Single Solution-Phase Synthesis of Charged Covalent Organic Framework Nanosheets with High Volume Yield

Covalent organic framework nanosheets (COF-NSs) are emerging building blocks for functional materials, and their scalable fabrication is highly desirable. Current synthetic methods suffer from low volume yields resulting from confined on-surface/at-interface growth space and complex multiple-phase synthesis systems. Herein, we report the synthesis of charged COF-NSs in open space using a single-phase organic solution system, achieving magnitudes higher volume yields of up to 18.7 mg mL⁻¹. Charge-induced electrostatic repulsion forces enable in-plane anisotropic secondary growth from initial discrete and disordered polymers into large and crystalline COF-NSs. The charged COF-NS colloidal suspensions are cast into thin and compact proton exchange membranes (PEMs) with lamellar morphology and oriented crystallinity, displaying outstanding proton conductivity, negligible dimensional swelling, and good H₂/O₂ fuel cell performance.     

Nonlinear dynamic phenomena in macroscopic tunneling

Numerical simulations of the NLSE (or GPE) are presented demonstrating emission of short pulses of the matter (light) density formed in the course of tunneling in wave-guided light and/or trapped BEC. The phenomenon is observed under various conditions, for nonlinearities of different signs, zero nonlinearity included. We study, both numerically and analytically, pulsations of matter (light) remaining within the trap and use the results in order to induce emission of sequential pulses by properly narrowing the trap. This allows us to propose a mechanism for a realization of Atom Pulse Laser.     

Revisiting the perforation of ductile plates by sharp-nosed rigid projectiles

The process of ductile plate perforation by sharp-nosed rigid projectiles is further examined in this work through 2D numerical simulations. We highlight various features concerning the effective resisting stress (σ_r) which a finite thickness plate, with a flow stress of Y_t, exerts on the projectile during perforation. In particular, we show that the normalized resisting stress (σ_r/Y_t) can be represented as a unique function of the normalized thickness of the plate (H/D, where H is plate thickness and D is projectile diameter), for a large range of normalized thicknesses. Our simulations for very thin target plates show that the penetration process is achieved through the well-known dishing mechanism, where the target material is pushed forward by the projectile’s nose. An important observation, which emerges from our simulations, is that the transition between the dishing and the hole enlargement mechanisms takes place at a normalized thickness of about H/D = 1/3. We also find that the normalized resistive stress for intermediate plate thicknesses, 1/3 < H/D < 1.0, is relatively constant at a value of σ_r/Y_t = 2.0. This range of thicknesses conforms to a state of quasi plane stress in the plates. For thicker plates (H/D > 1) the σ_r/Y_t ratio increases monotonically to values which represent the resistance to penetration of semi-infinite targets, where the stress state is characterized by plane strain conditions. Using a simple model, which is based on energy conservation, we can predict the values of the ballistic limit velocities for many projectile/target combinations, provided the perforation is done through the ductile hole enlargement mechanism. Good agreement is demonstrated between predictions from our model and experimental data from different sources, strongly enhancing the confidence in both the validity and usefulness of our model.     

Electrical conductivity of Co doped cuprous oxide

The solubility limit of metals in cuprous oxide is very low and it is therefore difficult to form solid solutions of metal oxides with cuprous oxide. In an on going research looking for such solid solutions and their properties we have prepared Co doped Cu₂O. We report here on measurements of the electrical conductivity of Co doped Cu₂O as a function of the oxygen partial pressure. It is found that Co doped material is an n-type semiconductor in the low oxygen partial pressure regime and p-type at higher oxygen pressures (while undoped Cu₂O is a p-type material throughout the whole existence regime). A point defect model is discussed. The ionic transference number is also measured and is found to be less than 2⋅10⁻⁴. Paper presented at the 2nd Euroconference on Solid State Ionics, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, Sept. 10–16, 1995     

TGA–MS degradation studies of some new aliphatic–aromatic polybenzimidazoles

The degradation of a series of polybenzimidazoles containing metylene groups in the chain was studied by TGA and MS. On heating the polymer derived from m-phenylenediacetic acid and 3,3′-diaminobenzidine to about 560°C in argon, partial fast decomposition into a solid sublimate was observed. The sublimate consisted of a mixture of fractions derived from the breaking of the chain at the methylene bonds. These methylene groups can be preoxidized at 250°C to carbonyl groups, eliminating thereby this mode of decomposition. At temperature higher than 560°C, gaseous products similar to those of the corresponding all-aromatic PBI are obtained.     

Improved algorithms for the random cluster graph model

We model noisy clustering data using random graphs: Clusters correspond to disjoint sets of vertices. Two vertices from the same set (resp., different sets) share an edge with probability p (resp., r < p). We give algorithms that reconstruct the clusters from the graph with high probability. Compared to previous studies, our algorithms have lower time complexity and apply under wider parameter range. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2007     

On the deep penetration of deforming long rods

A series of 2D numerical simulations was performed in order to follow various features in the penetration mechanics of deforming long rods. In particular, we were interested in the threshold velocity which marks the transition from rigid to deforming rod and the resulting depths of penetration around this transition velocity. We simulated various cases in which we varied the yield strengths of the rod and the target, as well as their densities and the nose shape of the rod. With the results of these simulations we constructed a rather simple model which accounts for the threshold velocity from rigid to deforming rod behavior. This model’s predictions are in good agreement with both our simulations and with experimental data for various rods and targets.     

ENDANGERED SPECIES AND NATURAL RESOURCE EXPLOITATION: EXTINCTION VS. COEXISTENCE

A model of renewable resource exploitation under event uncertainty is formulated. The model is applied to analyze the situation in which excessive water diversion for human needs can lead to the extinction of an animal population. Special attention is given to uncertainty regarding the conditions that lead to extinction. The manner in which the potential benefit foregone due to the species' extinction (the “extinction penalty”) induces more conservative exploitation policies is studied in detail. When the extinction penalty is ignored, the optimal policy is to drive the resource stock to a particular equilibrium level from any initial state. When the extinction penalty is accounted for and the conditions that lead to extinction are not fully understood (i.e., involve uncertainty), an interval of equilibrium states is identified, which depends on the penalty and on the immediate extinction risk.     

Graded-index mid-infrared planar optical waveguides made from silver halides

Since the index of refraction of AgCl(x)Br(1-x) (x<1) is higher than that of AgCl, by diffusing Br(-) ions into AgCl it was possible to control the index and thus obtain planar waveguides made from silver chlorobromide (AgClBr) on a AgCl substrate. Silver halides are transparent in the mid IR, and it was therefore possible to characterize the waveguides by transmission of 10.6-mum CO(2)-laser radiation through them. In a typical case, the thickness was optically measured and was found to be 65mum , and the propagation loss was 16 dB/cm. The output-beam profile distribution was determined experimentally and found to be well correlated with a numerical analysis simulation based on a ray-tracing model of the eikonal equation. Planar waveguides that are transparent in the mid IR will likely be useful in numerous applications.     

Performance optimization of PGM and PGM-free catalysts in anion-exchange membrane fuel cells

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - This study focuses on H2-O2 operando AEMFC performance based on several platinum group metal (PGM) and PGM-free catalysts. Specifically, we evaluate the...