Nuclear structure of97Y in the interacting boson-fermion model

Unique-parity states of⁹⁷Y are studied in the framework of the interacting boson-fermion model (IBFM). Spin assignments for the levels of the unique-parity yrast band are proposed on the basis of nuclear systematics and the IBFM band pattern associated with coupling of a particle-type quasiparticle (g_9/2) to the SU(5) core₃₈ ⁹⁶Sr₅₈. The good fit of the experimental data with the IBFM calculations confirms the single particle character of this immediate neighbour of the doubly sub-magic nucleus⁹⁶Zr.     

Low-lying states and degree of chaoticity of40K in IBFFM

The results of aγ-γ angular correlation and a low energyγ-ray singles measurement using thermal neutron capture in³⁹K are presented. The properties of low-lying levels of⁴⁰K are interpreted in a comparison of the experimental data with the Interacting-Boson-Fermion-Fermion Model (IBFFM). The level fluctuation properties of the IBFFM spectrum are analysed and a sizeable deviation from chaoticity is found.     

Structure of the neutron-rich nucleus 37 94 rb57

A level scheme has been established for ₃₇ ⁹⁴ Rb₅₇ based on studies at the fission-product separator JOSEF ofγγ coincidences following theβ- decay of⁹⁴Kr. For the 190.7 keV level a half-life of 2.5(8) ns has been determined through the centroid-shift method. The majorβ-decay branch of⁹⁴Kr proceeds with log ft=3.7 into the 988.4 keV state in⁹⁴Rb. This transition must be of the 0⁺→1⁺ GT type involving the transitionνg_7/2→πg_9/2. IBFFM calculations have been performed for⁹⁴Rb, starting from the parametrization used in the previous IBM investigations for the isotope⁹³Rb and the isotone⁹⁶Y. A theoretical interpretation of the low-lying levels including propositions for the spins is given in a comparison to the available data.     

Aggregation and Deposition Characteristics of Fullerene Nanoparticles in Aqueous Systems

The propensity of n-C₆₀ to aggregate and deposit will play a key role in determining its longevity in aquatic systems, and therefore the potential exposure and risk presented by these colloids. We consider the origin of n-C₆₀ stability and compare the aggregation and deposition characteristics of n-C₆₀ under conditions of variable ionic strength using an indifferent electrolyte. Relatively weak electrolyte solutions (0.001 M) were observed to destabilize suspensions of n-C₆₀ resulting in the formation of settleable aggregates. This behavior supports the hypothesis that the stabilizing mechanism for n-C₆₀ clusters is electrostatic in origin. Similarly, the deposition of n-C₆₀ in porous media increased as ionic strength increased. These observations suggest that under some conditions present in natural aquatic systems, these materials may have limited mobility as they form large aggregates that may settle out of suspension or deposit on surfaces. These phenomena may, at least partially, offset any risk presented by n-C₆₀ toxicity due to a reduced potential for exposure.     

H2 Production via the Steam Reforming of Methanol Over NiAl-layered Double Hydroxide Derived Catalysts

This article reviews our recent results on the steam reforming of methanol over a series of NiAl-layered double hydroxide catalysts prepared by the co-precipitation method. The influence of calcination temperature, reaction temperature, pretreatment temperature and atmospheres, inorganic salt ions and steam to methanol ratio on the catalytic performance was studied. The major products for many of the catalysts were H₂, CO, CO₂ and CH₄. However, the product composition varies significantly with the experimental parameters and high selectivity for CO₂ and H₂ was observed under various conditions, showing the potential of Ni based catalysts for the production of highly pure hydrogen.     

An Explicit Derivation of the Möbius Function for Bruhat Order

We give an explicit nonrecursive complete matching for the Hasse diagram of the strong Bruhat order of any interval in any Coxeter group. This yields a new derivation of the Möbius function, recovering a classical result due to Verma.     

Temperature and composition dependent structural investigation of the defect perovskite series Sr1−xTi1−2xNb2xO3, 0≤x≤0.2

The crystal structure of the defect perovskite series Sr_1−xTi_1−2xNb_2xO₃ has been investigated over a range of temperatures using high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and electron diffraction. Three distinct regions were observed: 0<x≤0.125 was a solid solution of Sr_1−xTi_1−2xNb_2xO₃ with minor SrTiO₃ intergrowth, 0.125<x≤0.2 was a pure Sr_1−xTi_1−2xNb_2xO₃ solid solution adopting the cubic perovskite type structure (Pm3¯m) and for x>0.2 Sr_0.8Ti_0.6Nb_0.4O₃ and Sr₃TiNb₄O₁₅ formed a two phase region. The cubic structure for Sr_0.8Ti_0.6Nb_0.4O₃ was stable over the temperature range 90-1248 K and the thermal expansion co-efficient was determined to be 8.72(9)×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹. Electron diffraction studies revealed diffuse scattering due to local scale Ti/Nb displacements and slightly enhanced octahedral rotations that did not lead to long range order. The octahedral rotations were observed to ‘lock-in’ at temperatures below ∼75 K resulting in a tetragonal structure (I4/mcm) with anti-phase octahedral tilting about the c-axis.     

IBFFM yrast states in odd-odd nuclei associated withO(6) andSU(3) limits

In the Interacting Boson-Fermion-Fermion Model (IBFFM) for odd-odd nuclei the yrast states are calculated for \(\tilde j_\pi = \tilde h_{1 1/2} ,\tilde j_v = \tilde i_{1 3/2} \) , proton-neutron configurations coupled to theO(6) andSU(3) boson core. The results are discussed in terms of the strongly coupled/ decoupled band type criterion and in comparison to the peaceful and conflicting case of asymmetric rotor model.     

The refined lecture hall theorem via abacus diagrams

Bousquet-Mélou & Eriksson’s lecture hall theorem generalizes Euler’s celebrated distinct-odd partition theorem. We present an elementary and transparent proof of a refined version of the lecture hall theorem using a simple bijection involving abacus diagrams.