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At least 181 records · Page 10

Effects of fluorinated solvents on electrolyte solvation structures and electrode/electrolyte interphases for lithium metal batteries

Electrolyte is very critical to the performance of the high-voltage lithium (Li) metal battery (LMB), which is one of the most attractive candidates for the next generation high-density energy storage systems. Electrolyte formulation and structure determine the physical properties of the electrolytes and their interfacial chemistries on the electrode surfaces. Localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) outperform state-of-the-art carbonate electrolytes in many aspects in LMBs due to their unique solvation structure. Types of fluorinated co-solvents used in LHCEs are investigated here in searching for the most suitable diluent for high concentration electrolytes (HCEs). Non-solvating solvents (including fluorinated ethers, fluorinated borate and fluorinated orthoformate) added in HCEs enable the formation of LHCEs with high-concentration solvation structures. However, low solvating fluorinated carbonate will coordinate with Li+ ions and form a second solvation shell or a pseudo-LHCE which diminishes the benefits of LHCE. In addition, it is evident that the diluent has significant influence on the electrode/electrolyte interphases (EEIs) beyond retaining the high-concentration solvation structures. Diluent molecules surrounding the high-concentration clusters could accelerate or decelerate the anion decomposition through co-participation of diluent decomposition in the EEI formation. The varied interphase features lead to significantly different battery-performance. This study points out the importance of diluents and their synergetic effects with the conductive salt and the solvating solvent in designing LHCEs. These systematic comparisons and fundamental insights into LHCEs using different types of fluorinated solvents can guide further development of advanced electrolytes for high-voltage LMBs.

Cao, Xia↗

Nucleophilic Thiols Reductively Cleave Ether Linkages in Lignin Model Polymers and Lignin

Lignin may serve as a renewable feedstock for the production of chemicals and fuels if mild, scalable processes for its depolymerization can be devised. The use of small organic thiols represents a bioinspired strategy to cleave the β–O–4 bond, the most common linkage in lignin. In the present study, synthetic β–O–4 linked polymers were treated with organic thiols, yielding up to 90 % cleaved monomer products. Lignin extracted from poplar was also treated with organic thiols resulting in molecular weight reductions as high as 65 % (Mn) in oxidized lignin. Thiol–based cleavage of other lignin linkages was also explored in small–molecule model systems to uncover additional potential pathways by which thiols might depolymerize lignin. The success of thiol–mediated cleavage on model dimers, polymers, and biomass–derived lignin illustrates the potential utility of small redox–active molecules to penetrate complex polymer matrices for depolymerization and subsequent valorization of lignin into fuels and chemicals.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Oxidation and pyrolysis of methyl propyl ether

The ignition, oxidation, and pyrolysis chemistry of methyl propyl ether (MPE) was probed experimentally at several different conditions, and a comprehensive chemical kinetic model was constructed to help understand the observations, with many of the key parameters computed using quantum chemistry and transition state theory. Experiments were carried out in a shock tube measuring time variation of CO concentrations, in a flow tube measuring product concentrations, and in a rapid compression machine (RCM) measuring ignition delay times. The detailed reaction mechanism was constructed using the Reaction Mechanism Generator software. Sensitivity and flux analyses were used to identify key rate and thermochemical parameters, which were then computed using quantum chemistry to improve the mechanism. Validation of the final model against the 1-20 bar 600-1500 K experimental data is presented with a discussion of the kinetics. The model is in excellent agreement with most of the shock tube and RCM data. Strong non-monotonic variation in conversion and product distribution is observed in the flow-tube experiments as the temperature is increased, and unusually strong pressure dependence and significant heat release during the compression stroke is observed in the RCM experiments. These observations are largely explained by a close competition between radical decomposition and addition to O2 at different sites in MPE; this causes small shifts in conditions to lead to big shifts in the dominant reaction pathways. The validated mechanism was used to study the chemistry occurring during ignition in a diesel engine, simulated using Ignition Quality Test (IQT) conditions. At the IQT conditions, where the MPE concentration is higher, bimolecular reactions of peroxy radicals are much more important than in the RCM.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Application of Parametrized Post-Newtonian Methods to the Gravitational IS of Satellite Energy Exchange Data

Project Satellite Energy Exchange (SEE) is a free-flying, high altitude satellite that utilizes space to construct a passive, low-temperature, nano-g environment in order to accurately measure the poorly known gravitational constant G plus other gravitational parameters that are difficult to measure in an earth-based laboratory. Eventually data received from SEE must be analyzed using a model of the gravitational interaction including parameters that describe deviations from general relativity and experiment. One model that can be used to fit tile data is the Parametrized post- Newtonian (PPN) approximation of general relativity (GR) which introduces ten parameters which have specified values in (GR). It is the lowest-order, consistent approximation that contains non linear terms. General relativity predicts that the Robertson parameters, gamma (light deflection), and beta (advance of the perihelion), are both 1 in GR. Another eight parameters, alpha(sub k), k=1,2,3 and zeta(sub k), k=1,2,3,4 and Xi are all zero in GR. Non zero values for alpha(sub k) parameters predict preferred frame effects; for zeta(sub k) violations of globally conserved quantities such as mass, momentum and angular momentum; and for Xi a contribution from the Whitehead theory of gravitation, once thought to be equivalent to GR. In addition, there is the possibility that there may be a preferred frame for the universe. If such a frame exists, then all observers must measure the velocity omega of their motion with respect to this universal rest frame. Such a frame is somewhat reminiscent of the concept of the ether which was supposedly the frame in which the velocity of light took the value c predicted by special relativity. The SEE mission can also look for deviations from the r(exp -2) law of Newtonian gravity, adding parameters alpha and lamda for non Newtonian behavior that describe the magnitude and range of the r(exp -2) deviations respectively. The foundations of the GR supposedly agree with Newtonian gravity to first order so that the parameters alpha and lamda are zero in GR. More important, however, GR subsequently depends on this Newtonian approximation to build up the non linear higher-order terms which forms the basis of the PPN frame work.

Smalley, Larry L.↗

Joining, Disassembly, and Reconfiguration of Thermoplastic Composites for Space Applications

Thermoplastic composites are increasingly being investigated for aerospace applications because of their relatively short processing time, good chemical and radiation resistance, and potential for reforming and reuse via melting. The manufacturing, reforming, and reuse of thermoplastic composites can be leveraged to advance joining, disassembly, and reassembly of structures for space exploration activities. Potential applications include, but are not limited to, habitats and on-orbit assembly and reassembly of large-scale truss structures. This work focuses on demonstrating the feasibility of joining, disassembly, and reassembly of a thermoplastic bond using heat and pressure. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) composite adherends were joined using low-melt polyaryl ether ketone (LM-PAEK) thermoplastic films at the bonding interface. The single lap shear specimens with LM-PAEK film were tested and had a maximum shear strength between 5 and 8 MPa and consistently failed adhesively at the bondline. Reassembly of disassembled specimens was successfully demonstrated using additional thermoplastic interlayers. Thus, the reassembly of thermoplastic composite joints was found to be feasible. However, additional work is required to reduce film flowout and optimize consolidation parameters for an in space environment.

thermoplastic composites↗

High-Octane Gasoline from Lignocellulosic Biomass via Syngas and Methanol/Dimethyl Ether Intermediates (2021 State of Technology)

The 2021 state of technology (SOT) assessment for the indirect liquefaction (IDL) of lignocellulosic biomass to high-octane gasoline (HOG) via methanol and dimethyl ether (DME) intermediates details the techno-economic analysis (TEA) results and technical progress of the pathway since the 2020 SOT report. A detailed process description and collection of underlying assumptions is given the 2015 design report. In 2021, research efforts rigorously quantified the selectivity of DME to aromatic compounds. As a result, the overall carbon selectivity to hydrocarbon products was updated based upon new findings. Additionally, research conducted over the past few years resulted in successful lower temperature regeneration of NREL's Cu/BEA catalyst with favorable implications on catalyst longevity. Discussions with an engineering firm resulted in an update to the excess air requirement for process combustors (including the char combustor, tar reformer combustor, and catalyst regenerator) in which excess air was reduced from 20% excess to 10%. The cumulative effect of the above efforts was used to calculate a minimum fuel selling price for the modeled pathway. Sensitivity cases examining federal carbon tax credits from CO 2 capture, product selectivity and yield, catalyst lifetime, and other key financial and process parameters were also considered in this assessment.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Enhanced stability of Fe-modified CuO-ZnO-ZrO 2 -Al 2 O 3 /HZSM-5 bifunctional catalysts for dimethyl ether synthesis from CO 2 hydrogenation

In this report a series of iron (Fe) modified CuO-ZnO-ZrO 2 -Al 2 O 3 (CZZA) catalysts, with various Fe loadings, were prepared using a co-precipitation method. A bifunctional catalyst, consisting of Fe-modified CZZA and HZSM-5, was studied for dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis via CO 2 hydrogenation. The effects of Fe loading, reaction temperature, reaction pressure, space velocity, and concentrations of precursor for the synthesis of the Fe-modified CZZA catalyst on the catalytic activity of DME synthesis were investigated. Long-term stability tests showed that Fe modification of the CZZA catalyst improved the catalyst stability for DME synthesis via CO 2 hydrogenation. The activity loss, in terms of DME yield, was significantly reduced from 4.2% to 1.4% in a 100 h run of reaction, when the Fe loading amount was 0.5 (molar ratio of Fe to Cu). An analysis of hydrogen temperature programmed reduction revealed that the introduction of Fe improved the reducibility of the catalysts, due to assisted adsorption of H 2 on iron oxide. The good stability of Fe-modified CZZA catalysts in the DME formation was most likely attributed to oxygen spillover that was introduced by the addition of iron oxide. This could have inhibited the oxidation of the Cu surface and enhanced the thermal stability of copper during long-term reactions.

42 ENGINEERING↗

An unwanted guest in the electrochemical oxidation of high-voltage Li-ion battery electrolytes: the life of highly reactive protons

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are central to the urgent societal need to decarbonize both transportation and energy storage on the grid. Unfortunately, despite their attractive energy/power density, as well as high coulombic and energy efficiencies, further improvement of this technology – especially their durability – is desperately needed. To support these efforts, our study focuses on fundamental understanding of the decomposition pathways for LIB electrolytes at the cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI), as the nature of these reactions directly controls the extent to which cell capacity and voltage decays in these systems. In this study, we employ electrochemical methods, coupled with product analysis using NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, to determine the decomposition mechanisms in both model and technologically relevant electrolytes. Remarkably, we discovered the electrochemical formation of protons with high chemical activity, comparable to known superacids, at potentials relevant to practical Li-ion batteries. Their reactivity toward every individual component of the CEI provides a unified thermochemical origin for a myriad of side reactions that are commonly associated with the electrochemical reaction. In particular, electrochemically generated protons react with intact EC molecules to form CO 2 and other short and long chain ethers. They also undergo an acid–base reaction with LiPF 6 , to form the weaker acid HF, and with the cathode active material, leaching transition metals into the electrolyte. Collectively, the results of this study all point to the urgent need to either mitigate this proton formation or introduce benign harvesting additives via new electrolyte design strategies.

Ilic, Stefan [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), A↗

Signature lipids and stable carbon isotope analyses of Octopus Spring hyperthermophilic communities compared with those of Aquificales representatives

The molecular and isotopic compositions of lipid biomarkers of cultured Aquificales genera have been used to study the community and trophic structure of the hyperthermophilic pink streamers and vent biofilm from Octopus Spring. Thermocrinis ruber, Thermocrinis sp. strain HI 11/12, Hydrogenobacter thermophilus TK-6, Aquifex pyrophilus, and Aquifex aeolicus all contained glycerol-ether phospholipids as well as acyl glycerides. The n-C(20:1) and cy-C(21) fatty acids dominated all of the Aquificales, while the alkyl glycerol ethers were mainly C(18:0). These Aquificales biomarkers were major constituents of the lipid extracts of two Octopus Spring samples, a biofilm associated with the siliceous vent walls, and the well-known pink streamer community (PSC). Both the biofilm and the PSC contained mono- and dialkyl glycerol ethers in which C(18) and C(20) alkyl groups were prevalent. Phospholipid fatty acids included both the Aquificales n-C(20:1) and cy-C(21), plus a series of iso-branched fatty acids (i-C(15:0) to i-C(21:0)), indicating an additional bacterial component. Biomass and lipids from the PSC were depleted in (13)C relative to source water CO(2) by 10.9 and 17.2 per thousand, respectively. The C(20-21) fatty acids of the PSC were less depleted than the iso-branched fatty acids, 18.4 and 22.6 per thousand, respectively. The biomass of T. ruber grown on CO(2) was depleted in (13)C by only 3.3 per thousand relative to C source. In contrast, biomass was depleted by 19.7 per thousand when formate was the C source. Independent of carbon source, T. ruber lipids were heavier than biomass (+1.3 per thousand). The depletion in the C(20-21) fatty acids from the PSC indicates that Thermocrinis biomass must be similarly depleted and too light to be explained by growth on CO(2). Accordingly, Thermocrinis in the PSC is likely to have utilized formate, presumably generated in the spring source region.

Carbon Isotopes/analysis↗

A layered nonstoichiometric lepidocrocite-type sodium titanate anode material for sodium-ion batteries

A lepidocrocite-structured sodium titanate prepared by ion-exchange of a Cs-containing precursor shows promise as an anode material for sodium ion batteries, with a discharge capacity of up to 229 mAh g -1 at an average potential of about 0.6 V vs. Na + /Na. Titanium vacancies in the metal oxide layers provide additional sites for sodium intercalation in addition to interlayer sites, which accounts for the higher capacity compared to other previously reported lepidocrocite-structured titanates. By screening a series of electrolyte formulations and binders, we were able to improve the first-cycle coulombic efficiency to 81.8% and 94.7% respectively using CMC/SBR-based and binder-free electrodes in ether electrolytes. Finally, the electrochemical consequences of short-term air-exposure on the electrodes are also discussed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Effect of H 2 O on the ethylene glycol/alkali dismantling of bagasse for high-value conversion

Using a high-boiling alcohol system to dismantle main components of biomass is a feasible technology. Reducing dismantle operating costs and improving dismantle efficiency are essential for promoting the green, economical, and sustainable development of biomass refining. Therefore, based on the low cost and chemical properties of H 2 O at high temperature, the effects of different H 2 O dosages in NaOH-catalyzed ethylene glycol (HBAA) system on the dismantling efficiency of bagasse, surface lignin coverage, recovered-lignin activity and enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency were investigated. Compared with the HBAA dismantling system without H 2 O, the HBAA system with 60% w/v H 2 O can obviously increase the removal rates of lignin and hemicellulose, while recovering up to 99% of cellulose and significantly declining surface lignin coverage, thus enhancing the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency. Additionally, the results of density functional theory calculations and 2D HSQC NMR analysis prove that the synergy between H 2 O and ethylene glycol can promote the esterification reaction occurrence at the α-C carbon cation in β-O-4 structure of lignin, thereby protecting the β-O-4 aromatic ether bond. Simultaneously, when the H 2 O dosage increase from 0% to 60%, the enzymatic yield increases from 84.51% to 93.74% with an enzyme load of 10 FPU/g. Based on experimental results, this study conducted a techno-economic analysis of bagasse dismantling for ethanol and co-production of lignin, achieving a minimum ethanol selling price of $\$$1.07 per kg. Here, in this study, a green and economical solution for dismantling the main components of bagasse is developed, which is important for the high-value conversion of bagasse.

Ethylene glycol↗

Powders and pellets – Extrusion engineering for a Cu/BEA syngas-to-hydrocarbons catalyst

Converting high-performing powder catalysts from the laboratory reactor scale into effective extruded catalysts at the industrial scale remains a hurdle for advancing sustainable catalytic processes, such as the conversion of biogenic syngas into high octane gasoline. Recently, a process-intensified syngas-to-hydrocarbons (STH) reaction in a single reactor under relatively mild conditions (220–250 ºC, 0.75–2.0 MPa) was reported, enabled by the development of a dimethyl ether (DME) homologation catalyst, Cu-modified H-BEA (Cu/BEA) zeolite. In this study, we explore approaches for synthesizing engineered Cu/BEA catalysts for use in the STH reaction to retain the high performance observed with the powder catalyst. We demonstrate that changes to the order of manufacturing steps (i.e., Cu deposition, alumina binder addition, and extrusion) result in observable changes to key active sites (Brønsted acid sites and zeolitic Cu + species), and ultimately, catalyst performance. When the Cu precursor was added directly to BEA before extrusion, both types of active sites were stabilized, preserving the activity of the powder catalyst. However, when the Cu precursor was added after extrusion, the resulting Cu species were mobile, destabilizing Brønsted acid sites and leading to near-zero activity.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Locating Methyl-Etherified and Methyl-Esterified Uronic Acids in the Plant Cell Wall Pectic Polysaccharide Rhamnogalacturonan II

Rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) is a structurally complex pectic polysaccharide that exists as a borate ester cross-linked dimer in the cell walls of all vascular plants. The glycosyl sequence of RG-II is largely conserved, but there is evidence that galacturonic acid (GalA) methyl etherification and glucuronic acid (GlcA) methyl esterification vary in the A sidechain across plant species. Methyl esterification of the galacturonan backbone has also been reported but not confirmed. Here we describe a new procedure, utilizing aq. sodium borodeuteride (NaBD4)-reduced RG-II, to identify the methyl esterification status of backbone GalAs. Our data suggest that up to two different GalAs are esterified in the RG-II backbone. We also adapted a procedure based on methanolysis and NaBD4 reduction to identify 3-, 4-, and 3,4-O-methyl GalA in RG-II. These data, together with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) MS analysis of sidechain A generated from selected RG-IIs and their NaBD4-reduced counterparts, suggest that methyl etherification of the ß-linked GalA and methyl esterification of the GlcA are widespread. Nevertheless, the extent of these modifications varies between plant species. Our analysis of the sidechain B glycoforms in RG-II from different dicots and nonpoalean monocots suggests that this sidechain has a minimum structure of an O-acetylated hexasaccharide (Ara-[MeFuc]-Gal-AceA-Rha-Api-). To complement these studies, we provide further evidence showing that dimer formation and stability in vitro is cation and borate dependent. Taken together, our data further refine the primary sequence and sequence variation of RG-II and provide additional insight into dimer stability and factors controlling dimer self-assembly.

BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

A Dual–Phase Electrolyte for High–Energy Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Dissolution of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) is essential for fast cathode kinetics, but detrimental for anode stability, especially under lean electrolyte conditions. Here in this work, the phase separation phenomenon between solvents with different polarities (tetramethyl sulfone [TMS] and dibutyl ether [DBE]) is utilized to enable the design of a dual-phase electrolyte. High-polarity, high-density TMS–lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide–ammonium trifluoroacetate as the cathode electrolyte strongly solvates LiPSs, which propel the sulfur redox reaction. Moreover, the composite of DBE and a polymeric ion conductor serves as the anode electrolyte. The addition of DBE in the anode side effectively prevents the crossover of corrosive species (LiPSs and ammonia trifluoroacetate), enabling a significant improvement in Li-metal anode stability. The electrode-specific dual-phase electrolyte design provides electrochemical performance superior to conventional electrolytes. Without additional electrode engineering, pouch cells assemble with the dual-phase electrolyte cycle under a lean electrolyte (4 µL mg –1 ) and low-Li-excess condition (N/P = 3) for 120 cycles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polymers via PET-RAFT Self-Condensing Vinyl Polymerization in a Flow Reactor

Photoinduced polymerization techniques have been used in preparing various polymeric materials as they share several advantages with thermally-triggered processes using mild conditions, low catalyst concentrations, and easy-to-perform experimental conditions. By combining photoinduced eletrotransfer reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization with self-condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP), in this work, a series of hyperbranched polymers is prepared in a flow reactor. Considered to be an alternative powerful method in improving scalability, reliability, and efficiency, the use of a flow reactor allowed us to synthesize hyperbranched poly(poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether)acrylate) (PPEGMEA) under extremely mild conditions–room temperature, open vessel, and use of LED light and water/methanol mixed solutions. Finally, the method also demonstrates considerable controllability in molecular weight and branching density by adjusting the feeding ratio of monomer to transmer, leading to the synthesis of block copolymers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Zirconium and hafnium polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane complexes – green homogeneous catalysts in the formation of bio-derived ethers via a MPV/etherification reaction cascade

The polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane complexes, {[(isobutyl) 7 Si 7 O 12 ]ZrOPr i ·(HOPr i )}2 (I), {[(cyclohexyl) 7 Si 7 O 12 ]ZrOPr i ·(HOPr i )} 2 (II), {[(isobutyl) 7 Si 7 O 12 ]HfOPr i ·(HOPr i )} 2 (III) and {[(cyclohexyl) 7 Si 7 O 12 ]HfOPr i ·(HOPr i )} 2 (IV), were synthesized in good yields from the reactions of M(OPr i ) 4 (M = Zr, Hf) with R-POSS(OH) 3 (R = isobutyl, cyclohexyl), resp. I–IV were characterized by 1 H, 13 C and 29 Si NMR spectroscopy and their dimeric solid-state structures were confirmed by X-ray analysis. I–IV catalyze the reductive etherification of 2-hydroxy- and 4-hydroxy and 2-methoxy and 4-methoxybenzaldehyde and vanillin to their respective isopropyl ethers in isopropanol as a “green” solvent and reagent. I–IV are durable and robust homogeneous catalysts operating at temperatures of 100–160 °C for days without significant loss of catalytic activity. Likewise, I–IV selectively catalyze the conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into 2,5-bis(isopropoxymethyl)furane (BPMF), a potentially high-performance fuel additive. Similar results were achieved by using a combination of M(OPr i ) 4 and ligand R-POSS(OH) 3 as a catalyst system demonstrating the potential of this “in situ” approach for applications in biomass transformations. A tentative reaction mechanism for the reductive etherification of aldehydes catalysed by I–IV is proposed.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Low-chromophore lignin isolation from natural biomass with polyol-based deep eutectic solvents

When attempting to obtain light-color lignin from lignocellulosic biomass or industrial lignin, the available options based on chemical or morphological modification suffer from low yield, high cost, and lack of availability at the required scales. In this study, we adopted a polyhydric-alcohol-based deep eutectic solvent (PA-DES) to directly extract light-color lignin from natural biomass, which is even whiter than native cellulolytic enzyme lignin (CEL). The isolated lignin possessed a high recovery yield (97.36%), regular micro-spherical morphology, enriched β-ether linkage of 58/100Ar, low phenolic hydroxyl content of 1.25 mmol g -1 , minimal carbonyl content of 0.70 mmol g -1 , and less condensed structures, thus yielding a lower content of chromophores. Further, this lignin showed excellent sunscreen effects, which could enhance the SPF of a commercial sunscreen from 15 to 40 with only 5 wt% addition. This study can provide essential guidance for the scale-up production of light-color lignin and obtaining near-complete digestible cellulose for further saccharification.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗