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Synchrotron soft X-ray nano-imaging and spectromicroscopy reveals iron and calcium biomineralization in Alzheimer's disease amyloid plaques.
Highlights: • The leaching behavior of Ca-based compounds commonly in MSWI residues was studied. • pH is the crucial factor for calcium leaching process. • CaCO{sub 3} was the most sensitive to leaching temperature and Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} was the least. • Ca leaching of MSWIBA and SAPCR attributed to CaCO{sub 3} and Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} respectively. • Potential clogging ability of MSWI residues leachate in open air was calculated. - Abstract: Leachate collection system (LCS) clogging caused by calcium precipitation would be disadvantageous to landfill stability and operation. Meanwhile, calcium-based compounds are the main constituents in both municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWIBA) and stabilized air pollution control residues (SAPCR), which would increase the risk of LCS clogging once these calcium-rich residues were disposed in landfills. The leaching behaviors of calcium from the four compounds and municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) residues were studied, and the influencing factors on leaching were discussed. The results showed that pH was the crucial factor in the calcium leaching process. CaCO{sub 3} and CaSiO{sub 3} began leaching when the leachate pH decreased to less than 7 and 10, respectively, while Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} leached at pH < 12. CaSO{sub 4} could hardly dissolve in the experimental conditions. Moreover, the sequence of the leaching rate for the different calcium-based compounds is as follows: CaSiO{sub 3} > Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} > CaCO{sub 3}. The calcium leaching from the MSWIBA and SAPCR separately started from pH < 7 and pH < 12, resulting from CaCO{sub 3} and Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} leaching respectively, which was proven by the X-ray diffraction results. Based on the leaching characteristics of the different calcium compounds and the mineral phase of calcium in the incineration residues, simulated computation of their clogging potential was conducted, providing the theoretical basis for the risk assessment pertaining to LCS clogging in landfills.
Calcium ion batteries are provided. The calcium ion batteries include a cathode, an alloying anode composed of one or more intermetallic calcium compounds in electrical communication with the cathode; and an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode. The intermetallic calcium compounds are intermetallic compounds of calcium and transition metals and metalloids.
Combination of hexakis(4-carboxylatephenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene with alkaline earth ions of increasing ionic radii (Mg{sup 2+}, Ca{sup 2+} and Ba{sup 2+}) under different solvothermal conditions yielded three new coordination polymers, and their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The magnesium compound displays a three dimensional (3D) network structure constructed from the deprotonated ligand and the secondary building block Mg(COO){sub 4}, which can be rationalized as a (4,6)-connected topological net with the Schläfli symbol of (4{sup 4}·6{sup 2}){sub 3}(4{sup 9}·6{sup 6}){sub 2}. The calcium compound consists of 1D infinite “Ca-O” inorganic chains connected by the deprotonated ligands to from a 3D framework. The barium compound exhibits a 3D framework in which 1D “Ba-O” inorganic chains are connected together by the deprotonated organic linkers. Due to the semi-rigid nature, the ligand adopts distinctly different conformations in the three compounds. The metal ions’ influence exerted on the final structure of the resulting coordination polymers is also discussed. When the radii of alkaline earth ions increases descending down the group from Mg(II) to Ba(II), the coordination number becomes larger and more versatile: from 6 in the magnesium compound, to 6,7 and 10 in the calcium compound, and to 8 and 9 in the barium compound, thus substantially influencing the resulting final framework structures. Also, the photophysical properties were investigated systematically, revealing that the three compounds are photoluminscent in the solid state at room temperature. This work demonstrates that although the multiplicity of conformation in the hexacarboxylate ligand based on the inorganic scaffold cyclotriphosphazene makes it difficult to predict how this ligand will form extended network, but provides unique opportunities for the formation of diverse inorganic-organic hybrids exhibiting rich structural topologies. - Graphical abstract: Three alkaline earth-based coordination polymers were constructed from a semirigid cyclotriphosphazene-functionalized hexacarboxylate exhibiting different inorganic nodes as well as distinct ligand conformations relying on the metal ions, which presents the first example of such a ligand incorporated into alkaline earth–based coordination polymers. - Highlights: • Three alkaline earth-based coordination polymers were synthesized. • The three compounds exhibit different inorganic nodes and ligand conformations. • The three compounds are photoluminscent in the solid state.
Three new nitrides, Li{sub 3}Ca{sub 2}V{sub 0.79}Nb{sub 0.21}N{sub 4}, Li{sub 2}Ca{sub 2.67}Nb{sub 0.33}N{sub 3} and Li{sub 12}Ca{sub 9}W{sub 5}N{sub 20}, were synthesized in sealed niobium tubes using lithium nitride as a flux at temperatures ranging from 800 Degree-Sign C to 1050 Degree-Sign C. In all of these compounds, the transition metals are coordinated tetrahedrally by nitrogen; these tetrahedra are isolated from each other. Bullet Li{sub 3}Ca{sub 2}V{sub 0.79}Nb{sub 0.21}N{sub 4}, space group P2{sub 1}/m (no. 11), cell parameters a=5.7669(8) A, b=6.9123(9) A, c=6.0116(12) A, {beta}=90.727(9) Degree-Sign , Z=2, has a shared vanadium/niobium tetrahedral position which shares vertices with the tetrahedrally-coordinated lithium position. Bullet Li{sub 2}Ca{sub 2.67}Nb{sub 0.33}N{sub 3}, space group Req /o(3, Macron )m (no. 166), cell parameters a=3.6311(2) A, c=29.459(3) A, Z=3, contains a disordered tetrahedral calcium/niobium position, an octahedral calcium position and a triangularly coordinated lithium position. Bullet Li{sub 12}Ca{sub 9}W{sub 5}N{sub 20}, space group C2/c (no. 15), cell parameters a=27.7347(19) A, b=8.6652(6) A, c=10.7685(7) A, {beta}=110.314(2) Degree-Sign , Z=4, contains three crystallographically different tungsten positions as well as one disordered lithium position. - Graphical abstract: Crystal structure of Li{sub 3}Ca{sub 2}V{sub 0.79}Nb{sub 0.21}N{sub 4} depicting the chains of edge-sharing LiN{sub 4} (light hatching) and (V/Nb)N{sub 4} (dark hatching) tetrahedra viewed approximately along the [100] direction. Calcium atoms are shown as open circles and nitrogen atoms are colored black. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Three new lithium calcium nitrides are synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Lithium nitride flux used in synthesis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structures contain isolated tetrahedrally coordinated transition metals. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Li{sub 12}Ca{sub 9}W{sub 5}N{sub 20} contains three crystallographically different W positions.
Reduction of thermal conductivity is essential for obtaining high energy conversion efficiency in thermoelectric materials. We report on significant reduction of thermal conductivity in niobium-doped CaO(CaMnO{sub 3}){sub m} compounds for thermoelectric energy harvesting due to introduction of extra CaO-planes in the CaMnO{sub 3}-base material. We measure the thermal conductivities of the different compounds applying the laser flash analysis at temperatures between 300 and 1000 K, and observe a remarkable reduction in thermal conductivity with increasing CaO-planar density, from a value of 3.7 W·m{sup −1}K{sup −1} for m = ∞ down to 1.5 W·m{sup −1}K{sup −1} for m = 1 at 400 K. This apparent correlation between thermal conductivity and CaO-planar density is elucidated in terms of boundary phonon scattering, providing us with a practical way to manipulate lattice thermal conductivity via microstructural modifications.
The feasibility of using carbon dioxide as feedstock in precast concrete production is studied. Carbon dioxide reacts with calcium compounds in concrete, producing solid calcium carbonates in binding matrix. Two typical precast products are examined for their capacity to store carbon dioxide during the production. They are concrete blocks and fiber-cement panels. The two products are currently mass produced and cured by steam. Carbon dioxide can be used to replace steam in curing process to accelerate early strength, improve the long-term durability and reduce energy and emission. For a reaction within a 24-hour process window, the theoretical maximum possible carbon uptake in concrete is found to be 29% based on cement mass in the product. To reach the maximum uptake, a special process is developed to promote the reaction efficiency to 60-80% in 4-hour carbon dioxide curing and improve the resistance to freeze-thaw cycling and sulfate ion attack. The process is also optimized to meet the project target of $10/tCO 2 in carbon utilization. By the use of self-concentrating absorption technology, high purity CO 2 can be produced at a price below $40/t. With low cost CO 2 capture and utilization technologies, it is feasible to establish a network for carbon capture and utilization at the vicinity of carbon sources. If all block produces and panel producers in United States could adopt carbon dioxide process in their production in place of steam, carbon utilization in these two markets alone could consume more than 2 Mt CO 2 /year. This capture and utilization process can be extended to more precast products and will continue for years to come.
The hydrogenation behavior of 3CaH{sub 2}+4MgB{sub 2}+CaF{sub 2} composite was studied by manometric measurements, powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. The maximum observed quantity of hydrogen loaded in the composite was 7.0 wt%. X-ray diffraction showed the formation of Ca(BH{sub 4}){sub 2} and MgH{sub 2} after hydrogenation. The activation energy for the dehydrogenation reaction was evaluated by DSC measurements and turns out to be 162{+-}15 kJ mol{sup -1} H{sub 2}. This value decreases due to cycling to 116{+-}5 kJ mol{sup -1} H{sub 2} for the third dehydrogenation step. A decrease of ca. 25-50 deg. C in dehydrogenation temperature was observed with cycling. Due to its high capacity and reversibility, this composite is a promising candidate as a potential hydrogen storage material. - Graphical abstract: PCI of 3CaH{sub 2}+4MgB{sub 2}+CaF{sub 2} reactive hydride composite at 325 deg. C and 350 deg. C. Open marks: dehydrogenation, closed marks: hydrogenation. Highlights: > The hydrogenation and dehydrogenation behavior of CaF{sub 2} doped CaH{sub 2}/MgB{sub 2} RHC is presented. > The new composite presents a superior hydrogen uptake compared with the non-doped composite.. > A reduction in the E{sub a} and the dehydrogenation temperature was observed by CaF{sub 2} doping and cycling.
Divalent metal tungstates, MWO{sub 4}, with wolframite (M=Zn and Mg) and scheelite (M=Ca and Sr) structures were prepared using a conventional solid state reaction method. Their electronic band structures were investigated by a combination of electronic band structure calculations and electrochemical measurements. From these investigations, it was found that the band structures (i.e. band positions and band gaps) of the divalent metal tungstates were significantly influenced by their crystal structural environments, such as the W-O bond length. Their photovoltaic properties were evaluated by applying to the working electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells. The dye-sensitized solar cells employing the wolframite-structured metal tungstates (ZnWO{sub 4} and MgWO{sub 4}) exhibited better performance than those using the scheelite-structured metal tungstates (CaWO{sub 4} and SrWO{sub 4}), which was attributed to their enhanced electron transfer resulting from their appropriate band positions. - Graphical abstract: The electronic band structures of divalent metal tungstates are described from the combination of experimental results and theoretical calculations, and their electronic structure-dependent photovoltaic performances are also studied. Highlights: > MWO{sub 4} compounds with wolframite (M=Zn and Mg) and scheelite structure (M=Ca and Sr) were prepared. > Their electronic band structures were investigated by the calculations and the measurements. > Their photovoltaic properties were determined by the crystal and electronic structures.
High-strength and ultra-low-permeability concrete (HSULPC) is thought to be useful as a radioactive waste package. Thus, a high confining ability is desirable. For cementitious materials, sealing of cracks may occur in water due to the precipitation of calcium compounds. This can affect the confining ability. In this study, the sealing of a crack in HSULPC in water was investigated using micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (CT). The sealing by precipitation occurred only around the end of the specimen. Sealed regions of the crack were identified using three-dimensional image registration and CT image subtraction of images obtained for the specimen before and after it was immersed in water to evaluate temporal changes of the sealing deposits in the crack. The sealing deposits increased as the HSULPC specimen was kept in water longer. It was concluded that cracks in HSULPC in water are sealed by precipitation.
Tb{sup 3+}, Yb{sup 3+}, Tm{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+}, and Ho{sup 3+} doped Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2} were synthesized by solid-state reaction, and their luminescence properties were studied by spectra techniques. Tb{sup 3+}-doped samples can exhibit intense green emission under VUV excitation, and the brightness for the optimal Tb{sup 3+} content is comparable with that of the commercial Zn{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}:Mn{sup 2+} green phosphor. Under near-infrared laser excitation, the upconversion luminescence spectra of Yb{sup 3+}, Tm{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+}, and Ho{sup 3+} doped samples demonstrate that the red, green, and blue tricolored fluorescence could be obtained by codoping Yb{sup 3+}-Ho{sup 3+}, Yb{sup 3+}-Er{sup 3+}, and Yb{sup 3+}-Tm{sup 3+} in Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}, respectively. Good white upconversion emission with CIE chromaticity coordinates (0.358, 0.362) is achieved by quadri-doping Yb{sup 3+}-Tm{sup 3+}-Er{sup 3+}-Ho{sup 3+} in Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}, in which the cross-relaxation process between Er{sup 3+} and Tm{sup 3+}, producing the {sup 1}D{sub 2}-{sup 3}F{sub 4} transition of Tm{sup 3+}, is found. The upconversion mechanisms are elucidated through the laser power dependence of the upconverted emissions and the energy level diagrams. - Graphical abstract: The CPO:0.25Tb{sup 3+}, 0.25Na{sup +} exhibits a comparable brightness to the commercial Zn{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}:Mn{sup 2+} upon 147 nm excitation. Good white light color is achieved in CPO:Yb{sup 3+}-Tm{sup 3+}-Er{sup 3+}-Ho{sup 3+} under 980 nm excitation. Highlights: > Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tb{sup 3+},Na{sup +} exhibits a comparable brightness with commercial Zn{sub 2}SiO{sub 4}:Mn{sup 2+}. > Red, green and blue colors are achieved in Yb{sup 3+}, Ho{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+}, Tm{sup 3+} doped Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}. > Good white emission is obtained in Yb{sup 3+}-Ho{sup 3+}-Er{sup 3+}-Tm{sup 3+} quadri-doped Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}. > Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tb{sup 3+}, Yb{sup 3+}, Ho{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+}, Tm{sup 3+} could be potential phosphors.
Calcium-ion batteries (CIBs) are a promising next-generation energy storage system given the low redox potential of calcium metal and high abundance of calcium compounds. For continued CIB development, the discovery of high energy density calcium ion cathodes is needed to achieve practical energy density values. Here, we report on the use of elemental Se as a promising candidate for a high-capacity cathode material for CIBs that operates via a conversion mechanism in a Ca metal battery at room temperature. The Se electrodes demonstrate a reversible specific capacity of 180 mA h g –1 with a discharge plateau near 2.0 V (vs Ca 2+ /Ca) at 100 mA g –1 using an electrolyte based on the salt calcium tetrakis(hexafluoroisopropyloxy)borate (Ca(B(hfip) 4 ) 2 ) in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) and Ca metal. The reversible electrochemical reaction between calcium and selenium is investigated using operando synchrotron-based techniques and the possible reaction mechanism discussed.
A Monte Carlo model of electron thermalization in inorganic scintillators, which was developed and applied to CsI in a previous publication [Wang et al., J. Appl. Phys. 110, 064903 (2011)], is extended to another material of the alkali halide class, NaI, and to two materials from the alkaline-earth halide class, CaF{sub 2} and BaF{sub 2}. This model includes electron scattering with both longitudinal optical (LO) and acoustic phonons as well as the effects of internal electric fields. For the four pure materials, a significant fraction of the electrons recombine with self-trapped holes and the thermalization distance distributions of the electrons that do not recombine peak between approximately 25 and 50 nm and extend up to a few hundreds of nanometers. The thermalization time distributions of CaF{sub 2}, BaF{sub 2}, NaI, and CsI extend to approximately 0.5, 1, 2, and 7 ps, respectively. The simulations show that the LO phonon energy is a key factor that affects the electron thermalization process. Indeed, the higher the LO phonon energy is, the shorter the thermalization time and distance are. The thermalization time and distance distributions show no dependence on the incident {gamma}-ray energy. The four materials also show different extents of electron-hole pair recombination due mostly to differences in their electron mean free paths (MFPs), LO phonon energies, initial densities of electron-hole pairs, and static dielectric constants. The effect of thallium doping is also investigated for CsI and NaI as these materials are often doped with activators. Comparison between CsI and NaI shows that both the larger size of Cs{sup +} relative to Na{sup +}, i.e., the greater atomic density of NaI, and the longer electron mean free path in NaI compared to CsI contribute to an increased probability for electron trapping at Tl sites in NaI versus CsI.
The bulk Ca{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} samples were synthesized under high pressure and high temperature conditions using CaO and CrO{sub 2} as starting materials. The structure of the prepared Ca{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} solid is characterized by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement as tetragonal structure with the space group I4{sub 1}/acd. The CrO{sub 6} octahedrons elongate along c axis and rotate in ab plane. DC and AC magnetic susceptibility measurement results indicate spin glass behavior at low temperature. Temperature dependence of resistivity measurement results show Ca{sub 2}CrO{sub 4} is an insulator at both ambient condition and high pressure.
In one aspect, a heterogeneous catalyst comprises calcium hydroxide and lanthanum hydroxide, wherein the catalyst has a specific surface area of more than about 10 m.sup.2/g. In another aspect, a heterogeneous catalyst comprises a calcium compound and a lanthanum compound, wherein the catalyst has a specific surface area of more than about 10 m.sup.2/g, and a total basicity of about 13.6 mmol/g. In further another aspect, a heterogeneous catalyst comprises calcium oxide and lanthanum oxide, wherein the catalyst has a specific surface area of more than about 10 m.sup.2/g. In still another aspect, a process for preparing a catalyst comprises introducing a base precipitant, a neutral precipitant, and an acid precipitant to a solution comprising a first metal ion and a second metal ion to form a precipitate. The process further comprises calcining the precipitate to provide the catalyst.
This study sheds light on the effect of alumina on dielectric constant and dielectric loss of novel CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} composite ceramics. Alumina, at several concentrations, was deposited on the surface of CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} particles via sol-gel technique. The dielectric constant significantly increased for all frequencies and the dielectric loss substantially decreased for low and intermediate frequencies. These observations were attributed to the change in characteristics of grains and grain boundaries. It was found that the insulating properties of the grain boundaries are improved following the addition of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The relative density of CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite ceramics decreased compared to the pure CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} and the grain size was greatly changed with the alumina content affecting the dielectric properties. With the addition of alumina into CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}, tighter interfaces formed. The 6%- and 10%-alumina ceramics showed the minimum dielectric loss and the maximum dielectric constant, respectively. Both the dielectric constant and loss tangent decreased in the 20%-alumina ceramic due to the formation of CuO secondary phase. It was revealed that Al serves as an electron acceptor decreasing the electron concentration, if Al{sup 3+} ions substitute for Ti{sup 4+} ions, and as an electron donor increasing the electron concentration, if Al{sup 3+} ions substitute for Ca{sup 2+} ions. We established a processing-microstructure-properties paradigm which opens new avenues for novel applications of CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite ceramics.
Calcium-ion batteries (CIBs) are a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the low redox potential of calcium metal and high abundance of calcium compounds. Due to its layered structure, α-MoO 3 is regarded as a promising cathode host lattice. While studies have reported that α-MoO 3 can reversibly intercalate Ca ions, limited electrochemical activity has been noted, and its reaction mechanism remains unclear. Here, we re-examine Ca insertion into α-MoO 3 nanoparticles with a goal to improve reaction kinetics and clarify the storage mechanism. The α-MoO 3 electrodes demonstrated a specific capacity of 165 mA h g –1 centered near 2.7 V vs Ca 2+ /Ca, stable long-term cycling, and good rate performance at room temperature. Furthermore, this work demonstrates that, under the correct conditions, layered oxides can be a promising host material for CIBs and renews prospects for CIBs.
Polycrystalline Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ag{sub 0.03}Ca{sub 1}Cu{sub 2}O{sub y} samples were fabricated using conventional solid-state reaction method. Then, post-annealing temperatures at 730, 780 and 830 {sup ∘}C were applied on samples while time was kept constant at 50 h. Both the x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that all samples have high amounts of Bi-2212 phase as the main phase, indicating that the selected starting composition is suitable to analyze the post-annealing effects on the flux pinning properties of Bi-2212 superconductors. In particular, flux pinning performance of Bi-2212 phase is observed from both the magnetic hysteresis loops and J{sub c} values calculated using Bean’s model. The highest J{sub c} value was obtained for sample which was not exposed to the post-annealing treatment. The results clearly show that post-annealing procedure in Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ag{sub 0.03}Ca{sub 1}Cu{sub 2}O{sub y} system does not create artificial pinning centres, which lead to the improvements in J{sub c} at high magnetic fields.