KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Molybdenum oxide nanostructures were synthesized utilizing the solution combustion method where the ammonium molybdate powder and an organic additive were used as precursors. Different organic additives including ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200), sorbitol and urea were used as surfactants in order to investigate the effect of additive structure on morphology and particle size of products. Also various reaction parameters such as the additive/Mo molar ratio, concentration of metal ion in solution, pH of the reaction, and temperature of the synthesis media were changed to study effects on product morphology and size. Outcomes were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. Results show a variety of MoO_3 nanoparticles and nanorods produced within the size range of 10-80 nm. Furthermore, microrods and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... NOU TsIPK; Obninsk (Russian Federation) 978-5-85855-125-6 208 p.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this work, the effects of the focus ion beam (FIB) milling process on the optical properties of semiconductor nanostructures were investigated. With this aim, a sensitive materials system based on InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots with well known and excellent optical properties was selected for the FIB treatment. The FIB technique was used to locally remove a metallic mask deposited on top of the quantum dot sample. The photoluminescence (PL) signal, collected from the circular openings, was used to infer the possible damage effects of the ion beam on the properties of the dots.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nanocrystalline and nanostructured materials offer unique microstructure-dependent properties that are superior to coarse-grained materials. These materials have been shown to have very high hardness, strength, and wear resistance. However, most current methods of producing nanostructured materials in weapons-relevant materials create powdered metal that must be consolidated into bulk form to be useful. Conventional consolidation methods are not appropriate due to the need to maintain the nanocrystalline structure. This research investigated new ways of creating nanocrystalline material, new methods of consolidating nanocrystalline material, and an analysis of these different methods of creation and consolidation to evaluate their applicability to mesoscale weapons applications where part features are often under 100 {micro}m wide and the material's microstructure must be very small to give homogeneous properties ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

By the methods of the angular distribution of photon annihilation, time distribution of photon annihilation, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier IR-spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy the detail information on relation of the structural and physical properties of the porous nano-structures is obtained. Study of pores sizes in a different nano-porous materials, such as the porous silicon, porous anode aluminium oxide, porous solids exposed to light atoms ion implantation (hydrogen, deuterium, helium) is carried out.

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A single crystalline ternary nanostructure having the formula A.sub.xB.sub.yO.sub.z, wherein x ranges from 0.25 to 24, and y ranges from 1.5 to 40, and wherein A and B are independently selected from the group consisting of Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Cm, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, F, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Ho, I, In, Ir, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, Os, P, Pb, Pd, Pr, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Ru, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Tc, Te, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, and Zn, wherein the nanostructure is at least 95% free of defects and/or dislocations.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mono-dispersed cubic CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles have been synthesized using a surfactant-assisted method with laurylamine hydrochloride and cerium alkoxide modified with acetylacetone in an aqueous solution system. The prepared cubic CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles had a highly crystallized structure at 353 K and formed rod-like structures by calcination at 673 K after freeze-drying the CeO{sub 2} gel. We discovered a clear potential to make 1D, 2D or 3D CeO{sub 2}-materials with a well-controlled characteristic length and shape by assembling cubic-shaped CeO{sub 2} nanoparticle building blocks. CeO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} composite nanostructures have also been synthesized by changing the mole ratio of cerium alkoxide/titanium alkoxides. By utilizing the redox characteristic of CeO{sub 2}, CeO{sub 2} nanoparticles and CeO{sub 2}-TiO{sub 2} composite nanostructures after calcination, showed reaction activity toward the oxidization of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Previously we have used atomic force anodisation lithography, with a self-assembled monolayer of hexadecyltrichlorosilane as a resist, to pattern silicon oxide nanostructures onto a p-type silicon (1 0 0) substrate. A condensation reaction was used to immobilise carbon nanotubes with high carboxylic acid functionality directly to the silicon oxide. A further condensation reaction using this surface attached the molecule ferrocenemethanol to the bound nanotubes. These new nanostructures were used as electrodes to observe the oxidation and reduction of ferrocene. However, because the small currents measured are near the detection limits of the electrochemical system used, important electrode kinetics could not to be obtained. A scribing approach made larger regions of oxidised silicon leading to the creation of larger scale patterned arrangements of carbon nanotubes allowing ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The formation of nanoparticles during the radiation-induced chemical reduction of silver ions, copper ions, and nickel ions in films based on poly(acrylic acid)-poly(ethylenimine) complexes are studied via electron microscopy. This approach allows preparation of composites containing nanoparticles that are randomly distributed in the polymer matrix and materials with a regular spatial distribution of nanoparticles across the film thickness and in subsurface layers. The structure of metal-polymer hybrid materials is dependent on the irradiation conditions, the type of reduced metal ions, and their initial content in polymer matrices. The ratio between the rate of nucleation and the rate of growth of nanoparticles in the matrices of interpolyelectrolyte complexes depends on the intensity of ...

Science.gov (United States)

A detection theory is developed for point-contact metal-oxide-metal (MOM) systems. A system with heterogeneous oxide strongly bonded to the substrate is considered. It is shown that the form of the functional connection between the barrier heights and the ultimate compressive strength of the oxide has no substantial influence on the voltage-current characteristics of the system. Quantitative analysis indicates that a MOM system can behave as a tunnel diode and as a diode with a Schottky barrier. The model permits the determination of the optimum construction of long-life detectors based on MOM point-contacts.-

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We report the simultaneous formation of self-assembled surface ripples in Cd{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} pyrochlore caused by focused ion beam (FIB) patterning and uniformly distributed metallic nanodots induced by phase decomposition under ion bombardment. The characteristic wavelength of the surface ripples is controllable from the nm to the sub-{micro}m scale. High-density Cd metallic nanoparticles, {approx} 5 nm, formed and the distribution of nanoparticles is consistent with the morphological characteristics of the ripple pattern. This approach provides a means of fabricating surface nanostructure with various patterns and a controllable particle size and distribution by combining ion beam-induced phase decomposition with high-precision FIB patterning.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A model for the structural relaxation of grain boundaries (GBs) in nanostructured materials (NSMs) by diffusion-accommodated rigid body translations along GBs is proposed. The model is based on the results of recent computer simulations that have demonstrated that the GBs in NSMs retain a high-energy structure with random translational states due to severe geometrical constraints applied from neighboring grains (J. Appl. Phys. 78 (1995) 847; Scripta Metall. Mater. 33 (1995) 1245). The shear stresses within a GB caused by non-optimized rigid-body translations (RBTs) can be accommodated by diffusive flow of atoms along a GB. This mechanism is particularly important for low-angle and vicinal GBs, the energy of which noticeably depends on the rigid body translations. At moderate and high temperatures the model yields relaxation times that are very short and therefore GBs in NSMs can attain an equilibrium structure with optimized rigid body ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In recent years, the influences of acid rain such as the acidification of lake water, on bio-system by the heavy metals from effluent of soils with acid rain and also on the structural materials of buildings are seriously discussed. Sulfur and nitrogen that are contained in fossil fuels are released into the atmosphere by the fuel combustion as their oxides dissolve in rain drops as sulfite and nitrous ions, where they are further oxidized into sulfate and nitrate ions These ions lower the pH of rain water resulting so-called acid rain. Therefore, it is important to accurately determine these ions in rain water for the investigation of reality of acid rain. However, it is not easy to accurately determine these ions, especially for sulfite ions in rain water, since they are quickly oxidized by the catalytic action of metallic ions such as ferric and manganous ions. And light, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This patent describes a process for preparing of an ion exchanger, comprising: treating an ionically inert activated charcoal porous support with an aqueous solution of metal oxychloride selected from the group consisting of zirconium and titanium oxychlorides so as to impregnate the pores of the support with the solution; separating the treated support from excess metal oxychloride solution; converting the metal oxychloride to a hydrous metal oxide precipitate in the pores of the support at a pH above 8 and above the pH whereat the hydrous metal oxide and activated charcoal support have opposite zeta potentials and sufficient to hydrolyze the metal oxychloride. It also describes a process for preparing an ion exchanger comprising: treating granulated activated charcoal with a concentrated solution of a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The anodic reaction kinetics and interfacial mass transport of a direct polymer electrolyte membrane formic acid fuel cell have been investigated in an all solid-state electrochemical cell using a highly active nanostructured palladium-gold alloy microelectrode as an in situ probe. Well-defined 'S-shaped' steady-state cyclic voltammograms exhibiting current-rising region at lower overpotentials and limiting current region at higher overpotentials have been first obtained for the electrochemical oxidation of formic acid at varying temperature. The 'S-shaped' steady state polarization curves and chronoamperometric curves enable convenient measurements of the anodic reaction kinetics and interfacial mass transport of formic acid under real polymer electrolyte membrane conditions. It is encouragingly found that formic acid can be directly oxidized to CO2 with the first electron transfer being the likely rate-determining step ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cathodic arc deposition is an established and industrially applied technique for the formation of nitrides (e.g. TiN); it can also be used for metal oxide thin film formation. A cathodic arc plasma source with the desired cathode material is operated in an oxygen atmosphere of appropriate pressure, and metal oxides of various stoichiometric composition can be formed on different substrates. We report here on a series of experiments on metal oxide formation by cathodic arc deposition for different applications. Black copper oxide has been deposited on accelerator components to increase the radiative heat transfer between the parts. Various metal oxides such as tungsten oxide, niobium oxide, nickel oxide and vanadium ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The oxide colloidal route, developed in the laboratory for mono-metallic catalysts, consists in preparing a metallic oxide hydro-sol which leads to the supported catalyst after deposition onto a support and an activation stage. In this work, this method has been adapted to the preparation of alumina supported bimetallic Pd-Sn catalysts to determine its interest for the control of the properties of the bimetallic phase (size, composition and structure). In the preliminary study concerning tin oxide sols, SnO{sub 2} (size=2,3 nm) and Sn{sub 6}O{sub 4}(OH){sub 4} (size = 25 nm) nano-particles were synthesized by neutralization respectively for tin(IV) and tin(H). The control through the pH of the aggregation of the PdO and SnO{sub 2} particles revealed that increasing oxide solubility promotes integral re-dispersion of the oxide particles. To ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A catalytic process for the oxidation of sulfur-containing gases , E.G., sulfur dioxide and simultaneous production of sulfuric acid wherein a sulfur-containing gas is reacted with an oxygencontaining gas in the presence of a catalyst comprising an iron group metal on a solid support comprising a zeolite in a silicaalumina matrix.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Oxidative stress contributes to the pathophysiology of exposure to heavy metals/metalloid. Beneficial renal effects of some medications, such as chelation therapy depend at least partially on the ability...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

No abstract prepared.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... Abstract only 1063-7869 v. 44(10) CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS,

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Our goal was a process to convert methane to higher hydrocarbons oxidatively, since this circumvents thermodynamic yield limits of a strictly degydrogenative process. Keller and Bhasin converted thermodynamic yield limits of a strictly dehydrogenative process. Keller and Bhasin converted methane to higher hydrocarbons by using metal oxides as oxidants, without co-fed oxygen. They stated that selectivity is necessarily poor if gaseous oxygen is present. Jones and Sofranko have also used reducible metal oxides as oxidants in a group of their parents, but later used some of those materials with continuous O{sub 2} feed without much loss of selectivity. Baerns, Lunsford and Otsuka have shown that high selectivity could be possible with co-fed O{sub 2} at least for low O{sub 2} partial pressures, over PbO-A1{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Li-MgO and rare ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

CuO/bentonite and CuO-BHA nanocomposites were studied as oxygen carriers in chemical-looping combustion (CLC) of simulated synthesis gas. Global reaction rates of reduction and oxidation, as the function of reaction conversion, were calculated from 10-cycle oxidation/reduction tests utilizing thermogravimetric analysis at atmospheric pressure between 700 and 900{degree}C. It was found that the reduction reactions are always faster than oxidation reactions; reaction temperature and particle size do not significantly affect the reaction performance of CuO/bentonite. Multicycle CLC tests conducted in a high-pressure flow reactor showed stable reactivity for production of CO{sub 2} from fuel gas at 800 and 900{degree}C and full consumption of hydrogen during the reaction. Results of the tapered element oscillating microbalance showed a negative effect of pressure on the global rates of reduction-oxidation ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Effects of the rapid early-in-life expansion of metal fuel were measured in an irradiation experiment in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). This important performance/design information was obtainable through the unique combination of a dimensionally stable FFTF oxide core and the calibrated proximity instrumentation associated with the test. These results delineate the time dependence of metal-fuel swelling and provide quantitative estimates of the magnitude of axial fuel swelling in full-length metal-fuel assemblies. Final posttest examination results will define actual fuel column growth levels.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Synergism has been observed during inhibiting initiated oxidation of styrene or tetralin by organic phosphites in the presence of complex compounds of some transition metals. The results are given of non-additive intensification of antioxidative activity of triphenylphosphite (TPP) and tri-(4-methyl-6-tert.-- butyl)-phenyl-phosphite (TMBP) in the process of initiated oxidation of styrene or tetralin with addition of acetylacetonates of cobalt and vanadyl. During styrene oxidation, inhibition of the reaction with chelate complex of vanadyl is weakened considerably when phosphite is added into the reaction system. During tetralin oxidation, postcatalytic (or branched) oxidation is observed only for large concentration of vanadyl complex. Addition of TPP to above complex sharply increases the induction period. When the induction period is completed, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The formation of thin SiO_2 layers on silicon and metal silicides was studied by phase- and thickness measurements with Rutherford back-scattering of 2 MeV alfa particles. Thermal oxidation was done in steam and dry oxygen at temperatures between 750 degrees Celsius and 1 100 degrees Celsius, while SiO_2 formation at room temperature was carried out by anodic oxidation. The study of silicon oxidation was done on Si<100>, Si<111> and amorphous silicon substrates. Thermal oxidation of CoSi_2, CrSi_2, NiSi_2, PtSi and TiSi_2 was investigated. The oxidation rates of the silicides were found to be much higher than for silicon. The oxidation process is also diffusion-limited with a higher oxidation rate for steam as compared to dry oxygen. The silicide layers were found to stay intact during thermal ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Three samples of dusts generated by the non ferrous metallurgical industries are treated between 200 and 800 degree centigree in controlled oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. The objective of this study is to recover the valuable metals from these wastes. The treatments of these solids under oxidizing conditions at 700 degree centigree are well adapted for two samples. The totality of valuable elements are concentrated in the treatments residues. The use of hydrogen at 600 degree centigree, permits the removal of up to 100 % of valuable metals contained in the treated industrial wastes. The recovery rate of valuable metals (Pb, Zn, Cu) as well as the Global Decontamination Factor are reported. (Author) 9 refs.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Statement of problem Even though metal ceramic restorations (MCRs) are widely used by clinicians, the influence of the metal on the color of overlaying porcelain is unknown. Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze the color alterations of different types of metal ceramic alloys during several stages of metal surface preparation and to determine the effect of those changes on the resulting color of opaque porcelain (OP). Material and Methods Seven different types of alloys (3 base metal, 3 noble, and 1 high noble) were used to prepare disk-shaped specimens (1 mm x 10 mm, n=3), followed by OP application (0.1 mm). Lab values of specimens were recorded after different stages of metal surface preparation (ingot, after casting, after oxidation, and after the OP application) in addition...

Science.gov (United States)

A novel reactor combining a flame-deposited nanostructured titanium dioxide film and a set of embedded ceramic electrodes was designed, developed and tested for degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in water. On applying a voltage to the ceramic electrodes, a surface coro...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The aim of this work is to test the catalytic oxidation of pyridine over zeolite-supported catalysts and to compare the difference in their activities for the oxidation of pyridine. The catalytic oxidation of pyridine pollutant on a series of copper-supported catalysts, inclusive of Cu/beta, Cu/ZSM-5, Cu/MCM-41 and Cu/{gamma}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, in the presence of excess oxygen was studied. The activity of the copper-supported catalysts for the pyridine oxidation could be correlated with the binding energy of oxygen coordinated to metal copper, while the ability to control the yield of NO{sub x} appeared to be strongly dependent on the binding energy of NO bonded to metal copper. On these catalysts, two copper species, Cu(H{sub 2}O){sub 6}{sup 2+} ions and CuO were identified, in which Cu{sup 2+} ions had higher activity for the NO{sub x} control but poorer ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Despite the rapid development of literature pertaining to fundamental (1-4) studies of oxidation catalysis, a general theory of heterogeneous selective oxidation catalysis explaining the selectivity behavior of different metal oxide systems has not yet been developed. Redox mechanisms have been widely invoked in the kinetic and mechanistic descriptions of selective oxidation reactions, suggesting a dynamic behavior of hydrocarbon and oxygen interactions with the catalyst surface. Nevertheless, most of the recent theoretical approaches of this subject matter (5-7) are essentially static in nature. Correlations are made with surface structure on the basis of crystallographic considerations with selectivity being related to the nature, number, bond-strength and nearness of oxygen atoms in the neighborhood of adsorption centers. The effect of the reaction medium on the configuration of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This section of the report is concerned with the study of the metallisation, oxidation and doping of materials which are of importance to the micro-electronics industry. The Van de Graaff accelerator and radioactive tracers are used for studying surface and sub-surface behaviour of these materials.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The federating theme of superconductivity has given rise to a number of experimental studies of point defects in solids as different as transition metals (V, Nb, ...), A-15 compounds (V_3Si, Nb_3Ge, ...), or perovskite-like copper oxides. Some of these experiments are presented here. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Work continued on the correlations of catalytic activity of metals and surface structure. Work is described in the following areas: CO oxidation on a Cu/Rh(100) Bimetallic catalysts; electronic properties of bimetallic surfaces; and reflection absorption spectroscopy of bimetallic surfaces. 5 figs. (CBS)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A process is described for the selective oxidation of ammonia to nitric oxide in about 90% or greater yield with a minimum of nitrogen or dinitrogen oxide (N/sub 2/O) as by-products, comprising: (1) contacting gaseous ammonia in an oxygen containing gas optionally with an inert gaseous diluent with a mixed metal perovskite catalyst of the general formula: ABO/sub 3/, wherein: A is selected from the alkali, alkaline earth, lanthanide, or actinide metals or a mixture of these metals having a relatively large ionic, radius, and B is selected from an element or a combination of elements selected from Groups IB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, or VIII of the Periodic Table, wherein the perovskite phase of the catalyst has an equilibrium partial pressure of oxygen at 1000/sup 0/C of greater than about 10/sup -15/ bar; and (2) heating the reactants of step (1) at greater than ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The following are reported: colorimetric determination of Ti in Cr, decontamination of metals by anodic dissolution, computer code for x-ray peak identification, gel-permeation chromatography of CoRezyn 1664 polyester resin, infrared monitoring of gases and vapors, particle size analysis of dusts, nondestructive analysis of Oralloy for removable alpha contamination, dissolution (digestion) of high-fired oxides, assay of U in a Pu-U alloy, measurement of oxide thickness on Pu metal by x-ray diffraction, analysis of precipitated Pu peroxide, differentiation of Dowex SBR and 11 resins, and determination of Pu solubility in simulated lung fluid.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Composite ZnO/Ag nanoparticles have been formed via the photocatalytic reduction of silver nitrate over the ZnO nanocrystals, their optical, electrophysical and photochemical properties have been investigated. Mie theory has been applied to analyze the structure of the absorption spectra of ZnO/Ag nanocomposite. The irradiation effects upon the optical properties of ZnO/Ag nanostructure have been investigated. It has been found that the irradiation of ZnO/Ag nanoparticles results in electrons accumulation by both the semiconductor and the metallic components of the nanocomposite. It has been found that silver nitrate can be photochemically deposited onto the surface of ZnO nanoparticles under the illumination with the visible light in the presence of the sensitizer - methylene blue. Kinetics of the sensitized Ag(I) photoredution has been studied. It has been concluded that the key stage of this process is the electron injection from ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Recent research has shown that biologically inspired approaches to materials synthesis and self-assembly, hold promise of unprecedented atomic level control of structure and interfaces. In particular, the use of organic molecules to control the production of inorganic technological materials has the potential for controlling grain structure to enhance material strength; controlling facet expression for enhanced catalytic activity; and controlling the shape of nanostructured materials to optimize optical, electrical and magnetic properties. In this work, we use organic molecules to modify silver crystal shapes towards understanding the metal-organic interactions that lead to nanoparticle shape control. Using in situ electrochemical AFM (EC-AFM) as an in situ probe, we study the influence of a cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylamminobromide (CTAB) on Ag growth during electrochemical deposition on Ag(100). The results show that the organic ...

Science.gov (United States)

The liquid-phase synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles in organic solvents under exclusion of water is nowadays a well-established alternative to aqueous sol-gel chemistry. In this article, we highlight some of the advantages of these routes based on selected examples. The first part reviews some recent developments in the synthesis of ternary metal oxide nanoparticles by surfactant-free nonaqueous sol-gel routes, followed by the discussion of the morphology-controlled synthesis of lanthanum hydroxide nanoparticles, and the presentation of structural peculiarities of manganese oxide nanoparticles with an ordered Mn vacancy superstructure. These examples show that nonaqueous systems, on the one hand, allow the preparation of compositionally complex oxides, and, on the other hand, make use of the organic components (initially present or formed in situ) in the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dominating factors in plasma nitriding and plasma condition that makes nitriding possible in plasma nitriding process of metals having hard oxide film were studied. In case of stainless steel, oxide film sputtering was easier comparing to nitriding layer. Three phenomena such as sputtering of oxide layer, formation of nitriding layer and sputtering of nitriding layer occurred simultaneously. Nitriding was achieved when the formation of nitriding layer reached the peak comparing to the removal of nitriding layer after the removal of oxide layer. Situations of metallic surface of stainless steel in surface nitriding were divided into four categories and they were, situation where oxide layer remained as it is, situation where nitriding layer was formed although oxide layer remained in some part, situation where only ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An improved coating for Advanced Gas Cooled Nuclear Reactor austenitic stainless steel fuel cans is described which, tests have shown, inhibits the deposition of carbon on the cans in carbon-containing ionising radiation environments. The coating comprises a refractory oxide which has been prepared by a vapour phase condensation method, in combination with a noble metal. (U.K.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In most industrial processes operating at elevated temperatures, protective oxide layers perform a vital duty in protecting the underlying metallic alloys from process gases. Coal-fired combined cycle power generation systems present a number of process conditions in which the properties of the protective oxide layers are particularly important. This paper discusses two of these particular conditions: (1) `erosion/corrosion` of in-bed heat exchanger tubing and (2) thermal cycling of hot gas path components. For both these situations, the desirable properties of protective scales are outlined. The behaviour of scales in practice are highlighted. 33 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.

Science.gov (United States)

A new fabrication process is being developed which significantly improves the efficiency of metal-semiconductor solar cells. The resultant effect, a marked increase in the open-circuit voltage, is produced by the addition of an interfacial layer oxide on the semiconductor. Cells using gold on n-type gallium arsenide have been made in small areas (0.17 sq cm) with conversion efficiencies of 15% in terrestrial sunlight.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A process for the removal of H/sub 2/S from sour gas streams is disclosed, the process being characterized by the utilization of washing solutions containing oxidizing metal chelates of nitrilotriacetic acid, and by the electrolytic regeneration of the spent solutions.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A model has been developed to predict the chemical composition of lakes that form in pyrite-bearing open-pit mines. Pyrite oxidation in wall rock releases sulfuric acid and metals, which mix with ground waters in the lake. Aqueous metal concentrations are calculated using MINTEQA2.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Based on the results obtained for C-N and Si-C-N films, a systematic investigation of reactive magnetron sputtering of hard quaternary Si-B-C-N materials has been carried out. The Si-B-C-N films were deposited on p-type Si(100) substrates by dc magnetron co-sputtering using a single C-Si-B target (at a fixed 20% boron fraction in the target erosion area) in nitrogen-argon gas mixtures. Elemental compositions of the films, their surface bonding structure and mechanical properties, together with their oxidation resistance in air, were controlled by the Si fraction (5-75%) in the magnetron target erosion area, the Ar fraction (0-75%) in the gas mixture, the rf induced negative substrate bias voltage (from a floating potential to -500 V) and the substrate temperature (180-350 deg. C). The total pressure and the discharge current on the magnetron target were held constant at 0.5 Pa and 1 A, respectively. The energy and flux of ions bombarding the growing films were ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Metals for potential use in the dissociator and the synthesizer reactors of a distributed solar receiver thermochemical transport loop utilizing SO/sub 3//SO/sub 2//O/sub 2/ molecular chemistry were tested in SO/sub 2//O/sub 2/ mixtures at 500/sup 0/C and 900/sup 0/C, respectively, for times of up to four weeks. They included titanium, aluminum and nickel, and iron-base, nickel-base and cobalt-base superalloys. Weight gain measurements determine the oxidation/sulfidation kinetics. Electron microprobe analysis identifies any possible penetration of oxygen and sulfur into the metal and the formation of internal oxides and sulfides. The most promising candidates as a result of these tests are the cobalt-base superalloys.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pit lakes form when open-pit mining operations are discontinued and dewatering ceases. The increase in open-pit metal mining since the 1970s will lead to the formation of numerous pit lakes over the next 50 years. Many of these lakes will develop acid sulfate conditions with high levels of dissolved metals. Approaches to remediation of these conditions that have been recommended include the addition of lime or other alkaline materials and the stimulation of sulfate-reducing bacteria. However, prevention rather than remediation is probably the preferable approach. Measures to prevent oxidation of mining waste and wall rocks, including measures to fill pits quickly with water, to inhibit the activity of acidophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, and to promote anoxic conditions at the lake bottoms may minimize the formation of acids and dissolved metals. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alloy 600 is commonly used in the primary systems of PWR plants because of its excellent resistance to a stress corrosion cracking and pitting. But a stress corrosion cracking and pitting corrosion are occasionally observed under PWR conditions, which may be correlated with the passive film on the Alloy 600 surface. There is little information on the composition of films growing on the surface of Alloy 600 at high temperature. Therefore, an understanding of the basic electrochemical behaviors about an anodic dissolution and the passivation of the bare surface of metals and alloys provides important information about localized corrosions like a SCC and pitting. Oxide on the steel surfaces in an aqueous solution above 100 .deg. C is composed of a duplex film structure. The inner layer of the oxide is dense and less porous, which is formed by a growth of the oxide layer on the metal ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Various kinds of decontaminations are carried out in atomic power plant. Here current decontamination technologies such as chemical decontamination with chemical solution or blast decontamination have a problem of reduction of secondary radioactive waste generated in the decontamination process. On the other hand, a low pressure arc plasma can remove metal oxide film on the metal substrate without heavy damage on the metal substrate when the object to be treated was set as a cathode. Dry surface decontamination technology with using low-pressure arc plasma can decrease secondary radioactive waste because low-pressure arc plasma does not need any chemical solution. In addition, the time required for treatment can be shorter, so it is possible for the low-pressure arc plasma decontamination technology to interpolate the current decontamination technologies such as spot decontamination technology etc. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The preparation and luminescence properties of crystal phosphors based on alkali metal iodide and calcium oxide substrates were studied. The highest luminescence intensities were achieved with iodide substrates at 200/sup 0/ and with the calcium oxide substrate at 800/sup 0/. The calibration graphs were linear in the thallium concentration ranges 0.03-5.0 and 0.1-2.0 mu g using sodium and potassium oxides, respectively, and in the range 0.05-5 mu g using cesium iodide and calcium oxide. A method is proposed for the determination of down to 3 x 10/sup -4/% thallium in rocks, using a crystal phosphor with sodium iodide substrate.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alloy 600 is used as a material for steam generator tubing in pressurized water reactors(PWR) due to its high corrosion resistance under PWR environment. In spite of its corrosion resistance, stress corrosion cracking(SCC) has occurred on the primary side as well as the secondary side of the tubing. Oxide on steel surfaces in aqueous solution above 100 .deg. C is composed of duplex film structure. Inner layer of the oxide is dense and less porous, which is formed by growth of oxide layer on metal surface. Outer layer of the oxide is loose adhesive, which is formed by dissolution precipitation mechanism. Growth processes occur at the metal/oxide and oxide/electrolyte interfaces and are controlled by transport of the layer forming species through the layer, i.e. by the inward diffusion of oxygen including electrolyte species and the outward ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A comparative study on the thermal and catalytic degradation of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) at atmospheric pressure was conducted. The weight loss of PBT under thermal degradation was significantly influenced by the temperature between 360degreeC and 380degreeC, but little affected by the PBT particle size. Four groups of catalysts include metal chloride, metal oxide, metal acetate, and metal copper powder were used to test PBT degradation activity. Copper (II) chloride is the most active one for increasing the percentage PBT weight loss more than 100% in comparison with the result of thermal degradation at a temperature of 360degreeC for 30min. PBT and catalyst mixtures can be prepared by impregnation and physical method, the former resulted in a better PBT degradation. The percentag...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alloy 690 and Alloy600 are used as a material for the steam generator tubing in the pressurized water reactor(PWR) of nuclear power plants due to its high corrosion resistance. Although those are a highly corrosion resistance material, their stress corrosion cracking(SCC) have been found on occasion, which are deeply related to a surface oxide film on a base material which have occurred on the primary side as well as the secondary side of a tubing. And The SCC is accelerated in the existing Pb which is the impurity of secondary steam generator components. The Oxide on a steel surface in an aqueous solution above 100 .deg. C is composed of a duplex film structure. The inner layer of the oxide is dense and less porous, which is formed by a growth of the oxide layer on the metal surface. The outer layer of the oxide is less adhesive, which is formed by a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of light alkanes is an alternative way for the production of olefins. A wide variety of catalytic systems has been investigated. Vanadium oxide based catalysts were described in the literature as effective catalysts for the ODH of propane. The catalytic activity and selectivity depend on the kind of support material, the kind of dopants and the formation of complex metal oxide phases. In recent papers it was claimed that both orthovanadate and/or pyrovanadate species are selective for the ODH of propane. Niobia based materials were investigated as catalysts for acidic and selective oxidation type reactions. In the ODH of propane niobia exhibited a high selectivity to propene but the conversion of propane was low. V{sub 2}O{sub 5}-Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} catalysts proved to be catalytically active and selective and showed no formation of oxygenates. In ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Metal dusting corrosion has been a serious problem in the petroleum and petrochemical industries, such as reforming and syngas production systems. This form of deterioration has led to worldwide material loss for 50 years. For the past three years, we have studied the mechanism of metal dusting for Fe- and Ni-base alloys. In this report, we present a correlation between the weight loss and depth of pits that form in Ni-base alloys. Nickel-base alloys were also tested at 1 and 14.8 atm (210 psi), in a high carbon activity environment. Higher system pressure was found to accelerate corrosion in most Ni-base alloys. To reduce testing time, a pre-pitting method was developed. Mechanical scratches on the alloy surface led to fast metal dusting corrosion. We have also developed preliminary data on the performance of weldments of several Ni-base alloys in a metal dusting environment. Finally, Alloy 800 tubes ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The profile imaging technique is used to study the oxidation of ZnTe and InP surfaces induced by in situ reaction due to the electron beam of the microscope and by ex situ heating in air. For both materials, in situ reaction with the electron beam resulted in desorption of the anion species and the formation of the metal oxide. The observation of In metal particles, and the fact that the rate of formation of In_2O_3 was substantially reduced by an improvement of the vacuum near the specimen region, suggested that the presence of oxygen is not involved in the desorption process. The ex situ heating of ZnTe up to 260 degrees C in air resulted in crystals of ZnO and Te metal, generally in a layered surface region with the sequence of ZnTe/Te/ZnO. The large Te crystals usually had an epitaxial relationship with the bulk ZnTe but the small ZnO crystals had random orientations. The ex ...

Environmental Research Database

ObjectivesThe overall aim of the project is to understand whether natural Mn oxides can be used to remediate land contaminated with both metals and POPs. The major objectives are:~%~~%~1.Establishment of whether and how metals, POPs and SOM compete for reactive Mn oxide surface.~%~~%~2.Delineate the mechanisms of contaminant immobilisation and degradation.~%~~%~3.Identify the fate of the contaminants in Mn oxide treated soils.~%~~%~4.Measure positive and/or negative effects in the soil system of addition [continued...]DescriptionLand is a valuable but finite resource. The Environment Agency estimates that there are approximately 300,000 hectares of land in the UK affected to some extent by contamination left by industrial activity and worldwide, the extent of the problem is much greater as contaminated land is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Many metal extraction operations, such as leaching of copper, leaching of precious metals, and reduction of metal oxides to metal in high-temperature furnaces, require agglomeration of ore to ensure that reactive liquids or gases are evenly distributed throughout the ore being processed. Agglomeration of ore into coarse, porous masses achieves this even distribution of fluids by preventing fine particles from migrating and clogging the spaces and channels between the larger ore particles. Binders are critically necessary to produce agglomerates that will not break down during processing. However, for many important metal extraction processes there are no binders known that will work satisfactorily at a reasonable cost. A primary example of this is copper heap leaching, where there are no binders currently encountered in this acidic environment process. As a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Surface doping of conjugated polymers is realized by depositing a thin layer of graphene oxide (GO) on top of the polymers. The high proton density and the unique 2D structure of GO facilitate the protonic surface doping of conjugated polymers to achieve high conductivities. This finding represents a new strategy for improving charge transport across the metal/conjugated polymer interface to achieve much improved performance in organic solar cells. (Copyright copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

For the selective extraction of radionuclides from nitrate media, the extractabilities of organo-poly-phosphine poly-oxides were examined in the form of impregnated resins. It was found that the extractability of 1,1,3,5,5-pentaphenyl-1,3,5-tri-phospha-pentane trioxide (PPTPT) for U(VI) is quite unusual with very high values at both low and high concentrations of nitric acid, which is not observed for other types of extractants. Thus, this extractant might be promising for the selective extraction of U(VI) in very high concentrations of HNO3. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A rechargeable cell is disclosed which is characterized in the following manner. A positive electrode is formed from a manganese oxide electrode material. This manganese oxide electrode material contains a heavy metal selected from the group comprising lead, bismuth, and mixtures of lead and bismuth. The cell also contains a negative electrode of zinc. A separator is provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. An alkaline electrolyte consisting essentially of an alcohol and an alkaline hydroxide is also contained in the rechargeable cell in contact with both the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The evaluation of the bactericidal effect of different silver-containing materials where silver is available as Ag^+ (silver nitrate and different silver-exchanged zeolites), as metallic Ag^0 (commercial silver nanoparticles) or as oxide (silver (I) oxide) was carried out in order to elucidate the importance of the bioavailability of silver (i.e., as free ions, metallic particles, combination of them, clusters, complexes, partially soluble or insoluble salts, etc.) on its bactericidal action. For the different materials tested, their bactericidal effect is ordered in the following sequence: AgNO"3>Ag-ZSM-5>Ag"2O>commercial silver-exchanged zeolite (granular)>commercial silver-exchanged zeolite (pellets)>Ag nanoparticles. In general, as the content of bioavailable ionic silver increases, th...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As stated last quarter, we discovered potassium as an impurity in the mixed metal oxides. The potassium was probably incorporated into the solid during the coprecipitation using K{sub 2}CO{sub 3}. Currently NH{sub 4}OH is being used as the precipitating base. We have discovered that the precipitation agent influences the surface composition of the mixed-metal oxides. Chemical analysis of the surface and bulk compositions showed significant differences in surface compositions of the K{sub 2}CO{sub 3} and NH{sub 4}OH precipitated catalysts. In TPR experiments we have discovered that the precipitating pH markedly affects the reducibility of the ZnMnCr oxides. This shows that the choice of base as well as the pH strongly affects the surface composition of the mixed metal catalysts. Additional studies are in progress in which we are studying how the precipitating ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thermal (gas) nitridation of stainless steel alloys can yield low interfacial contact resistance (ICR), electrically conductive and corrosion-resistant nitride containing surface layers (Cr{sub 2}N, CrN, TiN, V{sub 2}N, VN, etc.) of interest for fuel cells, batteries, and sensors. This paper presents results of proton exchange membrane (PEM) single-cell fuel cell studies of stamped and pre-oxidized/nitrided developmental Fe-20Cr-4V weight percent (wt.%) and commercial type 2205 stainless steel alloy foils. The single-cell fuel cell behavior of the stamped and pre-oxidized/nitrided material was compared to as-stamped (no surface treatment) 904L, 2205, and Fe-20Cr-4V stainless steel alloy foils and machined graphite of similar flow field design. The best fuel cell behavior among the alloys was exhibited by the pre-oxidized/nitrided Fe-20Cr-4V, which exhibited {proportional_to}5-20% better peak power output than untreated ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Isothermal transformation kinetics of austenite to acicular ferrite and allotriomorphic ferrite were measured in reheated low alloy steel weld deposits with similar weld compositions and austenite grain size but different inclusion characteristics. Accelerated kinetics of transformation to acicular ferrite were observed in weld metal containing coarser and titanium-rich inclusions. In contrast, kinetics of transformation to allotriomorphic ferrite were not influenced by inclusion characteristics, but, rather, by the austenite grain size and carbon concentration.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The method of aluminium metal activation by liquid eutectics Ga-In (70:30) and Ga-In-Sn-Zn (60:25:10:5) is developed. Subsequent dispersion of the obtained specimens up to a particle size of >0.5mm leads to the drastic interaction of aluminium powder and water with evolving hydrogen. In the present work the oxidation rate of activated aluminium and water is investigated depending on eutectic composition, reaction temperature, and powder particle size. The mechanism of the main eutectic's components influence on the reacting ability of aluminium is discussed. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The aim of our research was to identify structures and chemical compositions of phases formed during internal oxidation of multi-component Ag-Zn-Mg-based alloys. Since the ability of inoculation mostly depends on large free energy of formation of oxides of microalloying elements and their crystallographic similarity, Mg in quantities of 0.001-0.5 mass% was selected as a micro-alloying element. These correspond to the quantities of 0.005-2.5 vol.% of MgO in the selected Ag-Zn-based alloys. Ag-based metal matrix, heterogeneous nuclei of MgO and oxide (ZnO) of the main alloying element were analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Structural inter-connections among them were also investigated and analysed. In situ phenomenon of heterogeneous nucleation of MgO and ZnO was proved. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Passive films formed on stainless steels in a borate buffer solution (pH 9.2) have been investigated by capacitance measurements and photoelectrochemistry. The study was carried out on films formed on AISI type 304 and 316 stainless steels and high purity alloys with differing chromium, nickel, and molybdenum contents. Complementary research by Auger analysis shows that the passive films are composed essentially of an inner chromium region in contact with the metallic substrate and an outer iron oxide region developed at the film/electrolyte interface. The semiconducting properties of the passive films are determined by those of the constituent chromium and iron oxides which are of p-type and n-type, respectively. Thus the influence of the alloying elements on the semiconducting properties of the passive films is explained by changes in the electronic structure of each of these two oxide regions.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Photocurrent and capacitance measurements of semiconductor passive films formed on metals and alloys can be used to study the electronic properties and reveal indirect information about structure and composition. The current work used these techniques to investigate the electronic properties of the passive films formed on three austenitic stainless steels, types 304L, 316L and 254SMO, in borate. Evidence was found for the existence of a large number of localised mid bandgap states, consistent with amorphous oxides. However, the flat-band potentials of the austenitic stainless steel passive films were found to be independent of both composition and measuring frequency. The most credible explanation for the bandgap values determined from photocurrent measurements is that the passive films are formed as dual layers, iron oxide outer layer and chromium oxide inner layer. This model does not need to evoke ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Passive films formed on Alloy 690 in high-temperature alkaline environments were investigated by potentiodynamic polarization, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Mott-Schottky approach. Passive current density and donor density of the passive films increase with increasing temperature, due to increased diffusion rates of metallic ions and dehydration of hydroxide phases. The passive films show a duplex structure including an inner layer of fine-grained Cr oxide or spinel oxide and an outer layer of Ni-Fe spinel oxide and Ni hydroxide. A growth model of the passive films on Alloy 690 in high-temperature alkaline environments is proposed and discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A predictive reactivity of Cp_2An(IV)Me_2 (with An = uranium [U], neptunium [Np] and plutonium [Pu]) with pyridine N-oxide has been studied at the theoretical level. The predictive reaction, which consists in the formation of a formaldehyde complex, begins after the initial formation of a cyclo-metalated complex produced by a C-H activation of the pyridine N-oxide. A difference of reactivity between U/Pu and Np has been observed and has been attributed to the presence of a more covalent bond between Np and the carbene group in the transition state of formation of a transient carbene intermediate. (authors)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To develop oxygen electrodes for rechargeable metal-air batteries, the electrochemical behaviour of gas-diffusion-type carbon electrodes loaded with Pr-Mn-Fe-based perovskite-type oxides was examined for the reduction and evolution of oxygen in 8 M KOH at 60 C. Among the oxides tested, Pr{sub 0.2}Ca{sub 0.8}Mn{sub 0.1}Fe{sub 0.9}O{sub 3} gave the highest electrode performances, e.g., current densities of 275 mA/cm{sup 2} (for oxygen reduction) and 225 mA/cm{sup 2} (for oxygen evolution) at -300 and +650 mV vs. Hg/HgO, respectively. The electrode performances were found to depend on both the catalytic activity of the oxides for H{sub 2}O{sub 2} decomposition reaction and the amounts of oxygen desorbed from the oxides. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the small zinc-air battery including the gas-diffusion-type electrode loaded with Pr{sub 0.2}Ca{sub 0.8}Mn{sub 0.1}Fe{sub 0.9}O{sub ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Different semi precious alloys (Pd-Ag, Pd-Au) have been studied after thermal oxidation treatments to analyze the mechanical improvement of the interface between the metal and the ceramic. Using the four point bending test, the authors have analyzed the different steps corresponding to the mechanical evolution of the bi-material : cracking energy on the surface, relaxation energy after first cracking, propagation energy of cracks at the interface zone. It has been shown that some alloys only have a high resistance to the interface cracking and the role played by the interface reactions to improve this property. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Drilling fluid additives are prepared by oxidation of sulfonated lignin-containing materials with manganese dioxide under highly acidic conditions to make manganese lignosulfonates. Additional improvements in the rheological properties of the additives may be obtained by complexing the manganese lignosulfonate so obtained with a heavy metal cation (preferably iron or copper), by, for example, addition of ferrous sulfate or ferric sulfate to the manganese lignosulfonate. These products show the requisite combination of rheological properties for a satisfactory drilling fluid additive or conditioner.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hydrogen uptake and embrittlement of tantalum by electrolytically produced hydrogen is investigated on samples of varying composition and type of pretreatment. Of decisive influence on the uptake of hydrogen are the oxide layers present on the tantalum surface. By contact with platinum group metals as alloying constituents, surface coatings or anodic protection, a protection of tantalum can be obtained depending on the experimental conditions. (orig.).

Science.gov (United States)

Arsenic in soils from the Asarco Lead Smelter in East Helena, Montana was characterized by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). As oxidation state and geochemical speciation were analyzed as a function of depth (two sampling sites) and surface distribution. These results were c...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Environmental and occupational exposures to heavy metals such as methylmercury (MeHg) and cadmium (Cd) pose significant health risks to humans, including neurotoxicity. The underlying mechanisms of...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Refractory metal alloys based on Mo, W, Re, Ta, and Nb (Cb) find applications in a wide range of aerospace applications because of their high melting points and high-temperature strength. This paper, presents recent progress in understanding and applications of these alloys. Recent studies to improve the oxidation and mechanical behavior of refractory metal alloys, and particularly Nb alloys, are also discussed. Some Re structures, for extremely high temperature applications (> 2000C), made by CVD and P/M processes, are also illustrated. Interesting work on the development of new W alloys (W-HfC-X) and the characterization of some commercial refractory metals, e.g., K-doped W, TZM, and Nb-1%Zr, continues. Finally, recent developments in high temperature composites reinforced with refractory metal filaments, and refractory metal-based intermetallics, e.g., ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Previous studies have documented dissimilatory growth of bacteria on solid Mn{sup 4+} oxide, but Mn{sup 3+} oxides have not been previously studied; here the authors have demonstrated for the first time the bacterial reduction of manganite. Strain MR-4 of Shewanella putrefaciens was able to grow on and rapidly reduce insoluble needle-shaped crystals of synthetic manganite (MnOOH), converting them to soluble Mn{sup 2+} in the process. The rate of Mn{sup 3+} reduction was optimal at pH of 7.0 and 26 C consistent with an enzymatic reaction. In addition the rates of reduction were in proportion to the amount of manganite added, but nearly independent of the cell concentration present (e.g., cell number had only a small effect on the rate of Mn{sup 3+} reduction at early stages of growth) suggesting that surface properties were dictating the rates of metal reduction. This thesis was supported by major differences in reduction ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aim of this work is to investigate the acoustic wave generation by pulsed and periodically modulated ion beams in different solid materials depending on the beam parameters and to demonstrate the possibility to apply an intensity modulated focused ion beam (FIB) for acoustic emission and for nondestructive investigation of the internal structure of materials on a microscopic scale. The combination of a FIB and an ultrasound microscope in one device can provide the opportunity of nondestructive investigation, production and modification of micro- and nanostructures simultaneously. This work consists of the two main experimental parts. In the first part the process of elastic wave generation during the irradiation of metallic samples by a pulsed beam of energetic ions was investigated in an energy range from 1.5 to 10 MeV and pulse durations of 0.5-5 #mu#s, applying ions with different masses, e.g. oxygen, silicon and gold, in charge states ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Metals for potential use in the dissociator and the synthesizer reactors of a distributed solar receiver thermochemical transport loop utilizing SO/sub 3//SO/sub 2//O/sub 2/ molecular chemistry includes stainless steels and iron-base, nickel-base and cobalt-base superalloys. We tested these alloys in SO/sub 2//O/sub 2/ mixtures and SO/sub 3/ gas at 500/sup 0/C and 900/sup 0/C, respectively, for times of up to four weeks. Weight gain measurements were used to determine the oxidation/sulfidation kinetics and electron microprobe analysis was used to measure penetration of oxygen and sulfur into the metal and to identify the formation of internal oxides and sulfides. Results of these tests showed that the most promising candidates are those containing sufficient quantities of both aluminum and chromium alloying additions to be alumina and chromia formers, such as Kanthal A-1, Nimonic 105 and Cabot 214.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Single-crystalline nanostructures often exhibit gradients of surface (and/or interface) curvature that emerge from fabrication and growth processes or from thermal fluctuations. Thus, the system-inherent capillary force can initiate morphological transformations during further processing steps or during operation at elevated temperature. Therefore and because of the ongoing miniaturization of functional structures which causes a general rise in surface-to-volume ratios, solid-state capillary phenomena will become increasingly important: On the one hand diffusion-mediated capillary processes can be of practical use in view of non-conventional nanostructure fabrication methods based on self-organization mechanisms, on the other hand they can destroy the integrity of nanostructures which can go along with the failure of functionality. Additionally, capillarity-induced shape transformations are effected and can thereby be ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to understand the anodic behaviour of Al--Mo and Al--W amorphous alloys in the borate buffer electrolyte, samples of these alloys were polarized galvanostatically. The resultant anodic films were thicker than the passive films formed during potentiodynamic polarization enabling detailed examination of the films and alloy substrates by surface analytical methods. AES investigations suggest that the anodic films formed at low and moderate voltages on Al--Mo or Al--W amorphous alloys consist of Al-oxide, whereas refractory metals remain unoxidized and enriched at the film/substrate interface. Molybdenum and tungsten act as 'dissolution moderators', restraining the substrate dissolution process at the film/substrate interface. However, after anodization at high voltages (50 V), AES revealed the presence of an oxidized refractory metal in the inner part of the anodic film. Based on ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alloy 800 has been proposed for use in the receiver tube panel arrays of advanced solar central receiver (SCR) designs. In this application the alloy will be exposed to a molten mixture of sodium and potassium nitrate salts at temperatures ranging up to approximately 600/sup 0/C While these salts are routinely used in a variety of applications including metal heat treating and process heat transfer, common industrial experience has been limited to maximum temperatures of 400/sup 0/C - 450/sup 0/C. There is, therefore, considerable interest in the compatibility of these salts with containment alloys at the higher temperatures associated with SCR designs. Additionally, the containment alloy may be subject to thermally induced fatigue damage resulting from intermittent cloud cover and diurnal cycling. Previous work has found that slower near-threshold fatigue crack growth rates (FCGR) in Alloy 800 result when it is tested in molten nitrate salt at 600/sup 0/C ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Skin protects the body from pathogens and degradation. Mummified skin in particular is extremely resistant to decomposition. External influences or the action of micro-organisms, however, can degrade...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to understand the chemistry of altermetal dopants in antimony oxide, the detailed structural characterization of two ..beta..-Sb/sub 2/O/sub 4/ compounds is reported, Mo-doped ..beta..-Sb/sub 2/O/sub 4/ (1.5 metal%) and V-doped ..beta..-Sb/sub 2/O/sub 4/ (5 metal%). The methods used to characterize these materials are X-ray and neutron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Mo K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The atomic position of each of these dopants in Sb/sub 2/O/sub 4/ is radically different as is the overall effect on the host structure. Molybdenum does not substitute for Sb atoms, rather the Mo atoms are found in channels of electron density formed by Sb/sup 3 +/ lone pairs. The two nearest Sb/sup 3 +/ are absent and the oxygen stoichiometry is preserved. The formula is Sb/sub 1.97/Mo/sub 0.015/O/sub 4/. Vanadium incorporates substitutionally for the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In situ scanning tunneling microscopy has been used to study the nucleation and growth mechanisms and the structure of passive films formed on Cu(111) surfaces in 0.1 M borate buffer solution (pH 9.3). A surface topography characterized by terraces with monoatomic steps is obtained after potentiodynamic reduction down to {minus}1.12 V/standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), of the electropolished surface exposed to air. The formation of a single Cu{sub 2}O passive layer at 0.03 V/SHE proceeds first by a roughening of the steps assigned to a locally blocked step flow process due to a competition between dissolution and preferential nucleation of the oxide at the steps. The observed oxide nuclei are 2--3 nm wide and about one atomic plane high. This process leads to the complete coverage of the terraces by a grain-like structure of the oxide film. The initial terrace topography is completely altered. Thickening of this ...

CERN Document Server

Third World Congress on Oxidation Catalysis

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We present a novel fabrication route yielding Raney-platinum film electrodes intended as glucose oxidation anodes for potentially implantable fuel cells. Fabrication roots on thermal alloying of an extractable metal with bulk platinum at 200^oC for 48h. In contrast to earlier works using carcinogenic nickel, we employ zinc as potentially biocompatible alloying partner. Microstructure analysis indicates that after removal of extractable zinc the porous Raney-platinum film (roughness factor ~2700) consists predominantly of the Pt3Zn phase. Release of zinc during electrode operation can be expected to have no significant effect on physiological normal levels in blood and serum, which promises good biocompatibility. In contrast to previous anodes based on hydrogel-bound catalyst particles the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mechanical alloying is an important pre-requisite for the manufacturing of heat resistant oxide-dispersion-strengthened superalloys. Though the microstructure of these materials after hot extrusion and recrystallization treatment is well documented, little is known about the microstructural evolution during ball-milling. A method was tested to prepare electron transparent foils and extraction replica from powder particles for TEM investigations. The microstructure was found to consist of a Ni-Cr-Al solid solution in which submicron particles of refractory metals were embedded. The extremely fine grainize of about 50 nm is the consequence of severe plastic deformation. Yttria particles could not be detected in the powder after ball milling, but after a heat treatment at 1000 C the well-known fine dispersion of oxide particles was evident. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Structural silicides have important high temperature applications in oxidizing and aggressive environments. Most prominent are MoSi{sub 2}-based materials, which are borderline ceramic-intermetallic compounds. MoSi{sub 2} single crystals exhibit macroscopic compressive ductility at temperatures below room temperature in some orientations. Polycrystalline MoSi{sub 2} possesses elevated temperature creep behavior which is highly sensitive to grain size. MoSi{sub 2}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} composites show an important combination of oxidation resistance, creep resistance, and low temperature fracture toughness. Current potential applications of MoSi{sub 2}-based materials include furnace heating elements, molten metal lances, industrial gas burners, aerospace turbine engine components, diesel engine glow plugs, and materials for glass processing.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Modern high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM) instruments, which are capable of a point-to-point resolution of better than 0.2 nm, have allowed atomic-scale observations of a variety of internal interfaces. The application of the HREM technique to fcc model systems for the purpose of addressing a number of interface issues will be examined in this paper. Atomic structure observations for heterophase interfaces of metal/metal and metal/metal-oxide systems as well as HREM studies of grain boundaries in NiO and Au will be discussed with emphasis on generic structural features and the role of the interface plane. Comparisons between observed interface structures and atomistic computer modeling results have shown agreements for some interfaces, as well as certain differences in others. A number of structural features are common to both metal and oxide grain boundaries, as well as certain heterophase ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This work describes a three-step pre-treatment route for processing spent commercial Ni Mo/Al_2O_3 catalysts. Extraction of soluble coke with n-hexane and/or leaching of foulant elements with oxalic acid were performed before burning insoluble coke under air. Oxidized catalysts were leached with 9 mol L"-"1 sulfuric acid. Iron was the only foulant element partially leached by oxalic acid. The amount of insoluble matter in sulfuric acid was drastically reduced when iron and/or soluble coke were previously removed. Losses of active phase metals (Ni, Mo) during leaching with oxalic acid were compensated by the increase of their recovery in the sulfuric acid leachate. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A major initiative to develop and irradiate a long-life, mixed-oxide fuel system in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) has been implemented by Westinghouse Hanford Company for the US Department of Energy. The FFTF, shown in Figures 1 and 2, is a 400 megawatt thermal, fast liquid metal reactor that tests liquid metal, space and fusion fuels and materials. The new fuel system, called the Core Demonstration Experiment (CDE) demonstrates the capability of achieving a three- to four-year life in a prototypic heterogeneous reactor environment under prototypic power and temperature conditions. This fuel system will greatly increase fuel performance and lifetime from the current standard FFTF driver fuel. New design features, fabrication development, CDE assembly fabrication, and irradiation status have been described.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The recovery of noble metals from the quaternary Mo-Ru-Rh-Pd alloy in the simulated insoluble residue was studied by means of Pb extraction and the recovery yield was found to be more than 90% for Ru, Rh and Pd. The recovery yield of Mo was very small due to the oxidative vaporization in air. The decontamination factor for Ce as a stand-in of Pu was determined to be around 200 for one stage. These results on the recovery yields of noble metals from the quaternary alloy and the decontamination factor for Ce are in good agreement with those for the ternary Mo-Ru-Pd alloy previously reported by the present authors. The mutual separation of noble metal elements recovered in Pb button was examined by means of re-extraction with molten Zn and the dissolution in boiling 3M or 6M nitric acid solution. The dissolution fractions of Pd and Rh recovered in the Pb button in boiling 3M and 6M nitric acid solution for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The corrosion behavior of Alloy 800 and Type 316 stainless steel in molten NaNO/sub 3/-KNO/sub 3/ was studied at temperatures from 605/degree/C to 630/degree/C. Corrosion behavior was significantly different from that previously reported in nitrate melts at temperatures up to 600/degree/C and involved a combination of oxidation, internal nitridation and sodium metallate formation. Corrosion kinetics, determined metallographically, switched from a parabolic to a linear rate equation as temperature increased. Corrosion was uniform and resulted in metal losses on the order of 100 micronsyear at 630/degree/C. Among the alloying elements, chromium was depleted from the alloy as the result of a basic fluxing process. The kinetic equations describing chromium depletion also changed from parabolic to linear with increasing temperature. The effect of the equilibrium chemistry of the melt on the corrosion behavior of the alloys is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Crystals of a new ternary samarium rhenium oxide, Sm{sub 3}ReO{sub 7} were obtained by subsolidus reaction of samariumsesquioxide and rheniumdioxide (ratio 1.5:1) in sealed Pt-10Rh-tubes at 1673 K. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Sm{sub 3}ReO{sub 7} crystallizes in the orthorohombic system with unit cell dimensions a = 10.736(5), b = 7.392(3), and c = 7.519(3) in space group Cmcm (No. 63) with Z = 4. The structure consists of ReO{sub 6} octahedra, distorted SmO{sub 6} octahedra, and SmO{sub 8} prisms that are interconnected to each other to form a three-dimensional network. Rhenium has the formal oxidation state of +5 but no metal-metal bond is observed in this compound. The observed magnetization in the temperature range 4 K < T < 52 K is explained by a Curie-Weiss law modified by a temperature independent Van Vleck paramagnetism of samarium (3+).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Acid mine drainage is a serious environmental problem caused by the oxidation of sulfide minerals that releases highly acidic, sulfate, and metals-rich drainage. In this study, alkaline industrial wastes were mixed with acid mine tailings in order to obtain neutral conditions. A series of column leaching tests were performed to evaluate the behavior of reactive mine tailings amended with alkaline-additions under dynamic conditions. Column tests were conducted of oxidized mine tailings combined with cement kiln dust, red mud bauxite, and mixtures of cement kiln dust with red mud bauxite. The pH results show the addition of 10% of alkaline materials permits the maintenance of near neutral conditions. In the presence of 10% alkaline material, the concentration of toxic metals such as Al, Cu, Fe, Zn are significantly reduced as well as the number of viable cells (Thiobacillus ferrooxidans) compared to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

General corrosion testing of Alloy 800 tube material by the General Electric Co. using out of pile loops with steam temperatures in the range 430 to 770 deg.C and 70 at. pressure with a surface heat flux of 55 W.cm"-"2 and flow velocities of 30 to 60 m.sec"-"1 showed after about 5000 h (a) a relatively moderate loss of metal at a fairly high corrosion rate, (b) a relatively high loss of oxide to the steam phase, and (c) the formation of a zone at the metal surface depleted in chromium by diffusion to the oxide film. It is important to establish whether these results for Alloy 800 were typical of those to be expected under heat transfer, and whether they could be used as a basis for extrapolation to the higher heat fluxes and longer exposure time relevant to superheat applications. Additional corrosion tests in superheated steam of 1000 h duration under isothermal conditions were therefore undertaken and ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Doped ultrafine silicon dioxide powder with a narrow particle size distribution was obtained by RF discharge-stimulated dichlorosilane (SiH2C) oxidation at a low pressure using isobutylene as the combustion inhibitor and chromium hexacarbonyl (Cr(CO)6) as the dopant. The formation and morphology of the ultrafine particles are governed by the parameters of the RF discharge and by the chemical mechanism of the combustion reaction yielding the aerosol. Submicron-sized filamentous carbon structures can be obtained by isobutylene decomposition under spark discharge conditions in the presence of a molybdenum metal catalyst.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A solid electrolytic capacitor having a solid electrolyte comprising manganese dioxide dispersed in an aromatic polyamide capable of further cure to form polyimide linkages, the solid electrolyte being disposed between a first electrode made of valve metal covered by an anodic oxide film and a second electrode opposite the first electrode. The electrolyte autogenously produces water, oxygen, and hydroxyl groups which act as healing substances and is not itself produced pyrolytically. Reduction of the manganese dioxide and the water molecules released by formation of imide linkages result in substantially improved self-healing of anodic dielectric layer defects.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Studies were conducted of the bifunctional oxygen electrode. The development of a rechargeable metal-oxygen (air) cell has been hampered to a great extent by the lack of a stable and cost effective oxygen electrode capable of use during both charge and discharge. The first type of bifunctional electrode consists of two distinct catalytifc layers. The oxygen reduction catalyst layer containing a supported gold catalyst is in contact with a hydrophilic nickel layer in which evolution of oxygen takes place. Loadings of gold from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/cm/sup 2/ were investigated; carbon, graphite, metal, and spinel oxides were evaluated as substrates. The second part of the research effort was centered on developing a reversible oxygen electrode containing only one catalytic layer for both reduction and evolution of oxygen. The work was directed specifically to the study of perovskite type of oxides with the ...

CERN Document Server

Surface compositional changes in GaAs due to RF plasmas of different gases have been investigated by XPS and etch rates were measured using AFM. Angular Resolved XPS (ARXPS) was also employed for depth analysis of the composition of the surface layers. An important role in this study was determination of oxide thickness using XPS data. The study of surface - plasma interaction was undertaken by correlating results of surface analysis with plasma diagnosis. Different experiments were designed to accurately measure the BEs associated with the Ga 3d, Ga 2p sub 3 sub / sub 2 and LMM peaks using XPS analysis and propose identification in terms of the oxides of GaAs. Along with GaAs wafers, some reference compounds such as metallic Ga and Ga sub 2 O sub 3 powder were used. A separate study aiming the identification of the GaAs surface oxides formed on the GaAs surface during and after plasma processing was ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The excellent high temperature strength and thermal conductivity of molybdenum-base alloys provide attractive features for components in advanced magnetic and inertial fusion devices. Refractory metal alloys react readily with oxygen and other gases. Oxidized molybdenum in turn is susceptible to losses from volatile molybdenum trioxide species, MoO{sub 3}(m), in air and the hydroxide, MoO{sub 2}(OH){sub 2}, formed from water vapor. Transport of radioactivity by the volatilization, migration, and re-deposition of these volatile species during a potential accident involving a loss of vacuum or inert environment represents a safety issue. In this report the authors present experimental results on the oxidation, volatilization and re-deposition of molybdenum from TZM in flowing air between 400 and 800 C. These results are compared with calculations obtained from a vaporization mass transfer model using chemical thermodynamic ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper describes the effects of SiC coating on the oxidation resistance of C/C composites in combusting fields, which are expected to be applied to high temperature structural materials at over 1770K. The coating methods employed were CVD and pack cementation. The time changes in weight loss of the specimens were measured at temperatures of 1770K and 1900K under the equivalence ratio of 0.9 generated by methane-air combustion, and the surface of the specimens before and after the experiment was observed by SEM. Although the weight loss of the specimens coated by the CVD method was minimal, the coating layer was easily peeled off from the substrate. On the other hand, the layer of the specimens coated by the pack cementation method was stable and adhered to the substrate, but the substrate was degraded because of penetration of oxygen through the pores in the layer. To cover the pores, the specimens were additionally coated with glass materials comprised of ...

Science.gov (United States)

Attempt to form the Schottky barrier on mercury indium telluride (MIT) surface by deposition transparent conducting electrode (TCE) and avoid the negative results by non-rectifier contacts nature, we have investigated the oxidation of clean MIT surfaces to form an insulating layer to overcome this disadvantage by metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) photodetectors designing. Oxide film is grown on the MIT surface by plasma enhance chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Previously cleaned MIT wafers were dipped and boiled in solution, which consists of mixture of bromine and an organic solvent in ratio of 1:50. By the way of using these films as intermediate slightly conducting insulator, a fast-response MIT based surface-barrier photodetectors have been developed. Pt films were used as TCE frontal electrode by vacuum magnetron sputtering (VMS). The current-voltage characteristic is described quantitatively based on the energy ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Arsenic in soils from the Asarco lead smelter in East Helena, Montana was characterized by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Arsenic oxidation state and geochemical speciation were analyzed as a function of depth (two sampling sites) and surface distribution. These results were compared with intensive desorption/dissolution experiments performed in a pH stat reactor for samples from the site with the highest degree of As heterogeneity. The objectives of the study were to investigate the solid-phase geochemical As speciation, assess the speciation of As in solutions equilibrated with the solids under controlled pH (pH=4 or 6) and Eh (using hydrogen or air) environments, observe the effects of phosphate on the release of As into solution, and examine the effects of phosphate on metal mobility in the systems. Arsenic was predominantly found in the As(V) valence state, though there was evidence that As(III) and As(0) were present also. The ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There has been considerable interest in producing and studying nanoparticle materials because of the effect of size on their structure, physical and chemical structure. Most studied nanoparticle semiconductors belong to the II-VI group, as they are relatively easy to synthesize and are generally prepared as particulates or in thin film form. Among II-VI compounds, CdS is one of the most studied materials. There are different ways to synthesize CdS nanoparticles such as colloidal particles, chemical decomposition, sol-gel, gas evaporation, magnetron sputtering, electrostatic deposition, and etc. {gamma}-irradiation is one of the effective methods for synthesis of nanomaterials. These nonomaterials have been extensively used in the preparation of nanocrystalline metals, metal oxides, and metal-polymer composites. However, The preparation of CdS nanoparticle and CdS/ polyacrylonitrile nanocomposite by ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Conventional methods for removing metals from aqueous solutions include chemical precipitation, chemical oxidation or reduction, ion exchange, reverse osmosis, electrochemical treatment and evaporation. The removal of radionuclides from aqueous waste streams has largely relied on ion exchange methods which can be prohibitively costly given increasingly stringent regulatory effluent limits. The use of microbial cells as biosorbants for heavy metals offers a potential alternative to existing methods for decontamination or recovery of heavy metals from a variety of industrial waste streams and contaminated ground waters. The toxicity and the extreme and variable conditions present in many radionuclide containing waste streams may preclude the use of living microorganisms and favor the use of non-living biomass for the removal of actinides from these waste streams. In the work presented here, we have ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the past, organic substance is generally deemed as electrical insulator, but in recent years, molecular crystals and polymers showing electroconductivity like metal were synthesized and even those showing superconductivity have appeared. These materials are called organic metals or synthetic metals and have peculiar solid state physical properties. Examples of real application of organic electroconductive materials are becoming available, but in this article, a chip type aluminum solid electrolytic capacitor using polypyrrole is introduced. There are four kinds of capacitors including ceramic capacitors and aluminum electrolytic capacitors, etc. The aluminum electrolytic capacitor is most retarded than any other type of capacitor in introducing its chip type since its use of electrolytic solution becomes an obstacle. Polypyrrole synthesized by electrolytic polymerization through anode oxidation of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Borohydrides such as LiBH{sub 4} have been studied as candidates for hydrogen storage because of their high hydrogen contents (18.4 wt% for LiBH{sub 4}). Limited success has been made in reducing the dehydrogenation temperature by adding reactants such as metals, metal oxides and metal halides. However, full rehydrogenation has not been realized because of multi-step decomposition processes and the stable intermediate species produced. It is suggested that adding second cation in LiBH{sub 4} may reduce the binding energy of B-H. The second cation may also provide the pathway for full rehydrogenation. In this work, several bimetallic borohydrides were synthesized using wet chemistry, high pressure reactive ball milling and sintering processes. The investigation found that the thermodynamic stability was reduced, but the full rehydrogenation is still a challenge. Although our experiments show the partial ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Complimentary spectroscopic, microscopic and electrochemical studies were performed to characterise the barrier properties as well as the interface structure of model iron substrates covered with thin plasma polymer films. Cathodic plasma polymers were deposited which show high barrier properties. The metal surface was pre-treated by a reducing or oxidising plasma. This allowed the adjustment of the oxidation state of the interface layer. The interface structure was characterised by means of X-ray photoelectron sputter profiles, infrared spectroscopy and the application of a Kelvin probe. The investigations show that the measured Voltapotential on the plasma polymer surface can be correlated with the oxidation state of the interface. Reducing plasmas lead to an almost oxide free surface. After deposition of the plasma polymer, this reduced state of the oxide is sensitive to ...

Science.gov (United States)

The Energy crisis happens to be one of the greatest challenges we are facing today. In this view, much effort has been made in developing new, cost effective, environmentally friendly energy conversion and storage devices. The performance of such devices is fundamentally related to material properties. Hence, innovative materials engineering is important in solving the energy crisis problem. One such innovation in materials engineering is porous materials for energy storage. Porous electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) offer a high degree of electrolyte-electrode wettability, thus enhancing the electrochemical activity within the material. Among the porous materials, mesoporous materials draw special attention, owing to shorter diffusion lengths for Li+ and electronic movement. Nanostructured mesoporous materials also offer better packing density compared to their nanostructured counterparts such as nanopowders, nanowires, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents a study on the crystallization and growth mechanism of selenium nanowires induced by silver nanoparticles at ambient conditions with special reference to the effects of factors such as the shapes and size of silver nanoparticles, the induced reaction time, and the molar ratio of Ag{sup 0} to SeO{sub 3}{sup 2-} ions. The synthesis approach is conducted with no need of any stabilizers, and with no sonochemical process and/or templates. It is found that whether silver spherical particles or colloids can lead to the formation of nanowires with average diameter of 25 nm and lengths up to a few micrometers, and silver nanoplates lead to the formation of flat Se nanostructures. In particular, Au, Cu, Pt, and Pd particles cannot induce the growth of selenium nanowires in aqueous solution at room temperature. The results indicate that silver particles play a critical role in determining the growth of selenium nanowires. The lattice match between ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bangladesh possesses many industrial sites, whereby wastes and effluents are directly discharged into the environment without any treatment. Agricultural areas are contaminated thereby and the food quality is impaired. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to develop simple and cost effective strategies to reduce soil-plant transfer of harmful substances. Three sites were selected in the vicinity of Dhaka city (Tongi pharmaceutical, Tejgaon industrial and Hazaribagh tannery area). Field and pot experiments were carried out with different varieties of field crops (rice, wheat and tomato) and different soil amendments (cowdung, city waste compost, oil cake, waterhyacinth, poultry litter, lime and red mud). At the site Tongi, pollutants mainly consists of organic compounds. The soil of Tejgaon is acidic (pH=5.7), contains high organic matter and elevated concentrations of Zn (685 mg/kg), Pb (136 mg/kg), and Cd (2.6 mg/kg). The Hazaribagh region is polluted by a highly elevated ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Modifications of the structure and mechanical properties in LiF crystals irradiated with MeV-energy Au ions have been studied using nanoindentation, atomic force microscopy and optical spectroscopy. The nanostructuring of crystals under a high-fluence irradiation (above 1013 ions/cm2)?was?observed. Nanoindentation tests show a strong ion-induced increase of hardness (up?to 150?200%), which is related to the high volume concentration of complex color centers, defect aggregates, dislocation loops and grain boundaries acting as strong barriers for dislocations. From the?depth profiling of the hardness and energy loss it follows that both nuclear and electronic stopping mechanisms of MeV Au ions contribute to the creation of damage and hardening. Whereas the electronic stopping is dominating i...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The aim of this study was to develop a nanostructured Nb2O5-natural hydroxyapatite bulk composite to serve as an alternative biocompatible bulk material for implants. A set of samples of hydroxyapatite from fish bones with different concentrations of Nb2O5 were designed. They were prepared through a milling process, compacted under different pressures (350, 450, 550 and 650MPa) and sintered in air atmosphere at 1000^oC for 1h. The results revealed that the prepared composites presented strong interactions between the two elements and showed improvement in the sinterability with significant densification and microstructure changes, suggesting that they are promising for implants meant to replace bone tissues.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The interdependence of thermodynamic parameters, phase equilibria, and electrochemical measurements can be used as a powerful tool in the development of high specific energy cells. These principles were used in the analysis of electrochemical experiments performed on ternary lithium-transition metal-oxide (M = Mn, Fe, and Co) positive electrodes. The free energies of formation of LiMnO/sub 2/, Li/sub 5/FeO/sub 4/, LiFeO/sub 2/, and LiCoO/sub 2/ were found to be -178.21, -399.88, -154.18, and 131.62 kcal/mol at 400/sup 0/C. The electrochemical displacement reactions were found to be reversible in LiCl/KCl molten salt cells over a range of 0.0-3.0 Li equivalents per mol at current densities of 5-15 mA/cm/sup 2/. The equilibrium potential vs. Li was found to be a logarithmic function of the calculated oxygen partial pressure for any tie triangle in which Li/sub 2/O is present, or for any tie triangle containing ternary oxide phases Li /SUB x/ MO ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nanocrystalline processing by inert gas condensation has the inherent advantages of generating: (1) high surface area nanoclusters, (2) non-stoichiometric oxides, and (3) high dispersions of dopants. This approach is exploited in the synthesis of fluorite-structured catalysts for SO{sub 2} reduction by CO. Nanocrystalline CeO{sub 2{minus}x}, La-doped CeO{sub 2{minus}x}, and Cu-doped CeO{sub 2{minus}x} were produced by magnetron sputtering from a pure or mixed metal target, followed by controlled oxidation of the metallic clusters. The as-prepared doped and undoped nanocrystalline CeO{sub 2{minus}x} materials were found to be excellent catalysts for complete SO{sub 2} conversion to elemental sulfur. Undoped nanocrystalline CeO{sub 2{minus}x} enabled light-off at 460 C, a temperature {approximately} 120 C lower than that over polycrystalline CeO{sub 2}, which is a novel effective catalyst itself. The high ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a promising source of power generation in terms of conversion efficiency which is higher than the conventional one, as it is not limited by the Carnot efficiency. Theoretically, the SOFC have an efficiency of the order of 60-80 % but it is limited by the number of active side available for the reaction i.e. TPB (triple phase boundary) at the electrode-electrolyte interface which depends on the particle size of the materials employed during the fabrication of SOFC components (i.e. the method employed during the synthesis). Literally, there are several methods used in the syntheses of oxide materials such as conventional solid-state reaction, co-precipitation, hydrothermal rout, sol-gel and Glycine nitrate process (GNP) but among these GNP found to be effective over the other because of homogeneity, phase purity and smaller particle size of final product. In this work, the Nano-crystalline ...

J-STORE (Japan)

Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Research highlights: ? Correlations between microstructure and internal stress during Ti anodising are established. ? Large internal compressive stresses are accumulated in the film during anodising upto 12 V. ?A transition from compressive to tensile stress is observed when the cell voltage exceeds 12 V. ? At 40 V, the oxide films consist of two regions with different compositions and microstructures. Crystallisation of amorphous to anatase TiO2 contributes to the compressive stress relaxation. - Abstract: The relationship between the microstructural and internal stress evolution during Ti anodising is discussed. Samples anodised galvanostatically to 12 V and 40 V, corresponding to different stages of the internal stress evolution, were examined by in-plane and cross-section transmission electron microscopy. Electron diffraction patterns have been complemented with stoichiometry data obtained from energy loss near edge structure spectra. The sample anodised to 40 ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The ability to monitor the corrosion degradation of key components in fossil fuel power plants is of utmost importance for Futuregen and ultra-supercritical power plants. Fireside corrosion occurs in the high temperature sections of energy production facilities due to a number of factors: ash deposition, coal composition, thermal gradients, and low NOx conditions, among others. Problems occur when equipment designed for either oxidizing or reducing conditions is exposed to alternating oxidizing and reducing conditions. This can happen especially near the burners. The use of low NOx burners is becoming more commonplace and can produce reducing environments that accelerate corrosion. One method of addressing corrosion of these surfaces is the use of corrosion probes to monitor when process changes cause corrosive conditions. In such a case, corrosion rate could become a process control variable that directs the operation of a coal combustion or ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The partitioning of transuranium elements (TRUs) from high-level liquid waste (HLLW) through the use of pyrometallurgical technology has been underway since 1986, for the purpose of the improving the safety and public acceptance of the disposal of high-level vitrified waste. Prior to the pyrometallurgical partitioning process, the alkali metals can be separated at the denitration process for oxide conversion of HLLW, chlorination in a chloride salt bath can be used to effectively convert oxides to chlorides, and evaporated chlorides can be captured with high efficiency in another adopted chloride salt bath. The higher separation factors between actinides and rare earths are obtained in a LiCl-KCl/Bi system than in a LiCl-KCl/Cd system. Based on the results, we propose a practical process flow for partitioning TRUs from HLLW by pyrometallurgical technology. This process was demonstrated successfully using simulated purex ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

By means of an audio frequency plasma polymerisation ultra-thin gradient plasma polymer layers were deposited on zinc and zinc-coated iron. The aim was to generate an interfacial polymeric layer which bonds to an oxidised metal as well as to a subsequently applied organic coating and acts as an interfacial barrier layer for ions and water. Surface modifications were done in an in situ plasma cell with infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS). The zinc surface was first activated by an oxygen plasma to provide a freshly oxidised and contamination free oxide surface. The intermediate stages of the surface reactions could be revealed. Carbon dioxide molecules as oxidation products adsorbed on the growing zinc oxide and were desorbed at a later stage. An organosilicon plasma polymer was deposited directly on top of the oxide layer from a hexamethyldisilane (HMDS) plasma. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Spent oxide fuels are reduced in a molten salt of CaCl[sub 2]-CaF[sub 2] to convert them into metals, then melted in an Fe-U bath disposed in an electrolytic refining vessel and brought into contact with molten Mg, to extract transuranium elements and rare earth elements contained in the Fe-U bath as metals in the molten Mg. Then molten Mg is removed and the residue is brought into contact with KCl-LiCl molten salt and electrolyzed using the Fe-U as an anode. Then, uranium is recovered by deposition on an iron cathode disposed in chloride electrolytes of the electrolytic refining vessel. Uranium and transuranium elements can be thus separated and, for example, depleted uranium for use in blanket fuels can be recovered easily. This can greatly reduce the temporary storage amount of depleted uranium, to eliminate requirement for a large-scaled facility used exclusively for storing uranium and long time management for uranium. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Removal of sulfonamide (SAs) and tetracycline (TAs) classes of antibiotic compound from deionized water and DOC water by powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption was evaluated in this study. According to the study results, TAs were more easily adsorbed than SAs although TAs were more hydrophilic than SAs. The phenolic compounds in TAs might be responsible for their high adsorption. Complex formation of TAs with metal and metal oxide on the surface of activated carbon might also contribute to higher adsorption. The hydrophobic effect was important for removal of SAs. More hydrophobic SAs were removed more easily. The carbon type was not important for adsorption of SAs and TAs. Coal based carbon and coconut based carbon showed similar removal efficiencies for these antibiotics. Dissolved organic materials interfered with adsorption of SAs and TAs. Organic interference was more significant for the antibiotic compound, which ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) is the product formed by the atmospheric oxidation of the relatively common pyrite and pyrrhotite. Waste rock dumps and tailings containing sulfide mineral have been reported at toxic materials producing ARD. Mining in sulphide bearing rock is one of activity which may lead to generation and release of ARD. ARD has had some major detrimental affects on mining areas. The purpose of this study was carried out to develop disposal method for preventing contamination of water and soil environment by waste rocks dump and tailings, which could discharge the acid drainage with high level of metals. Scope of this study was as following: environmental impacts by mine wastes, geochemical characteristics such as metal speciation, acid potential and paste pH of mine wastes, interpretation of occurrence of ARD underneath tailings impoundment, analysis of slope stability of tailings dam etc. The following ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In situ spectroscopic ellipsometry was employed to investigate the initial regime of rare earth metal (REM) conversion coatings formation on AZ31 magnesium alloy. Three REM salts solutions, 0.05 mol.dm"-"3 Ce(NO_3)_3, La(NO)_3 and Sm(NO)_3 solutions, were used for REM conversion coatings preparation. By deconvoluting the ellipsometric data, the surface of the fresh well-polished AZ31 magnesium alloy was found to be covered with 15.80 nm thick native (hydr)oxide film; the refractive indices and the thickness of Ce, La and Sm conversion coatings were obtained. The formation kinetics of three REM coatings follows different exponential functions and the coatings exhibit different optical properties. La conversion coating has the largest n values and the lowest k values while Sm conversion coating is just opposite. Moreover, the pH variation of the bulk conversion solutions upon the coatings formation was recorded. It is confirmed that the reduction ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Proof-of-principle experiments are reported for a new concept in electrically rechargeable zinc-air battery. The zinc electrode is a porous flow-thru type using a copper foam metal substrate with zinc deposition onto the foam metal from concentrated zincate electrolyte (as used in zinc-slurry type batteries). The bifunctional air electrode employs low-cost materials, being fabricated entirely from carbon-based precursors and small amounts of nickel and/or cobalt oxide. Corrosion measurements on the graphite materials in the air electrode indicate sufficient corrosion resistance for 8000 h life on charge. A prototype single cell was constructed having 1.5 Ah capacity producing 1.2 V discharge -2.0 charge at the three hour rate and has produced stable voltages for more than 150 cycles. Based on the 1.5 Ah prototype characteristics, design calculations for a 32 kWh battery project an energy density of about 110 Wh/kg, peak ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report discusses the development of transition metal oxide semiconductors for photoelectrolysis of water. More specifically, it involves preparation of TiO/sub 2/ films by sputtering and evaluating their physicochemical characteristics primarily as they relate to the behaviour of the films as photoanodes. Impedance, photoelectrochemical, and photoconduction properties of TiO/sub 2/ films sputtered in pure O/sub 2/ onto heated substrates have been determined as a function of O/sub 2/ pressure during sputtering, film thickness, Pt overcoating, and cathodic treatment. The capacitance data before cathodic treatment are of the form expected. The capacitance is essentially independent of potential, while for potentials increasingly cathodic of this value, the capacitance increases very rapidly. Cathodic treatment alters the impedance characteristics of the films but leads to either no detectible change in their photoelectrochemical properties or ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As the first step for development of the corrosion resistant superheater tube materials of 500 C, 100 ata used in high efficient waste-to-energy plants, field corrosion tests of six conventional alloys were carried out at metal temperatures of 450 C and 550 C for 700 and 3,000 hours in four typical Japanese waste incineration plants. The test results indicate that austenitic alloys containing approximately 80 wt% [Cr+Ni] show excellent corrosion resistance. When the corrosive environment is severe, intergranular corrosion of 40{approximately}200 {micro}m depth occurs in stainless steel and high alloyed materials. It is confirmed quantitatively that corrosion behavior is influenced by environmental corrosion factors such as Cl concentration and thickness of deposits on tube surface, metal temperature, and flue gas temperature. The excellent corrosion resistance of high [Cr+Ni+Mo] alloys such as Alloy 625 is explained by the stability of its ...

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.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A protective film has been developed on the surface of carbon steel in low chloride aqueous environment using a synergistic mixture of an environmentally friendly phosphonic acid, N,N-bis(phosphonomethyl) glycine (BPMG), and zinc ions. Impedance studies of the metal/solution interface indicated that the surface film is highly protective against the corrosion of carbon steel in the chosen environment. Potentiodynamic polarization studies showed that the inhibitor is a mixed inhibitor. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis (XPS) of the film showed the presence of the elements iron, phosphorus, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and zinc. Deconvolution spectra of these elements in the surface film showed the presence of oxides/hydroxides of iron(III), Zn(OH)2, and [Zn(II)-BPMG] complex. This infe...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The interaction between molecules and solid surfaces plays important roles in various applications, including catalysis, sensors, nanoelectronics, and solar cells. Surprisingly, a full understanding of molecule-surface interaction at the quantum mechanical level has not been achieved even for very simple molecules, such as water. In this mini-review, we report recent progresses and current status of studies on interaction between representative molecules and surfaces. Taking water/metal, DNA bases/carbon nanotube, and organic dye molecule/oxide as examples, we focus on the understanding on the microstructure, electronic property, and electron-ion dynamics involved in these systems obtained from first-principles quantum mechanical calculations. We find that a quantum mechanical description ...

CERN Document Server

We report a new tetragonal ground-state for perovskite-structured PbCrO3 from DFT+U calculations, and explain its anomalously large volume. The new structure is stabilized due to orbital ordering of Cr-d in the presence of a large tetragonal crystal field, mainly due to off-centering of the Pb atom. At higher pressures (smaller volumes) there is a first-order transition to a cubic phase where the Cr-d orbitals are orbitally liquid. This phase-transition is accompanied by a ~11.5% volume collapse, one of the largest known for transition-metal oxides. The large ferroelasticity and its strong coupling to the orbital degrees of freedom could be exploited to form potentially useful magnetostrictive materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The use of Sialon ceramics has been restricted by the high temperature required for synthesis and the expense of the pure oxide and nitride raw materials required. For refractory applications the purity required is less demanding and it has been possible to exploit the outstanding durability of the Sialons at moderate cost. New low cost manufacturing routes are being developed by nitriding silicon metal powder at relatively low temperature with clay and various additives depending on the Sialon required. For example the introduction of carbon or fine silicon carbide allows the preparation of beta Sialons and alpha Sialons which can be stabilised by including the appropriate cations. A wide range of composite Sialon bodies with diverse properties can be prepared by a one step process. Current projects developing the synthesis routes are aimed, in the first instance, at refractory manufacture but are showing promise for more sophisticated ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nanocrystalline MnO thin film has been prepared by a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The reversible lithium storage capacity of the MnO thin film electrodes at 0.125C is over 472 mAh g{sup -1} (3484 mAh cm{sup -3}) and can be retained more than 90% after 25 cycles. At a rate of 6C, 55% value of the capacity at 0.125C rate can be obtained for both charge and discharge. As-prepared MnO thin film electrodes show the lowest values of overpotential for both charge and discharge among transition metal oxides. All these performances make MnO a promising high capacity anode material for Li-ion batteries. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An all solid-state kicker pulser for a proton radiography system has been designed. Multiple solid-state modulators stacked in an inductive-adder configuration are utilized in this kicker pulser design. Each modulator is comprised of multiple metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) which quickly switch the energy storage capacitors across a magnetic induction core. Metglas is used as the core material to minimize loss. Voltage from each modulator is inductively added by a voltage summing stalk. A circuit model of a prototype inductive adder kicker pulser modulator has been developed to predict the performance of the pulser modulator. The modeling results are compared with experimental data.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

With the assistance of mechanical activation, yttrium-stabilized #alpha#-SiAlON was prepared by combustion synthesis in air, instead of high-pressure N_2 atmosphere for the first time. The reaction activity of metallic particles was remarkably enhanced by mechanical activation, which conduced the reduction of grain size, increased the total surface area and formation of fresh surface. The formation of #alpha#-SiAlON by combustion synthesis in air was explained by a kinetically induced reaction mechanism, in which both initial formation of #alpha#-SiAlON and following avoidance of oxidation were fulfilled by the retardation of O_2 infiltration owing to the short reaction period and fast cooling rate.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Studies of the adsorption of oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, and their coadsorption, on black carbon in the form of n-hexane soot have been carried out by microgravimetry, EPR and FTIR spectroscopy over a wide range of experimental conditions. The mechanisms of adsorption of O{sub 2} and NO{sub 2} are entirely different, as reflected by adsorption isotherms, the behavior of carbon`s unpaired electrons, the spectral features of surface species formed, mass changes during adsorption-desorption cycles, and an essential lack of competition for surface sites. Significant effects of temperature, water, SO{sub 2} and NO{sub 2} concentration, O{sub 2}, simulated solar radiation, and the presence of trace metals, have been observed and interpreted.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nanoscale islands of Cu_2O have been synthesized on single-crystal SrTiO_3 (100) substrates using oxygen plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE). Island growth location has been controlled by using an ex situ Ga"+ focused ion beam (FIB) to modify the growth surface in discrete locations prior to island synthesis. The FIB modifications have generated surface topography with lateral dimensions of 150-200 nm. Ex situ atomic force microscopy study after island growth reveals that certain FIB substrate modification and MBE growth condition combinations lead to directed self-assembly of metal oxide islands at the edges of the FIB modified zones.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

AbstractBackground In recent years nano-metaloxides which easily penetrate into the cells with special interest due to their higher chemical reactivity as compared to that of similar materials in the bulk form. Of particular interest are nano-TiO2 and ZnO, which have been widely used for their bactericidal and anticancerous properties. Purpose The aim of the present study was to examine the bactericidal properties of nano-TiO2 and ZnO combined with visible light on S. aureus and S. epidermitis, known for their high prevalence in infected wounds. Study Using the technique of electron-spin resonance (ESR) coupled with spin trapping, we examined the ability of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticle suspensions in water to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) with and without visible light irradiation. Th...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The static corrosion tests in lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) were conducted from 450degreeC to 600degreeC to understand corrosion behavior and develop corrosion resistant materials for heavy liquid metal systems. While increase of Cr content in steels enhances corrosion resistance in LBE, the effect approaches a constant value above 12wt% of Cr. Corrosion depth in LBE increases with increasing temperature and corrosion attack becomes severe above 550degreeC even under the condition of high oxygen concentration. Nickel dissolution and Pb-Bi penetration occur in 316SS and JPCA above 550degreeC under the condition of high oxygen concentration. When oxygen concentration decreases below the level of Fe oxide formation, corrosion attack on these steels also becomes violent due to dissolution of var...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The shape and magnitude of the electrical resistivity [rho]([ital T]) is analyzed for four intermetallic compounds, and electron-phonon coupling constants [lambda] are extracted. ReO[sub 3] is particularly interesting because a sharp departure from the Bloch-Grueneisen shape can be attributed to high-frequency optical vibrations. The [lambda] values for the oxide metals seem too large to be consistent with the absence of superconductivity, but the results generally agree well with a conventional Fermi-liquid interpretation. The Hall coefficient [ital R][sub [ital H

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) core loading during its ninth operating cycle was significantly different from that of previous cycles because of the presence of the Core Demonstration Experiment (CDE). The CDE consists of a number of axially blanketed fuel assemblies and internal blankets prototypic of advanced oxide cores in Liquid Metal Reactors (LMR). In preparation for the Cycle 9 reload design effort, a careful assessment of control rod worth and reactivity calculations for Cycles 1 through 8 was made. The goal of this study was to establish calculational biases and reduce uncertainties factored into the reload design calculations. These analyses helped assure that the operational objectives for Cycle 9 were met.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It is necessary to identify those measurable soil parameters which dictate the severity of the corrosion problem for coated irons and steels. When this is done, meaningful accelerated aging tests can be designed to validate the reduced corrosion rate for the planned coating. The following discussion introduces the important concepts and measurement parameters in the (a) design of accelerated aging tests, and (b) evaluation of the planned installation site for corrosion potential. Certain combinations of soil oxidation reduction potential (ORP) or electric potential (Eh), acidity (pH), fertilizer, water table, and soil hydraulic conductivity can result in severe corrosion of buried steel/iron vessels. If there are power lines nearby, additional loss of vessel material to the soil will occur. These factors are discussed.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: It was recently-established for hexagonal barium ferrite-industrially important magnetically hard material that refinement of the crystallite dimensions into the nanoscale regime, typically #<=# 10 nm, leads after heat treatment at temperatures 800-1000 deg C to significant coercivity increase of up to 6.5 kOe (#approx#3-4 times) with saturation magnetisation values of 50-55 emu/g (#approx#95% of bulk at room temperature). High-energy mechanochemical processing has been applied to prepare nanostructural (nanocrystalline-amorphous) composites. High resolution electron microscopy studies reveal that the enhancement of the final magnetic properties was due to formation of magnetically noninteracting #approx#l,#mu#m Ba-ferrite particles with 5-10 nm amorphous surface layer - depending on annealing parameters. Similar situation was established also for ball milled strontium ferrite (SrFe_1_2O_1_9) powders where short annealing 4 h at 1000 deg C produced ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The optical, electromagnetic and mechanical properties of thin films (TFs) are directly correlated to their morphology at the nanoscale. This, in concert with the fact that new deposition techniques are enabling the growth of thin films with very complex morphologies, there is an increasing interest in model-based simulation (MBS) for the design of engineering structures (including nanostructures), and increasing computer speeds are beginning to make MBS an effective design tool capable of bridging the nanoscale with the continuum scale, has made it increasingly important to understand how the nanostructure of a thin film impacts its properties at all length scales. The authors have developed the capability to determine the mechanical properties of thin films with amorphous nanostructure by combining molecular dynamics, i.e., position of particles (e.g., atoms or molecules) and their interatomic potential(s), with continuum ...

Science.gov (United States)

In this Communication, we report the fabrication of well-crystallized rutile-phase TiO2 hollow spheres using potassium titanium oxalate as the precursor. The spheres exhibited unique three-dimensional hierarchical architectures and demonstrated a significantly improved photocatalytic performance. The synthetic strategy used in this process represents a general approach and therefore may contribute to the formation mechanisms of hollow nanostructures. PMID:16634578

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nanometre-sized materials, like nanowires, nanoparticles or nanobelts, are gaining huge interest as building blocks of modern electronic nanodevices. Their fabrication feasibility has been demonstrated in the last years, and different routes are already well established in order to synthesize these materials. However, the assessment of their electrical properties is still a challenging issue, due to the difficulty to perform a precise nanolithography process allowing the access to such small structures. The fabrication of metallic contacts with precision in the nanometre range is necessary, as well as achieving a flexible system that allows to contact individual structures. Such a system could be a dual-beam Focused Ion Beam instrument, which combines Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Focused Ion Beam (FIB) in one machine, able to assist deposition of materials with nanometre precision. In this work, the methodology of fabrication of ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

MnO powder materials are investigated as anode active materials for Li-ion batteries. Lithium is stored reversibly in MnO through conversion reaction and interfacial charging mechanism, according to the results of ex situ XRD, TEM and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique. A layer of the solid electrolyte interphase with a thickness of 20-60 nm is covered on MnO particles after full insertion. MnO powder materials show reversible capacity of 650 mAh g{sup -1} with average charging voltage of 1.2 V. It can deliver 400 mAh g{sup -1} at a rate of 400 mA g{sup -1}. The cyclic performance of MnO is improved significantly after decreasing particle size and coating with a layer of carbon. Among observed transition metal oxides, MnO shows relatively lower voltage hysteresis (<0.7 V) between the discharging and the charging curves at 0.05 C. In addition to its environmental benign feature and high density (5.43 g cm{sup -3}), MnO seems a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Precious metal (PM) dispersions on CeO{sub 2}-containing supports were examined. When dispersions were evaluated by the H{sub 2}-O{sub 2} titration method, the CeO{sub 2}-containing supports hide the true redox of PM because of the large oxygen storage-reduction capacity of the oxide, resulting in higher apparent dispersions than the exact values. When Pt dispersions on the CeO{sub 2} support were evaluated by the ordinary CO pulse method, CO was adsorbed on the CeO{sub 2} support as carbonate species accompanying the oxidation with lattice oxygen. Therefore, the dispersions estimated from the CO uptake were also higher than the exact value. Infrared spectra also clearly evidenced the presence of carbonate species after CO adsorption. To prevent the CO adsorption on CeO{sub 2} as the carbonate species, we treated Pt/CeO{sub 2} with CO{sub 2} before CO adsorption. The strong bands arising from carbonate species on CeO{sub 2} ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The combination of zero-valent iron (Fe0) and iron oxide-coated sand (IOCS) was used to remove Cr(VI) and As(V) from groundwater in this study. The efficiency and the removal mechanism of Cr(VI) and As(V) by using this combination, with the influence of humic acid (HA), were investigated using batch experiments. Results showed that, compared to using Fe0 or IOCS alone, the Fe0-IOCS can perform better on the removal of both Cr(VI) and As(V). Metal extraction studies showed that As(V) was mainly removed by IOCS and iron corrosion products while Cr(VI) was mainly removed by Fe0 and its corrosion products. Competition was found between Cr(VI) and As(V) for the adsorption sites on the iron corrosion products. HA had shown insignificant effects on Cr(VI) removal but some effects on As(V) removal kinetics. As(V) was adsorbed on IOCS at the earlier stage, but adsorbed/coprecipitated with the iron corrosion products at the later stage. - Research ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Manganese is an essential metal of toxicologic concern primarily because of exposure via inhalation. Environmental forms of Mn exist mainly as insoluble oxides, yet much of the research information available relates to the soluble salts. In the present study, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were intratracheally instilled with either soluble MnCl/sub 2/ or insoluble Mn/sub 3/O/sub 4/ labeled with /sup 54/Mn. Lungs and other major organs were sampled over a span of 3 mo after dosing with the respective chemicals, which were equivalent to 8 ..mu..Ci and 1 ..mu..mol of manganese in 0.2 ml of buffer. There was rapid clearance of Mn from the lungs in the case of both chemicals; the chloride cleared at an initial rate of nearly four times that of the oxide. Despite this early difference, the amount of /sup 54/Mn remaining in the lungs after 2 wk was similar for both compounds. The level of /sup 54/Mn in the liver, kidney, spleen, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We have demonstrated in this work (1) that methane is readily activated at mild conditions (100{degree}C, 1 torr) over a relatively noble metal, Pd. This was observed using a stepped and kinked Pd(679) crystal (1), and other crystal faces are now being investigated to establish whether the cracking of the C-H bond of methane on Pd is structure sensitive or structure insensitive. Oxygen chemisorption is extremely structure sensitive: weakly bonded, highly reactive oxygen overlayers form on Pd(100) surface (2), while strongly bonded, moderately reactive oxygen overlayers form on Pd(111) and Pd(679). Reaction of the weakly bonded oxygen with surface carbide gives rise to CO{sub 2} over clean Pd(100) but to CO over halogen-doped Pd(100) (3--5). The effect of halogens is primarily ensemble-controlling, or oxygen-supply restricting, but long range influence of surface Cl on the strength of the Pd-O bond has also been observed (3). Because the overall chemistry of methane ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The reaction of uranium oxides and chlorine to prepare anhydrous uranium tetrachloride (UCl{sub 4}) are important to more economical preparation of uranium metal. The most practical reactions require carbon or carbon monoxide (CO) to give CO or carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) as waste gases. The chemistry of U-O-Cl compounds is very complex with valances of 3, 4, 5, and 6 and with stable oxychlorides. Literature was reviewed to collect thermochemical data, phase equilibrium information, and results of experimental studies. Calculations using thermodynamic data can identify the probable reactions, but the results are uncertain. All the U-O-Cl compounds have large free energies of formation and the calculations give uncertain small differences of large numbers. The phase diagram for UCl{sub 4}-UO{sub 2} shows a reaction to form uranium oxychloride (UOCl{sub 2}) that has a good solubility in molten UCl{sub 4}. This appears more favorable to good rates ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Electrodeposited Zn alloys with Fe group metals are known to be more resistant than pure Zn. However, the role of the corrosion products on the corrosion inhibition is not considered up to date. The aim of the present work was to examine the composition of corrosion products, which form on the Zn and Zn alloy surfaces under atmospheric corrosion conditions up to 3 year of exposure, trying to correlate it with the differences in their corrosion resistance. Zn corrosion products have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Corrosion film composition was determined to depend on the sample exposure she, as well on the coating type. During the initial exposure stages oxide film was found to be the principal reaction product (XPS data), which in marine station consists from hydroxide phase exceptionally, while in urban one, contain up to 6-12 % of oxide. Succeeding corrosion ...

International Science & Technology Center (ISTC)

Metal Matrix Composites on the Basis of Nano-Materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A hydrous oxide film for the application as dielectric film is synthesized by immersion of pure aluminum in hot water. From a Rutherford backscattering analysis, the ratio of aluminum to oxygen atoms was found to be 3:2 in the anodized aluminum oxide film, and 2:1 in the hydrous oxide layer. Anodization of the hydrous oxide layer was more effective for the transition of amorphous anodic oxides to the crystalline aluminum oxides.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Anionic complexes of transition metals were stabilized in aqueous solutions containing high concentrations of various short-chain quaternary ammonium salts. Compounds with longer paraffin chains were effective in much less concentrated solution. Complex ions were detected spectrophotometrically. FeCl/sub 4//sup -/, which is usually formed in concentrated HCl, was the predominant Fe(III) complex in 30 m choline chloride containing only 0.12 M HCl. A yellow transitory Tc(VII) chloro-addition intermediate, formed in the reduction of TcO/sub 4//sup -/ by concentrated HCl, was stabilized when the solution also contained 25 m choline chloride. Its spectrum, as well as the isolation of an already known Tc(VII) bipyridyl complex, is reported. Concentrated organic electrolytes also stabilized Tc(V) oxide halides against disproportionation and Tc(IV) hexahalides against hydrolysis. Halochromates of Cr(VI) were formed and stabilized in dilute acid ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The condition of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) in wet storage at ten Soviet-designed research reactors has been assessed in the light of international experience in order to identify any associated safety issues. These reactors use Al-clad UO2-Al or U-Al alloy dispersion fuels of ?20% enrichment that were fabricated in Russia; the reactors have been in operation since 1955-70. Although originally sent for reprocessing, much of the SNF generated over the last 25-30 years has been stored in fuel storage pools (FSPs) of variable water quality. The external condition of wet-stored SNF assemblies from the reactors surveyed varied from significant failure due to galvanic corrosion that was driven by poor water quality, through gradual pitting caused by slightly impure water, to a stable condition of no observable change in the oxidized Al alloy surface of the irradiated fuel. SNF stability in wet storage seems to depend on three factors: Al being the sole ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The influence of chemical composition and heat treatment on a low-carbon steel, chromium steel and high speed steel has been examined by polarisation curves and electrochemical parameters deduced from the Tafel plots. The electrochemical corrosion resistance, which is small between the as-received steels become greater after heat treatment, following the order: carbon steel < chromium steel #approx# high speed steel. To explain these differences, the nano- and microstructure of the steels has been characterized by the ex situ techniques of atomic force microscopy and optical microscopy, before and after surface etching with Nital (a solution of 5% HNO_3 in ethanol). This causes preferential attack of the ferrite phases showing the carbide phases more clearly. From these nanostructural studies it was possible to better understand why the passive films formed on chromium steel and high speed steel have superior protective properties to those formed on carbon ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spherical nanostructured Si/C composite was prepared by spray drying technique, followed by heat treatment, in which nanosized silicon and fine graphite particles were homogeneously embedded in carbon matrix pyrolyzed by phenol formaldehyde resin. Cyclic voltammetry tests showed two pairs of redox peaks corresponding to lithiation and delithiation of Si/C composite. The Si/C composite exhibited a reversible capacity of 635 mAh g"-"1 and good cycle performance used in lithium ion batteries. To improve cycle performance of this Si/C composite further, the carbon-coated Si/C composite was synthesized by the second spray drying and heat treatment processing. The cycle performance of carbon-coated Si/C composite was improved significantly, which was attributed to the formation of stable SEI passivation layers on the outer surface of carbon shell which protected the bared silicon from exposing to electrolyte directly.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The nanostructure Ni-doped CdO films have been prepared by sol gel spin coating method. Atomic force microscopy results indicate that the CdO films are formed from the nanoparticles and the grain size is changed with nickel content. X-ray diffraction patterns of the films indicate that the undoped and Ni-doped CdO films have polycrystalline structure with a cubic sodium chloride structure, showing two main characteristic peaks assigned to the (111) and (200) planes. The optical band gap values of undoped and Ni-doped CdO films were determined by optical absorption method. The Eg values of the CdO films were found to be in the range of 2.26?2.60?eV. The Eg values of the CdO films increase with the content of Ni dopant (up to 6% Ni). It is evaluated that the optical band gap and grain size o...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Herein, we report engineering of nanostructured p-CuIn3Se5/n-CdS heterojunction thin film on a glass substrate, which is prepared at room temperature using simple wet chemical approach involving ion exchange reactions between CdS and Cu^+, In^3^+ and Se^2^- ions in alkaline medium. The uniform deposition of heterojunction thin films is achieved by optimizing the pH, temperature and molarity of the reactant bath. The as-deposited thin-films were annealed at 200^oC in air for 1h and further characterized for structural, optical and electrical properties using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Hall effect for type of conductivity, and I-V measurement to investigate the char...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We used light confinement in optical microcavities to achieve a strong enhancement and a precise wavelength tunability of the electrical photoconductance of nanostructured porous silicon (PS). The devices consist of a periodic array of alternating PS layers, electrochemically etched to have high and low porosities - and therefore distinct dielectric functions. A central layer having a doubled thickness breaks up the symmetry of the one-dimensional photonic structure, producing a resonance in the photonic band gap that is clearly observed in the reflectance spectrum. The devices were transferred to a glass coated with a transparent SnO{sub 2} electrode, while an Al contact was evaporated on its back side. The electrical conductance was measured as a function of the photon energy. A strong enhancement of the conductance is obtained in a narrow (17nm FWHM) band peaking at the resonance. We present experimental results of the angular dependence of this photoconductance ...

Science.gov (United States)

Hydrothermal oxidation (HTO) is a promising technology for the treatment of aqueous-fluid hazardous and mixed waste streams. Waste streams identified as likely candidates for treatment by this technology are primarily aqueous fluids containing hazardous organic compounds, and often containing inorganic compounds including radioisotopes (mixed wastes). These wastes are difficult and expensive to treat by conventional technologies (e.g. incineration) due to their high water content; in addition, incineration can lead to concerns related to stack releases. An especially attractive potential advantage of HTO over conventional treatment methods is the total containment of all reaction products within the overall system. The potential application of hydrothermal oxidation (HTO) technology for the treatment of DOE hazardous or mixed wastes has been uncertain due to concerns about safe and efficient operation of the technology. In principle, aqueous ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

HgTe rod-shape composed of crystalline particles has been prepared by a hydrothermal method, and characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transition electron microscopy (TEM). The effects of capping agents, reductants, reaction temperatures, and reaction times on crystal structures and shapes of HgTe have been investigated. The results showed that the CTAB as capping agent plays a crucial role in the hydrothermal process. The synthesis procedure is simple and uses less toxic reagents than the previously reported methods.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An annealing with the nanosecond laser light pulse is applied for crystal lattice reconstruction of a disturbed near-surface layer, which was created in semiconductor material as a result of the implantation process. Radiation with energy density higher than the threshold value causes the melting of the surface layer and than the epitaxial recrystallization from the melt on a different substrate. Structural changes occurring in the Ge implanted Si crystals after annealing with different energy densities are investigated by means of the cross-section high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper reports the presence of face centered cubic cobalt precipitates inside tungsten carbide in nanocomposite of WC-Co synthesized by spray conversion processing. EDS was used to identify the presence and micro-diffraction was employed to determine the nature of the precipitates. There is entrapment of cobalt in tungsten carbide during the spray conversion process used to form WC/Co powder. During consolidation, at high temperatures, the cobalt attains enough mobility to precipitate inside WC. A vanadium containing compound was seen at the interfaces in samples which incorporated VC as a grain growth inhibitor. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Dynamic Transmission Electron Microscope (DTEM) is introduced as a novel tool for in situ processing of materials. Examples of various types of dynamic studies outline the advantages and differences of laser-based heating in the DTEM in comparison to conventional (resistive) heating in situ TEM methods. We demonstrate various unique capabilities of the drive laser, namely, in situ processing of nanoscale materials, rapid and high temperature phase transformations, and controlled thermal activation of materials. These experiments would otherwise be impossible without the use of the DTEM drive laser. Thus, the potential of the DTEM to as a new technique to process and characterize the growth of a myriad of micro and nanostructures is demonstrated.

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 imposes heavy devices. A ...

Science.gov (United States)

Natural bone consists of hard nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HA) in a nanostructured protein-based soft hydrogel template (ie, mostly collagen). For this reason, nanostructured HA has been an intriguing coating material on traditionally used titanium for improving orthopedic applications. In addition, helical rosette nanotubes (HRNs), newly developed materials which form through the self-assembly process of DNA base pair building blocks in body solutions, are soft nanotubes with a helical architecture that mimics natural collagen. Thus, the objective of this in vitro study was for the first time to combine the promising attributes of HRNs and nanocrystalline HA on titanium and assess osteoblast (bone-forming cell) functions. Different sizes of nanocrystalline HA were synthesized in this study through a wet chemical precipitation process following either hydrothermal treatment or sintering. Transmission electron microscopy ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The oxidative stress theory of aging predicts that manipulations that alter oxidative stress/damage will alter aging. The gold standard for determining whether aging is altered is lifespan,...Full Text Available