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At least 1,009 records · Page 56

Electron-Deficient Phenazines: Synthesis, Structures, Redox, and Optoelectronic Properties in the Gas Phase, in Solution, and in the Solid State

High-temperature gas-phase reactions of 1,4-C4F8I2 with phenazine (PHNZ) afforded new thermally- and air-stable derivatives with cyclo-C4F8 substituents, viz. 1,2-PHNZ(C4F8), 2,3-PHNZ(C4F8), 1,2:6,7-PHNZ(C4F8)2, 1,2:7,8-PHNZ(C4F8)2, and 1,2:8,9-PHNZ(C4F8)2. Reactions in the presence of Cu powder resulted in reductive-defluorination/aromatization of some of the cyclo-C4F8 substituents to produce 2,3-PHNZ(C4F4), 2,3-PHNZ(C4HF3), and 1,2:6,7-PHNZ(C4F8)(C4F4), which are formally tri- or tetrafluoro derivatives of benzo[a]phenazine. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction structures of these compounds demonstrate the planarity of 2,3-PHNZ(C4F4) and 2,3-PHNZ(C4HF3) and ordered p-stacking in 1,2-PHNZ(C4HF3), 1,2-PHNZ(C4F4), 1,2-PHNZ(C4F8), and 2,3-PHNZ(C4F8). Low-temperature gas-phase photoelectron spectra of the PHNZ(C4F8)1,2 compounds show that they are strong electron acceptors, with the three PHNZ(C4F8)2 isomers having electron affinities exceeding that of C60. Cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile show that the five PHNZ(C4F8)1,2 compounds exhibit reversible one-electron reductions with large positive shifts in their reduction potentials relative to unsubstituted PHNZ. Spectroelectrochemical absorption and EPR spectra of PHNZ(C4F8)1,2- • anion radicals and extensive DFT calculations revealed the significant role that the different substitution patterns have on determining the optoelectronic properties of the PHNZ(C4F8)1,2 derivatives and PHNZ(C4F8)1,2- • anion radicals. Time-resolved microwave conductivity measurements and photoluminescence spectra of blends of the PHNZ(C4F8)1,2 derivatives with the donor poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) were recorded to assess the possible use of the new compounds in optoelectronic devices.

Balser, Sebastian↗

Probing Distinctive Redox Mechanism in Ni-Rich Cathode Via Real-Time Quick X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

X-ray radiation damage on the measuring system has been a critical issue regularly for a long-time exposure to X-ray beam during the in operando characterizations, which is particularly severe when the applied X-ray energy is near the absorption edges (M, L, K, etc.) of the interest element. Here, to minimize the negative effects raised by beam radiation, we employ quick X-ray absorption spectroscopy (QXAS) to study the electrochemical reaction mechanism of a Ni-rich layered structure cathode for lithium-ion batteries. With the advanced QXAS technique, the electronic structure and local coordination environment of the transition metals (TMs) are monitored in-operando with limited radiation damage. Compared to the conventional step-mode X-ray absorption spectroscopy, the QXAS can provide more reliable oxidation state change and more detailed local structure evolutions surrounding TMs (Ni and Co) in Ni-rich layered oxides. By leveraging these advantages of QXAS, we demonstrated that the Ni dominates the electrochemical process with the Co being almost electrochemically inactive. Reversible Ni ions movement between TMs sites and Li sites is also revealed by the time-resolved QXAS technique.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Seasonal Sulfur Redox Cycling in Two Constructed Wetlands with Insight on How They Age

Long-term metal remediation in wetland treatment systems (WTSs) involves facilitating dissimilatory sulfate reduction to produce sulfide and mineralize metals in deep sediments. We evaluated seasonal sulfur cycling in two constructed wetlands (Maintained WTS constructed in 2007, and the Unmaintained WTS constructed in 2000) on the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina, USA. Significant interactions in sulfide concentration were observed between sediment depth, season, and wetland (F = 4.64, df = 11, P = 3.28 × 10 − 5). In the Maintained WTS, dissimilatory sulfate reduction dominated the surface sediments during the warm season (0–2 cm depth, t=-2.66, P = 9.70 × 10 − 3), unlike the Unmaintained system. Sulfate concentrations in pore waters increased in the warm season (F = 7.84, df = 1, P = 6.50 × 10 − 3), contrary to expectations. Sulfur limitation in the Unmaintained WTS during the warm season correlated with increased sulfur assimilation in giant bulrush. Lower sulfide concentrations in surface sediments of the Unmaintained WTS illustrated aging effects. The Maintained WTS shows potential for managing erosion, pH reduction, and sulfur limitation observed in the older Unmaintained WTS.

Biogeochemistry↗

Neptunium redox speciation and determination of its total concentration in dissolved fuel simulant solutions by spectrophotometry

Here, two new approaches to measure Np concentration in dissolved used nuclear fuel simulant (aqueous feed for PUREX process) by spectrophotometry are developed. The first approach is based on chemical reduction of Np in the feed to its tetravalent state using ascorbic acid with simultaneous conversion of Pu(IV) to Pu(III). Interfering effects from light absorbing fission and corrosion products are accounted for by measuring optical absorbance spectrum of aqueous raffinate after extraction of U, Np, and Pu by tributyl phosphate in dodecane. The second approach uses no chemical treatment at all and relies on spontaneous valency adjustment of Np to Np(V) by dilution of the feed with water to reduce its acidity to low decimolar range of nitric acid concentration. Results of Np determination in the feed by spectrophotometry are in good agreement with its concentration measured by ICP-MS.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Spectroscopic determination of metal redox and segregation effects during CO and CO/NO oxidation over silica-supported Pd and PdCu catalysts

Here, we report the effects of alloying Cu into silica supported Pd nanoparticles on the catalytic activity, surface composition, and particle structure during CO oxidation Pd is highly active for CO oxidation but is inhibited by relevant competitive reagents (e.g. NO) at low temperatures (< 150 °C). By alloying Cu into Pd nanoparticles, NO inhibition is suppressed without any CO oxidation activity loss. Infrared spectroscopy illustrates the formation of surface nitrosyl (NO-Pd) is eliminated in the PdCu alloy catalyst, preventing CO oxidation inhibition by NO. X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies show that Pd in the monometallic catalyst forms a surface oxide after light-off. Conversely, in the PdCu catalyst, Pd remains metallic during reaction, independent of temperature, whereas the Cu oxidizes when the catalyst becomes active, after light-off. Furthermore, DRIFTS studies show that the Cu segregates to the surface as the catalyst becomes active for diesel oxidation, presumably becoming the O 2 adsorption site.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Thermodynamic modeling of countercurrent chemical looping reverse water gas shift process for redox material screening

The reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction is a key pathway for CO 2 utilization, particularly within Power-to-X process chains aimed at sustainable fuel and chemical production. Countercurrent chemical looping (CL-RWGS) using non-stoichiometric oxides can overcome equilibrium limitations of conventional RWGS reactors, enabling significantly higher CO 2 conversions. However, modeling the limiting performance of such systems is challenging due to their multiphase nature and coupled spatial and temporal variation in chemical composition. In this work, we present a discretized batch equilibrium model that simulates CL-RWGS reactors as a series of localized equilibrium exchanges between gas and solid elements. The model is numerically stable, computationally efficient, and free of kinetic source terms, making it well-suited for parametric studies and system-level integration. It is validated against established convection–diffusion models and shown to predict reasonable upper bounds on experimental results. Application of the model to a range of oxygen carrier materials identifies cerium–zirconium solid solutions, particularly Ce 0.80 Zr 0.20 O 2 , as a promising class offering superior oxygen storage characteristics compared to state-of-the-art La 0.6 Sr 0.4 FeO 3 . This framework provides a robust platform for materials screening, reactor sizing, and performance optimization in chemical looping systems. The model implementation is available as open-source software to support further research and development.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Techno-economic analyses of several redox flow batteries using levelized cost of energy storage

Development of inexpensive long-duration energy storage supports widespread deployment of variable renewable energy resources onto the electricity grid. Flow batteries are a promising class of devices for long-duration energy storage. Techno-economic modeling is needed to evaluate commercial feasibility of existing technologies and to help guide research and development of new technologies. Levelized cost of storage is a useful metric that accounts for capital and operating costs and energy throughput over the life of a project. This metric is used to compare the economic prospects of lithium ion to eight aqueous and two hypothetical nonaqueous flow batteries in four use cases. Finally, flow batteries with inexpensive active materials are favored in long-duration applications.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗