Structural and electronic properties of cobalt carbide Co2C and its surface stability: Density functional theory study

Density functional theory calculations have been performed to investigate the structural and electronic properties of bulk Co₂C and the stability of low index Co₂C surfaces. We found that the formation of Co₂C is exothermic with the formation energy of ? 0.81 eV/Co₂C with respect to Co under the presence of syngas (mixture of CO and H₂). While formed Co₂C can be decomposed further to metal Co and graphite carbon with modest energy gain of 0.37 eV/Co₂C. This suggests that Co₂C is only metastable in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, which agrees well with experimental findings. The density of states (DOSs) reveals that the Co₂C is paramagnetic and strong metallic-like. The difference of charge density analysis indicates that the bond of Co₂C is of the mixtures of metallic, covalent, and ionic properties. A variety of low index Co₂C surfaces with different terminations are studied. We find that the surface energy of low index stoichiometric Co₂C highly relies on the surface area, the number of coordination of surface atoms and the surface dipole, with the decreased stability order of (101) > (011) > (010) > (110) > (100) > (001) = (111). Our results indicate that under Co-poor condition, the formation of non ? stoichiometric surface (011) and (111) without terminated cobalt is energetically more favorable, while under Co-rich condition the formation of non ? stoichiometric (111) surface with cobalt overlayer are preferential.     

Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids with Promoting Neurite Growth from Tabernaemontana divaricata

Main observation and conclusion Phytochemical investigations on Tabernaemontana divaricata led to the isolation of seven undescribed monoterpenoid indole alka-l...     

Highly efficient toughening effect of ultrafine full-vulcanized powdered rubber on poly(lactic acid)(PLA)

A unique ultrafine full-vulcanized powdered ethyl acrylate rubber (EA-UFPR) was used as the toughening modifier for poly (lactic acid) (PLA). Largely improved tensile toughness was successfully achieved with the incorporation of only 1 wt% EA-UFPR, while the tensile strength and modulus of the blends were almost the same as pure PLA. The highly efficient toughening of PLA by UFPR is mainly ascribed to the strong interfacial interaction between PLA and UFPR and good dispersion of UFPR particles in PLA matrix. Our work provides an effective toughening method to largely improve the mechanical properties of PLA without sacrificing its stiffness, which is very important for the wide application of PLA materials.     

Computational studies on 3,5,7,10,12,14,15,16-octanitro-3,5,7,10,12,14,15,16-octaaza-pentacyclo[7.5.1.12,8.04,13.06,11]hexadecane as potential high-energy-density compound

The B3LYP/6-31G(d) method of density functional theory was used to study molecular geometry, electronic structure, infrared spectrum, and thermodynamic properties. Detonation properties were evaluated using Kamlet–Jacobs equations based on the calculated density and heat of formation. Thermal stability of 3,5,7,10,12,14,15,16-octanitro-3,5,7,10,12,14,15,16-octaaza-pentacyclo[7.5.1.1^2,8.0^4,13.0^6,11]hexadecane (cage-HMX) was investigated by calculating the bond dissociation energy at unrestricted B3LYP/6-31G(d) level. The calculated results show that the first step of pyrolysis is the rupture of the N–NO₂ bond. The crystal structure obtained by molecular mechanics belongs to P2₁ space group, with lattice parameters a = 8.866 Å, b = 11.527 Å, c = 13.011 Å, Z = 4, and ρ = 2.219 g cm^?3. Both the detonation velocity of 9.79 km s^?1 and the detonation pressure of 45.45 GPa are better than those of CL-20. According to the quantitative standard of energetics and stability as a high-energy-density compound, cage-HMX essentially satisfies this requirement. These results provide basic information for molecular design of novel HEDCs.     

A new method for the determination of the 34S/32S ratio of water-soluble sulphur in soil

A new method for the determination of the ³⁴S/³²S ratio of water-extractable sulphate in soil is described. Soils are extracted directly with deionized water, which is evaporated down. The remaining residue is then rehydrated and transferred to tin cups containing an adsorbent and mixed with an oxygen donor (V₂O₅). Samples are then analysed using a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The new method requires around 10?g soil per determination, compared to much larger amounts (up to kilograms) of soil required for the previous methods. Sample preparation and subsequent analysis is quick and efficient. The method is demonstrated using a number of soils collected from around the world to provide a range of determined δ³⁴S values. The δ³⁴S values of water-extractable sulphur were broadly similar to those of the soil total sulphur.     

Isolation and Structural Study on Carbohydrates from Cynanchum otophyllum and Cynanchum paniculatum

Three new carbohydrates were isolated from the acidic hydrolysis part of the ethyl acetate extract of Cynanchum otophyllum Schneid (Asclepiadaceae) and one new carbohydrate from the ethyl acetate extract of Cynanchum paniculatum Kitagawa. Their structures were determined as methyl 2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-α-D-arabino-hexopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,6-deoxy-3-O-methyl-β-D-arabino-hexopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-α-D-arabino-hexopyranoside (1), ethyl 2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-α-l-lyxo-hexopyranoside (2), met hyl 2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-α-l-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-β-D-lyxo-hexopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-α-D-arabino-hexopyranoside (3), and 2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-β-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-α-d-arabino-hexopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-2,6-dideoxy-3-O-methyl-α -d-arabino-hexopyranose (4), respectively, by spectral methods.     

Coral reef-like polyanaline nanotubes prepared by a reactive template of manganese oxide for supercapacitor electrode

Coral reef-like PANI nanotubes composed of nanopaticles were successfully synthesized by a reactive template of manganese oxide.The structure was characterized by using SEM,TEM,and FT-IR,and the supercapacitive behaviors of these nanotubes were investigated with cyclic voltammetry（CV）,and charge-discharge tests,respectively.A maximum specific capacitance of 533 F/g could be achieved in 1mol/L aqueous H₂SO₄ with the potential range of -0.2 to 0.8 V（vs.the saturated calomel electrode） in a half-cell setup configuration for PANI electrode,suggesting its potential application in the electrode material for electrochemical capacitors.     

Diethyl phenylphosphonite contributing to solid electrolyte interphase and cathode electrolyte interphase for lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal batteries have obtained increasing interest due to their high specific capacity.Nonetheless,the growth of lithium dendrites brings safety risks to...     

Direct transition metal-free C-S bond formation: synthesis of 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives via base-mediated approach

A general, efficient, and more practical protocol for the base-mediated intermolecular or intramolecular S-arylation leading to the 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives is reported. Remarkably, all reactions were carried out under transition-metal-free conditions with good to excellent yields, rendering the methodology presented herein highly valuable from both environmental and economic points of view.