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At least 919 records · Page 51

Coordination effect-regulated CO2 capture with an alkali metal onium salts/crown ether system

A coordination effect was employed to realize equimolar CO2 absorption, adopting easily synthesized amino group containing absorbents (alkali metal onium salts). The essence of our strategy was to increase the steric hindrance of cations so as to enhance a carbamic acid pathway for CO2 capture. Our easily synthesized alkali metal amino acid salts or phenolates were coordinated with crown ethers, in which highly sterically hindered cations were obtained through a strong coordination effect of crown ethers with alkali metal cations. For example, a CO2 capacity of 0.99 was attained by potassium prolinate/18-crown-6, being characterized by NMR, FT-IR, and quantum chemistry calculations to go through a carbamic acid formation pathway. The captured CO2 can be stripped under very mild conditions (50 degrees C, N-2). Thus, this protocol offers an alternative for the development of technological innovation towards efficient and low energy processes for carbon capture and sequestration.

Yang, Zhen-Zhen↗

CO 2 capture in ionic liquid 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate: A concerted mechanism without carbene

Ionic liquids (ILs) provide a promising medium for CO 2 capture. Recently, the family of ILs comprising imidazolium-based cations and acetate anions, such as 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMI + OAc - ), has been found to react with CO 2 and form carboxylate compounds. N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) is widely assumed to be responsible by directly reacting with CO 2 though NHC has not been detected in these ILs. Herein, a computational analysis of CO 2 capture in EMI + OAc - is presented. Quantum chemistry calculations predict that NHC is unstable in a polar environment, suggesting that NHC is not formed in EMI + OAc - . Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations indicate that an EMI + ion “activated” by the approach of a CO 2 molecule can donate its acidic proton to a neighboring OAc - anion and form a carboxylate compound with the CO 2 molecule. Analysis of this termolecular process indicates that the EMI + -to-OAc - proton transfer and the formation of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium-2-carboxylate occur essentially concurrently. Based on these findings, a novel concerted mechanism that does not involve NHC is proposed for CO 2 capture.

Yan, Fangyong↗

The steps of activating a prospective CO 2 hydrogenation catalyst with combined CO 2 capture and reduction

Combining carbon capture and reduction is an efficient strategy to alleviate the high energy requirements for seperation, compression, and storage of CO2 prior to reduction. Recent studies have shown that catalytic hydrogenations of CO2 can be performed without added pressure of CO2 using switchable ionic liquids. It’s ambiguous whether the alkylcarbonate (captured CO2) is reduced as it is in dynamic equilibrium with neutral CO2 in solution. New studies are presented to elucidate the reactivity of CO2 and CO2 captured in solution.

Lao, D. B.↗

Ce stabilized Ni–SrO as a catalytic phase transition sorbent for integrated CO 2 capture and CH 4 reforming

Integration of carbon dioxide capture from flue gas with dry reforming of CH 4 represents an attractive approach for CO 2 utilization. The selection of a suitable bifunctional material serving as a catalyst/sorbent is the key. This paper reports Ni decorated and CeO x -stabilized SrO (SrCe 0.5 Ni 0.5 ) as a multi-functional, phase transition catalytic sorbent material. The effect of CeO x on the morphology, structure, decarbonation reactivity, and cycling stability of the catalytic sorbent was determined with TEM-EDX, XRD, in situ XRD, CH 4 -TPR and TGA. Here, cyclic process tests were conducted in a packed bed reactor. The results indicate that large Ni clusters were present on the surface of the SrNi sorbent, and the addition of CeO 2 promoted even distribution of Ni on the surface. Moreover, the Ce–Sr interaction promoted a complex carbonation/decarbonation phase-transition, i.e. SrCO 3 + CeO 2 ↔ Sr 2 CeO 4 + CO 2 as opposed to the conventional, simple carbonation/decarbonation cycles (e.g. SrCO 3 ↔ SrO + CO 2 ). This double replacement crystalline phase transition mechanism not only adjusts the carbonation/calcination thermodynamics to facilitate SrCO 3 decomposition at relatively low temperatures but also inhibits sorbent sintering. As a result, excellent activity and stability were observed with up to 91% CH 4 conversion, >72% CO 2 capture efficiency and ~100% residual O 2 capture efficiency from flue gas by utilizing the CeO 2 ↔ Ce 2 O 3 redox transition. This renders an intensified process with zero coke deposition. Moreover, the SLDRM with SrCe 0.5 Ni 0.5 has the flexibility to produce concentrated CO via CO 2 -splitting while co-producing a syngas with tunable H 2 /CO ratios.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Accurate prediction of carbon dioxide capture by deep eutectic solvents using quantum chemistry and a neural network

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions from fossil fuel combustion are a significant source of greenhouse gas, contributing in a major way to global warming and climate change. Carbon dioxide capture and sequestration is gaining much attention as a potential method for controlling these greenhouse gas emissions. Among the environmentally friendly solvents, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have demonstrated the potential capability for carbon capture. To establish a theoretical framework for DES activity, thermodynamics modeling and solubility predictions are significant factors to anticipate and understand the system behavior. Here, in this study, we combine the COSMO-RS model with machine learning techniques to predict the solubility of CO 2 in various deep eutectic solvents. A comprehensive data set was established comprising 1973 CO 2 solubility data points in 132 different DESs at a variety of temperatures, pressures, and DES molar ratios. This data set was then utilized for the further verification and development of the COSMO-RS model. The CO 2 solubility (ln(x CO 2 )) in DESs calculated with the COSMO-RS model differs significantly from the experiment with an average absolute relative deviation (AARD) of 23.4%. A multilinear regression model was developed using the COSMO-RS predicted solubility and a temperature-pressure dependent parameter, which improved the AARD to 12%. Finally, a machine learning model using COSMO-RS-derived features was developed based on an artificial neural network algorithm. The results are in excellent agreement with the experimental CO 2 solubilities, with an AARD of only 2.72%. The ML model will be a potentially useful tool for the design and selection of DESs for CO 2 capture and utilization.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Single polymer sorbent fibers for high performance and rapid direct air capture

Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) fibers featuring amidoxime and amine functionalities were formulated into high-performance CO 2 adsorbents. Fiber sorbents were composed of a single porous polymer component functionalized with molecular amines to increase the CO 2 capture uptake and kinetics. Here we report the highest CO 2 uptake capacity (3.3 wt% (0.8 mmol g –1 ) CO 2 at 400 ppm) among all PIM-based and single polymeric sorbents to date. Moreover, the sorbents exhibited rapid CO 2 adsorption rates (capturing 90% of its total capacity within 7 min.) and cost efficient and reproducible regeneration (at 70 °C) which are essential for reducing the cost of direct air capture.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Near-cryogenic direct air capture using adsorbents

Direct air capture (DAC) of CO 2 is a key component in the portfolio of negative emissions technologies for mitigating global warming. However, even with the most potent amine sorbents, large-scale DAC deployment remains limited by high energy and capital costs. Recently, adsorbents relying on weak interactions with CO 2 have emerged as a potential alternative, thanks to their rapid adsorption kinetics and superior long-term stability, particularly under sub-ambient conditions (∼253 K). Despite these advantages, their use is hindered by the need for a water-removal process, location-specific constraints, and insufficient working capacity even in cold climates. In this study, we hypothesized that further reducing the adsorption temperature to a near-cryogenic range (160–220 K) could enable cost-effective DAC by utilizing the full potential of physisorbents. We primarily consider integrating DAC with a relatively untapped source of cold energy—liquified natural gas (LNG) regasification—to perform near-cryogenic DAC. From large-scale molecular simulations, Zeolite 13X and CALF-20 were identified as promising candidates. These materials were subsequently examined through experiments, including breakthrough analyses at 195 K. Their high CO 2 sorption capacity (4.5–5.5 mmol g −1 ), combined with a low desorption enthalpy and robust long-term stability, led to a threefold reduction in the levelized cost of capture (down to 68.2 USD per tonne CO 2 ). Estimates of the global LNG regasification resource suggest that LNG–DAC coupling could potentially enable the capture of 103–142 megatonnes of CO 2 annually as of 2050.

Kim, Seo-Yul [Georgia Institute of Technology, Atl↗

New capability for indirect neutron capture measurements: The DICER instrument at LANSCE

The Device for Indirect Capture on Radionuclides (DICER) implements a new indirect technique for (n,γ) studies in which the neutron capture rate is determined from analysis of resonance neutron transmission data. The DICER instrument and associated radionuclide production at the Isotope Production Facility (IPF), both at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), as well radioactive sample fabrication, have been under development in the last few years. First measurements on a radioactive sample ( 88 Zr, t ½ =83.4 days), which was recently reported to have an extremely large thermal neutron capture cross section and resonance integral, are planned for the winter of 2021. A performance overview, brief details on the 88Zr fabrication and proof of good operation results will be presented.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Capture Cavities For The Cw Polarized Positron Source Ce + baf

The initial design of the capture cavities for the continuous wave (CW) polarized positron beams at Jefferson Lab (Ce + BAF) is presented. A chain of standing wave multi-cell copper cavities inside a solenoid tunnel are selected to improve the positron capture efficiency. The cavity design strategy is presented to accommodate constrains from the large phase distribution of the incident beams, RF power and RF heating. A matrix of design parameters’ range are given for future system optimization when the capture cavities are considered together with other sub-systems and beam dynamics. The contents will also be useful for other CW cavity design for beams with large phase space distribution.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Optical spectra in the condensed phase: Capturing anharmonic and vibronic features using dynamic and static approaches

Simulating optical spectra in the condensed phase remains a challenge for theory due to the need to capture spectral signatures arising from anharmonicity and dynamical effects, such as vibronic progressions and their induced asymmetry. As such, numerous simulation methods have been developed that invoke different approximations and vary in their ability to capture different physical regimes. In this work, we use several models of chromophores in the condensed phase and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to rigorously assess the applicability of methods to simulate optical absorption spectra. Specifically, we focus on the ensemble scheme, which can address anharmonic potential energy surfaces but relies on the applicability of extreme nuclear-electronic timescale separation; the Franck-Condon method, which includes dynamical effects but only at the harmonic level; as well as the recently introduced ensemble zero-temperature Franck-Condon approach, which straddles these limits. We also devote particular attention to the performance of methods derived from a cumulant expansion of the energy gap fluctuations and test the ability to approximate the requisite time correlation functions using classical dynamics with quantum correction factors. These results provide insights as to when these methods are applicable and able to capture the features of condensed phase spectra qualitatively and, in some cases, quantitatively across a range of regimes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Analysis of single-mode Richtmyer–Meshkov instability using high-order incompressible vorticity-streamfunction and shock-capturing simulations

In this study, two- and three-dimensional simulation results obtained using a new high-order incompressible, variable-density vorticity–streamfunction (VS) method and data from previous ninth-order weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO) shock-capturing simulations are used to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of single-mode Richtmyer–Meshkov instability using a model of a Mach 1.3 air(acetone)/SF6 shock tube experiment. A comparison of the density fields from both simulations with the experimental images demonstrates very good agreement in the large-scale structure with both methods but differences in the small-scale structure. The WENO method captures the small-scale disordered structure observed in the experiment, while the VS method partially captures such structure and yields a strong rotating core. The perturbation amplitude growth from the simulations generally agrees well with the experiment. The simulation bubble and spike amplitudes agree well at early times. At later times, the WENO bubble amplitude is smaller than the VS amplitude and vice versa for the spike amplitude. The predictions of nonlinear single-mode instability growth models are shown to agree with the simulation amplitudes at early-to-intermediate times but underpredict the amplitudes at later times in the nonlinear regime. Visualizations of the mass fraction and enstrophy isosurfaces, velocity and vorticity fields, and baroclinic vorticity production and vortex stretching terms from the three-dimensional simulations indicate that, with the exception of the small-scale structure within the rollups, the VS and WENO results are in good agreement.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Hierarchical Ion Interactions in the Direct Air Capture of CO 2 at Air/Aqueous Interfaces

The direct air capture (DAC) of CO 2 using aqueous solvents is plagued by slow kinetics and interfacial barriers that limit effectiveness in combating climate change. Functionalizing air/aqueous surfaces with charged amphiphiles shows promise in accelerating DAC; however, insight into these interfaces and how they evolve in time remains poorly understood. Specifically, competitive ion interactions between DAC reagents and reaction products feedback onto the interfacial structure, thereby modulating interfacial chemical composition and overall function. In this work, we probe the role of glycine amino acid anions (Gly - ), an effective CO 2 capture reagent, that promotes the organization of cationic oligomers at air/aqueous interfaces. These surfaces are probed with vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Our findings demonstrate that the competition for surface sites between Gly - and captured carbonaceous anions (HCO 3 - , CO 3 2 -, carbamates) drives changes in surface hydration, which in turn tunes oligomer ordering. This phenomenon is related to a hierarchical ordering of anions at the surface that are electrostatically attracted to the surface and their ability to compete for interfacial water. These results point to new ways to tune interfaces for DAC via stratification of ions based on relative surface propensities and specific ion effects.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

The Streptococcus pyogenes Shr protein captures human hemoglobin using two structurally unique binding domains

In order to proliferate and mount an infection, many bacterial pathogens need to acquire iron from their host. The most abundant iron source in the body is the oxygen transporter hemoglobin (Hb). Streptococcus pyogenes , a potentially lethal human pathogen, uses the Shr protein to capture Hb on the cell surface. Shr is an important virulence factor, yet the mechanism by which it captures Hb and acquires its heme is not well-understood. In this work, we show using NMR and biochemical methods that Shr binds Hb using two related modules that were previously defined as domains of unknown function (DUF1533). These hemoglobin-interacting domains (HIDs), called HID1 and HID2, are autonomously folded and independently bind Hb. The 1.5 Å resolution crystal structure of HID2 revealed that it is a structurally unique Hb-binding domain. Mutagenesis studies revealed a conserved tyrosine in both HIDs that is essential for Hb binding. Our biochemical studies indicate that HID2 binds Hb with higher affinity than HID1 and that the Hb tetramer is engaged by two Shr receptors. NMR studies reveal the presence of a third autonomously folded domain between HID2 and a heme-binding NEAT1 domain, suggesting that this linker domain may position NEAT1 near Hb for heme capture.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Recombination radius of a Frenkel pair and capture radius of a self-interstitial atom by vacancy clusters in bcc Fe

The recombination radius of a Frenkel pair is a fundamental parameter for the object kinetic Monte Carlo (OKMC) and mean field rate theory (RT) methods that are used to investigate irradiation damage accumulation in neutron irradiated nuclear materials. The recombination radius in bcc Fe has been studied both experimentally and numerically, however there is no general consensus about its value. The detailed atomistic processes of recombination also remain uncertain. Values from 1:0a₀ to 3:3a₀ have been employed as a recombination radius in previous studies using OKMC and RT. The recombination process of a Frenkel pair is investigated at the atomic level using the self-evolved atomistic kinetic Monte Carlo (SEAKMC) method in this paper. SEAKMC calculations reveal that a self-interstitial atom recombines with a vacancy in a spontaneous reaction from several nearby sites following characteristic pathways. The recombination radius of a Frenkel pair is estimated to be 2.26a₀ by taking the average of the recombination distances from 80 simulation cases. This value agrees well with the experimental estimate. In addition, we apply these procedures to the capture radius of a self-interstitial atom by a vacancy cluster. The capture radius is found to gradually increase with the size of the vacancy cluster. The fitting curve for the capture radius is obtained as a function of the number of vacancies in the cluster.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Capture of primordial black holes in extrasolar systems

The vast datasets associated with extrasolar systems promise to offer sensitive probes of new physics in the near future. Here, we consider the possibility that such systems may capture primordial black holes (PBHs) or other exotic compact objects, giving rise to unique observational signatures. We estimate the rate of captures by extrasolar systems, accounting for several distinct mechanisms. We find that the capture rate is negligible unless PBHs account for the entirety of dark matter in a narrow mass range just above the threshold of existing constraints from evaporation. In this scenario, luminous evaporating PBHs may be detectable by exoplanet searches.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Can mesoscale models capture the effect from cluster wakes offshore?

Long wakes from offshore wind turbine clusters can extend tens of kilometers downstream, affecting the wind resource of a large area. Given the ability of mesoscale numerical weather prediction models to capture important atmospheric phenomena and mechanisms relevant to wake evolution, they are often used to simulate wakes behind large wind turbine clusters and their impact over a wider region. Yet, uncertainty persists regarding the accuracy of representing cluster wakes via mesoscale models and their wind turbine parameterizations. Here, we evaluate the accuracy of the Fitch wind farm parameterization in the Weather Research and Forecasting model in capturing cluster-wake effects using two different options to represent turbulent mixing in the planetary boundary layer. To this end, we compare operational data from an offshore wind farm in the North Sea that is fully or partially waked by an upstream array against high-resolution mesoscale simulations. In general, we find that mesoscale models accurately represent the effect of cluster wakes on front-row turbines of a downstream wind farm. However, the same models may not accurately capture cluster-wake effects on an entire downstream wind farm, due to misrepresenting internal-wake effects.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Theoretical evidence that root penetration ability interacts with soil compaction regimes to affect nitrate capture

Abstract Background and Aims Although root penetration of strong soils has been intensively studied at the scale of individual root axes, interactions between soil physical properties and soil foraging by whole plants are less clear. Here we investigate how variation in the penetration ability of distinct root classes and bulk density profiles common to real-world soils interact to affect soil foraging strategies. Methods We utilize the functional–structural plant model ‘OpenSimRoot’ to simulate the growth of maize (Zea mays) root systems with variable penetration ability of axial and lateral roots in soils with (1) uniform bulk density, (2) plow pans and (3) increasing bulk density with depth. We also modify the availability and leaching of nitrate to uncover reciprocal interactions between these factors and the capture of mobile resources. Key Results Soils with plow pans and bulk density gradients affected overall size, distribution and carbon costs of the root system. Soils with high bulk density at depth impeded rooting depth and reduced leaching of nitrate, thereby improving the coincidence of nitrogen and root length. While increasing penetration ability of either axial or lateral root classes produced root systems of comparable net length, improved penetration of axial roots increased allocation of root length in deeper soil, thereby amplifying N acquisition and shoot biomass. Although enhanced penetration ability of both root classes was associated with greater root system carbon costs, the benefit to plant fitness from improved soil exploration and resource capture offset these. Conclusions While lateral roots comprise the bulk of root length, axial roots function as a scaffold determining the distribution of these laterals. In soils with high soil strength and leaching, root systems with enhanced penetration ability of axial roots have greater distribution of root length at depth, thereby improving capture of mobile resources.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Pilot testing of CO2 capture from a coal-fired power plant—Part 2: Results from 1-MWe pilot tests

Abstract Using a 1-MWe slipstream pilot plant, solid-sorbent-based post-combustion CO2 capture was tested at a coal-fired power plant. Results from pilot testing were used to develop a preliminary full-scale commercial design. The sorbent selected for pilot-scale evaluation during this project consisted of an ion-exchange resin that incorporated amines covalently bonded to the substrate. A unique temperature-swing-absorption (TSA) process was developed that incorporated a three-stage fluidized-bed adsorber integrated with a single-stage fluidized-bed regenerator. Overall, following start-up and commissioning challenges that are often associated with first-of-a-kind pilots, the pilot plant operated as designed and expected, with a few key exceptions. The two primary exceptions were associated with: (i) handling characteristics of the sorbent, which were sufficiently different at operating temperature than at ambient temperature when design specifications were established with lab-scale testing; and (ii) CO2 adsorption in the transport line between the regenerator and adsorber that preloaded the sorbent with CO2 prior to entering the adsorber. Results from the pilot programme demonstrate that solid-sorbent-based post-combustion capture can be utilized to achieve 90% CO2 capture from coal-fired power plants.

Sjostrom, Sharon↗