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At least 235 records · Page 13

Synergistic Porosity and Charge Effects in a Supramolecular Porphyrin Cage Promote Efficient Photocatalytic CO 2 Reduction**

Abstract We present a supramolecular approach to catalyzing photochemical CO 2 reduction through second‐sphere porosity and charge effects. An iron porphyrin box ( PB ) bearing 24 cationic groups, FePB‐2(P) , was made via post‐synthetic modification of an alkyne‐functionalized supramolecular synthon. FePB‐2(P) promotes the photochemical CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) with 97 % selectivity for CO product, achieving turnover numbers (TON) exceeding 7000 and initial turnover frequencies (TOF max ) reaching 1400 min −1 . The cooperativity between porosity and charge results in a 41‐fold increase in activity relative to the parent Fe tetraphenylporphyrin ( FeTPP ) catalyst, which is far greater than analogs that augment catalysis through porosity ( FePB‐3(N ), 4‐fold increase) or charge (Fe p ‐tetramethylanilinium porphyrin ( Fe‐ p ‐TMA ), 6‐fold increase) alone. This work establishes that synergistic pendants in the secondary coordination sphere can be leveraged as a design element to augment catalysis at primary active sites within confined spaces.

An, Lun↗

Synergistic Porosity and Charge Effects in a Supramolecular Porphyrin Cage Promote Efficient Photocatalytic CO 2 Reduction**

We present a supramolecular approach to catalyzing photochemical CO 2 reduction through second-sphere porosity and charge effects. An iron porphyrin box (PB) bearing 24 cationic groups, FePB-2(P), was made via post-synthetic modification of an alkyne-functionalized supramolecular synthon. FePB-2(P) promotes the photochemical CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) with 97 % selectivity for CO product, achieving turnover numbers (TON) exceeding 7000 and initial turnover frequencies (TOF max ) reaching 1400 min -1 . The cooperativity between porosity and charge results in a 41-fold increase in activity relative to the parent Fe tetraphenylporphyrin (FeTPP) catalyst, which is far greater than analogs that augment catalysis through porosity (FePB-3(N), 4-fold increase) or charge (Fe p-tetramethylanilinium porphyrin (Fe-p-TMA), 6-fold increase) alone. In conclusion, this work establishes that synergistic pendants in the secondary coordination sphere can be leveraged as a design element to augment catalysis at primary active sites within confined spaces.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction and Microstructure Modeling of Porosity-Graded Cathode Using Focused Ion Beam and Homogenization Techniques

In this study, microstructure of a porosity-graded lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM) cathode of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) has been characterized using focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) combined with image processing. Two-point correlation functions of the two-dimensional (2D) images taken along the direction of porosity gradient are used to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) microstructure. The effective elastic modulus of the two-phase porosity-graded cathode is predicted using strong contrast (SC) and composite inclusion (CI) homogenization techniques. The effectiveness of the two methods in predicting the effective elastic properties of the porositygraded LSM cathode is investigated in comparison with the results obtained from the finite element model (FEM).

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Analysis of the Pressure-Pulse Propagation in Rock: a New Approach to Simultaneously Determine Permeability, Porosity, and Adsorption Capacity

Permeability estimation from pressure-pulse decay method is complicated by two facts: (1) the decay curve often deviates from the single-exponential behavior in the early time period and (2) possible existence of gas adsorption. Both the two factors cause significant permeability error in most of pressure-pulse decay methods. In this paper, we first present a thorough analysis of pressure-pulse propagation process to reveal the mechanism behind the early time and later time behaviors of pressure decay curve. Inspired by the findings from these analyses, a new scaled pressure is proposed which can: (1) be easily used to distinguish the early time and later time data and (2) make the decay curves of all cases into a single 1:1 straight line for later time. A new data-proceeding method, which calculates the apparent porosity and permeability using the same set of measured data, is then developed. The new method could not only remove the effects of the adsorption on the permeability estimation, but also identify the apparent porosity as well as proper adsorption model and parameters. The proposed method is verified by comparing with true values and calculated values through numerical simulations that cover variations in typical rock properties (porosity, permeability, slippage, and adsorption) and the experiment configurations. It is found that the new method is accurate and reliable for all test cases, whereas the Brace’s and Cui’s approaches may cause permeability error in some cases. Lastly, the new method has been successfully applied to real data measured in pressure-pulse decay experiments involving different types of rocks and gases.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Causal Factors of Weld Porosity in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Powder Metallurgy Produced Titanium Alloys

ORNL undertook an investigation using gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding on consolidated powder metallurgy (PM) titanium (Ti) plate, to identify the causal factors behind observed porosity in fusion welding. Tramp element compounds of sodium and magnesium, residual from the metallothermic reduction of titanium chloride used to produce the titanium, were remnant in the starting powder and were identified as gas forming species. PM-titanium made from revert scrap where sodium and magnesium were absent, showed fusion weld porosity, although to a lesser degree. We show that porosity was attributable to hydrogen from adsorbed water on the surface of the powders prior to consolidation. The removal / minimization of both adsorbed water on the surface of titanium powder and the residues from the reduction process prior to consolidation of titanium powders, are critical to achieve equivalent fusion welding success similar to that seen in wrought titanium produced via the Kroll process.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding↗

Correlations Between Powder Feedstock Quality, In Situ Porosity Detection, and Fatigue Behavior of Ti-6Al-4V Fabricated by Powder Bed Electron Beam Melting: A Step Towards Qualification

Ti-6Al-4V is the most studied alloy via electron beam melting (EBM) with regards to microstructure and mechanical behavior, but there have been no attempts to correlate in situ porosity detection and fatigue behavior. This is required for widespread adoption of EBM because conventional evaluation is often time-consuming and expensive. This study presents the use of near-infrared imaging to detect and quantify porosity in Ti-6Al-4V builds fabricated from different powder feedstocks and its correlation to their fatigue response. Finally, we report that, for identical processing parameters, the variability in powder feedstock causes variations in porosity and scatter in the respective fatigue response.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-throughput surface characterization to identify porosity defects in additively manufactured 316L stainless steel

In the present study, a high throughput (HT) methodology is applied to rapidly assess the surface characteristics of 83 additively manufactured 316L stainless steel. The variation in surface roughness (S a ) showed a good correlation with a dimensionless number (π) and provided direct linkages to the internal porosity defects. Lack-of-fusion regime relates to high surface roughness (S a > 5 µm), low dimensionless number (π < 61), and the presence of cavities in between the melt pool tracks. Balling regime correlates to high surface roughness (S a > 5 µm), intermediate dimensionless number (61 < π < 146), and non-uniform melt pool track width. Keyhole regime shows low surface roughness (S a < 5 µm), high dimensionless number (π > 146), and a curved melt pool track. This approach accelerates the process parameter discovery and minimizes the porosity defects for the LPBF process. The impact of the defects on the as-processed tensile mechanical properties demonstrates that samples with porosity exhibit up to 10% less tensile strength and 30% less ductility than optimal samples.

316L stainless steel↗

Effects of the microstructure and porosity on properties of Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy fabricated by electron beam melting (EBM)

Electron Beam Melting (EBM) is a metal powder bed-based Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology that makes possible the fabrication of three dimensional near-net-shaped parts directly from computer models. EBM technology has been in continuously updating, obtaining optimized properties of the processed alloys. Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy is the most widely used and studied alloy for this technology and is the focus of this work. Several research works have been completed to study the mechanisms of microstructure formation as well as its influence on mechanical properties. However, the relationship is not completely understood, and more systematic research work is necessary in order to attain a better understanding of these features. In this work, samples fabricated at different locations, orientations, and distances from the build platform have been characterized, studying the relationship of these variables with the resulting material intrinsic characteristics and properties (surface topography, microstructure, porosity, micro-hardness and static mechanical properties). This study has revealed that porosity is the main factor controlling mechanical properties relative to the other studied variables. Therefore, in future process developments, decreasing of the porosity should be considered as the primary goal in order to improve mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Predicting capacity of hard carbon anodes in sodium-ion batteries using porosity measurements

We report an inverse relationship between measurable porosity values and reversible capacity from sucrose-derived hard carbon as an anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Materials with low measureable pore volumes and surface areas obtained through N-2 sorption yield higher reversible capacities. Conversely, increasing measurable porosity and specific surface area leads to sharp decreases in reversible capacity. Utilizing a low porosity material, we thus are able to obtain a reversible capacity of 335 mAh g(-1). These findings suggest that sodium-ion storage is highly dependent on the absence of pores detectable through N-2 sorption in sucrose-derived carbon. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bommier, C↗

Calibration of NMR porosity to estimate permeability in carbonate reservoirs

Considering the performance of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) stored in geologic reservoirs requires some knowledge of the subsurface heterogeneity, where the most reliable data is extracted from wellbore measurements. This benefit is especially true for carbonate reservoirs were reactions between supercritical CO 2 , the reservoir brine, and carbonate minerals create new storage capacity and enhanced permeability. Techniques like NMR well logging hold promise for estimating subsurface permeability, because the total porosity and pore size can be calculated from response of 1 H NMR signal. Resulting depth profiles of porosity and permeability from downhole logs are useful input for reservoir simulations and can be used to design injection protocols and estimate storage capacity. We conducted a detailed characterization study to quantify the NMR response to matrix pore space, the connectivity to larger vugs and fractures, and the resulting permeability of core samples from distinct carbonate formations. The cores used in study span 5 orders in permeability, 4 orders in mean T 2 , and 2%–42% in porosity. The goal of the study was to use independent measures of pore volumes, surface relaxivity, fluid-accessible surface areas, and permeability to develop carbonate permeability models. It was not possible to develop a single model that reproduced permeability for different carbonate formations, because phenomena specific to the reservoirs could not be extracted even with the state-of-the-art characterization techniques used in this study. Estimates of permeability require calibration. Best calculations for a given formation were achieved by using a simple form of the Kozeny equation (Eq. 6): κ=Α’θ 3*n , and calibrating A’ and n with laboratory measurements made on the formation cores. Empirical calibrations can then be used to map the vertical heterogeneity of the storage complex to better understand the physical movement CO 2 and brine in the subsurface and the positive feedback between mineral dissolution and the development of flow pathways.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Impact of electrode porosity architecture on electrochemical performances of 1 mm-thick LiFePO4 binder-free Li-ion electrodes fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering

Thick electrodes with high active material loadings have been intensively studied over the last couple of decades in pursuit of achieving high energy density systems. To optimize and enhance the electrochemical performance of such electrodes, one has to control the pore morphology by, for example, varying the pore size and shape, and the level of porosity. In the present work, the fabrication of thick binder-free LiFePO4 (LFP) electrodes with two different pore sizes (12 and 20 mu m) and porosities (21 vol% and 44 vol%) using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and templating approach is reported. The well-controlled porous architecture inside the thick electrodes is realized by fine-tuning experimental parameters. The impact of porosity architecture on electrochemical performance is quantified and correlated with the 3D tortuosity values determined from both micro-computed tomography and electrochemical impedance-based experimental methods. Based on the micro-computed tomography data analysis, estimated tortuosity values along X, Y, and Z axes reveal an anisotropic effect perpendicularly to the SPS compression axis (Z-direction). This is particularly profoundly observed in the samples with larger pores (20 mu m). The correlation between morphological properties and the rate capability performance is established indicating that the capacity loss happens mainly due to the Li-ion diffusion limitations.

Cathode material↗

The Role of Bedrock Circulation Depth and Porosity in Mountain Streamflow Response to Prolonged Drought

Quantitative understanding is lacking on how the depth of active groundwater circulation in bedrock affects mountain streamflow response to a multi-year drought. We use an integrated hydrological model to explore the sensitivity of a variety of streamflow metrics to bedrock circulation depth and porosity under a plausible extreme drought scenario lasting up to 5 years. Endmember depth versus hydraulic conductivity relationships and porosity values for fractured crystalline rock are simulated. With drought, a deeper circulation system with higher drainable porosity more effectively buffers minimum flow and significantly limits perennial stream loss in comparison to a shallow circulation system. Streamflow buffering is accomplished through extensive groundwater storage loss. However, deeper circulation systems experience prolonged recovery from drought in comparison to storage-limited shallow systems. Research highlights the importance of characterizing the deeper bedrock hydrogeology in mountainous watersheds to better understand and predict drought impacts on stream ecosystem health and water resource sustainability.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

3D Porous Graphitic Nanocarbon for Enhancing Performance and Durability of Pt Catalysts: Balance between Graphitization and Hierarchical Porosity

Carbon supports used in oxygen-reduction cathode catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are vulnerable to corrosion under harsh operating conditions, leading to poor performance durability. To address this issue, we have developed a highly stable porous graphitic carbon (PGC) produced through pyrolysis of a 3D polymer hydrogel in combination with Mn. The resulting PGC features multilayer carbon sheets assembled in porous and flower-like morphologies. In-situ high-temperature electron microscopy was employed to dynamically monitor the carbonization process up to 1100°C, suggesting that 3D polymer hydrogel provides high porosity at multiple scales, and that Mn catalyzes the graphitization process more effectively than other metals. Compared to conventional carbons such as Vulcan, Ketjenblack, and graphitized carbon, the PGC provides an improved balance between high graphitization and hierachical porosity, which is favorable for uniform Pt nanoparticle dispersion and enhanced corrosion resistance. As a result, Pt supported on PGC exhibits remarkably enhanced stability. In addition to thorough testing in aqueous electrolytes, we also conducted fuel cell testing using durability protocols recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). After 5000 voltage cycles from 1.0 to 1.5 V, the Pt/PGC catalyst only lost 9 mV at a current density of 1.5 A/cm 2 , dramatically exceeding the DOE support durability target (<30 mV), and surpassing commercial Pt/C catalysts. Along with the enhanced carbon corrosion resistance of the PGC support, the enhanced catalyst-support interactions are beneficial for stability improvement, likely due to nitrogen doping into carbon, which was further elucidated through X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Thus, the high stability and activity of PGC-based Pt catalysts are attributed to the combination of high graphitization degree, favorable surface areas and porosity, and nitrogen doping, which effectively stabilize highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Towards directed energy deposition of metals using polymer-based supports: porosity of 316L stainless steel deposited on carbon-fiber-reinforced ABS

Directed energy deposition (DED) is increasingly valuable to many industries because of its high deposition rates relative to other metal additive manufacturing processes, but the design space of DED is limited. For instance, steep overhangs are difficult or impossible to manufacture. Polymer-based support structures could help address this challenge. The viability of DED on polymer composite substrates has begun to be explored, specifically with 316L stainless steel on carbon-fiber-reinforced ABS substrates. Monolithic metal components can be deposited on the polymer, but it was found that gas release during polymer degradation causes porosity due to gas entrapment in the metal. An interlayer cooling time was introduced to reduce polymer degradation and decrease the porosity due to gas entrapment, but this led to porosity from lack of fusion. The results of this work provide insight into process parameter selection and scan strategy development to enable the use of polymer support structures in blown-powder DED.

Kurfess, Rebecca↗

Critical instability at moving keyhole tip generates porosity in laser melting

Laser powder bed fusion is a dominant metal 3D printing technology. However, porosity defects remain a challenge for fatigue-sensitive applications. Some porosity is associated with deep and narrow vapor depressions called keyholes, which occur under high-power, low–scan speed laser melting conditions. High-speed x-ray imaging enables operando observation of the detailed formation process of pores in Ti-6Al-4V caused by a critical instability at the keyhole tip. We found that the boundary of the keyhole porosity regime in power-velocity space is sharp and smooth, varying only slightly between the bare plate and powder bed. The critical keyhole instability generates acoustic waves in the melt pool that provide additional yet vital driving force for the pores near the keyhole tip to move away from the keyhole and become trapped as defects.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Understanding corrosion and hydrogen pickup of zirconium fuel cladding alloys: The role of oxide microstructure, porosity, sub-oxides, and second-phase particles - 2016-0071

We used a range of advanced microscopy techniques to study the microstructure, nanoscale chemistry, and porosity in zirconium alloys at different stages of oxidation. Samples from both autoclave and in-reactor conditions were available, including ZIRLO{sup TM}, Zr-1.0Nb, and Zr-2.5Nb samples with different heat treatments. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD), and automated crystal orientation mapping with TEM were used to study the grain structure and phase distribution. Significant differences in grain morphology were observed between samples oxidized in the autoclave and in-reactor, with shorter, less well-aligned monoclinic grains and more tetragonal grains in the neutron-irradiated samples. A combination of energy-dispersive X-ray mapping in STEM and atom probe tomography analysis of second-phase particles (SPPs) can reveal the main and minor element distributions respectively. Neutron irradiation seems to have little effect on promoting fast oxidation or dissolution of β-niobium precipitates but encourages the dissolution of iron from Laves-phase precipitates. An electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis of the oxidation state of niobium in β-niobium SPPs in the oxide revealed the fully oxidized Nb{sup 5+} state in SPPs deep into the oxide but Nb{sup 2+} in crystalline SPPs near the metal-oxide interface. EELS analysis and automated crystal orientation mapping with TEM revealed Widmanstatten-type suboxide layers in some samples with the hexagonal ZrO structure predicted by ab initio modeling. The combined thickness of the ZrO suboxide and oxygen-saturated layers at the metal-oxide interface correlated well to the instantaneous oxidation rate, suggesting that this oxygen-rich zone is part of the protective oxide that is rate limiting in the transport processes involved in oxidation. Porosity in the oxide had a major influence on the overall rate of oxidation, and there was more porosity in the rapidly oxidizing annealed Zr-1.0Nb alloy than in either the recrystallized alloy or the similar alloy exposed to neutron irradiation. (authors)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

In-situ Radiography of Hydrogen Porosity Growth and Development in Aluminum Welds

In aluminum welding, hydrogen contamination is the main cause of the welding defect, porosity. Porosity in welds can adversely affect the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, fatigue life and ductility. There have been a variety of solutions to help reduce porosity in aluminum welds including finding the source of hydrogen. However, in some cases the amount of hydrogen may be drastically reduced but impossible to completely eliminate. Another approach to this issue is to understand where a pore originates and how it moves and grows within the weld pool. This information may lead to a more innovative method for pore elimination during gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding of aluminum.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Predicting Fracture Porosity Evolution in Sandstone (Final Report)

To better understand porosity, strength, chemical reactivity, and patterns of fractures, we developed methods using mineral deposits to unravel how fracture growth and diagenesis interact to create and destroy fracture porosity. Quartz and dolomite cement textures and associated fluid inclusion assemblage sequences and thermal histories provided data to infer the duration and rates at which fractures open. We developed and tested a model that accounts for how fracture porosity and rock properties change as a function of thermal exposure and how fracture size and arrangement evolve. Effects of cement deposits on growth were investigated with new geomechanical models and new methods to quantify fracture spatial arrangement. We tested these concepts in a wide range of rock types using outcrop and core-based datasets. We documented opening histories of fractures and fracture arrays in contrasting tectonic and thermal regimes. Our methods set a new standard for fracture characterization and our diagenetic-geomechanical model accurately predicts fluid flow characteristics of fractured rocks based on coupled effects of diagenesis and deformation. Results represent a significant advance in fundamental understanding of fractures in the Earth and have application to improving subsurface engineering operations in a wide range of contexts including geothermal and sequestration applications. The breakthrough of successfully reconstructing the timing and opening rates of parts of single fractures and portions of fracture arrays to document the growth and linkage of fracture arrays was an accomplishment of this grant that is being followed up in our current BES grant DE-SC0022968, ‘Reconstructing and Predicting Fracture Pattern Evolution‘

58 GEOSCIENCES↗