DJL

The development of perchlorate-free M662 40 mm illuminating pyrotechnic compositions is described. On the bases of cost, performance, and sensitivity, potassium periodate was determined to be most effective potassium perchlorate replacement in the compositions tested. The optimal periodate-based composition exceeded the performance of the perchlorate-containing control, exhibited low sensitivity values to impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge, and had high thermal onset temperatures.

Illuminating experience: Potassium periodate proved itself as a viable alternate to potassium perchlorate in developing an environmentally conscious US Army 40 mm red-light-emitting illuminant (see figure). The optimal periodate-based formulation exhibited high performance and low sensitivity. Derivatives of this formulation may be of interest to the civilian fireworks community.

My worst nightmare is falling off a high mountain. I lose track of time when I read my favorite fiction books.

Perovskite solar cells with power conversion efficiencies exceeding 16% at AM 1.5G one sun illumination are developed using the black polymorph of formamidnium lead iodide, HC(NH₂)₂PbI₃. Compared with CH₃NH₃PbI₃, HC(NH₂)₂PbI₃ extends its absoprtion to 840 nm and shows no phase transition between 296 and 423 K. Moreover, a solar cell based on HC(NH₂)₂PbI₃ exhibits photostability and little I–V hysteresis.