text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jul 26, 2005
|Filing date
|Feb 24, 2004
|Priority date
|Feb 26, 1999
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Alexander Gorer
|Original Assignee
|Symyx Technologies, Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (15), Non-Patent Citations (8), Referenced by (4), Classifications (34), Legal Events (7)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/223,767, filed Aug. 20, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,678 which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/513,559, filed Feb. 25, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,965, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/121,970, filed Feb. 26, 1999, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
This was made with Government support under grant number DE-FG03-97ER82492 awarded by the Department of Energy. The Government has certain rights in this invention.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to Group VIII metal alloy catalysts, especially to platinum, ruthenium and nickel alloy catalysts compositions, which are useful in fuel cell electrodes and other catalytic structures.
2. Description of Related Technology
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device for directly converting the chemical energy generated from an oxidation-reduction reaction of a fuel such as hydrogen or hydrocarbon-based fuels and an oxidizer such as oxygen gas (in air) supplied thereto into a low-voltage direct current. Thus, fuel cells chemically combine the molecules of a fuel and an oxidizer without burning, dispensing with the inefficiencies and pollution of traditional combustion.
A fuel cell is generally comprised of a fuel electrode (anode), an oxidizer electrode (cathode), an electrolyte interposed between the electrodes (alkaline or acidic), and means for separately supplying a stream of fuel and a stream of oxidizer to the anode and the cathode, respectively. In operation, fuel supplied to the anode is oxidized releasing electrons which are conducted via an external circuit to the cathode. At the cathode the supplied electrons are consumed when the oxidizer is reduced. The current flowing through the external circuit can be made to do useful work.
There are several types of fuel cells, including: phosphoric acid, molten carbonate, solid oxide, potassium hydroxide, and proton exchange membrane. A phosphoric acid fuel cell operates at about 160-220� C., and preferably at about 190-200� C. This type of fuel cell is currently being used for multi-megawatt utility power generation and for co-generation systems (i.e., combined heat and power generation) in the 50 to several hundred kilowatts range.
In contrast, proton exchange membrane fuel cells use a solid proton-conducting polymer membrane as the electrolyte. Typically, the polymer membrane must be maintained in a hydrated form during operation in order to prevent loss of ionic conduction which limits the operation temperature typically to about 70-120� C. depending on the operating pressure, and preferably below about 100� C. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have a much higher power density than liquid electrolyte fuel cells (e.g., phosphoric acid), and can vary output quickly to meet shifts in power demand. Thus, they are suited for applications such as in automobiles and small scale residential power generation where quick startup is required.
Conventional fuel cells use hydrogen gas as the fuel. Pure hydrogen gas, however, is difficult and costly to supply. Thus, hydrogen gas is typically supplied to a fuel cell using a reformer, which steam-reforms methanol and water at 200-300� C. to a hydrogen-rich fuel gas containing carbon dioxide. Theoretically, the reformate gas consists of 75 vol % hydrogen and 25 vol % carbon dioxide. In practice, however, this gas also contains nitrogen, oxygen and, depending on the degree of purity, varying amounts of carbon monoxide (up to 1 vol %). This process is also complex, adds cost and has the potential for producing undesirable pollutants. The conversion of a liquid fuel directly into electricity would be desirable, as then a high storage density, system simplicity and retention of existing fueling infrastructure could be combined. In particular, methanol is an especially desirable fuel because it has a high energy density, a low cost and is produced from renewable resources. Thus, a relatively new type of fuel cell has been the subject of a great amount of interest—the direct methanol fuel cell. In a direct methanol fuel cell, the overall process that occurs is that methanol and oxygen react to form water and carbon dioxide and electricity, i.e., methanol combustion.
For the oxidation and reduction reactions in a fuel cell to proceed at useful rates, especially at operating temperatures below about 300� C., electrocatalyst materials are required at the electrodes. Initially, fuel cells used electrocatalysts made of a single metal, usually platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir), osmium (Os), silver (Ag) or gold (Au) because they are able to withstand the corrosive environment—platinum being the most efficient and stable single-metal catalyst for fuel cells operating below about 300� C. While these elements were first used in solid form, later techniques were developed to disperse these metals over the surface of electrically conductive supports (e.g., carbon black) to increase the surface area of the catalyst which in turn increased the number of reactive sites leading to improved efficiency of the cell. Nevertheless, fuel cell performance typically declines over time because the presence of electrolyte, high temperatures and molecular oxygen dissolve the catalyst and/or sinter the dispersed catalyst by surface migration or dissolution/re-precipitation (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,990).
Although platinum is a good catalyst, concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) above about 10 ppm in the fuel can rapidly poison the catalyst surface. As a result, platinum is a poor catalyst if the fuel stream contains carbon monoxide (e.g., reformed-hydrogen gas typically exceeds 100 ppm). Liquid hydrocarbon-based fuels (e.g., methanol) present an even greater poisoning problem. Specifically, the surface of the platinum becomes blocked with the adsorbed intermediate, carbon monoxide (CO). It has been reported that H2O plays a key role in the removal of such poisoning species in accordance with the following reactions:
Pt+CH 3 OH→Pt—CO+4H ++4e − (1)
Pt+H 2 O→Pt—OH+H + +e − (2)
Pt—CO+Pt—OH→2Pt+CO 2 +H + +e − (3).
As indicated by the foregoing reactions, the methanol is adsorbed and partially oxidized by platinum on the surface of the electrode (2). Adsorbed OH, from the hydrolysis of water (3), reacts with the adsorbed CO to produce carbon dioxide and a proton. However, platinum does not adsorb H2O species well at the potentials fuel cell electrodes operate (e.g., 200 mV-1.5 V). As a result, step (3) is the slowest step in the sequence, limiting the rate of CO removal thereby poisoning the catalyst. This applies in particular to a Proton exchange membrane fuel cell which is especially sensitive to CO poisoning as a result of its low operating temperatures.
One technique for alleviating fuel cell performance reduction due to anode CO poisoning is to employ an anode electrocatalyst which is itself more poison tolerant, but which still functions as a hydrogen oxidation catalyst in the presence of carbon monoxide. It is known that the tolerance of platinum poisoning by carbon monoxide is improved by alloying the platinum with ruthenium, preferably compositions centered around 50:50 atomic ratio (see, e.g., D. Chu and S. Gillman, J. Electrochem. Soc. 1996,143, 1685).
It has been reported that the success of the platinum-ruthenium catalyst alloys is based on the ability of ruthenium to adsorb H2O species at potentials where methanol is adsorbing on the platinum and facilitate the carbon monoxide removal reaction. This dual function, that is, to adsorb both reactants on the catalyst surface on adjacent metal sites, is known as the bifunctional mechanism in accordance with the following reaction:
Pt—CO+Ru—OH→Pt+Ru+CO 2 +H + +e − (4).
It has been suggested that having platinum and ruthenium in adjacent sites forms an active site on the catalyst surface where methanol is oxidized in a less poisoning manner because the adjacent metal atoms are more efficiently adsorbing the methanol and the water reactants.
Although knowledge of phase equilibria and heuristic bond strength/activity relationships provide some guidance in the search for more effective catalyst compositions, there is at present no way to calculate the chemical composition of different metals that will afford the best catalyst activity for the direct methanol-air fuel cell reaction. As such, the search continues for stable, CO poisoning resistant and less costly catalysts having increased electrochemical activities.
Among the objects of the invention are the preparation of catalysts based on platinum, ruthenium and nickel which have a high resistance to poisoning by carbon monoxide thereby improving the efficiency of a fuel cell, decreasing the size of a fuel cell and reducing the cost of operating a fuel cell.
Briefly, therefore, the present invention is directed to a catalyst for use in electrochemical reactor devices. The catalyst contains platinum, ruthenium, and nickel, wherein the nickel is at a concentration that is less than about 10 atomic percent.
The present invention is also directed to a metal alloy containing platinum, ruthenium and nickel, wherein the concentration of nickel is less than about 10 atomic percent.
Additionally, the present invention is directed to a supported electrocatalyst powder for use in electrochemical reactor devices. The supported electrocatalyst powder comprises a catalyst on electrically conductive supports, wherein the catalyst contains platinum, ruthenium, and nickel, and wherein the nickel is at a concentration that is less than about 10 atomic percent.
Further, the present invention is directed to a fuel cell electrode that comprises a catalyst dispersed on the surface of an electrically conductive support. The catalyst contains platinum, ruthenium and nickel, wherein the nickel is at a concentration that is less than about 10 atomic percent.
The present invention is also directed to a fuel cell. The fuel cell comprises an anode, a cathode, a proton exchange membrane between the anode and the cathode, and a catalyst for the catalytic oxidation of a hydrogen-containing fuel. The catalyst contains platinum, ruthenium and nickel, wherein the nickel is at a concentration that is less than about 10 atomic percent.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawing.
The present invention is directed to a multi-component Group VIII metal alloy composition for use in fuel cells. In particular, the present invention is directed to ternary alloy compositions consisting essentially of platinum, ruthenium and nickel. Surprisingly, PtRuNi ternary alloys possess catalytic activity with less cost than platinum-ruthenium binary alloys. The composition of the PtRuNi ternary alloys is based in part on the desired catalytic activity and cost. In general, the catalytic activity decreases with increasing concentrations of nickel. As such, the concentration of nickel is preferably less than about 30 atomic percent, more preferably less than about 20 atomic percent, and still more preferably less than about 10 atomic percent. Likewise, the cost of a ternary alloy decreases with increasing nickel concentration. Consequently, the concentration of nickel is preferably at least about 1 atomic percent, more preferably at least about 2 atomic percent, and still more preferably at least about 4 atomic percent. In some applications, e.g., when cost constraints are particularly important, the concentration of nickel is preferably at least about 10 atomic percent. Thus, the composition of a PrRuNi ternary alloy catalyst is selected to meet the application requirements.
In one embodiment of the present invention, therefore, the PtRuNi ternary alloy contains, in atomic percentages, about 40% to about 70% platinum, about 30% to about 50% ruthenium and less than about 30% nickel, preferably less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%. In another embodiment of the present invention, the PtRuNi ternary alloy contains, in atomic percentages, about 45% to about 65% platinum, about 35% to about 50% ruthenium and less than about 20% nickel, preferably less than about 10% nickel. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the PtRuNi ternary alloy contains, in atomic percentages, about 50% to about 60% platinum, about 40% to about 50% ruthenium and less than about 10% nickel. Specific alloys which have been found to exhibit methanol oxidation activity include the alloys corresponding the empirical formula PtxRuyNi1−x−y wherein x and y have the following values.
Although the PtRuNi ternary alloy compositions of the present invention can be used in a phosphoric acid fuel cell, they are particularly useful in a direct methanol fuel cell. As shown in FIG. 1 and
Preferably, in a fuel cell according to the present invention, the proton exchange membrane 1, the anode 2 and the cathode 3 are integrated into one body, and thus there is no contact resistance between the electrodes 2 and 3 and the proton exchange membrane 1. Current collectors 4 and 5 are at the anode and cathode, respectively. A methanol fuel chamber is indicated by numeral 8 and an air chamber is indicated by numeral 9. Numeral 6 is a sealant for the methanol fuel chamber and numeral 7 is a sealant for the air chamber. It is desirable to use a strongly acidic ion exchange membrane (e.g., perfluorosulphonic acid based membranes are widely used).
In general, electricity is generated by methanol combustion (i.e., methanol and oxygen react to form water, carbon dioxide and electricity). This is accomplished in the above-described fuel cell by introducing the methanol into the methanol fuel chamber 8, while oxygen, preferably air is introduced into the air chamber 9, whereby an electric current can be immediately withdrawn therefrom into an outer circuit. Ideally, the methanol is oxidized at the anode to produce carbon dioxide gas, hydrogen ions and electrons. The thus formed hydrogen ions migrate through the strongly acidic proton exchange membrane 1 and react with oxygen and electrons from the outer circuit at the cathode 3 to form water. Typically, the methanol is introduced as a dilute acidic solution to enhance the chemical reaction thereby increasing power output (e.g., a 0.1 M methanol/0.5 M sulfuric acid solution).
Typically, the proton exchange membranes must remain hydrated during operation of the fuel cell in order to prevent loss of ionic conduction, thus the membrane is preferably heat-resistant up to about 100-120� C. Proton exchange membranes usually have reduction and oxidation stability, resistance to acid and hydrolysis, sufficiently low electrical resistivity (e.g., <10 Ω�cm), and low hydrogen or oxygen permeation. Additionally, proton exchange membranes are usually hydrophilic, this ensures proton conduction (by reversed diffusion of water to the anode), and prevents the membrane from drying out thereby reducing the electrical conductivity. For the sake of convenience, the layer thickness of the membranes is typically between 50 and 200 μm. In general, the foregoing properties are achieved with materials which have no aliphatic hydrogen-carbon bonds, which, for example, is achieved by replacing hydrogen with fluorine or by the presence of aromatic structures; the proton conduction results from the incorporation of sulfonic acid groups (high acid strength). Suitable proton-conducting membranes also include perfluorinated sulfonated polymers such as Nafion� and its derivatives produced by E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, Del. Nafion� is based on a copolymer made from tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorovinylether, and is provided with sulfonic groups working as ion-exchanging groups. Other suitable proton exchange membranes are produced with monomers such as perfluorinated compounds (e.g., octafluorocyclobutane and perfluorobenzene), or even monomers with C—H bonds which, in a plasma polymer, do not form any aliphatic H atoms which could constitute attack sites for oxidative breakdown.
In general, the electrodes of the present invention comprise an electrically conductive material and are in contact with the PtRuNi ternary catalyst of the present invention. The electrically conductive support is typically inorganic, preferably a carbon support. The carbon supports may be predominantly amorphous or graphitic. They may be prepared commercially, or specifically treated to increase their graphitic nature (e.g., heat treated at a high temperature in vacuum or in an inert gas atmosphere) thereby increasing corrosion resistance. For example, it may be oil furnace black, acetylene black, graphite paper, carbon fabric or carbon aerogel. Preferably, the electrode is designed to increase cell efficiency by enhancing contact between the reactant (i.e., fuel or oxygen), the electrolyte and the electrocatalyst. In particular, porous or gas diffusion electrodes are typically used since they allow the fuel/oxidizer to enter the electrode from the face of the electrode exposed to the reactant gas stream (back face), and the electrolyte to penetrate through the face of the electrode exposed to the electrolyte (front face), and products, particularly water to diffuse out of the electrode. Preferably, carbon black supports have a Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) surface area of between 0 and 2000 m2/g, and preferably between 30 and 400 m2/g, more preferably between 60 to 250 m2/g. On the other hand, the carbon aerogel preferably has an electrical conductivity of between 10−2 and 103 Ω−�cm−1 and a density of between 0.06 and 0.7 g/cm3; the pore size is between 20 and 100 nm (porosity up to about 95%).
Preferably, the proton exchange membrane, electrodes and catalyst materials are in contact. This is generally accomplished by depositing the catalyst either on the electrode, or the proton exchange membrane, and then the electrode and membrane placed in contact. The alloy catalysts of this invention can be deposited on either substrate by a variety of methods, including, plasma deposition, powder application, chemical plating, and sputtering. Plasma deposition generally entails depositing a thin layer (e.g., between 3 and 50 μm, preferably between 5 and 20 μm) of a catalyst composition on the membrane using low-pressure plasma. By way of example, an organic platinum compound such as trimethylcyclopentadienylplatinum is gaseous between 10−4 and 10 mbar and can be excited using radio-frequency, microwaves or an electron cyclotron resonance transmitter to deposit platinum on the membrane. According to another procedure, catalyst powder is distributed onto the proton exchange membrane surface and integrated at an elevated temperature under pressure. If, however, the amount of catalyst particles exceeds about 2 mg/cm2 the inclusion of a binder such as polytetrafluoroethylene is common. Further, the catalyst may be plated with dispersed relatively small particles, e.g., about 20-200 Å, more preferably about 20-100 Å. This increases the catalyst surface area which in turn increases the number of reaction sites leading to improved cell efficiency. In one such chemical plating process, for example, a powdery carrier material such as conductive carbon black is contacted with an aqueous solution or aqueous suspension (slurry) of compounds of metallic components constituting the alloy to permit adsorption or impregnation of the metallic compounds or their ions on or in the carrier. Then, while the slurry is stirred at high speed, a dilute solution of suitable fixing agent such as ammonia, hydrazine, formic acid or formalin is slowly added dropwise to disperse and deposit the metallic components on the carrier as insoluble compounds or partly reduced fine metal particles.
The surface concentration of catalyst on the membrane or electrode is based in part on the desired power output and cost for a particular fuel cell. In general, power output increases with increasing concentration, however, there is a level beyond which performance is not improved. Likewise, the cost of a fuel cell increases with increasing concentration. Thus, the surface concentration of catalyst is selected to meet the application requirements. For example, a fuel cell designed to meet the requirements of a demanding application such as an outer space vehicle will usually have a surface concentration of catalyst sufficient to maximize the fuel cell power output. Preferably, the desired power output is obtained with as little catalyst as possible. Typically, it is desirable that about 0.25 to about 6 mg/cm2 of catalyst particles be in contact with the electrodes. If the surface concentration of catalyst particles is less than about 0.25 mg/cm2, the cell performance usually declines, whereas, above about 6 mg/cm2 the cell performance is usually not improved.
To promote contact between the collector, electrode, catalyst and membrane, the layers are usually compressed at high temperature. The housings of the individual fuel cells are configured in such a way that a good gas supply is ensured, and at the same time the product water can be discharged properly. Typically, several fuel cells are joined to form stacks, so that the total power output is increased to economically feasible levels.
In general, the ternary catalyst and electrodes of the present invention may be used to catalyze any fuel containing hydrogen (e.g., hydrogen and reformated-hydrogen fuels). The improved catalytic activity of the PtRuNi ternary alloys, however, are particularly realized in the catalysis of hydrocarbon-based fuels. Applicable hydrocarbon-based fuels include saturated hydrocarbons such as methane (natural gas), ethane, propane and butane; garbage off-gas; oxygenated hydrocarbons such as methanol and ethanol; and fossil fuels such as gasoline and kerosene; and mixtures thereof. The most preferred fuel, however, is methanol.
To achieve the full ion-conducting property of proton exchange membranes, suitable acids (gases or liquids) are typically added to the fuel. For example, SO2, SO3, sulfuric acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid or the fluoride thereof, also strongly acidic carboxylic acids such as trifluoroacetic acid, and volatile phosphoric acid compounds may be used (see, e.g., "Ber. Bunsenges. Phys. Chem.", Volume 98 (1994), pages 631 to 635).
Activity is defined as the maximum sustainable, or steady state, current (Amps) obtained from the catalyst, when fabricated into an electrode, at a given electric potential, or efficiency (Volts). Additionally, because of differences in the geometric area of electrodes, when comparing different catalysts, activity is often expressed in terms of current density (A/cm2).
A tremendous amount of research has concentrated on exploring the activity of surface modified binary, and to a much lesser extent ternary, alloys of platinum in an attempt to both increase the efficiency of and reduce the amount of precious metals in the anode part of the fuel cell. Although electrodeposition was explored as a route to the synthesis of anode materials (see, e.g., F. Richarz et al. Surface Science, 1995, 335, 361), only a few compositions were actually prepared, and these compositions were made using traditional single point electrodeposition techniques.
In contrast, the catalyst alloy compositions of this invention were prepared using the combinatorial techniques disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/119,187, filed Jul. 20, 1998. Specifically, an array of independent electrodes (with areas of between about 1 and 2 mm2) were fabricated on inert substrates (e.g., glass, quartz, sapphire alumina, plastics, and thermally treated silicon). The individual electrodes were located substantially in the center of the substrate, and were connected to contact pads around the periphery of the substrate with wires. The electrodes, associated wires, and contact pads were fabricated from conducting materials (e.g., gold, silver, platinum, copper or other commonly used electrode materials). In a preferred embodiment, the arrays were fabricated on standard 3″ (about 7.5 cm) thermally oxidized single crystal silicon wafers, and the electrodes were gold with surface areas of about 1.26 mm2.
A patterned insulating layer covered the wires and an inner portion of the peripheral contact pads, but left the electrodes and the outer portion of the peripheral contact pads exposed (preferably approximately half of the contact pad is covered with this insulating layer). Because of the insulating layer, it is possible to connect a lead (e.g., an alligator clip) to the outer portion of a given contact pad and address its associated electrode while the array is immersed in solution, without having to worry about reactions that can occur on the wires or peripheral contact pads. The insulating layer may be, for example, glass, silica, alumina, magnesium oxide, silicon nitride, boron nitride, yttrium oxide, titanium dioxide, hardened photoresist, or other suitable material known to be insulating in nature.
Once a suitable inert substrate was provided, in this case thermally oxidized single crystal silicon was selected, photolithographic techniques were used to design and fabricate electrode patterns on it. By applying a predetermined amount of photoresist to the substrate, photolyzing preselected regions of the photoresist, removing those regions that have been photolyzed (e.g., by using an appropriate developer), depositing one or more metals over the entire surface and removing predetermined regions of these metals (e.g. by dissolving the underlying photoresist), intricate patterns of individually addressable electrodes were fabricated on the substrate.
The fabricated arrays consisted of a plurality of individually addressable electrodes that were insulated from each other (by adequate spacing) and from the substrate (fabricated on an insulating substrate), and whose interconnects were insulated from the electrochemical testing solution (by the hardened photoresist or other suitable insulating material).
Materials were deposited on the above described electrode arrays to prepare a library of compositions by the electrodeposition of species from solution using standard electrochemical methods. More specifically, the depositions were carried out by immersing the electrode array in a standard electrochemical deposition chamber containing the array, a platinum mesh counter electrode, and a reference electrode (e.g., Ag/AgCl). The chamber was filled with a plating solution containing known amounts of source material to be deposited. By selecting a given electrode and applying a predetermined potential for a predetermined amount of time, a particular composition of materials (which may or may not correspond to the exact composition of the plating solution) was deposited on the electrode surface. Variations in the compositions deposited may be obtained either by directly changing the solution composition for each deposition or by using different electrochemical deposition techniques, or both. Examples of how one may change the electrode composition by changing the deposition technique can include: changing the deposition potential, changing the length of the deposition time, varying the counter anions, using different concentrations of each species, and even using different electrochemical deposition programs (e.g., potentiostatic oxidation/reduction, galvanostatic oxidation/reduction, potential square-wave voltammetry, potential stair-step voltammetry, etc.). In any event, through repeated deposition steps, a variety of materials were deposited on the array.
After synthesizing the various alloy compositions on the array, the different alloys were screened for methanol oxidation to determine relative catalytic activity against a standard alloy composition.
Using the procedures described in Example 1 to synthesize catalyst compositions by electrodeposition, the following aqueous stock solutions were prepared in 0.5 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4): 0.03 M platinum chloride (H2PtCl6), 0.05 M ruthenium chloride (RuCl3), and 0.1 M nickel (II) bromide hydrate (NiBr2.3H2O). The sulfuric acid merely served as an electrolyte thereby increasing the plating efficiency. A standard plating solution was created by combining 15 ml of the platinum chloride stock solution and 12 ml of the ruthenium chloride stock solution. The electrodes on the array were then immersed in the standard plating solution. A potential of −0.93 V vs Ag/AgCl was applied for 2 minutes to the first electrode (Electrode #1 in FIG. 3). The thickness of the layer deposited on the electrode ranged from about 1500 and about 2000 Å. The composition of the PtRu alloy plated under these conditions is represented by the formula Pt0.65Ru0.35.
To synthesize a PtRuNi ternary alloy composition, an aliquot of the nickel bromide stock solution (e.g., 0.2 ml) was added to the standard PtRu plating solution and the second electrode was then plated at −0.93 V vs. Ag/AgCl for 2 minutes. The amount of nickel in subsequently deposited alloys was increased by adding nickel bromide stock solution to the plating solution. Thus, a library of alloy compositions can be created by varying the relative amounts of different stock solutions in the plating solution (e.g., Electrodes #2-#11 in
After synthesizing the various alloy compositions on the array, the different compositions were screened for methanol oxidation activity by placing the array into an electrochemical cell, which was filled with a room temperature solution of 1M methanol in 0.5 M H2SO4. The cell also contained in Hg/HgSO4 reference electrode and a platinum mesh counter electrode. Chronoamperometry measurements (i.e., holding a given electrode at a given potential and measuring the current that passes as a function of time) were then performed on all of the electrodes by pulsing each individual electrode to a potential of 0.3 V vs NHE (Normal Hydrogen Electrode) and holding it there for about 6 minutes while monitoring and recording the current that flowed.
The alloy compositions on Electrodes #1, #2 and #3 were analyzed using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) to determine their compositions. It is commonly accepted that the chemical compositions determined using x-ray fluorescence are within about 5% of the actual composition. Electrode #1 alloy contained about 65 atomic percent platinum, and about 35 atomic percent ruthenium %. Electrode #2 alloy contained about 54 atomic percent platinum, about 35 atomic percent ruthenium, and about 6 atomic percent nickel. Electrode #3 alloy contained about 51 atomic percent platinum, about 43 atomic percent ruthenium, and about 6 atomic percent nickel. Although the detection limit for a signal corresponding to nickel is about 6 atomic percent, concentrations of nickel below that level can be estimated by comparing the relative intensity of the XRF spectra signals corresponding to platinum and ruthenium.
The data represented in
The activity of the most preferred ternary alloy, Pt0.54Ru0.4Ni0.06 (Electrode #2) was also compared to that of Pt0.65Ru0.35 as a function of increasing voltage (see, FIG. 4).
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should therefore be determined not with reference to the above description alone, but should also be determined with reference to the claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles, patents and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Dec 4, 1975
|Aug 2, 1977
|General Electric Company
|Method for gas generation utilizing platinum metal electrocatalyst containing 5 to 60% ruthenium
|Jan 17, 1983
|May 8, 1984
|United Technologies Corporation
|Ternary fuel cell catalysts containing platinum, cobalt and chromium
|Mar 25, 1983
|Oct 23, 1984
|Hitachi, Ltd.
|Fuel cell
|Nov 16, 1987
|Feb 21, 1989
|United Technologies Corporation
|Ternary fuel cell catalyst containing platinum and gallium
|Mar 9, 1990
|Jun 18, 1991
|N. E. Chemcat Corporation
|Platinum alloy electrocatalyst
|Jan 17, 1991
|Feb 2, 1993
|International Fuel Cells Corporation
|Carbon monoxide tolerant platinum-tantalum alloyed catalyst
|Feb 26, 1992
|May 4, 1993
|Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.
|Feb 24, 1992
|Jul 6, 1993
|Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo K.K.
|Electrocatalyst for anode
|Jun 22, 1992
|Sep 21, 1993
|Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
|Fuel cell containing a reforming catalyst
|Dec 8, 1995
|Jun 30, 1998
|California Institute Of Technology
|Direct methanol feed fuel cell and system
|Mar 11, 1997
|Jan 5, 1999
|Illinois Institute Of Technology
|Single phase ternary Pt-Ru-Os catalysts for direct oxidation fuel cells
|May 19, 1998
|Dec 28, 1999
|Degussa Aktiengesellschaft
|Co-tolerant anode catalyst for PEM fuel cells and a process for its preparation
|Feb 25, 2000
|Feb 11, 2003
|Symyx Technologies, Inc.
|Platinum-ruthenium-nickel alloy for use as a fuel cell catalyst
|Aug 20, 2002
|Apr 20, 2004
|Symyx Technologies, Inc.
|Platinum-ruthenium-nickel alloy for use as a fuel cell catalyst
|Oct 20, 1997
|Apr 29, 1998
|Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
|Improved catalyst
|"Fuel Cells Promise Cleaner Energy"; Nickel Magazine; Jun. 1998.
|"Opening Doors to Fuel Cell Commercialisation"; Fuel Cell Today/ Dec. 27, 2001.
|Baker et al; "Solution-Based Assembly of Metal Surfaces by Combinatorial Methods", J. Am. Chemical Society; pp. 8721-8722; 1996.
|Gerhard L. Holleck et al; "Carbon Monoxide Tolerant Anodes for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells"; Abstract No. 1086.
|Holleck et al; "Carbon Monoxide Tolerant Anodes for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells. II. Alloy Catalysts Development"; pp. 150-161; Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Proton Conducting Membrane Fuel Cells II in Pennington, NJ; The Electrochemical Society, Inc., vol. 98-27; 1999.
|Mallouk et al; "Discovery of Methanol Electro-Oxidation Catalysts by Combinatorial Analysis"; pp. 686-689 of "Programs and Abstracts" from Fuel Cell Seminar held Nov. 17-20, 1996 in Orlando, Florida.
|Reddington et al; "Combinatorial Electrochemistry: A Highly Parallel, Optical Screening Method for Discovery of Better Electrocatalysts"; Science, vol. 280, pp. 1735-1737; Jun. 12, 1998.
|Sullivan et al; "Automated Electrochemical Analysis with Combinatorial Electrode Arrays"; Analytical Chemistry, vol. 71, No. 19; pp. 4369-4375; Oct. 1, 1999.
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Feb 12, 2004
|Feb 3, 2009
|Symyx Technologies, Inc.
|Combinatorial methods for preparing electrocatalysts
|Jul 31, 2008
|Jun 11, 2013
|Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation
|Catalyst for producing carboxylic acid esters, process for producing same and process for producing carboxylic acid esters
|Feb 12, 2004
|Mar 10, 2005
|Symyx Technologies, Inc.
|Combinatorial methods for preparing electrocatalysts
|Jul 31, 2008
|Jul 28, 2011
|Ken Suzuki
|Catalyst for producing carboxylic acid esters, process for producing same and process for producing carboxylic acid esters (as amended)
|U.S. Classification
|429/524, 502/325, 502/337, 502/339, 429/526, 429/527
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|May 10, 2004
Owner name: SYMYX TECHNOLOGIES, INC., CALIFORNIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GORER, ALEXANDER;REEL/FRAME:015306/0577
Effective date: 20040504
|Dec 19, 2008
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Jul 13, 2009
Owner name: SYMYX SOLUTIONS, INC., CALIFORNIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SYMYX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022939/0564
Effective date: 20090701
Owner name: SYMYX SOLUTIONS, INC.,CALIFORNIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SYMYX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.;REEL/FRAME:022939/0564
Effective date: 20090701
|Mar 10, 2010
Owner name: FREESLATE, INC.,CALIFORNIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SYMYX SOLUTIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:024057/0911
Effective date: 20100301
Owner name: FREESLATE, INC., CALIFORNIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SYMYX SOLUTIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:024057/0911
Effective date: 20100301
|Mar 11, 2013
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Jul 26, 2013
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|Sep 17, 2013
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 20130726


text:
- Home
- News
- Sports
- Opinion
- Obituaries
- Features
- Special Sections
- Classifieds
- Public Notices
HUNTERS HOLLOW - The Hunters Hollow City Commission stepped away from a proposed sidewalk ordinance.
The commission unanimously voted to table a proposed ordinance relating to sidewalk parking during the July meeting.
The ordinance proposed specific restrictions, fines and exceptions in relation to residents parking vehicles in a way that blocked sidewalk use for pedestrians.
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the The Pioneer News, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.
|ZIP Code:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The shopper cards issued by supermarkets and warehouse stores do more than provide access to discounts, they also allow stores to record the purchases each customer makes. Retailers have long envisioned using their vast purchase databases as marketing tools, potentially targeting messages to individual customers based on their shopping patterns. Public-health officials now see another application of purchase data – identifying food-safety hazards and preventing widespread outbreaks of food-borne illness.
According to a report from NBC News, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and some state health departments have used shopper-card data to identify exactly which foods a patient purchased and ate. They then can cross-reference the list with those from other patients and identify the source of food-borne illness. Once the source is confirmed, officials can pull the product from shelves and send warnings directly to other customers who purchased the product, again using shopper-card data. Normally, health officials rely on interviews with patients to track down sources of food-borne illness, but the process is slow and can be unreliable.
The article notes that privacy issues are a concern. Grocery chains generally release the shopper-card information only with permission of customers, and disclosure laws vary between states, so the availability of the information to health officials varies from one case to another. About 60 percent of U.S. grocery stores offer shopper cards and about 80 percent of U.S. consumers belong to at least one food-store loyalty program.


text:
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Papercraft Amnesia barrel PewDiePie hommage!
Vincentmrl made this papercraft barrel in honour of an Amnesia player called PewDiePie who developed a deep hatred against barrels after discovering they were secretly in cahoots with his zombie enemies: link
Download + build your own papercraft PewDiePie Amnesia barrel! (by Vincentmrl)
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Jewelry Care
Learn about caring for handmade and other jewelry. Find out about stones that can fade in sunlight or in chemical cleaners. Take care of your jewelry to enjoy it for many years.
Caring for your handmade jewelry is as easy as caring for any other fine jewelry. I recommend when practical either using mildly sudsy water for cleaning jewelry with stones and other materials that can tolerate water, then light polishing with a jewelry polishing cloth, such as a, Goddard's Long Shine Cloth, sunshine cloth or selvyt cloth, or having your jewelry cleaned by a professional. There are, however, many other methods for cleaning jewelry. Please do be sure that your gemstones and pearls in the jewelry can withstand whichever method you choose as it is not practical to expect them to hold up in that case. All fine jewelry should not be subjected to strenuous activities of any kind. Caring for your jewelry properly will help it last for a lifetime of wear.
The shortish version: Normal wear and care in brief is as follows. Keep jewelry away from scratching, banging, chemicals of all kinds, swimming pools, hot tubs, extreme temps, and intense sunlight. Do not roll bracelets onto your hand while clasped. Remove jewelry before doing gardening, cleaning, household repairs or any strenuous activities. Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, or hot tubbing. Wipe your jewelry off with a soft cloth after wear. Clean jewelry regularly with mildly sudsy water, rinse well, and pat dry with a soft cloth. Let it air dry if any moisture remains. Do not put altered art, paper, or glass domed jewelry in liquids. Polish metals gently with a jewelry polishing cloth. Store jewelry flat in a reclosable bag or cloth with anti-tarnish paper. More details below.
More About Jewelry Care and Cleaning
General Jewelry Care
- Protect all jewelry from scratches, sharp blows, chemicals, extreme temperatures, and sunlight.
- Do not roll or push bracelets onto your hand while clasped. This puts stress on the stringing material and may break it over time.
- After each wearing, gently wipe each piece of jewelry clean of make up and skin oils with a 100% cotton cloth.
- Clean all jewelry except glass dome or paper jewelry regularly with mildly sudsy water (if the stone is appropriate for water cleaning), rinse well, and pat dry with a soft cloth. Let it air dry if any moisture remains. Polish metals gently with a jewelry polishing cloth. Use chemical cleaners and polishes very sparingly and be sure that the type is safe for your jewelry, particularly the stones.
- Do not use liquid cleaners or any kind of liquid on glass dome, paper, or altered art jewelry.
- Remove jewelry when doing household or handyman tasks such a gardening, cleaning and household repairs or any strenuous activities.
- Apply makeup and hairspray before putting on your jewelry. Makeup and hairspray contain chemicals that may affect your jewelry.
- Remove jewelry before getting in a swimming pool or hot tub or bathing. The chlorine or other chemicals in the water can damage various gemstones and metals including gold. See the article on how chlorine and bromine in swimming pools and hot tubs can affect even karat gold at Hoover and Strong precious metal refinery.
- Do not store jewelry in high heat, including next to heating vent, window sill, or in the car.
- Store jewelry away from sunlight. The sun may fade some gemstones or over heat the jewelry.
- Store jewelry flat to avoid stretching or twisting. Always store bead necklaces flat because stringing materials may stretch over time.
- Store jewelry separately so it doesn't scratch other jewelry.
- Store jewelry in resealable or special jewelry bags or pouches with anti-tarnish paper to retard tarnish. Jewelry with pearls or opals, as well as some other stones, must be stored in fabric instead of plastic as they need to "breathe."
- Argentium® Sterling Silver jewelry should be polished with a polishing cloth reserved strictly for Argentium® to avoid contamination by minute bits of other metals (including traditional sterling) and lower the tarnish resistant qualities of the Argentium®
Do Not Place in Chemical Cleaners
This is a partial list and there may be other stones that do not do well and perhaps even disintegrate in chemical cleaners If in doubt, don't put it in any chemicals! Amber, Aquamarine, Coral, Emerald , Jade , Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Opal, Pearls, Shell, Turquoise
- Amber
- Apophyllite
- Aquamarine
- Coral
- Emerald
- Halite aka Himalayan Salt or Salt
- Jade
- Lapis Lazuli
- Malachite
- Opal
- Pearls
- Shell, including Mother of Pearl
- Turquoise
Some Stones That Can Change In Sunlight
There may be other stones that can change in sunlight, sometimes turning almost white. If in doubt, do not leave stones exposed to sunlight.
- Amethyst - becomes paler
- Ametrine - may become lighter or change colors
- Aquamarine - becomes paler
- Aventurine - some lighter varieties become paler
- Beryl - brown/orange varieties may fade to pale pink
- Celestite - becomes paler
- Chrysoprase - becomes paler
- Citrine - becomes paler and/or changes color
- Hiddenite (Green Spodumene, sometimes called Green Kunzite) - becomes paler
- Kunzite (Pink Spodumene) - becomes paler
- Rose Quartz - becomes paler
- Smoky Quartz - becomes paler
- And other stones
For metaphysical tips about energetically clearing your stones that are in jewelry, I have an article on clearing crystals and stones with example photos of good and not so good methods.
I also have an article on cleaning and caring for costume jewelry in particular, though it may not apply to my handmade jewelry, some tips are essentially universal.
Argentium® Sterling Silver
Argentium® Sterling Silver is highly tarnish-resistant, nickel-free, .925 Sterling Silver which needs far less polishing than traditional sterling silver. You should be able to clean up your Argentium® Sterling Silver jewelry with a mild soap and lukewarm water, and restore its high shine with a polishing cloth reserved for only Argentium® jewelry. Goddard's Long Shine Polishing Cloth is highly recommended by leaders in the silversmithing industry at the best for Argentium®, as it seems to enhance Argentium®'s tarnish-resistant properties.
Traditional Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, and Gold
Traditional Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, and Gold can be cared for in pretty much the same way. You can use these methods to clean and polish traditional .925 sterling silver, .999 Fine Silver, Silver Filled, and 14 Karat Gold Filled, as well as karat gold:
Commercial silver/gold cleaners. Be sure that any stones in the jewelry can withstand the chemicals in the cleaner. Read the label, and if in doubt, contact the manufacturer for information or do not use a chemical cleaner. Some gemstones that cannot be placed in most commercial jewelry cleaners are: pearls, lapis lazuli, malachite, opals, coral, turquoise, and others.
Ammonia and water. Use a light solution of ammonia and water on a toothbrush or soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly with water. Ammonia should not be used on the same types of gemstones that should not be used with commercial cleaners
Jewelry polishing cloth. Use lightly to restore luster. Note: Do not press hard when polishing 14 karat golf filled, so that you do not damage the gold surface. Silver filled, gold filled, and plated jewelry should be polished very lightly.
Additionally, tarnish can be retarded by storing your jewelry in the resealable plastic bag included with each piece, or in a commercial jewelry bag with anti-tarnish papers. Pearls and opals, however, should not be stored in plastic because they need to "breathe."
Copper and Brass
Surprisingly enough, copper and brass are also very simple to care for. While they do tarnish more quickly than sterling silver, they can be restored to their original shine easily. Methods for cleaning and shining copper and brass jewelry are:
Commercial copper/brass cleaner. Again, be sure that any stones in the jewelry can withstand the chemicals in the cleaner or do not use it.
Worcestershire sauce. As unlikely as it sounds, the acid in the tomato in worcestershire sauce does a great job of cleaning copper and brass jewelry See the Copper Jewelry Cleaning page for a demo with before and after photos. This method should not be used with gemstones or pearls that cannot be cleaned with chemical cleaners, as the acid in the tomato of the worcestershire may affect more delicate stones.
Ketchup. Again, the acid in the tomato of the ketchup shines up copper and brass quite nicely. This method is somewhat messier than the Worcestershire sauce, though. Apply it with a toothbrush or soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid getting ketchup on the same types of stones as should not be used with chemical cleaners. I'm not sure about it, but I expect the acid in the tomato might affect more delicate stones.
Another kitchen cleaner method for copper and brass is a combination of water, lemon or lime juice and salt. Add a few drops of lemon or lime juice to a container of water, then add a teaspoon of salt and stir gently. Place the jewelry in the solution for a few minutes, then remove and rinse thoroughly. If needed, the dip in the solution can be repeated. Again, this method should not be used with gemstones or pearls that cannot be cleaned with chemical cleaners.
As with sterling silver, copper and brass jewelry will tarnish slower if stored in a recloseable plastic bag or jewelry case with anti-tarnish paper.
All of these methods of caring for jewelry are part of the normal wear and care in my Handmade Jewelry Guarantee.


text:
A Sovereign Wealth Fund for South Australia
The Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute reported the idea of a South Australian wealth fund back in February 2012.
Mr. Weatherill stated that the wealth fund will be capitalized through excess petroleum and mineral revenues only if the state budget is in surplus. He estimates that the first cash infusion will take place as early as 2015 with about A$ 20 million.[ Content protected for Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute Standard subscribers only. Please subscribe to view content. ]
Related Articles
Contact the writer or creator of this article or page.
Questions or comments: support(at)swfinstitute(dot)org
Follow on Twitter at @swfinstitute and @sovereignfunds
Learn, Attend and Network: Institutional Investor Events and Summits
Go Back: HOME: Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute


text:
"The Ghosts of Burn Brae Mansion"
When a beloved family home is destroyed by fire, do its ghostly residents migrate to the homes of other family members? Might some of them have moved here?
The ghosts of Burn Brae still wander the halls of this great old mansion, deep in the darkly wooded Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. Yes, this is a real mansion, and the resident ghosts have been heard by many guests, as well as its owner, innkeeper Andy Russ.
This rambling estate home was commissioned about a century ago, by an heir to Isaac Singer's sewing machine company empire, as a wedding gift for a beloved daughter of the company's third president. Of nine similarly great homes built in the region at around that time for other family members, it is one of but three that remain. Today it is operated as an elegant inn.
Back in January of 2008, I was commissioned by Andy Russ to create this painting, and was privileged to receive a great deal of historical information, photos of the inn (at the time beneath a blanket of snow), and several very old and faded photos showing the house as it appeared early in the last century, and some of its residents. Even this great structure had nearly succumbed to fire early on, as evidenced by differences between old and current views showing the third story. The painting includes some of the details that were lost in that fire.
Normally, I do not offer prints of commissioned paintings, since they are the exclusive property of the person who commissioned it. However, concurrently with notifying me that his painting had taken a first prize in The East Coast Haunters art competition, Andy has granted me permission to offer prints of Burn Brae Mansion to friends of The Haunted Studio.
Medium Print
size is 7.5" x 9.5", double matted (charcoal over a white liner), backed with rigid foam-core board, ready for framing in any readily available 11" x 14" frame. Shipped Priority Mail.
Large Print
size is 12" x 18" on 13" x 19" paper. After I carefully inspect and sign your print, I'll slip it into its protective clear plastic envelope and carefully roll it for mailing to you, together with a page of helpful framing hints. Shipped Priority Mail.
Medium Print:
Large Print:
FREE Shipping within the United States.
Hawaii and Alaska please contact us for a shipping quote.
Canadian Shipping:
Click the "Add to Cart" shipping button one time for your entire order.
International Shipping:
Must contact us for a shipping quote. Please include your FULL Shipping Address.
Canadian Shipping:
International Shipping:
Shipping Information:
International Orders must
Purchaser is responsible
for any import duties, custom charges, taxes, or any other charge that your country may randomly, or not randomly, apply to any Canadian or Internationally shipped order.
HIH Store Information:
Canadian/International Customers:
Do not combine purchases in the HIH Store with any purchase of Haunted Art or vice-versa. Although all Haunted Art Prints can be shipped worldwide, consider them different stores, as the HIH Store only ships to the United States at this time. Thank you and happy haunting!
HIH PayPal Shopping Cart.
Secure Online Shopping.
Return to Haunted Art Home Page
All art print graphics and text are used with permission and Copyright © Lewis Barrett Lehrman. All rights reserved.
Halloween is Here!


text:
Abd. Rahim, Mashkurah (2010) Preparation and characterization of nanostructured barium oxide. Masters thesis, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Faculty of Science.
- Submitted Version
Restricted to Repository staff only
It was found that the basic catalytic property of the metal oxide was increase with high surface area and nanosized particles. In this study, surface modified Barium oxide (BaO) was synthesized by hydration-dehydration method. Barium hydroxide ( Ba(OH)2) has prepared from Barium Peroxide (BaO2) which acted as precursor. The Ba(OH)2 was calcined at a temperature of 50°C to 300°C under vacuum atmosphere of 10-3 mbar. Prepared samples were characterized using thermogravimetric-derivative thermogravimetry (TG-DTG), fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), single point Brunauer-Emmet Teller (BET) surface area analysis and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The TG-DTG result shows that the major weight lost occurs at a temperature 110°C to 150°C which was 0.7%. This indicated the decomposition of barium hydroxide to barium oxide. The XRD diffractogram of BaO proved that Ba(OH)2 has been transformed to BaO in tetragonal formed as the temperature increases. The particle size for the surface modified barium oxide was calculated using Scherer's equation and the resulting particle size was approximately 34 nm. Thus, the prepared surface modified BaO with nano size particles have been produced in this study. The amount of basic sites was investigated using the most fundamental chemical techniques of back titration and as the temperature increases from 150°C to 300°C, the basic sites increases from 0.67 to 1.67 mmol g-1 respectively. This is most probably due to the formation of more BaO with basic sites that occur during the activation process at temperature 300°C. The chemical properties of the prepared surface modified BaO were measured using electron spin resonance (ESR) method. Based on ESR study, a single peak g-value at 1.9830 was observed throughout the 30 minutes UV radiation and shown that only one site which active in electron trapping sites.
|Item Type:
|Thesis (Masters)
|Additional Information:
|Thesis (Sarjana Sains (Kimia)) - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 2010; Supervisor : Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahim Yacob
|Uncontrolled Keywords:
|barium oxide, nanostructured
|Q Science > QD Chemistry
|ID Code:
|Deposited By:
|Ms Zalinda Shuratman
|Deposited On:
|30 Sep 2011 14:58
|Last Modified:
|01 Feb 2012 04:54
Repository Staff Only: item control page


text:
You are currently viewing the summary.View Full Text
Via AAAS ID
A powerful water pollution expert and administrator at China's Zhejiang University has been charged with embezzling $1.6 million in grant money. Chen Yingxu was awarded a $16 million grant from China's environment ministry in 2008 to study water remediation and management in the Lake Tai watershed. Through a scheme involving companies owned or operated by his graduate students, he allegedly pocketed a portion of the money—ending what until then had been a charmed career.
↵* With additional reporting by Ma Qionghui.


text:
Used Truck - 2014 Nissan Quest in Escondido, Ca
Actual costs may vary.
INTERNET SPECIAL! COMPREHENSIVE 151 POINT INSPECTION ON EVERY VEHICLE! WARRANTY INCLUDED! We can get you financed regarless of your credit score, so please don't hesitate to give us a call at (760)737-9400 to see how we can help you! Come see how easy and fun buying a car can be at Escondido Auto Super Center. Internet special pricing cannot be combined with any other offer.
- 7-passenger Seating
- Abs (4-wheel)
- Air Conditioning
- Air Conditioning
- Rear
- Alloy Wheels
- Am/fm Stereo
- Backup Camera
- Bluetooth Wireless
- Cruise Control
- Dual Air Bags
- R Head Curtain Air Bags
- Keyless Entry
- Keyless Start
- Leather
- Mp3 (single Disc)
- Power Door Locks
- Power Seat
- Power Sliding Doors
- Power Steering
- Power Windows
- Privacy Glass
- Quad Seating (4 Buckets)
- Roof Rack
- Side Air Bags
- Third Row Seat
- Tilt &
- Telescoping Wheel
- Traction Control
- Vehicle Dynamic Control
- Xm Satellite
Major Accidents, Lemon History and Odometer Problems
» Get A Free CARFAX Record Check
2014 Nissan Quest ReviewThis car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale.
The Quest is a highly versatile minivan with unique styling, referred to by Nissan as a "celebration of family life." It features three rows of seating for seven occupants, as well as available power sliding side doors and a power rear liftgate for ease of access. The front-wheel drive Quest is offered in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and LE. It is powered by a 260-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Trim-dependent standard features include aluminum wheels, roof rails, HID headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio and Bluetooth hands-free phone/audio streaming, along with navigation and entertainment systems. The third-row 60/40 split-bench seat can be folded neatly into a floor well, providing a handy flat surface when carrying cargo. Standard safety equipment on every Quest includes anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control systems, a tire pressure monitor and six airbags; a rear backup monitor is also available. The Quest is unchanged for 2014 except for two new exterior colors.
855 N Broadway
Escondido, Ca. 92025
More Nissan Quest's On The Lot
More Cars From This Seller
2014 Ford Mustang
Mileage: 33,970
Price: $19,990
2013 Hyundai Elantra
Mileage: 107,325
Price: $9,990
2007 Honda CR-V
Mileage: 104,440
Price: $12,990
2013 Hyundai Elantra
Mileage: 59,042
Price: $13,990
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab
Mileage: 86,537
Price: $11,990
2012 Ford Mustang
Mileage: 46,691
Price: $16,990
2012 Kia Sedona
Mileage: 77,997
Price: $11,990
2007 Jeep Wrangler
Mileage: 113,586
Price: $16,990
2008 Saturn VUE
Mileage: 71,740
Price: $9,990
2012 Toyota Corolla
Mileage: 78,362
Price: $11,990


text:
|> prabha bhabhi...
Free Video Chat with Indian Girls
|Thread Tools
|Search this Thread
prabha bhabhi...
I completed my Engineering and entered into construction business. Soon I had scattered my work to various cities. Most often I keep visiting to various places on my construction work. My friend Ravi got settled in Pune and even got married. We both were good friends during our college days but later couldn't meet for a long time. As you know Pune is not far from Mumbai, but due to other liabilities of life it was not possible to see each other for a long time. When I was on a business trip to Pune I contacted Ravi and asked to meet. He was very happy to see me in Pune and had lunch together in a Hotel. He asked me about my stay in Pune, I told him that I will be staying her for three more days before leaving back to Mumbai. He invited me to come to his house and even stay with him till I leave.
Initially I did not agree to that and told him that I will manage to stay in a lodge. But he convinced me and took me to his house. His house was about one hours of journey from his office. He introduced me to his beautiful wife Prabha. I was just surprised to see so beautiful lady as his wife. Prabha was not fair in colour but she had very sexy body. I saw her sexy boobs and flat tummy. It was very smooth and looked as its massaged with oil. It was shining. I just imagined about her choot if its shaved and clean. She opened the door and She welcomed me to their house and started preparing for my dinner. I really felt jealous of Ravi to possess such a beautiful wife. We relaxed and started our chat, discussing about our olden days to refresh our memories. Prabha started setting the dining table while me and Ravi sat on the respective chairs to start our supper. After our dinner I wished them goodnight and went early to bed. I was unable to get sleep and started sending SMS to my brother at Mumbai.
Suddenly I heard some noise outside my room, I got up to check out and found that Ravi 's bedroom was locked and some unusual sounds were coming from inside. I understood the situation and went back to my room. Somehow I couldn't control myself and went again near his bedroom. The bathroom was just adjacent to their bedroom, if something goes wrong I can escape into the bathroom. I started peeping into their bedroom from the keyhole. I could witness two naked bodies in action with immense pleasure. Prabha was on her bed while Ravi was busy ramming his Lund into her love hole. What I was able to see from the keyhole was the scene between their legs from backward angle. I wanted to see Prabha's nude body but couldn't. I kept observing the play and started stroking my own Lund . Finally I was able to see Prabha's choot when Ravi removed his Lund out after emptying his juice in her hole. It was really amazing. Clean shaved and swelled. Now its lips were a bit open due to fresh fucking.. I could see his semen coming out of her choot. Soon after that Ravi laid on Prabha for some time caressing and hugging her and finally finished his battle. Prabha got up from her bed and started coming out of the room. I some how heard her saying I will piss and come back. My plan of getting into bathroom when they come out was abandoned and somehow adjusted myself to enter below the dining table. I kneeled myself and waited for what next to happen. Prabha came out of the room fully nude and went inside the bathroom. She might have forgotten that there was a guest in the house and even didn't bother to close the bathroom door while pissing. I couldn't see her nude body as I was below the dining table and could see only her legs.
When she entered the bathroom and put the light on I was able to see her from behind. She sat down to piss and I was able to see her beautiful chutad in a W shape from bottom and her piss rushing out between her W. Then after completing her work she washed her hole with water and went back to their room and locked the door. I don't know what happened later as I rushed into my room to get back to sleep. I couldn't sleep that night as the scenes of her choot in action and buttocks while pissing were reappearing in my mind. I masturbated many times and finally went to sleep. After getting up in the morning I went to bathroom and finished brushing teeth, taking bath, etc. Ravi called me for the breakfast while Prabha in her yellow nighty came to me to give coffee. I took the glass while staring at her and recollecting the night scenes. Since I had to leave early to work to meet a client I quickly completed my breakfast and left. Ravi also left to his office and would return back home only in the evening. I finished my work and returned back early. Prabha was washing clothes. She told me to ask if I need anything. I wanted to ask her choot for my lunch. I started watching TV in the hall when Prabha came and asked if any movies are coming. Finally there was some movie in some channel and I told her Yes. She came to the Hall with some bowls in her hand containing vegetables and a knife. She sat near the sofa on the floor and started cutting the vegetables. Some how, i started staring at her in that sitting position. She was wearing a blue colour saree and was looking like an angel to me. My staring sticked when i observed that her cleavage was little bit visible. Actually I have seen her choot and buttocks but did not see her boobs till now. With this desire I started screening her boobs in that blouse. She caught me looking at her boobs but I suddenly shifted my eyes to TV.
I again started my task after sometime. This time her cleavage was more visible. It might have shifted while cutting the vegetables. My mouth became watering at the sight of her upper lining of her boobs. I felt that my Lund in my underwear started taking its original shape. She suddenly saw me again doing that and gave a smile. I was little bit tensed that she might be thinking wrong about me. I was ready to take chance and again started looking. This time the cleavage was completely visible. I was observing that she leaned a bit more and her pallu slipped. Her sexy tight boobs were trying to peep out of her tight blouse. I was really shocked looking at this state. I realized that she herself has shifted herself to give me a better picture. I was a bit confused but confident about her move. I kept observing her master pieces and enjoyed the scene. The gap between the boobs was really marvelous. While staring at her cleavage suddenly her saree fell down since she has shifted it to max. I was able to see two round massive well shaped melons tightly covered in a blouse.. She was actually wearing a blouse that covers only 50% of the boobs. I almost thanked myself for finally seeing all those things. She got frightened and suddenly covered herself and rushed to the kitchen. She started cooking for lunch in the kitchen while i was still watching that damn TV. I leaned a bit to see what she was doing in that kitchen. I was able to see her waist from here and started thinking lets observe even this as something is better than nothing. The folds in her waist were just amazing. I started imagining as if I went to kitchen and hugged her from back touching those folds. She later arranged lunch and had the same together while watching TV.
I went to my room after my lunch so that I can relax. After some time I felt that she was in the bathroom. I went for inspecting the same and came to know that she is taking bath inside. I went into her bedroom to just have a casual look at her belongings. I saw some clothes kept on the bed like saree, blouse, bra and a panty. I took the panty in my hand and started sniffing. Its smell was some thing very sexy. I did the same with her bra also. I wasted so much of time that she finished her bath and was coming into the room. I was helpless and started thinking where to hide. She came with a towel wound around her gentle body and locked the door from inside. I was hiding beside the almira but still I was able to see her clearly. She came and finally removed her towel. My goodness it was heaven for me to see her finally naked top to bottom. So smooth and shining skin. Just if put a finger it will slip. She was busy drying herself with the towel removing the wetness from all her parts. I stood there without moving an inch but just watching the nature. She was singing while doing this and slowly shaking her body. Soon later she started dancing in front of the mirror shaking her chutad and waist like anything. I think she was trying samba dance. Unfortunately she saw me hiding through the mirror and gave a loud scream. I tried my best to stop her before she could do anything. She stood before me fully naked for sometime still in that shock, later she realized her state and covered herself with the saree that was kept on the bed. I preferred to leave the room rather than giving her the explanation.
I unlocked the door and went to the hall and sat on the sofa. She quickly locked the door from inside and put her clothes on. She was taking a lot of time inside while I was waiting for to come out so that I can confess my mistake. I started thinking so many reasons that can prove that I was not wrong. Finally after a long time she came out and sat opposite to me as if nothing has happened. She turned the TV on and started pressing the remote. There was silence between us but I was waiting for her scolding. Finally she spoke to me and asked me if I want coffee. I told it's not required now since it is still afternoon. I started giving explanation to her about what all has happened. I confessed my mistakes to her by narrating everything that has happened. I mentioned her clearly about the last night's incident and that happened in the afternoon. I told her that you are very beautiful and any man will not stop to do this. I also mentioned that Ravi was soo lucky to have you as his wife. If I could have seen you before marriage then I would have married you and keep you more happy. I know that you are very happy with Ravi but still it became my fantasy to spend time with you in bed. I told her to just think about it and give reply. I will be staying here till tomorrow and may never come back. If you agree I can make love with you which you will remember for ever. If not kindly ignore what ever has happened and forgive me for those bad intentions. After listening to all these things she got up suddenly and left to her room. I realised that she took things in the other way and decided not to sit in front of me. I kept watching the TV and thinking how to approach Ravi if Prabha reveals everything to her husband. After some time a miracle happened in my life.
Prabha came and hugged me from back while I was sitting on the sofa. She accepted my proposal and gave green signal.. I stood up and took her into my arms. She hugged me tightly and whispered I am sorry. I again sat on the sofa and made her sit on my lap. I asked her what has happened. She told me that it was not just my mistake but even she was involved in that. She came to know my intentions with all my gestures since I met her. She saw me looking at her figure in her nighty. Later she herself got interested in me and hence tried to show her cleavage. But the incident after bath was unexpected so she screamed. She was later aroused when I mentioned about what I saw through Key hole and one that happened in the bathroom. I even mentioned W shape to her. She couldn't control herself and went inside her room to masturbate. She finally realized that she needs me. Any how I have seen her nude and even expressed my intentions to lay her on bed. She got up from my lap and persuaded me to have sex immediately.. I lifted her and took her inside her bedroom and made her lie on the bed. I climbed on her and made our bodies rub each other. I quickly removed my shirt and asked Prabha to remove her clothes. She got up from bed and asked me to make her nude with my hands. So I took this romantic opportunity removed her saree. Now she was in blouse and petticoat. Then I gently put my hand on her blouse buttons and opened one by one. After removing two buttons I spread it and kissed her bare skin. Then I took charge of her sexy rosy lips.. I gave her a long and wet kiss. In the mean time my hands were working with her blouse buttons. I opened all buttons of her blouse. I saw white bra. I pressed her 34 sized boobs and kissed her earlobes.. Licked with wet tongue and she moaned. She was standing in front of mirror. I hugged her from back and pulled string of her silky petticoat. It fell down on her feet.
I too stood beside her and took her to the mirror from which she caught me. She was standing there in her white bra and panty that I sniffed earlier. My fingers were working on her back. She was shivering. I asked "why you are shivering?" She said "sanjay Ravi ke baad tum pehale mard ho mere sharer ko aisa dekhne wale." I said "abhi to ye sab bhi nikal dunga "and I hugged her. My hands were playing at her back. I found her bra hooks and I removed her bra and caressed her boobs from her back watching the same from the mirror. I wanted even her to see what I am doing. Finally I am touching her boobs with my own hands. Ohh since last night I was waiting for this moment.. Her nipples were very cute, small in size but pink. Very carefully I made circles with my fingers on her pink area and started playing with her nipples. My Lund was making her uncomfortable between her legs at the back. She asked me to remove my pant but I was busy rubbing her boobs. Then slowly I shifted my hands and traveled through her belly touching her navel with one hand while other still traveling into her panty. I touched her choot above her panty. And I tried to rub her clit. That was very wet due to her arousal. I started measuring the diameter of the hole with my fingers and then went calculating the depth. She asked me "what are you doing.. ohh I cant bear..ohh.. plzz.. " I said "darling I am measuring its size and depth. I want to know how much used by Ravi ."But she stopped me and said that "you can measure only with an instrument." I understood her intention and stopped my fingers. I removed my hand after rubbing her there for sometime. I slowly started pulling her panty down exposing her. I totally removed her panty down to ground when she lifted her leg to step out of it. I threw it to where her bra was lying on the floor. I went down to her choot and started smelling her with my nostrils. I really became mad with this and immediately started licking her with my tongue. She stood there shivering while licking for sometime and then pushed me aside. She started complaining that only I am enjoying. Finally I understood her problem and removed my pant. I even removed my boxer and threw it where her panty and bra were lying.
She felt happy on seeing my Lund .. She took that in her hands and started fondling. She gave me a compliment that mine is better that Ravi 's. It's more fat and big. I was very happy with this compliment. I blushed at her and told her to examine the same once again and then tell me the result. She kneeled before me and started observing my Lund carefully by rubbing it with her hand. She told me that my first impression is true. She wants to suck it. Its very hard and fat. She took it into her mouth and gave a good blowjob.. It was time for me to start the battle. I lifted her again and hugged her tightly. This time we hugged each other both being naked top to bottom. My Lund was making its way between her legs while her boobs were squeezed on my chest. I started pressing her buttocks and imagined that W. She then took my Lund in her hand and lifted her one leg a bit and started rubbing it on her choot walls. I understood her feelings and told her to get back on the bed. She went there and lay on the bed. I again climbed the bed and took my mouth to her choot. Actually she interrupted me initially when I was licking her choot. she said Ravi never did this. Its dirty. I said "prabha itni sundar choot ko dirty mat kaho.. mujhe ise pyar karne do." Then I spread her legs and kissed her mound and her choot button.
Then I looked her choot. Her choot lips were pinkish. And very soft. I licked complete outer part of her swelled choot. Then parted her choot lips with my finger and inserted my toungue. And she started moaning.."aahh sanjaay.. mar jaungi.. ye kya kar rahe ho..aahh bahuut achcha lag raha hai.. aahh.. aahhh.. mera ho jayega.. sanjuu.. munh hata lo… bahut jor se hone wala hai..aahh.. pehali..barr. meri zindagi me pehali.. baar.. itne jor se chhutne wali hoon.. munh hataao.. " but I continued and after few seconds she filled my mouth with hot juices.. it was like a sprinkle.. she washed my complete face.. I licked all juice .. She was moving her chootad..up and down and now her choot was stuck to my mouth. Now I did it again till I was satisfied that I have eaten a woman's choot. Then I made her spread her legs too wide and alarmed her that my Lund is entering. I kept my Lund on her choot and rubbed it for some time. She forced me to do it quickly. Then I entered her hole slowly. It was slippery inside and finally very hot. As I entered my forehead .. she screamed.. "sanjay.. dheere… bahut mota hai.. maine pehale hi kaha tha... dheere.. " I kissed her.. and said meri jaan prabha.. maja bhi to jyada ayega." Saying this I thrust with power and entered my Lund to its root. And she shouted loudly.."ohhh .. maar daalaa.. sanjay... bahut lamba hai… mere bahut andar chala gaya .. dard ho raha hai….plzz ruko. " now I kissed her nipples sucked and caressed them and after some time when I saw her pain is subsided I started giving her small strokes... then she also started responding by lifting her w shaped buttocks. I put a hand below her buttocks and I started giving my strokes and rammed her mad. It was time for me to burst out the load. She told me to do it inside itself. She was bored of carrying Ravi 's load always. I was in fire. I gave some strong jerks and finally put my lund in her depth and I loaded all my cum into her hole I discharged a huge quantity. When I was fully empty then removed my Lund out. She was satisfied with my work and congratulated me for that. I laid on her for a while still rubbing my Lund on her tummy. She pushed me aside and got up from the bed.
She told me that she will go to bathroom to piss and then come back. She went nude to the bathroom exactly the way she did last night. She did not close the bathroom door and sat down to piss. I followed her and entered the bathroom. She told me to go out but I told her that I have already seen this scene from behind and now I want to see the same from front. She told me to come inside and stand on the other side. I saw her pissing through the hole that I have used just before. This time it was not W but it was V that I saw. After that she washed with water and went back to bedroom. This time she made me lie on the bed and she climbed on me. She took my Lund in her hand and started giving blow job. Then slowly she guided the same into her hole. It was her chance this time to give strokes. Actually the same thing happened last night when she went back to her bedroom after pissing. Ravi might have enjoyed her strokes. She did that for quite a long time while I was again fondling her breasts. Finally she surrendered and fell on me. We lay in that position for some time till I loaded my second shot. I squeezed her buttocks for sometime while she was resting on me. Then she got up from bed and told me that its already evening and Ravi will come back from office within an hour. We have clean everything quickly before Ravi arrives. She again went to the bathroom to take bath. Even I followed her and suggested her that we can save time by taking bath together. She agreed for that and we both stood below the shower. I again hugged her tight and kissed her at so many places. She applied soap on her body and started cleaning herself. I pulled her to my side and started rubbing her breasts with soap. After the bath we got back to the bed room and dried everything.
I was still in the same mood and again attacked her from back. This time I wanted to enjoy her hot and sexy back globes. So I took her in doggy style. I pushed my Lund through her back and hugged her tightly. She scolded me for that but allowed me to do everything. I quickly gave a few more strokes in same position and unloaded my lava in her choot. Ohh her choot had changed its looks. It was looking like a big "O". I said your choot is opened wide dear. She smiled and said its day one. Hope tomorrow it will loose iys original shape and I will feel Ravi very loose." I also smiled and said "may be" and slapped her buttocks and kissed her passionately. when she picked her panty and bra. She wore them soon and removed another saree from the almira. She told me to wear clothes immediately and go back to my room while she will bring coffee to me. I obeyed her and went to my room after wearing my dress. She went to kitchen to prepare coffee but I again followed to Kitchen and hugged her from back.. She turned back to me and said what happened are you not satisfied yet? I told her that I want to still fuck you till Ravi comes. She gave a naughty smile and told no. But I forced her for that. She couldn't stop me doing so I continued. I turned the stove off and took her to my room this time. I laid her on bed while I lifted her saree up to her waist. I started licking her sweet choot and made her wet. She couldn't control and told me to fuck again. I partially removed my pant and inserted my Lund again in her hole. I started giving strokes and fucked her. Suddenly there was a door bell. Ravi has returned from the office. Prabha got up immediately and pulled out my Lund from her hole and adjusted her dress and went to open the door.
I too adjusted and slept on the bed. Ravi came inside and asked about me. She told him that I am taking rest in my room. Prabha went to the kitchen and prepared coffee. Dear friends.. this time me and prabha both were on half way.. so we were waiting for the next day. In the night near wash basin I said her that I have to masturbate. She said don't do.. Tomorrow we will do the rest. I said you will get Ravi what about me? She looked around and said.. "sanju tumne meri jo halat ki hai .. abhi tak dard ho raha hai.. malum nahi Ravi ke sath hoga ya nahi.. lekin tumhara sach me bahutu mota aur lamba hai.. aur kitne der tak karte ho.. itni der me to Ravi 3 baar chhut jata hai. I simply smiled.. and said kal to last day hai... kal to aur jordaar karunga.. malum nahi fir kitne din baad milogi." She said "mai tayyar hoon. Dear friends next day when we finished her choot was badly swelled and sore.. after last fuck she was not able to get upa from bed. I gave her support.. , I will tell you later about the story of next day. But after that I arranged my tour to pune atleast for two days and till now we are enjoying.. ohh let me tell you just yesterday I got a call from her . she said this time she missed her periods and she is sure its mine..
Last edited by netshaker : 4th November 2009 at 07:40 PM.
|Have you seen the announcement yet?
wud be better if u dnt post in bolds
|Have you seen the announcement yet?
sure ..thankss
let me chk..
|Have you seen the announcement yet?
already posted yar.........
|Have you seen the announcement yet?
well done
|Have you seen the announcement yet?
Your lips speak soft sweetness
Your touch a cool caress
I am lost in your magic
My heart beats within your chest
I think of you each morning
And dream of you each night
I think of your arms being around me
And cannot express my delight
Never have I fallen
But I am quickly on my way
You hold a heart in your hands
That has never before been given away . .................
|Have you seen the announcement yet?
Very good story.Enjoyed much.Thanks a lot.
|Have you seen the announcement yet?
All I Need
Your love surrounds me like the air that I breathe.
Your kiss touches me as gentle as a breeze.
Your touch is as tender as that of a child.
Your hug is warm, meek, and mild.
Each day we grow older and its plain to see,
The love that you give me is all that I need...........
|Have you seen the announcement yet?
|Have you seen the announcement yet?
good story
|Have you seen the announcement yet?
Free Video Chat with Indian Girls
|Thread Tools
|Search this Thread


text:
The most popular and newest items are listed first.
All audios have been moved to
Audios, Individual copies
If you know the title or author, use the Search option at the left of this page.
For an alphabetical listing, use the Index or Whole Catalogue option at the left. When a title begins with "A" or "The", those words may be ignored.
For more complete descriptions, click on image or title.
Ten Days at Jekyll Island
The secret meeting on Jekyll Island that led to the creation of the U.S. Federal Reserve has long been the exclusive topic of historians, but now Patrea Patrick has taken that history and added the intense human drama that has been missing from this tale all these years.
Ten Days at Jekyll Island
recreates that drama in stunning detail:
This action-packed novel explores little known facts of that famous tragedy and provides jaw-dropping insights to the new discoveries that came about with the finding of the 100-year-old ship wreck. The book's controversial scenario of what really happened that fateful night is amazingly consistent with the historical record. No other theory explains so many parts of the mystery. Includes an Introduction by G. Edward Griffin.
This is about the end of civilization as we know it. That is the sober evaluation of analysts from many scientific disciplines who warn that power grids will be destroyed by an EMP attack or a hit from a mega Solar Ejection. These happen every 150 years on average. The last one was 156 years ago. Governments and power companies have failed to protect the grid. Is that insane or what? DVD
Solar Lantern
The next time there is a power outage, you'll be glad to have some of these solar-powered lanterns on hand. Just place the small solar panel on your window sill to automatically charge the battery by day and then relax, knowing that you easily have enough light to see you through the night - and then some.
Making A Killing
The Untold Story of Psychotropic Drugging
This documentary exposes how psychiatry and the pharmaceutical industry have invented so-called mental diseases that are merely conditions of normal human experience – such as shyness or anxiety. Their goal is to convince everyone they have a mental condition that must be managed by drugs. This marketing ploy has led half the population into dependency on medications for the rest of their lives. DVD
Marketing of Madness
Psychotropic drugging has become a mega-profit industry based on a partnership between psychiatrists and drug companies. Modern psychiatry has been built on pseudo science, fraudulent research, and slick marketing campaigns. The goal is to convince everyone that they are mentally ill in some way and, therefore, need to be on mind-altering drugs for the whole of their lives. DVD
The Future of Food
The Disturbing Truth about Genetically Modified Foods
This documentary is an investigation into genetically engineered foods that now are quietly filling our grocery stores. It gives voice to farmers who are under attack by the corporations that have created this technology. It shows the grim health implications for an unsuspecting population and reveals how multinational corporations are seeking to control the world's food system. DVD
Temporarily out of stock.
Cataclysm From Space (video)
A Scientific Model for the cause of the Biblical Flood.
This is a video adaptation of a documentary filmstrip presenting evidence that, less than 5000 years ago, a stray planet from deep space nearly collided with Earth causing gravitational forces that flexed the Earth's crust, creating volcanic ruptures, mountain ranges, and oceanic tides of such heights as to cover almost all of the Earth's land surface. DVD
Discovery of Noah's Ark
Noah's Ark is found. Here are the photographs to prove it,
not artist drawings or computer graphics.
This is the real thing
. Written and narrated by G. Edward Griffin. This program was a recipient of the Telly Award for excellence in television production. DVD
Medicine Man among the Jivaros
Dr. Wilburn Ferguson
is the only white man ever to become an authentic medicine man among the fierce Jivaro head hunters in the jungles of Ecuador and Peru. This is the man whose adventures inspired the movie,
Medicine Man,
starring Sean Connery, but the real story is far more intriguing than the Hollywood version. 67 minutes.
Cold Fusion
The Greatest scientific discovery of all time. Sir Arthur C. Clarke: "I've become convinced from my original skepticism, to 99% certainty that [cold fusion] is for real." DVD, Closeout sale underway.
Audio Archives (albums)
For information on each volume, click below:
Volume I
Volume II
Volume III
Volume IV
Volume V
Aerosol Crimes
This video documentary shows the difference between contrails and chemtrails. Here is the proof that there is something very unnatural going on in our skies. DVD.
On sale.
Power Surge
The original compositions and piano artistry of Scott MacDonald
Scott has dedicated this amazing sound feast as a musical tribute to Freedom Force International.
Multiple items on related topics at deep discount. Buy a bundle, save a bundle.
$10 Gift Card
$20 Gift Card
$50 Gift Card
Donations are used to fund free items to those who cannot afford them and request our help. Typically they are students, retired folks on limited incomes, and prisoners serving time for victimless crimes. Thank you for your generosity.


text:
MachinesFind your perfect machine with Match Maker
No one knows your style better than your friends….and no one can help you bring your ideas to life like your friends in the A-Line Series from Baby Lock. Spend some time with these machines and you'll quickly see how fun they are to have around. They will be your best friends. And, you'll enjoy sewing cool crafting projects or classic timeless fashions like the a-line skirt.
Whether you're a beginning sewer or seasoned expert, you can count on these durable and easy-to-use sewing machines to help you with whatever you like to create.
Each sewing machine in the A-Line Series includes the features you need, plus convenient extras like a built-in needle threader, a guide to get you started and accessories to explore your creativity.
For more information, about Baby Lock sewing machines click on the links below. Browse some our most popular machines below or find a Baby Lock Retailer near you!
|Sofia 2
|Trend-setting Sofia2 is full of ideas and makes the perfect friend for all of your embroidery and sewing projects. Compact in size, she always has something to share, like 70 built-in embroidery designs and 168 stitches.
|Katherine is a multi-talented sewing machine with features fit for all types of projects. She has 190 built-in stitches, numerous included snap-on feet and a free-arm. She can handle anything from home décor to accessories and garments.
|Ready to take your sewing to the next level? Rachel's the star of any sewing class, and she's here to help you. This computerized sewing machine is equipped with push-button features to make every project easier.
|Molly loves her DIY, individual style, and she always encourages you to add your own touch. This multi-purpose machine includes 25 built-in stitches, a drop-in bobbin and a 1-step buttonhole.


text:
What Would Ben Franklin Think?Education
Caroline V. Hamilton has a PhD from Berkeley. Her scholarly articles have appeared in The Paris Review, The Journal of American Studies, Oxford German Studies, The Iowa Journal of Cultural Studies, and elsewhere. She lives in Pittsburgh.
The founders and framers had numerous, often scathing disagreements -- about slavery, the scope of federal and state power, standing armies, and foreign policy -- but they agreed on one thing: the necessity of a well-educated citizenry. Yet politicians who claim to revere the founders are in the process of dismantling public education, state by state. This is particularly true of Pennsylvania. As the axe of Governor Tom Corbett's budget hangs over the bared neck of Pennsylvania public education, we would do well to review the history we claim to admire.
What would Benjamin Franklin think of Corbett's assault on public education? It's not hard to find out Franklin's views on education; his papers are posted online at franklinpapers.org. Well before the Revolution, in 1749, he wrote a pamphlet entitled Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pennsylvania. There he declared:
The good education of youth has been esteemed by wise men of all ages as the surest foundation of the happiness both of private families and of the commonwealth. Almost all governments have therefore made it a principal object of their attention, to establish and endow with proper revenues, such seminaries of learning, as might supply the succeeding age with men qualified to serve the public with honor to themselves, and to their country (italics added).
The pamphlet lists the fields of study that Franklin advocates: ancient and modern history, ancient and modern languages, geography, arithmetic, natural history, and "mechanics" (engineering). Education, he argued, should inculcate "that benignity of mind, which shows itself in searching for and seizing every opportunity to serve and to oblige." Franklin was a practical man, a successful businessman, but he did not believe that the acquisition of wealth was the hallmark of a good life. The "great end and aim" of education, Franklin concluded, is "an inclination joined with an ability to serve mankind, one's country, friends and family."
What about other founding-era Pennsylvanians such as Benjamin Rush and Hugh Henry Brackenridge? As an assemblyman, Brackenridge lobbied for state funding for his academy, now the University of Pittsburgh and facing terrible funding cuts. Benjamin Rush, an eminent physician, advocated the education of women, founded Dickinson College, and championed the establishment of "free schools" throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
Thomas Jefferson's personal heroes were not kings, generals, or wealthy merchants, but intellectuals: John Locke, Issac Newton, and Francis Bacon. When he founded the University of Virginia, Jefferson took an active interest in hiring the best faculty members, even luring some away from (gasp!) Europe. In a letter dated October 15, 1785, Jefferson addressed the subject of education: "What are the objects of a useful American education? Classical knowledge, modern languages, chiefly French, Spanish, and Italian; Mathematics, Natural philosophy, Natural history, Civil history, and Ethics."
Like Franklin, Jefferson emphasized the study of history, which he regarded as essential for the citizens of a self-governing republic. Yet historical ignorance, as Michelle Bachmann has unwittingly demonstrated, is rampant. And cutbacks in education are threatening, and even abolishing, other subjects that Franklin and Jefferson regarded as essential: classics and modern languages departments in many public American universities.
Jefferson wanted "national education" to be publicly funded. He said so in his Notes on the State of Virginia (1781) and again in his 1806 State of the Union address. He even advocated financial aid. In a Virginia state bill "for the more general diffusion of knowledge," Jefferson wrote, "it becomes expedient for promoting the public happiness that those persons, whom nature has endowed with genius and virtue, should be rendered by liberal education worthy to receive, and able to guard, the sacred deposits of the rights and liberties of their fellow citizens, and that they should be called to that charge without regard to wealth, birth, or other accidental condition or circumstance … sought for and educated at the common expense of all."
The founders' veneration for learned men makes it all more painful that Vice President Biden recently and inaccurately implied that academics make high salaries. In fact, contingent university faculty members, the new majority, make lower salaries than high-school teachers. Community college faculty labor under crushing teaching loads. It feels like factory work to mark stacks of student papers to meet a deadline. Work is not limited to the classroom. Professors and teachers spend hours preparing for classes, serving on committees, reading to keep up with new developments in their fields, meeting students by appointment as well as in office hours, and writing letters of recommendation. Compared to successful doctors and lawyers, the salaries of even the most illustrious faculty members are low.
The American founders supported public service and public services. Franklin, for example, founded a library and a fire-fighting company, yet these institutions are under threat all over the country. The founders would surely disapprove of our current enthusiasm for privatizing their contributions to "public happiness." Our selfishness, our budget priorities, our unwillingness to pay taxes to support the "common good" would shock them. They would frown upon our penchant for state lotteries, gambling, millionaire competitions, get-rich-quick schemes, and our inordinate respect for rich businessmen.
The language of the market now dominates political campaigns. If a particular policy doesn't turn an immediate profit, it is attacked. Yet education offers another kind of value, one that is not measurable in terms of profit and loss, supply and demand. Universities are, after all, far older than capitalism itself, and they should not be assessed according to the logic of exchange value. Adam Smith, whom contemporary conservatives (or more accurately "neoliberals") profess to admire, was himself a university professor. In addition to The Wealth of Nations, he wrote another major work, The Theory of Moral Sentiments. There he defended benevolence, compassion, generosity, sympathy, and other "social virtues." One chapter begins:
However selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him.
Neoliberals who decry any project for the common good -- public education, public transportation, public health, public parks, and government itself -- as "socialism" are forgetting a great truth. Human beings are a social species. We exist, not as isolated individuals, like the Unabomber, or in families, like Mark Twain's feuding Sheperdsons and Grangerfords, but in communities.
comments powered by Disqus
- Trump wants a military parade down Pennsylvania Avenue on July 4th
- What Happens When an Entire Campus Is Rooted in the Confederacy?
- Short film reveals the terrible history of No Irish Need Apply
- California Assembly votes to support censure of Trump over comments on Charlottesville violence
- New evidence of Viking warrior women might not be what it seems
- Decline in History Majors Continues, Departments Respond
- He's 75 now. When he started teaching at the University of New Orleans students walked out on his class.
- 'Fake news' from 1738 offers lessons for modern historians, says Missouri scholar
- Peter Dreier calls on Americans to build monuments to liberal heroes
- Economics historian Joel Mokyr says it was culture that made the West rich