- Home
- A-Z Publications
- Johnson Matthey Technology Review
- Fast Track Listing
Johnson Matthey Technology Review - Fast Track
Accepted manuscripts have been peer reviewed (where appropriate) and accepted for publication but have not yet been copyedited, house styled, proofread or typeset. The final published version may contain differences as a result of these procedures.
25
Fast Track articles
1 - 20 of 25 Fast Track articles
-
-
Ultrasonic Interactions with Microstructural Defects in Platinum Group Metal Nitrides OsN, IrN and PtN
Available online: 14 August 2024More LessThe ultrasonic and thermophysical properties of the platinum group metal nitrides (PGMNs) OsN, IrN and PtN were scrutinized along <100>, <110> and <111> orientations at room temperature. In present work, we evaluate the second, third, and fourth-order elastic constants of the PGMNs in the temperature span 0–500K using Coulomb and Born-Mayer potential model. At T=0K, the mechanical properties of PGMNs were investigated for the futuristic execution and industrial applications. The ultrasonic wave velocity and other thermophysical parameters have been determined to evaluate the thermal performance of the chosen materials along <100>, <110> and <111> orientations. The ultrasonic attenuation resulting from both the phonon-viscosity mechanism and the thermoelastic relaxation mechanism was calculated for three different orientations at room temperature. These calculated results were then analysed and compared with provided data on the selected materials and similar material types.
-
-
-
Investigation of Microstructural Characteristics and Mechanical Properties in Pt-10Rh Alloy Strengthened by Zirconium and Yttrium
Available online: 14 August 2024More LessIn pursuit of enhancing the high-temperature service performance of Pt-10Rh alloys, this study focuses on the preparation of two Pt-10Rh-based alloys through the incorporation of reinforcing elements zirconium and zirconium/yttrium. The investigation into the microstructure, mechanical properties, and strengthening mechanisms of the alloys involved the utilization of analytical tools such as an optical metallographic microscope (OM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy spectrum (EDS) and tensile tester, coupled with first-principle computational analysis methods. The research results indicate the presence of Pt5Y precipitate phase and zirconium yttrium oxides in Pt-10Rh-0.5Zr-0.2Y alloy, but not detected in Pt-10Rh-0.5Zr alloy. It was found that adding a small amount of zirconium and yttrium elements to Pt-10Rh alloy can significantly enhance the mechanical properties at room temperature and 1300 ℃, especially the composite addition of zirconium and yttrium elements, which can also improve obviously the high-temperature plasticity of the alloy. The strengthening mechanisms of zirconium and yttrium elements on Pt-10Rh alloy are mainly solid solution strengthening and second phase strengthening. The relationship between the mechanical properties of platinum-rhodium based alloys and their valence electron structure was discussed. The zirconium and yttrium reinforced platinum-rhodium based alloy studied in this work can replace Pt-10Rh alloy in certain fields.
-
-
-
The Development of Rare Earth Based Permanent Magnets and Its Relation to The Development of Circular Economy
Available online: 29 July 2024More LessPermanent magnet is a crucial material for the development of electrinics and telecommunications technology nowdays. During the early modern era, the development of permanent magnet materials focused on finding new material with maximum (BH)Max criteria. Currently, the rare earth-based alloy permanent magnet materials, such as Sm-Co and Nd-Fe-B, are the most advanced permanent magnet materials and have the most superior magnetic properties among other magnetic materials. Research and development in permanent magnets currently focuses more on engineering existing magnetic materials and developing a sustainable and environmentally friendly rare earth permanent magnet production system, in order to realize a circular economy system in the permanent magnet industry.
-
-
-
Exploration of Single Atom Alloy Catalysis for Industrial Applications
Available online: 29 July 2024More LessIn this work, we review the latest progress in single atom alloy (SAA) catalysis and its applications to thermal, photo- and electro-catalysis in processes. We also discuss SAA catalyst preparation methods as well as characterisation techniques and provide perspectives on scalability and potential manufacturing routes. Lastly, we provide perspectives on challenges and opportunities in SAAs, when moving towards industrial exploitation and realising the benefits offered by SAAs beyond laboratory-based research.
-
-
-
Microplasma-Sprayed Titanium and Hydroxyapatite Coatings on Ti6Al4V Alloy: in vitro Biocompatibility and Corrosion Resistance
Available online: 08 July 2024More LessThis paper investigates the bioactivity and mechanical properties of coatings applied to Ti6Al4V, a common titanium alloy used in endoprosthetic implants. Coatings made from hydroxyapatite (HA) powder and commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) wires were applied using microplasma spraying. The study focuses on the responses of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are essential for bone healing, to these coatings. By adjusting the microplasma spraying process, coatings with varying porosity and surface roughness were achieved. Results show that HA coatings significantly enhance MSC proliferation by 13% compared to the titanium alloy base, while Ti coatings also exhibit an 11% increase. Porosity inversely affects CP Ti's elasticity. Coatings with lower porosity demonstrate better corrosion resistance. HA coatings promote osteogenic activity and angiogenesis, which is crucial for implant integration.
-
-
-
Choosing an Analogue to Digital Converter with Data Safety in Mind
Available online: 08 July 2024More LessIndustry 4.0 is built upon the foundations of converting real world analogue effects into digitised binary data suitable for a computer to process. This needs to be done with care, particularly when the data is ingested by a safety critical system. A numerical study probing the limits of a typical analogue to digital converter is presented here, highlighting some potential issues that should be identified. Initially a Monte Carlo approach is used to probe the impact of digitisation on an analogue to digital converter (ADC) using traditional experimental error analysis. A constant test signal 2.5±0.01"V" is used to understand the optimum level of digitisation. The analogue signal is assumed to have Gaussian noise which is then processed by a 5"V" ADC. This investigation suggests an optimum digitisation level should be related to the standard error of a measured signal. The use of Bayesian inferencing using the Python package PyMC is then used to gain a better estimate of the underlying standard deviation when the signal has been digitised at the 8-bit level.
-
-
-
Structural-Phase State Of Austenitic 20GL Steel After Thermal Treatment by Normalizing and High-Temperature Tempering
Available online: 05 July 2024More LessThe article presents the results of a study of the influence of normalizing at 900 °C and high-temperature tempering at 650 °C on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cast steel 20GL. Heat treatment modes with and without high-temperature tempering were analyzed taking into account the geometric dimensions of the specimens. The microstructure and structural-phase composition of cast steel specimens after heat treatment were studied using transmission and scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Results showed that the selected mode ensures noticeable changes to ferrite-pearlite, homogeneous, fine-grained structure with grain size number 9 and Brinell hardness 170 HB. Mechanical tests for static tensile and impact strength resulted in selection of the optimal content of manganese in studied cast steel as 1.2 wt. %. It has been established that the processes of final deoxidation have the greatest influence on the mechanical properties of steel determining the nature and character of non-metallic inclusions.
-
-
-
Raman Spectroscopy for Diagnostic Analysis of Fuel Cell Catalyst Coated Membranes
Available online: 18 June 2024More LessRaman spectroscopy is a useful analytical tool for characterising the carbon chemistry of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) and understanding changes in the carbon matrix due to corrosion and degradation processes. However, interpretation of the data is highly sensitive to the sampling and spectral analysis methods employed. Here we critically assess the use of Raman spectroscopy for diagnostic analysis of uncycled PEMFC CCMs and equivalent CCMs subjected to dynamic load cycling. We first consider different approaches to quantitative analysis of Raman spectra, and show that a 2 peak spectral fitting model which only considers the characteristic D1 and G peaks in the Raman spectrum provides an inferior fit to a 4 peak fitting model that includes the minority D3 and D4 peaks associated with amorphous carbon and disordered graphitic domains. We furthermore demonstrate that in specific cases these two models can generate opposing trends. We then compare quantitative Raman metrics generated from spectral maps at different locations of CCMs subjected to different durations of cycling. A large degree of scatter in the data precluded conclusive correlation between Raman data and duration of cycling, highlighting the importance of sufficiently large sample sizes when performing quantitative analysis. However, a difference in behaviour between cathode and anode was observed, characterised most prominently by a higher degree of scatter in the Raman metrics associated with disordered and amorphous carbon, potentially pointing to contrasting ageing phenomena resulting from the different conditions at the cathode and anode. We also demonstrate that spectral differences across the cycled anode appear to be highly spatially heterogeneous, indicating that the associated chemical changes are localised on the <100 µm scale.
-
-
-
Tribological Models for Erosive Wear in Slurry Flow: A Review
Available online: 18 June 2024More LessSlurry erosion (SE) is a mechanically induced wear observed in concerned industries transiting the mixture of liquid and erodent particles, either naturally or affectedly. The kindred equipment and pipelines need frequent monitoring and slurry erosion prediction to check the severity of erosion for implementing preventive measures to minimize the damage of erosion wear. Experimental investigation/online condition monitoring is very high priced and provide fair idea about the extent of slurry erosion wear; nevertheless, precise prediction of slurry erosion wear requires in-situ operating conditions. To minimize expenditure on slurry erosion testing/monitoring and accurate slurry erosion prediction, tribological modeling of slurry erosion wear by mathematical approach or computer-based simulations has proved to be an excellent approach by numerous researchers to foresee the slurry erosion wear and control its severity. Several authors in the past have aligned their efforts in this direction. This review is an attempt to estimate the progress in the variety of tribological modeling (primarily mathematical models) of slurry erosion for its forecasting, monitoring and to suggest the apt approach for the modeling of slurry erosion wear, especially for hydro-turbine components. This article covers the research studies pertaining to mathematical wear models for solid particle erosion recommending a commencing approach for slurry erosion wear modeling.
-
-
-
Recovery and Purification Processes Rare Earth Element from Ni-MH Spent Batteries A Circular Economy: Review
Available online: 30 May 2024More LessDevelopment concept and model economy circular of rare earth element has world attention in recent year. Circular economy optimizing cycle life product for reach pattern sustainable and efficient consumption. REE (Rare Earth Elements) considered as element important because interest high economic value. By considering limited rare earth reserves, cycle repeat from source secondary REEs are very important for push sustainable use. Battery nickel -metal hydride (Ni-MH) is electronic waste with valuable from REEs. Ni-MH batteries that have been reach the age limit use, if thrown away so just will become waste dangerous because content high REEs. Required cycle repeat battery Ni- MH waste efficient for become good move, deep obtain REE that is possible for reusing. The REE recovery process has challenges that must be considered such as efficient REE recovery, low REE concentration, environmental concerns, and scalability thus requiring efficient recovery methods and processes for REE. Currently the hydrometallurgical method is preferred for REE recovery from Ni-MH batteries because it has high yields, has low energy requirements, ease of separation from base metals and low greenhouse gas emissions. One such REE recovery using HCl on a pilot scale yielded 91.6% La.
-
-
-
Magnetron Sputtering of Antibacterial and Antifungal Ta-Cu and Nb-Cu Coatings on 3D-Printed Porous Titanium Alloy Scaffolds
Available online: 15 May 2024More LessThis study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of Ta-Cu and Nb-Cu coatings, applied via magnetron sputtering on 3D-printed porous Ti6Al4V alloy scaffolds and gas-abrasive treated Ti6Al4V alloy, against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis verified the application of coatings with 25 wt.% Cu, at thicknesses of 2 μm and 10 μm, to scaffolds (72% porosity) and roughened Ti6Al4V alloy (mean areal roughness of 4.6±1 µm). Thicker coatings showed superior antimicrobial activity; however, thin Nb-Cu coatings and uncoated alloy did not exhibit inhibitory effects. The release dynamics of Cu ions from Ta-Cu coatings into physiological solution, analysed over three days via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, matched the inhibition zone growth. These findings support the potential of these coatings in developing endoprosthesis implants with enhanced antimicrobial properties.
-
-
-
Effectiveness Evaluation of Pyrometallurgy and Hydrometallurgy Methods in The Recycling Process of Nd-Fe-B Permanent Magnet and Rare Earth Metals Recovery : A Review
Available online: 10 May 2024More LessNd-Fe-B is a rare earth element (REE) based permanent magnet material which consist of main magnetic phase Nd2Fe14B and minor phase Nd-rich or α-Fe. Nd-Fe-B permanent magnet has a remarkable maximum energy product (BHMax) reaching 474 kJ/m3 or nearly 60 MGOe, making Nd-Fe-B magnets as the ultimate permanent magnet material and widely used in various technological applications. A commercial Nd-Fe-B magnet contains 22-32 wt% of rare earth elements such as Nd, Dy, Pr, and La, which causes an increasing demand for rare earth elements. As a results, the availability of REE from natural resources are decreasing and several REE such as Nd, Dy, and Pr are in the critical category. The recycling process of Nd-Fe-B magnet waste to recover the containing REE is one possible solution to provide raw materials for permanent magnet industry and minimizing electronical devices waste. Pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical metal extraction process are commonly used for REE recovery process. These two methods are excellent for REE recovery and relatively easy to conduct, allowing pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods to be adopted on industrial scale to the availability of raw materials for Nd-Fe-B magnet industry.
-
-
-
Slurry Jet Erosion Resistance of SS304 Reinforced with High Entropy Alloys through Friction Stir Processing
Available online: 08 May 2024More LessThe present work adopts friction stir processing to process SS304 with CoCrFeCuTi and AlSiBeTiV High Entropy Alloy (HEA) and analyse its erosion performance. The processed samples with CoCrFeCuTi and AlSiBeTiV display refined grain structure with uniform distribution of the reinforced HEAs. The microhardness for the sample with CoCrFeCuTi is 22.1% better than the AlSiBeTiV. The slurry jet erosion test conducted through different process parameters revealed 90° impingement angle and 10 m/s impact velocity with 10 wt% slurry concentration on the processed sample with CoCrFeCuTi offered better erosion resistance. Oblique angle endured high erosion rate due to the ploughing effect of abrasive erodent than normal angle deforming the surface. Increasing velocity increased the erosion rate by increased material removal. Slurry concentration forms a cloud-like layer at higher concentrations lowering the erosion rate. The subsequent microstructural evaluation showed the failure mode through the formation of platelets, micro-cuts, ploughing, and plastic deformation.
-
-
-
Theoretical Study on Copper Adsorption on ZnO Surfaces
Available online: 23 April 2024More LessABSTRACT: The study of Cu on ZnO surfaces is a topic of ongoing research due to the importance of Cu as a promoter in the low-temperature synthesis of methanol, the water-gas shift process, and methanol steam reforming. The role of ZnO in support-ing the stabilization of the Cu atoms and promoting the CO2 hydrogenation reaction is multifaceted and involves a range of physical and chemical factors. In this work, we used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the Cu adsorp-tion on ZnO surfaces on different sites. Bader charge analysis, adsorption energy, and phonon inelastic neutron scattering (INS) associated with most stable systems were calculated and compared with previous theoretical and experimental results. We found that atomic Cu adsorption on hollow site of ZnO(111) is the most stable site and most favorable site for Cu adsorption compar-ing to other ZnO surfaces. This is due to the strong metal-oxygen interaction between Cu and the ZnO surface. We concluded that further studies are needed to investigate the catalytic activity of this catalyst under realistic reaction conditions with realistic models of Cu supported on ZnO.
-
-
-
Effect of Hf on the Microstructure and Mechanical Property of Pt-15Ir-xHf-0.5Y Alloy
Available online: 23 April 2024More LessThe influence of Hf content on the recrystallization and aging behavior of hot-rolled Pt-15Ir-xHf-0.5Y alloy was investigated by SEM, EBSD and hardness tests. The results show that the alloy texture evolves from a multi-peak one biased towards rolling direction-transverse direction (RD-TD) in the hot rolling state to a multi-peak one symmetrical along the normal direction (ND) after recrystallization annealing. The fibrous grains become equiaxial after recrystallization annealing, increase of Hf content refines the grains. Pt-15Ir-xHf-0.5Y alloy exhibits age-hardening behavior at the temperature range of 600°C~900°C, which is due to the precipitation of (Pt, Ir)5Y phase. Increasing Hf addition effectively improves the hardness through promoting the precipitated amount of (Pt, Ir)5Y phase. However, the internal oxidation within grain boundaries is deteriorated with the high-content Hf addition. The results of this study provide an insight into tailoring the microstructures and mechanical properties of the Pt-Ir high-temperature alloys.
-
-
-
A New Approach to Ti-HA Bio Composite: Pressure-Assisted Coating on the Antibacterial and Electrochemical Properties of Ti6Al4V
Available online: 23 April 2024More LessThis study aims to coat Ti6Al4V alloy with Ti-xHA (x=2.5-10wt.%) mixture to improve its surface properties. A new approach using a powder metallurgical pressure-assisted sintering method was applied to the coating process. The in-situ sintering and coating process was performed at 950°C for 45 min in a vacuum atmosphere of 10-4 mbar. A pressure of 50MPa was applied during the sintering process. Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) cultures were used to determine the antibacterial activity of the sintered and coated samples. The electrochemical properties of the samples were studied by Tafel extrapolation and potentiodynamic polarization tests. The results showed that the coating layer containing wt.%7.5 of HA increased the antibacterial property against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial cultures. Furthermore, it was determined that the icorr value of the material decreased, and the corrosion resistance improved with an increasing HA ratio. In addition, no active-passive oxidation zone formation was observed up to 2000 mV in the HA-added samples.
-
-
-
A Comprehensive Exploration of Biomass Gasification Technologies Advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Available online: 11 April 2024More LessAbstract: The pursuit of sustainable energy sources on a worldwide scale is a crucial and pressing matter, with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) offering a comprehensive framework for properly addressing this challenge. This paper provides an overview of the various technologies now available for the process of biomass gasification. Compared to other renewable energy sources, which have undergone significant technological advancements in recent years, the field of biomass conversion is still relatively new. Keeping up with the newest breakthroughs becomes increasingly crucial as new conversion techniques are rapidly being created. Keeping up with the latest advancements and potential enhancements in biofuel conversion technology is essential due to their rapid development. In the thermochemical conversion process called "biomass gasification," biomass solid source materials are degraded or incompletely burned in an oxygen-free or oxygen-deficient high-temperature atmosphere, resulting in the production of biomass gas. Biomass gas can be utilized in industry to directly power industrial boilers for steam production, as well as for cooking or heating purposes in rural areas. The purified biomass gas can be utilized to operate a generator set, so facilitating the provision of electricity to areas lacking access to it. The utilization of biomass gasification technology alters the traditional approach of directly igniting biomass to generate power. Gasification technology converts biomass into a clean and combustible gas, significantly improving the efficiency of using biomass energy. This essay will largely concentrate on the methodologies and protocols employed in biomass gasification. The article provides an overview of various gasification procedures and the potential applications of the resulting products. It delves into different biomass gasification techniques, including upstream, gasification, and downstream processes, highlighting their importance in transforming biomass into clean and combustible gases. The review focuses on methodologies and protocols employed in biomass gasification, recognizing its pivotal role in sustainable energy generation. Additionally, the article discusses the challenges associated with gasification technology, such as tar formation, biomass heterogeneity, and uneven biomass supply in different seasons. It emphasizes the need for further research and infrastructure development to overcome these barriers and facilitate the efficient distribution and commercialization of biomass gasification technology. Overall, the scope of the article extends to providing insights into the status, challenges, and future prospects of biomass gasification for achieving sustainable energy goals.
-
-
-
Autonomous Structural Health Monitoring and Remaining Useful Life Estimation of Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Cables
Available online: 08 April 2024More LessAbstract— Floating offshore wind (FOW) farms are key in meeting Europe’s renewable energy targets, harnessing wind energy from waters 60m or deeper, where bottom-fixed farms are unfeasible. Additionally, floating structures allow for the installation of larger turbines than stationary farms, which in turn leads to a greater energy output. However, cable failures dramatically impact the energy transmission from the farms and cause most of the financial losses. Monitoring and maintenance tasks are challenging due to the harsh ocean conditions. The FLOW-CAM project, supported by European Union’s HORIZON 2020 program, studies the structural health monitoring (SHM) of defects in the power cables of the FOW farms which encompass inspection and detection applications. An SHM system integrated with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was developed for underwater inspection and maintenance, supporting collection and presentation of essential data through an advanced interface. Image data from underwater systems are analyzed using computer vision techniques. Investigations into cable defect detection and the estimation of corrosion and remaining useful life have been held to monitor cable health, achieving results close to reality. FLOW-CAM’s collective works establish a basis for advancing underwater inspection and maintenance, concentrating on the development of practical and effective tools and strategies to optimize the functionality and reliability of FOW farms.
-
-
-
Active Sites of Cu/ZnO-Based Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol
Available online: 14 March 2024More LessHeterogeneous Cu/ZnO-based catalysts are widely used for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol, but limitations remain for industrial applications. These include achieving high methanol selectivity and conversion, and mitigating deactivation by water poisoning. This review explores the role of active sites on Cu/ZnO-based catalysts in CO2 conversion. The synergistic interaction between Cu and ZnO is emphasized, particularly regarding interfacial effects on CO activation and formate formation. The discussion covers theoretical and experimental perspectives on active site characteristics, including defects, vacancies, steps, and strain. Additionally, the review explores the connection between Cu/ZnO-based catalysts properties and methanol synthesis activity. It examines how preparation methods influence catalyst performance and the impact of doping with elements like CeO2, Al2O3, and ZrO2 on CO2 conversion selectivity. We conclude that ZnO enhances Cu dispersion and promotes a synergistic effect at the interface, leading to improved catalytic performance.
-
-
-
Ultrafast spectroscopy at the Central Laser Facility
Available online: 29 February 2024More LessIn this article, we will examine ultrafast spectroscopy techniques and applications, covering ‘time-resolved IR’ (TR-IR) spectroscopy, time resolved visible (TA) spectroscopy, two-dimensional IR (2D-IR) spectroscopy, Kerr-gated Raman spectroscopy, time-resolved Raman and surface sum-frequency generation (SSFG) spectroscopy. In addition to introducing each technique, we will cover some basics, such as what kinds of lasers are used and discuss how these techniques are applied to study a diversity of chemical problems such as photo-catalysis, photo-chemistry, electro-catalysis, battery electrode characterisation, zeolite characterisation and protein structural dynamics.
-