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Abstract: An integrated carbon capture and utilization (ICCU) process present an ideal solution to address anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel-driven electricity production, allowing for capturing and subsequent utilization of CO2 instead of current release into the atmosphere. Effective dual-functional materials (DFMs), through the combination of CO2 sorbents and catalysts, can not only capture CO2 but also convert it into higher-value chemicals, such as CH4 or CO, under isothermal conditions within a single reactor are highly desirable for ICCU processes. In this study, we investigate the mechanism of ICCU over 10 %NiCaO by the time-resolved operando XAS/DRIFTS/MS and the influence of a reduction pretreatment on the process and the products formed. During the 1st stage of the ICCU process (carbon capture), CaO adsorbs CO2 resulting in bicarbonate, carbonate, and formate species formation. At the same time, the Ni catalytic active species are oxidized by CO2, leading to the formation of NiO and CO. However, pre-treating the same DFM under hydrogen, during heating to operating temperature, resulted in a switch to CH4 production, suggesting the presence of high levels of surface adsorbed H2. During the 2nd stage of ICCU (CO2 conversion), the NiO generated during capture is reduced by H2 to metallic Ni, which facilitates the reduction of bicarbonates, carbonates, and formats, via H2 dissociation, to produce and liberate gaseous CO. Thus, both adsorption and catalytic sites are regenerated for the subsequent ICCU cycle.

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Abstract: Manufacturing austenitic stainless steels (ASSs) using additive manufacturing is of great interest for cryogenic applications. Here, the mechanical and microstructural responses of a 316L ASS built by laser powder bed fusion were revealed by performing in situ neutron diffraction tensile tests at the low-temperature range (from 373 to 10 K). The stacking fault energy almost linearly decreased from 29.2 ± 3.1 mJm−2 at 373 K to 7.5 ± 1.7 mJm−2 at 10 K, with a slope of 0.06 mJm−2K−1, leading to the transition of the dominant deformation mechanism from strain-induced twinning to martensite formation. As a result, excellent combinations of strength and ductility were achieved at the low-temperature range.

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Abstract: This work presents an imaging study of the complex and often overlooked early-onset mechanisms of the deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT). Columns of granular octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) doped with tungsten tracer particles are ignited thermally by hot wire and the resulting reactions are studied via high-speed X-ray radiography utilizing the Diamond Light Source synchrotron. The observed results provide insights into the initial development of the DDT process, resulting in a proposed mechanism for the slow initial steps in DDT for thermally ignited, low bulk-density granular explosive contained in a quasi-one dimensional tube configuration. In order to clarify the proposed mechanism, the terms preferential flow channel and matrix burning are adapted from the soil mechanics and hydrology literature to further elucidate the role of convective burning in DDT. The proposed mechanism helps to clarify the ongoing debate on the transport of gases in the Baer–Nunziato and reduced Baer–Nunziato models and suggests that applicability of each interpretation depends on which step in the mechanism is being described.

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Abstract: Background: The bioavailable supply of copper to ruminants has long been problematic. Complexities in supply exist due to interactions with other dietary elements in the rumen, most notably with iron or molybdenum in combination with sulphur, which can result in copper binding preventing its absorption. The molybdenum-sulphur-copper interaction has been extensively studied over the years. However, very little is known about the iron-sulphur-copper interaction, especially its mode of action in the gastrointestinal tract. Methods In the present work digesta from the rumen and jejunum of sheep fed a high copper, sulphur and iron diet was analysed using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Results: X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) indicated that all of the copper and iron had changed in bonding in the rumen and that the oxidation state of the elements had been reduced into a mix of Fe2+ & Fe3+ and Cu+ with some Cu0. Conclusion: The copper compounds were most likely to be thiol co-ordinated in line with Cu+ chemistry. Changes to the copper compounds took place in the jejunum, although thiols were still highly favoured the possible existence of a copper-iron-sulphur complex which also included oxygen and chloride was also observed. This possibly has some resemblance to the crystal structure of bornite.

Open Access

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Abstract: 3D printing changes the scope of how samples can be mounted for small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). In this paper a 3D-printed X-ray chamber, which allows for in situ exchange of buffer and in situ optical transmission spectroscopy, is presented. The chamber is made of cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), including COC X-ray windows providing ultra-low SAXS background. The design integrates a membrane insert for in situ dialysis of the 100 µl sample volume against a reservoir, which enables measurements of the same sample under multiple conditions using an in-house X-ray setup equipped with a 17.4 keV molybdenum source. The design's capabilities are demonstrated by measuring reversible structural changes in lipid and polymer systems as a function of salt concentration and pH. In the same chambers optical light transmission spectroscopy was carried out measuring the optical turbidity of the mesophases and local pH values using pH-responsive dyes. Microfluidic exchange and optical spectroscopy combined with in situ X-ray scattering enables vast applications for the study of responsive materials.