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At least 523 records · Page 29

Heteropoly acid functionalized fluoroelastomer with outstanding chemical durability and performance for vehicular fuel cells

To further facilitate commercialization of automotive fuel cells, durability concerns need to be addressed. Currently the addition of a mechanical support in the membrane is able to adequately solve issues of mechanical degradation, but chemical degradation via oxygenated radical attack remains an unsolved challenge. Typical mitigation strategies use cerium or manganese species to serve as radical scavengers, but these ions are able to migrate in the membrane and even leach out of the system. The approach used in this paper is to covalently link and immobilize a heteropoly acid (HPA), more specifically 11-silicotungstic acid (HSiW11), a lacunary HPA of the Keggin structure to a fluoroelastomer, serving as both a radical decomposition catalyst and the proton conducting acid. This dual functionality allows for both high content of radical scavenging species and high ion-exchange capacity. An efficient three step, high yield (77%), commercially viable synthesis for this polymer is reported. The synthesis route for making this new heteropoly acid functionalized polymer is confirmed using infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The material exhibits clustering of the HSiW11 moieties, resulting in a poorly connected proton conducting phase when dry, but excellent conductivity is achieved at elevated humidities (0.298 S cm -1 at 80 °C and 95% RH). The proton conductivity shows an enhancement above 60 °C due to a softening of the polymer, as shown by DSC. Under an aggressive chemical accelerated stress test (AST), 90 °C, 30% RH, zero current, and pure O 2 , the PolyHPA losses only 0.05 V of open circuit voltage (OCV) after 500 h, greatly out performing any other material reported in the literature. For comparison, the Nafion® N211 fuel cell drops below 0.8 V after only 76 h under the same conditions. Finally, in fuel cell testing the PolyHPAs have outstanding chemical stability and also possess very low in situ high frequency resistance (HFR) leading to high performance (1.14 W cm -2 at 2 A cm -2 ), compared to 1.11 W cm -2 for the Nafion® N211 fuel cell at the same current. At 75 wt% HSiW11 loading, the fuel cell HFR showed a 22% decrease over N211.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Enhancing Electrocatalysis for Hydrogen Production over CoP Catalyst by Strain: A Density Functional Theory Study

The facet-dependent strain effects on the hydrogen evolution reaction catalyzed by CoP were studied using density functional theory methods. We show that both atomic and electronic effects need to be taken into consideration to understand the strain effects. For the (111) surface, tensile strain promotes hydrogen evolution at all the levels of hydrogen coverage. For the (101) surface, a moderate tensile strain of ~3% endows this facet with optimum performance.

Liu, Fanghan↗

Chicken fat for catalysis: a scaffold is as important for molecular complexes for energy transformations as it is for enzymes in catalytic function

Metalloenzymes are remarkably active, specific, and efficient catalysts.Mimicking the active sites with organometallic complexes based on crystal structures has been a focus for many synthetic chemists. These surrogates have provided significant mechanistic insight into both the molecular complexes as well as the enzymes, however, one of the principle findings has been that just reproducing the active site is not adequate in reproducing the catalytic function. Specifically, the scaffold surrounding the active site plays a critical role in many aspects of catalysis, from positioning reactants optimally to positioning functional groups for reaction to creating the ideal environment for catalysis. Each of these can be controlled with both static positioning as well as small and large dynamics that can activate or control a specific part of the reaction. In this review, we will discuss the effect of organic/peptidic scaffolds, along with medium as an extension of the scaffold, and their varying impacts on catalytic reactivity.

Laureanti, Joseph A.↗

The comprehensive phase evolution for Bi[subscript 2]Te[subscript 3] topological compound as function of pressure

The recently discovered three-dimensional topological insulator Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} is studied as function of pressure in terms of crystal structures, resistance, and Hall coefficient. The superconductivity is found in phase I (ambient phase) Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} with T{sub c}-3 K, which is related to the topological features. The evolution of crystal structure with pressure is investigated by high pressure synchrotron radiation experiments that reveal structural transitions occurring at about 8 GPa, 13 GPa, and 16 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, the high pressure phases of Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} are also superconducting but with much higher T{sub c}-8 K. The superconducting transitions are compared with those for Bi, Te elements. A global phase diagram of Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} as function of pressure up to 30 GPa is obtained.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Implicit solvation model for density-functional study of nanocrystal surfaces and reaction pathways

Solid-liquid interfaces are at the heart of many modern-day technologies and provide a challenge to many materials simulation methods. A realistic first-principles computational study of such systems entails the inclusion of solvent effects. In this work, we implement an implicit solvation model that has a firm theoretical foundation into the widely used density-functional code Vienna ab initio Software Package. The implicit solvation model follows the framework of joint density functional theory. We describe the framework, our algorithm and implementation, and benchmarks for small molecular systems. We apply the solvation model to study the surface energies of different facets of semiconducting and metallic nanocrystals and the S N 2 reaction pathway. We find that solvation reduces the surface energies of the nanocrystals, especially for the semiconducting ones and increases the energy barrier of the S N 2 reaction.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

On boundary fusion and functional relations in the Baxterized affine Hecke algebra

We construct boundary type operators satisfying fused reflection equation for arbitrary representations of the Baxterized affine Hecke algebra. These operators are analogues of the fused reflection matrices in solvable half-line spin chain models. We show that these operators lead to a family of commuting transfer matrices of Sklyanin type. We derive fusion type functional relations for these operators for two families of representations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Structural characterization of Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} as a function of temperature using neutron powder diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure techniques

The structure of Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} (Seebeck coefficient Standard Reference Material (SRM™ 3451)) and the related phase Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} have been characterized as a function of temperature using the neutron powder diffraction (NPD) and the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) techniques. The neutron structural studies were carried out from 20 K to 300 K for Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and from 10 K to 298 K for Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3}. The EXAFS technique for studying the local structure of the two compounds was conducted from 19 K to 298 K. Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} are isostructural, with a space group of R3{sup ¯}m. The structure consists of repeated quintuple layers of atoms, Te2-M-Te1-M-Te2 (where M = Bi or Sb) stacking along the c-axis of the unit cell. EXAFS was used to examine the bond distances and static and thermal disorders for the first three shells of Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} as a function of temperature. The temperature dependencies of thermal disorders were analyzed using the Debye and Einstein models for lattice vibrations. The Debye and Einstein temperatures for the first two shells of Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} are similar to those of Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} within the uncertainty in the data. However, the Debye and Einstein temperatures for the third shell of Bi-Bi are significantly lower than those of the third shell of Sb-Sb. The Einstein temperature for the third shell is consistent with a soft phonon mode in both Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3}. The lower Einstein temperature of Bi-Bi relative to Sb-Sb is consistent with the lower value of thermal conductivity of Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} relative to Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Photo-induced refractive index and topographical surface gratings in functionalized nanocarbon solid film

We demonstrate that a single-walled carbon nanotube network noncovalently coupled with a pyrene-modified azo-benzene chromophore functions as a host matrix for a broad range of photo-orientation and photomechanical effects. The chromophore could be efficiently reoriented through repeated trans-cis-trans isomerization under linearly polarized 480 nm light, with Δn of 0.012 at 650 nm and fast characteristic rise-times of 0.12 s. Erasable phase diffraction gratings could also be written, with permanent surface relief gratings forming at sufficiently long irradiation times. In addition to demonstrating a mechanism for photo-manipulation of single-walled carbon nanotubes, these results show photo-orientation of chromophores in azo-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube networks as a path towards the photosensitive tuning of the electrostatic environment of the nanotube.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Assessing the utility of phase-space-localized basis functions: Exploiting direct product structure and a new basis function selection procedure

In this paper we show that it is possible to use an iterative eigensolver in conjunction with Halverson and Poirier’s symmetrized Gaussian (SG) basis [T. Halverson and B. Poirier, J. Chem. Phys. 137, 224101 (2012)] to compute accurate vibrational energy levels of molecules with as many as five atoms. This is done, without storing and manipulating large matrices, by solving a regular eigenvalue problem that makes it possible to exploit direct-product structure. These ideas are combined with a new procedure for selecting which basis functions to use. The SG basis we work with is orders of magnitude smaller than the basis made by using a classical energy criterion. We find significant convergence errors in previous calculations with SG bases. For sum-of-product Hamiltonians, SG bases large enough to compute accurate levels are orders of magnitude larger than even simple pruned bases composed of products of harmonic oscillator functions.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Exploring connections between statistical mechanics and Green’s functions for realistic systems: Temperature dependent electronic entropy and internal energy from a self-consistent second-order Green’s function

Including finite-temperature effects from the electronic degrees of freedom in electronic structure calculations of semiconductors and metals is desired; however, in practice it remains exceedingly difficult when using zero-temperature methods, since these methods require an explicit evaluation of multiple excited states in order to account for any finite-temperature effects. Using a Matsubara Green’s function formalism remains a viable alternative, since in this formalism it is easier to include thermal effects and to connect the dynamic quantities such as the self-energy with static thermodynamic quantities such as the Helmholtz energy, entropy, and internal energy. However, despite the promising properties of this formalism, little is known about the multiple solutions of the non-linear equations present in the self-consistent Matsubara formalism and only a few cases involving a full Coulomb Hamiltonian were investigated in the past. In this study, to shed some light onto the iterative nature of the Green’s function solutions, we self-consistently evaluate the thermodynamic quantities for a one-dimensional (1D) hydrogen solid at various interatomic separations and temperatures using the self-energy approximated to second-order (GF2). At many points in the phase diagram of this system, multiple phases such as a metal and an insulator exist, and we are able to determine the most stable phase from the analysis of Helmholtz energies. Additionally, we show the evolution of the spectrum of 1D boron nitride to demonstrate that GF2 is capable of qualitatively describing the temperature effects influencing the size of the band gap.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Rethinking the magnetic properties of lepidocrocite: A density functional theory and cluster expansion study

The iron oxyhydroxide lepidocrocite (g-FeOOH) is an abundant mineral critical to a number of chemical and technological applications. Of particular interest is the ground state and nite temperature magnetic order, and the subsequent impact this has upon crystal properties. The magnetic properties, investigated in this work are governed primarily through superexchange interactions, and have been calculated using density functional theory and cluster expansion methods. Quantication of these exchange terms has facilitated the determination of the ground state magneto-crystalline structure and subsequent calculation of its lattice constants, elastic moduli, cohesive enthalpy, and electronic density of states. Further, using a collinear magnetic conguration model, the magnetic heat capacity versus temperature has been studied and the Neel temperature obtained.

Pope, Daniel J.↗

Fresnel zone plate point spread function approximation for zeroth order mitigation in millimetric field of view x-ray imaging

High spatial and temporal resolution x-ray radiography images are required at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) for high-energy density experiments. One technique that is in development to achieve the required resolution uses Fresnel zone plate (FZP) optics to image an object that is backlit by an x-ray source. The multiple FZP diffraction orders do not focus on the same plane, which increases the background and reduces the contrast. Understanding the point spread function of the different diffraction orders will allow the prediction of the expected background using simulations. We find that the two-dimensional point spread function of the FZP can be approximated by the addition of a sharp Gaussian with a disk. This allowed for the estimation of the background in NIF experimental images of Rayleigh–Taylor spikes and their interpretation. An alternative design of FZP is discussed to allow the inclusion of a zeroth order blocker to reduce the background.

Do, A. (ORCID:0000000174372147)↗

Assignment of function to a domain of unknown function: DUF1537 is a new kinase family in catabolic pathways for acid sugars

Using a large-scale “genomic enzymology” approach, we ( i ) assigned novel ATP-dependent four-carbon acid sugar kinase functions to members of the DUF1537 protein family (domain of unknown function; Pfam families PF07005 and PF17042) and ( ii ) discovered novel catabolic pathways for d -threonate, l -threonate, and d -erythronate. The experimentally determined ligand specificities of several solute binding proteins (SBPs) for TRAP (tripartite ATP-independent permease) transporters for four-carbon acids, including d -erythronate and l -erythronate, were used to constrain the substrates for the catabolic pathways that degrade the SBP ligands to intermediates in central carbon metabolism. Sequence similarity networks and genome neighborhood networks were used to identify the enzyme components of the pathways. Conserved genome neighborhoods encoded SBPs as well as permease components of the TRAP transporters, members of the DUF1537 family, and a member of the 4-hydroxy- l -threonine 4-phosphate dehydrogenase (PdxA) oxidative decarboxylase, class II aldolase, or ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, large subunit (RuBisCO) superfamily. Because the characterized substrates of members of the PdxA, class II aldolase, and RuBisCO superfamilies are phosphorylated, we postulated that the members of the DUF1537 family are novel ATP-dependent kinases that participate in catabolic pathways for four-carbon acid sugars. We determined that ( i ) the DUF1537/PdxA pair participates in a pathway for the conversion of d -threonate to dihydroxyacetone phosphate and CO 2 and ( ii ) the DUF1537/class II aldolase pair participates in pathways for the conversion of d -erythronate and l -threonate (epimers at carbon-3) to dihydroxyacetone phosphate and CO 2 . As a result, the physiological importance of these pathways was demonstrated in vivo by phenotypic and genetic analyses.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

THE LUMINOSITY FUNCTION OF FERMI-DETECTED FLAT-SPECTRUM RADIO QUASARS

Fermi has provided the largest sample of {gamma}-ray-selected blazars to date. In this work we use a complete sample of flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) detected during the first year of operation to determine the luminosity function (LF) and its evolution with cosmic time. The number density of FSRQs grows dramatically up to redshift {approx}0.5-2.0 and declines thereafter. The redshift of the peak in the density is luminosity dependent, with more luminous sources peaking at earlier times; thus the LF of {gamma}-ray FSRQs follows a luminosity-dependent density evolution similar to that of radio-quiet active galactic nuclei. Also, using data from the Swift Burst Alert Telescope we derive the average spectral energy distribution (SED) of FSRQs in the 10 keV-300 GeV band and show that there is no correlation between the luminosity at the peak of the {gamma}-ray emission component and its peak frequency. Using this luminosity-independent SED with the derived LF allows us to predict that the contribution of FSRQs to the Fermi isotropic {gamma}-ray background is 9.3{sup +1.6}{sub -1.0}% ({+-}3% systematic uncertainty) in the 0.1-100 GeV band. Finally we determine the LF of unbeamed FSRQs, finding that FSRQs have an average Lorentz factor of {gamma} = 11.7{sup +3.3}{sub -2.2}, that most are seen within 5 Degree-Sign of the jet axis, and that they represent only {approx}0.1% of the parent population.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

THE SDSS-II SUPERNOVA SURVEY: PARAMETERIZING THE TYPE Ia SUPERNOVA RATE AS A FUNCTION OF HOST GALAXY PROPERTIES

Using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Supernova Survey-II (SDSS-II SN Survey), we measure the rate of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) as a function of galaxy properties at intermediate redshift. A sample of 342 SNe Ia with 0.05 < z < 0.25 is constructed. Using broadband photometry and redshifts, we use the PEGASE.2 spectral energy distributions to estimate host galaxy stellar masses and recent star formation rates (SFRs). We find that the rate of SNe Ia per unit stellar mass is significantly higher (by a factor of {approx}30) in highly star-forming galaxies compared to passive galaxies. When parameterizing the SN Ia rate (SNR{sub Ia}) based on host galaxy properties, we find that the rate of SNe Ia in passive galaxies is not linearly proportional to the stellar mass; instead an SNR{sub Ia}{proportional_to}M{sup 0.68} is favored. However, such a parameterization does not describe the observed SNR{sub Ia} in star-forming galaxies. The SNR{sub Ia} in star-forming galaxies is well fitted by SNR{sub Ia} = (0.41 {+-} 0.15) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -10} M{sup 0.72{+-}0.15} + (0.65 {+-} 0.25) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -3}SFR{sup 1.01{+-}0.22} (statistical errors only), where M is the host galaxy stellar mass (in M{sub Sun }) and SFR is the SFR (in M{sub Sun} yr{sup -1}). We show that our results, for SNe Ia in passive galaxies, are consistent with those at higher redshifts (favoring SNR{sub Ia}{proportional_to}M) when accounting for the difference in the ages of our galaxies. This suggests that the rate of SNe Ia is correlated with the age of the stellar population. The MLCS extinction parameter, A{sub V} , is similar in passive and moderately star-forming galaxies, but we find indications that it is smaller, on average, in highly star-forming galaxies. This result appears to be driven by a deficit of the reddest (A{sub V} > 0.15) SNe Ia in highly star-forming galaxies. We consider that the high levels of dust in these systems may be obscuring the reddest and faintest SNe Ia.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗