The sorption behavior of yttrium and the rare earth elements (YREEs) was investigated using a variety of hydroxide precipitates over a range of solution conditions. Experiments with amorphous hydroxides of Al, Ga, and In were conducted at constant pH (~6.0) and constant ionic strength (I = 0.01 M), while YREE sorption by amorphous ferric hydroxide was examined over a range of ionic strength (0.01 M <̲ I <̲ 0.09 M), pH (3.9 <̲ pH <̲ 7.1), carbonate concentration (0 M <̲ [CO32-]T <̲ 150 micro-M), and temperature (10°C <̲ T <̲ 40°C). Sorption results were quantified via distribution coefficients, expressed as ratios of YREE concentrations between the solid and the solution, and normalized to concentrations of the sorptive solid substrate. Distribution coefficient patterns for Al, Ga, and In hydroxides were well correlated with the pattern for YREE hydrolysis. In contrast, amorphous ferric hydroxide developed a distinct pattern that was different than those for Al, Ga, and In precipitates but similar to the pattern predicted for natural marine particles. YREE sorption was shown to be strongly dependent on pH and carbonate concentration, significantly dependent on temperature, and weakly dependent on ionic strength. Distribution coefficients for amorphous ferric hydroxide (iKFe) were used to develop a surface complexation model that contained (i) two equilibrium constants for sorption of free YREE ions (M3+) by surface hydroxyl groups, (ii) one equilibrium constant for sorption of YREE carbonate complexes (MCO3+), (iii) solution complexation constants for YREE carbonates and bicarbonates, (iv) a surface protonation constant for amorphous ferric hydroxide, and (v) enthalpies for M3+ sorption. This quantitative model accurately described (i) an increase in iKFe with increasing pH, (ii) an initial increase in iKFe with increasing carbonate concentration due to sorption of MCO3+, in addition to M3+, (iii) a subsequent decrease in iKFe due to increasing YREE complexation by carbonate ions (especially extensive for the heavy REEs), and (iv) an increase in iKFe with increasing temperature.

Kyoto University (京都大学) / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第18983号 / 工博第4025号 / 新制||工||1620 / 31934 / 京都大学大学院工学研究科材料工学専攻 / (主査)教授 田中 功, 教授 宇田 哲也, 教授 白井 泰治 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当

Solid oxide fuel cells are electrochemical energy conversion devices utilizing solid electrolytes transporting O2- that typically operate in the 800 - 1000 °C temperature range due to the large activation barrier for ionic transport. Reducing electrolyte thickness or increasing ionic conductivity can enable lower temperature operation for both stationary and portable applications. This thesis is focused on the fabrication of free standing ultrathin (<100 nm) oxide membranes of prototypical O2- conducting electrolytes, namely Y2O3-doped ZrO2 and Gd2O3-doped CeO2. Fabrication of such membranes requires an understanding of thin plate mechanics coupled with controllable thin film deposition processes. Integration of free standing membranes into proof-of-concept fuel cell devices necessitates ideal electrode assemblies as well as creative processing schemes to experimentally test devices in a high temperature dual environment chamber. We present a simple elastic model to determine stable buckling configurations for free standing oxide membranes. This guides the experimental methodology for Y2O3-doped ZrO2 film processing, which enables tunable internal stress in the films. Using these criteria, we fabricate robust Y2O3-doped ZrO2 membranes on Si and composite polymeric substrates by semiconductor and micro-machining processes, respectively. Fuel cell devices integrating these membranes with metallic electrodes are demonstrated to operate in the 300 - 500 °C range, exhibiting record performance at such temperatures. A model combining physical transport of electronic carriers in an insulating film and electrochemical aspects of transport is developed to determine the limits of performance enhancement expected via electrolyte thickness reduction. Free standing oxide heterostructures, i.e. electrolyte membrane and oxide electrodes, are demonstrated. Lastly, using Y2O3-doped ZrO2 and Gd2O3-doped CeO2, novel electrolyte fabrication schemes are explored to develop oxide alloys and nanoscale compositionally graded membranes that are thermomechanically robust and provide added interfacial functionality. The work in this thesis advances experimental state-of-the-art with respect to solid oxide fuel cell operation temperature, provides fundamental boundaries expected for ultrathin electrolytes, develops the ability to integrate highly dissimilar material (such as oxide-polymer) heterostructures, and introduces nanoscale compositionally graded electrolyte membranes that can lead to monolithic materials having multiple functionalities. / Engineering and Applied Sciences

Studies in this dissertation were conducted to explore the roles of organic cation transporters (OCTs) in the disposition of N-butylpyridinium Chloride (NBuPy-Cl) and structurally related ILs. Following a single i.v. dose to rats, the blood concentration of NBuPy-Cl and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium chloride (BmPy-Cl) decreased in a biphasic manner with a clearance of 3.3 and 7 ml/min, respectively. More than 84% of dosed compounds were excreted in the urine. Depending on the vehicle, the dermal absorption of BmPy-Cl and NBuPy-Cl (5 mg/kg, 125 μg/cm²) was 10-35% at 96 h. Following a single oral (50 mg/kg) administration to rats, the maximum blood concentrations of both ILs were reached in less than 90 min in rats. Most of the orally dosed NBuPy-Cl (62-68 %) was excreted in the urine in 72 h. However, more of the dosed BmPy-Cl was eliminated in the feces Its oral bioavailability was only 47%. The elimination differences between BmPy-Cl and NBuPy-Cl were not altered by the size (0.5, 5, or 50 mg/kg) or frequency (1 or 5 administrations) of oral doses. In all urine and blood samples, only parent compounds were detected. Co-administration of NBuPy-Cl and inulin intravenously to rats revealed that the clearance of NBuPy-Cl exceeded the rat glomerular filtration rate, suggesting a renal secretion processing. The in vitro transport studies demonstrated that NBuPy-Cl, BmPy-Cl and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride are substrates (Kt, 9~277 μM), as well as inhibitors (IC₅₀: 0.2~7.5 μM), of rOCT1/2 and hOCT2. Their inhibitory effects increased dramatically with increasing the alkyl chain length. The IC₅₀ values were 0.1, 3.8, 14 and 671 μM (hexyl-, butyl-, ethyl-pyridinium and pyridinium chloride) for rOCT2 mediated metformin transport. Similar structurally related inhibitory kinetics were observed for rOCT1 and hOCT2. In vivo co-administration of NBuPy-Cl prolonged the plasma half-life and reduced renal clearance of the diabetic drug, metformin. In summary, BmPy-Cl and NBuPy-Cl are partially absorbed from gastrointestinal tract. The present in blood is eliminated rapidly in the urine as parent, by renal filtration and OCT-mediated secretion. ILs also compete with other substrates of OCTs and have the potential to alter their pharmacokinetic profiles.

Saving energy in buildings is of great importance because about 30 to 40 % of the energy in the world is used in buildings. An electrochromic window (ECW), which makes it possible to regulate the inflow of visible light and solar energy into buildings, is a promising technology providing a reduction in energy consumption in buildings along with indoor comfort. A polymer electrolyte is positioned at the center of multi-layer structure of an ECW and plays a significant role in the working of the ECW. In this study, polyethyleneimine: lithium (bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (PEI:LiTFSI)-based polymer electrolytes were characterized by using dielectric/impedance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, viscosity recording, optical spectroscopy, and electrochromic measurements. In the first part of the study, PEI:LiTFSI electrolytes were characterized at various salt concentrations and temperatures. Temperature dependence of viscosity and ionic conductivity of the electrolytes followed Arrhenius behavior. The viscosity was modeled by the Bingham plastic equation. Molar conductivity, glass transition temperature, viscosity, Walden product, and iso-viscosity conductivity analysis showed effects of segmental flexibility, ion pairs, and mobility on the conductivity. A connection between ionic conductivity and ion-pair relaxation was seen by means of (i) the Barton-Nakajima-Namikawa relation, (ii) activation energies of the bulk relaxation, and ionic conduction and (iii) comparing two equivalent circuit models, containing different types of Havriliak-Negami elements, for the bulk response. In the second part, nanocomposite PEI:LiTFSI electrolytes with SiO2, In2O3, and In2O3:Sn (ITO) were examined. Adding SiO2 to the PEI:LiTFSI enhanced the ionic conductivity by an order of magnitude without any degradation of the optical properties. The effect of segmental flexibility and free ion concentration on the conduction in the presence of SiO2 is discussed. The PEI:LiTFSI:ITO electrolytes had high haze-free luminous transmittance and strong near-infrared absorption without diminished ionic conductivity. Ionic conductivity and optical clarity did not deteriorate for the PEI:LiTFSI:In2O3 and the PEI:LiTFSI:SiO2:ITO electrolytes. Finally, propylene carbonate (PC) and ethylene carbonate (EC) were added to PEI:LiTFSI in order to perform electrochromic measurements. ITO and SiO2 were added to the PEI:LiTFSI:PC:EC and to a proprietary electrolyte. The nanocomposite electrolytes were tested for ECWs with the configuration of the ECWs being plastic/ITO/WO3/polymer electrolyte/NiO (or IrO2)/ITO/plastic. It was seen that adding nanoparticles to polymer electrolytes can improve the coloring/bleaching dynamics of the ECWs. From this study, we show that nanocomposite polymer electrolytes can add new functionalities as well as enhancement in ECW applications.

Disertacijoje yra nagrinėjama, kokią įtaką ličio katijonų ir deguonies vakansijų (Vo) kietųjų elektrolitų elektrinėms savybėms daro jų struktūra ir elementinė sudėtis. Darbe yra aprašomos technologinės superjoninių junginių (SJ) keramikų ir sluoksnių gamybos sąlygos, lemiančios jų mikrostruktūrą, bei pateikiami SJ paviršių, temperatūrinio stabilumo ir elektrinių savybių tyrimo rezultatai. Li+ SJ priklauso monoklininei, ortorombinei arba romboedrinei singonijoms. Keramikų mikrostruktūra labiausiai priklauso nuo jų kepinimo temperatūros. LiCe2/3PO4 keramiką paveikus elektriniu lauku, XPS buvo parodyta, kad šioje medžiagoje vyksta Li+ jonų pernaša. Kompleksinės varžos spektroskopijos tyrimai parodė, kad sistemose Li1+xScxZr2-x(PO4)3, Li1+xZr2-2xAlxTix(PO4)3 ir Li1+xGe2-2xAlxTix(PO4)3 (čia x = 0,1, 0,2, 0,3), didinant x, didėja kristalitiniai keramikų laidžiai, o jų aktyvacijos energijos mažėja. Li3Sc2–xBx(PO4)3 junginiuose vykstančio superjoninio fazinio virsmo temperatūra priklauso nuo x. Li3-xSc2-x-yYyZrx(PO4)3 sistemoje kai x = 0,1, y = 0, 0,1 temperatūrinėse kristalitinio laidžio prieklausose yra stebimos anomalijos, susijusios su superjoniniais faziniais virsmais šiose medžiagose, o kai x = 0,2 tirtame temperatūrų intervale faziniai virsmai nevyksta. Magnetroninio dulkinimo metodu suformuotų YSZ storųjų sluoksnių joninis laidis ir šio laidžio aktyvacijos energija priklauso nuo jų paruošimo technologinių sąlygų. Didinant NiO-CGO sluoksnių, suformuotų purškimo pirolizės... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The influence of the structure and elemental composition of lithium ions’ and oxygen vacancies’ (Vo) solid electrolytes (SE) on their electrical properties are investigated in the dissertation. The technological conditions of SE ceramics’ and films’ fabrication, which influence their microstructure, are described. The results of the investigation of the surfaces, temperature stability, and electrical properties are presented. Li+ SE belong to monoclinic, orthorhombic, or rhombohedral symmetries. The microstructure of the ceramics is mainly influenced by the temperature of their sintering. It has been shown by XPS that LiCe2/3PO4 ceramic is Li+-ion conductor. Complex impedance spectroscopy investigation showed that the increase of x in the systems Li1+xScxZr2-x(PO4)3, Li1+xZr2-2xAlxTix(PO4)3, and Li1+xGe2-2xAlxTix(PO4)3 (where x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) leads to the increase of bulk ionic conductivity of the ceramics and to the decrease of its activation energy. Phase transition temperature in Li3Sc2–xBx(PO4)3 compounds depends on x. The anomalies of temperature dependencies of bulk conductivity of Li3-xSc2-x-yYyZrx(PO4)3 system were observed when x = 0.1, y = 0, 0.1. The anomalies are related to superionic phase transitions in the materials, but no phase transitions have been detected for x = 0.2 compound in the studied temperature range. Ionic conductivity and its activation energy of YSZ thick films prepared by magnetron sputtering depend on their preparation’s technological... [to full text]

The influence of the structure and elemental composition of lithium ions’ and oxygen vacancies’ (Vo) solid electrolytes (SE) on their electrical properties are investigated in the dissertation. The technological conditions of SE ceramics’ and films’ fabrication, which influence their microstructure, are described. The results of the investigation of the surfaces, temperature stability, and electrical properties are presented. Li+ SE belong to monoclinic, orthorhombic, or rhombohedral symmetries. The microstructure of the ceramics is mainly influenced by the temperature of their sintering. It has been shown by XPS that LiCe2/3PO4 ceramic is Li+-ion conductor. Complex impedance spectroscopy investigation showed that the increase of x in the systems Li1+xScxZr2-x(PO4)3, Li1+xZr2-2xAlxTix(PO4)3, and Li1+xGe2-2xAlxTix(PO4)3 (where x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) leads to the increase of bulk ionic conductivity of the ceramics and to the decrease of its activation energy. Phase transition temperature in Li3Sc2–xBx(PO4)3 compounds depends on x. The anomalies of temperature dependencies of bulk conductivity of Li3-xSc2-x-yYyZrx(PO4)3 system were observed when x = 0.1, y = 0, 0.1. The anomalies are related to superionic phase transitions in the materials, but no phase transitions have been detected for x = 0.2 compound in the studied temperature range. Ionic conductivity and its activation energy of YSZ thick films prepared by magnetron sputtering depend on their preparation’s technological... [to full text] / Disertacijoje yra nagrinėjama, kokią įtaką ličio katijonų ir deguonies vakansijų (Vo) kietųjų elektrolitų elektrinėms savybėms daro jų struktūra ir elementinė sudėtis. Darbe yra aprašomos technologinės superjoninių junginių (SJ) keramikų ir sluoksnių gamybos sąlygos, lemiančios jų mikrostruktūrą, bei pateikiami SJ paviršių, temperatūrinio stabilumo ir elektrinių savybių tyrimo rezultatai. Li+ SJ priklauso monoklininei, ortorombinei arba romboedrinei singonijoms. Keramikų mikrostruktūra labiausiai priklauso nuo jų kepinimo temperatūros. LiCe2/3PO4 keramiką paveikus elektriniu lauku, XPS buvo parodyta, kad šioje medžiagoje vyksta Li+ jonų pernaša. Kompleksinės varžos spektroskopijos tyrimai parodė, kad sistemose Li1+xScxZr2-x(PO4)3, Li1+xZr2-2xAlxTix(PO4)3 ir Li1+xGe2-2xAlxTix(PO4)3 (čia x = 0,1, 0,2, 0,3), didinant x, didėja kristalitiniai keramikų laidžiai, o jų aktyvacijos energijos mažėja. Li3Sc2–xBx(PO4)3 junginiuose vykstančio superjoninio fazinio virsmo temperatūra priklauso nuo x. Li3-xSc2-x-yYyZrx(PO4)3 sistemoje kai x = 0,1, y = 0, 0,1 temperatūrinėse kristalitinio laidžio prieklausose yra stebimos anomalijos, susijusios su superjoniniais faziniais virsmais šiose medžiagose, o kai x = 0,2 tirtame temperatūrų intervale faziniai virsmai nevyksta. Magnetroninio dulkinimo metodu suformuotų YSZ storųjų sluoksnių joninis laidis ir šio laidžio aktyvacijos energija priklauso nuo jų paruošimo technologinių sąlygų. Didinant NiO-CGO sluoksnių, suformuotų purškimo pirolizės... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

The catalytic activity of ruthenium(II) bis(diimine) complexes cis-[Ru(6,6′-Cl2bpy)2(OH2)2](Z)2 (2, Z = CF3SO3; 3, Z = (3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)4B ,i.e. BArF), cis-[Ru(4,4′-Cl2bpy)2(OH2)2](Z)2 (4, Z = CF3SO3; 5, Z = BArF) and cis-[Ru(bpy)2(PR3)(OH2)](CF3SO3)2 (7, bpy = 2,2’-bipyridine, PR3 = P(C6H4F)3; 8, bpy = 2,2-bipyridine, PR3 = PPh3; 9, bpy = 4,4’-dichloro-2,2’-bipyridine, PR3 = PPh3; 10, bpy = 4,4’-dimethyl-2,2’-bipyridine, PR3 = P(C6H4F)3) for the hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of furfural (FFR), furfuryl alcohol (FFA) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was investigated. The compounds 2-5 are active and highly selective catalysts for the hydrogenation of FFR to FFA. Using 2 as catalyst at 100 °C, hydrogenation of FFR proceeded to high conversion (≥98%) and with 100% selectivity to FFA in 2 h. The catalyst cis-[Ru(6,6′-Cl2bpy)2(OH2)2](CF3SO3)2 (2) also showed some activity for hydrogenolysis of FFR and FFA at 130 °C in ethanol, giving up to 25% of 2-methylfuran (MF) yield. The catalyst 3 alsodisplayed high catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of FFA to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. Catalysts 7-10 are also active towards the hydrogenation of furfural (FFR) in NMP giving >90% FFR conversion with 100% selectivity for furfuryl alcohol (FFA) in 12 h. Compounds 7-10 are active C-O bond hydrogenolysis catalysts in presence of bismuth halide Lewis acids. For example, hydrogenolysis of FFA in the presence of 1 mol% of catalyst cis-[Ru(4,4’-Cl2bpy)2(PPh3)(OH2)](CF3SO3)2 (9) and 20 mol% bismuth bromide at 180 °C/51 atm H2 pressure gave >96% conversion of FFA and 55% MF yield. Compounds 7-10 in the presence of bismuth halides, showed almost 100% conversion of HMF with a very high selectivity (65-72%) for 2,5-DMF, along with 10-12% of MF, and trace amount of 5-methylfurfural (MeFFR). In order to test the activity of ruthenium hydrides towards the C-O bond hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of HMF, series of monocationic ruthenium complexes cis-[Ru(bpy)2(PR3)(H)](CF3SO3) (12, bpy = 2,2’-bipyridine, PR3 = P(C6H4F)3; 13, bpy = 2,2-bipyridine, PR3= PPh3; 14, bpy = 4,4’-dimethyl-2,2’-bipyridine, PR3= P(C6H4F)3) were prepared. The hydrogenation of HMF using catalysts 12-14, produced 70-72% of 2,5-DMF and 11% MF, suggesting that ruthenium hydrides are active and efficient catalysts for HMF hydrogenation.

The ionic conductivity of the lithium ionic conductor, Li5La3Ta2O12, is studied in an attempt to better understand the intrinsic bulk ionic conductivity and extrinsic sample dependent contributions to the ionic conductivity, such as grain boundary effects and the electrode-electrolyte interface. To characterize the material, traditional AC impedance spectroscopy studies were performed as well novel in-situ nanoscale transport measurements. To perform the nanoscale measurements, higher quality samples were required and new synthesis techniques developed. The results of these new synthesis techniques was samples with higher densities, up to 96% of theoretical, and slightly higher room temperature ionic conductivity, 2x10^−5 S/cm. By combining the AC impedance spectroscopy results and in-situ nanoscale transport measurements from this study and prior reported results, as well as introducing models traditionally used to analyze supercapacitor systems, a new interpretation of the features seen in the AC impedance spectroscopy studies is presented. This new interpretation challenges the presence of Warburg Diffusion at low frequencies and the offers a new interpretation for the features that have been traditionally associated with grain boundary effects.

Dust capture for small coal particles (<2.5µm) can be improved if one takes advantage of electrostatic charges that resides on the surface of coal dust particles and on the surface of water spray droplets used to capture coal dust. Traditional dust capture methods that use water sprays are ineffective in capturing small dust particles since the motion of small dust particles is governed by electrostatic forces. If additives such as ionic surfactants could be added to water that would enhance the surface charge on water spray droplets, dust capture with water sprays could be improved. The results presented show that n-sodium octyl sulfate causes the greatest charge enhancement versus the longer chained n-sodium dodecyl sulfate and n-sodium octadecyl sulfate. This can be explained by considering the factors that lead to droplet charge enhancement. Those factors are the mass of surfactant ions at the droplet surface, and the diffusion rate of the surfactant ions from the bulk droplet to the surface of the droplet. Sodium octyl sulfate will have a faster diffusion rate to the droplet surface because of its relatively short length, and will also maximize the mass balance of surfactant ions at the drop surface.