The enthalpies of formation of hydrotalcite-like phases containing Mg and Al and intercalated with NO{sub 3}{sup -}, Cl{sup -}, I{sup -}, ReO{sub 4}{sup -}, or CO{sub 3}{sup 2-} were determined using high-temperature oxide melt and room-temperature acid solution calorimetry. The relative stability of phases bearing the various anions was gauged by comparing the enthalpy of formation from the single-cation components ({Delta}{sub f}H{sup scc}). Trends relating {Delta}{sub f}H{sup scc} to the nature of intercalating anions (halides, NO{sub 3}{sup -}, and CO{sub 3}{sup 2-}) show small stabilization from the mechanical mixtures of single-cation components. The aim of this study was to relate the enthalpy of formation to the nature of interlayer bonding in hydrotalcite-like compounds (HTLCs) bearing various anions, to uncover trends in the relative aqueous solubilities of these phases. The entropy of formation of these compounds was estimated using an approximation based on third-law entropy measurements for the compound Mg{sub 0.74}Al{sub 0.26}(OH){sub 2}(CO{sub 3}){sub 0.13} {center_dot} 0.39H{sub 2}O which were performed in a previous study. This approximation for the third-law entropy was combined with the enthalpy data from our calorimetric measurements performed in this work in order to calculate the standard-state free energy of formation for the HTLCs. The solubility products for the compounds investigated in this study were calculated from these free energies of formation and were used in geochemical calculations. The results of these calculations support our previous hypothesis that carbonate-intercalated HTLCs are less soluble than phases bearing other anions such as nitrates and halides. We suspect that the solubilities of HTLCs bearing anions other than carbonate may correspond to the solubilities of single-cation phases bearing the same anions.
Efficient and environmentally sound methods of producing hydrogen are of great importance to the US as it progresses toward the H2 economy. Current studies are investigating the use of high temperature systems driven by nuclear and/or solar energy to drive thermochemical cycles for H2 production. These processes are advantageous since they do not produce greenhouse gas emissions that are a result of hydrogen production from electrolysis or hydrocarbon reformation. Double-substituted perovskites, A1-xSrxCo1-yBy O3-δ (A = Y, La; B = Fe, Ni, Cr, Mn) were synthesized for use as ceramic high-temperature oxygen separation membranes. The materials have promising oxygen sorption properties and were structurally robust under varying temperatures and atmospheres. Post-TGA powder diffraction patterns revealed no structural changes after the temperature and gas treatments, demonstrating the robustness of the material. The most promising material was the La0.1Sr0.9Co1-xMnx O3-δ perovskite. The oxygen sorption properties increased with increasing Mn doping.
The need for fresh water has increased exponentially during the last several decades due to the continuous growth of human population and industrial and agricultural activities. Yet existing resources are limited often because of their high salinity. This unfavorable situation requires the development of new, long-term strategies and alternative technologies for desalination of saline waters presently not being used to supply the population growth occurring in arid regions. We have developed a novel environmentally friendly method for desalinating inland brackish waters. This process can be applied to either brackish ground water or produced waters (i.e., coal-bed methane or oil and gas produced waters). Using a set of ion exchange and sorption materials, our process effectively removes anions and cations in separate steps. The ion exchange materials were chosen because of their specific selectivity for ions of interest, and for their ability to work in the temperature and pH regions necessary for cost and energy effectiveness. For anion exchange, we have focused on hydrotalcite (HTC), a layered hydroxide similar to clay in structure. For cation exchange, we have developed an amorphous silica material that has enhanced cation (in particular Na{sup +}) selectivity. In the case of produced waters with high concentrations of Ca{sup 2+}, a lime softening step is included.
Conclusions of this paper are: (1) Adsorption/desorption on bulk unmodified zeolites showed isoprene adsorbed by zeolite-L and n-pentane adsorbed by zeolite-Y and ZSM-5; (2) Bulk carbonization is used to passivate zeolite activity toward organic adsorption/decomposition; (3) Based on the bulk modified zeolite separation results, we have determined that the MFI type has the most potential for isoprene enrichment; (4) Modified MFI type membranes are jointly made by Sandia and the Univ. of Colorado. Separation experiments are performed by Goodyear Chemical; (5) Isoprene/n-pentane separations have been demonstrated by using both zeolite membranes and modified bulk zeolites at various temperatures on the Goodyear Pilot-scale unit; and (6) Target zeolite membrane separations values of 6.7% isoprene enrichment have been established by economic analysis calculations by Burns & McDonnell.
A family of microporous phases with compositions Na{sub 2}Nb{sub 2-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 6-x}(OH){sub x} {center_dot} H{sub 2}O (0 {le} x {le} 0.4) transform to Na{sub 2}Nb{sub 2-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 6-0.5x} perovskites upon heating. In this study, we have measured the enthalpies of formation of the microporous phases and their corresponding perovskites from the constituent oxides and from the elements by drop solution calorimetry in 3Na{sub 2}O {center_dot} 4MoO{sub 3} solvent at 974 K. As Ti/Nb increases, the enthalpies of formation for the microporous phases become less exothermic up to x = {approx}0.2 but then more exothermic thereafter. In contrast, the formation enthalpies for the corresponding perovskites become less exothermic across the series. The energetic disparity between the two series can be attributed to their different mechanisms of ionic substitutions: Nb{sup 5+} + O{sup 2-} {yields} Ti{sup 4+} + OH{sup -} for the microporous phases and Nb{sup 5+} {yields} Ti{sup 4+} + 0.5 V{sub O}** for the perovskites. From the calorimetric data for the two series, the enthalpies of the dehydration reaction, Na{sub 2}Nb{sub 2-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 6-x}(OH){sub x} {center_dot} H{sub 2}O {yields} Na{sub 2}Nb{sub 2-x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 6-0.5X} + H{sub 2}O, have been derived, and their implications for phase stability at the synthesis conditions are discussed.
This project will attempt to develop a new family of inorganic crystalline porous materials under IMF that will lead to improvement of energy efficiency and productivity via improved separations. Initially this project will be focused on materials for the separation of linear from branched hydrocarbons. However, it is anticipated that the results will provide the basis of knowledge to enable this technology to be applied toward additional hydrocarbon and chemical separations. Industrial involvement from Goodyear and Burns & McDonnell provides needed direction for solving real industrial problems, which will find application throughout the US chemical and petroleum industries.
There is a great need for robust, defect-free, highly selective molecular sieve (zeolite) thin film membranes for light gas molecule separations in hydrogen fuel production from CH{sub 4} or H{sub 2}O sources. In particular, we are interested in (1) separating and isolating H{sub 2} from H{sub 2}O and CH{sub 4}, CO, CO{sub 2}, O{sub 2}, N{sub 2} gases; (2) water management in PEMs and (3) as a replacement for expensive Pt catalysts needed for PEMs. Current hydrogen separation membranes are based on Pd alloys or on chemically and mechanically unstable organic polymer membranes. The use of molecular sieves brings a stable (chemically and mechanically stable) inorganic matrix to the membrane [1-3]. The crystalline frameworks have 'tunable' pores that are capable of size exclusion separations. The frameworks are made of inorganic oxides (e.g., silicates, aluminosilicates, and phosphates) that bring different charge and electrostatic attraction forces to the separation media. The resultant materials have high separation abilities plus inherent thermal stability over 600 C and chemical stability. Furthermore, the crystallographically defined (<1 {angstrom} deviation) pore sizes and shapes allow for size exclusion of very similarly sized molecules. In contrast, organic polymer membranes are successful based on diffusion separations, not size exclusion. We envision the impact of positive results from this project in the near term with hydrocarbon fuels, and long term with biomass fuels. There is a great need for robust, defect-free, highly selective molecular sieve (zeolite) thin film membranes for light gas molecule separations in hydrogen fuel production from CH{sub 4} or H{sub 2}O sources. They contain an inherent chemical, thermal and mechanical stability not found in conventional membrane materials. Our goal is to utilize those zeolitic qualities in membranes for the separation of light gases, and to eventually partner with industry to commercialize the membranes. To date, we have successfully: (1) Demonstrated (through synthesis, characterization and permeation testing) both the ability to synthesize defect-free zeolitic membranes and use them as size selective gas separation membranes; these include aluminosilicates and silicates; (2) Built and operated our in-house light gas permeation unit; we have amended it to enable testing of H{sub 2}S gases, mixed gases and at high temperatures. We are initiating further modification by designing and building an upgraded unit that will allow for temperatures up to 500 C, steady-state vs. pressure driven permeation, and mixed gas resolution through GC/MS analysis; (3) Have shown in preliminary experiments high selectivity for H{sub 2} from binary and industrially-relevant mixed gas streams under low operating pressures of 16 psig; (4) Synthesized membranes on commercially available oxide and composite disks (this is in addition to successes we have in synthesizing zeolitic membranes to tubular supports [9]); and (5) Signed a non-disclosure agreement with industrial partner G. E. Dolbear & Associates, Inc., and have ongoing agreements with Pall Corporation for in-kind support supplies and interest in scale-up for commercialization.
A new family of framework titanosilicates, A{sub 2}TiSi{sub 6}O{sub 15} (A=K, Rb, Cs) (space group Cc), has recently been synthesized using the hydrothermal method. This group of phases can potentially be utilized for storage of radioactive elements, particularly {sup 137}Cs, due to its high stability under electron radiation and chemical leaching. Here, we report the syntheses and structures of two intermediate members in the series: KRbTiSi{sub 6}O{sub 15} and RbCsTiSi{sub 6}O{sub 15}. Rietveld analysis of powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction data reveals that they adopt the same framework topology as the end-members, with no apparent Rb/K or Rb/Cs ordering. To study energetics of the solid solution series, high-temperature drop-solution calorimetry using molten 2PbO {center_dot} B{sub 2}O{sub 3} as the solvent at 975 K has been performed for the end-members and intermediate phases. As the size of the alkali cation increases, the measured enthalpies of formation from the constituent oxides and from the elements ({Delta}H{sub f,el}) become more exothermic, suggesting that this framework structure favors the cation in the sequence Cs{sup +}, Rb{sup +}, and K{sup +}. This trend is consistent with the higher melting temperatures of A{sub 2}TiSi{sub 6}O{sub 15} phases with increase in the alkali cation size.
The synthesis, characterization, and separations capability of defect-free, thin-film zeolite membranes were presented. The one-micron thick sodium-aluminosilicate films of Silicalite-1 and ZSM-5 were synthesized by hydrothermal methods on either disk- or tube-supports. Techniques for growing membranes on both Al2O3 substrates as well as oxide-coated stainless steel substrates were presented. The resulting defect-free zeolite films had high flux rates at room temperature (∼ 10-7 mole/Pa-sec-sq m) and showed selective separations (3-7) between pure gases of H2 and CH4, O2, N2, CO2, CO, SF6. Results from mixed gas studies showed similar flux rates as pure gases with enhanced selectivity (15-50) for H2. The selectivity through both Silicalite-1 and ZSM-5 membranes was compared and contrasted for several gas mixtures. Data comparisons for defect-free and "defect-filled" membranes were also discussed. Under operation, the flow through these membranes quickly reached its maximum value and was stable over long periods of time. Results from experiments at high temperatures, ≤ 300°C, were compared with the data obtained at room temperature. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 228th ACS National Meeting (Philadelphia, PA, 8/22-26/2004).
Alkylation reactions of benzene with propylene using zeolites were studied for their affinity for cumene production. The current process for the production of cumene involves heating corrosive acid catalysts, cooling, transporting, and distillation. This study focused on the reaction of products in a static one-pot vessel using non-corrosive zeolite catalysts, working towards a more efficient one-step process with a potentially large energy savings. A series of experiments were conducted to find the best reaction conditions yielding the highest production of cumene. The experiments looked at cumene formation amounts in two different reaction vessels that had different physical traits. Different zeolites, temperatures, mixing speeds, and amounts of reactants were also investigated to find their affects on the amount of cumene produced. Quantitative analysis of product mixture was performed by gas chromatography. Mass spectroscopy was also utilized to observe the gas phase components during the alkylation process.
As a participating national lab in the inter-institutional effort to resolve performance issues of the non-elutable ion exchange technology for Cs extraction, they have carried out a series of characterization studies of UOP IONSIV{reg_sign} IE-911 and its component parts. IE-911 is a bound form (zirconium hydroxide-binder) of crystalline silicotitanate (CST) ion exchanger. The crystalline silicotitanate removes Cs from solutions by selective ion exchange. The performance issues of primary concern are: (1) excessive Nb leaching and subsequent precipitation of column-plugging Nb-oxide material, and (2) precipitation of aluminosilicate on IE-911 pellet surfaces, which may be initiated by dissolution of Si from the IE-911, thus creating a supersaturated solution with respect to silica. In this work, they have identified and characterized Si- and Nb-oxide based impurity phases in IE-911, which are the most likely sources of leachable Si and Nb, respectively. Furthermore, they have determined the criteria and mechanism for removal from IE-911 of the Nb-based impurity phase that is responsible for the Nb-oxide column plugging incidents.
Dual control volume molecular dynamics was employed to study the flux of methane through channels of thin silicalite membranes. The DCANIS force field was analyzed to describe the adsorption isotherms of methane and ethane in silicalite. The alkane parameters and silicalite parameters were determined by fiiting the DCANIS force field to single-component vapor-liquid coexistence curves (VLCC) and adsorption isotherms respectively. The adsorption layers on the surfaces of thin silicalite membranes showed a sifnificant resistance to the flux of methane. The results depicted the insensitivity of permeance to both the average pressure and pressure drop.
The synthesis, structure and some properties of C{sub 2}H{sub 7}N{sub 4}O {center_dot} ZnPO{sub 4} (guanylurea zinc phosphate) are reported. The cationic template was prepared in situ by partial hydrolysis of the neutral 2-cyanoguanidine starting material. The resulting structure contains a new, unprotonated, zincophosphate layer topology as well as unusual N-H-O template-to-template hydrogen bonds which help to stabilize a ''double sandwich'' of templating cations between the inorganic sheets. Crystal data: C{sub 2}H{sub 7}N{sub 4}O {center_dot} ZnPO{sub 4}, M{sub r} = 229.44, monoclinic, P2{sub 1}/c, a = 13.6453 (9) {angstrom}, b = 5.0716 (3) {angstrom}, c = 10.6005 (7) {angstrom}, {beta} = 95.918 (2){sup 0}, V = 729.7 (1) {angstrom}{sup 3}, R(F) = 0.034, wR(F) = 0.034.
The solution-mediated synthesis and single crystal structure of (CN{sub 3}H{sub 6}){sub 2} {center_dot} Zn(HPO{sub 3}){sub 2} are reported. This phase is built up from a three-dimensional framework of vertex-linked ZnO{sub 4} and HPO{sub 3} building units encapsulating the extra-framework guanidinium cations. The structure is stabilized by template-to-framework hydrogen bonding. The inorganic framework shows a surprising similarity to those of some known zinc phosphates. Crystal data: (CN{sub 3}H{sub 6}){sub 2} {center_dot} Zn(HPO{sub 3}){sub 2}, AI,= 345.50, orthorhombic, space group Fdd2 (No. 43), a = 15.2109 (6) {angstrom}, b = 11.7281 (5) {angstrom}, c = 14.1821 (6) {angstrom}, V = 2530.0 (4){angstrom}{sup 3}, Z = 8, T = 298 (2)K, R(F) = 0.020, wR(F) = 0.025.
The syntheses, crystal structures and some properties of {alpha}- and {beta}-ZnHPO{sub 3}{center_dot}N{sub 4}C{sub 2}H{sub 4} are reported. These two polymorphs are the first organically-templated hydrogen phosphites. They are built up from vertex-sharing HPO{sub 3} pseudo pyramids and ZnO{sub 3}N tetrahedra, where the Zn-N bond represents a direct link between zinc and the neutral 2-cyanoguanidine template. {alpha}-ZnHPO{sub 3}{center_dot}N{sub 4}C{sub 2}H{sub 4} is built up from infinite layers of vertex-sharing ZnO{sub 3}N and HPO{sub 3} groups forming 4-rings and 8-rings. {beta}-ZnHPO{sub 3}{center_dot}N{sub 4}C{sub 2}H{sub 4} has strong one-dimensional character, with the polyhedral building units forming 4-ring ladders. Similarities and differences to related zinc phosphates are discussed. Crystal data: {alpha}-ZnHPO{sub 3}{center_dot}N{sub 4}C{sub 2}H{sub 4}, M{sub r} = 229.44, monoclinic, P2{sub 1}/c, a = 9.7718 (5) {angstrom}, b = 8.2503 (4) {angstrom}, c = 9.2491 (5) {angstrom}, {beta} = 104.146 (1){sup 0}, V = 723.1 (1) {angstrom}{sup 3}, R(F) = 2.33%, wR(F) = 2.52%. {beta}-ZnHPO{sub 3}{center_dot}N{sub 4}C{sub 2}H{sub 4}, M{sub r} = 229.44, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 14.5092 (9) {angstrom}, b = 10.5464 (6) {angstrom}, c = 10.3342 (6) {angstrom}, {beta} = 114.290 (1){sup 0}, V = 1441.4 (3) {angstrom}{sup 3}, R(F) = 3.01%, wR(F) = 3.40%.
The structure of Na{sub 16}Nb{sub 12.8}Ti{sub 3.2}O{sub 44.8}(OH){sub 3.2} {center_dot} 8H{sub 2}O, a member of a new family of Sandia Octahedral Molecular Sieves (SOMS) having a Nb/Na/M{sup IV} (M= Ti, Zr) oxide framework and exchangeable Na and water in open channels, was determined from Synchrotron X-ray data. The SOMS phases are isostructural with variable M{sup IV}:Nb(1:50--1:4) ratios. The SOMS are extremely selective for sorption of divalent cations, particularly Sr{sup 2+}. The ion-exchanged SOMS undergo direct thermal conversion to a perovskite-type phase, indicating this is a promising new method for removal and sequestration of radioactive Sr-90 from mixed nuclear wastes.
