NOVEL EMBEDDED CERAMIC ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE NANOSTRUCTURED TITANIUM DIOXIDE FOR DEGRADATION OF MTBE

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...

Anodic deposition-assisted photoelectrocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A at a cadmium sulfide modified electrode based on visible light-driven fuel cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Luo, Jin-Yuan; Chen, Lin-Lin; Liang, Xing-Hui; Zhao, Qian-Wen; Li, Hong

2015-01-01

Highlights: • CdS nanoparticles can largely promote anodic deposition of BPA in the dark. • Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of BPA is driven by photo-stimulated fuel cells. • CdS/ITO is regenerated in photoelectrocatalytic degradation process of BPA. • Visible light-driven BPA fuel cell exhibits several unique advantages. - Abstract: A novel photoelectrocatalytic oxidation method has been successfully developed to effectively degrade bisphenol A (BPA) using a visible light-sensitive CdS nanoparticle modified indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode. In the present protocol, BPA is oxidized on the CdS/ITO electrode to produce a redox-active film (BPA AD ), which is subsequently degraded upon incorporation of visible light irradiation and anodic electric fields, making the CdS/ITO electrode cyclically regenerated and the BPA removed. The addition of CdS nanoparticles to the ITO electrode not only increases the anodic deposition of BPA in the dark, but also promotes the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of BPA under visible light irradiation. The CdS/ITO photoanode shows high regeneration ability, and the removal efficiency of BPA is high up to 94.1%. Meanwhile, a monopolar visible light-simulated BPA fuel cell vs. Ag/AgCl electrode with a salt bridge is fabricated to achieve the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of BPA, showing open-circuit photovoltage of 0.412 (±0.015) V and short-circuit photocurrent density of 20.52 (±1.02) μA cm −2 , respectively. The present study provides a new approach for efficient removal of phenolic pollutants and optimum utilization of renewable energy sources.

Electrolytic trichloroethene degradation using mixed metal oxide coated titanium mesh electrodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Petersen, Matthew A; Sale, Thomas C; Reardon, Kenneth F

2007-04-01

Electrochemical systems provide a low cost, versatile, and controllable platform to potentially treat contaminants in water, including chlorinated solvents. Relative to bare metal or noble metal amended materials, dimensionally stable electrode materials such as mixed metal oxide coated titanium (Ti/MMO) have advantages in terms of stability and cost, important factors for sustainable remediation solutions. Here, we report the use of Ti/MMO as an effective cathode substrate for treatment of trichloroethene (TCE). TCE degradation in a batch reactor was measured as the decrease of TCE concentration over time and the corresponding evolution of chloride; notably, this occurred without the formation of commonly encountered chlorinated intermediates. The reaction was initiated when Ti/MMO cathode potentials were less than -0.8 V vs. the standard hydrogen electrode, and the rate of TCE degradation increased linearly with progressively more negative potentials. The maximum pseudo-first-order heterogeneous rate constant was approximately 0.05 cm min(-1), which is comparable to more commonly used cathode materials such as nickel. In laboratory-scale flow-though column reactors designed to simulate permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), TCE concentrations were reduced by 80-90%. The extent of TCE flux reduction increased with the applied potential difference across the electrodes and was largely insensitive to the spacing distance between the electrodes. This is the first report of the electrochemical reduction of a chlorinated organic contaminant at a Ti/MMO cathode, and these results support the use of this material in PRBs as a possible approach to manage TCE plume migration.

Visible light photoelectrocatalysis with salicylic acid-modified TiO2 nanotube array electrode for p-nitrophenol degradation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Xin; Zhao Huimin; Quan Xie; Zhao Yazhi; Chen Shuo

2009-01-01

This research focused on immersion method synthesis of visible light active salicylic acid (SA)-modified TiO 2 nanotube array electrode and its photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) activity. The SA-modified TiO 2 nanotube array electrode was synthesized by immersing in SA solution with an anodized TiO 2 nanotube array electrode. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS), and Surface photovoltage (SPV) were used to characterize this electrode. It was found that SA-modified TiO 2 nanotube array electrode absorbed well into visible region and exhibited enhanced visible light PEC activity on the degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP). The degradation efficiencies increased from 63 to 100% under UV light, and 79-100% under visible light (λ > 400 nm), compared with TiO 2 nanotube array electrode. The enhanced PEC activity of SA-modified TiO 2 nanotube array electrode was attributed to the amount of surface hydroxyl groups introduced by SA-modification and the extension of absorption wavelength range.

Magnetic loading of TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles on electrode surface for photoelectrocatalytic degradation of diclofenac

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hu, Xinyue; Yang, Juan [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Luoyu Road 1037, Wuhan 430074 (China); Zhang, Jingdong, E-mail: zhangjd@mail.hust.edu.cn [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Luoyu Road 1037, Wuhan 430074 (China)

2011-11-30

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Magnetic TSF nanoparticles are immobilized on electrode surface with aid of magnet. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Magnetically attached TSF electrode shows high photoelectrochemical activity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Diclofenac is effectively degraded on TSF-loaded electrode by photoelectrocatalysis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of diclofenac is monitored with voltammetry. - Abstract: A novel magnetic nanomaterials-loaded electrode developed for photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) treatment of pollutants was described. Prior to electrode fabrication, magnetic TiO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} (TSF) nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and FT-IR measurements. The nanoparticles were dispersed in ethanol and then immobilized on a graphite electrode surface with aid of magnet to obtain a TSF-loaded electrode with high photoelectrochemical activity. The performance of the TSF-loaded electrode was tested by comparing the PEC degradation of methylene blue in the presence and absence of magnet. The magnetically attached TSF electrode showed higher PEC degradation efficiency with desirable stability. Such a TSF-loaded electrode was applied to PEC degradation of diclofenac. After 45 min PEC treatment, 95.3% of diclofenac was degraded on the magnetically attached TSF electrode.

Electro-catalytic degradation of bisphenol A with modified Co3O4/β-PbO2/Ti electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao, Jun; Zhu, Chengzhu; Lu, Jun; Hu, Caiju; Peng, Shuchuan; Chen, Tianhu

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Co 3 O 4 /β-PbO 2 electrode was prepared and an excellent electrocatalytic property. • Co 3 O 4 /β-PbO 2 electrode had good corrosion resistance characterization and lifetime. • BPA electrocatalytic degradation followed pseudo-first-order reaction process. - Abstract: Ti-base Co 3 O 4 /β-PbO 2 composite electrodes were prepared using electro-deposition and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry and the accelerated life testing, it indicated that the self-made electrode had high activity in electrolysis as well as excellent corrosion resistance and excellent catalytic performance. The results showed that the removal efficiency of COD Cr could be reached up to 92.2% after 1.5 h electrolysis at NaCl concentration of 0.020 mol·L −1 , bisphenol A initial concentration of 20 mg·L −1 , applied voltage of 20 V, electrode spacing of 7 cm and electrolyte pH of 5. The reaction mechanism and kinetics of Co 3 O 4 /β-PbO 2 /Ti composite electrodes electro-catalytic degradation bisphenol A mainly caused by the OH radical attacking parent molecules and the degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics

Dielectric/metal/dielectric alternative transparent electrode: observations on stability/degradation

Science.gov (United States)

Cattin, L.; Jouad, El; Stephant, N.; Louarn, G.; Morsli, M.; Hssein, M.; Mouchaal, Y.; Thouiri, S.; Addou, M.; Khelil, A.; Bernède, J. C.

2017-09-01

The use of indium-free transparent conductive electrodes is of great interest for organic optoelectronic devices. Among the possible replacements for ITO, dielectric/metal/dielectric (D/M/D) multilayer structures have already proven to be quite efficient. One issue with organic devices is their lifetime, which depends not only on the organic molecules used but also on the electrodes. Therefore we study the variation, with elapsed time, of the electrical and optical properties of different D/M/D structures, with M  =  Ag or Cu/Ag. Six years after realization, it has been shown that if some structures retained an acceptable conductivity, some others became non-conductive. For a sample which remains conductive, in the case of a PET/MoO3/Ag/MoO3 multilayer structure, the sheet resistance changes from 5 Ω/sq-17 Ω/sq after six years. This evolution can be compared to that of a PET/ITO electrode that varies from 25 Ω/sq-900 Ω/sq after six years. It means that not only are the PET/MoO3/Ag/MoO3 multilayer structures more flexible than PET/ITO, but they can also be more stable. Nevertheless, if some PET/MoO3/Ag/MoO3 multilayer structures are quite stable, some others are not. This possible degradation appears to be caused primarily by the physical agglomeration of Ag, which can result in Ag film disruption. This Ag diffusion seems to be caused by humidity-induced degradation in these Ag-based D/M/D structures. Initially, defects begin to grow at a ‘nucleus’, usually a microscopic particle (or pinhole, etc), and then they spread radially outward to form a nearly circular pattern. For a critical density of such defects, the structure becomes non-conductive. Moreover the effect of humidity promotes Ag electrochemical reactions that produce Ag+ ions and enhances surface diffusivity with AgCl formation.

Dielectric/metal/dielectric alternative transparent electrode: observations on stability/degradation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cattin, L; Stephant, N; Louarn, G; Hssein, M; Jouad, El; Mouchaal, Y; Thouiri, S; Bernède, J C; Morsli, M; Addou, M; Khelil, A

2017-01-01

The use of indium-free transparent conductive electrodes is of great interest for organic optoelectronic devices. Among the possible replacements for ITO, dielectric/metal/dielectric (D/M/D) multilayer structures have already proven to be quite efficient. One issue with organic devices is their lifetime, which depends not only on the organic molecules used but also on the electrodes. Therefore we study the variation, with elapsed time, of the electrical and optical properties of different D/M/D structures, with M  =  Ag or Cu/Ag. Six years after realization, it has been shown that if some structures retained an acceptable conductivity, some others became non-conductive. For a sample which remains conductive, in the case of a PET/MoO 3 /Ag/MoO 3 multilayer structure, the sheet resistance changes from 5 Ω/sq–17 Ω/sq after six years. This evolution can be compared to that of a PET/ITO electrode that varies from 25 Ω/sq–900 Ω/sq after six years. It means that not only are the PET/MoO 3 /Ag/MoO 3 multilayer structures more flexible than PET/ITO, but they can also be more stable. Nevertheless, if some PET/MoO 3 /Ag/MoO 3 multilayer structures are quite stable, some others are not. This possible degradation appears to be caused primarily by the physical agglomeration of Ag, which can result in Ag film disruption. This Ag diffusion seems to be caused by humidity-induced degradation in these Ag-based D/M/D structures. Initially, defects begin to grow at a ‘nucleus’, usually a microscopic particle (or pinhole, etc), and then they spread radially outward to form a nearly circular pattern. For a critical density of such defects, the structure becomes non-conductive. Moreover the effect of humidity promotes Ag electrochemical reactions that produce Ag + ions and enhances surface diffusivity with AgCl formation. (paper)

Study of the degradation of liquid-organic radioactive wastes by electrochemical methods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hernandez A, J. I.

2015-01-01

In this study degradation studies were performed on blank samples, in which two electrochemical cells with different electrodes were used, the first is constituted by mesh electrodes Ti/Ir-Ta/Ti and the second by rod electrodes Ti/Ddb, using as reference an electrolytic medium of scintillation liquid and scintillation liquid more water, applying different potentials ranging from 1 to 25 V. After obtaining the benchmarks, the treatment was applied to samples containing organic liquid radioactive waste, in this case a short half-life radioisotope as Sulfur-35, the degradation characterization of organic compounds was performed in infrared spectrometry. (Author)

Novel electrode structure in a DBD reactor applied to the degradation of phenol in aqueous solution

Science.gov (United States)

Mercado-Cabrera, Antonio; Peña-Eguiluz, Rosendo; López-Callejas, Régulo; Jaramillo-Sierra, Bethsabet; Valencia-Alvarado, Raúl; Rodríguez-Méndez, Benjamín; Muñoz-Castro, Arturo E.

2017-07-01

Phenol degradation experimental results are presented in a similar wastewater aqueous solution using a non-thermal plasma reactor in a coaxial dielectric barrier discharge. The novelty of the work is that one of the electrodes of the reactor has the shape of a hollow screw which shows an enhanced efficiency compared with a traditional smooth structure. The experimentation was carried out with gas mixtures of 90% Ar-10% O2, 80% Ar-20% O2 and 0% Ar-100% O2. After one hour of treatment the removal efficiency was 76%, 92%, and 97%, respectively, assessed with a gas chromatographic mass spectrometry technique. For both reactors used, the ozone concentration was measured. The screw electrode required less energy, for all gas mixtures, than the smooth electrode, to maintain the same ozone concentration. On the other hand, it was also observed that in both electrodes the electrical conductivity of the solution changed slightly from ˜0.0115 S m-1 up to ˜0.0430 S m-1 after one hour of treatment. The advantages of using the hollow screw electrode structure compared with the smooth electrode were: (1) lower typical power consumption, (2) the generation of a uniform plasma throughout the reactor benefiting the phenol degradation, (3) a relatively lower temperature of the aqueous solution during the process, and (4) the plasma generation length is larger.

Degradation of paracetamol by advance oxidation processes using modified reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes with TiO(2) and CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3).

Science.gov (United States)

Arredondo Valdez, H C; García Jiménez, G; Gutiérrez Granados, S; Ponce de León, C

2012-11-01

The degradation of paracetamol in aqueous solutions in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was carried out by photochemistry, electrolysis and photoelectrolysis using modified 100 pores per inch reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes. The electrodes were coated with catalysts such as TiO(2) and CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) by electrophoresis followed by heat treatment. The results of the electrolysis with bare reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes show that 90% paracetamol degradation occurs in 4 h at 1.3 V vs. SCE, forming intermediates such as benzoquinone and carboxylic acids followed by their complete mineralisation. When the electrolysis was carried out with the modified electrodes such as TiO(2)/RVC, 90% degradation was achieved in 2 h while with CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3)/RVC, 98% degradation took only 1 h. The degradation was also carried out in the presence of UV reaching 95% degradation with TiO(2)/RVC/UV and 99% with CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3)/RVC/UV in 1 h. The reactions were followed by spectroscopy UV-Vis, HPLC and total organic carbon analysis. These studies show that the degradation of paracetamol follows a pseudo-first order reaction kinetics. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photo-oxidative degradation of Chicago Sky Blue azo dye on transition metal oxide electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Slote, J.; Luo, J.; Hepel, M. [State Univ. of New York at Potsdam, NY (United States). Dept. of Chemistry; Zhong, C.-J. [State Univ. of New York at Binghamton, NY (United States). Dept. of Chemistry

2003-07-01

Every day, an average of 128 tons of dye staffs are discharged into waste water, causing environmental harm. The authors discussed the photo-electrical method for separating the semiconductor catalyst particles from the solution and direct control of the interfacial potential as an efficient and convenient method for degrading organic dyes. Photocurrent-potential measurements were made using a standard photoelectrochemical setup. It involved a microcomputer-controlled potentiostat and a 500 watts (W) quartz halogen lamp as the illumination source. The measurement of the photocurrent represented the difference between the current under illumination and current in the dark. Three-electrode electrochemical cells were used for all experiments. The best results concerning the degradation of dyes were obtained with tungsten oxides (WO3) and molybdenum oxides (MoO3) electrodes. Confirmation that the dyes had been fully degraded was obtained by performing absorbance measurements and a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the samples after degradation. The effect on the rate of decolorisation process of Chicago Sky Blue, a diazo dye, and other dyes, of pH, potential, concentration, and type of supporting electrolyte was examined. The supporting electrolyte was found to have a strong influence on the degradation of diazo dye. Illumination with visible light yielded lower degradation rates than that with ultraviolet-visible light. It appears that Chicago Sky Blue dye sensitizes the semiconductor to expand the absorption of light energy well into visible range, despite the photoelectrochemical degradation of the dye being mainly induced by the ultraviolet light. The authors proposed the mechanisms of the reactions occurring during the photodegradation process. 6 refs., 1 fig.

[Studies on photo-electron-chemical catalytic degradation of the malachite green].

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Ming-yu; Diao, Zeng-hui; Song, Lin; Wang, Xin-le; Zhang, Yuan-ming

2010-07-01

A novel two-compartment photo-electro-chemical catalytic reactor was designed. The TiO2/Ti thin film electrode thermally formed was used as photo-anode, and graphite as cathode and a saturated calomel electrode (SCE) as the reference electrode in the reactor. The anode compartment and cathode compartment were connected with the ionic exchange membrane in this reactor. Effects of initial pH, initial concentration of malachite green and connective modes between the anode compartment and cathode compartment on the decolorization efficiency of malachite green were investigated. The degradation dynamics of malachite green was studied. Based on the change of UV-visible light spectrum, the degradation process of malachite green was discussed. The experimental results showed that, during the time of 120 min, the decolouring ratio of the malachite green was 97.7% when initial concentration of malachite green is 30 mg x L(-1) and initial pH is 3.0. The catalytic degradation of malachite green was a pseudo-first order reaction. In the degradation process of malachite green the azo bond cleavage and the conjugated system of malachite green were attacked by hydroxyl radical. Simultaneity, the aromatic ring was oxidized. Finally, malachite green was degraded into other small molecular compounds.

[Studies on the degradation of paracetamol in sono-electrochemical oxidation].

Science.gov (United States)

Dai, Qi-Zhou; Ma, Wen-Jiao; Shen, Hong; Chen, Jun; Chen, Jian-Meng

2012-07-01

A novel lead dioxide electrodes co-doped with rare earth and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were prepared by the electrode position method and applied as anodes in sono-electrochemical oxidation for pharmaceutical wastewater degradation. The results showed that the APAP removal and the mineralization efficiency reached an obvious increase, which meant that the catalytic efficiency showed a significant improvement in the use of rare-earth doped electrode. The effects of process factors showed that the condition of the electrode had the best degradation efficiency with doped with Ce2O3 under electrolyte concentration of 14.2 g x L(-1), 49.58 W x cm(-2), 50 Hz, pH = 3, 71.43 mA x cm(-2). The APAP of 500 mg x L(-1) removal rate reached 92.20% and its COD and TOC values declined to 79.95% and 58.04%, the current efficiency reached 45.83% after degradation process for 2.0 h. The intermediates were monitored by the methods of GC-MS, HPLC, and IC. The main intermediates of APAP were p-benzoquinone, benzoic acid, acetic acid, maleic acid, oxalic acid, formic acid etc, and the final products were carbon dioxide and water. The goal of completely degradation of pollutant was achieved and a possible degradation way was proposed.

Electrolytic Manipulation of Persulfate Reactivity by Iron Electrodes for TCE Degradation in Groundwater

Science.gov (United States)

Yuan, Songhu; Liao, Peng; Alshawabkeh, Akram N.

2014-01-01

Activated persulfate oxidation is an effective in situ chemical oxidation process for groundwater remediation. However, reactivity of persulfate is difficult to manipulate or control in the subsurface causing activation before reaching the contaminated zone and leading to a loss of chemicals. Furthermore, mobilization of heavy metals by the process is a potential risk. An effective approach using iron electrodes is thus developed to manipulate the reactivity of persulfate in situ for trichloroethylene (TCE) degradation in groundwater, and to limit heavy metals mobilization. TCE degradation is quantitatively accelerated or inhibited by adjusting the current applied to the iron electrode, following k1 = 0.00053•Iv + 0.059 (−122 A/m3 ≤ Iv ≤ 244 A/m3) where k1 and Iv are the pseudo first-order rate constant (min−1) and volume normalized current (A/m3), respectively. Persulfate is mainly decomposed by Fe2+ produced from the electrochemical and chemical corrosion of iron followed by the regeneration via Fe3+ reduction on the cathode. SO4•− and •OH co-contribute to TCE degradation, but •OH contribution is more significant. Groundwater pH and oxidation-reduction potential can be restored to natural levels by the continuation of electrolysis after the disappearance of contaminants and persulfate, thus decreasing adverse impacts such as the mobility of heavy metals in the subsurface. PMID:24328192

Highly efficient electrochemical degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by F-doped Ti/SnO{sub 2} electrode

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Bo, E-mail: boyang@szu.edu.cn [Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060 (China); School of Environment, POPs Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Jiang, Chaojin [Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060 (China); Yu, Gang, E-mail: yg-den@tsinghua.edu.cn [School of Environment, POPs Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Zhuo, Qiongfang [South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, The Ministry of Environment Protection, Guangzhou 510655 (China); Deng, Shubo [School of Environment, POPs Research Center, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China); Wu, Jinhua [School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006 (China); Zhang, Hong [Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060 (China)

2015-12-15

Highlights: • A novel SnO{sub 2} electrode is prepared by F doping instead of the traditional Sb doping. • SnF{sub 4} as single-source precursor is used to fabricate the long-life Ti/SnO{sub 2}–F anode. • F-doped Ti/SnO{sub 2} anode possesses high OEP and decomposition ability for PFOA. • Further mechanistic detail of PFOA degradation on Ti/SnO{sub 2}–F electrode is proposed. - Abstract: The novel F-doped Ti/SnO{sub 2} electrode prepared by SnF{sub 4} as the single-source precursor was used for electrochemical degradation of aqueous perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Higher oxidation reactivity and significantly longer service life were achieved for Ti/SnO{sub 2}–F electrode than Ti/SnO{sub 2}–X (X = Cl, Br, I, or Sb) electrode, which could decomposed over 99% of PFOA (50 mL of 100 mg L{sup −1}) within 30-min electrolysis. The property of Ti/SnO{sub 2}–F electrode and its electrooxidation mechanism were investigated by XRD, SEM–EDX, EIS, LSV, and interfacial resistance measurements. We propose that the similar ionic radii of F and O as well as strong electronegativity of F caused its electrochemical stability with high oxygen evolution potential (OEP) and smooth surface to generate weakly adsorbed ·OH. The preparation conditions of electrode were also optimized including F doping amount, calcination temperature, and dip coating times, which revealed the formation process of electrode. Additionally, the major mineralization product, F{sup −}, and low concentration of shorter chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were detected in solution. So the reaction pathway of PFOA electrooxidation was proposed by intermediate analysis. These results demonstrate that Ti/SnO{sub 2}–F electrode is promising for highly efficient treatment of PFOA in wastewater.

Studies of local degradation phenomena in composite cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kerlau, Marie; Marcinek, Marek; Srinivasan, Venkat; Kostecki, Robert M.

2007-01-01

LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 and LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 composite cathodes were cycled in model cells to study interfacial phenomena that could lead to electrode degradation. Ex situ spectroscopic analysis of the tested cathodes, which suffered substantial power and capacity loss, showed that the state of charge (SOC) of oxide particles on the cathode surface was highly non-uniform despite the deep discharge of the Li-ion cell at the end of the test. The inconsistent kinetic behavior of individual oxide particles was attributed to the degradation of electronic pathways within the composite cathodes. A simple theoretical model based on a distributed network showed that an increase of the contact resistance between composite electrode particles may be responsible for non-uniform local kinetic behavior of individual oxide particles and the overall degradation of electrochemical performance of composite electrodes

Effect of N,C-ITO on Composite N,C-Ti/N,C-ITO/ITO Electrode Used for Photoelectrochemical Degradation of Aqueous Pollutant with Simultaneous Hydrogen Production

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kee-Rong Wu

2012-01-01

Full Text Available This study reports the effect of N,C-ITO (indium tin oxide layer on composite N,C-TiO2/N,C-ITO/ITO (Ti/TO electrode used for efficient photoelectrocatalytic (PEC degradation of aqueous pollutant with simultaneous hydrogen production. The structural properties of the composite Ti/TO electrode that determined by X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering, show primarily the crystallized anatase TiO2 phase and distinct diffraction patterns of polycrystalline In2O3 phase. Under solar light illumination, the composite Ti/TO electrode yields simultaneously a hydrogen production rate of 12.0 μmol cm−2 h−1 and degradation rate constant of  cm−2 h−1 in organic pollutant. It implies that the overlaid N,C-TiO2 layer enhances not only the photocurrent response of the composite Ti/TO electrode at entire applied potentials, but also the flat band potential; a shift of about 0.1 V toward cathode, which is desperately beneficial in the PEC process. In light of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy findings, these results are attributable partly to the synergetic effect of N,C-codoping into the TiO2 and ITO lattices on their band gap narrowing and photosensitizing as well. Thus, the Ti/TO electrode can potentially serve an efficient PEC electrode for simultaneous pollutant degradation and hydrogen production.

Electrochemical degradation of Ibuprofen on Ti/Pt/PbO2 and Si/BDD electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ciriaco, L.; Anjo, C.; Correia, J.; Pacheco, M.J.; Lopes, A.

2009-01-01

The electrochemical oxidation of Ibuprofen (Ibu) was performed using a Ti/Pt/PbO 2 electrode as the anode, prepared according to literature, and a boron doped diamond (BDD) electrode, commercially available at Adamant Technologies. Tests were performed with model solutions of Ibu, with concentrations ranging from 0.22 to 1.75 mM for the Ti/Pt/PbO 2 electrode and 1.75 mM for the BDD electrode, using 0.035 M Na 2 SO 4 as the electrolyte, in a batch cell, at different current densities (10, 20 and 30 mA cm -2 ). Absorbance measurements, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) tests were conducted for all samples. The results have shown a very good degradation of Ibu, with COD removals between 60 and 95% and TOC removals varying from 48 to 92%, in 6 h experiments, with higher values obtained with the BDD electrode. General Current Efficiency and Mineralization Current Efficiency, determined for both electrodes, show a similar behaviour for 20 mA cm -2 but a very different one at 30 mA cm -2 . The combustion efficiency was also determined for both anodes, and found to be slightly higher with BDD at lower current density and equal to 100% for both anodes at 30 mA cm -2

The role of upstream distal electrodes in mitigating electrochemical degradation of ionic liquid ion sources

Science.gov (United States)

Brikner, Natalya; Lozano, Paulo C.

2012-11-01

Ionic liquid ion sources produce molecular ions from micro-tip emitters wetted with room-temperature molten salts. When a single ion polarity is extracted, counterions accumulate and generate electrochemical reactions that limit the source lifetime. The dynamics of double layer formation are reviewed and distal electrode contacts are introduced to resolve detrimental electrochemical decomposition effects at the micro-tip apex. By having the emitter follow the ionic liquid potential, operation can be achieved for an extended period of time with no apparent degradation of the material, indicating that electrochemistry can be curtailed and isolated to the upstream distal electrode.

Influence of the oxygen electrode and inter-diffusion barrier on the degradation of solid oxide electrolysis cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hjalmarsson, Per; Sun, Xiufu; Liu, Yi-Lin

2013-01-01

-diffusion barrier sandwiched between the YSZ electrolyte and an LSCF:CGO oxygen electrode. Impedance Spectroscopy was used during the tests to diagnose the change in electrochemical response of the different components of the SOECs. The results showed a significantly lower degradation rate for the cell with an LSCF......Two Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs) with different oxygen electrodes have been tested in galvanostatic tests carried out at −1.5 Acm−2 and 800 °C converting 60% of a 50:50% mixture of H2O and CO2 (co-electrolysis). One of the cells had an LSM:YSZ oxygen electrode. The other had an CGO inter...

Preparation of nitrogen-doped cotton stalk microporous activated carbon fiber electrodes with different surface area from hexamethylenetetramine-modified cotton stalk for electrochemical degradation of methylene blue

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kunquan Li

Full Text Available Cotton-stalk activated carbon fibers (CSCFs with controllable micropore area and nitrogen content were prepared as an efficient electrode from hexamethylenetetramine-modified cotton stalk by steam/ammonia activation. The influence of microporous area, nitrogen content, voltage and initial concentration on the electrical degradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB was evaluated by using CSCFs as anode. Results showed that the CSCF electrodes exhibited excellent MB electrochemical degradation ability including decolorization and COD removal. Increasing micropore surface area and nitrogen content of CSCF anode leaded to a corresponding increase in MB removal. The prepared CSCF-800-15-N, which has highest N content but lowest microporous area, attained the best degradation effect with 97% MB decolorization ratio for 5 mg/L MB at 12 V in 4 h, implying the doped nitrogen played a prominent role in improving the electrochemical degradation ability. The electrical degradation reaction was well described by first-order kinetics model. Overall, the aforesaid findings suggested that the nitrogen-doped CSCFs were potential electrode materials, and their electrical degradation abilities could be effectively enhanced by controlling the nitrogen content and micropore surface area. Keywords: Cotton stalk, Nitrogen content, Electrode, Surface area, Methylene blue

Peroxi-coagulation degradation of C.I. Basic Yellow 2 based on carbon-PTFE and carbon nanotube-PTFE electrodes as cathode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zarei, Mahmoud; Salari, Darioush; Niaei, Aligoli; Khataee, Alireza

2009-01-01

The electrochemical treatment of solutions containing C.I. Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) in aqueous solutions with carbon-PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and carbon nanotube (CNT)-PTFE electrodes as cathode has been studied. The fabricated electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The amount of electrogenerated H 2 O 2 on the surface of these electrodes was investigated, too. The results showed that the amount of H 2 O 2 obtained with the CNT-PTFE electrode was nearly three times higher than that of carbon-PTFE electrode. The decolorization efficiency of BY2 in peroxi-coagulation process reached 62% and 96% in the first 10 min by carbon-PTFE and CNT-PTFE electrodes at 100 mA, respectively. The effect of operational parameters such as applied current, initial pH and initial dye concentration was studied in an attempt to reach higher decolorization efficiency. The degradation and mineralization of BY2 using CNT-PTFE electrode were followed by total organic carbon (TOC) and GC-MS analysis. The results of TOC measurements indicated that peroxi-coagulation with carbon-PTFE allowed 81% mineralization after 6 h of electrolysis; whereas peroxi-coagulation with CNT-PTFE yields 92% mineralization under the same conditions. GC-MS analysis verified the identity of intermediates and a reaction pathway based on them was proposed.

A Comparative Analysis of 2-(Thiocyanomethylthio-Benzothiazole Degradation Using Electro-Fenton and Anodic Oxidation on a Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Armando Vázquez

2018-01-01

Full Text Available 2-(Thiocyanomethylthio-benzothiazole (TCMTB is used as fungicide in the paper, tannery, paint, and coatings industries, and its study is important as it is considered toxic to aquatic life. In this study, a comparison of direct anodic oxidation (AO using a boron-doped diamond electrode (BDD and electro-Fenton (EF processes for TCMTB degradation in acidic chloride and sulfate media using a FM01-LC reactor was performed. The results of the electrolysis processes studied in the FM01-LC reactor showed a higher degradation of TCMTB with the anodic oxidation process than with the electro-Fenton process, reaching 81% degradation for the former process versus 47% degradation for the latter process. This difference was attributed to the decrease in H2O2 during the EF process, due to parallel oxidation of chlorides. The degradation rate and current efficiency increased as a function of volumetric flow rate, indicating that convection promotes anodic oxidation and electro-Fenton processes. The results showed that both AO and EF processes could be useful strategies for TCMTB toxicity reduction in wastewaters.

Electrochemical degradation of Ibuprofen on Ti/Pt/PbO{sub 2} and Si/BDD electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ciriaco, L.; Anjo, C.; Correia, J.; Pacheco, M.J. [Department of Chemistry, UMTP, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilha (Portugal); Lopes, A. [Department of Chemistry, UMTP, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilha (Portugal)], E-mail: analopes@ubi.pt

2009-02-01

The electrochemical oxidation of Ibuprofen (Ibu) was performed using a Ti/Pt/PbO{sub 2} electrode as the anode, prepared according to literature, and a boron doped diamond (BDD) electrode, commercially available at Adamant Technologies. Tests were performed with model solutions of Ibu, with concentrations ranging from 0.22 to 1.75 mM for the Ti/Pt/PbO{sub 2} electrode and 1.75 mM for the BDD electrode, using 0.035 M Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} as the electrolyte, in a batch cell, at different current densities (10, 20 and 30 mA cm{sup -2}). Absorbance measurements, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) tests were conducted for all samples. The results have shown a very good degradation of Ibu, with COD removals between 60 and 95% and TOC removals varying from 48 to 92%, in 6 h experiments, with higher values obtained with the BDD electrode. General Current Efficiency and Mineralization Current Efficiency, determined for both electrodes, show a similar behaviour for 20 mA cm{sup -2} but a very different one at 30 mA cm{sup -2}. The combustion efficiency was also determined for both anodes, and found to be slightly higher with BDD at lower current density and equal to 100% for both anodes at 30 mA cm{sup -2}.

Electrochemical investigations of activation and degradation of hydrogen storage alloy electrodes in sealed Ni/MH battery

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, W.X.; Xu, Z.D. [Zhejiang University, Hangzhou (China). Dept. of Chemistry; Tu, J.P. [Zhejiang University, Hangzhou (China). Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering

2002-04-01

The M1Ni{sub 0.4}Co{sub 0.6}Al{sub 0.4} alloy was treated with hot alkaline solution containing a small amount of KBH{sub 4} and its effect on the activation and degradation behaviors of the hydrogen storage alloy electrodes in sealed Ni/MH batteries was investigated. It was found that the treated alloy electrode exhibited a better activation property than the untreated one in the sealed battery as well as in open cell. For the treated alloy electrode activating, the polarization resistance in the sealed battery was almost equal to that in the open cell. But in the case of the untreated alloy electrode activating, the polarization resistance in the sealed battery was larger than that in the open cell. The reason is that the oxide film on the untreated alloy surface suppressed the combination of the oxygen evolved on the positive electrode with hydrogen on the negative alloy surface. In addition, the decaying of capacity of the untreated alloy electrode was much faster than that of the treated one. The reasons were, that after surface treatment, the Ni-rich and Al-poor layer on the alloy surface not only had a high electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen electrode reaction, but also facilitated the combination of the oxygen with hydrogen and hydrogen adsorption on the alloy surface. (author)

Electrochemical degradation of sulfonamides at BDD electrode: Kinetics, reaction pathway and eco-toxicity evaluation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fabiańska, Aleksandra; Białk-Bielińska, Anna; Stepnowski, Piotr [Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-952 Gdansk (Poland); Stolte, Stefan [Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-952 Gdansk (Poland); UFT-Centre of Environmental Research and Sustainable Technology, University of Bremen, Leobener Straße UFT, D-28359 Bremen (Germany); Siedlecka, Ewa Maria, E-mail: ewa.siedlecka@ug.edu.pl [Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-952 Gdansk (Poland)

2014-09-15

Highlights: • SNs were electrochemically oxidized at BDD in one compartment reactor. • The efficiency of SN degradation was the highest in effluents from municipal WWTP. • The electro-degradation SNs based on oxidation but reduction was also possible. • Electrochemical oxidation of SNs led in some cases to mixtures toxic to L. minor. - Abstract: The investigation dealt with electrochemical oxidation of five sulfonamides (SNs): sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfathiazole (STZ), sulfamerazine (SMR), sulfamethazine (SMN) and sulfadimethoxine (SDM) in aqueous solution at boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode. All studied sulfonamides were degraded according to a pseudo first order kinetics. The structure of SNs had no significant effect on the values of pseudo first order rate constants. Increased degradation efficiency was observed in higher temperature and in acidic pH. Due to the presence of chlorine and nitrate SNs were more effectively oxidized from municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents than from pure supporting electrolyte Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4}. The intermediates identified by LC–MS and GC–MS analysis suggested that the hydroxyl radicals attack mainly the S-N bond, but also the aromatic ring systems (aniline, pyrimidine or triazole) of SNs. Finally, the toxicity of the SNs solutions and effluents after electrochemical treatment was assessed through the measurement of growth inhibition of green algae (Scenedesmus vacualatus) and duckweed (Lemna minor). Toxicity of SMR, STZ, SMN solutions before and after electrochemical oxidation and SDM solution after the process in L. minor test was observed. No significant toxicity of studied SNs was observed in algae test.

Electrochemical degradation of sulfonamides at BDD electrode: Kinetics, reaction pathway and eco-toxicity evaluation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fabiańska, Aleksandra; Białk-Bielińska, Anna; Stepnowski, Piotr; Stolte, Stefan; Siedlecka, Ewa Maria

2014-01-01

Highlights: • SNs were electrochemically oxidized at BDD in one compartment reactor. • The efficiency of SN degradation was the highest in effluents from municipal WWTP. • The electro-degradation SNs based on oxidation but reduction was also possible. • Electrochemical oxidation of SNs led in some cases to mixtures toxic to L. minor. - Abstract: The investigation dealt with electrochemical oxidation of five sulfonamides (SNs): sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfathiazole (STZ), sulfamerazine (SMR), sulfamethazine (SMN) and sulfadimethoxine (SDM) in aqueous solution at boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode. All studied sulfonamides were degraded according to a pseudo first order kinetics. The structure of SNs had no significant effect on the values of pseudo first order rate constants. Increased degradation efficiency was observed in higher temperature and in acidic pH. Due to the presence of chlorine and nitrate SNs were more effectively oxidized from municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents than from pure supporting electrolyte Na 2 SO 4 . The intermediates identified by LC–MS and GC–MS analysis suggested that the hydroxyl radicals attack mainly the S-N bond, but also the aromatic ring systems (aniline, pyrimidine or triazole) of SNs. Finally, the toxicity of the SNs solutions and effluents after electrochemical treatment was assessed through the measurement of growth inhibition of green algae (Scenedesmus vacualatus) and duckweed (Lemna minor). Toxicity of SMR, STZ, SMN solutions before and after electrochemical oxidation and SDM solution after the process in L. minor test was observed. No significant toxicity of studied SNs was observed in algae test

High Temperature Electrolysis using Electrode-Supported Cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

O'Brien, J.E.; Stoots, C.M.

2010-01-01

An experimental study is under way to assess the performance of electrode-supported solid-oxide cells operating in the steam electrolysis mode for hydrogen production. The cells currently under study were developed primarily for the fuel cell mode of operation. Results presented in this paper were obtained from single cells, with an active area of 16 cm2 per cell. The electrolysis cells are electrode-supported, with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes (∼10 (micro)m thick), nickel-YSZ steam/hydrogen electrodes (∼1400 (micro)m thick), and manganite (LSM) air-side electrodes (∼90 (micro)m thick). The purpose of the present study was to document and compare the performance and degradation rates of these cells in the fuel cell mode and in the electrolysis mode under various operating conditions. Initial performance was documented through a series of DC potential sweeps and AC impedance spectroscopy measurements. Degradation was determined through long-duration testing, first in the fuel cell mode, then in the electrolysis mode over more than 500 hours of operation. Results indicate accelerated degradation rates in the electrolysis mode compared to the fuel cell mode, possibly due to electrode delamination. The paper also includes details of the single-cell test apparatus developed specifically for these experiments.

Electro-catalytic degradation of sulfisoxazole by using graphene anode.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Yanyan; Liu, Shuan; Li, Ruiping; Huang, Yingping; Chen, Chuncheng

2016-05-01

Graphite and graphene electrodes were prepared by using pure graphite as precursor. The electrode materials were characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. The electro-catalytic activity for degradation of sulfisoxazole (SIZ) was investigated by using prepared graphene or graphite anode. The results showed that the degradation of SIZ was much more rapid on the graphene than that on the graphite electrode. Moreover, the graphene electrode exhibited good stability and recyclability. The analysis on the intermediate products and the measurement of active species during the SIZ degradation demonstrated that indirect oxidation is the dominant mechanism, involving the electro-catalytic generation of OH and O2(-) as the main active oxygen species. This study implies that graphene is a promising potential electrode material for long-term application to electro-catalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

The Science of Battery Degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sullivan, John P. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States). Materials Physics; El Gabaly Marquez, Farid [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States). Materials Physics; McCarty, Kevin [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States). Materials Physics; Sugar, Joshua Daniel [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States). Materials Physics; Talin, Alec A. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States). Materials Physics; Fenton, Kyle R. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Power Sources Design and Development; Nagasubramanian, Ganesan [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Power Sources Design and Development; Harris, Charles Thomas [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Nanosystems Synthesis/Analysis; Jungjohann, Katherine Leigh [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Nanosystems Synthesis/Analysis; Hayden, Carl C. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States). Combustion Chemistry Dept.; Kliewer, Christopher Jesse [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States). Combustion Chemistry Dept.; Hudak, Nicholas S. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Power Sources Research and Development; Leung, Kevin [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Nanostructure Physics; McDaniel, Anthony H. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States). Hydrogen and Combustion Technology; Tenney, Craig M. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Chemical and Biological Systems; Zavadil, Kevin R. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Advanced Materials Lab.

2015-01-01

This report documents work that was performed under the Laboratory Directed Research and Development project, Science of Battery Degradation. The focus of this work was on the creation of new experimental and theoretical approaches to understand atomistic mechanisms of degradation in battery electrodes that result in loss of electrical energy storage capacity. Several unique approaches were developed during the course of the project, including the invention of a technique based on ultramicrotoming to cross-section commercial scale battery electrodes, the demonstration of scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM) to probe lithium transport mechanisms within Li-ion battery electrodes, the creation of in-situ liquid cells to observe electrochemical reactions in real-time using both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and STXM, the creation of an in-situ optical cell utilizing Raman spectroscopy and the application of the cell for analyzing redox flow batteries, the invention of an approach for performing ab initio simulation of electrochemical reactions under potential control and its application for the study of electrolyte degradation, and the development of an electrochemical entropy technique combined with x-ray based structural measurements for understanding origins of battery degradation. These approaches led to a number of scientific discoveries. Using STXM we learned that lithium iron phosphate battery cathodes display unexpected behavior during lithiation wherein lithium transport is controlled by nucleation of a lithiated phase, leading to high heterogeneity in lithium content at each particle and a surprising invariance of local current density with the overall electrode charging current. We discovered using in-situ transmission electron microscopy that there is a size limit to lithiation of silicon anode particles above which particle fracture controls electrode degradation. From electrochemical entropy measurements, we discovered that entropy

Evaluation of the performance degradation at PAFC effect of electrolyte fill-level on electrode performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kitai, Takashi; Uchida, Hiroyuki; Watanabe, Masahiro [Yamanashi Univ., Kofu (Japan)] [and others

1996-12-31

As a complimentary research project to the demonstration project of 5MW and 1MW PAFC plants, the mechanism and rate of deterioration of the cells and stacks have been studied from 1995 FY, with the objective of establishing an estimation method for the service life-time of the cell stacks. This work has been performed in the Basic Research Project, as part of that project on PAFC`s, selecting four subjects (Electrocatalysts degradation, Electrolyte fill-level, Cell material corrosion, Electrolyte loss) as the essential factors relating to the life-time. In this report, we will exhibit the effect of the electrolyte fill-level on the electrode performances.

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of diazo dyes on nanostructured WO{sub 3} electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hepel, Maria [Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Potsdam, Potsdam, NY 13676 (United States)]. E-mail: hepelmr@potsdam.edu; Hazelton, Sandra [Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Potsdam, Potsdam, NY 13676 (United States)

2005-09-05

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of Remazol Black B (RBB) dye in aqueous solutions was investigated. The degradation was carried out on a highly efficient n-WO{sub 3} photoelectrode, which was synthesized by electrochemical processing. Effects of various synthesis and post-treatment conditions were investigated using electrochemical techniques and AFM imaging. Photocurrent measurements have shown that Butler-Gartner equation is fulfilled for n-WO{sub 3} films, which allowed us to determine the flat-band potential (E {sub fb} = 0.35 V versus Ag/AgCl, for pH = 0). The WO{sub 3} film electrode was found to be a better photelectrocatalyst than TiO{sub 2} with similar AFM surface roughness. Kinetic measurements of photoelectrocatalytic RBB degradation have shown that a generalized Langmuir-Hinshelwood model applies to the system, leading to the overall rate constant k' = 1.1 x 10{sup -9} mol cm{sup -2} s{sup -1}, with RBB adsorption equilibrium constant K = 3.35 x 10{sup 4} mol{sup -1} L and Gibbs free energy of adsorption {delta}G deg. = -6.16 kcal/mol (-25.8 kJ/mol). In mechanistic considerations of possible lines of oxidative attack on RBB, we looked at electrolyte composition and properties of electronic structure of RBB, by utilizing quantum mechanical calculations of molecular orbitals. The ab initio SCF Hartree-Fock calculations of molecular orbitals were carried out to evaluate most vulnerable areas of RBB molecule for electrophilic and nucleophilic attacks, as well as for a direct charge transfer oxidation process. Several electronic properties were mapped onto the total electron density surface and analyzed to reveal initial reaction pathways for oxidative degradation of RBB.

Comparative Study of Commercial Oxide Electrodes Performance in Electrochemical Degradation of Organics in Aqueous Solutions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pelegrino Rosângela L.

2002-01-01

Full Text Available In this paper the potentiality of two types of DSAâ commercial electrodes, for electrochemical treatment of effluents, is investigated. Oxide anodes, with nominal composition of 70TiO2/30RuO2 and 45IrO2/55Ta2O5, were used in a flow-cell reactor for the electrooxidation of phenol. Comparative results were presented as phenol concentration decay as a function of electrolysis time, as well as COD and TOC concentration reduction. The cell reactor was operated at current densities, ranging from 15 to 150 mA cm-2 and solution linear velocity was 0.24 m s-1. Results reported in this paper showed that phenol and quinones were degraded to a very low concentration, besides only a small portion of the organic carbon is reduced. Starting from 100 mg L-1, after five hours of electrolysis at 100 mA cm-2, concentrations reached 0.4 mg L-1 of phenol, 1 mg L-1 of hydroquinone, 7 mg L-1 of benzoquinone and TOC was reduced by 35%.

Degradation of Acetaminophen and Its Transformation Products in Aqueous Solutions by Using an Electrochemical Oxidation Cell with Stainless Steel Electrodes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Miguel Ángel López Zavala

2016-09-01

Full Text Available In this study, a novel electrochemical oxidation cell using stainless steel electrodes was found to be effective in oxidizing acetaminophen and its transformation products in short reaction times. Aqueous solutions of 10 mg/L-acetaminophen were prepared at pH 3, 5, 7, and 9. These solutions were electrochemically treated at direct current (DC densities of 5.7 mA/cm2, 7.6 mA/cm2, and 9.5 mA/cm2. The pharmaceutical and its intermediates/oxidation products were determined by using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC. The results showed that electrochemical oxidation processes occurred in the cell. Acetaminophen degradation rate constants increased proportionally with the increase of current intensity. High current densities accelerated the degradation of acetaminophen; however, this effect diminished remarkably at pH values greater than 5. At pH 3 and 9.5 mA/cm2, the fastest degradation of acetaminophen and its intermediates/oxidation products was achieved. To minimize the wear down of the electrodes, a current density ramp is recommended, first applying 9.5 mA/cm2 during 2.5 min or 7.6 mA/cm2 during 7.5 min and then continuing the electrochemical oxidation process at 5.7 mA/cm2. This strategy will hasten the acetaminophen oxidation, extend the electrode’s life, and shorten the reaction time needed to degrade the pharmaceutical and its intermediates/oxidation products. DC densities up to 9.5 mA/cm2 can be supplied by photovoltaic cells.

Mechanical Degradation of Graphite/PVDF Composite Electrodes: A Model-Experimental Study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Takahashi, K; Higa, K; Mair, S; Chintapalli, M; Balsara, N; Srinivasan, V

2015-12-11

Mechanical failure modes of a graphite/polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) composite electrode for lithium-ion batteries were investigated by combining realistic stress-stain tests and mathematical model predictions. Samples of PVDF mixed with conductive additive were prepared in a similar way to graphite electrodes and tested while submerged in electrolyte solution. Young's modulus and tensile strength values of wet samples were found to be approximately one-fifth and one-half of those measured for dry samples. Simulations of graphite particles surrounded by binder layers given the measured material property values suggest that the particles are unlikely to experience mechanical damage during cycling, but that the fate of the surrounding composite of PVDF and conductive additive depends completely upon the conditions under which its mechanical properties were obtained. Simulations using realistic property values produced results that were consistent with earlier experimental observations.

Pd-MnO2 nanoparticles/TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) photo-electrodes photo-catalytic properties and their ability of degrading Rhodamine B under visible light.

Science.gov (United States)

Thabit, Mohamed; Liu, Huiling; Zhang, Jian; Wang, Bing

2017-10-01

Pd-MnO 2 /TiO 2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) photo-electrodes were successfully fabricated via anodization and electro deposition subsequently; the obtained Pd-MnO 2 /TiO 2 NTAs photo electrodes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and characterized accordingly. Moreover, the light harvesting and absorption properties were investigated via ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS); photo degradation efficiency was investigated via analyzing the photo catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B under visible illumination (xenon light). The performed analyses illustrated that Pd-MnO 2 codoped particles were successfully deposited onto the surface of the TiO 2 nanotube arrays; DRS results showed significant improvement in visible light absorption which was between 400 and 700nm. Finally, the photo catalytic degradation efficiency results of the designated organic pollutant (Rhodamine B) illustrated a superior photocatalytic (PC) efficiency of approximately 95% compared to the bare TiO 2 NTAs, which only exhibited a photo catalytic degradation efficiency of approximately 61%, thus it indicated the significant enhancement of the light absorption properties of fabricated photo electrodes and their yield of OH radicals. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A density functional theory study of the carbon-coating effects on lithium iron borate battery electrodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Loftager, Simon; García-Lastra, Juan María; Vegge, Tejs

2017-01-18

Lithium iron borate (LiFeBO 3 ) is a promising cathode material due to its high theoretical specific capacity, inexpensive components and small volume change during operation. Yet, challenges related to severe air- and moisture-induced degradation have prompted the utilization of a protective coating on the electrode which also improves the electronic conductivity. However, not much is known about the preferential geometries of the coating as well as how these coating-electrode interfaces influence the lithium diffusion between the coating and the electrode. Here, we therefore present a density functional theory (DFT) study of the anchoring configurations of carbon coating on the LiFeBO 3 electrode and its implications on the interfacial lithium diffusion. Due to large barriers associated with Li-ion diffusion through a parallel-oriented pristine graphene coating on the FeBO 3 and LiFeBO 3 electrode surfaces, large structural defects in the graphene coating are required for fast Li-ion diffusion. However, such defects are expected to exist only in small concentrations due to their high formation energies. Alternative coating geometries were therefore investigated, and the configuration in which the coating layers were anchored normal to the electrode surface at B and O atoms was found to be most stable. Nudged elastic band (NEB) calculations of the lithium diffusion barriers across the interface between the optimally oriented coating layers and the electrode show no kinetic limitations for lithium extraction and insertion. Additionally, this graphite-coating configuration showed partial blocking of electrode-degrading species.

Study of the degradation of liquid-organic radioactive wastes by electrochemical methods; Estudio de la degradacion de desechos liquidos-organicos radiactivos mediante metodos electroquimicos

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hernandez A, J. I.

2015-07-01

In this study degradation studies were performed on blank samples, in which two electrochemical cells with different electrodes were used, the first is constituted by mesh electrodes Ti/Ir-Ta/Ti and the second by rod electrodes Ti/Ddb, using as reference an electrolytic medium of scintillation liquid and scintillation liquid more water, applying different potentials ranging from 1 to 25 V. After obtaining the benchmarks, the treatment was applied to samples containing organic liquid radioactive waste, in this case a short half-life radioisotope as Sulfur-35, the degradation characterization of organic compounds was performed in infrared spectrometry. (Author)

Effects of Electrical Stimulation on the Degradation of Azo Dye in Three-Dimensional Biofilm Electrode Reactors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xian Cao

2017-04-01

Full Text Available Three-dimensional biofilm electrode reactors (3D-BERs were constructed to degrade the azo dye Reactive Brilliant Red (RBR X-3B. The 3D-BERs with different influent concentrations and external voltages were individually studied to investigate their influence on the removal of X-3B. Experimental results showed that 3D-BERs have good X-3B removal efficiency; even when the influent concentration was 800 mg/L, removal efficiency of 73.4% was still achieved. In addition, the X-3B removal efficiency stabilized shortly after the influent concentration increased. In 3D-BERs, the average X-3B removal efficiency increased from 52.8% to 85.4% when the external voltage rose from 0 to 2 V. We further identified the intermediate products via UV-Vis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS analyses, and discussed the potential mechanism of degradation. After the conjugate structure of X-3B was destroyed, all of the substances generated mainly consisted of lower-molecular-weight organics.

Mechano-chemical degradation of flexible electrodes for optoelectronic device applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bejitual, T.S.; Morris, N.J.; Cronin, S.D.; Cairns, D.R.; Sierros, K.A.

2013-01-01

The electrical, optical, and structural integrity of flexible transparent electrodes is of paramount importance in the design and fabrication of optoelectronic devices such as organic light emitting diodes, liquid crystal displays, touch panels, solar cells, and solid-state lighting. The electrodes may corrode due to acid-containing pressure sensitive adhesives present in the device stacks. In addition, structural failure may occur due to external applied loading. The combined action and further accumulation of both repeated mechanical loading and corrosion can aggravate the loss of functionality of the electrodes. In this study we investigate, using the design of experimental methods, the effects of corrosion, applied mechanical strain, film thickness, and number of bending cycles on the electrical and structural integrity of indium tin oxide (ITO) and carbon nanotube (CNT) films both coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. In situ electrical resistance measurements suggest that fatigue-corrosion is found to be the most critical failure mode for the ITO-based coatings. For example, the change in ITO electrical resistance increase under fatigue-corrosion (1% strain, 150,000 cycles) is 5.8 times higher than that of fatigue mode alone. On the other hand, a minimum change in electrical resistance of the CNT-based electrodes is found when applying the same conditions. - Highlights: • Combined mechano-chemical effects on electrode durability. • CNT-based electrodes outperform ITO counterparts. • Importance of combined fatigue and corrosion action on device reliability

Mechano-chemical degradation of flexible electrodes for optoelectronic device applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bejitual, T.S.; Morris, N.J.; Cronin, S.D.; Cairns, D.R.; Sierros, K.A., E-mail: kostas.sierros@mail.wvu.edu

2013-12-31

The electrical, optical, and structural integrity of flexible transparent electrodes is of paramount importance in the design and fabrication of optoelectronic devices such as organic light emitting diodes, liquid crystal displays, touch panels, solar cells, and solid-state lighting. The electrodes may corrode due to acid-containing pressure sensitive adhesives present in the device stacks. In addition, structural failure may occur due to external applied loading. The combined action and further accumulation of both repeated mechanical loading and corrosion can aggravate the loss of functionality of the electrodes. In this study we investigate, using the design of experimental methods, the effects of corrosion, applied mechanical strain, film thickness, and number of bending cycles on the electrical and structural integrity of indium tin oxide (ITO) and carbon nanotube (CNT) films both coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates. In situ electrical resistance measurements suggest that fatigue-corrosion is found to be the most critical failure mode for the ITO-based coatings. For example, the change in ITO electrical resistance increase under fatigue-corrosion (1% strain, 150,000 cycles) is 5.8 times higher than that of fatigue mode alone. On the other hand, a minimum change in electrical resistance of the CNT-based electrodes is found when applying the same conditions. - Highlights: • Combined mechano-chemical effects on electrode durability. • CNT-based electrodes outperform ITO counterparts. • Importance of combined fatigue and corrosion action on device reliability.

Analysis of the Durability of PEM FC Membrane Electrode Assemblies in Automotive Applications through the Fundamental Understanding of Membrane and MEA Degradation Pathways

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Perry, Randal L. [DuPont

2013-10-31

The Project focused on mitigation of degradation processes on membrane electrode assemblies. The approach was to develop a model to improve understanding of the mechanisms, and to use it to focus mitigation strategies. The detailed effects of various accelerated stress tests (ASTs) were evaluated to determine the best subset to use in model development. A combination of ASTs developed by the Fuel Cell Commercialization Conference of Japan and the Fuel Cell Tech Team were selected for use. The ASTs were compared by measuring effects on performance, running in-situ diagnostics, and performing microscopic analyses of the membrane electrode assemblies after the stress tests were complete. Nissan ran FCCJ AST protocols and performed in situ and ex-situ electrochemical testing. DuPont ran FCTT and USFCC AST protocols, performed scanning and transmission electron microscopy and ran in-situ electrochemical tests. Other ex-situ testing was performed by IIT, along with much of the data analysis and model development. These tests were then modified to generate time-dependent data of the degradation mechanisms. Three different catalyst types and four membrane variants were then used to generate data for a theoretically-based degradation model. An important part of the approach was to use commercially available materials in the electrodes and membranes made in scalable semiworks processes rather than lab-based materials. This constraint ensured all materials would be practicable for full-scale testing. The initial model for the electrode layer was tested for internal consistency and agreement with the data. A Java-based computer application was developed to analyze the time-dependent AST data using polarization curves with four different cathode gas feeds and generate model parameters. Data showed very good reproducibility and good consistency as cathode catalyst loadings were varied. At the point of termination of the project, a basic electrode model was in hand with several

On the behavior of reduced graphene oxide based electrodes coated with dispersed platinum by alternate current methods in the electrochemical degradation of reactive dyes.

Science.gov (United States)

Del Río, A I; García, C; Molina, J; Fernández, J; Bonastre, J; Cases, F

2017-09-01

The electrochemical behavior of different carbon-based electrodes with and without nanoparticles of platinum electrochemically dispersed on their surface has been studied. Among others, reduced graphene oxide based electrodes was used to determine the best conditions for the decolorization/degradation of the reactive dye C.I. Reactive Orange 4 in sulfuric medium. Firstly, the electrochemical behavior was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. Secondly, different electrolyses were performed using two cell configurations: cell with anodic and cathodic compartments separated (divided configuration) and without any separation (undivided configuration). The best results were obtained when reduced graphene oxide based anodes were used. The degree of decolorization was monitored by spectroscopic methods and high performance liquid chromatography. It was found that all of them followed pseudo-first order kinetics. When reduced graphene oxide-based electrodes coated with dispersed platinum by alternate current methods electrodes were used, the lowest energy consumption and the higher decolorization kinetics rate were obtained. Scanning Electronic Microscopy was used to observe the morphological surface differences. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the electrode performance for PAFC by using acid absorption, acceleration and ac-impedance measurement

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Chang-Soo; Song, Rak-Hyun; Choi, Byung-Woo [Korea Institute of Energy Research, Taejon (Korea, Republic of)] [and others

1996-12-31

In PAFC, the degradation on cathode electrode caused by carbon corrosion, platinum dissolution and growth is especially severe. An acceleration test is a good technique for evaluating the degradation of electrode performance, because it does not need long time. Coleman et al used thermal cycling and on-off cycling as an acceleration test. Song et al showed that hydrogen shortage decreased the electrode performance more rapidly than that of air shortage in gas shortage test. Honji et al reported that the rate of coarsening of Pt particle is rapid in open circuit potential and this is one of major causes on the performance degradation of electrode. The cathode performance has been studied by using acid absorption, acceleration and ac-impedance measurements as functions of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) contents and sintering temperatures of the electrode.

ELECTRO-DEGRADATION OF REACTIVE BLUE DYES USING CYLINDER MODIFIED ELECTRODE: Ti/β-PbO2 AS DIMENSIONALLY STABLE ANODE

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aris Mukimin

2010-12-01

Full Text Available A cylinder modified electrode of the β-PbO2 was fabricated by anodic electro-deposition method on titanium substrate. The PbO2 layer prepared from high acid solution (pH: 0.3 that contains a mixed of 0.5 M Pb(NO32, 1 M HNO3, and 0,02 M NaF. The physicochemical properties of the PbO2 electrode were analyzed by using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis and X-Ray Diffraction. The analyses have shown that oxide layer has an O/Pb ratio about 1.6 and the PbO impurities are formed in the surface layer besides the β-PbO2. The modified electrode was used as anode paired stainless cathode in the electro-degradation of reactive blue dye. The results of the electro-catalytic oxidation process of the dye solution were expressed in terms of the remaining intensity dye and chemical oxygen demand (COD values. The modified electrode has removal efficiency of the reactive blue dye at voltage of 7 V, pH of 7, concentration NaCl of 2 g/L, initial dye concentration of 100 mg/L with simple and short time operations.

A density functional theory study of the carbon-coating effects on lithium iron borate battery electrodes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Loftager, Simon; García Lastra, Juan Maria; Vegge, Tejs

2017-01-01

a density functional theory (DFT) study of the anchoring configurations of carbon coating on the LiFeBO3 electrode and its implications on the interfacial lithium diffusion. Due to large barriers associated with Li-ion diffusion through a parallel-oriented pristine graphene coating on the FeBO3 and LiFeBO3......Lithium iron borate (LiFeBO3) is a promising cathode material due to its high theoretical specific capacity, inexpensive components and a small volume change during operation. Yet, challenges relating to severe air- and moisture-induced degradation necessitate the application of a protective...... coating on the electrode which also improves the electronic conductivity. However, not much is known about the preferential geometries of the coating as well as how these coating–electrode interfaces influence the lithium diffusion between the coating and the electrode. Here, we therefore present...

Enhancement of oxygen diffusion process on a rotating disk electrode for the electro-Fenton degradation of tetracycline

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Yan; Gao, Ming-Ming; Wang, Xin-Hua; Wang, Shu-Guang; Liu, Rui-Ting

2015-01-01

An electro-Fenton process was developed for wastewater treatment in which hydrogen peroxide was generated in situ with a rotating graphite disk electrode as cathode. The maximum H 2 O 2 generation rate for the RDE reached 0.90 mg/L/h/cm 2 under the rotation speed of 400 rpm at pH 3, and −0.8 V vs SCE. The performance of this electro-Fenton reactor was assessed by tetracycline degradation in an aqueous solution. Experimental results showed the rotation of disk cathode resulted in the efficient production of H 2 O 2 without oxygen aeration, and excellent ability for degrading organic pollutants compared to the electro-Fenton system with fixed cathode. Tetracycline of 50 mg/L was degraded completely within 2 h with the addition of ferrous ion (1.0 mM). The chronoamperometry analysis was employed to investigate the oxygen diffusion on the rotating cathode. The results demonstrated that the diffusion coefficients of dissolved oxygen is 19.45 × 10 −5 cm 2 /s, which is greater than that reported in the literature. Further calculation indicated that oxygen is able to diffuse through the film on the rotating cathode within the contact time in each circle. This study proves that enhancement of oxygen diffusion on RDE is benefit for H 2 O 2 generation, thus provides a promising method for organic pollutants degradation by the combination of RDE with electro-Fenton reactor and offers a new insight on the oxygen transform process in this new system.

THE EFFECT OF VOLTAGE ON ELECTROCHEMICAL DEGRADATION OF TRICHLOROETHYLENE

Science.gov (United States)

This study investigates electrochemical degradation of Trichloroethylene (TCE) using granular graphite as electrodes in a flow-through reactor system. The experiments were conducted to obtain information on the effect of voltage and flow rates on the degradation rates of TCE. The...

Degradation Studies on LiFePO₄ cathode

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Scipioni, Roberto; Jørgensen, Peter Stanley; Hjelm, Johan

2015-01-01

In this paper we examine a laboratory LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode and propose a simple model that predicts the electrode capacity as function of C-rate, number of cycles and calendar time. Microcracks were found in Li1-xFePO4 particles in a degraded LFP electrode and low-acceleration voltage (1 kV) FIB....../SEM analysis allowed us to obtain phase contrast between FePO4 and LiFePO4. The evolution of micro-cracks is expected to increase the concentration of LFP particles which are not electronically accessible and thus cause a loss in capacity....

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of indanthrene blue dye using Ti/Ru-based electrodes prepared by a modified Pechini method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pupo, Marilia M.S.; Costa, Lucas S. da; Figueiredo, Aile C.; Eguiluz, Katlin I. B.; Salazar-Banda, Giancarlo R., E-mail: gianrsb@gmail.com [Universidade Tiradentes, Aracaju, SE (Brazil). Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa. Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Engenharia de Processos; Silva, Ronaldo S. da [Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Sao Cristovao, SE (Brazil). Departamento de Fisica. Laboratorio de Materiais Ceramicos Avancados; Cunha, Frederico G.C. [Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Sao Cristovao, SE (Brazil). Departamento de Fisica

2013-03-15

Photoelectrodes were used to treat synthetic textile wastewater contaminated with indanthrene blue dye. Two media of treatment were used (NaCl and Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4}), with variations on temperature, pH, current density, dye and chloride concentration. A modified Pechini method was applied to obtain Ti/Ru-based electrodes (Ti, Ru, Ti{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}, Ti{sub 0.75}Ru{sub 0.25} and Ti{sub 0.25}Ru{sub 0.75}) containing anatase TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles and a color degradation analysis was done. Physical (atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffractometry) and electrochemical characterizations (cyclic voltammetry) were considered. The condition that yielded highest color removal for the system presented 0.05 mol L-1 NaCl, 100 mA cm-2, 35 Degree-Sign C and pH 7, independent of the dye concentration for the Ti{sub 0.25}Ru{sub 0.75} electrode. (author)

A New Platform for Profiling Degradation-Related Impurities Via Exploiting the Opportunities Offered by Ion-Selective Electrodes: Determination of Both Diatrizoate Sodium and Its Cytotoxic Degradation Product.

Science.gov (United States)

Riad, Safaa M; Abd El-Rahman, Mohamed K; Fawaz, Esraa M; Shehata, Mostafa A

2018-05-01

Although the ultimate goal of administering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is to save countless lives, the presence of impurities and/or degradation products in APIs or formulations may cause harmful physiological effects. Today, impurity profiling (i.e., the identity as well as the quantity of impurity in a pharmaceutical) is receiving critical attention from regulatory authorities. Despite the predominant use of spectroscopic and chromatographic methods over electrochemical methods for impurity profiling of APIs, this work investigates the opportunities offered by electroanalytical methods, particularly, ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), for profiling degradation-related impurities (DRIs) compared with conventional spectroscopic and chromatographic methods. For a meaningful comparison, diatrizoate sodium (DTA) was chosen as the anionic X-ray contrast agent based on its susceptibility to deacetylation into its cytotoxic and mutagenic degradation product, 3,5-diamino-2,4,6 triiodobenzoic acid (DTB). This cationic diamino compound can be also detected as an impurity in the final product because it is used as a synthetic precursor for the synthesis of DTA. In this study, four novel sensitive and selective sensors for the determination of both DTA and its cytotoxic degradation products are presented. Sensors I and II were developed for the determination of the anionic drug, DTA, and sensors III and IV were developed for the determination of the cationic cytotoxic impurity. The use of these novel sensors not only provides a stability-indicating method for the selective determination of DTA in the presence of its degradation product, but also permits DRI profiling. Moreover, a great advantage of these proposed ISE systems is their higher sensitivity for the quantification of DTB relative to other spectroscopic and chromatographic methods, so it can measure trace amounts of DTB impurities in DTA bulk powder and pharmaceutical formulation without a need for

Degradation characteristics of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in electro-biological system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, JingLi, E-mail: jinglizhangczp@126.com [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science and Technology, Tianjin Institute of Urban Construction, Tianjin 300384 (China); Cao, ZhanPing; Zhang, HongWei [School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387 (China); Zhao, LianMei [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science and Technology, Tianjin Institute of Urban Construction, Tianjin 300384 (China); Sun, XuDong; Mei, Feng [School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin 300387 (China)

2013-11-15

Highlights: • The 2,4-D reductive degradation was studied in an electro-biological system. • The electric auxiliary accelerates 2,4-D microbial degradation. • A electron transfer is achieved between the electrode, bacteria and the pollutants. • The paper provides a promising way for the degradation of persistent organics. -- Abstract: The reductive degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was studied in an electro-biological system, a biological system and an electric catalytic system, respectively. Electrochemical characteristics were monitored by cyclic voltammetry and the intermediate products of 2,4-D degradation were determined by high speed liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that all 2,4-D degradations in the three systems conformed to the kinetics characteristics of one-order reaction, and the degradation kinetics constants were 28.74 × 10{sup −2} h{sup −1}, 19.73 × 10{sup −2} h{sup −1} and 3.54 × 10{sup −2} h{sup −1}, respectively. The kinetics constant in the electro-biological system was higher than the sum in the other two systems by 19%. The electrochemical assistance provided the electrons and accelerated the electron transfer rate in the microbial degradation of 2,4-D. The degradation resulted from the microbial reduction strengthened by the electrochemical assistance. The electron transfer existed between the electrode, cytochrome, NAD and the pollutants. A long-range electron transfer process could be achieved on the multi-phase interfaces between the electrode, bacteria and the pollutants.

Effect of electrode mass ratio on aging of activated carbon based supercapacitors utilizing organic electrolytes

Science.gov (United States)

Cericola, D.; Kötz, R.; Wokaun, A.

2011-03-01

The accelerated degradation of carbon based supercapacitors utilizing 1 M Et4NBF4 in acetonitrile and in propylene carbonate as electrolyte is investigated for a constant cell voltage of 3.5 V as a function of the positive over total electrode mass ratio. The degradation rate of the supercapacitor using acetonitrile as a solvent can be decreased by increasing the mass of the positive electrode. With a mass ratio (positive electrode mass/total electrode mass) of 0.65 the degradation rate is minimum. For the capacitor utilizing propylene carbonate as a solvent a similar effect was observed. The degradation rate was smallest for a mass ratio above 0.5.

The Joule heating problem in silver nanowire transparent electrodes

Science.gov (United States)

Khaligh, H. H.; Xu, L.; Khosropour, A.; Madeira, A.; Romano, M.; Pradére, C.; Tréguer-Delapierre, M.; Servant, L.; Pope, M. A.; Goldthorpe, I. A.

2017-10-01

Silver nanowire transparent electrodes have shown considerable potential to replace conventional transparent conductive materials. However, in this report we show that Joule heating is a unique and serious problem with these electrodes. When conducting current densities encountered in organic solar cells, the average surface temperature of indium tin oxide (ITO) and silver nanowire electrodes, both with sheet resistances of 60 ohms/square, remains below 35 °C. However, in contrast to ITO, the temperature in the nanowire electrode is very non-uniform, with some localized points reaching temperatures above 250 °C. These hotspots accelerate nanowire degradation, leading to electrode failure after 5 days of continuous current flow. We show that graphene, a commonly used passivation layer for these electrodes, slows nanowire degradation and creates a more uniform surface temperature under current flow. However, the graphene does not prevent Joule heating in the nanowires and local points of high temperature ultimately shift the failure mechanism from nanowire degradation to melting of the underlying plastic substrate. In this paper, surface temperature mapping, lifetime testing under current flow, post-mortem analysis, and modelling illuminate the behaviour and failure mechanisms of nanowires under extended current flow and provide guidelines for managing Joule heating.

Electrochemical Oxidation of Cyanide Using Platinized Ti Electrodes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aušra VALIŪNIENĖ

2013-12-01

Full Text Available The cyanide-containing effluents are dangerous ecological hazards and must be treated before discharging into the environment. Anodic oxidation is one of the best ways to degrade cyanides. Pt anodes as the most efficient material for the cyanide electrochemical degradation are widely used. However, these electrodes are too expensive for industrial purposes. In this work Ti electrodes covered with nano-sized Pt particle layer were prepared and used for the anodic oxidation of cyanide ions. Surface images of Ti electrodes and Ti electrodes covered with different thickness layer of Pt were compared and characterized by the atomic force microscopy (AFM. The products formed in the solution during the CN- ions electrooxidation were examined by the Raman spectroscopy. An electrochemical Fast Fourier transformation (FFT impedance spectroscopy was used to estimate the parameters that reflect real surface roughness of Pt-modified Ti electrodes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.19.4.2514

Shelf life and outdoor degradation studies of organic bulk heterojunction solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Gergova, R.; Sendova-Vassileva, M.; Popkirov, G.; Gancheva, V.; Grancharov, G.

2018-03-01

We studied the degradation of different types of bulk heterojunction devices, in which the materials comprising the active layer and/or the materials used for the back electrode are varied. The devices are deposited on ITO covered glass and have the structure PEDOT:PSS/BHJ/Me, where PEDOT:PSS is the hole transport layer, BHJ (bulk heterojunction) is the active layer comprising a polymer donor (e.g. PTB7, PCDTBT) and a fullerene derivative acceptor (e.g. PC60BM, PC70BM) deposited by spin coating, Me is the metal back contact, which is either Ag or Al deposited by magnetron sputtering or thermal evaporation. The device performance was monitored after storage in the dark at ambient conditions by following the evolution of the J-V curve over time. Results of real conditions outdoor degradation studies are also presented. The stability of the different solar cell structures studied is compared.

Degradable polyphosphazene/poly(alpha-hydroxyester) blends: degradation studies.

Science.gov (United States)

Ambrosio, Archel M A; Allcock, Harry R; Katti, Dhirendra S; Laurencin, Cato T

2002-04-01

Biomaterials based on the polymers of lactic acid and glycolic acid and their copolymers are used or studied extensively as implantable devices for drug delivery, tissue engineering and other biomedical applications. Although these polymers have shown good biocompatibility, concerns have been raised regarding their acidic degradation products, which have important implications for long-term implantable systems. Therefore, we have designed a novel biodegradable polyphosphazene/poly(alpha-hydroxyester) blend whose degradation products are less acidic than those of the poly(alpha-hydroxyester) alone. In this study, the degradation characteristics of a blend of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (50:50 PLAGA) and poly[(50% ethyl glycinato)(50% p-methylphenoxy) phosphazene] (PPHOS-EG50) were qualitatively and quantitatively determined with comparisons made to the parent polymers. Circular matrices (14mm diameter) of the PLAGA, PPHOS-EG50 and PLAGA-PPHOS-EG50 blend were degraded in non-buffered solutions (pH 7.4). The degraded polymers were characterized for percentage mass loss and molecular weight and the degradation medium was characterized for acid released in non-buffered solutions. The amounts of neutralizing base necessary to bring about neutral pH were measured for each polymer or polymer blend during degradation. The poly(phosphazene)/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) blend required significantly less neutralizing base in order to bring about neutral solution pH during the degradation period studied. The results indicated that the blend degraded at a rate intermediate to that of the parent polymers and that the degradation products of the polyphosphazene neutralized the acidic degradation products of PLAGA. Thus, results from these in vitro degradation studies suggest that the PLAGA-PPHOS-EG50 blend may provide a viable improvement to biomaterials based on acid-releasing organic polymers.

Survey on aging on electrodes and electrocatalysts in phosphoric acid fuel cells

Science.gov (United States)

Stonehart, P.; Hochmuth, J.

1981-01-01

The processes which contribute to the decay in performance of electrodes used in phosphoric acid fuel cell systems are discussed. Loss of catalytic surface area, corrosion of the carbon support, electrode structure degradation, electrolyte degradation, and impurities in the reactant streams are identified as the major areas for concern.

Performance of nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel particle electrodes for electro-catalytic oxidation of simulated Bisphenol A wastewaters

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Zhuang [Environmental Research Academy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206 (China); Labortory of Environmental Remediation and Functional Material, Suzhou Research Academy of North China Electric Power University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215026 (China); Zhang, Yimei, E-mail: yimei.zhang1@gmail.com [Environmental Research Academy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206 (China); Labortory of Environmental Remediation and Functional Material, Suzhou Research Academy of North China Electric Power University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215026 (China); Zhou, Lincheng; Zhu, Hao; Wan, Fei; Wang, Yue [Labortory of Environmental Remediation and Functional Material, Suzhou Research Academy of North China Electric Power University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215026 (China); Zhang, Dandan [Environmental Research Academy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206 (China)

2017-06-15

Highlights: • The new three-dimensional electrode system with the nitrogen-doped graphene aerogels particle electrodes is developed. • The optimal technique parameters were explored. • Simulated BPA waste waters are effectively degraded. • Degradation pathway and intermediates are proposed. • Three-dimensional electrode system shows good and stable removal performance. - Abstract: The treatment of effluent containing Bisphenol A (BPA) was investigated experimentally using nitrogen-doped graphene aerogel (NGAs) as particle electrodes in a three-dimensional electrode reactor for the electrochemical treatment was studied. The effects of the cell voltage, pH, the ratio of NGAs mass to solution volume and repeated times on the removal efficiency were investigated. Compared with commercial carbon particle electrodes, the NGAs exhibited stronger activity to remove BPA simulated wastewater. For 15 mg L{sup −1} of BPA solution, the degradation rate of BPA exceeded 90% after treatment for only 30 min under the optimum conditions. The COD{sub Cr} removal rate of BPA was 85%. Moreover, in the process of reused 50 times, the degradation rate of BPA can be kept in more than 85%. The COD{sub Cr} removal rate was stable at about 73%. The intermediate products of electrochemical degradation of BPA were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry liquid chromatography (LC–MS), and a probable BPA degradation pathway was proposed. It was considered that ·OH radicals by water electrolysis could constantly attack the aromatic ring to form various intermediates such as hydroxylated-BPA, isopropylphenol, hydroquinone, phenol and butantetraol, maleic acid, oxalic acid. These compounds were eventually mineralized by electrolysis into CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O.

Redox Control and Hydrogen Production in Sediment Caps Using Carbon Cloth Electrodes

Science.gov (United States)

Sun, Mei; Yan, Fei; Zhang, Ruiling; Reible, Danny D.; Lowry, Gregory V.; Gregory, Kelvin B.

2010-01-01

Sediment caps that degrade contaminants can improve their ability to contain contaminants relative to sand and sorbent-amended caps, but few methods to enhance contaminant degradation in sediment caps are available. The objective of this study was to determine if, carbon electrodes emplaced within a sediment cap at poised potential could create a redox gradient and provide electron donor for the potential degradation of contaminants. In a simulated sediment cap overlying sediment from the Anacostia River (Washington, DC), electrochemically induced redox gradients were developed within 3 days and maintained over the period of the test (~100 days). Hydrogen and oxygen were produced by water electrolysis at the electrode surfaces and may serve as electron donor and acceptor for contaminant degradation. Electrochemical and geochemical factors that may influence hydrogen production were studied. Hydrogen production displayed zero order kinetics with ~75% coulombic efficiency and rates were proportional to the applied potential between 2.5V to 5V and not greatly affected by pH. Hydrogen production was promoted by increasing ionic strength and in the presence of natural organic matter. Graphite electrode-stimulated degradation of tetrachlorobenzene in a batch reactor was dependent on applied voltage and production of hydrogen to a concentration above the threshold for biological dechlorination. These findings suggest that electrochemical reactive capping can potentially be used to create “reactive” sediments caps capable of promoting chemical or biological transformations of contaminants within the cap. PMID:20879761

Water Treatment Using Plasma Discharge with Variation of Electrode Materials

Science.gov (United States)

Chanan, N.; Kusumandari; Saraswati, T. E.

2018-03-01

This research studied water treatment using plasma discharge. Plasma generated in this study produced active species that played a role in organic compound decomposition. The plasma reactor consisted of two needle electrodes made from stainless steel, tungsten, aluminium and grafit. It placed approximately 2 mm above the solution and connected with high-AC voltage. A solution of methylene blue used as an organic solution model. Plasma treatment times were 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 min. The absorbance, temperature and pH of the solution were measured before and after treatment using various electrodes. The best electrode used in plasma discharging for methylene blue absorbance reduction was the graphite electrode, which provided the highest degradation efficiency of 98% at 6 min of treatment time.

Degradation mechanisms in organic photovoltaic devices

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Grossiord, Nadia; Kroon, Jan M.; Andriessen, Ronn; Blom, Paul W. M.

In the present review, the main degradation mechanisms occurring in the different layer stacking (i.e. photoactive layer, electrode, encapsulation film, interconnection) of polymeric organic solar cells and modules are discussed. Bulk and interfacial, as well as chemical and physical degradation

The influence of the synthesis method of Ti/RuO2 electrodes on their stability and catalytic activity for electrochemical oxidation of the pesticide carbaryl

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Santos, T.É.S.; Silva, R.S.; Carlesi Jara, C.; Eguiluz, K.I.B.; Salazar-Banda, G.R.

2014-01-01

In this study, we developed dimensionally stable anodes of titanium covered with ruthenium oxides (Ti/RuO 2 ) using sol–gel, Pechini and ionic liquid (IL) methodologies. The electrochemical efficiency of these electrodes was then evaluated regarding electrochemical degradation of the pesticide carbaryl. The UV–visible spectroscopy measurements showed that the electrodes obtained by the IL and Pechini methods were more effective at pesticide degradation compared with the sol–gel electrode, especially at high current density values. Carbaryl degradation after 2 h of electrolysis at 30 mA cm −2 was 96.4% and 95.5% for the electrodes obtained by the IL and Pechini methods, respectively, while the degradation was 65.0% for the electrodes obtained by the sol–gel method. Additionally, the electrodes prepared by the IL and Pechini methods showed greater physical and electrochemical stability when compared to electrodes obtained by the sol–gel method. Electrodes prepared by the IL method with a few covering layers (three) achieved an elevated and constant area in a more efficient way than electrodes prepared by the Pechini and sol–gel methods. This fact can be attributed to the higher viscosity of the ionic liquid-based precursor solution, which transfers a higher amount of Ru in one single layer, compared to the other methods studied, thus reducing the time for synthesis, the number of calcination steps and the production costs of electrodes. - Highlights: • We developed dimensionally stable anodes containing ruthenium oxides. • Sol–gel, Pechini and ionic liquid methodologies were used. • The ionic liquid method covers the surfaces more efficiently and with few layers. • The proposed method reduces the time and production cost for synthesis of electrodes. • The electrodes synthesized present high stability and pesticide degradation activity

The influence of the synthesis method of Ti/RuO{sub 2} electrodes on their stability and catalytic activity for electrochemical oxidation of the pesticide carbaryl

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Santos, T. É.S. [Laboratório de Eletroquímica e Nanotecnologia, Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa (ITP)/Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Processos, Universidade Tiradentes, 49032–490 Aracaju, SE (Brazil); Silva, R. S. [Laboratório de Materiais Cerâmicos Avançados, Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, 49.100-000 São Cristóvão, SE (Brazil); Carlesi Jara, C. [Escuela de Ingeniería Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Av. Brasil No 2147, 2362804 Valparaíso (Chile); Eguiluz, K. I.B. [Laboratório de Eletroquímica e Nanotecnologia, Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa (ITP)/Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Processos, Universidade Tiradentes, 49032–490 Aracaju, SE (Brazil); Salazar-Banda, G.R., E-mail: gianrsb@gmail.com [Laboratório de Eletroquímica e Nanotecnologia, Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa (ITP)/Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Processos, Universidade Tiradentes, 49032–490 Aracaju, SE (Brazil)

2014-11-14

In this study, we developed dimensionally stable anodes of titanium covered with ruthenium oxides (Ti/RuO{sub 2}) using sol–gel, Pechini and ionic liquid (IL) methodologies. The electrochemical efficiency of these electrodes was then evaluated regarding electrochemical degradation of the pesticide carbaryl. The UV–visible spectroscopy measurements showed that the electrodes obtained by the IL and Pechini methods were more effective at pesticide degradation compared with the sol–gel electrode, especially at high current density values. Carbaryl degradation after 2 h of electrolysis at 30 mA cm{sup −2} was 96.4% and 95.5% for the electrodes obtained by the IL and Pechini methods, respectively, while the degradation was 65.0% for the electrodes obtained by the sol–gel method. Additionally, the electrodes prepared by the IL and Pechini methods showed greater physical and electrochemical stability when compared to electrodes obtained by the sol–gel method. Electrodes prepared by the IL method with a few covering layers (three) achieved an elevated and constant area in a more efficient way than electrodes prepared by the Pechini and sol–gel methods. This fact can be attributed to the higher viscosity of the ionic liquid-based precursor solution, which transfers a higher amount of Ru in one single layer, compared to the other methods studied, thus reducing the time for synthesis, the number of calcination steps and the production costs of electrodes. - Highlights: • We developed dimensionally stable anodes containing ruthenium oxides. • Sol–gel, Pechini and ionic liquid methodologies were used. • The ionic liquid method covers the surfaces more efficiently and with few layers. • The proposed method reduces the time and production cost for synthesis of electrodes. • The electrodes synthesized present high stability and pesticide degradation activity.

An electrochemical study on the positive electrode side of the zinc–cerium hybrid redox flow battery

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nikiforidis, Georgios; Berlouis, Léonard; Hall, David; Hodgson, David

2014-01-01

Highlights: •Elevated temperatures favoured the Ce 3+/4+ reaction on the Pt, Pt–Ir and carbon substrates. •j o increased with temperature over the range 25 °C to 60 °C for all substrates. •Non-porous carbon substrates showed higher reversibility on the Ce 3+/4+ reaction. •Surface degradation of the carbon electrodes occurred due to the high positive potentials. •The Pt–Ir coatings gave the largest j o at 60 °C and appear best suited for use as the positive electrode in the Zn–Ce RFB. -- Abstract: In this study, the electrochemical behaviour of the Ce 3+/4+ redox couple in methanesulfonic acid medium on various electrode substrates was investigated as a function of temperature. Carbon composite electrodes as well as platinum and platinum iridium coated electrodes were studied for their suitability in carrying out the Ce 3+/4+ redox reaction. Cyclic voltammetry in 0.8 mol dm −3 cerium and 4.5 mol dm −3 methanesulfonic acid solution showed that elevated temperatures favoured the Ce 3+ /Ce 4+ reaction on the various platinum and platinum–iridium coated substrates as well as on carbon composite surfaces. The latter electrodes showed better kinetics than the metal coatings but deteriorated badly under the high positive potentials required for the cerium reaction. The exchange current density (j o ), obtained through Tafel extrapolation, polarisation resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, increased with temperature over the range 25 °C to 60 °C. The Pt–Ir coatings gave the largest j o at 60 °C and appear best suited for use as the positive electrode in the Zn–Ce redox flow battery

Comparison of electrocatalytic characterization of boron-doped diamond and SnO2 electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lv, Jiangwei; Feng, Yujie; Liu, Junfeng; Qu, Youpeng; Cui, Fuyi

2013-01-01

Boron-doped diamond (BDD) and SnO 2 electrodes were prepared by direct current plasma chemical vapor deposition (DC-PCVD) and sol–gel method, respectively. Electrochemical characterization of the two electrodes were investigated by phenol electrochemical degradation, accelerated service life test, cyclic voltammetry (CV) in phenol solution, polarization curves in H 2 SO 4 . The surface morphology and crystal structure of two electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The results showed a considerable difference between the two electrodes in their electrocatalytic activity, electrochemical stability and surface properties. Phenol was readily mineralized to CO 2 at BDD electrode, favoring electrochemical combustion, but its degradation was much slower at SnO 2 electrode. The service life of BDD electrode was 10 times longer than that of SnO 2 . Higher electrocatalytic activity and electrochemical stability of BDD electrode arise from its high oxygen evolution potential and the physically absorbed hydroxyl radicals (·OH) on electrode surface.

Formation and Diffusion of Metal Impurities in Perovskite Solar Cell Material CH3NH3PbI3: Implications on Solar Cell Degradation and Choice of Electrode.

Science.gov (United States)

Ming, Wenmei; Yang, Dongwen; Li, Tianshu; Zhang, Lijun; Du, Mao-Hua

2018-02-01

Solar cells based on methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI 3 ) have shown remarkable progress in recent years and have demonstrated efficiencies greater than 20%. However, the long-term stability of MAPbI 3 -based solar cells has yet to be achieved. Besides the well-known chemical and thermal instabilities, significant native ion migration in lead halide perovskites leads to current-voltage hysteresis and photoinduced phase segregation. Recently, it is further revealed that, despite having excellent chemical stability, the Au electrode can cause serious solar cell degradation due to Au diffusion into MAPbI 3 . In addition to Au, many other metals have been used as electrodes in MAPbI 3 solar cells. However, how the external metal impurities introduced by electrodes affect the long-term stability of MAPbI 3 solar cells has rarely been studied. A comprehensive study of formation energetics and diffusion dynamics of a number of noble and transition metal impurities (Au, Ag, Cu, Cr, Mo, W, Co, Ni, Pd) in MAPbI 3 based on first-principles calculations is reported herein. The results uncover important general trends of impurity formation and diffusion in MAPbI 3 and provide useful guidance for identifying the optimal metal electrodes that do not introduce electrically active impurity defects in MAPbI 3 while having low resistivities and suitable work functions for carrier extraction.

Degradation of creatinine using boron-doped diamond electrode: Statistical modeling and degradation mechanism.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Zhefeng; Xian, Jiahui; Zhang, Chunyong; Fu, Degang

2017-09-01

This study investigated the degradation performance and mechanism of creatinine (a urine metabolite) with boron-doped diamond (BDD) anodes. Experiments were performed using a synthetic creatinine solution containing two supporting electrolytes (NaCl and Na 2 SO 4 ). A three-level central composite design was adopted to optimize the degradation process, a mathematical model was thus constructed and used to explore the optimum operating conditions. A maximum mineralization percentage of 80% following with full creatinine removal had been achieved within 120 min of electrolysis, confirming the strong oxidation capability of BDD anodes. Moreover, the results obtained suggested that supporting electrolyte concentration should be listed as one of the most important parameters in BDD technology. Lastly, based on the results from quantum chemistry calculations and LC/MS analyses, two different reaction pathways which governed the electrocatalytic oxidation of creatinine irrespective of the supporting electrolytes were identified. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anodic oxidation of wastewater containing the Reactive Orange 16 Dye using heavily boron-doped diamond electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Migliorini, F.L.; Braga, N.A.; Alves, S.A.; Lanza, M.R.V.; Baldan, M.R.; Ferreira, N.G.

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Electrochemical advanced oxidation process was studied using BDD based anodes with different boron concentrations. → The difference between the non-active and active anodes for organics degradation. → The influence of morphologic and structural properties of BDD electrodes on the RO-16 dye degradation. - Abstract: Boron-doped diamond (BDD) films grown on the titanium substrate were used to study the electrochemical degradation of Reactive Orange (RO) 16 Dye. The films were produced by hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) technique using two different boron concentrations. The growth parameters were controlled to obtain heavily doped diamond films. They were named as E1 and E2 electrodes, with acceptor concentrations of 4.0 and 8.0 x 10 21 atoms cm -3 , respectively. The boron levels were evaluated from Mott-Schottky plots also corroborated by Raman's spectra, which characterized the film quality as well as its physical property. Scanning Electron Microscopy showed well-defined microcrystalline grain morphologies with crystal orientation mixtures of (1 1 1) and (1 0 0). The electrode efficiencies were studied from the advanced oxidation process (AOP) to degrade electrochemically the Reactive Orange 16 azo-dye (RO16). The results were analyzed by UV/VIS spectroscopy, total organic carbon (TOC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. From UV/VIS spectra the highest doped electrode (E2) showed the best efficiency for both, the aromaticity reduction and the azo group fracture. These tendencies were confirmed by the TOC and chromatographic measurements. Besides, the results showed a direct relationship among the BDD morphology, physical property, and its performance during the degradation process.

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Investigation on Electrochemical Degradation of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Electrodes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andersen, Shuang Ma; Dhiman, Rajnish; Skou, Eivind Morten

2015-01-01

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies were systematically carried out on the electrodes before and after the electrochemical stress tests in an aqueous electrolyte at 20 °C and 70 °C. The electrodes have different ionomer structures (no ionomer, only ionomer, physically mixed ionomer and hot p...

Ni/YSZ electrode degradation studied by impedance spectroscopy: Effects of gas cleaning and current density

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hauch, Anne; Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg

2010-01-01

Anode supported (Ni/YSZ–YSZ–LSM/YSZ) solid oxide fuel cells were tested and the degradation over time was monitored and analyzed by impedance spectroscopy. Test conditions were chosen to focus on the anode degradation and all tests were operated at 750 °C. O2 was supplied to the cathode...... and the anode inlet gas mixture had a high p(H2O)/p(H2) ratio of 0.4/0.6. Commercially available gasses were applied. Cells were tested over a few hundred hours applying varying current densities (OCV, 0.75 A/cm2 and 1 A/cm2). To investigate the effects of possible impurities in the inlet gas stream...... on the anode degradation, tests were set-up both with and without gas cleaning. Gas cleaning was done by passing the H2 over porous nickel at room temperature. It was found that cleaning of the inlet H2 gas more than halved the anode degradation under current load. For tests at OCV the increase in the Ni...

Modeling Degradation in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Manohar S. Sohal; Anil V. Virkar; Sergey N. Rashkeev; Michael V. Glazoff

2010-09-01

Idaho National Laboratory has an ongoing project to generate hydrogen from steam using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). To accomplish this, technical and degradation issues associated with the SOECs will need to be addressed. This report covers various approaches being pursued to model degradation issues in SOECs. An electrochemical model for degradation of SOECs is presented. The model is based on concepts in local thermodynamic equilibrium in systems otherwise in global thermodynamic no equilibrium. It is shown that electronic conduction through the electrolyte, however small, must be taken into account for determining local oxygen chemical potential, , within the electrolyte. The within the electrolyte may lie out of bounds in relation to values at the electrodes in the electrolyzer mode. Under certain conditions, high pressures can develop in the electrolyte just near the oxygen electrode/electrolyte interface, leading to oxygen electrode delamination. These predictions are in accordance with the reported literature on the subject. Development of high pressures may be avoided by introducing some electronic conduction in the electrolyte. By combining equilibrium thermodynamics, no equilibrium (diffusion) modeling, and first-principles, atomic scale calculations were performed to understand the degradation mechanisms and provide practical recommendations on how to inhibit and/or completely mitigate them.

Assessing the Electrode-Neuron Interface with the Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential, Electrode Position, and Behavioral Thresholds.

Science.gov (United States)

DeVries, Lindsay; Scheperle, Rachel; Bierer, Julie Arenberg

2016-06-01

Variability in speech perception scores among cochlear implant listeners may largely reflect the variable efficacy of implant electrodes to convey stimulus information to the auditory nerve. In the present study, three metrics were applied to assess the quality of the electrode-neuron interface of individual cochlear implant channels: the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP), the estimation of electrode position using computerized tomography (CT), and behavioral thresholds using focused stimulation. The primary motivation of this approach is to evaluate the ECAP as a site-specific measure of the electrode-neuron interface in the context of two peripheral factors that likely contribute to degraded perception: large electrode-to-modiolus distance and reduced neural density. Ten unilaterally implanted adults with Advanced Bionics HiRes90k devices participated. ECAPs were elicited with monopolar stimulation within a forward-masking paradigm to construct channel interaction functions (CIF), behavioral thresholds were obtained with quadrupolar (sQP) stimulation, and data from imaging provided estimates of electrode-to-modiolus distance and scalar location (scala tympani (ST), intermediate, or scala vestibuli (SV)) for each electrode. The width of the ECAP CIF was positively correlated with electrode-to-modiolus distance; both of these measures were also influenced by scalar position. The ECAP peak amplitude was negatively correlated with behavioral thresholds. Moreover, subjects with low behavioral thresholds and large ECAP amplitudes, averaged across electrodes, tended to have higher speech perception scores. These results suggest a potential clinical role for the ECAP in the objective assessment of individual cochlear implant channels, with the potential to improve speech perception outcomes.

Electronically conductive polymer binder for lithium-ion battery electrode

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Gao; Xun, Shidi; Battaglia, Vincent S.; Zheng, Honghe

2017-05-16

A family of carboxylic acid group containing fluorene/fluorenon copolymers is disclosed as binders of silicon particles in the fabrication of negative electrodes for use with lithium ion batteries. These binders enable the use of silicon as an electrode material as they significantly improve the cycle-ability of silicon by preventing electrode degradation over time. In particular, these polymers, which become conductive on first charge, bind to the silicon particles of the electrode, are flexible so as to better accommodate the expansion and contraction of the electrode during charge/discharge, and being conductive promote the flow battery current.

Organic Photovoltaic Structures as Photo-active Electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gustafson, Matthew P.; Clark, Noel; Winther-Jensen, Bjorn; MacFarlane, Douglas R.

2014-01-01

This study demonstrated the novel use of a bulk heterojunction (BHJ), as present in modern organic solar cells, as a light-assisted electrocatalyst for water electrolysis reactions. Two separate organic photo-voltaic electrode structures were designed for targeting both the reduction, (ITO-PET/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM)* and oxidation, (ITO-PET/ZnO/P3HT:PCBM)* reactions of water, denoted as OPE-R and OPE-O respectively. The OPE-R electrode supported both the proton reduction reaction (PRR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) achieving photocurrents of -0.04 mAcm −2 (ORR) and -0.03 mAcm −2 (PRR) and a photovoltage of 0.50 V (ORR) and onset photovoltage at -0.59 V (PRR). By comparison, the OPE-O electrode achieved photocurrents of 0.15 mAcm −2 and photovoltages of 0.35 V for the water oxidation reaction (WOR). Both BHJ designs confirmed evidence of photo-enhanced Bulk Heterojunction Electrode (BHE) activity. The stability and sources of electrode degradation were also studied, with the OPE-O electrode proving to be more stable than the OPE-R electrode, most likely due to the PEDOT:PSS layer and PSS migration in the presence of water. *Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), Polystyrenesulfonate acid (PSS), Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), Phenyl-C 61 -Butyric acid Methyl ester (PCBM), Zinc Oxide (ZnO)

Electrodes for 24 hours pH monitoring--a comparative study.

OpenAIRE

McLauchlan, G; Rawlings, J M; Lucas, M L; McCloy, R F; Crean, G P; McColl, K E

1987-01-01

Three pH electrodes in clinical use were examined--(1) antimony electrode with remote reference electrode (Synectics 0011), (2) glass electrode with remote reference electrode (Microelectrodes Inc. MI 506) and (3) combined glass electrode with integral reference electrode (Radiometer GK2801C). In vitro studies showed that both glass electrodes were similar and superior to the antimony electrode with respect to response time, drift, and sensitivity. The effect of the siting of the reference el...

Nanoscale Protection Layers To Mitigate Degradation in High-Energy Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, Chuan-Fu; Qi, Yue; Gregorczyk, Keith; Lee, Sang Bok; Rubloff, Gary W

2018-01-16

In the pursuit of energy storage devices with higher energy and power, new ion storage materials and high-voltage battery chemistries are of paramount importance. However, they invite-and often enhance-degradation mechanisms, which are reflected in capacity loss with charge/discharge cycling and sometimes in safety problems. Degradation mechanisms are often driven by fundamentals such as chemical and electrochemical reactions at electrode-electrolyte interfaces, volume expansion and stress associated with ion insertion and extraction, and profound inhomogeneity of electrochemical behavior. While it is important to identify and understand these mechanisms at some reasonable level, it is even more critical to design strategies to mitigate these degradation pathways and to develop means to implement and validate the strategies. A growing set of research highlights the mitigation benefits achievable by forming thin protection layers (PLs) intentionally created as artificial interphase regions at the electrode-electrolyte interface. These advances illustrate a promising-perhaps even generic-pathway for enabling higher-energy and higher-voltage battery configurations. In this Account, we summarize examples of such PLs that serve as mitigation strategies to avoid degradation in lithium metal anodes, conversion-type electrode materials, and alloy-type electrodes. Examples are chosen from a larger body of electrochemical degradation research carried out in Nanostructures for Electrical Energy Storage (NEES), our DOE Energy Frontier Research Center. Overall, we argue on the basis of experimental and theoretical evidence that PLs effectively stabilize the electrochemical interfaces to prevent parasitic chemical and electrochemical reactions and mitigate the structural, mechanical, and compositional degradation of the electrode materials at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces. The evidenced improvement in performance metrics is accomplished by (1) establishing a homogeneous

Mechanical measurements on lithium phosphorous oxynitride coated silicon thin film electrodes for lithium-ion batteries during lithiation and delithiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Al-Obeidi, Ahmed, E-mail: alobeidi@mit.edu; Thompson, Carl V., E-mail: reiner.moenig@kit.edu, E-mail: cthomp@mit.edu [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States); Kramer, Dominik, E-mail: dominik.kramer@kit.edu; Mönig, Reiner, E-mail: reiner.moenig@kit.edu, E-mail: cthomp@mit.edu [Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (Germany); Helmholtz Institute Ulm for Electrochemical Energy Storage (HIU), Helmholtzstraße 11, 89081 Ulm (Germany); Boles, Steven T., E-mail: steven.t.boles@polyu.edu.hk [Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (Germany); Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Rd, Hung Hom (Hong Kong)

2016-08-15

The development of large stresses during lithiation and delithiation drives mechanical and chemical degradation processes (cracking and electrolyte decomposition) in thin film silicon anodes that complicate the study of normal electrochemical and mechanical processes. To reduce these effects, lithium phosphorous oxynitride (LiPON) coatings were applied to silicon thin film electrodes. Applying a LiPON coating has two purposes. First, the coating acts as a stable artificial solid electrolyte interphase. Second, it limits mechanical degradation by retaining the electrode's planar morphology during cycling. The development of stress in LiPON-coated electrodes was monitored using substrate curvature measurements. LiPON-coated electrodes displayed highly reproducible cycle-to-cycle behavior, unlike uncoated electrodes which had poorer coulombic efficiency and exhibited a continual loss in stress magnitude with continued cycling due to film fracture. The improved mechanical stability of the coated silicon electrodes allowed for a better investigation of rate effects and variations of mechanical properties during electrochemical cycling.

Report on the joint research on the technology development of energy use reduction gas diffusion electrode salt electrolysis; Kyodo kenkyu energy shiyo gorika gas kakusan denkyoku shokuen denkai gijutsu kaihatsu seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2001-03-01

For the purpose of energy conservation in the 'soda industry' which is an energy multi-consumption industry, study was made of the commercialization applying 'gas diffusion electrode' which is used for fuel cells, and the FY 2000 results were summed up. As to the development of production technology of gas diffusion electrode, conditional studies were conducted of the material production process, grinding process, mixing machine, filling, coating process, hot press process, etc. Concerning the evaluation of durability of the gas diffusion electrode, analysis of long-term operation electrode was conducted, and a lot of information on the degradation mechanism was obtained. In the degraded electrode, wetting of gas diffusion layer is going on, which is thought to directly cause the degradation. It is supposed that between the stable electrode and the degraded electrode, there are no changes in diameter of carbon powder and there is no carbon consumption. As to the verification test using the practical scale electrolytic cell, a trial operation started in February 2001. About the electrolytic performance, the electrolytic voltage is appropriately 2.2V, keeping the stable numerical value. The comparatively favorable performance is being maintained. (NEDO)

Degradation in Solid Oxide Cells During High Temperature Electrolysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Manohar Sohal

2009-05-01

Idaho National Laboratory has an ongoing project to generate hydrogen from steam using solid oxide electrolysis cells. One goal of that project is to address the technical and degradation issues associated with solid oxide electrolysis cells. This report covers a variety of these degradation issues, which were discussed during a workshop on “Degradation in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells and Strategies for its Mitigation,” held in Phoenix, AZ on October 27, 2008. Three major degradation issues related to solid oxide electrolysis cells discussed at the workshop are: • Delamination of O2-electrode and bond layer on steam/O2-electrode side • Contaminants (Ni, Cr, Si, etc.) on reaction sites (triple-phase boundary) • Loss of electrical/ionic conductivity of electrolyte. This list is not all inclusive, but the workshop summary can be useful in providing a direction for future research related to the degradation of solid oxide electrolysis cells.

Electronically conductive polymer binder for lithium-ion battery electrode

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Gao; Xun, Shidi; Battaglia, Vincent S.; Zheng, Honghe; Wu, Mingyan

2017-08-01

A family of carboxylic acid groups containing fluorene/fluorenon copolymers is disclosed as binders of silicon particles in the fabrication of negative electrodes for use with lithium ion batteries. Triethyleneoxide side chains provide improved adhesion to materials such as, graphite, silicon, silicon alloy, tin, tin alloy. These binders enable the use of silicon as an electrode material as they significantly improve the cycle-ability of silicon by preventing electrode degradation over time. In particular, these polymers, which become conductive on first charge, bind to the silicon particles of the electrode, are flexible so as to better accommodate the expansion and contraction of the electrode during charge/discharge, and being conductive promote the flow battery current.

Electronically conductive polymer binder for lithium-ion battery electrode

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Gao; Xun, Shidi; Battaglia, Vincent S.; Zheng, Honghe; Wu, Mingyan

2015-07-07

A family of carboxylic acid groups containing fluorene/fluorenon copolymers is disclosed as binders of silicon particles in the fabrication of negative electrodes for use with lithium ion batteries. Triethyleneoxide side chains provide improved adhesion to materials such as, graphite, silicon, silicon alloy, tin, tin alloy. These binders enable the use of silicon as an electrode material as they significantly improve the cycle-ability of silicon by preventing electrode degradation over time. In particular, these polymers, which become conductive on first charge, bind to the silicon particles of the electrode, are flexible so as to better accommodate the expansion and contraction of the electrode during charge/discharge, and being conductive promote the flow battery current.

[Degradation of 4-chlorophenol in aqueous solution by high-voltage pulsed discharge-ozone technology].

Science.gov (United States)

Wen, Yuezhong; Jiang, Xuanzhen; Liu, Weiping

2002-03-01

The combination of high voltage pulse discharge and ozonation as an advanced oxidation technology was used to investigate the degradation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) in water. The factors that affect the rate of degradation were discussed. The 1.95 x 10(-3) mol/L solutions of 4-CP were almost completely (96%) degraded after the discharge treatment of 30 min. The degradation of 4-CP was investigated as a function of the ozone concentration, radical scavenger and electrode distance. The rate of 4-CP degradation increases with an increase in ozone concentration and a decrease in the electrode distance from 20 mm to 10 mm. The presence of radical scavenger decreased the rate of 4-CP degradation.

Environmental stability of high-mobility indium-oxide based transparent electrodes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Thanaporn Tohsophon

2015-11-01

Full Text Available Large-scale deployment of a wide range of optoelectronic devices, including solar cells, critically depends on the long-term stability of their front electrodes. Here, we investigate the performance of Sn-doped In2O3 (ITO, H-doped In2O3 (IO:H, and Zn-doped In2O3 (IZO electrodes under damp heat (DH conditions (85 °C, 85% relative humidity. ITO, IO:H capped with ITO, and IZO show high stability with only 3%, 9%, and 13% sheet resistance (Rs degradation after 1000 h of DH, respectively. For uncapped IO:H, we find a 75% Rs degradation, due to losses in electron Hall mobility (μHall. We propose that this degradation results from chemisorbed OH- or H2O-related species in the film, which is confirmed by thermal desorption spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. While μHall strongly degrades during DH, the optical mobility (μoptical remains unchanged, indicating that the degradation mainly occurs at grain boundaries.

Electrochemical oxidation of bio-refractory dye in a simulated textile industry effluent using DSA electrodes in a filter-press type FM01-LC reactor.

Science.gov (United States)

Rodríguez, Francisca A; Mateo, María N; Aceves, Juan M; Rivero, Eligio P; González, Ignacio

2013-01-01

This work presents a study on degradation of indigo carmine dye in a filter-press type FM01-LC reactor using Sb2O5-doped Ti/IrO2-SnO2 dimensionally stable anode (DSA) electrodes. Micro- and macroelectrolysis studies were carried out using solutions of 0.8 mM indigo carmine in 0.05 M NaCl, which resemble blue denim laundry industrial wastewater. Microelectrolysis results show the behaviour of DSA electrodes in comparison with the behaviour of boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes. In general, dye degradation reactions are carried out indirectly through active chlorine generated on DSA, whereas in the case of BDD electrodes more oxidizing species are formed, mainly OH radicals, on the electrode surface. The well-characterized geometry, flow pattern and mass transport of the FM01-LC reactor used in macroelectrolysis experiments allowed the evaluation of the effect of hydrodynamic conditions on the chlorine-mediated degradation rate. Four values of Reynolds number (Re) (93, 371, 464 and 557) at four current densities (50, 100, 150 and 200 A/m2) were tested. The results show that the degradation rate is independent of Re at low current density (50 A/m2) but becomes dependent on the Re at high current density (200 A/m2). This behaviour shows the central role of mass transport and the reactor parameters and design. The low energy consumption (2.02 and 9.04 kWh/m3 for complete discolouration and chemical oxygen demand elimination at 50 A/m2, respectively) and the low cost of DSA electrodes compared to BDD make DSA electrodes promising for practical application in treating industrial textile effluents. In the present study, chlorinated organic compounds were not detected.

Evaluation of the performance degradation at PAFC effect of catalyst degradation on electrode performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nishizaki, K.; Uchida, H.; Watanabe, M. [Yamanashi Univ., Kofu (Japan)] [and others

1996-12-31

Aiming commercialization of Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC) power plant, many researches and developments have been contributed. Over 20000 hours operations have been demonstrated by many PAFC power plants. But there is no effective method for the estimation of lifetime of electrochemical cells without a practical long-term operation. Conducted by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), cooperative research projects aiming development of PAFC lifetime estimation method have started since 1995 FY in Japan. As part of this project, this work has been performed to clarify basic phenomena of the performance degradation at PAFCs jointly by Yamanashi University, Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell Technology Research Association (PAFC-TRA) and PAFC manufacturers (Toshiba Co., Mitsubishi Electric Co, Fuji Electric Co.). Among several main causes of the cell performance degradation, effects of catalyst degradation (reduction in metal surface area, dealloying, changes in catalyst support) on PAFC cathode performances are discussed in this work.

Study of electric discharges between moving electrodes in air

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Andreev, V. V.; Pichugin, Yu. P.; Telegin, V. G.; Telegin, G. G.

2011-01-01

A barrier electric discharge excited between a fixed electrode and a rotating electrode covered with a dielectric layer in atmospheric-pressure air is studied experimentally. A distinctive feature of this type of discharge is that it operates at a constant voltage between the electrodes. An advantage of the proposed method for plasma generation in the boundary layer of the rotating electrode (e.g., for studying the influence of plasma on air flows) is the variety of forms of the discharge and conditions for its initiation, simplicity of the design of the discharge system, and ease of its practical implementation

Study of electric discharges between moving electrodes in air

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Andreev, V. V.; Pichugin, Yu. P.; Telegin, V. G.; Telegin, G. G. [Chuvash State University (Russian Federation)

2011-12-15

A barrier electric discharge excited between a fixed electrode and a rotating electrode covered with a dielectric layer in atmospheric-pressure air is studied experimentally. A distinctive feature of this type of discharge is that it operates at a constant voltage between the electrodes. An advantage of the proposed method for plasma generation in the boundary layer of the rotating electrode (e.g., for studying the influence of plasma on air flows) is the variety of forms of the discharge and conditions for its initiation, simplicity of the design of the discharge system, and ease of its practical implementation.

Modeling Degradation in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells - Volume II

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Manohar Motwani

2011-09-01

Idaho National Laboratory has an ongoing project to generate hydrogen from steam using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). To accomplish this, technical and degradation issues associated with the SOECs will need to be addressed. This report covers various approaches being pursued to model degradation issues in SOECs. An electrochemical model for degradation of SOECs is presented. The model is based on concepts in local thermodynamic equilibrium in systems otherwise in global thermodynamic non-equilibrium. It is shown that electronic conduction through the electrolyte, however small, must be taken into account for determining local oxygen chemical potential,, within the electrolyte. The within the electrolyte may lie out of bounds in relation to values at the electrodes in the electrolyzer mode. Under certain conditions, high pressures can develop in the electrolyte just near the oxygen electrode/electrolyte interface, leading to oxygen electrode delamination. These predictions are in accordance with the reported literature on the subject. Development of high pressures may be avoided by introducing some electronic conduction in the electrolyte. By combining equilibrium thermodynamics, non-equilibrium (diffusion) modeling, and first-principles, atomic scale calculations were performed to understand the degradation mechanisms and provide practical recommendations on how to inhibit and/or completely mitigate them.

A novel approach for supercapacitors degradation characterization

Science.gov (United States)

Oz, Alon; Gelman, Danny; Goren, Emanuelle; Shomrat, Neta; Baltianski, Sioma; Tsur, Yoed

2017-07-01

A novel approach to analyze electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), based on evolutionary programming, has been utilized to characterize supercapacitors operation mechanism and degradation processes. This approach poses the ability of achieving a comprehensive study of supercapacitors via solely AC measurements. Commercial supercapacitors were examined during accelerated degradation. The microstructure of the electrode-electrolyte interface changes upon degradation; electrolyte parasitic reactions yield the formation of precipitates on the porous surface, which limit the access of the electrolyte ions to the active area and thus reduces performance. EIS analysis using Impedance Spectroscopy Genetic Programming (ISGP) technique enables identifying how the changing microstructure is affecting the operation mechanism of supercapacitors, in terms of each process effective capacitance and time constant. The most affected process is the transport of electrolyte ions at the porous electrode. Their access to the whole active area is hindered, which is shown in our analysis by the decrease of the capacitance gained in the transport and the longer time it takes to penetrate the entire pores depth. Early failure detection is also demonstrated, in a way not readily possible via conventional indicators. ISGP advanced analysis method has been verified using conventional and proven techniques: cyclic voltammetry and post mortem measurements.

Studies of pyrrole black electrodes as possible battery positive electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mengoli, G.; Musiani, M.M.; Fleischmann, M.; Pletcher, D.

1984-05-01

It is shown that a polypyrrole, pyrrole black, may be formed anodically in several aqueous acids. The polypyrrole film shows a redox couple at less positive potentials than that required to form the film and the charge associated with these reduction and oxidation processes together with their stabilty to cycling varies with the anion in solution and the potential where the polypyrrole is formed; over-oxidation of the film caused by taking its potential too positive has a particularly disadvantageous affect. In the acids HBr and HI, the polypyrrole films can act as a storage medium for Br/sub 2/ or I/sub 2/ so that they may be used as a substrate for a X/sub 2//X/sup -/ electrode. Such electrodes may be charge/discharge cycled and the pyrrole/Br/sub 2/ electrode shows promise as a battery positive electrode.

Critical Causes of Degradation in Integrated Laboratory Scale Cells during High Temperature Electrolysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

M.S. Sohal; J.E. O' Brien; C.M. Stoots; J. J. Hartvigsen; D. Larsen; S. Elangovan; J.S. Herring; J.D. Carter; V.I. Sharma; B. Yildiz

2009-05-01

An ongoing project at Idaho National Laboratory involves generating hydrogen from steam using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC). This report describes background information about SOECs, the Integrated Laboratory Scale (ILS) testing of solid-oxide electrolysis stacks, ILS performance degradation, and post-test examination of SOECs by various researchers. The ILS test was a 720- cell, three-module test comprised of 12 stacks of 60 cells each. A peak H2 production rate of 5.7 Nm3/hr was achieved. Initially, the module area-specific resistance ranged from 1.25 Ocm2 to just over 2 Ocm2. Total H2 production rate decreased from 5.7 Nm3/hr to a steady state value of 0.7 Nm3/hr. The decrease was primarily due to cell degradation. Post test examination by Ceramatec showed that the hydrogen electrode appeared to be in good condition. The oxygen evolution electrode does show delamination in operation and an apparent foreign layer deposited at the electrolyte interface. Post test examination by Argonne National Laboratory showed that the O2-electrode delaminated from the electrolyte near the edge. One possible reason for this delamination is excessive pressure buildup with high O2 flow in the over-sintered region. According to post test examination at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the electrochemical reactions have been recognized as one of the prevalent causes of their degradation. Specifically, two important degradation mechanisms were examined: (1) transport of Crcontaining species from steel interconnects into the oxygen electrode and LSC bond layers in SOECs, and (2) cation segregation and phase separation in the bond layer. INL conducted a workshop October 27, 2008 to discuss possible causes of degradation in a SOEC stack. Generally, it was agreed that the following are major degradation issues relating to SOECs: • Delamination of the O2-electrode and bond layer on the steam/O2-electrode side • Contaminants (Ni, Cr, Si, etc.) on reaction sites

Ni/YSZ electrode degradation studied by impedance spectroscopy — Effect of p(H₂O)

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hauch, Anne; Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg; Hagen, Anke

2011-01-01

Anode supported solid oxide fuel cells have been tested and the degradation over time was monitored and analyzed by impedance spectroscopy. Reproducibility of initial cathode, anode and electrolyte performance was obtained. Anode (Ni/YSZ) degradation was analyzed for tests applying p(H2O) of 0...... correlated with p(H2O)), but the characteristic time, τ, for the anode degradation was significantly higher for the test at p(H2O) = 0.2 atm than at p(H2O) of 0.4 atm and 0.6 atm........2 atm, 0.4 atm and 0.6 atm at 750 °C and 0.75 A/cm2. The anode degradation could be well described by the equation: RNi,TPB(t) = RNi,0 + ΔR∙(1 − exp(− t / τ)). The initial resistance and total increase for the Ni–YSZ charge transfer resistance, RNi,0 and ΔR, were similar for all tests (i.e. not directly...

Activation and discharge kinetics of metal hydride electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Johnsen, Stein Egil

2003-07-01

this activation procedure. Studies of the activity of single metal hydride particles show that each particle has different properties after activation, by hot polarisation, in a porous electrode. The differences in activation among single particles may be due to differences in contact resistance between the individual metal hydride particle and the current collector in the porous electrode, which would result in a current distribution. Annealing of the gas atomised AB{sub 5} type alloy increases the discharge capacity but does not otherwise affect the activation. The corrosion and passivation of metal hydride electrodes of AB{sub 5} type alloys was studied. A high depth of discharge (DOD) decreases the discharge rate capability of the metal hydride electrodes and this is explained by passivation. A surface passivation may enhance particle cracking, which would make the electrode more susceptible to corrosion. The passivation of metal hydride electrodes increases for increasing cut-off-potential (COP) during discharging. This can be explained by an increasing corrosion of the particle surfaces. A corrosion phenomenon was measured at high DOD and correlated to the passivation of the metal hydride particle surface. Lowering the COP can reduce the negative effect of this phenomenon. The cycle life of the gas-atomised material is slightly improved by decreasing the COP but is independent of hot-polarisation activation treatment. Annealing this material significantly improves both discharge capacity and cycle life. A change of surface morphology due to the annealing has been identified and may contribute to the decreased electrode degradation. The formation of hydroxides on the particle surfaces is in general regarded to be negative for the electrode kinetics and is probably responsible for the long time degradation of metal hydride electrodes.

Re-activation of degraded nickel cermet anodes - Nano-particle formation via reverse current pulses

Science.gov (United States)

Hauch, A.; Marchese, M.; Lanzini, A.; Graves, C.

2018-02-01

The Ni/yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) cermet is the most commonly applied fuel electrode for solid oxide cells (SOCs). Loss of Ni/YSZ electrode activity is a key life-time limiting factor of the SOC. Developing means to mitigate this loss of performance or re-activate a fuel electrode is therefore important. In this work, we report a series of five tests on state-of-the-art Ni/YSZ-YSZ-CGObarrier-LSC/CGO cells. All cells were deliberately degraded via gas stream impurities in CO2/CO or harsh steam electrolysis operation. The cells were re-activated via a variety of reverse current treatments (RCTs). Via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, we found that the Ni/YSZ electrode performance could be recovered via RCT, but not via constant fuel cell operation. For optimized RCT, we obtained a lower Ni/YSZ electrode resistance than the initial resistance. E.g. at 700 °C we measured fuel electrode resistance of 180 mΩ cm2, 390 mΩ cm2, and 159 mΩ cm2 before degradation, after degradation and after re-activation via RCT, respectively. Post-test SEM revealed that the RCT led to formation of nano-particles in the fuel electrode. Besides the remarkable improvement, the results also showed that RCTs can weaken Ni/YSZ interfaces and the electrode/electrolyte interface. This indicates that finding an optimum RCT profile is crucial for achieving maximum benefit.

Enhanced tolerance to stretch-induced performance degradation of stretchable MnO2-based supercapacitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Huang, Yan; Huang, Yang; Meng, Wenjun; Zhu, Minshen; Xue, Hongtao; Lee, Chun-Sing; Zhi, Chunyi

2015-02-04

The performance of many stretchable electronics, such as energy storage devices and strain sensors, is highly limited by the structural breakdown arising from the stretch imposed. In this article, we focus on a detailed study on materials matching between functional materials and their conductive substrate, as well as enhancement of the tolerance to stretch-induced performance degradation of stretchable supercapacitors, which are essential for the design of a stretchable device. It is revealed that, being widely utilized as the electrode material of the stretchable supercapacitor, metal oxides such as MnO2 nanosheets have serious strain-induced performance degradation due to their rigid structure. In comparison, with conducting polymers like a polypyrrole (PPy) film as the electrochemically active material, the performance of stretchable supercapacitors can be well preserved under strain. Therefore, a smart design is to combine PPy with MnO2 nanosheets to achieve enhanced tolerance to strain-induced performance degradation of MnO2-based supercapacitors, which is realized by fabricating an electrode of PPy-penetrated MnO2 nanosheets. The composite electrodes exhibit a remarkable enhanced tolerance to strain-induced performance degradation with well-preserved performance over 93% under strain. The detailed morphology and electrochemical impedance variations are investigated for the mechanism analyses. Our work presents a systematic investigation on the selection and matching of electrode materials for stretchable supercapacitors to achieve high performance and great tolerance to strain, which may guide the selection of functional materials and their substrate materials for the next-generation of stretchable electronics.

Microbial electricity generation enhances decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209 degradation.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yonggang Yang

Full Text Available Due to environmental persistence and biotoxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, it is urgent to develop potential technologies to remediate PBDEs. Introducing electrodes for microbial electricity generation to stimulate the anaerobic degradation of organic pollutants is highly promising for bioremediation. However, it is still not clear whether the degradation of PBDEs could be promoted by this strategy. In this study, we hypothesized that the degradation of PBDEs (e.g., BDE-209 would be enhanced under microbial electricity generation condition. The functional compositions and structures of microbial communities in closed-circuit microbial fuel cell (c-MFC and open-circuit microbial fuel cell (o-MFC systems for BDE-209 degradation were detected by a comprehensive functional gene array, GeoChip 4.0, and linked with PBDE degradations. The results indicated that distinctly different microbial community structures were formed between c-MFCs and o-MFCs, and that lower concentrations of BDE-209 and the resulting lower brominated PBDE products were detected in c-MFCs after 70-day performance. The diversity and abundance of a variety of functional genes in c-MFCs were significantly higher than those in o-MFCs. Most genes involved in chlorinated solvent reductive dechlorination, hydroxylation, methoxylation and aromatic hydrocarbon degradation were highly enriched in c-MFCs and significantly positively correlated with the removal of PBDEs. Various other microbial functional genes for carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur cycling, as well as energy transformation process, were also significantly increased in c-MFCs. Together, these results suggest that PBDE degradation could be enhanced by introducing the electrodes for microbial electricity generation and by specifically stimulating microbial functional genes.

Adsorption on smooth electrodes: A radiotracer study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rice-Jackson, L.M.

1990-01-01

Adsorption on solids is a complicated process and in most cases, occurs as the early stage of other more complicated processes, i.e. chemical reactions, electrooxidation, electroreduction. The research reported here combines the electroanalytical method, cyclic voltammetry, and the use of radio-labeled isotopes, soft beta emitters, to study adsorption processes at smooth electrodes. The in-situ radiotracer method is highly anion (molecule) specific and provides information on the structure and composition of the electric double layer. The emphasis of this research was on studying adsorption processes at smooth electrodes of copper, gold, and platinum. The application of the radiotracer method to these smooth surfaces have led to direct in-situ measurements from which surface coverage was determined; anions and molecules were identified; and weak interactions of adsorbates with the surface of the electrodes were readily monitored. 179 refs

Catalyst Stability Benchmarking for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction: The Importance of Backing Electrode Material and Dissolution in Accelerated Aging Studies.

Science.gov (United States)

Geiger, Simon; Kasian, Olga; Mingers, Andrea M; Nicley, Shannon S; Haenen, Ken; Mayrhofer, Karl J J; Cherevko, Serhiy

2017-09-18

In searching for alternative oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts for acidic water splitting, fast screening of the material intrinsic activity and stability in half-cell tests is of vital importance. The screening process significantly accelerates the discovery of new promising materials without the need of time-consuming real-cell analysis. In commonly employed tests, a conclusion on the catalyst stability is drawn solely on the basis of electrochemical data, for example, by evaluating potential-versus-time profiles. Herein important limitations of such approaches, which are related to the degradation of the backing electrode material, are demonstrated. State-of-the-art Ir-black powder is investigated for OER activity and for dissolution as a function of the backing electrode material. Even at very short time intervals materials like glassy carbon passivate, increasing the contact resistance and concealing the degradation phenomena of the electrocatalyst itself. Alternative backing electrodes like gold and boron-doped diamond show better stability and are thus recommended for short accelerated aging investigations. Moreover, parallel quantification of dissolution products in the electrolyte is shown to be of great importance for comparing OER catalyst feasibility. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Reactivating the Ni-YSZ electrode in solid oxide cells and stacks by infiltration

Science.gov (United States)

Skafte, Theis Løye; Hjelm, Johan; Blennow, Peter; Graves, Christopher

2018-02-01

The solid oxide cell (SOC) could play a vital role in energy storage when the share of intermittent electricity production is high. However, large-scale commercialization of the technology is still hindered by the limited lifetime. Here, we address this issue by examining the potential for repairing various failure and degradation mechanisms occurring in the fuel electrode, thereby extending the potential lifetime of a SOC system. We successfully infiltrated the nickel and yttria-stabilized zirconia cermet electrode in commercial cells with Gd-doped ceria after operation. By this method we fully reactivated the fuel electrode after simulated reactant starvation and after carbon formation. Furthermore, by infiltrating after 900 h of operation, the degradation of the fuel electrode was reduced by a factor of two over the course of 2300 h. Lastly, the scalability of the concept is demonstrated by reactivating an 8-cell stack based on a commercial design.

Degradation pathway of malachite green in a novel dual-tank photoelectrochemical catalytic reactor.

Science.gov (United States)

Diao, Zenghui; Li, Mingyu; Zeng, Fanyin; Song, Lin; Qiu, Rongliang

2013-09-15

A novel dual-tank photoelectrochemical catalytic reactor was designed to investigate the degradation pathway of malachite green. A thermally formed TiO₂/Ti thin film electrode was used as photoanode, graphite was used as cathode, and a saturated calomel electrode was employed as the reference electrode in the reactor. In the reactor, the anode and cathode tanks were connected by a cation exchange membrane. Results showed that the decolorization ratio of malachite green in the anode and cathode was 98.5 and 96.5% after 120 min, respectively. Malachite green in the two anode and cathode tanks was oxidized, achieving the bipolar double effect. Malachite green in both the anode and cathode tanks exhibited similar catalytic degradation pathways. The double bond of the malachite green molecule was attacked by strong oxidative hydroxyl radicals, after which the organic compound was degraded by the two pathways into 4,4-bis(dimethylamino) benzophenone, 4-(dimethylamino) benzophenone, 4-(dimethylamino) phenol, and other intermediate products. Eventually, malachite green was degraded into oxalic acid as a small molecular organic acid, which was degraded by processes such as demethylation, deamination, nitration, substitution, addition, and other reactions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Short stack modeling of degradation in solid oxide fuel cells. Part II. Sensitivity and interaction analysis

Science.gov (United States)

Gazzarri, J. I.; Kesler, O.

In the first part of this two-paper series, we presented a numerical model of the impedance behaviour of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) aimed at simulating the change in the impedance spectrum induced by contact degradation at the interconnect-electrode, and at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces. The purpose of that investigation was to develop a non-invasive diagnostic technique to identify degradation modes in situ. In the present paper, we appraise the predictive capabilities of the proposed method in terms of its robustness to uncertainties in the input parameters, many of which are very difficult to measure independently. We applied this technique to the degradation modes simulated in Part I, in addition to anode sulfur poisoning. Electrode delamination showed the highest robustness to input parameter variations, followed by interconnect oxidation and interconnect detachment. The most sensitive degradation mode was sulfur poisoning, due to strong parameter interactions. In addition, we simulate several simultaneous two-degradation-mode scenarios, assessing the method's capabilities and limitations for the prediction of electrochemical behaviour of SOFC's undergoing multiple simultaneous degradation modes.

Short stack modeling of degradation in solid oxide fuel cells. Part II. Sensitivity and interaction analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gazzarri, J.I. [Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2054-6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 (Canada); Kesler, O. [Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King' s College Road, Toronto, ON M5S 3G8 (Canada)

2008-01-21

In the first part of this two-paper series, we presented a numerical model of the impedance behaviour of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) aimed at simulating the change in the impedance spectrum induced by contact degradation at the interconnect-electrode, and at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces. The purpose of that investigation was to develop a non-invasive diagnostic technique to identify degradation modes in situ. In the present paper, we appraise the predictive capabilities of the proposed method in terms of its robustness to uncertainties in the input parameters, many of which are very difficult to measure independently. We applied this technique to the degradation modes simulated in Part I, in addition to anode sulfur poisoning. Electrode delamination showed the highest robustness to input parameter variations, followed by interconnect oxidation and interconnect detachment. The most sensitive degradation mode was sulfur poisoning, due to strong parameter interactions. In addition, we simulate several simultaneous two-degradation-mode scenarios, assessing the method's capabilities and limitations for the prediction of electrochemical behaviour of SOFC's undergoing multiple simultaneous degradation modes. (author)

Reactivating the Ni-YSZ electrode in solid oxide cells and stacks by infiltration

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Skafte, Theis Løye; Hjelm, Johan; Blennow Tullmar, Peter

2018-01-01

for repairing various failure and degradation mechanisms occurring in the fuel electrode, thereby extending the potential lifetime of a SOC system. We successfully infiltrated the nickel and yttria-stabilized zirconia cermet electrode in commercial cells with Gd-doped ceria after operation. By this method we...

Face-centered-cubic lithium crystals formed in mesopores of carbon nanofiber electrodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Byoung-Sun; Seo, Jong-Hyun; Son, Seoung-Bum; Kim, Seul Cham; Choi, In-Suk; Ahn, Jae-Pyoung; Oh, Kyu Hwan; Lee, Se-Hee; Yu, Woong-Ryeol

2013-07-23

In the foreseeable future, there will be a sharp increase in the demand for flexible Li-ion batteries. One of the most important components of such batteries will be a freestanding electrode, because the traditional electrodes are easily damaged by repeated deformations. The mechanical sustainability of carbon-based freestanding electrodes subjected to repeated electrochemical reactions with Li ions is investigated via nanotensile tests of individual hollow carbon nanofibers (HCNFs). Surprisingly, the mechanical properties of such electrodes are improved by repeated electrochemical reactions with Li ions, which is contrary to the conventional wisdom that the mechanical sustainability of carbon-based electrodes should be degraded by repeated electrochemical reactions. Microscopic studies reveal a reinforcing mechanism behind this improvement, namely, that inserted Li ions form irreversible face-centered-cubic (FCC) crystals within HCNF cavities, which can reinforce the carbonaceous matrix as strong second-phase particles. These FCC Li crystals formed within the carbon matrix create tremendous potential for HCNFs as freestanding electrodes for flexible batteries, but they also contribute to the irreversible (and thus low) capacity of HCNFs.

Iodinated contrast media electro-degradation: process performance and degradation pathways.

Science.gov (United States)

Del Moro, Guido; Pastore, Carlo; Di Iaconi, Claudio; Mascolo, Giuseppe

2015-02-15

The electrochemical degradation of six of the most widely used iodinated contrast media was investigated. Batch experiments were performed under constant current conditions using two DSA® electrodes (titanium coated with a proprietary and patented mixed metal oxide solution of precious metals such as iridium, ruthenium, platinum, rhodium and tantalum). The degradation removal never fell below 85% (at a current density of 64 mA/cm(2) with a reaction time of 150 min) when perchlorate was used as the supporting electrolyte; however, when sulphate was used, the degradation performance was above 80% (at a current density of 64 mA/cm(2) with a reaction time of 150 min) for all of the compounds studied. Three main degradation pathways were identified, namely, the reductive de-iodination of the aromatic ring, the reduction of alkyl aromatic amides to simple amides and the de-acylation of N-aromatic amides to produce aromatic amines. However, as amidotrizoate is an aromatic carboxylate, this is added via the decarboxylation reaction. The investigation did not reveal toxicity except for the lower current density used, which has shown a modest toxicity, most likely for some reaction intermediates that are not further degraded. In order to obtain total removal of the contrast media, it was necessary to employ a current intensity between 118 and 182 mA/cm(2) with energy consumption higher than 370 kWh/m(3). Overall, the electrochemical degradation was revealed to be a reliable process for the treatment of iodinated contrast media that can be found in contaminated waters such as hospital wastewater or pharmaceutical waste-contaminated streams. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhanced regeneration of degraded polymer solar cells by thermal annealing

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kumar, Pankaj, E-mail: pankaj@mail.nplindia.ernet.in [CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110012 (India); Centre for Organic Electronics, Physics, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW-2308 (Australia); Bilen, Chhinder; Zhou, Xiaojing; Belcher, Warwick J.; Dastoor, Paul C., E-mail: Paul.Dastoor@newcastle.edu.au [Centre for Organic Electronics, Physics, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW-2308 (Australia); Feron, Krishna [Centre for Organic Electronics, Physics, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW-2308 (Australia); CSIRO Energy Technology, P. O. Box 330, Newcastle NSW 2300 (Australia)

2014-05-12

The degradation and thermal regeneration of poly(3-hexylethiophene) (P3HT):[6,6]-phenyl-C{sub 61}-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and P3HT:indene-C{sub 60} bisadduct (ICBA) polymer solar cells, with Ca/Al and Ca/Ag cathodes and indium tin oxide/poly(ethylene-dioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate anode have been investigated. Degradation occurs via a combination of three primary pathways: (1) cathodic oxidation, (2) active layer phase segregation, and (3) anodic diffusion. Fully degraded devices were subjected to thermal annealing under inert atmosphere. Degraded solar cells possessing Ca/Ag electrodes were observed to regenerate their performance, whereas solar cells having Ca/Al electrodes exhibited no significant regeneration of device characteristics after thermal annealing. Moreover, the solar cells with a P3HT:ICBA active layer exhibited enhanced regeneration compared to P3HT:PCBM active layer devices as a result of reduced changes to the active layer morphology. Devices combining a Ca/Ag cathode and P3HT:ICBA active layer demonstrated ∼50% performance restoration over several degradation/regeneration cycles.

Enhanced regeneration of degraded polymer solar cells by thermal annealing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumar, Pankaj; Bilen, Chhinder; Zhou, Xiaojing; Belcher, Warwick J.; Dastoor, Paul C.; Feron, Krishna

2014-01-01

The degradation and thermal regeneration of poly(3-hexylethiophene) (P3HT):[6,6]-phenyl-C 61 -butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and P3HT:indene-C 60 bisadduct (ICBA) polymer solar cells, with Ca/Al and Ca/Ag cathodes and indium tin oxide/poly(ethylene-dioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate anode have been investigated. Degradation occurs via a combination of three primary pathways: (1) cathodic oxidation, (2) active layer phase segregation, and (3) anodic diffusion. Fully degraded devices were subjected to thermal annealing under inert atmosphere. Degraded solar cells possessing Ca/Ag electrodes were observed to regenerate their performance, whereas solar cells having Ca/Al electrodes exhibited no significant regeneration of device characteristics after thermal annealing. Moreover, the solar cells with a P3HT:ICBA active layer exhibited enhanced regeneration compared to P3HT:PCBM active layer devices as a result of reduced changes to the active layer morphology. Devices combining a Ca/Ag cathode and P3HT:ICBA active layer demonstrated ∼50% performance restoration over several degradation/regeneration cycles

Helium Ion Microscopy of proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrode structures

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Serguei Chiriaev

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Characterization of composite materials with microscopy techniques is an essential route to understanding their properties and degradation mechanisms, though the observation with a suitable type of microscopy is not always possible. In this work, we present proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrode interface structure dependence on ionomer content, systematically studied by Helium Ion Microscopy (HIM. A special focus was on acquiring high resolution images of the electrode structure and avoiding interface damage from irradiation and tedious sample preparation. HIM demonstrated its advantages in surface imaging, which is paramount in studies of the interface morphology of ionomer covered or absorbed catalyst structures in a combination with electrochemical characterization and accelerated stress test. The electrode porosity was found to depend on the ionomer content. The stressed electrodes demonstrated higher porosity in comparison to the unstressed ones on the condition of no external mechanical pressure. Moreover, formation of additional small grains was observed for the electrodes with the low ionomer content, indicating Pt redeposition through Ostwald ripening. Polymer nanofiber structures were found in the crack regions of the catalyst layer, which appear due to the internal stress originated from the solvent evaporation. These fibers have fairly uniform diameters of a few tens of nanometers, and their density increases with the increasing ionomer content in the electrodes. In the hot-pressed electrodes, we found more closed contact between the electrode components, reduced particle size, polymer coalescence and formation of nano-sized polymer fiber architecture between the particles.

Preparation and characterization of PbO{sub 2} electrode and its application in electro-catalytic degradation of o-aminophenol in aqueous solution assisted by CuO–Ce{sub 2}O{sub 3}/γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Fengtao, E-mail: cft0923@163.com; Yu, Sanchuan; Dong, Xiaoping; Zhang, Ling; Wu, Qiangfang

2013-09-15

Highlights: • A detailed preparation technology of PbO{sub 2} electrode was elucidated. • Fluorescence technique was employed to examine the hydroxyl radicals generated. • o-Aminophenol wastewater was degraded efficiently by electro-catalysis process. • The hypothetical mechanism of electro-catalytic degradation was proposed. -- Abstract: The electrochemical degradation of o-aminophenol (OAP) in aqueous solution was investigated by galvanostatic electrolysis using PbO{sub 2} electrode as anode. The Ti/SnO{sub 2}–Sb{sub 2}O{sub 3}/PbO{sub 2} anode was prepared by thermal decomposition and electro-deposition method, and was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The hydroxyl radicals electro-generated on anode were detected by fluorescence spectroscopy. The effects of initial pH and current density on the efficiency of the electrochemical degradation process were also studied. UV spectroscopy and chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements were conducted to evaluate the removal effects of organic pollutants. The experimental results showed that the refractory organics in wastewater can be removed by pure electrochemical process, COD removal efficiency of 91.6% was obtained in 70 min at initial pH 11.0 and current density was equal to 50 mA cm{sup −2}. In order to improve the efficiency of degradation and accelerate the reaction rate, a novel catalyst, γ-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} supported Ce-doped CuO, was synthesized by impregnating process and was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the electro-catalytic degradation of OAP wastewater and the COD removal efficiency of 91.7% was obtained in 20 min under mild conditions. Finally, a hypothetical mechanism of electro-catalytic degradation was proposed.

A comparison study of electrodes for neonate electrical impedance tomography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rahal, Mohamad; Demosthenous, Andreas; Khor, Joo Moy; Tizzard, Andrew; Bayford, Richard

2009-01-01

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an imaging technique that has the potential to be used for studying neonate lung function. The properties of the electrodes are very important in multi-frequency EIT (MFEIT) systems, particularly for neonates, as the skin cannot be abraded to reduce contact impedance. In this work, the impedance of various clinical electrodes as a function of frequency is investigated to identify the optimum electrode type for this application. Six different types of self-adhesive electrodes commonly used in general and neonatal cardiology have been investigated. These electrodes are Ag/AgCl electrodes from the Ambu® Cardiology Blue sensors range (BR, NF and BRS), Kendall (KittyCat(TM) and ARBO®) and Philips 13953D electrodes. In addition, a textile electrode without gel from Textronics was tested on two subjects to allow comparison with the hydrogel-based electrodes. Two- and four-electrode measurements were made to determine the electrode-interface and tissue impedances, respectively. The measurements were made on the back of the forearm of six healthy adult volunteers without skin preparation with 2.5 cm electrode spacing. Impedance measurements were carried out using a Solartron SI 1260 impedance/gain-phase analyser with a frequency range from 10 Hz to 1 MHz. For the electrode-interface impedance, the average magnitude decreased with frequency, with an average value of 5 kΩ at 10 kHz and 337 Ω at 1 MHz; for the tissue impedance, the respective values were 987 Ω and 29 Ω. Overall, the Ambu BRS, Kendall ARBO® and Textronics textile electrodes gave the lowest electrode contact impedance at 1 MHz. Based on the results of the two-electrode measurements, simple RC models for the Ambu BRS and Kendall-ARBO and Textronics textile electrodes have been derived for MFEIT applications

Water and oxygen induced degradation of small molecule organic solar cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hermenau, Martin; Riede, Moritz; Leo, Karl

2011-01-01

Small molecule organic solar cells were studied with respect to water and oxygen induced degradation by mapping the spatial distribution of reaction products in order to elucidate the degradation patterns and failure mechanisms. The active layers consist of a 30 nm bulk heterojunction formed......,4′-diamine p-doped with C60F36 (MeO-TPD:C60F36), which acted as hole transporting layer. Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and aluminum served as hole and electron collecting electrode, respectively. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in conjunction...... of aluminum oxide at the BPhen/Al interface, and diffusion of water into the ZnPc:C60 layer where ZnPc becomes oxidized. Finally, diffusion from the electrodes was found to have no or a negligible effect on the device lifetime....

Flexible Graphene Electrodes for Prolonged Dynamic ECG Monitoring

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cunguang Lou

2016-11-01

Full Text Available This paper describes the development of a graphene-based dry flexible electrocardiography (ECG electrode and a portable wireless ECG measurement system. First, graphene films on polyethylene terephthalate (PET substrates and graphene paper were used to construct the ECG electrode. Then, a graphene textile was synthesized for the fabrication of a wearable ECG monitoring system. The structure and the electrical properties of the graphene electrodes were evaluated using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, and alternating current impedance spectroscopy. ECG signals were then collected from healthy subjects using the developed graphene electrode and portable measurement system. The results show that the graphene electrode was able to acquire the typical characteristics and features of human ECG signals with a high signal-to-noise (SNR ratio in different states of motion. A week-long continuous wearability test showed no degradation in the ECG signal quality over time. The graphene-based flexible electrode demonstrates comfortability, good biocompatibility, and high electrophysiological detection sensitivity. The graphene electrode also combines the potential for use in long-term wearable dynamic cardiac activity monitoring systems with convenience and comfort for use in home health care of elderly and high-risk adults.

Low-cost electrodes for stable perovskite solar cells

Science.gov (United States)

Bastos, João P.; Manghooli, Sara; Jaysankar, Manoj; Tait, Jeffrey G.; Qiu, Weiming; Gehlhaar, Robert; De Volder, Michael; Uytterhoeven, Griet; Poortmans, Jef; Paetzold, Ulrich W.

2017-06-01

Cost-effective production of perovskite solar cells on an industrial scale requires the utilization of exclusively inexpensive materials. However, to date, highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells rely on expensive gold electrodes since other metal electrodes are known to cause degradation of the devices. Finding a low-cost electrode that can replace gold and ensure both efficiency and long-term stability is essential for the success of the perovskite-based solar cell technology. In this work, we systematically compare three types of electrode materials: multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), alternative metals (silver, aluminum, and copper), and transparent oxides [indium tin oxide (ITO)] in terms of efficiency, stability, and cost. We show that multi-walled carbon nanotubes are the only electrode that is both more cost-effective and stable than gold. Devices with multi-walled carbon nanotube electrodes present remarkable shelf-life stability, with no decrease in the efficiency even after 180 h of storage in 77% relative humidity (RH). Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential of devices with multi-walled carbon nanotube electrodes to achieve high efficiencies. These developments are an important step forward to mass produce perovskite photovoltaics in a commercially viable way.

Degradation pathway of malachite green in a novel dual-tank photoelectrochemical catalytic reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Diao, Zenghui; Li, Mingyu; Zeng, Fanyin; Song, Lin; Qiu, Rongliang

2013-01-01

Highlights: • A novel dual-tank photoelectrochemical catalytic reactor was designed. • Malachite green degraded in bipolar double-effect mode. • Salt bridge replaced by a cation exchange membrane in the reactor. • Degradation pathways of malachite green in the cathode and anode tanks were similar. -- Abstract: A novel dual-tank photoelectrochemical catalytic reactor was designed to investigate the degradation pathway of malachite green. A thermally formed TiO 2 /Ti thin film electrode was used as photoanode, graphite was used as cathode, and a saturated calomel electrode was employed as the reference electrode in the reactor. In the reactor, the anode and cathode tanks were connected by a cation exchange membrane. Results showed that the decolorization ratio of malachite green in the anode and cathode was 98.5 and 96.5% after 120 min, respectively. Malachite green in the two anode and cathode tanks was oxidized, achieving the bipolar double effect. Malachite green in both the anode and cathode tanks exhibited similar catalytic degradation pathways. The double bond of the malachite green molecule was attacked by strong oxidative hydroxyl radicals, after which the organic compound was degraded by the two pathways into 4,4-bis(dimethylamino) benzophenone, 4-(dimethylamino) benzophenone, 4-(dimethylamino) phenol, and other intermediate products. Eventually, malachite green was degraded into oxalic acid as a small molecular organic acid, which was degraded by processes such as demethylation, deamination, nitration, substitution, addition, and other reactions

Electron transfer number control of the oxygen reduction reaction on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxides for the air electrodes of zinc-air batteries and organic degradation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wu, Sheng-Hui; Li, Po-Chieh; Hu, Chi-Chang

2016-01-01

The mean electron transfer number (n) of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is controlled by nitrogen doping for the air electrodes of Zn-air batteries and electrochemical organic degradation. Melamine and pyrrole are employed as the nitrogen sources for fabricating N-doped rGO (N-rGO) by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis (MAHS). The n value of the ORR is determined by the rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) voltammetry and is successfully controlled from 2.34 to 3.93 by preparation variables. The N-doped structures are examined by the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis. The morphology and the defect degree of N-rGOs are characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. N-rGOs with high and low n values are employed as the air electrode catalysts of zinc-air batteries and in-situ hydrogen peroxide (H_2O_2) generation, respectively. The highest discharge cell voltage of 1.235 V for a Zn-air battery is obtained at 2 mA cm"−"2 meanwhile the current efficiency of H_2O_2 generation in 1-h electrolysis at 0 V (vs. RHE) reaches 43%. The electrocatalytic degradation of orange G (OG), analyzed by UV-VIS absorption spectra, reveals a high decoloration degree from the relative absorbance of 0.38 for the azo π-conjugation structure of OG. - Highlights: • The mean electron transfer number (n) is controlled by nitrogen doping. • Melamine and pyrrole are used as the nitrogen sources for fabricating N-rGO. • The n value is successfully controlled from 2.34 to 3.93 by preparation variables. • The highest discharge cell voltage of 1.235 V for a Zn-air battery. • The current efficiency of H_2O_2 generation 1-h electrolysis reaches 43%.

Carbon Deposition during CO2 Electrolysis in Ni-Based Solid-Oxide-Cell Electrodes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Skafte, Theis Løye; Graves, Christopher R.; Blennow, P.

2015-01-01

. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in both H2/H2O and CO/CO2 revealed an increase in resistance of the fuel electrode after each CO2 electrolysis current-voltage curve, indicating possible carbon deposition. The difference in partial oxygen pressure between inlet and outlet was analyzed to verify carbon...... in detail. In an attempt to mitigate the degradation due to carbon deposition, the Ni-YSZ electrode was infiltrated with a gadolinium doped ceria (CGO) solution. Initial results indicate that the coking tolerance was not enhanced, but it is still unclear whether infiltrated cells degrade less. However......, infiltrated cells display a significant performance enhancement before coking, especially under electrolysis current. The investigation thus indicated carbon formation in the Ni containing fuel electrode before the thermodynamically calculated threshold for average measurements of the cell was reached...

Electrode materials for microbial fuel cells: nanomaterial approach

KAUST Repository

Mustakeem, Mustakeem

2015-11-05

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has the potential to become a major renewable energy resource by degrading organic pollutants in wastewater. The performance of MFC directly depends on the kinetics of the electrode reactions within the fuel cell, with the performance of the electrodes heavily influenced by the materials they are made from. A wide range of materials have been tested to improve the performance of MFCs. In the past decade, carbon-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising materials for both anode and cathode construction. Composite materials have also shown to have the potential to become materials of choice for electrode manufacture. Various transition metal oxides have been investigated as alternatives to conventional expensive metals like platinum for oxygen reduction reaction. In this review, different carbon-based nanomaterials and composite materials are discussed for their potential use as MFC electrodes.

Electrode materials for microbial fuel cells: nanomaterial approach

KAUST Repository

Mustakeem, Mustakeem

2015-01-01

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has the potential to become a major renewable energy resource by degrading organic pollutants in wastewater. The performance of MFC directly depends on the kinetics of the electrode reactions within the fuel cell, with the performance of the electrodes heavily influenced by the materials they are made from. A wide range of materials have been tested to improve the performance of MFCs. In the past decade, carbon-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising materials for both anode and cathode construction. Composite materials have also shown to have the potential to become materials of choice for electrode manufacture. Various transition metal oxides have been investigated as alternatives to conventional expensive metals like platinum for oxygen reduction reaction. In this review, different carbon-based nanomaterials and composite materials are discussed for their potential use as MFC electrodes.

Relation Between Ni Particle Shape Change and Ni Migration in Ni–YSZ Electrodes – a Hypothesis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg; Hauch, Anne; Sun, Xiufu

2017-01-01

This paper deals with degradation mechanisms of Ni–YSZ electrodes for solid oxide cells, mainly solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), but also to some extent solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Analysis of literature data reveals that several apparently different and even in one case apparently con...... and explains qualitatively the phenomena is presented, and as a side effect, light has been shed on a degradation phenomenon in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) that has been observed during a decade.......This paper deals with degradation mechanisms of Ni–YSZ electrodes for solid oxide cells, mainly solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), but also to some extent solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Analysis of literature data reveals that several apparently different and even in one case apparently...... contradicting degradation phenomena are a consequence of interplay between loss of contact between the Ni–YSZ (and Ni–Ni particles) in the active fine-structured composite fuel electrode layer and migration of Ni via weakly oxidized Ni hydroxide species. A hypothesis that unravels the apparent contradiction...

A long-term analysis of Pt counter electrodes for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells exploiting a microfluidic housing system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sacco, Adriano, E-mail: adriano.sacco@iit.it [Center for Space Human Robotics @Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Trento 21, 10129 Torino (Italy); Pugliese, Diego; Lamberti, Andrea [Applied Science and Technology Department, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino (Italy); Castellino, Micaela; Chiodoni, Angelica [Center for Space Human Robotics @Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Trento 21, 10129 Torino (Italy); Virga, Alessandro [Applied Science and Technology Department, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino (Italy); Bianco, Stefano [Center for Space Human Robotics @Polito, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Trento 21, 10129 Torino (Italy); Applied Science and Technology Department, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino (Italy)

2015-07-01

The study of the degradation process occurring in Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSCs) is still a hot topic, in view of the final industrialization and application of this class of devices. Currently the long-term analysis of DSCs is carried out on the entire devices, while the monitoring of cell components cannot be performed in situ directly on the materials, but only through indirect methods. In this paper we report on the analysis of two different kinds of Pt counter electrodes through direct measurements performed under real operating conditions, thanks to the use of a home-made microfluidic housing system, which allows the opening and the investigation of the cell components. The counter electrode samples were studied through X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, UV–visible Spectroscopy and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for a period longer than 1 year. The results showed that the performances of both classes of Pt counter electrodes remained stable for all the investigation period, despite some slight variation of the morphology. DSCs fabricated employing aged counter electrodes exhibited the same photovoltaic performance behavior of reference cells using fresh-produced counter electrodes, thus demonstrating that both class of materials do not undergo degradation during normal operating conditions. - Highlights: • The analysis of Pt counter electrodes for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells was carried out. • Two families of counter electrodes were studied for a period longer than 1 year. • The analyzed samples were investigated in real operating condition. • A small detachment of the Pt clusters in the thermal samples was observed. • The charge transfer properties remained unchanged for all the investigation period.

Electrochemical AC impedance model of a solid oxide fuel cell and its application to diagnosis of multiple degradation modes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gazzarri, J.I.; Kesler, O. [Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2054-6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 (Canada)

2007-05-01

A finite element model of the impact of diverse degradation mechanisms on the impedance spectrum of a solid oxide fuel cell is presented as a tool for degradation mode identification. Among the degradation mechanisms that cause electrode active area loss, the attention is focused on electrode delamination and uniformly distributed surface area loss, which were found to cause distinct and specific changes in the impedance spectrum. Degradation mechanisms resulting in uniformly distributed reactive surface area loss include sintering, sulphur poisoning, and possibly incipient coke formation at the anode, and chromium deposition at the cathode. Parametric studies reveal the extent and limits of applicability of the model and detectability of the different degradation modes, as well as the influence of different cell geometries on the change in impedance behaviour resulting from the loss of active area. It is expected that this technique could form the basis of a useful diagnostic tool for both solid oxide fuel cell developers and users. (author)

Studies on metal hydride electrodes containing no binder additives

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rogulski, Z.; Dlubak, J. [Industrial Chemistry Research Institute, Rydygiera 8, 01-793 Warsaw (Poland); Karwowska, M.; Gumkowska, A.; Czerwinski, A. [Department of Chemistry, Warsaw University, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw (Poland); Krebs, M.; Pytlik, E.; Schmalz, M. [VARTA Microbattery GmbH, Daimlerstrasse 1, 73479 Ellwangen (Germany)

2010-11-15

Electrochemical properties of hydrogen storage alloys (AB{sub 5} type: LaMm-Ni{sub 4.1}Al{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.4}Co{sub 0.45}) were studied in 6 M KOHaq using Limited Volume Electrode (LVE) method. Working electrodes were prepared by pressing alloy powder (without binding and conducting additives) into a metal net wire serving as a support and as a current collector. Cyclic voltammetry curves reveal well defined hydrogen sorption and desorption peaks which are separated from other faradic processes, such as surface oxidation. Voltammograms of LVE resemble the curves obtained by various authors for single particle metal alloy electrodes. Hydrogen diffusion coefficient calculated at room temperature for LV electrodes and for 100% state of charge reaches a constant value of ca. 3.3 x 10{sup -9} and 2.1 x 10{sup -10} cm{sup 2} s{sup -1}, for chronoamperometric and chronopotentiometric measurements, respectively. A comparison of the electrodes with average alloy particle sizes of ca. 50 and 4 {mu}m allows us to conclude that at room temperature hydrogen storage capability of AB{sub 5} alloy studied is independent on the alloy particle size. On the other hand, reduction of the particle size increases alloy capacity at temperatures below -10 C and reduces time of electrochemical activation of the electrode. (author)

Analytical studies of plasma extraction electrodes and ion beam formation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hassan, A.; Elsaftawy, A.; Zakhary, S. G.

2007-01-01

In this work a theoretical and computational study on the space charge dominated beams extracted from a plasma ion source through a spherical and planer electrode is simulated and optimized. The influence of some electrode parameters: axial position, electrode diameter, material and shape; on ion current extracted from a plasma source; were investigated and compared. The optimum values and conditions of the curvature of the plasma boundary, angular divergence, perveance, and the extraction gap were optimized to extract a high quality beams. It has shown that for a planar electrode system there is usually a minimum for optimum perveance versus angular divergence at about ? 0.6 for corresponding aspect ratios. This was assured by experimental data. The appropriate spherical electrode system focus the beam to a minimum value located at a distance equal to the focal length of the spherical extraction electrode.

Morphological and electrochemical studies of spherical boron doped diamond electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mendes de Barros, R.C. [IQ/USP, Av. Lineu Prestes, 748, Bloco 2 Superior, Cidade Universitaria, Sao Paulo/SP, 05508-900 (Brazil); Ferreira, N.G. [LAS/INPE, Av. dos Astronautas, 1758, Jardim da Granja, Sao Jose dos Campos/SP, 12245-970 (Brazil); Azevedo, A.F. [LAS/INPE, Av. dos Astronautas, 1758, Jardim da Granja, Sao Jose dos Campos/SP, 12245-970 (Brazil); Corat, E.J. [LAS/INPE, Av. dos Astronautas, 1758, Jardim da Granja, Sao Jose dos Campos/SP, 12245-970 (Brazil); Sumodjo, P.T.A. [IQ/USP, Av. Lineu Prestes, 748, Bloco 2 Superior, Cidade Universitaria, Sao Paulo/SP, 05508-900 (Brazil); Serrano, S.H.P. [IQ/USP, Av. Lineu Prestes, 748, Bloco 2 Superior, Cidade Universitaria, Sao Paulo/SP, 05508-900 (Brazil)]. E-mail: shps@iq.usp.br

2006-08-14

Morphological and electrochemical characteristics of boron doped diamond electrode in new geometric shape are presented. The main purpose of this study is a comparison among voltammetric behavior of planar glassy carbon electrode (GCE), planar boron doped diamond electrode (PDDE) and spherical boron doped diamond electrode (SDDE), obtained from similar experimental parameters. SDDE was obtained by the growth of boron doped film on textured molybdenum tip. This electrode does not present microelectrode characteristics. However, its voltammetric peak current, determined at low scan rates, is largest associated to the smallest {delta}E {sub p} values for ferrocyanide system when compared with PDDE or GCE. In addition, the capacitance is about 200 times smaller than that for GCE. These results show that the analytical performance of boron doped diamond electrodes can be implemented just by the change of sensor geometry, from plane to spherical shape.

Identical location transmission electron microscopy in combination with rotating disc electrode measurements. The activity of fuel cell catalysts and their degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schloegl, Katrin G.

2011-07-13

As an alternative to conventional combustion engines, the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) using hydrogen as a fuel is a promising concept owing to its potential independence from fossil fuels, high efficiency and zero emissions. Concerning its commercial viability, the fundamental problem of high system cost per power output and lifetime is closely related to finding more active and stable catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. In the presented work, several methods are combined to examine the parameters and processes responsible for both activity and degradation of platinum-based catalysts. Degradation mechanisms are scrutinized by means of electrochemical measurements with the rotating disc electrode in combination with a recently developed TEM technique, which allows for the comparison of identical locations before and after accelerated stress tests. (orig.) [German] Die mit Wasserstoff betriebene Proton Exchange Membrane Brennstoffzelle (PEMFC) stellt aufgrund ihrer potentiellen Unabhaengigkeit von fossilen Energietraegern, ihrem hohen Wirkungsgrad und fehlendem Schadstoffausstoss eine vielversprechende Alternative zum konventionellen Verbrennungsmotor dar. Das grundlegende Problem der zu hohen Systemkosten und zu geringen Lebensdauer fuer kommerzielle Anwendungen ist eng mit der Entwicklung aktiverer und stabiler Elektrokatalysatoren fuer die Sauerstoffreduktion verknuepft. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden verschiedene Methoden kombiniert, um die Parameter und Prozesse zu untersuchen, welche fuer die Aktivitaet und Degradation platinbasierter Katalysatoren verantwortlich sind. Zur Aufklaerung vorliegender Degradationsmechanismen werden elektrochemische Messungen mit der rotierenden Scheibenelektrode in Kombination mit einer neu entwickelten TEM Methode eingesetzt, welche es ermoeglicht, identische Stellen vor und nach beschleunigten Degradationstests zu untersuchen.

Electron Barrier Formation at the Organic-Back Contact Interface is the First Step in Thermal Degradation of Polymer Solar Cells

KAUST Repository

Sachs-Quintana, I. T.

2014-03-24

Long-term stability of polymer solar cells is determined by many factors, one of which is thermal stability. Although many thermal stability studies occur far beyond the operating temperature of a solar cell which is almost always less than 65 °C, thermal degradation is studied at temperatures that the solar cell would encounter in real-world operating conditions. At these temperatures, movement of the polymer and fullerenes, along with adhesion of the polymer to the back contact, creates a barrier for electron extraction. The polymer barrier can be removed and the performance can be restored by peeling off the electrode and depositing a new one. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal a larger amount of polymer adhered to electrodes peeled from aged devices than electrodes peeled from fresh devices. The degradation caused by hole-transporting polymer adhering to the electrode can be suppressed by using an inverted device where instead of electrons, holes are extracted at the back metal electrode. The problem can be ultimately eliminated by choosing a polymer with a high glass transition temperature. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Electrochemical Degradation of Rhodamine B over Ti/SnO2-Sb Electrode.

Science.gov (United States)

Maharana, Dusmant; Niu, Junfeng; Gao, Ding; Xu, Zesheng; Shi, Jianghong

2015-04-01

Electrochemical degradation of rhodamine B (C28H31ClN2O3) over Ti/SnO2-Sb anode was investigated in a rectangular cell. The degradation reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. The degradation efficiency of rhodamine B attained >90.0% after 20 minutes of electrolysis at initial concentrations of 5 to 200 mg/L at a constant current density of 20 mA/cm2 with a 10 mmol/L Na2SO4 supporting electrolyte solution. Rhodamine B (50 mg/L) degradation and total organic carbon (TOC) removal ratio achieved 99.9 and 86.7%, respectively, at the optimal conditions after 30 minutes of electrolysis. The results showed that the energy efficiency of rhodamine B (50 mg/L) degradation at the optimal current densities from 2 to 30 mA/cm2 were 23.2 to 84.6 Wh/L, whereas the electrolysis time for 90% degradation of rhodamine B with Ti/SnO2-Sb anode was 36.6 and 7.3 minutes, respectively. The electrochemical method can be an advisable option for the treatment of dyes such as rhodamine B in wastewater.

A study of the electrochemical behaviour of electrodes in operating solid-state supercapacitors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Staiti, P.; Lufrano, F.

2007-01-01

The electrochemical behaviour of electrodes and of complete solid-state supercapacitors has been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge/discharge (CD) measurements using two independent electrochemical equipments. The first one controlled the execution of the test and recorded the voltage and current values of the complete supercapacitor while the other one recorded the potential changes of the single electrodes. In this work, two different types of capacitors were studied: (a) a symmetric supercapacitor using carbon electrodes, and (b) a hybrid (asymmetric) supercapacitor with ruthenium oxide/carbon in the positive electrode and carbon in the negative electrode. The studies evidenced that in the symmetric capacitors the positive electrode controlled the capacitive performance and an optimal mass ratio from 1.2:1 to 1.3:1 between the positive and the negative electrodes was found in the investigated conditions. For the hybrid supercapacitor it was observed that the ruthenium-based positive electrode influenced the capacitive performance of carbon-based negative electrode and that an accurate balance of carbon loading in the negative electrode was necessary

Symplicity multi-electrode radiofrequency renal denervation system feasibility study.

Science.gov (United States)

Whitbourn, Robert; Harding, Scott A; Walton, Antony

2015-05-01

The aim of this study was to test the safety and performance of the Symplicity™ multi-electrode radio-frequency renal denervation system which was designed to reduce procedure time during renal denervation. The multi-electrode radiofrequency renal denervation system feasibility study is a prospective, non-randomised, open label, feasibility study that enrolled 50 subjects with hypertension. The study utilises a new renal denervation catheter which contains an array of four electrodes mounted in a helical configuration at 90 degrees from each other to deliver radiofrequency energy simultaneously to all four renal artery quadrants for 60 seconds. The protocol specified one renal denervation treatment towards the distal end of each main renal artery with radiofrequency energy delivered for 60 seconds per treatment. Total treatment time for both renal arteries was two minutes. The 12-month change in office systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 24-hour SBP was -19.2±25.2 mmHg, prenal artery stenosis or hypertensive emergencies occurred. The Symplicity multi-electrode radiofrequency renal denervation system was associated with a significant reduction in SBP at 12 months and minimal complications whilst it also reduced procedure time. NCT01699529.

Electrochemical transformation of trichloroethylene in aqueous solution by electrode polarity reversal.

Science.gov (United States)

Rajic, Ljiljana; Fallahpour, Noushin; Yuan, Songhu; Alshawabkeh, Akram N

2014-12-15

Electrode polarity reversal is evaluated for electrochemical transformation of trichloroethylene (TCE) in aqueous solution using flow-through reactors with mixed metal oxide electrodes and Pd catalyst. The study tests the hypothesis that optimizing electrode polarity reversal will generate H2O2 in Pd presence in the system. The effect of polarity reversal frequency, duration of the polarity reversal intervals, current intensity and TCE concentration on TCE removal rate and removal mechanism were evaluated. TCE removal efficiencies under 6 cycles h(-1) were similar in the presence of Pd catalyst (50.3%) and without Pd catalyst (49.8%), indicating that Pd has limited impact on TCE degradation under these conditions. The overall removal efficacies after 60 min treatment under polarity reversal frequencies of 6, 10, 15, 30 and 90 cycles h(-1) were 50.3%, 56.3%, 69.3%, 34.7% and 23.4%, respectively. Increasing the frequency of polarity reversal increases TCE removal as long as sufficient charge is produced during each cycle for the reaction at the electrode. Electrode polarity reversal shifts oxidation/reduction and reduction/oxidation sequences in the system. The optimized polarity reversal frequency (15 cycles h(-1) at 60 mA) enables two reaction zones formation where reduction/oxidation occurs at each electrode surface. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A kinetic study of pyrolysis in pitch impregnated electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kocaefe, D.; Charette, A.; Ferland, J.; Couderc, P.; Saint-Romain, J.L. (Universite du Quebec a Chicoutini, Chicoutini, PQ (Canada))

1990-12-01

A study was conducted on carbon electrodes which were impregnated with three different pitches. The focus of the study was to investigate the pyrolysis of pitch impregnated electrodes. For the purposes of the research an experimental technique and calculation procedure were developed. A kinetic model was used to interpret the data, comparison of model predictions and experimental data showed good agreement. 17 refs., 10 figs., 2 tabs.

Antibody regeneration on degenerate Si electrodes for calibration and reuse of impedance biosensors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rajeswaran Radhakrishnan

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Mild denaturing agents were studied for antibody regeneration atop degenerate (highly doped Si and Au electrodes using comparable 11-carbon chain linker reagents onto which the mouse monoclonal antibody to peanut protein Ara h 1 is covalently immobilized. Of the reagents studied, only 200 mM KSCN is effective for antibody regeneration and detection of Ara h 1 atop Au electrodes, allowing 15 days of sensor usage after daily antibody unfolding and refolding, while 200 mM KSCN +10 mM HF is effective atop degenerate Si electrodes, allowing 30 days of sensor usage. The addition of HF is required for antibody regeneration atop Si electrodes, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry in the presence of 5.0 mM K3Fe(CN6/K4Fe(CN6 at pH 7.3, where the oxidation/reduction peaks can be observed only in the presence of HF. The impedance spectrum for detection of Ara h 1 gradually degrades during these multi-day regeneration trials, but calibration experiments performed within one day illustrate that sensor electrodes can be calibrated on the day of use to within about 2%.

Fabrication of a novel PbO2 electrode with a graphene nanosheet interlayer for electrochemical oxidation of 2-chlorophenol

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duan, Xiaoyue; Zhao, Cuimei; Liu, Wei; Zhao, Xuesong; Chang, Limin

2017-01-01

Highlights: • A novel PbO 2 electrode with a GNS interlayer (GSN-PbO 2 ) was prepared. • The GNS interlayer reduced grain size of β-PbO 2 crystals. • The GNS interlayer enhanced electrochemical activity of PbO 2 electrode. • The lifetime of GSN-PbO 2 electrode was 1.93 times that of PbO 2 electrode. • An electrochemical mineralization mechanism of 2-chlorophenol was proposed. - Abstract: A novel PbO 2 electrode with a graphene nanosheet interlayer (marked as GNS-PbO 2 ) was prepared combining electrophoretic deposition and electro-deposition technologies. The micro morphology, crystal structure and surface chemical states of GNS-PbO 2 electrodes were characterized using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Their electrochemical properties and stability were determined using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), ·OH radicals test and accelerated life test, and compared with traditional PbO 2 electrodes. Besides, their potential application in the electrochemical degradation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) was investigated. The GNS-PbO 2 electrode possessed perfect octahedral β-PbO 2 microcrystals, and its grain size was much smaller than that of traditional PbO 2 electrode. It exhibited higher electrochemical activity than traditional PbO 2 electrode due to its larger electrochemical active surface area and stronger ·OH radicals generation ability. The service lifetime of GNS-PbO 2 electrode (107.9 h) was 1.93 times longer than that of traditional PbO 2 electrode (55.9 h). The electrochemical degradation rate constant of 2-CP on GNS-PbO 2 electrode (k app = 2.75 × 10 −2 min −1 ) is much higher than for PbO 2 electrode (k app = 1.76 × 10 −2 min −1 ). 2-CP oxidation yielded intermediates including aromatic compounds (catechol, phenol and ortho-benzoquinone) and organic acids (oxalic acid, maleic acid and

Low-voltage FIB/SEM Tomography for 3D Microstructure Evolution of LiFePO₄/C Electrode

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Scipioni, Roberto; Jørgensen, Peter Stanley; Ngo, Duc-The

2015-01-01

This work presents an investigation of the degradation mechanisms that occur in LiFePO4/C battery electrodes during charge/discharge cycling. Impedance spectra were measured on a fresh electrode and an electrode aged by cycling. The spectra were modeled with an equivalent circuit which indicates...

Vanadium oxide nanowire-carbon nanotube binder-free flexible electrodes for supercapacitors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Perera, Sanjaya D.; Patel, Bijal; Seitz, Oliver; Ferraris, John P.; Balkus, Kenneth J. Jr. [Department of Chemistry and the Alan G. MacDiarmid Nanotech Institute, 800 West Campbell Rd, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080 (United States); Nijem, Nour; Roodenko, Katy; Chabal, Yves J. [Laboratory for Surface and Nanostructure Modification, Department of Material Science and Engineering, 800 West Campbell Rd, University of Texas Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080 (United States)

2011-10-15

Vanadium pentoxide (V{sub 2}O{sub 5}) layered nanostructures are known to have very stable crystal structures and high faradaic activity. The low electronic conductivity of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} greatly limits the application of vanadium oxide as electrode materials and requires combining with conducting materials using binders. It is well known that the organic binders can degrade the overall performance of electrode materials and need carefully controlled compositions. In this study, we develop a simple method for preparing freestanding carbon nanotube (CNT)-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanowire (VNW) composite paper electrodes without using binders. Coin cell type (CR2032) supercapacitors are assembled using the nanocomposite paper electrode as the anode and high surface area carbon fiber electrode (Spectracarb 2225) as the cathode. The supercapacitor with CNT-VNW composite paper electrode exhibits a power density of 5.26 kW Kg{sup -1} and an energy density of 46.3 Wh Kg{sup -1}. (Li)VNWs and CNT composite paper electrodes can be fabricated in similar manner and show improved overall performance with a power density of 8.32 kW Kg{sup -1} and an energy density of 65.9 Wh Kg{sup -1}. The power and energy density values suggest that such flexible hybrid nanocomposite paper electrodes may be useful for high performance electrochemical supercapacitors. (Copyright copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Study on preparation of SnO2-TiO2/Nano-graphite composite anode and electro-catalytic degradation of ceftriaxone sodium.

Science.gov (United States)

Guo, Xiaolei; Wan, Jiafeng; Yu, Xiujuan; Lin, Yuhui

2016-12-01

In order to improve the electro-catalytic activity and catalytic reaction rate of graphite-like material, Tin dioxide-Titanium dioxide/Nano-graphite (SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G) composite was synthesized by a sol-gel method and SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G electrode was prepared in hot-press approach. The composite was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared, Raman, N 2 adsorption-desorption, scanning electrons microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical performance of the SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G anode electrode was investigated via cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electro-catalytic performance was evaluated by the degradation of ceftriaxone sodium and the yield of ·OH radicals in the reaction system. The results demonstrated that TiO 2 , SnO 2 and Nano-G were composited successfully, and TiO 2 and SnO 2 particles dispersed on the surface and interlamination of the Nano-G uniformly. The specific surface area of SnO 2 modified anode was higher than that of TiO 2 /Nano-G anode and the degradation rate of ceftriaxone sodium within 120 min on SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G electrode was 98.7% at applied bias of 2.0 V. The highly efficient electro-chemical property of SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G electrode was attributed to the admirable conductive property of the Nano-G and SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G electrode. Moreover, the contribution of reactive species ·OH was detected, indicating the considerable electro-catalytic activity of SnO 2 -TiO 2 /Nano-G electrode. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lifetime studies of high power rhodium/tungsten and molybdenum electrodes for application to AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter)

Science.gov (United States)

Williams, R. M.; Jeffries-Nakamura, B.; Underwood, M. L.; O'Connor, D.; Ryan, M. A.; Kikkert, S.; Bankston, C. P.

1990-01-01

A detailed and fundamental model for the electrochemical behavior of AMTEC electrodes is developed which can aid in interpreting the processes which occur during prolonged operation of these electrodes. Because the sintering and grain growth of metal particles is also a well-understood phenomenon, the changes in electrode performance which accompany its morphological evolution may be anticipated and modeled. The grain growth rate observed for porous Mo AMTEC electrodes is significantly higher than that predicted from surface diffusion data obtained at higher temperatures and incorporated into the grain growth model. The grain growth observed under AMTEC conditions is also somewhat higher than that measured for Mo films on BASE (beta-alumina solid electrolyte) substrates in vacuum or at similar temperatures. Results of modeling indicate that thin Mo electrodes may show significant performance degradation for extended operation (greater than 10,000 h) at higher operating temperatures (greater than 1150 K), whereas W/Rh and W/Pt electrodes are expected to show adequate performance at 1200 K for lifetimes greater than 10,000 h. It is pointed out that current collection grids and leads must consist of refractory metals such as Mo and W which do not accelerate sintering or metal migration.

Electrochemical studies on nanometal oxide-activated carbon composite electrodes for aqueous supercapacitors

Science.gov (United States)

Ho, Mui Yen; Khiew, Poi Sim; Isa, Dino; Chiu, Wee Siong

2014-11-01

In present study, the electrochemical performance of eco-friendly and cost-effective titanium oxide (TiO2)-based and zinc oxide-based nanocomposite electrodes were studied in neutral aqueous Na2SO3 electrolyte, respectively. The electrochemical properties of these composite electrodes were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (CD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The experimental results reveal that these two nanocomposite electrodes achieve the highest specific capacitance at fairly low oxide loading onto activated carbon (AC) electrodes, respectively. Considerable enhancement of the electrochemical properties of TiO2/AC and ZnO/AC nanocomposite electrodes is achieved via synergistic effects contributed from the nanostructured metal oxides and the high surface area mesoporous AC. Cations and anions from metal oxides and aqueous electrolyte such as Ti4+, Zn2+, Na+ and SO32- can occupy some pores within the high-surface-area AC electrodes, forming the electric double layer at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Additionally, both TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles can provide favourable surface adsorption sites for SO32- anions which subsequently facilitate the faradaic processes for pseudocapacitive effect. These two systems provide the low cost material electrodes and the low environmental impact electrolyte which offer the increased charge storage without compromising charge storage kinetics.

Mechanics of high-capacity electrodes in lithium-ion batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu, Ting

2016-01-01

Rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, play an important role in the emerging sustainable energy landscape. Mechanical degradation and resulting capacity fade in high-capacity electrode materials critically hinder their use in high-performance lithium-ion batteries. This paper presents an overview of recent advances in understanding the electrochemically-induced mechanical behavior of the electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries. Particular emphasis is placed on stress generation and facture in high-capacity anode materials such as silicon. Finally, we identify several important unresolved issues for future research. (topical review)

Stability and Performance of Oxygen Electrodes for Reversible Solid Oxide Cells

Science.gov (United States)

Railsback, Justin Gary

Worldwide, governments are beginning to take action to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions in order to mitigate the extent of global climate change. The largest fraction of global CO2 emission comes from electrical power generation, which is rapidly being converted to wind and solar installations. The intermittent nature of renewable resources requires that large scale energy storage be implemented to ensure grid stability. Pumped hydro storage is currently the only technology available for large scale energy storage; however, pumped hydro remains geographically confined and susceptible to seasonal fluctuations and offers limited discharge hours. Recent system level models predict that reversible solid oxide cells may be a competitive solution, but two key advancements are required to realize the technology: low cell resistance (cell resistance, and when a cell is operated in electrolysis the oxygen electrode is known to degrade quickly. This work focuses on both aspects of the oxygen electrode. A Pr2NiO4 based electrode is developed that has improved phase stability and good polarization resistance ( 0.1 O•cm2 at 650 °C). The electrode is prepared by wet chemical impregnation (infiltration) of Pr2NiO4 precursors into a La0.9Sr 0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 scaffold. Electrochemical data for a number cells is presented and the number of infiltrations is optimized. Preliminary life tests and x-ray data are presented. Pressurization of the oxygen electrode is predicted to decrease its polarization resistance and pressurization of the reversible solid oxide cell system is desirable to achieve high round-trip efficiency. The electrochemical performance of mixed electronic-ionic conducting electrodes has not been reported above 1 atm. Four candidate electrodes are examined under pressurization up to 10 atm: Pr2NiO4 infiltrated La0.9Sr0.1 Ga0.8Mg0.2O3, Sm0.5Sr 0.5CoO3 infiltrated Ce0.9Gd0.1O 2, single phase La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe 0.8O3, and single phase Nd2NiO4. The role of the ion

Relation Between Ni Particle Shape Change and Ni Migration in Ni–YSZ Electrodes – a Hypothesis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg; Hauch, Anne; Sun, Xiufu

2017-01-01

This paper deals with degradation mechanisms of Ni–YSZ electrodes for solid oxide cells, mainly solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), but also to some extent solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Analysis of literature data reveals that several apparently different and even in one case apparently...... contradicting degradation phenomena are a consequence of interplay between loss of contact between the Ni–YSZ (and Ni–Ni particles) in the active fine-structured composite fuel electrode layer and migration of Ni via weakly oxidized Ni hydroxide species. A hypothesis that unravels the apparent contradiction...

Electron transfer number control of the oxygen reduction reaction on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxides for the air electrodes of zinc-air batteries and organic degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wu, Sheng-Hui; Li, Po-Chieh; Hu, Chi-Chang, E-mail: cchu@che.nthu.edu.tw

2016-11-01

The mean electron transfer number (n) of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is controlled by nitrogen doping for the air electrodes of Zn-air batteries and electrochemical organic degradation. Melamine and pyrrole are employed as the nitrogen sources for fabricating N-doped rGO (N-rGO) by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis (MAHS). The n value of the ORR is determined by the rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) voltammetry and is successfully controlled from 2.34 to 3.93 by preparation variables. The N-doped structures are examined by the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis. The morphology and the defect degree of N-rGOs are characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. N-rGOs with high and low n values are employed as the air electrode catalysts of zinc-air batteries and in-situ hydrogen peroxide (H{sub 2}O{sub 2}) generation, respectively. The highest discharge cell voltage of 1.235 V for a Zn-air battery is obtained at 2 mA cm{sup −2} meanwhile the current efficiency of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} generation in 1-h electrolysis at 0 V (vs. RHE) reaches 43%. The electrocatalytic degradation of orange G (OG), analyzed by UV-VIS absorption spectra, reveals a high decoloration degree from the relative absorbance of 0.38 for the azo π-conjugation structure of OG. - Highlights: • The mean electron transfer number (n) is controlled by nitrogen doping. • Melamine and pyrrole are used as the nitrogen sources for fabricating N-rGO. • The n value is successfully controlled from 2.34 to 3.93 by preparation variables. • The highest discharge cell voltage of 1.235 V for a Zn-air battery. • The current efficiency of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} generation 1-h electrolysis reaches 43%.

Electrochemical monitoring of methyl parathion degradation based ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

... been investigated by using carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFME) as working electrode and acetate buffer pH 5.2 as supporting electrolyte. pnitrophenol (PNP) and p-aminophenol (PAP) recognized as by-products of MP degradation process have been detected and identified in real time using square wave voltammetry.

FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYANILINE-GRAPHENE COMPOSITE AS ELECTRODE IN ELECTROCHEMICAL CAPACITOR

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

H. Adelkhani

2016-06-01

Full Text Available In this study, polyaniline-graphene composites with different nano-structures are synthesized and the behaviour of the obtained composites serving as electrode materials in electrochemical capacitors is studied. The morphology, crystal structure, and thermal stability of the composites are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD, and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA. Electrochemical properties are characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV. According to the results, the obtained composites show different crystal structures and different thermal stabilities, and consequently different electrochemical capacities, when used as electrodes in electrochemical capacitors. A nano-fibre composite is shown to have a good degree of crystallization, 5.17% water content, 637oC degradation onset temperature, and 379 Fg-1 electrochemical capacity.

Photoelectrocatalytic decomposition of ethylene using TiO2/activated carbon fiber electrode with applied pulsed direct current square-wave potential

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ye, Sheng-ying; Zheng, Sen-hong; Song, Xian-liang; Luo, Shu-can

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Ethylene was decomposed by a photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) process. • A pulsed direct current square-wave (PDCSW) potential was applied to the PEC cell. • An electrode of TiO 2 or modified TiO 2 and activated carbon fiber (ACF) was used. • TiO 2 /ACF photocatalyst electrodes were modified by gamma radiolysis. • Efficiencies of the PEC process were higher than those of the process using DC. - Abstract: Removing ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) from the atmosphere of storage facilities for fruits and vegetable is one of the main challenges in their postharvest handling for maximizing their freshness, quality, and shelf life. In this study, we investigated the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation of ethylene gas by applying a pulsed direct current DC square-wave (PDCSW) potential and by using a Nafion-based PEC cell. The cell utilized a titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) photocatalyst or γ-irradiated TiO 2 (TiO 2 * ) loaded on activated carbon fiber (ACF) as a photoelectrode. The apparent rate constant of a pseudo-first-order reaction (K) was used to describe the PEC degradation of ethylene. Parameters of the potential applied to the PEC cell in a reactor that affect the degradation efficiency in terms of the K value were studied. These parameters were frequency, duty cycle, and voltage. Ethylene degradation by application of a constant PDCSW potential to the PEC electrode of either TiO 2 /ACF cell or TiO 2 * /ACF cell enhanced the efficiency of photocatalytic degradation and PEC degradation. Gamma irradiation of TiO 2 in the electrode and the applied PDCSW potential synergistically increased the K value. Independent variables (frequency, duty cycle, and voltage) of the PEC cell fabricated from TiO 2 subjected 20 kGy γ radiation were optimized to maximize the K value by using response surface methodology with quadratic rotation–orthogonal composite experimental design. Optimized conditions were as follows: 358.36 Hz frequency, 55.79% duty cycle, and 64.65 V

Modeling degradation in SOEC impedance spectra

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jensen, Søren Højgaard; Hauch, Anne; Knibbe, Ruth

2013-01-01

Solid oxide cell (SOC) performance is limited by various processes. One way to investigate these processes is by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In order to quantify and characterize the processes, an equivalent circuit can be used to model the SOC impedance spectra (IS). Unfortunately......, the optimal equivalent circuit is often unknown and to complicate matters further, several processes contribute to the SOC impedance - making detailed process characterization difficult. In this work we analyze and model a series of IS measured during steam electrolysis operation of an SOC. During testing......, degradation is only observed in the Ni/YSZ electrode and not in the electrolyte or the LSM/YSZ electrode. A batch fit of the differences between the IS shows that a modified Gerischer element provides a better fit to the Ni/YSZ electrode impedance than the frequently used RQ element - albeit neither...

Degradation Mechanism in a Direct Carbon Fuel Cell Operated with Demineralised Brown Coal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rady, Adam C.; Giddey, Sarbjit; Kulkarni, Aniruddha; Badwal, Sukhvinder P.S.; Bhattacharya, Sankar

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Degradation mechanism studied for demineralised coal in a direct carbon fuel cell. • Diffusion limited processes dominate the electrode polarisation losses in pure N 2 . • Major fuel cell performance loss occurred due to loss of carbon/anode contacts. • The anode retained its phase structure with minor other phases formed in operation. - Abstract: The performance of a demineralised and devolatilised coal from the Morwell mine in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria, has been investigated in a direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) operated at 850 °C. The focus of the investigation has been on understanding degradation issues as a function of time involving a sequence of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and voltage-current characteristic. Diffusion limited processes dominate the electrode polarisation losses in pure N 2 atmosphere, however, these decrease substantially in the presence of CO 2 as the anode chamber purge gas, due to in situ generation of fuel species by the reaction of CO 2 with carbon. Post-mortem analysis of anode by SEM and XRD revealed only a minor degradation due to its reduction, particle agglomeration as well as the formation of small quantity of new phases. However, major fuel cell performance degradation (increase of ohmic resistive and electrode polarisation losses) occurred due to loss of carbon/anode contacts and a reduction in the electron-conducting pathways as the fuel was consumed. The investigations revealed that the demineralised coal char can be used as a viable fuel for DCFC, however, further developments on anode materials and fuel feed mechanism would be required to achieve long-term sustained performance

Preparation of Carbon-Chitosan-Polyvinyl Chloride (CC-PVC) Material and its Application to Electrochemical Degradation of Methylene Blue in Sodium Chloride Solution

Science.gov (United States)

Riyanto; Prawidha, A. D.

2018-01-01

Electrochemical degradation of methylene blue using Carbon-Chitosan-Polyvinyl Chloride (CC-PVC) electrode in sodium chloride have been done. The aim of this work was to degradation of methylene blue using Carbon-Chitosan-Polyvinyl Chloride (CC-PVC). Carbon chitosan composite electrode was preparing by Carbon and Chitosan powder and PVC in 4 mL tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent and swirled flatly to homogeneous followed by drying in an oven at 100 °C for 3 h. The mixture was placed in stainless steel mould and pressed at 10 ton/cm2. Sodium chloride was used electrolyte solution. The effects of the current and electrolysis time were investigated using spectrophotometer UV-Visible. The experimental results showed that the carbon-chitosan composite electrode have higher effect in the electrochemical degradation of methylene blue in sodium chloride. Based on UV-visible spectra analysis shows current and electrolysis time has high effect to degradation of methylene blue in sodium chloride. Chitosan and polyvinyl chloride can strengthen the bond between the carbons so that the material has the high stability and conductivity. As conclusions is Carbon-Chitosan-Polyvinyl Chloride (CC-PVC) electrode have a high electrochemical activity for degradation of methylene blue in sodium chloride.

Degradation of lithium ion batteries employing graphite negatives and nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide + spinel manganese oxide positives: Part 2, chemical-mechanical degradation model

Science.gov (United States)

Purewal, Justin; Wang, John; Graetz, Jason; Soukiazian, Souren; Tataria, Harshad; Verbrugge, Mark W.

2014-12-01

Capacity fade is reported for 1.5 Ah Li-ion batteries containing a mixture of Li-Ni-Co-Mn oxide (NCM) + Li-Mn oxide spinel (LMO) as positive electrode material and a graphite negative electrode. The batteries were cycled at a wide range of temperatures (10 °C-46 °C) and discharge currents (0.5C-6.5C). The measured capacity losses were fit to a simple physics-based model which calculates lithium inventory loss from two related mechanisms: (1) mechanical degradation at the graphite anode particle surface caused by diffusion-induced stresses (DIS) and (2) chemical degradation caused by lithium loss to continued growth of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). These two mechanisms are coupled because lithium is consumed through SEI formation on newly exposed crack surfaces. The growth of crack surface area is modeled as a fatigue phenomenon due to the cyclic stresses generated by repeated lithium insertion and de-insertion of graphite particles. This coupled chemical-mechanical degradation model is consistent with the observed capacity loss features for the NCM + LMO/graphite cells.

The role of oxygen in porous molybdenum electrodes for the alkali metal thermoelectric converter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Williams, R.M.; Nagasubramanian, G.; Khanna, S.K.; Bankston, C.P.; Thakoor, A.P.; Cole, T.

1986-01-01

The alkali metal thermoelectric converter is a direct energy conversion device, utilizing a high alkali metal activity gradient to generate electrical power. Its operation is based on the unique ion conductive properties of beta''-alumina solid electrolyte. The major barrier to application of this device is identification of an electrode which can maintain optimum power densities for operation times of >10,000h. Thin, porous molybdenum electrodes have shown the best performance characteristics, but show a variety of time dependent phenomena, including eventual degradation to power densities 3-5 times lower than initial values. Several Na-Mo-O compounds, including Na/sub 2/MoO/sub 4/ and Na/sub 2/Mo/sub 3/O/sub 6/, are formed during AMTEC operation. These compounds may be responsible for enhanced Na transport through Mo electrodes via sodium ion conduction, and eventual performance degradation due to their volatilization and decomposition. No decomposition of beta''-alumina has been observed under simulated AMTEC operating conditions up to 1373 K. In this paper, we present a model for chemical reactions occurring in porous molybdenum electrodes. The model is based on thermochemical and kinetic data, known sodium-molybdenum-oxygen chemistry, x-ray diffraction analysis of molybdenum and molybdenum oxide electrodes, and the electrochemical behavior of the cell

Aging in lithium-ion batteries: Model and experimental investigation of harvested LiFePO4 and mesocarbon microbead graphite electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zavalis, Tommy Georgios; Klett, Matilda; Kjell, Maria H.; Behm, Mårten; Lindström, Rakel Wreland; Lindbergh, Göran

2013-01-01

This study investigates aging in LiFePO 4 /mesocarbon microbead graphite cells that have been subjected to either a synthetic hybrid drive cycle or calendar aging, at 22 °C. The investigation involves detailed examination and comparison of harvested fresh and aged electrodes. The electrode properties are determined using a physics-based electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) model that is fitted to three-electrode EIS measurements, with input from measured electrode capacity and scanning electrode microscopy (SEM). Results from the model fitting provide a detailed insight to the electrode degradation and is put into context with the behavior of the full cell aging. It was established that calendar aging has negligible effect on cell impedance, while cycle aging increases the impedance mainly due to structural changes in the LiFePO 4 porous electrode and electrolyte decomposition products on both electrodes. Further, full-cell capacity fade is mainly a consequence of cyclable lithium loss caused by electrolyte decomposition

Fabrication, characterization and electrocatalytic application of a lead dioxide electrode with porous titanium substrate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Wenli; Kong, Haishen; Lin, Haibo; Lu, Haiyan; Huang, Weimin; Yin, Jian; Lin, Zheqi; Bao, Jinpeng

2015-01-01

In this study, PbO 2 electrode was prepared on porous Ti/SnO 2 –Sb 2 O 5 substrate (denoted as 3D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode), and its electrochemical properties were investigated in detail. The electrodeposition mechanism of 3D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) result showed that the 3D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode possessed porous structure when it was electrodeposited for time less than 30 min. The 3D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode prepared for 10 min had more active sites than the lead dioxide electrode electrodeposited on planar titanium substrate (denoted as 2D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode) and its electrochemical porosity is about 54%. The embedded structure between porous Ti/SnO 2 –Sb 2 O 5 substrate and PbO 2 coating increased the stability of 3D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode. The service life of 3D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode was about 350 h which was much longer than 2D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode. What's more, 3D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode had better electrocatalytic activity towards phenol degradation than 2D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode. - Highlights: • 3D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode was prepared on a porous titanium substrate. • The electrochemical active surface area was investigated. • The activity of 3D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode towards phenol oxidation was investigated. • 3D-Ti/PbO 2 electrode shows superior electrocatalytic activity.

Electrochemical capacity fading of polyaniline electrode in supercapacitor: An XPS analysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jinxing Deng

2017-04-01

Full Text Available To understand the electrochemical capacity fading of the polyaniline (PANI electrodes in supercapacitors, for the first time, their chemical structure change during electrochemical cycles was traced with XPS analysis after the HCl doped PANI electrodes were subjected to the cyclic voltammetry test in 1.0 M H2SO4 electrolyte for different cycle numbers. The results showed that the chlorine disappeared in the electrode surface, while the surface element contents of sulfur and oxygen increased with the electrochemical cycles increased. It demonstrated that the hydrolytic degradation of the PANI chains and exchange of dopant occurred during the electrochemical cycling, causing the fading in the mechanical and electrochemical performance of the PANI electrodes. This understanding should lead to better design of the conductive polymer-based energy storage devices.

Study on Carbon Nano composite Counter electrode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Y.; Zhang, H.; Lin, J.

2012-01-01

Carbon nano composite electrodes were prepared by adding carbon nano tubes (CNTs) into carbon black as counter electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The morphology and structure of carbon nano composite electrodes were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The influence of CNTs on the electrochemical performance of carbon nano composite electrodes is investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Carbon nano composite electrodes with CNTs exhibit a highly interconnected network structure with high electrical conductivity and good catalytic activity. The influence of different CNTs content in carbon nano composite electrodes on the open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and filling factor of DSSCs is also investigated. DSSCs with 10% CNTs content exhibit the best photovoltaic performance in our experiments.

Spatial variation of electrode position in bioelectrochemical treatment system: Design consideration for azo dye remediation.

Science.gov (United States)

Yeruva, Dileep Kumar; Shanthi Sravan, J; Butti, Sai Kishore; Annie Modestra, J; Venkata Mohan, S

2018-05-01

In the present study, three bio-electrochemical treatment systems (BET) were designed with variations in cathode electrode placement [air exposed (BET1), partially submerged (BET2) and fully submerged (BET3)] to evaluate azo-dye based wastewater treatment at three dye loading concentrations (50, 250 and 500 mg L -1 ). Highest dye decolorization (94.5 ± 0.4%) and COD removal (62.2 ± 0.8%) efficiencies were observed in BET3 (fully submerged electrodes) followed by BET1 and BET2, while bioelectrogenic activity was highest in BET1 followed by BET2 and BET3. It was observed that competition among electron acceptors (electrode, dye molecules and intermediates) critically regulated the fate of bio-electrogenesis to be higher in BET1 and dye removal higher in BET3. Maximum half-cell potentials in BET3 depict higher electron acceptance by electrodes utilized for dye degradation. Study infers that spatial positioning of electrodes in BET3 is more suitable towards dye remediation, which can be considered for scaling-up/designing a treatment plant for large-scale industrial applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High Performance Nano-Ceria Electrodes for Solid Oxide Cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Graves, Christopher R.; Martinez Aguilera, Lev; Sudireddy, Bhaskar Reddy

2016-01-01

forming the active surfaces on a porous backbone with embedded electronic current collector material, yielding one of the highest performances reported for an electrode that operates either on fuel or oxidant. The second is a nano-Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ thin film prepared by spin-coating, which provides......In solid oxide electrochemical cells, the conventional Ni-based fuel-electrodes provide high electrocatalytic activity but they are often a major source of long-term performance degradation due to carbon deposition, poisoning of reaction sites, Ni mobility, etc. Doped-ceria is a promising mixed...

Radiation effects on the electrode and electrolyte of a lithium-ion battery

Science.gov (United States)

Tan, Chuting; Lyons, Daniel J.; Pan, Ke; Leung, Kwan Yee; Chuirazzi, William C.; Canova, Marcello; Co, Anne C.; Cao, Lei R.

2016-06-01

The performance degradation and durability of a Li-ion battery is a major concern when it is operated under radiation conditions, for instance, in deep space exploration, in high radiation field, or rescuing or sampling equipment in a post-nuclear accident scenario. This paper examines the radiation effects on the electrode and electrolyte materials separately and their effects on a battery's capacity loss and resistance increase. A60Co irradiator (34.3 krad/h) was used to provide 0.8, 4.1, and 9.8 Mrad dose to LiFePO4 electrodes and 0.8, 1.6, and 5.7 Mrad to 1 M LiPF6 in 1:1 wt% EC:DMC electrolytes. This study shows that the coin cells assembled with irradiated components have higher failure rate (ca. 70%) than that of control group (ca. 14%). A significant battery capacity fade post irradiation was observed. The electrolyte also shows a darkened color a few weeks or months after irradiation. The discovery of this latent effect may be significant because a battery may degrade significantly even showing no sign of degradation immediately after exposure. We investigated electrolyte composition by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy prior and post irradiation. Polymerization reactions and HF formation are considered as the cause of the discoloration.

Impact of uniform electrode current distribution on ETF. [Engineering Test Facility MHD generator

Science.gov (United States)

Bents, D. J.

1982-01-01

A basic reason for the complexity and sheer volume of electrode consolidation hardware in the MHD ETF Powertrain system is the channel electrode current distribution, which is non-uniform. If the channel design is altered to provide uniform electrode current distribution, the amount of hardware required decreases considerably, but at the possible expense of degraded channel performance. This paper explains the design impacts on the ETF electrode consolidation network associated with uniform channel electrode current distribution, and presents the alternate consolidation designs which occur. They are compared to the baseline (non-uniform current) design with respect to performance, and hardware requirements. A rational basis is presented for comparing the requirements for the different designs and the savings that result from uniform current distribution. Performance and cost impacts upon the combined cycle plant are discussed.

Degradation of m-cresol in aqueous solution by dielectric barrier discharge

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jaramillo-Sierra, B; De la Piedad-Benitez, A; Mercado-Cabrera, A; López-Callejas, R; Peña-Eguiluz, R; Barocio, S R; Valencia-Alvarado, R; Rodríguez-Méndez, B; Muñoz-Castro, A

2012-01-01

It was carried out a theoretical and experimental study of the m-cresol degradation in aqueous solution using a non-thermal plasma induced by dielectric barrier discharge. For the experimental setup a coaxial reactor vertically placed was used. Wherein a liquid solution flowing inside the internal electrode was impelled by a peristaltic pump and falling over the external surface of the internal electrode. Working gas was applied in a parallel direction respect to the surface of the liquid and inside of the quartz tube. Non-thermal plasma was generated at the gas-liquid interface in Ar-O 2 gas mixtures with a high-voltage power supply system. The electric power applied ranged from 10–60W at a 3.0 kHz frequency. The initial concentration of m-cresol was of 5 × 10 −3 mol/L, and the removal efficiency up to 97.3% was obtained after 1 h of treatment. For the theoretical study a simplified model of the chemical kinetics was developed where the temporary evolution of the compounds generated in the process of degradation of the m-cresol was analyzed. Byproducts as oxalic acid and CO 2 were found.

Investigation of top electrode for PZT thick films based MEMS sensors

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hindrichsen, Christian Carstensen; Pedersen, Thomas; Kristiansen, Paw T.

2010-01-01

In this work processing of screen printed piezoelectric PZT thick films on silicon substrates is investigated for use in future MEMS devices. E-beam evaporated Al and Pt are patterned on PZT as a top electrode using a lift-off process with a line width down to 3 mu m. Three test structures are used...... to investigate the optimal thickness of the top electrode, the degradation of the piezoelectric properties of the PZT film in absence of a diffusion barrier layer and finally how to fabricate electrical interconnects down the edge of the PZT thick film. The roughness of the PZT is found to have a strong...... influence on the conductance of the top electrode influencing the optimal top electrode thickness. A 100 nm thick top electrode on the PZT thick film with a surface roughness of 273 nm has a 4.5 times higher resistance compared to a similar wire on a planar SiO2 surface which has a surface roughness of less...

5V-class bulk-type all-solid-state rechargeable lithium batteries with electrode-solid electrolyte composite electrodes prepared by aerosol deposition

Science.gov (United States)

Iriyama, Yasutoshi; Wadaguchi, Masaki; Yoshida, Koki; Yamamoto, Yuta; Motoyama, Munekazu; Yamamoto, Takayuki

2018-05-01

Composite electrodes (∼9 μm in thickness) composed of 5V-class electrode of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNM) and high Li+ conductive crystalline-glass solid electrolyte (LATP, Ohara Inc.) were prepared at room temperature by aerosol deposition (AD) on platinum sheets. The resultant LNM-LATP composite electrodes were combined with LiPON and Li, and 5V-class bulk-type all-solid-state rechargeable lithium batteries (SSBs) were prepared. The crystallnity of the LNM in the LNM-LATP composite electrode was improved by annealing. Both thermogravimetry-mass spectroscopy analysis and XRD analysis clarified that the side reactions between the LNM and the LATP occurred over 500 °C with oxygen release. From these results, annealing temperature of the LNM-LATP composite electrode system was optimized at 500 °C due to the improved crystallinity of the LNM with avoiding the side-reactions. The SSBs with the composite electrodes (9 μm in thickness, 40 vol% of the LNM) annealed at 500 °C delivered 100 mAh g-1 at 10 μA cm-2 at 100 °C. Degradation of the discharge capacity with the repetition of the charge-discharge reactions was observed, which will originate from large volume change of the LNM (∼6.5%) during the reactions.

Physical degradation of membrane electrode assemblies undergoing freeze/thaw cycling: Micro-structure effects

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, S. [Fuel Cell Dynamics and Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 (United States); Research and Development Division, Hyundai Motor Company, Yongin 446-912 (Korea); Mench, M.M. [Fuel Cell Dynamics and Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 (United States)

2007-11-22

The objective of this work is to investigate physical damage of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) materials subjected to freeze/thaw cycling. Effects of membrane electrode assembly micro-structures (catalyst layer cracking, membrane thickness, and membrane reinforcement) and diffusion media with micro-porous layers were analyzed by comparing scanning electron microscopy images of freeze/thaw cycled samples (-40 C/70 C) with those of virgin material and thermal cycled samples without freezing (5 C/70 C). Ex situ testing performed in this study has revealed a strong direction for the material choices in the PEFC and confirmed the previous computational model in the literature [S. He, M.M. Mench, J. Electrochem. Soc., 153 (2006) A1724-A1731; S. He, S.H. Kim, M.M. Mench, J. Electrochem. Soc., in press]. Specifically, the membrane electrode assemblies were found to be a source of water that can damage the catalyst layers under freeze/thaw conditions. Damage was found to occur almost exclusively under the channel, and not under the land (the graphite that touches the diffusion media). Conceptually, the best material to mitigate freeze-damage is a crack free virgin catalyst layer on a reinforced membrane that is as thin as possible, protected by a stiff diffusion media. (author)

Study of electrode pattern design for a CZT-based PET detector.

Science.gov (United States)

Gu, Y; Levin, C S

2014-06-07

We are developing a 1 mm resolution small animal positron emission tomography (PET) system using 3D positioning cadmium zinc telluride photon detectors comprising 40 mm × 40 mm × 5 mm crystals metalized with a cross-strip electrode pattern with a 1 mm anode strip pitch. We optimized the electrode pattern design for intrinsic sensitivity and spatial, energy and time resolution performance using a test detector comprising cathode and steering electrode strips of varying dimensions. The study found 3 and 5 mm width cathode strips locate charge-shared photon interactions near cathode strip boundaries with equal precision. 3 mm width cathode strips exhibited large time resolution variability as a function of photon interaction location between the anode and cathode planes (~26 to ~127.5 ns full width at half maximum (FWHM) for 0.5 mm and 4.2 mm depths, respectively). 5 mm width cathode strips by contrast exhibited more stable time resolution for the same interaction locations (~34 to ~83 ns FWHM), provided more linear spatial positioning in the direction orthogonal to the electrode planes, and as much as 68.4% improvement in photon sensitivity over the 3 mm wide cathode strips. The results were understood by analyzing the cathode strips' weighting functions, which indicated a stronger 'small pixel' effect in the 3 mm wide cathode strips. Photon sensitivity and anode energy resolution were seen to improve with decreasing steering electrode bias from 0 to -80 V w.r.t. the anode potential. A slight improvement in energy resolution was seen for wider steering electrode strips (400 versus 100 µm) for charge-shared photon interactions. Although this study successfully focused on electrode pattern features for PET performance, the results are generally applicable to semiconductor photon detectors employing cross-trip electrode patterns.

Degradation Mechanisms of Electrochemically Cycled Graphite Anodes in Lithium-ion Cells

Science.gov (United States)

Bhattacharya, Sandeep

This research is aimed at developing advanced characterization methods for studying the surface and subsurface damage in Li-ion battery anodes made of polycrystalline graphite and identifying the degradation mechanisms that cause loss of electrochemical capacity. Understanding microstructural aspects of the graphite electrode degradation mechanisms during charging and discharging of Li-ion batteries is of key importance in order to design durable anodes with high capacity. An in-situ system was constructed using an electrochemical cell with an observation window, a large depth-of-field digital microscope and a micro-Raman spectrometer. It was revealed that electrode damage by removal of the surface graphite fragments of 5-10 mum size is the most intense during the first cycle that led to a drastic capacity drop. Once a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer covered the electrode surface, the rate of graphite particle loss decreased. Yet, a gradual loss of capacity continued by the formation of interlayer cracks adjacent to SEI/graphite interfaces. Deposition of co-intercalation compounds, LiC6, Li2CO3 and Li2O, near the crack tips caused partial closure of propagating graphite cracks during cycling and reduced the crack growth rate. Bridging of crack faces by delaminated graphite layers also retarded crack propagation. The microstructure of the SEI layer, formed by electrochemical reduction of the ethylene carbonate based electrolyte, consisted of ˜5-20 nm sized crystalline domains (containing Li2CO3, Li2O 2 and nano-sized graphite fragments) dispersed in an amorphous matrix. During the SEI formation, two regimes of Li-ion diffusion were identified at the electrode/electrolyte interface depending on the applied voltage scan rate (dV/dt). A low Li-ion diffusion coefficient ( DLi+) at dV/dt microscopic information to the electrochemical performance, novel Li2CO3-coated electrodes were fabricated that were durable. The SEI formed on pre-treated electrodes reduced

Silver nanowires network encapsulated by low temperature sol-gel ZnO for transparent flexible electrodes with ambient stability

Science.gov (United States)

Shin, Wonjung; Cho, Wonki; Baik, Seung Jae

2018-01-01

As a geometrically engineered realization of transparent electrode, Ag nanowires network is promising for its superior characteristics both on electrical conductivity and optical transmittance. However, for a potential commercialization of Ag nanowires network, further investigations on encapsulation materials are necessary to prevent degradation caused by ambient aging. In addition, the temperature range of the coating process for the encapsulation material needs to be low enough to prevent degradation of polymer substrates during the film coating processes, when considering emerging flexible device application of transparent electrodes. We present experimental results showing that low temperature sol-gel ZnO processed under 130 °C is an effective encapsulation material preventing ambient oxidation of Ag nanowires network without degrading electrical, optical, and mechanical properties.

Photoelectrochemical performance of multi-layered BiOx–TiO2/Ti electrodes for degradation of phenol and production of molecular hydrogen in water

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, Hyunwoong; Bak, Ayoung; Ahn, Yong Yoon; Choi, Jina; Hoffmannn, Michael R.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► We demonstrated that the electrocatalytic performance of BiO x –TiO 2 anodes for the degradation of aqueous phenol could be highly boosted by light irradiation. ► Although BiO x –TiO 2 anodes have been originally developed as the electrocatalytic anodes that operate in the absence of light by degeneratively doping Bi in TiO 2 , the presence of TiO 2 made them retain photoelectrocatalytic activity as well. ► Such dual functionality of BiO x –TiO 2 electrodes with high synergy effects may be directly used for water treatment with simultaneous hydrogen production from water. - Abstract: Multi-layered BiO x –TiO 2 electrodes were used for the oxidation of chemical contaminants coupled with the production of H 2 characterized by a synergistic enhancement. The BiO x –TiO 2 electrodes were composed of a mixed-metal oxide array involving an under layer of TaO x –IrO x , a middle layer of BiO x –SnO 2 , and a top layer of BiO x –TiO 2 deposited in a series on both sides of Ti foil. Cyclic voltammograms showed that the BiO x –TiO 2 electrodes had an electrocatalytic activity for oxidation of phenol that was enhanced by 70% under illumination with AM 1.5 light. When the BiO x –TiO 2 anode was coupled with a stainless steel cathode in a Na 2 SO 4 electrolyte with phenol and irradiated with UV light at an applied DC voltage, the anodic phenol oxidation rate and the cathodic H 2 production rates were enhanced by factors of four and three, respectively, as compared to the sum of each light irradiation and direct DC electrolysis. These synergistic effects depend on the specific electrode composition and decrease on TaO x –IrO x and BiO x –SnO 2 anodes in the absence of a top layer of BiO x –TiO 2 . These results indicate that the BiO x –TiO 2 layer functions as the key photo-electrocatalyst. The heavy doping level of Bi (25 mol%) in TiO 2 increases the electric conductivity of the parent TiO 2 .

Study of electrochemical behavior of desatinib using hanging mercury drop electrode and gold disc electrode

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Nováková, Kateřina; Navrátil, Tomáš; Jaklová Dytrtová, Jana; Jakl, M.

2015-01-01

Roč. 11, č. 1 (2015), s. 116-116 ISSN 1336-7242 Institutional support: RVO:61388955 ; RVO:61388963 Keywords : electrochemistry * hanging mercury drop electrode * gold electrode Subject RIV: CG - Electrochemistry

CNT/PDMS composite flexible dry electrodes for long-term ECG monitoring.

Science.gov (United States)

Jung, Ha-Chul; Moon, Jin-Hee; Baek, Dong-Hyun; Lee, Jae-Hee; Choi, Yoon-Young; Hong, Joung-Sook; Lee, Sang-Hoon

2012-05-01

We fabricated a carbon nanotube (CNT)/ polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite-based dry ECG electrode that can be readily connected to conventional ECG devices, and showed its long-term wearable monitoring capability and robustness to motion and sweat. While the dispersion of CNTs in PDMS is challenging, we optimized the process to disperse untreated CNTs within PDMS by mechanical force only. The electrical and mechanical characteristics of the CNT/PDMS electrode were tested according to the concentration of CNTs and its thickness. The performances of ECG electrodes were evaluated by using 36 types of electrodes which were fabricated with different concentrations of CNTs, and with a differing diameter and thickness. The ECG signals were obtained by using electrodes of diverse sizes to observe the effects of motion and sweat, and the proposed electrode was shown to be robust to both factors. The CNT concentration and diameter of the electrodes were critical parameters in obtaining high-quality ECG signals. The electrode was shown to be biocompatible from the cytotoxicity test. A seven-day continuous wearability test showed that the quality of the ECG signal did not degrade over time, and skin reactions such as itching or erythema were not observed. This electrode could be used for the long-term measurement of other electrical biosignals for ubiquitous health monitoring including EMG, EEG, and ERG.

Control of Bouncing in MEMS Switches Using Double Electrodes

KAUST Repository

Abdul Rahim, Farhan

2016-08-09

This paper presents a novel way of controlling the bouncing phenomenon commonly present in the Radio Frequency Microelectromechanical Systems (RF MEMS) switches using a double-electrode configuration. The paper discusses modeling bouncing using both lumped parameter and beam models. The simulations of bouncing and its control are discussed. Comparison between the new proposed method and other available control techniques is also made. The Galerkin method is applied on the beam model accounting for the nonlinear electrostatic force, squeeze film damping, and surface contact effect. The results indicate that it is possible to reduce bouncing and hence beam degradation, by the use of double electrodes.

A systematic study of BNL's 3D-Trench Electrode detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Montalbano, A.; Bassignana, D.; Li, Z.; Liu, S.; Lynn, D.; Pellegrini, G.; Tsybychev, D.

2014-01-01

New types of silicon pixel detectors have been proposed because of the need for more radiation hard semiconductor devices for the high luminosity tracking detector upgrades at the Large Hadron Collider. A novel type of 3D Si pixel detectors is proposed, with each cell of the 3D-Trench Electrode pixel detector featuring a concentric trench electrode surrounding the central collecting column electrode. The pixel sensor is an array of those individual cells. Systematic 3D simulations using Silvacos TCAD programs have been carried out to study the characteristics of this novel 3D pixel design and to compare to the traditional 3D column electrode pixel design. The 3D simulations show a much lower depletion voltage and a more uniform electric field in the new 3D-Trench Electrode pixel detectors as compared to the traditional 3D column Electrode detectors. The first prototype 3D-Trench Electrode pixel detectors have been manufactured at the Centro Nacional De Microelectronica. Preliminary electrical measurements are discussed and charge collection efficiency measurements are presented

Influence of Electrode Design and Contacting Layers on Performance of Electrolyte Supported SOFC/SOEC Single Cells

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mihails Kusnezoff

2016-11-01

Full Text Available The solid oxide cell is a basis for highly efficient and reversible electrochemical energy conversion. A single cell based on a planar electrolyte substrate as support (ESC is often utilized for SOFC/SOEC stack manufacturing and fulfills necessary requirements for application in small, medium and large scale fuel cell and electrolysis systems. Thickness of the electrolyte substrate, and its ionic conductivity limits the power density of the ESC. To improve the performance of this cell type in SOFC/SOEC mode, alternative fuel electrodes, on the basis of Ni/CGO as well as electrolytes with reduced thickness, have been applied. Furthermore, different interlayers on the air side have been tested to avoid the electrode delamination and to reduce the cell degradation in electrolysis mode. Finally, the influence of the contacting layer on cell performance, especially for cells with an ultrathin electrolyte and thin electrode layers, has been investigated. It has been found that Ni/CGO outperform traditional Ni/8YSZ electrodes and the introduction of a ScSZ interlayer substantially reduces the degradation rate of ESC in electrolysis mode. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that, for thin electrodes, the application of contacting layers with good conductivity and adhesion to current collectors improves performance significantly.

Influence of Electrode Design and Contacting Layers on Performance of Electrolyte Supported SOFC/SOEC Single Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Kusnezoff, Mihails; Trofimenko, Nikolai; Müller, Martin; Michaelis, Alexander

2016-11-08

The solid oxide cell is a basis for highly efficient and reversible electrochemical energy conversion. A single cell based on a planar electrolyte substrate as support (ESC) is often utilized for SOFC/SOEC stack manufacturing and fulfills necessary requirements for application in small, medium and large scale fuel cell and electrolysis systems. Thickness of the electrolyte substrate, and its ionic conductivity limits the power density of the ESC. To improve the performance of this cell type in SOFC/SOEC mode, alternative fuel electrodes, on the basis of Ni/CGO as well as electrolytes with reduced thickness, have been applied. Furthermore, different interlayers on the air side have been tested to avoid the electrode delamination and to reduce the cell degradation in electrolysis mode. Finally, the influence of the contacting layer on cell performance, especially for cells with an ultrathin electrolyte and thin electrode layers, has been investigated. It has been found that Ni/CGO outperform traditional Ni/8YSZ electrodes and the introduction of a ScSZ interlayer substantially reduces the degradation rate of ESC in electrolysis mode. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that, for thin electrodes, the application of contacting layers with good conductivity and adhesion to current collectors improves performance significantly.

Alkali metal-refractory metal biphase electrode for AMTEC

Science.gov (United States)

Williams, Roger M. (Inventor); Bankston, Clyde P. (Inventor); Cole, Terry (Inventor); Khanna, Satish K. (Inventor); Jeffries-Nakamura, Barbara (Inventor); Wheeler, Bob L. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

An electrode having increased output with slower degradation is formed of a film applied to a beta-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE). The film comprises a refractory first metal M.sup.1 such as a platinum group metal, suitably platinum or rhodium, capable of forming a liquid or a strong surface adsorption phase with sodium at the operating temperature of an alkali metal thermoelectric converter (AMTEC) and a second refractory metal insoluble in sodium or the NaM.sup.1 liquid phase such as a Group IVB, VB or VIB metal, suitably tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum or niobium. The liquid phase or surface film provides fast transport through the electrode while the insoluble refractory metal provides a structural matrix for the electrode during operation. A trilayer structure that is stable and not subject to deadhesion comprises a first, thin layer of tungsten, an intermediate co-deposited layer of tungsten-platinum and a thin surface layer of platinum.

A diamond-based electrode for detection of neurochemicals in the human brain

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kevin E. Bennet

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Deep brain stimulation (DBS, a surgical technique to treat certain neurologic and psychiatric conditions, relies on pre-determined stimulation parameters in an open-loop configuration. The major advancement in DBS devices is a closed-loop system that uses neurophysiologic feedback to dynamically adjust stimulation frequency and amplitude. Stimulation-driven neurochemical release can be measured by fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV, but existing FSCV electrodes rely on carbon fiber, which degrades quickly during use and is therefore unsuitable for chronic neurochemical recording. To address this issue, we developed durable, synthetic boron-doped diamond-based electrodes capable of measuring neurochemical release in humans. Compared to carbon fiber electrodes, they were more than two orders-of-magnitude more physically-robust and demonstrated longevity in vitro without deterioration. Applied for the first time in humans, diamond electrode recordings from thalamic targets in patients (n=4 undergoing DBS for tremor produced signals consistent with adenosine release at a sensitivity comparable to carbon fiber electrodes.

Study of imploding liner-electrode wall interaction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chernyshev, V K; Zharinov, E I; Mokhov, V N [All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Physics, Sarov (Russian Federation)

1997-12-31

Acceleration of solid aluminium liners and their interaction with electrodes is studied experimentally. One of the main goal of the experiments is to find the method of improving the contact between the liner and the electrode during the acceleration process. Two independent liners connected in series in one discharge circuit are used. This arrangement makes it possible to record two different liner positions simultaneously at one discharge current. As an energy source, a helical explosive magnetic generator of the length of 0.7 m and 100 mm in diameter is used. The shape of liners at various stages of acceleration is recorded by using a flash radiographic facility. The measured liner flight velocity and the compression radius are compared with the results of MHD model calculations. (J.U.). 21 figs., 7 refs.

Preparation and Performance of Sb-SnO2 / Ti Electrode Modified with Carbon Nanotubes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

WEI Jin-zhi

2017-06-01

Full Text Available In order to improve the electro-catalytic oxidation activity and stability of Sb-SnO2 /Ti electrode，the CNTs-Sb-SnO2 /Ti electrode was prepared by sol-gel-thermal decomposition method. The microstructure and electrochemical properties of the modified electrode was characterized via SEM electrochemical impedance spectroscope ( EIS ，polarization curve and congo red degradation experiments. Furthermore，its the stability was investigated by accelerated life test. The results indicate that when the optimal doping amount of CNTs is 2. 0 g /L the congo red removal rate increases by 14. 7% using the CNTs-Sb-SnO2 /Ti electrode compared with the Sb-SnO2 /Ti electrode. Meanwhile pore structure appears and roughness increases on the surface of modified electrodes leading to larger specific surface area of electrode. Then the modified electrodes exhibit higher oxygen evolution potential and lower charge transfer resistance. Additionally，accelerated life tests reveal that the modified electrode has better electro-catalytic stability while the service life increases by

Effective adsorption/electrocatalytic degradation of perchlorate using Pd/Pt supported on N-doped activated carbon fiber cathode

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yao, Fubing; Zhong, Yu [College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 (China); Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082 (China); Yang, Qi, E-mail: yangqi@hnu.edu.cn [College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 (China); Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082 (China); Wang, Dongbo, E-mail: dongbowang@hnu.edu.cn [College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 (China); Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082 (China); Chen, Fei; Zhao, Jianwei; Xie, Ting; Jiang, Chen; An, Hongxue; Zeng, Guangming; Li, Xiaoming [College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082 (China); Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control, Hunan University, Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082 (China)

2017-02-05

Highlights: • Pd/Pt-NACF served as an adsorption/electrocatalysis electrode to reduce perchlorate. • The possible mechanisms involved in the reaction process were explained. • The reusability and stability of Pd/Pt-NACF bifunctional material was evaluated. - Abstract: In this work, Pd/Pt supported on N-doped activated carbon fiber (Pd/Pt-NACF) was employed as the electrode for electrocatalytic degradation of perchlorate through adsorption/electroreduction process. Perchlorate in solution was firstly adsorbed on Pd/Pt-NACF and then reduced to non-toxic chloride by the catalytic function of Pd/Pt at a constant current (20 mA). Compared with Pd/Pt-ACF, the adsorption capacity and electrocatalytic degradation efficiency of Pd/Pt-NACF for perchlorate increased 161% and 28%, respectively. Obviously, positively charged N-functional groups on NACF surface enhanced the adsorption capacity of Pd/Pt-NACF, and the dissociation of hydrogen to atomic H* by the Pd/Pt nanostructures on the cathode might drastically promote the electrocatalytic reduction of perchlorate. The role of atomic H* in the electroreduction process was identified by tertiary butanol inhibition test. Meanwhile, the perchlorate degradation performance was not substantially lower after three successive adsorption/electrocatalytic degradation experiments, demonstrating the electrochemical reusability and stability of the as-prepared electrode. These results showed that Pd/Pt-NACF was effective for electrocatalytic degradation of perchlorate and had great potential in perchlorate removal from water.

Chemical Imaging of Nanoscale Interfacial Inhomogeneity in LiFePO4 Composite Electrodes from a Cycled Large-Format Battery.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Jigang; Wang, Jian; Hu, Yongfeng; Lu, Mi

2017-11-15

The nanoscale interfacial inhomogeneity in a cycled large-format LiFePO 4 (LFP) composite electrode has been studied by X-ray photoemission electron microscopy at single particle spatial resolution with a probe depth of ∼5 nm. The loss of active lithium in cycled LFP causes the coexsitence of fully delithiated LFP (FePO 4 ) and partially delithiated LFP (Li 0.6 FePO 4 or Li 0.8 FePO 4 ) as a function of the extent of lithium loss. The distribution of various lithium loss phases along with local agglomeration of LFP and degradation of binder and carbon black are correlatively visualized. This is the first experimental exploration of chemical interplay between components in the composite electrode from a large-format battery, and implications on the LFP degradation in this battery are discussed.

Capacity Fade and Its Mitigation in Li-Ion Cells with Silicon-Graphite Electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bareño, Javier [Chemical; Shkrob, Ilya A. [Chemical; Gilbert, James A. [Chemical; Klett, Matilda [Chemical; Abraham, Daniel P. [Chemical

2017-09-15

In this study we scrutinize the causes for capacity fade in lithium-ion cells containing silicongraphite (Si-Gr) blends in the negative electrode and examine approaches for minimizing this fade. The causal mechanisms are inferred from data obtained by electrochemistry, microscopy, spectroscopy and thermogravimetry techniques. The presence of SiOxFy signals in the Si-Gr electrode, LixPOyFz compounds in the electrolyte, and SiO2 species on the NCM523 positive electrode, highlight the crucial role of hydrolytically generated HF, which accelerates the degradation of Si particles. The hydrolysis could result from residual moisture in the current electrode fabrication process, which uses aqueous binders. Water can also be released when silanol groups on the Si nanoparticles react with HF to form Si-F compounds. We note that the primary cause of capacity fade in the full cells is the loss of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) integrity resulting from volume changes in Si particles during electrochemical cycling. Adding fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) to the conventional electrolyte slows capacity fade through the formation of a cross linked polymer with elastomeric properties. Further gains in cell longevity are possible by excluding water during electrode fabrication, using hydrolytically stable lithium salts, and adopting electrolyte systems that provide more elasticity to the SEI layers.

Restoring speech perception with cochlear implants by spanning defective electrode contacts.

Science.gov (United States)

Frijns, Johan H M; Snel-Bongers, Jorien; Vellinga, Dirk; Schrage, Erik; Vanpoucke, Filiep J; Briaire, Jeroen J

2013-04-01

Even with six defective contacts, spanning can largely restore speech perception with the HiRes 120 speech processing strategy to the level supported by an intact electrode array. Moreover, the sound quality is not degraded. Previous studies have demonstrated reduced speech perception scores (SPS) with defective contacts in HiRes 120. This study investigated whether replacing defective contacts by spanning, i.e. current steering on non-adjacent contacts, is able to restore speech recognition to the level supported by an intact electrode array. Ten adult cochlear implant recipients (HiRes90K, HiFocus1J) with experience with HiRes 120 participated in this study. Three different defective electrode arrays were simulated (six separate defective contacts, three pairs or two triplets). The participants received three take-home strategies and were asked to evaluate the sound quality in five predefined listening conditions. After 3 weeks, SPS were evaluated with monosyllabic words in quiet and in speech-shaped background noise. The participants rated the sound quality equal for all take-home strategies. SPS with background noise were equal for all conditions tested. However, SPS in quiet (85% phonemes correct on average with the full array) decreased significantly with increasing spanning distance, with a 3% decrease for each spanned contact.

Electrode-electrolyte interface model of tripolar concentric ring electrode and electrode paste.

Science.gov (United States)

Nasrollaholhosseini, Seyed Hadi; Steele, Preston; Besio, Walter G

2016-08-01

Electrodes are used to transform ionic currents to electrical currents in biological systems. Modeling the electrode-electrolyte interface could help to optimize the performance of the electrode interface to achieve higher signal to noise ratios. There are previous reports of accurate models for single-element biomedical electrodes. In this paper we develop a model for the electrode-electrolyte interface for tripolar concentric ring electrodes (TCRE) that are used to record brain signals.

Hydrodynamic voltammetric studies of the oxygen reduction at gold nanoparticles-electrodeposited gold electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

El-Deab, Mohamed S.; Ohsaka, Takeo

2002-01-01

The electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen at Au nanoparticles-electrodeposited Au electrodes has been studied using rotating disk electrode (RDE) voltammetry in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 . Upon analyzing and comparison of the limiting currents data obtained at various rotation speeds of this RDE with those obtained at the bulk Au electrode, an effective value of the number of electrons, n, involved in the electrochemical reduction of O 2 was estimated to be ca. 4 for the former electrode and ca. 3 for the bulk Au electrode at the same potential of -350 mV versus Ag/AgCl/KCl(sat.). This indicates the higher possibility of further reduction and decomposition of H 2 O 2 at Au nanoparticles-electrodeposited Au electrode in this acidic medium. The reductive desorption of the self-assembled monolayer of cysteine, which was formed on the Au nanoparticles-electrodeposited Au electrode, was used to monitor the change of the specific activity of the bulk Au electrode upon the electrodeposition of the Au nanoparticles

Preparation and electrochemical property of TiO_2/Nano-graphite composite anode for electro-catalytic degradation of ceftriaxone sodium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guo, Xiaolei; Li, Dong; Wan, Jiafeng; Yu, Xiujuan

2015-01-01

Titanium dioxide/Nano-graphite (TiO_2/Nano-G) composite was synthesized by a sol-gel method and TiO_2/Nano-G electrode was prepared in hot-press approach. The composite was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electrons microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical performance of the TiO_2/Nano-G anode electrode was investigated through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The electro-catalytic performance was evaluated by the yield of ·OH radicals, degradation of methyl orange and ceftriaxone sodium. The results demonstrated that TiO_2 nanoparticles were dispersed on the surface and interlamination of the Nano-G uniformly, TiO_2/Nano-G electrode owned higher electro-catalytic oxidation activity and stability than Nano-G electrode. Degradation rate of ceftriaxone sodium within 120 min by TiO_2(40)/Nano-G electrode was 97.7%. And ·OH radicals given by TiO_2/Nano-G electrode was higher than that of Nano-G electrode and DSA (Ti/IrO_2-RuO_2) electrode. The excellent electro-catalytic performance could be ascribed to the admirable conductive property of the Nano-G and more production of ·OH offered by TiO_2(40)/Nano-G electrode.

Textile Electrodes for EEG Recording — A Pilot Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Johan Löfhede

2012-12-01

Full Text Available The overall aim of our research is to develop a monitoring system for neonatal intensive care units. Long-term EEG monitoring in newborns require that the electrodes don’t harm the sensitive skin of the baby, an especially relevant feature for premature babies. Our approach to EEG monitoring is based on several electrodes distributed over the head of the baby, and since the weight of the head always will be on some of them, any type of hard electrode will inevitably cause a pressure-point that can irritate the skin. Therefore, we propose the use of soft conductive textiles as EEG electrodes, primarily for neonates, but also for other kinds of unobtrusive long-term monitoring. In this paper we have tested two types of textile electrodes on five healthy adults and compared them to standard high quality electrodes. The acquired signals were compared with respect to morphology, frequency distribution, spectral coherence, correlation and power line interference sensitivity, and the signals were found to be similar in most respects. The good measurement performance exhibited by the textile electrodes indicates that they are feasible candidates for EEG recording, opening the door for long-term EEG monitoring applications.

Immobilization of DNA at Glassy Ccarbon Electrodes: A Critical Study of Adsorbed Layer

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

G. A. Rivas

2005-11-01

Full Text Available In this work we present a critical study of the nucleic acid layer immobilized atglassy carbon electrodes. Different studies were performed in order to assess the nature of theinteraction between DNA and the electrode surface. The adsorption and electrooxidation of DNAdemonstrated to be highly dependent on the surface and nature of the glassy carbon electrode. TheDNA layer immobilized at a freshly polished glassy carbon electrode was very stable even afterapplying highly negative potentials. The electron transfer of potassium ferricyanide, catechol anddopamine at glassy carbon surfaces modified with thin (obtained by adsorption under controlledpotential conditions and thick (obtained by casting the glassy carbon surface with highly concentratedDNA solutions DNA layers was slower than that at the bare glassy carbon electrode, although thiseffect was dependent on the thickness of the layer and was not charge selective. Raman experimentsshowed an important decrease of the vibrational modes assigned to the nucleobases residues,suggesting a strong interaction of these residues with the electrode surface. The hybridization ofoligo(dG21 and oligo(dC21 was evaluated from the guanine oxidation signal and the reduction of theredox indicator Co(phen33+ . In both cases the chronopotentiometric response indicated that thecompromise of the bases in the interaction of DNA with the electrode surface is too strong, preventingfurther hybridization. In summary, glassy carbon is a useful electrode material to detect DNA in adirect and very sensitive way, but not to be used for the preparation of biorecognition layers by directadsorption of the probe sequence on the electrode surface for detecting the hybridization event.

A new method for analyzing and design of guard electrodes of high voltage insulators chain

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vahidi, B.; Mohammad Zadeh, A.

2002-01-01

The main aim of this paper is analyzing design of guard electrodes of high voltage insulators chain. These electrodes are used for making the distribution of uniform potential across the insulators chain, reducing leakage current and preventing the degradation of insulators. If the design is not correct or in the case of insulators chain without guard electrodes, the potential distribution will not uniform. Thus the voltage drops on the insulators adjacent to conductors will be more than maximum voltage that can be tolerated by the insulators. Therefore these voltage drops can damage the insulators. In this paper A new method is introduced for analyzing and design of ga urad electrodes of high voltage insulators chain

Localization, correlation, and visualization of electroencephalographic surface electrodes and brain anatomy in epilepsy studies

Science.gov (United States)

Brinkmann, Benjamin H.; O'Brien, Terence J.; Robb, Richard A.; Sharbrough, Frank W.

1997-05-01

Advances in neuroimaging have enhanced the clinician's ability to localize the epileptogenic zone in focal epilepsy, but 20-50 percent of these cases still remain unlocalized. Many sophisticated modalities have been used to study epilepsy, but scalp electrode recorded electroencephalography is particularly useful due to its noninvasive nature and excellent temporal resolution. This study is aimed at specific locations of scalp electrode EEG information for correlation with anatomical structures in the brain. 3D position localizing devices commonly used in virtual reality systems are used to digitize the coordinates of scalp electrodes in a standard clinical configuration. The electrode coordinates are registered with a high- resolution MRI dataset using a robust surface matching algorithm. Volume rendering can then be used to visualize the electrodes and electrode potentials interpolated over the scalp. The accuracy of the coordinate registration is assessed quantitatively with a realistic head phantom.

Indirect Electrochemical Oxidation with Multi Carbon Electrodes for Restaurant Wastewater Treatment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

I Dewa Ketut Sastrawidana

2018-01-01

Full Text Available The removal of organic matter from the restaurant wastewater was investigated using the electrochemical oxida-tion method with multi carbon electrodes in a parallel construction. The degradation process was monitored by the measurement of COD concentration as a function of electrolysis time. The effectof operating parameter conditions on COD removal were investigated including initial pH, distance between electrodes, and the applied voltage difference.The results showed that the treatment of restaurant wastewater containing 2 g/L chloride ion using the electrochemical oxidation technique at the operation conditions characterized by: pH 5, distance between electrode of 10 cm and applied voltage of 12 V, enabled to obtained COD removal of 92.84% within 90 min electrolysis time. It is can be concluded that the indirect electrochemical oxidation method with multi carbon electrodes can be used effectivelyas an alternative technology for reducing COD and may be potentially applied for removal organic pollutants from wastewater at the industrial scale.

Electrokinetic Stabilisation Method of Soft Clay in Pure System using Electrokinetic Geosynthetic Electrode

Science.gov (United States)

Azhar, A. T. S.; Jefferson, I.; Madun, A.; Abidin, M. H. Z.; Rogers, C. D. F.

2018-04-01

Electrokinetic stabilisation (EKS) method has the ability to solve the problems of soft highly compressibility soil. This study will present the results from an experimental study of EKS on soft soils using inactive kaolinite clay, inert electrode and distilled water (DW) as a pure system mechanism before any chemical stabilisers being used in this research. Therefore, this will provide a baseline study to improve the efficiency of EKS approach. The test model was using inert electrode of Electrokinetic Geosythentic (EKG) developed at the Newcastle University to apply a constant voltage gradient of 50 V/m across a soil sample approximately 400 mm. Distilled water was used at the pore electrolyte fluid compartments supplied under zero hydraulic gradient conditions for the periods of 3, 7 and 14 days. Throughout the monitoring, physical and chemical characteristics were measured. Results from the monitoring data, physical and chemical properties of the pure system showed the development of pH gradient, the changes of electrical conductivity and chemical concentrations with regards to the distance from anode and treatment periods due to the electrochemical effects even though there was no chemical stabilisers were introduced or released from the degradation of electrodes.

Label-Free Electrochemical Detection of Vanillin through Low-Defect Graphene Electrodes Modified with Au Nanoparticles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jingyao Gao

2018-03-01

Full Text Available Graphene is an excellent modifier for the surface modification of electrochemical electrodes due to its exceptional physical properties and, for the development of graphene-based chemical and biosensors, is usually coated on glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs via drop casting. However, the ease of aggregation and high defect content of reduced graphene oxides degrade the electrical properties. Here, we fabricated low-defect graphene electrodes by catalytically thermal treatment of HPHT diamond substrate, followed by the electrodeposition of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs with an average size of ≈60 nm on the electrode surface using cyclic voltammetry. The Au nanoparticle-decorated graphene electrodes show a wide linear response range to vanillin from 0.2 to 40 µM with a low limit of detection of 10 nM. This work demonstrates the potential applications of graphene-based hybrid electrodes for highly sensitive chemical detection.

Numerical study of the effects of carbon felt electrode compression in all-vanadium redox flow batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oh, Kyeongmin; Won, Seongyeon; Ju, Hyunchul

2015-01-01

Highlights: • The effects of electrode compression on VRFB are examined. • The electronic conductivity is improved when the compression is increased. • The kinetic losses are similar regardless of the electrode compression level. • The vanadium distribution is more uniform within highly compressed electrode. - Abstract: The porous carbon felt electrode is one of the major components of all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). These electrodes are necessarily compressed during stack assembly to prevent liquid electrolyte leakage and diminish the interfacial contact resistance among VRFB stack components. The porous structure and properties of carbon felt electrodes have a considerable influence on the electrochemical reactions, transport features, and cell performance. Thus, a numerical study was performed herein to investigate the effects of electrode compression on the charge and discharge behavior of VRFBs. A three-dimensional, transient VRFB model developed in a previous study was employed to simulate VRFBs under two degrees of electrode compression (10% vs. 20%). The effects of electrode compression were precisely evaluated by analysis of the solid/electrolyte potential profiles, transfer current density, and vanadium concentration distributions, as well as the overall charge and discharge performance. The model predictions highlight the beneficial impact of electrode compression; the electronic conductivity of the carbon felt electrode is the main parameter improved by electrode compression, leading to reduction in ohmic loss through the electrodes. In contrast, the kinetics of the redox reactions and transport of vanadium species are not significantly altered by the degree of electrode compression (10% to 20%). This study enhances the understanding of electrode compression effects and demonstrates that the present VRFB model is a valuable tool for determining the optimal design and compression of carbon felt electrodes in VRFBs.

Temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue: an in vitro study of the impact of electrode orientation, electrode tissue contact pressure and external convective cooling

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Petersen, H H; Chen, X; Pietersen, A

1999-01-01

A variety of basic factors such as electrode tip pressure, flow around the electrode and electrode orientation influence lesion size during radiofrequency ablation, but importantly is dependent on the chosen mode of ablation. However, only little information is available for the frequently used...... temperature-controlled mode. The purpose of the present experimental study was to evaluate the impact during temperature-controlled radiofrequency ablation of three basic factors regarding electrode-tissue contact and convective cooling on lesion size....

Electrochemical assisted photocatalytic degradation of salicylic acid with highly ordered TiO{sub 2} nanotube electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Qian [The State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Zhu, Jinwei [China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Fourty-fourth Research Institution (China); Wang, Ying; Feng, Jiangtao [Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Yan, Wei, E-mail: yanwei@mail.xjtu.edu.cn [The State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Xu, Hao, E-mail: xuhao@mail.xjtu.edu.cn [Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China)

2014-07-01

To explore the kinetics of photoelectrocatalytic degradation of salicylic acid, one of the important PPCPs, highly ordered TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays (NTs) were prepared by the electrochemical anodization and characterized with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The effect of TiO{sub 2} NTs properties, bias potential, initial salicylic acid concentration and solution pH on the degradation efficiency was studied and carefully analyzed. The results revealed that the salicylic acid degradation follows quasi-first order kinetics in the photoelectrocatalytic process, and the fastest decay kinetics was achieved in acidic environment (pH 2). The result was further interpreted through the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It is confirmed that the electrochemical assisted photocatalysis is a synergetic approach to combat stable organic substances with improved efficiency.

Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Sodium Oxalate by TiO2/Ti Thin Film Electrode

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chen-Yu Chang

2012-01-01

Full Text Available The photocatalytically active TiO2 thin film was deposited on the titanium substrate plate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD method, and the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of sodium oxalate was investigated by TiO2 thin film reactor prepared in this study with additional electric potential at 365 nm irradiation. The batch system was chosen in this experiment, and the controlled parameters were pH, different supporting electrolytes, applied additional potential, and different electrolyte solutions that were examined and discussed. The experimental results revealed that the additional applied potential in photocatalytic reaction could prohibit recombination of electron/hole pairs, but the photoelectrocatalytic effect was decreased when the applied electric potential was over 0.25 V. Among the electrolyte solutions added, sodium sulfate improved the photoelectrocatalytic effect most significantly. At last, the better photoelectrocatalytic degradation of sodium oxalate occurred at pH 3 when comparing the pH influence.

Synergistic effects of liquid and gas phase discharges using pulsed high voltage for dyes degradation in the presence of oxygen.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Bin; Zhou, Minghua; Lei, Lecheng

2005-07-01

The technology of combined liquid and gas phase discharges (LGD) using pulsed high voltage for dyes degradation was developed in this study. Apparent synergistic effects for Acid orange II (AO) degradation in the presence of oxygen were observed. The enhancement of AO degradation rate was around 302%. Furthermore, higher energy efficiency was obtained comparing with individual liquid phase discharge (LD) or gas phase discharge process (GD). The AO degradation in the presence of oxygen by LGD proceeded through the direct ozone oxidation and the ozone decomposition induced by LD. Important operating parameters such as electrode distance, applied voltage, pulse repetition rate, and types of dyes were further investigated.

SFG study of platinum electrodes in perchloric acid solutions

Science.gov (United States)

Zheng, W. Q.; Pluchery, O.; Tadjeddine, A.

2002-04-01

Infrared-visible sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy has been used to study the structure of water molecules (and/or its derivatives OH -, H 3O + etc.) at aqueous electrolyte/electrode interfaces. For Pt(1 1 0) and Pt(1 0 0) electrodes in 0.1 M perchloric acid solution, we did not observe any significant O-H stretching resonance. In striking contrast to the resonant SFG signal, the nonresonant SFG (NRSFG) signal varies sensitively with the applied electrochemical potential, indicating that the interaction of water molecules with platinum electrodes is relatively weak as compared to that of H + and ClO 4- ions. From changes in the NRSFG signal and on the basis of an ionic adsorption model, we can also deduce that the potential of zero charge of Pt(1 1 0) in 0.1 M HClO 4 should be located at about 0.22 V (vs. NHE). This value is in good agreement with that measured recently by electrochemical method.

Electrochemical degradation of aromatic amines on BDD electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pacheco, M.J.; Santos, V.; Ciriaco, L.; Lopes, A.

2011-01-01

The electrochemical oxidation of four aromatic amines, with different substituent groups, 3-amino-4-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid (A1), 5-amino-2-methoxybenzenesulfonic acid (A2), 2,4-dihydroxyaniline hydrochloride (A3) and benzene-1,4-diamine (A4), was performed using as anode a boron-doped diamond electrode, commercially available at Adamant Technologies. Tests were run at room temperature with model solutions of the different amines, with concentrations of 200 ppm, using as electrolyte 0.035 M Na 2 SO 4 aqueous solutions, in a batch cell with recirculation, at different current densities (200 and 300 A m -2 ). The following analyses were performed with the samples collected during the assays: UV-Vis spectrophotometry, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), total Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, nitrates and HPLC. Results have shown a good electrodegradation of all the amines tested, with COD removals, after 6 h assays, higher than 90% and TOC removals between 60 and 80%. Combustion efficiency (η C ), which measures the tendency to convert organic carbon to CO 2 , was also determined for all the amines, being η CA1 CA2 CA3 CA4 = 0.99.

Contribution to the study of fluoride dosing by using a membrane selective electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rivas, Jean de

1972-01-01

As the method of dosing fluoride ions by precipitation with lead fluorochloride is not very satisfying, the author reports the study of a new process for the dosing of the fluorine ion by using a selective electrode. After some generalities on selective electrodes (principle, types, operation principle) and some recalls and definitions (Galvani and Volta potential, stability constants of complexes, principles of diffusion in solids), the author reports the study of the diffusion potential in glass membranes, the study of the membrane potential, and the study of the ion exchange equilibrium. He presents methods of calculation of selectivity coefficients of membrane electrodes, and the reports experiments performed in laboratory

Impedance study of tea with added taste compounds using conducting polymer and metal electrodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Dhiman, Mopsy; Kapur, Pawan; Ganguli, Abhijit; Singla, Madan Lal

2012-09-01

In this study the sensing capabilities of a combination of metals and conducting polymer sensing/working electrodes for tea liquor prepared by addition of different compounds using an impedance mode in frequency range 1 Hz-100 KHz at 0.1 V potential has been carried out. Classification of six different tea liquor samples made by dissolving various compounds (black tea liquor + raw milk from milkman), (black tea liquor + sweetened clove syrup), (black tea liquor + sweetened ginger syrup), (black tea liquor + sweetened cardamom syrup), (black tea liquor + sweet chocolate syrup) and (black tea liquor + vanilla flavoured milk without sugar) using six different working electrodes in a multi electrode setup has been studied using impedance and further its PCA has been carried out. Working electrodes of Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Glassy Carbon (GC) and conducting polymer electrodes of Polyaniline (PANI) and Polypyrrole (PPY) grown on an ITO surface potentiostatically have been deployed in a three electrode set up. The impedance response of these tea liquor samples using number of working electrodes shows a decrease in the real and imaginary impedance values presented on nyquist plots depending upon the nature of the electrode and amount of dissolved salts present in compounds added to tea liquor/solution. The different sensing surfaces allowed a high cross-selectivity in response to the same analyte. From Principal Component Analysis (PCA) plots it was possible to classify tea liquor in 3-4 classes using conducting polymer electrodes; however tea liquors were well separated from the PCA plots employing the impedance data of both conducting polymer and metal electrodes.

Online Monitoring of Electrochemical Degradation of Paracetamol through a Biomimetic Sensor

OpenAIRE

Mariana Calora Quintino de Oliveira; Marcos Roberto de Vasconcelos Lanza; José Luis Paz Jara; Maria Del Pilar Taboada Sotomayor

2011-01-01

This paper reports, for the first time, the online monitoring to the electrochemical degradation of the paracetamol using a biomimetic sensor coupled to a Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) system. The electrochemical degradation of the drug was carried out in aqueous medium using a flow-by reactor with a DSA anode. The process efficiency was monitored at real time by the biomimetic sensor constructed by modifying a glassy carbon electrode with a Nafion membrane doped with iron tetrapyridinoporphy...

Studies on degradation of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon by ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

SERVER

2007-06-04

Jun 4, 2007 ... chlorobenzene to study the kinetics of degradation of chlorobenzene. The rate of decomposition of ... hydraulic fluids, biocides, herbicides, plastics, degree- ..... degradation by bacteria isolated from contaminated groundwater.

Virtual electrodes for high-density electrode arrays

Science.gov (United States)

Cela, Carlos J.; Lazzi, Gianluca

2015-10-13

The present embodiments are directed to implantable electrode arrays having virtual electrodes. The virtual electrodes may improve the resolution of the implantable electrode array without the burden of corresponding complexity of electronic circuitry and wiring. In a particular embodiment, a virtual electrode may include one or more passive elements to help steer current to a specific location between the active electrodes. For example, a passive element may be a metalized layer on a substrate that is adjacent to, but not directly connected to an active electrode. In certain embodiments, an active electrode may be directly coupled to a power source via a conductive connection. Beneficially, the passive elements may help to increase the overall resolution of the implantable array by providing additional stimulation points without requiring additional wiring or driver circuitry for the passive elements.

Degradation of diclofenac by UV-activated persulfate process: Kinetic studies, degradation pathways and toxicity assessments.

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Xian; Shao, Yisheng; Gao, Naiyun; Chen, Juxiang; Zhang, Yansen; Xiang, Huiming; Guo, Youluo

2017-07-01

Diclofenac (DCF) is the frequently detected non-steroidal pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment. In this study, the degradation of DCF was evaluated by UV-254nm activated persulfate (UV/PS). The degradation of DCF followed the pseudo first-order kinetics pattern. The degradation rate constant (k obs ) was accelerated by UV/PS compared to UV alone and PS alone. Increasing the initial PS dosage or solution pH significantly enhanced the degradation efficiency. Presence of various natural water constituents had different effects on DCF degradation, with an enhancement or inhibition in the presence of inorganic anions (HCO 3 - or Cl - ) and a significant inhibition in the presence of NOM. In addition, preliminary degradation mechanisms and major products were elucidated using LC-MS/MS. Hydroxylation, decarbonylation, ring-opening and cyclation reaction involving the attack of SO 4 • - or other substances, were the main degradation mechanism. TOC analyzer and Microtox bioassay were employed to evaluate the mineralization and cytotoxicity of solutions treated by UV/PS at different times, respectively. Limited elimination of TOC (32%) was observed during the mineralization of DCF. More toxic degradation products and their related intermediate species were formed, and the UV/PS process was suitable for removing the toxicity. Of note, longer degradation time may be considered for the final toxicity removal. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Preparation and characterization of PbO2–ZrO2 nanocomposite electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yao Yingwu; Zhao Chunmei; Zhu Jin

2012-01-01

PbO 2 –ZrO 2 nanocomposite electrodes were prepared by the anodic codeposition in the lead nitrate plating bath containing ZrO 2 nanoparticles. The influences of the ZrO 2 nanoparticles concentration, current density, temperature and stirring rate of the plating bath on the composition of the nanocomposite electrodes were investigated. The surface morphology and the structure of the nanocomposite electrodes were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The experimental results show that the addition of ZrO 2 nanoparticles in the electrodeposition process of lead dioxide significantly increases the lifetime of nanocomposite electrodes. The PbO 2 –ZrO 2 nanocomposite electrodes have a service life of 141 h which is almost four times longer than that of the pure PbO 2 electrodes. The morphology of PbO 2 –ZrO 2 nanocomposite electrodes is more compact and finer than that of PbO 2 electrodes. The relative surface area of the composite electrodes is approximately 2 times that of the pure PbO 2 electrodes. The structure test shows that the addition of ZrO 2 nanoparticles into the plating bath decreases the grain size of the PbO 2 –ZrO 2 nanocomposite electrodes. The anodic polarization curves show that the oxygen evolution overpotential of PbO 2 –ZrO 2 nanocomposite electrodes is higher than PbO 2 electrodes. The pollutant anodic oxidation experiment show that the PbO 2 –ZrO 2 nanocomposite electrode exhibited the better performance for the degradation of 4-chlorophenol than PbO 2 electrode, the removal ratio of COD reached 96.2%.

Study on electroactive and electrocatalytic surfaces of single walled carbon nanotube-modified electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Salinas-Torres, David [Departamento de Quimica Fisica and Instituto Universitario de Materiales de Alicante, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo. de Correos 99, E-03080 Alicante (Spain); Huerta, Francisco [Departamento de Ingenieria Textil y Papelera, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, Plaza Ferrandiz y Carbonell, 1. E-03801 Alcoy (Spain); Montilla, Francisco, E-mail: francisco.montilla@ua.e [Departamento de Quimica Fisica and Instituto Universitario de Materiales de Alicante, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo. de Correos 99, E-03080 Alicante (Spain); Morallon, Emilia [Departamento de Quimica Fisica and Instituto Universitario de Materiales de Alicante, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo. de Correos 99, E-03080 Alicante (Spain)

2011-02-01

An investigation of the electrocatalysis of single-walled carbon nanotubes modified electrodes has been performed in this work. Nanotube-modified electrodes present a surface area much higher than the bare glassy carbon surfaces as determined by capacitance measurements. Several redox probes were selected for checking the reactivity of specific sites at the carbon nanotube surface. The presence of carbon nanotubes on the electrode improves the kinetics for all the reactions studied compared with the bare glassy carbon electrode with variations of the heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant up to 5 orders of magnitude. The most important effects are observed for the benzoquinone/hydroquinone and ferrocene/ferricinium redox couples, which show a remarkable improvement of their electron transfer kinetics on SWCNT-modified electrodes, probably due to strong {pi}-{pi} interaction between the organic molecules and the walls of the carbon nanotubes. For many of the reactions studied, less than 1% of the nanotube-modified electrode surface is transferring charge to species in solution. This result suggests that only nanotube tips are active sites for the electron transfer in such cases. On the contrary, the electroactive surface for the reactions of ferrocene and quinone is higher indicating that the electron transfer is produced also from the nanotube walls.

Study on electroactive and electrocatalytic surfaces of single walled carbon nanotube-modified electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Salinas-Torres, David; Huerta, Francisco; Montilla, Francisco; Morallon, Emilia

2011-01-01

An investigation of the electrocatalysis of single-walled carbon nanotubes modified electrodes has been performed in this work. Nanotube-modified electrodes present a surface area much higher than the bare glassy carbon surfaces as determined by capacitance measurements. Several redox probes were selected for checking the reactivity of specific sites at the carbon nanotube surface. The presence of carbon nanotubes on the electrode improves the kinetics for all the reactions studied compared with the bare glassy carbon electrode with variations of the heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant up to 5 orders of magnitude. The most important effects are observed for the benzoquinone/hydroquinone and ferrocene/ferricinium redox couples, which show a remarkable improvement of their electron transfer kinetics on SWCNT-modified electrodes, probably due to strong π-π interaction between the organic molecules and the walls of the carbon nanotubes. For many of the reactions studied, less than 1% of the nanotube-modified electrode surface is transferring charge to species in solution. This result suggests that only nanotube tips are active sites for the electron transfer in such cases. On the contrary, the electroactive surface for the reactions of ferrocene and quinone is higher indicating that the electron transfer is produced also from the nanotube walls.

Kinetic Studies on Ni-YSZ Composite Electrodes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Njodzefon, Jean-Claude; Sudireddy, Bhaskar Reddy; Hjelm, Johan

2015-01-01

AC and DC techniques were applied to investigate the electrochemical reaction kinetics of porous composite Ni/8-mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (Ni/8YSZ) solid oxide cell (SOC) electrodes using a novel pseudo-3-electrode cell geometry. From OCV impedance spectra an activation energy Ea of 1.13 e......V, prefactor yan of 3.7·105·T, hydrogen and steam partial pressure dependencies a and b respectively of -0.07 and 0.22 were determined. DC current density vs. overpotential curves compared with those predicted using the determined kinetic parameters. Apparent Butler-Volmer charge transfer coefficients α were...... branch and the need for different α values for each branch suggests that a simple BV model of the measured electrode kinetics is insufficient and/or different reaction mechanisms might be occurring in anodic vs cathodic polarization....

Assessment of the degradation efficiency of full-scale biogas plants: A comparative study of degradation indicators.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Chao; Nges, Ivo Achu; Lu, Wenjing; Wang, Haoyu

2017-11-01

Increasing popularity and applications of the anaerobic digestion (AD) process has necessitated the development and identification of tools for obtaining reliable indicators of organic matter degradation rate and hence evaluate the process efficiency especially in full-scale, commercial biogas plants. In this study, four biogas plants (A1, A2, B and C) based on different feedstock, process configuration, scale and operational performance were selected and investigated. Results showed that the biochemical methane potential (BMP) based degradation rate could be use in incisively gauging process efficiency in lieu of the traditional degradation rate indicators. The BMP degradation rates ranged from 70 to 90% wherein plants A2 and C showed the highest throughput. This study, therefore, corroborates the feasibility of using the BMP degradation rate as a practical tool for evaluating process performance in full-scale biogas processes and spots light on the microbial diversity in full-scale biogas processes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Treating refinery wastewaters in microbial fuel cells using separator electrode assembly or spaced electrode configurations

KAUST Repository

Zhang, Fang

2014-01-01

The effectiveness of refinery wastewater (RW) treatment using air-cathode, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) was examined relative to previous tests based on completely anaerobic microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). MFCs were configured with separator electrode assembly (SEA) or spaced electrode (SPA) configurations to measure power production and relative impacts of oxygen crossover on organics removal. The SEA configuration produced a higher maximum power density (280±6mW/m2; 16.3±0.4W/m3) than the SPA arrangement (255±2mW/m2) due to lower internal resistance. Power production in both configurations was lower than that obtained with the domestic wastewater (positive control) due to less favorable (more positive) anode potentials, indicating poorer biodegradability of the RW. MFCs with RW achieved up to 84% total COD removal, 73% soluble COD removal and 92% HBOD removal. These removals were higher than those previously obtained in mini-MEC tests, as oxygen crossover from the cathode enhanced degradation in MFCs compared to MECs. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Electrochemical degradation of some herbicides in aqueous solution on boron doped diamond anodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zaouak, Amira; Dachraoui, Mohamed; Matoussi, Fatma

2009-01-01

Bifenox(a) and acifluorfen(b), respectively (Methyl 5-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-2-nitrobenzoate and 5-(2-Chloro-4-trifluoro methylphenoxy)-2-nitrobenzoic acid, are two highly toxic herbicides of the diphenyl ether class. They are widely used in agriculture. Their electrochemical oxidation behaviour is studied by cyclic voltammetry in various media with different electrodes. When galvanostatic electrolysis is realized on Boron Doped Diamond electrode (BDD) we observe that the studied contaminants undergo an almost complete degradation due to hydroxy radical action as commonly suggested. The rate of the mineralization is followed by spectrophotometric analysis and COD measurements. The optimization of this advanced oxidation process is studied as a function of the current density. It shows that the best results are obtained with low current densities. The obtained COD abatement values are superior to 90 pour cent.

Study of PP/montmorillonite composite degradation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baer, Marcia; Granado, Carlos J.F.

2009-01-01

The objective of this work was to produce composites of PP/sodium bentonite and PP/ organophilic bentonite through melt intercalation and analyze the degradation produced by ultraviolet irradiation. The XRD results showed that the samples of nature bentonite had better interaction with de polymer and produced intercalated nanocomposite. The effect of UV irradiation on degradation was observed after 24 hours of exposition. The samples showed the same photoproducts and at the same proportion until 240 hours of UV exposition; with 480 hours the organophilize bentonite composite showed higher degradation than other ones. The superficial cracks increased with degradation time. The degradation occurs due chromophores impurities presented in the samples, thus samples with sodium clay show higher degradation, and organophilic clay contains ammonium salt that contribute to increase the degradation. (author)

Study of RPC bakelite electrodes and detector performance for INO-ICAL

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumar, A.; Gaur, A.; Hasbuddin, Md.; Kumar, P.; Kumar, P.; Kaur, D.; Mishra, S.; Naimuddin, Md.

2014-01-01

The Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) are going to be used as the active detectors in the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)-Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) experiment for the detection and study of atmospheric neutrinos. In this paper, an extensive study of structural and electrical properties for different kind of bakelite RPC electrodes is presented. RPCs fabricated from these electrodes are tested for their detector efficiency and noise rate. The study concludes with the variation of efficiency, leakage current and counting rate over the period of operation with different gas compositions and operational conditions like temperature and relative humidity

Comprehensive Study of Microgel Electrode for On-Chip Electrophoretic Cell Sorting

Science.gov (United States)

Hattori, Akihiro; Yasuda, Kenji

2010-06-01

We have developed an on-chip cell sorting system and microgel electrode for applying electrostatic force in microfluidic pathways in the chip. The advantages of agarose electrodes are 1) current-driven electrostatic force generation, 2) stability against pH change and chemicals, and 3) no bubble formation caused by electrolysis. We examined the carrier ion type and concentration dependence of microgel electrode impedance, and found that CoCl2 has less than 1/10 of the impedance from NaCl, and the reduction of the impedance of NaCl gel electrode was plateaued at 0.5 M. The structure control of the microgel electrode exploiting the surface tension of sol-state agarose was also introduced. The addition of 1% (w/v) trehalose into the microgel electrode allowed the frozen storage of the microgel electrode chip. The experimental results demonstrate the potential of our system and microgel electrode for practical applications in microfluidic chips.

Photocatalytic, antimicrobial activities of biogenic silver nanoparticles and electrochemical degradation of water soluble dyes at glassy carbon/silver modified past electrode using buffer solution.

Science.gov (United States)

Khan, Zia Ul Haq; Khan, Amjad; Shah, Afzal; Chen, Yongmei; Wan, Pingyu; Khan, Arif Ullah; Tahir, Kamran; Muhamma, Nawshad; Khan, Faheem Ullah; Shah, Hidayat Ullah

2016-03-01

In the present research work a novel, nontoxic and ecofriendly procedure was developed for the green synthesis of silver nano particle (AgNPs) using Caruluma edulis (C. edulis) extract act as reductant as well as stabilizer agents. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The small and spherical sizes of AgNPs were conformed from high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis and were found in the range of 2-10nm, which were highly dispersion without any aggregation. The crystalline structure of AgNPs was conformed from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. For the elemental composition EDX was used and FTIR helped to determine the type of organic compounds in the extract. The potential electrochemical property of modified silver electrode was also studied. The AgNPs showed prominent antibacterial motion with MIC values of 125 μg/mL against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus while 250 μg/mL against Escherichia coli. High cell constituents' release was exhibited by B. subtilis with 2 × MIC value of silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles also showed significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity. This research would have an important implication for the synthesis of more efficient antimicrobial and antioxidant agent. The AgNP modified electrode (GC/AgNPs) exhibited an excellent electro-catalytic activity toward the redox reaction of phenolic compounds. The AgNPs were evaluated for electrochemical degradation of bromothymol blue (BTB) dyes which showed a significant activity. From the strong reductive properties it is obvious that AgNPs can be used in water sanitization and converting some organic perilous in to non-hazardous materials. The AgNPs showed potential applications in the field of electro chemistry, sensor, catalyst, nano-devices and medical. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of Poly(ethylene glycol) Degradation on Voiding Sporadically Occurring in Solder Joints with Electroplated Cu

Science.gov (United States)

Wafula, F.; Yin, L.; Borgesen, P.; Andala, D.; Dimitrov, N.

2012-07-01

This paper presents a comprehensive study of the effect of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) degradation on the void formation known to take place sporadically at the interface between electroplated Cu and Pb-free solder. Thorough chemical analysis of our plating solution, carried out at different times of the deposition process by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy, reveals a dramatic shift in the peaks to lower mass range with time. Scanning electron microscopy cross-sectional images of solder joints with Cu samples that have been plated at different times in the course of solution aging show a decrease in void formation. A decreasing magnitude of the deposition overpotential also seen during aging suggests that, breaking down to lower-molecular-weight fragments, PEG loses its suppression effect and likely has lower impact on the voiding propensity. This indirect correlation is confirmed further by the use of plating solutions containing PEG with preselected molecular weight. We also report on the effect of the surface area-to-solution volume ratio on PEG degradation studied by comparative experiments performed in a 50-mL bath with a rotating disc electrode and in a larger cell (Hull cell) with volume of 267 mL. The results show that, at fixed charge per unit volume, PEG degrades at a greatly accelerated rate in the Hull cell featuring higher electrode surface-to-solution volume ratio. Analysis of solder joints with accordingly grown Cu layers suggests that the voiding decreases faster with the accelerated rate of PEG degradation.

Study of the electrooxidation of ethanol on hydrophobic electrodes by DEMS and HPLC

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gonzalez Pereira, M.; Davila Jimenez, M.; Elizalde, M.P.; Manzo-Robledo, A.; Alonso-Vante, N.

2004-01-01

The electrochemical oxidation of ethanol in alkaline solution has been studied on Cu-PVC electrode and Ni/Cu-PVC composite electrodes modified by ruthenium nanoparticles. The techniques used were cyclic voltammetry (CV), steady-state potentiostatic method, on line differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The chemical products: acetaldehyde and acetic acid were detected measuring the proper mass charge (m/z) ratios. These products were also confirmed by HPLC. The surface modification of composite electrodes by ruthenium nanoparticles promotes the formation of acetaldehyde. As shown by DEMS, the surface modification shifts the onset potential for oxygen evolution reaction on the Cu-PVC composite electrode towards more anodic values

Study of the electrooxidation of ethanol on hydrophobic electrodes by DEMS and HPLC

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gonzalez Pereira, M.; Davila Jimenez, M.; Elizalde, M.P.; Manzo-Robledo, A.; Alonso-Vante, N

2004-09-15

The electrochemical oxidation of ethanol in alkaline solution has been studied on Cu-PVC electrode and Ni/Cu-PVC composite electrodes modified by ruthenium nanoparticles. The techniques used were cyclic voltammetry (CV), steady-state potentiostatic method, on line differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The chemical products: acetaldehyde and acetic acid were detected measuring the proper mass charge (m/z) ratios. These products were also confirmed by HPLC. The surface modification of composite electrodes by ruthenium nanoparticles promotes the formation of acetaldehyde. As shown by DEMS, the surface modification shifts the onset potential for oxygen evolution reaction on the Cu-PVC composite electrode towards more anodic values.

Distinction of impedance responses of Li-ion batteries for individual electrodes using symmetric cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Momma, Toshiyuki; Yokoshima, Tokihiko; Nara, Hiroki; Gima, Yuhei; Osaka, Tetsuya

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Impedance of lithium ion battery and symmetric cells were analyzed. • Anode symmetric cells and cathode one were prepared with ca. 7 × 7 cm 2 electrodes. • Except for R ct in cathode, electrochemical parameters did not change by reassembling. • Fitting data for symmetric cell were found to be useful for full cell analysis. • Electrochemical parameters of battery were traced during cycling degradation. - Abstract: Symmetric cells were prepared with a newly designed separable cell module, which enabled ca. 70 mm by 70 mm electrode sheets to be used for a pouch type 5 Ah class Li-ion battery (LIB). Impedance analysis of the LIB as a full cell state was successfully performed with electrochemical parameters obtained by an impedance analysis of symmetric cells of anodes and cathodes obtained from the operated Li-ion batteries. While the charge transfer resistance of the cathode was found to increase after reassembling the cells symmetrically, other electrochemical parameters were found not to change when comparing the values obtained for full cells with symmetric cells. Eelectrodes degraded by charge/discharge cycling of the battery were also investigated, and the parameter change caused by the degradation was confirmed

Surface studies of Li-ion and Mg battery electrodes

Science.gov (United States)

Esbenshade, Jennifer

This dissertation focuses on studies of the surfaces of both Li-ion and Mg-ion battery electrodes. A fundamental understanding of processes occurring at the electrode surface is vital to the development of advanced battery systems. Additionally, modifications to the electrode surfaces are made and further characterized for improved performance. LiMn2O4 Cathodes for Li-ion Batteries: Effect of Mn in electrolyte on anode and Au coating to minimize dissolution: LiMn2O4 (LMO) is known to dissolve Mn ions with cycling. This section focuses on both the effect of the dissolution of Mn2+ into the electrolyte as well as Au coating on the LMO to improve electrochemical performance. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) was used to monitor changes in mass on the anode, SEM and AES were used to observe changes in surface morphology and chemical composition, and potentiostatic voltammetry was used to monitor charge and discharge capacity. The effect of Cu2+ addition in place of Mn2+ was also studied, as Cu is known to form an underpotential deposition (UPD) monolayer on Au electrodes. Following this, LMO particles were coated with a Au shell by a simple and scalable electroless deposition for use as Li-ion battery cathodes. The Au shell was intended to limit the capacity fade commonly seen with LMO cathodes by reducing the dissolution of Mn. Characterization by SEM, TEM, EELS, and AFM showed that the Au shell was approximately 3 nm thick. The Au shell prevented much of the Mn from dissolving in the electrolyte with 82% and 88% less dissolved Mn in the electrolyte at room temperature and 65 ºC, respectively, as compared to the uncoated LMO. Electrochemical performance studies with half cells showed that the Au shell maintained a higher discharge capacity over 400 cycles by nearly 30% with 110 mA hr g-1 for the 400th cycle as compared to a commercial LMO at 85 mA hr g-1. Similarly, the capacity fade was reduced in full cells: the coated LMO had 47% greater capacity

Interfacial thermal degradation in inverted organic solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Greenbank, William; Hirsch, Lionel; Wantz, Guillaume; Chambon, Sylvain

2015-01-01

The efficiency of organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells is constantly improving; however, the lifetime of the devices still requires significant improvement if the potential of OPV is to be realised. In this study, several series of inverted OPV were fabricated and thermally aged in the dark in an inert atmosphere. It was demonstrated that all of the devices undergo short circuit current-driven degradation, which is assigned to morphology changes in the active layer. In addition, a previously unreported, open circuit voltage-driven degradation mechanism was observed that is highly material specific and interfacial in origin. This mechanism was specifically observed in devices containing MoO 3 and silver as hole transporting layers and electrode materials, respectively. Devices with this combination were among the worst performing devices with respect to thermal ageing. The physical origins of this mechanism were explored by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and atomic force microscopy and an increase in roughness with thermal ageing was observed that may be partially responsible for the ageing mechanism

Degradation study of different brands of paracetamol by UV spectroscopy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Safila Naveed

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Objective: To investgate the forced degradation study for the determination of degradation of the drug substance. Methods: Paracetamol was exposed to different conditions according to International Conference on Harmonization guideline. The amount of degradation product can be calculated with the help of UV spectrophotometer. The official test limits according to British Pharmacopoeia/United States Pharmacopoeia should not less than and should not more than lapelled amount. Forced degradation of drug substance was exposed to acidic and basic medium of panadol. Forced degradation of drug substance of panadol, disprol and calpol were also observed negligible difference in availability on exposure to UV and heat. This method can be used successfully for studying the stress degradation factors. Because this method is less time consuming and simple and cost effective also. Results: The brands i.e. calpol, panadol and disprol, when they come in contact with different degradation parameters (before, acid, base, heat and UV treatments according to statistical analysis, the result showed significant values (P < 0.05 which indicated that there was no degradation in any of the brand. Conclusions: The result indicated there is no degradation found in these brands.

Study and optimisation of manganese oxide-based electrodes for electrochemical supercapacitors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Staiti, P.; Lufrano, F. [CNR-ITAE, Istituto di Tecnologie Avanzate per l' Energia ' ' Nicola Giordano' ' , Via Salita S. Lucia n. 5, 98126 S. Lucia, Messina (Italy)

2009-02-01

A manganese oxide material was synthesised by an easy precipitation method based on reduction of potassium permanganate(VII) with a manganese(II) salt. The material was treated at different temperatures to study the effect of thermal treatment on capacitive property. The best capacitive performance was obtained with the material treated at 200 C. This material was used to prepare electrodes with different amounts of polymer binder, carbon black and graphite fibres to individuate the optimal composition that gave the best electrochemical performances. It was found that graphite fibres improve the electrochemical performance of electrodes. The highest specific capacitance (267 F g{sup -1} MnO{sub x}) was obtained with an electrode containing 70% of MnO{sub x}, 15% of carbon black, 10% of graphite fibres and 5% of PVDF. This electrode, with CB/GF ratio of 1.5, showed a higher utilization of manganese oxide. The results reported in the present paper further confirmed that manganese oxide is a very interesting material for supercapacitor application. (author)

Fabrication of Flexible, Fully Organic, Degradable Energy Storage Devices Using Silk Proteins.

Science.gov (United States)

Pal, Ramendra K; Kundu, Subhas C; Yadavalli, Vamsi K

2018-03-21

Flexible and thin-film devices are of great interest in epidermal and implantable bioelectronics. The integration of energy storage and delivery devices such as supercapacitors (SCs) with properties such as flexibility, miniaturization, biocompatibility, and degradability are sought for such systems. Reducing e-waste and using sustainable materials and processes are additional desirable qualities. Herein, a silk protein-based biocompatible and degradable thin-film microSC (μSC) is reported. A protein carrier with the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate and reduced graphene oxide dopant is used as a photopatternable biocomposite ink. Active electrodes are fabricated using photolithography under benign conditions, using only water as the solvent. These electrodes are printed on flexible protein sheets to form degradable, organic devices with a benign agarose-NaCl gel electrolyte. High capacitance, power density, cycling stability over 500 cycles, and the ability to power a light-emitting diode are shown. The device is flexible, can sustain cyclic mechanical stresses over 450 cycles, and retain capacitive properties over several days in liquid. Significantly, the μSCs are cytocompatible and completely degraded over the period of ∼1 month. By precise control of the device configuration, these silk protein-based, all-polymer organic devices can be designed to be tunably transient and provide viable alternatives for powering flexible and implantable bioelectronics.

The development of a micropatterned electrode for studies of zinc electrodeposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sutija, Dave P. [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Muller, Rolf H. [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Tobias, Charles W. [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States)

1986-12-01

A micropatterned electrode was prepared for the study of electrocrystallization. Using microphotolithography, in conjunction with evaporation and pulse electrodeposition of thin films, a set of artificially roughened electrodes with hemispherical surface features five microns in diameter was developed. Voltammetric studies were conducted to determine the best electrode material. Gold, platinum, and various carbon surfaces were evaluated for zinc nucleation density and hydrogen overpotential. Surface homogeneity was examined by both light and scanning electron microscopy. Gold was determined to possess the best combination of material properties: chemical inertness, low melting point, and a high work function allowing underpotential deposition of zinc which reduces the rate of hydrogen evolution. Stripping coulometry was employed to determine zinc limiting currents, and evaluate effective diffusion coefficients in concentrated zinc chloride solutions. Although the method worked well for dilute zinc chloride and copper sulfate solutions, it failed at higher current densities; the emergence of surface roughness obscured actual limiting current plateaus.

Simulation study of dielectrophoretic assembly of nanowire between electrode pairs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tao, Quan, E-mail: taq3@pitt.edu; Lan, Fei; Jiang, Minlin [University of Pittsburgh, The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (United States); Wei, Fanan [Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation (China); Li, Guangyong, E-mail: gul6@pitt.edu [University of Pittsburgh, The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (United States)

2015-07-15

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) of rod-shaped nanostructures is attractive because of its exceptional capability to fabricate nanowire-based electronic devices. This efficient manipulation method, however, has a common side effect of assembling a certain number of nanowires at undesired positions. It is therefore essential to understand the underlying physics of DEP of nanowires in order to better guide the assembly. In this work, we propose theoretical methods to characterize the dielectrophoretic force and torque as well as the hydrodynamic drag force and torque on the nanowire (typical length: 10 μm). The trajectory of the nanowire is then simulated based on rigid body dynamics. The nanowire is predicted to either bridge the electrodes or attach on the surface of one electrode. A neighborhood in which the nanowire is more likely to bridge electrodes is found, which is conducive to successful assembly. The simulation study in this work provides us not only a better understanding of the underlying physics but also practical guidance on nanowire assembly by DEP.

Degradation mechanisms of sulfonated poly-aromatic membranes in fuel cell; Mecanismes de degradation des membranes polyaromatiques sulfonees en pile a combustible

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Perrot, C

2006-11-15

Fuel cell development requires an improvement in the electrode-membrane assembly durability which depends on both the polymer used and the fuel cell operating conditions. The origin of the degradation can be either electrochemical, chemical and/or mechanical. This study deals with the understanding of alternative membranes ageing mechanisms, i.e. non fluorinated membranes, such as sPEEK and sPI. For this kind of membranes, the first process is chemical. Understanding these mechanisms is the first essential step to develop more stable structures. An original approach is developed to overcome the analytical difficulties encountered with polymers. It consists in studying the degradation mechanism on model structures. Ageing are carried out in water, with H{sub 2}O{sub 2} in some cases (identified as a cause of membrane chemical ageing in the fuel cell system), and at different temperatures. The approach consists in separating the different products formed by chromatography. Then they are identified (NMR, IR, MS) and quantified. This method allows us to establish the ageing mechanism. We show that the ageing of a sPEEK structure mainly results from an attack by end chains which spreads to the whole. This mechanism is confirmed on ex-situ and in-situ aged membranes. These two kinds of ageing lead to an important decrease in polymerisation degree (determined by SEC). Formation of the same degradation products is observed. In fuel cells, a heterogeneous degradation is noticed. It takes place mainly on the cathode side. sPI are known for their high sensitivity to hydrolysis. Nevertheless, we highlight a limited degradation at 80 Celsius degrees due to the recombination of hydrolyzed species at this temperature. (author)

Electrochemical reduction and oxidation pathways for Reactive Black 5 dye using nickel electrodes in divided and undivided cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Méndez-Martínez, Ana J.; Dávila-Jiménez, Martin M.; Ornelas-Dávila, Omar; Elizalde-González, María P.; Arroyo-Abad, Uriel; Sirés, Ignasi; Brillas, Enric

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Ni electrodes were used for the mild degradation of the azo dye Reactive Black 5. ► Potentiostatic degradation was performed in undivided and divided cells. ► Degradation by-products were detected and monitored by RP-HPLC and LC–MS/MS. ► Small alkylsulfonyl phenol and isoxazole derivatives were identified. ► The cathodic and anodic degradation pathways for Reactive Black 5 were elucidated. - Abstract: The cathodic reduction and anodic ·OH-mediated oxidation of the azo dye Reactive Black 5 (RB5) have been studied potentiostatically by using undivided and divided cells with a Ni-polyvinylchloride (Ni-PVC) composite cathode and a Ni wire mesh anode. Solutions of 50–100 cm 3 of 20–80 mg dm −3 RB5 in 0.1 mol dm −3 KOH were degraded to assess the effect of electrolysis time and electrode potentials on the infrared and absorbance spectra, as well as on the decay of the total organic carbon and chemical oxygen demand. Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with ion-pairing and diode array detection (ion pair chromatography), along with coupling to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), were used for the identification of the aromatic degradation by-products and monitoring their time course. These analyses revealed the progressive conversion of the RB5 dye to simpler molecules with m/z 200, 369.5 and 547 under the direct action of the electron at the cathode and the formation of polar compounds such as alkylsulfonyl phenol derivatives with m/z 201, 185 and 171 by the ·OH mediation at the anode. From these results, the electrochemical reduction and oxidation pathways for the RB5 dye were elucidated.

Impact of rounded electrode corners on breakdown characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors

Science.gov (United States)

Yamazaki, Taisei; Asubar, Joel T.; Tokuda, Hirokuni; Kuzuhara, Masaaki

2018-05-01

We investigated the impact of rounded electrode corners on the breakdown characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors. For standard reference devices, catastrophic breakdown occurred predominantly near the sharp electrode corners. By introducing a rounded-electrode architecture, premature breakdown at the corners was mitigated. Moreover, the rate of breakdown voltage (V BR) degradation with an increasing gate width (W G) was significantly lower for devices with rounded corners. When W G was increased from 100 µm to 10 mm, the V BR of the reference device dropped drastically, from 1,200 to 300 V, whereas that of the rounded-electrode device only decreased to a respectable value of 730 V.

Characterization of ZnO-degraded varistors used in high-tension devices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ramirez, M.A.; Simoes, A.Z.; Marquez, M.A.; Maniette, Y.; Cavalheiro, A.A; Varela, J.A.

2007-01-01

The effects of the degradation process on the structural, microstructural and electrical properties of ZnO-based varistors were analyzed. Rietveld refinement showed that the BiO 2-x phase is affected by the degradation process. Besides the changes in the spinel phase, the degradation process also affects the lattice microstrain in the ZnO phase. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed electrode-melting failure, while wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy qualitative analysis showed deficiency of oxygen species at the grain boundaries in the degraded samples. Atomic force microscopy using electrostatic mode force illustrated a decrease in the charge density at the grain boundaries of the degraded sample. Transmission electron microscopy showed submicrometric spinel grains embedded in a ZnO matrix, but their average grain size is smaller in the degraded sample than in the standard one. Long pulses appeared to be more harmful for the varistors' properties than short ones, causing higher leakage current values. The electrical characteristics of the degraded sample are partially restored after heat treatment in an oxygen-rich atmosphere

Indirect electrocatalytic degradation of cyanide at nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube electrodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Wiggins-Camacho, Jaclyn D; Stevenson, Keith J

2011-04-15

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube (N-CNT) mat electrodes exhibit high catalytic activity toward O(2) reduction, which can be exploited for the remediation of free cyanide (CN(-)). During the electrochemical O(2) reduction process, the hydroperoxide anion (HO(2)(-)) is formed and then reacts to chemically oxidize cyanide (CN(-)) to form cyanate (OCN(-)). The proposed electrochemical-chemical (EC) mechanism for CN(-) remediation at N-CNTs is supported by cyclic voltammetry and bulk electrolysis, and the formation of OCN(-) is confirmed via spectroscopic methods and electrochemical simulations. Our results indicate that by exploiting their catalytic behavior for O(2) reduction, N-CNTs can efficiently convert toxic CN(-) to the nontoxic OCN(-).

Organic chemical degradation by remote study of the redox conditions

Science.gov (United States)

Fernandez, P. M.; Revil, A.; Binley, A. M.; Bloem, E.; French, H. K.

2014-12-01

Monitoring the natural (and enhanced) degradation of organic contaminants is essential for managing groundwater quality in many parts of the world. Contaminated sites often have limited access, hence non-intrusive methods for studying redox processes, which drive the degradation of organic compounds, are required. One example is the degradation of de-icing chemicals (glycols and organic salts) released to the soil near airport runways during winter. This issue has been broadly studied at Oslo airport, Gardermoen, Norway using intrusive and non-intrusive methods. Here, we report on laboratory experiments that aim to study the potential of using a self-potential, DCresistivity, and time-domain induced polarization for geochemical characterization of the degradation of Propylene Glycol (PG). PG is completely miscible in water, does not adsorb to soil particles and does not contribute to the electrical conductivity of the soil water. When the contaminant is in the unsaturated zone near the water table, the oxygen is quickly consumed and the gas exchange with the surface is insufficient to ensure aerobic degradation, which is faster than anaerobic degradation. Since biodegradation of PG is highly oxygen demanding, anaerobic pockets can exist causing iron and manganese reduction. It is hypothesised that nitrate would boost the degradation rate under such conditions. In our experiment, we study PG degradation in a sand tank. We provide the system with an electron highway to bridge zones with different redox potential. This geo-battery system is characterized by self-potential, resistivity and induced polarization anomalies. An example of preliminary results with self-potential at two different times of the experiment can be seen in the illustration. These will be supplemented with more direct information on the redox chemistry: in-situ water sampling, pH, redox potential and electrical conductivity measurements. In parallel, a series of batch experiments have been

Methanol oxidation on stepped Pt[n(111) x (110)] electrodes: a chronoamperometric study

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Housmans, T.H.M.; Koper, M.T.M.

2003-01-01

The methanol oxidation reaction has been studied on Pt[n(111) × (110)]-type electrodes in a 0.5 M sulfuric acid and 0.025 M methanol solution, using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The voltammetric behavior of methanol on the three electrodes under investigation [Pt(111), Pt(554), and

Degradation of diclofenac by ultrasonic irradiation: kinetic studies and degradation pathways.

Science.gov (United States)

Nie, Er; Yang, Mo; Wang, Dong; Yang, Xiaoying; Luo, Xingzhang; Zheng, Zheng

2014-10-01

Diclofenac (DCF) is a widely used anti-inflammatory drug found in various water bodies, posing threats to human health. In this research, the effects of ultrasonic irradiation at 585kHz on the degradation of DCF were studied under the air, oxygen, argon, and nitrogen saturated conditions. First, the dechlorination efficiencies under the air, oxygen, argon, and nitrogen saturated conditions were calculated to be 67%, 60%, 53% and 59%. Second, there was full mineralization of nitrogen during DCF degradation under the air, oxygen, and argon saturated conditions, but no mineralization of nitrogen under the nitrogen-saturated condition. Different from nitrogen, only partial mineralization of carbon occurred under the four gas-saturated conditions. Third, OH scavengers were added to derive the rate constants in the three reaction zones: cavitation bubble, supercritical interface, and bulk solution. Comparison of the constants indicated that DCF degradation was not limited to the bulk solution as conventionally assumed. Oxidation in the supercritical interface played a dominant role under the air and oxygen saturated conditions, while OH reactions in the cavitation bubble and/or bulk solution were dominant under the nitrogen and argon saturated conditions. After the addition of H2O2, reactions in the cavitation bubble and bulk solution kept their dominant roles under the nitrogen and argon saturated conditions, while reaction in the supercritical interface decreased under the air and oxygen saturated conditions. Finally, LC-MS analysis was used to derive the by-products and propose the main pathways of DCF degradation by ultrasonic irradiation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the Thermal Degradation of Heavily Nb-Doped and Normal PZT Thin Films.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Jeong-Suong; Kang, YunSung; Kang, Inyoung; Lim, SeungMo; Shin, Seung-Joo; Lee, JungWon; Hur, Kang Heon

2017-03-01

The degradation of niobium-doped lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and two types of PZT thin films were investigated. Undoped PZT, two-step PZT, and heavily Nb-doped PZT (PNZT) around the morphotropic phase boundary were in situ deposited under optimum condition by RF-magnetron sputtering. All 2- [Formula: see text]-thick films had dense perovskite columnar grain structure and self-polarized (100) dominant orientation. PZT thin films were deposited on Pt/TiO x bottom electrode on Si wafer, and PNZT thin film was on Ir/TiW electrode with the help of orientation control. Sputtered PZT films formed on microelectromechanical system (MEMS) gyroscope and the degradation rates were compared at different temperatures. PNZT showed the best resistance to the thermal degradation, followed by two-step PZT. To clarify the effect of oxygen vacancies on the degradation of the film at high temperature, photoluminescence measurement was conducted, which confirmed that oxygen vacancy rate was the lowest in heavy PNZT. Nb-doping PZT thin films suppressed the oxygen deficit and made high imprint with self-polarization. This defect distribution and high internal field allowed PNZT thin film to make the piezoelectric sensors more stable and reliable at high temperature, such as reflow process of MEMS packaging.

Ni/YSZ electrodes structures optimized for increased electrolysis performance and durability

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hauch, Anne; Brodersen, Karen; Chen, Ming

2016-01-01

) the three phases (Ni, YSZ and pore phase) shall be size-matched and well-dispersed. Applying such microstructure optimized Ni/YSZ electrode we show SOEC test results with long-term degradation rate as low as 0.3-0.4%/kh at - 1 A/cm2, 800 °C and inlet gas mixture of p(H2O)/p(H2):90/10. This enables SOEC...... and the resulting electrochemical performance both initially and during long-term electrolysis testing at high current density and high p(H2O) inlet. Especially, this work focuses on microstructure optimization to hinder Ni mobility and migration during long-term operation and illustrates the key-role of electrode...

Ligand substitution and selective surface coordination studies of iodine and 2,5-dihydroxythiophenol at platinum electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Berry, G.M.; Soriaga, M.P.

1989-01-01

The relative surface coordination strengths of 2,5-dihydroxythiophenol (DHT) and iodine at a smooth polycrystalline platinum electrode have been investigated by thin-layer electrochemical techniques. The competitive chemisorption was studied by exposing the Pt electrode to solutions of varying mole fractions of I and DHT. Studies of ligand substitution were carried out by the introduction of an iodine-coated Pt electrode into DHT solutions, and the introduction of a DHT-coated into I solutions. Surface coverage measurements indicated that DHT is preferentially adsorbed and will displace chemisorbed iodine at the Pt electrode. Chemisorbed DHT is not appreciably displaced by iodine. These results and their contribution to the trend in the selective surface coordination chemistry of platinum electrodes will be discussed

Electrochemical, interfacial, and surface studies of the conversion of carbon dioxide to liquid fuels on tin electrodes

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Jingjie

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into liquid fuels especially coupling with the intermittent renewable electricity offers a promising means of storing electricity in chemical form, which reduces the dependence on fossil fuels and mitigates the negative impact of anthropogenic CO2 emissions on the planet. Although converting CO2 to fuels is not in itself a new concept, the field has not substantially advanced in the last 30 years primarily because of the challenge of discovery of structural electrocatalysts and the development of membrane architectures for efficient collection of reactants and separation of products. An efficient catalyst for the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to fuels must be capable of mediating a proton-coupled electron transfer reaction at low overpotentials, reducing CO2 in the presence of water, selectively converting CO 2 to desirable chemicals, and sustaining long-term operations (Chapter 1). My Ph.D. research was an investigation of the electroreduction of CO2 on tin-based electrodes and development of an electrochemical cell to convert CO2 to liquid fuels. The initial study focused on understanding the CO2 reduction reaction chemistry in the electrical double layer with an emphasis on the effects of electrostatic adsorption of cations, specific adsorption of anion and electrolyte concentration on the potential and proton concentration at outer Helmholtz plane at which reduction reaction occurs. The variation of potential and proton concentration at outer Helmholtz plane accounts for the difference in activity and selectivity towards CO2 reduction when using different electrolytes (Chapter 2). Central to the highly efficient CO2 reduction is an optimum microstructure of catalyst layer in the Sn gas diffusion electrode (GDE) consisting of 100 nm Sn nanoparticles to facilitate gas diffusion and charge transfer. This microstructure in terms of the proton conductor fraction and catalyst layer thickness was optimized to

Unraveling micro- and nanoscale degradation processes during operation of high-temperature polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells

Science.gov (United States)

Hengge, K.; Heinzl, C.; Perchthaler, M.; Varley, D.; Lochner, T.; Scheu, C.

2017-10-01

The work in hand presents an electron microscopy based in-depth study of micro- and nanoscale degradation processes that take place during the operation of high-temperature polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). Carbon supported Pt particles were used as cathodic catalyst material and the bimetallic, carbon supported Pt/Ru system was applied as anode. As membrane, cross-linked polybenzimidazole was used. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of cross-sections of as-prepared and long-term operated membrane-electrode-assemblies revealed insight into micrometer scale degradation processes: operation-caused catalyst redistribution and thinning of the membrane and electrodes. Transmission electron microscopy investigations were performed to unravel the nanometer scale phenomena: a band of Pt and Pt/Ru nanoparticles was detected in the membrane adjacent to the cathode catalyst layer. Quantification of the elemental composition of several individual nanoparticles and the overall band area revealed that they stem from both anode and cathode catalyst layers. The results presented do not demonstrate any catastrophic failure but rather intermediate states during fuel cell operation and indications to proceed with targeted HT-PEMFC optimization.

A cold plasma plume with a highly conductive liquid electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Guangliang; Chen Wenxing; Chen Shihua; Yang Size

2008-01-01

A cold dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma plume with one highly conductive liquid electrode has been developed to treat thermally sensitive materials, and its preliminary discharging characteristics have been studied. The averaged electron temperature and density is estimated to be 0.6eV and 10 11 /cm 3 , respectively. The length of plasma plume can reach 5 cm with helium gas (He), and the conductivity of the outer electrode affects the plume length obviously. This plasma plume could be touched by bare hand without causing any burning or painful sensation, which may provide potential application for safe aseptic skin care. Moreover, the oxidative particles (e.g., OH, O * , O 3 ) in the downstream oxygen (O2) gas of the plume have been applied to treat the landfill leachate. The results show that the activated O 2 gas can degrade the landfill leachate effectively, and the chemical oxygen demand (COD), conductivity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and suspended solid (SS) can be decreased by 52%, 57%, 76% and 92%, respectively. (fluids, plasmas and electric discharges)

Study of lithium glassy solid electrolyte/electrode interface by ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Unknown

Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Bordeaux – C.N.R.S. et Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie et de ... chemically very stable with the different types of electrodes studied here. ... tigated to improve the battery performance.

Electrochemical Deposition of CdTe Semiconductor Thin Films for Solar Cell Application Using Two-Electrode and Three-Electrode Configurations: A Comparative Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

O. K. Echendu

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Thin films of CdTe semiconductor were electrochemically deposited using two-electrode and three-electrode configurations in potentiostatic mode for comparison. Cadmium sulphate and tellurium dioxide were used as cadmium and tellurium sources, respectively. The layers obtained using both configurations exhibit similar structural, optical, and electrical properties with no specific dependence on any particular electrode configuration used. These results indicate that electrochemical deposition (electrodeposition of CdTe and semiconductors in general can equally be carried out using two-electrode system as well as the conventional three-electrode system without compromising the essential qualities of the materials produced. The results also highlight the advantages of the two-electrode configuration in process simplification, cost reduction, and removal of a possible impurity source in the growth system, especially as the reference electrode ages.

Using quasi-elastic neutron diffraction to study positive electrode for lithium and sodium-ion batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pramudita, James C.; Sharma, Neeraj

2015-01-01

Sodium-ion batteries has recently been proposed as the alternative for lithium-ion batteries to be the low cost energy storage system. However, challenges still remains for the development of sodium-ion batteries. Optimization of electrode materials and electrolyte capable of insertion/extraction of sodium-ion in a safe and economic way under high current density is needed in order to produce commercially viable sodium-ion batteries. While possible positive electrode material is more prevalent than negative electrode material, many of these material still need further understanding. Quasi-elastic Neutron Scatteringis a technique that utilize the inelastic Neutron Scatteringthat can be used to study solid-state diffusion in materials. This technique can be used to study the diffusion of sodium-ion under electric field through the electrolyte and positive electrode materials in order to further understand the mechanism of sodium insertion/extraction in a working battery. This technique can also be used to study available positive electrode material for lithium-ion batteries to further understand the mechanism of lithium-ion diffusion in current working lithiumion batteries.

The Effect of Platinum Electrocatalyst on Membrane Degradation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Bodner, Merit; Cermenek, Bernd; Rami, Mija; Hacker, Viktor

2015-12-08

Membrane degradation is a severe factor limiting the lifetime of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Therefore, obtaining a deeper knowledge is fundamental in order to establish fuel cells as competitive product. A segmented single cell was operated under open circuit voltage with alternating relative humidity. The influence of the catalyst layer on membrane degradation was evaluated by measuring a membrane without electrodes and a membrane-electrode-assembly under identical conditions. After 100 h of accelerated stress testing the proton conductivity of membrane samples near the anode and cathode was investigated by means of ex situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The membrane sample near the cathode inlet exhibited twofold lower membrane resistance and a resulting twofold higher proton conductivity than the membrane sample near the anode inlet. The results from the fluoride ion analysis have shown that the presence of platinum reduces the fluoride emission rate; which supports conclusions drawn from the literature.

Studies on the physiology of microbial degradation of pentachlorophenol

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Valo, R.; Apajalahti, J.; Salkinoja-Salonen, M.

1985-03-01

The requirements and conditions for pentachlorophenol (PCP) biodegradation by a mixed bacterial culture was studied. The effects of oxygen, nutrients, additional carbon sources, pH and temperature are described. Up to 90% of PCP was degraded into CO/sub 2/ and inorganic chloride in 1 week at an input concentration of <600 ..mu..M. Degradation continued when pO/sub 2/ was lowered to 0.0002 atm but ceased when pO/sub 2/ was further decreased to 0.00002 atm. Supplementary carbon sources, such as phenol, hydroxybenzoic acids or complex nutrients did not affect the biodegradation, but the presence of ammonium salts enhanced the rate of PCP degradation without affecting the yield of CO/sub 2/. The degrading organisms were shown to be procaryotic mesophiles; no degradation was shown at temperatures below +8/sup 0/ and above +50/sup 0/C. The optimum pH for degradation was from 6.4 to 7.2 and at higher pH value (8.4) degradation was inhibited more than at lower pH (5.6).

Kinetic Studies on Ni-YSZ Composite Electrodes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Njodzefon, Jean-Claude; Hjelm, Johan; Graves, Christopher R.

2015-01-01

transfer at the reaction sites gas conversion at the flow fields, and ohmic drop across the electrolyte. Since these processes occur in both electrodes and some of them with overlapping characteristic frequencies, it is particularly challenging to isolate and characterize a particular mechanism...... compositions using the same instrument. The tests are carried out in a single gas atmosphere with maximum flow rate of 6 L/h. Results and Discussion Current density vs working electrode overpotential curves recorded in the temperature range 800 – 650°C in a 50/50 H2/H2O fuel mixture are displayed in figure 1(a...

Statistical model of a gas diffusion electrode. III. Photomicrograph study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Winsel, A W

1965-12-01

A linear section through a gas diffusion electrode produces a certain distribution function of sinews with the pores. From this distribution function some qualities of the pore structure are derived, and an automatic device to determine the distribution function is described. With a statistical model of a gas diffusion electrode the behavior of a DSK electrode is discussed and compared with earlier measurements of the flow resistance of this material.

Schiff Base modified on CPE electrode and PCB gold electrode for selective determination of silver ion

Science.gov (United States)

Leepheng, Piyawan; Suramitr, Songwut; Phromyothin, Darinee

2017-09-01

The schiff base was synthesized by 2,5-thiophenedicarboxaldehyde and 1,2,4-thiadiazole-3,5-diamine with condensation method. There was modified on carbon paste electrode (CPE) and Printed circuit board (PCB) gold electrode for determination silver ion. The schiff base modified electrodes was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The electrochemical study was reported by cyclic voltammetry method and impedance spectroscopy using modified electrode as working electrode, platinum wire and Ag/AgCl as counter electrode and reference electrode, respectively. The modified electrodes have suitable detection for Ag+. The determination of silver ions using the modified electrodes depended linearly on Ag+ concentration in the range 1×10-10 M to 1×10-7 M, with cyclic voltammetry sensitivity were 2.51×108 μAM-1 and 1.88×108 μAM-1 for PCB gold electrode and CPE electrode, respectively, limits of detection were 5.33×10-9 M and 1.99×10-8 M for PCB gold electrode and CPE electrode, respectively. The modified electrodes have high accuracy, inexpensive and can applied to detection Ag+ in real samples.

Hydrogen substituted graphdiyne as carbon-rich flexible electrode for lithium and sodium ion batteries.

Science.gov (United States)

He, Jianjiang; Wang, Ning; Cui, Zili; Du, Huiping; Fu, Lin; Huang, Changshui; Yang, Ze; Shen, Xiangyan; Yi, Yuanping; Tu, Zeyi; Li, Yuliang

2017-10-27

Organic electrodes are potential alternatives to current inorganic electrode materials for lithium ion and sodium ion batteries powering portable and wearable electronics, in terms of their mechanical flexibility, function tunability and low cost. However, the low capacity, poor rate performance and rapid capacity degradation impede their practical application. Here, we concentrate on the molecular design for improved conductivity and capacity, and favorable bulk ion transport. Through an in situ cross-coupling reaction of triethynylbenzene on copper foil, the carbon-rich frame hydrogen substituted graphdiyne film is fabricated. The organic film can act as free-standing flexible electrode for both lithium ion and sodium ion batteries, and large reversible capacities of 1050 mAh g -1 for lithium ion batteries and 650 mAh g -1 for sodium ion batteries are achieved. The electrode also shows a superior rate and cycle performances owing to the extended π-conjugated system, and the hierarchical pore bulk with large surface area.

Cyclic voltammetry on n-alkylphosphonic acid self-assembled monolayer modified large area indium tin oxide electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Habich, Dana Berlinde [Siemens AG, CT T DE HW 3 Organic Electronics, Guenther-Scharowsky-Strasse 1, 91058 Erlangen (Germany); Halik, Marcus [Lehrstuhl fuer Polymerwerkstoffe, Department Werkstoffwissenschaften, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet Erlangen-Nuernberg, Martensstrasse 7, 91058 Erlangen (Germany); Schmid, Guenter, E-mail: guenter.schmid@siemens.com [Siemens AG, CT T DE HW 3 Organic Electronics, Guenther-Scharowsky-Strasse 1, 91058 Erlangen (Germany)

2011-09-01

We show stable bonding of n-alkylphosphonic acid self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to indium tin oxide electrodes and their direct electrical characterization by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The functional coatings were investigated with regards to the addressability and stability of the electrodes, which are related to small changes in molecular layer thickness. The response of a redox active compound in solution to the faradic current is indirectly proportional to the molecular chain length of the SAMs. We observed a decrease of the electrode sensitivity with enhanced surface protection and slow long term degradation of the SAM under electrochemical stress by CV, and therefore conclude a trade-off optimum for molecules with the C10 chain.

Impedance Spectroscopic Investigation of the Degraded Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell due to Ageing

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Parth Bhatt

2016-01-01

Full Text Available This paper investigates the effect of ageing on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs. The electrical characterization of fresh and degraded DSCs is done under AM1.5G spectrum and the current density-voltage (J-V characteristics are analyzed. Short circuit current density (JSC decreases significantly whereas a noticeable increase in open circuit voltage is observed. These results have been further investigated electroanalytically using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS. An increase in net resistance results in a lower JSC for the degraded DSC. This decrease in current is mainly due to degradation of TiO2-dye interface, which is observed from light and dark J-V characteristics and is further confirmed by EIS measurements. A reduction in the chemical capacitance of the degraded DSC is observed, which is responsible for the shifting of Fermi level with respect to conduction band edge that further results in an increase of open circuit voltage for the degraded DSC. It is also confirmed from EIS that the degradation leads to a better contact formation between the electrolyte and Pt electrode, which improves the fill factor of the DSC. But the recombination throughout the DSC is found to increase along with degradation. This study suggests that the DSC should be used under low illumination conditions and around room temperature for a longer life.

Solid Polymer Fuel Cells. Electrode and membrane performance studies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moeller-Holst, S.

1996-12-31

This doctoral thesis studies aspects of fuel cell preparation and performance. The emphasis is placed on preparation and analysis of low platinum-loading solid polymer fuel cell (SPEC) electrodes. A test station was built and used to test cells within a wide range of real operating conditions, 40-150{sup o}C and 1-10 bar. Preparation and assembling equipment for single SPFCs was designed and built, and a new technique of spraying the catalyst layer directly onto the membrane was successfully demonstrated. Low Pt-loading electrodes (0.1 mg Pt/cm{sup 2}) prepared by the new technique exhibited high degree of catalyst utilization. The performance of single cells holding these electrodes is comparable to state-of-the-art SPFCs. Potential losses in single cell performance are ascribed to irreversibilities by analysing the efficiency of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell by means of the second law of thermodynamics. The water management in membranes is discussed for a model system and the results are relevant to fuel cell preparation and performance. The new spray deposition technique should be commercially interesting as it involves few steps as well as techniques that are adequate for larger scale production. 115 refs., 43 figs., 18 tabs.

Solid Polymer Fuel Cells. Electrode and membrane performance studies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moeller-Holst, S

1997-12-31

This doctoral thesis studies aspects of fuel cell preparation and performance. The emphasis is placed on preparation and analysis of low platinum-loading solid polymer fuel cell (SPEC) electrodes. A test station was built and used to test cells within a wide range of real operating conditions, 40-150{sup o}C and 1-10 bar. Preparation and assembling equipment for single SPFCs was designed and built, and a new technique of spraying the catalyst layer directly onto the membrane was successfully demonstrated. Low Pt-loading electrodes (0.1 mg Pt/cm{sup 2}) prepared by the new technique exhibited high degree of catalyst utilization. The performance of single cells holding these electrodes is comparable to state-of-the-art SPFCs. Potential losses in single cell performance are ascribed to irreversibilities by analysing the efficiency of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell by means of the second law of thermodynamics. The water management in membranes is discussed for a model system and the results are relevant to fuel cell preparation and performance. The new spray deposition technique should be commercially interesting as it involves few steps as well as techniques that are adequate for larger scale production. 115 refs., 43 figs., 18 tabs.

Flexible electrode belt for EIT using nanofiber web dry electrodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Oh, Tong In; Kim, Tae Eui; Yoon, Sun; Kim, Kap Jin; Woo, Eung Je; Sadleir, Rosalind J

2012-10-01

Efficient connection of multiple electrodes to the body for impedance measurement and voltage monitoring applications is of critical importance to measurement quality and practicality. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) experiments have generally required a cumbersome procedure to attach the multiple electrodes needed in EIT. Once placed, these electrodes must then maintain good contact with the skin during measurements that may last several hours. There is usually also the need to manage the wires that run between the electrodes and the EIT system. These problems become more severe as the number of electrodes increases, and may limit the practicality and portability of this imaging method. There have been several trials describing human-electrode interfaces using configurations such as electrode belts, helmets or rings. In this paper, we describe an electrode belt we developed for long-term EIT monitoring of human lung ventilation. The belt included 16 embossed electrodes that were designed to make good contact with the skin. The electrodes were fabricated using an Ag-plated PVDF nanofiber web and metallic threads. A large contact area and padding were used behind each electrode to improve subject comfort and reduce contact impedances. The electrodes were incorporated, equally spaced, into an elasticated fabric belt. We tested the electrode belt in conjunction with the KHU Mark1 multi-frequency EIT system, and demonstrate time-difference images of phantoms and human subjects during normal breathing and running. We found that the Ag-plated PVDF nanofiber web electrodes were suitable for long-term measurement because of their flexibility and durability. Moreover, the contact impedance and stability of the Ag-plated PVDF nanofiber web electrodes were found to be comparable to similarly tested Ag/AgCl electrodes.

Degradation of direct yellow 9 by electro-Fenton: process study and optimization and, monitoring of treated water toxicity using catalase.

Science.gov (United States)

Kourdali, Sidali; Badis, Abdelmalek; Boucherit, Ahmed

2014-12-01

The present study was undertaken to investigate the degradation and removal of direct yellow 9 (DY9) by the electro-Fenton (EF) process in batch reactor using iron and stainless steel electrodes. DY9 removal decreased with the increase in pH (3 to 8) and increased with the increase in current intensity (0.05 to 0.2A) and [H2O2] (0 to 0.5gL(-1), but not with high doses which led to low rates of DY9 removal and OH(∙) uptake). The regression quadratic models describing DY9 degradation yield "R (percent)" and electrical energy consumption "EEC (kWhkg(-1))" were validated by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and were both noted to fit well with the experimental data. The R(2) correlation coefficients (0.995, 0.978), those adjusted coefficients (0.986, 0.939), and F values (110.7, 24.9) obtained for the responses validated the efficiency of model. The results revealed that among several other parameters, EEC depended essentially on the degradation yield. The eco-toxicity tests showed a positive correlation between catalase activity and DY9 concentration, and catalase could be qualitatively identified to assess the effect of dye and its by-products generated during the EF process. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Online Monitoring of Electrochemical Degradation of Paracetamol through a Biomimetic Sensor

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mariana Calora Quintino de Oliveira

2011-01-01

Full Text Available This paper reports, for the first time, the online monitoring to the electrochemical degradation of the paracetamol using a biomimetic sensor coupled to a Flow Injection Analysis (FIA system. The electrochemical degradation of the drug was carried out in aqueous medium using a flow-by reactor with a DSA anode. The process efficiency was monitored at real time by the biomimetic sensor constructed by modifying a glassy carbon electrode with a Nafion membrane doped with iron tetrapyridinoporphyrazine (FeTPyPz. Simultaneously, we carried out off-line analysis by liquid chromatography (HPLC during the experiments in order to validate the proposed system. In addition, to investigate the degradation products of the paracetamol electrolysis, we used the techniques of UPLC/MS and GC/MS.

Manufacturing process and electrode properties of palladium-electroded ionic polymer–metal composite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chang, Longfei; Chen, Hualing; Zhu, Zicai; Li, Bo

2012-01-01

This paper primarily focuses on the manufacturing process of palladium-electroded ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC). First, according to the special properties of Pd, many experiments were done to determine several specific procedures, including the addition of a reducing agent and the time consumed. Subsequently, the effects of the core manufacturing steps on the electrode morphology were revealed by scanning electron microscopy studies of 22 IPMC samples treated with different combinations of manufacturing steps. Finally, the effects of electrode characteristics on the electromechanical properties, including the sheet resistivity, the elastic modulus and the electro-active performance, of IPMCs were evaluated experimentally and analyzed according to the electrode morphology. (paper)

Electrode nanomaterials for lithium-ion batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yaroslavtsev, A B; Kulova, T L; Skundin, A M

2015-01-01

The state-of-the-art in the field of cathode and anode nanomaterials for lithium-ion batteries is considered. The use of these nanomaterials provides higher charge and discharge rates, reduces the adverse effect of degradation processes caused by volume variations in electrode materials upon lithium intercalation and deintercalation and enhances the power and working capacity of lithium-ion batteries. In discussing the cathode materials, attention is focused on double phosphates and silicates of lithium and transition metals and also on vanadium oxides. The anode materials based on nanodispersions of carbon, silicon, certain metals, oxides and on nanocomposites are also described. The bibliography includes 714 references

Mechanistic interaction study of thin oxide dielectric with conducting organic electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sharma, Himani; Sethi, Kanika; Raj, P. Markondeya; Gerhardt, R.A.; Tummala, Rao

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Thin film-oxide dielectric-organic electrode interface studies for investigating the leakage mechanism. ► XPS to elucidate chemical-structural changes on dielectric oxide surface. ► Correlates structural characterization data with capacitor leakage current and impedance spectroscopy characteristics. - Abstract: This paper aims at understanding the interaction of intrinsic conducting polymer, PEDT, with ALD-deposited Al 2 O 3 and thermally oxidized Ta 2 O 5 dielectrics, and the underlying mechanisms for increase in leakage currents in PEDT-based capacitors. Conducting polymers offer several advantages as electrodes for high surface area capacitors because of their lower resistance, self-healing and enhanced conformality. However, capacitors with in situ polymerized PEDT show poor electrical properties that are attributed to the interfacial interaction between the organic electrode and the oxide dielectric. This study focuses on characterizing these interactions. A combination of compositional, structural and electrical characterization techniques was applied to polymer-solid-state-capacitor to understand the interfacial chemical behavior and dielectric property deterioration of alumina and tantalum-oxide films. XPS and impedance studies were employed to understand the stiochiometric and compositional changes that occur in the dielectric film on interaction with in situ deposited PEDT. Based on the observations from several complimentary techniques, it is concluded that tantalum-pentoxide has more resistance towards chemical interaction with in situ polymerized PEDT. The thermally oxidized Ta 2 O 5 -PEDT system showed leakage current of 280 nA μF −1 at 3 V with a breakdown voltage of 30 V. On the other hand, Al 2 O 3 -PEDT capacitor showed leakage current of 50 μA μF −1 and a breakdown voltage of 40 V. The study reports direct evidence for the mechanism of resistivity drop in alumina dielectric with in situ polymerized PEDT electrode.

Experimental and density functional theoretical study of the effects of Fenton’s reaction on the degradation of Bisphenol A in a high voltage plasma reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dai, Fei; Fan, Xiangru; Stratton, Gunnar R.; Bellona, Christopher L.; Holsen, Thomas M.; Crimmins, Bernard S.; Xia, Xiaoyan; Mededovic Thagard, Selma

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Combining the Fenton reaction with the plasma treatment reduces Bisphenol A concentration below the detection limit within 30 min. • Carbon steel electrode in the plasma reactor can be used as a source of iron ions. • OH radical attack on Bisphenol A is the primary pathway for byproduct formation. - Abstract: A novel electrical discharge plasma reactor configuration with and without iron ions was evaluated for the degradation of 0.02 mM Bisphenol A (BPA). The pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant calculated for the plasma treatment of BPA with a stainless steel electrode in the presence of dissolved ferrous ion (Fe"2"+) salts (termed plasma/Fenton treatment) was higher than in the plasma treatment in the absence of iron salts. At the optimal ferrous ion concentration, longer plasma treatment times resulted in higher BPA degradation rates, likely due to increased hydroxyl (OH) radical concentration formed through the decomposition of H_2O_2. Replacing the stainless steel with a carbon steel grounded electrode resulted in the release of iron ions from the carbon steel thereby increasing the rate of BPA removal and eliminating the need for iron salts. After the plasma/Fenton treatment, >97% of the residual iron salts were removed by coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation. Byproduct identification coupled with density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed that OH radical attack on BPA’s hydroxyl group is the primary pathway for byproduct formation.

Experimental and density functional theoretical study of the effects of Fenton’s reaction on the degradation of Bisphenol A in a high voltage plasma reactor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dai, Fei, E-mail: daif@clarkson.edu [Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Clarkson University, Potsdam, 13699 NY (United States); Fan, Xiangru, E-mail: fanx@clarkson.edu [Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Clarkson University, Potsdam, 13699 NY (United States); Stratton, Gunnar R., E-mail: strattgr@clarkson.edu [Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Clarkson University, Potsdam, 13699 NY (United States); Bellona, Christopher L., E-mail: cbellona@clarkson.edu [Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Clarkson University, Potsdam, 13699 NY (United States); Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1500 Illinois St., Colorado School of Mines, Golden, 80401 CO (United States); Holsen, Thomas M., E-mail: tholsen@clarkson.edu [Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Clarkson University, Potsdam, 13699 NY (United States); Crimmins, Bernard S., E-mail: bcrimmin@clarkson.edu [Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Clarkson University, Potsdam, 13699 NY (United States); Xia, Xiaoyan, E-mail: xiax@clarkson.edu [Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Clarkson University, Potsdam, 13699 NY (United States); Mededovic Thagard, Selma, E-mail: smededov@clarkson.edu [Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Clarkson University, Potsdam, 13699 NY (United States)

2016-05-05

Highlights: • Combining the Fenton reaction with the plasma treatment reduces Bisphenol A concentration below the detection limit within 30 min. • Carbon steel electrode in the plasma reactor can be used as a source of iron ions. • OH radical attack on Bisphenol A is the primary pathway for byproduct formation. - Abstract: A novel electrical discharge plasma reactor configuration with and without iron ions was evaluated for the degradation of 0.02 mM Bisphenol A (BPA). The pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant calculated for the plasma treatment of BPA with a stainless steel electrode in the presence of dissolved ferrous ion (Fe{sup 2+}) salts (termed plasma/Fenton treatment) was higher than in the plasma treatment in the absence of iron salts. At the optimal ferrous ion concentration, longer plasma treatment times resulted in higher BPA degradation rates, likely due to increased hydroxyl (OH) radical concentration formed through the decomposition of H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. Replacing the stainless steel with a carbon steel grounded electrode resulted in the release of iron ions from the carbon steel thereby increasing the rate of BPA removal and eliminating the need for iron salts. After the plasma/Fenton treatment, >97% of the residual iron salts were removed by coagulation/flocculation/sedimentation. Byproduct identification coupled with density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed that OH radical attack on BPA’s hydroxyl group is the primary pathway for byproduct formation.

Detection of underground mined voids using line electrode resistivity technique - case study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Peng, S.S.; Ziaie, F. (West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV (USA))

1991-06-01

A new resistivity method was developed and tested in three phases; simulated model, similitude model, and field survey. This resistivity method was a combination of the Bristow arrangement and line electrode method. Three line electrodes were chosen so that the sinkhole electrode was emplaced at a far distance from the other two electrodes. Any of the two electrodes and the sinkhole electrode were activated and several resistivity profiles perpendicular to the line electrode prepared for different electrodes activation. Subsurface cavities caused resistivity anomalies which were interpreted to locate their sources (cavities) and estimate the depths and dimension of the cavities. A coal mine site employing the room and pillar mining system was selected to confirm the results of the laboratory. The results of the interpretation indicated that the entry with a dimension of 135 cm high and 5.40 m wide at a depth of 25.50 m can be detected by this method. The resolution of the detectability of this method proved a great success when compared to other resistivity techniques. 6 refs., 6 figs.

Degradation of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells Operated at High Current Densities

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tao, Youkun; Ebbesen, Sune Dalgaard; Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg

2014-01-01

In this work the durability of solid oxide cells for co-electrolysis of steam and carbon dioxide (45 % H2O + 45 % CO2 + 10 % H2) at high current densities was investigated. The tested cells are Ni-YSZ electrode supported, with a YSZ electrolyte and either a LSM-YSZ or LSCF-CGO oxygen electrode....... A current density of -1.5 and -2.0 A/cm2 was applied to the cell and the gas conversion was 45 % and 60 %, respectively. The cells were operated for a period of up to 700 hours. The electrochemical analysis revealed significant performance degradation for the ohmic process, oxygen ion interfacial transfer...

Evaluation study of an ion selective field effect transistor electrode for measuring quality parameters of fuel ethanol

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gonzaga, Fabiano B.; Sobral, Sidney P.; Ribeiro, Carla M.; Goncalves, Mary A., E-mail: fbgonzaga@inmetro.gov.br [Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia(INMETRO), Duque de Caxias, RJ (Brazil). Div. de Metrologia Quimica

2013-01-15

An ion selective field effect transistor (ISFET) electrode was evaluated for measuring pH and acid number (AN) of fuel ethanol and compared to two glass electrodes with different reference filling solutions: KCl aqueous solution (glass-KCl electrode)and LiCl ethanolic solution (glass-LiCl electrode). pH was determined at different measurement times and AN was determined using automatic potentiometric titration. For pH, the glass-KCl electrode showed the best precision and stability, with an average repeatability about four times better when compared to the ISFET electrode for the measurement time of 30 s (as indicated in the ASTM D6423 standard). For AN, the glass-KCl and glass-LiCl electrodes showed similar repeatabilities, which were about three times better than that of the ISFET electrode. In addition, the results from a recovery study demonstrated better accuracy of the glass-LiCl electrode, with a recovery value of 100.1% (author)

First tests of thick GEMs with electrodes made of a resistive kapton

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oliveira, R.; Peskov, V.; Pietropaolo, F.; Picchi, P.

2007-01-01

We have developed a new design of a GEM-like detector with electrodes made of a resistive kapton. This detector can operate at gains close to 10 5 even in pure noble gases (Ar and Ne) and if transited to discharges at higher gains, due to the high resistivity of electrodes, they do not damage either the detector or the front-end electronics. Gains ∼10 6 can be achieved in a cascaded mode of operation. The detector can operate without gain degradation at counting rates of at least up to 10 4 Hz/cm 2 and it could thus be very useful in many applications requiring safe high-gain operation, for example, in RICH, TPCs, and calorimetry

Numerical Study of the Buoyancy-Driven Flow in a Four-Electrode Rectangular Electrochemical Cell

Science.gov (United States)

Sun, Zhanyu; Agafonov, Vadim; Rice, Catherine; Bindler, Jacob

2009-11-01

Two-dimensional numerical simulation is done on the buoyancy-driven flow in a four-electrode rectangular electrochemical cell. Two kinds of electrode layouts, the anode-cathode-cathode-anode (ACCA) and the cathode-anode-anode-cathode (CAAC) layouts, are studied. In the ACCA layout, the two anodes are placed close to the channel outlets while the two cathodes are located between the two anodes. The CAAC layout can be converted from the ACCA layout by applying higher electric potential on the two middle electrodes. Density gradient was generated by the electrodic reaction I3^-+2e^- =3I^-. When the electrochemical cell is accelerated axially, buoyancy-driven flow occurs. In our model, electro-neutrality is assumed except at the electrodes. The Navier-Stokes equations with the Boussinesq approximation and the Nernst-Planck equations are employed to model the momentum and mass transports, respectively. It is found that under a given axial acceleration, the electrolyte density between the two middle electrodes determines the bulk flow through the electrochemical cell. The cathodic current difference is found to be able to measure the applied acceleration. Other important electro-hydrodynamic characteristics are also discussed.

Speech perception with mono- and quadrupolar electrode configurations: a crossover study.

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Mens, L.H.M.; Berenstein, C.K.

2005-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of two multipolar electrode configurations on speech perception, pitch perception, and the intracochlear electrical field. STUDY DESIGN: Crossover design; within subject. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Eight experienced adult cochlear implant users.

Study on conventional carbon characteristics as counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fajar, Muhammad Noer; Endarko

2017-01-01

Activated carbon (AC), black carbon (BC), and graphite were deposited onto ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) glass for counter electrode application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. SEM-EDX was used to observe and analyse the morphology and composition of electrodes. The results showed that the particle distribution of the graphite electrode observed was approximately 34% with a size of 1 to 2 µm and BC electrode about 20% have a size of 0.5 to 1 µm, while AC electrode has a size of 0 – 0.5 µm observed around 20%. AC electrode has a more porous and uniform particle aggregates compared to BC and graphite electrodes. The efficiency of the counter electrode was measured using the solar simulator. The highest efficiency was at 0.011516% for the counter electrode that was fabricated by AC. Meanwhile, black carbon and graphite electrodes were achieved at 0.008744% and 0.010561%, respectively. The results proved that the porosity and the uniform aggregate of the particles were the most significant factors to improve the performance of DSSC. (paper)

Electrochemical degradation of Novacron Yellow C-RG using boron-doped diamond and platinum anodes: Direct and Indirect oxidation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rocha, J.H. Bezerra; Gomes, M.M. Soares; Santos, E. Vieira dos; Moura, E.C. Martins de; Silva, D. Ribeiro da; Quiroz, M.A.; Martínez-Huitle, C.A.

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Nature of electrode material decides the electrocatalytic mechanism followed. • Electrogenerated strong oxidants on BDD surface improve the color and organic load removal. • Chlorine active species act in solution cage oxidizing organic matter. - Abstract: The present study discusses the electrochemical degradation process of a textile dye, Novacron Yellow C-RG (NY), dissolved in synthetic wastewaters, via direct and indirect oxidation. Experiments were conducted using boron-doped diamond (BDD) and platinum supported on Ti (Pt/Ti) electrodes in the absence and presence of NaCl in the solution. The direct process for removing color is relatively similar for both anodes, while the electrochemical degradation is significantly accelerated by the presence of halogen salt in the solution. Interestingly, it does not depend on applied current density, but rather on NaCl concentration. Therefore, the electrochemical processes (direct/indirect) favor specific oxidation pathways depending on electrocatalytic material. Whereas, the Pt/Ti anode favors preferentially color removal by direct and indirect oxidation (100% of color removal) due to the fragmentation of the azo dye group; BDD electrode favors color and organic load removals in both processes (95% and up to 87%, respectively), due to the rupture of dye in different parts of its chemical structure. Parameters of removal efficiency and energy consumption for the electrochemical process were estimated. Finally, an explanation has been attempted for the role of halide, in relation with the oxygen evolution reaction, concomitant with the electrochemical incineration as well as electrocatalytic mechanisms, for each one of the electrodes used

Interfacial thermal degradation in inverted organic solar cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Greenbank, William; Hirsch, Lionel; Wantz, Guillaume; Chambon, Sylvain, E-mail: sylvain.chambon@ims-bordeaux.fr [University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, IMS, UMR 5218, F-33405 Talence (France)

2015-12-28

The efficiency of organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells is constantly improving; however, the lifetime of the devices still requires significant improvement if the potential of OPV is to be realised. In this study, several series of inverted OPV were fabricated and thermally aged in the dark in an inert atmosphere. It was demonstrated that all of the devices undergo short circuit current-driven degradation, which is assigned to morphology changes in the active layer. In addition, a previously unreported, open circuit voltage-driven degradation mechanism was observed that is highly material specific and interfacial in origin. This mechanism was specifically observed in devices containing MoO{sub 3} and silver as hole transporting layers and electrode materials, respectively. Devices with this combination were among the worst performing devices with respect to thermal ageing. The physical origins of this mechanism were explored by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and atomic force microscopy and an increase in roughness with thermal ageing was observed that may be partially responsible for the ageing mechanism.

One-step preparation of nanostructured martite catalyst and graphite electrode by glow discharge plasma for heterogeneous electro-Fenton like process.

Science.gov (United States)

Khataee, Alireza; Sajjadi, Saeed; Hasanzadeh, Aliyeh; Vahid, Behrouz; Joo, Sang Woo

2017-09-01

Natural Martite ore particles and graphite were modified by alternating current (AC) glow discharge plasma to form nanostructured catalyst and cathode electrode for using in the heterogeneous-electro Fenton-like (Het-EF-like) process. The performance of the plasma-treated martite (PTM) and graphite electrode (PTGE) was studied for the treatment of paraquat herbicide in a batch system. 85.78% degradation efficiency for 20 mg L -1 paraquat was achieved in the modified process under desired operational conditions (i.e. current intensity of 300 mA, catalyst amount of 1 g L -1 , pH = 6, and background electrolyte (Na 2 SO 4 ) concentration of 0.05 mol L -1 ) which was higher than the 41.03% for the unmodified one after 150 min of treatment. The ecofriendly modification of the martite particles and the graphite electrode, no chemical needed, low leached iron and milder operational pH were the main privileges of plasma utilization. Moreover, the degradation efficiency through the process was not declined after five repeated cycles at the optimized conditions, which proved the stability of the nanostructured PTM and PTGE in the long-term usage. The archived results exhibit this method is the first example of high efficient, cost-effective, and environment-friendly method for generation of nanostructured samples. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The application of phase contrast X-ray techniques for imaging Li-ion battery electrodes

Science.gov (United States)

Eastwood, D. S.; Bradley, R. S.; Tariq, F.; Cooper, S. J.; Taiwo, O. O.; Gelb, J.; Merkle, A.; Brett, D. J. L.; Brandon, N. P.; Withers, P. J.; Lee, P. D.; Shearing, P. R.

2014-04-01

In order to accelerate the commercialization of fuel cells and batteries across a range of applications, an understanding of the mechanisms by which they age and degrade at the microstructural level is required. Here, the most widely commercialized Li-ion batteries based on porous graphite based electrodes which de/intercalate Li+ ions during charge/discharge are studied by two phase contrast enhanced X-ray imaging modes, namely in-line phase contrast and Zernike phase contrast at the micro (synchrotron) and nano (laboratory X-ray microscope) level, respectively. The rate of charge cycling is directly dependent on the nature of the electrode microstructure, which are typically complex multi-scale 3D geometries with significant microstructural heterogeneities. We have been able to characterise the porosity and the tortuosity by micro-CT as well as the morphology of 5 individual graphite particles by nano-tomography finding that while their volume varied significantly their sphericity was surprisingly similar. The volume specific surface areas of the individual grains measured by nano-CT are significantly larger than the total volume specific surface area of the electrode from the micro-CT imaging, which can be attributed to the greater particle surface area visible at higher resolution.

The application of phase contrast X-ray techniques for imaging Li-ion battery electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eastwood, D.S.; Bradley, R.S.; Tariq, F.; Cooper, S.J.; Taiwo, O.O.; Gelb, J.; Merkle, A.; Brett, D.J.L.; Brandon, N.P.; Withers, P.J.; Lee, P.D.; Shearing, P.R.

2014-01-01

In order to accelerate the commercialization of fuel cells and batteries across a range of applications, an understanding of the mechanisms by which they age and degrade at the microstructural level is required. Here, the most widely commercialized Li-ion batteries based on porous graphite based electrodes which de/intercalate Li + ions during charge/discharge are studied by two phase contrast enhanced X-ray imaging modes, namely in-line phase contrast and Zernike phase contrast at the micro (synchrotron) and nano (laboratory X-ray microscope) level, respectively. The rate of charge cycling is directly dependent on the nature of the electrode microstructure, which are typically complex multi-scale 3D geometries with significant microstructural heterogeneities. We have been able to characterise the porosity and the tortuosity by micro-CT as well as the morphology of 5 individual graphite particles by nano-tomography finding that while their volume varied significantly their sphericity was surprisingly similar. The volume specific surface areas of the individual grains measured by nano-CT are significantly larger than the total volume specific surface area of the electrode from the micro-CT imaging, which can be attributed to the greater particle surface area visible at higher resolution

Time-dependent simulation of plasma and electrodes in high-intensity discharge lamps with different electrode shapes

CERN Document Server

Flesch, P

2003-01-01

The subject of this paper is the modelling of d.c. and a.c. high-intensity Hg-discharge lamps with differently shaped electrodes. Different arc attachments on the electrodes are studied and insight for the development of new electrodes is gained. The model includes the entire discharge plasma (plasma column, hot plasma spots in front of electrodes, near-electrode non-LTE-plasma) as well as anode and cathode. No subdivision of the discharge space into different regions is necessary (like space charge layer, ionization zone, plasma column). This is achieved by using a differential equation for a non-LTE electrical conductivity which is applicable for local thermal equilibrium (LTE-)regions as well as for non-LTE plasma regions close to the electrodes in a high pressure plasma. Modelling results for a 0.6 MPa mercury discharge considering six different electrode shapes (anode and cathode) are presented and compared with experimental results. The electrodes have different diameters and different electrode tips, s...

Optimization of Electrochemical Parameters for Landfill Leachate Treatment Using Charcoal Base Metallic Composite Electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Majd Ahmed Jumaah; Mohamed Rozali Othman

2015-01-01

Landfill leachate normally contains organic and inorganic pollutants in high concentrations. Electrochemical oxidation technique is an effective method to treat landfill leachate, have high efficiency in organic pollutants degradation and ammonia removal. In this study, a cost effective charcoal base metallic composite electrode to treat landfill leachate by electrochemical oxidation was fabricated. The effects of operational parameters such as supporting electrolyte, applied voltage and electrolysis time on the removal percentage of Color, COD, NH 3 -N and total-P (PO 4 -3 ) were carried out. The results obtained show that the removal percentage of Color, COD, NH 3 -N and total- P (PO 4 -3 ) are 70, 89, 73 and 80 % respectively. Under the optimum operating condition, sodium chloride concentration of 1.5 % (w/v), applied voltage of 10 V, operating time 180 min and C 60 C G 15 Co 10 - PVC 15 electrode as an anode were used. (author)

Catoptric electrodes: transparent metal electrodes using shaped surfaces.

Science.gov (United States)

Kik, Pieter G

2014-09-01

An optical electrode design is presented that theoretically allows 100% optical transmission through an interdigitated metallic electrode at 50% metal areal coverage. This is achieved by redirection of light incident on embedded metal electrode lines to an angle beyond that required for total internal reflection. Full-field electromagnetic simulations using realistic material parameters demonstrate 84% frequency-averaged transmission for unpolarized illumination across the entire visible spectral range using a silver interdigitated electrode at 50% areal coverage. The redirection is achieved through specular reflection, making it nonresonant and arbitrarily broadband, provided the electrode width exceeds the optical wavelength. These findings could significantly improve the performance of photovoltaic devices and optical detectors that require high-conductivity top contacts.

Factors in electrode fabrication for performance enhancement of anion exchange membrane water electrolysis

Science.gov (United States)

Cho, Min Kyung; Park, Hee-Young; Choe, Seunghoe; Yoo, Sung Jong; Kim, Jin Young; Kim, Hyoung-Juhn; Henkensmeier, Dirk; Lee, So Young; Sung, Yung-Eun; Park, Hyun S.; Jang, Jong Hyun

2017-04-01

To improve the cell performance for alkaline anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE), the effects of the amount of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) non-ionomeric binder in the anode and the hot-pressing conditions during the fabrication of the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) on cell performances are studied. The electrochemical impedance data indicates that hot-pressing at 50 °C for 1 min during MEA construction can reduce the polarization resistance of AEMWE by ∼12%, and increase the initial water electrolysis current density at 1.8 V (from 195 to 243 mA cm-2). The electrochemical polarization and impedance results also suggest that the AEMWE performance is significantly affected by the content of PTFE binder in the anode electrode, and the optimal content is found to be 9 wt% between 5 and 20 wt%. The AEMWE device fabricated with the optimized parameters exhibits good water splitting performance (299 mA cm-2 at 1.8 V) without noticeable degradation in voltage cycling operations.

Electrochemical oxidation of ammonia-containing wastewater using Ti/RuO2-Pt electrode

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wei-wu Hu

2009-12-01

Full Text Available The electrochemical oxidation degradation processes for artificial and actual wastewater containing ammonia were carried out with a Ti/RuO2-Pt anode and a Ti plate cathode. We studied the effects of different current densities, space sizes between the two electrodes, and amounts of added NaCl on ammonia-containing wastewater treatment. It was shown that, after a 30-min treatment under the optimal conditions, which were a current density of 20 mA/cm2, a space size between the two electrodes of 1 cm, and an added amount of 0.5 g/L of NaCl, the COD concentration in municipal wastewater was 40 mg/L, a removal rate of 90%; and the NH3-N concentration was 7 mg/L, a removal rate of 88.3%. The effluent of municipal wastewater qualified for Class A of the Discharge Standard of Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (GB18918-2002.

Improved electrode positions for local impedance measurements in the lung-a simulation study.

Science.gov (United States)

Orschulik, Jakob; Petkau, Rudolf; Wartzek, Tobias; Hochhausen, Nadine; Czaplik, Michael; Leonhardt, Steffen; Teichmann, Daniel

2016-12-01

Impedance spectroscopy can be used to analyze the dielectric properties of various materials. In the biomedical domain, it is used as bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) to analyze the composition of body tissue. Being a non-invasive, real-time capable technique, it is a promising modality, especially in the field of lung monitoring. Unfortunately, up to now, BIS does not provide any regional lung information as the electrodes are usually placed in hand-to-hand or transthoracic configurations. Even though transthoracic electrode configurations are in general capable of monitoring the lung, no focusing to specific regions is achieved. In order to resolve this issue, we use a finite element model (FEM) of the human body to study the effect of different electrode configurations on measured BIS data. We present evaluation results and show suitable electrode configurations for eight lung regions. We show that, using these optimized configurations, BIS measurements can be focused to desired regions allowing local lung analysis.

Comparative Indoor and Outdoor Degradation of Organic Photovoltaic Cells via Inter-laboratory Collaboration

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Charles Owens

2015-12-01

Full Text Available We report on the degradation of organic photovoltaic (OPV cells in both indoor and outdoor environments. Eight different research groups contributed state of the art OPV cells to be studied at Pomona College. Power conversion efficiency and fill factor were determined from IV curves collected at regular intervals over six to eight months. Similarly prepared devices were measured indoors, outdoors, and after dark storage. Device architectures are compared. Cells kept indoors performed better than outdoors due to the lack of temperature and humidity extremes. Encapsulated cells performed better due to the minimal oxidation. Some devices showed steady aging but many failed catastrophically due to corrosion of electrodes not active device layers. Degradation of cells kept in dark storage was minimal over periods up to one year.

Degradation and Moisture Absorption Study of Potato-starch Linear ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Composite of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and potato-starch was produced and subjected to degradation studies with the agencies of enzymes, exposure to weather and immersion in water. Enzymatic hydrolysis degraded the matrix to an extent greater than 40% loss in strength and about 20% loss in ...

A MEMS platform for in situ, real-time monitoring of electrochemically induced mechanical changes in lithium-ion battery electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pomerantseva, Ekaterina; Jung, Hyun; Gnerlich, Markus; Baron, Sergio; Gerasopoulos, Konstantinos; Ghodssi, Reza

2013-01-01

We report the first successful demonstration of an optical microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensing platform for the in situ characterization of electrochemically induced reversible mechanical changes in lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrodes. The platform consists of an array of flexible membranes with a reflective surface on one side and a thin-film LIB electrode on the other side. The membranes deflect due to the active battery material volume change caused by lithium intercalation (expansion) and extraction (contraction). This deflection is monitored using the Fabry–Perot optical interferometry principle. The active material volume change causes high internal stresses and mechanical degradation of the electrodes. The stress evolution observed in a silicon thin-film electrode incorporated into this MEMS platform follows a ‘first elastic, then plastic’ deformation scheme. Understanding of the internal stresses in battery electrodes during discharge/charge is important for improving the reliability and cycle lifetime of LIBs. The developed MEMS platform presents a new method for in situ diagnostics of thin-film LIB electrodes to aid the development of new materials, optimization of electrode performance, and prevention of battery failure. (paper)

Four new degradation products of doxorubicin: An application of forced degradation study and hyphenated chromatographic techniques

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dheeraj Kaushik

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Forced degradation study on doxorubicin (DOX was carried out under hydrolytic condition in acidic, alkaline and neutral media at varied temperatures, as well as under peroxide, thermal and photolytic conditions in accordance with International Conference on Harmonization (ICH guidelines Q1(R2. It was found extremely unstable to alkaline hydrolysis even at room temperature, unstable to acid hydrolysis at 80 °C, and to oxidation at room temperature. It degraded to four products (O-I–O-IV in oxidative condition, and to single product (A-I in acid hydrolytic condition. These products were resolved on a C8 (150 mm×4.6 mm, 5 µm column with isocratic elution using mobile phase consisting of HCOONH4 (10 mM, pH 2.5, acetonitrile and methanol (65:15:20, v/v/v. Liquid chromatography–photodiode array (LC–PDA technique was used to ascertain the purity of the products noted in LC–UV chromatogram. For their characterization, a six stage mass fragmentation (MS6 pattern of DOX was outlined through mass spectral studies in positive mode of electrospray ionization (+ESI as well as through accurate mass spectral data of DOX and the products generated through liquid chromatography–time of flight mass spectrometry (LC–MS–TOF on degraded drug solutions. Based on it, O-I–O-IV were characterized as 3-hydroxy-9-desacetyldoxorubicin-9-hydroperoxide, 1-hydroxy-9-desacetyldoxorubicin-9-hydroperoxide, 9-desacetyldoxorubicin-9-hydroperoxide and 9-desacetyldoxorubicin, respectively, whereas A-I was characterized as deglucosaminyl doxorubicin. While A-I was found to be a pharmacopoeial impurity, all oxidative products were found to be new degradation impurities. The mechanisms and pathways of degradation of doxorubicin were outlined and discussed. Keywords: Doxorubicin, TOF, Forced degradation, Liquid chromatography, Degradation product, Mass fragmentation pattern

Analysis of oxidation of self-baking electrodes (Soederberg electrodes) by means of three-dimensional model

Science.gov (United States)

Pashnin, S. V.

2017-10-01

The paper presents the methodology and results of the development of the temperature dependence of the oxidation speed of the self-baking electrode (Soederberg Electrodes) in the ore-thermal furnaces. For the study of oxidation, the working ends of the self-baking electrodes, which were taken out from the ore-thermal furnaces after their scabbings, were used. The temperature of the electrode surface by its height was calculated with the help of the mathematical model of heat work of self-baking electrode. The comparison of electrode surface temperatures with the speed of oxidation of the electrode allowed one to obtain the temperature dependency of the oxidation of the lateral electrode surface. Comparison of the experimental data, obtained in the laboratory by various authors, showed their qualitative coincidence with results of calculations of the oxidation rate presented in this article. With the help of the mathematical model of temperatures fields of electrode, the calculations of the sizes of the cracks, appearing after burnout ribs, were performed. Calculations showed that the sizes of the cracks after the ribs burnout, calculated by means of the obtained temperature dependence, coincide with the experimental data with sufficient accuracy.

Durability Improvements Through Degradation Mechanism Studies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Borup, Rodney L. [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Mukundan, Rangachary [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Spernjak, Dusan [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Baker, Andrew M. [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Lujan, Roger W. [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Langlois, David Alan [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Ahluwalia, Rajesh [Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Papadia, D. D. [Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Weber, Adam Z. [Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States); Kusoglu, Ahmet [Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States); Shi, Shouwnen [Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States); More, K. L. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Grot, Steve [Ion Power, New Castle, DE (United States)

2015-08-03

The durability of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells is a major barrier to the commercialization of these systems for stationary and transportation power applications. By investigating cell component degradation modes and defining the fundamental degradation mechanisms of components and component interactions, new materials can be designed to improve durability. To achieve a deeper understanding of PEM fuel cell durability and component degradation mechanisms, we utilize a multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary team with significant experience investigating these phenomena.

Electrochemical and DFT study of an anticancer and active anthelmintic drug at carbon nanostructured modified electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ghalkhani, Masoumeh; Beheshtian, Javad; Salehi, Maryam

2016-01-01

The electrochemical response of mebendazole (Meb), an anticancer and effective anthelmintic drug, was investigated using two different carbon nanostructured modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE). Although, compared to unmodified GCE, both prepared modified electrodes improved the voltammetric response of Meb, the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) modified GCE showed higher sensitivity and stability. Therefore, the CNTs-GCE was chosen as a promising candidate for the further studies. At first, the electrochemical behavior of Meb was studied by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse and square wave voltammetry. A one step reversible, pH-dependent and adsorption-controlled process was revealed for electro-oxidation of Meb. A possible mechanism for the electrochemical oxidation of Meb was proposed. In addition, electronic structure, adsorption energy, band gap, type of interaction and stable configuration of Meb on the surface of functionalized carbon nanotubes were studied by using density functional theory (DFT). Obtained results revealed that Meb is weakly physisorbed on the CNTs and that the electronic properties of the CNTs are not significantly changed. Notably, CNTs could be considered as a suitable modifier for preparation of the modified electrode for Meb analysis. Then, the experimental parameters affecting the electrochemical response of Meb were optimized. Under optimal conditions, high sensitivity (b(Meb) = dI p,a (Meb) / d[Meb] = 19.65 μA μM −1 ), a low detection limit (LOD (Meb) = 19 nM) and a wide linear dynamic range (0.06–3 μM) was resulted for the voltammetric quantification of Meb. - Highlights: • Electrochemical oxidation mechanism of Meb was investigated. • A carbon nanostructure modified electrode was developed for the determination of Meb. • The modified electrode surface was characterized by SEM and impedance studies. • This study provides an effective chemically modified electrode with satisfactory repeatability and reproducibility

Electrochemical Investigation of Catechol at Poly(niacinamide Modified Carbon Paste Electrode: A Voltammetric Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. B. Teradale

2016-01-01

Full Text Available A polymeric thin film modified electrode, that is, poly(niacinamide modified carbon paste electrode (MCPE, was developed for the electrochemical determination of catechol (CC by using cyclic voltammetric technique. Compared to bare carbon paste electrode (BCPE, the poly(niacinamide MCPE shows good electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of catechol in phosphate buffer solution (PBS of physiological pH 7.4. All experimental parameters were optimized. Poly(niacinamide modified carbon paste electrode gave a linear response between concentration of CC and its anodic peak current in the range within 20.6–229.0 μM. The limit of detection (3S/M and limit of quantification (10S/M were 1.497 μM and 4.99 μM, respectively. From the study of scan rate variation, the electrode process was found to be adsorption-controlled. The involvement of protons and electrons in the oxidation of CC was found to be equal. The probable electropolymerisation mechanism of niacinamide was proposed. Finally, this method can be used in development of a sensor for sensitive determination of CC.

Degradation mechanisms of sulfonated poly-aromatic membranes in fuel cell

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Perrot, C.

2006-11-01

Fuel cell development requires an improvement in the electrode-membrane assembly durability which depends on both the polymer used and the fuel cell operating conditions. The origin of the degradation can be either electrochemical, chemical and/or mechanical. This study deals with the understanding of alternative membranes ageing mechanisms, i.e. non fluorinated membranes, such as sPEEK and sPI. For this kind of membranes, the first process is chemical. Understanding these mechanisms is the first essential step to develop more stable structures. An original approach is developed to overcome the analytical difficulties encountered with polymers. It consists in studying the degradation mechanism on model structures. Ageing are carried out in water, with H 2 O 2 in some cases (identified as a cause of membrane chemical ageing in the fuel cell system), and at different temperatures. The approach consists in separating the different products formed by chromatography. Then they are identified (NMR, IR, MS) and quantified. This method allows us to establish the ageing mechanism. We show that the ageing of a sPEEK structure mainly results from an attack by end chains which spreads to the whole. This mechanism is confirmed on ex-situ and in-situ aged membranes. These two kinds of ageing lead to an important decrease in polymerisation degree (determined by SEC). Formation of the same degradation products is observed. In fuel cells, a heterogeneous degradation is noticed. It takes place mainly on the cathode side. sPI are known for their high sensitivity to hydrolysis. Nevertheless, we highlight a limited degradation at 80 Celsius degrees due to the recombination of hydrolyzed species at this temperature. (author)

The study of hydrogen electrosorption in layered nickel foam/palladium/carbon nanofibers composite electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Skowronski, J.M.; Czerwinski, A.; Rozmanowski, T.; Rogulski, Z.; Krawczyk, P.

2007-01-01

In the present work, the process of hydrogen electrosorption occurring in alkaline KOH solution on the nickel foam/palladium/carbon nanofibers (Ni/Pd/CNF) composite electrodes is examined. The layered Ni/Pd/CNF electrodes were prepared by a two-step method consisting of chemical deposition of a thin layer of palladium on the nickel foam support to form Ni/Pd electrode followed by coating the palladium layer with carbon nanofibers layer by means of the CVD method. The scanning electron microscope was used for studying the morphology of both the palladium and carbon layer. The process of hydrogen sorption/desorption into/from Ni/Pd as well as Ni/Pd/CNF electrode was examined using the cyclic voltammetry method. The amount of hydrogen stored in both types of composite electrodes was shown to increase on lowering the potential of hydrogen sorption. The mechanism of the anodic desorption of hydrogen changes depending on whether or not CNF layer is present on the Pd surface. The anodic peak corresponding to the removal of hydrogen from palladium is lower for Ni/Pd/CNF electrode as compared to that measured for Ni/Pd one due to a partial screening of the Pd surface area by CNF layer. The important feature of Ni/Pd/CNF electrode is anodic peak appearing on voltammetric curves at potential ca. 0.4 V more positive than the peak corresponding to hydrogen desorption from palladium. The obtained results showed that upon storing the hydrogen saturated Ni/Pd/CNF electrode at open circuit potential, diffusion of hydrogen from carbon to palladium phase occurs due to interaction between carbon fibers and Pd sites on the nickel foam support

A study of the electrode/solution interface during electrochemical reactions by digital holography

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

SHENHAO CHEN

2006-10-01

Full Text Available Digital holography was used to study in situ the dynamic changes of the electrode/solution interface and the solution near the electrode during the anodic process of iron in a sulfuric acid solution. The effects of chloride, bromide and iodine ions on this process were also investigated. The magnetic field also has effects on the process. The effects are discussed in combination with SEM results.

Cobalt phthalocyanine modified electrodes utilised in electroanalysis: nano-structured modified electrodes vs. bulk modified screen-printed electrodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Foster, Christopher W; Pillay, Jeseelan; Metters, Jonathan P; Banks, Craig E

2014-11-19

Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPC) compounds have been reported to provide electrocatalytic performances towards a substantial number of analytes. In these configurations, electrodes are typically constructed via drop casting the CoPC onto a supporting electrode substrate, while in other cases the CoPC complex is incorporated within the ink of a screen-printed sensor, providing a one-shot economical and disposable electrode configuration. In this paper we critically compare CoPC modified electrodes prepared by drop casting CoPC nanoparticles (nano-CoPC) onto a range of carbon based electrode substrates with that of CoPC bulk modified screen-printed electrodes in the sensing of the model analytes L-ascorbic acid, oxygen and hydrazine. It is found that no "electrocatalysis" is observed towards L-ascorbic acid using either of these CoPC modified electrode configurations and that the bare underlying carbon electrode is the origin of the obtained voltammetric signal, which gives rise to useful electroanalytical signatures, providing new insights into literature reports where "electrocatalysis" has been reported with no clear control experiments undertaken. On the other hand true electrocatalysis is observed towards hydrazine, where no such voltammetric features are witnessed on the bare underlying electrode substrate.

Probing Electrode Heterogeneity Using Fourier-Transformed Alternating Current Voltammetry: Application to a Dual-Electrode Configuration.

Science.gov (United States)

Tan, Sze-Yin; Unwin, Patrick R; Macpherson, Julie V; Zhang, Jie; Bond, Alan M

2017-03-07

Quantitative studies of electron transfer processes at electrode/electrolyte interfaces, originally developed for homogeneous liquid mercury or metallic electrodes, are difficult to adapt to the spatially heterogeneous nanostructured electrode materials that are now commonly used in modern electrochemistry. In this study, the impact of surface heterogeneity on Fourier-transformed alternating current voltammetry (FTACV) has been investigated theoretically under the simplest possible conditions where no overlap of diffusion layers occurs and where numerical simulations based on a 1D diffusion model are sufficient to describe the mass transport problem. Experimental data that meet these requirements can be obtained with the aqueous [Ru(NH 3 ) 6 ] 3+/2+ redox process at a dual-electrode system comprised of electrically coupled but well-separated glassy carbon (GC) and boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes. Simulated and experimental FTACV data obtained with this electrode configuration, and where distinctly different heterogeneous charge transfer rate constants (k 0 values) apply at the individual GC and BDD electrode surfaces, are in excellent agreement. Principally, because of the far greater dependence of the AC current magnitude on k 0 , it is straightforward with the FTACV method to resolve electrochemical heterogeneities that are ∼1-2 orders of magnitude apart, as applies in the [Ru(NH 3 ) 6 ] 3+/2+ dual-electrode configuration experiments, without prior knowledge of the individual kinetic parameters (k 0 1 and k 0 2 ) or the electrode size ratio (θ 1 :θ 2 ). In direct current voltammetry, a difference in k 0 of >3 orders of magnitude is required to make this distinction.

Synthesis of Nano-Ilmenite (FeTiO3) doped TiO2/Ti Electrode for Photoelectrocatalytic System

Science.gov (United States)

Hikmawati; Watoni, A. H.; Wibowo, D.; Maulidiyah; Nurdin, M.

2017-11-01

Ilmenite (FeTiO3) doped on Ti and TiO2/Ti electrodes were successfully prepared by using the sol-gel method. The structure, morphology, and optical properties of FeTiO3 are characterized by XRD, UV-Vis DRS, and SEM. The FeTiO3 and TiO2 greatly affect the photoelectrocatalysis performance characterized by Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). The characterization result shows a band gap of FeTiO3 is 2.94 eV. XRD data showed that FeTiO3 formed at 2θ were 35.1° (110), 49.9° (024), and 61.2° (214). The morphology of FeTiO3/Ti and FeTiO3.TiO2/Ti using SEM shows that the formation of FeTiO3 thin layer signifies the Liquid Phase Deposition method effectively in the coating process. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) test showed that FeTiO3.TiO2/Ti electrode was highly oxidation responsive under visible light compared to the FeTiO3/Ti electrodes i.e. 7.87×10-4 A and 9.87×10-5 A. Degradation test of FeTiO3/Ti and FeTiO3.TiO2/Ti electrodes on titan yellow showed that the percentages of degradation with photoelectrocatalysis at 0.5 mg/L were 41% and 43%, respectively.

Investigation of electrolyte leaching in the performance degradation of phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole membrane-based high temperature fuel cells

Science.gov (United States)

Jeong, Yeon Hun; Oh, Kyeongmin; Ahn, Sungha; Kim, Na Young; Byeon, Ayeong; Park, Hee-Young; Lee, So Young; Park, Hyun S.; Yoo, Sung Jong; Jang, Jong Hyun; Kim, Hyoung-Juhn; Ju, Hyunchul; Kim, Jin Young

2017-09-01

Precise monitoring of electrolyte leaching in high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) devices during lifetime tests is helpful in making a diagnosis of their quality changes and analyzing their electrochemical performance degradation. Here, we investigate electrolyte leaching in the performance degradation of phosphoric acid (PA)-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane-based HT-PEMFCs. We first perform quantitative analyses to measure PA leakage during cell operation by spectrophotometric means, and a higher PA leakage rate is detected when the current density is elevated in the cell. Second, long-term degradation tests under various current densities of the cells and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis are performed to examine the influence of PA loss on the membrane and electrodes during cell performance degradation. The combined results indicate that PA leakage affect cell performance durability, mostly due to an increase in charge transfer resistance and a decrease in the electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of the electrodes. Additionally, a three-dimensional (3-D) HT-PEMFC model is applied to a real-scale experimental cell, and is successfully validated against the polarization curves measured during various long-term experiments. The simulation results highlight that the PA loss from the cathode catalyst layer (CL) is a significant contributor to overall performance degradation.

Numerical Study of Electrolyte Wetting Phenomena in the Electrode of Lithium Ion Battery Using Lattice Boltzmann Method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Sang Gun [Seoul Nat' l Univ., Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Jeon, Dong Hyup [Dongguk Univ., Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2014-04-15

The electrolyte wetting phenomena in the electrode of lithium ion battery is studied numerically using a multiphase lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). When a porous electrode is compressed during roll-pressing process, the porosity and thickness of the compressed electrode are changed, which can affect its wettability. In this study, the change in electrolyte distribution and degree of saturation as a result of varying the compression ratio are investigated with two-dimensional LBM approach. We found that changes in the electrolyte transport path are caused by a reduction in through-plane pore size and result in a decrease in the wettability of the compressed electrode.

All-solid-state carbonate-selective electrode based on screen-printed carbon paste electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Guang; Lyu, Xiaofeng; Wang, Zhan; Rong, Yuanzhen; Hu, Ruifen; Wang, You; Luo, Zhiyuan

2017-01-01

A novel disposable all-solid-state carbonate-selective electrode based on a screen-printed carbon paste electrode using poly(3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (POT) as an ion-to-electron transducer has been developed. The POT was dropped onto the reaction area of the carbon paste electrode covered by the poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane, which contains N,N-Dioctyl-3 α ,12 α -bis(4-trifluoroacetylbenzoyloxy)-5 β -cholan-24-amide as a carbonate ionophore. The electrode showed a near-Nernstian slope of  −27.5 mV/decade with a detection limit of 3.6 * 10 −5 mol l −1 . Generally, the detection time was 30 s. Because these electrodes are fast, convenient and low in cost, they have the potential to be mass produced and used in on-site testing as disposable sensors. Furthermore, the repeatability, reproducibility and stability have been studied to evaluate the properties of the electrodes. Measurement of the carbonate was also conducted in a human blood solution and achieved good performance. (paper)

Evaluation and Optimization of Electrode Configuration of Multi-Channel Corona Discharge Plasma for Dye-Containing Wastewater Treatment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ren Jingyu; Qu Guangzhou; Liang Dongli; Hu Shibin; Wang Tiecheng

2015-01-01

A discharge plasma reactor with a point-to-plane structure was widely studied experimentally in wastewater treatment. In order to improve the utilization efficiency of active species and the energy efficiency of this kind of discharge plasma reactor during wastewater treatment, the electrode configuration of the point-to-plane corona discharge reactor was studied by evaluating the effects of discharge spacing and adjacent point distance on discharge power and discharge energy density, and then dye-containing wastewater decoloration experiments were conducted on the basis of the optimum electrode configuration. The experimental results of the discharge characteristics showed that high discharge power and discharge energy density were achieved when the ratio of discharge spacing to adjacent point distance (d/s) was 0.5. Reactive Brilliant Blue (RBB) wastewater treatment experiments presented that the highest RBB decoloration efficiency was observed at d/s of 0.5, which was consistent with the result obtained in the discharge characteristics experiments. In addition, the biodegradability of RBB wastewater was enhanced greatly after discharge plasma treatment under the optimum electrode configuration. RBB degradation processes were analyzed by GC-MS and IC, and the possible mechanism for RBB decoloration was also discussed. (paper)

3D resistivity method to monitor degradation of an organic contaminant in sand boxes

Science.gov (United States)

Fernandez, P. M.; Bloem, E.; Philippe, R.; French, H. K.

2015-12-01

Degradation of organic chemicals under various saturation conditions is a process highly relevant to protect groundwater. The redox potential drives the degradation of organic compounds. Its variation affects the water chemistry, gas release and responses of the geo-electrical signature. This study explores how non-invasive measurements sensitive to geo-electrical properties provides quantitative information about the in-situ redox situation. During this presentation, the preliminary results of a laboratory experiment to study the degradation of deicing chemicals with 3D resistivity and self-potential techniques, water samples will be shown. The experiment consists of sand boxes (1.0x0.5x0.4 m) to which both sides of each box is contaminated with propylene glycol, an aircraft deicing fluid, commonly used in Norwegian airports. Each source is placed near the water table with static conditions. At one side a conductor is placed, linking the contamination zone at the water table and the unsaturated zone with a low water content, to improve the degradation by facilitating the electron exchange. At the other side, degradation occurs under natural conditions. Each box is equipped with 288 electrodes, distributed on six faces to perform 3D resistivity measurements. In addition to the resistivity, self-potential measurements are taken from the sand surface. Six water wells are installed above and below the water table to provide more information on the degradation processes. Moreover, measurements of carbon dioxide on the surface are performed as higher concentrations are expected where the pollutant is degraded.

The structure optimization of gas-phase surface discharge and its application for dye degradation

Science.gov (United States)

Ying, CAO; Jie, LI; Nan, JIANG; Yan, WU; Kefeng, SHANG; Na, LU

2018-05-01

A gas-phase surface discharge (GSD) was employed to optimize the discharge reactor structure and investigate the dye degradation. A dye mixture of methylene blue, acid orange and methyl orange was used as a model pollutant. The results indicated that the reactor structure of the GSD system with the ratio of tube inner surface area and volume of 2.48, screw pitch between a high-voltage electrode of 9.7 mm, high-voltage electrode wire diameter of 0.8 mm, dielectric tube thickness of 2.0 mm and tube inner diameter of 16.13 mm presented a better ozone (O3) generation efficiency. Furthermore, a larger screw pitch and smaller wire diameter enhanced the O3 generation. After the dye mixture degradation by the optimized GSD system, 73.21% and 50.74% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon removal rate were achieved within 20 min, respectively, and the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and biodegradability (BOD/COD) improved.

Auxiliary Electrodes for Chromium Vapor Sensors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fergus, Jeffrey; Shahzad, Moaiz; Britt, Tommy

2018-05-15

Measurement of chromia-containing vapors in solid oxide fuel cell systems is useful for monitoring and addressing cell degradation caused by oxidation of the chomia scale formed on alloys for interconnects and balance-of-plant components. One approach to measuring chromium is to use a solid electrolyte with an auxiliary electrode that relates the partial pressure of the chromium containing species to the mobile species in the electrolyte. One example is YCrO3 which can equilibrate with the chromium containing vapor and yttrium in yttria stabilized zirconia to establish an oxygen activity. Another is Na2CrO4 which can equilibrate with the chromium-containing vapor to establish a sodium activity.

Surface structured platinum electrodes for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in imidazolium based ionic liquids.

Science.gov (United States)

Hanc-Scherer, Florin A; Montiel, Miguel A; Montiel, Vicente; Herrero, Enrique; Sánchez-Sánchez, Carlos M

2015-10-07

The direct CO2 electrochemical reduction on model platinum single crystal electrodes Pt(hkl) is studied in [C2mim(+)][NTf2(-)], a suitable room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) medium due to its moderate viscosity, high CO2 solubility and conductivity. Single crystal electrodes represent the most convenient type of surface structured electrodes for studying the impact of RTIL ion adsorption on relevant electrocatalytic reactions, such as surface sensitive electrochemical CO2 reduction. We propose here based on cyclic voltammetry and in situ electrolysis measurements, for the first time, the formation of a stable adduct [C2mimH-CO2(-)] by a radical-radical coupling after the simultaneous reduction of CO2 and [C2mim(+)]. It means between the CO2 radical anion and the radical formed from the reduction of the cation [C2mim(+)] before forming the corresponding electrogenerated carbene. This is confirmed by the voltammetric study of a model imidazolium-2-carboxylate compound formed following the carbene pathway. The formation of that stable adduct [C2mimH-CO2(-)] blocks CO2 reduction after a single electron transfer and inhibits CO2 and imidazolium dimerization reactions. However, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 under those conditions provokes the electrochemical cathodic degradation of the imidazolium based RTIL. This important limitation in CO2 recycling by direct electrochemical reduction is overcome by adding a strong acid, [H(+)][NTf2(-)], into solution. Then, protons become preferentially adsorbed on the electrode surface by displacing the imidazolium cations and inhibiting their electrochemical reduction. This fact allows the surface sensitive electro-synthesis of HCOOH from CO2 reduction in [C2mim(+)][NTf2(-)], with Pt(110) being the most active electrode studied.

Experimental and theoretical studies on electropolymerization of polar amino acids on platinum electrode

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alhedabi, Taleb [Nanomedicine Lab EA4662, Bat. E, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR Sciences & Techniques, 16 route de Gray, 25030 Besançon Cedex (France); Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Thi-qar, Thi-qar (Iraq); Cattey, Hélène [Institut ICMUB - CNRS 6302, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR Sciences et Techniques Mirande, 9 Avenue Alain Savary, 21000 Dijon (France); Roussel, Christophe [Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Section of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Station 6, CH-1015 Lausanne (Switzerland); Blondeau-Patissier, Virginie [Institut FEMTO-ST, UMR CNRS 6174, Department Time-Frequency, 26, Chemin de l' épitaphe, 25030 Besançon Cedex (France); Gharbi, Tijani [Nanomedicine Lab EA4662, Bat. E, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR Sciences & Techniques, 16 route de Gray, 25030 Besançon Cedex (France); Herlem, Guillaume, E-mail: guillaume.herlem@univ-fcomte.fr [Nanomedicine Lab EA4662, Bat. E, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR Sciences & Techniques, 16 route de Gray, 25030 Besançon Cedex (France)

2017-01-01

The anodic oxidation of polar amino acids (L-serine, L-threonine, L-asparagine, and L-glutamine) in aqueous electrolyte on smooth platinum electrode was carried out by cyclic voltammetry coupled to electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). pH (zwitterion, acidic and alkaline) effects on their electrochemical behavior were examined. The maximum current values are measured for zwitterion species. In addition, the current increases with increasing of concentration and scan rate, and decreases with increasing pH. The resulting passivation was studied by spectroscopic analysis such as attenuated total reflection FT infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF). From thin film coatings observed on the electrode surface, peptide bonds are found, and are in favor of electropolymerization of these polar amino acids into poly-L-amino acids in an irreversible way. Scanning electronic microscopy was also used to study the morphology of these electrodeposited L-amino acids. The electrodeposited poly-L-amino acids on Pt electrode were tested as bioinspired transducer for pH sensing purposes. - Highlights: • Anodic oxidation of polar amino acids with uncharged R group on platinum electrode. • Polypeptide bonds revealed by ATR-IR and XPS spectroscopies. • The film growth depends on the chemistry of the polar amino acid.

Enhanced generation of hydroxyl radicals on well-crystallized molybdenum trioxide/nano-graphite anode with sesame cake-like structure for degradation of bio-refractory antibiotic.

Science.gov (United States)

Tang, Bo; Du, Jiannan; Feng, Qingmao; Zhang, Jiaqi; Wu, Dan; Jiang, Xiankai; Dai, Ying; Zou, Jinlong

2018-05-01

Anodic electro-catalysis oxidation is a highly effective way to solve the pollution problem of antibiotics in wastewater and receiving water bodies. In this study, for the first time, molybdenum trioxide/Nano-graphite (MoO 3 /Nano-G) composites are synthesized as anodic catalysts by a surfactant-assisted solvothermal method followed by low-temperature calcination. The effects of the proportion of MoO 3 to Nano-G (10, 30 and 50%) on the properties of composites are investigated through structural characterizations and electrochemical measurements. Results indicate that MoO 3 (30)/Nano-G electrode displays the electro-catalysis degradation efficiency of 99.9% towards ceftazidime, which is much higher than those of Nano-G (46.7%) and dimensionally stable anode (69.2%). The degradation mechanism for ceftazidime is studied by investigating the yields and kinds of active species. Results show that all of the OH, O 2- and H 2 O 2 are responsible for the electro-catalytic degradation process, and the produced OH radicals are the major active species for ceftazidime degradation. The synergistic effects between MoO 3 and Nano-G greatly contribute to the activation of H 2 O molecules to produce OH, meanwhile the special sesame cake-like structure facilitates to the exposure of contaminants to OH on active sites to enhance the degradation efficiency. These results suggest that MoO 3 /Nano-G electrodes can be considered as the promising catalysts for treating bio-refractory organic wastewater. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Studies about behavior of microbial degradation of organic compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohtsuka, Makiko

2003-02-01

Some of TRU waste include organic compounds, thus these organic compounds might be nutrients for microbial growth at disposal site. This disposal system might be exposed to high alkali condition by cement compounds as engineering barrier material. In the former experimental studies, it has been supposed that microbial exist under pH = 12 and the microbial activity acclimated to high alkali condition are able to degrade asphalt under anaerobic condition. Microbes are called extremophile that exist in cruel habitat as high alkali or reductive condition. We know less information about the activity of extremophile, though any recent studies reveal them. In this study, the first investigation is metabolic pathway as microbial activity, the second is microbial degradation of aromatic compounds in anaerobic condition, and the third is microbial activity under high alkali. Microbial metabolic pathway consist of two systems that fulfill their function each other. One system is to generate energy for microbial activities and the other is to convert substances for syntheses of organisms' structure materials. As these systems are based on redox reaction between substances, it is made chart of the microbial activity region using pH, Eh, and depth as parameter, There is much report that microbe is able to degrade aromatic compounds under aerobic or molecular O 2 utilizing condition. For degradation of aromatic compounds in anaerobic condition, supplying electron acceptor is required. Co-metabolism and microbial consortia has important role, too. Alcalophile has individual transporting system depending Na + and acidic compounds contained in cell wall. Generating energy is key for survival and growth under high alkali condition. Co-metabolism and microbial consortia are effective for microbial degradation of aromatic compounds under high alkali and reductive condition, and utilizable electron acceptor and degradable organic compounds are required for keeping microbial activity and

Pitch ranking, electrode discrimination, and physiological spread-of-excitation using Cochlear's dual-electrode mode.

Science.gov (United States)

Goehring, Jenny L; Neff, Donna L; Baudhuin, Jacquelyn L; Hughes, Michelle L

2014-08-01

This study compared pitch ranking, electrode discrimination, and electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) spatial excitation patterns for adjacent physical electrodes (PEs) and the corresponding dual electrodes (DEs) for newer-generation Cochlear devices (Cochlear Ltd., Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia). The first goal was to determine whether pitch ranking and electrode discrimination yield similar outcomes for PEs and DEs. The second goal was to determine if the amount of spatial separation among ECAP excitation patterns (separation index, Σ) between adjacent PEs and the PE-DE pairs can predict performance on the psychophysical tasks. Using non-adaptive procedures, 13 subjects completed pitch ranking and electrode discrimination for adjacent PEs and the corresponding PE-DE pairs (DE versus each flanking PE) from the basal, middle, and apical electrode regions. Analysis of d' scores indicated that pitch-ranking and electrode-discrimination scores were not significantly different, but rather produced similar levels of performance. As expected, accuracy was significantly better for the PE-PE comparison than either PE-DE comparison. Correlations of the psychophysical versus ECAP Σ measures were positive; however, not all test/region correlations were significant across the array. Thus, the ECAP separation index is not sensitive enough to predict performance on behavioral tasks of pitch ranking or electrode discrimination for adjacent PEs or corresponding DEs.

Cobalt Phthalocyanine Modified Electrodes Utilised in Electroanalysis: Nano-Structured Modified Electrodes vs. Bulk Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Christopher W. Foster

2014-11-01

Full Text Available Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPC compounds have been reported to provide electrocatalytic performances towards a substantial number of analytes. In these configurations, electrodes are typically constructed via drop casting the CoPC onto a supporting electrode substrate, while in other cases the CoPC complex is incorporated within the ink of a screen-printed sensor, providing a one-shot economical and disposable electrode configuration. In this paper we critically compare CoPC modified electrodes prepared by drop casting CoPC nanoparticles (nano-CoPC onto a range of carbon based electrode substrates with that of CoPC bulk modified screen-printed electrodes in the sensing of the model analytes L-ascorbic acid, oxygen and hydrazine. It is found that no “electrocatalysis” is observed towards L-ascorbic acid using either of these CoPC modified electrode configurations and that the bare underlying carbon electrode is the origin of the obtained voltammetric signal, which gives rise to useful electroanalytical signatures, providing new insights into literature reports where “electrocatalysis” has been reported with no clear control experiments undertaken. On the other hand true electrocatalysis is observed towards hydrazine, where no such voltammetric features are witnessed on the bare underlying electrode substrate.

Operando studies of all-vanadium flow batteries: Easy-to-make reference electrode based on silver-silver sulfate

Science.gov (United States)

Ventosa, Edgar; Skoumal, Marcel; Vázquez, Francisco Javier; Flox, Cristina; Morante, Joan Ramon

2014-12-01

In-depth evaluation of the electrochemical performance of all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) under operando conditions requires the insertion of a reliable reference electrode in the battery cell. In this work, an easy-to-make reference electrode based on silver-silver sulfate is proposed and described for VRFBs. The relevance and feasibility of the information obtained by inserting the reference electrode is illustrated with the study of ammoxidized graphite felts. In this case, we show that the kinetic of the electrochemical reaction VO2+/VO2+ is slower than that of V2+/V3+ at the electrode. While the slow kinetics at the positive electrode limits the voltage efficiency, the operating potential of the negative electrode, which is outside the stability widow of water, reduces the coulombic efficiency due to the hydrogen evolution.

Photoelectrocatalytic property of microporous Pt-TiO2/Ti electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hung, Chung-Hsuang; Wu, Kee-Rong; Yeh, Chung-Wei; Sun, Jui-Ching; Hsu, Chuan-Jen

2013-01-01

This study investigates the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) property of microporous WO 3 -loaded TiO 2 /Ti layer, prepared via micro-arc oxidation (MAO) of Ti plate, followed by sputtering deposition of a thin Pt layer as a Pt-TiO 2 /Ti electrode. The WO 3 -loaded TiO 2 layer which is associated with a more acidic surface forms many local electrochemical cells on its micro-pores immersed in cationic dye solution. The electrocatalytic (EC) reactions can take place in the local cells by the applied electrons. A low resistivity that is accomplished by MAO technique and by platinization offers an easy path for the electron motions in the Pt-TiO 2 /Ti electrode. All these features make the EC oxidation of aqueous dye pollutants practically feasible without using counter electrodes and supporting electrolytes. Our experiments demonstrate that, under PEC condition, the Pt-TiO 2 /Ti shows the highest degradation rate constant of 0.83 h − 1 at an applied bias of 1.0 V and exhibits significantly high PEC and EC oxidation activities at a low applied bias of 0.25 V. This is attributable to high anodic currents generated in the Pt-TiO 2 /Ti even at low bias. The modified microporous electrodes conclusively reveal a very interesting EC property as a two double-sided device that functions the PEC and EC oxidation simultaneously without a need of supporting electrolyte and expensive Pt cathode. - Highlights: ► Pt-TiO 2 /Ti exhibits enhanced photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) activity at low applied bias. ► The proposed device uses low applied bias (< 1.0 V) with no explicit cathode. ► PEC oxidation can be performed without supporting electrolyte and Pt cathode

Photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of the drug omeprazole on nanocrystalline titania films in alkaline media: Effect of applied electrical bias on degradation and transformation products

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tantis, Iosif [Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Caratheodory 1, University Campus, GR-26504 Patras (Greece); Bousiakou, Leda [Department of Physics and Astronomy, King Saud University, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia); Department of Automation Engineering, Technological Educational Institute of Pireaus, GR-12244 Athens (Greece); Frontistis, Zacharias; Mantzavinos, Dionissios [Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Caratheodory 1, University Campus, GR-26504 Patras (Greece); Konstantinou, Ioannis; Antonopoulou, Maria [Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, GR-30100 Agrinio (Greece); Karikas, George-Albert [Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Technological Educational Institute of Athens, 12210 Athens (Greece); Lianos, Panagiotis, E-mail: lianos@upatras.gr [Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Caratheodory 1, University Campus, GR-26504 Patras (Greece); FORTH/ICE-HT, P.O. Box 1414, GR-26504 Patras (Greece)

2015-08-30

Highlights: • Photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of the proton pump omeprazole. • Improvement of photocatalysis rate by applying a moderate forward bias. • Highlighting of the advantages of photoelectrocatalysis in a straightforward manner. • HPLC and HR-LC–MS analysis of transformation products. - Abstract: Photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of the drug omeprazole has been studied in the presence of nanocrystalline titania films supported on glass slides or transparent FTO electrodes in alkaline environment. Its photocatalytic degradation rate was assessed by its UV absorbance and by HPLC, while its transformation products were analyzed by HR-LC–MS. Based on UV absorbance, omeprazole can be photocatalytically degraded at an average rate of 6.7 × 10{sup −4} min{sup −1} under low intensity UVA irradiation of 1.5 mW cm{sup −2} in the presence of a nanoparticulate titania film. This corresponds to degradation of 1.4 mg of omeprazole per gram of the photocatalyst per liter of solution per hour. The photodegradation rate can be accelerated in a photoelectrochemical cell by applying a forward bias. In this case, the maximum rate reached under the present conditions was 11.6 × 10{sup −4} min{sup −1} by applying a forward bias of +0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Four major transformation products were successfully identified and their profiles were followed by HR-LC–MS. The major degradation path includes the scission of the sulfoxide bridge into the corresponding pyridine and benzimidazole ring derivates and this is accompanied by the release of sulfate anions in the reaction mixture.

Cold-electrode voltage fall for impulse arcs in argon between copper electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Diaz, O; Cooray, V, E-mail: oscar.diaz@angstrom.uu.se [Lightning Research Group, Division for Electricity, Uppsala University Angstroemlaboratoriet Box 5234, 751 20, Uppsala (Sweden)

2011-06-23

The full electric arc discharge in gases for short gaps in homogeneous electric field and pressure{center_dot}distance (pd) below 150 Torr{center_dot}cm, can be described as a transition between different discharge mechanisms such as: Townsend, glow, and arc. Once the arc is achieved the measured voltage drops to some volts and the current density increases several orders of magnitude. Depending upon the type of gas used, the electrode surface characteristics and type of electrical excitation, the cathode and anode voltage fall might change. The present work is directed to study the electrode fall (sum of anode and cathode falls) during a current impulse arc discharge between copper electrodes in ceramic tubes filled with argon between 0.01 and 6.5 Torr{center_dot}cm. The copper electrodes were cleaned, degassed and hydrogen reduced. The arc voltages were measured with fast/slow rise times and short/long duration current impulses produced by a RLC circuit. An increasing variation of the electrode fall was found at the pressure{center_dot}distance range analyzed.

Development of high temperature reference electrodes for in-pile application: Part I. Feasibility study of the external pressure balanced Ag/AgCl reference electrode (EPBRE) and the cathodically charged Palladium hydrogen electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bosch, R.W.; Van Nieuwenhove, R.

1998-10-01

The main problems connected with corrosion potential measurements at elevated temperatures and pressures are related to the stability and lifetime of the reference electrode and the correct estimation of the potential related to the Standard Hydrogen Scale (SHE). Under Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) conditions of 300 degrees Celsius and 150 bar, the choice of materials is also a limiting factor due to the influence of radiation. Investigations on two reference electrodes that can be used under PWR conditions are reported: the cathodically charged palladium hydrogen electrode, and the external pressure balanced silver/silver chloride electrode. Preliminary investigations with the Pd-electrode were focused on the calculation of the required charging time and the influence of dissolved oxygen. High temperature applications are discussed on the basis of results reported in the literature. Investigations with the silver/silver chloride reference electrode mainly dealt with the salt bridge which is necessary to connect the reference electrode with the testing solution. It is shown that the thermal junction potential is independent of the length of the salt bridge. In addition, the high temperature contributes to an increase of the conductivity of the solution, which is beneficial for the salt bridge connection

Comparison between La_0.6Sr_0.4CoO_3-d and LaNi_0.6Co_0.4O_3-d infiltrated oxygen electrodes for long-term durable solid oxide fuel cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ovtar, Simona; Hauch, Anne; Veltzé, Sune

2018-01-01

The degradation of infiltrated oxygen electrodes during long-term operation of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) was studied. The infiltrated oxygen electrodes were prepared by infiltration of the electro-catalysts La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-d (LSC) and LaNi0.6Co0.4O3-d (LCN) into a porous yttria stabilized...... conducted and the change of resistance was followed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under current load. The cell performance degradation profiles of the LSC and LCN infiltrated cells showed significant differences. The performance of the LSC infiltrated cell stabilized after 700 h of operation...

Piperidine adsorption on two different silver electrodes: A combined surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hao Yanling; Fang Yan

2007-01-01

The surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of piperidine in silver colloid solution, on roughened silver electrode and on roughened silver electrode modified with silver nanoparticles were studied, and the high-quality SERS spectra of piperidine on roughened silver electrode modified with silver nanoparticles were obtained for the first time. Surface selection rules derived from the EM enhancement model were employed to deduce piperidine orientations on the different surfaces. On the basis of this, two models of piperidine adsorbed on the surface of the silver nanoparticles were built, and DFT-B3PW91/LanL2dz was applied to calculate the Raman frequencies. It proves that, at higher potential values, the piperidine is perpendicularly standing on the roughened silver electrode surface though its lone-electron pair, but in silver colloid solution and on the silver nanoparticles modified silver electrode the piperidine molecular lies flat on the silver surface. In the meantime, the potential dependent SERS of piperidine on the modified electrode were studied

Study on oxidization of Ru and its application as electrode of PZT capacitor for FeRAM

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jia Ze; Ren Tianling; Liu Tianzhi; Hu Hong; Zhang Zhigang; Xie Dan; Liu Litian

2007-01-01

Oxidization for Ru through anneal with plenteous oxygen atmosphere and its application as the top electrode of sol-gel PZT capacitor are investigated in this study. PZT capacitor with RuO 2 or oxygen-doped Ru as top electrode can be obtained from Ru/PZT/Pt capacitor through slow-rate anneal at 650 deg. C for 20 min in cannulation furnace. It has larger remanent polarization, better rectangle shape, better fatigue properties and lower leakage current than the other capacitors with PZT film prepared by the same process and different top electrodes in this study. Plenteous oxygen atmosphere and 650 deg. C in cannulation furnace are important conditions for the oxidation of Ru and renewed crystallization of PZT in this capacitor. Plenteous oxygen at interface can compensate the oxygen vacancies at PZT/electrode interface, which results in the above good characteristics

The characterization of secondary lithium-ion battery degradation when operating complex, ultra-high power pulsed loads

Science.gov (United States)

Wong, Derek N.

or pulsed loading has on the degradation mechanisms of secondary lithium-ion cells. Prior to performing this work, it was unclear if the implementation of lithium-ion batteries in highly transient load conditions at high rate would accelerate cell degradation mechanisms that have been previously considered as minor issues. This work has focused on answering these previously unanswered questions. In early experiments performed here, COTS lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells were studied under high-rate, transient load conditions and it was found that their capacity fade deviated from the traditional linear behavior and exponentially declined until no charge could be accepted when recharge was attempted at high rate. These findings indicated that subjecting LFP chemistries to transient, high rate charge/discharge profiles induced rapid changes in the electrode/electrolyte interface that rendered the cells useless when high rate recharge was required. These findings suggested there was more phenomena to learn about how these cells degraded under high rate pulsed conditions before they are fielded in Naval applications. Therefore, the research presented here has been focused on understanding the degradation mechanisms that are unique to LFP cells when they are cycled under pulsed load profiles at high charge and discharge rates. In particular, the work has been focused on identifying major degradation reactions that occur by studying the surface chemistry of cycled electrode materials. Efforts have been performed to map the impedance evolution of both cathode and anode half cells, respectively, using a novel three electrode technique that was developed for this research. Using this technique, the progression of degradation has been mapped using analysis of differential capacitance spectrums. In both the three electrode EIS mapping and differential capacitance analysis that has been performed, electrical component models have been developed. The results presented will show

HVDC Ground Electrodes and Tectonic Setting

Science.gov (United States)

Freire, P. F.; Pereira, S. Y.

2017-12-01

Ground electrodes in HVDC transmission are huge grounding systems for the DC part of the converter substation, about 1 km wide, sized to inject in the ground DC currents up to 3.5 kA. This work presents an analysis of how the tectonic setting at converter substation location is determinant for the search of the best electrode location (Site Selection) and on its design and performance. It will briefly present the author experience on HVDC electrode design, summarized as follows: Itaipu - Foz do Iguaçu electrodes (transmitter side) located in the middle of Paraná Sedimentary Basin, and Ibiúna electrodes (receiving side) on the border of the basin, 6 km from the geological strike, where the crystalline basement outcrops in São Paulo state; Madeira River - North electrodes (transmitting side) located on the Northwest border of South Amazon Craton, where the crystalline basement is below a shallow sediments layer, and South electrodes (receiving side) located within Paraná Sedimentary Basin; Chile - electrodes located on the Andean forearc, where the Nazca Plate plunges under the South American Plate; Kenya - Ethiopia - electrodes located in the African Rift; Belo Monte - North electrodes (transmitter side) located within the Amazonian Sedimentary Basin, about 35 km of its South border, and South electrodes (receiving side) within Paraná Sedimentary Basin (bipole 1) and on crystalline metamorphic terrain "Brasília Belt" (bipole 2). This diversity of geological conditions results on ground electrodes of different topologies and dimensions, with quite different electrical and thermal performances. A brief study of the geology of the converter stations regions, the so-called Desktop Study, allows for the preview of several important parameters for the site selection and design of the electrodes, such as localization, type, size and estimate of the interference area, which are important predictors of the investment to be made and indications of the design to be

ELECTRODEPOSITION OF COPPER IONS ON FIXED BED ELECTRODES: KINETIC AND HYDRODYNAMIC STUDY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L.A.M. Ruotolo

2002-03-01

Full Text Available The kinetic and hydrodynamic behaviour of a fixed-bed electrochemical reactor was studied in terms of current efficiency (CE and energy efficiency (EE. In the kinetic experiments the effects of fixed bed thickness (L, current density (i and initial concentration of copper (C0 were studied. In the hydrodynamic experiments the permeability (k of the electrode and the coefficient for inertial forces (c were also studied as functions of the applied current density. At low current densities and bed thicknesses greater than 1.0 cm, negative CE and EE were observed as a consequence of the dissolution of the porous matrix. At high current densities low CE and EE were observed and a powdery deposit was formed on the surface of the particles. From the results of the kinetic study bed thickness and the range of current densities employed in the hydrodynamic experiments were chosen. In these experiments the electrodeposition process continued until the whole electrode had been clogged and no more electrolyte could pass through it. The relationship between pressure drop and flow rate was well described by the Forchheimer equation. It was observed that the reduction in porosity due to copper electrodeposition causes the flow rate to decrease because of the decrease in electrode permeability, but it had no influence on current efficiency.

Bio-Electron-Fenton (BEF) process driven by microbial fuel cells for triphenyltin chloride (TPTC) degradation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yong, Xiao-Yu; Gu, Dong-Yan; Wu, Yuan-Dong; Yan, Zhi-Ying; Zhou, Jun; Wu, Xia-Yuan; Wei, Ping; Jia, Hong-Hua; Zheng, Tao; Yong, Yang-Chun

2017-01-01

Graphical abstract: Schematic diagram of the Bio-Electron-Fenton (BEF) process for TPTC degradation. - Highlights: • A Bio-Electro-Fenton process was performed for TPTC degradation. • TPTC removal efficiency achieved 78.32 ± 2.07% within 100 h. • The TPTC degradation rate (0.775 ± 0.021 μmol L"−"1 h"−"1) was much higher than previous reports. - Abstract: The intensive use of triphenyltin chloride (TPTC) has caused serious environmental pollution. In this study, an effective method for TPTC degradation was proposed based on the Bio-Electron-Fenton process in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The maximum voltage of the MFC with graphite felt as electrode was 278.47% higher than that of carbon cloth. The electricity generated by MFC can be used for in situ generation of H_2O_2 to a maximum of 135.96 μmol L"−"1 at the Fe@Fe_2O_3_(_*_)/graphite felt composite cathode, which further reacted with leached Fe"2"+ to produce hydroxyl radicals. While 100 μmol L"−"1 TPTC was added to the cathodic chamber, the degradation efficiency of TPTC reached 78.32 ± 2.07%, with a rate of 0.775 ± 0.021 μmol L"−"1 h"−"1. This Bio-Electron-Fenton driving TPTC degradation might involve in Sn−C bonds breaking and the main process is probably a stepwise dephenylation until the formation of inorganic tin and CO_2. This study provides an energy saving and efficient approach for TPTC degradation.

Rational Design of a Hierarchical Tin Dendrite Electrode for Efficient Electrochemical Reduction of CO2.

Science.gov (United States)

Won, Da Hye; Choi, Chang Hyuck; Chung, Jaehoon; Chung, Min Wook; Kim, Eun-Hee; Woo, Seong Ihl

2015-09-21

Catalysis is a key technology for the synthesis of renewable fuels through electrochemical reduction of CO2 . However, successful CO2 reduction still suffers from the lack of affordable catalyst design and understanding the factors governing catalysis. Herein, we demonstrate that the CO2 conversion selectivity on Sn (or SnOx /Sn) electrodes is correlated to the native oxygen content at the subsurface. Electrochemical analyses show that the reduced Sn electrode with abundant oxygen species effectively stabilizes a CO2 (.-) intermediate rather than the clean Sn surface, and consequently results in enhanced formate production in the CO2 reduction. Based on this design strategy, a hierarchical Sn dendrite electrode with high oxygen content, consisting of a multi-branched conifer-like structure with an enlarged surface area, was synthesized. The electrode exhibits a superior formate production rate (228.6 μmol h(-1)  cm(-2) ) at -1.36 VRHE without any considerable catalytic degradation over 18 h of operation. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

In situ degradation studies of two-dimensional WSe₂-graphene heterostructures.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, B; Eichfield, S M; Wang, D; Robinson, J A; Haque, M A

2015-09-14

Heterostructures of two-dimensional materials can be vulnerable to thermal degradation due to structural and interfacial defects as well as thermal expansion mismatch, yet a systematic study does not exist in the literature. In this study, we investigate the degradation of freestanding WSe2-graphene heterostructures due to heat and charge flow by performing in situ experiments inside a transmission electron microscope. Experimental results show that purely thermal loading requires higher temperatures (>850 °C), about 150 °C higher than that under combined electrical and thermal loading. In both cases, selenium is the first element to decompose and migration of silicon atoms from the test structure to the freestanding specimen initiates rapid degradation through the formation of tungsten disilicide and silicon carbide. The role of the current flow is to enhance the migration of silicon from the sample holder and to knock-out the selenium atoms. The findings of this study provide fundamental insights into the degradation of WSe2-graphene heterostructures and inspire their application in electronics for use in harsh environments.

ETEM Studies of Electrodes and Electro-catalysts

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jooss, Christian; Mildner, Stephanie; Beleggia, Marco

2016-01-01

Environmental TEM is an excellent tool for gaining insight into the atomic and electronic structure of electro-catalysts under operating conditions. Several electrochemical reactions such as oxidation/reduction processes of electrodes, heterogeneous gas phase catalysis of water splitting...

Carbon Tolerant Fuel Electrodes for Reversible Sofc Operating on Carbon Dioxide

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Papazisi Kalliopi Maria

2017-01-01

Full Text Available A challenging barrier for the broad, successful implementation of Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (RSOFC technology for Mars application utilizing CO2 from the Martian atmosphere as primary reactant, remains the long term stability by the effective control and minimization of degradation resulting from carbon built up. The perovskitic type oxide material La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.9Fe0.1O3-δ (LSCF has been developed and studied for its performance and tolerance to carbon deposition, employed as bi-functional fuel electrode in a Reversible SOFC operating on the CO2 cycle (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell/SOEC: CO2 electrolysis, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/SOFC: power generation through the electrochemical reaction of CO and oxygen. A commercial state-of-the-art NiO-YSZ (8% mol Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 cermet was used as reference material. CO2 electrolysis and fuel cell operation in 70% CO/CO2 were studied in the temperature range of 900-1000°C. YSZ was used as electrolyte while LSM-YSZ/LSM (La0.2Sr0.8MnO3 as oxygen electrode. Results showed that LSCF had high and stable performance under RSOFC operation.

The application of phase contrast X-ray techniques for imaging Li-ion battery electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Eastwood, D.S. [Manchester X-ray Imaging Facility, School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL (United Kingdom); Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0FA (United Kingdom); Bradley, R.S. [Manchester X-ray Imaging Facility, School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL (United Kingdom); Tariq, F.; Cooper, S.J. [Dept. Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ (United Kingdom); Taiwo, O.O. [Dept. Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE (United Kingdom); Gelb, J.; Merkle, A. [Carl Zeiss X-ray Microscopy Inc., Pleasanton, CA 94588 (United States); Brett, D.J.L. [Dept. Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE (United Kingdom); Brandon, N.P. [Dept. Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ (United Kingdom); Withers, P.J.; Lee, P.D. [Manchester X-ray Imaging Facility, School of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL (United Kingdom); Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0FA (United Kingdom); Shearing, P.R., E-mail: p.shearing@ucl.ac.uk [Dept. Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE (United Kingdom)

2014-04-01

In order to accelerate the commercialization of fuel cells and batteries across a range of applications, an understanding of the mechanisms by which they age and degrade at the microstructural level is required. Here, the most widely commercialized Li-ion batteries based on porous graphite based electrodes which de/intercalate Li{sup +} ions during charge/discharge are studied by two phase contrast enhanced X-ray imaging modes, namely in-line phase contrast and Zernike phase contrast at the micro (synchrotron) and nano (laboratory X-ray microscope) level, respectively. The rate of charge cycling is directly dependent on the nature of the electrode microstructure, which are typically complex multi-scale 3D geometries with significant microstructural heterogeneities. We have been able to characterise the porosity and the tortuosity by micro-CT as well as the morphology of 5 individual graphite particles by nano-tomography finding that while their volume varied significantly their sphericity was surprisingly similar. The volume specific surface areas of the individual grains measured by nano-CT are significantly larger than the total volume specific surface area of the electrode from the micro-CT imaging, which can be attributed to the greater particle surface area visible at higher resolution.

Comparative studies of photoelectrochemical behaviours of rutile and anatase electrodes prepared by OMCVD technique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Minoura, H; Nasu, M; Takahashi, Y

1985-10-01

Photoelectrochemical behaviours of two kinds of polymorphic form of TiO2, rutile and anatase, prepared by the organometallic chemical vapour deposition from isopropyl titanate have been comparatively studied. Photoelectrochemical characteristics of these TiO2 electrodes depend strongly upon the crystal structure and the deposition temperature. Their bandgap energies have been determined to be 3.0 eV and 3.2 eV, respectively, by the analysis of the photocurrent action spectra. The conduction band-edge and the valence band-edge of the anatase electrode, which have been estimated from photocurrent-potential curves, locate at the energy level about 0.1 eV higher and lower, respectively, than those of the rutile electrode. (orig.).

Electrode Conduction Processes Segmented Electrode-Insulator Ratio Effects in MHD Power Generation Experiments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pain, H. J.; Fearn, D. G.; Distefano, E. [Imperial College. London (United Kingdom)

1966-10-15

(a) Electrode conduction processes have been investigated using a plasma produced in an electromagnetic shock tube operating with argon at 70 {mu}mHg pressure. Complete voltage-current characteristics were obtained by the variation of load and applied voltage. These indicated the existence of two conduction regimes with a complex transition region. In the first regime the current, controlled by ion mobility, rose linearly with voltage to saturate between 10 mA and 1 A depending on conditions. Electrode contamination was significant. The second regime involved large currents controlled by electron mobility and emission from the cathode. The current again increased linearly with voltage and reached 200 A. Observation of induced voltages in transverse magnetic fields and of plasma deceleration in non-uniform fields showed that in the electromagnetic shock tube the plasma was heated predominantly by the driver discharge. Its conductivity was calculated using properties measured by a Langmuir double probe. In both regimes the plasma conductivity was also found from the gradient of the voltage current characteristics using experimental electric field fringing factors and the experimental values were compared with theory. (b) Larger-scale experiments used a combustion-driven shock tube where argon plasma flow, magnetic field and induced current flow were mutually orthogonal. The supersonic flow velocity and thermodynamic parameters of the plasma were accurately known. The electrode channel consisted of a segmented system of 12 electrode pairs with an electrode insulator ratio ranging from 1 to 21, with electrode plus insulator length remaining constant, and with maximum Hall parameter values of unity. Different electrode load combinations (Faraday and Hall generators) have been studied in measuring the power generated and the flow of longitudinal currents between adjacent electrodes. A maximum power of 0,8 MW was obtained, the power output decreasing inversely with the

Electrode Conduction Processes Segmented Electrode-Insulator Ratio Effects in MHD Power Generation Experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pain, H.J.; Fearn, D.G.; Distefano, E.

1966-01-01

(a) Electrode conduction processes have been investigated using a plasma produced in an electromagnetic shock tube operating with argon at 70 μmHg pressure. Complete voltage-current characteristics were obtained by the variation of load and applied voltage. These indicated the existence of two conduction regimes with a complex transition region. In the first regime the current, controlled by ion mobility, rose linearly with voltage to saturate between 10 mA and 1 A depending on conditions. Electrode contamination was significant. The second regime involved large currents controlled by electron mobility and emission from the cathode. The current again increased linearly with voltage and reached 200 A. Observation of induced voltages in transverse magnetic fields and of plasma deceleration in non-uniform fields showed that in the electromagnetic shock tube the plasma was heated predominantly by the driver discharge. Its conductivity was calculated using properties measured by a Langmuir double probe. In both regimes the plasma conductivity was also found from the gradient of the voltage current characteristics using experimental electric field fringing factors and the experimental values were compared with theory. (b) Larger-scale experiments used a combustion-driven shock tube where argon plasma flow, magnetic field and induced current flow were mutually orthogonal. The supersonic flow velocity and thermodynamic parameters of the plasma were accurately known. The electrode channel consisted of a segmented system of 12 electrode pairs with an electrode insulator ratio ranging from 1 to 21, with electrode plus insulator length remaining constant, and with maximum Hall parameter values of unity. Different electrode load combinations (Faraday and Hall generators) have been studied in measuring the power generated and the flow of longitudinal currents between adjacent electrodes. A maximum power of 0,8 MW was obtained, the power output decreasing inversely with the

Update on Peripheral Nerve Electrodes for Closed-Loop Neuroprosthetics

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Emil H. Rijnbeek

2018-05-01

Full Text Available In this paper various types of electrodes for stimulation and recording activity of peripheral nerves for the control of neuroprosthetic limbs are reviewed. First, an overview of interface devices for (feedback- controlled movement of a prosthetic device is given, after which the focus is on peripheral nervous system (PNS electrodes. Important electrode properties, i.e., longevity and spatial resolution, are defined based upon the usability for neuroprostheses. The cuff electrode, longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes (LIFE, transverse intrafascicular multichannel electrode (TIME, Utah slanted electrode array (USEA, and the regenerative electrode are discussed and assessed on their longevity and spatial resolution. The cuff electrode seems to be a promising electrode for the control of neuroprostheses in the near future, because it shows the best longevity and good spatial resolution and it has been used on human subjects in multiple studies. The other electrodes may be promising in the future, but further research on their longevity and spatial resolution is needed. A more quantitatively uniform study protocol used for all electrodes would allow for a proper comparison of recording and stimulation performance. For example, the discussed electrodes could be compared in a large in vivo study, using one uniform comparison protocol.

Impedance of SOFC electrodes: A review and a comprehensive case study on the impedance of LSM:YSZ cathodes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nielsen, Jimmi; Hjelm, Johan

2014-01-01

It was shown through a comprehensive impedance spectroscopy study that the impedance of the classic composite LSM:YSZ (lanthanum strontium manganite and yttria stabilized zirconia) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathode can be described well with porous electrode theory. Furthermore, it was illustr......It was shown through a comprehensive impedance spectroscopy study that the impedance of the classic composite LSM:YSZ (lanthanum strontium manganite and yttria stabilized zirconia) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathode can be described well with porous electrode theory. Furthermore......, it was illustrated through a literature review on SOFC electrodes that porous electrode theory not only describes the classic LSM:YSZ SOFC cathode well, but SOFC electrodes in general. The extensive impedance spectroscopy study of LSM:YSZ cathodes consisted of measurements on cathodes with three different sintering...... temperatures and hence different microstructures and varying degrees of LSM/YSZ solid state interactions. LSM based composite cathodes, where YSZ was replaced with CGO was also studied in order to acquire further knowledge on the chemical compatibility between LSM and YSZ. All impedance measurements were...

Study on the use of solid electrodes for potentiometric titrations in non-aqueous solvents-I

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fatibello Filho, O.; Carvalho, W.M. de; Capelato, M.D.; Bulhoes, L.O.S.; Almeida Neves, E.F. de

1984-01-01

Fatty acids and ethanolamines were titrated potentiometrically with tetrabutylammnonium hydroxide in methyl isobutyl ketone-isopropyl alcohol and with perchloric acid in ethanol, respectively. A study of utilization of Sb, Sn, W, PbO 2 , Ti and 316L stainless steel oxides - Ag/AgBr/Bu 4 NBr (x M)/solvent electrode systems have been investigated in comparison with the glass - Ag/AgBr/Bu 4 NBr (x M)/solvent system. The best performance was obtained using W, Sb, PbO 2 and Ti electrodes have yielded a larger potential shift than glass electrode for acid-base titration. (C.L.B.) [pt

Aqueous solutions of acidic ionic liquids for enhanced stability of polyoxometalate-carbon supercapacitor electrodes

Science.gov (United States)

Hu, Chenchen; Zhao, Enbo; Nitta, Naoki; Magasinski, Alexandre; Berdichevsky, Gene; Yushin, Gleb

2016-09-01

Nanocomposites based on polyoxometalates (POMs) nanoconfined in microporous carbons have been synthesized and used as electrodes for supercapacitors. The addition of the pseudocapacitance from highly reversible redox reaction of POMs to the electric double-layer capacitance of carbon lead to an increase in specific capacitance of ∼90% at 1 mV s-1. However, high solubility of POM in traditional aqueous electrolytes leads to rapid capacity fading. Here we demonstrate that the use of aqueous solutions of protic ionic liquids (P-IL) as electrolyte instead of aqueous sulfuric acid solutions offers an opportunity to significantly improve POM cycling stability. Virtually no degradation in capacitance was observed in POM-based positive electrode after 10,000 cycles in an asymmetric capacitor with P-IL aqueous electrolyte. As such, POM-based carbon composites may now present a viable solution for enhancing energy density of electrical double layer capacitors (EDLC) based on pure carbon electrodes.

Microscopy studies on pronton exchange membrane fuel cell electrodes with different ionomer contents

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ma, Shuang; Solterbeck, Claus Henning; Odgaard, Madeleine

2009-01-01

of the electrode was well displayed in the topography and phase images. The particle and pore size (Z) distributions showed the most frequent values at 30-40 nm and 20-30 nm, respectively. The particle size corresponds to the size of the carbon support for the platinum catalyst. Catalyst agglomeration was observed......Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell electrodes with different ionomer contents were studied with various microscopic techniques. The morphology and surface potential were examined by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Kelvin Probe Microscopy (KPM), respectively. The particulate nature...... in high ionomer content electrodes. The surface potential images showed distinct difference to the topography images. The overall grain size was seen to increase, the pore volume to decrease, the surface roughness to decrease, and the surface potential variation to increase with the increase of ionomer...

The chemistry of Li/SOCl2 cells - An ESR study of carbon electrodes

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, S. S.; Carter, B. J.; Tsay, F. D.

1985-01-01

Carbon electrodes from Li/SOCl2 cells were studied by electron spin resonance after various stages of discharge. Different behavior was observed in the temperature-dependent part of the ESR linewidth, defined as 'intrinsic linewidth', Delta H(int), when two different electrolytes were used. With one electrolyte, 1.5M LiAlCl4/SoCl2, the Delta H(int) value stayed constant or slightly decreased whereas with another electrolyte, 1.0M LiAlCl4/14 percent BrClin SOCl2, the value increased as discharge progressed. The carbon electrodes are modified differently during discharge with these two electrolytes, and it is speculated that this may be due to changes in the carbon matrix functional groups. This difference in the carbon electrodes may explain the claimed differences in safety performance of the cells.

Comparative study of different alcohol sensors based on Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Costa Rama, Estefanía; Biscay, Julien; González García, María Begoña; Julio Reviejo, A; Pingarrón Carrazón, José Manuel; Costa García, Agustín

2012-05-30

Different very simple single-use alcohol enzyme sensors were developed using alcohol oxidase (AOX) from three different yeast, Hansenula sp., Pichia pastoris and Candida boidinii, and employing three different commercial mediator-based Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes as transducers. The mediators tested, Prussian Blue, Ferrocyanide and Co-phthalocyanine were included into the ink of the working electrode. The procedure to obtain these sensors consists of the immobilization of the enzyme on the electrode surface by adsorption. For the immobilization, an AOX solution is deposited on the working electrode and left until dried (1h) at room temperature. The best results were obtained with the biosensor using Screen-Printed Co-phthalocyanine/Carbon Electrode and AOX from Hansenula sp. The reduced cobalt-phthalocyanine form is amperometrically detected at +0.4V (vs. Ag pseudo reference electrode). This sensor shows good sensitivity (1211 nA mM(-1)), high precision (2.1% RSD value for the slope value of the calibration plot) and wide linear response (0.05-1.00 mM) for ethanol determination. The sensor provides also accurate results for ethanol quantification in alcoholic drinks. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In situ electrochemical atomic force microscope study on graphite electrodes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hirasawa, K.A.; Sato, Tomohiro; Asahina, Hitoshi; Yamaguchi, Shoji; Mori, Shoichiro [Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., Inashiki, Ibaraki (Japan). Tsukuba Research Center

1997-04-01

Interest in the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film on graphite electrodes has increased recently in the quest to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. Topographic and frictional changes on the surface of a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite electrode in 1 M LiCiO{sub 4} ethylene carbonate/ethylmethyl carbonate (1:1) electrolyte were examined during charge and discharge by in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy and friction force microscopy simultaneously in real-time. Solid electrolyte interphase film formation commenced at approximately 2 V vs. Li/Li{sup +} and stable film formation with an island-like morphology was observed below approximately 0.9 V vs. Li/Li{sup +}. Further experiments on a KS-44 graphite/polyvinylidene difluoride binder composite electrode showed similar phenomena.

Identifying cochlear implant channels with poor electrode-neuron interface: electrically-evoked auditory brainstem responses measured with the partial tripolar configuration

Science.gov (United States)

Bierer, Julie Arenberg; Faulkner, Kathleen F.; Tremblay, Kelly L.

2011-01-01

Objectives The goal of this study was to compare cochlear implant behavioral measures and electrically-evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABRs) obtained with a spatially focused electrode configuration. It has been shown previously that channels with high thresholds, when measured with the tripolar configuration, exhibit relatively broad psychophysical tuning curves (Bierer and Faulkner, 2010). The elevated threshold and degraded spatial/spectral selectivity of such channels are consistent with a poor electrode-neuron interface, such as suboptimal electrode placement or reduced nerve survival. However, the psychophysical methods required to obtain these data are time intensive and may not be practical during a clinical mapping procedure, especially for young children. Here we have extended the previous investigation to determine if a physiological approach could provide a similar assessment of channel functionality. We hypothesized that, in accordance with the perceptual measures, higher EABR thresholds would correlate with steeper EABR amplitude growth functions, reflecting a degraded electrode-neuron interface. Design Data were collected from six cochlear implant listeners implanted with the HiRes 90k cochlear implant (Advanced Bionics). Single-channel thresholds and most comfortable listening levels were obtained for stimuli that varied in presumed electrical field size by using the partial tripolar configuration, for which a fraction of current (σ) from a center active electrode returns through two neighboring electrodes and the remainder through a distant indifferent electrode. EABRs were obtained in each subject for the two channels having the highest and lowest tripolar (σ=1 or 0.9) behavioral threshold. Evoked potentials were measured with both the monopolar (σ=0) and a more focused partial tripolar (σ ≥ 0.50) configuration. Results Consistent with previous studies, EABR thresholds were highly and positively correlated with behavioral thresholds

ESR studies on degradation processes in polyethyleneterephtalate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chipara, M.; Chipara, M.D.; Georgescu, L.; Constantinescu, L.; Morosanu, C.

2002-01-01

Complete text of publication follows. The generation of free radicals by degradation processes (thermal, plasma and radiation induced) is analyzed. Details regarding the generation of free radicals, their interactions, and kinetics, as revealed by electron spin resonance (ESR), with emphasis on laser beam degradation, are discussed. Some ESR lines of laser-irradiated polyethyleneterephtalate (PET), recorded at room temperature, are shown in Figure 1. The lines are narrow singlets located around g=2.003. The resonance line amplitude, width and double integral of the resonance line are affected by the power of the incident beam. The common features of these degradation processes (universal behavior) as well as the fingerprints of each degradation process are analyzed in detail

Long Life Nickel Electrodes for Nickel-Hydrogen Cells: Fiber Substrates Nickel Electrodes

Science.gov (United States)

Rogers, Howard H.

2000-01-01

Samples of nickel fiber mat electrodes were investigated over a wide range of fiber diameters, electrode thickness, porosity and active material loading levels. Thickness' were 0.040, 0.060 and 0.080 inches for the plaque: fiber diameters were primarily 2, 4, and 8 micron and porosity was 85, 90, and 95%. Capacities of 3.5 in. diameter electrodes were determined in the flooded condition with both 26 and 31% potassium hydroxide solution. These capacity tests indicated that the highest capacities per unit weight were obtained at the 90% porosity level with a 4 micron diameter fiber plaque. It appeared that the thinner electrodes had somewhat better performance, consistent with sintered electrode history. Limited testing with two-positive-electrode boiler plate cells was also carried out. Considerable difficulty with constructing the cells was encountered with short circuits the major problem. Nevertheless, four cells were tested. The cell with 95% porosity electrodes failed during conditioning cycling due to high voltage during charge. Discharge showed that this cell had lost nearly all of its capacity. The other three cells after 20 conditioning cycles showed capacities consistent with the flooded capacities of the electrodes. Positive electrodes made from fiber substrates may well show a weight advantage of standard sintered electrodes, but need considerably more work to prove this statement. A major problem to be investigated is the lower strength of the substrate compared to standard sintered electrodes. Problems with welding of leads were significant and implications that the electrodes would expand more than sintered electrodes need to be investigated. Loading levels were lower than had been expected based on sintered electrode experiences and the lower loading led to lower capacity values. However, lower loading causes less expansion and contraction during cycling so that stress on the substrate is reduced.

Synchrotron x-ray diffraction studies of the structural properties of electrode materials in operating battery cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thurston, T.R.; Jisrawi, N.M.; Mukerjee, S.; Yang, X.Q.; McBreen, J.; Daroux, M.L.; Xing, X.K.

1996-01-01

Hard x rays from a synchrotron source were utilized in diffraction experiments which probed the bulk of electrode materials while they were operating in situ in battery cells. Two technologically relevant electrode materials were examined; an AB 2 -type anode in a nickel endash metal endash hydride cell and a LiMn 2 O 4 cathode in a Li-ion open-quote open-quote rocking chair close-quote close-quote cell. Structural features such as lattice expansions and contractions, phase transitions, and the formation of multiple phases were easily observed as either hydrogen or lithium was electrochemically intercalated in and out of the electrode materials. The relevance of this technique for future studies of battery electrode materials is discussed. copyright 1996 American Institute of Physics

Experimental and modeling study of Portland cement paste degradation in boric acid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Benakli, A.; Chomat, L.; Le Bescop, P.; Wall, J.

2015-01-01

In the framework of Spent Fuel Pools (SFP) lifetime studies, an investigation of the Portland cement degradation in boric acid has been requested by the Electric Power Research Institute. The main goal of this study is to identify the physico-chemical degradation mechanisms involved in boric acid media. Both experimental and modeling approaches are considered. Concerning degradation experiments, sample of cement paste are immersed during three and nine months in a boric acid solution at 2400 ppm that is periodically renewed. Boric acid concentration has been chosen to be representative of SFP solution. Results will be confronted with reactive transport numerical calculations performed by the reactive transport code HYTEC associated with a dedicated extended database called Thermoddem. The analysis of degradation solution revealed a main ions release mechanism driven by diffusion especially for calcium, nitrate, sodium and sulfate. Leaching behavior of magnesium seems to be more complex. Decalcification is the major degradation process involved, even if a non-negligible contribution of further cations (Mg 2+ , Na + ) and anions (SO 4 2- ) has been noticed. Analysis of degradation soution also revealed that kinetic of Portland cement paste degradation in boric acid is higher than in pure water, regarding the degraded depths measured and calcium leaching rate. This observation has been confirmed by solid characterization. Microstructure analysis of degraded Portland cement paste showed a global porosity increase in the degraded zone that might be mainly attributed to Portlandite dissolution. An Ettringite reprecipitation in the degraded zone has been suspected but could also be Ettringite-like phases containing boron. The analysis techniques used did not allow us to differentiate it, and no others specific mineral phases containing boron has been identified. Profile pattern by XRD analysis allowed us to identify four zones composing the degraded Portland cement paste

Solid oxide electrode kinetics in light of in situ surface studies

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg

2014-01-01

The combination of in situ and in particular in operando characterization methods such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) on both technical and model electrode are well known ways to gain some practical insight in electrode reaction kinetics. Yet, is has become clear that in spite...... of the strengths it is not sufficient to reveal much details of the electrode mechanisms mainly because it provide average values only. Therefore it has to be combined with surface science methods in order to reveal the interface structure and composition. Ex situ methods have been very useful over the latest....... Furthermore, it seems that detailed mathematical modeling using new tools like COMSOL is necessary for the synthesis of the large amount of data for a well-characterized electrode into one physical meaningful picture. A brief review of literature an own data will be presented with a practical example of SOFC...

electrode array

African Journals Online (AJOL)

PROF EKWUEME

A geoelectric investigation employing vertical electrical soundings (VES) using the Ajayi - Makinde Two-Electrode array and the ... arrangements used in electrical D.C. resistivity survey. These include ..... Refraction Tomography to Study the.

Electrochemical degradation of 5-FU using a flow reactor with BDD electrode: Comparison of two electrochemical systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Ochoa-Chavez, A S; Pieczyńska, A; Fiszka Borzyszkowska, A; Espinoza-Montero, P J; Siedlecka, E M

2018-06-01

In this study, the electrochemical degradation process of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in aqueous media was performed using a continuous flow reactor in an undivided cell (system I), and in a divided cell with a cationic membrane (Nafion ® 424) (system II). In system I, 75% of 5-FU degradation was achieved (50 mg L -1 ) with a applied current density j app  = 150 A m -2 , volumetric flow rate qv = 13 L h -1 , after 6 h of electrolysis (k app  = 0.004 min -1 ). The removal efficiency of 5-FU was higher (95%) when the concentration was 5 mg L -1 under the same conditions. Nitrates (22% of initial amount of N), fluorides (27%) and ammonium (10%) were quantified after 6 h of electrolysis. System II, 77% of 5-FU degradation was achieved (50 mg L -1 ) after 6 h of electrolysis (k app  = 0.004 min -1 ). The degradation rate of 5-FU was complete when the concentration was 5 mg L -1 under the same conditions. Nitrates (29% of initial amount of N), fluorides (25%) and ammonium (5%) were quantified after 6 h of electrolysis. In addition, the main organic byproducts identified by mass spectroscopy were aliphatic compound with carbonyl and carboxyl functionalities. Due to, the mineralization of 5-FU with acceptable efficiency of 88% found in system II (j app of 200 A m -2 ), this system seems to be more promising in the cytostatic drug removal. Moreover the efficiency of 5-FU removal in diluted solutions is better in system II than in system I. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of gamma radiation on reference electrodes and platinum and carbon steel bare metal electrodes in a simulated waste solution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Danielson, M.J.

1993-09-01

Electrochemical potential measurements of materials in waste tanks are important in determining if the materials have a propensity for stress corrosion cracking and pitting. Potential measurement requires a reference electrode, but the effect of radiation on the potential generated by the reference electrode has been an unknown quantity. To determine the significance of the radiation effect, Pacific Northwest Laboratory conducted studies of five types of electrodes under gamma radiation at room temperature. The subjects were two types of silver/silver chloride reference electrodes (Fisher and Lazaran), a mercury/calomel reference electrode, a platinum ''flag,'' and a piece of A-537 carbon steel; the electrodes were exposed to a simulated caustic tank environment. The Fisher silver/silver chloride and mercury/calomel reference electrodes showed essentially no radiation effects up to a flux of 2.1E6 R/h and fluence of 9.4E8 R, indicating they would be useful reference electrodes for in-tank studies. The Lazaran reg-sign silver/silver chloride electrode showed serious potential deviations at fluences of 2.E8 R, but it would be the electrode of choice in many situations because it is simple to maintain. Radiation affected the open circuit potential of both the platinum and carbon steel electrodes. This effect indicates that corrosion studies without radiation may not duplicate the corrosion processes expected in a waste tank. Mixed-potential theory was used to explain the radiation effects

Fractals in several electrode materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Chunyong, E-mail: zhangchy@njau.edu.cn [Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095 (China); Suzhou Key Laboratory of Environment and Biosafety, Suzhou Academy of Southeast University, Dushuhu lake higher education town, Suzhou 215123 (China); Wu, Jingyu [Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095 (China); Fu, Degang [Suzhou Key Laboratory of Environment and Biosafety, Suzhou Academy of Southeast University, Dushuhu lake higher education town, Suzhou 215123 (China); State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096 (China)

2014-09-15

Highlights: • Fractal geometry was employed to characterize three important electrode materials. • The surfaces of all studied electrodes were proved to be very rough. • The fractal dimensions of BDD and ACF were scale dependent. • MMO film was more uniform than BDD and ACF in terms of fractal structures. - Abstract: In the present paper, the fractal properties of boron-doped diamond (BDD), mixed metal oxide (MMO) and activated carbon fiber (ACF) electrode have been studied by SEM imaging at different scales. Three materials are self-similar with mean fractal dimension in the range of 2.6–2.8, confirming that they all exhibit very rough surfaces. Specifically, it is found that MMO film is more uniform in terms of fractal structure than BDD and ACF. As a result, the intriguing characteristics make these electrodes as ideal candidates for high-performance decontamination processes.

Optimising carbon electrode materials for adsorptive stripping voltammetry

OpenAIRE

Chaisiwamongkhol, K; Batchelor-McAuley, C; Sokolov, S; Holter, J; Young, N; Compton, R

2017-01-01

Different types of carbon electrode materials for adsorptive stripping voltammetry are studied through the use of cyclic voltammetry. Capsaicin is utilised as a model compound for adsorptive stripping voltammetry using unmodified and modified basal plane pyrolytic graphite (BPPG) electrodes modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes, carbon black or graphene nanoplatelets, screen printed carbon electrodes (SPE), carbon nanotube modified screen printed electrodes, and carbon paste electrodes....

Effect of oxidation of carbon material on suspension electrodes for flow electrode capacitive deionization.

Science.gov (United States)

Hatzell, Kelsey B; Hatzell, Marta C; Cook, Kevin M; Boota, Muhammad; Housel, Gabrielle M; McBride, Alexander; Kumbur, E Caglan; Gogotsi, Yury

2015-03-03

Flow electrode deionization (FCDI) is an emerging area for continuous and scalable deionization, but the electrochemical and flow properties of the flow electrode need to be improved to minimize energy consumption. Chemical oxidation of granular activated carbon (AC) was examined here to study the role of surface heteroatoms on rheology and electrochemical performance of a flow electrode (carbon slurry) for deionization processes. Moreover, it was demonstrated that higher mass densities could be used without increasing energy for pumping when using oxidized active material. High mass-loaded flow electrodes (28% carbon content) based on oxidized AC displayed similar viscosities (∼21 Pa s) to lower mass-loaded flow electrodes (20% carbon content) based on nonoxidized AC. The 40% increased mass loading (from 20% to 28%) resulted in a 25% increase in flow electrode gravimetric capacitance (from 65 to 83 F g(-1)) without sacrificing flowability (viscosity). The electrical energy required to remove ∼18% of the ions (desalt) from of the feed solution was observed to be significantly dependent on the mass loading and decreased (∼60%) from 92 ± 7 to 28 ± 2.7 J with increased mass densities from 5 to 23 wt %. It is shown that the surface chemistry of the active material in a flow electrode effects the electrical and pumping energy requirements of a FCDI system.

Study of the thermal degradation of citrus seeds

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hernandez-Montoya, V. [Centro de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Apdo. Postal J-55, Puebla 72570, Pue (Mexico); Instituto Nacional del Carbon, CSIC, Apartado 73, E-33080 Oviedo (Spain); Montes-Moran, M.A. [Instituto Nacional del Carbon, CSIC, Apartado 73, E-33080 Oviedo (Spain); Elizalde-Gonzalez, M.P. [Centro de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias, Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Apdo. Postal J-55, Puebla 72570, Pue (Mexico)

2009-09-15

The citrus seeds are one of the principal residues in the juice industry and their utilization can decrease significantly the problems of their final disposal. In this work the thermal degradation of three Mexican citrus seeds: orange (Citrus sinensis), lemon (Citrus Limon) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) was studied in nitrogen atmosphere. The two components (embryo and husk) of the seeds were characterized separately. The results showed that the thermal effects are very similar between the three embryos and the three husks. The embryos show higher degradability, superior content of nitrogen and higher heating value than the husks. The thermal degradation of the components of the three seeds is completed at 600 C and it is considered to be a global process derived from the decomposition of their principal components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin). The results suggest that mixing the three entire seeds will not lead to a severe deviation from their individual thermal behavior and that the industry could apply them for carbonization purposes. (author)

An experimental study on hepatic ablation using an expandable radio-frequency needle electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Choi, Dong Il; Lim, Hyo Keun; Park, Jong Min; Kang, Bo Kyung; Woo, Ji Young; Jang, Hyun Jung; Kim, Seung Hoon; Lee, Won Jae; Park, Cheol Keun; Heo, Jin Seok

1999-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing on the size of thermal lesions after ablation using an expendable radio-frequency needle electrode in porcine liver. Ablation procedures involved the use of a monopolar radio-frequency generator and 15-G needle electrodes with four and seven retractable hooks (RITA Medical System, Mountain View, Cal., U.S.A.). The ablation protocol in fresh porcine liver comprised of combinations of varying hook deployment, highest set temperature, and ablation time. Following ablation, the maximum diameter of all thermal lesions was measured on a longitudinal section of the specimen. Ten representive lesions were examined by an experienced pathologist. At 3-cm hook deployment of the needle electrode with four lateral hooks, the size of spherical thermal lesions increased substantially with increases in the highest set temperature and ablation time until 11 minutes. After 11 minutes lesion size remained similar, with a maximum diameter of 3.3 cm. At 2-cm hook deployment, sizes decreased to about 2/3 of those at 3 cm , and at 1-cm hook deployment lesions were oblong. At 3-cm hook deployment of a needle electrode with seven hooks, the size of thermal lesions increased with increasing ablation time until 14 minutes, and the maximum diameter was 4.1 cm. Microscopic examination showed a wide zone of degeneration and focal coagulation necrosis. The size of thermal lesions produced by the use of an expandable radio-frequency needle electrode were predictable, varying according to degree of hook deployment, highest set temperature, and ablation time

Bio-Electron-Fenton (BEF) process driven by microbial fuel cells for triphenyltin chloride (TPTC) degradation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yong, Xiao-Yu; Gu, Dong-Yan; Wu, Yuan-Dong [College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816 (China); Bioenergy Research Institute, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816 (China); Yan, Zhi-Ying [Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Chengdu 610041 (China); Zhou, Jun; Wu, Xia-Yuan [College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816 (China); Bioenergy Research Institute, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816 (China); Wei, Ping [College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816 (China); Jia, Hong-Hua [College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816 (China); Bioenergy Research Institute, Nanjing TECH University, Nanjing 211816 (China); Zheng, Tao, E-mail: zhengtao@ms.giec.ac.cn [Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Science, Nengyuan Road, Guangzhou 510640 (China); Yong, Yang-Chun, E-mail: ycyong@ujs.edu.cn [Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094 (China)

2017-02-15

Graphical abstract: Schematic diagram of the Bio-Electron-Fenton (BEF) process for TPTC degradation. - Highlights: • A Bio-Electro-Fenton process was performed for TPTC degradation. • TPTC removal efficiency achieved 78.32 ± 2.07% within 100 h. • The TPTC degradation rate (0.775 ± 0.021 μmol L{sup −1} h{sup −1}) was much higher than previous reports. - Abstract: The intensive use of triphenyltin chloride (TPTC) has caused serious environmental pollution. In this study, an effective method for TPTC degradation was proposed based on the Bio-Electron-Fenton process in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The maximum voltage of the MFC with graphite felt as electrode was 278.47% higher than that of carbon cloth. The electricity generated by MFC can be used for in situ generation of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} to a maximum of 135.96 μmol L{sup −1} at the Fe@Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3(*)}/graphite felt composite cathode, which further reacted with leached Fe{sup 2+} to produce hydroxyl radicals. While 100 μmol L{sup −1} TPTC was added to the cathodic chamber, the degradation efficiency of TPTC reached 78.32 ± 2.07%, with a rate of 0.775 ± 0.021 μmol L{sup −1} h{sup −1}. This Bio-Electron-Fenton driving TPTC degradation might involve in Sn−C bonds breaking and the main process is probably a stepwise dephenylation until the formation of inorganic tin and CO{sub 2}. This study provides an energy saving and efficient approach for TPTC degradation.

Fundamental degradation mechanisms of layered oxide Li-ion battery cathode materials: Methodology, insights and novel approaches

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hausbrand, R.; Cherkashinin, G.; Ehrenberg, H.; Gröting, M.; Albe, K.; Hess, C.; Jaegermann, W.

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Description of recent in operando and in situ analysis methodology. • Surface science approach using photoemission for analysis of cathode surfaces and interfaces. • Ageing and fatigue of layered oxide Li-ion battery cathode materials from the atomistic point of view. • Defect formation and electronic structure evolution as causes for cathode degradation. • Significance of interfacial energy alignment and contact potential for side reactions. - Abstract: This overview addresses the atomistic aspects of degradation of layered LiMO 2 (M = Ni, Co, Mn) oxide Li-ion battery cathode materials, aiming to shed light on the fundamental degradation mechanisms especially inside active cathode materials and at their interfaces. It includes recent results obtained by novel in situ/in operando diffraction methods, modelling, and quasi in situ surface science analysis. Degradation of the active cathode material occurs upon overcharge, resulting from a positive potential shift of the anode. Oxygen loss and eventual phase transformation resulting in dead regions are ascribed to changes in electronic structure and defect formation. The anode potential shift results from loss of free lithium due to side reactions occurring at electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Such side reactions are caused by electron transfer, and depend on the electron energy level alignment at the interface. Side reactions at electrode/electrolyte interfaces and capacity fade may be overcome by the use of suitable solid-state electrolytes and Li-containing anodes

Identifying cochlear implant channels with poor electrode-neuron interfaces: electrically evoked auditory brain stem responses measured with the partial tripolar configuration.

Science.gov (United States)

Bierer, Julie Arenberg; Faulkner, Kathleen F; Tremblay, Kelly L

2011-01-01

The goal of this study was to compare cochlear implant behavioral measures and electrically evoked auditory brain stem responses (EABRs) obtained with a spatially focused electrode configuration. It has been shown previously that channels with high thresholds, when measured with the tripolar configuration, exhibit relatively broad psychophysical tuning curves. The elevated threshold and degraded spatial/spectral selectivity of such channels are consistent with a poor electrode-neuron interface, defined as suboptimal electrode placement or reduced nerve survival. However, the psychophysical methods required to obtain these data are time intensive and may not be practical during a clinical mapping session, especially for young children. Here, we have extended the previous investigation to determine whether a physiological approach could provide a similar assessment of channel functionality. We hypothesized that, in accordance with the perceptual measures, higher EABR thresholds would correlate with steeper EABR amplitude growth functions, reflecting a degraded electrode-neuron interface. Data were collected from six cochlear implant listeners implanted with the HiRes 90k cochlear implant (Advanced Bionics). Single-channel thresholds and most comfortable listening levels were obtained for stimuli that varied in presumed electrical field size by using the partial tripolar configuration, for which a fraction of current (σ) from a center active electrode returns through two neighboring electrodes and the remainder through a distant indifferent electrode. EABRs were obtained in each subject for the two channels having the highest and lowest tripolar (σ = 1 or 0.9) behavioral threshold. Evoked potentials were measured with both the monopolar (σ = 0) and a more focused partial tripolar (σ ≥ 0.50) configuration. Consistent with previous studies, EABR thresholds were highly and positively correlated with behavioral thresholds obtained with both the monopolar and partial

Human resilience in a degrading environment: A case study in China

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Haaften, A.J.; Yu, Z.R.; Vijver, van den F.J.R.

2004-01-01

Psychological aspects of environmental degradation were studied among 753 Chinese farmers. A good fit was found for a structural equation model postulating a relationship between various input variables (i.e. environmental degradation, socio-economic status, education, coping, and locus of control),

Detection of EEG electrodes in brain volumes.

Science.gov (United States)

Graffigna, Juan P; Gómez, M Eugenia; Bustos, José J

2010-01-01

This paper presents a method to detect 128 EEG electrodes in image study and to merge with the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance volume for better diagnosis. First we propose three hypotheses to define a specific acquisition protocol in order to recognize the electrodes and to avoid distortions in the image. In the second instance we describe a method for segmenting the electrodes. Finally, registration is performed between volume of the electrodes and NMR.

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation using stent-type electrode for varicose veins: an experimental study in goats

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Won, Je Hwan; Han, Jae Ho; Oh, Chang Kwon [Ajou University Hospital, Suwon (Korea, Republic of); Kwak, Young Lan [Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Park, Sung Il [Ulsan University GangNeung Asan Hospital, Gangeung (Korea, Republic of)

2004-10-15

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and the optimal conditions of radiofrequency (RF) ablation by using the stent-type electrode upon the saphenous vein of goats for the endovenous treatment of varicose veins. A self-expandable nitinol stent electrode (6 mm diameter, 2 cm length, cell size; 1.3 x 2 mm) was designed to expose the distal 1 cm segment to allow for contact with the venous wall. The proximal part of the electrode was connected to the RF generator by insulated copper wires located within the stent electrode introducer. Initially, to optimize the power setting, ablation of 6 saphenous veins in 3 goats was performed with power settings of 10, 20 and 30 W. Pull back rate of the electrode was 2 and 4 cm/min for each power level, respectively. The goats were sacrificed 4-6 weeks later and histologic examinations of the saphenous veins were done. For the second part of the experiment, RF ablation of 4 saphenous veins from 2 goats was done by applying the optimal power, based upon the first examination; these procedure was performed with variable pull back rates. Again, the goats were sacrificed 1-6 weeks later and histologic examinations were done. Endovenous ablation of the goat saphenous veins at 20 W caused complete obliteration without complication. There was incomplete occlusion at 10 W, and there were vessel perforation, extravasation, and adjacent tissue injury at 30 W. In second part of the study, the complete circumferential obliteration of the vein was demonstrated at a pull back rate of 1 cm/min and 3 cm/min with the power of 20 W. The stent-type electrode may be useful in endovenous RF ablation for treatment of varicose veins. For stents with a diameter of 6 mm, the optional combination of 20 W of power with a pull back rate of 1-3 cm/min produced the most favorable results. Further study and clinical investigations are warranted.

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation using stent-type electrode for varicose veins: an experimental study in goats

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Won, Je Hwan; Han, Jae Ho; Oh, Chang Kwon; Kwak, Young Lan; Park, Sung Il

2004-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and the optimal conditions of radiofrequency (RF) ablation by using the stent-type electrode upon the saphenous vein of goats for the endovenous treatment of varicose veins. A self-expandable nitinol stent electrode (6 mm diameter, 2 cm length, cell size; 1.3 x 2 mm) was designed to expose the distal 1 cm segment to allow for contact with the venous wall. The proximal part of the electrode was connected to the RF generator by insulated copper wires located within the stent electrode introducer. Initially, to optimize the power setting, ablation of 6 saphenous veins in 3 goats was performed with power settings of 10, 20 and 30 W. Pull back rate of the electrode was 2 and 4 cm/min for each power level, respectively. The goats were sacrificed 4-6 weeks later and histologic examinations of the saphenous veins were done. For the second part of the experiment, RF ablation of 4 saphenous veins from 2 goats was done by applying the optimal power, based upon the first examination; these procedure was performed with variable pull back rates. Again, the goats were sacrificed 1-6 weeks later and histologic examinations were done. Endovenous ablation of the goat saphenous veins at 20 W caused complete obliteration without complication. There was incomplete occlusion at 10 W, and there were vessel perforation, extravasation, and adjacent tissue injury at 30 W. In second part of the study, the complete circumferential obliteration of the vein was demonstrated at a pull back rate of 1 cm/min and 3 cm/min with the power of 20 W. The stent-type electrode may be useful in endovenous RF ablation for treatment of varicose veins. For stents with a diameter of 6 mm, the optional combination of 20 W of power with a pull back rate of 1-3 cm/min produced the most favorable results. Further study and clinical investigations are warranted

Study on the Highly Sensitive AChE Electrode Based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shuping Zhang

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Using chitosan (CS as carrier, the method named layer-by-layer (LBL self-assembly modification to modify the glassy carbon electrode (GCE with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs and acetylcholine esterase (AChE was proposed to prepare the acetylcholine esterase electrode with high sensitivity and stability. The modified electrode was used to detect pesticide of aldicarb, and the enzyme inhibition rate of the electrode showed good linearity with pesticide concentrations in the range of 10−10 g·L−1 to 10−3 g·L−1. The detection limit was 10−11 g·L−1. The modified electrode was also used to detect the actual sample, and the recovery rate range was from 97.72% to 107.15%, which could meet the rapid testing need of the aldicarb residue. After being stored in the phosphate buffer solution (PBS in 4°C for 30 days, the modified electrode showed good stability with the response current that was 80% of the original current.

Intrinsic immunogenicity of rapidly-degradable polymers evolves during degradation.

Science.gov (United States)

Andorko, James I; Hess, Krystina L; Pineault, Kevin G; Jewell, Christopher M

2016-03-01

Recent studies reveal many biomaterial vaccine carriers are able to activate immunostimulatory pathways, even in the absence of other immune signals. How the changing properties of polymers during biodegradation impact this intrinsic immunogenicity is not well studied, yet this information could contribute to rational design of degradable vaccine carriers that help direct immune response. We use degradable poly(beta-amino esters) (PBAEs) to explore intrinsic immunogenicity as a function of the degree of polymer degradation and polymer form (e.g., soluble, particles). PBAE particles condensed by electrostatic interaction to mimic a common vaccine approach strongly activate dendritic cells, drive antigen presentation, and enhance T cell proliferation in the presence of antigen. Polymer molecular weight strongly influences these effects, with maximum stimulation at short degradation times--corresponding to high molecular weight--and waning levels as degradation continues. In contrast, free polymer is immunologically inert. In mice, PBAE particles increase the numbers and activation state of cells in lymph nodes. Mechanistic studies reveal that this evolving immunogenicity occurs as the physicochemical properties and concentration of particles change during polymer degradation. This work confirms the immunological profile of degradable, synthetic polymers can evolve over time and creates an opportunity to leverage this feature in new vaccines. Degradable polymers are increasingly important in vaccination, but how the inherent immunogenicity of polymers changes during degradation is poorly understood. Using common rapidly-degradable vaccine carriers, we show that the activation of immune cells--even in the absence of other adjuvants--depends on polymer form (e.g., free, particulate) and the extent of degradation. These changing characteristics alter the physicochemical properties (e.g., charge, size, molecular weight) of polymer particles, driving changes in

Kinetic and mechanistic study of microcystin-LR degradation by nitrous acid under ultraviolet irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ma, Qingwei; Ren, Jing; Huang, Honghui; Wang, Shoubing; Wang, Xiangrong; Fan, Zhengqiu

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► For the first time, degradation of MC-LR by nitrous acid under UV 365 nm was discovered. ► The effects of factors on MC-LR degradation were analyzed based on kinetic study. ► Mass spectrometry was applied for identification of intermediates and products. ► Special intermediates involved in this study were identified. ► Degradation mechanisms were proposed according to the results of LC–MS analysis. - Abstract: Degradation of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in the presence of nitrous acid (HNO 2 ) under irradiation of 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) was studied for the first time. The influence of initial conditions including pH value, NaNO 2 concentration, MC-LR concentration and UV intensity were studied. MC-LR was degraded in the presence of HNO 2 ; enhanced degradation of MC-LR was observed with 365 nm UV irradiation, caused by the generation of hydroxyl radicals through the photolysis of HNO 2 . The degradation processes of MC-LR could well fit the pseudo-first-order kinetics. Mass spectrometry was applied for identification of the byproducts and the analysis of degradation mechanisms. Major degradation pathways were proposed according to the results of LC–MS analysis. The degradation of MC-LR was initiated via three major pathways: attack of hydroxyl radicals on the conjugated carbon double bonds of Adda, attack of hydroxyl radicals on the benzene ring of Adda, and attack of nitrosonium ion on the benzene ring of Adda.

Electrocatalytic Study of Paracetamol at a Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Nickel Nanocomposite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Koh Sing Ngai

2015-01-01

Full Text Available A rapid, simple, and sensitive method for the electrochemical determination of paracetamol was developed. A single-walled carbon nanotube/nickel (SWCNT/Ni nanocomposite was prepared and immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE surface via mechanical attachment. This paper reports the voltammetry study on the effect of paracetamol concentration, scan rate, pH, and temperature at a SWCNT/Ni-modified electrode in the determination of paracetamol. The characterization of the SWCNT/Ni/GCE was performed by cyclic voltammetry. Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX spectrometer were used to examine the surface morphology and elemental profile of the modified electrode, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry showed significant enhancement in peak current for the determination of paracetamol at the SWCNT/Ni-modified electrode. A linear calibration curve was obtained for the paracetamol concentration between 0.05 and 0.50 mM. The SWCNT/Ni/GCE displayed a sensitivity of 64 mA M−1 and a detection limit of 1.17 × 10−7 M in paracetamol detection. The proposed electrode can be applied for the determination of paracetamol in real pharmaceutical samples with satisfactory performance. Results indicate that electrodes modified with SWCNT and nickel nanoparticles exhibit better electrocatalytic activity towards paracetamol.

Hot electron-induced electrochemiluminescence at polyetherimide-carbon black-based electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Salminen, Kalle; Grönroos, Päivi; Johansson, Leena-Sisko; Campbell, Joseph; Kulmala, Sakari

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Generation of hydrated electrons at carbon paste electrodes. • Hydrated electrons are able to produce intense chemiluminescence. • Relationship between carbon black content in electrode and HECL studied. • Performance of composite electrodes is similar to aluminum electrodes. • The present electrodes are good alternative for disposable assay cartridges. - Abstract: Various luminophores produce strong electrogenerated chemiluminescence during cathodic pulse polarization of the present insulating film-covered carbon paste electrodes in fully aqueous solutions. First electrodes made of a commercial conductive carbon paste were successfully utilized as working electrodes and their surface was characterized by ESCA. Then custom in-laboratory made improved composite electrodes were manufactured from the same insulating polymer and conducting carbon black particles. The relationship between the amount of carbon present on the composite electrode, in the bulk and on the surface, and the intensity of electrogenerated chemiluminescence was studied further. The overall performance of these composite electrodes makes them viable low-cost replacements for metal/insulator type electrodes such as oxide-coated silicon electrodes.

Facile 3D Metal Electrode Fabrication for Energy Applications via Inkjet Printing and Shape Memory Polymer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roberts, R C; Wu, J; Li, D C; Hau, N Y; Chang, Y H; Feng, S P

2014-01-01

This paper reports on a simple 3D metal electrode fabrication technique via inkjet printing onto a thermally contracting shape memory polymer (SMP) substrate. Inkjet printing allows for the direct patterning of structures from metal nanoparticle bearing liquid inks. After deposition, these inks require thermal curing steps to render a stable conductive film. By printing onto a SMP substrate, the metal nanoparticle ink can be cured and substrate shrunk simultaneously to create 3D metal microstructures, forming a large surface area topology well suited for energy applications. Polystyrene SMP shrinkage was characterized in a laboratory oven from 150-240°C, resulting in a size reduction of 1.97-2.58. Silver nanoparticle ink was patterned into electrodes, shrunk, and the topology characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Zinc-Silver Oxide microbatteries were fabricated to demonstrate the 3D electrodes compared to planar references. Characterization was performed using 10M potassium hydroxide electrolyte solution doped with zinc oxide (57g/L). After a 300s oxidation at 3Vdc, the 3D electrode battery demonstrated a 125% increased capacity over the reference cell. Reference cells degraded with longer oxidations, but the 3D electrodes were fully oxidized for 4 hours, and exhibited a capacity of 5.5mA-hr/cm 2 with stable metal performance

Design, fabrication and skin-electrode contact analysis of polymer microneedle-based ECG electrodes

Science.gov (United States)

O'Mahony, Conor; Grygoryev, Konstantin; Ciarlone, Antonio; Giannoni, Giuseppe; Kenthao, Anan; Galvin, Paul

2016-08-01

Microneedle-based ‘dry’ electrodes have immense potential for use in diagnostic procedures such as electrocardiography (ECG) analysis, as they eliminate several of the drawbacks associated with the conventional ‘wet’ electrodes currently used for physiological signal recording. To be commercially successful in such a competitive market, it is essential that dry electrodes are manufacturable in high volumes and at low cost. In addition, the topographical nature of these emerging devices means that electrode performance is likely to be highly dependent on the quality of the skin-electrode contact. This paper presents a low-cost, wafer-level micromoulding technology for the fabrication of polymeric ECG electrodes that use microneedle structures to make a direct electrical contact to the body. The double-sided moulding process can be used to eliminate post-process via creation and wafer dicing steps. In addition, measurement techniques have been developed to characterize the skin-electrode contact force. We perform the first analysis of signal-to-noise ratio dependency on contact force, and show that although microneedle-based electrodes can outperform conventional gel electrodes, the quality of ECG recordings is significantly dependent on temporal and mechanical aspects of the skin-electrode interface.

Design, fabrication and skin-electrode contact analysis of polymer microneedle-based ECG electrodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

O’Mahony, Conor; Grygoryev, Konstantin; Ciarlone, Antonio; Giannoni, Giuseppe; Kenthao, Anan; Galvin, Paul

2016-01-01

Microneedle-based ‘dry’ electrodes have immense potential for use in diagnostic procedures such as electrocardiography (ECG) analysis, as they eliminate several of the drawbacks associated with the conventional ‘wet’ electrodes currently used for physiological signal recording. To be commercially successful in such a competitive market, it is essential that dry electrodes are manufacturable in high volumes and at low cost. In addition, the topographical nature of these emerging devices means that electrode performance is likely to be highly dependent on the quality of the skin-electrode contact.This paper presents a low-cost, wafer-level micromoulding technology for the fabrication of polymeric ECG electrodes that use microneedle structures to make a direct electrical contact to the body. The double-sided moulding process can be used to eliminate post-process via creation and wafer dicing steps. In addition, measurement techniques have been developed to characterize the skin-electrode contact force. We perform the first analysis of signal-to-noise ratio dependency on contact force, and show that although microneedle-based electrodes can outperform conventional gel electrodes, the quality of ECG recordings is significantly dependent on temporal and mechanical aspects of the skin-electrode interface. (paper)

Bioelectrocatalytic dechlorination of trichloroacetic acid at gel-immobilized hemoglobin on multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified graphite electrode: Kinetic modeling and reaction pathways

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Qi; Yu, Jianming; Xu, Yinghua; Wang, Jiade; Ying, Le; Song, Xinxin; Zhou, Gendi; Chen, Jianmeng

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► The electrons transfer from enzyme in the electrode to COCs was the key step. ► The average current efficiency was influenced by pH and temperature of the systems. ► The most favourable degradation conditions for TCA were found to be pH 3 and 310 K. ► The activation energy of 26.2 kJ mol −1 was also calculated by the Arrhenius equation. ► Bioelectrocatalytic mechanism of TCA was verified by kinetic expressions. -- Abstract: In bioelectrochemically reductive dechlorination of chlorinated organic compounds (COCs), the electrons transfer from enzyme in the electrode to COCs was the key step, which determined the average current efficiency (CE) and was influenced by the pH and temperature of the systems. In this work, the effect of temperature (288–318 K) and pH (2–11) of the electrolyte on decholrination of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) was investigated in the sodium alginate/hemoglobin-multiwalled carbon nanotubes-graphite composite electrode (Hb/SA–MWCNT–GE). The results showed that the most favourable degradation conditions for TCA by Hb/SA–MWCNT–GE were found to be pH 3 and 310 K. By varying the pH of the systems, it was found that a proton accompanied with an electron transfer between the electrode and heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) of Hb during the reaction. Additionally, the activation energy of 26.2 kJ mol −1 was also calculated by the Arrhenius equation for the reaction. The total mass balance of the reactant and the products was in the range of 97–105% during the bioelectrochemically reductive reaction. The CE only decreased from 87% to 83% when the Hb/SA–MWCNT–GE was used 5 times. Based on the intermediates detected, a pathway was proposed for TCA degradation in which it underwent dechlorination process. The main degradation mechanism described by a parallel reaction rather than by a sequential reaction for dechlorination of TCA in Hb/SA–MWCNT–GE system was proposed. These data provided relevant information about the

The effect of electrodes on 11 acene molecular spin valve: Semi-empirical study

Science.gov (United States)

Aadhityan, A.; Preferencial Kala, C.; John Thiruvadigal, D.

2017-10-01

A new revolution in electronics is molecular spintronics, with the contemporary evolution of the two novel disciplines of spintronics and molecular electronics. The key point is the creation of molecular spin valve which consists of a diamagnetic molecule in between two magnetic leads. In this paper, non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) combined with Extended Huckel Theory (EHT); a semi-empirical approach is used to analyse the electron transport characteristics of 11 acene molecular spin valve. We examine the spin-dependence transport on 11 acene molecular junction with various semi-infinite electrodes as Iron, Cobalt and Nickel. To analyse the spin-dependence transport properties the left and right electrodes are joined to the central region in parallel and anti-parallel configurations. We computed spin polarised device density of states, projected device density of states of carbon and the electrode element, and transmission of these devices. The results demonstrate that the effect of electrodes modifying the spin-dependence behaviours of these systems in a controlled way. In Parallel and anti-parallel configuration the separation of spin up and spin down is lager in the case of iron electrode than nickel and cobalt electrodes. It shows that iron is the best electrode for 11 acene spin valve device. Our theoretical results are reasonably impressive and trigger our motivation for comprehending the transport properties of these molecular-sized contacts.

High performance cermet electrodes

Science.gov (United States)

Isenberg, Arnold O.; Zymboly, Gregory E.

1986-01-01

Disclosed is a method of increasing the operating cell voltage of a solid oxide electrochemical cell having metal electrode particles in contact with an oxygen-transporting ceramic electrolyte. The metal electrode is heated with the cell, and oxygen is passed through the oxygen-transporting ceramic electrolyte to the surface of the metal electrode particles so that the metal electrode particles are oxidized to form a metal oxide layer between the metal electrode particles and the electrolyte. The metal oxide layer is then reduced to form porous metal between the metal electrode particles and the ceramic electrolyte.

Concentric-Electrode Organic Electrochemical Transistors: Case Study for Selective Hydrazine Sensing

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sébastien Pecqueur

2017-03-01

Full Text Available We report on hydrazine-sensing organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs with a design consisting of concentric annular electrodes. The design engineering of these OECTs was motivated by the great potential of using OECT sensing arrays in fields such as bioelectronics. In this work, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:poly(styrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS-based OECTs have been studied as aqueous sensors that are specifically sensitive to the lethal hydrazine molecule. These amperometric sensors have many relevant features for the development of hydrazine sensors, such as a sensitivity down to 10−5 M of hydrazine in water, an order of magnitude higher selectivity for hydrazine than for nine other water-soluble common analytes, the capability to entirely recover its base signal after water flushing, and a very low operation voltage. The specificity for hydrazine to be sensed by our OECTs is caused by its catalytic oxidation at the gate electrode, and enables an increase in the output current modulation of the devices. This has permitted the device-geometry study of the whole series of 80 micrometric OECT devices with sub-20-nm PEDOT:PSS layers, channel lengths down to 1 µm, and a specific device geometry of coplanar and concentric electrodes. The numerous geometries unravel new aspects of the OECT mechanisms governing the electrochemical sensing behaviours of the device—more particularly the effect of the contacts which are inherent at the micro-scale. By lowering the device cross-talk, micrometric gate-integrated radial OECTs shall contribute to the diminishing of the readout invasiveness and therefore further promote the development of OECT biosensors.

Bifunctional electrodes for unitised regenerative fuel cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Altmann, Sebastian; Kaz, Till; Friedrich, Kaspar Andreas

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → Different oxygen electrode configurations for the operation in a unitised reversible fuel cell were tested. → Polarisation curves and EIS measurements were recorded. → The mixture of catalysts performs best for the present stage of electrode development. → Potential improvements for the different compositions are discussed. - Abstract: The effects of different configurations and compositions of platinum and iridium oxide electrodes for the oxygen reaction of unitised regenerative fuel cells (URFC) are reported. Bifunctional oxygen electrodes are important for URFC development because favourable properties for the fuel cell and the electrolysis modes must be combined into a single electrode. The bifunctional electrodes were studied under different combinations of catalyst mixtures, multilayer arrangements and segmented configurations with single catalyst areas. Distinct electrochemical behaviour was observed for both modes and can be explained on the basis of impedance spectroscopy. The mixture of both catalysts performs best for the present stage of electrode development. Also, the multilayer electrodes yielded good results with the potential for optimisation. The influence of ionic and electronic resistances on the relative performance is demonstrated. However, penalties due to cross currents in the heterogeneous electrodes were identified and explained by comparing the performance curves with electrodes composed of a single catalyst. Potential improvements for the different compositions are discussed.

Electrochemical degradation of dimethyl phthalate ester on a DSA® electrode

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Souza, Fernanda L.; Aquino, Jose M.; Miwa, Douglas W.; Motheo, Artur J. [Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Carlos, SP (Brazil). Instituto de Quimica; Rodrigo, Manuel A., E-mail: artur@iqsc.usp.br [Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha, Ciudad Real (Spain)

2014-03-15

The electrochemical degradation of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) using a one-compartment filter press flow cell and a commercial dimensionally stable anode (DSA®) is presented. The best electrolysis conditions were determined by the analysis of the influence of the nature and concentration of the support electrolyte, pH, current density and temperature. The abatement of DMP concentration and total organic carbon (TOC) removal were superior in the presence of NaCl, as well as the apparent first order kinetic constants. Using constant ionic strength at 0.15 mol dm{sup -3} by adding Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4}, DMP concentration decreases faster at relative low NaCl concentrations while the TOC removal after 1 h of electrolysis increases with NaCl concentration. The DMP removal was very similar for all the current densities investigated at acidic solutions. When electric energy saving is considered, since the electrochemical system was under mass transport conditions, the best operational option is to use low current density values. (author)

The new mid-scala electrode array: a radiologic and histologic study in human temporal bones.

Science.gov (United States)

Hassepass, Frederike; Bulla, Stefan; Maier, Wolfgang; Laszig, Roland; Arndt, Susan; Beck, Rainer; Traser, Lousia; Aschendorff, Antje

2014-09-01

To analyze the quality of insertion of the newly developed midscala (MS) electrode, which targets a midscalar electrode position to reduce the risk of trauma to the lateral wall and the modiolus. Modern cochlear implant surgery aims for a safe intracochlear placement of electrode arrays with an ongoing debate regarding cochleostomy or round window (RW) insertion and the use of lateral wall or perimodiolar electrode placement. Intracochlear trauma after insertion of different electrodes depends on insertion mode and electrode design and may result in trauma to the delicate structures of the cochlear. We performed a temporal bone (TB) trial with insertion of the MS electrode in n = 20 TB's after a mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy. Insertion was performed either via the RW or a cochleostomy. Electrode positioning, length of insertion, and angle of insertion were analyzed with rotational tomography (RT). TBs were histologically analyzed. Results of RT and histology were compared. Scala tympani (ST) insertion could be accomplished reliably by both RW and via a cochleostomy approach. In 20 TBs, 1 scala vestibuli insertion, 1 incomplete (ST), and 1 elevation of basilar membrane were depicted. No trauma was found in 94.7% of all ST insertions. RT allowed determination of the intracochlear electrode position, which was specified by histologic sectioning. The new MS electrode seems to fulfill reliable atraumatic intracochlear placement via RW and cochleostomy approaches. RT is available for evaluation of intracochlear electrode position, serving as a potential quality control instrument in human implantation.

Improvement in Electrode Performance of Novel SWCNT Loaded Three-Dimensional Porous RVC Composite Electrodes by Electrochemical Deposition Method

Science.gov (United States)

Almoigli, Mohammed; Meriey, Al Yahya; Alharbi, Khalid N.

2018-01-01

The three-dimensional (3D) composite electrodes were prepared by depositing different amounts of acid-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (a-SWCNTs) on porous reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) through the electrochemical deposition method. The SWCNT was functionalized by the reflux method in nitric acid and was proven by Raman and visible spectra. The optimum time for sonication to disperse the functionalized SWCNT (a-SWCNT) in dimethyl formamide (DMF) well was determined by UV spectra. The average pore size of RVC electrodes was calculated from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Moreover, the surface morphology of composite electrodes was also examined by SEM study. All 3D electrodes were evaluated for their electrochemical properties by cyclic voltammetry. The result showed that the value of specific capacitance of the electrode increases with the increase in the amount of a-SWCNT in geometric volume. However, the value of specific capacitance per gram decreases with the increase in scan rate as well as the amount of a-SWCNT. The stability of the electrodes was also tested. This revealed that all the electrodes were stable; however, lower a-SWCNT-loaded electrodes had excellent cyclic stability. These results suggest that the a-SWCNT-coated RVC electrodes have promise as an effective technology for desalination. PMID:29301258

Photocatalytic degradation of rosuvastatin: Analytical studies and toxicity evaluations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Machado, Tiele Caprioli, E-mail: tiele@enq.ufrgs.br [Chemical Engineering Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Engenheiro Luiz Englert s/n, CEP: 90040-040 Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil); Pizzolato, Tânia Mara [Chemical Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, CEP: 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil); Arenzon, Alexandre [Ecology Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, CEP: 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil); Segalin, Jeferson [Biotechnology Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500, CEP: 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil); Lansarin, Marla Azário [Chemical Engineering Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Engenheiro Luiz Englert s/n, CEP: 90040-040 Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil)

2015-01-01

Photocatalytic degradation of rosuvastatin, which is a drug that has been used to reduce blood cholesterol levels, was studied in this work employing ZnO as catalyst. The experiments were carried out in a temperature-controlled batch reactor that was irradiated with UV light. Preliminary the effects of the photocatalyst loading, the initial pH and the initial rosuvastatin concentration were evaluated. The experimental results showed that rosuvastatin degradation is primarily a photocatalytic process, with pseudo-first order kinetics. The byproducts that were generated during the oxidative process were identified using nano-ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nano-UPLC–MS/MS) and acute toxicity tests using Daphnia magna were done to evaluate the toxicity of the untreated rosuvastatin solution and the reactor effluent. - Highlights: • The photocatalytic degradation of rosuvastatin was studied under UV irradiation. • Commercial catalyst ZnO was used. • Initial rosuvastatin concentration, photocatalyst loading and pH were evaluated. • The byproducts generated during the oxidative process were detected and identified. • Acute toxicity tests using Daphnia magna were carried out.

Kinetic and mechanistic study of microcystin-LR degradation by nitrous acid under ultraviolet irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ma, Qingwei; Ren, Jing [Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433 (China); Huang, Honghui [Key Laboratory of Fisheries Ecology Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510300 (China); Wang, Shoubing [Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433 (China); Wang, Xiangrong, E-mail: xrxrwang@vip.sina.com [Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433 (China); Fan, Zhengqiu, E-mail: zhqfan@fudan.edu.cn [Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433 (China)

2012-05-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer For the first time, degradation of MC-LR by nitrous acid under UV 365 nm was discovered. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The effects of factors on MC-LR degradation were analyzed based on kinetic study. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Mass spectrometry was applied for identification of intermediates and products. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Special intermediates involved in this study were identified. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Degradation mechanisms were proposed according to the results of LC-MS analysis. - Abstract: Degradation of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in the presence of nitrous acid (HNO{sub 2}) under irradiation of 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) was studied for the first time. The influence of initial conditions including pH value, NaNO{sub 2} concentration, MC-LR concentration and UV intensity were studied. MC-LR was degraded in the presence of HNO{sub 2}; enhanced degradation of MC-LR was observed with 365 nm UV irradiation, caused by the generation of hydroxyl radicals through the photolysis of HNO{sub 2}. The degradation processes of MC-LR could well fit the pseudo-first-order kinetics. Mass spectrometry was applied for identification of the byproducts and the analysis of degradation mechanisms. Major degradation pathways were proposed according to the results of LC-MS analysis. The degradation of MC-LR was initiated via three major pathways: attack of hydroxyl radicals on the conjugated carbon double bonds of Adda, attack of hydroxyl radicals on the benzene ring of Adda, and attack of nitrosonium ion on the benzene ring of Adda.

Liquid electrode

Science.gov (United States)

Ekechukwu, A.A.

1994-07-05

A dropping electrolyte electrode is described for use in electrochemical analysis of non-polar sample solutions, such as benzene or cyclohexane. The liquid electrode, preferably an aqueous salt solution immiscible in the sample solution, is introduced into the solution in dropwise fashion from a capillary. The electrolyte is introduced at a known rate, thus, the droplets each have the same volume and surface area. The electrode is used in making standard electrochemical measurements in order to determine properties of non-polar sample solutions. 2 figures.

Activated carbon electrodes: electrochemical oxidation coupled with desalination for wastewater treatment.

Science.gov (United States)

Duan, Feng; Li, Yuping; Cao, Hongbin; Wang, Yi; Crittenden, John C; Zhang, Yi

2015-04-01

The wastewater usually contains low-concentration organic pollutants and some inorganic salts after biological treatment. In the present work, the possibility of simultaneous removal of them by combining electrochemical oxidation and electrosorption was investigated. Phenol and sodium chloride were chosen as representative of organic pollutants and inorganic salts and a pair of activated carbon plate electrodes were used as anode and cathode. Some important working conditions such as oxygen concentration, applied potential and temperature were evaluated to reach both efficient phenol removal and desalination. Under optimized 2.0 V of applied potential, 38°C of temperature, and 500 mL min(-1) of oxygen flow, over 90% of phenol, 60% of TOC and 20% of salinity were removed during 300 min of electrolysis time. Phenol was removed by both adsorption and electrochemical oxidation, which may proceed directly or indirectly by chlorine and hypochlorite oxidation. Chlorophenols were detected as degradation intermediates, but they were finally transformed to carboxylic acids. Desalination was possibly attributed to electrosorption of ions in the pores of activated carbon electrodes. The charging/regeneration cycling experiment showed good stability of the electrodes. This provides a new strategy for wastewater treatment and recycling. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parametric study on the characteristics of a SDBD actuator with a serrated electrode

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Guoqiang; Peng, Kaisheng; Dong, Lei; Wei, Wenfu; Wu, Guangning

2017-06-01

Active flow control based on surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) has become a focus of research in recent years, due to its unique advantages and diverse potential applications. Compared with the conventional SDBD with straight electrodes, the serrated electrode-based SDBD has a great advantage due to its 3D flow topology. It is believed that the boundary layer separation of moving objects can be controlled more effectively with this new type of SDBD. In SDBD with a serrated electrode, the R (tip sharpness) and N (tip number per unit length) have a great influence on the discharge and induced airflow characteristics. In this paper, a parametric study of the characteristics of SDBD with a serrated electrode has been conducted with different ranges of R and N. Aspects of the power consumption, the steady medium temperature distribution, and the maximum induced airflow velocity have been investigated. The results indicate that there is a critical value of R and N where the maximum power consumption and induced airflow velocity are achieved. The uniformity of the steady temperature distribution of the medium surface is found to be more dependent on N. We found that the accelerating effects of the induced airflow can be evaluated with the Schlieren technique, which agree well with the results from the pitot tube.

Electrode erosion properties of gas spark switches for fast linear transformer drivers

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Xiaoang; Pei, Zhehao; Zhang, Yuzhao; Liu, Xuandong; Li, Yongdong; Zhang, Qiaogen

2017-12-01

Fast linear transformer drivers (FLTDs) are a popular and potential route for high-power devices employing multiple "bricks" in series and parallel, but they put extremely stringent demands on gas switches. Electrode erosion of FLTD gas switches is a restrictive and unavoidable factor that degrades performance and limits stability. In this paper, we systematically investigated the electrode erosion characteristics of a three-electrode field distortion gas switch under the typical working conditions of FLTD switches, and the discharge current was 7-46 kA with 46-300 ns rise time. A high speed frame camera and a spectrograph were used to capture the expansion process and the spectral emission of the spark channel was used to estimate the current density and the spark temperature, and then the energy fluxes and the external forces on the electrode surface were calculated. A tens of kilo-ampere nanosecond pulse could generate a 1011 W/m2 energy flux injection and 1.3-3.5 MPa external pressure on the electrode surface, resulting in a millimeter-sized erosion crater with the maximum peak height Rz reaching 100 μm magnitude. According to the morphological images by a laser scanning confocal microscope, the erosion crater of a FLTD switch contained three kinds of local morphologies, namely a center boiling region, an overflow region and a sputtering region. In addition, the crater size, the surface roughness, and the mass loss were highly dependent on the current amplitude and the transferred charge. We also observed Morphology Type I and Type II, respectively, with different pulse parameters, which had an obvious influence on surface roughness and mass loss. Finally, the quantitative relationship between the electrode mass loss and the pulse parameter was clarified. The transferred charge and the current amplitude were proved to be the main factors determining the electrode mass loss of a FLTD switch, and a least squares fitting expression for mass loss was also obtained.

Characteristics and applications of diffuse discharge of water electrode in air

Science.gov (United States)

Wenzheng, LIU; Tahan, WANG; Xiaozhong, CHEN; Chuanlong, MA

2018-01-01

Plasma water treatment technology, which aims to produce strong oxidizing reactive particles that act on the gas-liquid interface by way of discharging, is used to treat the organic pollutants that do not degrade easily in water. This paper presents a diffuse-discharge plasma water treatment method, which is realized by constructing a conical air gap through an uneven medium layer. The proposed method uses water as one electrode, and a dielectric barrier discharge electrode is constructed by using an uneven dielectric. The electric field distribution in the discharge space will be uneven, wherein the long gap electric field will have a smaller intensity, while the short one will have a larger intensity. A diffuse glow discharge is formed in the cavity. With this type of plasma water treatment equipment, a methyl orange solution with a concentration of 10 mg l-1 was treated, and the removal rate was found to reach 88.96%.

Deactivation of nickel hydroxide-gold modified electrodes

OpenAIRE

Caram, Bruno; Tucceri, Ricardo

2013-01-01

The aim of the present work was to study how the charge-transport process of a nickel hydroxide film electrochemically synthesized on a gold substrate is modified when the electrode is stored for a long time. It was found that nickel hydroxide films are deactivated under storage, that is, films became less conductive than films immediately prepared (nondeactivated). This study was carried out in the context of the rotating disc electrode voltammetry when the modified electrode contacts an ele...

Development of electrochemical ion exchange electrodes for the treatment of wastes containing chromium or cesium ions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Manosso, Helena Cristina

2006-01-01

Nowadays, environmental preservation using technologies that do not attack it, generating non-toxic residues and reduced volumes, has been discussed. Hazardous effluents, containing metals, as chromium, have been poured in the soils and rivers, degrading the water. Not different are the problems originated from some nuclear activities that generate wastes, as in chemical research laboratories. Although those wastes are not poured in the environment, sometimes they are inadequately stored, what can cause serious accidents. With the purpose of solving this problem, there are some techniques to waste treatment, between them there is the electrochemical ion exchange (EIX). EIX is an advanced process that has advantages over traditional ion exchange and the fact of using the electron as the only reagent, reduces the volume of the solution to be treated. This technique consists of development of an electrode, where an ion exchanger is physically incorporated in an electrode structure with a binder. In this study, cationic resin Amberlite CG-50 and zirconium phosphate have been chosen for the separation of chromium and cesium from waste, respectively. They were chosen because they present high chemical stability in oxidizing media and at ionizing radiation. The quantity of charcoal, graphite and binder used in formulation of electrode have been studied either. Before choosing the best electrode, it was verified sorption percentage of 99,3% for chromium and 99,8% for cesium. The greater advantage of this process is the total elution of chromium as much as cesium, without reagents addition, being possible to reuse the electrode without losing its capacity. Beside on the results, a continuous process for the wastes containing Cr and Cs, using a flux electrolytic cell (CELFLUX) of high retention capacity, was presented. The high efficiency of this cell for both retention and elution, leading to an important reduction of waste volume, and, every more, making possible the

First-principles study of high-conductance DNA sequencing with carbon nanotube electrodes