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At least 1,567 records · Page 87

Catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide by a zinc hydride compound, [Tptm]ZnH, and conversion to the methanol level

The zinc hydride compound, [Tptm]ZnH, may achieve the reduction of CO 2 by (RO) 3 SiH (R = Me, Et) to the methanol oxidation level, (MeO) x Si(OR) 4–x , via the formate species, HCO 2 Si(OR) 3 . Furthermore, because insertion of CO 2 into the Zn–H bond is more facile than insertion of HCO 2 Si(OR) 3 , conversion of HCO 2 Si(OR) 3 to the methanol level only occurs to a significant extent in the absence of CO 2 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Role of peracetic acid on the disruption of lignin packing structure and its consequence on lignin depolymerisation

Peracetic acid (PAA) is an effective oxidant capable of solubilising lignin and efficiently depolymerising it to selective phenolic compounds; however, the specific role by which PAA initiates the depolymerisation is still elusive. Herein, interaction between PAA and the lignin macromolecule and the consequent structural changes of the latter were studied by characterising the lignin packing structure and its associated changes during the oxidation process. While the lignin packing structure and its changes associated with the PAA-mediated oxidation were probed by X-ray diffraction, the impact of the PAA on different chemical functionalities present in the lignin structure was established by 13 C and 1 H– 13 C heteronuclear single-quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Further, combining the NMR spectroscopy results, and the product distribution, we conclude that the predominant reaction pathway for the oxidative depolymerisation of lignin with PAA is the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of the ketone formed by the oxidation of the benzylic hydroxyl group adjacent to the β-O-4 linkage. The experimental evidence provided herein corroborated that PAA instigates oxygen insertion to the lignin macromolecule resulting in disruption of its packing structures and facilitates depolymerisation. We also investigated various metal oxide and mixed metal oxide catalysts to identify effective catalysts that further enhance the efficiency of PAA-mediated depolymerisation of lignin and produce selective monomeric phenolic compounds. Techno-economic analysis was also conducted to identify the key parameters associated with this oxidative process that need to be considered for possible commercial application.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Dual-stage K + ion intercalation in V 2 O 5 -conductive polymer composites

We reported that the incorporation of a conductive polymer into V 2 O 5 materials resulted in an increased interlayer distance of 2.2 nm, favoring K + ion storage in aqueous electrolyte. In situ X-ray diffraction showed that during charging, K + ions were first inserted into the interlayer region of V 2 O 5 through pseudocapacitive intercalation and then continued to be inserted into the [VO 6 ] bi-layer region via diffusion-limited intercalation. Furthermore, this reversible dual-stage insertion/extraction mechanism provides new battery chemistry allowing the storage of around 50% more alkali ions in the intralayer region besides van der Waals gaps.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Superior performance enabled by supramolecular interactions in metal-organic cathode: the power of weak bonds

Metal–organic-based electrode materials are increasingly appealing because both metal and organic linker are capable of undergoing redox processes, thus offering a high specific capacity. High porosity which can be achieved by the rational design of these materials is generally perceived as one of the major criteria for high rate performance. However, while Li-ion transport may be possible, oftentimes the counteranions (e.g., PF 6 - ) and solvent molecules are co-inserted into the porous host lattice, potentially hindering Li-ion diffusion pathways. Here, in this study, we propose the concept of close-packed metal–organic cathode stabilized by multiple supramolecular interactions as a viable solution for exceptional electrochemical performance. This is illustrated in a modularly designed redox-active [CuL(Py) 2 ] n (LH 4 = 1,4-dicyano-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroxybenzene, Py = pyridine). The mechanistic studies and DFT calculations confirm that the supramolecular interactions between its close-packed chains are the key to the flexible host lattice which only allows desolvated Li + to intercalate, while these weak bonds also stabilize the inserted Li in the preferred hopping sites, creating optimal diffusion paths. The performance observed in this work is found to be among the best ever reported for metal–organic cathodes with a capacity as high as 255 mA h g -1 at 65 mA g -1 (0.25C) and a reversible capacity of 59 mA h g -1 at ~26 A g -1 (100C) corresponding to 81% retention after 1000 cycles. These findings reveal a potential new strategy towards metal–organic-based electrodes with high performance and enhanced cycling stability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An ultra-thin buffer layer for Ge epitaxial layers on Si

Using an Fe{sub 3}Si insertion layer, we study epitaxial growth of Ge layers on a Si substrate by a low-temperature molecular beam epitaxy technique. When we insert only a 10-nm-thick Fe{sub 3}Si layer in between Si and Ge, epitaxial Ge layers can be obtained on Si. The detailed structural characterizations reveal that a large lattice mismatch of {approx}4% is completely relaxed in the Fe{sub 3}Si layer. This means that the Fe{sub 3}Si layers can become ultra-thin buffer layers for Ge on Si. This method will give a way to realize a universal buffer layer for Ge, GaAs, and related devices on a Si platform.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mechanical properties of irradiated single-layer graphene

The mechanical properties of irradiated single-layer graphene sheets are determined as a function of inserted vacancy concentration. We find that the vacancy-induced crystalline-to-amorphous transition is accompanied by a brittle-to-ductile transition in the failure response of irradiated graphene sheets for inserted vacancy concentrations of 8%-12%. While point defects and larger voids appreciably degrade the strength of pristine graphene, we find that even heavily damaged samples ({approx}20% vacancies) exhibit tensile strengths of {approx}30 GPa, in significant excess of those typical of engineering materials. Our results suggest that defect engineering of graphene is feasible without incurring a complete loss of its desirable mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A high-current electron gun for the electron beam ion trap at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory

The Electron Beam Ion Trap (EBIT) in NSCL’s reaccelerator ReA uses continuous ion injection and accumulation. In order to maximize capture efficiency and minimize breeding time into high charge states, the EBIT requires a high-current/high current-density electron beam. A new electron gun insert based on a concave Ba-dispenser cathode has been designed and built to increase the current transmitted through the EBIT’s superconducting magnet. With the new insert, stable EBIT operating conditions with 0.8 A of electron beam have been established. The design of the electron gun is presented together with calculated and measured perveance data. In order to assess the experimental compression of the electron beam, a pinhole CCD camera has been set up to measure the electron beam radius. The camera observes X-rays emitted from highly charged ions, excited by the electron beam. Initial tests with this camera setup will be presented. They indicate that a current density of 640 A/cm{sup 2} has been reached when the EBIT magnet was operated at 4 T.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Application of the Ta liner technique to produce Ca beams at INFN-Legnaro National Laboratories (INFN-LNL)

The ECR ion sources are able to produce a wide variety of highly charged metallic ion beams thanks to the development of different techniques (ovens, sputtering, direct insertion, metal ions from volatile compounds (MIVOC)). In the case of the ovens, the sticking of the hot vapors on the surface of the plasma chamber leads to high material consumption rates. For elements like Ca, a tantalum liner inserted inside the chamber can be used to limit this phenomenon. The modeling of temperature distribution inside the chamber with and without the liner was carried out with COMSOL-multiphysics code. Results of simulation and the comparison with experiments performed at INFN-Legnaro National Laboratories with Ca beams are discussed.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

A real-time intercepting beam-profile monitor for a medical cyclotron

There is a lack of real-time continuous beam-diagnostic tools for medical cyclotrons due to high power deposition during proton irradiation. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a profile monitor that is capable of providing continuous feedback about beam shape and current in real time while it is inserted in the beam path. This enables users to optimize the beam profile and observe fluctuations in the beam over time with periodic insertion of the monitor.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Effect of electron collecting metal oxide layer in normal and inverted structure polymer solar cells

We performed a systematic study of the effect of electron collecting metal oxide layer on the performance of P3HT: PCBM solar cells. Zinc oxide (ZnO) or titanium dioxide (TiO{sub 2}) buffer layers were prepared by either e-beam evaporation or solution processing method. We also compared the photovoltaic performance of inserting the buffer layer between indium tin oxide (ITO) and the polymer layer for the inverted structure (ITO/ ZnO or TiO{sub 2}/P3HT:PCBM/V{sub 2}O{sub 5}/Au) as well as inserting the buffers layers between the polymer and the aluminum electrode for the conventional structure (ITO/V{sub 2}O{sub 5}/P3HT:PCBM/ZnO or TiO{sub 2}/Al). The results are shown in detail.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Design methodology and performance analysis of a wideband 90° phase switch for radiometer applications

This paper presents the analysis, design, and characterization of a wideband 90° phase switch in Ka-band. The phase switch is based on two microstrip bandpass filters in which the commutation is performed by a novel single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch. The analysis of π-network bandpass filters is provided, obtaining the phase difference and amplitude imbalance between filters and their scattering parameters; tested results show an average phase difference of 88.9° ± 5° and an amplitude imbalance of 0.15 dB from 24 to 37 GHz. The new broadband SPDT switch is based on a coplanar waveguide-to-slotline-to-microstrip structure, which enables a full planar integration with shifting branches. PIN diodes are used to perform the switching between outputs. The SPDT shows isolation better than 19 dB, insertion loss of around 1.8 dB, and return loss better than 15 dB. The full integration of the phase switch achieves a return loss better than 11 dB and insertion loss of around 4 dB over the band 26–36 GHz, with an average phase difference of 87.1° ± 4° and an average amplitude imbalance of 0.3 dB. It provides an excellent performance for this frequency range, suitable for radio-astronomy receivers.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

New vertical cryostat for the high field superconducting magnet test station at CERN

In the framework of the R and D program for new superconducting magnets for the Large Hadron Collider accelerator upgrades, CERN is building a new vertical test station to test high field superconducting magnets of unprecedented large size. This facility will allow testing of magnets by vertical insertion in a pressurized liquid helium bath, cooled to a controlled temperature between 4.2 K and 1.9 K. The dimensions of the cryostat will allow testing magnets of up to 2.5 m in length with a maximum diameter of 1.5 m and a mass of 15 tons. To allow for a faster insertion and removal of the magnets and reducing the risk of helium leaks, all cryogenics supply lines are foreseen to remain permanently connected to the cryostat. A specifically designed 100 W heat exchanger is integrated in the cryostat helium vessel for a controlled cooling of the magnet from 4.2 K down to 1.9 K in a 3 m{sup 3} helium bath. This paper describes the cryostat and its main functions, focusing on features specifically developed for this project. The status of the construction and the plans for assembly and installation at CERN are also presented.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Influence of the interface on the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic ultrathin films with various adjacent copper thicknesses

The interface and magnetic properties of two series of films with Ta(5 nm)/Fe{sub 20}Ni{sub 80}Nd{sub 0.017}(3 nm)/Cu(t nm) and Ta(5 nm)/Cu(t nm)/Fe{sub 50}Co{sub 50}Gd{sub 0.07}(3 nm)/Cu(2 nm) structures have been investigated by atomic force microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). The roughness of all films increases with increasing copper thickness, which causes the different grain sizes in the surface of films. The coercivity of FeCo-Gd films increases with increasing thickness of inserted Cu layer while decreases with increasing thickness of Cu capping layer for FeNi-Nd films. FMR linewidth exhibits huge dependence on the thickness of inserted Cu layer for FeCo-Gd films, increasing from 2270 to 3680 Oe, which comes from the additional contribution of effect of the two-magnon scattering. And the thickness of Cu capping layer shows also an influence on FMR linewidth of FeNi-Nd films, increasing from 190 to 320 Oe, which mainly comes from intrinsic FMR linewidth and plus minor inhomogeneous broadening. All of these extrinsic linewidth broadening are related to the interface roughness.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Thermally stable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy features of [Co/Pd]{sub m} multilayer matrix integrated with [CoO/Pd]{sub n} bottom layer

We evaluated the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) features of a hybrid [CoO/Pd]{sub 2}/[Co/Pd]{sub 7} multilayer (ML) matrix under annealing in which the [CoO/Pd]{sub 2} bottom layer was inserted. Annealing allowed for the diffusion of oxygen atoms existing in the inserted [CoO/Pd]{sub 2} layer, leading to an atomic structural reconfiguration event. The hybrid matrix was crucial to result in a higher effective anisotropy energy (3.40 Merg/cc) than an ordinary [Co/Pd]{sub 7} ML matrix (1.25 Merg/cc) under annealing at 450 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Co-O bonding states and annealing dependent oxygen atom diffusion. The possible nature of the enhanced PMA features is discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Distinguishing triplet energy transfer and trap-assisted recombination in multi-color organic light-emitting diode with an ultrathin phosphorescent emissive layer

An ultrathin layer of deep-red phosphorescent emitter tris(1-phenylisoquinoline) iridium (III) (Ir(piq){sub 3}) is inserted within different positions of the electron blocking layer fac-tris (1-phenylpyrazolato-N,C{sup 2′})-iridium(III) (Ir(ppz){sub 3}) to distinguish the contribution of the emission from the triplet exciton energy transfer/diffusion from the adjacent blue phosphorescent emitter and the trap-assisted recombination from the narrow band-gap emitter itself. The charge trapping effect of the narrow band-gap deep-red emitter which forms a quantum-well-like structure also plays a role in shaping the electroluminescent characteristics of multi-color organic light-emitting diodes. By accurately controlling the position of the ultrathin sensing layer, it is considerably easy to balance the white emission which is quite challenging for full-color devices with multiple emission zones. There is nearly no energy transfer detectable if 7 nm thick Ir(ppz){sub 3} is inserted between the blue phosphorescent emitter and the ultrathin red emitter.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Initial and secondary oxidation products on the Si(111)-(7 × 7) surface identified by atomic force microscopy and first principles calculations

We investigate the initial and secondary oxidation products on the Si(111)-(7 × 7) surface at room-temperature using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and density functional theory calculations. At the initial oxidation stages, we find that there are two types of bright spots in AFM images. One of them is identified as a Si adatom with one O atom inserted into one of the backbonds, while the other is ascribed to a Si adatom with two inserted O atoms. We observe that the latter one turns into the secondary oxidation product by a further coming O{sub 2} molecule, which appears as a more protruded bright spot. The atomic configuration of this product is identified as Si adatom whose top and all three backbonds make bonds with O atoms. The appearances of initial and secondary oxidation products are imaged as bright and dark sites by scanning tunneling microscopy, respectively. It is revealed that AFM gives us the topographic information close to the real atomic corrugation of adsorbed structures on the semiconductor surfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Theoretical study of defect formation during the initial stages of native-oxide growth on GaSb (001)

The formation of defects during the initial stages of native-oxide growth on the GaSb (001)-α(4 × 3) surface has been studied computationally using spin-unrestricted density functional theory. It is found that insertion into a Ga-Sb adatom dimer to form a peroxo Ga-O-O-Sb bridge is the most energetically favorable process with insertion into Ga-Sb back-bonds being somewhat less so. A Ga-O-O-Ga bridge between dimers is also favorable, but Sb-O-O-Sb bridges show little if any stability. In the course of analyzing molecular adsorption, a particularly reactive site has been identified that leads to O{sub 2} dissociation with little or no barrier. This process is initiated in the vicinity of an Sb-Sb dimer in the terminating layer and leads to sub-surface Ga and Sb defect sites (i.e., coordinatively unsaturated atoms) and to strained Ga-Sb bonds that may be susceptible to further O{sub 2} attack. However, the defects formed in these reactions do not produce states in the gap.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗