Oscillating multidromion excitations in higher-dimensional nonlinear lattice with intersite and external on-site potentials using symbolic computation

We show by an extensive method of quasi-discrete multiple-scale approximation that nonlinear multi-dimensional lattice waves subjected to intersite and external on-site potentials are found to be governed by (N +1)-dimensional nonlinear Schro¨dinger (NLS) equation. In particular, the resonant mode interaction of (2+1)-dimensional NLS equation has been identified and the theory allows the inclusion of transverse effect. We apply the exponential function method to the (2+1)-dimensional NLS equation and obtain the class of soliton solutions with a purely algebraic computational method. Notably, we discuss in detail the effects of the external on-site potentials on the explicit form of the soliton solution generated recursively. Under the action of the external on-site potentials, the model presents a rich variety of oscillating multidromion patterns propagating in the system.     

A priori investigation of subgrid correlation of mixture fraction and progress variable in partially premixed flames

Subgrid correlation of mixture fraction, Z, and progress variable, c, is investigated using direct numerical dimulation (DNS) data of a hydrogen lifted jet flame. Joint subgrid behaviour of these two scalars are obtained using a Gaussian-type filter for a broad range of filter sizes. A joint probability density function (JPDF) constructed using single-snapshot DNS data is compared qualitatively with that computed using two independent β-PDFs and a copula method. Strong negative correlation observed at different streamwise locations in the flame is captured well by the copula method. The subgrid contribution to the Z–c correlation becomes important if the filter is of the size of the laminar flame thickness or larger. A priori assessment for the filtered reaction rate using the flamelet approach with independent β-PDFs and correlated JPDF is then performed. Comparison with the DNS data shows that both models provide reasonably good results for a range of filter sizes. However, the reaction rate computed using copula JPDF is found to have a better agreement with the DNS data for large filter sizes because the subgrid Z–c correlation effect is included.     

Nb2O5 as a new electron transport layer for double junction polymer solar cells

Nb(2)O(5) as a new electron transport layer (ETL) was used for double junction polymer solar cells. The Nb(2)O(5) ETL was prepared by spin coating a Nb(2)O(5) sol-gel solution onto the active layer of the optical front subcell. The double junction devices using Nb(2)O(5) ETL exhibit an open circuit voltage (V(oc)) of 1.30 V, which is close to the sum of the s of the individual subcells. The current density-voltage (J-V) simulation showed that the double junction device performance using Nb(2)O(5) as ETL could be significantly increased by reducing the series resistance (R(se)) and matching the current densities of the individual subcells.     

Influence of aging time of the starting solution on the physical properties of fluorine doped zinc oxide films deposited by a simplified spray pyrolysis technique

Fluorine doped zinc oxide (FZO) films were fabricated from fresh and aged (4, 8, 12 and 16 days) starting solutions using a simplified and low cost spray pyrolysis technique. The X-ray diffraction study showed that the preferential orientation is along the (0 0 2) plane for all the films irrespective of the age of the solution. The crystallite size calculated using the Scherrer’s formula is comparatively smaller only for the film prepared from the starting solution having aging time 4 days which may be due to the efficient incorporation of fluorine atoms into the ZnO lattice. This phenomenon is confirmed by the minimum resistivity value (3.14 × 10⁻² Ω cm) obtained in this particular case. The visible transmittance and the optical band gap values are found to be in the range of 63–83% and 3.20–3.31 eV, respectively. The optical transmittance is found to decrease gradually as the aging time of the solution increases and the optical band gap is found to be slightly higher in the case of the film prepared from the fourth day solution. The scanning electron microscopy results depicted that the microstructure of ZnO:F films are largely influenced by the aging of the starting solution.     

Low-temperature deposition and crystallization of RuO2/TiO2 on cotton fabric for efficient solar photocatalytic degradation of o-toluidine

A green low-temperature deposition and crystallization method was developed to uniformly coat RuO₂/TiO₂ nanocomposite onto cotton fabrics for efficient solar photocatalysis. The sequential growth of anatase TiO₂ and rutile RuO₂ on the surface of the cotton was confirmed by XRD, Raman and XPS characterizations. After the deposition of RuO₂, the optical properties of RuO₂/TiO₂/Cotton revealed better visible light absorption and higher charge mobility, and XPS spectra showed that the peaks of Ti 2p_3/2 and O 1 s shifted towards the lower binding energies due to the interfacial charge transfer at the robust RuO₂/TiO₂ mediated with Ti–O–Ru bonding. The photocatalytic performances of the RuO₂/TiO₂/Cotton were evaluated towards the photodegradation of o-toluidine (o-TD), an aromatic amine widely used in the chemical industry. Compared with TiO₂/Cotton, RuO₂/TiO₂/Cotton exhibited a remarkable improvement in the photocatalytic activity. The presence of RuO₂ on the surface of TiO₂/Cotton narrowed the band gap and improved the absorption of visible light. Moreover, the successful formation of a robust heterogeneous interface between TiO₂ and RuO₂ suppressed the charge carrier (e^–/h⁺) recombination effectively. With the RuO₂/TiO₂ coating chemically bound to the cotton fibers, RuO₂/TiO₂/Cotton delivered long-term stability in photocatalytic activity and high mechanical durability even after 20 washing times. Our facile and scalable synthesis strategy paved a universal route to efficient immobilization of visible-light-responsible TiO₂-based photocatalysts on the low-heat-resistant substrates for various applications.

Graphical abstract

     

Anisotropic Mössbauer elastic scattering fraction of partially (47%) disordered polyvinylidene fluoride (PVF2)

The temperature dependent longitudinal and transverse Mossbauer elastic scattering fraction (MESF) of 47% disordered PVF₂ have been computed using anisotropic dynamical model valid for polymer of any degree of crystallinity. The calculated values show a marked anisotropy between the longitudinal and transverse fractions which can be easily observed.     

An unusual reductive cyclization

Li-NH₃ reduction of 1α-Ethynyl-1β-hydroxy-6-oxo-8a-methyl-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,8a octahydronaphthalene 5 furnishes, in addition to reported products, the tricyclic compound $\text{8}$.     

NaIO4/KI/NaCl: a new reagent system for iodination of activated aromatics through in situ generation of iodine monochloride

A new reagent system consisting of NaIO₄/KI/NaCl in aq AcOH has been found to be effective in iodinating a variety of activated aromatic substrates via in situ-generated iodine monochloride, to furnish iodoaromatics in excellent yields. This iodination procedure has been applied successfully for a cost-effective synthesis of 3,3′-diaminobenzidine, a key intermediate for preparing proton conducting membranes for fuel cell applications, with high yield and a purity of 99.7%.     

Synthesis of ethyl-α- propargyl acrylate - a useful five carbon synthon

The title compound has been synthesised via an alkylation, Wittig-Horner reaction sequence, Michael addition of several active methylene substrates with compound 1 has been carried out.