Abstract: The gas-solid vortex reactor (GSVR) has enormous process intensification potential. However the huge gas consumption can be a serious disadvantage for the GSVR in some applications such as fast pyrolysis. In this work, we demonstrate a recent novel design, where a stator-rotor vortex chamber (STARVOC) is driven by the fluid's kinetic energy, to decouple the solids bed rotation and gas. Gas-solid fluidization by using air and monosized aluminum balls was performed to investigate the hydrodynamics. A constructed fluidization flow regime map for a fixed solids loading of 100 g shows that the bed can only be fluidized for a rotation speed between 200 and 400 RPM. Below 200 RPM, particles settle down on the bottom plate and cannot form a stable bed due to inertia and friction. Above 400 RPM, the bed cannot be fluidized with superficial velocities up to 1.8 m/s (air flow rate of 90 Nm(3)/h). The bed thickness shows some non-uniformities, being smaller at the top of the bed than at the bottom counterpart. However by increasing the air flow rate or rotation speed the axial nonuniformity can be resolved. The bed pressure drop first increases with increasing gas flow rate and then levels off, showing similar characteristics as conventional fluidized beds. Theoretical pressure drops calculated from mathematical models such as Kao et al. model agree well with experimental measurements. Particle velocity discrepancies between the top and bottom particles reveal that the impact of gravity cannot be completely neglected. Design guidelines and possible applications for further development of STARVOC concept are proposed based on fundamental data provided in this work.

Abstract: Using density functional theory based first-principles calculations, the effect of surface hydrogenation on the structural, dynamical, electronic, and mechanical properties of monolayer washboard-gallenene (w-gallenene) is investigated. It is found that the dynamically stabilized strained monolayer of w-gallenene has a metallic nonmagnetic ground state. Both one-sided and two-sided hydrogenations of w-gallenene suppress its dynamical instability even when unstrained. Unlike one-sided hydrogenated monolayer w-gallenene (os-w-gallenene), two-sided hydrogenated monolayer w-gallenene (ts-w-gallenene) possesses the same crystal structure as w-gallenene. Electronic band structure calculations reveal that monolayers of hydrogenated derivatives of w-gallenene exhibit also metallic nonmagnetic ground state. Moreover, the linear-elastic constants, in-plane stiffness and Poisson ratio, are enhanced by hydrogenation, which is opposite to the behavior of other hydrogenated monolayer crystals. Furthermore, monolayer w-gallenene and ts-w-gallenene remain dynamically stable up to relatively higher biaxial strains as compared to borophene. With its enhanced dynamical stability, robust metallic character, and enhanced linear-elastic properties, hydrogenated monolayer w-gallenene is a potential candidate for nanodevice applications as a two-dimensional flexible metal.

Abstract: p-Type Co3O4 nanostructured films are synthesized by a plasma-assisted process and tested in the photocatalytic production of H2 from water/ethanol solutions under both near-UV and solar irradiation. It is demonstrated that the introduction of fluorine into p-type Co3O4 results in a remarkable performance improvement with respect to the corresponding undoped oxide, highlighting F-doped Co3O4 films as highly promising systems for hydrogen generation. Notably, the obtained yields were among the best ever reported for similar semiconductor-based photocatalytic processes.

Abstract: Das rote Pigment α-HgS neigt in Gegenwart von Licht und Chloridionen zur Schwärzung. Als Grund für die Zersetzung und Entfärbung werden die Bildung von (schwarzem) β-HgS oder Quecksilbermetall vermutet, doch diese Substanzen wurden noch nicht auf natürlich oder künstlich zersetzter HgS-Farbe nachgewiesen. Elektrochemische Experimente belegen nun die Bildung von Quecksilbermetall in Gegenwart von Licht und Chloridionen.

Abstract: CsPbI3 is a promising perovskite material for photovoltaic applications in its photoactive perovskite or black phase. However, the material degrades to a photovoltaically inactive or yellow phase at room temperature. Various mitigation strategies are currently being developed to increase the lifetime of the black phase, many of which rely on inducing strains in the material that hinder the black-to-yellow phase transition. Physical insight into how these strategies exactly induce strain as well as knowledge of the spatial extent over which these strains impact the material is crucial to optimize these approaches but is still lacking. Herein, we combine machine learning potential-based molecular dynamics simulations with our in silico strain engineering approach to accurately quantify strained large-scale atomic structures on a nanosecond time scale. To this end, we first model the strain fields introduced by atomic substitutions as they form the most elementary strain sources. We demonstrate that the magnitude of the induced strain fields decays exponentially with the distance from the strain source, following a decay rate that is largely independent of the specific substitution. Second, we show that the total strain field induced by multiple strain sources can be predicted to an excellent approximation by summing the strain fields of each individual source. Finally, through a case study, we illustrate how this additive character allows us to explain how complex strain fields, induced by spatially extended strain sources, can be predicted by adequately combining the strain fields caused by local strain sources. Hence, the strain additivity proposed here can be adopted to further our insight into the complex strain behavior in perovskites and to design strain from the atomic level onward to enhance their sought-after phase stability.

Abstract: This paper presents firm evidence for the chemical alteration of chrome yellow pigments in Van Gogh's Sunflowers (Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam). Noninvasive in situ spectroscopic analysis at several spots on the painting, combined with synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray investigations of two microsamples, revealed the presence of different types of chrome yellow used by Van Gogh, including the lightfast PbCrO4 and the sulfur-rich PbCr1-xSxO4 (x approximate to 0.5) variety that is known for its high propensity to undergo photoinduced reduction. The products of this degradation process, i.e., Cr-III compounds, were found at the interface between the paint and the varnish. Selected locations of the painting with the highest risk of color modification by chemical deterioration of chrome yellow are identified, thus calling for careful monitoring in the future.

Abstract: 3D characterization of assemblies of nanoparticles is of great importance to determine their structure-property connection. Such investigations become increasingly more challenging when the assemblies become larger and more compact. In this paper, we propose an optimized approach for electron tomography to minimize artefacts related to beam broadening in High Angle Annular Dark-Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy mode. These artefacts are typically present at one side of the reconstructed 3D data set for thick nanoparticle assemblies. To overcome this problem, we propose a procedure in which two tomographic tilt series of the same sample are acquired. After acquiring the first series, the sample is flipped over 180o, and a second tilt series is acquired. By merging the two reconstructions, blurring in the reconstructed volume is minimized. Next, this approach is combined with an advanced three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm yielding quantitative structural information. Here, the approach is applied to a thick and compact assembly of spherical Au nanoparticles, but the methodology can we used to investigate a broad range of samples.

Abstract: Metallic contacts are critical components of electronic devices and the presence of a large Schottky barrier is detrimental for an optimal device operation. Here, we show by using first-principles calculations that a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of polar molecules between the metal electrode and MoSe2 monolayer is able to convert the Schottky contact into an almost Ohmic contact. We choose -CH3 and -CF3 terminated short-chain alkylthiolate (i.e. SCH3 and fluorinated alkylthiolates (SCF3)) based SAMs to test our approach. We consider both high (Au) and low (Sc) work function metals in order to thoroughly elucidate the role of the metal work function. In the case of Sc, the Fermi level even moves into the conduction band of the MoSe2 monolayer upon SAM insertion between the metal surface and the MoSe2 monolayer, and hence possibly switches the contact type from Schottky to Ohmic. The usual Fermi level pinning at the metal-transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) contact is shown to be completely removed upon the deposition of a SAM. Systematic analysis indicates that the work function of the metal surface and the energy level alignment between the metal electrode and the TMD monolayer can be tuned significantly by using SAMs as a buffer layer. These results clearly indicate the vast potential of the proposed interface engineering to modify the physical and chemical properties of MoSe2.

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: Reduction of La1xCaxMnO3 (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 1) perovskite phases with sodium hydride yields materials of composition La1xCaxMnO2+δ. The calcium-rich phases (x = 0.9, 1) adopt (La0.9Ca0.1)0.5Mn0.5O disordered rocksalt structures. However local structure analysis using reverse Monte Carlo refinement of models against pair distribution functions obtained from neutron total scattering data reveals lanthanum-rich La1xCaxMnO2+δ (x = 0.6, 0.67, 0.7) phases adopt disordered structures consisting of an intergrowth of sheets of MnO6 octahedra and sheets of MnO4 tetrahedra. X-ray absorption data confirm the presence of Mn(I) centers in La1xCaxMnO2+δ phases with x < 1. Low-temperature neutron diffraction data reveal La1xCaxMnO2+δ (x = 0.6, 0.67, 0.7) phases become antiferromagnetically ordered at low temperature.

Abstract: The effect of palladium- and ruthenium-based clusters on nanocrystalline tin dioxide interaction with oxygen was studied by temperature-programmed oxygen isotopic exchange with mass-spectrometry detection. The modification of aqueous sol-gel prepared SnO2 by palladium and, to a larger extent, by ruthenium, increases surface oxygen concentration on the materials. The revealed effects on oxygen exchange-lowering the threshold temperature, separation of surface oxygen contribution to the process, increase of heteroexchange rate and oxygen diffusion coefficient, decrease of activation energies of exchange and diffusion-were more intensive for Ru-modified SnO2 than in the case of SnO2/Pd. The superior promoting activity of ruthenium on tin dioxide interaction with oxygen was interpreted by favoring the dissociative O-2 adsorption and increasing the oxygen mobility, taking into account the structure and chemical composition of the modifier clusters.

Abstract: <script type='text/javascript'>document.write(unpmarked('To realize spintronic devices based on topological insulators (TIs), well-defined interfaces between magnetic metals and TIs are required. Here, we characterize atomically precisely the interface between the 3d transition metal Fe and the TI Bi2Te3 at different stages of its formation. Using photoelectron diffraction and holography, we show that after deposition of up to 3 monolayers Fe on Bi2Te3 at room temperature, the Fe atoms are ordered at the interface despite the surface disorder revealed by our scanning-tunneling microscopy images. We find that Fe occupies two different sites: a hollow adatom deeply relaxed into the Bi2Te3 quintuple layers and an interstitial atom between the third (Te) and fourth (Bi) atomic layers. For both sites, our core-level photoemission spectra and density-functional theory calculations demonstrate simultaneous chemical bonding of Fe to both Te and Bi atoms. We further show that upon deposition of Fe up to a thickness of 20 nm, the Fe atoms penetrate deeper into the bulk forming a 2-5 nm interface layer containing FeTe. In addition, excessive Bi is pushed down into the bulk of Bi2Te3 leading to the formation of septuple layers of Bi3Te4 within a distance of similar to 25 nm from the interface. Controlling the magnetic properties of the complex interface structures revealed by our work will be of critical importance when optimizing the efficiency of spin injection in TI-based devices.'));

Abstract: Cadmium yellows (CdYs) refer to a family of cadmium sulfide pigments, which have been widely used by artists since the late 19th century. Despite being considered stable, they are suffering from discoloration in iconic paintings, such as Joy of Life by Matisse, Flowers in a blue vase by Van Gogh, and The Scream by Munch, most likely due to the formation of CdSO4 center dot nH(2)O. The driving factors of the CdYs degradation and how these affect the overall process are still unknown. Here, we study a series of oil mock-up paints made of CdYs of different stoichiometry (CdS/Cd0.76Zn0.24S) and crystalline structure (hexagonal/ cubic) before and after aging at variable relative humidity under exposure to light and in darkness. Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray methods combined with UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy show that: 1) Cd0.76Zn0.24S is more susceptible to photooxidation than CdS; both compounds can act as photocatalysts for the oil oxidation. 2) The photooxidation of CdS/Cd0.76Zn0.24S to CdSO4 center dot nH(2)O is triggered by moisture. 3) The nature of alteration products depends on the aging conditions and the Cd/Zn stoichiometry. Based on our findings, we propose a scheme for the mechanism of the photocorrosion process and the photocatalytic activity of CdY pigments in the oil binder. Overall, our results form a reliable basis for understanding the degradation of CdS-based paints in artworks and contribute towards developing better ways of preserving them for future generations.

Abstract: Analysis of single crystal X-ray diffraction, neutron powder diffraction, electron diffraction and Zn−K-edge EXAFS data show that Ba2ZnO2Ag2Se2 contains unusual isolated [ZnO2]2− moieties resulting from fragmentation of a ZnO2 infinite plane placed under tension.

Abstract: The effect of ultrasonication parameters, such as time and power applied, to exfoliate graphite in o-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) and N-methyl-1,2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was examined. It was found that the concentration of graphene was higher in o-DCB, while its dispersibility was increased when sonication was applied for a longer period and/or at higher power. However, spectroscopic examination by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that ultrasonication causes defects and induces oxygen functional groups in the form of carboxylic acids and ethers/epoxides onto the graphene lattice. Additional proof for the latter arose from Raman, IR, and thermogravimetry studies. The carboxylic acids and ethers/epoxides onto exfoliated graphene were derived from air during ultrasonication and found independent of the solvent used for the exfoliation and the power and/or time ultrasonication applied. Quantitative evaluation of the amount of oxygenated species present on exfoliated graphene as performed by high-resolution XPS revealed that the relative oxygen percentage was higher when exfoliation was performed in NMP. Finally, the sonication time and/or power affected the oxygen content on exfoliated graphene, since extended ultrasonication resulted in a decrease in the oxygen content on exfoliated graphene, with a simultaneous increase of defected sp(3) carbon atoms.