Broad Range Of Experimental Techniques Research Articles

Hydrogen induced structural phase transformation in ScNiSn-based intermetallic hydride characterized by experimental and computational studies

Understanding an interrelation between the structure, chemical composition and hydrogenation properties of intermetallic hydrides is crucial for the improvement of their hydrogen storage performance. Ability to form the hydrides and to tune the thermodynamics and kinetics of their interaction with hydrogen is related to their chemical composition. Some features of the metal–hydrogen interactions remain however poorly studied, including chemistry of Sc-containing hydrides. ZrNiAl-type ScNiSn-based intermetallic hydride has been probed in the present work using a broad range of experimental techniques including Synchrotron and Neutron Powder Diffraction, 119Sn Möessbauer Spectroscopy, hydrogenation at pressures reaching several kbar H2 and hydrogen Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy studies. Computational DFT calculations have been furthermore performed. This allowed to establish the mechanism of the phase-structural transformation and electronic structure changes causing a unique contraction of the metal lattice of intermetallic alloy and the formation of the ...H-Ni-H-Ni… chains in the structure with H atoms carrying a partial negative charge. Such hydrogen absorption accompanied by a formation of a covalent Ni-H bonding and causing an unusual behavior contracts to the conventionally observed bonding mechanism of hydrogen in metals as based on the metallic bonding frequently accompanied by a jumping diffusion movement of the inserted H atoms – in contrast to the directional Metal-Hydrogen bonding observed in the present work. At high applied pressures ScNiSnH0.83 orthorhombic TiNiSi type hydride is formed with H atoms filling Sc3Ni tetrahedra. Finally, this study shows that scandium closely resembles the behavior of the heavy rare earth metal holmium.

Unravelling the Mechanism of Viscoelasticity in Polymers with Phase-Separated Dynamic Bonds.

Incorporation of dynamic (reversible) bonds within polymer structure enables properties such as self-healing, shape transformation, and recyclability. These dynamic bonds, sometimes refer as stickers, can form clusters by phase-segregation from the polymer matrix. These systems can exhibit interesting viscoelastic properties with an unusually high and extremely long rubbery plateau. Understanding how viscoelastic properties of these materials are controlled by the hierarchical structure is crucial for engineering of recyclable materials for various future applications. Here we studied such systems made from short telechelic polydimethylsiloxane chains by employing a broad range of experimental techniques. We demonstrate that formation of a percolated network of interfacial layers surrounding clusters enhances mechanical modulus in these phase-separated systems, whereas single chain hopping between the clusters results in macroscopic flow. On the basis of the results, we formulated a general scenario describing viscoelastic properties of phase-separated dynamic polymers, which will foster development of recyclable materials with tunable rheological properties.

The iron chelator Deferasirox causes severe mitochondrial swelling without depolarization due to a specific effect on inner membrane permeability

The iron chelator Deferasirox (DFX) causes severe toxicity in patients for reasons that were previously unexplained. Here, using the kidney as a clinically relevant in vivo model for toxicity together with a broad range of experimental techniques, including live cell imaging and in vitro biophysical models, we show that DFX causes partial uncoupling and dramatic swelling of mitochondria, but without depolarization or opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. This effect is explained by an increase in inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) permeability to protons, but not small molecules. The movement of water into mitochondria is prevented by altering intracellular osmotic gradients. Other clinically used iron chelators do not produce mitochondrial swelling. Thus, DFX causes organ toxicity due to an off-target effect on the IMM, which has major adverse consequences for mitochondrial volume regulation.

New measurement of melting and thermal conductivity of iron close to outer core conditions

The amount of literature on both melting and thermal conductivity of iron at Earth’s core conditions is overwhelming and the discrepancies are very large. There is a broad range of experimental techniques each of which is flawed to a certain degree, which may explain the discrepancy. In this report, we present new data using a different method for determining the phase behavior and resistivity of iron in the laser-heated diamond cell by measuring the electrical resistance of both solid and liquid iron wires. The experiment avoids some of the major flaws of previous experiments, the most important of which is the detection of the onset of melting. These measurements confirm a shallow melting curve found earlier and the resistivity data imply a trend towards low thermal conductivity in the liquid outer core.

Protein Folding Modulation in Cells Subject to Differentiation and Stress.

Cytomimetic media are used to mimic the physicochemical properties of the cellular milieu in an in vitro experiment. The motivation is that compared to entire cells, they can be used efficiently in combination with a broad range of experimental techniques. However, the development and use of cytomimetic media is hampered by the lack of in-cell data that could be used as a hallmark to directly evaluate and improve the performance of cytomimetic media in different applications. Such data must include the study of specific biomolecular reactions in different cell types, different compartments of a single cells and different cellular conditions. In previous studies, model systems such as cancer cell lines, bacteria or oocytes were used. Here we studied how the environment of cells that undergo neuronal differentiation or proteostasis stress modulates the protein folding equilibrium. We found that NGF induced differentiation leads to a decrease of the melting temperature and a change of the folding mechanism. Proteomic changes that occur upon differentiation could explain this effect, however, we found that the crowding effect remained unchanged. Using MG132, a common proteasome inhibitor and inducer of the unfolded protein response, we show that changes to the quality control machinery modulate the folding equilibrium, leading to protein destabilization at prolonged stress exposure. Our study explores the range of protein folding modulation within cells subject to differentiation or stress that must be encountered in the development of cytomimetic media.

The Formation of Performance Enhancing Pseudo‐Composites in the Highly Active La1–xCaxFe0.8Ni0.2O3 System for IT‐SOFC Application

AbstractThe La1–xCaxFe0.8Ni0.2O3–δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.9) system is investigated for potential application as a cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs). A broad range of experimental techniques have been utilized in order to elucidate the characteristics of the entire compositional range. Low A‐site Ca content compositions (x ≤ 0.4) feature a single perovskite solid solution. Compositions with 40% Ca content (x = 0.4) exhibit the highest electrical and ionic conductivities of these single phase materials (250 and 1.9 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 800 °C, respectively), a level competitive with state‐of‐the‐art (La,Sr)(Fe,Co)O3. Between 40 and 50% Ca content (0.4 > x > 0.5) a solubility limit is reached and a secondary, brownmillerite‐type phase appears for all higher Ca content compositions (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.9). While typically seen as detrimental to electrochemical performance in cathode materials, this phase brings with it ionic conductivity at operational temperatures. This gives rise to the effective formation of pseudo‐composite materials which feature significantly enhanced performance characteristics, while also providing the closest match in thermal expansion behavior to typical electrolyte materials. This all comes with the advantage of being produced through a simple, single‐step, low‐cost production route without the issues associated with typical composite materials. The highest performing pseudo‐composite material (x = 0.5) exhibits electronic conductivity of 300–350 S cm−1 in the 600–800 °C temperature range while the best polarisation resistance (Rp) values of approximately 0.2 Ω cm2 are found in the 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.7 range.

Aggregation and network formation of aqueous methylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose solutions

Solution properties of methylcellulose (MC) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) have been investigated as a function of temperature and concentration using a broad range of experimental techniques. Novelties include the extensive comparison between MC and HPMC solutions as well as the combination of techniques, and the use of Cryo transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM). The correlation between rheology and light scattering results clearly demonstrates the relation between viscosity change and aggregation. Cryo-TEM images show the network structures formed. Viscosity measurements show that for both MC and HPMC solutions sudden changes in viscosity occur as the temperature is increased. The onset temperature for these changes depends on polymer concentration and heating rate. For both MC and HPMC solutions the viscosity on cooling is very different compared to on heating, demonstrating the slow equilibration time. The viscosity changes in MC and HPMC solutions are dramatically different; for MC solutions the viscosity increases by several orders of magnitude when a critical temperature is reached, whereas for HPMC solutions the viscosity decreases abruptly at a given temperature, followed by an increase upon further heating. Light and (SAXS) small-angle X-ray scattering shows that the increase in viscosity, for MC as well as for HPMC solutions, is due to extensive aggregation of the polymers. Light scattering also provides information on aggregation kinetics. The SAXS measurements allow us to correlate aggregation hysteresis to the viscosity hysteresis, as well as to extract some structural information. Cryo-TEM images give novel information that a fibrillar network is formed in MC solutions, and the strong viscosity increase occurs when this network spans the whole solution volume. For HPMC solutions the behaviour is more complex. The decrease in viscosity can be related to the formation of compact objects, and the subsequent increase to formation of fibrillar structures, which are more linear and less entangled than for MC.

Status quo of the Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory

We report on the recent progress made at the Dresden High Magnetic Field Laboratory (Hochfeld-Magnetlabor Dresden = HLD). This facility, under construction at the research center (Forschungszentrum) Rossendorf, is planned to open as user facility in 2007 offering access to various pulsed-field magnets. Besides the ultimate goal of constructing a multi-pulse magnet reaching 100T in a bore of 20mm with a peak-pulse duration of about 10 ms, further self-designed high-energy coils will be provided. For thermodynamic experiments, e.g., a pulsed coil for 60T in 40mm and 1 s is planned. The necessary energy of up to 50MJ for coil operation recently became available through a world-unique capacitor bank working at 24 kV. First user-type magnets for fields up to 71T for 100ms in a bore of 24mm have been tested successfully. As an outstanding feature of the laboratory, the bright light of a next-door free-electron-laser facility will allow dedicated high-field infrared spectroscopy. A broad range of experimental techniques is being developed both for user and in-house research in static and pulsed magnetic fields.

Experimental Challenges in Nuclear Astrophysics

The experimental simulation of stellar processes requires a very broad range of experimental techniques. The field has been rapidly growing over the last decade and a large number of new experimental facilities have been developed. This includes underground accelerators to shield the Cosmic ray background for sub-Coulomb barrier measurements of stellar reaction rates, neutron spallation sources for exploring neutron capture reactions for the s-process during late stellar evolution, and radioactive beam facilities for studying far of stability processes in stellar explosions. In this paper I want to present a short overview about the experimental questions and challenges these new developments pose for the experimental nuclear astrophysicist.

Evolutionary proteomics: Computer dating for proteins

Evolutionary proteomics: Computer dating for proteins

Nonlinear optics—a powerful tool for the investigation of magnetic structures

Nonlinear optics is introduced as a powerful tool for the investigation of magnetic structures. A broad range of experimental techniques adapted to the properties of the compounds under study is used to reveal information about magnetic symmetry, electronic transitions, domain structures, phase coexistence, local and hidden magnetic phase transitions, and interacting magnetic sublattices in multiply ordered compounds. In most cases the results are not accessible to alternative techniques probing the magnetic structure.

Polymyxin and Related Peptide Antibiotics

The general mechanism for the antibiotic activities of the polymyxins and octapeptins has been elucidated by research using a broad range of experimental techniques. However, this phenomenon has not been described in detailed molecular terms, and this must be one of the major goals for future research in this area. Since 1947, when polymyxin was first isolated, there have been tremendous advances in our knowledge of membrane structure. The application of biophysical technology such as NMR, ESR, fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and electron microscopy has been particularly valuable for studying model and biological membrane structures. It is these techniques which will provide a detailed molecular mechanism for the effects of these peptide antibiotics on membrane structure. In addition, the large number of antibiotic derivatives available should be exploited more extensively for structure-function correlations. The ultimate goal is to correlate the biological properties of these peptides with their effects on the physical properties of membranes and to rationalize these events in terms of lipid-peptide interactions.