Surface Analysis Research Articles

Regulating the Helmholtz plane by trace ionic liquid additive for advanced Al-air battery

Al-air batteries (AABs) are the next generation of alternative energy sources due to their high theoretical energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Researchers have been interested in AABs with stable discharge in alkaline solution, long discharge time, and high conductivity. However, the uncontrolled self-corrosion of the Al anode and the severe hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolytes have been two major drawbacks hindering the commercial development of AABs. These shortcomings reduce the Al anode's utilization and significantly shorten the battery's service life. Herein, the Helmholtz plane structure was reconstructed using an ionic liquid additive called 1-aminopropyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (AMIB) to regulate the electrochemical interface between the electrolyte and the Al anode. Electrochemical tests found that when 3 mM AMIB was added, the corrosion inhibition efficiency could reach up to 60 %. Further surface analysis and theoretical calculations showed that AMIB can form a dense and uniform protective layer on the surface of the Al anode substrate, which reduces the anode corrosion, lowers the active centers for hydrogen evolution on the Al surface, and reduces the hydrogen evolution rate. The full-cell studies found that the specific capacity of the cell increased from 1227 to 2564 mAh g−1, the energy density increased from 1546 to 3359 Wh kg−1, and the Al anode utilization increased from 41.2 % to 86.1 % as the AMIB addition to the alkaline electrolyte risen from 0 to 3 mM. This method of electrolyte regulation provides an efficient strategy for the commercial development of AABs.

Comparative Analysis of Graphitization Characteristics in Bamboo and Oak Charcoals for Secondary Battery Anodes

When compared to natural graphite, artificial graphite has advantages such a longer cycle life, faster charging rates, and better performance. However, the process of producing it, which frequently uses coal, raises questions about the impact on the environment and the depletion of resources. Eco-friendly, wood-based graphite must be developed in order to solve these problems. This study assessed and investigated the characteristics of charcoals derived from bamboo and oak which were utilized to produce graphite. After heating to 1500 °C at 10 K/min, 86.87 wt% of oak charcoal and 88.33 wt% of bamboo charcoal remained, indicating a yield of more than 85% when charcoal was graphitized. Depending on the species of wood, different-sized pores showed different shapes as the graphitization process advanced, as revealed by SEM surface analyses. The carbon atoms seen in the XRD crystal development changed into graphite crystals when heated to 2400 °C, and the isotropic peaks vanished. Bamboo charcoal has a higher degree of crystallinity than other wood-based charcoals, such as oak charcoal, which is made up of turbostratic graphite, according to Raman spectroscopic research. Lithium-ion batteries employ bamboo charcoal as their anode material. At this point, the values for soft carbon were determined to be 196 mAh/g and for hard carbon to be 168 mAh/g at a current density of 0.02 A/g.

How does blockchain-based food traceability system drive consumers’ repurchase and word-of-mouth intentions toward organic food: a curvilinear role of producer-retailer (in)congruence

PurposeThis research applies the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence framework to explore how blockchain-enabled traceability influences trust in organic food producers and retailers, which impacts consumers’ purchase behaviors and subsequent outcomes.Design/methodology/approachUsing a purposive sample of 5,326 Vietnamese consumers, multiple linear and polynomial regression with response surface analysis were employed to examine the hypotheses.FindingsBlockchain-enabled traceability significantly enhances trust in both producers and retailers, which congruently and incongruently influences organic food purchase behaviors. This behavior also drives consumers’ word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions. Serial mediation analysis confirms blockchain’s impact through trust and purchase behaviors.Research limitations/implicationsStakeholders should adopt blockchain to boost transparency and trust, which increases consumer engagement. Policymakers can support this transition through regulations and incentives to enhance food security and sustainability.Originality/valueThis study expands on blockchain research by applying the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence framework in the organic food supply chain, showing how blockchain-enhanced trust synergistically affects consumers’ purchase behaviors, word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions.

Testing the Stability of NASICON Solid Electrolyte in Seawater Batteries

Rechargeable batteries play a crucial role in the utilization of renewable energy sources. Energy storage systems (ESSs) are designed to store renewable energy efficiently for immediate use. The market for energy storage systems heavily relies on lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density, capacity, and competitiveness. However, the increasing cost and limited availability of lithium make long-term use challenging. As an alternative to Li-ion batteries, rechargeable seawater batteries are gaining attention due to their abundant and complementary sodium ion active materials. This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of Na3.0Zr2Si2PO12- and Na3.15Zr2Si2PO12-type ceramic membranes and testing their stability in seawater batteries used as solid electrolyte. From the surface analysis, it was observed that the Na3.15Zr2Si2PO12 powder showed a specific surface area of 2.94 m2/g compared to 2.69 m2/g for the Na3.0Zr2Si2PO12 powder. The measured NASICON samples achieved ionic conductivities between 7.42 × 10−5 and 4.4 × 10−4 S/cm compared to the NASICON commercial membrane with an ionic conductivity of 3.9 × 10−4 S/cm. Battery testing involved charging/discharging at various constant current values (0.6–2.0 mA), using Pt/C as the catalyst and seawater as the catholyte.

Analysis of Geometrical Accuracy and Surface Quality of Threaded and Spline Connections Manufactured Using MEX, MJ and VAT Additive Technologies

This paper presents the process of manufacturing mechanical joint components using additive manufacturing (AM) techniques such as Material Extrusion (Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)), Material Jetting (PolyJet), and Vat Photopolymerization (VAT)/Stereolithography (SLA). Using the PolyJet technique and a photopolymer resin, spline and threaded joint components were produced. For comparative analysis, the threaded joint was also fabricated using FDM and SLA techniques. PLA material was used for the FDM technique, while photopolymer resin was utilized for the SLA process. The components produced underwent a surface analysis to evaluate the accuracy of the dimensions in relation to the nominal dimensions. For the spline connection components, the dimensional deviations recorded by a 3D scanner ranged from −0.11 to +0.18 mm for the shaft and up to 0.24 mm for the sleeve. Measurements of screw and nut diameters showed the highest accuracy for screws produced using the PolyJet technique, while the nuts exhibited the best accuracy when fabricated with the SLA method. The profile of the screw threads using a contour gauge revealed the most accurate thread profile on the screw manufactured with the PolyJet technique.

Cd(II)-based fish-bone-like 1D coordination polymer: structural elucidation and computational study

{[Cd(L)2(PBT)2]}n (1) [H2L = 5-nitro-isophthalic acid; PBT = 2-pyridin-4-ylbenzothiazole], 1D Coordination Polymer (1D-CP), is characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 1 contains carboxylate bridges of L2- to Cd(II), where one carboxylate chelates to Cd(II) and the other -COO bridges to two neighboring Cd(II) centers that then form eight-membered dinuclear metallacycles (Cd2C2O4). The 1D chains self-assemble via H-bonding and π⋅⋅⋅π interactions to form a supramolecular aggregate that resembles a fish-bone pattern. These interactions are further explored by Hirshfeld Surface Analysis. Density Functional Theory (DFT) computations using the crystallographic parameters of 1 predicted an energy gap, ΔE (EHOMO – ELUMO) of 3.67 eV, which is comparable to the experimental band gap obtained from a Tauc’s plot, 3.73 eV. The band gap value demonstrates the semiconducting character and may be used for device fabrication. Furthermore, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) shows strong electrophilic reaction potential and predicts reactive sites. The PBT ligand is emissive (370 nm) while H2L is non-emissive. DMF suspensions of 1 emit at 525 nm with a long lifetime, 0.715 ns compared to the lifetime of PBT (0.05 ns). This supports that extended conjugation occurs upon formation of the 1D-CP, altering the photophysics.

Solid Forms of Bio-Based Monomer Salts for Polyamide 512 and Their Effect on Polymer Properties

Polyamides’ properties are greatly influenced by the polymerization process and the type of feedstock used. The solid forms of nylon salts play a significant role in determining the final characteristics of the material. This study focuses on the long-chain bio-nylon 512. Firstly, we systematically investigated the possible solid forms of the nylon 512 salt, including crystal forms and morphologies, by massive experimental screening, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and TG-DSC measurements. The regulation and control of the various solid forms were achieved through solid-state transformations (SSTs) and solution-mediated phase transformations (SMPTs). Our findings shows that the nylon 512 salt exists in two crystal forms (anhydrate and dihydrate) and four morphologies (needle-like, plate-like, rod-like, and massive block crystal). Many factors will influence the formation of these solid forms, such as water activity, temperature, solvent, and ultrasonic physical fields. We can choose the right factors to regulate this as needed. On this basis, we studied the effects of different solid forms (crystal forms and morphologies) on the properties of the resulting polyamides prepared using direct solid-state polymerization (DSSP). The solid form of the salt had many effects on the polymer, including its structure, melting point, and mechanical properties. The polyamide obtained through DSSP of the anhydrate salt exhibited a higher melting point (204.22 °C) and greater elastic modulus (3.366 GPa) compared to that of the dihydrate salt, especially for the anhydrate salt of plate-like crystals.

Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (2-amino-1-methylbenzimidazole-κN 3)aquabis(4-oxopent-2-en-2-olato-κ2 O,O′)nickel(II) ethanol monosolvate

The molecule of the title compound, [Ni(C5H7O2)2(C8H9N3)(H2O)]·C2H5OH, has triclinic (P\overline{1}) symmetry. This compound is of interest for its antimicrobial properties. The asymmetric unit comprises two independent complex molecules, which are linked by N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds along [111]. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that 71.7% of intermolecular interactions come from H...H contacts, 17.7% from C...H/H...C contacts and 7.6% from O...H/H...O contacts, with the remaining contribution coming from N...H/H...N, C...N/N...C, C...C and O...O contacts.

Supramolecular Interactions as Key in Racemic Resolution: New Insights into the (SSi)‐ and (RSi)‐Diastereomers of (1R,2S,5R)‐Methyl(1‐naphthyl)‐phenylmenthoxysilane of Sommer

AbstractA highly selective approach with high yields of two diastereomeric silicon‐stereogenic menthoxysilanes, (RSi)‐3 and (SSi)‐3, introduced by Sommer et al., could be established as well as investigated in detail using different analytical tools. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis was used to examine the different crystallization rates while Hirshfeld surface analysis was applied to extend supramolecular interactions in the solid state which showed stronger hydrogen bridges for the faster crystallizing diastereomer (SSi)‐3. In addition, similar ground‐state energies haven been found for both diastereomers by DFT calculations. Subsequent NMR studies showed stable Si‐configurations wherein epimerization only started after more than 4 hours at 110 °C. Access to both diastereomers with opposite configuration at the stereogenic silicon center is achievable in high yields and high stereochemical purity using only naturally occurring (−)‐menthol as a reagent.

Single-colony MALDI mass spectrometry imaging reveals spatial differences in metabolite abundance between natural and cultured Trichodesmium morphotypes.

Trichodesmium, a globally significant N2-fixing marine cyanobacterium, forms extensive surface blooms in nutrient-poor ocean regions. These blooms consist of a dynamic assemblage of Trichodesmium species that form distinct colony morphotypes and are inhabited by diverse microorganisms. Trichodesmium colony morphotypes vary in ecological niche, nutrient uptake, and organic molecule release, differentially impacting ocean carbon and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles. Here, we assessed the poorly studied spatial abundance of metabolites within and between three morphologically distinct Trichodesmium colonies collected from the Red Sea. We also compared these results with two morphotypes of the cultivable Trichodesmium strain IMS101. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) coupled with liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA) tandem mass spectrometry (MS2), we identified and localized a wide range of small metabolites associated with single-colony Trichodesmium morphotypes. Our untargeted MALDI-MSI approach revealed 80 unique features (metabolites) shared between Trichodesmium morphotypes. Discrimination analysis showed spatial variations in 57 shared metabolites, accounting for 62% of the observed variation between morphotypes. The greatest variations in metabolite abundance were observed between the cultured morphotypes compared to the natural colony morphotypes, suggesting substantial differences in metabolite production between the cultivable strain IMS101 and the naturally occurring colony morphotypes that the cultivable strain is meant to represent. This study highlights the variations in metabolite abundance between natural and cultured Trichodesmium morphotypes and provides valuable insights into metabolites common to morphologically distinct Trichodesmium colonies, offering a foundation for future targeted metabolomic investigations.IMPORTANCEThis work demonstrates that the application of spatial mass spectrometry imaging at single-colony resolution can successfully resolve metabolite differences between natural and cultured Trichodesmium morphotypes, shedding light on their distinct biochemical profiles. Understanding the morphological differences between Trichodesmium colonies is crucial because they impact nutrient uptake, organic molecule production, and carbon and nitrogen export, and subsequently influence ocean biogeochemical cycles. As such, our study serves as an important initial assessment of metabolite differences between distinct Trichodesmium colony types, identifying features that can serve as ideal candidates for future targeted metabolomic studies.

Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and DFT and molecular docking studies of 6-cyanonaphthalen-2-yl 4-(benzyloxy)benzoate

In the title compound, C25H17NO3, the torsion angle associated with the phenyl benzoate group is −173.7 (2)° and that for the benzyloxy group is −174.8 (2)° establishing an anti-type conformation. The dihedral angles between the ten-membered cyanonaphthalene ring and the aromatic ring of the phenyl benzoate and the benzyloxy fragments are 40.70 (10) and 87.51 (11)°, respectively, whereas the dihedral angle between the aromatic phenyl benzoate and the benzyloxy fragments is 72.30 (13)°. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by weak C—H...O interactions forming S(4) chains propagating parallel to [010]. The packing is consolidated by three C—H...π interactions and two π–π stacking interactions between the aromatic rings of naphthalene and phenyl benzoate with centroid-to-centroid distances of 3.9698 (15) and 3.8568 (15) Å, respectively. Intermolecular interactions were quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis. The molecular structure was further optimized by density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6–311+ G(d,p) level, revealing that the energy gap between HOMO and LUMO is 3.17 eV. Molecular docking studies were carried out for the title compound as a ligand and SARS-Covid-2(PDB ID:7QF0) protein as a receptor giving a binding affinity of −9.5 kcal mol−1.

Surface and Textural Analyses for Bimetallic Nickel-Based Catalyst onto Various Support using Microwave Assisted Synthesis

Surface and Textural Analyses for Bimetallic Nickel-Based Catalyst onto Various Support using Microwave Assisted Synthesis

On the Role of Anions in Solid Catalysts with Ionic Liquid Layer (SCILL) for the Selective Hydrogenation of Highly Concentrated Acetylene Streams.

Electric plasma assisted pyrolysis of methane represents a highly promising greener alternative to produce ethylene from biogas and renewable energies compared to conventional steam cracking of naphtha. The mediocre performance of typical Pd-Ag catalysts for the downstream purification of the substantially higher concentrated acetylene impurities (≥15 vol.-%) in those ethylene streams via selective hydrogenation is yet limiting economic interest. Following the concept of solid catalysts with ionic liquid layer (SCILL), we have modified an intrinsically non-selective palladium catalyst with imidazolium based ionic liquids varying among 10 different anions and investigated them in this reaction. The best performing [C4C1IM][MeSO4]-SCILL reaches an outstanding average ethylene selectivity over 20 h on-stream of 82 % at full acetylene conversion without any sign of deactivation, clearly outperforming conventional Pd-Ag catalysts. By varying parameters like ionic liquid (IL) loading, temperature, feed gas composition, cations, and by using XPS for surface analysis we could gain a very comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms that reduce the competing over-hydrogenation and oligomerisation side-reactions.

The facile preparation of polydopamine-modified sepiolite and its adsorption properties and microscopic mechanism for cadmium ion

Natural sepiolite (SEP) has the characteristics of cation exchange, abundant reserves, low cost, and environmental friendliness, but its adsorption capacity for heavy metal pollutants is limited. Because polydopamine (PDA) molecules contain rich functional groups such as phenolic and amino groups, in the present work, dopamine and natural sepiolite were utilized as raw materials to prepare polydopamine-modified sepiolite composite (SEP/PDA) by simple co-precipitation method. According to Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum adsorption capacity of SEP/PDA for Cd2+ can reach 203.21 mg/g at 298 K. At the initial concentration of 100 mg/L, the adsorption capacity was 2.9 times that of natural sepiolite. The composite material has good reusability and anti-cationic interference performance and has 100 % removal ability of low concentration Cd2+ in actual electroplating wastewater. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed to obtain the electronic structure information. To elucidate the microscopic mechanism, molecular surface analyses, Interaction Region Indicator (IRI), Atom In Molecules (AIM) theory, Bond Order Density (BOD), and Electron Localization Function (ELF) were conducted. These analyses revealed that the amino nitrogen and phenolic oxygen atoms in the dopamine molecules donate lone pair electrons to coordinate with cadmium ions. Polydopamine, which possesses multiple oxidation states, contains catechol, quinone, and indole or a lesser extend pyrrole groups that can complex with cadmium ions, resulting in the formation of a surface complex. This coordination significantly enhances the adsorption properties of the SEP/PDA composite.

Performance of Combined Woven Roving and Mat Glass-Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites Under Absorption Tower Lifting Loads.

This study investigates the structural integrity of a glass-fiber reinforced polymer absorption tower during lifting operations, evaluating factors of safety and stress distribution for both horizontal and vertical scenarios. A key focus is the comparative analysis of surface and volumetric meshing techniques in finite element modeling. Results demonstrate that surface models achieve comparable stress predictions to computationally intensive volumetric models, significantly reducing computational demands without compromising accuracy. For instance, stress at the flange edge with holes was accurately captured using a surface model with 5675 elements (12.79 MPa), yielding similar results to a volumetric model requiring over 94,000 elements (13.37 MPa). Similar computational efficiency and agreement between modeling approaches were observed at the packing support ring-shell joint. Finite element analysis employing Hashin's failure criterion, informed by industry-standard experimental data, revealed safety factors ranging from 1.9 to 2.5 for horizontal lifting and four for vertical lifting. These safety factors indicate sufficient margins for safe operation. While these findings support the feasibility of both lifting methods, further investigation is recommended to address the lower safety factors observed in specific horizontal lifting scenarios. A comprehensive assessment incorporating industry standards, dynamic load effects, and potential mitigation strategies is crucial to ensure the long-term structural integrity of the GFRP absorption tower.

Synergistic inhibition effect of Chlorella sp. and benzotriazole on the corrosion of Q235 carbon steel in alkaline artificial seawater

The interaction of microalgae on the reinforced concrete with corrosion inhibitor is not well understood. Moreover, the inhibition role of microalgae on corrosion has been reported in recent years. In this study, the corrosion inhibition behavior of Q235 carbon steel (CS) due to the presence of Chlorella sp. and benzotriazole (BTA) in alkaline artificial seawater was investigated by means of weight loss, electrochemical measurements including open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization curves, and surface analysis including scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectrometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results of reduced corrosion rates in the algae-BTA system demonstrated that Chlorella sp. could facilitate the corrosion inhibition efficiency of BTA on the CS specimens. Moreover, polarization measurement showed the algae-BTA system had a mixed-type corrosion inhibition effect. The mechanisms of inhibition were proposed to be the precipitation of iron complexes such as Fe-BTA-EPS and Fe-BTA and iron compounds on the steel surface in the presence of the microalgae and BTA–. This study highlights the application of CS corrosion control by combining biological and chemical approaches that can be used for future research and practice, rather than purely chemical approaches.

Inter-disks inversion surfaces

We consider a counter-rotating torus orbiting a central Kerr black hole (BH) with dimensionless spin a, and its accretion flow into the BH, in an agglomerate of an outer counter-rotating torus and an inner co-rotating torus. This work focus is the analysis of the inter-disks inversion surfaces. Inversion surfaces are spacetime surfaces, defined by the condition uϕ=0\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$u^{\\phi }=0$$\\end{document} on the flow torodial velocity, located out of the BH ergoregion, and totally embedding the BH. They emerge as a necessary condition, related to the spacetime frame-dragging, for the counter-rotating flows into the central Kerr BH. In our analysis we study the inversion surfaces of the Kerr spacetimes for the counter-rotating flow from the outer torus, impacting on the inner co-rotating disk. Being totally or partially embedded in (internal to) the inversion surfaces, the inner co-rotating torus (or jet) could be totally or in part “shielded”, respectively, from the impact with flow with auϕ<0\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$a u^{\\phi }<0$$\\end{document}. We prove that, in general, in the spacetimes with a<0.551\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$a<0.551$$\\end{document} the co-rotating toroids are always external to the accretion flows inversion surfaces. For 0.551<a<0.886\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$0.551<a<0.886$$\\end{document}, co-rotating toroids could be partially internal (with the disk inner region, including the inner edge) in the flow inversion surface. For BHs with a>0.886\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$a>0.886$$\\end{document}, a co-rotating torus could be entirely embedded in the inversion surface and, for larger spins, it is internal to the inversion surfaces. Tori orbiting in the BH outer ergoregion are a particular case. Further constraints on the BHs spins are discussed in the article.

Glucoconjugated Dinuclear Copper(II) Complex: An Efficient Catalyst for Stereoselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Propargylamines via Solvent-free A3 Coupling Reaction.

Development of catalytic systems using nontoxic natural precursors is the need of the era, and along this line, we have synthesized a new D-glucose derived ligand (4,6-O-ethylidene-N-(2-hydroxy-4-(octyloxy)benzylidene)-β-D-glucopyranosylamine) and its dinuclear copper(II) complex. The molecular structure of the complex has been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies and detailed noncovalent intermolecular interactions present in it have been explored by Hirshfeld surface analysis. Further, the complex has been used as a catalyst in the enantioselective (87-99 % ee) synthesis of propargylamines in good to excellent yield (82-95 %) via aldehyde-amines-alkynes (A3) coupling reaction under solvent-free condition. The formation of aminal intermediate during the reaction has been confirmed by 1H-NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The catalytic system is reusable without any appreciable loss in the enantioselectivity or product yield.

More is not always merrier: does leader-team perceptual distance on context influence leadership training transfer?

ABSTRACT Although the organizational context has been identified as an important factor contributing to the success or failure of leadership training initiatives, exploration of the interaction between differing contextual perceptions in relation to the transfer of leadership training is lacking. Building on Oc’s framework on context and leadership, we examine how the degree of perceptual alignment of leader and teams on two contextual factors, formalization and employee orientation, were related to followers’ ratings of transformational leadership after a leadership training in the forest industry (n = 37 leaders). Polynomial regression with response surface analysis revealed that agreement between leaders and their teams on formalization and employee orientation predicted improvements in transformational leadership but only up to a certain point. At high levels of formalization agreement negatively impacted leaders’ development of transformational leadership, and at high levels of employee orientation the positive impact of agreement flattened out. Leaders who rated formalization and employee orientation higher than their teams increased their transformational leadership to a lesser extent as rated by their followers. Our findings extend the framework developed by Oc and offer a new perspective on the complex interplay between leader, follower, and contextual factors that all matter for successful leadership training transfer.

Effect of ionic liquid on dispersion stability and antiwear behavior of CuO nanoparticles added to polyalphaolefin base oil

The experimental study assessed the impact of choline chloride cation-based ionic liquid (IL), on the dispersion stability and wear characteristics of copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) in synthetic base oil (PAO 10). CuO NPs, averaging 50 nm in size, underwent surface modification using varying concentrations of the IL (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% by weight). The formulations were subjected to sliding wear tests to evaluate their wear behavior. Analysis of the worn surfaces utilized scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The results indicated that the combination of 0.75% IL and 1% CuO NPs provided optimal dispersion and exhibited effective surface mending, enhancing wear protection by 21.1% than that of PAO 10. The formulation containing 1% IL and 1% CuO NPs demonstrated the highest load carrying capacity among all tested compositions. In terms of wear behavior, the nanolubricant formulations with 0.75% and 1% IL outperformed the lubricant formulation containing 1 wt% of the commercial antiwear additive Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDP).