Abstract: This dataset comprises a large collection of atom probe tomography datasets collected from DIN 1.4970 alloy that was irradiated with Fe ions at different conditions. The DIN 1.4970 alloy is an austenitic stainless steel with 15 wt% Cr, 15 wt% Ni, a small addition of Ti. The full composition and characterization of our material can be found published elsewhere [1,2]. Some of our material was subjected to ageing heat treatments at different temperatures for different times. Small samples of our original material and aged material was irradiated at the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory in 2017 with 4.5 MeV Fe ions up to 40 dpa at an average dose rate of 2×10−4 dpa/s. This was done at three different temperatures: 300, 450, and 600 ºC. Atom probe samples were made of the irradiated layers (approximately 1.5 micron deep) with focused ion beam and mounted on Microtip coupons. APT measurements took place on three CAMECA LEAP-HR systems located at CAES in Idaho Falls, USA (files beginning with R33), at Montanuniversität Leoben in Leoben, Austria (R21) and at Friedrich–Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany (R56).

Abstract: The influence of geometry on the local and global packing of particles is important to many fundamental and applied research themes, such as the structure and stability of liquids, crystals and glasses. Here we show by experiments and simulations that a binary mixture of hard-sphere-like nanoparticles crystallizing into a MgZn(2)Laves phase in bulk spontaneously forms icosahedral clusters in slowly drying droplets. Using advanced electron tomography, we are able to obtain the real-space coordinates of all the spheres in the icosahedral clusters of up to about 10,000 particles. The local structure of 70-80% of the particles became similar to that of the MgCu(2)Laves phase. These observations are important for photonic applications. In addition, we observed in simulations that the icosahedral clusters nucleated away from the spherical boundary, which is distinctly different from that of the single species clusters. Our findings open the way for particle-level studies of nucleation and growth of icosahedral clusters, and of binary crystallization. The authors investigate out-of-equilibrium crystallization of a binary mixture of sphere-like nanoparticles in small droplets. They observe the spontaneous formation of an icosahedral structure with stable MgCu(2)phases, which are promising for photonic applications.

Abstract: Within a tight-binding approach, we investigate the effect of twisting angle on the energy levels of circular bilayer graphene (BLG) quantum dots (QDs) in both the absence and presence of a perpendicular magnetic field. The QDs are defined by an infinite-mass potential, so that the specific edge effects are not present. In the absence of magnetic field (or when the magnetic length is larger than the moire length), we show that the low-energy states in twisted BLG QDs are completely affected by the formation of moire patterns, with a strong localization at AA-stacked regions. When magnetic field increases, the energy gap of an untwisted BLG QD closes with the edge states, localized at the boundaries between the AA- and AB-stacked spots in a twisted BLG QD. Our observation of the spatial localization of the electrons in twisted BLG QDs can be experimentally probed by low-bias scanning tunneling microscopy measurements.

Abstract: This paper critically compares the performance of four non-invasive techniques that match the accuracy, flexibility, time-efficiency, and transportability required for in situ characterization of leaded glass windows: macroscopic X-ray fluorescence imaging (MA-XRF), UV-Vis-NIR, Raman spectroscopy, and infrared thermography (IRT). In order to compare the techniques on equal grounds, all techniques were tested independently of each other by separate research groups on the same historical leaded window tentatively dated to the 17th century, without prior knowledge. The aim was to assess the ability of these techniques to document the conservation history of the window by classifying and grouping the colorless glass panes, based on differences in composition. IRT, MA-XRF and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy positively distinguished at least two glass groups, with MA-XRF providing the most detailed chemical information. In particular, based on the ratio between the network modifier (K) and network stabilizer (Ca) and on the level of colorants and decolorizers (Fe, Mn, As), the number of plausible glass families could be strongly reduced. In addition, UV-Vis-NIR detected cobalt at ppm level and gave more specific information on the chromophore Fe2+/Fe(3+)ratio. Raman spectroscopy was hampered by fluorescence caused by the metal ions of the decolorizer in most of the panes, but nevertheless identified one group as HLLA.

Abstract: In the present work, the effect of various embedded atom impurities on tuning electronic and magnetic properties of C3N4 and C4N3 nanosheets have been studied using first-principles calculations. Our calculations show that C3N4 is a semiconductor and it exhibits extraordinary electronic properties such as dilute-magnetic semiconductor (with H, F, Cl, Be, V, Fe and Co); metal (with N, P, Mg and Ca), half-metal (with Li, Na, K, Al, Sc, Cr, Mn, and Cu) and semiconductor (with O, S, B, C, Si, Ti, Ni and Zn) with the band gaps in the range of 0.3-2.0 eV depending on the species of embedded atom. The calculated electronic properties reveal that C4N3 is a half-metal and it retains half-metallic character with embedded H, O, S, F, B, N, P, Be, Mg, Al, Sc, V, Fe, Ni and Zn atoms. The substitution of Cl, C, Cr and Mn atoms create ferromagnetic-metal character in the C4N3 nanosheet, embedded Co and Cu atoms exhibit a dilute-magnetic semiconductor nature, and embedded Ti atoms result in the system becoming a semiconductor. Therefore, our results reveal the fact that the band gap and magnetism can be modified or induced by various atom impurities, thus, offering effective possibilities to tune the electronic and magnetic properties of C3N4 and C4N3 nanosheets.

Abstract: Tapered specimens were used for an accelerated test technique to study the crack initiation of high Si stainless steel by means of constant elongation rate tensile testing in a simulated pressurised water reactor environment. Detailed crack density distributions were obtained by applying an advanced crack detection algorithm on iteratively displaced scanning electron microscopy pictures featuring stress corrosion cracks along the specimen's gauge length. By means of finite-element analysis, prominent peaks in the crack density graphs are demonstrated to be related to stress relief and stress build-up during the crack initiation phase. Intrinsic scatter related to the crack detection suggests that stress corrosion cracking is independent of the strain-rate for strain-rates lower than 10(-6 )s(-1). Based on the extrapolation to constant load conditions, the critical threshold value for the duplex high Si stainless steel is estimated to be around 580 MPa.

Abstract: The reinvestigation of the EDA-HIO3-H2O system using a different stoichiometric ratio gives rise to a new iodate salt C2H10N2(IO3)(2 center dot)HIO3 denoted as EBIMIA. In this study, we reported the structural properties of ethylenediammonium bis iodate mono iodic acid using X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction at room temperature. The Hirshfeld and the potential energy surface analysis reveal that I center dot center dot center dot O and N-H center dot center dot center dot O are the most noticeable interactions that took place inside the crystal and contribute to the cohesion and stability of the synthesized compound. The DSC measurement shows that this iodate salt undergoes two structural phase transitions, the first occurs at T = 290 K while the second occurs at T = 363 K. However, the dielectric analysis confirms only the second transition because it lies in the studied temperature domain 338-413K. Besides, the impedance data obey a circuit model consisting of a parallel combination of a bulk resistance and CPE. The frequency dispersion of the conductivity follows Jonscher's law and the charge carrier transport may be interpreted using the correlation barrier hopping mechanism (CBH). Finally, the electronic properties and the vibrational analysis of this novel iodate salt are studied using DFT and compared to the experimental data given by the FT-IR, Raman and UV-visible spectroscopies. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Abstract: The nanoscale morphology of polymer blends is a key parameter to reach high efficiency in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Thereby, research typically focusing on optimal blend morphologies while studying nonoptimized blends may give insight into blend designs that can prove more robust against morphology defects. Here, we focus on the direct correlation of morphology and device performance of thieno[3,4-b]-thiophene-alt-benzodithiophene (PTB7):[6,6]phenyl C-71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) bulk heterojunction (BHJ) blends processed without additives in different donor/acceptor weight ratios. We show that while blends of a 1:1.5 ratio are composed of large donor-enriched and fullerene domains beyond the exciton diffusion length, reducing the ratio below 1:0.5 leads to blends composed purely of polymer-enriched domains. Importantly, the photocurrent density in such blends can reach values between 45 and 60% of those reached for fully optimized blends using additives. We provide here direct visual evidence that fullerenes in the donor-enriched domains are not distributed homogeneously but fluctuate locally. To this end, we performed compositional nanoscale morphology analysis of the blend using spectroscopic imaging of low-energy-loss electrons using a transmission electron microscope. Charge transport measurement in combination with molecular dynamics simulations shows that the fullerene substructures inside the polymer phase generate efficient electron transport in the polymer-enriched phase. Furthermore, we show that the formation of densely packed regions of fullerene inside the polymer phase is driven by the PTB7:PC71BM enthalpy of mixing. The occurrence of such a nanoscale network of fullerene clusters leads to a reduction of electron trap states and thus efficient extraction of photocurrent inside the polymer domain. Suitable tuning of the polymer-acceptor interaction can thus introduce acceptor subnetworks in polymer-enriched phases, improving the tolerance for high-efficiency BHJ toward morphological defects such as donor-enriched domains exceeding the exciton diffusion length.

Abstract: In this manuscript, we compare different analytical methodologies to validate or disprove the binding capabilities of aptamer sequences. This was prompted by the lack of a universally accepted and robust quality control protocol for the characterization of aptamer performances coupled with the observation of independent yet inconsistent data sets in the literature. As an example, we chose three aptamers with a reported affinity in the nanomolar range for ampicillin, a β-lactam antibiotic, used as biorecognition elements in several detection strategies described in the literature. Application of a well-known colorimetric assay based on aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) yielded conflicting results with respect to the original report. Therefore, ampicillin binding was evaluated in solution using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), native nano-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (native nESI-MS), and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR). By coupling the thermodynamic data obtained with ITC with the structural information on the binding event given by native nESI-MS and 1H NMR we could verify that none of the ampicillin aptamers show any specific binding with their intended target. The effect of AuNPs on the binding event was studied by both ITC and 1H NMR, again without providing positive evidence of ampicillin binding. To validate the performance of our analytical approach, we investigated two well-characterized aptamers for cocaine/quinine (MN4), chosen for its nanomolar range affinity, and l-argininamide (1OLD) to show the versatility of our approach. The results clearly indicate the need for a multifaceted analytical approach, to unequivocally establish the actual detection potential and performance of aptamers aimed at small organic molecules.

Abstract: A periodic spatial modulation, as created by a moire pattern, has been extensively studied with the view to engineer and tune the properties of graphene. Graphene encapsulated by hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) when slightly misaligned with the top and bottom hBN layers experiences two interfering moire patterns, resulting in a so-called supermoire (SM). This leads to a lattice and electronic spectrum reconstruction. A geometrical construction of the nonrelaxed SM patterns allows us to indicate qualitatively the induced changes in the electronic properties and to locate the SM features in the density of states and in the conductivity. To emphasize the effect of lattice relaxation, we report band gaps at all Dirac-like points in the hole doped part of the reconstructed spectrum, which are expected to be enhanced when including interaction effects. Our result is able to distinguish effects due to lattice relaxation and due to the interfering SM and provides a clear picture on the origin of recently experimentally observed effects in such trilayer heterostuctures.

Abstract: The ongoing conservation treatment program of the Ghent Altarpiece by Hubert and Jan Van Eyck, one of the iconic paintings of the west, has revealed that the designs of the paintings were changed several times, first by the original artists, and then during later restorations. The central motif, The Lamb of God, representing Christ, plays an essential iconographic role, and its depiction is important. Because of the prevalence of lead white, it was not possible to visualize the Van Eycks' original underdrawing of the Lamb, their design changes, and the overpaint by later restorers with a single spectral imaging modality. However, by using elemental (x-ray fluorescence) and molecular (infrared reflectance) imaging spectroscopies, followed by analysis of the resulting data cubes, the necessary chemical contrast could be achieved. In this way, the two complementary modalities provided a more complete picture of the development and changes made to the Lamb.

Abstract: In the present study ultra-fine fly ash as a novel by-product obtained by a dry and closed separation process was investigated as cement replacement in concrete. The impact of ultra-fine fly ash on material properties was investigated following an upscaling as an approach considering paste, mortar and concrete properties. Two types of cement, Portland cement (CEMI) and slag cement (CEMIII), two types of ultra-fly ashes, one with particle size d90< 9.3lm (FA1) and second with d90< 4.6lm (FA2) were used.At paste- and mortar- level, cement was replaced at 0%, 15%, 25%, 35% and 50% with FA1 and FA2. At concrete- level, cement was replaced at 0%, 15% and 25% with different ratios of FA1 and FA2. The results at paste- and mortar- level showed that an increased fineness of the fly ash (FA2) contributes to better workability of the mix. For CEMI, the compressive strength of concrete with FA2 at 25% cement replacement was already equal to the reference 0% replacement concrete at the age of 28 days. For CEMIII, the compressive strength of concrete mix with FA1 with 15% and FA2 with 25% cement replacements reached the reference concrete value at the age of 91 days. Regarding the durability, replacing cement with ultra-fine fly ash (FA2) had a positive influence on the resistivity, chloride migration coefficient and alkali-silica reaction (ASR), and a negative influence on the carbonation resistance.

Abstract: In this work, the structural, electronic and optical properties of monolayer and bilayer of boron doped C3N are investigated by means of density functional theory-based first-principles calculations. Our results show that with increasing the B dopant concentration from 3.1% to 12.5% in the hexagonal pattern, an indirect-to-direct band gap (0.8 eV) transition occurs. Furthermore, we study the effect of electric field and strain on the B doped C3N bilayer (B-C3N@2L). It is shown that by increasing E-field strength from 0.1 to 0.6V/angstrom, the band gap displays almost a linear decreasing trend, while for the > 0.6V/angstrom, we find dual narrow band gap with of 50 meV (in parallel E-field) and 0.4 eV (in antiparallel E-field). Our results reveal that in-plane and out-of-plane strains can modulate the band gap and band edge positions of the B-C3N@2L. Overall, we predict that B-C3N@2L is a new platform for the study of novel physical properties in layered two-dimensional materials (2DM) which may provide new opportunities to realize high-speed low-dissipation devices. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract: First‐principles calculations, within the framework of density functional theory, are used to investigate the structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of monolayer PbTe. The effect of layer thickness, electric field, strain, and vacancy defects on the electronic and magnetic properties is systematically studied. The results show that the bandgap decreases as the layer thickness increases from monolayer to bulk. With application of an electric field on bilayer PbTe, the bandgap decreases from 70 meV (0.2 V Å⁻¹) to 50 meV (1 V Å⁻¹) when including spin–orbit coupling (SOC). Application of uniaxial strain induces a direct‐to‐indirect bandgap transition for strain greater than +6%. In addition, the bandgap decreases under compressive biaxial strain (with SOC). The effect of vacancy defects on the electronic properties of PbTe is also investigated. Such vacancy defects turn PbTe into a ferromagnetic metal (single vacancy Pb) with a magnetic moment of 1.3 μB, and into an indirect semiconductor with bandgap of 1.2 eV (single Te vacancy) and 1.5 eV (double Pb + Te vacancy). In addition, with change of the Te vacancy concentration, a bandgap of 0.38 eV (5.55%), 0.43 eV (8.33%), and 0.46 eV (11.11%) is predicted.

Abstract: Using first-principles calculations, we study the effect of embedding various atoms into the nanopore sites of both C6N6 and C6N8 monolayers. Our results indicate that the embedded atoms significantly affect the electronic and magnetic properties of C6N6 and C6N8 monolayers and lead to extraordinary and multifarious electronic properties, such as metallic, half-metallic, spin-glass semiconductor and dilute-magnetic semiconductor behaviour. Our results reveal that the H atom concentration dramatically affects the C6N6 monolayer. On increasing the H coverage, the impurity states also increase due to H atoms around the Fermi-level. C6N6 shows metallic character when the H atom concentration reaches 6.25%. Moreover, the effect of charge on the electronic properties of both Cr@C6N6 and C@C6N8 is also studied. Cr@C6N6 is a ferromagnetic metal with a magnetic moment of 2.40 mu(B), and when 0.2 electrons are added and removed, it remains a ferromagnetic metal with a magnetic moment of 2.57 and 2.77 mu(B), respectively. Interestingly, one can observe a semi-metal, in which the VBM and CBM in both spin channels touch each other near the Fermi-level. C@C6N8 is a semiconductor with a nontrivial band gap. When 0.2 electrons are removed, it remains metallic, and under excess electronic charge, it exhibits half-metallic behaviour.