Dehydration and dehydroxylation of reduced charge montmorillonite

Reduced charge montmorillonites (RCM) were prepared by the thermal treatment of lithiumsaturated montmorillonite. Samples prepared by mild thermal treatment with lithium contained more water sorbed than the original montmorrilonite. When RCMs were prepared, part of the lithium cations reacted with hydroxyl groups in the octahedral sheet and released protons, which reacted with the structure. Acid treatment probably enhanced the surface area. which was reflected in the amount of water sorbed. Deprotonation of hydroxyl groups was proved by the measurements of the ignition loss. The heating of lithium saturated montmorillonite at higher temperatures brough about the collapse of the interlayers and a decrease in the amount of water sorbed.     

Fluctuation conductivity in superconducting MgB2

According to the crystal structure of MgB₂ and band structure calculations, quasi-two-dimensional (2D) boron planes are responsible for the superconductivity. We report on critical-field and resistance measurements of 5.6-μm-thick MgB₂ films grown on a sapphire single-crystal substrate. Resistivity measurements yield a temperature dependence of the fluctuation conductivity above the critical temperature, which agrees with the Aslamazov-Larkin and Maki-Thompson theory of fluctuations in layered superconductors, indicating a quasi-two-dimensional nucleation of superconductivity in MgB₂.     

Pressure-induced dislocation amorphization of crystals

In terms of the isotropic elastic crystal model, it is shown that the formation of planar layers consisting of edge dislocation pileups is advantageous in energy if the shear modulus of the crystal is far lower than the bulk modulus. As pressure rises, the dislocation radius decreases, which can destroy the crystal structure.     

Radioactive waste treatment products studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy II. Iron hydroxide precipitation systems

Different iron hydroxide precipitation processes simulating radioactive waste, treatment have been investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy at room temperature and at 80 K. Magnetic oxides (hematite or magnetite) partially affected by superparamagnetic relaxation have been observed. The crystallization degree and the particle size depend on the concentration and the addition order of chemicals. Much smaller particles were precipitated with Ca(OH)₂ than with NaOH as neutralization reagent.     

Resonance ionization spectroscopy for trace analysis and fundamental research

Resonance ionization spectroscopy (RIS) and its combination with mass spectrometry (RIMS) have grown to become powerful techniques, which offer high sensitivity as well as elemental and isotopic selectivity. The principles of RIS and RIMS are introduced; they primarily concern the analysis of the optical spectra for the choice of efficient excitation schemes and the suitable design of the experimental apparatus. Recent applications span from studies of short-lived isotopes at on-line mass separators to a wide variety of trace analysis applications for radioactive isotopes, which can range from measurements of solar neutrino flux to environmental assessment.On leave from Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, USA     

Electrochemical characterization of composite membranes based on crown-ethers intercalated into montmorillonite

Oxyethylene macrocyclic compounds (crown-ethers) act as ligands of intracrystalline cations of certain layered silicates as montmorillonites. Stable intercalation materials are formed which are used to prepare organic-inorganic membranes by encapsulating these intercalation compounds with a poly-butadiene thin coating. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is used to study the resulting composite membranes in contact with aqueous electrolytes. From the impedance plots, the ionic resistance of the membranes is obtained. The thickness of the polybutadiene coating is an important factor determining the ability of ions to pass across the membrane. Marked differences in the ionic resistance are observed as a function of the nature of the interlayer macrocyclic compound. For non-intercalated montmorillonite membranes, the ionic resistance is strongly reduced, whereas for some crown-ether intercalated materials such as 18-crown-6 and dibenzo 24-crown-8, iono-selective membranes are obtained. Concerning the nature of the electrolyte, cations exhibiting greater hydration energies show higher difficulties to pass through the membrane and, consequently, the ionic resistance increases.