Mild Pressures Research Articles

Selective amination of furfuryl alcohol to furfurylamine over nickel catalysts promoted by alumina encapsulation

Direct amination of bio-based furfuryl alcohol over metal catalysts provides an alternative route to produce furfurylamine without consuming expensive reducing reagents. The harsh and reductive condition of furfuryl alcohol amination, however, requires high durability and excellent resistance to side furan-ring hydrogenation for efficient catalysts, which is still substantially challenging to non-noble metals. We show here that alumina-encapsulated Ni catalysts prepared via a sol–gel method exhibited an outstanding and stable performance in selective amination of furfuryl alcohol to furfurylamine under mild NH3 and H2 partial pressures. Structural characterization unveiled that the alumina framework with appropriate mesopores effectively restrained the agglomeration of Ni nanoparticles and the side furan-ring hydrogenation. A volcano-type dependance of the intrinsic activity of Ni nanoparticles on their sizes was established with the maximum attained at about 5 nm, which correlated well with the redox ability of surface Ni sites. Kinetic assessments further indicated the kinetic relevance of furfural formation from furfuryl alcohol dehydrogenation, evidenced by quasi-zero and negative reaction orders on NH3 and H2 pressures, respectively. Combined with infrared spectroscopy, furfuryl alcohol was identified as the predominant adsorbed species with a nearly saturated coverage under reaction condition, consistent with the high susceptibility of furan-ring hydrogenations to H2 pressure. As a consequence, a slight amount of inert Ag (0.05 wt%) was introduced onto the alumina-encapsulated Ni catalysts to weaken the adsorption of furfuryl alcohol and its derivatives, which suppressed the side over-hydrogenation reactions to an extremely low level without sacrificing catalytic activity significantly.

Entropy Drives Accelerated Ion Diffusion upon Carbon Dioxide Expansion of Electrolytes.

Carbon dioxide-expanded liquids, organic solvents with high concentrations of soluble carbon dioxide (CO2) at mild pressures, have gained attention as green catalytic media due to their improved properties over traditional solvents. More recently, carbon dioxide-expanded electrolytes (CXEs) have demonstrated improved reaction rates in the electrochemical reduction of CO2, by increasing the rate of delivery of CO2 to the electrode while maintaining facile charge transport. However, recent studies indicate that the limiting behavior of CXEs at higher CO2 pressures is a decline in solution conductivity due to reduced polarity, leading to poorer charge screening and greater ion pairing. In this article, we employ molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the energetic driving forces behind the diffusive properties of an acetonitrile and tetrapropylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TPrAPF6) CXE with increasing CO2 concentration. Our results indicate that entropy drives solvent and electrolyte diffusion with increasing CO2 pressure. The activation energy of ion diffusion increases with higher concentrations of CO2, indicating that increasing the temperature may improve solution conductivity in these systems. This trend in the activation energies is traced to stronger cation-anion Coulombic interactions due to weaker solvent screening at high CO2 concentrations, suggesting that the choice of ion may provide a route to diminish this effect.

Superconductivity in CH4 and [formula omitted] containing compounds derived from the high-pressure superhydrides

Inspired by the synthesis of the high-pressure Fm3̄m LaH10 superconducting superhydride, systematic density functional theory (DFT) calculations are performed to study ternaries that could be derived from it by replacing two of the hydrogen atoms with boron or carbon and varying the identity of the electropositive element. Though many of the resulting alkali-metal and alkaline-earth MC2H8 phases are predicted to be dynamically stable at mild pressures, their superconducting critical temperatures (Tcs) are low because their metallicity results from the filling of an electride-like band. Substitution with a trivalent element leads to phases with substantial metal d-character at the Fermi level whose Tcs are typically above 40 K. Among the MB2H8 phases examined, KB2H8, RbB2H8 and CsB2H8 are predicted to be dynamically stable at very mild pressures, and their stability is rationalized by a DFT-Chemical Pressure analysis that elucidates the role of the M atom size. Quantum anharmonic effects strongly affect the properties of KB2H8, the highest predicted Tc compound, near 10 GPa, but molecular dynamics simulations reveal it would decompose below its Tc at this pressure. Nonetheless, at ca. 50 GPa KB2H8 is predicted to be thermally stable with a superconducting figure of merit surpassing that of the recently synthesized LaBeH8.

High temperature superconductivity of quaternary hydrides XM3Be4H32 (X, M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Y, La, Ac, Th) under moderate pressure

The compressed hydrogen-rich compounds have received extensive attention as promising candidates for room temperature superconductivity, however, the high pressure required to stabilize such materials hinders their wide practical application. In order to search for potential superconducting hydrides that are stable at low pressures, we have investigated the crystal structures and properties of quaternary hydrides, XM3Be4H32 (X, M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Y, La, Ac, Th) via first-principles calculations. We identified nine dynamically stable quaternary hydrides at 20 GPa. Strikingly, their superconducting transition temperatures (Tc) are much higher than that of liquid nitrogen, especially CaTh3Be4H32 (124 K at 5 GPa), ThLa3Be4H32(134 K at 10 GPa), LaAc3Be4H32 (135 K at 20 GPa) and AcLa3Be4H32 (153 K at 20 GPa) exhibit outstanding superconductivity at mild pressures. Metal atoms acting as pre-compressors donate abundant electrons to hydrogen, weakening the H–H covalent bond and thus facilitating the metallization of the hydrogen sublattice. At the same time, the appropriate combination of metal elements with different ionic radius and electronegativity can effectively tune the electronic structure near the Fermi level and improve the superconductivity. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that these quaternary hydrides remain thermodynamically stable in the experimental acceptable pressure range (above 50 GPa). These findings fully reveal the great promise of hosting high-temperature superconductivity of quaternary hydrides at moderate pressures and will further promote related exploration.

Quasi-2D spin-Peierls transition through interstitial anionic electrons in K(NH3)2

Electron–phonon interactions and electron–electron correlations represent two crucial facets of condensed matter physics. For instance, in a half-filled spin-1/2 anti-ferromagnetic chain, the lattice dimerization induced by electron-nucleus interaction can be intensified by onsite Coulomb repulsion, resulting in a spin-Peierls state. Through first-principles calculations and crystal structure prediction methods, we have identified that under mild pressures, potassium and ammonia can form stable compounds: R3¯m K(NH3)2, Pm3¯m K(NH3)2, and Cm K2(NH3)3. Our predictions suggest that the R3¯m K(NH3)2 exhibits electride characteristics, marked by the formation of interstitial anionic electrons (IAEs) in the interlayer space. These IAEs are arranged in quasi-two-dimensional triangular arrays. With increasing pressure, the electronic van-Hove singularity shifts toward the Fermi level, resulting in an augmented density of states and the onset of both Peierls and magnetic instabilities. Analyzing these instabilities, we determine that the ground state of the R3¯m K(NH3)2 is the dimerized P21/m phase with zigzag-type anti-ferromagnetic IAEs. This state can be described by the triangular-lattice antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model with modulated magnetic interactions. Furthermore, we unveil the coexistence and positive interplay between magnetic and Peierls instability, constituting a scenario of spin-Peierls instability unprecedented in realistic 2D materials, particularly involving IAEs. This work provides valuable insights into the coupling of IAEs with the adjacent lattice and their spin correlations in quantum materials.

Ruptures of mixed lipid monolayers under tension and supercooling: implications for nanobubbles in plants.

Mixed phospholipid and glycolipid monolayers likely coat the surfaces of pressurised gas nanobubbles within the hydraulic systems of plants. The lipid coatings bond to water under negative pressure and are thus stretched out of equilibrium. In this work, we have used molecular dynamics simulations to produce trajectories of a biologically relevant mixed monolayer, pulled at mild negative pressures (-1.5 to -4.5 MPa). Pore formation within the monolayer is observed at both 270 and 310 K, and proceeds as an activated process once the lipid tails fully transition from the two dimensional liquid condensed to liquid expanded phase. Pressure:area isotherms showed reduced surface pressure under slight supercooling (T = 270 K) at all observed areas per lipid. Finally, Rayleigh-Plesset simulations were used to predict evolving nanobubble size using the calculated pressure:area isotherms as dynamic surface tensions. We confirm the existence of a second critical radius with respect to runaway growth, above the homogeneous cavitation radius.

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the activity and community composition of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in Arctic seawater.

Increased ship traffic in the Arctic region raises the risk of oil spills. With an average sea depth of 1,000 m, there is a growing concern over the potential release of oil sinking in the form of marine oil snow into deep Arctic waters. At increasing depth, the oil-degrading community is exposed to increasing hydrostatic pressure, which can reduce microbial activity. However, microbes thriving in polar regions may adapt to low temperature by modulation of membrane fluidity, which is also a well-known adaptation to high hydrostatic pressure. At mild hydrostatic pressures up to 8-12 MPa, we did not observe an altered microbial activity or community composition, whereas comparable studies using deep-sea or sub-Arctic microbial communities with in situ temperatures of 4-5°C showed pressure-induced effects at 10-15 MPa. Our results suggest that the psychrophilic nature of the underwater microbial communities in the Arctic may be featured by specific traits that enhance their fitness at increasing hydrostatic pressure.

Mild high hydrostatic pressure processing: Effects on techno-functional properties and allergenicity of ovalbumin

The effects of mild (250–350 MPa) high hydrostatic pressures (HHP) on the technological properties of ovalbumin were studied. Thermal gels were prepared using HHP-treated ovalbumin. Their characteristics and the efficacy of HHP processing to inhibit allergenicity were evaluated. The samples treated at 250 MPa/15 min, 350 MPa/10 min and 350 MPa/15 min showed the best results for solubility and water and oil absorption capacities, respectively. Regardless of treatment duration, foaming capacity increased with pressure. The foam stability only increased significantly in the samples subjected to 350 MPa for 10 and 15 min. On the contrary, the mildest treatment yielded the highest emulsifying activity index and emulsion stability. Improved gel strength and water holding capacity were observed, particularly under 300 MPa, resulting in a maximum inhibition of allergenicity (46.75%).

Enhanced CO2 Capture by Sorption on Electrospun Poly (Methyl Methacrylate)

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is characterized by high CO2 capture yield under mild pressures and temperatures. A morphological modification of powdery amorphous PMMA (pPMMA) is carried out by electrospinning to increase the surface/volume ratio of the resulting electrospun PMMAs (ePMMAs). This modification improves the kinetics and the capture yields. The rate constants observed for ePMMAs are two to three times higher than those for pPMMA, reaching 90% saturation values within 5–7 s. The amount of sorbed CO2 is up to eleven times higher for ePMMAs at 1 °C, and the highest difference in captured CO2 amount is observed at the lowest tested pressure of 1 MPa. The operating life of the ePMMAs shows a 5% yield loss after ten consecutive runs, indicating good durability. Spent electrospun PMMAs after several cycles of CO2 sorption-desorption can be regenerated by melting and again electrospinning the molten mass, resulting in a CO2 capture performance that is undistinguishable from that observed with fresh ePMMA. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopies show a reduction in surface roughness after gas exposure, possibly due to the plasticization effect of CO2. This study shows the potential of electrospun PMMAs as solid sorbents for carbon capture from natural gas or pre-combustion and oxyfuel combustion processes.

Near Ambient Superconductivity by 15N as Needles in the Haystack: Lower Temperatures and Pressures for Possible 15N Enrichment in LuH2

The author has previously noted the effects of stable isotopes having different nuclear magnetic moments on chemistry, catalysis, biochemistry, thermodynamics, optics, superconductivity and more [1]. In this controversy surrounding reported room temperature superconductivity at near ambient pressures by nitrogen doped lutetium hydride, the author hopes to convince and reason that the different synthesis conditions of the original work of Dias and coworkers [2] at low temperature, mild pressures, diamond anvil cell compression and prolong annealing may lead to selective doping of the lutetium hydride by 15N. The later attempted replication of Dias and coworkers by Hai-hu Wen and coworkers [3] may have caused different outcomes as Hai-hu Wen and coworkers appeared to try Dias work and then switched to a different synthetic method whereby Wen and coworkers instead applied high pressures and high temperatures to the reacting hydrogen, nitrogen and lutetium to produce a nitrogen doped lutetium hydride with similar lattice structure as the originally reported by Dias and coworkers [2] but lacking observed superconductivity and evidence of superconductivity by diamagnetism. The author here by his theory notes the possibility that the different later high pressure, high temperature synthesis by Wen and coworkers doped their sample with 14N rather than 15N as originally enriched in Dias’s sample. Thereby the author notes by his theory [1] that whereas 15N doped lutetium hydride manifests higher superconductivity due to its negative nuclear magnetic moment (NMM), the 14N doped lutetium hydride should not manifest superconductivity at the higher temperatures due to its positive NMM.

Ruthenium-cobalt single atom alloy for CO photo-hydrogenation to liquid fuels at ambient pressures

Photothermal Fischer-Tropsch synthesis represents a promising strategy for converting carbon monoxide into value-added chemicals. High pressures (2-5 MPa) are typically required for efficient C-C coupling reactions and the production of C5+ liquid fuels. Herein, we report a ruthenium-cobalt single atom alloy (Ru1Co-SAA) catalyst derived from a layered-double-hydroxide nanosheet precursor. Under UV-Vis irradiation (1.80 W cm−2), Ru1Co-SAA heats to 200 °C and photo-hydrogenates CO to C5+ liquid fuels at ambient pressures (0.1-0.5 MPa). Single atom Ru sites dramatically enhance the dissociative adsorption of CO, whilst promoting C-C coupling reactions and suppressing over-hydrogenation of CHx* intermediates, resulting in a CO photo-hydrogenation turnover frequency of 0.114 s−1 with 75.8% C5+ selectivity. Owing to the local Ru-Co coordination, highly unsaturated intermediates are generated during C-C coupling reactions, thereby improving the probability of carbon chain growth into C5+ liquid fuels. The findings open new vistas towards C5+ liquid fuels under sunlight at mild pressures.

Synthesis of Polycarbonates from CO2 Promoted by Immobilized Ionic Liquid Functionalized di‐Mg Complex Catalyst

AbstractThe capture and conversion of anthropogenic CO2 is a paramount challenge for our global ecosystem. An optimal way of to cope with the emitted CO2 is to efficiently convert it to value‐added materials. Whereas nature sequesters CO2 by making sugar‐based polymers, utilizing CO2 to make highly demanded synthetic polymers such as polycarbonates is of great value. The present work reports the synthesis of a new supported ionic liquid (IL) functionalized organic ligand that is able to accept metal sites. After incorporating di‐nuclear magnesium, it was utilized as a single‐component solid catalyst for the copolymerization of CO2 and cyclohexene oxide. The obtained solid catalyst was found to be active under mild CO2 pressures of (1–15 atm) giving a turnover number of up to 283 and turnover frequency up to 11.8 h−1. To the authors knowledge, these rates are the highest obtained using a heterogeneous catalyst, maintaining 96–99 % polycarbonates selectivity and 97–99 % carbonate repeat units. In addition, the obtained polymers showed high molecular weights (16.7 to 11.7 kg/mol) with 1.05 to 1.6 dispersity (Đ). The catalyst was recycled 4 times, under regular laboratory conditions and without any intermediate reactivation steps, which provided ∼3 g of polycarbonate for ∼0.03 g catalyst (100 : 1) at 80 °C in neat cyclohexene oxide and 15 atm CO2.

Facile Ozonation of Light Alkanes to Oxygenates with High Atom Economy in Tunable Condensed Phase at Ambient Temperature.

We have demonstrated the oxidation of mixed alkanes (propane, n-butane, and isobutane) by ozone in a condensed phase at ambient temperature and mild pressures (up to 1.3 MPa). Oxygenated products such as alcohols and ketones are formed with a combined molar selectivity of >90%. The ozone and dioxygen partial pressures are controlled such that the gas phase is always outside the flammability envelope. Because the alkane-ozone reaction predominantly occurs in the condensed phase, we are able to harness the unique tunability of ozone concentrations in hydrocarbon-rich liquid phases for facile activation of the light alkanes while also avoiding over-oxidation of the products. Further, adding isobutane and water to the mixed alkane feed significantly enhances ozone utilization and the oxygenate yields. The ability to tune the composition of the condensed media by incorporating liquid additives to direct selectivity is a key to achieving high carbon atom economy, which cannot be achieved in gas-phase ozonations. Even in the liquid phase, without added isobutane and water, combustion products dominate during neat propane ozonation, with CO2 selectivity being >60%. In contrast, ozonation of a propane+isobutane+water mixture suppresses CO2 formation to 15% and nearly doubles the yield of isopropanol. A kinetic model based on the formation of a hydrotrioxide intermediate can adequately explain the yields of the observed isobutane ozonation products. Estimated rate constants for the formation of oxygenates suggest that the demonstrated concept has promise for facile and atom-economic conversion of natural gas liquids to valuable oxygenates and broader applications associated with C-H functionalization.

Cycloaddition of CO2 to Epichlorohydrin over Pyridine, Vinylpyridine, and Poly(vinylpyridine): The Influence of Steric Crowding on the Reaction Mechanism

The cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides is a 100% atom economical reaction that utilizes CO2 and produces valuable cyclic carbonate products. Organic bases are attractive catalysts for this reaction because of their green characteristics, such as low cost and low toxicity. However, further catalyst development is required to achieve acceptable yields at mild temperatures and pressures. This work aims to establish catalyst structure–performance relationships to accelerate the rational design of high performance organic base catalysts for the cycloaddition reaction. Toward this end, we investigate the influence of steric crowding at the ring nitrogen atom of a series of pyridine-based catalysts on the reaction mechanism and catalyst performance using batch reactor measurements at a mild temperature (57 °C) and atmospheric pressure under solventless conditions combined with in situ infrared spectroscopic characterization of the catalysts. We show that steric crowding at the ring nitrogen atom has a significant influence on the reaction mechanism and catalyst performance. Catalysts with unhindered access to the ring nitrogen atom, such as pyridine, 4-vinylpyridine, 3-vinylpyridine, and poly(4-vinylpyridine), are completely transformed during the cycloaddition reaction by quaternization from the epoxide reactant, producing zwitterionic pyridinium-epoxide adducts and ammonium salts that precipitate out of solution. Catalysts with hindered access to the ring nitrogen atom, such as 2-vinylpyridine and poly(2-vinylpyridine), resist quaternization from the epoxide reactant due to the high degree of steric hindrance at the ring nitrogen atom. The poly(2-vinylpyridine) catalyst in particular displayed high stability, high product selectivity, and high activity for cyclic carbonate synthesis. These molecular-level insights have significant implications for the rational design of active, stable, and metal-free catalysts for cyclic carbonate synthesis by tuning the steric crowding at the active site.

Application of sequential cyclic compression on cancer cells in a flexible microdevice.

Mechanical forces shape physiological structure and function within cell and tissue microenvironments, during which cells strive to restore their shape or develop an adaptive mechanism to maintain cell integrity depending on strength and type of the mechanical loading. While some cells are shown to experience permanent plastic deformation after a repetitive mechanical tensile loading and unloading, the impact of such repetitive compression on deformation of cells is yet to be understood. As such, the ability to apply cyclic compression is crucial for any experimental setup aimed at the study of mechanical compression taking place in cell and tissue microenvironments. Here, we demonstrate such cyclic compression using a microfluidic compression platform on live cell actin in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. Live imaging of the actin cytoskeleton dynamics of the compressed cells was performed for varying pressures applied sequentially in ascending order during cell compression. Additionally, recovery of the compressed cells was investigated by capturing actin cytoskeleton and nuclei profiles of the cells at zero time and 24 h-recovery after compression in end point assays. This was performed for a range of mild pressures within the physiological range. Results showed that the phenotypical response of compressed cells during recovery after compression with 20.8 kPa differed observably from that for 15.6 kPa. This demonstrated the ability of the platform to aid in the capture of differences in cell behaviour as a result of being compressed at various pressures in physiologically relevant manner. Differences observed between compressed cells fixed at zero time or after 24 h-recovery suggest that SKOV-3 cells exhibit deformations at the time of the compression, a proposed mechanism cells use to prevent mechanical damage. Thus, biomechanical responses of SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells to sequential cyclic compression and during recovery after compression could be revealed in a flexible microdevice. As demonstrated in this work, the observation of morphological, cytoskeletal and nuclear differences in compressed and non-compressed cells, with controlled micro-scale mechanical cell compression and recovery and using live-cell imaging, fluorescent tagging and end point assays, can give insights into the mechanics of cancer cells.

Effects of Fascial Manipulative Treatment on Bone Tissue

The experimental research, presented in this study, focuses on athletic tests with the purpose to highlight the elastic deformations of the bones of the lower limbs, intending to verify whether the manually treated anatomical structure increases in elasticity, becoming able to accumulate more energy in the loading phase, to then release it in the final phase of the thrust. Introduction: Too often neglected, the bone tissue is capable of deforming. The deformation has a key role in the cushioning and dissipation of stress, a function that is hindered in the event of fascial tension, which will consequently fall on other structures used for the same purpose (Discs, menisci, cartilage, …). Structures that, in the event of increased mechanical stress, could undergo degeneration, inflammation, and injury. Materials and Method: Randomized double-blind selection of 38 people, 18 in the treatment group and 20 in the control group, men and women, aged between 16 and 35, who have been part, for at least one year, of a sports club, with a large space dedicated to jumping in its training program, have been divided into two groups: the treatment group, which was treated to increase the performance of the jump and the control group subjected to mild manual pressures, without any intention. Results: The treatment group had an increase in Standing Long Jump (SLJ) for 3.67% (p < 0.001) while the control group had a decrease in performance for 1.12% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study has shown that an osteopathic manipulative treatment, aimed at increasing jumping performance, can increase the performance of the SLJ.

Advancing structural batteries: cost-efficient high-performance carbon fiber-coated LiFePO4 cathodes.

Structural batteries (SBs) have gained attention due to their ability to provide energy storage and structural support in vehicles and airplanes, using carbon fibers (CFs) as their main component. However, the development of high-performance carbon fiber-based cathode materials for structural batteries is currently limited. To address this issue, this study proposes a cost-efficient and straightforward method for creating a high-performance structural lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) positive electrode by coating carbon fibers at mild temperatures and pressures. The resulting cathode demonstrated a high LiFePO4 loading (at least 74%) and a smooth coating, as confirmed by X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. This structural cathode exhibited a capacity of 144 mA h g-1 and 108 mA h g-1 at 0.1 C and 1.0 C, respectively. Additionally, the LiFePO4 cathode displayed excellent electrochemical properties, with a capacity retention of 96.4% at 0.33 C and 81.2% at 1.0 C after 300 cycles. Overall, this study presents a promising approach for fabricating high-performance structural batteries with enhanced energy storage and structural capabilities.

Ternary superconducting hydrides stabilized via Th and Ce elements at mild pressures

The discovery of covalent H3S and clathrate structure LaH10 with excellent superconducting critical temperatures at high pressures has facilitated a multitude of research on compressed hydrides. However, their superconducting pressures are too high (generally above 150 GPa), thereby hindering their application. In addition, making room-temperature superconductivity close to ambient pressure in hydrogen-based superconductors is challenging. In this work, we calculated the chemically “pre-compressed” Be-H by heavy metals Th and Ce to stabilize the superconducting phase near ambient pressure. An unprecedented ThBeH8 (CeBeH8) with a “fluorite-type” structure was predicted to be thermodynamically stable above 69 GPa (76 GPa), yielding a Tc of 113 K (28 K) decompressed to 7 GPa (13 GPa) by solving the anisotropic Migdal–Eliashberg equations. Be-H vibrations play a vital role in electron–phonon coupling and structural stability of these ternary hydrides. Our results will guide further experiments toward synthesizing ternary hydride superconductors at mild pressures.

SARS-CoV 2 Virus Causing Fulminant Myocarditis: A Rare but Serious Complication of COVID-19 Infection

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one that has brought widespread suffering and grief throughout the world; and the complications associated-both short and long term have been widespread and autonomous. We present a case of a 68-year-old White Hispanic male who presented to the emergency department with worsening exertional dyspnea and fatigue eight days after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. On arrival the patient was afebrile, hypotensive, tachycardic, tachypneic and hypoxemic. Initial workup was significant for high elevated inflammatory markers, troponin and β-natriuretic peptide. EKG was unremarkable. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed severe global hypokinesis of the left ventricle, reduced ejection fraction of 25%-30%, grade II diastolic dysfunction, mild pulmonary hypertension and mild elevated right atrial pressures, and no pericardial effusion. PCR analysis for usual cardiotropic viruses were all negative, Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was negative, therefore the patient was diagnosed with fulminant COVID-19 myocarditis. Patient was treated with heparin drip, oxygen support, pressors, and high dose corticosteroid therapy in the intensive care unit for 5 days. After showing significant signs of improvement, the patient was discharged on hospital stay day 7. Cardio-respiratory complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in terms of patients suffering with COVID-19. In this case we discuss the importance of early diagnosis and prompt management to reduce the high mortality and complications associated with these complications.

(Energy Technology Division Graduate Student Award sponsored by BioLogic) Voltage as a Driving Force for Ammonia Activation

In chemical synthesis, the making and breaking of chemical bonds often requires traversing large energy differences. In fact, in 2012 the basic chemical industry accounted for close to 20% of total delivered energy consumption in the industrial sector, which itself used the most delivered energy of any end-use sector globally (54%). Traditionally, industrial chemical synthesis has relied on pressure and temperature to drive chemical reactions, and the energy to elevate the pressure and temperature generally comes from fossil fuel sources. These chemical reactors also often require centralized locations so that economies of scale make them profitable (e.g., ammonia synthesis). However, with the advent of distributed and accessible renewable electricity, it is attractive to consider driving chemical reactions that are conventionally driven with temperature and pressure with renewable electricity instead. Electrochemical reactors can be driven at mild temperatures and pressures and can take advantage of renewable electricity sources directly, enabling decentralized manufacturing. Thus, electrification of the chemical industry offers an opportunity to further integrate the chemical and energy industries, motivating and leveraging decentralized renewable energy sources and storage for chemical manufacturing. In this talk, I will first look at the broad question of how to compare electrochemical routes with traditional thermochemical routes for chemical transformations, aiming to answer the question “If I can apply mechanical energy (pressure), thermal energy (temperature), or electrical energy (voltage) to a chemical reaction, which should I use?” I will present a framework for comparing voltage, temperature, and pressure as thermodynamic driving forces to help quantitatively discriminate between energy sources. Second, I will discuss electrochemical utilization of ammonia. Ammonia has one of the largest global production rates by volume, and it is a nexus synthesis molecule: it either directly or indirectly provides nitrogen for a range of molecules including specialty chemicals, polymers, and pharmaceuticals. Ammonia is also attractive as an energy-dense, carbon-free fuel. Because of this, it represents an important target for electrification. I will discuss the kinetics of ammonia electro-oxidation, i.e., the breaking of the nitrogen-hydrogen bonds, as well as how an applied potential can help form carbon-nitrogen bonds, an electrochemical analogue to traditional reductive amination. Last, I will propose an energy storage paradigm that leverages ammonium formate, a combination of ammonia and formic acid, to store renewable electricity. I will discuss the advantages of this fuel and demonstrate how voltage can aid in the release of energy from this fuel. Overall, I will start with the broad question of why and when to use voltage in the chemical transformations, and then I will focus on how electrochemistry can aid in ammonia utilization for both synthesis reactions and energy storage purposes.