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At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

2-D soil zymography: Accounting for the spatial variation of pH

Soil zymography is commonly used to quantify spatial distribution of hydrolytic enzyme activities on soil and plant root surfaces. It is recommended to adjust pH in zymography substrates and calibration solutions with respect to soil/root pH. However, pH values may vary greatly within a few mm of plant rhizosphere, potentially altering the distribution of pH in zymography membranes. Despite the fact that the effect of pH on the calibration of zymography membranes is generally known, its potential impact on zymography results is unaccounted for in processing zymography images and calculations of enzyme activity. In this study we assessed the effect of pH variations on the persistency of the methylumbelliferone (MUF) calibration. The studied pH values ranged from 4.5 to 7.5. The MUF calibration curves greatly deviated from that at a reference pH of 6.5, with a marked nonlinear increase of deviation with greater membrane brightness. We suggest that the problem can be partially alleviated by reducing the membrane incubation time. However, such deviations suggest the need for a more comprehensive resolution via mapping pH and using pH-specific calibrations to process zymography images. Here, we developed a MATLAB code to implement a pixel-based correction of enzyme activity for pH in processing time-lapse zymography images.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2016

Formation of Hg(II) tetrathiolate complexes with cysteine at neutral pH

Mercury(II) ions precipitate from aqueous cysteine (H 2 Cys) solutions containing H 2 Cys/Hg(II) mole ratio ≥ 2.0 as Hg( S -HCys) 2 . In absence of additional cysteine, the precipitate dissolves at pH ~12 with the [Hg( S , N -Cys) 2 ] 2- complex dominating. With excess cysteine (H 2 Cys/Hg(II) mole ratio ≥ 4.0), higher complexes form and the precipitate dissolves at lower pH values. Previously, we found that tetrathiolate [Hg( S -Cys) 4 ] 6- complexes form at pH = 11.0; in this work we extend the investigation to pH values of physiological interest. We examined two series of Hg(II)-cysteine solutions in which C Hg(II) varied between 8 – 9 mM and 80 – 100 mM, respectively, with H 2 Cys/Hg(II) mole ratios from 4 to ~20. The solutions were prepared in the pH range 7.1 – 8.8, at the pH at which the initial Hg( S -HCys) 2 precipitate dissolved. The variations in the Hg(II) speciation were followed by 199 Hg NMR, X-ray absorption and Raman spectroscopic techniques. Our results show that in the dilute solutions (C Hg(II) = 8 – 9 mM), mixtures of di-, tri- (major) and tetrathiolate complexes exist at moderate cysteine excess (C H2Cys ~ 0.16 M) at pH 7.1. In the more concentrated solutions (C Hg(II) = 80 – 100 mM) with high cysteine excess (C H2Cys > 0.9 M), tetrathiolate [Hg( S -cysteinate) 4 ] m-6 ( m = 0 – 4) complexes dominate in the pH range 7.3 – 7.8, with lower charge than for the [Hg( S -Cys) 4 ] 6- complex due to protonation of some ( m ) of the amino groups of the coordinated cysteine ligands. In conclusion, the results of this investigation could provide a key to the mechanism of biosorption and accumulation of Hg(II) ions in biological / environmental systems.

199Hg NMR↗
DOE OSTI2017

Hydrogen bonds are a primary driving force for de novo protein folding

The protein-folding mechanism remains a major puzzle in life science. Purified soluble activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is one of the most difficult proteins to obtain. Starting from inclusion bodies containing a C-terminally truncated version of AID (residues 1–153; AID 153 ), an optimized in vitro folding procedure was derived to obtain large amounts of AID 153 , which led to crystals with good quality and to final structural determination. Interestingly, it was found that the final refolding yield of the protein is proline residue-dependent. The difference in the distribution of cis and trans configurations of proline residues in the protein after complete denaturation is a major determining factor of the final yield. A point mutation of one of four proline residues to an asparagine led to a near-doubling of the yield of refolded protein after complete denaturation. It was concluded that the driving force behind protein folding could not overcome the cis -to- trans proline isomerization, or vice versa , during the protein-folding process. Furthermore, it was found that successful refolding of proteins optimally occurs at high pH values, which may mimic protein folding in vivo . It was found that high pH values could induce the polarization of peptide bonds, which may trigger the formation of protein secondary structures through hydrogen bonds. It is proposed that a hydrophobic environment coupled with negative charges is essential for protein folding. Combined with our earlier discoveries on protein-unfolding mechanisms, it is proposed that hydrogen bonds are a primary driving force for de novo protein folding.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

PARTITIONING OF GADOLINIUM IN THE CHEMICAL PROCESSING CELL

A combination of short-term beaker tests and longer-duration Sludge Receipt and Adjustment Tank (SRAT) simulations were performed to investigate the relative partitioning behaviors of gadolinium and iron under conditions applicable to the Chemical Processing Cell (CPC). The testing was performed utilizing non-radioactive simple Fe-Gd slurries, non-radioactive Sludge Batch 6 simulant slurries, and a radioactive real-waste slurry representative of Sludge Batch 7 material. The testing focused on the following range of conditions: (a) Fe:Gd ratios of 25-100; (b) pH values of 2-6; (c) acidification via addition of nitric, formic, and glycolic acids; (d) temperatures of {approx}93 C and {approx}22 C; and (e) oxalate concentrations of <100 mg/kg and {approx}10,000 mg/kg. The purpose of the testing was to provide data for assessing the potential use of gadolinium as a supplemental neutron poison when dispositioning excess plutonium. Understanding of the partitioning behavior of gadolinium in the CPC was the first step in assessing gadolinium's potential applicability. Significant fractions of gadolinium partitioned to the liquid-phase at pH values of 4.0 and below, regardless of the Fe:Gd ratio. In SRAT simulations targeting nitric and formic acid additions of 150% acid stoichiometry, the pH dropped to a minimum of 3.5-4.0, and the maximum fractions of gadolinium and iron partitioning to solution were both {approx}20%. In contrast, in a SRAT simulation utilizing a nitric and formic acid addition under atypical conditions (due to an anomalously low insoluble solids content), the pH dropped to a minimum of 3.7, and the maximum fractions of gadolinium and iron partitioning to solution were {approx}60% and {approx}70%, respectively. When glycolic acid was used in combination with nitric and formic acids at 100% acid stoichiometry, the pH dropped to a minimum of 3.6-4.0, and the maximum fractions of gadolinium and iron partitioning to solution were 60-80% and 3-5%, respectively. Thus, the presence of glycolic acid increased dissolution of gadolinium, but decreased dissolution of iron. In beaker tests, the fractions of gadolinium partitioning to solution were all less than the minimum detection limits at pH 6, on the order of a few percent at pH 4, and ranging from 70-90% at pH 2. In contrast, the fractions of iron partitioning to solution were all less than the minimum detection limits at pH 6, {le} 0.04% at pH 4, and {le} 0.9% at pH 2. A possible explanation for the small magnitude of these fractions (as compared to the fractions observed in the SRAT simulations) was incomplete equilibrium, due to the short duration (30 minutes) of the beaker tests. As demonstrated by the SRAT simulations, the typical partitioning equilibration time was on the order of hours. The Fe:Gd ratio appeared to impact the extent of liquid-phase conditions under certain conditions, although the exact relationship was not clear. Temperature impacts on the liquid-phase gadolinium concentrations were modest, with liquid phase concentrations typically increasing about 25% as temperatures rose from {approx}22 C to {approx}93 C. The presence of high concentrations of oxalate did not appear to change the liquid-phase gadolinium concentrations - however, it did increase the liquid-phase iron concentrations (from being undetectable to being detectable but still minor). Additional gadolinium partitioning testing is recommended. Of greatest usefulness will be SRAT simulations focusing on a wider range of acid addition scenarios and alternate sludge compositions, particularly those specific to future sludge batches where addition of excess plutonium is being considered.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Synthesis of YAG nanopowder by the co-precipitation method: Influence of pH and study of the reaction mechanisms

YAG nanopowders with an average grain size of 30 nm have been successfully synthesized by the co-precipitation method using nitrates with precipitant of ammonium hydrogen carbonate. The influence of precipitation conditions such as pH, aging time and calcination temperature on the formation of secondary phases has been studied. The accurate control of pH value at every stage of precipitation process is crucial to avoid the presence of YAM (Yttrium Aluminium Monoclinic, Y{sub 4}Al{sub 2}O{sub 9}) and yttrium oxide (Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) after calcination. The reaction mechanisms have been investigated using different techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and thermal analyses. The YAG phase is formed around 1050 Degree-Sign C passing through an intermediate phase called YAP (Yttrium Aluminium Perovskite, YAlO{sub 3}). Local chemical heterogeneities are responsible for the deviation of the Y:Al ratio and the formation of YAP during heat treatment. - Graphical abstract: Synthesis of YAG nanopowder by the co-precipitation method: Influence of pH and study of the reaction mechanisms, Marlot et al. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Synthesis of pure YAG nanoparticles by the co-precipitation method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Influence of pH value on the formation of secondary phases all along the process. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Study of the importance of pH using titration method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Chemical evolution of the precursor during calcinations. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Proposition for reaction mechanisms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

A Novel Hyperbranched Polymeric Flocculant for Waste-Water Treatment

Cationic hyperbranched oligomer poly(N-acryloyl-1,2-diaminoethane hydrochloride) (HADE) was firstly synthesized by Michael addition reaction. And then, a series of cationic flocculants poly(acrylamide/N-acryloyl-1,2-diaminoethane hydrochlorides) (PAM-HADEs) with hyperbranched structure was prepared from HADE as macro-monomer and acrylamide (AM). The structures of PAM-HADEs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, {sup 1}H and {sup 13}C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). And the properties were systematically evaluated by intrinsic viscosity, zeta potential and hydrodynamic radius. The mechanism of the cationic hyperbranched copolymer used in water treatment was extensively studied via a jar test in which the transmittance of the supernatant, settling time, and average floc size were used to evaluate the flocculability. Compared with the linear flocculant poly (acrylamide/liner-N-acryloyl-1,2-diaminoethane hydrochloride) (PAM-LADE), the novel hyperbranched polymeric flocculants exhibited outstanding flocculability which were reflected by shorter settlement time, high transmittance and large floc size. The primary cause that PAM-HADEs owned excellent flocculability is the more stretching configuration and less chains entanglement of PAM-HADEs in waste-water due to their hyperbranched structure compared with that of the linear PAM-LADE which exhibited curly coil configuration. On the other hand, abundant and exposed cationic terminal groups of PAM-HADEs originated from their hyperbranched structure also hint higher flocculation capacity. At optimum dosages of the polymer, the transmittance of the supernatant is less at low and high pH values, indicating that the natural pH (pH 7.29) of the suspension is the most appropriate pH for the flocculation.

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

pH-dependent electron transfer reaction and direct bioelectrocatalysis of the quinohemoprotein pyranose dehydrogenase

A pyranose dehydrogenase from Coprinopsis cinerea (CcPDH) is an extracellular quinohemoeprotein, which consists a b-type cytochrome domain, a pyrroloquinoline-quinone (PQQ) domain, and a family 1-type carbohydrate-binding module. The electron transfer reaction of CcPDH was studied using some electron acceptors and a carbon electrode at various pH levels. Phenazine methosulfate (PMS) reacted directly at the PQQ domain, whereas cytochrome c (cyt c) reacted via the cytochrome domain of intact CcPDH. Thus, electrons are transferred from reduced PQQ in the catalytic domain of CcPDH to heme b in the N-terminal cytochrome domain, which acts as a built-in mediator and transfers electron to a heterogenous electron transfer protein. The optimal pH values of the PMS reduction (pH 6.5) and the cyt c reduction (pH 8.5) differ. The catalytic currents for the oxidation of L-fucose were observed within a range of pH 4.5 to 11. Bioelectrocatalysis of CcPDH based on direct electron transfer demonstrated that the pH profile of the biocatalytic current was similar to the reduction activity of cyt c characters. - Highlights: • pH dependencies of activity were different for the reduction of cyt c and DCPIP. • DET-based bioelectrocatalysis of CcPDH was observed. • The similar pH-dependent profile was found with cyt c and electrode. • The present results suggested that IET reaction of CcPDH shows pH dependence.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Nitrogen K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra of purine-containing nucleotides in aqueous solution

The N K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra of the purine-containing nucleotide, guanosine 5{sup ′}-monophosphate (GMP), in aqueous solution are measured under various pH conditions. The spectra show characteristic peaks, which originate from resonant excitations of N 1s electrons to π* orbitals inside the guanine moiety of GMP. The relative intensities of these peaks depend on the pH values of the solution. The pH dependence is explained by the core-level shift of N atoms at specific sites caused by protonation and deprotonation. The experimental spectra are compared with theoretical spectra calculated by using density functional theory for GMP and the other purine-containing nucleotides, adenosine 5{sup ′}-monophosphate, and adenosine 5{sup ′}-triphosphate. The N K-edge XANES spectra for all of these nucleotides are classified by the numbers of N atoms with particular chemical bonding characteristics in the purine moiety.

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

Structural investigation and applications of glassy sodium phosphate including the kinetics of dissolution rates and spectral analysis of the prepared samples with a focus on their effects on water treatment

This paper discuss the preparation of the binary system of Phosphate Based Glass (PBG) xP{sub 2}O{sub 5}–(100 − x) Na{sub 2}O mol% and investigates the compositions that form glassy matrix. It is found that x in the range between x = 40–60 mol% and divided in to 5 glass samples (x = 40, 45, 50, 55, 60) and for compositions of 40 > x > 60 no glassy matrix is formed. The intensities of the peak centers of the IR spectra of sodium phosphate glasses and the suggested vibrational modes of structural phosphate chains, terminal groups and tabulated data imply a shift in absorption bands with increasing the Na{sub 2}O mol% content. The amount of bridging phosphorous, shows a maximum value for the glass containing 60 mol% Na{sub 2}O due to the depolymerization of the phosphate matrix with increasing Na{sub 2}O content from 40 to 60 mol% via a breakdown of some terminal bonds (P=O) in the glass network which decreases the bond strength, consequently the peak center is shifted towards lower wave number. Essentially, five compositions of glassy samples were investigated: (x = 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60) mol%. The kinetics of dissolution rate were investigated by two ways: 1—the weight loss data and 2—electrical properties of the solution (pH, Electrical Conductivity) leached by the glass sample in to the deionized water. It is found that with increasing the Na{sub 2}O% content, the pH values, the dissolution rate and the solubility are increasing. It could be noticed that the ionic levels increased with the immersion time and were directly related to the solubility of the glasses. The highest in solubility (x = 40) is the highest in EC and pH values caused by high Na{sub 2}O%. By studying the effect of PBG on the real water medium physical characteristics the following results were achieved: Softening of (Treated drinking water, Nile raw water) by removal of hardness (Ca, Mg) by x = 50; 50% P{sub 2}O{sub 5}–50% Na{sub 2}O, Sequestering and agglomerating of (groundwater, wastewater) of some heavy metals as (Fe, Mn) up to 100% removal by x = 60; 60% P{sub 2}O{sub 5}–40% Na{sub 2}O and the electrical properties (pH, EC) were discussed. Results are assuring the possibility of applying PBG for groundwater treatment of high Fe and Mn content. The data show that municipal groundwater supplies become acceptable according to the guidelines of American Chemistry Council for safe drinking water by using of polyphosphates for water treatment.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Surface Plasmon Resonance and Aggregate Stability of Silver Nanoparticle Complexes with Chemotripsin

Extinction spectra, effective sizes, and aggregate stability of silver nanoparticles and nanocomplexes of silver nanoparticles with chymotrypsin obtained by the reactions of chemical reduction of silver nitrate using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent are studied. It is shown that silver nanoparticles obtained in the absence of chymotrypsin are aggregatively stable only at pH values immediately after synthesis. The placement of the synthesized silver nanoparticles in buffer solutions with pH values from 3.0 to 12.0 resulted in the appearance of a wide absorption band in the visible region of the spectrum, which is due to the agglomeration of silver nanoparticles, which appears to be the result of the destruction of the double electric layer formed by the ions making up sodium borohydride. The presence of chymotrypsin in the reaction medium resulted in significant spectral changes. Unlike silver nanoparticles synthesized in the absence of chymotrypsin, for nanocomplexes of silver nanoparticles with chymotrypsin with a change in pH, the shape of the extinction spectra and the position of the surface plasmon resonance band were preserved, while nanocomplexes of silver nanoparticles with chymotrypsin retained the aggregative stability in solutions in the pH range from 3.0 to 12.0 within a month. The observed stabilization effect of silver nanoparticles over a wide pH range induced by the presence of chymotrypsin in the reaction medium can be used further to develop methods for immobilizing enzymes on nanoparticles of biogenic elements and for creating polyfunctional pharmaceuticals, in which the components of nanocomplexes have different biological activity.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

Electrocatalytic properties of three new POMs-based inorganic–organic frameworks with flexible zwitterionic dicarboxylate ligands

Three POMs–based inorganic–organic frameworks, namely, [Cu{sub 2}(L){sub 2}(SiW{sub 12}O{sub 40})(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]·6H{sub 2}O (1), [Co{sub 2}(L){sub 2}(SiW{sub 12}O{sub 40})(H{sub 2}O){sub 8}]·8H{sub 2}O (2) and [Ni{sub 2}(L){sub 2}(SiW{sub 12}O{sub 40})(H{sub 2}O){sub 8}]·6H{sub 2}O (3), (L=1,1′-(1,4-phenylene-bis(methylene))-bis(pyridine-3-carboxylic acid)), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, XRPD, TG, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 contains 1D double chains decorated by (Cu{sub 2}(L){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}) units and the 1D chains and POMs are stacked to yield 2D frameworks. Compound 2 displays a 2D network constructed from 1D zigzag chains and POMs arranged in ABAB mode. Compound 3 consists of big square girds and the POMs are dispersed in the middle of the two adjacent girds, forming 2D networks. Compounds 1–3 all show structural integrity in aqueous solutions at different pH values and in common organic solvents. Additionally, the fluorescence and electrochemical properties of compounds 1–3 are also investigated. Compounds 1–3 exhibit good electrocatalytic activities for the reduction of NaNO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. - Highlights: • Compound 1–3 all contain different 1D chains. The noncovalent interaction of metal–organic moieties from compounds 1–3 and POMs to construct three new host–guest supramolecular compounds. • Compounds 1–3 show good electrocatalytic activities towards the reduction of NaNO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. • Compounds 1–3 all show structural integrity in aqueous solutions at different pH values and in common organic solvents. • Compounds 1–3 may be promising luminescent materials due to their luminescent properties.

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

Hydration behavior of magnesium potassium phosphate cement and stability analysis of its hydration products through thermodynamic modeling

Magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) is normally applied in civil engineering because of its short setting time and superior mechanical properties. This study investigates the hydration behavior and hydration products of MKPC influenced by molar ratio between magnesia and phosphate (M/P ratio) through thermodynamic method. Results show that the composition of ultimate hydration products are controlled by concentration of KH{sub 2}PO{sub 4} and MgO, activity of water and pH value of solution. When M/P ratio is lower than 0.64, the hydration product is MgHPO{sub 4}·3H{sub 2}O; When M/P ratio is between 0.64 and 0.67, the hydration products are MgHPO{sub 4}·3H{sub 2}O and Mg{sub 2}KH(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}·15H{sub 2}O. When M/P ratio is between 0.67 and 1.00, hydration products are Mg{sub 2}KH(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}·15H{sub 2}O and KMgPO{sub 4}·6H{sub 2}O; When M/P ratio is higher than 1.00, the hydration product is KMgPO{sub 4}·6H{sub 2}O together with unreacted MgO. This study also investigated the effect of additives, namely B(OH){sub 3}, H{sub 3}PO{sub 4}, K{sub 2}HPO{sub 4} and KH{sub 2}PO{sub 4}. - Highlights: • A database particularly for MKPC system at 25°C, 0.1 MPa was established and verified. • The pH value corresponding to specific M/P ratio in MKPC system is successfully predicted at 25°C, 0.1 MPa. • The composition of hydration products influenced by M/P ratio and some additives is successfully predicted at 25°C, 0.1 MPa.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Pilot-scale anaerobic co-digestion of municipal biomass waste and waste activated sludge in China: Effect of organic loading rate

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Co-digestion of municipal biomass waste (MBW) and waste activated sludge (WAS) was examined on a pilot-scale reactor. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer System performance and stability under OLR of 1.2, 2.4, 3.6, 4.8, 6.0 and 8.0 kg VS (m{sup 3} d){sup -1} were analyzed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A maximum methane production rate of 2.94 m{sup 3} (m{sup 3} d){sup -1} was achieved at OLR of 8.0 kg VS (m{sup 3} d){sup -1} and HRT of 15d. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer With the increasing OLRs, pH values, VS removal rate and methane concentration decreased and VFA increased. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The changing of biogas production rate can be a practical approach to monitor and control anaerobic digestion system. - Abstract: The effects of organic loading rate on the performance and stability of anaerobic co-digestion of municipal biomass waste (MBW) and waste activated sludge (WAS) were investigated on a pilot-scale reactor. The results showed that stable operation was achieved with organic loading rates (OLR) of 1.2-8.0 kg volatile solid (VS) (m{sup 3} d){sup -1}, with VS reduction rates of 61.7-69.9%, and volumetric biogas production of 0.89-5.28 m{sup 3} (m{sup 3} d){sup -1}. A maximum methane production rate of 2.94 m{sup 3} (m{sup 3} d){sup -1} was achieved at OLR of 8.0 kg VS (m{sup 3} d){sup -1} and hydraulic retention time of 15 days. With increasing OLRs, the anaerobic reactor showed a decrease in VS removal rate, average pH value and methane concentration, and a increase of volatile fatty acid concentration. By monitoring the biogas production rate (BPR), the anaerobic digestion system has a higher acidification risk under an OLR of 8.0 kg VS (m{sup 3} d){sup -1}. This result remarks the possibility of relating bioreactor performance with BPR in order to better understand and monitor anaerobic digestion process.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2011

Improve the catalytic activity of {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles in decomposition of ammonium perchlorate by coating amorphous carbon on their surface

Sphere- and pod-like {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles have been selectively synthesized using NH{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O and NaOH solution to adjust the pH value of the designed synthetic system, respectively. The sphere-like {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles with diameter about 25 nm on average were encapsulated into carbon shells to fabricate a novel core-shell composite ({alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}-C) through the coating experiments. The catalytic performance of the products on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) was investigated by thermal gravimetric analyzer (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The thermal decomposition temperatures of AP in the presence of pod-like {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, sphere-like {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}-C are reduced by 72, 81 and 109 {sup o}C, respectively, which show that {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}-C core-shell composites have higher catalytic activity than that of {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}. -- Graphical abstract: The catalytic performance of pod-like {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, sphere-like {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}-C on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). Display Omitted Research highlights: {yields} Sphere- and pod-like {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles have been selectively synthesized using NH{sub 3}.H{sub 2}O and NaOH solution to adjust the pH value. {yields} A novel core-shell composite ({alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}-C core-shell structured composite) has been successfully synthesized using sphere-like {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles as the cores and glucose as the source of carbon. {yields} The thermal decomposition temperatures of AP in the presence of pod-like {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, sphere-like {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}-C are reduced by 72, 81 and 109 {sup o}C, respectively, which shows that these materials have high catalytic activity.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Separation of thorium, uranium, and rare earths from a strip solution generated from coarse coal refuse

This work systematically evaluated the separation performance of thorium, uranium, and rare earths when coal and coal byproduct were utilized as a non-traditional feedstock for rare earth production. A synthetic solution was prepared following the elemental composition of a strip solution generated from coarse coal refuse and used throughout the study. Various separation techniques including selective precipitation, solvent extraction, and a modified experimental protocol incorporating the two were applied to extract rare earths while minimizing the non-selective recovery of thorium and uranium into the product stream. Test results indicate that selective precipitation was effective for the removal of thorium at a pH value approaching 5 while solvent extraction preferentially removed uranium from rare earths. Therefore, a modified experimental protocol consisting of both selective precipitation and solvent extraction was subsequently developed and implemented. The findings following the modified experimental protocol indicate that extractant concentration, solvent extraction feed pH, and organic to aqueous (O/A) ratio all played a significant role in the removal of uranium. Among all the tests conducted, the best separation performance was achieved using a one-stage precipitation at a pH value of 4.8, 50 v% TBP, solvent extraction feed pH of 3.5, and an O/A ratio of 3, which corresponded to an overall rare earth, thorium, and uranium recovery of 79.6%, 0%, and 3.1%, respectively.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2015

Consideration of Factors Affecting Strip Effluent pH and Sodium Content

A number of factors were investigated to determine possible reasons for why the Strip Effluent (SE) can sometimes have higher than expected pH values and/or sodium content, both of which have prescribed limits. All of the factors likely have some impact on the pH values and Na content.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Consideration of Factors Affecting Strip Effluent pH and Sodium Content

A number of factors were investigated to determine possible reasons for why the Strip Effluent (SE) can sometimes have higher than expected pH values and/or sodium content, both of which have prescribed limits. All of the factors likely have some impact on the pH values and Na content.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Consideration of Factors Affecting Strip Effluent PH and Sodium Content

A number of factors were investigated to determine possible reasons for why the Strip Effluent (SE) can sometimes have higher than expected pH values and/or sodium content, both of which have prescribed limits. All of the factors likely have some impact on the pH values and Na content.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗