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UV-Crosslinkable itaconic copolymers are developed to provide new multifunctional materials for coatings which combine crosslinkable functionalities and the possibility to immobilize enzymes. The polymer-immobilized enzymes were used for water treatment to decompose persistent organic molecules. Introduction of suitable comonomers allows tailoring the mechanical and chemical properties for special applications. Copolymers containing MMA and itaconic anhydride were chosen because of the formation of long-term stable anhydride functionalities. These anhydride functionalities are employed to attach enzymes covalently. 4-Benzoylphenyl methacrylate is used as comonomer for UV-initiated crosslinking. Terpolymers are successfully obtained by radical copolymerization in solution. The copolymers are compared to poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) [P(EMA)] often used with respect to enzyme immobilization, activity and hydrolytic stability. The hydrolysis stability of the copolymers against water is studied by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Thin films are prepared on glass substrates in a layer-by-layer procedure by spin-coating. The layer formation is monitored by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. UV-crosslinking of the copolymer films is performed taking the optimal irradiation dose that avoids polymer degradation. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy verifies the coupling reaction between amino groups of the enzyme and the anhydride groups on the surface of the crosslinked polymer film. The syringaldazine (4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde azine) test and 2,2´-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assay demonstrate that the immobilized enzymes maintain their activities. The functional copolymers showed a significant effect in reduction of persistent organic pollutants in contaminated waste water.
Experimental data on the reaction kinetics of catalytic processes are prerequisite for modeling of such reactions and their output. We investigate the CO oxidation on
some noble metal catalysts, like Iridium(111) and Palladium(111) which is a bistable surface reaction. In a specific range of CO content in the feed gas islands of one or the other adsorbate nucleate and grow, which is recorded with photo electron emission microscopy (PEEM). During these transients the coverage on the surface
changes from predominantly oxygen covered to predominantly CO covered resp. vice versa. But the resolution of PEEM and especially its unknown and nonlinear dependence of coverage of the two adsorbates (oxygen and CO) and image intensity make it impossible to extract the changes in coverage. On the other hand the reaction diffusion model based on the Langmuir-Hinshelwood-mechanism delivers
the coverage of oxygen and carbon monoxide. The shapeand wall velocity of those islands has been connected perfectly to each other [CPL 423 (2006) 39], but not the
absolute coverage and their variation during the reaction. Since the domain wall velocity is small on Iridium(111), this has opened the possibility for a detailed
analysis of the changing coverage inside this domain wallutilizing synchrotron radiation and photo electron spectroscopy at BESSY II. The coverage profile of
oxygen and CO inside a moving domain wall was measured for both cases using XPS spectra at O1s, C1s and the valence band during thereaction. Comparison with the reaction-diffusion-model and other catalytic surfaces, like Palladium(111) are done.
Surfaces of polyimide films were graphitized by low-energy ion irradiation. The conductivity was between 10−5 to 200 S/cm [1]. We prepared field effect transistors using this material. Ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) was used as gate insulator. The thickness of P(VDF-TrFE) varied from 120 nm to 1200 nm. Properties of P(VDF-TrFE) were investigated by current-voltage measurements of metal/ P(VDF-TrFE)/metal capacitors. We have found that at room temperature, the coercive field of P(VDF-TrFE) does not depend on the film thickness. At lower temperatures the coercive field increases proportionally to the reciprocal temperature. Remnant polarization is 9.5 µC/cm2. It slightly rises with decreasing temperature. Our recent results of field effect mobility, carrier concentration and threshold voltage are presented.
[1] I. Lazareva, Y. Koval, M. Alam, S. Strömsdörfer, P. Müller, Appl. Phys. Lett. 90, 262108 (2007)
A slow-fast trait continuum at the whole community level in relation to land-use intensification
(2024)
AbstractOrganismal functional strategies form a continuum from slow- to fast-growing organisms, in response to common drivers such as resource availability and disturbance. However, whether there is synchronisation of these strategies at the entire community level is unclear. Here, we combine trait data for 2800 above- and belowground taxa from 14 trophic guilds spanning a disturbance and resource availability gradient in German grasslands. The results indicate that most guilds consistently respond to these drivers through both direct and trophically mediated effects, resulting in a ‘slow-fast’ axis at the level of the entire community. Using 15 indicators of carbon and nutrient fluxes, biomass production and decomposition, we also show that fast trait communities are associated with faster rates of ecosystem functioning. These findings demonstrate that ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ strategies can be manifested at the level of whole communities, opening new avenues of ecosystem-level functional classification.
Microscopic and spectroscopic characterization of interfaces and dielectric layers for OFET devices
(2009)
Photo-Emission-Electron-Microscopy for Characterization of an Operating Organic Electronic Device
(2006)
In this contribution we report on investigations of the electronic structure and composition of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) based films by using Near Edge X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS). The measurements were done at the U49/2-PGM2 beam line of BESSY II, Berlin using TEY (total electron yield) and TFY (total fluorescence yield) detection. The samples were produced by spin casting a mixture of P3HT (dissolved in chloroform) and PCBM (dissolved in chlorobenzene) on ITO (indium tin oxide) coated glass slides. Measurements of pure P3HT and PCBM show all typical excitations, whereas the blended system is a weighted superposition of the related peaks. Analyzing these weighted superposition, we observe in the surface sensitive TEY data an accumulation of P3HT, whereas in the bulk sensitive TFY signal an as expected mixture is found. We also show angular dependent NEXAFS measurements of the P3HT/PCBM blend in order to measure the orientation and distribution of the P3HT polymer. Additionally, we will show a new approach for organic solar cell application by introducing ferroelectric nanoparticles into the mixture.
Wir haben CuInS2 (CIS) unterschiedlicher Herstellung (Koverdampfung, Sputtern, Pulsed Laser Deposition, CIS auf Kupferband aufgebracht) untersucht. Neben Tiefenprofilen (durch Sputtern) der Elementverteilung dieser Proben wurden der Einfluss der Temperatur, von aufgedampftem Kupfer und Indium, ebenfalls bei verschiedenen Temperaturen, auf das Verhalten der Stöchiometrie mit spektroskopischen Methoden (XPS, UPS) studiert. Parallel dazu wurde das Verhalten von im Vakuum aufgedampften ZnS und die entsprechenden Oberflächenreaktionen in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur untersucht und charakterisiert, so dass Aussagen über die Optimierung und Anpassung von Präparationsbedingungen und Parametern zur Herstellung von erstens reinem CIS und zweitens von Mischkristallen des Typs Zn2-xCuxInxS2 möglich werden. Zwischen den beiden Endgliedern ZnS und CuInS2 besteht bis auf einen Phasenübergang bei etwa 80% CIS lückenlose Mischbarkeit gemäss Zn2-xCuxInxS2 (Bente: Chem.Erde (1991)). Die elektronische Bandlücke dieser Mischkristalle lässt sich im Vergleich zu reinem CuInS2 in einem Bereich von 3,67 eV (ZnS) bis 1,55 eV (CuInS2) variieren. Damit besteht die Möglichkeit, durch kontrollierte Änderung der Zusammensetzung der Schichten die Effizienz von Solarzellen aus diesem Material zu optimieren.
The dispersal of propagules, such as fungal spores or seeds by actively moving animals, connects and shapes communities. The dispersal of plant pathogens by arthropods might be a crucial mechanism in the spread of several crop diseases. Ground-dwelling arthropods are potential linkers between fungal communities in semi-natural and agricultural habitats by transporting propagules of Fusarium fungi. We compared the Fusarium communities on the body surface of ground-dwelling arthropods with litter in semi-natural and soil in agricultural habitats with a focus on the Fusarium community. We found three relatively distinct Fusarium communities with moderate overlap. We detected a higher richness of Fusarium species on the body surface of arthropods compared to litter and soil communities. The results suggest that the Fusarium community on the body surface of arthropods relates to the composition observed in litter and soil with limited filtering mechanisms between communities. Ground-dwelling arthropods are relevant agents for the distribution of Fusarium and therefore link fungal communities in adjacent habitats.
The photosensitive and rectifying properties of Ga2O3 are described by (n-type) intrinsic (π-) electrons. These polaronic screened multiatomic carriers populate the intrinsic defect states within the ionic gap; their spectroscopic evidence is based on resonant photoemission spectroscopy data that also provide the ionicity factor of Ga2O3 and the size of the ionic gap. The π-electron density depends on the internal potential and its photo- and field-induced dipole contributions, and it describes the observed combined ohmic-exponential carrier densities and current–voltage dependences. The π-electron dynamics is caused by pairing and dissociation dipoles in the bulk of Ga2O3. The material properties of the electrode contribute via external chemical potentials and define the criteria for ohmic and rectifying contacts. This quantitative and predictive concept not only convinces by perfect agreement with published experimental data but also points toward the achievable performance limits of UV absorbers and rectifying devices.
The direct synthesis of methanol [CO2+3H2->CH3OH+H2O]
represent a possibility to reduce the global CO2-emission by recycling the CO2 and also to store excess energy from renewable energy sources into a common fuel or chemical feedstock (Power-to-Liquid). For an acceptable conversion rate of CO2 a catalyst is needed, together with
high temperatures (>200°C) and high pressure (50-200bar). Methanol is normally produced form synthesis gas, a mixture of CO and H2. By directly using CO2 for the exothermic reaction, we avoid the conversion of CO2 to CO by the reversed water gas shift reaction. We also present
new concepts for the conversion from CO2-rich flue gases, eliminating the need for a separation of the CO2. The concept is backed up by
measurements in laboratory scale. Here we use a Cu−ZnO
catalyst on a ZrO2 substrate prepared by impregnation and compare the results with commercially available catalysts. We achieved a conversion of around 7% and a selectivity of 60% at a temperature of 240°C and
45bar. The reaction is thermodynamically limited with a maximum conversion rate of 15% at 250°C and 50bar. The conversion and the
selectivity towards methanol is highly influenced by the catalyst used, the temperature, the pressure as well as the flow rate of the reactants.
The catalytic conversion of CO2 with H2 into CH4
is possible by the Sabatier reaction CO2+4H2→CH4+2H2O. Using excess energy from renewable electricity generation, this approach offers an opportunity for recycling of CO2 as synthetic natural gas. In a new concept, we investigate the performance of the Sabatier reaction as direct methanation of flue gas, emitted by conventional power plants. We investigate the Sabatier process in an upscaled system, with a maximum input flow rate of 45 Nm3/h Gas. The performance is investigated in a simulated composition of flue gas and under real conditions at a lignite power plant in Schwarze Pumpe, Brandenburg, Germany. We can achieve a CO2-conversion of up to 90%, with approx. 100% selectivity towards CH4. Under flue gas conditions and at a certain limit of gas flow the system is operated at an autothermal running modus, a steady state equilibrium of exothermic heat production and thermal flow that needs neither external annealing nor cooling.
Sabatier-Based Direct Synthesis of Methane and Methanol Using CO2 from Industrial Gas Mixtures
(2021)
Ein wichtiges Ziel der Bundesregierung ist der Ausbau des Anteils erneuerbarer Energien an der gesamten Stromerzeugung. Die Entwicklung optimierter Wärme- und Kältespeicher stellt einen wichtigen Baustein bei der Erreichung dieser Zielstellung dar. Elektrisch betriebene Wärmepumpen und Kompressionskältemaschinen sowie dezentrale Klein-BHKW bieten in Verbindung mit entsprechend dimensionierten, thermischen Speichern ein großes Potential zum Lastmanagement in Smart Grids und somit zur Netzintegration von Strom aus erneuerbaren Energien. Die im Projekt entwickelte Methodik zur Suche nach neuen Latentspeichermedien kann für ein breites Anwendungsfeld von Heiz- und Kühlanwendungen in Gebäuden bis hin zur Kraftwerkstechnik eingesetzt werden. Innerhalb der Fördermaßnahme „Anwendungsorientierte Forschung und Entwicklung zur nichtnuklearen Energieforschung“ im 6. Energieforschungsprogramm der Bundesregierung wurde durch die Projektarbeiten das Schwerpunktthema Energiespeicher (3.8) adressiert, wobei der Aspekt der Entwicklung neuer Materialien mit reduzierten Kosten für einen wirtschaftlichen Betrieb im Vordergrund stand. Speziell wurden dabei die Unterpunkte 3.8.4 Thermische Speicher zur Weiterentwicklung, Optimierung und Erprobung von PCM sowie 3.8.5 Übergeordnete Themen mit Modellen und Simulationswerkzeugen für die Auswahl und Bewertung neuer Speichermaterialien adressiert.
Die Projektergebnisse besitzen aber auch Berührungspunkte mit den Schwerpunkten 3.12 Energieeffizienz in Industrie, Gewerbe, Handel und Dienstleistungen sowie 3.4 Solarthermische Kraftwerke, da mit der entwickelten Screening-Methode für diese Anwendungsfälle neue Wärmespeichermaterialien auf der Basis wasserfreier Salze mit höheren Prozesstemperaturen gefunden werden können.
Durch den Einsatz von Methoden zur Modellierung und Simulation von Prozessen erfolgt gleichermaßen die Umsetzung einer energie- und ressourcenschonenden Forschungstätigkeit. Das im Projekt entwickelte Vorgehen hilft dabei, einen äußerst sparsamen Einsatz von Chemikalien, eine niedrige Belastung der Umwelt durch verringerten Entsorgungsaufwand der verbrauchten Stoffe sowie einen deutlich geringeren Aufwand und Energieeinsatz für die Messtechnik zu ermöglichen. Damit wurde zugleich das Schwerpunktthema 3.8.5 Modelle und Simulationswerkzeuge für die Auswahl und Bewertung neuer Speichermaterialien angesprochen.
For a complete transition from fossil to CO₂ neutral energy supply new energy storage concepts are needed that allow energy supply in times of absence of regenerative power production as during dark doldrums. A promising renewable energy storage approach is the power to gas (to power) technique based on the production of synthetic natural gas (also called e-methane) by methanation of CO₂ with H₂. The latter is usually produced by electrolysis. In any power to gas concept, electrolysis is a very critical part, due to its high costs, stability issues, or limited power of required electrolysers.
As an alternative source of hydrogen, we investigate the methanation of coke oven gas (COG). COG is a byproduct of the carbon rich coke production from coal for the steel industry, with a high amount of hydrogen (~60vol%). Coke oven gas furthermore contains CH₄(~25vol%), CO (5-8vol%), and CO₂(1-3vol%), making it an attractive feedstock for the production of synthetic energy carriers like methane. In the present study, the authors investigate the direct conversion of CO and CO₂ from COG into e-methane. Compared to stoichiometric conversion, the COG hydrogen content is too high for catalytic methanation of CO₂. In order to achieve a higher methane yield, the addition of CO₂ from air, flue gas, or coal gasification can compensate the surplus of hydrogen in the coke oven gas. The process is evaluated by the conversion of CO and CO₂, the catalyst selectivity towards higher hydrocarbons for varying temperatures, and the CH₄ yield.
Al2O3-Atomic Layer Deposited Films on CH3NH3PbI3 : Intrinsic Defects and Passivation Mechanisms
(2019)
The initial interaction of atomic layer deposited films of Al2O3 at room temperature on CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPI) films is studied. Synchrotron radiation–based photoelectron spectroscopy is applied to analyze the initial changes in the Al-derived features by comparing samples with different Al2O3 film thicknesses.
It is found that polarons and excitons, both intrinsic defects of Al2O3, play a key role in the interface formation. The polaronic states uptake a charge from the MAPI substrate. This charge is transferred to and stabilized in the excitonic state of Al2O3 which is assigned to predominately tetrahedral coordinated Al sites. This charge transfer is initiated by vacancies present in the MAPI substrate and stabilizes a covalent bonding at the Al2O3–MAPI interface but also causes a roughening of the interface which may lead to the formation of grain boundaries.
On top of the rough interface, 2D Al2O3 clusters with an increasing number of octahedrally coordinated Al—O bonds grow, and with increasing Al2O3 coverage, they introduce self-healing of the structural defects.
This chapter reports about tin oxide (SnO₂), a material which belongs to the transparent conducting oxide family and is best characterized by its high conductivity, high carrier mobility, and the ability to form p-type conductivity. We correlate these properties in terms of localized intrinsic electronic defect states which are resolved by resonant photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. We describe SnO₂ in terms of an inhomogeneous, mixed-ionic-covalent semiconductor in which these intrinsic electronic defects state are stabilized.
The combustion of fossil fuels results in CO2 emission, which is one of the primary causes of global warming. An important approach for solving this problem is the fixation, the chemical utilization and the recycling of CO2. Therefore, we investigate the catalytic conversion of CO2 with H2 into methane (CH4) with an upscaled test station at a brown coal power plant. In a completely new strategy, we realize the direct conversion of the CO2 content of the flue gas, without a cleaning process like amine scrubbing or optimized combustion like oxyfuel. Our experiments are performed in matters of catalytic performance, heat production and stability of the catalytic Sabatier process, as a function of the gas flow rate. The catalytic performance is investigated with a simulated composition of flue gas and under real conditions directly at the power plant. The CH4 production by the Sabatier process is realized with a maximum input flow rate of near 50Nm3/h, with 30Nm3/h flue gas and 20Nm3/h hydrogen. For these values, the necessary power scale for hydrogen generation by electrolysis is around 100kW. With synthetic and real flue gas, a conversion up to 99% (for hydrogen surplus) with 100% selectivity is stabilized. The reaction operates in thermal steady state equilibrium without any external energy supply. In consequence, the process of CO2 recycling could be integrated directly as a post combustion process of conventional power plants, without an expensive capturing step, for example.
A main goal for a sustainable energy supply is a long term energy storage system. One opportunity in this research field is the power to gas concept, where the produced gas can be fed in the existing network of natural gas. Here we show in a technical scale how the direct CO2 conversion to methane according the Sabatier reaction, CO2 + 4 H2 → CH4 + 2H2O , is self organized. At a certain limit of gas flow, a steady state equilibrium of exothermic heat production and thermal flow is reached and the reaction needs no further external annealing. We find for the maximum volume rate at the steady state equilibirum a shift of around 250 ∘C above the optimized temperature of the catalytic supported chemical equilibrium. It is shown that also with this setup the used catalyst works with a stable conversion higher than 80 % under the reached temperature and given pressure conditions.
A key issue in the Energiewende in Germany is the storage of excess energy, as it enables energy management systems to react to fluctuating sources and enhances the flexibility of an energy mix. Power to Gas may be the most reasonable approach to store the energy in the form of hydrogen or synthetic natural gas.
We study the direct conversion of CO2 by the Sabatier reaction to gain a methane based mixture which can replace natural gas in CHP plants and gas motors and can help to partially reduce the CO2 emission. In laboratory scale we investigated the performance (with IR and QMS) of Ni-based catalyst for different sources of CO2 like clean CO2, CO2 emitted as flue gas from an Oxyfuel power plant or a synthetic mixture with O2, N2 and SO2 in concentration typical for conventional power plants. Measurements from an up-scaled system are also presented, showing data important for a technical application. Here, we are able to convert more than 200kg CO2/day with conversion rates up to 90%.
The hydrogenation CO2+ 4H2 ->CH4 + 2H2O discovered by Paul Sabatier nowadays is discussed as "Power-to-approach" to utilize excess energy from renewable electricity generation. In a laboratory scale, we investigate the Sabatier process in a simulated flue gas atmosphere of conventional base load power plants. The reaction is investigated with regard to conversion rates, yield, selectivity and long-term stability. Using a catalyst based on nickel,we extract selectivities near 100% with a conversion around 85%. Beside the influence of oxygen, we investigate further typical contaminations like NO2 and SO2.
The catalytic conversion of CO2is an important component for the reintegration of secondary products like CO2 or H2 into the energy supply. An example is the "power to gas’" concept with a conversion of CO2 into CH4. The CO2 is transferred into a carrier of chemical energy, with the possibility to feed the produced CH4 into the existing network of natural gas. At temperatures of around 350 °C, hydrogenation of CO2 to CH4 is possible by the Sabatier reaction CO2+4H2->CH4+H2O. One prerequisite for efficient kinetics of the Sabatier reaction is the application and optimization of catalysts. The focus of catalyst development is given to their performance under the conditions to be expected in the special application. As
a part of the project Geoenergy-Research (GeoEn), we
address questions related to the catalytic utilization of CO2 produced in the course of the oxyfuel combustion of lignite. In this contribution, we report on the experimental setup in laboratory scale, which enables an advanced characterization of the catalytic performance, including thermodesorption measurements at atmospheric pressure in order to determine the amount of adsorbed CO2 under real conditions. We also show data for activation energies, the catalytic performance as function of temperature and the long time stability of a commercial Ru-based catalyst.
The Sabatier reaction is a key process in the "power-to-gas" application which is considered to con-tribute to future chemical energy storage systems. In this
contribution we focus on the catalytic active sites of a NiO catalyst supported on SiO2(NiO/SiO2) which is commonly used in the Sabatier reaction. A novel technique for the characterization of the active sites is presented and dis-cussed using thermal desorption spectroscopy at ambient pressure. This analytical tool is operated under reaction conditions and allows element specific measurements during the catalytic process of CO2 reforming towards methane. Beside the desorption experiments, XPS and XAS measurements of pristine and catalytically used samples are performed to determine the influence of the Sabatier reaction conditions on the surface structure of the catalyst.
Already discovered by Paul Sabatier in 1902 the Hydrogenation according to CO2 + 4H2 ->CH4 + 2H2O nowadays is discussed in the course of the ’Power-to-Gas’ approach to utilize excess energy from renewable electricity generation in times of oversupply of electricity. We
investigate the behavior of this process in a simulated flue gas atmosphere of conventional base load power plants, which could be used as constant sources of the reactant CO2. Therefore the influence of different flue gas compositions such as varying contents of nitrogen and
residual oxygen are tested in a laboratory scale. The heterogeneous catalysis process is investigated with regard to conversion rates, yield and selectivity and long-term stability of the Ni-catalyst. Earlier results of stable operating conditions in a 1:1 mixture of nitrogen and reactants, which is a typical ratio for flue gas in conventional power plants, could be confirmed in a first step.
We currently build up a demonstration plant for the direct catalytic conversion of CO2 into methane according to the Sabatier reaction CO2+4H2→CH4+2H2O. We have already reached conversion rates higher than 90% and a
selectivity close to unity in our laboratory experiments with NiO based catalysts. A good long term stability was obtained with a reactant gas flow density of 0.8 l/min cm2·
at 350∘C. We will study the process now on a larger scale with a factor 10000. The process is controlled via mass flow controllers with a throughput of 20m3/h H2 and
5m3/h CO2 at an inlet gas pressure of up to 15 bar, the temperature is regulated by a PID multichannel controller. As water is a by-product we use an efficient cooling trap for its separation form the obtained methane. The reaction products are analyzed by a quadrupole mass spectrometer under reaction conditions. We start our experiments in using clean CO2 and H2. Later experiments will involve industrial quality (oxy-fuel) conditions also. Goal of this project is to determine the performance of the catalytic process under conditions which enable an industrial implementation in energy storage concepts. In this contribution we report of the design of a
demonstration plant and on first experiments concerning the kinetics within the system.
The Sabatier-Reaction [CO2+4H2→CH4+2H2O] represents a possible way for the reduction and utilization of CO2 produced in the oxy-fuel combustion process. While using different ruthenium and nickel based catalysts we studied the catalytic performance with quadrupole mass spectroscopy and IR-spectroscopy in terms of conversion of CO2,yield of CH4, selectivity and stability. Conversions of up to 90% and a selectivity of well above 95% could be achieved. Further studies focus on the long term stability, especially with the influence of contaminations like SOx and NOx as they may occur in oxy-fuel or flue gas and could greatly reduce the life time of a catalyst. We investigate the limits of Ni based catalysts for those additives. However, technical oxy-fuel gas seems to have no particular effect on the activity of a commonly used NiO-catalyst when compared to quasi pure CO2 , showing only a small drop of performance after five days with a constant conversion rate of over 80% at the end.
The effect of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement on P(VDF-TrFE) copolymer thin films
(2012)
The impact of prolonged X-ray irradiation during X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement was investigated on poly(vinylidene-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) thin films. It was observed that
prolonged X-ray irradiation can accelerate the crosslinking of P(VDF-TrFE) and diminish the ferroelectric phase. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) data indicate that the ferroelectric phase diminishes completely after 360 kJ of X-ray irradiation dose and it induces the paraelectric phase. In this work,
the main emphasis was given to the optimization of the X-ray irradiation dose during XPS measurements
to maintain the ferroelectric phase within the copolymer films.
Spectroscopic characterization of Cobalt–Phthalocyanine electrocatalysts for fuel cell applications
(2012)
For polymer–electrolyte–membrane fuel cells (PEM-FC), platinumcatalysts on carbon based substrates are state
of the art, due to high electrochemical activity and chemical stability in acid electrolytes. High costs of platinum force investigations of alternative catalysts. With respect to the oxygen reduction reaction, possible candidates are transition metal (TM) complexes like TM-porphyrines or TM-phthalocyanines. Pyrolysis on carbon based substrates improves the catalytic activity. Highest activities were found for Fe or Co as transition metal centers. We present results of the pyrolysis of Co-phthalocyanine (CoPc) on carbon black. Besides an investigation of morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical composition by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) during pyrolysis, we present a near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) study of the chemical composition for the related annealing steps. This investigation is accompanied by an electrochemical characterization of the catalytic activity and selectivity. The XPS and NEXAFS data indicate a decomposition of the CoN4(chelate-) complex during pyrolysis. The N1s data for 800 °C show graphite-like, formally pyrrolic and pyridinic like features, without any significant contri-bution of Co. The Co2p data for both, XPS and NEXAFS are dominated by CoO/Co2O3. It can be concluded that during the pyrolysis cobalt particles are formed by the disintegration of CoN4-centers, after pyrolysis these par-ticles become oxidized upon contact with air.
The utilization of CO2 as raw material is an important component of a program for CO2 reduction. A possibility is the production of methane. At a moderate temperature of around 350°C, hydrogenation of CO2 to methane is possible by the Sabatier reaction CO2 + 4H2 ->CH4 +2H2O. Prerequisite for an efficient kinetics of the Sabatier reaction is the application and optimization of catalysts. In this contribution, we present investigations of Ru and Ni catalysts on different substrates. For Ru/Al2O3 catalysts, we found stable operation without degradation within 500 hours with a conversion rate of 80% at 350°C. For NiO/SiO2 catalysts, a conversion rate of 90% was found for temperatures of 350-405°C. We also show the investigation of cross sensitivities against SOx and NOx, which are typical contaminations of CO2, generated by the industrial oxyfuel process. In our work the morphology (REM, AFM, specific surface), chemical composition (FTIR, XPS) and phase composition (XRD) of the catalysts are characterized. In addition, we report on thermodesorption (TDS) measurements at atmospheric pressure to determine the amount of adsorbed CO2 under real conditions. The project is funded by the German Ministry of Research and Education (BMBF-GeoEn).
Organic semiconductors efficiently harvest light in the region of the solar spectrum due to a high absorption/extinction coefficient.In our work we study the electronic structure and the charge carrier dynamics of polymeric organic semiconductor regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophen-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), an ideal p-type semiconductor and a widely used conjugated polymer, and blends with the fullerene derivative phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), an electron acceptor material. The study was done with the help of time resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) for contactless investigation of bulk carrier dynamics, optical spectroscopy, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy(UPS) and high resolution X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS) which investigates excited states of rr-P3HT. From the data obtained we could infer the positions of the valence and conduction band, the existence of two excitons as well as the co-existence of one dimensional and two dimensional polarons. Based on our spectroscopic data we propose a model in which the scattering of virtual polarons and excitons are shown to create mobile polaronic charge carriers.
The time resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) method was used in order to study the generation and decay kinetics of charge carriers in the Bulk Heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. The charge carriers were generated with 532nm laser pulses of 10ns FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) induced in the cells. The BHJ solar cells used for the measurements had a photoactive layer consisting of a mixture of Poly (3-Hexylthiophene) P3HT and Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) which was spin coated onto Indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass substrates. In the field of Organic photovoltaic blends, TRMC method is introduced as a new method of direct investigation of the charge carrier lifetime as well as the charge carrier mobility and we were successful in studying the charge carrier lifetime of the reference BHJ solar cells.
We also studied the influence of aligned ferroelectric fields on the charge separation in BHJ solar cells. As ferroelectric material, we used the copolymer Poly (vinylidene fluoride - trifluoroethylene) P(VDF-TrFE).
Increasing green house emissions amplify global warming concerns worldwide. Fuel cells, based on polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM) are part of the solution to this issue. We aim at developing and testing new catalysts for fuel cells. Platinum catalysts perform best in PEM fuel cells to date but they are very expensive. For fuel cells to be perfectly applicable and economically affordable, an alternative catalyst with similar or even greater efficiency should be developed.
Metal phthalocyanines are known to be good oxygen reduction catalysts and are associated with high electron transfer properties. We investigated Cobalt Phthalocyanine in its pure state mixed with Carbon Black (CoPc:Carbon Black=1:9) untreated and also after a treatment in N2 at several temperatures, up to 1000°C for 30 minutes.
Results of XPS and EDX analyses reveal that the treatment at higher temperatures causes a rearrangement in the chemical states of Co, N and C atoms. Furthermore, results of cycling voltammetry (CV) analysis reveal that CoPc treated in N2 at 800°C exhibited a higher current density, in conclusion, a higher catalytic activity than the untreated CoPc.
Investigations of the electronic structure and composition of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) based films using Near Edge X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) are presented. The measurements were performed at the U49/2-PGM2 beam line of BESSY II, Berlin recording TEY (total electron yield) and TFY (total fluorescence yield) data. Samples prepared by spin coating a mixture of P3HT dissolved in chloroform and PCBM dissolved in chlorobenzene onto ITO (indium tin oxide) coated glass slides were analyzed. Upon measuring the pure P3HT and PCBM, all reported excitations were observed, whereas the blended system is a weighted superposition of the related peaks. Analyzing the data we calculate the composition of the mixture. We also show angular dependent NEXAFS measurements of the P3HT/PCBM blend in order to measure the orientation and distribution of the P3HT polymer. Additionally, we show a new approach for organic solar cell application. BaTiO3 nanoparticles were incorporated as nanodispersion into the donor-acceptor blend or the ferroelectric copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) was spincoated as an ultrathin film below the blend.
Charge dissociation and recombination are important factors for the efficiency of organic solar cells, even in blended systems of different polymers. As a new approach, the influence of additional blended ferroelectric nanoparticles on the solar cell performance is investigated. The ferroelectric dipole of the nanoparticle causes a local field, which could lead to a longer recombination time of the polaron pairs. As solar cell system we use bulk heterojunction cells or bilayer structures based on regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as the donor and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the acceptor molecule. As ferroelectric additive we use the ferroelectric copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) or BaTiO3. The copolymer is spincoated as ultrathin film of 20nm, whereas the BaTiO3 is incorporated as nanodispersion into the donor-acceptor blend. We present the solar cell parameters for the different geometries and ferroelectric materials as a function of ferroelectric content and of the alignment of the ferroelectric dipoles after application of an external electric field.