Storage Sites Research Articles

Box-shaped necklace-like Fe3O4/MoS2-CNFs composite nanofibers with confinement effect enhancing sodium storage performance

A nanofiber necklace with a box-shaped structure has been designed. The box-shaped template can introduce other transition metal compounds, effectively compensating for the intrinsic defects of electrode materials. α-Fe2O3 nano cubes as the template mix with PAN to get α-Fe2O3/PAN. And then the α-Fe2O3 nano cubes calcine to form Fe3O4 with more valence state under high temperature, which get the box-shape necklace-like structure Fe3O4-CNFs. The confined space has formed by high concentrated HCl etching, the box-shaped necklace-like Fe3O4/MoS2 carbon nanofibers (BN Fe3O4/MoS2-CNFs) anode material is obtained by hydrothermal method of confining growth of MoS2 nanosheets. The mixed valence state of Fe3O4 (Fe3+/Fe2+) can effectively improve the conductivity of MoS2 nanosheets. The box-shape necklace structure constructed by α-Fe2O3 nanocube has mesoporous structure and confined space, which can alleviate the volume effect of electrode material. When the electrode material is applied to the SIBs, the reversible capacity is 354 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 A/g, and the specific capacity of 131.5 mA h g−1 can be maintained at 8 A/g. On the one hand, the heterogeneous structure in the confined space alleviates the volume effect of the material, thereby improving the long cycle performance, on the other hand, it effectively enhances the electrical conductivity and increases more lithium/sodium storage sites.

Storage capacity estimates and site conditions of potential locations for offshore-wind powered carbon dioxide removal and carbon sequestration in ocean basalt

Negative emission technologies (NETs) are considered essential to keep global warming below 2 °C. Situating wind-powered carbon dioxide removal (CDR) devices offshore and injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into deep-water sub-seafloor basalt aquifers has the potential to offer large CO2 removal capacity. It also avoids land and water-use competition and provides additional low-risk protections against post-injection leakage compared to terrestrial CO2 storage. This paper seeks to identify locations where offshore wind and potential basalt storage locations exist within close proximity to one another around the globe. A global mean wind power density map at 150 m height was computed using 30 years (1986–2016) of ERA5 hourly wind speed reanalysis data. Offshore regions with mean wind speed greater than 8 m/s were identified. Offshore regions with basalt aquifers along seismic or aseismic ridges which provide potential CO2 storage sites were identified and selected based on sediment thickness, age, and distance from plate boundaries. Four scenarios were constructed to capture a range of constraints with implications for technical, economic and regulatory difficulties. For each scenario, eligible regions for CO2 injection were filled by regularly spaced grid points and the distance to the nearest eligible wind resource was calculated for each point to identify the most promising configurations. Total available storage capacity within reach of wind resources was estimated to be between 4,300Gt and 196,000Gt depending on both uncertainties in porosity and other imposed constraints; even the most conservative estimates represent enormous capacity compared to global targets for negative emissions technologies. Typically, the best areas were found close to the poles due to the greater prevalence of good wind resources in those areas. Site-specific properties such as water depth and distance from shore are computed for the identified locations in order to characterize the conditions in which such locations are typically found.

Mo–O–Sn Bond Boosting Kinetics of MoO2−xSnO2/Sn Anode for High‐Performance Li‐ion Batteries

Obtaining a robust electrode composed of Sn‐based metal oxides and carbonaceous matrix through nanoscale structure engineering is essential for effectively improving Li‐ion batteries' electrochemical performance and stability. Herein, we report a bimetallic MoO2‐xSnO2/Sn nanoparticles uniformly anchored on N, S co‐doped graphene nanosheets (MoO2‐xSnO2/Sn@NSG) as an anode electrode for Li‐ion battery via a one‐step hydrothermal and thermal treatment approach. In the MoO2‐xSnO2/Sn nanocomposite, the generated Sn‐O‐Mo bond can modulate the electronic and composition structures to improve the intrinsic conductivity of SnO2 and reinforce the structural stability during cycles. Moreover, featuring excellent electronic conductivity via coupling of MoO2‐xSnO2/Sn and hierarchical NBG matrix, the MoO2‐xSnO2/Sn@NSG electrode possesses ultrafast electrochemical kinetics and superior long‐term cycling stability and rate capability. Additionally, the hierarchical MoO2‐2SnO2/Sn@NSG can suppress the aggregation and accommodate the volume variations of active substances, thereby providing more lithium storage sites. Consequently, the optimized MoO2‐2SnO2/Sn@NSG anode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 904 mA h g‐1 at 0.2 A g‐1 and excellent cycling performance with the reversible capacity of 456 mAh g‐1 at 1 A g‐1 over 600 cycles. The universal synthesis technology of bimetallic oxide anodes for advanced LIBs may provide vital guidance in designing high‐performance energy‐storage materials.

Topological Defect-Regulated Porous Carbon Nanoribbon for High-Performance Potassium-Ion Batteries.

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) using carbonaceous anode materials have attracted a great deal of research interest. However, the large atomic size of potassium ions inevitably leads to huge volume expansion and the collapse of anodes during intercalation, which greatly hinders rate performance and cycling life. In this work, carbon nanotube-derived porous N-doped carbon nanoribbon (CNR) bundles are designed as an anode for PIBs. These CNR materials are in rich defects which provide fast channels for charge transport and abundant active sites for potassium ion storage. The CNR materials exhibit a maximum capacity of 441.4mAhg-1 at a current density of 0.2Ag-1 after 200 cycles as well as a highly reversible capacity of 263.6mAhg-1 at a current density of 5.0Ag-1 even after 1000 cycles. This work provides guidance for the structure design of nanoribbon materials for high-performance PIBs.

The role of structural compartmentalization in carbon storage site selection in Permian (Rotliegend Group) reservoirs in the Southern North Sea

The Southern North Sea (SNS) gas basin is a key area for CO 2 storage projects in the UK. Many of the now-depleted Permian (Rotliegend) Leman Sandstone Formation fields are being re-evaluated as carbon stores. However, the reservoir is known to be highly faulted, often leading to field compartmentalization. This has historically impacted field development and production, and will challenge suitability for CO 2 storage by limiting site capacity, requiring a high number of injector wells, and increasing capital costs. It is necessary to understand the nature of these pressure compartments - and whether any individual culmination can house sufficient capacity - before devising a carbon storage development programme. The highly compartmentalized Indefatigable (Inde) Field was evaluated as a case study. A static model of the field was constructed using 3D seismic and well log data, and subsequently used to calculate the CO 2 capacity of each of the 12 compartments. Five compartments were found to have capacities larger than 10 Mt, with the large Main Horst found to host 51% of total CO 2 capacity. A sequential filling-and-sealing storage site development plan is suggested based on the evaluation and ranking of these compartments.

Atmospheric air pollution from the Ermakovskoe fluorite-beryllium deposit development waste

Relevance. Negative impact of waste from mining enterprises on the ecological state of the surrounding areas. Aim. To determine the migration ability of toxic chemical elements from waste storage sites of the Ermakovskoe beryllium deposit in the air. Object. Ermakovskoe fluorite-bertrandite-phenacite deposit and the surrounding area. Methods. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, laser diffraction, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Results and conclusions. The paper introduces the experimental studies of surface atmospheric pollution by mining waste from the Ermakovskoe fluorite-bertrandite-phenakite deposit are presented using an installation for collecting aerosols above the sand surface. It was established that toxic components formed during the decomposition of residual sulfide mineralization and products of the interaction of acidic waters with rocks move from the sand thickness to the surface along with water vapor. The moisture condensed over the sand contains high contents of aluminum, iron, manganese, zinc, and phosphorus. These elements form a halo of air pollution over mining waste and are then dispersed by air currents into the surrounding area. In winter, due to wind dispersion of aerosols, the snow cover becomes contaminated over a vast area. Among the toxic elements found were beryllium, lead, cadmium, and molybdenum, which belong to the second hazard class. The solid residue of the snow cover contains a fine fraction of dust, the size of which is less than 10 microns. The halo of snow contamination with toxic chemical elements and dust extends several kilometers away from the disturbed lands.

Flux Synthesis of Robust Polyimide Covalent Organic Frameworks with High-Density Redox Sites for Efficient Proton Batteries.

Aqueous proton batteries are attracting increasing attention in the large-scale next-generation energy storage field. However, the electrode materials for proton batteries often suffer from low specific capacity and unsatisfactory cycle durability. Herein, we synthesize two highly crystalline and robust polyimide covalent organic frameworks (COFs) through a solvent-free flux synthesis approach with benzoic acid as a flux and catalyst. The as-synthesized COFs possess enriched redox-active sites for proton storage and intrinsic Grotthuss proton conduction, rendering them ideal candidates for proton electrode materials. The optimal COF electrodes achieve a high specific capacity of 180 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g, among the highest COF-based proton batteries, and exhibit an outstanding rate capability of up to 100 A/g and long-term cycling stability with capacity retention of 99% after 5000 cycles at 5 A/g. The assembled full cells deliver a specific capacity of 150 mAh/g at 0.2 A/g with a maximum energy density of 72 Wh/kg and a maximum supercapacitor-level power density of 64 kW/kg, surpassing all reported COF-based systems. This work paves a new avenue for the design of electrode materials for aqueous proton batteries with high energy density, power density, rate capability and long-term cycling stability.

Enhancing Sodium‐Ion Storage Capacity and Stability in Metal–Organic Coordination Compounds by Bifunctional Coordinated Water Molecule

Redox‐active organic compounds have received much attention as high‐capacity electrodes for rechargeable batteries. However, the high solubility in organic electrolytes during charge and discharge processes hinders the practical exploitation of organic compounds. This study presents a cobalt‐based metal–organic coordination compound with bifunctional coordinated water (Co‐MOC‐H2O) for sodium‐ion storage. The coordinated water enhances interactions between sodium ions and nitrogen atoms in organic ligands through chelation, activating the inert sodium‐ion storage sites (C=N). Moreover, the stable hydrogen bonded framework formed by the coordinated water molecules prevents the active organic compounds from dissolving into the electrolyte, thereby enhancing cycling stability. With the bifunctional coordinated water molecules, the Co‐MOC‐H2O electrode delivers a high capacity of 403 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 over 600 cycles and exhibits a capacity retention of 77.9% at 2 A g−1 after 1100 cycles. This work highlights the crucial role of the coordinated water molecules in constructing high capacity and long‐life sodium‐ion storage materials.

Improved Injection Schedules of CO2 for Pohang Basin, Yeongil Bay, South Korea: Regarding Field Security and Injection Effectiveness

Abstract Yeongil bay is a basin located in Pohang, South Korea. Numerous projects and researches have been conducted for carbon capture and storage in Yeongil bay. The objectives of most of studies were shifted from enhancing injection efficiency to ensuring safety of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage after the Pohang earthquake occurrence in 2017. In this research, we present a stepwise CO2 injection scenario, which gradually increases injection rate during early stage of CO2 injection period. Furthermore, we conduct sensitivity analyses on an optimal stepwise CO2 injection scenario, based on the variations of permeability, well skin factor, and boundary condition between the storage site and aquifer. In conclusion, we can reduce the duration of CO2 injection compared to other injection scenarios which have suggested by previous studies with the same safety conditions and total amount of CO2 injected.

Consequence of high-pressure CO2 pipeline failure: Full-scale burst test and numerical simulation

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a widely acknowledged technique for mitigating global warming. High-pressure pipelines emerge as the most efficient and economical means to transport Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from source to storage sites. Given the hazardous nature of CO2 and the potential for catastrophic consequences in an unplanned release, ensuring safe operation of CO2 pipelines is paramount. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the potential consequences of CO2 pipeline failures. This paper presents experimental measurements of CO2 dispersion profiles following a full-scale burst test, simulating a real-world CO2 pipeline failure scenario. The experimental setup comprised an 82.7 m buried pipeline test section with a diameter of 324 mm, connected at both ends to 60 m reservoirs. The rupture of the pipeline was initiated at the middle of the test section using an explosive charge. Measurements were carried out for the transient downwind CO2 concentrations and temperatures following the explosive release. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models employing proposed numerical methods were used to simulate the experimental scenario. The performance of these methods was validated through comparisons with experimental measurements. The validated numerical methods were then employed to predict consequence distances for full-scale CO2 pipeline failures in real-world scenarios.

A W/Al Co-doped Na0.44MnO2 Cathode Material for Enhanced Sodium-Ion Storage.

The Na0.44MnO2 cathode has attracted enormous interest owing to its low cost, low toxicity, and stable structure, but its practical application is still hindered by the limited sodium storage sites. Element doping is widely used to improve its capacity. However, cation and anion substitution could barely reach a satisfactory compromise between the structural stability and reversible capacity. Herein, we show that the above issue could be overcome via the synergetic effect of W and Al substitution. Combining the electrochemical and in situ X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements, we reveal that the substitution of W effectively facilitates the tunnel-to-layered phase transformation, while the further substitution of Al eliminates the Na+/vacancy ordering during the extraction/insertion of Na+ ions, resulting in a layered Na0.44Mn0.94W0.01Al0.05O2 (NMO-1W5Al) with negligible Na+/vacancy ordering upon cycling. In addition, NMO-1W5Al represents a wider Na+ interlayer spacing to accelerate the diffusion of Na+, which improves the rate performance. The high specific capacity, remarkable rate performance, and high cycling stability of NMO-1W5Al are promising for large-scale energy storage systems.

A prospective approach to the optimal deployment of a hydrogen supply chain for sustainable mobility in island territories: Application to Corsica

This study develops a framework for designing hydrogen supply chains (HSC) in island territories using Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) with a multi-period approach. The framework minimizes system costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and a risk-based index. Corsica is used as a case study, with a Geographic Information System (GIS) identifying hydrogen demand regions and potential sites for production, storage, and distribution. The results provide an optimal HSC configuration for 2050, specifying the size, location, and technology while accounting for techno-economic factors. This work integrates the unique geographical characteristics of islands using a GIS-based approach, incorporates technology readiness levels, and utilizes renewable electricity from neighboring regions. The model proposes decentralized configurations that avoid hydrogen transport between grids, achieving a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of €8.54/kg. This approach offers insight into future options and incentive mechanisms to support the development of hydrogen economies in isolated territories.

Factors Relationship with Fly Density Level in Telanaipura Subdistrict Temporary Waste Storage

Fly density is an indicator of environmental sanitation assessment. Fly density is influenced by waste management, the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) shows that waste generation in Jambi City reaches 159,688.01 tons/year. The aim of this research is to determine factors related to the level of fly density in Temporary Waste Storage Sites (TPSS) in Telanaipura District, Jambi City 2023. This research is a quantitative research with a cross sectional method research design. This research was conducted in the Telanaipura District community with a sample of 94 people. Data analysis was carried out using univariate and bivariate methods using correlation tests. The results of this study indicate that knowledge (p=0.027), action (p=0.029), monitoring (p=0.017), sorting (p=0.016), collection (p=0.027), and transportation (p=0.026) have relationship with the level of fly density, while attitude (p=0.245) had no relationship with the level of fly density. Knowledge, action, monitoring, sorting, collection and transportation are factors related to the level of fly density in temporary waste storage sites in Telanaipura District. It is hoped that the public will pay attention to managing household waste properly.

Relationship between the molecular structure of soluble organic matter in a subbituminous coal and the electrochemical properties of prepared supercapacitor

Carbon-based supercapacitors (SCs) are potential energy storage apparatuses, and the molecular and structural characteristics of carbon sources determine the performance of electrode materials. Coal-based porous carbon proves to be a potential candidate for the electrode materials of SC because of its high chemical stability, conductivity, and specific surface area. In the present study, the soluble substances thermally extracted from a subbituminous coal were utilized as the carbon source for the preparation of porous carbon materials (HS-X-PCs). The molecular composition of the carbon source was analyzed by using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and orbitrap-MS. HS-Et-PC exhibited a honeycomb pore structure with micropores and mesopores, consisting of a 3D network, while the carbon materials showed an amorphous structure. The electrochemical performance of HS-X-PCs was investigated, and HS-Et-PC exhibited the best performance with a specific capacitance of 195 F/g at 0.1 A/g and a retention rate of 100% after 10,000 cycles. The molecular structure of the carbon sources was elucidated by the two MS systems, and the double bond equivalence plots indicated the unsaturation degree of components. The active sites for electronic storage provided by pyrrolic-N and pyridine-N lead to the formation of additional pseudocapacitance. ON-containing compounds can form π-π conjugation with substances possessing highly condensed aromatic cores, which is advantageous for electron transfer and enhances the electrochemical performance of electrode materials.

Studying the storage index systems and geological storage conditions of CO2 in typical coal basins

Abstract In China, the geological storage of CO2 in coal reservoirs started relatively late. There are still issues with the index mechanism for choosing storage sites. This study has identified eight types of basic engineering geologic indexes, ten types of basic storage potential indexes, and three types of basic socio-economic indexes at the regional scale for the type of coal reservoir in order to grasp the areas favorable for geological storage of carbon dioxide and the potential for storage in China. These categories are based on the results of current research and engineering practice both domestically and internationally.

Study Assesses Effects of Carbon Dioxide on Drilling-Fluid Performance in CCS Wells

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 217711, “CCS Well-Control Impact of CO2 on Drilling-Fluid Performance,” by Jan O. Skogestad, SPE, Blandine Feneuil, SPE, and Elie N’Gouamba, SPE, SINTEF, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Drilling carbon-dioxide (CO2) storage wells is a task expected to involve handling an influx of CO2 into the drilling fluid. In the study described in the complete paper, experimental characterization of density, rheology, phase envelope, hydrate formation, and drilling-fluid stability are performed on drilling fluids mixed with CO2 for relevant pressures and temperatures. Based on these experiments and verified thermodynamic model descriptions, local models for properties of drilling-fluid/CO2 mixtures were developed and integrated into an existing drilling software suite. Requirements for Enhanced Well-Control Software Well-control-evaluation software based on sophisticated and verified models of the drilling-fluid/gas interaction in the wellbore plays an important role in planning drilling operations. The software also can be used to evaluate the strategy for circulating out a kick and regaining control of the well. When drilling infill wells into CO2 storage sites, this software must be able to process kicks originating from both CO2 and natural gas influx. To achieve this ability, knowledge gaps related to the interaction of CO2 and drilling fluid must be closed. Hydraulic-flow models need to be enhanced with local models that capture the unique properties of CO2 and how it affects drilling-fluid performance. Starting from carefully devised experimental campaigns, the authors developed local models for drilling-fluid/CO2 interaction that were integrated into an existing hydraulic flow model. A well-control-evaluation product for use during planning and execution of infill drilling operations into CO2 storage reservoirs may then be built using the upgraded models. Experimental methods, equipment, and setup are detailed in the complete paper. Experimental Results Bubblepoints. Bubblepoint experiments in the base oil have been performed with CO2 weight content from 4 to 50% of the total weight of the mixture and at room temperature and 50 and 100°C. All measurements have been repeated at least once. At room temperature, CO2 can be dissolved in oil at mass fractions of up to approximately 50%. The bubblepoint increases when the temperature increases (i.e., the solubility decreases). As with base oil, the solubility of oil-based drilling fluid (OBDF) decreases with temperature. The bubblepoint at room temperature with 25% of CO2 by weight of the mixture is approximately 60 bar, roughly the bubblepoint of pure CO2. Therefore, the maximal solubility of CO2 in OBDF is probably below 25%. To compare the measured solubility in base oil and in OBDF, the CO2 content relative to the base oil has been calculated using the OBDF composition provided by the manufacturer.

Endochondral ossification: Insights into the cartilage mineralization processes achieved by an anhydrous freeze substitution protocol

Growth plate cartilage (GP) serves as a dynamic site of active mineralization and offers a unique opportunity to investigate the cell-regulated matrix mineralization process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provides a means for the direct observation of these mechanisms, offering the necessary resolution and chemical analysis capabilities. However, as mineral crystallinity is prone to artifacts using aqueous fixation protocols, sample preparation techniques are critical to preserve the mineralized tissue in its native form. We optimized cryofixation by high-pressure freezing followed by freeze substitution in anhydrous acetone containing 0.5 % uranyl acetate to prepare murine GP for TEM analysis. This sample preparation workflow maintains cellular and extracellular protein structural integrity with sufficient contrast for observation and without compromising mineral crystallinity. By employing appropriate sample preparation techniques, we were able to observe two parallel mineralization processes driven by chondrocytes: 1) intracellular- and 2) extracellular-originating mineralized vesicles. Both mechanisms are based on sequestering calcium phosphate (CaP) within a membrane-limited structure, albeit originating from different compartments of the chondrocytes. In the intracellular originating pathway, CaP accumulates within mitochondria as globular CaP granules, which are incorporated into intracellular vesicles (500–1000 nm) and transported as granules to the extracellular matrix (ECM). In contrast, membrane budding vesicles with a size of approximately 100–200 nm, filled with needle-shaped minerals were observed only in the ECM. Both processes transport CaP to the collagenous matrix via vesicles, they can be differentiated based on the vesicle size and mineral morphologies. Their individual importance to the cartilage mineralization process is yet to be determined. Statement of SignificanceWe do not fully understand the process by which epiphyseal cartilage mineralizes - a vital step in endochondral bone formation. Previous work has proposed that mitochondria and intracellular vesicles are storage sites for the delivery of mineral to collagen fibrils. However, these concepts are founded on results from in vitro models of mineralization; no prior work has observed mineral-containing intracellular vesicles or mitochondria in developing epiphyseal cartilage. Here we developed a new cryofixation preparation route for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging that has disclosed a cell-regulated process of mineralization in epiphyseal cartilage. High resolution TEM images revealed an involvement of mitochondria and intracellular and extracellular vesicles in delivering transient mineral phases to the collagen fibrils to promote cartilage mineralization.

Synergistic effect of P2, O3 phase on biphasic layered oxide with enhanced electrochemical performance for sodium storage

Oxides with a layered structure are regarded as prospective candidates for use as cathodes in the next generation of sodium ion batteries. These materials, which exhibit a P2 structure and O3 structure, possess distinctive advantages that give rise to disparate electrochemical performance. Herein, a thermodynamically and kinetically stable P2/O3 biphasic layered oxide with a chemical formula of K0.05Na0.8Ni0.5Mn0.5O2 is synthesized using a simplistic high temperature solid-state method. P2 phase enhances the structural stability of the material, while O3 phase provides additional sodium storage sites, thereby increasing the material’s capacity. The joint action of the two phases results in an improvement in the electrochemical characteristics. Moreover, the Ni-Mn-based layered oxide is enhanced by Fe-substitution, which effectively mitigates the Jahn-Teller effect caused by Mn3+, thereby improving the comprehensive electrochemical performance of the cathode. The Fe-doped specimen offers 102.8 mAh g−1 as the initial reversible discharge capacity under a high current density of 200 mA g−1, and a high capacity retention amounting to 83.17 % is attained after 200 cycles. In addition, the structural development of the P2/O3 biphasic sample during Na+ extraction/insertion was elucidated by in situ XRD. This paper employs the advantages of P2 and O3 phases to augment material electrochemical characteristics and verifies the possibility of the P2/O3 biphasic structure by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, providing new ideas for biphasic sodium ion battery cathode materials.

Hydrogen storage in a novel BCC-structured TiCrW alloys

Body-centered cubic (BCC)-type alloys possess a high theoretical hydrogen storage capacity, yet their high cost, limited effective hydrogen storage capacity, and poor cyclic properties remain challenges. In this work, a novel and cost-effective (Ti0.44Cr0.56)94W6 BCC phase alloy was successful prepared by W doping and heat treatment. The alloy exhibits an effective hydrogen desorption capacity of 2.44 wt% with minimal 9 % degradation over 300 cycles. The microstructural analysis shows that W doping inhibits the formation of Ti-rich phase and Laves phase in the alloy, and makes the alloy form a single BCC phase structure with higher hydrogen storage sites. After heat treatment, the alloy exhibits remarkable hydrogen de-/absorption kinetics and superior plateau characteristics, which reduces the plateau slope factor from 5.32 to 0.18, and increases the effective hydrogen desorption capacity from 1.09 to 2.44 wt%. This alloy’s activation energy and enthalpy change in dehydrogenation process are determined to be 11.64 and 44.31 kJ/mol, respectively. First-principles simulations further illuminated that the incorporation of W doping diminished the migration energy barrier of hydrogen and compromised the structural stability of the hydride. Furthermore, the structural evolution during de-/hydrogenation was analyzed, elucidating the mechanism of the alloy’s cyclic performance decay. These findings offer theoretical insights that guide the development of novel solid state hydrogen storage materials.

Impact of sample processing delays on plasma markers of inflammation, chemotaxis, cell death, and blood coagulation.

Biosampling studies in critically ill patients traditionally involve bedside collection of samples followed by local processing (ie. centrifugation, aliquotting, and freezing) and storage. However, community hospitals, which care for the majority of Canadian patients, often lack the infrastructure for local processing and storage of specimens. A potential solution is a "simplified" biosampling protocol whereby blood samples are collected at the bedside and then shipped to a central site for processing and storage. One potential limitation of this approach is that delayed processing may alter sample characteristics. To determine whether delays in blood sample processing affect the stability of cytokines (IL-6, TNF, IL-10, IFN-γ), chemokines (IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-4, MIP-1α, MIP-1β), cell-free DNA (cfDNA) (released by dying cells), and blood clotting potential in human blood samples. Venous blood was collected into EDTA and citrate sample tubes and stored at room temperature (RT) or 4°C for progressive intervals up to 72 hours, prior to processing. Plasma cytokines and chemokines were quantified using single or multiplex immunoassays. cfDNA was measured using Picogreen DNA Quantification. Blood clotting potential was measured using a thrombin generation assay. Blood samples were collected from 9 intensive care unit (ICU) patients and 7 healthy volunteers. Admission diagnoses for the ICU patients included sepsis, trauma, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleed, and hyperkalemia. After pre-processing delays of up to 72 hours at RT or 4°C, no significant changes were observed in plasma cytokines, chemokines, cfDNA, or thrombin formation. Delayed sample processing for up to 72 hours at either RT or 4°C did not significantly affect cytokines, chemokines, cfDNA, or blood clotting potential in plasma samples from healthy volunteers and ICU patients. A "simplified" biosampling protocol is a feasible solution for conducting biosampling research at hospitals without local processing capacity.