International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... carrier-free isotopes hafnium compounds irradiation protons solvent extraction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... 67 gamma detection hafnium 180 half-life indium 111 iodine 125 iodine 131

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The initiation and inhibition of pitting corrosion on zirconium and hafnium in aqueous solutions have been investigated by potentiodynamic, potentiostatic and galvanostatic measurements at 25/sup 0/C. Effects of Cl/sup -/, Br/sup -/and I/sup -/ have been examined over a range of salt concentrations and pH. All three halide ions cause pitting attack on the two metals, but this may be inhibited by other anions. The results show that hafnium is more easily protected against pitting than is zirconium. The data are treated by the Butler-Volmer equation to yield more information about the mechanisms of the pitting corrosion.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Using the PMR method the interaction of zirconium and hafnium tetrachlorides with tri.tet.butylphenyl ester of 1,2- naphthoquinonediazide (2)-5-sulfonic acid is studied. The formation of MCl/sub 4/xNQD complexes is established, the equilibrium constants and thermodynamic parameters of complexing reaction are determined. The presence of rapid ligand exchange, proceeding according to associative mechanism, is detected. The rate constants and activation energies of the exchange reaction are calculated.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The RKR potential energy curves are constructed for the ground states of diatomic hafnium oxide and thorium oxide. Using Lippincott and Hulburt-Hirschfelder potential function the dissociation energies are estimated by curve fitting method. The H-H potential function was found to give a better fit in both cases. The dissociation energies of hafnium oxide and thorium oxide are estimated as 9.04 #+-# 0.02 eV and 10.34 #+-# 0.01 eV respectively. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Extraction of hafnium by 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolone (HL) in benzene, toluene, chloroform and tetrachloromethane from aqueous-alcoholic solutions of the formal acidity of 2M-HClO_4 was studied. Methyl, ethyl, n- and isopropyl, tert-butyl and allyl alcohol as well as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether and propylene glycol were used as organic components of the mixed aqueous-organic phase. Their presence in some cases resulted in a synergic increase in the distribution ratio of hafnium. The increase is interpreted using the results of a slope analysis and measurements of the alcohol distribution and the relative permittivity of the organic phase. It is suggested that HfL_4 molecules were solvated by alcohol molecules in the organic phase. At high alcohol concentration synergism changed into antagonism. This was caused by changes in the distribution of HL and its interaction with the alcohol in the organic phase. (author).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the present work the hydrogen desorption properties of nanostructured magnesium hydride (MgH2) synthesized by controlled reactive mechanical milling (CRMM) of elemental Mg powder under hydrogen are investigated. A profound effect of the particle size of synthesized MgH2 hydride on its hydrogen desorption characteristics measured by differential scanning calorimetery (DSC) has been found. All synthesized MgH2 powders are characterized by a double hydrogen desorption peak. Furthermore, below a certain threshold particle size the DSC desorption temperature of the peak doublet starts decreasing rapidly with decreasing of the mean hydride powder particle size (expressed as equivalent circle diameter-ECD). In contrast, the nanograin (crystallite) size of MgH2 does not seem to have apparent effect on the DSC desorption temperature. It is also observed that for powder particles smaller than some threshold value, X-ray ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This patent describes the producing of a refractory metal wherein a sponge refractory metal is produced as an intermediate product by the use of magnesium with the incidental production of magnesium chloride, and wherein residual magnesium is separated from the magnesium chloride and from refractory metal to a vacuum distillation step which fractionally distills the magnesium, the magnesium chloride, and the metal sub-chlorides; the steps of: recovering fractionally distilled vapors of magnesium chloride and metal sub-chlorides from a sponge refractory metal; separately condensing the vapors as separately recovered; and recycling the separately recovered magnesium at a purity of at least about 96%.

Science.gov (United States)

During this reporting period two direct coal liquefaction experiments have been completed and a third is underway. These experiments have produced conversion and selectivity data on samples of Alabama bituminous coal slurried in tetralin and catalyzed using iron-titanium hydride. The experiments address the liquefaction of an agglomerating coal. Conversions of 45 to 55% DAF in 30 min have been recorded at 500/sup 0/F and 520 psia. Equipment modifications were made in an attempt to eliminate the problem of alloy binding in the hydride formation vessel. 4 figs., 4 tabs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nano-wire arrays of Niobium were produced by small angle sputtering on facetted sapphire, using the self shadowing effect of the facets. A wire width of about 80 nm was adjusted, the mean (maximum) wire height was about 20 nm (30 nm), the length can be in the cm range. Meander-film morphologies of 20 nm mean (26 nm maximum) thickness were produced by conventional sputtering onto smooth sapphire substrates at elevated temperatures. The morphology of the wires was investigated with atomic force microscopy (AFM), using contact mode. Meander-films were studied by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). Hydrogen loading was performed by instantaneously increasing the hydrogen gas pressure above the solubility limit. Thus, an elongated hydride could be monitored in an about 30 nm thick wire. STM studies on meander-films show the presence of cylindrical hydrides. Local out-of-plane and in-plane expansion can be explained by the formation of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This article reports of the nickel-metal-hydride battery and its ability to compete with the lead-acid battery in electric-powered vehicles. The topics of the article include development of the battery, the impetus for development in California environmental law, battery performance, packaging for the battery's hazardous materials, and the solid electrolyte battery.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reaction of formation of 3, 5, 7, 3', 4', 5' - hexaoxiflavone - myricetin complexes with zirconium and hafnium ions has been the basis for development of luminescent method of determining these elements. Optimum conditions for complexing have been determined. For Hf they are : 8-9 HCl concentration, maximum fluorescence wave length (lambda fl.)of 520 nm, wave length of exciting light (lambda el) of 436 nm, for Zr lambda fl = 536nm, lambda el = 436 nm. Stable fluorescence establishes after 25 min. for Zr and after 15 min for Hf in the presence of 40% ethanol. Usage of various camouflage agents has permitted to attain high selectivity of the method. Possibility for determination of Zr with myricetin in the presence of a 10-time excess of Hf, Cr, Cu, 50-time excess of Mo and Ti is shown. Sensitivity of Zr determination is 2.0x10 #mu#g"-"2/ml, for Hf it is 9.0x10 #mu#g"-"3 and mineral waters.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There is an increasing interest in using radioisotopes of rare earth elements for internal radiotherapy and for imaging in nuclear medicine. {sup 177}Lu is one of the promising radionuclides. This article reports on the first measurements of the excitation function for the production of {sup 177}Lu with proton-beam energies up to 17 MeV on natural hafnium targets. The experimental cross sections for the reaction {sup nat}Hf(p,x){sup 177}Lu were obtained by the activation of a stacked-foil target and subsequent gamma spectrometry. Theoretical cross sections were calculated up to 35 MeV with the EMPIRE nuclear reaction model code. The measured and calculated cross sections were used for deriving the thick-target yields and for estimating the production of other nuclides than {sup 177}Lu. Measured production cross sections of {sup 175,176,177,178}Ta on the same target are also presented.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The description is presented of binary phase diagrams of titanium alloyed with the following elements: silver, aluminium, arsenic, gold, boron, barium, beryllium, bismuth, carbon, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, gallium, germanium, hydrogen, hafnium, indium, iridium, potassium, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nitrogen, sodium, niobium, nickel, oxygen, osmium, phosphorus, lead, palladium, platinum, plutonium, rhenium, lanthanium, cerium, preseodymium, neodymium, gadolinium, erbium, terbium, thulium, lutetium, rhodium, ruthenium, scandium, silicon, tin, strontium, tantalum, technetium, thorium, uranium, vanadium, tungsten, yttrium, ytterbium, zinc and zirconium.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Experimental excitation functions for deuteron-induced reactions up to 20 MeV on high purity natural hafnium were measured with the activation method using a stacked foil irradiation technique. Metallic hafnium foils with thickness of 10 #mu#m were stacked together with 50 #mu#m thick aluminium and 12 #mu#m thick titanium foils. The aluminium foils served as energy absorber while the titanium foils were used to monitor the energy and intensity of the bombarding deuteron beam. From a detailed remeasurement of the complete excitation function of the "n"a"tTi(d,x)"4"8V monitor reaction it was possible to adopt the proper incident energy and beam intensity by comparing the results with the recommended values. High resolution off-line gamma-ray spectrometry was applied to assess the activity of each foil. From the measured activity independent and/or cumulative elemental or isotopic cross section data for production of Ta, Hf and Lu radioisotopes by ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A method and an instrument for determining the total water content in a hydrocarbon fuel using an indicator composition, which includes calcium hydride and phenolphthaleyn, are developed. The essence of the method is fixing the presence of water with its interaction with the calcium hydride and subsequent indication of the formed Ca(OH)2 using the phenolphthallen. To make the indicator composition, a hygroscopic cotton, prewashed by rectified alcohol and dried for 30 minutes at 105 degrees, is impregnated by a 1 percent alcohol solution of phenolphthaleyn and is dried in the same conditions. Then the cotton is processed by a powder form calcium hydride (a layer thickness of 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters, and a granule size of less than or equal to 80 micromters). The indicator composition is placed in a glass tube (a diameter of 4 to 7 millimeters and a length of 80 to 100 millimeters), whose ends are sealed or filled with ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Electronic structure, volume optimization, bulk moduli, elastic constants, and frequencies of the transversal optical vibrations in LiH, NaH, KH, RbH, and CsH are calculated using the full potential augmented plane wave method, extended with local orbitals, and the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. The obtained results show some common features in the electronic structure of these compounds, but also clear differences, which cannot be explained using simple empirical trends. The differences are particularly prominent in the electronic distributions and interactions in various crystallographic planes. In the light of these findings we have elaborated some selected experimental results and discussed several theoretical approaches frequently used for the description of various alkali hydride properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Partial Contents: Ternary Compounds; Granular Superconductors; Superconductivity in (SN)x and its Halogen Derivative (SNBr0.4)x; Studies of cuCl at Elevated Pressures; Superconducting Properties of Hydride Systems; Thin Film Superconducting Materials Research; Synthesis of Superconducting Nb3Si using High Pressures; Synthesis of Unstable A-15 Compounds by Epitaxial Recrystallization of Ion Implanted Layers; and Sputtering of Nb3Si.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Six intermetallic alloys (CeNi/sub 5/, MmNi/sub 5/, Ca/sub 0/ /sub 2/(Ce/sub 0/ /sub 65/Mm/sub 0/ /sub 35/)/sub 0/ /sub 8/Ni/sub 5/, Ca/sub 0/ /sub 2/Ce/sub 0/ /sub 8/Ni/sub 5/, Ca/sub 0/ /sub 2/Mm/sub 0/ /sub 8/Ni/sub 5/, and a mixed alloy, CeNi/sub 5//MmNi/sub 5/) were investigated with respect to their suitability to provide high hydrogen capacity and their potential for use in providing substantial hydrogen pressure at both low and high temperatures. A second phase of our investigation dealt with ball-milling and hydriding and dehydriding cycles to produce fine particles for use in hydride powder transfer studies. A summary of several Van't Hoff plots is also included for hydride-forming alloys.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zirconium is a transition element located along with sister elements titanium and hafnium in Group IVB of the periodic table. It is grayish white metal, with a density somewhat less than carbon steel. Zirconium is the ninth most common metallic element in the earth's crust, and is more abundant than zinc, lead, nickel, or even copper. Zirconium is exceptionally resistant to corrosion by many common acids and alkalis. It is resistant to most organic acids, such as formic, acetic, lactic, and oxalic acids. It also has a high resistance to localized forms of corrosion, such as pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking. Its corrosion resistance is caused by the formation of a dense, tenaciously adherent, chemically inert oxide film on the surface. This oxide film protects the base metal from both chemical and mechanical attack at temperatures up to about 400 C (750 F). This article describes zirconium's formability, machinability, corrosion resistance, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This journal contains the following articles (1) The Grand Challenge of Thermonuclear Ignition--Commentary by Edward I. Moses; (2) Orchestrating the World's Most Powerful Laser--The computer control system for the National Ignition Facility will soon have about 1.4-million lines of code running on more than 750 computers; (3) A Randon Walk through Time and Space--Albert einstein's 1905 papers on Brownian motion, random fluctuations, and statistical mechanics are fundamental to many Livermore research projects; (4) The Search for Methane in Earth's Mantle--Scientists are discovering that Earth's mantle may have untapped reserves of methane; and (5) Testing the Physics of Nuclear Isomers--Results from a tri-laboratory project contradict claims of accelerated release of energy from the nuclear isomer hafnium-178.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The authors examine the relationship of the structure and mechanical properties of similar alloys of tungsten with rhenium produced by the powder metallurgy method by sintering powders. Since the alloys were deformed by rolling, we examine the effect of the resultant anisotropy of the structure on the properties of the metal in various directions. The tests were conducted on an alloy of tungsten with 2 wt.% rhenium and, for comparison purposes, an alloy of tungsten with additions of oxides of yttrium and hafnium. The mechanical properties of the alloys, i.e., strength, cracking resistance, cold shortness temperature, were determined in the bend test. Structural examination was carried out using an optical microscope, electron scanning microscopy, and the method of transmission electron microscopy.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The cold-worked Zr-2.5%Nb alloy is used as material for the pressure tubes in CANDU nuclear reactors. During the service life in reactor, diffusion of hydrogen and/or deuterium in the pressure tubes wall occur. Below a certain temperature, a stable hydride of zirconium is formed, as a brittle phase which can lead to catastrophic failures. For this reason, it is very important to be able to investigate the hydrogen effect on the micro structural properties of zirconium alloys. In the present paper a non-destructive testing technique is used, known as ultrasonic spectral analysis. When an ultrasonic signal traverses a medium, the frequency components associated with the input signal are altered. By frequency analysing the reflected signals, it is possible to study and compare the material properties. The two major parameters measured in ultrasonic spectroscopy are the attenuation and the velocity of the waves. Attenuation is determined by the energy losses in ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An ignition device of the plasma jet type is disclosed. The device has a cylindrical cavity formed in insulating material with an electrode at one end. The other end of the cylindrical cavity is closed by a metal plate with a small orifice in the center which plate serves as a second electrode. An arc jumping between the first electrode and the orifice plate causes the formation of a highly-ionized plasma in the cavity which is ejected through the orifice into the engine cylinder area to ignite the main fuel mixture. Two improvements are disclosed to enhance the operation of the device and the length of the plasma plume. One improvement is a metal hydride ring which is inserted in the cavity next to the first electrode. During operation, the high temperature in the cavity and the highly excited nature of the plasma breaks down the metal hydride, liberating hydrogen which acts as an additional fuel to help plasma formation. A second improvement ...

Science.gov (United States)

During this reporting period four direct coal liquefaction experiments have been completed and a fifth is underway. These experiments have produced conversion and selectivity data on samples of Utah coal slurried in tetralin and catalyzed using iron-titanium hydride. Hydrogen loading of the alloy, catalyst particle size, coal particle size, operating temperatures for alloy addition and liquefaction without the catalysts present, have all been studied during these four experiments. Conversions of 61% DAF in 30 min have been recorded at 485/sup 0/F and 520 psia. The fifth run using the same coal at a reduced particle size has begun, after which we will move to samples of Kentucky and Alabama coals. Equipment manufacture, delivery, and installation delays, totaling over 6 months, greatly reduced the time available for research, making a 6 month no cost extension necessary. The extended time will permit completion of the proposed research tasks. 4 figs., 4 tabs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To improve operational safety of the fuel channel for Wolsung units the recommended primary heat transport system (PHTS) operating guidelines were developed, which provides a safe operation window in terms of pressure and temperature to maintain fuel channel integrity, which is similar to pressure-temperature curves used for primary pressure boundary integrity in PWRs and deterministic Leak-Before Break (LBB) analyses were conducted using recent understanding of delayed hydride cracking (DHC) mechanism. In addition, a comparative assessment of LBB analysis was made using the procedures of Fitness For Service Guidelines(FFSG) for pressure tubes rev. 0 and rev. 1.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Balandin type volcano plots have been considered for the main criterion both in catalysis and electrocatalysis to estimate their fundamental properties and optimal activity: ({alpha}) The ones, when some physical feature or catalytic activity itself is plotted usually along transition series, and ({beta}) The others, when catalytic activity arises as a function of some energetic property, the most usually of the adsorption enthalpy of intermediates bonding upon the substrate in the rate determining step (rds). 29 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The manufacturing of TRIGA fuel rods with low enriched uranium follows in principle the same route as high-enriched uranium. The high purity of the primary metals (uranium, zirconium and erbium) is important for determining the equilibrium metal-hydrogen phases. The impurities from the metal, on the surface and from hydrogen may have an important influence on the hydriding process. This paper presents the aspects of the fuel contamination with oxygen during the manufacturing process of the low enriched uranium fuel. The continuous control of the oxygen concentration in the working zone ensures avoidance of the accidental contamination. Key words: manufacturing, fuel, oxygen, contamination. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The 1977 version of the Simpson-Puls-Dutton model appears to be the most amenable with respect to utilizing known or readily estimated quantities. The Pardee-Paton model requires extensive calculations involving estimated quantities. Recent observations by Koike and Suzuki on vanadium support the general assumption that crack growth in hydride forming metals is determined by the rate of hydride formation, and their hydrogen atmosphere-displacive transformation model is of potential interest in explaining hydrogen embrittlement in ferrous alloys as well as hydride formers. The discontinuous nature of cracking due to hydrogen embrittlement appears to depend very strongly on localized stress intensities, thereby pointing to the role of microstructure in influencing crack initiation, fracture mode and crack path. The initiation of hydrogen induced failures over relatively short periods of time can be characterized with fair ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

At least quinary alloys form metallic glass upon cooling below the glass transition temperature at a rate less than 10.sup.3 K/s. Such alloys comprise zirconium and/or hafnium in the range of 45 to 65 atomic percent, titanium and/or niobium in the range of 4 to 7.5 atomic percent, and aluminum and/or zinc in the range of 5 to 15 atomic percent. The balance of the alloy compositions comprise copper, iron, and cobalt and/or nickel. The composition is constrained such that the atomic percentage of iron is less than 10 percent. Further, the ratio of copper to nickel and/or cobalt is in the range of from 1:2 to 2:1. The alloy composition formula is: (Zr,Hf).sub.a (Al,Zn).sub.b (Ti,Nb).sub.c (Cu.sub.x Fe.sub.y (Ni,Co).sub.z).sub.d wherein the constraints upon the formula are: a ranges from 45 to 65 atomic percent, b ranges from 5 to 15 atomic percent, c ranges from 4 to 7.5 atomic percent, d comprises the balance, d.multidot.y is less than 10 atomic percent, and x/z ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The interrelationship between the testing temperature and HfC strength increment of an arc-melted W-3.6Re-0.4HfC was determined from 1950 K to 2980 K in a vacuum of better than 1.3x10"-"5 Pa (10"-"7 torr). The present research was focused on the characteristic temperature at which the rapid coarsening of HfC particles occurred and the effect of the second-phase particle size on the high temperature strength properties of this material. It was found that the HfC particle strengthening was effective in a W-Re matrix up to a characteristic temperature of 2450 K in the short-term tensile test. Carbon was found to be the rate-limiting solute in the HfC particle growth. The strength of HfC strengthened alloy at temperature above 0.5 T_m is proportional to the square root of particle volume fraction. The yield strengths of W-3.6Re-0.26HfC calculated based on the particle statistical distribution had good agreement with the experimental values from 1950 K to 2980 K. Besides, an addition of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A diffuse-reflectance capability for the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer at the Y-12 Plant Laboratory has been implemented. A sample cell with a 25 to 400/sup 0/C temperature-controlled sample stage and an ultrahigh-vacuum-to-atmospheric pressure gas-handling capability has been developed. Absorbance of light from the spectrometer beam, resulting from the beam being scattered from a powder sample, can be measured. This capability of detecting molecular species on and in powders is to be used to study chemisorption on actinide and rare-earth metals, alloys, and compounds. Cell design is described along with experiments demonstrating its performance in detecting moisture absorption on uranium oxide, moisture and carbon dioxide absorption on the lithium hydride/hydroxide system, and carbon dioxide absorption on potassium borohydride. 13 figures.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A Rankine-Brayton hybrid cycle heat engine is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller or other mechanism for enabling sustained free flight. The Rankine-Brayton engine has a thermal battery, preferably containing a lithium-hydride and lithium mixture, operably connected to it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery to a working fluid. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thin passive layers of uranium nitride were formed by nitriding pure metallic uranium in non-equilibrium, low pressure radio-frequency plasma of nitrogen. Plasma nitriding at low substrate temperature of 230 C-250 C was found to cause the formation of adherent layers of uranium sesquinitride ({alpha}-U{sub 2}N{sub 3}) which provide a considerable protection against hydrogen attack. The characteristics of these passivation layers were determined by X-ray diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy. The incipient hydriding kinetics of the plasma-treated samples were compared with those of untreated and nitrogen-ion implantation ones, utilizing a hot-stage microscope that was monitored continuously with a TV camera and videotape. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Today TBP and TBAs are the compounds which have the highest potential to replace the hydrides arsine and phosphine in the MOVPE process. The authors have demonstrated the entire material system Ga-In-As-P can be grown without any loss of quality using TBP and TBAs not only in one reactor, but in a complete family of reactors. These reactors range from small-scale single wafer R and D reactors to multiwafer Planetary Reactor systems. Both InP based and GaAs based materials could be grown with an excellent quality. Thus all growth processes for III-V devices--long and short wavelength lasers, LEDs, high speed transistors, etc.--can be switched to TBP and TBAs. This will drastically reduce safety hazards and lead to processes that have advantages both from the ecological and economical point of view.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

''Hybrid'' hydrogen storage, where hydrogen is stored in both the solid material and as a high pressure gas in the void volume of the tank can improve overall system efficiency by up to 50% compared to either compressed hydrogen or solid materials alone. Thermodynamically, high equilibrium hydrogen pressures in metal-hydrogen systems correspond to low enthalpies of hydrogen absorption-desorption. This decreases the calorimetric effects of the hydride formation-decomposition processes which can assist in achieving high rates of heat exchange during hydrogen loading-removing the bottleneck in achieving low charging times and improving overall hydrogen storage efficiency of large hydrogen stores. Two systems with hydrogenation enthalpies close to -20kJ/mol H2 were studied to investigate the h...

Science.gov (United States)

During this reporting period the experimental apparatus was completed after substantial delays by the manufacturer. The equipment has been fully tested to familiarize the staff with its operating and safety procedures. An initial liquefaction study has begun on samples of Utah coal (60 microns or less) using 50 grams of iron-titanium alloy, 500 ml of tetralin, and 150 grams of powdered coal at 500/sup 0/F and 500 psig. Results will be available in the next quarterly report. A new researcher has been added to the project to address the hydrogen absorption of new and recycled alloy samples. 2 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effects of catalytic metal additives on the hydrogen desorption properties of the submicrocrystalline magnesium hydride (#beta#-MgH_2) formed after hydrogenation of the Mg + 10 wt.%X (X = V, Y, Zr) mechanically (ball) milled composites were studied. The composites with catalytic metals were processed by controlled mechanical milling (CMM) in the magneto-mill Uni Ball Mill 5 under protective Ar atmosphere. X-ray diffraction of the milled powders revealed the formation of Mg nanograins (50-60 nm range) interdispersed with the nanograined metal additives within the powder particles. Scanning electron microscopy showed particle size reduction after milling. After activation and hydrogenation in a Sieverts-type apparatus under about 2 MPa pressure of hydrogen, the tetragonal #beta#-MgH_2 hydride co-exists with the small amount of retained unreacted Mg phase and the small amount of MgO in all three composites. The #beta#-MgH_2 phase after ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Composite particles represented as TiV{sub 2.1}Ni{sub 0.3}-Raney Ni(R) were prepared by ball-milling a TiV{sub 2.1}Ni{sub 0.3} alloy with Raney Ni in the presence of 0.01 M sodium hypophosphite (NaH{sub 2}PO{sub 2}) aqueous solution as a reducing agent. The composite particles had different morphology from original TiV{sub 2.1}Ni{sub 0.3} alloy particles and TiV{sub 2.1}Ni{sub 0.3}-Raney Ni composite particles prepared by the ball-milling in the absence of the NaH{sub 2}PO{sub 2} aqueous solution. In charge-discharge cycle tests, the TiV{sub 2.1}Ni{sub 0.3}-Raney Ni(R) composite electrode showed the maximum discharge capacity of 620 mAh g{sup -1}, while its cycle durability was similar to the TiV{sub 2.1}Ni{sub 0.3} alloy electrode, which was explained from depth profiles of constituent elements by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). In thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), two steps of dehydriding for hydrided TiV{sub 2.1}Ni{sub 0.3}-Raney ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An effort to expand the irradiation mission of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) beyond testing fuels and materials for the liquid-metal reactor (LMR) program included a study of the feasibility of producing commercial quantities of "6"0Co. The "6"0Co would be produced by neutron capture in assemblies containing an array of natural cobalt pins and hydrogen-bearing moderator pins located at the periphery of the FFTF core. Adding hydrogenous material to the assemblies enhances "6"0Co production by slowing neutrons into energy ranges where the "5"9Co capture cross section is higher. Some of the moderated neutrons leak from the moderated region to adjacent fuel regions, increasing local fission rates. In order to validate calculated fission rates and establish calculational biases and uncertainties, experiments were conducted in the zero-power plutonium reactor (ZPPR) to measure fission rates in fuel regions adjacent to a mock-up of a cobalt production assembly. The ZPPR experiment and ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Isotherms have been measured for H(D){sub 2}(g) solution in crystalline Pd{sub 9}Si{sub 2} in the temperature range from 235 to 373 K. The solubilities are significant, e.g., at 1.0 MPa (298 K), (H/Pd) = 0.052 or Pd{sub 9}Si{sub 2}H{sub 0.47}, however, there is no indication of hydride phase formation even down to 235 K at 1.0 MPa. The thermodynamic values for hydrogen solutions at infinite dilution of hydrogen are {Delta}H{degrees}{sub H}= -11.9 kJ/mole {1/2}H{sub 2} and {Delta}S{degrees}{sub H} = -50 J/K mole {1/2}H{sub 2}. The former is more negative than for Pd-H{sub 2} and the latter is somewhat more positive; but generally the values are not that different from Pd-H{sub 2}. The isotope effect is similar to that found for Pd-H(D){sub 2}.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The search for alternative energy supplies continues since the oil crisis of 1973. One energy vector is dihydrogen, H_2. Of the group VI hydrides, water has been the focus of most studies in harnessing solar energy and generating H_2. Two basic photochemical strategies have been employed: molecular photocatalytic systems, and semiconductor based photocatalytic systems. The results have not met with the euphoric expectations of the mid-1970's because of the difficulties encountered in H_2O splitting (E"0 S"2 "-/S = + 0.51 eV, NHE) is another vehicle tapped as a potential source of H_2. Heterogeneous photocatalysis utilizing semiconductor particulates and sunlight as the photon source has been successful with interesting quantum efficiencies. To this end, novel photocatalytic devices have been developed; one of these uses two coupled semiconductors to achieve vectorial displacement of the photogenerated reducing and oxidizing equivalents. An important area in which ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The mobility of metals in ground water is an important consideration for evaluating remedial options at the Asarco smelter site. Tacoma, Washington. One factor in assessing metal mobility is the degree of secondary mineralization in a slag-fill aquifer extending into the intertidal zone along the Puget Sound shoreline. Samples of aquifer material were collected for mineralogical analysis from borehole MW-206 at five-foot intervals within the slag fill from 5 to 25 feet below the ground surface, and in the underlying marine sand and gravel at 27 feet. Grab samples of slag fragments with visually apparent secondary minerals were also collected at five intermediate depths between 12 and 19 feet. Samples were analyzed by a variety of techniques including hydride generation/atomic absorption for arsenic concentration, scanning electron microscopy/electron microprobe for mineralogical texture and microanalysis, powder x-ray diffraction for mineral identification, and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Molar heat capacities have been measured for VHsub(n) and NbHsub(n) with n up to 1.93 at temperatures between 1.5 and 16 K. The height of the peak in plots of the electronic specific heat, indicating superconductivity, diminishes with increasing hydrogen content in the #alpha# + #beta# two-phase region, and can be taken as a measure of the fractional amount of #alpha#-phase present (lever-rule). In NbHsub(n) accordingly, the two-phase region presumably extends up to n = approximately 0.9 at helium temperatures. No hydride phase, including VH_2 and NbH_2, showed superconductivity above 1.5 K. The measured #gamma#-coefficients of the V/H-alloys agree with APW band-structure calculations for V metal in the range 5 =< nsub(e) =< 7 of band electron concentration. They coincide with the #gamma#-coefficients of V/Cr-alloys reported in the literature. Hence VHsub(n) represents another example of the 'shifting bands' concept developed recently for PdHsub(n). (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Electrochemical Technology Program at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) provides advanced battery R&D; technology transfer to industry; technical analyses, assessments, modeling, and databases; and independent testing and post-test analyses of advanced batteries. These capabilities and services are being offered to the US Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) are being negotiated for USABC-sponsored work at ANL. A small portion of DOE`s cost share for USABC projects has been provided to ANL to continue R&D and testing activities on key technologies that were previously supported directly by DOE. This report summarizes progress on these USABC projects during the period of April I through September 30, 1992. In this report, the objective, background, technical progress, and status are described for each task. The work is organized into the following task areas: 1.0 Lithium/Sulfide Batteries; 2.0 Nickel/Metal ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The conversion of off-peak surplus electricity into peak electricity through an electrolyzer, hydrogen storage, and fuel cell energy storage system was discussed. Development efforts in high pressure alkaline electrolysis and Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells have improved the near-term viability of these systems. Potential use of wind turbines and other renewable energy-based generation systems, through hydrogen-based energy storage, were discussed as a new supply of surplus electricity. An integrated set of nomographs were presented for providing quick estimates of peak electricity costs derived from an electrolyzer/hydrogen fuel cell system. The nomographs allowed first order cost comparisons of centralized versus distributed hydrogen energy systems considering trade-offs between production economies of scale and hydrogen storage and transport costs. Use of the nomographs to compare centralized and dispersed systems was demonstrated. Results showed that all else being equal, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

(methine-{sup 3}H)1,1-Di-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane ((methine-{sup 3}H)DDT) and its di-(4-nitrophenyl) analog, both of high purity with a moderately high specific activity were prepared. Chloro-benzene was condensed with (1-{sup 3}H)1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloro-ethanol, which has been synthesized by sodium boro({sup 3}H)hydride reduction of 4-chlorophenyl trichloromethyl ketone. The purified ({sup 3}H)DDT had a specific activity of 0.77 Ci/mmol (28.49 GBq/mmol). (methine-{sup 3}H)1,1-Diphenyl-2,2,2-trichloroethane was similarly synthesized and was nitrated to give (methine-{sup 3}H)1,1-di-(4-nitrophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloro-ethane of 1.63 Ci/mmol (60.31 GBq/mmol). Dehydrochlorination with housefly enzyme (glutathione-dependent DDT dehydrochlorinase) showed a remarkable isotope effect. For DDT, the observed tritium isotope effect on V{sub max}/K{sub m} was 11.51{plus minus}0.52. For the nitro-analog, the value was 11.3{plus minus}1.2. We measured ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Investigations of alternative renewable energy resources continue, with many studies concentrating on hydrogen storage. However, there are a few problems such as storage, transportation, delivery to the user and usage safely, to be addressed to facilitate commercialization and wide usage of the hydrogen. The absorbed form within the metal hydrides seems to be the best solution of this problem. Since Li is the lightest metal, it has the advantage as the stored amount of hydrogen mass ratio. LiBH{sub 4} production process was investigated using elemental Li, B and H{sub 2}. Spex type ball milling with tungsten carbide, stainless steel and zirconia type vessels, was used to mix the different amount of Li and B under argon atmosphere. X-ray diffraction pattern demonstrated that the LiB was obtained. A system was designed to provide a hydrogen atmosphere of 60 bars to force hydrogen into the LiB structure. FTIR analysis strongly indicated the LiBH{sub 4} compound when ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Electric vehicles that can`t reach trolley wires need batteries. In the early 1900`s electric cars disappeared when owners found that replacing the car`s worn-out lead-acid battery costs more than a new gasoline-powered car. Most of today`s electric cars are still propelled by lead-acid batteries. General Motors` Impact, for example, uses starting-lighting-ignition batteries, which deliver lots of power for demonstrations, but have a life of less than 100 deep discharges. Now promising alternative technology has challenged the world-wide lead miners, refiners, and battery makers into forming a consortium that sponsors research into making better lead-acid batteries. Horizon`s new bipolar battery delivered 50 watt-hours per kg (Wh/kg), compared with 20 for ordinary transport-vehicle batteries. The alternatives are delivering from 80 Wh/kg (nickel-metal hydride) up to 200 Wh/kg (zinc-bromine). A Fiat Panda travelled 260 km on a single charge of its zinc-bromine ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The world's 500 million road vehicles using internal combustion engines account for roughly half of global oil consumption and, in Italy, for about 50% of all nitrogen oxide and 90% of carbon monoxide emissions. In efforts to conserve petroleum reserves and reduce air pollution, research programs are being conducted to develop hydrogen fueled automotive engines. Hydrogen combustion products are carbon dioxide free, and when burned with a large excess of air, this fuel produces water vapour and only small amounts of nitrogen oxides. Hydrogen fueled vehicles can be made to operate in a dual fuel mode so as to allow the use of petrol or diesel fuel in travel over long distances. Currently, because technical and economic difficulties relevant to hydrogen fuel storage limit driving range and payload (there are bulk and weight problems in compressed gas and metal hydride storage systems, and cost problems in cryogenic storage), only limited research programs are being ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Various methods for storing hydrogen have been examined in an effort to find ways to store hydrogen in increasingly smaller volumes with decreasing weight of the whole hydrogen storage system. Metal hydrides, in which hydrogen is chemically bound to a metal atom, are considered to be very promising candidates for hydrogen storage because they have high gravimetric and volumetric storage capacities. This study investigated the effect of different magnesium (Mg) and aluminium (Al) ratios on the absorption and desorption properties of thin films. Neutron reflectometry (NR) was used in this study to better understand the absorption and desorption properties of commercially promising hydrogen storage materials. The large negative scattering length of hydrogen atoms changes the reflectivity curve substantially, so that NR can determine the total amount of stored hydrogen as well as the hydrogen distribution along the film normal, with nanometer resolution. In order to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Full text of publication follows: Energy and environment are two major concerns in our modern society due to the coming shortage in fossil energy sources and the growing of greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge for the coming years is to discover new energy resources and to develop devices that are compatible with a sustainable development and generate few (or zero) emission. One of these devices is the fuel cell feed by hydrogen, whose application fields are very large. In particular, the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is the most realistic device for automotive application. However, hydrogen storage remains one of the most important challenges regarding its development. Although different techniques are available for storing hydrogen, no ideal solution has been found yet. Compression needs elaborated tanks in shape for supporting high pressures, liquefaction requires an expensive hydrogen cooling and adapted tanks. Chemical storage by hydrides ...

Science.gov (United States)

One-electron reduction of the square-planar nickel precursor (PNP)NiCl ( 1) (PNP (-) = N[2-P(CHMe 2) 2-4-methylphenyl] 2) with KC 8 effects ligand reorganization of the pincer ligand to assemble a Ni(I) dimer, [Ni(mu 2-PNP)] 2 ( 2), containing a Ni 2N 2 core structure, as inferred by its solid-state X-ray structure. Solution magnetization measurements are consistent with a paramagnetic Ni(I) system likely undergoing a monomer dimer equilibrium. The room-temperature and 4 K solid-state X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra display anisotropic signals. Low-temperature solid-state X-band EPR data at 4 K reveal rhombic values g z = 1.980(4), g x = 2. 380(4), and g y = 2.225(4), as well as a forbidden signal at g = 4.24 for the Delta M S = 2 half field transition, in accord with 2 having two weakly interacting metal centers. Utilizing an S = 1 model, full spin Hamiltonian simulation of the low-temperature EPR spectrum on the solid sample was achieved by applying a nonzero ...