Lattice-Boltzmann simulations of dynamic interfacial tension due to soluble amphiphilic surfactant

An amphiphilic Lattice-Boltzmann approach is adopted to model dynamic interfacial tension due to non-ionic surfactant. In the current system, the surfactant adsorption kinetics is diffusion dominated and the interface separates two immiscible fluids. A rotational relaxation time and a diffusive/viscous relaxation time are associated with the surfactant. The model results are compared with experimental data for the dynamic interfacial tension of a pendant oil droplet in water, with oil soluble surfactant. We demonstrate how to adapt and calibrate the model to capture the adsorption timescale of the surfactant and the magnitude of interfacial tension reduction due to surfactant. A scheme to overcome numerical instabilities due to the relatively low surfactant concentration, is devised. We are able to qualitatively match the Frumkin equation of state for the interfacial tension.     

Six-dimensional quasiclassical and quantum dynamics of H2 dissociation on the c(2 × 2)-Ti/Al(100) surface

Based on a slab model of H(2) dissociation on a c(2 × 2) structure with Ti atoms in the first and third layers of Al(100), a six-dimensional (6D) potential energy surface (PES) has been built. In this PES, a molecular adsorption well with a depth of 0.45 eV is present in front of a barrier of height 0.13 eV. Using this PES, H(2) dissociation probabilities are calculated by the classical trajectory (CT), the quasiclassical trajectory (QCT), and the time-dependent wave-packet (TDWP) method. The QCT study shows that trajectories can be trapped by the molecular adsorption well. Higher incident energy can lead to direct H(2) dissociation. Vibrational pre-excitation is the most efficient way to promote direct dissociation without trapping. We find that both rotational and vibrational excitation have efficacies close to 1.0 in the entire range of incident energies investigated, which supports the randomization in the initial conditions making the reaction rate solely dependent on the total (internal and translational) energy. The H(2) dissociation probabilities from quantum dynamics are in reasonable agreement with the QCT results in the energy range 50-200 meV, except for some fluctuations. However, the TDWP results considerably exceed the QCT results in the energy range 200-850 meV. The CT reaction probabilities are too low compared with the quantum dynamical results.     

A multifaceted approach to hydrogen storage

The widespread adoption of hydrogen as an energy carrier could bring significant benefits, but only if a number of currently intractable problems can be overcome. Not the least of these is the problem of storage, particularly when aimed at use onboard light-vehicles. The aim of this overview is to look in depth at a number of areas linked by the recently concluded HYDROGEN research network, representing an intentionally multi-faceted selection with the goal of advancing the field on a number of fronts simultaneously. For the general reader we provide a concise outline of the main approaches to storing hydrogen before moving on to detailed reviews of recent research in the solid chemical storage of hydrogen, and so provide an entry point for the interested reader on these diverse topics. The subjects covered include: the mechanisms of Ti catalysis in alanates; the kinetics of the borohydrides and the resulting limitations; novel transition metal catalysts for use with complex hydrides; less common borohydrides; protic-hydridic stores; metal ammines and novel approaches to nano-confined metal hydrides.     

Stochastically excited waves in a 1D random medium - the mean field and power spectrum

Scalar wave propagation is examined when both the wave source and the propagation speed are random. Results are derived for the mean field and the power spectrum using the second-order Born approximation. The results depend on whether the source S(x, t) and the propagation speed c(x, t) are correlated or not. When they are uncorrelated, the mean field is zero. When they are correlated, the mean field is non-zero only when the source is non-stationary. The power spectrum is incoherent to leading order. There is a transfer of energy from lower to higher frequencies owing to wave scattering. The corresponding frequency upshift of the power profile in the (k, ω) domain is mainly caused by the cross power between the direct and the twice scattered field, which represents a second-order incoherent power contribution. The results are confirmed using a numerical solution of the wave equation where the scattered field is expanded to fifth order.     

Zur Titration des Mangans mit amperometrischer Endpunktsanzeige

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry -     

Six-dimensional quantum dynamics of dissociative chemisorption of H2 on Ru(0001)

Six-dimensional quantum dynamics calculations on dissociative chemisorption of H(2) on Ru(0001) are performed. The six-dimensional potential energy surface is generated using density functional theory. Two different generalized gradient approximations are used, i.e., RPBE and PW91, to allow the results to be compared. The dissociation probability for normally incident H(2) on a clean Ru(0001) surface is calculated. Large differences between the reaction probabilities calculated using the RPBE and PW91 are seen, with the PW91 results showing a much narrower reaction probability curve and a much higher reactivity. Using the reaction probabilities and assuming normal energy scaling reaction rates are generated for temperatures between 300 and 800 K. The rate generated using the PW91 results is higher by about a factor 5 than the rate based on the RPBE results in the range of temperatures relevant to ammonia production.     

On Mn(Hg)/Mn(II) equilibria and reactions in aqueous solution

The title subject has been studied through galvanostatic single-pulse and chronopotentiometric measurements on the Mn(Hg)/Mn(II) electrode and equilibrium measurements on the same and the Ag/AgCl electrode, all in x MMnCl₂+(0.5?x)M MgCl₂ solutions of pH 4.3–4.9 at 25°C. The Mn(Hg)/Mn(II) reactions are found to occur in two consecutive steps, an unsymmetric (α_c near 0.8) ion-transfer step Mn(Hg)/Mn(I) and an essentially symmetric (α_c near 0.5) electron-transfer step Mn(I)/Mn(II). Besides charge transfer, no sluggishness other than diffusion is observed, but the dispersed precipitate Mn₂Hg₅ of saturated amalgam serves as an ageing-dependent source of anodic reactant Mn(Hg). Quantitative kinetic and thermodynamic data are presented and discussed. Comparisons are made to corresponding reactions for the succeeding elements iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc.     

Suspensions in turbulent liquid pipe flow: Kinetic modelling and added mass effects

We develop a Eulerian model for a particle suspension in fully developed turbulent liquid in a horizontal pipe. Virtual mass effects and hydrodynamic interactions are accounted for by an extension of the kinetic theory of Reeks and Swailes.     

A droplet transport model for channel and pipe flow based on particle kinetic theory and a stress–ω turbulence model

A model for droplet transport in turbulent gas–liquid flow in horizontal channels or pipes is developed. We invoke the kinetic theory of Reeks and co-workers for inertial particles, and the Reynolds stress–ω model of Wilcox for the gas turbulence. We introduce a suitable turbulence boundary condition at the gas–liquid interface. The full kinetic model is compared to experimental data using high density SF₆ gas and Exxsol oil, and the model gives a good prediction of the droplet distribution.