Disordered elastic systems and one-dimensional interfaces

We briefly introduce the generic framework of disordered elastic systems (DES), giving a short ‘recipe’ of a DES modeling and presenting the quantities of interest in order to probe the static and dynamical disorder-induced properties of such systems. We then focus on a particular low-dimensional DES, namely the one-dimensional interface in short-ranged elasticity and short-ranged quenched disorder. Illustrating different elements given in the introductory sections, we discuss specifically the consequences of the interplay between a finite temperature T>0$T>0$ and a finite interface width ξ>0$\xi >0$ on the static geometrical fluctuations at different lengthscales, and the implications on the quasistatic dynamics.     

About the TATB assumption: effect of charge reversal on transfer of large spherical ions from aqueous to non-aqueous solvents and on their interfacial behaviour

We present a molecular dynamics study of the solvation properties of large spherical ions S⁺ and S⁻ of same size, in water, chloroform and acetonitrile solutions, and at a water–chloroform interface. According to the “extrathermodynamic” TATB hypothesis, such ions have identical free energies of transfer from water to any solvent. We find that this is not the case, because S⁻ interacts better than S⁺ with water (by about 20 kcal mol⁻¹), while S⁺ is better solvated by acetonitrile (by about 2 kcal mol⁻¹) and chloroform (about 8 kcal mol⁻¹) solvents. The importance of “long-range” electrostatic interactions on the charge discrimination by solvent is demonstrated by the comparison of standard vs corrected methods to calculate: (i) the electrostatic potential at the centre of the solute; (ii) the interaction energies between the ions and the solvents; and (iii) the free energies of charging the neutral sphere S⁰ to S⁺ and S⁻, respectively. These conclusions are obtained with several solvent models and simulation conditions. The question of ion pairing for the S⁺S⁻, S⁺Cl⁻ and S⁻Na⁺ pairs is also examined in the three solvents. Finally, simulations at a liquid–liquid water–chloroform interface represented explicitly, show that S⁺ and S⁻ are highly surface active, although they do not possess, like classical surfactants, an amphiphilic topology. Adsorption at the interface is found with different methodologies and at different ion concentrations. These results are important in the context of the “TATB hypothesis”, and for our understanding of solvation of large hydrophobic ions in pure liquids or in heterogeneous liquid environments.     

Hexagonal AlN films grown on nominal and off-axis Si(0 0 1) substrates

Nucleation and growth of wurtzite AlN layers on nominal and off-axis Si(0 0 1) substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy is reported. The nucleation and the growth dynamics have been studied in situ by reflection high-energy electron diffraction. For the films grown on the nominal Si(0 0 1) surface, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction investigations revealed a two-domain film structure (AlN¹ and AlN²) with an epitaxial orientation relationship of [0 0 0 1]_AlN || [0 0 1]_Si and AlN¹ || AlN² || [1 1 0]_Si. The epitaxial growth of single crystalline wurtzite AlN thin films has been achieved on off-axis Si(0 0 1) substrates with an epitaxial orientation relationship of [0 0 0 1]_AlN parallel to the surface normal and 0 1 1 0_AlN || [1 1 0]_Si.     

Surface resistance measurements at the metal/electrolyte interface of Ag(100) and Ag(111) thin film electrodes

The conductivity of thin film metal electrodes with a thickness of the order of the mean free path of the conduction electrons (50 nm at 300 K) is sensitive to several processes on the metal surface (e.g. adsorption and desorption of ions). We developed epitaxially grown Ag(100)/MgO(100) and Ag(111)/TiO₂(110) electrodes of 20 nm thickness. The change in the surface resistance of Ag(100) thin film electrodes during adsorption of the halide ions Cl⁻, Br⁻ and I⁻ shows the different strengths of specific adsorption. We investigated the phase transition of thiocyanate (SCN⁻) on Ag(100) electrodes by combining the surface resistance method with voltammetric, capacitance and ex-situ XPS measurements. The influence of adsorbed uracil on the resistance of Ag(100) films was demonstrated. The surface resistance is very sensitive to small concentrations of metal cations (e.g. Tl⁺). The surface resistance of Ag(100) and Ag(111) thin film electrodes shows the typical difference in the stripping potential of Tl⁺ of about 100 mV.     

A Ni/YSZ composite containing Ce0.9Ca0.1O2−δ particles as an anode for SOFCs

A composite material (hereafter referred to as NYC) containing Ni, Y₂O₃-stabilized ZrO₂ (YSZ) and Ce_0.9Ca_0.1O_2−δ (CC10) particles was prepared and used as the anode of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The performance of NYC was better than that of conventional Ni/YSZ anodes in terms of anodic overpotential and interface impedance. The additional CC10 particles improved the anode properties. XRD results suggest that a solid solution of YSZ and CC10 was produced. From impedance measurements, it is concluded that the solid solution exhibits substantial electronic conduction. Ni/YSZ/15 wt% Ce_0.9Ca_0.1O_2−δ anodes exhibited the best properties over the experimental temperature range. A SOFC with an anode of Ni/YSZ/15 wt% Ce_0.9Ca_0.1O_2−δ provided the maximum power density and current density. Addition of CC10 with an average particle size of 0.3 μm was more advantageous than that with an average size of 3 μm.     

Photoelastic investigation of interfacial fracture between orthotropic and isotropic materials

Static and dynamic fracture of interfaces between orthotropic and isotropic materials were studied using photoelasticity. In this study, a bi-material specimen made of PSM-1^® and Scotchply^® 1002, a unidirectional glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite, was used. Two fiber orientations, fibers parallel to the interface (α=0°) and fibers perpendicular to the interface (α=90°) were considered. Center crack bi-material specimens having different crack lengths were loaded quasi-statically and the full-field isochromatics were recorded using a digital camera. The complex stress intensity factor corresponding to each crack length was calculated from the isochromatics and the values were compared to that obtained from boundary collocation method. Dynamic interfacial fracture was studied with an edge crack bi-material geometry for the two different fiber orientations. The isochromatics around the propagating crack were recorded using a digital high-speed camera. The fracture parameters such as crack speed, complex stress intensity factor and energy release rate were extracted from the isochromatics using the asymptotic stress field equations. The complex stress intensity factor obtained from the static experiments was in close agreement with that calculated using the boundary collocation method. The results also indicated that the fiber orientation with respect to the interface influences the fracture parameters for stationary and propagating cracks.     

The synergistic effect of cobalt-dicarbollide anions on the extraction of M lanthanide cations by Calix[4]arenes: a molecular dynamics study at the water–‘oil’ interface

We report molecular dynamics studies on the effect of CCD^– (chlorinated cobalt-dicarbollide) anions on the Eu³⁺ lanthanide cation extraction by a calix[4]arene-CMPO ligand L, focusing on the water–‘oil’ interface, where ‘oil’ is modelled by chloroform. The free L ligand and its EuL³⁺ complex are found to adsorb and to concentrate at the interface, but are too hydrophilic to be extracted. Addition of CCD^– anions in diluted conditions (either covalent linked to L or as separated CCD^– H₃O⁺ ions) also leads to adsorption of these species at the interface. However, at high concentrations, CCD^– anions saturate the interface and promote the extraction of EuL³⁺ to the oil phase. Another important feature concerns the uncomplexed Eu(CCD)₃ salt: accumulation of CCD^– anions at the interface creates a negative potential which attracts the hydrated Eu³⁺ ions, therefore facilitating their complexation by interfacial ligands. These features allow us to better understand the synergistic effect of lipophilic anions in the assisted liquid-liquid extraction of trivalent M³⁺ lanthanide or actinide cations. To cite this article: B. Coupez, G. Wipf, C. R. Chimie 7 (2004).

Résumé

Synergie due aux anions dicarbollides lors de l’extraction d’ions lanthanides M³⁺ par des calix[4]arènes : simulations de dynamique moléculaire à l’interface eau–« huile ». Nous étudions par simulations de dynamique moléculaire l’effet de synergie dû aux anions CCD^– (cobalt-dicarbollides) lors de l’extraction de Eu³⁺ par un calix [4]arène L, en se focalisant sur l’interface eau–« huile », l’huile étant modélisée par du chloroforme. On montre que le ligand L et son complexe EuL³⁺ s’adsorbent à l’interface, mais sont trop hydrophiles pour être extraits. L’addition d’anions CCD^– (qu’ils soient sous la forme d’ions CCD^– H₃O⁺ séparés ou greffés de façon covalente au calixarène) conduit aussi à l’adsorption de ces espèces à l’interface. Cependant, aux plus fortes concentrations, les anions CCD^– saturent l’interface et induisent l’extraction du complexe EuL³⁺ vers l’huile. Un autre résultat remarquable concerne les sels Eu(CCD)₃ : l’accumulation des anions CCD^– à l’interface y crée un potentiel négatif, ce qui attire les cations Eu³⁺ et facilite ainsi leur complexation par des ligands à l’interface. Ces résultats permettent de mieux comprendre l’effet de synergie dû aux anions CCD^– lors de l’extraction d’ions lanthanides ou actinides M³⁺ et, d’une manière générale, ce qui se passe à l’interface entre l’eau et des liquides non miscibles. Pour citer cet article : B. Coupez, G. Wipf, C. R. Chimie 7 (2004).     

Interactions of quinine with polyacrylic and poly-L-glutamic acids in aqueous solutions

Drug-loaded polymers provide an attractive form for controlled drug delivery systems. A proper knowledge of polymer-drug interactions can aid in the designing of polymers for various drug-delivery applications. In this paper we have investigated the interaction of a drug such as quinine, with synthetic macromolecules such as poly(acrylic acid), PAA, and poly(L-glutamic acid), PGA, at pH 7 and 37 °C by fluorescence spectroscopy and viscometry. The analysis of the binding isotherms revealed that the association process is positive cooperative up to a threshold concentration and then it is negative. In addition, the thermodynamic parameters vary along the isotherm. Results also suggest that there is an optimum polymer to quinine ratio. Based on the viscometry results a mechanism of the interaction in which the polymer conformation plays a determinant role is proposed. Since the conformation depends on the molecular size, the architecture of the macromolecule, the effective charge and ergo the ionic strength, all these variables have been taken into account and their effect on the binding discussed.     

Interfacial coordination chemistry. Current status and applications

After definitions of interfacial coordination chemistry (ICC) and surface organometallic chemistry (SOMC), their main characteristics and applications are compared. The common concepts of ICC and classical coordination chemistry, as well as the specific features of ICC are illustrated through some examples. Finally, possible applications of ICC to catalyst preparation, adsorption and relations to catalysis are given.