Synthesis and characterization of catalytic iridium nanoparticles in imidazolium ionic liquids

The reduction of [Ir(cod)Cl](2) (cod=1,5-cyclooctadiene) dissolved in 1-n-butyl-3-methyl tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate and trifluoromethane sulphonate ionic liquids in the presence of 1-decene by molecular hydrogen produces Ir(0) nanoparticles. The formation of these nanoparticles follows the two-step [A-->B, A+B-->2B (k(1),k(2))] autocatalytic mechanism. The same mean diameter values of around 2-3 nm were estimated from in situ TEM and SAXS analyses of the Ir(0) nanoparticles dispersed in the ionic liquids and by XRD of the isolated material. XPS and EXAFS analyses clearly show the interactions of the ionic liquid with the metal surface demonstrating the formation of an ionic liquid protective layer surrounding the iridium nanoparticles. SAXS analysis indicated the formation of an ionic liquid layer surrounding the metal particles with an extended molecular length of around 2.8-4.0 nm depending on the type of the anion.     

Theoretical evidence of PtSn alloy efficiency for CO oxidation

The efficiency of PtSn alloy surfaces toward CO oxidation is demonstrated from first-principles theory. Oxidation kinetics based on atomistic density-functional theory calculations shows that the Pt3Sn surface alloy exhibits a promising catalytic activity for fuel cells. At room temperature, the corresponding rate outstrips the activity of Pt(111) by several orders of magnitude. According to the oxidation pathways, the activation barriers are actually lower on Pt3Sn(111) and Pt3Sn/Pt(111) surfaces than on Pt(111). A generalization of Hammer's model is proposed to elucidate the key role of tin on the lowering of the barriers. Among the energy contributions, a correlation is evidenced between the decrease of the barrier and the strengthening of the attractive interaction energy between CO and O moieties. The presence of tin modifies also the symmetry of the transition states which are composed of a CO adsorbate on a Pt near-top position and an atomic O adsorption on an asymmetric mixed PtSn bridge site. Along the reaction pathways, a CO2 chemisorbed surface intermediate is obtained on all the surfaces. These results are supported by a thorough vibrational analysis including the coupling with the surface phonons which reveals the existence of a stretching frequency between the metal substrate and the CO2 molecule.     

On the variations of acoustic absorption peak with particle velocity in micro-perforated panels at high level of excitation

The acoustic behavior of micro-perforated panels (MPP) is studied theoretically and experimentally at high level of pressure excitation. A model based on Forchheimer's regime of flow velocity in the perforations is proposed. This model is valid at relatively high Reynolds numbers and low Mach numbers. The experimental method consists in measuring the acoustical pressure at three different positions in an impedance tube, the two measurement positions usually considered in an impedance tube and one measurement in the vicinity of the rear surface of the MPP. The impedance tube is equipped with a pressure driver instead of the usual loudspeaker and capable of delivering a high sound pressure level up to 160 dB. MPP specimens made out of steel, dural and polypropylene were tested. Measurements using random noise or sinusoidal excitation in a frequency range between 200 and 1600 Hz were carried out on MPPs backed by air cavities. It was observed that the maximum of absorption can be a positive or a negative function of the flow velocity in the perforations. This suggests the existence of a maximum of absorption as a function of flow velocity. This behavior was predicted by the model and confirmed experimentally.     

A feedback algorithm for polarization control using two rotatable wave plates with variable birefringence

In this paper, we present a simple and effective feedback algorithm for endless polarization control that uses two wave plates with rotating axes and variable birefringence. We derive the error function and introduce the principle of the feedback control algorithm, and then we prove its feasibility with simulations.     

Manganèse et imagerie de résonance magnétique du développement cérébral

Divalent manganese ion Mn²⁺ is paramagnetic and has played an important role in the history of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and in Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI). In another way it can be taken up by neurons as an analog to Ca²⁺. So, particular interest in the use of Mn²⁺ stems from its potential as an MRI contrast for cerebral studies on normal rodent and on experimental models of diseases. This work presents the three major classes of applications of the Manganese-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MEMRI) for brain experimental studies. The utility of MEMRI method for following development of the brain in physiological and pathological states is particularly pointed out.     

Gelatine sizing and discoloration: A comparative study of optical spectra obtained from ancient and artificially aged modern papers

The role of gelatine sizing in ancient paper discoloration is still subject to debate. In this report we have addressed this issue by comparing the optical reflectance of sized and non-sized artificially aged modern papers with reflectance data obtained from a set of ancient specimens. We have used different ageing procedures and prepared the gelatine following methods set down in ancient recipes. Gelatine-sized aged papers showed an optical response comparable with that of ancient paper specimens, while very small reflectance modifications were observed in pure cellulose unsized samples under the same ageing conditions. In addition, measurements carried out on pure gelatine films confirmed that gelatine plays a major role in paper discoloration. Some differences in discoloration effects induced by artificial and natural ageing on sized paper are discussed and a possible explanation is proposed.     

Experimental observation of the straining field responsible for vortex ring instabilityObservation expérimentale du champ responsable de l'instabilité du tourbillon torique

The aim of this work is to show experimentally the straining field responsible for the vortex ring instability. To do so, the velocity field in the neighbourhood of the core is measured with Particle Image Velocimetry. This field is compared with the one coming from theoretical work on a thin vortex ring in an ideal fluid. Theoretical and experimental data fit well. This indicates that the linear phase of the instability is weakly influenced by viscosity. To cite this article: A. Dazin et al., C. R. Mecanique 332 (2004).     

A Magnetic Ionic Liquid Based on Tetrachloroferrate Exhibits Three‐Dimensional Magnetic Ordering: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Magnetic Interaction Mechanism

A new magnetic ionic liquid (MIL) with 3D antiferromagnetic ordering has been synthetized and characterized. The information obtained from magnetic characterization was supplemented by analysis of DFT calculations and the magneto‐structural correlations. The result gives no evidence for direct iron‐iron interactions, corroborating that the 3D magnetic ordering in MILs takes place via super‐exchange coupling containing two diamagnetic atoms intermediaries.