Dependence of the preexponential factor on temperature

The dependence of the preexponential factor on the temperature has been examined and the errors involved in the activation energy calculated from isothermal and non-isothermal methods without considering such dependence have been estimated. It has been shown that the error in the determination of the activation energy calculated ignoring the dependence of Aon Tcan be rather large and it is dependent on x=E/RT, but independent of the experimental method used. It has been also shown that the error introduced by omitting the dependence of the preexponential factor on the temperature is considerably larger than the error due to the Arrhenius integral approach used for carrying out the kinetic analysis of TG data.Peer reviewe

Influencia de la adición de estaño en el proceso de precipitación en una aleación de Cu-Ni-Zn

ABSTRACT: Influence of tin additions on the precipitation processes in a Cu-Ni-Zn alloys. The influence of 1.1 wt% tin additions on the precipitation hardening of Cu-11 wt% Ni-20 wt% Zn alloy was studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), microhardeness measurements and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The calorimetric curves, in the range of temperatures analyzed, show the presence of two exothermic reactions in the ternary alloy, associated to the short-range-order development assisted by migration of excess vacancies. On the other hand, one exothermic and one endothermic reaction are observed in the quaternary alloy, associated to the formation and dissolution of Cu2NiZn precipitates, respectively. It has been show that an addition of 1.1% tin plays an important role in the formation of Cu2NiZn precipitates, responsible for the precipitation hardening of the ternary alloy.Peer Reviewe

Limitations of model-fitting methods for kinetic analysis: Polystyrene thermal degradation

In this paper, some clarifications regarding the use of model-fitting methods of kinetic analysis are provided in response to the lack of plot linearity and dispersion in the activation energy values for the thermal degradation of polystyrene found in the literature and some results proposing an nth order model as the most suitable one. In the present work, two model-fitting methods based on the differential and integral forms of the general kinetic equation are evaluated using both simulated and experimental data, showing that the differential method is recommended due to its higher discrimination power. Moreover, the intrinsic limitations of model-fitting methods are highlighted: the use of a limited set of kinetic models to fit experimental data and the ideal nature of such models. Finally, it is concluded that a chain scission model is more appropriate than first order. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.Peer Reviewe

Nanostructured Photocatalysts and Their Applications in the Photocatalytic Transformation of Lignocellulosic Biomass: An Overview

Heterogeneous photocatalysis offer many possibilities for finding appropiate environmentally friendly solutions for many of the the problems affecting our society (i.e., energy issues). Researchers are still looking for novel routes to prepare solid photocatalysts able to transform solar into chemical energy more efficiently. In many developing countries, biomass is a major energy source, but currently such countries lack of the technology to sustainably obtain chemicals and/or fuels from it. The Roadmap for Biomass Technologies, authored by 26 leading experts from academia, industry, and government agencies, has predicted a gradual shift back to a carbohydrate-based economy. Biomass and biofuels appear to hold the key to satisfy the basic needs of our societies for the sustainable production of liquid fuels and high value-added chemicals without compromising the scenario of future generations. In this review, we aim to discuss various design routes for nanostructured photocatalytic solid materials in view of their applications in the selective transformation of lignocellulosic biomass to high value-added chemical

Optimization of the catalytic layer for alkaline fuel cells based on fumatech membranes and ionomer

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells with alkaline anion exchange membranes (AAEMs) have gained increasing attention because of the faster reaction kinetics associated with the alkaline environment compared to acidic media. While the development of anion exchange polymer membranes is increasing, the catalytic layer structure and composition of electrodes is of paramount importance to maximize fuel cell performance. In this work, we examine the preparation procedures for electrodes by catalyst-coated substrate to be used with a well-known commercial AAEM, Fumasep® FAA-3, and a commercial ionomer of the same nature (Fumion), both from Fumatech GmbH. The anion exchange procedure, the ionomer concentration in the catalytic layer and also the effect of membrane thickness, are investigated as they are very relevant parameters conditioning the cell behavior. The best power density was achieved upon ion exchange of the ionomer by submerging the electrodes in KCl (isopropyl alcohol/water solution) for at least one hour, two exchange steps, followed by treatment in KOH for 30 min. The optimum ionomer (Fumion) concentration was found to be close to 50 wt%, with a relatively narrow interval of functioning ionomer percentages. These results provide a practical guide for electrode preparation in AAEM-based fuel cell research