Understanding CeO2‐Based Nanostructures through Advanced Electron Microscopy in 2D and 3D

Engineering morphology and size of CeO₂‐based nanostructures on a (sub)nanometer scale will greatly influence their performance; this is because of their high oxygen storage capacity and unique redox properties, which allow faster switching of the oxidation state between Ce⁴⁺ and Ce³⁺. Although tremendous research has been carried out on the shape‐controlled synthesis of CeO₂, the characterization of these nanostructures at the atomic scale remains a major challenge and the origin of debate. The rapid developments of aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy (AC‐TEM) have pushed the resolution below 1 Å, both in TEM and in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) mode. At present, not only morphology and structure, but also composition and electronic structure can be analyzed at an atomic scale, even in 3D. This review summarizes recent significant achievements using TEM/STEM and associated spectroscopic techniques to study CeO₂‐based nanostructures and related catalytic phenomena. Recent results have shed light on the understanding of the different mechanisms. The potential and limitations, including future needs of various techniques, are discussed with recommendations to facilitate further developments of new and highly efficient CeO₂‐based nanostructures.     

The Role of Gold‐Alumina Template in the Electrochemical Deposition of CeO2 Nanotubes

Electrochemical synthesis employing porous membranes previously metalized with a gold layer as a template is an easy and widespread method to obtain 1D nanostructures. Nevertheless, experimental factors for tuning the morphology and structural details of such nanostructures are still investigated. The influence of the amount of gold on morphology and structure of the 1D systems is studied for the first time. For this purpose, CeO₂ nanotubes are synthesized via template‐based electrodeposition inside the pores of gold‐sputtered anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). X‐ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques, including 3D electron tomography, are applied for the characterization of the template and the nanostructures. On one hand, the results reveal how gold is deposited on top and inside the pores of the AAO as a thin layer or as particles. On the other hand, the 1D systems consist of nanotubes formed by randomly oriented fluorite‐like nanocrystals (2–5 nm), which features a network of inner walls whose compactness directly relates to the thickness of the gold‐sputtered layer. From the combined analysis of voltage–time curves recorded during electrodeposition and the 2D, 3D structural information, a growth mechanism is proposed, which may enlighten paths to tailor the morphology and properties of CeO₂ 1D nanostructures.     

Multi-Analytical Characterization and Radiocarbon Dating of a Roman Egyptian Mummy Portrait

Fayum mummy portraits, painted around 2000 years ago, represent a fascinating fusion of Egyptian and Graeco-Roman funerary and artistic traditions. Examination of these artworks may provide insight into the Roman Empire’s trade and economic and social structure during one of its most crucial yet still hazy times of transition. The lack of proper archaeological documentation of the numerous excavated portraits currently prevents their chronological dating, be it absolute or relative. So far, their production period has been defined essentially on the basis of the relevant differences in their pictorial style. Our study introduces the use of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) to assess the age of a fragment of an encaustic painting belonging to the corpus of the Fayum portraits. The unexpected age resulting from ¹⁴C analysis suggests the need to reconsider previous assumptions regarding the period of production of the Fayum corpus. Furthermore, our multi-analytical, non-invasive approach yields further details regarding the fragment’s pictorial technique and constituting materials, based on spectral and morphological analysis and cross-sectional examination.     

闭孔泡沫铝的多轴唯象受压本构参数

基于显微计算机断层扫描影像信息, 逆向重建闭孔泡沫铝试件的三维细观有限元模型, 定量研究闭孔泡沫铝在多轴压缩载荷作用下的大变形力学行为. 讨论了泡沫金属唯象弹塑性本构参数的确定方法, 根据计算结果确定了3 个有代表性的泡沫材料本构模型的本构参数, 并验证了这些本构模型在描述多轴压缩应力状态下的精度. 研究表明, 对于单轴压缩, 3 个本构模型的屈服面均有很好的精度;对于静水压缩, 有限元软件"ABAQUS"的可压缩泡沫本构模型屈服面会发生严重偏离, 陈-卢本构模型"屈服面" 略微低估静水压缩的屈服应力, 而体积强化本构模型的屈服面有很好的精度.      

基于OCT技术对古瓷釉气泡特征的初步研究

气泡是古代瓷釉中最常见的一种现象,气泡的大小与分布与胎体和釉层的配方及制作工艺密切相关。气泡表征对研究陶瓷的制作工艺、产地和时代特征等具有重要的意义。为了探讨利用光学相干层析成像技术（OCT）表征古代瓷釉中气泡及其分布特征的可行性,实验采用扫频OCT成像系统对五件不同类型的瓷釉样品进行了测试。根据实验所获得的透明釉层及胎釉结合部位的二维断面图像和三维层析图像,分别进行了瓷釉气泡二维断面和三维切片的特征研究,综合分析了釉层中的气泡特征及其可能产生的原因,认为釉层中的气泡主要是由于胎体中的气体在烧制过程中向釉层溢出所致;同时基于像素点计算了气泡的大小, 并与传统光学显微镜观测到的结果进行了比较;实验还针对不透明釉层中的气泡进行了大小计算、二维断面及三维切片的特征研究。实验结果表明,不同类型的古代瓷釉釉层中的气泡特征差异明显;基于像素点计算的气泡大小与传统光学显微镜测试的结果吻合, 近胎釉结合面的胎体切片能很好的反映瓷釉的气泡特征。本研究提出并验证了利用OCT技术表征瓷釉气泡特征的可行性与有效性,实现了釉层气泡特征的无损检测,特别是对不透明釉层气泡的分析,克服了以往利用传统显微镜技术对釉层气泡分布研究的局限,为古代陶瓷瓷釉的气泡特征分析提供了一种新型的、可靠的分析手段。     

A Protocol to Estimate the Average Fidelity of the Space-Separated Bipartite System

In present work, we show that the average fidelity of a bipartite system can be decided by the average survive probability of the product state and the average survive probability of each subsystem. Several protocols to measure these quantities are constructed. Our method is suitable for the cases where the bipartite system is space-separated.     

Snowpack permittivity profile retrieval from tomographic SAR data

This work deals with 3D structure characterization and permittivity profile retrieval of snowpacks by tomographic SAR data processing. The acquisition system is a very high resolution ground based SAR system, developed and operated by the SAPHIR team, of IETR, University of Rennes-1 (France). It consists mainly of a vector network analyser and a multi-static antenna system, moving along two orthogonal directions, so as to obtain a two-dimensional synthetic array. Data were acquired during the AlpSAR campaign carried by the European Space Agency and led by ENVEO. In this study, tomographic imaging is performed using Time Domain Back Projection and consists in coherently combining the different recorded backscatter contributions. The assumption of free-space propagation during the focusing process is discussed and illustrated by focusing experimental data. An iterative method for estimating true refractive indices of the snow layers is presented. The antenna pattern is also compensated for. The obtained tomograms after refractive index correction are compared to the stratigraphy of the observed snowpack.     

X-ray tomography study on the structure of the granular random loose packing

Random loose packing is the minimum-density granular packing which can maintain mechanical stability. In this study, x-ray tomography is used to investigate the internal structure of an isotropically prepared random loose packing through a special apparatus to minimize the effect of gravity. It is found that the minimum packing density is around 0.587.The microscopic structural analysis of the packing is also carried out.     

Lorentz force electrical impedance tomography using pulse compression technique

Lorentz force electrical impedance tomography(LFEIT) combines ultrasound stimulation and electromagnetic field detection with the goal of creating a high contrast and high resolution hybrid imaging modality. In this study, pulse compression working together with a linearly frequency modulated ultrasound pulse was investigated in LFEIT. Experiments were done on agar phantoms having the same level of electrical conductivity as soft biological tissues. The results showed that:(i) LFEIT using pulse compression could detect the location of the electrical conductivity variations precisely;(ii)LFEIT using pulse compression could get the same performance of detecting electrical conductivity variations as the traditional LFEIT using high voltage narrow pulse but reduce the peak stimulating power to the transducer by 25.5 dB;(iii)axial resolution of 1 mm could be obtained using modulation frequency bandwidth 2 MHz.     

Atom probe tomography of size‐controlled phosphorus doped silicon nanocrystals

Doping of silicon nanocrystals is essential to control their electronic and optical properties. The incorporation of an impurity into a silicon nanovolume is a nontrivial task due to the self‐purification effect. Here, a systematic atom probe tomography study of the phosphorus distribution and incorporation in size‐controlled silicon nanocrystals embedded in silicon dioxide is presented. Qualitatively, it turns out that the phosphorus distribution in the system follows a universal, nanocrystal‐size independent trend: phosphorus‐enrichment at the interface with a substantial phosphorus‐incorporation in the silicon nanocrystal as small as 2 nm in diameter. This clearly contradicts strict self‐purification. These observations are explained by the bulk‐solubility and ‐segregation behaviour, kinetic effects related to the diffusion lengths, and nanoscale interface strain. The quantitative determination of the amount of phosphorus atoms per quantum dot enables a systematic understanding of phosphorus‐induced effects on optical and electronic properties of silicon nanovolumes.