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At least 145 records · Page 8

Tailoring the Reaction Heterogeneity for Robust Li‐Rich Cathodes

The practical application of Li-rich Mn-based layered oxides (LLO) cathode is hindered by severe capacity and voltage degradation resulting from severe oxygen release and irreversible phase transition. In this work, the reaction heterogeneity, which describes the spatially resolved electrochemical divergence within individual cathode particles, is engineered through compositional gradient design to couple Li + transport kinetics and the anion redox activity between particle interiors and surfaces. It is revealed that Co/Mn concentration gradient within particles creates heterogeneous phase content distribution and structural ordering, inducing surface-bulk reaction heterogeneity that significantly impacts the overall electrochemical performance. Specifically, Li 2 MnO 3 -poor and Co-enriched surface effectively mitigates the oxygen loss and enhances electrochemical reaction kinetics, benefited from the reduced surface redox reactivity and induced highly ordered intra-layered cationic arrangement. Meanwhile, the Li 2 MnO 3 -enriched core with slight Li/Ni intermixing provides high reversible capacity and strong mechanical stability. Consequently, the greatly enhanced anion redox reversibility, Li + diffusion dynamics, and structure stability endow LLO with exceptional electrochemical properties, showing a capacity retention of 86.0% and a reduced voltage decay of 0.518 mV per cycle after 500 cycles at 1 C. This work provides a valuable strategy to tailor the redox chemistry and achieve robust LLO.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Tracking Metabolic Changes in Microbial Culture using Redox Measurements

During long-term space missions, microbial cultures accumulate the effects of low-dose radiation, microgravity, and other factors; altered growth and metabolic activity may occur before viability effects. This could affect functionality of bioreactors or other bio-enabled mission systems, as well as shed light on human health. Spaceflight microbiology studies beyond the low Earth orbit exposure afforded by the ISS have been limited. Nanosatellites offer an increasingly popular alternative for deep space missions. However, the communications delay requires biofluidic automation of a pre-defined experimental protocol, and the lack of sample return (reliance on sensors in flight) can significantly limit feasible investigations. Previous biological CubeSats (PharmaSat, O/OREOS, EcAMSat) have used alamarBlue, an off-the-shelf formulation of the redox indicator dye resazurin, to track metabolic activity, as will BioSentinel, the upcoming interplanetary microbiology experiment. A series of ground experiments (see abstracts by Liddell, Santa Maria, and A. Kim) were conducted using a microbial culture system outfitted with an electrochemical sensor array (electrical conductivity, pH, oxidation-reduction potential, and dissolved oxygen) with alamarBlue and the same strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as BioSentinel. By improving mapping of measured changes in alamarBlue kinetics to physicochemical changes, and ultimately to biological alterations such as shifted metabolic pathways, this work supplements data analyses from past missions and planning for future missions using alamarBlue to characterize space radiation effects. Initial results indicate that alamarBlue acts like a redox buffer; its presence significantly changes redox kinetics in otherwise identical cultures. The initial color change (blue resazurin reduced to red/pink resorufin) appears as a redox plateau. A second plateau, likely corresponding to the second color transition (resorufin to the colorless hydroresorufin), occurs at a lower redox value. The relationship to carbon source exhaustion, dissolved oxygen depletion, cell death, and measured redox potential is complex and still under study.

Tracking↗

Chemical Challenges that the Peroxide Dianion Presents to Rechargeable Lithium–Air Batteries

Understanding the fundamental redox reactions and processes that occur in lithium–air and, more generally, metal–air batteries is important to the progress of this promising energy-storage technology. Knowledge of the chemistry of the peroxide dianion, O 2 2– , is especially crucial, as the dianion is at the nexus of the charge/discharge cycle of lithium–air batteries. The intrinsic electron transfer properties and redox chemistry of peroxide dianion are poorly defined because it is difficult to isolate the dianion free of protons and metal ions. We review the results of (i) the electron transfer kinetics and (ii) the redox reaction chemistry of isolated peroxide dianion encapsulated within the cavity of a hexacarboxamide cryptand. With regard to the former, electron transfer kinetics measurements provide fundamental Marcus parameters that will be useful for models that seek to disentangle the precise contributions of Li + ion-coupled electron transfer, electron transfer across the Li 2 O 2 solid particle interface, and charge hopping among Li 2 O 2 particles. With regard to the latter, an underappreciated chemistry of peroxide dianion with CO 2 produces peroxymonocarbonate (OOCO 2 2– ) and peroxydicarbonate (O 2 COOCO 2 2– ). An autocatalytic cycle will lead to oxidative degradation of traditional organic electrolytes and other vulnerable cell components employed in lithium–air batteries. Furthermore, this peroxycarbonate-derived chemistry, in addition to more commonly recognized solution-based oxidation chemistry, will need to be mitigated to realize the long-term cyclability of rechargeable lithium–air batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

A redox model for NO oxidation, NH 3 oxidation and high temperature standard SCR over Cu-SSZ-13

A kinetic model is developed to predict the influence of temperature and hydrothermal aging on the redox of active Cu sites under standard SCR, NO oxidation and NH 3 oxidation conditions over a practically relevant fully-formulated Cu-SSZ-13 catalyst. NO 2 /N 2 production during NO/NH 3 titration of Cu II sites is utilized to identify rate parameters associated with NO-only RHC (reduction half cycle) and NH 3 -only RHC respectively. Integral N 2 formation during subsequent NO + NH 3 titration is consistent with the production of one NO 2 per two CuII sites reduced during NO-only RHC and one N 2 per six Cu II sites reduced during NH 3 -only RHC. Decreased reduction of Cu II sites by NO/NH 3 upon hydrothermal aging, along with the production of one NO 2 per two CuII sites during NO-only RHC, is accordant with the involvement of proximal ZCuOH and oxygen-bridged dimeric Cu II sites. Oxidation of partially solvated and framework coordinated ZCu (Cu I ) sites occurs in presence of O 2 , does not produce N 2 and can lead to the consumption of Brønsted acid sites. A global OHC kinetic model is developed to predict transient and integral N 2 formation during exposure of CuI sites to a mixture of NO and O 2 . The resulting redox kinetic model quantitatively predicts NO and NH 3 consumption during isothermal transient response Cu redox (TRCR) protocols, along with temperature and age dependent steady-state standard SCR and oxidation conditions. The redox model presented in this work synthesizes recent kinetic, spectroscopic and computational findings to provide a foundational description of active site redox during standard SCR, NO oxidation and NH3 oxidation over Cu-SSZ-13.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Elucidation of Design Criteria for V‐based Redox Mediators: Structure‐Function Relationships that Dictate Rates of Heterogeneous Electron Transfer

Redox mediators are attractive solutions for addressing the stringent kinetic stipulations required for efficient energy conversion processes. In this work, we compare the electrochemical properties of four vanadium complexes, namely [V(acac) 3 ], [V 6 O 7 (OMe) 12 ], [ n Bu 4 N] 3 [V 6 O 13 (TRIS NO2 ) 2 ], and [ n Bu 4 N] 5 [V 18 O 46 (NO 3 )] in non-aqueous solutions on glassy carbon electrodes. The goal of this study is to investigate the electron transfer kinetics and diffusivity of these compounds under identical experimental conditions to develop an understanding of structure-function relationships that dictate the physicochemical properties of vanadium oxide assemblies. Complex selection was dictated by two criteria – (1) nuclearity of the transition metal complexes (2) distribution of electron density in the native electronic configuration. In conclusion, our analyses establish that electronic communication between metal centers significantly impacts charge transfer kinetics of these vanadium-based compounds.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A Low-Cost Durable Na-FeCl2 Battery with Ultrahigh Rate Capability

Na-based batteries have long been regarded as an inexpensive, sustainable candidate for large-scale stationary energy storage applications. Unfortunately, the market penetration of conventional Na-NiCl2 batteries is approaching its limit for several reasons, including limited rate capability and high Ni cost. Herein, a Na-FeCl2 battery operating at 190 °C is reported that allows a capacity output of 116 mAh g-1 at an extremely high current density of 33.3 mA cm-2 (˜0.6C). The superior rate performance is rooted in the intrinsically fast kinetics of the Fe/Fe2+ redox reaction. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a small amount of Ni additive (10 mol%) effectively mitigates capacity fading of the Fe/NaCl cathode caused by Fe particle pulverization during long-term cycling. The modified Fe/Ni cathode exhibits excellent cycling stability, maintaining a discharge energy density of over 295 Wh kg-1 for 200 cycles at 10 mA cm-2 (˜C/5).

Zhan, Xiaowen↗

Mechanistic Understanding of Methane Combustion over Ni/CeO 2 : A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Approach

Catalytic oxidation of methane (CH 4 ) over nonprecious Ni/CeO 2 catalysts has received a lot of attention due to the large natural gas reserves found in North America and the prohibitive cost of palladium-based catalysts, commonly used for CH 4 oxidation. However, the catalytic mechanism of CH 4 oxidation over Ni/CeO 2 still remains unclear. Moreover, the parameters affecting the reaction rates, the interaction between nickel and CeO 2 , and the reaction intermediates are still not well understood. In this study, kinetic model fitting, CH 4 temperature-programmed reduction-mass spectroscopy (CH 4 TPR-MS), in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were combined to elucidate the mechanism of complete oxidation of CH 4 over Ni/CeO 2 . CH 4 TPR-MS showed that the complete oxidation of CH 4 over Ni/CeO 2 requires 55–120 °C lower compared to bare CeO 2 or Ni/quartz sand; complete oxidation of CH 4 took place when the surface oxygen species were abundant, while partial oxidation products (CO, H 2 ) were formed when the oxygen species were depleted. In situ DRIFTS showed that CH 3 , CH 2 , CO, and CO 2 were formed after CH 4 activation over Ni/CeO 2 , while CH 3 O species were not observed. Combining those findings with kinetic model fitting, a redox Mars–van Krevelen (MvK) mechanism showed the best description of the experimental observations. The MvK mechanism involves the reaction of dissociated oxygen species with gas-phase CH 4 while water inhibits the reaction rate by adsorbing on the oxidized sites. Moreover, CH 4 activation leads to the reduction of the active sites and oxygen vacancy formation followed by reoxidation of the active sites by gas-phase O 2 . A CH 4 oxidation reaction pathway over Ni/CeO 2 is proposed by DFT calculations. In summary, the findings shown here suggest that CH 4 oxidation over Ni/CeO 2 follows a redox MvK mechanism and provides guidance for the rational design of non-precious-metal catalysts for CH 4 oxidation reactions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: An Evolving Toolbox for Revealing the Chemistry within Electrochemical Processes

The parallel development of ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs) and groundbreaking scanning probe microscopy techniques in the late 1980s led to the development of the scanning electrochemical microscope. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was born from the idea of using a tiny electrode to measure the local electrochemical behavior at operating electrodes. From its foundations, the technique displayed an inherent versatility in measuring sample properties beyond topography. It allowed experimenters to measure and map chemical reactions occurring at diverse interfaces, from inspecting the reversibility of redox mediators at metal electrodes, to detecting the hallmarks of cellular respiration on living plant leaves. Related but distinct electrochemical scanning probe techniques, such as electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM), scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) have developed in parallel. These techniques have demonstrated exquisite spatial resolution down to the nanoscale regime. However, it is the proposition of this review that SECM remains unmatched at revealing the chemical aspects of electrochemistry. Furthermore, it is our intention to review and demonstrate that the versatile architecture of SECM continues to evolve and address fundamental and emerging challenges in the fields of energy storage and conversion, chemical biology, materials science, and environmental chemistry, among others.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Kinetics of Radiation-induced Cr( II ) and Cr( III ) Redox Chemistry in Molten LiCl-KCl Eutectic

Chromium (Cr) is a frequent constituent of the metal alloys proposed for molten salt nuclear reactor (MSR) applications, and is typically the least noble metal ion present. Consequently, chromium is preferentially corroded into molten salt solutions. Here, the redox poise and redox cycling of chromium ions in the salt can greatly influence its corrosivity towards structural alloys, ultimately impacting the longevity of MSR systems. Radiation-induced chemistry is expected to play a significant role in determining the chromium oxidation state distribution during MSR operations. In the present research, electron pulse radiolysis techniques were employed to characterize the reactivity of Cr(II) and Cr(III) ions with primary radiolysis products in molten lithium chloride–potassium chloride (LiCl–KCl) eutectic over a temperature range of 400–600 °C. Both chromium oxidation states were found to rapidly react with the primary products of molten chloride salt radiolysis, i.e., the solvated electron (e S - ) and the dichlorine radical anion (Cl 2 ˙ - ). For reactions with the e S - , second-order rate coefficients (k) of k = (4.1 ± 0.2) and (6.1 ± 0.3) × 10 10 M -1 s -1 at 400 °C for Cr(II) and Cr(III), respectively, were determined. Temperature-dependent measurements allowed for the derivation of activation parameters for electron capture by Cr(II) and Cr(III). Both chromium ions also react with Cl 2 ˙ - , k = (7.2 ± 0.3) and (1.4 ± 0.1) × 10 9 M -1 s -1 at 400 °C for Cr(II) and Cr(III), respectively.

37 - INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL C↗

Fe-single-atom catalyst nanocages linked by bacterial cellulose-derived carbon nanofiber aerogel for Li-S batteries

Li-S battery (LSB) is promising for achieving high capacity. Still, its development is hindered by the complex redox process with sluggish kinetics and particularly the resulting lithium polysulfides (LiPS) shuttle effects. Single-atom catalysts (SACs), with their maximized atom utilization, could effectively chemisorb soluble LiPSs and expedite the sulfide conversion reaction kinetics. Here we report incorporating Fe single metal atom catalyst (Fe-SAC) in the sulfur cathode design and its electrocatalytic effects. Fe-doped ZIF-8 nanocages were introduced into a cheap biomass bacteria cellulose. A pyrolysis process converted them into an aerogel structure with Fe-SAC-functionalized N-doped carbon nanocages linked by a carbon nanofiber network (FeSA-NC@CBC), which was applied as a scaffold to fabricate freestanding and binder-free sulfur cathodes. He we conducted electrochemical measurements to reveal Fe-SAC functions including lowering energy barriers for S 8 reduction to liquid-phase LiPSs and further to solid-phase Li 2 S 2 /Li 2 S and accelerating Li 2 S 2 /Li 2 S nucleation and deposition, as corroborated by our theoretical calculation results. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of highly active Fe-SAC and three-dimensional conductive network, the sulfide reaction kinetics is improved, which can diminish LiPS shuttle effects and therefore improve LBS rate performance and cycling stability. Accordingly, the fabricated FeSA-NC@CBC composite cathode delivers an excellent rate capability at 2C with a reversible capacity of 840 mAh/g and a long-term cyclic stability of 800 mAh/g at 1C after 500 cycles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Modifying the resolving cysteine affects the structure and hydrogen peroxide reactivity of peroxiredoxin 2

Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prdx2) is a thiol peroxidase with an active site Cys (C52) that reacts rapidly with H 2 O 2 and other peroxides. The sulfenic acid product condenses with the resolving Cys (C172) to form a disulfide which is recycled by thioredoxin or GSH via mixed disulfide intermediates or undergoes hyperoxidation to the sulfinic acid. C172 lies near the C terminus, outside the active site. It is not established whether structural changes in this region, such as mixed disulfide formation, affect H 2 O 2 reactivity. To investigate, we designed mutants to cause minimal (C172S) or substantial (C172D and C172W) structural disruption. Stopped flow kinetics and mass spectrometry showed that mutation to Ser had minimal effect on rates of oxidation and hyperoxidation, whereas Asp and Trp decreased both by 100-fold. To relate to structural changes, we solved the crystal structures of reduced WT and C172S Prdx2. The WT structure is highly similar to that of the published hyperoxidized form. C172S is closely related but more flexible and as demonstrated by size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation, a weaker decamer. Size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation showed that the C172D and C172W mutants are also weaker decamers than WT, and small-angle X-ray scattering analysis indicated greater flexibility with partially unstructured regions consistent with C-terminal unfolding. We propose that these structural changes around C172 negatively impact the active site geometry to decrease reactivity with H 2 O 2 . This is relevant for Prdx turnover as intermediate mixed disulfides with C172 would also be disruptive and could potentially react with peroxides before resolution is complete.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Emerging Electrochemical Techniques for Probing Site Behavior in Single-Atom Electrocatalysts

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have aroused tremendous interest over the past decade, particularly in the community of energy and environment-related electrocatalysis. A rapidly growing number of recent publications have recognized it as a promising candidate with maximum atomic utilization, distinct activity, and selectivity in comparison to bulk catalysts and nanocatalysts. However, the complexity of localized coordination environments and the dispersion of isolated sites lead to significant difficulties when it comes to gaining insight into the intrinsic behavior of electrocatalytic reactions. Furthermore, the low metal loadings of most SACs make conventional ensemble measurements less likely to be accurate on the subnanoscale. Thus, it remains challenging to probe the activity and properties of individual atomic sites by available commercial instruments and analytical methods. In spite of this, continuing efforts have lately focused on the development of advanced measurement methodologies, which are very useful to the fundamental understanding of SACs. There have recently been a number of in situ/operando techniques applied to SACs, such as electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and other analysis methods, which support relevant functions to identify the active sites and reaction intermediates and to investigate the dynamic behavior of localized structures of the catalytic sites. This Account aims to present recent electrochemical probing techniques which can be used to identify single-atomic catalytic sites within solid supports. First, we describe the basic principles of molecular probe methods for the study and analysis of electrocatalytic site behavior. In particular, the in situ probing technique enabled by surface interrogation scanning electrochemical microscopy (SISECM) can measure the active site density and kinetic rate with high resolution. An alternative electrochemical probing technique is further demonstrated on the basis of single-entity electrochemistry, which allows the unique electrochemical imaging of the size and catalytic rate of single atoms, molecules, and clusters. Next, the merits and limitations of different electrochemical techniques are then discussed, along with perspectives for future prospects. Apart from this, we further showcase the powerful capability of emerging electrochemical probing techniques for determining significant effects and properties of SACs for various electrocatalytic reactions, including oxygen reduction and evolution, hydrogen evolution, and nitrate reduction. Overall, electrochemical techniques with atomic resolution have greatly increased opportunities for observing, measuring, and understanding the surface and interface chemistry during energy conversion. In the future, it is anticipated that the development of electrochemical probing techniques will be advanced with innovative perspectives on the behavior and features of SACs. We hope that this Account can contribute in several ways to promoting the fundamental knowledge and technical progress of emerging electrochemical measurements for studying SACs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Lewis Acids and Electron-Withdrawing Ligands Accelerate CO Coordination to Dinuclear Cu I Compounds

A series of dinuclear molecular copper complexes were prepared and used to model the binding and Lewis acid stabilization of CO in heterogeneous copper CO 2 reduction electrocatalysts. Experimental studies (including measurement of rate and equilibrium constants) and electronic structure calculations suggest that the key kinetic barrier for CO binding may be a σ-interaction between CuI and the incoming CO ligand. The rate of CO coordination can be increased upon the addition of Lewis acids or electron-withdrawing substituents on the ligand backbone. Conversely, K eq for CO coordination can be increased by adding electron density to the metal centers of the compound, consistent with stronger π-backbonding. Lastly, the electrochemically measured kinetic results were mapped onto an electrochemical zone diagram to illustrate how these system changes enabled access to each zone.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Oxidation Temperature-Dependent Electrochemical Doping of WO 3 Deposited via Atomic Layer Deposition

Silicon-based photoelectrochemical devices show promise for the performance of light-driven CO 2 reduction but suffer from instability under photoelectrochemical conditions relevant to CO 2 reduction. Coating silicon electrodes with thin layers of metal oxides has shown promise to passivate unstable silicon surfaces, and many different metal oxides can be deposited on silicon using various techniques. In this study, we investigate the fundamental photoelectrochemical performance of WO 3 -coated silicon photoelectrodes, which were generated by oxidation of W-metal films deposited via atomic layer deposition on both degenerately doped (nSi + ) and low-doped (pSi) silicon. Two different oxidation temperatures were investigated (400 and 600 °C), and it was found that the monoclinic phase of WO 3 predominates at both temperatures but that more grain boundaries are present in the 600 °C film. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the stoichiometry of both films was found to be 1:3 W:O, and low electron energy loss experiments indicate band gaps of 3.0 and 3.1 eV for 400 and 600 °C films, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry experiments showed that the electron transfer kinetics increased after continued redox cycling, particularly for the material produced at 400 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectra suggest that the observed increase in electrode conductivity is due to the formation of oxygen vacancies in the film. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated that charge transport through the films was impacted by the grain boundaries that formed during oxidation of the film. Photoelectrochemical studies on pSi/WO 3 electrodes were highly variable, only producing a photocurrent and photovoltage with some samples. Our best sample, formed at 400 °C, produced a photovoltage of 180 mV, which is lower than what has previously been reported for WO 3 -coated silicon (500 mV). We hypothesize that the variability in photoelectrochemical experiments arose from a roughened WSiO x interface that is generated during film preparation. WO 3 shows promise as a metal oxide coating for silicon, but our results suggest that formation of a high-quality interface between Si and WO 3 is vital for best performance.

Charge transfer↗

Selective Chemical Looping Combustion of Terminal Alkynes in Mixtures with Alkenes

The selective combustion of terminal alkynes in mixtures with alkenes is demonstrated during anaerobic reduction half-cycles on bulk bismuth oxide (Bi 2 O 3 ) as an approach to remove alkynes, which act as inhibitors in olefin polymerization. Bi 2 O 3 combusts phenylacetylene in styrene, 3-methylphenylacetylene in 3-methylstyrene, propyne in propylene, 1-hexyne in 1-hexene, and 1-octyne in 1-octene, with alkyne combustion selectivities exceeding 96%. Near unity reaction orders for hydrocarbon consumption during reduction half-cycles are consistent with combustion pathways initiated by rate-determining initial C–H activation, which drive selective alkyne combustion through intrinsic differences in the first-order rate constants for alkyne and alkene combustion rather than preferential adsorption of alkynes on Bi 2 O 3 surfaces. Computational assessments of initial C–H activation pathways for alkynes and alkenes on (010) α-Bi 2 O 3 surfaces using density functional theory illustrate that heterolytic transition states which form proton-carbanion pairs on Bi–O sites kinetically favor the activation of alkynes rather than alkenes due to differences in C–H bond acidity, and the barrier for heterolytic C–H activation is dictated in part by the sum of the molecular deprotonation energy and the energy to bind an R – carbanion to a Bi site in its transition-state geometry. Finally, these heterolytic reactivity channels during selective chemical looping combustion present novel routes for purifying olefin gas streams containing alkyne impurities.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗