<p>Among the obstacles for the commercialization of the MoltenCarbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC), the dissolution of thestate-of-the-art lithiated NiO cathode is considered as aprimary lifetime limiting constraint. Development ofalternative cathode materials is considered as a main strategyfor solving the cathode dissolution problem. LiFeO₂and LiCoO₂had earlier been reported as the most promisingalternative materials; however, they could not satisfactorilysubstitute the lithiated NiO. On the other hand, ternarycompositions of LiFeO₂, LiCoO₂and NiO are expected to combine some desirableproperties of each component. The aim of this work was todevelop alternative cathode materials for MCFC in the LiFeO₂-LiCoO₂-NiO ternary system. It was carried out byinvestigating electronic conductivity of the materials, firstin the form of bulk pellets and then in ex-situ sinteredporous-gas-diffusion cathodes, and evaluating theirelectrochemical performance by short-time laboratory-scale celloperations.</p><p>Materials in the LiFeO₂-NiO binary system and five ternary sub-systems,each with a constant molar ratio of LiFeO₂:NiO while varying LiCoO₂content, were studied. Powders withcharacteristics appropriate for MCFC cathode fabrication couldbe obtained by the Pechini method. The particle size of LiFeO₂-LiCoO₂-NiO powders considerably depends on thecalcination temperature and the material composition. Theelectrical conductivity study reveals the ability of preparingLiFeO₂-LiCoO₂-NiO materials with adequate electricalconductivity for MCFC cathode application.</p><p>A bimodal pore structure, appropriate for the MCFC cathode,could be achieved in sintered cathodes prepared usingporeformers and sub-micron size powder. Further, this studyindicates the nature of the compromise to be made between theelectrical conductivity, phase purity, pore structure andporosity in optimization of cathodes for MCFC application. Cellperformance comparable to that expected for the cathode in acommercial MCFC could be achieved with cathodes prepared from20 mole% LiFeO₂- 20 mole% LiCoO₂- 60 mole% NiO ternary composition. It shows aniR-corrected polarization of 62 mV and a iR-drop of 46 mV at acurrent density of 160 mAcm^-2at 650 °C. Altogether, this study revealsthe possibility of preparing LiFeO₂-LiCoO₂-NiO cathode materials suitable for MCFCapplication.</p><p>Keywords: molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), MCFC cathode,LiFeO₂-LiCoO₂-NiO ternary compositions, electrical conductivity,porous gas diffusion electrodes, polarization, electrochemicalperformance, post-cell characterization.</p>

<p>Die Brennstoffzelle ist ein elektrochemischer Reaktor und wandelt chemisch gebundene Energie direkt in elektrische Energie um. In der stationären Energieerzeugung ist der Brennstoffzellenstapel selbst nur ein kleiner Bestandteil des vollständigen Systems. Die Integration aller zusätzlichen Bestandteile, der Peripheriegeräte (Balance-of-Plant) (BoP), ist eine der Hauptaufgaben in der Studie der Brennstoffzellenkraftwerke.</p><p>Diese Untersuchung betrifft die Systemstudie des auf der Schmelz-Karbonat-Brennstoffzelle (MCFC) basierten Kraftwerks. Die Systemstudie ist mit dem Simulationprogramm Aspen PlusTM durchgeführt worden.</p><p>Artikel I beschreibt die Implementierung eines in Aspen PlusTM entwickelten MCFC Stapelmodells, um ein MCFC Kraftwerk zu studieren, das Erdgas als Brennstoff verwendet.</p><p>Artikel II beschreibt, wie unterschiedliche Prozeßparameter, wie Brenngasnutzung und dieWahl des Brennstoffes, die Leistung eines MCFC Kraftwerks </p> / <p>A fuel cell is an electrochemical reactor, directly converting chemically bound energy to electrical energy. In stationary power production the fuel cell stack itself is only a small component of the whole system. The integration of all the auxiliary components, the Balance-of-Plant (BoP), is one of the main issues in the study of fuel cell power plants.</p><p>This thesis concerns the systems studies of molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) based power plants. The system studies has been performed with the simulation software Aspen PlusTM.</p><p>Paper I describes on the implementation of a developed MCFC stack model into Aspen PlusTM in order to study an MCFC power plant fueled with natural gas.</p><p>Paper II describes how different process parameters, such as fuel cell fuel utilization, influence the performance of an MCFC power plant.</p> / <p>Bränslecellen är en elektrokemisk reaktor som kan direkt omvandla kemiskt bunden energi till elektrisk energi. I stationär kraftproduktion är själva bränslecellsstapeln endast en mindre komponent i systemet. Integrationen av kringutrustningen, den s.k. Balance-of-Plant (BoP), som tex. pumpar, kompressorer och värmeväxlare är en av huvudfrågeställningarna i studierna av bränslecellskraftverk. Denna avhandling avser systemstudier av mältkarbonatbränslecellsbaserade (MCFC) kraftverk. Systemstudierna har utförts med processimuleringprogramet Aspen PlusTM.</p><p>Artikel I beskriver en utvecklad MCFC-cellmodell, som implementeras som "user model" i Aspen Plus, för att studera ett naturgasbaserat bränslecellskraftverk.</p><p>Artikel II beskriver hur olika processparametrar, som tex bränsleutnyttjande och val av bränsle, påverkar ett MCFC-kraftverks prestanda.</p>

<p>Proteins with highly specific binding properties constitute the basis for many important applications in biotechnology and medicine. Immunoglobulins have so far been the obvious choice but recent advances in protein engineering have provided several novel constructs that indeed challenge antibodies. One class of such binding proteins is based on the 58 residues three-helix bundle Z domain from staphylococcal protein A (SPA). These so-called affibodies are selected from libraries containing Z domain variants with 13 randomised positions at the immunoglobulin Fc-binding surface. This thesis aims to describe the principles for molecular recognition in two protein-protein complexes involving affibody proteins. The first complex is formed by the Z_SPA-1 affibody binding to its own ancestor, the Z domain (Kd ~1 μM). The second complex consists of two affibodies: Z_Taq, originally selected to bind Taq DNA polymerase, and anti-Z_Taq, an anti-idiotypic binder to Z_Taq with a Kd ~0.1 μM. The basis for the study is the determination of the three-dimensional structures using NMR spectroscopy supported by biophysical characterization of the uncomplexed proteins and investigation of binding thermodynamics using isothermal titration calorimetry. The free Z_SPA-1 affibody is a molten globule-like protein with reduced stability compared to the original scaffold. However, upon target binding it folds into a well-defined structure with an interface topology resembling that displayed by the immunoglobulin Fc fragment when bound to the Z domain. At the same time, structural rearrangements occur in the Z domain in a similar way as in the Fc-binding process. The complex interface buries 1632 Ų total surface area and 10 out of 13 varied residues in Z_SPA-1 are directly involved in inter-molecular contacts. Further characterization of the molten globule state of Z_SPA-1 revealed a native-like overall structure with increased dynamics in the randomised regions (helices 1 and 2). These features were reduced when replacing some of the mutated residues with the corresponding wild-type Z domain residues. The nature of the free Z_SPA-1 affects the thermodynamics of the complex formation. The contribution from the unfolding equilibrium of the molten globule was successfully separated from the binding thermodynamics. Further decomposition of the binding entropy suggests that the conformational entropy penalty associated with stabilizing the molten globule state of Z_SPA-1 upon binding seriously reduces the binding affinity. The Z_Taq:anti-Z_Taq complex buries in total 1672 Ų surface area and all varied positions in anti-Z_Taq are directly involved in binding. The main differences between the Z:Z_SPA-1 and the Z_Taq:anti-Z_Taq complexes are the relative subunit orientation and certain specific interactions. However, there are also similarities, such as the hydrophobic interface character and the role of certain key residues, which are also found in the SPA:Fc interaction. Structural rearrangements upon binding are also common features of these complexes. Even though neither Z_Taq nor anti-Z_Taq shows the molten globule behaviour seen for Z_SPA-1, there are indications of dynamic events that might affect the binding affinity. This study provides not only a molecular basis for affibody-target recognition, but also contributions to the understanding of the mechanisms regulating protein stability and protein-protein interactions in general.</p>

Un polypeptide néosynthétisé est capable de trouver rapidement le chemin vers sa structure tri-dimensionnelle finale, en passant par des intermédiaires partiellement structurés. L'acquisition d'information sur le rôle et l'importance de ces intermédiaires est rendue difficile parce qu'ils se forment très rapidement pendant la réaction de repliement et que cette période de temps n'est pas accessible aux appareils de mélange usuels.<br />L'objet de cette thèse était de caractériser les évènements cinétiques initiaux du repliement des protéines, notamment de l'apomyoglobine (apoMb), en utilisant des appareils de mélange ultra-rapide. Un appareil de type stopped-flow équipé d'une micro-cuve a permis de diminuer le temps mort de ce type de mélangeur. Une réaction bimoléculaire (NATA et NBS), à permis d'évaluer le temps mort à 400±10 µs, dans un mode d'utilisation permettant de suivre simultanément le signal de fluorescence et le signal de dichroïsme circulaire dans l'UV lointain. L'apoMb est une protéine particulièrement intéressante pour l'étude des évènements précoces du repliement des protéines. Le stopped-flow ultra rapide, a permis de suivre des cinétiques (k jusqu'à 1500 s-1) et montré que chaque étape précédemment identifiée, conduisant l'apoMb de sa forme dépliée à sa forme native (soit les réactions UIa, IaIb, et IbN), présente les caractéristiques typiques d'une réaction à deux états, hautement coopérative.<br />Nous avons étudié l'effet d'osmolytes sur les cinétiques et sur la stabilité à l'équilibre des formes U, I et N de l'apoMb. Des études cinétiques en présence de sucrose ont permis d'observer le comportement de la réactions UIa. Ces résultats indiquent que le sucrose déstabilise de manière relative la forme U et l'état de transition de la réaction UIa, par rapport à la forme Ia. L'étape limitante ne correspondrait donc pas à une compaction de la chaîne peptidique. Dans les mêmes conditions, l'étude de la transition IbN permet d'observer que l'état de transition présente des caractéristiques proches de Ib. Ces résultats, décrivant l'effet osmophobique sur l'intermédiaire I, ainsi que des résultats préliminaires de l'effet d'encombrement moléculaire sur le repliement du cytochrome C, sont discutés dans ce mémoire.

The phase behavior of CO2 + polymer systems is of interest in polymer synthesis, flue and natural gas processing, polymer foam and nanoparticle processing, and drug delivery. Theoretical and experimental evidence suggests that CO2 is able to interact with electron donating functional groups in polymers to form weak Lewis acid – base or EDA (Electron Donor Acceptor) complexes. These complexes can have a significant effect on the phase behavior of associated CO2 + polymer systems. In spite of this, however, the phase equilibria of only a few associated CO2 + polymer systems have been measured. Some success in modeling the phase behavior of polymer solutions has been achieved by various versions of the Statistical Association Fluid Theory (SAFT), as well as by several Lattice Models. However, many of these models incorporate two to four adjustable parameters that often depend on temperature (T), pressure (P), and/or molecular weight (MW). As a result, a large amount of experimental data is required to apply these models. The goal of the present work was therefore to develop a new thermodynamic model for associating systems that would include no more than two temperature-independent adjustable parameters. The new model presented in this work is based on the Guggenheim-Huggins-Miller lattice and includes complex formation in the development of the partition function. The EOS obtained from the resulting partition function includes two mixture parameters – the enthalpy of association or complex formation and a reference value of the equilibrium constant for complex formation . Most importantly, can be obtained from in situ Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR – FTIR) measurements. This work therefore demonstrates the use of ATR – FTIR spectra to obtain molecular level information regarding the interaction of CO2 and electron donating functional groups in polymers. Unlike other studies, this work uses the bending vibration of CO2 to estimate the enthalpies of association ( ) of CO2 + polymer systems. Values of were directly incorporated in the new model and were found to lie between -7 and -12 kJ/mol for the systems investigated in this work. They increased (i.e. became more negative) in the order: CO2 + PS-co-PMMA < CO2 + PMMA <CO2 + PBMA < CO2 + PSF < CO2 + PVAc < CO2 + EVA40 < CO2 + PEG. Values of the second parameter in the new EOS ( ) were obtained by fitting solubility data at one temperature. Both and were found to be temperature independent. The application of the new EOS was demonstrated by calculating the solubility (sorption) of CO2 in polymers, the extent of swelling of polymers due to CO2, and the solubility of polymers in CO2 (cloud points). Both sorption and cloud point behavior in CO2 + polymer systems could be calculated using a single value of for each binary system. Ionic Liquids (ILs) can also incorporate electron donating functional groups in their structure. Evidence for the interaction of such ILs with CO2 can be found in the large values of the enthalpies of absorption of CO2 in these ILs. The ALF EOS was therefore extended to CO2 + IL systems using the enthalpy of absorption as a measure of association ( ) in these systems. was again treated as an adjustable parameter in the calculation of the CO2 solubility in ILs. A single value of was sufficient to predict swelling in these systems within experimental error.

科学研究費補助金 研究種目:一般研究(C) 課題番号:61550495 研究代表者:藤澤 敏治 研究期間:1986-1988年度

A CO2 emission analysis and system investigation of a direct fuel cell waste energy recovery and power generation system (DFC-ERG) for pressure letdown stations was undertaken. The hybrid system developed by FuelCell Energy Inc. is an integrated turboexpander and a direct internal reforming molten carbonate fuel cell system in a combined circle. At pressure letdown stations, popularly called city gates, the pressure of natural gas transported on long pipelines is reduced by traditional pressure regulating systems. Energy is lost as a result of pressure reduction. Pressure reduction also results in severe cooling of the gas due to the Joule Thompson effect, thus, requiring preheating of the natural gas using traditional gas fired-burners. The thermal energy generated results in the emission of green house gases. The DFC-ERG system is a novel waste energy recovery and green house gas mitigation system that can replace traditional pressure regulating systems on city gates. A DFC-ERG system has been simulated using UniSim Design process simulation software. A case study using data from Utilities Kingston’s city gate at Glenburnie was analysed. The waste energy recovery system was modelled using the design specifications of the FuelCell Energy Inc’s DFC 300 system and turboexpander design characteristics of Cryostar TG120. The Fuel Cell system sizing was based on the required thermal output, electrical power output, available configuration and cost. The predicted performance of the fuel cell system was simulated at a current density of 140mA/cm2, steam to carbon ratio of 3, fuel utilization of 75% and oxygen utilization of 30%. The power output of the turboexpander was found to strongly depend on the high pressure natural gas flowrate, temperature and pressure. The simulated DFC-ERG system was found to reduce CO2 emissions when the electrical power generated by the DFC-ERG system replaced electrical power generated by a coal fired plant. / Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2010-08-31 02:02:11.392

Gegenstand der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, die Grundlagen für ein mögliches technisches Verfahren zur Aromatennitrierung mit Salzhydratschmelzen (M(NO3)3 · n H2O, M = Fe, Cr, Bi, In, Al; n = 4 - 9) zu untersuchen. Es sollte geklärt werden, ob Toluol quantitativ zu Dinitrotoluol bzw. Benzol zu Nitrobenzol umgesetzt werden kann. In Screening-Versuchen wurden geeignete, nitrierend wirkende Salzhydrate ermittelt, sowie Wege untersucht, die Reaktivität der eingesetzten Salzhydratschmelzen durch Variation von Wasser- bzw. Säuregehalt, Durchmischung, verschiedenen Schmelzenzusätzen bzw. Reaktionstemperatur zu steigern. Das entstehende Verhältnis der Isomeren der Mono- und Dinitrierung wurde hinsichtlich einer möglichen Beeinflussung untersucht. Das Spektrum an Nebenprodukten wurde bestimmt, sowie Möglichkeiten aufgezeigt, diese zu vermeiden. Dabei konnte gezeigt werden, dass im Gegensatz zum etablierten Mischsäureverfahren beim Einsatz von Salzhydratschmelzen keine kresolischen Nebenprodukte gebildet werden. Weiterhin wurden Möglichkeiten zur Präparation wasserarmer Salzhydratschmelzen durch thermische Entwässerung bzw. Reaktion mit flüssigem N2O4 untersucht, die Löslichkeit der isomeren Zwischen- und Endprodukte in der Salzhydratschmelze bestimmt sowie das thermische Verhalten von Dinitrotoluol in Gegenwart der Salze betrachtet.

Proteins with highly specific binding properties constitute the basis for many important applications in biotechnology and medicine. Immunoglobulins have so far been the obvious choice but recent advances in protein engineering have provided several novel constructs that indeed challenge antibodies. One class of such binding proteins is based on the 58 residues three-helix bundle Z domain from staphylococcal protein A (SPA). These so-called affibodies are selected from libraries containing Z domain variants with 13 randomised positions at the immunoglobulin Fc-binding surface. This thesis aims to describe the principles for molecular recognition in two protein-protein complexes involving affibody proteins. The first complex is formed by the ZSPA-1 affibody binding to its own ancestor, the Z domain (Kd ~1 μM). The second complex consists of two affibodies: ZTaq, originally selected to bind Taq DNA polymerase, and anti-ZTaq, an anti-idiotypic binder to ZTaq with a Kd ~0.1 μM. The basis for the study is the determination of the three-dimensional structures using NMR spectroscopy supported by biophysical characterization of the uncomplexed proteins and investigation of binding thermodynamics using isothermal titration calorimetry. The free ZSPA-1 affibody is a molten globule-like protein with reduced stability compared to the original scaffold. However, upon target binding it folds into a well-defined structure with an interface topology resembling that displayed by the immunoglobulin Fc fragment when bound to the Z domain. At the same time, structural rearrangements occur in the Z domain in a similar way as in the Fc-binding process. The complex interface buries 1632 Å2 total surface area and 10 out of 13 varied residues in ZSPA-1 are directly involved in inter-molecular contacts. Further characterization of the molten globule state of ZSPA-1 revealed a native-like overall structure with increased dynamics in the randomised regions (helices 1 and 2). These features were reduced when replacing some of the mutated residues with the corresponding wild-type Z domain residues. The nature of the free ZSPA-1 affects the thermodynamics of the complex formation. The contribution from the unfolding equilibrium of the molten globule was successfully separated from the binding thermodynamics. Further decomposition of the binding entropy suggests that the conformational entropy penalty associated with stabilizing the molten globule state of ZSPA-1 upon binding seriously reduces the binding affinity. The ZTaq:anti-ZTaq complex buries in total 1672 Å2 surface area and all varied positions in anti-ZTaq are directly involved in binding. The main differences between the Z:ZSPA-1 and the ZTaq:anti-ZTaq complexes are the relative subunit orientation and certain specific interactions. However, there are also similarities, such as the hydrophobic interface character and the role of certain key residues, which are also found in the SPA:Fc interaction. Structural rearrangements upon binding are also common features of these complexes. Even though neither ZTaq nor anti-ZTaq shows the molten globule behaviour seen for ZSPA-1, there are indications of dynamic events that might affect the binding affinity. This study provides not only a molecular basis for affibody-target recognition, but also contributions to the understanding of the mechanisms regulating protein stability and protein-protein interactions in general. / QC 20101025

Um die Wirtschaftlichkeit von Solarkraftwerken zu verbessern, sollte geprüft werden, inwieweit eine geschmolzene Mischung aus Natriumchlorid und Aluminiumchlorid als Wärmetransportflüssigkeit in Frage kommt. Aufgrund der Hydrolyseempfindlichkeit solcher Schmelzen kommt es durch Einwirkung von Wasser zur Bildung von Chlorwasserstoff sowie Aluminiumoxidchloriden, die in einem geschlossenen System zu einem Druckanstieg bzw. Ausfällungen führen können. Der Gesamtdruck über schwach basischen NaCl-AlCl3-Schmelzen wird durch eine hohe HCl-Löslichkeit herabgesetzt, sodass aus der Bilanz heraus ein Hydrolysegrad von ca. 50 % angenommen werden kann. Für die wassermengenabhängige Verfolgung des Druckes diente eine statische Methode mit einem Drucksensor. Der Oxidgehalt wurde voltammetrisch durch Titration mit TaCl5 und die HCl-Löslichkeit durch eine Elutionsmethode ermittelt. Für Informationen zum Lösungszustand der Hydrolyseprodukte wurden 1H- und 27Al-NMR-Spektren von hydrolysierten Schmelzen aufgenommen.