Difference between revisions of "Resource molecule"
(why the ammonium cation is useful) |
(→Related: added three links regarding mechanosynthetic splitting) |
||
| (12 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | + | This page is mainly about identifying and listing potential [[feedstock]] molecules / compound / materials for future [[gem-gum factories]]. | |
| − | = Basic resource molecules = | + | == Resource molecule cartridges == |
| + | |||
| + | Inside a macroscopic resource cartridge instead of an open liquid solution the solution inside could be micropackaged into locked together micro-capsules behaving like a solid. <br> | ||
| + | This would change their risk profile regarding the expectable likelihood of and expectable damage level caused by eventual spills. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Microcapsules would also be a natural way to transport these resources via a [[global microcomponent redistribution system]] that is primarily meant for the [[recycling]] of [[microcomponents]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Resource molecule processing == | ||
| + | |||
| + | The processing steps for resource molecules (aka [[Moiety|moieties]]) in [[gem-gum factories]] are as follows: | ||
| + | * Decreasing impurities to for all practical purposes zero via a sequence of [[molecular sorting pumps]]. | ||
| + | * Final full positional constraint into a steric chamber that is fitting just this one resource molecule. That is: transfer into [[machine phase]]. | ||
| + | * Transfer into the internal [[PPV]] environment. The resource Molecule must stay in now half open chamber. Stay into the pocket. | ||
| + | * Transfer onto a reusable empty tooltip such that it is covalently bond. | ||
| + | * Removal of passivating hydrogen atoms. | ||
| + | * Transfer from the tooltip to the workpiece (a [[crystolecule]] under construction). | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Special cases == | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Acetylene]] – of particular interest due to it's already unsaturated bonds and it's [[low hydrogen content]]. | ||
| + | * [[Methane]] – a bit much hydrogen. This will mostly be burned to water. | ||
| + | * [[Ethanol]] – big molecule – lots of disassembly needed. | ||
| + | * [[Carbon Disulfide]] CS<sub>2</sub> – not environment friendly – water free solvent | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Volatile elements right from the air == | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Carbon dioxide]] CO<sub>2</sub> – as a source for carbon (energy devoid) | ||
| + | * [[Nitrogen]] N<sub>2</sub> – (energy devoid) | ||
| + | * [[Oxygen]] O<sub>2</sub> | ||
| + | * [[Water]] H<sub>2</sub>O – as source for hydrogen (energy devoid) – Related: [[Mechanosynthetic water splitting]] | ||
| + | * [[Argon]] – not really a building material but super abundant useful for [[Gem-gum balloon products|stabilizing structures by pressurization]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Mundane nontoxic salts == | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Salts of carbonic acid]] | ||
| + | * [[Salts of nitric acid]] | ||
| + | ----- | ||
| + | * [[Salts of silicic acid]] – silicates don't like to be in solution - only with sodium or potassium this works halfway decent (sodium and potassium salts don't like to be unsoluble) | ||
| + | * [[Salts of phosphoric acid]] – phosporic acid is quite mundane (is uses in food) – many other phosphor compounds can be quite toxic | ||
| + | * [[Salts of sulphuric acid]] – mundane | ||
| + | ----- | ||
| + | * [[Table Salt]] NaCl | ||
| + | |||
| + | The alkali elements in there (Na,K) that are just added to keep the solution PH neutral (not acidic) are less useful for structural materials. | ||
| + | They do not like to form strong directed covalent bonds as they are needed in strong structural high performance materials. | ||
| + | So they may remain largely unused. Remnant lye (NaOH, KOH) can be neutralized with actively collected atmospheric CO2. | ||
| + | |||
| + | A good place to look for resource molecules for various elements that <br> | ||
| + | are as nontoxic as possible may be dietary supplements [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietary_supplement] for trace elements [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trace_element]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == More toxic salts == | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Salts of boric acid]] | ||
| + | * [[Sodium aluminates]] – There is no aluminic acid – just as slilicon aluminium also hates to go into solution | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Other mundane small molecules that could serve as resource carrieres == | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Urea]] – highly inert and nontoxic nitrogen carrier | ||
| + | * [[Dimethyl sulfide]] – sulfur carrier – strong smell (smell of the sea in low doses) | ||
| + | |||
| + | = Basic resource molecules (older notes too integrate above) = | ||
For [[mechanosynthesis]] of diamond '''ethyne C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> methane CH<sub>4</sub>''' and traces of digermane '''Ge<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub>''' can be used. This has been toroughly analyzed. | For [[mechanosynthesis]] of diamond '''ethyne C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> methane CH<sub>4</sub>''' and traces of digermane '''Ge<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub>''' can be used. This has been toroughly analyzed. | ||
| Line 10: | Line 70: | ||
From the metals Aluminum and Titanium would be of interest. | From the metals Aluminum and Titanium would be of interest. | ||
| − | = | + | = Potential resource molecules grouped by the element they supply = |
They should preferentially be non or at least low toxic and easy to handle. | They should preferentially be non or at least low toxic and easy to handle. | ||
| Line 17: | Line 77: | ||
* for aluminum: ? | * for aluminum: ? | ||
* for silicon: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicic_acid silicic acid] self polymerizes and is thus not suitable <br> SiH<sub>4</sub> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silane] seems better but it's quite toxic, higher silans tend to be explosive | * for silicon: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicic_acid silicic acid] self polymerizes and is thus not suitable <br> SiH<sub>4</sub> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silane] seems better but it's quite toxic, higher silans tend to be explosive | ||
| − | * for chlorine: dissolved table salt NaCl - or | + | * for chlorine: ammonium chloride (salmiak) - or diluted hydrochloric acid - dissolved table salt NaCl if theres use for sodium |
| + | |||
| + | == Sources for silicon == | ||
| + | |||
| + | The problem with silicon is that it's compounds usually do not like to go into solution. <br> | ||
| + | Sodium Na and potassium K make the most soluble salts with any kind of anions. <br> | ||
| + | The Na and K salts of silicic acid are called waterglass ('''sodium silicate and potassium silicate'''), but <br> | ||
| + | even these are only halfway decently water soluble. <br> | ||
| + | If concentrations get to high some polymerization is starting. Making it a sticky goo at macroscale and a tangle at the nanoscale. <br> | ||
| + | High temperatures and low concentrations (reducing packing density) can prevent undesired polymerization. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Waterglass salts are non-toxic but slightly caustic. <br> | ||
| + | Not a problem environmentally. | ||
| + | |||
| + | There are organosilicon compounds where silicon bonds are passivated with metyl groups or bigger organic molecules. <br> | ||
| + | These are less prone to polymerization but these are also usually less nontoxic. | ||
== Sources for phosphorus == | == Sources for phosphorus == | ||
| Line 23: | Line 98: | ||
* for phosphorus: PH<sub>3</sub> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphine phosphine] seems too toxic <br> H<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>P [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphoric_acid phosphoric acid] seems good | * for phosphorus: PH<sub>3</sub> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphine phosphine] seems too toxic <br> H<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>P [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphoric_acid phosphoric acid] seems good | ||
* ammonium phosphate compounds - ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonium_phosphate_(compounds) wikipedia]) | * ammonium phosphate compounds - ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonium_phosphate_(compounds) wikipedia]) | ||
| + | |||
| + | Organophosphorus compounds are often highly toxic. | ||
== Sources for sulfur == | == Sources for sulfur == | ||
| Line 48: | Line 125: | ||
If the non metal element in question is poisonous or unstable with the bonds just capped with hydrogen the oxygen acids of the element may be a better choice. | If the non metal element in question is poisonous or unstable with the bonds just capped with hydrogen the oxygen acids of the element may be a better choice. | ||
| − | To reduce acidity but not introduce metal cations that would in many cases remain as waste the ammonium cation can be used. | + | To reduce acidity but not introduce metal cations that would in many cases remain as waste the ammonium cation ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonium wikipedia]) can be used. |
| + | |||
| + | Silicon is troublesome since most of its compound tend to polymerize instead of staying as separate molecules. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Related == | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[Oddball compounds]] | ||
| + | * [[Molecule fragment]] | ||
| + | ----- | ||
| + | * [[Mechanosynthetic resource molecule splitting]] | ||
| + | * [[Mechanosynthetic carbon dioxide splitting]] | ||
| + | * [[Mechanosynthetic water splitting]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:08, 26 May 2021
This page is mainly about identifying and listing potential feedstock molecules / compound / materials for future gem-gum factories.
Contents
- 1 Resource molecule cartridges
- 2 Resource molecule processing
- 3 Special cases
- 4 Volatile elements right from the air
- 5 Mundane nontoxic salts
- 6 More toxic salts
- 7 Other mundane small molecules that could serve as resource carrieres
- 8 Basic resource molecules (older notes too integrate above)
- 9 Potential resource molecules grouped by the element they supply
- 10 Notes
Resource molecule cartridges
Inside a macroscopic resource cartridge instead of an open liquid solution the solution inside could be micropackaged into locked together micro-capsules behaving like a solid.
This would change their risk profile regarding the expectable likelihood of and expectable damage level caused by eventual spills.
Microcapsules would also be a natural way to transport these resources via a global microcomponent redistribution system that is primarily meant for the recycling of microcomponents.
Resource molecule processing
The processing steps for resource molecules (aka moieties) in gem-gum factories are as follows:
- Decreasing impurities to for all practical purposes zero via a sequence of molecular sorting pumps.
- Final full positional constraint into a steric chamber that is fitting just this one resource molecule. That is: transfer into machine phase.
- Transfer into the internal PPV environment. The resource Molecule must stay in now half open chamber. Stay into the pocket.
- Transfer onto a reusable empty tooltip such that it is covalently bond.
- Removal of passivating hydrogen atoms.
- Transfer from the tooltip to the workpiece (a crystolecule under construction).
Special cases
- Acetylene – of particular interest due to it's already unsaturated bonds and it's low hydrogen content.
- Methane – a bit much hydrogen. This will mostly be burned to water.
- Ethanol – big molecule – lots of disassembly needed.
- Carbon Disulfide CS2 – not environment friendly – water free solvent
Volatile elements right from the air
- Carbon dioxide CO2 – as a source for carbon (energy devoid)
- Nitrogen N2 – (energy devoid)
- Oxygen O2
- Water H2O – as source for hydrogen (energy devoid) – Related: Mechanosynthetic water splitting
- Argon – not really a building material but super abundant useful for stabilizing structures by pressurization.
Mundane nontoxic salts
- Salts of silicic acid – silicates don't like to be in solution - only with sodium or potassium this works halfway decent (sodium and potassium salts don't like to be unsoluble)
- Salts of phosphoric acid – phosporic acid is quite mundane (is uses in food) – many other phosphor compounds can be quite toxic
- Salts of sulphuric acid – mundane
- Table Salt NaCl
The alkali elements in there (Na,K) that are just added to keep the solution PH neutral (not acidic) are less useful for structural materials. They do not like to form strong directed covalent bonds as they are needed in strong structural high performance materials. So they may remain largely unused. Remnant lye (NaOH, KOH) can be neutralized with actively collected atmospheric CO2.
A good place to look for resource molecules for various elements that
are as nontoxic as possible may be dietary supplements [1] for trace elements [2].
More toxic salts
- Salts of boric acid
- Sodium aluminates – There is no aluminic acid – just as slilicon aluminium also hates to go into solution
Other mundane small molecules that could serve as resource carrieres
- Urea – highly inert and nontoxic nitrogen carrier
- Dimethyl sulfide – sulfur carrier – strong smell (smell of the sea in low doses)
Basic resource molecules (older notes too integrate above)
For mechanosynthesis of diamond ethyne C2H2 methane CH4 and traces of digermane Ge2H6 can be used. This has been toroughly analyzed.
Further molecules of prime interest are carbon dioxide CO2 water H2O and nitrogen gas N2. The capability of handling those allows for tapping the air as a resource for products that (almost) exclusively contain diamondoid molecular elements out of hydrogen carbon oxygen and nitrogen (HCON).
From the metals Aluminum and Titanium would be of interest.
Potential resource molecules grouped by the element they supply
They should preferentially be non or at least low toxic and easy to handle.
- for boron: B2H6 diborane is toxic and reacts with water to
B(OH)3 boric acid which is pretty harmless and thus a better resource - for fluorine: SF6 sulfur hexafluoride very heavy pretty inert gas, soluble in ethanol
the sulfur can be used or disposed as diluted sulfuric acid - for aluminum: ?
- for silicon: silicic acid self polymerizes and is thus not suitable
SiH4 [3] seems better but it's quite toxic, higher silans tend to be explosive - for chlorine: ammonium chloride (salmiak) - or diluted hydrochloric acid - dissolved table salt NaCl if theres use for sodium
Sources for silicon
The problem with silicon is that it's compounds usually do not like to go into solution.
Sodium Na and potassium K make the most soluble salts with any kind of anions.
The Na and K salts of silicic acid are called waterglass (sodium silicate and potassium silicate), but
even these are only halfway decently water soluble.
If concentrations get to high some polymerization is starting. Making it a sticky goo at macroscale and a tangle at the nanoscale.
High temperatures and low concentrations (reducing packing density) can prevent undesired polymerization.
Waterglass salts are non-toxic but slightly caustic.
Not a problem environmentally.
There are organosilicon compounds where silicon bonds are passivated with metyl groups or bigger organic molecules.
These are less prone to polymerization but these are also usually less nontoxic.
Sources for phosphorus
- for phosphorus: PH3 phosphine seems too toxic
H3O4P phosphoric acid seems good - ammonium phosphate compounds - (wikipedia)
Organophosphorus compounds are often highly toxic.
Sources for sulfur
Good information resource for sulfur compounds: wikipedia
of main interest
- ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 (wikipedia) - pro: waste nitrogen can go to atmosphere, massively available - con: explosive in dry form
- methylsulfonylmethane C2H6O2S- (wikipedia) - pro: non toxic - con: carries carbon too
- sulfuric acid H2SO4 (wikipedia) - pro: massively available - con: acidity
maybe interesting
- diallyl trisulfide C6H10S3 (wikipedia) - main component of garlic oil - con: carries lots of carbon and hydrogen
- syn-Propanethial-S-oxide C3H6OS (wikipedia) - irritant expelled by cut onions
- dimethyl trisulfide C2H6S3 (wikipedia)
- carbon disulfide CS2 (wikipedia) - soluble in ethanol - pro: massively available - con: toxic
- carbonyl sulfide (wikipedia) - con: toxic, carries less sulfur than carbon disulfide
- hydrogen sulfide H2S, sulfur dioxide SO2, sulfur trioxide SO3 - all too dangerous and toxic
- thioacetic acid C2H4OS (wikipedia)
- methanesulfonic acid CH3SO3H (wikipedia), (wikipedia)
Notes
If the non metal element in question is poisonous or unstable with the bonds just capped with hydrogen the oxygen acids of the element may be a better choice. To reduce acidity but not introduce metal cations that would in many cases remain as waste the ammonium cation (wikipedia) can be used.
Silicon is troublesome since most of its compound tend to polymerize instead of staying as separate molecules.
