Characterization of Materials for a Hydrogen-Based Economy by Cold Neutron Prompt Gamma-Ray Activation Analysis

2008 ◽  
Vol 1098 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick Paul ◽  
Lei Raymond Cao

AbstractAn instrument for cold neutron prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) has proven useful for the chemical characterization of hydrogen storage materials and other materials of importance to a hydrogen-based economy. The detection limit for hydrogen is less than 10 mg/kg for most materials. Potential hydrogen storage materials that have been characterized by PGAA include single-wall carbon nanotubes with and without boron doping, porous carbons, lithium magnesium imides, and ternary hydrides of various elements. The capability to allow in situ hydrogenation and characterization of materials is currently under development. PGAA has also been used to characterize materials used in hydrogen fuel cells, including solid proton conductors, polymer membrane, and proton exchange membranes. Future upgrades to the instrument will improve detection limits and functionality of the instrument.

2006 ◽  
Vol 927 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick Paul

ABSTRACTPrompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) is an important technique for analyzing materials that may impact the hydrogen economy. An instrument for cold neutron PGAA, located at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), has proven useful for the measurement of hydrogen and other elements in a variety of such materials. The detection limit for hydrogen is less than 10 mg/kg for most materials. PGAA has been used to characterize materials with potential for hydrogen storage (e.g. single wall carbon nanohorns, lithium magnesium imides, and zirconium beryllium hydrides), to measure hydrogen uptake by solid proton conductors, and to characterize stoichiometries of Nafion films used as membranes in fuel cells. Future upgrades to the instrument will improve detection limits, applicability, and user interface.


1999 ◽  
Vol 591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick L. Paul ◽  
H. Heather Chen-Mayer ◽  
Richard M. Lindstrom ◽  
Menno Blaauw

ABSTRACTA combination of cold neutron prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) and neutron incoherent scattering (NIS) has been used for nondestructive characterization of hydrogen as a function of position in slabs of wet concrete of different compositions. Hydrogen was determined by PGAA by scanning each sample across a 5 mm diameter neutron beam in 10 mm increments, and measuring the 2223 keV prompt gamma ray. NIS measurements were performed by scanning the sample across a 5 mm diameter neutron beam at 5 mm increments and detecting scattered neutrons. The measurements demonstrate the feasibility of the techniques for 2D compositional mapping of hydrogen and other elements in materials, and indicate the potential of these methods for monitoring the uniformity of drying concrete.


2009 ◽  
Vol 477 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 8-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Oguchi ◽  
E.J. Heilweil ◽  
D. Josell ◽  
L.A. Bendersky

Materia Japan ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 48 (12) ◽  
pp. 592-592
Author(s):  
Norihiko L. Okamoto ◽  
Quentin M. Ramasse ◽  
David G. Morgan ◽  
Doinita Neiner ◽  
Susan M. Kauzlarich ◽  
...  

1998 ◽  
Vol 513 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Paul ◽  
R. M. Lindstrom

ABSTRACTCold neutron prompt gamma-ray activation analysis has proven useful for nondestructive measurement of trace hydrogen. The sample is irradiated in a beam of neutrons; the presence of hydrogen is confirmed by the emission of a 2223 keV gamma-ray. Detection limits for hydrogen are 3 mg/kg in quartz and 8 mg/kg in titanium. We have used the technique to measure hydrogen in titanium alloys, germanium, quartz, fullerenes and their derivatives, and other materials.


2014 ◽  
Vol 304 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick L. Paul ◽  
Dağıstan Şahin ◽  
Jeremy C. Cook ◽  
Christoph Brocker ◽  
Richard M. Lindstrom ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 80 (8) ◽  
pp. 083901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Bielmann ◽  
Shunsuke Kato ◽  
Philippe Mauron ◽  
Andreas Borgschulte ◽  
Andreas Züttel

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