Abstract: Methods for forming alane are described. The method includes addition of toluene at a temperature above the crystallization temperature of alane to a lower temperature solution that includes alane adduct, ether, and toluene. Upon the addition, a crystallization mixture is formed that is at or near the crystallization temperature of alane. The alane of the mixture crystallizes over a period of time to form a high purity alane polymorph.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the separation of hydrogen isotopes from one another are described. Methods include utilization of a hydrogen isotope selective separation membrane that includes a hydrogen isotope selective layer (e.g., graphene) and a hydrogen ion conductive supporting layer. An electronic driving force encourages passage of isotopes selectively across the membrane at an elevated separation temperature to enrich the product in a selected hydrogen isotope.

Abstract: A high-voltage self-aligning push to mate electrical interconnect device is provided. The electrical interconnect device includes a housing with a mating end and a receiving end. The interconnect also includes an insulator bushing configured to be affixed to the receiving end of the housing. The interconnect also includes a center pin disposed within the housing. The center pin extends from the mating end of the housing to the receiving end of the housing. The interconnect also includes a connector socket disposed within the insulator bushing and which is in electrical communication with the center pin. The interconnect also includes an alignment sleeve including a chamfered mating funnel defining a void configured to accept and surround the housing and at least a portion of insulator bushing.

Abstract: A power transmission system can include a transformer and compensator circuit(s), each coupled between a node of the transformer and a ground connection. The compensator circuit(s) can each be configured to counteract a DC signal component of an AC signal at the transformer. The compensator circuit(s) can include a converter circuit having an AC side and a DC side and configured to convert a DC voltage on the DC side to an AC signal at the AC side. The compensator circuit(s) can include a DC link coupled to the DC side of the converter circuit. The compensator circuit(s) can include a controller configured to measure a DC signal component between the load and the ground; to determine, based at least in part on the DC signal component, a compensating signal configured to counteract the DC signal component; and to inject, by the converter circuit, the compensating signal to counteract the DC signal component.

Abstract: Modular Hg analysis devices and methods are described for use in mercury speciation protocols. Modules can be selected and removably connected to one another to specifically target mercury species in a sample so as to accurately determine the presence or quantity of different mercury species in a fluid sample. Modules can include reductants for reducing inorganic mercury to form elemental mercury and amalgamation agents to capture the elemental mercury. Modules can include filters for capture of particulates as well as capture agents, e.g., solid phase extraction agents, for capture of organic mercury species.

Abstract: Automated apparatuses for use in examining gas sorption materials are described. Devices utilize a noncontact magnetic induction heating approach for controlling the temperature of tested materials. The apparatuses can be used to generate single or multiple isotherms simultaneously. The apparatuses can examine nanogram or microgram-scale quantities of materials of interest and can do so automatically and unattended. Pressure-composition isotherms can be provided through use of disclosed apparatuses in a period of a few hours.

Abstract: Multi-functional materials for use in reversible, high-capacity hydrogen separation and/or storage are described. Also described are systems incorporating the materials. The multi-functional materials combine a hydrogen-absorbing material with a high-efficiency and a non-contact energy-absorbing material in a composite nanoparticle. The non-contact energy-absorbing material include magnetic and/or plasmonic materials. The magnetic or plasmonic materials of the composite nanoparticles can provide localized heating to promote release of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage component of the composite nanoparticles.

Abstract: Radiation detectors and methods of using the radiation detectors that provide a route for surface decontamination during use are described. The detectors utilize light illumination of an internal surface during use. Light is in the longer UV-to-near-infrared spectra and desorbs contamination from internal surfaces of radiation detectors. The methods can be carried out while the detectors are in operation, preventing the appearance of the negative effects of radioactive and non-radioactive contamination during a detection regime and following a detection regime.

Abstract: A method for modifying a carbon thermal ionization filament is disclosed. In particular, the method requires a step of reacting a fluorine-containing compound with the carbon thermal ionization filament to provide a fluorinated carbon thermal ionization filament. Such method can result in a fluorinated carbon thermal ionization filament that can be employed in a system, such as a thermal ionization mass spectrometer, for ionizing a sample.

Abstract: A system for detecting water trees in branching underground electrical cables includes a pulse generator configured to inject a pulse into a first underground cable that branches into a second underground cable and a third underground cable. The system includes a first sensor associated with the first cable, a second sensor associated with the second cable, and a third sensor associated with the third cable. The system includes a control device configured to obtain a first, second, and third signal associated with the first, second and third sensors, respectively. The control device determines a lead-lag relationship between the second and third signals and determines presence of a water tree within at least one of the second and third cable based on the lead-lag relationship. When presence of a water tree is determined, the control device generates a control action associated with repairing or replacing the second and/or third cable.

Abstract: Disclosed are spectroscopy systems and methods. A spectroscopy system can include a reference cell and a multi-pass sample cell. The reference arm can include an etalon and a reference cavity containing a reference gas. A system can include a fractional sublimation cold trap. Detectors of the reference and sample arms can detect both intensity and absorption spectra of impinging beams. A frequency calibration based on a reference absorption spectra can be used to analyze a sample absorption spectrum. The analysis can provide information regarding an absorption band shift of the sample absorption spectrum, said shift being related to the isotope concentration of the sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an antenna that includes a substrate and a graphene or graphite layer positioned on at least a portion of the substrate. The graphene or graphite layer includes a first zone having a first thickness along a vertical direction of the antenna and a second zone having a second thickness along the vertical direction of the antenna. The second thickness is less than the first thickness such that the second zone has a greater electrical resistance than the first zone.

Abstract: Methods and systems directed to the separation of tritium from an aqueous stream are described. The separation method is a multi-stage method that includes a first stage during which tritium of a tritium-contaminated aqueous stream is adsorbed onto a separation phase, a second stage during which the adsorbed tritium is exchanged with hydrogen in a gaseous stream to provide a gaseous stream with a high tritium concentration, and a third stage during which the tritium of the gaseous stream is separated from the gaseous stream as a gaseous tritium product.

Abstract: Sampling devices for sampling an aqueous source (e.g., field testing of ground water) for multiple different analytes are described. Devices include a solid phase extraction component for retention of a wide variety of targeted analytes. Devices include analyte derivatization capability for improved extraction of targeted analytes. Thus, a single device can be utilized to examine a sample source for a wide variety of analytes. Devices also include an isotope dilution capability that can prevent error introduction to the sample analysis and can correct for sample loss and degradation from the point of sampling until analysis as well as correction for incomplete or poor derivatization reactions. The devices can be field-deployable and rechargeable.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a low temperature method of preparing graphene. The method comprises applying a graphene oxide to a substrate and treating the graphene oxide on the substrate using photoreduction to reduce and stitch the graphene oxide to graphene. The present disclosure is also directed to graphene produced according to the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A calibration system for an image plate used to detect high-energy particles produced by a radioisotope includes a casing and an image plate holder disposed at least partially inside the casing. The image plate is retained by the image plate holder inside the casing. A calibration source generates energy inside the casing to prepare the image plate for detection.

Abstract: Vessel assemblies, heat transfer units for prefabricated vessels, and methods for heat transfer prefabricated vessel are provided. A heat transfer unit includes a central rod, and a plurality of peripheral rods surrounding the central rod and connected to the central rod. The plurality of peripheral rods are movable between a first collapsed position and a second bowed position, wherein in the second bowed position a midpoint of each of the plurality of peripheral rods is spaced from the central rod relative to in the first position. The heat transfer unit further includes a heat transfer element connected to one of the plurality of peripheral rods.

Abstract: Radiation detectors and methods of using the radiation detectors that provide a route for surface decontamination during use are described. The detectors utilize light illumination of an internal surface during use. Light is in the longer UV to near-infrared spectra and desorbs contamination from internal surfaces of radiation detectors. The methods can be carried out while the detectors are in operation, preventing the appearance of the negative effects of radioactive and non-radioactive contamination during a detection regime and following a detection regime.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional carbon structure. The method requires graphene layers and/or graphene oxide layers. The layers can be provided such that they correspond to the cross-section of a pre-defined shape. In this regard, the method of the present invention can be employed to manufacture a three-dimensional carbon structure having a custom shape.

Abstract: A ladder attachment platform is provided that includes a base for attachment to a ladder that has first and second side rails and a plurality of rungs that extend between in a lateral direction. Also included is a user platform for having a user stand thereon that is carried by the base. The user platform may be positioned with respect to the ladder so that it is not located between a first plane that extends through the first side rail and is perpendicular to the lateral direction and a second plane that extends through the second side rail and is perpendicular to the lateral direction.