Testable signatures of quantum nonlocality in a two-dimensional chiral p-wave superconductor

A class of topological excitations-the odd-winding number vortices-in a spinless 2D chiral p-wave (px+ipy) superconductor traps Majorana fermion states in the vortex cores. For a dilute gas of such vortices, the lowest energy fermionic eigenstates are intrinsically nonlocal. We predict two testable signatures of this unusual quantum nonlocality in quasiparticle tunneling experiments. We discuss why the associated teleportationlike phenomenon does not imply the violation of causality.     

Superior diffusion kinetics and electrochemical properties of α/β–type NaMn0.89Co0.11O2 as cathode for sodium-ion batteries

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - Sodium-ion batteries have emerged as an exciting alternative to commercially dominant lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and other applications....     

N,N′-Ethylene-Bridged Bis-2-Aryl-Pyrrolinium Cations to E-Diaminoalkenes: Non-Identical Stepwise Reversible Double-Redox Coupled Bond Activation Reactions

This work presents a stepwise reversible two-electron transfer induced hydrogen shift leading to the conversion of a bis-pyrrolinium cation to an E-diaminoalkene and vice versa. Remarkably, the forward and the reverse reaction, which are both reversible, follow two completely different reaction pathways. Establishing such unprecedented property in this type of processes was possible by developing a novel synthetic route towards the starting dication. All intermediates involved in both the forward and the backward reactions were comprehensively characterized by a combination of spectroscopic, crystallographic, electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical, and theoretical methods. The presented synthetic route opens up new possibilities for the generation of multi-pyrrolinium cation scaffold-based organic redox systems, which constitute decidedly sought-after molecules in contemporary chemistry.     

Experimental study of transient heat transfer characteristics of single-phase natural convection in multidimensional porous bed with volumetric heat generation

Natural convection in an internally heated porous bed of height and diameter of 450 mm and 500 mm, respectively, and superposed with the fluid layer has been experimentally investigated. The onset of natural convection in the bed is indicated by change in the rate of temperature rise within the bed. An empirical model based on local Nusselt number and local Rayleigh number has been developed. A comparison of the present model with the models in literature is made to draw out the differences between the local heat transfer of large multidimensional beds and the average heat transfer of small beds.     

One pot,three component 1,3 dipolar cycloaddition: Regio and diastereoselective synthesis of spiropyrrolidinyl indenoquinoxaline derivatives

A competent and highly discriminating one-pot synthesis of highly diversified novel functionalized indenoquinoxalone grafted spiropyrrolidine linked chromene-3-carbonitrile conjugates accumulating three pharmocophoric cores, heterocyclic indenoquinoxalone, pyrrolidines and chromene-3-carbonitrile in a single molecular framework by means of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between indenoquinoxalone, proline/benzyl amine and chromene-3-carbonitrile in ethanol under classical and microwave conditions is described. The three component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction proceeds via in situ generation of azomethine ylides by the decarboxylative condensation of indenoquinoxalone with proline/benzyl amine and their selectivity towards the endo cyclic double bonds of dipolarophile (chromene-3-carbonitrile) leading to the formation of highly functionalised regio- and diastereoselective molecular hybrids. This methodology exemplifies the green chemistry protocol such as mild reaction conditions, high yields, one-pot procedure and operational simplicity.     

Adsorbed Intermediates in Oxygen Reduction on Platinum Nanoparticles Observed by In Situ IR Spectroscopy

The sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction to water remains a significant limitation in the viability of proton‐exchange‐membrane fuel cells, yet details of the four‐electron oxygen reduction reaction remain elusive. Herein, we apply in situ infrared spectroscopy to probe the surface chemistry of a commercial carbon‐supported Pt nanoparticle catalyst during oxygen reduction. The IR spectra show potential‐dependent appearance of adsorbed superoxide and hydroperoxide intermediates on Pt. This strongly supports an associative pathway for oxygen reduction. Analysis of the adsorbates alongside the catalytic current suggests that another pathway must also be in operation, consistent with a parallel dissociative pathway.     

Stereoselective synthesis of the C33-C44 fragment of palau’amide

An efficient stereoselective synthesis of the C33-C44 fragment of palau’amide is described using a Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation, a regioselective nucleophilic ring opening of the epoxide, a Grignard reaction and a Luche stereoselective reduction of a keto compound as the key steps.     

Facile synthesis methodology and characterization studies of silica-decorated hybridized anisotropic nanotubes and nanosheets

Carbonaceous nanomaterials and their derivatives have been inspired tremendous enthusiasm in the scientific community. They have been excogitated as the encouraging attributes and the qualified dispersed phase to develop multi-functional composites. Particularly, graphene and carbon nanotube (anisotropic fillers) have gained substantial research interest owing to their promising characteristics. This highlights an innovative technique to synthesize hybridized nanotube and nanosheet. Initially, parent materials have been synthesized: The pristine CNT has been modified by acid mixture solution, and reduced graphene oxide has been prepared by chemical reduction method. Henceforth, the self-assembly in situ sol–gel technique has been endorsed here. The synthesized nanohybrids have been characterized by different spectroscopic techniques: FTIR, Raman, UV, and XPS to confirm the attachment of multifunctionalities; meanwhile, the composition and stability have been investigated from XRD and TGA plots. The magnitude of surface charge and particle size distribution have been evaluated for the parent and hybridized products; further, morphology of all the samples has been authenticated from FESEM and TEM.