Solid Transport Research Articles

Speckled Laser Pump–Thermoreflectance Microscopy Probe to Measure and Study Micro/Nanoscale Thermal Transport: Numerical Simulation

Abstract Nondiffusive thermal transport in solids and their micro/nanostructures is a key subject in the research of micro/nanoscale heat conduction. A number of laser and optical techniques to measure or capture the nondiffusive behaviors of heat carriers have been developed, such as transient thermoreflectance, time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR), transient thermal grating (TTG), and so on. Here, we propose a novel method to study micro/nanoscale heat transport, namely, speckled laser pump–thermoreflectance microscopy probe. In this technique, micrometer to few hundred nanometer size random heat spots are generated by a speckled laser pump pulse, and the time–space evolution of heat spots are recorded by thermoreflectance microscopy images of the probe pulses arriving at different delay times. Fourier transform is applied to analyze the thermoreflectance images and extract the thermal decaying time for different spatial frequencies and along different in-plane directions. Thermal conductivity at different spatial frequencies, which includes the nondiffusive transport information, is obtained in this way. By numerically performing simulation of anisotropic Brownian motion and solving phonon Boltzmann transport equations under the initial condition of random heat spots, we retrieve the preset anisotropic thermal conductivity and the nondiffusive behavior of reduced thermal conductivity with increasing spatial frequencies, proving the validity of this technique. The innovative method can also be applied to study electron and spin transports, and holds the potential to facilitate the experimental research and understanding of nanoscale energy transport.

Energy Landscapes in Chemical Reactions and Transport.

Both, molecular chemical reactions and transport of atoms in solid media are determined by the energy landscape in which the seemingly different processes take place. Chemical reactions can be described as cooperative translocation of two chemical entities on a common potential energy surface. Transport of atoms in a solid can be envisaged as the translocation of a single particle in the potential energy landscape of all other particles constituting the solid. The goal of this manuscript is to demonstrate common grounds but also distinct differences in the physico-chemical processes, their experimental quantification and their theoretical modelling. This work will span the range from the historical foundations all the way to the current challenges. While scientists at the beginning of the 20th century where commonly active in both fields, e. g., Wilhelm Jost has pioneered and shaped the field of transport in solids and reaction kinetics in Germany, the fields have drifted apart for the last 50 decades. It is now time to bring the fields together again. Ultimately, it is suggested that knowledge gained in the field of transport may in fact stimulate advancement in the field of molecular reactivity and vice versa. Here, the energy landscapes are pivotal for knowledge-based advancement.

A Comparative Case Study on Neutrosophic Linear Programming Approach and  -Constraint Method for Fuzzy Multiobjective Solid Cold Transportation Problem with an Improved Preservation Technology

Cold transportation is one among the unquenching needs of people around the globe. Although cost sensitive, refrigerated transportation is preferred globally as it ensures the quality of perishable items in pharmaceutical, food and beverages, chemicals and certain other industries during transportation. However, many refrigerated vehicles fail in offering consistent preservation as most of their cooling units depend on the vehicle’s engine. It is also important to acknowledge that operating a vehicle unceasingly to maintain temperature is impossible in real life. This set up of poor cold logistics and supply chain leads to an increased deterioration of sensitive items. The paper overcomes this complication by adjoining an extra power source that supports freezing during the shutdown time of the vehicle engine by proposing improved mathematical models on Multi-Objective Cold Fuzzy Solid Transportation Problem (MOCFSTP) with an extra time parameter relating to the static and delay condition of the vehicles during various preservation modes (zero, semi, full) and defends them with comparable scrutinizing. The objectives contemplated in the problem are minimizing the cost, time and rate of deterioration. Numerical examples are discussed in detail and solved using reknown methods in LINGO (19.0) to stress on the effectiveness of the models.

Size-Dependent Charging Energy Determines the Charge Transport in ZnO Quantum Dot Solids

Size-Dependent Charging Energy Determines the Charge Transport in ZnO Quantum Dot Solids

Antarctic Microalgae Growth in Simulated Wastewater

In recent years, the number of scientific studies in the Antarctic and Arctic regions has increased considerably. While scientific studies allow us to explore the untouched nature of the region and better understand the global climate, they also raise various ecological concerns such as wastewater, air pollution and habitat destruction. This threatens the flora and fauna of the polar regions, negatively affecting biodiversity. It is crucial that we protect the fragile ecosystems of the polar regions through sustainable research practices and international cooperation to prevent pollution, protect habitats and prevent the introduction of invasive species. The Antarctic Treaty and other protocols prohibit the discharge of wastewater into the sea without treatment. For this reason, many research bases in Antarctica have established facilities to treat wastewater. These facilities ensure that wastewater is treated and returned to the sea without harming the environment. However, the wastewater treatment process generates a significant amount of solid waste. As this waste accumulates in the treatment plants, it has to be transported back to the mainland. Antarctica's remoteness and challenging geographical conditions make solid waste transportation logistically difficult and costly. In order to solve these problems, it was aimed to use the algal blooms occurring in Antarctica in the treatment process by cultivating them in wastewater. In the study, it was found that the Antarctic microalgae can be cultivated in domestic wastewater in Antarctic bases and have a high potential for the proposed activities by having approximately 30% of protein content.

A Bi-Objective Model for the Location and Optimization Configuration of Kitchen Waste Transfer Stations

Since the implementation of China’s mandatory waste sorting policy, the recycling of kitchen waste has become one of the core tasks of waste classification. The problem of designing the locations and the optimization configuration strategy for kitchen waste transfer stations faces great challenges in reconstructing the municipal solid waste collection and transportation system. This paper establishes an integer programming model for the bi-objectives of the location and optimal configuration for a kitchen waste transfer station, with the goal of minimizing the total cost and overall negative environmental impact. An improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm with an elite strategy (NSGA-II) is used to solve the problem, resulting in a Pareto-optimal solution set that includes several non-dominated solutions, thereby providing diversified choices for decision-makers. Finally, a pilot case involving cooperative enterprises is used as an example in this study, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the model and algorithm, as well as their feasibility in practice.

A multi-objective solid transportation model for e-waste recovery in the post-disaster phase under an uncertain environment

A multi-objective solid transportation model for e-waste recovery in the post-disaster phase under an uncertain environment

Mechanisms of mixed slurry flow of deep-sea hydrate exploitation

Marine gas hydrate test production faces several challenges, including low hydrate yield, severe sand sedimentation under jet-breaking conditions, and minimal or even absent fluid returns. To address these challenges and enhance gas hydrate production while maximizing the value of extraction equipment, a layered control engineering strategy is proposed. This strategy is based on the integrated vertical development approach encompassing natural gas hydrates, shallow gas, and natural gas reservoirs. Using a gas-liquid two-phase flow theory and considering both the self-dissociation behavior of hydrates and the effective transport conditions of solid-phase particles, a mathematical model for slurry lifting across different extraction stages was established. The model was solved and validated, ultimately producing a process flow diagram for natural-assisted lifting of hydrate slurry. During the horizontal drilling phase, effective transport of solid-phase particles can be achieved without additional gas injection when the drilling fluid flow rate exceeds 13 L/s. However, gas injection can be used to further accelerate solid particle transport, with an injection range of 0 to 67 L/s, depending on the drilling fluid input. During the hydrate fracturing and recovery stage, solid particle transport can be effectively maintained without additional gas injection when the fracturing flow rate is between 49 and 55 L/s. Within this range, gas injection can be adjusted from 0 to 129 L/s to meet the requirements of hydrate slurry flow. This research provides a reference for improving gas hydrate extraction yield, accelerating early commercialization of hydrate exploitation, and supporting China's “dual carbon” strategic goals.

The ADDRESS of a grain: Sediment particle tracking as an approach to assessing ecosystem quality in dammed reservoirs

The study integrates hydrodynamic modelling and geospatial analysis methods to describe the dynamic transport and sedimentation conditions of suspended solids (SS) in large lowland reservoirs. The method was tested on a dam reservoir on the Vistula River (Poland). Stochastic particle tracking was used with a Lagrangian approach, then geostatistical analyses to interpret the simulation results.It is shown that, excluding the backwater, SS sedimentation is greatest in distal parts of the reservoir's lacustrine and river sections. The reservoir retains an average of 79 % of inflowing SS. The primary process affecting the sedimentation of SS is a dam-wards increasing fineness of settling grains. Hydrodynamic simulation results showed deposition of clay fraction to also be possible in the reservoir's upper part, even during floods. Moreover, sand grains entered the dam even during very low flows. Interpretation of Particle Tracking Model (PTM) simulation results and geostatistical modelling reveals that the submerged bed of the pre-dam river still has a transport function, while fine SS accumulates in slow-flowing areas outside it. The anastomosing pre-dam riverbed still influences flow conditions and SS deposition in the upper and middle reservoir. PTM modelling and geostatistical analyses determined the influence of hydrodynamic conditions on the spatial variability of SS sedimentation in terms of the quantity and grain-size distribution of sedimenting matter.An original indicator (ADDRESS [A]; Accumulation or Discharge of Dam REservoir Suspended Solids) was developed determining the ability of polymictic reservoirs to either retain SS of different diameters or allow them through the reservoir to be discharged through the dam. The indicator quickly and simply determines particle behaviour under given hydrological conditions. Information on whether all or only some of grains of specific diameters will flow through the dam is important for explaining many natural processes affecting the reservoir ecosystem and the river ecosystem below the dam.

(Invited) Towards Automated Materials Discovery for Next-Generation Batteries with Solid-State Electrolytes

Solid-state batteries are increasingly seen as essential for next-generation energy applications in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. The key component of solid-state batteries is the solid-state electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and great interfacial stability against battery electrodes. Traditional discovery of solid-state electrolyte materials for high ionic conductivity often proceeds based on trial-and-error without an understanding of underlying structure-composition-property relationships, and so far only a handful of lithium and sodium conductors have been discovered with desired conductivity.Computational modeling based on density functional theory has become a cornerstone of materials design, by providing insights into fundamental processes that are not easily accessible in experiments, and enabling fast and efficient prediction even before material synthesis [1-2]. Such predictive power has made computational modeling a critical tool to design new solid-state ionic conducting materials with desired properties and accelerate the development of next-generation batteries with solid-state electrolytes.In this talk, I will present our recent findings in the physical and chemical design principles for solid-state materials with high ionic conductivity and stability [3]. More specifically, I will discuss crystallographic features which would enable fast ionic transport in inorganic solids, such as body-centered-cubic in sulfides [1] and corner-shared-polyhedron frameworks in oxides [4], and demonstrate how high-throughput calculations can be applied with such features in the design and discovery of new ionic conductors. I will also discuss our most recent efforts at Samsung Advanced Materials Lab, where we are developing an automation platform for inorganic battery materials discovery by combining high-throughput computation and robotic synthesis [5].[1] Y. Wang et al., “Design principles for solid-state lithium superionic conductors,” Nature Materials, 14, 1026-1031, (2015).[2] G. Ceder, S. Ong, Y. Wang, “Predictive modeling and design rules for solid electrolytes.” MRS Bulletin, 43(10), 746-751 (2018).[3] Y. Xiao, Y. Wang, G. Ceder, et. al., “Understanding interface stability in solid-state batteries”, Nature Review Materials, 5, 105 (2020).[4] K. Jun, Y. Wang, G. Ceder, et. al., “Lithium superionic conductors with corner-sharing frameworks”, Nature Materials 21, 924 (2022)[5] J. Chen, S. R. Cross, Y. Wang, W. Sun, et. al., “Navigating phase diagram complexity to guide robotic inorganic materials synthesis”, Nature Synthesis, 1-9, 2024

(Invited) Surface-Driven Electrolyte Reactivity

The quest for next-generation energy storage systems necessitates a deep atomistic level understandings of the interplay and reactivity between the electrode and electrolyte materials. Such understanding is crucial to elucidating the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation mechanism and enhancing ion transport across the interface. Traditionally, the primary SEI formation mechanism is considered to be dictated by the electrochemical decomposition of electrolyte near the interface and the explicit role of the electrode surface in the process has been underexplored in the literature. Our presentation aims to bridge this gap by focusing on our recent computational investigations into electrolyte decomposition reactions at the interface of Mg cathode and graphite anode surfaces. The insights from these studies highlight the critical influence of the electrode surface and chemistry in steering these interface reactions and shed light on the fundamental mechanism driving electrolyte decomposition at the electrode interfaces.

Designing Particle Morphologies for Materials with Solid Transport Limitations: A Case Study of Lithium and Manganese Rich Cathode Oxides

Designing Particle Morphologies for Materials with Solid Transport Limitations: A Case Study of Lithium and Manganese Rich Cathode Oxides

Multivariate statistical analysis as a tool for monitoring drinking water sources in an Atlantic Rainforest Conservation Unit.

Water quality monitoring is paramount in identifying and mitigating pollution sources, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and ensuring safe water for human and wildlife consumption. This study is aimed at evaluating the quality of drinking water sources in three communities located in a Sustainable Use Conservation Unit in the municipality of Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, employing a multivariate statistical analysis. A total of 161 water samples were collected from January to December 2022, encompassing 32 surface water and 129 tap water samples. Physicochemical parameters were determined in situ employing a Horiba U50 multiparameter probe. The samples were stored and transported at 4°C to the laboratory for microbiological analyses concerning total coliforms and Escherichia coli using a commercial enzymatic test. All samples contained coliforms, while E. coli were detected in 87% of the samples. The multivariate analysis indicated that the microbiological water quality in sampling region R2 was influenced by rainy periods and that, in general, the water quality within R3 was the most affected by the transport of solids to the water sources. The statistical methods applied herein aided in characterizing the study areas and detecting points of attention regarding physicochemical and microbiological parameters that significantly influence the water quality of each sampling point. Representative points for each study region were identified and may be employed for future monitoring and prevention actions.

The Environmental Impact of a High-Altitude Medical Research Expedition.

Joyce, Kelsey E., Catherine A. Campbell, Arthur R. Bradwell, Samuel J.E. Lucas, Christopher T. Lewis, Rebekah A.I. Lucas, and Mark Edsell. The environmental impact of a high-altitude medical research expedition. High Alt Med Biol. 00:00-00, 2024. Introduction: Scientists must begin examining the environmental cost(s) of their research. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a component of the environmental impact of a high-altitude medical research expedition by totaling the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions calculated from as many direct and indirect sources as possible. Methods: Eighteen individuals flew from London to Bagdogra (via Delhi), and then drove onward to Lachung (via Gangtok) where they began their ascent on foot to 4,800 m (Kanchenjunga National Park, Sikkim). Several research experiments were conducted throughout the expedition, which required use of a laboratory centrifuge, solid CO2 (specimen storage), rechargeable laptop computers and battery-powered oximeters. International Civil Aviation Organization calculators estimated aviation CO2 production. Land emissions were calculated for Mahindra vehicles. Solid waste was weighed and CO2 emissions estimated for its incineration. Results: Total CO2 emissions equated to ∼16.7 tonnes from the following sources: air and land transportation of expedition team (87.3%); sublimation and transportation of solid CO2 (7.7%), waste incineration (0.58%), generator transportation and gasoline (12 l) combustion (0.48%), and battery transportation (3.3%). Conclusions: Air travel contributed the most to the overall environmental cost of the research expedition. Further investigation is required to contextualize these findings in relation to lab-based alternative(s).

Solid‐State Revolution: Assessing the Potential of Solid Polymer Electrolytes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractLithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are crucial for achieving sustainable energy goals due to their high energy density and long cycle life. They dominate markets like consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and stationary energy storage systems. However, current LIBs use liquid electrolytes, which are toxic, flammable, and their liquid state does not resist dendrite growth, causing battery capacity decline and failure. Additionally, the limited availability of lithium and other metals makes liquid‐based LIBs less sustainable. On the other hand, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) offer a safer alternative as they are non‐volatile and can resist dendrite growth. However, ion transport in solids is much more restricted than in liquids, while imperfect solid‐solid interfaces contribute to interfacial resistance leading to lower ionic conductivity and increasing Ohmic losses or requiring battery operation at elevated temperatures. Chemical and mechanical degradation of these interfaces can also result in battery capacity fade, and poorer cyclic performance compared to liquid electrolytes. Understanding the ionic transport mechanisms in SPEs is critical for designing and optimizing the nanostructure of polymers and polymer/electrode interfaces to overcome these limitations. In this review, the fundamental mechanisms of ion transport in SPEs will first be explored. Various state‐of‐the‐art approaches for addressing the key challenges in SPEs and their solutions are then discussed. Furthermore, the current status of SPEs is analyzed to determine their potential for replacing liquid electrolytes in the future.

Physical model of solid minerals transportation from Arctic shelf seabed using soil-ice bodies

The projected increase in demand for some metals required for various industries, including transition to clean energy sources, shall force people to look for new deposits and the development of such deposits shall become progressively complicated. Arctic shelf is one of the promising mineral sources, but its areas are hardly explored and developed. The reasons include the absence of mining technologies that could ensure the efficient development of subsea solid mineral deposits. This study proposes a mining technology that enables transportation of minerals from the seabed to the water surface using the ice that covers the valuable mineral particles suspended by means of loosening and continuous supply of cooling agent to the submarine mining face. The technology implies formation of soil-ice bodies comprising an ice component with pores and mineral particles. The detailed study of the proposed technology and its application conditions included the development of a theoretical model of soil-ice bodies emersion from the seabed to the water surface with account of ice component melting.

Integrated municipal solid waste management using ArcGIS tools: A case of akaki-kality sub-city, addis ababa, ethiopia.

This study aimed to optimize the solid waste collection and transportation system using ArcGIS Network Analyst and location-allocation tools. The generated solid waste was characterized by proximate analysis. The generation rate and composition were determined according to standard methods. The average solid waste generation rates for households, commercial sites, institutions, and recreational places were 0.48kg/c/day, 15.03kg/fac/day, 9.32kg/fac/day, and 22.8kg/fac/day, respectively. The estimated total generation rate of the sub-city is 207,004.03kg/day and 712.13 m3/day as discarded base. Composition analysis revealed that food waste is the major component of municipal solid waste, with estimated weight and volume of 134,696.08kg and 299.46 m3, respectively. Proximate analysis indicated that food and textile wastes have relatively high moisture content and fixed carbon. Candidate pre-collection bin allocations were optimized based on factors such as road network, distribution of solid waste generators, and existing temporary dumping sites, resulting in 1052 potential bin locations. Transfer station allocation was optimized by considering land use-land cover, slope, and geology. Twelve transfer routes and four transport routes were established to efficiently serve the bins and final waste destinations. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that ArcGIS Network Analyst and location-allocation tools can effectively optimize the municipal solid waste collection and transportation system, providing a robust framework for improving waste management efficiency. However, further research is recommended to validate these findings through field application.

Efficient Transportation Planning: A Case Study of Multi-Dimensional Solid Transportation Problem

Efficient Transportation Planning: A Case Study of Multi-Dimensional Solid Transportation Problem

Investigation of the transportation characteristics of marine dredged-sediment in pipelines based on experimental pipeline models

Marine dredged-sediment(DS) is often transported through pipelines, where factors such as the solid volume concentration and transport rate can significantly influence the efficiency of the process. Inadequate selection of transport rates for a given solid volume concentration can lead to substantial energy losses. The pressure loss Δ P L or pressure loss gradient Δ P L / L are critical parameters for assessing energy loss during pipeline transport. In this study, large-scale indoor experiments on DS pipeline transport were conducted to investigate the effects of the cross-sectional mean flow velocity Vavg and solid concentration ϕ on the transport characteristics of DS. The results show that at higher solid volume concentrations, Δ P L / L increases rapidly with the square of Vavg and then plateaus, followed by a linear growth phase. In addition, a linear relationship is observed between lgf and lgVavg when the flow velocity is below critical velocity (Vavg ) critical ; above (Vavg ) critical , the friction factor f stabilizes at f 0 . Formulas for calculating (Vavg ) critical , f 0 and ϕ were developed. Additionally, a method for determining the optimal transport velocity of DS at varying volume concentrations was established, enabling the identification of the most efficient flow velocity for DS pipeline transportation across different concentrations. HIGHLIGHTS Pipeline model tests were conducted on marine dredged sediments. A formula for predicting pressure loss on the basis of solid concentration was derived. The impact of the solid concentration on the Darcy friction factor was determined. A method for determining the optimal transport velocity was established.

Моделирование переноса и накопления взвешенных веществ в условиях маловодья и нагонных явлений в устьевой области р. Дон

An approach is proposed for the joint use of the model implemented in the HEC-RAS software and a balance model to describe the transport and transformation of suspended solids in a river delta. In the river estuary region, hydrological areas are distinguished: channel areas, floodplain areas, flooded during high floods and storm surges from the sea, and the delta front areas. For the hydrological areas, a dynamic model of the balance of water and substances transported by water flow is built. Parameterization of the suspended solids sedimentation processes and their resuspension is introduced depending on the speed of water movement and particle size. Three gradations of suspended solids in size are considered: pelitic fraction (clay), alevrit fraction (silt) and fine sand. The emphasis is on assessing the impact of marine storm surges on the transport of suspended solids into the river delta and their deposition. To describe water flows between areas, movement speeds, level dynamics and floodplain flooding processes, a detailed model based on the HEC-RAS software adapted to the conditions of the Don River estuary area is used. Calculations of the transport and accumulation of suspended solids in the Don River estuary area were carried out for two variants of hydrological conditions – with the water surge from the sea and without it. The spatiotemporal variability of the concentration and granulometric composition of suspended sediment depending on hydrological conditions is considered. It is shown that in the absence of surge phenomena and low water flow rates, suspended solids are mainly deposited in the avandelta outside the sea edge of the delta, and during the surge period they saturate the water and, at the stage of rising its level, enter the delta, partially settling in the branches and in the floodplain areas. At the same time, at the stage of the water level decline, they are carried out of the channel segments beyond the sea edge of the delta, and mostly remain in the floodplain areas. For low-water conditions with the observed frequency of surge events and in the absence of floods, the Don estuary area retains on average 20% of suspended solids entering with the Don River runoff.