Pilhas a combustível de óxido sólido: materiais, componentes e configurações

In this paper the current status of fuel cells is described with particular emphasis on high (T > 800 ºC) and intermediate (T < 800 ºC) temperature solid oxide fuel cells. Also the importance of the fuel cell technology is shown. Reviewed are the fundamental features, the basic principles, types of fuel cell, fabrication methods, cell configurations and the development of components (cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, interconnect) and materials.

Distribuição de mercúrio em diferentes solos da Bacia do médio Rio Negro-AM: influência da matéria orgânica no ciclo biogeoquímico do mercúrio

Soils play an important role in the biogeochemical cycle of mercury as a sink for and source of this metallic species to atmospheric and hydrological compartments. In the study reported here, various types of soil were evaluated to ascertain the influence of parameters such as pH, organic matter content, Fe, Al, sand, silt, clay, C/H, C/N, C/O atomic ratios, and cation exchange capacity on the distribution of Hg in Amazonia's mid-Negro River basin. The data obtained were interpreted by multivariate exploratory analyses (hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis), which indicated that organic matter plays an important role in mercury uptake in the various soils studied. The soils in floodable areas were found to contain 1.5 to 2.8-fold higher Hg concentrations than those in non-floodable areas. Since these soils are flooded almost year-round, they are less available to participate in redox processes at the soil/atmosphere interface. Hence, floodable areas, which comprise humic-rich soils, accumulate more mercury than non-floodable soils, thus playing an important role in the biogeochemical cycle of Hg in Amazonia's mid-Negro River basin.

Synthesis, characterization and thermal behaviour of solid-state compounds of benzoates with some bivalent transition metal ions

Solid-state MBz compounds, where M stands for bivalent Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn and Bz is benzoate, have been synthesized. Simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy and complexometry were used to characterize and to study the thermal behaviour of these compounds. The procedure used in the preparation of the compounds via reaction of basic carbonates with benzoic acid is not efficient in eliminating excess acid. However the TG-DTA curves permitted to verify that the binary compounds can be obtained by thermosynthesis, because the benzoic acid can be eliminated before the thermal decomposition of these compounds. The results led to information about the composition, dehydration, thermal stability, thermal decomposition and structure of the isolated compounds. On heating, these compounds decompose in two (Mn, Co, Ni, Zn) or three (Fe, Cu) steps with formation of the respective oxide (Mn3O4, Fe2O3, Co3O4, NiO, CuO and ZnO) as final residue. The theoretical and experimental spectroscopic studies suggest a covalent bidentate bond between ligand and metallic center.

Planejamento estatístico de experimentos como uma ferramenta para otimização das condições de biossorção de Cu(II) em batelada utilizando-se casca de nozes pecã como biossorvente

In order to reduce the total number of experiments for achieving the highest amount of adsorbed Cu2+ (qmax) using pecan nutshells (Carya illinoensis) as biosorbent, a full 2(4) factorial design with two central points was carried out (mass of biosorbent- m, pH, initial metallic ion concentration- C0, time of contact- t). In order to continue the optimization of the system, a central composite surface analysis design with two factors and five central points was carried out. The maximum amount of Cu2+ taken up by the pecan nutshells was 20 mg g-1. These results were confirmed by determining a Cu2+ isotherm using the best conditions attained by the statistical design of experiments.

Mecanismo e aplicações da reação de fenton assistida por compostos fenólicos redutores de ferro

The mechanism and applications of the Fenton reaction assisted by iron-reducing phenolic compounds (IRPC) is reviewed. The presence of IRPC leads to the formation of a larger number of free radicals. The relationship between the redox potential and the IRPC structure is discussed. The effect of humic substances in the degradation of xenobiotics is also included, since these substances are able to reduce metallic ions. The natural occurrence of Fe3+/H2O2/IRPC in wood biodegradation processes, as well as their application is also discussed. The review concludes with the advantages of the Fe3+/H2O2/IRPC systems and some considerations for further process optimization and their applications at industrial levels.

Desenvolvimento de um método empregando quitosana para remoção de íons metálicos de águas residuárias

In this work a method was developed for removing metallic ions from wastewaters by co-precipitation of Cu2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Cr3+ and Hg2+ with chitosan and sodium hydroxide solution. Solutions of these metallic ions in the range from 0.55 to 2160 mg L-1 were added to chitosan dissolved in 0.05 mol L-1 HCl. For the co-precipitation of metal-chitosan-hydroxide a 0.17 mol L-1 NaOH solution was added until pH 8.5-9.5. A parallel study was carried out applying a 0.17 mol L-1 NaOH solution to precipitate those metallic ions. Also, a chitosan solid phase column was used for removing those metallic ions from wastewaters.

Estudo da influência dos íons K+, Mg2+, SO4(2-) e CO3(2-) na cristalização biomimética de fosfato de cálcio amorfo (ACP) e conversão a fosfato octacálcico (OCP)

The crystallization of hydroxyapatite (HA) in aqueous solution can be described by the mechanism ACP -> OCP -> HA. In this work, it was studied the influence of K+, Mg2+, SO4(2-) and CO3(2-) ions in the formation of ACP and in its conversion to OCP, using biomimetic coatings on metallic substrates of commercially pure titanium (Ti c.p.). The results showed that Mg2+ and CO3(2-) ions favored both the formation of ACP and its conversion to OCP. Differently, K+ and SO4(2-) ions did not influence the formation of ACP and, consequently, interfered in the conversion to OCP.

Utilização de solos locais para tratamento de efluentes do refino de petróleo contendo metais

The employment of local soils for extraction of metallic elements was evaluated through batch tests to treat wastewaters generated in a petroleum refinery plant in southern Brazil. Clay and organic carbon content and clay mineralogy provide these soils, in principle, with moderate metal retention capacity. The following retention order was established: Cr3+ > Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Hg2+ > Cd2+, with total amount of metals retained varying from 36 to 65 meq kg-1. The results show the high efficiency of local soils for extracting metals from liquid effluents through sorption and precipitation processes under acid pH conditions.

Disseny d'una màquina carregadora de planxa a l'empresa Serralleria i Alumini Vilaró (S.A.V)

Les empreses sempre han buscat com optimitzar el màxim els seus recursos i ser més eficients a la hora de realitzar les tasques que li han estat encomanades. És per aquest motiu que constantment les empreses realitzen estudis i valoracions de com poder millorar dia a dia. Aquest fet no és diferenciador a l’empresa Serralleria i Alumini Vilaró (S.A.V), que dia a dia estudia com optimitzar els seus processos o de vegades introduir-ne de nous per tal d’expandir la seva oferta de serveis. L’empresa és dedica a la fabricació de peces metàl•liques el procés ja sigui només de tall i mecanitzat, plegat, soldadura, acabats en inoxidable, pintura i fins i tot embalatge pel que fa a la part productiva, respecte a la part d’oficina tècnica també ofereix serveis de desenvolupament de productes segons especificacions del client i reenginyeria de qualsevol producte, analitzant la part que és vol millorar. En l’actualitat l’empresa ha detectat una mancança que creu que es podria solucionar, el problema és que l’empresa disposa de varies màquines de tall, entre les quals hi ha una màquina de tall làser i el problema principal és que la càrrega de les planxes del calaix de magatzem a la bancada de la màquina es realitza o bé manualment o a través d’un gripper sostingut al pont grua, depenent del pes de la planxa a transportar. L’objectiu principal d’aquest treball és fer el disseny d’una màquina que permeti automatitzar el procés de transportar la planxa metàl•lica del calaix de magatzem dipositat sobre una taula mòbil a la bancada de la màquina de tall. El disseny que pretenem fer és complet començant per fer un disseny estructural de la màquina més els seus respectius càlculs, moviments que volem aconseguir, tria de components ( motors, sensors ...), elaboració d’un pressupost per poder fer una estimació i finalment la elaboració del programa de control de tota la màquina més la interacció amb la màquina a través d’una pantalla tàctil. Es a dir, el que pretenem és realitzar un projecte que puguem fabricar en la realitat utilitzant tota la informació continguda dins del mateix

De resíduo a insumo: a construção do caminho para uma química mais limpa através de um projeto de ensino

The discussion among teachers, students, and technicians about the destination of residues from chemistry laboratories led to a research project whose results were incorporated into a course in its daily practices. The treatment of the residues from argentimetric practices allowed us to establish cognitive relations of technological basis and of those related to the rising of the level of awareness about environmental aspects and social responsibility of chemistry professionals. The techniques and the results, from the economic point of view, namely that of value aggregation (metallic silver) and the conversion of the residue into input (potassium chromate solution) are shown.

Determinação voltamétrica de metais em águas e fluidos biológicos empregando mineralização de amostras com radiação ultravioleta

This work describes the optimization of pretreatment steps for the destruction of organic matter in samples of waters and biological fluids, by using an UV irradiation system with a high power UV radiation source (400 W). The efficiency of the system constructed for the photo-decomposition of samples of model waters, natural waters and biological fluids was investigated by performing recovery experiments of the metallic species Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), Al(III) and Fe(III). The use of UV irradiation allowed the liberation of metals bound to the organic matrix and the determination of the total content of elements in the samples.

Montagem e caracterização elétrica de pilhas a combustível de óxido sólido (PaCOS)

This paper is focused on a review of the design features and the electrochemistry characterization of anode-supported planar SOFC. Studies and results of metallic alloy interconnectors and recovery for protection against corrosion and for contact layer are showed. Moreover a discussion of examples of measurements of impedance spectrometry, according to the literature and our experimental results are made. For the anode supported fuel cells the power density varies from 0.1 to 0.5 Wcm², according to results in the literature (showed in this paper). For electrolyte supported fuel cell the power density can be 10 Wcm-2 for high temperatures. An English-Portuguese glossary of most used terms in SOFC stack is given for greater clarity and to introduce new terms to the reader.

Aplicação de planejamento fatorial a protocolo de extração e fixação de sulfetos volatilizáveis por acidificação (SVA) em amostras de sedimento

The AVS is defined operationally as acid volatile sulfide, which is a controlling phase on the partition of some metallic species in sediments. A Factorial design was evaluated by means of 16 experiments and using four variables: temperature, extraction time, N2 flow, and volume of the S2- collection solution. The factors that contributed to the efficiency of the process were the extraction time and the N2 flow. Trapping of S2- was efficient in AAB. The S2- was quantified using a potentiometric procedure. Recovery tests for S2- concentrations varying from 1×10-5 to 1×10-4 mol L-1 were in the range from 93 to 116%.

Nanotecnologia: aspectos gerais e potencial de aplicação em catálise

In recent years nanomaterials, such as metallic nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotapes, nanotubes and nanocomposites, have attracted increasing interest for several technological applications. In catalysis, the great potential of nanomaterials is related to the high catalytic activity exhibited by these materials as a function of the high surface/volume ratio when the particles acquire diameter below 5 nm. In this work, a review about concepts and background of nanoscience and nanotechnology is presented with emphasis in catalysis. Special attention is given to gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, focusing the properties and characteristics of these materials in several catalytic reactions.

Corrosão metálica associada ao uso de combustíveis minerais e biocombustíveis

Fuels and biofuels have a major importance in the transportation sector of any country, contributing to their economic development. The utilization of these fuels implies their closer contact to metallic materials, which comprise vehicle, storage, and transportation systems. Thus, metallic corrosion could be related to fuels and biofuels utilization. Specially, the corrosion associated to gasoline, ethanol, diesel, biodiesel, and their mixtures is discussed in this article. Briefly, the ethanol is the most corrosive and gasoline the least. Few investigations about the effect of biodiesel indicate that the corrosion is associated to their unsaturation degree and the corrosion of diesel is related to its acidity.