Abstract: The interaction of monolayer graphene with specific substrates may break its sublattice symmetry and results in unidirectional chiral states with opposite group velocities in the different Dirac cones (Zarenia et al 2012 Phys. Rev. B 86 085451). Taking advantage of this feature, we propose a valley filter based on a transversal mass kink for low energy electrons in graphene, which is obtained by assuming a defect region in the substrate that provides a change in the sign of the substrate-induced mass and thus creates a non-biased channel, perpendicular to the kink, for electron motion. By solving the time-dependent Schrodinger equation for the tight-binding Hamiltonian, we investigate the time evolution of a Gaussian wave packet propagating through such a system and obtain the transport properties of this graphene-based substrate-induced quantum point contact. Our results demonstrate that efficient valley filtering can be obtained, provided: (i) the electron energy is sufficiently low, i.e. with electrons belonging mostly to the lowest sub-band of the channel, and (ii) the channel length (width) is sufficiently long (narrow). Moreover, even though the transmission probabilities for each valley are significantly affected by impurities and defects in the channel region, the valley polarization in this system is shown to be robust against their presence.

Abstract: A “patterned-seeding technique” in combination with a “nanodiamond masked reactive ion etching process” is demonstrated for fabricating vertically aligned diamond-graphite hybrid (DGH) nanorod arrays. The DGH nanorod arrays possess superior field electron emission (FEE) behavior with a low turn-on field, long lifetime stability, and large field enhancement factor. Such an enhanced FEE is attributed to the nanocomposite nature of theDGHnanorods, which contain sp(2)-graphitic phases in the boundaries of nano-sized diamond grains. The simplicity in the nanorod fabrication process renders the DGH nanorods of greater potential for the applications as cathodes in field emission displays and microplasma display devices. (C) 2017 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.

Abstract: Two-dimensional systems of inverse patchy colloids modeled as disks with a central charge and having their surface decorated with oppositely pointlike charged patches are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The self-assembly of the patchy colloids leads to diverse ground state configurations ranging from crystalline arrangements of monomers to linear clusters, ramified linear clusters and to percolated configurations. Two structural phase diagrams are constructed: (1) as a function of the net charge and area fraction, and (2) as a function of the net charge and the range of the pair interaction potential. An interesting reentrant percolation transition is obtained as a function of the net charge of the colloids. We identify distinct mechanisms that lead to the percolation transition.

Abstract: A polycrystalline sample of SrLa2FeCoSbO9 has been prepared in a solid-state reaction and studied by a combination of electron microscopy, magnetometry, Mossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and neutron diffraction. The compound adopts a monoclinic (space group P2(1)/n; a = 5.6218(6), b = 5.6221(6), c = 7.9440(8) angstrom, beta = 90.050(7)degrees at 300 K) perovskite-like crystal structure with two crystallographically distinct six-coordinate sites. One of these sites is occupied by 2/3 Co-2(+),1/3 Fe3+ and the other by 2/3 Sb5+, 1/3 Fe3+. This pattern of cation ordering results in a transition to a ferrimagnetic phase at 215 K. The magnetic moments on nearest-neighbor, six-coordinate cations align in an antiparallel manner, and the presence of diamagnetic Sb5+ on only one of the two sites results in a nonzero remanent magnetization of similar to 1 mu(B) per formula unit at 5 K.

Abstract: Graphene interconnects are being considered as a promising candidate for beyond CMOS applications, thanks to the intrinsic higher carrier mobility, lower aspect ratio and better reliability with respect to conventional Cu damascene interconnects. However, similarly to Cu, line edge roughness can seriously affect graphene resistance, something which must be taken into account when evaluating the related performance benefits. In this letter, we present a model for assessing the impact of edge scattering on the resistance of graphene interconnects. Our model allows the evaluation of the total mean free path in graphene lines as a function of graphene width, diffusive scattering probability and edge roughness standard deviation and autocorrelation length. We compare our model with other models from literature by benchmarking them using the same set of experimental data. We show that, as opposed to the considered models from literature, our model is capable to describe the mobility drop with scaling caused by significantly rough edges.

Abstract: The covalent triazine framework, CTF-1, served as host material for the in situ synthesis of Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The composite material consisted of 20 +/- 2 m% iron, mainly in gamma-Fe2O3 phase. The resulting gamma-Fe2O3@CTF-1 was examined for the adsorption of As-III, As-V and H-II from synthetic solutions and real surface-, ground- and wastewater. The material shows excellent removal efficiencies, independent from the presence of Ca2+, Mg2+ or natural organic matter and only limited dependency on the presence of phosphate ions. Its adsorption capacity towards arsenite (198.0 mg g(-1)), arsenate (102.3 mg g(-1)) and divalent mercury (165.8 mg g(-1)) belongs amongst the best-known adsorbents, including many other iron-based materials. Regeneration of the adsorbent can be achieved for use over multiple cycles without a decrease in performance by elution at 70 degrees C with 0.1 M NaOH, followed by a stirring step in a 5 m% H2O2 solution for As or 0.1 M thiourea and 0.001 M HCl for Hg. In highly contaminated water (100 mu gL(-1)), the adsorbent polishes the water quality to well below the current WHO limits.

Abstract: Coupled 2D sheets of electrons and holes are predicted to support novel quantum phases. Two experiments of Coulomb drag in electron-hole (e-h) double bilayer graphene (DBLG) have reported an unexplained and puzzling sign reversal of the drag signal. However, we show that this effect is due to the multiband character of DBLG. Our multiband Fermi liquid theory produces excellent agreement and captures the key features of the experimental drag resistance for all temperatures. This demonstrates the importance of multiband effects in DBLG: they have a strong effect not only on superfluidity, but also on the drag.

Abstract: In the last decades, AC powered atmospheric dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) in air with a liquid electrode have been proposed as a promising plasma technology with versatile applicability in medicine agriculture and water treatment. The fundamental features of the micro-discharge filaments that make up this type of plasma have, however, not been studied yet in sufficient detail. In order to address this need, we investigated a single DBD micro-discharge filament over a water film in a sphere-to-sphere electrode configuration, by means of ICCD imaging and optical emission spectroscopy. When the water film temporarily acts as the cathode, the plasma duration is remarkably long and shows a clear similarity with a resistive barrier discharge, which we attribute to the resistive nature of the water film and the formation of a cathode fall. As another striking difference to DBD with solid electrodes, a constant glow-like plasma is observed at the water surface during the entire duration of the applied voltage cycle, indicating continuous plasma treatment of the liquid. We propose several elementary mechanisms that might underlie the observed unique behavior, based on the specific features of a water electrode.

Abstract: Roman-period mummy portraits are considered to be ancient antecedents of modern portraiture. However, the techniques and materials used in their manufacture are not thoroughly understood. Analytical study of the pigments as well as the binding materials helps to address questions on what aspects of the painting practices originate from Pharaonic and/or Graeco-Roman traditions, and can aid in determining the provenance of the raw materials from potential locations across the ancient Mediterranean and European worlds. Here, one of the largest assemblages of mummy portraits to remain intact since their excavation from the site of Tebtunis in Egypt was examined using multiple analytical techniques to address how they were made. The archaeological evidence suggests that these portraits were products of a single workshop and, correspondingly, they are found to be made using similar techniques and materials: wax-based and lead white-rich paint combined with a variety of iron-based pigments (including hematite, goethite and jarosite), as well as Egyptian blue, minium, indigo and madder lake to create subtle variations and tones.

Abstract: The present work reports on the microstructural evolution of a new heat of 24% cold worked austenitic DIN 1.4970 (15-15Ti) nuclear cladding steel subjected to ageing heat treatments of varying duration between 500 and 800 degrees C (by steps of 100 degrees C). The primary aim was studying the finely dispersed Ti-C nanoprecipitate population, which are thought to be beneficial for creep and swelling resistance during service. Their size distribution and number density were estimated through dark field imaging and bright field Moire imaging techniques in the transmission electron microscope. Nanoprecipitates formed at and above 600 degrees C, which is a lower temperature than previously reported. The observed nucleation, growth and coarsening behavior of the nanoprecipitates were consistent with simple diffusion arguments. The formation of nanoprecipitates coincided with significant dissociation of dislocations as evidenced by weak beam dark field imaging. Possible mechanisms, including Silcock's stacking fault growth model and Suzuki segregation, are discussed. Recrystallization observed after extended ageing at 800 degrees C caused the redissolution of nanoprecipitates. Large primary Ti(C,N) and (Ti,Mo)C precipitates that occur in the as-received material, and M23C6 precipitates that nucleate on grain boundaries at low temperatures were also characterized by a selective dissolution procedure involving filtration, X-ray diffraction and quantitative Rietveld refinement. The partitioning of key elements between the different phases was derived by combining these findings and was consistent with thermodynamic considerations and the processing history of the steel. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract: Illicit drugs consumption and trafficking is spread worldwide and remains an increasing challenge for local authorities. Forensic drugs and their metabolites are released into wastewaters due to human excretion after illegal consumption of drugs and occasionally due to disposal of clandestine laboratory wastes into sewage systems, being recently classified as the latest group of emerging pollutants. Hence, it is essential to have efficient and accurate methods to detect these type of compounds in seized street samples, biological fluids and wastewaters in order to reduce and prevent trafficking and consumption and negative effects on aquatic systems. Electrochemical strategies offer a fast, portable, low-cost and accurate alternative to chromatographic and spectrometric methods, for the analysis of forensic drugs and metabolites in different matrices. Recent electrochemical strategies applied to the detection of illicit drugs in wastewaters, biological fluids and street samples are presented in this review, together with the impact of drug consumption on the environment.

Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has shown its potential in biomedical applications, such as wound healing, cancer treatment and bacterial disinfection. Recent experiments have provided evidence that CAP can also enhance the intracellular uptake of glucose molecules which is important in diabetes therapy. In this respect, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of intracellular glucose uptake induced by CAP, which is still unclear. Hence, in this study we try to elucidate the possible mechanism of glucose uptake by cells by performing computer simulations. Specifically, we study the transport of glucose molecules through native and oxidized membranes. Our simulation results show that the free energy barrier for the permeation of glucose molecules across the membrane decreases upon increasing the degree of oxidized lipids in the membrane. This indicates that the glucose permeation rate into cells increases when the CAP oxidation level in the cell membrane is increased.

Abstract: Electrospinning is a versatile technique for the fabrication of polymer-based nano/microfibers. Both physical and chemical characteristics of pre-electrospinning polymer solutions affect the morphology and chemistry of electrospun nanofibers. An atmospheric-pressure plasma jet has previously been shown to induce physical modifications in polylactic acid (PLA) solutions. This work aims at investigating the plasma-induced chemistry in organic solutions of PLA, and their effects on the resultant PLA nanofibers. Therefore, very broad range of gas, liquid, and solid (nanofiber) analyzing techniques has been applied. Plasma alters the acidity of the solutions. SEM studies illustrated that complete fiber morphology enhancement only occurred when both PLA and solvent molecules were exposed to preelectrospinning plasma treatment.
Additionally, the surface
chemistry of the PLA nanofibers
was mostly preserved.