Development of anion-conducting ionomer binder solutions for electrodes of solid alkaline fuel cells.

For solid alkaline fuel cell applications, membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) should be prepared. Thus, in this study, anion-conducting ionomer binder was prepared for electrodes of MEAs. Specifically, we synthesized water soluble anionic binder solutions based on quaternized chitosan derivatives (QCDs) and cross-linked QCDs and prepared a novel electrode.

Development of breeding lines with three pyramided resistance genes that confer broad-spectrum bacterial blight resistance and their molecular analysis in rice.

Background: The development of resistant cultivars has been the most effective and economical strategy to control bacterial leaf blight (BB) disease of rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Molecular markers have made it possible to identify and pyramid valuable genes of agronomic importance in resistance rice breeding.

Interactions between multiwall carbon nanotubes and poly(diallyl dimethylammonium) chloride: effect of the presence of a surfactant.

The interactions between multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and poly(diallyl dimethylammonium) chloride (PDDA) have been studied in the presence of different ionic and nonionic surfactants, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), Tween 20, 40, 60, and 80, and Triton X-100. On the basis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results, the MWCNT/PDDA sample treated with Triton X-100 has been observed to show good dispersion of nanotubes. This is due to the π-π stacking between the benzene ring of Triton X-100 and the hexagonal carbon rings of nanotubes and better coating of PDDA on MWCNTs, as is confirmed by the Raman studies.

A study on the effect of different chemical routes on functionalization of MWCNTs by various groups (-COOH, -SO3H, -PO3H2).

Pristine multiwall carbon nanotubes [MWCNTs] have been functionalized with various groups (-COOH, -SO3H, -PO3H2) using different single- and double-step chemical routes. Various chemical treatments were given to MWCNTs using hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, and sulphuric acids, followed by a microwave treatment. The effect of the various chemical treatments and the dispersion using a surfactant via ultrasonication on the functionalization of MWCNTs has been studied.