Possibilities of surface-sensitive X-ray methods for studying the molecular mechanisms of interaction of nanoparticles with model membranes

The processes of structural rearrangement in a model membrane, i.e., an arachic acid monolayer formed on a colloidal solution of cerium dioxide or magnetite, are studied in situ in real time by the methods of X-ray standing waves and 2D diffraction. It is shown that the character of the interaction of nanoparticles with the monolayer is determined by their nature and sizes and depends on the conditions of nanoparticle synthesis. In particular, the structure formation in the monolayer–particle system is greatly affected by the stabilizer (citric acid), which is introduced into the colloidal solution during synthesis.     

Corannulene vs. C60-fullerene in metal binding reactions: a direct DFT and X-ray structural comparison

DFT calculations and X-ray crystallography were used to directly compare the reactivity of the convex carbon surfaces of C(20)H(10)-corannulene and the C(60)-fullerene toward the diruthenium(i,i) metal cluster.     

Analysis of the Operation of Thermonuclear Inverted-Corona Targets with an Ultrathin Working Layer at the Iskra-5 Laser Facility

Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics - We report on the results of experiments performed on the Iskra-5 laser facility for studying the effect of the polydeuteroethylene (CD2)n working...     

Investigation of the dynamics of the interaction of metal particles with a Langmuir single layer upon an increase in the surface pressure

X-ray studies of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) single layers on the surface of a liquid provide detailed information on the interaction of metal particles with a single layer upon an increase in the surface pressure up to the collapse. Two complementary X-ray methods are used: grazing incidence diffraction and the X-ray standing waves method. The experimental results obtained for a single layer formed on a colloidal solution of magnetite nanoparticles reveal that the increase in the surface pressure is accompanied by an increase in the concentration of nanoparticles near the surface. In a series of experiments where metal particles of submicron size are sputtered onto a DPPC single layer, a sharp decrease in the intensity of the fluorescence yield from metal atoms is observed while the single layer is compressed. These data suggest that metal particles deposited onto the surface of a single layer were extruded into the aqueous subphase.     

Time-resolved X-ray diffraction study of the transition of an amorphous TiCu alloy to the crystalline state

The transition of the TiCu alloy from an amorphous state to the crystalline state has been studied by time-resolved X-ray diffraction. An analysis of the diffraction pattern has shown that the crystallization of the amorphous TiCu alloy upon heating occurs for a short time (no longer than 0.5 s). A sharp transition is observed at the instant of crystallization, at which the intensity of the total diffraction pattern background decreases and diffraction lines of the crystalline phase γ-TiCu arise. No intermediate crystalline phases are observed. The change in the alloy structure is accompanied by the exothermic thermal effect. The kinetics of the change in the total intensity of the diffraction spectrum in the period preceding the crystallization is nonmonotonic. Ten seconds before the occurrence of diffraction lines of the γ-TiCu phase at 300°C, the integrated spectral intensity decreases. The effect observed is related to the relaxation processes in the amorphous state and the onset of formation of long-range structural order.     

Isolation and Hydrogenation of a Complex with a Terminal Iridium–Nitrido Bond

An N for Ir : The synthesis and X‐ray crystal structure of a late‐transition‐metal complex with a terminal nitrido ligand and its hydrogenation to the related amido complex are reported (see scheme).

     

Structure and tribological properties of Cu–PU–PTFE composite coatings prepared by low‐energy electron beam dispersion with glow discharge

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite coatings doped copper acetate and polyurethane (PU) were prepared on rubber substrate by low‐energy electron beam dispersion technique. The effects of dopant and glow discharge treatment on the surface morphology, structure and tribological properties of the coatings were investigated. The results showed that Cu–PTFE composite coatings form uniform surface and dense column structure with spherical aggregations under glow discharge treatment. PU coating shows the large size of protuberance structure but PU–PTFE coating presents spherical structure. Both of the coatings become relative dense and smooth after discharge treatment, and Cu–PU–PTFE composite coatings possess a smoother surface and lower polar component of surface energy. Cu doping weakens the crystallinity and ordering degree of composite coatings, but glow discharge increases the ordering degree and branched structure of C―H groups. Friction experiment indicated that Cu fails to improve the wear resistance of PTFE coatings but glow discharge treatment can do it. Cu–PU–PTFE coatings after discharge treatment have the higher wear resistance and lower coefficient of friction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Filtration combustion of a porous structure in a multicomponent gas environment

A mathematical model for describing the quasi-isobaric filtration combustion of porous materials with the formation of condensed reaction products in a multicomponent gas is developed. Two-stage combustion waves (control modes) at the counter filtration of gas mixture are examined. The effect of inert gas component on the structure of a two-stage filtration combustion wave is studied, and the critical conditions of the changeover between filtration combustion modes caused by inert gas concentration variation are determined. It is demonstrated the characteristics of the two-stage combustion front propagating in the control mode in a multicomponent gas flow depends on the porosity of the heterogeneous system.