Artículos SCI

Abstract

Hydrogenated diamond like carbon (DLCH) thin films were deposited on medical grade ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The DLCH coating thicknesses ranged from 250 to 700 nm The substrates were disks made of UHMWPEs typically used for soft components in artificial Joints, namely virgin GUR 1050 and highly crosslinked (gamma irradiated in air to 100 kGy) UHMWPEs Mechanical and tribological properties under bovine serum lubrication at body temperature were assessed on coated and uncoated polyethylenes by means of nano-hardness and ball-on-disk tests, respectively Morphological features of the worn surfaces were obtained by confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy This study confirms an increase in surface hardness and good wear resistance for coated materials after 24 h of sliding test compared to uncoated polyethylene. These results point out that to coat UHMWPE with DLCH films could be a potential method to reduce backside wear in total hip and knee arthroplasties.

Abstract

Highly efficient Bi2WO6-TiO2 heterostructures are synthesized by means of a hydrothermal method; they have high photoactivity for the degradation of rhodamine B under sunlike irradiation. An interesting synergetic effect between TiO2 and Bi2WO6 leads to an improved charge carrier separation mechanism, causing the excellent photocatalytic performance.

Abstract

We have studied the effect of mechanical energy transfer from the tip of an atomic force microscope on the dynamics of self-assembly of monolayer films of octadecylamine on mica. The formation of the self-assembled film proceeds in two successive stages, the first being a fast adsorption from solution that follows a Langmuir isotherm. The second is a slower process of island growth by aggregation of the molecules dispersed on the surface. We found that the dynamics of aggregation can be altered substantially by the addition of mechanical energy into the system through controlled tip surface interactions. This leads to both the creation of pinholes in existing islands as a consequence of vacancy concentration and to the assembly of residual molecules into more compact islands.

Abstract

Epitaxial YBCO thin films have been grown on hexagonal GaN/c-sapphire substrates using DC magnetron sputtering and pulsed laser deposition. An MgO buffer layer has been inserted between the substrate and the YBCO film as a diffusion barrier. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates a c-axis oriented growth of the YBCO films. Φ-scan shows surprisingly twelve maxima. Transmission electron microscopy analyses confirm an epitaxial growth of the YBCO blocks with a superposition of three a–b YBCO planes rotated by 120° to each other. Auger electron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal no surface contamination with Ga even if a maximum substrate temperature of 700 °C is applied.

Abstract

This paper describes one of the first case studies using micro-diffraction laboratory-made systems to analyse painting cross-sections. Pigments, such as lead white, vermilion, red ochre, red lac, lapis lazuli, smalt, lead tin yellow type I, massicot, ivory black, lamp black and malachite, were detected in cross-sections prepared from six Bartolome Esteban Murillo paintings by micro-Raman and micro-XRD combined with complementary techniques (optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, and FT-IR). The use of micro-XRD was necessary due to the poor results obtained with conventional XRD. In some cases, pigment identification was only possible by combining results from the different analytical techniques utilised in this study.

Abstract

The precipitation processes in a Cu-1.0 at.%Co-0.5 at.%Ti (Cu-1.5 at.%Co2Ti) alloy were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and microhardeness measurements. The analysis of the calorimetric curves from room temperature to 900 K shows the presence of two exothermic reactions attributed to the formation of CoTi and Co2Ti particles in the copper matrix. On the basis of enthalpy calculations, it was found that the decomposition begins with the precipitation of CoTi, followed by the formation of Co2Ti particles. The activation energies calculated using the modified Kissinger method were lower than the ones corresponding to diffusion of cobalt and titanium in copper. Kinetic parameters were obtained by a convolution method based on the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) formalism. The values obtained for the parameter n were indicative of a particle nucleation process from preexistent nuclei. Microhardness measurements and TEM micrographs confirmed the formation of the mentioned phases.

Abstract

Gold-supported ceria and europium-doped ceria catalysts were prepared by the deposition-precipitation method. The influence of the pretreatment atmosphere and temperature on the concentration of oxygen vacancies and gold dispersion on the Au/CeEti(10) catalyst under actual reaction conditions was investigated by "in situ" X-ray diffraction and Raman analysis. By Raman spectroscopy, a preferential interaction of the gold with the support across the oxygen vacancies was established and correlated with the gold dispersion. The increase in the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the presence of hydrogen induces changes in the gold crystallite size by breaking-off and migration of gold nanoparticles toward the oxygen vacancies on the CeEu(10) support. The activity of the Au/CeEu(10) solid in the CO oxidation reaction was significantly improved when the catalyst was preactivated in a reducing atmosphere. This trend could be associated with the redispersion of gold together with the increase in the concentration of oxygen vacancies in the support.

Abstract

A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study of heat transfer in a microchannel reactor for the low-temperature Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is presented. The microreactor studied is a steel block with 80 square microchannels of 1 mm of side arranged in cross-flow configuration for the transport of syngas and cooling water. Syngas space velocities in the 5000-30,000 h(-1) (SIP) range have been considered. The microreactor exhibited good isothermicity under most simulated conditions. The FTS can be conducted with very low-temperature change between 483 and 523 K within a wide range of CO conversions using boiling water as coolant. To this end the pressure has to be set at the appropriate value between about Sand 35 atm. The pressure would have to be reduced as the CO conversion increases which might have a negative effect on the FTS selectivity to middle distillates. However, adjusting the cooling water flow rate in the range 0.25-250 g min(-1) allows maintaining the FTS temperature at suitable values while avoiding the use of low pressures. Relatively high values of the overall heat transfer coefficient in the 20-320 W m(-2) K-1 range have been obtained. A significant effect of the buoyancy forces on the thermal performance of the microreactor has been found.

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate that optical resonators built using all-nanoparticle-based porous building blocks provide a responsive multifunctional matrix, totally different emission spectra being attained from the same embedded luminescent nanophosphors under varying environmental conditions. We show a clear correlation between modifications in the ambient surroundings, the induced changes of the resonant modes, and the resulting variations in the emission response. The method is versatile and allows nanophosphors of arbitrary shape to be integrated in the cavity. By precise control of the spectral features of the optical resonances, luminescence is strongly modulated in selected and tuneable wavelength ranges. Applications in the fields of sensing and detection are foreseen for these materials.

Abstract

The implantation of controlled drug release devices represents a new strategy in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders Sol-gel titania implants filled with valproic acid, have been used for this purpose to treat induced epilepsy in rats The kinetics of the drug release depend on. (a) porosity, (b) chemical interactions between valproic acid and surface hydroxyl groups of titania, (c) particle size, and (d) particle size agglomerates The concentration of water used in the hydrolysis reaction is an important variable in the degree of porosity, hydroxylation, and structural defects of the nanostructured titanium oxide reservoir The titanium n-butoxide/water ratio was systematically varied during the sol-gel synthesis, while maintaining the amount of valproic acid constant. Characterization studies were performed using DTA-TGA, FTIR, Raman, TEM, SEM, BET, and in vitro release kinetic measurements The particle agglomerate size and porosity were found to depend on the amount of water used in the sol-gel reactio.

Abstract

A microstructural modelling of the microstructure in single wall carbon nanotubes reinforced alumina ceramics has been developed. The model accounts for the main microstructural features, being quite useful to describe the carbon nanotube distribution along the ceramic matrix. The microstructural analysis derived from this model is found to give a deeper insight into the high-temperature creep of these composites.

Abstract

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 a study of the thermal degradation of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). The combined kinetic analysis of thermal degradation curves of this polymer obtained under different thermal pathways have shown that the proposed equation fits all these curves while other conventional models used in literature do not.

Abstract

An enhanced fluorescent emission of the dye Rhodamine 800 in the Near-IR is observed in the presence of other xanthene dye molecules (RhX) when they are hosted in different matrices due to the formation of a new type of fluorescent J-heteroaggregates.

This enhanced emission of the acceptor occurs despite the low spectral overlapping and the low quantum yield of Rh800.

Abstract

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 photoelectron, infrared, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV-vis spectroscopies. Irrespective of the reaction, W,N-codoped nanocatalysts showed an enhanced photoactivity with respect to bare anatase and single-doped N-TiO2 and W-TiO2 materials. A strong W-N synergistic interaction appears to play a decisive role in driving the excellent photoactivity performance of W,N-codoped materials by affecting (i) electronic properties, particularly maximizing the anatase band gap decrease and enhancing the subsequent visible light photon absorption, and (ii) surface properties, in turn related to the formation of OH radicals upon light excitation. The maximum photoactivity is reached by calcination at 450 degrees C and is concomitantly observed with a near complete selectivity to partial oxidation products. Higher calcination temperatures yielded solids with significantly inferior photocatalytic performance. The properties of the W-N interaction are discussed as a function of the calcination temperature.

Abstract

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, and CRY=PO4. In both functionalise samples (CRYSO4-F and CRYAc-F), IR bands occurred at 1399 cm(-1), corresponding to the sulphate species, and 1106 cm(-1), related to phosphate vibrations; along with the OH and NH characteristic vibration bands in the high energy region. Biocompatibility of functionalised samples was tested by implantation of cryptomelane reservoir in the basolateral amygdala and caudal nucleus of Wistar rats using stereotactic surgery. The brains of the rats were processed in order to evaluate any damage associated with the implant. The results showed that functionalised cryptomelanes did not cause tissue damage or inflammation while not functionalised cryptomelanes caused cell death.

Abstract

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 for N-2 and mixtures Ar + NH3 as plasma gases. The functional groups have been monitored by X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS). Nondestructive oxygen and carbon depth profiles for the plasma treated and one month aged samples have been determined by means of the nondestructive Tougaard's method of XPS background analysis. The surface topography of the treated samples has been examined by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), while the surface tension has been determined by measuring the static contact angles of water and iodomethane. It has been found that the DBD with a mixture of Ar+NH3 is the most efficient treatment for nitrogen and amine group functionalization as determined by derivatization by reaction with chlorobenzaldehyde. It is also realized that the nitrogen functional groups do not contribute significantly to the observed increase in surface tension of plasma treated PET.

Abstract

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 growth or organic nanowires in the form of squared nanofibers and nanobelts. The study of the nanowires by electron diffraction and HRTEM combining with the results of a theoretical analysis of the possible arrangement of the pi-conjugated molecules along the nanowires reveals that the nanowires show a columnar structure along the fiber axis consisting of pi-stacked molecules having a herringbone-like arrangement. The formation of these nanowires on different substrates demonstrates that the growth mechanism is independent of the substrate chemical composition. An in-depth phenomenological study of the Formation of the nanowires drives us to propose a growth mechanism based on a crystallization process. Furthermore, the growth method allows the fabrication of two particular ID heterostructures: binary and open core@shell organic nanofibers.

Abstract

The issue of how to improve product quality and product yield in a short period of time is becoming more critical in many industries. Thus, shorter delay times between laboratory analysis and process correction are important in process control. Elimination of sample handling and operator Manipulation is desirable. The present article proposes micro-X-ray fluorescence (mu XRF) as an economical control method for industrial product quality with a minimum time cost. Samples from different industrial processes have been chosen and analyzed by XRF and mu XRF, The results show that the two techniques give similar results and that mu XRF allows the waste to be classified and is able to detect problems in the production process.

Abstract

The interaction of O-2 with gold foil and gold nanoparticles grown by thermal deposition on TiO2(110) was studied by in situ ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at room temperature. No spontaneous dissociation of O-2 was observed either on Au foil or oil Au nanoparticles up to 1 Torr of O-2. X-ray irradiation, however, is very effective in promoting gold oxidation on both surfaces in the presence of O-2. Our results help reconcile recent conflicting experimental observations regarding the activation of molecular oxygen, which is a crucial issue in Au catalyzed oxidation reactions.

Abstract

The micro and nanostructure of Cu-Al, Cu-V and Cu-Ti alloys produced by reactive milling were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Samples with different milling times (t = 0, 10, 20 and 30 h) were considered. The grain size, dislocation density and residual microstrain were evaluated form the XRD data using the Williamson-Hall and Klug-Alexander methods. The evolution of texture as a function of milling time was also studied using XRD. It was found, using TEM, that the grain size and dispersoid size were nanometric in all three alloys considered.

Abstract

A simple analytical model that allows designing one-dimensional photonic crystal based dye sensitized solar cells of optimized performance, accounting for the actual optical features of the device, is herein presented. Based on the theoretical description of the effect of coupling such Bragg mirrors to the light harvesting electrode, recently reported experimental values of the spectral dependence of incident photon to current conversion efficiency attained for such Structures are fairly reproduced and rationalized. A thorough analysis or them in terms of the interplay between the effect of the electrode thickness and the characteristics of the Bragg reflection, such as intensity, spectral position, and width, is provided. Predictions on the maximum enhancement factors expected for realistic Structures are also presented.

Abstract

The synthesis of solid solutions in the HfB2-ZrB2 system was conducted by mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction (MSR) processes under an inert atmosphere from elemental mixtures of Hf, Zr, and B. The stoichiometry of the Hf1-xZrxB2 solid solution phase was controlled by adjusting the Hf/Zr/B atomic ratio in the starting mixture. Composite materials with SiC were achieved by adding the required amount of SiC to the Hf/Zr/B reactant mixture. The presence of up to 20 vol% of SiC did not inhibit the MSR process. Longer milling times were required to ignite the mixture. Small amounts of the refractory phases ZrC or HfC were observed in the composite powders. The chemical composition, structure, and microstructure of products were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. This complete characterization confirmed the formation of P6/mmm hexagonal diboride phases with a submicrometric microstructure. The determination of the chemical composition and lattice parameters ascertained the formation of solid solutions with good chemical homogeneity in the HfB2-ZrB2 system.

Abstract

High-purity, nanometer-sized titanium carbonitride powders, TiCxN1-x, were obtained with a mechanically induced self-sustaining reaction (MSR) in a high-energy planetary ball mill from a mixture of titanium and different carbon precursors under a nitrogen atmosphere. A promising method for developing dense TiCxN1-x materials is the coupling of MSR with the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The powders were sintered at different temperatures to provide a completely dense monolithic ceramic (> 99% theoretical density). In this work, the influence of the carbon precursor and SPS treatment on the material microstructures were studied, and the main mechanical properties of the end material were evaluated.

Abstract

Nowadays, the technological utilization of reactive hydride composites (RHC) Lis hydrogen storage materials is limited by their reaction kinetics. However, addition of transition-metal-based additives, for instance titanium isopropoxide (Ti-iso), to the 2LiBH(4)+MgH2 system, results in a significant improvement of sorption kinetics. In this work, the evolution of chemical state and local structure of the Ti-based additive has been investigated by means of X-ray absorption (XAS) and photoemission (XPS) spectroscopy. X-ray absorption near-edge Structure (XANES) its well as extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis have been Undertaken at the Ti K-edge. The measurements reveal the formation of a highly dispersed and disordered TiO2-like phase during ball milling. During first desorption reduced titanium oxide and titanium boride are formed and remain stable upon cycling. The Surface analysis performed by XPS shows that the reduction processes of the Ti-based additive during first desorption IS Coupled to the migration of the Ti species front the surface to the bulk of the material. Several factors, related to favoring heterogeneous nucleation of MgB2 and the increase of interfacial area through grain refinement are proposed as potential driving force, among other effects, for the observed kinetic improvement.

Abstract

Due to their potential retention capacity, clay minerals have been proposed for use in the engineered barriers for the storage of high-level radioactive actinides in deep geological waste repositories. However, there is still a lack of data on the sorption of actinides in clays in conditions simulating those of the repositories. The present article examines the sorption of two lanthanides (actinide analogues) in a set of smectitic clays (FEBEX bentonite, MX80 bentonite, hectorite, saponite, Otay montmorillonite, and Texas montmorillonite). Distribution coefficients (K-d) were determined in two media: water and 0.02 mol L-1 Ca, the latter representing the cement leachates that may modify the chemical composition of the water in contact with the clay. The K-d values of the lanthanides used in the experiments (La and Lu) varied greatly (25-50 000 L kg(-1)) depending on the ionic medium (higher values in water than in the Ca medium), the initial lanthanide concentration (up to three orders of magnitude decrease inversely with lanthanide concentration), and the examined clay (up to one order of magnitude for the same lanthanide and sorption medium). Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were used to fit sorption data to allow comparison of the sorption parameters among smectites. The model based on the two-site Langmuir isotherms provided the best fit of the sorption data, confirming the existence of sorption sites with different binding energies. The sites with higher sorption affinity were about 6% of the total sorption capacity in the water medium, and up to 17% in the Ca medium, although in this latter site sorption selectivity was lower. The wide range of K-d values obtained regarding the factors examined indicated that the retention properties of the clays should also be considered when selecting a suitable clay for engineered barriers.

Abstract

Two series of Co-Mn samples were prepared by impregnation of silica with aqueous solutions or Co(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O and/or Mn(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O. Cobalt oxide was the predominant phase in one of the series and manganese was used as the promoter. The major component in the second series was manganese oxide and Co was the promoter. The prepared samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and tested in the reaction of complete n-hexane oxidation. The catalytic activity of both single component cobalt and manganese samples was similar, however, a combination between the two elements changed significantly the activity and this depended on the method of preparation. Catalysts prepared by a common solution of Co- and Mn nitrates manifested a considerable increase in activity as a result of very low crystallinity of the supported metal oxide phases, partial enrichment of the surface with cobalt and uniform distribution of oxide agglomerates on the support.

Abstract

A series of nanosized W,N-co-doped anatase TiO2 catalysts with different dopant contents has been prepared by a microemulsion method and examined in the sunlight selective photo-oxidation of toluene and styrene. The activity results have been correlated with structural, electronic, and surface examinations of the catalysts done with the help of XRD-Rietveld, N-2 physisorption and NH3 chemisorption-calorimetry, XPS, Infrared, and UV-visible spectroscopies. Irrespective of the reaction, a consistent reaction rate enhancement with respect to titania (nano-TiO2, P25) references and W-doped TiO2 systems is observed for single-phase anatase W,N-co-doped samples. This is likely linked with the decrease of the band gap energy decrease and results from a combined W-N cooperative effect on structural properties of the anatase network. W,N simultaneous presence also makes a drastic effect on selectivity, maximizing the yield to partial oxidation products. This appears related with surface properties of the materials.

Abstract

This work focuses on the study of paper and textiles used in the binding of a series of manuscripts that share some specific characteristics that lead us to speculate on the possibility of a transitional codicological typology from the Arabic to the Christian book in Al-Andalus during the 15th century. The books we analyzed belong to the collection of the Historical Archive of Malaga, the Archive of Sacromonte Abbey, in Granada, the School of Arabic Studies and the Library of P.P. Escolapios, also in Granada. Paper physical study was performed by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. A routine and objective method, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, was employed and proved to be a useful technique for the characterization of cellulosic fibres, main component of paper from the boards and the envelope flap pasteboards, and the fabric lining from the cover. The results of our research will help us to date, identify and study the evolution of the techniques, proving that the materials and innovations of the Italian paper manufacturing processes were perfectly known in the south of modern day Spain, before the Christian Reconquest.

Abstract

The objective of the present work has been the study of the physicochemical and catalytic properties of a Ni/La2O3 catalyst obtained by reduction of a lanthanum nickelite, LaNiO3, with perovskite structure. The perovskite, obtained by means of a spray pyrolysis method, provides a Ni/La2O3 system active in different methane reforming reactions. The catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-Ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction and oxidation (TPR, TPO) and catalytic activity tests. Although not evidenced by XRD data, XAS and TPR measurements show the presence of an amorphous NiO phase in the original sample, together with the crystalline LaNiO3 phase. Upon reoxidation treatment of the reduced Ni/La2O3 catalyst, the LaNiO3 structure is partly recovered which provides a convenient way to regenerate a waste catalyst (reoxidation and new reduction in hydrogen). The catalyst is active in several reactions of methane with oxygen, water and CO2, showing a remarkable stability specially under dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction conditions. This quite great catalytic performance has been explained by the high resistance of the nickel particles to be oxidized, as detected by in situ XAS. In the presence of water, as in steam reforming of methane (SRM) reaction conditions, these metallic particles are gradually oxidized, which explains the linear decreasing of the catalytic performance observed for the SRM reaction.