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At least 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Linear relationships for modeling CO 2 absorption in aqueous alkanolamine solutions in a thermodynamically consistent way

A thermodynamically consistent model for the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) absorption in aqueous alkanolamine system is of great importance in the research and development of a CO 2 capture process. To facilitate the development of thermodynamic models, linear Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and heat capacity relationships using well-known amines as reference are used to correlate the standard reference state properties of ionic species with those of molecular species in the electrolyte system, which has been approved to provide a reliable and consistent way to estimate required parameters when there is minimal or no appropriate experimental data available. Here, the proposed relationships have been applied to the development of an electrolyte nonrandom two liquid (NRTL) activity coefficient model for CO 2 absorption in aqueous 1-amino-2-propanol (A2P) solution, as an example to demonstration the methodology. With limited vapor–liquid equilibrium data and other thermodynamic properties, the parameters in the electrolyte NRTL model are identified with good accuracy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

The Nature of Hydrogen Adsorption on Platinum in the Aqueous Phase

Abstract The thermodynamic state of H 2 adsorbed on Pt in the aqueous phase was determined by kinetic analysis of H 2 reacting with D 2 O to HDO, HD, and D 2 , and by DFT‐based ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of H 2 adsorption on Pt(111), Pt(110), and Pt nanoparticles. Dissociative adsorption of H 2 on Pt is significantly weakened in the aqueous phase compared to adsorption at gas–solid interfaces. Water destabilizes the adsorbed H atoms, decreasing the heat of adsorption by 19–22 kJ while inducing an additional entropy loss of 50–70 J K −1 . Upon dissociative adsorption of H 2 , the average distance of water from the Pt surface increases and the liquid adopts a structure that is more ordered than before close to the Pt surface, which limits the translation mobility of the adsorbed H atoms. The presence of hydrated hydronium ions next to the Pt surface further lowers the H−Pt bond strength.

Yang, Guoju↗
DOE OSTI2019

An Aqueous Dual‐Ion Battery Cathode of Mn 3 O 4 via Reversible Insertion of Nitrate

Abstract We report reversible electrochemical insertion of NO 3 − into manganese(II, III) oxide (Mn 3 O 4 ) as a cathode for aqueous dual‐ion batteries. Characterization by TGA, FTIR, EDX, XANES, EXAFS, and EQCM collectively provides unequivocal evidence that reversible oxidative NO 3 − insertion takes place inside Mn 3 O 4 . Ex situ HRTEM and corresponding EDX mapping results suggest that NO 3 − insertion de‐crystallizes the structure of Mn 3 O 4 . Kinetic studies reveal fast migration of NO 3 − in the Mn 3 O 4 structure. This finding may open a new direction for novel low‐cost aqueous dual‐ion batteries.

Jiang, Heng↗
DOE OSTI2025

Aqueous Zr/Hf IV ‐Oxo Cluster Speciation and Separation

Abstract Many industrial separations of chemically‐similar elements are achieved by solvent extraction, exploiting differences in speciation and solubility across aqueous‐organic interfaces. We recently identified [OM 4 (OH) 6 (SCN) 12 ] 4− (OM 4 , M=Zr/Hf IV ) tetrahedral oxoclusters as the main species in industrial processes that produce nuclear‐grade Zr and Hf from crude ore. However, isostructural/isoelectronic OM 4 ‐oxoclusters do not explain selective extraction of Hf into the organic phase. Here we have characterized heterometal Hf−Zr clusters in solution and the solid‐state yielding key information about their fundamentally different chemistry that engenders separation. Clusters prepared with both ammonium (industrial process) and tetramethylammonium counter cations revealed that 1) heterometal clusters (instead of a mixture of homometal clusters) assemble, and 2) Hf‐rich OM 4 selectively precipitates over Zr‐rich OM 4 , providing a separation process that does not require an organic extractant. Mass spectrometry, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, solution‐state 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and solid‐state 17 O NMR evidence both mixed‐metal speciation and selective Hf‐precipitation. Raman spectroscopy suggests greater Zr‐ligand lability than Hf‐ligand lability, consistent with higher aqueous solubility of Zr‐rich clusters, enabling both extraction and precipitation‐based separation. Fundamentally, we also identify a key difference between these chemically similar elements that has enabled diversification of Zr‐polyoxocation chemistry over the last decade, while Hf‐polyoxocation chemistry lags.

Roseborough, Alexander [Department of Chemistry Or↗
DOE OSTI2016

Nondisruptive Dissolution of Hyperpolarized 129 Xe into Viscous Aqueous and Organic Liquid Crystalline Environments

Studies of hyperpolarized xenon-129 (hp- 129 Xe) in media such as liquid crystals and cell suspensions are in demand for applications ranging from biomedical imaging to materials engineering but have been hindered by the inability to bubble Xe through the desired media as a result of viscosity or perturbations caused by bubbles. In this paper a device is reported that can be reliably used to dissolve hp- 129 Xe into viscous aqueous and organic samples without bubbling. This method is robust, requires small sample volumes (<60 μL), is compatible with existing NMR hardware, and is made from readily available materials. Experiments show that Xe can be introduced into viscous and aligned media without disrupting molecular order. We detected dissolved xenon in an aqueous liquid crystal that is disrupted by the shear forces of bubbling, and we observed liquid-crystal phase transitions in (MBBA). This tool allows an entirely new class of samples to be investigated by hyperpolarized-gas NMR spectroscopy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Macromolecular Design Strategies for Preventing Active-Material Crossover in Non-Aqueous All-Organic Redox-Flow Batteries

Intermittent energy sources, including solar and wind, require scalable, low-cost, multi-hour energy storage solutions in order to be effectively incorporated into the grid. All-Organic non-aqueous redox-flow batteries offer a solution, but suffer from rapid capacity fade and low Coulombic efficiency due to the high permeability of redox-active species across the battery's membrane. In this paper, we show that active-species crossover is arrested by scaling the membrane's pore size to molecular dimensions and in turn increasing the size of the active material above the membrane's pore-size exclusion limit. When oligomeric redox-active organics (RAOs) were paired with microporous polymer membranes, the rate of active-material crossover was reduced more than 9000-fold compared to traditional separators at minimal cost to ionic conductivity. This corresponds to an absolute rate of RAO crossover of less than 3 μmol cm -2 day -1 (for a 1.0 m concentration gradient), which exceeds performance targets recently set forth by the battery industry. Finally, this strategy was generalizable to both high and low-potential RAOs in a variety of non-aqueous electrolytes, highlighting the versatility of macromolecular design in implementing next-generation redox-flow batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2019

An Aqueous Dual-Ion Battery Cathode of Mn 3 O 4 via Reversible Insertion of Nitrate

We report reversible electrochemical insertion of NO3- into manganese(II, III) oxide (Mn3O4) as a cathode for aqueous dual-ion batteries. Characterization by TGA, FTIR, EDX, XANES, EXAFS, and EQCM collectively provides unequivocal evidence that reversible oxidative NO 3 - insertion takes place inside Mn 3 O 4 . Ex situ HRTEM and corresponding EDX mapping results suggest that NO 3 - insertion de-crystallizes the structure of Mn 3 O 4 Kinetic studies reveal fast migration of NO 3 - in the Mn 3 O 4 structure. This finding may open a new direction for novel low-cost aqueous dual-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Chelator‐Assisted Precipitation‐Based Separation of the Rare Earth Elements Neodymium and Dysprosium from Aqueous Solutions

The rare earth elements (REEs) are critical resources for many clean energy technologies, but are difficult to obtain in their elementally pure forms because of their nearly identical chemical properties. Here, an analogue of macropa, G-macropa, was synthesized and employed for an aqueous precipitation-based separation of Nd 3+ and Dy 3+ . G-macropa maintains the same thermodynamic preference for the large REEs as macropa, but shows smaller thermodynamic stability constants. Molecular dynamics studies demonstrate that the binding affinity differences of these chelators for Nd 3+ and Dy 3+ is a consequence of the presence or absence of an inner-sphere water molecule, which alters the donor strength of the macrocyclic ethers. Leveraging the small REE affinity of G-macropa, we demonstrate that within aqueous solutions of Nd 3+ , Dy 3+ , and G-macropa, the addition of HCO 3 − selectively precipitates Dy 2 (CO 3 ) 3 , leaving the Nd 3+ −G-macropa complex in solution. With this method, remarkably high separation factors of 841 and 741 are achieved for 50 : 50 and 75 : 25 mixtures. Further studies involving Nd 3+ :Dy 3+ ratios of 95 : 5 in authentic magnet waste also afford an efficient separation as well. Finally, G-macropa is recovered via crystallization with HCl and used for subsequent extractions, demonstrating its good recyclability.

Gao, Yangyang↗
DOE OSTI2025

Spin‐State and Clustering Effects in Fe‐Complex Negolytes for Near‐Neutral Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

Cost-effective redox-active materials are essential for advancing redox flow batteries (RFBs). Iron, with its abundance and suitability as a redox couple, is a promising candidate; however, achieving stable and fast redox reactions in aqueous RFBs remains a challenge. Here, this study presents an Fe-based negolyte stabilized by a hexadentate ligand, where Fe–ligand bonds are enhanced through intermolecular interactions. The sulfonate-substituted Fe complex exhibits a formal potential of −0.44 V versus Ag/AgCl and an exceptionally high rate constant of 0.69 cm s −1 . Near-neutral RFBs incorporating 0.5 M Fe complex show excellent cycling stability, with no discernible capacity fading over 300 cycles. This performance is attributed to intermolecular hydrogen bonds that reinforce Fe–ligand coordination and promote the formation of stable trimeric clusters. Operando electrochemical Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory reveal that π-backdonation from Fe(II) to the imino-phenolate moiety further stabilizes the complex after reduction. In contrast, the hydroxyl-substituted complex exhibits inferior stability due to weaker hydrogen bonding and less pronounced π-backdonation. These findings underscore the importance of ligand design and intermolecular interactions in developing cost-effective, high-performance redox-active materials for aqueous RFBs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Decoupling Proton and Cation Contributions to Capacitive Charge Storage in Birnessite in Aqueous Electrolytes

Abstract Nanostructured birnessite is of interest as an electrode material for aqueous high power electrochemical energy storage as well as desalination devices. In neutral pH aqueous electrolytes, birnessite exhibits a capacitive response attributed to the adsorption of cations and protons at the outer surface and within the hydrated interlayer. Here, we utilize the understanding of proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) in buffered electrolytes to decouple the role of protons and cations in the capacitive charge storage mechanism of birnessite at neutral pH. We find that without buffer, birnessite exhibits primarily potential‐independent (capacitive) behavior with excellent cycling stability. Upon the addition of buffer, the capacity initially increases and the cyclic voltammograms become more potential‐dependent, features attributed to the presence of PCET with the birnessite. However, long‐term cycling in the buffered electrolyte leads to significant capacity fade and dissolution, which is corroborated through ex situ characterization. ReaxFF atomistic scale simulations support the observations that proton adsorption leads to birnessite degradation and that capacitive charge storage in birnessite is primarily attributed to cation adsorption at the outer surface and within the interlayer.

Saeed, Saeed↗
DOE OSTI2013

The Aqueous Ca2+ System, in Comparison with Zn2+, Fe3+, and Al3+: An Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Study

Results of Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD) simulations of a Ca2+ ion in an aqueous environment (64 waters, 38ps=5ps equilibration + 33ps data collection, 300K) are reported. The 1st hydration shell contains 6-7 waters with d(OH) = 0.97Å (identical to our bulk water estimate) and average tilt angle, I = 32º. The 1st maximum in the radial distribution function occurs at GCaO(r) = 2.45Å. Our results compare well with published experimental structural data from X-Ray Absorption (XAFS) and Neutron Diffraction. We also generate simulated XAFS spectra using a 1st principles MD-XAFS procedure and show quantitative agreement with experimental XAFS data from a 0.2m Ca(ClO4)2 aqueous solution. The Ca2+ 1st shell water dipole moment of 3.1D is identical to our bulk water estimate (3.1D). The structured 2nd hydration shell, composed of ~16.5 waters, has a maximum at GCaO(r) =4.6Å. The average 2nd shell dipole moment = 2.9D, is suppressed relative to bulk water values. Detailed H-bond analysis demonstrates the waters in this shell predominately coordinate 1st shell waters with a trigonally structured H-bond network. Two exchanges between the 1st hydration shell and the bulk were observed. These were consistent with a dissociative and dissociative interchange Eigen-Wilkins ligand exchange mechanism. Many transfers between the 2nd shell and bulk are detected for Ca2+ allowing an estimation of the 2nd shell mean residence time (MRT) of 4.6ps. Comparison of the Ca2+ hydration shell structure and dynamics with those of the recently reported Zn2+, Fe3+ and Al3+ cation species show that the 1st and 2nd hydration shell parameters, d(M-OI) distance, CNII, H-bond d(OI-OII) distance and %Tetrahedral structure are correlated with cation charge density, the ratio of cation charge (Z) and size (Rion). However, important exceptions are d(M-OII) and the 2nd shell Mean Residence Time (MRT). These differences are explained in terms of the 1st shell structure parameters (d(M-OI) distance and tilt angle I which are strongly influenced by the valence electronic structure of the Ca2+, Zn2+, Fe3+, and Al3+ cation species. The average 2nd shell dipole moment for all cations are found to be suppressed relative to bulk water.

Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics↗
DOE OSTI2015

Aqueous Sulfate Separation by Sequestration of [(SO 4 ) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ] 4− Clusters within Highly Insoluble Imine‐Linked Bis‐Guanidinium Crystals

Abstract Selective crystallization of sulfate with a simple bis‐guanidinium ligand, self‐assembled in situ from terephthalaldehyde and aminoguanidinium chloride, was employed as an effective way to separate the highly hydrophilic sulfate anion from aqueous solutions. The resulting bis‐iminoguanidinium sulfate salt has exceptionally low aqueous solubility ( K sp =2.4×10 −10 ), comparable to that of BaSO 4 . Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis showed the sulfate anions are sequestered as [(SO 4 ) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ] 4− clusters within the crystals. Variable‐temperature solubility measurements indicated the sulfate crystallization is slightly endothermic ( ΔH cryst =3.7 kJ mol −1 ), thus entropy driven. The real‐world utility of this crystallization‐based approach for sulfate separation was demonstrated by removing up to 99 % of sulfate from seawater in a single step.

Custelcean, Radu↗
DOE OSTI2023

Extended q -Range X-Ray Scattering Reveals High-Resolution Structural Details of Biomacromolecules in Aqueous Solutions

Here, we communicate a feasibility study for high-resolution structural characterization of biomacromolecules in aqueous solution from X-ray scattering experiments measured over a range of scattering vectors (q) that is approximately two orders of magnitude wider than used previously for such systems. Scattering data with such an extended q-range enables the recovery of the underlying real-space atomic pair distribution function, which facilitates structure determination. We demonstrate the potential of this method for biomacromolecules using several types of cyclodextrins (CD) as model systems. We successfully identified deviations of the tilting angles for the glycosidic units in CDs in aqueous solutions relative to their values in the crystalline forms of these molecules. Such level of structural detail is inaccessible from standard small angle scattering measurements. Our results call for further exploration of ultra-wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements for biomacromolecules.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Gamma Radiation-Induced Degradation of Acetohydroxamic Acid (AHA) in Aqueous Nitrate and Nitric Acid Solutions Evaluated by Multiscale Modelling

Acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) has been proposed for inclusion in advanced, single-cycle, used nuclear fuel reprocessing solvent systems for the reduction and complexation of plutonium and neptunium ions. For this application, a detailed description of the degradation of AHA in dilute aqueous nitric acid is required. To this end, we present a comprehensive, multiscale computer model for the coupled radiolytic and hydrolytic degradation of AHA in aqueous sodium nitrate and nitric acid solutions. Rate coefficients for the reactions of AHA and HA with the oxidizing nitrate radical were measured for the first time using pulsed electron radiolysis and used as inputs in the kinetic model. The computer model results are validated by comparison to experimental data from steady state gamma irradiations, for which the agreement is excellent. Here, the presented model accurately predicts the yields of the major degradation products of AHA: acetic acid, hydroxylamine, nitrous oxide, and molecular hydrogen.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Aqueous and Template-Free Synthesis of Meso-Macroporous Polymers for Highly Selective Capture and Conversion of Carbon Dioxide

Meso–macroporous polymers possessing nitrogen functionality were innovatively synthesized through an aqueous and template-free route herein. In particular, the polymerization of 1-(4-vinylbenzyl)-1,3,5,7-tetraazaadamantan-1-ium chloride in aqueous solution under high temperatures induces the decomposition of the hexamethylenetetramine unit into ammonia and formaldehyde molecules, followed by the cross-linking of benzene rings through “resol chemistry”. During this process, extended meso–macroporous frameworks were constructed, and active nitrogen species were incorporated. Taking the advantage of the meso–macroporosity and nitrogen functionality, the synthesized polymers offer competitive CO 2 capacities (0.37–1.58 mmol g –1 at 0 °C and 0.15 bar) and outstanding CO 2 /N 2 selectivities (155–324 at 0 °C). Moreover, after complexed with metal ions, the synthesized polymers show excellent activity for catalyzing the cycloaddition of propylene oxide with CO2 (yield>98.5 %, turnover frequency: 612.9–761.1 h –1 ).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Aqueous Diels–Alder reactions for thermochemical storage and heat transfer fluids identified using density functional theory

Thermal storage and transfer fluids have important applications in industrial, transportation, and domestic settings. Current thermal fluids have relatively low specific heats, often significantly below that of water. However, by introducing a thermochemical reaction to a base fluid, it is possible to enhance the fluid's thermal properties. Here, density functional theory (DFT) is used to screen Diels–Alder reactions for use in aqueous thermal fluids. From an initial set of 52 reactions, four are identified with moderate aqueous solubility and predicted turning temperature near the liquid region of water. These reactions are selectively modified through 60 total functional group substitutions to produce novel reactions with improved solubility and thermal properties. Among the reactions generated by functional group substitution, seven have promising predicted thermal properties, significantly improving specific heat (by as much as 30.5%) and energy storage density (by as much as 4.9%) compared to pure water.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effect of aqueous‐based cathode slurry pH and immersion time on corrosion of aluminum current collector in lithium‐ion batteries

Corrosion of aluminum can occur during the manufacturing of lithium‐ion batteries when using aqueous‐based cathode slurries. In exposure tests, the alkaline pH value of aqueous‐based cathode slurries and immersing time were revealed as the principle factors that control the corrosion of aluminum during the cathode manufacturing process. The nickel manganese cobalt oxide active material used in the slurry does not have a direct impact on corrosion of the aluminum current collector. The initiation and evolution of localized corrosion on aluminum are closely related to the formation of galvanic cells between aluminum matrix and intermetallic particles. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirmed that the pH of cathode slurry was the only factor that alters aluminum surface composition, during which the oxide passive film was gradually degraded into hydroxide. Electrochemical characterizations showed that aluminum electrodes gave remarkably different response to the different pH of test solutions. The time‐pH‐variant electrochemical response was ascribed to the change of passive film and electric double layer properties.

Li, S. Y.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Tunable Aqueous Virtual Micropore

A charged microparticle can be trapped in an aqueous environment by forming a narrow virtual pore - a cylindrical space region in which the particle motion in the radial direction is limited by forces emerging from dynamical interactions of the particle charge and dipole moment with an external radiofrequency quadrupole electric field. If the particle satisfies the trap stability criteria, its mean motion is reduced exponentially with time due to the viscosity of the aqueous environment; thereafter the long-time motion of particle is subject only to random, Brownian fluctuations, whose magnitude, influenced by the electrophoretic and dielectrophoretic effects and added to the particle size, determines the radius of the virtual pore, which is demonstrated by comparison of computer simulations and experiment. The measured size of the virtual nanopore could be utilized to estimate the charge of a trapped micro-object.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗