The Role of Alkali Cation Intercalates on the Electrochemical Characteristics of Nb2CTX MXene for Energy Storage

The intercalation of cations into layered-structure electrode materials has long been studied in depth for energy storage applications. In particular, Li⁺-, Na⁺-, and K⁺-based cation transport in energy storage devices such as batteries and electrochemical capacitors is closely related to the capacitance behavior. We have exploited different sizes of cations from aqueous salt electrolytes intercalating into a layered Nb₂CT_x electrode in a supercapacitor for the first time. As a result, we have demonstrated that capacitive performance was dependent on cation intercalation behavior. The interlayer spacing expansion of the electrode material can be observed in Li₂SO₄, Na₂SO₄, and K₂SO₄ electrolytes with d-spacing. Additionally, our results showed that the Nb₂CT_x electrode exhibited higher electrochemical performance in the presence of Li₂SO₄ than in that of Na₂SO₄ and K₂SO₄. This is partly because the smaller-sized Li⁺ transports quickly and intercalates between the layers of Nb₂CT_x easily. Poor ion transport in the Na₂SO₄ electrolyte limited the electrode capacitance and presented the lowest electrochemical performance, although the cation radius follows Li⁺>Na⁺>K⁺. Our experimental studies provide direct evidence for the intercalation mechanism of Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺ on the 2D layered Nb₂CT_x electrode, which provides a new path for exploring the relationship between intercalated cations and other MXene electrodes.     

Separation of isomeric disaccharides by traveling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry using CO2 as drift gas

The use of CO₂ as a massive and polarizable drift gas is shown to greatly improve peak‐to‐peak resolution (R_p‐p), as compared with N₂, for the separation of disaccharides in a Synapt G2 traveling wave ion mobility cell. Near or baseline R_p‐p was achieved for three pairs of sodiated molecules of disaccharide isomers, that is, cellobiose and sucrose (R_p‐p = 0.76), maltose and sucrose (R_p‐p = 1.04), and maltose and lactose (R_p‐p = 0.74). Ion mobility mass spectrometry using CO₂ as the drift gas offers therefore an attractive alternative for fast and efficient separation of isomeric disaccharides. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

NMR at very low fields

Although nuclear magnetic resonance in low fields around or below the Earth's magnetic field is almost as old as nuclear magnetic resonance itself, the recent years have experienced a revival of this technique that is opposed to the common trend towards higher and higher fields. The background of this development is the expectation that the low-field domain may open a new window for the study of molecular structure and dynamics. Here, we will give an overview on the specific features in the low-field domain, both from the technical and from the physical point of view. In addition, we present a short passage on the option of magnetic resonance imaging in fields of the micro-Tesla range.     

High Stability of a Phosphenium Ion Allows Umpolung of P--H Bonds

The high intrinsic stability of 1,3,2-diazaphospholenium cations enhances ionic polarization of covalent P--X bonds in P -halogeno- and P -hydrido-diazaphospholenes. The physical properties of the latter suggest a hydridic nature of the P--H bond, and their reactivities display an "Umpolung" as compared to known reaction patterns of phosphines.     

Synthesis and Study of a Sulfur Heterocycle Fused p-Phenylene Vinylene Conducting Polymer

Abstract

Poly(benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-4,8-diyl vinylene) (1) has been prepared by the pyrolysis of the precursor polymer 2 and studied. Quantum mechanical calculations on the aromatic and quinoid monomers, oligomers and polymers indicate that 1 is a planar aromatic polymer.