Observation of backward η production

The production of η mesons has been observed at high momentum transfer in the reaction π⁻p → nη. The ratio between this cross-section and that for backward charge exchange yields a value for the relative couplings g²_ηNN/g²_πNN.     

Leaky Rayleigh wave investigation on mortar samples

Aggressive mineralized ground water may harm the concrete cover of tunnels and other underground constructions. Within a current research project mortar samples are used to study the effects of sulfate interaction in accelerated laboratory experiments. A nondestructive test method based on ultrasonic surface waves was developed to investigate the topmost layer of mortar samples. A pitch and catch arrangement is introduced for the generation and reception of leaky Rayleigh waves in an immersion technique allowing the measurement of their propagation velocity. The technique has been successfully verified for the reference materials aluminium, copper, and stainless steel. First measurements performed on mortar specimens demonstrate the applicability of this new diagnostic tool.     

Diffusing-Wave Spectroscopy of Concentrated Alumina Suspensions during Gelation

Using diffusing-wave spectroscopy, we followed the aggregation and gelation of concentrated (30 vol%) alumina suspensions. The suspensions were destabilized by either shifting the pH to the isoelectric point or by increasing the ionic strength. Both effects can be achieved continuously and homogeneously by using an enzyme-catalyzed internal chemical reaction. Based on the light-scattering data, we could derive quantitative information about the sol-gel transition and the viscoelastic properties of the gels, as well as a characterization of changes in the microstructure. The elastic moduli determined from light scattering are found to be in good agreement with rheological measurements. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.     

Cobaloxime Complex Salts: Synthesis,Patterning on Carbon Nanomembranes and Heterogeneous Hydrogen Evolution Studies

Cobaloximes are promising, earth-abundant catalysts for the light-driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Typically, these cobalt(III) complexes are prepared in situ or employed in their neutral form, for example, [Co(dmgH)₂(py)Cl], even though related complex salts have been reported previously and could, in principle, offer improved catalytic activity as well as more efficient immobilization on solid support. Herein, we report an interdisciplinary investigation into complex salts [Co(dmgH)₂(py)₂]⁺[Co(dmgBPh₂)₂Cl₂]⁻, and [Co(dmgH)₂(py)₂]⁺BArF⁻. We describe their strategic syntheses from the commercially available complex [Co(dmgH)₂(py)Cl] and demonstrate that these double and single complex salts are potent catalysts for the light-driven HER. We also show that scanning electrochemical cell microscopy can be used to deposit arrays of catalysts [Co(dmgH)₂(py)₂]⁺[Co(dmgBPh₂)₂Cl₂]⁻, and [Co(dmgH)₂(py)Cl] on supported and free-standing amino-terminated ∼1-nm-thick carbon nanomembranes (CNMs). Photocatalytic H₂ evolution at such arrays was quantified with Pd microsensors by scanning electrochemical microscopy, thus providing a new approach for catalytic evaluation and opening up novel routes for the creation and analysis of “designer catalyst arrays”, nanoprinted in a desired pattern on a solid support.     

Static and dynamic light scattering in turbid suspensions

The application of static and dynamic light scattering to many colloidal systems of practical interest has often been considered too complicated due to strong multiple scattering. There are two new approaches to overcome this problem. One of them aims at suppressing contributions from multiple scattering using novel cross‐correlation schemes. While this relies on the suppression of multiple scattering, the so‐called diffusing wave spectroscopy (DWS) works in the limit of very strong multiple scattering. DWS can be used for the characterization of dynamic and static properties of colloidal systems on a large range of time and length scales ranging from a few Ångstroms to hundreds of nanometers. We demonstrate that a wealth of information can be obtained from these methods on the structure, dynamics, interaction effects, stability, aggregation, and sol‐gel transition in colloidal dispersions.     

Exchange bias and domain evolution at 10 nm scales

For a fixed 2 μm×2 μm area of a Co/Pt-CoO perpendicular exchange bias system we image the ferromagnetic (FM) domains for various applied fields with 10-nm resolution by magnetic force microscopy (MFM). Using quantitative MFM we measure the local areal density of pinned uncompensated spins (pinUCS) in the antiferromagnetic (AFM) CoO layer and correlate the FM domain structure with the UCS density. Larger applied fields drive the receding domains to areas of proportionally higher pinUCS aligned antiparallel to FM moments. The data confirm that the evolution of the FM domains is determined by the pinUCS in the AFM layer, and also present examples of frustration in the system.     

Poly(γ‐glutamic acid)/Silica Hybrids with Calcium Incorporated in the Silica Network by Use of a Calcium Alkoxide Precursor

Current materials used for bone regeneration are usually bioactive ceramics or glasses. Although they bond to bone, they are brittle. There is a need for new materials that can combine bioactivity with toughness and controlled biodegradation. Sol‐gel hybrids have the potential to do this through their nanoscale interpenetrating networks (IPN) of inorganic and organic components. Poly(γ‐glutamic acid) (γ‐PGA) was introduced into the sol‐gel process to produce a hybrid of γ‐PGA and bioactive silica. Calcium is an important element for bone regeneration but calcium sources that are used traditionally in the sol‐gel process, such as Ca salts, do not allow Ca incorporation into the silicate network during low‐temperature processing. The hypothesis for this study was that using calcium methoxyethoxide (CME) as the Ca source would allow Ca incorporation into the silicate component of the hybrid at room temperature. The produced hybrids would have improved mechanical properties and controlled degradation compared with hybrids of calcium chloride (CaCl₂), in which the Ca is not incorporated into the silicate network. Class II hybrids, with covalent bonds between the inorganic and organic species, were synthesised by using organosilane. Calcium incorporation in both the organic and inorganic IPNs of the hybrid was improved when CME was used. This was clearly observed by using FTIR and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, which showed ionic cross‐linking of γ‐PGA by Ca and a lower degree of condensation of the Si species compared with the hybrids made with CaCl₂ as the Ca source. The ionic cross‐linking of γ‐PGA by Ca resulted in excellent compressive strength and reduced elastic modulus as measured by compressive testing and nanoindentation, respectively. All hybrids showed bioactivity as hydroxyapatite (HA) was formed after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF).