Wilhelm Ostwald’s energetics 2: energetic theory and applications,part I

This is the second of a series of essays on the development and reception of Wilhelm Ostwald’s energetics. The first essay described the chemical origins of Ostwald’s interest in the energy concept and his motivations for seeking a comprehensive science of energy. The present essay and the next discuss his various attempts, beginning in 1891 and extending over almost 3 years, to develop a consistent and coherent energetic theory. A final essay will consider reactions to this work and Ostwald’s replies, and will also seek to evaluate his program of research. Ostwald’s project – to reconstruct physics and chemistry “as a pure energetics” – is worth attending to for several reasons: first, because Ostwald did ground-breaking work in chemistry (he was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1909 for his studies in catalysis and rates of reaction); second, because an important school of physical chemistry formed around him at Leipzig, a school that promoted his ideas; and, finally, because he was a prominent and vigorous participant in debates at the end of the nineteenth century concerning the proper course of physical theory.     

Review of European Union requirements: quality standards for food analysis laboratories

 The European Union has prescribed strict quality standards for official food laboratories and the methods of analysis to be used in laboratories when carrying out official food control work. These requirements, which are based on accreditation, participation in proficiency testing schemes and using validated methods of analysis, are described in detail. The similar approach being taken within the Codex Alimentarius Commission is also outlined. The procedures prescribed will ensure that official food control laboratories have in place the measures to ensure that consistently reliable data can be produced. Received: 29 November 1995 Accepted: 8 January 1996     

Is the ˜c state of CH2 linear or bent?

The ˜c state of CH₂ is found to be bent at the highest levels of theory used in this work, but the energy difference between the linear and bent geometries is only about 10 cm⁻¹. Improving the basis set or correlation treatment favors the linear geometry over the bent, thus it is impossible to definitively determine if the ˜c state has a barrier in its bending potential. If there is a barrier, it is clear that it will be so small that the ˜c state will be quasilinear. Received: 3 September 1996 / Accepted: 23 September 1996     

The preparative dynamic density gradient method

In this work the development of a new ultracentrifugation method is described. The preparative density gradient method (PDDG) allows the fractionation of colloidal systems according to the density of their components. The fractions—collected separately—can be subjected to further investigations with any appropriate physical or analytical method. The particle density of a colloidal system is a very valuable information that can be used in many ways. Here for the first time a method is presented that could make the access to that information much easier for laboratories throughout the world. The preparative dynamic density gradient is performed in a preparative ultracentrifugation tube by layering heavy water under a sample that is dispersed or dissolved in water. The water and heavy water molecules undergo a fast diffusion process finally leading to a homogeneous solvent mixture. While reaching this equilibrium the water–heavy water concentration varies over the cell radius. Thus a density gradient is built up. Fractions of the sample will move to the radial position where their densities are matched. They can then be collected separately. In this work basic experiments and results that lead to the development of the PDDG will be presented. Calculations based on basic ultracentrifugation theory confirm the described experimental findings. An example will demonstrate the problem solving capability of this new method.     

Electronic states in ordered and disordered quantum networks: with applications to graphene and to boron nanotubes

The idea behind the original quantum network (QN) model is simple enough. One joins each atom to its nearest neighbours, and then treats electrons (though quantum mechanically of course) as though they flowed through one-dimensional wires as in an electrical circuit obeying Kirchhoff’s Laws at every node. Here we will begin with two periodic systems: namely a single graphene layer, which has recently been produced experimentally, and a two-dimensional sheet of boron atoms. This will be followed by a discussion of B nanotubes, using the simplest QN model, supplemented by comparison of these results with very recent work of other authors using density functional theory. Then the disordered quantum network (DQN) model will be treated in some detail. First of all, the main, physically motivated, steps by which Dancz, Edwards and March passed from the DQN model to the Boltzmann equation will be set out. They will then be related to substantial progress made on the mathematical solution of the DQN model by a number of authors; again a substantial part of this work invoking the Boltzmann equation. Invited paper presented at the Workshop “Graph Models of Mesoscopic Systems, Wave Guides, and Nano-Structures (AGAW03)”, Newton Institute, Cambridge, UK, April 10–13, 2007.     

The Role of Interfaces in Photovoltaic Devices

 Organic opto-electronic devices comprise one or more organic layers and the electrodes. The interfaces between these very different components play a crucial role to the performance of the devices. In donor–acceptor composites for photovoltaics, the electronic processes occurring at the interface will benefit from a particular interface morphology on the 10–100 nanometer level; this is demonstrated for composites of oligophenylenevinylene and C₆₀. Phase separation on such a scale may be achieved naturally in diblock copolymers. The synthesis of an OPV–C₆₀ diblock copolymer is described.     

The Role of Interfaces in Photovoltaic Devices

Summary.  Organic opto-electronic devices comprise one or more organic layers and the electrodes. The interfaces between these very different components play a crucial role to the performance of the devices. In donor–acceptor composites for photovoltaics, the electronic processes occurring at the interface will benefit from a particular interface morphology on the 10–100 nanometer level; this is demonstrated for composites of oligophenylenevinylene and C₆₀. Phase separation on such a scale may be achieved naturally in diblock copolymers. The synthesis of an OPV–C₆₀ diblock copolymer is described. Received June 23, 2000. Accepted (revised) July 18, 2000     

Characterization of sealed radioactive sources: uncertainty analysis to improve detection methods

A radioactive ¹³⁷Cs source has been analyzed for the radioactive parent ¹³⁷Cs and stable decay daughter ¹³⁷Ba. The ratio of the daughter to parent atoms is used to estimate the date when Cs was purified prior to source encapsulation (an “age” since purification). The isotopes were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after chemical separation. In addition, Ba was analyzed by isotope dilution ICP-MS (ID-ICP-MS). A detailed error analysis of the mass spectrometric work has been undertaken to identify areas of improvement, as well as quantifying the effect the errors have on the “age” determined. This paper reports an uncertainty analysis to identifying areas of improvement and alternative techniques that may reduce the uncertainties. In particular, work on isotope dilution using ICP-MS for the “age” determination of sealed sources is presented. The results will be compared to the original work done using external standards to calibrate the ICP-MS instrument.     

Reparameterization of hybrid functionals based on energy differences of states of different multiplicity

 Low-spin/high-spin energy splittings for Fe(II) transition-metal complexes – particularly in weak ligand fields – cannot be well described by density functional methods. Different density functionals yield results which differ by up to 1 eV in transition-metal complexes with sulfur-rich first coordination spheres. We attribute this failure to the fact that the high-spin state is systematically favoured in Hartree–Fock-type theories, because Fermi correlation is included in the exact exchange, while Coulomb correlation is not. We thus expect that the admixture of exact exchange to a given density functional will heavily influence the energy splitting between states of different multiplicity. We demonstrate that the energy splitting depends linearly on the coefficient of exact exchange admixture. This remarkable result is found for all the Fe(II)–S complexes studied. From this observation we conclude in connection with experimental results that Becke's 20% admixture should be reduced to about 15% if meaningful energetics are sought for transition-metal compounds. We rationalize that this reduction by 5% will not affect the quality of the hybrid functional since we arrive at a slightly modified functional, which lies between the pure density functional and the hybrid density functional, which both give good results for “standard” systems. Received: 13 July 2001 / Accepted: 31 August 2001 /  Published online: 16 November 2001     

Wilhelm Ostwald’s energetics 3: energetic theory and applications,part II

This is the third of a series of essays on the development and reception of Wilhelm Ostwald’s energetics. The first essay described the chemical origins of Ostwald’s interest in the energy concept and his motivations for seeking a comprehensive science of energy. The second essay and the present one discuss his various attempts, beginning in 1891 and extending over almost 3 years, to develop a consistent and coherent energetic theory. A final essay will consider reactions to this work and Ostwald’s replies, and will also seek to evaluate his program of research. Ostwald’s project—to reconstruct physics and chemistry “as a pure energetics”—is worth attending to for several reasons: first, because Ostwald did ground-breaking work in chemistry (he was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1909 for his studies in catalysis and rates of reaction); second, because an important school of physical chemistry formed around him at Leipzig, a school that promoted his ideas; and, finally, because he was a prominent and vigorous participant in debates at the end of the nineteenth century concerning the proper course of physical theory.

Spin Transition of 1D, 2D and 3D Iron(II) Complex Polymers The Tug-of-War between Elastic Interaction and a Shock-Absorber Effect

Summary.  The structures of linear chain Fe(II) spin-crossover compounds of α,β- and α,ω-bis (tetrazol-1-yl)alkane type ligands are described in relation to their magnetic properties. The first threefold interlocked 3-D catenane Fe(II) spin-transition system, [μ-tris(1,4-bis(tetrazol-1-yl)butane-N1,N1′) iron(II)] bis(perchlorate), will be discussed. An analysis is made among the structures and the cooperativity of the spin-crossover behaviour of polynuclear Fe(II) spin-transition materials. Corresponding author. E-mail: koning@iacgu7.chemie.uni-mainz.de Received April 8, 2002; accepted April 18, 2002     

Cs的覆盖度对Cs/石墨烯的结构稳定性和场发射性能影响

采用密度泛函理论方法,对Cs以不同覆盖度吸附在石墨烯表面时系统的结构稳定性和场发射性能进行了研究.计算结果表明单原子Cs吸附在石墨烯表面的碳六元环的中心位置时系统的能量最低.随着Cs的覆盖度增加,碱金属Cs与石墨烯之间的吸附作用逐渐增强,(4×4)R 0°和(2×2)R 0°结构是稳定的.由于碱金属Cs的修饰作用,Cs/石墨烯体系的功函明显下降,且随着碱金属Cs的覆盖度增大,系统的功函逐渐减小.态密度的计算结果表明功函的下降主要与Cs和石墨烯之间的电子转移有关.随着覆盖度的增大,石墨烯的电子态逐渐向低能方向移动,系统的费米能级升高并导致材料的功函下降.     

Substoichiometric determination of palladium by neutron activation analysis

A method is described for the substoichiometric determination of traces of palladium by neutron activation analysis involving the extraction of palladium with isonitrosoacetophenone. The sensitivity of the method is 0.005 μg of Pd. With 200 mg of silver alloy containing 0.0005% palladium, the average of three determinations of Pd is 0.98 μg, which varies between 1.07 μg and 0.91 μg at 95% confidence limit. The time required for radiochemical purification and counting of the sample does not exceed 12 minutes. Part of this work was presented at the International Conference on Modern Trends Activation Analysis, held in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, October 7–11, 1968.     

Cs的覆盖度对Cs/石墨烯的结构稳定性和场发射性能影响

采用密度泛函理论方法,对Cs以不同覆盖度吸附在石墨烯表面时系统的结构稳定性和场发射性能进行了研究。计算结果表明单原子Cs吸附在石墨烯表面的碳六元环的中心位置时系统的能量最低。随着Cs的覆盖度增加,碱金属Cs与石墨烯之间的吸附作用逐渐增强,(4×4)R 0°和(2×2)R 0°结构是稳定的。由于碱金属Cs的修饰作用,Cs/石墨烯体系的功函明显下降,且随着碱金属Cs的覆盖度增大,系统的功函逐渐减小。态密度的计算结果表明功函的下降主要与Cs和石墨烯之间的电子转移有关。随着覆盖度的增大,石墨烯的电子态逐渐向低能方向移动,系统的费米能级升高并导致材料的功函下降。     

Actinide targets for neutron cross section measurements

The Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) and the Generation IV Reactor Initiative have demonstrated a lack of detailed neutron cross sections for certain “minor” actinides. For some closed-fuel-cycle reactor designs more than 50% of reactivity will, at some point, be derived from “minor” actinides that currently have poorly known or in some cases not measured (n,γ) and (n,f) cross sections. Using a combination of resurrected techniques and new developments, we have made a series of targets including highly enriched ²³⁹Pu, ²⁴⁰Pu, and ²⁴²Pu. Thus far, we have electrodeposited these actinide targets. The chemical purification and electodeposition techniques will be described.     

Report on the Research Project: Nano-Structured Environmental Catalysts

A big research project, 2002–2008, on environmental chemical technology has successfully been completed. The project aimed at creation of scientific and technological basis for innovative chemical technologies for the conservation of the environment. The outline of the project will briefly be described with some major achievements.     

Solid State Analysis with the New Leipzig High-Energy Ion Nanoprobe

 The high-energy ion nanoprobe LIPSION at the University of Leipzig has been operational since October 1998. The ultrastable single ended 3.5 MV SINLETRON^TM accelerator supplies the H⁺ or He⁺ ion beam. A magnetic scanning system moves the focused beam across the sample. At present, a resolution of 150 nm in the low current mode and 300 nm at 5 pA could be achieved. The UHV grade experimental chamber is equipped with electron-, energy dispersive X-ray-, and particle detectors. They can be used simultaneously to analyse the sample by means of PIXE (particle induced X-ray emission), RBS (Rutherford backscattering) and in the case of thin samples STIM (scanning transmission ion microscopy). A goniometer allows the application of channeling measurements in single crystals in combination with these methods. The detection limits depend on the elements to be analysed and range from (1000⋯1) μg/g relative and (1⋯0.01) pg absolute. The analysis is nondestructive, but the sample has to be vacuum resistant. Applications of the nanoprobe in the field of semiconductor research, biomedicine, and archaeology will be described.     

Sub-micron wear measurement using activities under the free handling limit

In the present work we demonstrate the development of a thin layer activation (TLA) method to be able to measure micrometer wear or less by using radioactive tracing. In order to activate very swallow depths we decreased the bombarding energy to the “linear” region of the cross-section curve. The disadvantage of the method is that the wear curve will be “linear” near to the surface instead of “constant” as is the case with the usual (high energy) TLA. The advantage is that the activity of the sample will be much lower and it is concentrated in the swallower studied depth. The other possible method is irradiation under small angle (15 to 30° or even grazing incidence), which also causes a near-surface concentration of the activity produced. Both methods are demonstrated with the most suitable nuclear reactions and some commonly used industrial materials.     

Vertex topological indices and tree expressions,generalizations of continued fractions

We expand on the work of Hosoya to describe a generalization of continued fractions called “tree expressions.” Each rooted tree will be shown to correspond to a unique tree expression which can be evaluated as a rational number (not necessarily in lowest terms) whose numerator is equal to the Hosoya index of the entire tree and whose denominator is equal to the tree with the root deleted. In the development, we use Z(G) to define a natural candidate ζ(G, v) for a “vertex topological index” which is a value applied to each vertex of a graph, rather than a value assigned to the graph overall. Finally, we generalize the notion of tree expression to “labeled tree expressions” that correspond to labeled trees and show that such expressions can be evaluated as quotients of determinants of matrices that resemble adjacency matrices.     

Dependence of the energy of surface-active substances/metal interaction on their ionization potentials. Evaluation of hydrophilicity of metal

The function Δ(ΔG _A ⁰), which is the difference of Gibbs energies characterizing surface-active substance (surfactant, SAS) adsorption at metal/solution and air/solution surfaces, has been introduced. The equation connecting the function Δ(ΔG _A ⁰) with SAS ionization potential has been obtained using the elementary theory of donor-acceptor interactions. Published experimental data on SAS adsorption at mercury, bismuth and gold have been used for Δ(ΔG _A ⁰) calculation. The dependence of Δ(ΔG _A ⁰) on ionization potentials can be described by an equation derived in this work. It has been demonstrated that the value of the hydrophilicity of gold is much higher than the values for mercury and bismuth. The lifetime of SAS molecules at a metal surface has been estimated. The question of the possibility of theoretica l estimation of standard energies ΔG _A ⁰ characterizing SAS adsorption at a metal/solution surface has been discussed. Received: 9 December 1996 / Accepted: 13 January 1997