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At least 721 records · Page 40

Soluble metallogels including antimicrobial silver metallogels

A product includes a metallogel material having metal ions dispersed in an assembly having an organic compound. A method includes combining a metal salt, an organic compound precursor, and a glyme for forming a metallogel material having metal ions dispersed in an assembly having an organic compound.

Compel, William↗

Ellipsometric study of Al2O3/Ag/Si and SiO2/Ag/quartz ashed in an oxygen plasma

The growth of silver oxide (proposed as a potentially useful protective coating for space environment) on a silver mirror coated with an Al2O3 or a SiO2 protective layer was investigated using the monolayer-sensitive variable angle of incidence spectroscopic ellipsometry technique. The samples were exposed to a pure oxygen plasma in a plasma asher, and the silver oxide growth was monitored as a function of the exposure time. It was found that atomic oxygen in the asher penetrated through the SiO2 or Al2O3 coatings to convert the silver underneath to silver oxide, and that the quantity of the silver oxide formed was proportional to the ashing time. The band gap of silver oxide was determined to be 1.3 eV. A schematic diagram of the variable angle of incidence spectroscopic ellipsometer is included.

De, Bhola N.↗

Angular distributions of 5eV atomic oxygen scattered from solid surfaces on the LDEF satellite

The angular distribution of 5eV atomic oxygen scattered off several smooth solid surfaces was measured by experiment A0114 which flew on board the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). Target surfaces were silver, vitreous carbon, and lithium fluoride crystal. The apparatus was entirely passive. It used the property of silver surfaces to absorb oxygen atoms with high efficiency; the silver is converted to optically transmissive silver oxide. A collimated beam of oxygen atoms is allowed to fall on the target surface at some pre-set angle. Reflected atoms are then intercepted by a silver film placed so that it subtends a considerable solid angle from the primary beam impact on the target surface. The silver films are evaporated onto flexible optically-clear polycarbonate sheets which are scanned later to determine oxygen uptake. While the silver detector cannot measure atom velocity or energy, its physical configuration allows easy coverage of large angular space both in the beam-plane (that which includes the incident beam and the surface normal), and in the azimuthal plane of the target surface.

Gregory, John C.↗

Translating nanoparticle dosimetry from conventional in vitro systems to occupational inhalation exposures

As encouraged by Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century, researchers increasingly apply high-throughput in vitro approaches to identify and characterize nanoparticle hazards, including conventional aqueous cell culture systems to assess respiratory hazards. Translating nanoparticle dose from conventional toxicity testing systems to relevant human exposures remains a major challenge for assessing occupational risk of nanoparticle exposures. Here, we explored existing computational tools and data available to translate nanoparticle dose metrics from cellular test systems to inhalation exposures of silver nanoparticles in humans. We used the Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) Model to predict deposition of humans exposed to 20 and 110 nm silver nanoparticles at 0.9 µg/m3 over an 8 hr period, the proposed a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit (REL). MPPD predicts 1.88 and 0.98 µg of silver deposited in an 8 hr period for 20 and 110 nm nanoparticles, respectively, with 20 nm particles displaying nearly 11-fold higher total surface area deposited. Peak nanoparticle concentrations occurred more proximal in the pulmonary tract compared to mass deposition patterns (generation 5 vs. generations 20-21, respectively) due to regional differences in lung lining fluid volumes. Assuming 0.4% nanoparticle dissolution by mass as previously measured, we predict peak concentrations of silver ions in cells of 0.24 and 0.17 µg/mL for 20 and 110 nm particles, respectively. Both predicted concentrations are below the measured toxic threshold of 1.7 µg/mL of silver ions in cells from in vitro assessments. Assuming 4% dissolution by mass, we predict 10-fold higher silver concentrations in tissues, peaking at 2.4 and 1.7 µg/mL, for 20 and 110 nm nanoparticles respectively, exceeding the observed in vitro toxic threshold and highlighting the importance and sensitivity of dissolution rates. Overall, this approach offers a framework for extrapolating nanotoxicity results from in vitro cell culture systems to human exposures. Aligning appropriate dose metrics from in vitro and in vivo hazard characterizations and human pulmonary doses from occupational exposures are critical components for successful nanoparticle risk assessment and worker protection and provide guidance for designing future in vitro studies aimed at relevant human exposures.

Smith, Jordan N.↗

Single-Step Conversion of Ethanol to n-Butene over Ag-ZrO2/SiO2 Catalysts

Ethanol is a promising platform molecule for production of a variety of fuels and chemicals. Of particular interest is producing middle distillate fuels (i.e., jet and diesel blendstock) from renewable ethanol feedstock. State-of-the-art alcohol-to-jet technology requires multiple process steps based on catalytic dehydration of ethanol to form ethylene, followed by sometimes a multi-step oligomerization, and then hydrotreatment and distillation. Here we report on a new catalytic route in which ethanol is directly converted to n-butene (1- and 2-butene mixtures) over Ag-ZrO2/SBA-16, thus offering the potential for a reduction in the number of required processing steps versus conventional alcohol-to-jet technology. This catalyst system provides the balanced metal and Lewis acid sites required to selectively facilitate a cascading sequence of reactions that includes dehydrogenation, aldol condensation, Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley reduction, dehydration, and hydrogenation. High conversion and selectivity toward either n-butene or 1,3-butadiene is achieved by tuning the hydrogen feed partial pressure and other process/catalyst parameters. With sufficient hydrogen partial pressure 1,3-butadiene is completely and selectively hydrogenated to form n-butene. The reaction mechanism was elucidated through operando-nuclear magnetic resonance investigations coupled with reactivity measurements. Combined experimental-computational investigation reveals how changes in silver and zirconium composition and the silver oxidation state affects reactivity under controlled hydrogen partial pressures and after prolonged run times. Finally, catalyst effectiveness also was demonstrated when using wet ethanol feed, thus highlighting process flexibility in terms of feedstock purity requirements. This work was financially supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Bioenergy Technologies Office, and was performed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) under Contract No. DE-AC05-76RL01830 and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory under Contract No. DE-AC36- 08GO28308. Part of the work conducted by S. A. Akhade was performed under the auspices of the U.S. DOE at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344. This work was partly supported through the PNNL-WSU Distinguished Graduate Research Program for ADW. NMR and XPS experiments were performed using EMSL (grid.436923.9), a DOE Office of Science User Facility sponsored by the Office of Biological and Environmental Research

Dagle, Vanessa↗

Passive particle dosimetry

Present methods of dosimetry are reviewed with emphasis on the processes using silver chloride crystals for ionizing particle dosimetry. Differences between the ability of various crystals to record ionizing particle paths are directly related to impurities in the range of a few ppm (parts per million). To understand the roles of these impurities in the process, a method for consistent production of high purity silver chloride, and silver bromide was developed which yields silver halides with detectable impurity content less than 1 ppm. This high purity silver chloride was used in growing crystals with controlled doping. Crystals were grown by both the Czochalski method and the Bridgman method, and the Bridgman grown crystals were used for the experiments discussed. The distribution coefficients of ten divalent cations were determined for the Bridgman crystals. The best dosimeters were made with silver chloride crystals containing 5 to 10 ppm of lead; other impurities tested did not produce proper dosimeters.

Childs, C. B.↗

Atomic oxygen effects on boron nitride and silicon nitride: A comparison of ground based and space flight data

The effects of atomic oxygen on boron nitride (BN) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) were evaluated in a low Earth orbit (LEO) flight experiment and in a ground based simulation facility. In both the inflight and ground based experiments, these materials were coated on thin (approx. 250A) silver films, and the electrical resistance of the silver was measured in situ to detect any penetration of atomic oxygen through the BN and Si3N4 materials. In the presence of atomic oxygen, silver oxidizes to form silver oxide, which has a much higher electrical resistance than pure silver. Permeation of atomic oxygen through BN, as indicated by an increase in the electrical resistance of the silver underneath, was observed in both the inflight and ground based experiments. In contrast, no permeation of atomic oxygen through Si3N4 was observed in either the inflight or ground based experiments. The ground based results show good qualitative correlation with the LEO flight results, indicating that ground based facilities such as the one at Los Alamos National Lab can reproduce space flight data from LEO.

Cross, J. B.↗

Control of interfaces in Al-C fibre composites

The interface of Al-C fiber composite was modified by coating a silver layer on the surface of carbon fibres prior to making composites, in an attempt to improve the wettability between molten aluminum and carbon fibers during infiltration. An electroless plating technique was adopted and perfected to provide a homogeneous silver coating on the carbon fiber surface. Al-C fiber composites were prepared using a liquid infiltration technique in a vacuum. It was found that silver coating promoted the wetting between aluminum and carbon fibers, particularly with polyacrylonitrile-base carbon fibers. However, due to rapid dissolution of silver in molten aluminum, it was believed that the improved infiltration was not due to the wetting behavior between molten aluminum and silver. The cleaning of the fiber surface and the preservation of the cleaned carbon surface with silver coating was considered to be the prime reason for the improved wettability. Interfacial reactions between aluminum and carbon fibers were observed. Amorphous carbon was found to react more with aluminum than graphitic carbon. This is believed to be because of the inertness of the graphitic basal planes.

Warrier, S. G.↗

Catalyst Development for Hydrogen Peroxide Rocket Engines

The development of various catalysts of hydrogen peroxide was conducted for the applications of liquid rocket engines. The catalyst development includes silver screen technology, solid catalyst technology, and homogeneous catalyst technology. The silver screen technology development was performed with 85% (by weight) hydrogen peroxide. The results of this investigation were used as the basis for the catalyst design of a pressure-fed liquid-fueled upper stage engine. Both silver-plated nickel 200 screens and pure silver screens were used as the active metal catalyst during the investigation, The data indicate that a high decomposition efficiency (greater than 90%) of 85% hydrogen peroxide can be achieved at a bed loading of 0.5 lbm/sq in/sec with both pure silver and silver plated screens. Samarium oxide coating, however, was found to retard the decomposition process and the catalyst bed was flooded at lower bed loading. A throughput of 200 lbm of hydrogen peroxide (1000 second run time) was tested to evaluate the catalyst aging issue and performance degradation was observed starting at approximately 400 seconds. Catalyst beds of 3.5 inch in diameter was fabricated using the same configuration for a 1,000-lbf rocket engine. High decomposition efficiency was obtained with a low pressure drop across the bed. Solid catalyst using precious metal was also developed for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide from 85% to 98% by weight. Preliminary results show that the catalyst has a strong reactivity even after 15 minutes of peroxide decomposition. The development effort also includes the homogeneous catalyst technology. Various non-toxic catalysts were evaluated with 98% peroxide and hydrocarbon fuels. The results of open cup drop tests indicate an ignition delay around 11 ms.

Morlan, P. W.↗

Effects of Disinfectants in Water on Mir- and Earth-Grown Wheat

Iodine and silver fluoride are used to purify water onboard U. S. Shuttles and the Russian Space Station, Mir, respectively. In 1995, iodine-treated water, which ranged from 1.0-4.0 mg x kg(exp -1) with a mean of 2.9 mg x kg(exp -1), was applied to Super Dwarf wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants when Mir water (grey or tech grade) became scarce. The potential phytotoxicity of iodine on Super Dwarf wheat is an unknown. Since use of iodine-treated water was not part of the experiment, we sought to determine whether it accounted for the subsequent poor wheat seedling growth and floral development onboard the Mir. Super Dwarf wheat seeds were imbibed in iodine or silver fluoride concentrations of 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 or 16.0 mg x kg(exp -1) for 96 h at 4 C. Five seeds were then planted per 13.3 cm x 13.3 cm pots containing a granular clinoptilolite (Cp) zeolite (1 -2 mm dia.) and placed in Percival(TM) growth chambers programmed for 20/15 C and 18/6 h d/n regime. Plants were irrigated with distilled water, and Iodine- or silver fluoride-treated distilled water. In separate experiments, seeds were treated as above and germination and early seedling growth were determined by examining seedling responses to disinfectants in rolled paper towels. Silver fluoride had very little effect on wheat seed germination. By contrast, iodine reduced germination at all treatment levels. Seedlings exposed to 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg x kg(exp -1) of iodine or silver fluoride levels exhibited a slight stimulation in shoot and root growth. Both disinfectants at 8 and 16 mg x kg(exp -1) showed significantly (p is less than or equal to 0.01) reduced seedling shoot and root lengths and fresh biomasses compared to the control and lower disinfectant levels. The number of spikelets per spike, florets per spikelet, seeds per spike and seed weight were also significantly reduced at the 8 and 16 mg x kg(exp -1) compared to the control and lower levels of disinfectant. Based on these ground-based post-flight analyses, the levels of iodine- and/or silver fluoride-treated water used on Mir-grown plants onboard the Mir did not cause the poor growth and development of the wheat plants.

Campbell, William .F.↗

Round superconductor wires

A round superconductor wire and method for fabricating same are disclosed. Embodiments are directed to a round superconductor wire including at least two superconductor tapes wound on a wire former. Each superconductor tape includes: bottom stabilizer and silver layers; substrate disposed above the bottom silver layer; buffer film stack disposed above the substrate; superconductor film disposed above the buffer film stack; top silver layer disposed above the superconductor film; and top stabilizer layer disposed above the top silver layer. At least one of the bottom stabilizer layer, bottom silver layer, substrate, buffer film stack, superconductor film, top silver layer, or top stabilizer layer is of a different width, thickness, or material composition in one of the superconductor tapes than in another of the superconductor tapes. These and other embodiments achieve a round superconductor wire having improved current density in high magnetic field applications when made in small diameters.

Majkic, Goran↗

Solvent independent reference electrodes for use with non-aqueous electrolytes

The present disclosure relates to a method for forming a reference electrode for use in electrochemical testing applications. The method may involve positioning a porous frit against one end of a hollow tube, and securing the frit and the hollow tube to one another to form an assembly. The method may further involve forming a silver sulfide coating on a silver wire to produce a silver sulfide coated silver wire. The method may further involve filling the hollow tube with a non-aqueous solution, and inserting at least a portion of the silver sulfide coated silver wire into the non-aqueous solution in the hollow tube.

Horwood, Corie↗

Plasmonic Ag nanocomposite phosphate glasses produced via γ-ray irradiation as reduction route

This paper reports on the impact of γ-ray irradiation (10, 100 kGy) on melt-quenched Ag + -doped phosphate glass and the effects of subsequent thermal processing leading to the production of plasmonic Ag nanocomposites. The γ-irradiated glasses were characterized alongside the pristine by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, optical absorption, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. DSC characterization showed consistent glass transition temperatures (T g ) before and after γ-irradiation whereas the crystallization temperatures tended to decrease with increasing γ-ray dose. However, a lack of alteration of the glass network structure was supported by Raman spectroscopy. Room temperature EPR spectra clearly showed the formation of phosphorus oxygen hole center (POHC) defects in the undoped host, in addition to another doublet likely associated with a P 3 defect. The presence of paramagnetic silver species encompassing Ag 2+ and 107/109 Ag 0 atoms was also indicated in the silver-activated glass together with POHC defects. Optical absorption spectra were also consistent with the presence of various radiation-induced centers. Further analyzing the glass absorption edge via Tauc plots suggested the formation of electron center (EC) defects in γ-irradiated samples wherein the silver-doped glass exhibited decreasing band gap energies with increasing γ-ray dose. The PL characterization showed the silver-related radio-PL effect was induced exhibiting broad band emission with two maxima around 500 and 625 nm stemming from various molecular Ag$^{x+}_{n}$ clusters. Emission decay analyses revealed that the longer wavelength emission exhibited slower decay. The highest radiation dose of 100 kGy however resulted in weaker emission and faster decay kinetics attributed to energy transfer between the luminescent silver species and POHC defects. Finally subjecting the γ-irradiated Ag-doped glasses to heat treatment near the T g at 490 °C led to the development of the surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and the vanishing of the Ag$^{x+}_{n}$ clusters luminescence. In conclusion, the presence of the matrix-related EC defects was deemed accountable for the thermally induced reduction and consequent precipitation of Ag NPs making the plasmonic glasses attractive for photonic applications such as nonlinear optics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Temperature-Dependent Sheet and Contact Resistivity Measurements on Ag and Ag-Ni Circuit Pastes

The metal circuits and brazes used in electronic, energy conversion, and/or energy storage devices often have difficulty wetting and adhering to ceramic and/or ceramic-passivated metal substrates. Here, a novel Particle Interlayer Directed Wetting and Spreading (PIDWAS) technique is demonstrated that utilizes screen printing, the low wetting angle of silver on nickel, and the high work of adhesion between nickel and various ceramics to produce well-adhered, self-assembled silver patterns on ceramic and/or stainless-steel substrates not normally wet by silver. The resulting Ag-Ni circuits have higher sapphire adhesion strengths (up to 30 MPa on sapphire), higher densities (>97% on sapphire), and similar high-temperature electronic resistivities to those made using commercially-available Heraeus C8710 or DAD-87 silver circuit pastes. Similarly, Ag-Ni brazes between a variety of ceramic and/or stainless-steel substrates have better microstructural stability with rapid thermal cycling, reduction-oxidation cycling, and dual atmosphere isothermal aging than conventional Ag-CuO brazes. In addition, the residual Ni in these Ag-Ni circuits and brazes can be used to chemically getter surface segregated Al, ensuring low contact resistances on a variety of chromia- and/or alumina-passivated stainless steels. Reference: [1] Hu G, Zhou Q, Bhatlawande A, Park J, Termuhlen R, Ma Y, Bieler TR, Yu HC, Qi Y, Hogan T & Nicholas JD. Patterned Nickel Interlayers for Enhanced Silver Wetting, Spreading and Adhesion on Ceramic Substrates. Scripta Materialia, 2021; 196, 113767. 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2021.113767 [2] Park J, Phongpreecha T, Nicholas JD & Qi Y. Enhanced Liquid Metal Wetting on Oxide Surfaces via Patterned Particles. Acta Materialia, 2020; 199, 551-560. 10.1016/j.actamat.2020.08.037

Bhatlawande, Aishwarya↗