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At least 361 records · Page 20

Thermal Decomposition of Calcium Perchlorate/Iron-Mineral Mixtures: Implications of the Evolved Oxygen from the Rocknest Eolian Deposit in Gale Crater, Mars

A major oxygen release between 300 and 500 C was detected by the Mars Curiosity Rover Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument at the Rocknest eolian deposit. Thermal decomposition of perchlorate (ClO4-) salts in the Rocknest samples are a possible explanation for this evolved oxygen release. Releative to Na-, K-, Mg-, and Fe-perchlorate, the thermal decomposition of Ca-perchlorate in laboratory experiments released O2 in the temperature range (400-500degC) closest to the O2 release temperatures observed for the Rocknest material. Furthermore, calcium perchlorate could have been the source of Cl in the chlorinated-hydrocarbons species that were detected by SAM. Different components in the Martian soil could affect the decomposition temperature of calcium per-chlorate or another oxychlorine species. This interaction of the two components in the soil could result in O2 release temperatures consistent with those detected by SAM in the Rocknest materials. The decomposition temperatures of various alkali metal perchlorates are known to decrease in the presence of a catalyst. The objective of this work is to investigate catalytic interactions on calcium perchlorate from various iron-bearing minerals known to be present in the Rocknest material

Bruck, A. M.↗

Reversible Colorimetric Sensing of Volatile Analytes By Wicking in Close Proximity to A Photonic Film

Isolation of volatile analytes from environmental or biological fluids is a rate-determining step that can delay the response time for continuous sensing. In this paper, we demonstrate a colorimetric sensing system that enables the rapid detection of gas-phase analytes released from a flowing micro-volume fluid sample. The sensor platform is an analyte-responsive metal-insulator-metal (MIM) thin-film structure integrated with a large area quartz micropillar array. This allows precise planar alignment and microscale separation (310 μm) of the optical and fluidic structures. This configuration offers rapid and homogeneous color changes over large areas that permits detection by low-resolution optics or eye, which is well-suited to portable/wearable devices. For our proof-of-principle demonstration, we utilized a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) spacer and evaluated the sensor's response (color change) to ethanol vapor. We show that the RGB color value is quantitatively linked to the spacer swelling, which is reversible and repeatable. The optofluidic platform reduces the sensor response time from minutes to seconds compared with experiments using a conventional chamber. The sensor's concentration-dependent response was examined, confirming the potential of the reported sensing platform for continuous, compact, and quantitative colorimetric analysis of volatile analytes in low-volume samples, such as biofluids.

Timothy J. Palinski↗

Quality Assurance of Legacy Post-Irradiation Examination Data for Metallic Fuels

The U.S. DOE-NE’s Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) Fast Reactor Program (FRP) and the NE-4 Advanced Fuels Campaign (AFC) have jointly undertaken the qualification of the legacy post-irradiation examination (PIE) data held in the Fuels Irradiation & Physics Database (FIPD), covering metallic fuel experiments conducted in the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) and the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). In FY26 this effort reached a milestone: six major types of PIE data—contact profilometry, isotopic gamma scan, fission gas chemistry, fission gas release, laser profilometry, and neutron radiography—have been qualified for all available experiments in FIPD, and the U.S. nuclear industry can now draw on them with confidence in licensing activities for metallic fuel-based advanced fast reactors. This report documents the qualification process and the resulting status of the PIE data.

Mo, Kun↗

Melting of Magnesium Borohydride under High Hydrogen Pressure: Thermodynamic Stability and Effects of Nanoconfinement

The thermodynamic stability and melting point of magnesium borohydride were probed under hydrogen pressures up to 1000 bar (100 MPa) and temperatures up to 400 °C. At 400 °C, Mg(BH4)2 was found to be chemically stable between 700 and 1000 bar H2, whereas under 350 bar H2 or lower pressures, the bulk material partially decomposed into MgH2 and MgB12H12. The melting point of solvent-free Mg(BH4)2 was estimated to be 367-375 °C, which was above previously reported values by 40-90 °C. Our results indicated that a high hydrogen backpressure is needed to prevent the decomposition of Mg(BH4)2 before measuring the melting point and that molten Mg(BH4)2 can exist as a stable liquid phase between 367 and 400 °C under hydrogen overpressures of 700 bar or above. The occurrence of a pure molten Mg(BH4)2 phase enabled efficient melt-infiltration of Mg(BH4)2 into the pores of porous templated carbons (CMK-3 and CMK-8) and graphene aerogels. Both transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering confirmed efficient incorporation of the borohydride into the carbon pores. The Mg(BH4)2@carbon samples exhibited comparable hydrogen capacities to bulk Mg(BH4)2 upon desorption up to 390 °C based on the mass of the active component; the onset of hydrogen release was reduced by 15-25 °C compared to the bulk. Importantly, melt-infiltration under hydrogen pressure was shown to be an efficient way to introduce metal borohydrides into the pores of carbon-based materials, helping to prevent particle agglomeration and formation of stable closo-polyborate byproducts.

White, James L.↗

NASA’s Plans for the Release of Standards for Additive Manufactured Components

NASA has a critical need for the development of Agency standards for the certification of additively manufactured (AM) components. This is necessary since the current version of NASA standards for manned and noncrewed spaceflight hardware do not contain sufficient detail and the development of documents by the international standards organizations are not mature enough for implementation. AM parts are currently flying or in development for nearly all NASA flight programs. To bridge the gap prior to the release of Agency standards MSFC released two documents, MSFC-STD-3716 and MSFC-SPEC-3717. These documents were written specifically for laser power fusion of metallic powder, but the principles defined were used for tailoring requirements for current NASA manned missions. In 2018 a team of Agency AM experts was assembled and development of standards for the certification of additively manufactured components. These standards are design for use by all NASA programs and a broader spectrum of mature materials and processes. Four documents are being planned; NASA-STD-6030 (add title), NASA-STD-6032 (add title), NASA-STD-6033 (add title) and NASA-HNBK-6034 (add title). Two of these documents, NASA-STD-6030 and NASA-STD-6033, are being finalized for release in late 2020. These standards contain requirements that address part classification, metallurgical process control, material property development, part process control, part inspection and acceptance, equipment process control and vendor process control. This paper will present a summary of the status of each document and provide an overview of the content of NASA-STD-6030.

Richard Russell↗

Peat Archives in the Hudson Estuary - Marsh Formation, Carbon Storage and Release, and Resilience

We target deep peat stores (at least 8 meters) of carbon in the lower Hudson Estuary, which formed as the glacial fjord became an estuary with mid-Holocene sea level rise. These deep marshes play an extremely important role in the estuary health and stability in a changing climate. Never before have we faced the threats to coastal marshes that we are facing today, and the resulting sedimentation rates, inorganic/organic component histories, pollen, macrofossil, isotopic, and XRF data reveal critical information about past vegetation and climate change. Long-term shifts in organic/inorganic storage appear to be linked to drought, as watershed erosion results in more sand, silt and clay in the marshes. Climatic shifts often result in regional watershed shifts in vegetation, both locally and regionally. Understanding how these marshes are linked to human impact (disturbance, invasive species, higher nitrogen, heavy metal pollution, dams) over the last four centuries is critical to providing management of these key ecosystems, and their preservation as sea level rises. Quantification of processes that cause carbon degradation and release from these wetlands to the estuary is also key to this investigation. Peat loss would contribute to heavy metal pollution in the estuary as well as carbon loss. Young investigators from secondary schools in New York City participated in much of the fieldwork as part of the NASA/GISS NYC Research Initiative and the LDEO Secondary School Field Research Carbon Team.

Peteet, Dorothy M.↗

The influence of LiH and TiH 2 on hydrogen storage in MgB 2 I: Promotion of bulk hydrogenation at reduced temperature

Mg(BH 4 ) 2 is an attractive hydrogen storage material, owing to its high gravimetric capacity of 14.9 wt %. However, the dehydrogenated material MgB 2 is very difficult to rehydrogenate, requiring excessive pressures and temperatures. Here we report the influence of LiH and TiH 2 on hydrogen storage reactions involving Bulk MgB 2 using XRD, XAS, FTIR and NMR. In ball-milled mixtures of LiH/MgB 2 , the LiH loses crystallinity but remains undissociated, forming a weakly bound complex with MgB 2 . The weak interactions produce minor variations in the local electronic structure at B and Mg, but do not markedly affect the underlying MgB 2 hexagonal crystal structure. No evidence is found for a mixed-metal boride Mg 1-x Li x B 2 in the as-prepared LiH/MgB 2 materials. The presence of LiH dramatically improves the hydrogenation of MgB 2 at 700 bar, forming borohydride 100 °C below the minimum hydrogenation temperature of pure MgB 2 and without the formation of undesirable intermediates such as [B 3 H 8 ] - , [B 10 H 10 ] 2- or [B 12 H 12 ] 2- . Evidence is reported for a mixed-metal borohydride of the type Mg (3-x)/2 Li x (BH 4 ) 3 produced by the hydrogenation. Subsequent desorption is also improved compared to pure Mg(BH 4 ) 2 and LiBH 4 , showing single-step hydrogen release up to ~8 wt% by 380 °C, whereas Mg(BH 4 ) 2 and LiBH 4 still retain significant amounts of hydrogen at this temperature. The material produced by desorption contains both MgB 2 and Mg metal, revealing the original LiH/MgB 2 system is not fully reversible. In contrast to LiH, TiH 2 is essentially inert when ball-milled with MgB 2 , and high-pressure hydrogenation leaves only unreacted TiH 2 and MgB 2 . Thus, added TiH 2 provides no benefit to MgB 2 hydrogenation.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Artificial plasma experiments. Chemical release observations associated with the CRRES program

This report submitted is the final report and covers work performed under the contract for the period Apr. 12, 1985 - Dec. 23, 1993. The CRRES program investigated earth plasma environment by active experiments in which metal vapors were injected into the upper atmosphere and magnetosphere. The vapor clouds perturb the ambient ionospheric / magnetospheric environment and the effects could be monitored by passive observing instruments. Our part of the CRRES program, the Artificial Plasma Experiment program, was a ground based and aircraft based investigation to observe artificial chemical releases by optical techniques.

Mende, Stephen B.↗

A metal ion orients SARS-CoV-2 mRNA to ensure accurate 2'- O methylation of its first nucleotide

The SARS-CoV-2 nsp16/nsp10 enzyme complex modifies the 2'-OH of the first transcribed nucleotide of the viral mRNA by covalently attaching a methyl group to it. The 2'-O methylation of the first nucleotide converts the status of mRNA cap from Cap-0 to Cap-1, and thus, helps the virus evade immune surveillance in host cells. Here, we report two structures of nsp16/nsp10 representing pre- and post-release states of the RNA product (Cap-1). We observe overall widening of the enzyme upon product formation, and an inward twisting motion in the substrate binding region upon product release. These conformational changes reset the enzyme for the next round of catalysis. The structures also identify a unique binding mode and the importance of a divalent metal ion for 2'-O methylation. We also describe underlying structural basis for the perturbed enzymatic activity of a clinical variant of SARS-CoV-2, and a previous SARS-CoV outbreak strain.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

The Port Hope Areas Initiative's Port Granby Project: The Decontamination of Site Equipment from a Low Level Waste Facility - 20330

The Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) is the Government of Canada's response to the community recommended solutions for the remediation and safe, long-term management of historic low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) that was the result of uranium and radium processing operations in the Municipality of Port Hope, Ontario from the 1930's to the 1980's. The Eldorado refinery, on the shores of Lake Ontario, began refining radium-226 from pitchblende ore, later transitioning to the refining of uranium ore. Process residues were deposited at the Welcome Waste Management Facility in Port Hope until the mid-1950's switching to the Port Granby Waste Management Facility (PGWMF), which continued to accept waste until the late 1980's. The Port Granby Project involves the construction of a new, secure long-term waste management facility (LTWMF) and supporting infrastructure, and the excavation and relocation of approximately 1,200,000 m{sup 3} of historic low-level radioactive waste and marginally contaminated soil from the PGWMF to the newly constructed LTWMF. Since the project's inception in 2016, the bulk of the material has since been moved to the final long term storage cell. This has taken over 500,000 person-hours and a large amount of one site heavy equipment to accomplish including excavators, bulldozers, rock trucks, baker tanks and vacuum trucks. While many of the pieces of heavy equipment and water management equipment has further work to do on site, several of the sites larger items have already undergone the decontamination process prior to release from the site. This process has posed a serious challenge as the waste has a caustic nature to it and over the last few years it has had time to work its way into the metallic structures and framework of the equipment. Coupled with the tight work spaces and in some cases confined work areas there have been many issues that needed to be addressed to successfully reach a state where items can be free released to the unrestricted limits of the sites license. This ongoing process has led to a more refined decontamination program at the Port Granby Facility and has had a rather high success rate considering the length of time the equipment has been exposed to the waste materials on site. This paper discusses the varied challenges of decontamination faced at a low-level radioactive waste facility with a focus on the following aspects: - Challenges faced regarding different equipment types and the solutions implemented by Wood to address these challenges; - An examination of various decontamination methods employed throughout the project; and - Lessons learned over three years of remediation work and how they impact the decontamination process. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Intrinsically Bifunctional and Tunable Tungsten Carbide Catalysts Enable Efficient PVC-Compatible Polyolefin Hydrocracking

Hydrocracking is a promising route for the chemical recycling of polyolefins (PO), converting them into short hydrocarbons over bifunctional catalysts with metal sites for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation, and Brønsted acid sites (BAS) for isomerization and C–C bond cleavage. However, PO feedstocks containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can release chlorine (Cl) under reaction conditions, deactivating conventional noble metal/zeolite catalysts. Moreover, the lack of site intimacy and the presence of micropores within conventional catalysts create challenges around the transport of high-molecular-weight, sterically encumbered polymer intermediates. Here, in this study, we report tungsten carbides (W x C) as a novel type of bifunctional catalysts that address these challenges. W/W 2 C phases on W x C offer “metal” sites, and −OH on WO x species introduces BAS in close proximity. The “metal”:BAS ratio can be tuned through carburization temperature, leading to a volcano-shaped activity trend reflecting the requirement for metal–BAS balance. Kinetic data demonstrate that each PO chain undergoes sequential cleavage, while trends in cracking ideality and selectivity follow those in short-alkane hydrocracking. On the per-BAS basis, W x C is more efficient than conventional bifunctional catalysts by more than an order of magnitude, due to enhanced polymer transport. They maintain or show increased activity with 10 wt % PVC in the substrate. This work establishes transition-metal carbides as earth-abundant bifunctional catalysts with unique site proximity and heteroatom compatibility. These features, along with the broad structure space for rational tuning, make them promising options to tackle specific challenges that polymer feedstocks present in hydrocracking.

Nwachukwu, Uchenna C. [Univ. of Akron, OH (United ↗

Temperature-induced changes in the synthesis gas composition in a high-temperature H 2 O and CO 2 co-electrolysis system

Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is an attractive renewable technology capable of producing synthesis gas (H 2 + CO) from H 2 O and CO 2 . An SOEC consists of a solid oxide electrolyte and two ceramic or metal-ceramic electrodes. H 2 O and CO 2 are electrolyzed at the cathode producing H 2 and CO, releasing O 2- ions, which travel through the electrolyte to the anode side and recombine to produce pure oxygen gas as the byproduct. In the present study, a La 0.7 Sr 0.2 Ni 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3 cathode was used to co-electrolyze H 2 O and CO 2 at three different operating temperatures- 700 °C, 750 °C and 800 °C. Synthesis gas was produced at all three operating temperatures with 100% Faradaic efficiency. The composition of the syngas, however, was found to be a function of the operating temperature. In general, the H 2 /CO ratio in the syngas decreased with increased temperature. This was partially due to CO 2 electrolysis becoming more favorable compared to H 2 O electrolysis at higher temperatures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Efficient Construction of a C 60 Interlayer for Mechanically Robust, Dendrite-free, and Ultrastable Solid-State Batteries

Interfacial instability between solid electrolytes (SEs) and lithium metal remains a daunting challenge for solid-sate batteries. Here, a conformal C 60 interlayer is efficiently constructed on Li 1.5 Al 0.5 Ge 1.5 (PO 4 ) 3 (LAGP) SEs by physical vapor deposition, and an ideal interfacial contact is achieved via forming an ionically conducting matrix of LixC60 with lithium metal. The obtained Li x C 60 is beneficial to hinder the growth of lithium dendrites at interface and release the local stress during the lithiation and delithiation. As a result, the Li/LAGP-C 60 /Li symmetric cells demonstrate ultra-stable cycling performance for more than 4,500 h at a current density of 0.034 mA cm -2 . The Li/LAGP-C 60 /LiFePO 4 full cells deliver a reversible capacity of 152.4 mAh g -1 at room temperature, and the capacity retention rate is 85% after more than 100 cycles. This work provides a feasible and scalable strategy to improve the SEs/Li interface for high-performance solid-state batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

The effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on antral follicles is dependent on the nanoparticle internalization rate

Abstract Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are among the most widely produced metallic NPs due to commercial and industrial applications in products including food, cosmetics, paints, and plastics. TiO2 NPs are released into the environment posing health risks for humans and wildlife. Widespread uses have raised concerns about the potential toxicity of TiO2 NPs in reproduction. The ovary is an important endocrine organ responsible for sex steroid hormone production and folliculogenesis. NPs can reach the ovary, but limited information is available regarding NP toxicity and its effects on ovarian antral follicles. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to TiO2 NP affects sex hormone synthesis, oxidative stress, and antioxidant response in ovarian antral follicles in vitro. In addition, we characterized the NP internalization in the antral follicles over time to determine any association between NP internalization and effects on the antral follicle. Antral follicles were exposed to vehicle control or TiO2 NPs (5, 25, and 50 µg/ml) for 96 h. The lowest NP concentration (5 µg/ml) showed no internalization and no effects in antral follicles. The 25-µg/ml concentration had the highest internalization rate, leading to increased mRNA ratio of Bax to Bcl2. Interestingly, the highest concentration (50 µg/ml) showed lower internalization compared with the 25 µg/ml, with altered levels of steroidogenic involved genes and increased levels of progesterone and testosterone compared with control. In conclusion, these data suggest that TiO2 NP is internalized in antral follicles as the first step process in impairing follicle functions.

Santacruz-Márquez, Ramsés (ORCID:0000000225239064)↗

Low-gravity processing of superconducting compounds

Low gravity conditions can be sustained on earth for several seconds in an evacuated drop tube. Because radiation cooling is most effective at high temperatures, the refractive metals and alloys are prime candidates for free fall solidification. The results of initial experiments on droplet formation, droplet release, critical size and evaporation losses are given. The time required for free fall solidification of different size droplets is calculated. The materials studied were copper, niobium and vanadium, and a niobium-tin alloys. Improvements in purity, composition, homogeneity and stoichiometry are expected during free fall solidification of niobium based alloys which should become evident in an increase in the superconducting transition temperature.

Otto, G. H.↗

Development of processes for the production of solar grade silicon from halides and alkali metals, phase 1 and phase 2

High temperature reactions of silicon halides with alkali metals for the production of solar grade silicon are described. Product separation and collection processes were evaluated, measure heat release parameters for scaling purposes and effects of reactants and/or products on materials of reactor construction were determined, and preliminary engineering and economic analysis of a scaled up process were made. The feasibility of the basic process to make and collect silicon was demonstrated. The jet impaction/separation process was demonstrated to be a purification process. The rate at which gas phase species from silicon particle precursors, the time required for silane decomposition to produce particles, and the competing rate of growth of silicon seed particles injected into a decomposing silane environment were determined. The extent of silane decomposition as a function of residence time, temperature, and pressure was measured by infrared absorption spectroscopy. A simplistic model is presented to explain the growth of silicon in a decomposing silane enviroment.

Dickson, C. R.↗

NASA's Certification and Qualification Challenges for Additively Manufactured Hardware: What Is Next?

In 2021, NASA released NASA-STD-6030 “Additive Manufacturing Requirements for Spaceflight Systems” to create qualification and certification strategies for mature metallic and non-metallic AM materials and technologies. While these standards have had an immediate impact on the additive manufacturing (AM) industry, there remain many challenges that have yet to be overcome. NASA and its partners in academia and industry are working together to proactively address these issues. One of the most critical needs is a Probabilistic Damage Tolerance Assessment (PDTA) approach, which includes the development of computational modeling, understanding the “effect of defects”, and the implementation of in-situ process monitoring and inspection techniques.

Will Tilson↗

Nuclear Safety [Vol. 16, No. 1, January-February 1975]

Nuclear Safety covers significant developments in the field of nuclear safety. The scope is limited to topics relevant to the analysis and control of hazards associated with nuclear energy, operations involving fissionable materials, and the products of nuclear fission and their effects on the environment. Primary emphasis is on safety in reactor design, construction, and operation; however, safety considerations in regard to the entire fuel cycle, including fuel fabrication, spent-fuel processing, nuclear waste disposal, handling of radioisotopes, and environmental effects of these operations, are also treated. Table of Contents for this issue follows. Table of Contents for this issue follows. GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: 1 AEC Working Paper on Population Density Around Nuclear Power-Plant Sites Adapted by J. Ft. Buchanan, 8 Water-Reactor Safety-Research Information Meeting by Wm. B. Cottrell, D. O. Hobson, and G. D. Whitman; ACCIDENT ANALYSIS: 29 Burnout in Boiling Heat Transfer. Part I: Pool-Boiling Systems by A. E. Bergles; PLANT SAFETY FEATURES: 43 Radionuclide Behavior During Normal Operation of Liquid-Metal-Cooled Fast Breeder Reactors. Part 1: Production by C. A. Erdman and A. B. Reynolds; CONSEQUENCES OF EFFLUENT RELEASE: 60 The Control, Monitoring, and Reporting of Radioactivity in Effluents. Part 1: AEC-Owned Facilities by M. B. Biles and F. E. Coffman, 71 The Control, Monitoring, and Reporting of Radioactivity in Effluents. Part 2: AEC-Licensed Facilities by L. B. Higginbotham and J. T. Collins; OPERATING EXPERIENCES: 76 Incident at the Lucens Reactor by J. M. Miller, 79 IAEA Symposium on Experience from Operating and Fueling of Nuclear Power Reactors by William A. Pryor, 87 Recent Occurrences at Nuclear Reactors and Their Causes Compiled by William R. Casto, 98 Summary of Operating U. S. Power Reactors as of Nov. 1. 1974, 101 Selected Safety-Related Occurrences Reported in September and October 1974 Compiled by William R. Casto; CURRENT EVENTS: 104 General Administrative Activities Compiled by Wm. B. Cottrell, 110 Action on Power-Reactor Projects Undergoing Regulatory Review or Consideration Compiled by Wm. B. Cottrell, 119 Action on Nonreactor Projects Undergoing Regulatory Review or Consideration Compiled by Wm. B. Cottrell, 121 Proposed Rule Changes as of Oct. 31, 1974; MISCELLANY: 97 ASTM—Euratom Symposium on Radiation Dosimetry: Developments and Standardization (Announcement), 118 Workshops on In-Pile Filter Testing (Announcement), 119 IAEA Symposium on Radiological Impacts from Releases from Nuclear Facilities into Aquatic Environments (Announcement).

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗