Experimental Temperature Range Research Articles

Fitted Fv/Fm temperature response curves: applying lessons from plant ecophysiology to acute thermal stress experiments in coral holobionts

Abstract Maximum photochemical efficiency, F v /F m , is the preferred metric for quantifying the loss of photosystem II (PSII) function in photosynthetic algal symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) of reef-building corals exposed to heat stress, particularly at the early stages of coral bleaching. Loss of PSII function can be quantified as the temperature at which a holobiont loses 50% of maximum photochemical efficiency (50% effective dose, or ED50) when exposed to a range of experimental temperatures. Here, we demonstrate that dose–response curves can be substantially more informative about a coral’s stress response by including ED5 (5% effective dose), ED95 (95% effective dose), and decline width (ED95–ED5) values in summary statistics. These parameters are commonly used in plant ecophysiology and can be extracted from fitted F v /F m temperature response curves. This suite of metrics provides a broader understanding of the loss of PSII function in acute thermal stress experiments in corals and could enhance comparability among coral and plant studies.

Insights on Arc Magmatic Systems Drawn from Natural Melt Inclusions and Crystallization Experiments at PH2O =800 MPa under Oxidizing Conditions

Abstract Whole rock compositions at Buldir Volcano, western Aleutian arc, record a strong, continuous trend of iron depletion with decreasing MgO, classically interpreted as a calc-alkaline liquid line of descent. In contrast, olivine-hosted melt inclusions have higher total iron (FeO*) than whole rocks and show little change in FeO* with decreasing MgO. To investigate this discrepancy and determine the conditions required for strong iron depletion, we conducted oxygen fugacity (ƒO2) buffered, water-saturated crystallization experiments at 800 MPa and ƒO2 = QFM+1.6 ± 0.4 (1$\sigma$) (where QFM refers to the quartz-fayalite-magnetite buffer) on a high-Al, basaltic starting material modeled after a Buldir lava. Experimental conditions were informed by olivine-hosted melt inclusions that record minimum entrapment pressures as high as 570 MPa, >6 wt.% H2O, and ƒO2 of QFM+1.4 (±0.2), making Buldir one of the most oxidized and wettest arc volcanoes documented globally. The experiments produce melts with Si-enrichment and Fe-depletion signatures characteristic of evolved, calc-alkaline magmas at the lowest MgO, although FeO* remains roughly constant over most of the experimental temperature range. Experiments saturate CrAl-spinel and olivine at 1160oC, followed by clinopyroxene and Al-spinel at 1085oC, hornblende at 1060oC, and, finally, plagioclase and magnetite between 1040oC and 960oC. Hornblende crystallization, not magnetite, generates the largest increase in SiO2 and largest decrease in FeO* in coexisting melts. Compositions of melt inclusions are consistent with experimental melts and reflect crystallization of a basaltic parent magma at high PH2O. In contrast, the whole rock compositional trends are influenced by magma mixing and phenocryst redistribution and accumulation. The crystallization experiments and natural liquids (melt inclusions and groundmass glass) from Buldir suggest that for an oxidized, hydrous primary basalt starting composition, significant Fe-depletion from the melt will not occur until intermediate to late stages of magma crystallization (< ~4.5 wt.% MgO). We conclude that the Buldir whole rock trend cannot be reproduced by crystallization at arc-relevant oxygen fugacities and is not a true liquid line of descent, warranting caution when interpreting volcanic trends globally.

Mass spectrometry proteomic profiling of postmortem human muscle degradation for PMI estimation

The discovery of new methods for determining the post-mortem interval is of significant forensic interest. Mass spectrometry has enhanced the accuracy of assessing post-mortem protein decay, with skeletal muscle being the most studied substrate due to its intrinsic properties of postmortem decay. In this pilot study, human skeletal muscle tissue (iliopsoas) was harvested and allowed to decay under controlled temperature and humidity conditions at predetermined intervals.The samples were analyzed using mass spectrometry proteomics for both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of proteins and peptides. Candidate proteins were validated through immunoblotting.The results were significant, identifying several proteins that could aid in estimating the post-mortem interval. Notably, PLIN4, MYOZ2, SYNPO2, and BAG3 were validated by immunoblotting over a broader range of experimental points and temperatures. Furthermore, human results were compared with animal muscle samples from a previous study, revealing similarities in decomposition kinetics.This analysis of human samples marks a step forward in the potential forensic application of proteomic evaluation by mass spectrometry.

How Oxygen Deficiency and Its Ordering Control Electrical Conductivity in Sr2-x Ca x Fe2O6-δ Perovskites as Related to Water Oxidation Electrocatalysis.

We report on the analysis of oxygen vacancies (OVs) content and ordering of Sr2-x Ca x Fe2O6-δ perovskites and explain how OVs change the electrical conductivity and oxygen evolution catalytic activity of these compounds. The structure and OV content are tuned by controlling the A-site composition and the reaction atmosphere. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are used to identify the crystal structures and to quantify bulk oxygen vacancy contents. Our analysis shows that OV content and crystal structure govern the electronic transport properties of the Sr2-x Ca x Fe2O6-δ system. The electrical conductivity of oxygen-deficient perovskites (ODPs) is significantly higher than those in brownmillerites (by at least 2 orders of magnitude). Seebeck coefficient measurements identified that the Sr-rich ODPs and brownmillerites are p-type semiconductors, while Ca-rich brownmillerites are either insulators (within the experimental temperature range) or p-type semiconductors at lower temperatures (<750 K). Electrical conductivity of p-type semiconductors (Sr-rich compounds) reduces with higher OV content, and in brownmillerites with x ≥ 1.25, a transition to n-type semiconductor is observed at temperatures above 750 K. Our analysis shows that the hole and electron concentrations are similar in these brownmillerites, indicating major contributions from ionic transport. Finally, we show how oxygen deficiency alters the electrical conductivity and catalytic activity of the Sr2-x Ca x Fe2O6-δ system in noncomplementary ways.

Kinetic Study of OH Radical Reactions with Cyclopentenone Derivatives.

We investigated the reactions of the hydroxyl radical (OH) with cyclopentenone derivatives and cyclopentanone in a quasi-static reaction cell at 4 Torr across a 300-500 K temperature range. The OH radicals were generated using pulsed laser photolysis of hydrogen peroxide vapors, and the ketone reactants were introduced in excess. The relative concentrations of the radicals were monitored as a function of reaction time using laser-induced fluorescence. At room temperature, the reaction rate coefficients were measured to be 1.2(±0.1) × 10-11 cm3 s-1 for reaction with 2-cyclopenten-1-one (R1); 1.7(±0.2) × 10-11 cm3 s-1 for reaction with 2-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one (R2); and 4.4(±0. 7) × 10-12 cm3 s-1 for reaction with 3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one (R3). Over the experimental temperature range, the rate coefficients can be fitted with the modified Arrhenius expressions k1(T) = 1.2 × 10-11 (T/300)0.26 exp (6.7 kJ mol-1/R {1/T - 1/300}) cm3 s-1, k2(T) = 1.7 × 10-11 (T/300)6.4 exp (27.6 kJ mol-1/R {1/T - 1/300}) cm3 s-1, k3(T) = 4.4 × 10-12 (T/300)17.8 exp (57.8 kJ mol-1/R {1/T - 1/300}) cm3 s-1. In the cases of 2-cyclopenten-1-one and 2-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, the temperature dependence of the rate coefficients is similar to that calculated or measured for noncyclic conjugated ketones. We also found that the reaction with 3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one was slower, with rate coefficients similar to those measured for the reaction with the saturated cyclic ketone cyclopentanone. To discuss the experimental data, we use potential energy surfaces (PES) calculated at the CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ//M06-2X/6-311+G** level of theory. RRKM-based Master equation calculations were also performed to infer the most likely reaction products over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. We suggest that both abstraction and addition mechanisms contribute to the overall OH removal, forming radical products stabilized by resonance. We also discuss the relevance for combustion and atmospheric chemistry.

An experimental and theoretical study of photo-oxidation reaction of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran with Cl atom under atmospheric conditions.

Temperature-dependent rate coefficients for the reactions of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (MTHF) with Cl atoms in the temperature range of 268-343K at atmospheric pressure were measured using the relative-rate method. Ethylene and propane were used as reference compounds. Quantitative analysis of the post-photolysis reaction mixture was conducted using a gas chromatograph paired with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). A gas chromatograph connected to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was employed for the purpose of qualitative analysis. In the experimental temperature range, the derived Arrhenius expression for the title reaction is represented by the equation cm3 molecule-1s-1. In addition to our experimental findings, we conducted computational calculations employing the CCSD(T)//BHandHLYP/6-31 + G(d,p) level of theory to complement our study. The canonical transition state theory (CTST) was utilized to compute the rate coefficients at 250-400K and 760Torr. The Arrhenius expression for the theoretically calculated "k" values is found to be cm3 molecule-1s-1. The local reactivity parameters, such as Fukui functions ( ), local softness ( ), and global softness ( ) were also calculated theoretically to understand the site-specific reactivity trend of MTHF towards Cl atoms. The atmospheric implications, branching ratios, degradation mechanism, and feasibility of the reaction are discussed in this study.

Characterisation of Fe Distribution in the Liquid-Solid Boundary of Al-Zn-Mg-Si Alloy Using Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy.

Al-Zn-Mg-Si alloy coatings have been developed to inhibit the corrosion of cold-rolled steel sheets by offering galvanic and barrier protection to the substrate steel. It is known that Fe deposited from the steel strip modifies the microstructure of the alloy. We cast samples of Al-Zn-Mg-Si coating alloys containing 0.4 wt% Fe and directionally solidified them using a Bridgman furnace to quantify the effect of this Fe addition between 600 °C and 240 °C. By applying a temperature gradient, growth is encouraged, and by then quenching the sample in coolant, the microstructure may be frozen. These samples were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to determine the morphological effects of the Fe distribution across the experimental temperature range. However, due to the sub 1 wt% concentration of Fe, synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) was applied to quantitatively confirm the Fe distribution. Directionally solidified samples were scanned at 7.05 keV and 18.5 keV using X-ray fluorescence at the Australian Synchrotron using the Maia array detector. It was found that a mass nucleation event of the Fe-based τ6 phase occurred at 495 °C following the nucleation of the primary α-Al phase as a result of a peritectic reaction with remaining liquid.

Thermophysical properties of Ni-Ti melts measured by electromagnetic levitation method using static magnetic field

The normal spectral emissivity, molar heat capacity at constant pressure, and thermal conductivity of Ni-Ti melts were measured during electromagnetic levitation under a static magnetic field. The emissivity and heat capacity of the Ni-Ti melts were measured under a 3 T static magnetic field. The temperature range for the emissivity measurements was 1240–1839 K, and the temperature range for the heat capacity measurements ranged was 1223–1851 K. The emissivity and heat capacity of the Ni-Ti melts, except for the Ni mole fractions (xNi) of 0 and 0.25, showed without temperature dependence within the experimental temperature range. Furthermore, the heat capacity was larger than the ideal solution over the whole range of compositions. The emissivity of the Ni-Ti melts was discussed based on the Drude model. The temperature dependence of thermodynamic functions, such as enthalpy of mixing, excess entropy, and excess Gibbs energy, were calculated using excess heat capacity. The thermal conductivity of Ni-Ti melts was measured under a static magnetic field of 10 T. The temperature range for the thermal conductivity measurements was 1177–1900 K. The thermal conductivities of the Ni-Ti melts increased with increasing temperature, exhibited a local minimum for xNi = 0.75, and were higher than those calculated using the Wiedemann–Franz laws. This difference in thermal conductivity was discussed by considering the contribution of atomic vibrations.

Investigation of methyl radical with methane and methanol reactions in the framework of a non-equilibrium approach; dynamic aspect

Within the framework of the non-equilibrium approach, the thermal rate constants of the methyl radical with methane (reaction (1)) and CH and OH bonds of methanol (respectively, reactions (2) and (3)) were calculated in the experimental temperature range: 450–800 K for reaction 1 and 350 – 550 K for reactions (2) and (3); geometry optimization level B3LYP/6-31+G**, SP calculation levels CСSD(T)/6-311++G** for reaction (1) and CСSD(T)/6-311G** for reactions 2 and 3.The analysis of the obtained results demonstrates differences in the dynamics of the H-atom transition. The possibility of describing the dynamic situation in terms of the tunneling time of the H atom and the half-life of the umbrella oscillation of the methyl radical is discussed.

Effects of synthesis conditions on particle size and pore size of spherical mesoporous silica

The particle size and pore size of spherical mesoporous silica materials play significant roles in their application. However, relatively limited systematic research has been conducted on how preparation conditions influence these properties. In particular, the effects of some important factors have not been adequately studied, including reaction time, reaction temperature, and organic solvent type. In this work, octane and water were used as solvents, and tetraethyl orthosilicate was used as the silicon source to systematically study the effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, different organic solvents, octane/water mass ratio, styrene template concentration, and surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB)/H2O mass ratio on the particle morphology, particle size, and pore size of silica. The results suggest that the above-mentioned neglected factors exert a substantial influence on both particle size and pore size. In the experimental temperature range, the pore diameter decreases and the particle size increases with increasing temperature. The maximum particle size and pore size are achieved after a reaction time of 3 h, and a further increase in reaction time leads to a smaller particle size and pore size. As the number of carbon atoms in the organic solvent decreases, the pore size also gradually increases. Styrene and organic solvents that dissolve in CTAB micelles are crucial factors in pore formation, while the aggregation of the swollen CTAB micelles influences the particle size. The changes in the pore structure stability and hydroxyl density of the synthesized samples in water were also studied. After undergoing water treatment at temperatures ranging from 20 to 60 °C for 72 h, both the pore structure and morphology remain relatively unchanged. When the temperature increases, the surface hydroxyl density exhibits a more pronounced increase in the presence of water. After water treatment for 5 h, the surface hydroxyl density reaches saturation.

CORROSION INHIBITION BEHAVIOUR OF CUSTARD APPLE LEAVES AND ACACIA CONCINNA EXTRACT ON MILD STEEL IN ACIDIC MEDIA: ADSORPTION AND THERMODYNAMIC STUDY

Custard apple leaves extract (CALE) was tested to evaluate corrosion inhibition efficiency for mild steel under acidic medium. The test metal substrate was collected over a period of 24 hr of contacting with acid to determine the corrosion inhibition efficiency (CIE) and corrosion rate (CR) using the Gravimetric analysis. The findings of the study were applied to examine the adsorption behavior and thermodynamic characteristics for CALE as a potential corrosion inhibitor in acidic environment. Mild steel exhibited the highest corrosion rate in the absence of a corrosion inhibitor in a 0.5 M sulphuric acid solution. However, the rate of corrosion was observed to decrease gradually with increase in CALE concentration (0.4–2.0 g/l). The similar trend was noted at the experimental temperature range of 298-328 K. Adsorption behavior was investigated using the Langmuir, Temkin, Freundlich, and Flory Huggins adsorption isotherm models. The Temkin adsorption isotherm model provides the best fit to the experimental data. Besides, the negative values of Gibb’s free energy of adsorption (ΔGad) reveal strong evidence for the spontaneous nature of CALE adsorption on mild steel surface. The increase in activation energy (Ea) from 35.05 kJ/mol in the blank test solution to 68.03 kJ/mol at 2.0 g/l concentration of CALE indicates the formation of a protective film of inhibitor molecules on the metal surface. Adsorption enthalpy values (∆H=31.28-73.79 kJ/mol) over the concentration range (0-2.0g/l of CALE) implies physical adsorption, whereas negative entropy values (ΔS) suggests free movement of inhibitor molecules in the bulk solution. Additionally, a synergistic effect was demonstrated in lowering the corrosion rate by combining Acacia concinna extract (ACE, 0.1-0.3 g/l) with CALE, thereby enhancing the overall corrosion inhibition efficiency. For citation: Jitendra Kisan Shinde, Ravindra Gulab Puri, Pawan Devidas Meshram, Rajkumar Shankarrao Sirsam Corrosion inhibition behaviour of Custard apple leaves and Acacia concinna extract on mild steel in acidic media: adsorption and thermodynamic study. ChemChemTech [Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol.]. 2024. V. 67. N 7. P. 119-126. DOI: 10.6060/ivkkt.20246707.7038.

Reactive diffusion at the interface between Cu and Sn–Ag alloys

This study investigates the microstructural evolution and growth behavior of intermetallic compound (IMC) layers in the Cu/(Sn-yAg, y = 0.29–2.00 wt%) system during isothermal aging within the temperature range of 433–473 K. Through systematic variations in Ag content, aging temperature, and time, the fundamental mechanisms governing IMC formation and growth in Cu/(Sn–Ag) solder joints are elucidated. The results demonstrate that IMC growth kinetics follow a power-law relationship, with IMC layer thickness increasing systematically with annealing time. The addition of Ag significantly influences IMC nucleation and growth, with higher Ag content correlating with faster growth rates. Furthermore, the temperature dependence of IMC growth rates is investigated, revealing higher temperatures leading to increased growth rates, indicative of boundary diffusion-controlled growth. By calculating activation enthalpies, values of 36.4 kJ/mol for Sn-2.00Ag and 30.2 kJ/mol for Sn-0.50Ag were obtained, providing quantitative insights into the faster growth rate of intermetallic compound thickness in the Cu/(Sn-2.00Ag) diffusion couple within the experimental temperature range. These findings offer valuable insights into factors affecting the reliability and performance of solder joints in electronic packaging applications.

Complex hydraulic studies of welded pipes with different visco-plastic characteristics

For the first time, complex hydraulic studies of pipes welded according to three different schemes were carried out, which made it possible to combine pipes of different viscosities, which affects the performance of welding joints. It was found that in the experimental temperature range, the zone of thermal influence of the second welding variant has the greatest resistance to the initiation of fractures under shock loading, and the lowest - the first variant. The static strength and ductility of the welded pipe joints of the second and third pipe welding options are approximately equivalent, and the resistance to the initiation of the thermally affected zone in all options is almost the same and not lower than that of the base metal. The results of the performed experimental studies indicate a weak correlation in the area of small values of impact viscosity with the characteristics of resistance to fracture propagation of welding joints in the conditions of full-scale pipe tests. The characteristics obtained from tests of full-thickness DWTT specimens are closer than the Charpy specimens to the actual performance characteristics of the weld joints in the pipe. In particular, it was established that the values of Az (-150C)=0.75 kJ and Ar (-150C)=0.45 kJ provide satisfactory resistance to the initiation and propagation of fractures in welding joints (at the base metal level). These characteristics correspond to KSU-60 = 0.5 MJ/m2, which is close to the impact toughness requirements for the base metal (0.55 MJ/m2). The use of optimal structural materials, that is, materials with high resistance to hydrogen destruction of both the base metal and zones of welding joints subjected to a thermo-deformation cycle of welding. A significant effect can be achieved by technological measures that will reduce residual welding stresses, as well as significantly reduce stress concentrators due to structural improvement of the shape of the welding unit. Application of such heat treatment regimes that restore the stability of metal with a coarse-grained and defective structure. Use improved pipe steels and welding materials, such as 06G2BAand 08 KhMCHA steels, which are characterized by increased resistance to hydrogen embrittlement and high crack resistance in aggressive environments, for the construction of pipelines of responsible purpose.

Selective absorption of ionic liquids in separating R-1243zf or R-161 from refrigerant blends

In order to recover and reuse pure refrigerants from the mixtures used in waste refrigeration facility, it is necessary to find a good way for separation. Due to the extremely low vapor pressure and good selectivity, ionic liquids (ILs) are regarded as promising entrainers for the extractive separation process of azeotropic or near-azeotropic mixtures. Phase behavior of refrigerant with ILs is the basic property in the design of selective absorption-separation process. In this work, the solubility of 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (R-1243zf) and ethyl fluoride (R-161) with trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride ([P6,6,6,14][Cl]) were measured based on the isochoric saturation method. The experimental temperature range was from 283.15 K to 343.15 K. Five activity coefficient models, including Margules, van Laar, Scatchard-Hamer, Wilson and non-random two-liquid (NRTL) model, were used to correlate the experimental data, and the results were discussed. In addition, based on the literature data, the separation capacities of different ILs for refrigerant blends composed of R-1243zf or R-161 were investigated.

Measurement and modelling of vapor–liquid phase equilibrium of 1,1-difluoroethane (R152a) + 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoro-1-propene (R1216) at temperatures ranging from 283.15 K to 313.15 K

Compared to pure refrigerants, mixed refrigerants can effectively fulfill the demands of high efficiency, safety, and environmental preservation. An efficient mixture can be created by combining environmentally safe and non-combustible refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP) and high latent heat hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in precise ratios. For this investigation, an experimental apparatus was built to obtain vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for the R152a + R1216 mixture within temperatures of 283.15 to 313.15 K. To depict the VLE characteristics of the binary systems, the Peng-Robinson (PR) equation of state (EoS) was utilized with the van der Waals (vdW) mixing rule. And to compare, the Huron and Vidal first-order (HV) and the Wong-Sandler (WS) mixing rules were utilized alongside the PR EoS and the non-random two-liquid (NRTL) activity coefficient model to correlate the acquired data. The findings indicated that the models showed strong concurrence with the empirical data. The binary mixture displays a near-azeotropic phenomenon when the mole fraction of R152a is below 0.65. The azeotropic point is fall within the experimental temperature range when the R152a liquid-phase has a mole fraction between 0.3069 and 0.4104.

Development of a lead-free colossal dielectric material barium bismuth ferrous oxide for electronic devices

Ceramic materials are promising for the ever-increasing demand in next-generation electronic devices. In this regard, we report the development and characterizations (structural, microstructural surface, dielectric, transport, impedance, resistive and current-voltage properties) of a novel complex material Ba3Bi2Fe2O9. Preliminary investigation of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows the dual phase nature (cubic and tetragonal phase). The analysis of the Williamson-Hall plot illustrates the average crystallite size and micro-lattice strain are 91.37 nm and 0.002, respectively. The scanning electron microscopic spectrum examines the microstructural surface interface analysis, fractal study and topographic roughness (using the standard ISO25178). The analysis of Maxwell-Wagner dielectric dispersion, relaxation, and transport mechanisms are investigated utilizing dielectric, impedance, and conductivity spectrum accumulated within the experimental frequency (1 kHz–1 MHz) and temperature (298 K–373 K) range. The energy band of intrinsic and ionization regions with different frequencies (1 kHz and 10 kHz) indicates the semiconducting behavior of the material. The presence of non-Ohmic and space charge limited conduction (SCLC) mechanisms is investigated by the varistor constant β1 and β2. The thermistor constant (β) is determined to be 1683.13, and the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) is −0.00903, which may be suitable for wearable NTC thermistors and other related device applications.

Structural, morphological, dielectric, and electrical characteristics of a brownmillerite material for electronic devices: KBiMn2O5

The main objective this communication is to study the structural, morphological, dielectric, and electrical properties of a novel brownmillerite material, KBiMn2O5. Preliminary analysis of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern with N-TREOR09 (trial and error method) with Le-Bail method shows monoclinic symmetry (a = 10.919 Å, b = 5.114 Å, c = 10.453 Å, β = 104.428˚). The examination of scanning electron microscopic spectrum provides the nature of the morphological surface of the sample having an average grain size of 19.89 μm. We have examined Maxwell-Wagner dielectric dispersion, relaxation, and transport mechanisms by analyzing the dielectric, impedance, and conductivity spectra across a wide range of experimental frequencies (1 kHz to 1 MHz) and temperatures (25°C to 500°C). The value of relative permittivity (εr) rapidly increases 200 (room temperature) to 85000 (500°C) with an increase in temperature from room temperature. The high value of εr shows colossal dielectric response (CDR) of the material. The low value of tangent loss (≥ 4.5) can also be applicable to electronic devices. On increasing frequency (1 kHz to 1 MHz), the activation energy of the charged ions from 0.391 eV to 0.328 eV shows a thermally activated relaxation mechanism in the material. The thermistor constant (β), determined as 6317.16, and the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) -0.00331 are suitable for high-temperature NTC thermistors, temperature sensors, and other electronic device applications. The study of room temperature non-Ohmic charge conduction and current-voltage charecteristics confirms the suitability of the material for devices.

Development of a complex strontium bismuth molybdate material: Microstructural, electrical, and leakage current characteristics for storage and electronic device application

In this article, synthesis (solid-state reaction) and characterizations of a complex strontium bismuth molybdate material have been reported. The scanning electron microscopic image suggests the existence of grains of various sizes and shapes that are evenly dispersed, accompanied by small pores. The Maxwell-Wagner dielectric dispersion, relaxation, and transport mechanism have been investigated utilizing dielectric, impedance, and conductivity spectrum within the studied experimental frequency (1 kHz–1 MHz) and temperature (25–500 °C) range. The energy storage efficiency is 56.13 %, calculated by the loop of electric polarization. The results of temperature-dependent resistance suggest that the prepared material can be used for PTC thermistors, sensors, and other related devices. The varistor constants β1 and β2 indicate the presence of non-Ohmic and SCLC conduction mechanisms, which are also suitable for electronic devices.

Thickening supercritical CO2 at high temperatures with rod-like reverse micelles

Earlier studies demonstrated the ability of some fluorinated surfactants to form rod-like reverse micelles with the ability to thicken water/supercritical CO2 (scCO2) mixtures at temperatures below 45 ºC [Langmuir 26 (2010) 83–88. Soft Matter 8 (2012) 7044–7055. Colloids and Surfaces B, 168 (2018), 201–210.]. Such viscosity enhancement of scCO2 is known to increase sweep efficiency for oil recovery with CO2 flooding. However, temperatures of up to ∼100 ºC in conventional reservoirs are much higher than those employed in laboratory studies, and tend to weaken inter- and intra-molecular interactions between surfactant molecules, discouraging rod-like reverse micelle formation. With the aim of designing surfactants which form rod-like reverse micelles and thicken CO2 at high temperatures, this study examined phase behavior, nanostructures of reverse micelles and thickening ability of double ω-hydroperfluorocarbon-tail anionic surfactants in W/scCO2 mixtures at temperatures of 35 - 75 ºC and pressure of 80 - 400 bar with different water-to-surfactant molar ratios (W0). The measured CO2 viscosity increased by 1.9–2.2 × for double-chain surfactants M(di-HCF6)x (counterion Mx+ = Ni2+ and Co2+) at 40 mM, over the experimental temperature range. On the other hand, the shorter chain H(CF2)4CH2 twin-tail surfactants M(di-HCF4)x and Na(di-HCF6) gave only 1.1–1.5 × viscosity enhancements. The maximum thickening ability of M(di-HCF6)2 was at W0 = 10 in the W0 range of 5–20 75 ºC and 350 bar. High pressure and high temperature small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used determine the micellar structure in these systems, and rod micelles of aspect ratios of 4.5–6.5 were found. The results clearly suggest that ω-hydroperfluorohexyl-tails and divalent counterions induce the formation of rod-like reverse micelles in W/CO2 mixtures, even at high temperatures commensurate with in-reservoir conditions.

Absence of superconductivity in I4/mmm-FeH5: experimental evidence.

The experimentally discovered FeH5 exhibits a structure built of atomic hydrogen that only has bonding between hydrogen and iron atoms [C. M. Pepin, G. Geneste, A. Dewaele, M. Mezouar and P. Loubeyre, Science, 2017, 357, 382]. However, its superconductivity has remained unsolved since its discovery. In this work, we have synthesized I4/mmm-FeH5 at 139 GPa combined with laser-heating conditions. The electrical resistance measurements at ultrahigh pressures indicate that no evidence of superconducting transition of FeH5 is observed in the temperature range of 1.5 K to 270 K. These results indicate that I4/mmm-FeH5 does not exhibit superconductivity within the experimental temperature range, and the introduction of iron atoms is not beneficial to the formation of the superconducting phase.