Magnetometry results have shown that gold NPs (similar to 2 nm in size) protected with phosphine and chlorine ligands exhibit permanent magnetism. When the NPs size decreases down to the subnanometric size range, e.g. undecagold atom clusters, the permanent magnetism disappears. The near edge structure of the X-ray absorption spectroscopy data points out that charge…
In this paper, a series of f(alpha) kinetic equations able to describe the random scission degradation of polymers is formulated in such a way that the reaction rate of the thermal degradation of polymers that go through a random scission mechanism can be directly related to the reacted fraction. The proposed equations are validated by…
The employment of synchrotron techniques complemented by conventional laboratory systems has allowed us to deepen and improve our knowledge of Roman wall painting procedures. The palette identified in wall paintings from Pompeii and Herculaneum from the second century bc includes goethite, hematite, cinnabar, glauconite, Egyptian blue, and other components such as calcite and aragonite. Proof…
The measured peak shape and intensity of the photoemitted signal in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiments (elastic and inelastic parts included) are strongly correlated, through electron-transport theory, with the depth distribution of photoelectron emitters within the analyzed surface. This is the basis of so-called XPS peak-shape analysis (also known as the Tougaard method) for non-destructive…
Nanostructured cryptomelanes (KMn8O16) were synthesized from manganese sulphate and manganese acetate precursors by the reflux method. The respectively obtained samples, CRYSO4 and CRYAc, were functionalised with hydroxyl, ammonium, sulphate and phosphate groups in order to modify the biocompatibility and surface properties of cryptomelane. Characterization by FTIR and XRD confirmed bond formation of CRY-NH, CRY=S=O, CRY-NH,…
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plates have been exposed to different nitrogen containing plasmas with the purpose of incorporating nitrogen functional groups on its surface. Results with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) at atmospheric pressure and a microwave discharge (MW) at reduced pressure and those using an atom source working under ultrahigh vacuum conditions have been compared…
We present for the first time a general vacuum process for the growth of supported organic nanowires formed by pi-conjugated molecules, including metalloporphyrins, metallophthalocyanines, and perylenes. This methodology consists on a one-step physical vapor deposition of the pi-conjugated molecules. The synthesis is carried out at controlled temperature on substrates with tailor morphology which allows the…
A series of nanosized W,N-codoped and single-doped N- and W-anatase-TiO2 catalysts have been prepared by a microemulsion method and calcined at different temperatures. The activity in the sunlight selective photo-oxidation of toluene and styrene has been correlated with structural, electronic, and surface examinations of the catalysts done with the help of XRD-Rietveld, N-2 physisorption, X-ray…
Platinum doped TiO2 materials were studied for the gas phase photocatalytic degradation of toluene. Platinum deposition was achieved by photodeposition method over TiO2 prepared by means of a sol-gel route. The effect of sulphuric acid pretreatment on the further platinisation process has been extensively studied. From the wide structural and surface analysis of the catalysts…
An experimental programme is presented with the aim of characterising – from physical, microstructural and geotechnical perspectives – the main properties of compacted clay phyllites. These clay phyllites are widely used as waterproofing material for roofs in the Alpujarra (Andalusia, Spain), as sealing liners in irrigation ponds, and as core material of small earthen zoned…