Paul Boldrin

High-throughput continuous hydrothermal synthesis of an entire nanoceramic phase diagram.

A novel High-Throughput Continuous Hydrothermal (HiTCH) flow synthesis reactor was used to make directly and rapidly a 66-sample nanoparticle library (entire phase diagram) of nanocrystalline Ce(x)Zr(y)Y(z)O(2-delta) in less than 12 h. High resolution PXRD data were obtained for the entire heat-treated library (at 1000 degrees C/1 h) in less than a day using the new robotic beamline I11, located at Diamond Light Source (DLS). This allowed Rietveld-quality powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data collection of the entire 66-sample library in <1 day. Consequently, the authors rapidly mapped out phase behavior and sintering behaviors for the entire library. Out of the entire 66-sample heat-treated library, the PXRD data suggests that 43 possess the fluorite structure, of which 30 (out of 36) are ternary compositions. The speed, quantity and quality of data obtained by our new approach, offers an exciting new development which will allow structure-property relationships to be accessed for nanoceramics in much shorter time periods.

Shape Selectivity by Guest‐Driven Restructuring of a Porous Material

A flexible metal-organic framework selectively sorbs para- (pX) over meta-xylene (mX) by synergic restructuring around pX coupled with generation of unused void space upon mX loading. The nature of the structural change suggests more generally that flexible structures which are initially mismatched in terms of fit and capacity to the preferred guest are strong candidates for effective molecular separations.

Atomic layer deposition of anatase TiO2 coating on silica particles: growth, characterization and evaluation as photocatalysts for methyl orange degradation and hydrogen production

Atomic layer deposition is used to deposit crystalline anatase TiO2 on 500 nm silica support particles over a range of shell thicknesses. The core–shell morphology combines nanometer thickness titania with silica that is readily separable from liquid media. The composite particles are evaluated as photocatalysts for destruction of the model pollutant methyl orange and, after deposition of platinum co-catalyst, for the sacrificial generation of hydrogen from water. The catalytic activities normalized to surface area are higher than those of P25 mixed anatase/rutile titania nanoparticles.

Comprehensive study of DNA binding on iron (II,III) oxide nanoparticles with a positively charged polyamine three-dimensional coating.

Iron (II,III) oxide Fe3O4 nanoparticles (25 and 50 nm NPs) are grafted with amine groups through silanization in order to generate a positively charged coating for binding negatively charged species including DNA molecules. The spatial nature of the coating changes from a 2-D-functionalized surface (monoamines) through a layer of amine oligomers (diethylenetriamine or DETA, about 1 nm in length) to a 3-D layer of polyamine (polyethyleneimine or PEI, thickness ≥3.5 nm). These Fe3O4-PEI NPs were prepared by binding short-chain PEI polymers to the iodopropyl groups grafted on the NP surface. In this work, the surface charge density, or zeta potential, of the nanoparticles is found not to be the only factor influencing the DNA binding capacity, which also seems not to be affected by their buffering capacity profile in the range of pH 4-10. This study also allows the investigation of this 3-D effect on the surface of a nanoparticle as opposed to conventional 2-D amine functionalization. The flexibility of the PEI coating, which consists of only 1, 2, and 3° amines, on the nanoparticle surface has a significant influence on the overall DNA binding capacity and the binding efficiency (or N/P ratio). These polyamine-functionalized nanoparticles can be used in the purification of biomolecules and the delivery of drugs and large biomolecules.

Nanoparticle scaffolds for syngas-fed solid oxide fuel cells

Incorporation of nanoparticles into devices such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) may provide benefits such as higher surface areas or finer control over microstructure. However, their use with traditional fabrication techniques such as screen-printing is problematic. Here, we show that mixing larger commercial particles with nanoparticles allows traditional ink formulation and screen-printing to be used while still providing benefits of nanoparticles such as increased porosity and lower sintering temperatures. SOFC anodes were produced by impregnating ceria–gadolinia (CGO) scaffolds with nickel nitrate solution. The scaffolds were produced from inks containing a mixture of hydrothermally-synthesised nanoparticle CGO, commercial CGO and polymeric pore formers. The scaffolds were heat-treated at either 1000 or 1300 °C, and were mechanically stable. In situ ultra-small X-ray scattering (USAXS) shows that the nanoparticles begin sintering around 900–1000 °C. Analysis by USAXS and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the low temperature heat-treated scaffolds possessed higher porosity. Impregnated scaffolds were used to produce symmetrical cells, with the lower temperature heat-treated scaffolds showing improved gas diffusion, but poorer charge transfer. Using these scaffolds, lower temperature heat-treated cells of Ni–CGO/200 μm YSZ/CGO-LSCF performed better at 700 °C (and below) in hydrogen, and performed better at all temperatures using syngas, with power densities of up to 0.15 W cm−2 at 800 °C. This approach has the potential to allow the use of a wider range of materials and finer control over microstructure.

The effect of Mg location on Co-Mg-Ru/γ-Al2O3 Fischer-Tropsch catalysts.

The effectiveness of Mg as a promoter of Co-Ru/γ-Al2O3 Fischer–Tropsch catalysts depends on how and when the Mg is added. When the Mg is impregnated into the support before the Co and Ru addition, some Mg is incorporated into the support in the form of MgxAl2O3+x if the material is calcined at 550°C or 800°C after the impregnation, while the remainder is present as amorphous MgO/MgCO3 phases. After subsequent Co-Ru impregnation MgxCo3−xO4 is formed which decomposes on reduction, leading to Co(0) particles intimately mixed with Mg, as shown by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The process of impregnating Co into an Mg-modified support results in dissolution of the amorphous Mg, and it is this Mg which is then incorporated into MgxCo3−xO4. Acid washing or higher temperature calcination after Mg impregnation can remove most of this amorphous Mg, resulting in lower values of x in MgxCo3−xO4. Catalytic testing of these materials reveals that Mg incorporation into the Co oxide phase is severely detrimental to the site-time yield, while Mg incorporation into the support may provide some enhancement of activity at high temperature.

Microstructural Degradation: Mechanisms, Quantification, Modeling and Design Strategies to Enhance the Durability of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes

Electrode microstructure is one of the main factors determining the performance and durability of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The degradation is intimately linked to the microstructure, which in turn depends upon manufacturing and operation conditions. In this chapter we discuss the main causes for degradation of electrodes, concentrating mainly on the anode and present the techniques—both typical and state-of-the-art to follow these changes. We emphasize the need to quantitatively link the microstructural properties (e.g., triple-phase boundaries, porosity, and tortuosity) with the electrochemical responses measured and, most importantly, to link the change in microstructure to the performance degradation via suitable models. The knowledge gained must then be used to design new electrodes that can extend the lifetime of SOFCs once the critical parameters have been identified.

New Materials for Improved Durability and Robustness in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

This chapter provides an overview of the considerations that must be made regarding new materials development for improved durability and robustness in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). A number of recent development concepts are outlined for the core cell materials of anode, electrolyte, and cathode, in particular new catalytic approaches such as catalyst impregnation and exsolution on the anode to improve redox and fuel flexibility and reduced temperature cathodes. Some of the challenges of scaling up into larger stacks are also discussed. Here the interactions of cell materials with stack materials, in particular the interconnect, are summarized, such as chromium poisoning and cell to interconnect electrical contact, both of which feature prominently in SOFC stack lifetime issues. Barriers to new materials development are outlined along with the potential for accelerated testing.