Favorable Product Research Articles

Enhancement of medium-chain fatty acids production from sewage sludge fermentation by zero-valent iron.

The effect of zero-valent iron (ZVI) dosage on medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) production from sewage sludge fermentation was explored. ZVI within a dosage of 2-20 g/L favored MCFAs production. Adding 20 g/L ZVI (ZVI20) increased the MCFAs and long-chain alcohols (LCAs) production to 4079.0 mg/L and 93.1 mg/L, the electron transfer efficiency of MCFAs and MCFAs selectivity were also increased by over 40% and 25% than the control. This may be due to the enriched MCFAs-producing genera, like Romboutsia and Paraclostridium. 2 g/L ZVI favorably strengthened the RBO pathway and facilitated intracellular electron generation. Moreover, ZVI facilitated the extracellular electron transfer, and cytochrome C was most enriched by ZVI20. The low MCFAs production in the ZVI50 group might be due to the inhibition of acetyl-CoA and ATP synthesis. These results provided a deep insight into the effects of ZVI dosage on MCFAs production and the specific mechanisms.

Enantioselective synthesis of inherently chiral sulfur-containing calix[4]arenes via chiral sulfide catalyzed desymmetrizing aromatic sulfenylation

Inherently chiral calixarenes hold great potential for applications in chiral recognition, sensing, and asymmetric catalysis due to their unique structures. However, due to their special structures and relatively large sizes, the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of inherently chiral calixarenes is challenging with very limited examples available. Here, we present an efficient method for the enantioselective synthesis of inherently chiral sulfur-containing calix[4]arenes through the desymmetrizing electrophilic sulfenylation of calix[4]arenes. This catalytic asymmetric reaction is enabled by a chiral 1,1’-binaphthyl-2,2’-diamine-derived sulfide catalyst and hexafluoroisopropanol. Various inherently chiral sulfur-containing calix[4]arenes are obtained in moderate to excellent yields with high enantioselectivities. Control experiments indicate that the thermodynamically favored C-SAr product is formed from the kinetically favored N-SAr product and the combination of the chiral sulfide catalyst and hexafluoroisopropanol is crucially important for both enantioselectivity and reactivity.

The protein transition—environmental footprints of farmed fish, microalgae and chicken for food, a case study in Kenya

AbstractChallenges of land scarcity, climate change and water shortage are contributing to escalating the shortage of protein rich food in sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya a total of 27.8% of the population was undernourished, and a total of 72.3% were categorised as moderately or severe food insecure in 2021–2022. The need to investigate alternative protein sources with less impacts on land, water and climate change, which potentially could replace, at least some of the current production of livestock as the main protein source, is getting increasingly urgent. The main aim of this study is therefore to conduct an environmental footprint analysis of favourable protein production systems in Kenya to evaluate environmental impacts on land, water, and climate. The methodological approach used in this study is referred to as environmental footprint analysis, which is applied to assess; (1) farmed fish in ponds, (2) farmed fish in solar based affordable recirculation aquaculture systems (A-RAS), (3) dried spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis), and (4) chicken from semi-intensive farms. The results show that the most promising alternatives to cattle production are dried spirulina produced in ponds, followed by fish produced in affordable recirculation systems (A-RAS) run on solar energy. Spirulina fully replacing beef production would reduce water usage with 34.7 billion m3/year, land/water surface area with 34.8 thousand km2/year, and GHG emission with 28.2 megaton CO2eq/year. For fish farmed in A-RAS, such replacement would reduce water, land and emissions with 30.7 billion m3/year, 32.0 thousand km2/ year and 23.0 megaton CO2eq/year, respectively. This study illustrates that it is possible to tackle urgent challenges of food and nutrition security for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide with a sustainable protein transition towards a more sustainable, inclusive production system of small-scale farmers, if making use of alternative protein sources, such as from solar based A-RAS and microalgae.

Telling (mis)fitting new product stories: The role of consumer orientations, product innovativeness, and message framing on new product evaluations

AbstractExtant research proposes that consumer goal orientation‐message frame fit (consumer–message fit) leads to favorable product evaluations. However, there is evidence that consumer goal orientation‐message frame misfit (consumer–message misfit) at times also result in favorable evaluations of new products. This study develops and tests a novel prediction that shows how consumer–message misfit results in consumers having more favorable responses toward new products when the type of innovation (incremental vs. radical) is perceived as instrumental to achieving the consumer's goals with the product (innovation–consumer fit), creating a kind of fit–misfit effect. Results from four experiments encompassing multiple new product categories support this fit–misfit prediction. We further show that surprise mediates the effect of fit–misfit. This research builds on current theory involving goal orientations and schema‐incongruity, recommends several areas for future research, and presents practical implications for managing new product communication messages.

Tailoring Interlayer Microenvironment of 2D Layered Double Hydroxides for CO2 Reduction with Enhanced C2+ Production.

Both the physicochemical properties of catalytic material and the structure of loaded catalyst layer (CL) on gas diffusion electrode (GDE) are of crucial importance in determining the conversion efficiency and product selectivity of carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, the highly reducing reaction condition of CO2RR will lead to the uncontrollable structural and compositional changes of catalysts, making it difficult to tailor surface properties and microstructure of the real active species for favored products. Herein, the interlayer microenvironment of copper-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is rationally tuned by a facile ink solvent engineering, which affects both the surface characters and microstructure of CL on GDE, leading to distinct catalytic activity and product selectivity. According to series of in situ and ex situ techniques, the appropriate surface wettability and thickness of porous CL are found to play critical roles in controlling the local CO2 concentration and water dissociation steps that are key for hydrogenation during CO2RR, leading to a high Faradaic efficiency of 75.3% for C2+ products and a partial current density of 275mAcm-2 at -0.8V versus RHE. This work provides insights into rational design of efficient electrocatalysts toward CO2RR for multi-carbon generation.

HIV Prevention Product Acceptability and Preference Among Women in Sub-Saharan Africa to Inform Novel Biomedical Options in Development: A Systematic Review.

The availability of several HIV prevention options may allow women to choose a product that suits their lifestyle and preferences. Product attributes and contextual factors influence product acceptability, which affects uptake and effective use. We conducted a systematic review of acceptability and preference for biomedical HIV prevention products among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to inform the development of novel products. We used a comprehensive strategy to search three databases for peer-reviewed literature from SSA published between January 2015 and December 2023. A two-stage review process assessed references against eligibility criteria. Data were abstracted using a standardized spreadsheet, then organized by constructs from two theoretical frameworks of acceptability. Results were synthesized based on product classes defined by route of administration. We identified 408 unique references; 100 references met eligibility criteria. References assessed oral PrEP (n = 65), vaginal ring (n = 44), long-acting systemic products (injectable, implant, microarray patch) (n = 28), and other vaginal products (film, insert, gel) (n = 20). Over two-thirds reported qualitative or mixed-methods data, primarily from adolescent girls and young women. Frequent dosing, especially noted for daily oral PrEP, and perceived/experienced side effects were notably negative influences. Most end-users preferred long-acting products (systemically or vaginally delivered), though on-demand products offering user control were also valued. Influencing factors, especially partners, shaped end-user perceptions of product attributes and acceptability. All products were linked to at least some barriers to uptake and/or use, highlighting the need to provide end-users with a range of options and assist them in identifying one that best suits their circumstances and needs. Biomedical HIV prevention development should advance products that address gaps in available options while optimizing favorable product attributes to achieve high acceptability that ultimately supports adoption and use.

Hydrogenation‐Driven Metal Dispersion and Catalytic Enhancement of Borophane‐Supported Single‐Atom Catalysts for Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction

AbstractThe present study delves into electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) for ammonia synthesis using borophane‐supported single‐atom catalysts (SACs) through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In comparison to previously reported borophene, which serves as a potential substrate for SACs in NRR, hydrogenated borophane, especially borophane‐2H(B5H2), not only prevents metal aggregation, resulting in stable atomically dispersed metal centers, but also enhances catalytic activity by modulating the metal's charge state. Among all candidates, atomic tungsten anchored on W1/borophane‐2H(B5H2) displays the most favorable NRR activity and product selectivity.

Emerging and Conventional Water Desalination Technologies Powered by Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems toward Zero Liquid Discharge

The depletion of fossil fuels has become a significant global issue, prompting scientists to explore and refine methods for harnessing alternative energy sources. This study provides a comprehensive review of advancements and emerging technologies in the desalination industry, focusing on technological improvements and economic considerations. The analysis highlights the potential synergies of integrating multiple renewable energy systems to enhance desalination efficiency and minimise environmental consequences. The main areas of focus include aligning developing technologies like membrane distillation, pervaporation and forward osmosis with renewable energy and implementing hybrid renewable energy systems to improve the scalability and economic viability of desalination enterprises. The study also analyses obstacles related to desalination driven by renewable energy, including energy storage, fluctuations in energy supply, and deployment costs. By resolving these obstacles and investigating novel methodologies, the study enhances the understanding of how renewable energy can be used to construct more efficient, sustainable, and economical desalination systems. Thermal desalination technologies require more energy than membrane-based systems due to the significant energy requirements associated with water vaporisation. The photovoltaic-powered reverse osmosis (RO) system had the most economically favourable production cost, while MED powered via a concentrated solar power (CSP) system had the highest production cost. The study aims to guide future research and development efforts, ultimately promoting the worldwide use of renewable energy-powered desalination systems.

Local–Global Cobrand Positioning and Consumer Evaluations in Emerging Markets

Cobranding initiatives between a local and a global brand have become a prominent practice. This research contributes to the cobranding and global branding literatures by investigating the effects of positioning strategy of the cobranded product (global consumer culture positioning vs. local consumer culture positioning) on consumer evaluations in emerging markets. In five experiments, the authors show that using global consumer culture positioning for the cobranded product leads to heightened word-of-mouth intentions and more favorable product valuations. This effect holds for both local and global product categories. Building on signaling theory, the authors show that brand credibility mediates the effect of positioning strategy on word-of-mouth intentions. Further, when the local (vs. global) brand is the announcement source, using a global rather than a local consumer culture positioning leads to enhanced word-of-mouth intentions. Yet, for consumers with stronger ethnocentrism, when the global brand makes the announcement of a cobranded product positioned on local consumer culture, word-of-mouth intentions are higher. Altogether, the findings have nuanced implications for local branding, global branding, and young consumers in emerging markets.

Optimization of Fermentation Conditions of Cordyceps militaris and In Silico Analysis of Antifungal Property of Cordycepin Against Plant Pathogens.

Cordyceps militaris, a medicinal fungus, has gained considerable attention owing to its potential health benefits, notably the production of bioactive compounds such as cordycepin. Cordycepin possesses significant antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The present study focused on optimizing the fermentation conditions for C.militaris to boost the production of mycelia and cordycepin, alongside investigating its antifungal properties using in silico and in vitro approaches. The optimal conditions, yielding the highest cordycepin and mycelial biomass, were a temperature of 20°C and a pH range of 4-6, with glucose and sucrose as carbon sources and yeast extract and casein hydrolysate as nitrogen sources. Under these conditions, cordycepin production peaked at low pH (600-1000 mg/L) and with carbon and maltose (400-500 mg/L). The low temperature favored cordycepin production (400 mg/L), whereas casein hydrolysate as a nitrogen source boosted cordycepin yield (600 mg/L). The docking analysis indicated that cordycepin had the highest binding affinity for the tubulin beta chain 2 (-10.4 kcal/mol) compared to the fungicide tebuconazole (-7.9 kcal/mol for both targets). The in silico results were corroborated by in vitro studies, where the mycelial extract of C.militaris inhibited approximately 75% of fungal growth at a concentration of 6000 ppm. These findings suggest that optimizing fermentation conditions significantly enhances cordycepin production, and cordycepin shows antifungal solid activity, making it a promising agent for biocontrol in agriculture.

Research on the mechanism of human-machine security collaboration of miners considering automation trust

Safety in the coal mining industry is a long-standing issue. With the implementation of intelligent construction in coal mines, humans–machine collaboration is critical to accident prevention. We investigate the psychological dynamics among miners during intelligent construction by developing distinct evolutionary game models for miner security collaboration mechanisms, while also considering the level of trust in automation. We explore the impact of changes in automation trust on the human–machine security collaboration behaviour among miners as well as the regulatory strategies adopted by coal mining enterprises. Evidently, the current level of automation trust among miners is insufficient to ensure safety, and the safety management systems of coal mining enterprises are yet to reach a stable state. Examination of the relevant parameters using specific examples reveals that the optimal range for the level of automation trust among miners lies between 0.7 and 0.9, indicating a favourable coal mine safety production system. These conclusions provide a scientific foundation for effectively enhancing safety management in the context of intelligent construction in coal mines.

Vegan Diet: A Novel Trend in Healthy Living

Abstract: An entirely animal-free diet that prioritizes natural plant-origin foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, and lentils is known as a vegan diet. Lowering persistent diseases like type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and many others offers numerous positive health effects. Different aspects of how a vegan diet affects health are studied, and the dietary pattern is analyzed. Along with the trend of a vegan diet, many people have become aware of the importance of following a vegan diet, and many do this for health reasons or due to religious beliefs. A vegan diet has also been seen to positively affect aging. As vegan diet choices are growing, there are now more options for meat and non-dairy alternatives. Optimization for developing an alternative vegan food product is necessary to produce the most favorable product quality and achieve the best. This paper indicates the vegan diet as a whole and how the vegan diet can help treat chronic diseases. It also reviews vegan products for alternative use and their stance in the food industry.

A heterogenous-source geoinformation system to manage climate-induced modifications on the landscape for sustainable development

Historical landscapes in Italy have been slowly changing over the centuries and this is because their features, once fixed into specific shapes, were perpetuated until new economic and social developments occurred. Yet, in the Alpine region, this territorial organisation underwent sudden changes after World War II (WW II), resulting in a loss in population and traditional agropastoral production in favour of skiing plants and holiday houses. Moreover, the loss of traditional knowledge pertaining to environmental behaviour has resulted in the urbanisation of lands that are vulnerable to extreme events. In turn, this has hindered sustainable urban development. Nowadays, modern mapping technologies enable the state of the landscape to be assessed before, during, and after extreme events, the increased frequency of which may be related to climate change. The case study examined in this paper is the flood that hit Limone Piemonte, Italy, between the 2nd and 3rd October 2020. On that occasion, an aerial survey of the affected areas was carried out using Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAV) a few weeks after the event. Spatial analyses were also performed based on very high-resolution satellite imagery acquired a few days after the event in order to determine where to plan more detailed three-dimensional (3D) surveys. This has enabled assessments of damages at different map scales to be performed. Thanks to the availability of pre-event multitemporal cartographic reference datasets, it was possible to monitor the historical evolution of the affected areas. It was possible to assess the vulnerable areas before the event, as well as to evaluate the morphological and settlement changes after the disaster. Therefore, one of the goals of this manuscript is to demonstrate that geoinformation systems are among the primary technical tools used to analyse environmental and climatic alterations that impact landscapes. Finally, a 3D model of the affected areas was produced, fulfilling another goal of the research by providing the public administration with a sustainable and innovative tool for territorial and landscape management, in accordance with the 11th pillar of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Synthesis of silacycles via metal hydrogen atom transfer and radical-polar crossover mechanism

In this study, we have developed an efficient method for silacycle synthesis using metal hydride hydrogen atom transfer (MHAT) and radical-polar crossover (RPC) mechanism. Allylic silanols were synthesized via one-step condensation and then cyclized under mild conditions using N-fluoropyridinium tetrafluoroborate (Me3NFPY·BF4) as the oxidant under cobalt catalysis. This approach yielded five-, six-, and seven-membered silacycles with high selectivity, with the six-membered rings being the favored products. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided valuable insights into the reaction mechanisms and highlighted the role of ring strain in determining product selectivity. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of combining MHAT/RPC methodologies with silicon tethering, thus offering a robust platform for expanding the use of silicon-based strategies in synthetic chemistry.

Probiotic properties, whole-genome sequence analysis, and safety assessment of BreviBacillus borstelensis S8

In previous studies, BreviBacillus borstelensis S8 exhibited favorable enzyme production characteristics. In this study, the whole genome of Br borstelenensis S8 was sequenced to analyze its genomic sequence information and functions, investigating its genotype and potential probiotic properties. The whole genome sequence of S8 was determined to be 5,559,180 bp with an average GC content of 51.5%. A total of 5406 protein-coding genes were identified and annotated using NCBI Prokaryotic Genome Annotation. By comparing it with the complete genome sequences of Bacillus cereus strains, 1911 orthologous gene families were recognized. Genome analysis revealed the absence of active antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factor genes, and toxin-encoding genes. Safety assessments included hemolytic assays, antibiotic resistance tests, and evaluations of biogenic amine production. Functional gene analysis highlighted S8's metabolic pathways based on its genomic features. The presence of adhesion-related genes, stress response genes (e.g., acid and bile salts), antimicrobial gene clusters, and genes involved in vitamin and essential amino acid synthesis in the genome showcased the probiotic potential of S8. Simultaneously, analysis of hemolytic activity, biogenic amines production ability, acid and bile salt tolerance for the strain S8 also demonstrated its probiotic traits. The genomic exploration and probiotic activity of S8 revealed its potential as a probiotic, offering valuable genomic insights and a foundation for its safe utilization in the food industry.

Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO2 to Formic Acid: A Journey from 3d-Transition Metal-Based Molecular Catalyst Design to Electrolyzer Assembly.

ConspectusElectrochemical CO2 reduction to obtain formate or formic acid is receiving significant attention as a method to combat the global warming crisis. Significant efforts have been devoted to the advancement of CO2 reduction techniques over the past few decades. This Account provides a unified discussion on various electrochemical methodologies for CO2 to formate conversion, with a particular focus on recent advancements in utilizing 3d-transition-metal-based molecular catalysts. This Account primarily focuses on understanding molecular functions and mechanisms under homogeneous conditions, which is essential for assessing the optimized reaction conditions for molecular catalysts. The unique architectural features of the formate dehydrogenase (FDH) enzyme provide insight into the key role of the surrounding protein scaffold in modulating the active site dynamics for stabilizing the key metal-bound CO2 intermediate. Additionally, the protein moiety also triggers a facile proton relay around the active site to drive electrocatalytic CO2 reduction forward. The fine-tuning of FDH machinery also ensures that the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction leads to the production of formic acid as the major yield without any other carbonaceous products, while limiting the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. These lessons from the enzymes are key in designing biomimetic molecular catalysts, primarily based on multidentate ligand scaffolds containing peripheral proton relays. The subtle modifications of the ligand framework ensure the favored production of formic acid following electrocatalytic CO2 reduction in the solution phase. Next, the molecular catalysts are required to be mounted on robust electroactive surfaces to develop their corresponding heterogeneous versions. The surface-immobilization provides an edge to the molecular electrocatalysts as their reactivity can be scaled up with improved durability for long-term electrocatalysis. Despite challenges in developing high-performance, selective catalysts for the CO2 to formic acid transformation, significant progress is being made with the tactical use of graphene and carbon nanotube-based materials. To date, the majority of the research activity stops here, as the development of an operational CO2 to formic acid converting electrolyzer prototype still remains in its infancy. To elaborate on the potential future steps, this Account covers the design, scaling parameters, and existing challenges of assembling large-scale electrolyzers. A short glimpse at the utilization of electrolyzers for industrial-scale CO2 reduction is also provided here. The proper evaluation of the surface-immobilized electrocatalysts assembled in an electrolyzer is a key step for gauging their potential for practical viability. Here, the key electrochemical parameters and their expected values for industrial-scale electrolyzers have been discussed. Finally, the techno-economic aspects of the electrolyzer setup are summarized, completing the journey from tactical design of molecular catalysts to their appropriate application in a commercially viable electrolyzer setup for CO2 to formate electroreduction. Thus, this Account portrays the complete story of the evolution of a molecular catalyst to its sustainable application in CO2 utilization.

Advanced computational modelling for biofuel catalyst optimization: enhancing beta zeolite acidity for oleic acid upgrading

We explore here, through reactive force field (ReaxFF) molecular dynamics simulations, oleic acid upgrading on beta zeolite (BEA) regulated with nine silica-to-aluminium ratios (SARs) to investigate their acid-catalyzed deoxygenation and coking susceptibility. The selected computational descriptors involved conversion, hydrodeoxygenation, and decarboxylation/decarbonylation selectivity, biofuels yield, and coke deposition characteristics. Simulations were validated by 20.3 SAR available experimental data and used for the systematic study. High deoxygenation selectivity was found to be related to the structural sensitivity of BEA(100) on the upgrading mechanism. ReaxFF simulations revealed that altering the Al-substitution could greatly promote biofuel formation. Specifically, SARs towards the mid-region (SAR 47) favored gasoline production, while 31 SAR exploited diesel-like hydrocarbons. An optimum ratio of 37.4 SAR achieved maximum oleic acid conversion (69.8%), with high yields of gasoline and diesel fuels (15.6 and 20.4 wt%, respectively) and moderate coking (8.6 wt%). Density functional theory screening of metallic dopants allowed investigating of their deoxygenation and coke susceptibility, obtaining that Cu-BEA structure favored the optimal carbon and O-moiety adsorption (-3.89 and -1.8 eV, respectively). Furthermore, the economic and environmental analysis showed that Cu-dopped BEA displayed the lowest market price and global warming potential (71 USD/kg and 2.8 kg CO2-eq/kg).

Understanding molecular mechanisms of vertebral number of variations on Mongolian sheep using candidate genes analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the genetic link between variations in vertebral number and meat production traits, such as body weight and body measurements (body length, body height, heart girth, and shin width) in Mongolian (Bayantsagaan) sheep. Additionally, we examined the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes, particularly Vertnin (VRTN), Nuclear receptor subfamily 6, group A, member 1 (NR6A1), and synapse differentiation-inducing 1-like (SYNDIG1L), with vertebral number variations and their potential impact on meat production traits. The study involved 220 Bayantsagaan sheep from Bayantsagaan soum, Tov province, Mongolia, including 104 sheep with extra vertebrae group and 116 individuals with typical vertebral number as the control group. Morphological data, including body weight and body measurements, were collected, and genetic samples were obtained. The impact of vertebral number on morphological traits was estimated using a general linear model. SNPs in the VRTN, NR6A1, and SYNDIG1L genes were sequenced, and their association with vertebral number was analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Bayantsagaan sheep with extra vertebrae were, on average, 4.45 kg heavier and exhibited higher variability in body size traits compared to the control group. Four polymorphic sites were identified at the VRTN gene, with one polymorphic locus (VRTN1716) showing a significant association with vertebrae number and body size. Sheep with C/C genotype at VRTN1716 locus, had more vertebrae and larger body size compared to other genotypes. The findings suggest that variations in vertebral number and VRTN gene polymorphisms are linked to favorable meat production traits in Bayantsagaan sheep. The identified SNP (VRTN1716) associated with vertebral number and body size offers the potential for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. These results provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of meat production traits in Bayantsagaan sheep and may contribute to the development of more efficient breeding strategies.

Impact of Pulsed Currents on Zero-Gap Cu-Reduction of CO2 to Ethylene

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 provides a sustainable route to produce key building blocks in the petrochemical and manufacturing industries, thereby reducing carbon emissions and dependence on non-renewable sources. Zero gap electrolyzers are more energy efficient compared to traditional electrolyzers due to significant reduction in ohmic losses. However, the challenge of salting out limits the lifetimes of high performance zero gap electrolyzers to a few hours, hindering their adoption into industry.Pulsed currents have been shown to increase the electrochemical stability of copper-based electrodes during the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). High operating current provides favorable CO2RR product efficiencies, but also increases the salt crossover from the anolyte to the cathode where the salt precipitation may lead to blocking the CO2 flow fields causing the electrolyzer to fail. We demonstrate an operating protocol that incorporates a short period of lower current which reduces CO2 consumption and allows for dissolution of carbonate salt on the cathode surface by reducing cation crossover. This is followed by a higher current to maximize CO2RR products. Intermittent pulsing reverses some of the carbonate salt production at the cathode, which allows the electrolyzer cell to restore itself, thereby increasing lifetime. The method is demonstrated in a 5cm2 zero-gap cell, with KOH, CsOH and CsHCO3 to establish the extent of this method’s utility with different cations and the effect of solubility limits on this salting behavior. By employing this pulsing protocol, we observe significantly increased cell lifetimes at a high current density of 200mA/cm2.This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence LivermoreNational Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.LLNL-ABS-847304

Investigation of the Relationship between Molten Fluoride Salt Structure and Fluoroacidity Using Chromium As a Probe Redox Ion

Molten fluoride salts have been studied for decades due to their applications in the production of aluminum as well as in the operation of advanced nuclear reactors. Advanced fission and fusion nuclear reactor designs may include molten fluoride salts as coolants, fuel carriers (fission), or fuel breeding blankets (fusion). Relevant to their nuclear applications are the thermophysical and thermochemical properties of the salt. These include viscosity and thermal conductivity, as well as density, vapor pressure, and heat capacity. Underlying these properties are the interactions of the ions constituting the liquid, characterized by their coordination number, correlation times, and the possible formation of polymeric networks in the melt. The composition and structure of a melt, that is, what ions are present and how they interact, dictates the macroscopic properties relevant to reactor operation. Fluoroacidity, or the activity of dissociated fluoride anions, is one metric that may be used to describe the relationship between salt chemistry and structure. Overall, understanding the relationship between molten fluoride salt chemistry and structure enables deeper understanding and, thus, prediction of property changes that may take place throughout a reactor’s lifetime.In this poster, we present cyclic and square wave voltammetry studies of chromium speciation and diffusivity in various molten fluoride salts, connecting results with current understanding of the structure of the melts. Chromium is a thermodynamically favored corrosion product in molten salt systems, and in this study, it serves as a probe ion in different fluoride melts. Chromium trifluoride is added to various fluoride solvents and the diffusion coefficients of its various oxidation states are calculated and interpreted in light of salt structure. Experimental apparatus design and know-how for high-temperature molten salt electrochemistry are also highlighted.