Silver Wire Research Articles

Back Injection Molding of Sub-Micron Scale Structures on Roll-to-Roll Extrusion Coated Films.

Roll-to-roll extrusion coated films were bonded onto polymer parts by back injection molding (BIM). The polypropylene (PP) coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films were pre-patterned with microstructured V-shaped grooves with 3.2 µm and 53 µm width, and other geometries. Bonding on PET and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) parts was facilitated by either higher tool or melt temperatures but was particularly enhanced by applying a mild oxygen plasma to the backside of the PET film prior to injection of the polymer melt. Silver wires from conductive nanoparticle ink were embedded into the PP coating during the BIM process by controlled collapse of the V-grooves. Thus, the feasibility of combining standard carrier film materials for printed flexible electronics and packaging into a non-flat polymer part was demonstrated, which could be a helpful step towards the fabrication of polymer parts with surface functionality.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer guided by CT lymphography; History, evolution and current applications.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has efficiently replaced axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in axillary staging in node-negative breast cancer patients. Dual sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization using radioisotopes and blue dye is the standard technique for SLN mapping. Yet, nuclear medicine facilities are not widely available worldwide. In Japan, Computed tomography lymphography (CTLG) is presented as an SLN mapping technique which was first suggested in 2003 by Suga etal. Multiple subsequent studies confirmed the efficacy of CTLG in SLN mapping in breast cancer. Further applications of the technique followed; such as prediction of SLN metastasis using CTLG, the use of CTLG guided SLN biopsy after neoadjuvant therapy, video-assisted CTLG guided SLN biopsy, the use of real-time virtual sonography with 3-D CTLG, and preoperative localization of the CTLG mapped SLN using either real-time virtual sonography (RVS) guided Indocyanine green (ICG) injection or its marking using liquid charcoal and silver wire and the use of SPIO enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prediction of metastasis in SLNs detected by CTLG. This efficacy and variable applications open the door for conducting wide-scale randomized controlled trials to suggest using CTLG as an efficient alternative for the use of radioisotopes in SLN mapping in breast cancer patients, especially in low and middle-income countries.

Influence of Modified Epoxy Resins on Peroxide Curing, Mechanical Properties and Adhesion of SBR, NBR and XNBR to Silver Wires. Part I: Application of Monoperoxy Derivative of Epoxy Resin (PO)

The research was aimed at checking the effect of monoperoxy derivative of epoxy resin (PO) on the possibility of rubber crosslinking and a subsequent adhesion of the modified rubber to silver wires. Three of the commonly industrially used rubbers were selected for the study: styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (XNBR), together with the popular, commercially available Epidian 6 epoxy resin, subjected to the functionalization. An improvement in the adhesion of rubbers to silver wires was observed when using the modified resin. In some cases, an improvement in the mechanical properties of the rubber was observed, especially when the resin was used for crosslinking together with dicumyl peroxide (DCP). Crosslinking synergy between dicumyl peroxide and the modified resin could be observed especially in the case of PO applied for peroxide curing of SBR and NBR.

Influence of Modified Epoxy Resins on Peroxide Curing, Mechanical Properties and Adhesion of SBR, NBR and XNBR to Silver Wires-Part II: Application of Carboxy-Containing Peroxy Oligomer (CPO).

This research was aimed at verifying the effect of carboxy-containing peroxy oligomer (CPO) addition on the possibility of rubber crosslinking and a subsequent adhesion of the modified rubber to silver wires. Three commonly industrially used rubbers were selected for the study: styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) and carboxylated acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (XNBR), together with carboxy-containing peroxy oligomer (CPO). An improvement in the adhesion of rubbers to silver wires was observed when applying the oligomeric peroxide with functional groups, with no deterioration of mechanical properties of the vulcanizates. Crosslinking synergy between dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and the modifier could hardly be observed. Nevertheless, the studies demonstrated, that to a small extent, even the CPO itself can crosslink NBR and especially XNBR, resulting in a material of notable elasticity and adhesion to silver wires.

Investigation of W, Ag, and Pt Quasi-Reference Electrode Stability in Molten NaCl-CaCl2 with Ce(0)/Ce(III) as an Internal Reference Redox Reaction

This work reports on the stability of quasi-reference electrode (QRE) material candidates for use in a NaCl-CaCl2 molten salt eutectic at 823 K in comparison to that of the conventional Ag(I)/Ag reference electrode in a mullite sheath with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and an internal reference of the cerium redox couple (Ce(0)/Ce() via CeCl3 addition). In addition, effects of QRE size, working electrode surface area, and scan rate were investigated for potential QRE candidates. A tungsten rod (1.5 mm) has been determined to be most stable with repeatable results and a long usable life of the QRE materials studied. The stability of the measured current using the tungsten quasi-reference electrode is affected by both scan rate (mV/s) and surface area of the working electrode during the CV technique. In contrast to tungsten, the stability of the platinum wires in this system were considered poor. Silver wire becomes more stable with increasing size.

Stable single atomic silver wires assembling into a circuitry-connectable nanoarray

Atomic metal wires have great promise for practical applications in devices due to their unique electronic properties. Unfortunately, such atomic wires are extremely unstable. Here we fabricate stable atomic silver wires (ASWs) with appreciably unoccupied states inside the parallel tunnels of α-MnO2 nanorods. These unoccupied Ag 4d orbitals strengthen the Ag–Ag bonds, greatly enhancing the stability of ASWs while the presence of delocalized 5s electrons makes the ASWs conducting. These stable ASWs form a coherently oriented three-dimensional wire array of over 10 nm in width and up to 1 μm in length allowing us to connect it to nano-electrodes. Current-voltage characteristics of ASWs show a temperature-dependent insulator-to-metal transition, suggesting that the atomic wires could be used as thermal electrical devices.

Towards the advance of a novel iontophoretic patch for needle-free buccal anesthesia

The aim of this work was to develop a mucoadhesive iontophoretic patch for anesthetic delivery in the buccal epithelium. The patch was comprised of three different layers, namely i) drug release (0.64 cm2); ii) mucoadhesive (1.13 cm2); and iii) backing (1.13 cm2). Prilocaine and lidocaine hydrochlorides were used as model drugs (1:1 ratio, 12.5 mg per unit). An anode electrode (0.5 cm2 spiral silver wire) was placed in between the drug release and mucoadhesive/backing layers to enable iontophoresis. Surface microscopy; mechanical and in vitro mucoadhesive properties; drug release kinetics and mechanism; and drug permeation through the porcine esophageal epithelium were assessed. Topographic analysis evidenced differences in the physical structures for the several layers. All layers presented suitable handling properties i.e., flexibility, elasticity and resistance. Both the release and mucoadhesive layers presented features of a soft and tough material, while the backing layer matched the characteristics of a hard and brittle material. A synergy between the drug release and mucoadhesive layers on the mucoadhesive force and work of adhesion of the tri-layered patch was observed. Passive drug release of both drugs fitted to First-order, Hixson-Crowell and Weibull kinetic models; and the release mechanism was attributed to anomalous transport. Iontophoresis remarkably enhanced the permeation of both drugs, but mainly prilocaine through the mucosa as evidenced by the permeability coefficient parameter (3.0-fold). The amount of these amino amide salts retained in the mucosa were also equally enhanced (4.7-fold), while the application of a tiny constant electric current (1 mA·cm−2·h−1) significantly decreased the lag time for lidocaine permeation by about 45%. In view of possible in vitro / in vivo correlations, the buccal iontophoretic patch displays a promising strategy for needle-free and patient-friendly local anesthesia in dentistry.

A few observations on the adornments and dress accessories found in the hoard from Țifești (Vrancea County)

Found by chance in 1912, the hoard from Țifești (in the former Putna County) immediately came to the attention of numismatists. First published in 1915 by Constantin Moisil, it remained in oblivion for a long time, at most barely mentioned in various articles. The beginning of the First World War and the entry of Romania in the middle of these events had, as a consequence, the evacuation of the country’s treasure to Russia. After arriving in Moscow, it was returned to the Romanian state in 1956. The coins of the treasure came from both the Ottoman Empire and Hungary. The Turkish coins (the akçe) were issued during the reigns of Sultans Mehmed the Conqueror (1451 – 1481) and Bayezid II (1481 – 1512). The coins issued in Hungary are from the time of kings Matthias Corvinus (1459 – 1490) and Vladislaus II (1490 – 1516). So far, they have not yet been published in full. The buttons (seven) are manufactured of filigree silver wire wrapped in the shape of a ball. The other two items, manufactured of foil, are dress accessories rather common in the Middle Ages, widely circulated both chronologically and territorially. There are also parts of buttons which are not mentioned in the article published in 1916. The adornments consist of two pairs of silver earrings manufactured in the filigree and granulation techniques. In the case of the items from Țifești, they are dated to the second half of the 15th century.

About vaginostricture in prolapse

In 1893, Freund, Jr. described a new method for uterine prolapse surgery, in which the vagina is narrowed by means of several silver wire ligatures applied in a ring-like manner under the vaginal mucosa.

МОНЕТНО-РЕЧОВИЙ СКАРБ ПЕРШОЇ ПОЛОВИНИ ІХ СТОЛІТТЯ З ЧЕРКАСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ

У статті зроблено опис нумізматичної частини монетно-речового скарбу, знайденого біля хутора Кобеляки Звенигородського району Черкаської області, а саме куфічних дирхемів, карбованих у період династії Аббасидів, кількістю 64 шт. Розглянуто можливі причини та шляхи потрапляння даного скарбу на територію Черкащини.Визначені дирхеми походять із семи регіонів ісламського світу:1) Магріб – 32 шт.; 2) Ірак – 14 шт.; 3) Джібал – 8 шт.; 4) Кавказ – 5 шт.; 5) Хорасан – 2 шт.; 6) Мавераннахр – 2 шт.; 7) Кірман – 1 шт. Найпізніші дати на монетах дають можливість віднести знайдений скарб, з урахуванням ще певного часу для його надходження на землі Середнього Подніпров’я, до першої половини-середини ІХ століття, що відповідає періоду існування Луки-Райковецької культури на Правобережжі Дніпра. Науковці вважають, що саме уличі, одне з «літописних племен», які згадуються у «Повісті времяних літ», залишили нам археологічні пам’ятки типу луки-райковецьких.Даний скарб унікальний для Черкаської області як за набором, так і за кількістю знайдених куфічних монет. На території області від періоду посилення слов’янських племен та формування Київської Русі більше знаходять візантійських монет, тоді як куфічні монети трапляються значно рідше. Знахідка даного монетно-речового скарбу може вказувати на шляхи поширення та використання куфічних монет. Дати карбування дирхемів, які були у скарбі, свідчать про їх надходження на Середнє Подніпров’я у першій половині-середині ІХ ст., ще до утворення давньоруської держави, центром якої стало місто Київ. Якщо на Лівобережжі торговельні шляхи, починаючи від VIII-IХ ст., на сьогодні визначені краще, то даний скарб разом з іншими знахідками куфічних монет на Черкащині та на теренах більш західних областей України може допомогти у визначенні таких торговельних шляхів і на Правобережжі та в Західній Україні.

Development of Screen-Printed Impedance Sensor and Detections of Wiring Corrosion and Dew Condensation

The pitch of wiring on printed circuit boards has become finer for the development of small and lightweight electronic devices. Due to the finer pitch of wire, dew condensation causes a short circuit of wiring easier and there is a risk of breaking the wiring due to slight corrosion. It is crucial to develop a sensor for monitoring dew condensation and corrosion of wiring in order to prevent these corrosion phenomena. Our group 1) has developed a corrosion monitoring sensor with screen printing techniques. This sensor, which has a comb-like structure of silver wiring on the boards, can monitor dew condensation environments using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) because of the change of impedance spectra with condensation condition. Aiba 2) et al. have fabricated printed –type corrosion monitoring sensor which can evaluate amount of dew condensation. This sensor, which has wiring of a reference resistance by coating anticorrosion, can quantitatively evaluate dew condensation by standardizing the output impedance from the sensor with reference resistance. In this study, monitoring corrosion sensor that can accurately detect corrosion of wiring and dew condensation was developed using screen printing.Polyimide was used for a substrate of the developed sensor, and silver wiring was printed on the substrate by using screen printing. The silver wiring consists of two parts. The upper and lower parts have comb-like structure and two parallel straight lines, respectively. Corrosion of wiring and dew condensation can be detected by the upper and the lower patterns, respectively. UV irradiation was performed for 10 minutes in an oxygen atmosphere only on the substrate to make hydrophilic partially.Dew condensation on the surface of the corrosion sensor was detected by measuring impedance spectra. The measurements were performed in the chamber that temperature and the relative humidity were set at 25 ℃ and 90 %, respectively. The frequency range of impedance measurements were from 10 mHz to 10 kHz. The amplitude of voltage modulation for the sensor was 10 mV. The voltage during the measurements was set at 0 V.In impedance spectra of the sensor without UV ozone treatment, although dew condensation occurred, the wiring did not short circuit and impedance spectrum remained on the real number axis. On the other hand, in impedance spectra of the sensor with UV ozone treatment, impedance spectrum of capacitive semicircle attributed to short circuit of wiring due to dew condensation was observed, that is, it was possible to detect dew condensation with high sensitivity. References I. Shitanda, A. Okumra, M. Itagaki, K. Watanabe, Y. Asano, Sensor Actuat B-Chem, 139, 292 (2009).A. Aiba, N. Fujii, Y. Hoshi, I, Shitanda, M. Itagaki, J. Electrochem, Soc., 165, C743 (2018).

Electrodeposition of Cobalt in a Pyrrolidinium-Based Ionic Liquid Under a Magnetic Field

Cobalt (Co) is well-known as a hard-magnetic material for its tailorable magnetic properties. Nowadays, a pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquid, composed of 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium (BMP+) and bis(trifluromethylsulfonyl)amide (TFSA–), has drawn more attention for the electrodeposition of various transition metals because of its wide electrochemical potential window, acceptable ionic conductivity, and high stability against moisture. Although the redox reaction of Co species has been reported in BMPTFSA, the electrochemical behavior of Co species under a magnetic field has not been explored in this ionic liquid.1-3 In this study, the electrodeposition of Co has been performed in BMPTFSA under a static magnetic field. Co(TFSA)2 was prepared by the reaction of CoCO3 with HTFSA. A Teflon made, double compartment cell was used for the electrochemical measurements using a glassy carbon (GC) as a working electrode, a platinum mesh as a counter electrode, and a silver wire immersed in BMPTFSA containing 0.1 M AgCF3SO3 as a reference electrode. A neodymium magnet (NdFeB) was attached to the back of the GC electrode. The diameter of the magnet was 6 mm and the magnetic flux density was 530 mT. Potentiostatic cathodic reduction applying –1.6 and –2.0 V was conducted under the magnetic field in BMPTFSA containing Co(TFSA)2 at 25 °C. Nanowire-shaped deposits were obtained on the GC electrode after the electrodeposition at both potentials. The presence of Co in the deposits was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. However, no diffraction peak was observed in the deposits by X-ray diffraction. The deposits were further examined by transmission electron microscopy. The lattice fringe corresponding to (111) plane of Co was found in the deposits, indicating the deposits were composed of metallic Co nanoparticles.References(1) R. Fukui, Y. Katayama, and T. Miura, Electrochemistry, 73, 567 (2005).(2) Y. Katayama, R. Fukui, and T. Miura, J. Electrochem. Soc., 154, D534 (2007).(3) Y. Katayama, R. Fukui, and T. Miura, Electrochemistry, 81, 532 (2013).

Carbochlorination of Cobalt Oxide and Electrochemical Recovery of Co in an Amide-Type Ionic Liquid

Recycle of rare metals from electric devices is demanded from the viewpoints of production costs and environmental protection. Carbochlorination is a traditional pyrometallurgical process to convert metal oxides in metal waste into metal chlorides. However, high temperature is often required for the carbochlorination process, leading to an increase in the recycling cost. We have already reported that the dissolution of palladium oxide was possible in an amide-type ionic liquid, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (BMPTFSA) containing BMPCl by carbochlorination at a relatively lower temperature. In the present study, the carbochlorination of cobalt oxide (CoO) was investigated in BMPTFSA containing BMPCl. Recovery of Co was also attempted by electrochemical reduction of the cobalt species in the ionic liquid.CoO was reacted with some carbochlorination reagents in 0.5 M BMPCl/BMPTFSA in a perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer (FEP) tube at 150 °C for 24 h. The residual carbochlorination reagents and byproducts were removed by heating under vacuum at 100 - 150 °C for 24 h. The electrochemical measurements were conducted using a single-compartment cell using glassy carbon as a working electrode, cobalt as a counter electrode, and silver wire immersed in 0.1 M AgCF3SO3/BMPTFSA isolated from the sample electrolyte with porous glass as the reference electrode.CoO was insoluble in 0.5 M BMPCl/BMPTFSA without the carbochlorination reagents. CoO was found to be dissolved as [CoCl4]2– in 0.5 BMPCl/BMPTFSA in the presence of the carbochlorination reagents at 150 °C by the ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. A cathodic current peak assignable to the reduction of [CoCl4]2– was observed at -3.1 V in the cyclic voltammogram of a GC electrode in the ionic liquid after carbochlorination of CoO. The deposits containing Co were obtained by the potentiostatic cathodic reduction in the ionic liquid, suggesting the recovery of Co from CoO is possible electrochemically with carbochlorination at low temperature.

Characterisation of Electrochemical Sensor-Array for Utilisation in Construction of BOD Bioelectronic Tongue

Abstract There is need to rapidly measure biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) to estimate organic pollution in wastewater. Biosensors are able to estimate BOD values within 5–30 minutes, but they have some limitations that can be overcome with biosensor-array. This work used sensor-array, which consists of 8 × 3 electrodes. The working electrode was inner Pt circle electrode, counter electrode was a Pt band electrode and the reference electrode was a silver wire. The potentiostat was used to record cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The pumping speed was set at 1.5 cm3 min−1 or higher, to avoid the interference. Next, sensor-array was tested to measure different oxygen amounts and calibrated accordingly. Lastly, Pseudomonas putida membranes were calibrated and used to estimate BOD value. The calibration gave linear range up to 85 mg L−1 of BOD and sensitivity from 0.0018 to 0.0068. Real industrial wastewater, from lignocellulosic bioethanol production, was used to test the biosensor-array. It underestimated BOD values from 8 to 37 %. This biosensor-array allows to measure BOD value in less than 15 minutes.

Ag–Cu/Pmma Nanocomposites Produced By Modification of PMMA with Bimetallic EEW-Nanoparticles

Using the method of electrical explosion of copper and silver wires in an argon atmosphere, Cu–94Ag, Cu–65Ag, and Cu–22Ag bimetallic nanoparticles are manufactured. The resulting nanoparticles are characterized by the methods of transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. It is shown that irrespective of the component ratio all particles have spherical shapes, with copper and silver uniformly distributed in their volume. The phases identified in the samples correspond to silver- and copper-based solid solutions. The conditions for an ultrasonic dispersion of nanoparticle suspensions are selected. The sedimentation analysis data indicate that the minimal time of ultrasonic treatment at a power of 23 kW is 5min for Cu–65Ag and Cu–22Ag nanoparticles and 2 min for Cu–94Ag nanopowder. The fabricated nanoparticles are used as antibacterial modifiers of PMMA. The Ag–Cu/PMMA composites demonstrate a high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli.

Toe Rings: Suitable Option for Retention of Toe Prosthesis

ABSTRACT Introduction The most common problem in fabrication of toe prosthesis is inadequate retention, which can be overcome by using implants or adhesive. In the present case, a modified technique for retention of toe prosthesis with the help of toe rings has been described. Case Description and Method The prosthesis was retained using toe rings in hallux and baby toe, which were joined together by a silver wire passing through the prosthesis. It helped a lot for retaining the prosthesis during movement, along with functional and cosmetic advantages. Result Retention with the help of toe rings was found to be adequate, user friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and economical. Conclusions This article proposes a modification in the designing of a toe prosthesis that can be worn easily with adequate retention. To increase the stability of retentive rings, a silver wire was incorporated into the body of prosthesis. Clinical Relevance Toe rings can be successfully used for toe prosthesis, which help in ease of handling, improved aesthetics, and increased retention of the prosthesis without using adhesive material or any additional surgical procedure.

Electrochemical biosensor for rapid detection of bacteria based on facile synthesis of silver wire across electrodes

The early detection of bacteria is of critical importance in addressing serious public health problems. Here, an electrochemical biosensor for rapid detection of bacteria based on facile synthesis of silver wire across electrodes was constructed. High-variable region of 16S rRNA of bacteria was used as biomarker. Polymerase-free synthesis of silver wire was introduced into electrochemical signal transduction to improve the sensitivity of electrochemical detection. The construction biosensor of proposed method is as follows: Metastable hairpin probe H1 was modified on electrode surface, biomarker can open the stem-loop structure of H1 and activates HCR. The alternate opening of the stem-loop structure of H1 and H2-AuNPs finally results in the formation of long double-stranded DNA-RNA (HCR products) -AuNPs. The formed AuNPs modified HCR products was blown in one direction using N2 to across the electrode gap. Using this HCR products as template, the silver wire was formed between the electrodes by silver deposition, and resulted in sharp change in electrical parameters of electrode. As the proof-of-concept work, multichannel series piezoelectric quartz crystal (MSPQC) was utilized as detector. The detection of Staphylococcus aureus in the concentration range from 50 to 107 CFU/mL within 100 min was achieved. The detection limit was 50 CFU/mL. Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Listeria innocua, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumoniae did not interfere the detection results. This newly proposed electrochemical biosensor is simple, rapid and exhibit high signal-to-noise ratio, it has great potential for being applied in food safety monitoring and clinical diagnosis.

Fabrication and characterization of $${\text{Pb}}({\text{Zr}}_{0.5}{\text{Ti}}_{0.5}){\text{O}}_{3}$$ nanofibers for nanogenerator applications

Single-phase lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) perovskite nanofibers, with $${\text{Pb}}\left({\text{Zr}}_{0.5}{\text{Ti}}_{0.5}\right){\text{O}}_{3}$$ composition were synthesized using the electrospinning technique. Poly-vinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) was used as viscosity controller, size and uniformity of the $${\text{Pb}}\left({\text{Zr}}_{0.5}{\text{Ti}}_{0.5}\right){\text{O}}_{3}$$ nanofibers were optimized against different PVP concentrations. The results showed that PVP concentrations play a significant role in the fabrication, homogeneity, uniformity, porosity, and particularly in the diameter of PZT nanofibers. SEM and XRD results revealed the formation of sing-phase $${\text{Pb}}\left({\text{Zr}}_{0.5}{\text{Ti}}_{0.5}\right){\text{O}}_{3}$$ nanofibers at 600 °C with an average diameter of ~ 96 nm. The prepared PZT nanofibers exhibited a significantly wide bandgap (~ 3.5 eV) and a high dielectric-constant (~ 1827). The device of single-phase PZT nanofibers was fabricated on interdigitated electrodes to study the current–voltage, impedance spectroscopy, and dielectric characteristics of the PZT nanofibers. The current–voltage characteristics of the fabricated device with PZT nanofibers showed non-ohmic properties. The non-linear I–V characteristics at temperatures between 308 and 408 K indicate two distinct regions. Impedance spectroscopy indicated the presence of non-ideal Debye type behavior in $${\text{Pb}}\left({\text{Zr}}_{0.5}{\text{Ti}}_{0.5}\right){\text{O}}_{3}$$ nanofibers and was ascribed to the existence of heterogeneity in the sample. The measured capacitances were assigned to two electro-active regions in the prepared $${\text{Pb}}\left({\text{Zr}}_{0.5}{\text{Ti}}_{0.5}\right){\text{O}}_{3}$$ nanofibers. A proto-type piezoelectric nanogenerator based on PZT nanofibers was fabricated to study the piezoelectric properties of $${\text{Pb}}\left({\text{Zr}}_{0.5}{\text{Ti}}_{0.5}\right){\text{O}}_{3}$$ nanofibers. PZT nanofibers were aligned on interdigitated electrodes of silver wire, which demonstrated piezoelectric performance and delivered an output voltage of ~ 40 V under periodic stress applications.

A solid oxide fuel cell with molten tin anode for electricity generation and methane reforming

A methane-fuelled solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with molten tin anode (Sn(l)-SOFC) is designed, fabricated, demonstrated and characterized. This SOFC design incorporates molten tin contained in an alumina crucible as anode for the solution of oxygen atoms transported to an anode | Yttria stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte interface and provides bubble | molten tin interfaces for the reaction of methane with oxygen atoms during cell operation. A peak power density of ca. 100 W m−2 at a current density of 222 A m−2 and potential difference of 0.45 V is obtained for this methane-fuelled Sn(l)-SOFC at 850 °C. The ohmic and non-ohmic impedance are ca. 16.72 and 3.36 Ω cm2, respectively. Ohmic potential losses control the reactor performance, with about ca. 59% of those arising from the inherent difficulty in achieving a low resistance contact at the silver wire (silver wool) current collector | Lanthanum strontium manganite cathode interface. Improved performance is achievable by eliminating contact resistance, utilising a molten metal/alloy with greater activity for methane oxidation and operating the cell at higher temperatures. The reaction of methane at bubble | molten tin interface involves its coupling in addition to oxidation, to produce steam, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, ethane and ethylene.

Electrochemical monitoring of the oxidative degradation of glyphosate with UV/H2O2

A voltammetric method optimized for the sensitive and reliable study of the UV/H2O2 oxidation of glyphosate (N- (phosphonomethyl) glycine) (GPS). The cell consisted of three electrodes in a compartment, silver wire coated with silver chloride as a pseudo reference electrode, platinum electrode as working electrode and stainless steel as auxiliary electrode. GPS cyclic voltammetric analysis suggests the formation of a GPS-Pt complex on the electrode surface, with an enhanced signal in perchloric acid between 1.3 to -1.3V; sensitive to protonation of the amino group, no response observed at pH values greater than 5.00. The oxidative degradation of GPS with UV/H2O2 is evident at pH 3.0, it exhibits first order pseudo kinetics with a half-life of 40 ± 4min. Two degradative routes are estimated depending on the concentration of H2O2: at low concentrations (H2O2/GPS 1: 100 ratio), the formation of sarcosine and then glycine is favored; at H2O2/GPS 1:20 and 1:10 ratios predominate the formation of glycine.