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At least 1,495 records · Page 83

Engineering lithium-ion battery cathodes for high-voltage applications using electromagnetic excitation

Microwave radiation (MWR), a type of electromagnetic excitation source, reduces the synthesis temperature and processing time for chemical reactions compared to traditional synthesis methods. Recently, we demonstrated that MWR can engineer ceramics with different crystal phases compared to traditional methods [ Journal of Materials Chemistry A 5 , 35 (2017)]. Here, we further apply the MWR-assisted technique to improve the electrochemical performance of LiCoO 2 cathodes by engineering TiO 2 and ZrO 2 ceramic coatings. Electrochemical tests suggest that the TiO 2 coating improves the rate capability of the LiCoO 2 electrode. Both TiO 2 and ZrO 2 coatings improve the high-voltage (4.5 V) cycling stability of LiCoO 2 . The capacity remaining is improved from 52.8 to 84.4% and 81.9% by the TiO 2 coating and the ZrO 2 coating, respectively, after 40 cycles. We compare these results with existing studies that apply traditional methods to engineer TiO 2 /ZrO 2 on LiCoO 2 , and find that the MWR-assisted method shows better performance improvement. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements suggest that the improved cycling stability arises from the formation of metal fluorides that protect the electrode from side reactions with electrolytes. This mechanism is further supported by the reduced Co dissolution from TiO 2 /ZrO 2 -coated LiCoO 2 electrode after cycling. This study provides a new toolbox facilitating the integration of many delicate, low melting point materials like polymers into battery electrodes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Preparation of Avermectin/Grafted CMC Nanoparticles and Their Sustained Release Performance

Avermectin (AVM) is a highly efficient pesticide against a variety of insects and is widely used in agriculture. However, it is susceptible to oxidation and photolysis, resulting in instability under UV irradiation and a short half-life. Herein, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was grafted by styrene (St), Methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA) respectively to prepare grafted polymer nanoparticles in application for AVM sustained released. And the influence of different grafted monomer and the grafted rate on the AVM/grafted polymer nanoparticles performance was discussed. The larger the grafted rate of St was, the larger the particle size of AVM/grafted polymer nanoparticles had with a higher drug loading rate and stronger resistance to ultraviolet light. Besides, the particle size, drug loading rate and the ability of anti-ultraviolet light of grafted CMC emulsion was also influenced by the modifying agent. While the concentration of AVM was kept the same, the acrylic esters (MMA and BA) grafted emulsion have smaller particle sizes with higher drug loading rates and stronger anti-ultraviolet ability comparing to styrene (St) grafted emulsion. The effect of different amount of St and different monomer grafted on the sustained release performance of AVM/grafted polymer was also investigated. As the grafted rate of St increased, the release rate became smaller. The release speed has a sequence of CMC-g-PBA > CMC-g-PS > CMC-g-PMMA when CMC grafted with different monomer. Their sustained release curves can be described by Korsmeyer-Peppas equation. Finally, the insect toxicity test showed that insecticide toxicity against diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) has no apparent difference among the AVM and AVM/grafted polymer nanoparticles indicating that AVM/grafted polymer nanoparticles can reduce the amount of organic solution used for dissolution and prolonged its service life without decreasing its insecticide toxicity.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Preparation of Porous Nanofibers from Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composite Nanofibers by Inexpensive Salt Using for Dye Adsorption

The high surface area of porous nanofibers enhances their performance for many applications. The present study investigated electrospinning and dye adsorption properties of polymeric nanofibers which were porous by various types of salts. The salt/polyacrylonitrile/polyvinylidene fluoride composite nanofibers were electrospun, and the inexpensive salts such as sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO{sub 3}), or calcium chloride (CaCl{sub 2}) was used to manufacture the porous fibers. Subsequently, the salt was removed by a selective dissolution, and salt extraction of nanofibers was performed with the solution of hydrochloric acid (10 wt%). Salt/PVDF/PAN and porous PVDF/PAN composite nanofibers have been applied to dye adsorption of solution. The characteristics of nanofibers were studied by Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. FTIR showed that the salt was extracted from PVDF/PAN nanofibers successfully, and SEM indicated that many pores were aligned with the nanofibers. The adsorption capacity of salt nanofibers webs and porous nanofibers webs for Basic Blue 41 were compared with each other, and porous fibers were obtained from NaHCO{sub 3} having the highest dye adsorption value. Adsorption of dyes follows the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetics.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Effect of Ar Post-irradiations on Magnetic Properties of Cu-Implanted ZnO Single Crystals

Ar{sup +} post-irradiation effects on magnetic behavior of Cu{sup +}-implanted ZnO single crystals were studied. It was found that Cu{sup +}-implanted and Ar{sup +}-irradiated samples, even the primary sample, showed a magnetic moment (M{sub M}), but the saturation magnetization (M{sub S}) of Ar{sup +} post-irradiated on Cu{sup +} as-implanted one drastically decreased. Based on the first-principle method, it was drawn to the incomplete filling electronic configuration of the substituted Cu ion whose 3d orbital hybridized with O-2p contributing to the magnetism. The M{sub M} induced by the substituted Cu{sup +} ion was much less than that induced by the substituted Cu{sup 2+} and Cu{sup 3+} ion, so the ratio of Cu{sup 2+,3+}/Cu{sup +} decreased after Ar{sup +} post-irradiation, leading to the decrease of M{sub S}. The excessive concentration of O vacancy induced by post-irradiation also weakened the M{sub M} by their compensating electrons, and decreased the effective magnetic exchange coupling interaction. Cu-related clusters dissolution was also a critical reason for the reduction of M{sub S}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Development of a standardized sequential extraction protocol for simultaneous extraction of multiple actinide elements

Sequential extraction is a useful technique for assessing the potential to leach actinides from soils; however, current literature lacks uniformity in experimental details, making direct comparison of results impossible. This work continued development toward a standardized five-step sequential extraction protocol by analyzing extraction behaviors of 232 Th, 238 U, 239,240 Pu and 241 Am from lake and ocean sediment reference materials. Results produced a standardized procedure after creating more defined reaction conditions to improve method repeatability. A NaOH fusion procedure is recommended following sequential leaching for the complete dissolution of insoluble species.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Quantification techniques of mass-separation and ion yield for the detection of radioactive isotopes

This research demonstrates two methods of quantifying isotope separation efficiency using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. One method measured the accumulated charge on a conductive collection substrate in real-time while the second method performed a chemical dissolution of the substrate with subsequent post-processing and analysis. Our previous results demonstrated and compared these methods with a multi-element standard of stable isotopes. This research applies these methods to quantifying radioactive isotopes utilizing measurements of the stable isotope at the same mass-to-charge ratio. The mass-separated radioactive isotope were fission products produced from thermal neutron irradiation of a highly enriched 235U foil. The two methods are explained and the results of this new separation methodology are compared to available cumulative fission yields.

Dion, Michael P.↗

Using Sr Resin with mixed acid matrices

Here, the quantification of radioactive material dispersed following the release of 90Sr, whether accidental or intentional, would be of high importance. Depending on the circumstances, it is possible that the contaminated materials would need to be completely digested prior to quantification. Many sample matrices require a mixture of different acids be employed to achieve total dissolution. Unfortunately, one the most common approaches for the separation of strontium, extraction chromatography with Sr Resin, has only been fully characterized in pure mineral acid solutions. This work shows that Sr Resin can be used effectively with high concentration mixtures of nitric and hydrochloric acids in the presence or absence of hydrofluoric acid, thereby potentially negating the need for conversion to a pure mineral acid matrix.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Pu-240 Target Preparation on Thin Backing Foils for GRETINA Experiments using ATLAS

Recent measurements of the octupole strength to the highest spin states in Pu-240 were performed using sub-barrier Coulomb excitation in order to unambiguously and convincingly demonstrate the existence of the rotational-aligned phonon condensation in this nucleus. The Pu-240 targets were prepared at the Center for Accelerator Target Science by molecular plating onto thin backing foils of C and Al. The required plutonium oxide dissolution, molecular plating methodology, plating results, and in-beam target performance will be discussed.

Actinides↗

International interlaboratory compilation of trace element concentrations in the CUP-2 uranium ore concentrate standard

Herein, a nuclear forensics investigation involving a uranium ore concentrate relies on accurate and precise analysis of impurities. Analytical data defensibility requires the use of reference materials as part of quality control. This study presents a compilation of trace element concentration results of the CUP-2 Uranium Ore Concentrate Standard measured by 11 different laboratories. The laboratories employed various dissolution methods, analytical preparation methods, and instrumental platforms. The data presented here contain concentrations of 66 impurities with up to 138 individual data points for each impurity. Consensus values have been assigned to each impurity following a statistical analysis of the data set.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Exploring rapid chemical separations of Sc-47 produced from photonuclear reactions on natural vanadium targets

Scandium-47 ( 47 Sc) production via bremsstrahlung irradiation of natural vanadium targets offers significant advantages for producing high purity 47 Sc; this work evaluates several rapid dissolution and chemical separation techniques for recovering high purity 47 Sc from irradiated vanadium. Here, techniques developed are combined into a simple, gram-scale, semi-automated target processing system that enables 47 Sc recovery from irradiated vanadium targets with chemical yields as high as 93 ± 3% and 47 Sc/V separation factors of 6 ± 3 ·10 11 within 90 min total processing times. Future research into H 2 O 2 resistant separation techniques and their applicability for direct process coupling to chelation are recommended.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Simple separation of technetium from molybdenum for tracer isotope production

A procedure for the separation of technetium isotopes from bulk molybdenum was developed in nitric acid media. After irradiation of nat Mo foils, and dissolution in H 2 O 2 , the solution is acidified to 2 M HNO 3 , and anion exchange resin is used to separate technetium from molybdenum. The procedure is simple, requiring only basic laboratory equipment and, with a two-column separation, the technetium yield is high (~ 85%) with extremely high purity (< 0.1 ppm nat Mo). In conclusion, this is ideally suited for laboratory production of technetium tracer isotopes, particularly 95m Tc.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Environmental controls on the kinetics of iron-sulfur cluster nucleation and nanoparticle formation

Anoxic, sulfidic conditions have been prevalent since the early Proterozoic and favor aqueous iron-sulfur (FeS aq ) clusters as a major fraction of the soluble, reduced iron and sulfur pool. FeS aq cluster formation and nucleation is driven by the high affinity between ferrous iron (Fe(II)) and sulfide (HS − ), ultimately yielding particles that precipitate as iron sulfide minerals. FeS aq clusters were recently shown to be bioavailable sources of iron and sulfur for a variety of anaerobes, yet little is known of the factors that influence the kinetics of their formation and nucleation. Here we apply computational and spectroscopic approaches to investigate the dynamics of FeS aq nucleation, cluster growth, precipitation, and redissolution as a function of Fe(II)/HS − concentration, temperature, and pH. Experiments were conducted under excess HS − to mimic euxinic conditions common to contemporary anaerobic aquatic ecosystems and those of the Proterozoic. Density functional theory calculations reveal the key role of water oxygen-iron interactions in stabilizing small FeS aq clusters and promoting solubility. Dynamic light scattering revealed a concentration-dependent increase in the kinetics of FeS aq nucleation and cluster aggregation. Increasing temperature promoted FeS aq cluster nucleation and aggregation while also enhancing dissolution. Alkaline pH also promoted FeS aq nucleation and cluster aggregation. At 25 °C, pH 7.0, and at reactant concentrations of 30 µM, FeS aq clusters < 10 nm in diameter remained in solution for > 2 h. These results underscore the importance of temperature, pH, and reactant concentration in the kinetics of FeS aq nucleation and cluster growth that, in turn, influence their bioavailability in anaerobic ecosystems.

Aquatic ecosystems↗

Exploring Fission–Fusion Synergies to Accelerate Compatibility Understanding

To address the significant commercial interest in fusion energy, it will be necessary to accelerate the compatibility research associated with liquid breeders including Li, eutectic Pb–Li and LiF-BeF 2 (FLiBe) molten salt. Particularly for FLiBe, compatibility understanding is limited especially for fusion relevant materials such as reduced activation ferritic-martensitic steels, SiC and V alloys. The historical knowledge associated with molten salt reactors (MSRs) and recent work to commercialize MSRs can benefit fusion research. Recent experimental and modeling work has improved understanding and this knowledge can be applied to fusion relevant materials. For liquid metals (LMs), the comparisons to Li and Pb–Li are less direct but nevertheless can help guide the pathway toward commercialization. For Pb–Li, Al-rich coatings have been shown to inhibit dissolution and potentially increase operating temperatures. For commercialization, the experience with sensors and on-line cleanup can help guide future developments. Thus, it is worth considering the potential for fission-related research with LMs and molten salts to help accelerate fusion research.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Root exudates induced coupled carbon and phosphorus cycling in a soil with low phosphorus availability

The amount and type of root exudates can influence P availability in the rhizosphere directly by desorption or dissolution of soil minerals, or indirectly by decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM). Here this study aimed to determine the mechanisms by which specific root exudates influence the distribution and availability of P in soils with low P availability. Water, glucose, alanine, and oxalate were delivered through a simulated root into soils for 15 days. Zymography and planar optodes were used to image potential phosphatase activity, and O2 and pH distribution, respectively. Soils were analyzed for resin extractable inorganic P (Pi), dissolved organic C (DOC), water soluble Fe, and Al, and microbial community structure. Characterization of SOM and P were conducted using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry and 31P solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), respectively. The addition of oxalate resulted in the greatest resin extractable Pi, DOC, and water-soluble Fe, and Al compared to the other exudates suggesting destabilization of mineral associated organic matter (MAOM) and release of organic P (Po). Both 31P solution NMR and ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry analysis provided evidence of mineralization of Po released from the destabilization of MAOM. The study demonstrates the important role microbial and plant-derived metal chelating ligands play in destabilizing MAOM, releasing SOM and importantly Po, that when mineralized may contribute to increasing Pi availability in soils with low P availability.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Mediated electrosynthesis of silver nanoparticles in a two-phase water—isooctane system

Efficient electrosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in bulk solution of a two-phase water—isooctane system is carried out by electrolysis in an undivided cell in the presence of methylviologen (MV{sup 2+}) used as a mediator. Silver nanoparticles are formed in the aqueous phase of the system as a result of the electroreduction of Ag{sup +} ions generated in situ by dissolving the Ag anode at potentials of the redox couple MV{sup 2+}/MV{sup ·+}. The obtained AgNPs are stabilized by an anionic surfactant, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, and are distributed throughout both the aqueous and the organic phases. All the nanoparticles would transfer to the organic phase after the obtained solution was kept in the dark for 48 h. In addition to dissolution, the Ag anode undergoes dispersion during electrolysis, therefore the total current yield of the obtained AgNPs is 175%. According to electron microscopy, the formed AgNPs are polydisperse and their size ranges from 5 to 71 nm. A surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs in the solution obtained after electrolysis was observed in the region of 418–463 nm.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Computer Simulation of Energy Parameters and Magnetic Effects in Fe-Si-C Ternary Alloys

The paper presents ab initio simulation with the WIEN2k software package of the equilibrium structure and properties of silicon and carbon atoms dissolved in iron with the body-centered cubic crystal system of the lattice. Silicon and carbon atoms manifest a repulsive interaction in the first two nearest neighbors, in the second neighbor the repulsion being stronger than in the first. In the third and next-nearest neighbors a very weak repulsive interaction occurs and tends to zero with increasing distance between atoms. Silicon and carbon dissolution reduces the magnetic moment of iron atoms.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Metasomatic Alteration of Type 3 Ordinary and Carbonaceous Chondrites

Metasomatism refers to the process during which a pre-existing rock undergoes compositional and mineralogical transformations associated with chemical reactions triggered by the reaction of fluids which invade the protolith. It changes chemical compositions of minerals, promotes their dissolution and precipitation of new minerals. In this paper, we review metasomatic alteration of type 3 ordinary (H, L, LL) and carbonaceous (CV, CO, CK) chondrites, including (i) secondary mineralization, (ii) physicochemical conditions, (iii) chronology ( 53 Mn- 53 Cr, 26 Al- 26 Mg, 129 I- 129 Xe) of metasomatic alteration, (iv) records of metasomatic alteration in H, O, N, C, S, and Cl isotopic systematics, (v) effects of metasomatic alteration on O- and Al-Mg-isotope systematics of primary minerals in chondrules and refractory inclusions, and (vi) sources of water ices in metasomatically altered CV, CO, and ordinary chondrites, and outline future studies.

129I-129Xe chronology↗

Effect of oxidation on the release of multiple metals from industrially polluted sediments and synchrotron-based evidence of Cu–S dynamic association

Disposal operations for industrially polluted sediments are usually accompanied by disturbance and resuspension, which can induce metal remobilization and secondary pollution. Evaluating the risk of metal release under various redox conditions is fundamental for predicting contaminant mobilization and guiding remediation measures. An abandoned oxidation pond, Yanjia Lake, China, was selected as a typical industrially polluted site. Re-suspension experiments were carried out by mixing polluted sediments with lake water under oxic or anoxic conditions, then investigating the effect of oxidation conditions on the release of multiple metals. Metal concentrations and aqueous chemistry in the overlying water were monitored. Synchrotron-based methods, including X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), were used to characterize oxidation states and coordination conditions of metals in sediments. The release of metals, including Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Sn, Cd, and Pb, was enhanced under oxic vs. anoxic conditions. The XANES analysis revealed that elevated Cr and Zn concentrations under oxic conditions likely resulted from the oxidation of Cr(III) and oxidizing dissolution of ZnS, respectively. K-edge Cu XANES, S XANES, and Cu EXAFS analyses reconstructed the Cu–S association, indicating that S-related oxidation promoted Cu release and Cu–O partly replaced Cu–S in the sediment after a 7-day oxic treatment. The release of most metals was promoted under oxic conditions, resulting from the oxidation of sulfides and metals as indicated by aqueous and synchrotron-based evidence. The risk of secondary pollution is greatly enhanced under oxic conditions, which suggests that measures should be taken to minimize the redox disturbance during sediment remediation. This information can guide the management of sediments in Yanjia Lake and other contaminated sites with similar properties.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗