Complex backflow dynamics in nematic liquid crystals

Received December 31, 2001 / Published online May 21, 2002     

Evidence for Pdx(CO)y compound formation on an alumina substrate

Although stable binary Pd carbonyls are unknown in the gas phase, we found strong evidence for a stable carbonyl-like Pd compound on an oxide surface: by in situ vapour deposition of Pd at a rate of 2 × 10¹³ atoms s⁻¹ cm⁻² onto an alumina substrate (90 K) at a pressure of 2 × 10⁻⁶ mbar CO, a binary compound of Pd and CO is formed which is stable up to 190 K. As substrate serves a well-ordered aluminium oxide film grown on a NiAl(110) single crystal surface. The system was characterized under UHV (ultrahigh vacuum) conditions by means of TDS, LEED, UPS and XPS in a coverage range between 1.4 × 10¹⁴ Pd atoms cm⁻² and 1.4 × 10¹⁶ Pd atoms cm⁻². The decomposition at 190 K results in the formation of metallic Pd particles and is accompanied by a sharp and dominant feature in the thermal desorption spectra.     

Zur Kenntnis der Hydrate M(HSeO3)2 · 4H2O (M = Mg,Co, Ni,Zn). Röntgenstrukturanalytische,schwingungsspektroskopische und thermoanalytische Untersuchungen

On the Hydrates M(HSeO₃)₂ · 4H₂O (M = Mg, Co, Ni, Zn) – Crystal Structures, IR, Raman, and Thermoanalytical Investigations From aqueous solutions of M(HSeO₃)₂ single crystals of Mg(HSeO₃)₂ · 4H₂O and of the hitherto unknown compounds Co(HSeO₃)₂ · 4H₂O, Ni(HSeO₃)₂ · 4H₂O and Zn(HSeO₃)₂ · 4H₂O could be obtained. The crystal structures, X-ray powder, IR, Raman and thermoanalytical (DTA, TG, Raman heating) data are presented and discussed. The crystal data of the isotypic compounds are: monoclinic, space group C2/c, Z = 4, Mg: a = 1 464.6(2), b = 755.3(1), c = 1 099.9(1) pm, β = 126.59(1)°, V = 0.9769(1) nm³, Co: a = 1 462.5(2), b = 756.5(2), c = 1 102.2(2) pm, β = 126.53(1)°, V = 0.9798(2) nm³, Ni: a = 1 452.2(2), b = 751.0(1), c = 1 091.5(1) pm, β = 126.28(1)°, V = 0.9595(1) nm³, Zn: a = 1 468.3(2), b = 755.8(1), c = 1 103.1(1) pm, β = 126.79(1)°, V = 0.9804(2) nm³. The crystal structures consist of hexagonal packed [M(HSeO₃)₂ · 2H₂O]_n chains of [MO₄(H₂O)₂] octahedra linked by Se atoms. They contain trigonal pyramidal SeO₂OH^?ions with “free” hydroxyl groups and also “free” molecules of water of crystallization. The hydroxyl groups build strong H-bonds (O? H …? O distances: 265–268 pm). The IR spectra show AB doublett bands in the OH stretching mode region of the hydroxyl groups. The water molecules of crystallization are linked to planar (H₂O)₄ tetramers by H-bonds with unusually short O? H …? O bond distances of 271–273 pm. DTA and TG measurements indicate that thermal decomposition results in the direct formation of the respective diselenite MSe₂O₅. Raman heating measurements show under quasi static conditions the intermediate formation of the anhydrous hydrogen selenites.     

Chiral nematic liquid crystals in cylindrical cavities. A classification of planar structures and models of non-singular disclination lines

Abstract

A part of homotopy theory is applied to classify planar structures in chiral nematic liquid crystals confined to cylindrical cavities. The resulting classification is exact in the approximation of undeformed chiral nematic surfaces. Within this approach the relative stability of possible planar structures with surface and bulk disclination lines is discussed. The number and the shape of these disclinations, which in some cases form spiral structures, are predicted. Further approximate analytical expressions for non-singular director fields close to disclination lines with integral strength are introduced. Our predictions, which are also in agreement with some previously suggested pictures of such director fields, are used to improve stability considerations of the confined planar chiral nematic structures in tubes and droplets.     

Determination of atomic structure of the metal-oxide interface: Pd nanodeposits on an FeO(111) film

Palladium was vapor deposited on a thin FeO(111) film grown on a Pt(111) substrate. Scanning tunneling microscopy study has revealed that Pd wets the FeO substrate and at elevated temperatures forms extended Pd(111) monolayer islands in contrast to other oxide supports previously studied. For the first time, we have imaged the metal-oxide interface structure with atomic resolution and explained the results on the basis of ab initio calculations.     

Investigations on the surface properties of ultrafine aerosols by means of a multistep condensation nuclei counter

Conclusions Hydrophobic and tight coatings are recognized by the comparison of the condensation properties of the pure materials of the same electrical mobility diameter. A shift to higher supersaturations necessary for activation is then observed.The consequences drawn for the atmosphere are: Residence time of suspended ultrafine matter is substantially increased, because of the less effective scavenging process.

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Untersuchungen der Oberflächeneigenschaften von ultrafeinen Aerosolen mit Hilfe eines Multistep Condensation Nuclei Counters

     

Heteroepitaxial praseodymium sesquioxide films on Si(1 1 1): A new model catalyst system for praseodymium oxide based catalysts

The structure, growth and stoichiometry of heteroepitaxial Pr₂O₃ films on Si(1 1 1) were characterized by a combined RHEED, XRD, XPS and UPS study in view of future applications as a surface science model catalyst system. RHEED and XRD confirm the growth of a (0 0 0 1) oriented hexagonal Pr₂O₃ phase on Si(1 1 1), matching the surface symmetry by aligning the oxide in-plane direction along the Si azimuth. After an initial nucleation stage RHEED growth oscillation studies point to a Frank-van der Merwe growth mode up to a thickness of approximately 12 nm. XPS and UPS prove that the initial growth of the Pr₂O₃ layer on Si up to ∼1 nm thickness is characterized by an interface reaction with Si. Nevertheless stoichiometric Pr₂O₃ films of high crystalline quality form on top of these Pr-silicate containing interlayers.