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In this paper a new image thresholding method is proposed by using a similarity measure on intuitionistic fuzzy sets. Based on the ‘vote model’ of intuitionistic fuzzy sets, an image is mapped to an intuitionistic fuzzy set which is constructed from a fuzzy set. The corresponding fuzzy set’s membership degree is calculated by Gamma distribution. The proposed technique maximizes the similarity degree to select the best threshold.

Electrode materials which exhibit high conductivities in both oxidising and reducing atmospheres are in high demand for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolytic cells (SOECs). In this paper, we investigated Cu-doped SrFe0.9Nb0.1O3−δ finding that the primitive perovskite oxide SrFe0.8Cu0.1Nb0.1O3−δ (SFCN) exhibits a conductivity of 63 Scm−1and 60 Scm−1 at 415 °C in air and 5%H2/Ar respectively. It is believed that the high conductivity in 5%H2/Ar is related to the exsolved Fe (or FeCu alloy) on exposure to a reducing atmosphere. To the best of our knowledge, the conductivity of SrFe0.8Cu0.1Nb0.1O3−δ in a reducing atmosphere is the highest of all reported oxides which also exhibit a high conductivity in air. Fuel cell performance using SrFe0.8Cu0.1Nb0.1O3−δ as the anode, (Y2O3)0.08(ZrO2)0.92 as the electrolyte and La0.8Sr0.2FeO3−δ as the cathode achieved a power density of 423 mWcm−2 at 700 °C indicating that SFCN is a promising anode for SOFCs.

A matrix-free molten carbonate fuel cell without CO2 recirculation for efficient power generation from carbon-containing fuels., In previous reports, flowing CO2 at the cathode is essential for either conventional molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) based on molten carbonate/LiAlO2 electrolytes or matrix-free MCFCs. For the first time, we demonstrate a high-performance matrix-free MCFC without CO2 recirculation. At 800°C, power densities of 430 and 410 mW/cm2 are achieved when biomass—bamboo charcoal and wood, respectively–is used as fuel. At 600°C, a stable performance is observed during the measured 90 hours after the initial degradation. In this MCFC, CO2 is produced at the anode when carbon-containing fuels are used. The produced CO2 then dissolves and diffuses to the cathode to react with oxygen in open air, forming the required CO32− or CO42− ions for continuous operation. The dissolved O2− ions may also take part in the cell reactions. This provides a simple new fuel cell technology to directly convert carbon-containing fuels such as carbon and biomass into electricity with high efficiency.

Under the inflammable or explosive environment, the direct measurement methods by opening up the explosion-proof shell of electrical installations were not adopted. So, it’s impossible to have a quantitative analysis on the limit of conducted disturbance for electrical fast transient burst (EFT/B) in such dangerous environments. Transient conducted coupling model, which using EFT/B as its excitation source, can be built based on circuit and electromagnetic field theory. Furthermore, numerical analysis was performed. The results indicate that the capacitive coupling voltage is the same polarity as EFT/B, and is the main disturbance form of conducted coupling in mines. The inductive coupling voltage is reversed polarity with the capacitive coupling voltage, and both peaks appear only in the rising time of EFT/B, which increase with the rising of load resistance. Moreover, the cable coupling voltage on the side of disturbance source is higher than the one on the other side in tunnel. To reduce the common resistance can suppress the resistive coupling disturbance.

We show that the saturation order of piecewise constant approximation in Lp norm on convex partitions with N cells is N−2/(d+1), where d is the number of variables. This order is achieved for any on a partition obtained by a simple algorithm involving an anisotropic subdivision of a uniform partition. This improves considerably the approximation order N−1/d achievable on isotropic partitions. In addition we show that the saturation order of piecewise linear approximation on convex partitions is N−2/d, the same as on isotropic partitions.

Ce 0.8 Gd 0.05 Y 0.15 O 1.9 (GYDC) electrolyte was prepared by a carbonate co-precipitation method. Lithium nitrate at 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 mol% was added to GYDC as sintering additive. 96% relative density was achieved for GYDC at sintering temperature of 800 °C with addition of 1.5 mol% LiNO 3 . The conductivities of GYDC with sintering aids LiNO 3 were measured by a.c. impedance spectroscopy and showed comparable values to that of pure GYDC sample sintered at 1400 °C. A single cell with 1.5 mol% LiNO 3 infiltrated GYDC electrolyte was fabricated by sintering at 800 °C for only 2 h. Lithiated NiO was synthesized by the glycine-nitrate combustion method and employed as cathode material. The cell was tested at temperatures from 500 to 575 °C and a maximum power density of 73 mW cm − 2 was obtained at 575 °C. These preliminary results indicate that LiNO 3 is a very effective sintering additive for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell fabrication.

Hydroxyl-ion conductive poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) membranes with different characteristics were prepared via relatively simple bromination/amination serial reactions with reduced number of involved chemicals and shorter reaction time. The effects of reactants ratio, reaction atmosphere, polymer concentration, casting solvent, and hydroxylation treatment on reaction were investigated in details. The microstructure, water uptake, swelling ratio, ion-exchange capacity and ionic conductivity of the membranes were also studied. The obtained results demonstrate that, the ionic conductivity of the membrane is dependent on casting solvent. The N-methyl-2-pyrrolidonecast membrane exhibits the highest conductivity with the thinnest film. Although the membrane was prepared via a relatively simple preparation route with least toxic chemicals, a competitive ionic conductivity value of 1.64 x 10(-2) S cm(-1) was achieved at 60 degrees C. A power density of 19.5 mW cm(-2) has been demonstrated from the alkaline membrane fuel cell operated at 70 degrees C. assembled from the entirely homemade membrane electrode assembly without any hot-pressing.

Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia was investigated using a cobalt-free La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Cu0.2O3-δ-Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-δ (LSFCu-SDC) composite cathode and SDC-ternary carbonate composite electrolyte. La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Cu0.2O3-δ and Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-δ were prepared via combined EDTA-citrate complexing sol–gel and glycine nitrate processes, respectively, and characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Ammonia was successfully synthesised from wet hydrogen and dry nitrogen under atmospheric pressure using Ni-SDC, SDC-carbonate and LSFCu-SDC composites as anode, electrolyte and cathode respectively. Ammonia formation was observed at 400, 425, 450 and 475 °C and the maximum rate of ammonia production was found to be 5.39 × 10−9 mol s−1 cm−2 at 450 °C and 0.8 V. The AC impedance measurements were recorded before and after the ammonia synthesis in the range of temperature 400–475 °C. The formation of ammonia at the N2 side together with stable current at 450 °C under constant voltage demonstrates that SDC-(Li/Na/K)2CO3 composite electrolyte exhibits significant proton conduction at a temperature around 450 °C.

Shear mechanism of the cross bore slab of tubular hollow slab on cast-in-place concrete is set forth. Shear force and normal stress are calculated for each section of cross bore slab of tubular hollow slab with supported in one-way direction. We can put forward suggestions based on the three conditions. One condition is that shearing stress is no more than shearing resistance on cross bore slab. Another is that tensile stress on rib of cross bore slab is no more than tensile strength of the concrete. The last one is that concrete shearing stress on rib of parallel bore slab is less than its shearing resistant strength. Meanwhile one example is given. So that we can obtain the requirements for minimum rib between bores of tubular hollow slab.

Possible clinical diagnosis biomarkers of diabetes were proposed using proteomics and bioinformatics methods through the preliminary study on the formaldehyde-human serum albumin crosslinkage. Using LC/MS techniques, the experiment on in vivo cross-linking reaction of formaldehyde with pure protein or plasma protein revealed that the cross-linking reaction of human serum albumin and forrmaldehyde would occur and the concentrations of some normal peptides would change. A group of significant peptides of human serum albumin were selected. As the results of in vivo cross-linking reaction, Non-enzymatic glycosylation modification of HSA were observed in diabetic. The same change of the concentrations of some peptides happened. The above-mentioned results were demonstrated with the hematoplasmas of normal people and diabetics.

A stable and conductive composite material based on NH4PO3 and amorphous oxides (SiO2-P2O5) has been prepared by a wet-chemical route following with firing in ammonia. The composite showed high proton conductivity in both ambient air and humidified 5% H-2/Ar. A total conductivity of 6.0-19 mS/cm in the temperature range of 150-250 degrees C has been achieved. The conductivity (about 19 mS/cm) is stable in humidified 5% H-2/Ar during ageing at 175 degrees C for over 100 h. This material is a potential electrolyte for intermediate temperature fuel cells and other electrochemical devices.

Excellent performance has been achieved at 400–600 °C for fuel cells based on doped-ceria–carbonate composite electrolytes; however, the fuel cell stability remains a big challenge for practical applications. In this communication, we report the stable performance of a fuel cell based on doped-ceria–carbonate composite electrolyte and Sm0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8Cu0.2O3−δ cathode. At 550 °C, current output of about 400 mAcm−2 was continually generated during the non-stop 100 hour measurement under constant voltage of 0.7 V although further investigation is needed for longer term stability. This type of intermediate temperature fuel cell is promising for real applications. Keywords: Long-term stability, Doped-ceria–carbonate composite, Perovskite, Cathode, Fuel cell, Compatibility

The field of research into solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode materials has been rapidly moving forward. In the four years since the last in-depth review significant advancements have been made in the reduction of the operating temperature and improvement of the performance of SOFCs. This progress report examines the developments in the field and looks to draw conclusions and inspiration from this research. A brief introduction is given to the field, followed by an overview of the principal previous materials. A detailed analysis of the developments of the last 4 years is given using a selection of the available literature, concentrating on metal-fluorite cermets and perovskite-based materials. This is followed by a consideration of alternate fuels for use in SOFCs and their associated problems and a short discussion on the effect of synthesis method on anode performance. The concluding remarks compile the significant developments in the field along with a consideration of the promise of future research. The recent progress in the development of anode materials for SOFCs based on oxygen ion conducting electrolytes is reviewed.

Ammonia is one of the most produced chemicals worldwide, and it is not only a major end product but also an important energy storage intermediate. The solid-state electrochemical synthesis of ammonia has the promise to overcome the limitations of the conventional catalytic reactors such as the limited conversion, severe environmental pollution and high energy consumption. Solid-state electrolytes either protonic or oxide ion conductors have been reviewed and particular emphasis is placed on their application to synthesise ammonia. The highest rate of ammonia formation according to the type of electrolyte utilised were in the following order; solid polymers > Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ-(Ca3(PO4)2-K3PO4) composites > fluorites > perovskites > pyrochlores although the catalysts in electrodes also play an important role. The highest rate reported so far is found to be 1.13 × 10−8 mol s−1 cm−2 at 80 °C with a potential of 2 V using Nafion membrane, SmFe0.7Cu0.1Ni0.2O3 (SFCN), and Ni-Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ as solid electrolyte, cathode and anode, respectively. Synthesising ammonia from steam and N2, by-passing H2 stage offers many advantages such as reduction of device numbers and then the overall costs. The factors affecting the rate of ammonia formation have been discussed as well.

FeVO 4 was synthesised by conventional solid state technique. Impedance measurements using a silver electrode were unsuccessful due to a solid state reaction between FeVO 4 and Ag, forming α-AgVO 3 and α-Fe 2 O 3 at the interface. Impedance measurements, with a platinum electrode, reaffirmed that FeVO 4 exhibits semiconductor behaviour in air. In a reducing atmosphere, 5% H 2 /Ar, high electronic conductivity, from 1 S cm −1 at 300 °C to 2 S cm −1 at 700 °C, was observed with an activation energy of 0.13(1) eV. X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry data determined that the change in electronic conductivity was due to the degradation of the material into FeV 2 O 4 and α-Fe 2 O 3 . It is believed that the conduction was due to electron hopping between vanadium d-orbitals. Neither FeVO 4 nor FeV 2 O 4 are deemed suitable as anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells, due to redox instability.

Cobalt pyrovanadate was successfully synthesised by a solid state route and the conductivity in both oxidising and reducing environments was determined for the first time. Impedance measurements between 300 degrees C and 700 degrees C in air determined that Co2V2O7 is an intrinsic semiconductor with activation energy of 1.16(3) eV. The conductivity in air reached a maximum of 4 x 10(-4) S cm(-1) at 700 degrees C. Semiconducting behaviour was also observed in 5% H-2/Ar, albeit with a much smaller activation energy of 0.04(4) eV. Between 300 degrees C and 700 degrees C the conductivity ranged from 2.45 S cm(-1) to 2.685 cm(-1), which is approaching the magnitude required for SOFC anode materials. Thermogravimetric analysis found a significant weight loss upon reduction of the compound. X-ray diffraction analysis, coupled with data from previous research, suggested compound degradation into Co2-xV1+xO4, CoO and VO. The redox instability and the low conductivity lead us to the conclusion that cobalt pyrovanadate is unsuitable for utilisation as an anode material for SOFCs although the conductivity is reasonable in a reducing atmosphere. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical synthesis of ammonia based on carbonate electrolyte is presented in this paper. Spinel oxide CoFe 2 O 4 was synthesised via a co-precipitation method and characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ammonia was successfully synthesised from hydrogen and nitrogen under atmospheric pressure using CoFe 2 O 4 as catalyst (primary particle size 10–20 nm) together with silver at the cathode, Ag–Pd at the anode and carbonate-LiAlO 2 composite as electrolyte respectively. Ammonia formation was observed at 400, 425 and 450 °C and the maximum rate of ammonia production was found to be 2.32 × 10 −10 mol s −1 cm −2 at 400 °C and 0.8 V. The AC impedance measurements were recorded before and after the ammonia synthesis at 400, 425 and 450 °C. The electrolytic cell during the ammonia synthesis process was more stable at 450 °C and 0.8 V over a period of 2 h. This experiment also indicates that the carbonate-LiAlO 2 composite electrolyte exhibits proton conduction.

A-site substituted cerium metavanadates, Ce1−xSrxVO3, were synthesised by solid-state reactions from single-phase powders of the corresponding orthovanadates. All samples were found to exhibit an orthorhombic perovskite structure of space groupPnma (62) with a = 5.5181 (3), b = 7.7853 (2) and c = 5.5155 (4) A for Ce0.85Sr0.15VO3. Conductivity measurements were performed in air and in dry 5% H2–Ar with conductivity values at 700 °C ranging from 0.1 to 2.5 S cm−1 with peaking at 6 S cm−1 in reduced atmosphere. X-Ray diffraction patterns and thermal analyses have shown that the reduction of Sr-doped CeVO3 from the equivalent orthovanadate is redox phase reversible without formation of parasitic phases while the undoped CeVO4 is not.

To accord with the requirements of large area soft foundation treatment project, did the construction field monitoring and detection test including surface subsidence, pore water pressure, deep horizontal displacement, cone penetration test, vane shear test, and so on, make an effective and timely assessment with the construction quality and the reinforcement effect of foundation treatment project.

A cost-effective cell fabrication process was developed for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). Co-doped ceria Ce0.8Gd0.05Y0.15O1.9 (GYDC) was synthesized by carbonate co-precipitation method. Lithiated NiO was prepared by glycine-nitrate combustion method and adopted as cathode material for IT-SOFCs. Single cell was fabricated by one-step dry-pressing and co-firing anode, anode functional layer (AFL), electrolyte and cathode together at 1200 °C for 4 h. The cell presented decent performance and an overall electrode polarization resistance of 0.54 Ω cm2 has been achieved at 600 °C. These results demonstrate the possibility of using lithiated NiO as cathode material for ceria-based IT-SOFCs and the development of affordable fuel cell devices is encouraged. Keywords: Cost-effective, Lithiated NiO, Cathode, Intermediate temperature, Solid oxide fuel cell

A phosphoric acid based composite material with core–shell microstructure has been developed to be used as a new electrolyte for fuel cells. A fuel cell based on this electrolyte can operate at room temperature indicating leaching of H3PO4 with liquid water is insignificant at room temperature. This will help to improve the thermal cyclability of phosphoric acid based electrolyte to make it easier for practical use. The conductivity of this H3PO4-based electrolyte is stable at 250 °C with addition of the hydrophilic inorganic compound BPO4 forming a core–shell microstructure which makes it possible to run a PAFC at a temperature above 200 °C. The core–shell microstructure retains after the fuel cell measurements. A power density of 350 mW/cm2 for a H2/O2 fuel cell has been achieved at 200 °C. The increase in operating temperature does not have significant benefit to the performance of a H2/O2 fuel cell. For the first time, a composite electrolyte material for phosphoric acid fuel cells which can operate in a wide range of temperature has been evaluated but certainly further investigation is required.

A novel silver complex [Ag(dafo)2(NO3)] (dafo = 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one) was obtained. Its structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure shows that the Ag atom is in a five coordination environment. As far as the rigid of the dafo molecular is concerned, the structure is very remarkable. The work also studies the interaction between the complex and DNA by optical special and electrochemical methods. It is found that the action mode of the complex with DNA is intercalative. A novel silver complex [Ag(dafo)2(NO3)] (dafo = 4,5-Diazafluorene-9-one) was obtained and its structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The binding of the complex to calf thymus DNA has been investigated. It is found that the action mode of the complex with DNA is intercalative.

In an attempt to synthesize supra-molecular complex of copper (II) with mixed ligands in a solution reaction of Cu(ClO4)2· 6H2O with 4,5-diazafluorene-9-one (dafo) and o-phthalic add, the bright blue column-like crystal [Cu(dafo)2(H2O)2]-(ClO4)2 was obtained. Its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The crystal belongs to monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n with cell dimensions: a = 0.7547(3) nm, b = 1.2021(5) nm, c = 1.3190(5) nm, α = 90.000(5)°, β = 90.000(5)°, γ = 90.000(5)°, V = 1.2600(9) nm3, Z = 2, F(000)=670, Mr = 662.83, Dc = 1.747 g/cm3, μ (Mo Kα) = 1.154 mm−1, R1, = 0.0455, wR2 = 0.1041. The analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the complex has a two-dimensional network structure which is formed by hydrogen bonds.

A novel one-dimensional chain complex [Zn(dafo)2(H2O)2](NO3)2 was obtained when we tried synthesizing a mixed ligand supramolecular compound of Zinc(II) with dafo and o-phthalic acid. Its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal belongs to triclinic system, P-1 space group. The crystallographic data: a=0.6989(4) nm, b=0.8281(5) nm, c=1.0231(5) nm, α=94.934(5)°, β=91.366(7)°, γ=99.820(7)°, V=0.5809(5) nm3, Z= 1, F(000)=300, Mr=589.78, Dc=1.686 g/cm3, μ(Mo Kα)=1.130 mm−1, R1=0.0521, wR2=0.1096. The analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the compound has a one-dimensional chain structure which is formed by hydrogen bonds. The constitutes of the title complex were proved by elemental analysis, IR spectra and thermal analysis. On the basis of the experimentation, the complex was calculated by DFT-B3LW/LANL2DZ in Gaussian-98w also.

In an attempt to synthesize a new pyrimidine complex of copper(II) in a solution reaction of CuBr2 with 2,2′-bis(hexahydropyrimidine) and hydro-chloric acid, we unexpectedly obtained a bright yellow chip-like crystal of CuC4(H2tn) [H,tn=(H3NCH2CH2CH2NH3)2+]. Its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal belongs to orthorhombic system, space group Pnma, with cell parameters: a=0.7216(2) nm, b= 1.8308(6) nm, c=0.7553(3) nm, V=0.9953(6) nm3, Z=4, F(000)=564, Mr=281.49, D,= 1.879 g/cm3. μ(Mo Ka)=3.204 m−1, R1=0.0248, wR2=0.0575. The analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the complex has a three-dimensional network structure, which is formed by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction.

A-site-substituted cerium orthovanadates, Ce1−x Ca x VO4, were synthesised by solid-state reactions. At room temperature, the solid solution limit in Ce1−x Ca x VO4 series is at x = 0.4125. The crystal structure was analysed by X-ray diffraction and it exhibits a tetragonal zircon structure of space group I41/amd with a = 7.4004 (1) and c = 6.4983 (6) A for CeVO4. The UV–Visible absorption spectra indicated that the compounds have band gaps at room temperature in the range of 4.2–4.5 eV. Conductivity measurements were performed for the first time up to the calcium solid solution limit in both air and dry 5% H2/Ar with conductivity values at 600 °C ranging from 0.3 to 20 mS cm−1 in air to 3 to 30 mS cm−1 in reducing atmosphere. In general, the conductivity of Ca-doped CeVO4 is higher in air but lower in a reducing atmosphere comparing to pure CeVO4. The H2/air electrochemical cell measurement indicates that the conduction of sample Ce0.7Ca0.3VO4 is electronic dominant. Samples Ce0.9Ca0.1VO4 and Ce0.8Ca0.2VO4 are redox stable at a temperature below 600 °C although the conductivity is not high enough to be used as an electrode for solid oxide fuel cells.

It was reported that ceria-carbonate composites are promising electrolyte materials for intermediate temperature fuel cells. The conductivity stability of composite electrolyte with co-doped ceria and binary carbonate was measured by AC impedance spectroscopy. At 550 degrees C, the conductivity dropped from 0.26 to 0.21 S cm(-1) in air during the measured 135 h. At a constant current density of 1 A cm(-2), the cell performance keeps decreasing at 550 degrees C, with a maximum power density change from 520 to 300 mW cm(-2). This is due to the increase of both series and electrode polarisation resistances. Obvious morphology change of the electrolyte nearby the cathode/electrolyte interface was observed by SEM. Both XRD and FT-IR investigations indicate that there are some interactions between the doped ceria and carbonates. Thermal analysis indicates that the oxide-carbonate composite is quite stable at 550 degrees C. The durability of this kind of fuel cell is not good during our experiments. A complete solid oxide-carbonate composite would be better choice for a stable fuel cell performance.

A -site substituted cerium orthovanadates, Ce 1− x Sr x VO 4 , were synthesised by solid-state reactions. It was found that the solid solution limit in Ce 1− x Sr x VO 4 is at x =0.175. The crystal structure was analysed by X-ray diffraction and it exhibits a tetragonal zircon structure of space group I 4 1 / amd (1 4 1) with a =7.3670 (3) and c =6.4894 (1) A for Ce 0.825 Sr 0.175 VO 4 . The UV–vis absorption spectra indicated that the compounds have band gaps at room temperature in the range 4.5–4.6 eV. Conductivity measurements were performed for the first time up to the strontium solid solution limit in air and in dry 5% H 2 /Ar with conductivity values at 600 °C ranging from 0.3 to 30 mS cm −1 in air to 30–45 mS cm −1 in reduced atmosphere. Sample Ce 0.825 Sr 0.175 VO 4 is redox stable at a temperature below 600 °C although the conductivity is not high enough to be used as an electrode for solid oxide fuel cells.

Five hydroxylated derivatives of glycyrrhetinic acid by Mucor polymorphosporus were isolated. Among them, 6beta, 7beta-dihydroxyglycyrrhentic acid (2) and 27-hydroxyglycyrrhentic acid (3) are new compounds. Their chemical structures were identified by spectral methods including 2D-NMR.

A high performance intermediate temperature fuel cell (ITFC) with composite electrolyte composed of co-doped ceria Ce0.8Gd0.05Y0.15O1.9 (GYDC) and a binary carbonate-based (52 mol% Li2CO3/48 mol% Na2CO3), 1.2 mm thick electrolyte layer has been developed. Co-doped Ce0.8Gd0.05Y0.15O1.9 was synthesized by a glycine–nitrate process and used as solid support matrix for the composite electrolyte. The conductivity of both composite electrolyte and GYDC supporting substrate were measured by AC impedance spectroscopy. It showed a sharp conductivity jump at about 500 °C when the carbonates melted. Single cells with thick electrolyte layer were fabricated by a dry-pressing technique using NiO as anode and Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ or lithiated NiO as cathode. The cell was tested at 450–550 °C using hydrogen as the fuel and air as the oxidant. Excellent performance with high power density of 670 mW cm−2 at 550 °C was achieved for a 1.2 mm thick composite electrolyte containing 40 wt% carbonates which is much higher than that of a cell based on pure GYDC with a 70 μm thick electrolyte layer.

Four new nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes of Schiff base ligands: [Ni(L)Cl2]·2H2O (I), [Ni(L)(H2O)2] (NO3)2 (II), [Ni(L)(H2O)2] (ClO4)2 (III), and [Co(L) (H2O)2] (NO3)2 (IV) (L = 1,3-[bis(pyridine-2-imino)]propane) have been synthesized. The four complexes have been fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, absorption spectra, emission spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The binding of the four complexes to calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) has been investigated by absorption spectra and emission spectra. The results of the two methods indicate that the action mode of complex I with DNA is intercalative mainly, and the action mode of complexes II, III, IV with DNA cannot be concluded, it should be sustained by other experimental measurements. Four new nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes of Schiff base ligands: [Ni(L)Cl2]·2H2O (I), [Ni(L)(H2O)2] (NO3)2 (II), [Ni(L)(H2O)2] (ClO4)2 (III), and [Co(L) (H2O)2] (NO3)2 (IV) (L = 1,3-[bis(pyridine-2-imino)]propane) were synthesized and their crystal structures were determined. The binding of the four complexes to calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) has been investigated.

New pyrophosphate Sn0.9Sc0.1(P2O7)(1-delta) was prepared by an aqueous solution method. The structure and conductivity of Sn0.9Sc0.1(P2O7)(1-delta) have been investigated. XRD analysis indicates that Sn0.9Sc0.1(P2O7)(1-delta) exhibits a 3 x 3 x 3 superstructure. It was found that Sn0.9Sc0.1(P2O7)(1-delta) prepared by an aqueous method is not conductive. The total conductivity of Sn0.9Sc0.1(P2O7)(1-delta) in open air is 2.35 x 10(-6) and 2.82 x 10(-9) S/cm at 900 and 400 degrees C respectively. In wet air, the total conductivity is about two orders of magnitude higher (8.1 X 10(-7) S/cm at 400 degrees C) than in open air indicating some proton conduction. SnP2O7 and Sn0.92In0.08(P2O7)(1-delta) prepared by an acidic method were reported fairly conductive but prepared by similar solution methods are not conductive. Therefore, the conductivity of SnP2O7-based materials might be related to the synthetic history. The possible conduction mechanism of SnP2O7-based materials has been discussed in detail.

A symmetric five-dentate Schiff-base ligand N,N-bis(pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde)diethylenetriamine (L) was prepared. An unusual copper(II) complex [CuCl2 (L)] · H2O was obtained, when copper chloride reacted with ligand L. In the course of the coordination reaction, a ring closure reaction happens to ligand L. So, the formation process of the complex can be used for reference to synthesize the ring compound. The complex has been characterized fully by elemental analysis, IR, absorption spectra, emission spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, a reasonable reaction mechanism for forming the complex was presumed. The complex was synthesized by treating an ethanolic solution of the appropriate ligand with an equimolar amount of metallic salt. In the complex, the copper atom is five-coordinated, which can be best described as a distorted square-pyramidal geometry with a N3Cl2 donor set, and two parallel one-dimensional chains are formed by packing of the complex.

An ionic liquid (IL), 1-ally-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl), was used as cosolvent for cellulose and soy protein isolate (SPI) to prepare different compositions of cellulose/SPI blend films, which were coagulated under a nonsolvent condition. The structures of the blend films were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transparence analysis, and the physical properties of the films such as mechanical properties, water resistance, water vapor permeability, gas permeability, and thermal stability were also examined. The results indicate that cellulose/SPI blends have excellent miscibility in all weight ratios of cellulose to SPI. With the increase of cellulose content in blend films, the tensile strength, elongation at break, water resistance, and thermal stability of the cellulose/SPI blend films all increase. The addition of the cellulose results in a decrease in the water vapor permeability values. In addition, a...

NH 4 PO 3 –PTFE inorganic–organic composite electrolytes were prepared. Their phase compositions, thermal stability and morphologies were investigated. The composites obtained demonstrate improved thermal stability comparing with commercial NH 4 PO 3 . The morphology of pellets under the same conditions shows the smoother and denser surface with more PTFE content added. The conductivity was measured by ac impedance spectroscopy under different atmospheres. The composites were found to exhibit a higher conductivity in humid 5% H 2 /Ar compared with open air atmosphere. A maximum conductivity of 2.3 mS/cm is obtained at 250 °C for NH 4 PO 3 –PTFE (volume ratio = 2:1) sample in humid 5% H 2 /Ar.

Considering the important role of representation element in an interval-valued fuzzy set for decision analysis, the concepts of three parameters interval-valued fuzzy set and three parameters interval-valued fuzzy value are proposed, and some operators on three parameters interval-valued fuzzy values are given, and a new distance between three parameters interval-valued fuzzy values is defined. Based on the proposed distance, a TOPSIS decision-making method is shown for a multicriteria decision-making model on three parameters interval-valued fuzzy sets. Finally, a practical example is provided to illustrate the method's effectiveness.

Five copper complexes with 4,5-diazafluoren-9-one have been reported. Some of their structures are determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. On the basis of experimentation, all the complexes were calculated by DFT-B3LYP/LANL2DZ in Gaussian-98w. By analyzing the experimental and calculated values, it can be concluded, on the one hand, that the experimental results are proved thoroughly by the theoretical calculated results; on the other hand, the theoretical calculated results can deduce the experimental results reasonably well.

Two new multi-nuclear homometallic complexes, [Cu2(OAc)4(H2O)2]·2dafo (1) and [(µ2-O)2-Co3(dafo)6]-(ClO3)2·H2O (2) (dafo=4,5-diazafluoren-9-one), were synthesized. The two complexes have been fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, absorption spectra, emission spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The initial DNA binding mechanisms of the two complexes have been investigated by absorption spectra, emission spectra and cyclic voltammograms. Both complexes show similar perturbations on addition of calf thymus DNA in the UV region, their luminescence intensities in aqueous buffer are all enhanced in the presence of increasing amounts of DNA, and their electrochemical behavior is both completely different in the absence and presence of DNA. The results of the three methods indicate that the spectral characters and the electrochemical behavior of the two complexes are very similar to those of the known metallointercalators. So it can be concluded that the action mode of the two complexes with DNA is mainly intercalative.

Two new complexes [Cu(dafo)2(en)](ClO4)2·2H2O (en=NH2CH2CH2NH2) 1 and [Cu(dafo)2(dap)](ClO4)2· 2H2O [dap=NH2CH2CH(CH3)NH2] 2 (dafo=4,5-diazafluoren-9-one) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV spectra. Meanwhile, the complex 1 has been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The initial DNA binding interactions of the complexes 1 and 2 have been investigated by UV spectra, emission spectra and cyclic voltammogram. Concluding the results of three methods used to measure the interaction of complexes 1 and 2 with DNA, the action mode of the two complexes with DNA is intercalation, and character of ligands and steric effect may affect the interaction of the complexes with DNA.

Ammonium magnesium phosphate monohydrate NH4MgPO4·H2O was prepared via solid state reaction at room temperature and characterized by XRD, FT-IR and SEM. Thermochemical study was performed by an isoperibol solution calorimeter, non-isothermal measurement was used in a multivariate non-linear regression analysis to determine the kinetic reaction parameters. The results show that the molar enthalpy of reaction above is (28.795±0.182) kJ/mol (298.15 K), and the standard molar enthalpy of formation of the title complex is (−2185.43±13.80) kJ/mol (298.15 K). Kinetics analysis shows that the second decomposition of NH4MgPO4·H2O acts as a double-step reaction:an nth-order reaction (Fn) with n=4.28, E1=147.35 kJ/mol, A1=3.63×1013 s−1 is followed by a second-order reaction (F2) with E2=212.71 kJ/mol, A2=1.82×1018 s−1.

Samples of SrFe1-xTixO3-δ (x = 0-0.3) are prepared by sol-gel reaction of stoichiometric amounts of Sr(NO3)2, Fe(NO3)3,Ti(O-iPr)3, and citric acid in a 2:1 EtOH/H2O solution followed by firing of the obtained gel and sintering of pressed pellets (1300 °C, 17 h).

Ammonia was directly synthesised from wet nitrogen at an intermediate temperature (375–425 °C) based on the oxygen-ion conduction of the Ce0.8Gd0.18Ca0.02O2−δ–((Li/Na/K)2CO3) composite electrolyte. A redox stable perovskite-based catalyst, La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Fe0.5O3−δ (LSCrF), was synthesised via a combined EDTA–citrate complexing sol–gel process to be used as a component of the La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Fe0.5O3−δ–Ce0.8Gd0.18Ca0.02O2−δ composite cathode for ammonia synthesis. Ammonia formation was studied at 375, 400 and 425 °C and a maximum ammonia formation rate of 4.0 × 10−10 mol s−1 cm−2 with corresponding Faradaic efficiency of 3.87% was observed at 375 °C when the applied voltage was 1.4 V. This is much higher than 7.0 × 10−11 mol s−1 cm−2 at 1.4 V and 400 °C when Cr-free Sr-doped LaFeO3−δ, La0.6Sr0.4FeO3−δ was used as the catalyst for the electrochemical synthesis of ammonia, indicating LSCrF is potentially a better catalyst. Ammonia was successfully synthesised using a redox stable cathode with higher formation rates at reduced temperature. Introduction of Cr3+ ions at the B-site of doped LaFeO3 improves both the chemical stability and catalytic activity for ammonia synthesis.

A composite of the electronic conductor α-LiFeO2 and the insulator γ-LiAlO2 is prepared by solid state reaction of a 1:0.7:0.3 molar mixture of Li2CO3, Fe2O3, and Al2O3 (900 °C, 1 h).

Solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have received significant attention due to their high efficiency, flexible fuel selection, low emissions in exhaust gases and relatively low cost. The SOFCs are also an alternative energy sources which operate at high temperature fuel cell technology [1-2]. Unlike lower temperature fuel cells, any carbon monoxide (CO) formed is transformed to carbon dioxide (CO2) at the high operating temperature, and so hydrocarbon fuels can be used directly through internal reforming or even direct oxidation. Conventional SOFCs are also excellent devices for efficient power generation. However, they are facing various challenges to overcome high cost, durability problems related to materials degradation and particularly the interconnecting and sealing materials. Single chamber SOFCs and direct flame solid oxide fuel cells (DFFCs) [3-4] are also alternative SOFC concepts that do not face the sealing problem. But the potential explosion in a single chamber SOFCs could be dangerous as a fuel oxidant mixture is fed to the high temperature fuel cell, especially if operating conditions are not well-defined. This problem can be avoided if DFFC is used where the fuel and oxidant are mixed at the point of use in a flame removing the dangerous dead of explosive mix. Besides, the DFFC provides simple cell configuration, rapid start-up and no external heater required, and it is suitable for portable applications. But the performance of the DFFC is still relatively poor, which hinders its practical applications. Therefore, the studies of DFFCs are important for designing the DFFCs for practical applications and investigating the appropriate operating conditions as well as improving the cell performance. In this study, a direct flame SOFC setup is designed and implemented based on fuel rich ethylene/air premixed flames to investigate the Ni-GDC (gadolinium-doped ceria) electrolyte supported fuel cell’s performance. The diameter of Ni-doped ceria anode and LSCF (lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite)-GDC cathode layer is 10 mm and GDC-electrolyte is 20 mm. A flat flame burner (64 mm outer diameter) along with stainless steel stabilisation plate was used for the investigations. The stabilisation plate was placed above the burner surface and is used to stabilise the flame. The fuel cell was attached to the stabilisation plate in such a way that the anode facing to flame front and the cathode exposed to ambient air. Silver paste and wires were applied as current collectors to both sides of the fuel cells. Fig. 1 shows the schematic of the DFFC experimental setup. I-V (current-voltage), open circuit voltage (OCV), cell temperature and electrochemical impedance of the fuel cell were investigated under different operating conditions. The cell temperature was measured using a fine-wire R-type thermocouple against different ERs and distances between the burner surface and the fuel cell. The thermocouple was located 2 mm below the anode layer. The temperature was found are in the range of 628 -700 °C for the distance separations at 15 to 30 mm. It was observed that the temperature was decreased with increasing the distances. It can be explained by the fact that flame shape is largely distorted by the distance and more soot was formed in the inner flame. Relationship between OCV and cell temperature at various distances is shown in Fig. 2. Highest cell temperature and flame stability were observed for the ER of 1.52 at the distance separation 15mm. The fuel cell also exhibits an OCV of 0.84 V with the same condition. It was also found that the position of the fuel cell with respect to the flame have a significant effect on the cell temperature and the performance. The fuel cell achieved a peak power density of 41 mW/cm2 and a peak current density of 121 mA/cm2with ER at 1.52 and temperature at 700 °C. In near future different hydrocarbon fuels (e.g., methane and propane) and fuel cells can be used for the further investigations over a range of operating conditions. References [1] P. I. Cowin, C. T. G. Petit, R. Lan, J. T. S. Irvine, and S. Tao, Adv. Energy Mater., 1,314–332 (2011) . [2] S. Sengodan, S. Choi, A. Jun, T. H. Shin, Y.-W. Ju, H. Y. Jeong, J. Shin, J. T. S. Irvine, and G. Kim, Nat. Mater., 14, 205-209 (2015). [3] Y. Q. Wang, Y. X. Shi, X. K. Yu, N. S. Cai, and S. Q. Li, J. Electrochem. Soc., 160, F1241-F1244 (2013). [4] M. Horiuchi, S. Suganuma, and M. Watanabe, J. Electrochem. Soc., 151, A1402 (2004). Acknowledgement: The authors thank EPSRC SuperGen Hydrogen Fuel Cells Challenges Flame SOFC Project (Grant No EP/K021036/1) for funding. Figure 1

Cobalt molybdenum nitride (Co3Mo3N) catalyst was synthesised through ammonolysis of the corresponding precursors by flowing pure ammonia gas. The catalyst was characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ammonia was successfully synthesised from wet hydrogen and dry nitrogen at atmospheric pressure using Co3Mo3N–Ag composite as cathode, Ag–Pd alloy as anode and LiAlO2–(Li/Na/K)2CO3 composite as an electrolyte. Ammonia formation was investigated at 400, 425 and 450 °C, and the maximum observed ammonia formation rate was 3.27×10−10 mol s−1 cm−2 at 450 °C when applied at 0.8 V. The catalytic activity of Co3Mo3N for electrochemical ammonia synthesis is lower than that of Pd. The successful synthesis of ammonia demonstrates that LiAlO2–(Li/Na/K)2CO3 composite exhibits protonic or/and oxygen ion conduction.

Background: MicroRNA-133b (miR-133b) has been shown to play a critical role in spinal cord regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular role of miR-133b in neural cells. Methods: PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons (PCNs) were transfected with lenti-miR-133b, lenti-miR-133b inhibitor, plasmid-shRNA-RhoA, plasmid-RhoA and their negative controls. After 48 hours of transfection, the levels of proteins and mRNA or miRNA were evaluated by Western blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. Moreover, the neurite outgrowth was analyzed by Image J. For pharmacological experiments, inhibitors of MEK1/2 kinase (PD98059), phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) (LY294002) and ROCK (Y27632) were added into the culture medium. Results: Overexpression of miR-133b in PC12 cells enhanced neurite outgrowth. Conversely, inhibition of miR-133b reduced neurite length. We further identified RhoA as a target and mediator of mir-133b for neurite extension by Western blot and knockdown experiment. Moreover, overexpression of RhoA could attenuate the neurite growth effects of miR-133b. Also, we observed that miR-133b activated MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by targeting RhoA. Finally, in PCNs, miR-133b also increased axon growth and attenuated axon growth restrictions from chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG). Conclusions: In summary, our study suggested that miR-133b regulated neurite outgrowth via ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by RhoA suppression.