Magnetocaloric effects in Ni-Mn-X based Heusler alloys with X=Ga, Sb, In

The Mn-based Heusler alloys encompass a rich collection of useful materials from highly spin-polarized systems to shape memory alloys to magnetocaloric materials. In this work we have summarized our studies of magnetostructural transitions from paramagnetic austenite to ferromagnetic martesite phases at TMC in Ni₂MnGa-based alloys (Ni₂Mn_0.75Cu_0.25-xCo_xGa, Ni₂Mn_0.70Cu_0.30Ga_0.95Ge_0.05, Ni₂Mn_1-xCu_xGa, Ni_2+xMn_1-xGa, and Ni₂Mn_0.75-xCu_xGa), and martensitic transitions from the ferromagnetic austenite to the martesite state in off-stoichiometric Ni-Mn-(In/Sb) Heusler alloys. The phase transition temperatures and respective magnetic entropy changes (ΔS) depend on composition in these systems and have been determined from magnetization measurements in the temperature interval 5-400 K, and in magnetic fields up to 5 T. It is shown that, depending on the composition and doping scheme the “giant” ΔS=40-60 J/(kgK) (for a field change of 5 T) can be observed in the temperature range (300-360 K) for the Ga-based alloys. The interplay between or coupling of the various transitions in Ni₂Mn(Mn,X) systems with X=Sb and In leads to exchange bias effects, giant magnetoresistance, and both inverse and “normal” magnetocaloric effects.     

The structural and magnetic properties of Ni2Mn1−xBxGa Heusler alloys

The influence of the substitution of manganese by boron on the crystal structure and magnetic properties of Ni₂Mn_1−xB_xGa Heusler alloys with 0?x?0.5 has been investigated using X-ray diffraction, thermal expansion, resistivity, and magnetization measurements. The samples with concentrations x<0.25 were found to be of single phase and belonged to the cubic L2₁ crystal structure at room temperature. Crystal cell parameters of the alloys decreased from 5.830 to 5.825 Å with increasing boron concentration (x) from 0 to 0.25. The alloys were ferromagnetically ordered at 5 K and the saturation magnetization decreased with increasing boron concentration. The ferromagnetic ordering and structural transition temperatures for 0?x?0.3 have been observed and the phase (x−T) diagram of the Ni₂Mn_1−xB_xGa system was constructed. The phase (x−T) diagram indicates that the ground state of Ni₂Mn_1−xB_xGa alloys belongs to ferromagnetic martensitic, premartensitic, and austenitic phases in x?0.12, 0.12<x?0.18, and 0.18<x?0.3, respectively. The relative influence of cell parameters and electron concentrations on the phase diagram is discussed.     

Effect of Temperature and Solvent on the Structure of Amide Cavitands

Conformational changes of amide cavitands A – C were investigated at varied temperatures and in several solvents. While cavitands A and B , with comparatively smaller substituents such as Et and ⁱPr, were always in vase conformation in non‐polar solvents such as CDCl₃, CD₂Cl₂, (D₈)THF, and C₆D₆, their thermoswitching (vase to kite) was observed in polar solvents such as (D₇)DMF and (D₆)DMSO or in the presence of acid (TFA) and H‐bonding inhibitor (TFE). Intra‐ and interannular H‐bonds of A and B were clearly observed by low‐temperature ¹H‐NMR spectra in CDCl₃. No conformational change of cavitand C with bigger substituent (^tBu) was observed under any tested temperature range and in polar or non‐polar solvents; C was always in the kite conformation.     

Processes developed for the separation of europium (Eu) from various resources

Europium (Eu), one of the most significant rare earth (RE) elements, has wide applications as functional material in phosphor production, majorly used in fluorescent lamps, computer monitors, televisions etc. Eu is one of the three divalent lanthanides (along with Yb and Sm) having a reduction potential higher than ?2 V. This possibility of Eu reduction is attributed to a relatively stable half-filled 4f⁷ electronic configuration, thus providing a high stabilization energy and selective recovery. But the Eu recuperation from natural minerals is either accompanied with other REs or Eu is recovered as a group of light REs. Selective recovery of Eu has sparked the progress for its reutilization through recycling of secondary resources. The perspectives of reclaiming Eu as a value added product from various sources using different pyro-hydro or hybrid techniques are discussed. The systematic research and salient findings on methods, viz., reduction, leaching, solvent extraction, as well as combined methods scaled-up to commercial scale to recover Eu, are also reported with recommendations. Thus, this comparative as well as summarized review hopes to help researchers to develop feasible processes for Eu recovery.     

Voltage Stimulated Anion Binding of Metalloporphyrin‐induced Crystalline 2D Nanoflakes

Voltage‐stimulated redox‐active materials have received significant attention in the field of organic electronics and sensor technology. Such stimuli‐responsive materials trigger the formation of crystalline nanostructures and facilitate the design of efficient smart devices hitherto unknown. Herein, we report that free‐base and metallo‐tetratolylporphyrin‐linked ferrocene derivatives ( H₂TTP ‐ Fc and ZnTTP ‐ Fc ) undergo distinct proton/anion binding mechanism in CHCl₃ during bulk electrolysis at applied voltage of 1.4 V to give [ H₄TTP ‐ Fc]⁺Cl^? and H⁺ [ (Cl)ZnTTP ‐ Fc]^? followed by nanospheres and crystalline 2D nanoflakes formation, confirmed by SEM and TEM images, by methanol vapor diffusion (MVD) approach. Moreover, X‐ray diffraction analysis suggest that protonated H₂TTP ‐ Fc aggregates exhibit amorphous nature, whereas H⁺ [ (Cl)ZnTTP ‐ Fc]^? depict crystalline nature from layer‐by‐layer arrangement of nanoflakes assisted by π–π stacking and ion‐dipole interactions.     

Identification of Non‐Carbonaceous Cathodes in Al Batteries: Potential Applicability of Black and Blue Phosphorene Monolayers

In the present era of growing energy demands, low‐dimensional materials are emerging as the suitable choices for energy storage due to their excellent ion transport properties, improved reversible capacity, fine rate performance and good cycling stability. In this context, we have investigated the applicability of black and blue phosphorene monolayers as potential cathodes for Al batteries. Both black and blue phosphorene monolayers show similar electrochemical behavior as that of experimentally reported graphite with a charge transfer from the surface in order to bind the tetrahedral geometry of AlCl₄ during the charging process. The adsorption of AlCl₄ drives semiconductor‐to‐metallic transformation of black/blue phosphorene, which ensures constant conductivity in Al batteries. Following the systematic adsorption of AlCl₄, the voltage for black and blue phosphorene is calculated to be ≈1.50 V and ≈1.80 V with storage capacities of 144 mAh g^?1 and 108 mAh g^?1, respectively. Besides, low diffusion barriers of 0.11 eV and 0.14 eV are predicted for AlCl₄ on the respective systems of black and blue phosphorene monolayers. Our work suggests that both black and blue phosphorene monolayers can be potential cathodes for Al batteries with delivery of high storage capacity and high voltage, respectively.     

Magneto-hydrodynamic stability of plane Poiseuille flow with flexible boundaries

MHD stability of plane Poiseuille flow between parallel flexible walls with coplaner magnetic field is analysed. The study is restricted to sufficiently low values of magnetic Reynolds number. The eigen-value problem so posed is then solved graphically and neutral curves are obtained for various sets of magnetic parameter and flexible wall parameters. The nature of influence on flow stability depends on the values of these parameters.     

The synthesis of 3-methyl- and 3,4-dimethyltetrahydroisoquinolines by intramolecular hydroamination with n-butyllithium

The synthesis of 3-methyltetrahydroisoquinolines and 3,4-dimethyltetrahydroisoquinolines from aromatic aminoalkenes using intramolecular hydroamination reactions, mediated by sub-stoichiometric amounts of n-butyllithium, is described.     

A sum rule for the transverse current correlation function in an electron liquid

An exact expression for the first frequency moment sum rule of the transverse current correlation function in an electron liquid is obtained and discussed.