Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “cation order”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 361 records · Page 20

Microbial potentiometric sensor technology for real-time detecting and monitoring of toxic metals in aquatic matrices

Considering that toxic metals can affect metabolic processes in microorganisms adversely, it can be hypothesized that these metals in water matrices would induce a decrease in metabolic activity of the biofilm microorganisms populating the surface of a sensing electrode, which could be registered as a change in the open-circuit potential (OCP) generated by the biofilm microorganisms. The goal of this study was to test this hypothesis and demonstrate the underlying principle that microbial potentiometric sensor (MPS) technology could be used for long-term and real-time monitoring and detection of rapid changes in metal concentrations in realistic aquatic environments. To address the goal, four objective were addressed: (1) a batch reactor with three graphite-based MPS electrodes was fabricated; (2) a set of single-ion solutions and one multiple ion solution were prepared reflecting realistic concentrations of metals found in electroplating wastewaters; (3) the responses of the MPS to the simultaneous presence of multiple toxic metal ions in a single solution were measured; and (4) the changes of the MPS signals to the presence of individual metal ion solutions were examined. While the hypothesis was validated, the study also revealed that the MPS was sufficiently sensitive to not only detect, but also quantify, toxic metal ion concentrations in aqueous solutions. The coefficients of determination, which were R 2 > 0.995, and responsiveness of <1 μmol/L for some toxic metal cations, strongly support the performance of MPS technology in the echelons of expensive analytical tools capable detecting and measuring trace elements.The magnitude of the MPS response was toxic metal specific. When the molar concertation normalizes the inhibition portion of the signal area, the assessed sensitivity order was: Se>Cd>Pb>Ag>Ni> Zn. The study provides valuable information for enforcement agents, environmental professionals, and wastewater treatment operators, so toxic metal pollution and its detrimental impacts can be prevented and mitigated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Tuning Anion Composition and Mobility to Balance Ionic Conductivity and Cation Selectivity in Solid Polymer Electrolytes

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) offer a promising route toward safe and high-performance electrochemical energy storage, yet a fundamental challenge in SPEs involves improving ionic conductivity while maintaining selective cation transport. The hurdle exists because ion transport is typically coupled closely to polymer segmental dynamics. Herein, a glassy single-ion-conducting polymer, poly[lithium sulfonyl(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide methacrylate] (PLiMTFSI), in which the anions were tethered to the polymer, was blended with a flexible polymer, poly(oligo-oxyethylene methyl ether methacrylate) (POEM), and a series of small-molecule lithium salts, in which the anions were untethered [lithium bis(trifluoromethane­sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiTf), or lithium perchlorate (LiClO 4 )]. The impact of salt anion volume and tethered-to-untethered anion ratio on the ion conduction behavior and thermal properties of blend electrolytes was investigated. In some cases, conductivity could be enhanced through this ternary blend approach. For example, a POEM-based polymer blend containing a bulky salt anion (TFSI⁻) and an equimolar mixture of PLiMTFSI and LiTFSI exhibited a Li + conductivity (4.8×10 -4 S/cm) an order of magnitude higher than that of a comparable POEM / LiTFSI system (6.3×10 -5 S/cm) at 100 °C. This enhancement was attributed to a more than ninefold increase in lithium transference number (0.66 in the ternary blend vs. 0.07 in POEM / LiTFSI). Overall, this study highlights the potential for tuning anion composition and mobility to achieve relatively high ionic conductivities and maintain selective cation transport in SPEs, offering a pathway to enable batteries that tolerate elevated temperatures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Li-ion and Na-ion intercalation in layered MnO 2 cathodes enabled by using bismuth as a cation pillar

Low-cost batteries based on Earth-abundant materials are needed for large-scale electrical storage for the grid. Cathodes based almost entirely on Mn oxides would reduce overall battery cost but cycling of Mn oxides is often not stable. In Li-ion cells, most polymorphs of MnO 2 undergo irreversible transformation to spinel LiMn 2 O 4 during cycling, causing capacity loss. Doping MnO 2 with Bi is known to stabilize the structure, but previous reports have relied on low-crystallinity material making it impossible to pinpoint the Bi location in the structure or its mechanism. In this work, we report a series of hydrated Bi-doped layered MnO 2 compounds and characterize their structures as a function of Bi amount. Bi is shown to reside in the material interlayer, provoking higher long-range structural order even at a low doping level of 1.3%. Doped material improves the specific capacity and stability of cycling in both Li-ion and Na-ion cells. A high level of Bi doping, 4.3%, causes loss of the interlayer crystal water in non-aqueous electrolyte, and this reduces the interlayer distance. Crystal water is shown to be beneficial in a Na-ion system, while its loss improves Li-ion cycling. This provides fundamental insight into how pillaring by a heavy, multivalent cation stabilizes layered oxides.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Structure of the Bastnäsite (001) Surface by Crystal Truncation Rod X-ray Diffraction and Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics: Implications for Separations of a Rare Earth Ore Mineral

Bastnäsite ((Ce,La)FCO 3 ) is the primary mineral source of light rare earth elements, but its surface structure is not well understood. This presents a major challenge in improving beneficiation strategies. In this work, a synergistic combination of X-ray scattering and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) was used to gain atomistic insight into the interfacial structure of bastnäsite. Surface X-ray scattering was used to measure crystal truncation rods (CTRs) of the bastnäsite (001) surface, a significant crystal face with a previously unknown termination. The best-fit atomic-scale model of the CTR data features a carbonate layer at the surface, which is stabilized by the relaxation of carbonate groups from their bulk structural positions. AIMD simulations predict similar surface relaxations, which are shown to be influenced by the protonation of oxygen atoms at the surface. Evidence of ordered water at the interface is also observed in the best-fit model and AIMD simulations. Further, the presence of a carbonate layer at this dominant crystal surface is significant for improving separation technologies because most commonly used ligands utilize anionic functional groups to chelate metal cations at particle surfaces. Without modification, anionic ligands are expected to have poor affinity for the carbonate-terminated (001) surface.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

La 3+ Networks and Speciation in the Molten State: Impact of Spacer Salt Selection on Structural Heterogeneity

We recently introduced the concept of a “spacer salt” that creates structural heterogeneity and intermediate range order. Put simply, a fully networked salt melt, such as LaCl 3 or UCl 3 , becomes disrupted by the introduction of ions that do not participate in the network. One of the results of this disruption is the experimental observation of two characteristic distances between the multivalent cations: the shorter “in-network” distance and the longer “across-network” distance spaced by the lowvalency salt. The longer characteristic distance, absent if there is no spacer salt, is the culprit for a new first sharp diffraction peak in scattering experiments. Intuitively, it would appear to follow from this analysis that higher concentrations of the lower-valency salt would further separate multivalent cations, resulting in a shift to lower q values of this first sharp diffraction peak. We will show experimentally and computationally that this is not always the case because multiple other factors enter into play.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Relationship between A-site cation and magnetic structure in 3d–5d–4f double perovskite iridates Ln 2 NiIrO 6 ( Ln = La, Pr, Nd)

We report a comprehensive investigation of Ln 2 NiIrO 6 (Ln=La, Pr, Nd) using thermodynamic and transport properties, neutron powder diffraction, resonant inelastic x-ray scattering, and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the role of A-site cations on the magnetic interactions in this family of hybrid 3d–5d–4f compositions. Magnetic structure determination using neutron diffraction reveals antiferromagnetism for La 2 NiIrO 6 , a collinear ferrimagnetic Ni and Ir state that is driven to long-range antiferromagnetism upon the onset of Nd ordering in Nd 2 NiIrO 6 , and a noncollinear ferrimagnetic Ni and Ir sublattice interpenetrated by a ferromagnetic Pr lattice for Pr 2 NiIrO 6 . For Pr 2 NiIrO 6 , heat-capacity results reveal the presence of two independent magnetic sublattices, and transport resistivity indicates insulating behavior and a conduction pathway that is thermally mediated. Here, a first principles DFT calculation elucidates the existence of the two independent magnetic sublattices within Pr 2 NiIrO 6 and offers insight into the behavior in La 2 NiIrO 6 and Nd 2 NiIrO 6 . Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering is consistent with spin-orbit coupling splitting the t 2 g manifold of octahedral Ir 4+ into a J eff = 1/2 and J eff = 3/2 state for all members of the series considered.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Characterization of Uranyl Coordinated by Equatorial Oxygen: Oxo in UO 3 versus Oxyl in UO 3 +

Uranium trioxide, UO 3 , has a T-shaped structure with bent uranyl, UO 2 2+ , coordinated by an equatorial oxo, O 2– . The structure of cation UO 3 + is similar but with an equatorial oxyl, O •– . Neutral and cationic uranium trioxide coordinated by nitrates were characterized by collision induced dissociation (CID), infrared multiple-photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy, and density functional theory. CID of uranyl nitrate, [UO 2 (NO 3 ) 3 ] – (complex A1), eliminates NO 2 to produce nitrate-coordinated UO 3 + , [UO 2 (O • )(NO 3 ) 2 ]– (B1), which ejects NO 3 to yield UO 3 in [UO 2 (O)(NO 3 )] – (C1). Finally, C1 associates with H 2 O to afford uranyl hydroxide in [UO 2 (OH) 2 (NO 3 )] – (D1). IRMPD of B1, C1, and D1 confirms uranyl equatorially coordinated by nitrate(s) along with the following ligands: (B1) radical oxyl O •– ; (C1) oxo O 2– ; and (D1) two hydroxyls, OH – . As the nitrates are bidentate, the equatorial coordination is six in A1, five in B1, four in D1, and three in C1. Ligand congestion in low-coordinate C1 suggests orbital-directed bonding. Hydrolysis of the equatorial oxo in C1 epitomizes the inverse trans influence in UO 3 , which is uranyl with inert axial oxos and a reactive equatorial oxo. The uranyl ν 3 IR frequencies indicate the following donor ordering: O 2– [best donor] >> O •– > OH – > NO 3 – .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Alloying effect of rare-earth tritellurides on the charge density wave and magnetic properties

Among many van der Waals materials rare-earth tritellurides (RTe3) allow studying several phenomena like magnetic, superconducting, and charge density wave (CDW). These studies show the effect of cationic alloying of antiferromagnetic RTe3 for fully tunable near room-temperature CDW properties. DyxGd1−xTe3 and DyxTb1−xTe3 alloys were synthesized through a chemical vapor transport technique, and the rare-earth element composition was controlled by changing the ratio of rare-earth metal reagents. The results show that the lattice parameters can be continuously tuned with the composition of the rare-earth cations leading to the variation of the internal chemical pressure. Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy and electric transport measurement show that the CDW transition temperature (TCDW) of RTe3 alloys varies with lattice parameters/chemical pressure spanning across 300–380 K. Additional magnetism studies offer the first insights into the magnetic ordering in RTe3 alloys. The emergence of multiple magnetic transitions implies complex magnetic interactions that arise from interactions between different rare-earth elements. Overall findings introduce ways to control the CDW behavior and provide valuable insights into the magnetic ordering in RTe3 alloys, contributing to further investigation and a better understanding of their properties.

Physics↗

Site-Selective Modification of Lanthanum Oxychloride to Modulate Halide-Ion Conduction

Design principles for solid-state halide-ion conduction remain poorly defined despite the increasing importance of halide ions as charge carriers in a variety of energy storage and electrochemical computing technologies. Here, we employ a siteselective modification strategy in which aliovalent cations are preferentially introduced at the La 3+ crystallographic site of LaOCl in the 2c Wyckoff position, enabling controlled generation of chloride vacancies and modification of lattice dynamics to enhance chloride-ion conductivity. Aliovalent substitution of La 3+ with Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and Sr 2+ generates charge-compensating Cl vacancies while preserving the matlockite crystal structure. X-ray excited optical luminescence measurements with Dy 3+ as a reporter chromophore evidence vacancy-derived midgap electronic states and an extended energy range of radiation-less Auger electron emission corresponding to substantial modification of electronic structure and local electrostatic potentials. Ca alloying at 8−10 at. % increases the chloride-ion conductivity by three- to 4 orders of magnitude as compared to unalloyed LaOCl, whereas comparable amounts of Sr- and Mg-alloying in LaOCl imbue less pronounced conductivity enhancements. Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy measurements reveal that Ca- and Sr-alloying substantially soften the La−Cl sublattice and yield a more compliant crystal lattice that can deform to accommodate Cl-ion migration. Structure solutions derived from Rietveld refinements to powder Xray diffraction reveal larger O−La−Cl bond-angle deviations and enhanced out-of-plane cation displacements for Ca- and Sr-alloyed compositions as compared to Mg-alloyed LaOCl. Such local distortions enhance chloride-ion mobility by reshaping and flattening vacancy migration energy landscapes and by modulating lattice dynamics governing anion conduction. We further illustrate that coalloying of Ca with Mg and Sr induces a nonmonotonic conductivity−defect stoichiometry relationship that can be rationalized based on cooperative interactions. Together, these results establish site-selective aliovalent alloying of LaOCl as an effective route to halide-ion solid electrolytes and provide broadly generalizable design principles for site-selective modification to induce vacancy formation and lattice softening to engender facile anion transport

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Thermodynamic modeling of aqueous lithium salt solutions with association electrolyte nonrandom two-liquid activity coefficient model

The high charge density of lithium ion and the resulting strong association phenomena make thermodynamic modeling of aqueous lithium electrolyte solutions extremely challenging. In this study, the association electrolyte nonrandom two-liquid activity coefficient model of Lin et al. (AIChE J. 2022, 68(2), e17422) is utilized to correlate and predict thermodynamic properties and solubility behavior of aqueous single electrolyte solutions of LiCl, LiBr, LiI, and LiNO 3 , and their mixed electrolyte solutions. Capturing self-association of water, cross-association of ion and water for hydration, and cross-association of cation and anion for ion-pairing, the association model accurately represents the literature experimental data up to saturation concentrations and at the temperature ranging from 263 K to 523 K. Here, this study further investigated the effect of anions of the lithium salts, and re-confirmed that the order of solution non-ideality as LiI > LiBr > LiCl > LiNO 3 because the anions with stronger association strengths are more likely to form ion pairs and thus lower the mean ionic activity coefficients.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Hierarchical Ion Interactions in the Direct Air Capture of CO 2 at Air/Aqueous Interfaces

The direct air capture (DAC) of CO 2 using aqueous solvents is plagued by slow kinetics and interfacial barriers that limit effectiveness in combating climate change. Functionalizing air/aqueous surfaces with charged amphiphiles shows promise in accelerating DAC; however, insight into these interfaces and how they evolve in time remains poorly understood. Specifically, competitive ion interactions between DAC reagents and reaction products feedback onto the interfacial structure, thereby modulating interfacial chemical composition and overall function. In this work, we probe the role of glycine amino acid anions (Gly - ), an effective CO 2 capture reagent, that promotes the organization of cationic oligomers at air/aqueous interfaces. These surfaces are probed with vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Our findings demonstrate that the competition for surface sites between Gly - and captured carbonaceous anions (HCO 3 - , CO 3 2 -, carbamates) drives changes in surface hydration, which in turn tunes oligomer ordering. This phenomenon is related to a hierarchical ordering of anions at the surface that are electrostatically attracted to the surface and their ability to compete for interfacial water. These results point to new ways to tune interfaces for DAC via stratification of ions based on relative surface propensities and specific ion effects.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Atomistically-informed modeling of point defect clustering and evolution in irradiated ThO 2

A cluster dynamics (CD) model has been developed to investigate the nucleation and growth of point defect clusters, i.e., interstitial prismatic loops and nanoscale and sub-nanoscale voids, in ThO 2 during irradiation by energetic particles. The model considers cluster off-stoichiometry due to the asymmetry of point defect generation on the O and Th sublattices under irradiation, as well as the point defect diffusivities and the defect binding energies to clusters. The energies were established using detailed molecular dynamics simulations considering the statistical variability of cluster configuration. A high-order adaptive time-integration has been used to solve the model. The predicted loop density and their average size is in good agreement with reported experimental observations for proton irradiated ThO 2 at 600°C. In conclusion, the model did not predict void evolution due to the sluggish kinetics of cation vacancies, explaining the absence of voids in proton irradiated ThO 2 (and other oxides) at relatively low temperatures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Cyclic versus Linear Alkylammonium Cations: Preventing Phase Transitions at Operational Temperatures in 2D Perovskites

Two-dimensional lead halide perovskites offer numerous attractive features for optoelectronics owing to their soft, deformable lattices and high degree of chemical tunability. While alteration of the metal and halide ions gives rise to significant modification of the bandgap energy, the organic spacer cations offer in-roads to tuning phase behavior and more subtle functionalities in ways that remain to be understood. Here, we study six variations of 2D perovskites changing only the organic spacer cations and demonstrate that these components intrinsically impact material response in important ways such as altering crystallographic structure, temperature-induced phase transitions, and photoluminescence emission. Two-dimensional perovskites containing commonly utilized aliphatic linear spacers, such as butylammonium, undergo phase transitions near room temperature. These transitions and temperature changes induce spacer-dependent variations in the emission spectra. Conversely, 2D perovskites comprising cyclic aliphatic spacers, such as cyclobutylammonium, are found to lack first-order phase transitions. These cyclic molecules are more sterically hindered within the crystal lattice, leading to temperature-induced contraction or expansion along certain crystallographic planes but no other significant thermal effects; additionally, they undergo changes in their emission spectra that cannot be explained by simple thermal expansion. Finally, given the similarities in the dielectric and chemical makeup of this set of six alkylammonium molecules, these results are unexpected and suggest a large structural and thermal phase space via spacer manipulation that could lead to improved 2D perovskite functionalization.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Solvothermal Synthesis of [Cr 7 S 8 (en) 8 Cl 2 ]Cl 3 ⋅ 2H 2 O with Magnetically Frustrated [Cr 7 S 8 ] 5+ Double‐Cubes**

Abstract A novel transition metal chalcohalide [Cr 7 S 8 (en) 8 Cl 2 ]Cl 3 ⋅ 2H 2 O, with [Cr 7 S 8 ] 5+ dicubane cationic clusters, has been synthesized by a low temperature solvothermal method, using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylenediamine ( en ) solvents. Ethylenediamine ligand exhibits bi‐ and monodentate coordination modes; in the latter case ethylenediamine coordinates to Cr atoms of adjacent clusters, giving rise to a 2D polymeric structure. Although magnetic susceptibility shows no magnetic ordering down to 1.8 K, a highly negative Weiss constant, θ =−224(2) K, obtained from Curie‐Weiss fit of inverse susceptibility, suggests strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) interactions between S =3/2 Cr(III) centers. Due to the complexity of the system with (2 S +1) 7 =16384 microstates from seven Cr 3+ centers, a simplified model with only two exchange constants was used for simulations. Density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations yielded the two exchange constants to be J 1 =−21.4 cm −1 and J 2 =−30.2 cm −1 , confirming competing AFM coupling between the shared Cr 3+ center and the peripheral Cr 3+ ions of the dicubane cluster. The best simulation of the experimental data was obtained with J 1 =−20.0 cm −1 and J 2 =−21.0 cm −1 , in agreement with the slightly stronger AFM exchange within the triangles of the peripheral Cr 3+ ions as compared to the AFM exchange between the central and peripheral Cr 3+ ions. This compound is proposed as a synthon towards magnetically frustrated systems assembled by linking dicubane transition metal‐chalcogenide clusters into polymeric networks.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Crystal Structure and Preparation of Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) Solid-State Electrolyte and Doping Impacts on the Conductivity: An Overview

As an essential part of solid-state lithium-ion batteries, solid electrolytes are receiving increasing interest. Among all solid electrolytes, garnet-type Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) has proven to be one of the most promising electrolytes because of its high ionic conductivity at room temperature, low activation energy, good chemical and electrochemical stability, and wide potential window. Since the first report of LLZO, extensive research has been done in both experimental investigations and theoretical simulations aiming to improve its performance and make LLZO a feasible solid electrolyte. These include developing different methods for the synthesis of LLZO, using different crucibles and different sintering temperatures to stabilize the crystal structure, and adopting different methods of cation doping to achieve more stable LLZO with a higher ionic conductivity and lower activation energy. It also includes intensive efforts made to reveal the mechanism of Li ion movement and understand its determination of the ionic conductivity of the material through molecular dynamic simulations. Nonetheless, more insightful study is expected in order to obtain LLZO with a higher ionic conductivity at room temperature and further improve chemical and electrochemical stability, while optimal multiple doping is thought to be a feasible and promising route. This review summarizes recent progress in the investigations of crystal structure and preparation of LLZO, and the impacts of doping on the lithium ionic conductivity of LLZO.

Raju, Md Mozammal (ORCID:0000000319040523)↗

High-efficiency perovskite photovoltaic modules achieved via cesium doping

Perovskite solar modules have been attracting increasing attention due to their market potential, yet publications concerned with theintrinsic scale-up potential of different perovskite compositions remain relatively scarce. On the other hand, while great success is being made towards improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by cesium cation (Cs + ) doping of the perovskite, more attention is being paid to the perovskite phase stabilization effect of Cs + doping, and less to other properties that are critical to understand and futher improve the PSC's. In this work, moderately-Cs-doped MAPbI 3 was employed as a model perovskite material in order to exclude the phase stabilization effect. Our systematic study revealed the influence of Cs + in organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites on the crystal structure, crystallization process, trap state density, band structure and charge (i.e., ions or photo-carriers) transport. Markedly, it has been observed that Cs + doping can greatly increase the carrier diffusion length in the perovskite films, thus improving the potential to scale-up PSC's.The PCE of small area devices (0.09 cm 2 ) was increased to 21.72% from 19.73%, with decreased hysteresis behavior and increased operational stability (T85 = 1000 h) after Cs + doped, where T85 refers to the retention of 85% of the initial PCE. Moreover, a PCE of 21.08% was obtained for a Cs + -containing perovskite module with an active area > 30 cm 2 , which demonstrates a better "reproducibility" than the reference sample (MAPbI3-based perovskite modules, PCE = 18.26%).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

The Thermal Plumbing System of Stromboli Volcano, Aeolian Islands (Italy) Inferred From Electrical Conductivity and Induced Polarization Tomography

Abstract We performed the first 3D island‐scale tomography of the electrical conductivity of Stromboli volcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) using 2D acquisition lines (37.2 km) and a total of 18,880 measurements and 2,402 unique electrode locations. This 3D data set was inverted using a Gauss‐Newton algorithm, parallel‐processing on an unstructured tetrahedral mesh containing 678,420 finite‐element nodes and 3,580,145 elements to account for the topography of the volcanic island. The tomogram exhibits a conductive body (10 −2 –1.0 S m −1 ) consistent with the location of CO 2 and temperature anomalies observed at the ground surface. It corresponds to the hydrothermal system with high electrical conductivity associated with alteration. In order to confirm this interpretation, a 2.5D large‐scale induced polarization tomography was performed crossing the volcano. The joint interpretation of the conductivity and normalized chargeability is done with a petrophysical model previously tested and verified at both shield‐ and strato‐volcanoes. This model implies that alteration (through the effect of the cation exchange capacity associated with clay minerals and zeolites) plays a strong role in both controlling the electrical conductivity and normalized chargeability at Stromboli volcano. A temperature tomogram, derived from the geoelectrical measurements, is consistent with surface temperature anomalies and the Very Long Period (VLP) seismicity related to the mild‐explosive activity. This survey displays at 600 m a.s.l. a lateral shift in the highest temperature location, also corresponding to the source of VLP seismicity. Structural boundaries have a major role in the hottest hydrothermal fluids rising below the active crater terrace of Stromboli volcano.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Importance of interface open circuit potential on aqueous hydrogenolytic reduction of benzyl alcohol over Pd/C

Abstract The open circuit potential (OCP) established by the quasi-equilibrated electrode reaction of H 2 and H 3 O + (hydr.) , complicates catalytic reactions significantly. The hydrogenolysis rate of benzylic alcohol on Pd/C increases 2-3 orders of magnitude with the pH decreasing from 7 to 0.6. The reaction follows a pathway of protonated benzyl alcohol dehydration to a benzylic carbenium ion, followed by a hydride addition to form toluene. The dehydration of protonated benzyl alcohol is kinetic relevent, thus, being enhanced at lower pH. The OCP stabilizes all cationic species in the elementary steps. Particularly, the initial state (benzyl alcohol oxonium ion) is less stabilized than the dehydration transition state and the product (benzylic carbenium), thus, lowering the free energy barrier of the rate-determining step. In accordance, the rate increased with increasingly negative OCP. Beside OCP, an external negative electric potential in an electrocatlaytic system was also demonstrated to enhance the rate in the same way.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗