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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.

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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2006

Partitioning of Ni, Co and V between Spinel-Structured Oxides and Silicate Melts: Importance of Spinel Composition

Partitioning of Ni, Co and V between Cr-rich spinels and basaltic melt has been studied experimentally between 1150 and 1325 C, and at controlled oxygen fugacity from the Co-CoO buffer to slightly above the hematite magnetite buffer. These new results, together with new Ni, Co and V analyses of experimental run products from Leeman [Leeman, W.P., 1974. Experimental determination of the partitioning of divalent cations between olivine and basaltic liquid, Pt. II. PhD thesis, Univ. Oregon, 231 - 337.], show that experimentally determined spinel melt partition coefficients (D) are dependent upon temperature (T), oxygen fugacity (fO2) and spinel composition. In particular, partition coefficients determined on doped systems are higher than those in natural (undoped) systems, perhaps due to changing activity coefficients over the composition range defined by the experimental data. Using our new results and published runs (n =85), we obtain a multilinear regression equation that predicts experimental D(V) values as a function of T, fO2, concentration of V in melt and spinel composition. This equation allows prediction of D(V) spinel/melt values for natural mafic liquids at relevant crystallization conditions. Similarly, D(Ni) and D(Co) values can be inferred from our experiments at redox conditions approaching the QFM buffer, temperatures of 1150 to 1250 C and spinel composition (early Cr-bearing and later Ti-magnetite) appropriate for basic magma differentiation. When coupled with major element modelling of liquid lines of descent, these values (D(Ni) sp/melt=10 and D(Co) sp/melt=5) closely reproduce the compositional variation observed in komatiite, mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB), ocean island basalt (OIB) and basalt to rhyolite suites.

Righter, K.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Co-ion specific effect on sodium halides sorption and transport in a cross-linked poly(p-styrene sulfonate-co-divinylbenzene) for membrane applications

Here, sodium halide sorption and transport in a cation exchange membrane based on cross-linked poly(p-styrene sulfonate-co-divinylbenzene) (CR61) were investigated experimentally and theoretically. At fixed co-ion valence, sodium halide partitioning between aqueous electrolyte solutions and ion exchange polymers is only minimally sensitive to co-ion chemical identity. NaCl, NaF and NaI exhibit similar solubility coefficients in CR61, which agrees reasonably well with predictions of the Donnan-Manning model, especially at high external salt concentrations. Ion activity coefficients in the membrane were evaluated and ion sorption thermodynamics were investigated. Ion diffusion coefficients in CR61 were predicted using a recently developed framework based on the Manning diffusion model, which accounts for electrostatic effects on ion diffusion, and the Mackie-Meares model, which accounts for tortuosity/area effects on ion diffusion in swollen polymers. Model predictions agree reasonably well with the experimental data, especially at high external salt concentrations. The observed decrease in salt diffusion coefficients in CR61 relative to values in aqueous solutions is due primarily to tortuosity/area effects. Salt diffusion coefficients correlate with co-ion hydrated radius and membrane water content. Finally, salt permeability coefficients predicted using the solution-diffusion model exhibit good agreement with experimental data, especially at external salt concentration greater than 0.1 mol/L.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Understanding the Conductivity and Transference Trade-Off in Polymer Electrolytes Using a Robeson-Inspired Upper Bound

The development of high-performance electrolytes is crucial for advancing next-generation lithium and sodium battery technologies. Since the cation is the working ion in both technologies, electrolytes exhibiting the rapid cation transport are essential for making progress. Pathways to optimize electrolytes are unclear due to the inherent trade-off between conductivity and cation transference. While this trade-off is sometimes recognized, there are no well-accepted methodologies for quantifying it. Inspired by the Robeson upper bound for the permeability–selectivity trade-off in gas separation membranes, we propose an approach for quantifying the trade-off in electrolytes using Newman’s concentrated solution theory. We suggest calling this the Newman upper bound. By analyzing published data from 30 polymer electrolytes containing univalent lithium and sodium salts, the Newman upper bound is expressed as κ = 2.0­(1/ρ+ – 1) where κ (mS/cm) is conductivity and ρ+ is the current fraction measured in a symmetric cell as first described by Bruce et al. [J. Electroanal. Chem. Interfacial Electrochem. 1987, 225 (1), 1–17]. This formulation of the upper bound introduces a critical guiding metric for designing next-generation polymer electrolytes; it highlights factors underlying the trade-off, including the salt diffusion coefficient (D), cation transference number relative to solvent velocity ( t + 0 ), and thermodynamic factor (1 + (d lnγ+–)/(d lnm)), where γ+– is the mean molar activity coefficient and m is the molality. These parameters have been measured for very few electrolytes. We posit that establishing the molecular properties that govern these parameters will lead to improved electrolytes that greatly exceed the current upper bound.

He, Zirong↗
DOE OSTI2023

Comparing Experimentally-Measured Sand’s Times with Concentrated Solution Theory Predictions in a Polymer Electrolyte

We compare the electrochemically measured Sand’s time, the time required for the cell potential to diverge when the applied current density exceeds the limiting current, with theoretical predictions for a 0.47 M poly(ethylene oxide) (5 kg mol −1 )/LiTFSI electrolyte. The theoretical predictions are made using concentrated solution theory which accounts for both concentration polarization and polymer motion, using independently measured parameters that depend on concentration, c : conductivity ( κ ), salt diffusion coefficient ( D ), cationic transference number with respect to the solvent velocity ( t + 0 ), thermodynamic factor 1 + dln f ± dln c , and partial molar volume of the salt ( V ̅ ); f ± is the mean molar activity coefficient of the salt. We find quantitative agreement between experimental data and theoretical predictions. We derive a generalized analytical expression for Sand’s time for electrolytes based on dilute solution theory. This expression correctly predicts the divergence of the Sand’s time at the limiting current, in agreement with experimental data and concentrated solution theory predictions. When the applied current is large compared to the limiting current, the analytical expression approaches the standard expression for Sand’s time used in the literature.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Recycling of Lead Pastes from Spent Lead–Acid Batteries: Thermodynamic Constraints for Desulphurization

Lead–acid batteries are important to modern society because of their wide usage and low cost. The primary source for production of new lead–acid batteries is from recycling spent lead–acid batteries. In spent lead–acid batteries, lead is primarily present as lead pastes. In lead pastes, the dominant component is lead sulfate (PbSO 4 , mineral name anglesite) and lead oxide sulfate (PbO•PbSO 4 , mineral name lanarkite), which accounts for more than 60% of lead pastes. In the recycling process for lead–acid batteries, the desulphurization of lead sulfate is the key part to the overall process. In this work, the thermodynamic constraints for desulphurization via the hydrometallurgical route for recycling lead pastes are presented. The thermodynamic constraints are established according to the thermodynamic model that is applicable and important to recycling of lead pastes via hydrometallurgical routes in high ionic strength solutions that are expected to be in industrial processes. The thermodynamic database is based on the Pitzer equations for calculations of activity coefficients of aqueous species. The desulphurization of lead sulfates represented by PbSO 4 can be achieved through the following routes. (1) conversion to lead oxalate in oxalate-bearing solutions; (2) conversion to lead monoxide in alkaline solutions; and (3) conversion to lead carbonate in carbonate solutions. Among the above three routes, the conversion to lead oxalate is environmentally friendly and has a strong thermodynamic driving force. Oxalate-bearing solutions such as oxalic acid and potassium oxalate solutions will provide high activities of oxalate that are many orders of magnitude higher than those required for conversion of anglesite or lanarkite to lead oxalate, in accordance with the thermodynamic model established for the oxalate system. An additional advantage of the oxalate conversion route is that no additional reductant is needed to reduce lead dioxide to lead oxide or lead sulfate, as there is a strong thermodynamic force to convert lead dioxide directly to lead oxalate. As lanarkite is an important sulfate-bearing phase in lead pastes, this study evaluates the solubility constant for lanarkite regarding the following reaction, based on the solubility data, PbO•PbSO 4 + 2H + ⇌ 2Pb 2+ + SO 4 2– + H 2 O(l).

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Understanding the Applicability of Gas/Particle Partitioning Theory to SOA using Novel Chemically-Speciated Partitioning Measurements (Final Report)

The main objective of this research grant project was to investigate the physical-chemical processes and properties of particles and partitioning gases that influence gas/particle (G/P) partitioning and timescales for equilibration, to directly determine the conditions under which equilibrium G/P partitioning theory can be applied to secondary organic aerosol (SOA). SOA constitutes a major component of submicron particles in the atmosphere, which have important implications for air quality, human and ecosystem health, radiation balance, and climate; however SOA formation, evolution and losses are not well understood. Use of novel on-line measurements of chemically-speciated partitioning measurements of both gas-phase and particle-phase components was a central component to advancing these scientific goals. The key approach was to conduct environmental chamber studies with systems of increasing complexity to determine G/P partitioning rates and equilibrium states for chemically-speciated SOA components. The project builds on our previous work on gas-wall partitioning that must be understood in order to study G/P partitioning in chambers, and to help extrapolate the results to be atmospherically relevant. The goal was to employ measurements and modeling to systematically determine when G/P partitioning theory accurately describes the distribution of oxidized organic compounds in the gas and aerosol phases, and when and why it does not (e.g., aerosol phase-state kinetic limitations, non-ideal mixing, phase separation, oligomer formation,), for chemical and physical conditions typically found throughout the continental boundary layer.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2008

How Deep and Hot was Earth's Magma Ocean? Combined Experimental Datasets for the Metal-silicate Partitioning of 11 Siderophile Elements - Ni, Co, Mo, W, P, Mn, V, Cr, Ga, Cu and Pd

Since approximately 1990 high pressure and temperature (PT) experiments on metal-silicate systems have showed that partition coefficients (D) for siderophile (iron-loving) elements are much different than those measured at low PT conditions. The high PT data have been used to argue for a magma ocean during growth of the early Earth. Initial conclusions were based on experiments and calculations for a small number of elements such as Ni and Co. However, for many elements only a limited number of experimental data were available then, and they only hinted at values of metal-silicate D's at high PT conditions. In the ensuing decades there have been hundreds of new experiments carried out and published on a wide range of siderophile elements. At the same time several different models have been advanced to explain the siderophile elements in the earth's mantle: a) intermediate depth magma ocean; 25-30 GPa, b) deep magma ocean; up to 50 GPa, and c) early reduced and later oxidized magma ocean. Some studies have drawn conclusions based on a small subset of siderophile elements, or a set of elements that provides little leverage on the big picture (like slightly siderophile elements), and no single study has attempted to quantitatively explain more than 5 elements at a time. The purpose of this abstract is to update the predictive expressions outlined by Righter et al. (1997) with new experimental data from the last decade, test the predictive ability of these expressions against independent datasets (there are more data now to do this properly), and to apply the resulting expressions to the siderophile element patterns in Earth's upper mantle. The predictive expressions have the form: lnD = alnfO2 + b/T + cP/T + d(1Xs) + e(1Xc) + SigmafiXi + g These expressions are guided by the thermodynamics of simple metal-oxide equilibria that control each element, include terms that mimic the activity coefficients of each element in the metal and silicate, and quantify the effect of variable oxygen fugacity. Preliminary results confirm that D(Ni) and D(Co) converge at pressures near 25-30 GPa and approximately 2200 K, and show that D(Pd) and D(Cu) become too low at the PT conditions of the deepest models. Furthermore, models which force fit V and Cr mantle concentrations by metal-silicate equilibrium overlook the fact that at early Earth mantle fO2, these elements will be more compatible in Mg-perovskite and (Fe,Mg)O than in metal. Thus an intermediate depth magma ocean, at 25-30 GPa, 2200 K, and at IW-2, can explain more mantle siderophile element concentrations than other models.

Righter, Kevin↗
DOE OSTI2022

Linear relationships for modeling CO 2 absorption in aqueous alkanolamine solutions in a thermodynamically consistent way

A thermodynamically consistent model for the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) absorption in aqueous alkanolamine system is of great importance in the research and development of a CO 2 capture process. To facilitate the development of thermodynamic models, linear Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and heat capacity relationships using well-known amines as reference are used to correlate the standard reference state properties of ionic species with those of molecular species in the electrolyte system, which has been approved to provide a reliable and consistent way to estimate required parameters when there is minimal or no appropriate experimental data available. Here, the proposed relationships have been applied to the development of an electrolyte nonrandom two liquid (NRTL) activity coefficient model for CO 2 absorption in aqueous 1-amino-2-propanol (A2P) solution, as an example to demonstration the methodology. With limited vapor–liquid equilibrium data and other thermodynamic properties, the parameters in the electrolyte NRTL model are identified with good accuracy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Thermodynamic Model for Nd(III)–Sulfate Interaction at High Ionic Strengths and Elevated Temperatures: Applications to Rare Earth Element Extraction

Neodymium (Nd), a rare earth element (REE), is critical to numerous industries. Neodymium can be extracted from ore concentrates, waste materials, or recycled materials such as recycled Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets. In a standard process, concentrated sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) is used as an extraction/leaching agent. Therefore, knowledge of Nd(III)–sulfate interaction at high ionic strengths is important for optimization of the extraction process. In addition, sulfate is also a major species in natural surface waters and present in nuclear waste streams. Nd(III) has been used a chemical analog to trivalent actinides in nuclear waste research and development. Consequently, knowledge of Nd(III)-sulfate interactions is also impactful to the field of nuclear waste management. Here, in this study, we have developed a thermodynamic model that can describe the interaction of Nd(III) with sulfate to ionic strengths up to ~ 16.5 mol·kg –1 and to temperatures up to 100 °C. The model adopts the Pitzer formulation to describe activity coefficients of aqueous species. This model can be used to design and optimize a chemical process for REE recovery from ore concentrates, recycled materials, and acid mine drainage (AMD) and to understand the mobility of REEs and actinides in the environment.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Thermodynamic properties of the Nd-Bi system via emf measurements, $\mathrm{DFT}$ calculations, machine learning, and $\mathrm{CALPHAD}$ modeling

Thermodynamic properties of the Nd-Bi system were investigated using a combination of experimental measurements, first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT), data mining and machine learning (DM + ML) predictions, and calculation of phase diagrams (CALPHAD) modeling. The electromotive force (emf) of Nd-Bi alloys in molten LiCl-KCl-NdCl 3 at 773–973 K was measured via coulometric titration of Nd into Bi for the determination of thermochemical properties such as activity coefficients and solubilities of Nd in Bi. A new peritectic reaction of [liquid + NdBi 2 = Nd 3 Bi 7 ] at 774 K was confirmed using differential scanning calorimetry, structural (X-ray diffraction), and microstructural (scanning electron microscopy) analyses. The unknown crystal structure of NdBi2 was suggested to be a mixture of the anti-La 2 Sb configuration and the La 2 Te-type configuration based on ML predictions for over 26,000 data-mined AB 2 -type configurations together with DFT-based verifications. Using the newly acquired experimental data and DFT-based calculations, the thermodynamic description of the Nd-Bi system was remodeled, and a more complete Nd-Bi phase diagram was calculated, including the Nd 3 Bi 7 compound, invariant transition reactions, and liquidus temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Experimental and modeling studies of PR and ND oxalate solubility to high ionic strengths: Insight into actinide(III) oxalates

Actinide oxalates are chemical compounds important to nuclear industry, ranging from actinide separation in waste reprocessing, to production of specialty actinides, and to disposal of high level nuclear waste (HLW) and spent nuclear fuel (SNF). In this study, the solubility constants for Pr 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O and Nd 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O by performing solubility experiments in HNO 3 and mixtures of HNO 3 and H 2 C 2 O 4 at 23.0 ± 0.2 °C have been determined. The targeted starting materials, Pr 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O and Nd 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O, were successfully synthesized at room temperature using PrCl 3 , NdCl 3 and oxalic acid as the source metrials. Then, we utilized the targeted solubility-controlling phases to conduct solubility measurements. There was no phase change over the entire periods of experiments, demonstrating that Pr 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O and Nd 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O were the solubility-controlling phases in our respective experiments. Based on our experimental data, we have developed a thermodynamic model for Pr 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O and Nd 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O in the mixtures of HNO 3 and H 2 C 2 O 4 to high ionic strengths. The model for Pr 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O reproduces well the reported experimental data for Pu 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O, which are not utilized for the model development, demonstrating that Pr(III) is an excellent analog for Pu(III). Similarly, the model for Nd 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O reproduces the solubility of Am 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O and Cm 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O. The Pitzer model was used for the calculation of activity coefficients. Based on the published, well established model for dissociation constants for oxalic acid and stability constants for actinide-oxalate complexes [i.e., AmC 2 O 4 + , and Am(C 2 O 4 ) 2 - ] to high ionic strengths, we have obtained the solubility constants (log 10 K 0 ) for the following reactions at 25 °C, Pr 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O ⇌ 2Pr 3+ + 3C 2 O 4 2- + 10H 2 O(l). Nd 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O ⇌ 2Nd 3+ + 3C 2 O 4 2- + 10H 2 O(l). to be -30.82 ± 0.30 (2σ), and - 31.14 ± 0.35 (2σ), respectively. These values for can be directly applied to Pu 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O, Am 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O and Cm 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O. The model established for actinide oxalates by this study provides the needed knowledge with regard to solubilities of actinide/REE oxalates at various ionic strengths, and is expected to find applications in many fields, including the geological disposal of nuclear waste and the mobility of REE under the surface conditions, as Pr 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O and Nd 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O can be regarded as the pure Pr and Nd end-members of deveroite, a recently discovered natural REE oxalate with the following stoichiometry, (Ce 1.01 Nd 0.33 La 0.32 Pr 0.11 Y 0.11 Sm 0.01 Pb 0.04 U 0.03 Th 0.01 Ca 0.04 ) 2.01 (C 2 O 4 ) 2.99 •9.99H 2 O. Regarding its importance in the geological disposal of nuclear waste, Am 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O/Pu 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O/Cm 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O can be the source-term phase for actinides, as demonstrated by the instance in the disposal in clay/shale formations. This is exemplified by the stability of Am 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 3 •10H 2 O in comparison with Am(OH) 3 (am), Am(OH) 3 (s) and AmCO 3 (OH)(s) under the relevant geological repository conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

Thermodynamic modeling of calcium carbonate scale precipitation: aqueous Na + -Ca 2+ -Cl – -HCO 3 – -CO 3 2– -CO 2 system

To allow for accurate calculations of calcium carbonate scaling in highly saline produced waters, we present a comprehensive thermodynamic model based on the electrolyte nonrandom two-liquid (eNRTL) activity coefficient equation for the aqueous Na ⁺ -Ca ²⁺ -Cl – -HCO 3 – -CO 3 ²– -CO 2 system. The eNRTL binary interaction parameters for the H 2 O:(Na ⁺ -CO 3 2– ) pair, the H 2 O:(Na ⁺ -HCO 3 – ) pair, the (Na⁺-Cl–):(Na ⁺ -CO 3 2– ) pair, and the (Na ⁺ -Cl – ):(Na ⁺ -HCO 3 – ) pair are identified in this work via the regression of thermodynamic, calorimetric, and phase equilibria experimental data. The binary interaction parameters associated with the H 2 O:(Na ⁺ -Cl – ) pair, the CO 2 :(Na ⁺ -Cl – ) pair, the H 2 O:(Ca ²⁺ -Cl – ) pair, and the (Na ⁺ -Cl – ):(Ca ²⁺ -Cl – ) pair are retrieved from the literature. The remaining binary interaction parameters are retrieved from Aspen Plus or set to zero. In addition, the solubility product constants are identified for Na 2 CO 3 ·10H 2 O (s) , Na 2 CO 3 · 7H 2 O (s) , Na 2 CO 3 ·H 2 O (s) , Na 2 CO 3 ·NaHCO 3 2H 2 O (s) , Na 2 CO 3 ·3NaHCO 3 (s) , and CaCO 3(s) via regression of solubility data. Here, the model is capable of accurately calculating all phase equilibria and calorimetric properties at temperatures up to 473.15 K and salt concentrations up to saturation.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Aqueous ion partitioning in Nafion: Applicability of Manning's counter-ion condensation theory

Nafion is a well-studied polymer of significant interest as a fuel cell membrane due to rapid transport of protons, which is often ascribed, at least in part, to its phase-separated morphology. The literature detailing ion sorption and transport in Nafion diverges considerably from that of water purification membranes, with contrasting analyses and models. To help bridge these gaps and facilitate comparisons of membranes with various structures, this study presents measurements of ion activity coefficients and sorption in Nafion 117 equilibrated with aqueous solutions of NaCl, MgCl 2 , and Na 2 SO 4 , which are relevant to water purification. The experimental data are compared to a theoretical framework based on Manning's counter-ion condensation theory and Donnan theory. Good agreement between the model and data is observed for NaCl and MgCl 2 , using no adjustable parameters. However, the model significantly underpredicts Na 2 SO 4 solubility, which is attributed to ion pairing effects. Furthermore, the results highlight the general applicability of counter-ion condensation theory to highly charged polymers, including those exhibiting nanoscale ordering, while revealing fundamental limitations related to ion pairing.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Thermodynamic analysis of hydrogel swelling in aqueous sodium chloride solutions

Here, a comprehensive thermodynamic model is presented for swelling and salt partitioning of poly (n-isopropyl acrylamide) hydrogels in aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions at 298 K. Together with a Helmholtz energy expression for network elastic energy, a modified electrolyte Nonradom Two-Liquid activity coefficient model is used to represent both the long-range electrostatic interactions and the short-range van der Waals interactions present in the gel phase. The model parameters include one network parameter per hydrogel system plus two binary parameters per interaction pair in the polymer–solvent-salt systems. With semiquantitave agreement with experimental data for both hydrogel swelling and salt partitioning up to salt saturation, the analysis suggests the ion hydration between NaCl and water is the root cause for hydrogel deswelling in aqueous NaCl solution at high NaCl concentrations, i.e., NaCl weight fraction >0.03. On the other hand, the strong repulsive interaction between NaCl and hydrogel polymer is the dominant factor for salt partitioning.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2020

Diffusion and migration in polymer electrolytes

Mixtures of neutral polymers and lithium salts have the potential to serve as electrolytes in next-generation rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The purpose of this review is to expose the delicate interplay between polymer-salt interactions at the segmental level and macroscopic ion transport at the battery level. Since complete characterization of this interplay has only been completed in one system: mixtures of poly(ethylene oxide) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PEO/LiTFSI), we focus on data obtained from this system. We begin with a discussion of the activity coefficient, followed by a discussion of six different diffusion coefficients: the Rouse motion of polymer segments is quantified by D seg , the self-diffusion of cations and anions is quantified by D self,+ and D self,- , and the build-up of concentration gradients in electrolytes under an applied potential is quantified by Stefan-Maxwell diffusion coefficients, D 0+ , D 0- , and D +- . The Stefan-Maxwell diffusion coefficients can be used to predict the velocities of the ions at very early times after an electric field is applied across the electrolyte. The surprising result is that D 0- is negative in certain concentration windows. A consequence of this finding is that at these concentrations, both cations and anions are predicted to migrate toward the positive electrode at early times. We describe the controversies that surround this result. Knowledge of the Stefan-Maxwell diffusion coefficients enable prediction of the limiting current. We argue that the limiting current is the most important characteristic of an electrolyte. Excellent agreement between theoretical and experimental limiting current is seen in PEO/LiTFSI mixtures. What sequence of monomers that, when polymerized, will lead to the highest limiting current remains an important unanswered question. It is our hope that the approach presented in this review will guide the development of such polymers.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Raman Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometric Analysis for Speciation and Quantitative Analysis of Aqueous Phosphoric Acid Systems

Complex chemical systems that exhibit varied and matrix-dependent speciation are notoriously difficult to monitor and characterize on-line and in real-time. Optical spectroscopy is an ideal tool for in situ characterization of chemical species that can enable quantification as well as species identification. Chemometric modeling, a multivariate method, has been successfully paired with optical spectroscopy to enable measurement of analyte concentrations even in complex solutions where univariate methods such as Beer’s law analysis fail. Here, Raman spectroscopy is used to quantify the concentration of phosphoric acid and its three deprotonated forms during a titration. In this system, univariate approaches would be difficult to apply due to multiple species being present simultaneously within the solution as pH is varied. Locally Weighted Regression (LWR) modeling was used to determine phosphate concentration from spectral signature. LWR results, in tandem with Multivariate Curve Resolution modeling, provide direct measurement of the concentration of each phosphate species using only the Raman signal. Furthermore, results are presented within the context of fundamental solution chemistry, including Pitzer equations to compensate for activity coefficients and non-idealities associated with high ionic strength systems.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Loss and Isotopic Fractionation of Alkali Elements during Diffusion-Limited Evaporation from Molten Silicate: Theory and Experiments

Moderately volatile elements (MVEs) are variably depleted in planetary bodies, reflecting the imprints of nebular and planetary processes. Among MVEs, Na, K, and Rb are excellent tracers for unraveling the history of MVE depletion in planetary bodies because they have similar geochemical behaviors but can be chemically fractionated by evaporation and condensation processes. Furthermore, K and Rb are amenable to high-precision isotopic analyses, which can help constrain the conditions of evaporation and condensation. To quantitatively understand why Na, K, and Rb are depleted in planetary bodies, we have carried out vacuum evaporation experiments from basaltic melt at 1200 and 1400 °C to study their evaporation kinetics and isotopic fractionations. We chose this composition because it is relevant to evaporation from small differentiated planetesimals. The Rb isotopic compositions of the evaporation residues were measured by multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS), and the K isotopic compositions were measured along profiles across the residues by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). In the 1400 °C run products, we found that the concentrations of both K and Rb in the run products decreased from core to rim, which was accompanied by a heavy K isotope enrichment near the surface. This indicates that, in this run, evaporation was limited by diffusion. To use those data quantitatively, we derive analytical equations that describe the evaporation rate and isotopic fractionation associated with diffusion-limited evaporation from a sphere, slab, and cylinder in transient and quasi-steady state regimes. This model is used to tease out the roles that diffusive transport in the melt and evaporation at the melt/gas interface play in setting the elemental depletion and isotopic composition of the residue. Under our experimental conditions, volatility decreases in the order of Na, Rb, and K. Using our experimental results in a thermodynamic model, we have estimated the product γΓ of activity coefficients × evaporation coefficients of Na, Rb, and K. The measured isotopic compositions of the residues are well explained using Rayleigh distillations, whereby the relative volatilities of K and Rb isotopes are given by the square root of their masses. We use our results and previously published data to predict how K and Rb could have been lost as a function of temperature, melt composition, oxygen fugacity, and saturation degree relevant to Vesta’s building blocks. We find that the K and Rb depletions, K/Rb elemental fractionation, and δ 41 K and δ 87 Rb isotopic fractionations of Vesta (as sampled by howardite-eucrite-diogenite (HED) meteorites) are best explained by evaporation of submillimeter size objects for 0.1-10 years at moderate temperatures (~1050 °C) in a medium ~98.8% saturated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Heuristic Computational Model for Predicting Lignin Solubility in Tailored Organic Solvents

Lignin is a random heteropolymer that has been extensively studied as a renewable source of aromatic precursors for high-value chemicals, biofuels, and bioplastics. A key challenge in lignin valorization is the structural and compositional heterogeneity of lignin feedstocks. Solvent-based approaches are commonly used to fractionate lignin to reduce this heterogeneity, but solvent selection can be challenging due to variability in lignin composition. In this work, we developed computational methods to predict good and poor organic solvents as a function of lignin composition. We analyzed 28 different linear pentamer structures, 18 from known libraries and 10 hypothetical polymers, and calculated their activity coefficients in 50 different organic solvents by using the conductor-like screening model for realistic solvents. We used these data to train a regression model that enabled the extensive investigation of the impact of solvent and monolignol compositions on predicted lignin solubility. The exhaustive exploration of solubility trends using model predictions revealed sets of solvents, identified using Kamlet–Taft parameters, that are predicted to promote lignin dissolution regardless of lignin composition. We further identified solvents expected to selectively isolate lignin fractions enriched in certain subunits. Furthermore, these results establish heuristic guidelines for solvent selection that can be used to tailor fractionation processes for lignin feedstocks of distinct composition or to design new processes that isolate fractions with higher proportions of selected subunits.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗