University of the Littoral Opal Coast

About: University of the Littoral Opal Coast is a education organization based out in Dunkirk, France. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Dielectric. The organization has 1242 authors who have published 2383 publications receiving 46230 citations. The organization is also known as: ULCO.

Application of a continuous-wave tunable erbium-doped fiber laser to molecular spectroscopy in the near infrared

Abstract: Development of a continuous-wave tunable fiber laser-based spectrometer for applied spectroscopy is reported. Wide wavelength tunability of an erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) was investigated in the near-infrared region of 1543–1601 nm. Continuous mode-hop free fine frequency tuning has been accomplished by temperature tuning in conjunction with mechanical tuning. The overall spectroscopic performance of the EDFL was evaluated in terms of frequency tunability along with its suitability for molecular spectroscopy. High-resolution absorption spectra of acetylene (C2H2) were recorded near 1544 nm with a minimum measurable absorption coefficient of about 3.5×10-7 cm-1/Hz1/2 for direct absorption spectroscopy associated with a 100-m long multipass cell. Detections of C2H2 at different concentration levels were performed as well with high dynamic detection range varying from 100% purity to sub ppmv using cavity ring down spectroscopy. A 3σ-detection-limited minimum detectable concentration (MDC) of 400 ppbv has been obtained by using the transition line Pe(22) of the ν1+ν3+ν5 1(Πg)-ν5 1(Πu) hot band near 1543.92 nm with a detection bandwidth of 2.3 Hz. This corresponds to a minimum detectable absorption coefficient of 6.6×10-11 cm-1/Hz1/2. The sensitivity limit could be further improved by almost one order of magnitude (down to ∼60 ppbv) by use of the Pe(27) line of the ν1+ν3(Σu +)-0(Σg +)combination band near 1543.68 nm.

Stochastic Optimization Algorithms

Abstract: When looking for a solution, deterministic methods have the enormous advantage that they do find global optima. Unfortunately, they are very CPU-intensive, and are useless on untractable NP-hard problems that would require thousands of years for cutting-edge computers to explore. In order to get a result, one needs to revert to stochastic algorithms, that sample the search space without exploring it thoroughly. Such algorithms can find very good results, without any guarantee that the global optimum has been reached; but there is often no other choice than using them. This chapter is a short introduction to the main methods used in stochastic optimization.

Cathodic polarisation of composite LSCF-SDC IT-SOFC electrode synthesised by one-step microwave self-assisted combustion

Abstract: Nano-sized composite La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF)-Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC) powder was synthesised by one-step microwave self-assisted combustion synthesis and characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical performance of composite LSCF-SDC cathode in contact with Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 (GDC) solid electrolyte under steady state polarisation was studied employing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 3-electrode cell configuration. The evolution of elementary steps of oxygen reduction reaction was analysed under cathodic polarisation in potentiostatic mode (up to −0.8 V) in the temperature range 650–750 °C. The composite LSCF-SDC cathode prepared by one-step microwave combustion route demonstrated a lower overall polarisation resistance when compared to literature reports of similar cathodes produced by other synthesis routes.

Copper-vanadium-cerium oxide catalysts for carbon black oxidation

Abstract: Series of V-Ce and Cu-V-Ce oxides with different atomic ratios were prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation of a ceria support. These solids were studied by TG–DTA in the oxidation of a model soot (carbon black (CB) Degussa N330). V-Ce oxides are active in the carbon black oxidation and an increase in the vanadium content enhances their catalytic activity. This observation is correlated with the presence of a V2O5 phase. However, this catalytic system (V-Ce) produces CO during the CB oxidation. Adding copper to the V-Ce oxide to form a ternary system (Cu-V-Ce) has a beneficial effect on the CO2 selectivity. A synergistic effect between copper and vanadium species on ceria is evidenced. The presence of the V2O5 phase on the catalyst enhances the activity for the CB oxidation while copper (II) species decrease the CO production significantly.