for use in experiments. Transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectra reveal that the crystal quality of the resulting MLG is much higher than that of a sample without an interlayer. The grain size reaches a few μm, leading to an electrical conductivity of 1290 S/cm. The grain size and the electrical conductivity are the highest among MLG synthesized using a solid-phase reaction including metal-induced crystallization. The direct synthesis of uniform, high-quality MLG on arbitrary substrates will pave the way for advanced electronic devices integrated with carbon materials.

Electrical Investigation of Nanostructured Fe2O3/p-Si Heterojunction Diode Fabricated Using the Sol-Gel Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansour, Shehab A.; Ibrahim, Mervat M.

2017-11-01

Iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) nanocrystals have been synthesized via the sol-gel technique. The structural and morphological features of these nanocrystals were studied using x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Colloidal solution of synthesized α-Fe2O3 (hematite) was spin-coated onto a single-crystal p-type silicon (p-Si) wafer to fabricate a heterojunction diode with Mansourconfiguration Ag/Fe2O3/p-Si/Al. This diode was electrically characterized at room temperature using current-voltage (I-V) characteristics in the voltage range from -9 V to +9 V. The fabricated diode showed a good rectification behavior with a rectification factor 1.115 × 102 at 6 V. The junction parameters such as ideality factor, barrier height, series resistance and shunt resistance are determined using conventional I-V characteristics. For low forward voltage, the conduction mechanism is dominated by the defect-assisted tunneling process with conventional electron-hole recombination. However, at higher voltage, I-V ohmic and space charge-limited current conduction was became less effective with the contribution of the trapped-charge-limited current at the highest voltage range.

Highly Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of Bi/Bi2S3 Nanocomposites.

PubMed

Ge, Zhen-Hua; Qin, Peng; He, DongSheng; Chong, Xiaoyu; Feng, Dan; Ji, Yi-Hong; Feng, Jing; He, Jiaqing

2017-02-08

Bismuth sulfide (Bi 2 S 3 ) has been of high interest for thermoelectric applications due to the high abundance of sulfur on Earth. However, the low electrical conductivity of pristine Bi 2 S 3 results in a low figure of merit (ZT). In this work, Bi 2 S 3 @Bi core-shell nanowires with different Bi shell thicknesses were prepared by a hydrothermal method. The core-shell nanowires were densified to Bi/Bi 2 S 3 nanocomposite by spark plasma sintering (SPS), and the structure of the nanowire was maintained as the nanocomposite due to rapid SPS processing and low sintering temperature. The thermoelectric properties of bulk samples were investigated. The electrical conductivity of a bulk sample after sintering at 673 K for 5 min using Bi 2 S 3 @Bi nanowire powders prepared by treating Bi 2 S 3 nanowires in a hydrazine solution for 3 h is 3 orders of magnitude greater than that of a pristine Bi 2 S 3 sample. The nanocomposite possessed the highest ZT value of 0.36 at 623 K. This represents a new strategy for densifying core-shell powders to enhance their thermoelectric properties.

Thermoelectric properties of Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 synthesized by solution combustion process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Kyeongsoon; Lee, Ga Won

2011-10-01

High-quality Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 nano-powders were synthesized by the solution combustion process. The size of the synthesized Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 powders was approximately 23 nm. The green pellets were sintered at 1150-1300°C at a step size of 50°C. Sintered Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 bodies crystallized in the perovskite structure with an orthorhombic symmetry. The sintering temperature did not affect the Seebeck coefficient, but significantly affected the electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 increased with increasing temperature, indicating a semiconducting behavior. The absolute value of the Seebeck coefficient gradually increased with an increase in temperature. The highest power factor (3.7 × 10-5 Wm-1 K-2 at 800°C) was obtained for Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 sintered at 1,250°C. In this study, we investigated the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3, depending on sintering temperature.

Thermoelectric properties of Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 synthesized by solution combustion process

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

High-quality Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 nano-powders were synthesized by the solution combustion process. The size of the synthesized Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 powders was approximately 23 nm. The green pellets were sintered at 1150-1300°C at a step size of 50°C. Sintered Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 bodies crystallized in the perovskite structure with an orthorhombic symmetry. The sintering temperature did not affect the Seebeck coefficient, but significantly affected the electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 increased with increasing temperature, indicating a semiconducting behavior. The absolute value of the Seebeck coefficient gradually increased with an increase in temperature. The highest power factor (3.7 × 10-5 Wm-1 K-2 at 800°C) was obtained for Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 sintered at 1,250°C. In this study, we investigated the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3, depending on sintering temperature. PMID:21974984

Thermoelectric properties of Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 synthesized by solution combustion process.

PubMed

Park, Kyeongsoon; Lee, Ga Won

2011-10-05

High-quality Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 nano-powders were synthesized by the solution combustion process. The size of the synthesized Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 powders was approximately 23 nm. The green pellets were sintered at 1150-1300°C at a step size of 50°C. Sintered Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 bodies crystallized in the perovskite structure with an orthorhombic symmetry. The sintering temperature did not affect the Seebeck coefficient, but significantly affected the electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 increased with increasing temperature, indicating a semiconducting behavior. The absolute value of the Seebeck coefficient gradually increased with an increase in temperature. The highest power factor (3.7 × 10-5 Wm-1 K-2 at 800°C) was obtained for Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3 sintered at 1,250°C. In this study, we investigated the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of Ca0.8Dy0.2MnO3, depending on sintering temperature.

Analytical solution of electromagnetic radiation by a vertical electric dipole inside the earth and the effect of atmospheric electrical conductivity inhomogeneity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosayebidorcheh, Taha; Hosseinibalam, Fahimeh; Hassanzadeh, Smaeyl

2017-11-01

In this paper, the effect of atmospheric electrical conductivity on the electromagnetic waves radiated by a vertical electric dipole located in the earth, near the surface of the earth, is investigated. As far as electrical conductivity is concerned, the atmosphere is divided into three areas, in which the electrical conductivity changes with altitude. The Maxwell equations in these areas are investigated as well. Using the differential transform method, the differential equation is solved in a way that atmospheric electrical conductivity is variable. Solving the problem in these areas indicates that electrical conductivity in the middle and lower areas of atmosphere may be ignored. However, in the upper areas of atmosphere, the magnitude of the magnetic field in the ionosphere at a frequency of 10 kHz at night is five times smaller when electrical conductivity is considered compared to when it is neglected.

Isovalent substitutes play in different ways: Effects of isovalent substitution on the thermoelectric properties of CoSi0.98B0.02

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

Sun, Hui; Lu, Xu; Morelli, Donald T.

Boron-added CoSi, CoSi 0.98B 0.02, possesses a very high thermoelectric power factor of 60 μW cm -1 K -2 at room temperature, which is among the highest power factors that have ever been reported for near-room-temperature thermoelectric applications. Since the electrical properties of this material have been tuned properly, isovalent substitution for its host atoms are intentionally employed to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity while maintaining the electronic properties unchanged. In our previous work, the effect of Rh substitution for Co atoms on the thermoelectric properties of CoSi 0.98B 0.02 has been studied. Here we present a study of themore » substitution of Ge for Si atoms in this compound. Even though Ge and Rh are isovalent with their corresponding host atoms, they play different roles in determining the electrical and thermal transport properties. Through the evaluation of the lattice thermal conductivity by the Debye approximation and the comparison between the high-temperature Seebeck coefficients, we propose that Rh substitution leads to a further overlapping of the conduction and the valence bands while Ge substitution only shifts the Fermi level upward into the conduction band. Lastly, our results show that the influence of isovalent substitution on the electronic structure cannot be ignored when the alloying method is used to improve thermoelectric properties.« less

Isovalent substitutes play in different ways: Effects of isovalent substitution on the thermoelectric properties of CoSi{sub 0.98}B{sub 0.02}

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

Sun, Hui, E-mail: huisun3@iflytek.com; Lu, Xu; Morelli, Donald T.

Boron-added CoSi, CoSi{sub 0.98}B{sub 0.02}, possesses a very high thermoelectric power factor of 60 μW cm{sup −1} K{sup −2} at room temperature, which is among the highest power factors that have ever been reported for near-room-temperature thermoelectric applications. Since the electrical properties of this material have been tuned properly, isovalent substitution for its host atoms is intentionally employed to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity while maintaining the electronic properties unchanged. In our previous work, the effect of Rh substitution for Co atoms on the thermoelectric properties of CoSi{sub 0.98}B{sub 0.02} has been studied. Here, we present a study of the substitutionmore » of Ge for Si atoms in this compound. Even though Ge and Rh are isovalent with their corresponding host atoms, they play different roles in determining the electrical and thermal transport properties. Through the evaluation of the lattice thermal conductivity by the Debye approximation and the comparison between the high-temperature Seebeck coefficients, we propose that Rh substitution leads to a further overlapping of the conduction and the valence bands, while Ge substitution only shifts the Fermi level upward into the conduction band. Our results show that the influence of isovalent substitution on the electronic structure cannot be ignored when the alloying method is used to improve thermoelectric properties.« less

Isovalent substitutes play in different ways: Effects of isovalent substitution on the thermoelectric properties of CoSi0.98B0.02

DOE PAGES

Sun, Hui; Lu, Xu; Morelli, Donald T.

2016-07-21

Boron-added CoSi, CoSi 0.98B 0.02, possesses a very high thermoelectric power factor of 60 μW cm -1 K -2 at room temperature, which is among the highest power factors that have ever been reported for near-room-temperature thermoelectric applications. Since the electrical properties of this material have been tuned properly, isovalent substitution for its host atoms are intentionally employed to reduce the lattice thermal conductivity while maintaining the electronic properties unchanged. In our previous work, the effect of Rh substitution for Co atoms on the thermoelectric properties of CoSi 0.98B 0.02 has been studied. Here we present a study of themore » substitution of Ge for Si atoms in this compound. Even though Ge and Rh are isovalent with their corresponding host atoms, they play different roles in determining the electrical and thermal transport properties. Through the evaluation of the lattice thermal conductivity by the Debye approximation and the comparison between the high-temperature Seebeck coefficients, we propose that Rh substitution leads to a further overlapping of the conduction and the valence bands while Ge substitution only shifts the Fermi level upward into the conduction band. Lastly, our results show that the influence of isovalent substitution on the electronic structure cannot be ignored when the alloying method is used to improve thermoelectric properties.« less

Semiconducting large bandgap oxides as potential thermoelectric materials for high-temperature power generation?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Backhaus-Ricoult, M.; Rustad, J.; Moore, L.; Smith, C.; Brown, J.

2014-08-01

Semiconducting large bandgap oxides are considered as interesting candidates for high-temperature thermoelectric power generation (700-1,200 °C) due to their stability, lack of toxicity and low cost, but so far they have not reached sufficient performance for extended application. In this review, we summarize recent progress on thermoelectric oxides, analyze concepts for tuning semiconductor thermoelectric properties with view of their applicability to oxides and determine key drivers and limitations for electrical and thermal transport properties in oxides based on our own experimental work and literature results. For our experimental assessment, we have selected representative multicomponent oxides that range from materials with highly symmetric crystal structure (SrTiO3 perovskite) over oxides with large densities of planar crystallographic defects (Ti n O2 n-1 Magnéli phases with a single type of shear plane, NbO x block structures with intersecting shear planes and WO3- x with more defective block and channel structures) to layered superstructures (Ca3Co4O9 and double perovskites) and also include a wide range of their composites with a variety of second phases. Crystallographic or microstructural features of these oxides are in 0.3-2 nm size range, so that oxide phonons can efficiently interact with them. We explore in our experiments the effects of doping, grain size, crystallographic defects, superstructures, second phases, texturing and (to a limited extend) processing on electric conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity and figure of merit. Jonker and lattice-versus-electrical conductivity plots are used to compare specific materials and material families and extract levers for future improvement of oxide thermoelectrics. We show in our work that oxygen vacancy doping (reduction) is a more powerful driver for improving the power factor for SrTiO3, TiO2 and NbO x than heterovalent doping. Based on our Seebeck-conductivity plots, we derived a set of highest achievable power factors. We met these best values in our own experiments for our titanium oxide- and niobium oxide-based materials. For strontium titanate-based materials, the estimated highest power factor was not reached; further material improvement is possible and can be reached for materials with higher carrier densities. Our results show that periodic crystallographic defects and superstructures are most efficient in reducing the lattice thermal conductivity in oxides, followed by hetero- and homovalent doping. Due to the small phonon mean free path in oxides, grain boundary scattering in nanoceramics or materials with nanodispersions is much less efficient. We investigated the impact of texturing in Ca3Co4O9 ceramics on thermoelectric performance; we did not find any improvement in the overall in-plane performance of a textured ceramic compared to the corresponding random ceramic.

Conductive fabric seal

DOEpatents

Livesay, Ronald Jason; Mason, Brandon William; Kuhn, Michael Joseph; Rowe, Nathan Carl

2017-04-04

Disclosed are several examples of a system and method for detecting if an article is being tampered with. Included is a covering made of a substrate that is coated with a layer of an electrically conductive material that forms an electrically conductive surface having an electrical resistance. The covering is configured to at least partially encapsulate the article such that the article cannot be tampered with, without modifying the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive surface of the covering. A sensing device is affixed to the electrically conductive surface of the covering and the sensing device monitors the condition of the covering by producing a signal that is indicative of the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive surface of the covering. A measured electrical resistance that differs from a nominal electrical resistance is indicative of a covering that is being tampered with and an alert is communicated to an observer.

Conductive fabric seal

DOEpatents

Livesay, Ronald Jason; Mason, Brandon William; Kuhn, Michael Joseph; Rowe, Nathan Carl

2015-10-13

Disclosed are several examples of a system and method for detecting if an article is being tampered with. Included is a covering made of a substrate that is coated with a layer of an electrically conductive material that forms an electrically conductive surface having an electrical resistance. The covering is configured to at least partially encapsulate the article such that the article cannot be tampered with, without modifying the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive surface of the covering. A sensing device is affixed to the electrically conductive surface of the covering and the sensing device monitors the condition of the covering by producing a signal that is indicative of the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive surface of the covering. A measured electrical resistance that differs from a nominal electrical resistance is indicative of a covering that is being tampered with and an alert is communicated to an observer.

An analysis of electrical conductivity model in saturated porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, J.; Wei, W.; Qin, X.; Hu, X.

2017-12-01

Electrical conductivity of saturated porous media has numerous applications in many fields. In recent years, the number of theoretical methods to model electrical conductivity of complex porous media has dramatically increased. Nevertheless, the process of modeling the spatial conductivity distributed function continues to present challenges when these models used in reservoirs, particularly in porous media with strongly heterogeneous pore-space distributions. Many experiments show a more complex distribution of electrical conductivity data than the predictions derived from the experiential model. Studies have observed anomalously-high electrical conductivity of some low-porosity (tight) formations compared to more- porous reservoir rocks, which indicates current flow in porous media is complex and difficult to predict. Moreover, the change of electrical conductivity depends not only on the pore volume fraction but also on several geometric properties of the more extensive pore network, including pore interconnection and tortuosity. In our understanding of electrical conductivity models in porous media, we study the applicability of several well-known methods/theories to electrical characteristics of porous rocks as a function of pore volume, tortuosity and interconnection, to estimate electrical conductivity based on the micro-geometrical properties of rocks. We analyze the state of the art of scientific knowledge and practice for modeling porous structural systems, with the purpose of identifying current limitations and defining a blueprint for future modeling advances. We compare conceptual descriptions of electrical current flow processes in pore space considering several distinct modeling approaches. Approaches to obtaining more reasonable electrical conductivity models are discussed. Experiments suggest more complex relationships between electrical conductivity and porosity than experiential models, particularly in low-porosity formations. However, the available theoretical models combined with simulations do provide insight to how microscale physics affects macroscale electrical conductivity in porous media.

Morphological and electrical properties of epoxy-based composites reinforced with exfoliated graphite

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

Lamberti, Patrizia; Spinelli, Giovanni, E-mail: gspinelli@unisa.it; Tucci, Vincenzo

An experimental study has been carried out to prepare and characterize epoxy/amine-based composites filled with different percentages of partially exfoliated graphite (i.e. pEG) particles having an exfoliation degree of 56% in order to analyze the effect of the filler amounts on the electrical properties of the resulting nanocomposites. Moreover, in order to fully investigate the direct relationship between the physical properties of the employed filler and the results of the electrical characterization, a structural and morphological characterization of the pEG samples is carried out by means of various type of analysis such as X-ray diffraction patterns, micro-Raman and Scanning Electronmore » Microscopy (SEM) images. The DC electrical characterization reveals a percolation thresholds (EPT) that falls in the range [2–3] wt% and an electrical conductivity of about 0.66 S/m at the highest filler loading (6.5 wt%). From the analysis of the percolative curve it is possible to derive the percolation law parameters and in particular the critical exponent t, whose value (i.e. 1.2) reflects an effective 2D organization of the percolating structure consistent with the type of filler used (2-dimensional). Finally, an extensive analysis concerning the electrical properties in the frequency domain has been carried out in order to evaluate the effectiveness of pEG-loaded composites in terms of electromagnetic interference compatibility (EMC) and their applicability as radar absorbers materials (RAMs).« less

High conductance surge cable

DOEpatents

Murray, Matthew M.; Wilfong, Dennis H.; Lomax, Ralph E.

1998-01-01

An electrical cable for connecting transient voltage surge suppressers to ectrical power panels. A strip of electrically conductive foil defines a longitudinal axis, with a length of an electrical conductor electrically attached to the metallic foil along the longitudinal axis. The strip of electrically conductive foil and the length of an electrical conductor are covered by an insulating material. For impedance matching purposes, triangular sections can be removed from the ends of the electrically conductive foil at the time of installation.

Apparatus for Use in Determining Surface Conductivity at Microwave Frequencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hearn, Chase P. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

An apparatus is provided for use in determining surface conductivity of a flat or shaped conductive material at microwave frequencies. A plate has an electrically conductive surface with first and second holes passing through the plate. An electrically conductive material under test (MUT) is maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the electrically conductive surface of the plate by one or more nonconductive spacers. A first coupling loop is electrically shielded within the first hole while a second coupling loop is electrically shielded within the second hole. A dielectric resonator element is positioned between the first and second coupling loops, while also being positioned closer to the MUT than the electrically conductive surface of the plate. Microwave energy at an operating frequency f is supplied from a signal source to the first coupling loop while microwave energy received at the second coupling loop is measured. The apparatus is capable of measuring the Q-factor of the dielectric resonator situated in the 'cavity' existing between the electrically conductive surface of the plate and the MUT. Surface conductivity of the electrically conductive surface can be determined via interpolation using: 1 ) the measured Q-factor with the electrically conductive surface in place, and 2) the measured Q-factor when the MUT is replaced with reference standards having known surface conductivities.

High-concentration boron doping of graphene nanoplatelets by simple thermal annealing and their supercapacitive properties.

PubMed

Yeom, Da-Young; Jeon, Woojin; Tu, Nguyen Dien Kha; Yeo, So Young; Lee, Sang-Soo; Sung, Bong June; Chang, Hyejung; Lim, Jung Ah; Kim, Heesuk

2015-05-05

For the utilization of graphene in various energy storage and conversion applications, it must be synthesized in bulk with reliable and controllable electrical properties. Although nitrogen-doped graphene shows a high doping efficiency, its electrical properties can be easily affected by oxygen and water impurities from the environment. We here report that boron-doped graphene nanoplatelets with desirable electrical properties can be prepared by the simultaneous reduction and boron-doping of graphene oxide (GO) at a high annealing temperature. B-doped graphene nanoplatelets prepared at 1000 °C show a maximum boron concentration of 6.04 ± 1.44 at %, which is the highest value among B-doped graphenes prepared using various methods. With well-mixed GO and g-B2O3 as the dopant, highly uniform doping is achieved for potentially gram-scale production. In addition, as a proof-of-concept, highly B-doped graphene nanoplatelets were used as an electrode of an electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and showed an excellent specific capacitance value of 448 F/g in an aqueous electrolyte without additional conductive additives. We believe that B-doped graphene nanoplatelets can also be used in other applications such as electrocatalyst and nano-electronics because of their reliable and controllable electrical properties regardless of the outer environment.

High-concentration boron doping of graphene nanoplatelets by simple thermal annealing and their supercapacitive properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeom, Da-Young; Jeon, Woojin; Tu, Nguyen Dien Kha; Yeo, So Young; Lee, Sang-Soo; Sung, Bong June; Chang, Hyejung; Lim, Jung Ah; Kim, Heesuk

2015-05-01

For the utilization of graphene in various energy storage and conversion applications, it must be synthesized in bulk with reliable and controllable electrical properties. Although nitrogen-doped graphene shows a high doping efficiency, its electrical properties can be easily affected by oxygen and water impurities from the environment. We here report that boron-doped graphene nanoplatelets with desirable electrical properties can be prepared by the simultaneous reduction and boron-doping of graphene oxide (GO) at a high annealing temperature. B-doped graphene nanoplatelets prepared at 1000 °C show a maximum boron concentration of 6.04 ± 1.44 at %, which is the highest value among B-doped graphenes prepared using various methods. With well-mixed GO and g-B2O3 as the dopant, highly uniform doping is achieved for potentially gram-scale production. In addition, as a proof-of-concept, highly B-doped graphene nanoplatelets were used as an electrode of an electrochemical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and showed an excellent specific capacitance value of 448 F/g in an aqueous electrolyte without additional conductive additives. We believe that B-doped graphene nanoplatelets can also be used in other applications such as electrocatalyst and nano-electronics because of their reliable and controllable electrical properties regardless of the outer environment.

Electrocardiogram of Clinically Healthy Mithun (Bos frontalis): Variation among Strains

PubMed Central

Sanyal, Sagar; Das, Pradip Kumar; Ghosh, Probal Ranjan; Das, Kinsuk; Vupru, Kezha V.; Rajkhowa, Chandan; Mondal, Mohan

2010-01-01

A study was conducted to establish the normal electrocardiogram in four different genetic strains of mithun (Bos frontalis). Electrocardiography, cardiac electrical axis, heart rate, rectal temperature and respiration rate were recorded in a total of 32 adult male mithun of four strains (n = 8 each). It was found that the respiration and heart rates were higher (P < .05) in Manipur than other three strains. Amplitude (P < .05) and duration of P wave and QRS complex differed (P < .01) among the strains. Mizoram strain had the highest amplitude and duration of P wave and QRS complex. On the other hand, higher (P < .05) amplitude and duration of T wave were recorded in Arunachalee and Mizoram strains. The mean electrical axis of QRS complex that were recorded for Arunachalee and Manipur strains were similar to that reported for other bovine species; whereas the electrical axis of QRS for Nagamese and Mizoram strains were more close to feline and caprine species, respectively. In conclusion, electrocardiogram of mithun revealed that the amplitude and duration of P wave, QRS complex and T wave were different among four different genetic strains of mithun and the electrical axis of QRS complex for Nagamese and Mizoram mithuns are dissimilar to bovine species. PMID:20886013

Exposure to electric power generator noise among small scale business operators in selected communities in Ibadan, Nigeria.

PubMed

Ana, Godson R E E; Luqman, Yesufu A; Shendell, Derek G; Owoaje, Eme T

2014-11-01

Inadequate and erratic power supplies mean small businesses use electric generators for alternative power. The authors' goal in the study described here was to assess noise from electric generators and impacts in the commercial areas of Agbowo and Ajibode in Ibadan, Nigeria. Noise levels (A-weighted decibels [dBA]) were measured over 12 weeks, three times a day, during the 2010 dry season using a sound level meter. A questionnaire was administered (515 respondents; 304 in Agbowo, 211 in Ajibode) and audiometric measurements were conducted on 40% of respondents. Mean noise levels varied by source (104 ± 7.7 dBA [diesel], 94.0 ± 6.3 dBA [petrol]) and were highest midday (90.6 ± 5.3 dBA [Agbowo], 70.9 ± 6.2 dBA [Ajibode]). Mean noise levels in Agbowo (78.5 ± 3.9 dBA) and Ajibode (65.7 ± 4.4 dBA) exceeded World Health Organization guidelines (65 dBA) for outdoor commercial environments. Working and living in Agbowo was significantly associated with current evidence of hearing impairment (odds ratio: 6.8, 95% confidence interval: 3.4-13.7). Reducing exposure to noise from electric power generators serving urban small businesses and homes is warranted.

Synthesis and extreme rate capability of Si-Al-C-N functionalized carbon nanotube spray-on coatings as Li-ion battery electrode.

PubMed

David, Lamuel; Asok, Deepu; Singh, Gurpreet

2014-09-24

Silicon-based precursor derived glass-ceramics or PDCs have proven to be an attractive alternative anode material for Li ion batteries. Main challenges associated with PDC anodes are their low electrical conductivity, first cycle loss, and meager C-rate performance. Here, we show that thermal conversion of single source aluminum-modified polysilazane on the surfaces of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) results in a robust Si-Al-C-N/CNT shell/core composite that offers extreme C-rate capability as battery electrode. Addition of Al to the molecular network of Si-C-N improved electrical conductivity of Si-C-N by 4 orders of magnitude, while interfacing with CNTs showed 7-fold enhancement. Further, we present a convenient spray-coating technique for PDC composite electrode preparation that eliminates polymeric binder and conductive agent there-by reducing processing steps and eradicating foreign material in the electrode. The Si-Al-C-N/CNT electrode showed stable charge capacity of 577 mAh g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1) and a remarkable 400 mAh g(-1) at 10,000 mA g(-1), which is the highest reported value for a silazane derived glass-ceramic or nanocomposite electrode. Under symmetric cycling conditions, a high charge capacity of ∼350 mA g(-1) at 1600 mA g(-1) was continuously observed for over 1000 cycles.

Conductive network formation of carbon nanotubes in elastic polymer microfibers and its effect on the electrical conductance: Experiment and simulation

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

Cho, Hyun Woo; Kim, Jeongmin; Sung, Bong June, E-mail: jjpark@chonnam.ac.kr, E-mail: bjsung@sogang.ac.kr

We investigate how the electrical conductance of microfibers (made of polymers and conductive nanofillers) decreases upon uniaxial deformation by performing both experiments and simulations. Even though various elastic conductors have been developed due to promising applications for deformable electronic devices, the mechanism at a molecular level for electrical conductance change has remained elusive. Previous studies proposed that the decrease in electrical conductance would result from changes in either distances or contact numbers between conductive fillers. In this work, we prepare microfibers of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)/polyvinyl alcohol composites and investigate the electrical conductance and the orientation of SWCNTs uponmore » uniaxial deformation. We also perform extensive Monte Carlo simulations, which reproduce experimental results for the relative decrease in conductance and the SWCNTs orientation. We investigate the electrical networks of SWCNTs in microfibers and find that the decrease in the electrical conductance upon uniaxial deformation should be attributed to a subtle change in the topological structure of the electrical network.« less

Structural, electrical and optical properties of Al-Sn codoped ZnO transparent conducting layer deposited by spray pyrolysis technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bedia, A.; Bedia, F. Z.; Aillerie, M.; Maloufi, N.

2017-11-01

Low cost Al-Sn codoped ZnO (ATZO) Transparent Conductive Oxide films were deposited by spray pyrolysis on glass substrate. The influence of Al-Sn codoping on the structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO thin films was studied by comparing the same properties obtained in undoped ZnO, Al doped ZnO (AZO) and Sn doped ZnO (TZO) thin films. The so-obtained films crystallized in hexagonal wurtzite structure. The morphology and structural defects have been investigated by both High resolution Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Raman spectroscopy at 532 nm excitation source. In the visible region, the undoped and doped films show an average transmittance of the order of 85%, while for ATZO thin film, it is of the order of 72%, which points out a degradation of the optical properties due to the co-doping. The optical band gap of ATZO thin film achieves 3.31eV and this shift, compared to the referred samples is attributed to the Burstein-Moss (BM) and band gap narrowing (BGN) opposite effects which is due to the increase of the carrier concentration in degenerate semiconductors. Within all the samples, the ATZO thin film exhibits the lowest electrical resistivity of 4.56 × 10-3 Ωcm with a Hall mobility equal to 2.13 cm2 V-1s-1, and the highest carrier concentration of 6.41 × 1020 cm-3. The performance of ATZO transparent conductive oxide film are determined by its figure of merit (φTC), found equal to 1.69 10-4 Ω-1, which is a suitable value for potentially high-performance solar cell applications.

Synthesis and characterization of delafossite thin films by reactive RF magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asmat Uceda, Martin Antonio

This work presents a comparative study on optical and electrical properties of CuAlO2 thin films on sapphire (0001) substrates deposited with two different growth conditions using reactive RF-magnetron sputtering technique from metallic Cu and Al targets. CuAlO2 is a very promising material for transparent electronic applications, it is intended that comparison of results obtained from both approaches, could lead to optimization and control of the physical properties of this material, namely its electrical conductivity and optical transmittance. All samples were heat treated at 1100°C using rapid thermal annealing with varying time and rate of cooling. The effect of sputtering conditions and different annealing time on phase formation and evolution is studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is found that for most of the samples CuAlO2 phase is formed after 60 min of annealing time, but secondary phases were also present that depend on the deposition conditions. However, pure CuAlO2 phase was obtained for annealed CuO on sapphire films with annealing time of 60 min. The optical properties obtained from UV-Visible spectroscopic measurement reveals indirect and direct optical band gaps for CuAlO2 films and were found to be 2.58 and 3.72 eV respectively. The films show a transmittance of about 60% in the visible range. Hall effect measurements indicate p-type conductivity. Van der Pauw technique was used to measure resistivity of the samples. The highest electrical conductivity and charge carrier concentration obtained were of 1.01x10-1S.cm -1 and 3.63 x1018 cm-3 respectively.

Tunable dielectric response and electronic conductivity of potassium-ion-doped tunnel-structured manganese oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Gaihua; Duan, Yuping; Song, Lulu; Zhang, Xuefeng

2018-06-01

Potassium-ion-doped MnO2 has been successfully synthesized using the hydrothermal method, and the influence of the doped potassium ions on the electrical conductivity and permittivity is studied. X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron-probe micro-analysis, and a vector network analyzer are used to perform characterization. The densities of states of doped and undoped MnO2 tunnel structures are also discussed based on first-principles calculations. Results show that the conductivity and dielectric resonance of MnO2 can be elevated by means of K+ doping. The conductivity of K+-doped MnO2 prepared at different reaction times shows a decreasing trend and is generally 1 order of magnitude higher than that of pure MnO2. The electrical conductivity of K+-doped MnO2 (R3) shows the highest value of 3.33 × 10-2 S/cm at the reaction time of 24 h, while that of pure MnO2 is 8.50 × 10-4 S/cm. When treated with acid, the conductivity of samples remains basically stable along with the increase of treatment time. In addition, acid treatment plays a very significant role in controlling the amount of K+ ions in crystals. The K+ contents of acid-treated samples are 5 times lower than that of the untreated R1. The dielectric losses of the samples with different reaction times are enhanced markedly with frequency increment. The complex permittivity of pure MnO2 only exhibits a resonance at ˜12 GHz, while K+-doped MnO2 exhibits another resonance behavior at ˜9 GHz. The capacity of the dielectric property in the net structure is enhanced by the interfacial polarization, dielectric relaxation, multiple internal reflections, and multiple scattering benefiting.

Bisphenol A exposure and cardiac electrical conduction in excised rat hearts.

PubMed

Posnack, Nikki Gillum; Jaimes, Rafael; Asfour, Huda; Swift, Luther M; Wengrowski, Anastasia M; Sarvazyan, Narine; Kay, Matthew W

2014-04-01

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to produce polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins that are widely used in everyday products, such as food and beverage containers, toys, and medical devices. Human biomonitoring studies have suggested that a large proportion of the population may be exposed to BPA. Recent epidemiological studies have reported correlations between increased urinary BPA concentrations and cardiovascular disease, yet the direct effects of BPA on the heart are unknown. The goal of our study was to measure the effect of BPA (0.1-100 μM) on cardiac impulse propagation ex vivo using excised whole hearts from adult female rats. We measured atrial and ventricular activation times during sinus and paced rhythms using epicardial electrodes and optical mapping of transmembrane potential in excised rat hearts exposed to BPA via perfusate media. Atrioventricular activation intervals and epicardial conduction velocities were computed using recorded activation times. Cardiac BPA exposure resulted in prolonged PR segment and decreased epicardial conduction velocity (0.1-100 μM BPA), prolonged action potential duration (1-100 μM BPA), and delayed atrioventricular conduction (10-100 μM BPA). These effects were observed after acute exposure (≤ 15 min), underscoring the potential detrimental effects of continuous BPA exposure. The highest BPA concentration used (100 μM) resulted in prolonged QRS intervals and dropped ventricular beats, and eventually resulted in complete heart block. Our results show that acute BPA exposure slowed electrical conduction in excised hearts from female rats. These findings emphasize the importance of examining BPA's effect on heart electrophysiology and determining whether chronic in vivo exposure can cause or exacerbate conduction abnormalities in patients with preexisting heart conditions and in other high-risk populations.

Power module assembly

DOEpatents

Campbell, Jeremy B [Torrance, CA; Newson, Steve [Redondo Beach, CA

2011-11-15

A power module assembly of the type suitable for deployment in a vehicular power inverter, wherein the power inverter has a grounded chassis, is provided. The power module assembly comprises a conductive base layer electrically coupled to the chassis, an insulating layer disposed on the conductive base layer, a first conductive node disposed on the insulating layer, a second conductive node disposed on the insulating layer, wherein the first and second conductive nodes are electrically isolated from each other. The power module assembly also comprises a first capacitor having a first electrode electrically connected to the conductive base layer, and a second electrode electrically connected to the first conductive node, and further comprises a second capacitor having a first electrode electrically connected to the conductive base layer, and a second electrode electrically connected to the second conductive node.

Use of Electrical and Electronic Instruments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mosbacher, C. J.; Thomas, E. J.

1977-01-01

Presents results of a trend survey of the present and planned use of electrical and electronic instruments. Microprocessors were found to have the highest predicted growth rate of all instruments included in the survey. (SL)

Engineering and Modeling Carbon Nanofiller-Based Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al Habis, Nuha Hamad

Conductive biopolymers are starting to emerge as potential scaffolds of the future. These scaffolds exhibit some unique properties such as inherent conductivity, mechanical and surface properties. Traditionally, a conjugated polymer is used to constitute a conductive network. An alternative method currently being used is nanofillers as additives in the polymer. In this dissertation, we fabricated an intelligent scaffold for use in tissue engineering applications. The main idea was to enhance the mechanical, electrical properties and cell growth of scaffolds by using distinct types of nanofillers such as graphene, carbon nanofiber and carbon black. We identified the optimal concentrations of nano-additive in both fibrous and film scaffolds to obtain the highest mechanical and electrical properties without neglecting any of them. Lastly, we investigated the performance of these scaffold with cell biology. To accomplish these tasks, we first studied the mechanical properties of the scaffold as a function of morphology, concentration and variety of carbon nanofillers. Results showed that there was a gradual increase of the modulus and the fracture strength while using carbon black, carbon nanofiber and graphene, due to the small and strong carbon-to-carbon bonds and the length of the interlayer spacing. Moreover, regardless of the fabrication method, there was an increase in mechanical properties as the concentration of nanofillers increased until a threshold of 7 wt% was reached for the nanofiller film scaffold and 1%wt for the fibrous scaffold. Experimental results of carbon black exhibited a good agreement when compared with data obtained using numerical approaches and analytical models, especially in the case of lower carbon black fractions. Second, we examined the influence of electrical properties of nanofillers based on the concentration and the geometry of carbon nanofillers in the polymer matrix using experimental and numerical simulation approaches. The experimental results showed an increase in conductivity as the amount of nanofiller concentration increased. And regardless of nanofiller type, the trend remained the same. The percolation threshold was around 4-5wt% of nano-additive with PCL and PAN matrices, respectively. However, at the same concentrations, conductivity was higher in graphene-based nanocomposites than for CNF and carbon black-based nanocomposites. The numerical modeling highlighted the effect of nanofillers as constructing a conductive network due to the aggregation phenomenon. The conductivity trend for carbon black and carbon nanofiber-based composites by the numerical simulation approach was similar to the experimental approach. Lastly, we studied the effect of these carbon nanocomposite-based scaffolds on the behavior of cell growth. The results showed that regardless of the scaffold shape (film or fiber) and the additive's type, when the concentration of nano-additives was increased, electrical conductivity and cell density increased also. For a given nano-additive concentration and type, cell density increased in the scaffolds with fiber shape vs. the film. Importantly, as the conductivity of the scaffolds increased, so did the cell density. Consequently, this study has highlighted the close relationship between electrical conductivity, cell density and scaffold orientation. An increase in conductivity can be achieved in two ways: by molecular orientation of the nanofillers or by the appropriate selection of nano-additives such as graphene and carbon nanofiber.

Electrically-conductive proppant and methods for making and using same

DOEpatents

Cannan, Chad; Roper, Todd; Savoy, Steve; Mitchell, Daniel R.

2016-09-06

Electrically-conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles and methods for producing such electrically-conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles from an alumina-containing raw material. Methods for using such electrically-conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles in hydraulic fracturing operations.

Studies on Synthesis, Microstructure and Transport Properties of Doped Cerium Oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handal, Hala Talaat Abd El-Samei

Acceptor-doped ceria exhibits mixed ionic electronic conduction in reducing conditions and chemical stability against sulfur poisoning and coking. This thesis's primary goal is to explore new anode materials based on ceria--solid solutions for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The physicochemical and electrochemical performance of Ce0.9-xY 0.1MnxO2-delta ( x = 0 to 15 mol%) (CYMO) and Ce0.87Y0.1Mn 0.01N0.02O2-delta (N = Mg or Ca) were studied. Among the materials investigated in this study, Ce0.89Y 0.1Mn0.01Mg0.02O2-delta (Mg-CYMO) showed the highest total conductivity of 0.2 S cm-1 at 700°C in H2. An area specific polarization resistance of 0.23 O cm2 was observed for both Mg-CYMO and Ce0.8Y 0.1Mn0.1O2-delta (10CYMO) at 800°C, in wet H2. Chronoamperometric measurement for the symmetrical cell configuration based on 10CYMO electrodes showed stable performance upon exposure to 10 ppm H2S/H2. In a full cell configuration, 10CYMO (anode)/YSZ (electrolyte)/La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM)-YSZ cathode, polarization resistance of 1.4 O cm2 and power density of 75 mW/cm2 were obtained at 800°C in wet H2. The main challenge of employing proton-conducting electrolytes in SOFC is their poor chemical stability in the presence of steam and hydrocarbon fuels. Another goal of this thesis is to develop a chemically stable proton-conducting electrolyte for SOFCs. The effects of Fe and Co substitution on the electrical and physicochemical properties of BaCe0.9Sm0.1O 3-delta (BCS) were evaluated. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that incorporation of 5 to 10 mol% Fe or Co in BCS did not improve the chemical stability in CO2 at elevated temperatures. The BCSC10 sample sintering at 1400°C showed the highest electrical conductivity of 0.02 S cm -1 at 600°C in air, but it did not show any appreciable proton mobility under humidified atmosphere.

Energy analyses and greenhouse gas emissions assessment for saffron production cycle.

PubMed

Bakhtiari, Amir Abbas; Hematian, Amir; Sharifi, Azin

2015-10-01

Population growth and world climate changes are putting high pressure on agri-food production systems. Exacerbating use of energy sources and expanding the environmental damaging symptoms are the results of these difficult situations. This study was conducted to determine the energy balance for saffron production cycle and investigate the corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Iran. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is one of the main spice that historically cultivated in Iran. Data were obtained from 127 randomly selected saffron growers using a face to face questionnaire technique. The results revealed that in 5 years of saffron production cycle, the overall input and output energy use were to be 163,912.09 and 184,868.28 MJ ha(-1), respectively. The highest-level of energy consumption belongs to seeds (23.7 %) followed by chemical fertilizers (23.4 %). Energy use efficiency, specific energy, net energy, and energy productivity of saffron production were 1.1, 13.4 MJ kg(-1), 20,956.2 MJ ha(-1), and 0.1 kg MJ(-1), respectively. The result shows that the cultivation of saffron emits 2325.5 kg CO2 eq. ha(-1) greenhouse gas, in which around 46.5 % belonged to electricity followed by chemical fertilizers. In addition the Cobb-Douglas production function was applied into EViews 7 software to define the functional relationship. The results of econometric model estimation showed that the impact of human labor, electricity, and water for irrigation on stigma, human labor, electricity, and seed on corm and also human labor and farmyard manure (FYM) on flower and leaf yield were found to be statistically significant. Sensitivity analysis results of the energy inputs demonstrated that the marginal physical productivity (MPP) worth of electricity energy was the highest for saffron stigma and corm, although saffron flower and leaf had more sensitivity on chemicals energy inputs. Moreover, MPP values of renewable and indirect energies were higher than non-renewable and direct energies, respectively.

Experimental Study on the Electrical Conductivity of Pyroxene Andesite at High Temperature and High Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hui, KeShi; Dai, LiDong; Li, HePing; Hu, HaiYing; Jiang, JianJun; Sun, WenQing; Zhang, Hui

2017-03-01

The electrical conductivity of pyroxene andesite was in situ measured under conditions of 1.0-2.0 GPa and 673-1073 K using a YJ-3000t multi-anvil press and Solartron-1260 Impedance/Gain-phase analyzer. Experimental results indicate that the electrical conductivities of pyroxene andesite increase with increasing temperature, and the electrical conductivities decrease with the rise of pressure, and the relationship between electrical conductivity ( σ) and temperature ( T) conforms to an Arrhenius relation within a given pressure and temperature range. When temperature rises up to 873-923 K, the electrical conductivities of pyroxene andesite abruptly increase, and the activation enthalpy increases at this range, which demonstrates that pyroxene andesite starts to dehydrate. By the virtue of the activation enthalpy (0.35-0.42 eV) and the activation volume (-6.75 ± 1.67 cm3/mole) which characterizes the electrical properties of sample after dehydration, we consider that the conduction mechanism is the small polaron conduction before and after dehydration, and that the rise of carrier concentration is the most important reason of increased electrical conductivity.

Electrically conductive cellulose composite

DOEpatents

Evans, Barbara R.; O'Neill, Hugh M.; Woodward, Jonathan

2010-05-04

An electrically conductive cellulose composite includes a cellulose matrix and an electrically conductive carbonaceous material incorporated into the cellulose matrix. The electrical conductivity of the cellulose composite is at least 10 .mu.S/cm at 25.degree. C. The composite can be made by incorporating the electrically conductive carbonaceous material into a culture medium with a cellulose-producing organism, such as Gluconoacetobacter hansenii. The composites can be used to form electrodes, such as for use in membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells.

Experimental analysis of electrical properties of composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiala, L.; Rovnaník, P.; Černý, R.

2017-02-01

Dry cement-based composites are electrically non-conductive materials that behave in electric field like dielectrics. However, a relatively low amount of electrically conductive admixture significantly increases the electrical conductivity which extends applicability of such materials in practice. Therefore, they can be used as self-monitoring sensors controlling development of cracks; as sensors monitoring moisture content or when treated by an external electrical voltage as heat sources used for deicing of material's surface layer. Alkali-activated aluminosilicates (AAA), as competing materials to cement-based materials, are intensively investigated in the present due to their superior durability and environmental impact. Whereas the electrical properties of AAA are similar to those cement-based, they can be enhanced in the same way. In both cases, it is crucial to find a reasonable amount of electrically conductive phase to design composites with a sufficient electrical conductivity at an affordable price. In this paper, electrical properties of composites based on AAA binder and electrically conductive admixture represented by carbon nanotubes (CNT) are investigated. Measurements of electrical properties are carried out by means of 2-probes DC technique on nine types of samples; reference sample without the conductive phase and samples with CNT admixture in amount of 0.1 % - 2.5 % by vol. A significant increase of the electrical conductivity starts from the amount of 0.5 % CNT admixture and in case of 2.5 % CNT is about three orders of magnitude higher compared to the reference sample.

Proximate composition of CELSS crops grown in NASA's Biomass Production Chamber.

PubMed

Wheeler, R M; Mackowiak, C L; Sager, J C; Knott, W M; Berry, W L

1996-01-01

Edible biomass from four crops of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), four crops of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), four crops of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), and three crops of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) grown in NASA's CELSS Biomass Production Chamber were analyzed for proximate composition. All plants were grown using recirculating nutrient (hydroponic) film culture with pH and electrical conductivity automatically controlled. Temperature and humidity were controlled to near optimal levels for each species and atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressures were maintained near 100 Pa during the light cycles. Soybean seed contained the highest percentage of protein and fat, potato tubers and wheat seed contained the highest levels of carbohydrate, and lettuce leaves contained the highest level of ash. Analyses showed values close to data published for field-grown plants with several exceptions: In comparison with field-grown plants, wheat seed had higher protein levels; soybean seed had higher ash and crude fiber levels; and potato tubers and lettuce leaves had higher protein and ash levels. The higher ash and protein levels may have been a result of the continuous supply of nutrients (e.g., potassium and nitrogen) to the plants by the recirculating hydroponic culture.

Proximate composition of CELSS crops grown in NASA's Biomass Production Chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wheeler, R. M.; Mackowiak, C. L.; Sager, J. C.; Knott, W. M.; Berry, W. L.

1996-01-01

Edible biomass from four crops of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), four crops of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), four crops of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), and three crops of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) grown in NASA's CELSS Biomass Production Chamber were analyzed for proximate composition. All plants were grown using recirculating nutrient (hydroponic) film culture with pH and electrical conductivity automatically controlled. Temperature and humidity were controlled to near optimal levels for each species and atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressures were maintained near 100 Pa during the light cycles. Soybean seed contained the highest percentage of protein and fat, potato tubers and wheat seed contained the highest levels of carbohydrate, and lettuce leaves contained the highest level of ash. Analyses showed values close to data published for field-grown plants with several exceptions: In comparison with field-grown plants, wheat seed had higher protein levels; soybean seed had higher ash and crude fiber levels; and potato tubers and lettuce leaves had higher protein and ash levels. The higher ash and protein levels may have been a result of the continuous supply of nutrients (e.g., potassium and nitrogen) to the plants by the recirculating hydroponic culture.

Proximate composition of CELSS crops grown in NASA's Biomass Production Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wheeler, R. M.; Mackowiak, C. L.; Sager, J. C.; Knott, W. M.; Berry, W. L.

Edible biomass from four crops of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), four crops of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), four crops of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), and three crops of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) grown in NASA's CELSS Biomass Production Chamber were analyzed for proximate composition. All plants were grown using recirculating nutrient (hydroponic) film culture with pH and electrical conductivity automatically controlled. Temperature and humidity were controlled to near optimal levels for each species and atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressures were maintained near 100 Pa during the light cycles. Soybean seed contained the highest percentage of protein and fat, potato tubers and wheat seed contained the highest levels of carbohydrate, and lettuce leaves contained the highest level of ash. Analyses showed values close to data published for field-grown plants with several exceptions: In comparison with field-grown plants, wheat seed had higher protein levels; soybean seed had higher ash and crude fiber levels; and potato tubers and lettuce leaves had higher protein and ash levels. The higher ash and protein levels may have been a result of the continuous supply of nutrients (e.g., potassium and nitrogen) to the plants by the recirculating hydroponic culture.

A highly stretchable, transparent, and conductive polymer.

PubMed

Wang, Yue; Zhu, Chenxin; Pfattner, Raphael; Yan, Hongping; Jin, Lihua; Chen, Shucheng; Molina-Lopez, Francisco; Lissel, Franziska; Liu, Jia; Rabiah, Noelle I; Chen, Zheng; Chung, Jong Won; Linder, Christian; Toney, Michael F; Murmann, Boris; Bao, Zhenan

2017-03-01

Previous breakthroughs in stretchable electronics stem from strain engineering and nanocomposite approaches. Routes toward intrinsically stretchable molecular materials remain scarce but, if successful, will enable simpler fabrication processes, such as direct printing and coating, mechanically robust devices, and more intimate contact with objects. We report a highly stretchable conducting polymer, realized with a range of enhancers that serve a dual function: (i) they change morphology and (ii) they act as conductivity-enhancing dopants in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The polymer films exhibit conductivities comparable to the best reported values for PEDOT:PSS, with over 3100 S/cm under 0% strain and over 4100 S/cm under 100% strain-among the highest for reported stretchable conductors. It is highly durable under cyclic loading, with the conductivity maintained at 3600 S/cm even after 1000 cycles to 100% strain. The conductivity remained above 100 S/cm under 600% strain, with a fracture strain of 800%, which is superior to even the best silver nanowire- or carbon nanotube-based stretchable conductor films. The combination of excellent electrical and mechanical properties allowed it to serve as interconnects for field-effect transistor arrays with a device density that is five times higher than typical lithographically patterned wavy interconnects.

Method of forming an electrically conductive cellulose composite

DOEpatents

Evans, Barbara R [Oak Ridge, TN; O'Neill, Hugh M [Knoxville, TN; Woodward, Jonathan [Ashtead, GB

2011-11-22

An electrically conductive cellulose composite includes a cellulose matrix and an electrically conductive carbonaceous material incorporated into the cellulose matrix. The electrical conductivity of the cellulose composite is at least 10 .mu.S/cm at 25.degree. C. The composite can be made by incorporating the electrically conductive carbonaceous material into a culture medium with a cellulose-producing organism, such as Gluconoacetobacter hansenii. The composites can be used to form electrodes, such as for use in membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells.

Critical V2O5/TeO2 Ratio Inducing Abrupt Property Changes in Vanadium Tellurite Glasses.

PubMed

Kjeldsen, Jonas; Rodrigues, Ana C M; Mossin, Susanne; Yue, Yuanzheng

2014-12-26

Transition metal containing glasses have unique electrical properties and are therefore often used for electrochemical applications, such as in batteries. Among oxide glasses, vanadium tellurite glasses exhibit the highest electronic conductivity and thus the high potential for applications. In this work, we investigate how the dynamic and physical properties vary with composition in the vanadium tellurite system. The results show that there exists a critical V(2)O(5) concentration of 45 mol %, above which the local structure is subjected to a drastic change with increasing V(2)O(5), leading to abrupt changes in both hardness and liquid fragility. Electronic conductivity does not follow the expected correlation to the valence state of the vanadium as predicted by the Mott-Austin equation but shows a linear correlation to the mean distance between vanadium ions. These findings could contribute to designing optimum vanadium tellurite compositions for electrochemical devices. The work gives insight into the mechanism of electron conduction in the vanadium tellurite systems.

The effect of different surfactants/plastisizers on the electrical behavior of CNT nano-modified cement mortars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalla, P. T.; Alafogianni, P.; Tragazikis, I. K.; Exarchos, D. A.; Dassios, K.; Barkoula, N.-M.; Matikas, T. E.

2015-03-01

Cement-based materials have in general low electrical conductivity. Electrical conductivity is the measure of the ability of the material to resist the passage of electrical current. The addition of a conductive admixture such as Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a cement-based material increases the conductivity of the structure. This research aims to characterize nano-modified cement mortars with MWCNT reinforcements. Such nano-composites would possess smartness and multi-functionality. Multifunctional properties include electrical, thermal and piezo-electric characteristics. One of these properties, the electrical conductivity, was measured using a custom made apparatus that allows application of known D.C. voltage on the nano-composite. In this study, the influence of different surfactants/plasticizers on CNT nano-modified cement mortar specimens with various concentrations of CNTs (0.2% wt. cement CNTs - 0.8% wt. cement CNTs) on the electrical conductivity is assessed.

Electromagnetic interference filter for automotive electrical systems

DOEpatents

Herron, Nicholas Hayden; Carlson, Douglas S; Tang, David; Korich, Mark D

2013-07-02

A filter for an automotive electrical system includes a substrate having first and second conductive members. First and second input terminals are mounted to the substrate. The first input terminal is electrically connected to the first conductive member, and the second input terminal is electrically connected to the second conductive member. A plurality of capacitors are mounted to the substrate. Each of the capacitors is electrically connected to at least one of the first and second conductive members. First and second power connectors are mounted to the substrate. The first power connector is electrically connected to the first conductive member, and the second power connector is electrically connected to the second conductive member. A common mode choke is coupled to the substrate and arranged such that the common mode choke extends around at least a portion of the substrate and the first and second conductive members.

Ultrahigh Oxidation Resistance and High Electrical Conductivity in Copper-Silver Powder.

PubMed

Li, Jiaxiang; Li, Yunping; Wang, Zhongchang; Bian, Huakang; Hou, Yuhang; Wang, Fenglin; Xu, Guofu; Liu, Bin; Liu, Yong

2016-12-22

The electrical conductivity of pure Cu powder is typically deteriorated at elevated temperatures due to the oxidation by forming non-conducting oxides on surface, while enhancing oxidation resistance via alloying is often accompanied by a drastic decline of electrical conductivity. Obtaining Cu powder with both a high electrical conductivity and a high oxidation resistance represents one of the key challenges in developing next-generation electrical transferring powder. Here, we fabricate a Cu-Ag powder with a continuous Ag network along grain boundaries of Cu particles and demonstrate that this new structure can inhibit the preferential oxidation in grain boundaries at elevated temperatures. As a result, the Cu-Ag powder displays considerably high electrical conductivity and high oxidation resistance up to approximately 300 °C, which are markedly higher than that of pure Cu powder. This study paves a new pathway for developing novel Cu powders with much enhanced electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance in service.

Investigation of the electrical characteristics of electrically conducting yarns and fabrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akbarov, R. D.; Baymuratov, B. H.; Akbarov, D. N.; Ilhamova, M.

2017-11-01

Electro-conductive textile materials and products are used presently giving solutions to the problems, related to static electricity, electromagnetic shielding and electromagnetic radiation. Thus a study of their electro-physical characteristics, character of conductivity, possibility of forecasting of electric parameters etc has a substantial value. This work shows the possibility of production electro-conducting textile materials with stable anti-static properties by introduction of electro-conducting yarn into the structure of fabrics. The results of the research, directed to the study of the electro-physical characteristics of electroconducting yarn and fabrics, are influenced by the frequent washing of polyester fabrics containing the different amounts of electro-conducting filaments in the composition. This article reviews the results of the related research, of the electrical characteristics of the yarn and fabric, of the effect of multiple water treatments on the electrical properties of polyester fabrics, containing in their composition different amounts of electrically conductive yarns.

Anaesthetic uptake and washout characteristics of patient circuit tubing with special regard to current decontamination techniques.

PubMed

Gilly, H; Weindlmayr-Goettel, M; Köberl, G; Steinbereithner, K

1992-10-01

The amounts of halothane and isoflurane trapped after exposure for up to 3 h at 2 MAC in commonly used anaesthesia circuit tubing were quantitated by gas chromatography. The decontaminating effects of procedures such as flushing with oxygen, thermal disinfection and/or routine storage were assessed in a similar way. After halothane exposure, anaesthetic content was highest in silicone (398 +/- 55 mg 100 g-1). Lower quantities were found in all other tubings investigated (electrically conductive latex: 64 +/- 4, conductive rubber: 62 +/- 4, polyethylene-vinyl-acetate (PEVA): 293 +/- 10 and 149 +/- 17 for non-conductive corrugated and spiral tubes, respectively, polysulfone (Hytrel): 155 +/- 10 mg 100 g-1). The isoflurane contents were substantially lower (silicone: 278 +/- 23; others: 55 +/- 7, 61 +/- 6, 163 +/- 9 and 86 +/- 8, 74 +/- 4 mg 100 g-1). The tubings' content did not correlate with the material's partition coefficient as full saturation was not achieved during exposure. Decontamination procedures reduced the content of volatile anaesthetics to a variable extent. Conductive latex and rubber showed the highest residual content, even after thermal disinfection and subsequent storage. Twenty-minute flushing with oxygen (8 l min-1) decreased effluent gas concentrations below 5 p.p.m. in all tubings. With silicone, after 1 h flushing, halothane concentrations still exceeded 10 p.p.m. (isoflurane: 8 p.p.m.). It is concluded that urgent decontamination by a 20-min flush warrants the safe re-use of previously 'contaminated' conductive rubber and latex as well as polysulfone tubings in critical situations, e.g. in malignant hyperthermia patients if disposable tubing is not immediately available.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fabrication and characterization of electrospun gelatin nanofibers crosslinked with oxidized phenolic compounds.

PubMed

Tavassoli-Kafrani, Elham; Goli, Sayed Amir Hossein; Fathi, Milad

2017-10-01

In this study, the ability of oxidized phenolic compounds of tannic, gallic, ferulic and caffeic acids to crosslink gelatin (G) was investigated. The electrospun crosslinked gelatin nanofibers were assessed in terms of gelatin solution properties, fiber morphology, thermal properties, FTIR spectra, XRD pattern and antioxidant activity. Tannic acid showed the most crosslinking activity towards gelatin (13.3 vs 7.44, 4.65, and 3.45% for caffeic, gallic and ferulic, respectively). Crosslinking enhanced roughly electrical conductivity of gelatin solution while the surface tension and viscosity reduced. According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results, the fibrous structure of crosslinked gelatin nanofibers didn't change while their diameter increased to the highest value of 280nm for gelatin-tannic. Gelatin-gallic sample showed the highest total phenolic content (86.3mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and antioxidant activity (86.5%). Surprisingly, from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves, it was found that crosslinking led to the reduction of thermal stability of gelatin nanofibers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Role of Eisenia fetida in rapid recycling of nutrients from bio sludge of beverage industry.

PubMed

Singh, J; Kaur, A; Vig, A P; Rup, P J

2010-03-01

Beverage industry bio sludge proved to be toxic when given alone to earthworms even after stabilization for 15 days, therefore, it was mixed in various proportions with cattle dung. Best suitable mixture for highest survival, maximum growth and highest population buildup of Eisenia fetida was determined by observing mortality, growth rate, rate of cocoon production, population buildup and time taken for decomposition of waste. Minimum mortality and maximum population buildup were observed in 50:50 mixture of bio sludge and cattle dung. Nitrogen, phosphorous, sodium and pH increased in all the feed mixtures, while electrical conductivity, organic carbon and potassium declined in all the samples in comparison to traditional compost (without worms). Degradation of 50:50 mixture could be achieved in 75 days when worms were inoculated at 25 g/kg feed mixture. But the best-quality product was obtained after 105-110 days with 7.5 g worms/kg feed mixture. (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electrical contact arrangement for a coating process

DOEpatents

Kabagambe, Benjamin; McCamy, James W; Boyd, Donald W

2013-09-17

A protective coating is applied to the electrically conductive surface of a reflective coating of a solar mirror by biasing a conductive member having a layer of a malleable electrically conductive material, e.g. a paste, against a portion of the conductive surface while moving an electrodepositable coating composition over the conductive surface. The moving of the electrodepositable coating composition over the conductive surface includes moving the solar mirror through a flow curtain of the electrodepositable coating composition and submerging the solar mirror in a pool of the electrodepositable coating composition. The use of the layer of a malleable electrically conductive material between the conductive member and the conductive surface compensates for irregularities in the conductive surface being contacted during the coating process thereby reducing the current density at the electrical contact area.

Electrical and structural studies of polymer electrolyte based on chitosan/methyl cellulose blend doped with BMIMTFSI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Misenan, M. S. M.; Isa, M. I. N.; Khiar, A. S. A.

2018-05-01

In this study, blended polymer electrolyte of methylcellulose (MC)/chitosan (CS) was prepared with different weight percentage of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl) imide (BMIMTFSI) which acts as ion donor. This polymer blend was prepared by solution casting technique. The micro structure was observed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) where the multilayer could possibly be ascribed to the limited chain mobility. Sample having 60 wt% CS: 40 wt% MC was determined to have the most amorphous morphology extracted using deconvoluted data from x-ray Diffractography (XRD). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) peaks analysis shows the significant shift indicates complexation between ionic liquid and polymer backbone. The film was also characterized by impedance spectroscopy to measure its ionic conductivity. Samples with 45% of BMITFSI exhibit the highest conductivity of (1.51 ± 0.13) × 10‑6 S cm‑1 at ambient. Conductivity at elevated temperature was also studied, and the electrolytes obeys the Arrhenius behaviour. The conduction mechanism was best presented by small polaron hopping model.

Electrical, optical and structural properties of FTO thin films fabricated by spray ultrasonic nebulizer technique from SnCl4 precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lalasari, Latifa Hanum; Arini, Tri; Andriyah, Lia; Firdiyono, F.; Yuwono, Akhmad Herman

2018-05-01

Thin films of fluorine-doped tin oxide on glass were prepared by spray ultrasonic nebulizer technique from an economic anhydrous tin (IV) chloride (SnCl4) precursor. The effect of deposition time on the structural, electrical and optical properties of tin oxide thin films was investigated. This research a purpose to find an optimum deposition time during spray pyrolysis technique in order to produce FTO with the desired characteristics. For this purpose, soda lime glasses are heated at 350 °C on deposition time of 10, 15, 20 and 25 minutes. NH4F was doped at a ratio of 2 wt% in the SnCl4 precursor and methanol solvent. The results revealed that longer deposition times created decreased the electrical resistivity and optical transmittance of FTO layers. The highest optical transmittance was 84.808% and the lowest resistivity was 4.01×10-5 Ω.cm, obtained from FTO glass subjected to a 15-minute deposition time at deposition temperature of 350 °C. This is accordance to the TCO conductive glass requirements for the minimum resistivity value on scale 10-4 Ω.cm and optical transmittance value of 80-85%.

Utilization of Indonesia's Hot Spring Sources for Electricity using Kalina Cycle and Organic Rankine Cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prabumukti, Grano; Purwanto; Widodo, Wahyu

2018-02-01

Indonesia posses 40% of the world's geothermal energy sources. The existence of hydrothermal sources is usually characterized by their surface manifestations such as hot springs, geysers and fumarole. Hot spring has a potential to be used as a heat source to generate electricity especially in a rural and isolated area. Hot springs can be converted into electricity by binary thermodynamic cycles such as Kalina cycle and ORC. The aim of this study is to obtain the best performances of cycle configuration and the potential power capacity. Simulation is conducted using UNISIM software with working fluid and its operating condition as the decision variables. The simulation result shows that R1234yf and propene with simple ORC as desired working fluid and cycle configuration. It reaches a maximum thermal efficiency up to 9.6% with a specific turbine inlet pressure. Higher temperature heat source will result a higher thermal efficiency‥ Cycle thermal efficiency varies from 4.7% to 9.6% depends on source of hot spring temperature. Power capacity that can be generated using Indonesia's hot spring is ranged from 2 kWe to 61.2 kWe. The highest capacity located in Kawah Sirung and the least located in Kaendi.

Anisotropy of synthetic quartz electrical conductivity at high pressure and temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Duojun; Li, Heping; Yi, Li; Matsuzaki, Takuya; Yoshino, Takashi

2010-09-01

AC measurements of the electrical conductivity of synthetic quartz along various orientations were made between 0.1 and 1 MHz, at ˜855˜1601 K and at 1.0 GPa. In addition, the electrical conductivity of quartz along the c axis has been studied at 1.0-3.0 GPa. The impedance arcs representing bulk conductivity occur in the frequency range of 103-106 Hz, and the electrical responses of the interface between the sample and the electrode occur in the 0.1˜103 Hz range. The pressure has a weak effect on the electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity experiences no abrupt change near the α - β phase transition point. The electrical conductivity of quartz is highly anisotropic; the electrical conductivity along the c axis is strongest and several orders of magnitude larger than in other directions. The activation enthalpies along various orientations are determined to be 0.6 and 1.2 eV orders of magnitude, respectively. The interpretation of the former is based on the contribution of alkali ions, while the latter effect is attributed to additional unassociated aluminum ions. Comparison of determined anisotropic conductivity of quartz determined with those from field geophysical models shows that the quartz may potentially provide explanations for the behavior of electrical conductivity of anisotropy in the crust that are inferred from the transverse magnetic mode.

High electric field conduction in low-alkali boroaluminosilicate glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dash, Priyanka; Yuan, Mengxue; Gao, Jun; Furman, Eugene; Lanagan, Michael T.

2018-02-01

Electrical conduction in silica-based glasses under a low electric field is dominated by high mobility ions such as sodium, and there is a transition from ionic transport to electronic transport as the electric field exceeds 108 V/m at low temperatures. Electrical conduction under a high electric field was investigated in thin low-alkali boroaluminosilicate glass samples, showing nonlinear conduction with the current density scaling approximately with E1/2, where E is the electric field. In addition, thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) characterization was carried out on room-temperature electrically poled glass samples, and an anomalous discharging current flowing in the same direction as the charging current was observed. High electric field conduction and TSDC results led to the conclusion that Poole-Frenkel based electronic transport occurs in the mobile-cation-depleted region adjacent to the anode, and accounts for the observed anomalous current.

Capillary zone electrophoresis-mass spectrometer interface

DOEpatents

D'Silva, Arthur

1996-08-06

A device for providing equal electrical potential between two loci unconnected by solid or liquid electrical conducts is provided. The device comprises a first electrical conducting terminal, a second electrical conducting terminal connected to the first terminal by a rigid dielectric structure, and an electrically conducting gas contacting the first and second terminals. This device is particularly suitable for application in the electrospray ionization interface between a capillary zone electrophoresis apparatus and a mass spectrometer.

An electrical method for the measurement of the thermal and electrical conductivity of reduced graphene oxide nanostructures.

PubMed

Schwamb, Timo; Burg, Brian R; Schirmer, Niklas C; Poulikakos, Dimos

2009-10-07

This paper introduces an electrical four-point measurement method enabling thermal and electrical conductivity measurements of nanoscale materials. The method was applied to determine the thermal and electrical conductivity of reduced graphene oxide flakes. The dielectrophoretically deposited samples exhibited thermal conductivities in the range of 0.14-2.87 W m(-1) K(-1) and electrical conductivities in the range of 6.2 x 10(2)-6.2 x 10(3) Omega(-1) m(-1). The measured properties of each flake were found to be dependent on the duration of the thermal reduction and are in this sense controllable.

Analysis of electrical accidents and the related causes involving citizens who are served by the Western of Tehran

PubMed Central

Kalte, Haji Omid; Hosseini, Alireza Haji; Arabzadeh, Sara; Najafi, Hossein; Dehghan, Naser; Akbarzadeh, Arash; Keshavarz, Safiyeh; Karchani, Mohsen

2014-01-01

Background: Electrical burns account for a significant percentage of fatal accidents. Each year, a number of consumers in Iran suffer from electrical injuries due to technical problems, equipment failures, and the unauthorized use of electricity. The aim of this study was to examine the root causes of accidents that involved electricity in the district served by the Western Tehran Province Electricity Distribution Company. Methods: This was a descriptive study in which incidents involving electricity-related injuries were investigated among customers served by the Western Tehran Province Electricity Distribution Company. Therefore, we collected and analyzed incident reports filed by citizens from 2005 through the first half of 2009 in the Distribution Company’s coverage area, including Savejbolagh, Shahriyar, eastern Karaj, Qods City, southern Karaj, western Karaj, Malard, and Mehrshahr. The reported events were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Exposure of electricity lines and unauthorized construction of residential houses in areas where there were medium- and low-voltage lines were responsible for 37% of the injuries. The findings showed that the highest rate of accidents occurred in 2008 and the first half of 2009. The highest rate of accidents occurred among people with a mean age of 35. Conclusion: The results from investigating the causes of electrical accidents emphasized the necessity of developing a culture of safety in communities, especially among employees who are engaged in occupations related to electricity, construction workers, and school children to reduce the rate of such accidents. PMID:25763153

Electrical condition monitoring method for polymers

DOEpatents

Watkins, Jr., Kenneth S.; Morris, Shelby J [Hampton, VA; Masakowski, Daniel D [Worcester, MA; Wong, Ching Ping [Duluth, GA; Luo, Shijian [Boise, ID

2008-08-19

An electrical condition monitoring method utilizes measurement of electrical resistivity of an age sensor made of a conductive matrix or composite disposed in a polymeric structure such as an electrical cable. The conductive matrix comprises a base polymer and conductive filler. The method includes communicating the resistivity to a measuring instrument and correlating resistivity of the conductive matrix of the polymeric structure with resistivity of an accelerated-aged conductive composite.

Carbon-Nanotube Conductive Layers for Thin-Film Solar Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, Geoffrey A.

2005-01-01

Thin, transparent layers comprising mats of carbon nanotubes have been proposed for providing lateral (that is, inplane) electrical conductivities for collecting electric currents from the front surfaces of the emitter layers of thin-film solar photovoltaic cells. Traditionally, thin, semitransparent films of other electrically conductive materials (usually, indium tin oxide, zinc oxide, or cadmium sulfide) have been used for this purpose. As in the cases of the traditional semitransparent conductive films, the currents collected by the nanotube layers would, in turn, be further collected by front metal contact stripes. Depending on details of a specific solar-cell design, the layer of carbon nanotubes would be deposited in addition to, or instead of, a semitransparent layer of one of these traditional conductive materials (see figure). The proposal is expected to afford the following advantages: The electrical conductivity of the carbon- nanotube layer would exceed that of the corresponding semitransparent layer of traditional electrically conductive material. The greater electrical conductivity of the carbon-nanotube layer would make it possible to retain adequate lateral electrical conductivity while reducing the thickness of, or eliminating entirely, the traditional semitransparent conductive layer. As a consequence of thinning or elimination of the traditional semitransparent conductive layer, less light would be absorbed, so that more of the incident light would be available for photovoltaic conversion. The greater electrical conductivity of the carbon-nanotube layer would make it possible to increase the distance between front metal contact stripes, in addition to (or instead of) thinning or eliminating the layer of traditional semitransparent conductive material. Consequently, the fraction of solar-cell area shadowed by front metal contact stripes would be reduced again, making more of the incident light available for photovoltaic conversion. The electrical conductivities of individual carbon nanotubes can be so high that the mat of carbon nanotubes could be made sparse enough to be adequately transparent while affording adequate lateral electrical conductivity of the mat as a whole. The thickness of the nanotube layer would be chosen so that the layer would contribute significant lateral electrical conductivity, yet would be as nearly transparent as possible to incident light. A typical thickness for satisfying these competing requirements is expected to lie between 50 and 100 nm. The optimum thickness must be calculated by comparing the lateral electrical conductivity, the distance between front metal stripes, and the amount of light lost by absorption in the nanotube layer.

Electrical conductivity of electrolytes applicable to natural waters from 0 to 100 degrees C

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCleskey, R. Blaine

2011-01-01

The electrical conductivities of 34 electrolyte solutions found in natural waters ranging from (10-4 to 1) mol•kg-1 in concentration and from (5 to 90) °C have been determined. High-quality electrical conductivity data for numerous electrolytes exist in the scientific literature, but the data do not span the concentration or temperature ranges of many electrolytes in natural waters. Methods for calculating the electrical conductivities of natural waters have incorporated these data from the literature, and as a result these methods cannot be used to reliably calculate the electrical conductivity over a large enough range of temperature and concentration. For the single-electrolyte solutions, empirical equations were developed that relate electrical conductivity to temperature and molality. For the 942 molar conductivity determinations for single electrolytes from this study, the mean relative difference between the calculated and measured values was 0.1 %. The calculated molar conductivity was compared to literature data, and the mean relative difference for 1978 measurements was 0.2 %. These data provide an improved basis for calculating electrical conductivity for most natural waters.

Structure and electrical properties of Cu-doped Mn-Co-O spinel prepared via soft chemistry and its application in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brylewski, T.; Kruk, A.; Bobruk, M.; Adamczyk, A.; Partyka, J.; Rutkowski, P.

2016-11-01

The study describes CuxMn1.25-0.5xCo1.75-0.5xO4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5) spinels synthesized using EDTA gel processes in order to optimize the performance of high-quality spinel protective-conducting films deposited on steel interconnects. The powders obtained after 12 h of calcination in air at 1073 K are solely cubic spinels. Sintering these spinels for 12 h in air at 1423 K also leads to the formation of small amounts of CoO, Mn2O3 or CuO; the type of phase depends on the quantity of copper introduced into the manganese-cobalt lattice. The highest electrical conductivity at 1073 K is observed for Cu0.3Mn1.1Co1.6O4 (162 S·cm-1), which is closely correlated with the lowest activation energy of conduction over the entire temperature range (373≤T≤1073 K); the lowest conductivity is measured for Mn1.25Co1.75O4 (84 Sṡcm-1). The study confirms the suitability of the Cu0.3Mn1.1Co1.6O4 spinel as a potential material for the preparation of protective-conducting coatings on the surface of the DIN 50049 ferritic steel applied in IT-SOFC interconnects. The area-specific resistance of coated steel is 0.08 Ω·cm2, which is lower than that of bare steel after 300 h of oxidation at 1073 K. Cr vaporization tests show that the Cu0.3Mn1.1Co1.6O4 coating is efficient at blocking the outward diffusion of chromium.

Effect of anode-cathode geometry on performance of the HIP-1 hot ion plasma. [magnetic mirrors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lauver, M. R.

1978-01-01

Hot-ion hydrogen plasma experiments were conducted in the NASA Lewis HIP-1 magnetic mirror facility to determine how the ion temperature was influenced by the axial position of the cathode tips relative to the anodes. A steady-state EXB plasma was formed by applying a strong radially inward dc electric field near the throats of the magnetic mirrors. The dc electric field was created between hollow cathode rods inside hollow anode cylinders, both concentric with the magnetic axis. The highest ion temperatures, 900 eV, were attained when the tip of each cathode was in the same plane as the end of its anode. These temperatures were reached with 22 kV applied to the electrodes in a field of 1.1 tesla. Scaling relations were empirically determined for ion temperature and the product of ion density and neutral particle density as a function of cathode voltage, discharge current, and electrode positions. Plasma discharge current vs voltage (I-V) characteristics were determined.

Semiconducting Properties of Nanostructured Amorphous Carbon Thin Films Incorporated with Iodine by Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamaruzaman, Dayana; Ahmad, Nurfadzilah; Annuar, Ishak; Rusop, Mohamad

2013-11-01

Nanostructured iodine-post doped amorphous carbon (a-C:I) thin films were prepared from camphor oil using a thermal chemical vapor deposition (TCVD) technique at different doping temperatures. The structural properties of the films were studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Raman, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies. FESEM and EDS studies showed successful iodine doping. FTIR and Raman studies showed that the a-C:I thin films consisted of a mixture of sp2- and sp3-bonded carbon atoms. The optical and electrical properties of a-C:I thin films were determined by UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy and current-voltage (I-V) measurement respectively. The optical band gap of a-C thin films decreased upon iodine doping. The highest electrical conductivity was found at 400 °C doping. Heterojunctions are confirmed by rectifying the I-V characteristics of an a-C:I/n-Si junction.

The Effect of Aptamer Concetration towards Reduced Graphene Oxide-Field Effect Transistor Surface Channel for Biosensor Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syafiq Zainol Abidin, Azrul; Rahim, Ruslinda Abdul; Huan, Chow Yong; Maidin, Nur Nasyifa Mohd; Atiqah Ahmad, Nurul; Hashwan, Saeed S. Ba; Faudzi, Fatin Nabilah Mohd; Hong, Voon Chun

2018-03-01

Aptamer are artificially produce bioreceptor that has been developed to bind with various target biomolecules such as ion, cells, protein and small molecules. In this research, an aptamer concentration of 0.5 nM, 1 nM, 5 nM, 10 nM, and 50 nM were immobilized on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) integrated with field effect transistor (FET) respectively to study the effect of aptamer concentration toward rGO surface for stable biosensing platform. The 0.5 nM concentration of aptamer shows the highest current result of 84.3 µA at 1 V applied through the source and drain. After immobilized with aminated aptamer, the conductivity shows significant reduction due to the formation of amide bond on rGO surface between aminated aptamer and carboxyl group on rGO. The electrical performance of FET integrated with rGO shows stable electrical performance suitable to be used in the biosensing application.

Thermoelectric Properties of Ca1−xGdxMnO3−δ (0.00, 0.02, and 0.05) Systems

PubMed Central

Bhaskar, Ankam; Liu, Chia-Jyi; Yuan, J. J.

2012-01-01

Polycrystalline samples of Ca1−xGdxMnO3−δ (x = 0.00, 0.02, and 0.05) have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrical resistivity (ρ), thermoelectric power (S), and thermal conductivity (κ). All the samples were single phase with an orthorhombic structure. The Seebeck coefficient of all the samples was negative, indicating that the predominant carriers are electrons over the entire temperature range. The iodometric titration measurements indicate that the electrical resistivity of Ca1−xGdxMnO3−δ correlated well with the average valence of Mnv+ and oxygen deficiency. Among the doped samples, Ca0.98Gd0.02MnO3−δ had the highest dimensionless figure of merit 0.018 at 300 K, representing an improvement of about 125% with respect to the undoped GaMnO3−δ sample at the same temperature. PMID:22997488

Hydroxyapatite Nanowire-Based All-Weather Flexible Electrically Conductive Paper with Superhydrophobic and Flame-Retardant Properties.

PubMed

Chen, Fei-Fei; Zhu, Ying-Jie; Xiong, Zhi-Chao; Dong, Li-Ying; Chen, Feng; Lu, Bing-Qiang; Yang, Ri-Long

2017-11-15

How to survive under various harsh working conditions is a key challenge for flexible electronic devices because their performances are always susceptible to environments. Herein, we demonstrate the novel design and fabrication of a new kind of the all-weather flexible electrically conductive paper based on ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires (HNs) with unique combination of the superhydrophobic surface, electrothermal effect, and flame retardancy. The superhydrophobic surface with water repellency stabilizes the electrically conductive performance of the paper in water. For example, the electrical current through the superhydrophobic paper onto which water droplets are deposited shows a little change (0.38%), and the electrical performance is steady as well even when the paper is immersed in water for 120 s (just 3.65% change). In addition, the intrinsic electrothermal effect of the electrically conductive paper can efficiently heat the paper to reach a high temperature, for example, 224.25 °C, within 10 s. The synergistic effect between the electrothermal effect and superhydrophobic surface accelerates the melting and removal of ice on the heated electrically conductive paper. Deicing efficiency of the heated superhydrophobic electrically conductive paper is ∼4.5 times that of the unheated superhydrophobic electrically conductive paper and ∼10.4 times that of the heated superhydrophilic paper. More importantly, benefiting from fire-resistant ultralong HNs, thermally stable Ketjen black, and Si-O backbone of poly(dimethylsiloxane), we demonstrate the stable and continuous service of the as-prepared electrically conductive paper in the flame for as long as 7 min. The electrical performance of the electrically conductive paper after flame treatment can maintain as high as 90.60% of the original value. The rational design of the electrically conductive paper with suitable building materials and structure demonstrated here will give an inspiration for the development of new kinds of all-weather flexible electronic devices that can work under harsh conditions.

Evaluation of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Tumors Electrical Conductivity Anisotropy Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Numerical Modeling on Electroporation.

PubMed

Ghazikhanlou-Sani, K; Firoozabadi, S M P; Agha-Ghazvini, L; Mahmoodzadeh, H

2016-06-01

There is many ways to assessing the electrical conductivity anisotropy of a tumor. Applying the values of tissue electrical conductivity anisotropy is crucial in numerical modeling of the electric and thermal field distribution in electroporation treatments. This study aims to calculate the tissues electrical conductivity anisotropy in patients with sarcoma tumors using diffusion tensor imaging technique. A total of 3 subjects were involved in this study. All of patients had clinically apparent sarcoma tumors at the extremities. The T1, T2 and DTI images were performed using a 3-Tesla multi-coil, multi-channel MRI system. The fractional anisotropy (FA) maps were performed using the FSL (FMRI software library) software regarding the DTI images. The 3D matrix of the FA maps of each area (tumor, normal soft tissue and bone/s) was reconstructed and the anisotropy matrix was calculated regarding to the FA values. The mean FA values in direction of main axis in sarcoma tumors were ranged between 0.475-0.690.  With assumption of isotropy of the electrical conductivity, the FA value of electrical conductivity at each X, Y and Z coordinate axes would be equal to 0.577. The gathered results showed that there is a mean error band of 20% in electrical conductivity, if the electrical conductivity anisotropy not concluded at the calculations. The comparison of FA values showed that there is a significant statistical difference between the mean FA value of tumor and normal soft tissues (P<0.05). DTI is a feasible technique for the assessment of electrical conductivity anisotropy of tissues.  It is crucial to quantify the electrical conductivity anisotropy data of tissues for numerical modeling of electroporation treatments.

Negative differential resistance observation in complex convoluted fullerene junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Milanpreet; Sawhney, Ravinder Singh; Engles, Derick

2018-04-01

In this work, we simulated the smallest fullerene molecule, C20 in a two-probe device model with gold electrodes. The gold electrodes comprised of (011) miller planes were carved to construct the novel geometry based four unique shapes, which were strung to fullerene molecules through mechanically controlled break junction techniques. The organized devices were later scrutinized using non-equilibrium Green's function based on the density functional theory to calculate their molecular orbitals, energy levels, charge transfers, and electrical parameters. After intense scrutiny, we concluded that five-edged and six-edged devices have the lowest and highest current-conductance values, which result from their electrode-dominating and electrode-subsidiary effects, respectively. However, an interesting observation was that the three-edged and four-edged electrodes functioned as semi-metallic in nature, allowing the C20 molecule to demonstrate its performance with the complementary effect of these electrodes in the electron conduction process of a two-probe device.

Eco-friendly p-type Cu2SnS3 thermoelectric material: crystal structure and transport properties

PubMed Central

Shen, Yawei; Li, Chao; Huang, Rong; Tian, Ruoming; Ye, Yang; Pan, Lin; Koumoto, Kunihito; Zhang, Ruizhi; Wan, Chunlei; Wang, Yifeng

2016-01-01

As a new eco-friendly thermoelectric material, copper tin sulfide (Cu2SnS3) ceramics were experimentally studied by Zn-doping. Excellent electrical transport properties were obtained by virtue of 3-dimensionally conductive network for holes, which are less affected by the coexistence of cubic and tetragonal phases that formed upon Zn subsitition for Sn; a highest power factors ~0.84 mW m−1 K−2 at 723 K was achieved in the 20% doped sample. Moreover, an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity close to theoretical minimum was observed in these samples, which could be related to the disordering of atoms in the coexisting cubic and tetragonal phases and the interfaces. Thanks to the phonon-glass-electron-crystal features, a maximum ZT ~ 0.58 was obtained at 723 K, which stands among the tops for sulfide thermoelectrics at the same temperature. PMID:27666524

Grain boundary dominated electrical conductivity in ultrananocrystalline diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiora, Neda; Mertens, Michael; Brühne, Kai; Fecht, Hans-Jörg; Tran, Ich C.; Willey, Trevor; van Buuren, Anthony; Biener, Jürgen; Lee, Jun-Sik

2017-10-01

N-type electrically conductive ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films were deposited using the hot filament chemical vapor deposition technique with a gas mixture of H2, CH4 and NH3. Depending on the deposition temperature and ammonia feed gas concentration, which serves as a nitrogen source, room temperature electrical conductivities in the order of 10-2 to 5 × 101 S/cm and activation energies in the meV range were achieved. In order to understand the origin of the enhanced electrical conductivity and clarify the role of ammonia addition to the process gas, a set of UNCD films was grown by systematically varying the ammonia gas phase concentration. These samples were analyzed with respect to their morphology and electrical properties as well as their carbon and nitrogen bonding environments. Temperature dependent electrical conductivity measurements (300-1200 K) show that the electrical conductivity of the samples increases with temperature. The near edge x-ray absorption fine structure measurements reveal that the electrical conductivity of the UNCD films does not correlate directly with ammonia addition, but depends on the total amount of sp2 bonded carbon in the deposited films.

Effect of the mechanical deformation on the electrical properties of the polymer/CNT fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Hyun Woo; Sung, Bong June; Nano-Bio Computational Chemistry Laboratory Team

2014-03-01

We elucidate the effect of the mechanical deformation on the electrical properties of the polymer/CNT fiber. The conductive polymer fiber has drawn a great attention for its potential application to a stretchable electronics such as wearable devices and artificial muscles, etc. However, the electrical conductivity of the polymer-based stretchable electronics decreases significantly during the deformation, which may limit the applicability of the polymer/CNT fiber for the stretchable electronics. Moreover, its physical origin for the decrease in electrical conductivity has not been explained clearly. In this work, we employ a coarse-grained model for the polymer/CNT fiber, and we calculate the electric conductivity using global tunneling network (GTN) model. We show that the electric conductivity decreases during the elongation of the polymer/CNT fiber. We also find using critical path approximation (CPA) that the structure of the electrical network of the CNTs changes collectively during the elongation of the fiber, which is strongly responsible for the reduction of the electrical conductivity of the polymer/CNT fiber.

Hot wire needle probe for thermal conductivity detection

DOEpatents

Condie, Keith Glenn; Rempe, Joy Lynn; Knudson, Darrell lee; Daw, Joshua Earl; Wilkins, Steven Curtis; Fox, Brandon S.; Heng, Ban

2015-11-10

An apparatus comprising a needle probe comprising a sheath, a heating element, a temperature sensor, and electrical insulation that allows thermal conductivity to be measured in extreme environments, such as in high-temperature irradiation testing. The heating element is contained within the sheath and is electrically conductive. In an embodiment, the heating element is a wire capable of being joule heated when an electrical current is applied. The temperature sensor is contained within the sheath, electrically insulated from the heating element and the sheath. The electrical insulation electrically insulates the sheath, heating element and temperature sensor. The electrical insulation fills the sheath having electrical resistance capable of preventing electrical conduction between the sheath, heating element, and temperature sensor. The control system is connected to the heating element and the temperature sensor.

Maximum on the Electrical Conductivity Polytherm of Molten TeCl4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salyulev, Alexander B.; Potapov, Alexei M.

2017-05-01

The electrical conductivity of molten TeCl4 was measured up to 761K, i.e. 106 degrees above the normal boiling point of the salt. For the first time it was found that TeCl4 electrical conductivity polytherm has a maximum. It was recorded at 705K (κmax=0.245 Sm/cm), whereupon the conductivity decreases as the temperature rises. The activation energy of electrical conductivity was calculated.

Electrochemical treatment of cork boiling wastewater with a boron-doped diamond anode.

PubMed

Fernandes, Annabel; Santos, Diana; Pacheco, Maria José; Ciríaco, Lurdes; Simões, Rogério; Gomes, Arlindo C; Lopes, Ana

2015-01-01

Anodic oxidation at a boron-doped diamond anode of cork boiling wastewater was successfully used for mineralization and biodegradability enhancement required for effluent discharge or subsequent biological treatment, respectively. The influence of the applied current density (30-70 mA/cm2) and the background electrolyte concentration (0-1.5 g/L Na2SO4) on the performance of the electrochemical oxidation was investigated. The supporting electrolyte was required to achieve conductivities that enabled anodic oxidation at the highest current intensities applied. The results indicated that pollutant removal increased with the applied current density, and after 8 h, reductions greater than 90% were achieved for COD, dissolved organic carbon, total phenols and colour. The biodegradability enhancement was from 0.13 to 0.59 and from 0.23 to 0.72 for the BOD/COD ratios with BOD of 5 and 20 days' incubation period, respectively. The tests without added electrolyte were performed at lower applied electrical charges (15 mA/cm2 or 30 V) with good organic load removal (up to 80%). For an applied current density of 30 mA/cm2, there was a minimum of electric conductivity of 1.9 mS/cm (corresponding to 0.75 g/L of Na2SO4), which minimized the specific energy consumption.

Functionalized Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Metal-free, Flexible and Rewritable Nonvolatile Memory Device via Direct Laser-Writing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Fei; Cheng, Huhu; Hu, Yue; Song, Long; Zhang, Zhipan; Jiang, Lan; Qu, Liangti

2014-07-01

Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (g-C3N4-NS) has layered structure similar with graphene nanosheet and presents unusual physicochemical properties due to the s-triazine fragments. But their electronic and electrochemical applications are limited by the relatively poor conductivity. The current work provides the first example that atomically thick g-C3N4-NSs are the ideal candidate as the active insulator layer with tunable conductivity for achieving the high performance memory devices with electrical bistability. Unlike in conventional memory diodes, the g-C3N4-NSs based devices combined with graphene layer electrodes are flexible, metal-free and low cost. The functionalized g-C3N4-NSs exhibit desirable dispersibility and dielectricity which support the all-solution fabrication and high performance of the memory diodes. Moreover, the flexible memory diodes are conveniently fabricated through the fast laser writing process on graphene oxide/g-C3N4-NSs/graphene oxide thin film. The obtained devices not only have the nonvolatile electrical bistability with great retention and endurance, but also show the rewritable memory effect with a reliable ON/OFF ratio of up to 105, which is the highest among all the metal-free flexible memory diodes reported so far, and even higher than those of metal-containing devices.

Experimental and numerical investigation of the effective electrical conductivity of nitrogen-doped graphene nanofluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehrali, Mohammad; Sadeghinezhad, Emad; Rashidi, Mohammad Mehdi; Akhiani, Amir Reza; Tahan Latibari, Sara; Mehrali, Mehdi; Metselaar, Hendrik Simon Cornelis

2015-06-01

Electrical conductivity is an important property for technological applications of nanofluids that have not been widely investigated, and few studies have been concerned about the electrical conductivity. In this study, nitrogen-doped graphene (NDG) nanofluids were prepared using the two-step method in an aqueous solution of 0.025 wt% Triton X-100 as a surfactant at several concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 wt%). The electrical conductivity of the aqueous NDG nanofluids showed a linear dependence on the concentration and increased up to 1814.96 % for a loading of 0.06 wt% NDG nanosheet. From the experimental data, empirical models were developed to express the electrical conductivity as functions of temperature and concentration. It was observed that increasing the temperature has much greater effect on electrical conductivity enhancement than increasing the NDG nanosheet loading. Additionally, by considering the electrophoresis of the NDG nanosheets, a straightforward electrical conductivity model is established to modulate and understand the experimental results.

Ultrahigh Oxidation Resistance and High Electrical Conductivity in Copper-Silver Powder

PubMed Central

Li, Jiaxiang; Li, Yunping; Wang, Zhongchang; Bian, Huakang; Hou, Yuhang; Wang, Fenglin; Xu, Guofu; Liu, Bin; Liu, Yong

2016-01-01

The electrical conductivity of pure Cu powder is typically deteriorated at elevated temperatures due to the oxidation by forming non-conducting oxides on surface, while enhancing oxidation resistance via alloying is often accompanied by a drastic decline of electrical conductivity. Obtaining Cu powder with both a high electrical conductivity and a high oxidation resistance represents one of the key challenges in developing next-generation electrical transferring powder. Here, we fabricate a Cu-Ag powder with a continuous Ag network along grain boundaries of Cu particles and demonstrate that this new structure can inhibit the preferential oxidation in grain boundaries at elevated temperatures. As a result, the Cu-Ag powder displays considerably high electrical conductivity and high oxidation resistance up to approximately 300 °C, which are markedly higher than that of pure Cu powder. This study paves a new pathway for developing novel Cu powders with much enhanced electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance in service. PMID:28004839

System and method for evaluating a wire conductor

DOEpatents

Panozzo, Edward; Parish, Harold

2013-10-22

A method of evaluating an electrically conductive wire segment having an insulated intermediate portion and non-insulated ends includes passing the insulated portion of the wire segment through an electrically conductive brush. According to the method, an electrical potential is established on the brush by a power source. The method also includes determining a value of electrical current that is conducted through the wire segment by the brush when the potential is established on the brush. The method additionally includes comparing the value of electrical current conducted through the wire segment with a predetermined current value to thereby evaluate the wire segment. A system for evaluating an electrically conductive wire segment is also disclosed.

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.

Depositing bulk or micro-scale electrodes

DOEpatents

Shah, Kedar G.; Pannu, Satinderpall S.; Tolosa, Vanessa; Tooker, Angela C.; Sheth, Heeral J.; Felix, Sarah H.; Delima, Terri L.

2016-11-01

Thicker electrodes are provided on microelectronic device using thermo-compression bonding. A thin-film electrical conducting layer forms electrical conduits and bulk depositing provides an electrode layer on the thin-film electrical conducting layer. An insulating polymer layer encapsulates the electrically thin-film electrical conducting layer and the electrode layer. Some of the insulating layer is removed to expose the electrode layer.

Variable Anisotropic Brain Electrical Conductivities in Epileptogenic Foci

PubMed Central

Mandelkern, M.; Bui, D.; Salamon, N.; Vinters, H. V.; Mathern, G. W.

2010-01-01

Source localization models assume brain electrical conductivities are isotropic at about 0.33 S/m. These assumptions have not been confirmed ex vivo in humans. This study determined bidirectional electrical conductivities from pediatric epilepsy surgery patients. Electrical conductivities perpendicular and parallel to the pial surface of neocortex and subcortical white matter (n = 15) were measured using the 4-electrode technique and compared with clinical variables. Mean (±SD) electrical conductivities were 0.10 ± 0.01 S/m, and varied by 243% from patient to patient. Perpendicular and parallel conductivities differed by 45%, and the larger values were perpendicular to the pial surface in 47% and parallel in 40% of patients. A perpendicular principal axis was associated with normal, while isotropy and parallel principal axes were linked with epileptogenic lesions by MRI. Electrical conductivities were decreased in patients with cortical dysplasia compared with non-dysplasia etiologies. The electrical conductivity values of freshly excised human brain tissues were approximately 30% of assumed values, varied by over 200% from patient to patient, and had erratic anisotropic and isotropic shapes if the MRI showed a lesion. Understanding brain electrical conductivity and ways to non-invasively measure them are probably necessary to enhance the ability to localize EEG sources from epilepsy surgery patients. PMID:20440549

Coated carbon nanotube array electrodes

DOEpatents

Ren, Zhifeng; Wen, Jian; Chen, Jinghua; Huang, Zhongping; Wang, Dezhi

2006-12-12

The present invention provides conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode materials comprising aligned CNT substrates coated with an electrically conducting polymer, and the fabrication of electrodes for use in high performance electrical energy storage devices. In particular, the present invention provides conductive CNTs electrode material whose electrical properties render them especially suitable for use in high efficiency rechargeable batteries. The present invention also provides methods for obtaining surface modified conductive CNT electrode materials comprising an array of individual linear, aligned CNTs having a uniform surface coating of an electrically conductive polymer such as polypyrrole, and their use in electrical energy storage devices.

Coated carbon nanotube array electrodes

DOEpatents

Ren, Zhifeng [Newton, MA; Wen, Jian [Newton, MA; Chen, Jinghua [Chestnut Hill, MA; Huang, Zhongping [Belmont, MA; Wang, Dezhi [Wellesley, MA

2008-10-28

The present invention provides conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode materials comprising aligned CNT substrates coated with an electrically conducting polymer, and the fabrication of electrodes for use in high performance electrical energy storage devices. In particular, the present invention provides conductive CNTs electrode material whose electrical properties render them especially suitable for use in high efficiency rechargeable batteries. The present invention also provides methods for obtaining surface modified conductive CNT electrode materials comprising an array of individual linear, aligned CNTs having a uniform surface coating of an electrically conductive polymer such as polypyrrole, and their use in electrical energy storage devices.

Ceramic substrate including thin film multilayer surface conductor

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

Wolf, Joseph Ambrose; Peterson, Kenneth A.

2017-05-09

A ceramic substrate comprises a plurality of ceramic sheets, a plurality of inner conductive layers, a plurality of vias, and an upper conductive layer. The ceramic sheets are stacked one on top of another and include a top ceramic sheet. The inner conductive layers include electrically conductive material that forms electrically conductive features on an upper surface of each ceramic sheet excluding the top ceramic sheet. The vias are formed in each of the ceramic sheets with each via being filled with electrically conductive material. The upper conductive layer includes electrically conductive material that forms electrically conductive features on anmore » upper surface of the top ceramic sheet. The upper conductive layer is constructed from a stack of four sublayers. A first sublayer is formed from titanium. A second sublayer is formed from copper. A third sublayer is formed from platinum. A fourth sublayer is formed from gold.« less

Temporal evolution of ultrafine particles and of alveolar deposited surface area from main indoor combustion and non-combustion sources in a model room.

PubMed

Manigrasso, Maurizio; Vitali, Matteo; Protano, Carmela; Avino, Pasquale

2017-11-15

Aerosol number size distributions, PM mass concentrations, alveolar deposited surface areas (ADSAs) and VOC concentrations were measured in a model room when aerosol was emitted by sources frequently encountered in indoor environments. Both combustion and non-combustion sources were considered. The most intense aerosol emission occurred when combustion sources were active (as high as 4.1×10 7 particlescm -3 for two meat grilling sessions; the first with exhaust ventilation, the second without). An intense spike generation of nucleation particles occurred when appliances equipped with brush electric motors were operating (as high as 10 6 particlescm -3 on switching on an electric drill). Average UFP increments over the background value were highest for electric appliances (5-12%) and lowest for combustion sources (as low as -24% for tobacco cigarette smoke). In contrast, average increments in ADSA were highest for combustion sources (as high as 3.2×10 3 μm 2 cm -3 for meat grilling without exhaust ventilation) and lowest for electric appliances (20-90μm 2 cm -3 ). The health relevance of such particles is associated to their ability to penetrate cellular structures and elicit inflammatory effects mediated through oxidative stress in a way dependent on their surface area. The highest VOC concentrations were measured (PID probe) for cigarette smoke (8ppm) and spray air freshener (10ppm). The highest PM mass concentration (PM 1 ) was measured for citronella candle burning (as high as 7.6mgm -3 ). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estimates of olivine-basaltic melt electrical conductivity using a digital rock physics approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Kevin J.; Montési, Laurent G. J.; Zhu, Wen-lu

2015-12-01

Estimates of melt content beneath fast-spreading mid-ocean ridges inferred from magnetotelluric tomography (MT) vary between 0.01 and 0.10. Much of this variation may stem from a lack of understanding of how the grain-scale melt geometry influences the bulk electrical conductivity of a partially molten rock, especially at low melt fraction. We compute bulk electrical conductivity of olivine-basalt aggregates over 0.02 to 0.20 melt fraction by simulating electric current in experimentally obtained partially molten geometries. Olivine-basalt aggregates were synthesized by hot-pressing San Carlos olivine and high-alumina basalt in a solid-medium piston-cylinder apparatus. Run conditions for experimental charges were 1.5 GPa and 1350 °C. Upon completion, charges were quenched and cored. Samples were imaged using synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). The resulting high-resolution, 3-dimensional (3-D) image of the melt distribution constitutes a digital rock sample, on which numerical simulations were conducted to estimate material properties. To compute bulk electrical conductivity, we simulated a direct current measurement by solving the current continuity equation, assuming electrical conductivities for olivine and melt. An application of Ohm's Law yields the bulk electrical conductivity of the partially molten region. The bulk electrical conductivity values for nominally dry materials follow a power-law relationship σbulk = Cσmeltϕm with fit parameters m = 1.3 ± 0.3 and C = 0.66 ± 0.06. Laminar fluid flow simulations were conducted on the same partially molten geometries to obtain permeability, and the respective pathways for electrical current and fluid flow over the same melt geometry were compared. Our results indicate that the pathways for flow fluid are different from those for electric current. Electrical tortuosity is lower than fluid flow tortuosity. The simulation results are compared to existing experimental data, and the potential influence of volatiles and melt films on electrical conductivity of partially molten rocks is discussed.

Study of Groundwater Physical Characteristics: A Case Study at District of Pekan, Pahang

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashim, M. M. M.; Zawawi, M. H.; Samuding, K.; Dominic, J. A.; Zulkurnain, M. H.; Mohamad, K.

2018-04-01

A study of groundwater physical characteristic has been conducted at Pahang Tua, Pekan, Tanjung Batu and Nenasi, Pahang. There are several locations of tube well selected in this study. Four of five locations are situated in the coastal area and another one is located outside of coastal line. The purposes of this study are to identify the physical characteristic of groundwater (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS) and salinity) and to identify the influence of sampling location and tube well depth to its physical characteristics. The results from the in-situ measurement were identified the physical characteristic groundwater for each tube well location. The result shows that temperature and pH for all groundwater samples almost in the same value but for the electrical conductivity, salinity and total dissolved solid have significant difference that related to location and depth of the tube well. The Pekan tube well with 80m depth and 2km distance from the sea have the highest value of EC, TDS and salinity (14460.53µS/cm, 7230.63 ppm and 8.32 PSU) compared to Nenasi with 30m depth of tube well and 0.65km distance from the sea. The EC, TDS and salinity value recorded are 1454.3253µS/cm, 727.00 ppm and 0.72 PSU. From the result of EC, TDS and salinity, it shows that the deeper tube well in the coastal area will obtained higher value of EC, TDS and salinity.

Photovoltaic device having light transmitting electrically conductive stacked films

DOEpatents

Weber, Michael F.; Tran, Nang T.; Jeffrey, Frank R.; Gilbert, James R.; Aspen, Frank E.

1990-07-10

A light transmitting electrically conductive stacked film, useful as a light transmitting electrode, including a first light transmitting electrically conductive layer, having a first optical thickness, a second light transmitting layer, having a second optical thickness different from the optical thickness of the first layer, and an electrically conductive metallic layer interposed between and in initimate contact with the first and second layers.

Electric moisture meters for wood

Treesearch

William L. James

1988-01-01

Electric moisture meters for wood measure electric conductance (resistance) or dielectric properties, which vary fairly consistently with moisture content when it is less than 30 percent. The two major classes of electric moisture meters are the conductance (resistance) type and the dielectric type. Conductance-t ype meters use penetrating electrodes that measure in a...

Electrically-Conductive Polyaramid Cable And Fabric

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orban, Ralph F.

1988-01-01

Tows coated with metal provide strength and conductance. Cable suitable for use underwater made of electrically conductive tows of metal-coated polyaramid filaments surrounded by electrically insulating jacket. Conductive tows used to make conductive fabrics. Tension borne by metal-coated filaments, so upon release, entire cable springs back to nearly original length without damage.

Effect of process parameters on microstructure and electrical conductivity during FSW of Al-6101 and Pure Copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Nidhi; Khan, Zahid A.; Siddiquee, Arshad Noor; Shihab, Suha K.; Atif Wahid, Mohd

2018-04-01

Copper (Cu) is predominantly used material as a conducting element in electrical and electronic components due to its high conductivity. Aluminum (Al) being lighter in weight and more conductive on weight basis than that of Cu is able to replace or partially replace Cu to make lighter and cost effective electrical components. Conventional methods of joining Al to Cu, such as, fusion welding process have many shortcomings. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process which overcomes the shortcoming of the fusion welding. FSW parameters affect the mechanical and electrical properties of the joint. This study aims to evaluate the effect of different process parameters such as shoulder diameter, pin offset, welding and rotational speed on the microstructure and electrical conductivity of the dissimilar Al-Cu joint. FSW is performed using cylindrical pin profile, and four process parameters. Each parameter at different levels is varied according to Taguchi’s L18 standard orthogonal array. It is found that the electrical conductivity of the FSWed joints are equal to that of aluminum at all the welded sections. FSW is found to be an effective technique to join Al to Cu without compromising with the electrical properties. However, the electrical conductivity gets influenced by the process parameters in the stir zone. The optimal combination of the FSW parameters for maximum electrical conductivity is determined. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique applied on stir zone suggests that the rotational speed and tool pin offset are the significant parameters to influence the electrical conductivity.

Minimizing radiation damage in nonlinear optical crystals

DOEpatents

Cooke, D.W.; Bennett, B.L.; Cockroft, N.J.

1998-09-08

Methods are disclosed for minimizing laser induced damage to nonlinear crystals, such as KTP crystals, involving various means for electrically grounding the crystals in order to diffuse electrical discharges within the crystals caused by the incident laser beam. In certain embodiments, electrically conductive material is deposited onto or into surfaces of the nonlinear crystals and the electrically conductive surfaces are connected to an electrical ground. To minimize electrical discharges on crystal surfaces that are not covered by the grounded electrically conductive material, a vacuum may be created around the nonlinear crystal. 5 figs.

Nature of Dielectric Properties, Electric Modulus and AC Electrical Conductivity of Nanocrystalline ZnIn2Se4 Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Nahass, M. M.; Attia, A. A.; Ali, H. A. M.; Salem, G. F.; Ismail, M. I.

2018-02-01

The structural characteristics of thermally deposited ZnIn2Se4 thin films were indexed utilizing x-ray diffraction as well as scanning electron microscopy techniques. Dielectric properties, electric modulus and AC electrical conductivity of ZnIn2Se4 thin films were examined in the frequency range from 42 Hz to 106 Hz. The capacitance, conductance and impedance were measured at different temperatures. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss decrease with an increase in frequency. The maximum barrier height was determined from the analysis of the dielectric loss depending on the Giuntini model. The real part of the electric modulus revealed a constant maximum value at higher frequencies and the imaginary part of the electric modulus was characterized by the appearance of dielectric relaxation peaks. The AC electrical conductivity obeyed the Jonscher universal power law. Correlated barrier hopping model was the appropriate mechanism for AC conduction in ZnIn2Se4 thin films. Estimation of the density of states at the Fermi level and activation energy, for AC conduction, was carried out based on the temperature dependence of AC electrical conductivity.

Grain boundary dominated electrical conductivity in ultrananocrystalline diamond

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

Wiora, Neda; Mertens, Michael; Bruhne, Kai

Here, N-type electrically conductive ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films were deposited using the hot filament chemical vapor deposition technique with a gas mixture of H 2, CH 4 and NH 3. Depending on the deposition temperature and ammonia feed gas concentration, which serves as a nitrogen source, room temperature electrical conductivities in the order of 10 –2 to 5 × 10 1S/cm and activation energies in the meV range were achieved. In order to understand the origin of the enhanced electrical conductivity and clarify the role of ammonia addition to the process gas, a set of UNCD films was grown bymore » systematically varying the ammonia gas phase concentration. These samples were analyzed with respect to their morphology and electrical properties as well as their carbon and nitrogen bonding environments. Temperature dependent electrical conductivity measurements (300–1200 K) show that the electrical conductivity of the samples increases with temperature. The near edge x-ray absorption fine structure measurements reveal that the electrical conductivity of the UNCD films does not correlate directly with ammonia addition, but depends on the total amount of sp2 bonded carbon in the deposited films.« less

Grain boundary dominated electrical conductivity in ultrananocrystalline diamond

DOE PAGES

Wiora, Neda; Mertens, Michael; Bruhne, Kai; ...

2017-10-09

Here, N-type electrically conductive ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films were deposited using the hot filament chemical vapor deposition technique with a gas mixture of H 2, CH 4 and NH 3. Depending on the deposition temperature and ammonia feed gas concentration, which serves as a nitrogen source, room temperature electrical conductivities in the order of 10 –2 to 5 × 10 1S/cm and activation energies in the meV range were achieved. In order to understand the origin of the enhanced electrical conductivity and clarify the role of ammonia addition to the process gas, a set of UNCD films was grown bymore » systematically varying the ammonia gas phase concentration. These samples were analyzed with respect to their morphology and electrical properties as well as their carbon and nitrogen bonding environments. Temperature dependent electrical conductivity measurements (300–1200 K) show that the electrical conductivity of the samples increases with temperature. The near edge x-ray absorption fine structure measurements reveal that the electrical conductivity of the UNCD films does not correlate directly with ammonia addition, but depends on the total amount of sp2 bonded carbon in the deposited films.« less

Gasket Assembly for Sealing Mating Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryant, Melvin A., III (Inventor)

2003-01-01

A pair of substantially opposed mating surfaces are joined to each other and sealed in place by means of an electrically-conductive member which is placed in proximity to the mating surfaces. The electrically-conductive member has at least one element secured thereto which is positioned to contact the mating surfaces, and which softens when the electrically-conductive member is heated by passing an electric current therethrough. The softened element conforms to the mating surfaces, and upon cooling of the softened element the mating surfaces are joined together in an effective seal. Of particular significance is an embodiment of the electrically-conductive member which is a gasket having an electrically-conductive gasket base and a pair of the elements secured to opposite sides of the gasket base. This embodiment is positioned between the opposed mating surfaces to be joined to each other. Also significant is an embodiment of the electrically-conductive member which is an electrically-conductive sleeve having an element secured to its inner surface. This embodiment surrounds cylindrical members the bases of which are the substantially opposed mating surfaces to be joined, and the element on the inner surface of the sleeve contacts the outer surfaces of the cylindrical members.

Anisotropic electrical and thermal conductivity in Bi2AE2Co2O8+δ [AE = Ca, Sr1-xBax (x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0)] single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Song-Tao; Zhang, Bin-Bin; Xiong, Ye; Lv, Yang-Yang; Yao, Shu-Hua; Chen, Y. B.; Zhou, Jian; Zhang, Shan-Tao; Chen, Yan-Feng

2015-09-01

Bi2AE2Co2O8+δ (AE represents alkaline earth), constructed by stacking of rock-salt Bi2AE2O4 and triangle CoO2 layers alternatively along c-axis, is one of promising thermoelectric oxides. The most impressive feature of Bi2AE2Co2O8+δ, as reported previously, is their electrical conductivity mainly lying along CoO2 plane, adjusting Bi2AE2O4 layer simultaneously manipulates both thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. It in turn optimizes thermoelectric performance of these materials. In this work, we characterize the anisotropic thermal and electrical conductivity along both ab-plane and c-direction of Bi2AE2Co2O8+δ (AE = Ca, Sr, Ba, Sr1-xBax) single crystals. The results substantiate that isovalence replacement in Bi2AE2Co2O8+δ remarkably modifies their electrical property along ab-plane; while their thermal conductivity along ab-plane only has a slightly difference. At the same time, both the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity along c-axis of these materials also have dramatic changes. Certainly, the electrical resistance along c-axis is too high to be used as thermoelectric applications. These results suggest that adjusting nano-block Bi2AE2O4 layer in Bi2AE2Co2O8+δ cannot modify the thermal conductivity along high electrical conductivity plane (ab-plane here). The evolution of electrical property is discussed by Anderson localization and electron-electron interaction U. And the modification of thermal conductivity along c-axis is attributed to the microstructure difference. This work sheds more light on the manipulation of the thermal and electrical conductivity in the layered thermoelectric materials.

Electrically conductive material

DOEpatents

Singh, Jitendra P.; Bosak, Andrea L.; McPheeters, Charles C.; Dees, Dennis W.

1993-01-01

An electrically conductive material for use in solid oxide fuel cells, electrochemical sensors for combustion exhaust, and various other applications possesses increased fracture toughness over available materials, while affording the same electrical conductivity. One embodiment of the sintered electrically conductive material consists essentially of cubic ZrO.sub.2 as a matrix and 6-19 wt. % monoclinic ZrO.sub.2 formed from particles having an average size equal to or greater than about 0.23 microns. Another embodiment of the electrically conductive material consists essentially at cubic ZrO.sub.2 as a matrix and 10-30 wt. % partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) formed from particles having an average size of approximately 3 microns.

Dynamics And Remediation Of Fine Textured Soils And Ground Water Contaminated With Salts And Chlorinated Organic Compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murata, Alison; Naeth, M. Anne

2017-04-01

Soil and ground water are frequently contaminated by industrial activities, posing a potential risk to human and environmental health and limiting land use. Proper site management and remediation treatments can return contaminated areas to safe and useful states. Most remediation research focuses on single contaminants in coarse and medium textured soils. Contaminant mixtures are common and make remediation efforts complex due to differing chemical properties. Remediation in fine textured soils is difficult since their low hydraulic conductivities hinder addition of amendments into and removal of contaminated media out of the impacted zone. The objective of this research is to assess contaminant dynamics and potential remediation techniques for fine textured soil and ground water impacted by multiple contaminants in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The University of Alberta's Ellerslie Waste Management Facility was used to process liquid laboratory waste from 1972 to 2007. A waste water pond leak prior to 1984 resulted in salt and chlorinated organic compound contamination. An extensive annual ground water monitoring data set for the site is available since 1988. Analytical parameters include pH, electrical conductivity, major ions, volatile organic compounds, and metals. Data have been compared to Alberta Tier 1 Soil and Groundwater Remediation Guidelines to identify exceedances. The parameters of greatest concern, based on magnitude and frequency of detection, are electrical conductivity, sodium, chloride, chloroform, and dichloromethane. Spatial analyses of the data show that the contamination is focused in and down gradient of the former waste water pond. Temporal analyses show different trends depending on monitoring well location. Laboratory column experiments were used to assess leaching as a potential treatment for salt contamination in fine textured soils. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was measured for seven soils from two depth intervals with or without calcium nitrate amendment. Results show all factors and interactions were significant. Leachate electrical conductivity was measured for five soils from two depth intervals with or without calcium nitrate amendment for eight sequential pore volumes. Results show highest electrical conductivity for the initial pore volume and decreasing electrical conductivities for subsequent pore volumes. Laboratory microcosm experiments are being used to assess anaerobic biodegradation as a potential treatment for chloroform contamination in fine textured soils and ground water. The first experiment investigates the bioremediation potential for indigenous microorganisms using acetate, lactate, canola oil, nitrate, and sulfate as carbon source or terminal electron acceptor amendments. The second experiment investigates the bioremediation potential for microorganisms from a secondary contaminated site which could be used as a microbial inoculation source. The same amendments except lactate were used. Headspace chloroform analysis results do not indicate the occurrence of biodegradation in any treatment meaning that bioremediation may not be a viable option. Results from this research will be used to conduct a risk assessment for the site incorporating site and contaminant characteristics. A management and remediation plan will be developed so the land can be safely used and the university's lease can be terminated. The research will contribute to our knowledge on remediation with contaminant mixtures and fine textured soils.

High power density yeast catalyzed microbial fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganguli, Rahul

Microbial fuel cells leverage whole cell biocatalysis to convert the energy stored in energy-rich renewable biomolecules such as sugar, directly to electrical energy at high efficiencies. Advantages of the process include ambient temperature operation, operation in natural streams such as wastewater without the need to clean electrodes, minimal balance-of-plant requirements compared to conventional fuel cells, and environmentally friendly operation. These make the technology very attractive as portable power sources and waste-to-energy converters. The principal problem facing the technology is the low power densities compared to other conventional portable power sources such as batteries and traditional fuel cells. In this work we examined the yeast catalyzed microbial fuel cell and developed methods to increase the power density from such fuel cells. A combination of cyclic voltammetry and optical absorption measurements were used to establish significant adsorption of electron mediators by the microbes. Mediator adsorption was demonstrated to be an important limitation in achieving high power densities in yeast-catalyzed microbial fuel cells. Specifically, the power densities are low for the length of time mediator adsorption continues to occur. Once the mediator adsorption stops, the power densities increase. Rotating disk chronoamperometry was used to extract reaction rate information, and a simple kinetic expression was developed for the current observed in the anodic half-cell. Since the rate expression showed that the current was directly related to microbe concentration close to the electrode, methods to increase cell mass attached to the anode was investigated. Electrically biased electrodes were demonstrated to develop biofilm-like layers of the Baker's yeast with a high concentration of cells directly connected to the electrode. The increased cell mass did increase the power density 2 times compared to a non biofilm fuel cell, but the power density increase was shown to quickly saturate with cell mass attached on the electrode. Based on recent modelling data that suggested that the electrode currents might be limited by the poor electrical conductivity of the anode, the power density versus electrical conductivity of a yeast-immobilized anode was investigated. Introduction of high aspect ratio carbon fiber filaments to the immobilization matrix increased the electrical conductivity of the anode. Although a higher electrical conductivity clearly led to an increase in power densities, it was shown that the principal limitation to power density increase was coming from proton transfer limitations in the immobilized anode. Partial overcoming of the gradients lead a power density of ca. 250 microW cm-2, which is the highest reported for yeast powered MFCs. A yeast-catalyzed microbial fuel cell was investigated as a power source for low power sensors using raw tree sap. It was shown that yeast can efficiently utilize the sucrose present in the raw tree sap to produce electricity when excess salt is added to the medium. Therefore the salinity of a potential energy source is an important consideration when MFCs are being considered for energy harvesting from natural sources.

Contact-independent electrical conductance measurement

DOEpatents

Mentzel, Tamar S.; MacLean, Kenneth; Kastner, Marc A.; Ray, Nirat

2017-01-24

Electrical conductance measurement system including a one-dimensional semiconducting channel, with electrical conductance sensitive to electrostatic fluctuations, in a circuit for measuring channel electrical current. An electrically-conductive element is disposed at a location at which the element is capacitively coupled to the channel; a midpoint of the element aligned with about a midpoint of the channel, and connected to first and second electrically-conductive contact pads that are together in a circuit connected to apply a changing voltage across the element. The electrically-conductive contact pads are laterally spaced from the midpoint of the element by a distance of at least about three times a screening length of the element, given in SI units as (K.di-elect cons..sub.0/e.sup.2D(E.sub.F)).sup.1/2, where K is the static dielectric constant, .di-elect cons..sub.0 is the permittivity of free space, e is electron charge, and D(E.sub.F) is the density of states at the Fermi energy for the element.

Conducting single-molecule magnet materials.

PubMed

Cosquer, Goulven; Shen, Yongbing; Almeida, Manuel; Yamashita, Masahiro

2018-05-11

Multifunctional molecular materials exhibiting electrical conductivity and single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour are particularly attractive for electronic devices and related applications owing to the interaction between electronic conduction and magnetization of unimolecular units. The preparation of such materials remains a challenge that has been pursued by a bi-component approach of combination of SMM cationic (or anionic) units with conducting networks made of partially oxidized (or reduced) donor (or acceptor) molecules. The present status of the research concerning the preparation of molecular materials exhibiting SMM behaviour and electrical conductivity is reviewed, describing the few molecular compounds where both SMM properties and electrical conductivity have been observed. The evolution of this research field through the years is discussed. The first reported compounds are semiconductors in spite being able to present relatively high electrical conductivity, and the SMM behaviour is observed at low temperatures where the electrical conductivity of the materials is similar to that of an insulator. During the recent years, a breakthrough has been achieved with the coexistence of high electrical conductivity and SMM behaviour in a molecular compound at the same temperature range, but so far without evidence of a synergy between these properties. The combination of high electrical conductivity with SMM behaviour requires not only SMM units but also the regular and as far as possible uniform packing of partially oxidized molecules, which are able to provide a conducting network.

The electrical conductivity of in vivo human uterine fibroids.

PubMed

DeLonzor, Russ; Spero, Richard K; Williams, Joseph J

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of electrical conductivity that can be used for numerical modelling in vivo radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatments of human uterine fibroids. No experimental electrical conductivity data have previously been reported for human uterine fibroids. In this study electrical data (voltage) from selected in vivo clinical procedures on human uterine fibroids were used to numerically model the treatments. Measured versus calculated power dissipation profiles were compared to determine uterine fibroid electrical conductivity. Numerical simulations were conducted utilising a wide range of values for tissue thermal conductivity, heat capacity and blood perfusion coefficient. The simulations demonstrated that power dissipation was insensitive to the exact values of these parameters for the simulated geometry, treatment duration, and power level. Consequently, it was possible to determine tissue electrical conductivity without precise knowledge of the values for these parameters. Results of this study showed that an electrical conductivity for uterine fibroids of 0.305 S/m at 37°C and a temperature coefficient of 0.2%/°C can be used for modelling Radio Frequency Ablation of human uterine fibroids at a frequency of 460 kHz for temperatures from 37°C to 100°C.

Penetration of Nonstationary Ionospheric Electric Fields into Lower Atmospheric Layers in the Global Electric Circuit Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozov, V. N.

2018-01-01

The problem of the penetration of nonstationary ionospheric electric fields into the lower atmospheric layers is considered based on the model of the global electric circuit in the Earth's atmosphere. For the equation of the electric field potential, a solution that takes into account exponential variation in the electrical conductivity with height has been obtained. Analysis of the solution made it possible to reveal three cases of the dependence of the solution on height. The first case (the case of high frequencies) corresponds to the Coulomb approximation, when the electrical conductivity of the atmosphere can be neglected. In the case of low frequencies (when the frequency of changes in the ionosphere potential is less than the quantity reciprocal to the time of electric relaxation of the atmosphere), a quasi-stationary regime, in which the variation in the electric potential of the atmosphere is determined by the electric conduction currents, occurs. In the third case, due to the increase in the electrical conductivity of the atmosphere, two spherical regions appear: with the Coulomb approximation in the lower region and conduction currents in the upper one. For these three cases, formulas for estimating the electric field strength near the Earth's surface have been obtained.

Reactive conductors for increased efficiency of exploding foil initiators and other detonators

DOEpatents

Morris, Christopher J.; Wilkins, Paul; May, Chadd; Zakar, Eugene

2015-05-05

Provided among other things are reactive energetic material systems used for conductors in detonators for increased efficiencies. According to an embodiment, a detonator may include: a conductor including at least two constituents including (i) an electrically conductive constituent, and (ii) an electrically non-conductive constituent, that when subjected to sufficient electrical energy, result in an exothermic reaction; and a flyer plate having a non-conductive surface in contact with said conductor. When the sufficient electrical energy is supplied to said conductor, rapid heating and vaporization of at least a portion of the conductor occurs so as to explosively drive at least a portion of the flyer plate away from said conductor. In an embodiment, a multilayer conductor may be formed of alternating layers of at least one electrically conductive layer, and at least one electrically non-conductive layer, that when subjected to sufficient electrical energy, result in an exothermic reaction.

Electrochemical Device Comprising an Electrically-Conductive, Selectively-Permeable Membrane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laicer, Castro S. T. (Inventor); Mittelsteadt, Cortney K. (Inventor); Harrison, Katherine E. (Inventor); McPheeters, Bryn M. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

An electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell or an electrolyzer. In one embodiment, the electrochemical device includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the anode of the MEA, a cathodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the cathode, a first bipolar plate in contact with the anodic gas diffusion medium, and a second bipolar plate in contact with the cathodic gas diffusion medium. Each of the bipolar plates includes an electrically-conductive, non-porous, liquid-permeable, substantially gas-impermeable membrane in contact with its respective gas diffusion medium, the membrane including a solid polymer electrolyte and a non-particulate, electrically-conductive material, such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and/or metal nanowires. In addition, each bipolar plate also includes an electrically-conductive fluid chamber in contact with the electrically-conductive, selectively-permeable membrane and further includes a non-porous and electrically-conductive plate in contact with the fluid chamber.

Impurity effects on electrical conductivity of doped bilayer graphene in the presence of a bias voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

E, Lotfi; H, Rezania; B, Arghavaninia; M, Yarmohammadi

2016-07-01

We address the electrical conductivity of bilayer graphene as a function of temperature, impurity concentration, and scattering strength in the presence of a finite bias voltage at finite doping, beginning with a description of the tight-binding model using the linear response theory and Green’s function approach. Our results show a linear behavior at high doping for the case of high bias voltage. The effects of electron doping on the electrical conductivity have been studied via changing the electronic chemical potential. We also discuss and analyze how the bias voltage affects the temperature behavior of the electrical conductivity. Finally, we study the behavior of the electrical conductivity as a function of the impurity concentration and scattering strength for different bias voltages and chemical potentials respectively. The electrical conductivity is found to be monotonically decreasing with impurity scattering strength due to the increased scattering among electrons at higher impurity scattering strength.

Downhole data transmission system

DOEpatents

Hall, David R.; Hall, Jr., H. Tracy; Pixton, David S; Dahlgren, Scott; Fox, Joe

2006-06-20

A system for transmitting data through a string of downhole components. In one aspect, the system includes first and second magnetically conductive, electrically insulating elements at both ends of the component. Each element includes a first U-shaped trough with a bottom, first and second sides and an opening between the two sides. Electrically conducting coils are located in each trough. An electrical conductor connects the coils in each component. In operation, a varying current applied to a first coil in one component generates a varying magnetic field in the first magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element, which varying magnetic field is conducted to and thereby produces a varying magnetic field in the second magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element of a connected component, which magnetic field thereby generates a varying electrical current in the second coil in the connected component.

Downhole Data Transmission System

DOEpatents

Hall, David R.; Hall, Jr., H. Tracy; Pixton, David; Dahlgren, Scott; Fox, Joe

2003-12-30

A system for transmitting data through a string of downhole components. In one aspect, the system includes first and second magnetically conductive, electrically insulating elements at both ends of the component. Each element includes a first U-shaped trough with a bottom, first and second sides and an opening between the two sides. Electrically conducting coils are located in each trough. An electrical conductor connects the coils in each component. In operation, a varying current applied to a first coil in one component generates a varying magnetic field in the first magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element, which varying magnetic field is conducted to and thereby produces a varying magnetic field in the second magnetically conductive, electrically insulating element of a connected component, which magnetic field thereby generates a varying electrical current in the second coil in the connected component.

3D imaging of soil apparent electrical conductivity from VERIS data using a 1D spatially constrained inversion algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jesús Moral García, Francisco; Rebollo Castillo, Francisco Javier; Monteiro Santos, Fernando

2016-04-01

Maps of apparent electrical conductivity of the soil are commonly used in precision agriculture to indirectly characterize some important properties like salinity, water, and clay content. Traditionally, these studies are made through an empirical relationship between apparent electrical conductivity and properties measured in soil samples collected at a few locations in the experimental area and at a few selected depths. Recently, some authors have used not the apparent conductivity values but the soil bulk conductivity (in 2D or 3D) calculated from measured apparent electrical conductivity through the application of an inversion method. All the published works used data collected with electromagnetic (EM) instruments. We present a new software to invert the apparent electrical conductivity data collected with VERIS 3100 and 3150 (or the more recent version with three pairs of electrodes) using the 1D spatially constrained inversion method (1D SCI). The software allows the calculation of the distribution of the bulk electrical conductivity in the survey area till a depth of 1 m. The algorithm is applied to experimental data and correlations with clay and water content have been established using soil samples collected at some boreholes. Keywords: Digital soil mapping; inversion modelling; VERIS; soil apparent electrical conductivity.

Enhanced mechanical, thermal, and electric properties of graphene aerogels via supercritical ethanol drying and high-temperature thermal reduction.

PubMed

Cheng, Yehong; Zhou, Shanbao; Hu, Ping; Zhao, Guangdong; Li, Yongxia; Zhang, Xinghong; Han, Wenbo

2017-05-03

Graphene aerogels with high surface areas, ultra-low densities and thermal conductivities have been prepared to exploit their wide applications from pollution adsorption to energy storage, supercapacitor, and thermal insulation. However, the low mechanical properties, poor thermal stability and electric conductivity restrict these aerogels' applications. In this paper, we prepared mechanically strong graphene aerogels with large BET surface areas, low thermal conductivities, high thermal stability and electric conductivities via hydrothermal reduction and supercritical ethanol drying. Annealing at 1500 °C resulted in slightly increased thermal conductivity and further improvement in mechanical properties, oxidation temperature and electric conductivity of the graphene aerogel. The large BET surface areas, together with strong mechanical properties, low thermal conductivities, high thermal stability and electrical conductivities made these graphene aerogels feasible candidates for use in a number of fields covering from batteries to sensors, electrodes, lightweight conductor and insulation materials.

Differential and directional effects of perfusion on electrical and thermal conductivities in liver.

PubMed

Podhajsky, Ronald J; Yi, Ming; Mahajan, Roop L

2009-01-01

Two different measurement probes--an electrical probe and a thermal conductivity probe--were designed, fabricated, calibrated, and used in experimental studies on a pig liver model that was designed to control perfusion rates. These probes were fabricated by photolithography and mounted in 1.5-mm diameter catheters. We measured the local impedance and thermal conductivity, respectively, of the artificially perfused liver at different flow rates and, by rotating the probes, in different directions. The results show that both the local electrical conductivity and the thermal conductivity varied location to location, that thermal conductivity increased with decreased distance to large blood vessels, and that significant directional differences exist in both electrical and thermal conductivities. Measurements at different perfusion rates demonstrated that both the local electrical and local thermal conductivities increased linearly with the square root of perfusion rate. These correlations may be of great value to many energy-based biomedical applications.

A highly stretchable, transparent, and conductive polymer

DOE PAGES

Wang, Yue; Zhu, Chenxin; Pfattner, Raphael; ...

2017-03-10

Previous breakthroughs in stretchable electronics stem from strain engineering and nanocomposite approaches. Routes toward intrinsically stretchable molecular materials remain scarce but, if successful, will enable simpler fabrication processes, such as direct printing and coating, mechanically robust devices, and more intimate contact with objects. We report a highly stretchable conducting polymer, realized with a range of enhancers that serve a dual function: (i) they change morphology and (ii) they act as conductivity-enhancing dopants in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The polymer films exhibit conductivities comparable to the best reported values for PEDOT:PSS, with over 3100 S/cm under 0% strain and over 4100 S/cm undermore » 100% strain—among the highest for reported stretchable conductors. It is highly durable under cyclic loading, with the conductivity maintained at 3600 S/cm even after 1000 cycles to 100% strain. The conductivity remained above 100 S/cm under 600% strain, with a fracture strain of 800%, which is superior to even the best silver nanowire– or carbon nanotube–based stretchable conductor films. As a result, the combination of excellent electrical and mechanical properties allowed it to serve as interconnects for field-effect transistor arrays with a device density that is five times higher than typical lithographically patterned wavy interconnects.« less

A highly stretchable, transparent, and conductive polymer

PubMed Central

Wang, Yue; Zhu, Chenxin; Pfattner, Raphael; Yan, Hongping; Jin, Lihua; Chen, Shucheng; Molina-Lopez, Francisco; Lissel, Franziska; Liu, Jia; Rabiah, Noelle I.; Chen, Zheng; Chung, Jong Won; Linder, Christian; Toney, Michael F.; Murmann, Boris; Bao, Zhenan

2017-01-01

Previous breakthroughs in stretchable electronics stem from strain engineering and nanocomposite approaches. Routes toward intrinsically stretchable molecular materials remain scarce but, if successful, will enable simpler fabrication processes, such as direct printing and coating, mechanically robust devices, and more intimate contact with objects. We report a highly stretchable conducting polymer, realized with a range of enhancers that serve a dual function: (i) they change morphology and (ii) they act as conductivity-enhancing dopants in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The polymer films exhibit conductivities comparable to the best reported values for PEDOT:PSS, with over 3100 S/cm under 0% strain and over 4100 S/cm under 100% strain—among the highest for reported stretchable conductors. It is highly durable under cyclic loading, with the conductivity maintained at 3600 S/cm even after 1000 cycles to 100% strain. The conductivity remained above 100 S/cm under 600% strain, with a fracture strain of 800%, which is superior to even the best silver nanowire– or carbon nanotube–based stretchable conductor films. The combination of excellent electrical and mechanical properties allowed it to serve as interconnects for field-effect transistor arrays with a device density that is five times higher than typical lithographically patterned wavy interconnects. PMID:28345040

Capillary zone electrophoresis-mass spectrometer interface

DOEpatents

D`Silva, A.

1996-08-06

A device for providing equal electrical potential between two loci unconnected by solid or liquid electrical conductors is provided. The device comprises a first electrical conducting terminal, a second electrical conducting terminal connected to the first terminal by a rigid dielectric structure, and an electrically conducting gas contacting the first and second terminals. This device is particularly suitable for application in the electrospray ionization interface between a capillary zone electrophoresis apparatus and a mass spectrometer. 1 fig.

A percolation approach to study the high electric field effect on electrical conductivity of insulating polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benallou, Amina; Hadri, Baghdad; Martinez-Vega, Juan; El Islam Boukortt, Nour

2018-04-01

The effect of percolation threshold on the behaviour of electrical conductivity at high electric field of insulating polymers has been briefly investigated in literature. Sometimes the dead ends links are not taken into account in the study of the electric field effect on the electrical properties. In this work, we present a theoretical framework and Monte Carlo simulation of the behaviour of the electric conductivity at high electric field based on the percolation theory using the traps energies levels which are distributed according to distribution law (uniform, Gaussian, and power-law). When a solid insulating material is subjected to a high electric field, and during trapping mechanism the dead ends of traps affect with decreasing the electric conductivity according to the traps energies levels, the correlation length of the clusters, the length of the dead ends, and the concentration of the accessible positions for the electrons. A reasonably good agreement is obtained between simulation results and the theoretical framework.

A percolation model for electrical conduction in wood with implications for wood-water relations

Treesearch

Samuel L. Zelinka; Samuel V. Glass; Donald S. Stone

2008-01-01

The first models used to describe electrical conduction in cellulosic materials involved conduction pathways through free water. These models were abandoned in the middle of the 20th century. This article re-evaluates the theory of conduction in wood by using a percolation model that describes electrical conduction in terms of overlapping paths of loosely bound or...

Electrochemically assisted deposition of hydroxyapatite on Ti6Al4V substrates covered by CVD diamond films - Coating characterization and first cell biological results.

PubMed

Strąkowska, Paulina; Beutner, René; Gnyba, Marcin; Zielinski, Andrzej; Scharnweber, Dieter

2016-02-01

Although titanium and its alloys are widely used as implant material for orthopedic and dental applications they show only limited corrosion stability and osseointegration in different cases. The aim of the presented research was to develop and characterize a novel surface modification system from a thin diamond base layer and a hydroxyapatite (HAp) top coating deposited on the alloy Ti6Al4V widely used for implants in contact with bone. This coating system is expected to improve both the long-term corrosion behavior and the biocompatibility and bioactivity of respective surfaces. The diamond base films were obtained by Microwave Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (MW-PACVD); the HAp coatings were formed in aqueous solutions by electrochemically assisted deposition (ECAD) at varying polarization parameters. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman microscopy, and electrical conductivity measurements were applied to characterize the generated surface states; the calcium phosphate coatings were additionally chemically analyzed for their composition. The biological properties of the coating system were assessed using hMSC cells analyzing for cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Varying MW-PACVD process conditions resulted in composite coatings containing microcrystalline diamond (MCD/Ti-C), nanocrystalline diamond (NCD), and boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond (B-NCD) with the NCD coatings being dense and homogeneous and the B-NCD coatings showing increased electrical conductivity. The ECAD process resulted in calcium phosphate coatings from stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric HAp. The deposition of HAp on the B-NCD films run at lower cathodic potentials and resulted both in the highest coating mass and the most homogenous appearance. Initial cell biological investigations showed an improved cell adhesion in the order B-NCD>HAp/B-NCD>uncoated substrate. Cell proliferation was improved for both investigated coatings whereas ALP expression was highest for the uncoated substrate. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrically conductive material

DOEpatents

Singh, J.P.; Bosak, A.L.; McPheeters, C.C.; Dees, D.W.

1993-09-07

An electrically conductive material is described for use in solid oxide fuel cells, electrochemical sensors for combustion exhaust, and various other applications possesses increased fracture toughness over available materials, while affording the same electrical conductivity. One embodiment of the sintered electrically conductive material consists essentially of cubic ZrO[sub 2] as a matrix and 6-19 wt. % monoclinic ZrO[sub 2] formed from particles having an average size equal to or greater than about 0.23 microns. Another embodiment of the electrically conductive material consists essentially at cubic ZrO[sub 2] as a matrix and 10-30 wt. % partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) formed from particles having an average size of approximately 3 microns. 8 figures.

All diamond self-aligned thin film transistor

DOEpatents

Gerbi, Jennifer [Champaign, IL

2008-07-01

A substantially all diamond transistor with an electrically insulating substrate, an electrically conductive diamond layer on the substrate, and a source and a drain contact on the electrically conductive diamond layer. An electrically insulating diamond layer is in contact with the electrically conductive diamond layer, and a gate contact is on the electrically insulating diamond layer. The diamond layers may be homoepitaxial, polycrystalline, nanocrystalline or ultrananocrystalline in various combinations.A method of making a substantially all diamond self-aligned gate transistor is disclosed in which seeding and patterning can be avoided or minimized, if desired.

Perforation patterned electrical interconnects

DOEpatents

Frey, Jonathan

2014-01-28

This disclosure describes systems and methods for increasing the usable surface area of electrical contacts within a device, such as a thin film solid state device, through the implementation of electrically conductive interconnects. Embodiments described herein include the use of a plurality of electrically conductive interconnects that penetrate through a top contact layer, through one or more multiple layers, and into a bottom contact layer. The plurality of conductive interconnects may form horizontal and vertical cross-sectional patterns. The use of lasers to form the plurality of electrically conductive interconnects from reflowed layer material further aids in the manufacturing process of a device.

Capacitor discharge process for welding braided cable

DOEpatents

Wilson, Rick D.

1995-01-01

A capacitor discharge process for welding a braided cable formed from a plurality of individual cable strands to a solid metallic electrically conductive member comprises the steps of: (a) preparing the electrically conductive member for welding by bevelling one of its end portions while leaving an ignition projection extending outwardly from the apex of the bevel; (b) clamping the electrically conductive member in a cathode fixture; (c) connecting the electrically conductive member clamped in the cathode fixture to a capacitor bank capable of being charged to a preselected voltage value; (d) preparing the braided cable for welding by wrapping one of its end portions with a metallic sheet to form a retaining ring operable to maintain the individual strands of the braided cable in fixed position within the retaining ring; (e) clamping the braided cable and the retaining ring as a unit in an anode fixture so that the wrapped end portion of the braided cable faces the ignition projection of the electrically conductive member; and (f) moving the cathode fixture towards the anode fixture until the ignition projection of the electrically conductive member contacts the end portion of the braided cable thereby allowing the capacitor bank to discharge through the electrically conductive member and through the braided cable and causing the electrically conductive member to be welded to the braided cable via capacitor discharge action.

Simplified Calculation of the Electrical Conductivity of Composites with Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanov, S. G.; Aniskevich, A.; Kulakov, V.

2018-03-01

The electrical conductivity of two groups of polymer nanocomposites filled with the same NC7000 carbon nanotubes (CNTs) beyond the percolation threshold is described with the help of simple formulas. Different manufacturing process of the nanocomposites led to different CNT network structures, and, as a consequence, their electrical conductivity, at the same CNT volume, differed by two orders of magnitude. The relation between the electrical conductivity and the volume content of CNTs of the first group of composites (with a higher electrical conductivity) is described assuming that the CNT network structure is close to a statistically homogeneous one. The formula for this case, derived on the basis of a self-consistent model, includes only two parameters: the effective longitudinal electrical conductivity of CNT and the percolation threshold (the critical value of CNT volume content). These parameters were determined from two experimental points of electrical conductivity as a function of the volume fraction of CNTs. The second group of nanocomposites had a pronounced agglomerative structure, which was confirmed by microscopy data. To describe the low electrical conductivity of this group of nanocomposites, a formula based on known models of micromechanics is proposed. Two parameters of this formula were determined from experimental data of the first group, but the other two — of the second group of nanocomposites. A comparison of calculation and experimental relations confirmed the practical expediency of using the approach described.

Indicators: Conductivity

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Conductivity is a measure of the ability of water to pass an electrical current. Because dissolved salts and other inorganic chemicals conduct electrical current, conductivity increases as salinity increases.

Competition and Cooperation of Distributed Generation and Power System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyake, Masatoshi; Nanahara, Toshiya

Advances in distributed generation technologies together with the deregulation of an electric power industry can lead to a massive introduction of distributed generation. Since most of distributed generation will be interconnected to a power system, coordination and competition between distributed generators and large-scale power sources would be a vital issue in realizing a more desirable energy system in the future. This paper analyzes competitions between electric utilities and cogenerators from the viewpoints of economic and energy efficiency based on the simulation results on an energy system including a cogeneration system. First, we examine best response correspondence of an electric utility and a cogenerator with a noncooperative game approach: we obtain a Nash equilibrium point. Secondly, we examine the optimum strategy that attains the highest social surplus and the highest energy efficiency through global optimization.

The long-term resistance mechanisms, critical irrigation threshold and relief capacity shown by Eugenia myrtifolia plants in response to saline reclaimed water.

PubMed

Acosta-Motos, José Ramón; Hernández, José Antonio; Álvarez, Sara; Barba-Espín, Gregorio; Sánchez-Blanco, María Jesús

2017-02-01

Salts present in irrigation water are serious problems for commercial horticulture, particularly in semi-arid regions. Reclaimed water (RW) typically contains, among others elements, high levels of salts, boron and heavy metal. Phytotoxic ion accumulation in the substrate has been linked to different electric conductivities of the treatments. Based on these premises, we studied the long-term effect of three reclaimed water treatments with different saline concentrations on Eugenia myrtifolia plants. We also looked at the ability of these plants to recover when no drainage was applied. The RW with the highest electric conductivity (RW3, EC = 6.96 dS m -1 ) provoked a number of responses to salinity in these plants, including: 1) accumulation and extrusion of phytotoxic ions in roots; 2) a decrease in the shoot/root ratio, leaf area, number of leaves; 3) a decrease in root hydraulic conductivity, leaf water potential, the relative water content of leaves, leaf stomatal conductance, the leaf photosynthetic rate, water-use efficiency and accumulated evapotranspiration in order to limit water loss; and 4) changes in the antioxidant defence mechanisms. These different responses induced oxidative stress, which can explain the damage caused in the membranes, leading to the death of RW3 plants during the relief period. The behaviour observed in RW2 plants was slightly better compared with RW3 plants, although at the end of the experiment about 55% of the RW2 plants also died, however RW containing low salinity level (RW1, EC = 2.97 dS m -1 ) can be effective for plant irrigation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Method and Apparatus for Obtaining a Precision Thickness in Semiconductor and Other Wafers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Okojie, Robert S. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A method and apparatus for processing a wafer comprising a material selected from an electrical semiconducting material and an electrical insulating material is presented. The wafer has opposed generally planar front and rear sides and a peripheral edge, wherein said wafer is pressed against a pad in the presence of a slurry to reduce its thickness. The thickness of the wafer is controlled by first forming a recess such as a dimple on the rear side of the wafer. A first electrical conducting strip extends from a first electrical connection means to the base surface of the recess to the second electrical connector. The first electrical conducting strip overlies the base surface of the recess. There is also a second electrical conductor with an electrical potential source between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector to form. In combination with the first electrical conducting strip, the second electrical conductor forms a closed electrical circuit, and an electrical current flows through the closed electrical circuit. From the front side of the wafer the initial thickness of the wafer is reduced by lapping until the base surface of the recess is reached. The conductive strip is at least partially removed from the base surface to automatically stop the lapping procedure and thereby achieve the desired thickness.

Embedded Heaters for Joining or Separating Plastic Parts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryant, Melvin A., III

2004-01-01

A proposed thermal-bonding technique would make it possible to join or separate thermoplastic parts quickly and efficiently. The technique would eliminate the need for conventional welding or for such conventional fastening components as bolted flanges or interlocking hooks. The technique could be particularly useful in the sign industry (in which large quantities of thermoplastics are used) or could be used to join plastic pipes. A thin sheet of a suitable electrically conductive material would be formed to fit between two thermoplastic parts to be joined (see figure). The electrically conductive sheet and the two parts would be put together tightly, then an electrical current would be sent through the conductor to heat the thermoplastic locally. The magnitude of the current and the heating time would be chosen to generate just enough heat to cause the thermoplastic to adhere to both sides of the electrically conductive sheet. Optionally, the electrically conductive sheet could contain many small holes to provide purchase or to increase electrical resistance to facilitate the generation of heat. After thermal bonding, the electrically conductive sheet remains as an integral part of the structure. If necessary, the electrically conductive sheet can be reheated later to separate the joined thermoplastic parts.

Electrical Conductivity of Ferritin Proteins by Conductive AFM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, Degao; Watt, Gerald D.; Harb, John N.; Davis, Robert C.

2005-01-01

Electrical conductivity measurements were performed on single apoferritin and holoferritin molecules by conductive atomic force microscopy. Conductivity of self-assembled monolayer films of ferritin molecules on gold surfaces was also measured. Holoferritin was 5-25 times more conductive than apoferritin, indicating that for holoferritin most electron-transfer goes through the ferrihydrite core. With 1 V applied, the average electrical currents through single holoferritin and apoferritin molecules were 2.6 PA and 0.19 PA, respectively.

Modeling of electric field distribution in tissues during electroporation

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Electroporation based therapies and treatments (e.g. electrochemotherapy, gene electrotransfer for gene therapy and DNA vaccination, tissue ablation with irreversible electroporation and transdermal drug delivery) require a precise prediction of the therapy or treatment outcome by a personalized treatment planning procedure. Numerical modeling of local electric field distribution within electroporated tissues has become an important tool in treatment planning procedure in both clinical and experimental settings. Recent studies have reported that the uncertainties in electrical properties (i.e. electric conductivity of the treated tissues and the rate of increase in electric conductivity due to electroporation) predefined in numerical models have large effect on electroporation based therapy and treatment effectiveness. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the increase in electric conductivity of tissues needs to be taken into account when modeling tissue response to the electroporation pulses and how it affects the local electric distribution within electroporated tissues. Methods We built 3D numerical models for single tissue (one type of tissue, e.g. liver) and composite tissue (several types of tissues, e.g. subcutaneous tumor). Our computer simulations were performed by using three different modeling approaches that are based on finite element method: inverse analysis, nonlinear parametric and sequential analysis. We compared linear (i.e. tissue conductivity is constant) model and non-linear (i.e. tissue conductivity is electric field dependent) model. By calculating goodness of fit measure we compared the results of our numerical simulations to the results of in vivo measurements. Results The results of our study show that the nonlinear models (i.e. tissue conductivity is electric field dependent: σ(E)) fit experimental data better than linear models (i.e. tissue conductivity is constant). This was found for both single tissue and composite tissue. Our results of electric field distribution modeling in linear model of composite tissue (i.e. in the subcutaneous tumor model that do not take into account the relationship σ(E)) showed that a very high electric field (above irreversible threshold value) was concentrated only in the stratum corneum while the target tumor tissue was not successfully treated. Furthermore, the calculated volume of the target tumor tissue exposed to the electric field above reversible threshold in the subcutaneous model was zero assuming constant conductivities of each tissue. Our results also show that the inverse analysis allows for identification of both baseline tissue conductivity (i.e. conductivity of non-electroporated tissue) and tissue conductivity vs. electric field (σ(E)) of electroporated tissue. Conclusion Our results of modeling of electric field distribution in tissues during electroporation show that the changes in electrical conductivity due to electroporation need to be taken into account when an electroporation based treatment is planned or investigated. We concluded that the model of electric field distribution that takes into account the increase in electric conductivity due to electroporation yields more precise prediction of successfully electroporated target tissue volume. The findings of our study can significantly contribute to the current development of individualized patient-specific electroporation based treatment planning. PMID:23433433

Dehydration of chlorite explains anomalously high electrical conductivity in the mantle wedges.

PubMed

Manthilake, Geeth; Bolfan-Casanova, Nathalie; Novella, Davide; Mookherjee, Mainak; Andrault, Denis

2016-05-01

Mantle wedge regions in subduction zone settings show anomalously high electrical conductivity (~1 S/m) that has often been attributed to the presence of aqueous fluids released by slab dehydration. Laboratory-based measurements of the electrical conductivity of hydrous phases and aqueous fluids are significantly lower and cannot readily explain the geophysically observed anomalously high electrical conductivity. The released aqueous fluid also rehydrates the mantle wedge and stabilizes a suite of hydrous phases, including serpentine and chlorite. In this present study, we have measured the electrical conductivity of a natural chlorite at pressures and temperatures relevant for the subduction zone setting. In our experiment, we observe two distinct conductivity enhancements when chlorite is heated to temperatures beyond its thermodynamic stability field. The initial increase in electrical conductivity to ~3 × 10(-3) S/m can be attributed to chlorite dehydration and the release of aqueous fluids. This is followed by a unique, subsequent enhancement of electrical conductivity of up to 7 × 10(-1) S/m. This is related to the growth of an interconnected network of a highly conductive and chemically impure magnetite mineral phase. Thus, the dehydration of chlorite and associated processes are likely to be crucial in explaining the anomalously high electrical conductivity observed in mantle wedges. Chlorite dehydration in the mantle wedge provides an additional source of aqueous fluid above the slab and could also be responsible for the fixed depth (120 ± 40 km) of melting at the top of the subducting slab beneath the subduction-related volcanic arc front.

Dehydration of chlorite explains anomalously high electrical conductivity in the mantle wedges

PubMed Central

Manthilake, Geeth; Bolfan-Casanova, Nathalie; Novella, Davide; Mookherjee, Mainak; Andrault, Denis

2016-01-01

Mantle wedge regions in subduction zone settings show anomalously high electrical conductivity (~1 S/m) that has often been attributed to the presence of aqueous fluids released by slab dehydration. Laboratory-based measurements of the electrical conductivity of hydrous phases and aqueous fluids are significantly lower and cannot readily explain the geophysically observed anomalously high electrical conductivity. The released aqueous fluid also rehydrates the mantle wedge and stabilizes a suite of hydrous phases, including serpentine and chlorite. In this present study, we have measured the electrical conductivity of a natural chlorite at pressures and temperatures relevant for the subduction zone setting. In our experiment, we observe two distinct conductivity enhancements when chlorite is heated to temperatures beyond its thermodynamic stability field. The initial increase in electrical conductivity to ~3 × 10−3 S/m can be attributed to chlorite dehydration and the release of aqueous fluids. This is followed by a unique, subsequent enhancement of electrical conductivity of up to 7 × 10−1 S/m. This is related to the growth of an interconnected network of a highly conductive and chemically impure magnetite mineral phase. Thus, the dehydration of chlorite and associated processes are likely to be crucial in explaining the anomalously high electrical conductivity observed in mantle wedges. Chlorite dehydration in the mantle wedge provides an additional source of aqueous fluid above the slab and could also be responsible for the fixed depth (120 ± 40 km) of melting at the top of the subducting slab beneath the subduction-related volcanic arc front. PMID:27386526

Chemical Detection using Electrically Open Circuits having no Electrical Connections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodward, Stanley E.; Olgesby, Donald M.; Taylor, Bryant D.; Shams, Qamar A.

2008-01-01

This paper presents investigations to date on chemical detection using a recently developed method for designing, powering and interrogating sensors as electrically open circuits having no electrical connections. In lieu of having each sensor from a closed circuit with multiple electrically connected components, an electrically conductive geometric pattern that is powered using oscillating magnetic fields and capable of storing an electric field and a magnetic field without the need of a closed circuit or electrical connections is used. When electrically active, the patterns respond with their own magnetic field whose frequency, amplitude and bandwidth can be correlated with the magnitude of the physical quantities being measured. Preliminary experimental results of using two different detection approaches will be presented. In one method, a thin film of a reactant is deposited on the surface of the open-circuit sensor. Exposure to a specific targeted reactant shifts the resonant frequency of the sensor. In the second method, a coating of conductive material is placed on a thin non-conductive plastic sheet that is placed over the surface of the sensor. There is no physical contact between the sensor and the electrically conductive material. When the conductive material is exposed to a targeted reactant, a chemical reaction occurs that renders the material non-conductive. The change in the material s electrical resistance within the magnetic field of the sensor alters the sensor s response bandwidth and amplitude, allowing detection of the reaction without having the reactants in physical contact with the sensor.

External electric field driven modification of the anomalous and spin Hall conductivities in Fe thin films on MgO(001)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradipto, Abdul-Muizz; Akiyama, Toru; Ito, Tomonori; Nakamura, Kohji

2018-01-01

The effects of applying external electric fields to the anomalous and spin Hall conductivities in Fe thin-film models with different layer thicknesses on MgO(001) are investigated by using first-principles calculations. We observe that, for the considered systems, the application of positive electric field associated with the accumulation of negative charges on the Fe side generally decreases (increases) the anomalous (spin) Hall conductivities. The mapping of the Hall conductivities within the two-dimensional Brillouin zone shows that the electric-field-induced modifications are related to the modification of the band structures of the atoms at the interface with the MgO substrate. In particular, the external electric field affects the Hall conductivities via the modifications of the dx z,dy z orbitals, in which the application of positive electric field pushes the minority-spin states of the dx z,dy z bands closer to the Fermi level. Better agreement with the anomalous Hall conductivity for bulk Fe and a more realistic scenario for the electric field modification of Hall conductivities are obtained by using the thicker layers of Fe on MgO (Fe3/MgO and Fe5/MgO).

Non-permeable substrate carrier for electroplating

DOEpatents

Abas, Emmanuel Chua; Chen, Chen-An; Ma, Diana Xiaobing; Ganti, Kalyana Bhargava

2012-11-27

One embodiment relates to a substrate carrier for use in electroplating a plurality of substrates. The substrate carrier comprises a non-conductive carrier body on which the substrates are to be held. Electrically-conductive lines are embedded within the carrier body, and a plurality of contact clips are coupled to the electrically-conductive lines embedded within the carrier body. The contact clips hold the substrates in place and electrically couple the substrates to the electrically-conductive lines. The non-conductive carrier body is continuous so as to be impermeable to flow of electroplating solution through the non-conductive carrier body. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Non-permeable substrate carrier for electroplating

DOEpatents

Abas, Emmanuel Chua; Chen, Chen-an; Ma, Diana Xiaobing; Ganti, Kalyana; Divino, Edmundo Anida; Ermita, Jake Randal G.; Capulong, Jose Francisco S.; Castillo, Arnold Villamor

2015-12-29

One embodiment relates to a substrate carrier for use in electroplating a plurality of substrates. The substrate carrier comprises a non-conductive carrier body on which the substrates are to be held. Electrically-conductive lines are embedded within the carrier body, and a plurality of contact clips are coupled to the electrically-conductive lines embedded within the carrier body. The contact clips hold the substrates in place and electrically couple the substrates to the electrically-conductive lines. The non-conductive carrier body is continuous so as to be impermeable to flow of electroplating solution through the non-conductive carrier body. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Life cycle water use for electricity generation: a review and harmonization of literature estimates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meldrum, J.; Nettles-Anderson, S.; Heath, G.; Macknick, J.

2013-03-01

This article provides consolidated estimates of water withdrawal and water consumption for the full life cycle of selected electricity generating technologies, which includes component manufacturing, fuel acquisition, processing, and transport, and power plant operation and decommissioning. Estimates were gathered through a broad search of publicly available sources, screened for quality and relevance, and harmonized for methodological differences. Published estimates vary substantially, due in part to differences in production pathways, in defined boundaries, and in performance parameters. Despite limitations to available data, we find that: water used for cooling of thermoelectric power plants dominates the life cycle water use in most cases; the coal, natural gas, and nuclear fuel cycles require substantial water per megawatt-hour in most cases; and, a substantial proportion of life cycle water use per megawatt-hour is required for the manufacturing and construction of concentrating solar, geothermal, photovoltaic, and wind power facilities. On the basis of the best available evidence for the evaluated technologies, total life cycle water use appears lowest for electricity generated by photovoltaics and wind, and highest for thermoelectric generation technologies. This report provides the foundation for conducting water use impact assessments of the power sector while also identifying gaps in data that could guide future research.

Thermoelectric properties of Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6-δ ceramics in different oxygen-reduction conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yi; Liu, Jian; Wang, Chun-Lei; Su, Wen-Bin; Zhu, Yuan-Hu; Li, Ji-Chao; Mei, Liang-Mo

2015-04-01

The thermoelectric properties of Sr0.61Ba0.39Nb2O6-δ ceramics, reduced in different conditions, are investigated in the temperature range from 323 K to 1073 K. The electrical transport behaviors of the samples are dominated by the thermal-activated polaron hopping in the low temperature range, the Fermi glass behavior in the middle temperature range, and the Anderson localized behavior in the high temperature range. The thermal conductivity presents a plateau at high-temperatures, indicating a glass-like thermal conduction behavior. Both the thermoelectric power factor and the thermal conductivity increase with the increase of the degree of oxygen-reduction. Taking these two factors into account, the oxygen-reduction can still contribute to promoting the thermoelectric figure of merit. The highest ZT value is obtained to be ˜0.19 at 1073 K in the heaviest oxygen reduced sample. Project supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2013CB632506) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 51202132 and 51002087).

Electrical conductivity of In2O3 and Ga2O3 after low temperature ion irradiation; implications for instrinsic defect formation and charge neutrality level.

PubMed

Vines, L; Bhoodoo, C; von Wenckstern, H; Grundmann, M

2017-12-13

The evolution of sheet resistance of n-type In 2 O 3 and Ga 2 O 3 exposed to bombardment with MeV 12 C and 28 Si ions at 35 K is studied in situ. While the sheet resistance of Ga 2 O 3 increased by more than eight orders of magnitude as a result of ion irradiation, In 2 O 3 showed a more complex defect evolution and became more conductive when irradiated at the highest doses. Heating up to room temperature reduced the sheet resistivity somewhat, but Ga 2 O 3 remained highly resistive, while In 2 O 3 showed a lower resistance than as deposited samples. Thermal admittance spectroscopy and deep level transient spectroscopy did not reveal new defect levels for irradiation up to [Formula: see text] cm -2 . A model where larger defect complexes preferentially produce donor like defects in In 2 O 3 is proposed, and may reveal a microscopic view of a charge neutrality level within the conduction band, as previously proposed.

Electrical conductivity of In2O3 and Ga2O3 after low temperature ion irradiation; implications for instrinsic defect formation and charge neutrality level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vines, L.; Bhoodoo, C.; von Wenckstern, H.; Grundmann, M.

2018-01-01

The evolution of sheet resistance of n-type In2O3 and Ga2O3 exposed to bombardment with MeV 12C and 28Si ions at 35 K is studied in situ. While the sheet resistance of Ga2O3 increased by more than eight orders of magnitude as a result of ion irradiation, In2O3 showed a more complex defect evolution and became more conductive when irradiated at the highest doses. Heating up to room temperature reduced the sheet resistivity somewhat, but Ga2O3 remained highly resistive, while In2O3 showed a lower resistance than as deposited samples. Thermal admittance spectroscopy and deep level transient spectroscopy did not reveal new defect levels for irradiation up to 2 × 1012 cm-2. A model where larger defect complexes preferentially produce donor like defects in In2O3 is proposed, and may reveal a microscopic view of a charge neutrality level within the conduction band, as previously proposed.

Electrical Investigation of Metal-Olivine Systems and Application to the Deep Interior of Mercury

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhou; Pommier, Anne

2017-12-01

We report electrical conductivity measurements on metal-olivine systems at about 5 and 6 GPa and up to 1,675°C in order to investigate the electrical properties of core-mantle boundary (CMB) systems. Electrical experiments were conducted in the multianvil apparatus using the impedance spectroscopy technique. The samples are composed of one metal layer (Fe, FeS, FeSi2, or Fe-Ni-S-Si) and one polycrystalline olivine layer, with the metal:olivine ratio ranging from 1:0.7 to 1:9.2. For all samples, we observe that the bulk electrical conductivity increases with temperature from 10-2.5 to 101.8 S/m, which is higher than the conductivity of polycrystalline olivine but lower than the conductivity of the pure metal phase at similar conditions. In some experiments, a conductivity jump is observed at the temperature corresponding to the melting temperature of the metallic phase. Both the metal:olivine ratio and the metal phase geometry control the electrical conductivity of the two-layer samples. By combining electrical results, textural analyses of the samples, and previous studies of the structure and composition of Mercury's interior, we propose an electrical profile of the deep interior of the planet that accounts for a layered CMB-outer core structure. The electrical model agrees with existing conductivity estimates of Mercury's lower mantle and CMB using magnetic observations and thermodynamic calculations, and thus, supports the hypothesis of a layered CMB-outermost core structure in the present-day interior of Mercury. We propose that the layered CMB-outer core structure is possibly electrically insulating, which may influence the planet's structure and cooling history.

Conductive polymer layers to limit transfer of fuel reactants to catalysts of fuel cells to reduce reactant crossover

DOEpatents

Stanis, Ronald J.; Lambert, Timothy N.

2016-12-06

An apparatus of an aspect includes a fuel cell catalyst layer. The fuel cell catalyst layer is operable to catalyze a reaction involving a fuel reactant. A fuel cell gas diffusion layer is coupled with the fuel cell catalyst layer. The fuel cell gas diffusion layer includes a porous electrically conductive material. The porous electrically conductive material is operable to allow the fuel reactant to transfer through the fuel cell gas diffusion layer to reach the fuel cell catalyst layer. The porous electrically conductive material is also operable to conduct electrons associated with the reaction through the fuel cell gas diffusion layer. An electrically conductive polymer material is coupled with the fuel cell gas diffusion layer. The electrically conductive polymer material is operable to limit transfer of the fuel reactant to the fuel cell catalyst layer.

Method of forming electrical pathways in indium-tin-oxide coatings

DOEpatents

Haynes, T.E.

1996-12-03

An electrical device includes a substrate having an ITO coating thereon, a portion of which is conductive and defines at least one electrical pathway, and the balance of the ITO being insulative. The device is made by the following general steps: a. providing a substrate having a conductive ITO coating on at least one surface thereof; b. rendering a preselected portion of the coating of conductive ITO insulative, leaving the remaining portion of conductive ITO as at least one electrical pathway. 8 figs.

Method of forming electrical pathways in indium-tin-oxide coatings

DOEpatents

Haynes, T.E.

1997-03-04

An electrical device includes a substrate having an ITO coating thereon, a portion of which is conductive and defines at least one electrical pathway, the balance of the ITO being insulative. The device is made by the following general steps: (a) providing a substrate having a conductive ITO coating on at least one surface thereof; (b) rendering a preselected portion of the coating of conductive ITO insulative, leaving the remaining portion of conductive ITO as at least one electrical pathway. 8 figs.

Method of forming electrical pathways in indium-tin-oxide coatings

DOEpatents

Haynes, Tony E.

1996-01-01

An electrical device includes a substrate having an ITO coating thereon, a portion of which is conductive and defines at least one electrical pathway, and the balance of the ITO being insulative. The device is made by the following general steps: a. providing a substrate having a conductive ITO coating on at least one surface thereof; b. rendering a preselected portion of the coating of conductive ITO insulative, leaving the remaining portion of conductive ITO as at least one electrical pathway.

Method of forming electrical pathways in indium-tin-oxide coatings

DOEpatents

Haynes, Tony E.

1997-01-01

An electrical device includes a substrate having an ITO coating thereon, a portion of which is conductive and defines at least one electrical pathway, and the balance of the ITO being insulative. The device is made by the following general steps: a. providing a substrate having a conductive ITO coating on at least one surface thereof; b. rendering a preselected portion of the coating of conductive ITO insulative, leaving the remaining portion of conductive ITO as at least one electrical pathway.

Simulation of bipolar charge transport in nanocomposite polymer films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lean, Meng H.; Chu, Wei-Ping L.

2015-03-01

This paper describes 3D particle-in-cell simulation of bipolar charge injection and transport through nanocomposite film comprised of ferroelectric ceramic nanofillers in an amorphous polymer matrix. The classical electrical double layer (EDL) model for a monopolar core is extended (eEDL) to represent the nanofiller by replacing it with a dipolar core. Charge injection at the electrodes assumes metal-polymer Schottky emission at low to moderate fields and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling at high fields. Injected particles migrate via field-dependent Poole-Frenkel mobility and recombine with Monte Carlo selection. The simulation algorithm uses a boundary integral equation method for solution of the Poisson equation coupled with a second-order predictor-corrector scheme for robust time integration of the equations of motion. The stability criterion of the explicit algorithm conforms to the Courant-Friedrichs-Levy limit assuring robust and rapid convergence. The model is capable of simulating a wide dynamic range spanning leakage current to pre-breakdown. Simulation results for BaTiO3 nanofiller in amorphous polymer matrix indicate that charge transport behavior depend on nanoparticle polarization with anti-parallel orientation showing the highest leakage conduction and therefore lowest level of charge trapping in the interaction zone. Charge recombination is also highest, at the cost of reduced leakage conduction charge. The eEDL model predicts the meandering pathways of charge particle trajectories.

Prepared by Thermal Hydro-decomposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasoetsopha, N.; Pinitsoontorn, S.; Kamwanna, T.; Kurosaki, K.; Ohishi, Y.; Muta, H.; Yamanaka, S.

2014-06-01

The polycrystalline samples of Ca3Co4- x Ga x O9+ δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) were prepared by a simple thermal hydro-decomposition method. The high density ceramics were fabricated using a spark plasma sintering technique. The crystal structure of calcined powders was characterized by x-ray diffraction. The single phase of Ca3Co4- x Ga x O9+ δ was obtained. The scanning electron micrograph illustrated the grain alignment perpendicular to the direction of the pressure in the sintering process. The evidence from x-ray absorption near edge spectra were used to confirm the oxidation state of the Ga dopant. The thermoelectric properties of the misfit-layered of Ca3Co4- x Ga x O9+ δ were investigated. Seebeck coefficient tended to decrease with increasing Ga content due to the hole-doping effect. The electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity were monotonically decreased with increasing Ga content. The Ga doping of x = 0.15 showed the highest power factor of 3.99 × 10-4 W/mK2 at 1,023 K and the lowest thermal conductivity of 1.45 W/mK at 1,073 K. This resulted in the highest ZT of 0.29 at 1,073 K. From the optical absorption spectra, the electronic structure near the Fermi level show no significant change with Ga doping.

Analysis of implementation of Tradable Green Certificates system in a competitive electricity market: a game theory approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghaffari, Meysam; Hafezalkotob, Ashkan; Makui, Ahmad

2016-06-01

This paper investigates three models to implement Tradable Green Certificates (TGC) system with aid of game theory approach. In particular, the competition between thermal and renewable power plants is formulated in three models: namely cooperative, Nash and Stackelberg game models. The price of TGC is assumed to be determined by the legislative body (government) which is fixed. Numerical examples presented in this paper include sensitivity analysis of some key parameters and comparison of the results of different models. In all three game models, the parameters that influence pricing of the TGC based on the optimal amounts are obtained. The numerical examples demonstrate that in all models: there is a reverse relation between the price of electricity and the TGC price, as well as a direct relation between the price of electricity and the share of green electricity in total electricity generation. It is found that Stackelberg model is an appropriate structure to implement the TGC system. In this model, the supply of electricity and the production of green electricity are at the highest level, while the price of electricity is at the lowest levels. In addition, payoff of the thermal power plant is at the highest levels in the Nash model. Hence this model can be an applicatory structure for implementation of the TGC system in developing countries, where the number of thermal power plants is significantly greater than the number of renewable power plants.

Electrical conductivity of rocks at high pressures and temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parkhomenko, E. I.; Bondarenko, A. T.

1986-01-01

The results of studies of the electrical conductivity in the most widely distributed types of igneous rocks, at temperatures of up to 1200 C, at atmospheric pressure, and also at temperatures of up to 700 C and at pressures of up to 20,000 kg/sq cm are described. The figures of electrical conductivity, of activaation energy and of the preexponential coefficient are presented and the dependence of these parameters on the petrochemical parameters of the rocks are reviewed. The possible electrical conductivities for the depository, granite and basalt layers of the Earth's crust and of the upper mantle are presented, as well as the electrical conductivity distribution to the depth of 200 to 240 km for different geological structures.

RF transmission line and drill/pipe string switching technology for down-hole telemetry

DOEpatents

Clark, David D [Santa Fe, NM; Coates, Don M [Santa Fe, NM

2007-08-14

A modulated reflectance well telemetry apparatus having an electrically conductive pipe extending from above a surface to a point below the surface inside a casing. An electrical conductor is located at a position a distance from the electrically conductive pipe and extending from above the surface to a point below the surface. Modulated reflectance apparatus is located below the surface for modulating well data into a RF carrier transmitted from the surface and reflecting the modulated carrier back to the surface. A RF transceiver is located at the surface and is connected between the electrically conductive pipe and the electrical conductor for transmitting a RF signal that is confined between the electrically conductive well pipe and the electrical conductor to the modulated reflectance apparatus, and for receiving reflected data on the well from the modulated reflectance apparatus.

Electrical conductivity behavior of Gum Arabic biopolymer-Fe3O4 nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhakat, D.; Barik, P.; Bhattacharjee, A.

2018-01-01

Present work reports a study on the electrical conduction properties of some composites of Gum Arabic biopolymer and magnetite nanoparticles as host and guest, respectively, synthesized in different weight percentages. The nanocomposites are found to be non-extrinsic type of semiconductors with guest content dependent trap distribution of charge carriers. Conductivity of these materials increases with increasing guest content along with a concomitant decrease in the activation energy. Percolation theory has been employed for the analysis of the electrical conductivity results to explore the effect of the guest on the electrical conductivity of the host.

Geophysical signature of hydration-dehydration processes in active subduction zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynard, Bruno

2013-04-01

Seismological and magneto-telluric tomographies are potential tools for imaging fluid circulation when combined with petrophysical models. Recent measurements of the physical properties of serpentine allow refining hydration of the mantle and fluid circulation in the mantle wedge from geophysical data. In the slab lithospheric mantle, serpentinization caused by bending at the trench is limited to a few kilometers below the oceanic crust (<5 km). Double Wadati-Benioff zones, 20-30 km below the crust, are explained by deformation of dry peridotites, not by serpentine dehydration. It reduces the required amount of water stored in solid phases in the slab (Reynard et al., 2010). In the cold (<700°C) fore-arc mantle wedge above the subducting slab, serpentinization is caused by the release of large amounts of hydrous fluids in the cold mantle above the dehydrating subducted plate. Low seismic velocities in the wedge give a time-integrated estimate of hydration and serpentinization. Serpentinization reaches 50-100% in hot subduction, while it is below 10% in cold subduction (Bezacier et al., 2010; Reynard, 2012). Electromagnetic profiles of the mantle wedge reveal high electrical-conductivity bodies. In hot areas of the mantle wedge (> 700°C), water released by dehydration of the slab induces melting of the mantle under volcanic arcs, explaining the observed high conductivities. In the cold melt-free wedge (< 700°C), high conductivities in electromagnetic profiles provide "instantaneous" images of fluid circulation because the measured electrical conductivity of serpentine is below 0.1 mS/m (Reynard et al., 2011). A small fraction (ca. 1% in volume) of connective high-salinity fluids accounts for the highest observed conductivities. Low-salinity fluids (≤ 0.1 m) released by slab dehydration evolve towards high-salinity (≥ 1 m) fluids during progressive serpentinization in the wedge. These fluids can mix with arc magmas at depths and account for high-chlorine melt inclusions in arc lavas. High electrical conductivities up to 1 S/m in the hydrated wedge of the hot subductions (Ryukyu, Kyushu, Cascadia) reflect high fluid concentration, while low to moderate (<0.01 S/m) conductivities in the cold subductions (N-E Japan, Bolivia) reflect low fluid flow. This is consistent with the seismic observations of extensive shallow serpentinization in hot subduction zones, while serpentinization is sluggish in cold subduction zones. Bezacier, L., et al. 2010. Elasticity of antigorite, seismic detection of serpentinites, and anisotropy in subduction zones. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 289, 198-208. Reynard, B., 2012. Serpentine in active subduction zones. Lithos, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2012.10.012. Reynard, B., Mibe, K. & Van de Moortele, B., 2011. Electrical conductivity of the serpentinised mantle and fluid flow in subduction zones. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 307, 387-394. Reynard, B., Nakajima, J. & Kawakatsu, H., 2010. Earthquakes and plastic deformation of anhydrous slab mantle in double Wadati-Benioff zones. Geophysical Research Letters, 37, L24309.

Influence of temperature on the electrical conductivity of leachate from municipal solid waste.

PubMed

Grellier, Solenne; Robain, Henri; Bellier, Gérard; Skhiri, Nathalie

2006-09-01

A bioreactor landfill is designed to manage municipal solid waste, through accelerated waste biodegradation, and stabilisation of the process by means of the controlled addition of liquid, i.e. leachate recirculation. The measurement of electrical resistivity by Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) allows to monitor water content present in the bioreactors. Variations in electrical resistivity are linked to variations in moisture content and temperature. In order to overcome this ambiguity, two laboratory experiments were carried out to establish a relationship between temperature and electrical conductivity: the first set of measurements was made for leachate alone, whereas the second set was made with two different granular media saturated with leachate. Both experiments confirm a well known increase in conductivity of about 2% degrees C(-1). However, higher suspended matter concentrations lead to a lower dependence of electrical conductivity on temperature. Furthermore, for various porous media saturated with an identical leachate, the higher the specific surface of the granular matrix, the lower the effective bulk electrical conductivity. These observations show that a correct understanding of the electrical properties of liquids requires the nature and (in particular) the size of the electrical charge carriers to be taken into account.

Impact of small-scale saline tracer heterogeneity on electrical resistivity monitoring in fully and partially saturated porous media: Insights from geoelectrical milli-fluidic experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jougnot, Damien; Jiménez-Martínez, Joaquín; Legendre, Raphaël; Le Borgne, Tanguy; Méheust, Yves; Linde, Niklas

2018-03-01

Time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a geophysical method widely used to remotely monitor the migration of electrically-conductive tracers and contaminant plumes in the subsurface. Interpretations of time-lapse ERT inversion results are generally based on the assumption of a homogeneous solute concentration below the resolution limits of the tomogram depicting inferred electrical conductivity variations. We suggest that ignoring small-scale solute concentration variability (i.e., at the sub-resolution scale) is a major reason for the often-observed apparent loss of solute mass in ERT tracer studies. To demonstrate this, we developed a geoelectrical milli-fluidic setup where the bulk electric conductivity of a 2D analogous porous medium, consisting of cylindrical grains positioned randomly inside a Hele-Shaw cell, is monitored continuously in time while saline tracer tests are performed through the medium under fully and partially saturated conditions. High resolution images of the porous medium are recorded with a camera at regular time intervals, and provide both the spatial distribution of the fluid phases (aqueous solution and air), and the saline solute concentration field (where the solute consists of a mixture of salt and fluorescein, the latter being used as a proxy for the salt concentration). Effective bulk electrical conductivities computed numerically from the measured solute concentration field and the spatial distributions of fluid phases agree well with the measured bulk conductivities. We find that the effective bulk electrical conductivity is highly influenced by the connectivity of high electrical conductivity regions. The spatial distribution of air, saline tracer fingering, and mixing phenomena drive temporal changes in the effective bulk electrical conductivity by creating preferential paths or barriers for electrical current at the pore-scale. The resulting heterogeneities in the solute concentrations lead to strong anisotropy of the effective bulk electrical conductivity, especially for partially saturated conditions. We highlight how these phenomena contribute to the typically large apparent mass loss observed when conducting field-scale time-lapse ERT.

Double anisotropic electrically conductive flexible Janus-typed membranes.

PubMed

Li, Xiaobing; Ma, Qianli; Tian, Jiao; Xi, Xue; Li, Dan; Dong, Xiangting; Yu, Wensheng; Wang, Xinlu; Wang, Jinxian; Liu, Guixia

2017-12-07

Novel type III anisotropic conductive films (ACFs), namely flexible Janus-typed membranes, were proposed, designed and fabricated for the first time. Flexible Janus-typed membranes composed of ordered Janus nanobelts were constructed by electrospinning, which simultaneously possess fluorescence and double electrically conductive anisotropy. For the fabrication of the Janus-typed membrane, Janus nanobelts comprising a conductive side and an insulative-fluorescent side were primarily fabricated, and then the Janus nanobelts are arranged into parallel arrays using an aluminum rotary drum as the collector to obtain a single anisotropically conductive film. Subsequently, a secondary electrospinning process was applied to the as-prepared single anisotropically conductive films to acquire the final Janus-typed membrane. For this Janus-typed membrane, namely its left-to-right structure, anisotropic electrical conduction synchronously exists on both sides, and furthermore, the two electrically conductive directions are perpendicular. By modulating the amount of Eu(BA) 3 phen complex and conducting polyaniline (PANI), the characteristics and intensity of the fluorescence-electricity dual-function in the membrane can be tuned. The high integration of this peculiar Janus-typed membrane with simultaneous double electrically conductive anisotropy-fluorescent dual-functionality is successfully realized in this study. This design philosophy and preparative technique will provide support for the design and construction of new types of special nanostructures with multi-functionality.

Evaluation of electrical conductivity of Cu and Al through sub microsecond underwater electrical wire explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheftman, D.; Shafer, D.; Efimov, S.; Krasik, Ya. E.

2012-03-01

Sub-microsecond timescale underwater electrical wire explosions using Cu and Al materials have been conducted. Current and voltage waveforms and time-resolved streak images of the discharge channel, coupled to 1D magneto-hydrodynamic simulations, have been used to determine the electrical conductivity of the metals for the range of conditions between hot liquid metal and strongly coupled non-ideal plasma, in the temperature range of 10-60 KK. The results of these studies showed that the conductivity values obtained are typically lower than those corresponding to modern theoretical electrical conductivity models and provide a transition between the conductivity values obtained in microsecond time scale explosions and those obtained in nanosecond time scale wire explosions. In addition, the measured wire expansion shows good agreement with equation of state tables.

Effects of electric field on micro-scale flame properties of biobutanol fuel

PubMed Central

Xu, Tao; Chen, Qinglin; Zhang, Bingjian; Lu, Shushen; Mo, Dongchuan; Zhang, Zhengguo; Gao, Xuenong

2016-01-01

With the increasing need of smaller power sources for satellites, energy systems and engine equipment, microcombustion pose a potential as alternative power source to conventional batteries. As the substitute fuel source for gasoline, biobutanol shows more promising characteristics than ethanol. In this study, the diffusion microflame of liquid biobutanol under electric field have been examined through in-lab experiment and numerical simulation. It is found that traditional gas jet diffusion flame theory shows significant inconsistency with the experimental results of micro scale flame in electric field. The results suggest that with the increase of electric field intensity, the quenching flow rate decrease first and increase after it reach its minimum, while the flame height and highest flame temperature increase first and drop after its peak value. In addition, it was also observed that the flame height and highest temperature for smaller tube can reach its maximum faster. Therefore, the interaction between microscale effect and electric field plays a significant role on understanding the microcombustion of liquid fuel. Therefore, FLUENT simulation was adopted to understand and measure the impacts of microflame characteristic parameters. The final numerical results are consistent with the experimental data and show a high reliability. PMID:27609428

Method of imaging the electrical conductivity distribution of a subsurface

DOEpatents

Johnson, Timothy C.

2017-09-26

A method of imaging electrical conductivity distribution of a subsurface containing metallic structures with known locations and dimensions is disclosed. Current is injected into the subsurface to measure electrical potentials using multiple sets of electrodes, thus generating electrical resistivity tomography measurements. A numeric code is applied to simulate the measured potentials in the presence of the metallic structures. An inversion code is applied that utilizes the electrical resistivity tomography measurements and the simulated measured potentials to image the subsurface electrical conductivity distribution and remove effects of the subsurface metallic structures with known locations and dimensions.

A design study of hydrazine and biowaste resistojets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Page, R. J.; Stoner, W. A.; Barker, L.

1986-01-01

A generalized modeling program was adapted in BASIC on a personal computer to compare the performance of four types of biowaste resistojets and two types of hydrazine augmenters. Analyzed biowaste design types were: (1) an electrically conductive ceramic heater-exchanger of zirconia; (2) a truss heater of platinum in cross flow; (3) an immersed bicoiled tubular heater-exchanger; and (4) a nonexposed, refractory metal, radiant heater in a central cavity within a heat exchanger case. Concepts 2 and 3 are designed to have an efficient, stainless steel outer pressure case. The hydrazine design types are: (5) an immersed bicoil heater exchanger and (6) a nonexposed radiant heater now with a refractory metal case. The ceramic biowaste resistojet has the highest specific impulse growth potential at 2000 K of 192.5 (CO2) and 269 s (H2O). The bicoil produces the highest augmenter temperature of 1994 K for a 2073 K heater giving 317 s at .73 overall efficiency. Detailed temperature profiles of each of the designs are shown. The scaled layout drawings of each are presented with recommended materials and fabrication methods.

Sensors for detecting analytes in fluids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, Nathan S. (Inventor); Severin, Erik (Inventor)

1998-01-01

Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprise first and second conductive elements (e.g., electrical leads) electrically coupled to and separated by a chemically sensitive resistor which provides an electrical path between the conductive elements. The resistor comprises a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive organic polymer) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material) transverse to the electrical path. The resistor provides a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising a chemical analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with a fluid comprising the chemical analyte at a second different concentration. Arrays of such sensors are constructed with at least two sensors having different chemically sensitive resistors providing dissimilar such differences in resistance. Variability in chemical sensitivity from sensor to sensor is provided by qualitatively or quantitatively varying the composition of the conductive and/or nonconductive regions. An electronic nose for detecting an analyte in a fluid may be constructed by using such arrays in conjunction with an electrical measuring device electrically connected to the conductive elements of each sensor.

Sensors for detecting analytes in fluids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Severin, Erik (Inventor); Lewis, Nathan S. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprise first and second conductive elements (e.g., electrical leads) electrically coupled to and separated by a chemically sensitive resistor which provides an electrical path between the conductive elements. The resistor comprises a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive organic polymer) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material) transverse to the electrical path. The resistor provides a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising a chemical analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with a fluid comprising the chemical analyte at a second different concentration. Arrays of such sensors are constructed with at least two sensors having different chemically sensitive resistors providing dissimilar such differences in resistance. Variability in chemical sensitivity from sensor to sensor is provided by qualitatively or quantitatively varying the composition of the conductive and/or nonconductive regions. An electronic nose for detecting an analyte in a fluid may be constructed by using such arrays in conjunction with an electrical measuring device electrically connected to the conductive elements of each sensor.

Sensors for detecting analytes in fluids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, Nathan S. (Inventor); Severin, Erik (Inventor)

1999-01-01

Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprise first and second conductive elements (e.g., electrical leads) electrically coupled to and separated by a chemically sensitive resistor which provides an electrical path between the conductive elements. The resistor comprises a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive organic polymer) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material) transverse to the electrical path. The resistor provides a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising a chemical analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with a fluid comprising the chemical analyte at a second different concentration. Arrays of such sensors are constructed with at least two sensors having different chemically sensitive resistors providing dissimilar such differences in resistance. Variability in chemical sensitivity from sensor to sensor is provided by qualitatively or quantitatively varying the composition of the conductive and/or nonconductive regions. An electronic nose for detecting an analyte in a fluid may be constructed by using such arrays in conjunction with an electrical measuring device electrically connected to the conductive elements of each sensor.

Sensor arrays for detecting analytes in fluids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, Nathan S. (Inventor); Freund, Michael S. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprise first and second conductive elements (e.g. electrical leads) electrically coupled to and separated by a chemically sensitive resistor which provides an electrical path between the conductive elements. The resistor comprises a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive organic polymer) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material) transverse to the electrical path. The resistor provides a difference in resistance between the conductive elements when contacted with a fluid comprising a chemical analyte at a first concentration, than when contacted with a fluid comprising the chemical analyte at a second different concentration. Arrays of such sensors are constructed with at least two sensors having different chemically sensitive resistors providing dissimilar such differences in resistance. Variability in chemical sensitivity from sensor to sensor is provided by qualitatively or quantitatively varying the composition of the conductive and/or nonconductive regions. An electronic nose for detecting an analyte in a fluid may be constructed by using such arrays in conjunction with an electrical measuring device electrically connected to the conductive elements of each sensor.

Electrically Conductive and Protective Coating for Planar SOFC Stacks

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

Choi, Jung-Pyung; Stevenson, Jeffry W.

Ferritic stainless steels are preferred interconnect materials for intermediate temperature SOFCs because of their resistance to oxidation, high formability and low cost. However, their protective oxide layer produces Cr-containing volatile species at SOFC operating temperatures and conditions, which can cause cathode poisoning. Electrically conducting spinel coatings have been developed to prevent cathode poisoning and to maintain an electrically conductive pathway through SOFC stacks. However, this coating is not compatible with the formation of stable, hermetic seals between the interconnect frame component and the ceramic cell. Thus, a new aluminizing process has been developed by PNNL to enable durable sealing, preventmore » Cr evaporation, and maintain electrical insulation between stack repeat units. Hence, two different types of coating need to have stable operation of SOFC stacks. This paper will focus on the electrically conductive coating process. Moreover, an advanced coating process, compatible with a non-electrically conductive coating will be« less

Nuclear track-based biosensors with the enzyme laccase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Arellano, H.; Fink, D.; Muñoz Hernández, G.; Vacík, J.; Hnatowicz, V.; Alfonta, L.

2014-08-01

A new type of biosensors for detecting phenolic compounds is presented here. These sensors consist of thin polymer foils with laccase-clad etched nuclear tracks. The presence of suitable phenolic compounds in the sensors leads to the formation of enzymatic reaction products in the tracks, which differ in their electrical conductivities from their precursor materials. These differences correlate with the concentrations of the phenolic compounds. Corresponding calibration curves have been established for a number of compounds. The sensors thus produced are capable to cover between 5 and 9 orders of magnitude in concentration - in the best case down to some picomoles. The sensor's detection sensitivity strongly depends on the specific compound. It is highest for caffeic acid and acid blue 74, followed by ABTS and ferulic acid.

Semiconductor electrolyte photovoltaic energy converter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, W. W.; Anderson, L. B.

1975-01-01

Feasibility and practicality of a solar cell consisting of a semiconductor surface in contact with an electrolyte are evaluated. Basic components and processes are detailed for photovoltaic energy conversion at the surface of an n-type semiconductor in contact with an electrolyte which is oxidizing to conduction band electrons. Characteristics of single crystal CdS, GaAs, CdSe, CdTe and thin film CdS in contact with aqueous and methanol based electrolytes are studied and open circuit voltages are measured from Mott-Schottky plots and open circuit photo voltages. Quantum efficiencies for short circuit photo currents of a CdS crystal and a 20 micrometer film are shown together with electrical and photovoltaic properties. Highest photon irradiances are observed with the GaAs cell.

Method of fabricating high-density hermetic electrical feedthroughs

DOEpatents

Shah, Kedar G.; Pannu, Satinderpall S.; Delima, Terri L.

2015-06-02

A method of fabricating electrical feedthroughs selectively removes substrate material from a first side of an electrically conductive substrate (e.g. a bio-compatible metal) to form an array of electrically conductive posts in a substrate cavity. An electrically insulating material (e.g. a bio-compatible sealing glass) is then flowed to fill the substrate cavity and surround each post, and solidified. The solidified insulating material is then exposed from an opposite second side of the substrate so that each post is electrically isolated from each other as well as the bulk substrate. In this manner a hermetic electrically conductive feedthrough construction is formed having an array of electrical feedthroughs extending between the first and second sides of the substrate from which it was formed.

Myocardial electrical conduction blockade time dominated by irradiance on photodynamic reaction: in vitro and in silico study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogawa, Emiyu; Arai, Tsunenori

2018-02-01

The time for electrical conduction blockade induced by a photodynamic reaction was studied on a myocardial cell wire in vitro and an in silico simulation model was constructed to understand the necessary time for electrical conduction blockade for the wire. Vulnerable state of the cells on a laser interaction would be an unstable and undesirable state since the cells might progress to completely damaged or repaired to change significantly therapeutic effect. So that in silico model, which can calculate the vulnerable cell state, is needed. Understanding an immediate electrical conduction blockade is needed for our proposed new methodology for tachyarrhythmia catheter ablation applying a photodynamic reaction. We studied the electrical conduction blockade occurrence on the electrical conduction wire made of cultured myocardial cells in a line shape and constructed in silico model based on this experimental data. The intracellular Ca2+ ion concentrations were obtained using Fluo-4 AM dye under a confocal laser microscope. A cross-correlation function was used for the electrical conduction blockade judgment. The photodynamic reaction was performed under the confocal microscopy with 3-120 mW/cm2 in irradiance by the diode laser with 663 nm in wavelength. We obtained that the time for the electrical conduction blockade decreased with the irradiance increasing. We constructed a simulation model composed of three states; living cells, vulnerable cells, and blocked cells, using the obtained experimental data and we found the rate constant by an optimization using a conjugate gradient method.

Unusually conductive carbon-inherently conducting polymer (ICP) composites: Synthesis and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourdo, Shawn Edward

Two groups of materials that have recently come to the forefront of research initiatives are carbon allotropes, especially nanotubes, and conducting polymers-more specifically inherently conducting polymers. The terms conducting polymers and inherently conducting polymers sometimes are used interchangeably without fully acknowledging a major difference in these terms. Conducting polymers (CPs) and inherently conducting polymers (ICPs) are both polymeric materials that conduct electricity, but the difference lies in how each of these materials conducts electricity. For CPs of the past, an electrically conductive filler such as metal particles, carbon black, or graphite would be blended into a polymer (insulator) allowing for the CP to carry an electric current. An ICP conducts electricity due to the intrinsic nature of its chemical structure. The two materials at the center of this research are graphite and polyaniline. For the first time, a composite between carbon allotropes (graphite) and an inherently conducting polymer (PANI) has exhibited an electrical conductivity greater than either of the two components. Both components have a plethora of potential applications and therefore the further investigation could lead to use of these composites in any number of technologies. Touted applications that use either conductive carbons or ICPs exist in a wide range of fields, including electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, radar evasion, low power rechargeable batteries, electrostatic dissipation (ESD) for anti-static textiles, electronic devices, light emitting diodes (LEDs), corrosion prevention, gas sensors, super capacitors, photovoltaic cells, and resistive heating. The main motivation for this research has been to investigate the connection between an observed increase in conductivity and structure of composites. Two main findings have resulted from the research as related to the observed increase in conductivity. The first was the structural evidence from Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis suggesting a more crystalline graphite matrix due to intimate interactions with PANI that resulted in a charge transfer. Confirmation of charge transfer was observed through magnetic susceptibility, electron paramagnetic resonance, and temperature dependent electrical conductivity studies.

Electrical and Thermal Conductivity and Conduction Mechanism of Ge2Sb2Te5 Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Rui; Endo, Rie; Kuwahara, Masashi; Kobayashi, Yoshinao; Susa, Masahiro

2017-11-01

Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy has drawn much attention due to its application in phase-change random-access memory and potential as a thermoelectric material. Electrical and thermal conductivity are important material properties in both applications. The aim of this work is to investigate the temperature dependence of the electrical and thermal conductivity of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy and discuss the thermal conduction mechanism. The electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy were measured from room temperature to 823 K by four-terminal and hot-strip method, respectively. With increasing temperature, the electrical resistivity increased while the thermal conductivity first decreased up to about 600 K then increased. The electronic component of the thermal conductivity was calculated from the Wiedemann-Franz law using the resistivity results. At room temperature, Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy has large electronic thermal conductivity and low lattice thermal conductivity. Bipolar diffusion contributes more to the thermal conductivity with increasing temperature. The special crystallographic structure of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy accounts for the thermal conduction mechanism.

Electrical and Thermal Conductivity and Conduction Mechanism of Ge2Sb2Te5 Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Rui; Endo, Rie; Kuwahara, Masashi; Kobayashi, Yoshinao; Susa, Masahiro

2018-06-01

Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy has drawn much attention due to its application in phase-change random-access memory and potential as a thermoelectric material. Electrical and thermal conductivity are important material properties in both applications. The aim of this work is to investigate the temperature dependence of the electrical and thermal conductivity of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy and discuss the thermal conduction mechanism. The electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy were measured from room temperature to 823 K by four-terminal and hot-strip method, respectively. With increasing temperature, the electrical resistivity increased while the thermal conductivity first decreased up to about 600 K then increased. The electronic component of the thermal conductivity was calculated from the Wiedemann-Franz law using the resistivity results. At room temperature, Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy has large electronic thermal conductivity and low lattice thermal conductivity. Bipolar diffusion contributes more to the thermal conductivity with increasing temperature. The special crystallographic structure of Ge2Sb2Te5 alloy accounts for the thermal conduction mechanism.

Electrically conductive diamond electrodes

DOEpatents

Swain, Greg [East Lansing, MI; Fischer, Anne [Arlington, VA; Bennett, Jason [Lansing, MI; Lowe, Michael [Holt, MI

2009-05-19

An electrically conductive diamond electrode and process for preparation thereof is described. The electrode comprises diamond particles coated with electrically conductive doped diamond preferably by chemical vapor deposition which are held together with a binder. The electrodes are useful for oxidation reduction in gas, such as hydrogen generation by electrolysis.

Polymers that Conduct Electricity.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edelson, Edward

1983-01-01

Although polymers are regarded as electrical insulators, it was discovered that they can be made to conduct electricity. This discovery has opened vast new practical and theoretical areas for exploration by physicists and chemists. Research studies with these conducting polymers and charge-transfer salts as well as possible applications are…

Soil permittivity response to bulk electrical conductivity for selected soil water sensors

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Bulk electrical conductivity can dominate the low frequency dielectric loss spectrum in soils, masking changes in the real permittivity and causing errors in estimated water content. We examined the dependence of measured apparent permittivity (Ka) on bulk electrical conductivity in contrasting soil...

Study on the electrical behavior of MWCNTs in GF/Epoxy composites.

PubMed

Yan, Zhao; Lu, Yuan; Yuexin, Duan

2010-08-01

The multi-wall nanotubes (MWCNTs) were divisionalized equably by the fabric of glass in composites. Then the electrical properties such as permittivity, conductance and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of MWCNTs in GF/EP composite were studied. The effect of the content and dispersion of MWCNTs were researched in this work. Firstly the permittivity of MWCNTs/GF/EP composites were studied respectively by keeping layers of glass fabric and increasing content of MWCNTs or keeping content of MWCNTs and changing layers of glass fabric in electromagnetic wave band (5.85-18 GHz). Then the conductance of MWCNTs/GF/EP composites with different MWCNTs contents was tested. Furthermore, the EMI SE of composites with different MWCNTs contents in electromagnetic wave band (5.85-18 GHz) were studied. In addition, the morphologies of MWCNTs/GF/EP composites with the different MWCNTs weight percent were observed. The results show that the real part of permittivity of composites can be improved highest up to 75 and the imaginary part increase maximum up to 80. However there is no disciplinarian about effect of layers of glass fabric on dielectric property. The MWCNTs/GF/EP composite can be changed from the insulator to the semiconductor along with increasing the weight percent of MWCNTs. In electromagnetic wave band 5.85-18 GHz, the values of SE are increasing with increasing content of the MWCNTs.

Electrical conductivity, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and 7Li nuclear magnetic resonance studies of n-C x H(2 x+1)OSO3Li ( x = 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirakawa, Satoru; Morimoto, Yoshiaki; Honda, Hisashi

2015-04-01

Electrical conductivity ( σ), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements of n-C x H (2 x+1) OSO 3Li ( x= 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20) crystals were performed as a function of temperature. In addition, σ, DSC, and XRD observations of n-C x H (2 x+1) OSO 3Na and n-C x H (2 x+1) OSO 3K ( x= 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20) crystals were carried out for comparison. DSC results of the salts revealed several solid-solid phase transitions with large entropy changes (Δ S). For n-C 18 H 37 OSO 3Li and n-C 20 H 41 OSO 3Li salts, each melting point produced a small Δ S mp value compared with the total entropy change in the solid phases (Δ S tr1+Δ S tr2). Additionally, Li + ion diffusion was detected in the highest temperature solid phases. For K salts, larger σ values were detected for potassium alkylsulfates compared with those reported for alkyl carboxylate. 7Li NMR spectra of n-C 18 H 37 OSO 3Li crystals recorded in the low-temperature phase showed large asymmetry parameters, suggesting the Li + ions are localized at asymmetric sites in the crystals.

Online Monitoring Technical Basis and Analysis Framework for Large Power Transformers; Interim Report for FY 2012

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

Nancy J. Lybeck; Vivek Agarwal; Binh T. Pham

The Light Water Reactor Sustainability program at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is actively conducting research to develop and demonstrate online monitoring (OLM) capabilities for active components in existing Nuclear Power Plants. A pilot project is currently underway to apply OLM to Generator Step-Up Transformers (GSUs) and Emergency Diesel Generators (EDGs). INL and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) are working jointly to implement the pilot project. The EPRI Fleet-Wide Prognostic and Health Management (FW-PHM) Software Suite will be used to implement monitoring in conjunction with utility partners: the Shearon Harris Nuclear Generating Station (owned by Duke Energy for GSUs, andmore » Braidwood Generating Station (owned by Exelon Corporation) for EDGs. This report presents monitoring techniques, fault signatures, and diagnostic and prognostic models for GSUs. GSUs are main transformers that are directly connected to generators, stepping up the voltage from the generator output voltage to the highest transmission voltages for supplying electricity to the transmission grid. Technical experts from Shearon Harris are assisting INL and EPRI in identifying critical faults and defining fault signatures associated with each fault. The resulting diagnostic models will be implemented in the FW-PHM Software Suite and tested using data from Shearon-Harris. Parallel research on EDGs is being conducted, and will be reported in an interim report during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.« less

Electrical properties of n-type GaSb substrates and p-type GaSb buffer layers for InAs/InGaSb superlattice infrared detectors

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

Mitchel, W. C., E-mail: William.Mitchel.1@us.af.mil; Haugan, H. J.; Mou, Shin

2015-09-15

Lightly doped n-type GaSb substrates with p-type GaSb buffer layers are the preferred templates for growth of InAs/InGaSb superlattices used in infrared detector applications because of relatively high infrared transmission and a close lattice match to the superlattices. We report here temperature dependent resistivity and Hall effect measurements of bare substrates and substrate-p-type buffer layer structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Multicarrier analysis of the resistivity and Hall coefficient data demonstrate that high temperature transport in the substrates is due to conduction in both the high mobility zone center Γ band and the low mobility off-center L band. High overallmore » mobility values indicate the absence of close compensation and that improved infrared and transport properties were achieved by a reduction in intrinsic acceptor concentration. Standard transport measurements of the undoped buffer layers show p-type conduction up to 300 K indicating electrical isolation of the buffer layer from the lightly n-type GaSb substrate. However, the highest temperature data indicate the early stages of the expected p to n type conversion which leads to apparent anomalously high carrier concentrations and lower than expected mobilities. Data at 77 K indicate very high quality buffer layers.« less

Functionalized Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Metal-free, Flexible and Rewritable Nonvolatile Memory Device via Direct Laser-Writing

PubMed Central

Zhao, Fei; Cheng, Huhu; Hu, Yue; Song, Long; Zhang, Zhipan; Jiang, Lan; Qu, Liangti

2014-01-01

Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheet (g-C3N4-NS) has layered structure similar with graphene nanosheet and presents unusual physicochemical properties due to the s-triazine fragments. But their electronic and electrochemical applications are limited by the relatively poor conductivity. The current work provides the first example that atomically thick g-C3N4-NSs are the ideal candidate as the active insulator layer with tunable conductivity for achieving the high performance memory devices with electrical bistability. Unlike in conventional memory diodes, the g-C3N4-NSs based devices combined with graphene layer electrodes are flexible, metal-free and low cost. The functionalized g-C3N4-NSs exhibit desirable dispersibility and dielectricity which support the all-solution fabrication and high performance of the memory diodes. Moreover, the flexible memory diodes are conveniently fabricated through the fast laser writing process on graphene oxide/g-C3N4-NSs/graphene oxide thin film. The obtained devices not only have the nonvolatile electrical bistability with great retention and endurance, but also show the rewritable memory effect with a reliable ON/OFF ratio of up to 105, which is the highest among all the metal-free flexible memory diodes reported so far, and even higher than those of metal-containing devices. PMID:25073687

Carbon nanofiber growth optimization for their use as electrocatalyst support in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells.

PubMed

Lázaro, M J; Sebastián, D; Suelves, I; Moliner, R

2009-07-01

Carbon nanofiber (CNF) growth by catalytic decomposition of methane in a fixed-bed reactor was studied out to elucidate the influence of some important reaction conditions: temperature, space velocity and reactant partial pressure, in the morphological properties of the carbonaceous material obtained. The main objective is to synthesize a suitable carbonaceous nanomaterial to be used as support in platinum based electrocatalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) which improves current carbon blacks. High specific surface area is required in an electrocatalyst support since platinum dispersion is enhanced and so a cost-effective usage and high catalytic activity. Good electrical conductivity of carbon support is also required since the fuel cell power density is improved. With this proposal, characterization was carried out by nitrogen physisorption, XRD, SEM and TPO. The results were analysed by a factorial design and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in order to find an empirical correlation between operating conditions and CNF characteristics. It was found that the highest specific surface area and pore volume were found at 823 K and at a space velocity of 10 L gcat(-1) h(-1). The graphitic character of CNF, which is known to influence the electrical conductivity, presented a maximum value at temperatures between 923 K and 973 K. SEM images showed a narrow size distribution of CNF diameter between 40 and 90 nm and homogeneous appearance.

Fabrication and performance of Li4Ti5O12/C Li-ion battery electrodes using combined double flame spray pyrolysis and pressure-based lamination technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gockeln, Michael; Pokhrel, Suman; Meierhofer, Florian; Glenneberg, Jens; Schowalter, Marco; Rosenauer, Andreas; Fritsching, Udo; Busse, Matthias; Mädler, Lutz; Kun, Robert

2018-01-01

Reduction of lithium-ion battery (LIB) production costs is inevitable to make the use of LIB technology more viable for applications such as electric vehicles or stationary storage. To meet the requirements in today's LIB cost efficiency, our current research focuses on an alternative electrode fabrication method, characterized by a combination of double flame spray pyrolysis and lamination technique (DFSP/lamination). In-situ carbon coated nano-Li4Ti5O12 (LTO/C) was synthesized using versatile DFSP. The as-prepared composite powder was then directly laminated onto a conductive substrate avoiding the use of any solvent or binder for electrode preparation. The influence of lamination pressures on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of the electrodes was also investigated. Enhancements in intrinsic electrical conductivity were found for higher lamination pressures. Capacity retention of highest pressurized DFSP/lamination-prepared electrode was 87.4% after 200 dis-/charge cycles at 1C (vs. Li). In addition, LTO/C material prepared from the double flame spray pyrolysis was also used for fabricating electrodes via doctor blading technique. Laminated electrodes obtained higher specific discharge capacities compared to calendered and non-calendered blade-casted electrodes due to superior microstructural properties. Such a fast and industrially compelling integrative DFSP/lamination tool could be a prosperous, next generation technology for low-cost LIB electrode fabrication.

Proton conductivity in ampullae of Lorenzini jelly

PubMed Central

Josberger, Erik E.; Hassanzadeh, Pegah; Deng, Yingxin; Sohn, Joel; Rego, Michael J.; Amemiya, Chris T.; Rolandi, Marco

2016-01-01

In 1678, Stefano Lorenzini first described a network of organs of unknown function in the torpedo ray—the ampullae of Lorenzini (AoL). An individual ampulla consists of a pore on the skin that is open to the environment, a canal containing a jelly and leading to an alveolus with a series of electrosensing cells. The role of the AoL remained a mystery for almost 300 years until research demonstrated that skates, sharks, and rays detect very weak electric fields produced by a potential prey. The AoL jelly likely contributes to this electrosensing function, yet the exact details of this contribution remain unclear. We measure the proton conductivity of the AoL jelly extracted from skates and sharks. The room-temperature proton conductivity of the AoL jelly is very high at 2 ± 1 mS/cm. This conductivity is only 40-fold lower than the current state-of-the-art proton-conducting polymer Nafion, and it is the highest reported for a biological material so far. We suggest that keratan sulfate, identified previously in the AoL jelly and confirmed here, may contribute to the high proton conductivity of the AoL jelly with its sulfate groups—acid groups and proton donors. We hope that the observed high proton conductivity of the AoL jelly may contribute to future studies of the AoL function. PMID:27386543

Electrically tunable coherent optical absorption in graphene with ion gel.

PubMed

Thareja, Vrinda; Kang, Ju-Hyung; Yuan, Hongtao; Milaninia, Kaveh M; Hwang, Harold Y; Cui, Yi; Kik, Pieter G; Brongersma, Mark L

2015-03-11

We demonstrate electrical control over coherent optical absorption in a graphene-based Salisbury screen consisting of a single layer of graphene placed in close proximity to a gold back reflector. The screen was designed to enhance light absorption at a target wavelength of 3.2 μm by using a 600 nm-thick, nonabsorbing silica spacer layer. An ionic gel layer placed on top of the screen was used to electrically gate the charge density in the graphene layer. Spectroscopic reflectance measurements were performed in situ as a function of gate bias. The changes in the reflectance spectra were analyzed using a Fresnel based transfer matrix model in which graphene was treated as an infinitesimally thin sheet with a conductivity given by the Kubo formula. The analysis reveals that a careful choice of the ionic gel layer thickness can lead to optical absorption enhancements of up to 5.5 times for the Salisbury screen compared to a suspended sheet of graphene. In addition to these absorption enhancements, we demonstrate very large electrically induced changes in the optical absorption of graphene of ∼3.3% per volt, the highest attained so far in a device that features an atomically thick active layer. This is attributable in part to the more effective gating achieved with the ion gel over the conventional dielectric back gates and partially by achieving a desirable coherent absorption effect linked to the presence of the thin ion gel that boosts the absorption by 40%.

Three-dimensional sensitivity distribution and sample volume of low-induction-number electromagnetic-induction instruments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Callegary, J.B.; Ferré, T.P.A.; Groom, R.W.

2012-01-01

There is an ongoing effort to improve the understanding of the correlation of soil properties with apparent soil electrical conductivity as measured by low-induction-number electromagnetic-induction (LIN FEM) instruments. At a minimum, the dimensions of LIN FEM instruments' sample volume, the spatial distribution of sensitivity within that volume, and implications for surveying and analyses must be clearly defined and discussed. Therefore, a series of numerical simulations was done in which a conductive perturbation was moved systematically through homogeneous soil to elucidate the three-dimensional sample volume of LIN FEM instruments. For a small perturbation with electrical conductivity similar to that of the soil, instrument response is a measure of local sensitivity (LS). Our results indicate that LS depends strongly on the orientation of the instrument's transmitter and receiver coils and includes regions of both positive and negative LS. Integration of the absolute value of LS from highest to lowest was used to contour cumulative sensitivity (CS). The 90% CS contour was used to define the sample volume. For both horizontal and vertical coplanar coil orientations, the longest dimension of the sample volume was at the surface along the main instrument axis with a length of about four times the intercoil spacing (s) with maximum thicknesses of about 1 and 0.3 s, respectively. The imaged distribution of spatial sensitivity within the sample volume is highly complex and should be considered in conjunction with the expected scale of heterogeneity before the use and interpretation of LIN FEM for mapping and profiling. ?? Soil Science Society of America.

Magnetotelluric Imaging of Lower Crustal Melt and Lithospheric Hydration in the Rocky Mountain Front Transition Zone, Colorado, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feucht, D. W.; Sheehan, A. F.; Bedrosian, P. A.

2017-12-01

We present an electrical resistivity model of the crust and upper mantle from two-dimensional (2-D) anisotropic inversion of magnetotelluric data collected along a 450 km transect of the Rio Grande rift, southern Rocky Mountains, and High Plains in Colorado, USA. Our model provides a window into the modern-day lithosphere beneath the Rocky Mountain Front to depths in excess of 150 km. Two key features of the 2-D resistivity model are (1) a broad zone ( 200 km wide) of enhanced electrical conductivity (<20 Ωm) in the midcrust to lower crust that is centered beneath the highest elevations of the southern Rocky Mountains and (2) hydrated lithospheric mantle beneath the Great Plains with water content in excess of 100 ppm. We interpret the high conductivity region of the lower crust as a zone of partially molten basalt and associated deep-crustal fluids that is the result of recent (less than 10 Ma) tectonic activity in the region. The recent supply of volatiles and/or heat to the base of the crust in the late Cenozoic implies that modern-day tectonic activity in the western United States extends to at least the western margin of the Great Plains. The transition from conductive to resistive upper mantle is caused by a gradient in lithospheric modification, likely including hydration of nominally anhydrous minerals, with maximum hydration occurring beneath the Rocky Mountain Front. This lithospheric "hydration front" has implications for the tectonic evolution of the continental interior and the mechanisms by which water infiltrates the lithosphere.

Current conducting end plate of fuel cell assembly

DOEpatents

Walsh, Michael M.

1999-01-01

A fuel cell assembly has a current conducting end plate with a conductive body formed integrally with isolating material. The conductive body has a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an electrical connector. The first surface has an exposed portion for conducting current between a working section of the fuel cell assembly and the electrical connector. The isolating material is positioned on at least a portion of the second surface. The conductive body can have support passage(s) extending therethrough for receiving structural member(s) of the fuel cell assembly. Isolating material can electrically isolate the conductive body from the structural member(s). The conductive body can have service passage(s) extending therethrough for servicing one or more fluids for the fuel cell assembly. Isolating material can chemically isolate the one or more fluids from the conductive body. The isolating material can also electrically isolate the conductive body from the one or more fluids.

The Role of Additional Pulses in Electropermeabilization Protocols

PubMed Central

Suárez, Cecilia; Soba, Alejandro; Maglietti, Felipe; Olaiz, Nahuel; Marshall, Guillermo

2014-01-01

Electropermeabilization (EP) based protocols such as those applied in medicine, food processing or environmental management, are well established and widely used. The applied voltage, as well as tissue electric conductivity, are of utmost importance for assessing final electropermeabilized area and thus EP effectiveness. Experimental results from literature report that, under certain EP protocols, consecutive pulses increase tissue electric conductivity and even the permeabilization amount. Here we introduce a theoretical model that takes into account this effect in the application of an EP-based protocol, and its validation with experimental measurements. The theoretical model describes the electric field distribution by a nonlinear Laplace equation with a variable conductivity coefficient depending on the electric field, the temperature and the quantity of pulses, and the Penne's Bioheat equation for temperature variations. In the experiments, a vegetable tissue model (potato slice) is used for measuring electric currents and tissue electropermeabilized area in different EP protocols. Experimental measurements show that, during sequential pulses and keeping constant the applied voltage, the electric current density and the blackened (electropermeabilized) area increase. This behavior can only be attributed to a rise in the electric conductivity due to a higher number of pulses. Accordingly, we present a theoretical modeling of an EP protocol that predicts correctly the increment in the electric current density observed experimentally during the addition of pulses. The model also demonstrates that the electric current increase is due to a rise in the electric conductivity, in turn induced by temperature and pulse number, with no significant changes in the electric field distribution. The EP model introduced, based on a novel formulation of the electric conductivity, leads to a more realistic description of the EP phenomenon, hopefully providing more accurate predictions of treatment outcomes. PMID:25437512

Polycrystalline silicon carbide dopant profiles obtained through a scanning nano-Schottky contact

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

Golt, M. C.; Strawhecker, K. E.; Bratcher, M. S.

2016-07-14

The unique thermo-electro-mechanical properties of polycrystalline silicon carbide (poly-SiC) make it a desirable candidate for structural and electronic materials for operation in extreme environments. Necessitated by the need to understand how processing additives influence poly-SiC structure and electrical properties, the distribution of lattice defects and impurities across a specimen of hot-pressed 6H poly-SiC processed with p-type additives was visualized with high spatial resolution using a conductive atomic force microscopy approach in which a contact forming a nano-Schottky interface is scanned across the sample. The results reveal very intricate structures within poly-SiC, with each grain having a complex core-rim structure. Thismore » complexity results from the influence the additives have on the evolution of the microstructure during processing. It was found that the highest conductivities localized at rims as well as at the interface between the rim and the core. The conductivity of the cores is less than the conductivity of the rims due to a lower concentration of dopant. Analysis of the observed conductivities and current-voltage curves is presented in the context of nano-Schottky contact regimes where the conventional understanding of charge transport to diode operation is no longer valid.« less

Polycrystalline silicon carbide dopant profiles obtained through a scanning nano-Schottky contact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golt, M. C.; Strawhecker, K. E.; Bratcher, M. S.; Shanholtz, E. R.

2016-07-01

The unique thermo-electro-mechanical properties of polycrystalline silicon carbide (poly-SiC) make it a desirable candidate for structural and electronic materials for operation in extreme environments. Necessitated by the need to understand how processing additives influence poly-SiC structure and electrical properties, the distribution of lattice defects and impurities across a specimen of hot-pressed 6H poly-SiC processed with p-type additives was visualized with high spatial resolution using a conductive atomic force microscopy approach in which a contact forming a nano-Schottky interface is scanned across the sample. The results reveal very intricate structures within poly-SiC, with each grain having a complex core-rim structure. This complexity results from the influence the additives have on the evolution of the microstructure during processing. It was found that the highest conductivities localized at rims as well as at the interface between the rim and the core. The conductivity of the cores is less than the conductivity of the rims due to a lower concentration of dopant. Analysis of the observed conductivities and current-voltage curves is presented in the context of nano-Schottky contact regimes where the conventional understanding of charge transport to diode operation is no longer valid.

Effect of ca+2 addition on the properties of ce0.8gd0.2o2-δ for it-sofc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koteswararao, P.; Buchi Suresh, M.; Wani, B. N.; Bhaskara Rao, P. V.; Varalaxmi, P.

2018-03-01

This paper reports the effect of Ca2+ addition on the structural and electrical properties of Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-δ(GDC) electrolyte for low temperature solid oxide fuel cell application. The Ca (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mol %) doped GDC solid electrolytes have been prepared by solid state method. The sintered densities of the samples are greater than 95%. XRD study reveals the cubic fluorite structure. The microstructure of the samples sintered at 1400°C resulted into grain sizes in the range of 1.72 to 10.20 μm. Raman spectra show the presence of GDC single phase. AC impedance analysis is used to measure the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte. Among all the compositions, the highest conductivity is observed in the GDC sample with 0.5 mol% Ca addition. Nyquist plots resulted in multiple redoxation process such as grain and grain boundary conductions to final conductivity. Estimated blocking factor is lower for the GDC electrolyte with 0.5mol% Ca, indicating that Ca addition was promoted grain boundary conduction. Activation energies were calculated from Arrhenius plot and are found in the range of 1eV.

Brewery and liquid manure wastewaters as potential feedstocks for microbial fuel cells: a performance study.

PubMed

Angosto, J M; Fernández-López, J A; Godínez, C

2015-01-01

This work aims at the comparison of the electrical and chemical performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) fed with several types of brewery and manure industrial wastewaters. Experiments were conducted in a single-cell MFC with the cathode exposed to air operated in batch and fed-batch modes. In fed-batch mode, after 4 days of operation, a standard MFC was refilled with crude wastewater to regenerate the biofilm and recreate initial feeding conditions. Brewery wastewater (CV1) mixed with pig-farm liquid manure (PU sample) gave the highest voltage (199.8 mV) and power density (340 mW/m3) outputs than non-mixed brewery waste water. Also, coulombic efficiency is much larger in the mixture (11%) than in the others (2-3%). However, in terms of chemical oxygen demand removal, the performance showed to be poorer (53%) for the mixed sample than in the pure brewery sample (93%). Fed-batch operation showed to be a good alternate for quasi-continuous operation, with equivalent electrical and chemical yields as compared with normal batchwise operation.

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION: Deposition temperature effect on electrical properties and interface of high-k ZrO2 capacitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Joo-Hyung; Ignatova, Velislava A.; Heitmann, Johannes; Oberbeck, Lars

2008-09-01

The electrical characteristics, i.e. leakage current and capacitance, of ZrO2 based metal-insulator-metal structures, grown at 225, 250 and 275 °C by atomic layer deposition, were studied. The lowest leakage current was obtained at 250 °C deposition temperature, while the highest dielectric constant (k ~ 43) was measured for the samples grown at 275 °C, most probably due to the formation of tetragonal/cubic phases in the ZrO2 layer. We have shown that the main leakage current of these ZrO2 capacitors is governed by the Poole-Frenkel conduction mechanism. It was observed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling that at 275 °C deposition temperature the oxygen content at and beyond the ZrO2/TiN interface is higher than at lower deposition temperatures, most probably due to oxygen inter-diffusion towards the electrode layer, forming a mixed TiN-TiOxNy interface layer. At and above 275 °C the ZrO2 layer changes its structure and becomes crystalline as proven by XRD analysis.

Processing and Characterization of a Novel Distributed Strain Sensor Using Carbon Nanotube-Based Nonwoven Composites

PubMed Central

Dai, Hongbo; Thostenson, Erik T.; Schumacher, Thomas

2015-01-01

This paper describes the development of an innovative carbon nanotube-based non-woven composite sensor that can be tailored for strain sensing properties and potentially offers a reliable and cost-effective sensing option for structural health monitoring (SHM). This novel strain sensor is fabricated using a readily scalable process of coating Carbon nanotubes (CNT) onto a nonwoven carrier fabric to form an electrically-isotropic conductive network. Epoxy is then infused into the CNT-modified fabric to form a free-standing nanocomposite strain sensor. By measuring the changes in the electrical properties of the sensing composite the deformation can be measured in real-time. The sensors are repeatable and linear up to 0.4% strain. Highest elastic strain gage factors of 1.9 and 4.0 have been achieved in the longitudinal and transverse direction, respectively. Although the longitudinal gage factor of the newly formed nanocomposite sensor is close to some metallic foil strain gages, the proposed sensing methodology offers spatial coverage, manufacturing customizability, distributed sensing capability as well as transverse sensitivity. PMID:26197323

Effects of post-deposition annealing ambient on band alignment of RF magnetron-sputtered Y2O3 film on gallium nitride

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

The effects of different post-deposition annealing ambients (oxygen, argon, forming gas (95% N2 + 5% H2), and nitrogen) on radio frequency magnetron-sputtered yttrium oxide (Y2O3) films on n-type gallium nitride (GaN) substrate were studied in this work. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was utilized to extract the bandgap of Y2O3 and interfacial layer as well as establishing the energy band alignment of Y2O3/interfacial layer/GaN structure. Three different structures of energy band alignment were obtained, and the change of band alignment influenced leakage current density-electrical breakdown field characteristics of the samples subjected to different post-deposition annealing ambients. Of these investigated samples, ability of the sample annealed in O2 ambient to withstand the highest electric breakdown field (approximately 6.6 MV/cm) at 10−6 A/cm2 was related to the largest conduction band offset of interfacial layer/GaN (3.77 eV) and barrier height (3.72 eV). PMID:23360596

Manipulation of ZnO composition affecting electrical properties of MEH-PPV: ZnO nanocomposite thin film via spin coating for OLEDs application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azhar, N. E. A.; Shariffudin, S. S.; Alrokayan, Salman A. H.; Khan, Haseeb A.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

Recent investigations of the promising materials for optoelectronic have been demonstrated by introducing n-type inorganic material into conjugated polymer. Morphology, optical and electrical of nanocomposites thin films based on poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanotetrapods with various ZnO composition (0 wt% to 0.4 wt%) have been investigated. The MEH-PPV: ZnO nanocomposite thin film was deposited using spin-coating method. Surface morphology was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy and shows the uniform dispersion of MEH-PPV and ZnO phases for sample deposited at 0.2 wt%. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra shows the visible emission intensities increased when the ZnO composition increased. The current-voltage (I-V) measurement shows the highest conductivity of nanocomposite thin film deposited at 0.2 wt% of ZnO is 7.40 × 10-1 S. cm-1. This study will provide better performance and suitable for optoelectronic device especially OLEDs application.

Nanoscale Morphology, Dimensional Control and Electrical Properties of Oligoanilines

PubMed Central

Wang, Yue; Tran, Henry D.; Liao, Lei; Duan, Xiangfeng; Kaner, Richard B.

2010-01-01

While nanostructures of organic conductors have generated great interest in recent years, their nanoscale size and shape control remains a significant challenge. Here we report a general method for producing a variety of oligoaniline nanostructures with well-defined morphologies and dimensionalities. 1-D nanowires, 2-D nanoribbons, and 3-D rectangular nanoplates and nanoflowers of tetraaniline are produced by a solvent exchange process in which the dopant acid can be used to tune the oligomer morphology. The process appears to be a general route for producing nanostructures for a variety of other aniline oligomers such as the phenyl-capped tetramer. X-ray diffraction of the tetraniline nanostructures reveals that they possess different packing arrangements, which results in different nanoscale morphologies with different electrical properties for the structures. The conductivity of a single tetraaniline nanostructure is up to two orders of magnitude higher than the highest previously reported value and rivals that of pressed pellets of conventional polyaniline doped with acid. Furthermore, these oligomer nanostructures can be easily processed by a number of methods in order to create thin films composed of aligned nanostructures over a macroscopic area. PMID:20662516

Protein Self-Assemblies That Can Generate, Hold, and Discharge Electric Potential in Response to Changes in Relative Humidity.

PubMed

Carter, Nathan A; Grove, Tijana Z

2018-05-30

Generation of electric potential upon external stimulus has attracted much attention for the development of highly functional sensors and devices. Herein, we report large-displacement, fast actuation in the self-assembled engineered repeat protein Consensus Tetratricopeptide Repeat protein (CTPR18) materials. The ionic nature of the CTPR18 protein coupled to the long-range alignment upon self-assembly results in the measured conductivity of 7.1 × 10 -2 S cm -1 , one of the highest reported for protein materials. The change of through-thickness morphological gradient in the self-assembled materials provides the means to select between faster, highly water-sensitive actuation or vastly increased mechanical strength. Tuning of the mode of motion, e.g., bending, twisting, and folding, is achieved by changing the morphological director. We further show that the highly ionic character of CTPR18 gives rise to piezo-like behavior in these materials, exemplified by low-voltage, ionically driven actuation and mechanically driven generation/discharge of voltage. This work contributes to our understanding of the emergence of stimuli-responsiveness in biopolymer assemblies.

Light-weight free-standing carbon nanotube-silicon films for anodes of lithium ion batteries.

PubMed

Cui, Li-Feng; Hu, Liangbing; Choi, Jang Wook; Cui, Yi

2010-07-27

Silicon is an attractive alloy-type anode material because of its highest known capacity (4200 mAh/g). However, lithium insertion into and extraction from silicon are accompanied by a huge volume change, up to 300%, which induces a strong strain on silicon and causes pulverization and rapid capacity fading due to the loss of the electrical contact between part of silicon and current collector. Si nanostructures such as nanowires, which are chemically and electrically bonded to the current collector, can overcome the pulverization problem, however, the heavy metal current collectors in these systems are larger in weight than Si active material. Herein we report a novel anode structure free of heavy metal current collectors by integrating a flexible, conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) network into a Si anode. The composite film is free-standing and has a structure similar to the steel bar reinforced concrete, where the infiltrated CNT network functions as both mechanical support and electrical conductor and Si as a high capacity anode material for Li-ion battery. Such free-standing film has a low sheet resistance of approximately 30 Ohm/sq. It shows a high specific charge storage capacity (approximately 2000 mAh/g) and a good cycling life, superior to pure sputtered-on silicon films with similar thicknesses. Scanning electron micrographs show that Si is still connected by the CNT network even when small breaking or cracks appear in the film after cycling. The film can also "ripple up" to release the strain of a large volume change during lithium intercalation. The conductive composite film can function as both anode active material and current collector. It offers approximately 10 times improvement in specific capacity compared with widely used graphite/copper anode sheets.

Nonlinear conductivity in silicon nitride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuncer, Enis

2017-08-01

To better comprehend electrical silicon-package interaction in high voltage applications requires full characterization of the electrical properties of dielectric materials employed in wafer and package level design. Not only the packaging but wafer level dielectrics, i.e. passivation layers, would experience high electric fields generated by the voltage applied pads. In addition the interface between the passivation layer and a mold compound might develop space charge because of the mismatch in electrical properties of the materials. In this contribution electrical properties of a thin silicon nitride (Si3N4) dielectric is reported as a function of temperature and electric field. The measured values later analyzed using different temperature dependent exponential expressions and found that the Mott variable range hopping conduction model was successful to express the data. A full temperature/electric field dependency of conductivity is generated. It was found that the conduction in Si3N4 could be expressed like a field ionization or Fowler-Nordheim mechanism.

PAVE PAWS Early Warning Radar Operation Cape Cod Air Force Station, MA. Record of Decision

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) C95.1-1999. Accordingly, the highest measurement was obtained directly in front of the feedhorn (i.e...waveform characterization of the Cape Cod AFS Pave PAWS radar. The data acquired during the Phase IV survey indicated that the electric fields produced...level observed among the ambient sites. During this survey, peak/average power density measurements and peak/average electric field measurements

Computer modeling of the combined effects of perfusion, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity on tissue heating patterns in radiofrequency tumor ablation.

PubMed

Ahmed, Muneeb; Liu, Zhengjun; Humphries, Stanley; Goldberg, S Nahum

2008-11-01

To use an established computer simulation model of radiofrequency (RF) ablation to characterize the combined effects of varying perfusion, and electrical and thermal conductivity on RF heating. Two-compartment computer simulation of RF heating using 2-D and 3-D finite element analysis (ETherm) was performed in three phases (n = 88 matrices, 144 data points each). In each phase, RF application was systematically modeled on a clinically relevant template of application parameters (i.e., varying tumor and surrounding tissue perfusion: 0-5 kg/m(3)-s) for internally cooled 3 cm single and 2.5 cm cluster electrodes for tumor diameters ranging from 2-5 cm, and RF application times (6-20 min). In the first phase, outer thermal conductivity was changed to reflect three common clinical scenarios: soft tissue, fat, and ascites (0.5, 0.23, and 0.7 W/m- degrees C, respectively). In the second phase, electrical conductivity was changed to reflect different tumor electrical conductivities (0.5 and 4.0 S/m, representing soft tissue and adjuvant saline injection, respectively) and background electrical conductivity representing soft tissue, lung, and kidney (0.5, 0.1, and 3.3 S/m, respectively). In the third phase, the best and worst combinations of electrical and thermal conductivity characteristics were modeled in combination. Tissue heating patterns and the time required to heat the entire tumor +/-a 5 mm margin to >50 degrees C were assessed. Increasing background tissue thermal conductivity increases the time required to achieve a 50 degrees C isotherm for all tumor sizes and electrode types, but enabled ablation of a given tumor size at higher tissue perfusions. An inner thermal conductivity equivalent to soft tissue (0.5 W/m- degrees C) surrounded by fat (0.23 W/m- degrees C) permitted the greatest degree of tumor heating in the shortest time, while soft tissue surrounded by ascites (0.7 W/m- degrees C) took longer to achieve the 50 degrees C isotherm, and complete ablation could not be achieved at higher inner/outer perfusions (>4 kg/m(3)-s). For varied electrical conductivities in the setting of varied perfusion, greatest RF heating occurred for inner electrical conductivities simulating injection of saline around the electrode with an outer electrical conductivity of soft tissue, and the least amount of heating occurring while simulating renal cell carcinoma in normal kidney. Characterization of these scenarios demonstrated the role of electrical and thermal conductivity interactions, with the greatest differences in effect seen in the 3-4 cm tumor range, as almost all 2 cm tumors and almost no 5 cm tumors could be treated. Optimal combinations of thermal and electrical conductivity can partially negate the effect of perfusion. For clinically relevant tumor sizes, thermal and electrical conductivity impact which tumors can be successfully ablated even in the setting of almost non-existent perfusion.

Electrically Conductive Polyimide Films Containing Gold Surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caplan, Maggie L.; Stoakley, Diane M.; St. Clair, Anne K.

1994-01-01

Polyimide films exhibiting high thermo-oxidative stability and including electrically conductive surface layers containing gold made by casting process. Many variations of basic process conditions, ingredients, and sequence of operations possible, and not all resulting versions of process yield electrically conductive films. Gold-containing layer formed on film surface during cure. These metallic gold-containing polyimides used in film and coating applications requiring electrical conductivity, high reflectivity, exceptional thermal stability, and/or mechanical integrity. They also find commercial potential in areas ranging from thin films for satellite antennas to decorative coatings and packaging.

Tunable electrical conductivity in metal-organic framework thin film devices

DOEpatents

Talin, Albert Alec; Allendorf, Mark D.; Stavila, Vitalie; Leonard, Francois

2016-08-30

A composition including a porous metal organic framework (MOF) including an open metal site and a guest species capable of charge transfer that can coordinate with the open metal site, wherein the composition is electrically conductive. A method including infiltrating a porous metal organic framework (MOF) including an open metal site with a guest species that is capable of charge transfer; and coordinating the guest species to the open metal site to form a composition including an electrical conductivity greater than an electrical conductivity of the MOF.

Tunable electrical conductivity in metal-organic framework thin film devices

DOEpatents

Talin, Albert Alec; Allendorf, Mark D.; Stavila, Vitalie; Leonard, Francois

2016-05-24

A composition including a porous metal organic framework (MOF) including an open metal site and a guest species capable of charge transfer that can coordinate with the open metal site, wherein the composition is electrically conductive. A method including infiltrating a porous metal organic framework (MOF) including an open metal site with a guest species that is capable of charge transfer; and coordinating the guest species to the open metal site to form a composition including an electrical conductivity greater than an electrical conductivity of the MOF.

PLZT capacitor and method to increase the dielectric constant

DOEpatents

Taylor, Ralph S.; Fairchild, Manuel Ray; Balachjandran, Uthamalingam; Lee, Tae H.

2017-12-12

A ceramic-capacitor includes a first electrically-conductive-layer, a second electrically-conductive-layer arranged proximate to the first electrically-conductive-layer, and a dielectric-layer interposed between the first electrically-conductive-layer and the second electrically-conductive-layer. The dielectric-layer is formed of a lead-lanthanum-zirconium-titanate material (PLZT), wherein the PLZT is characterized by a dielectric-constant greater than 125, when measured at 25 degrees Celsius and zero Volts bias, and an excitation frequency of ten-thousand Hertz (10 kHz). A method for increasing a dielectric constant of the lead-lanthanum-zirconium-titanate material (PLZT) includes the steps of depositing PLZT to form a dielectric-layer of a ceramic-capacitor, and heating the ceramic-capacitor to a temperature not greater than 300.degree. C.

Experimental investigations of the effect the electrical conductivity of medium has on the performance of pH meters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodionov, A. K.; Karashchuk, S. A.

2013-07-01

Results from tests of pH meters carried out in ammonia media having low electric conductivity (less than 5.0 μS/cm) are presented. The check media for the tests were prepared in a special manner the use of which makes it possible to reproduce the pH value of solution with an error not exceeding ˜0.04pH in the range of electrical conductivities above 0.1 μS/cm. The instrument measurement error was determined at different electrical conductivities of medium. Different electrodes were tested, the majority of which were domestically produced ones intended for general industrial applications. Some results were also obtained for one dedicated electrode from a foreign manufacturer. The test results show that the instrument gives a biased pH value for such media. The bias has a random value, which nonetheless is stable in the majority of cases, depends on the electrical conductivity of medium being monitored, and may be quite essential for small electrical conductivities (0.5pH or more). A conclusion is drawn about the need to calibrate the instruments with respect to standard media having electrical conductivity close to that of the medium being monitored. Analytic relations characterizing the check media used fort tests (check solutions) are presented.

Structural, magnetic, optical, dielectric, electrical and modulus spectroscopic characteristics of ZnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles synthesized via honey-mediated sol-gel combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Raghvendra Singh; Kuřitka, Ivo; Vilcakova, Jarmila; Urbánek, Pavel; Machovsky, Michal; Masař, Milan; Holek, Martin

2017-11-01

This paper reports a honey-mediated green synthesis of ZnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles and the effect of further annealing on structural, magnetic, optical, dielectric and electrical properties. X-ray diffraction study confirmed the well formation of ZnFe2O4 spinel ferrite crystal structure. Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of spinel ferrite crystal structure. The scanning electron microscopy study revealed the formation of spherical morphology at lower annealing temperature with achieved particle size 30-60 nm, whereas, octahedral like morphology at higher annealing temperature with particle size 50-400 nm. Magnetization measurements were carried out using a vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. The estimated magnetic parameter such as saturation magnetization (Ms), remanence (Mr) and coercivity (Hc) showed variation in value with nano-crystallite size. The highest saturation magnetization (Ms) was 12.81 emu/g for as-synthesized ZnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles, whereas, highest coercivity (Hc) was 25.77 Oe for ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles annealed at high temperature 1000 °C. UV-Visible reflectance spectroscopy showed the band gap variation from 1.90 eV to 2.14 eV with the increase of annealing temperature. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss were decreased with frequency showing the normal behavior of spinel ferrites. The variation in conductivity is explained in terms of the variation in microstructure and variation in the mobility of charge carriers associated with the cation redistribution induced by annealing or grain size. The modulus and impedance spectroscopy study revealed the influence of bulk grain and the grain boundary on the electrical resistance and capacitance of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. The results presented in this work are helpful for green synthesis of well-controlled size, morphology and physical properties of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles.

Assessing the temporal stability of spatial patterns of soil apparent electrical conductivity using geophysical methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Caires, Sunshine A.; Wuddivira, Mark N.; Bekele, Isaac

2014-10-01

Cocoa remains in the same field for decades, resulting in plantations dominated with aging trees growing on variable and depleted soils. We determined the spatio-temporal variability of key soil properties in a (5.81 ha) field from the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad using geophysical methods. Multi-year (2008-2009) measurements of apparent electrical conductivity at 0-0.75 m (shallow) and 0.75-1.5 m (deep) were conducted. Apparent electrical conductivity at deep and shallow gave the strongest linear correlation with clay-silt content (R = 0.67 and R = 0.78, respectively) and soil solution electrical conductivity (R = 0.76 and R = 0.60, respectively). Spearman rank correlation coefficients ranged between 0.89-0.97 and 0.81- 0.95 for apparent electrical conductivity at deep and shallow, respectively, signifying a strong linear dependence between measurement days. Thus, in the humid tropics, cocoa fields with thick organic litter layer and relatively dense understory cover, experience minimal fluctuations in transient properties of soil water and temperature at the topsoil resulting in similarly stable apparent electrical conductivity at shallow and deep. Therefore, apparent electrical conductivity at shallow, which covers the depth where cocoa feeder roots concentrate, can be used as a fertility indicator and to develop soil zones for efficient application of inputs and management of cocoa fields.

High conductivity carbon nanotube wires from radial densification and ionic doping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvarenga, Jack; Jarosz, Paul R.; Schauerman, Chris M.; Moses, Brian T.; Landi, Brian J.; Cress, Cory D.; Raffaelle, Ryne P.

2010-11-01

Application of drawing dies to radially densify sheets of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into bulk wires has shown the ability to control electrical conductivity and wire density. Simultaneous use of KAuBr4 doping solution, during wire drawing, has led to an electrical conductivity in the CNT wire of 1.3×106 S/m. Temperature-dependent electrical measurements show that conduction is dominated by fluctuation-assisted tunneling, and introduction of KAuBr4 significantly reduces the tunneling barrier between individual nanotubes. Ultimately, the concomitant doping and densification process leads to closer packed CNTs and a reduced charge transfer barrier, resulting in enhanced bulk electrical conductivity.

Method and Apparatus for Monitoring the Integrity of a Geomembrane Liner using time Domain Reflectometry

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

Morris, John L.

1998-11-09

Leaks are detected in a multi-layered geomembrane liner by a two-dimensional time domain reflectometry (TDR) technique. The TDR geomembrane liner is constructed with an electrically conductive detection layer positioned between two electrically non-conductive dielectric layers, which are each positioned between the detection layer and an electrically conductive reference layer. The integrity of the TDR geomembrane liner is determined by generating electrical pulses within the detection layer and measuring the time delay for any reflected electrical energy caused by absorption of moisture by a dielectric layer.

Low-Heat-Leak Electrical Leads For Cryogenic Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wise, Stephanie A.; Hooker, Matthew W.

1994-01-01

Electrical leads offering high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity developed for use in connecting electronic devices inside cryogenic systems to power supplies, signal-processing circuits, and other circuitry located in nearby warmer surroundings. Strip of superconductive leads on ceramic substrate, similar to ribbon cable, connects infrared detectors at temperature of liquid helium with warmer circuitry. Electrical leads bridging thermal gradient at boundary of cryogenic system designed both to minimize conduction of heat from surroundings through leads into system and to minimize resistive heating caused by electrical currents flowing in leads.

Method and apparatus for monitoring the integrity of a geomembrane liner using time domain reflectometry

DOEpatents

Morrison, John L [Idaho Falls, ID

2001-04-24

Leaks are detected in a multi-layered geomembrane liner by a two-dimensional time domain reflectometry (TDR) technique. The TDR geomembrane liner is constructed with an electrically conductive detection layer positioned between two electrically non-conductive dielectric layers, which are each positioned between the detection layer and an electrically conductive reference layer. The integrity of the TDR geomembrane liner is determined by generating electrical pulses within the detection layer and measuring the time delay for any reflected electrical energy caused by absorption of moisture by a dielectric layer.

Method to pattern <10 micrometer conducting and passivating features on 3D substrates for implantable devices

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

Tolosa, Vanessa; Pannu, Satinderpall S.; Sheth, Heeral

2017-07-04

An implantable device has a cylindrical base, at least one electrode on the cylindrical base, at least one electrically conducting lead on the cylindrical base connected to the electrode wherein the electrically conducting lead has a feature size of <10 micrometers. A protective coating on the cylindrical base covers the at least one electrically conducting lead.

Dependence of field-aligned electron precipitation on season, altitude and pitch angle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berko, F. W.; Hoffman, R. A.

1973-01-01

The occurrence of field-aligned 2.3 keV electron precipitation was examined by using data from more than 7500 orbits of the polar-orbiting satellite, OGO-4. The frequency of occurrence of field aligned precipitation was highest at actual pitch angles between 7 and 10 deg, being highest in the winter months, at highest satellite altitudes. Acceleration by a localized parallel electric field established by electrostatic charge layers is proposed to explain particle observations.

Estimating the stability of electrical conductivity of filled polymers under the influence of negative temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minakova, N. N.; Ushakov, V. Ya.

2017-12-01

One of the key problems in modern materials technology is synthesis of materials for electrotechnical devices capable of operating under severe conditions. Electrical and power engineering, in particular, demands for electrically conductive composite materials operating at high and low temperatures, various mechanical loads, electric fields, etc. Chaotic arrangement of electrically conductive component in the matrix and its structural and geometrical inhomogeneity can increase the local electric and thermal energy flux densities up to critical values even when their average values remain moderate. Elastomers filled with technical carbon being a promising component for electrotechnical devices was chosen as an object of study.

Electrical conductivity measurement of granulite under mid- to lower crustal pressure-temperature conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuji-ta, K.; Katsura, T.; Tainosho, Y.

2004-04-01

We have developed a technique to measure electrical conductivity of crustal rocks with relatively low conductivity and complicated mineral components in order to compare with results given by magneto-telluric (MT) measurements. A granulite from Hidaka metamorphic belt (HMB) in Hokkaido, Japan at high temperature and pressure conditions was obtained. The granulite sample was ground and sintered under the conditions similar to those of mid- to lower crust. We have observed smooth and reversible change of conductivity with temperature up to about 900 K at 1 GPa. The results were consistent with the electrical conductivity structures suggested by the MT data analysis. Considering pore fluid conduction mechanism or the role of accessory minerals in the rock, the mechanisms of electrical conductivity paths in dry or basic rocks should be reconsidered.

Radiofrequency ablation: importance of background tissue electrical conductivity--an agar phantom and computer modeling study.

PubMed

Solazzo, Stephanie A; Liu, Zhengjun; Lobo, S Melvyn; Ahmed, Muneeb; Hines-Peralta, Andrew U; Lenkinski, Robert E; Goldberg, S Nahum

2005-08-01

To determine whether radiofrequency (RF)-induced heating can be correlated with background electrical conductivity in a controlled experimental phantom environment mimicking different background tissue electrical conductivities and to determine the potential electrical and physical basis for such a correlation by using computer modeling. The effect of background tissue electrical conductivity on RF-induced heating was studied in a controlled system of 80 two-compartment agar phantoms (with inner wells of 0.3%, 1.0%, or 36.0% NaCl) with background conductivity that varied from 0.6% to 5.0% NaCl. Mathematical modeling of the relationship between electrical conductivity and temperatures 2 cm from the electrode (T2cm) was performed. Next, computer simulation of RF heating by using two-dimensional finite-element analysis (ETherm) was performed with parameters selected to approximate the agar phantoms. Resultant heating, in terms of both the T2cm and the distance of defined thermal isotherms from the electrode surface, was calculated and compared with the phantom data. Additionally, electrical and thermal profiles were determined by using the computer modeling data and correlated by using linear regression analysis. For each inner compartment NaCl concentration, a negative exponential relationship was established between increased background NaCl concentration and the T2cm (R2= 0.64-0.78). Similar negative exponential relationships (r2 > 0.97%) were observed for the computer modeling. Correlation values (R2) between the computer and experimental data were 0.9, 0.9, and 0.55 for the 0.3%, 1.0%, and 36.0% inner NaCl concentrations, respectively. Plotting of the electrical field generated around the RF electrode identified the potential for a dramatic local change in electrical field distribution (ie, a second electrical peak ["E-peak"]) occurring at the interface between the two compartments of varied electrical background conductivity. Linear correlations between the E-peak and heating at T2cm (R2= 0.98-1.00) and the 50 degrees C isotherm (R2= 0.99-1.00) were established. These results demonstrate the strong relationship between background tissue conductivity and RF heating and further explain electrical phenomena that occur in a two-compartment system.

Electrical Conductivity Measurement of Granulite Under Mid to Lower Crustal Pressure-Temperature Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuji-Ta, K.; Katsura, T.; Tainosho, Y.

2003-12-01

We have developed a technique to measure electrical conductivity of crustal rocks with relatively low conductivity and complicated mineral components in order to compare with results given by Magneto-Telluric (MT) measurements. A granulite from Hidaka Metamorphic Belt (HMB) in Hokkaido, Japan at high temperature and pressure conditions was obtained. The granulite sample was ground and sintered under the conditions similar to those of mid to lower crust. We have observed smooth and reversible change of conductivity with temperature up to about 900 K at 1 GPa. Through the qualitative and quantitative evaluations using Electron Probe Micro Analysis (EPMA), microstructures of the sintered sample were inspected. This inspection is essential to confirm the sample was not affected by chemical interaction of minerals. We also examined the role of accessory minerals in the rock, and the mechanisms of electrical conductivity paths in _gdry_h or _gbasic_h rocks should be reconsidered. Finally, results from electrical conductivity measurements were consistent with the electrical conductivity structures suggested by the former MT data analysis.

Ceramics at High Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Peng; Zhang, Rui-zhi; Chen, Hao-ying; Hao, Wen-tao

2014-06-01

The Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) ceramics were measured and analyzed in the high temperature range of 300°C to 800°C, and then the electrical conduction mechanism was investigated by using a combination of experimental data fitting and first-principles calculations. The Seebeck coefficient of the CCTO ceramic sintered at 1050°C is negative with largest absolute value of ˜650 μV/K at 300°C, and the electrical conductivity is 2-3 orders greater than the value reported previously by other researchers. With increasing sintering temperature, the Seebeck coefficient decreases while the electrical conductivity increases. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity follows the rule of adiabatic hopping conduction of small polarons. The calculated density of states of CCTO indicates that the conduction band is mainly contributed by the antibonding states of Cu 3 d electrons, therefore small-polaron hopping between CuO4 square planar clusters was proposed. Possible ways to further improve the thermoelectric properties of CCTO are also discussed.

Determination of consolidation properties using electrical resistivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kibria, Golam; Hossain, Sahadat; Khan, Mohammad Sadik

2018-05-01

Electrical conductivity is an indirect method used to evaluate pore-structures and their influence on macro and microscale behavior of soils. Although this method can provide useful information about the consolidation properties of soil samples, insufficient studies have been conducted to identify correlations between electrical and consolidation properties. The current study presents electrical resistivity responses of clayey samples at different consolidation stages. The consolidation properties of four soil specimens were measured in conjunction with electrical conductivity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were performed on soil samples before and after consolidation to identify the changes in fabric morphology due to the application of loads. It was observed that the electrical conductivity of samples decreased with the increase of pressure, and the trends of variations were similar to e vs. logP curves. Although a linear correlation exists between electrical conductivity and void ratio, the relationship depends on the structural changes in clay particles. Therefore, changes in fabric structures were analyzed using SEM images, and results showed that the aspect ratio of the particles increased as much as 18.3% after consolidation. Based on the investigation, the coefficient of consolidations and one-dimensional strain were determined using electrical resistivity measurements.

Electrically responsive materials based on polycarbazole/sodium alginate hydrogel blend for soft and flexible actuator application.

PubMed

Sangwan, Watchara; Petcharoen, Karat; Paradee, Nophawan; Lerdwijitjarud, Wanchai; Sirivat, Anuvat

2016-10-20

The electromechanical properties, namely the storage modulus sensitivity and bending, of sodium alginate (SA) hydrogels and polycarbazole/sodium alginate (PCB/SA) hydrogel blends under applied electric field was investigated. The electromechanical properties of the pristine SA were studied under effects of crosslinking types and SA molecular weights, whereas the PCB/SA hydrogel blends were studied under the effect of PCB concentrations. The storage modulus sensitivity and bending of the pristine SA as crosslinked by the ionic crosslinking agent were found to be higher than those of the covalent crosslinking. The storage modulus sensitivity and deflection of the SA increased monotonically with increasing molecular weight. The highest electromechanical response of the PCB/SA hydrogel blends was obtained from the blend with 0.10% v/v PCB as it provided surprisingly the highest ever storage modulus sensitivity, (G'-G'0)/G'0 where G'0 and G' are the storage modulus without and with applied electric field, respectively, at 18.5 under applied electric field strength of 800V/mm. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of temperature deposited on the performance of ZnO-CNT-graphite for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darari, Alfin; Hakim, Istajib S.; Priyono; Subagio, Agus; Pardoyo; Subhan, Achmad

2017-07-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphite are now widely studied as the electrodes of supercapacitor, owing to their high conductivity, large surface area, chemical stability, etc. A lot of research has been focused on Carbon/metal oxide nanocomposite electrode for Electrode supercapacitor because it will increase the total capacitance. In this research, ZnO nanoparticles were deposited onto substrate CNT:Graphite in different temperatures such as 300°, 350°, and 400°C. The characterization of the crystal size using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns showed ZnO material peak was detected a ZnO crystallite. The size of ZnO crystallite in 300°, 350°, and 400°C consecutively is 101.1; 103.4; and 116.7 nm. The test results are Electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS) high electrical conductivity values obtained on the composition of ZnO-CNT-graphite with a temperature of 350°C 4.6 (S/m); and (2) the highest value of capacitance in 300°C is 1.23 F/g.

Microstructure and texture dependence of the dielectric anomalies and dc conductivity of Bi3TiNbO9 ferroelectric ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moure, A.; Pardo, L.

2005-04-01

Ceramics of composition Bi3TiNbO9 (BTN) and perovskite-layered structure (Aurivillius type) [B. Aurivillius, Ark. Kemi 1, 463 (1949)] were processed by natural sintering and hot pressing from amorphous precursors. Precursors were obtained by mechanochemical activation of stoichiometric mixtures of oxides. These materials are in general interesting for their use as high-temperature piezoelectrics. Among them, BTN possesses the highest ferroparaelectric phase-transition temperature (>900°C). The transition temperature establishes the working limit of the ceramic and the electric properties, especially the dc conductivity, affect on its polarizability. In this work, dielectric studies of BTN ceramics with controlled texture and microstructure have been made at 1, 100KHz, and 1MHZ and in the temperature range from 200°C up to the ferroparaelectric transition temperature. Values of ɛ'˜250 at 200°C are achieved in ceramics hot pressed at temperatures as low as 700°C for 1h.

Microwave absorbing property of silicone rubber composites with added carbonyl iron particles and graphite platelet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yonggang; Zhang, Deyuan; Cai, Jun; Yuan, Liming; Zhang, Wenqiang

2013-02-01

Silicone rubber composites filled with carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) and graphite platelet (GP) were prepared using non-coating or coating processes. The complex permittivity and permeability of the composites were measured using a vector network analyzer in the frequency range of 1-18 GHz and dc electric conductivity was measured by the standard four-point contact method. The results showed that CIPs/GP composites fabricated in the coating process had the highest permittivity and permeability due to the particle orientation and interactions between the two absorbents. The coating process resulted in a decreased effective eccentricity of the absorbents, and the dc conductivity increased according to Neelakanta's equations. The reflection loss (RL) value showed that the composites had an excellent absorbing property in the L-band, minimum -11.85 dB at 1.5 mm and -15.02 dB at 2 mm. Thus, GP could be an effective additive in preparing thin absorbing composites in the L-band.

Anisotropic electrical and thermal conductivity in Bi{sub 2}AE{sub 2}Co{sub 2}O{sub 8+δ} [AE = Ca, Sr{sub 1−x}Ba{sub x} (x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0)] single crystals

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

Dong, Song-Tao; Institute of Material Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003; Zhang, Bin-Bin

Bi{sub 2}AE{sub 2}Co{sub 2}O{sub 8+δ} (AE represents alkaline earth), constructed by stacking of rock-salt Bi{sub 2}AE{sub 2}O{sub 4} and triangle CoO{sub 2} layers alternatively along c-axis, is one of promising thermoelectric oxides. The most impressive feature of Bi{sub 2}AE{sub 2}Co{sub 2}O{sub 8+δ}, as reported previously, is their electrical conductivity mainly lying along CoO{sub 2} plane, adjusting Bi{sub 2}AE{sub 2}O{sub 4} layer simultaneously manipulates both thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. It in turn optimizes thermoelectric performance of these materials. In this work, we characterize the anisotropic thermal and electrical conductivity along both ab-plane and c-direction of Bi{sub 2}AE{sub 2}Co{sub 2}O{sub 8+δ}more » (AE = Ca, Sr, Ba, Sr{sub 1−x}Ba{sub x}) single crystals. The results substantiate that isovalence replacement in Bi{sub 2}AE{sub 2}Co{sub 2}O{sub 8+δ} remarkably modifies their electrical property along ab-plane; while their thermal conductivity along ab-plane only has a slightly difference. At the same time, both the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity along c-axis of these materials also have dramatic changes. Certainly, the electrical resistance along c-axis is too high to be used as thermoelectric applications. These results suggest that adjusting nano-block Bi{sub 2}AE{sub 2}O{sub 4} layer in Bi{sub 2}AE{sub 2}Co{sub 2}O{sub 8+δ} cannot modify the thermal conductivity along high electrical conductivity plane (ab-plane here). The evolution of electrical property is discussed by Anderson localization and electron-electron interaction U. And the modification of thermal conductivity along c-axis is attributed to the microstructure difference. This work sheds more light on the manipulation of the thermal and electrical conductivity in the layered thermoelectric materials.« less

Electric field variations measured continuously in free air over a conductive thin zone in the tilted Lias-epsilon black shales near Osnabrück, Northwest Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurk, M.; Bosch, F. P.; Tougiannidis, N.

2013-04-01

Common studies on the static electric field distribution over a conductivity anomaly use the self-potential method. However, this method is time consuming and requires nonpolarizable electrodes to be placed in the ground. Moreover, the information gained by this method is restricted to the horizontal variations of the electric field. To overcome the limitation in the self-potential technique, we conducted a field experiment using a non conventional technique to assess the static electric field over a conductivity anomaly. We use two metallic potential probes arranged on an insulated boom with a separation of 126 cm. When placed into the electric field of the free air, a surface charge will be induced on each probe trying to equalize with the potential of the surrounding atmosphere. The use of a plasma source at both probes facilitated continuous and quicker measurement of the electric field in the air. The present study shows first experimental measurements with a modified potential probe technique (MPP) along a 600-meter-long transect to demonstrate the general feasibility of this method for studying the static electric field distribution over shallow conductivity anomalies. Field measurements were carried out on a test site on top of the Bramsche Massif near Osnabrück (Northwest Germany) to benefit from a variety of available near surface data over an almost vertical conductivity anomaly. High resolution self-potential data served in a numerical analysis to estimate the expected individual components of the electric field vector. During the experiment we found more anomalies in the vertical and horizontal components of the electric field than self-potential anomalies. These contrasting findings are successfully cross-validated with conventional near surface geophysical methods. Among these methods, we used self-potential, radiomagnetotelluric, electric resistivity tomography and induced polarization data to derive 2D conductivity models of the subsurface in order to infer the geometrical properties and the origin of the conductivity anomaly in the survey area. The presented study demonstrates the feasibility of electric field measurements in free air to detect and study near surface conductivity anomalies. Variations in Ez correlate well with the conductivity distribution obtained from resistivity methods. Compared to the self-potential technique, continuously free air measurements of the electric field are more rapid and of better lateral resolution combined with the unique ability to analyze vertical components of the electric field which are of particular importance to detect lateral conductivity contrasts. Mapping Ez in free air is a good tool to precisely map lateral changes of the electric field distribution in areas where SP generation fails. MPP offers interesting application in other geophysical techniques e.g. in time domain electromagnetics, DC and IP. With this method we were able to reveal a ca. 150 m broad zone of enhanced electric field strength.

Current collectors for improved safety

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

Abdelmalak, Michael Naguib; Allu, Srikanth; Dudney, Nancy J.

A battery electrode assembly includes a current collector with conduction barrier regions having a conductive state in which electrical conductivity through the conduction barrier region is permitted, and a safety state in which electrical conductivity through the conduction barrier regions is reduced. The conduction barrier regions change from the conductive state to the safety state when the current collector receives a short-threatening event. An electrode material can be connected to the current collector. The conduction barrier regions can define electrical isolation subregions. A battery is also disclosed, and methods for making the electrode assembly, methods for making a battery, andmore » methods for operating a battery.« less

Enhancement of Electrical Conductivity in Multicomponent Nanocomposites.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Xiaojuan; Hui, Chao; Su, Ninghai; Liu, Feng

To date, very limited theoretical or numerical analyses have been carried out to understand the electrical percolation properties in multicomponent nanocomposite systems. In this work, a disk-stick percolation model was developed to investigate the electrical percolation behavior of an electrically insulating matrix reinforced with one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) conductors via Monte Carlo simulation. The effective electrical conductivity was evaluated through Kirchhoff's current law by transforming it into an equivalent resistor network. The percolation threshold, equivalent resistance and conductivity were obtained from the distribution of nodal voltages by solving a system of linear equations with Gaussian elimination method. The effects of size, aspect ratio, relative concentration and contact patterns of 1D/2D inclusions on conductivity performance were examined. Our model is able to predict the electrical percolation threshold and evaluate the conductivity for hybrid systems with multiple components. The results suggest that carbon-based nanocomposites can have a high potential for applications where favorable electrical properties and low specific weight are required. We acknowledge the financial support from DOE-BES (No. DE-FG02-04ER46148).

Electrical and fluid transport in consolidated sphere packs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Xin; Schwartz, Lawrence M.; Toksöz, M. Nafi

2015-05-01

We calculate geometrical and transport properties (electrical conductivity, permeability, specific surface area, and surface conductivity) of a family of model granular porous media from an image based representation of its microstructure. The models are based on the packing described by Finney and cover a wide range of porosities. Finite difference methods are applied to solve for electrical conductivity and hydraulic permeability. Two image processing methods are used to identify the pore-grain interface and to test correlations linking permeability to electrical conductivity. A three phase conductivity model is developed to compute surface conductivity associated with the grain-pore interface. Our results compare well against empirical models over the entire porosity range studied. We conclude by examining the influence of image resolution on our calculations.

Electrical Conductivity Response of Poly(Phenylene-vinylene)/Zeolite Composites Exposed to Ammonium Nitrate

PubMed Central

Kamonsawas, Jirarat; Sirivat, Anuvat; Niamlang, Sumonman; Hormnirun, Pimpa; Prissanaroon-Ouajai, Walaiporn

2010-01-01

Poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) was chemically synthesized via the polymerization of p-xylene-bis(tetrahydrothiophenium chloride) monomer and doped with H2SO4. To improve the electrical conductivity sensitivity of the conductive polymer, Zeolites Y (Si/Al = 5.1, 30, 60, 80) were added into the conductive polymer matrix. All composite samples show definite positive responses towards NH4NO3. The electrical conductivity sensitivities of the composite sensors increase linearly with increasing Si/Al ratio: with values of 0.201, 1.37, 2.80 and 3.18, respectively. The interactions between NH4NO3 molecules and the PPV/zeolite composites with respect to the electrical conductivity sensitivity were investigated through the infrared spectroscopy. PMID:22219677

Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Measurements of Cda 510 Phosphor Bronze

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuttle, J.; Canavan, E.; DiPirro, M.

2010-04-01

Many cryogenic systems use electrical cables containing phosphor bronze wire. While phosphor bronze's electrical and thermal conductivity values have been published, results vary among different phosphor bronze formulations. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will use several phosphor bronze wire harnesses containing a specific formulation (CDA 510, annealed temper). These harnesses dominate the heat conducted into the JWST instrument stage, and approximately half of the harness conductance is due to the phosphor bronze wires. Since the JWST radiators are expected to keep the instruments at their operating temperature with limited cooling margin, it is important to know the thermal conductivity of the actual alloy being used. We describe an experiment that measured its electrical and thermal conductivity between 4 and 295 Kelvin.

Electrically conductive anodized aluminum coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alwitt, Robert S. (Inventor); Liu, Yanming (Inventor)

2001-01-01

A process for producing anodized aluminum with enhanced electrical conductivity, comprising anodic oxidation of aluminum alloy substrate, electrolytic deposition of a small amount of metal into the pores of the anodized aluminum, and electrolytic anodic deposition of an electrically conductive oxide, including manganese dioxide, into the pores containing the metal deposit; and the product produced by the process.

Electrical conduction mechanism of LaNi{sub x}Me{sub 1−x}O{sub 3−δ} (Me = Fe, Mn)

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

Niwa, Eiki, E-mail: e-niwa@phys.chs.nihon-u.ac.jp; Department of Integrated Sciences in Physics and Biology, College of Humanities and Sciences, Nihon University, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8550; Maeda, Hiroki

Graphical abstract: Compositional dependence of (a) electrical conductivity and (b) E{sub a} for hopping conduction of LaNi{sub x}Me{sub 1−x}O{sub 3} (Me = Fe, Mn). - Highlights: • Electrical conduction mechanism of LaNi{sub x}Me{sub 1−x}O{sub 3} (Me = Fe, Mn) was investigated. • Hopping conduction model could be applied for conductivity of both specimens. • The difference of E{sub a} due to that of energy level of Fe and Mn was observed. • Hole concentration estimated by iodimetry increases with increasing Ni content. - Abstract: Electrical conduction mechanism of LaNi{sub x}Fe{sub 1−x}O{sub 3−δ} and LaNi{sub x}Mn{sub 1−x}O{sub 3+δ} expected as Sr-freemore » new cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells was analyzed. Electrical conduction behaviors of both specimens could be well fitted by small polaron hopping conduction model. The electrical conductivity of LaNi{sub x}Fe{sub 1−x}O{sub 3−δ} increased with increasing Ni content, showing agreement with decrease of activation energy for hopping conduction. The decrease of electrical conductivity and increase of activation energy of LaNi{sub x}Mn{sub 1−x}O{sub 3+δ} were observed with increasing Ni content for 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4. Further Ni substitution increased electrical conductivity and decreased activation energy for 0.4 ≤ x ≤ 0.6. It was revealed using iodometry that the difference of hole carrier density between LaNi{sub x}Fe{sub 1−x}O{sub 3−δ} and LaNi{sub x}Mn{sub 1−x}O{sub 3+δ} was small. It was suspected that the origin of the difference of electrical conduction behavior of LaNi{sub x}Fe{sub 1−x}O{sub 3−δ} and LaNi{sub x}Mn{sub 1-x}O{sub 3+δ} was difference of energy level of e{sub g} band composed of Fe 3d or Mn 3d orbitals and their overlapping quantity with O 2p and Ni 3d band.« less

Effect of chemical composition on the electrical conductivity of gneiss at high temperatures and pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Lidong; Sun, Wenqing; Li, Heping; Hu, Haiying; Wu, Lei; Jiang, Jianjun

2018-03-01

The electrical conductivity of gneiss samples with different chemical compositions (WA = Na2O + K2O + CaO = 7.12, 7.27 and 7.64 % weight percent) was measured using a complex impedance spectroscopic technique at 623-1073 K and 1.5 GPa and a frequency range of 10-1 to 106 Hz. Simultaneously, a pressure effect on the electrical conductivity was also determined for the WA = 7.12 % gneiss. The results indicated that the gneiss conductivities markedly increase with total alkali and calcium ion content. The sample conductivity and temperature conform to an Arrhenius relationship within a certain temperature range. The influence of pressure on gneiss conductivity is weaker than temperature, although conductivity still increases with pressure. According to various ranges of activation enthalpy (0.35-0.52 and 0.76-0.87 eV) at 1.5 GPa, two main conduction mechanisms are suggested that dominate the electrical conductivity of gneiss: impurity conduction in the lower-temperature region and ionic conduction (charge carriers are K+, Na+ and Ca2+) in the higher-temperature region. The electrical conductivity of gneiss with various chemical compositions cannot be used to interpret the high conductivity anomalies in the Dabie-Sulu ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic belt. However, the conductivity-depth profiles for gneiss may provide an important constraint on the interpretation of field magnetotelluric conductivity results in the regional metamorphic belt.

A temporal assessment of vehicle use patterns and their impact on the provision of vehicle-to-grid services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, Chioke B.; Webber, Michael E.

2012-09-01

With the emerging nationwide availability of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) at prices attainable for many consumers, electric utilities, system operators and researchers have been investigating the impact of this new source of energy demand. The presence of BEVs on the electric grid might offer benefits equivalent to dedicated utility-scale energy storage systems by leveraging vehicles’ grid-connected energy storage through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) enabled infrastructure. It is, however, unclear whether BEVs will be available to provide needed grid services when those services are in highest demand. In this work, a set of GPS vehicle travel data from the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is analyzed to assess temporal patterns in vehicle use. These results show that vehicle use does not vary significantly across months, but differs noticeably between weekdays and weekends, such that averaging the data together could lead to erroneous V2G modeling results. Combination of these trends with wind generation and electricity demand data from the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) indicates that BEV availability does not align well with electricity demand and wind generation during the summer months, limiting the quantity of ancillary services that could be provided with V2G. Vehicle availability aligns best between the hours of 9 pm and 8 am during cooler months of the year, when electricity demand is bimodal and brackets the hours of highest vehicle use.

The Competing Influences of the Radiation Belts on the Charging of Extremely Resistive Spacecraft Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemon, C.; Roeder, J. L.; Looper, M. D.; O'Brien, T. P., III; Fennell, J. F.; Mazur, J. E.

2016-12-01

Spacecraft suffer from various types of anomalies caused by space weather. One important source of spacecraft anomalies is internal electrostatic discharge (IESD), which occurs when penetrating electrons deposit charge inside dielectrics faster than that charge can dissipate via conduction currents. This causes the electric field to build up to a breakdown threshold. The most electrically resistive materials, such as Teflon, are of greatest concern for IESD. Laboratory measurements of the conductivity of Teflon and other highly resistive polymers show that their conventional conductivity is negligible in comparison to their radiation-induced conductivity (RIC), an alternate source of conduction that is linearly proportional to the ionizing dose rate received by the material. The space radiation environment therefore plays contradictory roles in extremely resistive polymers, both depositing charge and dissipating it. The spectral shape, rather than the total electron flux, becomes the primary consideration for IESD because it determines the relative deposition of charge and ionizing dose in materials. A counterintuitive result is that soft spectra may be a greater risk for IESD, because relative to hard spectra they deposit more charge than dose in materials. This differs from the standard practice of defining the worst-possible environment for charging and IESD as the spectrum in which the electron flux is highest at all energies that could reach the material. We present analyses of CRRES MEA and HEEF measurements, and simulate the charging of material samples from the CRRES Internal Discharge Monitor. We briefly demonstrate the unexpected results described here, and quantify the effect of different energetic electron spectra observed by CRRES on the buildup of charge in Teflon samples from the Internal Discharge Monitor. Finally, we will comment on the perceived deficiency of "worst case" charging environments for predicting IESD, and how we can better quantify IESD risk in extremely resistive materials.

Thermoelectric properties of Sn doped BiCuSeO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Sayan; Chetty, Raju; Wojciechowski, Krzysztof; Suwas, Satyam; Mallik, Ramesh Chandra

2017-10-01

BiCuSeO and Bi1-xSnxCuSeO (x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) were prepared by a two-step solid state synthesis. The phase purity and the crystal structure were investigated by the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and confirmed by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The volatilization of Bi and Bi2O3 lead to off-stoichiometry of the main phase and the formation of CuSe2 secondary phase in the undoped sample. SnO2 secondary phases were found in the doped samples. Both the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical resistivity, measured from the room temperature to 773 K linearly increases with the temperature, which indicates that the sample have metallic like behavior. The origin of such a behavior is due to high hole concentration originating from the Bi and the O vacancies. The Sn +4 valence state was confirmed from the X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and from the reduction of lattice parameter 'a' with doping. The substitution of Sn+4 in the place of Bi+3 leads to the higher Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity in the doped samples. Highest power-factor (∼1 mW/m-K2 at 773 K), was obtained for the undoped sample and the 4% Sn doped sample (Bi0.96Sn0.04CuSeO). The lowest thermal conductivity was obtained for the undoped sample, from the room temperature to 773 K. The presence of thermally-conducting SnO2 secondary phases in the doped samples increases the thermal conductivity in comparison with the undoped sample. The zTs of the doped samples were lower compared to the undoped sample, owing to their higher thermal conductivity. The oxygen vacancies as well as the all-length scale phonon scattering, lowers the thermal conductivity of the undoped sample and, as a result, a maximum zT of 1.09 was achieved at 773 K.

Electrically conductive polyimides containing silver trifluoroacetylacetonate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rancourt, James D. (Inventor); Stoakley, Diane M. (Inventor); Caplan, Maggie L. (Inventor); St. Clair, Anne K. (Inventor); Taylor, Larry T. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

Polyimides with enhanced electrical conductivity are produced by adding a silver ion-containing additive to the polyamic acid resin formed by the condensation of an aromatic dianhydride with an aromatic diamine. After thermal treatment the resulting polyimides had surface conductivities in the range of 1.7.times.10.sup.-3 4.5 .OMEGA..sup.-1 making them useful in low the electronics industry as flexible, electrically conductive polymeric films and coatings.

Bioelectrical Impedance and The Frequency Dependent Current Conduction Through Biological Tissues: A Short Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanti Bera, Tushar

2018-03-01

Biological tissues are developed with biological cells which exhibit complex electrical impedance called electrical bioimpedance. Under an alternating electrical excitation the bioimpedance varies with the tissue anatomy, composition and the signal frequency. The current penetration and conduction paths vary with frequency of the applied signal. Bioimpedance spectroscopy is used to study the frequency response of the electrical impedance of biological materials noninvasively. In bioimpedance spectroscopy, a low amplitude electrical signal is injected to the tissue sample or body parts to characterization the sample in terms of its bioimpedance. The electrical current conduction phenomena, which is highly influenced by the tissue impedance and the signal frequency, is an important phenomena which should be studied to understand the bioimpedance techniques like bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), EIS, or else. In this paper the origin of bioelectrical impedance and current conduction phenomena has been reviewed to present a brief summary of bioelectrical impedance and the frequency dependent current conduction through biological tissues. Simulation studies are conducted with alternation current injection through a two dimensional model of biological tissues containing finite number of biological cells suspended in extracellular fluid. The paper demonstrates the simulation of alternating current conduction through biological tissues conducted by COMSOL Multiphysics. Simulation studies also show the frequency response of the tissue impedance for different tissue compositions.

Electrically Conductive Anodized Aluminum Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Trung Hung

2006-01-01

Anodized aluminum components can be treated to make them sufficiently electrically conductive to suppress discharges of static electricity. The treatment was conceived as a means of preventing static electric discharges on exterior satin-anodized aluminum (SAA) surfaces of spacecraft without adversely affecting the thermal-control/optical properties of the SAA and without need to apply electrically conductive paints, which eventually peel off in the harsh environment of outer space. The treatment can also be used to impart electrical conductivity to anodized housings of computers, medical electronic instruments, telephoneexchange equipment, and other terrestrial electronic equipment vulnerable to electrostatic discharge. The electrical resistivity of a typical anodized aluminum surface layer lies between 10(exp 11) and 10(exp 13) Omega-cm. To suppress electrostatic discharge, it is necessary to reduce the electrical resistivity significantly - preferably to < or = 10(exp 9) Omega-cm. The present treatment does this. The treatment is a direct electrodeposition process in which the outer anodized surface becomes covered and the pores in the surface filled with a transparent, electrically conductive metal oxide nanocomposite. Filling the pores with the nanocomposite reduces the transverse electrical resistivity and, in the original intended outer-space application, the exterior covering portion of the nanocomposite would afford the requisite electrical contact with the outer-space plasma. The electrical resistivity of the nanocomposite can be tailored to a value between 10(exp 7) and 10(exp 12) Omega-cm. Unlike electrically conductive paint, the nanocomposite becomes an integral part of the anodized aluminum substrate, without need for adhesive bonding material and without risk of subsequent peeling. The electrodeposition process is compatible with commercial anodizing production lines. At present, the electronics industry uses expensive, exotic, electrostaticdischarge- suppressing finishes: examples include silver impregnated anodized, black electroless nickel, black chrome, and black copper. In comparison with these competing finishes, the present nanocomposite finishes are expected to cost 50 to 20 percent less and to last longer.

3D electrical conductivity tomography of volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soueid Ahmed, A.; Revil, A.; Byrdina, S.; Coperey, A.; Gailler, L.; Grobbe, N.; Viveiros, F.; Silva, C.; Jougnot, D.; Ghorbani, A.; Hogg, C.; Kiyan, D.; Rath, V.; Heap, M. J.; Grandis, H.; Humaida, H.

2018-05-01

Electrical conductivity tomography is a well-established galvanometric method for imaging the subsurface electrical conductivity distribution. We characterize the conductivity distribution of a set of volcanic structures that are different in terms of activity and morphology. For that purpose, we developed a large-scale inversion code named ECT-3D aimed at handling complex topographical effects like those encountered in volcanic areas. In addition, ECT-3D offers the possibility of using as input data the two components of the electrical field recorded at independent stations. Without prior information, a Gauss-Newton method with roughness constraints is used to solve the inverse problem. The roughening operator used to impose constraints is computed on unstructured tetrahedral elements to map complex geometries. We first benchmark ECT-3D on two synthetic tests. A first test using the topography of Mt. St Helens volcano (Washington, USA) demonstrates that we can successfully reconstruct the electrical conductivity field of an edifice marked by a strong topography and strong variations in the resistivity distribution. A second case study is used to demonstrate the versatility of the code in using the two components of the electrical field recorded on independent stations along the ground surface. Then, we apply our code to real data sets recorded at (i) a thermally active area of Yellowstone caldera (Wyoming, USA), (ii) a monogenetic dome on Furnas volcano (the Azores, Portugal), and (iii) the upper portion of the caldera of Kīlauea (Hawai'i, USA). The tomographies reveal some of the major structures of these volcanoes as well as identifying alteration associated with high surface conductivities. We also review the petrophysics underlying the interpretation of the electrical conductivity of fresh and altered volcanic rocks and molten rocks to show that electrical conductivity tomography cannot be used as a stand-alone technique due to the non-uniqueness in interpreting electrical conductivity tomograms. That said, new experimental data provide evidence regarding the strong role of alteration in the vicinity of preferential fluid flow paths including magmatic conduits and hydrothermal vents.

Conductive Textiles via Vapor-Phase Polymerization of 3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene.

PubMed

Ala, Okan; Hu, Bin; Li, Dapeng; Yang, Chen-Lu; Calvert, Paul; Fan, Qinguo

2017-08-30

We fabricated electrically conductive textiles via vapor-phase polymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) layers on cotton, cotton/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), cotton/Lycra, and PET fabrics. We then measured the electrical resistivity values of such PEDOT-coated textiles and analyzed the effect of water treatment on the electrical resistivity. Additionally, we tested the change in the electrical resistance of the conductive textiles under cyclic stretching and relaxation. Last, we characterized the uniformity and morphology of the conductive layer formed on the fabrics using scanning electron microscopy and electron-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Electrical conductivity of SiO2 at extreme conditions and planetary dynamos

PubMed Central

Scipioni, Roberto; Stixrude, Lars; Desjarlais, Michael P.

2017-01-01

Ab intio molecular dynamics simulations show that the electrical conductivity of liquid SiO2 is semimetallic at the conditions of the deep molten mantle of early Earth and super-Earths, raising the possibility of silicate dynamos in these bodies. Whereas the electrical conductivity increases uniformly with increasing temperature, it depends nonmonotonically on compression. At very high pressure, the electrical conductivity decreases on compression, opposite to the behavior of many materials. We show that this behavior is caused by a novel compression mechanism: the development of broken charge ordering, and its influence on the electronic band gap. PMID:28784773

Music through the skin—simple demonstration of human electrical conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vollmer, M.; Möllmann, K. P.

2016-05-01

The conduction of electricity is an important topic for any basic physics course. Issues of safety often results in teacher demonstration experiments in front of the class or in extremely simple though—for students—not really fascinating (not to say boring) hands on activities for everybody using 1.5 V batteries, cables and light bulbs etc. Here we briefly review some basic facts about conduction of electricity through the human body and report a simple, safe, and awe inspiring electrical conduction experiment which can be performed with little preparation by a teacher involving the whole class of say 20 students.

Method of assembling an electric power

DOEpatents

Rinehart, Lawrence E [Lake Oswego, OR; Romero, Guillermo L [Phoenix, AZ

2007-05-03

A method of assembling and providing an electric power apparatus. The method uses a heat resistant housing having a structure adapted to accommodate and retain a power circuit card and also including a bracket adapted to accommodate and constrain a rigid conductive member. A power circuit card having an electrical terminal is placed into the housing and a rigid conductive member into the bracket. The rigid conductive member is flow soldered to the electrical terminal, thereby exposing the heat resistant housing to heat and creating a solder bond. Finally, the rigid conductive member is affirmatively connected to the housing. The bracket constrains the rigid conductive member so that the act of affirmatively connecting does not weaken the solder bond.

Transparent selective illumination means suitable for use in optically activated electrical switches and optically activated electrical switches constructed using same

DOEpatents

Wilcox, R.B.

1991-09-10

A planar transparent light conducting means and an improved optically activated electrical switch made using the novel light conducting means are disclosed. The light conducting means further comprise light scattering means on one or more opposite planar surfaces thereof to transmit light from the light conducting means into adjacent media and reflective means on other surfaces of the light conducting means not containing the light scattering means. The optically activated electrical switch comprises at least two stacked photoconductive wafers, each having electrodes formed on both surfaces thereof, and separated by the planar transparent light conducting means. The light scattering means on the light conducting means face surfaces of the wafers not covered by the electrodes to transmit light from the light conducting means into the photoconductive wafers to uniformly illuminate and activate the switch. 11 figures.

Transparent selective illumination means suitable for use in optically activated electrical switches and optically activated electrical switches constructed using same

DOEpatents

Wilcox, Russell B.

1991-01-01

A planar transparent light conducting means and an improved optically activated electrical switch made using the novel light conducting means are disclosed. The light conducting means further comprise light scattering means on one or more opposite planar surfaces thereof to transmit light from the light conducting means into adjacent media and reflective means on other surfaces of the light conducting means not containing the light scattering means. The optically activated electrical switch comprises at least two stacked photoconductive wafers, each having electrodes formed on both surfaces thereof, and separated by the planar transparent light conducting means. The light scattering means on the light conducting means face surfaces of the wafers not covered by the electrodes to transmit light from the light conducting means into the photoconductive wafers to uniformly illuminate and activate the switch.

Electrical conductivity of hydrous andesitic melts pertinent to subduction zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xuan; Li, Bin; Ni, Huaiwei; Mao, Zhu

2017-03-01

Andesitic magmatism and rocks are widespread at convergent plate boundaries. Electrically conductive bodies beneath subduction zone arc volcanoes, such as the Uturuncu Volcano, Bolivia, may correspond to active reservoirs of H2O-bearing andesitic magma. Laboratory measurements of electrical conductivity of hydrous andesitic melts are required to constrain the physicochemical conditions of these magma reservoirs in combination with magnetotelluric data. This experimental study investigates electrical conductivity of andesitic melts with 0.01-5.9 wt % of H2O at 1164-1573 K and 0.5-1.0 GPa in a piston cylinder apparatus using sweeping-frequency impedance spectroscopy. Electrical conductivity of andesitic melt increases with increasing temperature and H2O concentration but decreases with pressure. Across the investigated range of H2O concentration, electrical conductivity varies by 1.2-2.4 log units, indicating stronger influence of H2O for andesitic melt than for rhyolitic and dacitic melts. Using the Nernst-Einstein equation, the principal charge carrier is inferred to be Na in anhydrous melt but divalent cations in hydrous andesitic melts. The experimental data are regressed into a general electrical conductivity model for andesitic melt accounting for the pressure-temperature-H2O dependences altogether. Modeling results show that the conductive layer at >20 km depths beneath the surface of the Uturuncu Volcano could be interpreted by the presence of less than 20 vol % of H2O-rich andesitic melt (with 6-9 wt % H2O).

Development of eddy current microscopy for high resolution electrical conductivity imaging using atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Nalladega, V; Sathish, S; Jata, K V; Blodgett, M P

2008-07-01

We present a high resolution electrical conductivity imaging technique based on the principles of eddy current and atomic force microscopy (AFM). An electromagnetic coil is used to generate eddy currents in an electrically conducting material. The eddy currents generated in the conducting sample are detected and measured with a magnetic tip attached to a flexible cantilever of an AFM. The eddy current generation and its interaction with the magnetic tip cantilever are theoretically modeled using monopole approximation. The model is used to estimate the eddy current force between the magnetic tip and the electrically conducting sample. The theoretical model is also used to choose a magnetic tip-cantilever system with appropriate magnetic field and spring constant to facilitate the design of a high resolution electrical conductivity imaging system. The force between the tip and the sample due to eddy currents is measured as a function of the separation distance and compared to the model in a single crystal copper. Images of electrical conductivity variations in a polycrystalline dual phase titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) sample are obtained by scanning the magnetic tip-cantilever held at a standoff distance from the sample surface. The contrast in the image is explained based on the electrical conductivity and eddy current force between the magnetic tip and the sample. The spatial resolution of the eddy current imaging system is determined by imaging carbon nanofibers in a polymer matrix. The advantages, limitations, and applications of the technique are discussed.

Dual percolation behaviors of electrical and thermal conductivity in metal-ceramic composites

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

Sun, K.; Zhang, Z. D.; Qian, L.

2016-02-08

The thermal and electrical properties including the permittivity spectra in radio frequency region were investigated for copper/yttrium iron garnet (Cu/YIG) composites. Interestingly, the percolation behaviors in electrical and thermal conductivity were obtained due to the formation of copper particles' networks. Beyond the electrical percolation threshold, negative permittivity was observed and plasmon frequency was reduced by several orders of magnitude. With the increase in copper content, the thermal conductivity was gradually increased; meanwhile, the phonon scattering effect and thermal resistance get enhanced, so the rate of increase in thermal conductivity gradually slows down. Hopefully, Cu/YIG composites with tunable electrical and thermalmore » properties have great potentials for electromagnetic interference shielding and electromagnetic wave attenuation.« less

Using electrical impedance tomography to map subsurface hydraulic conductivity

DOEpatents

Berryman, James G.; Daily, William D.; Ramirez, Abelardo L.; Roberts, Jeffery J.

2000-01-01

The use of Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) to map subsurface hydraulic conductivity. EIT can be used to map hydraulic conductivity in the subsurface where measurements of both amplitude and phase are made. Hydraulic conductivity depends on at least two parameters: porosity and a length scale parameter. Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) measures and maps electrical conductivity (which can be related to porosity) in three dimensions. By introducing phase measurements along with amplitude, the desired additional measurement of a pertinent length scale can be achieved. Hydraulic conductivity controls the ability to flush unwanted fluid contaminants from the surface. Thus inexpensive maps of hydraulic conductivity would improve planning strategies for subsequent remediation efforts. Fluid permeability is also of importance for oil field exploitation and thus detailed knowledge of fluid permeability distribution in three-dimension (3-D) would be a great boon to petroleum reservoir analysts.

Lightning current detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Livermore, S. F. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

An apparatus for measuring the intensity of current produced in an elongated electrical conductive member by a lightning strike for determining the intensity of the lightning strike is presented. The apparatus includes an elongated strip of magnetic material that is carried within an elongated tubular housing. A predetermined electrical signal is recorded along the length of said elongated strip of magnetic material. One end of the magnetic material is positioned closely adjacent to the electrically conductive member so that the magnetic field produced by current flowing through said electrically conductive member disturbs a portion of the recorded electrical signal directly proportional to the intensity of the lightning strike.

Impact of effluents from a car battery manufacturing plant in Nigeria on water, soil, and food qualities.

PubMed

Orisakwe, Orish Ebere; Asomugha, Rose; Afonne, Onyenmechi Johnson; Anisi, C N; Obi, Ejeatuluchukwualo; Dioka, Chudi Emma

2004-01-01

The authors investigated the impact of effluents from a car battery manufacturing plant in Nnewi, Nigeria, on water, soil, and food qualities. The authors analyzed heavy metals mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium and nickel in tap and cassava waters, soil, dried cassava tuber, and edible fruit samples from the company, using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Other parameters the authors analyzed include pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity (SAL), total hardness (TH), biological oxygen demand (BOD), volatile and non-volatile solids, and bacterial and fungal loads of the soil samples. Results show that lead had the highest concentration in all the samples, with the soil samples having the highest lead concentration (38-12 ppm, 102 ppm) and the water samples having the lowest (0.02-0.20 ppm). Mercury had the lowest concentration (<0.0002 ppm) in all the samples. Soil sample B had the highest concentration of all the metals tested. Cassava water had higher levels of EC, SAL, TH, BOD, and volatile and nonvolatile solids, but lower pH than tap water. Bacterial loads were higher than fungal loads in all the soil samples. Because there was moderate contamination of the environment by some of the metals studied, with lead being exceptionally high and above the specified international standards, the authors recommend control measures to reduce lead exposure to the local populace within and around this industry.

Fluorine follows water: Effect on electrical conductivity of silicate minerals by experimental constraints from phlogopite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yan; Jiang, Haotian; Yang, Xiaozhi

2017-11-01

Fluorine and hydroxyl groups are minor constituents of silicate minerals, and share a lot of similarities concerning their physical and chemical properties. Hydroxyl groups significantly enhance the electrical conductivity of many silicate minerals, and it is expected that fluorine would have a comparable effect. This, however, has never been documented quantitatively. Here we present experimental approaches on this issue, by investigating the electrical conductivity of phlogopite with a wide range of fluorine content (but with broadly similar contents for other major elements). Electrical conductivities of gem-quality single crystal phlogopites, with samples prepared along the same orientation (normal to the (0 0 1) plane), were determined at 1 GPa and 200-650 °C using an end-loaded piston cylinder apparatus and a Solartron-1260 Impedance/Gain Phase Analyzer over the frequency range of 106 to 0.1 Hz. The complex spectra usually show an arc in the high frequency range and a short tail in the low frequency range, which are caused by lattice conduction and electrode effects, respectively. The electrical conductivity increases with increasing fluorine content, and the main charge carriers are fluorine. The activation enthalpies are ∼180 to 200 kJ/mol, nearly independent of fluorine content. The conductivity is linearly proportional to the content of fluorine, with an exponent factor of ∼1. The results demonstrate that conduction by fluorine leads to very high electrical conductivity at high temperatures. The influence of fluorine on electrical conductivity may be compared to that of hydrogen in nominally anhydrous minerals. This, along with the close association of fluorine and hydroxyl groups in silicate minerals and their similar crystal-chemical behaviors, suggests a more general role of fluorine in enhancing the electrical conductivity of many silicate minerals. Fluorine-rich assemblages, e.g., phlogopite and amphibole, could be locally enriched in the upper mantle, and if they form connected networks as observed for some natural samples, regionally high electrical conductivities could be produced. It has been recently proposed that the transition zone is probably a major reservoir for fluorine in the mantle, due to the significant dissolution of fluorine in wadsleyite and ringwoodite and the coupled incorporation with hydroxyl groups. As such, geophysically-resolved high electrical conductivities in the transition zone may be accounted for by fluorine in the dominant minerals, rather than by hydroxyl groups. The results of this work would stimulate a wide scope of future studies on the deep fluorine cycle, the deep water cycle and the geodynamical properties of the mantle.

Photovoltaic module mounting clip with integral grounding

DOEpatents

Lenox, Carl J.

2010-08-24

An electrically conductive mounting/grounding clip, usable with a photovoltaic (PV) assembly of the type having an electrically conductive frame, comprises an electrically conductive body. The body has a central portion and first and second spaced-apart arms extending from the central portion. Each arm has first and second outer portions with frame surface-disrupting element at the outer portions.

Electrical Conductivity Of Diamond Up To 1,200 Degrees C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandersande, Jan W.; Zoltan, Leslie D.

1993-01-01

Report discusses measurements of electrical conductivities of two synthetic diamond films, three synthetic diamondlike films, and two natural type IIa diamonds at temperatures from ambient to 1,200 degrees C. Measurements performed to compare electrical conductivities of state-of-the-art diamond films with those of natural insulating diamond, particularly at temperatures above 700 degrees C.

Spin- and valley-dependent electrical conductivity of ferromagnetic group-IV 2D sheets in the topological insulator phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoi, Bui Dinh; Yarmohammadi, Mohsen; Mirabbaszadeh, Kavoos; Habibiyan, Hamidreza

2018-03-01

In this work, based on the Kubo-Greenwood formalism and the k . p Hamiltonian model, the impact of Rashba spin-orbit coupling on electronic band structure and electrical conductivity of spin-up and spin-down subbands in counterparts of graphene, including silicene, stanene, and germanene nanosheets has been studied. When Rashba coupling is considered, the effective mass of Dirac fermions decreases significantly and no significant change is caused by this coupling for the subband gaps. All these nanosheets are found to be in topological insulator quantum phase at low staggered on-site potentials due to the applied perpendicular external electric field. We point out that the electrical conductivity of germanene increases gradually with Rashab coupling, while silicene and stanene have some fluctuations due to their smaller Fermi velocity. Furthermore, some critical temperatures with the same electrical conductivity values for jumping to the higher energy levels are observed at various Rashba coupling strengths. For all structures, a broad peak appears at low temperatures in electrical conductivity curves corresponding to the large entropy of systems when the thermal energy reaches to the difference between the energy states. Finally, we have reported that silicene has the larger has the larger electrical conductivity than two others.

Computational analysis of electrical conduction in hybrid nanomaterials with embedded non-penetrating conductive particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Jizhe; Naraghi, Mohammad

2016-08-01

In this work, a comprehensive multi-resolution two-dimensional (2D) resistor network model is proposed to analyze the electrical conductivity of hybrid nanomaterials made of insulating matrix with conductive particles such as CNT reinforced nanocomposites and thick film resistors. Unlike existing approaches, our model takes into account the impenetrability of the particles and their random placement within the matrix. Moreover, our model presents a detailed description of intra-particle conductivity via finite element analysis, which to the authors’ best knowledge has not been addressed before. The inter-particle conductivity is assumed to be primarily due to electron tunneling. The model is then used to predict the electrical conductivity of electrospun carbon nanofibers as a function of microstructural parameters such as turbostratic domain alignment and aspect ratio. To simulate the microstructure of single CNF, randomly positioned nucleation sites were seeded and grown as turbostratic particles with anisotropic growth rates. Particle growth was in steps and growth of each particle in each direction was stopped upon contact with other particles. The study points to the significant contribution of both intra-particle and inter-particle conductivity to the overall conductivity of hybrid composites. Influence of particle alignment and anisotropic growth rate ratio on electrical conductivity is also discussed. The results show that partial alignment in contrast to complete alignment can result in maximum electrical conductivity of whole CNF. High degrees of alignment can adversely affect conductivity by lowering the probability of the formation of a conductive path. The results demonstrate approaches to enhance electrical conductivity of hybrid materials through controlling their microstructure which is applicable not only to carbon nanofibers, but also many other types of hybrid composites such as thick film resistors.

Evaluation of electrical conductivity and equations of state of non-ideal plasma through microsecond timescale underwater electrical wire explosion

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

Sheftman, D.; Krasik, Ya. E.

2011-09-15

Experimental and simulation results of underwater electrical Cu, Al, and W wire explosions in the microsecond timescale are presented. It was shown that the electrical conductivity results for Cu and Al agree well with modified Lee-More and quantum molecular dynamic models for temperatures above 10 kK. The equation of state (EOS) values based on SESAME tables for Cu and Al were slightly modified for intermediate temperatures in order to obtain fitting between experimental and simulated exploding wire radial expansion. Also, it was shown that the electrical conductivity results and the EOS evaluation differ significantly from the results obtained in nanosecondmore » timescale experiments. Finally, it was found that underwater electrical W wire explosion is characterized by the appearance of non-uniformities along the z-axis of the wire. This phenomena adds uncertainty to the possibility of applying this type of experiments for evaluation of the electrical conductivity and EOS of W.« less

Low temperature thermal conductivity of alloys used in cryogenic coaxial cables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kushino, Akihiro; Kasai, Soichi

2014-03-01

We have developed thin seamless coaxial cables applied for readout in low temperature experiments below liquid helium temperature. Stainless steel employed as the center and outer electrical conductors of the coaxial cable has adequately low thermal conductivity compared to pure metals and can be used when heat penetration into low temperature stages through cables should be lowered however it has large electrical resistivity which can disturb sensitive measurements. Superconducting NbTi alloy has good performance with rather low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity. Meanwhile coaxial cables using normal conducting copper alloys such as cupro-nickel, brass, beryllium-copper, phosphor-bronze are advantageous with their good electrical, thermal and cost performances. We investigated thermal conductivity of such alloys after the drawing process into coaxial cables, and compared to expected values without drawing.

Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Measurements of CDA 510 Phosphor Bronze

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuttle, James E.; Canavan, Edgar; DiPirro, Michael

2009-01-01

Many cryogenic systems use electrical cables containing phosphor bronze wire. While phosphor bronze's electrical and thermal conductivity values have been published, there is significant variation among different phosphor bronze formulations. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will use several phosphor bronze wire harnesses containing a specific formulation (CDA 510, annealed temper). The heat conducted into the JWST instrument stage is dominated by these harnesses, and approximately half of the harness conductance is due to the phosphor bronze wires. Since the JWST radiators are expected to just keep the instruments at their operating temperature with limited cooling margin, it is important to know the thermal conductivity of the actual alloy being used. We describe an experiment which measured the electrical and thermal conductivity of this material between 4 and 295 Kelvin.

Final Report to the National Energy Technology Laboratory on FY14- FY15 Cooperative Research with the Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions

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

Vittal, Vijay; Lampis, Anna Rosa

The Power System Engineering Research Center (PSERC) engages in technological, market, and policy research for an efficient, secure, resilient, adaptable, and economic U.S. electric power system. PSERC, as a founding partner of the Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (CERTS), conducted a multi-year program of research for U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) to develop new methods, tools, and technologies to protect and enhance the reliability and efficiency of the U.S. electric power system as competitive electricity market structures evolve, and as the grid moves toward wide-scale use of decentralized generation (such asmore » renewable energy sources) and demand-response programs. Phase I of OE’s funding for PSERC, under cooperative agreement DE-FC26-09NT43321, started in fiscal year (FY) 2009 and ended in FY2013. It was administered by DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) through a cooperative agreement with Arizona State University (ASU). ASU provided sub-awards to the participating PSERC universities. This document is PSERC’s final report to NETL on the activities for OE, conducted through CERTS, from September 2015 through September 2017 utilizing FY 2014 to FY 2015 funding under cooperative agreement DE-OE0000670. PSERC is a thirteen-university consortium with over 30 industry members. Since 1996, PSERC has been engaged in research and education efforts with the mission of “empowering minds to engineer the future electric energy system.” Its work is focused on achieving: • An efficient, secure, resilient, adaptable, and economic electric power infrastructure serving society • A new generation of educated technical professionals in electric power • Knowledgeable decision-makers on critical energy policy issues • Sustained, quality university programs in electric power engineering. PSERC core research is funded by industry, with a budget supporting approximately 30 principal investigators and some 70 graduate students and other researchers. Its researchers are multi-disciplinary, conducting research in three principal areas: power systems, power markets and policy, and transmission and distribution technologies. The research is collaborative; each project involves researchers typically at two universities working with industry advisors who have expressed interest in the project. Examples of topics for recent PSERC research projects include grid integration of renewables and energy storage, new tools for taking advantage of increased penetration of real-time system measurements, advanced system protection methods to maintain grid reliability, and risk and reliability assessment of increasingly complex cyber-enabled power systems. A PSERC’s objective is to proactively address the technical and policy challenges of U.S. electric power systems. To achieve this objective, PSERC works with CERTS to conduct technical research on advanced applications and investigate the design of fair and transparent electricity markets; these research topics align with CERTS research areas 1 and 2: Real-time Grid Reliability Management (Area 1), and Reliability and Markets (Area 2). The CERTS research areas overlap with the PSERC research stems: Power Systems, Power Markets, and Transmission and Distribution Technologies, as described on the PSERC website (see http://www.pserc.org/research/research_program.aspx). The performers were with Arizona State University (ASU), Cornell University (CU), University of California at Berkeley (UCB), and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). PSERC research activities in the area of reliability and markets focused on electric market and power policy analyses. The resulting studies suggest ways to frame best practices using organized markets for managing U.S. grid assets reliably and to identify highest priority areas for improvement. PSERC research activities in the area of advanced applications focused on mid- to long-term software research and development, with anticipated outcomes that move innovative ideas toward real-world application. Under the CERTS research area of Real-time Grid Reliability Management, PSERC has been focused on Advanced Applications Research and Development (AARD), a subgroup of activities that works to develop advanced applications and tools to more effectively operate the electricity delivery system, by enabling advanced analysis, visualization, monitoring and alarming, and decision support capabilities for grid operators.« less

An approach to the coastal water circulation in the Piratuba Lake Biological Reservation, Northeast of Amapa State, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takiyama, L. R.; Silveira, O. M.

2007-05-01

This study shows the pioneer results of the water quality characterization of a lake region, including the Piratuba lake (within the limits of the Piratuba Lake Biological Reservation) and the Sucuriju river, localized at the northeast portion of the Amapa State, Brazil, and left margin of the Amazon River mouth. Due to the influence of the Amazon river and another important river, the Araguari river, the northeast coast of Amapa State receive little impact of salty water from the Atlantic ocean. The highest salinity values detected on this coastal area is 20 psu. The Piratuba Lake region which can be described as an unique wetland system formed by recent geological processes (Quaternary), it constitutes a very fragile environment and possesses a number of shallow water lakes distributed into a mixed mangrove and "varzea" type of vegetation and it is considered very important looking at the biological point of view. The borderline between this lake system with the coastal waters is a narrow portion of mangrove containing species of Rizhophora and Avicennia parallel to the coast line. A preliminary water circulation could be accessed through the detection of variation in water quality parameters throughout three field studies conducted on March, 2004, June 2005 and November 2005. Surface water sampling points spatially distributed on the study area with distances less than 2 km were set, covering almost 800 square kilometers. Among the parameters studied (pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, concentration of suspended solids, depth, temperature, chloride, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, nitrite and phosphate) the turbidity, electrical conductivity and pH were the most important for identifying the entering of coastal waters into the lake region. Mainly, three points of direct contact were identified; one of them is a manmade illegal entrance to the Biological Reservation. The seasonal variation was also very important factor and as expected, during the dry season (July to November, represented by the study on November 2006), we could measured the highest values of conductivity, pH and turbidity in many of the lakes sampled. The implications of understanding, even preliminarily the water circulation in the study area is related to the influence onto the freshwater living species, environemtnal conservation management purposes, geomorphology process indicator and the possible biogeochemical exchanges dynamics, once the Amazon waters can be nutrient rich and the lake waters apparently have high dissolved organic carbon content.

What we can learn from measurements of air electric conductivity in 222Rn-rich atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seran, E.; Godefroy, M.; Pili, E.; Michielsen, N.; Bondiguel, S.

2017-02-01

Electric conductivity of air is an important characteristic of the electric properties of an atmosphere. Testing instruments to measure electric conductivity ranging from 10-13 to 10-9 S m-1 in natural conditions found in the Earth atmosphere is not an easy task. One possibility is to use stratospheric balloon flights; another (and a simpler one) is to look for terrestrial environments with significant radioactive decay. In this paper we present measurements carried out with different types of conductivity sensors in two 222Rn-rich environments, i.e., in the Roselend underground tunnel (French Alps) and in the Institute of Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety BACCARA (BAnC de CAllibrage du RAdon) chamber. The concept of the conductivity sensor is based on the classical time relaxation method. New elements in our design include isolation of the sensor sensitive part (electrode) from the external electric field and sensor miniaturization. This greatly extends the application domain of the sensor and permits to measure air electric conductivity when the external electric field is high and varies from few tens of V m-1 to up to few tens of kV m-1. This is suitable to propose the instrument for a planetary mission. Two-fold objectives were attained as the outcome of these tests and their analysis. First was directly related to the performances of the conductivity sensors and the efficiency of the conductivity sensor design to shield the external electric field. Second objective aimed at understanding the decay mechanisms of 222Rn and its progeny in atmosphere and the impact of the enclosed space on the efficiency of gas ionization.

Electrical conduction along endothelial cell tubes from mouse feed arteries: confounding actions of glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives

PubMed Central

Behringer, Erik J; Socha, Matthew J; Polo-Parada, Luis; Segal, Steven S

2012-01-01

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Electrical conduction along endothelium of resistance vessels has not been determined independently of the influence of smooth muscle, surrounding tissue or blood. Two interrelated hypotheses were tested: (i) Intercellular conduction of electrical signals is manifest in endothelial cell (EC) tubes; and (ii) Inhibitors of gap junction channels (GJCs) have confounding actions on EC electrical and Ca2+ signalling. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Intact EC tubes were isolated from abdominal muscle feed (superior epigastric) arteries of C57BL/6 mice. Hyperpolarization was initiated with indirect (ACh) and direct (NS309) stimulation of intermediate- and small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (IKCa/SKCa). Remote membrane potential (Vm) responses to intracellular current injection defined the length constant (λ) for electrical conduction. Dye coupling was evaluated following intracellular microinjection of propidium iodide. Intracellular Ca2+ dynamics were determined using Fura-2 photometry. Carbenoxolone (CBX) or β-glycyrrhetinic acid (βGA) was used to investigate the role of GJCs. KEY RESULTS Steady-state Vm of ECs was −25 mV. ACh and NS309 hyperpolarized ECs by −40 and −60 mV respectively. Electrical conduction decayed monoexponentially with distance (λ∼1.4 mm). Propidium iodide injected into one EC spread into surrounding ECs. CBX or βGA inhibited dye transfer, electrical conduction and EC hyperpolarization reversibly. Both agents elevated resting Ca2+ while βGA inhibited responses to ACh. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Individual cells were effectively coupled to each other within EC tubes. Inhibiting GJCs with glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives blocked hyperpolarization mediated by IKCa/SKCa channels, regardless of Ca2+ signalling, obviating use of these agents in distinguishing key determinants of electrical conduction along the endothelium. PMID:22168386

Pacemaker implantation rate after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with early and new-generation devices: a systematic review.

PubMed

van Rosendael, Philippe J; Delgado, Victoria; Bax, Jeroen J

2018-06-01

The incidence of new-onset conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with new-generation prostheses remains debated. This systematic review analyses the incidence of PPI after TAVI with new-generation devices and evaluates the electrical, anatomical, and procedural factors associated with PPI. In addition, the incidence of PPI after TAVI with early generation prostheses was reviewed for comparison. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist, this systematic review screened original articles published between October 2010 and October 2017, reporting on the incidence of PPI after implantation of early and new-generation TAVI prostheses. Of the 1406 original articles identified in the first search for new-generation TAVI devices, 348 articles were examined for full text, and finally, 40 studies (n = 17 139) were included. The incidence of a PPI after the use of a new-generation TAVI prosthesis ranged between 2.3% and 36.1%. For balloon-expandable prostheses, the PPI rate remained low when using an early generation SAPIEN device (ranging between 2.3% and 28.2%), and with the new-generation SAPIEN 3 device, the PPI rate was between 4.0% and 24.0%. For self-expandable prostheses, the PPI rates were higher with the early generation CoreValve device (16.3-37.7%), and despite a reduction in PPI rates with the new Evolut R, the rates remained relatively higher (14.7-26.7%). When dividing the studies according to the highest (>26.0%) and the lowest (<12.1%) quintile of PPI rate, patients within the highest quintile were more frequently women when compared with the lowest quintile group (50.9% vs. 46.3%, P < 0.001). Pre-existent conduction abnormalities (electrical factor), calcification of the left ventricular outflow tract (anatomical factor), and balloon valvuloplasty and depth of implantation (procedural factors) were associated with increased risk of PPI. The rate of PPI after TAVI with new-generation devices is highly variable. Specific recommendations for implantation of each prosthesis, taking into consideration the presence of pre-existent conduction abnormalities and anatomical factors, may be needed to reduce the risk of PPI.

Electrically conductive connection for an electrode

DOEpatents

Hornack, Thomas R.; Chilko, Robert J.

1986-01-01

An electrically conductive connection for an electrode assembly of an electrolyte cell in which aluminum is produced by electrolysis in a molten salt is described. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode flask and a conductor rod. The flask has a collar above an area of minimum flask diameter. The electrically conductive connection comprises the electrode flask, the conductor rod and a structure bearing against the collar and the conductor rod for pulling the conductor rod into compressive and electrical contact with the flask.

Electrically conductive connection for an electrode

DOEpatents

Hornack, T.R.; Chilko, R.J.

1986-09-02

An electrically conductive connection for an electrode assembly of an electrolyte cell in which aluminum is produced by electrolysis in a molten salt is described. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode flask and a conductor rod. The flask has a collar above an area of minimum flask diameter. The electrically conductive connection comprises the electrode flask, the conductor rod and a structure bearing against the collar and the conductor rod for pulling the conductor rod into compressive and electrical contact with the flask. 2 figs.

A geophysical system combining electrical resistivity and spontaneous potential for detecting, delineating, and monitoring slope stability.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1991-01-01

Various geophysical electrical measuring techniques, i.e., spontaneous potential (SP) terrain conductivity meter (TCM), and conventional electrical resistivity/conductivity (ER), were tested to determine their effectiveness in detecting, delineating,...

Analytical scanning evanescent microwave microscope and control stage

DOEpatents

Xiang, Xiao-Dong; Gao, Chen; Duewer, Fred; Yang, Hai Tao; Lu, Yalin

2013-01-22

A scanning evanescent microwave microscope (SEMM) that uses near-field evanescent electromagnetic waves to probe sample properties is disclosed. The SEMM is capable of high resolution imaging and quantitative measurements of the electrical properties of the sample. The SEMM has the ability to map dielectric constant, loss tangent, conductivity, electrical impedance, and other electrical parameters of materials. Such properties are then used to provide distance control over a wide range, from to microns to nanometers, over dielectric and conductive samples for a scanned evanescent microwave probe, which enable quantitative non-contact and submicron spatial resolution topographic and electrical impedance profiling of dielectric, nonlinear dielectric and conductive materials. The invention also allows quantitative estimation of microwave impedance using signals obtained by the scanned evanescent microwave probe and quasistatic approximation modeling. The SEMM can be used to measure electrical properties of both dielectric and electrically conducting materials.

Analytical scanning evanescent microwave microscope and control stage

DOEpatents

Xiang, Xiao-Dong; Gao, Chen; Duewer, Fred; Yang, Hai Tao; Lu, Yalin

2009-06-23

A scanning evanescent microwave microscope (SEMM) that uses near-field evanescent electromagnetic waves to probe sample properties is disclosed. The SEMM is capable of high resolution imaging and quantitative measurements of the electrical properties of the sample. The SEMM has the ability to map dielectric constant, loss tangent, conductivity, electrical impedance, and other electrical parameters of materials. Such properties are then used to provide distance control over a wide range, from to microns to nanometers, over dielectric and conductive samples for a scanned evanescent microwave probe, which enable quantitative non-contact and submicron spatial resolution topographic and electrical impedance profiling of dielectric, nonlinear dielectric and conductive materials. The invention also allows quantitative estimation of microwave impedance using signals obtained by the scanned evanescent microwave probe and quasistatic approximation modeling. The SEMM can be used to measure electrical properties of both dielectric and electrically conducting materials.

Electrical and thermal conduction in atomic layer deposition nanobridges down to 7 nm thickness.

PubMed

Yoneoka, Shingo; Lee, Jaeho; Liger, Matthieu; Yama, Gary; Kodama, Takashi; Gunji, Marika; Provine, J; Howe, Roger T; Goodson, Kenneth E; Kenny, Thomas W

2012-02-08

While the literature is rich with data for the electrical behavior of nanotransistors based on semiconductor nanowires and carbon nanotubes, few data are available for ultrascaled metal interconnects that will be demanded by these devices. Atomic layer deposition (ALD), which uses a sequence of self-limiting surface reactions to achieve high-quality nanolayers, provides an unique opportunity to study the limits of electrical and thermal conduction in metal interconnects. This work measures and interprets the electrical and thermal conductivities of free-standing platinum films of thickness 7.3, 9.8, and 12.1 nm in the temperature range from 50 to 320 K. Conductivity data for the 7.3 nm bridge are reduced by 77.8% (electrical) and 66.3% (thermal) compared to bulk values due to electron scattering at material and grain boundaries. The measurement results indicate that the contribution of phonon conduction is significant in the total thermal conductivity of the ALD films. © 2012 American Chemical Society

Electrically conductive carbon fibre-reinforced composite for aircraft lightning strike protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katunin, Andrzej; Krukiewicz, Katarzyna; Turczyn, Roman; Sul, Przemysław; Bilewicz, Marcin

2017-05-01

Aircraft elements, especially elements of exterior fuselage, are subjected to damage caused by lightning strikes. Due to the fact that these elements are manufactured from polymeric composites in modern aircraft, and thus, they cannot conduct electrical charges, the lightning strikes cause burnouts in composite structures. Therefore, the effective lightning strike protection for such structures is highly desired. The solution presented in this paper is based on application of organic conductive fillers in the form of intrinsically conducting polymers and carbon fabric in order to ensure electrical conductivity of whole composite and simultaneously retain superior mechanical properties. The presented studies cover synthesis and manufacturing of the electrically conductive composite as well as its characterization with respect to mechanical and electrical properties. The performed studies indicate that the proposed material can be potentially considered as a constructional material for aircraft industry, which characterizes by good operational properties and low cost of manufacturing with respect to current lightning strike protection materials solutions.

More than a Dream-a Renewable Electricity Future - Continuum Magazine |

Science.gov Websites

when the sun is highest. Unfortunately, when people return home from work, their air-conditioning realizing a clean-energy-dominated grid. Unique Challenges with Renewable Electricity Production When effectively when they run continually and at a consistent level of output, they can ramp their outputs, but

Anomalous electrical conductivity of nanoscale colloidal suspensions.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Suman; Padhy, Sourav

2008-10-28

The electrical conductivity of colloidal suspensions containing nanoscale conducting particles is nontrivially related to the particle volume fraction and the electrical double layer thickness. Classical electrochemical models, however, tend to grossly overpredict the pertinent effective electrical conductivity values, as compared to those obtained under experimental conditions. We attempt to address this discrepancy by appealing to the complex interconnection between the aggregation kinetics of the nanoscale particles and the electrodynamics within the double layer. In particular, we model the consequent alterations in the effective electrophoretic mobility values of the suspension by addressing the fundamentals of agglomeration-deagglomeration mechanisms through the pertinent variations in the effective particulate dimensions, solid fractions, as well as the equivalent suspension viscosity. The consequent alterations in the electrical conductivity values provide a substantially improved prediction of the corresponding experimental findings and explain the apparent anomalous behavior predicted by the classical theoretical postulates.

Effect of iron content on the electrical conductivity of perovskite and magnesiowuestite assemblages at lower mantle conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Xiaoyuan; Jeanloz, Raymond

1991-01-01

The electrical conductivity of (Mg/0.76/Fe/0.24/)SiO3 perovskite and of an assemblage of (Mg/0.89/Fe/0.11/)SiO3 perovskite + (Mg/0.70/Fe/0.30/)O magnesiowiestite was measured at pressures of 45-80 GPa and temperatures from 295 to 3600 K. The apparent activation energy for electrical conduction is 0.24 (+ or - 0.10) eV for the perovskite and 0.20 (+ or - 0.08) eV for the perovskite + magnesiowuestite assemblage. Comparing present results with those derived previously for Fe-poor samples, it is found that the electrical conductivities of both the silicate perovskite and the perovskite + magnesiowuestite assemblage depend strongly on iron content. Thus, the electrical conductivity distribution inside the earth could provide an important constraint in modeling the composition of the lower mantle.

A promising structure for fabricating high strength and high electrical conductivity copper alloys

PubMed Central

Li, Rengeng; Kang, Huijun; Chen, Zongning; Fan, Guohua; Zou, Cunlei; Wang, Wei; Zhang, Shaojian; Lu, Yiping; Jie, Jinchuan; Cao, Zhiqiang; Li, Tingju; Wang, Tongmin

2016-01-01

To address the trade-off between strength and electrical conductivity, we propose a strategy: introducing precipitated particles into a structure composed of deformation twins. A Cu-0.3%Zr alloy was designed to verify our strategy. Zirconium was dissolved into a copper matrix by solution treatment prior to cryorolling and precipitated in the form of Cu5Zr from copper matrix via a subsequent aging treatment. The microstructure evolutions of the processed samples were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis, and the mechanical and physical behaviours were evaluated through tensile and electrical conductivity tests. The results demonstrated that superior tensile strength (602.04 MPa) and electrical conductivity (81.4% IACS) was achieved. This strategy provides a new route for balancing the strength and electrical conductivity of copper alloys, which can be developed for large-scale industrial application. PMID:26856764

Analyzing of economic growth based on electricity consumption from different sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maksimović, Goran; Milosavljević, Valentina; Ćirković, Bratislav; Milošević, Božidar; Jović, Srđan; Alizamir, Meysam

2017-10-01

Economic growth could be influenced by different factors. In this study was analyzed the economic growth based on the electricity consumption form different sources. As economic growth indicator gross domestic product (GDP) was used. ANFIS (adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system) methodology was applied to determine the most important factors from the given set for the GDP growth prediction. Six inputs were used: electricity production from coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, nuclear, oil and renewable sources. Results shown that the electricity consumption from renewable sources has the highest impact on the economic or GDP growth prediction.

Investigation on magnetoacoustic signal generation with magnetic induction and its application to electrical conductivity reconstruction.

PubMed

Ma, Qingyu; He, Bin

2007-08-21

A theoretical study on the magnetoacoustic signal generation with magnetic induction and its applications to electrical conductivity reconstruction is conducted. An object with a concentric cylindrical geometry is located in a static magnetic field and a pulsed magnetic field. Driven by Lorentz force generated by the static magnetic field, the magnetically induced eddy current produces acoustic vibration and the propagated sound wave is received by a transducer around the object to reconstruct the corresponding electrical conductivity distribution of the object. A theory on the magnetoacoustic waveform generation for a circular symmetric model is provided as a forward problem. The explicit formulae and quantitative algorithm for the electrical conductivity reconstruction are then presented as an inverse problem. Computer simulations were conducted to test the proposed theory and assess the performance of the inverse algorithms for a multi-layer cylindrical model. The present simulation results confirm the validity of the proposed theory and suggest the feasibility of reconstructing electrical conductivity distribution based on the proposed theory on the magnetoacoustic signal generation with magnetic induction.

Thermal conductivity of austenitic stainless steel, SRM 735, from 5 to 280 K

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hust, J. G.; Sparks, L. L.

1972-01-01

Thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity measurements were conducted on two lots of an austenitic stainless steel. Electrical resistivity measurements were performed on the second lot, both before and after the material was hot-swaged and reannealed to a size 1/10 the original diameter. These measurements indicate that this steel can be swaged and reannealed without an appreciable change in thermal conductivity. Electrical resistivity measurements as well as direct thermal conductivity measurements on several specimens from both lots indicate a material variability in these lots of less than 1% in thermal conductivity.

Electrically conductive composite material

DOEpatents

Clough, R.L.; Sylwester, A.P.

1989-05-23

An electrically conductive composite material is disclosed which comprises a conductive open-celled, low density, microcellular carbon foam filled with a non-conductive polymer or resin. The composite material is prepared in a two-step process consisting of first preparing the microcellular carbon foam from a carbonizable polymer or copolymer using a phase separation process, then filling the carbon foam with the desired non-conductive polymer or resin. The electrically conductive composites of the present invention has a uniform and consistent pattern of filler distribution, and as a result is superior over prior art materials when used in battery components, electrodes, and the like. 2 figs.

Electrically conductive composite material

DOEpatents

Clough, R.L.; Sylwester, A.P.

1988-06-20

An electrically conductive composite material is disclosed which comprises a conductive open-celled, low density, microcellular carbon foam filled with a non-conductive polymer or resin. The composite material is prepared in a two-step process consisting of first preparing the microcellular carbon foam from a carbonizable polymer or copolymer using a phase separation process, then filling the carbon foam with the desired non-conductive polymer or resin. The electrically conductive composites of the present invention has a uniform and consistent pattern of filler distribution, and as a result is superior over prior art materials when used in battery components, electrodes, and the like. 2 figs.

Electrically conductive composite material

DOEpatents

Clough, Roger L.; Sylwester, Alan P.

1989-01-01

An electrically conductive composite material is disclosed which comprises a conductive open-celled, low density, microcellular carbon foam filled with a non-conductive polymer or resin. The composite material is prepared in a two-step process consisting of first preparing the microcellular carbon foam from a carbonizable polymer or copolymer using a phase separation process, then filling the carbon foam with the desired non-conductive polymer or resin. The electrically conductive composites of the present invention has a uniform and consistant pattern of filler distribution, and as a result is superior over prior art materials when used in battery components, electrodes, and the like.

CsSnI[subscript 3]: Semiconductor or Metal? High Electrical Conductivity and Strong Near-Infrared Photoluminescence from a Single Material. High Hole Mobility and Phase-Transitions

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

Chung, In; Song, Jung-Hwan; Im, Jino

CsSnI{sub 3} is an unusual perovskite that undergoes complex displacive and reconstructive phase transitions and exhibits near-infrared emission at room temperature. Experimental and theoretical studies of CsSnI{sub 3} have been limited by the lack of detailed crystal structure characterization and chemical instability. Here we describe the synthesis of pure polymorphic crystals, the preparation of large crack-/bubble-free ingots, the refined single-crystal structures, and temperature-dependent charge transport and optical properties of CsSnI{sub 3}, coupled with ab initio first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In situ temperature-dependent single-crystal and synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction studies reveal the origin of polymorphous phase transitions of CsSnI{submore » 3}. The black orthorhombic form of CsSnI{sub 3} demonstrates one of the largest volumetric thermal expansion coefficients for inorganic solids. Electrical conductivity, Hall effect, and thermopower measurements on it show p-type metallic behavior with low carrier density, despite the optical band gap of 1.3 eV. Hall effect measurements of the black orthorhombic perovskite phase of CsSnI{sub 3} indicate that it is a p-type direct band gap semiconductor with carrier concentration at room temperature of {approx} 10{sup 17} cm{sup -3} and a hole mobility of {approx} 585 cm{sup 2} V{sup -1} s{sup -1}. The hole mobility is one of the highest observed among p-type semiconductors with comparable band gaps. Its powders exhibit a strong room-temperature near-IR emission spectrum at 950 nm. Remarkably, the values of the electrical conductivity and photoluminescence intensity increase with heat treatment. The DFT calculations show that the screened-exchange local density approximation-derived band gap agrees well with the experimentally measured band gap. Calculations of the formation energy of defects strongly suggest that the electrical and light emission properties possibly result from Sn defects in the crystal structure, which arise intrinsically. Thus, although stoichiometric CsSnI{sub 3} is a semiconductor, the material is prone to intrinsic defects associated with Sn vacancies. This creates highly mobile holes which cause the materials to appear metallic.« less

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

Lebedev, Oleg V.; N.S. Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymer Materials of RAS, Profsoyuznaya st., Moscow, 117393; Kechek’yan, Alexander S.

Electrically conductive oriented polymer nano-composites of different compositions, based on the reactor powder of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with a special morphology, filled with particles of nanostructured graphite (NG), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and electrically conductive carbon black (CB), were investigated. Polymer composites were obtained via compaction of the mechanical mixture of the polymer and filler powder, followed by uniaxial deformation of the material under homogeneous shear (HS) conditions (all of the processing stages were conducted at room temperature). Resulted composites possess a high tensile strength, high level of the electrical conductivity and low percolation threshold, owing it to the formationmore » of the segregated conductive structure, The influence of the type of nanosized carbon filler, degree of the deformation under HS condition, temperature and etc. on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of strengthened conductive composites oriented under homogeneous shear conditions was investigated. Changes in the electrical conductivity of oriented composite materials during reversible “tension–shrinkage” cycles along the orientation axis direction were studied. A theoretical approach, describing the process of transformation of the conductive system as a response on polymer phase deformation and volume change, was proposed, based on the data received from the analysis of the conductivity behavior during the uniaxial deformation and thermal treatment of composites.« less

On the characterization of subsurface flow and hydraulic conductivity from surface SP measurements: correcting for electrical heterogeneities.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sailhac, P.; Marquis, G.; Darnet, M.; Szalai, S.

2003-04-01

Surface self potential measurements (SP) are useful to characterize underground fluid flow or chemical reactions (as redox) and can be used in addition to NMR and electrical prospecting in hydrological investigations. Assuming that the SP anomalies have an electrokinetic origin, the source of SP data is the divergence of underground fluid flow; one important problem with surface SP data is then its interpretation in terms of fluid flow geometry. Some integral transform techniques have been shown to be powerful for SP interpretation (e.g. Fournier 1989, Patella, 1997; Sailhac &Marquis 2001). All these techniques are based upon Green’{ }s functions to characterize underground water flow, but they assume a constant electrical conductivity in the subsurface. This unrealistic approximation results in the appearance of non-electrokinetic sources at strong lateral electrical conductivity contrasts. We present here new Green’{ }s functions suitable for media of heterogeneous electrical conductivity. This new approach allows the joint interpretation of electrical resistivity tomography and SP measurements to detect electrokinetic sources caused by fluid flow. Tests on synthetic examples show that it gives more realistic results that when a constant electrical conductivity is assumed.

Detection of temperature distribution via recovering electrical conductivity in MREIT.

PubMed

Oh, Tong In; Kim, Hyung Joong; Jeong, Woo Chul; Chauhan, Munish; Kwon, Oh In; Woo, Eung Je

2013-04-21

In radiofrequency (RF) ablation or hyperthermia, internal temperature measurements and tissue property imaging are important to control their outputs and assess the treatment effect. Recently, magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT), as a non-invasive imaging method of internal conductivity distribution using an MR scanner, has been developed. Its reconstruction algorithm uses measured magnetic flux density induced by injected currents. The MREIT technique has the potential to visualize electrical conductivity of tissue with high spatial resolution and measure relative conductivity variation according to the internal temperature change based on the fact that the electrical conductivity of biological tissues is sensitive to the internal temperature distribution. In this paper, we propose a method to provide a non-invasive alternative to monitor the internal temperature distribution by recovering the electrical conductivity distribution using the MREIT technique. To validate the proposed method, we design a phantom with saline solution and a thin transparency film in a form of a hollow cylinder with holes to create anomalies with different electrical and thermal conductivities controlled by morphological structure. We first prove the temperature maps with respect to spatial and time resolution by solving the thermal conductivity partial differential equation with the real phantom experimental environment. The measured magnetic flux density and the reconstructed conductivity distributions using the phantom experiments were compared to the simulated temperature distribution. The relative temperature variation of two testing objects with respect to the background saline was determined by the relative conductivity contrast ratio (rCCR,%). The relation between the temperature and conductivity measurements using MREIT was approximately linear with better accuracy than 0.22 °C.

Method of fabricating high-density hermetic electrical feedthroughs using insulated wire bundles

DOEpatents

Shah, Kedar G.; Benett, William J.; Pannu, Satinderpall S.

2016-05-10

A method of fabricating electrical feedthroughs coats of a plurality of electrically conductive wires with an electrically insulating material and bundles the coated wires together in a substantially parallel arrangement. The bundled coated wires are secured to each other by joining the electrically insulating material of adjacent wires together to form a monolithic block which is then cut transverse to the wires to produce a block section having opposing first and second sides with a plurality of electrically conductive feedthroughs extending between them.

Physical Properties of Fractured Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, T. E.; Schmitt, D. R.

2015-12-01

The effect of fractures on the physical properties of porous media is of considerable interest to oil and gas exploration as well as enhanced geothermal systems and carbon capture and storage. This work represents an attempt to study the effect fractures have on multiple physical properties of rocks. An experimental technique to make simultaneous electric and ultrasonic measurements on cylindrical core plugs is developed. Aluminum end caps are mounted with ultrasonic transducers to transmit pules along the axis of the cylinder while non-polarizing electrodes are mounted on the sides of the core to make complex conductivity measurements perpendicular to the cylinder axis. Electrical measurements are made by applying a sinusoidal voltage across the measurement circuit that consist of a resister and the sample in series. The magnitude and phase of the signal across the sample is recorded relative to the input signal across a range of frequencies. Synthetic rock analogs are constructed using sintered glass beads with fractures imbedded in them. The fracture location, size and orientation are controlled and each fractured specimen has an unfractured counterpart. Porosity, Permeability, electrical conductivity and ultrasonic velocity measurements are conducted on each sample with the complex electrical conductivities recorded at frequencies from 10hz to 1 Mhz. These measurements allow us to examine the changes induced by these mesoscale fractures on the embedding porous medium. Of particular interest is the effect of fracture orientation on electrical conductivity of the rock. Seismic anisotropy caused by fractures is a well understood phenomenon with many rock physics models dedicated to its understanding. The effect of fractures on electrical conductivity is less well understood with electrical anisotropy scarcely investigated in the literature. None the less, using electrical conductivity to characterize fractures can add an extra constraint to characterization based on seismic response. As well, the formal similarity between electrical conductivity and permeability can be utilized to help optimize injection and production strategies.

X-ray studies of synthetic radiation-counting diamonds.

PubMed

Yacoot, A; Moore, M; Makepeace, A

1990-10-01

Synthetic diamonds with a nitrogen content less than 100 ppm may be used as radiation dosemeters in a conduction counting mode, and are especially useful in medical applications. Crystal imperfections, revealed by x-ray diffraction topography, were found to affect counting performance. The best quality diamond gave the highest photocurrent (500 nA at 50 V mm-1 and 2.75 Gy min-1). Diamonds containing dislocations had lower photocurrents but had the advantage of shorter settling times (seconds rather than minutes). Placing contacts on two opposite cube (100) faces gave a higher photocurrent than on a pair of octahedral (111) faces. Higher photocurrents were also achieved when the majority of dislocations were perpendicular rather than parallel, to the electric field. Some recommendations for selecting synthetic diamonds for dosemeters are given.

Energy-filtering-induced high power factor in PbS-nanoparticles-embedded TiS2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yulong; Wen, Junfu; Fan, Zhenghua; Bao, Ningzhong; Huang, Rong; Tu, Rong; Wang, Yifeng

2015-04-01

We report on a greatly enhanced power factor for 1%PbS-nanoparticle-embedded TiS2 bulk ceramic, about 1 mW/(mK2) at 300 K and 1.23 mW/(mK2) in a wide temperature range of 573 ˜ 673 K, of which the latter is among the highest so far for TiS2-based thermoelectric materials. Compared to TiS2, the power factor is increased by ˜110% at 300 K and (50 ˜ 35)% at 573 ˜ 673 K. This enhancement is derived from a large increase in Seebeck coefficient which overwhelmed the modest degradation of electrical conductivity, which should be attributed to energy filtering induced by the band gap offset between TiS2 and PbS.

Transparent Conductive Nanofiber Paper for Foldable Solar Cells

PubMed Central

Nogi, Masaya; Karakawa, Makoto; Komoda, Natsuki; Yagyu, Hitomi; Nge, Thi Thi

2015-01-01

Optically transparent nanofiber paper containing silver nanowires showed high electrical conductivity and maintained the high transparency, and low weight of the original transparent nanofiber paper. We demonstrated some procedures of optically transparent and electrically conductive cellulose nanofiber paper for lightweight and portable electronic devices. The nanofiber paper enhanced high conductivity without any post treatments such as heating or mechanical pressing, when cellulose nanofiber dispersions were dropped on a silver nanowire thin layer. The transparent conductive nanofiber paper showed high electrical durability in repeated folding tests, due to dual advantages of the hydrophilic affinity between cellulose and silver nanowires, and the entanglement between cellulose nanofibers and silver nanowires. Their optical transparency and electrical conductivity were as high as those of ITO glass. Therefore, using this conductive transparent paper, organic solar cells were produced that achieved a power conversion of 3.2%, which was as high as that of ITO-based solar cells. PMID:26607742

Electrically conducting ternary amorphous fully oxidized materials and their application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giauque, Pierre (Inventor); Nicolet, Marc (Inventor); Gasser, Stefan M. (Inventor); Kolawa, Elzbieta A. (Inventor); Cherry, Hillary (Inventor)

2004-01-01

Electrically active devices are formed using a special conducting material of the form Tm--Ox mixed with SiO2 where the materials are immiscible. The immiscible materials are forced together by using high energy process to form an amorphous phase of the two materials. The amorphous combination of the two materials is electrically conducting but forms an effective barrier.

Reconfigurable electronics using conducting metal-organic frameworks

DOEpatents

Allendorf, Mark D.; Talin, Albert Alec; Leonard, Francois; Stavila, Vitalie

2017-07-18

A device including a porous metal organic framework (MOF) disposed between two terminals, the device including a first state wherein the MOF is infiltrated by a guest species to form an electrical path between the terminals and a second state wherein the electrical conductivity of the MOF is less than the electrical conductivity in the first state. A method including switching a porous metal organic framework (MOF) between two terminals from a first state wherein a metal site in the MOF is infiltrated by a guest species that is capable of charge transfer to a second state wherein the MOF is less electrically conductive than in the first state.

Flexible Framework for Capacitive Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodard, Stanley E. (Inventor); Taylor, Bryant D. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

A flexible framework supports electrically-conductive elements in a capacitive sensing arrangement. Identical frames are arranged end-to-end with adjacent frames being capable of rotational movement there between. Each frame has first and second passages extending therethrough and parallel to one another. Each of the first and second passages is adapted to receive an electrically-conductive element therethrough. Each frame further has a hollowed-out portion for the passage of a fluent material therethrough. The hollowed-out portion is sized and shaped to provide for capacitive sensing along a defined region between the electrically-conductive element in the first passage and the electrically-conductive element in the second passage.

Study on a Haptic Sensor Using MCF (Magnetic Compound Fluid) Electric Conductive Rubber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yaoyang; Shimada, Kunio

To provide a new composite material having a high degree of sensitivity regarding both electrical conduction and temperature for the field of robotics or sensing, we have developed magnetic rubber that contains a network-like magnetic cluster. We compared the temperature response of MCF rubber with others rubbers made under various experimental conditions, allowing us to find an optimum condition for making MCF rubber. The temperature response was obtained by an experimental equation. We also compared the electric conductivity of MCF rubber with that of ordinary electric conductive rubber and found that its electric sensitivity was lower at a small deformation, but increased at larger deformations. Therefore, MCF rubber has proven itself effective as a switching sensor when a small deformation is applied.

Electrical conductivity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes-SU8 epoxy composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimaldi, Claudio; Mionić, Marijana; Gaal, Richard; Forró, László; Magrez, Arnaud

2013-06-01

We have characterized the electrical conductivity of the composite which consists of multi-walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in SU8 epoxy resin. Depending on the processing conditions of the epoxy (ranging from non-polymerized to cross-linked), we obtained tunneling and percolating-like regimes of the electrical conductivity of the composites. We interpret the observed qualitative change of the conductivity behavior in terms of reduced separation between the nanotubes induced by polymerization of the epoxy matrix.

Electrocurtain coating process for coating solar mirrors

DOEpatents

Kabagambe, Benjamin; Boyd, Donald W.; Buchanan, Michael J.; Kelly, Patrick; Kutilek, Luke A.; McCamy, James W.; McPheron, Douglas A.; Orosz, Gary R.; Limbacher, Raymond D.

2013-10-15

An electrically conductive protective coating or film is provided over the surface of a reflective coating of a solar mirror by flowing or directing a cation containing liquid and an anion containing liquid onto the conductive surface. The cation and the anion containing liquids are spaced from, and preferably out of contact with one another on the surface of the reflective coating as an electric current is moved through the anion containing liquid, the conductive surface between the liquids and the cation containing liquid to coat the conductive surface with the electrically conductive coating.

The influence of bremsstrahlung on electric discharge streamers in N2, O2 gas mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köhn, C.; Chanrion, O.; Neubert, T.

2017-01-01

Streamers are ionization filaments of electric gas discharges. Negative polarity streamers propagate primarily through electron impact ionization, whereas positive streamers in air develop through ionization of oxygen by UV photons emitted by excited nitrogen; however, experiments show that positive streamers may develop even for low oxygen concentrations. Here we explore if bremsstrahlung ionization facilitates positive streamer propagation. To discriminate between effects of UV and bremsstrahlung ionization, we simulate the formation of a double headed streamer at three different oxygen concentrations: no oxygen, 1 ppm O2 and 20% O2, as in air. At these oxygen levels, UV-relative to bremsstrahlung ionization is zero, small, and large. The simulations are conducted with a particle-in-cell code in a cylindrically symmetric configuration at ambient electric field magnitudes three times the conventional breakdown field. We find that bremsstrahlung induced ionization in air, contrary to expectations, reduces the propagation velocity of both positive and negative streamers by about 15%. At low oxygen levels, positive streamers stall; however, bremsstrahlung creates branching sub-streamers emerging from the streamer front that allow propagation of the streamer. Negative streamers propagate more readily forming branching sub-streamers. These results are in agreement with experiments. At both polarities, ionization patches are created ahead of the streamer front. Electrons with the highest energies are in the sub-streamer tips and the patches.

Target Plate Material Influence on Fullerene-C60 Laser Desorption/Ionization Efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeegers, Guido P.; Günthardt, Barbara F.; Zenobi, Renato

2016-04-01

Systematic laser desorption/ionization (LDI) experiments of fullerene-C60 on a wide range of target plate materials were conducted to gain insight into the initial ion formation in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. The positive and negative ion signal intensities of precursor, fragment, and cluster ions were monitored, varying both the laser fluence (0-3.53 Jcm-2) and the ion extraction delay time (0-950 ns). The resulting species-specific ion signal intensities are an indication for the ionization mechanisms that contribute to LDI and the time frames in which they operate, providing insight in the (MA)LDI primary ionization. An increasing electrical resistivity of the target plate material increases the fullerene-C60 precursor and fragment anion signal intensity. Inconel 625 and Ti90/Al6/V4, both highly electrically resistive, provide the highest anion signal intensities, exceeding the cation signal intensity by a factor ~1.4 for the latter. We present a mechanism based on transient electrical field strength reduction to explain this trend. Fullerene-C60 cluster anion formation is negligible, which could be due to the high extraction potential. Cluster cations, however, are readily formed, although for high laser fluences, the preferred channel is formation of precursor and fragment cations. Ion signal intensity depends greatly on the choice of substrate material, and careful substrate selection could, therefore, allow for more sensitive (MA)LDI measurements.

Electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxides as a switching element and methods for production and use thereof

DOEpatents

Tour, James M.; Yao, Jun; Natelson, Douglas; Zhong, Lin; He, Tao

2015-09-08

In various embodiments, electronic devices containing switchably conductive silicon oxide as a switching element are described herein. The electronic devices are two-terminal devices containing a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact in which at least one of the first electrical contact or the second electrical contact is deposed on a substrate to define a gap region therebetween. A switching layer containing a switchably conductive silicon oxide resides in the gap region between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. The electronic devices exhibit hysteretic current versus voltage properties, enabling their use in switching and memory applications. Methods for configuring, operating and constructing the electronic devices are also presented herein.

Contra-rotating homopolar motor-generator for energy storage and return

DOEpatents

Kustom, Robert L.; Wehrle, Robert B.

1978-01-01

An apparatus for receiving electrical energy in amounts of the order of hundreds of megajoules, converting the electrical energy to mechanical energy for storage, and delivering the stored energy as electrical energy in times of the order of a second comprises a sequence of stacked electrically conducting cylindrical shells having a common axis. The conducting shells are free to rotate and are separated by stationary insulating cylindrical shells. Adjacent conducting shells are connected electrically by brushes at the edges and a radial magnetic field is caused to pass through the conductors. The apparatus permits the reversal in a plasma heating coil of electric currents of amplitudes up to 100,000 amperes in a time of the order of a second.

Assembly for electrical conductivity measurements in the piston cylinder device

DOEpatents

Watson, Heather Christine [Dublin, CA; Roberts, Jeffrey James [Livermore, CA

2012-06-05

An assembly apparatus for measurement of electrical conductivity or other properties of a sample in a piston cylinder device wherein pressure and heat are applied to the sample by the piston cylinder device. The assembly apparatus includes a body, a first electrode in the body, the first electrode operatively connected to the sample, a first electrical conductor connected to the first electrode, a washer constructed of a hard conducting material, the washer surrounding the first electrical conductor in the body, a second electrode in the body, the second electrode operatively connected to the sample, and a second electrical conductor connected to the second electrode.