Chemistry Commons^™

Hydrogen Fuel Cells And Storage Technology (Fcast) Project, Clemens Heske

UNLV Renewable Energy Symposium

The 2008 UNLV Renewable Energy Symposium was presented by the Office of Strategic Energy Programs and co-sponsored by the Division of Research and Graduate Studies on August 20, 2008 on the UNLV campus.

The event focused on renewable energy production in Nevada, the US Southwest, and renewable research projects nationwide. It was a great opportunity for anyone working on renewable projects to collaborate with others in this field and exchange information. Over 230 individuals attended the event this year.

Solar Thermochemical Hydrogen Production Project – Progress Toward Industrial Scale Water Splitting, Roger Rennels

UNLV Renewable Energy Symposium

The 2008 UNLV Renewable Energy Symposium was presented by the Office of Strategic Energy Programs and co-sponsored by the Division of Research and Graduate Studies on August 20, 2008 on the UNLV campus.

The event focused on renewable energy production in Nevada, the US Southwest, and renewable research projects nationwide. It was a great opportunity for anyone working on renewable projects to collaborate with others in this field and exchange information. Over 230 individuals attended the event this year.

Working Report On The Status Quo Of Nanomaterials Impact On Health And Environment, Harald Krug, Margarita Apostolova, Marite Arija Bake, Gordon Chambers, Horia Chiriac, Eva Herzog, Victoria Hand, Jürgen Höck, Peter Hoet, Nicoleta Lupu, Declan Mccormack, Maja Remskar, George Robillard, Jamila Smisterova, Jan Stetkiewicz, Speranta Tanasescu, Aris Tsatsakis, David Vaughn, Peter Wick, Jörg Wörle-Knirsch

Articles

Nanotechnology is regarded as one of the key technologies of the future and associated with high expectations by politics, science and economy. Artificially produced nanosized particles and nanoscale system components have new properties which are of importance for the development of new products and applications. Such new properties of materials and substances result from the special properties of surfaces and interfaces and in part, from the geometric shape of the material. In theory nanoparticles (NPs) can be produced from nearly any chemical; however, most NPs that are currently in use today have been made from transition metals, silicon, carbon (single-walled …

Foundations And Interpretations Of Quantum Mechanics, Cory Johnson

Honors Theses

The first famous thought experiment of Einstein gives rise to his theories of relativity, the bedrock of modern astrophysics and cosmology. His second famous thought experiment begins the investigation into the foundations of quantum mechanics. It leads to a paradox, inspiring various 'no-go' theorems proven by Bell, Kochen, and Specker. Physicists and philosophers worldwide become increasingly dissatisfied with the probabilistic complementarity interpretation (Born-Bohr) and eventually offer their own accounts of the theory. By the end of the 20th century two alternative approaches stand out as the best candidates: Both the hidden variables interpretation (de Broglie-Bohm) and the many worlds interpretation …

Effects Of Context Of Natural And Artifactual Objects On Categorization, Linsey Walker

Honors Theses

Categorization of animals and vehicles in different contexts was investigated in three experiments using event related potentials (ERPs). The presence of a background and congruency of the background in relation to the object were both manipulated in order to determine the effects of context on visual processing. In Experiment 1, adults were presented with images of animals and vehicles in two conditions: situated in a congruent context (e.g. an animal in a field) and in the absence of a context (an animal in a white homogeneous background). In experiment 2, adults were presented with images of animals and vehicles in …

Chemistry And The Automotive Industry, Jeremy Pedigo

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This thesis covers the use of chemistry in the automotive industry with emphasis on environmental compliance via chemical reporting by database and internal Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) screening, third party laboratory material testing, and the future of the chemist in the United States (U.S.) automotive industry. The third party testing was performed at Western Kentucky University (WKU) via the Materials Characterization Center (MCC), Institute for Combustion Science and Environmental Technology (ICSET) Thermodynamics Laboratory, and using the Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (SEM/EDX) managed by the WKU Biotechnology Center. Furthermore, the tests conducted were used to investigate material defects, …

Volume 01, Jessica Fields, Stephanie Neeley, Derek W. Hambright, Mary E. Lehman, Andrew R. Grzankowski, Zachary Johnson, Boone M. Prentice, Ashley M. Swandby, Victoria Morgan, Katie Williamson, Kristine G. Bender, Katelyn N. Romaine, D. Nicole Swann, Jessica Fox, Mike Mcateer, Alex Grabiec, Laura Nodtvedt, Nick Costa, Rachel Wolfe, Zack Dalton

Incite: The Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship

Introduction from Dean Dr. Charles Ross

Three Decades of Digging: Undergraduate Archeology at Longwood by Jessica Fields and Stephanie Neeley

Interactions of Allelopathy and Heat Stress in Plants by Derek W. Hambright and Mary E. Lehman

Inertial Electrostatic Confinement D-D Fusion Device: Construction and Simulation by Andrew R. Grzankowski

Shackled Nim by Zachary Johnson

Development of GC-MS and Chemometric Methods for the Analysis of Accelerants in Arson Cases by Boone M. Prentice

A Comparison of Image Analysis Methods in cDNA Microarrays by Ashley M. Swandby

Perceived Sexual Activity of Short and Long-Term Relationships by Victoria Morgan and Katie Williamson

Elderly …

Ua66/1/5 Icset - Institute For Combustion Science & Environmental Technology, Wku Ogden College Of Science & Engineering

WKU Administration Documents

History and overview of the work of the WKU Institute for Combustion Science & Environmental Technology through 2008.

Determination Of Photochemically Produced Carbon Dioxide In Seawater, Emily M. White, David J. Kieber, Kenneth Mopper

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

An analytical system was developed to determine photochemically produced carbon dioxide in marine waters. Our system was designed to measure low levels of carbon dioxide by maintaining a closed system to prevent atmospheric contamination during sample preparation, irradiation, and analysis. To detect low levels of photoproduced carbon dioxide in seawater, background dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was removed before irradiation. To strip out DIC, samples were acidified to pH 3.0 (converting DIC to carbon dioxide) and bubbled with low carbon dioxide air. The pH was then readjusted back to the original value, and the resulting low-DIC seawater samples were transferred pneumatically …

Simulation Of Arsenic Partitioning In Tributaries To Drinking Water Reservoirs, Eid A. Alkhatib

Chemistry & Physics Faculty Publications

Arsenic released by bottom sediments was determined by experiments in which the sediments were artificially re-suspended using a particle entrapment simulator (PES) to simulate river conditions. Sediment cores were collected from various tributaries to drinking water reservoirs in Connecticut spiked with arsenic, and run in the PES at simulated bed-flow shear stresses from 0.0 to 0.6 N/m2. Under equilibrium conditions, the dissolved fraction of arsenic was found to range from 8.3 to 22.1 ug/1, which in most cases exceeded EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 ug/1. Experimental results from these simulations have shown that bed-flow shear stress causes an …

Wet Weather Impact On Trihalomethane Formation Potential In Tributaries To Drinking Water Reservoirs, Eid A. Alkhatib, R. Peters

Chemistry & Physics Faculty Publications

During rain storm events, land surface runoff and resuspension of bottom sediments cause an increase in Trihalomethane (THM) precursors in rivers. These precursors, when chlorinated at water treatment facilities will lead to the formation of THMs and hence impact drinking water resources. In order to evaluate the wet weather impact on the potential formation of THMs, river samples were collected before, during and after three rain storms ranging from 15.2 to 24.9 mm precipitation. The samples were tested for THM formation potential and other indicators including UV254 absorbance, turbidity and volatile suspended solid (VSS). Average levels of THMs increased from …

The Application Of Lc-Ms Technologies For The Detection Of Triazine Herbicides In Water, Michael Cahill

Theses

The triazine herbicides, including, simazine (6-chloro-N,N’-diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4- diamine), atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-l,3,5-triazine) and cyanazine were developed as selective weed killers. Their design function is to disrupt the photosynthesis of broad-leafed plants. In the intensive production of grasses (e.g. wheat, cereals, etc.) broad-leafed plants growing in the grass production area are economically costly, competitors with the grasses for nutrients; their removal is facilitated by triazines herbicides and simazine and atrazine are the predominant compounds used. Significant amounts of triazine herbicides are consumed by the agricultural industry each year. However, due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides/herbicides, traces of herbicides have been found in run-off …

Effects, Uptake, And Fate Of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Aged In Soil In Plants And Worms, Elly Ph Best, Henry E. Tatem, Kaaren N. Geter, Melissa L. Wells, Brian K. Lane

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

The present study was aimed at providing data to be used at predicting exposure-based effects of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) aged in soil on endpoint organisms representing two trophic levels. These data can be used to define criteria or reference values for environmental management and conducting specific risk assessment. Long-term exposure tests were conducted to evaluate sublethal toxicity and uptake of aged soil-based explosives, with TNT as the main contaminant. In these tests, plants were exposed for 55 d, and biomass and explosives residues were determined. Worms were exposed for 28 and 42 d, and biomass, number, and tissue residues were determined. …

Immobilization Of Fission Iodine By Reaction With A Fullerene Containing Carbon Compound And Insoluble Natural Matrix, Spencer M. Steinberg, Gary Cerefice, David W. Emerson

Separations Campaign (TRP)

Observations related to the oxidation of iodide to iodine (I₂) or hypoiodic acid (HIO) by MnO₂ were continued. The formation of triiodide presumable involves the adsorption of iodide onto the MnO₂ surface (perhaps displacing a surface hydroxyl group). The iodide should be subsequently oxidized and released back into solution as IOH or I₂, which rapidly forms I₃ ^-. The kinetic data has been modeled as a first order process. First order rate constants have been obtained for the formation of iodine in the presence of MnO₂. The increase in iodide …

Evaluation Of Fluorapatite As A Waste-Form Material, Dennis W. Lindle, Oliver Hemmers, Dale L. Perry

Separations Campaign (TRP)

Argonne National Laboratory has proposed a new extraction procedure to handle TRISO-coated fuels, the Fluoride Extraction Process (FLEX). The FLEX process is designed to separate the uranium in the fuel from the actinides and most fission products by taking advantage of the unique properties of uranium hexafluoride (UF₆). In the FLEX process, the used TRISO fuel is reacted with zirconium fluoride salt, forming UF₆ and the fluoride salts of the actinides and fission products. At process temperatures, the UF₆ volatizes into a gas, and is released from the molten salt mixture. This leaves behind the actinides …

Electrochemical Separation Of Curium And Americium, David W. Hatchett, Kenneth Czerwinski

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The objective was to use electrochemical techniques to develop a thermodynamic understanding of actinide and lanthanide species in RTIL solutions, and use this data to effectively separate species with very similar chemical properties.

In consultation with a DOE collaborator, electrochemical methods and materials were evaluated and used to exploit the thermodynamic differences between similar chemical species enhancing the ability to selectively target and sequester individual species from mixtures. This project, in its third year, successfully completed phases 1, 2. Phase 3 was partially completed. The project expanded to include phase 4.

The following were specific goals for 2007-2008:

• To …

Fundamental Chemistry Of U And Pu In The Tbp-Dodecane-Nitric Acid System, Kenneth Czerwinski

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The research objective is to experimentally evaluate the fundamental speciation of Pu and U in the TBP-dodecane-nitric acid- AHA system and the effect of pertechnetate, specifically:

• To determine the influence of nitrate on the speciation of U and Pu in the TBP-dodecane-nitric acid system. The aqueous and organic speciation of U and Pu are examined as a function of the nitric acid concentration, nitrate concentration, actinide ion concentration, temperature, and time.

• To determine the speciation of U and Pu with AHA in the presence and absence of TBP-dodecane organic phase. The aqueous and organic speciation of U and …

Criticality Studies For Urex Processes, Denis Beller

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The completion of criticality experiments for mixtures of transuranic actinides (TRU; includes neptunium, plutonium, americium, and curium) that will be created during the separation of used nuclear fuel may be a requirement in order to construct prototype plants for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP). In this program and the Advanced Fuel Cycle Research and Development (AFC R&D) program that supports it, economic and environmental methods are being developed to reduce the impact of waste from commercial nuclear fuel cycles.

Recycling of used fuel by chemically separating it into U, fission products, and TRU would be the first step in …

F-Element Electrochemistry In Rtil Solutions: Electrochemical Separation Of Lanthanides And Actinides, David W. Hatchett

Separations Campaign (TRP)

Electrochemical methods can be used to effectively separate actinide and lanthanide species from complex mixtures. This is based on the unique electrochemical properties of each specific target species. In studies it has been found that, with the exception of Ce, aqueous solutions provide unsuitable electrochemical windows to effectively evaluate the thermodynamic properties that are useful for chemical separations. Therefore, a more novel approach was examined which eliminated the aqueous solution with a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) solution. RTIL solutions do not suffer from the side reactions that are prominent in aqueous environments. In addition, the potential window is much …

Evaluation Of Fundamental Radionuclide Extraction Data For Urex, Kenneth Czerwinski

Separations Campaign (TRP)

The speciation of technetium and actinides in advanced solvent extraction systems is the basis for their manipulation in separations. The ability to understand and predict radionuclide speciation is paramount to successful modeling of proposed separation systems. This project will examine the speciation of radionuclides in different stages of the uranium extraction (UREX) separation scheme, providing data useful to modeling. The areas to be examined include the speciation of uranium and plutonium with tributylphosphate and the kinetics and thermodynamics of lanthanides and actinides in the TALSPEAK (Trivalent actinide lanthanide separation by phosphorous reagent extraction from aqueous complexes) system. The complexation constants …

Interaction Between Metal Fission Products And Triso Coating Materials, Clemens Heske

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

This project focuses on the chemical bonding and interface formation of metal fission products with the coating materials used in tri-isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles for gas-cooled reactors. By combining surface- and bulk-sensitive spectroscopic and microscopic methods, intermediate chemical phases at the interface, intermixing/diffusion behavior, and the electronic interface structure for different coating materials and metals are examined.

In detail, the project studies the interface formation of Pd, Cs, and Ag with SiC and pyrolytic carbon. Using SiC single crystals and highly-ordered pyrolytic carbon (HOPG) as substrates, interfaces are prepared under controlled conditions in an ultra-high vacuum environment and are studied …

Dissolution, Reactor, And Environmental Behavior Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuel Matrix, Kenneth Czerwinski

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

This project will examine inert fuels containing ZrO₂ and MgO as the inert matrix. Ceramics with this inert matrix, Ce, U and eventually Pu will be synthesized and examined. While the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative focus is on inert fuels with Pu as the fissile component, this task will perform initial laboratory experiments with Ce and U. The initial work with Ce will be performed early in the project with results used as a basis for U studies. Reactor physics calculations will be used to examine suitable quantities of burnable poisons from the candidate elements Gd, Er, or Hf. …

Impact Of The Synthesis Process On Structure Properties For Afci Fuel Candidates, Kenneth Czerwinski

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

The research objectives are:

• To explore a low-temperature fluoride route to synthesize actinide nitrides. • To characterize actinide nitrides structurally and thermally.

• To use high resolution TEM techniques to explore the microstructure of the radioactive samples.

Solution-Based Synthesis Of Nitride Fuels, Kenneth Czerwinski, Tyler A. Sullens

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

One of the original synthetic routes devised for the synthesis of U (III)N involved the entire reaction taking place in liquid ammonia. Several experimental reactions were conducted in an attempt to synthesize the UI₃(NH₃)_x and U(NH₂)₃(NH₃)_x precursors of U(III) N. Each attempt involved cleaning of the uranium metal to remove the oxide coating of the metal reagent with 3 washes of concentrated nitric acid, each followed by a rinse with liquid ammonia. Success of this cleaning procedure was varied, with a majority of cleaned metal oxidizing rapidly once …

Organic Geochemical Investigation Of A Highly Contaminated Urban Waterway: The Gowanus Canal, Brooklyn, New York, Usa, Michael A. Kruge, Kevin K. Olsen, Eric A. Stern

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The Gowanus Canal is an industrial waterway constructed in the mid-19^th century by widening and deepening a natural tidal channel. It is ca. 3 km in length and empties into Gowanus Bay, an arm of New York Harbor. Its banks, reinforced by bulkheads and piers, became the site of intensive industrial activity, including oil refining, coal gasification, soap making and tanning. Even though much of the industrial activity along the canal has ceased, its sediments remain highly enriched in organic and inorganic contaminants, with combined sewer outfalls continuing to transport pollutants into the canal. The canal area remains densely …

Fundamental Studies Of Hydrogen Storage And Catalysis, Balakrishnan Naduvalath

UNLV Renewable Energy Symposium

This inaugural event is dedicated to showcasing the renewable/sustainable energy projects of UNLV faculty, staff, students, and collaborators, as well as other external projects underway statewide and nationally. The development and utilization of new technologies to protect the environment, achieve energy independence, and strengthen the economy will be explored. Speakers and poster-session presenters will provide further insight to many ongoing projects and innovative research ideas.

Organized by UNLV’s Office of Strategic Energy Programs, the event offers participants the opportunity to learn about energy projects and will encourage networking and collaboration. This symposium is intended for researchers, educators, students, policy makers, …

High Temperature Heat Exchanger Project: Quarterly Progress Report January 1, 2007 Through March 31, 2007, Anthony Hechanova

Publications (NSTD)

• The variation of sulfur dioxide production (throughput) of the baseline design of the Ceramatec sulfuric acid decomposer with total mass flow rate of reacting flow has been calculated. According to the calculations, the sulfur dioxide production increases as the total mass flow rate of reacting flow increases regardless of the fact that decomposition percentage of sulfuric trioxide decreases. A parametric study of the baseline design of the Ceramatec sulfuric acid decomposer was performed.

• The thermal performance using various channel geometries for the decomposer was studied. The baseline design (straight channels) has 89.5% thermal efficiency while the thermal efficiency …

Investigating The Spring Bloom In San Francisco Bay: Links Between Water Chemistry, Metal Cycling, Mercury Speciation, And Phytoplankton Community Composition, Allison C. Luengen

Environmental Science

Investigating the spring bloom in San Francisco Bay: Links between water chemistry, metal cycling, mercury speciation, and phytoplankton community composition This dissertation addresses the relationship between two problems facing estuaries nationwide: nutrient enrichment and metal contamination. The focus is on the southern reach of San Francisco Bay, where high nutrient concentrations can control the magnitude of the predictably occurring spring phytoplankton bloom. The bloom in this study, in spring 2003, was one of the largest blooms on record, exceeding 150 μg L ^-1 of chlorophyll α. As the bloom grew, diatoms (e.g. Thalassiosira punctigera ) depleted dissolved nutrients from the …

Surge Of Green: A Sustainable Approach To Conductive Polymers, Bethany Masten

Undergraduate Review

No abstract provided.

World Bank -Cpa Conflict: The Struggle To Define Human Rights And Development In The Philippines, Adam B. Robbins

Honors Theses

This thesis analyzes the interactions between the World Bank (hereafter, the Bank) and the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA), an indigenous and environmental advocacy group based in the Cordillera region of Luzon, in the Philippines. Using data gathered through both text-based and participatory research methods, I analyze the discursive relationship and violent confrontations between the two organizations. Conflicting development and human rights values cause the majority of these conflicts. I focus on how each organization enacts development and human rights, and how this leads to conflict. Ultimately, I intend for this thesis to offer practical guidance for the reader involved in …