No description available.

The in vitro rate and cationic composition of the fluid secreted by the Malpighian tubules of the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria migratoroides L, was investigated in this study. The concentrations of the elements Na, K, P, S, CI, Mg and Ca within Locusta Malpighian tubule type 1 cells, and the surrounding basement membrane, were quantified. Inhibitors and stimulators of fluid production were used to perturb the normal secretory state of the tubule cells. The rate of fluid secretion under control conditions was between 1.82 and 1.33. nl min(^-1) The fluid [K(^+)] was approximately 126mM, and [Na(^+)] 51 mM. The basement membrane was characterised by high [Na] and [CI] whilst a gradient of [K](_i) was observed. [K](_i) rose from approximately 193 mmol Kg(^-1) d.w. at the basal infoldings to 481 mmol Kg(^-1) d.w. at the apical microvillar border. The central cytoplasmic [K](_i) was 348 mmol Kg(^-1) d.w., estimated as 116mM. [Na](_i) and [Cl](_i) were generally lower, being 57mM and 29mM respectively in the central cytoplasm. Only K assumed a concentration gradient. Intracellular mass dense concretions were observed. Three types were present, the first rich in P and Ca, the second, rich in S, Na and K, and the third, rich in Mg, K and Na. The fluid production inhibitors furosemide (1mM) and bafilomycin A(_1) (1µM) raised the [N(^+)] in the secreted fluid, and altered [K](_i), [Na](_i) and [CI](_i). Furosemide lowered [K](_i) but increased [Na](_i) and [Cl](_i). Bafilomycin lowered [K(^+)] in the secreted fluid, though [K](_i) increased. Both inhibitors abolished the [K](_i) gradient. Replacing K(^+) with Rb(^+) in the bathing saline slowed fluid secretion and lowered [K](_i) and [Cl](_i), though a gradient of [K](_i) was retained. Rb adopted an intracellular gradient which mirrored that of K. Rate of secretion data suggests Rb enters the cell basolaterally primarily via the Na(^+)-K(^+)-ATPase. The fluid secretion stimulator cAMP (1mM) lowered [K](_i), and raised [Na](_i) and [Cl](_i), but corpora cardiaca extract left these elements' concentrations largely unchanged. Stimulation with both corpora cardiaca extract and cAMP maintained the [K](_i) gradient. These stimulators changed the content and number of mass dense concretions present, in manner which suggested that these structures were important in ion transport. These findings support the current model of ionic transport in these cells, including the basolateral presence of an Na(^+)-K(^+)-2Cr cotransporter, and an apical proton-pumping V-type ATPase / K(^+)/nH(^+) antiport complex.

This doctoral thesis gives background to the field of electrochemical energy storage in supercapacitors. It attempts to place the supercapacitor device in context of available and future technologies for alternative energy systems for transportation. Limitations of cells and electrodes and key challenges in the supercapacitor development are introduced. One objective of the thesis is to investigate and describe ionic transport in active carbon and possible restrictions in nanostructured porous systems with focus on small (micro and meso) pores. Another is to develop a model suitable for investigations of concentration and potential profiles from a single particle perspective. The results from the studies are presented in this thesis together with the scientific papers this thesis is based on. Studying electrochemical gradients (concentration and potential) of large electrodes and single particles may give important information of the limitations of the material. In larger three-electrode experimental set-ups, these gradients can be studied for electrodes but single particles are not available for experimental studies to the same extent since the matrix of an electrode consist of many particles, all adding to the total gradient of the electrode. The experimental part of this thesis is based on different experimental techniques: Three-electrode experiments for larger electrodes, microelectrode experiments for single particles, numerical simulations using Multiphysics (software) of large electrodes consisting of single particles. Four Papers are appended to the thesis. They present results and discussions regarding ionic transport, surface functionalities and modeling of a particle based supercapacitor electrode. Estimated effective diffusivities for an active carbon containing micro, meso and macropores are presented. Surface functionalities in the form of oxygen-containing groups were present in a carbon studied using two experimental set-ups. Faradaic peaks, previously not reported in activated carbon were seen. The occurrence of Faradaic phenomena in one experimental set-up but not the other is further analyzed and the origin of these peaks discussed. The particle based mathematical model, where galvanostatic and cyclic voltammetry is simulated, is presented. Concentration profiles both in the particles and electrodes are discussed and some of the numerical results are compared with experimental data. / QC 20100809

Electrode microstructure influences ionic transport and electronic transport and is a key factor that affects lithium-ion battery performance. Non-uniform microstructure or heterogeneity in battery electrodes has long been observed and leads to non-uniform transport properties. This work provides a better understanding of in-plane heterogeneity at millimeter length scale and through-plane heterogeneity at micrometer length scale, through a combination of experiment and modeling. The first part of this work develops the aperture probe technique, which is an experimental method and associated model to locally estimate ionic transport, represented by MacMullin number, in the electrode. By generating contour maps of MacMullin number, the in-plane variation of ionic transport is visualized in the electrodes. The local ionic transport measurement technique is validated by comparing with another measurement technique and showing an agreement between the results obtained from the two techniques. The second part of this work focuses on characterizing dual-layer anodes that consist of two layers of coating with distinctly different microstructures. The aperture probe technique was adapted to determine the MacMullin numbers in the two layers separately. The method was validated by a series of virtual experiments and by comparing in one case to an electrode film that was delaminated from the current collector and experimentally sampled from both sides. Because both the electronic transport and the ionic transport are found to be related with the electrode microstructure, it is of interest to understand how these two transport properties relate to each other. The local electronic conductivity and MacMullin number of several commercial-grade electrodes were mapped. The correlation between the two transport properties is distinct for each electrode and significant at length scales larger than about 6 mm. The last part of this work investigates how heterogeneity of ionic transport affects the cycling performance of a lithium-ion cell. A localized MacMullin number measurement is made to characterize the ionic transport heterogeneity of electrodes prior to cycling. Then synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction is applied to analyze the heterogeneity in state of lithiation after high-rate cycling. When comparing the ionic transport map and the state-of-charge map, no strong correlation is observed. While this experiment was inconclusive, it suggests that other factors are more responsible for spatial variations in state of lithiation.

Le remplacement des électrolytes liquides conventionnels des batteries lithium-ion est un enjeu majeur pour améliorer leurs performances et leur sécurité. Dans ce contexte, ce travail de thèse est focalisé sur la synthèse d’une nouvelle classe d’électrolytes solides organiques : les cristaux liquides ioniques thermotropiques, ainsi que la caractérisation multi-échelle des nanostructures obtenues et du transport ionique. Tout d’abord, nous présentons les structures chimiques choisies pour créer des assemblages de molécules cristal liquide à conduction « single-ion ». Ensuite, nous détaillons l’étude structurale et fonctionnelle, qui a permis d’établir l’organisation supramoléculaire sous forme de phase colonnaire avec des canaux de conduction ionique nanométriques. Des conductivités pouvant atteindre 10-4 S.cm-1 à 70°C ont été obtenues. La dynamique des ions au sein de ces électrolytes a été étudiée à l’échelle moléculaire et nous avons mis en évidence un mécanisme de conduction par saut. La polymérisation des cristaux liquides ioniques pourrait permettre le développement d’électrolytes polymères de type single-ion pour les batteries. / One major issue towards large-scale application of lithium-based batteries concerns their safety which is directly related to the nature of the electrolyte. Solid electrolytes are at present considered as a promising approach to avoid the risks related to the commonly employed liquids. Herein we report the synthesis and the characterization of a promising class of electrolytes: Thermotropic Ionic Liquid Crystals (TILCs). We describe the design and the synthesis of new self-assembled single-ion materials in function of their chemical architecture. We performed a systematic structural and functional properties study, demonstrating the crystal-liquid properties as well as the supramolecular organization into columnar phases. One of the most promising TILC shows a conductivity of 10-4 S.cm-1 at 70°C. The ion dynamics was probed at molecular scale to establish the main features of hopping conduction mechanism. Further polymerization of the TILCs could be applied to develop high performance single-ion polymer electrolytes for Li-ion batteries.

Este trabalho apresenta o estudo de vidros e vitro-cerâmicas oxifluoretos de composição PbGeO3 CdF2 PbF2 (Fluorgermanatos de cádmio e chumbo) e de blendas poliméricas formadas entre o eletrólito polimérico PEO:LiC104 (Poli-óxido de eltileno com perclorato de lítio) e o polímero condutor POMA (Poli-orto metoxianilina). Foram utilizadas as técnicas de ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN), ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE), calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e impedância complexa. Dentre várias aplicações, estes materiais são importantes devido ao grande potencial como eletrólitos sólidos. Este estudo tem como principal objetivo esclarecer os mecanismos de transporte iônico do flúor e do lítio. Os resultados mostraram que os mecanismos da condução iônica nos vítreos oxifluoretos são caracterizados diferentemente em cada região de temperatura estudada. Em baixas temperaturas (T<300K), o processo de relaxação foi atribuído às excitações de baixas-frequências dos modos desordenados. Acima de 300K, porém abaixo da temperatura de transição vítrea, os movimentos do flúor modulam as interações dipolares F-F. As vitro-cerâmicas, obtidas através de tratamentos térmicos dos vidros de oxifluoretos, são materiais compósitos onde nano ou micro-cristais estão dispersos na matriz vítrea. Os resultados de RMN mostraram no intervalo 100 800K, pelo menos três processos de relaxação, que foram associados com (i) movimentos difusionais dos íons de flúor nos cristais de β-PbF2, (ii) mobilidade iônica na matriz vítrea e (iii) íons de flúor de baixa mobilidade (provavelmente PbGeO3-xFx). Os resultados de RMN 1H mostraram que os tempos de correlação associados aos movimentos das macromoléculas nas blendas poliméricas xii são comparáveis aos encontrados na literatura para o PEO/PMMA. A fim de se garantir resultados reprodutíveis, um cuidadoso método de preparação deve ser seguido, assegurando a estabilidade química e a homogeneidade da blenda / This work reports the study of oxifluorides glasses and glass-ceramics of composition PbGeO3 CdF2 PbF2 (Lead cadmium fluorgermanate) and blends formed by the polymer electrolyte PEO:LiC104 (poly etilene oxide and lithium perclorate) and the conducting polymer POMA (poly ortho methox aniline). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and complex impedance techniques were used. Among several applications, these materiais are important as solid electrolytes. The main objective of this work is to study the fluor or lithium ionic transport mechanisms. Results show that the ionic conduction mechanism in oxifluoride glass systems is characteristic of each temperature region. In low temperatures (T < 300K), the relaxation processes were attributed to low-frequency excitations of disorder modes intrinsic to the glassy state of mater. Above 300 K and below of the glass transition temperature the fluorine motions modulate the dipolar F-F interactions. The glasscerarnics, produced form their respective glasses, are composite materiais where nano- or micro-crystals are dispersed on the glassy matrix. The NMR results, in the range 100-800 K, evidenced three separate relaxation process: (i) diffusional motions of fluorine ions in β-PbF2 crystals; (ii) fluorine mobility in the glass matrix and (iii) fluorine ions of low mobility (probably PbGeO3-xFx). The i ll NMR results shown that the correlation time values, associated to the polymeric chains motion in polymer blends, are comparable to those found for PEO/PMMA. In order to get reproducible results, a careful sample preparation process must be undertaken to ensure chemical stability and blend homogeneity.

xix, 190 p. : ill. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number. / The electrical properties of conducting polymer-based devices are investigated in order to better understand charge transport through conducting polymers and charge transfer at conducting polymer interfaces with metals and inorganic semiconductors. Experiments on two specific systems are reported: (1) an anionically functionalized conducting polymer between metal electrodes and (2) nanostructured doped conducting polymer-semiconductor interfaces. Temperature dependent impedance measurements are reported on an anionically functionalized polyacetylene sandwiched between two gold electrodes (Au|P A |Au). These measurements provide key quantities regarding the ionic carriers in this system, such as the characteristic frequency for electrode polarization, ionic DC conductivity, activation energy, effective ion concentration, and hopping frequency. Impedance measurements are also reported on samples where excess electronic carriers had been introduced with a DC bias and at temperatures sufficiently low so as to freeze out the ionic carriers. In addition to providing information about the dielectric relaxation of electronic carriers such as the characteristic frequency for electrode polarization and activation energy, these low-temperature impedance measurements also support the ionic dielectric relaxation assignments. Temperature-dependent potential step experiments, in combination with the dielectric measurements probing ionic carriers, demonstrate the direct connection between the redistribution of ions and an enhancement in carrier injection in the Au|P A |Au system. Further potential step experiments followed by relaxation through either a short- or open-circuit configuration demonstrate that the electric field distribution is closely related to the amount of injected electronic carriers. The electric field distribution changes from being mostly determined by ionic carriers to being jointly determined by both ionic and injected electronic carriers when the density of injected electronic carriers is higher than that of the effective ionic carriers. To investigate charge depletion and transport at length scales less than the depletion width of a semiconductor interface, nanoscale metal-InP contacts with low barrier height were embedded within conducting polymer-InP contacts with high barrier height. Electrical measurements on these hybrid interfaces indicate that charge transport across the nanoscale metal contacts is affected by the neighboring high barrier region when the size of the metal contacts is less than the depletion width of the conducting polymer-InP background. / Adviser: Mark Lonergan

Este trabalho apresenta o estudo de vidros e vitro-cerâmicas oxifluoretos de composição PbGeO3 CdF2 PbF2 (Fluorgermanatos de cádmio e chumbo) e de blendas poliméricas formadas entre o eletrólito polimérico PEO:LiC104 (Poli-óxido de eltileno com perclorato de lítio) e o polímero condutor POMA (Poli-orto metoxianilina). Foram utilizadas as técnicas de ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN), ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE), calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC) e impedância complexa. Dentre várias aplicações, estes materiais são importantes devido ao grande potencial como eletrólitos sólidos. Este estudo tem como principal objetivo esclarecer os mecanismos de transporte iônico do flúor e do lítio. Os resultados mostraram que os mecanismos da condução iônica nos vítreos oxifluoretos são caracterizados diferentemente em cada região de temperatura estudada. Em baixas temperaturas (T<300K), o processo de relaxação foi atribuído às excitações de baixas-frequências dos modos desordenados. Acima de 300K, porém abaixo da temperatura de transição vítrea, os movimentos do flúor modulam as interações dipolares F-F. As vitro-cerâmicas, obtidas através de tratamentos térmicos dos vidros de oxifluoretos, são materiais compósitos onde nano ou micro-cristais estão dispersos na matriz vítrea. Os resultados de RMN mostraram no intervalo 100 800K, pelo menos três processos de relaxação, que foram associados com (i) movimentos difusionais dos íons de flúor nos cristais de β-PbF2, (ii) mobilidade iônica na matriz vítrea e (iii) íons de flúor de baixa mobilidade (provavelmente PbGeO3-xFx). Os resultados de RMN 1H mostraram que os tempos de correlação associados aos movimentos das macromoléculas nas blendas poliméricas xii são comparáveis aos encontrados na literatura para o PEO/PMMA. A fim de se garantir resultados reprodutíveis, um cuidadoso método de preparação deve ser seguido, assegurando a estabilidade química e a homogeneidade da blenda / This work reports the study of oxifluorides glasses and glass-ceramics of composition PbGeO3 CdF2 PbF2 (Lead cadmium fluorgermanate) and blends formed by the polymer electrolyte PEO:LiC104 (poly etilene oxide and lithium perclorate) and the conducting polymer POMA (poly ortho methox aniline). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and complex impedance techniques were used. Among several applications, these materiais are important as solid electrolytes. The main objective of this work is to study the fluor or lithium ionic transport mechanisms. Results show that the ionic conduction mechanism in oxifluoride glass systems is characteristic of each temperature region. In low temperatures (T < 300K), the relaxation processes were attributed to low-frequency excitations of disorder modes intrinsic to the glassy state of mater. Above 300 K and below of the glass transition temperature the fluorine motions modulate the dipolar F-F interactions. The glasscerarnics, produced form their respective glasses, are composite materiais where nano- or micro-crystals are dispersed on the glassy matrix. The NMR results, in the range 100-800 K, evidenced three separate relaxation process: (i) diffusional motions of fluorine ions in β-PbF2 crystals; (ii) fluorine mobility in the glass matrix and (iii) fluorine ions of low mobility (probably PbGeO3-xFx). The i ll NMR results shown that the correlation time values, associated to the polymeric chains motion in polymer blends, are comparable to those found for PEO/PMMA. In order to get reproducible results, a careful sample preparation process must be undertaken to ensure chemical stability and blend homogeneity.

No description available.

Rechargeable lithium ion batteries have been widely used in portable consumer electronic devices, hybrid and full electric vehicles, and emergency power supply systems, because of their high energy density and long lifespan. The lithium ion battery market was approximately $11.8 billion in 2010 and is expected to grow to $53.7 billion in 2020. However, there is an intrinsic safety issue in these batteries because electrolyte contains a flammable organic solvent which may cause fire and/or even explosion. All solid-state lithium ion battery is recognized as next-generation technology for rechargeable power sources due to improved safety, high energy density, and long cycle life. Inorganic solid electrolyte replace liquid one to eliminate flammable components. The major challenge for all solid-state lithium ion batteries is to develop solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and good stability against both electrodes. Amorphous lithium lanthanum titanium oxide (LLTO) is very promising as solid electrolyte owing to its high ionic conductivity, good stability, and wide electrochemical stability window. In this work, amorphous LLTO thin films (or powders) were successfully prepared by sol-gel process. The thin films are smooth and crack-free. The microstructure evolution from dried gel film to fired film to annealed film was examined. The microstructure of the annealed film, either amorphous or crystalline, depends on the annealing temperature and time. Theoretical analysis was conducted to understand the microstructure evolution. Induction time determines the longest annealing time without transformation from amorphous to crystalline state. The induction time decreases with annealing temperature until the time approaches a minimum, and after that, the time increases with the temperature. Ion transport properties were investigated by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The plateau at low frequencies results from lithium ion long-range diffusion which contributes to dc conductivity, while the observed frequency dispersion at high frequencies is attributed to short-range forward¨Cbackward hopping motion of lithium ions. The relaxation processes are non-Debye in nature. Amorphous LLTO is compatible with Li metal due to its disordered atomic configuration. Finally, a 3D structure of electrode with amorphous LLTO was successfully prepared. This electrode displays promising electrochemical performance.