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Seifert, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Seifert, S..

Modular instrument mounting system for variable environment in operando X-ray experiments

In the growing field of in operando and in situ X-ray experiments, there exists a large disparity in the types of environments and equipment to control them. This situation makes it challenging to conduct multiple experiments with a single mechanical interface to the diffractometer. Here, we describe the design and implementation of a modular instrument mounting system that can be installed on a standard six-circle diffractometer (e.g., 5021 Huber GmbH). This new system allows for the rapid changeover of different chambers and sample heaters and permits accurate sample positioning (x, y, z, and azimuthal rotation) without rigid coupling to the chamber body. Isolation of the sample motion from the chamber enclosure is accomplished through a combination of custom rotary seals and bellows. Control of the pressure and temperature has been demonstrated in the ranges of 10{sup -6}-10{sup 3} Torr and 25 Degree-Sign C-900 Degree-Sign C, respectively. We have utilized the system with several different modular instruments. As an example, we provide in situ sputtering results, where the growth dynamics of epitaxial LaGaO{sub 3} thin films on (001) SrTiO{sub 3} substrates were investigated.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Cyclohexane on Cobalt Oxide (Co 3 O 4 ) Nanoparticles: The Effect of Particle Size on Activity and Selectivity

The oxidative dehydrogenation of cyclohexane by cobalt oxide nanoparticles was studied via temperature programmed reaction combined with in situ grazing incidence X-ray absorption spectroscopy and grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering and theoretical calculations on model Co 3 O 4 substrates. Both 6 and 12 nm Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles were made through a surfactant-free preparation and dispersed on an Al 2 O 3 surface formed by atomic layer deposition. Under reaction conditions the nanoparticles retained their oxidation state and did not sinter. They instead underwent an assembly/disassembly process and could reorganize within their assemblies. The selectivity of the catalyst was found to be size- and temperature-dependent, with larger particles preferentially producing cyclohexene at lower temperatures and smaller particles predominantly resulting in benzene at higher temperatures. The mechanistic features thought to control the oxidative dehydrogenation of cyclohexane and other light alkanes on cobalt oxide were established by carrying out density functional theory calculations on the activation of propane, a surrogate model alkane, over model Co 3 O 4 surfaces. The initial activation of the alkane (propane) proceeds via hydrogen abstraction over surface oxygen sites. The subsequent activation of the resulting alkoxide intermediate occurs at a second surface oxygen site to form the alkene (propene) which then desorbs from the surface. Hydroxyl recombination results in the formation of water which desorbs from the surface. Finally, oxygen is necessary to regenerate the surface oxygen sites, catalyze C–H activation steps, and minimize catalyst degradation.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

Nickel-cobalt systematics and their bearing on lunar origin

The earliest metal phases to crystallize from the least-fabricated low Ti mare basalts contain about 30% Ni and 2 to 7% of Co. Experimental investigations of partitioning of Ni and Co between primitive lunar basaltic magmas and metal phases are currently in progress. Preliminary results show that the metal phase crystallizing near the liquidus of Green Glass (185 ppm Ni, 70 ppm Co) would contain about 40% Ni and 2.3% Co. It seems, therefore, that if a lunar core does exist, as suggested by the results of (2), it is relatively rich in Ni (30-40%) and Co (2-7%). This composition presents a remarkable contrast to that of the Earth's core which is estimated to contain about 6% Ni and 0.3% Co. Explanations for the differing densities of Earth and Moon are imvestigated.

Ringwood, A. E.↗