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Yen, S. P. S.

Publications and source records attributed to Yen, S. P. S..

34 records · Page 2

The cycle life chemistry of ambient-temperature secondary lithium cells

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is involved in a NASA-sponsored research program to demonstrate the feasibility of ambient-temperature secondary lithium batteries for geosynchronous space applications. Encouraging cycle life has been demonstrated in sealed, cathode-limited laboratory cells. However, the cell capacity declines with cycle life. The results of recent studies of the lithium electrode passivation chemistry, and of conductive diluents for TiS2 cathodes and their possible contribution to capacity decline, are here presented. Technical issues associated with the unique operational requirements of a geosynchronous mission are also described.

Somoano, R.↗

Binder for Carbon-Fiber Coating

Insoluble, even coating formed by soaking in polyacrylic acid. Carbon fiber material prepared by soaking in solution of 20 percent polyacrylic acid in water. Material blotted and dried at 120 degrees C for at least 2 hours. Dried material reacted with boiling aqueous solution of calcium acetate. Treated material removed from boiling solution, blotted, dried at 120 degrees C, washed with distilled water, and dried again.

Dowler, W. L.↗

Elastomeric binders for electrodes

The poor mechanical integrity of the cathode represents an important problem which affects the performance of ambient temperature secondary lithium cells. Repeated charge of a TiS2 cathode may give rise to stresses which disturb the electrode structure and can contribute to capacity loss. An investigation indicates that the use of an inelastic binder material, such as Teflon, aggravates the problem, and can lead to electrode disruption and poor TiS2 particle-particle contact. The feasibility of a use of elastomers as TiS2 binder materials has, therefore, been explored. It was found that elastomeric binders provide an effective approach for simplifying rechargeable cathode fabrication. A pronounced improvement in the mechanical integrity of the cathode structure contributes to a prolonged cycle life.

Yen, S. P. S.↗

Chemical and morphological characteristics of lithium electrode surfaces

Lithium electrode surfaces were analyzed for chemical and morphological characteristics, using electron spectroscopy chemical analysis (ESCA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Samples included lithium metal and lithium electrodes which were cycled in a 1.5 M lithium arsenic hexafluoride/two-methyl tetrahydrofuran electrolyte. Results show that the surface of the as-received lithium metal was already covered by a film composed of LiO2 and an Li2O/CO2 adduct with a thickness of approximately 100-200 A. No evidence of Ni3 was found. Upon exposure of the lithium electrode to a 1.5 M LiAsF6/2-Me-THF electrochemical environment, a second film was observed to form on the surface, consisting primarily of As, Si, and F, possibly in the form of lithium arsenic oxyfluorides or lithium fluorosilicates. It is suggested that the film formation may be attributed to salt degradation.

Yen, S. P. S.↗

Secondary lithium batteries for space applications

Secondary lithium cells which use a LiAsF6-2-Me-THF electrolyte and a TiS2 intercalatable cathode exhibit encouraging cycle life at ambient temperature. Electrochemical and surface analytical studies indicate that the electrolyte is unstable in the presence of metallic lithium, leading to the formation of a lithium passivating film composed of lithium arsenic oxyfluorides and lithium fluorsilicates. The lithium cyclability remains as the most important problem to solve. Different electrolyte solvents, such as sulfolane, exhibit promising characteristics but lead to new compatibility problems with the other cell component materials.

Carter, B.↗

Optical, spin-resonance, and magnetoresistance studies of /tetrathiatetracene/2/iodide/3 - The nature of the ground state

A recent investigation in which Isett and Perez-Albuerne (1977) found that (tetrathiatetracene)2(iodine)3 is a stable organic metal down to 3.3 K is of considerable interest. In view of the diversity of suggestions made regarding this compound, measurements, were made of its electrical, magnetic, and optical properties. The results obtained indicate a metallic state at high temperatures, but also support a nonmetallic state at temperatures below 30 K. At 20-30 K, a metal-to-insulator phase transition occurs. This is indicated by the onset of a large and positive magnetoresistance, the leveling off in the temperature dependence of the ESR linewidth, and by recent derivative analysis of the electrical conductivity in this region. The investigated compound represents an interesting one-dimensional electronic system in which it may be possible to study the combined effects of disorder and interchain coupling on charge transport processes.

Somoano, R. B.↗

Electrical properties of /DEPE/ /TCNQ/sub 4

The electrical conductivity of two phases of (DEPE) (TCNQ)sub 4 is evaluated using four probe and Montgomery methods. The highest values (approximately 50 Ohms/cm) were found along the b sub 0 axis of the monoclinic phase (I) crystals at room temperature. The resistivities are described as semiconducting. Thermopower is observed to saturate at high temperatures to 60 microvolts/deg K, characteristic of a quarter-filled correlated band. It is pointed out that a stable metallic state for (DEPE) (TCNQ)sub 4 is theoretically possible, but none has thus far been found.

Somoano, R. B.↗

Functional polymeric microspheres based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate for immunochemical studies

Co gamma irradiation of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate in the presence or in the absence of other acrylic monomers was found to constitute an effective technique for the synthesis of hydrophilic functional microspheres in the size range of approximately 0.3 to 3 microns in diameter. The effect of monomer concentration, steric stabilization, and electrostatic interaction on the particle size was investigated. Experimental conditions were determined to obtain desired particle sizes of relatively narrow distribution. It was shown that particles may be formed without intermediate micelles, i.e., by homogeneous nucleation, and the rate of particle formation is affected primarily by the rate of particle coalescence in the initial stages of the reaction. When covalently bound to antibodies these microspheres were successfully used to label murine and human lymphocytes.

Rembaum, A.↗

Ion-exchange hollow fibers

An ion-exchange hollow fiber is prepared by introducing into the wall of the fiber polymerizable liquid monomers, and polymerizing the monomers therein to form solid, insoluble, crosslinked, ion-exchange resin particles which embed in the wall of the fiber. Excess particles blocking the central passage or bore of the fiber are removed by forcing liquid through the fiber. The fibers have high ion-exchange capacity, a practical wall permeability and good mechanical strength even with very thin wall dimensions. Experimental investigation of bundles of ion-exchange hollow fibers attached to a header assembly have shown the fiber to be very efficient in removing counterions from solution.

Rembaum, A.↗

Functional colloidal particles for immunoresearch

The paper deals with the development of a new class of immunological reagents consisting of antibodies covalently bonded to polymeric microspheres to serve as convenient markers for detection of cell surface antigens by scanning electron and light microscopy. Attention is focused on the design and synthesis of spherical particles containing hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on their surface in a wide range of sizes (30-340 nm diam) by emulsion copolymerization, the preparation of spherical particles ranging from 300 nm to 3 microns and containing a variety of functional groups by means of ionizing radiation, and the experimental conditions for the covalent bonding of fluorescent molecules and antibodies to the spheres by means of the cyanogen bromide, carbodiimide and glutaraldehyde methods. These reagents are used to locate antigens on red blood cells, on mouse and human lymphocytes, and on the surface of photoreceptors. They offer a number of advantages and applications for the study of cell surfaces for immunodiagnosis.

Yen, S. P. S.↗

Improved ion exchange membrane

Membrane, made from commercially-available hollow fibers, is used in reverse osmosis, or dialysis. Fiber has skin layers which pass only small molecules. Macromolecules cannot penetrate skin. Fibers can also be used to remove other undesirable anions, such as phosphate, sulfate, carbonate, and uranium in form of uranium-sulfate complex.

Rembaum, A.↗

The synthesis and transport properties of the complex salt /TMPD/ /TCNQ/2

The syntheses and transport properties of the complex salt /TMPD/ /TCNQ/2 are described. At high temperatures, the complex is a magnetic semiconductor with transport properties intermediate between those found in the highly conducting and poorly conducting TCNQ salts. The complex undergoes a transition below 50-60 K to a state exhibiting singlet-triplet behavior with weakly alternating exchange coupling.

Somoano, R.↗

Polyelectrolytes with high charge density

Polymers can be used as flocculants to clarify residential and industrial water supplies and as bactericidal and fungicidal agents. They can be used in preparation of electroconductive photocopy papers, to improve living cell adhesion to glass or plastic, and as anticancer agents.

Rembaum, A.↗

Low-resistivity homogeneous elastomers

Mixture of polyurethane polyelectrolyte and soluble, conducting organic compound produces homogeneous elastomer which has resistivity several orders of magnitude less than polyelectrolyte alone. Elastomeric material has novel resistivity dependence on temperature, that is, resistivity changes dramatically over narrow temperature range in vicinity of glass transition temperature.

Somoano, R. B.↗