Gas Ions Research Articles

The mechanism of EP/SiC coating modulated DC flashover characteristics of epoxy composites in SF6/N2 mixtures

Surface flashover is an inevitable insulation issue for basin-type insulators in gas-insulated switchgears/lines, which significantly challenges the reliability of the electrical power systems. Previous studies have indicated that polymer/semiconductor-filler composite coatings effectively improve the insulation properties; however, the influence mechanism of the coating materials on flashover has not been demonstrated from a molecular perspective. In this work, epoxy/silicon-carbide (EP/SiC) composites were coated onto an EP substrate. The energy-level structure, surface trap, surface charging, and DC flashover voltage in SF6/N2 were calculated and characterized, and the process by which the tailored molecular energy level influences surface charge transport and flashover characteristics was elucidated. The incorporating of SiC particles reduced the width of the bandgap and introduced shallow traps, which improved carrier mobility and surface conductivity. Quantitative analysis of charge transport indicated that the improved carrier mobility and reduced surface trap level accelerated the surface charge dissipation. This reduced the tangential electrical field distortion and surface charge density and further impeded gas ionization. When the SiC concentration was 15 wt%, the flashover performance improved by 20.88%. This study describes the mechanism by which the EP/SiC coating regulates the surface charge distribution to improve the surface flashover performance by establishing a relationship among the microscopic molecular energy-level structures, mesoscopic charge transport, and macroscopic discharge phenomena.

Drive Bunch Train for the Dielectric Trojan Horse Experiment at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator

The recently demonstrated concept of the plasma photocathode, whereby a high-brightness bunch is initialized by laser ionization within a plasma wakefield acceleration bubble, is informally referred to as Trojan Horse wakefield acceleration. In a similar vein, the dielectric Trojan Horse concept incorporates a dielectric-lined waveguide to support a charged particle beam-driven accelerating mode and uses laser initiated ionization of neutral gas within the waveguide to generate a witness beam. One of the advantages of the dielectric Trojan Horse concept is the reduced requirements in terms of timing precision due to operation at a lower frequency. In this paper, we present experimental results on the generation and characterization of a four-bunch drive train for resonant excitation of wakefields in a cylindrical dielectric waveguide conducted at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility. The results lay the foundation for the demonstration of a plasma photocathode scheme within a dielectric wakefield accelerating structure. Modifications to improve capture efficiency with improved beam transmission are suggested as well.

The persistence of high altitude non-equilibrium diffuse ionized gas in simulations of star-forming galaxies

ABSTRACT Widespread, high altitude, diffuse ionized gas with scale heights of around a kiloparsec is observed in the Milky Way and other star-forming galaxies. Numerical radiation-magnetohydrodynamic simulations of a supernova-driven turbulent interstellar medium show that gas can be driven to high altitudes above the galactic mid-plane, but the degree of ionization is often less than inferred from observations. For computational expediency, ionizing radiation from massive stars is often included as a post-processing step assuming ionization equilibrium. We extend our simulations of an Milky Way-like interstellar medium to include the combined effect of supernovae and photoionization feedback from mid-plane OB stars and a population of hot evolved low mass stars. The diffuse ionized gas has densities below 0.1 ${\rm \,cm^{-3}}$, so recombination time-scales can exceed millions of years. Our simulations now follow the time-dependent ionization and recombination of low density gas. The long recombination time-scales result in diffuse ionized gas that persists at large altitudes long after the deaths of massive stars that produce the vast majority of the ionized gas. The diffuse ionized gas does not exhibit the large variability inherent in simulations that adopt ionization equilibrium. The vertical distribution of neutral and ionized gas is close to what is observed in the Milky Way. The volume filling factor of ionized gas increases with altitude resulting in the scale height of free electrons being larger than that inferred from H $\alpha$ emission, thus reconciling the observations of ionized gas made in H $\alpha$ and from pulsar dispersion measurements.

Graphene in gas separation membranes—State-of-the-art and potential spoors

Graphene and derivatives have been frequently used to form advanced nanocomposites. A very significant utilization of polymer/graphene nanocomposite was found in the membrane sector. The up-to-date overview essentially highpoints the design, features, and advanced functions of graphene nanocomposite membranes towards gas separations. In this concern, pristine thin layer graphene as well as graphene nanocomposites with poly(dimethyl siloxane), polysulfone, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyimide, and other matrices have been perceived as gas separation membranes. In these membranes, the graphene dispersion and interaction with polymers through applying the appropriate processing techniques have led to optimum porosity, pore sizes, and pore distribution, i.e., suitable for selective separation of gaseous molecules. Consequently, the graphene derived nanocomposites brought about numerous revolutions in high performance gas separation membranes. The structural diversity of polymer/graphene nanocomposites has facilitated the membrane selective separation, permeation, and barrier processes especially in the separation of desired gaseous molecules, ions, and contaminants. Future research on the innovative nanoporous graphene-based membrane can overcome design/performance related challenging factors for technical utilizations.

Spatiotemporal reshaping of femtosecond laser pulses on interaction with gas sheath at ionization saturation intensity regime

Interaction of intense ultrashort laser pulse with gases generates a transient spatiotemporal electron density distribution via field ionization, which may lead to the spatiotemporal reshaping of the pulse, viz., its beam profile, pulse width, etc. Here, we present an experimental study on ultrashort laser pulse interaction with argon gas sheath in an ionization saturation intensity regime (∼1015–1017 W/cm2). The present investigation has been performed using a 6 mJ, 1 kHz, and 55−60 fs Ti:Sapphire laser pulse interaction with a ∼2.5 mm long argon sheath. After the laser gas interaction, the laser spatial profile exhibits a multi-ring structure around a central maximum spot. Laser gas interaction parameters, such as laser intensity, gas pressure, etc., affect the ring pattern significantly. Under optimum parameter conditions, the laser pulse has two rings in spatial profile, and the pulse width of the central spot is self-compressed to ∼35 fs. A theoretical calculation reveals that the laser beam’s spatiotemporal profile evolves as it propagates inside the gas sheath. The calculation also demonstrates that the gas ionization profile plays a crucial role in the spatiotemporal reshaping and self-compression of the laser beam. The calculation also shows that the generation of concentric ring patterns in the spatial profile is mainly due to the ionization of argon atoms into Ar+, Ar2+, and Ar3+ species in the interaction region. Such self-compressed laser pulses with concentric ring beam profiles may be useful for high-harmonic generation and shorter attosecond pulse trains.

Characteristics of Surface Charge Accumulation on Spacers and Its Influencing Factors

Charge accumulation usually happens on the surface of spacers under DC operation, which is susceptible to inducing surface flashover. In order to explore the surface charge accumulation mechanisms and the influences of dielectric conductivity, gas ion mobility, and temperature field on the surface charges, a time-varying charge density model at the gas–solid interface of spacers was established. The results of the simulation show that the discontinuity of the current density between the spacer bulk side and the gas ion flow is the fundamental reason for the charge accumulation on the spacer surface. Additionally, the value of current density fluxes at the interface continues to decrease with the change of the electric field, and the progress of charge transfer gradually stabilizes. Moreover, the dielectric conductivity directly affects the charge accumulation process, and there is a critical conductivity in which the effect of charge conduction in dielectrics counteracts that of gas-phase charge deposition, theoretically. When the conductivity is higher than the critical conductivity, the solid-side charge conduction is the main source of the surface charge accumulation, while the gas-phase charge deposition on the gas side plays a dominant role when the conductivity is lower than the critical conductivity. The charge accumulation is not significantly affected by gas ion mobility when the temperature is evenly distributed. However, under the temperature field with gradient distribution, the current density fluxes at the interface change, causing the polarity reverse of the accumulated charge. In the high-temperature region, the volume current density surges simultaneously with the conductivity, leading to a higher density of surface charge accumulation. Lastly, the design of spacers needs to keep the current densities on both sides of the interface as similar as possible in order to avoid excessive charge gathering in localized areas.

A fast response time gas ionization chamber detector with a grid structure.

The time response characteristic of the detector is crucial in radiation imaging systems. Unfortunately, existing parallel plate ionization chamber detectors have a slow response time, which leads to blurry radiation images. To enhance imaging quality, the electrode structure of the detector must be modified to reduce the response time. This paper proposes a gas detector with a grid structure that has a fast response time. In this study, the detector electrostatic field was calculated using COMSOL, while Garfield++ was utilized to simulate the detector's output signal. To validate the accuracy of simulation results, the experimental ionization chamber was tested on the experimental platform. The results revealed that the average electric field intensity in the induced region of the grid detector was increased by at least 33%. The detector response time was reduced to 27% -38% of that of the parallel plate detector, while the sensitivity of the detector was only reduced by 10%. Therefore, incorporating a grid structure within the parallel plate detector can significantly improve the time response characteristics of the gas detector, providing an insight for future detector enhancements.

The origins of gas exchange and ion regulation in fish gills: evidence from structure and function.

Gill function in gas exchange and ion regulation has played key roles in the evolution of fishes. In this review, we summarize data from the fields of palaeontology, developmental biology and comparative physiology for when and how the gills first acquired these functions. Data from across disciplines strongly supports a stem vertebrate origin for gas exchange structures and function at the gills with the emergence of larger, more active fishes. However, the recent discovery of putative ionocytes in extant cephalochordates and hemichordates suggests that ion regulation at gills might have originated much earlier than gas exchange, perhaps in the ciliated pharyngeal arches in the last common ancestor of deuterostomes. We hypothesize that the ancestral form of ion regulation served a filter-feeding function in the ciliated pharyngeal arches, and was later coopted in vertebrates to regulate extracellular ion and acid-base balance. We propose that future research should explore ionocyte homology and function across extant deuterostomes to test this hypothesis and others in order to determine the ancestral origins of ion regulation in fish gills.

Oxygen is an essential gasotransmitter directly sensed via protein gasoreceptors.

The current restrictive criteria for gasotransmitters exclude oxygen (O2) as a gasotransmitter in vertebrates. In this manuscript, I propose a revision of gasotransmitter criteria to include O2 per se as a signaling molecule and 'essential gasotransmitter' for vertebrates. This revision would enable us to search for protein-based O2-binding sensors (gasoreceptors) in all cells in the brain or other tissues rather than specialized tissues such as the carotid body or gills. If microorganisms have protein-based O2-binding sensors or gasoreceptors such as DosP or FixL or FNR with diverse signaling domains, then eukaryotic cells must also have O2-binding sensors or gasoreceptors. Just as there are protein-based receptor(s) for nitric oxide (GUCY1A, GUCY1B, CLOCK, NR1D2) in cells of diverse tissues, it is reasonable to consider that there are protein-based receptors for O2 in cells of diverse tissues as well. In mammals, O2 must be acting as a gasotransmitter or gaseous signaling molecule via protein-based gasoreceptors such as androglobin that very likely mediate acute sensing of O2. Accepting O2 as an essential gasotransmitter will enable us to search for gasoreceptors not only for O2 but also for other nonessential gasotransmitters such as hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane, and ethylene. It will also allow us to investigate the role of environment-derived metal ions in acute gas (or solute) sensing within and between organisms. Finally, accepting O2 per se as a signaling molecule acting via gasoreceptors will open up the field of gasocrinology.

Optimal Conditions for the Generation of Runaway Electrons in High-Pressure Gases

Runaway electron (RAE) generation in high-pressure gases is an important physical phenomenon that significantly influences discharge shapes and properties of initiated plasma. The diffuse discharges formed due to RAEs in the air and other gases at atmospheric pressure find wide applications. In the present review, theoretical and experimental results that explain the reason for RAE occurrence at high pressures are analyzed, and recommendations are given for the implementation of conditions under which the runaway electron beam (RAEB) with the highest current can be obtained at atmospheric pressure. The experimental results were obtained using subnanosecond, nanosecond, and submicrosecond generators, including those specially developed for runaway electron generation. The RAEBs were recorded using oscilloscopes and collectors with picosecond time resolution. To theoretically describe the phenomenon of continuous electron acceleration, the method of physical kinetics was used based on the Boltzmann kinetic equation that takes into account the minimum but sufficient number of elementary processes, including shock gas ionization and elastic electron scattering. The results of modeling allowed the main factors to be established that control the RAE appearance, the most important of which is electron scattering on neutral atoms and/or molecules. Theoretical modeling has allowed the influence of various parameters (including the voltage, pressure, gas type, and geometrical characteristics of the discharge gap) to be taken into account. The results of the research presented here allow RAE accelerators with desirable parameters to be developed and the possibility of obtaining diffuse discharges to be accessed under various conditions. The review consists of the Introduction, five sections, the Conclusion, and the References.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Native Protein Charging via Proton Transfer during Electrospray Ionization with Grotthuss Diffuse H3O.

Unraveling the mechanism by which native proteins are charged through electrospray ionization (ESI) has been the focus of considerable research because observable charge states can be correlated to biophysical characteristics, such as protein folding and, thus, solution conformation. Difficulties in characterizing electrosprayed droplets have catalyzed the use of molecular dynamics (MD) to provide insights into the mechanisms by which proteins are charged and transferred to the gas phase. However, prior MD studies have utilized metal ions, primarily Na+, as charge carriers, even though proteins are primarily detected as protonated ions in the mass spectra. Here, we propose a modified MD protocol for simulating discrete Grotthuss diffuse H3O+ that is capable of dynamically altering amino-acid protonation states to model electrospray charging and gaseous ion formation of model proteins, ubiquitin, and myoglobin. Application of the protocol to the evaporation of acidic droplets enables a molecular perspective of H3O+ coordination and proton transfer to/from proteins, which is unfeasible with the metal charge carriers used in previous MD studies of ESI. Our protocol recreates experimentally observed charge-state distributions and supports the charge residue model (CRM) as the dominant mechanism of native protein ionization during ESI. Additionally, our results suggest that protonation is highly specific to individual residues and is correlated to the formation of localized hydrated regions on the protein surface as droplets desolvate. Considering the use of discrete H3O+ instead of Na+, the developed protocol is a necessary step toward developing a more comprehensive model of protein ionization during ESI.

Testing validity of 1D models for impurity fraction scaling for divertor detachment with EDGE2D-EIRENE

Predictions of the Huber–Chankin (HC) scaling for the upstream impurity fraction were verified in a series of EDGE2D-EIRENE (‘code’) runs for highly radiating plasmas with nitrogen injection. The main quantity extracted from the code was poloidally averaged, from X-point to X-point, separatrix impurity fraction cZ in the main scrape-off layer (SOL). Variation of the main working gas (H, D and T) revealed a qualitative agreement between the model and code results owing to the very large isotope difference in the predicted cZ values caused primarily by the inverse isotope mass dependence of the H-mode power threshold assumed in the HC model and implemented in the code. At the same time, the variation of the toroidal field and safety factor in deuterium cases yielded no correlation between the model predictions and code results. The code showed much higher local impurity fractions (fZ ) in the divertor compared to the main SOL, as well as large case-to-case variations in the divertor to the main SOL ratio of impurity fractions. The analysis of code results has wide-ranging consequences not only for the HC model, but also for other similar 1D models which use simple geometry ignoring strong neutral recycling in the divertor/ Different topology makes plasma parameters in the divertor and main SOL very different, resulting in different impurity charge state composition. Missing mechanisms in 1D codes (e.g. friction and thermo-forces exerted on impurity ions by main working gas ions) lead to impurity density redistribution. Neglecting all above factors, 1D models assume a constant impurity fraction along field lines.

Reliability Assessment of Indium Micro Bumps for 2.5D/3D Electronic Packaging through Cryo-Argon Milling Technique

Indium bumps are widely used in electronic packaging for interconnecting microelectronic devices due to their low melting point of 156.6°C, excellent bonding capabilities at room temperature, high thermal conductivity, ductility at extremely low temperatures, and ability to compensate for the mismatched coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between different materials. However, cross-sectioning indium bumps can be challenging due to the softness and low melting point of indium. The cutting tools and techniques used must be optimized for the specific sample being analyzed, and specialized preparation techniques such as cryogenic freezing or chemical etching may be required, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Cryo-Focused Ion Beam (FIB) is also a technically demanding process that requires careful optimization of milling parameters, multiple iterations of milling and imaging, specialized equipment, and expertise, which can make it too expensive. It should be noted that the maximum achievable cross-sectional area with cryo-FIB is limited, typically in the range of hundreds of micrometers. Cryo-Argon milling is an effective technique for obtaining high-quality cross-sections of indium bumps arrays and other materials prone to deformation or melting during traditional cross-sectioning. This process involves freezing the sample using liquid nitrogen and bombarding it with a stream of Argon gas ions, which reduces the deformation and melting of the indium. This paper presents challenges related to sample preparation and mechanical polishing for Ar milling technique, and we provide key solutions to these challenges to obtain millimeter-wide and damage-free cross-sections of arrays of indium micro bumps.

Upconverting nanophosphors for various sensing applications

BackgroundUpconverting nanophosphors (UCNPs) are composed of certain nanosized inorganic host materials doped with specific rare earth ions. They exhibit the phenomenon of photon upconversion, whereby the sequential absorption of two or more low energy photons is followed by luminescent emission of multiple photons with higher energy. In addition, they have other attractive optical features such as NIR-absorption, sharp emission bands, exceptional photostability and high quantum yield. These properties make UCNPs lucrative probes for number of optical applications, such as imaging, sensing and theranostics. OverviewUCNPs have been used as specific and ultrasensitive probes for sensing of variety of analytes, such as gas molecules, metal ions, fine particles, pH and a number of molecules, biochemicals and macromolecules. Their absorption and emission in the NIR range facilitates the background free biosensing in situ, in vitro and in vivo. Their multicoloured emissions allow a suitable emission band to serve as a donor for energy transfer to another attached optical probe, while a separate emission band to serve as an internal reference in ratiometric sensing applications. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of the versatile applications of UCNPs in the optical sensing of various analytes based on energy transfer mechanisms, with emphasis on the recent developments. . The focus is on synthesizing UCNPs, surface functionalization, and their effective utilization especially in detecting gas molecules, pH changes, ions, free radicals, and disease biomarkers. Through a meticulous examination of the use of UCNPs, this review aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of their potential and pave the way for future advancements and challenges in optical sensing.

Essential oils of Thymus munbyanus subsp. coloratus: chemical variability and evaluation of biological activities

The chemical compositions of Thymus munbyanus subsp. coloratus essential oils, an endemic plant in north Africa, were investigated using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity of the studied essential oils was evaluated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,20-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) free-radical scavenging assays. Disc diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination were applied to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Thymus munbyanus subsp. coloratus essential oil against ten bacterial and fungus strains. Fifty-one compounds were identified accounting for 90.3-95.9% of the total amount. Camphor (04.09-25.92%) was the major component in the essential oils obtained from five localities, followed by myrcene (00.66-17.11%) in four stations, then borneol (07.37-38.96%) in the essential oil obtained from three samples. The chemical variability of Thymus munbyanus subsp. coloratus essential oils was studied using statistical analysis, in which we found a direct relationship between geo climatic conditions and their chemical compositions. Thymus munbyanus subsp. coloratus essential oils exhibited a good radical-scavenging activity with IC50 values up to 0.250 ± 0.51 and 0.596 ± 0.15 (mg/mL) in reductive potential of ABTS and DPPH free radicals, respectively, and a significant antimicrobial activity against Gram positive bacteria and fungal species with MIC up to 0.66 ± 0.28 (mg/mL) against Aspergillus flavus.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Different Porous Nanoparticles as Drug Carriers for Retaining the Photostability of Pinosylvin Derivative.

Pinosylvin monomethyl ether (PsMME) is a natural compound known for its valuable bioactive properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, PsMME's susceptibility to photodegradation upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation poses a significant limitation to its applications in the pharmaceutical field. This study, for the first time, introduces a strategy to enhance the photostability of PsMME by employing various nanoformulations. We utilized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) coated with polydopamine via a poly(ethylene imine) layer (PDA-PEI-MSNs), thermally carbonized porous silicon nanoparticles (TCPSi), and pure mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles (MPDA). All these nanocarriers exhibit unique characteristics, including the potential for shielding the drug from UV light, which makes them promising for enhancing the photostability of loaded drugs. Here, these three nanoparticles were synthesized and their morphological and physicochemical properties, including size and ζ-potential, were characterized. They were subsequently loaded with PsMME, and the release profiles and kinetics of all three nanoformulations were determined. To assess their photoprotection ability, we employed gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to assess the recovery percentage of loaded PsMME before and after UV exposure for each nanoformulation. Our findings reveal that MPDA exhibits the highest protection ability, with a remarkable 90% protection against UV light on average. This positions MPDA as an ideal carrier for PsMME, and by extension, potentially for other photolabile drugs as well. As a final confirmation of its suitability as a drug nanocarrier, we conducted cytotoxicity evaluations of PsMME-loaded MPDA, demonstrating dose-dependent drug toxicity for this formulation.

Quantification of chlorinated paraffins by chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry – Part A: Influence of gas chromatography and ionisation source parameters

The analysis of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) has become a major analytical challenge. GC-ECNI-HRMS coupling is often used to analyse and quantify them. However, the influence of certain GC and ECNI parameters on the responses of polychlorinated n-alkanes (PCAs), the dominant components of CPs, has hardly been studied. In this paper, we investigated not only the influence of GC column characteristics, but also oven, GC inlet and source temperatures for simultaneous analysis of PCAs with chain-length ranging from 10 up to 20 carbon atoms (PCAs–C10-20). Particular attention was paid to the absolute response and PCA homologue group pattern obtained for a CP technical mixture. The optimum conditions for a wide homologue group determination were GC inlet, final gradient and ion source temperatures set at 220–240 °C, 340 °C and 200 °C. At the same time, a higher response was obtained with the Optima 5HT column compared to Optima 1 column, and with a length and film thickness of 12.5 m and 0.25 μm, respectively. The homologue group pattern of the technical mixture studied was significantly modified as a function of the source and GC inlet temperatures, film thickness and composition of the stationary phase. Here we recommend conditions that will improve the overall PCA pattern, in order to better characterise their occurrence in future environmental monitoring and exposure assessment.

A very thin MRPC developed for TOF-PET

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is a medical molecular imaging modality employed in cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs) are utilized in Time of Flight (TOF)-PET due to their superior time resolution. Our research group has successfully developed a 4-chamber 32-gap MRPC prototype with 0.128 mm gap thickness. The measured time resolution for cosmic rays is 20 ps, while the time resolution for the time difference between 0.511 MeV photon pairs is 193 ps Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM). The 23.6 mm thickness of the MRPC prototype will affect the time resolution. To investigate the influence of the number and total thickness of gas gaps on the time resolution, Geant4 software is used to simulate the interaction between particles (such as cosmic rays and photons) and MRPC detectors. Most of the gamma photons interact with the resistive plates in MRPCs. It is ejected mostly a Compton electron into one gas gap, causing the gas ionization. In this paper, two 8-gap MRPC prototypes with 0.128 mm gap thickness and 4.2 mm total thickness are fabricated and tested. The time resolution of 39 ps for cosmic rays and 166 ps FWHM for 0.511 MeV photons is obtained using the fast front-end amplifier and waveform acquisition system. So, a real time PET image can be obtained with a pair of MRPCs, and the detection efficiency for gamma can be improved by increasing the number of thin MRPCs.

Addressing challenges with evaluating hydrogen-selective membrane performance by quadrupole mass spectrometry.

Hydrogen separation using nanostructured membranes has gained research attention because of its potential to produce high-purity hydrogen by separating gases at the molecular level. Quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) is one method to evaluate these membranes' effectiveness in separating hydrogen from gas mixtures. However, quantifying gases in a mixture with QMS is challenging, especially when heavier gas ions interfere with a light gas ion, resulting in lower quantification accuracy. This study addresses this challenge by presenting a detailed calibration procedure that significantly improves hydrogen quantification accuracy up to a factor of 2.5. CO and CO2 were chosen as interfering gases because they are commonly released in conventional hydrogen production processes. By carefully evaluating the performance of these membranes, new opportunities for hydrogen separation may be realized.

Evaluation of the ionization of noble gases under the effect of an electric field for the generation of useful energy

This work originated from the demand presented by an electric power transmission company and addresses a possible solution for the sector by exploring alternatives to extend the flight time of drones in the inspection of transmission lines. This original article demonstrates the use of the electromagnetic field of a transmission line to generate useful electrical power at the terminals of a bulb containing argon gas. It is an unprecedented application in power transmission. In this work, the tests based on a proof of concept are documented, where the results obtained were satisfactory and still allowed to connect an LED through the constructed arrangement. It is observed that the continuity of this research can provide scalability for applications whose main source of ion excitation is given from the energy dissipated as electric field loss in high-voltage lines.