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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2011

Design of highly ordered Ag-SrTiO{sub 3} nanotube arrays for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange

Ag-SrTiO{sub 3} nanotube arrays were successfully prepared for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under ultraviolet irradiation. In order to form highly ordered SrTiO{sub 3} nanotube arrays, the preparation of TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays by anodic oxidation of titanium foil in different electrolytes was investigated. The selected organic solvents in electrolytes include glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide and glycol. The results indicate that the morphology of TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays prepared in glycol containing ammonium fluoride electrolyte is more regular. Then SrTiO{sub 3} nanotube arrays were synthesized by a hydrothermal method using TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays as the precursor. In order to further improve the photocatalytic activity of SrTiO{sub 3} nanotube arrays, Ag nanoparticles were loaded on SrTiO{sub 3} nanotube arrays by two sets of experiments. The loaded Ag results in an enhancement of photocatalytic activity of SrTiO{sub 3} nanotube arrays. Moreover, the effect of pH on the photocatalytic degradation of MO was also studied. - Graphical abstract: Ag-SrTiO{sub 3} nanotube arrays were successfully prepared. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet irradiation. Highlights: > TiO{sub 2} nanotube arrays prepared in glycol+NH{sub 4}F electrolyte are more regular. > Highly ordered Ag-SrTiO{sub 3} nanotube arrays were successfully synthesized. > Ag loading could enhance the photocatalytic activity of SrTiO{sub 3} nanotube arrays. > Ag-SrTiO{sub 3} nanotube arrays show excellent catalytic activity at a low pH value.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Structure of graphene oxide dispersed with ZnO nanoparticles

Graphene has been proposed as a promising two-dimensional nanomaterial with outstanding electronic, optical, thermal and mechanical properties for many applications. In present work a process of dispersion of graphene oxide with ZnO nanoparticles in ethanol solution with different pH values, have been studied. Samples have been characterized by XRD, SEM, PL, UV-visible spectroscopy and particles size measurement. The results analysis indicates overall improved emission spectrum. It has been observed that the average diameter of RGO (Reduced Graphene Oxide) decreases in presence of ZnO nanoparticles from 3.8μm to 0.41μm.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Wet chemical synthesis of ZnO-CdS composites and their photocatalytic activity

Highlights: • ZnO-CdS composites were synthesized by wet chemical method. • TEM, correlated SAED pattern, XRD, and SEM confirmed the structure of composites. • CdS amount added during composites synthesis influences their morphologies. • RhB degradation efficiency is higher for composites than that of pristine ZnO, depending on the catalyst morphology. - Abstract: The present study is focused on the wet chemical synthesis and the characterization of ZnO-CdS composites. The X-ray diffraction shows that the composites contain ZnO in hexagonal wurtzite structure and CdS in cubic phase. The scanning/transmission electron microscopy images reveal flower-like structures with different sizes depending on the CdS content. The optical investigations on composites reveal that the reflectance spectra disclose two thresholds of ∼370 nm and ∼460 nm associated with the ZnO and CdS, respectively. The photocatalytic activity measurements evidenced that the degradation efficiency of RhB in the presence of composites is higher comparatively with pristine ZnO, depending on the catalyst morphology, which varies with CdS content and the pH value of RhB solution. The electron paramagnetic resonance revealed the presence of the paramagnetic point defects in the samples. Thus, the wet chemical approaches are suitable for a large scale production of such ZnO-CdS composites having enhanced photocatalytic activity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Literature Review on the Sorption of Plutonium, Uranium, Neptunium, Americium and Technetium to Corrosion Products on Waste Tank Liners

The Savannah River Site (SRS) has conducted performance assessment (PA) calculations to determine the risk associated with closing liquid waste tanks. The PA estimates the risk associated with a number of scenarios, making various assumptions. Throughout all of these scenarios, it is assumed that the carbon-steel tank liners holding the liquid waste do not sorb the radionuclides. Tank liners have been shown to form corrosion products, such as Fe-oxyhydroxides (Wiersma and Subramanian 2002). Many corrosion products, including Fe-oxyhydroxides, at the high pH values of tank effluent, take on a very strong negative charge. Given that many radionuclides may have net positive charges, either as free ions or complexed species, it is expected that many radionuclides will sorb to corrosion products associated with tank liners.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2015

Simulation of the properties of MgO-MgfCl{sub 2}-H{sub 2}O system by thermodynamic method

Magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) has been investigated by many researchers who have studied its hydration products and properties. Previous works mainly concentrated on experimental studies. This study uses a thermodynamic approach to understand the formation conditions of two major hydration products of MOC, Mg{sub 3}(OH){sub 5}Cl · 4H{sub 2}O (phase 5) and Mg{sub 2}(OH){sub 3}Cl · 4H{sub 2}O (phase 3) at room temperature. The hydration reaction equilibrium of MOC phases has been predicted by using the geochemistry speciation code PHREEQC together with the extended ‘Pitzer.dat’ database. The results show that the formation of the hydration products are controlled by MgCl{sub 2} concentration, activity of H{sub 2}O and pH values of the system. The equilibrium of solid phase diagram, the solubility of different hydration phases are consistent with those results obtained from experimental studies, which validates the thermodynamic model. The phase diagram provides qualitative insights on the synthesis of pure phase 3 and phase 5. For MgO-MgCl{sub 2}-H{sub 2}O system, the minimum MgCl{sub 2} concentration for phase 5 and phase 3 to form are 1.47 mol · kg{sup −} {sup 1} and 2.25 mol · kg{sup −} {sup 1}, respectively. Increasing water volume can result in the transformation from phase 5 and phase 3 to brucite. Additionally, the stability analysis suggests that phase 5 prefers to formation at a higher condition of the a{sub Mg}2 +, pH and a{sub H2O} as compared to the phase 3. Phosphate can significantly influence the hydration products composition of MOC during hydration but no new phosphate appears. - Highlights: • A thermodynamic database was established for magnesium oxychloride cement system on the basis of Pitzer.dat. • Thermodynamic behaviors of magnesium oxychloride cement hydration was modeled. • Calculated phase diagram of magnesium oxychloride cement was plotted.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis of cobalt-containing mesoporous catalysts using the ultrasonic-assisted “pH-adjusting” method: Importance of cobalt species in styrene oxidation

Cobalt-containing SBA-15 and MCM-41 (Co-SBA-15 and Co-MCM-41) mesoporous catalysts were prepared via ultrasonic-assisted “pH-adjusting” technique in this study. Their physiochemical structures were comprehensively characterized and correlated with catalytic activity in oxidation of styrene. The nature of cobalt species depended on the type of mesoporous silica as well as pH values. The different catalytic performance between Co-SBA-15 and Co-MCM-41 catalysts originated from cobalt species. Cobalt species were homogenously incorporated into the siliceous framework of Co-SBA-15 in single-site Co(II) state, while Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} particles were loaded on Co-MCM-41 catalysts. The styrene oxidation tests showed that the single-site Co(II) state was more beneficial to the catalytic oxidation of styrene. The higher styrene conversion and benzaldehyde selectivity over Co-SBA-15 catalysts were mainly attributed to single-site Co(II) state incorporated into the framework of SBA-15. The highest conversion of styrene (34.7%) with benzaldehyde selectivity of 88.2% was obtained over Co-SBA-15 catalyst prepared at pH of 7.5, at the mole ratio of 1:1 (styrene to H{sub 2}O{sub 2}) at 70 °C. - Graphical abstract: Cobalt-containing mesoporous silica catalysts were developed via ultrasonic-assisted “pH-adjusting” technique. Compared with Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} in Co-MCM-41, the single-site Co(II) state in Co-SBA-15 was more efficient for the styrene oxidation. - Highlights: • Fast and cost-effective ultrasonic technique for preparing mesoporous materials. • Incorporation of Co via ultrasonic irradiation and “pH-adjusting”. • Physicochemical comparison between Co-SBA-15 and Co-MCM-41. • Correlation of styrene oxidation activity and catalyst structural property.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2021

A time-dependent chloride diffusion model for predicting initial corrosion time of reinforced concrete with slag addition

The effect of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) addition on the threshold chloride concentration (TCC) for rebar corrosion was investigated. A modified diffusion model, coupled with a time-dependent effective diffusion coefficient and surface chloride concentration, was proposed to predict the chloride profile. The corrosion initiation time was estimated based on the model predictions and the measured TCC. The results indicate that adding GBFS decreases the TCC by lowering the pH value of the pore solution. The evolution of corrosion potential and current density is found to obey a 3-parameter Weibull distribution. MIP tests show that adding GBFS contributes to refinement of pore structure by decreasing the fraction of large capillary pores. The time-dependent model exhibits good predictive strength and helps understand how GBFS addition delays the corrosion initiation by retarding the chloride diffusion, though a lower TCC is obtained.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Zero-valent iron (ZVI) Activation of Persulfate (PS) for Degradation of Para-Chloronitrobenzene in Soil

Para-chloronitrobenzene (p-CNB) in soil has posed significant health risks because of its persistence and high toxicity. The efficacy of catalyzed Zero-Valent Iron (ZVI), activated persulfate, and ZVI-persulfate processes for the degradation of p-CNB in soil was investigated. The p-CNB removal rate significantly increased from 10.8 to 90.1% with increased ZVI dosage from 0.1 mmol g{sup −1} to 1.0 mmol g{sup −1}. The p-CNB removal increased with the decrease of initial pH and a removal efficiency of 85.3% was obtained at an initial pH value of 6.8 in combined system. The p-CNB removal rate in the single persulfate system and ZVI system was 36.5% and 60.2%, while the ZVI-persulfate system showed more sufficient p-CNB removal capacity and the removal rate of p-CNB was 88.7%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was adopted in order to explore the degradation mechanism by ZVI-Persulfate system in soil.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

An X-ray Absorption Fine Structure study of Au adsorbed onto the non-metabolizing cells of two soil bacterial species

Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cells can remove Au from Au(III)-chloride solutions, and the extent of removal is strongly pH dependent. In order to determine the removal mechanisms, X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) spectroscopy experiments were conducted on non-metabolizing biomass of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas putida with fixed Au(III) concentrations over a range of bacterial concentrations and pH values. X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) data on both bacterial species indicate that more than 90% of the Au atoms on the bacterial cell walls were reduced to Au(I). In contrast to what has been observed for Au(III) interaction with metabolizing bacterial cells, no Au(0) or Au-Au nearest neighbors were observed in our experimental systems. All of the removed Au was present as adsorbed bacterial surface complexes. For both species, the XAFS data suggest that although Au-chloride-hydroxide aqueous complexes dominate the speciation of Au in solution, Au on the bacterial cell wall is characterized predominantly by binding of Au atoms to sulfhydryl functional groups and amine and/or carboxyl functional groups, and the relative importance of the sulfhydryl groups increases with increasing pH and with decreasing Au loading. The XAFS data for both microorganism species suggest that adsorption is the first step in the formation of Au nanoparticles by bacteria, and the results enhance our ability to account for the behavior of Au in bacteria-bearing geologic systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2010

Photodegradation of Paracetamol in Nitrate Solution

The photodegradation of paracetamol in nitrate solution under simulated solar irradiation has been investigated. The degradation rates were compared by varying environmental parameters including concentrations of nitrate ion, humic substance and pH values. The quantifications of paracetamol were conducted by HPLC method. The results demonstrate that the photodegradation of paracetamol followed first-order kinetics. The photoproducts and intermediates of paracetamol in the presence of nitrate ions were identified by extensive GC-MS method. The photodegradation pathways involving. OH radicals as reactive species were proposed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Structural changes caused by radiation-induced reduction and radiolysis: the effect of X-ray absorbed dose in a fungal multicopper oxidase

Radiation-induced reduction, radiolysis of copper sites and the effect of pH value together with the concomitant geometrical distortions of the active centres were analysed in several fungal (C. gallica) laccase structures collected at cryotemperature. This study emphasizes the importance of careful interpretation when the crystallographic structure of a metalloprotein is described. X-ray radiation induces two main effects at metal centres contained in protein crystals: radiation-induced reduction and radiolysis and a resulting decrease in metal occupancy. In blue multicopper oxidases (BMCOs), the geometry of the active centres and the metal-to-ligand distances change depending on the oxidation states of the Cu atoms, suggesting that these alterations are catalytically relevant to the binding, activation and reduction of O{sub 2}. In this work, the X-ray-determined three-dimensional structure of laccase from the basidiomycete Coriolopsis gallica (Cg L), a high catalytic potential BMCO, is described. By combining spectroscopic techniques (UV–Vis, EPR and XAS) and X-ray crystallography, structural changes at and around the active copper centres were related to pH and absorbed X-ray dose (energy deposited per unit mass). Depletion of two of the four active Cu atoms as well as low occupancies of the remaining Cu atoms, together with different conformations of the metal centres, were observed at both acidic pH and high absorbed dose, correlating with more reduced states of the active coppers. These observations provide additional evidence to support the role of flexibility of copper sites during O{sub 2} reduction. This study supports previous observations indicating that interpretations regarding redox state and metal coordination need to take radiation effects explicitly into account.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2012

Hydration of a low-alkali CEM III/B-SiO{sub 2} cement (LAC)

The hydration of a low-alkali cement based on CEM III/B blended with 10 wt.% of nanosilica has been studied. The nanosilica reacted within the first days and 90% of the slag reacted within 3.5 years. C-S-H (Ca/Si {approx} 1.2, Al/Si {approx} 0.12), calcite, hydrotalcite, ettringite and possibly straetlingite were the main hydrates. The pore water composition revealed ten times lower alkali concentrations than in Portland cements. Reducing conditions (HS{sup -}) and a pH value of 12.2 were observed. Between 1 month and 3.5 years of hydration more hydrates were formed due to the ongoing slag reaction but no significant differences in the composition of the pore solution or solid phase assemblage were observed. On the basis of thermodynamic calculations it is predicted that siliceous hydrogarnet could form in the long-term and, in the presence of siliceous hydrogarnet, also thaumasite. Nevertheless, even after 3.5 year hydration, neither siliceous hydrogarnet nor thaumasite have been observed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Photochemically induced deposition of protective alumina coatings onto UV emitting phosphors for Xe excimer discharge lamps

Highlights: • A UV-reactor for the pH induced precipitation of inorganic material is described. • The photolysis of Azide (N{sub 3}{sup −}) leads to a steady pH increase used for precipitation. • A UV induced Al(OH){sub 3} precipitation is used to craft Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} coatings onto YPO{sub 4}:Bi. • The influence of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} coated onto YPO{sub 4}:Bi with different thicknesses is discussed. • SEM, VUV-spectroscopy and ESA measurements were performed on Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} coated samples. - Abstract: This work concerns the particle coating of the UV-C emitting phosphor YPO{sub 4}:Bi, targeting a stability enhancement of the phosphor material for Xe excimer lamp operation. To this end, the material is coated by the wide band gap material Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. In order to obtain a thin and homogeneous coating layer, a novel process based on the photochemical cleavage of NaN{sub 3} in water was developed. This results in a slow and continuous enhancement of the pH value due to ongoing NaOH formation, which results in the precipitation of Al(OH){sub 3} from an Al{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3} {sub ×} 18H{sub 2}O solution. It turned out that the obtained particle coatings are of much better quality, i.e. homogeneity, compared to coatings made from a wet-chemical homogeneous precipitation process. The morphology and electrochemical properties of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} coated YPO{sub 4}:Bi are discussed on the basis of optical spectroscopy, ESA measurements, and SEM/EDX investigations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Monodisperse YVO4:Eu3+ nanospindles: Rapid converted growth and luminescence properties

Highlights: • Monodispersed YVO{sub 4} nanospindles were synthesized through conversion route. • The growth mechanism is attributed to “dissolution-recrystallization”. • Both YVO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} and Au/YVO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} show strong red luminescence. • The interactions between Au NPs and the YVO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} NPs were discussed. - Abstract: The YVO{sub 4} nanospindles with well-crystallization were synthesized through a facile and rapid chemical conversion route. The synthesis started with the precipitation of sheet-like yttrium precursor Y{sub 2}(OH){sub 5}NO{sub 3}∙nH{sub 2}O at room temperature. With the addition of vanadate, YVO{sub 4} nanospindles were formed at the expense of the precursor in less than 10 min at 120 °C. The obtained particle shape and size are insensitive to experimental parameters, such as pH value and reaction temperature. The synthesis route is environment-friendly which involves no template or surfactant, but only relates to facile aqueous conditions at low temperature. We also investigated the luminescence properties of YVO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} and gold functioned Au/YVO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} products. Under UV excitation, both samples show strong red luminescence due to the radiative transitions of Eu{sup 3+}, while the excitation spectra vary significantly. The interactions between Au nanoparticles (NPs) and the YVO{sub 4}:Eu{sup 3+} NPs were also investiged.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2018

Kinetic, Isotherm and Thermodynamic Studies for Removal of Methylene Blue Using β-Cyclodextrin/Activated Carbon Aerogels

A novel aerogel (β-CD/AC) was prepared through polymerization reaction of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with activated carbon (AC) and vacuum freeze drying method. The structure and morphology of β-CD/AC were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). β-CD/AC is used to deal with wastewater containing methylene blue (MB) dye. The effects of AC content in β-CD/AC, pH value, temperature, contact time and amount of adsorbent on the adsorption of MB were studied in detail. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity of MB onto β-CD/AC was estimated as 166.67 mg/g. The kinetics of MB onto β-CD/AC was well described by the pseudo-second order model. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption reaction of MB onto β-CD/AC was endothermic and spontaneous.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Constructing Bifunctional 3D Holey and Ultrathin CoP Nanosheets for Efficient Overall Water Splitting

Pursuing cost-effective water-splitting catalysts is still a significant scientific challenge to produce renewable fuels and chemicals from various renewable feedstocks. The construction of controllable binder-free nanostructures with self-standing holey and ultrathin nanosheets is one of the promising approaches. Herein, by employing a combination of the potentiodynamic mode of electrodeposition and low-temperature phosphidation, three-dimensional (3D) holey CoP ultrathin nanosheets are fabricated on a carbon cloth (PD-CoP UNSs/CC) as bifunctional catalysts. Electrochemical tests show that the PD-CoP UNSs/CC exhibits outstanding hydrogen evolution reaction performance at all pH values with overpotentials of 47, 90, and 51 mV to approach 10 mA cm –2 in acidic, neutral, and alkaline media, respectively. Meanwhile, only a low overpotential of 268 mV is required to drive 20 mA cm –2 for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media. Cyclic voltammetry and impedance studies suggest the enhanced performance is mainly attributed to the unique 3D holey ultrathin nanosheets, which could increase the electrochemically active area, facilitate the release of gas bubbles from electrode surfaces, and improve effective electrolyte diffusion. This work suggests an efficient path to design and fabricate non-noble bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting at a large scale.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Two supramolecular complexes based on polyoxometalates and Co-EDTA units via covalent connection or non-covalent interaction

Two new 3D network organic-inorganic hybrid supramolecular complexes ([Na{sub 6}(CoEDTA){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 13}]·(H{sub 2}SiW{sub 12}O{sub 40})·xH{sub 2}O)n (1) and [CoH{sub 4}EDTA(H{sub 2}O)]{sub 2}(SiW{sub 12}O{sub 40})·15H{sub 2}O (2) (H{sub 4}EDTA=Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) have been successfully synthesized by solution method, and characterized by infrared spectrum (IR), thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and single{sup −}crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Both of the complexes are the supramolecules, but with different liking mode, they are two representative models of supramolecule. complex (1) is a 3D infinite network supramolecular coordination polymer with a rare multi-metal sturcture of sodium-cobalt-containing, which is mainly linked through coordinate-covalent bonds. While complex (2) is normal supramolecule, which linked by non-covalent interactions, such as H-bonding interaction, electrostatic interaction and van der waals force. Both of complex (1) and (2) exhibit good catalytic activities for catalytic oxidation of methanol, when the initial concentration of methanol is 3.0 g m{sup −3}, flow rate is 10 mL min{sup −1}, and the quality of catalyst is 0.2 g, for complex (1) and complex (2) the maximum elimination rates of methanol are 85% (150 °C) and 92% (120 °C), respectively. - Graphical abstract: Two new organic-inorganic hybrid supramolecular complexes based on Co-EDTA, and Keggin polyanions have been successfully synthesized with different pH value by solution method. They are attributed to two representative models of supramolecule. Complex(1) is an infinite coordination polymer with a rare multi-metal sturcture of sodium-cobalt-containing, which is mainly linked through covalent bonds. Complex (2) is a normal supramolecule, which linked by non-covalent interactions of H-bonding interaction, electrostatic interaction and van der waals force. - Highlights: • Two supramolecules are linked by covalent or non-covalent interactions. • They are attributed to two representative models of supramolecule. • A rare multi-metal infinite supramolecular coordination polymer was formed. • They exhibit good catalytic activities for catalytic oxidation of methanol.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Portlandite solubility and Ca2+ activity in presence of gluconate and hexitols

The current paper investigates the impact of gluconate, D-sorbitol, d-mannitol and D-galactitol on calcium speciation at high pH values by i) solubility measurements of portlandite (Ca(OH){sub 2}) and ii) potentiometric titration measurements of calcium salt solutions. Thermodynamic modelling was used to fit the chemical activities of Ca{sup 2+} and OH{sup −} ions and thus to determine the strength and kind of the different Ca-organic-hydroxide complexes. The strength of complex formation with Ca{sup 2+} decreases in the order gluconate ≫ sorbitol > mannitol > galactitol, which follows the same order as sorption on portlandite. Heteropolynuclear gluconate complexes with calcium and hydroxide dominate the Ca-speciation in the presence of portlandite, while for sorbitol ternary CaSorbOH{sup +} complexes were dominant under alkaline conditions. We expect that these results will help in better understanding the influence of gluconate and hexitols on the hydration of alite and Portland cement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗