Sample records for modified co-precipitation method

  1. Removal of р-nitrophenol from aqueous solution by magnetically modified activated carbon

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Shuai; Zhao, Feng; Sun, Jian; Wang, Bin; Wei, Rongyan; Yan, Shiqiang

    2013-09-01

    Activated carbon was modified with γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles, using the chemical co-precipitation technique and the carboxylic acid vapor treatment technique. Two magnetic composites were characterized and compared by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, vibrating sample magnetometry and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. Then the two materials were used to remove p-nitrophenol in water. The equilibrium data revealed that the Langmuir isotherm was better in fitting the experiment result than the Freundlich isotherm, and the sorption capacity of the nanocomposite made by the chemical co-precipitation technique was higher than that of the other one. We suggest that the chemical co-precipitation technique is a more efficient and practical method to produce magnetically modified activated carbon.

  2. Autothermal reforming of propane over Mg-Al hydrotalcite-like catalysts.

    PubMed

    Lim, You-Soon; Park, Nam-Cook; Shin, Jae-Soon; Kim, Jong-Ho; Moon, Dong-Ju; Kim, Young-Chul

    2008-10-01

    The performance of hydrotalcite-like catalysts in propane autothermal reforming for hydrogen production was studied in fixed-bed flow reactor. Hydrotalcite-like catalysts were synthesized by coprecipitation and modified co-precipitation by the impregnation method and those were promoted by the addition of noble metals. Reaction test results indicated that hydrotalcite-like catalysts of modified method were showed higher H2-yield than co-precipitation method because surface Ni particles of catalysts by modified method were more abundant. When added noble metals, the activity was enhanced because the size of nickel particles was decreased and degree of dispersion was increased. Also the carbon deposit is low after the reaction. When solvent of solution was changed, activity was increased. It is because degree of dispersion was increased.

  3. WC/Co composite surface structure and nano graphite precipitate induced by high current pulsed electron beam irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hao, S. Z.; Zhang, Y.; Xu, Y.; Gey, N.; Grosdidier, T.; Dong, C.

    2013-11-01

    High current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) irradiation was conducted on a WC-6% Co hard alloy with accelerating voltage of 27 kV and pulse duration of 2.5 μs. The surface phase structure was examined by using glancing-angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) methods. The surface tribological properties were measured. It was found that after 20 pulses of HCPEB irradiation, the surface structure of WC/Co hard alloy was modified dramatically and composed of a mixture of nano-grained WC1-x, Co3W9C4, Co3W3C phases and graphite precipitate domains ˜50 nm. The friction coefficient of modified surface decreased to ˜0.38 from 0.6 of the initial state, and the wear rate reduced from 8.4 × 10-5 mm3/min to 6.3 × 10-6 mm3/min, showing a significant self-lubricating effect.

  4. Strengthening and Improving Yield Asymmetry of Magnesium Alloys by Second Phase Particle Refinement Under the Guidance of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering

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

    Li, Dongsheng; Lavender, Curt

    2015-05-08

    Improving yield strength and asymmetry is critical to expand applications of magnesium alloys in industry for higher fuel efficiency and lower CO 2 production. Grain refinement is an efficient method for strengthening low symmetry magnesium alloys, achievable by precipitate refinement. This study provides guidance on how precipitate engineering will improve mechanical properties through grain refinement. Precipitate refinement for improving yield strengths and asymmetry is simulated quantitatively by coupling a stochastic second phase grain refinement model and a modified polycrystalline crystal viscoplasticity φ-model. Using the stochastic second phase grain refinement model, grain size is quantitatively determined from the precipitate size andmore » volume fraction. Yield strengths, yield asymmetry, and deformation behavior are calculated from the modified φ-model. If the precipitate shape and size remain constant, grain size decreases with increasing precipitate volume fraction. If the precipitate volume fraction is kept constant, grain size decreases with decreasing precipitate size during precipitate refinement. Yield strengths increase and asymmetry approves to one with decreasing grain size, contributed by increasing precipitate volume fraction or decreasing precipitate size.« less

  5. Modification of nanostructured calcium carbonate for efficient gene delivery.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Dong; Wang, Chao-Qun; Zhuo, Ren-Xi; Cheng, Si-Xue

    2014-06-01

    In this study, a facile method to modify nanostructured calcium carbonate (CaCO3) gene delivery systems by adding calcium phosphate (CaP) component was developed. CaCO3/CaP/DNA nanoparticles were prepared by the co-precipitation of Ca(2+) ions with plasmid DNA in the presence of carbonate and phosphate ions. For comparison, CaCO3/DNA nanoparticles and CaP/DNA co-precipitates were also prepared. The effects of carbonate ion/phosphate ion (CO3(2-)/PO4(3-)) ratio on the particle size and gene delivery efficiency were investigated. With an appropriate CO3(2-)/PO4(3-) ratio, the co-existence of carbonate and phosphate ions could control the size of co-precipitates effectively, and CaCO3/CaP/DNA nanoparticles with a decreased size and improved stability could be obtained. The in vitro gene transfections mediated by different nanoparticles in 293T cells and HeLa cells were carried out, using pGL3-Luc as a reporter plasmid. The gene transfection efficiency of CaCO3/CaP/DNA nanoparticles could be significantly improved as compared with CaCO3/DNA nanoparticles and CaP/DNA co-precipitates. The confocal microscopy study indicated that the cellular uptake and nuclear localization of CaCO3/CaP/DNA nanoparticles were significantly enhanced as compared with unmodified CaCO3/DNA nanoparticles. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. A simple method to prepare magnetic modified beer yeast and its application for cationic dye adsorption.

    PubMed

    Yu, Jun-Xia; Wang, Li-Yan; Chi, Ru-An; Zhang, Yue-Fei; Xu, Zhi-Gao; Guo, Jia

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this research is to use a simple method to prepare magnetic modified biomass with good adsorption performances for cationic ions. The magnetic modified biomass was prepared by two steps: (1) preparation of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) modified biomass in N, N-dimethylacetamide solution and (2) preparation of magnetic PMDA modified biomass by a situ co-precipitation method under the assistance of ultrasound irradiation in ammonia water. The adsorption potential of the as-prepared magnetic modified biomass was analyzed by using cationic dyes: methylene blue and basic magenta as model dyes. Optical micrograph and x-ray diffraction analyses showed that Fe(3)O(4) particles were precipitated on the modified biomass surface. The as-prepared biosorbent could be recycled easily by using an applied magnetic field. Titration analysis showed that the total concentration of the functional groups on the magnetic PMDA modified biomass was calculated to be 0.75 mmol g(-1) by using the first derivative method. The adsorption capacities (q(m)) of the magnetic PMDA modified biomass for methylene blue and basic magenta were 609.0 and 520.9 mg g(-1), respectively, according to the Langmuir equation. Kinetics experiment showed that adsorption could be completed within 150 min for both dyes. The desorption experiment showed that the magnetic sorbent could be used repeatedly after regeneration. The as-prepared magnetic modified sorbent had a potential in the dyeing industry wastewater treatment.

  7. Calcite phase determination of CaCO3 nanoparticles synthesized by one step drying method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sulimai, N. H.; Rani, Rozina Abdul; Khusaimi, Z.; Abdullah, S.; Salifairus, M. J.; Alrokayan, Salman; Khan, Haseeb; Rusop, M.

    2018-05-01

    Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) is a type of carbonic salt. It exist naturally as white odourless solid and may also be synthesized by chemical reactions. This work studies one-step precipitation of CaCO3 that was prepared by novel method of one-step precipitation method. The method was then proceeded by different types of drying. The first type is by normal drying in oven whereas the second type is with the presence of hydrothermal influence. From the results, precipitated CaCO3 dried by normal drying method produces CaCO3 with two polymorphs present; calcite and vaterite. Normal drying at 500°C has no vaterite phase left. Drying by hydrothermal precipitated CaCO3 has Nitrogen (N) left on the surfaces of the precipitated CaCO3. This work successfully identified calcite phase in the precipitated CaCO3.

  8. Pulsed laser deposition of functionalized Mg-Al layered double hydroxide thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vlad, A.; Birjega, R.; Tirca, I.; Matei, A.; Mardare, C. C.; Hassel, A. W.; Nedelcea, A.; Dinescu, M.; Zavoianu, R.

    2018-02-01

    In this paper, magnesium-aluminium layered double hydroxide (LDH) has been functionalized with sodium dodecyl sulfate (DS) and deposited as thin film by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Mg, Al-LDH powders were prepared by co-precipitation and used as reference material. Intercalation of DS as an anionic surfactant into the LDHs host layers has been prepared in two ways: co-precipitation (P) and reconstruction (R). DS intercalation occurred in LDH powder via both preparation methods. The films deposited via PLD, in particular at 532 and 1064 nm, preserve the organic intercalated layered structure of the targets prepared from these powders. The results reveal the ability of proposed deposition technique to produce functional composite organo-modified LDHs thin films.

  9. In vitro simulation studies of silica deposition induced by lignin from rice*

    PubMed Central

    Fang, Jiang-Yu; Ma, Xue-Long

    2006-01-01

    To reveal the possible mechanism of silica deposition in higher plants, lignin was isolated from rice straw following a modified method to conduct a simulation experiment in vitro. UV and infrared absorption spectra showed that the substance had the unique characteristics of pure lignin. The presence of silicon in the precipitation was revealed by TEM (transmission electron microscopy) with EDXA (energy dispersive X-ray analysis) device. It was found that in the borax solution where lignin precipitation occurred silica-lignin co-precipitation was produced but not in the DMSO solution where lignin was broken into its composition compounds and did not precipitate. This means that it is macromolecular lignin itself but not its compounds that could induce silica deposition in higher plants. PMID:16532527

  10. Viscosity studies of water based magnetite nanofluids

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

    Anu, K.; Hemalatha, J.

    2016-05-23

    Magnetite nanofluids of various concentrations have been synthesized through co-precipitation method. The structural and topographical studies made with the X-Ray Diffractometer and Atomic Force Microscope are presented in this paper. The density and viscosity studies for the ferrofluids of various concentrations have been made at room temperature. The experimental viscosities are compared with theoretical values obtained from Einstein, Batchelor and Wang models. An attempt to modify the Rosensweig model is made and the modified Rosensweig equation is reported. In addition, new empirical correlation is also proposed for predicting viscosity of ferrofluid at various concentrations.

  11. Preparation of silica coated cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles for the purification of histidine-tagged proteins

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aygar, Gülfem; Kaya, Murat; Özkan, Necati; Kocabıyık, Semra; Volkan, Mürvet

    2015-12-01

    Surface modified cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles containing Ni-NTA affinity group were synthesized and used for the separation of histidine tag proteins from the complex matrices through the use of imidazole side chains of histidine molecules. Firstly, CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution were prepared in an aqueous solution using the controlled co-precipitation method. In order to obtain small CoFe2O4 agglomerates, oleic acid and sodium chloride were used as dispersants. The CoFe2O4 particles were coated with silica and subsequently the surface of these silica coated particles (SiO2-CoFe2O4) was modified by amine (NH2) groups in order to add further functional groups on the silica shell. Then, carboxyl (-COOH) functional groups were added to the SiO2-CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles through the NH2 groups. After that Nα,Nα-Bis(carboxymethyl)-L-lysine hydrate (NTA) was attached to carboxyl ends of the structure. Finally, the surface modified nanoparticles were labeled with nickel (Ni) (II) ions. Furthermore, the modified SiO2-CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles were utilized as a new system that allows purification of the N-terminal His-tagged recombinant small heat shock protein, Tpv-sHSP 14.3.

  12. Synthesis and characterization of graphene quantum dots/CoNiAl-layered double-hydroxide nanocomposite: Application as a glucose sensor.

    PubMed

    Samuei, Sara; Fakkar, Jila; Rezvani, Zolfaghar; Shomali, Ashkan; Habibi, Biuck

    2017-03-15

    In the present work, a novel nanocomposite based on the graphene quantum dots and CoNiAl-layered double-hydroxide was successfully synthesized by co-precipitation method. To achieve the morphological, structural and compositional information, the resulted nanocomposite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. Then, the nanocomposite was used as a modifier to fabricate a modified carbon paste electrode as a non-enzymatic sensor for glucose determination. Electrochemical behavior and determination of glucose at the nanocomposite modified carbon paste electrode were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry methods, respectively. The prepared sensor offered good electrocatalytic properties, fast response time, high reproducibility and stability. At the optimum conditions, the constructed sensor exhibits wide linear range; 0.01-14.0 mM with a detection limit of 6 μM (S/N = 3) and high sensitivity of 48.717 μAmM -1 . Finally, the sensor was successfully applied to determine the glucose in real samples which demonstrated its applicability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Synthesis of layered double hydroxides containing Mg2+, Zn2+, Ca2+ and Al3+ layer cations by co-precipitation methods-A review

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Theiss, Frederick L.; Ayoko, Godwin A.; Frost, Ray L.

    2016-10-01

    Co-precipitation is a common method for the preparation of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and related materials. This review article is aimed at providing newcomers to the field with some examples of the types of co-precipitation reactions that have been reported previously and to briefly investigate some of the properties of the products of these reactions. Due to the sheer volume of literature on the subject, the authors have had to limit this article to the synthesis of Mg/Al, Zn/Al and Ca/Al LDHs by co-precipitation and directly related methods. LDHs have been synthesised from various reagents including metal salts, oxides and hydroxides. Co-precipitation is also useful for the direct synthesis of LDHs with a wide range of interlayer anions and various bases have been successfully employed to prepare LDHs. Examples of other synthesis techniques including the urea method, hydrothermal synthesis and various mechanochemical methods that are undoubtedly related to co-precipitation have also been included in this review. The effect of post synthesis hydrothermal has also been summarised.

  14. The effect of precipitants on Ni-Al2O3 catalysts prepared by a co-precipitation method for internal reforming in molten carbonate fuel cells

    PubMed Central

    Jung, You-Shick; Yoon, Wang-Lai; Seo, Yong-Seog; Rhee, Young-Woo

    2012-01-01

    Ni-Al2O3 catalysts are prepared via the co-precipitation method using various precipitants: urea, Na2CO3, NaOH, K2CO3, KOH and NH4OH. The effects of the precipitants on the physicochemical properties and catalytic activities of the Ni-Al2O3 catalysts are investigated. The Ni50-urea catalyst displays the largest specific surface area and the highest pore volume. This catalyst also exhibits the highest Ni dispersion and the largest Ni surface area. Ni50-urea catalyst prepared with urea as precipitant and Ni50-K2CO3 catalyst prepared with K2CO3 as precipitant exhibit high pore volumes and good catalytic activities for methane steam reforming. The Ni50-urea catalyst exhibits the best physicochemical properties and shows good catalytic activity and a strong resistance to electrolyte contamination. PMID:22962548

  15. Improved CO sub 2 enhanced oil recovery -- Mobility control by in-situ chemical precipitation

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

    Ameri, S.; Aminian, K.; Wasson, J.A.

    1991-06-01

    The overall objective of this study has been to evaluate the feasibility of chemical precipitation to improve CO{sub 2} sweep efficiency and mobility control. The laboratory experiments have indicated that carbonate precipitation can alter the permeability of the core samples under reservoir conditions. Furthermore, the relative permeability measurements have revealed that precipitation reduces the gas permeability in favor of liquid permeability. This indicates that precipitation is occurring preferentially in the larger pores. Additional experimental work with a series of connected cores have indicated that the permeability profile can be successfully modified. However, Ph control plays a critical role in propagationmore » of the chemical precipitation reaction. A numerical reservoir model has been utilized to evaluate the effects of permeability heterogeneity and permeability modification on the CO{sub 2} sweep efficiency. The computer simulation results indicate that the permeability profile modification can significantly enhance CO{sub 2} vertical and horizontal sweep efficiencies. The scoping studies with the model have further revealed that only a fraction of high permeability zones need to be altered to achieve sweep efficiency enhancement. 64 refs., 30 figs., 16 tabs.« less

  16. Encapsulation of albumin in self-assembled layer-by-layer microcapsules: comparison of co-precipitation and adsorption techniques.

    PubMed

    Labala, Suman; Mandapalli, Praveen Kumar; Bhatnagar, Shubhmita; Venuganti, Venkata Vamsi Krishna

    2015-01-01

    The objective of this study is to prepare and characterize polymeric self-assembled layer-by-layer microcapsules (LbL-MC) to deliver a model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA). The aim is to compare the BSA encapsulation in LbL-MC using co-precipitation and adsorption methods. In co-precipitation method, BSA was co-precipitated with growing calcium carbonate particles to form a core template. Later, poly(styrene sulfonate) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) were sequentially adsorbed onto the CaCO3 templates. In adsorption method, preformed LbL-MC were incubated with BSA and encapsulation efficiency is optimized for pH and salt concentration. Free and BSA-encapsulated LbL-MC were characterized using Zetasizer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter. Later, in vitro release studies were performed using dialysis membrane method at pH 4, 7.4 and 9. Results from Zetasizer and SEM showed free LbL-MC with an average size and zeta-potential of 2.0 ± 0.6 μm and 8.1 ± 1.9 mV, respectively. Zeta-potential of BSA-loaded LbL-MC was (-)7.4 ± 0.7 mV and (-)5.7 ± 1.0 mV for co-precipitation and adsorption methods, respectively. In adsorption method, BSA encapsulation in LbL-MC was found to be greater at pH 6.0 and 0.2 M NaCl. Co-precipitation method provided four-fold greater encapsulation efficiency (%) of BSA in LbL-MC compared with adsorption method. At pH 4, the BSA release from LbL-MC was extended up to 120 h. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that BSA encapsulated in LBL-MC through co-precipitation is stable toward trypsin treatment. In conclusion, co-precipitation method provided greater encapsulation of BSA in LbL-MC. Furthermore, LbL-MC can be developed as carriers for pH-controlled protein delivery.

  17. Facile Synthesis and Characterization of ZrO₂ Nanoparticles via Modified Co-Precipitation Method.

    PubMed

    Ramachandran, M; Subadevi, R; Liu, Wei-Ren; Sivakumar, M

    2018-01-01

    The crystalline Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nano particles were synthesized using optimized content of Zirconium nitrate (Zr(NO3)2·3H2O) with varying KOH concentration (0.5, 1 and 1.5 M) by co-precipitation method. The thermal history of the precursor was carefully analyzed through Thermogravimetric (TG/DTA) measurement. The as prepared samples were characterized to ensure structural, functional, morphological, compositional, chemical composition and band gap by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Laser Raman, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High resolution Transverse Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS), EDX, Photo luminescence spectroscopy (PL). The monoclinic structure with space group P21/c has been confirmed from XRD (JCPDS 89-9066). The Zr-O stretching vibration and Zr-O2-Zr bending vibrations were confirmed through FTIR analysis. The well dispersed particles with spherical morphology were confirmed through SEM and TEM analysis. The oxidation states of Zr, O and C were confirmed through XPS analysis. The oxygen vacancies and band gap of the particles were investigated through PL analysis.

  18. Synthesis of zeolite/nickel ferrite/sodium alginate bionanocomposite via a co-precipitation technique for efficient removal of water-soluble methylene blue dye.

    PubMed

    Bayat, Mahsa; Javanbakht, Vahid; Esmaili, Javad

    2018-05-05

    In this study, we sought to synthesize magnetic nanocomposite of zeolite/nickel ferrite through co-precipitation method and modify its surface by sodium alginate to enhance its methylene blue adsorption capacity and to prevent its oxidation. Nanocomposite characteristics were investigated by SEM, VSM, XRD and FTIR analyses. The results indicate that nanocomposite synthesis and modification has been completely successful. Adsorption thermodynamics, kinetics, and isotherms were examined and parameters were optimized by Minitab software using experimental design method, response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design. The highest capacity of methylene blue adsorption from the aqueous solution obtained at optimal pH of 5, the initial dye concentration of 10 mg/L and an adsorbent amount of 0.03 g was about 54.05 mg/g. Analyzing kinetic data of adsorption experiments confirmed that adsorption process complies with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Assessing equilibrium isotherm data at different temperatures showed that these data are in good agreement with Langmuir isotherm model. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. A proteinaceous organic matrix regulates carbonate mineral production in the marine teleost intestine

    PubMed Central

    Schauer, Kevin L.; LeMoine, Christophe M. R.; Pelin, Adrian; Corradi, Nicolas; Warren, Wesley C.; Grosell, Martin

    2016-01-01

    Marine teleost fish produce CaCO3 in their intestine as part of their osmoregulatory strategy. This precipitation is critical for rehydration and survival of the largest vertebrate group on earth, yet the molecular mechanisms that regulate this reaction are unknown. Here, we isolate and characterize an organic matrix associated with the intestinal precipitates produced by Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta). Toadfish precipitates were purified using two different methods, and the associated organic matrix was extracted. Greater than 150 proteins were identified in the isolated matrix by mass spectrometry and subsequent database searching using an O. beta transcriptomic sequence library produced here. Many of the identified proteins were enriched in the matrix compared to the intestinal fluid, and three showed no substantial homology to any previously characterized protein in the NCBI database. To test the functionality of the isolated matrix, a micro-modified in vitro calcification assay was designed, which revealed that low concentrations of isolated matrix substantially promoted CaCO3 production, where high concentrations showed an inhibitory effect. High concentrations of matrix also decreased the incorporation of magnesium into the forming mineral, potentially providing an explanation for the variability in magnesium content observed in precipitates produced by different fish species. PMID:27694946

  20. Depletion of abundant plant RuBisCO protein using the protamine sulfate precipitation method.

    PubMed

    Kim, Yu Ji; Lee, Hye Min; Wang, Yiming; Wu, Jingni; Kim, Sang Gon; Kang, Kyu Young; Park, Ki Hun; Kim, Yong Chul; Choi, In Soo; Agrawal, Ganesh Kumar; Rakwal, Randeep; Kim, Sun Tae

    2013-07-01

    Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) is the most abundant plant leaf protein, hampering deep analysis of the leaf proteome. Here, we describe a novel protamine sulfate precipitation (PSP) method for the depletion of RuBisCO. For this purpose, soybean leaf total proteins were extracted using Tris-Mg/NP-40 extraction buffer. Obtained clear supernatant was subjected to the PSP method, followed by 13% SDS-PAGE analysis of total, PS-supernatant and -precipitation derived protein samples. In a dose-dependent experiment, 0.1% w/v PS was found to be sufficient for precipitating RuBisCO large and small subunits (LSU and SSU). Western blot analysis confirmed no detection of RuBisCO LSU in the PS-supernatant proteins. Application of this method to Arabidopsis, rice, and maize leaf proteins revealed results similar to soybean. Furthermore, 2DE analyses of PS-treated soybean leaf displayed enriched protein profile for the protein sample derived from the PS-supernatant than total proteins. Some enriched 2D spots were subjected to MALDI-TOF-TOF analysis and were successfully assigned for their protein identity. Hence, the PSP method is: (i) simple, fast, economical, and reproducible for RuBisCO precipitation from the plant leaf sample; (ii) applicable to both dicot and monocot plants; and (iii) suitable for downstream proteomics analysis. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Trace Metals in Groundwater and Vadose Zone Calcite: In Situ Containment and Stabilization of Stronthium-90 and Other Divalent Metals and Radionuclides at Arid Western DOE Sites: Final Report for Award Number DE-FG07-02ER63486 to the University of Idaho (RW Smith) Environmental Management Science Program Project Number 87016

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

    Smith, Robert W.; Fujita, Yoshiko

    2007-11-07

    Radionuclide and metal contaminants are present in the vadose zone and groundwater throughout the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy research and weapons complex. In situ containment and stabilization of these contaminants represents a cost-effective treatment strategy that minimizes workers’ exposure to hazardous substances, does not require removal or transport of contaminants, and generally does not generate a secondary waste stream. We have investigated an in situ bioremediation approach that immobilizes radionuclides or contaminant metals (e.g., strontium-90) by their microbially facilitated co-precipitation with calcium carbonate in groundwater and vadose zone systems. Calcite, a common mineral in many aquifers and vadosemore » zones in the arid west, can incorporate divalent metals such as strontium, cadmium, lead, and cobalt into its crystal structure by the formation of a solid solution. Collaborative research undertaken by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), University of Idaho, and University of Toronto as part of this Environmental Management Science Program project has focused on in situ microbially-catalyzed urea hydrolysis, which results in an increase in pH, carbonate alkalinity, ammonium, calcite precipitation, and co-precipitation of divalent cations. In calcite-saturated aquifers, microbially facilitated co-precipitation with calcium carbonate represents a potential long-term contaminant sequestration mechanism. Key results of the project include: **Demonstrating the linkage between urea hydrolysis and calcite precipitation in field and laboratory experiments **Observing strontium incorporation into calcite precipitate by urea hydrolyzers with higher distribution coefficient than in abiotic **Developing and applying molecular methods for characterizing microbial urease activity in groundwater including a quantitative PCR method for enumerating ureolytic bacteria **Applying the suite of developed molecular methods to assess the feasibility of the proposed bioremediation technique at a contaminated site located within the 100-N area of the Hanford, Washington site **Assessing the role of nitrification on the persistence of precipitated calcite by modifying primers for identification of the amoA gene region of various ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) for characterizing AOB in the field« less

  2. A modified MOD16 algorithm to estimate evapotranspiration over alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau, China

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, Yaping; Qin, Dahe; Ding, Yongjian; Zhao, Qiudong; Zhang, Shiqiang

    2018-06-01

    The long-term change of evapotranspiration (ET) is crucial for managing water resources in areas with extreme climates, such as the Tibetan Plateau (TP). This study proposed a modified algorithm for estimating ET based on the MOD16 algorithm on a global scale over alpine meadow on the TP in China. Wind speed and vegetation height were integrated to estimate aerodynamic resistance, while the temperature and moisture constraints for stomatal conductance were revised based on the technique proposed by Fisher et al. (2008). Moreover, Fisher's method for soil evaporation was adopted to reduce the uncertainty in soil evaporation estimation. Five representative alpine meadow sites on the TP were selected to investigate the performance of the modified algorithm. Comparisons were made between the ET observed using the Eddy Covariance (EC) and estimated using both the original and modified algorithms. The results revealed that the modified algorithm performed better than the original MOD16 algorithm with the coefficient of determination (R2) increasing from 0.26 to 0.68, and root mean square error (RMSE) decreasing from 1.56 to 0.78 mm d-1. The modified algorithm performed slightly better with a higher R2 (0.70) and lower RMSE (0.61 mm d-1) for after-precipitation days than for non-precipitation days at Suli site. Contrarily, better results were obtained for non-precipitation days than for after-precipitation days at Arou, Tanggula, and Hulugou sites, indicating that the modified algorithm may be more suitable for estimating ET for non-precipitation days with higher accuracy than for after-precipitation days, which had large observation errors. The comparisons between the modified algorithm and two mainstream methods suggested that the modified algorithm could produce high accuracy ET over the alpine meadow sites on the TP.

  3. Highly transparent cerium doped gadolinium gallium aluminum garnet ceramic prepared with precursors fabricated by ultrasonic enhanced chemical co-precipitation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ji-Yun; Luo, Zhao-Hua; Jiang, Hao-Chuan; Jiang, Jun; Chen, Chun-Hua; Zhang, Jing-Xian; Gui, Zhen-Zhen; Xiao, Na

    2017-11-01

    Cerium doped gadolinium gallium aluminum garnet (GGAG:Ce) ceramic precursors have been synthesized with an ultrasonic chemical co-precipitation method (UCC) and for comparison with a traditional chemical co-precipitation method (TCC). The effect of ultra-sonication on the morphology of powders and the transmittance of GGAG:Ce ceramics are studied. The results indicate that the UCC method can effectively improve the homogenization and sinterability of GGAG:Ce powders, which contribute to obtain high transparent GGAG ceramic with the highest transmittance of 81%. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Development of a calcium phosphate co-precipitate/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) DNA delivery system: release kinetics and cellular transfection studies.

    PubMed

    Kofron, Michelle D; Laurencin, Cato T

    2004-06-01

    One of the most common non-viral methods for the introduction of foreign deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into cultured cells is calcium phosphate co-precipitate transfection. This technique involves the encapsulation of DNA within a calcium phosphate co-precipitate, particulate addition to in vitro cell culture, endocytosis of the co-precipitate, and exogenous DNA expression by the transfected cell. In this study, we fabricated a novel non-viral gene transfer system by adsorbing DNA, encapsulated in calcium phosphate (DNA/Ca-P) co-precipitates, to biodegradable two- and three-dimensional poly(lactide-co-glycolide) matrices (2D-DNA/Ca-P/PLAGA, 3D-DNA/Ca-P/PLAGA). Co-precipitate release studies demonstrated an initial burst release over the first 48 h. By day 7, approximately 96% of the initially adsorbed DNA/Ca-P co-precipitate had been released. This was followed by low levels of co-precipitate release for 42 days. Polymerase chain reaction was used to demonstrate the ability of the released DNA containing co-precipitates to transfect SaOS-2 cells cultured in vitro on the 3D-DNA/Ca-P/PLAGA matrix and maintenance of the structural integrity of the exogenous DNA. In summary, a promising system for the incorporation and controlled delivery of exogenous genes encapsulated within a calcium phosphate co-precipitate from biodegradable polymeric matrices has been developed and may have applicability to the delivery of therapeutic genes and the transfection of other cell types.

  5. Structure-Property Relationships of Inorganically Surface-Modified Zeolite Molecular Sieves for Nanocomposite Membrane Fabrication

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

    Lydon, Megan E; Unocic, Kinga A; Jones, Christopher W

    2012-01-01

    A multiscale experimental study of the structural, compositional, and morphological characteristics of aluminosilicate (LTA) and pure-silica (MFI) zeolite materials surface-modified with MgO{sub x}H{sub y} nanostructures is presented. These characteristics are correlated with the suitability of such materials in the fabrication of LTA/Matrimid mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) for CO{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} separations. The four functionalization methods studied in this work produce surface nanostructures that may appear superficially similar under SEM observation but in fact differ considerably in shape, size, surface coverage, surface area/roughness, degree of attachment to the zeolite surface, and degree of zeolite pore blocking. The evaluation of these characteristics bymore » a combination of TEM, HRTEM, N{sub 2} physisorption, multiscale compositional analysis (XPS, EDX, and ICP-AES elemental analysis), and diffraction (ED and XRD) allows improved understanding of the origin of disparate gas permeation properties observed in MMMs made with four types of surface-modified zeolite LTA materials, as well as a rational selection of the method expected to result in the best enhancement of the desired properties (in the present case, CO{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} selectivity increase without sacrificing permeability). A method based on ion exchange of the LTA with Mg{sup 2+}, followed by base-induced precipitation and growth of MgOxHy nanostructures, deemed 'ion exchange functionalization' here, offers modified particles with the best overall characteristics resulting in the most effective MMMs. LTA/Matrimid MMMs containing ion exchange functionalized particles had a considerably higher CO{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} selectivity (40) than could be obtained with the other functionalization techniques (30), while maintaining a CO{sub 2} permeability of 10 barrers. A parallel study on pure silica MFI surface nanostructures is also presented to compare and contrast with the zeolite LTA case.« less

  6. Formation and Release of Cobalt(II) Sorption and Precipitation Products in Aging Kaolinite-Water Slurries.

    PubMed

    Thompson; Parks; Brown

    2000-02-15

    The uptake and release behavior of cobalt(II) was studied over thousands of hours in CO(2)-free aqueous suspensions of kaolinite under three pairs of total cobalt concentration (Co(T)) and near-neutral pH (7.5-7.8) conditions. Dissolved cobalt, aluminum, and silicon concentrations were monitored by ICPMS, and cobalt-containing products were identified by EXAFS spectroscopy. In each uptake experiment, cobalt sorbed to kaolinite as a mixture of surface-adsorbed monomers or polymers and hydrotalcite-like precipitates of the approximate composition Co(x)Al(OH)(2x+2)(A(n-))(1/n), where 2

  7. P41IDENTIFICATION OF GLIOMA SPECIFIC APTAMER TARGETS

    PubMed Central

    Arora, Mohit; Alder, Jane; Lawrence, Clare; Davis, Charles; Dawson, Tim; Hall, Greg; Shaw, Lisa

    2014-01-01

    INTRODUCTION: Aptamers are in vitro generated DNA and RNA sequences which are randomly created as a library, with multiple permutations and combinations. These are then exposed to the target structure against which we want an aptamer ‘selected’ using Sequential Enumeration of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (SELEX). METHOD: Commercially available glioma and glial cell lines and in-house generated primary glioma cultures were used. Modified aptamers based on published sequences against glioma cell lines and newly generated sequences were used in the project to identify their binding targets. Cy3 or biotin- conjugated aptamers were incubated with live glioma cell cultures and imaged using confocal or light microscopy.To determine the target ligand, aptamers were then reacted with glial cell lysate and subjected to precipitation using streptavidin agarose beads and SDS polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Proteins were analysed by mass spectroscopy. RESULTS: Known and unknown aptamer protein ligands were co-precipitated. Ku70, Ku80 were precipitated along with nucleolin and related proteins. CONCLUSION: The aptamer has shown preferential binding to glioma cells and could act as a delivery system for therapeutic payloads. The aptamer targets Ku70 and Ku80, which are known to be over expressed in other forms of cancer but their role in gliomagenesis has not been fully elucidated. Other novel proteins have also been identified. Thus the aptamer co-precipitation technique has identified potential glioma biomarkers that may be of clinical significance.

  8. Ag modified LaCoO3 perovskite oxide for photocatalytic application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jayapandi, S.; Prakasini, V. Anitha; Anitha, K.

    2018-04-01

    The present investigation has been carried out to develop a novel photocatalytic material based on lanthanum cobaltite (LaCoO3) and silver (Ag) doped LaCoO3 perovskite oxide. Pure LaCoO3 and 5 Mol% Ag doped LaCoO3 (Ag-LaCoO3) have been synthesized by simple co-precipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques and its photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photodegradation of methylene blue under sunlight irradiation. The observed XRD, UV and PL results indicate that Ag influences on the crystallite size and absorption coefficient of LaCoO3 perovskite oxide. The percentage of dye degradations was calculated as 60% and 99 % for LaCoO3 and 5 Mol% Ag-LaCoO3 pervoskite oxides respectively for 10 minutes (10 min) exposure to sunlight, which indicates that 5 mol% of Ag-LaCoO3, has better photodegradation activity. Hence, the present investigation confirms that Ag influences the photocatalytic activity of a material and the observations will be helpful for further developing new photocatalytic materials.

  9. Enhanced microwave absorption properties of Fe3O4-modified flaky FeSiAl

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Jun; Deng, Lianwen; Liu, Sheng; Yan, Shuoqing; Luo, Heng; Li, Yuhan; He, Longhui; Huang, Shengxiang

    2017-12-01

    The magnetic insulator Fe3O4-modified flaky Fe85Si9.5Al5.5 (FeSiAl) powders with significantly enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption properties in the frequency range of 2-8 GHz were prepared by chemical co-precipitation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have confirmed the formation of nanoparticles Fe3O4 precipitated on the flake-shaped FeSiAl. The electromagnetic measurements of the modified flakes presents a nearly invariable complex permeability and decreased complex permittivity in the 2-8 GHz, as well as improved impedance matching performance. More importantly, an excellent microwave absorbing performance with the bandwidth (RL <-10 dB) of 5.36 GHz is achieved in modified sample with the thickness of 1.5 mm, which is a promising microwave absorbing material in 2-8 GHz.

  10. Friction behavior of Mg-Al-CO3 layered double hydroxide prepared by magnesite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xiaobo; Bai, Zhimin; Zhao, Dong; Zhao, Fuyan

    2013-07-01

    In this paper, Mg-Al-CO3 LDH was prepared by magnesite under chemical precipitation and hydrothermal methods. In order to improve the dispersion of LDH in base oil, the as-prepared sample was modified with sodium laurate. The obtained material (GMAC-LDH) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry and thermo gravimetric analyzer (DSC-TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the modified LDH has platelet morphology with a near hexagon shape. In addition, the tribological properties of GMAC-LDH were evaluated by four-ball friction tester and gear tester. As a lubricant, GMAC-LDH possesses an excellent property on reducing friction and wear of friction pair. The results of friction tests indicated that the friction coefficient, diameter of wear scar and power consumption of the oil with GMAC-LDH was reduced by 11.0%, 8.5% and 2.1% as compared with that of base oil.

  11. Investigation of Nd xY 0.25-xZr 0.75O 1.88 inert matrix fuel materials made by a co-precipitation synthetic route

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

    Hayes, John R.; Grosvenor, Andrew P.

    Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is a material that we are considering in our inert matrix fuel nuclear reactors, but a complete characterization of these materials is required for them to be licensed for use. A series of NdxY0.25–xZr0.75O1.88 materials have been synthesized using a co-precipitation method, and the thermal stability of these materials has been studied by annealing them at 1400 and 1500 °C. (Nd was used as surrogate for Am.) The long-range and local structures of the materials were characterized via powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Zr K- and Ymore » K-edges. These results were compared with the previous characterization of Nd-YSZ materials synthesized using a ceramic method. Moreover, the results indicated that the ordering in the local metal–oxygen polyhedral remains relatively unaffected by the synthetic method, but there was increased long-range disorder in the materials prepared by the co-precipitation method. Further, it was found that the materials produced by the co-precipitation method were unexpectedly unstable when annealed at high temperature. This study highlights the importance of determining the effect of synthetic method on material properties and demonstrates how the co-precipitation route could be used to produce inert matrix fuels.« less

  12. Exploring precipitation pattern scaling methodologies and robustness among CMIP5 models

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

    Kravitz, Ben; Lynch, Cary; Hartin, Corinne

    Pattern scaling is a well-established method for approximating modeled spatial distributions of changes in temperature by assuming a time-invariant pattern that scales with changes in global mean temperature. We compare two methods of pattern scaling for annual mean precipitation (regression and epoch difference) and evaluate which method is better in particular circumstances by quantifying their robustness to interpolation/extrapolation in time, inter-model variations, and inter-scenario variations. Both the regression and epoch-difference methods (the two most commonly used methods of pattern scaling) have good absolute performance in reconstructing the climate model output, measured as an area-weighted root mean square error. We decomposemore » the precipitation response in the RCP8.5 scenario into a CO 2 portion and a non-CO 2 portion. Extrapolating RCP8.5 patterns to reconstruct precipitation change in the RCP2.6 scenario results in large errors due to violations of pattern scaling assumptions when this CO 2-/non-CO 2-forcing decomposition is applied. As a result, the methodologies discussed in this paper can help provide precipitation fields to be utilized in other models (including integrated assessment models or impacts assessment models) for a wide variety of scenarios of future climate change.« less

  13. Exploring precipitation pattern scaling methodologies and robustness among CMIP5 models

    DOE PAGES

    Kravitz, Ben; Lynch, Cary; Hartin, Corinne; ...

    2017-05-12

    Pattern scaling is a well-established method for approximating modeled spatial distributions of changes in temperature by assuming a time-invariant pattern that scales with changes in global mean temperature. We compare two methods of pattern scaling for annual mean precipitation (regression and epoch difference) and evaluate which method is better in particular circumstances by quantifying their robustness to interpolation/extrapolation in time, inter-model variations, and inter-scenario variations. Both the regression and epoch-difference methods (the two most commonly used methods of pattern scaling) have good absolute performance in reconstructing the climate model output, measured as an area-weighted root mean square error. We decomposemore » the precipitation response in the RCP8.5 scenario into a CO 2 portion and a non-CO 2 portion. Extrapolating RCP8.5 patterns to reconstruct precipitation change in the RCP2.6 scenario results in large errors due to violations of pattern scaling assumptions when this CO 2-/non-CO 2-forcing decomposition is applied. As a result, the methodologies discussed in this paper can help provide precipitation fields to be utilized in other models (including integrated assessment models or impacts assessment models) for a wide variety of scenarios of future climate change.« less

  14. Lithium recycling and cathode material regeneration from acid leach liquor of spent lithium-ion battery via facile co-extraction and co-precipitation processes.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yue; Xu, Shengming; He, Yinghe

    2017-06-01

    A novel process for extracting transition metals, recovering lithium and regenerating cathode materials based on facile co-extraction and co-precipitation processes has been developed. 100% manganese, 99% cobalt and 85% nickel are co-extracted and separated from lithium by D2EHPA in kerosene. Then, Li is recovered from the raffinate as Li 2 CO 3 with the purity of 99.2% by precipitation method. Finally, organic load phase is stripped with 0.5M H 2 SO 4 , and the cathode material LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 is directly regenerated from stripping liquor without separating metal individually by co-precipitation method. The regenerative cathode material LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 is miro spherical morphology without any impurities, which can meet with LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 production standard of China and exhibits good electrochemical performance. Moreover, a waste battery management model is introduced to guarantee the material supply for spent battery recycling. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Nanosized CuO and ZnO catalyst supported on titanium chip for conversion of carbon dioxide to methyl alcohol.

    PubMed

    Seo, Hyeong-Seok; Park, Chul-Min; Kim, Ki-Joong; Jeong, Woon-Jo; Chung, Min-Chul; Jung, Sang-Chul; Kim, Sang-Chai; Ahn, Ho-Geun

    2013-08-01

    In order to reutilize spent metallic titanium chips (TC) as catalyst support or photocatalytic materials, the surface of the TC was modified by thermal treatment under air atmosphere. TC-supported nanosized CuO and ZnO catalysts were prepared by impregnation (IMP) and co-precipitation (CP) method, respectively. The catalytic activity for CO2 hydrogenation to CH3OH was investigated using a flow-typed reactor under various reaction pressures. The crystals of CuO and ZnO was well formed on TC. CO2 conversion, CH3OH selectivity, and CH3OH yield were obtained as a function of time on stream over CuO-ZnO/TC catalysts. Conversion of CO2 to CH3OH over CuO-ZnO/TC catalyst by CP method and CuO/ZnO/TC catalyst by IMP method were ca. 16% and ca. 12%, respectively. Conversion of CO2 over CuO-ZnO/TC catalyst by CP method was increased with increasing reaction temperature in the range of 15-30 atm. Maximum selectivity and yield to CH3OH over CuO-ZnO/TC at 250 degrees C were ca. 90% at 20 atm and ca. 18.2% at 30 atm, respectively.

  16. Nanometer-sized ceria-coated silica-iron oxide for the reagentless microextraction/preconcentration of heavy metals in environmental and biological samples followed by slurry introduction to ICP-OES.

    PubMed

    Dados, A; Paparizou, E; Eleftheriou, P; Papastephanou, C; Stalikas, C D

    2014-04-01

    A slurry suspension sampling technique is developed and optimized for the rapid microextraction of heavy metals and analysis using nanometer-sized ceria-coated silica-iron oxide particles and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Magnetic-silica material is synthesized by a co-precipitation and sol-gel method followed by ceria coating through a precipitation. The large particles are removed using a sedimentation-fractionation procedure and a magnetic homogeneous colloidal suspension of ceria-modified iron oxide-silica is produced for microextraction. The nanometer-sized particles are separated from the sample solution magnetically and analyzed with ICP-OES using a slurry suspension sampling approach. The ceria-modified iron oxide-silica does not contain any organic matter and this probably justifies the absence of matrix effect on plasma atomization capacity, when increased concentrations of slurries are aspirated. The As, Be, Mo, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Sb, Se and V can be preconcentrated by the proposed method at pH 6.0 while Mn, Cd, Co and Ni require a pH ≥ 8.0. Satisfactory values are obtained for the relative standard deviations (2-6%), recoveries (88-102%), enrichment factors (14-19) and regression correlation coefficients as well as detectability, at sub-μg L(-1) levels. The applicability of magnetic ceria for the microextraction of metal ions in combination with the slurry introduction technique using ICP is substantiated by the analysis of environmental water and urine samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Treatment of low level radioactive liquid waste containing appreciable concentration of TBP degraded products.

    PubMed

    Valsala, T P; Sonavane, M S; Kore, S G; Sonar, N L; De, Vaishali; Raghavendra, Y; Chattopadyaya, S; Dani, U; Kulkarni, Y; Changrani, R D

    2011-11-30

    The acidic and alkaline low level radioactive liquid waste (LLW) generated during the concentration of high level radioactive liquid waste (HLW) prior to vitrification and ion exchange treatment of intermediate level radioactive liquid waste (ILW), respectively are decontaminated by chemical co-precipitation before discharge to the environment. LLW stream generated from the ion exchange treatment of ILW contained high concentrations of carbonates, tributyl phosphate (TBP) degraded products and problematic radio nuclides like (106)Ru and (99)Tc. Presence of TBP degraded products was interfering with the co-precipitation process. In view of this a modified chemical treatment scheme was formulated for the treatment of this waste stream. By mixing the acidic LLW and alkaline LLW, the carbonates in the alkaline LLW were destroyed and the TBP degraded products got separated as a layer at the top of the vessel. By making use of the modified co-precipitation process the effluent stream (1-2 μCi/L) became dischargeable to the environment after appropriate dilution. Based on the lab scale studies about 250 m(3) of LLW was treated in the plant. The higher activity of the TBP degraded products separated was due to short lived (90)Y isotope. The cement waste product prepared using the TBP degraded product was having good chemical durability and compressive strength. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Thermodynamic Simulation of Carbonate Cements-Water-Carbon Dioxide Equilibrium in Sandstone for Prediction of Precipitation/Dissolution of Carbonate Cements

    PubMed Central

    Zhong, Xinyan; Shang, Ruishu; Huang, Lihong

    2016-01-01

    Carbonate cements, such as calcite, dolomite, ferrocalcite and ankerite, play important roles in the formation of pores in sandstones: precipitation of carbonate cements modifies pores and inhibits compaction, while dissolution creates secondary pores. This work proposed a precipitation-dissolution model for carbonate cements-CO2-H2O system by means of ion equilibrium concentration ([M2+], M = Ca, Mg, Fe or Mn) with different factors, such as temperature, depth, pH, PCO2, variable rock composition and overpressure. Precipitation-dissolution reaction routes were also analyzed by minimization of the total Gibbs free energy (ΔG). Δ[M2+], the variation of [Ca2+], [Fe2+], [Mg2+] or [Mn2+] for every 100 m of burial depths, is used to predict precipitation or dissolution. The calculation results indicate that the increasing temperature results in decrease of equilibrium constant of reactions, while the increasing pressure results in a relatively smaller increase of equilibrium constant; As a result, with increasing burial depth, which brings about increase of both temperature and pressure, carbonate cements dissolve firstly and produces the maximal dissolved amounts, and then precipitation happens with further increasing depth; For example, calcite is dissolving from 0.0 km to 3.0 km with a maximal value of [Ca2+] at depth of 0.8 km, and then precipitates with depth deeper than 3.0 km. Meanwhile, with an increasing CO2 mole fraction in the gaseous phase from 0.1% to 10.0% in carbonate systems, the aqueous concentration of metal ions increases, e.g., dissolved amount of CaFe0.7Mg0.3(CO3)2 increases and reaches maximum of 1.78 mmol·L-1 and 8.26 mmol·L-1 at burial depth of 0.7 km with CO2 mole fraction of 0.1% and 10.0%, respectively. For the influence of overpressure in the calcite system, with overpressure ranging from 36 MPa to 83 MPa, pH reaches a minimum of 6.8 at overpressure of 51 MPa; meanwhile, Δ[Ca2+] increases slightly from -2.24 mmol·L-1 to -2.17 mmol·L-1 and remains negative, indicating it is also a precipitation process at burial depth of 3.9 km where overpressure generated. The method used in this study can be applied in assessing burial precipitation-dissolution processes and predicting possible pores in reservoirs with carbonate cement-water-carbon dioxide. PMID:27907043

  19. Thermodynamic Simulation of Carbonate Cements-Water-Carbon Dioxide Equilibrium in Sandstone for Prediction of Precipitation/Dissolution of Carbonate Cements.

    PubMed

    Duan, Yiping; Feng, Mingshi; Zhong, Xinyan; Shang, Ruishu; Huang, Lihong

    2016-01-01

    Carbonate cements, such as calcite, dolomite, ferrocalcite and ankerite, play important roles in the formation of pores in sandstones: precipitation of carbonate cements modifies pores and inhibits compaction, while dissolution creates secondary pores. This work proposed a precipitation-dissolution model for carbonate cements-CO2-H2O system by means of ion equilibrium concentration ([M2+], M = Ca, Mg, Fe or Mn) with different factors, such as temperature, depth, pH, [Formula: see text], variable rock composition and overpressure. Precipitation-dissolution reaction routes were also analyzed by minimization of the total Gibbs free energy (ΔG). Δ[M2+], the variation of [Ca2+], [Fe2+], [Mg2+] or [Mn2+] for every 100 m of burial depths, is used to predict precipitation or dissolution. The calculation results indicate that the increasing temperature results in decrease of equilibrium constant of reactions, while the increasing pressure results in a relatively smaller increase of equilibrium constant; As a result, with increasing burial depth, which brings about increase of both temperature and pressure, carbonate cements dissolve firstly and produces the maximal dissolved amounts, and then precipitation happens with further increasing depth; For example, calcite is dissolving from 0.0 km to 3.0 km with a maximal value of [Ca2+] at depth of 0.8 km, and then precipitates with depth deeper than 3.0 km. Meanwhile, with an increasing CO2 mole fraction in the gaseous phase from 0.1% to 10.0% in carbonate systems, the aqueous concentration of metal ions increases, e.g., dissolved amount of CaFe0.7Mg0.3(CO3)2 increases and reaches maximum of 1.78 mmol·L-1 and 8.26 mmol·L-1 at burial depth of 0.7 km with CO2 mole fraction of 0.1% and 10.0%, respectively. For the influence of overpressure in the calcite system, with overpressure ranging from 36 MPa to 83 MPa, pH reaches a minimum of 6.8 at overpressure of 51 MPa; meanwhile, Δ[Ca2+] increases slightly from -2.24 mmol·L-1 to -2.17 mmol·L-1 and remains negative, indicating it is also a precipitation process at burial depth of 3.9 km where overpressure generated. The method used in this study can be applied in assessing burial precipitation-dissolution processes and predicting possible pores in reservoirs with carbonate cement-water-carbon dioxide.

  20. Fabrication and Characterization of Biomimetic Collagen-Apatite Scaffolds with Tunable Structures for Bone Tissue Engineering

    PubMed Central

    Xia, Zengmin; Yu, Xiaohua; Jiang, Xi; Brody, Harold D; Rowe, David W; Wei, Mei

    2013-01-01

    The objective of the current study is to prepare a biomimetic collagen-apatite (Col-Ap) scaffold for improved bone repair and regeneration. A novel bottom-up approach has been developed, which combines a biomimetic self-assembly method with a controllable freeze casting technology. In this study, the mineralized collagen fibers were generated using a simple one-step co-precipitation method which involved collagen self-assembly and in situ apatite precipitation in a collagen-containing modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF). The precipitates were subjected to controllable freeze casting, forming scaffolds with either an isotropic equiaxed structure or a unidirectional lamellar structure. These scaffolds were comprised of collagen fibers and poorly crystalline bone-like carbonated apatite nanoparticles. The mineral content in the scaffold could be tailored in a range 0–54 wt% by simply adjusting the collagen content in the m-SBF. Further, the mechanisms of the formation of both the equiaxed and the lamellar scaffolds were investigated, and freezing regimes for equiaxed and lamellar solidification were established. Finally, bone forming capability of such prepared scaffolds was evaluated in vivo in a mouse calvarial defect model. It was confirmed that the scaffolds well support new bone formation. PMID:23567944

  1. Leaf anatomy, BVOC emission and CO2 exchange of arctic plants following snow addition and summer warming.

    PubMed

    Schollert, Michelle; Kivimäenpää, Minna; Michelsen, Anders; Blok, Daan; Rinnan, Riikka

    2017-02-01

    Climate change in the Arctic is projected to increase temperature, precipitation and snowfall. This may alter leaf anatomy and gas exchange either directly or indirectly. Our aim was to assess whether increased snow depth and warming modify leaf anatomy and affect biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions and CO 2 exchange of the widespread arctic shrubs Betula nana and Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum METHODS: Measurements were conducted in a full-factorial field experiment in Central West Greenland, with passive summer warming by open-top chambers and snow addition using snow fences. Leaf anatomy was assessed using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. BVOC emissions were measured using a dynamic enclosure system and collection of BVOCs into adsorbent cartridges analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Carbon dioxide exchange was measured using an infrared gas analyser. Despite a later snowmelt and reduced photosynthesis for B. nana especially, no apparent delays in the BVOC emissions were observed in response to snow addition. Only a few effects of the treatments were seen for the BVOC emissions, with sesquiterpenes being the most responsive compound group. Snow addition affected leaf anatomy by increasing the glandular trichome density in B. nana and modifying the mesophyll of E. hermaphroditum The open-top chambers thickened the epidermis of B. nana, while increasing the glandular trichome density and reducing the palisade:spongy mesophyll ratio in E. hermaphroditum CONCLUSIONS: Leaf anatomy was modified by both treatments already after the first winter and we suggest links between leaf anatomy, CO 2 exchange and BVOC emissions. While warming is likely to reduce soil moisture, melt water from a deeper snow pack alleviates water stress in the early growing season. The study emphasizes the ecological importance of changes in winter precipitation in the Arctic, which can interact with climate-warming effects. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  2. Leaf anatomy, BVOC emission and CO2 exchange of arctic plants following snow addition and summer warming

    PubMed Central

    Schollert, Michelle; Kivimäenpää, Minna; Michelsen, Anders; Blok, Daan; Rinnan, Riikka

    2017-01-01

    Background and Aims Climate change in the Arctic is projected to increase temperature, precipitation and snowfall. This may alter leaf anatomy and gas exchange either directly or indirectly. Our aim was to assess whether increased snow depth and warming modify leaf anatomy and affect biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions and CO2 exchange of the widespread arctic shrubs Betula nana and Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum. Methods Measurements were conducted in a full-factorial field experiment in Central West Greenland, with passive summer warming by open-top chambers and snow addition using snow fences. Leaf anatomy was assessed using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. BVOC emissions were measured using a dynamic enclosure system and collection of BVOCs into adsorbent cartridges analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Carbon dioxide exchange was measured using an infrared gas analyser. Key Results Despite a later snowmelt and reduced photosynthesis for B. nana especially, no apparent delays in the BVOC emissions were observed in response to snow addition. Only a few effects of the treatments were seen for the BVOC emissions, with sesquiterpenes being the most responsive compound group. Snow addition affected leaf anatomy by increasing the glandular trichome density in B. nana and modifying the mesophyll of E. hermaphroditum. The open-top chambers thickened the epidermis of B. nana, while increasing the glandular trichome density and reducing the palisade:spongy mesophyll ratio in E. hermaphroditum. Conclusions Leaf anatomy was modified by both treatments already after the first winter and we suggest links between leaf anatomy, CO2 exchange and BVOC emissions. While warming is likely to reduce soil moisture, melt water from a deeper snow pack alleviates water stress in the early growing season. The study emphasizes the ecological importance of changes in winter precipitation in the Arctic, which can interact with climate-warming effects. PMID:28064192

  3. Influence of composition on precipitation behavior and stress rupture properties in INCONEL RTM740 series superalloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Casias, Andrea M.

    Increasing demands for energy efficiency and reduction in CO2 emissions have led to the development of advanced ultra-supercritical (AUSC) boilers. These boilers operate at temperatures of 760 °C and pressures of 35 MPa, providing efficiencies close to 50 pct. However, austenitic stainless steels typically used in boiler applications do not have sufficient creep or oxidation resistance. For this reason, nickel (Ni)-based superalloys, such as IN740, have been identified as potential materials for AUSC boiler tube components. However, IN740 is susceptible to heat-affected-zone liquation cracking in the base metal of heavy section weldments. To improve weldability, IN740H was developed. However, IN740H has lower stress rupture ductility compared to IN740. For this reason, two IN740H modifications have been produced by lowering carbon content and increasing boron content. In this study, IN740, IN740H, and the two modified IN740H alloys (modified 1 and 2) were produced with equiaxed grain sizes of 90 ìm (alloys IN740, IN740H, and IN740H modified 1 alloys) and 112 µm (IN740H modified 2 alloy). An aging study was performed at 800 °C on all alloys for 1, 3, 10, and 30 hours to assess precipitation behavior. Stress rupture tests were performed at 760 °C with the goal of attaining stress levels that would yield rupture at 1000 hours. The percent reduction in area was measured after failure as a measure of creep ductility. Light optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy were used in conjunction with X-ray diffraction to examine precipitation behavior of annealed, aged, and stress rupture tested samples. The amount and type of precipitation that occurred during aging prior to stress rupture testing or in-situ during stress rupture testing influenced damage development, stress rupture life, and ductility. In terms of stress rupture life, IN740H modified 2 performed the best followed by IN740H modified 1 and IN740, which performed similarly, and IN740H. In terms of stress rupture ductility, IN740H modified 1 performed the best, followed by IN740H modified 2, IN740, and IN740H. G-phase, η, M23C 6, and MX precipitated in IN740 during stress rupture testing. IN740H and the two modified alloys displayed M23C6 precipitates that were often in lamellar form and blocky MX precipitates. However, IN740H displayed more extensive formation of lamellar precipitates along grain boundaries after both aging and during stress rupture testing, which negatively influenced stress rupture life and ductility. Grain size was also shown to influence stress rupture life and ductility; a larger grain size increased stress rupture life, but decreased ductility as shown by the IN740H modified 1 and 2 alloy results. Transmission electron microscopy analysis was performed to assess the lamellar precipitation in IN740H. These precipitates were identified to be Cr-rich M23C6 that form by discontinuous cellular precipitation (DCP). The M23C6 precipitates were found to adopt different {111} habit planes based on the conditions of DCP boundary migration. Discontinuous precipitation of lamellar M23C6 is harmful to stress rupture life and ductility.

  4. Effect of modification methods on the surface properties and n-butane isomerization performance of La/Ni-promoted SO42-/ZrO2-Al2O3

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Pengzhao; Zhang, Jiaoyu; Han, Chaoyi; Yang, Chaohe; Li, Chunyi

    2016-08-01

    The La and/or Ni was introduced into alumina-promoted sulfated zirconia by impregnation and co-precipitation to improve the catalytic property of n-butane isomerization. Catalysts characterization shows that the addition of La/Ni has a remarkable influence on the surface and textual properties depending on the modification method. The impregnation of La/Ni facilitates the transformation of a small amount of tetragonal zirconia into monoclinic phase, while the co-precipitation improves the stability of tetragonal ZrO2. H2-TPR indicates that the addition of La/Ni changes the interaction between SO42- and supports, which affects the acidity on the surface. Specifically, the Lewis acidity is significantly enhanced by either modification method. The co-precipitation reserves almost all of the Brønsted acid sites, while the impregnation causes a remarkable decrease of Brønsted acid sites. Reaction results demonstrate that the co-precipitation exhibits a significant advantage over impregnation that the higher conversion of n-butane and selectivity to isobutane are obtained on the catalyst prepared by co-precipitation. The increase of catalytic activity is ascribed to the accelerated activation rate of n-butane molecules by hydride subtraction on the Lewis acid sites at higher reaction temperature. Furthermore, the addition of La/Ni improves the selectivity to isobutane by inhibiting the bimolecular reaction.

  5. Ultrasound assisted co-precipitation of nanostructured CuO-ZnO-Al2O3 over HZSM-5: effect of precursor and irradiation power on nanocatalyst properties and catalytic performance for direct syngas to DME.

    PubMed

    Allahyari, Somaiyeh; Haghighi, Mohammad; Ebadi, Amanollah; Hosseinzadeh, Shahin

    2014-03-01

    Nanostructured CuO-ZnO-Al2O3/HZSM-5 was synthesized from nitrate and acetate precursors using ultrasound assisted co-precipitation method under different irradiation powers. The CuO-ZnO-Al2O3/HZSM-5 nanocatalysts were characterized using XRD, FESEM, BET, FTIR and EDX Dot-mapping analyses. The results indicated precursor type and irradiation power have significant influences on phase structure, morphology, surface area and functional groups. It was observed that the acetate formulated CuO-ZnO-Al2O3/HZSM-5 nanocatalyst have smaller CuO crystals with better dispersion and stronger interaction between components in comparison to nitrate based nanocatalysts. Ultrasound assisted co-precipitation synthesis method resulted in nanocatalyst with more uniform morphology compared to conventional method and increasing irradiation power yields smaller particles with better dispersion and higher surface area. Additionally the crystallinity of CuO is lower at high irradiation powers leading to stronger interaction between metal oxides. The nanocatalysts performance were tested at 200-300 °C, 10-40 bar and space velocity of 18,000-36,000 cm(3)/g h with the inlet gas composition of H2/CO = 2/1 in a stainless steel autoclave reactor. The acetate based nanocatalysts irradiated with higher levels of power exhibited better reactivity in terms of CO conversion and DME yield. While there is an optimal temperature for CO conversion and DME yield in direct synthesis of DME, CO conversion and DME yield both increase with the pressure increase. Furthermore ultrasound assisted co-precipitation method yields more stable CuO-ZnO-Al2O3/HZSM-5 nanocatalyst while conventional precipitated nanocatalyst lost their activity ca. 18% and 58% in terms of CO conversion and DME yield respectively in 24 h time on stream test.

  6. Solubility and precipitation of nicotinic acid in supercritical carbon dioxide.

    PubMed

    Rehman, M; Shekunov, B Y; York, P; Colthorpe, P

    2001-10-01

    Solubilities of a model compound (nicotinic acid) in pure supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO(2)) and SC-CO(2) modified with methanol have been measured in the pressure range of 80-200 bar and between temperatures of 35 and 90 degrees C. On-line ultraviolet detection enabled a simple and relatively fast measurement of very low levels of solubility (10(-7) mol fraction) with good accuracy in pure and modified SC-CO(2). The solute solubility in both pure SC-CO(2) and SC-CO(2) modified with methanol increased with pressure at all investigated temperatures. A retrograde solubility behavior was observed in that, at pressures below 120 bar, a solubility decrease on temperature increase occurred. Solubility data were used to calculate supersaturation values and to define optimum operating conditions to obtain crystalline particles 1-5 microm in diameter using the solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS) process, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of a one-step production process for particulate pharmaceuticals suitable for respiratory drug delivery. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 90:1570-1582, 2001

  7. The effects of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactant on alumina modified zinc oxides

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

    Gac, Wojciech, E-mail: wojciech.gac@umcs.lublin.pl; Zawadzki, Witold; Słowik, Grzegorz

    Highlights: • Synthesis of novel ZnO−Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} oxides in the presence of CTAB surfactant. • Determination of the structural, surface and optical properties. • Nanocrystalline, high-surface area ZnO−Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} oxides. • ZnO-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} materials of different gap energy. - Abstract: Novel alumina modified zinc oxide materials were prepared by co-precipitation method in the presence of different amounts of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant. X-ray diffraction, {sup 27}Al magic-angle spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy studies evidenced formation of 10–15 nm zinc oxide nanoparticles in the presence of the small amounts of surfactant. Amorphous alumina andmore » zinc aluminate phases of different coordination environment of Al sites were identified. An increase of surfactant concentration led to the elongation of nanoparticles and changes of the nature of hydroxyl groups. Precipitation in the high CTAB concentration conditions facilitated formation of mesoporous materials of high specific surface area. The materials were composed of very small (2–3 nm) zinc aluminate spinel nanoparticles. High concentration of CTAB induced widening of band gap energy.« less

  8. Interpolating precipitation and its relation to runoff and non-point source pollution.

    PubMed

    Chang, Chia-Ling; Lo, Shang-Lien; Yu, Shaw-L

    2005-01-01

    When rainfall spatially varies, complete rainfall data for each region with different rainfall characteristics are very important. Numerous interpolation methods have been developed for estimating unknown spatial characteristics. However, no interpolation method is suitable for all circumstances. In this study, several methods, including the arithmetic average method, the Thiessen Polygons method, the traditional inverse distance method, and the modified inverse distance method, were used to interpolate precipitation. The modified inverse distance method considers not only horizontal distances but also differences between the elevations of the region with no rainfall records and of its surrounding rainfall stations. The results show that when the spatial variation of rainfall is strong, choosing a suitable interpolation method is very important. If the rainfall is uniform, the precipitation estimated using any interpolation method would be quite close to the actual precipitation. When rainfall is heavy in locations with high elevation, the rainfall changes with the elevation. In this situation, the modified inverse distance method is much more effective than any other method discussed herein for estimating the rainfall input for WinVAST to estimate runoff and non-point source pollution (NPSP). When the spatial variation of rainfall is random, regardless of the interpolation method used to yield rainfall input, the estimation errors of runoff and NPSP are large. Moreover, the relationship between the relative error of the predicted runoff and predicted pollutant loading of SS is high. However, the pollutant concentration is affected by both runoff and pollutant export, so the relationship between the relative error of the predicted runoff and the predicted pollutant concentration of SS may be unstable.

  9. Growth and physiological plasticity among differentially adapted genotypes of a widespread C4 grass under altered precipitation

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Background/Question/Methods Variation in precipitation expected with climate change may impact plant fitness and alter ecosystem dynamics by modifying species phenology, productivity, and physiology. Species responses to varied precipitation will depend in part on plastic responses of genotypes ad...

  10. Application of antifungal CFB to increase the durability of cement mortar.

    PubMed

    Park, Jong-Myong; Park, Sung-Jin; Kim, Wha-Jung; Ghim, Sa-Youl

    2012-07-01

    Antifungal cement mortar or microbiological calcium carbonate precipitation on cement surface has been investigated as functional concrete research. However, these research concepts have never been fused with each other. In this study, we introduced the antifungal calciteforming bacteria (CFB) Bacillus aryabhattai KNUC205, isolated from an urban tunnel (Daegu, South Korea). The major fungal deteriogens in urban tunnel, Cladosporium sphaerospermum KNUC253, was used as a sensitive fungal strain. B. aryabhattai KNUC205 showed CaCO3 precipitation on B4 medium. Cracked cement mortar pastes were made and neutralized by modified methods. Subsequently, the mixture of B. aryabhattai KNUC205, conidiospore of C. sphaerospermum KNUC253, and B4 agar was applied to cement cracks and incubated at 18 degrees C for 16 days. B. aryabhattai KNUC205 showed fungal growth inhibition against C. sphaerospermum. Furthermore, B. aryabhattai KNUC205 showed crack remediation ability and water permeability reduction of cement mortar pastes. Taken together, these results suggest that the CaCO3 precipitation and antifungal properties of B. aryabhattai KNUC205 could be used as an effective sealing or coating material that can also prevent deteriorative fungal growth. This study is the first application and evaluation research that incorporates calcite formation with antifungal capabilities of microorganisms for an environment-friendly and more effective protection of cement materials. In this research, the conception of microbial construction materials was expanded.

  11. AN INVESTIGATION OF ARSENIC MOBILITY FROM IRON OXIDE SOLIDS PRODUCED DURING DRINKING WATER TREATMENT

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Arsenic Rule under the Safe Drinking Water Act will require certain drinking water suppliers to add to or modify their existing treatment in order to comply with the regulations. One of the treatment options is iron co-precipitation. This treatment is attractive because ars...

  12. ARSENIC MOBILITY FROM IRON OXIDE SOLIDS PRODUCED DURING WATER TREATMENT

    EPA Science Inventory

    The Arsenic Rule under the Safe Drinking Water Act will require certain drinking water suppliers to add to or modify their existing treatment in order to comply with the new 10 ppb arsenic standard. One of the treatment options is co-precipitation of arsenic with iron. This tre...

  13. Colloidally stable surface-modified iron oxide nanoparticles: Preparation, characterization and anti-tumor activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Macková, Hana; Horák, Daniel; Donchenko, Georgiy Viktorovich; Andriyaka, Vadim Ivanovich; Palyvoda, Olga Mikhailovna; Chernishov, Vladimir Ivanovich; Chekhun, Vasyl Fedorovich; Todor, Igor Nikolaevich; Kuzmenko, Oleksandr Ivanovich

    2015-04-01

    Maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles were obtained by co-precipitation of Fe(II) and Fe(III) chlorides and subsequent oxidation with sodium hypochlorite and coated with poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) [P(DMAAm-AA)]. They were characterized by a range of methods including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements. The effect of superparamagnetic P(DMAAm-AA)-γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on oxidation of blood lipids, glutathione and proteins in blood serum was detected using 2-thiobarbituric acid and the ThioGlo fluorophore. Finally, mice received magnetic nanoparticles administered per os and the antitumor activity of the particles was tested on Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) in male mice line C57BL/6 as an experimental in vivo metastatic tumor model; the tumor size was measured and the number of metastases in lungs was determined. Surface-modified γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles showed higher antitumor and antimetastatic activities than commercial CuFe2O4 particles and the conventional antitumor agent cisplatin.

  14. Geoengineering as a design problem

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

    Kravitz, Ben; MacMartin, Douglas G.; Wang, Hailong

    2016-01-01

    Understanding the climate impacts of solar geoengineering is essential for evaluating its benefits and risks. Most previous simulations have prescribed a particular strategy and evaluated its modeled effects. Here we turn this approach around by first choosing example climate objectives and then designing a strategy to meet those objectives in climate models. There are four essential criteria for designing a strategy: (i) an explicit specification of the objectives, (ii) defining what climate forcing agents to modify so the objectives are met, (iii) a method for managing uncertainties, and (iv) independent verification of the strategy in an evaluation model. We demonstrate this design perspective throughmore » two multi-objective examples. First, changes in Arctic temperature and the position of tropical precipitation due to CO 2 increases are offset by adjusting high-latitude insolation in each hemisphere independently. Second, three different latitude-dependent patterns of insolation are modified to offset CO 2-induced changes in global mean temperature, interhemispheric temperature asymmetry, and the Equator-to-pole temperature gradient. In both examples, the "design" and "evaluation" models are state-of-the-art fully coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation models.« less

  15. Improving thermal and electrochemical performances of LiCoO{sub 2} cathode at high cut-off charge potentials by MF{sub 3} (M=Ce, Al) coating

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

    Aboulaich, Abdelmaula, E-mail: a.aboulaich@managemgroup.com; Ouzaouit, Khalid; Faqir, Hakim

    2016-01-15

    Highlights: • Fluoride metal is successfully coated on the surface of LiCoO{sub 2}. • Easy and scalable method is adopted for the synthesis of coated-LiCoO{sub 2}. • Appropriate amount of AlF{sub 3} or CeF{sub 3} is beneficial to reduce cation disorder. • The electrochemical performances of coated LiCoO{sub 2} is significantly enhanced at higher potential (cycling efficiency and reversible capacity). • The coated cathode exhibits excellent thermal stability highlighted by calorimetric technique. - Abstract: Surface coating of LiCoO{sub 2} remained one of the efficient methods to enhance its electrochemical and thermal performances, especially at high cut-off potential. In this work,more » MF{sub 3} (M = Ce, Al) coated LiCoO{sub 2} was synthesized via co-precipitation method followed by a solid state reaction at 400 °C. The morphology and structure of the modified cathode material were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that the fluoride compound MF{sub 3} is successfully coated on the surface of LiCoO{sub 2} cathode particles with an average layer thickness about 12 nm and 40 nm for AlF{sub 3} and CeF{sub 3}, respectively. The electrochemical tests show that the AlF{sub 3}-coating layer significantly enhances the cycling performance of LiCoO{sub 2} cathode material, even at high cut-off potential. While the bare LiCoO{sub 2} cathode displays fast fading at 4.6 V vs. Li{sup +}/Li cutoff potential, the surface-modified electrode exhibits the great capacity of 160 mAh g{sup −1} with excellent capacity retention on several cycles. We concluded that the electrochemical and the thermal enhancement at high potential are ascribed to the presence of MF{sub 3} coating layer which prevent the side reaction during the charge discharge process, alleviate the attack by the acidic electrolyte and reduce the damage of electrode structure.« less

  16. Method for producing UO$sub 2$ loaded refractory metals

    DOEpatents

    Baker, R.D.; Hayter, S.W.; Lewis, H.D.

    1973-12-11

    A finely divided dispersion of UO/sub 2/ in tungsten or molybdenum is prepared by co-precipitating the metals from mixed aqueous solution with oxine. The co-precipitate thus formed is separated from the solution, dried, calcined, and finally reduced to UO/sub 2/ and refractory metal. (Official Gazette)

  17. Fabrication and characterization of biomimetic collagen-apatite scaffolds with tunable structures for bone tissue engineering.

    PubMed

    Xia, Zengmin; Yu, Xiaohua; Jiang, Xi; Brody, Harold D; Rowe, David W; Wei, Mei

    2013-07-01

    The objective of the current study is to prepare a biomimetic collagen-apatite scaffold for improved bone repair and regeneration. A novel bottom-up approach has been developed, which combines a biomimetic self-assembly method with a controllable freeze-casting technology. In this study, the mineralized collagen fibers were generated using a simple one-step co-precipitation method which involved collagen self-assembly and in situ apatite precipitation in a collagen-containing modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF). The precipitates were then subjected to controllable freeze casting, forming scaffolds with either an isotropic equiaxed structure or a unidirectional lamellar structure. These scaffolds were comprised of collagen fibers and poorly crystalline bone-like carbonated apatite nanoparticles. The mineral content in the scaffold could be tailored in the range 0-54wt.% by simply adjusting the collagen content in the m-SBF. Further, the mechanisms of the formation of both the equiaxed and the lamellar scaffolds were investigated, and freezing regimes for equiaxed and lamellar solidification were established. Finally, the bone-forming capability of such prepared scaffolds was evaluated in vivo in a mouse calvarial defect model. It was confirmed that the scaffolds well support new bone formation. Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Preparation and Application of Hollow Silica/magnetic Nanocomposite Particle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Cheng-Chien; Lin, Jing-Mo; Lin, Chun-Rong; Wang, Sheng-Chang

    The hollow silica/cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) magnetic microsphere with amino-groups were successfully prepared via several steps, including preparing the chelating copolymer microparticles as template by soap-free emulsion polymerization, manufacturing the hollow cobalt ferrite magnetic microsphere by in-situ chemical co-precipitation following calcinations, and surface modifying of the hollow magnetic microsphere by 3-aminopropyltrime- thoxysilane via the sol-gel method. The average diameter of polymer microspheres was ca. 200 nm from transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurement. The structure of the hollow magnetic microsphere was characterized by using TEM and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The spinel-type lattice of CoFe2O4 shell layer was identified by using XRD measurement. The diameter of CoFe2O4 crystalline grains ranged from 54.1 nm to 8.5 nm which was estimated by Scherrer's equation. Additionally, the hollow silica/cobalt ferrite microsphere possesses superparamagnetic property after VSM measurement. The result of BET measurement reveals the hollow magnetic microsphere which has large surface areas (123.4m2/g). After glutaraldehyde modified, the maximum value of BSA immobilization capacity of the hollow magnetic microsphere was 33.8 mg/g at pH 5.0 buffer solution. For microwave absorption, when the hollow magnetic microsphere was compounded within epoxy resin, the maximum reflection loss of epoxy resins could reach -35dB at 5.4 GHz with 1.9 mm thickness.

  19. Effects of Precipitant and pH on Coprecipitation of Nanosized Co-Cr-V Alloy Powders.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xiaoyu; Li, Yongxia; Huang, Lan; Zou, Dan; Wu, Enxi; Liu, Yanjun; Xie, Yuanyan; Yao, Rui; Liao, Songyi; Wang, Guangrong; Zheng, Feng

    2017-09-21

    Nanosized Co-Cr-V alloy powders were synthesized via coprecipitation method. Effects of precipitants ((NH₄)₂C₂O₄·H₂O and Na₂CO₃) and pH were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential analyzer, thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Co-Cr-V alloy powders were consisted of major face-centered cubic Co (fcc Co) and minor hexagonal close-packed Co (hcp Co). Grain sizes of precursors and Co-Cr-V alloy powders were increased with pH value (7-10) within the ranges of 3~39 and 39~66 nm, respectively. Rod-like or granular Co-Cr-V alloy particles were assembled by interconnected nanograins. At pH = 7, Na₂CO₃ precipitant was found to be beneficial to maintain the desirable composition of Co-Cr-V powders. It was also found that lower pH favors the maintenance of pre-designed composition, while grain coarsens at higher pH. Effects of variation for precipitant and pH on the morphology and composition of Co-Cr-V alloy powder were discussed in detail and relevant mechanism was further proposed.

  20. Magnetic and dielectric characterization of Co{sub 0.9}Ni{sub 0.1}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} prepared by hydroxide co-precipitation method

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

    Mane, S. M., E-mail: manesagar99@gmail.com; Vijaysingh Mohite Patil Mahavidyalaya Natepute, Solapur-413109; Tirmali, P. M., E-mail: pravintirmali@gmail.com

    2016-04-13

    Co{sub 1–x} Ni{sub x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (where x=0.1) were prepared by using the hydroxide co-precipitation method. An obtained precipitate was sintered at 1100°C by microwave sintering technique. The structural analysis confirms the single-phase cubic spinel structure with Fd-3m space group. The magnetic characterization was carried out at temperature 300K.Saturation magnetisation and coercivity is 77.22 and 908 Oe. Irreversibility is observed between the ZFC and FC curves at 100 Oe. The variation in the dielectric constant and loss tangent are studied at room temperature with increasing frequency. Continues decrease in the the dielectric constant with increasing frequency shows inverse dependence onmore » frequency. Morphological and elemental studies were done by using the scanning electron microscope with EDAX.« less

  1. Superparamagnetic Fe3 O4 @SiO2 core-shell composite nanoparticles for the mixed hemimicelle solid-phase extraction of benzodiazepines from hair and wastewater samples before high-performance liquid chromatography analysis.

    PubMed

    Esmaeili-Shahri, Effat; Es'haghi, Zarrin

    2015-12-01

    Magnetic Fe3 O4 /SiO2 composite core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized, and applied for the surfactant-assisted solid-phase extraction of five benzodiazepines diazepam, oxazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam, and midazolam, from human hair and wastewater samples before high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The nanocomposite was synthesized in two steps. First, Fe3 O4 nanoparticles were prepared by the chemical co-precipitation method of Fe(III) and Fe(II) as reaction substrates and NH3 /H2 O as precipitant. Second, the surface of Fe3 O4 nanoparticles was modified with shell silica by Stober method using tetraethylorthosilicate. The Fe3 O4 /SiO2 composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. To enhance their adsorptive tendency toward benzodiazepines, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide was added, which was adsorbed on the surface of the Fe3 O4 /SiO2 nanoparticles and formed mixed hemimicelles. The main parameters affecting the efficiency of the method were thoroughly investigated. Under optimum conditions, the calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.10-15 μgmL(-1) . The relative standard deviations ranged from 2.73 to 7.07%. The correlation coefficients varied from 0.9930 to 0.9996. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. Synthesis, characterization and magnetic property of maghemite (γ-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) nanoparticles and their protective coating with pepsin for bio-functionalization

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

    Bandhu, A.; Sutradhar, S.; Mukherjee, S.

    Highlights: • Maghemite nanoparticles were prepared by a modified co-precipitation method. • Nanoparticles were then successfully coated with pepsin for bio-functionlization. • XRD and Mössbauer spectra confirmed the maghemite phase of the nanoparticles. • Magnetic data were analysed to evaluate particle size, anisotropy etc. - Abstract: Maghemite nanoparticles (γ-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) are prepared by co-precipitation method. To obtain bio-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for magnetically controlled drug delivery, the prepared nanoparticles are successfully coated with pepsin, a bio-compatible polymer and digestive enzyme. Crystallographic phase of the nanoparticles is confirmed by X-ray diffractograms (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and {sup 57}Femore » Mössbauer spectrometry. The average size of nanoparticles/nanocrystallites is estimated from the (3 1 1) peak of the XRD pattern using Debye–Scherrer formula. Results of HRTEM of coated and bare samples are in good agreement with those extracted from the XRD analysis. The dynamic magnetic properties are observed and different quantities viz., coercive field, magnetization, remanence, hysteresis losses etc., are estimated, which confirmed the presence of superparamagnetic relaxation of nanoparticles. Mössbauer spectra of the samples recorded at both 300 and 77 K, confirmed that the majority of particles are maghemite together with a very small fraction of magnetite nanoparticles.« less

  3. Reactive transport modelling to infer changes in soil hydraulic properties induced by non-conventional water irrigation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Valdes-Abellan, Javier; Jiménez-Martínez, Joaquín; Candela, Lucila; Jacques, Diederik; Kohfahl, Claus; Tamoh, Karim

    2017-06-01

    The use of non-conventional water (e.g., treated wastewater, desalinated water) for different purposes is increasing in many water scarce regions of the world. Its use for irrigation may have potential drawbacks, because of mineral dissolution/precipitation processes, such as changes in soil physical and hydraulic properties (e.g., porosity, permeability), modifying infiltration and aquifer recharge processes or blocking root growth. Prediction of soil and groundwater impacts is essential for achieving sustainable agricultural practices. A numerical model to solve unsaturated water flow and non-isothermal multicomponent reactive transport has been modified implementing the spatio-temporal evolution of soil physical and hydraulic properties. A long-term process simulation (30 years) of agricultural irrigation with desalinated water, based on a calibrated/validated 1D numerical model in a semi-arid region, is presented. Different scenarios conditioning reactive transport (i.e., rainwater irrigation, lack of gypsum in the soil profile, and lower partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2)) have also been considered. Results show that although boundary conditions and mineral soil composition highly influence the reactive processes, dissolution/precipitation of carbonate species is triggered mainly by pCO2, closely related to plant roots. Calcite dissolution occurs in the root zone, precipitation takes place under it and at the soil surface, which will lead a root growth blockage and a direct soil evaporation decrease, respectively. For the studied soil, a gypsum dissolution up to 40 cm depth is expected at long-term, with a general increase of porosity and hydraulic conductivity.

  4. Synthesis of porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} microstructure by precipitation method and its potential applications in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate

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

    Lu Shanshan; Jing Xiaoyan; Liu Jingyuan

    2013-01-15

    Porous sheet-like cobalt oxide (Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}) were successfully synthesized by precipitation method combined with calcination of cobalt hydroxide precursors. The structure, morphology and porosity properties of the products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurement. The as-prepared sheet-like microstructures were approximately 2-3 {mu}m in average diameter, and the morphology of the cobalt hydroxide precursors was retained after the calcination process. However, it appeared a large number of uniform pores in the sheets after calcination. In order to calculate the potential catalytic activity, the thermal decomposition of ammoniummore » perchlorate (AP) has been analyzed, in which cobalt oxide played a role of an additive and the porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} microstructures exhibited high catalytic performance and considerable decrease in the thermal decomposition temperature of AP. Moreover, a formation mechanism for the sheet-like microstructures has been discussed. - Graphical abstract: Porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} were synthesized by facile precipitation method combined with calcination of {beta}-Co(OH){sub 2} precursors. Thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetric analysis indicates potential catalytic activity in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis of sheet-like {beta}-Co(OH){sub 2} precursors by precipitation method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} were obtained by calcining {beta}-Co(OH){sub 2} precursors. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The possible formation mechanism of porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} has been discussed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Porous sheet-like Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} decrease the thermal decomposition temperature of ammonium perchlorate.« less

  5. Optimized Extraction Method To Remove Humic Acid Interferences from Soil Samples Prior to Microbial Proteome Measurements

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

    Qian, Chen; Hettich, Robert L.

    The microbial composition and their activities in soil environments play a critical role in organic matter transformation and nutrient cycling, perhaps most specifically with respect to impact on plant growth but also more broadly to global impact on carbon and nitrogen-cycling. Liquid chromatography coupled to high performance mass spectrometry provides a powerful approach to characterize soil microbiomes; however, the limited microbial biomass and the presence of abundant interferences in soil samples present major challenges to soil proteome extraction and subsequent MS measurement. To address some of the major issues, we have designed and optimized an experimental method to enhance microbialmore » proteome extraction concomitant with minimizing the soil-borne humic substances co-extraction from soils. Among the range of interferences, humic substances are often the worst in terms of adversely impacting proteome extraction and mass spectrometry measurement. Our approach employs an in-situ detergent-based microbial lysis / TCA precipitation coupled with an additional acidification precipitation step at the peptide level which efficiently removes humic acids. By combing filtration and pH adjustment of the final peptide solution, the remaining humic acids can be differentially precipitated and removed with a membrane filter, thereby leaving much cleaner proteolytic peptide samples for MS measurement. As a result, this modified method is a reliable and straight-forward protein extraction method that efficiently removes soil-borne humic substances without inducing proteome sample loss or reducing or biasing protein identification in mass spectrometry.« less

  6. Optimized Extraction Method To Remove Humic Acid Interferences from Soil Samples Prior to Microbial Proteome Measurements

    DOE PAGES

    Qian, Chen; Hettich, Robert L.

    2017-05-24

    The microbial composition and their activities in soil environments play a critical role in organic matter transformation and nutrient cycling, perhaps most specifically with respect to impact on plant growth but also more broadly to global impact on carbon and nitrogen-cycling. Liquid chromatography coupled to high performance mass spectrometry provides a powerful approach to characterize soil microbiomes; however, the limited microbial biomass and the presence of abundant interferences in soil samples present major challenges to soil proteome extraction and subsequent MS measurement. To address some of the major issues, we have designed and optimized an experimental method to enhance microbialmore » proteome extraction concomitant with minimizing the soil-borne humic substances co-extraction from soils. Among the range of interferences, humic substances are often the worst in terms of adversely impacting proteome extraction and mass spectrometry measurement. Our approach employs an in-situ detergent-based microbial lysis / TCA precipitation coupled with an additional acidification precipitation step at the peptide level which efficiently removes humic acids. By combing filtration and pH adjustment of the final peptide solution, the remaining humic acids can be differentially precipitated and removed with a membrane filter, thereby leaving much cleaner proteolytic peptide samples for MS measurement. As a result, this modified method is a reliable and straight-forward protein extraction method that efficiently removes soil-borne humic substances without inducing proteome sample loss or reducing or biasing protein identification in mass spectrometry.« less

  7. CO-PRECIPITATION IN QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS. COMMUNICATION V. THE INFLUENCE EXERCISED BY COMPLEXION UPON THE PRECIPITATION OF ZIRCONIUM PHOSPHATE

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

    Babko, A.K.; Shtokalo, M.I.

    The influence exercised by ethylenediamino-tetraacetic acid upon some processes of precipitation was investigated. A sharp mopdification of the form of precipitate as well as a decrease of coprecipitation was ium and titanium by means of the phosphate ;method are given. (TCO-W.D.M.)

  8. Reference values assessment in a Mediterranean population for small dense low-density lipoprotein concentration isolated by an optimized precipitation method.

    PubMed

    Fernández-Cidón, Bárbara; Padró-Miquel, Ariadna; Alía-Ramos, Pedro; Castro-Castro, María José; Fanlo-Maresma, Marta; Dot-Bach, Dolors; Valero-Politi, José; Pintó-Sala, Xavier; Candás-Estébanez, Beatriz

    2017-01-01

    High serum concentrations of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sd-LDL-c) particles are associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Their clinical application has been hindered as a consequence of the laborious current method used for their quantification. Optimize a simple and fast precipitation method to isolate sd-LDL particles and establish a reference interval in a Mediterranean population. Forty-five serum samples were collected, and sd-LDL particles were isolated using a modified heparin-Mg 2+ precipitation method. sd-LDL-c concentration was calculated by subtracting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) from the total cholesterol measured in the supernatant. This method was compared with the reference method (ultracentrifugation). Reference values were estimated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine recommendations. sd-LDL-c concentration was measured in serums from 79 subjects with no lipid metabolism abnormalities. The Passing-Bablok regression equation is y = 1.52 (0.72 to 1.73) + 0.07 x (-0.1 to 0.13), demonstrating no significant statistical differences between the modified precipitation method and the ultracentrifugation reference method. Similarly, no differences were detected when considering only sd-LDL-c from dyslipidemic patients, since the modifications added to the precipitation method facilitated the proper sedimentation of triglycerides and other lipoproteins. The reference interval for sd-LDL-c concentration estimated in a Mediterranean population was 0.04-0.47 mmol/L. An optimization of the heparin-Mg 2+ precipitation method for sd-LDL particle isolation was performed, and reference intervals were established in a Spanish Mediterranean population. Measured values were equivalent to those obtained with the reference method, assuring its clinical application when tested in both normolipidemic and dyslipidemic subjects.

  9. Effects of Precipitant and pH on Coprecipitation of Nanosized Co-Cr-V Alloy Powders

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Xiaoyu; Li, Yongxia; Huang, Lan; Zou, Dan; Wu, Enxi; Liu, Yanjun; Xie, Yuanyan; Yao, Rui; Liao, Songyi; Wang, Guangrong

    2017-01-01

    Nanosized Co-Cr-V alloy powders were synthesized via coprecipitation method. Effects of precipitants ((NH4)2C2O4·H2O and Na2CO3) and pH were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential analyzer, thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Co-Cr-V alloy powders were consisted of major face-centered cubic Co (fcc Co) and minor hexagonal close-packed Co (hcp Co). Grain sizes of precursors and Co-Cr-V alloy powders were increased with pH value (7–10) within the ranges of 3~39 and 39~66 nm, respectively. Rod-like or granular Co-Cr-V alloy particles were assembled by interconnected nanograins. At pH = 7, Na2CO3 precipitant was found to be beneficial to maintain the desirable composition of Co-Cr-V powders. It was also found that lower pH favors the maintenance of pre-designed composition, while grain coarsens at higher pH. Effects of variation for precipitant and pH on the morphology and composition of Co-Cr-V alloy powder were discussed in detail and relevant mechanism was further proposed. PMID:28934147

  10. H2S-Modified Fe-Ti Spinel: A Recyclable Magnetic Sorbent for Recovering Gaseous Elemental Mercury from Flue Gas as a Co-Benefit of Wet Electrostatic Precipitators.

    PubMed

    Zou, Sijie; Liao, Yong; Xiong, Shangchao; Huang, Nan; Geng, Yang; Yang, Shijian

    2017-03-21

    The nonrecyclability of the sorbents used to capture Hg 0 from flue gas causes a high operation cost and the potential risk of exposure to Hg. The installation of wet electrostatic precipitators (WESPs) in coal-fired plants makes possible the recovery of spent sorbents for recycling and the centralized control of Hg pollution. In this work, a H 2 S-modified Fe-Ti spinel was developed as a recyclable magnetic sorbent to recover Hg 0 from flue gas as a co-benefit of the WESP. Although the Fe-Ti spinel exhibited poor Hg 0 capture activity in the temperature range of flue gas downstream of flue gas desulfurization, the H 2 S-modified Fe-Ti spinel exhibited excellent Hg 0 capture performance with an average adsorption rate of 1.92 μg g -1 min -1 at 60 °C and a capacity of 0.69 mg g -1 (5% of the breakthrough threshold) due to the presence of S 2 2- on its surface. The five cycles of Hg 0 capture, Hg 0 recovery, and sorbent regeneration demonstrated that the ability of the modified Fe-Ti spinel to capture Hg 0 did not degrade remarkably. Meanwhile, the ultralow concentration of Hg 0 in flue gas was increased to a high concentration of Hg 0 , which facilitated the centralized control of Hg pollution.

  11. First estimates of the contribution of CaCO3 precipitation to the release of CO2 to the atmosphere during young sea ice growth

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Geilfus, N.-X.; Carnat, G.; Dieckmann, G. S.; Halden, N.; Nehrke, G.; Papakyriakou, T.; Tison, J.-L.; Delille, B.

    2013-01-01

    report measurements of pH, total alkalinity, air-ice CO2 fluxes (chamber method), and CaCO3 content of frost flowers (FF) and thin landfast sea ice. As the temperature decreases, concentration of solutes in the brine skim increases. Along this gradual concentration process, some salts reach their solubility threshold and start precipitating. The precipitation of ikaite (CaCO3.6H2O) was confirmed in the FF and throughout the ice by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray analysis. The amount of ikaite precipitated was estimated to be 25 µmol kg-1 melted FF, in the FF and is shown to decrease from 19 to 15 µmol kg-1 melted ice in the upper part and at the bottom of the ice, respectively. CO2 release due to precipitation of CaCO3 is estimated to be 50 µmol kg-1 melted samples. The dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) normalized to a salinity of 10 exhibits significant depletion in the upper layer of the ice and in the FF. This DIC loss is estimated to be 2069 µmol kg-1 melted sample and corresponds to a CO2 release from the ice to the atmosphere ranging from 20 to 40 mmol m-2 d-1. This estimate is consistent with flux measurements of air-ice CO2 exchange. Our measurements confirm previous laboratory findings that growing young sea ice acts as a source of CO2 to the atmosphere. CaCO3 precipitation during early ice growth appears to promote the release of CO2 to the atmosphere; however, its contribution to the overall release by newly formed ice is most likely minor.

  12. CO2 methanation on the catalyst of Ni/MCM-41 promoted with CeO2.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiaoliu; Zhu, Lingjun; Liu, Yincong; Wang, Shurong

    2018-06-01

    CO 2 as a raw feed combined with renewable hydrogen for the production of useful chemicals and alternative energy products is one of the solutions to environmental and energy problems. In this study, a series of Ni-xCeO 2 /MCM-41 catalysts with a nickel content of 20wt% were prepared through deposition precipitation method for CO 2 methanation. Different characterization methods, including BET, XRD, TEM, SEM, H 2 -TPR and H 2 -TPD were applied to help explore the influence mechanism of CeO 2 on Ni/MCM-41 in CO 2 methanation. It was found that all CeO 2 -promoted catalysts exhibited enhanced catalytic activity when compared to Ni/MCM-41. The catalyst modified with 20wt% CeO 2 showed the best catalytic performance, with CO 2 conversion and CH 4 selectivity of 85.6% and 99.8%, respectively, at the temperature of 380°C under atmospheric pressure. The synergetic effects among Ni 0 active sites, the promoter and the support, including nickel dispersion improvement and increased CO 2 adsorption sites due to the addition of CeO 2 , were considered as important factors for high reactivity of the promoted catalysts. The stability test showed that the promoted catalyst maintained its high reactivity after 30h. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Effect of Co on Discontinuous Precipitation Transformation with TCP Phase in Ni-based Alloy Containing Re

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Qianying; An, Ning; Huo, Jiajie; Zheng, Yunrong; Feng, Qiang

    2017-05-01

    The effect of Co on discontinuous precipitation (DP) transformation involving the formation of topologically close-packed (TCP) phase was investigated in three Ni-Cr-Re model alloys containing different levels of Co. One typical TCP phase, σ, was generated within DP cellular colonies along the migrating grain boundaries in experimental alloys during aging treatment. As a result of the increased solubility of Re in the γ matrix and enlarged interlamellar spacing of σ precipitates inside of growing DP colonies, Co addition suppressed the formation of σ phase and associated DP colonies. This study suggests that Co could potentially serve as a microstructural stabilizer in Re-containing Ni-base superalloys, which provides an alternative method for the composition optimization of superalloys.

  14. The bovine immune response to Brucella abortus. III. Preparation of antisera against a Brucella component precipitated by sera of some infected cattle.

    PubMed Central

    Stemshorn, B; Nielsen, K; Samagh, B

    1981-01-01

    Two methods are described for the partial purification of a high molecular weight, heat-resistant component (CO1) of sonicates of smooth and rough Brucella abortus which is precipitated by sera of some infected cattle. Method 1, a combination of gel filtration chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was used to prepare CO1 from sonicates of a smooth field strain of B. abortus. Method 2, a combination of gel filtration chromatography and heat treatment, was used to obtain CO1, from sonicates of rough B. abortus strain 45/20. Rabbit antisera produced against CO1 prepared by either method contained only CO1 precipitins but were negative in standard agglutination and complement fixation tests conducted with whole cell antigens. Evidence is presented that CO1 is identical to Brucella antigen A2, and it is proposed that in future the designation A2 be employed. Images Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. Fig. 4. PMID:6791797

  15. Preparation of LuAG Powders with Single Phase and Good Dispersion for Transparent Ceramics Using Co-Precipitation Method

    PubMed Central

    Pan, Liangjie; Jiang, Benxue; Fan, Jintai; Yang, Qiuhong; Zhou, Chunlin; Zhang, Pande; Mao, Xiaojian; Zhang, Long

    2015-01-01

    The synthesis of pure and well dispersed lutetium aluminum garnet (LuAG) powder is crucial and important for the preparation of LuAG transparent ceramics. In this paper, high purity and well dispersed LuAG powders have been synthesized via co-precipitation method with lutetium nitrate and aluminum nitrate as raw materials. Ammonium hydrogen carbonate (AHC) was used as the precipitant. The influence of aging time, pH value, and dripping speed on the prepared LuAG powders were investigated. It showed that long aging duration (>15 h) with high terminal pH value (>7.80) resulted in segregation of rhombus Lu precipitate and Al precipitate. By decreasing the initial pH value or accelerating the dripping speed, rhombus Lu precipitate was eliminated and pure LuAG nano powders were synthesized. High quality LuAG transparent ceramics with transmission >75% at 1064 nm were fabricated using these well dispersed nano LuAG powders. PMID:28793510

  16. Preparation of LuAG Powders with Single Phase and Good Dispersion for Transparent Ceramics Using Co-Precipitation Method.

    PubMed

    Pan, Liangjie; Jiang, Benxue; Fan, Jintai; Yang, Qiuhong; Zhou, Chunlin; Zhang, Pande; Mao, Xiaojian; Zhang, Long

    2015-08-19

    The synthesis of pure and well dispersed lutetium aluminum garnet (LuAG) powder is crucial and important for the preparation of LuAG transparent ceramics. In this paper, high purity and well dispersed LuAG powders have been synthesized via co-precipitation method with lutetium nitrate and aluminum nitrate as raw materials. Ammonium hydrogen carbonate (AHC) was used as the precipitant. The influence of aging time, pH value, and dripping speed on the prepared LuAG powders were investigated. It showed that long aging duration (>15 h) with high terminal pH value (>7.80) resulted in segregation of rhombus Lu precipitate and Al precipitate. By decreasing the initial pH value or accelerating the dripping speed, rhombus Lu precipitate was eliminated and pure LuAG nano powders were synthesized. High quality LuAG transparent ceramics with transmission >75% at 1064 nm were fabricated using these well dispersed nano LuAG powders.

  17. Development of poly(aspartic acid-co-malic acid) composites for calcium carbonate and sulphate scale inhibition.

    PubMed

    Mithil Kumar, N; Gupta, Sanjay Kumar; Jagadeesh, Dani; Kanny, K; Bux, F

    2015-01-01

    Polyaspartic acid (PSI) is suitable for the inhibition of inorganic scale deposition. To enhance its scale inhibition efficiency, PSI was modified by reacting aspartic acid with malic acid (MA) using thermal polycondensation polymerization. This reaction resulted in poly(aspartic acid-co-malic acid) (PSI-co-MA) dual polymer. The structural, chemical and thermal properties of the dual polymers were analysed by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and gel permeation chromatography. The effectiveness of six different molar ratios of PSI-co-MA dual polymer for calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate scale inhibition at laboratory scale batch experiments was evaluated with synthetic brine solution at selected doses of polymer at 65-70°C by the static scale test method. The performance of PSI-co-MA dual polymer for the inhibition of calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate precipitation was compared with that of a PSI single polymer. The PSI-co-MA exhibited excellent ability to control inorganic minerals, with approximately 85.36% calcium carbonate inhibition and 100% calcium sulphate inhibition at a level of 10 mg/L PSI-co-MA, respectively. Therefore, it may be reasonably concluded that PSI-co-MA is a highly effective scale inhibitor for cooling water treatment applications.

  18. A modified method for determining tannin-protein precipitation capacity using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and microplate gel filtration.

    PubMed

    McArt, Scott H; Spalinger, Donald E; Kennish, John M; Collins, William B

    2006-06-01

    The protein precipitation assay used by Robbins et al., (1987) Ecology 68:98-107 has been shown to predict successfully the reduction in protein availability to some ruminants due to tannins. The procedure, however, is expensive and laborious, which limits its utility, especially for quantitative ecological or nutritional applications where large numbers of assays may be required. We have modified the method to decrease its cost and increase laboratory efficiency by: (1) automating the extraction by using Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE); and (2) by scaling and automating the precipitation reaction, chromatography, and spectrometry with microplate gel filtration and an automated UV-VIS microplate spectrometer. ASE extraction is shown to be as effective at extracting tannins as the hot methanol technique. Additionally, the microplate assay is sensitive and precise. We show that the results from the new technique correspond in a nearly 1:1 relationship to the results of the previous technique. Hence, this method could reliably replace the older method with no loss in relevance to herbivore protein digestion. Moreover, the ASE extraction technique should be applicable to other tannin-protein precipitation assays and possibly other phenolic assays.

  19. Surface Modification of SiO2 Microchannels with Biocompatible Polymer Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saito, Tatsuro; Momose, Takeshi; Hoshi, Toru; Takai, Madoka; Ishihara, Kazuhiko; Shimogaki, Yukihiro

    2010-11-01

    The surface of 500-mm-long microchannels in SiO2 microchips was modified using supercritical CO2 (scCO2) and a biocompatible polymer was coated on it to confer biocompatibility to the SiO2 surface. In this method, the SiO2 surface of a microchannel was coated with poly(ethylene glycol monomethacrylate) (PEGMA) as the biocompatible polymer using allyltriethoxysilane (ATES) as the anchor material in scCO2 as the reactive medium. Results were compared with those using the conventional wet method. The surface of a microchannel could not be modified by the wet method owing to the surface tension and viscosity of the liquid, but it was modified uniformly by the scCO2 method probably owing to the near-zero surface tension, low viscosity, and high diffusivity of scCO2. The effect of the surface modification by the scCO2 method to prevent the adsorption of protein was as high as that of the modification by the wet method. Modified microchips can be used in biochemical and medical analyses.

  20. Monodisperse magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles modified with water soluble polymers for the diagnosis of breast cancer by MRI method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rezayan, Ali Hossein; Mousavi, Majid; Kheirjou, Somayyeh; Amoabediny, Ghasem; Ardestani, Mehdi Shafiee; Mohammadnejad, Javad

    2016-12-01

    In this study, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized via co-precipitation method. To enhance the biocompatibility and colloidal stability of the synthesized nanoparticles, they were modified with carboxyl functionalized PEG via dopamine (DPA) linker. Both modified and unmodified Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibited super paramagnetic behavior (particle size below 20 nm). The saturation magnetization (Ms) of PEGdiacid-modified Fe3O4 was 45 emu/g, which was less than the unmodified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (70 emu/g). This difference indicated that PEGdiacid polymer was immobilized on the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles successfully. To evaluate the efficiency of the resulting nanoparticles as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), different concentration of MNPs and different value of echo time TE were investigated. The results showed that by increasing the concentration of the nanoparticles, transverse relaxation time (T2) decreased, which subsequently resulted in MR signal enhancement. T2-weighted MR images of the different concentration of MNPs in different value of echo time TE indicated that MR signal intensity increased with increase in TE value up to 66 and then remained constant. The cytotoxicity effect of the modified and unmodified nanoparticles was evaluated in three different concentrations (12, 60 and 312 mg l-1) on MDA-MB-231 cancer cells for 24 and 48 h. In both tested time (24 and 48 h) for all three samples, the modified nanoparticles had long life time than unmodified nanoparticles. Cellular uptake of modified MNPs was 80% and reduced to 9% by the unmodified MNPs.

  1. Calcium carbonate precipitation rate as a function of ion ratio in the presence & absence of Sr2+

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gebrehiwet, T.; Beig, M. S.; Fujita, Y.; Redden, G. D.; Smith, R. W.

    2010-12-01

    Tsigabu Gebrehiwet 1*, Mikala Beig 2, Yoshiko Fujita 3, George Redden 3 and Robert W. Smith 1 1University of Idaho, 1776 Science Center Dr, Idaho Falls,ID, 83402 (*tgebrehiwet@uidaho.edu; smithbob@uidaho.edu ) 27963 Grasmere Dr.Boulder, CO 80301(mbeig@alumni.rice.edu) 3Idaho National Laboratory, MS 2208, Idaho Falls, ID 83415 (Yoshiko.Fujita@inl.gov; George.Redden@inl.gov) Engineered in situ precipitation of calcium carbonate is a proposed strategy for remediating toxic or radioactive metals (e.g., Sr2+)in subsurface environments as well as for modifying the physical properties (e.g., stiffness, permeability) of geomedia. Inducing the precipitation reaction will likely involve manipulating the geochemical conditions by adding calcium, (bi)carbonate, or both, and relying on mixing of the two reactants. Under these conditions, the ratio of Ca2+ to CO32- will vary with distance from the mixing interface, and for most or all of the porous medium, a 1:1 stoichiometry between calcium and carbonate is unlikely to be achieved. Indeed, in engineered systems where rapid treatment is an important objective, very steep ion concentration gradients may be generated, which would result in local reactant ratios varying from very small to very large over short distances, depending on the mixing geometry and particular chemical composition of the mixing fluids. This in turn has an impact on the rate of mineral precipitation. Typically, the rate of calcium carbonate precipitation is expressed with an affinity-based rate law of the type: Rate = k(Ω-1)n, where k is a rate constant, Ω is the saturation state for the mineral (e.g., calcite), and n is an empirical reaction order. The saturation state Ω is defined as the ratio of the ion activity product to the mineral solubility product. In this expression, the rate is simply dependent on the value of Ω; the actual activities of the individual ions (Ca2+ and CO32-) do not appear in the expression. In support of the development of engineered calcite precipitation schemes for contaminant immobilization, we have conducted experiments on CaCO3 precipitation kinetics under constant composition conditions where the supersaturation state (Ω) with respect to calcite is held constant at 12.8, but the ion activity ratio (Ca2+:CO32-) is varied. The objective is to examine the effect of the ion ratio on the mineral precipitation rate and on the distribution coefficient for co-precipitated Sr (DexSr). Our results to date indicate that precipitation rates vary by up to a factor of two with the maximum rate occurring at r=0.23, where r is carbonate to calcium ions ratio. In addition, although the extent of variation in the DexSr values is similar to that for the calcite precipitation rate, we have observed low correlation between strontium distribution coefficients and precipitation rates.

  2. The Effects of Secondary Oxides on Copper-Based Catalysts for Green Methanol Synthesis.

    PubMed

    Hayward, James S; Smith, Paul J; Kondrat, Simon A; Bowker, Michael; Hutchings, Graham J

    2017-05-10

    Catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO 2 and H 2 have been produced by two main methods: co-precipitation and supercritical anti-solvent (SAS) precipitation. These two methods are compared, along with the behaviour of copper supported on Zn, Mg, Mn, and Ce oxides. Although the SAS method produces initially active material with high Cu specific surface area, they appear to be unstable during reaction losing significant amounts of surface area and hence activity. The CuZn catalysts prepared by co-precipitation, however, showed much greater thermal and reactive stability than the other materials. There appeared to be the usual near-linear dependence of activity upon Cu specific area, though the initial performance relationship was different from that post-reaction, after some loss of surface area. The formation of the malachite precursor, as reported before, is important for good activity and stability, whereas if copper oxides are formed during the synthesis and ageing process, then a detrimental effect on these properties is seen.

  3. Synthesis and magnetic properties of bacterial cellulose—ferrite (MFe2O4, M  =  Mn, Co, Ni, Cu) nanocomposites prepared by co-precipitation method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sriplai, Nipaporn; Mongkolthanaruk, Wiyada; Pinitsoontorn, Supree

    2017-09-01

    The magnetic nanocomposites based on bacterial cellulose (BC) matrix and ferrite (MFe2O4, M  =  Mn, Co, Ni and Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated. The never-dried and freeze-dried BC nanofibrils were used as templates and a co-precipitation method was applied for NPs synthesis. The nanocomposites were either freeze-dried or annealed before subjected to characterization. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that only MnFe2O4 and CoFe2O4 NPs could be successfully incorporated in the BC nanostructures. The results also indicated that the BC template should be freeze-dried prior to the co-precipitation process. The magnetic measurement by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) showed that the strongest ferromagnetic signal was found for BC-CoFe2O4 nanocomposites. The morphological investigation by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed the largest volume fraction of NPs in the BC-CoFe2O4 sample which was complimentary to the magnetic property measurement. Annealing resulted in the collapse of the opened nanostructure of the BC composites. Invited talk at 5th Thailand International Nanotechnology Conference (Nano Thailand-2016), 27-29 November 2016, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

  4. A composite reactor with wetted-wall column for mineral carbonation study in three-phase systems.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Chen; Yao, Xizhi; Zhao, Liang; Teng, H Henry

    2016-11-01

    Despite the availability of various reactors designed to study gas-liquid reactions, no appropriate devices are available to accurately investigate triple-phased mineral carbonation reactions involving CO 2 gas, aqueous solutions (containing divalent cations), and carbonate minerals. This report presents a composite reactor that combines a modified conventional wetted-wall column, a pH control module, and an attachment to monitor precipitation reactions. Our test and calibration experiments show that the absorption column behaved largely in agreement with theoretical predictions and previous observations. Experimental confirmation of CO 2 absorption in NaOH and ethanolamine supported the effectiveness of the column for gas-liquid interaction. A test run in the CO 2 -NH 3 -MgCl 2 system carried out for real time investigation of the relevant carbonation reactions shows that the reactor's performance closely followed the expected reaction path reflected in pH change, the occurrence of precipitation, and the rate of NH 3 addition, indicating the appropriateness of the composite device in studying triple-phase carbonation process.

  5. Application of modified-alginate encapsulated carbonate producing bacteria in concrete: a promising strategy for crack self-healing.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jianyun; Mignon, Arn; Snoeck, Didier; Wiktor, Virginie; Van Vliergerghe, Sandra; Boon, Nico; De Belie, Nele

    2015-01-01

    Self-healing concrete holds promising benefits to reduce the cost for concrete maintenance and repair as cracks are autonomously repaired without any human intervention. In this study, the application of a carbonate precipitating bacterium Bacillus sphaericus was explored. Regarding the harsh condition in concrete, B. sphaericus spores were first encapsulated into a modified-alginate based hydrogel (AM-H) which was proven to have a good compatibility with the bacteria and concrete regarding the influence on bacterial viability and concrete strength. Experimental results show that the spores were still viable after encapsulation. Encapsulated spores can precipitate a large amount of CaCO3 in/on the hydrogel matrix (around 70% by weight). Encapsulated B. sphaericus spores were added into mortar specimens and bacterial in situ activity was demonstrated by the oxygen consumption on the mimicked crack surface. While specimens with free spores added showed no oxygen consumption. This indicates the efficient protection of the hydrogel for spores in concrete. To conclude, the AM-H encapsulated carbonate precipitating bacteria have great potential to be used for crack self-healing in concrete applications.

  6. Application of modified-alginate encapsulated carbonate producing bacteria in concrete: a promising strategy for crack self-healing

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Jianyun; Mignon, Arn; Snoeck, Didier; Wiktor, Virginie; Van Vliergerghe, Sandra; Boon, Nico; De Belie, Nele

    2015-01-01

    Self-healing concrete holds promising benefits to reduce the cost for concrete maintenance and repair as cracks are autonomously repaired without any human intervention. In this study, the application of a carbonate precipitating bacterium Bacillus sphaericus was explored. Regarding the harsh condition in concrete, B. sphaericus spores were first encapsulated into a modified-alginate based hydrogel (AM-H) which was proven to have a good compatibility with the bacteria and concrete regarding the influence on bacterial viability and concrete strength. Experimental results show that the spores were still viable after encapsulation. Encapsulated spores can precipitate a large amount of CaCO3 in/on the hydrogel matrix (around 70% by weight). Encapsulated B. sphaericus spores were added into mortar specimens and bacterial in situ activity was demonstrated by the oxygen consumption on the mimicked crack surface. While specimens with free spores added showed no oxygen consumption. This indicates the efficient protection of the hydrogel for spores in concrete. To conclude, the AM-H encapsulated carbonate precipitating bacteria have great potential to be used for crack self-healing in concrete applications. PMID:26528254

  7. Effect of Gallium and Indium Co-Substituting on Upconversion Properties of Er/Yb:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Powders Prepared by the Co-Precipitation Method.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Wei; Liang, Yun-Ling; Hu, Zheng-Fa; Feng, Zu-Yong; Lun, Ma; Zhang, Xiu-ping; Sheng, Xia; Liu, Qian; Luo, Jie

    2016-04-01

    Gallium and Indium co-substituted Yb, Er:YAG was fabricated through the chemical co-precipitation method. The formation process and structure of the Ga3+ and In3+ substituted phosphor powders were characterized by the X-ray diffraction, thermo-gravimetry analyzer, infrared spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the effects of Ga3+ and In3+ concentration on the luminescence properties were investigated by spectrum. The results showed that the blue shift occurred after the substitution of Ga3+ and In3+ for Al3+ in matrix, and the intensity of emission spectrum was affected by the concentration of Ga3+ and In3+.

  8. Mechanisms of scale formation and carbon dioxide partial pressure influence. Part II. Application in the study of mineral waters of reference.

    PubMed

    Gal, Jean-Yves; Fovet, Yannick; Gache, Nathalie

    2002-02-01

    In the first part, we have designed a new model of evolution for the calco-carbonic system which includes the hydrated forms of CaCO3: CaCO3 amorphous, CaCO3 x 6H2O (ikaite) and CaCO3 x H2O (monohydrate) (J. Eur. Hydr. 30 (1999) 47). According to this model, it is the precipitation of one or other of these hydrated forms which could be responsible for the breakdown of the metastable state. After this first step, the precipitates evolve to dehydrated solid forms. Through the elaboration of computer programs in which the CaCO3(0) (aq) ion pair formation was considered, this model was compared to experimental data obtained by the critical pH method applied to synthetic solutions. In the present article, the same method was applied for four French mineral waters, at 25 degrees C under study. Three samples formed a precipitation during the sodium hydroxide addition. For these three cases, this precipitation began for the CaCO3 H2O saturation. The added volume of sodium hydroxide was more than what was required for neutralizing free CO2 initially in solution. These results indicate that during a spontaneous scaling phenomenon, the pH rises at the same time by loss of the initial free CO2 and of the one produced by the hydrogen carbonate ions decomposition. Then we calculated, at various temperatures for the three studied scaling waters: CO2 partial pressures and loss of total carbon corresponding to the solubility products of CaCO3 hydrated forms. The results show that the partial pressure monitoring of the carbon dioxide is important in managing the behavior of scaling waters.

  9. Efficient removal of copper from wastewater by using mechanically activated calcium carbonate.

    PubMed

    Hu, Huimin; Li, Xuewei; Huang, Pengwu; Zhang, Qiwu; Yuan, Wenyi

    2017-12-01

    Copper removal from aqueous solution is necessary from the stances of both environmental protection and copper resource recycling. It is important to develop a new chemical precipitation method suitable for removing copper particularly at low concentration as the case of waste mine water, with regards to the various problems related to the current precipitation methods by using strong alkalis or soluble sulfides. In this research, we studied a possible chemical precipitation of copper ions at concentration around 60 mg/L or lower by cogrinding copper sulfate in water with calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) using wet stirred ball milling. With the aid of ball milling, copper precipitation as a basic sulfate (posnjakite: Cu 4 (SO 4 ) (OH) 6 ·H 2 O) occurred at a very high copper removal rate of 99.76%, to reduce the residual copper concentration in the solution less than 0.5 mg/L, reaching the discharge limit, even with the addition amount of CaCO 3 as a stoichiometric ratio of CaCO 3 /Cu 2+ at 1:1. It is more interesting to notice that, at the same conditions, other heavy metals such as Ni, Mn, Zn and Cd do not precipitate obviously just with CaCO 3 addition at CaCO 3 /M 2+ at 1:1 so that the precipitate without the impurities can be processed as good source to recover copper. This newly proposed concept can be further developed to treat wastewaters with other metals to serve both purposes of environmental purification and resource recovery in a similar way. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Effect of synthesizing method on the properties of LiFePO4/C composite for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoon, Man-Soon; Islam, Mobinul; Park, Young Min; Ur, Soon-Chul

    2013-03-01

    Olivine-type LiFePO4/C cathode materials are fabricated with FePO4 powders that are pre-synthesized by two different processes from iron chloride solution. Process I is a modified precipitation method which is implemented by the pH control of a solution using NH4OH to form FePO4 precipitates at room temperature. Process II is a conventional precipitation method, of which H3PO4 (85%) solution is gradually added to a FeCl3 solution during the process to maintain a designated mole ratio. The solution is subsequently aged at 90°C in a water bath until FePO4 precipitates appear. In order to synthesize LiFePO4/C composites, each batch of FePO4 powders is then mixed with pre-milled lithium carbonate and glucose (8 wt. %) as a carbon source in a ball-mill. The structural characteristics of both LiFePO4/C composites fabricated using iron phospates from two different routes have been examined employing XRD and SEM. The modified precipitation process is considered to be a relatively simple and effective process for the preparation of LiFePO4/C composites owing to their excellent electrochemical properties and rate capabilities.

  11. Barriers and enablers to proper diabetic foot care amongst community dwellers in an Asian population: a qualitative study

    PubMed Central

    Cuttilan, Amit Nirmal; Pearce, Christopher J.

    2017-01-01

    Background Diabetic foot complications are common within Asian populations. They arise due to poor diabetic control and foot care. In this study, we aimed to identify the causes for proper and improper diabetic foot care. Methods A qualitative study consisting of key informant interviews with 17 healthcare professionals, including doctors and various allied health workers, was conducted. Participants included had at least five years of caring for diabetic foot patients either in public institutions or private clinics. Data collected was analyzed via thematic analysis. Results Diabetic patients were generally observed to have a mixture of proper and improper information and beliefs which eventually resulted in the extent of proper foot care. Factors which influenced the extent of proper and improper state of information and beliefs were classified into predisposing and precipitating factors. Predisposing factors were further categorised into modifiable factors (e.g., education level, socioeconomic status, social support) and non-modifiable factors (e.g., age, presence and severity of co-morbidities restricting ability to selfcare, past experiences). Precipitating factors were categorized into patient factors (e.g., degree of reception of information, presence of psychological barriers), provider factors (presence and degree of multi-disciplinary approach to care, presence of administrative inconveniences) and disease factors (presence of diabetic sensory neuropathy, complexity of disease process). Conclusions The extent of proper foot care amongst diabetic patients is influenced by numerous predisposing and precipitating factors. Further studies can look at further development of the described structure as well as quantitatively defining the various components and factors which make up the described system. PMID:28706922

  12. Structure, optical and phonon properties of bulk and nanocrystalline Al2-xScx(WO4)3 solid solutions doped with Cr3+

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mączka, M.; Hermanowicz, K.; Pietraszko, A.; Yordanova, A.; Koseva, I.

    2014-01-01

    Pure and Cr3+ doped nanosized Al2-xScx(WO4)3 solid solutions were prepared by co-precipitation method as well as Al2-xScx(WO4)3 single crystals were grown by high-temperature flux method. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray, Raman, IR, absorption and luminescence methods. Single crystal X-ray diffraction showed that AlSc(WO4)3 is orthorhombic at room temperature with space group Pnca and trivalent cations are statistically distributed. Raman and IR studies showed that Al2-xScx(WO4)3 solid solutions show "two mode" behavior. They also showed that vibrational properties of nanosized samples have been weakly modified in comparison with the bulk materials. The luminescence and absorption spectra revealed that chromium ions occupy two sites of weak and strong crystal field strength.

  13. Synthesis of amino-silane modified superparamagnetic Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles and its application in immobilization of lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens Lp1

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

    Kanimozhi, S., E-mail: skanimo@gmail.com; Perinbam, K.

    2013-05-15

    Highlights: ► Magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. ► Surface was functionalized with amino-silane and used for lipase immobilization. ► Characterized through TEM, SEM, XRD, FT-IR and VSM analysis. ► The functionalization and immobilization did not affect the magnetite properties. ► The immobilized lipase showed greater functional property than free lipase. - Abstract: Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}–magnetite) were prepared by chemical co-precipitation method and their surface was functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane via silanization reaction to obtain amino functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. The purified lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens Lp1 was immobilized onto functionalized magnetite using glutaraldehyde as the coupling agent.more » The characterization of the nanoparticles was done by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The size of the magnetite was measured about 10–30 nm. The results of characterization study revealed the successful immobilization of lipase on to functionalized magnetite. The saturation magnetization of magnetic nanoparticles was found to be 28.34 emu/g whereas the immobilized magnetic nanoparticle was 17.074 emu/g. The immobilized lipase had greater activity at 50 °C and thermal stability upto 70 °C. It exhibited excellent reusability for 4 cycles and storage stability upto 15 days by retaining 75% of its initial activity.« less

  14. Synthesis of YAG nanopowder by the co-precipitation method: Influence of pH and study of the reaction mechanisms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marlot, Caroline; Barraud, Elodie; Le Gallet, Sophie; Eichhorn, Marc; Bernard, Frédéric

    2012-07-01

    YAG nanopowders with an average grain size of 30 nm have been successfully synthesized by the co-precipitation method using nitrates with precipitant of ammonium hydrogen carbonate. The influence of precipitation conditions such as pH, aging time and calcination temperature on the formation of secondary phases has been studied. The accurate control of pH value at every stage of precipitation process is crucial to avoid the presence of YAM (Yttrium Aluminium Monoclinic, Y4Al2O9) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) after calcination. The reaction mechanisms have been investigated using different techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and thermal analyses. The YAG phase is formed around 1050 °C passing through an intermediate phase called YAP (Yttrium Aluminium Perovskite, YAlO3). Local chemical heterogeneities are responsible for the deviation of the Y:Al ratio and the formation of YAP during heat treatment.

  15. Modified Fe3O4- hydroxyapatite nanocomposites as heterogeneous catalysts in three UV, Vis and Fenton like degradation systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Valizadeh, S.; Rasoulifard, M. H.; Dorraji, M. S. Seyed

    2014-11-01

    The magnetite-hydroxyapatite (M-HAP) nanocomposites were prepared by a chemical co- precipitation procedure and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The ability of the synthesized catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of Acid Blue 25 (AB25), as an organic dye, under UV irradiation was studied. The catalyst was modified employing transition metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) trying to improve the catalytic performance of HAP in absence of UV irradiation and in the presence of hydrogen peroxide i.e. a Fenton like reaction. The best results obtained for Cu and Co modified M-HAPs and the effect of operational parameters such pH, amount of catalyst and hydrogen peroxide concentration was studied. In order to investigate the performance of HAP based photocatalyst in visible light region, M-HAP was modified with silver ions. At the end, Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic expression used to evaluate and compare the catalytic systems. The strongest degradation activity was observed for Ag-M-HAP/Vis system because of Ag3PO4 formation. Apparent reaction rate constant (Kapp) by Ag-M-HAP/Vis was 63, 36 and 19 times faster than Cu-M-HAP(II)/H2O2, Co-M-HAP(II)/H2O2 and M-HAP (I)/UV systems, respectively.

  16. Extraction of Li and Co from Li-ion Batteries by Chemical Methods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guzolu, Jafar Sharrivar; Gharabaghi, Mahdi; Mobin, Mohammad; Alilo, Hojat

    2017-04-01

    In this work a process involving ultrasonic washing and leaching and precipitation was used to recover Li and Co from spent Li-ion batteries. Ultrasonic washing was used to reduce energy consumption and pollution whereas hydrochloric acid was used as leaching reagent. 98 % of Li and nearly 99 % of Co were obtained under optimum condition of 5 M hydrochloric acid solution, temperature of 95 °C, reaction time of 70 min, and solid-liquid ratio of 10 g/L. In this process at first nickel, copper, iron, aluminum, cobalt, and manganese were precipitated from leaching solution using sodium hydroxide at pH f 12.5 and reaction time of 1 h and temperature was 55 °C and all metal recoveries were more than 99 %. In the precipitation experiments, lithium loss was only 18.34 %. In the next stage, white lithium carbonate was precipitated by addition of saturated sodium carbonate solution to the left filtrate from first precipitation step. The purity of the recovered powder of lithium was 95 %.

  17. Influence of catalyst synthesis method on selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO by NH 3 with V 2O 5-WO 3/TiO 2 catalysts

    DOE PAGES

    He, Yuanyuan; Ford, Michael E.; Zhu, Minghui; ...

    2016-04-14

    We compared the molecular structures, surface acidity and catalytic activity for NO/NH 3/O 2 SCR of V 2O 5-WO 3/TiO 2 catalysts for two different synthesis methods: co-precipitation of aqueous vanadium and tungsten oxide precursors with TiO(OH) 2 and by incipient wetness impregnation of the aqueous precursors on a reference crystalline TiO 2 support (P25; primarily anatase phase). Bulk analysis by XRD showed that co-precipitation results in small and/or poorly ordered TiO 2(anatase) particles and that VO x and WO x do not form solid solutions with the bulk titania lattice. Surface analysis of the co-precipitated catalyst by High Sensitivity-Lowmore » Energy Ion Scattering (HS-LEIS) confirms that the VO x and WO x are surface segregated for the co-precipitated catalysts. In situ Raman and IR spectroscopy revealed that the vanadium and tungsten oxide components are present as surface mono-oxo O = VO 3 and O = WO 4 sites on the TiO 2 supports. Co-precipitation was shown for the first time to also form new mono-oxo surface VO 4 and WO 4 sites that appear to be anchored at surface defects of the TiO 2 support. IR analysis of chemisorbed ammonia showed the presence of both surface NH 3 * on Lewis acid sites and surface NH 4 +* on Brønsted acid sites. TPSR spectroscopy demonstrated that the specific SCR kinetics was controlled by the redox surface VO 4 species and that the surface kinetics was independent of TiO 2 synthesis method or presence of surface WO 5 sites. SCR reaction studies revealed that the surface WO5 sites possess minimal activity below ~325 °C and their primary function is to increase the adsorption capacity of ammonia. A relationship between the SCR activity and surface acidity was not found. The SCR reaction is controlled by the surface VO 4 sites that initiate the reaction at ~200 °C. The co-precipitated catalysts were always more active than the corresponding impregnated catalysts. Finally, we ascribe the higher activity of the co-precipitated catalysts to the presence of the new surface WO x sites associated surface defects on the TiO 2 support that increase the ammonia adsorption capacity.« less

  18. Novel, one-step synthesis of zwitterionic polymer nanoparticles via distillation-precipitation polymerization and its application for dye removal membrane.

    PubMed

    Ibrahim, G P Syed; Isloor, Arun M; Inamuddin; Asiri, Abdullah M; Ismail, Norafiqah; Ismail, Ahmed Fauzi; Ashraf, Ghulam Md

    2017-11-21

    In this work, poly(MBAAm-co-SBMA) zwitterionic polymer nanoparticles were synthesized in one-step via distillation-precipitation polymerization (DPP) and were characterized. [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (SBMA) as monomer and N, N'-methylene bis(acrylamide) (MBAAm) as cross-linker are used for the synthesis of nanoparticles. As  far as our knowledge, this is the first such report on the synthesis of poly(MBAAm-co-SBMA) nanoparticles via DPP. The newly synthesized nanoparticles were further employed for the surface modification of polysulfone (PSF) hollow fiber membranes for dye removal. The modified hollow fiber membrane exhibited the improved permeability (56 L/ m 2 h bar) and dye removal (>98% of Reactive Black 5 and >80.7% of Reactive orange 16) with the high permeation of salts. Therefore, the as-prepared membrane can have potential application in textile and industrial wastewater treatment.

  19. Structural and surface changes of cobalt modified manganese oxide during activation and ethanol steam reforming reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gac, Wojciech; Greluk, Magdalena; Słowik, Grzegorz; Turczyniak-Surdacka, Sylwia

    2018-05-01

    Surface and structural changes of unmodified manganese and cobalt-manganese oxide during activation and ethanol steam reforming reaction conditions (ESR) were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction/oxidation (TPR/TPO) and transmission electron microscopy. It was shown that synthesis of cobalt manganese oxide by the redox precipitation method led to the formation of strongly dispersed cobalt ionic species within cryptomelane-based manganese oxide structure. Development of large cube-like MnO nanoparticles with spherical cobalt metallic crystallites decorated by manganese oxide on the high oxidation state and potassium species was observed during reduction. Cobalt manganese catalyst showed high initial activity and selectivity to H2 and CO2 in ethanol stem reforming reaction in the range of 390-480 °C. The drop of ethanol conversion and changes of selectivity with the time-on-stream were observed. An increase of reaction temperature led to intensification of deactivation phenomena. TEM studies evidenced coexistence of Co and CoOx nanoparticles formed under ethanol steam reforming conditions, partially covered by filamentous and encapsulating carbonaceous deposits.

  20. An evaluation of procedures to estimate monthly precipitation probabilities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Legates, David R.

    1991-01-01

    Many frequency distributions have been used to evaluate monthly precipitation probabilities. Eight of these distributions (including Pearson type III, extreme value, and transform normal probability density functions) are comparatively examined to determine their ability to represent accurately variations in monthly precipitation totals for global hydroclimatological analyses. Results indicate that a modified version of the Box-Cox transform-normal distribution more adequately describes the 'true' precipitation distribution than does any of the other methods. This assessment was made using a cross-validation procedure for a global network of 253 stations for which at least 100 years of monthly precipitation totals were available.

  1. Integrating a post-column makeup pump into preparative supercritical fluid chromatography systems to address stability and recovery issues during purifications.

    PubMed

    Bajpai, Lakshmikant; Naidu, Harshavardhan; Asokan, Kathiravan; Shaik, Khaja Mohiddin; Kaspady, Mahammed; Arunachalam, Piramanayagam; Wu, Dauh-Rurng; Mathur, Arvind; Sarabu, Ramakanth

    2017-08-18

    Purification of many pharmaceutical compounds by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) has always been challenging because of degradation of compound during the isolation step in the presence of acidic or basic modifiers in the mobile phase. Stability of such acid or base-sensitive compounds could be improved by post-column addition of a solvent containing base or acid modifier as counter ion through a make-up pump respectively to neutralize the compound fraction without affecting the resolution. One such case study has been presented in this work where the stability of a base-sensitive compound was addressed by the addition of acidic co-solvent through the make-up pump. Details of this setup and the investigation of degradation of the in-house base-sensitive compound are discussed in this paper. In addition, poor retentivity and low recovery of many non-polar compounds in SFC eluting under low co-solvent percentage is another major concern. Even though the desired separation could be achieved with low percentage of co-solvent, it's difficult to get the proper recovery after purification due to precipitation of the sample and significant aerosol formation inside the cyclone. We have demonstrated the first-time use of a post-column make-up pump on SFC 350 system to introduce additional solvent prior to cyclone to avoid the precipitation, reduce the aerosol formation and thus improve the recovery of non-polar compounds eluting under less than 10% of co-solvent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Crystallography and Morphology of MC Carbides in Niobium-Titanium Modified As-Cast HP Alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buchanan, Karl G.; Kral, Milo V.; Bishop, Catherine M.

    2014-07-01

    The microstructures of two as-cast heats of HP alloy stainless steels modified with niobium and titanium were examined with particular attention paid to the interdendritic niobium-titanium-rich carbides formed during solidification of these alloys. Generally, these precipitates obtain a blocky morphology in the as-cast condition. However, the (NbTi)C precipitates may obtain a nodular morphology. To provide further insight to the origin of the two different morphologies obtained by the (NbTi)C precipitates in the HP-NbTi alloy, the microstructure and crystallography of each have been studied in detail using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, various electron diffraction methods (EBSD, SAD, and CBED), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

  3. Magnetic and Mössbauer spectroscopy studies of hollow microcapsules made of silica-coated CoFe2O4 nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lyubutin, I. S.; Gervits, N. E.; Starchikov, S. S.; Lin, Chun-Rong; Tseng, Yaw-Teng; Shih, Kun-Yauh; Wang, Cheng-Chien; Chen, I.-Han; Ogarkova, Yu L.; Korotkov, N. Yu

    2016-01-01

    The hollow microcapsules made of silica-coated CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using chemical co-precipitation, followed by the sol-gel method. Poly(MMA-co-MAA) microspheres were used as a core template which can be completely removed after annealing at 450 °C. The microcapsules are monodisperse with the outer diameter of about 450 nm and the thickness of the shell is about 50 nm. The nanoparticles of Co-ferrite are single crystalline. The size of the nanoparticles and magnetic properties of CoFe2O4/SiO2 hollow spheres can be tuned with high accuracy at the annealing stage. The Mössbauer data indicate that CoFe2O4 ferrite is an inverse spinel, in which Fe3+ and Co2+ ions are distributed in both octahedral and tetrahedral sites with the inversion degree close to the bulk ferrite value. At low temperature the CoFe2O4/SiO2 nanoparticles are in antiferromagnetic (AFM) state due to the canted or triangular magnetic structure. Under heating in the applied field, AFM structure transforms to the ferrimagnetic (FM) structure, that increases the magnetization. The Mössbauer data revealed that the small size CoFe2O4/SiO2 particles do not show superparamagnetic behavior, but they transit to the paramagnetic state by the jump-like first order magnetic transition (JMT). This effect is a specific property of the magnetic nanoparticles isolated by inert material. The suggested method of synthesis can be modified with various bio-ligands on the silane surface, and such materials can find many applications in diagnostics and bio-separation.

  4. Lithium-Rich Nanoscale Li 1.2 Mn 0.54 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 O 2 Cathode Material Prepared by Co-Precipitation Combined Freeze Drying (CP-FD) for Lithium-Ion Batteries

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

    Bai, Ying; Li, Yu; Wu, Chuan

    Nanoscale Li-rich Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 material is synthesized by a co-precipitation combined freeze drying (CP-FD) method, and compared with a conventional co-precipitation method combined vacuum drying (CP-VD). With the combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it is found that the sample from CP-FD method consists of a pure phase with good crystallinity and small, homogenous particles (100-300 nm) with uniform particle size distribution. Inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP) shows that the sample has a stoichiometric ratio of n((Li)): n((Mn)): n((Ni)): n((Co))=9: 4: 1: 1; and its Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area is 5.749 m(2)g(-1). This sample achieves excellentmore » electrochemical properties: its initial discharge capacities are 298.9 mAhg(-1) at 0.1C (20 mAg(-1)), 246.1 mAhg(-1) at 0.5C, 215.8 mAhg(-1) at 1C, and 154.2 mAhg(-1) at 5C (5C charge and 5C discharge), as well as good cycling performance. In addition, the Li+ chemical diffusion coefficient of Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 material prepared by the CP-FD method is 4.59 x 10(-11) cm(2) s(-1), which is higher than that of the Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 material prepared by CP-VD. This phenomenon illustrates the potential for Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 with good rate performance synthesized by CP-FD method.« less

  5. Variation of Strontium (Sr) in the Ferroelectric Material Barium Strontium Titanate (Ba1-xSrxTiO3) by Co precipitation Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Subarwanti, Y.; Safitri, R. D.; Supriyanto, A.; Iriani, Y.; Jamaludin, A.

    2017-02-01

    Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) have been made with variation strontium (Sr) 10%, 30% and 50% by co-precipitation method. This study aims to determine influence addition Sr against the crystal structure, crystallite size, lattice parameter, grain size and dielectric constant. Samples have been made by co-precipitation method and then the samples were sintered by furnace at 1100°C with holding time 4 hours. Characterization of BST use X-Ray Diffraction instrument, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Resistance Capacitance Inductance (RCL meter). Based on result obtained, the larger Sr content cause the diffraction angle shift to the right (the greater) and crystallinity increasing. But, the value of dielectric constant, crystallite size and grain size decreasing with additional Sr content. Measurement of dielectric constant (K) performed in the frequency range 1 kHz to 100 kHz and the highest value at Sr content 0.1 i.e. 258.35. The addition of Sr content 30% and 50% change the crystal structure from tetragonal to cubic which has paraelectric phase.

  6. Modified clay sorbents for wastewater treatment and immobilization of heavy metals in soils

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burlakovs, Juris; Klavins, Maris; Vincevica-Gaile, Zane; Stapkevica, Mara

    2014-05-01

    Soil and groundwater pollution with heavy metals is the result of both, anthropogenic and natural processes in the environment. Anthropogenic influence in great extent appears from industry, mining, treatment of metal ores and waste incineration. Contamination of soil and water can be induced by diffuse sources such as applications of agrochemicals and fertilizers in agriculture, air pollution from industry and transport, and by point sources, e.g., wastewater streams, runoff from dump sites and factories. Treatment processes used for metal removal from polluted soil and water include methodologies based on chemical precipitation, ion exchange, carbon adsorption, membrane filtration, adsorption and co-precipitation. Optimal removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous medium can be achieved by adsorption process which is considered as one of the most effective methods due to its cost-effectiveness and high efficiency. Immobilization of metals in contaminated soil also can be done with different adsorbents as the in situ technology. Use of natural and modified clay can be developed as one of the solutions in immobilization of lead, zinc, copper and other elements in polluted sites. Within the present study clay samples of different geological genesis were modified with sodium and calcium chlorides, iron oxyhydroxides and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate in variable proportions of Ca/P equimolar ratio to test and compare immobilization efficiency of metals by sorption and batch leaching tests. Sorption capacity for raw clay samples was considered as relatively lower referring to the modified species of the same clay type. In addition, clay samples were tested for powder X-ray difractometry, cation exchange, surface area properties, elemental composition, as well as scanning electron microscopy pictures of clay sample surface structures were obtained. Modified clay sorbents were tested for sorption of lead as monocontaminant and for complex contamination of heavy metals. The highest sorption capacity was observed for clay modified with hydroxyapatite and calcium salts. Sorption capacity increased with a rise of temperature; the best pH value for sorption was 5. Immobilization of metals in soil, as well as industrial wastewater treatment can be accomplished by using sorbents on modified clay basis.

  7. Effect of nano-sized cerium-zirconium oxide solid solution on far-infrared emission properties of tourmaline powders

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Bin; Yang, Liqing; Hu, Weijie; Li, Wenlong; Wang, Haojing

    2015-10-01

    Far-infrared functional nanocomposites were prepared by the co-precipitation method using natural tourmaline (XY3Z6Si6O18(BO3)3V3W, where X is Na+, Ca2+, K+, or vacancy; Y is Mg2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Al3+, Fe3+, Mn3+, Cr3+, Li+, or Ti4+; Z is Al3+, Mg2+, Cr3+, or V3+; V is O2-, OH-; and W is O2-, OH-, or F-) powders, ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate and zirconium(IV) nitrate pentahydrate as raw materials. The reference sample, tourmaline modified with ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate alone was also prepared by a similar precipitation route. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy show that tourmaline modified with Ce and Zr has a better far-infrared emission property than tourmaline modified with Ce alone. Through characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the mechanism for oxygen evolution during the heat process in the two composite materials was systematically studied. The XPS spectra show that Fe3+ ratio inside tourmaline modified with Ce alone can be raised by doping Zr. Moreover, it is showed that there is a higher Ce3+ ratio inside the tourmaline modified with Ce and Zr than tourmaline modified with Ce alone. In addition, XRD results indicate the formation of CeO2 and Ce1-xZrxO2 crystallites during the heat treatment and further TEM observations show they exist as nanoparticles on the surface of tourmaline powders. Based on these results, we attribute the improved far-infrared emission properties of Ce-Zr doped tourmaline to the enhanced unit cell shrinkage of the tourmaline arisen from much more oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ inside the tourmaline caused by the change in the catalyst redox properties of CeO2 brought about by doping with Zr4+. In all samples, tourmaline modified with 7.14 wt.% Ce and 1.86 wt.% Zr calcined at 800∘C for 5 h has the best far-infrared emission property with the maximum emissivity value of 98%.

  8. [Study on X-ray powder diffraction of various structured zinc titanate prepared by the method of direct precipitation].

    PubMed

    Guo, Jian; Wang, Zhi-hua; Tao, Dong-liang; Guo, Guang-sheng

    2007-05-01

    Zinc titanate powders were prepared from Ti(SO4)2, Zn(NO3)2 x (6)H2O and (NH4)2CO3 by the method of direct precipitation. The effects of reaction conditions on the structure of zinc titanate were studied. The sample was analyzed by means of XRD and TG-DTA. The structure of zinc titanate was affected by the reaction subsequence of the formation of titanic acid and zinc carbonate. In the reaction system where titanic acid was generated earlier, collision reaction occurred between the generated zinc carbonate molecule and the surrounding titanic acid molecule. When titanic acid was generated earlier and precipitant (NH4)2CO3 was sufficient, Zn2Ti3O8 was obtained because of the sufficient collision reaction and superfluous titanic acid. In the reaction system where zinc carbonate was generated earlier, collision reaction occurred between the generated titanic acid molecule and the surrounding zinc carbonate molecule. When zinc carbonate was generated earlier and precipitant (NH4)2CO3 was sufficient, Zn2TiO4 was obtained because of the sufficient collision reaction and superfluous zinc carbonate. In addition, the kinds and structure of the production were affected by the dosage of precipitant and the reaction temperature. Zn2Ti3O8 or Zn2TiO4 could be obtained easier when using more precipitant or higher reaction temperature which could cause more sufficient collision reaction. ZnTiO3 could be obtained under the conditions of less precipitant and lower reaction temperature.

  9. Apparatus and methods for regeneration of precipitating solvent

    DOEpatents

    Liu, Guohai; Vimalchand, Pannalal; Peng, Wan Wang; Bonsu, Alexander

    2015-08-25

    A regenerator that can handle rich loaded chemical solvent containing precipitated absorption reaction products is disclosed. The invention is particularly suitable for separating CO.sub.2 from large gas streams that are typical of power plant processes. The internally circulating liquid stream in the regenerator (ICLS regenerator) rapidly heats-up the in-coming rich solvent stream in a downcomer standpipe as well as decreases the overall concentration of CO.sub.2 in the mixed stream. Both these actions lead to dissolution of precipitates. Any remaining precipitate further dissolves as heat is transferred to the mixed solution with an inverted bayonet tube heat exchanger in the riser portion of the regenerator. The evolving CO.sub.2 bubbles in the riser portion of the regenerator lead to substantial gas hold-up and the large density difference between the solutions in the downcomer standpipe and riser portions promotes internal circulation of the liquid stream in the regenerator. As minor amounts of solvent components present in the exit gas stream are condensed and returned back to the regenerator, pure CO.sub.2 gas stream exits the disclosed regenerator and condenser system.

  10. Impacts, Effectiveness and Regional Inequalities of the GeoMIP G1 to G4 Solar Radiation Management Scenarios

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

    Yu, Xiaoyong; Moore, John; Cui, Xuefeng

    We evaluate the regional effectiveness of solar radiation management (SRM) to compensate for simultaneous changes in temperature and precipitation induced by increased greenhouse gas concentrations. We analyze results from multiple earth system models under four Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project(GeoMIP) experiments with a modified form of the Residual Climate Response approach. Under the solar dimming geoengineering experiments G1(4xCO2) and G2(increasing CO2 by 1% per year), global average temperature is successfully restored to pre-industrial level over 50 years simulations. However, these two SRM experiments also produce a robust global precipitation decrease. The stratospheric aerosol GeoMIP geoengineering experiment, G4 has significantly greater regionalmore » inequality and lower effectiveness for compensating temperature change than G1 and G2. G4 also has significantly larger regional inequality for compensating precipitation change than G1and G2. However, there is no significant difference between precipitation change compensation effectiveness of G4 and G2, though there is much larger across model variability in G4 results. G3 has significant greater regional inequality for compensating temperature change than G1 and G2, and has significant lower effectiveness than G1. The effectiveness of four SRMs to compensate for temperature change is much higher than for precipitation. The large cross-model variation in adjustment percentage of compensated SAT and precipitation change by SRM to achieve optimal compensation effectiveness shed a light on the uncertainty accumulation effect in optimizing compensation effectiveness of SRM.« less

  11. Arginine, glycine, aspartic acid peptide-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposome for the treatment of lung cancer: in vitro/vivo evaluation.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Kanqiu; Shen, Mingjing; Xu, Weihua

    2018-01-01

    In this study, a novel arginine, glycine, aspartic acid peptide (RGD)-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes were developed to evaluate their antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. Co-loaded liposomes were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. The particles had spherical shapes under electron microscopy with sizes <130 nm. By comparison with the free drug, RGD-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes and paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes have sustained-release properties in vitro. In vivo, there was no significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between the RGD-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes and paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes. A strong green fluorescence was observed in the cytoplasmic region after incubation of RGD-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes for 2 h. RGD-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes showed a superior antiproliferative effect on A549 cells with a possible mechanism that suppressed the multidrug resistance phenomenon and exhibited a clear synergistic effect. The results indicate that RGD-modified paclitaxel and curcumin co-loaded liposomes had a better antitumor effect in vivo than the non-modified LPs. These results indicate that RGD-modified co-loaded liposomes are a promising candidate for antitumor drug delivery.

  12. Metal transport and remobilisation in a basin affected by acid mine drainage: the role of ochreous amorphous precipitates.

    PubMed

    Consani, Sirio; Carbone, Cristina; Dinelli, Enrico; Balić-Žunić, Tonci; Cutroneo, Laura; Capello, Marco; Salviulo, Gabriella; Lucchetti, Gabriella

    2017-06-01

    Metal-polluted mine waters represent a major threat to the quality of waters and sediments in a downstream basin. At the confluence between acidic mine waters and the unpolluted waters of the Gromolo Torrent (Liguria, North-West Italy), the massive formation of an ochreous amorphous precipitate takes place. This precipitate forms a soft blanket that covers the torrent bed and can be observed down to its mouth in the sea. The aim of this work is to evaluate the dispersion of metals in the Gromolo Torrent basin from the abandoned Cu-Fe sulphide mine of Libiola to the Ligurian Sea and to assess the metal remobilisation from the amorphous precipitates. The mineralogy of the superficial sediments collected in the torrent bed and the concentrations of different elements of environmental concern (Cu, Zn, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, As, and Sb) were therefore analysed. The results showed that the precipitates contain high concentration of Fe, Al, Cu, and Zn, significantly modifying the bulk chemistry of the Gromolo Torrent sediments. In order to evaluate the possible remobilisation of ecotoxic elements from the amorphous precipitates, bulk leaching tests were performed with both deionised and seawater. Bulk leaching tests with deionised water mobilised primarily high Pb amounts, but also relatively high concentrations of Fe, Al, Cu, and Zn are released in the leachate. In seawater tests, Fe, Al, Cu, and Zn were released in smaller amounts, while other elements like Mn, Cd, Co, and Ni increased in the released fraction. Pb was still strongly released as in deionised water experiments. The results show that the interaction of precipitates and seawater can remobilise high concentrations of metals, thus affecting the surrounding environment.

  13. Convective and stratiform components of a Winter Monsoon Cloud Cluster determined from geosynchronous infrared satellite data

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Goldenberg, Stanley B.; Houze, Robert A., Jr.; Churchill, Dean D.

    1990-01-01

    The horizontal precipitation structure of cloud clusters observed over the South China Sea during the Winter Monsoon Experiment (WMONEX) is analyzed using a convective-stratiform technique (CST) developed by Adler and Negri (1988). The technique was modified by altering the method for identifying convective cells in the satellite data, accounting for the extremely cold cloud tops characteristic of the WMONEX region, and modifying the threshold infrared temperature for the boundary of the stratiform rain area. The precipitation analysis was extended to the entire history of the cloud cluster by applying the modified CST to IR imagery from geosynchronous-satellite observations. The ship and aircraft data from the later period of the cluster's lifetime make it possible to check the locations of convective and stratiform precipitation identified by the CST using in situ observations. The extended CST is considered to be effective for determining the climatology of the convective-stratiform structure of tropical cloud clusters.

  14. Effects of Dissolved Organic Matter Properties on Formation and Composition of Mineral-Organic Co-Precipitates at the Nanometer Scale

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Possinger, A. R.; Zachman, M.; Lehmann, J.

    2016-12-01

    An important, yet largely overlooked case of soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilization through mineral-organic associations is the co-precipitation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) into mineral precipitates as they form. The contribution of co-precipitated DOM to the mineral-stabilized SOC pool is expected to be greatest in soil environments with frequent mineral dissolution and precipitation processes. Compared to surface adsorption, properties of mineral-organic co-precipitates are expected to differ at both the particle scale (e.g., total carbon (C) content and composition) and the molecular scale (e.g., impurities in mineral structure), with potential implications for stability and C turnover; additionally, these properties vary across C sources, amounts, and forms. Consequently, high-resolution visualization and characterization combined with bulk chemical measurements is needed to provide a more complete understanding of co-precipitate formation processes and properties, especially as a function of C co-precipitant characteristics. In this study, we evaluate the effect of model C compound and DOM chemical properties (e.g., iron-binding affinity) on the formation, structure, and chemical properties of ferrihydrite (Fh) (Fe3+3O2 •0.5H2O) co-precipitates. Salicylic acid (SA), sucrose and water-extractable DOM from coniferous or deciduous-dominated organic soils were either adsorbed to pre-formed Fh or co-precipitated with Fh. At a C/Fe ratio 10, the amount of co-precipitated C differed among all organic compounds, and for DOM, was more than 2X greater for co-precipitation than adsorption, suggesting a greater capacity for C retention. To probe the molecular-scale C spatial distribution of Fh-SA particles, we obtained Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy with Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (STEM-EELS) maps at a nanometer-scale spatial pixel resolution. Additionally, we will present chemical characteristics of organic-Fh co-precipitates and adsorption complexes investigated in bulk using C Near-Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Ultimately, these observations of model co-precipitation systems will be used to better interpret observations of putative co-precipitated OM in natural soils.

  15. Antiscalant properties of Spergularia rubra and Parietaria officinalis aqueous solutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheap-Charpentier, Hélène; Gelus, Dominique; Pécoul, Nathalie; Perrot, Hubert; Lédion, Jean; Horner, Olivier; Sadoun, Jonathan; Cachet, Xavier; Litaudon, Marc; Roussi, Fanny

    2016-06-01

    The formation of calcium carbonate in water has important implications in industry. Chemical antiscalant is usually used to control scale depositions. Plant extracts have been recently used as new green antiscalant agents, as they can be easily prepared and are environmentally friendly. In this study, stock aqueous solutions of Spergularia rubra and Parietaria officinalis, two plants used in traditional medicine to treat or prevent urolithiasis, were obtained by infusion. The antiscaling properties of these extracts towards CaCO3 formation were tested by using chronoamperometry and Fast Controlled Precipitation methods. The aqueous solution of S. rubra was further fractionated to isolate compounds of lower polarity. Their efficiency towards CaCO3 precipitation was characterized by Fast Controlled Precipitation method. The inhibiting efficiency of this fractionated solution was greater than that of the stock aqueous solution.

  16. Fabrication of Far Red Emission Phosphors Y3Al5O12:Eu(YAG:Eu) by Co-precipitation Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thu, L. D.; Trung, D. Q.; Lam, T. D.; Anh, T. X.

    2016-05-01

    Phosphors YAG:Eu (with seven molar percent of Eu to YAG) was synthesized by the co-precipitation method using NH3 solution as a precipitating agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show that the samples are single phase, and the crystallinity starts forming at a sintering temperature of 1000°C. The crystallinity increases with the increasing sintered temperature. XRD studies followed by Rietveld refinement confirmed the body center cubic structure of the host lattice. The crystalline YAG:Eu showed four emission bands of europium ion with the force dipole transition ascribed to 5D0-7F4 located at 710 nm as the most dominating group (far-red emission—FR). The ratio of FR/OR (far-red/orange—red) is about 1.24 in all samples.

  17. Formation of Silica-Lysozyme Composites Through Co-Precipitation and Adsorption

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van den Heuvel, Daniela B.; Stawski, Tomasz M.; Tobler, Dominique J.; Wirth, Richard; Peacock, Caroline L.; Benning, Liane G.

    2018-04-01

    Interactions between silica and proteins are crucial for the formation of biosilica and the production of novel functional hybrid materials for a range of industrial applications. The proteins control both precipitation pathway and the properties of the resulting silica-organic composites. Here we present data on the formation of silica-lysozyme composites through two different synthesis approaches (co-precipitation vs. adsorption) and show that the chemical and structural properties of these composites, when analyzed using a combination of synchrotron-based scattering (total scattering and SAXS), spectroscopic, electron microscopy and potentiometric methods vary dramatically. We document that while lysozyme was not incorporated into nor did its presence alter the molecular structure of silica, it strongly enhanced the aggregation of silica particles due to electrostatic and potentially hydrophobic interactions, leading to the formation of composites with characteristics differing from pure silica. The differences increased with increasing lysozyme content for both synthesis approaches. Yet, the absolute changes differ substantially between the two sets of composites, as lysozyme did not just affect aggregation during co-precipitation but also particle growth and likely polymerization during co-precipitation. Our results improve the fundamental understanding of how organic macromolecules interact with dissolved and nanoparticulate silica and how these interactions control the formation pathway of silica-organic composites from sodium silicate solutions, a widely available and cheap starting material.

  18. Structure and magnetic properties of Co-Ni-Mn alloy coatings (part 2)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schmidt, V. V.; Zhikhareva, I. G.; Smirnova, N. V.; Shchipanov, V. P.

    2018-03-01

    Using the method of high-frequency alternating current (HFAC), based on the preliminary model forecasting of the ratio of metal ions in the electrolyte and the phase composition of the coating, Co-Ni-Mn alloy precipitates with the specified magnetic properties are obtained. It is shown that precipitation with a hexagonal close-packed α-Co phase has the highest coercive force. The presence of a free phase in a small amount (2.1 - 2.6% of weight) of Mn increases the ferromagnetic properties of films due to the domain structures with a poorly defecting α-Mn crystal lattice. The adjustable amount of the amorphous Co(OH)2 phase provides the nanostructure dimensions of the crystals.

  19. Fabrication of chitosan single-component microcapsules with a micrometer-thick and layered wall structure by stepwise core-mediated precipitation.

    PubMed

    Han, Yuanyuan; Tong, Weijun; Zhang, Yuying; Gao, Changyou

    2012-02-27

    Incubation of CaCO(3) microparticles in chitosan (CS) solution at pH 5.2 and following with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA) treatment resulted in CS single-component microcapsules with an ultra-thick wall structure. Repeating the incubation caused stepwise increase of wall thickness and finally resulted in CS microcapsules with a layered structure. This unique method is mediated by precipitation of CS on the CaCO(3) particles as a result of pH increase caused by the partial dissolution of CaCO(3) . The obtained CS capsules are stable at neutral pH. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  20. Application of activated carbon modified by acetic acid in adsorption and separation of CO2 and CH4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Xue; Wang, Li'ao; Zeng, Yunmin; Zhan, Xinyuan; Gong, Jian; Li, Tong

    2018-03-01

    Compared with the methods to modify the activated carbons by alkalis for gas adsorption, fewer studies of that by organic acids have been reported. The acid modified activated carbons are usually utilized to treat wastewater, whereas the application in the separation of CO2/CH4 has less been studied. In this study, acetic acid was used to modify activated carbon. N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms and FT-IR were adopted to describe the properties of the samples. According to the adsorption data of pure gas component at 298 K, the gas adsorbed amount and the selectivity on the modified samples were larger than that on the raw sample. Besides, the adsorbed amount of CO2 and the selectivity on 15H-AC in the adsorption breakthrough experiments showed better performance. The results confirm that the method to modify the activated carbons with acetic acid is feasible to improve the adsorption capacity and the separation effect of CO2/CH4.

  1. Nonaqueous purification of mixed nitrate heat transfer media

    DOEpatents

    Fiorucci, Louis C.; Morgan, Michael J.

    1983-12-20

    A nonaqueous, in-line method for removing carbonate and hydroxide contamination from a molten mixed sodium nitrate/potassium nitrate heat transfer salt. The method comprises dissolving a stoichiometric quantity of anhydrous Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2 in the melt whereby an insoluble CaCO.sub.3 and Ca(OH).sub.2 precipitate is formed. The precipitate can be removed by settling, filtration or floatation techniques.

  2. Rapid determination of actinides in seawater samples

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

    Maxwell, Sherrod L.; Culligan, Brian K.; Hutchison, Jay B.

    2014-03-09

    A new rapid method for the determination of actinides in seawater samples has been developed at the Savannah River National Laboratory. The actinides can be measured by alpha spectrometry or inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The new method employs novel pre-concentration steps to collect the actinide isotopes quickly from 80 L or more of seawater. Actinides are co-precipitated using an iron hydroxide co-precipitation step enhanced with Ti +3 reductant, followed by lanthanum fluoride co-precipitation. Stacked TEVA Resin and TRU Resin cartridges are used to rapidly separate Pu, U, and Np isotopes from seawater samples. TEVA Resin and DGA Resin were usedmore » to separate and measure Pu, Am and Cm isotopes in seawater volumes up to 80 L. This robust method is ideal for emergency seawater samples following a radiological incident. It can also be used, however, for the routine analysis of seawater samples for oceanographic studies to enhance efficiency and productivity. In contrast, many current methods to determine actinides in seawater can take 1–2 weeks and provide chemical yields of ~30–60 %. This new sample preparation method can be performed in 4–8 h with tracer yields of ~85–95 %. By employing a rapid, robust sample preparation method with high chemical yields, less seawater is needed to achieve lower or comparable detection limits for actinide isotopes with less time and effort.« less

  3. Determination of heavy metals by ICP-OES and F-AAS after preconcentration with 2,2'-bipyridyl and erythrosine.

    PubMed

    Feist, Barbara; Mikula, Barbara; Pytlakowska, Katarzyna; Puzio, Bozena; Buhl, Franciszek

    2008-04-15

    The applicability of 2,2'-bipyridyl and erythrosine co-precipitation method for the separation and preconcentration of some heavy metals, such as Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in actual samples for their determination by ICP-OES and F-AAS was studied. Experimental conditions influencing the recovery of the investigated metals, such as pH, molar ratio of 2,2'-bipyridyl to erythrosine, the effect of time on co-precipitation were optimized. The analytical characteristics of the method (e.g. limit of detection, sensitivity, linear range and preconcentration factor) were obtained. The limits of detection LOD (ng mL(-1)) of the ICP-OES (F-AAS) method were: Cd: 4.0 (7.75), Co: 3.1 (57.2), Cu: 18 (10.3), Ni 21.3 (32.8), Pb: 35.9 (29.2) and Zn: 10.2 (6.90). The recovery of all the elements tested was more than 93%. The influence of inorganic matrix was examined. The proposed method was applied to determination of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in vegetables and certified reference material (NCS ZC85006 Tomato).

  4. Ultrasound-induced capping of polystyrene on TiO2 nanoparticles by precipitation with compressed CO2 as antisolvent.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jianling; Liu, Zhimin; Han, Buxing; Li, Junchun; Li, Zhonghao; Yang, Guanying

    2005-06-01

    In this work, a route for the synthesis of inorganic/polymer core/shell composite nanoparticles was proposed, which can be called the antisolvent-ultrasound method. Compressed CO2 was used as antisolvent to precipitate the polymer from its solution dispersed with inorganic nanoparticles, during which ultrasonic irradiation was used to induce the coating of precipitated polymers on the surfaces of the inorganic nanoparticles. TiO2/polystyrene (PS) core/shell nanocomposites have been successfully prepared using this method. The transmission electronic micrographs (TEM) of the obtained nanocomposites show that the TiO2 nanoparticles are coated by the PS shells, of which the thickness can be tuned by the pressure of CO2. The phase structure, absorption properties, and thermal stability of the composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectra, and thermogravimetry, respectively. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) indicate the formation of a strong interaction between PS and TiO2 nanoparticles in the resultant products. This method has some potential advantages for applications and may be easily applied to the preparation of a range of inorganic/polymer core/shell composite nanoparticles.

  5. Peristalticity-driven banded chemical garden

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pópity-Tóth, É.; Schuszter, G.; Horváth, D.; Tóth, Á.

    2018-05-01

    Complex structures in nature are often formed by self-assembly. In order to mimic the formation, to enhance the production, or to modify the structures, easy-to-use methods are sought to couple engineering and self-assembly. Chemical-garden-like precipitation reactions are frequently used to study such couplings because of the intrinsic chemical and hydrodynamic interplays. In this work, we present a simple method of applying periodic pressure fluctuations given by a peristaltic pump which can be used to achieve regularly banded precipitate membranes in the copper-phosphate system.

  6. Toward a universal carbonate clumped isotope calibration: Diverse synthesis and preparatory methods suggest a single temperature relationship

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kelson, Julia R.; Huntington, Katharine W.; Schauer, Andrew J.; Saenger, Casey; Lechler, Alex R.

    2017-01-01

    Carbonate clumped isotope (Δ47) thermometry has been applied to a wide range of problems in earth, ocean and biological sciences over the last decade, but is still plagued by discrepancies among empirical calibrations that show a range of Δ47-temperature sensitivities. The most commonly suggested causes of these discrepancies are the method of mineral precipitation and analytical differences, including the temperature of phosphoric acid used to digest carbonates. However, these mechanisms have yet to be tested in a consistent analytical setting, which makes it difficult to isolate the cause(s) of discrepancies and to evaluate which synthetic calibration is most appropriate for natural samples. Here, we systematically explore the impact of synthetic carbonate precipitation by replicating precipitation experiments of previous workers under a constant analytical setting. We (1) precipitate 56 synthetic carbonates at temperatures of 4-85 °C using different procedures to degas CO2, with and without the use of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) to promote rapid dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) equilibration; (2) digest samples in phosphoric acid at both 90 °C and 25 °C; and (3) hold constant all analytical methods including acid preparation, CO2 purification, and mass spectrometry; and (4) reduce our data with 17O corrections that are appropriate for our samples. We find that the CO2 degassing method does not influence Δ47 values of these synthetic carbonates, and therefore probably only influences natural samples with very rapid degassing rates, like speleothems that precipitate out of drip solution with high pCO2. CA in solution does not influence Δ47 values in this work, suggesting that disequilibrium in the DIC pool is negligible. We also find the Δ47 values of samples reacted in 25 and 90 °C acid are within error of each other (once corrected with a constant acid fractionation factor). Taken together, our results show that the Δ47-temperature relationship does not measurably change with either the precipitation methods used in this study or acid digestion temperature. This leaves phosphoric acid preparation, CO2 gas purification, and/or data reduction methods as the possible sources of the discrepancy among published calibrations. In particular, the use of appropriate 17O corrections has the potential to reduce disagreement among calibrations. Our study nearly doubles the available synthetic carbonate calibration data for Δ47 thermometry (adding 56 samples to the 74 previously published samples). This large population size creates a robust calibration that enables us to examine the potential for calibration slope aliasing due to small sample size. The similarity of Δ47 values among carbonates precipitated under such diverse conditions suggests that many natural samples grown at 4-85 °C in moderate pH conditions (6-10) may also be described by our Δ47-temperature relationship.

  7. Synthesis of nano grade hollow silica sphere via a soft template method.

    PubMed

    Tsai, Ming-Shyong; Li, Miao Ju; Yen, Fu-Hsu

    2008-06-01

    The nano grade hollow silica sphere (HSS) was synthesized by a novel soft template method. We found that the precipitate of aluminate had a porous structure that could be the soft template for HSS. After mixing the colloidal silica with the aluminate precipitate, the bubble trapped in this porous structure could form the nano grade HSS. The aluminate precipitate was removed by adjusting the pH of the slurry to approximately 1. The outside diameter, the specific surface, and the mean pore size diameter of the forming HSS were 60-90 nm, 571 m2/g, and 3 nm, respectively. The formed HSS was collected by modifying the surface with Si(OCH3)3CHCH2 (VTMO) and then filtrating the precipitated gel in the n-butanol and ethanol solvent system.

  8. Magnetic Properties of Copper Doped Nickel Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized by Co Precipitation Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anjana, V.; John, Sara; Prakash, Pooja; Nair, Amritha M.; Nair, Aravind R.; Sambhudevan, Sreedha; Shankar, Balakrishnan

    2018-02-01

    Nickel ferrite nanoparticles with copper atoms as dopant have been prepared using co-precipitation method with general formula Ni1-xCuxFe2O4 (x=0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1) and are sintered at quite ambient temperature. Structural and magnetic properties were examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction method (XRD) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) to study the influence of copper doping in nickel ferrite magnetic nanoparticles. X-ray studies proves that the particles are possessing single phase spinel structure with an average particle size calculated using Debye Scherer formula. Magnetic measurements reveal that saturation magnetization value (Ms) decreases while magnetic coercivity (Hc) increases upon doping.

  9. Waste oil shale ash as a novel source of calcium for precipitated calcium carbonate: carbonation mechanism, modeling, and product characterization.

    PubMed

    Velts, O; Uibu, M; Kallas, J; Kuusik, R

    2011-11-15

    In this paper, a method for converting lime-containing oil shale waste ash into precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), a valuable commodity is elucidated. The mechanism of ash leachates carbonation was experimentally investigated in a stirred semi-batch barboter-type reactor by varying the CO(2) partial pressure, gas flow rate, and agitation intensity. A consistent set of model equations and physical-chemical parameters is proposed to describe the CaCO(3) precipitation process from oil shale ash leachates of complex composition. The model enables the simulation of reactive species (Ca(2+), CaCO(3), SO(4)(2-), CaSO(4), OH(-), CO(2), HCO(3)(-), H(+), CO(3)(2-)) concentration profiles in the liquid, gas, and solid phases as well as prediction of the PCC formation rate. The presence of CaSO(4) in the product may also be evaluated and used to assess the purity of the PCC product. A detailed characterization of the PCC precipitates crystallized from oil shale ash leachates is also provided. High brightness PCC (containing up to ∼ 96% CaCO(3)) with mean particle sizes ranging from 4 to 10 μm and controllable morphology (such as rhombohedral calcite or coexisting calcite and spherical vaterite phases) was obtained under the conditions studied. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Method for rapid screening analysis of Sr-90 in edible plant samples collected near Fukushima, Japan.

    PubMed

    Amano, Hikaru; Sakamoto, Hideaki; Shiga, Norikatsu; Suzuki, Kaori

    2016-06-01

    A screening method for measuring (90)Sr in edible plant samples by focusing on (90)Y in equilibrium with (90)Sr is reported. (90)Y was extracted from samples with acid, co-precipitated with iron hydroxide, and precipitated with oxalic acid. The dissolved oxalate precipitate was loaded on an extraction chromatography resin, and the (90)Y-enriched eluate was analyzed by Cherenkov counting with a TDCR liquid scintillation counter. (90)Sr ((90)Y) concentration was determined in plant samples collected near the damaged Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plants with this method. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Pore-scale simulation of calcium carbonate precipitation and dissolution under highly supersaturated conditions in a microfludic pore network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoon, H.; Dewers, T. A.; Valocchi, A. J.; Werth, C. J.

    2011-12-01

    Dissolved CO2 during geological CO2 storage may react with minerals in fractured rocks or confined aquifers and cause mineral precipitation. The overall rate of reaction can be affected by coupled processes among hydrodynamics, transport, and reactions at pore-scale. Pore-scale models of coupled fluid flow, reactive transport, and CaCO3 precipitation and dissolution are applied to account for transient experimental results of CaCO3 precipitation and dissolution under highly supersaturated conditions in a microfluidic pore network (i.e., micromodel). Pore-scale experiments in the micromodel are used as a basis for understanding coupled physics of systems perturbed by geological CO2 injection. In the micromodel, precipitation is induced by transverse mixing along the centerline in pore bodies. Overall, the pore-scale model qualitatively captured the governing physics of reactions such as precipitate morphology, precipitation rate, and maximum precipitation area in first few pore spaces. In particular, we found that proper estimation of the effective diffusion coefficient and the reactive surface area is necessary to adequately simulate precipitation and dissolution rates. As the model domain increases, the effect of flow patterns affected by precipitation on the overall reaction rate also increases. The model is also applied to account for the effect of different reaction rate laws on mineral precipitation and dissolution at pore-scale. Reaction rate laws tested include the linear rate law, nonlinear power law, and newly-developed rate law based on in-situ measurements at nano scale in the literature. Progress on novel methods for upscaling pore-scale models for reactive transport are discussed, and are being applied to mineral precipitation patterns observed in natural analogues. H.Y. and T. D. were supported as part of the Center for Frontiers of Subsurface Energy Security, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences under Award Number DE-SC0001114. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory managed and operated by Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000.

  12. Precipitation of Co(2+) carbonates from aqueous solution: insights on the amorphous to crystalline transformation.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    González-López, Jorge; Fernández-González, Ángeles; Jiménez, Amalia

    2016-04-01

    Cobalt is toxic metal that is present only as a trace in the Earth crust. However, Co might concentrate on specific areas due to both natural and anthropogenic factors and thus, soils and groundwater can be contaminated. It is from this perspective that we are interested in the precipitation of cobalt carbonates, since co-precipitation with minerals phases is a well-known method for metal immobilization in the environment. In particular, the carbonates are widely used due to its reactivity and natural abundance. In order to evaluate the cobalt carbonate precipitation at room temperature, a simple experimental work was carried out in this work. The precipitation occurred via reaction of two common salts: 0.05M of CoCl2 and 0.05M of Na2CO3 in aqueous solution. After reaction, the precipitated solid was kept in the remaining water at 25 oC and under constant stirring for different aging times of 5 min, 1 and 5 hours, 1, 2, 4, 7, 30 and 60 days. In addition to the aging and precipitation experiments, we carried out experiments to determine the solubility of the solids. In these experiments each precipitate was dissolved in Milli-Q water until equilibrium was reached and then the aqueous solution was analyzed regarding Co2+ and total alkalinity. Furthermore, acid solution calorimetry of the products were attained. Finally, we modeled the results using the PHREEQC code. Solid and aqueous phase identification and characterization have been extensively reported in a previous work (González-López et al., 2015). The main results of our investigation were the initial precipitation of an amorphous cobalt carbonate that evolve towards a poorly crystalline cobalt hydroxide carbonate with aging treatment. Solubility of both phases have been calculated under two different approaches: precipitation and dissolution. Values of solubility from each approach were obtained with a general error due to differences in experiment conditions, for instance, ionic strength, temperature and water content. It was surprising the low solubility product (Ksp) of the new phase Co2CO3(OH)2 in the order of 10-30 and this could explain its appearance only after 7 days of aging. On the other hand, the high solubility product of amorphous is consistent with its instantaneous precipitation at the beginning of the reaction. Solution calorimetry shows a higher value of exothermic solution enthalpy for crystalline cobalt hydroxide carbonate and hence, the solubility result are confirmed. Although geochemical models indicated that aqueous solution was supersaturated with respect both phases, the sequence of obtained phases (first amorphous and next crystalline) indicate that the evolution of the saturation index has to be dropped with respect to amorphous phase with time. These results points towards a simultaneous dissolution of the amorphous and the precipitation of crystalline phase Co2CO3(OH)2 at the first stages of the reaction. González-López, J. ; Fernández-González, Á. ; Jiménez, A. (2015) Prepublication: Crystallization of nanostructured cobalt hydroxide carbonate at ambient conditions: a key precursor of Co3O4. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1180/minmag.2015.079.7.02

  13. Synthesis of composite nanoparticles using co-precipitation of a magnetic iron-oxide shell onto core nanoparticles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Primc, Darinka; Belec, Blaž; Makovec, Darko

    2016-03-01

    Composite nanoparticles can be synthesized by coating a shell made of one material onto core nanoparticles made of another material. Here we report on a novel method for coating a magnetic iron oxide onto the surface of core nanoparticles in an aqueous suspension. The method is based on the heterogeneous nucleation of an initial product of Fe3+/Fe2+ co-precipitation on the core nanoparticles. The close control of the supersaturation of the precipitating species required for an exclusively heterogeneous nucleation and the growth of the shell were achieved by immobilizing the reactive Fe3+ ions in a nitrate complex with urea ([Fe((CO(NH2)2)6](NO3)3) and by using solid Mg(OH)2 as the precipitating reagent. The slow thermal decomposition of the complex at 60 °C homogeneously releases the reactive Fe3+ ions into the suspension of the core nanoparticles. The key stage of the process is the thermal hydrolysis of the released Fe3+ ions prior to the addition of Mg(OH)2. The thermal hydrolysis results in the formation of γ-FeOOH, exclusively at the surfaces of the core nanoparticles. After the addition of the solid hydroxide Mg(OH)2, the pH increases and at pH 5.7 the Fe2+ precipitates and reacts with the γ-FeOOH to form magnetic iron oxide with a spinel structure (spinel ferrite) at the surfaces of the core nanoparticles. The proposed low-temperature method for the synthesis of composite nanoparticles is capable of forming well-defined interfaces between the two components, important for the coupling of the different properties. The procedure is environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and appropriate for scaling up to mass production.

  14. Design, Synthesis and Mechanistic Evaluation of Iron-Based Catalysis for Synthesis Gas Conversion to Fuels and Chemicals

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

    Akio Ishikawa; Manuel Ojeda; Nan Yao

    2007-03-31

    This project extends previously discovered Fe-based catalysts to hydrogen-poor synthesis gas streams derived from coal and biomass sources. These catalysts have shown unprecedented Fischer-Tropsch synthesis rates and selectivities for synthesis gas derived from methane. During the first reporting period, we certified a microreactor, installed required analytical equipment, and reproduced synthetic protocols and catalytic results previously reported. During the second reporting period, we prepared several Fe-based compositions for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis and tested the effects of product recycle under both subcritical and supercritical conditions. During the third and fourth reporting periods, we improved the catalysts preparation method, which led to Fe-based materialsmore » with the highest FTS reaction rates and selectivities so far reported, a finding that allowed their operation at lower temperatures and pressures with high selectivity to desired products (C{sub 5+}, olefins). During the fifth and sixth reporting period, we studied the effects of different promoters on catalytic performance, specifically how their sequence of addition dramatically influenced the performance of these materials in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. We also continued our studies of the kinetic behavior of these materials during the sixth reporting period. Specifically, the effects of H{sub 2}, CO, and CO{sub 2} on the rates and selectivities of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis reactions led us to propose a new sequence of elementary steps on Fe and Co Fischer-Tropsch catalysts. Finally, we also started a study of the use of colloidal precipitation methods for the synthesis small Co clusters using recently developed methods to explore possible further improvements in FTS rates and selectivities. We found that colloidal synthesis makes possible the preparation of small cobalt particles, although large amount of cobalt silicate species, which are difficult to reduce, were formed. During this seventh reporting period, we have explored several methods to modify the silanol groups on SiO{sub 2} by using either a homogeneous deposition-precipitation method or surface titration of Si-OH on SiO{sub 2} with zirconium (IV) ethoxide to prevent the formation of unreducible and unreactive CoO{sub x} species during synthesis and FTS catalysis. We have synthesized monometallic Co/ZrO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2} catalysts with different Co loadings (11-20 wt%) by incipient wetness impregnation methods and characterized the prepared Co supported catalysts by H{sub 2} temperature-programmed reduction (H{sub 2}-TPR) and H{sub 2}-chemisorption. We have measured the catalytic performance in FTS reactions and shown that although the hydroxyl groups on the SiO{sub 2} surface are difficult to be fully titrated by ZrO{sub 2}, modification of ZrO{sub 2} on SiO{sub 2} surface can improve the Co clusters dispersion and lead to a larger number of exposed Co surface atoms after reduction and during FTS reactions. During this seventh reporting period, we have also advanced our development of the reaction mechanism proposed in the previous reporting period. Specifically, we have shown that our novel proposal for the pathways involved in CO activation on Fe and Co catalysts is consistent with state-of-the-art theoretical calculations carried out in collaboration with Prof. Manos Mavrikakis (University of Wisconsin-Madison). Finally, we have also worked on the preparation of several manuscripts describing our findings about the preparation, activation and mechanism of the FTS with Fe-based catalysts and we have started redacting the final report for this project.« less

  15. Supercritical antisolvent co-precipitation of rifampicin and ethyl cellulose.

    PubMed

    Djerafi, Rania; Swanepoel, Andri; Crampon, Christelle; Kalombo, Lonji; Labuschagne, Philip; Badens, Elisabeth; Masmoudi, Yasmine

    2017-05-01

    Rifampicin-loaded submicron-sized particles were prepared through supercritical anti-solvent process using ethyl cellulose as polymeric encapsulating excipient. Ethyl acetate and a mixture of ethyl acetate/dimethyl sulfoxide (70/30 and 85/15) were used as solvents for both drug and polymeric excipient. When ethyl acetate was used, rifampicin was crystallized separately without being embedded within the ethyl cellulose matrix while by using the ethyl acetate/dimethyl sulfoxide mixture, reduced crystallinity of the active ingredient was observed and a simultaneous precipitation of ethyl cellulose and drug was achieved. The effect of solvent/CO 2 molar ratio and polymer/drug mass ratio on the co-precipitates morphology and drug loading was investigated. Using the solvent mixture, co-precipitates with particle sizes ranging between 190 and 230nm were obtained with drug loading and drug precipitation yield from respectively 8.5 to 38.5 and 42.4 to 77.2% when decreasing the ethyl cellulose/rifampicin ratio. Results show that the solvent nature and the initial drug concentrations affect morphology and drug precipitation yield of the formulations. In vitro dissolution studies revealed that the release profile of rifampicin was sustained when co-precipitation was carried out with the solvent mixture. It was demonstrated that the drug to polymer ratio influenced amorphous content of the SAS co-precipitates. Differential scanning calorimetry thermograms and infrared spectra revealed that there is neither interaction between rifampicin and the polymer nor degradation of rifampicin during co-precipitation. In addition, stability stress tests on SAS co-precipitates were carried out at 75% relative humidity and room temperature in order to evaluate their physical stability. SAS co-precipitates were X-ray amorphous and remained stable after 6months of storage. The SAS co-precipitation process using a mixture of ethyl acetate/dimethyl sulfoxide demonstrates that this strategy can be successful for controlling rifampicin delivery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

    Burns, S. P.; Blanken, P. D.; Turnipseed, A. A.

    Precipitation changes the physical and biological characteristics of an ecosystem. Using a precipitation-based conditional sampling technique and a 14 year data set from a 25 m micrometeorological tower in a high-elevation subalpine forest, we examined how warm-season precipitation affected the above-canopy diel cycle of wind and turbulence, net radiation R net, ecosystem eddy covariance fluxes (sensible heat H, latent heat LE, and CO 2 net ecosystem exchange NEE) and vertical profiles of scalars (air temperature T a, specific humidity q, and CO 2 dry mole fraction χ c). This analysis allowed us to examine how precipitation modified these variables frommore » hourly (i.e., the diel cycle) to multi-day time-scales (i.e., typical of a weather-system frontal passage). During mid-day we found the following: (i) even though precipitation caused mean changes on the order of 50–70 % to R net, H, and LE, the surface energy balance (SEB) was relatively insensitive to precipitation with mid-day closure values ranging between 90 and 110 %, and (ii) compared to a typical dry day, a day following a rainy day was characterized by increased ecosystem uptake of CO 2 (NEE increased by ≈ 10 %), enhanced evaporative cooling (mid-day LE increased by ≈ 30 W m –2), and a smaller amount of sensible heat transfer (mid-day H decreased by ≈ 70 W m –2). Based on the mean diel cycle, the evaporative contribution to total evapotranspiration was, on average, around 6 % in dry conditions and between 15 and 25 % in partially wet conditions. Furthermore, increased LE lasted at least 18 h following a rain event. At night, even though precipitation (and accompanying clouds) reduced the magnitude of R net, LE increased from ≈ 10 to over 20 W m –2 due to increased evaporation. Any effect of precipitation on the nocturnal SEB closure and NEE was overshadowed by atmospheric phenomena such as horizontal advection and decoupling that create measurement difficulties. Above-canopy mean χ c during wet conditions was found to be about 2–3 μmol mol –1 larger than χ c on dry days. This difference was fairly constant over the full diel cycle suggesting that it was due to synoptic weather patterns (different air masses and/or effects of barometric pressure). Lastly, the effect of clouds on the timing and magnitude of daytime ecosystem fluxes is described.« less

  17. Co-Precipitation Synthesis of Gadolinium Aluminum Gallium Oxide (GAGG) via Different Precipitants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Yan; Yang, Shenghui; Zhang, Ye; Jiang, Jun; Jiang, Haochuan

    2014-02-01

    In order to obtain a uniform transparent ceramic scintillator, well-dispersed fine starting powders with high-purity, small grain size, spherical morphology and high sinter-ability are necessary. In this study, Ce3+ doped gadolinium aluminum gallium garnet Gd3Al3Ga2O12 (GAGG) powders were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. NH4OH, NH4HCO3 and the mixed solution of NH4OH and NH4HCO3 were used as precipitants, respectively. The precursor composition, phase formation process, microstructure, morphology, particle size distribution and luminescent properties of obtained GAGG powders were measured. The results show that powders prepared using the mixed precipitant exhibit the best microstructural morphology, good sinter-ability and highest luminescent intensity. Pure GAGG polycrystalline powders could be obtained at about 950°C for 1.5 h and the average size of the particles is about 50 nm. The photoluminescence spectrum shows a strong green-yellow emission near 540 nm.

  18. Surface modification of a low cost bentonite for post-combustion CO2 capture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Chao; Park, Dong-Wha; Ahn, Wha-Seung

    2013-10-01

    A low cost bentonite was modified with PEI (polyethylenimine) through a physical impregnation method. Bentonite in its natural state and after amine modification were characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, and investigated for CO2 capture using a thermogravimetric analysis unit connected to a flow panel. The effect of adsorption temperature, PEI loading and CO2 partial pressure on the CO2 capture performance of the PEI-modified bentonite was examined. A cyclic CO2 adsorption-desorption test was also carried out to assess the stability of PEI-modified bentonite as a CO2 adsorbent. Bentonite in its natural state showed negligible CO2 uptake. After amine modification, the CO2 uptake increased significantly due to CO2 capture by amine species introduced via chemisorption. The PEI-modified bentonites showed high CO2 capture selectivity over N2, and exhibited excellent stability in cyclic CO2 adsorption-desorption runs.

  19. Reinforced carbon fiber laminates with oriented carbon nanotube epoxy nanocomposites: Magnetic field assisted alignment and cryogenic temperature mechanical properties.

    PubMed

    He, Yuxin; Yang, Song; Liu, Hu; Shao, Qian; Chen, Qiuyu; Lu, Chang; Jiang, Yuanli; Liu, Chuntai; Guo, Zhanhu

    2018-05-01

    The epoxy nanocomposites with ordered multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to influence the micro-cracks resistance of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CF/EP) laminate at 77 K, Oxidized MWCNTs functionalized with Fe 3 O 4 (Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs) with good magnetic properties were prepared by co-precipitation method and used to modify epoxy (EP) for cryogenic applications. Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs reinforced carbon fiber epoxy composites were also prepared through vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The ordered Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs were observed to have effectively improved the mechanical properties of epoxy (EP) matrix at 77 K and reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of EP matrix. The ordered Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs also obviously improved the micro-cracks resistance of CF/EP composites at 77 K. Compared to neat EP, the CTE of ordered Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs modified CF/EP composites was decreased 37.6%. Compared to CF/EP composites, the micro-cracks density of ordered Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs modified CF/EP composites at 77 K was decreased 37.2%. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Preparation, characterization, nanostructures and bio functional analysis of sonicated protein co-precipitates from brewers' spent grain and soybean flour.

    PubMed

    Alu'datt, Muhammad H; Gammoh, Sana; Rababah, Taha; Almomani, Mohammed; Alhamad, Mohammad N; Ereifej, Khalil; Almajwal, Ali; Tahat, Asma; Hussein, Neveen M; Nasser, Sura Abou

    2018-02-01

    This investigation was performed to assess the effects of sonication on the structure of protein, extractability of phenolics, and biological properties of isolated proteins and protein co-precipitates prepared from brewers' spent grain and soybean flour. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that the sonicated protein isolates and co-precipitates had different microstructures with fewer aggregates and smaller particles down to the nanometer scale compared to non-sonicated samples. However, the levels of free and bound phenolics extracted from non-sonicated protein isolates and protein co-precipitates increased compared to sonicated samples. The bound phenolics extracted after acid hydrolysis of sonicated protein co-precipitates showed improved ACE inhibitory activity and diminished antioxidant potency compared to non-sonicated samples. However, the free phenolics extracted from sonicated protein co-precipitates showed decreased ACE inhibitory activity and increased antioxidant activities compared to non-sonicated samples. The free and bound phenolics extracted from sonicated protein co-precipitates showed increased alpha-amylase inhibitory activity compared to non-sonicated samples. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Application of Albumin-embedded Magnetic Nanoheaters for Release of Etoposide in Integrated Chemotherapy and Hyperthermia of U87-MG Glioma Cells.

    PubMed

    Babincová, Melánia; Vrbovská, Hana; Sourivong, Paul; Babinec, Peter; Durdík, Štefan

    2018-05-01

    Malignant gliomas remain refractory to several therapeutic approaches and the requirement for novel treatment modalities is critical to combat this disease. Etoposide is a topoisomerase-II inhibitor, which promotes DNA damage and apoptosis of cancer cells. In this study, we prepared albumin with embedded magnetic nanoparticles and etoposide for in vitro evaluation of combined hyperthermia and chemotherapy. Magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by a modified co-precipitation method in the presence of human serum albumin and etoposide. A cellular proliferation assay was used to determine the effects of these nanostructures on the viability of U87 glioma cells in an alternating magnetic field. The in vitro experiments showed that cell viability decreased to 59.4% after heat treatment alone and to 53.8% on that with free etoposide, while combined treatment resulted in 7.8% cell viability. Integrating hyperthermia and chemotherapy using albumin co-embedded magnetic nanoheaters and etoposide may represent a promising therapeutic option for glioblastoma. Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

  2. Modified zirconium-eriochrome cyanine R determination of fluoride

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Thatcher, L.L.

    1957-01-01

    The Eriochrome Cyanine R method for determining fluoride in natural water has been modified to provide a single, stable reagent solution, eliminate interference from oxidizing agents, extend the concentration range to 3 p.p.m., and extend the phosphate tolerance. Temperature effect was minimized; sulfate error was eliminated by precipitation. The procedure is sufficiently tolerant to interferences found in natural and polluted waters to permit the elimination of prior distillation for most samples. The method has been applied to 500 samples.

  3. Enhanced bone formation in the vicinity of porous β-TCP scaffolds exhibiting slow release of collagen-derived tripeptides.

    PubMed

    Kamikura, Keita; Minatoya, Tsutomu; Terada-Nakaishi, Michiko; Yamamoto, Shoko; Sakai, Yasuo; Furusawa, Toshitake; Matsushima, Yuta; Unuma, Hidero

    2017-09-01

    It has been experimentally proven that orally ingested collagen-derived tripeptides (Ctp) are quickly absorbed in the body and effectively promote the regeneration of connective tissues including bone and skin. Ctp are capable to activate osteoblasts and fibroblasts, which eventually promotes tissue regeneration. Based on these findings, a hypothesis was formulated in this study that direct delivery of Ctp to bone defect would also facilitate tissue regeneration as well as oral administration. To test the hypothesis, we prepared a bone augmentation material with the ability to slowly release Ctp, and investigated its in vivo bone regeneration efficacy. The implant material was porous β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffold which was coated with a co-precipitated layer of bone-like hydroxyapatite and Ctp. The β-TCP was impregnated with approximately 0.8%(w/w) Ctp. Then, the Ctp-modified β-TCP was implanted into bone defects of Wistar rats to evaluate in vivo efficacy of Ctp directly delivered from the material to the bone defects. The control was pristine porous β-TCP. In vitro tests showed that Ctp were steadily released from the co-precipitated layer for approximately two weeks. The Ctp-modified scaffolds significantly promoted new bone formation in vivo in their vicinity as compared with pristine β-TCP scaffolds; 6 weeks after the implantation, Ctp-modified scaffolds promoted twice as much bone formation as the control implants. Consequently, we achieved the slow and steady release of Ctp, and found that direct delivery of Ctp from implant materials was effective for bone regeneration as well as oral administration. A β-TCP scaffold capable of slowly releasing bone-enhancing substances significantly promoted bone formation.

  4. Chemical modification of magnetite nanoparticles and preparation of acrylic-base magnetic nanocomposite particles via miniemulsion polymerization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mahdieh, Athar; Mahdavian, Ali Reza; Salehi-Mobarakeh, Hamid

    2017-03-01

    Nowadays, magnetic nanocomposite particles have attracted many interests because of their versatile applications. A new method for chemical modification of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with polymerizable groups is presented here. After synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles by co-precipitation method, they were modified sequentially with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES), acryloyl chloride (AC) and benzoyl chloride (BC) and all were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM and TGA analyses. Then the modified magnetite nanoparticles with unsaturated acrylic groups were copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA) and acrylic acid (AA) through miniemulsion polymerization. Although several reports exist on preparation of magnetite-base polymer particles, but the efficiency of magnetite encapsulationwith reasonable content and obtaining final stable latexes with limited aggregation ofFe3O4 are still important issues. These were considered here by controlling reaction parameters. Hence, a seriesofmagneticnanocomposites latex particlescontaining different amounts of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (0-10 wt%) were prepared with core-shell morphology and diameter below 200 nm and were characterized by FT-IR, DSC and TGA analyses. Their morphology and size distribution were studied by SEM, TEM and DLS analyses too. Magnetic properties of all products were also measuredby VSM analysis and the results revealed almost superparamagnetic properties for the obtained nanocomposite particles.

  5. Arsanilic acid modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for Purification of alkaline phosphatase from hen's egg yolk.

    PubMed

    Farzi-Khajeh, Hamed; Safa, Kazem D; Dastmalchi, Siavoush

    2017-09-01

    Recent studies of magnetic carrier technology have focused on its applications in separation and purification technologies, due to easy separation of the target from the reaction medium by applying an external magnetic field. In the present study, Fe 3 O 4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles were prepared to utilize a chemical co-precipitation method, then the surfaces of the nanoparticles were modified with arsanilic acid derivatives which were used as the specific nanocarriers for the affinity purification of alkaline phosphatase from the hen's egg yolk. The six different types of magnetic nanocarriers with varied lengths of the linkers were obtained. All samples were characterized step by step and validated using FTIR, SEM, EDX, VSM and XRD analysis methods As the results were shown, the use of inflexible tags with long linkers on the surface of the nanocarrier could lead to better results for separation of alkaline phosphatase from the hen's egg yolk with 76.2% recovery and 1361.7-fold purification. The molecular weight of the purified alkaline phosphatase was estimated to be 68kDa by SDS-PAGE. The results of this study showed that the novel magnetic nanocarriers were capable of purifying alkaline phosphatase in a practically time and cost effective way. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. An Integrated, Low Temperature Process to Capture and Sequester Carbon Dioxide from Industrial Emissions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wendlandt, R. F.; Foremski, J. J.

    2013-12-01

    Laboratory experiments show that it is possible to integrate (1) the chemistry of serpentine dissolution, (2) capture of CO2 gas from the combustion of natural gas and coal-fired power plants using aqueous amine-based solvents, (3) long-term CO2 sequestration via solid phase carbonate precipitation, and (4) capture solvent regeneration with acid recycling in a single, continuous process. In our process, magnesium is released from serpentine at 300°C via heat treatment with ammonium sulfate salts or at temperatures as low as 50°C via reaction with sulfuric acid. We have also demonstrated that various solid carbonate phases can be precipitated directly from aqueous amine-based (NH3, MEA, DMEA) CO2 capture solvent solutions at room temperature. Direct precipitation from the capture solvent enables regenerating CO2 capture solvent without the need for heat and without the need to compress the CO2 off gas. We propose that known low-temperature electrochemical methods can be integrated with this process to regenerate the aqueous amine capture solvent and recycle acid for dissolution of magnesium-bearing mineral feedstocks and magnesium release. Although the direct precipitation of magnesite at ambient conditions remains elusive, experimental results demonstrate that at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 60°C, either nesquehonite Mg(HCO3)(OH)●2H2O or a double salt with the formula [NH4]2Mg(CO3)2●4H2O or an amorphous magnesium carbonate precipitate directly from the capture solvent. These phases are less desirable for CO2 sequestration than magnesite because they potentially remove constituents (water, ammonia) from the reaction system, reducing the overall efficiency of the sequestration process. Accordingly, the integrated process can be accomplished with minimal energy consumption and loss of CO2 capture and acid solvents, and a net generation of 1 to 4 moles of H2O/6 moles of CO2 sequestered (depending on the solid carbonate precipitate and amount of produced H2 and O2 gas reacted to produce heat and water). Features of the integrated process include the following: 1) the four separate processes have compatible chemistry, enabling design of an integrated, continuous process scheme for CO2 capture and sequestration; 2) all 4 stages of the process can be conducted at ambient or slightly elevated temperatures; 3) precipitating carbonate directly from the capture solvent eliminates the need for costly CO2 gas compression; and 4) recycling the acid used for serpentine dissolution and the solvent used for CO2 capture reduces feed stock costs.

  7. Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Behavior of Modified HKUST-1

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ma, Lan; Tang, Huamin; Zhou, Chaohua; Zhang, Hongpeng; Yan, Chunxiao; Hu, Xiaochun; Yang, Yang; Yang, Weiwei; Li, Yuming; He, Dehua

    2014-12-01

    A kind of typical metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) material, HKUST-1 was prepared by hydrothermal method and characterized by XRD and SEM. The results of characterizations manifested that HKUST-1 showed a regular octahedral crystal structure. The as-prepared HKUST-1 was modified by several kinds of organic base materials and the CO2 adsorption behaviors of modified HKUST-1 materials were evaluated. The CO2 adsorption capacities of different base modified HKUST-1 varied with the base intensity of modified organic base materials.

  8. Calcium carbonate scale control, effect of material and inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Macadam, J; Parsons, S A

    2004-01-01

    This paper focuses on developing a reproducible method for reducing calcium carbonate scale formation on heated surfaces where scaling can cause serious problems. It is known that calcium carbonate precipitation is sensitive to impurity ions, such as iron and zinc, even at trace concentration levels. In this paper two sets of experiments are reported. The first experiments were undertaken to investigate the effect of zinc, copper and iron dosing on CaCO3 nucleation and precipitation. Results from the experiments showed that the most effective inhibitor of CaCO3 precipitation was zinc and the effect was linked to dose levels and temperature. Copper and iron had little effect on precipitation in the dose range investigated. The second trial was undertaken to translate the precipitation data to scale formation. These tests were undertaken at 70 degrees C. 5 mg x L(-1) zinc dose reduced the scale formation by 35%. The effect of iron on calcium carbonate scaling rate was not significant. The physical nature of the material on which the scale is formed also influences the scaling. The scaling experiment was also used to investigate the effect of different surface material (stainless steel, copper and aluminium) on CaCO3 scale formation. Copper surface scaled the most.

  9. Temporal and spatial characteristics of extreme precipitation events in the Midwest of Jilin Province based on multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis method and copula functions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Enliang; Zhang, Jiquan; Si, Ha; Dong, Zhenhua; Cao, Tiehua; Lan, Wu

    2017-10-01

    Environmental changes have brought about significant changes and challenges to water resources and management in the world; these include increasing climate variability, land use change, intensive agriculture, and rapid urbanization and industrial development, especially much more frequency extreme precipitation events. All of which greatly affect water resource and the development of social economy. In this study, we take extreme precipitation events in the Midwest of Jilin Province as an example; daily precipitation data during 1960-2014 are used. The threshold of extreme precipitation events is defined by multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) method. Extreme precipitation (EP), extreme precipitation ratio (EPR), and intensity of extreme precipitation (EPI) are selected as the extreme precipitation indicators, and then the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test is employed to determine the optimal probability distribution function of extreme precipitation indicators. On this basis, copulas connect nonparametric estimation method and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) method is adopted to determine the bivariate copula function. Finally, we analyze the characteristics of single variable extremum and bivariate joint probability distribution of the extreme precipitation events. The results show that the threshold of extreme precipitation events in semi-arid areas is far less than that in subhumid areas. The extreme precipitation frequency shows a significant decline while the extreme precipitation intensity shows a trend of growth; there are significant differences in spatiotemporal of extreme precipitation events. The spatial variation trend of the joint return period gets shorter from the west to the east. The spatial distribution of co-occurrence return period takes on contrary changes and it is longer than the joint return period.

  10. Activated charcoal-mediated RNA extraction method for Azadirachta indica and plants highly rich in polyphenolics, polysaccharides and other complex secondary compounds

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background High quality RNA is a primary requisite for numerous molecular biological applications but is difficult to isolate from several plants rich in polysaccharides, polyphenolics and other secondary metabolites. These compounds either bind with nucleic acids or often co-precipitate at the final step and many times cannot be removed by conventional methods and kits. Addition of vinyl-pyrollidone polymers in extraction buffer efficiently removes polyphenolics to some extent, but, it failed in case of Azadirachta indica and several other medicinal and aromatic plants. Findings Here we report the use of adsorption property of activated charcoal (0.03%–0.1%) in RNA isolation procedures to remove complex secondary metabolites and polyphenolics to yield good quality RNA from Azadirachta indica. We tested and validated our modified RNA isolation method across 21 different plants including Andrographis paniculata, Aloe vera, Rosa damascena, Pelargonium graveolens, Phyllanthus amarus etc. from 13 other different families, many of which are considered as tough system for isolating RNA. The A260/280 ratio of the extracted RNA ranged between 1.8-2.0 and distinct 28S and 18S ribosomal RNA bands were observed in denaturing agarose gel electrophoresis. Analysis using Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer revealed intact total RNA yield with very good RNA Integrity Number. Conclusions The RNA isolated by our modified method was found to be of high quality and amenable for sensitive downstream molecular applications like subtractive library construction and RT-PCR. This modified RNA isolation procedure would aid and accelerate the biotechnological studies in complex medicinal and aromatic plants which are extremely rich in secondary metabolic compounds. PMID:23537338

  11. Application of end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring via distal gas samples in ventilated neonates.

    PubMed

    Jin, Ziying; Yang, Maoying; Lin, Ru; Huang, Wenfang; Wang, Jiangmei; Hu, Zhiyong; Shu, Qiang

    2017-08-01

    Previous research has suggested correlations between the end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (P ET CO 2 ) and the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO 2 ) in mechanically ventilated patients, but both the relationship between P ET CO 2 and PaCO 2 and whether P ET CO 2 accurately reflects PaCO 2 in neonates and infants are still controversial. This study evaluated remote sampling of P ET CO 2 via an epidural catheter within an endotracheal tube to determine the procedure's clinical safety and efficacy in the perioperative management of neonates. Abdominal surgery was performed under general anesthesia in 86 full-term newborns (age 1-30 days, weight 2.55-4.0 kg, American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II). The infants were divided into 2 groups (n = 43 each), and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) gas samples were collected either from the conventional position (the proximal end) or a modified position (the distal end) of the epidural catheter. The P ET CO 2 measured with the new method was significantly higher than that measured with the traditional method, and the difference between P ET CO 2 and PaCO 2 was also reduced. The accuracy of P ET CO 2 measured increased from 78.7% to 91.5% when the modified sampling method was used. The moderate correlation between P ET CO 2 and PaCO 2 by traditional measurement was 0.596, which significantly increased to 0.960 in the modified sampling group. Thus, the P ET CO 2 value was closer to that of PaCO 2 . P ET CO 2 detected via modified carbon dioxide monitoring had a better accuracy and correlation with PaCO 2 in neonates. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

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

    Núñez-Coavas, H.

    As cast Cu{sub 90}Co{sub 10} ribbons rapidly solidified by twin-roller melt spinning, exhibit special microstructure features. This processing method provides scenarios where a different phase selection takes place; coherent Co precipitates form directly from solidification, with neither a spinodal-like composition oscillation nor a discontinuously precipitated laminar phase. Samples are processed at tangential wheel speeds of 10 m/s (V10), 15 m/s (V15), 20 m/s (V20) and 30 m/s (V30). Microstructures resulting from this single step process are characterized and the hysteresis properties and the magnetoresistance effects evaluated. Samples V30 have a quite uniform density of coherent precipitates, with a narrow sizemore » distribution around 4 nm. On contrary, non-uniform precipitate distributions are found in samples cooled at lower rates; zones with a high density of coherent Co-rich precipitates are found forming colonies. These colonies are consistent with the extended compositional fluctuations occurring during very early stages in the cooling process. Samples may exhibit wide (V10) and even bimodal (V15) size distributions. Only samples V30 behave close to the ideal superparamagnetism. Samples V20 present relatively large coercivity and relative remanence and behave as an interacting superparamagnet, while the hysteresis loops of ribbons cooled at lower rates exhibit a ferromagnetic contribution in addition to the superparamagnetic-like one. This ferromagnetic component arises from blocked precipitates, larger than the upper bound size for superparamagnetic behavior at 300 K (12 nm). Room temperature magnetoresistance values associated to granular scattering units decrease as the mean precipitate size increases, but they remain below 2%, which is lower than that measured in samples annealed after rapid solidification, indicating that in this latter case contributions from the spinodally segregated matrix take place in addition to that of Co granules. - Highlights: •Microstructures of twin-rolled Cu{sub 90}Cu{sub 10} alloys are for the first time characterized. •Coherent Co-rich precipitates distribute forming dense colonies inside the grains. •No coexisting multilayer-like structures (spinodal or laminar phases) are detected. •Magnetic hysteresis arises from inter-particle interaction in these dense colonies. •Magnetoresistance level in these purely granular systems is low (1.6% at 300 K).« less

  13. Structural and optical studies of Mg doped nanoparticles of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) synthesized by co-precipitation method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Jarnail; Verma, Vikram; Kumar, Ravi

    2018-04-01

    We present here the synthesization, structural and optical studies of Mg doped nanoparticles of Chromium oxide (Cr2O3) prepared using co-precipitation method. These samples were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Raman spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy techniques. We have demonstrated that there is negligible change in optical band gap with the Mg doping. The prepared Cr2O3 nanoparticles are spherical in shape, but they are transformed into platelets when doped with Mg. The XRD studies reveal that the Mg doping in Cr2O3 doesn't affect the structure of Chromium oxide (Cr2O3).

  14. The influence of warm-season precipitation on the diel cycle of the surface energy balance and carbon dioxide at a Colorado subalpine forest site

    DOE PAGES

    Burns, S. P.; Blanken, P. D.; Turnipseed, A. A.; ...

    2015-12-15

    Precipitation changes the physical and biological characteristics of an ecosystem. Using a precipitation-based conditional sampling technique and a 14 year data set from a 25 m micrometeorological tower in a high-elevation subalpine forest, we examined how warm-season precipitation affected the above-canopy diel cycle of wind and turbulence, net radiation R net, ecosystem eddy covariance fluxes (sensible heat H, latent heat LE, and CO 2 net ecosystem exchange NEE) and vertical profiles of scalars (air temperature T a, specific humidity q, and CO 2 dry mole fraction χ c). This analysis allowed us to examine how precipitation modified these variables frommore » hourly (i.e., the diel cycle) to multi-day time-scales (i.e., typical of a weather-system frontal passage). During mid-day we found the following: (i) even though precipitation caused mean changes on the order of 50–70 % to R net, H, and LE, the surface energy balance (SEB) was relatively insensitive to precipitation with mid-day closure values ranging between 90 and 110 %, and (ii) compared to a typical dry day, a day following a rainy day was characterized by increased ecosystem uptake of CO 2 (NEE increased by ≈ 10 %), enhanced evaporative cooling (mid-day LE increased by ≈ 30 W m –2), and a smaller amount of sensible heat transfer (mid-day H decreased by ≈ 70 W m –2). Based on the mean diel cycle, the evaporative contribution to total evapotranspiration was, on average, around 6 % in dry conditions and between 15 and 25 % in partially wet conditions. Furthermore, increased LE lasted at least 18 h following a rain event. At night, even though precipitation (and accompanying clouds) reduced the magnitude of R net, LE increased from ≈ 10 to over 20 W m –2 due to increased evaporation. Any effect of precipitation on the nocturnal SEB closure and NEE was overshadowed by atmospheric phenomena such as horizontal advection and decoupling that create measurement difficulties. Above-canopy mean χ c during wet conditions was found to be about 2–3 μmol mol –1 larger than χ c on dry days. This difference was fairly constant over the full diel cycle suggesting that it was due to synoptic weather patterns (different air masses and/or effects of barometric pressure). Lastly, the effect of clouds on the timing and magnitude of daytime ecosystem fluxes is described.« less

  15. URANIUM RECOVERY PROCESS

    DOEpatents

    Bailes, R.H.; Long, R.S.; Olson, R.S.; Kerlinger, H.O.

    1959-02-10

    A method is described for recovering uranium values from uranium bearing phosphate solutions such as are encountered in the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers. The solution is first treated with a reducing agent to obtain all the uranium in the tetravalent state. Following this reduction, the solution is treated to co-precipitate the rcduced uranium as a fluoride, together with other insoluble fluorides, thereby accomplishing a substantially complete recovery of even trace amounts of uranium from the phosphate solution. This precipitate usually takes the form of a complex fluoride precipitate, and after appropriate pre-treatment, the uranium fluorides are leached from this precipitate and rccovered from the leach solution.

  16. Iron on mixed zirconia-titania substrate Fischer-Tropsch catalyst and method of making same

    DOEpatents

    Dyer, Paul N.; Nordquist, Andrew F.; Pierantozzi, Ronald

    1986-01-01

    A Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprising iron co-deposited with or deposited on particles comprising a mixture of zirconia and titania, preferably formed by co-precipitation of compounds convertible to zirconia and titania, such as zirconium and titanium alkoxide. The invention also comprises the method of making this catalyst and an improved Fischer-Tropsch reaction process in which the catalyst is utilized.

  17. Surface properties of poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) precipitation polymerized in supercritical CO2 and the influence of the molecular weight.

    PubMed

    Shen, Qing; Gu, Qing-Feng; Hu, Jian-Feng; Teng, Xin-Rong; Zhu, Yun-Feng

    2003-11-15

    In this paper, the surface properties, e.g., the total surface free energy and the related Lifshitz-van der Waals and Lewis acid-base components, of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precipitation polymerized in supercritical CO(2) have been characterized. Moreover, the influence of molecular weight varying has been also investigated. Results show that the surface properties of PAN resulting from supercritical CO(2) are different from those obtained by the conventional method. Of these data, one important finding is that the supercritical CO(2) PAN seems to decrease the surface free energy with the increased molecular weight. Based on previous recorded NMR spectra of this PAN and especially compared to commercial PAN, such phenomena are discussed and ascribed to an increase of the H-bonds and a reduction of the isotacticity in the supercritical CO(2) condition for PAN.

  18. Role of alloy additions on strengthening in 17-4 PH stainless steel

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murthy, Arpana Sudershan

    Alloy modifications by addition of niobium (Nb), vanadium (V), nitrogen (N) and cobalt (Co) to cast 17-4 PH steel were investigated to determine the effect on mechanical properties. Additions of Nb, V, and N increased the yield strength from 1120 MPa to 1310 MPa while decreased the room temperature charpy V notch (CVN) toughness from 20 J to four Joules. The addition of Co to cast 17-4 PH steel enhanced the yield strength and CVN toughness from 1140 MPa to 1290 MPa and from 3.7 J to 5.5 J, respectively. In the base 17-4 PH steel, an increase in block width from 2.27 ± 0.10 μm in the solution treated condition to 3.06 ± 0.17 μm upon aging at 755 K was measured using orientation image microscopy. Cobalt inhibited recrystallization and block boundary migration during aging resulting in a finer martensitic block structure. The influence of Co on copper (Cu) precipitation in steels was studied using atom probe tomography. A narrower precipitate size distribution was observed in the steels with Co addition. The concentration profile across the matrix / precipitate interface indicated rejection of Co atoms from the copper precipitates. This behavior was observed to be energetically favorable using first principle calculations. The activation energies for Cu precipitation increased from 205 kJ/ mol in the non-cobalt containing alloy, to 243 kJ/ mol, and 272 kJ/ mol in alloys with 3 wt. %Co, and 7 wt. % Co, respectively. The role of Co on Cu precipitation in cast 17-4 PH steel is proposed as follows: (i) Co is rejected out of the Cu precipitate and sets up a barrier to the growth of the Cu precipitate; (ii) results in Cu precipitates of smaller size and narrower distribution; (iii) the coarsening of Cu precipitates is inhibited; and (iv) the activation energy for Cu precipitation increases.

  19. Preparation and characterization of polyol assisted ultrafine Cu-Ni-Mg-Ca mixed ferrite via co-precipitation method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boobalan, T.; Pavithradevi, S.; Suriyanarayanan, N.; Manivel Raja, M.; Ranjith Kumar, E.

    2017-04-01

    Nanocrystalline spinel ferrite of composition Cu0.2Ni0.2Mg0.2Ca0.4Fe2O4 is synthesized by wet hydroxyl co-precipitation method in ethylene glycol as chelating agent and sodium hydroxide as precipitator at pH 8. Ethylene glycol is utilized as the medium which serves as the dissolvable and in addition a complexing specialist. The synthesized particles are annealed at various temperatures. Thermogravimetric investigation affirms that at 280 °C ethylene glycol is dissipated totally and stable phase arrangement happens over 680 °C. FTIR spectra of as synthesized and annealed at 1050 °C recorded between 400 cm-1 and 4000 cm-1. Structural characterizations of all the samples are carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) affirm that the particles are spherical and cubic shape with the crystallite size of 12 nm to 32 nm. Magnetic measurements are performed utilizing vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature.

  20. Recovery of nickel and cobalt as MHP from limonitic ore leaching solution: Kinetics analysis and precipitate characterization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Safitri, Nina; Mubarok, M. Zaki; Winarko, Ronny; Tanlega, Zela

    2018-05-01

    In the present study, precipitation of nickel and cobalt as mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP) from pregnant leach solution of nickel limonite ore from Soroako after iron removal stage was carried out. A series of MHP precipitation experiments was conducted by using MgO slurry as neutralizing agent and the effects of pH, temperature, duration of precipitation and the addition of MHP seed on the precipitation behavior of nickel, cobalt, as well as iron and manganese was studied. Characterization of MHP product was performed by particle size analyzer (PSA) as well as X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses. Kinetics analysis was made by using differential-integral method for the rate of homogenous reaction. Precipitation at pH 7, temperature 50°C for 30 minute, without seed addition resulted in nickel and cobalt recoveries of 82.8% and 92%, respectively with co-precipitated iron and manganese of 70% and 24.2%, respectively. The seed addition increases nickel and cobalt precipitations significantly to 99.9% and 99.1%, respectively. However, the addition of seed into led to a significant increase of manganese co-precipitation from 24.2% without seed addition to 39.5% at the addition of 1 g seed per 200 mL of PLS. Kinetics analysis revealed that Ni precipitation to form MHP follows the second-order reaction kinetics with activation energy of 94.6 kJ/mol.

  1. Evaluation of National Atmospheric Deposition Program measurements for co-located Sites CO89 and CO98 at Rocky Mountain National Park, 2012

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    ,

    2013-01-01

    Median weekly absolute percent differences for selected parameters including: sample volume, 8.0 percent; ammonium concentration, 9.1 percent; nitrate concentration, 8.5 percent; sulfate concentration, 10.2 percent. Annual precipitation-weighted mean concentrations were higher for CO98 compared to CO89 for all analytes. The chemical concentration record for CO98 contains more valid samples than the CO89 record. Therefore, the CO98 record is more representative of 2012 total annual deposition at Loch Vale. Daily precipitation-depth records for the co-located precipitation gages were 100 percent complete, and the total annual precipitation depths between the sites differed by 0.1 percent for the year (91.5 and 91.4 cm).

  2. Development of the Ion Exchange-Gravimetric Method for Sodium in Serum as a Definitive Method

    PubMed Central

    Moody, John R.; Vetter, Thomas W.

    1996-01-01

    An ion exchange-gravimetric method, previously developed as a National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) reference method for the determination of sodium in human serum, has been re-evaluated and improved. Sources of analytical error in this method have been examined more critically and the overall uncertainties decreased. Additionally, greater accuracy and repeatability have been achieved by the application of this definitive method to a sodium chloride reference material. In this method sodium in serum is ion-exchanged, selectively eluted and converted to a weighable precipitate as Na2SO4. Traces of sodium eluting before or after the main fraction, and precipitate contaminants are determined instrumentally. Co-precipitating contaminants contribute less than 0.1 % while the analyte lost to other eluted ion-exchange fractions contributes less than 0.02 % to the total precipitate mass. With improvements, the relative expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of the method, as applied to serum, is 0.3 % to 0.4 % and is less than 0.1 % when applied to a sodium chloride reference material. PMID:27805122

  3. Genotype and plant trait effects on soil CO2 efflux responses to altered precipitation in switchgrass

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Background/Question/Methods Global climate change models predict increasing drought during the growing season, which will alter many ecosystem processes including soil CO2 efflux (JCO2), with potential consequences for carbon retention in soils. Soil moisture, soil temperature and plant traits such...

  4. The role of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the bacterially induced calcium carbonate precipitation.

    PubMed

    Seifan, Mostafa; Ebrahiminezhad, Alireza; Ghasemi, Younes; Samani, Ali Khajeh; Berenjian, Aydin

    2018-04-01

    Recently, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) have been used to control and modify the characteristics of concrete and mortar. Concrete is one of the most used materials in the world; however, it is susceptible to cracking. Over recent years, a sustainable biotechnological approach has emerged as an alternative approach to conventional techniques to heal the concrete cracks by the incorporation of bacterial cells and nutrients into the concrete matrix. Once cracking occurs, CaCO 3 is induced and the crack is healed. Considering the positive effects of IONs on the concrete properties, the effect of these nanoparticles on bacterial growth and CaCO 3 biosynthesis needs to be evaluated for their possible application in bio self-healing concrete. In the present work, IONs were successfully synthesized and characterized using various techniques. The presence of IONs showed a significant effect on both bacterial growth and CaCO 3 precipitation. The highest bacterial growth was observed in the presence of 150 μg/mL IONs. The highest concentration of induced CaCO 3 (34.54 g/L) was achieved when the bacterial cells were immobilized with 300 μg/mL of IONs. This study provides new data and supports the possibility of using IONs as a new tool in designing the next generation of bio self-healing concrete.

  5. Microbially mediated carbon mineralization: Geoengineering a carbon-neutral mine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Power, I. M.; McCutcheon, J.; Harrison, A. L.; Wilson, S. A.; Dipple, G. M.; Southam, G.

    2013-12-01

    Ultramafic and mafic mine tailings are a potentially valuable feedstock for carbon mineralization, affording the mining industry an opportunity to completely offset their carbon emissions. Passive carbon mineralization has previously been documented at the abandoned Clinton Creek asbestos mine, and the active Diavik diamond mine and Mount Keith nickel mine, yet the majority of tailings remain unreacted. Examples of microbe-carbonate interactions at each mine suggest that biological pathways could be harnessed to promote carbon mineralization. In suitable environmental conditions, microbes can mediate geochemical processes to accelerate mineral dissolution, increase the supply of carbon dioxide (CO2), and induce carbonate precipitation, all of which may accelerate carbon mineralization. Tailings mineralogy and the availability of a CO2 point source are key considerations in designing tailings storage facilities (TSF) for optimizing carbon mineralization. We evaluate the efficacy of acceleration strategies including bioleaching, biologically induced carbonate precipitation, and heterotrophic oxidation of waste organics, as well as abiotic strategies including enhancing passive carbonation through modifying tailings management practices and use of CO2 point sources (Fig. 1). With the aim of developing carbon-neutral mines, implementation of carbon mineralization strategies into TSF design will be driven by economic incentives and public pressure for environmental sustainability in the mining industry. Figure 1. Schematic illustrating geoengineered scenarios for carbon mineralization of ultramafic mine tailings. Scenarios A and B are based on non-point and point sources of CO2, respectively.

  6. Co-precipitation of protein and polyester as a method to isolate high molecular weight DNA.

    PubMed

    Dixson, Jamie D

    2005-02-01

    DNA isolation is often the limiting step in genetic analysis using PCR and automated fragment analysis due to low quality or purity of DNA, the need to determine and adjust DNA concentrations after isolation etc. Several protocols have been developed which are either safe and provide good quality DNA or hazardous and provide excellent quality DNA. In this brief communication I describe a new and rapid method of DNA isolation which employs the co-precipitation of protein and polyester, in the presence of acetone, to remove contaminating proteins from a lysed-tissue sample, thus leaving high quality pure DNA. The advantages of this method are increased safety over the phenol:chloroform and the chaotrophic salt methods and increased purity over the salting-out method. Since the concentrations of DNA isolated using this method are relatively consistent regardless of the amount of starting tissue (within limits), adjustments of the DNA concentrations before use as templates in PCR's are not necessary.

  7. Impedance response and dielectric relaxation in co-precipitation derived ferrite (Ni,Zn)Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ceramics

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

    Chen, D. G.; Tang, X. G.; Liu, Q. X.

    2013-06-07

    Dielectric spectra and magnetization hysteresis loops were used to investigate the grain size effect with temperature on the electrical and magnetic response of co-precipitation derived spinel (Ni{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.5})Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (NZFO) ceramics. Remarkable dielectric relaxation phenomena of non-Debye type have been observed in each NZFO ceramics as confirmed by two kinds of Cole-Cole plots of the 1100 Degree-Sign C sintered samples, mainly due to the electron-hopping mechanism between n-type and p-type carriers and interfacial ion effect when applied an increase of temperature. The high and low response of grain and grain-boundary regions were determined by modeling the impedance experimentalmore » results on two equivalent RC circuits taking into account grain deep trap states. By employing the modified Arrhenius equation, activation energy values of different sintering temperatures were calculated and analyzed in combination with oxygen vacancy. In addition, the magnetization of various sintering temperature samples is dominated by cation distribution and surface effect in different particle ranges.« less

  8. Hydrometallurgical recovery of metal values from sulfuric acid leaching liquor of spent lithium-ion batteries

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

    Chen, Xiangping; Chen, Yongbin; Zhou, Tao, E-mail: zhoutao@csu.edu.cn

    2015-04-15

    Highlights: • Selective precipitation and solvent extraction were adopted. • Nickel, cobalt and lithium were selectively precipitated. • Co-D2EHPA was employed as high-efficiency extraction reagent for manganese. • High recovery percentages could be achieved for all metal values. - Abstract: Environmentally hazardous substances contained in spent Li-ion batteries, such as heavy metals and nocuous organics, will pose a threat to the environment and human health. On the other hand, the sustainable recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries may bring about environmental and economic benefits. In this study, a hydrometallurgical process was adopted for the comprehensive recovery of nickel, manganese, cobalt andmore » lithium from sulfuric acid leaching liquor from waste cathode materials of spent lithium-ion batteries. First, nickel ions were selectively precipitated and recovered using dimethylglyoxime reagent. Recycled dimethylglyoxime could be re-used as precipitant for nickel and revealed similar precipitation performance compared with fresh dimethylglyoxime. Then the separation of manganese and cobalt was conducted by solvent extraction method using cobalt loaded D2EHPA. And McCabe–Thiele isotherm was employed for the prediction of the degree of separation and the number of extraction stages needed at specific experimental conditions. Finally, cobalt and lithium were sequentially precipitated and recovered as CoC{sub 2}O{sub 4}⋅2H{sub 2}O and Li{sub 2}CO{sub 3} using ammonium oxalate solution and saturated sodium carbonate solution, respectively. Recovery efficiencies could be attained as follows: 98.7% for Ni; 97.1% for Mn, 98.2% for Co and 81.0% for Li under optimized experimental conditions. This hydrometallurgical process may promise a candidate for the effective separation and recovery of metal values from the sulfuric acid leaching liquor.« less

  9. Thermal cooling effects in the microstructure and properties of cast cobalt-base biomedical alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vega Valer, Vladimir

    Joint replacement prosthesis is widely used in the biomedical field to provide a solution for dysfunctional human body joints. The demand for orthopedic knee and hip implants motivate scientists and manufacturers to develop novel materials or to increase the life of service and efficiency of current materials. Cobalt-base alloys have been investigated by various researchers for biomedical implantations. When these alloys contain Chromium, Molybdenum, and Carbon, they exhibit good tribological and mechanical properties, as well as excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. In this study, the microstructure of cast Co-Cr-Mo-C alloy is purposely modified by inducing rapid solidification through fusion welding processes and solution annealing heat treatment (quenched in water at room temperature. In particular the effect of high cooling rates on the athermal phase transformation FCC(gamma)↔HCP(epsilon) on the alloy hardness and corrosion resistance is investigated. The Co-alloy microstructures were characterized using metallography and microscopy techniques. It was found that the as cast sample typically dendritic with dendritic grain sizes of approximately 150 microm and containing Cr-rich coarse carbide precipitates along the interdendritic boundaries. Solution annealing gives rise to a refined microstructure with grain size of 30 microm, common among Co-Cr-Mo alloys after heat treating. Alternatively, an ultrafine grain structure (between 2 and 10 microm) was developed in the fusion zone for specimens melted using Laser and TIG welding methods. When laser surface modification treatments were implemented, the developed solidification microstructure shifted from dendritic to a fine cellular morphology, with possible nanoscale carbide precipitates along the cellular boundaries. In turn, the solidified regions exhibited high hardness values (461.5HV), which exceeds by almost 110 points from the alloy in the as-cast condition. The amount of developed athermal epsilon-martensite phase was determined using X-ray diffractrometry. It was found that the amount of epsilon-martensite increases significantly from 2% for the Laser surface processing to 13% in the as cast specimen, 24% in the annealed specimen, and 51% for the TIG surface processing. Moreover, the corrosion rate in Ringer solution was calculated by applying the Tafel extrapolation method on each alloy condition. The lowest corrosion rate (0.435 microm/year) was achieved in the Laser treated alloy and it is attributed to the lack of appreciable athermal epsilon-martensite. The highest corrosion rate (15.5 microm/year) was found to occur in the TIG treated alloy, which possesses the largest amount of epsilon-martensite. In turn, this suggests that surface modification through melting induces variable amounts of athermal epsilon-martensite in the as-cast Co-Cr-Mo-C alloys. Apparently, rapid solidification of melted surfaces in the Co-alloy is highly effective in modifying the induced amounts of HCP phase, and hence, the exhibited properties.

  10. Ikaite precipitation by mixing of shoreline springs and lake water, Mono Lake, California, USA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bischoff, James L.; Stine, Scott; Rosenbauer, Robert J.; Fitzpatrick, John A.; Stafford, Thomas W., Jr.

    1993-08-01

    Metastable ikaite (CaCO 3·6H 2O) forms abundantly during winter months along the south shoreline of Mono Lake where shoreline springs mix with lake water. Ikaite precipitates because of its decreased solubility at low temperature and because of orthophosphate-ion inhibition of calcite and aragonite. During the spring some of the ikaite is transformed to anhydrous CaCO 3 and is incorporated into tufa, but most is dispersed by wave action into the lake where it reacts to form gaylussite (Na 2Ca(CO 3) 2· 5H 2O). Spring waters have low pH values, are dominantly Ca-Na-HCO 3, have low radiocarbon activities, and are mixtures of deep-seated geothermal and cold groundwaters. Chemical modeling reveals that precipitation of CaCO 3 can occur over a broad range of mixtures of spring and lake water with a maximum production occurring at 96% spring water and 4% lake water. Under these conditions all the Ca and a significant fraction of the CO 3 of the precipitate is spring supplied. A radiocarbon age of 19,580 years obtained on a natural ikaite sample supports this conclusion. With the springs supplying a large and probably variable portion of the carbonate, and with apparent 14C age of the carbonate varying from spring to spring, tufa of similar actual antiquity may yield significantly different 14C dates, making tufa at this location unsuitable for absolute age dating by the radiocarbon method.

  11. Ikaite precipitation by mixing of shoreline springs and lake water, Mono Lake, California, USA

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bischoff, J.L.; Stine, S.; Rosenbauer, R.J.; Fitzpatrick, J.A.; Stafford, Thomas W.

    1993-01-01

    Metastable ikaite (CaCO3??6H2O) forms abundantly during winter months along the south shoreline of Mono Lake where shoreline springs mix with lake water. Ikaite precipitates because of its decreased solubility at low temperature and because of orthophosphate-ion inhibition of calcite and aragonite. During the spring some of the ikaite is transformed to anhydrous CaCO3 and is incorporated into tufa, but most is dispersed by wave action into the lake where it reacts to form gaylussite (Na2Ca(CO3)2?? 5H2O). Spring waters have low pH values, are dominantly Ca-Na-HCO3, have low radiocarbon activities, and are mixtures of deep-seated geothermal and cold groundwaters. Chemical modeling reveals that precipitation of CaCO3 can occur over a broad range of mixtures of spring and lake water with a maximum production occurring at 96% spring water and 4% lake water. Under these conditions all the Ca and a significant fraction of the CO3 of the precipitate is spring supplied. A radiocarbon age of 19,580 years obtained on a natural ikaite sample supports this conclusion. With the springs supplying a large and probably variable portion of the carbonate, and with apparent 14C age of the carbonate varying from spring to spring, tufa of similar actual antiquity may yield significantly different 14C dates, making tufa at this location unsuitable for absolute age dating by the radiocarbon method. ?? 1993.

  12. pH-responsive drug delivery system based on AIE luminogen functionalized layered zirconium phosphate nano-platelets

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

    Li, Dongdong, E-mail: lidongdong@jlu.edu.cn; Zhang, Yuping; Zhou, Bingbing

    2015-05-15

    Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen, quaternary tetraphenylethene cation (TPEN), was successfully incorporated into layered α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) by using co-precipitation method to form inorganic–organic hybrid materials. The obtained materials show the characteristic hexagonal platelet shape with the interlayer distance did not reveal significant difference compared with pure α-ZrP. In addition, the obtained hybrid materials emit strong blue emission centered at 476 nm in aqueous media due to the electrostatic interactions of TPEN with the anionic framework of α-ZrP, which largely restrict their intramolecular rotation. More importantly, the materials provide a pH dependent release of doxorubicin (DOX), suggesting that AIE luminogen functionalizedmore » α-ZrP may be used as an imaging guided and pH-responsive delivery system for targeting therapy. - Graphical abstract: AIE luminogen was successfully incorporated into layered α-zirconium phosphate by a co-precipitation method to form inorganic–organic hybrid materials, showing a pH dependent release of DOX. - Highlights: • AIE luminogen cation was incorporated into layered α-ZrP by co-precipitation method. • The obtained material emits strong blue emission upon UV irradiation. • The material exhibits pH dependent release of DOX. • The AIE functionalized α-ZrP has potential applications in imaging guided therapy.« less

  13. Plant responses to increasing CO2 reduce estimates of climate impacts on drought severity.

    PubMed

    Swann, Abigail L S; Hoffman, Forrest M; Koven, Charles D; Randerson, James T

    2016-09-06

    Rising atmospheric CO2 will make Earth warmer, and many studies have inferred that this warming will cause droughts to become more widespread and severe. However, rising atmospheric CO2 also modifies stomatal conductance and plant water use, processes that are often are overlooked in impact analysis. We find that plant physiological responses to CO2 reduce predictions of future drought stress, and that this reduction is captured by using plant-centric rather than atmosphere-centric metrics from Earth system models (ESMs). The atmosphere-centric Palmer Drought Severity Index predicts future increases in drought stress for more than 70% of global land area. This area drops to 37% with the use of precipitation minus evapotranspiration (P-E), a measure that represents the water flux available to downstream ecosystems and humans. The two metrics yield consistent estimates of increasing stress in regions where precipitation decreases are more robust (southern North America, northeastern South America, and southern Europe). The metrics produce diverging estimates elsewhere, with P-E predicting decreasing stress across temperate Asia and central Africa. The differing sensitivity of drought metrics to radiative and physiological aspects of increasing CO2 partly explains the divergent estimates of future drought reported in recent studies. Further, use of ESM output in offline models may double-count plant feedbacks on relative humidity and other surface variables, leading to overestimates of future stress. The use of drought metrics that account for the response of plant transpiration to changing CO2, including direct use of P-E and soil moisture from ESMs, is needed to reduce uncertainties in future assessment.

  14. Plant responses to increasing CO2 reduce estimates of climate impacts on drought severity

    PubMed Central

    Koven, Charles D.; Randerson, James T.

    2016-01-01

    Rising atmospheric CO2 will make Earth warmer, and many studies have inferred that this warming will cause droughts to become more widespread and severe. However, rising atmospheric CO2 also modifies stomatal conductance and plant water use, processes that are often are overlooked in impact analysis. We find that plant physiological responses to CO2 reduce predictions of future drought stress, and that this reduction is captured by using plant-centric rather than atmosphere-centric metrics from Earth system models (ESMs). The atmosphere-centric Palmer Drought Severity Index predicts future increases in drought stress for more than 70% of global land area. This area drops to 37% with the use of precipitation minus evapotranspiration (P-E), a measure that represents the water flux available to downstream ecosystems and humans. The two metrics yield consistent estimates of increasing stress in regions where precipitation decreases are more robust (southern North America, northeastern South America, and southern Europe). The metrics produce diverging estimates elsewhere, with P-E predicting decreasing stress across temperate Asia and central Africa. The differing sensitivity of drought metrics to radiative and physiological aspects of increasing CO2 partly explains the divergent estimates of future drought reported in recent studies. Further, use of ESM output in offline models may double-count plant feedbacks on relative humidity and other surface variables, leading to overestimates of future stress. The use of drought metrics that account for the response of plant transpiration to changing CO2, including direct use of P-E and soil moisture from ESMs, is needed to reduce uncertainties in future assessment. PMID:27573831

  15. Improve electrochemical performance of CeO2 surface modification LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode material

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xia, Shubiao; Zhang, Yingjie; Dong, Peng; Zhang, Yannan

    2014-06-01

    Lithium ion battery cathode material LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathode has successfully prepared by co-precipitation. CeO2 surface modification has improved LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 electrochemical performance use sol-gel method and subsequent heat treatment at 600 °C for 5 h. Different to other conventional coating material, CeO2 coating layer can not only inhibit the reaction of the electrode and the electrolyte, but also can reduce the impedance of electron transfer due to its high conductivity, and inhibit the production of Ni2+ because of its high oxidation. The surface-modified and pristine LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 powders are characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, CV and DSC. When CeO2 coating is 0.02% (mole ratio), contrast to pristine NCA, the CeO2-coated NCA cathode exhibits no decrease in its initial specific capacity of 184 mAh g -1 (at 0.2 C) and excellent capacity retention (86% of its initial capacity at 1 C) between 2.75 and 4.3 V after 100 cycles. The results indicate that the CeO2 surface treatment should be an effective way to improve cycle properties due to CeO2 inhibit the electrodes and the electrolyte side effects.

  16. High temperature mechanical properties of a zirconium-modified, precipitation- strengthened nickel, 30 percent copper alloy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Whittenberger, J. D.

    1974-01-01

    A precipitation-strengthened Monel-type alloy has been developed through minor alloying additions of zirconium to a base Ni-30Cu alloy. The results of this exploratory study indicate that thermomechanical processing of a solution-treated Ni-30Cu-0.2Zr alloy produced a dispersion of precipitates. The precipitates have been tentatively identified as a Ni5Zr compound. A comparison of the mechanical properties, as determined by testing in air, of the zirconium-modified alloy to those of a Ni-30Cu alloy reveals that the precipitation-strengthened alloy has improved tensile properties to 1200 K and improved stress-rupture properties to 1100 K. The oxidation characteristics of the modified alloy appeared to be equivalent to those of the base Ni-30Cu alloy.

  17. Microencapsulation of puerarin nanoparticles by poly(l-lactide) in a supercritical CO(2) process.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ai-Zheng; Li, Yi; Chau, Foo-Tim; Lau, Tsui-Yan; Hu, Jun-Yan; Zhao, Zheng; Mok, Daniel Kam-Wah

    2009-10-01

    Puerarin nanoparticles were firstly prepared in the process of solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO(2) (SEDS) and then successfully microencapsulated by poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) in a modified SEDS process. By adding an organic non-solvent, an initial puerarin solution with a higher degree of saturation and lower concentration was obtained and applied in the SEDS process. The resulting puerarin nanoparticles were then suspended in PLLA solution and microencapsulated by PLLA in a modified SEDS process, where an 'injector' was employed in the particle suspension delivery system. The puerarin nanoparticles exhibited a good spherical shape, a smooth surface and a narrow particle size distribution with a mean particle size of 188 nm. After microencapsulation the puerarin-PLLA microparticles had a mean size of 675 nm, a drug load of 23.6% and an encapsulation efficiency of 39.4%; after a burst release at the first stage, the drug was released in a sustained process. Compared with the parallel study of a co-precipitation process, this microencapsulation process is a much more promising technique to prepare a drug-polymer carrier for a drug delivery system, especially for protein drugs.

  18. Mechanisms of scale formation and carbon dioxide partial pressure influence. Part I. Elaboration of an experimental method and a scaling model.

    PubMed

    Gal, Jean-Yves; Fovet, Yannick; Gache, Nathalie

    2002-02-01

    Scale formation in industrial or domestic installations is still an important economic problem. The existence of a metastable domain for calcium carbonate supersaturated solutions and its breakdown are observed under conditions rarely well defined. In most cases it is the pH rise caused by the carbon dioxide loss that involves calcium carbonate precipitation. Before studying this problem, we suggest in this first part, a new model for the evolution of the calcocarbonic system that takes into account the hydrated forms of CaCO3: CaCO3 amorphous, CaCO3 x 6H2O (ikaite) and CaCO3 x H2O (monohydrate). According to this model, the precipitation of any one of these hydrated forms could be responsible for the breakdown of the metastable state. After this first step, the solids evolve into dehydrated forms. At first, the metastable domain spread of the calcium carbonate supersaturated solutions was studied by the elaboration of computer programs in which the formation of CaCO3(0)(aq) ion pairs was taken into account. These ion pairs are supposed to evolve through dehydration to form the various calcium carbonate solid form precursors. This thermodynamic study was then compared to the experimental methods of the critical pH. Here the pH rise was caused by adding sodium hydroxide under different conditions for sodium hydroxide addition speed, agitation mode and ageing of solutions. For the highest speed of sodium hydroxide addition, the CaCO3 ionic product reached the value of the amorphous calcium carbonate solubility product, and the reaction of the amorphous calcium carbonate precipitation was of the homogenous type. Decreasing the reagent's addition speed caused an extension of the titration time. Then, the breakdown of the metastable state was obtained with the CaCO3 x H2O heterogeneous precipitation. This clearly illustrates the probable ageing of the precursors of the solid states that are considered in this model.

  19. Review of calcium carbonate polymorph precipitation in spring systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jones, Brian

    2017-05-01

    Many spring deposits throughout the world are characterized by spectacular deposits of calcium carbonate that are formed of various combinations of aragonite and calcite, and in very rare cases vaterite. The factors that control the precipitation of the aragonite and calcite have been the subject of considerable debate that has been based on natural precipitates and information gained from numerous laboratory experiments. Synthesis of this information indicates that there is probably no single universal factor that controls calcite and aragonite precipitation in all springs. Instead, the reason for aragonite as opposed to calcite precipitation should be ascertained by considering the following ordered series of possibilities for each system. First, aragonite, commonly with calcite as a co-precipitate, will form from spring water that has a high CO2 content and rapid CO2 degassing, irrespective of the Mg:Ca ratio and scale of precipitation. Second, aragonite can be precipitated from waters that have low levels of CO2 degassing provided that the Mg:Ca ratio is high enough to inhibit calcite precipitation. Third, the presence of biofilms may lead to the simultaneous precipitation of aragonite and calcite (irrespective of CO2 degassing or Mg:Ca ratio) either within the different microdomains that develop in the biofilm or because of diurnal changes in various geochemical parameters associated with the biofilm. Although the precipitation of calcite and aragonite has commonly been linked directly to water temperature, there is no clear evidence for this proposition. It is possible, however, that temperature may be influencing another parameter that plays a more direct role in the precipitation of these CaCO3 polymorphs. Despite the advances that have been made, the factors that ultimately control calcite and aragonite are still open to debate because this long-standing problem has still not been fully resolved.

  20. Final Report - Montana State University - Microbial Activity and Precipitation at Solution-Solution Mixing Zones in Porous Media

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

    Gerlach, Robin

    Background. The use of biological and chemical processes that degrade or immobilize contaminants in subsurface environments is a cornerstone of remediation technology. The enhancement of biological and chemical processes in situ, involves the transport, displacement, distribution and mixing of one or more reactive agents. Biological and chemical reactions all require diffusive transport of solutes to reaction sites at the molecular scale and accordingly, the success of processes at the meter-scale and larger is dictated by the success of phenomena that occur at the micron-scale. However, current understanding of scaling effects on the mixing and delivery of nutrients in biogeochemically dynamicmore » porous media systems is limited, despite the limitations this imposes on the efficiency and effectiveness of the remediation challenges at hand. Objectives. We therefore proposed to experimentally characterize and computationally describe the growth, evolution, and distribution of microbial activity and mineral formation as well as changes in transport processes in porous media that receive two or more reactive amendments. The model system chosen for this project was based on a method for immobilizing 90Sr, which involves stimulating microbial urea hydrolysis with ensuing mineral precipitation (CaCO3), and co-precipitation of Sr. Studies at different laboratory scales were used to visualize and quantitatively describe the spatial relationships between amendment transport and consumption that stimulate the production of biomass and mineral phases that subsequently modify the permeability and heterogeneity of porous media. Biomass growth, activity, and mass deposition in mixing zones was investigated using two-dimensional micro-model flow cells as well as flow cells that could be analyzed using synchrotron-based x-ray tomography. Larger-scale flow-cell experiments were conducted where the spatial distribution of media properties, flow, segregation of biological activity and impact on ancillary constituents (i.e., Sr) was determined. Model simulations accompanied the experimental efforts. Benefits and Outcomes of the Project. The research contributed towards defining the key physical, chemical, and biological processes influencing the form and mobility of DOE priority contaminants (e.g., 60Co, 90Sr, U) in the subsurface. The work conducted and reported herein, will in the future (i) contribute to controlling the juxtaposition of microbial activity, contaminants and amendments, (ii) promote new strategies for delivering amendments, and (iii) allow new approaches for modifying permeability and flow in porous media. We feel that the work has already translated directly to improving the efficiency of amendment based remediation strategies. Products. The results of the project have been published in a number of peer reviewed journal articles. The abstracts and citations to those articles, given in section 2.0 below, make up the bulk of this final report.« less

  1. Synthesis, characterization and adsorption properties of magnetite/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites.

    PubMed

    Qi, Tingting; Huang, Chenchen; Yan, Shan; Li, Xiu-Juan; Pan, Si-Yi

    2015-11-01

    Three kinds of magnetite/reduced graphene oxide (MRGO) nanocomposites were prepared by solvothermal, hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods. The as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized and compared by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and zeta potential. The results showed that MRGO made by different methods differed in surface functional groups, crystal structure, particle sizes, surface morphology and surface charge. Due to their unlike features, these nanocomposites displayed dissimilar performances when they were used to adsorb drugs, dyes and metal ions. The MRGO prepared by the co-precipitation method showed special adsorption ability to negative ions, but those synthesized by the solvothermal method obtained the best extraction ability and reusability to the others and showed a good prospective in magnetic solid-phase extraction. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use the right preparation method before application in order to attain the best extraction performance. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Iron doped SnO2/Co3O4 nanocomposites synthesized by sol-gel and precipitation method for metronidazole antibiotic degradation.

    PubMed

    Agarwal, Shilpi; Tyagi, Inderjeet; Gupta, Vinod Kumar; Sohrabi, Maryam; Mohammadi, Sanaz; Golikand, Ahmad Nozad; Fakhri, Ali

    2017-01-01

    Sol-gel and precipitation reaction methods were used to synthesize Un-doped and Fe-doped SnO 2 /Co 3 O 4 nanocomposites under UV light; the synthesized nanocomposites were applied for the photocatalytic degradation of metronidazole antibiotic. The developed photo catalyst was well characterized using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), UV-Visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Effective parameters such as pH, photocatalyst dose and contact time was optimized and well investigated. From the obtained facts it is clear that the 98.3% of MTZ was degraded with in 15min, pH6 and 0.1g catalyst when the Fe molar ratio was 1:1 at %. As compared to results obtained from un-doped SnO 2 /Co 3 O 4 nanocomposites Fe doped SnO 2 /Co 3 O 4 nanocomposites possess greater photocatalytic efficiency. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Linear arrangements of nano-scale ferromagnetic particles spontaneously formed in a copper-base Cu-Ni-Co alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sakakura, Hibiki; Kim, Jun-Seop; Takeda, Mahoto

    2018-03-01

    We have investigated the influence of magnetic interactions on the microstructural evolution of nano-scale granular precipitates formed spontaneously in an annealed Cu-20at%Ni-5at%Co alloy and the associated changes of magnetic properties. The techniques used included transmission electron microscopy, superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry, magneto-thermogravimetry (MTG), and first-principles calculations based on the method of Koster-Korringa-Rostker with the coherent potential approximation. Our work has revealed that the nano-scale spherical and cubic precipitates which formed on annealing at 873 K and 973 K comprise mainly cobalt and nickel with a small amount of copper, and are arranged in the 〈1 0 0〉 direction of the copper matrix. The SQUID and MTG measurements suggest that magnetic properties such as coercivity and Curie temperature are closely correlated with the microstructure. The combination of results suggests that magnetic interactions between precipitates during annealing can explain consistently the observed precipitation phenomena.

  4. Measurement of gamma' precipitates in a nickel-based superalloy using energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy coupled with automated segmenting techniques.

    PubMed

    Tiley, J S; Viswanathan, G B; Shiveley, A; Tschopp, M; Srinivasan, R; Banerjee, R; Fraser, H L

    2010-08-01

    Precipitates of the ordered L1(2) gamma' phase (dispersed in the face-centered cubic or FCC gamma matrix) were imaged in Rene 88 DT, a commercial multicomponent Ni-based superalloy, using energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM). Imaging was performed using the Cr, Co, Ni, Ti and Al elemental L-absorption edges in the energy loss spectrum. Manual and automated segmentation procedures were utilized for identification of precipitate boundaries and measurement of precipitate sizes. The automated region growing technique for precipitate identification in images was determined to measure accurately precipitate diameters. In addition, the region growing technique provided a repeatable method for optimizing segmentation techniques for varying EFTEM conditions. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Soil Organic Matter Stabilization via Mineral Interactions in Forest Soils with Varying Saturation Frequency

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Possinger, A. R.; Inagaki, T.; Bailey, S. W.; Kogel-Knabner, I.; Lehmann, J.

    2017-12-01

    Soil carbon (C) interaction with minerals and metals through surface adsorption and co-precipitation processes is important for soil organic C (SOC) stabilization. Co-precipitation (i.e., the incorporation of C as an "impurity" in metal precipitates as they form) may increase the potential quantity of mineral-associated C per unit mineral surface compared to surface adsorption: a potentially important and as yet unaccounted for mechanism of C stabilization in soil. However, chemical, physical, and biological characterization of co-precipitated SOM as such in natural soils is limited, and the relative persistence of co-precipitated C is unknown, particularly under dynamic environmental conditions. To better understand the relationships between SOM stabilization via organometallic co-precipitation and environmental variables, this study compares mineral-SOM characteristics across a forest soil (Spodosol) hydrological gradient with expected differences in co-precipitation of SOM with iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) due to variable saturation frequency. Soils were collected from a steep, well-drained forest soil transect with low, medium, and high frequency of water table intrusion into surface soils (Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, Woodstock, NH). Lower saturation frequency soils generally had higher C content, C/Fe, C/Al, and other indicators of co-precipitation interactions resulting from SOM complexation, transport, and precipitation, an important process of Spodosol formation. Preliminary Fe X-ray Absorption Spectroscopic (XAS) characterization of SOM and metal chemistry in low frequency profiles suggest co-precipitation of SOM in the fine fraction (<20 µm). Short-term (10d) aerobic incubation of high and low saturation frequency soils showed greater SOC mineralization per unit soil C for low saturation frequency (i.e., higher co-precipitation) soils; however, increased mineralization may be attributed to non-mineral associated fractions of SOM. Further work to identify the component of SOM contributing to rapid mineralization using 13C-labeled substrates will link the observed chemical characteristics (13C-NMR, C K-edge XANES, and Fe XAS) of mineral-organic associations resulting from varying saturation frequency with mechanisms driving mineralization processes.

  6. Selection and deposition of nanoparticles using CO.sub.2-expanded liquids

    DOEpatents

    Roberts, Christopher B [Auburn, AL; McLeod, Marshall Chandler [Hillsboro, OR; Anand, Madhu [Auburn, AL

    2008-06-10

    A method for size selection of nanostructures comprising utilizing a gas-expanded liquids (GEL) and controlled pressure to precipitate desired size populations of nanostructures, e.g., monodisperse. The GEL can comprise CO.sub.2 antisolvent and an organic solvent. The method can be carried out in an apparatus comprising a first open vessel configured to allow movement of a liquid/particle solution to specific desired locations within the vessel, a second pressure vessel, a location controller for controlling location of the particles and solution within the first vessel, a inlet for addition of antisolvent to the first vessel, and a device for measuring the amount of antisolvent added. Also disclosed is a method for forming nanoparticle thin films comprising utilizing a GEL containing a substrate, pressurizing the solution to precipitate and deposit nanoparticles onto the substrate, removing the solvent thereby leaving a thin nanoparticle film, removing the solvent and antisolvent, and drying the film.

  7. Selection of nanoparticles using CO.sub.2-expanded liquids

    DOEpatents

    Roberts, Christopher B; McLeod, Marshall Chandler; Anand, Madhu

    2013-02-19

    A method for size selection of nanostructures comprising utilizing a gas-expanded liquids (GEL) and controlled pressure to precipitate desired size populations of nanostructures, e.g., monodisperse. The GEL can comprise CO.sub.2 antisolvent and an organic solvent. The method can be carried out in an apparatus comprising a first open vessel configured to allow movement of a liquid/particle solution to specific desired locations within the vessel, a second pressure vessel, a location controller for controlling location of the particles and solution within the first vessel, a inlet for addition of antisolvent to the first vessel, and a device for measuring the amount of antisolvent added. Also disclosed is a method for forming nanoparticle thin films comprising utilizing a GEL containing a substrate, pressurizing the solution to precipitate and deposit nanoparticles onto the substrate, removing the solvent thereby leaving a thin nanoparticle film, removing the solvent and antisolvent, and drying the film.

  8. Synthesis and structural analysis of Fe doped TiO2 nanoparticles using Williamson Hall and Scherer Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Patle, L. B.; Labhane, P. K.; Huse, V. R.; Gaikwad, K. D.; Chaudhari, A. L.

    2018-05-01

    The nanoparticles of Pure and doped Ti1-xFexO were synthesized by modified co-precipitation method successfully with nominal composite of x=0.0, 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05 at room temperature. The precursors were further calcined at 500°C for 6hrs in muffle furnace which results in the formation of different TiO2 phase compositions. The structural analysis carried out by XRD (Bruker D8 Cu-Kα1). X-ray peak broadening analysis was used to evaluate the crystalline sizes, the lattice parameters, atomic packing fraction, c/a ratio, X-ray density and Volume of unit cell. The Williamson Hall analysis is used to find grain size and Strain of prepared TiO2 nano particles. Crystalline TiO2 with a Tetragonal Anatase phase is confirmed by XRD results. The grain size of pure and Fe doped samples were found in the range of 10nm to 18nm. All the physical parameters of anatase tetragonal TiO2 nanoparticles were calculated more precisely using modified W-H plot a uniform deformation model (UDM). The results calculated from both the techniques were approximately similar.

  9. A nano-disperse ferritin-core mimetic that efficiently corrects anemia without luminal iron redox activity

    PubMed Central

    Powell, Jonathan J.; Bruggraber, Sylvaine F.A.; Faria, Nuno; Poots, Lynsey K.; Hondow, Nicole; Pennycook, Timothy J.; Latunde-Dada, Gladys O.; Simpson, Robert J.; Brown, Andy P.; Pereira, Dora I.A.

    2014-01-01

    The 2-5 nm Fe(III) oxo-hydroxide core of ferritin is less ordered and readily bioavailable compared to its pure synthetic analogue, ferrihydrite. We report the facile synthesis of tartrate-modified, nano-disperse ferrihydrite of small primary particle size, but with enlarged or strained lattice structure (~ 2.7 Å for the main Bragg peak versus 2.6 Å for synthetic ferrihydrite). Analysis indicated that co-precipitation conditions can be achieved for tartrate inclusion into the developing ferrihydrite particles, retarding both growth and crystallization and favoring stabilization of the cross-linked polymeric structure. In murine models, gastrointestinal uptake was independent of luminal Fe(III) reduction to Fe(II) and, yet, absorption was equivalent to that of ferrous sulphate, efficiently correcting the induced anemia. This process may model dietary Fe(III) absorption and potentially provide a side effect-free form of cheap supplemental iron. From the Clinical Editor Small size tartrate-modified, nano-disperse ferrihydrite was used for efficient gastrointestinal delivery of soluble Fe(III) without the risk for free radical generation in murine models. This method may provide a potentially side effect-free form iron supplementation. PMID:24394211

  10. Improved Detection of Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus in Surface Water by Applying Pre-PCR Processing.

    PubMed

    Borgmästars, Emmy; Jazi, Mehrdad Mousavi; Persson, Sofia; Jansson, Linda; Rådström, Peter; Simonsson, Magnus; Hedman, Johannes; Eriksson, Ronnie

    2017-12-01

    Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) detection of waterborne RNA viruses generally requires concentration of large water volumes due to low virus levels. A common approach is to use dead-end ultrafiltration followed by precipitation with polyethylene glycol. However, this procedure often leads to the co-concentration of PCR inhibitors that impairs the limit of detection and causes false-negative results. Here, we applied the concept of pre-PCR processing to optimize RT-qPCR detection of norovirus genogroup I (GI), genogroup II (GII), and hepatitis A virus (HAV) in challenging water matrices. The RT-qPCR assay was improved by screening for an inhibitor-tolerant master mix and modifying the primers with twisted intercalating nucleic acid molecules. Additionally, a modified protocol based on chaotropic lysis buffer and magnetic silica bead nucleic acid extraction was developed for complex water matrices. A validation of the modified extraction protocol on surface and drinking waters was performed. At least a 26-fold improvement was seen in the most complex surface water studied. The modified protocol resulted in average recoveries of 33, 13, 8, and 4% for mengovirus, norovirus GI, GII, and HAV, respectively. The modified protocol also improved the limit of detection for norovirus GI and HAV. RT-qPCR inhibition with C q shifts of 1.6, 2.8, and 3.5 for norovirus GI, GII, and HAV, respectively, obtained for the standard nucleic acid extraction were completely eliminated by the modified protocol. The standard nucleic acid extraction method worked well on drinking water with no RT-qPCR inhibition observed and average recoveries of 80, 124, 89, and 32% for mengovirus, norovirus GI, GII, and HAV, respectively.

  11. Preparation of transition metal nanoparticles and surfaces modified with (CO)polymers synthesized by RAFT

    DOEpatents

    McCormick, III., Charles L.; Lowe, Andrew B.; Sumerlin, Brent S.

    2006-11-21

    A new, facile, general one-phase method of generating thio-functionalized transition metal nanoparticles and surfaces modified by (co)polymers synthesized by the RAFT method is described. The method includes the stops of forming a (co)polymer in aqueous solution using the RAFT methodology, forming a colloidal transition metal precursor solution from an appropriate transition metal; adding the metal precursor solution or surface to the (co)polymer solution, adding a reducing agent into the solution to reduce the metal colloid in situ to produce the stabilized nanoparticles or surface, and isolating the stabilized nanoparticles or surface in a manner such that aggregation is minimized. The functionalized surfaces generated using these methods can further undergo planar surface modifications, such as functionalization with a variety of different chemical groups, expanding their utility and application.

  12. Preparation of transition metal nanoparticles and surfaces modified with (co)polymers synthesized by RAFT

    DOEpatents

    McCormick, III, Charles L.; Lowe, Andrew B [Hattiesburg, MS; Sumerlin, Brent S [Pittsburgh, PA

    2011-12-27

    A new, facile, general one-phase method of generating thiol-functionalized transition metal nanoparticles and surfaces modified by (co)polymers synthesized by the RAFT method is described. The method includes the steps of forming a (co)polymer in aqueous solution using the RAFT methodology, forming a colloidal transition metal precursor solution from an appropriate transition metal; adding the metal precursor solution or surface to the (co)polymer solution, adding a reducing agent into the solution to reduce the metal colloid in situ to produce the stabilized nanoparticles or surface, and isolating the stabilized nanoparticles or surface in a manner such that aggregation is minimized. The functionalized surfaces generated using these methods can further undergo planar surface modifications, such as functionalization with a variety of different chemical groups, expanding their utility and application.

  13. Responses of Soil CO2 Emissions to Extreme Precipitation Regimes: a Simulation on Loess Soil in Semi-arid Regions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, R.; Zhao, M.; Hu, Y.; Guo, S.

    2016-12-01

    Responses of soil CO2 emission to natural precipitation play an essential role in regulating regional C cycling. With more erratic precipitation regimes, mostly likely of more frequent heavy rainstorms, projected into the future, extreme precipitation would potentially affect local soil moisture, plant growth, microbial communities, and further soil CO2 emissions. However, responses of soil CO2 emissions to extreme precipitation have not yet been systematically investigated. Such performances could be of particular importance for rainfed arable soil in semi-arid regions where soil microbial respiration stress is highly sensitive to temporal distribution of natural precipitation.In this study, a simulated experiment was conducted on bare loess soil from the semi-arid Chinese Loess Plateau. Three precipitation regimes with total precipitation amounts of 150 mm, 300 mm and 600 mm were carried out to simulate the extremely dry, business as usual, and extremely wet summer. The three regimes were individually materialized by wetting soils in a series of sub-events (10 mm or 150 mm). Co2 emissions from surface soil were continuously measured in-situ for one month. The results show that: 1) Evident CO2 emission pulses were observed immediately after applying sub-events, and cumulative CO2 emissions from events of total amount of 600 mm were greater than that from 150 mm. 3) In particular, for the same total amount of 600 mm, wetting regimes by applying four times of 150 mm sub-events resulted in 20% less CO2 emissions than by applying 60 times of 10 mm sub-events. This is mostly because its harsh 150 mm storms introduced more over-wet soil microbial respiration stress days (moisture > 28%). As opposed, for the same total amount of 150 mm, CO2 emissions from wetting regimes by applying 15 times of 10 mm sub-events were 22% lower than by wetting at once with 150 mm water, probably because its deficiency of soil moisture resulted in more over-dry soil microbial respiration stress days (moisture < 15%). Overall, soil CO2 emissions not only responded to total precipitation amount, but was also sensitive to precipitation regimes. Such differentiated responses of CO2 emissions highlight the necessity to properly account for relative contributions from CO2 emissions when projecting global carbon cycling into future climate scenarios.

  14. AJIPHASE®: A Highly Efficient Synthetic Method for One-Pot Peptide Elongation in the Solution Phase by an Fmoc Strategy.

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Daisuke; Inomata, Tatsuji; Fukui, Tatsuya

    2017-06-26

    We previously reported an efficient peptide synthesis method, AJIPHASE®, that comprises repeated reactions and isolations by precipitation. This method utilizes an anchor molecule with long-chain alkyl groups as a protecting group for the C-terminus. To further improve this method, we developed a one-pot synthesis of a peptide sequence wherein the synthetic intermediates were isolated by solvent extraction instead of precipitation. A branched-chain anchor molecule was used in the new process, significantly enhancing the solubility of long peptides and the operational efficiency compared with the previous method, which employed precipitation for isolation and a straight-chain aliphatic group. Another prerequisite for this solvent-extraction-based strategy was the use of thiomalic acid and DBU for Fmoc deprotection, which facilitates the removal of byproducts, such as the fulvene adduct. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. Towards deriving Ni-rich cathode and oxide-based anode materials from hydroxides by sharing a facile co-precipitation method.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Haifa; Du, Tengfei; Wu, Junfeng; Wang, Yonglong; Liu, Jian; Ye, Shihai; Liu, Sheng

    2018-05-22

    Although intensive studies have been conducted on layered transition metal oxide(TMO)-based cathode materials and metal oxide-based anode materials for Li-ion batteries, their precursors generally follow different or even complex synthesis routes. To share one route for preparing precursors of the cathode and anode materials, herein, we demonstrate a facile co-precipitation method to fabricate Ni-rich hydroxide precursors of Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1(OH)2. Ni-rich layered oxide of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 is obtained by lithiation of the precursor in air. An NiO-based anode material is prepared by calcining the precursor or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) incorporated precursors. The pre-addition of ammonia solution can simplify the co-precipitation procedures and the use of an air atmosphere can also make the heat treatment facile. LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 as the cathode material delivers a reversible capacity of 194 mA h g-1 at 40 mA g-1 and a notable cycling retention of 88.8% after 100 cycles at 200 mA g-1. This noticeable performance of the cathode arises from a decent particle morphology and high crystallinity of the layered oxides. As the anode material, the MWCNTs-incorporated oxides deliver a much higher reversible capacity of 811.1 mA h g-1 after 200 cycles compared to the pristine oxides without MWCNTs. The improvement on electrochemical performance can be attributed to synergistic effects from MWCNTs incorporation, including reinforced electronic conductivity, rich meso-pores and an alleviated volume effect. This facile and sharing method may offer an integrated and economical approach for commercial production of Ni-rich electrode materials for Li-ion batteries.

  16. Extraction and quantification of adenosine triphosphate in mammalian tissues and cells.

    PubMed

    Chida, Junji; Kido, Hiroshi

    2014-01-01

    Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is the "energy currency" of organisms and plays central roles in bioenergetics, whereby its level is used to evaluate cell viability, proliferation, death, and energy transmission. In this chapter, we describe an improved and efficient method for extraction of ATP from tissues and cells using phenol-based reagents. The chaotropic extraction reagents reported so far co-precipitate ATP with insoluble proteins during extraction and with salts during neutralization. In comparison, the phenol-based reagents extract ATP well without the risks of co-precipitation. The extracted ATP can be quantified by the luciferase assay or high-performance liquid chromatography.

  17. Synthesis of nanometer-size inorganic materials for the examination of particle size effects on heterogeneous catalysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Emerson, Sean Christian

    The effect of acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation on the precipitation of inorganic catalytic materials, specifically titania supported gold, was investigated. The overall objective was to understand the fundamental factors involved in synthesizing nanometer-size catalytic materials in the 1--10 nm range in a cavitating field. Materials with grain sizes in this range have been associated with enhanced catalytic activity compared to larger grain size materials. A new chemical approach was used to produce titania supported gold by co-precipitation with higher gold yields compared to other synthesis methods. Using this approach, it was determined that acoustic cavitation was unable to influence the gold mean crystallite size compared to non-sonicated catalysts. However, gold concentration on the catalysts was found to be very important for CO oxidation activity. By decreasing the gold concentration from a weight loading of 0.50% down to approximately 0.05%, the rate of reaction per mole of gold was found to increase by a factor of 19. Hydrodynamic cavitation at low pressures (6.9--48 bar) was determined to have no effect on gold crystallite size at a fixed gold content for the same precipitation technique used in the acoustic cavitation studies. By changing the chemistry of the precipitation system, however, it was found that a synergy existed between the dilution of the gold precursor solution, the orifice diameter, and the reducing agent addition rate. Individually, these factors were found to have little effect and only their interaction allowed gold grain size control in the range of 8--80 nm. Further modification of the system chemistry and the use of hydrodynamic cavitation at pressures in excess of 690 bar allowed the systematic control of gold crystallite size in the range of 2--9 nm for catalysts containing 2.27 +/- 0.17% gold. In addition, it was shown that the enhanced mixing due to cavitation led to larger gold yields compared to classical syntheses. The control of gold grain size was gained at the loss of CO activity, which was attributed to the formation of non-removable sodium titanate species. The increased mixing associated with cavitation contributed to the activity loss by partially burying the gold and incorporating more of the sodium titanate species into the catalysts. This work produced the first evidence of hydrodynamic cavitation influencing the gold crystallite size on titania supported gold catalysts and is the only study reporting the control of grain size by simple mechanical adjustment of the experimental parameters. Despite the low activity observed due to sodium titanate, the methodology of adjusting the chemistry of a precipitating system could be used to eliminate such species. The approach of modifying the chemical precipitation kinetics relative to the dynamics of cavitation offers a general scheme for future research on cavitational processing effects.

  18. Preparation of ZnO nanoparticles showing upconversion luminescence through simple chemical method

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

    Anjana, R.; Subha, P. P.; Markose, Kurias K.

    2016-05-23

    Upconversion luminescence is an interesting area while considering its applications in a vast variety of fields. Rare earth ions like erbium is the most studied and efficient candidate for achieving upconversion. Erbium and ytterbium co-doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared through co-precipitation method. A strong red emission has been obtained while exciting with 980 nm laser. Dependence of luminescence emission colour on ytterbium concentration has been studied.

  19. Simulation of the West African Monsoon using the MIT Regional Climate Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Im, Eun-Soon; Gianotti, Rebecca L.; Eltahir, Elfatih A. B.

    2013-04-01

    We test the performance of the MIT Regional Climate Model (MRCM) in simulating the West African Monsoon. MRCM introduces several improvements over Regional Climate Model version 3 (RegCM3) including coupling of Integrated Biosphere Simulator (IBIS) land surface scheme, a new albedo assignment method, a new convective cloud and rainfall auto-conversion scheme, and a modified boundary layer height and cloud scheme. Using MRCM, we carried out a series of experiments implementing two different land surface schemes (IBIS and BATS) and three convection schemes (Grell with the Fritsch-Chappell closure, standard Emanuel, and modified Emanuel that includes the new convective cloud scheme). Our analysis primarily focused on comparing the precipitation characteristics, surface energy balance and large scale circulations against various observations. We document a significant sensitivity of the West African monsoon simulation to the choices of the land surface and convection schemes. In spite of several deficiencies, the simulation with the combination of IBIS and modified Emanuel schemes shows the best performance reflected in a marked improvement of precipitation in terms of spatial distribution and monsoon features. In particular, the coupling of IBIS leads to representations of the surface energy balance and partitioning that are consistent with observations. Therefore, the major components of the surface energy budget (including radiation fluxes) in the IBIS simulations are in better agreement with observation than those from our BATS simulation, or from previous similar studies (e.g Steiner et al., 2009), both qualitatively and quantitatively. The IBIS simulations also reasonably reproduce the dynamical structure of vertically stratified behavior of the atmospheric circulation with three major components: westerly monsoon flow, African Easterly Jet (AEJ), and Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ). In addition, since the modified Emanuel scheme tends to reduce the precipitation amount, it improves the precipitation over regions suffering from systematic wet bias.

  20. Application of microscopy technology in thermo-catalytic methane decomposition to hydrogen

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

    Mei, Irene Lock Sow, E-mail: irene.sowmei@gmail.com; Lock, S. S. M., E-mail: serenelock168@gmail.com; Abdullah, Bawadi, E-mail: bawadi-abdullah@petronas.com.my

    2015-07-22

    Hydrogen production from the direct thermo-catalytic decomposition of methane is a promising alternative for clean fuel production because it produces pure hydrogen without any CO{sub x} emissions. However, thermal decomposition of methane can hardly be of any practical and empirical interest in the industry unless highly efficient and effective catalysts, in terms of both specific activity and operational lifetime have been developed. In this work, bimetallic Ni-Pd on gamma alumina support have been developed for methane cracking process by using co-precipitation and incipient wetness impregnation method. The calcined catalysts were characterized to determine their morphologies and physico-chemical properties by usingmore » Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis. The results suggested that that the catalyst which is prepared by the co-precipitation method exhibits homogeneous morphology, higher surface area, have uniform nickel and palladium dispersion and higher thermal stability as compared to the catalyst which is prepared by wet impregnation method. This characteristics are significant to avoid deactivation of the catalysts due to sintering and carbon deposition during methane cracking process.« less

  1. Core/shell-type nanorods of Tb3+-doped LaPO4, modified with amine groups, revealing reduced cytotoxicity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Runowski, Marcin; Dąbrowska, Krystyna; Grzyb, Tomasz; Miernikiewicz, Paulina; Lis, Stefan

    2013-11-01

    A simple co-precipitation reaction between Ln3+ cations (Ln = lanthanide) and phosphate ions in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG), including post-treatment under hydrothermal conditions, leads to the formation of Tb3+-doped LaPO4 crystalline nanorods. The nanoparticles obtained can be successfully coated with amorphous and porous silica, forming core/shell-type nanorods. Both products reveal intensive green luminescence under UV lamp irradiation. The surface of the core/shell-type product can also be modified with -NH2 groups via silylation procedure, using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as a modifier. Powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirm the desired structure and needle-like shape of the products synthesized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and specific surface area measurements by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method reveal a successful surface modification with amine groups of the core/shell-type nanoparticles prepared. The nanomaterials synthesized exhibit green luminescence characteristic of Tb3+ ions, as solid powders and aqueous colloids, examined by spectrofluorometry. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies reveal different degree toxicity of the products. LaPO4:Tb3+@SiO2@NH2 exhibits the smallest toxicity against B16F0 mouse melanoma cancer cells and human skin microvascular endothelial cell lines, in contrast to the most toxic LaPO4:Tb3+@SiO2.

  2. Core/shell-type nanorods of Tb3+-doped LaPO4, modified with amine groups, revealing reduced cytotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Runowski, Marcin; Dąbrowska, Krystyna; Grzyb, Tomasz; Miernikiewicz, Paulina; Lis, Stefan

    2013-01-01

    A simple co-precipitation reaction between Ln 3+ cations (Ln = lanthanide) and phosphate ions in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG), including post-treatment under hydrothermal conditions, leads to the formation of Tb 3+ -doped LaPO 4 crystalline nanorods. The nanoparticles obtained can be successfully coated with amorphous and porous silica, forming core/shell-type nanorods. Both products reveal intensive green luminescence under UV lamp irradiation. The surface of the core/shell-type product can also be modified with -NH 2 groups via silylation procedure, using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as a modifier. Powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirm the desired structure and needle-like shape of the products synthesized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and specific surface area measurements by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method reveal a successful surface modification with amine groups of the core/shell-type nanoparticles prepared. The nanomaterials synthesized exhibit green luminescence characteristic of Tb 3+ ions, as solid powders and aqueous colloids, examined by spectrofluorometry. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies reveal different degree toxicity of the products. LaPO 4 :Tb 3+ @SiO 2 @NH 2 exhibits the smallest toxicity against B16F0 mouse melanoma cancer cells and human skin microvascular endothelial cell lines, in contrast to the most toxic LaPO 4 :Tb 3+ @SiO 2 .

  3. Optimization of calcium phosphate fine ceramic powders preparation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sezanova, K.; Tepavitcharova, S.; Rabadjieva, D.; Gergulova, R.; Ilieva, R.

    2013-12-01

    The effect of biomimetic synthesis method, reaction medium and further precursor treatments on the chemical and phase composition, crystal size and morphology of calcium phosphates was examined. Nanosized calcium phosphate precursors were biomimetically precipitated by the method of continuous precipitation in three types of reaction media at pH 8: (i) SBF as an inorganic electrolyte system; (ii) organic (glycerine) modified SBF (volume ratio of 1:1); (iii) polymer (10 g/l xanthan gum or 10 g/l guar gum) modified SBF (volume ratio of 1:1). After maturation (24 h) the samples were lyophilized, calcinated at 300°C for 3 hours, and washed with water, followed by new gelation, lyophilization and step-wise (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000°C, each for 3 hours) sintering. The reaction medium influenced the chemical composition and particle size but not the morphology of the calcium phosphate powders. In all studied cases bi-phase calcium phosphate fine powders with well-shaped spherical grains, consisting of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) with a Ca/P ratio of 1.3 - 1.6 were obtained. The SBF modifiers decreased the particle size of the product in the sequence guar gum ˜ xanthan gum < glycerin < SBF medium.

  4. Structure and composition of Fe-OM co-precipitates that form in soil-derived solutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fritzsche, Andreas; Schröder, Christian; Wieczorek, Arkadiusz K.; Händel, Matthias; Ritschel, Thomas; Totsche, Kai U.

    2015-11-01

    Iron oxides represent a substantial fraction of secondary minerals and particularly affect the reactive properties of natural systems in which they formed, e.g. in soils and sediments. Yet, it is still obscure how transient conditions in the solution will affect the properties of in situ precipitated Fe oxides. Transient compositions, i.e. compositions that change with time, arise due to predominant non-equilibrium states in natural systems, e.g. between liquid and solid phases in soils. In this study, we characterize Fe-OM co-precipitates that formed in pH-neutral exfiltrates from anoxic topsoils under transient conditions. We applied soil column outflow experiments, in which Fe2+ was discharged with the effluent from anoxic soil and subsequently oxidized in the effluent due to contact with air. Our study features three novel aspects being unconsidered so far: (i) the transient composition of soil-derived solutions, (ii) that pedogenic Fe oxides instead of Fe salts serve as major source for Fe2+ in soil solution and (iii) the presence of exclusively soil-derived organic and inorganic compounds during precipitation. The experiments were carried out with two topsoil materials that differed in composition, texture and land use. Derived from Mössbauer spectroscopy, broad distributions in quadrupole splittings (0-2 mm s-1) and magnetic hyperfine fields (35-53 T) indicated the presence of low-crystalline ferrihydrite and even lower crystalline Fe phases in all Fe-OM co-precipitates. There was no unequivocal evidence for other Fe oxides, i.e. lepidocrocite and (nano)goethite. The Fe-OM co-precipitates contained inorganic (P, sulfate, silicate, Al, As) and organic compounds (proteins, polysaccharides), which were concurrently discharged from the soils. Their content in the Fe-OM co-precipitates was controlled by their respective concentration in the soil-derived solution. On a molar basis, OC and Fe were the main components in the Fe-OM co-precipitates (OC/Fe ratio = 0.5-2). The elemental composition of the Fe-OM co-precipitates was in accordance with the sequential precipitation of Fe(III)phosphates/arsenates prior to the formation of ferrihydrite. This explains decreasing Si contents in the Fe-OM co-precipitates with increasing availability of P. With respect to constant mean quadrupole splittings and slightly decreasing mean magnetic hyperfine fields, increasing contents of OC, P and Al in the Fe-OM co-precipitates did not further increase the structural disorder of the Fe polyhedra, while the crystallite interactions slightly decreased. Scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering revealed the coincidental presence of variably sized aggregates and a considerable amount of Fe-OM co-precipitates, which remained dispersed in solution for months. Thus, variably composed Fe-OM co-precipitates with highly diverse aggregate sizes and comparably constant poor crystallinity can be expected after the oxidation of Fe2+ in transient, soil-derived solutions.

  5. Strontium Co-precipitation During Biomineralization of Calcite in Porous Media Using Differing Treatment Strategies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lauchnor, E. G.; Schultz, L.; Mitchell, A.; Cunningham, A. B.; Gerlach, R.

    2013-12-01

    The process of ureolytically-induced calcium carbonate mineralization has been shown in laboratory studies to be effective in co-precipitation of heavy metals and radionuclides. During this process, the microbially catalyzed hydrolysis of urea increases alkalinity and pH, thus promoting CaCO3 precipitation in the presence of dissolved calcium. One proposed application of biomineralization includes the remediation of radionuclides such as strontium, which can be co-precipitated in situ within calcite. Strontium is of concern at several US DOE sites where it is a radioactive product of uranium fission and groundwater contaminant. Our research focuses on promoting attached bacteria, or biofilms, in subsurface environments where they serve as immobilized catalysts in biomineralization and can aide in co-precipitation of some contaminants. In this work, flat plate reactors with 1 mm etched flow channels designed to mimic a porous medium environment were used. Reactors were inoculated with the model ureolytic bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii and addition of urea, calcium and strontium containing fluid was performed to induce biomineralization. Continuous flow and stopped-flow injection strategies were investigated to evaluate differences in strontium co-precipitation efficiency. During stopped-flow experiments, injection of cementation fluid containing urea, Ca2+ and Sr2+ was alternated with growth nutrients for stimulation of microbial activity. Control parameters such as urea and calcium concentration and injection flow rate are currently being varied to optimize rate and efficiency of strontium co-precipitation. Ureolytically induced calcite precipitation and strontium incorporation in the calcite was verified by chemical and mineralogical analyses, including X-ray diffraction and ICP-MS. Strontium co-precipitation efficiency was similar under different injection strategies. Alternating calcium-containing fluid with growth nutrients allowed for continued viability of the ureolytic biofilms and also insured that bacterially-induced mineralization was still occurring after 60 days of operation. Batch rate experiments demonstrated the effective use of alternative sources of substrates for biomineralization, which are economical for use in field-scale remediation. Fertilizer has been shown to be an effective urea source and several economical carbon and nutrient sources such as molasses and whey are being evaluated for stimulating ureolytic microorganisms. This research demonstrates on a bench scale the use of different injection strategies to control precipitation of calcium carbonate, as well as the feasibility of strontium co-precipitation in porous media. The ongoing optimization of strontium co-precipitation will lead to additional work on potential remediation of other heavy metal groundwater contaminants.

  6. CO2 adsorption on modified carbon coated monolith: effect of surface modification by using alkaline solutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hosseini, Soraya; Marahel, Ehsan; Bayesti, Iman; Abbasi, Ali; Chuah Abdullah, L.; Choong, Thomas S. Y.

    2015-01-01

    A monolithic column was used to study the feasibility of modified carbon-coated monolith for recovery of CO2 from gaseous mixtures (He/CO2) in a variety of operating conditions. Carbon-coated monolith was prepared by dip-coating method and modified by two alkaline solutions, i.e. NH3 and KOH. The surface properties of the carbon-coated monolith were altered by functional groups via KOH and NH3 treatments. The comparative study of CO2 uptake by two different adsorbents, i.e. unmodified and modified carbon-coated monolith, demonstrated that the applied modification process had improved CO2 adsorption. The presence of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of the carbon led to an improved level of microporosity on the synthesized carbon-coated monolith. The physical parameters such as higher surface area, lower pore diameter, and larger micropore volume of modified monoliths indicated direct influence on the adsorbed amount of CO2. In the present study, the Deactivation Model is applied to analyze the breakthrough curves. The adsorption capacity increased with an increase in pressure and concentration, while a reduction of CO2 adsorption capacity was occurred with increase in temperature. Ammonia (NH3) and potassium hydroxide (KOH)-modified carbon-coated monolith showed an increase of approximately 12 and 27% in CO2 adsorption, respectively, as compared to unmodified carbon-coated monolith.

  7. Investigation of Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Rod-Shaped CoFe2O4 via Precipitation-Topotactic Reaction Employing α-FeOOH and γ-FeOOH As Templates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Xiaohui; Dong, Hongfei; Tan, Yuzhuo; Meng, Jinhong

    2018-03-01

    Rod-shaped CoFe2O4 was prepared by chemical precipitation-topotactic reaction method, and in this preparation needle-like γ-FeOOH and α-FeOOH were synthesized to use as template materials. The evolution of phase and morphology in the process of calcination exhibits that α-FeOOH and γ-FeOOH experienced different routes to form the α-Fe2O3 middle phase with different crystallinity and morphology. The synthesis process of CoFe2O4 revealed that the crystallinity, purity and morphology of CoFe2O4 depend on the α-Fe2O3 middle phase. The magnetic measurement showed that the CoFe2O4 prepared from α-FeOOH has higher saturation magnetization and coercivity, and the crystallinity and morphology may play important roles in achieving a better magnetic performance.

  8. Novel Thermally Stable Poly (vinyl chloride) Composites for Sulfate Removal

    EPA Science Inventory

    BaCO3 dispersed PVC composites were prepared through a polymer re-precipitation method. The composites were tested for sulfate removal using rapid small scale column test (RSSCT) and found to significantly reduce sulfate concentration. The method was extended to synthe...

  9. A facile physical approach to make chitosan soluble in acid-free water.

    PubMed

    Fu, Yinghao; Xiao, Congming

    2017-10-01

    We changed the situation that chitosan was only dissolved in diluted acid through mild physical treatment. In viewing of the usual methods to modify chitosan are chemical ones, we established the approach by using a water-soluble chitosan derivative as the model polymer. Its water-solubility was modulated via changing the concentration of solution and varying the precipitants. Such a physical method was adopted to treat chitiosan. One gram chitosan was dissolved in a mixture of 100mL 10% acetic acid and 50mL methanol, and then precipitated from a precipitant consisted of 10mL ethanol and 90mL acetate ester. The treated chitosan became soluble in acid-free water completely, and its solubility was 8.02mg/mL. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Copper, gold, and silver decorated magnetic core-polymeric shell nanostructures for destruction of pathogenic bacteria

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Padervand, Mohsen; Karanji, Ahmad Kiani; Elahifard, Mohammad Reza

    2017-05-01

    Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared by co-precipitation method. The nanoparticles were silica coated using TEOS, and then modified by the polymeric layers of polypropylene glycol (PPG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Finally, the core-shell samples were decorated with Ag, Au, and Cu nanoparticles. The products were characterized by vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), TGA, SEM, XRD, and FTIR methods. The antibacterial activity of the prepared samples was evaluated in inactivation of E. coli and S. aureus microorganisms, representing the Gram-negative and Gram-positive species, respectively. The effect of solid dosage, bacteria concentration and type of polymeric modifier on the antibacterial activity was investigated. TEM images of the bacteria were recorded after the treatment time and according to the observed changes in the cell wall, the mechanism of antibacterial action was discussed. The prepared nanostructures showed high antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. This was due to the leaching of metal ions which subsequently led to the lysis of bacteria. A theoretical investigation was also done by studying the interaction of loaded metals with the nucleotide components of the microorganism DNA, and the obtained results were used to explain the experimental data. Finally, based on the observed inactivation curves, we explain the antibacterial behavior of the prepared nanostructures mathematically.

  11. Evaluation of folate conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for scintigraphic/magnetic resonance imaging.

    PubMed

    Chauhan, Ram Prakash; Mathur, Rashi; Singh, Gurjaspreet; Kaul, Ankur; Bag, Narmada; Singh, Sweta; Kumar, Hemanth; Patra, Manoj; Mishra, Anil K

    2013-03-01

    The physical and chemical properties of the nanoparticles influence their pharmacokinetics and ability to accumulate in tumors. In this paper we report a facile method to conjugate folic acid molecule to iron oxide nanoparticles to increase the specific uptake of these nanoparticles by the tumor, which will be useful in targeted imaging of the tumor. The iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by alkaline co precipitation method and were surface modified with dextranto make them stable. The folic acid is conjugated to the dextran modified iron oxide nanoparticles by reductive amination process after the oxidation of the dextran with periodate. The synthesized folic acid conjugated nanoparticles were characterized for size, phase, morphology and magnetization by using various physicochemical characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, dynamic light scattering and zetasizer etc. The quantification of the generated carbonyl groups and folic acid conjugated to the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles was done by colorimetric estimations using UV-Visible spectroscopy. The in vitro MR studies were carried out over a range of concentrations and showed significant shortening of the transverse relaxation rate, showing the ability of the nanoconjugate to act as an efficient probe for MR imaging. The biodistribution studies and the scintigraphy done by radiolabeling the nanoconjugate with 99mTc show the enhanced uptake at the tumor site showing its enhanced specificity.

  12. Arsenic mobilization and immobilization in paddy soils

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kappler, A.; Hohmann, C.; Zhu, Y. G.; Morin, G.

    2010-05-01

    Arsenic is oftentimes of geogenic origin and in many cases bound to iron(III) minerals. Iron(III)-reducing bacteria can harvest energy by coupling the oxidation of organic or inorganic electron donors to the reduction of Fe(III). This process leads either to dissolution of Fe(III)-containing minerals and thus to a release of the arsenic into the environment or to secondary Fe-mineral formation and immobilisation of arsenic. Additionally, aerobic and anaerobic iron(II)-oxidizing bacteria have the potential to co-precipitate or sorb arsenic during iron(II) oxidation at neutral pH that is usually followed by iron(III) mineral precipitation. We are currently investigating arsenic immobilization by Fe(III)-reducing bacteria and arsenic co-precipitation and immobilization by anaerobic iron(II)-oxidizing bacteria in batch, microcosm and rice pot experiments. Co-precipitation batch experiments with pure cultures of nitrate-dependent Fe(II)-oxidizing bacteria are used to quantify the amount of arsenic that can be immobilized during microbial iron mineral precipitation, to identify the minerals formed and to analyze the arsenic binding environment in the precipitates. Microcosm and rice pot experiments are set-up with arsenic-contaminated rice paddy soil. The microorganisms (either the native microbial population or the soil amended with the nitrate-dependent iron(II)-oxidizing Acidovorax sp. strain BoFeN1) are stimulated either with iron(II), nitrate, or oxygen. Dissolved and solid-phase arsenic and iron are quantified. Iron and arsenic speciation and redox state in batch and microcosm experiments are determined by LC-ICP-MS and synchrotron-based methods (EXAFS, XANES).

  13. Choice of 17O Abundance Correction Affects Δ47 and Thus Calibrations for Paleothermometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kelson, J.; Schauer, A. J.; Huntington, K. W.; Saenger, C.; Lechler, A. R.

    2016-12-01

    The clumped isotope composition of CO2 derived from carbonate (Δ47) varies with temperature, making it a valuable geothermometer with broad applications. However, its accuracy is limited by inter-laboratory discrepancies of carbonate reference materials and disagreement among Δ47-temperature calibrations. Here we use a suite of CO2-H2O equilibrations at known temperatures with a wide range in 13C and 18O compositions to show how the correction for the abundance of 17O impacts Δ47 and potentially explains these discrepancies. When a traditional value of 0.5164 is used for the fractionation between 17O and 18O (λ), corrected Δ47 in 23 °C CO2-H2O equilibrations exhibits a dependence on 13C composition that is equivalent to 20 ºC (Δ47 range of 0.06 ‰). In contrast, these discrepancies are effectively removed when λ=0.528, as in global meteoric waters. Furthermore, carbonate standards with identical formation temperatures have significantly different Δ47 when corrected using λ=0.5164, but agree within error when λ=0.528. The choice of λ affects the accuracy of all sample Δ47 values, unless the sample CO2, mass spectrometer reference gas, and equilibrated gases share the same 13C composition. The sensitivity of Δ47 to the choice of λ, and the apparent dependence on 13C when 0.5164 is used, are relevant to the abiogenic experiments used in Δ47-temperature calibrations given that precipitation methods involving CO2 bubbling produce carbonates depleted in 13C by tens of permil relative to methods that mix salts. We evaluate the influence of 17O correction on Δ47-temperature calibrations using a suite of 58 abiogenic carbonates precipitated at 4-85 ºC using CO2 bubbling and the mixing of salts. Aliquots of precipitated carbonates were digested at 25 and 90ºC, but all other preparatory and analytical variables were held constant. When corrected using λ=0.5164, various precipitation methods yield sub-parallel Δ47-temperature relationships with slopes of 0.034-0.044 (x 106/T2), but offset intercepts. Conversely, Δ47-temperature relationships overlap within error when λ=0.528. This suggests that the method used to correct for 17O abundance likely contributes to observed calibration discrepancies and that adopting λ=0.528 may reduce the uncertainty in Δ47 temperature reconstructions.

  14. Mass transfers induced by flow of CO2 rich-brine through fractured cement: experiment and modeling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Habdoulghafour, H.; Luquot, L.; Gouze, P.

    2011-12-01

    Long-term confinement failure is a key issue in the assessment of the confidence levels of CO2 storage. Evaluating the potential for CO2 leakage through wells (casing, cements and interfaces with the cap-rock) is of primary importance for the analysis of latent and short-range risks of confinement failure. Some controversy remains regarding the risk of conventional cements. While some researchers argue that they may fail, EOR oil industry experience suggests the opposite. The issue is non-trivial. Experimental investigations on cement alteration mechanism triggered by CO2-rich brine show that both carbonation and de-carbonation mechanisms may occur and are the dominant mass exchange processes. It is tempting to conclude from the results of batch experiments that cement carbonation tends to decrease porosity and permeability, whereas de-carbonation increases both, but these assumptions must be tested using realistic flow-through experiments. Here we investigated the effect of CO2 rich-brine flowing through fractured portlandite-rich cement plugs. Experiments were carried out under realistic in situ conditions (T=80°C and P=10 MPa). Monitoring the fluid composition at the outlet allows us to measure the rate at which portlandite and CSH are dissolved and Ca-carbonate (calcite) precipitated. The precipitation of carbonate limits the fluid access to the inner part of cement (by diffusion) but, in the condition of forced flow-through CO2-rich brine in the fracture, this carbonate layer is subsequently dissolved as showed by the X-ray micro tomography performed post-mortem. Despite these coupled dissolution-precipitation mechanisms (and the on-going reaction front displacement), the permeability of the fracture remains almost constant during the experiment because the effective aperture controlled by the undissolved fraction of the cement (i.e. silica-rich minerals) is preserved. For the studied conditions, it can be concluded that the flow properties of the fractured cements are conserved, while the chemical and probably the mechanical properties of the cement are deeply modified.

  15. The identification of sustainable yield for hot spring regarding water level and temperature

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ke, Kai-Yuan; Tan, Yih-Chi

    2017-04-01

    In order to sustainably manage and utilize the limited hot spring resource, the cool-hot water exchange model is established by combination of Soil and Water Assessment Tool(SWAT) and SHEMAT. Hot spring in Ziaoxi, Taiwan, is chosen as study area. With data of geography, weather, land use and soil texture, SWAT can simulate precipitation induced infiltration and recharge for SHEMAT. Then SHEMAT is calibrated and verified with in-situ observation data of hot spring temperature and water level. The relation among precipitation, pumping, change of water temperature and water level is thus investigated. The effect of point well pumping, which dramatically lower the water level and temperature, due to prosperous development of hot spring building and industry is also considered for better model calibration. In addition, by employing a modified Hill's method, the sustainable yield is identified. Unlike traditional Hill's method, the modified Hill's method could account for not only the change of water level but also the temperature. As a result, the estimated sustainable yield provide a reasonable availability of hot spring resources without further decline of the water level and temperature.

  16. Modeling the Effect of Modified Atmospheres on Conidial Germination of Fungi from Dairy Foods

    PubMed Central

    Nguyen Van Long, Nicolas; Vasseur, Valérie; Couvert, Olivier; Coroller, Louis; Burlot, Marion; Rigalma, Karim; Mounier, Jérôme

    2017-01-01

    Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is commonly applied to extend food shelf-life. Despite growth of a wide variety of fungal contaminants has been previously studied in relation to modified-atmospheres, few studies aimed at quantifying the effects of dioxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) partial pressures on conidial germination in solid agar medium. In the present study, an original culture method was developed, allowing microscopic monitoring of conidial germination under modified-atmospheres in static conditions. An asymmetric model was utilized to describe germination kinetics of Paecilomyces niveus, Mucor lanceolatus, Penicillium brevicompactum, Penicillium expansum, and Penicillium roquefoti, using two main parameters, i.e., median germination time (τ) and maximum germination percentage (Pmax). These two parameters were subsequently modeled as a function of O2 partial pressure ranging from 0 to 21% and CO2 partial pressure ranging from 0.03 to 70% (8 tested levels for both O2 and CO2). Modified atmospheres with residual O2 or CO2 partial pressures below 1% and up to 70%, respectively, were not sufficient to totally inhibit conidial germination,. However, O2 levels < 1% or CO2 levels > 20% significantly increased τ and/or reduced Pmax, depending on the fungal species. Overall, the present method and results are of interest for predictive mycology applied to fungal spoilage of MAP food products. PMID:29163403

  17. Rapid, Long-term Monitoring of CO2 Concentration and δ13CO2 at CCUS Sites Allows Discrimination of Leakage Patterns from Natural Background Values

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Galfond, B.; Riemer, D. D.; Swart, P. K.

    2014-12-01

    In order for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) to gain wide acceptance as a method for mitigating atmospheric CO2 concentrations, schemes must be devised to ensure that potential leakage is detected. New regulations from the US Environmental Protection Agency require monitoring and accounting for Class VI injection wells, which will remain a barrier to wide scale CCUS deployment until effective and efficient monitoring techniques have been developed and proven. Monitoring near-surface CO2 at injection sites to ensure safety and operational success requires high temporal resolution CO2 concentration and carbon isotopic (δ13C) measurements. The only technologies currently capable of this rapid measurement of δ13C are optical techniques such as Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy (CRDS). We have developed a comprehensive remote monitoring approach using CRDS and a custom manifold system to obtain accurate rapid measurements from a large sample area over an extended study period. Our modified Picarro G1101-i CRDS allows for automated rapid and continuous field measurement of δ13CO2 and concentrations of relevant gas species. At our field site, where preparations have been underway for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) operations, we have been able to measure biogenic effects on a diurnal scale, as well as variation due to precipitation and seasonality. Taking these background trends into account, our statistical treatment of real data has been used to improve signal-to-noise ratios by an order of magnitude over published models. Our system has proven field readiness for the monitoring of sites with even modest CO2 fluxes.

  18. Major signal suppression from metal ion clusters in SFC/ESI-MS - Cause and effects.

    PubMed

    Haglind, Alfred; Hedeland, Mikael; Arvidsson, Torbjörn; Pettersson, Curt E

    2018-05-01

    The widening application area of SFC-MS with polar analytes and water-containing samples facilitates the use of quick and simple sample preparation techniques such as "dilute and shoot" and protein precipitation. This has also introduced new polar interfering components such as alkali metal ions naturally abundant in e.g. blood plasma and urine, which have shown to be retained using screening conditions in SFC/ESI-TOF-MS and causing areas of major ion suppression. Analytes co-eluting with these clusters will have a decreased signal intensity, which might have a major effect on both quantification and identification. When investigating the composition of the alkali metal clusters using accurate mass and isotopic pattern, it could be concluded that they were previously not described in the literature. Using NaCl and KCl standards and different chromatographic conditions, varying e.g. column and modifier, the clusters proved to be formed from the alkali metal ions in combination with the alcohol modifier and make-up solvent. Their compositions were [(XOCH 3 ) n  + X] + , [(XOH) n  + X] + , [(X 2 CO 3 ) n  + X] + and [(XOOCOCH 3 ) n  + X] + for X = Na + or K + in ESI+. In ESI-, the clusters depended more on modifier, with [(XCl) n  + Cl] - and [(XOCH 3 ) n  + OCH 3 ] - mainly formed in pure methanol and [(XOOCH) n  + OOCH] - when 20 mM NH 4 Fa was added. To prevent the formation of the clusters by avoiding methanol as modifier might be difficult, as this is a widely used modifier providing good solubility when analyzing polar compounds in SFC. A sample preparation with e.g. LLE would remove the alkali ions, however also introducing a time consuming and discriminating step into the method. Since the alkali metal ions were retained and affected by chromatographic adjustments as e.g. mobile phase modifications, a way to avoid them could therefore be chromatographic tuning, when analyzing samples containing them. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Discontinuous Precipitation Reactions in Co-10Al-4C (At. Pct)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kamali, H.; Hossein Nedjad, S.; Kaufman, M. J.; Field, R. D.; Clarke, A. J.

    2018-05-01

    The evolution of microstructure and microhardness of a Co-10Al-4C (at. pct) alloy during isothermal aging at 800 and 900 °C is reported. Fine κ-Co3AlC0.5 intermetallic precipitates form in an FCC α-Co matrix after aging at both temperatures. Lamellar discontinuous precipitation also occurred at grain boundaries and the lamellar transformation product consumed the fine κ-Co3AlC0.5 precipitates in the matrix during aging. The microhardness of the alloy decreased dramatically upon formation of the lamellar product. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the lamellar product consists of α-Co, κ-Co3AlC0.5, and B2-CoAl phases at 800 °C. The orientation relationship between α-Co and κ-Co3AlC0.5 phases, and between α-Co and B2-CoAl phases were identified as cube-on-cube and Kurdjumov-Sachs, respectively. The discontinuous product at 900 °C was composed of alternating α-Co and κ-Co3AlC0.5 lamellae, without the B2-CoAl phase that formed at 800 °C. Additional continuous coarsening of κ-Co3AlC0.5 phase was observed in the lamellar aggregate during prolonged aging at 900 °C. The main driving force for the discontinuous reaction appears to be the reduction in both interfacial energy and elastic strain energy where the latter is attributed to the relatively high lattice mismatch between the κ-Co3AlC0.5 precipitates and the α-Co matrix.

  20. The effect of cobalt and carbon the microstructure and mechanical properties of martensitic precipitation strengthened stainless steels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Komolwit, Piyamanee

    The effects of cobalt additions on the mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms of a martensitic precipitation strengthening stainless steel whose composition is (in wt. %) 0.005C/12Cr/5Mo/1.5Ni has been investigated for cobalt levels of 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 wt. %. Hardness, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength increase as the cobalt content increases, while the Charpy impact energy decreases as tempering temperature increases. At the peak strength of the 21 wt. % cobalt alloy, which is after tempering at 550°C, the yield strength is 1772 MPa, the ultimate tensile strength is 1916 MPa, and the hardness is 55 HRC. The martensite start temperature decreases as cobalt content increases. In this alloys there is no retained austenite after austenitizing, oil quenching and then refrigerating in liquid nitrogen prior to tempering. These alloys contain no reverted austenite except for the 21 wt. % cobalt alloy after tempering at 600°C. Optical micrographs show lath martensite as the matrix for all alloys. Increasing cobalt content has little effect on prior austenite grain size. Transmission electron micrographs show a substructure of lath martensite and a b.c.c. matrix for all alloys after tempering at 525°C. Precipitates were observed in dark field images at all cobalt levels and were seen in bright field images of 21 wt. % cobalt alloy. One of the precipitates was identified as omega phase with a trigonal structure with lattice parameter of a = b = 4.1 A, c = 2.51 A with c/a = 0.612. The particle size appears to be 17 nanometers in diameter and they were found only in the foils of 21 wt. % cobalt alloy. The second precipitate type was identified as a monoclinic phase with a monoclinic structure with lattice parameters of a = 5.464 A, b = 2.843 A, c = 3.178 A, and alpha = gamma = 90° and beta = 63.4°. The monoclinic phase particles appear to significantly contribute to the strength of these alloys, with particles size and volume fraction increasing with increasing cobalt content for the same condition. Limited observation on the effects of carbon additions to a 12Cr/12Co/5Mo/4.5Ni martensitic precipitation strengthening stainless steel has been made for carbon levels of 0.005 wt. %, 0.025 wt. % and 0.05 wt. %. A small addition of chromium, one weight percent, to a 0.005C/12Co/5Mo/5Ni martensitic precipitation strengthening stainless steel was found to increase hardness, strength, Charpy impact energy, and ductility. Results on the effects of cobalt, carbon and chromium additions helped in the selection of modified alloys which were used to investigate the effects of composition and heat treatment on strength and toughness. The first set of modified alloys are referred to as the low carbon modified alloys. These alloys have a better Charpy impact energy than the alloys used to investigate the effect of cobalt on strength and the hardness and strength of these alloys are similar to those of alloys used to investigate the effects of cobalt on strength. Fractographs of these alloys show quasi-cleavage fracture, the presence of ductile fracture increases with increasing cobalt content. The martensite start temperature is lowered by the chromium additions and results in the existence of retained austenite even after refrigeration after austenitizing. Refrigeration prior to tempering is not necessary for these alloys to achieve a high yield strength and good Charpy impact energy. The second set of modified alloys are referred to as the carbon-titanium modified alloys. These alloys differ from the first set of modified alloys in that these alloys contain small additions of carbon and titanium and have lower cobalt levels. Lower cobalt levels were required because carbon lowers the martensite start temperature. These alloys have improved Charpy impact energy and ductility. The carbon addition lowers the martensite start temperature and the martensite start temperature of these alloys is sufficiently low that they contain retain austenite even after refrigeration after austenitizing. Refrigeration prior to tempering is necessity for the alloys to maintain their yield strength and hardness. The effects of austenitizing temperature, cooling rate after austenitization, refrigeration and double austenitization on the mechanical properties of the modified alloys were investigated. Lowering the austenitization temperature decreases the Charpy impact energy and hardness of these alloys. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

  1. Extraction of Ni (II) from Spent Hydrodesulfurization HDS Catalyst Through Leaching and Electroless Precipitation of Ni(OH)2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pradhan, Sangita R.; Dash, Barsha; Sanjay, Kali; Subbaiah, T.

    2013-04-01

    The extraction of nickel (II) from a spent hydro-desulfurization catalyst containing 11.6 pct Ni was carried out through sulfuric acid leaching. Variations of parameters such as the concentration of acid, temperature, and time, were studied and optimized. Nickel hydroxide was precipitated from the leach liquor via neutralization with 1 M sodium hydroxide up to pH 12 in three different methods: normal neutralization precipitation, and then neutralization precipitation followed by aging at 353 K (80 °C) for 4 hours and neutralization of the leach liquor with 10 pct (v/v) of 0.1 N sodium lauryl sulfate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) microanalysis shows a difference in crystallinity with the method of precipitation. The nickel hydroxide contains Cu(II), Co(II), Zn(II), and Mn(II) as trace impurities. The discharge capacities of the precipitated nickel hydroxides were 120 mAhg-1, 140.72 mAhg-1, and 145.2 mAhg-1 for aged sample, sample without surfactant, and with surfactant respectively.

  2. Plant responses to increasing CO 2 reduce estimates of climate impacts on drought severity

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

    Swann, Abigail L. S.; Hoffman, Forrest M.; Koven, Charles D.

    Rising atmospheric CO 2 will make Earth warmer, and many studies have inferred that this warming will cause droughts to become more widespread and severe. However, rising atmospheric CO 2 also modifies stomatal conductance and plant water use, processes that are often are overlooked in impact analysis. We find that plant physiological responses to CO 2 reduce predictions of future drought stress, and that this reduction is captured by using plant-centric rather than atmosphere-centric metrics from Earth system models (ESMs). The atmosphere-centric Palmer Drought Severity Index predicts future increases in drought stress for more than 70% of global land area.more » This area drops to 37% with the use of precipitation minus evapo-transpiration (P-E), a measure that represents the water flux available to downstream ecosystems and humans. The two metrics yield consistent estimates of increasing stress in regions where precipitation decreases are more robust (southern North America, northeastern South America, and southern Europe). The metrics produce diverging estimates elsewhere, with P-E predicting decreasing stress across temperate Asia and central Africa. The differing sensitivity of drought metrics to radiative and physiological aspects of increasing CO 2 partly explains the divergent estimates of future drought reported in recent studies. Further, use of ESM output in offline models may double-count plant feedbacks on relative humidity and other surface variables, leading to overestimates of future stress. The use of drought metrics that account for the response of plant transpiration to changing CO 2, including direct use of P-E and soil moisture from ESMs, is needed to reduce uncertainties in future assessment.« less

  3. Plant responses to increasing CO 2 reduce estimates of climate impacts on drought severity

    DOE PAGES

    Swann, Abigail L. S.; Hoffman, Forrest M.; Koven, Charles D.; ...

    2016-08-29

    Rising atmospheric CO 2 will make Earth warmer, and many studies have inferred that this warming will cause droughts to become more widespread and severe. However, rising atmospheric CO 2 also modifies stomatal conductance and plant water use, processes that are often are overlooked in impact analysis. We find that plant physiological responses to CO 2 reduce predictions of future drought stress, and that this reduction is captured by using plant-centric rather than atmosphere-centric metrics from Earth system models (ESMs). The atmosphere-centric Palmer Drought Severity Index predicts future increases in drought stress for more than 70% of global land area.more » This area drops to 37% with the use of precipitation minus evapo-transpiration (P-E), a measure that represents the water flux available to downstream ecosystems and humans. The two metrics yield consistent estimates of increasing stress in regions where precipitation decreases are more robust (southern North America, northeastern South America, and southern Europe). The metrics produce diverging estimates elsewhere, with P-E predicting decreasing stress across temperate Asia and central Africa. The differing sensitivity of drought metrics to radiative and physiological aspects of increasing CO 2 partly explains the divergent estimates of future drought reported in recent studies. Further, use of ESM output in offline models may double-count plant feedbacks on relative humidity and other surface variables, leading to overestimates of future stress. The use of drought metrics that account for the response of plant transpiration to changing CO 2, including direct use of P-E and soil moisture from ESMs, is needed to reduce uncertainties in future assessment.« less

  4. Simultaneous separation of copper, cadmium and cobalt from sea-water by co-flotation with octadecylamine and ferric hydroxide as collectors.

    PubMed

    Cabezon, L M; Caballero, M; Cela, R; Perez-Bustamante, J A

    1984-08-01

    A method is proposed for the simultaneous quantitative separation of traces ofCu(II), Cd(II) and Co(II) from sea-water samples by means of the co-flotation (adsorbing colloid flotation) technique with ferric hydroxide as co-precipitant and octadecylamine as collector. The experimental parameters have been studied and optimized. The drawbacks arising from the low solubility of octadecylamine and the corresponding sublates in water have been avoided by use of a 6M hydrochloric acid-MIBK-ethanol (1:2:2 v v ) mixture. The results obtained by means of the proposed method have been compared with those given by the usual ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate/MIBK extraction method.

  5. Morphology and Kinetics of Growth of CaCO3 Precipitates Formed in Saline Water at 30°C

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sui, Xin; Wang, Baohui; Wu, Haiming

    2018-02-01

    The crystallization kinetics and morphology of CaCO3 crystals precipitated from the high salinity oilfield water were studied. The crystallization kinetics measurements show that nucleation and nuclei growth obey the first order reaction kinetics. The induction period of precipitation is extended in the high salinity solutions. Morphological studies show that impurity ions remain mostly in the solution phase instead of filling the CaCO3 crystal lattice. The morphology of CaCO3 precipitates can be changed from a smooth surface (calcite) to rough spheres (vaterite), and spindle rod bundles, or spherical, ellipsoid, flowers, plates and other shapes (aragonite).

  6. Synthesis of [Zn-Al-CO 3] layered double hydroxides by a coprecipitation method under steady-state conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, Z.; Evans, D. G.; Duan, X.; Vial, C.; Ghanbaja, J.; Prevot, V.; de Roy, M.; Forano, C.

    2005-09-01

    A continuous co-precipitation method under steady-state conditions has been investigated for the preparation of nanometer-size layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles using Zn 2Al(OH) 6(CO 3) 0.5·2H 2O as a prototype. The objective was to shorten the preparation time by working without an aging step, using a short and controlled residence time in order to maintain a constant supersaturation level in the reactor and constant particle properties in the exit stream over time. The effects of varying the operating conditions on the structural and textural properties of the LDHs have been studied, including total cation concentration, solvent, residence time, pH and intercalation anion. The products have been characterized using ICP, XRD, FTIR, BET, SEM and TEM. The LDHs prepared by the continuous coprecipitation method have a poorer crystallinity and lower crystallite sizes than those synthesized by the conventional batch method. The results have shown that increasing either cation concentration or the fraction of monoethylene glycol (MEG) in MEG/H 2O mixtures up to 80% (v/v) affect salt solubility and supersaturation, which gives rise to smaller crystallites, larger surface areas and more amorphous compounds. This increase is however limited by the precipitation of zinc and aluminum hydroxides occurring around a total cation concentration of 3.0×10 -1 M in pure water and 3.0×10 -2 M in H 2O/EtOH mixtures. Crystallite size increases with residence time, suggesting a precipitation process controlled by growth. Finally, the continuous coprecipitation method under steady-state conditions has been shown to be a promising alternative to the traditional coprecipitation technique in either pure water or mixed H 2O/MEG solvents.

  7. Antibodies against toluene diisocyanate protein conjugates. Three methods of measurement.

    PubMed

    Patterson, R; Harris, K E; Zeiss, C R

    1983-12-01

    With the use of canine antisera against toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-dog serum albumin (DSA), techniques for measuring antibody against TDI-DSA were evaluated. The use of an ammonium sulfate precipitation assay showed suggestive evidence of antibody binding but high levels of TDI-DSA precipitation in the absence of antibody limit any usefulness of this technique. Double-antibody co-precipitation techniques will measure total antibody or Ig class antibody against 125I-TDI-DSA. These techniques are quantitative. The polystyrene tube radioimmunoassay is a highly sensitive method of detecting and quantitatively estimating IgG antibody. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay is a rapidly adaptable method for the quantitative estimation of IgG, IgA, and IgM against TDI-homologous proteins. All these techniques were compared and results are demonstrated by using the same serum sample for analysis.

  8. Sintering of BaCe(sub 0.85)Y(sub 0.15)O(sub 3-delta) with/without SrTiO3 Dopant

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dynys, F.; Sayir, A.; Heimann, P. J.

    2004-01-01

    The perovskite composition, BaCe(sub 0.85)Y(sub 0.15)O(sub 3-delta), displays excellent protonic conduction at high temperatures making it a desirable candidate for hydrogen separation membranes. This paper reports on the sintering behavior of BaCe(sub 0.85)Y(sub 0.15)O(sub 3-delta) powders doped with SrTiO3. Two methods were used to synthesize BaCe(sub 0.85)Y(sub 0.15)O(sub 3-delta) powders: (1) solid state reaction and (2) wet chemical co-precipitation. Co-precipitated powder crystallized into the perovskite phase at 1000 C for 4 hrs. Complete reaction and crystallization of the perovskite phase by solid state was achieved by calcining at 1200 C for 24 hrs. Solid state synthesis produced a coarser powder with an average particle size of 1.3 microns and surface area of 0.74 sq m/g. Co-precipitation produced a finer powder with a average particle size of 65 nm and surface area of 14.9 sq m/g. Powders were doped with 1, 2, 5, and 10 mole % SrTiO3. Samples were sintered at 1450 C, 1550 C and 1650 C. SrTiO3 enhances sintering, optimal dopant level is different for powders synthesized by solid state and co-precipitation. Both powders exhibit similar grain growth behavior. Dopant levels of 5 and 10 mole % SrTiO3 significantly enhances the grain size.

  9. Sensitive indicators of Stipa bungeana response to precipitation under ambient and elevated CO2 concentration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Yaohui; Zhou, Guangsheng; Jiang, Yanling; Wang, Hui; Xu, Zhenzhu

    2018-02-01

    Precipitation is a primary environmental factor in the semiarid grasslands of northern China. With increased concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases, precipitation regimes will change, and high-impact weather events may be more common. Currently, many ecophysiological indicators are known to reflect drought conditions, but these indicators vary greatly among species, and few studies focus on the applicability of these drought indicators under high CO2 conditions. In this study, five precipitation levels (- 30%, - 15%, control, + 15%, and + 30%) were used to simulate the effects of precipitation change on 18 ecophysiological characteristics in Stipa bungeana, including leaf area, plant height, leaf nitrogen (N), and chlorophyll content, among others. Two levels of CO2 concentration (ambient, 390 ppm; 550 ppm) were used to simulate the effects of elevated CO2 on these drought indicators. Using gray relational analysis and phenotypic plasticity analysis, we found that total leaf area or leaf number (morphology), leaf water potential or leaf water content (physiology), and aboveground biomass better reflected the water status of S. bungeana under ambient and elevated CO2 than the 13 other analyzed variables. The sensitivity of drought indicators changed under the elevated CO2 condition. By quantifying the relationship between precipitation and the five most sensitive indicators, we found that the thresholds of precipitation decreased under elevated CO2 concentration. These results will be useful for objective monitoring and assessment of the occurrence and development of drought events in S. bungeana grasslands.

  10. Adsorption of CO2 from flue gas streams by a highly efficient and stable aminosilica adsorbent.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shou-Heng; Lin, Yuan-Chung; Chien, Yi-Chi; Hyu, Han-Ren

    2011-02-01

    Three ordered mesoporous silicas (OMSs) with different pore sizes and pore architectures were prepared and modified with amine functional groups by a postgrafting method. The carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption on these amine-modified OMSs was measured by using microbalances at 348 K, and their adsorption capacities were found to be 0.2-1.4 mmol g(-1) under ambient pressure using dry 15% CO2. It was found experimentally that the CO2 adsorption capacity and adsorption rate were attributed to the density of amine groups and pore volume, respectively. A simple method is described for the production of densely anchored amine groups on a solid adsorbent invoking direct incorporation of tetraethylenepentamine onto the as-synthesized OMSs. Unlike conventional amine-modified OMSs, which typically show CO2 adsorption capacity less than 2 mmol g(-1), such organic template occluded amine-OMS composites possessed remarkably high CO2 uptake of approximately 4.6 mmol g(-1) at 348 K and 1 atm for a dry 15% CO2/nitrogen feed mixture. The enhancement of 8% in CO2 adsorption capacity was also observed in the presence of 10.6% water vapor. Durability tests done by cyclic adsorption-desorption revealed that these adsorbents also possess excellent stability.

  11. Method to produce biomass-derived compounds using a co-solvent system containing gamma-valerolactone

    DOEpatents

    Dumesic, James A.; Motagamwala, Ali Hussain

    2017-06-27

    A method to produce an aqueous solution of carbohydrates containing C5- and/or C6-sugar-containing oligomers and/or C5- and/or C6-sugar monomers in which biomass or a biomass-derived reactant is reacted with a solvent system having an organic solvent, and organic co-solvent, and water, in the presence of an acid. The method produces the desired product, while a substantial portion of any lignin present in the reactant appears as a precipitate in the product mixture.

  12. A rapid and highly selective method for the estimation of pyro-, tri- and orthophosphates.

    PubMed

    Kamat, D R; Savant, V V; Sathyanarayana, D N

    1995-03-01

    A rapid, highly selective and simple method has been developed for the quantitative determination of pyro-, tri- and orthophosphates. The method is based on the formation of a solid complex of bis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) species with pyrophosphate at pH 4.2-4.3, with triphosphate at pH 2.0-2.1 and with orthophosphate at pH 8.2-8.6. The proposed method for pyro- and triphosphates differs from the available method, which is based on the formation of an adduct with tris(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) species. The complexes have the composition [Co(en)(2)HP(2)O(7)]4H(2)O and [Co(en)(2)H(2)P(3)O(10)]2H(2)O, respectively. The precipitation is instantaneous and quantitative under the recommended optimum conditions giving 99.5% gravimetric yield in both cases. There is no interferences from orthophosphate, trimetaphosphate and pyrophosphate species in the triphosphate estimation up to 5% of each component. The efficacy of the method has been established by determining pyrophosphate and triphosphate contents in various matrices. In the case of orthophosphate, the proposed method differs from the available methods such as ammonium phosphomolybdate, vanadophosphomolybdate and quinoline phosphomolybdate, which are based on the formation of a precipitate, followed by either titrimetry or gravimetry. The precipitation is instantaneous and the method is simple. Under the recommended pH and other reaction conditions, gravimetric yields of 99.6-100% are obtainable. The method is applicable to orthophosphoric acid and a variety of phosphate salts.

  13. Synthesis of highly nanoporous YBO3 architecture via a co-precipitation approach and tunable luminescent properties.

    PubMed

    Liu, Lili; Zhang, Xianwen; Chaudhuri, Jharna

    2015-01-01

    We present a simple co-precipitation method to prepare highly nanoporous YBO(3) architecture using NaBO(3) ·  4H(2)O as a boric source and 600°C as the annealing temperature. The reaction was carried out under an aqueous condition without any organic solvent, surfactant, or catalysts. The prepared samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photoluminescence of doped-nanoporous YBO(3):Eu(3+) was further investigated. It is expected that highly nanoporous YBO(3) architecture can be an ideal candidate for applications in catalysis, adsorption, and optoelectronic devices. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. Climate impacts on agriculture: Implications for forage and rangeland production

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

    Izaurralde, Roberto C.; Thomson, Allison M.; Morgan, Jack

    2011-04-19

    Projections of temperature and precipitation patterns across the United States during the next 50 years anticipate a 1.5 to 2°C warming and a slight increase in precipitation as a result of global climate change. There have been relatively few studies of climate change impacts on pasture and rangeland (grazingland) species compared to those on crop species, despite the economic and ecological importance of the former. Here we review the literature on pastureland and rangeland species to rising CO2 and climate change (temperature, and precipitation) and discuss plant and management factors likely to influence pastureland and rangeland responses to change (e.g.,more » community composition, plant competition, perennial growth habit, seasonal productivity, and management methods). Overall, the response of pasture species to increased [CO2] is consistent with the general response of C3 and C4 type vegetation, although significant exceptions exist. Both pastureland and rangeland species should exhibit an acceleration of metabolism and development due to earlier onset of spring green-up and longer growing seasons. However, in the studies reviewed here, C3 pasture species increased their photosynthetic rates by up to 40% while C4 species exhibited no increase in photosynthesis. In general, it is expected that increases in [CO2] and precipitation would enhance rangeland net primary production (NPP) while increased air temperatures would either increase or decrease NPP. Much of this uncertainty in response is due to uncertain future projections of precipitation, both globally and regionally. For example, if annual precipitation changes little or declines, rangeland plant response to warming temperatures and rising [CO2] may be neutral or may decline due to increased water stress. This review reveals the need for comprehensive studies of climate change impacts on the pasture ecosystem including grazing regimes, mutualistic relationships (e.g., plant roots-nematodes; N-fixing organisms), as well as the ecosystem carbon balance, essential nutrients, and water.« less

  15. N, S co-doped-TiO2/fly ash beads composite material and visible light photocatalytic activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lv, Jun; Sheng, Tong; Su, Lili; Xu, Guangqing; Wang, Dongmei; Zheng, Zhixiang; Wu, Yucheng

    2013-11-01

    Using TiCl4 as the titanium source, urea as the precipitating agent, nano-TiO2/fly ash beads composite materials were prepared by hydrolysis-precipitation method. Using (NH2)2CO and (NH2)2SC as the N and S source respectively, N and S co-doped TiO2/fly ash beads composite materials were prepared by grinding them together according to a certain proportion and calcined at 500 °C for 2 h. The composite materials were characterized by SEM, EDS, XPS, and UV-vis spectrophotometer methods. The UV-vis absorption spectra results show that the absorption edge of un-doped composites is 390 nm while that of doped composites red-shifts to 500 nm. The photocatalytic activity of composite materials was evaluated by degradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation (halogen lamp, 250 W). The results showed that after irradiation for 1 h, degradation rate of N, S co-doped-TiO2/fly ash beads composite material can reach 65%, while the degradation rate of un-doped sample and P25 were just 10% and 6%, respectively. The composite material also showed excellent recycling properties.

  16. Co-evolution of landforms and vegetation under the influence of orographic precipitation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yetemen, Omer; Srivastava, Ankur; Saco, Patricia M.

    2017-04-01

    Landforms are controlled by the interaction between tectonics, climate, and vegetation. Orography induced precipitation not only has implications on erosion resistance through vegetation dynamics but also affects erosive forces through modifying runoff production. The implications of elevated precipitation due to orography on landscape morphology requires a numerical framework that integrates a range of ecohydrologic and geomorphic processes to explore the competition between erosive and resisting forces in catchments where pronounced orographic precipitation prevails. In this study, our aim was to realistically represent ecohydrology driven by orographic precipitation and explore its implications on landscape evolution through a numerical model. The model was used to investigate how ecohydro-geomorphic differences caused by differential precipitation patterns as a result of orographic influence and rain-shadow effect lead to differences in the organization of modelled topography, soil moisture, and plant biomass. We use the CHILD landscape evolution model equipped with a vegetation dynamics component that explicitly tracks above- and below-ground biomass, and a precipitation forcing component that simulates rainfall as a function of elevation and orientation. The preliminary results of the model have shown how the competition between an increased shear stress through runoff production and an enhanced resistance force due to denser canopy cover, shape the landscape. Hillslope asymmetry between polar- and equator-facing hillslopes are enhanced (diminished) when they coincide with windward (leeward) side of the mountain series. The mountain divide accommodates itself by migrating toward the windward direction to increase (decrease) hillslope gradients on windward (leeward) slopes. These results clearly demonstrate the strong coupling between landform evolution and climate processes.

  17. TEM analysis of the initial stages of BaSO4 crystallization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ruiz Agudo, Cristina; Putnis, Christine V.; Ruiz Agudo, Encarnación; Putnis, Andrew

    2014-05-01

    Barite scales in oilfields are formed by mixing of seawater with high SO42- content and formation water (high Ba2+ content) in the reservoir. Although barite precipitation has been widely studied, a lack of a complete understanding of the mechanisms of barite nucleation and growth at the early stages poses a problem in the development of preventive methods designed to reduce the damaging consequences associated with scale formation. A general strategy to reduce scale formation is the use of additives that act as inhibitors of barite precipitation. These scale inhibitors act by hampering and delaying nucleation and growth of barite and in most cases they modify the habit of the crystal. The performance of these inhibitors depends on numerous parameters, such as pH, temperature and concentration, and they can affect different stages of the precipitation process (e.g. blocking active growth sites at the surface, sequestering the scale-forming metal ion, influencing the type of amorphous phase or crystalline polymorph formed, as well as promoting solid-cluster formation (Gebauer et al., 2009)). In recent studies, the precipitation of several minerals, e.g. calcite (Gebauer et al., 2008), gypsum (Van Driessche et al., 2012), magnetite (Baumgartner et al., 2013) and iron oxyhydroxide (Li et. al 2012) has been shown to follow a non-classical crystallization process. Primary crystalline nanoparticles that coalesce after previous co-alignment, and amorphous and crystalline precursor phases have been observed in the crystallization processes of these minerals. The purpose of the present work was to gain a better understanding of the early stages of barium sulfate precipitation with the objective of obtaining fundamental knowledge that allows us to select the appropriate inhibitors for barite scale formation. With this aim, barite was precipitated by mixing BaCl2 and Na2SO4 solutions. The process was quenched with ethanol at different times and the particles obtained were observed ex-situ in a Transmission Electron Microscope. We found that barite precipitation involves the initial formation of nanometer-size (5-10 nm) particles that fuse in an oriented way to form larger particles. Two hierarchical levels of aggregation are observed: first, the aggregation of 5-10 nm particles to form larger, but still nanometer-sized (20-60 nm) particles. In a second stage, these latter particles aggregate to produce larger single crystals (200-500 nm). No evidence of an amorphous or crystalline precursor phase previous to crystalline barite was found. These results are of importance for the design of scale prevention methods, particularly in the choice of the most suitable scale inhibitor. Gebauer D., Cölfen H., Verch A. and Antonietti M. (2009) The multiple roles of additives in CaCO3 crystallization: a quantitative case study. Adv. Mater. 21, 435-439. Gebauer D., Völkel A. and Cölfen H. (2008) Stable prenucleation calcium carbonate clusters. Science 332, 1819-1822. Van Driessche A.E.S., Benning L.G., Rodriguez-Blanco J. D., Ossorio M., Bots P. and García-Ruiz J. M. (2012) The role and implications of bassanite as a stable precursor phase to gypsum precipitation. Science 336, 69-71. Baumgartner J., Dey A., Bomans P. H. H., Le Coadou C., Fratzl P., Sommerdijk N. A. J. M. and Faivre D. (2013) Nucleation and growth of magnetite from solution. Nature 12, 310-314. Li D., Nielsen M.H., Lee J.R.I, Frandsen C., Banfield J.F. and De Yoreo J.J.(2012) Direction-Specific Interactions Control Crystal Growth by Oriented Attachment. Science 336, 1014-1018.

  18. A facile thermal decomposition route to synthesise CoFe2O4 nanostructures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kalpanadevi, K.; Sinduja, C. R.; Manimekalai, R.

    2014-01-01

    The synthesis of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles has been achieved by a simple thermal decomposition method from an inorganic precursor, cobalt ferrous cinnamate hydrazinate (CoFe2(cin)3(N2H4)3) which was obtained by a novel precipitation method from the corresponding metal salts, cinnamic acid and hydrazine hydrate. The precursor was characterized by hydrazine and metal analyses, infrared spectral analysis and thermo gravimetric analysis. Under appropriate annealing, CoFe2(cin)3(N2H4)3 yielded CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, which were characterized for their size and structure using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques.

  19. Surface nucleation and independent growth of Ce(OH)4 within confinement space on modified carbon black surface to prepare nano-CeO2 without agglomeration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xinyue; Xia, Chunhui; Li, Kaitao; Lin, Yanjun

    2018-06-01

    Highly dispersed negative carboxyl groups can be formed on carbon black (CB) surface modified with strong nitric acid. Therefore positive cations can be uniformly absorbed by carboxyl groups and precipitated within a confinement space on modified CB surface to prepare highly dispersed nanomaterials. In this paper, the formation and dispersion status of surface negative carboxyl groups, adsorption status of Ce3+, surface confinement nucleation, crystallization and calcination process were studied by EDS, SEM, and laser particle size analysis. The results show that the carboxyl groups formed on modified CB surface are highly dispersed, and Ce3+ cations can be uniformly anchored by carboxyl groups. Therefore, highly dispersed Ce3+ can react with OH- within a confinement surface region to form positive nano-Ce(OH)4 nuclei which also can be adsorbed by electrostatic attraction. After independent growth of Ce(OH)4 without agglomeration, highly dispersed CeO2 nanoparticles without agglomeration can be prepared together with the help of effectively isolates by CO2 released in the combustion of CB.

  20. Surface nucleation and independent growth of Ce(OH)4 within confinement space on modified carbon black surface to prepare nano-CeO2 without agglomeration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Xinyue; Xia, Chunhui; Li, Kaitao; Lin, Yanjun

    2018-04-01

    Highly dispersed negative carboxyl groups can be formed on carbon black (CB) surface modified with strong nitric acid. Therefore positive cations can be uniformly absorbed by carboxyl groups and precipitated within a confinement space on modified CB surface to prepare highly dispersed nanomaterials. In this paper, the formation and dispersion status of surface negative carboxyl groups, adsorption status of Ce3+, surface confinement nucleation, crystallization and calcination process were studied by EDS, SEM, and laser particle size analysis. The results show that the carboxyl groups formed on modified CB surface are highly dispersed, and Ce3+ cations can be uniformly anchored by carboxyl groups. Therefore, highly dispersed Ce3+ can react with OH- within a confinement surface region to form positive nano-Ce(OH)4 nuclei which also can be adsorbed by electrostatic attraction. After independent growth of Ce(OH)4 without agglomeration, highly dispersed CeO2 nanoparticles without agglomeration can be prepared together with the help of effectively isolates by CO2 released in the combustion of CB.

  1. Spatial Patterns of Carbonate Biomineralization in Biofilms

    PubMed Central

    Li, Xiaobao; Chopp, David L.; Russin, William A.; Brannon, Paul T.; Parsek, Matthew R.

    2015-01-01

    Microbially catalyzed precipitation of carbonate minerals is an important process in diverse biological, geological, and engineered systems. However, the processes that regulate carbonate biomineralization and their impacts on biofilms are largely unexplored, mainly because of the inability of current methods to directly observe biomineralization within biofilms. Here, we present a method for in situ, real-time imaging of biomineralization in biofilms and use it to show that Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms produce morphologically distinct carbonate deposits that substantially modify biofilm structures. The patterns of carbonate biomineralization produced in situ were substantially different from those caused by accumulation of particles produced by abiotic precipitation. Contrary to the common expectation that mineral precipitation should occur at the biofilm surface, we found that biomineralization started at the base of the biofilm. The carbonate deposits grew over time, detaching biofilm-resident cells and deforming the biofilm morphology. These findings indicate that biomineralization is a general regulator of biofilm architecture and properties. PMID:26276112

  2. Carbon isotope signature of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in precipitation and atmospheric CO2.

    PubMed

    Górka, Maciej; Sauer, Peter E; Lewicka-Szczebak, Dominika; Jędrysek, Mariusz-Orion

    2011-01-01

    This paper describes results of chemical and isotopic analysis of inorganic carbon species in the atmosphere and precipitation for the calendar year 2008 in Wrocław (SW Poland). Atmospheric air samples (collected weekly) and rainwater samples (collected after rain episodes) were analysed for CO2 and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations and for δ13C composition. The values obtained varied in the ranges: atmospheric CO2: 337-448 ppm; δ13CCO2 from -14.4 to -8.4‰; DIC in precipitation: 0.6-5.5 mg dm(-3); δ13CDIC from -22.2 to +0.2‰. No statistical correlation was observed between the concentration and δ13C value of atmospheric CO2 and DIC in precipitation. These observations contradict the commonly held assumption that atmospheric CO2 controls the DIC in precipitation. We infer that DIC is generated in ambient air temperatures, but from other sources than the measured atmospheric CO2. The calculated isotopic composition of a hypothetical CO2 source for DIC forming ranges from -31.4 to -11.0‰, showing significant seasonal variations accordingly to changing anthropogenic impact and atmospheric mixing processes. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Design of Novel Precipitate-Strengthened Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Nb-Ni High-Entropy Superalloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Antonov, Stoichko; Detrois, Martin; Tin, Sammy

    2018-01-01

    A series of non-equiatomic Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Nb-Ni high-entropy alloys, with varying levels of Co, Nb and Fe, were investigated in an effort to obtain microstructures similar to conventional Ni-based superalloys. Elevated levels of Co were observed to significantly decrease the solvus temperature of the γ' precipitates. Both Nb and Co in excessive concentrations promoted the formation of Laves and NiAl phases that formed either during solidification and remained undissolved during homogenization or upon high-temperature aging. Lowering the content of Nb, Co, or Fe prevented the formation of the eutectic type Laves. In addition, lowering the Co content resulted in a higher number density and volume fraction of the γ' precipitates, while increasing the Fe content led to the destabilization of the γ' precipitates. Various aging treatments were performed which led to different size distributions of the strengthening phase. Results from the microstructural characterization and hardness property assessments of these high-entropy alloys were compared to a commercial, high-strength Ni-based superalloy RR1000. Potentially, precipitation-strengthened high-entropy alloys could find applications replacing Ni-based superalloys as structural materials in power generation applications.

  4. Synthesis of 3'-, or 5'-, or internal methacrylamido-modified oligonucleotides

    DOEpatents

    Golova, Julia B.; Chernov, Boris K.

    2010-04-27

    New modifiers were synthesized for incorporation of a methacrylic function in 3'-, 5'- and internal positions of oligonucleotides during solid phase synthesis. A modifier was used for synthesis of 5'-methacrylated oligonucleotides for preparation of microarrays by a co-polymerization method.

  5. Influence of gamma-irradiation on the non-isothermal decomposition of calcium-gadolinium oxalate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moharana, S. C.; Praharaj, J.; Bhatta, D.

    Thermal decomposition of co-precipitated unirradiated and irradiated Ca-Gd oxalate has been studied by adopting differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetric (TG) techniques. The reaction occurs through two stages corresponding to the decomposition of gadolinium oxalate (Gd-Ox) followed by that of calcium oxalate (Ca-Ox). The kinetic parameters for both the stages are calculated by using solid state reaction models and Coats-Redfern's equation. The co-precipitation as well as irradiation alter the DTA peak temperatures and the kinetic parameters of Ca-Ox. The decomposition of Gd-Ox follows the two dimensional Contracting area (R-2) mechanism, while that of Ca-Ox follows the Avrami-Erofeev (A(2)) mechanism (n =2), which are also exhibited by the co-precipitated and irradiated samples. Co-precipitation decreases the energy of activation and the pre-exponential factor of the individual components but the reverse phenomenon takes place upon irradiation of the co-precipitate. The mechanisms underlying the phenomena are explored.

  6. Preparation of Fe3O4/Bentonite Nanocomposite from Natural Iron Sand by Co-precipitation Method for Adsorbents Materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sebayang, Perdamean; Kurniawan, Candra; Aryanto, Didik; Arief Setiadi, Eko; Tamba, Konni; Djuhana; Sudiro, Toto

    2018-03-01

    An adsorption method is one of the effective ways to filter the heavy metals wastes in aqueous system. In this paper, the Fe3O4/bentonite nanocomposites were successfully prepared from natural iron sand by co-precipitation method. The chemical process was carried out by dissolving and hot stirring the milled iron sand and bentonite in acid solution and precipitating it by NH4OH. The sediment was then washed using distilled water to neutralize pH and dried at 100 °C for 5 hours to produce Fe3O4/bentonite powders. The samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, BET, TEM, VSM and AAS. All samples were composed by Fe3O4 single phase with a spinnel structure and lattice parameter of 8.373 Å. The transmittance peak of FTIR curve proved that the Fe3O4 particles and bentonite had a molecular bonding. The addition of bentonite to Fe3O4 nanoparticles generally reduced the magnetic properties of Fe3O4/bentonite nanocomposites. The optimum condition of 30 wt% bentonite resulted 105.9 m2/g in surface area, 14 nm in an average particle size and 3.2 nm in pore size. It can be used as Cu and Pb adsorbent materials.

  7. Synthesis and characterization of CaCO3 (calcite) nano particles from cockle shells (Anadara granosa Linn) by precipitation method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Widyastuti, Sri; Intan Ayu Kusuma, P.

    2017-06-01

    Calcium supplements can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, but they are not automatically absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Nanotechnology is presumed to have a capacity in resolving this problem. The preparation and characterization of calcium carbonate nano particle to improve the solubility was performed. Calcium carbonate nano particles were synthesized using precipitation method from cockle shells (Anadara granosa Linn). Samples of the cockle shells were dried in an oven at temperature of 50°C for 7 (seven) days and subsequently they were crushed and blended into fine powder that was sieved through 125-μm sieve. The synthesis of calcium carbonate nanocrystals was done by extracting using hydro chloride acid and various concentrations of sodium hydroxide were used to precipitate the calcium carbonate nano particles. The size of the nano particles was determined by SEM, XRD data, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results of XRD indicated that the overall crystalline structure and phase purity of the typical calcite phase CaCO3 particles were approximately 300 nm in size. The method to find potential applications in industry to yield the large scale synthesis of aragonite nano particles by a low cost but abundant natural resource such as cockle shells is required.

  8. Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation: a Novel Grout for Permeability Control in Subsurface Engineering Works

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Minto, J. M.; Hingerl, F.; Lunn, R. J.; Benson, S. M.

    2016-12-01

    ContextWe utilise the urea hydrolysing capability of soil bacteria Sporosarcina pasteurii to precipitate CaCO3 in a process termed Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP). MICP injection fluid properties are low particle size and low viscosity giving excellent grout penetrability. The CaCO3 grout has been shown to be effective at reducing permeability in porous and fractured media. MICP has consequently been proposed as an alternative to more traditional cement and chemical grouts, particularly in the fields of radioactive waste disposal and geological sequestration of CO2. This study investigates the role of fluid flow/CaCO3 feedback during precipitation and accelerated dissolution to better understand the longevity of an MICP grout under low pH environmental conditions such as found in a carbon sequestration reservoir. MethodsExperiments were conducted on a single Berea sandstone core in a high pressure core holder to characterise permeability, porosity and multiphase flow behaviour at sequestration reservoir temperature and pressure. Characterisation was carried out before MICP, after MICP, and after accelerated dissolution with hydrochloric acid. At each step the entire core was scanned in a medical x-ray CT scanner to spatially resolve (with a resolution of 0.5x0.5x1mm) the changes in porosity and saturation with CaCO3 precipitation and dissolution. Finally, the dried core was scanned with μ-CT at 30μm (full core) and 10μm (sub-volume) resolutions to investigate structural changes to the Berea at near pore scale. ResultsSix MICP treatment cycles over two days reduced core permeability from 886 mDarcy to 40 mDarcy with a greater reduction in porosity at the inlet. Dissolution with acid restored much of the porosity, but did not restore permeability to the same extent. Preferential flow paths formed during the dissolution step were visible in the first 4mm of the 100mm core, but did not extend further into the core. DiscussionThis study provides evidence that MICP can potentially produce a long lasting seal, even in challenging subsurface environments, provided that a thick enough layer of CaCO3 can be precipitated with a low initial permeability. Challenges remain for ensuring that such a barrier can be created in the subsurface and are the subject of further investigation.

  9. Semimicrodetermination of tantalum with selenous acid

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Grimaldi, F.S.; Schnepfe, M.M.

    1958-01-01

    Tantalum is separated and determined gravimetrically by precipitation with selenous acid from a highly acidic solution containing oxalic and tartaric acids. The method is selective for the determination of up to 30 mg. of tantalum pentoxide, and tolerates relatively large amounts of scandium, yttrium, cerium, titanium, zirconium, thorium, vanadium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, uranium, iron, aluminum, gallium, tin, lead, antimony, and bismuth. The separation of tantalum from niobium and titanium is not strictly quantitative, and correction is made colorimetrically for the small amounts of niobium and titanium co-precipitating with the tantalum. The method was applied to the determination of tantalum in tantaloniobate ores.

  10. Photocatalytic properties of BiVO{sub 4} prepared by the co-precipitation method: Degradation of rhodamine B and possible reaction mechanisms under visible irradiation

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

    Martinez-de la Cruz, A., E-mail: azael70@yahoo.com.mx; Perez, U.M. Garcia

    2010-02-15

    Bismuth vanadate (BiVO{sub 4}) was synthesized by the co-precipitation method at 200 {sup o}C. The photocatalytic activity of the oxide was tested for the photodegradation of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. The analysis of the total organic carbon showed that the mineralization of rhodamine B over a BiVO{sub 4} photocatalyst ({approx}40% after 100 h of irradiation) is feasible. In the same way, a gas chromatography analysis coupled with mass spectroscopy revealed the existence of organic intermediates during the photodegradation process such as ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, and phthalic anhydride. The modification of variables such as dispersion pH, amount of dissolvedmore » O{sub 2}, and irradiation source was studied in order to know the details about the photodegradation mechanism.« less

  11. Room Temperature Gas Sensing Properties of Sn-Substituted Nickel Ferrite (NiFe2O4) Thin Film Sensors Prepared by Chemical Co-Precipitation Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Manikandan, V.; Li, Xiaogan; Mane, R. S.; Chandrasekaran, J.

    2018-04-01

    Tin (Sn) substituted nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) thin film sensors were prepared by a simple chemical co-precipitation method, which initially characterized their structure and surface morphology with the help of x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Surface morphology of the sensing films reveals particles stick together with nearer particles and this formation leads to a large specific area as a large specific area is very useful for easy adsorption of gas molecules. Transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction pattern images confirm particle size and nanocrystallnity as due to formation of circular rings. Fourier transform infrared analysis has supported the presence of functional groups. The 3.69 eV optical band gap of the film was found which enabled better gas sensing. Gas sensors demonstrate better response and recovery characteristics, and the maximum response was 68.43%.

  12. RETRACTED ARTICLE: Precipitation behavior of B2-ordered aluminide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Chang-Suk

    2006-12-01

    Fine dispersion of disordered phases is obtained in Ni-Al-Cr and Fe-Al-Co temary systems. A transmission electron microscope investigation has been performed on the precipitation of α-Cr in B2-ordered β-NiAl with different stoichiometry and α-Fe in B2-FeAl(Co) compound. Precipitation behavior and hardening were investigated by measuring the hardness variation. The hardness of NiAl and FeAl increases appreciably with the fine precipitation of α-Cr and α-Fe, and over-age softening occurs after prolonged aging. In the case of B2-NiAl(Cr), perfect lattice coherency is maintained at the interfaces between the α-Cr particles and the matrix during the initial stage of aging. After prolonged aging, a loss of coherency occurs by the attraction of matrix dislocations to the particle/matrix interface, followed by climbing around the particles. On the other hand, in the case of B2-FeAl(Co), the disordered α-Fe phase is present as a precipitate in the B2-FeAl(Co) matrix and has a cubic-cubic orientation with the matrix. At the early aging periods, prismatic dislocation loops formed in the B2-FeAl(Co) matrix. B2-FeAl(Co) matrix is typically hardened by the precipitation of α-Fe.

  13. On the adsorption properties of magnetic fluids: Impact of bulk structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kubovcikova, Martina; Gapon, Igor V.; Zavisova, Vlasta; Koneracka, Martina; Petrenko, Viktor I.; Soltwedel, Olaf; Almasy, László; Avdeev, Mikhail V.; Kopcansky, Peter

    2017-04-01

    Adsorption of nanoparticles from magnetic fluids (MFs) on solid surface (crystalline silicon) was studied by neutron reflectometry (NR) and related to the bulk structural organization of MFs concluded from small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The initial aqueous MF with nanomagnetite (co-precipitation reaction) stabilized by sodium oleate and MF modified by a biocompatible polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), were considered. Regarding the bulk structure it was confirmed in the SANS experiment that comparatively small and compact (size 30 nm) aggregates of nanoparticle in the initial sample transfer to large and developed (size>130 nm, fractal dimension 2.7) associates in the PEG modified MF. This reorganization in the aggregates correlates with the changes in the neutron reflectivity that showed that a single adsorption layer of individual nanoparticles on the oxidized silicon surface for the initial MF disappears after the PEG modification. It is concluded that all particles in the modified fluid are in the aggregates that are not adsorbed by silicon.

  14. Hydrochemical controls on aragonite versus calcite precipitation in cave dripwaters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rossi, Carlos; Lozano, Rafael P.

    2016-11-01

    Despite the paleoclimatic relevance of primary calcite to aragonite transitions in stalagmites, the relative role of fluid Mg/Ca ratio, supersaturation and CO32- concentration in controlling such transitions is still incompletely understood. Accordingly, we have monitored the hydrochemistry of 50 drips and 8 pools that are currently precipitating calcite and/or aragonite in El Soplao and Torca Ancha Caves (N. Spain), investigating the mineralogy and geochemistry of the CaCO3 precipitates on the corresponding natural speleothem surfaces. The data reveal that, apart from possible substrate effects, dripwater Mg/Ca is the only obvious control on CaCO3 polymorphism in the studied stalagmites and pools, where calcite- and aragonite-precipitating dripwaters are separated by an initial (i.e. at stalactite tips) Mg/Ca threshold at ≈1.1 mol/mol. Within the analyzed ranges of pH (8.2-8.6), CO32- concentration (1-6 mg/L), supersaturation (SIaragonite: 0.08-1.08; SIcalcite: 0.23-1.24), drip rate (0.2-81 drops/min) and dissolved Zn (6-90 μg/L), we observe no unequivocal influence of these parameters on CaCO3 mineralogy. Despite the almost complete overlapping supersaturations of calcite- and aragonite-precipitating waters, the latter are on average less supersaturated because the waters having Mg/Ca above ∼1.1 have mostly achieved such high ratios by previously precipitating calcite. Both calcite and aragonite precipitated at or near oxygen isotopic equilibrium, and Mg incorporation into calcite was consistent with literature-based predictions, indicating that in the studied cases CaCO3 precipitation was not significantly influenced by strong kinetic effects. In the studied cases, the calcites that precipitate at ∼11 °C from dripwaters with initial Mg/Ca approaching ∼1.1 incorporate ∼5 mol% MgCO3, close to the published value above which calcite solubility exceeds aragonite solubility, suggesting that aragonite precipitation in high-relative-humidity caves is favored from a solubility viewpoint. We also show that unaccounted CaCO3 precipitation in intermediate sampling containers and splash effects may in cases result in underestimating dripwater Ca concentration and alkalinity, potentially leading to incorrect conclusions regarding the role of fluid Mg/Ca ratio and supersaturation on CaCO3 mineralogy. A simple way to elude the first effect is by taking water samples directly from stalactites and by titrating alkalinity in the same containers used to collect dripwaters.

  15. Zinc and Carbonate Co-Substituted Nano-Hydroxyapatite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Girija, E. K.; Kumar, G. Suresh; Thamizhavel, A.

    2011-07-01

    Synthesis of Zn or CO32- substituted nano-hydroxyapatite (HA) and its physico-chemical properties have been well documented. However, the effects of the simultaneous substitution of Zn and CO32- in nano-HA have not been reported. In the present study, Zn and CO32- substitutions in nano HA independently and concurrently have been done by wet precipitation method and characterized by XRD and FT-IR for its phase purity and chemical homogeneity. Further modulations of the bioactivity and thermal stability of HA due to the substitutions have been studied.

  16. Precipitation of CaCO3 due to the Uptake of CO2 in Aqueous Solutions - Mechanisms and Rates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dietzel, M.; Purgstaller, B.; Rinder, T.; Niedermayr, A.

    2012-12-01

    In natural and man-made environments the exchange of CO2 between aqueous solutions and the atmosphere frequently induces precipitation of CaCO3 polymorphs. Liberation of gaseous CO2 is well known to induce carbonate formation and extensively studied. In contrast significant gaps of knowledge exist with respect to the combined CO2 uptake and CaCO3 formation, although it is known to be highly valid for many natural and man-made surroundings causing e.g. travertine and scaling in analogy to CO2 liberation. Recently CO2 uptake is also discussed for biomineralization issues and debated for CO2 sequestration by using alkaline residue materials. In the present study CO2 uptake and CaCO3 precipitation mechanisms and rates were experimentally studied by diffusion of CO2 through a polyethylene membrane from an inner to an outer solution containing carbonic acid and CaCl2 (10 mM), respectively. The pH of the outer solution was kept constant between 8.3 and 11.5 by pH stat. technique (25°C). At a critical Ion Activity Product (IAP) CaCO3 is formed in the outer solution. The NaOH titration curve and Ca2+ concentrations reflect CO2 uptake and CaCO3 precipitation rates. To discover the impact of a drift in pH due to CO2 uptake on CaCO3 precipitation hydrogeochemical modeling was applied. XRD, (micro)Raman pattern and SEM imaging reveal the formation of calcite and vaterite at pH 8.3 and 9, whereas at pH > 10 vaterite is additionally formed. However at a given pH the formation of individual CaCO3 polymorphs strongly depends on the CO2 uptake rate (adjusted by membrane thickness), which controls carbonate accumulation in the solution. At elevated pH of the outer solution the uptake rate of CO2 is significantly higher and less time for nucleation of CaCO3 is required compared to lower pH. Surprisingly at the total experimental time of ≈ 20 h the amount of precipitated CaCO3 is similar for all experiments. This can be explained by significant higher CaCO3 precipitation rates at low versus high pH if once a critical IAP is reached. If a drift in pH is permitted the internal Pco2 value can be used as a reliable proxy to evaluate whether uptake of CO2 results in an increase or decrease of IAP with a threshold value of 10-6.15 atm at 25°C (pH ≈ 11). The obtained relationships for CaCO3 formation through CO2 uptake are discussed for selected alkaline environments.

  17. Diagenetic overprinting of the sphaerosiderite palaeoclimate proxy: are records of pedogenic groundwater δ18O values preserved?

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Ufnar, David F.; Gonzalez, Luis A.; Ludvigson, Greg A.; Brenner, Richard L.; Witzkes, Brian J.

    2004-01-01

    Meteoric sphaerosiderite lines (MSLs), defined by invariant ??18O and variable ??13C values, are obtained from ancient wetland palaeosol sphaerosiderites (millimetre-scale FeCO3 nodules), and are a stable isotope proxy record of terrestrial meteoric isotopic compositions. The palaeoclimatic utility of sphaerosiderite has been well tested; however, diagenetically altered horizons that do not yield simple MSLs have been encountered. Well-preserved sphaerosiderites typically exhibit smooth exteriors, spherulitic crystalline microstructures and relatively pure (> 95 mol% FeCO3) compositions. Diagenetically altered sphaerosiderites typically exhibit corroded margins, replacement textures and increased crystal lattice substitution of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+ for Fe2+. Examples of diagenetically altered Cretaceous sphaerosiderite-bearing palaeosols from the Dakota Formation (Kansas), the Swan River Formation (Saskatchewan) and the Success S2 Formation (Saskatchewan) were examined in this study to determine the extent to which original, early diagenetic ??18O and ??13C values are preserved. All three units contain poikilotopic calcite cements with significantly different ??18O and ??13C values from the co-occurring sphaerosiderites. The complete isolation of all carbonate phases is necessary to ensure that inadvertent physical mixing does not affect the isotopic analyses. The Dakota and Swan River samples ultimately yield distinct MSLs for the sphaerosiderites, and MCLs (meteoric calcite lines) for the calcite cements. The Success S2 sample yields a covariant ??18O vs. ??13C trend resulting from precipitation in pore fluids that were mixtures between meteoric and modified marine phreatic waters. The calcite cements in the Success S2 Formation yield meteoric ??18O and ??13C values. A stable isotope mass balance model was used to produce hyperbolic fluid mixing trends between meteoric and modified marine end-member compositions. Modelled hyperbolic fluid mixing curves for the Success S2 Formation suggest precipitation from fluids that were < 25% sea water. ?? 2004 International Association of Sedimentologists.

  18. Microbial response to modified precipitation patterns in tallgrass prairie soil: molecular mechanisms, activity rates and organic matter dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zeglin, L. H.; David, M.; Bottomley, P.; Hettich, R. L.; Jansson, J.; Jumpponen, A.; Rice, C. W.; Tringe, S.; VerBerkmoes, N. C.; Myrold, D.

    2011-12-01

    A significant amount of carbon (C) is processed and stored in prairie soils: grasslands cover 6.1-7.4% of the earth's land surface and hold 7.3-11.4% of global soil C. Global change models predict that the future precipitation regime across the North American Great Plains will entail less frequent but larger rainfall events. The response of prairie soil microbial C processing and allocation to this scenario of higher hydrologic variability is not known, but will be a key determiner of the future capacity for prairie soil C sequestration. We are approaching this problem by assessing soil microbial function (respiration, C utilization efficiency, extracellular enzyme activity) and molecular indicators of dominant C allocation pathways (soil transcriptome, proteome and metabolome) under ambient and experimentally modified precipitation regimes. The rainfall manipulation plots (RaMPs) at the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site in eastern Kansas, USA is a replicated field manipulation of the magnitude and frequency of natural precipitation that was established in 1998. We collected soil before, during and after a rainfall event in both ambient and modified precipitation treatments and measured the microbial response. Microbial respiration doubled in both treatments during the water addition, and cellobiohydrolase enzyme potential activity (a catalyst of cellulose hydrolysis) increased slightly, but no significant effect of altered precipitation treatment has emerged. The fungal and bacterial ribosomal gene composition was also similar between precipitation treatments. Although pools of genes and extracellular enzymes may be relatively static during short-term dynamic conditions, transcript and intracellular protein abundances may be more indicative of the active microbial metabolic response to rapid shifts in soil moisture. Thus, analysis of transcript and protein composition is underway. In addition, we have implemented a series of lab experiments to optimize and link transcript and protein recovery and analysis procedures using the model soil bacterium Arthrobacter chlorophenicolus strain A6 (ArtchA6). Konza prairie soil was inoculated with ArchA6 and incubated for 72 h with no supplemental C, with acetate or with 4-chlorophenol (a xenobiotic compound that ArtchA6 can utilize as its sole C source), then RNA and protein were extracted from the soil. Quantitatively representative recovery of ArtchA6 genes, rRNA, mRNA and protein was successful. The ratio of ArtchA6 isocitrate lyase (icl, indicative of 2-C metabolism) to succinyl CoA synthetase (suCAB, indicative of total respiratory activity) transcript was highest in soils amended with acetate. Proteomic signatures were distinct in soils with different supplemental C sources. This experiment confirms our capability of recovering transcript and protein from the study soil and of identifying the functional molecules representative of distinct C metabolism pathways.

  19. Calcium carbonate precipitation by strain Bacillus licheniformis AK01, newly isolated from loamy soil: a promising alternative for sealing cement-based materials.

    PubMed

    Vahabi, Ali; Ramezanianpour, Ali Akbar; Sharafi, Hakimeh; Zahiri, Hossein Shahbani; Vali, Hojatollah; Noghabi, Kambiz Akbari

    2015-01-01

    The relevant experiments were designed to determine the ability of indigenous bacterial strains isolated from limestone caves, mineral springs, and loamy soils to induce calcium carbonate precipitation. Among all isolates examined in this study, an efficient carbonate-precipitating soil bacterium was selected from among the isolates and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequences as Bacillus licheniformis AK01. The ureolytic isolate was able to grow well on alkaline carbonate-precipitation medium and precipitate calcium carbonate more than 1 g L(-1). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) examinations were performed in order to confirm the presence of calcium carbonate in the precipitate and to determine which polymorphs were present. The selected isolate was determined to be an appropriate candidate for application in a surface treatment of cement-based material to improve the properties of the mortar. Biodeposition of a layer of calcite on the surface of cement specimens resulted in filling in pore spaces. This could be an alternative method to improve the durability of the mortar. The kind of bacterial culture and medium composition had a profound impact on the resultant CaCO(3) crystal morphology. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  20. Mixing a sol and a precipitate of block copolymers with different block ratios leads to an injectable hydrogel.

    PubMed

    Yu, Lin; Zhang, Zheng; Zhang, Huan; Ding, Jiandong

    2009-06-08

    A facile method to obtain a thermoreversible physical hydrogel was found by simply mixing an aqueous sol of a block copolymer with a precipitate of a similar copolymer but with a different block ratio. Two ABA-type triblock copolymers poly(D,L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)-B-poly(ethylene glycol)-B-poly(D,L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) were synthesized. One sample in water was a sol in a broad temperature region, while the other in water was just a precipitate. The mixture of these two samples with a certain mix ratio underwent, however, a sol-to-gel-to-precipitate transition upon an increase of temperature. A dramatic tuning of the sol-gel transition temperature was conveniently achieved by merely varying mix ratio, even in the case of a similar molecular weight. Our study indicates that the balance of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity within this sort of amphiphilic copolymers is critical to the inverse thermal gelation in water resulting from aggregation of micelles. The availability of encapsulation and sustained release of lysozyme, a model protein by the thermogelling systems was confirmed. This "mix" method provides a very convenient approach to design injectable thermogelling biomaterials with a broad adjustable window, and the novel copolymer mixture platform is potentially used in drug delivery and other biomedical applications.

  1. Solar geoengineering, atmospheric water vapor transport, and land plants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Caldeira, Ken; Cao, Long

    2015-04-01

    This work, using the GeoMIP database supplemented by additional simulations, discusses how solar geoengineering, as projected by the climate models, affects temperature and the hydrological cycle, and how this in turn is related to projected changes in net primary productivity (NPP). Solar geoengineering simulations typically exhibit reduced precipitation. Solar geoengineering reduces precipitation because solar geoengineering reduces evaporation. Evaporation precedes precipitation, and, globally, evaporation equals precipitation. CO2 tends to reduce evaporation through two main mechanisms: (1) CO2 tends to stabilize the atmosphere especially over the ocean, leading to a moister atmospheric boundary layer over the ocean. This moistening of the boundary layer suppresses evaporation. (2) CO2 tends to diminish evapotranspiration, at least in most land-surface models, because higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations allow leaves to close their stomata and avoid water loss. In most high-CO2 simulations, these effects of CO2 which tend to suppress evaporation are masked by the tendency of CO2-warming effect to increase evaporation. In a geoengineering simulation, with the warming effect of CO2 largely offset by the solar geoengineering, the evaporation suppressing characteristics of CO2 are no longer masked and are clearly exhibited. Decreased precipitation in solar geoengineering simulations is a bit like ocean acidification - an effect of high CO2 concentrations that is not offset by solar geoengineering. Locally, precipitation ultimately either evaporates (much of that through the leaves of plants) or runs off through groundwater to streams and rivers. On long time scales, runoff equals precipitation minus evaporation, and thus, water runoff generated at a location is equal to the net atmospheric transport of water to that location. Runoff typically occurs where there is substantial soil moisture, at least seasonally. Locations where there is enough water to maintain runoff are typically locations where there is sufficient water to maintain plant growth. This work aims at: (i) Identifying the geographical distribution of sensitivity of modeled-NPP to changes in CO2, temperature, and various parameters related to the hydrological cycle; (ii) Geographically partitioning changes in modeled-NPP to changes in CO2, temperature, and hydrological variables (and a non-linear interaction term).

  2. Heavy metal immobilization via microbially induced carbonate precipitation and co-precipitation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lauchnor, E. G.; Stoick, E.

    2017-12-01

    Microbially induced CaCO3 precipitation (MICP) has been successfully used in applications such as porous media consolidation and sealing of leakage pathways in the subsurface, and it has the potential to be used for remediation of metal and radionuclide contaminants in surface and groundwater. In this work, MICP is investigated for removal of dissolved heavy metals from contaminated mine discharge water via co-precipitation in CaCO3 or formation of other metal carbonates. The bacterially catalyzed hydrolysis of urea produces inorganic carbon and ammonium and increases pH and the saturation index of carbonate minerals to promote precipitation of CaCO3. Other heavy metal cations can be co-precipitated in CaCO3 as impurities or by replacing Ca2+ in the crystal lattice. We performed laboratory batch experiments of MICP in alkaline mine drainage sampled from an abandoned mine site in Montana and containing a mixture of heavy metals at near neutral pH. Both a model bacterium, Sporosarcina pasteurii, and a ureolytic bacterium isolated from sediments on the mine site were used to promote MICP. Removal of dissolved metals from the aqueous phase was determined via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and resulting precipitates were analyzed via electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Both S. pasteurii and the native ureolytic isolate demonstrated ureolysis, increased the pH and promoted precipitation of CaCO3 in batch tests. MICP by the native bacterium reduced concentrations of the heavy metals zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel and manganese in the water. S. pasteurii was also able to promote MICP, but with less removal of dissolved metals. Analysis of precipitates revealed calcium carbonate and phosphate minerals were likely present. The native isolate is undergoing identification via 16S DNA sequencing. Ongoing work will evaluate biofilm formation and MICP by the isolate in continuous flow, gravel-filled laboratory columns. This research demonstrates that MICP can be promoted in natural, contaminated water containing a mixture of potentially toxic heavy metals and native bacteria adapted to the environment may be more successful in driving removal of heavy metals via MICP.

  3. A New Method for Evaluating the Carbon Isotope Characteristics of Carbonate Formed Under Cryogenic Conditions Analogous to Mars

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Niles, P. B.; Socki, R. A.; Hredzak, P. L.

    2007-01-01

    The two upcoming robotic missions to Mars, Phoenix and MSL, will both have the capability of measuring the carbon isotopic composition of CO2 in the martian atmosphere, as well as possible CO2 trapped in carbonate minerals in the Martian soil. Results from orbital and landed missions now clearly indicate that no large scale deposits of carbonate materials exist at the surface. However, some results from orbital remote sensing have been interpreted to indicate that carbonate minerals are present as fine particles interspersed at low concentrations (approx. 2%) in the martian dust. One likely mechanism for the production of these carbonates is during the freezing of transient water near the surface. Large deposits of near surface ice and photographic evidence for flowing water on the surface suggest that transient melting and refreezing of H2O is an active process on Mars. Any exposure of these fluids to the CO2 rich atmosphere should al-low the production of HCO3- solutions. Carbonates are likely precipitates from these solutions during freezing as extensive CO2 degassing, driven by the fluid s decreasing volume, drives CO2 out. This rapid CO2 degassing increases the pH of the solution and drives carbonate precipitation. It has been shown in previous studies that this rapid CO2 degassing also results in a kinetic isotopic fractionation where the CO2 gas has a much lighter isotopic composition causing a large isotope enrichment of C-13 in the precipitated carbonate. This kinetic isotope enrichment may be very common in the current martian environment, and may be a very important factor in understanding the very high deltaC-13 values of carbonates found in the martian meteorites. However, while previous studies have succeeded in generally quantifying the magnitude of this effect, detailed studies of the consistency of this effect, and the freezing rates needed to produce it are needed to understand any carbon isotope analyses from carbonate minerals in the martian soil or dust. This study demonstrates an innovative new method for measuring the isotopic composition of gas evolved from the freezing of carbonate solutions in real time, which allows for a much clearer view of the chemical processes involved. This method now sets the stage for detailed analysis of the chemical and isotopic mechanisms that produce cryogenic carbonates.

  4. Charge-transfer modified embedded atom method dynamic charge potential for Li-Co-O system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kong, Fantai; Longo, Roberto C.; Liang, Chaoping; Nie, Yifan; Zheng, Yongping; Zhang, Chenxi; Cho, Kyeongjae

    2017-11-01

    To overcome the limitation of conventional fixed charge potential methods for the study of Li-ion battery cathode materials, a dynamic charge potential method, charge-transfer modified embedded atom method (CT-MEAM), has been developed and applied to the Li-Co-O ternary system. The accuracy of the potential has been tested and validated by reproducing a variety of structural and electrochemical properties of LiCoO2. A detailed analysis on the local charge distribution confirmed the capability of this potential for dynamic charge modeling. The transferability of the potential is also demonstrated by its reliability in describing Li-rich Li2CoO2 and Li-deficient LiCo2O4 compounds, including their phase stability, equilibrium volume, charge states and cathode voltages. These results demonstrate that the CT-MEAM dynamic charge potential could help to overcome the challenge of modeling complex ternary transition metal oxides. This work can promote molecular dynamics studies of Li ion cathode materials and other important transition metal oxides systems that involve complex electrochemical and catalytic reactions.

  5. Charge-transfer modified embedded atom method dynamic charge potential for Li-Co-O system.

    PubMed

    Kong, Fantai; Longo, Roberto C; Liang, Chaoping; Nie, Yifan; Zheng, Yongping; Zhang, Chenxi; Cho, Kyeongjae

    2017-11-29

    To overcome the limitation of conventional fixed charge potential methods for the study of Li-ion battery cathode materials, a dynamic charge potential method, charge-transfer modified embedded atom method (CT-MEAM), has been developed and applied to the Li-Co-O ternary system. The accuracy of the potential has been tested and validated by reproducing a variety of structural and electrochemical properties of LiCoO 2 . A detailed analysis on the local charge distribution confirmed the capability of this potential for dynamic charge modeling. The transferability of the potential is also demonstrated by its reliability in describing Li-rich Li 2 CoO 2 and Li-deficient LiCo 2 O 4 compounds, including their phase stability, equilibrium volume, charge states and cathode voltages. These results demonstrate that the CT-MEAM dynamic charge potential could help to overcome the challenge of modeling complex ternary transition metal oxides. This work can promote molecular dynamics studies of Li ion cathode materials and other important transition metal oxides systems that involve complex electrochemical and catalytic reactions.

  6. Ferric iron-bearing sediments as a mineral trap for CO2 sequestration: Iron reduction using sulfur-bearing waste gas

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Palandri, J.L.; Kharaka, Y.K.

    2005-01-01

    We present a novel method for geologic sequestration of anthropogenic CO2 in ferrous carbonate, using ferric iron present in widespread redbeds and other sediments. Iron can be reduced by SO2 that is commonly a component of flue gas produced by combustion of fossil fuel, or by adding SO2 or H2S derived from other industrial processes to the injected waste gas stream. Equilibrium and kinetically controlled geochemical simulations at 120 bar and 50 and 100 ??C with SO2 or H2S show that iron can be transformed almost entirely to siderite thereby trapping CO2, and simultaneously, that sulfur can be converted predominantly to dissolved sulfate. If there is an insufficient amount of sulfur-bearing gas relative to CO2 as for typical flue gas, then some of the iron is not reduced, and some of the CO2 is not sequestered. If there is an excess of sulfur-bearing gas, then complete iron reduction is ensured, and some of the iron precipitates as pyrite or other solid iron sulfide, depending on their relative precipitation kinetics. Gas mixtures with insufficient sulfur relative to CO2 can be used in sediments containing Ca, Mg, or other divalent metals capable of precipitating carbonate minerals. For quartz arenite with an initial porosity of 21% and containing 0.25 wt.% Fe2O3, approximately 0.7 g of CO2 is sequestered per kg of rock, and the porosity decrease is less than 0.03%. Sequestration of CO2 using ferric iron has the advantage of disposing of SO2 that may already be present in the combustion gas. ?? 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V.

  7. Evaluation of National Atmospheric Deposition Program measurements for colocated sites CO89 and CO98 at Rocky Mountain National Park, water years 2010–14

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Wetherbee, Gregory A.

    2016-07-22

    Atmospheric wet-deposition monitoring in Rocky Mountain National Park included precipitation depth and aqueous chemical measurements at colocated National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network (NADP/NTN) sites CO89 and CO98 (Loch Vale) during water years 2010–14 (study period). The colocated sites were separated by approximately 6.5 meters horizontally and 0.5 meter in elevation, in accordance with NADP siting criteria. Assessment of the 5-year record of colocated data is intended to inform man-agement decisions pertaining to the achievement of nitrogen deposition reduction goals of the Rocky Mountain National Park Nitrogen Deposition Reduction Plan.The data at site CO98 met NADP completeness criteria for the first time in 29 years of operation in 2011 and then again in 2012. During the study period, data at site CO89 met completeness criteria in 2012. Median weekly relative precipitation-depth differences between sites CO89 and CO98 ranged from 0 to 0.25 millimeter during the study period. Median weekly absolute percent differences in sample volume ranged from 5 to 10 percent. Median relative concentration differences for weekly ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) concentrations were near the NADP Central Analytical Laboratory’s method detection limits and thus were considered small. Absolute percent differences for water-year 2010–14 precipitation-weighted mean concentrations of NH4+, NO3-, and inorganic nitrogen (Ninorg) ranged from 0.0 to 25.7 percent. Absolute percent differences for water-year 2010–14 NH4+, NO3-, and Ninorg deposition ranged from 2.1 to 18.9 percent, 3.3 to 24.5 percent, and 0.3 to 17.4 percent, respectively.

  8. Small-angle neutron scattering investigations of Co-doped iron oxide nanoparticles. Preliminary results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Creanga, Dorina; Balasoiu, Maria; Soloviov, Dmitro; Balasoiu-Gaina, Alexandra-Maria; Puscasu, Emil; Lupu, Nicoleta; Stan, Cristina

    2018-03-01

    Preliminary small-angle neutron scattering investigations on aqueous suspensions of several cobalt doped ferrites (CoxFe3-xO4, x=0; 0.5; 1) nanoparticles prepared by chemical co-precipitation method, are reported. The measurements were accomplished at the YuMO instrument in function at the IBR-2 reactor. Results of intermediary data treatment are presented and discussed.

  9. F-T process using an iron on mixed zirconia-titania supported catalyst

    DOEpatents

    Dyer, Paul N.; Nordquist, Andrew F.; Pierantozzi, Ronald

    1987-01-01

    A Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprising iron co-deposited with or deposited on particles comprising a mixture of zirconia and titania, preferably formed by co-precipitation of compounds convertible to zirconia and titania, such as zirconium and titanium alkoxide. The invention also comprises the method of making this catalyst and an improved Fischer-Tropsch reaction process in which the catalyst is utilized.

  10. Depositional and diagenetic variability within the Cambrian Mount Simon Sandstone: Implications for carbon dioxide sequestration

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bowen, B.B.; Ochoa, R.I.; Wilkens, N.D.; Brophy, J.; Lovell, T.R.; Fischietto, N.; Medina, C.R.; Rupp, J.A.

    2011-01-01

    The Cambrian Mount Simon Sandstone is the major target reservoir for ongoing geologic carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration demonstrations throughout the midwest United States. The potential CO2 reservoir capacity, reactivity, and ultimate fate of injected CO2 depend on textural and compositional properties determined by depositional and diagenetic histories that vary vertically and laterally across the formation. Effective and efficient prediction and use of the available pore space requires detailed knowledge of the depositional and diagenetic textures and mineralogy, how these variables control the petrophysical character of the reservoir, and how they vary spatially. Here, we summarize the reservoir characteristics of the Mount Simon Sandstone based on examination of geophysical logs, cores, cuttings, and analysis of more than 150 thin sections. These samples represent different parts of the formation and depth ranges of more than 9000 ft (>2743 m) across the Illinois Basin and surrounding areas. This work demonstrates that overall reservoir quality and, specifically, porosity do not exhibit a simple relationship with depth, but vary both laterally and with depth because of changes in the primary depositional facies, framework composition (i.e., feldspar concentration), and diverse diagenetic modifications. Diagenetic processes that have been significant in modifying the reservoir include formation of iron oxide grain coatings, chemical compaction, feldspar precipitation and dissolution, multiple generations of quartz overgrowth cementation, clay mineral precipitation, and iron oxide cementation. These variables provide important inputs for calculating CO2 capacity potential, modeling reactivity, and are also an important baseline for comparisons after CO2 injection. Copyright ??2011. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists/Division of Environmental Geosciences. All rights reserved.

  11. Controlled Degradation of Poly(Ethyl Cyanoacrylate-Co-Methyl Methacrylate)(PECA-Co-PMMA) Copolymers

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    This paper describes a method for modifying poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) in order to control the degradation and the stability as well as the glass transition temperatures. Copolymers of poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) (PECA-co-PMMA) with various compositions were synthesized by free ...

  12. Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of copper in nickel-base alloys with various chemical modifiers*1

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsai, Suh-Jen Jane; Shiue, Chia-Chann; Chang, Shiow-Ing

    1997-07-01

    The analytical characteristics of copper in nickel-base alloys have been investigated with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Deuterium background correction was employed. The effects of various chemical modifiers on the analysis of copper were investigated. Organic modifiers which included 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(diethylamino-phenol) (Br-PADAP), ammonium citrate, 1-(2-pyridylazo)-naphthol, 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and Triton X-100 were studied. Inorganic modifiers palladium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, aluminum chloride, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen peroxide and potassium nitrate were also applied in this work. In addition, zirconium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide precipitation methods have also been studied. Interference effects were effectively reduced with Br-PADAP modifier. Aqueous standards were used to construct the calibration curves. The detection limit was 1.9 pg. Standard reference materials of nickel-base alloys were used to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method. The copper contents determined with the proposed method agreed closely with the certified values of the reference materials. The recoveries were within the range 90-100% with relative standard deviation of less than 10%. Good precision was obtained.

  13. Ultrasonic Monitoring of CO2 Uptake and Release from Sand Packs*

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Toffelmier, D. A.; Dufrane, W. L.; Bonner, B. P.; Viani, B. E.; Berge, P. A.

    2002-12-01

    Sequestration of atmospheric CO2 occurs naturally during the formation of calcite cement in sedimentary rock. Acceleration of this process has been proposed as a means of reducing the atmospheric concentration of CO2, which is a major cause of global warming. Calcite may also be precipitated when highly alkaline waste fluid is introduced into the vadose zone from leaking storage tanks. Seismic methods have potential for monitoring these processes. We devised an experiment, guided by geochemical modeling, to determine how the formation of calcite cement in unsaturated sand affects wave propagation. We used the ultrasonic pulse transmission method to measure compressional (P) and shear (S) wave velocities at ultrasonic frequencies (100-500 kHz) through packs of Ottawa sand containing chemically active pore fluids. The samples were saturated with water containing 0.1mol/L of Ca(OH)2 and 0.1mol/L of NaCl and then drained by flowing water saturated, CO2 free N2 gas, to a residual saturation of ~5%, so that the remaining pore fluid resides mainly in pendular spaces between the sand grains. Ambient air saturated with water and containing atmospheric concentration of CO2 was then passed through the sample to effect the precipitation of calcite. Finally, pure water saturated CO2, was flushed through the sample to dissolve most of the precipitated calcite. Over a three day period, measurable changes in Vp and Vs were observed following water saturation, desaturation, calcite precipitation, and calcite dissolution treatments. Changes in the contents of the pore space require waveforms to be recorded before and after each stage of the experiment so both the short and long range effects can be seen. Wave velocities were slow, as is typical for unconsolidated materials, for the dry sand, with values of 365m/s for Vp and 163m/s for Vs. Compressional velocities increased upon desaturation (443m/s), and again following calcite precipitation (460m/s). The compressional velocity measured following the CO2 flush to dissolve the calcite decreased (451m/s). The shear velocities varied similarly to the compressional velocities except that the dry sand shear velocity was faster than the other shear velocities. These preliminary results suggest that ultrasonics could provide a tool to locate the path of certain types of waste fluid in the vadose zone. *This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by the University of California, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under contract number W-7405-ENG-48 and was supported specifically by the Environmental Management Science Program of the Office of Environmental Management and the Office of Energy Research.

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

    Szcześ, Aleksandra, E-mail: aszczes@poczta.umcs.lublin.pl; Czemierska, Magdalena; Jarosz-Wilkołazka, Anna

    Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) extracted from Rhodococcus opacus bacterial strain was used as a matrix for calcium carbonate precipitation using the vapour diffusion method. The total exopolymer and water-soluble exopolymer fraction of different concentrations were spread on the mica surface by the spin-coating method. The obtained layers were characterized using the atomic force microscopy measurement and XPS analysis. The effects of polymer concentration, initial pH of calcium chloride solution and precipitation time on the obtained crystals properties were investigated. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the precipitated minerals. It was found that the type of precipitatedmore » CaCO{sub 3} polymorph and the crystal size depend on the kind of EPS fraction. The obtained results indicates that the water soluble fraction favours vaterite dissolution and calcite growth, whereas the total EPS stabilizes vaterite and this effect is stronger at basic pH. It seems to be due to different contents of the functional group of EPS fractions. - Highlights: • CaCO{sub 3} crystal size and polymorph can be controlled by EPS substance obtained from R. opacus. • The water soluble fraction favours vaterite dissolution and calcite growth. • The total EPS stabilizes vaterite. • This effect is stronger at basic pH.« less

  15. Effect of Mineral Dissolution/Precipitation and CO2 Exsolution on CO2 transport in Geological Carbon Storage.

    PubMed

    Xu, Ruina; Li, Rong; Ma, Jin; He, Di; Jiang, Peixue

    2017-09-19

    Geological carbon sequestration (GCS) in deep saline aquifers is an effective means for storing carbon dioxide to address global climate change. As the time after injection increases, the safety of storage increases as the CO 2 transforms from a separate phase to CO 2 (aq) and HCO 3 - by dissolution and then to carbonates by mineral dissolution. However, subsequent depressurization could lead to dissolved CO 2 (aq) escaping from the formation water and creating a new separate phase which may reduce the GCS system safety. The mineral dissolution and the CO 2 exsolution and mineral precipitation during depressurization change the morphology, porosity, and permeability of the porous rock medium, which then affects the two-phase flow of the CO 2 and formation water. A better understanding of these effects on the CO 2 -water two-phase flow will improve predictions of the long-term CO 2 storage reliability, especially the impact of depressurization on the long-term stability. In this Account, we summarize our recent work on the effect of CO 2 exsolution and mineral dissolution/precipitation on CO 2 transport in GCS reservoirs. We place emphasis on understanding the behavior and transformation of the carbon components in the reservoir, including CO 2 (sc/g), CO 2 (aq), HCO 3 - , and carbonate minerals (calcite and dolomite), highlight their transport and mobility by coupled geochemical and two-phase flow processes, and consider the implications of these transport mechanisms on estimates of the long-term safety of GCS. We describe experimental and numerical pore- and core-scale methods used in our lab in conjunction with industrial and international partners to investigate these effects. Experimental results show how mineral dissolution affects permeability, capillary pressure, and relative permeability, which are important phenomena affecting the input parameters for reservoir flow modeling. The porosity and the absolute permeability increase when CO 2 dissolved water is continuously injected through the core. The MRI results indicate dissolution of the carbonates during the experiments since the porosity has been increased after the core-flooding experiments. The mineral dissolution changes the pore structure by enlarging the throat diameters and decreasing the pore specific surface areas, resulting in lower CO 2 /water capillary pressures and changes in the relative permeability. When the reservoir pressure decreases, the CO 2 exsolution occurs due to the reduction of solubility. The CO 2 bubbles preferentially grow toward the larger pores instead of toward the throats or the finer pores during the depressurization. After exsolution, the exsolved CO 2 phase shows low mobility due to the highly dispersed pore-scale morphology, and the well dispersed small bubbles tend to merge without interface contact driven by the Ostwald ripening mechanism. During depressurization, the dissolved carbonate could also precipitate as a result of increasing pH. There is increasing formation water flow resistance and low mobility of the CO 2 in the presence of CO 2 exsolution and carbonate precipitation. These effects produce a self-sealing mechanism that may reduce unfavorable CO 2 migration even in the presence of sudden reservoir depressurization.

  16. Variations of net ecosystem production due to seasonal precipitation differences in a tropical dry forest of northwest Mexico

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Verduzco, Vivian S.; Garatuza-Payán, Jaime; Yépez, Enrico A.; Watts, Christopher J.; Rodríguez, Julio C.; Robles-Morua, Agustin; Vivoni, Enrique R.

    2015-10-01

    Due to their large extent and high primary productivity, tropical dry forests (TDF) are important contributors to atmospheric carbon exchanges in subtropical and tropical regions. In northwest Mexico, a bimodal precipitation regime that includes winter precipitation derived from Pacific storms and summer precipitation from the North American monsoon (NAM) couples water availability with ecosystem processes. We investigated the net ecosystem production of a TDF ecosystem using a 4.5 year record of water and carbon fluxes obtained from the eddy covariance method complemented with remotely sensed data. We identified a large CO2 efflux at the start of the summer season that is strongly related to the preceding winter precipitation and greenness. Since this CO2 efflux occurs prior to vegetation green-up, we infer that respiration is mainly due to decomposition of soil organic matter accumulated from the prior growing season. Overall, ecosystem respiration has an important effect on the net ecosystem production but can be overwhelmed by the strength of the primary productivity during the NAM. Precipitation characteristics during NAM have significant controls on sustaining carbon fixation in the TDF into the fall season. We identified that a threshold of ~350 to 400 mm of monsoon precipitation leads to a switch in the annual carbon balance in the TDF ecosystem from a net source (+102 g C/m2/yr) to a net sink (-249 g C/m2/yr). This monsoonal precipitation threshold is typically exceeded one out of every 2 years. The close coupling of winter and summer periods with respect to carbon fluxes suggests that the annual carbon balance is dependent on precipitation amounts in both seasons in TDF ecosystems.

  17. Fast synthesis of porous NiCo2O4 hollow nanospheres for a high-sensitivity non-enzymatic glucose sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Wei; Cao, Yang; Chen, Yong; Peng, Juan; Lai, Xiaoyong; Tu, Jinchun

    2017-02-01

    In this paper, we report the fast synthesis of porous NiCo2O4 hollow nanospheres via a polycrystalline Cu2O-templated route based on the elaborately designed "coordinating etching and precipitating" process. The composition and morphology of the porous NiCo2O4 hollow nanospheres were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electron-transfer capability and electrocatalytic activity of the materials were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. NiCo2O4 was endowed with superior electron-transfer capability, large surface area, and abundant intrinsic redox couples of Ni2+/Ni3+ and Co2+/Co3+ ions; thus, the modified electrode exhibited excellent glucose-sensing properties, with a high sensitivity of 1917 μA·mM-1·cm-2 at a low concentration, a good linear range from 0.01 mM to 0.30 mM and from 0.30 mM to 2.24 mM, and a low detection limit of 0.6 μM (S/N = 3).

  18. Environment dependent enhanced photoluminescence and Boolean logic gates like behavior of Bi2O3 and Ag:Bi2O3 nanostructures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hariharan, S.; Karthikeyan, B.

    2018-03-01

    In the evolution of nanotechnology research for smart and precise sensor fabrication, here we report the implementation of simple logic gate operations performing by luminescent nanostructures in biomolecule environment based on photoluminescence (PL) technique. This present work deals with the luminescence property of α-Bi2O3 and Ag modified α-Bi2O3 nanostructures for D-glucose and Bovine serum albumin (BSA) sensing applications. These nanostructures are prepared by simple co-precipitation method and their morphology are examined using transmission electron microscope (TEM). We explore the PL characteristics of the prepared nanostructures and observe their change in PL intensity in the presence of D-glucose and BSA molecules. Enhancement in PL intensity is observed in the presence of D-glucose and BSA. Based on the PL response of prepared nanostructures in the biomolecule environment, we demonstrate biophotonic logic gates including YES, PASS 0, OR and INHIBIT gates.

  19. Preparation of Fe3O4/SiO2-guanidine organobase catalyst for 1,5-diphenylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one synthesis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cahyana, A. H.; Fitria, D.; Ardiansah, B.; Rahayu, D. U. C.

    2017-04-01

    A novel heterogeneous organobase catalyst of Fe3O4/SiO2-guanidine was prepared in three stages. First, Fe3O4 nanoparticle was obtained by co-precipitation method using seaweed Sargassum Sp. as natural reductant. Fe3O4 was then coated by SiO2 using TEOS as silica source, resulting Fe3O4/SiO2. Finally, Fe3O4/SiO2-Guanidine was obtained by modifying Fe3O4/SiO2 with guanidine in the suitable reaction condition. This organobase catalyst was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Particle Size Analyzer (PSA). The material was then used as a highly active catalyst in aldol condensation reaction between acetophenone and cinnamaldehyde to produce 1,5-diphenylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one. The structure elucidation of the organic product was confirmed by UV-Vis, FTIR, and LC-MS.

  20. Optimal size for heating efficiency of superparamagnetic dextran-coated magnetite nanoparticles for application in magnetic fluid hyperthermia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shaterabadi, Zhila; Nabiyouni, Gholamreza; Soleymani, Meysam

    2018-06-01

    Dextran-coated magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with average particle sizes of 4 and 19 nm were synthesized through in situ and semi-two-step co-precipitation methods, respectively. The experimental results confirm the formation of pure phase of magnetite as well as the presence of dextran layer on the surface of modified magnetite nanoparticles. The results also reveal that both samples have the superparamagnetic behavior. Furthermore, calorimetric measurements show that the dextran-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles with an average size of 4 nm cannot produce any appreciable heat under a biologically safe alternating magnetic field used in hyperthermia therapy; whereas, the larger ones (average size of 19 nm) are able to increase the temperature of their surrounding medium up to above therapeutic range. In addition, measured specific absorption rate (SAR) values confirm that magnetite nanoparticles with an average size of 19 nm are very excellent candidates for application in magnetic hyperthermia therapy.

  1. Thermal expansion and cation partitioning of MnFe2O4 (Jacobsite) from 1.6 to 1276 K studied by using neutron powder diffraction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Levy, Davide; Pastero, Linda; Hoser, Andreas; Viscovo, Gabriele

    2015-01-01

    MnFe2O4 is a low-cost and stable magnetic spinel ferrite. In this phase, the influence of the inversion degree on the magnetic properties is still not well understood. To understand this relationship, Mn-ferrite was synthesized by a chemical co-precipitation method modified in our laboratory and studied by using the Neutron Powder Diffraction from 1.6 K to 1243 K. A full refinement of both crystal and magnetic structures was performed in order to correlate the high-temperature cation partitioning, the Curie transition and the structure changes of the Mn-ferrite. In this work three main temperature intervals are detected, characterized by different Mn-ferrite behaviors: first, ranging from 1.6 K to 573 K, where MnFe2O4 is magnetic; second, from 573 K to 623 K, where MnFe2O4 becomes paramagnetic without cation partitioning; and lastly, from 673 K to 1243 K, where cation partitioning occurs.

  2. Preparation of biocompatible magnetite-carboxymethyl cellulose nanocomposite: characterization of nanocomposite by FTIR, XRD, FESEM and TEM.

    PubMed

    Habibi, Neda

    2014-10-15

    The preparation and characterization of magnetite-carboxymethyl cellulose nano-composite (M-CMC) material is described. Magnetite nano-particles were synthesized by a modified co-precipitation method using ferrous chloride tetrahydrate and ferric chloride hexahydrate in ammonium hydroxide solution. The M-CMC nano-composite particles were synthesized by embedding the magnetite nanoparticles inside carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) using a freshly prepared mixture of Fe3O4 with CMC precursor. Morphology, particle size, and structural properties of magnetite-carboxymethyl cellulose nano-composite was accomplished using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. As a result, magnetite nano-particles with an average size of 35nm were obtained. The biocompatible Fe3O4-carboxymethyl cellulose nano-composite particles obtained from the natural CMC polymers have a potential range of application in biomedical field. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Rainfall assimilation in RAMS by means of the Kuo parameterisation inversion: method and preliminary results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Orlandi, A.; Ortolani, A.; Meneguzzo, F.; Levizzani, V.; Torricella, F.; Turk, F. J.

    2004-03-01

    In order to improve high-resolution forecasts, a specific method for assimilating rainfall rates into the Regional Atmospheric Modelling System model has been developed. It is based on the inversion of the Kuo convective parameterisation scheme. A nudging technique is applied to 'gently' increase with time the weight of the estimated precipitation in the assimilation process. A rough but manageable technique is explained to estimate the partition of convective precipitation from stratiform one, without requiring any ancillary measurement. The method is general purpose, but it is tuned for geostationary satellite rainfall estimation assimilation. Preliminary results are presented and discussed, both through totally simulated experiments and through experiments assimilating real satellite-based precipitation observations. For every case study, Rainfall data are computed with a rapid update satellite precipitation estimation algorithm based on IR and MW satellite observations. This research was carried out in the framework of the EURAINSAT project (an EC research project co-funded by the Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme within the topic 'Development of generic Earth observation technologies', Contract number EVG1-2000-00030).

  4. Conversion of radioactive ferrocyanide compounds to immobile glasses

    DOEpatents

    Schulz, W.W.; Dressen, A.L.

    1975-11-21

    A method is described for converting complex radioactive ferrocyanide compounds of /sup 134/Cs and /sup 137/Cs to immobile glass that is resistant to leaching by water. The /sup 134/Cs and /sup 137/Cs are separated from nuclear waste solutions by precipitation from alkaline solutions by the addition of a soluble Ni/sup 2 +/, Zn/sup 2 +/, Cu/sup 2 +/, Co/sup 2 +/, UO/sub 2//sup 2 +/, or Mn/sup 2 +/ and K/sub 4/Fe(CN)/sub 6/. The dried, finely ground precipitate is mixed with Na/sub 2/CO/sub 3/ and a mixture of (a) basalt and B/sub 2/O/sub 3/ or (b) SiO/sub 2/ and CaO, melted, and allowed to solidify. (BLM)

  5. State of the Carbon Cycle - Consequences of Rising Atmospheric CO2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moore, D. J.; Cooley, S. R.; Alin, S. R.; Brown, M. E.; Butman, D. E.; French, N. H. F.; Johnson, Z. I.; Keppel-Aleks, G.; Lohrenz, S. E.; Ocko, I.; Shadwick, E. H.; Sutton, A. J.; Potter, C. S.; Yu, R. M. S.

    2016-12-01

    The rise of atmospheric CO2, largely attributable to human activity through fossil fuel emissions and land-use change, has been dampened by carbon uptake by the ocean and terrestrial biosphere. We outline the consequences of this carbon uptake as direct and indirect effects on terrestrial and oceanic systems and processes for different regions of North America and the globe. We assess the capacity of these systems to continue to act as carbon sinks. Rising CO2 has decreased seawater pH; this process of ocean acidification has impacted some marine species and altered fundamental ecosystem processes with further effects likely. In terrestrial ecosystems, increased atmospheric CO2 causes enhanced photosynthesis, net primary production, and increased water-use efficiency. Rising CO2 may change vegetation composition and carbon storage, and widespread increases in water use efficiency likely influence terrestrial hydrology and biogeochemical cycling. Consequences for human populations include changes to ecosystem services including cultural activities surrounding land use, agricultural or harvesting practices. Commercial fish stocks have been impacted and crop production yields have been changed as a result of rising CO2. Ocean and terrestrial effects are contingent on, and feedback to, global climate change. Warming and modified precipitation regimes impact a variety of ecosystem processes, and the combination of climate change and rising CO2 contributes considerable uncertainty to forecasting carbon sink capacity in the ocean and on land. Disturbance regime (fire and insects) are modified with increased temperatures. Fire frequency and intensity increase, and insect lifecycles are disrupted as temperatures move out of historical norms. Changes in disturbance patterns modulate the effects of rising CO2 depending on ecosystem type, disturbance frequency, and magnitude of events. We discuss management strategies designed to limit the rise of atmospheric CO2 and reduce uncertainty in forecasts of decadal and centennial feedbacks of rising atmospheric CO2 on carbon storage.

  6. State of the Carbon Cycle - Consequences of Rising Atmospheric CO2

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Moore, David J.; Cooley, Sarah R.; Alin, Simone R.; Brown, Molly; Butman, David E.; French, Nancy H. F.; Johnson, Zackary I.; Keppel-Aleks; Lohrenz, Steven E.; Ocko, Ilissa; hide

    2016-01-01

    The rise of atmospheric CO2, largely attributable to human activity through fossil fuel emissions and land-use change, has been dampened by carbon uptake by the ocean and terrestrial biosphere. We outline the consequences of this carbon uptake as direct and indirect effects on terrestrial and oceanic systems and processes for different regions of North America and the globe. We assess the capacity of these systems to continue to act as carbon sinks. Rising CO2 has decreased seawater pH; this process of ocean acidification has impacted some marine species and altered fundamental ecosystem processes with further effects likely. In terrestrial ecosystems, increased atmospheric CO2 causes enhanced photosynthesis, net primary production, and increased water-use efficiency. Rising CO2 may change vegetation composition and carbon storage, and widespread increases in water use efficiency likely influence terrestrial hydrology and biogeochemical cycling. Consequences for human populations include changes to ecosystem services including cultural activities surrounding land use, agricultural or harvesting practices. Commercial fish stocks have been impacted and crop production yields have been changed as a result of rising CO2. Ocean and terrestrial effects are contingent on, and feedback to, global climate change. Warming and modified precipitation regimes impact a variety of ecosystem processes, and the combination of climate change and rising CO2 contributes considerable uncertainty to forecasting carbon sink capacity in the ocean and on land. Disturbance regime (fire and insects) are modified with increased temperatures. Fire frequency and intensity increase, and insect lifecycles are disrupted as temperatures move out of historical norms. Changes in disturbance patterns modulate the effects of rising CO2 depending on ecosystem type, disturbance frequency, and magnitude of events. We discuss management strategies designed to limit the rise of atmospheric CO2 and reduce uncertainty in forecasts of decadal and centennial feedbacks of rising atmospheric CO2 on carbon storage.

  7. Structural and optical properties of co-precipitated copper doped zinc oxide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pandey, Devendra K.; Modi, Anchit; Pandey, Padmini; Gaur, N. K.

    2018-05-01

    We have synthesized pure and copper doped zinc oxide Zn1-xO:Cux (x = 0, 0.03) powder by wet chemical co-precipitation method followed by sintering of the co-precipitated amorphous phase powder at 450°C for 4 hours. The experiment is performed to recognize the effect of nominal doping of transition metal over the structural, morphological and optical properties. The structural parameters are observed by using Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data which clearly represents that Cu ion is perfectly incorporated at the Zn site with minimal distortions within the lattice. The crystallite size is estimated by Debye-Scherrer and Hall-Williamson formulation. The particle morphology and size is determined with scanning electron microscopic (SEM) technique. The band gap and optical measurements are carried out with UV-visible absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopic technique, respectively. Enhanced PL spectral response is observed for ZnO:Cu along with non-radiative transitions from conduction band to valence band. The energy levels near the conduction band that are commonly involved in the optoelectronic transitions in the UV-region are traced by using absorption and luminescence spectral graphs.

  8. Site-specific incorporation of uranyl carbonate species at the calcite surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reeder, Richard J.; Elzinga, Evert J.; Tait, C. Drew; Rector, K. D.; Donohoe, Robert J.; Morris, David E.

    2004-12-01

    Spatially resolved luminescence spectra from U(VI) co-precipitated at the (101¯4) growth surface of synthetic calcite single crystals confirm heterogeneous incorporation corresponding to the distribution of structurally non-equivalent steps composing the vicinal surfaces of spiral growth hillocks. Spectral structure from U(VI) luminescence at the "-" vicinal regions and featureless, weak luminescence at the "+" vicinal regions are consistent with previously reported observations of enrichment at the former sites during calcite growth. Luminescence spectra differ between the non-equivalent regions of the crystal, with the spectral features from the "-" vicinal region corresponding to those observed in bulk calcite samples. Subtle spectral shifts are observed from U(VI) co-precipitated with microcrystalline calcite synthesized by a different method, and all of the U(VI)-calcite sample spectra differ significantly from that of U(VI) co-precipitated with aragonite. The step-selective incorporation of U(VI) can be explained by a proposed model in which the allowed orientation for adsorption of the dominant calcium uranyl triscarbonate species is controlled by the atomic arrangement at step edges. Differences in the tilt angles of carbonate groups between non-equivalent growth steps favor adsorption of the calcium uranyl triscarbonate species at "-" steps, as observed in experiments.

  9. The chemical evolution of a travertine-depositing stream: Geochemical processes and mass transfer reactions

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Lorah, Michelle M.; Herman, Janet S.

    1988-01-01

    This field study focuses on quantitatively defining the chemical changes occurring in Falling Spring Creek, a travertine-depositing stream located in Alleghany County, Virginia. The processes of CO2outgassing and calcite precipitation or dissolution control the chemical evolution of the stream. The observed chemical composition of the water was used with the computerized geochemical model WATEQF to calculate aqueous speciation, saturation indices, and CO2 partial pressure values. Mass balance calculations were performed to obtain mass transfers of CO2 and calcite. Reaction times, estimated from stream discharge, were used with the mass transfer results to calculate rates of CO2, outgassing and calcite precipitation between consecutive sampling points. The stream, which is fed by a carbonate spring, is supersaturated with respect to CO2 along the entire 5.2-km flow path. Outgassing of CO2 drives the solution to high degrees of supersaturation with respect to calcite. Metabolic uptake of CO2 by photosynthetic plants is insignificant, because the high supply rate of dissolved carbon dioxide and the extreme agitation of the stream at waterfalls and rapids causes a much greater amount of inorganic CO2 outgassing to occur. Calcite precipitation is kinetically inhibited until near the crest of a 20-m vertical waterfall. Calcite precipitation rates then reach a maximum at the waterfall where greater water turbulence allows the most rapid escape of CO2. Physical evidence for calcite precipitation exists in the travertine deposits which are first observed immediately above the waterfall and extend for at least 1.0 km below the falls. Net calcite precipitation occurs at all times of the year but is greatest during low-flow conditions in the summer and early fall.

  10. Quantification of ikaite in Antarctic sea ice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fischer, M.; Thomas, D. N.; Krell, A.; Nehrke, G.; Göttlicher, J.; Norman, L.; Riaux-Gobin, C.; Dieckmann, G. S.

    2012-02-01

    Calcium carbonate precipitation in sea ice can increase pCO2 during precipitation in winter and decrease pCO2 during dissolution in spring. CaCO3 precipitation in sea ice is thought to potentially drive significant CO2 uptake by the ocean. However, little is known about the quantitative spatial and temporal distribution of CaCO3 within sea ice. This is the first quantitative study of hydrous calcium carbonate, as ikaite, in sea ice and discusses its potential significance for the carbon cycle in polar oceans. Ice cores and brine samples were collected from pack and land fast sea ice between September and December 2007 during an expedition in the East Antarctic and another off Terre Adélie, Antarctica. Samples were analysed for CaCO3, Salinity, DOC, DON, Phosphate, and total alkalinity. A relationship between the measured parameters and CaCO3 precipitation could not be observed. We found calcium carbonate, as ikaite, mostly in the top layer of sea ice with values up to 126 mg ikaite per liter melted sea ice. This potentially represents a contribution between 0.12 and 9 Tg C to the annual carbon flux in polar oceans. The horizontal distribution of ikaite in sea ice was heterogenous. We also found the precipitate in the snow on top of the sea ice.

  11. Synthesis and CO{sub 2} adsorption study of modified MOF-5 with multi-wall carbon nanotubes and expandable graphite

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

    Ullah, Sami, E-mail: samichemist1@gmail.com, E-mail: azmibustam@petronas.com.my, E-mail: azmish@petronas.com.my, E-mail: lkhlfh@gmail.com, E-mail: hmurshid@gmail.com, E-mail: nadiariazz@gmail.com; Bustam, M. A., E-mail: samichemist1@gmail.com, E-mail: azmibustam@petronas.com.my, E-mail: azmish@petronas.com.my, E-mail: lkhlfh@gmail.com, E-mail: hmurshid@gmail.com, E-mail: nadiariazz@gmail.com; Shariff, A. M., E-mail: samichemist1@gmail.com, E-mail: azmibustam@petronas.com.my, E-mail: azmish@petronas.com.my, E-mail: lkhlfh@gmail.com, E-mail: hmurshid@gmail.com, E-mail: nadiariazz@gmail.com

    2014-10-24

    MOF-5 was synthesized by solvothermal method and its reactivation under anhydrous conditions. This research is conducted to investigate the effect of MOF-5 and MOF-5 modified with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and expandable graphite (EG) on the performance of CO{sub 2} adsorption. The synthesized MOFs were characterized using Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) for surface morphology, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal stability, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystals plane, Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) for surface area and CO{sub 2} adsorption. The result had showed that the modified MOF-5 enhanced the CO{sub 2} adsorption compared to the pure MOF-5. The increment in the CO{submore » 2} uptake capacities of MOF materials was attributed to the decrease in the pore size and enhancement of micropore volume of MOF-5 by multi-walled carbon nanotube and EG incorporation. The BET surface area of the synthesized MOF-5@MWCNTs is more than MOF-5. The CO{sub 2} sorption capacities of MOF-5 and MOF-5@MWCNTs were observed to increase from 0.00008 to 0.00048 mol g-1 at 298 K and 1 bar. The modified MOF-5@MWCNTs resulted in the highest CO{sub 2} adsorption followed by the modified MOF-5@ EG and lastly, MOF-5.« less

  12. Dissolution-precipitation reactions and permeability evolution from reactions of CO2-rich aqueous solutions with fractured basalt

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wells, R. K.; Xiong, W.; Bae, Y.; Sesti, E.; Skemer, P. A.; Giammar, D.; Conradi, M.; Ellis, B. R.; Hayes, S. E.

    2015-12-01

    The injection of CO2 into fractured basalts is one of several possible solutions to mitigate global climate change; however, research on carbonation in natural basalts in relation to carbon sequestration is limited, which impedes our understanding of the processes that may influence the viability of this strategy. We are conducting bench-scale experiments to characterize the mineral dissolution and precipitation and the evolution of permeability in synthetic and natural basalts exposed to CO2-rich fluids. Analytical methods include optical and electron microscopy, electron microprobe, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and micro X-ray computed tomography (μCT) with variable flow rates. Reactive rock and mineral samples consist of 1) packed powders of olivine or natural basalt, and 2) sintered cores of olivine or a synthetic basalt mixture. Each sample was reacted in a batch reactor at 100 °C, and 100 bars CO2. Magnesite is detected within one day in olivine packed beds, and within 15 days in olivine sintered cores. Forsterite and synthetic basalt sinters were also reacted in an NMR apparatus at 102 °C and 65 bars CO2. Carbonate signatures are observed within 72 days of reaction. Longer reaction times are needed for carbonate precipitation in natural basalt samples. Cores from the Columbia River flood basalt flows that contain Mg-rich olivine and a serpentinized basalt from Colorado were cut lengthwise, the interface mechanically roughened or milled, and edges sealed with epoxy to simulate a fractured interface. The cores were reacted in a batch reactor at 50-150 °C and 100 bars CO2. At lower temperatures, calcite precipitation is rare within the fracture after 4 weeks. At higher temperatures, numerous calcite and aragonite crystals are observed within 1 mm of the fracture entrance along the roughened fracture surface. In flow-through experiments, permeability decreased along the fracture paths within a few hours to several days of flow.

  13. Effect of different gas stunning methods on Manchega suckling lamb meat packed under different modified atmospheres.

    PubMed

    Bórnez, R; Linares, M B; Vergara, H

    2010-04-01

    Forty-nine Manchega breed male suckling lambs were used in this experiment. The effect of CO(2) concentration and exposure time at stunning [80% CO(2) for 90 s (G1); 90% CO(2) for 90 s (G2); 90% CO(2) for 60 s (G3); 80% CO(2) for 60 s (G4)] plus an electrically stunned control group (G5) was assessed for pH, colour (L(*), a(*), b(*), C(*) and h(*)), water holding capacity (WHC), drip loss (DL), cooking loss (CL) and shear force (SF) in samples packed under two different types of modified atmospheres (MA: MA A: 70%O(2)+30%CO(2); MA B: 69.3%N(2)+30%CO(2)+0.7%CO) at 7, 14 and 21 d post-packaging. The lowest pH was found in G4 and in G5. The highest WHC and the lowest CL were found in G2 and G3 groups (P<0.05). Modified atmospheres did not affect on pH, WHC, CL and DL, although a significant effect (P<0.001) on colour was found at all the analysis times. Both the type of stunning and the modified atmosphere affected SF values. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Role of partial miscibility on pressure buildup due to constant rate injection of CO2 into closed and open brine aquifers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mathias, Simon A.; Gluyas, Jon G.; GonzáLez MartíNez de Miguel, Gerardo J.; Hosseini, Seyyed A.

    2011-12-01

    This work extends an existing analytical solution for pressure buildup because of CO2 injection in brine aquifers by incorporating effects associated with partial miscibility. These include evaporation of water into the CO2 rich phase and dissolution of CO2 into brine and salt precipitation. The resulting equations are closed-form, including the locations of the associated leading and trailing shock fronts. Derivation of the analytical solution involves making a number of simplifying assumptions including: vertical pressure equilibrium, negligible capillary pressure, and constant fluid properties. The analytical solution is compared to results from TOUGH2 and found to accurately approximate the extent of the dry-out zone around the well, the resulting permeability enhancement due to residual brine evaporation, the volumetric saturation of precipitated salt, and the vertically averaged pressure distribution in both space and time for the four scenarios studied. While brine evaporation is found to have a considerable effect on pressure, the effect of CO2 dissolution is found to be small. The resulting equations remain simple to evaluate in spreadsheet software and represent a significant improvement on current methods for estimating pressure-limited CO2 storage capacity.

  15. Vector Analysis of Ionic Collision on CaCO3 Precipitation Based on Vibration Time History

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mangestiyono, W.; Muryanto, S.; Jamari, J.; Bayuseno, A. P.

    2017-05-01

    Vibration effects on the piping system can result from the internal factor of fluid or the external factor of the mechanical equipment operation. As the pipe vibrated, the precipitation process of CaCO3 on the inner pipe could be affected. In the previous research, the effect of vibration on CaCO3 precipitation in piping system was clearly verified. This increased the deposition rate and decreased the induction time. However, the mechanism of vibration control in CaCO3 precipitation process as the presence of vibration has not been recognized yet. In the present research, the mechanism of vibration affecting the CaCO3 precipitation was investigated through vector analysis of ionic collision. The ionic vector force was calculated based on the amount of the activation energy and the vibration force was calculated based on the vibration sensor data. The vector resultant of ionic collision based on the vibration time history was analyzed to prove that vibration brings ionic collision randomly to the planar horizontal direction and its collision model was suspected as the cause of the increasing deposition rate.

  16. Magnetic MoS2 on multiwalled carbon nanotubes for sulfide sensing.

    PubMed

    Li, Chunxiang; Zhang, Dan; Wang, Jiankang; Hu, Pingan; Jiang, Zhaohua

    2017-07-04

    A novel hybrid metallic cobalt insided in multiwalled carbon nanotubles/molybdenum disulfide (Co@CNT/MoS 2 ) modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) was fabricated with a adhesive of Nafion suspension and used as chemical sensors for sulfide detection. Single-layered MoS 2 was coated on CNTs through magnetic traction force between paramagnetic monolayer MoS 2 and Co particles in CNTs. Co particles faciliated the collection of paramagnetic monolayer MoS 2 exfoliated from bulk MoS 2 in solution. Amperometric analysis, cycle voltammetry, cathodic stripping analysis and linear sweep voltammetry results showed the Co@CNT/MoS 2 modified GCE exhibited excellent electrochemical activity to sulfide in buffer solutions, but amperometric analysis was found to be more sensitive than the other methods. The amperometric response result indicated the Co@CNT/MoS 2 -modified GCE electrode was an excellent electrochemical sensor for detecting S 2- with a detection limit of 7.6 nM and sensitivity of 0.23 mA/μM. The proposed electrode was used for the determination of sulfide levels in hydrogen sulfide-pretreated fruits, and the method was also verified with recovery studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. OHD/HL/HSEB - MODS

    Science.gov Websites

    1201200612z star date and time; when the modified observed precipitation starts (inclusive) 1202200612z end date and time; when the modified observed precipitation ends (non-inclusive) 1205200612z valid date and time; when the mod expires 2.0 the muliplier used to adjust the observed precip (i.e. values less than

  18. Self-Decontaminating Fibrous Materials Reactive toward Chemical Threats.

    PubMed

    Bromberg, Lev; Su, Xiao; Martis, Vladimir; Zhang, Yunfei; Hatton, T Alan

    2016-07-13

    Polymers that possess highly nucleophilic pyrrolidinopyridine (Pyr) and primary amino (vinylamine, VAm) groups were prepared by free-radical copolymerization of N,N-diallylpyridin-4-amine (DAAP) and N-vinylformamide (NVF) followed by acidic hydrolysis of NVF into VAm. The resulting poly(DAAP-co-VAm-co-NVF) copolymers were water-soluble and reacted with water-dispersible polyurethane possessing a high content of unreacted isocyanate groups. Spray-coating of the nylon-cotton (NYCO), rayon, and poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (Kevlar 119) fibers pretreated with phosphoric acid resulted in covalent bonding of the polyurethane with the hydroxyl groups on the fiber surface. A second spray-coating of aqueous solutions of poly(DAAP-co-VAm-co-NVF) on the polyurethane-coated fiber enabled formation of urea linkages between unreacted isocyanate groups of the polyurethane layer and the amino groups of poly(DAAP-co-VAm-co-NVF). Fibers with poly(DAAP-co-VAm-co-NVF) attached were compared with fibers modified by adsorption of water-insoluble poly(butadiene-co-pyrrolidinopyridine) (polyBPP) in terms of the stability against polymer leaching in aqueous washing applications. While the fibers modified by attachment of poly(DAAP-co-VAm-co-NVF) exhibited negligible polymer leaching, over 65% of adsorbed polyBPP detached and leached from the fibers within 7 days. Rayon fibers modified by poly(DAAP-co-VAm-co-NVF) were tested for sorption of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) in the presence of moisture using dynamic vapor sorption technique. Capability of the fibers modified with poly(DAAP-co-VAm-co-NVF) to facilitate hydrolysis of the sorbed DMMP in the presence of moisture was uncovered. The self-decontaminating property of the modified fibers against chemical threats was tested using a CWA simulant diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) in aqueous media at pH 8.7. Fibers modified with poly(DAAP-co-VAm-co-NVF) facilitated hydrolysis of DFP with the half-lives up to an order of magnitude shorter than that of the unmodified fibers. The presented polymers and method of multilayer coating can lead to a development of self-decontaminating textiles and other materials.

  19. Evaluation of the antitumor effect of dexamethasone palmitate and doxorubicin co-loaded liposomes modified with a sialic acid-octadecylamine conjugate.

    PubMed

    Sun, Jing; Song, Yanzhi; Lu, Mei; Lin, Xiangyun; Liu, Yang; Zhou, Songlei; Su, Yuqing; Deng, Yihui

    2016-10-10

    Dexamethasone palmitate has the potential to inhibit the activity of tumor-associated macrophages, which promote cancer proliferation, invasion, and metastasis; however, only very high and frequent doses are capable of inducing antitumor effects. With the aim to reduce the anticancer dose and decrease the nonspecific toxicity, we designed a liposomal system to co-deliver dexamethasone palmitate and doxorubicin. Furthermore, a ligand conjugate sialic acid-octadecylamine, with enhanced affinity towards the membrane receptors over-expressed in tumors, was anchored on the surface of the liposomes to increase drug distribution to the tumor tissue. Co-loaded liposomes were developed using lipid film hydration method to load dexamethasone palmitate and remote loading technology to load doxorubicin. The co-loaded liposomes modified with sialic acid-octadecylamine represented comparable physicochemical properties and blood plasma profiles with conventional co-loaded liposomes, but the biodistribution proved that sialic acid-octadecylamine modified liposomes accumulated more in tumor. The co-loaded liposomes showed higher tumor growth suppression than the single-drug loaded liposomes, while showing no additional drug toxicity in S180-bearing Kunming mice. The co-loaded liposomes modified with sialic acid-octadecylamine achieved a significantly better antitumor effect, and induced "shedding" of cancerous tissue in the mice. These finding suggested that co-loaded liposomes modified with sialic acid-octadecylamine provided a safe therapeutic strategy with outstanding anticancer activity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Determination of (210)Pb and (210)Po in water using the extractive scintillation cocktail Polex™.

    PubMed

    Landstetter, Claudia; Hiegesberger, Bernd; Sinojmeri, Merita; Katzlberger, Christian

    2014-11-01

    Method validation was performed to achieve the accreditation for our determination method of (210)Pb and (210)Po in water. A Pb(NO3)2 carrier is added to the sample and lead is precipitated with Na2SxH2O. (210)Po is co-precipitated and the extractive scintillation cocktail Polex(™) is used to determine (210)Po and (210)Pb. Uranium is also extracted by Polex(™). It can be removed by washing the precipitate with 1% HNO3. The ingrowth of (210)Pb from (222)Rn during transportation time must be calculated. It has to be subtracted from the original (210)Pb in the sample and taken into account for the calculation of the lower limit of detection. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Size-controlled fabrication of zein nano/microparticles by modified anti-solvent precipitation with/without sodium caseinate

    PubMed Central

    Li, Feng; Chen, Yan; Liu, Shubo; Qi, Jian; Wang, Weiying; Wang, Chenhua; Zhong, Ruiyue; Chen, Zhijun; Li, Xiaoming; Guan, Yuanzhou; Kong, Wei; Zhang, Yong

    2017-01-01

    Zein-based nano/microparticles have been demonstrated to be promising carrier systems for both the food industry and biomedical applications. However, the fabrication of size-controlled zein particles has been a challenging issue. In this study, a modified anti-solvent precipitation method was developed, and the effects of various factors, such as mixing method, solvent/anti-solvent ratio, temperature, zein concentrations and the presence of sodium caseinate (SC) on properties of zein particles were investigated. Evidence is presented that, among the previously mentioned factors, the mixing method, especially mixing rate, could be used as an effective parameter to control the size of zein particles without changing other parameters. Moreover, through fine-tuning the mixing rate together with zein concentration, particles with sizes ranging from nanometers to micrometers and low polydispersity index values could be easily obtained. Based on the size-controlled fabrication method, SC-coated zein nanoparticles could also be obtained in a size-controlled manner by incubation of the coating material with the already-formed zein particles. The resultant nanoparticles showed better performance in both drug loading and controlled release, compared with zein/SC hybrid nanoparticles fabricated by adding aqueous ethanol solution to SC solution. The possible mechanisms of the nanoprecipitation process and self-assembly formation of these nanoparticles are discussed. PMID:29184408

  2. Size-controlled fabrication of zein nano/microparticles by modified anti-solvent precipitation with/without sodium caseinate.

    PubMed

    Li, Feng; Chen, Yan; Liu, Shubo; Qi, Jian; Wang, Weiying; Wang, Chenhua; Zhong, Ruiyue; Chen, Zhijun; Li, Xiaoming; Guan, Yuanzhou; Kong, Wei; Zhang, Yong

    2017-01-01

    Zein-based nano/microparticles have been demonstrated to be promising carrier systems for both the food industry and biomedical applications. However, the fabrication of size-controlled zein particles has been a challenging issue. In this study, a modified anti-solvent precipitation method was developed, and the effects of various factors, such as mixing method, solvent/anti-solvent ratio, temperature, zein concentrations and the presence of sodium caseinate (SC) on properties of zein particles were investigated. Evidence is presented that, among the previously mentioned factors, the mixing method, especially mixing rate, could be used as an effective parameter to control the size of zein particles without changing other parameters. Moreover, through fine-tuning the mixing rate together with zein concentration, particles with sizes ranging from nanometers to micrometers and low polydispersity index values could be easily obtained. Based on the size-controlled fabrication method, SC-coated zein nanoparticles could also be obtained in a size-controlled manner by incubation of the coating material with the already-formed zein particles. The resultant nanoparticles showed better performance in both drug loading and controlled release, compared with zein/SC hybrid nanoparticles fabricated by adding aqueous ethanol solution to SC solution. The possible mechanisms of the nanoprecipitation process and self-assembly formation of these nanoparticles are discussed.

  3. Methods for making a supported iron-copper catalyst

    DOEpatents

    Dyer, Paul N.; Pierantozzi, Ronald

    1986-01-01

    A catalyst is described for the synthesis of hydrocarbons from CO+H.sub.2 utilizing a porous Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 support impregnated with iron and copper and optionally promoted with an alkali metal. The use of an Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 support results in the suppression of heavy waxes (C.sub.26 + hydrocarbons), particularly in slurry phase operation, when compared to unsupported or co-precipitated catalysts.

  4. Chemical and electrochemical recycling of the nickel, cobalt, zinc and manganese from the positives electrodes of spent Ni-MH batteries from mobile phones

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Santos, V. E. O.; Celante, V. G.; Lelis, M. F. F.; Freitas, M. B. J. G.

    2012-11-01

    Chemical and electrochemical recycling methods for the Ni, Co, Zn and Mn from the positives electrodes of spent Ni-MH batteries were developed. The materials recycled by chemical precipitation have the composition β-Ni(OH)2, Co(OH)2, Zn(OH)2 and Mn3O4. The powder retains sulphate, nitrate and carbonate anions from the mother solution as well as adsorbed water. Studies using cyclic voltammetry show that the current density decreases for scan rates greater than 10 mV s-1 because of the formation of hydroxide films. The amounts of Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+ and Mn2+ were obtained by analysis of the solution using the inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectroscopy technique, which demonstrated that the electrodeposition method exhibits anomalous behaviour. The amount of deposited nickel ions is related to the composition of the sulfamate bath. The presence of manganese in the electrodeposits is due to the precipitation of Mn(OH)2, and Zn(OH)42- does not undergo reduction in the investigated potential range. The electrodeposited material contains Ni, Co, CoO, Co(OH)2, and Mn3O4. A charge efficiency of 83.7% was attained for the electrodeposits formed by the application of -1.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl at a charge density of -90 C cm-2. The dissolution of the electrodeposits depends on the applied potential.

  5. Co-Transcriptional Assembly of Modified RNA Nanoparticles | NCI Technology Transfer Center | TTC

    Cancer.gov

    The National Cancer Institute’s Nanobiology Program seeks parties interested in collaborative research to co-develop a method to generate RNA molecules suitable for nanoparticle and biomedical applications.

  6. Modified thermal-optical analysis using spectral absorption selectivity to distinguish black carbon from pyrolized organic carbon.

    PubMed

    Hadley, Odelle L; Corrigan, Craig E; Kirchstetter, Thomas W

    2008-11-15

    This study presents a method for analyzing the black carbon (BC) mass loading on a quartz fiber filter using a modified thermal-optical analysis method, wherein light transmitted through the sample is measured over a spectral region instead of at a single wavelength. Evolution of the spectral light transmission signal depends on the relative amounts of light-absorbing BC and char, the latter of which forms when organic carbon in the sample pyrolyzes during heating. Absorption selectivities of BC and char are found to be distinct and are used to apportion the amount of light attenuated by each component in the sample. Light attenuation is converted to mass concentration on the basis of derived mass attenuation efficiencies (MAEs) of BC and char. The fractions of attenuation due to each component are scaled by their individual MAE values and added together as the total mass of light absorbing carbon (LAC). An iterative algorithm is used to find the MAE values for both BC and char that provide the best fit to the carbon mass remaining on the filter (derived from direct measurements of thermally evolved CO2) at temperatures higher than 480 degrees C. This method was applied to measure the BC concentration in precipitation samples collected in northern California. The uncertainty in the measured BC concentration of samples that contained a high concentration of organics susceptible to char ranged from 12% to 100%, depending on the mass loading of BC on the filter. The lower detection limit for this method was approximately 0.35 microg of BC, and the uncertainty approached 20% for BC mass loading greater than 1.0 microg of BC.

  7. CO2 Driven Mineral Transformations in Fractured Reservoir

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schaef, T.

    2015-12-01

    Engineering fracture systems in low permeable formations to increase energy production, accelerate heat extraction, or to enhance injectivity for storing anthropogenic CO2, is a challenging endeavor. To complicate matters, caprocks, essential components of subsurface reservoirs, need to maintain their sealing integrity in this modified subsurface system. Supercritical CO2 (scCO2), a proposed non-aqueous based working fluid, is capable of driving mineral transformations in fracture environments. Water dissolution in scCO2 significantly impacts the reactivity of this fluid, largely due to the development of thin adsorbed H2O films on the surfaces of exposed rocks and minerals. Adsorbed H2O films are geochemically complex microenvironments that host mineral dissolution and precipitation processes that could be tailored to influence overall formation permeability. Furthermore, manipulating the composition of injected CO2 (e.g., moisture content and/or reactive gases such as O2, NOx, or SOx) could stimulate targeted mineral transformations that enhance or sustain reservoir performance. PNNL has developed specialized experimental techniques that can be used to characterize chemical reactions occurring between minerals and pressurized gases. For example, hydration of a natural shale sample (Woodford Shale) has been characterized by an in situ infrared spectroscopic technique as water partitions from the scCO2 onto the shale. Mineral dissolution and carbonate precipitation reactions were tracked by monitoring changes of Si-O and C-O stretching bands, respectively Structural changes indicated expandable clays in the shale such as montmorillonite are intercalated with scCO2, a process not observed with the non-expandable kaolinite component. Extreme scale ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were used in conjunction with model mineral systems to identify the driving force and mechanism of water films. They showed that the film nucleation and formation on minerals is driven by both enthalpic and entropic requirements. Collectively, the synergy between laboratory observations, state-of-the-art atomistic simulations and reservoir modeling has generated important insights for the design and engineering of subsurface reservoirs for CO2 storage and energy extraction.

  8. Synthesis of strontium hexaferrite nanoparticles prepared using co-precipitation method and microemulsion processing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Drmota, A.; Žnidaršič, A.; Košak, A.

    2010-01-01

    Strontium hexaferrite (SrFe12O19) nanoparticles have been prepared with co-precipitation in aqueous solutions and precipitation in microemulsion system water/SDS/n-butanol/cyclohexane, using iron and strontium nitrates in different molar rations as a starting materials. The mixed Sr2+, Fe3+ hydroxide precursors obtained during the reaction between corresponding metal nitrates and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), which served as a precipitating reagent, were calcined in a wide temperature range, from 350 °C to 1000 °C in a static air atmosphere. The influence of the Sr2+/Fe3+ molar ratio and the calcination temperature to the chemistry of the product formation, its crystallite size, morphology and magnetic properties were investigated. It was found that the formation of single phase SrFe12O19 with relatively high specific magnetization (54 Am2/kg) was achieved at the Sr2+/Fe3+ molar ration of 6.4 and calcination at 800 °C for 3h with heating/cooling rate 5 °C/min. The prepared powders were characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and specific surface area measurements (BET). The specific magnetization (DSM-10, magneto-susceptometer) of the prepared samples was measured.

  9. Synthesis and magnetic properties of superparamagnetic CoAs nanostructures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Desai, P.; Ashokaan, N.; Masud, J.; Pariti, A.; Nath, M.

    2015-03-01

    This article provides a comprehensive guide on the synthesis and characterization of superparamagnetic CoAs nanoparticles and elongated nanostructures with high blocking temperature, (TB), via hot-injection precipitation and solvothermal methods. Cobalt arsenides constitute an important family of magnetically active solids that find a variety of applications ranging from magnetic semiconductors to biomedical imaging. While the higher temperature hot-injection precipitation technique (300 °C) yields pure CoAs nanostructures, the lower temperature solvothermal method (200 °C) yields a mixture of CoAs nanoparticles along with other Co-based impurity phases. The synthesis in all these cases involved usage of triphenylarsine ((C6H5)3As) as the As precursor which reacts with solid Co2(CO)8 by ligand displacement to yield a single source precursor. The surfactant, hexadecylamine (HDA) further assists in controlling the morphology of the nanostructures. HDA also provides a basic medium and molten flux-like conditions for the redox chemistry to occur between Co and As at elevated temperatures. The influence of the length of reaction time was investigated by studying the evolution of product morphology over time. It was observed that while spontaneous nucleation at higher temperature followed by controlled growth led to the predominant formation of short nanorods, with longer reaction time, the nanorods were further converted to nanoparticles. The size of the nanoparticles obtained, was mostly in the range of 10-15 nm. The key finding of this work is exceptionally high coercivity in CoAs nanostructures for the first time. Coercivity observed was as high as 0.1 T (1000 Oe) at 2 K. These kinds of magnetic nanostructures find multiple applications in spintronics, whereas the superparamagnetic nanoparticles are viable for use in magnetic storage, ferrofluids and as contrast enhancing agents in MRI.

  10. Study of structural phase transformation and hysteresis behavior of inverse-spinel α-ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dabagh, Shadab; Chaudhary, Kashif; Haider, Zuhaib; Ali, Jalil

    2018-03-01

    Substitution of cobalt (Co2+) ions in cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) with copper (Cu2+) and aluminum (Al3+) ions allows variations in their electric and magnetic properties which can be optimized for specific applications. In this article, synthesis of inverse-spinel Co1-xCuxFe2-xAlxO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) nanoparticles by substituting Cu2+ and Al3+ ions in CoFe2O4 via co-precipitation method is reported. By controlling copper and aluminum (Cu-Al) substituent ratio, the magnetic moment and coercivity of synthesized cobalt ferrite nanoparticles is optimized. The role of substituents on the structure, particle size, morphology, and magnetic properties of nano-crystalline ferrite is investigated. The Co1-xCuxFe2-xAlxO4 (0.0 ≤ x≤ 0.8) nanoparticles with crystallite size in the range of 23.1-26.5 nm are observed, 26.5 nm for x = 0.0-23.1 nm for x = 0.8. The inverse-spinel structure of synthesized Co1-xCuxFe2-xAlxO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) nano-particles is confirmed by characteristic vibrational bands at tetrahedral and octahedral sites using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A decreases in coercive field and magnetic moment is observed as Cu-Al contents are increased (x = 0.0-0.8). The positive anisotropy of synthesized particles Co1-xCuxFe2-xAlxO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) is obtained in the range 1.96 × 105 J/m3 for x = 0.0 to 0.29 × 105 J/m3 for x = 0.8.

  11. Oxygen isotope systematics in the aragonite-CO2-H2O-NaCl system up to 0.7 mol/kg ionic strength at 25 °C

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kim, Sang-Tae; Gebbinck, Christa Klein; Mucci, Alfonso; Coplen, Tyler B.

    2014-01-01

    To investigate the oxygen isotope systematics in the aragonite-CO2-H2O-NaCl system, witherite (BaCO3) was precipitated quasi-instantaneously and quantitatively from Na-Cl-Ba-CO2 solutions of seawater-like ionic strength (I = 0.7 mol/kg) at two pH values (~7.9 and ~10.6) at 25 °C. The oxygen isotope composition of the witherite and the dissolved inorganic carbon speciation in the starting solution were used to estimate the oxygen isotope fractionations between HCO3¯ and H2O as well as between CO3 2 and H2O. Given the analytical error on the oxygen isotope composition of the witherite and uncertainties of the parent solution pH and speciation, oxygen isotope fractionation between NaHCO3° and HCO3¯, as well as between NaCO3¯ and CO3 2, is negligible under the experimental conditions investigated. The influence of dissolved NaCl concentration on the oxygen isotope fractionation in the aragonite-CO2-H2O-NaCl system also was investigated at 25 °C. Aragonite was precipitated from Na-Cl-Ca-Mg-(B)-CO2 solutions of seawater-like ionic strength using passive CO2 degassing or constant addition methods. Based upon our new experimental observations and published experimental data from lower ionic strength solutions by Kim et al. (2007b), the equilibrium aragonite-water oxygen isotope fractionation factor is independent of the ionic strength of the parent solution up to 0.7 mol/kg. Hence, our study also suggests that the aragonite precipitation mechanism is not affected by the presence of sodium and chloride ions in the parent solution over the range of concentrations investigated.

  12. Effect of Co2+ and Y3+ ions insertion on the microstructure development and magnetic properties of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 powders synthesized using Co-precipitation method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rashad, M. M.; Rayan, D. A.; Turky, A. O.; Hessien, M. M.

    2015-01-01

    Nanocrystalline Ni0.5Zn0.5-xCoxFe2-zYzO4 powders (x=0-0.3 and z from 0 to 0.3) have been synthesized via a facile co-precipitation technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) are utilized in order to study the effect of variation of cobalt and yttrium substitutions and its impact on crystalline size, lattice parameter, X-ray density, microstructure and magnetic properties of the formed powders. X-ray diffraction data indicated that, after doping, all samples consisted of the main spinel phase for the formed precursors precipitated at pH 10 annealed at 1000 oC for 2 h. The lattice parameter and the unit cell were decreased linearly with increasing Co content whereas they were increased with increasing the Y incorporation. Additionally, the porosity was increased with increasing Co concentration while it was decreased with increasing the Y insertion. The mean ionic radii and hopping and bond lengths was decreased with the value of Co2+ and they were increased with the value of Y3+ ion as well as both of Y3+ and Co2+ ions. The microstructures of the produced powders were found to be cubic like structure. The addition of Y3+ ion suppressed the grain size whereas addition of Co2+ ion enhanced the grain growth availably. An examination of the magnetic properties revealed an increase in saturation magnetization with increasing Co and Y concentrations incorporation up to x=0.3. Meanwhile, the formed powders exhibited superparamagnetic characteristics. A high saturation magnetization (77.0 emu/g) was achieved for Ni0.5Zn0.2Co0.3Fe2O4 sample annealed at 1000 oC for 2 h.

  13. Reactive transport modeling to study changes in water chemistry induced by CO2 injection at the Frio-I Brine Pilot

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Xu, T.; Kharaka, Y.K.; Doughty, C.; Freifeld, B.M.; Daley, T.M.

    2010-01-01

    To demonstrate the potential for geologic storage of CO2 in saline aquifers, the Frio-I Brine Pilot was conducted, during which 1600 tons of CO2 were injected into a high-permeability sandstone and the resulting subsurface plume of CO2 was monitored using a variety of hydrogeological, geophysical, and geochemical techniques. Fluid samples were obtained before CO2 injection for baseline geochemical characterization, during the CO2 injection to track its breakthrough at a nearby observation well, and after injection to investigate changes in fluid composition and potential leakage into an overlying zone. Following CO2 breakthrough at the observation well, brine samples showed sharp drops in pH, pronounced increases in HCO3- and aqueous Fe, and significant shifts in the isotopic compositions of H2O and dissolved inorganic carbon. Based on a calibrated 1-D radial flow model, reactive transport modeling was performed for the Frio-I Brine Pilot. A simple kinetic model of Fe release from the solid to aqueous phase was developed, which can reproduce the observed increases in aqueous Fe concentration. Brine samples collected after half a year had lower Fe concentrations due to carbonate precipitation, and this trend can be also captured by our modeling. The paper provides a method for estimating potential mobile Fe inventory, and its bounding concentration in the storage formation from limited observation data. Long-term simulations show that the CO2 plume gradually spreads outward due to capillary forces, and the gas saturation gradually decreases due to its dissolution and precipitation of carbonates. The gas phase is predicted to disappear after 500 years. Elevated aqueous CO2 concentrations remain for a longer time, but eventually decrease due to carbonate precipitation. For the Frio-I Brine Pilot, all injected CO2 could ultimately be sequestered as carbonate minerals. ?? 2010 Elsevier B.V.

  14. The effect of ionic Co presence on the structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of modified cobalt-titanate nanotubes.

    PubMed

    Barrocas, B; Silvestre, A J; Rolo, A G; Monteiro, O C

    2016-07-21

    With the aim of producing materials with enhanced optical and photocatalytic properties, titanate nanotubes (TNTs) modified by cobalt doping (Co-TNT) and by Na(+)→ Co ion-exchange (TNT/Co) were successfully prepared by a hydrothermal method. The influence of the doping level and of the cobalt position in the TNT crystalline structure was studied. Although no perceptible influence of the cobalt ion position on the morphology of the prepared titanate nanotubes was observed, the optical behaviour of the cobalt modified samples is clearly dependent on the cobalt ions either substituting the Ti(4+) ions in the TiO6 octahedra building blocks of the TNT structure (doped samples) or replacing the Na(+) ions between the TiO6 interlayers (ion-exchange samples). The catalytic ability of these materials on pollutant photodegradation was investigated. First, the evaluation of hydroxyl radical formation using the terephthalic acid as a probe was performed. Afterwards, phenol, naphthol yellow S and brilliant green were used as model pollutants. Anticipating real world situations, photocatalytic experiments were performed using solutions combining these pollutants. The results show that the Co modified TNT materials (Co-TNT and TNT/Co) are good catalysts, the photocatalytic performance being dependent on the Co/Ti ratio and on the structural metal location. The Co(1%)-TNT doped sample was the best photocatalyst for all the degradation processes studied.

  15. Recovering Protein-Protein and Domain-Domain Interactions from Aggregation of IP-MS Proteomics of Coregulator Complexes

    PubMed Central

    Mazloom, Amin R.; Dannenfelser, Ruth; Clark, Neil R.; Grigoryan, Arsen V.; Linder, Kathryn M.; Cardozo, Timothy J.; Bond, Julia C.; Boran, Aislyn D. W.; Iyengar, Ravi; Malovannaya, Anna; Lanz, Rainer B.; Ma'ayan, Avi

    2011-01-01

    Coregulator proteins (CoRegs) are part of multi-protein complexes that transiently assemble with transcription factors and chromatin modifiers to regulate gene expression. In this study we analyzed data from 3,290 immuno-precipitations (IP) followed by mass spectrometry (MS) applied to human cell lines aimed at identifying CoRegs complexes. Using the semi-quantitative spectral counts, we scored binary protein-protein and domain-domain associations with several equations. Unlike previous applications, our methods scored prey-prey protein-protein interactions regardless of the baits used. We also predicted domain-domain interactions underlying predicted protein-protein interactions. The quality of predicted protein-protein and domain-domain interactions was evaluated using known binary interactions from the literature, whereas one protein-protein interaction, between STRN and CTTNBP2NL, was validated experimentally; and one domain-domain interaction, between the HEAT domain of PPP2R1A and the Pkinase domain of STK25, was validated using molecular docking simulations. The scoring schemes presented here recovered known, and predicted many new, complexes, protein-protein, and domain-domain interactions. The networks that resulted from the predictions are provided as a web-based interactive application at http://maayanlab.net/HT-IP-MS-2-PPI-DDI/. PMID:22219718

  16. Controlling the size and magnetic properties of nano CoFe2O4 by microwave assisted co-precipitation method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prabhakaran, T.; Mangalaraja, R. V.; Denardin, Juliano C.

    2018-02-01

    In this report, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized using microwave assisted co-precipitation method was reported. Efforts have been made to control the particles size, distribution, morphology and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles by varying the concentration of NaOH solution and microwave irradiation time. It was observed that the rate of nucleation and crystal growth was influenced by the tuning parameters. In that way, the average crystallite size of single phase cobalt ferrite nanoparticles was controlled within 9-11 and 10-12 nm with an increase of base concentration and microwave irradiation time, respectively. A narrow size distribution of nearly spherical nanoparticles was achieved through the present procedure. A soft ferromagnetism at room temperature with the considerable saturation magnetization of 58.4 emu g-1 and coercivity of 262.7 Oe was obtained for the cobalt ferrites synthesized with 2.25 M of NaOH solution for 3 and 7 min of microwave irradiation time, respectively. The cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesized with a shorter reaction time of 3-7 min was found to be advantageous over other methods that involved conventional heating procedures and longer reaction time to achieve the better magnetic properties for the technological applications.

  17. Enhancing visible light photocatalytic and photocharge separation of (BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} plate via dramatic I{sup −} ions doping effect

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

    Liang, Lei; Cao, Jing; Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Functional Composite, Huaibei, 235000, Anhui

    Highlights: • Novel I-(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} was prepared by a facile chemical precipitation method. • I{sup −} ions impurity level located on the top of valence band of (BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3}. • I{sup −} ions doping largely improved photocatalytic activity of I-(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3}. • I-(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} displayed excellent photocharge separation efficiency. - Abstract: Novel I{sup −} ions doped (BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} (I-(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3}) photocatalysts were successfully synthesized via a facile chemical precipitation method. Under visible light (λ > 400 nm), I-(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} displayed much higher activity for rhodamine B and dichlorophenol degradation than the undoped (BiO){submore » 2}CO{sub 3}. The pseudo-first-order rate constant k{sub app} of RhB degradation over 15.0% I-(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} was 0.54 h{sup −1}, which is 11.3 times higher than that of (BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3}. The doped I{sup −} ions formed an impurity level on the top of valence band of (BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} and induced much more visible light to be absorbed. The enhanced photocurrent and surface photovoltage properties were detected, which strongly ensures the efficient separation of electrons and holes in I-(BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} system under visible light. It provides a facile way to improve the photocatalytic activity of the wide-band-gap (BiO){sub 2}CO{sub 3} via intense doping effect of I{sup −} ions.« less

  18. [Determination of americium-241 in urine].

    PubMed

    Shvydko, N S; Mikhaĭlova, O A; Popov, D K

    1988-01-01

    A technique has been developed for the determination of americium 241 in urine by a radiochemical purification of the nuclide from uranium (upon co-precipitation of americium 241 with calcium and lanthanum), plutonium, thorium, and polonium 210 (upon co-precipitation of these radionuclides with zirconium iodate). alpha-Radioactivity was measured either in a thick layer of the americium 241 precipitate with a nonisotope carrier or in thin-layer preparations after electrolytic precipitation of americium 241 on a cathode.

  19. Precipitation behavior of AlxCoCrFeNi high entropy alloys under ion irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Tengfei; Xia, Songqin; Liu, Shi; Wang, Chenxu; Liu, Shaoshuai; Fang, Yuan; Zhang, Yong; Xue, Jianming; Yan, Sha; Wang, Yugang

    2016-08-01

    Materials performance is central to the satisfactory operation of current and future nuclear energy systems due to the severe irradiation environment in reactors. Searching for structural materials with excellent irradiation tolerance is crucial for developing the next generation nuclear reactors. Here, we report the irradiation responses of a novel multi-component alloy system, high entropy alloy (HEA) AlxCoCrFeNi (x = 0.1, 0.75 and 1.5), focusing on their precipitation behavior. It is found that the single phase system, Al0.1CoCrFeNi, exhibits a great phase stability against ion irradiation. No precipitate is observed even at the highest fluence. In contrast, numerous coherent precipitates are present in both multi-phase HEAs. Based on the irradiation-induced/enhanced precipitation theory, the excellent structural stability against precipitation of Al0.1CoCrFeNi is attributed to the high configurational entropy and low atomic diffusion, which reduces the thermodynamic driving force and kinetically restrains the formation of precipitate, respectively. For the multiphase HEAs, the phase separations and formation of ordered phases reduce the system configurational entropy, resulting in the similar precipitation behavior with corresponding binary or ternary conventional alloys. This study demonstrates the structural stability of single-phase HEAs under irradiation and provides important implications for searching for HEAs with higher irradiation tolerance.

  20. Isolation of 236U and 239,240Pu from seawater samples and its determination by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry.

    PubMed

    López-Lora, Mercedes; Chamizo, Elena; Villa-Alfageme, María; Hurtado-Bermúdez, Santiago; Casacuberta, Núria; García-León, Manuel

    2018-02-01

    In this work we present and evaluate a radiochemical procedure optimised for the analysis of 236 U and 239,240 Pu in seawater samples by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS). The method is based on Fe(OH) 3 co-precipitation of actinides and uses TEVA® and UTEVA® extraction chromatography resins in a simplified way for the final U and Pu purification. In order to improve the performance of the method, the radiochemical yields are analysed in 1 to 10L seawater volumes using alpha spectrometry (AS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Robust 80% plutonium recoveries are obtained; however, it is found that Fe(III) concentration in the precipitation solution and sample volume are the two critical and correlated parameters influencing the initial uranium extraction through Fe(OH) 3 co-precipitation. Therefore, we propose an expression that optimises the sample volume and Fe(III) amounts according to both the 236 U and 239,240 Pu concentrations in the samples and the performance parameters of the AMS facility. The method is validated for the current setup of the 1MV AMS system (CNA, Sevilla, Spain), where He gas is used as a stripper, by analysing a set of intercomparison seawater samples, together with the Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics (ETH, Zürich, Switzerland). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Elevated CO2 can modify the response to a water status gradient in a steppe grass: from cell organelles to photosynthetic capacity to plant growth.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Yanling; Xu, Zhenzhu; Zhou, Guangsheng; Liu, Tao

    2016-07-12

    The atmospheric CO2 concentration is rising continuously, and abnormal precipitation may occur more frequently in the future. Although the effects of elevated CO2 and drought on plants have been well reported individually, little is known about their interaction, particularly over a water status gradient. Here, we aimed to characterize the effects of elevated CO2 and a water status gradient on the growth, photosynthetic capacity, and mesophyll cell ultrastructure of a dominant grass from a degraded grassland. Elevated CO2 stimulated plant biomass to a greater extent under moderate changes in water status than under either extreme drought or over-watering conditions. Photosynthetic capacity and stomatal conductance were also enhanced by elevated CO2 under moderate drought, but inhibited with over-watering. Severe drought distorted mesophyll cell organelles, but CO2 enrichment partly alleviated this effect. Intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) and total biomass water use efficiency (WUEt) were increased by elevated CO2, regardless of water status. Plant structural traits were also found to be tightly associated with photosynthetic potentials. The results indicated that CO2 enrichment alleviated severe and moderate drought stress, and highlighted that CO2 fertilization's dependency on water status should be considered when projecting key species' responses to climate change in dry ecosystems.

  2. The effect to the water stress to soil CO2 efflux in the Siberian boreal forest

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Makhnykina, A. V.; Prokishkin, A. S.; Verkhovets, S. V.; Koshurnikova, N. N.

    2017-12-01

    The boreal forests in Siberia covered more than 70% area of this region. Due to the climate change this ecosystems represent a very sensitive and significant source of carbon. In forests, total ecosystem respiration tends to be dominated by soil respiration, which accounts for approximately 69% of this large flux (Janssens et al., 2001). Dynamic global vegetation models predict that soil respiration will increase more than total net primary productivity in response to warmer temperatures and increase in precipitation, the terrestrial carbon sink is expected to decline significantly (Bonan et al., 2003). The aim of the present study was to identify the response of the soil CO2 efflux to the different amount of water input for two highly differentiated years by the precipitation conditions in the middle taiga forests in Central Siberia. The study was conducted in the pine forests in Central Siberia (60°N, 90°E), Russia. We used the automated soil CO2 flux system LI-8100 for measuring the soil efflux. Soil temperature was measured with Soil Temperature Probe Type E in three depths 5, 10, 15 cm. Volumetric soil moisture was measured with Theta Probe Model ML2. We constructed the field experiment based on the addition of different amount of water (0%, 25%, 50% and 100% sites) after each rain event during the growing season. We found that the amount of precipitation have a huge impact to the value of soil CO2 efflux. For the more precipitated year (2015) the fluxes were almost twice higher compared to less precipitated year (2016). The max fluxes during the season in 2015 observed at the site without any water input there and the min one - for the 100% precipitation site (natural rain conditions). In 2016 we identified the opposite response: the max soil efflux demonstrated the site with 100% precipitation conditions (Fig. 1). We also detected the high dependence between the soil temperature and soil CO2 efflux for the site with 0% additional water input in more precipitated year (with excluding the precipitation factor). These findings confirmed that the increase of precipitation in the boreal forests will enhance soil CO2 efflux.

  3. Cobalt doped CuMnOx catalysts for the preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dey, Subhashish; Dhal, Ganesh Chandra; Mohan, Devendra; Prasad, Ram; Gupta, Rajeev Nayan

    2018-05-01

    Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas, recognized as a silent killer for the 21st century. It is produced from the partial oxidation of carbon containing compounds. The catalytic oxidation of CO receives a huge attention due to its applications in different fields. In the present work, hopcalite (CuMnOx) catalysts were synthesized using a co-precipitation method for CO oxidation purposes. Also, it was doped with the cobalt by varying concentration from 1 to 5wt%. It was observed that the addition of cobalt into the CuMnOx catalyst (by the deposition-precipitation method) improved the catalytic performance for the low-temperature CO oxidation. CuMnOx catalyst doped with 3wt% of cobalt exhibited most active performance and showed the highest activity than other cobalt concentrations. Different analytical tools (i.e. XRD, FTIR, BET, XPS and SEM-EDX) were used to characterize the as-synthesized catalysts. It was expected that the introduction of cobalt will introduce new active sites into the CuMnOx catalyst that are associated with the cobalt nano-particles. The order of calcination strategies based on the activity for cobalt doped CuMnOx catalysts was observed as: Reactive calcinations (RC) > flowing air > stagnant air. Therefore, RC (4.5% CO in air) route can be recommended for the synthesis of highly active catalysts. The catalytic activity of doped CuMnOx catalysts toward CO oxidation shows a correlation among average oxidation number of Mn and the position and the nature of the doped cobalt cation.

  4. Structural, thermal and rheological characterization of modified Dalbergia sissoo gum--A medicinal gum.

    PubMed

    Munir, Hira; Shahid, Muhammad; Anjum, Fozia; Mudgil, Deepak

    2016-03-01

    Dalbergia sissoo gum was purified by ethanol precipitation. The purified gum was modified and hydrolyzed. Gum was modified by performing polyacrylamide grafting and carboxymethylation methods. The hydrolysis was carried out by using mannanase, barium hydroxide and trifluoroacetic acid. The modified and hydrolyzed gums were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The decrease in viscosity was studied by performing the flow test. The modified and hydrolyzed gums were thermally stable as compared to crude gum. There was increase in crystallinity after modification and hydrolysis, determined through XRD. FTIR analysis exhibits no major transformation of functional group, only there was change in the intensity of transmittance. It is concluded that the modified and hydrolyzed gum can be used for pharmaceutical and food industry. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Timing of floods in southeastern China: Seasonal properties and potential causes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Qiang; Gu, Xihui; Singh, Vijay P.; Shi, Peijun; Luo, Ming

    2017-09-01

    Flood hazards and flood risks in southeastern China have been causing increasing concerns due to dense population and highly-developed economy. This study attempted to address changes of seasonality, timing of peak floods and variability of occurrence date of peak floods using circular statistical methods and the modified Mann-Kendall trend detection method. The causes of peak flood changes were also investigated. Results indicated that: (1) floods were subject to more seasonality and temporal clustering when compared to precipitation extremes. However, seasonality of floods and extreme precipitation was subject to spatial heterogeneity in northern Guangdong. Similar changing patterns of peak floods and extreme precipitation were found in coastal regions; (2) significant increasing/decreasing seasonality, but no confirmed spatial patterns, were observed for peak floods and extreme precipitation. Peak floods in northern Guangdong province had decreasing variability, but had larger variability in coastal regions; (3) tropical cyclones had remarkable impacts on extreme precipitation changes in coastal regions of southeastern China, and peak floods as well. The landfalling of tropical cyclones was decreasing and concentrated during June-September; this is the major reason for earlier but enhanced seasonality of peak floods in coastal regions. This study sheds new light on flood behavior in coastal regions in a changing environment.

  6. Mineralogical, crystallographic, and isotopic constraints on the precipitation of aragonite and calcite at Shiqiang and other hot springs in Yunnan Province, China

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jones, Brian; Peng, Xiaotong

    2016-11-01

    Two active spring vent pools at Shiqiang (Yunnan Province, China) are characterized by a complex array of precipitates that coat the wall around the pool and the narrow ledges that surround the vent pool. These precipitates include arrays of aragonite crystals, calcite cone-dendrites, red spar calcite, unattached dodecahedral and rhombohedral calcite crystals, and late stage calcite that commonly coats and disguises the earlier formed precipitates. Some of the microbial mats that grow on the ledges around the pools have been partly mineralized by microspheres that are formed of Si and minor amounts of Fe. The calcite and aragonite that are interspersed with each other at all scales are both primary precipitates. Some laminae, for example, change laterally from aragonite to calcite over distances of only a few millimetres. The precipitates at Shiqiang are similar to precipitates found in and around the vent pools of other springs found in Yunnan Province, including those at Gongxiaoshe, Zhuyuan, Eryuan, and Jifei. In all cases, the δDwater and δ18Owater indicate that the spring water is of meteoric origin. These are thermogene springs with the carrier CO2 being derived largely from the mantle and reaction of the waters with bedrock. Variations in the δ13Ctravertine values indicate that the waters in these springs were mixed, to varying degrees, with cold groundwater and its soil-derived CO2. Calcite and aragonite precipitation took place once the spring waters had become supersaturated with respect to CaCO3, probably as a result of rapid CO2 degassing. These precipitates, which were not in isotopic equilibrium with the spring water, are characterized by their unusual crystal morphologies. The precipitation of calcite and aragonite, seemingly together, can probably be attributed to microscale variations in the saturation levels that are, in turn, attributable to microscale variations in the rate of CO2 degassing.

  7. Changes and Attribution of Extreme Precipitation in Climate Models: Subdaily and Daily Scales

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, W.; Villarini, G.; Scoccimarro, E.; Vecchi, G. A.

    2017-12-01

    Extreme precipitation events are responsible for numerous hazards, including flooding, soil erosion, and landslides. Because of their significant socio-economic impacts, the attribution and projection of these events is of crucial importance to improve our response, mitigation and adaptation strategies. Here we present results from our ongoing work.In terms of attribution, we use idealized experiments [pre-industrial control experiment (PI) and 1% per year increase (1%CO2) in atmospheric CO2] from ten general circulation models produced under the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and the fraction of attributable risk to examine the CO2 effects on extreme precipitation at the sub-daily and daily scales. We find that the increased CO2 concentration substantially increases the odds of the occurrence of sub-daily precipitation extremes compared to the daily scale in most areas of the world, with the exception of some regions in the sub-tropics, likely in relation to the subsidence of the Hadley Cell. These results point to the large role that atmospheric CO2 plays in extreme precipitation under an idealized framework. Furthermore, we investigate the changes in extreme precipitation events with the Community Earth System Model (CESM) climate experiments using the scenarios consistent with the 1.5°C and 2°C temperature targets. We find that the frequency of annual extreme precipitation at a global scale increases in both 1.5°C and 2°C scenarios until around 2070, after which the magnitudes of the trend become much weaker or even negative. Overall, the frequency of global annual extreme precipitation is similar between 1.5°C and 2°C for the period 2006-2035, and the changes in extreme precipitation in individual seasons are consistent with those for the entire year. The frequency of extreme precipitation in the 2°C experiments is higher than for the 1.5°C experiment after the late 2030s, particularly for the period 2071-2100.

  8. Creep resistant, precipitation-dispersion-strengthened, martensitic stainless steel and method thereof

    DOEpatents

    Buck, R.F.

    1994-05-10

    An iron-based, corrosion-resistant, precipitation strengthened, martensitic steel essentially free of delta ferrite for use at high temperatures has a nominal composition of 0.05--0.1 C, 8--12 Cr, 1--5 Co, 0.5--2.0 Ni, 0.41--1.0 Mo, 0.1--0.5 Ti, and the balance iron. This steel is different from other corrosion-resistant martensitic steels because its microstructure consists of a uniform dispersion of fine particles, which are very closely spaced, and which do not coarsen at high temperatures. Thus at high temperatures this steel combines the excellent creep strength of dispersion-strengthened steels, with the ease of fabricability afforded by precipitation hardenable steels. 2 figures.

  9. Creep resistant, precipitation-dispersion-strengthened, martensitic stainless steel and method thereof

    DOEpatents

    Buck, Robert F.

    1994-01-01

    An iron-based, corrosion-resistant, precipitation strengthened, martensitic steel essentially free of delta ferrite for use at high temperatures has a nominal composition of 0.05-0.1 C, 8-12 Cr, 1-5 Co, 0.5-2.0 Ni, 0.41-1.0 Mo, 0.1-0.5 Ti, and the balance iron. This steel is different from other corrosion-resistant martensitic steels because its microstructure consists of a uniform dispersion of fine particles, which are very closely spaced, and which do not coarsen at high temperatures. Thus at high temperatures this steel combines the excellent creep strength of dispersion-strengthened steels, with the ease of fabricability afforded by precipitation hardenable steels.

  10. Hydrometallurgical recovery of metal values from sulfuric acid leaching liquor of spent lithium-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xiangping; Chen, Yongbin; Zhou, Tao; Liu, Depei; Hu, Hang; Fan, Shaoyun

    2015-04-01

    Environmentally hazardous substances contained in spent Li-ion batteries, such as heavy metals and nocuous organics, will pose a threat to the environment and human health. On the other hand, the sustainable recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries may bring about environmental and economic benefits. In this study, a hydrometallurgical process was adopted for the comprehensive recovery of nickel, manganese, cobalt and lithium from sulfuric acid leaching liquor from waste cathode materials of spent lithium-ion batteries. First, nickel ions were selectively precipitated and recovered using dimethylglyoxime reagent. Recycled dimethylglyoxime could be re-used as precipitant for nickel and revealed similar precipitation performance compared with fresh dimethylglyoxime. Then the separation of manganese and cobalt was conducted by solvent extraction method using cobalt loaded D2EHPA. And McCabe-Thiele isotherm was employed for the prediction of the degree of separation and the number of extraction stages needed at specific experimental conditions. Finally, cobalt and lithium were sequentially precipitated and recovered as CoC2O4 ⋅ 2H2O and Li2CO3 using ammonium oxalate solution and saturated sodium carbonate solution, respectively. Recovery efficiencies could be attained as follows: 98.7% for Ni; 97.1% for Mn, 98.2% for Co and 81.0% for Li under optimized experimental conditions. This hydrometallurgical process may promise a candidate for the effective separation and recovery of metal values from the sulfuric acid leaching liquor. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Hierarchical La0.7Ce0.3FeO3/halloysite nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xiazhang; Zhu, Wei; Yan, Xiangyu; Lu, Xiaowang; Yao, Chao; Ni, Chaoying

    2016-08-01

    The hierarchical La0.7Ce0.3FeO3/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composites have been successfully prepared via sol-gel method. XRD and TEM characterizations indicated that the sheet-like La0.7Ce0.3FeO3 coupled with the co-precipitated CeO2 were evenly deposited onto the surface of halloysite. The photocatalytic degradation of chlortetracycline under visible light irradiation using La0.7Ce0.3FeO3/HNTs as catalyst was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography, which exhibited remarkable photocatalytic activity with the removal rate up to 99 % in 90 min, due to the formation of "solid solution/co-precipitation" heterostructure as well as the excellent adsorptive capability of halloysite for antibiotics.

  12. One-step synthesis and characterizations of cerium oxide nanoparticles in an ambient temperature via Co-precipitation method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pujar, Malatesh S.; Hunagund, Shirajahammad M.; Desai, Vani R.; Patil, Shivaprasadgouda; Sidarai, Ashok H.

    2018-04-01

    We report the simple Co-precipitation method for the synthesis of Cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) in an ambient temperature. We have taken the Cerium (III) nitrate hexahydrate (Ce(NO3)3.6H2O) and Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the precursors. The obtained NPs were analyzed using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The obtained results signify that UV-Vis spectrum exhibited a well-defined absorption peak at 274 nm and the estimated energy gap (Eg) is 4.05 eV. The FT-IR analysis provides the supporting evidence for the presence of bonding of O-H, nitrates, alcohols and O-Ce-O vibrations. The XRD result reveals that the synthesized CeO2 NPs was crystallite with cubic phase structure and the estimated average crystallite size of CeO2 NPs using Scherer's and W-H method was significantly different due to their assumptions. Further, it is purposed to study their photocatalytic biological activities.

  13. Modification of the N-Terminus of a Calcium Carbonate Precipitating Peptide Affects Calcium Carbonate Mineralization.

    PubMed

    Usui, Kenji; Yokota, Shin-Ichiro; Ozaki, Makoto; Sakashita, Shungo; Imai, Takahito; Tomizaki, Kin-Ya

    2018-01-01

    A core sequence (the 9 C-terminal residues) of calcification-associated peptide (CAP- 1) isolated from the exoskeleton of the red swamp crayfish was previously shown to control calcium carbonate precipitation with chitin. In addition, a modified core sequence in which the phosphorylated serine at the N terminus is replaced with serine exhibits was also previously shown to alter precipitation characteristics with chitin. We focused on calcium carbonate precipitation and attempted to elucidate aspects of the mechanism underlying mineralization. We attempted to evaluate in detail the effects of modifying the N-terminus in the core sequence on calcium carbonate mineralization without chitin. The peptide modifications included phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, and a free or acetylated Nterminus. The peptides were synthesized manually on Wang resin using the DIPCI-DMAP method for the first residue, and Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis with HBTU-HOBt for the subsequent residues. Prior to calcium carbonate precipitation, calcium carbonate was suspended in MilliQ water. Carbon dioxide gas was bubbled into the stirred suspension, then the remaining solid CaCO3 was removed by filtration. The concentration of calcium ions in the solution was determined by standard titration with ethylenediaminetetraacetate. Calcium carbonate precipitation was conducted in a micro tube for 3 h at 37°C. We used the micro-scale techniques AFM (atomic force microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy), and the macro-scale techniques chelate titration, HPLC, gel filtration, CD (circular dichroism) and DLS (dynamic light scattering). We determined the morphologies of the calcium carbonate deposits using AFM and TEM. The pS peptide provided the best control of the shape and size of the calcium carbonate round particles. The acetylated peptides (Ac-S and Ac-pS) provided bigger particles with various shapes. S peptide provided a mixture of bigger particles and amorphous particles. We verified these findings using DLS. All the peptide samples produced nanostructures of the expected size in agreement with the AFM and TEM results. We estimated the abilities of these peptides to precipitate calcium carbonate by determining the residual calcium hydrogen carbonate concentration by standard titration with ethylenediaminetetraacetate after calcium carbonate precipitation. The Ac-pS peptide showed the lowest residual calcium hydrogen carbonate concentration whereas the S peptide showed the highest, suggesting that the precipitating activities of these peptides towards calcium carbonate correlated with peptide net charge. Then the gel filtration results showed a large oligomer peak and a small oligomer/monomer peak for all peptide samples in agreement with the AFM, TEM and DLS results. CD measurements showed that all the peptides formed random-coil-like structures. Thus, we used both macro- and micro-observation techniques such as chelate titration, DLS, AFM and TEM to show that the calcium carbonate precipitating activities of four derivatives of the core sequence of CAP-1 may correlate with the peptide net charge. These peptides mainly act as a catalyst rather than as a binder or component of the calcium carbonate deposits (as a template). On the other hand, the morphologies of the calcium carbonate deposits appeared to be dependent on the ability of the peptide to assemble and act as a template. Consequently, elucidating the relationship between peptide sequence and the ability of the peptide to assemble would be indispensable for controlling precipitate morphologies in the near future. This knowledge would provide important clues for elucidating the relationship between peptide sequence and mineralization ability, including deposit morphology and precipitating activity, for use in nanobiochemistry and materials chemistry research. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  14. Synthesis of high capacity cathodes for lithium-ion batteries by morphology-tailored hydroxide co-precipitation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Dapeng; Belharouak, Ilias; Ortega, Luis H.; Zhang, Xiaofeng; Xu, Rui; Zhou, Dehua; Zhou, Guangwen; Amine, Khalil

    2015-01-01

    Nickel manganese hydroxide co-precipitation inside a continuous stirred tank reactor was studied with sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide as the precipitation agents. The ammonium hydroxide concentration had an effect on the primary and secondary particle evolution. The two-step precipitation mechanism proposed earlier was experimentally confirmed. In cell tests, Li- and Mn-rich composite cathode materials based on the hydroxide precursors demonstrated good electrochemical performance in terms of cycle life over a wide range of lithium content.

  15. Different CO2 absorbents-modified SBA-15 sorbent for highly selective CO2 capture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Xiuwu; Zhai, Xinru; Liu, Dongyang; Sun, Yan

    2017-05-01

    Different CO2 absorbents-modified SBA-15 materials are used as CO2 sorbent to improve the selectivity of CH4/CO2 separation. The SBA-15 sorbents modified by physical CO2 absorbents are very limited to increasing CO2 adsorption and present poor selectivity. However, the SBA-15 sorbents modified by chemical CO2 absorbents increase CO2 adsorption capacity obviously. The separation coefficients of CO2/CH4 increase in this case. The adsorption and regeneration properties of the SBA-15 sorbents modified by TEA, MDEA and DIPA have been compared. The SBA-15 modified by triethanolamine (TEA) presents better CO2/CH4 separation performance than the materials modified by other CO2 absorbents.

  16. Calcium carbonate precipitation by heterotrophic bacteria isolated from biofilms formed on deteriorated ignimbrite stones: influence of calcium on EPS production and biofilm formation by these isolates.

    PubMed

    López-Moreno, Angélica; Sepúlveda-Sánchez, José David; Mercedes Alonso Guzmán, Elia Mercedes; Le Borgne, Sylvie

    2014-01-01

    Heterotrophic CaCO3-precipitating bacteria were isolated from biofilms on deteriorated ignimbrites, siliceous acidic rocks, from Morelia Cathedral (Mexico) and identified as Enterobacter cancerogenus (22e), Bacillus sp. (32a) and Bacillus subtilis (52g). In solid medium, 22e and 32a precipitated calcite and vaterite while 52g produced calcite. Urease activity was detected in these isolates and CaCO3 precipitation increased in the presence of urea in the liquid medium. In the presence of calcium, EPS production decreased in 22e and 32a and increased in 52g. Under laboratory conditions, ignimbrite colonization by these isolates only occurred in the presence of calcium and no CaCO3 was precipitated. Calcium may therefore be important for biofilm formation on stones. The importance of the type of stone, here a siliceous stone, on biological colonization is emphasized. This calcium effect has not been reported on calcareous materials. The importance of the effect of calcium on EPS production and biofilm formation is discussed in relation to other applications of CaCO3 precipitation by bacteria.

  17. Influence of lysozyme on the precipitation of calcium carbonate: a kinetic and morphologic study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jimenez-Lopez, Concepcion; Rodriguez-Navarro, Alejandro; Dominguez-Vera, Jose M.; Garcia-Ruiz, Juan M.

    2003-05-01

    Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the interactions between proteins and mineral surfaces, among them a combination of electrostatic, stereochemical interactions and molecular recognition between the protein and the crystal surface. To identify the mechanisms of interaction in the lysozyme-calcium carbonate model system, the effect of this protein on the precipitation kinetics and morphology of calcite crystals was examined. The solution chemistry and morphology of the solid were monitored over time in a set of time-series free-drift experiments in which CaCO 3 was precipitated from solution in a closed system at 25°C and 1 atm total pressure, in the presence and absence of lysozyme. The precipitation of calcite was preceded by the precipitation of a metastable phase that later dissolved and gave rise to calcite as the sole phase. With increasing lysozyme concentration, the nucleation of both the metastable phase and calcite occurred at lower Ω calcite, indicating that lysozyme favored the nucleation of both phases. Calcite growth rate was not affected by the presence of lysozyme, at least at protein concentrations ranging from 0 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL. Lysozyme modified the habit of calcite crystals. The degree of habit modification changed with protein concentration. At lower concentrations of lysozyme, the typical rhombohedral habit of calcite crystals was modified by the expression of {110} faces, which resulted from the preferential adsorption of protein on these faces. With increasing lysozyme concentration, the growth of {110}, {100}, and finally {001} faces was sequentially inhibited. This adsorption sequence may be explained by an electrostatic interaction between lysozyme and calcite, in which the inhibition of the growth of {110}, {100}, and {001} faces could be explained by a combined effect of the density of carbonate groups in the calcite face and the specific orientation (perpendicular) of these carbonate groups with respect to the calcite surface. Overgrowth of calcite in the presence of lysozyme demonstrated that the protein favored and controlled the nucleation on the calcite substrate. Overgrowth crystals nucleated epitaxially in lines which run diagonal to rhombohedral {104} faces.

  18. A rapid method for the sequential separation of polonium, plutonium, americium and uranium in drinking water.

    PubMed

    Lemons, B; Khaing, H; Ward, A; Thakur, P

    2018-06-01

    A new sequential separation method for the determination of polonium and actinides (Pu, Am and U) in drinking water samples has been developed that can be used for emergency response or routine water analyses. For the first time, the application of TEVA chromatography column in the sequential separation of polonium and plutonium has been studied. This method utilizes a rapid Fe +3 co-precipitation step to remove matrix interferences, followed by plutonium oxidation state adjustment to Pu 4+ and an incubation period of ~ 1 h at 50-60 °C to allow Po 2+ to oxidize to Po 4+ . The polonium and plutonium were then separated on a TEVA column, while separation of americium from uranium was performed on a TRU column. After separation, polonium was micro-precipitated with copper sulfide (CuS), while actinides were micro co-precipitated using neodymium fluoride (NdF 3 ) for counting by the alpha spectrometry. The method is simple, robust and can be performed quickly with excellent removal of interferences, high chemical recovery and very good alpha peak resolution. The efficiency and reliability of the procedures were tested by using spiked samples. The effect of several transition metals (Cu 2+ , Pb 2+ , Fe 3+ , Fe 2+ , and Ni 2+ ) on the performance of this method were also assessed to evaluate the potential matrix effects. Studies indicate that presence of up to 25 mg of these cations in the samples had no adverse effect on the recovery or the resolution of polonium alpha peaks. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Assessment of short- and long-term memory in trends of major climatic variables over Iran: 1966-2015

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mianabadi, Ameneh; Shirazi, Pooya; Ghahraman, Bijan; Coenders-Gerrits, A. M. J.; Alizadeh, Amin; Davary, Kamran

    2018-02-01

    In arid and semi-arid regions, water scarcity is the crucial issue for crop production. Identifying the spatial and temporal trends in aridity, especially during the crop-growing season, is important for farmers to manage their agricultural practices. This will become especially relevant when considering climate change projections. To reliably determine the actual trends, the influence of short- and long-term memory should be removed from the trend analysis. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of short- and long-term memory on estimates of trends in two aridity indicators—the inverted De Martonne (ϕ IDM ) and Budyko (ϕ B ) indices. The analysis is done using precipitation and temperature data over Iran for a 50-year period (1966-2015) at three temporal scales: annual, wheat-growing season (October-June), and maize-growing season (May-November). For this purpose, the original and the modified Mann-Kendall tests (i.e., modified by three methods of trend free pre-whitening (TFPT), effective sample size (ESS), and long-term persistence (LTP)) are used to investigate the temporal trends in aridity indices, precipitation, and temperature by taking into account the effect of short- and long-term memory. Precipitation and temperature data were provided by the Islamic Republic of Iran Meteorological Organization (IRIMO). The temporal trend analysis showed that aridity increased from 1966 to 2015 at the annual and wheat-growing season scales, which is due to a decreasing trend in precipitation and an increasing trend in mean temperature at these two timescales. The trend in aridity indices was decreasing in the maize-growing season, since precipitation has an increasing trend for most parts of Iran in that season. The increasing trend in aridity indices is significant in Western Iran, which can be related to the significantly more negative trend in precipitation in the West. This increasing trend in aridity could result in an increasing crop water requirement and a significant reduction in the crop production and water use efficiency. Furthermore, the modified Mann-Kendall tests indicated that unlike temperature series, precipitation, ϕ IDM , and ϕ B series are not affected by short- and long-term memory. Our results can help decision makers and water resource managers to adopt appropriate policy strategies for sustainable development in the field of irrigated agriculture and water resources management.

  20. A General and Mild Approach to Controllable Preparation of Manganese-Based Micro- and Nanostructured Bars for High Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

    PubMed

    Ma, Guo; Li, Sheng; Zhang, Weixin; Yang, Zeheng; Liu, Shulin; Fan, Xiaoming; Chen, Fei; Tian, Yuan; Zhang, Weibo; Yang, Shihe; Li, Mei

    2016-03-07

    One-dimensional (1D) micro- and nanostructured electrode materials with controllable phase and composition are appealing materials for use in lithium-ion batteries with high energy and power densities, but they are challenging to prepare. Herein, a novel ethanol-water mediated co-precipitation method by a chimie douce route (synthesis conducted under mild conditions) has been exploited to selectively prepare an extensive series of manganese-based electrode materials, manifesting the considerable generalizability and efficacy of the method. Moreover, by simply tuning the mixed solvent and reagents, transition metal oxide bars with differing aspect ratios and compositions were prepared with an unprecedented uniformity. Application prospects are demonstrated by Li-rich 0.5 Li2 MnO3 ⋅0.5 LiNi1/3 Co1/3 Mn1/3 O2 bars, which demonstrate excellent reversible capacity and rate capability thanks to the steerable nature of the synthesis and material quality. This work opens a new route to 1D micro- and nanostructured materials by customizing the precipitating solvent to orchestrate the crystallization process. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Nanocrystalline composites of transition metal molybdate (Ni1-xCoxMoO4; x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1) synthesized by a co-precipitation method as humidity sensors and their photoluminescence properties

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jeseentharani, V.; Dayalan, A.; Nagaraja, K. S.

    2018-04-01

    In this study, nanocrystalline transition metal nickel-cobalt molybdate (Ni1-xCoxMoO4, NiCM; x = 0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1) composites were prepared using a simple co-precipitation method. The composites were characterized by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The NiCM composites were studied to determine their possible use as humidity sensors, and photoluminescence (PL) measurements were obtained. The sensing study was performed in environments with different relative humidity levels (5-98%). The maximum sensitivity of 18624 ± 168 was observed with the Ni0.7Co0.3MoO4 composite where the humidity could be calculated according to the relationship: Sf = R5%/R98%, where R5% and R98% are the dc resistances at 5 and 98% RH, respectively. The photoluminescence measurements acquired at room temperature for the NiCMs included green and red emission peaks when excited at a wavelength (λex) of 520 nm.

  2. Acoustic Monitoring of Gravity-Driven Controls on CaCO3 Precipitates in a Fracture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Z.; Sheets, J.; Zhang, L.; Kim, D.; Kneafsey, T. J.; Cole, D. R.; Jun, Y. S.; Pyrak-Nolte, L. J.

    2017-12-01

    Sealing fractures by mineral precipitation is an important process for improving caprock integrity in subsurface reservoirs. In this study, the ability to monitor precipitate distribution in fractures with buoyant fluids was examined. Fractures with uniform aperture distributions of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mm were created from acrylic plates to enable direct imaging of precipitate formation over time. CaCO3 precipitation was induced in a fracture from invasion of 1M CaCl2 and 0.3M Na2CO3 solutions. During chemical invasion, a fracture plane was oriented either parallel or perpendicular to gravity. Acoustic (P) wave transmission ( 1 MHz) and optical imaging were used to monitor the sample prior to, during and after fluid injection. Complementary X-ray computed tomography was performed throughout the experiments on vertical fractures and post injection for the horizontal fractures. Precipitate particle sizes during formation were determined using SAXS and WAXS. In both horizontal and vertical fractures, the density contrast between the two solutions affected the spatial distribution of precipitation. In vertical fractures, the denser CaCl2 solution almost completely displaced the NaCO3 solution, causing strong localization of precipitates. However, in the horizontal fractures, flow stratification occurred in the 2 mm aperture fractures, with the less dense Na2CO3 flowing over the CaCl2 solution, resulting in a more even distribution of precipitates cross the fracture plane. P-wave amplitudes increased up to 8% and the arrival time decreased with precipitate accumulation in the horizontal fracture. This is consistent with a three-layered approach as the seismic impedance inside the fracture increases. The initial contact between the two was observed as a decrease in the P-wave amplitude. As precipitates accumulated, the amplitude recovered and increased, with greater increases observed along the mixing flow path. Fractures in the subsurface may seal differently depending on the orientation thus affecting the ability of a fracture to self-heal if oriented vertically. This work was supported by the Center for Nanoscale Controls on Geologic CO (NCGC), an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences under Award # DE-AC02-05CH11231

  3. Forest response to rising CO 2 drives zonally asymmetric rainfall change over tropical land

    DOE PAGES

    Kooperman, Gabriel J.; Chen, Yang; Hoffman, Forrest M.; ...

    2018-04-27

    Understanding how anthropogenic CO 2 emissions will influence future precipitation is critical for sustainably managing ecosystems, particularly for drought-sensitive tropical forests. Although tropical precipitation change remains uncertain, nearly all models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 predict a strengthening zonal precipitation asymmetry by 2100, with relative increases over Asian and African tropical forests and decreases over South American forests. Here we show that the plant physiological response to increasing CO 2 is a primary mechanism responsible for this pattern. Applying a simulation design in the Community Earth System Model in which CO 2 increases are isolated over individualmore » continents, we demonstrate that different circulation, moisture and stability changes arise over each continent due to declines in stomatal conductance and transpiration. The sum of local atmospheric responses over individual continents explains the pan-tropical precipitation asymmetry. Our analysis suggests that South American forests may be more vulnerable to rising CO 2 than Asian or African forests.« less

  4. Forest response to rising CO2 drives zonally asymmetric rainfall change over tropical land

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kooperman, Gabriel J.; Chen, Yang; Hoffman, Forrest M.; Koven, Charles D.; Lindsay, Keith; Pritchard, Michael S.; Swann, Abigail L. S.; Randerson, James T.

    2018-05-01

    Understanding how anthropogenic CO2 emissions will influence future precipitation is critical for sustainably managing ecosystems, particularly for drought-sensitive tropical forests. Although tropical precipitation change remains uncertain, nearly all models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 predict a strengthening zonal precipitation asymmetry by 2100, with relative increases over Asian and African tropical forests and decreases over South American forests. Here we show that the plant physiological response to increasing CO2 is a primary mechanism responsible for this pattern. Applying a simulation design in the Community Earth System Model in which CO2 increases are isolated over individual continents, we demonstrate that different circulation, moisture and stability changes arise over each continent due to declines in stomatal conductance and transpiration. The sum of local atmospheric responses over individual continents explains the pan-tropical precipitation asymmetry. Our analysis suggests that South American forests may be more vulnerable to rising CO2 than Asian or African forests.

  5. Sensitivity of agricultural runoff loads to rising levels of CO2 and climate change in the San Joaquin Valley watershed of California.

    PubMed

    Ficklin, Darren L; Luo, Yuzhou; Luedeling, Eike; Gatzke, Sarah E; Zhang, Minghua

    2010-01-01

    The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to assess the impact of climate change on sediment, nitrate, phosphorus and pesticide (diazinon and chlorpyrifos) runoff in the San Joaquin watershed in California. This study used modeling techniques that include variations of CO(2), temperature, and precipitation to quantify these responses. Precipitation had a greater impact on agricultural runoff compared to changes in either CO(2) concentration or temperature. Increase of precipitation by +/-10% and +/-20% generally changed agricultural runoff proportionally. Solely increasing CO(2) concentration resulted in an increase in nitrate, phosphorus, and chlorpyrifos yield by 4.2, 7.8, and 6.4%, respectively, and a decrease in sediment and diazinon yield by 6.3 and 5.3%, respectively, in comparison to the present-day reference scenario. Only increasing temperature reduced yields of all agricultural runoff components. The results suggest that agricultural runoff in the San Joaquin watershed is sensitive to precipitation, temperature, and CO(2) concentration changes.

  6. Determination of free CO2 in emergent groundwaters using a commercial beverage carbonation meter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vesper, Dorothy J.; Edenborn, Harry M.

    2012-05-01

    SummaryDissolved CO2 in groundwater is frequently supersaturated relative to its equilibrium with atmospheric partial pressure and will degas when it is conveyed to the surface. Estimates of dissolved CO2 concentrations can vary widely between different hydrochemical facies because they have different sources of error (e.g., rapid degassing, low alkalinity, non-carbonate alkalinity). We sampled 60 natural spring and mine waters using a beverage industry carbonation meter, which measures dissolved CO2 based on temperature and pressure changes as the sample volume is expanded. Using a modified field protocol, the meter was found to be highly accurate in the range 0.2-35 mM CO2. The meter provided rapid, accurate and precise measurements of dissolved CO2 in natural waters for a range of hydrochemical facies. Dissolved CO2 concentrations measured in the field with the carbonation meter were similar to CO2 determined using the pH-alkalinity approach, but provided immediate results and avoided errors from alkalinity and pH determination. The portability and ease of use of the carbonation meter in the field made it well-suited to sampling in difficult terrain. The carbonation meter has proven useful in the study of aquatic systems where CO2 degassing drives geochemical changes that result in surficial mineral precipitation and deposition, such as tufa, travertine and mine drainage deposits.

  7. Specific solubilization of impurities in culture media: Arg solution improves purification of pH-responsive tag CspB50 with Teriparatide.

    PubMed

    Oki, Shogo; Nonaka, Takahiro; Shiraki, Kentaro

    2018-06-01

    Protein purification using non-chromatographic methods is a simple technique that avoids costly resin. Recently, a cell surface protein B (CspB) tag has been developed for a pH-responsive tag for protein purification by solid-liquid separation. Proteins fused with the CspB tag show reversible insolubilization at acidic pH that can be used in solid-liquid separation for protein purification. However, brown-color impurities from co-precipitation hamper further analysis of the target proteins. In this study, we investigated the effect of additives on the co-precipitation of CspB-tagged Teriparatide (CspB50TEV-Teriparatide) expressed in Corynebacterium glutamicum and associated impurities. Arginine (Arg) at 1.0 M was found to be the most effective additive for removing impurities, particularly carotenoids and nucleic acids. Furthermore, all impurities detected in the fluorescence and absorbance spectra were successfully removed by the repetition of precipitation-redissolution in the Arg solution. The precipitation yield of the CspB50TEV-Teriparatide did not change with the addition of Arg and the repetition of the precipitation-redissolution process. Collectively, our findings indicate that the specific desorption of π-electron rich compounds by Arg may be useful in conjunction with the pH-responsive CspB tag for solid-liquid protein purification. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Continuous flow hydrogenation of nitroarenes, azides and alkenes using maghemite-Pd nanocomposites

    EPA Science Inventory

    Maghemite-supported ultra-fine Pd (1-2 nm) nanoparticles, prepared by a simple co-precipitation method, find application in the catalytic continuous flow hydrogenation of nitroarenes, azides, and alkenes wherein they play an important role in reduction of various functional group...

  9. The Effects of Secondary Oxides on Copper‐Based Catalysts for Green Methanol Synthesis

    PubMed Central

    Hayward, James S.; Smith, Paul J.; Kondrat, Simon A.; Bowker, Michael

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO2 and H2 have been produced by two main methods: co‐precipitation and supercritical anti‐solvent (SAS) precipitation. These two methods are compared, along with the behaviour of copper supported on Zn, Mg, Mn, and Ce oxides. Although the SAS method produces initially active material with high Cu specific surface area, they appear to be unstable during reaction losing significant amounts of surface area and hence activity. The CuZn catalysts prepared by co‐precipitation, however, showed much greater thermal and reactive stability than the other materials. There appeared to be the usual near‐linear dependence of activity upon Cu specific area, though the initial performance relationship was different from that post‐reaction, after some loss of surface area. The formation of the malachite precursor, as reported before, is important for good activity and stability, whereas if copper oxides are formed during the synthesis and ageing process, then a detrimental effect on these properties is seen. PMID:28706570

  10. Recycling of cobalt from spent Li-ion batteries as β-Co(OH)2 and the application of Co3O4 as a pseudocapacitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barbieri, E. M. S.; Lima, E. P. C.; Lelis, M. F. F.; Freitas, M. B. J. G.

    2014-12-01

    This work has investigated recycling cobalt from the cathodes of spent Li-ion batteries as β-Co(OH)2, obtaining Co3O4. β-Co(OH)2 with a hexagonal structure by using chemical precipitation (CP) or electrochemical precipitation (EP). In addition, the study has investigated whether the charge density applied directly affects the β-Co(OH)2 morphology. Co3O4 is formed by heat-treating β-Co(OH)2 at 450 °C for 3 h (h) in an air atmosphere. After calcining, the Co3O4 shows a cubic structure and satisfactory purity grade, regardless of the route used for preparation via which it was obtained. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is then used for electrochemical characterization of the Co3O4 composite electrodes. In the cathodic process, CoO2 undergoes reduction to CoOOH, which undergoes further reduction to Co3O4. In the anodic process, Co3O4 undergoes oxidation to CoOOH, which simultaneously undergoes further oxidation to CoO2. The composite electrodes containing Co3O4, carbon black, and epoxy resin show great reversibility, charge efficiency, and a specific capacitance of 13.0 F g-1 (1.0 mV s-1). The synthesis method of Co(OH)2 influences the charge efficiency of Co3O4 composite electrodes at a scan rate of 10.0 mV s-1. Therefore, in addition to presenting an alternative use for exhausted batteries, Co3O4 composites exhibit favorable characteristics for use as pseudocapacitors.

  11. Behaviour of calcium carbonate in sea water

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Cloud, P.E.

    1962-01-01

    Anomalies in the behaviour of calcium carbonate in natural solutions diminish when considered in context. Best values found by traditional oceanographie methods for the apparent solubility product constant K'CaCO3 in sea water at atmospheric pressure are consistent mineralogically-at 36 parts per thousand salinity and T-25??C, K'aragonlte is estimated as 1.12 ?? 10-6 and K'calcite as 0.61 ?? 10-6. At 30??C the corresponding values are 0.98 ?? 10-6 for aragonite and 0.53 ?? 10-6 for calcite. Because the K' computations do not compensate for ionic activity, however, they cannot give thermodynamically satisfactory results. It is of interest, therefore, that approximate methods and information now available permit the estimation from the same basic data of an activity product constant KCaCO3 close to that found in solutions to which Debye-Hu??ckel theory applies. Such methods indicate approximate Karagonite 7.8 ?? 10-9 for surface sea water at 29??C; Kcalcite would be proportionately lower. Field data and experimental results indicate that the mineralogy of precipitated CaCO3 depends primarily on degree of supersaturation, thus also on kinetic or biologic factors that facilitate or inhibit a high degree of supersaturation. The shallow, generally hypersaline bank waters west of Andros Island yield aragonitic sediments with O18 O16 ratios that imply precipitation mainly during the warmer months, when the combination of a high rate of evaporation, increasing salinity (and ionic strength), maximal temperatures and photosynthetic removal of CO2 result in high apparent supersaturation. The usual precipitate from solutions of low ionic strength is calcite, except where the aragonite level of supersaturation is reached as a result of diffusion phenomena (e.g. dripstones), gradual and marked evaporation, or biologic intervention. Published data also suggest the possibility of distinct chemical milieus for crystallographic variations in skeletal calcium carbonate. It appears that in nature aragonite precipitates from solutions that are supersaturated with respect to both calcite and aragonite and calcite between saturation levels for the two species. Such a relation is consistent with Ostwald's rule of successive reactions. Aragonitc of marine origin persists in contact with supersaturated interstitial solutions at ordinary temperature and pressure. Conversion to calcite follows transfer to solutions undersaturated with respect to aragonite or upon exposure to the moist atmosphere. ?? 1962.

  12. Thermodynamic stability of CoOOH and its coprecipitation with manganese

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hem, J.D.; Roberson, C.E.; Lind, Carol J.

    1985-01-01

    A precipitate of cobalt oxyhydroxides formed by bubbling oxygen through a dilute solution of Co(NO3)2 held at pH 9.0 and 25??C was aged for 23 months in contact with the original solution, with access to atmospheric oxygen. Co3O4 and CoOOH were identified in the precipitate by X-ray diffraction. Chemical equilibria involving these solids were evaluated by measurements of solution pH and Co2+ activities and by redox potential measurements and gave a ??GcoOOH0 of -92.3 ?? 0.5 kcal/mole. This value and other thermodynamic data show relative feasibility of hypothetical reaction steps and changes in reaction paths during automated coprecipitation titrations and subsequent aging of a precipitate that finally contained ??MnOOH, MnO2 (birnessite) and CoOOH. ?? 1985.

  13. Co-precipitation of dissolved organic matter by calcium carbonate in Pyramid Lake, Nevada

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Leenheer, Jerry A.; Reddy, Michael M.

    2008-01-01

    Our previous research has demonstrated that dissolved organic matter (DOM) influences calcium carbonate mineral formation in surface and ground water. To better understand DOM mediation of carbonate precipitation and DOM co-precipitation and/or incorporation with carbonate minerals, we characterized the content and speciation of DOM in carbonate minerals and in the lake water of Pyramid Lake, Nevada, USA. A 400-gram block of precipitated calcium carbonate from the Pyramid Lake shore was dissolved in 8 liters of 10% acetic acid. Particulate matter not dissolved by acetic acid was removed by centrifugation. DOM from the carbonate rock was fractionated into nine portions using evaporation, dialysis, resin adsorption, and selective precipitations to remove acetic acid and inorganic constituents. The calcium carbonate rock contained 0.23% DOM by weight. This DOM was enriched in polycarboxylic proteinaceous acids and hydroxy-acids in comparison with the present lake water. DOM in lake water was composed of aliphatic, alicyclic polycarboxylic acids. These compound classes were found in previous studies to inhibit calcium carbonate precipitation. DOM fractions from the carbonate rock were 14C-age dated at about 3,100 to 3,500 years before present. The mechanism of DOM co-precipitation and/or physical incorporation in the calcium carbonate is believed to be due to formation of insoluble calcium complexes with polycarboxylic proteinaceous acids and hydroxy-acids that have moderately large stability constants at the alkaline pH of the lake. DOM co-precipitation with calcium carbonate and incorporation in precipitated carbonate minerals removes proteinaceous DOM, but nearly equivalent concentrations of neutral and acidic forms of organic nitrogen in DOM remain in solution. Calcium carbonate precipitation during lime softening pretreatment of drinking water may have practical applications for removal of proteinaceous disinfection by-product precursors.

  14. On the state of Mn in Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O nanoparticles and their surface modification with isonipecotic acid

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

    Jiménez-Hernández, L.; Estévez-Hernández, O.; Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales

    Mn-doped ZnO (Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}O) nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and coated with isonipecotic acid as capping ligand. The structure, composition and morphology of the resulting nanomaterial were investigated by energy disperse X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy data. Such measurements showed that the solid obtained contains 6 at% of Mn and it is formed by a highly crystalline material with 3–5 nm range of crystallite size, and only a small elongation of its cell parameter with respect to undoped ZnO wurtzite unit cell. Information on the state of manganese atom in the Mn{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Omore » nanostructures formed was obtained from X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and electron energy loss (EELS) spectroscopies. XPS and EELS spectra are composed of four peaks, corresponding to two species of Mn(II) and signals from Mn(III) and Mn(IV). Such spectral data on the state of Mn in the material studied is consistent with the mapping of Mn distribution observed in recorded transmission electron microscopy images, which reveal presence of clusters of Mn atoms. Only a fraction of doping Mn atoms were found forming a solid solution with the host ZnO structure. The functionalization of the nanoparticles system with Isonipecotic acid shows that this molecule remains anchored to the nanoparticles surface mainly through its N basic site. The availability of free carboxylate groups in the capping molecule was tested by conjugation to type IV horseradish peroxidase. - Graphical abstract: State of Mn atoms in Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures prepared by the precipitation method, their capping with isonipecotic acid and subsequent conjugation to peroxidase. - Highlights: • State of manganese in manganese-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles. • Isonipecotic acid as surface modifier of ZnO nanoparticles. • Peroxidase conjugation to ZnO nanoparticles modified with isonipecotic acid.« less

  15. Choice of precipitant and calcination temperature of precursor for synthesis of NiCo2O4 for control of CO-CH4 emissions from CNG vehicles.

    PubMed

    Trivedi, Suverna; Prasad, Ram

    2018-03-01

    Compressed natural gas (CNG) is most appropriate an alternative of conventional fuel for automobiles. However, emissions of carbon-monoxide and methane from such vehicles adversely affect human health and environment. Consequently, to abate emissions from CNG vehicles, development of highly efficient and inexpensive catalysts is necessary. Thus, the present work attempts to scan the effects of precipitants (Na 2 CO 3 , KOH and urea) for nickel cobaltite (NiCo 2 O 4 ) catalysts prepared by co-precipitation from nitrate solutions and calcined in a lean CO-air mixture at 400°C. The catalysts were used for oxidation of a mixture of CO and CH 4 (1:1). The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface-area, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; temperature programmed reduction and Scanning electron microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy. The Na 2 CO 3 was adjudged as the best precipitant for production of catalyst, which completely oxidized CO-CH 4 mixture at the lowest temperature (T 100 =350°C). Whereas, for catalyst prepared using urea, T 100 =362°C. On the other hand the conversion of CO-CH 4 mixture over the catalyst synthesized by KOH limited to 97% even beyond 400°C. Further, the effect of higher calcination temperatures of 500 and 600°C was examined for the best catalyst. The total oxidation of the mixture was attained at higher temperatures of 375 and 410°C over catalysts calcined at 500 and 600°C respectively. Thus, the best precipitant established was Na 2 CO 3 and the optimum calcination temperature of 400°C was found to synthesize the NiCo 2 O 4 catalyst for the best performance in CO-CH 4 oxidation. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  16. Magnetic force microscopy study of domain walls in Co{sub 2}Z ferrite

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

    Qin, Lang; Verweij, Henk, E-mail: verweij.1@osu.edu

    2014-03-01

    Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Hexaferrite Co{sub 2}Z is synthesized through the modified Pechini method. • Magnetic domains are observed in anisotropic Co{sub 2}Z single grain using MFM. • Observed single grain domain thickness is in good agreement with Dotsh model. - Abstract: Hexaferrite Co{sub 2}Z was synthesized through the modified Pechini method. Partially oriented samples were obtained after consolidation with uniaxial pressing and calcination/sintering at 1300 °C/1330 °C. The sample composition and morphology was identified with X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). MFM studies of the single grains revealed a domain structuremore » with 0.7 μm wide. The Co{sub 2}Z static magnetization was measured with a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and was used to calculate a single grain domain with a thickness of 4.8 μm. This result is in good agreement with SEM observations of the single grain thickness.« less

  17. Spent NiMH batteries-The role of selective precipitation in the recovery of valuable metals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bertuol, Daniel Assumpção; Bernardes, Andréa Moura; Tenório, Jorge Alberto Soares

    The production of electronic equipment, such as computers and cell phones, and, consequently, batteries, has increased dramatically. One of the types of batteries whose production and consumption has increased in recent times is the nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. This study evaluated a hydrometallurgical method of recovery of rare earths and a simple method to obtain a solution rich in Ni-Co from spent NiMH batteries. The active materials from both electrodes were manually removed from the accumulators and leached. Several acid and basic solutions for the recovery of rare earths were evaluated. Results showed that more than 98 wt.% of the rare earths were recovered as sulfate salts by dissolution with sulfuric acid, followed by selective precipitation at pH 1.2 using sodium hydroxide. The complete process, precipitation at pH 1.2 followed by precipitation at pH 7, removed about 100 wt.% of iron and 70 wt.% of zinc from the leaching solution. Results were similar to those found in studies that used solvent extraction. This method is easy, economic, and does not pose environmental threats of solvent extraction.

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

    Kooperman, Gabriel J.; Chen, Yang; Hoffman, Forrest M.

    Understanding how anthropogenic CO 2 emissions will influence future precipitation is critical for sustainably managing ecosystems, particularly for drought-sensitive tropical forests. Although tropical precipitation change remains uncertain, nearly all models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 predict a strengthening zonal precipitation asymmetry by 2100, with relative increases over Asian and African tropical forests and decreases over South American forests. Here we show that the plant physiological response to increasing CO 2 is a primary mechanism responsible for this pattern. Applying a simulation design in the Community Earth System Model in which CO 2 increases are isolated over individualmore » continents, we demonstrate that different circulation, moisture and stability changes arise over each continent due to declines in stomatal conductance and transpiration. The sum of local atmospheric responses over individual continents explains the pan-tropical precipitation asymmetry. Our analysis suggests that South American forests may be more vulnerable to rising CO 2 than Asian or African forests.« less

  19. Modelling the sensitivity of soil mercury storage to climate-induced changes in soil carbon pools

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hararuk, O.; Obrist, D.; Luo, Y.

    2013-04-01

    Substantial amounts of mercury (Hg) in the terrestrial environment reside in soils and are associated with soil organic carbon (C) pools, where they accumulated due to increased atmospheric deposition resulting from anthropogenic activities. The purpose of this study was to examine potential sensitivity of surface soil Hg pools to global change variables, particularly affected by predicted changes in soil C pools, in the contiguous US. To investigate, we included a soil Hg component in the Community Land Model based on empirical statistical relationships between soil Hg / C ratios and precipitation, latitude, and clay; and subsequently explored the sensitivity of soil C and soil Hg densities (i.e., areal-mass) to climate scenarios in which we altered annual precipitation, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and temperature. Our model simulations showed that current sequestration of Hg in the contiguous US accounted for 15 230 metric tons of Hg in the top 0-40 cm of soils, or for over 300 000 metric tons when extrapolated globally. In the simulations, US soil Hg pools were most sensitive to changes in precipitation because of strong effects on soil C pools, plus a direct effect of precipitation on soil Hg / C ratios. Soil Hg pools were predicted to increase beyond present-day values following an increase in precipitation amounts and decrease following a reduction in precipitation. We found pronounced regional differences in sensitivity of soil Hg to precipitation, which were particularly high along high-precipitation areas along the West and East Coasts. Modelled increases in CO2 concentrations to 700 ppm stimulated soil C and Hg accrual, while increased air temperatures had small negative effects on soil C and Hg densities. The combined effects of increased CO2, increased temperature and increased or decreased precipitation were strongly governed by precipitation and CO2 showing pronounced regional patterns. Based on these results, we conclude that the combination of precipitation and CO2 should be emphasised when assessing how climate-induced changes in soil C may affect sequestration of Hg in soils.

  20. Predicting mineral precipitation in fractures: The influence of local heterogeneity on the feedback between precipitation and permeability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jones, T.; Detwiler, R. L.

    2016-12-01

    Long-term subsurface energy production and contaminant storage strategies often rely on induced-mineralization to control the transport of dissolved ions. In low-permeability rocks, precipitation is most likely to occur in fractures that act as leakage pathways for fluids that are in chemical disequilibrium with the formation minerals. These fractures are commonly idealized as parallel-plate channels with uniform surface mineralogy, and as a result, our predictions often suggest that precipitation leads to fast permeability reduction. However, natural fractures contain both heterogeneous mineralogy and three-dimensional surface roughness, and our understanding of how precipitation affects local permeability in these environments is limited. To examine the impacts of local heterogeneity on the feedback between mineral precipitation and permeability, we performed two long-term experiments in transparent analog fractures: (i) uniform-aperture and (ii) variable-aperture. We controlled the initial heterogeneous surface mineralogy in both experiments by seeding the bottom borosilicate fracture surfaces with randomly distributed clusters of CaCO3 crystals. Continuous flow ISCO pumps injected a well-mixed CaCl2-NaHCO3 solution, log(ΩCaCO3) = 1.44, into the fracture at 0.5 ml/min and transmitted-light techniques provided high-resolution (83 x 83 µm), direct measurements of aperture and fluid transport across the fracture. In experiment (i), precipitation decreased local aperture at discrete CaCO3 reaction sites near the fracture inlet, but transport variations across the fracture remained relatively small due to the initial lack of aperture heterogeneity. In contrast, the feedback between precipitation and aperture in experiment (ii) focused flow into large-aperture, preferential flow paths that contained significantly less CaCO3 area than the fracture scale average. Precipitation-induced aperture reduction in (ii) reduced dissolved ion transport into small-aperture regions of the fracture that were abundant with CaCO3 and led to a 72% decrease in measured precipitation rate. These results suggest that incorporating the effects of local heterogeneity may dramatically improve our ability to predict precipitation-induced permeability alterations in fractured rocks.

  1. The Effect of fluid buoyancy and fracture orientation on CaCO3 Formation in a Fracture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Z.; Li, Q.; Sheets, J.; Kneafsey, T. J.; Jun, Y. S.; Cole, D. R.; Pyrak-Nolte, L. J.

    2016-12-01

    Sealing fractures through mineral precipitation is a potential way for improving caprock integrity in subsurface reservoirs. We investigated the effect of buoyancy and fracture orientation on the amount and spatial distribution of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitates in a fracture. To monitor mineral precipitation during reactive flow, transparent acrylic casts of an induced fracture in Austin chalk were used. To trigger CaCO3 precipitates, 1M CaCl2 with either 0.6M NaHCO3 solution (for surface adhering precipitation), or 0.3M Na2CO3 solution (for pore filling precipitation) were injected simultaneously into a saturated fracture. Experiments were performed with the fracture plane oriented either parallel or perpendicular to gravity. Acoustic wave transmission (compressional wave, 1 MHz) and optical imaging were used to monitor the sample prior to, during and after fluid injection. Complementary X-ray computed tomography was performed throughout the experiments on vertical fractures and post injection for the horizontal fractures. For the vertical fractures, the denser CaCl2 almost completely displaced the carbonate solution in the fracture and caused strong localization of the precipitates. The width of the precipitated region grew slowly over time. The horizontal fracture caused the less dense carbonate to flow over the CaCl2 solution thus resulting in more mixing and a more even distribution of precipitates throughout the fracture. The acoustic signatures depended on the type of precipitation that occurred. For pore filling experiments, the compressional wave amplitude increased by 5-20% and the velocity increased for both the vertical and horizontal fractures. However, the acoustic responses differed between the vertical and horizontal fractures for surface adhering experiments. Based on the acoustic response, surface adhering precipitation increased fracture specific stiffness more in the horizontal fracture than in the vertical fracture. The horizontal fracture enabled more mixing of the two solutions within the fracture than the vertical fracture. This work was supported by the Center for Nanoscale Controls on Geologic CO (NCGC), an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences under Award # DE-AC02-05CH11231

  2. Decadal and annual changes in biogenic opal and carbonate fluxes to the deep Sargasso Sea

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Deuser, W.G.; Jickells, T.D.; Commeau, Judith A.

    1995-01-01

    Analyses of samples from a 14-year series of sediment-trap deployments in the deep Sargasso Sea reveal a significant trend in the ratio of the sinking fluxes of biogenic calcium carbonate and silica. Although there are pronounced seasonal cycles for both flux components, the overall opal/CaCO3 ratio changed by 50% from 1978 to 1991 (largely due to a decrease of opal flux), while total flux had no significant trend. These results suggest that plankton communities respond rapidly to subtle climate change, such as is evident in regional variations of wind speed, precipitation, wintertime ventilation and midwater temperatures. If the trends we observe in the makeup of sinking particulate matter occur on a large scale, they may in turn modify climate by modulating ocean-atmosphere CO2 exchange and albedo over the ocean.

  3. Preparation of boron doped diamond modified by iridium for electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ichzan, A. M.; Gunlazuardi, J.; Ivandini, T. A.

    2017-04-01

    Electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) at iridium oxide-modified boron-doped diamond (IrOx-BDD) electrodes in aqueous electrolytes was studied by voltammetric method. The aim of this study was to find out the catalytic effect of IrOx to produce fine chemicals contained of two or more carbon atoms (for example acetic acid) in high percentage. Characterization using FE-SEM and XPS indicated that IrO2 can be deposited at BDD electrode, whereas characterization using cyclic voltammetry indicated that the electrode was applicable to be used as working electrode for CO2 electroreduction.

  4. Desalination and hydrogen, chlorine, and sodium hydroxide production via electrophoretic ion exchange and precipitation.

    PubMed

    Shkolnikov, Viktor; Bahga, Supreet S; Santiago, Juan G

    2012-08-28

    We demonstrate and analyze a novel desalination method which works by electrophoretically replacing sodium and chloride in feed salt water with a pair of ions, calcium and carbonate, that react and precipitate out. The resulting calcium carbonate precipitate is benign to health, and can be filtered or settled out, yielding low ionic strength product water. The ion exchange and precipitation employs self-sharpening interfaces induced by movement of multiple ions in an electric field to prevent contamination of the product water. Simultaneously, the electrolysis associated with the electromigration produces hydrogen gas, chlorine gas, and sodium hydroxide. We conducted an experimental study of this method's basic efficacy to desalinate salt water from 100 to 600 mol m(-3) sodium chloride. We also present physicochemical models of the process, and analyze replacement reagents consumption, permeate recovery ratio, and energy consumption. We hypothesize that the precipitate can be recycled back to replacement reagents using the well-known, commercially implemented Solvay process. We show that the method's permeate recovery ratio is 58% to 46%, which is on par with that of reverse osmosis. We show that the method's energy consumption requirement over and above that necessary to generate electrolysis is 3 to 10 W h l(-1), which is on par with the energy consumed by state-of-the-art desalination methods. Furthermore, the method operates at ambient temperature and pressure, and uses no specialized membranes. The process may be feasible as a part of a desalination-co-generation facility: generating fresh water, hydrogen and chlorine gas, and sodium hydroxide.

  5. Moderate solar geoengineering greatly reduces the largest changes in climate whilst modestly increasing the changes in climate over a small fraction of the Earth

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Irvine, P. J.; Keith, D.; He, J.; Vecchi, G.; Horowitz, L. W.

    2017-12-01

    Whilst solar geoengineering reduces global temperature it cannot perfectly offset the climate effects of elevated CO2 concentrations. Solar geoengineering has been shown to have a greater effect on the global hydrological cycle than CO2 and substantial differences in regional precipitation relative to a scenario without elevated CO2­ concentrations have been noted. In this study we evaluate a moderate scenario of solar geoengineering, one which offsets 50% of the forcing from elevated CO2 concentrations, using a 25 Km resolution global climate model and verify these results using the Geoengineering model Intercomparison project ensemble. We calculate the fraction of regions that would be better or worse off after solar geoengineering deployment, defining those which see greater absolute change as worse off and vice versa. We find that 51% of the land area would be statistically significantly better off for precipitation, 33% for Precipitation minus evaporation (P-E), and that less than 3% would be worse off for precipitation, and 1% for P-E. We find that the fraction of the land area experiencing the largest changes in climate, defined as the upper quartile of the CO2 minus control anomaly, is greatly reduced for precipitation, P-E and 5-day maximum precipitation, and eliminated for mean and max annual temperature. The regions which are made worse off in precipitation or P-E by solar geoengineering typically saw relatively little to no CO2 induced climate change and see relatively little to moderate change in the solar geoengineering scenario. There is little overlap between the regions made worse off in terms of precipitation and P-E. In fact, whilst precipitation is reduced in almost all regions made worse off by solar geoengineering, P-E is increased in the majority of regions made worse off. Overall, we find that for each variable considered solar geoengineering greatly reduces the fraction of the world experiencing relatively large change and that those regions made worse off by solar geoengineering are still, relatively speaking, much better off than those regions which fare badly under a climate change scenario.

  6. Carbon Dioxide Physiological Forcing Dominates Projected Eastern Amazonian Drying

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Richardson, T. B.; Forster, P. M.; Andrews, T.; Boucher, O.; Faluvegi, G.; Fläschner, D.; Kasoar, M.; Kirkevâg, A.; Lamarque, J.-F.; Myhre, G.; Olivié, D.; Samset, B. H.; Shawki, D.; Shindell, D.; Takemura, T.; Voulgarakis, A.

    2018-03-01

    Future projections of east Amazonian precipitation indicate drying, but they are uncertain and poorly understood. In this study we analyze the Amazonian precipitation response to individual atmospheric forcings using a number of global climate models. Black carbon is found to drive reduced precipitation over the Amazon due to temperature-driven circulation changes, but the magnitude is uncertain. CO2 drives reductions in precipitation concentrated in the east, mainly due to a robustly negative, but highly variable in magnitude, fast response. We find that the physiological effect of CO2 on plant stomata is the dominant driver of the fast response due to reduced latent heating and also contributes to the large model spread. Using a simple model, we show that CO2 physiological effects dominate future multimodel mean precipitation projections over the Amazon. However, in individual models temperature-driven changes can be large, but due to little agreement, they largely cancel out in the model mean.

  7. Development of spray-dried co-precipitate of amorphous celecoxib containing storage and compression stabilizers.

    PubMed

    Dhumal, Ravindra S; Shimpi, Shamkant L; Paradkar, Anant R

    2007-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to obtain an amorphous system with minimum unit operations that will prevent recrystallization of amorphous drugs since preparation, during processing (compression) and further storage. Amorphous celecoxib, solid dispersion (SD) of celecoxib with polyvinyl pyrrollidone (PVP) and co-precipitate with PVP and carrageenan (CAR) in different ratios were prepared by the spray drying technique and compressed into tablets. Saturation solubility and dissolution studies were performed to differentiate performance after processing. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder difraction revealed the amorphous form of celecoxib, whereas infrared spectroscopy revealed hydrogen bonding between celecoxib and PVP. The dissolution profile of the solid dispersion and co-precipitate improved compared to celecoxib and amorphous celecoxib. Amorphous celecoxib was not stable on storage whereas the solid dispersion and co-precipitate powders were stable for 3 months. Tablets of the solid dispersion of celecoxib with PVP and physical mixture with PVP and carrageenan showed better resistance to recrystallization than amorphous celecoxib during compression but recrystallized on storage. However, tablets of co-precipitate with PVP and carageenan showed no evidence of crystallinity during stability studies with comparable dissolution profiles. This extraordinary stability of spray-dried co-precipitate tablets may be attributed to the cushioning action provided by the viscoelastic polymer CAR and hydrogen bonding interaction between celecoxib and PVP. The present study demonstrates the synergistic effect of combining two types of stabilizers, PVP and CAR, on the stability of amorphous drug during compression and storage as compared to their effect when used alone.

  8. Efficient MgO-based mesoporous CO2 trapper and its performance at high temperature.

    PubMed

    Han, Kun Kun; Zhou, Yu; Chun, Yuan; Zhu, Jian Hua

    2012-02-15

    A novel MgO-based porous adsorbent has been synthesized in a facile co-precipitation method for the first time, in order to provide a candidate for trapping CO(2) in flue gas at high temperature. The resulting composite exhibits a mesoporous structure with a wide pore size distribution, due to the even dispersion and distribution of microcrystalline MgO in the framework of alumina to form a concrete-like structure. These sorbents can capture CO(2) at high temperature (150-400°C), possessing high reactivity and stability in cyclic adsorption-desorption processes, providing competitive candidates to control CO(2) emission. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

    PubMed Central

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

    2011-01-01

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

  10. Effects of thermal treatments on microstructure and mechanical properties of a Co-Cr-Mo-W biomedical alloy produced by laser sintering.

    PubMed

    Mengucci, P; Barucca, G; Gatto, A; Bassoli, E; Denti, L; Fiori, F; Girardin, E; Bastianoni, P; Rutkowski, B; Czyrska-Filemonowicz, A

    2016-07-01

    Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology based on a layer by layer production process was used to produce a Co-Cr-Mo-W alloy specifically developed for biomedical applications. The alloy mechanical response and microstructure were investigated in the as-sintered state and after post-production thermal treatments. Roughness and hardness measurements, and tensile and flexural tests were performed to study the mechanical response of the alloy while X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (SEM, TEM, STEM) techniques and microanalysis (EDX) were used to investigate the microstructure in different conditions. Results showed an intricate network of ε-Co (hcp) lamellae in the γ-Co (fcc) matrix responsible of the high UTS and hardness values in the as-sintered state. Thermal treatments increase volume fraction of the ε-Co (hcp) martensite but slightly modify the average size of the lamellar structure. Nevertheless, thermal treatments are capable of producing a sensible increase in UTS and hardness and a strong reduction in ductility. These latter effects were mainly attributed to the massive precipitation of an hcp Co3(Mo,W)2Si phase and the contemporary formation of Si-rich inclusions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Methods for estimating litter decomposition. Chapter 8

    Treesearch

    Noah J. Karberg; Neal A. Scott; Christian P. Giardina

    2008-01-01

    Litterfall in terrestrial ecosystems represents the primary pathway for nutrient return to soil. Heterotrophic metabolism, facilitated through comminution by small insects and leaching during precipitation events, results in the release of plant litter carbon as CO2 into the atmosphere. The balance between litter inputs and heterotrophic litter...

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

    Neelgund, Gururaj M.; Oki, Aderemi, E-mail: aroki@pvamu.edu; Luo, Zhiping

    Graphical abstract: A facile chemical precipitation method is reported for effective in situ deposition of hydroxyapatite on graphene nanosheets. Prior to grafting of hydroxyapatite, chemically modified graphene nanosheets were obtained by the reduction of graphene oxide in presence of ethylenediamine. Display Omitted Highlights: ► It is a facile and effective method for deposition of HA on GR nanosheets. ► It avoids the use of harmful reducing agents like hydrazine, NaBH{sub 4} etc. ► GR nanosheets were produced using bio-compatible, ethylenediamine. ► The graphitic structure of synthesized GR nanosheets was high ordered. ► The ratio of Ca to P in HAmore » was 1.64, which is close to ratio in natural bone. -- Abstract: Graphene nanosheets were effectively functionalized by in situ deposition of hydroxyapatite through a facile chemical precipitation method. Prior to grafting of hydroxyapatite, chemically modified graphene nanosheets were obtained by the reduction of graphene oxide in presence of ethylenediamine. The resulting hydroxyapatite functionalized graphene nanosheets were characterized by attenuated total reflection IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. These characterization techniques revealed the successful grafting of hydroxyapatite over well exfoliated graphene nanosheets without destroying their structure.« less

  13. Effect of Extraction Method on the Oxidative Stability of Camelina Seed Oil Studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry.

    PubMed

    Belayneh, Henok D; Wehling, Randy L; Cahoon, Edgar B; Ciftci, Ozan N

    2017-03-01

    Camelina seed is a new alternative omega-3 source attracting growing interest. However, it is susceptible to oxidation due to its high omega-3 content. The objective of this study was to improve the oxidative stability of the camelina seed oil at the extraction stage in order to eliminate or minimize the use of additive antioxidants. Camelina seed oil extracts were enriched in terms of natural antioxidants using ethanol-modified supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO 2 ) extraction. Oxidative stability of the camelina seed oils extracted by ethanol modified SC-CO 2 was studied by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and compared with cold press, hexane, and SC-CO 2 methods. Nonisothermal oxidation kinetics of the oils obtained by different extraction methods were studied by DSC at varying heating rates (2.5, 5, 10, and 15 °C/min). Increasing ethanol level in the ethanol-modified SC-CO 2 increased the oxidative stability. Based on oxidation onset temperatures (T on ), SC-CO 2 containing 10% ethanol yielded the most stable oil. Oxidative stability depended on the type and content of the polar fractions, namely, phenolic compounds and phospholipids. Phenolic compounds acted as natural antioxidants, whereas increased phospholipid contents decreased the stability. Study has shown that the oxidative stability of the oils can be improved at the extraction stage and this may eliminate the need for additive antioxidants. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

  14. Preparation and characterization of zinc and copper co-doped WO3 nanoparticles: Application in photocatalysis and photobiology.

    PubMed

    Mohammadi, Sanaz; Sohrabi, Maryam; Golikand, Ahmad Nozad; Fakhri, Ali

    2016-08-01

    In this study, pure, Zn, Cu, Zn,Cu co-doped WO3 nanoparticles samples were prepared by precipitation and co-precipitation methods. These nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The synthesized pure, Zn, Cu, Zn,Cu co-doped WO3 nanoparticles have smart optical properties and average sizes with 3.2, 3.12, 3.08 and 2.97eV of band-gap, 18.1, 23.2, 25.7 and 30.2nm, respectively. Photocatalytic activity of four nanoparticles was studying towards degradation of gentamicin antibiotic under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. The result showed that Zn,Cu co-doped WO3 possessed high photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity of WO3 nanoparticles could be remarkably increased by doping the Zn and Cu impurity. This can be attributed to the fact that the red shift of absorption edge and the trapping effect of the mono and co-doped WO3 nanoparticles. The research result presents a general and effective way to prepare different photocatalysts with enhanced visible and UV light-driven photocatalytic performance. Antibacterial activity of four different WO3 nanoparticles against Escherichia coli bacterium has been assessed by the agar disc method under light irradiation and dark medium. It is concluded from the present findings that WO3 nanoparticles can be used as an efficient antibacterial agent. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Electrochemical performance of Li[Ni0.7Co0.1Mn0.2]O2 cathode materials using a co-precipitation method.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jeong-Min; Jin, Bong-Soo; Koo, Hoe-Jin; Choi, Jae-Man; Kim, Hyun-Soo

    2013-05-01

    The Li[Ni0.7Co0.1Mn0.2]O2 cathode material synthesized using a co-precipitation method was investigated as a function of various pH level in terms of its microstructure and electrochemical properties. From the XRD pattern analysis, the Li[Ni0.7Co0.1Mn0.2]O2 cathode material prepared in this study are found to well coincide with typically hexagonal alpha-NaFeO2 structure. The primary particle size was about 100-300 nm at all compositions while secondary particle size increased as pH level increased from 10.34 microm (pH 10.3) to 14 microm (pH 12.5). The initial discharge capacity increased up to 165 mAh/g (0.1 C) at pH 11, and then decreased down to 144 mAh/g with further increasing pH level. The capacity retention of the cathode (pH 11) showed 90% at 0.2 C and 15% at 5 C respectively compared with the discharge capacity at 0.1 C. The capacity retention of the cathode (pH 10.3) performed 94% of the initial capacity after 22 cycles at 0.5 C charge/discharge test. Therefore, it is thought to be that pH 10.3 is optimized condition of the Li[Ni0.7Co0.1Mn0.2]O2 cathode material in this study because pH 10.3 shows better cycle performance than other conditions.

  16. Comparison of conventional and bio-treated methods as dust suppressants.

    PubMed

    Naeimi, Maryam; Chu, Jian

    2017-10-01

    Dust is an environmental, geotechnical, health, and economical hazard. Fugitive dust emanating along transportation systems such as roads, railways, and airports especially can have significant impacts on health, safety, material loss, cost of maintenance, and interfere with the facilities. Quantitative studies on the effectiveness of the proper dust palliatives and their environmental impact have been studied with a number of biological and chemical methods. The objective of this study was to establish a method for using the microbial Induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) approach to reduce the percent of mass loss against erosive force of wind regarding to the concentration and characteristics of aggregate used, climate, and traffic amounts. The results of this study showed that the required precipitation for dust control of sand by 70% is less than 15 g CaCO 3 /m 2 between sand grains in bio-treated sand. The wind tunnel test results of this study also indicate that the effectiveness of the bio-treatment method for dust control depends on many variables, such as the percent of precipitated calcium carbonate and tensile strength.

  17. CO 2 Absorption and Magnesium Carbonate Precipitation in MgCl 2–NH 3–NH 4Cl Solutions: Implications for Carbon Capture and Storage

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

    Zhu, Chen; Wang, Han; Li, Gen

    CO 2 absorption and carbonate precipitation are the two core processes controlling the reaction rate and path of CO 2 mineral sequestration. Whereas previous studies have focused on testing reactive crystallization and precipitation kinetics, much less attention has been paid to absorption, the key process determining the removal efficiency of CO 2. In this study, adopting a novel wetted wall column reactor, we systematically explore the rates and mechanisms of carbon transformation from CO 2 gas to carbonates in MgCl 2–NH 3–NH 4Cl solutions. We find that reactive diffusion in liquid film of the wetted wall column is the rate-limitingmore » step of CO 2 absorption when proceeding chiefly through interactions between CO 2(aq) and NH 3(aq). We further quantified the reaction kinetic constant of the CO 2–NH 3 reaction. Our results indicate that higher initial concentration of NH 4Cl ( ≥2mol∙L -1) leads to the precipitation of roguinite [(NH 4) 2Mg(CO 3) 2∙4H 2O], while nesquehonite appears to be the dominant Mg-carbonate without NH 4Cl addition. We also noticed dypingite formation via phase transformation in hot water. This study provides new insight into the reaction kinetics of CO 2 mineral carbonation that indicates the potential of this technique for future application to industrial-scale CO 2 sequestration.« less

  18. CO 2 Absorption and Magnesium Carbonate Precipitation in MgCl 2–NH 3–NH 4Cl Solutions: Implications for Carbon Capture and Storage

    DOE PAGES

    Zhu, Chen; Wang, Han; Li, Gen; ...

    2017-09-19

    CO 2 absorption and carbonate precipitation are the two core processes controlling the reaction rate and path of CO 2 mineral sequestration. Whereas previous studies have focused on testing reactive crystallization and precipitation kinetics, much less attention has been paid to absorption, the key process determining the removal efficiency of CO 2. In this study, adopting a novel wetted wall column reactor, we systematically explore the rates and mechanisms of carbon transformation from CO 2 gas to carbonates in MgCl 2–NH 3–NH 4Cl solutions. We find that reactive diffusion in liquid film of the wetted wall column is the rate-limitingmore » step of CO 2 absorption when proceeding chiefly through interactions between CO 2(aq) and NH 3(aq). We further quantified the reaction kinetic constant of the CO 2–NH 3 reaction. Our results indicate that higher initial concentration of NH 4Cl ( ≥2mol∙L -1) leads to the precipitation of roguinite [(NH 4) 2Mg(CO 3) 2∙4H 2O], while nesquehonite appears to be the dominant Mg-carbonate without NH 4Cl addition. We also noticed dypingite formation via phase transformation in hot water. This study provides new insight into the reaction kinetics of CO 2 mineral carbonation that indicates the potential of this technique for future application to industrial-scale CO 2 sequestration.« less

  19. Free-standing ultrathin CoMn2O4 nanosheets anchored on reduced graphene oxide for high-performance supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Gao, Guoxin; Lu, Shiyao; Xiang, Yang; Dong, Bitao; Yan, Wei; Ding, Shujiang

    2015-11-21

    Ultrathin CoMn2O4 nanosheets supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are successfully synthesized through a simple co-precipitation method with a post-annealing treatment. With the assistance of citrate, the free-standing CoMn2O4 ultrathin nanosheets can form porous overlays on both sides of the rGO sheets. Such a novel hybrid nanostructure can effectively promote charge transport and accommodate volume variation upon prolonged charge/discharge cycling. When evaluated as a promising electrode for supercapacitors in a 6 M KOH solution electrolyte, the hybrid nanocomposites demonstrate highly enhanced capacitance and excellent cycling stability.

  20. Optimization principles for preparation methods and properties of fine ferrite materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Borisova, N. M.; Golubenko, Z. V.; Kuz'micheva, T. G.; Ol'khovik, L. P.; Shabatin, V. P.

    1992-08-01

    The paper is devoted to the problems of development of fine materials based on Ba-ferrite for vertical magnetic recording in particular. Taking an analogue — BaFe 12-2 xCo xTe xO 19 — we have optimized the melt co-precipitation method and shown a new opportunity to provide chemical homogeneity of microcrystallites by means of cryotechnology. Magnetic characteristics of the magnetic tape experimental sample for digital video recording are presented. A series of principles of consistent control of ferrite powder properties are formulated and illustrated with specific developments.

  1. Concepts for the development of nanoscale stable precipitation-strengthened steels manufactured by conventional methods

    DOE PAGES

    Yablinsky, C. A.; Tippey, K. E.; Vaynman, S.; ...

    2014-11-11

    In this study, the development of oxide dispersion strengthened ferrous alloys has shown that microstructures designed for excellent irradiation resistance and thermal stability ideally contain stable nanoscale precipitates and dislocation sinks. Based upon this understanding, the microstructures of conventionally manufactured ferritic and ferritic-martensitic steels can be designed to include controlled volume fractions of fine, stable precipitates and dislocation sinks via specific alloying and processing paths. The concepts proposed here are categorized as advanced high-Cr ferritic-martensitic (AHCr-FM) and novel tailored precipitate ferritic (TPF) steels, which have the potential to improve the in-reactor performance of conventionally manufactured alloys. AHCr-FM steels have modifiedmore » alloy content relative to current reactor materials (such as alloy NF616/P92) to maximize desirable precipitates and control phase stability. TPF steels are designed to incorporate nickel aluminides, in addition to microalloy carbides, in a ferritic matrix to produce fine precipitate arrays with good thermal stability. Both alloying concepts may also benefit from thermomechanical processing to establish dislocation sinks and modify phase transformation behaviors. Alloying and processing paths toward designed microstructures are discussed for both AHCr-FM and TPF material classes.« less

  2. γ' Precipitation Study of a Co-Ni-Based Alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Locq, D.; Martin, M.; Ramusat, C.; Fossard, F.; Perrut, M.

    2018-05-01

    A Co-Ni-based alloy strengthened by γ'-(L12) precipitates was utilized to investigate the precipitation evolution after various cooling rates and several aging conditions. In this study, the precipitate size and volume fraction have been studied via scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The influence of the precipitation evolution was measured via microhardness tests. The cooling rate study shows a more sluggish γ' precipitation reaction compared to that observed in a Ni-based superalloy. Following a rapid cooling rate, the application of appropriate double aging treatments allows for the increase of the γ' volume fraction as well as the control of the size and distribution of the precipitates. The highest hardness values reach those measured on supersolvus cast and wrought Ni-based superalloys. The observed γ' precipitation behavior should have implications for the production, the heat treatment, the welding, or the additive manufacturing of this new class of high-temperature materials.

  3. Fabrication of nano-Fe3O4 3D structure on carbon fibers as a microwave absorber and EMI shielding composite by modified EPD method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gholampoor, Mahdi; Movassagh-Alanagh, Farid; Salimkhani, Hamed

    2017-02-01

    Recently, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials have absorbed a lot of attention due to a growing need for application in the area of electronic and wireless devices. In this study, a carbon-based EMI shielding composite was fabricated by electrophoretic deposition of Fe3O4 nano-particles on carbon fibers (CFs) as a 3D structure incorporated with an epoxy resin. Co-precipitation method was employed to synthesize Fe3O4 nano-particles. This as-synthesized Fe3O4 nano-powder was then successfully deposited on CFs using a modified multi-step electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method. The results of structural studies showed that the Fe3O4 nano-particles (25 nm) were successfully and uniformly deposited on CFs. The measured magnetic properties of as-synthesized Fe3O4 nano-powder and nano-Fe3O4/CFs composite showed that the saturation magnetization of bare Fe3O4 was decreased from Ms = 72.3 emu/g to Ms = 33.1 emu/g for nano-Fe3O4/CFs composite and also corecivity of Fe3O4 was increased from Hc = 4.9 Oe to Hc = 168 Oe for composite. The results of microwave absorption tests revealed that the reflection loss (RL) of an epoxy-based nano-Fe3O4/CFs composite are significantly influenced by layer thickness. The maximum RL value of -10.21 dB at 10.12 GHz with an effective absorption bandwidth about 2 GHz was obtained for the sample with the thickness of 2 mm. It also exhibited an EMI shielding performance of -23 dB for whole the frequency range of 8.2-12.4 GHz.

  4. Effects of Gd-Substitutions on the Microstructure, Electrical and Electromagnetic Behavior of M-Type Hexagonal Ferrites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ahmad, Ishtiaq; Ahmad, Mahmood; Ali, Ihsan; Kanwal, M.; Awan, M. S.; Mustafa, Ghulam; Ahmad, Mukhtar

    2015-07-01

    A series of Gd-substituted Ba-Co-based (M-type) hexaferrites having the chemical compositions of Ba0.5Co0.5Gd x Fe12- x O19 ( x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) were prepared by co-precipitation method. The pellets formed by co-precipitated powder were calcined at a temperature of 1200°C for 20 h. Final sintering was done at 1320°C for 4 h. From the x-ray diffraction analysis, it was revealed that all the samples showed M-type hexagonal structure as a major phase. The scanning electron microscope was used to examine the morphology of the sintered ferrites. The average grain size estimated by the line intercept method was found to be in the range of 2.8-1.0 μm. The room temperature DC resistivity increases with increasing Gd-contents to make these ferrites useful for high frequency applications and microwave devices. Lower values of coercivity ( H c) and higher saturation magnetization ( M s) may be suitable to enhance the permeability of these ferrites, which is favorable for impedance matching in microwave absorption. In addition, reflection coefficients for a sample was also measured from a frequency of 1 MHz to 3 GHz and a reflection peak was observed at about 2.2 GHz.

  5. A novel in chemico method to detect skin sensitizers in highly diluted reaction conditions.

    PubMed

    Yamamoto, Yusuke; Tahara, Haruna; Usami, Ryota; Kasahara, Toshihiko; Jimbo, Yoshihiro; Hioki, Takanori; Fujita, Masaharu

    2015-11-01

    The direct peptide reactivity assay (DPRA) is a simple and versatile alternative method for the evaluation of skin sensitization that involves the reaction of test chemicals with two peptides. However, this method requires concentrated solutions of test chemicals, and hydrophobic substances may not dissolve at the concentrations required. Furthermore, hydrophobic test chemicals may precipitate when added to the reaction solution. We previously established a high-sensitivity method, the amino acid derivative reactivity assay (ADRA). This method uses novel cysteine (NAC) and novel lysine derivatives (NAL), which were synthesized by introducing a naphthalene ring to the amine group of cysteine and lysine residues. In this study, we modified the ADRA method by reducing the concentration of the test chemicals 100-fold. We investigated the accuracy of skin sensitization predictions made using the modified method, which was designated the ADRA-dilutional method (ADRA-DM). The predictive accuracy of the ADRA-DM for skin sensitization was 90% for 82 test chemicals which were also evaluated via the ADRA, and the predictive accuracy in the ADRA-DM was higher than that in the ADRA and DPRA. Furthermore, no precipitation of test compounds was observed at the initiation of the ADRA-DM reaction. These results show that the ADRA-DM allowed the use of test chemicals at concentrations two orders of magnitude lower than that possible with the ADRA. In addition, ADRA-DM does not have the restrictions on test compound solubility that were a major problem with the DPRA. Therefore, the ADRA-DM is a versatile and useful method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  6. Evaluation of Technologies to Prevent Precipitation During Water Recovery from Urine

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Broyan, James L., Jr.; Pickering, Karen D.; Adam, Niklas M.; Mitchell, Julie L.; Anderson, Molly S.; Carter, Layne; Muirhead, Dean; Gazda, Daniel B.

    2011-01-01

    The International Space Station (ISS) Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) experienced a hardware failure in the Distillation Assembly (DA) in October 2010. Initially the UPA was operated to recover 85% of the water from urine through distillation, concentrating the contaminants in the remaining urine. The DA failed due to precipitation of calcium sulfate (gypsum) which caused a loss of UPA function. The ISS UPA operations have been modified to only recover 70% of the water minimizing gypsum precipitation risk but substantially increasing water resupply needs. This paper describes the feasibility assessment of several technologies (ion exchange, chelating agents, threshold inhibitors, and Lorentz devices) to prevent gypsum precipitation. The feasibility assessment includes the development of assessment methods, chemical modeling, bench top testing, and validation testing in a flight-like ground UPA unit. Ion exchange technology has been successfully demonstrated and has been recommended for further development. The incorporation of the selected technology will enable water recovery to be increased from 70% back to the original 85% and improve the ISS water balance.

  7. Long– and short-term precipitation effects on soil CO2 efflux and total belowground carbon allocation

    Treesearch

    Chelcy R. Ford; Jason McGee; Francesca Scandellari; Erik A. Hobbie; Robert J. Mitchell

    2012-01-01

    Soil CO2 efflux (Esoil), the main pathway of C movement from the biosphere to the atmosphere, is critical to the terrestrial C cycle but how precipitation and soil moisture influence Esoil remains poorly understood. Here, we irrigated a longleaf pine wiregrass savanna for six years; this increased soil moisture by 41.2%. We tested how an altered precipitation regime...

  8. The effect of CO2 at low temperature and pressure on solutions supersaturated with silica in the presence of limestone and dolomite

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Lovering, T.G.; Patten, L.E.

    1962-01-01

    The effect of 1 atm of CO2 over initially neutral solutions supersaturated with silica, at room temperature, as contrasted with 1 atm of air was determined over a period of 5 months, together with changes brought about by the introduction of calcite and dolomite to these solutions in the form of either chips or finely ground powder. In the absence of CO2 all solutions quickly reached equilibrium and no silica precipitated. In the presence of CO2 approximately two-thirds of the silica precipitated as silica gel within the first 2 months; the amount of silica precipitated was not affected by the presence of limestone or dolomite. Silica gel precipitated as a fine powder in the presence of finely ground calcite and dolomite, but as a cloudy gelatinous mass in the presence of coarse chips of dolomite and calcite, and in the absence of either calcite or dolomite. Preferential leaching of calcium from dolomite took place, both in the presence of air and in the presence of CO2, but was more pronounced in the presence of air. There was no evidence of physical replacement of either limestone or dolomite by precipitated silica. ?? 1962.

  9. Assessing potential impacts of phosphate precipitation on nitrous oxide emissions and the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants.

    PubMed

    Kosse, Pascal; Lübken, Manfred; Schmidt, Torsten C; Lange, Ruben-Laurids; Wichern, Marc

    2018-02-15

    Metal salts are widely used for the precipitation of phosphorus during wastewater treatment transforming soluble orthophosphate to an insoluble salt. In practice, more complex reactions are taking place including a reduction of the chemical solubility of dissolved greenhouse gases, such as nitrous oxide, present in the wastewater stream. In this respect, it was postulated that phosphorous precipitation will lead to artificial N 2 O stripping and hence to an increased carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants. From lab-scale experiments utilizing N 2 O-saturated synthetic sewage solutions, it was evidenced that metal salt addition leads to N 2 O stripping with 20.8 g N 2 O per liter for a FeCl 2 -based precipitant to 26.4 g N 2 O per liter for a Al n (OH) m Cl3 n-m -based precipitant. Taking this maximum potential stripping effect into account for a carbon footprint analysis, a potential contribution of 16.11 kg CO 2,eq ·PE -1 ·a -1 was calculated in a case study, where FeCl 3 was considered. With respect to the defined system boundary conditions, the overall on-site and off-site CO 2 emissions were raised by 34% from 46.87 kg CO 2,eq ·PE -1 ·a -1 to 62.97 kg CO 2,eq ·PE -1 ·a -1 through CO 2,eq coming from phosphorous precipitation.

  10. An improved CeO2 method for high-precision measurements of 17O/16O ratios for atmospheric carbon dioxide.

    PubMed

    Mahata, Sasadhar; Bhattacharya, Sourandra K; Wang, Chung-Ho; Liang, Mao-Chang

    2012-09-15

    The oxygen isotopic composition of carbon dioxide originating at the Earth's surface is modified in the stratosphere by interaction with ozone which has anomalous oxygen isotope ratio (Δ(17)O = 1000 * ln(1 + δ(17)O/1000) - 0.522 * 1000 * ln (1 + δ(18)O/1000) >0). The inherited anomaly provides a powerful tracer for studying biogeochemical cycles involving CO(2). However, the existing methods are either too imprecise or have difficulty in determining the small Δ(17)O variations found in the tropospheric CO(2). In this study an earlier published CeO(2) and CO(2) exchange method has been modified and improved for measuring the Δ(17)O values of atmospheric carbon dioxide with high precision. The CO(2) fraction from air samples was separated by cryogenic means and purified using gas chromatography. This CO(2) was first analyzed in an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, then artificially equilibrated with hot CeO(2) to alter its oxygen isotopes mass-dependently and re-analyzed. From these data the (17)O/(16)O and (18)O/(16)O ratios were calculated and the Δ(17)O value was determined. The validity of the method was established in several tests by using artificially prepared CO(2) with zero and non-zero Δ(17)O values. The published value of the CO(2)-H(2) O equilibrium slope was also reproduced. The CO(2)-CeO(2) equilibration method has been improved to measure the oxygen isotope anomaly (Δ(17)O value) of atmospheric CO(2) with an analytical precision of ±0.12‰ (2σ). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  11. Purification and biochemical characterization of polygalacturonase produced by Penicillium expansum during postharvest decay of ‘Anjou’ pear

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    A polygalacturonase (PG) was extracted and purified from decayed tissue of ‘Anjou’ pear fruit inoculated with Penicillium expansum. Ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration and cation exchange chromatography were used to purify the enzyme. Both chromatographic methods revealed a single peak co...

  12. Study of lithium extraction from brine water, Bledug Kuwu, Indonesia by the precipitation series of oxalic acid and carbonate sodium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sulistiyono, Eko; Lalasari, Latifa Hanum; Mayangsari, W.; Prasetyo, A. B.

    2018-05-01

    Lithium is one of the key elements in the development of batteries for electric car applications. Currently, the resources of the world's lithium are derived from brine water and lithium mineral based on spodumene rock. Indonesia which is located in the area of the ring of fire, has potential brine water resources in some area, such as brine water from Bledug Kuwu, Central Java that used in this research. The purposes of this research are to characterize brine water, Bledug Kuwu and to investigate the influence of chemical solvents on Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, B ion precipitation from brine water. This research was done with 2 times the process of chemical precipitation that runs series as follows: 5 liters of brine water were chemically precipitated using 400 ml of 12.43 N oxalic acid and followed by chemical precipitation using 400 mL of 7.07 N sodium carbonate solutions. Evaporation and filtration processes were also done twice in an effort to separate white precipitate and filtrate. The filtrate was analyzed by ICP-OES and white precipitates (salts) were analyzed by SEM, XRD, and XRF. The result shows that oxalate precipitation process extracted 32.24% Al, 23.42% B, 22.43% Ca, 14.26% Fe, 3.21 % K, 9.86% Na and 14.26% Li, the following process by carbonate precipitation process extracted 98.86% Mg, 73% Ca, 22.53% Li, 82.04% Al, 14.38% B, 12.50% K, 2.27% Na. There is 63.21% lithium is not extracted from the series process. The SEM analysis shows that the structure of granules on the precipitated salts by oxalic acid form gentle cubic-shaped solid. In the other hand, oxalate precipitation followed by sodium carbonate has various particle sizes and the shape of crystals is fragments, prism and cube look like magnesium carbonate, calcium chloride, and calcite's crystal respectively. This is in accordance with XRD analysis that phases of whewellite (CaC2O4.H2O), disodium oxalate (Na2C2O4), magnesite (MgCO3), calcium lithium aluminum (Al1.19 Ca1Li0.81), dolomite (CaCO3.MgCO3) appear in salt precipitated by oxalic acid. For salt precipitated by oxalic acid and sodium carbonate look peaks of dolomite and calcite (CaCO3) as main components. Lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) also are described with high peak intensity in this precipitation. A series of precipitation process shows that lithium is precipitated together with calcium, aluminum, and carbonate.

  13. Biosurfactant assisted synthesis of Fe3O4@rhamnolipid@BiOBr and its behaviour in plasma discharge system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Li; Yu, Zebin; Hou, Yanping; Peng, Zhenbo; Zhang, Li; Meng, Zhengcheng; Li, Fengyuan; He, Jun; Huang, Junlin

    2016-06-01

    A novel Fe3O4@rhamnolipid@BiOBr (FRB) was synthesized via a modified precipitation method and applied in the plasma discharge system. Rhamnolipid was used as biosurfactant to modify Fe3O4 by interacting with Fe3O4 via its aliphatic chain. The results show that the prepared FRB magnetic photocatalyst exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity and Fenton reaction behavior in the plasma discharge system. Meanwhile, the addition of FRB could improve energy efficiency of defluorination by 21.29 mg kW-1 h-1.

  14. Process parameters and morphology in puerarin, phospholipids and their complex microparticles generation by supercritical antisolvent precipitation.

    PubMed

    Li, Ying; Yang, Da-Jian; Chen, Shi-Lin; Chen, Si-Bao; Chan, Albert Sun-Chi

    2008-07-09

    The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a new method for the production of puerarin phospholipids complex (PPC) microparticles. The advanced particle formation method, solution enhanced dispersion by supercritical fluids (SEDS), was used for the preparation of puerarin (Pur), phospholipids (PC) and their complex particles for the first time. Evaluation of the processing variables on PPC particle characteristics was also conducted. The processing variables included temperature, pressure, solution concentration, the flow rate of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and the relative flow rate of drug solution to CO2. The morphology, particle size and size distribution of the particles were determined. Meanwhile Pur and phospholipids were separately prepared by gas antisolvent precipitation (GAS) method and solid characterization of particles by the two supercritical methods was also compared. Pur formed by GAS was more orderly, purer crystal, whereas amorphous Pur particles between 0.5 and 1microm were formed by SEDS. The complex was successfully obtained by SEDS exhibiting amorphous, partially agglomerated spheres comprised of particles sized only about 1microm. SEDS method may be useful for the processing of other pharmaceutical preparations besides phospholipids complex particles. Furthermore adopting a GAS process to recrystallize pharmaceuticals will provide a highly versatile methodology to generate new polymorphs of drugs in addition to conventional techniques.

  15. Water and nitrogen availability co-control ecosystem CO2 exchange in a semiarid temperate steppe.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaolin; Tan, Yulian; Li, Ang; Ren, Tingting; Chen, Shiping; Wang, Lixin; Huang, Jianhui

    2015-10-23

    Both water and nitrogen (N) availability have significant effects on ecosystem CO2 exchange (ECE), which includes net ecosystem productivity (NEP), ecosystem respiration (ER) and gross ecosystem photosynthesis (GEP). How water and N availability influence ECE in arid and semiarid grasslands is still uncertain. A manipulative experiment with additions of rainfall, snow and N was conducted to test their effects on ECE in a semiarid temperate steppe of northern China for three consecutive years with contrasting natural precipitation. ECE increased with annual precipitation but approached peak values at different precipitation amount. Water addition, especially summer water addition, had significantly positive effects on ECE in years when the natural precipitation was normal or below normal, but showed trivial effect on GEP when the natural precipitation was above normal as effects on ER and NEP offset one another. Nitrogen addition exerted non-significant or negative effects on ECE when precipitation was low but switched to a positive effect when precipitation was high, indicating N effect triggered by water availability. Our results indicate that both water and N availability control ECE and the effects of future precipitation changes and increasing N deposition will depend on how they can change collaboratively in this semiarid steppe ecosystem.

  16. Potential for U sequestration with select minerals and sediments via base treatment.

    PubMed

    Emerson, Hilary P; Di Pietro, Silvina; Katsenovich, Yelena; Szecsody, Jim

    2018-06-13

    Temporary base treatment is a potential remediation technique for heavy metals through adsorption, precipitation, and co-precipitation with minerals. Manipulation of pH with ammonia gas injection may be especially useful for vadose zone environments as it does not require addition of liquids that would increase the flux towards groundwater. In this research, we conducted laboratory batch experiments to evaluate the changes in uranium mobility and mineral dissolution with base treatments including sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, and ammonia gas. Our data show that partitioning of uranium to the solid phase increases by several orders of magnitude following base treatment in the presence of different minerals and natural sediments from the Hanford site. The presence of dissolved calcium and carbonate play an important role in precipitation and co-precipitation of uranium at elevated pH. In addition, significant incongruent dissolution of bulk mineral phases occurs and likely leads to precipitation of secondary mineral phases. These secondary phases may remove uranium via adsorption, precipitation, and co-precipitation processes and may coat uranium phases with low solubility minerals as the pH returns to natural conditions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Developing precipitation hardenable high entropy alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gwalani, Bharat

    High entropy alloys (HEAs) is a concept wherein alloys are constructed with five or more elements mixed in equal proportions; these are also known as multi-principle elements (MPEs) or complex concentrated alloys (CCAs). This PhD thesis dissertation presents research conducted to develop precipitation-hardenable high entropy alloys using a much-studied fcc-based equi-atomic quaternary alloy (CoCrFeNi). Minor additions of aluminium make the alloy amenable for precipitating ordered intermetallic phases in an fcc matrix. Aluminum also affects grain growth kinetics and Hall-Petch hardenability. The use of a combinatorial approach for assessing composition-microstructure-property relationships in high entropy alloys, or more broadly in complex concentrated alloys; using laser deposited compositionally graded AlxCrCuFeNi 2 (0 < x < 1.5) complex concentrated alloys as a candidate system. The composition gradient has been achieved from CrCuFeNi2 to Al 1.5CrCuFeNi2 over a length of ˜25 mm, deposited using the laser engineered net shaping process from a blend of elemental powders. With increasing Al content, there was a gradual change from an fcc-based microstructure (including the ordered L12 phase) to a bcc-based microstructure (including the ordered B2 phase), accompanied with a progressive increase in microhardness. Based on this combinatorial assessment, two promising fcc-based precipitation strengthened systems have been identified; Al0.3CuCrFeNi2 and Al0.3CoCrFeNi, and both compositions were subsequently thermo-mechanically processed via conventional techniques. The phase stability and mechanical properties of these alloys have been investigated and will be presented. Additionally, the activation energy for grain growth as a function of Al content in these complex alloys has also been investigated. Change in fcc grain growth kinetic was studied as a function of aluminum; the apparent activation energy for grain growth increases by about three times going from Al0.1CoCrFeNi (3% Al (at%)) to Al0.3CoCrFeNi. (7% Al (at%)). Furthermore, Al addition leads to the precipitation of highly refined ordered L12 (gamma') and B2 precipitates in Al0.3CoCrFeNi. A detailed investigation of precipitation of the ordered phases in Al0.3CoCrFeNi and their thermal stability is done using atom probe tomography (APT), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Synchrotron X-ray in situ and ex situ analyses. The alloy strengthened via grain boundary strengthening following the Hall-Petch relationship offers a large increment of strength with small variation in grain size. Tensile strength of the Al0.3CoFeNi is increased by 50% on precipitation fine-scale gamma' precipitates. Furthermore, precipitation of bcc based ordered phase B2 in Al0.3CoCrFeNi can further strengthen the alloy. Fine-tuning the microstructure by thermo-mechanical treatments achieved a wide range of mechanical properties in the same alloy. The Al0.3CoCrFeNi HEA exhibited ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of ˜250 MPa and ductility of ˜65%; a UTS of ˜1100 MPa and ductility of ˜30%; and a UTS of 1850 MPa and a ductility of 5% after various thermo-mechanical treatments. Grain sizes, precipitates type and size scales manipulated in the alloy result in different strength ductility combinations. Henceforth, the alloy presents a fertile ground for development by grain boundary strengthening and precipitation strengthening, and offers very high activation energy of grain growth aptly suitable for high-temperature applications.

  18. Electrode Modification and Optimization in Air-Cathode Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yanhua; Wu, Jiayan; Yang, Shengke; Li, Huihui; Li, Xiaoping

    2018-06-27

    Due to the known problems of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), such as low electricity generation performance and high cost of operation, we modified the electrode with graphene and polyaniline (PANI) is a single-chamber air-cathode MFC and then evaluated the effects of electrode modification on MFC electricity generation performance. Carbon cloth electrodes (unmodified, CC; graphene-modified, G/CC; and polyaniline-graphene-modified, PANI-G/CC) were prepared using the impregnation method. Sulfonated cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPcS) was then introduced as a cathode catalyst. The Co-PANI-G/CC cathode showed higher catalytic activity toward oxygen reduction compared with other electrodes. The maximum power density of the MFC with Co-PANI-G/CC cathode was 32.2 mW/m², which was 1.8 and 6.1 times higher than the value obtained with Co-G/CC and Co/CC cathodes, respectively. This indicates a significant improvement in the electricity generation of single-chamber MFCs and provides a simple, effective cathode modification method. Furthermore, we constructed single-chamber MFCs using the modified anode and cathode and analyzed electricity generation and oxytetracycline (OTC) degradation with different concentrations of OTC as the fuel. With increasing added OTC concentration, the MFC performance in both electricity generation and OTC degradation gradually decreased. However, when less than 50 mg/L OTC was added, the 5-day degradation rate of OTC reached more than 90%. It is thus feasible to process OTC-containing wastewater and produce electricity using single-chamber MFCs, which provides a new concept for wastewater treatment.

  19. Improvement of sulfur resistance of Pd/Ce-Zr-Al-O catalysts for CO oxidation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shin, Haebin; Baek, Minsung; Ro, Youngsoo; Song, Changyeol; Lee, Kwan-Young; Song, In Kyu

    2018-01-01

    Two kinds of mesoporous ceria-zirconia-alumina supports were prepared by a single-step epoxide-driven sol-gel method (SGCZA) and by a co-precipitation method (PCZA). Palladium catalysts supported on these materials were then prepared by a wet impregnation method (Pd/SGCZA and Pd/PCZA). The prepared catalysts were applied to the CO oxidation reaction before and after sulfur aging. XRD and N2 adsorption-desorption analyses revealed that these two catalysts retained different physicochemical properties. Pd/SGCZA had higher surface area and larger pore volume than Pd/PCZA before and after sulfur aging. TPR (Temperature-programmed reduction), CO chemisorption, FT-IR, and XPS analyses showed that the catalysts were differently influenced by sulfur species. Pd/SGCZA formed less sulfate and retained higher palladium dispersion than Pd/PCZA after sulfur aging. In the CO oxidation, Pd/PCZA showed better activity than Pd/SGCZA before sulfur aging. However, Pd/SGCZA showed higher CO conversion than Pd/PCZA after sulfur aging. We concluded that Pd/SGCZA was less poisoned by sulfur species than Pd/PCZA.

  20. Climate reconstruction from pollen and δ13C records using inverse vegetation modeling - Implication for past and future climates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hatté, C.; Rousseau, D.-D.; Guiot, J.

    2009-04-01

    An improved inverse vegetation model has been designed to better specify both temperature and precipitation estimates from vegetation descriptions. It is based on the BIOME4 vegetation model and uses both vegetation δ13C and biome as constraints. Previous inverse models based on only one of the two proxies were already improvements over standard reconstruction methods such as the modern analog since these did not take into account some external forcings, for example CO2 concentration. This new approach makes it possible to describe a potential "isotopic niche" defined by analogy with the "climatic niche" theory. Boreal and temperate biomes simulated by BIOME4 are considered in this study. We demonstrate the impact of CO2 concentration on biome existence domains by replacing a "most likely biome" with another with increased CO2 concentration. Additionally, the climate imprint on δ13C between and within biomes is shown: the colder the biome, the lighter its potential isotopic niche; and the higher the precipitation, the lighter the δ13C. For paleoclimate purposes, previous inverse models based on either biome or δ13C did not allow informative paleoclimatic reconstructions of both precipitation and temperature. Application of the new approach to the Eemian of La Grande Pile palynological and geochemical records reduces the range in precipitation values by more than 50% reduces the range in temperatures by about 15% compared to previous inverse modeling approaches. This shows evidence of climate instabilities during Eemian period that can be correlated with independent continental and marine records.

  1. Climate reconstruction from pollen and δ13C using inverse vegetation modeling. Implication for past and future climates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hatté, C.; Rousseau, D.-D.; Guiot, J.

    2009-01-01

    An improved inverse vegetation model has been designed to better specify both temperature and precipitation estimates from vegetation descriptions. It is based on the BIOME4 vegetation model and uses both vegetation δ13C and biome as constraints. Previous inverse models based on only one of the two proxies were already improvements over standard reconstruction methods such as the modern analog since these did not take into account some external forcings, for example CO2 concentration. This new approach makes it possible to describe a potential "isotopic niche" defined by analogy with the "climatic niche" theory. Boreal and temperate biomes simulated by BIOME4 are considered in this study. We demonstrate the impact of CO2 concentration on biome existence domains by replacing a "most likely biome" with another with increased CO2 concentration. Additionally, the climate imprint on δ13C between and within biomes is shown: the colder the biome, the lighter its potential isotopic niche; and the higher the precipitation, the lighter the δ13C. For paleoclimate purposes, previous inverse models based on either biome or δ13C did not allow informative paleoclimatic reconstructions of both precipitation and temperature. Application of the new approach to the Eemian of La Grande Pile palynological and geochemical records reduces the range in precipitation values by more than 50% reduces the range in temperatures by about 15% compared to previous inverse modeling approaches. This shows evidence of climate instabilities during Eemian period that can be correlated with independent continental and marine records.

  2. Climatic response of annual tree-rings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ageev, Boris G.; Gruzdev, Aleksandr N.; Ponomarev, Yurii N.; Sapozhnikova, Valeria A.

    2014-11-01

    Extensive literature devoted to investigations into the influence of environmental conditions on the plant respiration and respiration rate. It is generally accepted that the respired CO2 generated in a stem completely diffuses into the atmosphere. Results obtained from explorations into the CO2 content in disc tree rings by the method proposed in this work shows that a major part of CO2 remains in tree stems and exhibits inter-annual variability. Different methods are used to describe of CO2 and H2O distributions in disc tree rings. The relation of CO2 and H2O variations in a Siberian stone pine disc to meteorological parameters are analyzed with use of wavelet, spectral and cross-spectral techniques. According to a multiple linear regression model, the time evolution of the width of Siberian stone pine rings can be partly explained by a combined influence of air temperature, precipitation, cloudiness and solar activity. Conclusions are made regarding the response of the CO2 and H2O content in coniferous tree disc rings to various climatic factors. Suggested method of CO2, (CO2+H2O) detection can be used for studying of a stem respiration in ecological risk areas.

  3. Effects of alloying and processing modifications on precipitation and strength in 9%Cr ferritic/martensitic steels for fast reactor cladding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tippey, Kristin E.

    P92 was modified with respect to alloying and processing in the attempt to enhance high-temperature microstructural stability and mechanical properties. Alloying effects were modeled in ThermoCalcRTM and analyzed with reference to literature. ThermoCalcRTM modeling was conducted to design two low-carbon P92-like low-carbon alloys with austenite stabilized by alternative alloying; full conversion to austenite allows for a fully martensitic structure. Goals included avoidance of Z-phase, decrease of M23C6 phase fraction and maintained or increased MX phase fraction. Fine carbonitride precipitation was optimized by selecting alloying compositions such that all V and Nb could be solutionized at temperatures outside the delta-ferrite phase field. A low-carbon alloy (LC) and a low-carbon-zero-niobium alloy (0Nb) were identified and fabricated. This low-carbon approach stems from the increased creep resistance reported in several low-carbon alloys, presumably from reduced M23C6 precipitation and maintained MX precipitation [1], although these low-carbon alloys also contained additional tungsten (W) and cobalt (Co) compared to the base P92 alloy. The synergistic effect of Co and W on the microstructure and mechanical properties are difficult to deconvolute. Higher solutionizing temperatures allow more V and Nb into solution and increase prior austenite grain size; however, at sufficiently high temperatures delta-ferrite forms. Optimal solutionizing temperatures to maximize V and Nb in solution, while avoiding the onset of the delta ferrite phase field, were analyzed in ThermoCalcRTM. Optical microscopy showed ThermoCalc RTM predicted higher delta-ferrite onset temperatures of 20 °C in P92 alloys to nearly 50 °C in the designed alloys of the critical temperature. Identifying the balance where maximum fine precipitation is achieved and delta-ferrite avoided is a key factor in the design of an acceptable P92-like alloy for Generation IV reactor cladding. Processing was further modified utilizing thermomechanical processing (TMP) simulations with the GleebleRTM 3500. Hardness increased substantially in thermomechanically processed alloys, with increased hardness strongly correlating to decreased TMP temperature. The most significant difference between low- and high-temperature thermomechanically processed specimens was an increase in crystallite size at the higher temperature. The fundamental reason for higher strength in the TMP conditions is higher dislocation density, as precipitate volume fraction was not specifically improved in TMP conditions. Thermal stability of the base P92 and of the experimental alloys was analyzed by aging the alloys for times ranging from 500 to 10,000 h at 550, 600, 650, and 700 °C. Results suggest the hardness and thermal stability of LC is greater than that of 0Nb at lower aging temperatures and shorter times, with 0Nb surpassing LC microhardness at 10,000 h at 650 °C and for most conditions aged at 700 °C. Small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) was conducted at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). Atom probe tomography (APT) and scanning transmission electron microscopy high-angle annular dark field (STEM-HAADF) in conjunction with EDS were used to elucidate x-ray findings. These microstructural characteristics were then correlated with mechanical properties, including Vickers microhardness testing, elevated-temperature tensile testing, and creep rupture testing. The designed alloys exhibited less stable microstructures leading to less favorable mechanical potencies, as compared to the base P92 alloy. It is posited that factors other than inclination towards MX over M23C6 precipitation are important in generating thermal stability and high-temperature strength, i.e. perhaps the solid solution or diffusion controlling effects of Co in the low-carbon variation of Taneike's alloys [1] delay martensite recovery. The refined thermal profiles, however, put both P92 and LC creep strengths beyond those found in literature.

  4. Structure and properties of hybrid biopolymer particles fabricated by co-precipitation cross-linking dissolution procedure.

    PubMed

    Xiong, Yu; Georgieva, Radostina; Steffen, Axel; Smuda, Kathrin; Bäumler, Hans

    2018-03-15

    The Co-precipitation Crosslinking Dissolution technique (CCD-technique) allows a few-steps fabrication of particles composed of different biopolymers and bioactive agents under mild conditions. Morphology and properties of the fabricated biopolymer particles depend on the fabrication conditions, the nature of the biopolymers and additives, but also on the choice of the inorganic templates for co-precipitation. Here, we investigate the influence of an acidic biopolymer, hyaluronic acid (HA), on the formation of particles from bovine hemoglobin and bovine serum albumin applying co-precipitation with CaCO 3 and MnCO 3 . CaCO 3 templated biopolymer particles are almost spherical with particle size from 2 to 20 µm and protein entrapment efficiency from 13 to 77%. Presence of HA causes significant structural changes of the particles and decreasing protein entrapment efficiency. In contrast, MnCO 3 templated particles exhibit uniform peanut shape and submicron size with remarkably high protein entrapment efficiency of nearly 100%. Addition of HA has no influence on the protein entrapment efficiency or on morphology and size of the particles. These effects can be attributed to the strong interaction of Mn 2+ with proteins and much weaker interaction with HA. Therefore, entrapment efficiency, size and structure of biopolymer particles can be optimized by varying the mineral templates and additives. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Synthesis of gold nanoparticles on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Au-MWCNTs) via deposition precipitation method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zulikifli, Farah Wahida Ahmad; Yazid, Hanani; Halim, Muhammad Zikri Budiman Abdul; Jani, Abdul Mutalib Md

    2017-09-01

    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received impressive consideration as support materials of noble metal catalysts in heterogeneous catalysis due to their good mechanical strength, large surface area and good durability under harsh conditions. The interaction between CNTs and noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) gives an unusual unique microstructure properties and or modification of the electron density of the noble metal clusters, and enhances the catalytic activity. In this study, the MWCNTs were first treated with a mixture of concentrated sulfuric and nitric acid by sonication to improve its dispersibility and to introduce the carboxylic (-COOH) groups on CNTs surfaces. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized by the deposition precipitation (DP) method as this method is simpler, low cost, and excellent method. Then, the effect of reducing agent (NaBH4) on gold distribution on the support of MWCNTs was also studied. Dispersion test, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) are all used to characterize the functionalized MWCNTs (fCNTs) and the Au NPs-fCNTs catalyst. There are three important peaks in functionalized MWCNTs which correspond to C=O, O-H, and C-O absorption peaks, as a result of the oxidation of COOH groups on the surface of CNTs. The absorption band at 1717 cm-1 is corresponded to C=O stretching of COOH, while the absorption bands at 3384 cm-1 and 1011cm-1 are associated with O-H bending and C-O stretching, respectively. Surface morphology of Au NPs-fCNTs R4 and Au NPs- fCNTs WR catalyst by FESEM showed that the Au NPs of 19.22 ± 2.33 nm and 23.05 ± 2.57 nm size were successfully deposited on CNTs, respectively.

  6. Self-limiting advection caused by the development of a dissolution/precipitation zone and implications for the fate of leaky wells in CO2 sequestration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huerta, N. J.; Hesse, M. A.; Bryant, S. L.; Strazisar, B. R.

    2013-12-01

    Leaking wells that penetrate a geologic CO2 sequestration site provide a potential direct pathway for the escape of CO2 to an overlying aquifer or even back into the atmosphere. Leakage is a highly coupled system, involving transport of CO2-saturated brine and reaction of carbonic acid with the cement that encases wells. Carbonic acid attacks cement phases to dissolve calcium rich components and raise the fluid pH. Our experiments show that total dissolution of the cement matrix, which would lead to self-enhancing leakage, is prevented by an amorphous aluminosilicate phase that remains after dissolution to constrain fluid flux. Conversely, self-limiting behavior develops in a zone where pH is sufficiently high for carbonate minerals to become insoluble and precipitate. Extrapolation of these bench-scale observations indicates that a barrier of carbonate precipitation would develop as more CO2-saturated brine leaks along a well. The process of sealing of the pathway and the timescale of sealing are critical for any risk assessment of the sequestration operation. Using numerical models to interpret the experiments, we find a lag in self-limiting behavior which is controlled by the saturation state of carbonate phases. Sufficient residence time is crucial for the development of the precipitation zone. Precipitation need not seal uniformly across an entire fracture, only in dominant flow paths. Simply growing the width of a zone of precipitation is insufficient to capture the self-limiting behavior we observe in experiments. To seal, the precipitating material must also accumulate and grow into the open fracture space and close the aperture. Closure rate is a function of the initial leak path conductivity, pressure differential (which controls fluid flux), leak path length, and CO2-saturation in the brine. Combining these results with risk assessment tools that incorporate the well development history will give stakeholders a tool to quantitatively predict well leakage for candidate sites.

  7. An ab initio study of Fe(CO)n, n = 1,5, and Cr(CO)6

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barnes, Leslie A.; Rosi, Marzio; Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.

    1991-01-01

    Ab initio calculations have been performed for Cr(CO)6 and Fe(CO)n, n = 1,5. Basis sets of better than double zeta quality are used, and correlation is included using the modified coupler-pair functional method. The computed geometries and force constants are in reasonable agreement with experiment. The sequential bond dissociation energies of CO from Fe(CO)5 are estimated to be: 39, 31, 25, 22, and greater than 5 kcal/mol. It is noted that the first bond dissociation energy is relative to the singlet ground state of Fe(CO)5 and the lowest singlet state of Fe(CO)4, whereas the second is relative to the ground triplet states of Fe(CO)4 and Fe(CO)3. In addition, the binding energy for Fe-CO would be modified to 18 kcal/mol if dissociation occurred to the Fe(5F) excited state asymptote. The CO binding energies for Fe and Cr are found to be in poorer agreement with experiment than those found in a previous study on Ni(CO)4. The origins of this difference are discussed.

  8. Targeted Control of Permeability Using Carbonate Dissolution/Precipitation Reactions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Clarens, A. F.; Tao, Z.; Plattenberger, D.

    2016-12-01

    Targeted mineral precipitation reactions are a promising approach for controlling fluid flow in the deep subsurface. Here we studied the potential to use calcium and magnesium bearing silicates as cation donors that would react with aqueous phase CO2 under reservoir conditions to form solid carbonate precipitates. Preliminary experiments in high pressure and temperature columns suggest that these reactions can effectively lower the permeability of a porous media. Wollastonite (CaSiO3) was used as the model silicate, injected as solid particles into the pore space of a packed column, which was then subsequently flooded with CO2(aq). The reactions occur spontaneously, leveraging the favorable kinetics that occur at the high temperature and pressure conditions characteristic of the deep subsurface, to form solid phase calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and amorphous silica (SiO2) within the pore space. Both x-ray tomography imaging of reacted columns and electron microscopy imaging of thin sections were used to characterize where dissolution/precipitation occurred within the porous media. The spatial distribution of the products was closely tied to the flow rate and the duration of the experiment. The SiO2 product precipitated in close spatial proximity to the CaSiO3 reactant. The CaCO3 product, which is sensitive to the low pH and high pCO2 brine, precipitated out of solution further down the column as Ca2+ ions moved with the brine. The permeability of the columns decreased by several orders of magnitude after injecting the CaSiO3 particles. Following carbonation, the permeability decreased even further as precipitates filled flow paths within the pore network. A pore network model was developed to help understand the interplay between precipitation kinetics and flow in altering the permeability of the porous media. The effect of particle concentration and size, pore size, reaction time, and pCO2, are explored on pore/fracture aperture and reaction extent. To provide better control of these dynamics and ultimately devise a mechanism to deliver carbonation seed particles into leakage pathways, we are exploring the potential to functionalize the silicate particles using temperature sensitive polymer coatings.

  9. Delamination-restacking behaviour of surfactant intercalated layered hydroxy double salts, M 3Zn 2(OH) 8(surf) 2ṡ2H 2O [M = Ni, Co and surf = dodecyl sulphate (DS), dodecyl benzene sulphonate (DBS)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rajamathi, Jacqueline T.; Ravishankar, N.; Rajamathi, Michael

    2005-02-01

    Surfactant anion intercalated nickel-zinc and cobalt-zinc layered hydroxy double salts were prepared through a modified acetate hydrolysis route. These organo-inorganic hybrids delaminate readily in alcohols such as 1-butanol to give stable translucent colloids. The extent of delamination and the stability of the colloids obtained are comparable to what has been observed in the case of layered double hydroxides (LDHs). The original layered solid could be obtained either by evaporation of the colloid or precipitation by the addition of a polar solvent such as acetone.

  10. Improvisation of mechanical and electrical properties of Cu by reinforcing MWCNT using modified electro-co-deposition process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Belgamwar, Sachin U.; Sharma, N. N.

    2018-04-01

    Multi-walled Carbon nanotubes–copper (MWCNT/Cu) composite powders with variable MWCNT content were synthesized by modified electro-co-deposition method. The electro-co-deposited MWCNT/Cu powders were consolidated by conventional compaction and sintering process. The consolidated products were then hot rolled and cold drawn to fine wires. The MWCNT/Cu composite wire samples were characterized for electrical and mechanical properties. We have been able to achieve an increase of around 8% in electrical conductivity of the form wires repeatedly. It has been observed that there was gradual improvement in the properties with reinforcement of MWCNT in the copper matrix. The betterment of electrical property has been achieved with simultaneous improvement in mechanical properties of the wire. The yield strength of MWCNT/Cu composite wire was found to be four times and the tensile strength two times greater than that of pure copper. The improved properties are attributed to the proper distribution of MWCNTs in the copper matrix and excellent interfacial bonding between MWCNT and composite copper fabricated by the modified method.

  11. Preparation and photoluminescence properties of red-emitting phosphor ZnAl2O4:Eu3+ with an intense 5D0 → 7F2 transition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    He, Can; Ji, Haipeng; Huang, Zhaohui; Zhang, Xiaoguang; Liu, Haitao; Liu, Silin; Liu, Yangai; Fang, Minghao; Wu, Xiaowen; Min, Xin

    2018-02-01

    A series of ZnAl2-x O4:xEu3+ phosphors was synthesized by a modified co-precipitation method. The phase structure and photoluminescence properties were examined and extensively discussed. Composition-optimized ZnAl1.97O4:0.03Eu3+ exhibited sharp, intense red characteristic emissions with the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage coordinates of (0.62, 0.33) peaking at 620 nm under an excitation at 394 nm, corresponding to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+. The quenching concentration of Eu3+ in ZnAl2-x O4:xEu3+ phosphors was approximately 0.03. In addition, the concentration quenching mechanism, fluorescence decay curves, and thermally stable luminescence properties of ZnAl2-x O4:xEu3+ phosphors were investigated. The results indicated that ZnAl2-x O4:xEu3+ phosphors demonstrate potential applications in near-ultraviolet light-emitting diode pumped white light lamps.

  12. Role of triton X-100 and hydrothermal treatment on the morphological features of nanoporous hydroxyapatite nanorods.

    PubMed

    Iyyappan, E; Wilson, P; Sheela, K; Ramya, R

    2016-06-01

    Hydroxyapatite (HA) particles were synthesized using Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and (NH4)2HPO4 as precursors with varying contents of non-ionic surfactant viz., triton X-100 (organic modifier) via co-precipitation method followed by hydrothermal treatment. The prepared HA particles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX), High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HRSEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiments. The XRD and FTIR studies indicate the formation of HA phase in all the synthesized samples. The specific roles of triton X-100 and hydrothermal treatment in dispersing and in directing the crystal growth respectively have been discussed by comparing the observations from individual experiments using triton X-100 and hydrothermal treatment with that of combined protocol involving both. The plausible mechanism for the individual roles of both triton X-100 and hydrothermal treatment have been proposed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Relating SMMR 37 GHz polarization difference to precipitation and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration - A reappraisal

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tucker, C. J.

    1992-01-01

    The relations of Scanning Multi-channel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) 37 GHz polarization difference to precipitation and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations are reviewed. Annual precipitation data, a surrogate for green leaf vegetation density, are compared with the coincident SMMR 37 GHz polarization difference from arid and semi-arid West Africa for 1982-85. The SMMR 37 GHz polarization difference was found to be poorly correlated with precipitation in arid and semi-arid zones, contrary to previous reports. Coincident SMMR 37 GHz polarization difference and atmospheric CO2 concentration data from July 1981 to June 1983 are also reviewed. Previously suggested relations of the SMMR 37 GHz polarization difference to atmospheric CO2 concentrations were found to be heavily biased by winter conditions in the Northern Hemisphere. The use of the SMMR 37 GHz polarization difference for determining green leaf vegetation density, net primary production, atmospheric CO2 draw-down and related processes is questioned.

  14. Interlaminar Toughening of Fiber Reinforced Polymers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bian, Dakai

    Modification in the resin-rich region between plies, also known as the interlaminar region, was investigated to increase the toughness of laminate composites structures. To achieve suitable modifications, the complexities of the physical and chemical processes during the resin curing procedure must be studied. This includes analyses of the interactions among the co-dependent microstructure, process parameters, and material responses. This dissertation seeks to investigate these interactions via a series of experimental and numerical analyses of the geometric- and temperature-based effects on locally interleaving toughening methods and further interlaminar synergistic toughening without interleaf. Two major weaknesses in composite materials are the brittle resin-rich interlaminar region which forms between the fiber plies after resin infusion, and the ply dropoff region which introduces stress concentration under loads. To address these weaknesses and increase the delamination resistance of the composite specimens, a dual bonding process was explored to alleviate the dropoff effect and toughen the interlaminar region. Hot melt bonding was investigated by applying clamping pressure to ductile thermoplastic interleaf and fiber fabric at an elevated temperature, while diffusion bonding between thermoplastic interleaf and thermoset resin is performed during the resin infusion. This method increased the fracture energy level and thus delamination resistance in the interlaminar region because of deep interleaf penetration into fiber bundles which helped confining crack propagation in the toughened area. The diffusion and precipitation between thermosets and thermoplastics also improved the delamination resistance by forming a semi-interpenetration networks. This phenomenon was investigated in concoctions of low-concentration polystyrene additive modified epoxy system, which facilitates diffusion and precipitation without increasing the viscosity of the system. Additionally, chemical reaction induced phase separation, concentration of polystyrene, and various curing temperatures are used to evaluate their effects on diffusion and precipitation. These effects were directly investigated by performing attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The diffusivity and curing kinetics experiments are performed to quantify the diffusivity coefficient of epoxy, hardener and thermoplastics, as well as the reaction rate constant of curing epoxy at various temperatures. Finally, mechanical testing and fracture surface imaging were used to quantify the improvements and characterize the toughening mechanism. Further improvement on delamination resistance was studied through the synergistic effect of combining different modification methods without the interleaf. Polysulfone molecules are end-capped with epoxide groups. Fiber surface is functionalized with amino groups to generate micro-mechanical interlocks. The interaction between two individual modifications chemically links the modified semi-interpenetration networks to the improved interfacial strength between fiber and epoxy to. The impact of the additive on the crosslinking density was examined through glass transition temperatures, and the chemical modification was characterized by Raman spectroscopy. Mode I and II fracture tests were performed to quantify the improvement of delamination resistance under pure opening and shear loads. The mechanism of synergistic effect was explained based on the fracture surface morphology and the interactions between the modification methods.

  15. Size dependence of magnetorheological properties of cobalt ferrite ferrofluid

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

    Radhika, B.; Sahoo, Rasmita; Srinath, S., E-mail: srinath@uohyd.ac.in

    2015-06-24

    Cobalt Ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized using co-precipitation method at reaction temperatures of 40°C and 80°C. X-Ray diffraction studies confirm cubic phase formation. The average crystallite sizes were found to be ∼30nm and ∼48nm for 40°C sample and 80°C sample respectively. Magnetic properties measured using vibrating sample magnetometer show higher coercivety and magnetization for sample prepared at 80°C. Magnetorheological properties of CoFe2O4 ferrofluids were measured and studied.

  16. Biomineralization of strontianite(SrCO3) by aerobic microorganisms enriched from rhodoliths

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kang, S.; Roh, Y.

    2012-12-01

    The transport and fate of trace metals and radionuclides in natural environments are controlled by physical, chemical, and microbiological processes. Especially, microbially induced precipitation of carbonates has drawn much attention in recent decades because of its numerous implications such as atmospheric CO2 fixation through mineral carbonation and solid phase capture of inorganic contaminants. The objectives of this study were to investigate the potential for microbially induced precipitation of strontianite (SrCO3) using microorganisms enriched from rhodoliths and to identify mineralogical characteristics of the precipitates of strontianite. Carbonate forming microorganisms were enriched from rhodoliths, which were sampled at Seogwang-ri coast in the western part of Wu Island, Jeju-do, Korea. Microorganisms enriched from rhodoliths were aerobically cultured at 25Ć in D-1 media containing 30 mM Sr-acetate, and the microorganisms were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene DGGE analysis to confirm microbial diversity. Mineralogical characteristics of the carbonate minerals precipitated by the enriched microorganisms were determined by XRD, TEM-EDS, and SEM-EDS analyses. A 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed the enriched microorganisms contained carbonate forming microorganisms such as Proteus mirailis. The enriched microorganisms precipitated carbonate minerals using D-1 media containing 30 mM Sr-acetate and mineralogy of the precipitate was strontianite (SrCO3). SEM/TEM-EDS analyses showed that the strontianite formed by the microorganisms had a spherical shape and consisted of mainly Sr, O and C. TEM-EDS analyses showed that the strontianite formed by the microorganisms had a rhombohedron shape and consisted of mainly Sr, O and C. These results indicate that the microorganisms induce precipitation of strontianite (SrCO3) on the cell walls and EPS via the accumulation of Sr ions on the cells. Therefore, microbial precipitation of carbonate minerals may play one of important roles in immobilization of metals and radionuclides in natural environments.

  17. Mineral Dissolution and Precipitation due to Carbon Dioxide-Water-Rock Interactions: The Significance of Accessory Minerals in Carbonate Reservoirs (Invited)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaszuba, J. P.; Marcon, V.; Chopping, C.

    2013-12-01

    Accessory minerals in carbonate reservoirs, and in the caprocks that seal these reservoirs, can provide insight into multiphase fluid (CO2 + H2O)-rock interactions and the behavior of CO2 that resides in these water-rock systems. Our program integrates field data, hydrothermal experiments, and geochemical modeling to evaluate CO2-water-rock reactions and processes in a variety of carbonate reservoirs in the Rocky Mountain region of the US. These studies provide insights into a wide range of geologic environments, including natural CO2 reservoirs, geologic carbon sequestration, engineered geothermal systems, enhanced oil and gas recovery, and unconventional hydrocarbon resources. One suite of experiments evaluates the Madison Limestone on the Moxa Arch, Southwest Wyoming, a sulfur-rich natural CO2 reservoir. Mineral textures and geochemical features developed in the experiments suggest that carbonate minerals which constitute the natural reservoir will initially dissolve in response to emplacement of CO2. Euhedral, bladed anhydrite concomitantly precipitates in response to injected CO2. Analogous anhydrite is observed in drill core, suggesting that secondary anhydrite in the natural reservoir may be related to emplacement of CO2 into the Madison Limestone. Carbonate minerals ultimately re-precipitate, and anhydrite dissolves, as the rock buffers the acidity and reasserts geochemical control. Another suite of experiments emulates injection of CO2 for enhanced oil recovery in the Desert Creek Limestone (Paradox Formation), Paradox Basin, Southeast Utah. Euhedral iron oxyhydroxides (hematite) precipitate at pH 4.5 to 5 and low Eh (approximately -0.1 V) as a consequence of water-rock reaction. Injection of CO2 decreases pH to approximately 3.5 and increases Eh by approximately 0.1 V, yielding secondary mineralization of euhedral pyrite instead of iron oxyhydroxides. Carbonate minerals also dissolve and ultimately re-precipitate, as determined by experiments in the Madison Limestone, but pyrite will persist and iron oxyhydroxides will not recrystallize.

  18. Effects of cobalt, boron, and zirconium on the microstructure of Udimet 738. M.S. Thesis. Final Report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nakanishi, T. G.

    1984-01-01

    A structural study was carried out on Co modified Udimet 738 alloys containing 0.04, 0.10, and 0.20 wt % Zr at 0.01 and 0.03 wt % B levels. Samples in the as-cast and solution-treated conditions were exposed at 843 C to study structural stability. The structures produced by the interactions of Co, Zr, and B were studied by SEM, X-ray diffraction, and dispersive analysis techniques. The additions of large amounts of Zr and B were found to increase the solidification range of the U-738. Structural changes involved eutectic gamma prime islands, formation of low melting point compounds, and precipitation of borides and Zr rich phases. Boron and zirconium additions did not show substantial changes in mechanical properties. Removal of Co from the alloys resulted in reduction of the matrix solubility for carbon and increase in the gamma prime solvus. Structural instabilities found were continuous grain boundary M23C6 films, MC breakdown, and plate-like phases. Removal of cobalt resulted in a slight decrease in tensile and stress rupture properties. Detailed structural results presented.

  19. Effects of small-scale chemical reactions between supercritical CO2 and arkosic sandstone on large-scale permeability fields: An experimental study with implications for geologic carbon sequestration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Luhmann, A. J.; Ding, K.; Saar, M. O.; Seyfried, W. E.

    2011-12-01

    During geologic carbon sequestration, small, pore-scale changes in mineralogy due to dissolution and precipitation reactions can modify bulk porosity. Porosity/permeability relationships are then typically used to infer large-scale permeability field changes. However, these relationships have limited use because they do not account for changes in pore geometry. Therefore, in connection with a DOE sponsored program, involving CO2 sequestration with geothermal energy usage, we constructed a novel hydrothermal flow system that allows simultaneous determination of changes in fluid chemistry and associated changes in permeability at elevated temperatures and high CO2 pressure. Initial experiments were conducted with an arkosic sandstone core of the Eau Claire Formation from southeastern Minnesota. The core was disaggregated and then wet sieved to yield a grain size distribution of 90-120 μm that was used to fill the Teflon sleeve held within the stainless steel pressure vessel. Initial water chemistry consisted of CO2 dissolved in deionized water. Outlet pressure was set to 11 MPa, and confinement pressure was 20 MPa. Flow rates produced inlet pressures between these two extremes, allowing CO2 solubility up to 1.1 mol/kg water. Rates of fluid flow ranged from 0.04 to 1.5 mL/min at a temperature of 21°C over the course of 33 days. Based on these data, the in-situ permeability of ~1E-14 to 9E-14 m2 for the arkosic sandstone was calculated. The reaction cell temperature was then increased to 50°C, and eventually 100°C. Each temperature step was associated with a sharp decrease in permeability, such that at 100°C the permeability had decreased by approximately three orders of magnitude from the starting condition. Fluid samples indicate release of dissolved Na, Ca, Mg, K, Al, SiO2, and Cl from minerals in the core, suggesting dissolution of primary mineral components. Charge balance constraints indicate a pH of approximately 4.2 at the highest temperature run condition, considerably higher than would exist in a simple water-CO2 fluid, underscoring the effectiveness of mineral dissolution/precipitation reactions in buffering pH. Distribution of aqueous species calculations suggests possible secondary phases may include illite, muscovite, kaolinite, and quartz. We speculate that mineral precipitation occurs at the fluid-mineral interface. Thus, potentially small changes in mineralogy may produce a significant change in rock permeability.

  20. Arsenate immobilization associated with microbial oxidation of ferrous ion in complex acid sulfate water.

    PubMed

    Ma, Yingqun; Lin, Chuxia

    2012-05-30

    Chemical, XRD, SEM, RS, FTIR and XPS techniques were used to investigate arsenate immobilization associated with microbial Fe(2+) oxidation in a complex acid sulfate water system consisting of a modified 9 K solution (pH 2.0) plus As, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn and Mn. At a 1:12.5:70 molar ratio of As:Fe:S, schweretmannite formation was impeded. This was in contrast with the predominant presence of schwertmannite when the heavy metals were absent, suggesting that a schwertmannite binding model is not valid for explaining arsenate immobilization in the complex system. In this study, arsenate was initially immobilized through co-precipitation with non-Fe metals and phosphate. Subsequently when sufficient Fe(3+) was produced from Fe(2+) oxidation, formation of a mixed iron, arsenate and phosphate phase predominated. The last stage involved surface complexation of arsenate species. Pb appeared to play an insignificant role in arsenate immobilization due to its strong affinity for sulfate to form anglesite. Phosphate strongly competed with arsenate for the available binding sites. However, As exhibited an increased capacity to compete with P and S for available binding sites from the co-precipitation to surface complexation stage. Adsorbed As tended to be in HAsO(4)(2-) form. The scavenged arsenate species was relatively stable after 2464-h aging. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. The Hydrological Impact of Geoengineering in the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP)

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

    Tilmes, S.; Fasullo, John; Lamarque, J.-F.

    2013-10-14

    Abstract: The hydrologic impact of enhancing Earth’s albedo due to solar radiation management (SRM) is investigated using simulations from 12 models contributing to the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP). An artificial experiment is investigated, where global mean temperature is preserved at pre-industrial conditions, while atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are quadrupled. The associated reduction of downwelling surface solar radiation in a high CO2 environment leads to a reduction of global evaporation of 10% and 4% and precipitation of 6.1% and 6.3% over land and ocean, respectively. An initial reduction of latent heat flux at the surface is largely driven by reducedmore » evapotranspiration over land with instantly increasing CO2 concentrations in both experiments. A warming surface associated with the transient adjustment in the 4xCO2 experiment further generates an increase of global precipitation, with considerable regional changes, such as a significant precipitation reduction of 7% for the North American summer monsoon. Reduced global precipitation persists in the geoengineered experiment where temperatures are stabilized, with considerable regional rainfall deficits. Precipitation reductions that are consistent in sign across models are identified in the geoengineered experiment over monsoonal land regions of East Asia (6%), North America (7%), South America (6%) and South Africa (5%). In contrast to the 4xCO2 experiment, where the frequency of months with heavy precipitation intensity is increased by over 50%, it is reduced by up to 20% in the geoengineering scenario . The reduction in heavy precipitation is more pronounced over land than over the ocean, and accompanies a stronger reduction in evaporation over land. For northern mid-latitudes, maximum precipitation reduction over land ranges from 1 to 16% for individual models. For 45-65°N, the frequency of median to high intensity precipitation in summer is strongly reduced. These changes in precipitation in both total amount and frequency of extremes, point to a considerable weakening of the hydrological cycle in a geoengineered world.« less

  2. Coupling of N2O and CO2 fluxes from agriculture in Michigan

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cui, M.; Tang, J.; Hastings, M. G.; Gelfand, I.; Tao, L.; Sun, K.

    2012-12-01

    CO2 has been known to cause global warming, and N2O is the largest contributor to the greenhouse gas burden of cropping systems in the United States due to application of fertilizer. In our study, fluxes of N2O and CO2 were measured at two maize fields and one reference grassland from Kellogg Biological Station in Southwest Michigan. Here we compared two measuring systems, traditional GC method and LGR/Li-Cor system. Our initial results show that the two measuring systems are consistent (N2O slope=0.96, R2=0.96; and CO2 slope= 1.03, R2=0.86 measuring from the same chamber). Measurements done in pairs of chambers suggest great spatial variations, despite that the chambers were only 0.5 meter apart. The two systems are still comparable by averaging 8 pairs of chambers distributed within one site. Increase of CO2 fluxes were observed the second day after fertilization, but no significant change of N2O fluxes was shown. After artificial rainfall, boosting N2O fluxes and further increase in CO2 fluxes were demonstrated. Our result indicates that precipitation is necessary before a prominent N2O peak. In our LGR/Li-Cor system, CO was also measured from chambers. Interesting CO fluxes were shown in our experiment. Soil, which is usually considered as a CO sink, emits CO in some chambers during our measurement, which is probably related to the nationwide forest fires and lack of precipitation during the period.

  3. Reaction pathways towards the formation of dolomite-analogues at ambient conditions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pimentel, Carlos; Pina, Carlos M.

    2016-04-01

    In this paper we present results of a study of the crystallisation behaviour of the dolomite-analogues norsethite and PbMg(CO3)2 at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Whereas precipitation of norsethite was previously obtained by mixing solutions (Hood et al., 1974; Pimentel and Pina, 2014a,b), we report, for the first time, the synthesis of PbMg(CO3)2 by using the same method. The formation of both phases was promoted by ageing slurries for periods of time ranging from a few days (norsethite) up to 6 months (PbMg(CO3)2). The crystallisation of both norsethite and PbMg(CO3)2 occurs by sequences of dissolution-precipitation reactions involving several amorphous and crystalline precursor phases, which were identified and characterised by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Depending on the initial composition and Ba:Mg and Pb:Mg ratios in the slurries, different precursors and reaction kinetics were observed. This demonstrates the existence of different reaction pathways towards the formation of the investigated dolomite-analogues. Our experimental results provide new insights into the possible mechanisms of formation of dolomite and other double carbonates in nature.

  4. Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the shelf life of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792) mince.

    PubMed

    Kocatepe, Demet; Turan, Hülya; Altan, Can Okan; Keskin, Irfan; Ceylan, Asuman

    2016-06-01

    This paper reports the effect of different concentrations of CO2/N2 gases on chemical/sensorial stability, color properties (L*, a*, and b* values), and microbiological properties of trout mince stored at 3 ± 1℃. The gas mixtures were used as follows; 60%CO2 + 40%N2 (B), 75%CO2 + 25%N2 (C), 40%CO2 + 60%N2 (D). Control samples (A) were packed under atmospheric air. Analyses were carried out on the 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th, 24th and 28th days of storage. Among three modified atmosphere gas compositions, the best preservation method and most suitable gas concentration for trout mince were found in group C including 75% CO2 The inconsumable day of trout mince packed with air (control) and MAPs (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) (group B, C, and D) were 12th, 16th, 24th, and 16th days, respectively. © The Author(s) 2015.

  5. Characterization and stability studies of a novel liposomal cyclosporin A prepared using the supercritical fluid method: comparison with the modified conventional Bangham method

    PubMed Central

    Karn, Pankaj Ranjan; Cho, Wonkyung; Park, Hee-Jun; Park, Jeong-Sook; Hwang, Sung-Joo

    2013-01-01

    A novel method to prepare cyclosporin A encapsulated liposomes was introduced using supercritical fluid of carbon dioxide (SCF-CO2) as an antisolvent. To investigate the strength of the newly developed SCF-CO2 method compared with the modified conventional Bangham method, particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI) of both liposomal formulations were characterized and compared. In addition, entrapment efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL) characteristics were analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Significantly larger particle size and PDI were revealed from the conventional method, while EE (%) and DL (%) did not exhibit any significant differences. The SCF-CO2 liposomes were found to be relatively smaller, multilamellar, and spherical with a smoother surface as determined by transmission electron microscopy. SCF-CO2 liposomes showed no significant differences in their particle size and PDI after more than 3 months, whereas conventional liposomes exhibited significant changes in their particle size. The initial yield (%), EE (%), and DL (%) of SCF-CO2 liposomes and conventional liposomes were 90.98 ± 2.94, 92.20 ± 1.36, 20.99 ± 0.84 and 90.72 ± 2.83, 90.24 ± 1.37, 20.47 ± 0.94, respectively, which changed after 14 weeks to 86.65 ± 0.30, 87.63 ± 0.72, 18.98 ± 0.22 and 75.04 ± 8.80, 84.59 ± 5.13, 15.94 ± 2.80, respectively. Therefore, the newly developed SCF-CO2 method could be a better alternative compared with the conventional method and may provide a promising approach for large-scale production of liposomes. PMID:23378759

  6. Preparation, characterization, and scale-up of ketoconazole with enhanced dissolution and bioavailability.

    PubMed

    Elder, Edmund J; Evans, Jonathan C; Scherzer, Brian D; Hitt, James E; Kupperblatt, Gary B; Saghir, Shakil A; Markham, Dan A

    2007-07-01

    Many new molecular entities targeted for pharmaceutical applications face serious development challenges because of poor water solubility. Although particle engineering technologies such as controlled precipitation have been shown to enhance aqueous dissolution and bioavailability of poorly water soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients, the data available are the results of laboratory-scale experiments. These technologies must be evaluated at larger scale to ensure that the property enhancement is scalable and that the modified drugs can be processed on conventional equipment. In experiments using ketoconazole as the model drug, the controlled precipitation process was shown to produce kg-scale modified drug powder with enhanced dissolution comparable to that of lab-scale powder. Ketoconazole was demonstrated to be stable throughout the controlled precipitation process, with a residual methanol level below the ICH limit. The modified crystalline powder can be formulated, and then compressed using conventional high-speed tableting equipment, and the resulting tablets showed bioavailability more than double that of commercial tablets. When appropriately protected from moisture, both the modified powder and tablets prepared from the modified powder showed no change in dissolution performance for at least 6 months following storage at accelerated conditions and for at least 18 months following storage at room temperature.

  7. Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics and characterization of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate-co-neopentyl glycol succinate) copolyesters.

    PubMed

    Xie, Wen-Jie; Zhou, Xiao-Ming

    2015-01-01

    Both biodegradable aliphatic neat poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene succinate-co-neopentyl glycol succinate) (P(BS-co-NPGS)) copolyesters with different 1,4-butanediol/neopentyl glycol ratios were synthesized through a two-step process of transesterification and polycondensation using stannous chloride and 4-Methylbenzenesulfonic acid as the co-catalysts. The structure, non-isothermal crystallization behavior, crystalline morphology and crystal structure of neat PBS and P(BS-co-NPGS) copolyesters were characterized by (1)H NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized optical microscope (POM) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), respectively. The Avrami equation modified by Jeziorny and Mo's method was employed to describe the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of the neat PBS and its copolyesters. The modified Avrami equation could adequately describe the primary stage of non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of the neat PBS and its copolyesters. Mo's method provided a fairly satisfactory description of the non-isothermal crystallization of neat PBS and its copolyesters. Interestingly, the values of 1/t1/2, Zc and F(T) obtained by the modified Avrami equation and Mo's method analysis indicated that the crystallization rate increased first and then decreased with an increase of NPGS content compared that of neat PBS, whereas the crystallization mechanism almost kept unchanged. The results of tensile testing showed that the ductility of PBS was largely improved by incorporating NPGS units. The elongation at break increased remarkably with increasing NPGS content. In particular, the sample with 20% NPGS content showed around 548% elongation at break. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Precipitation regimes over central Greenland inferred from 5 years of ICECAPS observations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pettersen, Claire; Bennartz, Ralf; Merrelli, Aronne J.; Shupe, Matthew D.; Turner, David D.; Walden, Von P.

    2018-04-01

    A novel method for classifying Arctic precipitation using ground based remote sensors is presented. Using differences in the spectral variation of microwave absorption and scattering properties of cloud liquid water and ice, this method can distinguish between different types of snowfall events depending on the presence or absence of condensed liquid water in the clouds that generate the precipitation. The classification reveals two distinct, primary regimes of precipitation over the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS): one originating from fully glaciated ice clouds and the other from mixed-phase clouds. Five years of co-located, multi-instrument data from the Integrated Characterization of Energy, Clouds, Atmospheric state, and Precipitation at Summit (ICECAPS) are used to examine cloud and meteorological properties and patterns associated with each precipitation regime. The occurrence and accumulation of the precipitation regimes are identified and quantified. Cloud and precipitation observations from additional ICECAPS instruments illustrate distinct characteristics for each regime. Additionally, reanalysis products and back-trajectory analysis show different synoptic-scale forcings associated with each regime. Precipitation over the central GIS exhibits unique microphysical characteristics due to the high surface elevations as well as connections to specific large-scale flow patterns. Snowfall originating from the ice clouds is coupled to deep, frontal cloud systems advecting up and over the southeast Greenland coast to the central GIS. These events appear to be associated with individual storm systems generated by low pressure over Baffin Bay and Greenland lee cyclogenesis. Snowfall originating from mixed-phase clouds is shallower and has characteristics typical of supercooled cloud liquid water layers, and slowly propagates from the south and southwest of Greenland along a quiescent flow above the GIS.

  9. High-resolution imaging of the supercritical antisolvent process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bell, Philip W.; Stephens, Amendi P.; Roberts, Christopher B.; Duke, Steve R.

    2005-06-01

    A high-magnification and high-resolution imaging technique was developed for the supercritical fluid antisolvent (SAS) precipitation process. Visualizations of the jet injection, flow patterns, droplets, and particles were obtained in a high-pressure vessel for polylactic acid and budesonide precipitation in supercritical CO2. The results show two regimes for particle production: one where turbulent mixing occurs in gas-like plumes, and another where distinct droplets were observed in the injection. Images are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the method for examining particle formation theories and for understanding the underlying fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and mass transport in the SAS process.

  10. The Response of Extreme Precipitation to Climate Change in the North American Monsoon Region

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pascale, S.; Bordoni, S.; Kapnick, S. B.; Delworth, T. L.; Murakami, H.

    2017-12-01

    Gulf of California moisture surges (GoC surges) transport lower-level moisture in the southwestern United States and can trigger widespread convective bursts during the summertime North American monsoon (NAM). The intensity of such bursts varies over a wide spectrum, going from drier-than-average to extremely intense and persisting events. In this study we use a 50 km-horizontal resolution global coupled model (FLOR) developed at the NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory and featuring a realistic simulation of the GoC surges. We evaluate the model's ability to reproduce the intensity of precipitation during GoC surge and non-surge periods in present and doubled CO2 climatic conditions. We find that the mean number of GoC surge events per monsoon season (i.e., approximately 15) is not significantly affected by CO2 forcing. Nevertheless, when SST biases are minimized through flux adjustment, FLOR predicts a reduction in monsoonal precipitation over the southwestern United States. Our simulations further suggest that surge-related rainfall adjusts towards lower and higher percentiles, while becoming less important at intermediate values. Convective precipitation not occurring during GoC surges is instead not coherently affected by doubled CO2. Finally, the influence of CO2 forcing on the large-scale drivers of monsoonal precipitation during GoC surge events, such as the position of the monsoonal ridge, is investigated and related to precipitation changes.

  11. The hydrological impact of geoengineering in the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tilmes, Simone; Fasullo, John; Lamarque, Jean-Francois; Marsh, Daniel R.; Mills, Michael; Alterskjær, Kari; Muri, Helene; Kristjánsson, Jón E.; Boucher, Olivier; Schulz, Michael; Cole, Jason N. S.; Curry, Charles L.; Jones, Andy; Haywood, Jim; Irvine, Peter J.; Ji, Duoying; Moore, John C.; Karam, Diana B.; Kravitz, Ben; Rasch, Philip J.; Singh, Balwinder; Yoon, Jin-Ho; Niemeier, Ulrike; Schmidt, Hauke; Robock, Alan; Yang, Shuting; Watanabe, Shingo

    2013-10-01

    The hydrological impact of enhancing Earth's albedo by solar radiation management is investigated using simulations from 12 Earth System models contributing to the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project (GeoMIP). We contrast an idealized experiment, G1, where the global mean radiative forcing is kept at preindustrial conditions by reducing insolation while the CO2 concentration is quadrupled to a 4×CO2 experiment. The reduction of evapotranspiration over land with instantaneously increasing CO2 concentrations in both experiments largely contributes to an initial reduction in evaporation. A warming surface associated with the transient adjustment in 4×CO2 generates an increase of global precipitation by around 6.9% with large zonal and regional changes in both directions, including a precipitation increase of 10% over Asia and a reduction of 7% for the North American summer monsoon. Reduced global evaporation persists in G1 with temperatures close to preindustrial conditions. Global precipitation is reduced by around 4.5%, and significant reductions occur over monsoonal land regions: East Asia (6%), South Africa (5%), North America (7%), and South America (6%). The general precipitation performance in models is discussed in comparison to observations. In contrast to the 4×CO2 experiment, where the frequency of months with heavy precipitation intensity is increased by over 50% in comparison to the control, a reduction of up to 20% is simulated in G1. These changes in precipitation in both total amount and frequency of extremes point to a considerable weakening of the hydrological cycle in a geoengineered world.

  12. An experimental study of the carbonation of serpentinite and partially serpentinised peridotites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lacinska, Alicja M.; Styles, Michael T.; Bateman, Keith; Hall, Matthew; Brown, Paul D.

    2017-06-01

    In situ sequestration of CO2 in mantle peridotites has been proposed as a method to alleviate the amount of anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere. This study presents the results of eight-month long laboratory fluid-rock experiments on representative mantle rocks from the Oman-United Arab Emirates ophiolite to investigate this process. Small core samples (3 cm long) were reacted in wet supercritical CO2 and CO2-saturated brine at 100 bar and 70°C. The extent of carbonate formation, and hence the degree of carbon sequestration, varied greatly depending on rock type, with serpentinite (lizardite-dominated) exhibiting the highest capacity, manifested by the precipitation of magnesite MgCO3 and ferroan magnesite (Mg,Fe)CO3. The carbonate precipitation occurred predominantly on the surface of the core and subordinately within cross-cutting fractures. The extent of the CO2 reactions appeared to be principally controlled by the chemical and mineralogical composition of the rock, as well as the rock texture, with all these factors influencing the extent and rate of mineral dissolution and release of Mg and Fe for subsequent reaction with the CO2. It was calculated that ≈ 0.7 g of CO2 was captured by reacting ≈ 23 g of serpentinite, determined by the mass of magnesite formed. This equates to ≈ 30 kg CO2 per tonne of host rock, equivalent to ≈ 3% carbonation in half a year. However, recycling of carbonate present in veins within the original rock sample could mean that the overall amount is around 2%. The increased reactivity of serpentinite was associated with preferential dissolution of more reactive types of serpentine minerals and brucite, that were mainly present in the cross-cutting veins. The bulk of the serpentinite rock was little affected. This study, using relatively short term experiments, suggests that serpentinite might be a good host rock for CO2 sequestration, although long term experiments might prove that dunite and harzburgite could be an effective in an engineered system of CCSM. Wet scCO2 proved to be chemically aggressive than CO2-saturated brine and its ingress along fractures and grain boundaries resulted in greater host rock dissolution and subsequent carbonate precipitation.

  13. 3-D dumbbell-like LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode materials assembled with nano-building blocks for lithium-ion batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ryu, Won-Hee; Lim, Sung-Jin; Kim, Won-Keun; Kwon, HyukSang

    2014-07-01

    Dumbbell-like microsphere carbonate precursors including multi-transition metal components (Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3CO3) assembled with nano-building blocks were synthesized by urea-assisted solvo/hydrothermal method, and layered cathode materials (LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2) were subsequently prepared using the similarly shaped carbonate precursors for Li-ion batteries. For the synthesis of hierarchical microsphere structures, the partial addition of viscous organic solvent (e.g. ethylene glycol) in aqueous solution played a crucial role, not only in suppressing the sudden particle growth but also in regulating the directional crystallization of carbonate particles on the surface. The dumbbell-like LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 assembled with nanocubes prepared via the urea-assisted solvo/hydrothermal method exhibited better electrochemical characteristics, such as initial discharge capacity, cyclic performance, and rate-capability as a cathode material of Li-ion batteries, compared with the LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 materials prepared via the conventional co-precipitation method.

  14. Synthesis, fractionation, and thin film processing of nanoparticles using the tunable solvent properties of carbon dioxide gas expanded liquids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anand, Madhu

    Nanoparticles have received significant attention because of their unusual characteristics including high surface area to volume ratios. Materials built from nanoparticles possess unique chemical, physical, mechanical and optical properties. Due to these properties, they hold potential in application areas such as catalysts, sensors, semiconductors and optics. At the same time, CO 2 in the form of supercritical fluid or CO2 gas-expanded liquid mixtures has gained significant attention in the area of processing nanostructures. This dissertation focuses on the synthesis and processing of nanoparticles using CO2 tunable solvent systems. Nanoparticle properties depend heavily on their size and, as such, the ability to finely control the size and uniformity of nanoparticles is of utmost importance. Solution based nanoparticle formation techniques are attractive due to their simplicity, but they often result in the synthesis of particles with a wide size range. To address this limitation, a post-synthesis technique has been developed in this dissertation to fractionate polydisperse nanoparticles ( s . = 30%) into monodisperse fractions ( s . = 8%) using tunable physicochemical properties of CO 2 expanded liquids, where CO2 is employed as an antisolvent. This work demonstrates that by controlling the addition of CO2 (pressurization) to an organic dispersion of nanoparticles, the ligand stabilized nanoparticles can be size selectively precipitated within a novel high pressure apparatus that confines the particle precipitation to a specified location on a surface. Unlike current techniques, this CO2 expanded liquid approach provides faster and more efficient particle size separation, reduction in organic solvent usage, and pressure tunable size selection in a single process. To improve our fundamental understanding and to further refine the size separation process, a detailed study has been performed to identify the key parameters enabling size separation of various nanoparticle populations. This study details the influence of various factors on the size separation process, such as the types of nanoparticles, ligand type and solvent type as well as the use of recursive fractionation and the time allowed for settling during each fractionation step. This size selective precipitation technique was also applied to fractionate and separate polydisperse dispersions of CdSe/ZnS semiconductor nanocrystals into very distinct size and color fractions based solely on the pressure tunable solvent properties of CO2 expanded liquids. This size selective precipitation of nanoparticles is achieved by finely tuning the solvent strength of the CO2/organic solvent medium by simply adjusting the applied CO2 pressure. These subtle changes affect the balance between osmotic repulsive and van der Waals attractive forces thereby allowing fractionation of the nanocrystals into multiple narrow size populations. Thermodynamic analysis of nanoparticle size selective fractionation was performed to develop a theoretical model based on the thermodynamic properties of gas expanded liquids. We have used the general phenomenon of nanoparticle precipitation with CO2 expanded liquids to create dodecanethiol stabilized gold nanoparticle thin films. This method utilizes CO2 as an anti-solvent for low defect, wide area gold nanoparticle film formation employing monodisperse gold nanoparticles. Dodecanethiol stabilized gold particles are precipitated from hexane by controllably expanding the solution with carbon dioxide. Subsequent addition of carbon dioxide as a dense supercritical fluid then provides for removal of the organic solvent while avoiding the dewetting effects common to evaporating solvents. Unfortunately, the use of carbon dioxide as a neat solvent in nanoparticles synthesis and processing is limited by the very poor solvent strength of dense phase CO2. As a result, most current techniques employed to synthesize and disperse nanoparticles in neat carbon dioxide require the use of environmentally persistent fluorinated compounds as metal precursors and/or stabilizing ligands. This dissertation presents the first report of the simultaneous synthesis and stabilization of metallic nanoparticles in carbon dioxide solvent without the use of any fluorinated compounds thereby further enabling the use of CO 2 as a green solvent medium in nanomaterials synthesis and processing.

  15. Achieving High Luminescent Performance K2SiF6:Mn4+ Phosphor by Co-precipitation Process with Controlling the Reaction Temperature

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tran, Tat-Dat; Nguyen, Duy-Hung; Pham, Thanh-Huy; Nguyen, Duy-Cuong; Duong, Thanh-Tung

    2018-05-01

    K2SiF6:Mn4+ (KSF:Mn) phosphor was synthesized by the one-step co-precipitation process, at different temperatures. It was found that the reaction temperature played a key role in photoluminescence performance of the product. When the reaction temperature decreased from 0°C to - 20°C, the doping concentration, Mn/Si ratio, increased from 2% to 10%. However, further decrement of temperature (to - 30°C) reduced the Mn/Si ratio to 7%. The photo-luminescence (PL) intensity was maximized at the highest Mn/Si (10%), which corresponds to a reaction temperature of - 20°C. The KSF:Mn phosphor showed excellent luminescent properties at a wide range of temperatures (from room temperature to 470 K), especially after being dispersed in a polymer matrix. When combined with a commercial white light emitting diode (WLED), KSF:Mn significantly improved luminescent properties, such as color rendering index (CRI), correlated color temperature (CCT) and luminous efficiency. In particular, CRI increased from 67.3 to 87.4, while the CCT decreased from 7800 K to 3204 K. The luminous efficiency increased from 82.0 lm/W to 95.3 lm/W. The results indicated that the high quality KSF:Mn red phosphor could be achieved by a simple one-step co-precipitation method with a fine control of reaction temperature.

  16. Magnetic nanoparticles for medical applications: Progress and challenges

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Doaga, A.; Cojocariu, A. M.; Constantin, C. P.; Hempelmann, R.; Caltun, O. F.

    2013-11-01

    Magnetic nanoparticles present unique properties that make them suitable for applications in biomedical field such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hyperthermia and drug delivery systems. Magnetic hyperthermia involves heating the cancer cells by using magnetic particles exposed to an alternating magnetic field. The cell temperature increases due to the thermal propagation of the heat induced by the nanoparticles into the affected region. In order to increase the effectiveness of the treatment hyperthermia can be combined with drug delivery techniques. As a spectroscopic technique MRI is used in medicine for the imaging of tissues especially the soft ones and diagnosing malignant or benign tumors. For this purpose ZnxCo1-xFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles with x between 0 and 1 have been prepared by co-precipitation method. The cristallite size was determined by X-ray diffraction, while the transmission electron microscopy illustrates the spherical shape of the nanoparticles. Magnetic characterizations of the nanoparticles were carried out at room temperature by using a vibrating sample magnetometer. The specific absorption rate (SAR) was measured by calorimetric method at different frequencies and it has been observed that this value depends on the chemical formula, the applied magnetic fields and the frequency. The study consists of evaluating the images, obtained from an MRI facility, when the nanoparticles are dispersed in agar phantoms compared with the enhanced ones when Omniscan was used as contrast agent. Layer-by-layer technique was used to achieve the necessary requirement of biocompatibility. The surface of the magnetic nanoparticles was modified by coating it with oppositely charged polyelectrolites, making it possible for the binding of a specific drug.

  17. Carbonate precipitates and bicarbonate secretion in the intestine of sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax.

    PubMed

    Faggio, Caterina; Torre, Agata; Lando, Gabriele; Sabatino, Giuseppe; Trischitta, Francesca

    2011-05-01

    The aim of this paper was to study the chemical composition of the precipitates found in the intestine of Dicentrarchus labrax and the source of HCO(3)(-) secreted into the intestinal lumen. The chemical analysis was performed by employing the potentiometric double titration method and by means of an electron microscope coupled with a spectrometer and X-ray powder diffraction. The results obtained suggest the presence of very insoluble intestinal precipitates, presumably formed by a mixture of CaCO(3) and MgCO(3), with a higher quantity of the former with respect to the latter. HCO(3)(-) secretion rate was investigated with the aid of the pH stat method in isolated tissues mounted in Ussing chamber, where the transepithelial electrical parameters were also measured. When the serosal surface of the intestinal mucosa was bathed in HCO(3)(-)-Ringer bubbled with 1% CO(2) in O(2) while the serosal surface was bathed in HCO(3)(-) free Ringer solution bubbled with pure O(2), bicarbonate secretion proceeded at an almost stable rate of 0.9 ± 0.05 μeq cm(-2) h(-1) for about 3 h while I(sc) maintained a constant value of 38 ± 1.5 μA cm(-2). The carbonic anhydrase inhibitor ethoxyzolamide elicited a progressive reduction of HCO(3)(-) secretion that was about 75% of the initial value after 80 min. When serosal HCO(3)(-)-CO(2) saline was substituted with Hepes-O(2) saline base secretion progressively declined reaching a value of about 20% of the initial value. It was also strongly inhibited when Na(+) was substituted with the impermeant cation choline and when either DIDS or ouabain were added to the basolateral side. These results suggest that most of the bicarbonate secreted is of extracellular source and is probably transported across the basolateral membrane by both Na(+) independent mechanism and Na(+) dependent transporter, presumably a NaHCO(3) cotransport.

  18. Interactive effects of elevated CO2 concentration and irrigation on photosynthetic parameters and yield of maize in Northeast China.

    PubMed

    Meng, Fanchao; Zhang, Jiahua; Yao, Fengmei; Hao, Cui

    2014-01-01

    Maize is one of the major cultivated crops of China, having a central role in ensuring the food security of the country. There has been a significant increase in studies of maize under interactive effects of elevated CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and other factors, yet the interactive effects of elevated [CO2] and increasing precipitation on maize has remained unclear. In this study, a manipulative experiment in Jinzhou, Liaoning province, Northeast China was performed so as to obtain reliable results concerning the later effects. The Open Top Chambers (OTCs) experiment was designed to control contrasting [CO2] i.e., 390, 450 and 550 µmol·mol(-1), and the experiment with 15% increasing precipitation levels was also set based on the average monthly precipitation of 5-9 month from 1981 to 2010 and controlled by irrigation. Thus, six treatments, i.e. C550W+15%, C550W0, C450W+15%, C450W0, C390W+15% and C390W0 were included in this study. The results showed that the irrigation under elevated [CO2] levels increased the leaf net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) of maize. Similarly, the stomatal conductance (Gs) and transpiration rate (Tr) decreased with elevated [CO2], but irrigation have a positive effect on increased of them at each [CO2] level, resulting in the water use efficiency (WUE) higher in natural precipitation treatment than irrigation treatment at elevated [CO2] levels. Irradiance-response parameters, e.g., maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pnmax) and light saturation points (LSP) were increased under elevated [CO2] and irrigation, and dark respiration (Rd) was increased as well. The growth characteristics, e.g., plant height, leaf area and aboveground biomass were enhanced, resulting in an improved of yield and ear characteristics except axle diameter. The study concluded by reporting that, future elevated [CO2] may favor to maize when coupled with increasing amount of precipitation in Northeast China.

  19. Interactive Effects of Elevated CO2 Concentration and Irrigation on Photosynthetic Parameters and Yield of Maize in Northeast China

    PubMed Central

    Meng, Fanchao; Zhang, Jiahua; Yao, Fengmei; Hao, Cui

    2014-01-01

    Maize is one of the major cultivated crops of China, having a central role in ensuring the food security of the country. There has been a significant increase in studies of maize under interactive effects of elevated CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and other factors, yet the interactive effects of elevated [CO2] and increasing precipitation on maize has remained unclear. In this study, a manipulative experiment in Jinzhou, Liaoning province, Northeast China was performed so as to obtain reliable results concerning the later effects. The Open Top Chambers (OTCs) experiment was designed to control contrasting [CO2] i.e., 390, 450 and 550 µmol·mol−1, and the experiment with 15% increasing precipitation levels was also set based on the average monthly precipitation of 5–9 month from 1981 to 2010 and controlled by irrigation. Thus, six treatments, i.e. C550W+15%, C550W0, C450W+15%, C450W0, C390W+15% and C390W0 were included in this study. The results showed that the irrigation under elevated [CO2] levels increased the leaf net photosynthetic rate (P n) and intercellular CO2 concentration (C i) of maize. Similarly, the stomatal conductance (G s) and transpiration rate (T r) decreased with elevated [CO2], but irrigation have a positive effect on increased of them at each [CO2] level, resulting in the water use efficiency (WUE) higher in natural precipitation treatment than irrigation treatment at elevated [CO2] levels. Irradiance-response parameters, e.g., maximum net photosynthetic rate (P nmax) and light saturation points (LSP) were increased under elevated [CO2] and irrigation, and dark respiration (R d) was increased as well. The growth characteristics, e.g., plant height, leaf area and aboveground biomass were enhanced, resulting in an improved of yield and ear characteristics except axle diameter. The study concluded by reporting that, future elevated [CO2] may favor to maize when coupled with increasing amount of precipitation in Northeast China. PMID:24848097

  20. Microwave resonant and zero-field absorption study of doped magnetite prepared by a co-precipitation method.

    PubMed

    Aphesteguy, Juan Carlos; Jacobo, Silvia E; Lezama, Luis; Kurlyandskaya, Galina V; Schegoleva, Nina N

    2014-06-19

    Fe3O4 and ZnxFe3-xO4 pure and doped magnetite magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared in aqueous solution (Series A) or in a water-ethyl alcohol mixture (Series B) by the co-precipitation method. Only one ferromagnetic resonance line was observed in all cases under consideration indicating that the materials are magnetically uniform. The shortfall in the resonance fields from 3.27 kOe (for the frequency of 9.5 GHz) expected for spheres can be understood taking into account the dipolar forces, magnetoelasticity, or magnetocrystalline anisotropy. All samples show non-zero low field absorption. For Series A samples the grain size decreases with an increase of the Zn content. In this case zero field absorption does not correlate with the changes of the grain size. For Series B samples the grain size and zero field absorption behavior correlate with each other. The highest zero-field absorption corresponded to 0.2 zinc concentration in both A and B series. High zero-field absorption of Fe3O4 ferrite magnetic NPs can be interesting for biomedical applications.

  1. Nano-sized ZnO powders prepared by co-precipitation method with various pH

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

    Purwaningsih, S. Y., E-mail: sriyanisaputri@gmail.com; Pratapa, S.; Triwikantoro,

    2016-04-19

    In this work, nano-sized ZnO powders have been synthesized by the co-precipitation method with Zn(CH3COOH)2.2H2O, HCl, and NH3.H2O as raw materials in various pH ranging from 8 to 10. The purity, microstructure, chemical group analysis, morphology of the prepared ZnO powders were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. Rietveld refinement of XRD data showed that ZnO crystallizes in the wurtzite structure with high purity. The obtained powders were nano-sized particles with the average crystallite size about 17.9 ± 2.1 nm synthesized with pH of 9.5, atmore » 85°C, and stirring time of 6 h. The SEM results have visualied the morphology of ZnO nanoparticles with spherical-like shape. The effect of processing conditions on morphology of ZnO was also discussed.« less

  2. [Polyketone Reaction in Biosynthetic Pathways of 2, 3, 5, 4'-Tetrahydroxy Stilhene-2-O-β-D-glucoside in Polygonum multiflorum by Biocatalysis].

    PubMed

    Lei, Lei; Xia, Wan-xia; Shao, Li; Zhao, Shu-jin

    2015-10-01

    2, 3, 5, 4'-Tetrahydroxy stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG), the active ingredient of Polygonum multiflorum, its polyketone reaction in the biosynthesis pathways was studied by biocatalysis method. The substrates 4-coumaroyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA were catalyzed in vitro by the crude enzyme extracted from Polygonum multiflorum callus, then the products were verified by HPLC and LC-MS methods. And the crude enzyme was analyzed by ammonium sulfate precipitation method and SDS-PAGE. HPLC chromatogram showed the same retention time of both the product and resveratrol standards; LC-MS spectra showed that the m/z of product was 227, which was consistent with resveratrol standards under the mode of negative ion; Ammonium sulfate (AS) precipitation method showed AS of 40% - 70% had catalytic activity,and 50% - 60% was the optimum; SDS-PAGE showed protein bands were obviously different among different AS concentration between 20% - 80%, the protein band of 42 kDa was found in AS of 50% - 60%, which had the same molecular weight with stilbene synthase. The product of polyketone reaction in the biosynthesis of THSG is resveratrol rather than THSG, so it is speculated that THSG is the conversion product of resveratrol instead of the direct product of the polyketone reaction.

  3. PROCESS OF EXTRACTING URANIUM AND RADIUM FROM ORES

    DOEpatents

    Sawyer, C.W.; Handley, R.W.

    1959-07-14

    A process is presented for extracting uranium and radium values from a uranium ore which comprises leaching the ore with a ferric chloride solution at an elevated temperature of above 50 deg C and at a pH less than 4; separating the ore residue from the leaching solution by filtration; precipitating the excess ferric iron present at a pH of less than 5 by adding CaCO/sub 3/ to the filtrate; separating the precipitate by filtration; precipitating the uranium present in the filtrate at a Ph less than 6 by adding BaCO/sub 3/ to the filtrate; separating the precipitate by filtration; and precipitating the radium present in the filtrate by adding H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/ to the filtrate.

  4. Mechanism of protein precipitation and stabilization by co-solvents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Timasheff, Serge N.; Arakawa, Tsutomu

    1988-07-01

    The interactions between proteins and a number of substances which, when present at high concentration, stabilize or precipitate proteins, have been analyzed in terms of the preferential interactions of these co-solvents with proteins. In all cases, stabilization or precipitation was accompanied by preferential exclusion of the co-solvent from the immediate domain of the protein, i.e., preferential hydration of the protein. This means that addition of the co-solvent to the aqueous protein solution increased the chemical potentials of both components. The thermodynamic interaction parameters derived from such data make it possible to calculate the salting out constant, Ks, as well as to construct a phase isotherm for any given solvent mixture which indicates the limiting protein solubility. The salting-out effect can be decomposed into contributions from non-specific preferential exclusion and specific binding of the ligand to the protein, the balance leading to solubilization or precipitation. In reactions, such as denaturation, the effect of co-solvent on the reaction depends on the difference in the preferential interactions of the two end states of the protein. Principal sources of preferential exclusion have been identified as steric exclusion, increase of the surface tension of water by the co-solvent, repulsion by charged loci on the protein and solvophobicity.

  5. Effect of Co-Contaminants Uranium and Nitrate on Iodine Remediation

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

    Szecsody, James E.; Lee, Brady D.; Lawter, Amanda R.

    The objective of this study is to evaluate the significance of co-contaminants on the migration and transformation of iodine species in the Hanford subsurface environment. These impacts are relevant because remedies that target individual contaminants like iodine, may not only impact the fate and transport of other contaminants in the subsurface, but also inhibit the effectiveness of a targeted remedy. For example, iodine (as iodate) co-precipitates with calcite, and has been identified as a potential remedy because it immobilizes iodine. Since uranium also co-precipitates with calcite in field sediments, the presence of uranium may also inhibit iodine co-precipitation. Another potentiallymore » significant impact from co-existing contaminants is iodine and nitrate. The presence of nitrate has been shown to promote biogeochemical reduction of iodate to iodide, thereby increasing iodine species subsurface mobility (as iodide exhibits less sorption). Hence, this study reports on both laboratory batch and column experiments that investigated a) the change in iodate uptake mass and rate of uptake into precipitating calcite due to the presence of differing amounts of uranium, b) the amount of change of the iodate bio-reduction rate due to the presence of differing nitrate concentrations, and c) whether nitrite can reduce iodate in the presence of microbes and/or minerals acting as catalysts.« less

  6. Study on the mechanism of copper-ammonia complex decomposition in struvite formation process and enhanced ammonia and copper removal.

    PubMed

    Peng, Cong; Chai, Liyuan; Tang, Chongjian; Min, Xiaobo; Song, Yuxia; Duan, Chengshan; Yu, Cheng

    2017-01-01

    Heavy metals and ammonia are difficult to remove from wastewater, as they easily combine into refractory complexes. The struvite formation method (SFM) was applied for the complex decomposition and simultaneous removal of heavy metal and ammonia. The results indicated that ammonia deprivation by SFM was the key factor leading to the decomposition of the copper-ammonia complex ion. Ammonia was separated from solution as crystalline struvite, and the copper mainly co-precipitated as copper hydroxide together with struvite. Hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction were considered to be the main surface interactions between struvite and copper hydroxide. Hydrogen bonding was concluded to be the key factor leading to the co-precipitation. In addition, incorporation of copper ions into the struvite crystal also occurred during the treatment process. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  7. Synthesis of Zn1-xCdxO Nanoparticles by Co-Precipitation: Structural, Optical and Photodetection Analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jacob, Anju Anna; Balakrishnan, L.; Meher, S. R.; Shambavi, K.; Alex, Z. C.

    Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wide bandgap semiconductor with excellent photoresponse in ultra-violet (UV) regime. Tuning the bandgap of ZnO by alloying with cadmium can shift its absorption cutoff wavelength from UV to visible (Vis) region. Our work aims at synthesis of Zn1-xCdxO nanoparticles by co-precipitation method for the fabrication of photodetector. The properties of nanoparticles were analyzed using X-ray diffractometer, UV-Vis spectrometer, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer. The incorporation of cadmium without altering the wurtzite structure resulted in the red shift in the absorption edge of ZnO. Further, the photoresponse characteristics of Zn1-xCdxO nanopowders were investigated by fabricating photodetectors. It has been found that with Cd alloying the photosensitivity was increased in the UVA-violet as well in the blue region.

  8. Ultrasonically controlled particle size distribution of explosives: a safe method.

    PubMed

    Patil, Mohan Narayan; Gore, G M; Pandit, Aniruddha B

    2008-03-01

    Size reduction of the high energy materials (HEM's) by conventional methods (mechanical means) is not safe as they are very sensitive to friction and impact. Modified crystallization techniques can be used for the same purpose. The solute is dissolved in the solvent and crystallized via cooling or is precipitated out using an antisolvent. The various crystallization parameters such as temperature, antisolvent addition rate and agitation are adjusted to get the required final crystal size and morphology. The solvent-antisolvent ratio, time of crystallization and yield of the product are the key factors for controlling antisolvent based precipitation process. The advantages of cavitationally induced nucleation can be coupled with the conventional crystallization process. This study includes the effect of the ultrasonically generated acoustic cavitation phenomenon on the solvent antisolvent based precipitation process. CL20, a high-energy explosive compound, is a polyazapolycyclic caged polynitramine. CL-20 has greater energy output than existing (in-use) energetic ingredients while having an acceptable level of insensitivity to shock and other external stimuli. The size control and size distribution manipulation of the high energy material (CL20) has been successfully carried out safely and quickly along with an increase in the final mass yield, compared to the conventional antisolvent based precipitation process.

  9. Synthesis, Properties and Application of Glucose Coated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Prepared by Co-precipitation Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sari, Ayu Y.; Eko, A. S.; Candra, K.; Hasibuan, Denny P.; Ginting, M.; Sebayang, P.; Simamora, P.

    2017-07-01

    Synthesis of glucose coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles have been successfully prepared with co-precipitation method. Raw material of natural iron-sand was obtained from Buaya River, Deliserdang, Indonesia. The milled iron-sand was dissolved in HCl (37 mole %), and stirred in 300 rpm at 70°C for 90 minutes. Glucose was added to the filtered powder with varied content of 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 mole, and precipitated by NH3 (25 mole%). After drying process, the final product subsequently was glucose coated magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The characterizations performed were true density measurement, FTIR, VSM, XRD, BET, and adsorbent performance by AAS. The FTIR analysis showed that M-O (bending) with M=Fe (stretching vibration) with υ = 570.92 and 401.19 cm-1. While glucose coated well on nanoparticle Fe3O4, proved by functional groups C=O (stretching), M-O (stretching) and C-H (bending) with υ = 1404.17, 570.92, and 2368.58 cm-1, respectively. Single phase of magnetite (Fe3O4) structure was determined from XRD analysis with cubic spinel structure and lattice parameter of 8.396 Å. The optimum conditions, obtained on the Fe3O4 nanoparticles with 0.01 mole of glucose addition, which has true density value of 4.57 g/cm3, magnetic saturation, M s = 35,41 emu/g, coercivity, H cJ = 83.58 Oe, average particle size = 12.3 nm and surface area = 124.88 m2/g. This type magnetic nanoparticles of glucose-coated Fe3O4 was capable to adsorbed 93.78 % of ion Pb. Therefore, the glucose-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticle is a potential candidate to be used as heavy metal removal from wastewater.

  10. An economical storage precipitation gage

    Treesearch

    Raymond D. Ratliff; Jack N. Reppert

    1965-01-01

    Describes how to make an economical "can-cone"-type storage precipitation gage, based on one originally designed by the California Department of Water Resources. The cone was modified by including an inner skirt to prevent loss of water between the cone and can. Periodic records of precipitation are obtained by stick measurement. Five complete cones cost $120...

  11. Empirical High-Temperature Calibration for the Carbonate Clumped Isotopes Paleothermometer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kluge, T.; John, C. M.; Jourdan, A.; Davis, S.; Crawshaw, J.

    2013-12-01

    The clumped isotope paleothermometer is being used in a wide range of applications related to carbonate mineral formation, focusing on temperature and fluid δ18O reconstruction. Whereas the range of typical Earth surface temperatures has been the focus of several studies based on laboratory experiments and biogenic carbonates of known growth temperatures, the clumped isotope-temperature relationship above 70 °C has not been assessed by direct precipitation of carbonates. We investigated the clumped isotope-temperature relationship by precipitating carbonates between 20 and 200°C in the laboratory. The setup consists of a pressurized vessel in which carbonate minerals are precipitated from the mixture of two solutions (CaCl2, NaHCO3). Both solutions are thermally and isotopically equilibrated before injection in the pressure vessel. Minerals precipitated in this setup generally consist of calcite. Samples were reacted with 105% orthophosphoric acid for 10 min at 90°C. The evolved CO2 was continuously collected and subsequently purified with a Porapak trap held at -35°C. Measurements were performed on a MAT 253 using the protocol of Huntington et al. (2009) and Dennis et al. (2011). Clumped isotope values from 20-90°C are consistent with carbonates that were precipitated from a CaCO3 super-saturated solution using the method of McCrea (1950). This demonstrates that the experimental setup does not induce any kinetic fractionation, and can be used for high-temperature carbonate precipitation. The new clumped isotope calibration at high temperature follows the theoretical calculations of Schauble et al. (2006) adjusted for phosphoric acid digestion at 90°C. We gratefully acknowledge funding from Qatar Petroleum, Shell and the Qatar Science and Technology Park.

  12. Carbonate Mineralization of Volcanic Province Basalts

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

    Schaef, Herbert T.; McGrail, B. Peter; Owen, Antionette T.

    2010-03-31

    Flood basalts are receiving increasing attention as possible host formations for geologic sequestration of anthropogenic CO2, with studies underway in the United States, India, Iceland, and Canada. As an extension of our previous experiments with Columbia River basalt, basalts from the eastern United States, India, and South Africa were reacted with aqueous dissolved CO2 and aqueous dissolved CO2-H2S mixtures under supercritical CO2 (scCO2) conditions to study the geochemical reactions resulting from injection of CO2 in such formations. The results of these studies are consistent with cation release behavior measured in our previous experiments (in press) for basalt samples tested inmore » single pass flow through dissolution experiments under dilute solution and mildly acidic conditions. Despite the basalt samples having similar bulk chemistry, mineralogy and apparent dissolution kinetics, long-term static experiments show significant differences in rates of mineralization as well as compositions and morphologies of precipitates that form when the basalts are reacted with CO2-saturated water. For example, basalt from the Newark Basin in the United States was by far the most reactive of any basalt tested to date. Carbonate reaction products for the Newark Basin basalt were globular in form and contained significantly more Fe than the secondary carbonates that precipitated on the other basalt samples. In comparison, the post-reacted samples associated with the Columbia River basalts from the United States contained calcite grains with classic dogtooth spar morphology and trace cation substitution (Mg and Mn). Carbonation of the other basalts produced precipitates with compositions that varied chemically throughout the entire testing period. Examination of polished cross sections of the reacted grains by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy show precipitate overgrowths with varying chemical compositions. Compositional differences in the precipitates suggest changes in fluid chemistry unique to the dissolution behavior of each basalt sample reacted with CO2-saturated water. The Karoo basalt from South Africa appeared the least reactive, with very limited mineralization occurring during the testing with CO2-saturated water. The relative reactivity of different basalt samples were unexpectedly different in the experiments conducted using aqueous dissolved CO2-H2S mixtures versus those reacted with aqueous dissolved CO2 mixtures. For example, the Karoo basalt was highly reactive in the presence of aqueous dissolved CO2-H2S, as evident by small nodules of carbonate coating the basalt grains after 181 days of testing. However the most reactive basalt in CO2-H2O, Newark Basin, formed limited amounts of carbonate precipitates in the presence of aqueous dissolved CO2-H2S mixture. Basalt reactivity in CO2-H2O mixtures appears to be controlled by the composition of the glassy mesostasis, which is the most reactive component in the basalt rock. With the addition of H2S to the CO2-H2O system, basalt reactivity appears to be controlled by precipitation of coatings of insoluble Fe sulfides.« less

  13. Immobilization of Magnetic Nanoparticles onto Amine-Modified Nano-Silica Gel for Copper Ions Remediation

    PubMed Central

    Elkady, Marwa; Hassan, Hassan Shokry; Hashim, Aly

    2016-01-01

    A novel nano-hybrid was synthesized through immobilization of amine-functionalized silica gel nanoparticles with nanomagnetite via a co-precipitation technique. The parameters, such as reagent concentrations, reaction temperature and time, were optimized to accomplish the nano-silica gel chelating matrix. The most proper amine-modified silica gel nanoparticles were immobilized with magnetic nanoparticles. The synthesized magnetic amine nano-silica gel (MANSG) was established and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The feasibility of MANSG for copper ions’ remediation from wastewater was examined. MANSG achieves a 98% copper decontamination from polluted water within 90 min. Equilibrium sorption of copper ions onto MANSG nanoparticles obeyed the Langmuir equation compared to the Freundlich, Temkin, Elovich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) equilibrium isotherm models. The pseudo-second-order rate kinetics is appropriate to describe the copper sorption process onto the fabricated MANSG. PMID:28773583

  14. Metabolism-Induced CaCO 3 Biomineralization During Reactive Transport in a Micromodel: Implications for Porosity Alteration

    DOE PAGES

    Singh, Rajveer; Yoon, Hongkyu; Sanford, Robert A.; ...

    2015-09-08

    We investigated the ability of Pseudomonas stutzeri strain DCP-Ps1 to drive CaCO 3 biomineralization in a microfluidic flowcell (i.e., micromodel) that simulates subsurface porous media. Results indicate that CaCO 3 precipitation occurs during NO 3 – reduction with a maximum saturation index (SI calcite) of ~1.56, but not when NO 3 – was removed, inactive biomass remained, and pH and alkalinity were adjusted to SI calcite ~ 1.56. CaCO 3 precipitation was promoted by metabolically active cultures of strain DCP-Ps1, which at similar values of SIcalcite, have a more negative surface charge than inactive strain DCP-Ps1. A two-stage NO 3more » – reduction (NO 3 – → NO 2 – → N 2) pore-scale reactive transport model was used to evaluate denitrification kinetics, which was observed in the micromodel as upper (NO 3 – reduction) and lower (NO 2 – reduction) horizontal zones of biomass growth with CaCO 3 precipitation exclusively in the lower zone. Our model results are consistent with two biomass growth regions and indicate that precipitation occurred in the lower zone because the largest increase in pH and alkalinity is associated with NO 2 – reduction. CaCO 3 precipitates typically occupied the entire vertical depth of pores and impacted porosity, permeability, and flow. This study provides a framework for incorporating microbial activity in biogeochemistry models, which often base biomineralization only on SI (caused by biotic or abiotic reactions) and, thereby, underpredict the extent of this complex process. Furthermore, these results have wide-ranging implications for understanding reactive transport in relevance to groundwater remediation, CO 2 sequestration, and enhanced oil recovery.« less

  15. Understanding Gas Phase Modifier Interactions in Rapid Analysis by Differential Mobility-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kafle, Amol; Coy, Stephen L.; Wong, Bryan M.; Fornace, Albert J.; Glick, James J.; Vouros, Paul

    2014-07-01

    A systematic study involving the use and optimization of gas-phase modifiers in quantitative differential mobility-mass spectrometry (DMS-MS) analysis is presented using nucleoside-adduct biomarkers of DNA damage as an important reference point for analysis in complex matrices. Commonly used polar protic and polar aprotic modifiers have been screened for use against two deoxyguanosine adducts of DNA: N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dG-C8-4-ABP) and N-(deoxyguanosin-8-y1)-2-amino-l-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (dG-C8-PhIP). Particular attention was paid to compensation voltage (CoV) shifts, peak shapes, and product ion signal intensities while optimizing the DMS-MS conditions. The optimized parameters were then applied to rapid quantitation of the DNA adducts in calf thymus DNA. After a protein precipitation step, adduct levels corresponding to less than one modification in 106 normal DNA bases were detected using the DMS-MS platform. Based on DMS fundamentals and ab initio thermochemical results, we interpret the complexity of DMS modifier responses in terms of thermal activation and the development of solvent shells. At very high bulk gas temperature, modifier dipole moment may be the most important factor in cluster formation and cluster geometry, but at lower temperatures, multi-neutral clusters are important and less predictable. This work provides a useful protocol for targeted DNA adduct quantitation and a basis for future work on DMS modifier effects.

  16. Understanding gas phase modifier interactions in rapid analysis by Differential Mobility-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

    PubMed Central

    Kafle, Amol; Coy, Stephen L.; Wong, Bryan M.; Fornace, Albert J.; Glick, James J.; Vouros, Paul

    2014-01-01

    A systematic study involving the use and optimization of gas phase modifiers in quantitative differential mobility- mass spectrometry (DMS-MS) analysis is presented using mucleoside-adduct biomarkers of DNA damage as an important reference point for analysis in complex matrices. Commonly used polar protic and polar aprotic modifiers have been screened for use against two deoxyguanosine adducts of DNA: N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-4-aminobiphenyl (dG-C8-4-ABP) and N-(deoxyguanosin-8-y1)-2-amino-l-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (dG-C8-PhIP). Particular attention was paid to compensation voltage (CoV) shifts, peak shapes and product ion signal intensities while optimizing the DMS-MS conditions. The optimized parameters were then applied to rapid quantitation of the DNA adducts in calf thymus DNA. After a protein precipitation step, adduct levels corresponding to less than one modification in 106 normal DNA bases were detected using the DMS-MS platform. Based on DMS fundamentals and ab-initio thermochemical results we interpret the complexity of DMS modifier responses in terms of thermal activation and the development of solvent shells. At very high bulk gas temperature, modifier dipole moment may be the most important factor in cluster formation and cluster geometry in mobility differences, but at lower temperatures multi-neutral clusters are important and less predictable. This work provides a useful protocol for targeted DNA adduct quantitation and a basis for future work on DMS modifier effects. PMID:24452298

  17. Use of modified diatomaceous earth for removal and recovery of viruses in water.

    PubMed Central

    Farrah, S R; Preston, D R; Toranzos, G A; Girard, M; Erdos, G A; Vasuhdivan, V

    1991-01-01

    Diatomaceous earth was modified by in situ precipitation of metallic hydroxides. Modification decreased the negative charge on the diatomaceous earth and increased its ability to adsorb viruses in water. Electrostatic interactions were more important than hydrophobic interactions in virus adsorption to modified diatomaceous earth. Filters containing diatomaceous earth modified by in situ precipitation of a combination of ferric chloride and aluminum chloride adsorbed greater than 80% of enteroviruses (poliovirus 1, echovirus 5, and coxsackievirus B5) and coliphage MS2 present in tap water at ambient pH (7.8 to 8.3), even after filtration of 100 liters of tap water. Viruses adsorbed to the filters could be recovered by mixing the modified diatomaceous earth with 3% beef extract plus 1 M NaCl (pH 9). Images PMID:1768124

  18. Air trichloroethylene oxidation in a corona plasma-catalytic reactor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Masoomi-Godarzi, S.; Ranji-Burachaloo, H.; Khodadadi, A. A.; Vesali-Naseh, M.; Mortazavi, Y.

    2014-08-01

    The oxidative decomposition of trichloroethylene (TCE; 300 ppm) by non-thermal corona plasma was investigated in dry air at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, both in the absence and presence of catalysts including MnOx, CoOx. The catalysts were synthesized by a co-precipitation method. The morphology and structure of the catalysts were characterized by BET surface area measurement and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) methods. Decomposition of TCE and distribution of products were evaluated by a gas chromatograph (GC) and an FTIR. In the absence of the catalyst, TCE removal is increased with increases in the applied voltage and current intensity. Higher TCE removal and CO2 selectivity is observed in presence of the corona and catalysts, as compared to those with the plasma alone. The results show that MnOx and CoOx catalysts can dissociate the in-plasma produced ozone to oxygen radicals, which enhances the TCE decomposition.

  19. Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO by NH 3 with WO 3-TiO 2 Catalysts: Influence of Catalyst Synthesis Method

    DOE PAGES

    He, Yuanyuan; Ford, Michael E.; Zhu, Minghui; ...

    2016-02-02

    A series of supported WO 3/TiO 2 catalysts was prepared by a new synthesis procedure involving co-precipitation of an aqueous TiO(OH) 2 and (NH 4) 10W 12O 41*5H 2O slurry under controlled pH conditions. The morphological properties, molecular structures, surface acidity and surface chemistry of the supported WO 3/TiO 2 catalysts were determined with BET, in situ Raman, in situ IR and temperature-programmed surface reaction (TPSR) spectroscopy, respectively. Isotopic 18O- 16O exchange demonstrated that tungsten oxide was exclusively present as surface WO x species on the TiO 2 support with mono-oxo W=O coordination. In contrast to previous studies employing impregnationmore » synthesis that found only surface one mono-oxo O=WO 4 site on TiO 2, the co-precipitation procedure resulted in the formation of two distinct surface WO x species: mono-oxo O=WO 4 (~1010-1017 cm -1) on low defect density patches of TiO 2 and a second mono-oxo O=WO 4 (~983-986 cm -1) on high defect density patches of TiO 2. The concentration of the second WO x surface species increases as a function of solution pH. Both surface WOx sites, however, exhibited the same NO/NH 3 SCR reactivity. The co-precipitated WO 3-TiO 2 catalysts synthesized in alkaline solutions exhibited enhanced performance for the NO/NH 3 SCR reaction that is ascribed to the greater number of surface defects on the resulting TiO2 support. For the co-precipitated catalyst prepared at pH10, surface NH 4 + species on Br nsted acid sites were found to be more reactive than surface NH 3* species on Lewis acid sites for SCR of NO with NH 3.« less

  20. Interannual variability of the atmospheric CO2 growth rate: relative contribution from precipitation and temperature

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, J.; Zeng, N.; Wang, M. R.

    2015-12-01

    The interannual variability (IAV) in atmospheric CO2 growth rate (CGR) is closely connected with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. However, sensitivities of CGR to temperature and precipitation remain largely uncertain. This paper analyzed the relationship between Mauna Loa CGR and tropical land climatic elements. We find that Mauna Loa CGR lags precipitation by 4 months with a correlation coefficient of -0.63, leads temperature by 1 month (0.77), and correlates with soil moisture (-0.65) with zero lag. Additionally, precipitation and temperature are highly correlated (-0.66), with precipitation leading by 4-5 months. Regression analysis shows that sensitivities of Mauna Loa CGR to temperature and precipitation are 2.92 ± 0.20 Pg C yr-1 K-1 and -0.46 ± 0.07 Pg C yr-1 100 mm-1, respectively. Unlike some recent suggestions, these empirical relationships favor neither temperature nor precipitation as the dominant factor of CGR IAV. We further analyzed seven terrestrial carbon cycle models, from the TRENDY project, to study the processes underlying CGR IAV. All models capture well the IAV of tropical land-atmosphere carbon flux (CFTA). Sensitivities of the ensemble mean CFTA to temperature and precipitation are 3.18 ± 0.11 Pg C yr-1 K-1 and -0.67 ± 0.04 Pg C yr-1 100 mm-1, close to Mauna Loa CGR. Importantly, the models consistently show the variability in net primary productivity (NPP) dominates CGR, rather than soil respiration. Because NPP is largely driven by precipitation, this suggests a key role of precipitation in CGR IAV despite the higher CGR correlation with temperature. Understanding the relative contribution of CO2 sensitivity to precipitation and temperature has important implications for future carbon-climate feedback using such "emergent constraint".

  1. Contrasting the co-variability of daytime cloud and precipitation over tropical land and ocean

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jin, Daeho; Oreopoulos, Lazaros; Lee, Dongmin; Cho, Nayeong; Tan, Jackson

    2018-03-01

    The co-variability of cloud and precipitation in the extended tropics (35° N-35° S) is investigated using contemporaneous data sets for a 13-year period. The goal is to quantify potential relationships between cloud type fractions and precipitation events of particular strength. Particular attention is paid to whether the relationships exhibit different characteristics over tropical land and ocean. A primary analysis metric is the correlation coefficient between fractions of individual cloud types and frequencies within precipitation histogram bins that have been matched in time and space. The cloud type fractions are derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) joint histograms of cloud top pressure and cloud optical thickness in 1° grid cells, and the precipitation frequencies come from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) data set aggregated to the same grid.

    It is found that the strongest coupling (positive correlation) between clouds and precipitation occurs over ocean for cumulonimbus clouds and the heaviest rainfall. While the same cloud type and rainfall bin are also best correlated over land compared to other combinations, the correlation magnitude is weaker than over ocean. The difference is attributed to the greater size of convective systems over ocean. It is also found that both over ocean and land the anti-correlation of strong precipitation with weak (i.e., thin and/or low) cloud types is of greater absolute strength than positive correlations between weak cloud types and weak precipitation. Cloud type co-occurrence relationships explain some of the cloud-precipitation anti-correlations. Weak correlations between weaker rainfall and clouds indicate poor predictability for precipitation when cloud types are known, and this is even more true over land than over ocean.

  2. The role of ecosystem-atmosphere interactions in simulated Amazonian precipitation decrease and forest dieback under global climate warming

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Betts, R. A.; Cox, P. M.; Collins, M.; Harris, P. P.; Huntingford, C.; Jones, C. D.

    A suite of simulations with the HadCM3LC coupled climate-carbon cycle model is used to examine the various forcings and feedbacks involved in the simulated precipitation decrease and forest dieback. Rising atmospheric CO2 is found to contribute 20% to the precipitation reduction through the physiological forcing of stomatal closure, with 80% of the reduction being seen when stomatal closure was excluded and only radiative forcing by CO2 was included. The forest dieback exerts two positive feedbacks on the precipitation reduction; a biogeophysical feedback through reduced forest cover suppressing local evaporative water recycling, and a biogeochemical feedback through the release of CO2 contributing to an accelerated global warming. The precipitation reduction is enhanced by 20% by the biogeophysical feedback, and 5% by the carbon cycle feedback from the forest dieback. This analysis helps to explain why the Amazonian precipitation reduction simulated by HadCM3LC is more extreme than that simulated in other GCMs; in the fully-coupled, climate-carbon cycle simulation, approximately half of the precipitation reduction in Amazonia is attributable to a combination of physiological forcing and biogeophysical and global carbon cycle feedbacks, which are generally not included in other GCM simulations of future climate change. The analysis also demonstrates the potential contribution of regional-scale climate and ecosystem change to uncertainties in global CO2 and climate change projections. Moreover, the importance of feedbacks suggests that a human-induced increase in forest vulnerability to climate change may have implications for regional and global scale climate sensitivity.

  3. Improved detection of sugar addition to maple syrup using malic acid as internal standard and in 13C isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS).

    PubMed

    Tremblay, Patrice; Paquin, Réal

    2007-01-24

    Stable carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry (delta13C IRMS) was used to detect maple syrup adulteration by exogenous sugar addition (beet and cane sugar). Malic acid present in maple syrup is proposed as an isotopic internal standard to improve actual adulteration detection levels. A lead precipitation method has been modified to isolate quantitatively malic acid from maple syrup using preparative reversed-phase liquid chromatography. The stable carbon isotopic ratio of malic acid isolated from this procedure shows an excellent accuracy and repeatability of 0.01 and 0.1 per thousand respectively, confirming that the modified lead precipitation method is an isotopic fractionation-free process. A new approach is proposed to detect adulteration based on the correlation existing between the delta13Cmalic acid and the delta13Csugars-delta13Cmalic acid (r = 0.704). This technique has been tested on a set of 56 authentic maple syrup samples. Additionally, authentic samples were spiked with exogeneous sugars. The mean theoretical detection level was statistically lowered using this technique in comparison with the usual two-standard deviation approach, especially when maple syrup is adulterated with beet sugar : 24 +/- 12% of adulteration detection versus 48 +/- 20% (t-test, p = 7.3 x 10-15). The method was also applied to published data for pineapple juices and honey with the same improvement.

  4. Carbon dioxide sequestration induced mineral precipitation healing of fractured reservoir seals

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Welch, N.; Crawshaw, J.

    2017-12-01

    Initial experiments and the thermodynaic basis for carbon dioxide sequestration induced mineral precipitation healing of fractures through reservoir seals will be presented. The basis of this work is the potential exists for the dissolution of reservoir host rock formation carbonate minerals in the acidified injection front of CO2 during sequestration or EOR. This enriched brine and the bulk CO2 phase will then flow through the reservoir until contact with the reservoir seal. At this point any fractures present in the reservoir seal will be the preferential flow path for the bulk CO2 phase as well as the acidified brine front. These fractures would currently be filled with non-acidified brine saturated in seal formation brine. When the acidifeid brine from the host formation and the cap rock brine mix there is the potential for minerals to fall out of solution, and for these precipitated minerals to decrease or entirely cut off the fluid flow through the fractures present in a reservoir seal. Initial equilibrium simulations performed using the PHREEQC1 database drived from the PHREEQE2 database are used to show the favorable conditions under which this mineral precipitation can occurs. Bench scale fluid mixing experiments were then performed to determine the kinetics of the mineral precipitation process, and determine the progress of future experiemnts involving fluid flow within fractured anhydrite reservoir seal samples. 1Parkhurst, D.L., and Appelo, C.A.J., 2013, Description of input and examples for PHREEQC version 3—A computer program for speciation, batch-reaction, one-dimensional transport, and inverse geochemical calculations: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 6, chap. A43, 497 p., available only at https://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/06/a43/. 2Parkhurst, David L., Donald C. Thorstenson, and L. Niel Plummer. PHREEQE: a computer program for geochemical calculations. No. 80-96. US Geological Survey, Water Resources Division,, 1980.

  5. Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of cobalt, copper, lead and nickel traces in aragonite following flotation and extraction separation.

    PubMed

    Zendelovska, D; Pavlovska, G; Cundeva, K; Stafilov, T

    2001-03-30

    A method of determination of Co, Cu, Pb and Ni in nanogram quantities from aragonite is presented. Flotation and extraction of Co, Cu, Pb and Ni is suggested as methods for elimination matrix interferences of calcium. The method of flotation is performed by iron(III) hexamethylenedithiocarbamate, Fe(HMDTC)(3), as a colloid precipitate collector. The liquid-liquid extraction of Co, Cu, Pb and Ni is carried out by sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, NaDDTC, as complexing reagent into methylisobutyl ketone, MIBK. The electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) is used for determination of analytes. The detection limits of ETAAS followed by flotation are: 7.8 ng.g(-1) for Co, 17.1 ng.g(-1) for Cu, 7.2 ng.g(-1) for Pb and 9.0 mug.g(-1) for Ni. The detection limits of ETAAS followed by extraction are found to be: 12.0 ng.g(-1) for Co, 51.0 ng.g(-1) for Cu, 24.0 ng.g(-1) for Pb and 21.0 ng.g(-1) for Ni.

  6. Microstructure, magnetic and microwave absorptive behavior of doped W-type hexaferrite nanoparticles prepared by co-precipitation method

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

    Gordani, Gholam Reza, E-mail: gordani@gmail.com; Mohseni, Marzieh; Ghasemi, Ali

    2016-04-15

    Highlights: • High frequency properties of substituted W-type Sr-hexaferrite. • Saturation magnetization of samples is decreased with increasing of dopants content. • The ferrite sample covers about 6 GHz of bandwidth in K{sub u} band. • The optimum substituted samples can be used as a potential magnetic loss material. • Sample contain x = 0.4 of dopants have shown greater than 90% of reflection loss. - Abstract: Substituted W-type hexaferrite nanoparticles of SrZn{sub 2−x}Co{sub x/2}Ni{sub x/2}Fe{sub 16}O{sub 27} were synthesized by a chemical co-precipitation method. The X-ray diffraction results confirmed that W-type ferrite was identified as the main phase inmore » whole samples in the range of x = 0–0.4. According to magnetic hysteresis loops, with increasing of substituted cations, saturation of magnetization increased and coercivity decreased due to crystalline site occupation of Zn with Ni and Co cations. The microwave reflection loss analysis results in the K{sub u} band (12–18 GHz) show that the highest value of reflection loss of samples was −29.11 dB at frequency of 14.57 GHz with an absorption bandwidth of more than 6 GHz by choosing reflection loss value of −10 dB as a reference. The results indicate that, the sample with appropriate amount of substituted cations hold great promise for microwave device applications.« less

  7. Modelling the evolution of complex conductivity during calcite precipitation on glass beads

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leroy, Philippe; Li, Shuai; Jougnot, Damien; Revil, André; Wu, Yuxin

    2017-04-01

    When pH and alkalinity increase, calcite frequently precipitates and hence modifies the petrophysical properties of porous media. The complex conductivity method can be used to directly monitor calcite precipitation in porous media because it is sensitive to the evolution of the mineralogy, pore structure and its connectivity. We have developed a mechanistic grain polarization model considering the electrochemical polarization of the Stern and diffuse layers surrounding calcite particles. Our complex conductivity model depends on the surface charge density of the Stern layer and on the electrical potential at the onset of the diffuse layer, which are computed using a basic Stern model of the calcite/water interface. The complex conductivity measurements of Wu et al. on a column packed with glass beads where calcite precipitation occurs are reproduced by our surface complexation and complex conductivity models. The evolution of the size and shape of calcite particles during the calcite precipitation experiment is estimated by our complex conductivity model. At the early stage of the calcite precipitation experiment, modelled particles sizes increase and calcite particles flatten with time because calcite crystals nucleate at the surface of glass beads and grow into larger calcite grains. At the later stage of the calcite precipitation experiment, modelled sizes and cementation exponents of calcite particles decrease with time because large calcite grains aggregate over multiple glass beads and only small calcite crystals polarize.

  8. A novel multifunctional pharmaceutical excipient: modification of the permeability of starch by processing with magnesium silicate.

    PubMed

    Rashid, Iyad; Al-Remawi, Mayyas; Leharne, Stephen A; Chowdhry, Babur Z; Badwan, Adnan

    2011-06-15

    A directly compressible excipient has been developed by co-processing starch with magnesium silicate. The foregoing was achieved either by co-precipitation of magnesium silicate onto different types of starch or by dry granulation of maize starch with magnesium silicate. A variety of techniques (permeability, water retention/swelling, compression analysis, scanning electron microscopy, tensile strength and disintegration/dissolution studies) were used to characterize these systems. The permeability of the formulations produced using the two methods was evaluated experimentally using Darcy's permeability law. Magnesium silicate, as an anti-adhering agent, increases the permeability of both maize and partially pregelatinized starch, resulting in compacts of high mechanical strength, short disintegration time and low lubricant sensitivity. Such advantages are evident when the properties of the physical mixture of maize starch with magnesium silicate are compared with the co-precipitation and dry granulation techniques. Formulation with this novel excipient system, using paracetamol as a model drug, indicated its suitability as a single multifunctional excipient. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Cost and energy demand of producing nickel manganese cobalt cathode material for lithium ion batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Ahmed, Shabbir; Nelson, Paul A.; Gallagher, Kevin G.; ...

    2017-01-05

    The price of the cathode active materials in lithium ion batteries is a key cost driver and thus significantly impacts consumer adoption of devices that utilize large energy storage contents (e.g. electric vehicles). A process model has been developed and used to study the production process of a common lithium-ion cathode material, lithiated nickel manganese cobalt oxide, using the co-precipitation method. The process was simulated for a plant producing 6500 kg day –1. The results indicate that the process will consume approximately 4 kWh kg NMC –1 of energy, 15 L kg NMC –1 of process water, and cost $23more » to produce a kg of Li-NMC333. The calculations were extended to compare the production cost using two co-precipitation reactions (with Na 2CO 3 and NaOH), and similar cathode active materials such as lithium manganese oxide and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide. Finally, a combination of cost saving opportunities show the possibility to reduce the cost of the cathode material by 19%.« less

  10. Effective reduction in the nanoparticle sizes of NiO obtained via the pyrolysis of nickel malonate precursor modified using oleylamine surfactant

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

    Lontio Fomekong, Roussin, E-mail: lonforou@yahoo.fr; Institut de la Matière Condensée et des Nanosciences, Université Catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 1, 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve; Ngolui Lambi, John

    2016-09-15

    Nickel oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via thermal decomposition of two precursors, the first, a simple nickel malonate and the second, a nickel malonate modified by oleylamine, a surfactant, both having been synthesized by precipitation. While FTIR, TGA and ToF-SIMS were used to characterize the two precursors and to show the presence of oleylamine in the modified precursor, XRD, SEM, TEM and BET were employed to investigate the structure, the morphology and the specific surface area of the decomposition products obtained after pyrolysis. The results showed that the modification of nickel malonate by oleylamine was effective. The XRD results, which showedmore » a cubic structure for the NiO obtained, suggest with SEM an important particle size reduction (at least 54%) when oleylamine was used to modify the nickel malonate precursor. The SEM images also showed a well-defined spherical nanoparticle morphology in both cases, not affected by the presence of oleylamine. The TEM also confirmed the reduction of particle size and their spherical nature but at the same time showed that, in the presence of oleylamine, there was no agglomeration resulting in a more uniform particle size distribution. The specific surface area of the NiO obtained by the oleylamine-modified precursor was 4.7 times larger than that obtained with the regular precursor. This again confirms the particle size reduction. - Highlights: • Nickel malonate precursor has been synthesized by precipitation method. • This precursor was successfully modified by a surfactant (oleylamine). • NiO was identified as the decomposition products of the previous precursors. • Oleylamine has provoked around 54% of particle size reduction of the NiO.« less

  11. Modeled responses of terrestrial ecosystems to elevated atmospheric CO2: a comparison of simulations by the biogeochemistry models of the Vegetation/Ecosystem Modeling and Analysis Project (VEMAP).

    PubMed

    Pan, Yude; Melillo, Jerry M; McGuire, A David; Kicklighter, David W; Pitelka, Louis F; Hibbard, Kathy; Pierce, Lars L; Running, Steven W; Ojima, Dennis S; Parton, William J; Schimel, David S

    1998-04-01

    Although there is a great deal of information concerning responses to increases in atmospheric CO 2 at the tissue and plant levels, there are substantially fewer studies that have investigated ecosystem-level responses in the context of integrated carbon, water, and nutrient cycles. Because our understanding of ecosystem responses to elevated CO 2 is incomplete, modeling is a tool that can be used to investigate the role of plant and soil interactions in the response of terrestrial ecosystems to elevated CO 2 . In this study, we analyze the responses of net primary production (NPP) to doubled CO 2 from 355 to 710 ppmv among three biogeochemistry models in the Vegetation/Ecosystem Modeling and Analysis Project (VEMAP): BIOME-BGC (BioGeochemical Cycles), Century, and the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (TEM). For the conterminous United States, doubled atmospheric CO 2 causes NPP to increase by 5% in Century, 8% in TEM, and 11% in BIOME-BGC. Multiple regression analyses between the NPP response to doubled CO 2 and the mean annual temperature and annual precipitation of biomes or grid cells indicate that there are negative relationships between precipitation and the response of NPP to doubled CO 2 for all three models. In contrast, there are different relationships between temperature and the response of NPP to doubled CO 2 for the three models: there is a negative relationship in the responses of BIOME-BGC, no relationship in the responses of Century, and a positive relationship in the responses of TEM. In BIOME-BGC, the NPP response to doubled CO 2 is controlled by the change in transpiration associated with reduced leaf conductance to water vapor. This change affects soil water, then leaf area development and, finally, NPP. In Century, the response of NPP to doubled CO 2 is controlled by changes in decomposition rates associated with increased soil moisture that results from reduced evapotranspiration. This change affects nitrogen availability for plants, which influences NPP. In TEM, the NPP response to doubled CO 2 is controlled by increased carboxylation which is modified by canopy conductance and the degree to which nitrogen constraints cause down-regulation of photosynthesis. The implementation of these different mechanisms has consequences for the spatial pattern of NPP responses, and represents, in part, conceptual uncertainty about controls over NPP responses. Progress in reducing these uncertainties requires research focused at the ecosystem level to understand how interactions between the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles influence the response of NPP to elevated atmospheric CO 2 .

  12. Modeled responses of terrestrial ecosystems to elevated atmospheric CO2: A comparison of simulations by the biogeochemistry models of the Vegetation/Ecosystem Modeling and Analysis Project (VEMAP)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Pan, Y.; Melillo, J.M.; McGuire, A.D.; Kicklighter, D.W.; Pitelka, Louis F.; Hibbard, K.; Pierce, L.L.; Running, S.W.; Ojima, D.S.; Parton, W.J.; Schimel, D.S.; Borchers, J.; Neilson, R.; Fisher, H.H.; Kittel, T.G.F.; Rossenbloom, N.A.; Fox, S.; Haxeltine, A.; Prentice, I.C.; Sitch, S.; Janetos, A.; McKeown, R.; Nemani, R.; Painter, T.; Rizzo, B.; Smith, T.; Woodward, F.I.

    1998-01-01

    Although there is a great deal of information concerning responses to increases in atmospheric CO2 at the tissue and plant levels, there are substantially fewer studies that have investigated ecosystem-level responses in the context of integrated carbon, water, and nutrient cycles. Because our understanding of ecosystem responses to elevated CO2 is incomplete, modeling is a tool that can be used to investigate the role of plant and soil interactions in the response of terrestrial ecosystems to elevated CO2. In this study, we analyze the responses of net primary production (NPP) to doubled CO2 from 355 to 710 ppmv among three biogeochemistry models in the Vegetation/Ecosystem Modeling and Analysis Project (VEMAP): BIOME-BGC (BioGeochemical Cycles), Century, and the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (TEM). For the conterminous United States, doubled atmospheric CO2 causes NPP to increase by 5% in Century, 8% in TEM, and 11% in BIOME-BGC. Multiple regression analyses between the NPP response to doubled CO2 and the mean annual temperature and annual precipitation of biomes or grid cells indicate that there are negative relationships between precipitation and the response of NPP to doubled CO2 for all three models. In contrast, there are different relationships between temperature and the response of NPP to doubled CO2 for the three models: there is a negative relationship in the responses of BIOME-BGC, no relationship in the responses of Century, and a positive relationship in the responses of TEM. In BIOME-BGC, the NPP response to doubled CO2 is controlled by the change in transpiration associated with reduced leaf conductance to water vapor. This change affects soil water, then leaf area development and, finally, NPP. In Century, the response of NPP to doubled CO2 is controlled by changes in decomposition rates associated with increased soil moisture that results from reduced evapotranspiration. This change affects nitrogen availability for plants, which influences NPP. In TEM, the NPP response to doubled CO2 is controlled by increased carboxylation which is modified by canopy conductance and the degree to which nitrogen constraints cause down-regulation of photosynthesis. The implementation of these different mechanisms has consequences for the spatial pattern of NPP responses, and represents, in part, conceptual uncertainty about controls over NPP responses. Progress in reducing these uncertainties requires research focused at the ecosystem level to understand how interactions between the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles influence the response of NPP to elevated atmospheric CO2.

  13. Radiative and Physiological Effects of Increased CO2: How Does This Interaction Affect Climate?

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bounoua, Lahouari

    2011-01-01

    Several climate models indicate that in a 2xCO2 environment, temperature and precipitation would increase and runoff would increase faster than precipitation. These models, however, did not allow the vegetation to increase its leaf density as a response to the physiological effects of increased CO2 and consequent changes in climate. Other assessments included these interactions but did not account for the vegetation downregulation to reduce plant's photosynthetic activity and as such resulted in a weak vegetation negative response. When we combine these interactions in climate simulations with 2xCO2, the associated increase in precipitation contributes primarily to increase evapotranspiration rather than surface runoff, consistent with observations, and results in an additional cooling effect not fully accounted for in previous 2xCO2 simulations. By accelerating the water cycle, this feedback slows but does not alleviate the projected warming, reducing the land surface warming by 0.6 C. Compared to previous studies, these results imply that long term negative feedback from CO2-induced increases in vegetation density could reduce temperature following a stabilization of CO2 concentration.

  14. Low Temperature Synthesized H2Ti3O7 Nanotubes with a High CO2 Adsorption Property by Amine Modification.

    PubMed

    Ota, Misaki; Hirota, Yuichiro; Uchida, Yoshiaki; Sakamoto, Yasuhiro; Nishiyama, Norikazu

    2018-06-12

    Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture and storage (CCS) technologies have been attracting attention in terms of tackling with global warming. To date, various CO 2 capture technologies including solvents, membranes, cryogenics, and solid adsorbents have been proposed. Currently, a liquid adsorption method for CO 2 using amine solution (monoethanolamine) has been practically used. However, this liquid phase CO 2 adsorption process requires heat regeneration, and it can cause many problems such as corrosion of equipment and degradation of the solution. Meanwhile, solid adsorption methods using porous materials are more advantageous over the liquid method at these points. In this context, we here evaluated if hydrogen titanate (H 2 Ti 3 O 7 ) nanotubes and the surface modification effectively capture CO 2 . For this aim, we first developed a facile synthesis method of H 2 Ti 3 O 7 nanotubes different from any conventional methods. Briefly, they were converted from the precursors-amorphous TiO 2 nanoparticles at room temperature (25 °C). We then determined the outer and the inner diameters of the H 2 Ti 3 O 7 nanotubes as 3.0 and 0.7 nm, respectively. It revealed that both values were much smaller than the reported ones; thus the specific surface area showed the highest value (735 m 2 /g). Next, the outer surface of H 2 Ti 3 O 7 nanotubes was modified using ethylenediamine to examine if CO 2 adsorption capacity increases. The ethylendiamine-modified H 2 Ti 3 O 7 nanotubes showed a higher CO 2 adsorption capacity (50 cm 3 /g at 0 °C, 100 kPa). We finally concluded that the higher CO 2 adsorption capacity could be explained, not only by the high specific surface area of the nanotubes but also by tripartite hydrogen bonding interactions among amines, CO 2 , and OH groups on the surface of H 2 Ti 3 O 7 .

  15. Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Carriers Based on Immobilized Enzyme

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, F. H.; Tang, N.; Wang, Y. Q.; Zhang, L.; Du, W.; Xiang, J.; Cheng, P. G.

    2018-05-01

    Several new types of carriers and technologies have been implemented to improve traditional enzyme immobilization in industrial biotechnology. The magnetic immobilized enzyme is a kind of new method of enzyme immobilization developed in recent years. An external magnetic field can be used to control the motion mode and direction of immobilized enzyme, and to improve the catalytic efficiency of immobilized enzyme. In this paper, Fe3O4-CaCO3-PDA complex and CaCO3/Fe3O4 composite modified by PEI were prepared. The results show that the morphology of Fe3O4-CaCO3-PDA complex formation is irregular, while the morphology of CaCO3/Fe3O4 composite modified by PEI is regular and has a porous structure.

  16. Comparison of NEXRAD multisensor precipitation estimates to rain gage observations in and near DuPage County, Illinois, 2002–12

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Spies, Ryan R.; Over, Thomas M.; Ortel, Terry W.

    2018-05-21

    In this report, precipitation data from 2002 to 2012 from the hourly gridded Next-Generation Radar (NEXRAD)-based Multisensor Precipitation Estimate (MPE) precipitation product are compared to precipitation data from two rain gage networks—an automated tipping bucket network of 25 rain gages operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and 51 rain gages from the volunteer-operated Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network—in and near DuPage County, Illinois, at a daily time step to test for long-term differences in space, time, and distribution. The NEXRAD–MPE data that are used are from the fifty 2.5-mile grid cells overlying the rain gages from the other networks. Because of the challenges of measuring of frozen precipitation, the analysis period is separated between days with or without the chance of freezing conditions. The NEXRAD–MPE and tipping-bucket rain gage precipitation data are adjusted to account for undercatch by multiplying by a previously determined factor of 1.14. Under nonfreezing conditions, the three precipitation datasets are broadly similar in cumulative depth and distribution of daily values when the data are combined spatially across the networks. However, the NEXRAD–MPE data indicate a significant trend relative to both rain gage networks as a function of distance from the NEXRAD radar just south of the study area. During freezing conditions, of the USGS network rain gages only the heated gages were considered, and these gages indicate substantial mean undercatch of 50 and 61 percent compared to the NEXRAD–MPE and the CoCoRaHS gages, respectively. The heated USGS rain gages also indicate substantially lower quantile values during freezing conditions, except during the most extreme (highest) events. Because NEXRAD precipitation products are continually evolving, the report concludes with a discussion of recent changes in those products and their potential for improved precipitation estimation. An appendix provides an analysis of spatially combined NEXRAD–MPE precipitation data as a function of temperature at an hourly time scale and indicates, among other results, that most precipitation in the study area occurs at moderate temperatures of 30 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when precipitation does occur, its intensity increases with temperature to about 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

  17. Iron phthalocyanine modified mesoporous titania nanoparticles for photocatalytic activity and CO2 capture applications.

    PubMed

    Ramacharyulu, P V R K; Muhammad, Raeesh; Praveen Kumar, J; Prasad, G K; Mohanty, Paritosh

    2015-10-21

    An iron(II)phthalocyanine (Fepc) modified mesoporous titania (Fepc-TiO2) nanocatalyst with a specific surface area of 215 m(2) g(-1) has been synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Fepc-TiO2 degrades one of the highly toxic chemical warfare agents, sulfur mustard (SM), photocatalytically under sunlight with an exposure time of as low as 70 min. Furthermore, the mesoporous Fepc-TiO2 also captured 2.1 mmol g(-1) of CO2 at 273 K and 1 atm.

  18. Combined Effects of Deforestation and Doubled Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations on the Climate of Amazonia.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Costa, Marcos Heil; Foley, Jonathan A.

    2000-01-01

    It is generally expected that the Amazon basin will experience at least two major environmental changes during the next few decades and centuries: 1) increasing areas of forest will be converted to pasture and cropland, and 2) concentrations of atmospheric CO2 will continue to rise. In this study, the authors use the National Center for Atmospheric Research GENESIS atmospheric general circulation model, coupled to the Integrated Biosphere Simulator, to determine the combined effects of large-scale deforestation and increased CO2 concentrations (including both physiological and radiative effects) on Amazonian climate.In these simulations, deforestation decreases basin-average precipitation by 0.73 mm day1 over the basin, as a consequence of the general reduction in vertical motion above the deforested area (although there are some small regions with increased vertical motion). The overall effect of doubled CO2 concentrations in Amazonia is an increase in basin-average precipitation of 0.28 mm day1. The combined effect of deforestation and doubled CO2, including the interactions among the processes, is a decrease in the basin-average precipitation of 0.42 mm day1. While the effects of deforestation and increasing CO2 concentrations on precipitation tend to counteract one another, both processes work to warm the Amazon basin. The effect of deforestation and increasing CO2 concentrations both tend to increase surface temperature, mainly because of decreases in evapotranspiration and the radiative effect of CO2. The combined effect of deforestation and doubled CO2, including the interactions among the processes, increases the basin-average temperature by roughly 3.5°C.

  19. Are there interactive effects of physiological and radiative forcing produced by increased CO2 concentration on changes of land hydrological cycle?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peng, Jing; Dan, Li; Dong, Wenjie

    2014-01-01

    Three coupled climate-carbon cycle models including CESM (Community Earth System Model), CanEsm (the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis Earth System Model) and BCC (Beijing Climate Center Climate System Model) were used to estimate whether changes in land hydrological cycle responded to the interactive effects of CO2-physiological forcing and CO2-radiative forcing. No signs could be indicated that the interactive effects of CO2-physiological forcing and CO2-radiative forcing on the hydrological variables (e.g. precipitation, evapotranspiration and runoff) were detected at global and regional scales. For each model, increases in precipitation, evapotranspiration and runoff (e.g. 0.37, 0.18 and 0.25 mm/year2) were simulated in response to CO2-radiative forcing (experiment M3). Decreases in precipitation and evapotranspiration (about - 0.02 and - 0.09 mm/year2) were captured if the CO2 physiological effect was only accounted for (experiment M2). In this experiment, a reverse sign in runoff (the increase of 0.08 mm/year2) in contrast to M3 is presented. All models simulated the same signs across Eastern Asia in response to the CO2 physiological forcing and radiative forcing: increases in precipitation and evapotranspiration only considering greenhouse effect; reductions in precipitation and evapotranspiration in response to CO2-physiological effect; and enhanced trends in runoff from all experiments. However, there was still a large uncertainty on the magnitude of the effect of transpiration on runoff (decreased transpiration accounting for 8% to 250% of the increased runoff) from the three models. Two models (CanEsm and BCC) attributed most of the increase in runoff to the decrease in transpiration if the CO2-physiological effect was only accounted for, whereas CESM exhibited that the decrease in transpiration could not totally explain the increase in runoff. The attribution of the CO2-physiological forcing to changes in stomatal conductance versus changes in vegetation structure (e.g. increased Leaf Area Index) is an issue to discuss, and among the three models, no agreement appeared.

  20. Co3O4/Co-N-C modified ketjenblack carbon as an advanced electrocatalyst for Al-air batteries

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Jingsha; Zhou, Zhi; Liu, Kun; Li, Fuzhi; Peng, Zhiguang; Tang, Yougen; Wang, Haiyan

    2017-03-01

    Nitrogen-doped carbon materials containing non-precious metal (TM-N-C) and Co-based oxides have been extensively investigated as promising catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we report a novel Co3O4/Co-N-C modified ketjenblack carbon (KB) catalyst via a one-pot and scalable pyrolysis process using cheap melamine, cobalt acetate tetrahydrate and KB as raw materials. Owing to the high specific surface area and good electrical conductivity, this KB-based catalyst exhibits remarkable catalytic activity with a half-wave potential of 0.798 V (vs RHE) and a limiting current density of 5.10 mA cm-2 in alkaline solution, which are comparable with those of the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C. More importantly, it displays superior stability to Pt/C, which makes it one of the most promising non-noble-metal catalysts. Al-air batteries with this catalyst are also tested and generate a maximum power density of 161.1 mW cm-2, which is close to that with 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst (161.9 mW cm-2). After the discharge for 18 h at 50 mA cm-2, the voltage degradation of Al-air battery with Co3O4/Co-N-C modified KB is 7%, while that using Pt/C is increased to 12%. By virtues of its remarkable performance, low cost and simple fabrication method, Co3O4/Co-N-C modified KB here can be used as an efficient ORR cathode catalyst instead of the commercial Pt/C for practical Al-air batteries.

  1. In situ photodeposition of amorphous CoSx on the TiO2 towards hydrogen evolution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Feng; Luo, Wei; Mo, Yanping; Yu, Huogen; Cheng, Bei

    2018-02-01

    Cocatalyst modification of photocatalysts is an important strategy to enhance the photocatalytic performance by promoting effective separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs and providing abundant active sites. In this study, a facile in situ photodeposition method was developed to prepare amorphous CoSx-modified TiO2 photocatalysts. It was found that amorphous CoSx nanoparticles were solidly loaded on the TiO2 surface, resulting in a greatly improved photocatalytic H2-evolution performance. When the amount of amorphous CoSx was 10 wt%, the hydrogen evolution rate of the CoSx/TiO2 reached 119.7 μmol h-1, which was almost 16.7 times that of the pure TiO2. According to the above experimental results, a reasonable mechanism of improved photocatalytic performance is proposed for the CoSx/TiO2 photocatalysts, namely, the photogenerated electrons of TiO2 can rapidly transfer to amorphous CoSx nanoparticles due to the solid contact between them, and then amorphous CoSx can provide plenty of sulfur active sites to rapidly adsorb protons from solution to produce hydrogen by the photogenerated electrons. Considering the facile synthesis method, the present cheap and highly efficient amorphous CoSx-modified TiO2 photocatalysts would have great potential for practical use in photocatalytic H2 production.

  2. Simultaneous detection of morphine and codeine in urine samples of heroin addicts using multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified SnO2-Zn2SnO4 nanocomposites paste electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taei, M.; Hasanpour, F.; Hajhashemi, V.; Movahedi, M.; Baghlani, H.

    2016-02-01

    The SnO2-Zn2SnO4 nanocomposite was successfully prepared via a simple solid state method. Then, a chemically modified electrode based on incorporating SnO2-Zn2SnO4 into multi-walled carbon nanotube paste matrix (MWCNTs/SnO2-Zn2SnO4/CPE) was prepared for the simultaneous determination of morphine(MO) and codeine (CO). The measurements were carried out by application of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. The MWCNTs/SnO2-Zn2SnO4/CPE showed an efficient electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of MO and CO. The separation of the oxidation peak potential for MO-CO was about 550 mV. The calibration curves obtained for MO and CO were in the ranges of 0.1-310 μmol L-1 and 0.1-600.0 μmol L-1, respectively. The detection limits (S/N = 3) were 0.009 μmol L-1 for both drugs. The method also successfully employed as a selective, simple, and precise method for the determination of MO and CO in pharmaceutical and biological samples.

  3. Improved simulation of precipitation in the tropics using a modified BMJ scheme in the WRF model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fonseca, R. M.; Zhang, T.; Yong, K.-T.

    2015-09-01

    The successful modelling of the observed precipitation, a very important variable for a wide range of climate applications, continues to be one of the major challenges that climate scientists face today. When the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to dynamically downscale the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) over the Indo-Pacific region, with analysis (grid-point) nudging, it is found that the cumulus scheme used, Betts-Miller-Janjić (BMJ), produces excessive rainfall suggesting that it has to be modified for this region. Experimentation has shown that the cumulus precipitation is not very sensitive to changes in the cloud efficiency but varies greatly in response to modifications of the temperature and humidity reference profiles. A new version of the scheme, denoted "modified BMJ" scheme, where the humidity reference profile is more moist, was developed. In tropical belt simulations it was found to give a better estimate of the observed precipitation as given by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42 data set than the default BMJ scheme for the whole tropics and both monsoon seasons. In fact, in some regions the model even outperforms CFSR. The advantage of modifying the BMJ scheme to produce better rainfall estimates lies in the final dynamical consistency of the rainfall with other dynamical and thermodynamical variables of the atmosphere.

  4. Interaction Between CO2-Rich Sulfate Solutions and Carbonate Reservoir Rocks from Atmospheric to Supercritical CO2 Conditions: Experiments and Modeling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cama, J.; Garcia-Rios, M.; Luquot, L.; Soler Matamala, J. M.

    2014-12-01

    A test site for CO2 geological storage is situated in Hontomín (Spain) with a reservoir rock that is mainly composed of limestone. During and after CO2 injection, the resulting CO2-rich acid brine gives rise to the dissolution of carbonate minerals (calcite and dolomite) and gypsum (or anhydrite at depth) may precipitate since the reservoir brine contains sulfate. Experiments using columns filled with crushed limestone or dolostone were conducted under different P-pCO2 conditions (atmospheric: 1-10-3.5 bar; subcritical: 10-10 bar; and supercritical: 150-34 bar), T (25, 40 and 60 ºC) and input solution compositions (gypsum-undersaturated and gypsum-equilibrated solutions). We evaluated the effect of these parameters on the coupled reactions of calcite/dolomite dissolution and gypsum/anhydrite precipitation. The CrunchFlow and PhreeqC (v.3) numerical codes were used to perform reactive transport simulations of the experiments. Under the P-pCO2-T conditions, the volume of precipitated gypsum was smaller than the volume of dissolved carbonate minerals, yielding an increase in porosity (Δporosity up to ≈ 4%). A decrease in T favored limestone dissolution regardless of pCO2 owing to increasing undersaturation with decreasing temperature. However, gypsum precipitation was favored at high T and under atmospheric pCO2 conditions but not at high T and under 10 bar of pCO2 conditions. The increase in limestone dissolution with pCO2 was directly attributed to pH, which was more acidic at higher pCO2. Increasing pCO2, carbonate dissolution occurred along the column whereas it was localized in the very inlet under atmospheric conditions. This was due to the buffer capacity of the carbonic acid, which maintains pH at around 5 and keeps the solution undersaturated with respect to calcite and dolomite along the column. 1D reactive transport simulations reproduced the experimental data (carbonate dissolution and gypsum precipitation for different P-pCO2-T conditions). Drawing on reaction rate laws in the literature, we used the reactive surface area to fit the models to the experimental data. The values of the reactive surface area were much smaller than those calculated of the geometric areas.

  5. The production of antibacterial tubing, sutures, and bandages by in situ precipitation of metallic salts.

    PubMed

    Farrah, S R; Erdos, G W

    1991-06-01

    Two procedures were used to modify gauze bandages, polyester sutures, silicone tubing, and polyvinyl chloride tubing. In one procedure, the materials were first modified by in situ precipitation of metallic hydroxides and then used to adsorb silver ions. In the second procedure, the materials were soaked in sodium pyrophosphate or sodium chloride, dried, and then soaked in silver nitrate. These procedures produced materials with silver deposited on the surface of the tubing and sutures and both on the surface and within the gauze fibers. The modified materials inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in vitro.

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

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

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

    2016-02-08

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

  7. The structure and properties of the carbon non-wovens modified with bioactive nanoceramics for medical applications.

    PubMed

    Fraczek-Szczypta, A; Rabiej, S; Szparaga, G; Pabjanczyk-Wlazlo, E; Krol, P; Brzezinska, M; Blazewicz, S; Bogun, M

    2015-06-01

    The paper presents the results of the manufacture of carbon fibers (CF) from polyacrylonitrile fiber precursor containing bioactive ceramic nanoparticles. In order to modify the precursor fibers two types of bio-glasses and wollastonite in the form of nanoparticles were used. The processing variables of the thermal conversion of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fibers into carbon fibers were determined using the FTIR method. The carbonization process of oxidized PAN fibers was carried out up to 1000°C. The carbon fibers were characterized by a low ordered crystalline structure. The bioactivity tests of carbon fibers modified with a ceramic nanocomponent carried out in the artificial serum (SBF) revealed the apatite precipitation on the fibers' surfaces. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Co-precipitated and collocated carbides and Cu-rich precipitates in a Fe-Cu steel characterized by atom-probe tomography.

    PubMed

    Kolli, R Prakash; Seidman, David N

    2014-12-01

    The composition of co-precipitated and collocated NbC carbide precipitates, Fe3C iron carbide (cementite), and Cu-rich precipitates are studied experimentally by atom-probe tomography (APT). The Cu-rich precipitates located at a grain boundary (GB) are also studied. The APT results for the carbides are supplemented with computational thermodynamics predictions of composition at thermodynamic equilibrium. Two types of NbC carbide precipitates are distinguished based on their stoichiometric ratio and size. The Cu-rich precipitates at the periphery of the iron carbide and at the GB are larger than those distributed in the α-Fe (body-centered cubic) matrix, which is attributed to short-circuit diffusion of Cu along the GB. Manganese segregation is not observed at the heterophase interfaces of the Cu-rich precipitates that are located at the periphery of the iron carbide or at the GB, which is unlike those located at the edge of the NbC carbide precipitates or distributed in the α-Fe matrix. This suggests the presence of two populations of NiAl-type (B2 structure) phases at the heterophase interfaces in multicomponent Fe-Cu steels.

  9. Functionalized graphene oxide/Fe3O4 hybrids for cellular magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence labeling.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Chaohui; Wu, Hui; Wang, Mingliang; Huang, Chusen; Yang, Dapeng; Jia, Nengqin

    2017-09-01

    In this work, we developed a T 2 -weighted contrast agent based on graphene oxide (GO)/Fe 3 O 4 hybrids for efficient cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The GO/Fe 3 O 4 hybrids were obtained by combining with co-precipitation method and pyrolysis method. The structural, surface and magnetic characteristics of the hybrids were systematically characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), AFM, Raman, FT-IR and XRD. The GO/Fe 3 O 4 hybrids were functionalized by modifying with anionic and cationic polyelectrolyte through layer-by-layer assembling. The fluorescence probe fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was further loaded on the surface of functionalized GO/Fe 3 O 4 hybrids to trace the location of GO/Fe 3 O 4 hybrids in cells. Functionalized GO/Fe 3 O 4 hybrids possess good hydrophilicity, less cytotoxicity, high MRI enhancement with the relaxivity (r 2 ) of 493mM -1 s -1 as well as cellular MRI contrast effect. These obtained results indicated that the functionalized GO/Fe 3 O 4 hybrids could have great potential to be utilized as cellular MRI contrast agents for tumor early diagnosis and monitoring. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Autonomous water sampling for long-term monitoring of trace metals in remote environments.

    PubMed

    Kim, Hyojin; Bishop, James K B; Wood, Todd J; Fung, Inez Y

    2012-10-16

    A remotely controlled autonomous method for long-term high-frequency sampling of environmental waters in remote locations is described. The method which preserves sample integrity of dissolved trace metals and major ions for month-long periods employs a gravitational filtration system (GFS) that separates dissolved and particulate phases as samples are collected. The key elements of GFS are (1) a modified "air-outlet" filter holder to maximize filtration rate and thus minimize filtration artifacts; and (2) the direct delivery of filtrate to dedicated bottle sets for specific analytes. Depth and screen filter types were evaluated with depth filters showing best performance. GFS performance is validated using ground, stream, and estuary waters. Over 30 days of storage, samples with GFS treatment had average recoveries of 95 ± 19% and 105 ± 7% of Fe and Mn, respectively; without GFS treatment, average recoveries were only 16% and 18%. Dissolved major cations K, Mg, and Na were stable independent of collection methodology, whereas Ca in some groundwater samples decreased up to 42% without GFS due to CaCO(3) precipitation. In-field performance of GFS equipped autosamplers is demonstrated using ground and streamwater samples collected at the Angelo Coast Range Reserve, California from October 3 to November 4 2011.

  11. Magnetic solid phase extraction of typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from environmental water samples with metal organic framework MIL-101 (Cr) modified zero valent iron nano-particles.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Qingxiang; Lei, Man; Wu, Yalin; Yuan, Yongyong

    2017-03-03

    Metal-organic framework material has been paid more attention because of its good physical and chemical properties. Nanoscale zero valent iron is also in the center of concern recently. Combination of their merits will give impressive results. Present study firstly synthesized a new magnetic nanomaterial nano-scale zero valent iron-functionalized metal-organic framworks MIL-101 (Fe@MIL-101) by co-precipitation method. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared Fe@MIL-101 were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, etc. The experimental results showed that Fe@MIL-101 earned good adsorption ability to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The limits of detection of developed magnetic solid phase extraction were all below 0.064μgL -1 and precision can be expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD, %) and which was better than 4.4% (n=6). The real water analysis indicated that the spiked recoveries were satisfied, and Fe@MIL-101 earned excellent reusability. All these demonstrated that Fe@MIL-101 exhibited excellent adsorption capability to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and would be a good adsorbent for development of new monitoring methods for environmental pollutants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Nano cube of CaSnO3: Facile and green co-precipitation synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic degradation of dye

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moshtaghi, Saeed; Gholamrezaei, Sousan; Salavati Niasari, Masoud

    2017-04-01

    In this work, nanocubes of CaSnO3 have been prepared by a simple and green co-precipitation method. In this technique, for preparation of calcium stannate, we have used from a complex structure of calcium as a new precursor and the synthesis of CaSnO3 have been done in water as a green solvent. Using of complexing precursors were created a congestion in reaction medium. Different conditions have been studied in synthetic approaches and optimized the effect of different parameters on the morphology of product such as precipitation agent (alkaline), pH, temperature, the rate of stirrer, surfactants and the mole ratio of surfactants for preparation product and obtain the best product in terms of quality and morphology. By using of this CaSnO3, two types of azo dyes (acid blue 92 and acid brown 14) have been degraded at presence of ultraviolet light from aqueous solution. Results display that the powder shows appropriate catalytic behavior for degradation of dyes (77% acid brown 14 and 67% acid black 92). Therefore these nano-cube structures have been used as photocatalysts in presence of UV light for degradation of azo dyes.

  13. Fabrication of Tb3Al5O12 transparent ceramics using co-precipitated nanopowders

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dai, Jiawei; Pan, Yubai; Wang, Wei; Luo, Wei; Xie, Tengfei; Kou, Huamin; Li, Jiang

    2017-11-01

    Terbium aluminum garnet (TAG) precursor was synthesized by a co-precipitation method from a mixed solution of terbium and aluminum nitrates using ammonium hydrogen carbonate (AHC) as the precipitant. The powders calcined at different temperatures were investigated by XRD, FTIR and FESEM in order to choose the optimal calcination temperature. Fine and low-agglomerated TAG powders with average particle size of 88 nm were obtained by calcining the precursor at 1100 °C for 4 h. Using this powder as starting material, TAG transparent ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering combined with hot isostatic pressing (HIP) sintering. For the sample pre-sintered at 1700 °C for 20 h with HIP post-treated at 1700 °C for 3 h, the average grain size is about 3.9 μm and the in-line transmittance is beyond 55% in the region of 500-1600 nm, reaching a maximum transmittance of 64.2% at the wavelength of 1450 nm. The Verdet constant at 633 nm is measured to be -178.9 rad T-1 m-1, which is 33% larger than that of the commercial TGG single crystal (-134 rad T-1 m-1).

  14. Testing CO2 Sequestration in an Alkaline Soil Treated with Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum (FGDG)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Y.; Tokunaga, T. K.

    2012-12-01

    Identifying effective and economical methods for increasing carbon storage in soils is of interest for reducing soil CO2 fluxes to the atmosphere in order to partially offset anthropogenic CO2 contributions to climate change This study investigates an alternative strategy for increasing carbon retention in soils by accelerating calcite (CaCO3) precipitation and promoting soil organic carbon (SOC) complexation on mineral surfaces. The addition of calcium ion to soils with pH > 8, often found in arid and semi-arid regions, may accelerate the slow process of calcite precipitation. Increased ionic strength from addition of a soluble Ca source also suppresses microbial activity which oxidizes SOC to gaseous CO2. Through obtaining C mass balances in soil profiles, this study is quantifying the efficiency of gypsum amendments for mitigating C losses to the atmosphere. The objective of this study is to identify conditions in which inorganic and organic C sequestration is practical in semi-arid and arid soils by gypsum treatment. As an inexpensive calcium source, we proposed to use flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG), a byproduct of fossil fuel burning electric power plants. To test the hypothesis, laboratory column experiments have been conducted in calcite-buffered soil with addition of gypsum and FGDG. The results of several months of column monitoring are demonstrating that gypsum-treated soil have lowered amounts of soil organic carbon loss and increased inorganic carbon (calcite) production. The excess generation of FGDG relative to industrial and agricultural needs, FGDG, is currently regarded as waste. Thus application of FGDG application in some soils may be an effective and economical means for fixing CO2 in soil organic and inorganic carbon forms.Soil carbon cycle, with proposed increased C retention by calcite precipitation and by SOC binding onto soil mineral surfaces, with both processes driven by calcium released from gypsum dissolution.

  15. Evaluation of CO2 Efflux From Soils: A New Method Using Streamwater CO2 Measurements, Field Data and a Watershed Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sullivan, A. B.; Mulholland, P. J.; Jones, J. B.

    2001-05-01

    Headwater streams are almost always supersaturated with CO2 compared to concentrations expected in equilibrium with atmospheric CO2. Direct measurements of CO2 in two streams in eastern Tennessee with different bedrock lithologies (Walker Branch, Upper Gum Hollow Branch) over a year revealed levels of supersaturation of two to five times atmospheric CO2. Highest levels were generally found during the summer months. Springs discharging into the stream had dissolved CO2 concentration up to an order of magnitude higher than that in streamwater. These levels of supersaturation are a reflection of the high concentrations of CO2 in soil produced by root respiration and organic matter decomposition. The hydrologic connection between soil CO2 and streamwater CO2 forms the basis of our method to determine soil CO2 concentrations and efflux from the soil to the atmosphere. The method starts with streamwater measurements of CO2. Then corrections are made for evasion from the stream surface using injections of a conservative solute tracer and volatile gas, and for instream metabolism using a dissolved oxygen change technique. The approach then works backward along the hydrologic flowpath and evaluates the contribution of bedrock weathering, which consumes CO2, by examining the changes in major ion chemistry between precipitation and the stream. This produces estimates of CO2 concentration in soil water and soil atmosphere, which when coupled with soil porosity, allows estimation of CO2 efflux from soil. The hydrologic integration of CO2 signals from whole watersheds into streamwater allows calculation of soil CO2 efflux at large scales. These estimates are at scales larger than current chamber or tower methods, and can provide broad estimates of soil CO2 efflux with easily collected stream chemistry data.

  16. Use of co-immunoelectrodiffusion to detect presumed disease-associated precipitating antibodies, and time-course value of specific isotypes in bird-breeder's disease.

    PubMed

    Toubas, Dominique; Aubert, Dominique; Villena, Isabelle; Foudrinier, Frédérique; Chemla, Cathy; Pinon, Jean Michel

    2003-01-15

    The practical value of immunological diagnosis of bird-breeder's disease (BBD) is controversial, because of difficulties in distinguishing active disease patients from simple contact subjects. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of (a) presumed disease-associated antibodies precipitating pigeon antigens (immunoglobulin A (IgAp) and P2 component), (b) characterization of specific isotypes (IgG, IgM, and IgA), and (c) antibody kinetics after antigen eradication. 405 subjects (775 sera) in contact with birds were studied [by means of co-immunoelectrodiffusion (Co-IED) and enzyme-linked immunofiltration (ELIFA)] with soluble extracts of pigeon droppings and squab crop milk. These patients were divided into two groups based on the final clinical evaluation of the patients' physicians, which was taken as the gold standard (positive in 90 and negative in 315 cases). On the basis of this gold standard, the detection of presumed disease-associated precipitating antibodies by Co-IED had a specificity of 95.5%, a sensitivity of 98.7%, an accuracy of 98%, and positive and negative predictive values of 95.5% and 98.7%, respectively. Most of the patients with a final positive diagnosis of BBD had specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies by ELIFA. After antigen eradication, anti IgAp and/or P2 antibodies disappeared more rapidly than other precipitating systems. Identification by Co-IED of precipitating immune complexes IgAp and/or P2 significantly reinforces the intrinsic credibility of immunological diagnosis of BBD. Compared to these presumed disease-associated precipitating antibodies, detection and time course of specific IgM, IgA antibodies, provided no additional diagnostic value or prognostic arguments to judge disease activity after antigen eradication.

  17. Precipitated Silica from Pumice and Carbon Dioxide Gas (Co2) in Bubble Column Reactor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dewati, R.; Suprihatin, S.; Sumada, K.; Muljani, S.; Familya, M.; Ariani, S.

    2018-01-01

    Precipitated silica from silica and carbon dioxide gas has been studied successfully. The source of silica was obtained from pumice stone while precipitation process was carried out with carbon dioxide gas (CO2). The sodium silicate solution was obtained by extracting the silica from pumice stone with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and heated to 100 °C for 1 h. The carbon dioxide gas is injected into the aqueous solution of sodium silicate in a bubble column reactor to form precipitated silica. m2/g. The results indicate that the products obtained are precipitate silica have surface area in the range of 100 - 227 m2/g, silica concentration more than 80%, white in appearance, and silica concentration reached 90% at pH 7.

  18. Protein precipitation of diluted samples in SDS-containing buffer with acetone leads to higher protein recovery and reproducibility in comparison with TCA/acetone approach.

    PubMed

    Santa, Cátia; Anjo, Sandra I; Manadas, Bruno

    2016-07-01

    Proteomic approaches are extremely valuable in many fields of research, where mass spectrometry methods have gained an increasing interest, especially because of the ability to perform quantitative analysis. Nonetheless, sample preparation prior to mass spectrometry analysis is of the utmost importance. In this work, two protein precipitation approaches, widely used for cleaning and concentrating protein samples, were tested and compared in very diluted samples solubilized in a strong buffer (containing SDS). The amount of protein recovered after acetone and TCA/acetone precipitation was assessed, as well as the protein identification and relative quantification by SWATH-MS yields were compared with the results from the same sample without precipitation. From this study, it was possible to conclude that in the case of diluted samples in denaturing buffers, the use of cold acetone as precipitation protocol is more favourable than the use of TCA/acetone in terms of reproducibility in protein recovery and number of identified and quantified proteins. Furthermore, the reproducibility in relative quantification of the proteins is even higher in samples precipitated with acetone compared with the original sample. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

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

    Kulawik, K., E-mail: kulawik@agh.edu.pl; Buffat, P.A., E-mail: philippe.buffat@epfl.ch; Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CIME, Station 12, CH-1015 Lausanne Switzerland

    Microstructural characterization of Inconel 718 superalloy after three different heat treatment variants was performed by electron microscopy and electron tomography techniques, taking advantage of recent development in quantitative electron microscopy. Distribution maps of the chemical elements, collected by ChemiSTEM™ EDX system, offer a clear contrast between γ′, γ″, and the γ matrix. It was found that the γ′ phase contains mainly Ni, Al, and Ti, while the γ″ phase contains Ni, Nb, and Ti. Thus application of the Al and Nb STEM–EDX elemental maps enables identification and size measurements of γ′ and γ″ nanoparticles. 3D morphology of γ′ and γ″more » precipitates was examined by electron microscopy and FIB–SEM tomography. Employed methods revealed that in all three heat treatment variants the γ′ particles are almost spheroidal while the γ″ precipitates are mainly elongated-disc shaped. However, the precipitate sizes differed for each variant contributing to differences in the yield strength. Tomographic images were used for estimation of the volume fraction of the both strengthening phases. - Highlights: • ChemiSTEM™ EDX elemental maps bring a fast mean to differentiate γ′ and γ″ particles. • Such maps enable for the explicit size measurements of γ′ and γ″ nanoparticles. • Explicit γ′ and γ″ phases total volume fraction was measured employing FIB–SEM. • γ′/γ″ co-precipitates and sandwich-like γ′/γ″/γ′ particles were present. • HRSTEM-HAADF imaging revealed atomic columns of the γ′/γ″ co-precipitates.« less

  20. Does gasification and biochar amendment provide a viable solution to balance greenhouse gas emissions, energy requirements and orchard residue management?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pereira, Engil; Suddick, Emma; Six, Johan

    2015-04-01

    By converting biomass residue to biochar, we can generate power cleanly and sequester carbon resulting in overall greenhouse gas (GHG) savings when compared to typical fossil fuel burning and waste disposal. This on-farm research study provides a long-term and high frequency assessment of GHG emissions from biochar amended-soils in an organic walnut orchard in the Central Valley of California, USA. We also estimated the GHG offsets from the conversion of walnut residue into energy through gasification at the on-site walnut processing plant. Soil fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were monitored over 29 months in a 3.6 ha walnut orchard following management and precipitation events. We compared four treatments: control, biochar, compost, and biochar combined with compost. Events involving resource inputs such as fertilization or cover crop mowing induced the largest N2O peaks with average 0.13 kg N2O-N ha-1 day-1, while precipitation events produced the highest CO2 fluxes in average 0.124 Mg CO2-C ha-1 day-1. Biochar alone decreased N2O fluxes in two out of 23 measured events, however, not with enough significant magnitude to modify annual or seasonal totals. This indicates that biochar-induced decreases in N2O fluxes may occasionally occur without significant changes in total emissions. Additionally, biochar alone or in combination with compost did not alter annual or seasonal cumulative CO2 emissions. For this particular study, the conversion of orchard waste into energy and C sequestration through biochar amendment offset 100.3 Mg CO2-Ceq year-1. Thus, given that biochar did not alter cumulative GHG emissions from soils, we conclude that, in the scenario of this study, the use of biochar as a strategy to decrease farm-level GHG emissions is obtained through the gasification of orchard residue into energy and through biochar C sequestration, and not as a tool to decrease soil CO2 and N2O emissions.

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