Graphene-Based Composites for Thermoelectric Applications at Room Temperature.

The thermoelectric materials that operate at room temperature represent a scientific challenge in finding chemical compositions with three optimized, independent parameters, namely electrical and thermal conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient. Here, we explore the concept of the formation of hybrid composites between carbon-based materials and oxides, with the aim of modifying their thermoelectric performance at room temperature. Two types of commercially available graphene-based materials are selected: N-containing reduced graphene oxide (NrGO) and expanded graphite (ExGr).

Instrument and methods for surface dilatational rheology measurements.

We describe an instrument combining the advantages of two methods, axisymmetric drop shape analysis for well-deformed drops and capillary pressure tensiometry for spherical drops, both used for measuring the interfacial tension and interfacial rheological parameters. The rheological parameters are the complex interfacial elasticity, and the surface elasticity and viscosity of Kelvin-Voigt and Maxwell rheological models. The instrument is applicable for investigation of the effect of different types of surfactants (nonionic, ionic, proteins, and polymers) on the interfacial rheological properties both of air/water and oil/water interfaces, and of interfaces between liquids with equal mass densities.

Emulsification in turbulent flow 2. Breakage rate constants.

Systematic experimental study of the effects of several factors on the breakage rate constant, k(BR), during emulsification in turbulent flow is performed. These factors are the drop size, interfacial tension, viscosity of the oil phase, and rate of energy dissipation in the flow. As starting oil-water premixes we use emulsions containing monodisperse oil drops, which have been generated by the method of membrane emulsification.

Emulsification in turbulent flow 1. Mean and maximum drop diameters in inertial and viscous regimes.

Systematic experimental study of the effects of several factors on the mean and maximum drop sizes during emulsification in turbulent flow is performed. These factors include: (1) rate of energy dissipation, epsilon; (2) interfacial tension, sigma; (3) viscosity of the oil phase, eta(D); (4) viscosity of the aqueous phase, eta(C); and (5) oil volume fraction, Phi. The emulsions are prepared by using the so-called "narrow-gap homogenizer" working in turbulent regime of emulsification.