Ionic liquids at the surface of graphite: Wettability and structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-05-01

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

Process for the fabrication of aluminum metallized pyrolytic graphite sputtering targets

DOEpatents

Makowiecki, Daniel M.; Ramsey, Philip B.; Juntz, Robert S.

1995-01-01

An improved method for fabricating pyrolytic graphite sputtering targets with superior heat transfer ability, longer life, and maximum energy transmission. Anisotropic pyrolytic graphite is contoured and/or segmented to match the erosion profile of the sputter target and then oriented such that the graphite's high thermal conductivity planes are in maximum contact with a thermally conductive metal backing. The graphite contact surface is metallized, using high rate physical vapor deposition (HRPVD), with an aluminum coating and the thermally conductive metal backing is joined to the metallized graphite target by one of four low-temperature bonding methods; liquid-metal casting, powder metallurgy compaction, eutectic brazing, and laser welding.

High density-high purity graphite prepared by hot isostatic pressing in refractory metal containers

DOEpatents

Hoenig, Clarence L.

1994-01-01

Porous graphite in solid form is hot isostatically pressed in a refractory metal container to produce a solid graphite monolith with a bulk density greater than or equal to 2.10 g/cc. The refractory metal container is formed of tantalum, niobium, tungsten, molybdenum or alloys thereof in the form of a canister or alternatively plasma sprayed, chemically vapor deposited, or coated by some other suitable means onto graphite. Hot isostatic pressing at 2200.degree. C. and 30 KSI (206.8 MPa) argon pressure for two hours produces a bulk density of 2.10 g/cc. Complex shapes can be made.

High density-high purity graphite prepared by hot isostatic pressing in refractory metal containers

DOEpatents

Hoenig, C.L.

1994-08-09

Porous graphite in solid form is hot isostatically pressed in a refractory metal container to produce a solid graphite monolith with a bulk density greater than or equal to 2.10 g/cc. The refractory metal container is formed of tantalum, niobium, tungsten, molybdenum or alloys thereof in the form of a canister or alternatively plasma sprayed, chemically vapor deposited, or coated by some other suitable means onto graphite. Hot isostatic pressing at 2,200 C and 30 KSI (206.8 MPa) argon pressure for two hours produces a bulk density of 2.10 g/cc. Complex shapes can be made. 1 fig.

New Occurrence of Shocked Graphite Aggregates at Barringer Crater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

1993-07-01

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-12-01

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

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

PubMed

Leung, Kevin; Budzien, Joanne L

2010-07-07

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

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

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

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

Relativistic-electron-beam/target interaction in plasma channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halbleib, J. A., Sr.; Wright, T. P.

1980-08-01

A model describing the transport of relativistic electron beams in plasma channels and their subsequent interaction with solid targets is developed and applied to single-beam and multiple-beam configurations. For single beams the targets consist of planar tantalum foils and, in some cases, cusp fields on the transmission side of the foils are employed to improve beam/target coupling efficiency. In the multi-beam configurations, several beams are arranged in wagon-wheel fashion so as to converge upon cylindrical targets, consisting of either hollow tantalum or solid graphite cylinders, located at the hub. For 0.3-cm beam radii that are less than or equal to the channel radii, mean specific power depositions up to about 17 TW/g per MA of injected beam current are obtained for single beams; 12-beam results are typically an order-of-magnitude less. The corresponding enhancements are up to five times the collisional stopping power for either single or multiple beams. Substantial improvement is predicted for the multi-beam interaction should future channel technology permit transport at higher current densities in smaller channels.

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

PubMed

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

2015-01-01

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-03-01

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

Late-time particle emission from laser-produced graphite plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harilal, S. S.; Hassanein, A.; Polek, M.

2011-09-01

We report a late-time "fireworks-like" particle emission from laser-produced graphite plasma during its evolution. Plasmas were produced using graphite targets excited with 1064 nm Nd: yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser in vacuum. The time evolution of graphite plasma was investigated using fast gated imaging and visible emission spectroscopy. The emission dynamics of plasma is rapidly changing with time and the delayed firework-like emission from the graphite target followed a black-body curve. Our studies indicated that such firework-like emission is strongly depended on target material properties and explained due to material spallation caused by overheating the trapped gases through thermal diffusion along the layer structures of graphite.

Organic matter and containment of uranium and fissiogenic isotopes at the Oklo natural reactors

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nagy, B.; Gauthier-Lafaye, F.; Holliger, P.; Davis, D.W.; Mossman, D.J.; Leventhal, J.S.; Rigali, M.J.; Parnell, J.

1991-01-01

SOME of the Precambrian natural fission reactors at Oklo in Gabon contain abundant organic matter1,2, part of which was liquefied at the time of criticality and subsequently converted to a graphitic solid3,4. The liquid organic matter helps to reduce U(VI) to U(IV) from aqueous solutions, resulting in the precipitation of uraninite5. It is known that in the prevailing reactor environments, precipitated uraninite grains incorporated fission products. We report here observations which show that these uraninite crystals were held immobile within the resolidified, graphitic bitumen. Unlike water-soluble (humic) organic matter, the graphitic bituminous organics at Oklo thus enhanced radionu-clide containment. Uraninite encased in solid graphitic matter in the organic-rich reactor zones lost virtually no fissiogenic lan-thanide isotopes. The first major episode of uranium and lead migration was caused by the intrusion of a swarm of adjacent dolerite dykes about 1,100 Myr after the reactors went critical. Our results from Oklo imply that the use of organic, hydrophobic solids such as graphitic bitumen as a means of immobilizing radionuclides in pretreated nuclear waste warrants further investigation. ?? 1991 Nature Publishing Group.

3-Dimensional atomic scale structure of the ionic liquid-graphite interface elucidated by AM-AFM and quantum chemical simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Page, Alister J.; Elbourne, Aaron; Stefanovic, Ryan; Addicoat, Matthew A.; Warr, Gregory G.; Voïtchovsky, Kislon; Atkin, Rob

2014-06-01

In situ amplitude modulated atomic force microscopy (AM-AFM) and quantum chemical simulations are used to resolve the structure of the highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG)-bulk propylammonium nitrate (PAN) interface with resolution comparable with that achieved for frozen ionic liquid (IL) monolayers using STM. This is the first time that (a) molecular resolution images of bulk IL-solid interfaces have been achieved, (b) the lateral structure of the IL graphite interface has been imaged for any IL, (c) AM-AFM has elucidated molecular level structure immersed in a viscous liquid and (d) it has been demonstrated that the IL structure at solid surfaces is a consequence of both thermodynamic and kinetic effects. The lateral structure of the PAN-graphite interface is highly ordered and consists of remarkably well-defined domains of a rhomboidal superstructure composed of propylammonium cations preferentially aligned along two of the three directions in the underlying graphite lattice. The nanostructure is primarily determined by the cation. Van der Waals interactions between the propylammonium chains and the surface mean that the cation is enriched in the surface layer, and is much less mobile than the anion. The presence of a heterogeneous lateral structure at an ionic liquid-solid interface has wide ranging ramifications for ionic liquid applications, including lubrication, capacitive charge storage and electrodeposition.In situ amplitude modulated atomic force microscopy (AM-AFM) and quantum chemical simulations are used to resolve the structure of the highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG)-bulk propylammonium nitrate (PAN) interface with resolution comparable with that achieved for frozen ionic liquid (IL) monolayers using STM. This is the first time that (a) molecular resolution images of bulk IL-solid interfaces have been achieved, (b) the lateral structure of the IL graphite interface has been imaged for any IL, (c) AM-AFM has elucidated molecular level structure immersed in a viscous liquid and (d) it has been demonstrated that the IL structure at solid surfaces is a consequence of both thermodynamic and kinetic effects. The lateral structure of the PAN-graphite interface is highly ordered and consists of remarkably well-defined domains of a rhomboidal superstructure composed of propylammonium cations preferentially aligned along two of the three directions in the underlying graphite lattice. The nanostructure is primarily determined by the cation. Van der Waals interactions between the propylammonium chains and the surface mean that the cation is enriched in the surface layer, and is much less mobile than the anion. The presence of a heterogeneous lateral structure at an ionic liquid-solid interface has wide ranging ramifications for ionic liquid applications, including lubrication, capacitive charge storage and electrodeposition. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr01219d

Developments in Hollow Graphite Fiber Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

2002-01-01

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

Multistage Mechanism of Lithium Intercalation into Graphite Anodes in the Presence of the Solid Electrolyte Interface.

PubMed

Dinkelacker, Franz; Marzak, Philipp; Yun, Jeongsik; Liang, Yunchang; Bandarenka, Aliaksandr S

2018-04-25

A so-called solid electrolyte interface (SEI) in a lithium-ion battery largely determines the performance of the whole system. However, it is one of the least understood objects in these types of batteries. SEIs are formed during the initial charge-discharge cycles, prevent the organic electrolytes from further decomposition, and at the same time govern lithium intercalation into the graphite anodes. In this work, we use electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy to investigate the properties of a SEI film and an electrified "graphite/SEI/electrolyte interface". We reveal a multistage mechanism of lithium intercalation and de-intercalation in the case of graphite anodes covered by SEI. On the basis of this mechanism, we propose a relatively simple model, which perfectly explains the impedance response of the "graphite/SEI/electrolyte" interface at different temperatures and states of charge. From the whole data obtained in this work, it is suggested that not only Li + but also negatively charged species, such as anions from the electrolyte or functional groups of the SEI, likely interact with the surface of the graphite anode.

Evidence for Bulk Ripplocations in Layered Solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-09-01

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

Nitrogen-doped graphene by all-solid-state ball-milling graphite with urea as a high-power lithium ion battery anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chao; Liu, Xingang; Tan, Jiang; Wang, Qingfu; Wen, Hao; Zhang, Chuhong

2017-02-01

Nitrogen-doped graphene nanosheets (NGNS) are prepared by a novel mechanochemical method via all-solid-state ball-milling graphite with urea. The ball-milling process does not only successfully exfoliate the graphite into multi-layer (<10 layers) graphene nanosheets, but at the same time, enables the N element to be doped onto the graphene. Urea, acting as a new solid doping and assist-grinding agents, has the advantages of low cost and good water solubility that can simplify the fabrication process. The as-prepared NGNS are investigated in detail by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, TGA, XPS and Raman spectroscopy. The doping nitrogens are around 3.15% and dominated (>94%) by pyrindic-N and pyrrolic-N which facilitates the NGNS with enhanced electronic conductivity and Li-ion storage capability. For the first time, we demonstrate that the all-solid-state prepared NGNS exhibits, especially at high currents, enhanced cycling stability and rate capability as Lithium ion battery (LIB) anode active material when compared to pristine graphite and undoped graphene in half-cell configuration. The method presented in this article may provide a simple, clean, economical and scalable strategy for preparation of NGNS as a feasible and promising anode material for LIBs.

REFRACTORY COATING FOR GRAPHITE MOLDS

DOEpatents

Stoddard, S.D.

1958-06-24

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2015-12-01

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

Electrochemical Control of Peptide Self-Organization on Atomically Flat Solid Surfaces: A Case Study with Graphite.

PubMed

Seki, Takakazu; So, Christopher R; Page, Tamon R; Starkebaum, David; Hayamizu, Yuhei; Sarikaya, Mehmet

2018-02-06

The nanoscale self-organization of biomolecules, such as proteins and peptides, on solid surfaces under controlled conditions is an important issue in establishing functional bio/solid soft interfaces for bioassays, biosensors, and biofuel cells. Electrostatic interaction between proteins and surfaces is one of the most essential parameters in the adsorption and self-assembly of proteins on solid surfaces. Although the adsorption of proteins has been studied with respect to the electrochemical surface potential, the self-assembly of proteins or peptides forming well-organized nanostructures templated by lattice structure of the solid surfaces has not been studied in the relation to the surface potential. In this work, we utilize graphite-binding peptides (GrBPs) selected by the phage display method to investigate the relationship between the electrochemical potential of the highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and peptide self-organization forming long-range-ordered structures. Under modulated electrical bias, graphite-binding peptides form various ordered structures, such as well-ordered nanowires, dendritic structures, wavy wires, amorphous (disordered) structures, and islands. A systematic investigation of the correlation between peptide sequence and self-organizational characteristics reveals that the presence of the bias-sensitive amino acid modules in the peptide sequence has a significant effect on not only surface coverage but also on the morphological features of self-assembled structures. Our results show a new method to control peptide self-assembly by means of applied electrochemical bias as well as peptide design-rules for the construction of functional soft bio/solid interfaces that could be integrated in a wide range of practical implementations.

Auger Electrons as Probes for Composite Micro- and Nano- structured Materials: Application to Solid Electrolyte Interphases in Graphite and Silicon-Graphite Electrodes

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

Kalaga, Kaushik; Shkrob, Ilya A.; Haasch, Richard T.

In this study, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) combined with ion sputtering profilometry, Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used in a complementary fashion to examine chemical and microstructural changes in graphite (Gr) and silicon/graphite (Si/Gr) blends contained in the negative electrodes of lithium-ion cells. We demonstrate how AES can be used to characterize morphology of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) deposits in such heterogeneous media, complementing well-established methods, such as XPS and SEM. In this way we demonstrate that the SEI does not consist of uniformly thick layers on the graphite and silicon; the thickness ofmore » the SEI layers in cycle-life aged electrodes follows an exponential distribution with a mean of ca. 13 nm for the graphite and ca. 20-25 nm for the silicon nanoparticles (with a crystalline core of 50-70 nm in diameter). Furthermore, a “sticky-sphere” model, in which Si nanoparticles are covered with a layer of polymer binder (that is replaced by the SEI during cycling) of variable thickness is introduced to account for the features observed.« less

Auger Electrons as Probes for Composite Micro- and Nano- structured Materials: Application to Solid Electrolyte Interphases in Graphite and Silicon-Graphite Electrodes

DOE PAGES

Kalaga, Kaushik; Shkrob, Ilya A.; Haasch, Richard T.; ...

2017-10-05

In this study, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) combined with ion sputtering profilometry, Xray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used in a complementary fashion to examine chemical and microstructural changes in graphite (Gr) and silicon/graphite (Si/Gr) blends contained in the negative electrodes of lithium-ion cells. We demonstrate how AES can be used to characterize morphology of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) deposits in such heterogeneous media, complementing well-established methods, such as XPS and SEM. In this way we demonstrate that the SEI does not consist of uniformly thick layers on the graphite and silicon; the thickness ofmore » the SEI layers in cycle-life aged electrodes follows an exponential distribution with a mean of ca. 13 nm for the graphite and ca. 20-25 nm for the silicon nanoparticles (with a crystalline core of 50-70 nm in diameter). Furthermore, a “sticky-sphere” model, in which Si nanoparticles are covered with a layer of polymer binder (that is replaced by the SEI during cycling) of variable thickness is introduced to account for the features observed.« less

Self-Passivating Lithium/Solid Electrolyte/Iodine Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bugga, Ratnakumar; Whitcare, Jay; Narayanan, Sekharipuram; West, William

2006-01-01

Robust lithium/solid electrolyte/iodine electrochemical cells that offer significant advantages over commercial lithium/ iodine cells have been developed. At room temperature, these cells can be discharged at current densities 10 to 30 times those of commercial lithium/iodine cells. Moreover, from room temperature up to 80 C, the maximum discharge-current densities of these cells exceed those of all other solid-electrolyte-based cells. A cell of this type includes a metallic lithium anode in contact with a commercial flexible solid electrolyte film that, in turn, is in contact with an iodine/ graphite cathode. The solid electrolyte (the chemical composition of which has not been reported) offers the high ionic conductivity needed for high cell performance. However, the solid electrolyte exhibits an undesirable chemical reactivity to lithium that, if not mitigated, would render the solid electrolyte unsuitable for use in a lithium cell. In this cell, such mitigation is affected by the formation of a thin passivating layer of lithium iodide at the anode/electrolyte interface. Test cells of this type were fabricated from iodine/graphite cathode pellets, free-standing solid-electrolyte films, and lithium-foil anodes. The cathode mixtures were made by grinding together blends of nominally 10 weight percent graphite and 90 weight percent iodine. The cathode mixtures were then pressed into pellets at 36 kpsi (248 MPa) and inserted into coin-shaped stainless-steel cell cases that were coated with graphite paste to minimize corrosion. The solid-electrolyte film material was stamped to form circular pieces to fit in the coin cell cases, inserted in the cases, and pressed against the cathode pellets with polyethylene gaskets. Lithium-foil anodes were placed directly onto the electrolyte films. The layers described thus far were pressed and held together by stainless- steel shims, wave springs, and coin cell caps. The assembled cells were then crimped to form hermetic seals. It was found that the solid electrolyte films became discolored within seconds after they were placed in contact with the cathodes - a result of facile diffusion of iodine through the solid electrolyte material (see figure).

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

PubMed

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

2015-09-30

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

Solid sampling determination of magnesium in lithium niobate crystals by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dravecz, Gabriella; Laczai, Nikoletta; Hajdara, Ivett; Bencs, László

2016-12-01

The vaporization/atomization processes of Mg in high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFAAS) were investigated by evaporating solid (powder) samples of lithium niobate (LiNbO3) optical single crystals doped with various amounts of Mg in a transversally heated graphite atomizer (THGA). Optimal analytical conditions were attained by using the Mg I 215.4353 nm secondary spectral line. An optimal pyrolysis temperature of 1500 °C was found for Mg, while the compromise atomization temperature in THGAs (2400 °C) was applied for analyte vaporization. The calibration was performed against solid (powered) lithium niobate crystal standards. The standards were prepared with exactly known Mg content via solid state fusion of the oxide components of the matrix and analyte. The correlation coefficient (R value) of the linear calibration was not worse than 0.9992. The calibration curves were linear in the dopant concentration range of interest (0.74-7.25 mg/g Mg), when dosing 3-10 mg of the powder samples into the graphite sample insertion boats. The Mg content of the studied 19 samples was in the range of 1.69-4.13 mg/g. The precision of the method was better than 6.3%. The accuracy of the results was verified by means of flame atomic absorption spectrometry with solution sample introduction after digestion of several crystal samples.

Thermodynamic approach to the paradox of diamond formation with simultaneous graphite etching in the low pressure synthesis of diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Nong M.; Yoon, Duk Y.

1996-03-01

In spite of the critical handicap from the thermodynamic point of view, the atomic hydrogen hypothesis is strongly supported by experimental observations of diamond deposition with simultaneous graphite etching. Thermodynamic analysis of the CH system showed that at ˜ 1500 K, carbon solubility in the gas phase is minimal and thus, the equilibrium fraction of solid carbon is maximal. Depending on whether gas phase nucleation takes place or not, the driving force is for deposition or for etching of solid carbon below ˜ 1500 K for the input gas of the typical mixture of 1% CH 499% H 2. The previous observation of etching of the graphite substrate is not expected unless solid carbon precipitated in the gas phase. By rigorous thermodynamic analysis of the previous experimental observations of diamond deposition with simultaneous graphite etching, we suggested that the previous implicit assumption that diamond deposits by an atomic unit should be the weakest point leading to the thermodynamic paradox. The experimental observations could be successfully explained without violating thermodynamics by assuming that the diamond phase had nucleated in the gas phase as fine clusters.

High-temperature solid electrolyte interphases (SEI) in graphite electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, Marco-Tulio F.; Sayed, Farheen N.; Gullapalli, Hemtej; Ajayan, Pulickel M.

2018-03-01

Thermal fragility of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is a major source of performance decay in graphite anodes, and efforts to overcome the issues offered by extreme environments to Li-ion batteries have had limited success. Here, we demonstrate that the SEI can be extensively reinforced by carrying the formation cycles at elevated temperatures. Under these conditions, decomposition of the ionic liquid present in the electrolyte favored the formation of a thicker and more protective layer. Cells in which the solid electrolyte interphase was cast at 90 °C were significantly less prone to self-discharge when exposed to high temperature, with no obvious damages to the formed SEI. This additional resilience was accomplished at the expense of rate capability, as charge transfer became growingly inefficient in these systems. At slower rates, however, cells that underwent SEI formation at 90 °C presented superior performances, as a result of improved Li+ transport through the SEI, and optimal wetting of graphite by the electrolyte. This work analyzes different graphite hosts and ionic liquids, showing that this effect is more pervasive than anticipated, and offering the unique perspective that, for certain systems, temperature can actually be an asset for passivation.

Determination of lead in flour samples directly by solid sampling high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tinas, Hande; Ozbek, Nil; Akman, Suleyman

2018-02-01

In this study, lead concentrations in various flour samples were determined by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with solid sampling. Since samples were analyzed directly, the risks and disadvantages of sample digestion were eliminated. Solid flour samples were dried, weighed on the platforms, Pd was added as a modifier and introduced directly into a graphite tube using a manual solid sampler. Platforms and tubes were coated with Zr. The optimized pyrolysis and atomization temperatures were 800 °C and 2200 °C, respectively. The sensitivities of lead in various flour certified reference materials (CRMs) and aqueous standards were not significantly different. Therefore, aqueous standards were safely used for calibration. The absolute limit of detection and characteristic mass were 7.2 pg and 9.0 pg of lead, respectively. The lead concentrations in different types of flour samples were found in the range of 25-52 μg kg- 1. Finally, homogeneity factors representing the heterogeneity of analyte distribution for lead in flour samples were determined.

Temperature effect of friction and wear characteristics for solid lubricating graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yeonwook; Kim, Jaehoon

2015-03-01

Graphite is one of the effective lubricant additives due to its excellent high-temperature endurance and self-lubricating properties. In this study, wear behavior of graphite used as sealing materials to cut off hot gas is evaluated at room and elevated temperature. Wear occurs on graphite seal due to the friction of driving shaft and graphite. Thus, a reciprocating wear test to evaluate the wear generated for the graphite by means of the relative motion between a shaft material and a graphite seal was carried out. The friction coefficient and specific wear rate for the changes of applied load and sliding speed were compared under different temperature conditions considering the actual operating environment. Through SEM observation of the worn surface, the lubricating film was observed and compared with test conditions.

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fusaro, R. L.

1974-01-01

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

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fusaro, R. L.

1975-01-01

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

Xenon Sputter Yield Measurements for Ion Thruster Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, John D.; Gardner, Michael M.; Johnson, Mark L.; Wilbur, Paul J.

2003-01-01

In this paper, we describe a technique that was used to measure total and differential sputter yields of materials important to high specific impulse ion thrusters. The heart of the technique is a quartz crystal monitor that is swept at constant radial distance from a small target region where a high current density xenon ion beam is aimed. Differential sputtering yields were generally measured over a full 180 deg arc in a plane that included the beam centerline and the normal vector to the target surface. Sputter yield results are presented for a xenon ion energy range from 0.5 to 10 keV and an angle of incidence range from 0 deg to 70 deg from the target surface normal direction for targets consisting of molybdenum, titanium, solid (Poco) graphite, and flexible graphite (grafoil). Total sputter yields are calculated using a simple integration procedure and comparisons are made to sputter yields obtained from the literature. In general, the agreement between the available data is good. As expected for heavy xenon ions, the differential and total sputter yields are found to be strong functions of angle of incidence. Significant under- and over-cosine behavior is observed at low- and high-ion energies, respectively. In addition, strong differences in differential yield behavior are observed between low-Z targets (C and Ti) and high-Z targets (Mo). Curve fits to the differential sputter yield data are provided. They should prove useful to analysts interested in predicting the erosion profiles of ion thruster components and determining where the erosion products re-deposit.

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

DOE PAGES

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

2017-05-15

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

Thermophysical properties of graphite HOPG and HAPG in the solid state and under melting (from 2000 K up to 5000 K)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savvatimskiy, A. I.; Onufriev, S. V.; Konyukhov, S. A.

2017-11-01

Experiments with HOPG graphite grade showed that the melting temperature of graphite equals 4800-4900 K and that the melting of graphite is possible only at elevated pressures. The data were obtained for resistivity, specific heat and input (Joule) energy up to 5000 K. HAPG (Highly Annealing Pyrolytic Graphite) is a form of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. HAPG specimens in the form of strips (thickness 30 microns) were placed in a cell (between two plates of glass-sapphire). The specimen temperature was measured by a high speed pyrometer. The heat of fusion for both graphite grades (heated in a confined volume) was less (and specific heat - higher) than for the case with nearly free expansion. A possible reason for the observed effects is discussed in the report.

Fine-Grained Targets for Laser Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Michael W. (Inventor); Park, Cheol (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A mechanically robust, binder-free, inexpensive target for laser synthesis of carbon nanotubes and a method for making same, comprising the steps of mixing prismatic edge natural flake graphite with a metal powder catalyst and pressing the graphite and metal powder mixture into a mold having a desired target shape.

Fine-Grained Targets for Laser Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Michael W. (Inventor); Park, Cheol (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A mechanically robust, binder-free, inexpensive target for laser synthesis of carbon nanotubes and a method for making same, comprising the steps of mixing prismatic edge natural flake graphite with a metal powder catalyst and pressing the graphite and metal powder mixture into a mold having a desired target shape.

Measurements of slip length for flows over graphite surface with gas domains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dayong; Wang, Yuliang; Pan, Yunlu; Zhao, Xuezeng

2016-10-01

We present the measurements of slip lengths for the flows of purified water over graphite surface covered with surface nanobubbles or nano/micropancakes, which can be produced after using high temperature water to replace low temperature water. The slip length values measured on bare graphite surface, nano/micropancake or nanobubble covered graphite surfaces are about 8 nm, 27 nm, and 63 nm, respectively. Our results indicate that the gaseous domains formed at the solid-liquid interface, including surface nanobubbles and nano/micropancakes, could act as a lubricant and significantly increase slip length.

Interface structure between tetraglyme and graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-09-01

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

Modelling of pulsed electron beam induced graphite ablation: Sublimation versus melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Muddassir; Henda, Redhouane

2017-12-01

Pulsed electron beam ablation (PEBA) has recently emerged as a very promising technique for the deposition of thin films with superior properties. Interaction of the pulsed electron beam with the target material is a complex process, which consists of heating, phase transition, and erosion of a small portion from the target surface. Ablation can be significantly affected by the nature of thermal phenomena taking place at the target surface, with subsequent bearing on the properties, stoichiometry and structure of deposited thin films. A two stage, one-dimensional heat conduction model is presented to describe two different thermal phenomena accounting for interaction of a graphite target with a polyenergetic electron beam. In the first instance, the thermal phenomena are comprised of heating, melting and vaporization of the target surface, while in the second instance the thermal phenomena are described in terms of heating and sublimation of the graphite surface. In this work, the electron beam delivers intense electron pulses of ∼100 ns with energies up to 16 keV and an electric current of ∼400 A to a graphite target. The temperature distribution, surface recession velocity, ablated mass per unit area, and ablation depth for the graphite target are numerically simulated by the finite element method for each case. Based on calculation findings and available experimental data, ablation appears to occur mainly in the regime of melting and vaporization from the surface.

Enhanced performance of graphite anode materials by AlF3 coating for lithium-ion batteries

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

Ding, Fei; Xu, Wu; Choi, Daiwon

2012-04-27

In order to form the stable surface film and to further enhance the long-term cycling stability of the graphite anodes of lithium-ion batteries, the surface of graphite powders has been modified by AlF3 coating through chemical precipitation method. The AlF3-coated graphite shows no evident changes in the bulk structure and a thin AlF3-coating layer of about 2 nm thick is found to uniformly cover the graphite particles with 2 wt% AlF3 content. However, it delivers a higher initial discharge capacity and largely improved rate performances compared to the pristine graphite. Remarkably, AlF3 coated graphite demonstrated a much better cycle life.more » After 300 cycles, AlF3 coated graphite and uncoated graphite show capacity retention of 92% and 81%, respectively. XPS measurement shows that a more conductive solid electrode interface (SEI) layer was formed on AlF3 coated graphite as compared to uncoated graphite. SEM monograph also reveals that the AlF3-coated graphite particles have a much more stable surface morphology after long-term cycling. Therefore, the improved electrochemical performance of AlF3 coated graphite can be attributed to a more stable and conductive SEI formed on coated graphite anode during cycling process.« less

The effect of graphitic target density on carbon nanotube synthesis by pulsed laser ablation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazeimzadeh, Fatemeh; Malekfar, Rasoul; Houshiar, Mahboubeh

2018-01-01

Carbon nanotube (CNT) was synthesized by pulsed laser ablation (PLA) of a graphitic target in vacuum chamber filled by argon gas. The effect of different condition of target preparation on the amount and quality of carbon nanotube generation was investigated. The graphite powder with 2 at% micrometer nickel (Ni) powder was mixed and packed in to a mold using a hydraulic press device at a pressure of 1000 kg/cm3. The obtained pellet which contained the mixture powder provided the carbon source for CNTs formation in PLA method. Two pellets with the pressure time of 15 and 200 min was prepared. It has been shown that the time which graphitic target is under pressure is an effective parameter that can increase the amount of produced CNTs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images show that if the density of graphitic target is increased by raising up the pressure time, CNTs can grow even under the condition in which usually no nanotube can be formed. It can be due to the elimination of the distances between the graphite and catalyst grains that causes the catalysis performance improvement. The experiment was performed for nanometer cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) together with Ni catalyst particles too. The diameter of synthesized CNPs was larger in the case of pure nickel that is related to the size of catalysts. Moreover, it was also observed that the production rate of the nanotubes increased for high density targets. This shows that the results are independent of the type of catalyst.

Non-destructive control of graphite electrodes with use of current displacement effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myatezh, A. V.; Malozyomov, B. V.; Smirnov, M. A.

2017-10-01

The work is devoted to methods of nondestructive diagnostics and their use for solving the problem of diagnosing various defects in solid surface of graphite electrodes used in steelmaking furnaces. Various non-destructive control methods of materials are analyzed. In the article, methods of eddy-current defectoscopy of graphite electrodes are considered. Rationalization of the sensitivity increase of the method and localization of damage is described. Imitating modeling of electromagnetic processes was executed; results were made and conclusions were drawn.

Compressive strength of damaged and repaired composite plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finn, Scott R.; He, Yi-Fei; Springer, George S.; Lee, Hung-Joo

1992-01-01

Tests were performed assessing the effectiveness of repair in restoring the mechanical properties of damaged, solid composite plates made either of Fiberite T300/976 graphite-epoxy, Fiberite IM7/977-2 graphite-toughened epoxy, or ICI APC-2 graphite-PEEK. The plate length, the layup and the amount of damage were also varied. Damage was introduced in the plates either by impacting them with a solid projectile or by applying a transverse static load. Some (75 percent) or all (100 percent) of the damaged zone was then cut out, and the plate was repaired by plugging and patching the hole. The effectiveness of the repair was evaluated by measuring the compressive strengths of undamaged plates, damaged plates with no cutout, damaged plates with a cutout, and repaired plates. The data at an intermediate stage of repair provide information on the effect of each repair step on the compressive strength. The results indicated that for the solid plates used in these tests, the repair methods used herein did not improve the compressive strength of already damaged plates.

Solid sampling determination of total fluorine in baby food samples by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Ozbek, Nil; Akman, Suleyman

2016-11-15

This study describes the applicability of solid sampling technique for the determination of fluorine in various baby foods via molecular absorption of calcium monofluoride generated in a graphite furnace of high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry. Fluorine was determined at CaF wavelength, 606.440nm in a graphite tube applying a pyrolysis temperature of 1000°C and a molecule forming temperature of 2200°C. The limit of detection and characteristic mass of the method were 0.20ng and 0.17ng of fluorine, respectively. The fluorine concentrations determined in standard reference sample (bush branches and leaves) were in good agreement with the certified values. By applying the optimized parameters, the concentration of fluorine in various baby foods were determined. The fluorine concentrations were ranged from

Negative pressure and spallation in graphite targets under nano- and picosecond laser irradiation

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

Belikov, R S; Khishchenko, K V; Krasyuk, I K

We present the results of experiments on the spallation phenomena in graphite targets under shock-wave nano- and picosecond irradiation, which have been performed on Kamerton-T (GPI, Moscow, Russia) and PHELIX (GSI, Darmstadt, Germany) laser facilities. In the range of the strain rates of 10{sup 6} – 10{sup 7} s{sup -1}, the data on the dynamic mechanical strength of the material at rapure (spallation) have been for the first time obtained. With a maximal strain rate of 1.4 × 10{sup 7} s{sup -1}, the spall strength of 2.1 GPa is obtained, which constitutes 64% of the theoretical ultimate tensile strength ofmore » graphite. The effect of spallation is observed not only on the rear side of the target, but also on its irradiated (front) surface. With the use of optical and scanning electron microscopes, the morphology of the front and rear surfaces of the targets is studied. By means of Raman scattering of light, the graphite structure both on the target front surface under laser exposure and on its rear side in the spall zone is investigated. A comparison of the dynamic strength of graphite and synthetic diamond is performed. (extreme light fields and their applications)« less

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

PubMed

Yim, Taeeun; Han, Young-Kyu

2017-09-27

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-06-01

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOE PAGES

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

2015-03-25

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

Effects of Stone-Wales and vacancy defects in atomic-scale friction on defective graphite

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

Sun, Xiao-Yu; Key Laboratory of Hubei Province for Water Jet Theory and New Technology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072; Wu, RunNi

2014-05-05

Graphite is an excellent solid lubricant for surface coating, but its performance is significantly weakened by the vacancy or Stone-Wales (SW) defect. This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to explore the frictional behavior of a diamond tip sliding over a graphite which contains a single defect or stacked defects. Our results suggest that the friction on defective graphite shows a strong dependence on defect location and type. The 5-7-7-5 structure of SW defect results in an effectively negative slope of friction. For defective graphite containing a defect in the surface, adding a single vacancy in the interior layer will decreasemore » the friction coefficients, while setting a SW defect in the interior layer may increase the friction coefficients. Our obtained results may provide useful information for understanding the atomic-scale friction properties of defective graphite.« less

Co-solvents with high coulombic efficiency in propylene carbonate based electrolytes

DOEpatents

Liu, Gao; Zhao, Hui; Park, Sang-Jae

2017-06-27

A homologous series of cyclic carbonate or propylene carbonate (PC) analogue solvents with increasing length of linear alkyl substitutes were synthesized and used as co-solvents with PC for graphite based lithium ion half cells. A graphite anode reaches a capacity around 310 mAh/g in PC and its analogue co-solvents with 99.95% Coulombic efficiency. Cyclic carbonate co-solvents with longer alkyl chains are able to prevent exfoliation of graphite when used as co-solvents with PC. The cyclic carbonate co-solvents of PC compete for solvation of Li ion with PC solvent, delaying PC co-intercalation. Reduction products of PC on graphite surfaces via single-electron path form a stable Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI), which allows the reversible cycling of graphite.

Proton irradiated graphite grades for a long baseline neutrino facility experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simos, N.; Nocera, P.; Zhong, Z.; Zwaska, R.; Mokhov, N.; Misek, J.; Ammigan, K.; Hurh, P.; Kotsina, Z.

2017-07-01

In search of a low-Z pion production target for the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) four graphite grades were irradiated with protons in the energy range of 140-180 MeV, to peak fluence of ˜6.1 ×1020 p /cm2 and irradiation temperatures between 120 - 200 °C . The test array included POCO ZXF-5Q, Toyo-Tanso IG 430, Carbone-Lorraine 2020 and SGL R7650 grades of graphite. Irradiation was performed at the Brookhaven Linear Isotope Producer. Postirradiation analyses were performed with the objective of (a) comparing their response under the postulated irradiation conditions to guide a graphite grade selection for use as a pion target and (b) understanding changes in physical and mechanical properties as well as microstructure that occurred as a result of the achieved fluence and in particular at this low-temperature regime where pion graphite targets are expected to operate. A further goal of the postirradiation evaluation was to establish a proton-neutron correlation damage on graphite that will allow for the use of a wealth of available neutron-based damage data in proton-based studies and applications. Macroscopic postirradiation analyses as well as energy dispersive x-ray diffraction of 200 KeV x rays at the NSLS synchrotron of Brookhaven National Laboratory were employed. The macroscopic analyses revealed differences in the physical and strength properties of the four grades with behavior however under proton irradiation that qualitatively agrees with that reported for graphite under neutrons for the same low temperature regime and in particular the increase of thermal expansion, strength and Young's modulus. The proton fluence level of ˜1020 cm-2 where strength reaches a maximum before it begins to decrease at higher fluences has been identified and it agrees with neutron-induced changes. X-ray diffraction analyses of the proton irradiated graphite revealed for the first time the similarity in microstructural graphite behavior to that under neutron irradiation and the agreement between the fluence threshold of ˜5 ×1020 cm-2 where the graphite lattice undergoes a dramatic change. The confirmed similarity in behavior and agreement in threshold fluences for proton and neutron irradiation effects on graphite reported for the first time in this study will enable the safe utilization of the wealth of neutron irradiation data on graphite that extends to much higher fluences and different temperature regimes by the proton accelerator community searching for multi-MW graphite targets.

Proton irradiated graphite grades for a long baseline neutrino facility experiment

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

Simos, N.; Nocera, P.; Zhong, Z.

In search of a low-Z pion production target for the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) four graphite grades were irradiated with protons in the energy range of 140–180 MeV, to peak fluence of ~6.1×10 20 p/cm 2 and irradiation temperatures between 120–200 °C. The test array included POCO ZXF-5Q, Toyo-Tanso IG 430, Carbone-Lorraine 2020 and SGL R7650 grades of graphite. Irradiation was performed at the Brookhaven Linear Isotope Producer. Postirradiation analyses were performed with the objective of (a) comparing their response under the postulated irradiation conditions to guide a graphite grade selection for use asmore » a pion target and (b) understanding changes in physical and mechanical properties as well as microstructure that occurred as a result of the achieved fluence and in particular at this low-temperature regime where pion graphite targets are expected to operate. A further goal of the postirradiation evaluation was to establish a proton-neutron correlation damage on graphite that will allow for the use of a wealth of available neutron-based damage data in proton-based studies and applications. Macroscopic postirradiation analyses as well as energy dispersive x-ray diffraction of 200 KeV x rays at the NSLS synchrotron of Brookhaven National Laboratory were employed. The macroscopic analyses revealed differences in the physical and strength properties of the four grades with behavior however under proton irradiation that qualitatively agrees with that reported for graphite under neutrons for the same low temperature regime and in particular the increase of thermal expansion, strength and Young’s modulus. The proton fluence level of ~10 20 cm -2 where strength reaches a maximum before it begins to decrease at higher fluences has been identified and it agrees with neutron-induced changes. X-ray diffraction analyses of the proton irradiated graphite revealed for the first time the similarity in microstructural graphite behavior to that under neutron irradiation and the agreement between the fluence threshold of ~5×10 20 cm -2 where the graphite lattice undergoes a dramatic change. The confirmed similarity in behavior and agreement in threshold fluences for proton and neutron irradiation effects on graphite reported for the first time in this study will enable the safe utilization of the wealth of neutron irradiation data on graphite that extends to much higher fluences and different temperature regimes by the proton accelerator community searching for multi-MW graphite targets.« less

Proton irradiated graphite grades for a long baseline neutrino facility experiment

DOE PAGES

Simos, N.; Nocera, P.; Zhong, Z.; ...

2017-07-24

In search of a low-Z pion production target for the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) four graphite grades were irradiated with protons in the energy range of 140–180 MeV, to peak fluence of ~6.1×10 20 p/cm 2 and irradiation temperatures between 120–200 °C. The test array included POCO ZXF-5Q, Toyo-Tanso IG 430, Carbone-Lorraine 2020 and SGL R7650 grades of graphite. Irradiation was performed at the Brookhaven Linear Isotope Producer. Postirradiation analyses were performed with the objective of (a) comparing their response under the postulated irradiation conditions to guide a graphite grade selection for use asmore » a pion target and (b) understanding changes in physical and mechanical properties as well as microstructure that occurred as a result of the achieved fluence and in particular at this low-temperature regime where pion graphite targets are expected to operate. A further goal of the postirradiation evaluation was to establish a proton-neutron correlation damage on graphite that will allow for the use of a wealth of available neutron-based damage data in proton-based studies and applications. Macroscopic postirradiation analyses as well as energy dispersive x-ray diffraction of 200 KeV x rays at the NSLS synchrotron of Brookhaven National Laboratory were employed. The macroscopic analyses revealed differences in the physical and strength properties of the four grades with behavior however under proton irradiation that qualitatively agrees with that reported for graphite under neutrons for the same low temperature regime and in particular the increase of thermal expansion, strength and Young’s modulus. The proton fluence level of ~10 20 cm -2 where strength reaches a maximum before it begins to decrease at higher fluences has been identified and it agrees with neutron-induced changes. X-ray diffraction analyses of the proton irradiated graphite revealed for the first time the similarity in microstructural graphite behavior to that under neutron irradiation and the agreement between the fluence threshold of ~5×10 20 cm -2 where the graphite lattice undergoes a dramatic change. The confirmed similarity in behavior and agreement in threshold fluences for proton and neutron irradiation effects on graphite reported for the first time in this study will enable the safe utilization of the wealth of neutron irradiation data on graphite that extends to much higher fluences and different temperature regimes by the proton accelerator community searching for multi-MW graphite targets.« less

Determination of trace and minor elements in alloys by atomic-absorption spectroscopy using an induction-heated graphite-well furnace as atom source-II.

PubMed

Ashy, M A; Headridge, J B; Sowerbutts, A

1974-06-01

Results are presented for the atomic-absorption spectrophotometric determination of zinc in aluminium and aluminium-silicon alloys, and aluminium, antimony and tin in steels, by means of solid samples dropped into an induction-heated graphite-well furnace to produce the atomic vapour.

Determination of the Tribological Fundamentals of Solid Lubricated Ceramics. Volume 1. Summary

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-01

the length of the C-axis), leading to increased critical resolved shear stress/surface shear strength of the polycrystalline graphite and...weaker nature of the graphitic regions. Wear rates of pure, polycrystalline diamond range from -4 x 10- 16 m 3/N • m in vacuum to I x 10ൗ m3/N• m...Intercalated Graphite Molds. Triboflats hand-cut, oc-SiC paper- san !ed and fine diamond paper-polished from NiCI2/ HOPG and CdCl2/ HOPG (to remove the outer 0.5

Synthesis of graphene nanoribbons from amyloid templates by gallium vapor-assisted solid-phase graphitization

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

Murakami, Katsuhisa, E-mail: k.murakami@bk.tsukuba.ac.jp; Dong, Tianchen; Kajiwara, Yuya

2014-06-16

Single- and double-layer graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with widths of around 10 nm were synthesized directly onto an insulating substrate by solid-phase graphitization using a gallium vapor catalyst and carbon templates made of amyloid fibrils. Subsequent investigation revealed that the crystallinity, conductivity, and carrier mobility were all improved by increasing the temperature of synthesis. The carrier mobility of the GNR synthesized at 1050 °C was 0.83 cm{sup 2}/V s, which is lower than that of mechanically exfoliated graphene. This is considered to be most likely due to electron scattering by the defects and edges of the GNRs.

In situ polymerization of monomers for polyphenylquinoxaline/graphite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Serafini, T. T.; Delvigs, P.; Vannucci, R. D.

1973-01-01

Methods currently used to prepare fiber reinforced, high temperature resistant polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ) composites employ extremely viscous, low solids content solutions of high molecular weight PPQ polymers. An improved approach, described in this report, consists of impregnating the fiber with a solution of the appropriate monomers instead of a solution of previously synthesized high molecular weight polymer. Polymerization of the monomers occurs in situ on the fiber during the solvent removal and curing stages. The in situ polymerization approach greatly simplifies the fabrication of PPQ graphite fiber composites. The use of low viscosity monomeric type solutions facilitates fiber wetting, permits a high solids content, and eliminates the need for prior polymer synthesis.

Tribological and Mechanical Behaviors of Polyamide 6/Glass Fiber Composite Filled with Various Solid Lubricants

PubMed Central

Li, Duxin; Xie, Ying; Li, Wenjuan; You, Yilan; Deng, Xin

2013-01-01

The effects of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and their compounds on mechanical and tribological properties of glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6/GF) were studied. The polymeric materials were blended using twin-screw extruder and subsequently injection molded for test samples. Mechanical properties were investigated in terms of hardness, tensile strength, and impact strength. Friction and wear experiments were run under ambient conditions at a rotating speed of 200 rpm and load of 100 N. The morphologies of the worn surfaces were also observed with scanning electron microscope. The results showed that graphite could increase the tensile strength of PA6/GF-15 composite, but the material became soft. Graphite/UHMWPE complex solid lubricants were effective in increasing the already high impact strength of PA6/GF-15 composite. 5% PTFE gave the maximum reduction in the coefficient of friction. However, PTFE/UHMWPE complex solid lubricants were the best choice for improving both friction and wear behaviors due to the lower friction coefficient and mass wear rate. Moreover, the worn surface of PA6 composites revealed that adhesive wear, abrasive wear, and fatigue wear occurred in this study. PMID:23766687

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-06-01

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

Electrochemical treatment of evaporated residue of soak liquor generated from leather industry.

PubMed

Boopathy, R; Sekaran, G

2013-09-15

The organic and suspended solids present in soak liquor, generated from leather industry, demands treatment. The soak liquor is being segregated and evaporated in solar evaporation pans/multiple effect evaporator due to non availability of viable technology for its treatment. The residue left behind in the pans/evaporator does not carry any reuse value and also faces disposal threat due to the presence of high concentration of sodium chloride, organic and bacterial impurities. In the present investigation, the aqueous evaporated residue of soak liquor (ERSL) was treated by electrochemical oxidation. Graphite/graphite and SS304/graphite systems were used in electrochemical oxidation of organics in ERSL. Among these, graphite/graphite system was found to be effective over SS304/graphite system. Hence, the optimised conditions for the electrochemical oxidation of organics in ERSL using graphite/graphite system was evaluated by response surface methodology (RSM). The mass transport coefficient (km) was calculated based on pseudo-first order rate kinetics for both the electrode systems (graphite/graphite and SS304/graphite). The thermodynamic properties illustrated the electrochemical oxidation was exothermic and non-spontaneous in nature. The calculated specific energy consumption at the optimum current density of 50 mA cm(-2) was 0.41 kWh m(-3) for the removal of COD and 2.57 kWh m(-3) for the removal of TKN. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous determination of V, Ni and Fe in fuel fly ash using solid sampling high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Cárdenas Valdivia, A; Vereda Alonso, E; López Guerrero, M M; Gonzalez-Rodriguez, J; Cano Pavón, J M; García de Torres, A

2018-03-01

A green and simple method has been proposed in this work for the simultaneous determination of V, Ni and Fe in fuel ash samples by solid sampling high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS HR CS GFAAS). The application of fast programs in combination with direct solid sampling allows eliminating pretreatment steps, involving minimal manipulation of sample. Iridium treated platforms were applied throughout the present study, enabling the use of aqueous standards for calibration. Correlation coefficients for the calibration curves were typically better than 0.9931. The concentrations found in the fuel ash samples analysed ranged from 0.66% to 4.2% for V, 0.23-0.7% for Ni and 0.10-0.60% for Fe. Precision (%RSD) were 5.2%, 10.0% and 9.8% for V, Ni and Fe, respectively, obtained as the average of the %RSD of six replicates of each fuel ash sample. The optimum conditions established were applied to the determination of the target analytes in fuel ash samples. In order to test the accuracy and applicability of the proposed method in the analysis of samples, five ash samples from the combustion of fuel in power stations, were analysed. The method accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results obtained using the proposed method with the results obtained by ICP OES previous acid digestion. The results showed good agreement between them. The goal of this work has been to develop a fast and simple methodology that permits the use of aqueous standards for straightforward calibration and the simultaneous determination of V, Ni and Fe in fuel ash samples by direct SS HR CS GFAAS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Factors affecting the thermal shock behavior of yttria stabilized hafnia based graphite and tungsten composites.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lineback, L. D.; Manning, C. R.

1971-01-01

Hafnia-based composites containing either graphite or tungsten were investigated as rocket nozzle throat inserts in solid propellant rocket engines. The thermal shock resistance of these materials is considered in terms of macroscopic thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, modulus of elasticity, and compressive fracture stress. The effect of degree of hafnia stabilization, density, and graphite or tungsten content upon these parameters is discussed. The variation of the ratio of elastic modulus to compressive fracture stress with density and its effect upon thermal shock resistance of these materials are discussed in detail.

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

PubMed

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

2011-07-31

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2011-08-01

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

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

Influence of Inner Transducer Properties on EMF Response and Stability of Solid-Contact Anion Selective Membrane Electrodes Based on Metalloporphyrin Ionophores

PubMed Central

Górski, Łukasz; Matusevich, Alexey; Pietrzak, Mariusz; Wang, Lin; Meyerhoff, Mark E.; Malinowska, Elżbieta

2010-01-01

The performance of solid-contact/coated wire type electrodes with plasticized PVC membranes containing metalloporphyrins as anion selective ionophores is reported. The membranes are deposited on transducers based on graphite pastes and graphite rods. The hydrophobicity of the underlying conductive transducer surface is found to be a key factor that influences the formation of an aqueous layer beneath the polymer film. Elimination of this ill-defined water layer greatly improves the electrochemical properties of the ion-sensors, such as EMF stability and life-time. Only highly lipophilic electrode substrates, namely graphite paste with mineral oil, were shown to prevent the formation of aqueous layer underneath the ion-sensing membrane. The possibility of employing Co(III)-tetraphenylporphyrin both as NO2− selective ionophore and as electron/ion conducting species to ensure ion-to-electron translation was also discussed based on the results of preliminary experiments. PMID:20357903

Combustion Of Porous Graphite Particles In Oxygen Enriched Air

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delisle, Andrew J.; Miller, Fletcher J.; Chelliah, Harsha K.

2003-01-01

Combustion of solid fuel particles has many important applications, including power generation and space propulsion systems. The current models available for describing the combustion process of these particles, especially porous solid particles, include various simplifying approximations. One of the most limiting approximations is the lumping of the physical properties of the porous fuel with the heterogeneous chemical reaction rate constants [1]. The primary objective of the present work is to develop a rigorous modeling approach that could decouple such physical and chemical effects from the global heterogeneous reaction rates. For the purpose of validating this model, experiments with porous graphite particles of varying sizes and porosity are being performed under normal and micro gravity.

In situ polymerization of monomers for polyphenylquinoxaline/graphite fiber composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Serafini, T. T.; Delvigs, P.; Vannucci, R. D.

1974-01-01

Methods currently used to prepare fiber reinforced, high temperature resistant polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ) composites employ extremely viscous, low solids content solutions of high molecular weight PPQ polymers. An improved approach, described in this report, consists of impregnating the fiber with a solution of the appropriate monomers instead of a solution of previously synthesized high molecular weight polymer. Polymerization of the monomers occurs in situ on the fiber during the solvent removal and curing stages. The in situ polymerization approach greatly simplifies the fabrication of PPQ graphite fiber composites. The use of low viscosity monomeric type solutions facilitates fiber wetting, permits a high solids content, and eliminates the need for prior polymer synthesis.

Post Irradiation Examination Results of the NT-02 Graphite Fins NUMI Target

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

Ammigan, K.; Hurh, P.; Sidorov, V.

2017-02-10

The NT-02 neutrino target in the NuMI beamline at Fermilab is a 95 cm long target made up of segmented graphite fins. It is the longest running NuMI target, which operated with a 120 GeV proton beam with maximum power of 340 kW, and saw an integrated total proton on target of 6.1 1020. Over the last half of its life, gradual degradation of neutrino yield was observed until the target was replaced. The probable causes for the target performance degradation are attributed to radiation damage, possibly including cracking caused by reduction in thermal shock resistance, as well as potentialmore » localized oxidation in the heated region of the target. Understanding the long-termstructural response of target materials exposed to proton irradiation is critical as future proton accelerator sources are becoming increasingly more powerful. As a result, an autopsy of the target was carried out to facilitate post-irradiation examination of selected graphite fins. Advanced microstructural imaging and surface elemental analysis techniques were used to characterize the condition of the fins in an effort to identify degradation mechanisms, and the relevant findings are presented in this paper.« less

Quantitative mass spectrometric analysis of glycoproteins combined with enrichment methods.

PubMed

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

2015-01-01

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

Thermal desorption of formamide and methylamine from graphite and amorphous water ice surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaabouni, H.; Diana, S.; Nguyen, T.; Dulieu, F.

2018-04-01

Context. Formamide (NH2CHO) and methylamine (CH3NH2) are known to be the most abundant amine-containing molecules in many astrophysical environments. The presence of these molecules in the gas phase may result from thermal desorption of interstellar ices. Aims: The aim of this work is to determine the values of the desorption energies of formamide and methylamine from analogues of interstellar dust grain surfaces and to understand their interaction with water ice. Methods: Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments of formamide and methylamine ices were performed in the sub-monolayer and monolayer regimes on graphite (HOPG) and non-porous amorphous solid water (np-ASW) ice surfaces at temperatures 40-240 K. The desorption energy distributions of these two molecules were calculated from TPD measurements using a set of independent Polanyi-Wigner equations. Results: The maximum of the desorption of formamide from both graphite and ASW ice surfaces occurs at 176 K after the desorption of H2O molecules, whereas the desorption profile of methylamine depends strongly on the substrate. Solid methylamine starts to desorb below 100 K from the graphite surface. Its desorption from the water ice surface occurs after 120 K and stops during the water ice sublimation around 150 K. It continues to desorb from the graphite surface at temperatures higher than160 K. Conclusions: More than 95% of solid NH2CHO diffuses through the np-ASW ice surface towards the graphitic substrate and is released into the gas phase with a desorption energy distribution Edes = 7460-9380 K, which is measured with the best-fit pre-exponential factor A = 1018 s-1. However, the desorption energy distribution of methylamine from the np-ASW ice surface (Edes = 3850-8420 K) is measured with the best-fit pre-exponential factor A = 1012 s-1. A fraction of solid methylamine monolayer of roughly 0.15 diffuses through the water ice surface towards the HOPG substrate. This small amount of methylamine desorbs later with higher binding energies (5050-8420 K) that exceed that of the crystalline water ice (Edes = 4930 K), which is calculated with the same pre-exponential factor A = 1012 s-1. The best wetting ability of methylamine compared to H2O molecules makes CH3NH2 molecules a refractory species for low coverage. Other binding energies of astrophysical relevant molecules are gathered and compared, but we could not link the chemical functional groups (amino, methyl, hydroxyl, and carbonyl) with the binding energy properties. Implications of these high binding energies are discussed.

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

PubMed Central

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

2015-01-01

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

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaworske, Donald A.; Perry, William D.

1990-01-01

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

Temperature dependence of broadline NMR spectra of water-soaked, epoxy-graphite composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawing, David; Fornes, R. E.; Gilbert, R. D.; Memory, J. D.

1981-10-01

Water-soaked, epoxy resin-graphite fiber composites show a waterline in their broadline proton NMR spectrum which indicates a state of intermediate mobility between the solid and free water liquid states. The line is still present at -42 °C, but shows a reversible decrease in amplitude with decreasing temperature. The line is isotropic upon rotation of the fiber axis with respect to the external magnetic field.

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

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

Lu, Dongping; Tao, Jinhui; Yan, Pengfei

2017-02-10

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

Flight service evaluation of an advanced composite empennage component on commercial transport aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The development and flight evaluation of an advanced composite empennage component is presented. The recommended concept for the covers is graphite-epoxy hats bonded to a graphite-epoxy skin. The hat flare-out has been eliminated, instead the hat is continuous into the joint. The recommended concept for the spars is graphite-epoxy caps and a hybrid of Kevlar-49 and graphite-epoxy in the spar web. The spar cap, spar web stiffeners for attaching the ribs, and intermediate stiffeners are planned to be fabricated as a unit. Access hole in the web will be reinforced with a donut type, zero degree graphite-epoxy wound reinforcement. The miniwich design concept in the upper three ribs originally proposed is changed to a graphite-epoxy stiffened solid laminate design concept. The recommended configuration for the lower seven ribs remains as graphite-epoxy caps with aluminum cruciform diagonals. The indicated weight saving for the current advanced composite vertical fin configuration is 20.2% including a 24 lb growth allowance. The project production cost saving is approximately 1% based on a cumulative average of 250 aircraft and including only material, production labor, and quality assurance costs.

Scale-up of high specific activity 186gRe production using graphite-encased thick 186W targets and demonstration of an efficient target recycling process

DOE PAGES

Balkin, Ethan R.; Gagnon, Katherine; Dorman, Eric; ...

2017-08-18

Production of high specific activity 186gRe is of interest for development of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. Previous studies have shown that high specific activity 186gRe can be obtained by cyclotron irradiation of enriched 186W via the 186W(d,2n) 186gRe reaction, but most irradiations were conducted at low beam currents and for short durations. In this paper, enriched 186W metal targets were irradiated at high incident deuteron beam currents to demonstrate production rates and contaminants produced when using thick targets. Full-stopping thick targets, as determined using SRIM, were prepared by uniaxial pressing of powdered natural abundance W metal or 96.86% enriched 186W metal encasedmore » between two layers of graphite flakes for target material stabilization. An assessment of structural integrity was made on each target preparation. To assess the performance of graphite-encased thick 186W metal targets, along with the impact of encasing on the separation chemistry, targets were first irradiated using a 22 MeV deuteron beam for 10 min at 10, 20, and 27 μA, with an estimated nominal deuteron energy of 18.7 MeV on the 186W target material (after energy degradation correction from top graphite layer). Gamma-ray spectrometry was performed post EOB on all targets to assess production yields and radionuclidic byproducts. The investigation also evaluated a method to recover and recycle enriched target material from a column isolation procedure. Material composition analyses of target materials, pass-through/wash solutions and recycling process isolates were conducted with SEM, FTIR, XRD, EDS and ICP-MS spectrometry. Finally, to demonstrate scaled-up production, a graphite-encased 186W target made from recycled 186W was irradiated for ~2 h with 18.7 MeV deuterons at a beam current of 27 μA to provide 0.90 GBq (24.3 mCi) of 186gRe, decay-corrected to the end of bombardment. ICP-MS analysis of the isolated 186gRe solution provided data that indicated the specific activity of 186gRe in this scaled-up production run was 2.6±0.5 GBq/μg (70±10 Ci/mg).« less

Scale-up of high specific activity 186gRe production using graphite-encased thick 186W targets and demonstration of an efficient target recycling process

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

Balkin, Ethan R.; Gagnon, Katherine; Dorman, Eric

Production of high specific activity 186gRe is of interest for development of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. Previous studies have shown that high specific activity 186gRe can be obtained by cyclotron irradiation of enriched 186W via the 186W(d,2n) 186gRe reaction, but most irradiations were conducted at low beam currents and for short durations. In this paper, enriched 186W metal targets were irradiated at high incident deuteron beam currents to demonstrate production rates and contaminants produced when using thick targets. Full-stopping thick targets, as determined using SRIM, were prepared by uniaxial pressing of powdered natural abundance W metal or 96.86% enriched 186W metal encasedmore » between two layers of graphite flakes for target material stabilization. An assessment of structural integrity was made on each target preparation. To assess the performance of graphite-encased thick 186W metal targets, along with the impact of encasing on the separation chemistry, targets were first irradiated using a 22 MeV deuteron beam for 10 min at 10, 20, and 27 μA, with an estimated nominal deuteron energy of 18.7 MeV on the 186W target material (after energy degradation correction from top graphite layer). Gamma-ray spectrometry was performed post EOB on all targets to assess production yields and radionuclidic byproducts. The investigation also evaluated a method to recover and recycle enriched target material from a column isolation procedure. Material composition analyses of target materials, pass-through/wash solutions and recycling process isolates were conducted with SEM, FTIR, XRD, EDS and ICP-MS spectrometry. Finally, to demonstrate scaled-up production, a graphite-encased 186W target made from recycled 186W was irradiated for ~2 h with 18.7 MeV deuterons at a beam current of 27 μA to provide 0.90 GBq (24.3 mCi) of 186gRe, decay-corrected to the end of bombardment. ICP-MS analysis of the isolated 186gRe solution provided data that indicated the specific activity of 186gRe in this scaled-up production run was 2.6±0.5 GBq/μg (70±10 Ci/mg).« less

Controlling the Surface Chemistry of Graphite by Engineered Self-Assembled Peptides

PubMed Central

Khatayevich, Dmitriy; So, Christopher R.; Hayamizu, Yuhei; Gresswell, Carolyn; Sarikaya, Mehmet

2012-01-01

The systematic control over surface chemistry is a long-standing challenge in biomedical and nanotechnological applications for graphitic materials. As a novel approach, we utilize graphite-binding dodecapeptides that self-assemble into dense domains to form monolayer thick long-range ordered films on graphite. Specifically, the peptides are rationally designed through their amino acid sequences to predictably display hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics while maintaining their self-assembly capabilities on the solid substrate. The peptides are observed to maintain a high tolerance for sequence modification, allowing the control over surface chemistry via their amino acid sequence. Furthermore, through a single step co-assembly of two different designed peptides, we predictably and precisely tune the wettability of the resulting functionalized graphite surfaces from 44 to 83 degrees. The modular molecular structures and predictable behavior of short peptides demonstrated here give rise to a novel platform for functionalizing graphitic materials that offers numerous advantages, including non-invasive modification of the substrate, bio-compatible processing in an aqueous environment, and simple fusion with other functional biological molecules. PMID:22428620

Calculations of stopping powers of 100 eV-30 keV electrons in 31 elemental solids

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

Tanuma, S.; Powell, C. J.; Penn, D. R.

We present calculated electron stopping powers (SPs) for 31 elemental solids (Li, Be, glassy C, graphite, diamond, Na, Mg, K, Sc, Ti, V, Fe, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, In, Sn, Cs, Gd, Tb, Dy, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, and Bi). These SPs were determined with an algorithm previously used for the calculation of electron inelastic mean free paths and from energy-loss functions (ELFs) derived from experimental optical data. The SP calculations were made for electron energies between 100 eV and 30 keV and supplement our earlier SP calculations for ten additional solids (Al, Si, Cr, Ni,more » Cu, Ge, Pd, Ag, Pt, and Au). Plots of SP versus atomic number for the group of 41 solids show clear trends. Multiple peaks and shoulders are seen that result from the contributions of valence-electron and various inner-shell excitations. Satisfactory agreement was found between the calculated SPs and values from the relativistic Bethe SP equation with recommended values of the mean excitation energy (MEE) for energies above 10 keV. We determined effective MEEs versus maximum excitation energy from the ELFs for each solid. Plots of effective MEE versus atomic number showed the relative contributions of valence-electron and different core-electron excitations to the MEE. For a maximum excitation energy of 30 keV, our effective MEEs agreed well for Be, graphite, Na, Al, and Si with recommended MEEs; a difference for Li was attributed to sample oxidation in the SP measurements for the recommended MEE. Substantially different effective MEEs were found for the three carbon allotropes (graphite, diamond, and glassy C)« less

Heterogenous Combustion of Porous Graphite Particles in Normal and Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chelliah, Harsha K.; Miller, Fletcher J.; Delisle, Andrew J.

2001-01-01

Combustion of solid fuel particles has many important applications, including power generation and space propulsion systems. The current models available for describing the combustion process of these particles, especially porous solid particles, include various simplifying approximations. One of the most limiting approximations is the lumping of the physical properties of the porous fuel with the heterogeneous chemical reaction rate constants. The primary objective of the present work is to develop a rigorous model that could decouple such physical and chemical effects from the global heterogeneous reaction rates. For the purpose of validating this model, experiments with porous graphite particles of varying sizes and porosity are being performed. The details of this experimental and theoretical model development effort are described.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-12-01

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

Graphite to ultrafine nanocrystalline diamond phase transition model and growth restriction mechanism induced by nanosecond laser processing

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

Ren, X. D., E-mail: renxd@mail.ujs.edu.cn; Liu, R.; Zheng, L. M.

2015-10-05

To have a clear insight into nanocrystal growth from graphite to diamond upon high energy pulsed laser irradiation of graphite suspension, synthesis of ultrafine nanocrystalline diamonds with laser energy set up from 0.3 J to 12 J, repetition rate of 10 Hz has been studied. The method allows synthesizing ultrafine nanocrystalline particles continuously at the ambient temperature and normal pressure. The particle size is shown independent of laser energy, which is ultrafine and ranges in 2–6 nm. The theoretical grown size of nano-diamonds is found in well agreement with the experiment results. Four kinds of production were found: nano-diamond, spherical carbon nano-particles, flocculent amorphousmore » carbon, and graphene nano-ribbon rolls. A solid-vapor-plasma-liquid coexistence model describing phase transition from graphite to diamond induced by nanosecond laser processing was proposed. Graphene nano-ribbon rolls might be the intermediate phase in the conversion from graphite to diamond.« less

Solid lubrication design methodology, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pallini, R. A.; Wedeven, L. D.; Ragen, M. A.; Aggarwal, B. B.

1986-01-01

The high temperature performance of solid lubricated rolling elements was conducted with a specially designed traction (friction) test apparatus. Graphite lubricants containing three additives (silver, phosphate glass, and zinc orthophosphate) were evaluated from room temperature to 540 C. Two hard coats were also evaluated. The evaluation of these lubricants, using a burnishing method of application, shows a reasonable transfer of lubricant and wear protection for short duration testing except in the 200 C temperature range. The graphite lubricants containing silver and zinc orthophosphate additives were more effective than the phosphate glass material over the test conditions examined. Traction coefficients ranged from a low of 0.07 to a high of 0.6. By curve fitting the traction data, empirical equations for slope and maximum traction coefficient as a function of contact pressure (P), rolling speed (U), and temperature (T) can be developed for each lubricant. A solid lubricant traction model was incorporated into an advanced bearing analysis code (SHABERTH). For comparison purposes, preliminary heat generation calculations were made for both oil and solid lubricated bearing operation. A preliminary analysis indicated a significantly higher heat generation for a solid lubricated ball bearing in a deep groove configuration. An analysis of a cylindrical roller bearing configuration showed a potential for a low friction solid lubricated bearing.

Study on the Microstructure and Liquid Phase Formation in a Semisolid Gray Cast Iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benati, Davi Munhoz; Ito, Kazuhiro; Kohama, Kazuyuki; Yamamoto, Hajime; Zoqui, Eugenio José

2017-10-01

The development of high-quality semisolid raw materials requires an understanding of the phase transformations that occur as the material is heated up to the semisolid state, i.e., its melting behavior. The microstructure of the material plays a very important role during semisolid processing as it determines the flow behavior of the material when it is formed, making a thorough understanding of the microstructural evolution essential. In this study, the phase transformations and microstructural evolution in Fe2.5C1.5Si gray cast iron specially designed for thixoforming processes as it was heated to the semisolid state were observed using in situ high-temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy. At room temperature, the alloy has a matrix of pearlite and ferrite with fine interdendritic type D flake graphite. During heating, the main transformations observed were graphite precipitation inside the grains and at the austenite grain boundaries; graphite flakes and graphite precipitates growing and becoming coarser with the increasing temperature; and the beginning of melting at around 1413 K to 1423 K (1140 °C to 1150 °C). Melting begins with the eutectic phase ( i.e., the carbon-rich phase) and continues with the primary phase (primary austenite), which is consumed as the temperature increases. Melting of the eutectic phase composed by coarsened interdendritic graphite flakes produced a semi-continuous liquid network homogeneously surrounding and wetting the dendrites of the solid phase, causing grains to detach from each other and producing the intended solid globules immersed in liquid.

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

PubMed

Ustinov, E A

2014-02-21

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

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

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

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

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

A Fluorinated Ether Electrolyte Enabled High Performance Prelithiated Graphite/Sulfur Batteries

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

Chen, Shuru; Yu, Zhaoxin; Gordin, Mikhail L.

Lithium/sulfur (Li/S) batteries have attracted great attention as a promising energy storage technology, but so far their practical applications are greatly hindered by issues of polysulfide shuttling and unstable lithium/electrolyte interface. To address these issues, a feasible strategy is to construct a rechargeable prelithiated graphite/sulfur batteries. In this study, a fluorinated ether of bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) ether (BTFE) was reported to blend with 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) for making a multifunctional electrolyte of 1.0 M LiTFSI DOL/BTFE (1:1, v/v) to enable high performance prelithiated graphite/S batteries. First, the electrolyte significantly reduces polysulfide solubility to suppress the deleterious polysulfide shuttling and thus improves capacity retentionmore » of sulfur cathodes. Second, thanks to the low viscosity and good wettability, the fluorinated electrolyte dramatically enhances the reaction kinetics and sulfur utilization of high-areal-loading sulfur cathodes. More importantly, this electrolyte forms a stable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on graphite surface and thus enables remarkable cyclability of graphite anodes. Lastly, by coupling prelithiated graphite anodes with sulfur cathodes with high areal capacity of ~3 mAh cm -2, we demonstrate prelithiated graphite/sulfur batteries that show high sulfur-specific capacity of ~1000 mAh g -1 and an excellent capacity retention of >65% after 450 cycles at C/10.« less

A Fluorinated Ether Electrolyte Enabled High Performance Prelithiated Graphite/Sulfur Batteries

DOE PAGES

Chen, Shuru; Yu, Zhaoxin; Gordin, Mikhail L.; ...

2017-02-03

Lithium/sulfur (Li/S) batteries have attracted great attention as a promising energy storage technology, but so far their practical applications are greatly hindered by issues of polysulfide shuttling and unstable lithium/electrolyte interface. To address these issues, a feasible strategy is to construct a rechargeable prelithiated graphite/sulfur batteries. In this study, a fluorinated ether of bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) ether (BTFE) was reported to blend with 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) for making a multifunctional electrolyte of 1.0 M LiTFSI DOL/BTFE (1:1, v/v) to enable high performance prelithiated graphite/S batteries. First, the electrolyte significantly reduces polysulfide solubility to suppress the deleterious polysulfide shuttling and thus improves capacity retentionmore » of sulfur cathodes. Second, thanks to the low viscosity and good wettability, the fluorinated electrolyte dramatically enhances the reaction kinetics and sulfur utilization of high-areal-loading sulfur cathodes. More importantly, this electrolyte forms a stable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on graphite surface and thus enables remarkable cyclability of graphite anodes. Lastly, by coupling prelithiated graphite anodes with sulfur cathodes with high areal capacity of ~3 mAh cm -2, we demonstrate prelithiated graphite/sulfur batteries that show high sulfur-specific capacity of ~1000 mAh g -1 and an excellent capacity retention of >65% after 450 cycles at C/10.« less

Dynamics of solid dispersions in oil during the lubrication of point contacts. Part 1: Graphite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cusano, C.; Sliney, H. E.

1981-01-01

A Hertzian contact was lubricated with dispersed graphite in mineral oils under boundary lubrication conditions. The contact was optically observed under pure rolling, combined rolling and sliding, and pure sliding conditions. The contact was formed with a steel ball on the flat surface of a glass disk. Photomicrographs are presented which show the distribution of the graphite in and around the contact. Friction and surface damage are also shown for conditions when the base oils are used alone and when graphite is added to the base oils. Under pure rolling and combined rolling and sliding conditions, it is found that, for low speeds, a graphite film can form which will separate the contacting surfaces. Under pure sliding conditions, graphite accumulates at the inlet and sweeps around the contact, but very little of the graphite passes through the contact. The accumulated graphite appears to act as a barrier which reduces the supply of oil available to the contact for boundary lubrication. Friction data show no clear short term beneficial or detrimental effect caused by addition of graphite to the base oil. However, during pure sliding, more abrasion occurs on the polished balls lubricated with the dispersion than on those lubricated with the base oil alone. All observations were for the special case of a highly-polished ball on a glass surface and may not be applicable to other geometries and materials, or to rougher surfaces.

Literature Review: Materials with Negative Poisson’s Ratios and Potential Applications to Aerospace and Defence

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-01

and defence industries. In fact, some materials with such anomalous (i.e. NPR) properties have been used in applications such as pyrolytic graphite...real applications such as pyrolytic graphite with NPR of -0.21 for thermal protection in aerospace (Garber, 1963), large single crystals of Ni3Al with...Foundations of Solid Mechanics, Prentice-Hall, p.353, 1968. Garber, A.M., Pyrolytic materials for thermal protection systems, Aerospace Eng., Vol

Investigation of anti-wear and extreme pressure properties of nano-lubricant using graphite and Ag nanoparticles.

PubMed

Choi, Youngmin; Hwang, Yujin; Park, Minchan; Lee, Jaekeun; Choi, Cheol; Jung, Mihee; Oh, Jemyung; Lee, Jung Eun

2011-01-01

The tribological behavior of graphite and Ag nanoparticles as solid additive to base oil was evaluated on a four-ball test machine and a disc-on-disc tribotester. Extreme pressure and anti-wear results are shown according to ASTM D4172 and D2783 standard methods. It is found that Ag nanoparticles have better anti-wear behavior, and especially the smaller size nanoparticle have better anti-wear behavior.

Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine Coating for Enhanced Thermal Stability and Rate Performance of Graphite Anodes in Li-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Park, Seong-Hyo; Kim, Hyeon Jin; Lee, Junmin; Jeong, You Kyeong; Choi, Jang Wook; Lee, Hochun

2016-06-08

Despite two decades of commercial history, it remains very difficult to simultaneously achieve both high rate capability and thermal stability in the graphite anodes of Li-ion batteries because the stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, which is essential for thermal stability, impedes facile Li(+) ion transport at the interface. Here, we resolve this longstanding challenge using a mussel-inspired polydopamine (PD) coating via a simple immersion process. The nanometer-thick PD coating layer allows the formation of an SEI layer on the coating surface without perturbing the intrinsic properties of the SEI layer of the graphite anodes. PD-coated graphite exhibits far better performances in cycling test at 60 °C and storage test at 90 °C than bare graphite. The PD-coated graphite also displays superior rate capability during both lithiation and delithiation. As evidenced by surface free energy analysis, the enhanced performance of the PD-coated graphite can be ascribed to the Lewis basicity of the PD, which scavenges harmful hydrofluoric acid and forms an intermediate triple-body complex among a Li(+) ion, solvent molecules, and the PD's basic site. The usefulness of the proposed PD coating can be expanded to various electrodes in rechargeable batteries that suffer from poor thermal stability and interfacial kinetics.

Trace analysis of high-purity graphite by LA-ICP-MS.

PubMed

Pickhardt, C; Becker, J S

2001-07-01

Laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has been established as a very efficient and sensitive technique for the direct analysis of solids. In this work the capability of LA-ICP-MS was investigated for determination of trace elements in high-purity graphite. Synthetic laboratory standards with a graphite matrix were prepared for the purpose of quantifying the analytical results. Doped trace elements, concentration 0.5 microg g(-1), in a laboratory standard were determined with an accuracy of 1% to +/- 7% and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2-13%. Solution-based calibration was also used for quantitative analysis of high-purity graphite. It was found that such calibration led to analytical results for trace-element determination in graphite with accuracy similar to that obtained by use of synthetic laboratory standards for quantification of analytical results. Results from quantitative determination of trace impurities in a real reactor-graphite sample, using both quantification approaches, were in good agreement. Detection limits for all elements of interest were determined in the low ng g(-1) concentration range. Improvement of detection limits by a factor of 10 was achieved for analyses of high-purity graphite with LA-ICP-MS under wet plasma conditions, because the lower background signal and increased element sensitivity.

Conformationally pre-organized and pH-responsive flat dendrons: synthesis and self-assembly at the liquid-solid interface.

PubMed

El Malah, Tamer; Ciesielski, Artur; Piot, Luc; Troyanov, Sergey I; Mueller, Uwe; Weidner, Steffen; Samorì, Paolo; Hecht, Stefan

2012-01-21

Efficient Cu-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions have been used to prepare two series of three regioisomers of G-1 and G-2 poly(triazole-pyridine) dendrons. The G-1 and G-2 dendrons consist of branched yet conformationally pre-organized 2,6-bis(phenyl/pyridyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine (BPTP) monomeric and trimeric cores, respectively, carrying one focal and either two or four peripheral alkyl side chains. In the solid state, the conformation and supramolecular organization were studied by means of a single crystal X-ray structure analysis of one derivative. At the liquid-solid interface, the self-assembly behavior was investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) on graphite surfaces. Based on the observed supramolecular organization, it appears that the subtle balance between conformational preferences inherent in the dendritic backbone on the one side and the adsorption and packing of the alkyl side chains on the graphite substrate on the other side dictate the overall structure formation in 2D.

Label-free potentiometric biosensor based on solid-contact for determination of total phenols in honey and propolis.

PubMed

Draghi, Patrícia Ferrante; Fernandes, Julio Cesar Bastos

2017-03-01

We developed a label-free potentiometric biosensor using tyrosinase extracted from Musa acuminata and immobilized by covalent bond on a surface of a solid-contact transducer. The transducer was manufactured containing two layers. The first layer contained a blend of poly(vinyl) chloride carboxylated (PVC-COOH), graphite and potassium permanganate. On this layer, we deposited a second layer containing just a mixture of poly(vinyl chloride) carboxylated and graphite. On the last layer of the transducer, we immobilized the tyrosinase enzyme by reaction with N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride. The solid-contact potentiometric biosensor presented at low detection limit of 7.3×10 -7 M and a linear range to catechol concentration between 9.3×10 -7 M and 8.3×10 -2 M. This biosensor was applied to determine the amount of total phenols in different samples of honey and propolis. The results agreed with the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 180.930 - Inert ingredients applied to animals; exemptions from the requirement of a tolerance.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... clay Solid diluent, carrier Barium sulfate (CAS Reg. No. 7727-43-7) Carrier, density control agent...-Difluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-37-6) For aerosol pesticide formulations used for insect control in food- and... tris-12-hydroxystearate Flow control agent Graphite Solid diluent, carrier n-Hexyl alcohol (CAS Reg. No...

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

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

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

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

Effect of filler content on the properties of expanded- graphite-based composite bipolar plates for application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masand, Aakash; Borah, Munu; Pathak, Abhishek K.; Dhakate, Sanjay R.

2017-09-01

Minimization of the weight and volume of a hydrogen-based PEM fuel cell stack is an essential area of research for the development and commercialization of PEMFCs for various applications. Graphite-based composite bipolar plates have significant advantages over conventional metallic bipolar plates due to their corrosion resistivity and low cost. On the other hand, expanded graphite is seen to be a potential candidate for facilitating the required electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of bipolar plates with a low density. Therefore, in the present study, the focus is on minimization of the high loading of graphite and optimizes its composition to meet the target properties of bipolar plates as per the USDOE target. Three types of expanded graphite (EG)-phenolic-resin-based composite bipolar plates were developed by partially replacing the expanded graphite content with natural graphite (NG) and carbon black as an additional filler. The three types of composite plate with the reinforcing constituent ratio EG:NG:R (25:25:50) give a bending strength of 49 MPa, a modulus of ~6 GPa, electrical conductivity  >100 S cm-1, a shore hardness of 55 and a bulk density of 1.55 g/cc. The 50 wt% loading of resin is sufficient to wet the 50 wt% filler content in the composite plate. This study gives an insight into using hybrid reinforcements in order to achieve the desired properties of bipolar plates.

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

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-10-01

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

Measurement of absorbed dose with a bone-equivalent extrapolation chamber.

PubMed

DeBlois, François; Abdel-Rahman, Wamied; Seuntjens, Jan P; Podgorsak, Ervin B

2002-03-01

A hybrid phantom-embedded extrapolation chamber (PEEC) made of Solid Water and bone-equivalent material was used for determining absorbed dose in a bone-equivalent phantom irradiated with clinical radiation beams (cobalt-60 gamma rays; 6 and 18 MV x rays; and 9 and 15 MeV electrons). The dose was determined with the Spencer-Attix cavity theory, using ionization gradient measurements and an indirect determination of the chamber air-mass through measurements of chamber capacitance. The collected charge was corrected for ionic recombination and diffusion in the chamber air volume following the standard two-voltage technique. Due to the hybrid chamber design, correction factors accounting for scatter deficit and electrode composition were determined and applied in the dose equation to obtain absorbed dose in bone for the equivalent homogeneous bone phantom. Correction factors for graphite electrodes were calculated with Monte Carlo techniques and the calculated results were verified through relative air cavity dose measurements for three different polarizing electrode materials: graphite, steel, and brass in conjunction with a graphite collecting electrode. Scatter deficit, due mainly to loss of lateral scatter in the hybrid chamber, reduces the dose to the air cavity in the hybrid PEEC in comparison with full bone PEEC by 0.7% to approximately 2% depending on beam quality and energy. In megavoltage photon and electron beams, graphite electrodes do not affect the dose measurement in the Solid Water PEEC but decrease the cavity dose by up to 5% in the bone-equivalent PEEC even for very thin graphite electrodes (<0.0025 cm). In conjunction with appropriate correction factors determined with Monte Carlo techniques, the uncalibrated hybrid PEEC can be used for measuring absorbed dose in bone material to within 2% for high-energy photon and electron beams.

QUANTITATIVE MASS SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS OF GLYCOPROTEINS COMBINED WITH ENRICHMENT METHODS

PubMed Central

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

2015-01-01

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

Solid sampling high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for gold determination in geological samples after preconcentration onto carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobrowolski, Ryszard; Mróz, Agnieszka; Dąbrowska, Marzena; Olszański, Piotr

2017-06-01

A novelty method for the determination of gold in geological samples by solid sampling high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS HR CS GF AAS) after solid-phase extraction onto modified carbon nanotubes (CNT) was described. The methodology developed is based on solid phase extraction of Au(III) ions from digested samples to eliminate strong interference caused by iron compounds and problems related to inhomogeneities of the samples. The use of aqueous or solid standard for calibration was studied and the slope of calibration curve was the same for both of these modes. This statement indicates the possibility to perform the calibration of the method using aqueous standard solutions. Under optimum conditions the absolute detection limit for gold was equal to 2.24 · 10- 6 μg g- 1 while the adsorption capacity of modified carbon nanotubes was 264 mg g- 1. The proposed procedure was validated by the application of certified reference materials (CRMs) with different content of gold and different matrix, the results were in good agreement with certified values. The method was successfully applied for separation and determination of gold ions in complex geological samples, with precision generally better than 8%.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

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

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

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

Zheng, Jianming; Yan, Pengfei; Cao, Ruiguo

2016-02-10

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

Carbon nanotubes and methods of forming same at low temperature

DOEpatents

Biris, Alexandru S.; Dervishi, Enkeleda

2017-05-02

In one aspect of the invention, a method for growth of carbon nanotubes includes providing a graphitic composite, decorating the graphitic composite with metal nanostructures to form graphene-contained powders, and heating the graphene-contained powders at a target temperature to form the carbon nanotubes in an argon/hydrogen environment that is devoid of a hydrocarbon source. In one embodiment, the target temperature can be as low as about 150.degree. C. (.+-.5.degree. C.).

Graphitic and oxidised high pressure high temperature (HPHT) nanodiamonds induce differential biological responses in breast cancer cell lines.

PubMed

Woodhams, Benjamin; Ansel-Bollepalli, Laura; Surmacki, Jakub; Knowles, Helena; Maggini, Laura; de Volder, Michael; Atatüre, Mete; Bohndiek, Sarah

2018-06-19

Nanodiamonds have demonstrated potential as powerful sensors in biomedicine, however, their translation into routine use requires a comprehensive understanding of their effect on the biological system being interrogated. Under normal fabrication processes, nanodiamonds are produced with a graphitic carbon shell, but are often oxidized in order to modify their surface chemistry for targeting to specific cellular compartments. Here, we assessed the biological impact of this purification process, considering cellular proliferation, uptake, and oxidative stress for graphitic and oxidized nanodiamond surfaces. We show for the first time that oxidized nanodiamonds possess improved biocompatibility compared to graphitic nanodiamonds in breast cancer cell lines, with graphitic nanodiamonds inducing higher levels of oxidative stress despite lower uptake.

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

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

Zheng, Jianming; Yan, Pengfei; Cao, Ruiguo

2016-02-15

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

Highly Flexible and Planar Supercapacitors Using Graphite Flakes/Polypyrrole in Polymer Lapping Film.

PubMed

Raj, C Justin; Kim, Byung Chul; Cho, Won-Je; Lee, Won-gil; Jung, Sang-Don; Kim, Yong Hee; Park, Sang Yeop; Yu, Kook Hyun

2015-06-24

Flexible supercapacitor electrodes have been fabricated by simple fabrication technique using graphite nanoflakes on polymer lapping films as flexible substrate. An additional thin layer of conducting polymer polypyrrole over the electrode improved the surface conductivity and exhibited excellent electrochemical performances. Such capacitor films showed better energy density and power density with a maximum capacitance value of 37 mF cm(-2) in a half cell configuration using 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte, 23 mF cm(-2) in full cell, and 6 mF cm(-2) as planar cell configuration using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solid state electrolyte. Moreover, the graphite nanoflakes/polypyrrole over polymer lapping film demonstrated good flexibility and cyclic stability.

Self-assembled monolayers of shape-persistent macrocycles on graphite: interior design and conformational polymorphism.

PubMed

Vollmeyer, Joscha; Eberhagen, Friederike; Höger, Sigurd; Jester, Stefan-S

2014-01-01

Three shape-persistent naphthylene-phenylene-acetylene macrocycles of identical backbone structures and extraannular substitution patterns but different (empty, apolar, polar) nanopore fillings are self-assembled at the solid/liquid interface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene. Submolecularly resolved images of the resulting two-dimensional (2D) crystalline monolayer patterns are obtained by in situ scanning tunneling microscopy. A concentration-dependent conformational polymorphism is found, and open and more dense packing motifs are observed. For all three compounds alike lattice parameters are found, therefore the intermolecular macrocycle distances are mainly determined by their size and symmetry. This is an excellent example that the graphite acts as a template for the macrocycle organization independent from their specific interior.

Finite Element Simulation of Solid Rocket Booster Separation Motors During Motor Firing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu. Weiping; Crane, Debora J.

2007-01-01

One of the toughest challenges facing Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) engineers is to ensure that any design changes made to the Shuttle-Derived Booster Separation Motors (BSM) for future space exploration vehicles is able to withstand the increasingly hostile motor firing environment without cracking its critical component - the graphite throat. This paper presents a critical analysis methodology and techniques for assessing effects of BSM design changes with great accuracy and precision. For current Space Shuttle operation, the motor firing occurs at SRB separation - approximately 125 seconds after Shuttle launch at an altitude of about 28 miles. The motor operation event lasts about two seconds, however, the surface temperature of the graphite throat increases approximately 3400 F in less than one second with a corresponding increase in surface pressure of approximately 2200 pounds per square inch (psi) in less than one-tenth of a second. To capture this process fully and accurately, a two-phase sequentially coupled thermal-mechanical finite element approach was developed. This method allows the time- and location-dependent pressure fields to interact with the spatial-temporal thermal fields throughout the operation. The material properties of graphite throat are orthotropic and temperature-dependent. The analysis involves preload and multiple body contacts.

Lithium dendrite and solid electrolyte interphase investigation using OsO4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zier, Martin; Scheiba, Frieder; Oswald, Steffen; Thomas, Jürgen; Goers, Dietrich; Scherer, Torsten; Klose, Markus; Ehrenberg, Helmut; Eckert, Jürgen

2014-11-01

Osmium tetroxide (OsO4) staining, commonly used to enhance scattering contrast in electron microscopy of biologic tissue and polymer blends, has been adopted for studies of graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries. OsO4 shows a coordinated reaction with components of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and lithium dendrites, thereby increasing material contrast for scanning electron microscopy investigations. Utilizing the high affinity of lithium metal to react with osmium tetroxide it was possible to localize even small lithium deposits on graphite electrodes. In spite of their reaction with the OsO4 fume, the lithium dendrite morphology remains almost untouched by the staining procedure, offering information on the dendrite growth process. Correlating the quantity of osmium detected with the amount of residual ("dead") lithium of a discharged electrode, it was possible to obtain a practical measure for lithium plating and stripping efficiencies. EDX mappings allowed for a localization of electrochemically stripped lithium dendrites by their residual stained SEI shells. Cross sections, prepared by focused ion beam (FIB) of cycled graphite electrodes treated with OsO4, revealed important information about deposition and distribution of metallic lithium and the electrolyte reduction layer across the electrode.

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

PubMed

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

2009-01-05

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

Effects of a static inhomogeneous magnetic field acting on a laser-produced carbon plasma plume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Favre, M.; Ruiz, H. M.; Bendixsen, L. S. Caballero; Reyes, S.; Veloso, F.; Wyndham, E.; Bhuyan, H.

2017-08-01

We present time- and space-resolved observations of the dynamics of a laser-produced carbon plasma, propagating in a sub-Tesla inhomogeneous magnetic field, with both, axial and radial field gradients. An Nd:YAG laser pulse, 340 mJ, 3.5 ns, at 1.06 μ m, with a fluence of 7 J/cm2, is used to generate the plasma from a solid graphite target, in vacuum. The magnetic field is produced using two coaxial sets of two NeFeB ring magnets, parallel to the laser target surface. The diagnostics include plasma imaging with 50 ns time resolution, spatially resolved optical emission spectroscopy and Faraday cup. Based on our observations, evidence of radial and axial plasma confinement due to magnetic field gradients is presented. Formation of C2 molecules, previously observed in the presence of a low pressure neutral gas background, and enhanced on-axis ion flux, are ascribed to finite Larmor radius effects and reduced radial transport due to the presence of the magnetic field.

Differential Sputtering Behavior of Pyrolytic Graphite and Carbon-Carbon Composite Under Xenon Bombardment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, John D.; Johnson, Mark L.; Williams, Desiree D.

2003-01-01

A differential sputter yield measurement technique is described, which consists of a quartz crystal monitor that is swept at constant radial distance from a small target region where a high current density xenon ion beam is aimed. This apparatus has been used to characterize the sputtering behavior of various forms of carbon including polycrystalline graphite, pyrolytic graphite, and PVD-infiltrated and pyrolized carbon-carbon composites. Sputter yield data are presented for pyrolytic graphite and carbon-carbon composite over a range of xenon ion energies from 200 eV to 1 keV and angles of incidence from 0 deg (normal incidence) to 60 deg .

Transformation of graphite by tectonic and hydrothermal processes in an active plate boundary fault zone, Alpine Fault, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirilova, Matina; Toy, Virginia; Timms, Nicholas; Halfpenny, Angela; Menzies, Catriona; Craw, Dave; Rooney, Jeremy; Giorgetti, Carolina

2017-04-01

Graphite is a material with one of the lowest frictional strengths, with coefficient of friction of 0.1 and thus in natural fault zones it may act as a natural solid lubricant. Graphitization, or the transformation of organic matter (carbonaceous material, or CM) into crystalline graphite, is induced by compositional and structural changes during diagenesis and metamorphism. The supposed irreversible nature of this process has allowed the degree of graphite crystallinity to be calibrated as an indicator of the peak temperatures reached during progressive metamorphism. We examine processes of graphite emplacement and deformation in the Alpine Fault Zone, New Zealand's active continental tectonic plate boundary. Raman spectrometry indicates that graphite in the distal, amphibolite-facies Alpine Schist, which experienced peak metamorphic temperatures up to 640 ◦C, is highly crystalline and occurs mainly along grain boundaries within quartzo-feldspathic domains. The subsequent mylonitisation in the Alpine Fault Zone resulted in progressive reworking of CM under lower temperature conditions (500◦C-600◦C) in a structurally controlled environment, resulting in spatial clustering in lower-strain protomylonites, and further foliation-alignment in higher-strain mylonites. Subsequent brittle deformation of the mylonitised schists resulted in cataclasites that contain over three-fold increase in the abundance of graphite than mylonites. Furthermore, cataclasites contain graphite with two different habits: highly-crystalline, foliated forms that are inherited mylonitic graphite; and lower-crystallinity, less mature patches of finer-grained graphite. The observed graphite enrichment and the occurrence of poorly-organised graphite in the Alpine Fault cataclasites could result from: i) hydrothermal precipitation from carbon-supersaturated fluids; and/or ii) mechanical degradation by structural disordering of mylonitic graphite combined with strain-induced graphite localisation. The lack of published systematic studies of mechanical modification of the structure of graphite inhibits further conclusion to be drawn. Thus, we performed laboratory deformation experiments during which we sheared highly crystalline graphite powder at room temperature, normal stresses of 5 MPa and 25 MPa and sliding velocities of 1 µm/s, 10 µm/s and 100 µm/s. The degree of graphite crystallinity, both in the starting and resulting materials, was analysed by Raman microspectroscopy. Our results demonstrate consistent decrease of graphite crystallinity with increasing shear strain. We conclude that: i) graphite 'thermometers' are unreliable in brittely deformed rocks; ii) a shear strain calibration of graphite 'thermometers' is needed; iii) fault creep is very likely responsible for the observed structural and textural characteristics of graphite in the Alpine Fault cataclasites. Finally, to investigate the possibility of hydrothermal origin for at least some of the graphite in the Alpine Fault cataclasites we will also present synchrotron FTIR and carbon isotope analysis of the Alpine fault rocks.

Investigation on MoS2 and graphite coatings and their effects on the tribological properties of the radial spherical plain bearings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Ming; Lu, Jianjun; Li, Yingchun; Lv, Guisen

2016-07-01

With constant enlargement of the application areas of the spherical plain bearings, higher quality lubrication of the bearings is required. To solve the lubricating problems of spherical plain bearings under high temperature, high vacuum, high speed, heavy loads and strong oxidation conditions, it is urgent for us to develop more excellent self-lubricating technologies. In this paper, the bonded solid lubricant coatings, which use inorganic phosphate as the binder, the mixture of MoS2 and graphite with two different weight proportions as the solid lubricant, are prepared by spraying under three different spray gun pressures. The bonding strength tests on the coatings show that the best spraying pressure is 0.2 MPa and the better mixing proportion of MoS2 to Graphite is 3:1. Then for the radial spherical plain bearings with steel/steel friction pair, after the coatings are made on the inner ring outer surfaces, the friction coefficient, the wear loss and the friction temperature of the bearings under four oscillating frequencies are investigated by a self-made tribo-tester. The test results, SEM of the worn morphologies and EDS of worn areas show that tribological properties of the bearing are obviously improved by the bonded solid lubricant coatings. When sprayed under the spray gun pressure of 0.2 MPa, the bearings have better anti-friction and anti-wear properties than those sprayed under 0.1 MPa and 0.3 MPa. Further as proved from the XPS analysis, between the coating with 3:1 mixing ratio of MoS2 to Graphite and the coating with 1:1 ratio, the former has less oxidation occurred on the surface and therefore has better tribological characteristics than the latter. This paper provides a reference to developing a new product of the radial spherical plain bearings with high bonding strength, oxidation resistance and abrasion resistance.

Proton induced activity in graphite - comparison between measurement and simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiselev, Daniela; Bergmann, Ryan; Schumann, Dorothea; Talanov, Vadim; Wohlmuther, Michael

2018-06-01

The Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) operates the Meson production target stations E and M with 590 MeV protons at currents of up to 2.4 mA. Both targets consist of polycrystalline graphite and rotate with 1 Hz due to the high power deposition (40 kW at 2 mA) in Target E. The graphite wheel is regularly exchanged and disposed as radioactive waste after a maximum of 3 to 4 years in operation, which corresponds to about 30 to 40 Ah of proton fluence. For disposal, the nuclide inventory of the long-lived isotopes (T1/2 > 60 d) has to be calculated and reported to the authorities. Measurements of gamma emitters, as well as 3H, 10Be and 14C, were carried out using different techniques. The measured specific activities are compared to Monte Carlo particle transport simulations performed with MCNPX2.7.0 using the BERTINI-DRESNER-RAL (default model in MCNPX2.7.0) and INCL4.6/ABLA07 as nuclear reaction models.

Carbon doping in molecular beam epitaxy of GaAs from a heated graphite filament

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malik, R. J.; Nottenberg, R. N.; Schubert, E. F.; Walker, J. F.; Ryan, R. W.

1988-01-01

Carbon doping of GaAs grown by molecular beam epitaxy has been obtained for the first time by use of a heated graphite filament. Controlled carbon acceptor concentrations over the range of 10 to the 17th-10 to the 20th/cu cm were achieved by resistively heating a graphite filament with a direct current power supply. Capacitance-voltage, p/n junction and secondary-ion mass spectrometry measurements indicate that there is negligible diffusion of carbon during growth and with postgrowth rapid thermal annealing. Carbon was used for p-type doping in the base of Npn AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors. Current gains greater than 100 and near-ideal emitter heterojunctions were obtained in transistors with a carbon base doping of 1 x 10 to the 19th/cu cm. These preliminary results indicate that carbon doping from a solid graphite source may be an attractive substitute for beryllium, which is known to have a relatively high diffusion coefficient in GaAs.

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

PubMed

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

2018-02-15

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

A fracture mechanics analysis of impact damage in a thick composite laminate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, C. C., Jr.

1985-01-01

Graphite/epoxy filament-wound cases (FWC) for the solid rocket motors of the space shuttle are being made by NASA. The FWC cases are wound with AS4W graphite fiber impregnated with an epoxy resin and are about 1.4 inches or more thick. Graphite-epoxy composite laminates, unlike metals, can be damaged easily by low velocity impacts of objects like dropped tools. The residual tension strength of the FWC laminate, after impact, is being studied at Langley Research Center. The conditions that give minimum visual evidence of damage are being emphasized. A fracture mechanics analysis was developed to predict the residual strength, after impact, using radiographs to measure the size of the damage and an equivalent surface crack to represent the damage.

Modifications of Graphite and Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes in the Presence of Urea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duraia, El-Shazly M.; Fahami, Abbas; Beall, Gary W.

2018-02-01

The effect of high-energy ball milling on two carbon allotropes, graphite and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in the presence of urea has been studied. Samples were investigated using Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nitrogen-doped graphene has been successfully synthesized via a simple scalable mechanochemistry method using urea and graphite powder precursors. XPS results revealed the existence of the different nitrogen atoms configurations including pyridine, pyrrodic and graphitic N. SEM observations showed that the graphene nanosheets morphology become more wrinkles folded and crumbled as the milling time increased. The ID/IG ratio also increased as the milling time rose. The presence of both D' and G + D bands at 1621 cm-1 and 2940 cm-1, respectively, demonstrated the nitrogen incorporation in the graphene lattice Two factors contribute to the used urea: first it helps to exfoliate graphite into graphene, and second it preserves the graphitic structure from damage during the milling process as well as acting as a solid-state nitrogen source. Based on the phase analysis, the d-spacing of MWCNT samples in the presence of urea decreased due to the mechanical force in the milling process as the milling time increased. On the other hand, in the graphite case, due to its open flat surface, the graphite (002) peak shifts toward lower two theta as the milling time increase. Such findings are important and could be used for large-scale production of N-doped graphene, diminishing the use of either dangerous chemicals or sophisticated equipment.

Strength of a thick graphite/epoxy rocket motor case after impact by a blunt object

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, Clarence C., Jr.; Illg, Walter

1989-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is developing graphite/epoxy filament-wound cases (FWC) for the solid rocket motors of the Space Shuttle. The membrane region is about 36 mm thick. A study was made to determine the reduction in strength of the FWC due to accidental damage caused by low-velocity impacts. Two 76.2 cm diameter by 30.5 cm long cylinders were impacted every 5 cm of circumference with 1.27 cm radius impacters of various mass. The impacters represented tools and equipment dropped from various heights. One cylinder was empty and the other was filled with inert propellant. Five cm wide test specimens were cut from the cylinder. Each was centered on an impact site. The specimens were X-rayed and loaded to failure in uniaxial tension. The strengths and depths of impact damage were analyzed in terms of maximum impact force. Rigid body mechanics and the Hertz law were used to derive an equation for impact force in terms of kinetic energy and the masses of the impacter and target. The depth of damage was predicted in terms of impact force using Love's solution of pressure applied on part of the boundary of a semi-infinite body.

Strength of a thick graphite/epoxy rocket motor case after impact by a blunt object

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, C. C., Jr.; Illg, W.

1987-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is developing graphite/epoxy filament-wound cases (FWC) for the solid rocket motors of the Space Shuttle. The membrane region is about 36 mm thick. A study was made to determine the reduction in strength of the FWC due to accidental damage caused by low-velocity impacts. Two 76.2 cm diameter by 30.5 cm long cylinders were impacted every 5 cm of circumference with 1.27 cm radius impacters of various mass. The impacters represented tools and equipment dropped from various heights. One cylinder was empty and the other was filled with inert propellant. Five cm wide test specimens were cut from the cylinder. Each was centered on an impact sight. The specimens were X-rayed and loaded to failure in uniaxial tension. The strengths and depths of impact damage were analyzed in terms of maximum impact force. Rigid body mechanics and the Hertz law were used to derive an equation for impact force in terms of kinetic energy and the masses of the impacter and target. The depth of damage was predicted in terms of impact force using Love's solution of pressure applied on part of the boundary of a semi-infinite body.

Installation of hybrid ion source on the 1-MV LLNL BioAMS spectrometer

PubMed Central

Ognibene, T. J.; Salazar, G. A.

2012-01-01

A second ion source was recently installed onto the LLNL 1-MV AMS spectrometer, which is dedicated to the quantification of 14C and 3H within biochemical samples. This source is unique among the other LLNL cesium sputter ion sources in that it can ionize both gaseous and solid samples. Also, the injection beam line has been designed to directly measure 14C/12C isotope ratios without the need for electrostatic bouncing. Preliminary tests show that this source can ionize transient CO2 gas pulses containing less than 1 ug carbon with approximately 1.5% efficiency. We demonstrate that the measured 14C/12C isotope ratio is largely unaffected by small drifts in the argon stripper gas density. We also determine that a tandem accelerating voltage of 670 kV enables the highest 14C transmission through the system. Finally, we describe a series of performance tests using solid graphite targets spanning nearly 3 orders in magnitude dynamic range and compare the results to our other ion source. PMID:23467295

Mycoestrogen determination in cow milk: Magnetic solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

PubMed

Capriotti, Anna Laura; Cavaliere, Chiara; Foglia, Patrizia; La Barbera, Giorgia; Samperi, Roberto; Ventura, Salvatore; Laganà, Aldo

2016-12-01

Recently, magnetic solid-phase extraction has gained interest because it presents various operational advantages over classical solid-phase extraction. Furthermore, magnetic nanoparticles are easy to prepare, and various materials can be used in their synthesis. In the literature, there are only few studies on the determination of mycoestrogens in milk, although their carryover in milk has occurred. In this work, we wanted to develop the first (to the best of our knowledge) magnetic solid-phase extraction protocol for six mycoestrogens from milk, followed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Magnetic graphitized carbon black was chosen as the adsorbent, as this carbonaceous material, which is very different from the most diffuse graphene and carbon nanotubes, had already shown selectivity towards estrogenic compounds in milk. The graphitized carbon black was decorated with Fe 3 O 4 , which was confirmed by the characterization analyses. A milk deproteinization step was avoided, using only a suitable dilution in phosphate buffer as sample pretreatment. The overall process efficiency ranged between 52 and 102%, whereas the matrix effect considered as signal suppression was below 33% for all the analytes even at the lowest spiking level. The obtained method limits of quantification were below those of other published methods that employ classical solid-phase extraction protocols. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Critical evaluation of the stability of highly concentrated LiTFSI - Acetonitrile electrolytes vs. graphite, lithium metal and LiFePO4 electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nilsson, Viktor; Younesi, Reza; Brandell, Daniel; Edström, Kristina; Johansson, Patrik

2018-04-01

Highly concentrated LiTFSI - acetonitrile electrolytes have recently been shown to stabilize graphite electrodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) much better than comparable more dilute systems. Here we revisit this system in order to optimise the salt concentration vs. both graphite and lithium metal electrodes with respect to electrochemical stability. However, we observe an instability regardless of concentration, making lithium metal unsuitable as a counter electrode, and this also affects evaluation of e.g. graphite electrodes. While the highly concentrated electrolytes have much improved electrochemical stabilities, their reductive decomposition below ca. 1.2 V vs. Li+/Li° still makes them less practical vs. graphite electrodes, and the oxidative reaction with Al at ca. 4.1 V vs. Li+/Li° makes them problematic for high voltage LIB cells. The former originates in an insufficiently stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) dissolving and continuously reforming - causing self-discharge, as observed by paused galvanostatic cycling, while the latter is likely caused by aluminium current collector corrosion. Yet, we show that medium voltage LiFePO4 positive electrodes can successfully be used as counter and reference electrodes.

Degradation of lithium ion batteries employing graphite negatives and nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide + spinel manganese oxide positives: Part 2, chemical-mechanical degradation model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purewal, Justin; Wang, John; Graetz, Jason; Soukiazian, Souren; Tataria, Harshad; Verbrugge, Mark W.

2014-12-01

Capacity fade is reported for 1.5 Ah Li-ion batteries containing a mixture of Li-Ni-Co-Mn oxide (NCM) + Li-Mn oxide spinel (LMO) as positive electrode material and a graphite negative electrode. The batteries were cycled at a wide range of temperatures (10 °C-46 °C) and discharge currents (0.5C-6.5C). The measured capacity losses were fit to a simple physics-based model which calculates lithium inventory loss from two related mechanisms: (1) mechanical degradation at the graphite anode particle surface caused by diffusion-induced stresses (DIS) and (2) chemical degradation caused by lithium loss to continued growth of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). These two mechanisms are coupled because lithium is consumed through SEI formation on newly exposed crack surfaces. The growth of crack surface area is modeled as a fatigue phenomenon due to the cyclic stresses generated by repeated lithium insertion and de-insertion of graphite particles. This coupled chemical-mechanical degradation model is consistent with the observed capacity loss features for the NCM + LMO/graphite cells.

Thermal transport in three-dimensional foam architectures of few-layer graphene and ultrathin graphite.

PubMed

Pettes, Michael Thompson; Ji, Hengxing; Ruoff, Rodney S; Shi, Li

2012-06-13

At a very low solid concentration of 0.45 ± 0.09 vol %, the room-temperature thermal conductivity (κ(GF)) of freestanding graphene-based foams (GF), comprised of few-layer graphene (FLG) and ultrathin graphite (UG) synthesized through the use of methane chemical vapor deposition on reticulated nickel foams, was increased from 0.26 to 1.7 W m(-1) K(-1) after the etchant for the sacrificial nickel support was changed from an aggressive hydrochloric acid solution to a slow ammonium persulfate etchant. In addition, κ(GF) showed a quadratic dependence on temperature between 11 and 75 K and peaked at about 150 K, where the solid thermal conductivity (κ(G)) of the FLG and UG constituents reached about 1600 W m(-1) K(-1), revealing the benefit of eliminating internal contact thermal resistance in the continuous GF structure.

Carbon solids in oxygen-deficient explosives (LA-UR-13-21151)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peery, Travis

2013-06-01

The phase behavior of excess carbon in oxygen-deficient explosives has a significant effect on detonation properties and product equations of state. Mixtures of fuel oil in ammonium nitrate (ANFO) above a stoichiometric ratio demonstrate that even small amounts of graphite, on the order of 5% by mole fraction, can substantially alter the Chapman-Jouget (CJ) state properties, a central ingredient in modeling the products equation of state. Similar effects can be seen for Composition B, which borders the carbon phase boundary between graphite and diamond. Nano-diamond formation adds complexity to the product modeling because of surface adsorption effects. I will discuss these carbon phase issues in our equation of state modeling of detonation products, including our statistical mechanics description of carbon clustering and surface chemistry to properly treat solid carbon formation. This work is supported by the Advanced Simulation and Computing Program, under the NNSA.

Transfer impedance measurements of the space shuttle Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) joints, wire meshes and a carbon graphite motor case

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papazian, Peter B.; Perala, Rodney A.; Curry, John D.; Lankford, Alan B.; Keller, J. David

1988-01-01

Using three different current injection methods and a simple voltage probe, transfer impedances for Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) joints, wire meshes, aluminum foil, Thorstrand and a graphite composite motor case were measured. In all cases, the surface current distribution for the particular current injection device was calculated analytically or by finite difference methods. The results of these calculations were used to generate a geometric factor which was the ratio of total injected current to surface current density. The results were validated in several ways. For wire mesh measurements, results showed good agreement with calculated results for a 14 by 18 Al screen. SRM joint impedances were independently verified. The filiment wound case measurement results were validated only to the extent that their curve shape agrees with the expected form of transfer impedance for a homogeneous slab excited by a plane wave source.

Analyses of moisture in polymers and composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryan, L. E.; Vaughan, R. W.

1980-01-01

A suitable method for the direct measurement of moisture concentrations after humidity/thermal exposure on state of the art epoxy and polyimide resins and their graphite and glass fiber reinforcements was investigated. Methods for the determination of moisture concentration profiles, moisture diffusion modeling and moisture induced chemical changes were examined. Carefully fabricated, precharacterized epoxy and polyimide neat resins and their AS graphite and S glass reinforced composites were exposed to humid conditions using heavy water (D20), at ambient and elevated temperatures. These specimens were fixtured to theoretically limit the D20 permeation to a unidirectional penetration axis. The analytical techniques evaluated were: (1) laser pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry; (2) solids probe mass spectrometry; (3) laser pyrolysis conventional infrared spectroscopy; and (4) infrared imaging thermovision. The most reproducible and sensitive technique was solids probe mass spectrometry. The fabricated exposed specimens were analyzed for D20 profiling after humidity/thermal conditioning at three exposure time durations.

Determination of ruthenium in pharmaceutical compounds by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy.

PubMed

Jia, Xiujuan; Wang, Tiebang; Bu, Xiaodong; Tu, Qiang; Spencer, Sandra

2006-04-11

A graphite furnace atomic absorption (GFAA) spectrometric method for the determination of ruthenium (Rh) in solid and liquid pharmaceutical compounds has been developed. Samples are dissolved or diluted in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) without any other treatment before they were analyzed by GFAA with a carefully designed heating program to avoid pre-atomization signal loss and to achieve suitable sensitivity. Various inorganic and organic solvents were tested and compared and DMSO was found to be the most suitable. In addition, ruthenium was found to be stable in DMSO for at least 5 days. Spike recoveries ranged from 81 to 100% and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was determined to be 0.5 microg g(-1) for solid samples or 0.005 microg ml(-1) for liquid samples based a 100-fold dilution. The same set of samples was also analyzed by ICP-MS with a different sample preparation method, and excellent agreement was achieved.

Tribological Behavior of Nano-Onions in Krytox 143AB Evaluated

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

2005-01-01

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

Apparatus for producing diamond-like carbon flakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banks, Bruce A. (Inventor)

1986-01-01

A vacuum arc from a spot at the face of a graphite cathode to a graphite anode produces a beam of carbon ions and atoms. A carbon coating from this beam is deposited on an ion beam sputtered target to produce diamond-like carbon flakes. A graphite tube encloses the cathode, and electrical isolation is provided by an insulating sleeve. The tube forces the vacuum arc spot to be confined to the surface on the outermost end of the cathode. Without the tube the arc spot will wander to the side of the cathode. This spot movement results in low rates of carbon deposition, and the properties of the deposited flakes are more graphite-like than diamond-like.

Graphite sample preparation for AMS in a high pressure and temperature press

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rubin, M.; Mysen, B.O.; Polach, H.

1984-01-01

A high pressure-high temperature press is used to make target material for accelerator mass spectrometry. Graphite was produced from typical 14C samples including oxalic acid and carbonates. Beam strength of 12C was generally adequate, but random radioactive contamination by 14C made age measurements impractical. ?? 1984.

Graphite sample preparation for AMS in a high pressure and temperature press

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rubin, Meyer; Mysen, Bjorn O.; Polach, Henry

1984-01-01

A high pressure-temperature press is used to make target material for accelerator mass spectrometry. Graphite was produced from typical **1**4C samples including oxalic acid and carbonates. Beam strength of **1**2C was generally adequate, but random radioactive contamination by **1**4C made age measurements impractical.

NANOWIRE CATHODE MATERIAL FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

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

John Olson, PhD

2004-07-21

This project involved the synthesis of nanowire ã-MnO2 and characterization as cathode material for high-power lithium-ion batteries for EV and HEV applications. The nanowire synthesis involved the edge site decoration nanowire synthesis developed by Dr. Reginald Penner at UC Irvine (a key collaborator in this project). Figure 1 is an SEM image showing ã-MnO2 nanowires electrodeposited on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) electrodes. This technique is unique to other nanowire template synthesis techniques in that it produces long (>500 um) nanowires which could reduce or eliminate the need for conductive additives due to intertwining of fibers. Nanowire cathode for lithium-ionmore » batteries with surface areas 100 times greater than conventional materials can enable higher power batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The synthesis of the ã-MnO2 nanowires was successfully achieved. However, it was not found possible to co-intercalate lithium directly in the nanowire synthesis. Based on input from proposal reviewers, the scope of the project was altered to attempt the conversion into spinel LiMn2O4 nanowire cathode material by solid state reaction of the ã-MnO2 nanowires with LiNO3 at elevated temperatures. Attempts to perform the conversion on the graphite template were unsuccessful due to degradation of the graphite apparently caused by oxidative attack by LiNO3. Emphasis then shifted to quantitative removal of the nanowires from the graphite, followed by the solid state reaction. Attempts to quantitatively remove the nanowires by several techniques were unsatisfactory due to co-removal of excess graphite or poor harvesting of nanowires. Intercalation of lithium into ã-MnO2 electrodeposited onto graphite was demonstrated, showing a partial demonstration of the ã-MnO2 material as a lithium-ion battery cathode material. Assuming the issues of nanowires removal can be solved, the technique does offer potential for creating high-power lithium-ion battery cathode needed for advanced EV and HEVs. Several technical advancements will still be required to meet this goal, and are likely topics for future SBIR feasibility studies.« less

Research on laser-removal of a deuterium deposit from a graphite sample

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubkowska, M.; Skladnik-Sadowska, E.; Malinowski, K.; Sadowski, M. J.; Rosinski, M.; Gasior, P.

2014-04-01

The paper presents experimental results of investigation of a removal of deuterium deposits from a graphite target by means of pulsed laser beams. The sample was a part of the TEXTOR limiter with a deuterium-deposited layer. That target was located in the vacuum chamber, pumped out to 5×10-5 Torr, and it was irradiated with a Nd:YAG laser, which generated 3.5-ns pulses of energy of 0.5 J at λ1 = 1063 nm, or 0.1 J at λ3 = 355 nm.

The state of understanding of the lithium-ion-battery graphite solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and its relationship to formation cycling

DOE PAGES

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

2016-04-09

An in-depth review is presented on the science of lithium-ion battery (LIB) solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation on the graphite anode, including structure, morphology, chemical composition, electrochemistry, formation mechanism, and LIB formation cycling. During initial operation of LIBs, the SEI layer forms on the graphite surfaces, the most commonly used anode material, due to side reactions with the electrolyte solvent/salt at low electro-reduction potentials. It is accepted that the SEI layer is essential to the long-term performance of LIBs, and it also has an impact on its initial capacity loss, self-discharge characteristics, cycle life, rate capability, and safety. While themore » presence of the anode SEI layer is vital, it is difficult to control its formation and growth, as the chemical composition, morphology, and stability depend on several factors. These factors include the type of graphite, electrolyte composition, electrochemical conditions, and cell temperature. Thus, SEI layer formation and electrochemical stability over long-term operation should be a primary topic of future investigation in the development of LIB technology. We review the progression of knowledge gained about the anode SEI, from its discovery in 1979 to the current state of understanding, and covers its formation process, differences in the chemical and structural makeup when cell materials and components are varied, methods of characterization, and associated reactions with the liquid electrolyte phase. It also discusses the relationship of the SEI layer to the LIB formation step, which involves both electrolyte wetting and subsequent slow charge-discharge cycles to grow the SEI.« less

An Ultrahigh Capacity Graphite/Li 2S Battery with Holey-Li 2S Nanoarchitectures

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

Ye, Fangmin; Noh, Hyungjun; Lee, Hongkyung

The pairing of high-capacity Li 2S cathode (1166 mAh g -1) and lithium-free anode (LFA) provides an unparalleled potential in developing safe and energy-dense next-generation secondary batteries. However, the low utilization of the Li 2S cathode and the lack of electrolytes compatible to both electrodes are impeding the development. Here, a novel graphite/Li 2S battery system, which features a self-assembled, holey-Li 2S nanoarchitecture and a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the graphite electrode, is reported. The holey structure on Li 2S is beneficial in decomposing Li 2S at the first charging process due to the enhanced Li ion extractionmore » and transfer from the Li 2S to the electrolyte. In addition, the concentrated dioxolane (DOL)-rich electrolyte designed lowers the irreversible capacity loss for SEI formation. By using the combined strategies, the graphite/holey-Li 2S battery delivers an ultrahigh discharge capacity of 810 mAh g -1 at 0.1 C (based on the mass of Li 2S) and of 714 mAh g -1 at 0.2 C. Moreover, it exhibits a reversible capacity of 300 mAh g -1 after a record lifecycle of 600 cycles at 1 C. These results suggest the great potential of the designed LFA/holey-Li 2S batteries for practical use.« less

An Ultrahigh Capacity Graphite/Li 2S Battery with Holey-Li 2S Nanoarchitectures

DOE PAGES

Ye, Fangmin; Noh, Hyungjun; Lee, Hongkyung; ...

2018-05-07

The pairing of high-capacity Li 2S cathode (1166 mAh g -1) and lithium-free anode (LFA) provides an unparalleled potential in developing safe and energy-dense next-generation secondary batteries. However, the low utilization of the Li 2S cathode and the lack of electrolytes compatible to both electrodes are impeding the development. Here, a novel graphite/Li 2S battery system, which features a self-assembled, holey-Li 2S nanoarchitecture and a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the graphite electrode, is reported. The holey structure on Li 2S is beneficial in decomposing Li 2S at the first charging process due to the enhanced Li ion extractionmore » and transfer from the Li 2S to the electrolyte. In addition, the concentrated dioxolane (DOL)-rich electrolyte designed lowers the irreversible capacity loss for SEI formation. By using the combined strategies, the graphite/holey-Li 2S battery delivers an ultrahigh discharge capacity of 810 mAh g -1 at 0.1 C (based on the mass of Li 2S) and of 714 mAh g -1 at 0.2 C. Moreover, it exhibits a reversible capacity of 300 mAh g -1 after a record lifecycle of 600 cycles at 1 C. These results suggest the great potential of the designed LFA/holey-Li 2S batteries for practical use.« less

Fractography of modern engineering materials: composites and metals

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

Masters, J.E.; Au, J.J.

1987-01-01

The fractographic analysis of fracture surfaces in composites and metals is discussed in reviews and reports of recent theoretical and experimental investigations. Topics addressed include fracture-surface micromorphology in engineering solids, SEM fractography of pure and mixed-mode interlaminar fractures in graphite/epoxy composites, determination of crack propagation directions in graphite/epoxy structures, and the fracture surfaces of irradiated composites. Consideration is given to fractographic feature identification and characterization by digital imaging analysis, fractography of pressure-vessel steel weldments, the micromechanisms of major/minor cycle fatigue crack growth in Inconel 718, and fractographic analysis of hydrogen-assisted cracking in alpha-beta Ti alloys.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-12-01

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

Overview of SBIR Phase II Work on Hollow Graphite Fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

2001-01-01

Ultra-Lightweight materials are enabling for producing space based optical components and support structures. Heretofore, innovative designs using existing materials has been the approach to produce lighter-weight optical systems. Graphite fiber reinforced composites, because of their light weight, have been a material of frequent choice to produce space based optical components. Hollow graphite fibers would be lighter than standard solid graphite fibers and, thus, would save weight in optical components. The Phase I SBIR program demonstrated it is possible to produce hollow carbon fibers that have strengths up to 4.2 GPa which are equivalent to commercial fibers, and composites made from the hollow fibers had substantially equivalent composite strengths as commercial fiber composites at a 46% weight savings. The Phase II SBIR program will optimize processing and properties of the hollow carbon fiber and scale-up processing to produce sufficient fiber for fabricating a large ultra-lightweight mirror for delivery to NASA. Information presented here includes an overview of the strength of some preliminary hollow fibers, photographs of those fibers, and a short discussion of future plans.

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

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

Xiang, Hongfa; Mei, Donghai; Yan, Pengfei

2015-09-10

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

Structural properties of atactic polystyrene adsorbed onto solid surfaces.

PubMed

Tatek, Yergou B; Tsige, Mesfin

2011-11-07

In the present work, we are studying the local conformation of chains in a thin film of polystyrene adsorbed on a solid substrate by using atomistically detailed simulations. The simulations are carried out by using the readily available and massively parallel molecular dynamics code known as LAMMPS. In particular, a special emphasis is given to the density and orientation of side chains (which consist of phenyl groups and methylene units) at solid/polymer and polymer/vacuum interfaces. Three types of substrates were used in our study: α-quartz, graphite, and amorphous silica. Our investigation was restricted to atactic polystyrene. Our results show that the density and structural properties of side chains depend on the type of surface. An excess of phenyl rings is observed near the α-quartz substrate while the film adsorbed on graphite is depleted in C(6)H(5). Moreover, the orientation of the rings and methylene units on the substrate/film interface show a strong dependence on the type of the substrate, while the rings at the film/vacuum interface show a marked tendency to point outward, away from the film. The results we obtained are in a large part in good agreement with previous experimental and simulation results.

The Place for Thermoplastic Composites in Structural Components

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-12-01

The molten tube is then squashed flat and consolidated into ribbon form by continuous opposed-belt laminating. Existing graphite-epoxy pultrusion...the solid form it must have a molecular weight that exceeds the critical entanglement value. Thus thermoplastic materials of commercial worth almost

Supercooling of Hydrogen on Template Materials to Deterministically Seed Ignition-Quality Solid Fuel Layers

DOE PAGES

Shin, S. J.; Zepeda-Ruiz, L. A.; Lee, J. R. I.; ...

2016-09-01

In this study, we explored templating effects of various materials for hydrogen (H 2 and D 2) solidification by measuring the degree of supercooling required for liquid hydrogen to solidify below each triple point. The results show high supercooling (>100 mK) for most metallic, covalent, and ionic solids, and low supercooling (<100 mK) for van der Waals (vdW) solids. We attribute the low supercooling of vdW solids to the weak interaction of the substrate and hydrogen. Highly ordered pyrolytic graphite showed the lowest supercooling among materials that are solid at room temperature, but did not exhibit a templating effect withinmore » a fill-tube and capsule assembly.« less

Applying the Coupled-Cluster Ansatz to Solids and Surfaces in the Thermodynamic Limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gruber, Thomas; Liao, Ke; Tsatsoulis, Theodoros; Hummel, Felix; Grüneis, Andreas

2018-04-01

Modern electronic structure theories can predict and simulate a wealth of phenomena in surface science and solid-state physics. In order to allow for a direct comparison with experiment, such ab initio predictions have to be made in the thermodynamic limit, substantially increasing the computational cost of many-electron wave-function theories. Here, we present a method that achieves thermodynamic limit results for solids and surfaces using the "gold standard" coupled cluster ansatz of quantum chemistry with unprecedented efficiency. We study the energy difference between carbon diamond and graphite crystals, adsorption energies of water on h -BN, as well as the cohesive energy of the Ne solid, demonstrating the increased efficiency and accuracy of coupled cluster theory for solids and surfaces.

Lithium storage in structurally tunable carbon anode derived from sustainable source

DOE PAGES

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

2017-09-01

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

Mechanical Property Allowables Generated for the Solid Rocket Booster Composite Note Cap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodge, A. J.

2000-01-01

Mechanical property characterization was performed on AS4/3501-6 graphite/epoxy and SC350G syntactic foam for the SRB Composite Nose Cap Shuttle Upgrades Project. Lamina level properties for the graphite/epoxy were determined at room temperature, 240 F, 350 F, 480 F, 600 F, and 350 F after a cycle to 600 F. Graphite/epoxy samples were moisture conditioned prior to testing. The syntactic foam material was tested at room temperature, 350 F, and 480 F. A high-temperature test facility was developed at MSFC. Testing was performed with quartz lamp heaters and high resistance heater strips. The thermal history profile of the nose cap was simulated in order to test materials at various times during launch. A correlation study was performed with Southern Research Institute to confirm the test methodology and validity of test results. A-basis allowables were generated from the results of testing on three lots of material.

Synthesis and characterization of CdS-based ternary composite for enhanced visible light-driven photocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Arvind; Sinha, A. S. K.

2018-09-01

Active ternary graphite and alumina-supported cadmium sulphide (CdS) composite was synthesized by impregnation method followed by high-temperature solid-gas reaction and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The ternary CdS-graphite-alumina composite exhibited superior catalytic activity compared with the binary CdS-alumina composite due to its better visible-light absorption and higher charge separation. The ternary composite has a bed-type structure. It permits a greater interaction at the interface due to intimate contact between CdS and graphite in the ternary composite. This composite has a highly efficient visible light-driven photocatalytic activity for sustainable hydrogen production. It is also capable of degrading organic dyes in wastewater.

Adhesion force interactions between cyclopentane hydrate and physically and chemically modified surfaces.

PubMed

Aman, Zachary M; Sloan, E Dendy; Sum, Amadeu K; Koh, Carolyn A

2014-12-07

Interfacial interactions between liquid-solid and solid-solid phases/surfaces are of fundamental importance to the formation of hydrate deposits in oil and gas pipelines. This work establishes the effect of five categories of physical and chemical modification to steel on clathrate hydrate adhesive force: oleamide, graphite, citric acid ester, nonanedithiol, and Rain-X anti-wetting agent. Hydrate adhesive forces were measured using a micromechanical force apparatus, under both dry and water-wet surface conditions. The results show that the graphite coating reduced hydrate-steel adhesion force by 79%, due to an increase in the water wetting angle from 42 ± 8° to 154 ± 7°. Two chemical surface coatings (nonanedithiol and the citric acid ester) induced rapid hydrate growth in the hydrate particles; nonanedithiol increased hydrate adhesive force by 49% from the baseline, while the citric acid ester coating reduced hydrate adhesion force by 98%. This result suggests that crystal growth may enable a strong adhesive pathway between hydrate and other crystalline structures, however this effect may be negated in cases where water-hydrocarbon interfacial tension is minimised. When a liquid water droplet was placed on the modified steel surfaces, the graphite and citric acid ester became less effective at reducing adhesive force. In pipelines containing a free water phase wetting the steel surface, chemical or physical surface modifications alone may be insufficient to eliminate hydrate deposition risk. In further tests, the citric acid ester reduced hydrate cohesive forces by 50%, suggesting mild activity as a hybrid anti-agglomerant suppressing both hydrate deposition and particle agglomeration. These results demonstrate a new capability to develop polyfunctional surfactants, which simultaneously limit the capability for hydrate particles to aggregate and deposit on the pipeline wall.

Halloysite nanotubes as a solid sorbent in ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction for the determination of bismuth in water samples using high-resolution continuum source graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krawczyk-Coda, Magdalena

2017-03-01

In this research, a simple, accurate, and inexpensive preconcentration procedure was developed for the determination of bismuth in water samples, using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR CS GFAAS). During the preconcentration step, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were used as a solid sorbent in ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction (USA DMSPE). The influence of the pH of the sample solution, amount of HNTs, and extraction time, as well as of the main parameters of HR CS GFAAS, on absorbance was investigated. The limit of detection was 0.005 μg L- 1. The preconcentration factor achieved for bismuth was 32. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 4%. The accuracy of this method was validated by analyses of NIST SRM 1643e (Trace elements in water) and TMDA-54.5 (A high level fortified sample for trace elements) certified reference materials. The measured bismuth contents in these certified reference materials were in satisfactory agreement with the certified values according to the t-test for a 95% confidence level. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of bismuth in five different real water samples (seawater, lake water, river water, stream water and rain water).

Rapid prototyping of carbon-based chemiresistive gas sensors on paper

PubMed Central

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

2013-01-01

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

High-temperature friction and wear studies of Fe-Cu-Sn alloy with graphite as solid lubricant under dry sliding conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mushtaq, Shuhaib; Wani, M. F.

2018-02-01

Solid lubricants are particularly used in the advanced mechanical motion systems with extreme conditions such as (high temperature, vacuum, radiation, extreme contact pressure, etc). The main focus of this paper is to study the dry sliding friction and wear behavior of Fe-Cu-Sn alloy with varying wt% of graphite at high temperature up to 423 K. The influence of temperature, sliding distance and load on friction and wear behavior of Fe-Cu-Sn alloy against EN8 steel was studied using ball (EN8) on disc (Fe-Cu-Sn alloy). Lower wear and lower friction of Fe-Cu-Sn alloy were observed at high temperature, as compared to room temperature. Surface morphological and surface analytical studies of fresh and worn surfaces were carried out using optical microscopy, 3D profilometer, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy to understand the friction and wear behavior.

Controlling Self-Assembly of Engineered Peptides on Graphite by Rational Mutation

PubMed Central

So, Christopher R.; Hayamizu, Yuhei; Yazici, Hilal; Gresswell, Carolyn; Khatayevich, Dmitriy; Tamerler, Candan; Sarikaya, Mehmet

2012-01-01

Self-assembly of proteins on surfaces is utilized in many fields to integrate intricate biological structures and diverse functions with engineered materials. Controlling proteins at bio-solid interfaces relies on establishing key correlations between their primary sequences and resulting spatial organizations on substrates. Protein self-assembly, however, remains an engineering challenge. As a novel approach, we demonstrate here that short dodecapeptides selected by phage display are capable of self-assembly on graphite and form long-range ordered biomolecular nanostructures. Using atomic force microscopy and contact angle studies, we identify three amino-acid domains along the primary sequence that steer peptide ordering and lead to nanostructures with uniformly displayed residues. The peptides are further engineered via simple mutations to control fundamental interfacial processes, including initial binding, surface aggregation and growth kinetics, and intermolecular interactions. Tailoring short peptides via their primary sequence offers versatile control over molecular self-assembly, resulting in well-defined surface properties essential in building engineered, chemically rich, bio-solid interfaces. PMID:22233341

Proposal of simple and novel method of capacity fading analysis using pseudo-reference electrode in lithium ion cells: Application to solvent-free lithium ion polymer batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shono, Kumi; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Tabuchi, Masato; Ohno, Yasutaka; Miyashiro, Hajime; Kobayashi, Yo

2014-02-01

We propose a simple procedure for introducing a pseudo-reference electrode (PRE) to lithium ion batteries using isometric lithium metal placed between the cathode and anode, and we successfully obtained the cathode and anode voltage profiles, individual interfacial impedances, and the misalignment of the operation range between the cathode and anode after cycle operation. The proposed procedure is applicable to lithium ion battery systems using a solid electrolyte to prepare two cells with a lithium counter electrode. We determined the capacity decrease of a solvent-free lithium ion polymer battery consisting of a LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC), a polyether-based solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), and a graphite (Gr) with the proposed PRE over 1000 cycles. The capacity retention of the [Gr|SPE|NMC] cell reached 50% at the 1000th cycle upon the optimization of cell preparation, and we found that the main factor of the capacity decrease was the continuous irreversible loss of active lithium at the graphite anode, not the oxidation of the SPE. Our findings suggest that we should reconsider combining a polyether-based SPE with a conventionally used 4 V class cathode and a graphite anode to develop an innovative, safe, and low-cost battery for the expected large lithium ion battery systems for stationary use.

Mono- and multilayers of molecular spoked carbazole wheels on graphite

PubMed Central

Aggarwal, A Vikas; Kalle, Daniel; Höger, Sigurd

2014-01-01

Summary Self-assembled monolayers of a molecular spoked wheel (a shape-persistent macrocycle with an intraannular spoke/hub system) and its synthetic precursor are investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at the liquid/solid interface of 1-octanoic acid and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. The submolecularly resolved STM images reveal that the molecules indeed behave as more or less rigid objects of certain sizes and shapes – depending on their chemical structures. In addition, the images provide insight into the multilayer growth of the molecular spoked wheels (MSWs), where the first adlayer acts as a template for the commensurate adsorption of molecules in the second layer. PMID:25550744

Mono- and multilayers of molecular spoked carbazole wheels on graphite.

PubMed

Jester, Stefan-S; Aggarwal, A Vikas; Kalle, Daniel; Höger, Sigurd

2014-01-01

Self-assembled monolayers of a molecular spoked wheel (a shape-persistent macrocycle with an intraannular spoke/hub system) and its synthetic precursor are investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at the liquid/solid interface of 1-octanoic acid and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. The submolecularly resolved STM images reveal that the molecules indeed behave as more or less rigid objects of certain sizes and shapes - depending on their chemical structures. In addition, the images provide insight into the multilayer growth of the molecular spoked wheels (MSWs), where the first adlayer acts as a template for the commensurate adsorption of molecules in the second layer.

Student research with 400keV beams: {sup 13}N radioisotope production target development

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

Fru, L. Che; Clymer, J.; Compton, N.

2013-04-19

The AN400 Van de Graaff accelerator at the Minnesota State University, Mankato, Applied Nuclear Science Lab has demonstrated utility as an accessible and versatile platform for student research. Despite the limits of low energy, the research team successfully developed projects with applications to the wider radioisotope production community. A target system has been developed for producing and extracting {sup 13}N by the {sup 12}C(d,n){sup 13}N reaction below 400keV. The system is both reusable and robust, with future applications to higher energy machines producing this important radioisotope for physiological imaging studies with Positron Emission Tomography. Up to 36({+-}1)% of the {supmore » 13}N was extracted from the graphite matrix when 35 A current was externally applied to the graphite target while simultaneously flushing the target chamber with CO{sub 2} gas.« less

Increasing the wear resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene by adding solid lubricating fillers

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

Panin, S. V., E-mail: svp@ispms.tsc.ru; Kornienko, L. A.; Poltaranin, M. A.

2014-11-14

In order to compare effectiveness of adding solid lubricating fillers for polymeric composites based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with graphite, molybdenum disulfide and polytetrafluoroethylene, their tribotechnical characteristics under dry friction, boundary lubrication and abrasive wearing were investigated. The optimal weight fractions of fillers in terms of improving wear resistance have been determined. The supramolecular structure and topography of wear track surfaces of UHMWPE-based composites with different content of fillers have been studied.

Dose measurement in heterogeneous phantoms with an extrapolation chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deblois, Francois

A hybrid phantom-embedded extrapolation chamber (PEEC) made of Solid Water(TM) and bone-equivalent material was used for determining absolute dose in a bone-equivalent phantom irradiated with clinical radiation beams (cobalt-60 gamma rays; 6 and 18 MV x-rays; and 9 and 15 MeV electrons). The dose was determined with the Spencer-Attix cavity theory, using ionization gradient measurements and an indirect determination of the chamber air-mass through measurements of chamber capacitance. The air gaps used were between 2 and 3 mm and the sensitive air volume of the extrapolation chamber was remotely controlled through the motion of the motorized piston with a precision of +/-0.0025 mm. The collected charge was corrected for ionic recombination and diffusion in the chamber air volume following the standard two-voltage technique. Due to the hybrid chamber design, correction factors accounting for scatter deficit and electrode composition were determined and applied in the dose equation to obtain dose data for the equivalent homogeneous bone phantom. Correction factors for graphite electrodes were calculated with Monte Carlo techniques and the calculated results were verified through relative air cavity dose measurements for three different polarizing electrode materials: graphite, steel, and brass in conjunction with a graphite collecting electrode. Scatter deficit, due mainly to loss of lateral scatter in the hybrid chamber, reduces the dose to the air cavity in the hybrid PEEC in comparison with full bone PEEC from 0.7 to ˜2% depending on beam quality and energy. In megavoltage photon and electron beams, graphite electrodes do not affect the dose measurement in the Solid Water(TM) PEEC but decrease the cavity dose by up to 5% in the bone-equivalent PEEC even for very thin graphite electrodes (<0.0025 cm). The collecting electrode material in comparison with the polarizing electrode material has a larger effect on the electrode correction factor; the thickness of thin electrodes, on the other hand, has a negligible effect on dose determination. The uncalibrated hybrid PEEC is an accurate and absolute device for measuring the dose directly in bone material in conjunction with appropriate correction factors determined with Monte Carlo techniques.

49 CFR 173.453 - Fissile materials-exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... noted. (a) An individual package containing 2 grams or less of fissile material. (b) An individual or bulk packaging containing 15 grams or less of fissile material provided the package has at least 200 grams of solid nonfissile material for every gram of fissile material. Lead, beryllium, graphite, and...

49 CFR 173.453 - Fissile materials-exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... noted. (a) An individual package containing 2 grams or less of fissile material. (b) An individual or bulk packaging containing 15 grams or less of fissile material provided the package has at least 200 grams of solid nonfissile material for every gram of fissile material. Lead, beryllium, graphite, and...

49 CFR 173.453 - Fissile materials-exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... noted. (a) An individual package containing 2 grams or less of fissile material. (b) An individual or bulk packaging containing 15 grams or less of fissile material provided the package has at least 200 grams of solid nonfissile material for every gram of fissile material. Lead, beryllium, graphite, and...

49 CFR 173.453 - Fissile materials-exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... noted. (a) An individual package containing 2 grams or less of fissile material. (b) An individual or bulk packaging containing 15 grams or less of fissile material provided the package has at least 200 grams of solid nonfissile material for every gram of fissile material. Lead, beryllium, graphite, and...

49 CFR 173.453 - Fissile materials-exceptions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... noted. (a) An individual package containing 2 grams or less of fissile material. (b) An individual or bulk packaging containing 15 grams or less of fissile material provided the package has at least 200 grams of solid nonfissile material for every gram of fissile material. Lead, beryllium, graphite, and...

Modeling of beam-target interaction during pulsed electron beam ablation of graphite: Case of melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Muddassir; Henda, Redhouane

2017-02-01

A one-dimensional thermal model based on a two-stage heat conduction equation is employed to investigate the ablation of graphite target during nanosecond pulsed electron beam ablation. This comprehensive model accounts for the complex physical phenomena comprised of target heating, melting and vaporization upon irradiation with a polyenergetic electron beam. Melting and vaporization effects induced during ablation are taken into account by introducing moving phase boundaries. Phase transition induced during ablation is considered through the temperature dependent thermodynamic properties of graphite. The effect of electron beam efficiency, power density, and accelerating voltage on ablation is analyzed. For an electron beam operating at an accelerating voltage of 15 kV and efficiency of 0.6, the model findings show that the target surface temperature can reach up to 7500 K at the end of the pulse. The surface begins to melt within 25 ns from the pulse start. For the same process conditions, the estimated ablation depth and ablated mass per unit area are about 0.60 μm and 1.05 μg/mm2, respectively. Model results indicate that ablation takes place primarily in the regime of normal vaporization from the surface. The results obtained at an accelerating voltage of 15 kV and efficiency factor of 0.6 are satisfactorily in good accordance with available experimental data in the literature.

Retention of neon in graphite after ion beam implantation or exposures to the scrape-off layer plasma in the TEXTOR tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Y. M.; Philipps, V.; Rubel, M.; Vietzke, E.; Pospieszczyk, A.; Unterberg, B.; Jaspers, R.

2002-01-01

The interaction of neon ions with graphite was investigated for targets either irradiated with ion beams (2-10 keV range) or exposed to the scrape-off layer plasma in the TEXTOR tokamak during discharges with neon edge cooling. The emphasis was on the influence of the target temperature (300-1200 K) and the implantation dose on the neon retention and reemission. The influence of deuterium impact on the retention of neon implanted into graphite has also been addressed. In ion beam experiments saturation is observed above a certain ion dose with a saturation level, which decreases with increasing target temperature. The temperature dependence of the thermal desorption corresponds to an apparent binding energy of about 2.06 eV. The retention of neon (CNe/CC) decreases with increasing ion energy with values from 0.55 to 0.15 following irradiation with 2 and 10 keV ions, respectively. The reemission yield during the irradiation increases with target temperature and above 1200 K all impinging ions are reemitted instantaneously. The retention densities measured using the sniffer probe at the TEXTOR tokamak are less than 1% of the total neon fluence and are over one order of magnitude smaller than those observed in ion beam experiments. The results are discussed in terms of different process decisive for ion deposition and release under the two experimental conditions.

Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory; determination of pesticides in water by Carbopak-B solid-phase extraction and high-preformance liquid chromatography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Werner, Stephen L.; Burkhardt, Mark R.; DeRusseau, Sabrina N.

1996-01-01

In accordance with the needs of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA), the U.S. Geological Survey has developed and implemented a graphitized carbon-based solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatographic analytical method. The method is used to determine 41 pesticides and pesticide metabolites that are not readily amenable to gas chromatography or other high-temperature analytical techniques. Pesticides are extracted from filtered environmental water samples using a 0.5-gram graphitized carbon-based solid-phase cartridge, eluted from the cartridge into two analytical fractions, and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode-array detection. The upper concentration limit is 1.6 micrograms per liter (=B5g/L) for most compounds. Single-operator method detection limits in organic-free water samples ranged from 0.006 to 0.032 =B5g/L= Recoveries in organic-free water samples ranged from 37 to 88 percent. Recoveries in ground- and surface-water samples ranged from 29 to 94 percent. An optional on-site extraction procedure allows for samples to be collected and processed at remote sites where it is difficult to ship samples to the laboratory within the recommended pre-extraction holding time of 7 days.

The Treatment of PPCP-Containing Sewage in an Anoxic/Aerobic Reactor Coupled with a Novel Design of Solid Plain Graphite-Plates Microbial Fuel Cell

PubMed Central

Chang, Yi-Tang; Yang, Chu-Wen; Chang, Yu-Jie; Chang, Ting-Chieh; Wei, Da-Jiun

2014-01-01

Synthetic sewage containing high concentrations of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs, mg/L level) was treated using an anoxic/aerobic (A/O) reactor coupled with a microbial fuel cell (MFC) at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 8 h. A novel design of solid plain graphite plates (SPGRPs) was used for the high surface area biodegradation of the PPCP-containing sewage and for the generation of electricity. The average CODCr and total nitrogen removal efficiencies achieved were 97.20% and 83.75%, respectively. High removal efficiencies of pharmaceuticals, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and sulfamethoxazole, were also obtained and ranged from 98.21% to 99.89%. A maximum power density of 532.61 mW/cm2 and a maximum coulombic efficiency of 25.20% were measured for the SPGRP MFC at the anode. Distinct differences in the bacterial community were presented at various locations including the mixed liquor suspended solids and biofilms. The bacterial groups involved in PPCP biodegradation were identified as Dechloromonas spp., Sphingomonas sp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This design, which couples an A/O reactor with a novel design of SPGRP MFC, allows the simultaneous removal of PPCPs and successful electricity production. PMID:25197659

Dust Detection by Curiosity ChemCam

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-04-08

The ChemCam instrument on NASA Curiosity Mars rover fired its laser 50 times at its onboard graphite target showing spectral measurements from the first shot, which hit dust on the target, compared to spectral measurements of from the 50th shot.

Physical aging in graphite/epoxy composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kong, E. S. W.

1983-01-01

Sub-Tg annealing has been found to affect the properties of graphite/epoxy composites. The network epoxy studied was based on the chemistry of tetraglycidyl 4,4'-diamino-diphenyl methane (TGDDM) crosslinked by 4,4'-diamino-diphenyl sulfone (DDS). Differential scanning calorimetry, thermal mechanical analysis, and solid-state cross-polarized magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been utilized in order to characterize this process of recovery towards thermodynamic equilibrium. The volume and enthalpy recovery as well as the 'thermoreversibility' aspects of the physical aging are discussed. This nonequilibrium and time-dependent behavior of network epoxies are considered in view of the increasingly wide applications of TGDDM-DDS epoxies as matrix materials of structural composites in the aerospace industry.

In situ observation of quasimelting of diamond and reversible graphite-diamond phase transformations.

PubMed

Huang, J Y

2007-08-01

Because of technique difficulties in achieving the extreme high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) simultaneously, direct observation of the structures of carbon at extreme HPHT conditions has not been possible. Banhart and Ajayan discovered remarkably that carbon onions can act as nanoscopic pressure cells to generate high pressures. By heating carbon onions to approximately 700 degrees C and under electron beam irradiation, the graphite-to-diamond transformation was observed in situ by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). However, the highest achievable temperature in a TEM heating holder is less than 1000 degrees C. Here we report that, by using carbon nanotubes as heaters and carbon onions as high-pressure cells, temperatures higher than 2000 degrees C and pressures higher than 40 GPa were achieved simultaneously in carbon onions. At such HPHT conditions and facilitated by electron beam irradiation, the diamond formed in the carbon onion cores frequently changed its shape, size, orientation, and internal structure and moved like a fluid, implying that it was in a quasimelting state. The fluctuation between the solid phase of diamond and the fluid/amorphous phase of diamond-like carbon, and the changes of the shape, size, and orientation of the solid diamond, were attributed to the dynamic crystallization of diamond crystal from the quasimolten state and the dynamic graphite-diamond phase transformations. Our discovery offers unprecedented opportunities to studying the nanostructures of carbon at extreme conditions in situ and at an atomic scale.

Electrochemical characterisation of CaCl2 deficient LiCl-KCl-CaCl2 eutectic melt and electro-deoxidation of solid UO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sri Maha Vishnu, D.; Sanil, N.; Mohandas, K. S.; Nagarajan, K.

2016-03-01

The CaCl2 deficient ternary eutectic melt LiCl-KCl-CaCl2 (50.5: 44.2: 5.3 mol %) was electrochemically characterised by cyclic voltammetry and polarization techniques in the context of its probable use as the electrolyte in the electrochemical reduction of solid UO2 to uranium metal. Tungsten (cathodic polarization) and graphite (anodic polarization) working electrodes were used in these studies carried out in the temperature range 623 K-923 K. The cathodic limit of the melt was observed to be set by the deposition of Ca2+ ions followed by Li+ ions on the tungsten electrode and the anodic limit by oxidation of chloride ions on the graphite electrode (chlorine evolution). The difference between the onset potential of deposition of Ca2+ and Li+ was found to be 0.241 V at a scan rate of 20 mV/s at 623 K and the difference decreased with increase in temperature and vanished at 923 K. Polarization measurements with stainless steel (SS) cathode and graphite anode at 673 K showed the possibility of low-energy reactions occurring on the UO2 electrode in the melt. UO2 pellets were cathodically polarized at 3.9 V for 25 h to test the feasibility of electro-reduction to uranium in the melt. The surface of the pellets was found reduced to U metal.

Pencil Graphite Electrodes: A Versatile Tool in Electroanalysis

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Due to their electrochemical and economical characteristics, pencil graphite electrodes (PGEs) gained in recent years a large applicability to the analysis of various types of inorganic and organic compounds from very different matrices. The electrode material of this type of working electrodes is constituted by the well-known and easy commercially available graphite pencil leads. Thus, PGEs are cheap and user-friendly and can be employed as disposable electrodes avoiding the time-consuming step of solid electrodes surface cleaning between measurements. When compared to other working electrodes PGEs present lower background currents, higher sensitivity, good reproducibility, and an adjustable electroactive surface area, permitting the analysis of low concentrations and small sample volumes without any deposition/preconcentration step. Therefore, this paper presents a detailed overview of the PGEs characteristics, designs and applications of bare, and electrochemically pretreated and chemically modified PGEs along with the corresponding performance characteristics like linear range and detection limit. Techniques used for bare or modified PGEs surface characterization are also reviewed. PMID:28255500

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jun, Tian; Qizu, Wang; Qunji, Xue

1998-10-01

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

Pretreatment of lubricated surfaces with sputtered cadmium oxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fusaro, Robert L. (Inventor)

1991-01-01

Cadmium oxide is used with a dry solid lubricant on a surface to improve wear resistance. The surface topography is first altered by photochemical etching to a predetermined pattern. The cadmium oxide is then sputtered onto the altered surface to form an intermediate layer to more tightly hold the dry lubricant, such as graphite.

Simultaneous determination of Cd and Fe in beans and soil of different regions of Brazil using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and direct solid sampling.

PubMed

dos Santos, Lisia M G; Welz, Bernhard; Araujo, Rennan G O; Jacob, Silvana do C; Vale, Maria Goreti R; Martens, Andreas; Gonzaga Martens, Irland B; Becker-Ross, Helmut

2009-11-11

A fast routine screening method for the simultaneous determination of cadmium and iron in bean and soil samples is proposed, using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and direct solid sampling. The primary absorption line at 228.802 nm has been used for the determination of cadmium, and an adjacent secondary line, at 228.726 nm, for iron. Fourteen bean samples and 10 soil samples from nine states all over Brazil have been analyzed. The limits of detection (3 sigma, n = 10) were 2.0 microg kg(-1) for Cd and 4.5 mg kg(-1) for Fe. The relative standard deviation ranged from 4 to 7% for Cd and from 5 to 28% for Fe, which is usually acceptable for a screening method. The accuracy of the method has been confirmed by the analysis of two certified reference materials; the results were in agreement with the certified values at a 95% confidence interval.

Levitation of water and organic substances in high static magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beaugnon, E.; Tournier, R.

1991-08-01

The levitation of various diamagnetic liquid and solid substances such as water, ethanol, acetone, bismuth, antimony, graphite, wood and plastic has been achieved at room temperature in a strong inhomogeneous static magnetic field. These experiments were performed in the hybrid magnet at the Service National des Champs Intenses (CNRS, Grenoble). These findings show that high field superconducting magnets could be used to provide a contactless, low gravity environment for the elaboration of a wide range of materials. En utilisant les forts champs magnétiques produits par la bobine hybride du Service National des Champs Intenses (CNRS, Grenoble), nous avons obtenu àtempérature ambiante la lévitation de substances diamagnétiques solides ou liquides telles que l'eau, l'alcool, l'acétone, le bismuth, l'antimoine, le graphite, le bois et le plastique. Ces résultats montrent que les bobines supraconductrices peuvent être utilisées pour l'élaboration de nombreux matériaux en gravité réduite, sans contact avec un contenant.

Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films.

PubMed

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

2012-01-01

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

Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films

PubMed Central

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

2012-01-01

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

Transparent, flexible supercapacitors from nano-engineered carbon films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2012-10-01

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

Cleanup Verification Package for the 118-F-1 Burial Ground

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

E. J. Farris and H. M. Sulloway

2008-01-10

This cleanup verification package documents completion of remedial action for the 118-F-1 Burial Ground on the Hanford Site. This burial ground is a combination of two locations formerly called Minor Construction Burial Ground No. 2 and Solid Waste Burial Ground No. 2. This waste site received radioactive equipment and other miscellaneous waste from 105-F Reactor operations, including dummy elements and irradiated process tubing; gun barrel tips, steel sleeves, and metal chips removed from the reactor; filter boxes containing reactor graphite chips; and miscellaneous construction solid waste.

METHOD FOR PREPARING URANIUM MONOCARBIDE-PLUTONIUM MONOCARBIDE SOLID SOLUTION

DOEpatents

Ogard, A.E.; Leary, J.A.; Maraman, W.J.

1963-03-19

A method is given for preparing solid solutions of uranium monocarbide- plutonium monocarbide. In this method, the powder form of uranium dioxide, plutonium dioxide, and graphite are mixed in a ratio determined by the equation: xUO/sub 2/ + yPuO/sub 2/ + (2+z)C yields UxPu/sub y/C/sub z/ +2CO, where x + y equ al 1.0 and z is greater than 0.9 but less than 1.0. The resulting mixture is compacted and heated in a vacuum at a temperature of 1850 deg C. (AEC)

High-order nonlinear optical processes in ablated carbon-containing materials: Recent approaches in development of the nonlinear spectroscopy using harmonic generation in the extreme ultraviolet range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganeev, R. A.

2017-08-01

The nonlinear spectroscopy using harmonic generation in the extreme ultraviolet range became a versatile tool for the analysis of the optical, structural and morphological properties of matter. The carbon-contained materials have shown the advanced properties among other studied species, which allowed both the definition of the role of structural properties on the nonlinear optical response and the analysis of the fundamental features of carbon as the attractive material for generation of coherent short-wavelength radiation. We review the studies of the high-order harmonic generation by focusing ultrashort pulses into the plasmas produced during laser ablation of various organic compounds. We discuss the role of ionic transitions of ablated carbon-containing molecules on the harmonic yield. We also show the similarities and distinctions of the harmonic and plasma spectra of organic compounds and graphite. We discuss the studies of the generation of harmonics up to the 27th order (λ = 29.9 nm) of 806 nm radiation in the boron carbide plasma and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this target compared with the ingredients comprising B4C (solid boron and graphite) by comparing plasma emission and harmonic spectra from three species. We also show that the coincidence of harmonic and plasma emission wavelengths in most cases does not cause the enhancement or decrease of the conversion efficiency of this harmonic.

Global analysis of the temperature and flow fields in samples heated in multizone resistance furnaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez-Grande, I.; Rivas, D.; de Pablo, V.

The temperature field in samples heated in multizone resistance furnaces will be analyzed, using a global model where the temperature fields in the sample, the furnace and the insulation are coupled; the input thermal data is the electric power supplied to the heaters. The radiation heat exchange between the sample and the furnace is formulated analytically, taking into account specular reflections at the sample; for the solid sample the reflectance is both diffuse and specular, and for the melt it is mostly specular. This behavior is modeled through the exchange view factors, which depend on whether the sample is solid or liquid, and, therefore, they are not known a priori. The effect of this specular behavior in the temperature field will be analyzed, by comparing with the case of diffuse samples. A parameter of great importance is the thermal conductivity of the insulation material; it will be shown that the temperature field depends strongly on it. A careful characterization of the insulation is therefore necessary, here it will be done with the aid of experimental results, which will also serve to validate the model. The heating process in the floating-zone technique in microgravity conditions will be simulated; parameters like the Marangoni number or the temperature gradient at the melt-crystal interface will be estimated. Application to the case of compound samples (graphite-silicon-graphite) will be made; the temperature distribution in the silicon part will be studied, especially the temperature difference between the two graphite rods that hold the silicon, since it drives the thermocapillary flow in the melt. This flow will be studied, after coupling the previous model with the convective effects. The possibility of suppresing this flow by the controlled vibration of the graphite rods will be also analyzed. Numerical results show that the thermocapillary flow can indeed be counterbalanced quite effectively.

Mars Mission Analysis Trades Based on Legacy and Future Nuclear Propulsion Options

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joyner, Russell; Lentati, Andrea; Cichon, Jaclyn

2007-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the results of mission-based system trades when using a nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) system for Solar System exploration. The results are based on comparing reactor designs that use a ceramic-metallic (CERMET), graphite matrix, graphite composite matrix, or carbide matrix fuel element designs. The composite graphite matrix and CERMET designs have been examined for providing power as well as propulsion. Approaches to the design of the NTP to be discussed will include an examination of graphite, composite, carbide, and CERMET core designs and the attributes of each in regards to performance and power generation capability. The focus is on NTP approaches based on tested fuel materials within a prismatic fuel form per the Argonne National Laboratory testing and the ROVER/NERVA program. NTP concepts have been examined for several years at Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne for use as the primary propulsion for human missions beyond earth. Recently, an approach was taken to examine the design trades between specific NTP concepts; NERVA-based (UC)C-Graphite, (UC,ZrC)C-Composite, (U,Zr)C-Solid Carbide and UO2-W CERMET. Using Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's multidisciplinary design analysis capability, a detailed mission and vehicle model has been used to examine how several of these NTP designs impact a human Mars mission. Trends for the propulsion system mass as a function of power level (i.e. thrust size) for the graphite-carbide and CERMET designs were established and correlated against data created over the past forty years. These were used for the mission trade study. The resulting mission trades presented in this paper used a comprehensive modeling approach that captures the mission, vehicle subsystems, and NTP sizing.

Conductive Paper with Antibody-Like Film for Electrical Readings of Biomolecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavares, Ana P. M.; Ferreira, Nádia S.; Truta, Liliana A. A. N. A.; Sales, M. Goreti F.

2016-05-01

This work reports a novel way of producing an inexpensive substrate support to assemble a sensing film, designed for the electrical transduction of an intended biomolecule. The support uses cellulose paper as substrate, made hydrophobic with solid wax and covered by a home-made conductive ink having graphite as core material. The hydrophobicity of the paper was confirmed by contact angle measurements and the conductive ink composition was optimized with regard to its adhesion, conductivity, and thermal stability. This support was further modified targeting its application in quantitative analysis. Carnitine (CRT) was selected as target compound, a cancer biomarker. The recognition material consisted of an antibody-like receptor film for CRT, tailored on the support and prepared by electrically-sustained polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) or dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of the polymeric film on the support, and the performance of the devices was extensively evaluated with regard to linear response ranges, selectivity, applicability, and reusability. Overall, the paper-based sensors offer simplicity of fabrication, low cost and excellent reusability features. The design could also be extended to other applications in electrical-based approaches to be used in point-of-care (POC).

Degradation Mechanisms of Electrochemically Cycled Graphite Anodes in Lithium-ion Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, Sandeep

This research is aimed at developing advanced characterization methods for studying the surface and subsurface damage in Li-ion battery anodes made of polycrystalline graphite and identifying the degradation mechanisms that cause loss of electrochemical capacity. Understanding microstructural aspects of the graphite electrode degradation mechanisms during charging and discharging of Li-ion batteries is of key importance in order to design durable anodes with high capacity. An in-situ system was constructed using an electrochemical cell with an observation window, a large depth-of-field digital microscope and a micro-Raman spectrometer. It was revealed that electrode damage by removal of the surface graphite fragments of 5-10 mum size is the most intense during the first cycle that led to a drastic capacity drop. Once a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer covered the electrode surface, the rate of graphite particle loss decreased. Yet, a gradual loss of capacity continued by the formation of interlayer cracks adjacent to SEI/graphite interfaces. Deposition of co-intercalation compounds, LiC6, Li2CO3 and Li2O, near the crack tips caused partial closure of propagating graphite cracks during cycling and reduced the crack growth rate. Bridging of crack faces by delaminated graphite layers also retarded crack propagation. The microstructure of the SEI layer, formed by electrochemical reduction of the ethylene carbonate based electrolyte, consisted of ˜5-20 nm sized crystalline domains (containing Li2CO3, Li2O 2 and nano-sized graphite fragments) dispersed in an amorphous matrix. During the SEI formation, two regimes of Li-ion diffusion were identified at the electrode/electrolyte interface depending on the applied voltage scan rate (dV/dt). A low Li-ion diffusion coefficient ( DLi+) at dV/dt < 0.05 mVs-1 produced a tubular SEI that uniformly covered the graphite surface and prevented damage at 25°C. At 60°C, a high D Li+ formed a Li2CO3-enriched SEI and ensued a 28% increase in the battery capacity at 25°C. On correlating the microscopic information to the electrochemical performance, novel Li2CO3-coated electrodes were fabricated that were durable. The SEI formed on pre-treated electrodes reduced the strain in the graphite lattice from 0.4% (for uncoated electrodes) to 0.1%, facilitated Li-ion diffusion and hence improved the capacity retention of Li-ion batteries during long-term cycling.

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

PubMed

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

2013-01-01

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

NEUTRONIC REACTOR AND FUEL ELEMENT THEREFOR

DOEpatents

Szilard, L.; Young, G.J.

1958-03-01

This patent relates to a reactor design of the type which employs solid fuel elements disposed in channels within the moderator through which channels and around the fuel elements is conveyed a coolant fiuid. The coolant channels are comprised of aluminum tubes extending through a solid moderator such as graphite and the fuel elements are comprised of an elongated solid body of natural uranium jacketed in an aluminum jacket with the ends thereof closed by aluminum caps of substantially greater thickness than the jacket was and in good thermal contact with the fuel material to facilitate the conduction of heat from the central portion of said ends to the coolant surrounding the fuel element to prevent overheating of said central portion.

Decoupling of Solid 4He Layers under the Superfluid Overlayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishibashi, Kenji; Hiraide, Jo; Taniguchi, Junko; Suzuki, Masaru

2018-03-01

It has been reported that in a large oscillation amplitude, the mass decoupling of multilayer 4He films adsorbed on graphite results from the depinning of the second solid atomic layer. This decoupling suddenly vanishes below a certain low temperature TD due to the cancellation of mass decoupling by the superfluid counterflow of the the overylayer. We studied the relaxation of the depinned state at various temperatures, after reduction of oscillation amplitude below TD . It was found that above the superfluid transition temperature the mass decoupling revives with a relaxation time of several 100 s. It strongly supports that the depinned state of the second solid atomic layer remains underneath the superfluid overlayer.

Laser ablation of a silicon target in chloroform: formation of multilayer graphite nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abderrafi, Kamal; García-Calzada, Raúl; Sanchez-Royo, Juan F.; Chirvony, Vladimir S.; Agouram, Saïd; Abargues, Rafael; Ibáñez, Rafael; Martínez-Pastor, Juan P.

2013-04-01

With the use of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy methods of analysis we show that the laser ablation of a Si target in chloroform (CHCl3) by nanosecond UV pulses (40 ns, 355 nm) results in the formation of about 50-80 nm core-shell nanoparticles with a polycrystalline core composed of small (5-10 nm) Si and SiC mono-crystallites, the core being coated by several layers of carbon with the structure of graphite (the shell). In addition, free carbon multilayer nanostructures (carbon nano-onions) are also found in the suspension. On the basis of a comparison with similar laser ablation experiments implemented in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), where only bare (uncoated) Si nanoparticles are produced, we suggest that a chemical (solvent decomposition giving rise to highly reactive CH-containing radicals) rather than a physical (solvent atomization followed by carbon nanostructure formation) mechanism is responsible for the formation of graphitic shells. The silicon carbonization process found for the case of laser ablation in chloroform may be promising for silicon surface protection and functionalization.

Perspective of Muon Production Target at J-PARC MLF MUSE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makimura, Shunsuke; Matoba, Shiro; Kawamura, Naritoshi; Matsuzawa, Yukihiro; Tabe, Masato; Aoyagi, Hiroyuki; Kondo, Hiroto; Kobayashi, Yasuo; Fujimori, Hiroshi; Ikedo, Yutaka; Kadono, Ryosuke; Koda, Akihiro; Kojima, Kenji M.; Miyake, Yasuhiro; Nakamura, Jumpei G.; Oishi, Yu; Okabe, Hirotaka; Shimomura, Koichiro; Strasser, Patrick

A pulsed muon beam with unprecedented intensity will be generated by a 3-GeV 333-microA proton beam on a muon target made of 20-mm thick isotropic graphite at J-PARC MLF MUSE (Muon Science Establishment). The first muon beam was successfully generated on September 26th, 2008. Gradually upgrading the beam intensity, continuous 300-kW proton beam has been operated by a fixed target method without replacements till June of 2014. However, the lifetime of the fixed target was anticipated to be less than 1 year by the proton-irradiation damage of the graphite through 1-MW beam operation. To extend the lifetime, a muon rotating target, in which the radiation damage is distributed to a wider area, was installed in September of 2014, and continuous and stable operation has been successfully performed. Because the muon target becomes highly radioactive by the proton irradiation, the maintenance is conducted by remote handling in the Hot cell. In September of 2015, a scraper No. 1 to collimate the proton beam scattered by the target was replaced for further high-power beam operation. Recently, new developments on monitoring and maintenance of the muon target for higher power operation are in progress. In this article, perspective of muon production target at J-PARC MLF MUSE will be described.

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

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

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

2015-07-28

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

Gas Evolution in Operating Lithium-Ion Batteries Studied In Situ by Neutron Imaging

PubMed Central

Michalak, Barbara; Sommer, Heino; Mannes, David; Kaestner, Anders; Brezesinski, Torsten; Janek, Jürgen

2015-01-01

Gas generation as a result of electrolyte decomposition is one of the major issues of high-performance rechargeable batteries. Here, we report the direct observation of gassing in operating lithium-ion batteries using neutron imaging. This technique can be used to obtain qualitative as well as quantitative information by applying a new analysis approach. Special emphasis is placed on high voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/graphite pouch cells. Continuous gassing due to oxidation and reduction of electrolyte solvents is observed. To separate gas evolution reactions occurring on the anode from those associated with the cathode interface and to gain more insight into the gassing behavior of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/graphite cells, neutron experiments were also conducted systematically on other cathode/anode combinations, including LiFePO4/graphite, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/Li4Ti5O12 and LiFePO4/Li4Ti5O12. In addition, the data were supported by gas pressure measurements. The results suggest that metal dissolution in the electrolyte and decomposition products resulting from the high potentials adversely affect the gas generation, particularly in the first charge cycle (i.e., during graphite solid-electrolyte interface layer formation). PMID:26496823

Graphite intercalated polyaniline composite with superior anticorrosive and hydrophobic properties, as protective coating material on steel surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rathnayake, R. M. N. M.; Mantilaka, M. M. M. G. P. G.; Hara, Masanori; Huang, Hsin-Hui; Wijayasinghe, H. W. M. A. C.; Yoshimura, Masamichi; Pitawala, H. M. T. G. A.

2017-07-01

Solid polymer composite systems are widely being used for potential technological applications in secondary energy sources and electrochromic devices. In this study, we synthesized and characterized a composite material composed of polyaniline (PANI) and natural needle platy (NPG) vein graphite. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), micro-Raman analysis, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the structural and electrochemical properties of the prepared PANI/NPG graphite composite. XPS, FTIR, and micro-Raman analysis confirmed the existence of relevant functional groups and bonding in the prepared PANI/NPG composite material. The composite shows a very low corrosion rate, approximately 29 μm per year, and high hydrophobicity on steel surfaces, which helps to prevent the corrosion due to O2 penetration towards the metal surface. It indicates that the composite can be used as a high potential surface coating material to anticorrosion. The specific capacitance of PANI/NPG composite is 833.3 F g-1, which is higher than that of PANI. This synergistic electrical performance result proves the prepared PANI/NPG graphite composite as a suitable protective coating material for steel surfaces.

Laser processing for manufacturing nanocarbon materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van, Hai Hoang

CNTs have been considered as the excellent candidate to revolutionize a broad range of applications. There have been many method developed to manipulate the chemistry and the structure of CNTs. Laser with non-contact treatment capability exhibits many processing advantages, including solid-state treatment, extremely fast processing rate, and high processing resolution. In addition, the outstanding monochromatic, coherent, and directional beam generates the powerful energy absorption and the resultant extreme processing conditions. In my research, a unique laser scanning method was developed to process CNTs, controlling the oxidation and the graphitization. The achieved controllability of this method was applied to address the important issues of the current CNT processing methods for three applications. The controllable oxidation of CNTs by laser scanning method was applied to cut CNT films to produce high-performance cathodes for FE devices. The production method includes two important self-developed techniques to produce the cold cathodes: the production of highly oriented and uniformly distributed CNT sheets and the precise laser trimming process. Laser cutting is the unique method to produce the cathodes with remarkable features, including ultrathin freestanding structure (~200 nm), greatly high aspect ratio, hybrid CNT-GNR emitter arrays, even emitter separation, and directional emitter alignment. This unique cathode structure was unachievable by other methods. The developed FE devices successfully solved the screening effect issue encounter by current FE devices. The laser-control oxidation method was further developed to sequentially remove graphitic walls of CNTs. The laser oxidation process was directed to occur along the CNT axes by the laser scanning direction. Additionally, the oxidation was further assisted by the curvature stress and the thermal expansion of the graphitic nanotubes, ultimately opening (namely unzipping) the tubular structure to produce GNRs. Therefore the developed laser scanning method optimally exploited the thermal laser-CNT interaction, successfully transforming CNTs into 2D GNRs. The solid-state laser unzipping process effectively addressed the issues of contamination and scalability encountered by the current unzipping methods. Additionally, the produced GNRs were uniquely featured with the freestanding structure and the smooth surfaces. If the scanning process was performed in an inert environment without the appearance of oxygen, the oxidation of CNTs would not happen. Instead, the greatly mobile carbon atoms of the heated CNTs would reorganize the crystal structure, inducing the graphitization process to improve the crystallinity. Many observations showing the structural improvement of CNTs under laser irradiation has been reported, confirming the capability of laser to heal graphitic defects. Laser methods were more time-efficient and energy-efficient than other annealing methods because laser can quickly heat CNTs to generate graphitization in less than one second. This subsecond heating process of laser irradiation was more effective than other heating methods because it avoided the undesired coalescence of CNTs. In my research, the laser scanning method was applied to generate the graphitization, healing the structural defects of CNTs. Different from the reported laser methods, the laser scanning directed the locally annealed areas to move along the CNT axes, migrating and coalescencing the graphitic defects to achieve better healing results. The critical information describing the CNT structural transformation caused by the moving laser irradiation was explored from the successful applications of the developed laser method. This knowledge inspires an important method to modifiy the general graphitic structure for important applications, such as carbon fiber production, CNT self-assembly process and CNT welding. This method will be effective, facile, versatile, and adaptable for laboratory and industrial facilities.

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

PubMed

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

2011-08-05

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

Lead screening in DBS by solid sampling high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry: application to newborns and pregnant women.

PubMed

Rello, Luis; Aramendía, Maite; Belarra, Miguel A; Resano, Martín

2015-01-01

DBS have become a clinical specimen especially adequate for establishing home-based collection protocols. In this work, high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry is evaluated for the direct monitoring of Pb in DBS, both as a quantitative tool and a screening method. The development of the screening model is based on the establishment of the unreliability region around the threshold limits, 100 or 50 μg l(-1). More than 500 samples were analyzed to validate the model. The screening method demonstrated high sensitivity (the rate of true positives detected was always higher than 95%), an excellent LOD (1 µg l(-1)) and high throughput (10 min per sample).

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

Balkin, Ethan R.; Gagnon, Katherine; Strong, Kevin T.

This investigation evaluated target fabrication and beam parameters for scale-up production of high specific activity 186Re using deuteron irradiation of enriched 186W via the 186W(d,2n) 186Re reaction. Thick W and WO 3 targets were prepared, characterized and evaluated in deuteron irradiations. Full-thickness targets, as determined using SRIM, were prepared by uniaxi-ally pressing powdered natural abundance W and WO 3, or 96.86% enriched 186W, into Al target supports. Alternatively, thick targets were prepared by pressing 186W between two layers of graphite powder or by placing pre-sintered (1105°C, 12 hours) natural abundance WO 3 pellets into an Al target support. Assessments ofmore » structural integrity were made on each target pre-pared. Prior to irradiation, material composition analyses were conducted using SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. With-in a minimum of 24 hours post irradiation, gamma-ray spectroscopy was performed on all targets to assess production yields and radionuclidic byproducts. Problems were encountered with the structural integrity of some pressed W and WO 3 pellets before and during irradiation, and target material characterization results could be correlated with the structural integrity of the pressed target pellets. Under the conditions studied, the findings suggest that all WO 3 targets prepared and studied were unacceptable. By contrast, 186W metal was found to be a viable target material for 186Re production. Lastly, thick targets prepared with powdered 186W pressed between layers of graphite provided a particularly robust target configuration.« less

Label-Free Electrochemical Detection of the Specific Oligonucleotide Sequence of Dengue Virus Type 1 on Pencil Graphite Electrodes

PubMed Central

Souza, Elaine; Nascimento, Gustavo; Santana, Nataly; Ferreira, Danielly; Lima, Manoel; Natividade, Edna; Martins, Danyelly; Lima-Filho, José

2011-01-01

A biosensor that relies on the adsorption immobilization of the 18-mer single-stranded nucleic acid related to dengue virus gene 1 on activated pencil graphite was developed. Hybridization between the probe and its complementary oligonucleotides (the target) was investigated by monitoring guanine oxidation by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The pencil graphite electrode was made of ordinary pencil lead (type 4B). The polished surface of the working electrode was activated by applying a potential of 1.8 V for 5 min. Afterward, the dengue oligonucleotides probe was immobilized on the activated electrode by applying 0.5 V to the electrode in 0.5 M acetate buffer (pH 5.0) for 5 min. The hybridization process was carried out by incubating at the annealing temperature of the oligonucleotides. A time of five minutes and concentration of 1 μM were found to be the optimal conditions for probe immobilization. The electrochemical detection of annealing between the DNA probe (TS-1P) immobilized on the modified electrode, and the target (TS-1T) was achieved. The target could be quantified in a range from 1 to 40 nM with good linearity and a detection limit of 0.92 nM. The specificity of the electrochemical biosensor was tested using non-complementary sequences of dengue virus 2 and 3. PMID:22163916

Cluster formation in laser-induced ablation and evaporation of solids observed by laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and scanning tunneling microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tench, R. J.; Balooch, M.; Bernardez, L.; Allen, Mike J.; Siekhaus, W. J.; Olander, D. R.; Wang, W.

1990-04-01

Laser ionization time-of-flight mass analysis (LIMA) used pulses (5ns) of a frequency-quadrupled Nd-YAG laser (266 nm) focused onto spots of 4 to 100 microns diameter to ablate material, and a reflectron time of flight tube to mass-analyze the plume. The observed mass spectra for Si, Pt, SiC, and UO 2 varied in the distribution of ablation products among atoms, molecules and clusters, depending on laser power density and target material. Cleaved surfaces of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) positioned at room temperature either 10 cm away from materials ablated at 10(exp -5) Torr by 1 to 3 excimer laser (308 nm) pulses of 20 ns duration or 1 m away from materials vaporized at 10(exp -8) Torr by 10 Nd-Glass laser pulses of 1 ms duration were analyzed by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) in air with angstrom resolution. Clusters up to 30 A in diameter were observed.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2015-08-01

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

Conductivities of the ionic complexes of two cyclic polyethers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fielder, W. L.; Odonnell, P. M.

1975-01-01

The conductivities of the solid potassium thiocyanate complex of both dicyclohexyl-18-crown-6 and dibenzo-18-crown-6 were measured at 300K (27 C). Saturated aqueous potassium thiocyanate and graphite were used as ion-transporting and ion-blocking electrodes, respectively. The ionic conductivity predominated for both samples, but it was many orders of magnitude smaller than the value previously reported. The ionic conductivity of the dicyclohexyl complex (the better conductor) was 0.000003 ohm/cm. Crown complexes, in general, do not appear promising as potassium ion solid electrolytes contrary to claims in the patent literature.

Continuous Heterogeneous Photocatalysis in Serial Micro-Batch Reactors.

PubMed

Pieber, Bartholomäus; Shalom, Menny; Antonietti, Markus; Seeberger, Peter H; Gilmore, Kerry

2018-01-29

Solid reagents, leaching catalysts, and heterogeneous photocatalysts are commonly employed in batch processes but are ill-suited for continuous-flow chemistry. Heterogeneous catalysts for thermal reactions are typically used in packed-bed reactors, which cannot be penetrated by light and thus are not suitable for photocatalytic reactions involving solids. We demonstrate that serial micro-batch reactors (SMBRs) allow for the continuous utilization of solid materials together with liquids and gases in flow. This technology was utilized to develop selective and efficient fluorination reactions using a modified graphitic carbon nitride heterogeneous catalyst instead of costly homogeneous metal polypyridyl complexes. The merger of this inexpensive, recyclable catalyst and the SMBR approach enables sustainable and scalable photocatalysis. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

DC graphite arc furnace, a simple system to reduce mixed waste volume

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

Wittle, J.K.; Hamilton, R.A.; Trescot, J.

1995-12-31

The volume of low-level radioactive waste can be reduced by the high temperature in a DC Graphite Arc Furnace. This volume reduction can take place with the additional benefit of having the solid residue being stabilized by the vitrified product produced in the process. A DC Graphite Arc Furnace is a simple system in which electricity is used to generate heat to vitrify the material and thermally decompose any organic matter in the waste stream. Examples of this type of waste are protective clothing, resins, and grit blast materials produced in the nuclear industry. The various Department of Energy (DOE)more » complexes produce similar low-level waste streams. Electro-Pyrolysis, Inc. and Svedala/Kennedy Van Saun are engineering and building small 50-kg batch and up to 3,000 kg/hr continuous feed DC furnaces for the remediation, pollution prevention, and decontamination and decommissioning segments of the treatment community. This process has been demonstrated under DOE sponsorship at several facilities and has been shown to produce stable waste forms from surrogate waste materials.« less

Electrolysis of metal oxides in MgCl2 based molten salts with an inert graphite anode.

PubMed

Yuan, Yating; Li, Wei; Chen, Hualin; Wang, Zhiyong; Jin, Xianbo; Chen, George Z

2016-08-15

Electrolysis of solid metal oxides has been demonstrated in MgCl2-NaCl-KCl melt at 700 °C taking the electrolysis of Ta2O5 as an example. Both the cathodic and anodic processes have been investigated using cyclic voltammetry, and potentiostatic and constant voltage electrolysis, with the cathodic products analysed by XRD and SEM and the anodic products by GC. Fast electrolysis of Ta2O5 against a graphite anode has been realized at a cell voltage of 2 V, or a total overpotential of about 400 mV. The energy consumption was about 1 kW h kgTa(-1) with a nearly 100% Ta recovery. The cathodic product was nanometer Ta powder with sizes of about 50 nm. The main anodic product was Cl2 gas, together with about 1 mol% O2 gas and trace amounts of CO. The graphite anode was found to be an excellent inert anode. These results promise an environmentally-friendly and energy efficient method for metal extraction by electrolysis of metal oxides in MgCl2 based molten salts.

Monolayer Adsorption of Ar and Kr on Graphite: Theoretical Isotherms and Spreading Pressures

PubMed

Mulero; Cuadros

1997-02-01

The validity of analytical equations for two-dimensional fluids in the prediction of monolayer adsorption isotherms and spreading pressures of rare gases on graphite is analyzed. The statistical mechanical theory of Steele is used to relate the properties of the adsorbed and two-dimensional fluids. In such theory the model of graphite is a perfectly flat surface, which means that only the first order contribution of the fluid-solid interactions are taken into account. Two analytical equations for two-dimensional Lennard-Jones fluids are used: one proposed by Reddy-O'Shea, based in the fit on pressure and potential energy computer simulated results, and other proposed by Cuadros-Mulero, based in the fit of the Helmholtz free energy calculated from computer simulated results of the radial distribution function. The theoretical results are compared with experimental results of Constabaris et al. (J. Chem. Phys. 37, 915 (1962)) for Ar and of Putnam and Fort (J. Phys. Chem. 79, 459 (1975)) for Kr. Good agreement is found using both equations in both cases.

Multilayer graphane synthesized under high hydrogen pressure

DOE PAGES

Antonov, V. E.; Bashkin, I. O.; Bazhenov, A. V.; ...

2015-12-19

A new hydrocarbon – hydrographite – with the composition close to CH is shown to form from graphite and gaseous hydrogen at pressures above 2 GPa and temperatures from 450 to 700 °C. Hydrographite is a black solid thermally stable under ambient conditions. When heated in vacuum, it decomposes into graphite and molecular hydrogen at temperatures from 500 to 650 °C. Powder X-ray diffraction characterizes hydrographite as a multilayer “graphane II” phase predicted by ab initio calculations [Wen X-D et al. PNAS 2011; 108:6833] and consisting of graphane sheets in the chair conformation stacked along the hexagonal c axis inmore » the -ABAB- sequence. The crystal structure of the synthesized phase belongs to the P63mc space group. Moreover, the unit cell parameters are a = 2.53(1) Å and c = 9.54(1) Å and therefore exceed the corresponding parameters of graphite by 2.4(2)% and 42.0(3)%. Stretching vibrations of C–H groups on the surface of the hydrographite particles are examined by infrared spectroscopy.« less

Pechini process-derived tin oxide and tin oxide-graphite composites for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, R.; Lee, Jim Y.; Liu, Z. L.

The Pechini process [Ceram. Bull. 68 (1989) 1002] is used to obtain fine tin oxide powders that reduce the specific volume change in Li + insertion and extraction reactions. The suitability of these tin oxides as active materials for negative electrodes in lithium-ion batteries is investigated. From elemental analysis, it is found that the templating polymer network is almost completely obliterated after heating at 500 °C. The best tin oxide does not exhibit extensive crystallization of tin atoms even after 30 cycles of alloying and de-alloying reactions with Li. The structure and the specific capacity of the oxides are dependent on the heat treatment and remnants of the polymeric CH network can impose an unfavorable outcome. A capacity of 600 mAh g -1, which is unchanged for 30 cycles, can be obtained from tin oxide heat treated at 1000 °C. Composites of graphite and SnO 2 are also prepared and exhibit synergistic interactions between graphite and tin oxide which are similar to those reported previously [Electrochem. Solid State Lett. 3 (2000) 167].

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

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

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

2015-05-15

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

Drawing Sensors with Ball-Milled Blends of Metal-Organic Frameworks and Graphite

PubMed Central

Ko, Michael; Aykanat, Aylin; Smith, Merry K.

2017-01-01

The synthetically tunable properties and intrinsic porosity of conductive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) make them promising materials for transducing selective interactions with gaseous analytes in an electrically addressable platform. Consequently, conductive MOFs are valuable functional materials with high potential utility in chemical detection. The implementation of these materials, however, is limited by the available methods for device incorporation due to their poor solubility and moderate electrical conductivity. This manuscript describes a straightforward method for the integration of moderately conductive MOFs into chemiresistive sensors by mechanical abrasion. To improve electrical contacts, blends of MOFs with graphite were generated using a solvent-free ball-milling procedure. While most bulk powders of pure conductive MOFs were difficult to integrate into devices directly via mechanical abrasion, the compressed solid-state MOF/graphite blends were easily abraded onto the surface of paper substrates equipped with gold electrodes to generate functional sensors. This method was used to prepare an array of chemiresistors, from four conductive MOFs, capable of detecting and differentiating NH3, H2S and NO at parts-per-million concentrations. PMID:28946624

Tungsten Deposition on Graphite using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Uttam; Chauhan, Sachin S.; Sharma, Jayshree; Sanyasi, A. K.; Ghosh, J.; Choudhary, K. K.; Ghosh, S. K.

2016-10-01

The tokamak concept is the frontrunner for achieving controlled thermonuclear reaction on earth, an environment friendly way to solve future energy crisis. Although much progress has been made in controlling the heated fusion plasmas (temperature ∼ 150 million degrees) in tokamaks, technological issues related to plasma wall interaction topic still need focused attention. In future, reactor grade tokamak operational scenarios, the reactor wall and target plates are expected to experience a heat load of 10 MW/m2 and even more during the unfortunate events of ELM's and disruptions. Tungsten remains a suitable choice for the wall and target plates. It can withstand high temperatures, its ductile to brittle temperature is fairly low and it has low sputtering yield and low fuel retention capabilities. However, it is difficult to machine tungsten and hence usages of tungsten coated surfaces are mostly desirable. To produce tungsten coated graphite tiles for the above-mentioned purpose, a coating reactor has been designed, developed and made operational at the SVITS, Indore. Tungsten coating on graphite has been attempted and successfully carried out by using radio frequency induced plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (rf -PECVD) for the first time in India. Tungsten hexa-fluoride has been used as a pre-cursor gas. Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) clearly showed the presence of tungsten coating on the graphite samples. This paper presents the details of successful operation and achievement of tungsten coating in the reactor at SVITS.

Raman studies of single-walled carbon nanotubes synthesized by pulsed laser ablation at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dixit, Saurabh; Shukla, A. K.

2018-06-01

In this article, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are synthesized at room temperature using pulsed laser ablation of ferrocene mixed graphitic target. Radial breathing mode (RBM) reveals the presence of semiconducting SWCNTs of multiple diameters. Quantum confinement model is developed for Raman line-shape of G - feature. It is invoked here that G-feature is the manifestation of TO phonons in the semiconducting SWCNTs. Disorder in the SWCNTs is studied here as a function of the concentration of ferrocene in the graphitic target using X-ray diffraction analysis, oscillator strength of G - feature and D mode and Raman line-shape model of G - feature. Furthermore, phonon softening of G - feature of semiconducting SWCNTs is observed as a function of the diameter of nanotube.

Observation of an Ultrahard Phase of Graphite Quenched from High-pressure

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-02-01

Polycrystalline NaCl at High Pressures and 300 °K. J. Geophys. Res. 1978, 83, 1257–1268. 23. Selvi , E.; Ma, Y.; Askoy, R.; Ertas, A.; White, A. High...Pressure X-ray Diffraction Study of Tungsten Disulfide. J. Phys. Chem. Solids 2006, 67, 2183–2186. 24. Askoy, R.; Ma, Y.; Selvi , E.; Chyu, M. C

High-temperature Raman spectroscopy of solid oxide fuel cell materials and processes.

PubMed

Pomfret, Michael B; Owrutsky, Jeffrey C; Walker, Robert A

2006-09-07

Chemical and material processes occurring in high temperature environments are difficult to quantify due to a lack of experimental methods that can probe directly the species present. In this letter, Raman spectroscopy is shown to be capable of identifying in-situ and noninvasively changes in material properties as well as the formation and disappearance of molecular species on surfaces at temperatures of 715 degrees C. The material, yttria-stabilized zirconia or YSZ, and the molecular species, Ni/NiO and nanocrystalline graphite, factor prominently in the chemistry of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Experiments demonstrate the ability of Raman spectroscopy to follow reversible oxidation/reduction kinetics of Ni/NiO as well as the rate of carbon disappearance when graphite, formed in-situ, is exposed to a weakly oxidizing atmosphere. In addition, the Raman active phonon mode of YSZ shows a temperature dependent shift that correlates closely with the expansion of the lattice parameter, thus providing a convenient internal diagnostic for identifying thermal gradients in high temperature systems. These findings provide direct insight into processes likely to occur in operational SOFCs and motivate the use of in-situ Raman spectroscopy to follow chemical processes in these high-temperature, electrochemically active environments.

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

PubMed Central

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

2011-01-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2011-01-01

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

Enhanced low-temperature lithium storage performance of multilayer graphene made through an improved ionic liquid-assisted synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raccichini, Rinaldo; Varzi, Alberto; Chakravadhanula, Venkata Sai Kiran; Kübel, Christian; Balducci, Andrea; Passerini, Stefano

2015-05-01

The electrochemical properties of graphene are strongly depending on its synthesis. Between the different methods proposed so far, liquid phase exfoliation turns out to be a promising method for the production of graphene. Unfortunately, the low yield of this technique, in term of solid material obtained, still limit its use to small scale applications. In this article we propose a low cost and environmentally friendly method for producing multilayer crystalline graphene with high yield. Such innovative approach, involving an improved ionic liquid assisted, microwave exfoliation of expanded graphite, allows the production of graphene with advanced lithium ion storage performance, for the first time, at low temperatures (<0 °C), as low as -30 °C, with respect to commercially available graphite.

Indirect measurement of N-14 quadrupolar coupling for NH3 intercalated in potassium graphite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsang, T.; Fronko, R. M.; Resing, H. A.

1987-01-01

A method for indirect measurement of the nuclear quadrupolar coupling was developed and applied to NH3 molecules in the graphite intercalation compound K(NH3)4.3C24, which has a layered structure with alternating carbon and intercalant layers. Three triplets were observed in the H-1 NMR spectra of the compound. The value of the N-14 quadrupolar coupling constant of NH3 (3.7 MHz), determined indirectly from the H-1 NMR spectra, was intermediate between the gas value of 4.1 MHz and the solid-state value of 3.2 MHz. The method was also used to deduce the (H-1)-(H-1) and (N-14)-(H-1) dipolar interactions, the H-1 chemical shifts, and the molecular orientations and motions of NH3.

Exfoliation of graphite into graphene in polar solvents mediated by amphiphilic hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene.

PubMed

Kabe, Ryota; Feng, Xinliang; Adachi, Chihaya; Müllen, Klaus

2014-11-01

A water-soluble surfactant consisting of hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC) as hydrophobic aromatic core and hydrophilic carboxy substituents was synthesized. It exhibited a self-assembled nanofiber structure in the solid state. Profiting from the π interactions between the large aromatic core of HBC and graphene, the surfactant mediated the exfoliation of graphite into graphene in polar solvents, which was further stabilized by the bulky hydrophilic carboxylic groups. A graphene dispersion with a concentration as high as 1.1 mg L(-1) containing 2-6 multilayer nanosheets was obtained. The lateral size of the graphene sheets was in the range of 100-500 nm based on atomic force microscope (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurements. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Transitions between type A flake, type D flake, and coral graphite eutectic structures in cast irons

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

Park, J.S.; Verhoeven, J.D.

1996-09-01

Directional solidification experiments were used to measure the transition velocities between the type A and coral eutectic structures in high-purity cast irons and between the type A and type D eutectic structures in S and Te doped cast irons. Introduction of O into the gas atmosphere was found to have little effect on the A {R_arrow} D transition velocities in S doped alloys, but it produced a strong reduction in the A {R_arrow} coral transition velocities in high-purity irons. Transmission electron microscopy revealed interesting variations in the defect structures of the graphite in the flake irons vs the type ofmore » flake (A or D) and the type of doping element. Scanning Auger microscopy demonstrated that both S and Te segregate to the iron/graphite interface. In the S doped alloys, type A flakes are generally covered with a monolayer of S with patches of O in the form of iron oxide having a thickness on the order of 2 nm. A series of experiments, including examination of fracture surfaces at the quenched solid/liquid growth front, have shown that S segregates to the iron/graphite interfaces from the liquid at the growth front, but O forms at these interfaces during the cooldown. These results are discussed in relation to current models of eutectic growth in cast irons.« less

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-04-01

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

Development of a Scanning Microscale Fast Neutron Irradiation Platform for Examining the Correlation Between Local Neutron Damage and Graphite Microstructure

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

Pinhero, Patrick; Windes, William

2015-03-10

The fast particle radiation damage effect of graphite, a main material in current and future nuclear reactors, has significant influence on the utilization of this material in fission and fusion plants. Atoms on graphite crystals can be easily replaced or dislocated by fast protons and result in interstitials and vacancies. The currently accepted model indicates that after most of the interstitials recombine with vacancies, surviving interstitials form clusters and furthermore gather to create loops with each other between layers. Meanwhile, surviving vacancies and interstitials form dislocation loops on the layers. The growth of these inserted layers cause the dimensional increase,more » i.e. swelling, of graphite. Interstitial and vacancy dislocation loops have been reported and they can easily been observed by electron microscope. However, observation of the intermediate atom clusters becomes is paramount in helping prove this model. We utilize fast protons generated from the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) cyclotron to irradiate highly- oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) as target for this research. Post-irradiation examination (PIE) of dosed targets with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) has permit observation and analysis of clusters and dislocation loops to support the proposed theory. Another part of the research is to validate M.I. Heggie’s Ruck and Tuck model, which introduced graphite layers may fold under fast particle irradiation. Again, we employed microscopy to image irradiated specimens to determine how the extent of Ruck and Tuck by calculating the number of folds as a function of dose. Our most significant accomplishment is the invention of a novel class of high-intensity pure beta-emitters for long-term lightweight batteries. We have filed four invention disclosure records based on the research conducted in this project. These batteries are lightweight because they consist of carbon and tritium and can be fabricated to conform to many geometric shapes. In addition, we have published eight peer-reviewed American Nuclear Society (ANS) transactions, and presented our findings at ANS National Meetings, and several universities.« less

Deuteron irradiation of W and WO 3 for production of high specific activity 186Re: Challenges associated with thick target preparation

DOE PAGES

Balkin, Ethan R.; Gagnon, Katherine; Strong, Kevin T.; ...

2016-06-28

This investigation evaluated target fabrication and beam parameters for scale-up production of high specific activity 186Re using deuteron irradiation of enriched 186W via the 186W(d,2n) 186Re reaction. Thick W and WO 3 targets were prepared, characterized and evaluated in deuteron irradiations. Full-thickness targets, as determined using SRIM, were prepared by uniaxi-ally pressing powdered natural abundance W and WO 3, or 96.86% enriched 186W, into Al target supports. Alternatively, thick targets were prepared by pressing 186W between two layers of graphite powder or by placing pre-sintered (1105°C, 12 hours) natural abundance WO 3 pellets into an Al target support. Assessments ofmore » structural integrity were made on each target pre-pared. Prior to irradiation, material composition analyses were conducted using SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. With-in a minimum of 24 hours post irradiation, gamma-ray spectroscopy was performed on all targets to assess production yields and radionuclidic byproducts. Problems were encountered with the structural integrity of some pressed W and WO 3 pellets before and during irradiation, and target material characterization results could be correlated with the structural integrity of the pressed target pellets. Under the conditions studied, the findings suggest that all WO 3 targets prepared and studied were unacceptable. By contrast, 186W metal was found to be a viable target material for 186Re production. Lastly, thick targets prepared with powdered 186W pressed between layers of graphite provided a particularly robust target configuration.« less

Deuteron irradiation of W and WO3 for production of high specific activity (186)Re: Challenges associated with thick target preparation.

PubMed

Balkin, Ethan R; Gagnon, Katherine; Strong, Kevin T; Smith, Bennett E; Dorman, Eric F; Emery, Robert C; Pauzauskie, Peter J; Fassbender, Michael E; Cutler, Cathy S; Ketring, Alan R; Jurisson, Silvia S; Wilbur, D Scott

2016-09-01

This investigation evaluated target fabrication and beam parameters for scale-up production of high specific activity (186)Re using deuteron irradiation of enriched (186)W via the (186)W(d,2n)(186)Re reaction. Thick W and WO3 targets were prepared, characterized and evaluated in deuteron irradiations. Full-thickness targets, as determined using SRIM, were prepared by uniaxially pressing powdered natural abundance W and WO3, or 96.86% enriched (186)W, into Al target supports. Alternatively, thick targets were prepared by pressing (186)W between two layers of graphite powder or by placing pre-sintered (1105°C, 12h) natural abundance WO3 pellets into an Al target support. Assessments of structural integrity were made on each target prepared. Prior to irradiation, material composition analyses were conducted using SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. Within a minimum of 24h post irradiation, gamma-ray spectroscopy was performed on all targets to assess production yields and radionuclidic byproducts. Problems were encountered with the structural integrity of some pressed W and WO3 pellets before and during irradiation, and target material characterization results could be correlated with the structural integrity of the pressed target pellets. Under the conditions studied, the findings suggest that all WO3 targets prepared and studied were unacceptable. By contrast, (186)W metal was found to be a viable target material for (186)Re production. Thick targets prepared with powdered (186)W pressed between layers of graphite provided a particularly robust target configuration. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In situ targeted MRI detection of Helicobacter pylori with stable magnetic graphitic nanocapsules

PubMed Central

Li, Yunjie; Hu, Xiaoxiao; Ding, Ding; Zou, Yuxiu; Xu, Yiting; Wang, Xuewei; Zhang, Yin; Chen, Long; Chen, Zhuo; Tan, Weihong

2017-01-01

Helicobacter pylori infection is implicated in the aetiology of many diseases. Despite numerous studies, a painless, fast and direct method for the in situ detection of H. pylori remains a challenge, mainly due to the strong acidic/enzymatic environment of the gastric mucosa. Herein, we report the use of stable magnetic graphitic nanocapsules (MGNs), for in situ targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detection of H. pylori. Several layers of graphene as the shell effectively protect the magnetic core from corrosion while retaining the superior contrast effect for MRI in the gastric environment. Boronic-polyethylene glycol molecules were synthesized and modified on the MGN surface for targeted MRI detection. In a mouse model of H. pylori-induced infection, H. pylori was specifically detected through both T2-weighted MR imaging and Raman gastric mucosa imaging using functionalized MGNs. These results indicated that enhancement of MRI using MGNs may be a promising diagnostic and bioimaging platform for very harsh conditions. PMID:28643777

In situ targeted MRI detection of Helicobacter pylori with stable magnetic graphitic nanocapsules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yunjie; Hu, Xiaoxiao; Ding, Ding; Zou, Yuxiu; Xu, Yiting; Wang, Xuewei; Zhang, Yin; Chen, Long; Chen, Zhuo; Tan, Weihong

2017-06-01

Helicobacter pylori infection is implicated in the aetiology of many diseases. Despite numerous studies, a painless, fast and direct method for the in situ detection of H. pylori remains a challenge, mainly due to the strong acidic/enzymatic environment of the gastric mucosa. Herein, we report the use of stable magnetic graphitic nanocapsules (MGNs), for in situ targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detection of H. pylori. Several layers of graphene as the shell effectively protect the magnetic core from corrosion while retaining the superior contrast effect for MRI in the gastric environment. Boronic-polyethylene glycol molecules were synthesized and modified on the MGN surface for targeted MRI detection. In a mouse model of H. pylori-induced infection, H. pylori was specifically detected through both T2-weighted MR imaging and Raman gastric mucosa imaging using functionalized MGNs. These results indicated that enhancement of MRI using MGNs may be a promising diagnostic and bioimaging platform for very harsh conditions.

Contribution a l'etude et au developpement de nouvelles poudres de fonte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boisvert, Mathieu

L'obtention de graphite libre dans des pieces fabriquees par metallurgie des poudres (M/P) est un defi auquel plusieurs chercheurs se sont attardes. En effet, la presence de graphite apres frittage ameliore l'usinabilite des pieces, permettant donc de reduire les couts de production, et peut aussi engendrer une amelioration des proprietes tribologiques. L'approche utilisee dans cette these pour tenter d'obtenir du graphite libre apres frittage est par l'utilisation de nouvelles poudres de fontes atomisees a l'eau. L'atomisation a l'eau etant un procede de production de poudres relativement peu couteux qui permet de grandes capacites de production, le transfert des decouvertes de ce doctorat vers des applications industrielles sera donc economiquement plus favorable. En plus de l'objectif d'obtenir du graphite libre apres frittage, un autre aspect important des travaux est le controle de la morphologie du graphite libre apres frittage. En effet, il est connu dans la litterature des fontes coulees/moulees que la morphologie du graphite influencera les proprietes des fontes, ce qui est aussi vrai pour les pieces de M/P. Les fontes ductiles, pour lesquelles le graphite est sous forme de nodules spheroidaux isoles les uns des autres, possedent des proprietes mecaniques superieures aux fontes grises pour lesquelles le graphite est sous forme lamellaire et continu dans la matrice. Les resultats presentes dans cette these montrent qu'il est possible, dans des melanges contenant des poudres de fontes, d'avoir un controle sur la morphologie du graphite et donc sur les proprietes des pieces. Le controle de la morphologie du graphite a principalement ete realise par le type de frittage et le phenomene de diffusion " uphill " du carbone cause par des gradients en silicium. En effet, pour les frittages en phase solide, tous les nodules de graphite sont presents a l'interieur des grains de poudre apres frittage. Pour les frittages en phase liquide, l'intensite de la diffusion " uphill " permet de conserver plus ou moins de graphite nodulaire a l'interieur des regions riches en silicium, alors que le reste du graphite precipite sous forme lamellaire/vermiculaire dans les regions interparticulaires. L'etude des poudres de fontes et la recherche des mecanismes regissant la morphologie du graphite dans les fontes coulees/moulees nous ont amenes a produire des poudres de fontes traitees au magnesium avant l'atomisation. Plusieurs resultats fondamentaux ont ete obtenus de la caracterisation des poudres traitees au magnesium et de leur comparaison avec des poudres de chimies similaires non traitees au magnesium. D'abord, il a ete possible d'observer des bifilms d'oxyde de silicium dans la structure du graphite primaire d'une poudre de fonte grise hypereutectique. Il s'agit des premieres images montrant la structure double de ces defauts, venant ainsi appuyer la theorie elaboree par le professeur John Campbell. Ensuite, il a ete montre que le traitement au magnesium forme une atmosphere protectrice gazeuse autogeneree qui empeche l'oxydation de la surface du bain liquide et donc, la formation et l'entrainement des bifilms. Le role du magnesium sur la morphologie du graphite est de diminuer le soufre en solution en formant des precipites de sulfure de magnesium et ainsi d'augmenter l'energie d'interface graphite-liquide. En reponse a cette grande energie d'interface graphite-liquide, le graphite cherche a minimiser son ratio surface/volume, ce qui favorise la formation de graphite spheroidal. De plus, deux types de germination ont ete observes dans la poudre de fonte hypereutectique traitee au magnesium. Le premier type est une germination heterogene sur un nombre limite de particules faites de magnesium, d'aluminium, de silicium et d'oxygene. Le deuxieme type est une germination homogene des nodules dans certaines regions du liquide plus riches en silicium. L'observation du centre reel tridimensionnel, en microscopie electronique en transmission en haute resolution, d'un des nodules ayant subi une germination homogene a permis de confirmer que le mode de croissance du graphite spheroidal se produit selon le modele de la croissance en feuille de chou. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

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

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

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

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

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

PubMed

Xu, Li; Lee, Hian Kee

2008-05-30

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

Graphene nanocomposites for electrochemical cell electrodes

DOEpatents

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

2015-11-19

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

Relation between acid dissolution time in the vacuum test tube and time required for graphitization for AMS target preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoyama, Yusuke; Miyairi, Yousuke; Matsuzaki, Hiroyuki; Tsunomori, Fumiaki

2007-06-01

Availability of an effective graphitization system is essential for the successful operation of an AMS laboratory for radiocarbon measurements. We have set up a graphitization system consisting of metal vacuum lines for cleaning CO2 sample gas which is then converted to graphite. CO2 gas from a carbonate sample is produced in vacuum in a test tube by injecting concentrated phosphoric acid. The tube is placed into a heated metal block to accelerate dissolution. However, we have observed systematic differences in the time required to convert the CO2 gas to graphite under a hydrogen atmosphere, from less than 3 h to over 10 h. We have conducted a series of experiments including background measurements and yield measurements to monitor secondary carbon contamination and changes in isotopic fractionation. All of the tests show that the carbon isotope ratios remain unaffected by the duration of the process. We also used a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) to identify possible contaminant gases. Contaminant peaks were identified at high mass (larger than 60) only for long duration experiments. This suggests a possible reaction between the rubber cap and acid fumes producing a contaminant gas that impeded the reduction of CO2.

New production systems at ISOLDE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagebø, E.; Hoff, P.; Jonsson, O. C.; Kugler, E.; Omtvedt, J. P.; Ravn, H. L.; Steffensen, K.

1992-08-01

New target systems for the ISOLDE on-line mass separator facility are presented. Targets of carbides, metal/graphite mixtures, foils of refractory metals, molten metals and oxides have been tested. Beams of high intensity of neutron-rich isotopes of a large number of elements are obtained from a uranium carbide target with a hot plasma-discharge ion source. A target of ZrO 2 has been shown to provide high intensity beams of neutron-deficient isotopes of Mn, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Br, Kr and Rb, while a SiC target with a hot plasma ion source gives intense beams of radioactive isotopes of a number of light elements. All these systems are rather chemically unselective. Chemically selective performance has been obtained for several systems, i.e.: the production of neutron-deficient Au from ( 3He, pχn) reactions on a Pt/graphite target with a hot plasma ion source; the production of neutron-deficient Lu and LuF + and Hf and HfF 3+ from a Ta-foil target with a hot plasma ion source under CF 4 addition; the production of neutron-deficient Sr as SrF + and Y as YF 2+ form a Nb-foil target with a W surface ionizer under CF 4 addition; the production of neutron-deficient Se as COSe + from a ZrO 2 target with a hot plasma ion source under O 2 addition; and the production of radioactive F from a SiC target with a hot plasma ion source operating in Al vapour.

Development of Advanced High Strength Cast Alloys for Heavy Duty Engines

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

Barlow, James

Gray iron has been the primary alloy for heavy duty diesel engine core castings for decades. During recent decades the limitations of gray iron have been reached in some applications, leading to the use of compacted graphite iron in engine blocks and heads. Caterpillar has had compacted graphite designs in continuous production since the late 1980’s. Due to the drive for higher power density, decreased emissions and increased fuel economy, cylinder pressures and temperatures continue to increase. Currently no viable replacement for today’s compacted graphite irons exist at an acceptable cost level. This project explored methods to develop the nextmore » generation of heavy duty diesel engine materials as well as demonstrated some results on new alloy designs although cost targets will likely not be met.« less

A structural study of solid electrolyte interface on negative electrode of lithium-Ion battery by electron microscopy.

PubMed

Matsushita, Tadashi; Watanabe, Jiro; Nakao, Tatsuya; Yamashita, Seiichi

2014-11-01

For the last decades, the performance of the lithium-ion battery (LIB) has been significantly improved and its applications have been expanding rapidly. However, its performance has yet to be enhanced.In the lithium-ion battery development, it is important to elucidate the electrode structure change in detail during the charge and discharge cycling. In particular, solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formed by decomposition of the electrolytes on the graphite negative electrode surface should play an important role for battery properties. Therefore, it is essential to control the structure and composition of SEI to improve the battery performance. Here, we conducted a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) study to elucidate the structures of the SEI during the charge and discharge process using LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 [1] cathode and graphite anode. [2] Since SEI is a lithium-containing compound with high activity, it was observed without being exposed to the atmosphere. The electrodes including SEI were sampled after dismantling batteries with cutoff voltages of 3V and 4.2V for the charge process and 3V for the discharge process. Fig.1 shows SEM images of the graphite electrode surface during the charge and discharge process. The change of the SEI structure during the process was clearly observed. Further, TEM images showed that the SEI grew thicker during the charge process and becomes thinner when discharged. These results with regard to the reversible SEI structure could give a new insight for the battery development.jmicro;63/suppl_1/i21/DFU056F1F1DFU056F1Fig. 1.SEM images of the graphite electrode surface:(a) before charge process;(b) with charge-cutoff voltage of 3.0V; (c) with charge-cutoff voltage of 4.2V; (d) with discharge-cutoff voltage of 3.0V. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Conductive Paper with Antibody-Like Film for Electrical Readings of Biomolecules

PubMed Central

Tavares, Ana P. M.; Ferreira, Nádia S.; Truta, Liliana A. A. N. A.; Sales, M. Goreti F.

2016-01-01

This work reports a novel way of producing an inexpensive substrate support to assemble a sensing film, designed for the electrical transduction of an intended biomolecule. The support uses cellulose paper as substrate, made hydrophobic with solid wax and covered by a home-made conductive ink having graphite as core material. The hydrophobicity of the paper was confirmed by contact angle measurements and the conductive ink composition was optimized with regard to its adhesion, conductivity, and thermal stability. This support was further modified targeting its application in quantitative analysis. Carnitine (CRT) was selected as target compound, a cancer biomarker. The recognition material consisted of an antibody-like receptor film for CRT, tailored on the support and prepared by electrically-sustained polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) or dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of the polymeric film on the support, and the performance of the devices was extensively evaluated with regard to linear response ranges, selectivity, applicability, and reusability. Overall, the paper-based sensors offer simplicity of fabrication, low cost and excellent reusability features. The design could also be extended to other applications in electrical-based approaches to be used in point-of-care (POC). PMID:27210055

Swift heavy ion-induced radiation damage in isotropic graphite studied by micro-indentation and in-situ electrical resistivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hubert, Christian; Voss, Kay Obbe; Bender, Markus; Kupka, Katharina; Romanenko, Anton; Severin, Daniel; Trautmann, Christina; Tomut, Marilena

2015-12-01

Due to its excellent thermo-physical properties and radiation hardness, isotropic graphite is presently the most promising material candidate for new high-power ion accelerators which will provide highest beam intensities and energies. Under these extreme conditions, specific accelerator components including production targets and beam protection modules are facing the risk of degradation due to radiation damage. Ion-beam induced damage effects were tested by irradiating polycrystalline, isotropic graphite samples at the UNILAC (GSI, Darmstadt) with 4.8 MeV per nucleon 132Xe, 150Sm, 197Au, and 238U ions applying fluences between 1 × 1011 and 1 × 1014 ions/cm2. The overall damage accumulation and its dependence on energy loss of the ions were studied by in situ 4-point resistivity measurements. With increasing fluence, the electric resistivity increases due to disordering of the graphitic structure. Irradiated samples were also analyzed off-line by means of micro-indentation in order to characterize mesoscale effects such as beam-induced hardening and stress fields within the specimen. With increasing fluence and energy loss, hardening becomes more pronounced.

Solid-Lubricant, Polymer - Polymeric and Functionalized Fiber- and Powder Reinforced Composites of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panin, S. V.; Alexenko, V. O.; Buslovich, D. G.; Anh, Nguyen Duc; Qitao, Huang

2018-01-01

Mechanical and tribotechnical characteristics of solid-lubricant and polymer-polymeric composites of UHMWPE were studied for the sake of design extrudable, wear-resistant, self-lubricant polymer mixtures for Additive Manufacturing (AM). Tribotechnical properties of UHMWPE blends with the optimized content of solid lubricant fillers (polytetrafluoroethylene, calcium stearate, molybdenum disulphide, colloidal graphite, boron nitride) were studied under dry sliding friction at different velocities (V = 0.3 and 0.5 m/s) and loads (P = 60 and 140 N). Also, in order to increase strength and wear-resistance of UHMWPE composites they were reinforced with wollastonite microfibers and aluminum metahydroxide AlO (OH) microparticles preliminary treated (functionalized) in polyorganosiloxane. The comparison on measured mechanical and tribotechnical properties are given with interpretation of the mechanisms of observed phenomenon.

Self-Organizing Batteries

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-12-16

of these principles to a lithium ion battery , resulting in the demonstration of the first self-organized rechargeable battery. These accomplishments...spherical graphite widely used as a lithium ion battery anode, was used as the high-index endmember and was attached to an AFM cantilever. Its...resulting junctions could be stable under electrochemical conditions typical of lithium ion battery systems. We used PEG + LiClO 4 as our model solid

Low-Energy, Hydrogen-Free Method of Diamond Synthesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varshney, Deepak (Inventor); Morell, Gerardo (Inventor); Weiner, Brad R. (Inventor); Makarov, Vladimir (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Diamond thin films were deposited on copper substrate by the Vapor Solid (VS) deposition method using a mixture of fullerene C(sub 60) and graphite as the source material. The deposition took place only when the substrate was kept in a narrow temperature range of approximately 550-650 C. Temperatures below and above this range results in the deposition of fullerenes and other carbon compounds, respectively.

Solid Lubricants for Space Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-17

will utilize mechanically interlocked hardware (caged bearings or bearings for ultra precision gimbals pointing mechanisms) controlled through precision...structure unless the lubricant were of low vapor pressure and/or suitably sealed to I prevent molecular effusion . While temperatures within spacecraft or...incorporation in the continuous cast system. The die made of graphite, consists of a plurality of openings or holes located in the die and positioned (unlined

Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory; determination of pesticides in water by graphitized carbon-based solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Furlong, Edward T.; Anderson, Bruce D.; Werner, Stephen L.; Soliven, Paul P.; Coffey, Laura J.; Burkhardt, Mark R.

2001-01-01

In 1996, the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL) developed and implemented a graphitized carbon-based solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatographic analytical method to determine polar pesticide concentrations in surface- and ground-water samples. Subsequently, the NWQL developed a complementary analysis that uses high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to detect, identify, and quantify polar pesticides and pesticide metabolites in filtered water at concentrations as low as 10 nanograms per liter. This new method was designed to improve sensitivity and selectivity over the prior method, and to reduce known interferences from natural organic matter.In this new method, pesticides are extracted from filtered water samples by useing a 0.5-gram graphitized carbon-based solid-phase extraction cartridge, eluted from the cartridge, and concentrations determined by using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. The upper concentration limit is 1.000 microgram per liter (μg/L) for most compounds. Single-operator method detection limits in organic-free water samples fortified with pesticides at a concentration of 0.025 μg/L ranged from 0.0019 to 0.022 μg/L for all compounds in the method. The grand mean (mean of mean recoveries for individual compounds) recoveries in organic-free water samples ranged from 72 to 89 percent, fortified with pesticides at three concentrations between 0.025 and 0.5 μg/L. Grand mean recoveries in ground- and surface-water samples ranged from 46 to 119 percent, also fortified with pesticides at three concentrations between 0.025 and 0.5 μg/L. Long-term recoveries from reagent water spikes were used to demonstrate that 38 of 65 compounds can be reported without qualification of the quantitative result across the analytical range of the method. The remaining 27 are reported with qualified estimates of concentration because of greater variability of recovery.

Heat Treatment Used to Strengthen Enabling Coating Technology for Oil-Free Turbomachinery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edmonds, Brian J.; DellaCorte, Christopher

2002-01-01

The PS304 high-temperature solid lubricant coating is a key enabling technology for Oil- Free turbomachinery propulsion and power systems. Breakthroughs in the performance of advanced foil air bearings and improvements in computer-based finite element modeling techniques are the key technologies enabling the development of Oil-Free aircraft engines being pursued by the Oil-Free Turbomachinery team at the NASA Glenn Research Center. PS304 is a plasma spray coating applied to the surface of shafts operating against foil air bearings or in any other component requiring solid lubrication at high temperatures, where conventional materials such as graphite cannot function.

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

DOEpatents

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

2015-04-07

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

WKB calculation of multiple spin exchange in monolayer solid 3He

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashizawa, Hisayuki; Hirashima, D. S.

2000-10-01

An insight is given into the multiple spin exchange in the registered 3×3 phase of solid 3He adsorbed on graphite with a WKB calculation taking account of the corrugation of the substrate potential. The corrugation is essential for this phase to be realized, and is found to suppress the exchange processes of many (>=4) particles to make only the two- and the three-spin exchanges relevant. When the magnitude of the corrugation is modest, the exchange can be ferromagnetic, in agreement with the experiment by Ikegami et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 2478 (1998)]. Validity and limitation of the WKB approximation are also discussed.

MIL-101(Cr)@GO for dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction of pharmaceutical residue in chicken breast used in microwave-assisted coupling with HPLC-MS/MS detection.

PubMed

Wang, Yudan; Dai, Xinpeng; He, Xi; Chen, Lin; Hou, Xiaohong

2017-10-25

In this work, MIL-101(Cr)@GO (Graphite Oxide) was synthesized using a hydrothermal synthesis method and was applied as a dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction (D-μ-SPE) sorbent for the efficient concentration of four residual drugs (metronidazole, MNZ; tinidazole, TNZ; chloramphenicol, CAP; sulfamethoxazole, SMX). Meanwhile, the extraction process was optimized by combining it with microwave-assisted extraction. Factors affecting the D-μ-SPE efficiency, such as selection of sorbent materials, pH of the sample solution, salting-out effect, amount of used material, extraction time, desorption solvent and desorption time, were studied. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the linearity ranged from 10 to 1000ngkg -1 and 1-100ngkg -1 (r 2 ≥0.9928) for the target analytes. The limits of detection were between 0.08 and 1.02ngkg -1 , and the limits of quantitation were between 0.26 and 3.40ngkg -1 . Additionally, the developed method also exhibited good precision (RSD≤2.5%), repeatability (RSD≤4.3%), high recoveries (88.9%-102.3%) and low matrix effects (78.2%-95.1%). The proposed method proved to be an efficient and reliable approach for the determination of the analytes. Finally, we successfully detected the four drugs in chicken breast. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-06-01

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2014-08-01

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

FOD impact testing of composite fan blades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johns, R. H.

1974-01-01

The results of impact tests on large, fiber composite fan blades for aircraft turbofan engine applications are discussed. Solid composite blades of two different sizes and designs were tested. Both graphite/epoxy and boron/epoxy were evaluated. In addition, a spar-shell blade design was tested that had a boron/epoxy shell bonded to a titanium spar. All blades were tested one at a time in a rotating arm rig to simulate engine operating conditions. Impacting media included small gravel, two inch diameter ice balls, gelatin and RTV foam-simulated birds, as well as starlings and pigeons. The results showed little difference in performance between the graphite and boron/epoxy blades. The results also indicate that composite blades may be able to tolerate ice ball and small bird impacts but need improvement to tolerate birds in the small duck and larger category.

FOD impact testing of composite fan blades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johns, R. H.

1974-01-01

The results of impact tests on large, fiber composite fan blades for aircraft turbofan engine applications are discussed. Solid composite blades of two different sizes and designs were tested. Both graphite/epoxy and boron/epoxy were evaluated. In addition, a spar-shell blade design was tested that had a boron/epoxy shell bonded to a titanium spar. All blades were tested one at a time in a rotating arm rig to simulate engine operating conditions. Impacting media included small gravel, two inch diameter ice balls, gelatin, and RTV foam-simulated birds, as well as starlings and pigeons. The results showed little difference in performance between the graphite and boron/epoxy blades. The results also indicate that composite blades may be able to tolerate ice ball and small bird impacts but need improvement to tolerate birds in the small duck and larger category.

Impact testing on composite fan blades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johns, R. H.

1974-01-01

The results of impact tests on large, fiber composite fan blades for aircraft turbofan engine applications are discussed. Solid composite blades of two different sizes and designs were tested. Both graphite/epoxy and boron/epoxy were evaluated. In addition, a spar-shell blade design was tested that had a boron/epoxy shell bonded to a titanium spar. All blades were tested one at a time in a rotating arm rig to simulate engine operating conditions. Impacting media included small gravel, two inch diameter ice balls, gelatin and RTV foam-simulated birds, as well as starlings and pigeons. The results showed little difference in performance between the graphite and boron/epoxy blades. The results also indicate that composite blades may be able to tolerate ice ball and small bird impacts but need improvement to tolerate birds in the small duck and larger category.

Tension strength of a thick graphite/epoxy laminate after impact by a 1/2-in. radius impactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, C. C., Jr.; Illg, W.; Garber, D. P.

1986-01-01

NASA is developing graphite/epoxy filament-wound cases for solid rocket motors of the space shuttle. They are wet-wound with AS4W graphite fiber and HBRF-55A epoxy. The membrane region is about 1.4 inches thick. Two 30-inch-diameter by 12-inch-long cylinders were impacted every two inches of circumference with 1/2-inch radius impactors that were dropped from various heights. One cylinder was empty and the other was filled with inert propellant. Two-inch-wide test specimens were cut from the cylinders. Each was centered on an impact site. The specimens were x-rayed and loaded to failure in uniaxial tension. Rigid body mechanics and the Hertz law were used to predict impact force, local deformations, contact diameters, and contact pressures. The depth of impact damage was predicted using Love's solution for pressure applied on part of the boundary of a semi-infinite body. The predictions were reasonably good. The strengths of the impacted specimens were reduced by as much as 37 percent without visible surface damage. Even the radiographs did not reveal the nonvisible damage.

Immobilization of paracetamol and benzocaine pro-drug derivatives as long-range self-organized monolayers on graphite.

PubMed

Popoff, Alexandre; Fichou, Denis

2008-05-01

We show here by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at the liquid/solid interface that paracetamol and benzocaine molecules bearing a long aliphatic chain can be immobilized on highly oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) as perfectly ordered two-dimensional domains extending over several hundreds of nanometers. In both cases, high-resolution STM images reveal that compounds 1 and 2 self-assemble into parallel lamellae having a head-to-head arrangement. The paracetamol heads of 1 are in a zigzag position with entangled n-dodecyloxy side chains while benzocaine heads of compound 2 are perfectly aligned as a double row and have their palmitic side chains on either sides of the head alignment. We attribute the very long-range ordering of these two pro-drug derivatives on HOPG to the combined effects of intermolecular H-bonding on one side and Van der Waals interactions between aliphatic side chains and graphite on the other side. The 2D immobilization of pro-drug derivatives via a non-destructive physisorption mechanism could prove to be useful for applications such as drug delivery if it can be realized on a biocompatible substrate.

The influence of buoyant forces and volume fraction of particles on the particle pushing/entrapment transition during directional solidification of Al/SiC and Al/graphite composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stefanescu, Doru M.; Moitra, Avijit; Kacar, A. Sedat; Dhindaw, Brij K.

1990-01-01

Directional solidification experiments in a Bridgman-type furnace were used to study particle behavior at the liquid/solid interface in aluminum metal matrix composites. Graphite or silicon-carbide particles were first dispersed in aluminum-base alloys via a mechanically stirred vortex. Then, 100-mm-diameter and 120-mm-long samples were cast in steel dies and used for directional solidification. The processing variables controlled were the direction and velocity of solidification and the temperature gradient at the interface. The material variables monitored were the interface energy, the liquid/particle density difference, the particle/liquid thermal conductivity ratio, and the volume fraction of particles. These properties were changed by selecting combinations of particles (graphite or silicon carbide) and alloys (Al-Cu, Al-Mg, Al-Ni). A model which consideres process thermodynamics, process kinetics (including the role of buoyant forces), and thermophysical properties was developed. Based on solidification direction and velocity, and on materials properties, four types of behavior were predicted. Sessile drop experiments were also used to determine some of the interface energies required in calculation with the proposed model. Experimental results compared favorably with model predictions.

The influence of buoyant forces and volume fraction of particles on the particle pushing/entrapment transition during directional solidification of Al/SiC and Al/graphite composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stefanescu, Doru M.; Moitra, Avijit; Kacar, A. Sedat; Dhindaw, Brij K.

1990-01-01

Directional solidification experiments in a Bridgman-type furnace were used to study particle behavior at the liquid/solid interface in aluminum metal matrix composites. Graphite or siliconcarbide particles were first dispersed in aluminum-base alloys via a mechanically stirred vortex. Then, 100-mm-diameter and 120-mm-long samples were cast in steel dies and used for directional solidification. The processing variables controlled were the direction and velocity of solidification and the temperature gradient at the interface. The material variables monitored were the interface energy, the liquid/particle density difference, the particle/liquid thermal conductivity ratio, and the volume fraction of particles. These properties were changed by selecting combinations of particles (graphite or silicon carbide) and alloys (Al-Cu, Al-Mg, Al-Ni). A model which considers process thermodynamics, process kinetics (including the role of buoyant forces), and thermophysical properties was developed. Based on solidification direction and velocity, and on materials properties, four types of behavior were predicted. Sessile drop experiments were also used to determine some of the interface energies required in calculation with the proposed model. Experimental results compared favorably with model predictions.

High performance sulfur graphite full cell for next generation sulfur Li-ion battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yunwen; Momma, Toshiyuki; Yokoshima, Tokihiko; Nara, Hiroki; Osaka, Tetsuya

2018-06-01

Sulfur (S) Li-ion battery which use the metallic Li free anode is deemed as a promising solution to conquer the hazards originating from Li metal. However, stable cycling performance and low production price of the S Li-ion battery still remain challenging. Here, we propose a S-LixC full cell system by paring a S cathode and a pre-lithiated graphite anode which is cheap and commercially available. It shows stable cycling performance with a capacity around 1300 mAh (g-S)-1 at 0.2 C-rate and 1000 mAh (g-S)-1 at 0.5 C-rate. In addition, 0.1% per cycle capacity fading rate with a capacity retention of 880 mAh (g-S)-1 after 400 cycles at 0.2 C-rate has been achieved. The pre-formed solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the pre-lithaited graphite anode largely contributes to the high capacity performance. Notably, a 10-times-enlarged scale of S-LixC laminate type full cell has been assembled with high capacity performance (around 1000 mAh (g-S)-1) even after high rate cycling.

Nucleation of ripplocations through atomistic modeling of surface nanoindentation in graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freiberg, D.; Barsoum, M. W.; Tucker, G. J.

2018-05-01

In this work, we study the nucleation and subsequent evolution behavior of ripplocations - a newly proposed strain accommodating defect in layered materials where one, or more, layers buckle orthogonally to the layers - using atomistic modeling of graphite. To that effect, we model the response to cylindrical indenters with radii R of 50, 100, and 250 nm, loaded edge-on into graphite layers and the strain gradient effects beneath the indenter are quantified. We show that the response is initially elastic followed by ripplocation nucleation, and growth of multiple fully reversible ripplocation boundaries below the indenter. In the elastic region, the stress is found to be a function of indentation volume; beyond the elastic regime, the interlayer strain gradient emerges as paramount in the onset of ripplocation nucleation and subsequent in-plane stress relaxation. Furthermore, ripplocation boundaries that nucleate from the alignment of ripplocations on adjacent layers are exceedingly nonlocal and propagate, wavelike, away from the indented surface. This work not only provides a critical understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of the deformation of layered solids and formation of kink boundaries, but also provides a more complete description of the nucleation mechanics of ripplocations and their strain field dependence.

Formation and Inhibition of Metallic Lithium Microstructures in Lithium Batteries Driven by Chemical Crossover

DOE PAGES

Li, Wangda; Kim, Un-Hyuck; Dolocan, Andrei; ...

2017-05-14

The formation of metallic lithium microstructures in the form of dendrites or mosses at the surface of anode electrodes (e.g., lithium metal, graphite, and silicon) leads to rapid capacity fade and poses grave safety risks in rechargeable lithium batteries. In this work, we present here a direct, relative quantitative analysis of lithium deposition on graphite anodes in pouch cells under normal operating conditions, paired with a model cathode material, the layered nickel-rich oxide LiNi 0.61Co 0.12Mn 0.27O 2, over the course of 3000 charge-discharge cycles. Secondary-ion mass spectrometry chemically dissects the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) on extensively cycled graphite with virtuallymore » atomic depth resolution and reveals substantial growth of Li-metal deposits. With the absence of apparent kinetic (e.g., fast charging) or stoichiometric restraints (e.g., overcharge) during cycling, we show lithium deposition on graphite is triggered by certain transition-metal ions (manganese in particular) dissolved from the cathode in a disrupted SEI. This insidious effect is found to initiate at a very early stage of cell operation (<200 cycles) and can be effectively inhibited by substituting a small amount of aluminum (~1 mol %) in the cathode, resulting in much reduced transition-metal dissolution and drastically improved cyclability. In conclusion, our results may also be applicable to studying the unstable electrodeposition of lithium on other substrates, including Li metal.« less

Formation and Inhibition of Metallic Lithium Microstructures in Lithium Batteries Driven by Chemical Crossover

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

Li, Wangda; Kim, Un-Hyuck; Dolocan, Andrei

The formation of metallic lithium microstructures in the form of dendrites or mosses at the surface of anode electrodes (e.g., lithium metal, graphite, and silicon) leads to rapid capacity fade and poses grave safety risks in rechargeable lithium batteries. In this work, we present here a direct, relative quantitative analysis of lithium deposition on graphite anodes in pouch cells under normal operating conditions, paired with a model cathode material, the layered nickel-rich oxide LiNi 0.61Co 0.12Mn 0.27O 2, over the course of 3000 charge-discharge cycles. Secondary-ion mass spectrometry chemically dissects the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) on extensively cycled graphite with virtuallymore » atomic depth resolution and reveals substantial growth of Li-metal deposits. With the absence of apparent kinetic (e.g., fast charging) or stoichiometric restraints (e.g., overcharge) during cycling, we show lithium deposition on graphite is triggered by certain transition-metal ions (manganese in particular) dissolved from the cathode in a disrupted SEI. This insidious effect is found to initiate at a very early stage of cell operation (<200 cycles) and can be effectively inhibited by substituting a small amount of aluminum (~1 mol %) in the cathode, resulting in much reduced transition-metal dissolution and drastically improved cyclability. In conclusion, our results may also be applicable to studying the unstable electrodeposition of lithium on other substrates, including Li metal.« less

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2014-01-01

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

Quantum study of Eley-Rideal reaction and collision induced desorption of hydrogen atoms on a graphite surface. II. H-physisorbed case.

PubMed

Martinazzo, Rocco; Tantardini, Gian Franco

2006-03-28

Following previous investigation of collision induced (CI) processes involving hydrogen atoms chemisorbed on graphite [R. Martinazzo and G. F. Tantardini, J. Chem. Phys. 124, 124702 (2006)], the case in which the target hydrogen atom is initially physisorbed on the surface is considered here. Several adsorbate-substrate initial states of the target H atom in the physisorption well are considered, and CI processes are studied for projectile energies up to 1 eV. Results show that (i) Eley-Rideal cross sections at low collision energies may be larger than those found in the H-chemisorbed case but they rapidly decrease as the collision energy increases; (ii) product hydrogen molecules are vibrationally very excited; (iii) collision induced desorption cross sections rapidly increase, reaching saturation values greater than 10 A2; (iv) trapping of the incident atoms is found to be as efficient as the Eley-Rideal reaction at low energies and remains sizable (3-4 A2) at high energies. The latter adsorbate-induced trapping results mainly in formation of metastable hot hydrogen atoms, i.e., atoms with an excess energy channeled in the motion parallel to the surface. These atoms might contribute in explaining hydrogen formation on graphite.

High heat flux Langmuir probe array for the DIII-D divertor platesa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watkins, J. G.; Taussig, D.; Boivin, R. L.; Mahdavi, M. A.; Nygren, R. E.

2008-10-01

Two modular arrays of Langmuir probes designed to handle a heat flux of up to 25 MW/m2 for 10 s exposures have been installed in the lower divertor target plates of the DIII-D tokamak. The 20 pyrolytic graphite probe tips have more than three times higher thermal conductivity and 16 times larger mass than the original DIII-D isotropic graphite probes. The probe tips have a fixed 12.5° surface angle to distribute the heat flux more uniformly than the previous 6 mm diameter domed collectors and a symmetric "rooftop" design to allow operation with reversed toroidal magnetic field. A large spring-loaded contact area improves heat conduction from each probe tip through a ceramic insulator into a cooled graphite divertor floor tile. The probe tips, brazed to molybdenum foil to ensure good electrical contact, are mounted in a ceramic tray for electrical isolation and reliable cable connections. The new probes are located 1.5 cm radially apart in a staggered arrangement near the entrance to the lower divertor pumping baffle and are linearly spaced 3 cm apart on the shelf above the in-vessel cryopump. Typical target plate profiles of Jsat, Te, and Vf with 4 mm spatial resolution are shown.

Guanine oxidation signal enhancement in DNA via a polyacrylonitrile nanofiber-coated and cyclic voltammetry-treated pencil graphite electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aladag Tanik, Nilay; Demirkan, Elif; Aykut, Yakup

2018-07-01

This study investigated the electrochemical detection of specific nucleic acid hybridization sequences using a nanofiber-coated pencil graphite biosensor. The biosensor was developed to detect Val66Met single point mutations in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene, which is frequently observed in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and bipolar disorder. The oxidation signal of the most electroactive and stable DNA base, i.e., guanine, was used at approximately +1.0 V. Pencil graphite electrode (PGE) surfaces were coated with polyacrylonitrile nanofibers by electrospinning. Cyclic voltammetry was applied to the nanofiber-coated PGE to pretreat its surfaces. The application of cyclic voltammetry to the nanofiber-coated PGE surfaces before attaching the probe yielded a four fold increase in the oxidation signal for guanine compared with that using the untreated and uncoated PGE surface. The signal reductions were 70% for hybridization, 10% for non-complementary binding, and 14% for a single mismatch compared with the probe. The differences in full match, non-complementary, and mismatch binding indicated that the biosensor selectively detected the target, and that it was possible to determine hybridization in about 65 min. The detection limit was 0.19 μg/ml at a target concentration of 10 ppm.

Growth of Carbon Nanostructure Materials Using Laser Vaporization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Shen; Su, Ching-Hua; Lehozeky, S.

2000-01-01

Since the potential applications of carbon nanotubes (CNT) was discovered in many fields, such as non-structure electronics, lightweight composite structure, and drug delivery, CNT has been grown by many techniques in which high yield single wall CNT has been produced by physical processes including arc vaporization and laser vaporization. In this presentation, the growth mechanism of the carbon nanostructure materials by laser vaporization is to be discussed. Carbon nanoparticles and nanotubes have been synthesized using pulsed laser vaporization on Si substrates in various temperatures and pressures. Two kinds of targets were used to grow the nanostructure materials. One was a pure graphite target and the other one contained Ni and Co catalysts. The growth temperatures were 600-1000 C and the pressures varied from several torr to 500 torr. Carbon nanoparticles were observed when a graphite target was used, although catalysts were deposited on substrates before growing carbon films. When the target contains catalysts, carbon nanotubes (CNT) are obtained. The CNT were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, optical absorption and transmission, and Raman spectroscopy. The temperature-and pressure-dependencies of carbon nanotubes' growth rate and size were investigated.

Role of Integrin Subunits in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation and Osteoblast Maturation on Graphitic Carbon-coated Microstructured Surfaces

PubMed Central

Olivares-Navarrete, Rene; Rodil, Sandra E.; Hyzy, Sharon L.; Dunn, Ginger R.; Almaguer-Flores, Argelia; Schwartz, Zvi; Boyan, Barbara D.

2015-01-01

Surface roughness, topography, chemistry, and energy promote osteoblast differentiation and increase osteogenic local factor production in vitro and bone-to-implant contact in vivo, but the mechanisms involved are not well understood. Knockdown of integrin heterodimer alpha2beta1 (α2β1) blocks the osteogenic effects of the surface, suggesting signaling by this integrin homodimer is required. The purpose of the present study was to separate effects of surface chemistry and surface structure on integrin expression by coating smooth or rough titanium (Ti) substrates with graphitic carbon, retaining surface morphology but altering surface chemistry. Ti surfaces (smooth [Ra<0.4μm], rough [Ra≥3.4μm]) were sputter-coated using a magnetron sputtering system with an ultrapure graphite target, producing a graphitic carbon thin film. Human mesenchymal stem cells and MG63 osteoblast-like cells had higher mRNA for integrin subunits α1, α2, αv, and β1 on rough surfaces in comparison to smooth, and integrin αv on graphitic-carbon-coated rough surfaces in comparison to Ti. Osteogenic differentiation was greater on rough surfaces in comparison to smooth, regardless of chemistry. Silencing integrins β1, α1, or α2 decreased osteoblast maturation on rough surfaces independent of surface chemistry. Silencing integrin αv decreased maturation only on graphitic carbon-coated surfaces, not on Ti. These results suggest a major role of the integrin β1 subunit in roughness recognition, and that integrin alpha subunits play a major role in surface chemistry recognition. PMID:25770999

Measurement of Thick Target Neutron Yields at 0-Degree Bombarded With 140-MeV, 250-MeV And 350-MeV Protons

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

Iwamoto, Yosuke; /JAERI, Kyoto; Taniguchi, Shingo

Neutron energy spectra at 0{sup o} produced from stopping-length graphite, aluminum, iron and lead targets bombarded with 140, 250 and 350 MeV protons were measured at the neutron TOF course in RCNP of Osaka University. The neutron energy spectra were obtained by using the time-of-flight technique in the energy range from 10 MeV to incident proton energy. To compare the experimental results, Monte Carlo calculations with the PHITS and MCNPX codes were performed using the JENDL-HE and the LA150 evaluated nuclear data files, the ISOBAR model implemented in PHITS, and the LAHET code in MCNPX. It was found that thesemore » calculated results at 0{sup o} generally agreed with the experimental results in the energy range above 20 MeV except for graphite at 250 and 350 MeV.« less

Fluorescent carbon and graphene oxide nanoparticles synthesized by the laser ablation in liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Małolepszy, A.; Błonski, S.; Chrzanowska-Giżyńska, J.; Wojasiński, M.; Płocinski, T.; Stobinski, L.; Szymanski, Z.

2018-04-01

The results of synthesis of the fluorescent carbon dots (CDots) from graphite target and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticles performed by the nanosecond laser ablation in polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG200) are shown. Two-step laser irradiation (first graphite target, next achieved suspension) revealed a very effective production of CDots. However, the ablation in PEG appeared to be effective with 1064 nm laser pulse in contrast to the ablation with 355 nm laser pulse. In the case of rGO nanoparticles similar laser irradiation procedure was less efficient. In both cases, received nanoparticles exhibited strong, broadband photoluminescence with a maximum dependent on the excitation wavelength. The size distribution for obtained CDots was evaluated using the DLS technique and HRTEM images. The results from both methods show quite good agreement in nanoparticle size estimation although the DLS method slightly overestimates nanoparticle's diameter.

Engineering Analysis Studies for Preliminary Design of Lightweight Cryogenic Hydrogen Tanks in UAV Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Roy M.; Palko, Joseph L.; Tornabene, Robert T.; Bednarcyk, Brett A.; Powers, Lynn M.; Mital, Subodh K.; Smith, Lizalyn M.; Wang, Xiao-Yen J.; Hunter, James E.

2006-01-01

A series of engineering analysis studies were conducted to investigate the potential application of nanoclay-enhanced graphite/epoxy composites and polymer cross-linked silica aerogels in cryogenic hydrogen storage tank designs. This assessment focused on the application of these materials in spherical tank designs for unmanned aeronautic vehicles with mission durations of 14 days. Two cryogenic hydrogen tank design concepts were considered: a vacuum-jacketed design and a sandwiched construction with an aerogel insulating core. Analyses included thermal and structural analyses of the tank designs as well as an analysis of hydrogen diffusion to specify the material permeability requirements. The analyses also provided material property targets for the continued development of cross-linked aerogels and nanoclay-enhanced graphite/epoxy composites for cryogenic storage tank applications. The results reveal that a sandwiched construction with an aerogel core is not a viable design solution for a 14-day mission. A vacuum-jacketed design approach was shown to be far superior to an aerogel. Aerogel insulation may be feasible for shorter duration missions. The results also reveal that the application of nanoclay-enhanced graphite/epoxy should be limited to the construction of outer tanks in a vacuum-jacketed design, since a graphite/epoxy inner tank does not provide a significant weight savings over aluminum and since the ability of nanoclay-enhanced graphite/epoxy to limit hydrogen permeation is still in question.

Dry Lubrication of High Temperature Silicon Nitride Rolling Contacts.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-11-01

comparable to M50 bearing steel [2]. Quality control measures were implemented in the areas of raw material inspection as well as non-destructive evaluation...to oil lubricated bearing steels . Due to the apparent success of graphite at high tem- perature, three vendors were selected that manufacture graph...hybrid bearings ( steel rings and silicon nitride balls) to establish solid lubricant/cage design practices. High temperature bearing tests with silicon

Inexpensive Chemiresistor Sensors for Real Time Ground Water Contamination Measurement

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-04-01

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

24-HOUR DIFFUSIVE SAMPLING OF 1,3-BUTADIENE IN AIR ONTO CARBONPAK X SOLID ADSORBENT WITH THEMAL DESORPTION/GC/MS ANALYSIS - FEASIBILITY STUDIES

EPA Science Inventory

Diffusive sampling of 1,3-butadiene for 24 hours onto the graphitic adsorbent Carbopack X contained in a stainless steel tube badge (6.3 mm OD, 5 mm ID, and 90 mm in length) with analysis by thermal desorption/GC/MS has been evaluated in controlled tests. A test matrix of 42 tr...

24-HOUR DIFFUSIVE SAMPLING OF 1,3-BUTADIENE IN AIR ONTO CARBOPACK X SOLID ADSORBENT FOLLOWED BY THERMAL DESORPTION/GC/MS ANALYSIS - FEASIBILITY STUDY

EPA Science Inventory

Diffusive sampling of 1,3-butadiene for 24 hr onto the graphitic adsorbent Carbopack X packed in a stainless steel tube badge (6.3 mm o.d., 5 mm i.d., and 90 mm in length) with analysis by thermal desorption/gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS) has been evaluated in con...

Solid Lubricated Rolling Element Bearings

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-02-15

lubricant into uneven patches of varnish . This varnish , along with the file-like action of the exposed ball carbides on the relatively softer races, can...its structure. Fluorine , one of the most reactive elements, reacts with graphite without combustion from about 790’F to 1022°F, forming a grey-colored...to allow for molding and machining after molding. 0 Method 2 (Hughes) Impregnating these dense weaves with a Thermid 600 polyimide varnish

Solid State Research, 1977:2

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-05-15

February through 15 May 1977 PUBLISHED REPORTS Journal Articles JA No. 4621 Minority Carriers in Graphite and the H- Point Magnetoreflec- tion... point , the light at the output face must emerge from the coupled guide. In principle, both switch states can be achieved us- ing the A/3...Fermi level moves downward with increasing proton dose until it becomes pinned at a position designated as the high-dose Fermi level. At this point

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

PubMed

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

2016-11-15

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

New insights into pre-lithiation kinetics of graphite anodes via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holtstiege, Florian; Schmuch, Richard; Winter, Martin; Brunklaus, Gunther; Placke, Tobias

2018-02-01

Pre-lithiation of anode materials can be an effective method to compensate active lithium loss which mainly occurs in the first few cycles of a lithium ion battery (LIB), due to electrolyte decomposition and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation at the surface of the anode. There are many different pre-lithiation methods, whereas pre-lithiation using metallic lithium constitutes the most convenient and widely utilized lab procedure in literature. In this work, for the first time, solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is applied to monitor the reaction kinetics of the pre-lithiation process of graphite with lithium. Based on static 7Li NMR, we can directly observe both the dissolution of lithium metal and parallel formation of LiCx species in the obtained NMR spectra with time. It is also shown that the degree of pre-lithiation as well as distribution of lithium metal on the electrode surface have a strong impact on the reaction kinetics of the pre-lithiation process and on the remaining amount of lithium metal. Overall, our findings are highly important for further optimization of pre-lithiation methods for LIB anode materials, both in terms of optimized pre-lithiation time and appropriate amounts of lithium metal.

IR spectroscopic study of the displacement of an SF6 monolayer on graphite by Xe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hess, G. B.; Xia, Yu

2017-09-01

We report a study of displacement by xenon of a monolayer of sulphur hexafluoride initially condensed on a graphite surface. Earlier work showed that, below 112 K, Xe displaces SF6 almost completely in a first-order transition. Working at higher temperatures, we show that this system has a simple eutectic-like phase diagram, at least for SF6 not too dilute. In our experiment, both adsorbates are in equilibrium with their respective vapors in a cold cell. In our infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy measurements, the SF6 coverage on the surface is monitored by the frequency shift due to dynamic dipole coupling of the collective mode of the strong SF6 ν3 vibrational resonance. Simulations relate this frequency shift to the SF6 areal density. Below T ≈ 134 K, with increasing Xe pressure, a small amount Xe dissolves in the solid SF6 monolayer preceding its displacement by a solid predominantly Xe monolayer in a first-order transition. Above 134 K, there is a weaker first-order transition to a mixed liquid monolayer, followed by continuous increase in Xe concentration. If the initial SF6 monolayer is near its melting line, the melting transition on adding Xe appears to become continuous.

IR spectroscopic study of the displacement of an SF6 monolayer on graphite by Xe.

PubMed

Hess, G B; Xia, Yu

2017-09-07

We report a study of displacement by xenon of a monolayer of sulphur hexafluoride initially condensed on a graphite surface. Earlier work showed that, below 112 K, Xe displaces SF 6 almost completely in a first-order transition. Working at higher temperatures, we show that this system has a simple eutectic-like phase diagram, at least for SF 6 not too dilute. In our experiment, both adsorbates are in equilibrium with their respective vapors in a cold cell. In our infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy measurements, the SF 6 coverage on the surface is monitored by the frequency shift due to dynamic dipole coupling of the collective mode of the strong SF 6 ν 3 vibrational resonance. Simulations relate this frequency shift to the SF 6 areal density. Below T ≈ 134 K, with increasing Xe pressure, a small amount Xe dissolves in the solid SF 6 monolayer preceding its displacement by a solid predominantly Xe monolayer in a first-order transition. Above 134 K, there is a weaker first-order transition to a mixed liquid monolayer, followed by continuous increase in Xe concentration. If the initial SF 6 monolayer is near its melting line, the melting transition on adding Xe appears to become continuous.

Effect of adsorption on the surface tensions of solid-fluid interfaces.

PubMed

Ward, C A; Wu, Jiyu

2007-04-12

A method is proposed for determining the surface tensions of a solid in contact with either a liquid or a vapor. Only an equilibrium adsorption isotherm at the solid-vapor interface needs to be added to Gibbsian thermodynamics to obtain the expressions for the solid-vapor and the solid-liquid surface tensions, gamma[1](SV) and gamma[1](SL), respectively. An equilibrium adsorption isotherm relation is formulated that has the essential property of not predicting an infinite amount adsorbed when the pressure is equal to the saturation-vapor pressure. Five different solid-vapor systems from the literature are examined, and found to be well described by the new isotherm relation. The surface-tension expressions obtained from the isotherm relation are examined by determining the surface tension of the solid in the absence of adsorption, gamma[1](S0), a material property of a solid surface. The value of gamma[1](S0) can be determined by adsorbing different vapors on the same solid, determining the isotherm parameters in each case, and then from the expression for gamma[1](SV) taking the limit of the pressure vanishing to determine gamma[1](S0). From previously reported measurements of benzene and of n-hexane adsorbing on graphitized carbon, the same value of gamma[1](S0) is obtained.

Study of 232Th(n, γ) and 232Th(n,f) reaction rates in a graphite moderated spallation neutron field produced by 1.6 GeV deuterons on lead target

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asquith, N. L.; Hashemi-Nezhad, S. R.; Westmeier, W.; Zhuk, I.; Tyutyunnikov, S.; Adam, J.

2015-02-01

The Gamma-3 assembly of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR), Dubna, Russia is designed to emulate the neutron spectrum of a thermal Accelerator Driven System (ADS). It consists of a lead spallation target surrounded by reactor grade graphite. The target was irradiated with 1.6 GeV deuterons from the Nuclotron accelerator and the neutron capture and fission rate of 232Th in several locations within the assembly were experimentally measured. 232Th is a proposed fuel for envisaged Accelerator Driven Systems and these two reactions are fundamental to the performance and feasibility of 232Th in an ADS. The irradiation of the Gamma-3 assembly was also simulated using MCNPX 2.7 with the INCL4 intra-nuclear cascade and ABLA fission/evaporation models. Good agreement between the experimentally measured and calculated reaction rates was found. This serves as a good validation for the computational models and cross section data used to simulate neutron production and transport of spallation neutrons within a thermal ADS.

The Statistical Analysis Techniques to Support the NGNP Fuel Performance Experiments

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

Bihn T. Pham; Jeffrey J. Einerson

2010-06-01

This paper describes the development and application of statistical analysis techniques to support the AGR experimental program on NGNP fuel performance. The experiments conducted in the Idaho National Laboratory’s Advanced Test Reactor employ fuel compacts placed in a graphite cylinder shrouded by a steel capsule. The tests are instrumented with thermocouples embedded in graphite blocks and the target quantity (fuel/graphite temperature) is regulated by the He-Ne gas mixture that fills the gap volume. Three techniques for statistical analysis, namely control charting, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, are implemented in the SAS-based NGNP Data Management and Analysis System (NDMAS) for automatedmore » processing and qualification of the AGR measured data. The NDMAS also stores daily neutronic (power) and thermal (heat transfer) code simulation results along with the measurement data, allowing for their combined use and comparative scrutiny. The ultimate objective of this work includes (a) a multi-faceted system for data monitoring and data accuracy testing, (b) identification of possible modes of diagnostics deterioration and changes in experimental conditions, (c) qualification of data for use in code validation, and (d) identification and use of data trends to support effective control of test conditions with respect to the test target. Analysis results and examples given in the paper show the three statistical analysis techniques providing a complementary capability to warn of thermocouple failures. It also suggests that the regression analysis models relating calculated fuel temperatures and thermocouple readings can enable online regulation of experimental parameters (i.e. gas mixture content), to effectively maintain the target quantity (fuel temperature) within a given range.« less

preparation of microgram samples on iron wool for radiocarbon analysis via accelerator mass spectrometry: A closed-system approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verkouteren, R. Michael; Klouda, George A.; Currie, Lloyd A.; Donahue, Douglas J.; Jull, A. J. Timothy; Linick, T. W.

1987-11-01

A technique has been developed at NBS for the production of high quality targets for radiocarbon analysis by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Our process optimizes chemical yields, ion currents and characterizes the chemical blank. The approach encompasses sample combustion to CO 2, catalytic reduction of CO 2 by Zn to CO, reduction to graphitic carbon on high-purity iron wool and in situ formation of a homogeneous iron-carbon bead; all steps are performed in a closed system. The total measurement system blank and variability are considered in the light of contributions from combustion, iron wool, reduction, bead formation and instrument blank. Additionally, use of this approach provides an increase in throughput, i.e. the effective management of large numbers of samples. Chemical yields for 50-800 μg C samples deposited on 15 mg iron wool were greater than 90%. Integrated 12C - ion currents observed were significant, being 4-64% of those observed in pure graphite. These currents are about an order of magnitude greater than those expected from dilution of graphite with an inert substrate. Isotopic accuracy, precision and blank were assessed by measuring the {14C }/{13C } ratios of a series of targets prepared from dead carbon and oxalic acid (SRM 4990C). Each target was typically measured for one hour; bead consumption was estimated at 5% to 10%. System blank subsequent to combustion was equivalent to (2.2 ± 0.5) μg modern carbon (chemistry + instrument); combustion blank currently stands at (0.4 ± 0.1) (SE, n = 6) μg C.

X-ray Thomson scattering measurement of temperature in warm dense carbon

DOE PAGES

Falk, Katerina; Fryer, C. L.; Gamboa, E. J.; ...

2016-11-22

Here, a novel platform to measure the equation of state using a combination of diagnostics, where the spectrally resolved x-ray Thomson scattering (XRTS) is used to obtain accurate temperature measurements of warm dense matter (WDM) was developed for the OMEGA laser facility. OMEGA laser beams have been used to drive strong shocks in carbon targets creating WDM and generating the Ni He-alpha x-ray probe used for XRTS. Additional diagnostics including x-ray radiography, velocity interferometry and streaked optical pyrometry provided complementary measurements of density and pressure. The WDM regime of near solid density and moderate temperatures (1–100 eV) is a challengingmore » yet important area of research in inertial confinement fusion and astrophysics. This platform has been used to study off-Hugoniot states of shock-released diamond and graphite at pressures between 1 and 10 Mbar and temperatures between 5 and 15 eV as well as first x-ray Thomson scattering data from shocked low density CH foams reaching five times compression and temperatures of 20–30 eV.« less

Simultaneous determination of multiresidual phenyl acetanilide pesticides in different food commodities by solid-phase cleanup and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Li, Yongjun; Wang, Meiling; Yan, Hongfei; Fu, Shanliang; Dai, Hua

2013-03-01

An efficient and sensitive multiresidue method has been developed for quantification and confirmation of 25 phenyl acetanilide pesticides in a wide variety of food commodities including maize, spinach, mushroom, apple, soybean, chestnut, tea, beef, cattle liver, chicken, fish, and milk. Analytes were extracted with acetone-n-hexane (1:2, v/v) followed by cleanup using SPE. Several types of adsorbents were evaluated. Neutral aluminum and graphitized carbon black cartridge showed good cleanup efficiency. The extract was determined by GC-MS in the selected ion monitoring mode using one target and two qualitative ions for each analyte. The limits of detection were 0.01 mg/kg for all analytes. The average recoveries ranged from 66.9 to 110.6% (mean 88.8%) and RSDs were in the range 2.0-19% (mean 10.5%) across three fortification levels. The proposed method was successfully applied to real samples in routine analysis and a satisfactory result was obtained. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Friction, Wear, and Surface Damage of Metals as Affected by Solid Surface Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bisson, Edmond E; Johnson, Robert L; Swikert, Max A; Godfrey, Douglas

1956-01-01

As predicted by friction theory, experiments showed that friction and surface damage of metals can be reduced by solid surface films. The ability of materials to form surface films that prevent welding was a very important factor in wear of dry and boundary lubricated surfaces. Films of graphitic carbon on cast irons, nio on nickel alloys, and feo and fe sub 3 o sub 4 on ferrous materials were found to be beneficial. Abrasive films such as fe sub 2 o sub 3 or moo sub 3 were definitely detrimental. It appears that the importance of oxide films to friction and wear processes has not been fully appreciated.

Wrinkled Few-Layer Graphene as Highly Efficient Load Bearer.

PubMed

Androulidakis, Charalampos; Koukaras, Emmanuel N; Rahova, Jaroslava; Sampathkumar, Krishna; Parthenios, John; Papagelis, Konstantinos; Frank, Otakar; Galiotis, Costas

2017-08-09

Multilayered graphitic materials are not suitable as load-bearers due to their inherent weak interlayer bonding (for example, graphite is a solid lubricant in certain applications). This situation is largely improved when two-dimensional (2D) materials such as a monolayer (SLG) graphene are employed. The downside in these cases is the presence of thermally or mechanically induced wrinkles which are ubiquitous in 2D materials. Here we set out to examine the effect of extensive large wavelength/amplitude wrinkling on the stress transfer capabilities of exfoliated simply supported graphene flakes. Contrary to common belief we present clear evidence that this type of "corrugation" enhances the load-bearing capacity of few-layer graphene as compared to "flat" specimens. This effect is the result of the significant increase of the graphene/polymer interfacial shear stress per increment of applied strain due to wrinkling and paves the way for designing affordable graphene composites with highly improved stress-transfer efficiency.

Integral throat entrance development, qualification and production for the Antares 3 nozzle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clayton, F. I.; Dirling, R. B.; Eitman, D. A.; Loomis, W. C.

1982-01-01

Although design analyses of a G-90 graphite integral throat entrance for the Antares 3 solid rocket motor nozzle indicated acceptable margins of safety, the nozzle throat insert suffered a thermostructural failure during the first development firing. Subsequent re-analysis using properties measured on material from the same billet as the nozzle throat insert showed negative margins. Carbon-carbon was investigated and found to result in large positive margins of safety. The G-90 graphite was replaced by SAI fast processed 4-D material which uses Hercules HM 10000 fiber as the reinforcement. Its construction allows powder filling of the interstices after preform fabrication which accelerates the densification process. Allied 15V coal tar pitch is then used to complete densification. The properties were extensively characterized on this material and six nozzles were subjected to demonstration, development and qualification firings.

The effective fine-structure constant of freestanding graphene measured in graphite.

PubMed

Reed, James P; Uchoa, Bruno; Joe, Young Il; Gan, Yu; Casa, Diego; Fradkin, Eduardo; Abbamonte, Peter

2010-11-05

Electrons in graphene behave like Dirac fermions, permitting phenomena from high-energy physics to be studied in a solid-state setting. A key question is whether or not these fermions are critically influenced by Coulomb correlations. We performed inelastic x-ray scattering experiments on crystals of graphite and applied reconstruction algorithms to image the dynamical screening of charge in a freestanding graphene sheet. We found that the polarizability of the Dirac fermions is amplified by excitonic effects, improving screening of interactions between quasiparticles. The strength of interactions is characterized by a scale-dependent, effective fine-structure constant, α(g)* (k,ω), the value of which approaches 0.14 ± 0.092 ~ 1/7 at low energy and large distances. This value is substantially smaller than the nominal α(g) = 2.2, suggesting that, on the whole, graphene is more weakly interacting than previously believed.

Electrolyte Structure near Electrode Interfaces in Lithium-Ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lordi, Vincenzo; Ong, Mitchell; Verners, Osvalds; van Duin, Adri; Draeger, Erik; Pask, John

2014-03-01

The performance of lithium-ion secondary batteries (LIBs) is strongly tied to electrochemistry and ionic transport near the electrode-electrolyte interface. Changes in ion solvation near the interface affect ion conductivity and also are associated with the formation and evolution of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers, which impede transport but also passivate the interface. Thus, understanding these effects is critical to optimizing battery performance. Here we present molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of typical organic liquid LIB electrolytes in contact with graphite electrodes to understand differences in molecular structure and solvation near the interface compared to the bulk electrolyte. Results for different graphite terminations are presented. We compare the results of density-functional based MD to the empirical reactive forcefield ReaxFF and the non-reactive, non-polarizable COMPASS forcefield. Notable differences in the predictive power of each of these techniques are discussed. Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Structural, chemical, and isotopic microanalytical investigations of graphite from supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Croat, T. Kevin; Bernatowicz, Thomas; Amari, Sachiko; Messenger, Scott; Stadermann, Frank J.

2003-12-01

We report the results of coordinated ion microprobe and transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies of presolar graphites from the KE3 separate (1.65-1.72 g/cm 3) of the Murchison CM2 meteorite. Isotopic analysis of individual graphites (1-12 μm) with the ion microprobe shows many to have large 18O excesses combined with large silicon isotopic anomalies, indicative of a supernova (SN) origin. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of ultramicrotome slices of these SN graphites revealed a high abundance (25-2400 ppm) of internal titanium carbides (TiCs), with a single graphite in some cases containing hundreds of TiCs. Isotopic compositions of individual TiCs by nanoscale resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) confirmed their presolar origin. In addition to TiCs, composite TiC/Fe grains (TiCs with attached iron-nickel subgrains) and solitary kamacite internal grains were found. In the composite grains, the attached iron phase (kamacite [0-24 at. % Ni] or taenite [up to 60 at. % Ni]) was epitaxially grown onto one or more TiC faces. In contrast to the denser Murchison KFC1 graphites, no Zr-Ti-Mo carbides were observed. The average TiC diameters were quite variable among the SN graphites, from 30 to 232 nm, and were generally independent of the host graphite size. TiC grain morphologies ranged from euhedral to anhedral, with the grain surfaces exhibiting variable degrees of corrosion, and sometimes partially amorphous rims (3 to 15 nm thick). Partially amorphous rims of similar thickness were also observed on some solitary kamacite grains. We speculate that the rims on the internal grains are most plausibly the result of atom bombardment caused by drift of grains with respect to the ambient gas, requiring relative outflow speeds ˜100 km/s (i.e., a few percent of the SN mass outflow speed). Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS) of TiCs revealed significant V in solid solution, with an average V/Ti ratio over all TiCs of ˜83% of the solar value of 0.122. Significant variations about the mean V/Ti ratio were also seen among TiCs in the same graphite, likely indicating chemical equilibration with the surrounding gas over a range of temperatures. In general, the diversity in internal TiC properties suggests that TiCs formed first and had substantially diverse histories before incorporation into the graphite, implying some degree of turbulent mixing in the SN outflows. In most graphites, there is a decrease in the number density of TiCs as a function of increasing radial dis- tance, caused by either preferential depletion of TiCs from the gas or an acceleration of graphite growth with decreasing ambient temperature. In several graphites, TiCs showed a trend of larger V/Ti ratios with increasing distance from the graphite center, an indication of progressive equilibration with the surrounding gas before they were sequestered in the graphites. In all but one graphite, no trend was seen in the TiC size vs. distance from the graphite center, implying that appreciable TiC growth had effectively stopped before the graphites formed, or else that graphite growth was rapid compared to TiC growth. Taken together, the chemical variations among internal grains as well as the presence of partially amorphous rims and epitaxial Fe phases on some TiCs clearly indicate that the phase condensation sequence was TiC, followed by the iron phases (only found in some graphites) and finally graphite. Since graphite typically condenses at a higher temperature than iron at low pressures (<10 -3 bars) in a gas with C > O and otherwise solar composition, the observed condensation sequence implies a relative iron enrichment in the gas or greater supersaturation of graphite relative to iron. The TEM observations allow inferences to be made about the physical conditions in the gas from which the grains condensed. Given the TiC sizes and abundances, the gas was evidently quite dusty. From the observed TiC size range of ˜20 nm to ˜500 nm (assuming ˜1 yr growth time and T ˜ 1800°K), we infer minimum Ti number densities in the gas to be ˜7 × 10 4 to ˜2 × 10 6 atoms/cc, respectively. Although the gas composition is clearly not solar, for scale, these number densities would correspond to a pressure range of ˜0.2 μbar to ˜5.0 μbar in a gas of solar composition. They also correspond to minimum TiC grain number densities of ˜3 × 10 -4 to ˜0.2 grains/cc, assuming complete condensation of Ti in TiC. We estimate the maximum ratio of mean TiC grain separation distance in the gas to grain diameter from the Ti number densities as ˜3 × 10 5 to ˜1 × 10 6.

Influence of target thickness on the release of radioactive atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guillot, Julien; Roussière, Brigitte; Tusseau-Nenez, Sandrine; Barré-Boscher, Nicole; Borg, Elie; Martin, Julien

2017-03-01

Nowadays, intense exotic beams are needed in order to study nuclei with very short half-life. To increase the release efficiency of the fission products, all the target characteristics involved must be improved (e.g. chemical composition, dimensions, physicochemical properties such as grain size, porosity, density…). In this article, we study the impact of the target thickness. Released fractions measured from graphite and uranium carbide pellets are presented as well as Monte-Carlo simulations of the Brownian motion.

The Design and Testing of a High-Temperature Graphite Dilatometer

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-06-24

characterization of its CTE is of little significance. Practical candidates are silica (fused quartz glass), Zerodur -type glass ceramics (5 x 10- 8 C-1 ), and...titanium silicates (< 5 x IO17 *C-1 ). Partially crystallized glasses, such as Zerodur , are limited to about 6006C. Silica can be subjected to almost...electronics, solid-state lasers , optical propagation and communications; cw and pulsed chemical laser development, optical resonators, beam control

Advanced Metals and Ceramics for Armor and Anti-Armor Applications. High-Fidelity Design and Processing of Advanced Armor Ceramics

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

microstructures through advanced powder processing , (7) nondestructive evaluation of ceramic armor, (8) investigation of the relation between quasi-static...of a green microstructure of a compact prepared by this process using Superior Graphite 490 powder that had been twice beneficiated by settling and...create a dense, uniform microstructure of highly oriented grains • Determined the relationship between processing parameters, such as shear and solids

Nontraditional Machining Guide, 26 Newcomers for Production

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-07-01

essential: Frequent coarse wheel dressing to maintain sharpness Lower wheel speeds (under 3500 sfpm) Lower infeed rates (0.0002 to 0.0005 inch per pass...Oil-base lubricants with good flow control Soft wheels (H, I or J grades) Higher table speeds (50 sfpm or more) Solid fixtures and well...the wheel and the workpiece as in ECG. Electrical discharges from the graphite wheel are initiated from the higher a-c voltage superimposed on

Hypervelocity impacts into graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latunde-Dada, S.; Cheesman, C.; Day, D.; Harrison, W.; Price, S.

2011-03-01

Studies have been conducted into the characterisation of the behaviour of commercial graphite (brittle) when subjected to hypervelocity impacts by a range of projectiles. The experiments were conducted with a two-stage gas gun capable of launching projectiles of differing density and strength to speeds of about 6kms-1 at right angles into target plates. The damage caused is quantified by measurements of the crater depth and diameters. From the experimental data collected, scaling laws were derived which correlate the crater dimensions to the velocity and the density of the projectile. It was found that for moderate projectile densities the crater dimensions obey the '2/3 power law' which applies to ductile materials.

Magnified fluorescence detection of silver(I) ion in aqueous solutions by using nano-graphite-DNA hybrid and DNase I.

PubMed

Wei, Yin; Li, Bianmiao; Wang, Xu; Duan, Yixiang

2014-08-15

This paper describes a novel approach utilizing nano-graphite-DNA hybrid and DNase I for the amplified detection of silver(I) ion in aqueous solutions for the first time. Nano-graphite can effectively quench the fluorescence of dye-labeled cytosine-rich single-stranded DNA due to its strong π-π stacking interactions; however, in the presence of Ag(+), C-Ag(+)-C coordination induces the probe to fold into a hairpin structure, which does not adsorb on the surface of nano-graphite and thus retains the dye fluorescence. Meanwhile, the hairpin structure can be cleaved by DNase I, and in such case Ag(+) is delivered from the complex. The released Ag(+) then binds other dye-labeled single-stranded DNA on the nano-graphite surface, and touches off another target recycling, resulting in the successive release of dye-labeled single-stranded DNA from the nano-graphite, which leads to significant amplification of the signal. The present magnification sensing system exhibits high sensitivity toward Ag(+) with a limit of detection of 0.3nM (S/N=3), which is much lower than the standard for Ag(+) in drinking water recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The selectivity of the sensor for Ag(+) against other biologically and environmentally related metal ions is outstanding due to the high specificity of C-Ag(+)-C formation. Moreover, the sensing system is used for the determination of Ag(+) in river water samples with satisfying results. The proposed assay is simple, cost-effective, and might open the door for the development of new assays for other metal ions or biomolecules. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

PubMed

Do, D D; Do, H D

2004-12-07

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

Energy Saving Melting and Revert Reduction Technology: Aging of Graphitic Cast Irons and Machinability

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

Richards, Von L.

2012-09-19

The objective of this task was to determine whether ductile iron and compacted graphite iron exhibit age strengthening to a statistically significant extent. Further, this effort identified the mechanism by which gray iron age strengthens and the mechanism by which age-strengthening improves the machinability of gray cast iron. These results were then used to determine whether age strengthening improves the machinability of ductile iron and compacted graphite iron alloys in order to develop a predictive model of alloy factor effects on age strengthening. The results of this work will lead to reduced section sizes, and corresponding weight and energy savings.more » Improved machinability will reduce scrap and enhance casting marketability. Technical Conclusions: Age strengthening was demonstrated to occur in gray iron ductile iron and compacted graphite iron. Machinability was demonstrated to be improved by age strengthening when free ferrite was present in the microstructure, but not in a fully pearlitic microstructure. Age strengthening only occurs when there is residual nitrogen in solid solution in the Ferrite, whether the ferrite is free ferrite or the ferrite lamellae within pearlite. Age strengthening can be accelerated by Mn at about 0.5% in excess of the Mn/S balance Estimated energy savings over ten years is 13.05 trillion BTU, based primarily on yield improvement and size reduction of castings for equivalent service. Also it is estimated that the heavy truck end use of lighter castings for equivalent service requirement will result in a diesel fuel energy savings of 131 trillion BTU over ten years.« less

One-step electrolytic preparation of Si-Fe alloys as anodes for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hailong; Sun, Diankun; Song, Qiqi; Xie, Wenqi; Jiang, Xu; Zhang, Bo

2016-06-01

One-step electrolytic formation of uniform crystalline Si-Fe alloy particles was successfully demonstrated in direct electro-reduction of solid mixed oxides of SiO2 and Fe2O3 in molten CaCl2 at 900∘C. Upon constant voltage electrolysis of solid mixed oxides at 2.8V between solid oxide cathode and graphite anode for 5h, electrolytic Si-Fe with the same Si/Fe stoichimetry of the precursory oxides was generated. The firstly generated Fe could function as depolarizers to enhance reduction rate of SiO2, resulting in the enhanced reduction kinetics to the electrolysis of individual SiO2. When evaluated as anode for lithium ion batteries, the prepared SiFe electrode showed a reversible lithium storage capacity as high as 470mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 200mA g-1, promising application in high-performance lithium ion batteries.

Vertically aligned GaAs nanowires on graphite and few-layer graphene: generic model and epitaxial growth.

PubMed

Munshi, A Mazid; Dheeraj, Dasa L; Fauske, Vidar T; Kim, Dong-Chul; van Helvoort, Antonius T J; Fimland, Bjørn-Ove; Weman, Helge

2012-09-12

By utilizing the reduced contact area of nanowires, we show that epitaxial growth of a broad range of semiconductors on graphene can in principle be achieved. A generic atomic model is presented which describes the epitaxial growth configurations applicable to all conventional semiconductor materials. The model is experimentally verified by demonstrating the growth of vertically aligned GaAs nanowires on graphite and few-layer graphene by the self-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid technique using molecular beam epitaxy. A two-temperature growth strategy was used to increase the nanowire density. Due to the self-catalyzed growth technique used, the nanowires were found to have a regular hexagonal cross-sectional shape, and are uniform in length and diameter. Electron microscopy studies reveal an epitaxial relationship of the grown nanowires with the underlying graphitic substrates. Two relative orientations of the nanowire side-facets were observed, which is well explained by the proposed atomic model. A prototype of a single GaAs nanowire photodetector demonstrates a high-quality material. With GaAs being a model system, as well as a very useful material for various optoelectronic applications, we anticipate this particular GaAs nanowire/graphene hybrid to be promising for flexible and low-cost solar cells.

Fundamental Investigation of Silicon Anode in Lithium-Ion Cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, James J.; Bennett, William R.

2012-01-01

Silicon is a promising and attractive anode material to replace graphite for high capacity lithium ion cells since its theoretical capacity is 10 times of graphite and it is an abundant element on Earth. However, there are challenges associated with using silicon as Li-ion anode due to the significant first cycle irreversible capacity loss and subsequent rapid capacity fade during cycling. Understanding solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation along with the lithium ion insertion/de-insertion kinetics in silicon anodes will provide greater insight into overcoming these issues, thereby lead to better cycle performance. In this paper, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are used to build a fundamental understanding of silicon anodes. The results show that it is difficult to form the SEI film on the surface of a Si anode during the first cycle; the lithium ion insertion and de-insertion kinetics for Si are sluggish, and the cell internal resistance changes with the state of lithiation after electrochemical cycling. These results are compared with those for extensively studied graphite anodes. The understanding gained from this study will help to design better Si anodes, and the combination of cyclic voltammetry with impedance spectroscopy provides a useful tool to evaluate the effectiveness of the design modifications on the Si anode performance.

Thermal abuse performance of high-power 18650 Li-ion cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, E. P.; Doughty, D. H.

High-power 18650 Li-ion cells have been developed for hybrid electric vehicle applications as part of the DOE Advanced Technology Development (ATD) program. The thermal abuse response of two advanced chemistries (Gen1 and Gen2) were measured and compared with commercial Sony 18650 cells. Gen1 cells consisted of an MCMB graphite based anode and a LiNi 0.85Co 0.15O 2 cathode material while the Gen2 cells consisted of a MAG10 anode graphite and a LiNi 0.80Co 0.15 Al 0.05O 2 cathode. Accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to measure the thermal response and properties of the cells and cell materials up to 400 °C. The MCMB graphite was found to result in increased thermal stability of the cells due to more effective solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation. The Al stabilized cathodes were seen to have higher peak reaction temperatures that also gave improved cell thermal response. The effects of accelerated aging on cell properties were also determined. Aging resulted in improved cell thermal stability with the anodes showing a rapid reduction in exothermic reactions while the cathodes only showed reduced reactions after more extended aging.

Thermodynamic and Neutron Scattering Investigation of Ethylene Wetting on MgO (100)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbour, Andi; Brown, Craig; Larese, J. Z.

2008-03-01

The adsorption properties of a molecular film on a solid substrate are governed by the relative strength of the molecule-substrate versus molecule-molecule interaction. The wetting properties of ethylene (C2H4) molecular thin films on graphite are of fundamental interest because the number of observed adlayers increases as the isothermal temperature increases with T<=104K (bulk triple point). In adsorbate/substrate systems like C2H4/graphite, it is accepted that triple point wetting occurs. For our studies, we employed MgO nanocubes because they represent a prototypical metal oxide with a wide variety of technological uses including catalyst support. Of particular interest are wetting/layering transitions and the changes that take place in the neighborhood of the bulk triple point. We report our experimental investigation of the adsorption behavior of evidence C2H4 on MgO (100) using high-precision adsorption isotherms and neutron diffraction and scattering. We demonstrate the dominate role that molecule-molecule interaction plays in the wetting phenomena by comparing the behavior of ethylene on graphite and MgO. U.S. Department of Energy (DE-AC05-00OR22725) at ORNL managed and operated by UT-Battelle, LLC, and the NSF (DMR-0412231).

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

PubMed

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

2011-07-01

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

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

DOE PAGES

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

2017-10-30

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

Determination of copper and mercury in phosphate fertilizers employing direct solid sampling analysis and high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Oliveira Souza, Sidnei; François, Luciane Luiza; Borges, Aline Rocha; Vale, Maria Goreti Rodrigues; Araujo, Rennan Geovanny Oliveira

2015-12-01

The present study proposes the determination of copper and mercury in phosphate fertilizers by direct solid sampling analysis (SS) employing high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF AAS). For Cu determination, two analytical lines were used: 327.3960 nm and 249.2146 nm. Hg determination was carried out on the line 253.6521 nm and 100 μg KMnO4 was used as chemical modifier. The optimal pyrolysis temperature for Cu determination was 1300 °C. Atomization temperatures for Cu and Hg were 2400 and 1100 °C, respectively. External calibration with aqueous standard solutions was adopted for both elements. The limits of quantification (LoQs) and characteristic mass (m0) obtained for Cu determination were 0.4 μg g- 1 and 1.12 ng, respectively, on line 249.2146 nm, and 64 μg g- 1 and 25 pg on 327.3960 nm. For mercury, LoQ and m0 were 4.8 ng g- 1 and 39 pg, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed methods was confirmed by the analysis of standard reference material (SRM) of Trace Elements in Multi-Nutrient Fertilizer (SRM NIST 695). The precision expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), was better than 8.2% for Hg and 7.7% for the Cu (n = 5), considered satisfactory for microanalysis in solid sample. Four fertilizer samples acquired in commercial establishments in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, were analyzed. The optimized analytical methods were simple, fast, accurate, precise and free of spectral interferences for the determination of Cu and Hg in phosphate fertilizer samples by SS-HR-CS GF AAS, avoiding the dissolution of the sample, the use of harmful reagents and the generation of residues.

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

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

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

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

Recent progress in the research of inorganic fullerene-like nanoparticles and inorganic nanotubes.

PubMed

Tenne, Reshef; Redlich, Meir

2010-05-01

Nanoparticles of inorganic compounds with layered (2D) structures, like graphite and MoS(2), were shown to be unstable in the planar from and fold on themselves forming seamless hollow structures like multiwall nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles. The present concise tutorial review reports on the salient developments in this field over the last several years. Numerous applications for such nanophases have been proposed, like solid lubricants, ultra-strong nanocomposites, catalysts, etc.

Cold cathode vacuum discharge tube

DOEpatents

Boettcher, Gordon E.

1998-01-01

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

Ignitability of Diesel Fuel with an Inclusion of Ultrafine Carbon Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-11-01

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

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

PubMed

Marzi Khosrowshahi, Elnaz; Razmi, Habib

2018-02-08

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

Ultra-low voltage electrowetting using graphite surfaces.

PubMed

Lomax, Deborah J; Kant, Pallav; Williams, Aled T; Patten, Hollie V; Zou, Yuqin; Juel, Anne; Dryfe, Robert A W

2016-10-26

The control of wetting behaviour underpins a variety of important applications from lubrication to microdroplet manipulation. Electrowetting is a powerful method to achieve external wetting control, by exploiting the potential-dependence of the liquid contact angle with respect to a solid substrate. Addition of a dielectric film to the surface of the substrate, which insulates the electrode from the liquid thereby suppressing electrolysis, has led to technological advances such as variable focal-length liquid lenses, electronic paper and the actuation of droplets in lab-on-a-chip devices. The presence of the dielectric, however, necessitates the use of large bias voltages (frequently in the 10-100 V range). Here we describe a simple, dielectric-free approach to electrowetting using the basal plane of graphite as the conducting substrate: unprecedented changes in contact angle for ultra-low voltages are seen below the electrolysis threshold (50° with 1 V for a droplet in air, and 100° with 1.5 V for a droplet immersed in hexadecane), which are shown to be reproducible, stable over 100 s of cycles and free of hysteresis. Our results dispel conventional wisdom that reversible, hysteresis-free electrowetting can only be achieved on solid substrates with the use of a dielectric. This work paves the way for the development of a new generation of efficient electrowetting devices using advanced materials such as graphene and monolayer MoS 2 .

Cobalt internal standard for Ni to assist the simultaneous determination of Mo and Ni in plant materials by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry employing direct solid sample analysis.

PubMed

de Babos, Diego Victor; Bechlin, Marcos André; Barros, Ariane Isis; Ferreira, Edilene Cristina; Gomes Neto, José Anchieta; de Oliveira, Silvana Ruella

2016-05-15

A new method is proposed for the simultaneous determination of Mo and Ni in plant materials by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GFAAS), employing direct solid sample analysis (DSS) and internal standardization (IS). Cobalt was used as internal standard to minimize matrix effects during Ni determinations, enabling the use of aqueous standards for calibration. Correlation coefficients for the calibration curves were typically better than 0.9937. The performance of the method was checked by analysis of six plant certified reference materials, and the results for Mo and Ni were in agreement with the certified values (95% confidence level, t-test). Analysis was made of different types of plant materials used as renewable sources of energy, including sugarcane leaves, banana tree fiber, soybean straw, coffee pods, orange bagasse, peanut hulls, and sugarcane bagasse. The concentrations found for Mo and Ni ranged from 0.08 to 0.63 ng mg(-1) and from 0.41 to 6.92 ng mg(-1), respectively. Precision (RSD) varied from 2.1% to 11% for Mo and from 3.7% to 10% for Ni. Limits of quantification of 0.055 and 0.074 ng were obtained for Mo and Ni, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Studies of Second Layer Hydrogens on Graphite: Hydrogen/hd/gr and Hd/hd/gr.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yuanming

Quasi-adiabatic heat capacity and volumetric vapor pressure isotherm techniques were used to study the thermodynamic properties of monolayer H_2 adsorbed on HD plated graphite (H_2/HD/Gr) and bilayer HD on bare graphite (HD/HD/Gr). Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) measurements were performed at the Laboratoire Leon Brillouin (LLB) in Saclay, France, to study the mobility of the bilayer HD films. The three techniques complemented each other. Three types of graphite were used: graphite foam for the heat capacity measurements, more loose and homogeneous graphite 'worms' for the isotherm measurements, and Papyex (similar to Grafoil) with a high surface-to-volume ratio for the QENS measurements. The heat capacity study on the mixture system H_2/HD/Gr is a continuation of the previous study on H_2/D _2/Gr by F. C. Liu et al. The results show three peculiar features which have not been seen in the pure bilayer hydrogen films: a tilted triple line, a distorted liquid(L)-vapor(V) coexistence region, and weak heat capacity anomalies at 10.1K. The triple line tilts backwards, from 6.58K to 6.25K as the H2 coverage increases. The lowest triple point temperature (6.25K) is still higher than both 5.96K of H_2/H _2/Gr (Wiechert et al.) and 5.74K of H_2/D_2/Gr (F. C. Liu et al.). The behavior of the triple line can be semi-quantitatively explained by a model of interlayer mixing which is based on the consideration that interlayer mixing lowers the system's free energy. The distortion of the L-V region and appearance of weak heat capacity anomalies are also believed to be due to interlayer mixing. The heat capacity measurements on HD/HD/Gr show a phase diagram similar to those of H_2 /H_2/MgO, H_2 /H_2/Gr, and 3D van der Waals systems, with the 2D triple and critical points at T _{t} = 8.44K and T_ {c} = 11.45K. The entropy change and heat of fusion at the triple point melting in HD/HD/Gr are comparable with those of H_2/H _2/Gr and D_2/D _2/Gr, but are considerably less (only about 1/3) than the ones of H_2/H _2/MgO. The vapor pressure isotherm measurements discover a relatively narrow solid(S)-liquid(L) coexistence region, confirming the small solid-liquid density difference expected from the relatively small entropy change upon the triple point melting. The triple point and critical point temperatures determined by the isotherms are consistent with the heat capacity measurements. The preliminary results of the QENS measurements show that the phase existing above T_{t } in the 2nd layer HD is a 2D liquid with a diffusion coefficient about 1/2-1/3 of that of the bulk liquid at its triple point (T_{t} (3D) = 16.60K), while surprisingly showing that there is a substantial liquid fraction and mobility at least 1^circK below the solidification temperature.

Fabricating solid carbon porous electrodes from powders

DOEpatents

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

1997-01-01

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

Growth of fullerene-like carbon nitride thin solid films consisting of cross-linked nano-onions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czigány, Zs.; Brunell, I. F.; Neidhardt, J.; Hultman, L.; Suenaga, K.

2001-10-01

Fullerene-like CNx (x≈0.12) thin solid films were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering of graphite in a nitrogen and argon discharge on cleaved NaCl and Si(001) substrates at 450 °C. As-deposited films consist of 5 nm diam CNx nano-onions with shell sizes corresponding to Goldberg polyhedra determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Electron energy loss spectroscopy revealed that N incorporation is higher in the core of the onions than at the perimeter. N incorporation promotes pentagon formation and provides reactive sites for interlinks between shells of the onions. A model is proposed for the formation of CNx nano-onions by continuous surface nucleation and growth of hemispherical shells.

Fabricating solid carbon porous electrodes from powders

DOEpatents

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

1997-06-10

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

Dynamic friction and wear of a solid film lubricant during radiation exposure in a nuclear reactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobson, T. P.

1972-01-01

The effect of nuclear reactor radiation on the performance of a solid film lubricant was studied. The film consisted of molybdenum disulfide and graphite in a sodium silicate binder. Radiation levels of fast neutrons (E or = 1 MeV) were fluxed up to 3.5 times 10 to the 12th power n/sq cm-sec (intensity) and fluences up to 2 times 10 to the 18th power n/sq cm (total exposure). Coating wear lives were much shorter and friction coefficients higher in a high flux region of the reactor than in a low flux region. The amount of total exposure did not affect lubrication behavior as severely as the radiation intensity during sliding.

Correlated NanoSIMS, TEM, and XANES Studies of Presolar Grains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Groopman, Evan Edward

The objective of this thesis is to describe the correlated study of individual presolar grains via Nano-scale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM) utilizing X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES), with a focus on connecting these correlated laboratory studies to astrophysical phenomena. The correlated isotopic, chemical, and microstructural studies of individual presolar grains provide the most detailed description of their formation environments, and help to inform astrophysical models and observations of stellar objects. As a part of this thesis I have developed and improved upon laboratory techniques for micromanipulating presolar grains and embedding them in resin for ultramicrotomy after NanoSIMS analyses and prior to TEM characterization. The new methods have yielded a 100% success rate and allow for the specific correlation of microstructural and isotopic properties of individual grains. Knowing these properties allows for inferences to be made regarding the condensation sequences and the origins of the stellar material that condensed to form these grains. NanoSIMS studies of ultramicrotomed sections of presolar graphite grains have revealed complex isotopic heterogeneities that appear to be primary products of the grains' formation environments and not secondary processing during the grains' lifetimes. Correlated excesses in 15N and 18O were identified as being carried by TiC subgrains within presolar graphite grains from supernovae (SNe). These spatially-correlated isotopic anomalies pinpoint the origin of the material that formed these grains: the inner He/C zone. Complex microstructures and isotopic heterogeneities also provide evidence for mixing in globular SN ejecta, which is corroborated by models and telescopic observations. In addition to these significant isotopic discoveries, I have also observed the first reported nanocrystalline core surrounded by turbostratic graphite within a low-density SN graphite grain. Nanocrystalline cores consisting of randomly-oriented 2-4 nm sheets of graphene and surrounded by concentric shells of graphite have been observed in high-density presolar graphite grains from Asymptotic Giant Branch stars, whose grains are typically microstructurally distinct from SN graphite grains. These vastly different stellar environments briefly formed similar nanocrystalline structures before diverging in the structure of their mantling graphite to be typical of AGB and SN grains. While relatively few correlated NanoSIMS and TEM studies have been performed previously, which this research thesis aims to expand, my collaborators and I also endeavored to add a third correlated technique, STXM/XANES, which had previously not been applied to presolar grains. XANES allows for the investigation of molecular bonds, which we used to help infer physical and chemical properties of stellar ejecta. I investigated the C K-edge and Ti L-edge of molecular bonds in both presolar graphite grains and their TiC subgrains. The presolar graphite grains, while overwhelmingly composed of aromatic C molecules, host a wide variety of minor organic molecules. Considering the large isotopic anomalies in the grains, these minor components are not likely due to contamination. I also investigated the valence state of Ti in Ti-rich subgrains and plan to work towards illuminating the effect that V in solid solution has upon the TiC bonds.

Dissolution Mediated Boron and Carbon Storage during Exhumation of HP Metapelites: Examples from New Hampshire Tourmaline-Graphite Intergrowths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galvez, M.; Rumble, D.; Cody, G. D.; Sverjensky, D. A.

2013-12-01

The dynamic of light elements (e.g. C,B) in subduction zones is a complex process ultimately governed by variables such as P, T, fH2 and pH. Interface phenomena at scales from the outcrop to intergranular surfaces play key chemical and mechanical roles on this dynamic (e.g. Galvez et al. 2013). We report here a petrological study of hydrated borosilicate tourmaline intergrown with graphite formed at the contact between igneous intrusives and high grade micaschists in New Hampshire graphite deposits (Rumble and Hoering, 1986). Our study includes Raman scattering, SEM, microprobe analysis and thermodynamic modeling, focusing on the Franklin Pierce and Walpole outcrops. Both localities experienced HP-HT metamorphism during the Acadian orogeny as well as complex metasomatic process during exhumation. The tourmaline-graphite intergrowths are structurally localized at and around contacts between an aplite sill and micaschists - biotite-muscovite-garnet-sillimanite-plagioclase-quartz-ilmenite - (Franklin Pierce), or along shear zones (Walpole) in veins. Tourmalines are dravitic in composition (i.e. Na, Mg rich with minor vacancy and Li content 0.2/0.1 a.p.f.u) and contain multiple primary tubular mixed fluid-solid inclusions containing graphite, quartz and gaseous CO2 and CH4. Sharp optical and compositional radial zonations are observed from core to rim in sections along and perpendicular to the c-axis. Blue-green cores are enriched in Mg and Ca (1.5/0.1 a.p.f.u respectively) whereas rims are enriched in Fe, Na and Ti (0.9/0.6/0.1 a.p.f.u respectively). Alternative interpretations in terms of sector zoning or compositional variability of the mineralizing fluid will be discussed. The carbonaceous material (CM) occurs primarily as flakes directly replacing biotite present in wall rocks. The structural ordering of CM, of unambiguous abiotic origin, reveals a material possessing the 3 dimensional structure of hexagonal graphite. Our results are critically compared to measurements done on other metasomatic or biogenic graphite displaying high structural ordering. Other textural habit of graphite are radiating crystals of graphite preferentially growing along crystalline planes of wall rock minerals (e.g. plagioclases) and at the interface between grain edge. We test whether a C and B(OH)3° (×As, Cu) rich acidic vapor unmixing from a salt-rich aqueous fluid exsolved from crystallizing igneous bodies can account for some geochemical and textural greisen-type metasomatic features of these outcrops. Other mechanical and geochemical processes participating in the process will be discussed. This work is direct evidence that respeciation and/or fluid-rock interaction at varying P,T,fH2,pH conditions of fluids during exhumation, as well as interaction between magmatic bodies and metasedimentary units play a key role in the cycling of light elements during exhumation. Rumble, D., III, and Hoering, T.C., 1986, Carbon isotope geochemistry of graphite vein deposits from New Hampshire, U.S.A: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 50, p. 1239-1247. Galvez ME, Beyssac O, Martinez I, Benzerara K, Chaduteau C, Malvoisin B, Malavieille J (2013) Graphite formation by carbonate reduction during subduction. Nature Geoscience 6 (6):473-477

Surface structure modification of single crystal graphite after slow, highly charged ion irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alzaher, I.; Akcöltekin, S.; Ban-d'Etat, B.; Manil, B.; Dey, K. R.; Been, T.; Boduch, P.; Rothard, H.; Schleberger, M.; Lebius, H.

2018-04-01

Single crystal graphite was irradiated by slow, highly charged ions. The modification of the surface structure was studied by means of Low-Energy Electron Diffraction. The observed damage cross section increases with the potential energy, i.e. the charge state of the incident ion, at a constant kinetic energy. The potential energy is more efficient for the damage production than the kinetic energy by more than a factor of twenty. Comparison with earlier results hints to a strong link between early electron creation and later target atom rearrangement. With increasing ion fluence, the initially large-scale single crystal is first transformed into μ m-sized crystals, before complete amorphisation takes place.

Dose control in electron beam processing: Comparison of results from a graphite charge collector, routine dosimeters and the ISS alanine-based dosimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuochi, P. G.; Onori, S.; Casali, F.; Chirco, P.

1993-10-01

A 12 MeV linear accelerator is currently used for electron beam processing of power semiconductor devices for lifetime control and, on an experimental basis, for food irradiation, sludge treatment etc. In order to control the irradiation process a simple, quick and reliable method for a direct evaluation of dose and fluence in a broad electron beam has been developed. This paper presents the results obtained using a "charge collector" which measures the charge absorbed in a graphite target exposed in air. Calibration of the system with super-Fricke dosimeter and comparison of absorbed dose results obtained with plastic dosimeters and alanine pellets are discussed.

One step synthesis of porous graphene by laser ablation: A new and facile approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazemizadeh, Fatemeh; Malekfar, Rasoul

2018-02-01

Porous graphene (PG) was obtained using one step laser process. Synthesis was carried out by laser ablation of nickel-graphite target under ultra-high flow of argon gas. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) results showed the formation of a porous structure and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the porosity of PGs increase under intense laser irradiation. Structural characterization study using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) technique showed that the obtained PGs display high crystalline structure in the form of few layer rhombohedral graphitic arrangement that can be interpreted as the phase prior to the formation of other carbon nanostructures.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-01-01

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

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chattopadhyay, Jayanta

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

Amplified fluorescent aptasensor through catalytic recycling for highly sensitive detection of ochratoxin A.

PubMed

Wei, Yin; Zhang, Ji; Wang, Xu; Duan, Yixiang

2015-03-15

This paper describes a novel approach utilizing nano-graphite-aptamer hybrid and DNase I for the amplified detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) for the first time. Nano-graphite can effectively quench the fluorescence of carboxyfluorescein (FAM) labeled OTA specific aptamer due to their strong π-π; stacking interactions; while upon OTA addition, it will bind with aptamer to fold into an OTA-aptamerG-quadruplex structure, which does not adsorb on the surface of nano-graphite and thus retains the dye fluorescence. Meanwhile, the G-quadruplex structure can be cleaved by DNase I, and in such case OTA is delivered from the complex. The released OTA then binds other FAM-labeled aptamers on the nano-graphite surface, and touches off another target recycling, resulting in the successive release of dye-labeled aptamers from the nano-graphite, which leads to significant amplification of the signal. Under the optimized conditions, the present amplified sensing system exhibits high sensitivity toward OTA with a limit of detection of 20nM (practical measurement), which is about 100-fold higher than that of traditional unamplified homogeneous assay. Our developed method also showed high selectivity against other interference molecules and can be applied for the detection of OTA in real red wine samples. The proposed assay is simple, cost-effective, and might open a door for the development of new assays for other biomolecules. This aptasensor is of great practical importance in food safety and could be widely extended to the detection of other toxins by replacing the sequence of the recognition aptamer. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantum-Mechanical Combinatorial Design of Solids having Target Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zunger, Alex

2007-03-01

(1) One of the most striking aspects of solid state physics is the diversity of structural forms in which crystals appear in Nature. Not only are there many distinct crystal-types, but combinations of two or more crystalline materials (alloys) give rise to various local geometric atomic patters. The already rich repertoire of such forms has recently been significantly enhanced by the advent of artificial crystal growth techniques (MBE, STM- atom positioning, etc.) that can create desired structural forms, such as superlattices and impurity clusters even in defiance of the rules of equilibrium thermodynamics. (2) At the same time, the fields of chemistry of nanostructures and physics of structural phase-transitions have long revealed that different atomic configurations generally lead to different physical properties even without altering the chemical makeup. While the most widely - known illustration of such ``form controls function'' rule is the dramatically different color, conductivity and hardness of the allotropical forms of pure carbon (diamond,graphite, C60), the physics of semiconductor superstructures and nanostructures is full of striking examples of how optical, magnetic and transport properties depend sensitively on atomic configuration. (3) Yet, the history of material research has generally occurred via accidental discoveries of material structures having interesting physical property (semiconductivity, ferromagnetism; superconductivity etc.). This begs the question: can this discovery process be inverted, i.e. can we first articulate a desired target physical property, then search (within a class) for the configuration that has this property? (4) The number of potentially interesting atomic configurations exhibits a combinatorial explosion, so even fast synthesis or fast computations can not survey all. (5) This talk describes the recent steps made by solid state theory + computational physics to address this ``Inverse Design'' (Franceschetti & Zunger, Nature, 402, 60 (1999) problem. I will show how Genetic Algorithms, in combination with efficient (``Order N'') solutions to the Pseudopotential Schrodinger equation allow us to investigate astronomical spaces of atomic configurations in search of the structure with a target physical property. Only a small fraction of all (˜ 10**14 in our case) configurations need to be examined. Physical properties are either calculated on-the-fly (if it's easy), or first ``Cluster-Expanded'' (if the theory is difficult). I will illustrate this Inverse Band Structure approach for (a) Design of required band-gaps in semiconductor superlattices; (b) architecture of impurity --clusters with desired optical properties (PRL 97, 046401, 2006) (c) search for configuration of magnetic ions in semiconductors that maximize the ferromagnetic Curie temperature (PRL, 97, 047202, 2006).

Liquid-Solid Self-Lubricated Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armada, S.; Schmid, R.; Equey, S.; Fagoaga, I.; Espallargas, N.

2013-02-01

Self-lubricated coatings have been a major topic of interest in thermal spray in the last decades. Self-lubricated coatings obtained by thermal spray are exclusively based on solid lubricants (PTFE, h-BN, graphite, MoS2, etc.) embedded in the matrix. Production of thermal spray coatings containing liquid lubricants has not yet been achieved because of the complexity of keeping a liquid in a solid matrix during the spraying process. In the present article, the first liquid-solid self-lubricating thermal spray coatings are presented. The coatings are produced by inserting lubricant-filled capsules inside a polymeric matrix. The goal of the coating is to release lubricant to the system when needed. The first produced coatings consisted solely of capsules for confirming the feasibility of the process. For obtaining such a coating, the liquid-filled capsules were injected in the thermal spray flame without any other feedstock material. Once the concept and the idea were proven, a polymer was co-sprayed together with the capsules to obtain a coating containing the lubricant-filled capsules distributed in the solid polymeric matrix. The coatings and the self-lubricated properties have been investigated by means of optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and tribological tests.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciezak-Jenkins, Jennifer

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

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

PubMed

Mohan, S Venkata; Chandrasekhar, K

2011-07-01

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

Megajoule Dense Plasma Focus Solid Target Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podpaly, Y. A.; Falabella, S.; Link, A.; Povilus, A.; Higginson, D. P.; Shaw, B. H.; Cooper, C. M.; Chapman, S.; Bennett, N.; Sipe, N.; Olson, R.; Schmidt, A. E.

2016-10-01

Dense plasma focus (DPF) devices are plasma sources that can produce significant neutron yields from beam into gas interactions. Yield increases, up to approximately a factor of five, have been observed previously on DPFs using solid targets, such as CD2 and D2O ice. In this work, we report on deuterium solid-target experiments at the Gemini DPF. A rotatable target holder and baffle arrangement were installed in the Gemini device which allowed four targets to be deployed sequentially without breaking vacuum. Solid targets of titanium deuteride were installed and systematically studied at a variety of fill pressures, bias voltages, and target positions. Target holder design, experimental results, and comparison to simulations will be presented. Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Solid State Research.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-02-15

Diode Lasers 10 - 3. MATERIALS RESEARCH 15 3.1 Role of Oxygen in Zone-Melting Recrystallization of Si Films on Si0 2 -Coated Si Substrates 15 3.2 Triple... Film that Has Been Etch-Delineated to Show Sub- ndaries. Upper Graphite Heater Was Scanned in Direction from top to Bottom of Micrograph. 15 3-2...Operation at 1060 nm with a 5-percent differential power efficiency has been obtained from a flashlamp-pumped laser rod of the sensitized garnet Nd:Cr:Gd 3Sc

Shear Thickening Electrolytes for High Impact Resistant Batteries

DOE PAGES

Veith, Gabriel M.; Armstrong, Beth L.; Wang, Hsin; ...

2017-08-16

In this paper, we demonstrate a shear thickening electrolyte that stiffens into a solid-like barrier during a high energy event, like a car crash. This barrier prevents the electrodes from shorting during an impact, reducing the risk of fire or catastrophic safety events. In addition, we have demonstrated the ability to cycle NMC/graphite lithium ion cells over 200 cycles with no loss of capacity after formation. Finally, this chemistry introduces multifunctionality to a material previously feared due to its flammability.

Identification and management of filament-wound case stiffness parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verderaime, V.; Rheinfurth, M.

1983-01-01

The high specific strength and the high specific modules made graphite epoxy laminate an expedient material substitute for the Shuttle Solid Rocket Motor steel case to substantially increase the payload performance without increasing the composite case axial growth during thrust build up which was constrained to minimize liftoff excitation effects on existing structural elements and interfaces. Parameters associated with axial growth were identified for quality and manufacturing controls. Included is an innovative method for experimentally verifying extensional elastic properties on a laminate pressurized test bottle.

Shear Thickening Electrolytes for High Impact Resistant Batteries

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

Veith, Gabriel M.; Armstrong, Beth L.; Wang, Hsin

In this paper, we demonstrate a shear thickening electrolyte that stiffens into a solid-like barrier during a high energy event, like a car crash. This barrier prevents the electrodes from shorting during an impact, reducing the risk of fire or catastrophic safety events. In addition, we have demonstrated the ability to cycle NMC/graphite lithium ion cells over 200 cycles with no loss of capacity after formation. Finally, this chemistry introduces multifunctionality to a material previously feared due to its flammability.

Cold cathode vacuum discharge tube

DOEpatents

Boettcher, G.E.

1998-03-10

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

Cold cathode vacuum discharge tube

DOEpatents

Boettcher, G.E.

1998-04-14

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

The Physics and Chemistry of carbides, Nitrides and Borides. Volume 185

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

and C-B-C chains [15,17]. Clearly, the use of boron-rich solids as electronic materials will place new demands on the quality of materials. In this...first heated in a pyrolytic boron nitride (PBN) crucible ( Union Carbide Corp.) under high vacuum (< 50 mTorr) to 1900°C. This removed surface...contamination of the sample. The powders were loaded into a graphite die with a high-purity BN die liner ( Union Carbide Grade HBC) with inner diameter of 3/8

Artificial solid electrolyte interphase to address the electrochemical degradation of silicon electrodes.

PubMed

Li, Juchuan; Dudney, Nancy J; Nanda, Jagjit; Liang, Chengdu

2014-07-09

Electrochemical degradation on silicon (Si) anodes prevents them from being successfully used in lithium (Li)-ion battery full cells. Unlike the case of graphite anodes, the natural solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) films generated from carbonate electrolytes do not self-passivate on Si, causing continuous electrolyte decomposition and loss of Li ions. In this work, we aim at solving the issue of electrochemical degradation by fabricating artificial SEI films using a solid electrolyte material, lithium phosphorus oxynitride (Lipon), which conducts Li ions and blocks electrons. For Si anodes coated with Lipon of 50 nm or thicker, a significant effect is observed in suppressing electrolyte decomposition, while Lipon of thinner than 40 nm has a limited effect. Ionic and electronic conductivity measurements reveal that the artificial SEI is effective when it is a pure ionic conductor, but electrolyte decomposition is only partially suppressed when the artificial SEI is a mixed electronic-ionic conductor. The critical thickness for this transition in conducting behavior is found to be 40-50 nm. This work provides guidance for designing artificial SEI films for high-capacity Li-ion battery electrodes using solid electrolyte materials.

Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase to Address the Electrochemical Degradation of Silicon Electrodes

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

Dudney, Nancy J; Nanda, Jagjit; Liang, Chengdu

2014-01-01

Electrochemical degradation on Si anodes prevents them from being successfully used in lithium-ion full cells. Unlike the case of graphite anodes, natural solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) films generated from carbonate electrolyte do not self-passivate on Si and causes continuous electrolyte decomposition. In this work we aim at solving the issue of electrochemical degradation by fabricating artificial SEI films using a solid electrolyte material, lithium phosphor oxynitride (Lipon), that conducts Li ions and blocks electrons. For Si anodes coated with Lipon of 50 nm or thicker, significant effect is observed in suppressing the electrolyte decomposition, while Lipon of thinner than 40more » nm has little effect. Ionic and electronic conductivity measurement reveals that the artificial SEI is effective when it is a pure ionic conductor, and the electrolyte decomposition is not suppressed when the artificial SEI is a mixed electronic-ionic conductor. The critical thickness for this transition in conducting behavior is found to be 40~50 nm. This work provides guidance for designing artificial SEI for high capacity lithium-ion battery electrodes using solid electrolyte materials.« less

Influence of load and sliding velocity on wear resistance of solid-lubricant composites of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panin, S. V.; Kornienko, L. A.; Buslovich, D. G.; Alexenko, V. O.; Ivanova, L. R.

2017-12-01

To determine the limits of the operation loading intervals appropriate for the use of solid lubricant UHMWPE composites in tribounits for mechanical engineering and medicine, the tribotechnical properties of UHMWPE blends with the optimum solid lubricant filler content (polytetrafluoroethylene, calcium stearate, molybdenum disulfide, colloidal graphite, boron nitride) are studied under dry sliding friction at different velocities (V = 0.3 and 0.5 m/s) and loads (P = 60 and 140 N). It is shown that the wear resistance of solid lubricant UHMWPE composites at moderate sliding velocities (V = 0.3 m/s) and loads (P = 60 N) increases 2-3 times in comparison with pure UHMWPE, while at high load P = 140 N wear resistance of both neat UHMWPE and its composites is reduced almost twice. At high sliding velocities and loads (up to P = 140 N), multiple increasing of the wear of pure UHMWPE and its composites takes place (by the factor of 5 to 10). The operational conditions of UHMWPE composites in tribounits in engineering and medicine are discussed.

Magnetic separation of general solid particles realised by a permanent magnet

PubMed Central

Hisayoshi, K.; Uyeda, C.; Terada, K.

2016-01-01

Most existing solids are categorised as diamagnetic or weak paramagnetic materials. The possibility of magnetic motion has not been intensively considered for these materials. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that ensembles of heterogeneous particles (diamagnetic bismuth, diamond and graphite particles, as well as two paramagnetic olivines) can be dynamically separated into five fractions by the low field produced by neodymium (NdFeB) magnets during short-duration microgravity (μg). This result is in contrast to the generally accepted notion that ordinary solid materials are magnetically inert. The materials of the separated particles are identified by their magnetic susceptibility (χ), which is determined from the translating velocity. The potential of this approach as an analytical technique is comparable to that of chromatography separation because the extraction of new solid phases from a heterogeneous grain ensemble will lead to important discoveries about inorganic materials. The method is applicable for the separation of the precious samples such as lunar soils and/or the Hayabusa particles recovered from the asteroids, because even micron-order grains can be thoroughly separated without sample-loss. PMID:27929081

Magnetic separation of general solid particles realised by a permanent magnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hisayoshi, K.; Uyeda, C.; Terada, K.

2016-12-01

Most existing solids are categorised as diamagnetic or weak paramagnetic materials. The possibility of magnetic motion has not been intensively considered for these materials. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that ensembles of heterogeneous particles (diamagnetic bismuth, diamond and graphite particles, as well as two paramagnetic olivines) can be dynamically separated into five fractions by the low field produced by neodymium (NdFeB) magnets during short-duration microgravity (μg). This result is in contrast to the generally accepted notion that ordinary solid materials are magnetically inert. The materials of the separated particles are identified by their magnetic susceptibility (χ), which is determined from the translating velocity. The potential of this approach as an analytical technique is comparable to that of chromatography separation because the extraction of new solid phases from a heterogeneous grain ensemble will lead to important discoveries about inorganic materials. The method is applicable for the separation of the precious samples such as lunar soils and/or the Hayabusa particles recovered from the asteroids, because even micron-order grains can be thoroughly separated without sample-loss.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2015-06-01

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

Magnetic separation of general solid particles realised by a permanent magnet.

PubMed

Hisayoshi, K; Uyeda, C; Terada, K

2016-12-08

Most existing solids are categorised as diamagnetic or weak paramagnetic materials. The possibility of magnetic motion has not been intensively considered for these materials. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that ensembles of heterogeneous particles (diamagnetic bismuth, diamond and graphite particles, as well as two paramagnetic olivines) can be dynamically separated into five fractions by the low field produced by neodymium (NdFeB) magnets during short-duration microgravity (μg). This result is in contrast to the generally accepted notion that ordinary solid materials are magnetically inert. The materials of the separated particles are identified by their magnetic susceptibility (χ), which is determined from the translating velocity. The potential of this approach as an analytical technique is comparable to that of chromatography separation because the extraction of new solid phases from a heterogeneous grain ensemble will lead to important discoveries about inorganic materials. The method is applicable for the separation of the precious samples such as lunar soils and/or the Hayabusa particles recovered from the asteroids, because even micron-order grains can be thoroughly separated without sample-loss.

Astrophysics with Presolar Stardust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clayton, Donald D.; Nittler, Larry R.

2004-09-01

Meteorites and interplanetary dust particles contain presolar stardust grains: solid samples of stars that can be studied in the laboratory. The stellar origin of the grains is indicated by enormous isotopic ratio variations compared with Solar System materials, explainable only by nuclear reactions occurring in stars. Known presolar phases include diamond, SiC, graphite, Si3N4, Al2O3, MgAl2O4, CaAl12O19, TiO2, Mg(Cr,Al)2O4, and most recently, silicates. Subgrains of refractory carbides (e.g., TiC), and Fe-Ni metal have also been observed within individual presolar graphite grains. We review the astrophysical implications of these grains for the sciences of nucleosynthesis, stellar evolution, grain condensation, and the chemical and dynamic evolution of the Galaxy. Unique scientific information derives primarily from the high precision (in some cases <1%) of the measured isotopic ratios of large numbers of elements in single stardust grains. Stardust science is just now reaching maturity and will play an increasingly important role in nucleosynthesis applications.

Scanning tunneling microscopy investigation of copper phthalocyanine and truxenone derivative binary superstructures on graphite.

PubMed

Liu, Jia; Wang, Dong; Wang, Jie-Yu; Pei, Jian; Wan, Li-Jun

2011-02-01

The binary self-assembly of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and 2,3,7,8,12,13-hexahexyloxy-truxenone (TrO23) at the solid/liquid interface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was investigated by using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). Pseduohexagonal and linear patterned superstructures of CuPc are obtained by co-adsorbing with TrO23. High-resolution STM images reveal the structural details of the arrangement of TrO23 and CuPc in the binary assembly structures. The molecular ratio between CuPc and TrO23 in the adlayer can be modulated by the CuPc concentration in liquid phase. The electronic properties of CuPc and TrO23 in the co-adsorbed self-assembly are investigated by STS. The results presented here are helpful to the design and fabrication of multi-component functional molecular nanostructures. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Allotropic forms of carbon in the Invar Fe-Ni-C alloy before and after plastic deformation by upsetting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadutov, V. M.; Vashchuk, D. L.; Karbivskii, V. L.; Volosevich, P. Yu.; Davydenko, O. A.

2018-04-01

The effect of cold plastic deformation by upsetting (e = 1.13) on structure and hybridised bonds of carbon in the fcc Invar Fe-30.9%Ni-1.23% C alloy was studied by means of X-ray phase analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Carbon precipitates along grain boundaries and inside of grains in the alloy after annealing and plastic deformation were revealed. The presence of mainly sp2- and sp3-hybridised C-C bonds attributing to graphite and amorphous carbon as well as the carbon bonds with impurity atoms and metallic Fe and Ni atoms in austenitic phase were revealed in the annealed and deformed alloy. It was shown for the first time that plastic deformation of the alloy results in partial destruction of the graphite crystal structure, increasing the relative part of amorphous carbon, and redistribution of carbon between structural elements as well as in a solid solution of austenitic phase.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2016-02-01

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

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

PubMed

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

2015-04-01

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

14C sample preparation for AMS microdosing studies at Lund University using online combustion and septa-sealed vials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sydoff, Marie; Stenström, Kristina

2010-04-01

The Department of Physics at Lund University is participating in a European Union project called EUMAPP (European Union Microdose AMS Partnership Programme), in which sample preparation and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurements of biological samples from microdosing studies have been made. This paper describes a simplified method of converting biological samples to solid graphite for 14C analysis with AMS. The method is based on online combustion of the samples, and reduction of CO 2 in septa-sealed vials. The septa-sealed vials and disposable materials are used to eliminate sample cross-contamination. Measurements of ANU and Ox I standards show deviations of 2% and 3%, respectively, relative to reference values. This level of accuracy is sufficient for biological samples from microdosing studies. Since the method has very few handling steps from sample to graphite, the risk of failure during the sample preparation process is minimized, making the method easy to use in routine preparation of samples.

Temperature dependence of yields from multi-foil SPES target

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corradetti, S.; Biasetto, L.; Manzolaro, M.; Scarpa, D.; Andrighetto, A.; Carturan, S.; Prete, G.; Zanonato, P.; Stracener, D. W.

2011-10-01

The temperature dependence of neutron-rich isotope yields was studied within the framework of the HRIBF-SPES Radioactive Ion Beams (RIB) project. On-line release measurements of fission fragments from a uranium carbide target at ensuremath 1600 {}^{circ}C , ensuremath 1800 {}^{circ}C and ensuremath 2000 {}^{circ}C were performed at ORNL (USA). The fission reactions were induced by a 40MeV proton beam accelerated into a uranium carbide target coupled to a plasma ion source. The experiments allowed for tests of performance of the SPES multi-foil target prototype loaded with seven UC2/graphite discs (ratio C/ U = 4 with density about 4g/cm3.

Effect of electrical current on the tribological behavior of the Cu-WS2-G composites in air and vacuum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Gang; Feng, Yi; Li, Bin; Huang, Shiyin; Liu, Hongjuan; Ding, Kewang

2013-03-01

As the traditional graphite-based composites cannot meet the requirement of rapid developing modern industry, novel sliding electrical contact materials with high self-lubricating performance in multiple environments are eagerly required. Herein a copper-based composite with WS2 and graphite as solid lubricant are fabricated by powder metallurgy hot-pressed method. The friction and wear behaviors of the composites with and without current are investigated under the condition with sliding velocity of 10 m/s and normal load of 2.5 N/cm2 in both air and vacuum. Morphologies of the worn surfaces are observed by optical microscope and compositions of the lubricating films are analyzed by XPS. Surface profile curves and roughness of the worn surfaces are obtained by 2205 surface profiler. The results of wear tests show that the friction coefficient and wear volume loss of the composites with current are greater than that without current in both air and vacuum due to the adverse effects of electrical current which damaged the lubricating film partially and roughed the worn surfaces. XPS results demonstrate that the lubricating film formed in air is composed of oxides of Cu, WS2, elemental S and graphite, while the lubricating film formed in vacuum is composed of Cu, WS2 and graphite. Because of the synergetic lubricating action of oxides of Cu, WS2 and graphite, the composites show low friction coefficient and wear volume loss in air condition. Owing to the fact that graphite loses its lubricity which makes WS2 become the only lubricant, severe adhesive and abrasive wear occur and result in a high value of wear rate in vacuum condition. The formation of the lubricating film on the contact interface between the brush and ring is one of the factors which can greatly affect the wear performance of the brushes. The low contact voltage drop of the composites in vacuum condition is attributed to the high content of Cu in the surface film. This study fabricated a kind of new sliding electrical contact self-lubricating composite with dual-lubricant which can work well in both air and vacuum environments and provides a comprehensive analysis on the lubrication mechanisms of the composite.

Mesoscopic modeling and parameter estimation of a lithium-ion battery based on LiFePO4/graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jokar, Ali; Désilets, Martin; Lacroix, Marcel; Zaghib, Karim

2018-03-01

A novel numerical model for simulating the behavior of lithium-ion batteries based on LiFePO4(LFP)/graphite is presented. The model is based on the modified Single Particle Model (SPM) coupled to a mesoscopic approach for the LFP electrode. The model comprises one representative spherical particle as the graphite electrode, and N LFP units as the positive electrode. All the SPM equations are retained to model the negative electrode performance. The mesoscopic model rests on non-equilibrium thermodynamic conditions and uses a non-monotonic open circuit potential for each unit. A parameter estimation study is also carried out to identify all the parameters needed for the model. The unknown parameters are the solid diffusion coefficient of the negative electrode (Ds,n), reaction-rate constant of the negative electrode (Kn), negative and positive electrode porosity (εn&εn), initial State-Of-Charge of the negative electrode (SOCn,0), initial partial composition of the LFP units (yk,0), minimum and maximum resistance of the LFP units (Rmin&Rmax), and solution resistance (Rcell). The results show that the mesoscopic model can simulate successfully the electrochemical behavior of lithium-ion batteries at low and high charge/discharge rates. The model also describes adequately the lithiation/delithiation of the LFP particles, however, it is computationally expensive compared to macro-based models.

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

DOE PAGES

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

2015-07-23

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

Capacity Fade and Its Mitigation in Li-Ion Cells with Silicon-Graphite Electrodes

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

Bareno, Javier; Shkrob, Ilya A.; Gilbert, James A.

Silicon-graphite (Si-Gr) electrodes typically contain lithiated carboxylates as polymer binders that are introduced through aqueous processing. Li-ion cells with such electrodes show significantly faster capacity fade than cells with graphite (Gr) electrodes. Here we examine the causes for capacity loss in Si-Gr cells containing LiPF 6-based electrolytes. The presence of SiO xF y in the Si-Gr electrode, fluorophosphate species in the electrolyte, and silica on the positive electrode indicates the crucial role of the hydrolytic cycle. In particular, HF acid that is generated through LiPF 6 hydrolysis corrodes Si particles. As it reacts, the released water re-enters the cycle. Wemore » trace the moisture initiating this detrimental cycle to the hydration water in the lithiated binders that cannot be fully removed by thermal treatment. The rate of HF corrosion can be reduced through the use of electrolyte additives. For the fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive, the improved performance arises from changes to the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that serves as a barrier against HF attack. Here, we propose that the greater extent of polymer cross-linking, that gives FEC-derived SEI elastomer properties, slows down HF percolation through this SEI membrane and inhibits the formation of deep cracks through which HF can access and degrade the Si surface.« less

Capacity Fade and Its Mitigation in Li-Ion Cells with Silicon-Graphite Electrodes

DOE PAGES

Bareno, Javier; Shkrob, Ilya A.; Gilbert, James A.; ...

2017-09-06

Silicon-graphite (Si-Gr) electrodes typically contain lithiated carboxylates as polymer binders that are introduced through aqueous processing. Li-ion cells with such electrodes show significantly faster capacity fade than cells with graphite (Gr) electrodes. Here we examine the causes for capacity loss in Si-Gr cells containing LiPF 6-based electrolytes. The presence of SiO xF y in the Si-Gr electrode, fluorophosphate species in the electrolyte, and silica on the positive electrode indicates the crucial role of the hydrolytic cycle. In particular, HF acid that is generated through LiPF 6 hydrolysis corrodes Si particles. As it reacts, the released water re-enters the cycle. Wemore » trace the moisture initiating this detrimental cycle to the hydration water in the lithiated binders that cannot be fully removed by thermal treatment. The rate of HF corrosion can be reduced through the use of electrolyte additives. For the fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive, the improved performance arises from changes to the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that serves as a barrier against HF attack. Here, we propose that the greater extent of polymer cross-linking, that gives FEC-derived SEI elastomer properties, slows down HF percolation through this SEI membrane and inhibits the formation of deep cracks through which HF can access and degrade the Si surface.« less

Formation of hydroxyl-functionalized stilbenoid molecular sieves at the liquid/solid interface on top of a 1-decanol monolayer.

PubMed

Bellec, Amandine; Arrigoni, Claire; Douillard, Ludovic; Fiorini-Debuisschert, Céline; Mathevet, Fabrice; Kreher, David; Attias, André-Jean; Charra, Fabrice

2014-10-31

Specific molecular tectons can be designed to form molecular sieves through self-assembly at the solid-liquid interface. After demonstrating a model tecton bearing apolar alkyl chains, we then focus on a modified structure involving asymmetric functionalization of some alkyl chains with polar hydroxyl groups in order to get chemical selectivity in the sieving. As the formation of supramolecular self-assembled networks strongly depends on molecule-molecule, molecule-substrate and molecule-solvent interactions, we compared the tectons' self-assembly on graphite for two types of solvent. We demonstrate the possibility to create hydroxylated stilbenoid molecular sieves by using 1-decanol as a solvent. Interestingly, with this solvent, the porous network is developed on top of a 1-decanol monolayer.

Experimental determination of unsteady blade element aerodynamics in cascades. Volume 1: Torsion mode cascade

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riffel, R. E.; Rothrock, M. D.

1980-01-01

A two dimensional cascade of harmonically oscillating airfoils was designed to model a near tip section from a rotor which was known to have experienced supersonic torsional flutter. This five bladed cascade had a solidity of 1.17 and a setting angle of 1.07 rad. Graphite epoxy airfoils were fabricated to achieve the realistically high reduced frequency level of 0.44. The cascade was tested over a range of static pressure ratios approximating the blade element operating conditions of the rotor along a constant speed line which penetrated the flutter boundary. The time-steady and time-unsteady flow field surrounding the center cascade airfoil were investigated. The effects of reduced solidity and decreased setting angle on the flow field were also evaluated.

Simultaneous determination of atropine and scopolamine in buckwheat and related products using modified QuEChERS and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Chen, Hongping; Marín-Sáez, Jesús; Romero-González, Roberto; Garrido Frenich, Antonia

2017-03-01

A method was developed for the determination of atropine and scopolamine in buckwheat and related products. A modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) extraction procedure was evaluated. Dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) was studied as clean-up step, using graphitized black carbon (GBC) and primary secondary amine (PSA). The extract was diluted with water (50:50, v/v) prior to chromatographic analysis. The method was validated and recoveries (except chia samples spiked at 10μg/kg) ranged from 75% to 92%. Intra and inter-day precision was lower than or equal to 17%. The limit of quantification of atropine and scopolamine was 0.4 and 2μg/kg, respectively. Eight types of samples (buckwheat, wheat, soy, buckwheat flour, buckwheat noodle, amaranth grain, chia seeds and peeled millet) were analyzed. Target compounds were not found above the detection limits of the method, but three transformation products of scopolamine (norscopine, hydroscopolamine and dihydroxyscopolamine) were putative identified in the tested samples using high resolution mass spectrometry (Exactive-Orbitrap). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrahigh-current-density metal-ion implantation and diamondlike-hydrocarbon films for tribological applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilbur, P. J.

1993-09-01

The metal-ion-implantation system used to implant metals into substrates are described. The metal vapor required for operation is supplied by drawing sufficient electron current from the plasma discharge to an anode-potential crucible so a solid, pure metal placed in the crucible will be heated to the point of vaporization. The ion-producing, plasma discharge is initiated within a graphite-ion-source body, which operates at high temperature, by using an argon flow that is turned off once the metal vapor is present. Extraction of ion beams several cm in diameter at current densities ranging to several hundred micro-A/sq cm on a target 50 cm downstream of the ion source were demonstrated using Mg, Ag, Cr, Cu, Si, Ti, V, B, and Zr. These metals were implanted into over 100 substrates (discs, pins, flats, wires). A model describing thermal stresses induced in materials (e.g. ceramic plates) during high-current-density implantation is presented. Tribological and microstructural characteristics of iron and 304-stainless-steel samples implanted with Ti or B are examined. Diamondlike-hydrocarbon coatings were applied to steel surfaces and found to exhibit good tribological performance.

One-by-one imprinting in two eccentric layers of hollow core-shells: Sequential electroanalysis of anti-HIV drugs.

PubMed

Singh, Kislay; Jaiswal, Swadha; Singh, Richa; Fatma, Sana; Prasad, Bhim Bali

2018-07-15

Double layered one-by-one imprinted hollow core-shells@ pencil graphite electrode was fabricated for sequential sensing of anti-HIV drugs. For this, two eccentric layers were developed on the surface of vinylated silica nanospheres to obtain double layered one-by-one imprinted solid core-shells. This yielded hollow core-shells on treatment with hydrofluoric acid. The modified hollow core-shells (single layered dual imprinted) evolved competitive diffusion of probe/analyte molecules. However, the corresponding double layered one-by-one imprinted hollow core-shells (outer layer imprinted with Zidovudine, and inner layer with Lamivudine) were found relatively better owing to their bilateral diffusions into molecular cavities, without any competition. The entire work is based on differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry at double layered one-by-one imprinted hollow core-shells. This resulted in indirect detection of electro inactive targets with limits of detection as low as 0.91 and 0.12 (aqueous sample), 0.94 and 0.13 (blood serum), and 0.99 and 0.20 ng mL -1 (pharmaceutics) for lamivudine and zidovudine, respectively in anti-HIV drug combination. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical properties of sputtered aluminum on graphite/epoxy composite material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witte, William G., Jr.; Teichman, Louis A.

1989-01-01

Solar absorptance, emittance, and coating thickness were measured for a range of coating thicknesses from about 400 A to 2500 A. The coatings were sputtered from an aluminum target onto 1-inch-diameter substrates of T300/5209 graphite/epoxy composite material with two different surface textures. Solar absorptance and emittance values for the specimens with the smooth surface finish were lower than those for the specimens with the rough surface finish. The ratio of solar absorptance to emittance was higher for the smooth specimens, increasing from 2 to 4 over the coating thickness range, than for the rough ones, which had a constant ratio of about 1. The solar absorptance and emittance values were dependent on the thickness of the sputtered coating.

Study on the property of low friction complex graphite-like coating containing tantalum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zuoping; Feng, Lajun; Shen, Wenning

2018-03-01

In order to enhance equipment lifetime under low oil or even dry conditions, tantalum was introduced into the graphite-like coating (GLC) by sputtering mosaic targets. The results showed that the introduction of Ta obviously reduced the friction coefficient and hardness of the GLC, while improved the wearability. When the atomic percentage of Ta was larger than 3%, the steady friction coefficient was lower than 0.01, suggesting the coating exhibited super lubricity. When the content of Ta was about 5.0%, the average friction coefficient was 0.02 by a sliding friction test under load of 20 N in unlubricated condition. Its average friction coefficient reduced by 75%, compared with that of control GLC (0.0825).

Structural Analysis of Pyrolytic Graphite Optics for the HiPEP Ion Thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meckel, Nicole; Polaha, Jonathan; Juhlin, Nils

2006-01-01

The long lifetime requirements of interplanetary exploration missions is driving the need to develop long-life components for the electric propulsion thrusters that are being targeted for these missions. One of the primary life-limiting components of ion thrusters are the optics, which are continuously eroded during the operation of the thruster. Pyrolytic graphite optics are being considered for the High Power Electric Propulsion (HiPEP) ion thruster because of their very high resistance to erosion. This paper describes the structural analysis of the HiPEP pyrolytic graphite. A description of the development of the grid model, as well as the development of the effective properties and stress concentrations in the apertured area of the grids is included. An evaluation of the use of curved grids shows that the increased stiffness (compared to flat grids) prevents intergrid impact during launch, however, the residual stresses introduced by curving the grids pushes the resulting peak stresses beyond the critical stress. As a result, flat grids are recommended as the design solution. Thermally induced grid displacements during normal thruster operation are also presented.

HOPG/ZnO/HOPG pressure sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jahangiri, Mojtaba; Yousefiazari, Ehsan; Ghalamboran, Milad

2017-12-01

Pressure sensor is one of the most commonly used sensors in the research laboratories and industries. These are generally categorized in three different classes of absolute pressure sensors, gauge pressure sensors, and differential pressure sensors. In this paper, we fabricate and assess the pressure sensitivity of the current vs. voltage diagrams in a graphite/ZnO/graphite structure. Zinc oxide layers are deposited on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrates by sputtering a zinc target under oxygen plasma. The top electrode is also a slice of HOPG which is placed on the ZnO layer and connected to the outside electronic circuits. By recording the I-V characteristics of the device under different forces applied to the top HOPG electrode, the pressure sensitivity is demonstrated; at the optimum biasing voltage, the device current changes 10 times upon changing the pressure level on the top electrode by 20 times. Repeatability and reproducibility of the observed effect is studied on the same and different samples. All the materials used for the fabrication of this pressure sensor are biocompatible, the fabricated device is anticipated to find potential applications in biomedical engineering.

A Study of Multiplicities in Hadronic Interactions (in Spanish)

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

Estrada Tristan, Nora Patricia; /San Luis Potosi U.

Using data from the SELEX (Fermilab E781) experiment obtained with a minimum-bias trigger, we study multiplicity and angular distributions of secondary particles produced in interactions in the experimental targets. We observe interactions of {Sigma}{sup -}, proton, {pi}{sup -}, and {pi}{sup +}, at beam momenta between 250 GeV/c and 650 GeV/c, in copper, polyethylene, graphite, and beryllium targets. We show that the multiplicity and angular distributions for meson and baryon beams at the same momentum are identical. We also show that the mean multiplicity increases with beam momentum, and presents only small variations with the target material.

Thixoforming of Stellite Powder Compacts

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

Hogg, S. C.; Atkinson, H. V.; Kapranos, P.

2007-04-07

Thixoforming involves processing metallic alloys in the semi-solid state. The process requires the microstructure to be spheroidal when part-solid and part-liquid i.e. to consist of solid spheroids surrounded by liquid. The aim of this work was to investigate whether powder compacts can be used as feedstock for thixoforming and whether the consolidating pressure in the thixoformer can be used to remove porosity from the compact. The powder compacts were made from stellite 6 and stellite 21 alloys, cobalt-based alloys widely used for e.g. manufacturing prostheses. Isothermal heat treatments of small samples in the consolidated state showed the optimum thixoforming temperaturemore » to be in the range 1340 deg. C-1350 deg. C for both materials. The alloys were thixoformed into graphite dies and flowed easily to fill the die. Porosity in the thixoformed components was lower than in the starting material. Hardness values at various positions along the radius of the thixoformed demonstrator component were above the specification for both alloys.« less

Surface rearrangement of water-immersed hydrophobic solids by gaseous nanobubbles.

PubMed

Tarábková, Hana; Bastl, Zdeněk; Janda, Pavel

2014-12-09

Interactions of gaseous (ambient) nanobubbles (10-100 nm diameter) with different hydrophobic materials-Teflon, polystyrene, paraffin, and basal plane highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG)-are studied by AFM in situ and ex situ. Exactly identical surface locations are examined before and after exposure to ambient gas nanobubbles in deionized water and compared for nanomorphological changes. While freely flooded/immersed surfaces, regularly occupied by nanobubbles, do not exhibit resolvable alterations, significant surface rearrangement is found on whole flooded area after mild pressure drop (10 kPa) applied on the solid-liquid interface. Nanopattern and its characteristic dimension appear to be material specific and solely reflect surface-nanobubble interaction. Mild, nonswelling, noncorrosive conditions (20 °C, deionized water) prevent intervention of chemical reaction and high-energy-demanding processes. Experimental results, in accordance with the presented model, indicate that the mild pressure drop triggers expansion of pinned nanobubbles, imposing local tensile stress on the solid surface. Consequently, nanobubbles should be considered as large-area nanoscale patterning elements.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, Yaoguang; Han, Hongwei

2013-01-01

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

All-solid-state supercapacitors on silicon using graphene from silicon carbide

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

Wang, Bei; Ahmed, Mohsin; Iacopi, Francesca, E-mail: f.iacopi@griffith.edu.au

2016-05-02

Carbon-based supercapacitors are lightweight devices with high energy storage performance, allowing for faster charge-discharge rates than batteries. Here, we present an example of all-solid-state supercapacitors on silicon for on-chip applications, paving the way towards energy supply systems embedded in miniaturized electronics with fast access and high safety of operation. We present a nickel-assisted graphitization method from epitaxial silicon carbide on a silicon substrate to demonstrate graphene as a binder-free electrode material for all-solid-state supercapacitors. We obtain graphene electrodes with a strongly enhanced surface area, assisted by the irregular intrusion of nickel into the carbide layer, delivering a typical double-layer capacitancemore » behavior with a specific area capacitance of up to 174 μF cm{sup −2} with about 88% capacitance retention over 10 000 cycles. The fabrication technique illustrated in this work provides a strategic approach to fabricate micro-scale energy storage devices compatible with silicon electronics and offering ultimate miniaturization capabilities.« less

Redox-controlled potassium intercalation into two polyaromatic hydrocarbon solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romero, F. Denis; Pitcher, M. J.; Hiley, C. I.; Whitehead, G. F. S.; Kar, S.; Ganin, A. Y.; Antypov, D.; Collins, C.; Dyer, M. S.; Klupp, G.; Colman, R. H.; Prassides, K.; Rosseinsky, M. J.

2017-07-01

Alkali metal intercalation into polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been studied intensely after reports of superconductivity in a number of potassium- and rubidium-intercalated materials. There are, however, no reported crystal structures to inform our understanding of the chemistry and physics because of the complex reactivity of PAHs with strong reducing agents at high temperature. Here we present the synthesis of crystalline K2Pentacene and K2Picene by a solid-solid insertion protocol that uses potassium hydride as a redox-controlled reducing agent to access the PAH dianions, and so enables the determination of their crystal structures. In both cases, the inserted cations expand the parent herringbone packings by reorienting the molecular anions to create multiple potassium sites within initially dense molecular layers, and thus interact with the PAH anion π systems. The synthetic and crystal chemistry of alkali metal intercalation into PAHs differs from that into fullerenes and graphite, in which the cation sites are pre-defined by the host structure.

Hyperbranched polyglycerol/graphene oxide nanocomposite reinforced hollow fiber solid/liquid phase microextraction for measurement of ibuprofen and naproxen in hair and waste water samples.

PubMed

Rezaeifar, Zohreh; Es'haghi, Zarrin; Rounaghi, Gholam Hossein; Chamsaz, Mahmoud

2016-09-01

A new design of hyperbranched polyglycerol/graphene oxide nanocomposite reinforced hollow fiber solid/liquid phase microextraction (HBP/GO -HF-SLPME) coupled with high performance liquid chromatography used for extraction and determination of ibuprofen and naproxen in hair and waste water samples. The graphene oxide first synthesized from graphite powders by using modified Hummers approach. The surface of graphene oxide was modified using hyperbranched polyglycerol, through direct polycondensation with thionyl chloride. The ready nanocomposite later wetted by a few microliter of an organic solvent (1-octanol), and then applied to extract the target analytes in direct immersion sampling mode.After the extraction process, the analytes were desorbed with methanol, and then detected via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The experimental setup is very simple and highly affordable. The main factors influencing extraction such as; feed pH, extraction time, aqueous feed volume, agitation speed, the amount of functionalized graphene oxide and the desorption conditions have been examined in detail. Under the optimized experimental conditions, linearity was observed in the range of 5-30,000ngmL(-1) for ibuprofen and 2-10,000ngmL(-1) for naproxen with correlation coefficients of 0.9968 and 0.9925, respectively. The limits of detection were 2.95ngmL(-1) for ibuprofen and 1.51ngmL(-1) for naproxen. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were found to be less than 5% (n=5). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A comparison of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry for the direct determination of bromine in polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Gois, Jefferson S.; Van Malderen, Stijn J. M.; Cadorim, Heloisa R.; Welz, Bernhard; Vanhaecke, Frank

2017-06-01

This work describes the development and comparison of two methods for the direct determination of Br in polymer samples via solid sampling, one using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and the other using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry with direct solid sample analysis (HR-CS SS-GF MAS). The methods were optimized and their accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results obtained for 6 polymeric certified reference materials (CRMs) with the corresponding certified values. For Br determination with LA-ICP-MS, the 79Br+ signal could be monitored interference-free. For Br determination via HR-CS SS-GF MAS, the CaBr molecule was monitored at 625.315 nm with integration of the central pixel ± 1. Bromine quantification by LA-ICP-MS was performed via external calibration against a single CRM while using the 12C+ signal as an internal standard. With HR-CS SS-GF MAS, Br quantification could be accomplished using external calibration against aqueous standard solutions. Except for one LA-ICP-MS result, the concentrations obtained with both techniques were in agreement with the certified values within the experimental uncertainty as evidenced using a t-test (95% confidence level). The limit of quantification was determined to be 100 μg g- 1 Br for LA-ICP-MS and 10 μg g- 1 Br for HR-CS SS-GF MAS.

Fast arsenic speciation in water by on-site solid phase extraction and high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihucz, Victor G.; Bencs, László; Koncz, Kornél; Tatár, Enikő; Weiszburg, Tamás; Záray, Gyula

2017-02-01

A method of high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFAAS), combined with on-site separation/solid phase extraction (SPE) has been developed for the speciation of inorganic As (iAs) in geothermal and drinking water samples. The HR-CS-GFAAS calibration curves were linear up to 200 μg/L As, but using second order polynomial fitting, accurate calibration could be performed up to 500 μg/L. It has been demonstrated that sample pH should not be higher than 8 for an accurate speciation of As(V) with a recovery of ≈ 95%. Geothermal water had fairly high salt content (≈ 2200 mg/L) due to the presence of chlorides and sulfates at mg/L levels. Therefore, a two-fold dilution of these types of samples before SPE is recommended, especially, for total As determinations, when the As concentration is as high as 400 μg/L. For drinking water, sampled from public wells with records of As concentrations higher than the 10 μg/L in the past, the reduction of As contamination below the WHO's health limit value could be observed. However, the electrical conductivity was close to 2500 μS/cm, i.e., the guideline limit for drinking water, which was due to their higher chloride content. The proposed fit-for-purpose SPE-HR-CS-GFAAS method could be a candidate for screening drinking water quality.

Novel ion imprinted magnetic mesoporous silica for selective magnetic solid phase extraction of trace Cd followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Bingshan; He, Man; Chen, Beibei; Hu, Bin

2015-05-01

Determination of trace Cd in environmental, biological and food samples is of great significance to toxicological research and environmental pollution monitoring. While the direct determination of Cd in real-world samples is difficult due to its low concentration and the complex matrix. Herein, a novel Cd(II)-ion imprinted magnetic mesoporous silica (Cd(II)-II-MMS) was prepared and was employed as a selective magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) material for extraction of trace Cd in real-world samples followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) detection. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limit of the proposed method was 6.1 ng L- 1 for Cd with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.0% (c = 50 ng L- 1, n = 7), and the enrichment factor was 50-fold. To validate the proposed method, Certified Reference Materials of GSBZ 50009-88 environmental water, ZK018-1 lyophilized human urine and NIES10-b rice flour were analyzed and the determined values were in a good agreement with the certified values. The proposed method exhibited a robust anti-interference ability due to the good selectivity of Cd(II)-II-MMS toward Cd(II). It was successfully employed for the determination of trace Cd(II) in environmental water, human urine and rice samples with recoveries of 89.3-116%, demonstrating that the proposed method has good application potential in real world samples with complex matrix.

Influence of inert gases on the reactive high power pulsed magnetron sputtering process of carbon-nitride thin films

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

Schmidt, Susann; Czigany, Zsolt; Greczynski, Grzegorz

2013-01-15

The influence of inert gases (Ne, Ar, Kr) on the sputter process of carbon and carbon-nitride (CN{sub x}) thin films was studied using reactive high power pulsed magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). Thin solid films were synthesized in an industrial deposition chamber from a graphite target. The peak target current during HiPIMS processing was found to decrease with increasing inert gas mass. Time averaged and time resolved ion mass spectroscopy showed that the addition of nitrogen, as reactive gas, resulted in less energetic ion species for processes employing Ne, whereas the opposite was noticed when Ar or Kr were employed as inertmore » gas. Processes in nonreactive ambient showed generally lower total ion fluxes for the three different inert gases. As soon as N{sub 2} was introduced into the process, the deposition rates for Ne and Ar-containing processes increased significantly. The reactive Kr-process, in contrast, showed slightly lower deposition rates than the nonreactive. The resulting thin films were characterized regarding their bonding and microstructure by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Reactively deposited CN{sub x} thin films in Ar and Kr ambient exhibited an ordering toward a fullerene-like structure, whereas carbon and CN{sub x} films deposited in Ne atmosphere were found to be amorphous. This is attributed to an elevated amount of highly energetic particles observed during ion mass spectrometry and indicated by high peak target currents in Ne-containing processes. These results are discussed with respect to the current understanding of the structural evolution of a-C and CN{sub x} thin films.« less

Evaluation of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a coke production and a graphite electrode manufacturing plant: assessment of urinary excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene as a biological indicator of exposure.

PubMed Central

Buchet, J P; Gennart, J P; Mercado-Calderon, F; Delavignette, J P; Cupers, L; Lauwerys, R

1992-01-01

OBJECTIVES--Characterisation of the airborne concentration of 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at various workplaces in a graphite electrode and a coke production plant. Validation of the urinary excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene (hydroxypyrene) as a biological marker of exposure to PAH. DESIGN--Cross sectional study of workers exposed to PAHs (106 in the graphite electrode producing plant and 16 in the coke works). METHODS--Personal air sampling during at least six hours per workshift using a glass fibre filter and a Chromosorb 102 solid sorbent tube and analysis of PAHs by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrofluorometric detection (SFD). Collection of spot urine samples before and after the shift and analysis of 1-hydroxypyrene by HPLC and SFD. RESULTS--The workers most exposed to PAHs were those occupied at the topside area of the coke oven plant and those working in the blending and impregnation areas of the graphite electrode producing plant (mean airborne concentration of total PAHs: 199 and 223 micrograms/m3 respectively). Except for naphthalene and perylene, the relative proportion of the different PAHs did not differ between the plants. Pyrene concentration in air was highly correlated with the total airborne PAH concentration (r = 0.83, p < 0.0001) and the correlation coefficients between hydroxypyrene concentration in postshift urine samples and pyrene or total PAHs in air were 0.67 (p < 0.0001) and 0.72 (p < 0.0001) respectively. Excretion of hydroxypyrene doubled when the exposure to pyrene in air increased 10-fold. The half life for the urinary excretion of hydroxypyrene was around 18 hours (95% confidence interval 16.1-19.8). Smoking habits only explained 2.3% of the variance in hydroxypyrene excretion compared with 45% for the pyrene concentration in air. CONCLUSION--The determination of the urinary excretion of hydroxypyrene in postshift urine samples can be used as a suitable biomarker to assess individual exposure to PAHs in coke ovens and in graphite electrode manufacturing plants. PMID:1463676

Measuring Submicron-Sized Fractionated Particulate Matter on Aluminum Impactor Disks

PubMed Central

Buchholz, Bruce A.; Zermeño, Paula; Hwang, Hyun-Min; Young, Thomas M.; Guilderson, Thomas P.

2011-01-01

Sub-micron sized airborne particulate matter (PM) is not collected well on regular quartz or glass fiber filter papers. We used a micro-orifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI) to fractionate PM into six size fractions and deposit it on specially designed high purity thin aluminum disks. The MOUDI separated PM into fractions 56–100 nm, 100–180 nm, 180–320 nm, 320–560 nm, 560–1000 nm, and 1000–1800 nm. Since the MOUDI has a low flow rate (30 L/min), it takes several days to collect sufficient carbon on 47 mm foil disks. The small carbon mass (20–200 microgram C) and large aluminum substrate (~25 mg Al) present several challenges to production of graphite targets for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) analysis. The Al foil consumes large amounts of oxygen as it is heated and tends to melt into quartz combustion tubes, causing gas leaks. We describe sample processing techniques to reliably produce graphitic targets for 14C-AMS analysis of PM deposited on Al impact foils. PMID:22228915

Neutron-rich isotope production using the uranium carbide multi-foil SPES target prototype

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scarpa, D.; Biasetto, L.; Corradetti, S.; Manzolaro, M.; Andrighetto, A.; Carturan, S.; Prete, G.; Zanonato, P.; Stracener, D. W.

2011-03-01

In the framework of the R&D program for the SPES (Selective Production of Exotic Species) project of the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), production yields of neutron-rich isotopes have been measured at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (HRIBF, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA). This experiment makes use of the multi-foil SPES target prototype composed of 7 uranium carbide discs, with excess of graphite (ratio C/ U = 4 . 77 isotopes of medium mass (between 72 and 141amu), produced via proton-induced fission of uranium using a 40MeV proton beam, have been collected and analyzed for the target heated at 2000 ° C target temperature.

A graphitic hollow carbon nitride nanosphere as a novel photochemical internalization agent for targeted and stimuli-responsive cancer therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Chaoqun; Chen, Zhaowei; Wang, Zhenzhen; Li, Wei; Ju, Enguo; Yan, Zhengqing; Liu, Zhen; Ren, Jinsong; Qu, Xiaogang

2016-06-01

As a novel technique, photochemical internalization (PCI) has been employed as a new approach to overcome endo/lysosomal restriction, which is one of the main difficulties in both drug and gene delivery. However, the complicated synthesis procedure (usually requiring the self-assembly of polymers, photosensitizers and cargos) and payload specificity greatly limit its further application. In this paper, we employ a highly fluorescent graphitic hollow carbon nitride nanosphere (GHCNS) to simultaneously serve as a PCI photosensitizer, an imaging agent and a drug carrier. The surface modification of GHCNS with multifunctional polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (HA) endows the system with colloidal stability, biocompatibility and cancer cell targeting ability. After CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis, the nanosystem is embedded in endo/lysosomal vesicles and HA could be specially degraded by hyaluronidase (Hyal), inducing open pores. In the following, with visible light illumination, GHCNS could produce ROS that effectively induced lipid peroxidation and caused endo/lysosomal membrane break, accelerating the cytoplasmic release of the drug in the targeted and irradiated cells. As a result, significantly increased therapeutic potency and specificity against cancer cells could be achieved.As a novel technique, photochemical internalization (PCI) has been employed as a new approach to overcome endo/lysosomal restriction, which is one of the main difficulties in both drug and gene delivery. However, the complicated synthesis procedure (usually requiring the self-assembly of polymers, photosensitizers and cargos) and payload specificity greatly limit its further application. In this paper, we employ a highly fluorescent graphitic hollow carbon nitride nanosphere (GHCNS) to simultaneously serve as a PCI photosensitizer, an imaging agent and a drug carrier. The surface modification of GHCNS with multifunctional polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (HA) endows the system with colloidal stability, biocompatibility and cancer cell targeting ability. After CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis, the nanosystem is embedded in endo/lysosomal vesicles and HA could be specially degraded by hyaluronidase (Hyal), inducing open pores. In the following, with visible light illumination, GHCNS could produce ROS that effectively induced lipid peroxidation and caused endo/lysosomal membrane break, accelerating the cytoplasmic release of the drug in the targeted and irradiated cells. As a result, significantly increased therapeutic potency and specificity against cancer cells could be achieved. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07719b

Graphene-based biomimetic materials targeting urine metabolite as potential cancer biomarker: application over different conductive materials for potentiometric transduction.

PubMed

Truta, Liliana A A N A; Ferreira, Nádia S; Sales, M Goreti F

2014-12-20

This works presents a novel surface Smart Polymer Antibody Material (SPAM) for Carnitine (CRT, a potential biomarker of ovarian cancer), tested for the first time as ionophore in potentiometric electrodes of unconventional configuration. The SPAM material consisted of a 3D polymeric network created by surface imprinting on graphene layers. The polymer was obtained by radical polymerization of (vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride and 4-styrenesulfonic acid (signaling the binding sites), and vinyl pivalate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (surroundings). Non-imprinted material (NIM) was prepared as control, by excluding the template from the procedure. These materials were then used to produce several plasticized PVC membranes, testing the relevance of including the SPAM as ionophore, and the need for a charged lipophilic additive. The membranes were casted over solid conductive supports of graphite or ITO/FTO. The effect of pH upon the potentiometric response was evaluated for different pHs (2-9) with different buffer compositions. Overall, the best performance was achieved for membranes with SPAM ionophore, having a cationic lipophilic additive and tested in HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid) buffer, pH 5.1. Better slopes were achieved when the membrane was casted on conductive glass (-57.4mV/decade), while the best detection limits were obtained for graphite-based conductive supports (3.6×10 -5 mol/L). Good selectivity was observed against BSA, ascorbic acid, glucose, creatinine and urea, tested for concentrations up to their normal physiologic levels in urine. The application of the devices to the analysis of spiked samples showed recoveries ranging from 91% (± 6.8%) to 118% (± 11.2%). Overall, the combination of the SPAM sensory material with a suitable selective membrane composition and electrode design has lead to a promising tool for point-of-care applications.

Graphene-based biomimetic materials targeting urine metabolite as potential cancer biomarker: application over different conductive materials for potentiometric transduction

PubMed Central

Truta, Liliana A.A.N.A.; Ferreira, Nádia S.; Sales, M. Goreti F.

2015-01-01

This works presents a novel surface Smart Polymer Antibody Material (SPAM) for Carnitine (CRT, a potential biomarker of ovarian cancer), tested for the first time as ionophore in potentiometric electrodes of unconventional configuration. The SPAM material consisted of a 3D polymeric network created by surface imprinting on graphene layers. The polymer was obtained by radical polymerization of (vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride and 4-styrenesulfonic acid (signaling the binding sites), and vinyl pivalate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (surroundings). Non-imprinted material (NIM) was prepared as control, by excluding the template from the procedure. These materials were then used to produce several plasticized PVC membranes, testing the relevance of including the SPAM as ionophore, and the need for a charged lipophilic additive. The membranes were casted over solid conductive supports of graphite or ITO/FTO. The effect of pH upon the potentiometric response was evaluated for different pHs (2-9) with different buffer compositions. Overall, the best performance was achieved for membranes with SPAM ionophore, having a cationic lipophilic additive and tested in HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid) buffer, pH 5.1. Better slopes were achieved when the membrane was casted on conductive glass (−57.4mV/decade), while the best detection limits were obtained for graphite-based conductive supports (3.6×10−5mol/L). Good selectivity was observed against BSA, ascorbic acid, glucose, creatinine and urea, tested for concentrations up to their normal physiologic levels in urine. The application of the devices to the analysis of spiked samples showed recoveries ranging from 91% (± 6.8%) to 118% (± 11.2%). Overall, the combination of the SPAM sensory material with a suitable selective membrane composition and electrode design has lead to a promising tool for point-of-care applications. PMID:26456975

Chemical Passivation of Li(exp +)-Conducting Solid Electrolytes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

West, William; Whitacre, Jay; Lim, James

2008-01-01

Plates of a solid electrolyte that exhibits high conductivity for positive lithium ions can now be passivated to prevent them from reacting with metallic lithium. Such passivation could enable the construction and operation of high-performance, long-life lithium-based rechargeable electrochemical cells containing metallic lithium anodes. The advantage of this approach, in comparison with a possible alternative approach utilizing lithium-ion graphitic anodes, is that metallic lithium anodes could afford significantly greater energy-storage densities. A major impediment to the development of such cells has been the fact that the available solid electrolytes having the requisite high Li(exp +)-ion conductivity are too highly chemically reactive with metallic lithium to be useful, while those solid electrolytes that do not react excessively with metallic lithium have conductivities too low to be useful. The present passivation method exploits the best features of both extremes of the solid-electrolyte spectrum. The basic idea is to coat a higher-conductivity, higher-reactivity solid electrolyte with a lower-conductivity, lower-reactivity solid electrolyte. One can then safely deposit metallic lithium in contact with the lower-reactivity solid electrolyte without incurring the undesired chemical reactions. The thickness of the lower-reactivity electrolyte must be great enough to afford the desired passivation but not so great as to contribute excessively to the electrical resistance of the cell. The feasibility of this method was demonstrated in experiments on plates of a commercial high-performance solid Li(exp +)- conducting electrolyte. Lithium phosphorous oxynitride (LiPON) was the solid electrolyte used for passivation. LiPON-coated solid-electrolyte plates were found to support electrochemical plating and stripping of Li metal. The electrical resistance contributed by the LiPON layers were found to be small relative to overall cell impedances.

MFPG. The Role of Coatings in the Prevention of Mechanical Failures. Proceedings of the 23rd Meeting of the Mechanical Failures Prevention Group, Held at the National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, Maryland on October 29-31, 1975

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-09-01

testing evaluation and production process development . This coated microspherical fuel particle has been successfully developed over a period of...this reliable concept began with attempts to blend ceramic (oxide or carbide) fuel powders into a graphite matrix in the early concepts of ROVER, HTGR ...lubricants. An ongoing program at the Naval Air Development Center is investigating how some parameters affect corro- sion between solid film

Solid-phase electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide films in alkaline solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basirun, Wan J.; Sookhakian, Mehran; Baradaran, Saeid; Mahmoudian, Mohammad R.; Ebadi, Mehdi

2013-09-01

Graphene oxide (GO) film was evaporated onto graphite and used as an electrode to produce electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) films by electrochemical reduction in 6 M KOH solution through voltammetric cycling. Fourier transformed infrared and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of ERGO. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterization of ERGO and GO films in ferrocyanide/ferricyanide redox couple with 0.1 M KCl supporting electrolyte gave results that are in accordance with previous reports. Based on the EIS results, ERGO shows higher capacitance and lower charge transfer resistance compared to GO.

Hidden impact damage in thick composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, C. C., Jr.; Illg, W.; Garber, D. P.

1986-01-01

NASA is developing light-weight graphite/epoxy filament-wound cases (FWC) for the solid rocket motors of the Space Shuttle. The 12-foot-diameter FWC's are about 1.4 inches or more thick. Tests were conducted to determine the tension strength of an FWC after low-velocity impact. Impactors of various kinetic energies, masses, and shapes were used. The conditions that give minimum visual evidence of damage were emphasized. The capability to characterize impact damage with radiography and ultrasonic attenuation was also evaluated. After impact, the specimens were loaded uniaxially in tension to determine residual strengths.

AFRPL Graphite Performance Prediction Program. Improved Capability for the Design and Ablation Performance Prediction of Advanced Air Force Solid Propellant Rocket Nozzles

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-12-01

corrosive attack by both acids and alkali and, in addition, is provided with a special Dynel veil for protection against fluoride attack. 3.1.4...throat region, namely , the entrance, center, and exit. In addition, at each station, the diameters were determined at two angular positions 90° apart. The...characterization test matrix. 3.2.1.1 Rocket Motor Environments Rocket motor environments were based on three advanced MX propellants, namely , * XLDB * HTPB * PEG

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-01-01

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

Direct graphene growth from highly ordered pyrolytic graphite using pulsed Nd: YAG laser on p-Si (100) substrate at 700°c

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

Kumar, Pramod, E-mail: kumarpramod.iitd@gmail.com; Lahiri, Indranil; Mitra, Anirban

Few layer graphene was deposited on p-type Si (100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) target at a relatively low temperature of 700 °C, without any catalytic layer. Effect of laser energy on the ability to produce the crystalline graphene was studied. It was observed that a laser energy of 220 mJ/pulse lead to form few layer graphene while higher laser energy of 440 mJ/pulse was detrimental to precipitation process. The reasons behind this observation are also discussed. Graphene samples were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy and surface morphology of graphene samples was confirmed using fieldmore » emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM).« less

Thermochemical Stability and Friction Properties of Soft Organosilica Networks for Solid Lubrication.

PubMed

Gonzalez Rodriguez, Pablo; Dral, A Petra; van den Nieuwenhuijzen, Karin J H; Lette, Walter; Schipper, Dik J; Ten Elshof, Johan E

2018-01-24

In view of their possible application as high temperature solid lubricants, the tribological and thermochemical properties of several organosilica networks were investigated over a range of temperatures between 25 and 580 °C. Organosilica networks, obtained from monomers with terminal and bridging organic groups, were synthesized by a sol-gel process. The influence of carbon content, crosslink density, rotational freedom of incorporated hydrocarbon groups, and network connectivity on the high temperature friction properties of the polymer was studied for condensed materials from silicon alkoxide precursors with terminating organic groups, i.e., methyltrimethoxysilane, propyltrimethoxysilane, diisopropyldimethoxysilane, cyclohexyltrimethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane and 4-biphenylyltriethoxysilane networks, as well as precursors with organic bridging groups between Si centers, i.e., 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene and 4,4'-bis(triethoxysilyl)-1,1'-biphenyl. Pin-on-disc measurements were performed using all selected solid lubricants. It was found that materials obtained from phenyltrimethoxysilane and cyclohexyltrimethoxysilane precursors showed softening above 120 °C and performed best in terms of friction reduction, reaching friction coefficients as low as 0.01. This value is lower than that of graphite films (0.050 ± 0.005), a common bench mark for solid lubricants.

Thermochemical Stability and Friction Properties of Soft Organosilica Networks for Solid Lubrication

PubMed Central

Gonzalez Rodriguez, Pablo; van den Nieuwenhuijzen, Karin J. H.; Lette, Walter; Schipper, Dik J.

2018-01-01

In view of their possible application as high temperature solid lubricants, the tribological and thermochemical properties of several organosilica networks were investigated over a range of temperatures between 25 and 580 °C. Organosilica networks, obtained from monomers with terminal and bridging organic groups, were synthesized by a sol-gel process. The influence of carbon content, crosslink density, rotational freedom of incorporated hydrocarbon groups, and network connectivity on the high temperature friction properties of the polymer was studied for condensed materials from silicon alkoxide precursors with terminating organic groups, i.e., methyltrimethoxysilane, propyltrimethoxysilane, diisopropyldimethoxysilane, cyclohexyltrimethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane and 4-biphenylyltriethoxysilane networks, as well as precursors with organic bridging groups between Si centers, i.e., 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene and 4,4′-bis(triethoxysilyl)-1,1′-biphenyl. Pin-on-disc measurements were performed using all selected solid lubricants. It was found that materials obtained from phenyltrimethoxysilane and cyclohexyltrimethoxysilane precursors showed softening above 120 °C and performed best in terms of friction reduction, reaching friction coefficients as low as 0.01. This value is lower than that of graphite films (0.050 ± 0.005), a common bench mark for solid lubricants. PMID:29364164

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

PubMed

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

2014-12-01

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

Simple room-temperature preparation of high-yield large-area graphene oxide

PubMed Central

Huang, NM; Lim, HN; Chia, CH; Yarmo, MA; Muhamad, MR

2011-01-01

Graphene has attracted much attention from researchers due to its interesting mechanical, electrochemical, and electronic properties. It has many potential applications such as polymer filler, sensor, energy conversion, and energy storage devices. Graphene-based nanocomposites are under an intense spotlight amongst researchers. A large amount of graphene is required for preparation of such samples. Lately, graphene-based materials have been the target for fundamental life science investigations. Despite graphene being a much sought-after raw material, the drawbacks in the preparation of graphene are that it is a challenge amongst researchers to produce this material in a scalable quantity and that there is a concern about its safety. Thus, a simple and efficient method for the preparation of graphene oxide (GO) is greatly desired to address these problems. In this work, one-pot chemical oxidation of graphite was carried out at room temperature for the preparation of large-area GO with ~100% conversion. This high-conversion preparation of large-area GO was achieved using a simplified Hummer’s method from large graphite flakes (an average flake size of 500 μm). It was found that a high degree of oxidation of graphite could be realized by stirring graphite in a mixture of acids and potassium permanganate, resulting in GO with large lateral dimension and area, which could reach up to 120 μm and ~8000 μm2, respectively. The simplified Hummer’s method provides a facile approach for the preparation of large-area GO. PMID:22267928

Solid State Physics. Nitrogen Adsorption by Thermoexfoliated Graphite / Slāpekļa Adsorbcija Uz Termoeksfoliētā Grafīta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grehov, V.; Kalnacs, J.; Matzui, L.; Knite, M.; Murashov, A.; Vilken, A.

2013-02-01

Adsorption by thermochemically exfoliated graphite (TEG) is studied and compared with that by other carbon structures under the same conditions. In BET determination of the specific surface area (SBET) for the TEG samples it was found that good approximation could be observed in two different pressure ranges. Such ranges of BET approximation are also visible in the isotherms of aquadag and milled graphite. The experimental results are discussed and their interpretation proposed Ar sorbcijas iekārtu Autosorb-1 (Quantochrome Instruments Co, Florida, USA) pētīta termiski eksfoliēta grafīta slāpekļa sorbcijas spēja salīdzinājumā ar citu oglekļa struktūru sorbciju tādos pašos apstākļos. Atrasti divi izotermu rajoni, kas raksturojas ar mazu (SBET1) un palielinātu (SBET2) īpatnējo virsmu.. Šāda veida izotermas raksturīgas slikti adsorbējošiem materiāliem, pie kādiem pieder arī akvadags. Labi adsorbējošās oglekļa struktūrām, tādām kā aktīvā ogle un oglekļa nanocaurules, raksturīgas cita veida izotermas. Apspriesta eksperimentālā rezultāta interpretācija

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

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

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

Self-propagating solar light reduction of graphite oxide in water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todorova, N.; Giannakopoulou, T.; Boukos, N.; Vermisoglou, E.; Lekakou, C.; Trapalis, C.

2017-01-01

Graphite Oxide (GtO) is commonly used as an intermediate material for preparation of graphene in the form of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Being a semiconductor with tunable band gap rGO is often coupled with various photocatalysts to enhance their visible light activity. The behavior of such rGO-based composites could be affected after prolonged exposure to solar light. In the present work, the alteration of the GtO properties under solar light irradiation is investigated. Water dispersions of GtO manufactured by oxidation of natural graphite via Hummers method were irradiated into solar light simulator for different periods of time without addition of catalysts or reductive agent. The FT-IR analysis of the treated dispersions revealed gradual reduction of the GtO with the increase of the irradiation time. The XRD, FT-IR and XPS analyses of the obtained solid materials confirmed the transition of GtO to rGO under solar light irradiation. The reduction of the GtO was also manifested by the CV measurements that revealed stepwise increase of the specific capacitance connected with the restoration of the sp2 domains. Photothermal self-propagating reduction of graphene oxide in aqueous media under solar light irradiation is suggested as a possible mechanism. The self-photoreduction of GtO utilizing solar light provides a green, sustainable route towards preparation of reduced graphene oxide. However, the instability of the GtO and partially reduced GO under irradiation should be considered when choosing the field of its application.

Simulated impact damage in a thick graphite/epoxy laminate using spherical indenters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poe, C. C., Jr.

1988-01-01

A study was made to determine the extent of fiber damage caused by low-velocity impact of spherical impactors to a very thick graphite/epoxy laminate. The laminate was cut from a filament wound case being developed for the Space Shuttle solid rocket motors. The case was wound using a wet process with AS4W graphite fiber and HBRF-55A epoxy. Impacts were simulated under quasi-static conditions by pressing hemispherically shaped indenters against the laminate at different locations. The contact force and indenter diameter were varied from location to location. The forces were chosen for each indenter diameter to produce contact pressures below and above that required to initiate damage. After the forces were applied, the laminate was cut into smaller pieces so that each piece contained a test site. The pieces were then deplied and the individual plies examined to determine the extent of fiber damage. Broken fibers were found in the outer layers directly beneath the contact site. The locus of broken fibers in each layer resembled a crack normal to the direction of the fibers. The maximum length and depth of the cracks increased with increasing contact pressure and indenter diameter. The internal stresses in the laminate were calculated using Hertz's law and Love's solution for pressure applied on part of the boundary of a semi-infinite body. The maximum length and depth of the cracks were predicted using a maximum shear stress criterion. Predictions and measurements were in good agreement.

Method for producing dustless graphite spheres from waste graphite fines

DOEpatents

Pappano, Peter J [Oak Ridge, TN; Rogers, Michael R [Clinton, TN

2012-05-08

A method for producing graphite spheres from graphite fines by charging a quantity of spherical media into a rotatable cylindrical overcoater, charging a quantity of graphite fines into the overcoater thereby forming a first mixture of spherical media and graphite fines, rotating the overcoater at a speed such that the first mixture climbs the wall of the overcoater before rolling back down to the bottom thereby forming a second mixture of spherical media, graphite fines, and graphite spheres, removing the second mixture from the overcoater, sieving the second mixture to separate graphite spheres, charging the first mixture back into the overcoater, charging an additional quantity of graphite fines into the overcoater, adjusting processing parameters like overcoater dimensions, graphite fines charge, overcoater rotation speed, overcoater angle of rotation, and overcoater time of rotation, before repeating the steps until graphite fines are converted to graphite spheres.

Graphite Based Electrode for ECG Monitoring: Evaluation under Freshwater and Saltwater Conditions.

PubMed

Thap, Tharoeun; Yoon, Kwon-Ha; Lee, Jinseok

2016-04-15

We proposed new electrodes that are applicable for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring under freshwater- and saltwater-immersion conditions. Our proposed electrodes are made of graphite pencil lead (GPL), a general-purpose writing pencil. We have fabricated two types of electrode: a pencil lead solid type (PLS) electrode and a pencil lead powder type (PLP) electrode. In order to assess the qualities of the PLS and PLP electrodes, we compared their performance with that of a commercial Ag/AgCl electrode, under a total of seven different conditions: dry, freshwater immersion with/without movement, post-freshwater wet condition, saltwater immersion with/without movement, and post-saltwater wet condition. In both dry and post-freshwater wet conditions, all ECG-recorded PQRST waves were clearly discernible, with all types of electrodes, Ag/AgCl, PLS, and PLP. On the other hand, under the freshwater- and saltwater-immersion conditions with/without movement, as well as post-saltwater wet conditions, we found that the proposed PLS and PLP electrodes provided better ECG waveform quality, with significant statistical differences compared with the quality provided by Ag/AgCl electrodes.

Imaging initial formation processes of nanobubbles at the graphite-water interface through high-speed atomic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Hsien-Shun; Yang, Chih-Wen; Ko, Hsien-Chen; Hwu, En-Te; Hwang, Ing-Shouh

2018-03-01

The initial formation process of nanobubbles at solid-water interfaces remains unclear because of the limitations of current imaging techniques. To directly observe the formation process, an astigmatic high-speed atomic force microscope (AFM) was modified to enable imaging in the liquid environment. By using a customized cantilever holder, the resonance of small cantilevers was effectively enhanced in water. The proposed high-speed imaging technique yielded highly dynamic quasi-two-dimensional (2D) gas structures (thickness: 20-30 nm) initially at the graphite-water interface. The 2D structures were laterally mobile mainly within certain areas, but occasionally a gas structure might extensively migrate and settle in a new area. The 2D structures were often confined by substrate step edges in one lateral dimension. Eventually, all quasi-2D gas structures were transformed into cap-shaped nanobubbles of higher heights and reduced lateral dimensions. These nanobubbles were immobile and remained stable under continuous AFM imaging. This study demonstrated that nanobubbles could be stably imaged at a scan rate of 100 lines per second (640 μm/s).

Macroporous graphitic carbon foam decorated with polydopamine as a high-performance anode for microbial fuel cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Hongmei; Yang, Lu; Deng, Wenfang; Tan, Yueming; Xie, Qingji

2017-09-01

Herein, a macroporous graphitic carbon foam (MGCF) electrode decorated with polydopamine (PDA) is used as a high-performance anode for microbial fuel cell (MFC) applications. The MGCF is facilely prepared by pyrolysis of a powder mixture comprising maltose, nickel nitrate, and ammonia chloride, without using solid porous template. The MGCF is coated with PDA by self-polymerization of dopamine in a basic solution. The MGCF can provide a large surface area for bacterial attachment, and PDA coated on the MGCF electrode can further promote bacterial adhesion resulting from the improved hydrophility, so the MGCF-PDA electrode as an anode in a MFC can show ultrahigh bacterial loading capacity. Moreover, the electrochemical oxidation of flavins at the MGCF-PDA electrode is greatly accelerated, so the extracellular electron transfer mediated by flavins is improved. As a result, the MFC equipped with a MGCF-PDA anode can show a maximum power density of 1735 mW cm-2, which is 6.7 times that of a MFC equipped with a commercial carbon felt anode, indicating a promising anode for MFC applications.

Pulse-resolved intensity measurements at a hard X-ray FEL using semi-transparent diamond detectors

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

Roth, Thomas; Freund, Wolfgang; Boesenberg, Ulrike

Solid-state ionization chambers are presented based on thin diamond crystals that allow pulse-resolved intensity measurements at a hard X-ray free-electron laser (FEL), up to the 4.5 MHz repetition rate that will become available at the European XFEL. Due to the small X-ray absorption of diamond the thin detectors are semi-transparent which eases their use as non-invasive monitoring devices in the beam. FELs are characterized by strong pulse-to-pulse intensity fluctuations due to the self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) process and in many experiments it is mandatory to monitor the intensity of each individual pulse. Two diamond detectors with different electrode materials, berylliummore » and graphite, were tested as intensity monitors at the XCS endstation of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) using the pink SASE beam at 9 keV. The performance is compared with LCLS standard monitors that detect X-rays backscattered from thin SiN foils placed in the beam. In conclusion, the graphite detector can also be used as a beam position monitor although with rather coarse resolution.« less

Wetting Transition of Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedman, Serah; Khalil, Matt; Taborek, Peter

2013-03-01

Pure liquid water does not wet most solid surfaces. Liquid water on these surfaces beads up and forms droplets with a finite contact angle. General thermodynamic principles suggest that as the temperature approaches the critical point, the contact angle should go to zero, marking the wetting transition. We have made an optical cell which can operate near the critical point of water (Tc =373C, Pc =217 atm) to study this phenomenon on sapphire, graphite and silicon. We have used two methods to measure the wetting temperature of water on these surfaces. Firstly, we studied a single droplet on a horizontal surface and optically measured the change in contact angle as a function of increasing temperature. Second, we studied the condensation of droplets on a vertical plate as a function of temperature. As the temperature approached the wetting temperature in both cases, the droplets spread and eventually form a smooth film along the surface of the plate. The wetting temperature on sapphire is near 240C and is considerably higher on graphite. Our observed values of Tw are significantly higher than the predictions made by the sharp-kink approximation and recent molecular dynamics simulations.

Macrosegregation of GeSi Alloys Grown in a Static Magnetic Field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritter, T. M.; Volz, M. P.; Cobb, S. D.; Szofran, F. R.

1999-01-01

Axial and radial macrosegregation profiles have been determined for GeSi alloy crystals grown by the vertical Bridgman technique. An axial 5 Tesla magnetic field was applied to several samples during growth to decrease the melt velocities by means of the Lorentz force. Compositions were measured with either energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) on a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or by wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS) on a microprobe. The crystals were processed in graphite, hot-pressed boron nitride (BN), and pyrolytic boron nitride (PBN) ampoules, which produced various solid-liquid interface shapes during solidification. Those samples grown in a graphite ampoule exhibited radial profiles consistent with a highly concave interface and axial profiles indicative of complete mixing in the melt. The samples grown in BN and PBN ampoules had less radial variation. Axial macrosegregation profiles of these samples fell between the predictions for a completely mixed melt and one where solute transport is dominated by diffusion. Possible explanations for the apparent insufficiency of the magnetic field to achieve diffusion controlled growth conditions are discussed.

Further Development of the Gyrotron- Powered Pellet Accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perkins, Francis

2007-11-01

The Gyrotron-Powered Pellet Accelerator provides an enabling technology to efficiently fuel ITER with fast pellets launched from the High Field Side (HFS) separatrix. Pellet experiments have repeatedly found that fuel efficiently is high - consistent with 100%. In contrast, Low Field Side (LFS) launch experiments find efficiencies of 50% or less. This report addresses what experimental program and what material choices can be made to retain program momentum. An initial program seeks to establish that our heterogeneous approach to conductivity works, maintaining s 1 mho/m. A demonstration of acceleration can be carried out in a very simple laboratory when the pusher material D2[Be] is replaced by LiH[C] which is a room temperature solid with a graphite particle suspension. No cryogenics or hazard chemicals. The mm-wave mirror will be graphite, the tamper is sapphire, and the payload LiD. The payload has a pellet has diameter = 3mm and a mass M = 4.4x10-4 kg which is 220 joules at V=1000 m/s. A barrel length of 15 cm completes the design specification.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-02-01

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

Pulse-resolved intensity measurements at a hard X-ray FEL using semi-transparent diamond detectors

DOE PAGES

Roth, Thomas; Freund, Wolfgang; Boesenberg, Ulrike; ...

2018-01-01

Solid-state ionization chambers are presented based on thin diamond crystals that allow pulse-resolved intensity measurements at a hard X-ray free-electron laser (FEL), up to the 4.5 MHz repetition rate that will become available at the European XFEL. Due to the small X-ray absorption of diamond the thin detectors are semi-transparent which eases their use as non-invasive monitoring devices in the beam. FELs are characterized by strong pulse-to-pulse intensity fluctuations due to the self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) process and in many experiments it is mandatory to monitor the intensity of each individual pulse. Two diamond detectors with different electrode materials, berylliummore » and graphite, were tested as intensity monitors at the XCS endstation of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) using the pink SASE beam at 9 keV. The performance is compared with LCLS standard monitors that detect X-rays backscattered from thin SiN foils placed in the beam. In conclusion, the graphite detector can also be used as a beam position monitor although with rather coarse resolution.« less

Massive production of abiotic methane during subduction evidenced in metamorphosed ophicarbonates from the Italian Alps

PubMed Central

Vitale Brovarone, Alberto; Martinez, Isabelle; Elmaleh, Agnès; Compagnoni, Roberto; Chaduteau, Carine; Ferraris, Cristiano; Esteve, Imène

2017-01-01

Alteration of ultramafic rocks plays a major role in the production of hydrocarbons and organic compounds via abiotic processes on Earth and beyond and contributes to the redistribution of C between solid and fluid reservoirs over geological cycles. Abiotic methanogenesis in ultramafic rocks is well documented at shallow conditions, whereas natural evidence at greater depths is scarce. Here we provide evidence for intense high-pressure abiotic methanogenesis by reduction of subducted ophicarbonates. Protracted (≥0.5–1 Ma), probably episodic infiltration of reduced fluids in the ophicarbonates and methanogenesis occurred from at least ∼40 km depth to ∼15–20 km depth. Textural, petrological and isotopic data indicate that methane reached saturation triggering the precipitation of graphitic C accompanied by dissolution of the precursor antigorite. Continuous infiltration of external reducing fluids caused additional methane production by interaction with the newly formed graphite. Alteration of high-pressure carbonate-bearing ultramafic rocks may represent an important source of abiotic methane, with strong implications for the mobility of deep C reservoirs. PMID:28223715

PhybalSIT — Fatigue Assessment and Life Time Calculation of the Ductile Cast Iron EN-GJS-600 at Ambient and Elevated Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jost, Benjamin; Klein, Marcus; Eifler, Dietmar

This paper focuses on the ductile cast iron EN-GJS-600 which is often used for components of combustion engines. Under service conditions, those components are mechanically loaded at different temperatures. Therefore, this investigation targets at the fatigue behavior of EN-GJS-600 at ambient and elevated temperatures. Light and scanning electron microscopic investigations were done to characterize the sphericity of the graphite as well as the ferrite, pearlite and graphite fraction. At elevated temperatures, the consideration of dynamic strain ageing effects is of major importance. In total strain increase, temperature increase and constant total strain amplitude tests, the plastic strain amplitude, the stress amplitude, the change in temperature and the change in electrical resistance were measured. The measured values depend on plastic deformation processes in the bulk of the specimens and at the interfaces between matrix and graphite. The fatigue behavior of EN-GJS-600 is dominated by cyclic hardening processes. The physically based fatigue life calculation "PHYBALSIT" (SIT = strain increase test) was developed for total strain controlled fatigue tests. Only one temperature increase test is necessary to determine the temperature interval of pronounced dynamic strain ageing effects.

Unraveling the formation mechanism of graphitic nitrogen-doping in thermally treated graphene with ammonia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiao-Fei; Lian, Ke-Yan; Liu, Lingling; Wu, Yingchao; Qiu, Qi; Jiang, Jun; Deng, Mingsen; Luo, Yi

2016-03-01

Nitrogen-doped graphene (N-graphene) has attractive properties that has been widely studied over the years. However, its possible formation process still remains unclear. Here, we propose a highly feasible formation mechanism of the graphitic-N doing in thermally treated graphene with ammonia by performing ab initio molecular dynamic simulations at experimental conditions. Results show that among the commonly native point defects in graphene, only the single vacancy 5-9 and divacancy 555-777 have the desirable electronic structures to trap N-containing groups and to mediate the subsequent dehydrogenation processes. The local structure of the defective graphene in combining with the thermodynamic and kinetic effect plays a crucial role in dominating the complex atomic rearrangement to form graphitic-N which heals the corresponding defect perfectly. The importance of the symmetry, the localized force field, the interaction of multiple trapped N-containing groups, as well as the catalytic effect of the temporarily formed bridge-N are emphasized, and the predicted doping configuration agrees well with the experimental observation. Hence, the revealed mechanism will be helpful for realizing the targeted synthesis of N-graphene with reduced defects and desired properties.

The Effects of Workload Presented via Visual and Auditory Displays on Soldier Shooting and Secondary Task Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-08-01

Cognitive Psychology: New Directions (pp. 112-153). London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1980. Allport, D. A.; Antonis, B.; Reynolds, P. On the Division of...live-fire range. The target type presentations will be an enemy targets which will consist of equal sized solid green silhouettes. Friendly targets...will consist of the solid green silhouette with a gray 6-inch disk at the center-of-mass, or a solid brown silhouette. The target exposure times will

FennoFlakes: a project for identifying flake graphite ores in the Fennoscandian shield and utilizing graphite in different applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palosaari, Jenny; Eklund, O.; Raunio, S.; Lindfors, T.; Latonen, R.-M.; Peltonen, J.; Smått, J.-H.; Kauppila, J.; Lund, S.; Sjöberg-Eerola, P.; Blomqvist, R.; Marmo, J.

2016-04-01

Natural graphite is a strategic mineral, since the European Commission stated (Report on critical raw materials for the EU (2014)) that graphite is one of the 20 most critical materials for the European Union. The EU consumed 13% of all flake graphite in the world but produced only 3%, which stresses the demand of the material. Flake graphite, which is a flaky version of graphite, forms under high metamorphic conditions. Flake graphite is important in different applications like batteries, carbon brushes, heat sinks etc. Graphene (a single layer of graphite) can be produced from graphite and is commonly used in many nanotechnological applications, e.g. in electronics and sensors. The steps to obtain pure graphene from graphite ore include fragmentation, flotation and exfoliation, which can be cumbersome and resulting in damaging the graphene layers. We have started a project named FennoFlakes, which is a co-operation between geologists and chemists to fill the whole value chain from graphite to graphene: 1. Exploration of graphite ores (geological and geophysical methods). 2. Petrological and geochemical analyses on the ores. 3. Development of fragmentation methods for graphite ores. 4. Chemical exfoliation of the enriched flake graphite to separate flake graphite into single and multilayer graphene. 5. Test the quality of the produced material in several high-end applications with totally environmental friendly and disposable material combinations. Preliminary results show that flake graphite in high metamorphic areas has better qualities compared to synthetic graphite produced in laboratories.

Morphological and functional effects of graphene on the synthesis of uranium carbide for isotopes production targets.

PubMed

Biasetto, L; Corradetti, S; Carturan, S; Eloirdi, R; Amador-Celdran, P; Staicu, D; Blanco, O Dieste; Andrighetto, A

2018-05-29

The development of tailored targets for the production of radioactive isotopes represents an active field in nuclear research. Radioactive beams find applications in nuclear medicine, in astrophysics, matter physics and materials science. In this work, we study the use of graphene both as carbon source for UO 2 carbothermal reduction to produce UC x targets, and also as functional properties booster. At fixed composition, the UC x target grain size, porosity and thermal conductivity represent the three main points that affect the target production efficiency. UC x was synthesized using both graphite and graphene as the source of carbon and the target properties in terms of composition, grain size, porosity, thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity were studied. The main output of this work is related to the remarkable enhancement achieved in thermal conductivity, which can profitably improve thermal dissipation during operational stages of UC x targets.

Voronoi-Tessellated Graphite Produced by Low-Temperature Catalytic Graphitization from Renewable Resources.

PubMed

Zhao, Leyi; Zhao, Xiuyun; Burke, Luke T; Bennett, J Craig; Dunlap, Richard A; Obrovac, Mark N

2017-09-11

A highly crystalline graphite powder was prepared from the low temperature (800-1000 °C) graphitization of renewable hard carbon precursors using a magnesium catalyst. The resulting graphite particles are composed of Voronoi-tessellated regions comprising irregular sheets; each Voronoi-tessellated region having a small "seed" particle located near their centroid on the surface. This suggests nucleated outward growth of graphitic carbon, which has not been previously observed. Each seed particle consists of a spheroidal graphite shell on the inside of which hexagonal graphite platelets are perpendicularly affixed. This results in a unique high surface area graphite with a high degree of graphitization that is made with renewable feedstocks at temperatures far below that conventionally used for artificial graphites. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Influence of Metal-Coated Graphite Powders on Microstructure and Properties of the Bronze-Matrix/Graphite Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jian-hua; Li, Pu; Tang, Qi; Zhang, Yan-qing; He, Jian-sheng; He, Ke

2017-02-01

In this study, the bronze-matrix/x-graphite (x = 0, 1, 3 and 5%) composites were fabricated by powder metallurgy route by using Cu-coated graphite, Ni-coated graphite and pure graphite, respectively. The microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosive behaviors of bronze/Cu-coated-graphite (BCG), bronze/Ni-coated-graphite (BNG) and bronze/pure-graphite (BPG) were characterized and investigated. Results show that the Cu-coated and Ni-coated graphite could definitely increase the bonding quality between the bronze matrix and graphite. In general, with the increase in graphite content in bronze-matrix/graphite composites, the friction coefficients, ultimate density and wear rates of BPG, BCG and BNG composites all went down. However, the Vickers microhardness of the BNG composite would increase as the graphite content increased, which was contrary to the BPG and BCG composites. When the graphite content was 3%, the friction coefficient of BNG composite was more stable than that of BCG and BPG composites, indicating that BNG composite had a better tribological performance than the others. Under all the values of applied loads (10, 20, 40 and 60N), the BCG and BNG composites exhibited a lower wear rate than BPG composite. What is more, the existence of nickel in graphite powders could effectively improve the corrosion resistance of the BNG composite.

Producing graphite with desired properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickinson, J. M.; Imprescia, R. J.; Reiswig, R. D.; Smith, M. C.

1971-01-01

Isotropic or anisotropic graphite is synthesized with precise control of particle size, distribution, and shape. The isotropic graphites are nearly perfectly isotropic, with thermal expansion coefficients two or three times those of ordinary graphites. The anisotropic graphites approach the anisotropy of pyrolytic graphite.

Brazing graphite to graphite

DOEpatents

Peterson, George R.

1976-01-01

Graphite is joined to graphite by employing both fine molybdenum powder as the brazing material and an annealing step that together produce a virtually metal-free joint exhibiting properties similar to those found in the parent graphite. Molybdenum powder is placed between the faying surfaces of two graphite parts and melted to form molybdenum carbide. The joint area is thereafter subjected to an annealing operation which diffuses the carbide away from the joint and into the graphite parts. Graphite dissolved by the dispersed molybdenum carbide precipitates into the joint area, replacing the molybdenum carbide to provide a joint of virtually graphite.

Integration of uncooled scraper elements and its diagnostics into Wendelstein 7-X

DOE PAGES

Fellinger, Joris; Loesser, Doug; Neilson, Hutch; ...

2017-08-08

The modular stellarator Wendelstein 7-X in Greifswald (Germany) successfully started operation in 2015 with short pulse limiter plasmas. In 2017, the next operation phase (OP) OP1.2 will start once 10 uncooled test divertor units (TDU) with graphite armor will be installed. The TDUs allow for plasma pulses of 10 s with 8 MW heating. OP2, allowing for steady state operation, is planned for 2020 after the TDUs will be replaced by 10 water cooled CFC armored divertors. Due to the development of plasma currents like bootstrap currents in long pulse plasmas in OP2, the plasma could hit the edge ofmore » the divertor targets which has a reduced cooling capacity compared to the central part of the target tiles. To prevent overloading of these edges, a so-called scraper element can be positioned in front of the divertor, intersecting those strike lines that would otherwise hit the divertor edges. As a result, these edges are protected but as a drawback the pumping efficiency of neutrals is also reduced. As a test an uncooled scraper element with graphite tiles will be placed in two out of ten half modules in OP1.2. A decision to install ten water cooled scraper elements for OP2 is pending on the results of this test in OP1.2. To monitor the impact of the scraper element on the plasma, Langmuir probes are integrated in the plasma facing surface, and a neutral gas manometer measures the neutral density directly behind the plasma facing surface. Moreover, IR and VIS cameras observe the plasma facing surface and thermocouples monitor the temperatures of the graphite tiles and underlying support structure. This paper describes the integration of the scraper element and its diagnostics in Wendelstein 7-X.« less

Quantification of Chemical Erosion in the DIII-D Divertor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLean, Adam

2009-11-01

Chemical erosion (CE) yield at the graphite divertor target in DIII-D was measured to be substantially lower in cold near-detached plasma conditions compared to well-attached ones, with major implications for ITER. Current estimates of tritium retention by co-deposition with hydrocarbons (HCs) in ITER place potentially severe restrictions on operation. However, calculations done to date have been based on excessively conservative assumptions, due to limited understanding of cold divertor plasmas (1-5eV) which bridge energy thresholds for complex atomic and molecular processes not present in attached conditions. Hydrocarbon injection through a unique porous graphite plate which realistically simulates secondary reactions of HCs with a graphite surface has been used to measure CE in-situ. For the first time in a divertor, measurements were made at extrinsic CH4 injection rates comparable to the expected intrinsic CE rate of C, with the resulting spectroscopic emissions separated from those of the intrinsic sources. Under cold plasma conditions the contribution of CE-produced C relative to total C sources in the divertor declined dramatically from ˜50% to <15%. Photon efficiencies for products from the breakup of injected CH4 were greater than previous measurements at higher puff rates, indicating the importance of minimizing perturbation to the local plasma. At 350K, the measured CE yield near the outer strike point was ˜2.6% in attachment dropping to only ˜0.5% in cold plasma; results are consistent with some theoretical predications and lab studies. Under full detachment, near total extinction of the CD band occurred, consistent with suppression of net C erosion. These findings have potentially major impact on projected target lifetime and tritium retention in future reactors, and for the PFC choice in ITER.

Pulsed laser vaporization synthesis of boron loaded few layered graphene (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tennyson, Wesley D.; Tian, Mengkun; More, Karren L.; Geohegan, David B.; Puretzky, Alexander A.; Papandrew, Alexander B.; Rouleau, Christopher M.; Yoon, Mina

2017-02-01

The bulk production of loose graphene flakes and its doped variants are important for energy applications including batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors as well as optoelectronic and thermal applications. While laser-based methods have been reported for large-scale synthesis of single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWNHs), similar large-scale production of graphene has not been reported. Here we explored the synthesis of doped few layered graphene by pulsed laser vaporization (PLV) with the goal of producing an oxidation resistant electrode support for solid acid fuel cells. PLV of graphite with various amounts of boron was carried out in mixtures in either Ar or Ar/H2 at 0.1 MPa at elevated temperatures under conditions typically used for synthesis of SWNHs. Both the addition of hydrogen to the background argon, or the addition of boron to the carbon target, was found to shift the formation of carbon nanohorns to two-dimensional flakes of a new form of few-layer graphene material, with sizes up to microns in dimension as confirmed by XRD and TEM. However, the materials made with boron exhibited superior resistance to carbon corrosion in the solid acid fuel cell and thermal oxidation resistance in air compared to similar product made without boron. Mechanisms for the synthesis and oxidation resistance of these materials will be discussed based upon detailed characterization and modeling. •Synthesis science was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences (BES), Materials Sciences and Engineering Division. Material processing and characterization science supported by ARPA-E under Cooperative Agreement Number DE-AR0000499 and as a user project at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, a Department of Energy Office of Science User Facility.

Surface Functionalization and Targeting Strategies of Liposomes in Solid Tumor Therapy: A Review

PubMed Central

Riaz, Muhammad Kashif; Riaz, Muhammad Adil; Zhang, Xue; Lin, Congcong; Wong, Ka Hong; Chen, Xiaoyu; Lu, Aiping

2018-01-01

Surface functionalization of liposomes can play a key role in overcoming the current limitations of nanocarriers to treat solid tumors, i.e., biological barriers and physiological factors. The phospholipid vesicles (liposomes) containing anticancer agents produce fewer side effects than non-liposomal anticancer formulations, and can effectively target the solid tumors. This article reviews information about the strategies for targeting of liposomes to solid tumors along with the possible targets in cancer cells, i.e., extracellular and intracellular targets and targets in tumor microenvironment or vasculature. Targeting ligands for functionalization of liposomes with relevant surface engineering techniques have been described. Stimuli strategies for enhanced delivery of anticancer agents at requisite location using stimuli-responsive functionalized liposomes have been discussed. Recent approaches for enhanced delivery of anticancer agents at tumor site with relevant surface functionalization techniques have been reviewed. Finally, current challenges of functionalized liposomes and future perspective of smart functionalized liposomes have been discussed. PMID:29315231

Method of Joining Graphite Fibers to a Substrate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beringer, Durwood M. (Inventor); Caron, Mark E. (Inventor); Taddey, Edmund P. (Inventor); Gleason, Brian P. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A method of assembling a metallic-graphite structure includes forming a wetted graphite subassembly by arranging one or more layers of graphite fiber material including a plurality of graphite fibers and applying a layer of metallization material to ends of the plurality of graphite fibers. At least one metallic substrate is secured to the wetted graphite subassembly via the layer of metallization material.

Dynamics of bulk electron heating and ionization in solid density plasmas driven by ultra-short relativistic laser pulses

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

Huang, L. G., E-mail: lingen.huang@hzdr.de; Kluge, T.; Cowan, T. E.

The dynamics of bulk heating and ionization is investigated both in simulations and theory, which determines the crucial plasma parameters such as plasma temperature and density in ultra-short relativistic laser-solid target interactions. During laser-plasma interactions, the solid density plasma absorbs a fraction of laser energy and converts it into kinetic energy of electrons. A portion of the electrons with relativistic kinetic energy goes through the solid density plasma and transfers energy into the bulk electrons, which results in bulk electron heating. The bulk electron heating is finally translated into the processes of bulk collisional ionization inside the solid target. Amore » simple model based on the Ohmic heating mechanism indicates that the local and temporal profile of bulk return current is essential to determine the temporal evolution of bulk electron temperature. A series of particle-in-cell simulations showing the local heating model is robust in the cases of target with a preplasma and without a preplasma. Predicting the bulk electron heating is then benefit for understanding the collisional ionization dynamics inside the solid targets. The connection of the heating and ionization inside the solid target is further studied using Thomas-Fermi model.« less

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2013-03-01

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

KSC-08pd3866

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-11-07

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, ssembly is underway for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. Lined up left to right are the Stage 1 and Stage 2 motors, the boattail, the avionics shelf and the Stage 3 motor. The graphite/epoxy boattail structure provides the transition from the smaller diameter of the Stage 2 motor to the larger diameter of the avionics skirt. The avionics skirt, also a graphite/epoxy structure, supports the avionics shelf and carries the primary structural loads from the fairing and payload cone. The aluminum avionics shelf supports the third stage avionics. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The launch of OCO is targeted for January. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB

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

USGS Publications Warehouse

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

1999-01-01

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

An extended soft-cube model for the thermal accommodation of gas atoms on solid surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burke, J. R.; Hollenbach, D. J.

1980-01-01

A numerical soft cube model was developed for calculating thermal accommodation coefficients alpha and trapping fractions f sub t for the interaction of gases incident upon solid surfaces. A semiempirical correction factor c which allows the calculation of alpha and f sub t when the collision times are long compared to the surface oscillator period were introduced. The processes of trapping, evaporation, and detailed balancing were discussed. The numerical method was designed to treat economically and with moderate (+ or - 20 percent) accuracy the dependence of alpha and f sub t on finite and different surface and gas temperatures for a large number of gas/surface combinations. Comparison was made with experiments of rare gases on tungsten and on alkalis, as well as one astrophysical case of H2 on graphite. The dependence of alpha on the soft cube dimensionless parameters is presented graphically.

Enhanced photothermal effect in reduced graphene oxide in solid-state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahadev, Nishaina; Anappara, Aji A.

2017-11-01

We report on a giant photothermal effect in few-layer Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) in powder form. Graphite oxide synthesized following modified Hummer's method was thermally exfoliated and reduced to obtain RGO consisting of ˜8-10 layers. Upon irradiation with an incoherent, broad-band light source (wavelengths ranging from 250 to 450 nm), an enormous photothermal effect was observed. The heat generated by RGO determined from the isothermal differential photocalorimetric technique is as high as ˜319 W/g resulting from the dominant non-radiative de-excitation of photoexcited electrons due to the absence of a radiative pathway. A practical applicability was demonstrated using a commercial thermoelectric generator wherein upon illumination from a solar-simulator, an open voltage in the mV range was developed, giving a direct proof of the exothermic effect in powder RGO upon light illumination. Herewith, we have demonstrated a proof-of-concept of photothermal effects in solid-state RGO.

Oxygen Buffering in High Pressure Solid Media Assemblies: New Approach Enabling Study of fO2 from IW-4 to IW+4.5

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Righter, K.; Pando, K. M.; Ross, D. K.; Butterworth, A. L.; Gainsforth, Z.; Jilly-Rehak, C. E.; Westphal, A. J.

2017-01-01

Oxygen fugacity is an intensive parameter that controls some fundamental chemical and physical properties in planetary materials. In terrestrial magmas high fO2 promotes magnetite stability and low fO2 causes Fe-enrichment due to magnetite suppression. In lunar and asteroidal basalts, low fO2 can allow metal to be stable. Experimental studies will therefore be most useful if they are done at a specific and relevant fO2 for the samples under consideration. Control of fO2 in the solid media apparatus (piston cylinder multi-anvil) has relied on either sliding sensors or graphite capsule buffering, which are of limited application to the wide range of fO2 recorded in planetary or astromaterials. Here we describe a new approach that allows fO2 to be specified across a wide range of values relevant to natural samples.

Solid-state reaction of iron on β-SiC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaplan, R.; Klein, P. H.; Addamiano, A.

1985-07-01

The solid-state reaction between Fe and β-SiC has been studied using Auger-electron and electron-energy-loss spectroscopies and ion sputter profiling. Fe films from submonolayer coverage to 1000 Å thickness were grown in ultrahigh vacuum, and annealed at temperatures up to 550 °C. Auger line-shape changes occurred even for initial Fe coverage at 190 °C, indicating substantial bond alteration in the SiC substrate. A 1000-Å film was largely consumed by reaction with Si and C diffused from the substrate during a 500 °C anneal, and exhibited both Fe silicide and carbide throughout most of its original volume and free C present as graphite primarily at the surface. As an aid in identifying the reaction products studied in this work, Auger line shapes were first determined for the SiLVV peak in Fe silicide and for the CKLL transition in Fe carbide.

Accelerator driven neutron source design via beryllium target and 208Pb moderator for boron neutron capture therapy in alternative treatment strategy by Monte Carlo method.

PubMed

Khorshidi, Abdollah

2017-01-01

The reactor has increased its area of application into medicine especially boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT); however, accelerator-driven neutron sources can be used for therapy purposes. The present study aimed to discuss an alternative method in BNCT functions by a small cyclotron with low current protons based on Karaj cyclotron in Iran. An epithermal neutron spectrum generator was simulated with 30 MeV proton energy for BNCT purposes. A low current of 300 μA of the proton beam in spallation target concept via 9Be target was accomplished to model neutron spectrum using 208Pb moderator around the target. The graphite reflector and dual layer collimator were planned to prevent and collimate the neutrons produced from proton interactions. Neutron yield per proton, energy distribution, flux, and dose components in the simulated head phantom were estimated by MCNPX code. The neutron beam quality was investigated by diverse filters thicknesses. The maximum epithermal flux transpired using Fluental, Fe, Li, and Bi filters with thicknesses of 7.4, 3, 0.5, and 4 cm, respectively; as well as the epithermal to thermal neutron flux ratio was 161. Results demonstrated that the induced neutrons from a low energy and low current proton may be effective in tumor therapy using 208Pb moderator with average lethargy and also graphite reflector with low absorption cross section to keep the generated neutrons. Combination of spallation-based BNCT and proton therapy can be especially effective, if a high beam intensity cyclotron becomes available.

Progress towards an intense beam of positrons created by a Van de Graaff accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lund, K. R.; Weber, M. H.; Lynn, K. G.; Jennings, J.; Minnal, C.; Narimannezhad, A.; Rao, R.; Monster, K. A. W.

2017-12-01

A 4MV Van de Graaff accelerator was used to induce the nuclear reaction 12C(d,n)13N in order to produce an intense beam of positrons. The graphite target was heated so the radioactive 13N would desorb from the bulk into the vacuum. This radioactive gas is frozen onto a cryogenic freezer where it decays to produce an antiparticle beam of positrons. This high current beam is then guided into a superconducting magnet with field strength up to 7 Tesla where the positrons will be stored in a newly designed Micro-Penning-Malmberg trap. Several source geometries have been experimented on and found a maximum antimatter beam with a positron flux of greater than 0.55 ± 0.03 × 106 e+s-1 was achieved. This beam was produced using a solid rare gas moderator composed of krypton (Kr) at a temperature of 25 ± 5 K. Due to geometric restrictions on this set up and other loss mechanisms, 107-108 e+s-1 of the total number of positrons are lost. Simulations and preliminary experiments suggest a new geometry, currently under testing, will produce a beam of 107 e+s-1 or more. The setup and preliminary results for the new geometry will be discussed as well.

Determination of cyflumetofen residue in water, soil, and fruits by modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method coupled to gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Li, Minmin; Liu, Xingang; Dong, Fengshou; Xu, Jun; Qin, Dongmei; Zheng, Yongquan

2012-10-01

A new, highly sensitive, and selective method was developed for the determination of the cyflumetofen residue in water, soil, and fruits by using gas chromatography quadruple mass spectrometry. The target compound was extracted using acetonitrile and then cleaned up using dispersive solid-phase extraction with primary and secondary amine and graphitized carbon black, and optionally by a freezing-out cleanup step. The matrix-matched standards gave satisfactory recoveries and relative standard deviation values in different matrices at three fortified levels (0.05, 0.5, and 1.0 mg kg(-1) ). The overall average recoveries for this method in water, soil, and all fruits matrix at three fortified levels ranged from 76.3 to 101.5% with relative standard deviations in the range of 1.2-11.8% (n = 5). The calculated limits of detection and quantification were typically below 0.005 and 0.015 μg kg(-1), which were much lower than the maximum residue levels established by Japanese Positive List. This study provides a theoretical basis for China to draw up maximum residue level and analytical method for cyflumetofen acaricide in different fruits. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Thermally exfoliated graphite oxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prud'Homme, Robert K. (Inventor); Aksay, Ilhan A. (Inventor); Abdala, Ahmed (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A modified graphite oxide material contains a thermally exfoliated graphite oxide with a surface area of from about 300 sq m/g to 2600 sq m/g, wherein the thermally exfoliated graphite oxide displays no signature of the original graphite and/or graphite oxide, as determined by X-ray diffraction.

Toward practical all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries with high energy density and safety: Comparative study for electrodes fabricated by dry- and slurry-mixing processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nam, Young Jin; Oh, Dae Yang; Jung, Sung Hoo; Jung, Yoon Seok

2018-01-01

Owing to their potential for greater safety, higher energy density, and scalable fabrication, bulk-type all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASLBs) employing deformable sulfide superionic conductors are considered highly promising for applications in battery electric vehicles. While fabrication of sheet-type electrodes is imperative from the practical point of view, reports on relevant research are scarce. This might be attributable to issues that complicate the slurry-based fabrication process and/or issues with ionic contacts and percolation. In this work, we systematically investigate the electrochemical performance of conventional dry-mixed electrodes and wet-slurry fabricated electrodes for ASLBs, by varying the different fractions of solid electrolytes and the mass loading. This information calls for a need to develop well-designed electrodes with better ionic contacts and to improve the ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes. As a scalable proof-of-concept to achieve better ionic contacts, a premixing process for active materials and solid electrolytes is demonstrated to significantly improve electrochemical performance. Pouch-type 80 × 60 mm2 all-solid-state LiNi0·6Co0·2Mn0·2O2/graphite full-cells fabricated by the slurry process show high cell-based energy density (184 W h kg-1 and 432 W h L-1). For the first time, their excellent safety is also demonstrated by simple tests (cutting with scissors and heating at 110 °C).

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

PubMed

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

2013-06-17

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

Fundamental studies of graphene/graphite and graphene-based Schottky photovoltaic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Xiaochang

In the carbon allotropes family, graphene is one of the most versatile members and has been extensively studied since 2004. The goal of this dissertation is not only to investigate the novel fundamental science of graphene and its three-dimensional sibling, graphite, but also to explore graphene's promising potential in modern electronic and optoelectronic devices. The first two chapters provide a concise introduction to the fundamental solid state physics of graphene (as well as graphite) and the physics at the metal/semiconductor interfaces. In the third chapter, we demonstrate the formation of Schottky junctions at the interfaces of graphene (semimetal) and various inorganic semiconductors that play dominating roles in today's semiconductor technology, such as Si, SiC, GaAs and GaN. As shown from their current-voltage (I -V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics, the interface physics can be well described within the framework of the Schottky-Mott model. The results are also well consist with that from our previous studies on graphite based Schottky diodes. In the fourth chapter, as an extension of graphene based Schottky work, we investigate the photovoltaic (PV) effect of graphene/Si junctions after chemically doped with an organic polymer (TFSA). The power conversion efficiency of the solar cell improves from 1.9% to 8.6% after TFSA doping, which is the record in all graphene based PVs. The I -V, C-V and external quantum efficiency measurements suggest 12 that such a significant enhancement in the device performance can be attributed to a doping-induced decrease in the series resistance and a simultaneous increase in the built-in potential. In the fifth chapter, we investigate for the first time the effect of uniaxial strains on magneto-transport properties of graphene. We find that low-temperature weak localization effect in monolayer graphene is gradually suppressed under increasing strains, which is due to a strain-induced decreased intervalley-scattering rate. In chapter 6, we study the high vacuum thermal annealing effect on an unconventional ferromagnetism (FM) in highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). The FM diminishes and eventually disappears in annealed samples accompanied by improved electrical transport properties and crystallinity. Our results indicate that the FM is mainly coming from the lattice imperfections.

The action of macrosounds on graphite ore and derived products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradeteanu, C.; Dragan, O.

1974-01-01

A suspension of graphite ore, floated graphite, and the gangue left over from flotation were subjected to the action of macrosounds under determinant conditions. The following was found: (1) The graphite ore undergoes an efficient settling action. (2) The floated graphite is strongly crushed down to the dimensions of colloidal graphite. (3) The gangue left over from flotation can be further processed to recuperate graphite from its nuclei.

Graphene prepared by thermal reduction–exfoliation of graphite oxide: Effect of raw graphite particle size on the properties of graphite oxide and graphene

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

Dao, Trung Dung; Jeong, Han Mo, E-mail: hmjeong@mail.ulsan.ac.kr

Highlights: • Effect of raw graphite particle size on properties of GO and graphene is reported. • Size of raw graphite affects oxidation degree and chemical structure of GO. • Highly oxidized GO results in small-sized but well-exfoliated graphene. • GO properties affect reduction degree, structure, and conductivity of graphene. - Abstract: We report the effect of raw graphite size on the properties of graphite oxide and graphene prepared by thermal reduction–exfoliation of graphite oxide. Transmission electron microscope analysis shows that the lateral size of graphene becomes smaller when smaller size graphite is used. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that graphitemore » with smaller size is more effectively oxidized, resulting in a more effective subsequent exfoliation of the obtained graphite oxide toward graphene. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates that reduction of the graphite oxide derived from smaller size graphite into graphene is more efficient. However, Raman analysis suggests that the average size of the in-plane sp{sup 2}-carbon domains on graphene is smaller when smaller size graphite is used. The enhanced reduction degree and the reduced size of sp{sup 2}-carbon domains contribute contradictively to the electrical conductivity of graphene when the particle size of raw graphite reduces.« less

Graphite

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robinson, Gilpin R.; Hammarstrom, Jane M.; Olson, Donald W.; Schulz, Klaus J.; DeYoung,, John H.; Seal, Robert R.; Bradley, Dwight C.

2017-12-19

Graphite is a form of pure carbon that normally occurs as black crystal flakes and masses. It has important properties, such as chemical inertness, thermal stability, high electrical conductivity, and lubricity (slipperiness) that make it suitable for many industrial applications, including electronics, lubricants, metallurgy, and steelmaking. For some of these uses, no suitable substitutes are available. Steelmaking and refractory applications in metallurgy use the largest amount of produced graphite; however, emerging technology uses in large-scale fuel cell, battery, and lightweight high-strength composite applications could substantially increase world demand for graphite.Graphite ores are classified as “amorphous” (microcrystalline), and “crystalline” (“flake” or “lump or chip”) based on the ore’s crystallinity, grain-size, and morphology. All graphite deposits mined today formed from metamorphism of carbonaceous sedimentary rocks, and the ore type is determined by the geologic setting. Thermally metamorphosed coal is the usual source of amorphous graphite. Disseminated crystalline flake graphite is mined from carbonaceous metamorphic rocks, and lump or chip graphite is mined from veins in high-grade metamorphic regions. Because graphite is chemically inert and nontoxic, the main environmental concerns associated with graphite mining are inhalation of fine-grained dusts, including silicate and sulfide mineral particles, and hydrocarbon vapors produced during the mining and processing of ore. Synthetic graphite is manufactured from hydrocarbon sources using high-temperature heat treatment, and it is more expensive to produce than natural graphite.Production of natural graphite is dominated by China, India, and Brazil, which export graphite worldwide. China provides approximately 67 percent of worldwide output of natural graphite, and, as the dominant exporter, has the ability to set world prices. China has significant graphite reserves, and China’s graphite production is expected to increase, although rising labor costs and some mine production problems are developing. China is expected to continue to be the dominant exporter for the near future. Mexico and Canada export graphite mainly to the United States, which has not had domestic production of natural graphite since the 1950s. Most graphite deposits in the United States are too small, low-grade, or remote to be of commercial value in the near future, and the likelihood of discovering larger, higher-grade, or favorably located domestic deposits is unlikely. The United States is a major producer of synthetic graphite.

Damping Goes the Distance in Golf

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

In the late 1980s, Dr. Benjamin Dolgin of NASA s Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed a concept for a high-damping graphite/viscoelastic material for the Strategic Defense Initiative (popularly referred to as "Star Wars"), as part of a space-based laser anti-missile program called "Asterix." Dolgin drummed up this concept with the intention of stabilizing weapons launch platforms in space, where there is no solid ground to firmly support these structures. Without the inclusion of high-damping material, the orbital platforms were said to vibrate for 20 minutes after force was applied - a rate deemed "unacceptable" by leaders of the Strategic Defense Initiative.

Age-Strengthening of Cast Iron and Its Effects on Machinability: Review of the Literature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richards, Von L.

This presentation is a review of the research performed over several years to characterize the age-strengthening behavior of graphitic cast iron alloys (gray iron, ductile iron and CG iron.) Nitrogen in metastable solid solution in ferrite is necessary for the age strengthening to occur, similar to quench aging of steels. The activation energy for age strengthening is similar to that for diffusion of nitrogen. Age-strengthening can occur even if the ferrite is present as a phase in pearlite. However, machinability benefits only occur when there is free ferrite in the microstructure.

Fracture modes in notched angleplied composite laminates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Irvine, T. B.; Ginty, C. A.

1984-01-01

The Composite Durability Structural Analysis (CODSTRAN) computer code is used to determine composite fracture. Fracture modes in solid and notched, unidirectional and angleplied graphite/epoxy composites were determined by using CODSTRAN. Experimental verification included both nondestructive (ultrasonic C-Scanning) and destructive (scanning electron microscopy) techniques. The fracture modes were found to be a function of ply orientations and whether the composite is notched or unnotched. Delaminations caused by stress concentrations around notch tips were also determined. Results indicate that the composite mechanics, structural analysis, laminate analysis, and fracture criteria modules embedded in CODSTRAN are valid for determining composite fracture modes.

Strategic graphite, a survey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cameron, Eugene N.; Weis, Paul L.

1960-01-01

Strategic graphite consists of certain grades of lump and flake graphite for which the United States is largely or entirely dependent on sources abroad. Lump graphite of high purity, necessary in the manufacture of carbon brushes, is imported from Ceylon, where it occurs in vein deposits. Flake graphite, obtained from deposits consisting of graphite disseminated in schists and other metamorphic rocks, is an essential ingredient of crucibles used in the nonferrous metal industries and in the manufacture of lubricants and packings. High-quality flake graphite for these uses has been obtained mostly from Madagascar since World War I. Some flake graphite of strategic grade has been produced, however, from deposits in Texas, Alabama, and Pennsylvania. The development of the carbon-bonded crucible, which does not require coarse flake, should lessen the competitive advantage of the Madagascar producers of crucible flake. Graphite of various grades has been produced intermittently in the United States since 1644. The principal domestic deposits of flake graphite are in Texas, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and New York. Reserves of flake graphite in these four States are very large, but production has been sporadic and on the whole unprofitable since World War I, owing principally to competition from producers in Madagascar. Deposits in Madagascar are large and relatively high in content of flake graphite. Production costs are low and the flake produced is of high quality. Coarseness of flake and uniformity of the graphite products marketed are cited as major advantages of Madagascar flake. In addition, the usability of Madagascar flake for various purposes has been thoroughly demonstrated, whereas the usability of domestic flake for strategic purposes is still in question. Domestic graphite deposits are of five kinds: deposits consisting of graphite disseminated in metamorphosed siliceous sediments, deposits consisting of graphite disseminated in marble, deposits formed by thermal or dynamothermal metamorphism of coal beds or other highly carbonaceous sediments, vein deposits, and contact metasomatic deposits in marble. Only the first kind comprises deposits sufficiently large and rich in flake graphite to be significant potential sources of strategic grades of graphite. Vein deposits in several localities are known, but none is known to contain substantial reserves of graphite of strategic quality.Large resources of flake graphite exist in central Texas, in northeastern Alabama, in eastern Pennsylvania, and in the eastern Adirondack Mountains of New York. Tonnages available, compared with the tonnages of flake graphite consumed annually in the United States, are very large. There have been indications that flake graphite from Texas, Alabama, and Pennsylvania can be used in clay-graphite crucibles as a substitute for Madagascar flake, and one producer has made progress in establishing markets for his flake products as ingredients of lubricants. The tonnages of various commercial grades of graphite recoverable from various domestic deposits, however, have not been established; hence, the adequacy of domestic resources of graphite in a time of emergency is not known.The only vein deposits from which significant quantities of lump graphite have been produced are those of the Crystal Graphite mine, Beaverhead County, Mont. The deposits are fracture fillings in Precambrian gneiss and pegmatite. Known reserves in the deposits are small. In Texas, numerous flake-graphite deposits occur in the Precambrian Packsaddle schist in Llano and Burnet Counties. Graphite disseminated in certain parts of this formation ranges from extremely fine to medium grained. The principal producer has been the mine of the Southwestern Graphite Co., west of the town of Burnet. Substantial reserves of medium-grained graphite are present in the deposit mined by the company. In northeastern Alabama, flake-graphite deposits occur in the Ashland mica schist in two belts that trend northeastward across Clay, Goosa, and Chilton Counties. The northeastern belt has been the most productive. About 40 mines have been operated at one time or another, but only a few have been active during or since World War I. The deposits consist of flake graphite disseminated in certain zones or "leads" consisting of quartz-mica-feldspar schists and mica quartzite. Most of past production has come from the weathered upper parts of the deposits, but unweathered rock has been mined at several localities. Reserves of weathered rock containing 3 to 5 percent graphite are very large, and reserves of unweathered rock are even greater. Flake graphite deposits in Chester County, Pa., have been worked intermittently since about 1890. The deposits consist of medium- to coarse-grained graphite disseminated in certain belts of the Pickering gneiss. The most promising deposit is one worked in the Benjamin Franklin and the Eynon Just mines. Reserves of weathered rock containing 1.5 percent graphite are of moderate size; reserves of unweathered rock are large. In the eastern Adirondack Mountains in New York there are two principal kinds of flake-graphite deposits: contact-metasomatic deposits and those consisting of flake graphite disseminated in quartz schist. The contact-metasomatic deposits are small, irregular, and very erratic in graphite content. The deposits in quartz schist are very large, persistent, and uniform in grade. There are large reserves of schist containing 3 to 5 percent graphite, but the graphite is relatively fine grained.

Process and targets for production of no-carrier-added radiotin

DOEpatents

Srivastava, Suresh C; Zhuikov, Boris Leonidovich; Ermolaev, Stanislav Victorovich; Konyakhin, Nikolay Alexandrovich; Kokhanyuk, Vladimir Mikhailovich; Khamyanov, Stepan Vladimirovich; Togaeva, Natalya Roaldovna

2014-04-22

One embodiment of the present invention includes a process for production and recovery of no-carrier-added radioactive tin (NCA radiotin). An antimony target can be irradiated with a beam of accelerated particles forming NCA radiotin, followed by separation of the NCA radiotin from the irradiated target. The target is metallic Sb in a hermetically sealed shell. The shell can be graphite, molybdenum, or stainless steel. The irradiated target can be removed from the shell by chemical or mechanical means, and dissolved in an acidic solution. Sb can be removed from the dissolved irradiated target by extraction. NCA radiotin can be separated from the remaining Sb and other impurities using chromatography on silica gel sorbent. NCA tin-117m can be obtained from this process. NCA tin-117m can be used for labeling organic compounds and biological objects to be applied in medicine for imaging and therapy of various diseases.

Applications of beam-foil spectroscopy to atomic collisions in solids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sellin, I. A.

1976-01-01

Some selected papers presented at the Fourth International Conference on Beam-Foil Spectroscopy, whose results are of particular pertinence to ionic collision phenomena in solids, are reviewed. The topics discussed include solid target effects and means of surmounting them in the measurement of excited projectile ion lifetimes for low-energy heavy element ions; the electron emission accompanying the passage of heavy particles through solid targets; the collision broadening of X rays emitted from 100 keV ions moving in solids; residual K-shell excitation in chlorine ions penetrating carbon; comparison between 40 MeV Si on gaseous SiH4 targets at 300 mtorr and 40 MeV Si on Al; and the emergent surface interaction in beam-foil spectroscopy. A distinct overlap of interests between the sciences of beam-foil spectroscopy and atomic collisions in solids is pointed out.

CMB-13 research on carbon and graphite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, M. C.

1972-01-01

Preliminary results of the research on carbon and graphite accomplished during this report period are presented. Included are: particle characteristics of Santa Maria fillers, compositions and density data for hot-molded Santa Maria graphites, properties of hot-molded Santa Maria graphites, and properties of hot-molded anisotropic graphites. Ablation-resistant graphites are also discussed.

METHOD OF FABRICATING A GRAPHITE MODERATED REACTOR

DOEpatents

Kratz, H.R.

1963-05-01

S>A nuclear reactor formed of spaced bodies of uranium and graphite blocks is improved by diffusing helium through the graphite blocks in order to replace the air in the pores of the graphite with helium. The helium-impregnated graphite conducts heat better, and absorbs neutrons less, than the original air- impregnated graphite. (AEC)

AGC-2 Irradiation Report

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

Rohrbaugh, David Thomas; Windes, William; Swank, W. David

The Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) will be a helium-cooled, very high temperature reactor (VHTR) with a large graphite core. In past applications, graphite has been used effectively as a structural and moderator material in both research and commercial high temperature gas cooled reactor (HTGR) designs.[ , ] Nuclear graphite H 451, used previously in the United States for nuclear reactor graphite components, is no longer available. New nuclear graphites have been developed and are considered suitable candidates for the new NGNP reactor design. To support the design and licensing of NGNP core components within a commercial reactor, a completemore » properties database must be developed for these current grades of graphite. Quantitative data on in service material performance are required for the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of each graphite grade with a specific emphasis on data related to the life limiting effects of irradiation creep on key physical properties of the NGNP candidate graphites. Based on experience with previous graphite core components, the phenomenon of irradiation induced creep within the graphite has been shown to be critical to the total useful lifetime of graphite components. Irradiation induced creep occurs under the simultaneous application of high temperatures, neutron irradiation, and applied stresses within the graphite components. Significant internal stresses within the graphite components can result from a second phenomenon—irradiation induced dimensional change. In this case, the graphite physically changes i.e., first shrinking and then expanding with increasing neutron dose. This disparity in material volume change can induce significant internal stresses within graphite components. Irradiation induced creep relaxes these large internal stresses, thus reducing the risk of crack formation and component failure. Obviously, higher irradiation creep levels tend to relieve more internal stress, thus allowing the components longer useful lifetimes within the core. Determining the irradiation creep rates of nuclear grade graphites is critical for determining the useful lifetime of graphite components and is a major component of the Advanced Graphite Creep (AGC) experiment.« less

Structures formed by a cell membrane-associated arabinogalactan-protein on graphite or mica alone and with Yariv phenylglycosides

PubMed Central

Zhou, Li Hong; Weizbauer, Renate A.; Singamaneni, Srikanth; Xu, Feng; Genin, Guy M.; Pickard, Barbara G.

2014-01-01

Background Certain membrane-associated arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) with lysine-rich sub-domains participate in plant growth, development and resistance to stress. To complement fluorescence imaging of such molecules when tagged and introduced transgenically to the cell periphery and to extend the groundwork for assessing molecular structure, some behaviours of surface-spread AGPs were visualized at the nanometre scale in a simplified electrostatic environment. Methods Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-labelled LeAGP1 was isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana leaves using antibody-coated magnetic beads, deposited on graphite or mica, and examined with atomic force microscopy (AFM). Key Results When deposited at low concentration on graphite, LeAGP can form independent clusters and rings a few nanometres in diameter, often defining deep pits; the aperture of the rings depends on plating parameters. On mica, intermediate and high concentrations, respectively, yielded lacy meshes and solid sheets that could dynamically evolve arcs, rings, ‘pores’ and ‘co-pores’, and pits. Glucosyl Yariv reagent combined with the AGP to make very large and distinctive rings. Conclusions Diverse cell-specific nano-patterns of native lysine-rich AGPs are expected at the wall–membrane interface and, while there will not be an identical patterning in different environmental settings, AFM imaging suggests protein tendencies for surficial organization and thus opens new avenues for experimentation. Nanopore formation with Yariv reagents suggests how the reagent might bind with AGP to admit Ca2+ to cells and hints at ways in which AGP might be structured at some cell surfaces. PMID:25164699

Stable dispersions of polymer-coated graphitic nanoplatelets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Sonbinh T. (Inventor); Stankovich, Sasha (Inventor); Ruoff, Rodney S. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A method of making a dispersion of reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets involves providing a dispersion of graphite oxide nanoplatelets and reducing the graphite oxide nanoplatelets in the dispersion in the presence of a reducing agent and a polymer. The reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets are reduced to an extent to provide a higher C/O ratio than graphite oxide. A stable dispersion having polymer-treated reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets dispersed in a dispersing medium, such as water or organic liquid is provided. The polymer-treated, reduced graphite oxide nanoplatelets can be distributed in a polymer matrix to provide a composite material.

Structural disorder of graphite and implications for graphite thermometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirilova, Martina; Toy, Virginia; Rooney, Jeremy S.; Giorgetti, Carolina; Gordon, Keith C.; Collettini, Cristiano; Takeshita, Toru

2018-02-01

Graphitization, or the progressive maturation of carbonaceous material, is considered an irreversible process. Thus, the degree of graphite crystallinity, or its structural order, has been calibrated as an indicator of the peak metamorphic temperatures experienced by the host rocks. However, discrepancies between temperatures indicated by graphite crystallinity versus other thermometers have been documented in deformed rocks. To examine the possibility of mechanical modifications of graphite structure and the potential impacts on graphite thermometry, we performed laboratory deformation experiments. We sheared highly crystalline graphite powder at normal stresses of 5 and 25 megapascal (MPa) and aseismic velocities of 1, 10 and 100 µm s-1. The degree of structural order both in the starting and resulting materials was analyzed by Raman microspectroscopy. Our results demonstrate structural disorder of graphite, manifested as changes in the Raman spectra. Microstructural observations show that brittle processes caused the documented mechanical modifications of the aggregate graphite crystallinity. We conclude that the calibrated graphite thermometer is ambiguous in active tectonic settings.

Recovery of uranium from an irradiated solid target after removal of molybdenum-99 produced from the irradiated target

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

Reilly, Sean Douglas; May, Iain; Copping, Roy

A process for minimizing waste and maximizing utilization of uranium involves recovering uranium from an irradiated solid target after separating the medical isotope product, molybdenum-99, produced from the irradiated target. The process includes irradiating a solid target comprising uranium to produce fission products comprising molybdenum-99, and thereafter dissolving the target and conditioning the solution to prepare an aqueous nitric acid solution containing irradiated uranium. The acidic solution is then contacted with a solid sorbent whereby molybdenum-99 remains adsorbed to the sorbent for subsequent recovery. The uranium passes through the sorbent. The concentrations of acid and uranium are then adjusted tomore » concentrations suitable for crystallization of uranyl nitrate hydrates. After inducing the crystallization, the uranyl nitrate hydrates are separated from a supernatant. The process results in the purification of uranyl nitrate hydrates from fission products and other contaminants. The uranium is therefore available for reuse, storage, or disposal.« less

Preliminary Analysis of a Fully Solid State Magnetocaloric Refrigeration

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

Abdelaziz, Omar

Magnetocaloric refrigeration is an alternative refrigeration technology with significant potential energy savings compared to conventional vapor compression refrigeration technology. Most of the reported active magnetic regenerator (AMR) systems that operate based on the magnetocaloric effect use heat transfer fluid to exchange heat, which results in complicated mechanical subsystems and components such as rotating valves and hydraulic pumps. In this paper, we propose an alternative mechanism for heat transfer between the AMR and the heat source/sink. High-conductivity moving rods/sheets (e.g. copper, brass, iron, graphite, aluminum or composite structures from these) are utilized instead of heat transfer fluid significantly enhancing the heatmore » transfer rate hence cooling/heating capacity. A one-dimensional model is developed to study the solid state AMR. In this model, the heat exchange between the solid-solid interfaces is modeled via a contact conductance, which depends on the interface apparent pressure, material hardness, thermal conductivity, surface roughness, surface slope between the interfaces, and material filled in the gap between the interfaces. Due to the tremendous impact of the heat exchange on the AMR cycle performance, a sensitivity analysis is conducted employing a response surface method, in which the apparent pressure, effective surface roughness and grease thermal conductivity are the uncertainty factors. COP and refrigeration capacity are presented as the response in the sensitivity analysis to reveal the important factors influencing the fully solid state AMR and optimize the solid state AMR efficiency. The performances of fully solid state AMR and traditional AMR are also compared and discussed in present work. The results of this study will provide general guidelines for designing high performance solid state AMR systems.« less

International strategic minerals inventory summary report; natural graphite

USGS Publications Warehouse

Krauss, U.H.; Schmidt, H.W.; Taylor, H.A.; Sutphin, D.M.

1989-01-01

Natural graphite is a crystalline mineral of pure carbon which normally occurs in the form of platelet-shaped crystals. It has important properties, such as chemical inertness, low thermal expansion, and lubricity, that make it almost irreplaceable for certain uses such as refractories and steelmaking. Graphite ore types are crystalline (flake and lump} or 'amorphous' (cryptocrystalline}. Refractory applications use the largest total amount of natural graphite, while the most important use of crystalline graphite is in crucibles for handling molten metals. All graphite deposits being mined today are found in the following metamorphic environments: (1) contact metamorphosed coal generally is a source of amorphous graphite; (2)disseminated crystalline flake graphite comes from syngenetic metasediments; and (3) crystalline lump graphite is found in epigenetic veins in high-grade metamorphic regions. Graphite may also occur as a trace mineral in ultrabasic rocks and pegmatites, but these are economically insignificant. The world's identified economically exploitable resources of crystalline graphite in major deposits are estimated to be about 9.7 million metric tons of concentrate. In-place resources of amorphous graphite are about 11.5 million metric tons. Of these, less than 2 percent of the crystalline ore and less than 1 percent of the amorphous ore are in western industrial countries. World mining production of natural graphite rose from 347,000 metric tons in 1973 to 659,000 metric tons in 1986, while the proportion produced by central economy countries increased from about 50 percent for the period from 1973 to 1978 to more than 64 percent in 1979 to 1986. It is estimated that crystalline flake graphite accounts for at least 180,000 metric tons of total annual world mining production of natural graphite, and amorphous graphite makes up the rest.

Evaluation of co-cokes from bituminous coal with vacuum resid or decant oil, and evaluation of anthracites, as precursors to graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyathi, Mhlwazi S.

2011-12-01

Graphite is utilized as a neutron moderator and structural component in some nuclear reactor designs. During the reactor operaction the structure of graphite is damaged by collision with fast neutrons. Graphite's resistance to this damage determines its lifetime in the reactor. On neutron irradiation, isotropic or near-isotropic graphite experiences less structural damage than anisotropic graphite. The degree of anisotropy in a graphite artifact is dependent on the structure of its precursor coke. Currently, there exist concerns over a short supply of traditional precursor coke, primarily due to a steadily increasing price of petroleum. The main goal of this study was to study the anisotropic and isotropic properties of graphitized co-cokes and anthracites as a way of investigating the possibility of synthesizing isotropic or near-isotropic graphite from co-cokes and anthracites. Demonstrating the ability to form isotropic or near-isotropic graphite would mean that co-cokes and anthracites have a potential use as filler material in the synthesis of nuclear graphite. The approach used to control the co-coke structure was to vary the reaction conditions. Co-cokes were produced by coking 4:1 blends of vacuum resid/coal and decant oil/coal at temperatures of 465 and 500 °C for reaction times of 12 and 18 hours under autogenous pressure. Co-cokes obtained were calcined at 1420 °C and graphitized at 3000 °C for 24 hours. Optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed oxidation and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the products. It was found that higher reaction temperature (500 °C) or shorter reaction time (12 hours) leads to an increase in co-coke structural disorder and an increase in the amount of mosaic carbon at the expense of textural components that are necessary for the formation of anisotropic structure, namely, domains and flow domains. Characterization of graphitized co-cokes showed that the quality, as expressed by the degree of graphitization and crystallite dimensions, of the final product is dependent on the nature of the precursor co-coke. The methodology for studying anthracites was to select two anthracites on basis of rank, PSOC1515 being semi-anthracite and DECS21 anthracite. The selected anthracites were graphitized, in both native and demineralized states, under the same conditions as co-cokes. Products obtained from DECS21 showed higher degrees of graphitization and larger crystallite dimensions than products obtained from PSOC1515. Demineralization of anthracites served to increase the degree of graphitization, indicating that the minerals contained in these anthracites have no graphitization-enhancing ability. A larger crystallite length for products obtained from native versions, compared to demineralized versions, was attributed to a formation and decomposition of a silicon carbide during graphitization of native versions. In order to examine the anisotropic and isotropic properties, nuclear-grade graphite samples obtained from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and commercial graphite purchased from Fluka were characterized under similar conditions as graphitized co-cokes and anthracites. These samples served as representatives of "two extremes", with ORNL samples being the isotropic end and commercial graphite being the anisotropic end. Through evaluating relationships between structural parameters, it was observed that graphitized co-cokes are situated, structurally, somewhere between the "two extremes", whereas graphitized anthracites are closer to the anisotropic end. Basically, co-cokes have a better potential than anthracites to transform to isotropic or near-isotropic graphite upon graphitization. By co-coking vacuum resid/coal instead of decant oil/coal or using 500 °C instead of 465 °C, a shift away from commercial graphite towards ORNL samples was attained. Graphitizing a semi-anthracite or demineralizing anthracites before graphitization also caused a shift towards ORNL samples.

EXPLORATORY DEVELOPMENT OF GRAPHITE MATERIALS.

DTIC Science & Technology

COMPOSITE MATERIALS), (* GRAPHITE , (*FIBERS, GRAPHITE ), (*LAMINATED PLASTICS, GRAPHITE ), MOLDINGS, EXTRUSION, VACUUM, EPOXY RESINS, FILAMENTS, STRESSES, TENSILE PROPERTIES, OXIDATION, PHYSICAL PROPERTIES.

Development of fuel cell bipolar plates from graphite filled wet-lay thermoplastic composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jianhua; Baird, Donald G.; McGrath, James E.

A method with the potential to produce economical bipolar plates with high electrical conductivity and mechanical properties is described. Thermoplastic composite materials consisting of graphite particles, thermoplastic fibers and glass or carbon fibers are generated by means of a wet-lay (paper-making) process to yield highly formable sheets. The sheets are then stacked and compression molded to form bipolar plates with gas flow channels. Poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) based wet-lay composite plates have in-plane conductivity of 200-300 S cm -1, tensile strength of 57 MPa, flexural strength of 96 MPa and impact strength (unnotched) of 81 J m -1 (1.5 ft-lb in. -1). These values well exceed industrial as well as Department of Energy requirements or targets and have never been reached before for composite bipolar plates. The use of wet-lay sheets also makes it possible to choose different components including polymer, graphite particle and reinforcement for the core and outer layers of the plate, respectively, to optimize the properties and/or reduce the cost of the plate. The through-plane conductivity (around 20 S cm -1) and half-cell resistance of the bipolar plate indicate that the through-plane conductivity of the material needs some improvement.

Dynamic responses of graphite/epoxy laminated beam to impact of elastic spheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, C. T.; Wang, T.

1982-01-01

Wave propagation in 90/45/90/-45/902s and 0/45/0/-45/02s laminates of a graphite/epoxy composite due to impact of a steel ball was investigated experimentally and also by using a high order beam finite element. Dynamic strain responses at several locations were obtained using strain gages. The finite element program which incorporated statically determined contact laws was employed to calculate the contact force history as well as the target beam dynamic deformation. The comparison of the finite element solutions with the experimental data indicated that the static contact laws for loading and unloading (developed under this grant) are adequate for the dynamic impact analysis. It was found that for the 0/45/0/-45/02s laminate which has a much larger longitudinal bending rigidity, the use of beam finite elements is not suitable and plate finite element should be used instead.

KSC-08pd3867

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-11-07

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, assembly is underway for the Taurus XL rocket that will launch NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, or OCO, spacecraft. In the foreground at left is the boattail; behind it is the Stage 0 Castor 120 motor. At right near the wall (from left) are the Stage 1 and Stage 2 motors, the avionics shelf and the Stage 3 motor. The graphite/epoxy boattail structure provides the transition from the smaller diameter of the Stage 2 motor to the larger diameter of the avionics skirt. The avionics skirt, also a graphite/epoxy structure, supports the avionics shelf and carries the primary structural loads from the fairing and payload cone. The aluminum avionics shelf supports the third stage avionics. The OCO is a new Earth-orbiting mission sponsored by NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder Program. The launch of OCO is targeted for January. Photo credit: NASA/Randy Beaudoin, VAFB

Scalable Multifunctional Ultra-thin Graphite Sponge: Free-standing, Superporous, Superhydrophobic, Oleophilic Architecture with Ferromagnetic Properties for Environmental Cleaning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bay, Hamed Hosseini; Patino, Daisy; Mutlu, Zafer; Romero, Paige; Ozkan, Mihrimah; Ozkan, Cengiz S.

2016-02-01

Water decontamination and oil/water separation are principal motives in the surge to develop novel means for sustainability. In this prospect, supplying clean water for the ecosystems is as important as the recovery of the oil spills since the supplies are scarce. Inspired to design an engineering material which not only serves this purpose, but can also be altered for other applications to preserve natural resources, a facile template-free process is suggested to fabricate a superporous, superhydrophobic ultra-thin graphite sponge. Moreover, the process is designed to be inexpensive and scalable. The fabricated sponge can be used to clean up different types of oil, organic solvents, toxic and corrosive contaminants. This versatile microstructure can retain its functionality even when pulverized. The sponge is applicable for targeted sorption and collection due to its ferromagnetic properties. We hope that such a cost-effective process can be embraced and implemented widely.

Advanced Thin Ionization Calorimeter (ATIC) Update

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahn, H. S.; Ganel, O.; Kim, K. C.; Seo, E. S.; Sina, R.; Wang, J. Z.; Wu, J.; Case, G.; Ellison, S. B.; Gould, R.;

Fabrication of periodical surface structures by picosecond laser irradiation of carbon thin films: transformation of amorphous carbon in nanographite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popescu, C.; Dorcioman, G.; Bita, B.; Besleaga, C.; Zgura, I.; Himcinschi, C.; Popescu, A. C.

2016-12-01

Thin films of carbon were synthesized by ns pulsed laser deposition in vacuum on silicon substrates, starting from graphite targets. Further on, the films were irradiated with a picosecond laser source emitting in visible at 532 nm. After tuning of laser parameters, we obtained a film surface covered by laser induced periodical surface structures (LIPSS). They were investigated by optical, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. It was observed that changing the irradiation angle influences the LIPSS covered area. At high magnification it was revealed that the LIPSS pattern was quite complex, being composed of other small LIPSS islands, interconnected by bridges of nanoparticles. Raman spectra for the non-irradiated carbon films were typical for a-C type of diamond-like carbon, while the LIPSS spectra were characteristic to nano-graphite. The pristine carbon film was hydrophilic, while the LIPSS covered film surface was hydrophobic.

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

Gao, J.X.; Wei, B.Q.; Li, D.D.

The evolution of microstructure in bainite during graphitization annealing at 680 °C of Jominy-quenched bars of an Al-Si bearing medium carbon (0.4C wt%) steel has been studied and compared with that in martensite by using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the graphitization process in bainite is different from that in martensite in many aspects such as the initial carbon state, the behavior of cementite, the nucleation-growth feature and kinetics of formation of graphite spheroids during graphitization annealing, and the shape, size and distribution of these graphite spheroids. The fact that the graphitization in bainite canmore » produce more homogeneous graphite spheroids with more spherical shape and finer size in a shorter annealing time without the help of preexisting coring particles implies that bainite should be a better starting structure than martensite for making graphitic steel. - Highlights: • This article presents a microstructural characterization of formation of graphite spheroids in bainite. • Nucleation and growth characteristics of graphite spheroids formed in bainite and martensite are compared. • Bainite should be a better starting structure for making graphitic steel as results show.« less

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

PubMed

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

1996-10-25

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

Effect of tacticity on the structure and glass transition temperature of polystyrene adsorbed onto solid surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Negash, Solomon; Tatek, Yergou B.; Tsige, Mesfin

2018-04-01

We have carried out atomistic (all-atom) molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effect of tacticity on the structure and glass transition temperature (Tg) of polystyrene (PS) thin films adsorbed on two distinct types of solid substrates. The systems consist of thin films made of atactic, isotactic, and syndiotactic PS chains supported by graphite or hydroxylated α-quartz substrates, which are known to be atomically flat but chemically and structurally different. We have observed a marked dependence of the film structure on substrate type as well as on tacticity. For instance, rings' orientation near substrate surfaces depends on substrate type for atactic PS and isotactic PS films, while no such dependence is observed for syndiotactic PS films whose interfacial structure seems to result from their propensity to adopt the trans conformation rather than their specific interaction with the substrates. Moreover, our results indicate that glass transition temperatures of substrate supported polystyrene films are higher compared to those of the corresponding free-standing films. More specifically, PS films on graphite exhibit larger Tg values than those on α-quartz, and we have noticed that syndiotactic PS has the largest Tg irrespective of the substrate type. Furthermore, the local Tg in the region of the film in contact with the substrates shows a strong tacticity and substrate dependence, whereas no dependencies were found for the local Tg in the middle of the film. Substrate-film interaction energy and chains' dynamics near substrate-film interfaces were subsequently investigated in order to substantiate the obtained Tgs, and it was found that films with higher Tgs are strongly adsorbed on the substrates and/or exhibit smaller interfacial chains' dynamics essentially due to steric hindrance.

Variation of thermophysical parameters of PCM CaCl2.6H2O with dopant from T-history data analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutjahja, I. M.; Silalahi, Alfriska O.; Sukmawati, Nissa; Kurnia, D.; Wonorahardjo, S.

2018-03-01

T-history is a powerful method for deriving the thermophysical parameters of a phase change material (PCM), which consists of solid and liquid specific heats as well as latent heat enthalpy. The performance of a PCM for thermal energy storage could be altered by chemical dopants added directly to the PCM in order to form a stable suspension. We described in this paper the role of chemical dopants in the variation of thermophysical parameters for CaCl2 · 6H2O inorganic PCM with 1 wt% and 2 wt% dopant concentration and BaSO4 (1 wt%) as a nucleator using the T-history method. The dopant consists graphite and CuO nanoparticles. The data analysis follows the original method proposed by (Zhang et al 1999 Meas. Sci. Technol. 10 201–205) and its modification by (Hong et al 2004 Int. J. Refrig. 27 360–366). In addition, the enthalpy-temperature curve is obtained by adopting a method proposed by (Marín et al 2003 Meas. Sci. Technol. 14 184–189). We found that the solid specific heat tends to increase non-linearly with increased dopant concentration for all dopants. The increased liquid specific heat, however, indicates the optimum value for 1 wt% graphite dopant. In contrast, the CuO dopant shows a smaller increase in dopant concentration. The specific heat data are analyzed based on the interacting mesolayer model for a nanofluid. The heat of fusion show strong variation with dopant type, in agreement with other experimental data for various PCMs and dopant particles.

High purity polyimide analysis by solid sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, Rafael F.; Carvalho, Gabriel S.; Duarte, Fabio A.; Bolzan, Rodrigo C.; Flores, Erico M. M.

2017-03-01

In this work, Cr, Cu, Mn, Na and Ni were determined in high purity polyimides (99.5%) by solid sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-GFAAS) using Zeeman effect background correction system with variable magnetic field, making possible the simultaneous measurement at high or low sensitivity. The following analytical parameters were evaluated: pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, feasibility of calibration with aqueous solution, linear calibration range, sample mass range and the use of chemical modifier. Calibration with aqueous standard solutions was feasible for all analytes. No under or overestimated results were observed and up to 10 mg sample could be introduced on the platform for the determination of Cr, Cu, Mn, Na and Ni. The relative standard deviation ranged from 3 to 20%. The limits of detection (LODs) achieved using the high sensitivity mode were as low as 7.0, 2.5, 1.7, 17 and 0.12 ng g- 1 for Cr, Cu, Mn, Na and Ni, respectively. No addition of chemical modifier was necessary, except for Mn determination where Pd was required. The accuracy was evaluated by analyte spike and by comparison of the results with those obtained by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave-assisted digestion in a single reaction chamber system and also by neutron activation analysis. No difference among the results obtained by SS-GFAAS and those obtained by alternative analytical methods using independent techniques. SS-GFAAS method showed some advantages, such as the determination of metallic contaminants in high purity polyimides with practically no sample preparation, very low LODs, calibration with aqueous standards and determination in a wide range of concentration.

Analysis of a Li-Ion Nanobattery with Graphite Anode Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

DOE PAGES

Ponce, Victor; Galvez-Aranda, Diego E.; Seminario, Jorge M.

2017-05-19

In this work, molecular dynamics simulations were performed of the initial charging of a Li-ion nanobattery with a graphite anode and lithium hexaflourphosphate (LiPF 6) salt dissolved in ethylene carbonate (CO 3C 2H 4) solvent as the electrolyte solution. The charging was achieved through the application of external electric fields simulating voltage sources. A variety of force fields were combined to simulate the materials of the nanobattery, including the solid electrolyte interphase, metal collectors, and insulator cover. Some of the force field parameters were estimated using ab initio methods and others were taken from the literature. We studied the behaviormore » of Li-ions traveling from cathode to anode through electrolyte solutions of concentrations 1.15 and 3.36 M. Time-dependent variables such as energy, temperature, volume, polarization, and mean square displacement are reported; a few of these variables, as well as others such as current, resistance, current density, conductivity, and resistivity are reported as a function of the external field and charging voltage. A solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer was also added to the model to study the mechanism behind the diffusion of the Li-ions through the SEI. As the battery is charged, the depletion of Li atoms in the cathode and their accumulation in the anode follow a linear increase of the polarizability in the solvent, until reaching a saturation point after which the charging of the battery stops, i.e., the energy provided by the external source decays to very low levels. Lastly, the nanobattery model containing the most common materials of a commercial lithium-ion battery is very useful to determine atomistic information that is difficult or too expensive to obtain experimentally; available data shows consistency with our results.« less

Determination of cadmium in coal using solid sampling graphite furnace high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

da Silva, Alessandra Furtado; Borges, Daniel L G; Lepri, Fábio Grandis; Welz, Bernhard; Curtius, Adilson J; Heitmann, Uwe

2005-08-01

This work describes the development of a method to determine cadmium in coal, in which iridium is used as a permanent chemical modifier and calibration is performed against aqueous standards by high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS AAS). This new instrumental concept makes the whole spectral environment in the vicinity of the analytical line accessible, providing a lot more data than just the change in absorbance over time available from conventional instruments. The application of Ir (400 microg) as a permanent chemical modifier, thermally deposited on the pyrolytic graphite platform surface, allowed pyrolysis temperatures of 700 degrees C to be used, which was sufficiently high to significantly reduce the continuous background that occurred before the analyte signal at pyrolysis temperatures <700 degrees C. Structured background absorption also occurred after the analyte signal when atomization temperatures of >1600 degrees C were used, which arose from the electron-excitation spectrum (with rotational fine structure) of a diatomic molecule. Under optimized conditions (pyrolysis at 700 degrees C and atomization at 1500 degrees C), interference-free determination of cadmium in seven certified coal reference materials and two real samples was achieved by direct solid sampling and calibrating against aqueous standards, resulting in good agreement with the certified values (where available) at the 95% confidence level. A characteristic mass of 0.4 pg and a detection limit of 2 ng g(-1), calculated for a sample mass of 1.0 mg coal, was obtained. A precision (expressed as the relative standard deviation, RSD) of <10% was typically obtained when coal samples in the mass range 0.6-1.2 mg were analyzed.

Determination of palladium, platinum and rhodium in used automobile catalysts and active pharmaceutical ingredients using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and direct solid sample analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Resano, Martín; Flórez, María del Rosario; Queralt, Ignasi; Marguí, Eva

2015-03-01

This work investigates the potential of high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for the direct determination of Pd, Pt and Rh in two samples of very different nature. While analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients is straightforward and it is feasible to minimize matrix effects, to the point that calibration can be carried out against aqueous standard solutions, the analysis of used automobile catalysts is more challenging requiring the addition of a chemical modifier (NH4F·HF) to help in releasing the analytes, a more vigorous temperature program and the use of a solid standard (CRM ERM®-EB504) for calibration. However, in both cases it was possible to obtain accurate results and precision values typically better than 10% RSD in a fast and simple way, while only two determinations are needed for the three analytes, since Pt and Rh can be simultaneously monitored in both types of samples. Overall, the methods proposed seem suited for the determination of these analytes in such types of samples, offering a greener and faster alternative that circumvents the traditional problems associated with sample digestion, requiring a small amount of sample only (0.05 mg per replicate for catalysts, and a few milligrams for the pharmaceuticals) and providing sufficient sensitivity to easily comply with regulations. The LODs achieved were 6.5 μg g- 1 (Pd), 8.3 μg g- 1 (Pt) and 9.3 μg g- 1 (Rh) for catalysts, which decreased to 0.08 μg g- 1 (Pd), 0.15 μg g- 1 (Pt) and 0.10 μg g- 1 (Rh) for pharmaceuticals.

Polarized Solid State Target

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutz, Hartmut; Goertz, Stefan; Meyer, Werner

2017-01-01

The polarized solid state target is an indispensable experimental tool to study single and double polarization observables at low intensity particle beams like tagged photons. It was one of the major components of the Crystal-Barrel experiment at ELSA. Besides the operation of the 'CB frozen spin target' within the experimental program of the Crystal-Barrel collaboration both collaborative groups of the D1 project, the polarized target group of the Ruhr Universität Bochum and the Bonn polarized target group, have made significant developments in the field of polarized targets within the CRC16. The Bonn polarized target group has focused its work on the development of technically challenging polarized solid target systems towards the so called '4π continuous mode polarized target' to operate them in combination with 4π-particle detection systems. In parallel, the Bochum group has developed various highly polarized deuterated target materials and high precision NMR-systems, in the meantime used for polarization experiments at CERN, JLAB and MAMI, too.