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Iron oxides used as food colorants are listed in the European Union with the number E172. However, there are no specifications concerning the fraction of nanoparticles in these pigments.
Here, seven E172 products were thoroughly characterized. Samples of all colors were analyzed with a Broad spectrum of methods to assess their physico-chemical properties. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), zeta-potential, Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis (BET), Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) and in vitro cell viability measurements were used.
Nanoparticles were detected in all E172 samples by TEM or SAXS measurements. Quantitative results from both methods were comparable. Five pigments were evaluated by TEM, of which four had a size median below 100 nm, while SAXS showed a size median below 100 nm for six evaluated pigments. Therefore, consumers May be exposed to iron oxide nanoparticles through the consumption of food pigments.
ZnO nanoparticles are found in different food and consumer products, and their toxicological effects are still under investigation. It is therefore important to understand their behavior in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we used an in vitro model to assess the physicochemical fate of ZnO nanoparticles during the digestive process in artificial saliva, stomach juice, and intestinal juice. Atomic absorption spectrometry and small-angle X-ray scattering were employed to investigate two ZnO nanomaterials, one intensively characterized reference material and soluble ZnCl2 in a broad range of concentrations between 25 and 1000 μg/mL in the intestinal fluid. Because food components may influence the behavior of nanomaterials in the gastrointestinal tract, starch, milk powder, and olive oil were used to mimic carbohydrates, protein, and fat, respectively. Additionally, ion release of all Zn species was assessed in cell culture media and compared to artificial intestinal juice to investigate relevance of typical cell culture conditions in ZnO nanotoxicology. ZnCl2 as well as the ZnO species were present as particles in artificial saliva but were solubilized completely in the acidic stomach juice. Interestingly, in the intestinal fluid a concentration-independent de novo formation of particles in the nanoscale range was shown. This was the case for all particles as well as for ZnCl2, regardless of the concentration used. Neither of the food components affected the behavior of any Zn species. On the contrary, all Zn species showed a Zn-concentration-dependent ion release in common cell culture medium. This questions the suitability of cell culture studies to investigate the effect of ZnO nanoparticles on intestinal cells. Our results show that Zn-containing nanoparticles reach the intestine. This underlines the importance of determining the influence of the test environment on nanoparticle fate.
Nonporous corundum powder was functionalized covalently with protein binders to isolate and enrich specific proteins from complex matrices.The common crosslinker glutaraldehyde was compared with a hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG) of around 10 kDa. The latter was oxidized with periodate to generate aldehyde groups that can covalently react with the amines of the surface and the amino groups from the protein via a reductive amination process. The amount of bound protein was quantified via aromatic amino acid analysis (AAAA). As a proof of concept, IgG was extracted with protein A from crude human plasma. The advantages of corundum include the very low price, extremely high physical and chemical stability, pressure resistance, favorable binding kinetics, convenient handling, and flexible application.
Nonporous corundum powder, known as an abrasive material in the industry, was functionalized covalently with protein binders to isolate and enrich specific proteins from complex matrices. The materials based on corundum were characterized by TEM, ESEM, BET, DLS, EDS, and zeta potential measurements. The strong Al-O-P bonds between the corundum surface and amino phosphonic acids were used to introduce functional groups for further conjugations. The common crosslinker glutaraldehyde was compared with a hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG) of around 10 kDa. The latter was oxidized with periodate to generate aldehyde groups that can covalently react with the amines of the surface and the amino groups from the protein via a reductive amination process. The amount of bound protein was quantified via aromatic amino acid analysis (AAAA). This work shows that oxidized polyglycerol can be used as an alternative to glutaraldehyde. With polyglycerol, more of the model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) could be attached to the surface under the same conditions, and lower non-specific binding (NSB) was observed. As a proof of concept, IgG was extracted with protein A from crude human plasma. The purity of the product was examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A binding capacity of 1.8 mg IgG per gram of corundum powder was achieved. The advantages of corundum include the very low price, extremely high physical and chemical stability, pressure resistance, favorable binding kinetics, convenient handling, and flexible application.
Nonporous corundum powder, known as an abrasive material in the industry, was functionalized covalently with protein binders to isolate and enrich specific proteins from complex matrices. The materials based on corundum were characterized by TEM, ESEM, BET, DLS, and zeta potential measurements. The strong Al-O-P bonds between the corundum surface and amino phosphonic acids are used to introduce functional groups for further conjugations. The common cross-linker glutaraldehyde was compared with a hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG) of around 10 kDa. The latter is oxidized with periodate to generate aldehyde groups that can covalently react with the amines of the surface and the amino groups from the protein via a reductive amination process. The amount of bound protein was quantified via aromatic amino acid analysis (AAAA). This work shows that oxidized polyglycerol can be used as an alternative to glutaraldehyde. With polyglycerol, more of the model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) could be attached to the surface under the same conditions, and lower nonspecific binding (NSB) was observed. As a proof of concept, IgG was extracted with protein A from crude human plasma. The purity of the product was examined by SDS-PAGE. A binding capacity of 1.8 mg IgG per g of corundum powder was achieved. The advantages of corundum are the very low price, extremely high physical and chemical stability, pressure resistance, favorable binding kinetics, and flexible application.
The characterization of the active structure of water-splitting catalysts is crucial to evolve to a sustainable energy future based on hydrogen. Such information can only be obtained by operando methods. We present a diffuse reflectance UV-vis (DRUV) spectroelectrochemical study that allows tracking the changes of solid oxygen evolution catalysts under working conditions. The versatility of our approach is demonstrated on two cobalt-containing catalysts, Zn0.35Co0.65O and CoAl2O4. The changes the catalysts undergo during the oxygen evolution reaction can be tracked by probing the electronic structure using UV-vis spectroscopy. These findings are compared to ex situ analyses, which support the assignments of the structures stabilized under different potentials. Thus, structure–activity correlations can be proposed, and deeper insights into the catalytically active structures can be obtained.
To arrive to sustainable hydrogen-based energy solutions, the understanding of water-splitting catalysts plays the most crucial role. Herein, state-of-the-art hypotheses are combined on electrocatalytic active metal sites toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) to develop a highly efficient catalyst based on Earth-abundant cobalt and zinc oxides.
The precursor catalyst Zn0.35Co0.65O is synthesized via a fast microwaveassisted approach at low temperatures. Subsequently, it transforms in situ from the wurtzite structure to the layered γ-Co(O)OH, while most of its zinc leaches out. This material shows outstanding catalytic Performance and stability toward the OER in 1 m KOH (overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 ηinitial = 306 mV, η98 h = 318 mV). By comparing the electrochemical results and ex situ analyses to today’s literature, clear structureactivity correlations are able to be identified. The findings suggest that coordinately unsaturated cobalt octahedra on the surface are indeed the active centers for the OER.
During the service life of structural sealant glazing (SSG) facades, the loadbearing capacity of the silicone bonds needs to be guaranteed. Laboratory Tests can assess the durability of SSG-systems based on mechanical characteristics of the bond after simultaneous exposure to both climatic and mechanical loads.
This article studies how the material characteristics of two common structural sealants are affected by laboratory and field exposure. Dynamic mechanical Analysis (DMA) confirms a reduction in the dynamic modulus of exposed Silicone samples. Results from thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and small-angle X-ray scattering/wide-angle X-ray scattering show differences between the two sealants and indicate no/minor changes in the composition and morphology of the laboratory and field exposed sealants. Mechanical characterization methods, such as DMA, and tensile and shear testing of the structural bond, are shown to be sensitive toward the combined climatic and mechanical loadings, and are hence suitable for studying degradation mechanisms of structural sealants.
Working towards a comprehensive understanding of introduction pathways, number, and fate of micro¬plastics in the environment, suitable analytical methods are a precondition. Micro-spectroscopic methods are probably the most widely used techniques. Besides their ability to measure single spectra of a particle or fiber, most modern FTIR- and Raman microscopes are also capable of two-dimensional imaging. This is very appealing to microplastics research because it allows to simultaneously characterize the analytes chemically as well as their size (distribution) and shape.
Two-dimensional imaging on extensive sample areas with FTIR-micros¬copes is facilitated by focal plane array (FPA) detectors resulting in large data sets comprised of up to several million spectra. With numbers too large for manual inspection of each individual spectrum, automated data evaluation is inevitable. Identifying different polymers based on the comparison with known reference spectra (library search) has proven to be a suitable approach. For that purpose, FTIR-spectra of common plastics can be collected to create an individual reference library.
To Supplement this ‘targeted analysis’, looking for known substances via library search, an exploratory approach was tested. Principal component analysis (PCA) proved to be a helpful tool to drastically reduce the size of the data set while maintaining the significant information. Subsequently, cluster analysis was used to find groups of similar spectra. Spectra found in different clusters could be assigned to different polymer types. The variation observed within clusters gives a hint on chemical variability of microplastics of the same polymer found in the sample. Spectra labeled according to the respective cluster/polymer type were used to build a classification model which allowed to quickly predict the polymer type based on the FTIR spectrum. Classification was tested on a second, independent data set and results were compared to the spectral library search procedure.
µ-FTIR spectroscopy is a widely used technique in microplastics research. It allows to simultaneously characterize the material of the small particles, fibers or fragments, and to specify their size distribution and shape. Modern detectors offer the possibility to perform two-dimensional imaging of the sample providing detailed information. However, datasets are often too large for manual evaluation calling for automated microplastic identification. Library search based on the comparison with known reference spectra has been proposed to solve this problem.
To supplement this ‘targeted analysis’, an exploratory approach was tested. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to drastically reduce the size of the data set while maintaining the significant information. Groups of similar spectra in the prepared data set were identified with cluster analysis. Members of different clusters could be assigned to different polymer types whereas the variation observed within a cluster gives a hint on the chemical variability of microplastics of the same type. Spectra labeled according to the respective cluster can be used for supervised learning. The obtained classification was tested on an independent data set and results were compared to the spectral library search approach.
Exploratory analysis of hyperspectral FTIR data obtained from environmental microplastics samples
(2020)
Hyperspectral imaging of environmental samples with infrared microscopes is one of the preferred methods to find and characterize microplastics. Particles can be quantified in terms of number, size and size distribution. Their shape can be studied and the substances can be identified. Interpretation of the collected spectra is a typical problem encountered during the analysis. The image datasets are large and contain spectra of countless particles of natural and synthetic origin. To supplement existing Analysis pipelines, exploratory multivariate data analysis was tested on two independent datasets. Dimensionality reduction with principal component analysis (PCA) and uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) was used as a core concept. It allowed for improved visual accessibility of the data and created a chemical two-dimensional image of the sample. Spectra belonging to particles could be separated from blank spectra, reducing the amount of data significantly. Selected spectra were further studied, also applying PCA and UMAP. Groups of similar spectra were identified by cluster analysis using k-means, density based, and interactive manual clustering. Most clusters could be assigned to chemical species based on reference spectra. While the results support findings obtained with a ‘targeted analysis’ based on automated library search, exploratory analysis points the attention towards the group of unidientified spectra that remained and are otherwise easily overlooked.
The effect of spin fluctuations on the α(bcc)-γ(fcc)-δ(bcc) structural phase transitions in iron is investigated with a tight-binding (TB) model. The orthogonal d-valent TB model is combined with thermodynamic integration, spin-space averaging, and Hamiltonian Monte Carlo to compute the temperature-dependent free-energy difference between bcc and fcc iron. We demonstrate that the TB model captures experimentally observed phonon spectra of bcc iron at elevated temperatures. Our calculations show that spin fluctuations are crucial for both the α−γ and γ−δ phase transitions but they enter through different mechanisms. Spin fluctuations impact the α−γ phase transition mainly via the magnetic/electronic free-energy difference between bcc and fcc iron. The γ−δ phase transition, in contrast, is influenced by spin fluctuations only indirectly via the spin-lattice coupling. Combining the two mechanisms, we obtain both the α−γ and γ−δ phase transitions with our TB model. The calculated transition temperatures are in very good agreement with experimental values.
Assembly of permanently porous metal–organic polyhedra/cages (MOPs) with bifunctional linkers leads to soft supramolecular networks featuring both porosity and processability. However, the amorphous nature of such soft materials complicates their characterization and thus limits rational structural control. Here we demonstrate that aging is an effective strategy to control the hierarchical network of supramolecular gels, which are assembled from organic ligands as linkers and MOPs as junctions. Normally, the initial gel formation by rapid gelation leads to a kinetically trapped structure with low controllability. Through a controlled post-synthetic aging process, we show that it is possible to tune the network of the linked MOP gel over multiple length scales. This process allows control on the molecular-scale rearrangement of interlinking MOPs, mesoscale fusion of colloidal particles and macroscale densification of the whole colloidal network. In this work we elucidate the relationships between the gel properties, such as porosity and rheology, and their hierarchical structures, which suggest that porosity measurement of the dried gels can be used as a powerful tool to characterize the microscale structural transition of their corresponding gels. This aging strategy can be applied in other supramolecular polymer systems particularly containing kinetically controlled structures and shows an opportunity to engineer the structure and the permanent porosity of amorphous materials for further applications.
New Focus On Boehmite-Reinforced Nanocomposites Molecular Approach With Advanced FTIR-Techniques
(2019)
By FTIR-study it was possible to proof a chemical reaction between boehmite and the hardener of anhydride cured epoxy resins. Future studies can assume that the chemical environment of the resin system is changed in the surrounding of boehmite nanoparticles. This highly affects especially localized properties.
Water as side effect of reinforcing boehmite filler Local changes in anhydride cured epoxy resin
(2019)
Nanocomposites offer wide opportunities for lightweight constructions and enable reduction of weight and volume. Beside macroscopic toughening nanoparticle reinforced polymers show a soft interface around boehmite (AlOOH) filler nanoparticles. A related strong interaction between boehmite and the anhydride cured resin system is widely suspected in literature but not determined by structural Analysis. Determination of the molecular structure is important to allow simulations approaching the real system and predict future reinforcing effects.
DRIFT (diffuse refletance infrared fourier transformed) spectra of the boehmite reinforced anhydride cured epoxy show significant changes in the molecular structure compared to the neat polymer. Further investigations of the interactions between the single components of the resin system and the boehmite filler pointed out reactions between released water released from the boehmite filler and the anhydride hardener or amine accelerator. This leads to the discussion of competing polymerisation mechanisms that highly influence the polymer properties. Ongoing experiments and literature research approve that this impact of water is able to locally change the stoichiometrie, alter the curing mechanism or support an inhomogeneous crosslink density.
Micro- and nanoplastic particles became a topic of public concern all over the world e.g. in water, soil, sludge and air. For a profound risk assessment, it is necessary to identify the origins, hotspots, or transport between different media. Therefore, a representative repeatable analysis is required and reference materials (RM) to proof and compare methods.
The basis of MNP investigations is a harmonized analysis which includes sampling, sample preparation and detection. In recent years, spectroscopic methods like µRaman and µFTIR for the determination of particle numbers or thermoanalytical methods like Pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (py-GC/MS) and Thermo extraction/ desorption gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) for mass determination have proven to be particularly suitable.
The technical committees (TC) of ISO TC 61 “plastics” and TC 147 “water quality" are working on harmonisation processes on international level. For all standardization approaches, it is necessary that the detection methods and analysis processes can be validated. Therefore, BAM develops reference material for microplastic (MP) analysis for several years with focus on the most common polymers PE, PP, PS, PET and PA.
MP particles with a close to reality fragment shape are obtained by cryomilling and sieving. For sample preparation purposes with mass detection methods MP particles are pressed into pills with a water-soluble matrix. Thereby losses due to sample preparation e.g. filtration are included in the verification of an analysis.
To ensure a constant quality throughout all MP RM batches the homogeneity and stability is controlled according to ISO Guide 35. Next to TED-GC/MS measurements particle size distribution, infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry spectra are taken as accompanying parameters.
This presentation aims to introduce into the MP RM production process with ensured quality and special focus on pointing out customized setups for particle comminution, separation, and characterization for standardization.
Reference materials are essential to analyze the impact of micro- and nanoplastics. The particle size D50 has been chosen as property of interest. They can be produced top-down by milling. For size separation down to a particle size D50 of 50 µm sieving is suitable while smaller particle sizes can be obtained by filtration. After production it is important to control the stability because microplastic in the size range below 10 µm tend to agglomerate.
The impact of water released from boehmite nanoparticles during curing in epoxy-based nanocomposites
(2021)
The enhancing effect on mechanical properties of boehmite (γ-AlOOH) nanoparticles (BNP) in epoxy-based nanocomposites on the macroscopic scale encouraged recent research to investigate the micro- and nanoscopic properties. Several studies presented different aspects relatable to an alteration of the epoxy polymer network formation by the BNP with need for further experiments to identify the mode of action.
With FTIR-spectroscopic methods this study identifies interactions of the BNP with the epoxy polymer matrix during the curing process as well as in the cured nanocomposite. The data reveals that not the BNP themselves, but the water released from them strongly influences the curing process by hydrolysis of the anhydride hardener or protonation of the amine accelerator. The changes of the curing processes are discussed in detail.
The changes of the curing processes enable new explanation for the changed material properties by BNP discussed in recent research like a lowered glass transition temperature region (Tg) and an interphase formation.
AbstractRecent studies have hypothesized that the reinforcing effects of boehmite nanoparticles (BNPs) in polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are partly related to the particles themselves and partly to the water released from the BNP during curing. In this work, PNCs made from dried BNP (dBNP) with concentrations up to 15 wt% are investigated to differentiate particle and water related effects. The observed trend of the storage modulus in dynamic mechanical thermal analysis measurements was found to be independent of the drying procedure. Stiffness maps from intermodulation atomic force microscopy showed that dBNP leads to a stiffening of the interphase surrounding the particles compared with the unaffected epoxy matrix, while a softer interphase was reported for PNCs with as received BNP. A slight decrease in the glass transition temperature was observed by broadband dielectric spectroscopy related to a lowered crosslink density due to the particles. A significantly higher decrease was reported for PNCs with BNP, attributed to water influencing the curing process. In conclusion, the stiffening of PNC with BNP is related to the particles themselves, while the release of water causes the formation of a soft interphase in the vicinity of the particles and a significant decrease in crosslink density.
Boehmite nanoparticles has been successfully functionalized with APTES. After APTES functionalization further modification with tailored molecules e.g. via carboxylic acids is possible. The tailored surface functionalization is strongly enhanced by improved coupling protocols. Arbitrary variation of the functionalization degree is possible. Thereby the temperature stable APTES functionalization enables a wide range of functional groups.
By TGA-MS analysis strong evidence for the bonding situation of the APTES on the boehmite surface has been found. Additionally first experiments has been performed to predict the polymer-particle compatibility enhancement via reverse wetting angle measurements with AFM.
Nanocrystalline basaluminite [Al4OH10(SO4)(H2O)3–5] and Aggregation of the e-Keggin polyoxocation [Al12(AlO4)(OH)24(H2O)12]7+, referred to as Al13, have both been described to form in acid mine Drainage environments. Although the chemical composition is quite similar, their crystalline varieties significantly differ, demonstrating that various types of Al-hydroxysulfates can form under similar conditions and that their respective formation is not fully understood yet. Here, we report the occurrence of nanocrystalline precipitates that form naturally in a small alpine catchment in Switzerland where an acidic mountainous stream (pH 4) is neutralized successively after mixing with several neutral tributaries. The stepwise neutralization in conjunction with the large amount of precipitates provide an ideal setting for obtaining new insights into (i) the structure of naturally forming Al-hydroxysulfates, (ii) their formation mechanism, (iii) their role in controlling the solubility of Al, and (iv) their ability to lower the mobility of As. Synchrotron-based high-energy X-ray diffraction and subsequent pair distribution function analyses demonstrate that these precipitates are structurally identical to basaluminite samples obtained from acid mine drainage sites. In contrast, only minor amounts of tetrahedrally coordinated Al, as present in Al13, were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The precipitates are further characterized by elevated As concentrations up to 600 lg/g, whereas other heavy metals are at background concentrations only. Given the low As concentrations in the stream from which precipitation occurs (<0.03 mg/L), high As concentrations confirm that basaluminite serves as a highly efficient As sink, which is attributed to its high anion-exchange capacity. Chemical analysis of streamwater samples in combination with geochemical modeling show that precipitation occurs instantaneously upon mixing with neutral streams.
Moreover, our data reveal that the precipitation of basaluminite exerts a strong solubility control on dissolved Al concentrations as manifested by the quasi-constant basaluminite ion activity product observed during neutralization from pH 5 to pH 5.9. We hypothesize that in our field system, high fluoride and sulfate concentrations on the order of 100 and 1–2 mg/L,
Using magnetic materials for energy conversion as an example, this lecture shows how X-ray tomography investigations can contribute to structure elucidation in composites and solid samples. The components are tested non-destructively in order to characterize cracks, pores and other defects and their influence on the functional properties three-dimensionally and in good time in the life cycle of the material. If you combine microtomography with other methods of magnetic material characterization, you can make unique statements about the structure and the functional properties.
Using magnetic materials for energy conversion as an example, this lecture shows how X-ray tomography investigations can contribute to structure elucidation in composites and solid samples. The components are tested non-destructively in order to characterize cracks, pores and other defects and their influence on the functional properties three-dimensionally and in good time in the life cycle of the material. If you combine microtomography with other methods of magnetic material characterization, you can make unique statements about the structure and the functional properties.
Functional materials for energy conversion are important technology drivers needed for the implementation of low carbon energy. Therefore, researchers commonly focus on improving the intrinsic properties of a functional material. However, for applications, the extrinsic properties are at least as important as the intrinsic ones. Consequently, it is important to investigate and understand the external and internal structure of semi-finished products and especially defect dependent properties. The extrinsic properties may change during application and the life cycle of the material as well as through processing and molding steps.
Our studies show how X-ray tomographic (XCT) investigations can contribute to structure investigations in composites and massive samples using the example of magnetic materials for energy conversion. The components are tested non-destructively in 3D in order to localize and characterize cracks, pores, inclusions as well as other defects and their influence on the functional properties and also “in-time” during the life cycle of the material. Exsitu and in-situ experiments performed with non-destructive XCT are predestinated to follow damaging mechanisms of materials under certain load conditions, atmospheres or liquids, e.g. went through several working cycles of a functional material. By combining microtomography with other methods of magnetic and classical material characterization, unique statements about the structure and the functional properties can be made.
From the applications point of view, sometimes complex, three-dimensional geometries are needed to fully exploit the functional properties of the materials, e.g. to ensure a high surface area for heat exchange. Since many functional materials are brittle and difficult to form, shaping is often a big challenge. In principle, additive manufacturing processes offer the possibility to produce complex, porous components from poorly formable alloys.
If all stages of additive manufacturing are accompanied by X-ray tomographic imaging, the process of finding the optimal parameters for material processing can be significantly accelerated.
Based on the quality control of the initial powder material used and also investigations of the shape and arrangement of defects within the molten structure and their relationship with the melting path scanning strategy, Xray tomography has proven to be an ideal tool for additive manufacturing, even for functional materials. Overall, tomographic methods are important tools for the development of functional materials to application maturity.
Functional materials for energy conversion are important technology drivers needed for the implementation of low carbon energy. Therefore, researchers commonly focus on improving the intrinsic properties of a functional material. However, for applications, the extrinsic properties are at least as important as the intrinsic ones. Consequently, it is important to investigate and understand the external and internal structure of semi-finished products and especially defect dependent properties. The extrinsic properties may change during application and the life cycle of the material as well as through processing and molding steps. Our studies show how X-ray tomographic (XCT) investigations can contribute to structure investigations in composites and massive samples using the example of magnetic materials for energy conversion.
The talk gives a short overview and explains basic principles of research ethics for PhD students. We examine the most important principles in the codes of conduct for good scientific practice on EU and national level. Based on these general rules, we give some hands-on practical tips for daily scientific work and discuss in detail one of the fields most susceptible to conflict, the topic of authorship in scientific publications.
To date, there are very few technologies available for the conversion of low-temperature waste heat into electricity. Thermomagnetic generators are one approach proposed more than a century ago. Such devices are based on a cyclic change of magnetization with temperature. This switches a magnetic flux and, according to Faraday’s law, induces a voltage.
Here we give an overview on our research, covering both materials and systems. We demonstrate that guiding the magnetic flux with an appropriate topology of the magnetic circuit improves the performance of thermomagnetic generators by orders of magnitude. Through a combination of experiments and simulations, we show that a pretzel-like topology results in a sign reversal of the magnetic flux. This avoids the drawbacks of previous designs, namely, magnetic stray fields, hysteresis and complex geometries of the thermomagnetic material.
Though magnetocaloric materials had been the first choice also for thermomagnetic generators, they require some different properties, which we illustrate with Ashby plots for materials selection. Experimentally we compare La-Fe-Co-Si and Gd plates in the same thermomagnetic generator. Furthermore, we discuss corrosion and deterioration under cyclic use is a severe problem occurring during operation. To amend this, composite plates using polymer as a matrix have been suggested previously.
The precise analysis of cation diffusion profiles through corrosion scales is an important aspect to evaluate corrosion phenomena under multicomponent chemical load, as during high‐temperature corrosion under deposits and salts. The present study shows a comprehensive analysis of cation diffusion profiles by electron microprobe analysis and microbeam X‐ray absorption near edge structure (µ‐XANES) spectroscopy in mixed oxide/sulfide scales grown on Fe–Cr model alloys after exposing them to 0.5% SO2. The results presented here correspond to depth‐dependent phase identification of oxides and sulfides in the corrosion scales by µ‐XANES and the description of oxidation‐state‐dependent diffusion profiles. Scales grown on low‐ and high‐alloyed materials show both a well‐pronounced diffusion profile with a high concentration of Fe3+ at the gas and a high concentration of Fe2+ at the alloy interface. The distribution of the cations within a close‐packed oxide lattice is strongly influencing the lattice diffusion phenomena due to their different oxidation states and therefore different crystal‐field preference energies. This issue is discussed based on the results obtained by µ‐XANES analysis.
Microplastics are solid polymeric particles with a size of 1-1000 μm (ISO/TR21960:2020), which can be emitted from mismanaged waste into the environment, where microplastic is now ubiquitous. What happens to the microplastics after ending up in the environment, which risks entail and what effects it has are not sufficiently clarified up to now. The most certain issue is that the plastic particles in the environment are exposed to natural ageing, are fragmenting and degrading, such that the potential risk to ecosystems and humans is increasing due to the formation of smaller and smaller particles, potentially even including nanoplastics, if these are ingested before their further degradation. Therefore, and in view of a possible registration of polymers under REACH in the future, it is necessary to investigate the degradation of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) regarding hydrolysis stability to evaluate possible risks and effects to the environment.
In the present studies, one thermoplastic polyurethane – with and without hydrolysis stabilizer – is exposed to different pH buffers at 50°C for 14 days to investigate hydrolysis depending to different pH values (acid, alkali and neutral) based on OECD guideline TG111. The hydrolysis behavior of the TPUs is characterized by surface sensitive techniques and on bulk properties. First degradation effects can be detected by SEC. Hydrolysis, especially under acidic and basic conditions, leads to chain scissions to lower molecular masses. Furthermore, the degradation products which indicate the structure of the bulk material were detected by thermo-analytical methods like TGA-FTIR for the small degradation products and the thermo extraction/desorption-gaschromatography/mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) for bigger degradation products. Acidic and basic hydrolysis shows the same degradation behavior which is caused by a preferred scission of the ester and urethane functionalities. Surface-sensitive techniques such as XPS demonstrate less carboxylic acid formation at acidic than at alkaline pH value in the TPU without stabilator, where as the TPU with stabilator ages to the same extent in both pH ranges. Altogether, the hydrolysis of TPUs – independently of added stabilizer or not – in acid and alkali environment is accelerated compared to the neutral hydrolysis.
We will report on a new kind of ring-expansion polymerization (REP) of cyclic esters based of three classes of catalysts.
In contrast to REP described previously these new polymerizations are characterized by a self-extrusion of the catalysts resulting in cyclic homopolyesters as the only reaction product. These REP of L-lactide were performed in bulk at temperatures between 100 and 180°C without racemization. A simplified scheme of a REP catalyzed by BuCa or SnBi is presented below. With meso-lactide temperatures down to 60°C were realized. Depending on catalyst, time and temperature with equal quantities of even and odd-numbered cycles a strong predominance of either even or odd-numbered cycles was found.
Eine neue Art einer Ring-Expansion Polymerization (REP) von zyklischen Polylaktiden mittels neuer Katalysatoren wird präsentiert.
MALDI-TOF Massenspektrometrie und andere analytische Techniken wurden zur Aufklärung des Mechanismus eingesetzt. Dabei zeigte sich, dass im Gegensatz zu anderen REP, ausschließlich zyklische Polymere gebildet wurden. Diese stellen neue Kandidatenmaterialien für zukünftige neue CRM dar.
In addition to molar mass distribution (MMD) synthetic polymers often exhibit an additional chemical heterogeneity distribution, expressed by different end groups and other structural variations (e.g. tacticity, copolymer composition etc.). Ionization in MALDI MS is always strongly affected by such chemical properties. For example, the abundance of cyclics in MALDI TOF mass spectra is frequently reported to greatly exceed that of linears. Thus, the MALDI ionization behavior of various neat end-capped linear poly(L-lactide)s and one cyclic poly(L-lactide) was investigated and compared with that of blends of both structures. Moreover, the influence of the cationizing salt was investigated too.
Neat compounds and various blends of cyclic and linear species were prepared and studied using two MALDI TOF mass spectrometers under identical conditions with regard to sample preparation and instrumental conditions, except for the laser power and the salt used for cationization. Polymer samples were additionally characterized by NMR and SEC.
The steady increase of the laser intensity caused an exponential increase of the peak intensities of both linear and cyclic polylactides.The response of linear polylactides (in the investigated molecular mass range), whether as neat polymer or in blends with other linear polylactides was almost similar. This clearly supports our assumption that ionization in MALDI is probably unaffected by the end group structure.The variation of the laser power shows only little effect on the intensity ratio of linear-to linear and cyclic-to-linear polylactides in blends. Whereas neat linear polylactides at all laser intensities have a significantly higher abundance than neat cyclics, in mixtures of both an overestimation of cyclic species in MALDI TOF mass spectra of polylactides was found. However, this is far less distinct than frequently reported for other polymers.Concluding, peak suppression of linear polymers in mixtures of both architectures can be excluded, which also means, that polylactides showing only peaks of cyclic compounds in their MALDI - TOF mass spectra do not contain a significant fraction of linear analogues.
Our study is the first systematic comparison of the MALDI ionization of neat and blended cyclic and linear polylactides.
Since its introduction mass spectrometric techniques like Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/ionization (MALDI) and Electrospray Ionization (ESI) have become indispensable for synthetic polymer analyses. Ideally, various polymer properties (monomer structure, masses, mass distribution, end groups) can be determined simultaneously. However, in real life these experiments are always affected by important structural parameters and instrumental limitations.
A short introduction focussing on latest findings with respect to ionisation principles and mechanisms will be given. Recent results from our group will be presented and efforts to avoid common drawbacks of polymer mass spectrometry will be discussed. In this regard, MALDI - Imaging mass spectrometry and the 2D hyphenation of MS with different chromatographic separation techniques were especially useful, since they can provide additional information and reduce the complexity of polymer analyses.
Die MALDI-TOF Massenspektrometrie stellt eine wichtige Methode zur simultanen Bestimmung von Molmassen, Molmassenverteilungen und Endgruppen von synthetischen Polymeren dar. In dem Vortrag wird gezeigt, welche zusätzlichen Informationen über die Art der Polymerisation, der Nebenreaktionen und der Topologie der gebildeten hochmolekularen Polylaktid-Homo- und Copolymere im Verlauf ihrer Synthese erhalten werden können.
MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry for the characterization of biobased polymers suitable for depollution
(2022)
In this work, bio-based polymers were synthesized and designed as polymers phases for adsorption of a variety of pollutants from aqueous solutions. The obtained adsorption results showed that the integration of bio-sourced synthons generate attractive hydrophilicity, and wettability of the resulting adsorbent phase. Such polymers phases enable stronger interactions with the organic and inorganic pollutants in water.
A wide variety of different bio-based polymers structures (e. g. poly(ethersulfones, poly(etherphosphines or poly(etherpyridines) with different functional groups were successfully designed in order to adapt chemical structure to different pollutants type and matrice nature.
In order to characterize and to determine the correlation between polymer structures and nature of interaction with pollutants, different analytical technics (NMR, GPC, ATG, DSC, Mass spectrometry) were successfully used. Amongst them, MALDI TOF mass spectrometry plays a superior role since this technique enables the simultaneous determination of the polymer structure, polymer end groups and molecular weight.
This work focusses on the characterization of synthesized polymers. The chemical structure of the repeating unit, the nature of the end groups, as well as the molecular weight, which are all important for the specific interactions of the polymer with the pollutants were clearly determined and suggestions to improve these interactions by changing the synthetic pathway could be given.
MALDI TOF Massenspektrometrie wurde verwendet, um Kristallisationsprozesse in Polyestern (Polylactide, Polyglycolide) zu untersuchen. Dabei konnte gezeigt werden, dass Zyklen und Linearen simultan, aber in unterschiedlichen Kristalliten, kristallisieren. Die dabei ablaufenden Umesterungen (Transesterifizierungen) konnten mit der MALDI TOF Massenspektrometrie nachgewiesen werden. Damit wurde ein völlig neues Anwendungsgebiet dieser MS Methode demonstriert.
The purpose of this study is to shed more light on the transesterification processes in alcohol-initiated and tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnOct2)-catalyzed polymerizations of lactides at low or moderate temperatures. Ethanol-initiated polymerizations are conducted in concentrated solutions at 80 °C and a strong dependence of even/odd equilibration on the alcohol/Sn ratio. Around or above 120 °C cyclization of poly(l-lactide) via “backbiting” occurs as a third mechanism. However, poly(m-lactide) shows a higher cyclization tendency and yields cyclics even at 100 °C. Combinations of ethanol and certain cyclic dibutyltin(IV) catalysts also yield cyclic oligomers of l-lactide at 80 °C. Reaction conditions allowing for a total suppression of all transesterification reactions are not found, but even-numbered poly(m-lactide)s with a purity >95% are obtained at 70 or 60 °C.
Ring-opening polymerizations (ROPs) of L-lactide are performed in bulk at 130°C with tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate as catalyst and various phenols of differentacidity as initiators. Crystalline polylactides having phenyl ester end groups are isolated, which are almost free of cyclics. The dispersities and molecular weights are higher than those obtained from alcohol-initiated ROPs under identical conditions. Polymerizations at 160°C yield higher molecular weights than expected from the monomer/initiator ratio and a considerable fraction of cycles. The fraction of cycles increases with higher reactivity of the ester end group indicating that the cycles are formed by end-to-end cyclization.
Numerous new tin catalysts that enable the synthesis of cyclic polylactides with broad variation in their molecular mass were recently developed. The abundance of cyclics in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectra is, however, frequently reported to greatly exceed that of linears. Thus, the MALDI ionization behavior of various end-capped linear poly(L-lactide)s and one cyclic poly(L-lactide) was investigated and compared.
Neat compounds and various blends of cyclic and linear species were prepared and studied under identical conditions with regard to sample preparation and instrumental condition, except for the laser power. For this purpose, two different MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers were applied.
Our results reveal that cyclics indeed show a slightly better ionization in MALDI, although their ionization as a neat compound seems to be less effective than that of linear polylactides. The ionization of most linear polylactides investigated does not depend on the end group structure. However, linear polylactides containing 12-bromododecyl end groups reveal an unexpected saturation effect that is not caused by fragmentation of the polymer or the end group, or by electronic saturation of the detector digitizer. Furthermore, polylactides with a 2-bromoethyl end group did not show such a saturation effect.
An overestimation of cyclic species in MALDI-TOF mass spectra of poly(L-lactide)s must be considered, but the commonly assumed peak suppression of linear polymers in mixtures of both structures can be excluded.
Spirocyclic phenoxides of germanium, zirconium, and tin were prepared from 2,20-dihydroxybiphenyl and 2,20-dihydroxy-1,10-binaphthyl. Ring-expansion polymerizations of L-lactide are mainly studied at 160 or 180 °C. The reactivity of the catalysts increases in the order: Zr < Ge < Sn. Regardless of catalyst, the weight-average molecular weights (Mw) never exceed 50,000 g mol−1. The resulting poly(L-lactide)s are optically pure and have a cyclic architecture. Decreasing temperature and time favor Formation of even-numbered cycles, and at 102 ° cyclics, almost free of odd-numbered rings are obtained. Analogous polymerizations of meso-lactide give similar results >120 °C, but different results at 100 or 80 °C. Surprisingly, bell-shaped narrow molecular weight distributions are obtained <140 °C, resembling the pattern of living polymerizations found for alcohol-initiated polymerizations. An unusual transesterification mechanism yielding narrow distributions of odd-numbered cycles is discovered too.
1:1 Copolymerizations of glycolide (GL) and L-lactide (LA) is performed in bulk at 100°C and at 160°C with four cyclic tin catalysts. The resulting copolyesters are characterized by SEC measurements, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. At 160°C and longer reaction time (22 h) nearly complete conversion of both monomers is achieved, and cyclic copolymers with nearly random sequences are formed. At shorter times (0.5-3.0 h, depending on catalyst) the conversion of LA is incomplete, and only cyclics having even numbers of lactyl units are obtained. At 100°C at 22 h again cycles mainly consisting of even numbered lactyl units are formed, but with even and odd numbers of glycolyl units. Copolymerization of lactide at 160°C with small amounts of GL show that formation of high Tm crystallites (Tm > 190°C) is hindered even when only > 2% of GL is added. For polyglycolide containing a smaller amount of lactide complete solubility in hexafluoroisopropanol is only observed around and above 20 mol% of lactide.
Cyclic polylactides were prepared in bulk at 170 °C, crystallized at 120 °C and then annealed at temperatures between 130 and 170 C with variation of catalyst, catalyst concentration and annealing time. The transformation of the initially formed low melting (LTm) crystallites, having melting temperatures (Tm) <180 °C into high melting (HTm) crystallites having Tm values > 189 °C was monitored by means of DSC measurements and characterized in selected cases by SAXS measurements. It was confirmed that the formation of HTm crystallites involves a significant growth of the thickness of the lamellar crystallites along with smoothing of their surface. Annealing at 170 °C for 1 d or longer causes thermal degradation with lowering of the molecular weights, a gradual transition of cyclic into linear chains and a moderate decrease of lamellar thickness. An unexpected result revealed by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry is a partial reorganization of the molecular weight distribution driven by a gain of crystallization enthalpy.
SnOct2 (Sn(II) 2-ethylhexanoate) catalyzed ROPs of L-lactide were performed in bulk with eight different alcohols as initiators. The time was varied between 1 h and 24 h for all initiators. For two initiators the temperature was also lowered to 115 ◦C. Even-numbered chains were predominantly formed in all polymerizations at short times, but the rate of transesterification (e.g. even/odd equilibration) and the molecular weight distribution were found to depend significantly on the nature of the initiator. Observed transesterification reactions also continued in solid poly (L-lactide), and with the most active initiator, almost total equilibration was achieved even at 130 ◦C. This means that all chains including those of the crystallites were involved in transesterification reactions proceeding across the flat surfaces of the crystallites. The more or less equilibrated crystalline polylactides were characterized by DSC and SAXS measurements with regard to their melting temperature (Tm), crystallinity and crystal thickness.
The usefulness of seven different Tin catalysts, Bismuth subsalicylate and Titan tetra(ethoxide) for the polycondensation of ethyl L-lactate (ELA) was examined at 150 °C/6 d. Dibutyltin bis(phenoxides) proved to be particularly effective. Despite the low reactivity of ELA, weight average molecular masses (Mw) up to 12 500 were found along with partial crystallization. Furthermore, polylactides (PLAs) of similar molecular masses were prepared via ELA-initiated ROPs of L-lactide by means of the four most effective polycondensation catalysts. The crystalline linear PLAs were annealed at 140 or 160 °C in the presence of these catalysts. The consequences of the transesterification reactions in the solid PLAs were studied by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI TOF) mass spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The results indicate that polycondensation and formation of cycles proceed in the solid state via formation of loops on the surface of the crystallites. In summary, five different transesterification reactions are required to explain all results.
A poly(L-lactide) with a trifluoroethyl ester end group and an average degree of polymerization (DP) of 50 was synthesized by ROP of L-lactide initiated with trifluoroethanol. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in combination with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements revealed an average crystal thickness of 13 nm, corresponding to 45 repeat units. This suggests that most crystallites were formed by extended PLA chains, and both flat surfaces were covered by CF3 groups. The crystalline PLAs were annealed at 140 or 160 °C in the presence of two catalysts: tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, (SnOct2) or dibutyltin bis(pentafluorophenoxide) (BuSnPhF). The chemical reactions, such as polycondensation and cyclization, proceeded in the solid state and were monitored by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-offlight (MALDI TOF) mass spectrometry and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements. Under optimal conditions a large fraction of linear chains was transformed into crystallites composed of extended cycles. Additionally, MALDI TOF MS analysis of GPC fractions from samples annealed for 28 or 42 days detected chain elongation of the linear species up to a factor of 20.
Glycolide was polymerized in bulk with two cyclic catalysts − 2,2-dibutyl-2-stanna-1,3-dithiolane (DSTL) and 2-stanna-1,3-dioxa-4,5,6,7-dibenzepane (SnBiph). The monomer/initiator ratio, temperature (140 – 180 °C) and time (1–––4 days) were varied. The MALDI TOF mass spectra exclusively displayed peaks of cyclic polyglycolide (PGA) and revealed an unusual “saw-tooth pattern” in the mass range below m/z 2 500 suggesting formation of extended ring crystallites. The DSC measurements indicated increasing crystallinity with higher temperature and longer time, and after annealing for 4 d at 160 °C a hitherto unknown and unexpected glass transition was found in the temperature range of 170–185 °C. Linear PGAs prepared by means of metal alkoxides under identical conditions did not show the afore-mentioned features of the cyclic PGAs, neither in the mass spectra nor in the DSC measurements. All PGAs were also characterized by SAXS measurements, which revealed relatively small L-values suggesting formation of thin crystallites in all cases with little influence of the reaction conditions.
Ring–Ring Equilibration in Solid, Even-Numbered Cyclic Poly(l-lactide)s and their Stereocomplexes
(2020)
Even-numbered cyclic poly(d-lactide) and poly(l-lactide) are prepared by ringexpansion polymerization. The cyclic pol(l-lactide) is annealed either at 120 or at 160 °C for several days. The progress of transesterification in the solid state is monitored by the formation of odd-numbered cycles via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The changes of the crystallinity are monitored by differential scanning calorimetry, wideand small-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS and SAXS) measurements. Despite total even-odd equilibration at 160 °C, the crystallinity of poly(l-lactide) is not reduced. Furthermore, the crystallinity of the stereocomplexes of both cyclic polylactides do not decrease or vanish, as expected, when a blocky or random stereosequence is formed by transesterification. This conclusion is confirmed by 13C NMR spectroscopy. These measurements demonstrate that transesterification is a ring–ring equilibration involving the loops on the surfaces of the lamellar crystallites thereby improving crystallinity and 3D packing of crystallites without significant broadening of the molecular weight distribution.
L-lactide (LA) was polymerized in toluene by means of neat tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnOct2). Concentration, time and temperature were varied. The isothermally crystallized polyLAs (PLA) were characterized in the virgin state with regard to topology, molar mass, melting temperature (Tm), crystal modification, high or low Tm morphology, crystallinity and crystal thickness. Even a small amount of solvent favored cyclization relative to polymerization in bulk, so that cyclic polylactides were obtained at 115 ◦C and even at 95 ◦C. At all temperatures the α-modification of PLA was obtained along with crystallinities up to 90%. With 6 M solution the high Tm morphology with Tm’s > 190 ◦C was obtained at 115 ◦C. The crystal thickness of crystallites grown from solution at 115 ◦C was on the average 10–20% higher than that of PLA polymerized in bulk. At a polymerization temperature of 75 ◦C cyclization was incomplete and fewer perfect crystallites were formed. A new hypothesis for the crystal growth of cyclic polyLAs is proposed.
Alcohol-initiated ROPs of L-Lactide were performed at 140 ◦C in bulk with variation of the initiator/catalyst ratio and time. Lower ratios favor the formation of cycles which upon annealing display a change of the MALDI mass peak distribution towards a new maximum with a “saw-tooth pattern” of the mass peaks representing the cycles.
Such a pattern was not observed for the mass peak of the linear chains. The coexistence of these patterns indicate that linear and cyclic poly (L-lactide)s (PLA) crystallize in separate crystals, and that the crystallites of the cycles are made up by extended rings. High Tm and ΔHm values confirm that these extended-ring crystallites represent a thermodynamically optimized form of PLA. Experiments with preformed cyclic and linear PLAs support this interpretation.
Controlling thickness and tightness of surface passivation shells is crucial for many applications of core–shell nanoparticles (NP). Usually, to determine shell thickness, core and core/shell particle are measured individually requiring the availability of both nanoobjects. This is often not fulfilled for functional nanomaterials such as many photoluminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QD) used for bioimaging, solid state lighting, and display technologies as the core does not show the applicationrelevant functionality like a high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield, calling for a whole nanoobject approach. By combining high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), a novel whole nanoobject approach is developed representatively for an ultrabright oleic acid-stabilized, thick shell CdSe/CdS QD with a PL quantum yield close to unity. The size of this spectroscopically assessed QD, is in the range of the information depth of usual laboratory XPS. Information on particle size and monodispersity were validated with dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and compared to data derived from optical measurements. In addition to demonstrating the potential of this novel whole nanoobject approach for determining architectures of small nanoparticles, the presented results also highlight challenges faced by different sizing and structural analysis methods and method-inherent uncertainties.
3D coherence scanning interferometry (CSI) is anoptical, non-contact and rapide measurement technique using a defined bandwidth of white light at normal incidence. White light interference microscopy (WLIM) providest here-dimensional surface topometry data up to a resolution of 0.4 µm lateral and 0.1 nm vertical. Three operating modi, surface, films and advanced films, enable measurements of step heights, roughness, wear volume, cone angle, surface pattern and layer thickness. Traceability to SI system is ensured by certified standards (PTB/NIST) within a DAkkS DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accredited lab.
3D coherence scanning interferometry (CSI) is an optical, non-contact and rapide measurement technique using a defined bandwidth of white light at normal incidence. Based on this operational principle, white light interference microscopy (WLIM) provides three-dimensional surface topometry data up to a resolution of 0.4 μm lateral and 0.1 nm vertical. Three operating modi, i.e. surface, films and advanced films, enable measurements of step heights, roughness, wear volume, cone angle, surface pattern and layer thickness of transparent coatings.
The determination of layer thickness by WLIM requires the knowledge of optical constants, i.e.the refractive index n and the extinction coefficient k. For technical surfaces, data base values - if available at all - have to be determined or validated by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). From this oblique incidence technique both optical constants and layer thickness can be derived based on a model for at least semi-transparent coatings. For different layer thicknesses, a
comparison is made between WLIM and SE. Measurement uncertainty is
discussed for both topometric features and layer thickness for different use cases.
Traceability to SI system is ensured by certified standards (PTB/NIST) within a DAkkS DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accredited lab.
The comparison required the assignment of the mass fraction of folic acid present as the main component in the comparison sample. Performance in the comparison is representative of a laboratory's measurement capability for the purity assignment of organic compounds of medium structural complexity [molecular weight range 300–500] and high polarity (pKOW < −2).
Methods used by the eighteen participating NMIs or DIs were based on a mass balance (summation of impurities) or qNMR approach, or the combination of data obtained using both methods. The qNMR results tended to give slightly lower values for the content of folic acid, albeit with larger associated uncertainties, compared with the results obtained by mass balance procedures. Possible reasons for this divergence are discussed in the report, without reaching a definitive conclusion as to their origin.
The comparison demonstrates that for a structurally complex polar organic compound containing a high water content and presenting a number of additional analytical challenges, the assignment of the mass fraction content property value of the main component can reasonably be achieved with an associated relative standard uncertainty in the assigned value of 0.5%
High and medium entropy alloys gained increasing academic and industrial interest as novel materials for engineering applications. This project is aiming to clarify and compare the general and local corrosion properties of high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi and medium entropy alloy CrCoNi in different aqueous environments. The focus lies on the local corrosion processes that result either from microstructural imperfections (inclusions, defects at grain boundaries etc.) in the base material or processing related changes in the microstructure and/or local composition.
The corrosion behavior of the alloys was monitored via potentiodynamic polarization experiments and the local corrosion characteristics were further investigated by means of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Their passivation behavior was analyzed in three different electrolyte systems (NaCl, H2SO4 and NaClO4; c = 0.1M). The characterization of the surface morphology and composition of the passive film was performed by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively.
Considering long term corrosion effects, electrochemical work was supported with immersion tests and the analysis of corrosion products by SEM/EDX and XPS depth-profiling. Our results indicate that the medium entropy alloy CrCoNi has a significantly higher corrosion resistance in comparison to the high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi. The presentation will summarize some of our results on the mechanistical aspects of the observed high corrosion resistance.
High and medium entropy alloys gained increasing academic and industrial interest as novel materials for engineering applications. This project is aiming to clarify and compare the general and local corrosion properties of high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi and medium entropy alloy CrCoNi in different aqueous environments. The focus lies on the local corrosion processes that result either from microstructural imperfections (inclusions, defects at grain boundaries etc.) in the base material or processing related changes in the microstructure and/or local composition.
The corrosion behavior of the alloys was monitored via potentiodynamic polarization experiments and the local corrosion characteristics were further investigated by means of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Their passivation behavior was analyzed in two different electrolyte systems (NaCl and H2SO4 c = 0.1M). The characterization of the surface morphology and composition of the passive film was performed by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. To analyze the semiconducting properties of the passive film Mott-Schottky analysis was conducted.
Considering long term corrosion effects, electrochemical work was supported with immersion tests and the analysis of corrosion products by SEM/EDX, ICP-MS and XPS depth-profiling. Our results indicate that the medium entropy alloy CrCoNi has a significantly higher corrosion resistance due to the higher concentration of chromium in comparison to the high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi. The presentation will summarize our results on the mechanistical aspects of the observed high corrosion resistance.
High and medium entropy alloys gained increasing academic and industrial interest as novel materials for engineering applications. This project is aiming to clarify and compare the general and local corrosion properties of high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi and medium entropy alloy CrCoNi in different aqueous environments. The focus lies on the local corrosion processes that result either from microstructural imperfections (inclusions, defects at grain boundaries etc.) in the base material or processing related changes in the microstructure and/or local composition.
The corrosion behavior of the alloys was monitored via potentiodynamic polarization experiments and the local corrosion characteristics were further investigated by means of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Their passivation behavior was analyzed in three different electrolyte systems (NaCl, H2SO4 and NaClO4; c = 0.1M). The characterization of the surface morphology and composition of the passive film was performed by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively.
Considering long term corrosion effects, electrochemical work was supported with immersion tests and the analysis of corrosion products by SEM/EDX and XPS depth-profiling. Our results indicate that the medium entropy alloy CrCoNi has a significantly higher corrosion resistance due to the higher concentration of Chromium in comparison to the high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi. The presentation will summarize our results on the mechanistical aspects of the observed high corrosion resistance.
High and medium entropy alloys gained increasing academic and industrial interest as novel materials for engineering applications. This project is aiming to clarify and compare the general and local corrosion properties of high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi and medium entropy alloy CrCoNi in different aqueous environments. The focus lies on the local corrosion processes that result either from microstructural imperfections (inclusions, defects at grain boundaries etc.) in the base material or processing related changes in the microstructure and/or local composition.
The corrosion behavior of the alloys was monitored via potentiodynamic polarization experiments and the local corrosion characteristics were further investigated by means of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Their passivation behavior was analyzed in three different electrolyte systems (NaCl, H2SO4 and NaClO4; c = 0.1M). The characterization of the surface morphology and composition of the passive film was performed by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively.
Considering long term corrosion effects, electrochemical work was supported with immersion tests and the analysis of corrosion products by SEM/EDX and XPS depth-profiling. Our results indicate that the medium entropy alloy CrCoNi has a significantly higher corrosion resistance due to the higher concentration of Chromium in comparison to the high entropy alloy CrMnFeCoNi. The presentation will summarize our results on the mechanistical aspects of the observed high corrosion resistance.
Due to their favorable mechanical and anti-corrosion properties, medium entropy alloys (MEA) are of high academic and industrial interest as novel materials for engineering and catalytic applications. Previous studies on general corrosion behavior indicate high current densities at high anodic potentials for MEAs. Further investigations of the underlying transpassive dissolution and local corrosion behavior remain scarce.
To understand the passivation behavior of MEAs CrCoNi and FeCrNi at high anodic potentials, the mechanisms of transpassive dissolution and the oxygen evolution reaction were investigated in this project. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was applied in the interrogative mode for the detection of evolving metal species and oxygen. By means of ICP-MS analysis, dissolved metal species were quantified to provide a fundamental understanding on the transpassive dissolution. As the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) may contribute a large percentile to the observed current at high anodic potentials, SECM measurements were employed to analyze the onset of the OER. Potentiodynamic, potentiostatic and chronoamperometric techniques as well as different electrolytes were used to induce precisely controlled corrosion loads during the SECM experiments and for the ICP-MS analysis. Macroscopic corrosion properties of the alloys, electrical and chemical properties of the passive films were studied by means of potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), respectively.
Finally, the analysis of the corrosion morphology and the potential of the surface before, during and after passivity breakdown was carried out by means of in-situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM). The presentation will summarize our results on the interplay of anodic passivation and oxygen evolution of MEAs in aqueous NaCl electrolytes.
Old materials, new life: Using diffusion-controlled synthesis for discovery of novel alloy systems
(2023)
Multi principal element alloy (MPEAs) concept allows us to rethink how we develop application-tailored, sustainable materials. The vast composition space leads to nearly indefinite material combinations and will facilitate finding Pareto optimal materials with lower CO2 footprint and avoidance of critical minerals as design criteria. To probe this large compositional space efficiently, the use high-throughput screening methods is inevitable. Diffusion-controlled synthesis of gradient materials is the optimal technique for screening complex compositional materials that would otherwise require comprehensive modelling or experimental efforts.
In this study, we have used a series of diffusion couples of pure metals and alloys with the aim to create a materials library with correlated data on composition and microstructure. With future recycling prospects in mind, and possible applications of Cu containing alloys in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction and antimicrobial alloys we have generated diffusion couples of brass (Cu63Zn37) and bronze (Cu89Sn11) with either pure metals (Fe, Ni, etc.) or with binary or ternary alloys (FeNi, FeNiCr etc.). For different diffusion times and temperatures, we calculated diffusion constants for the material combinations. Following a detailed characterisation of the gradient materials, we have investigated general and local corrosion properties, electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CRR) as well as mechanical properties (hardness, elastic modulus) on single-phase alloys synthesized in bulk by means of vacuum arc-melting based on the selected local compositions.
In most cases, due to the short diffusion times, the contact between the diffusion couples lead to two separate diffusion zones and thus, different alloy families on both sides. Especially with ternary alloys, interesting selective diffusion processes and unexpected repulsion effects were observed. The presentation will provide an overview of the gradient materials with a focus on the functional properties of single-phase alloy families derived from them.
Multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) are gaining interest in corrosion and electrocatalysis research due to their electrochemical stability across a broad pH range and the design flexibility they offer. Using the equimolar CrCoNi alloy, we observe significant metal dissolution in a corrosive electrolyte (0.1 M NaCl, pH 2) concurrently with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in the transpassive region despite the absence of hysteresis in polarization curves or other obvious corrosion indicators. We present a characterization scheme to delineate the contribution of OER and alloy dissolution, using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) for OER-onset detection, and quantitative chemical analysis with inductively coupled-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ultraviolet visible light (UV-Vis) spectroscopy to elucidate metal dissolution processes. In-situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) revealed that the transpassive metal dissolution on CrCoNi is dominated by intergranular corrosion. These results have significant implications for the stability of MPEAs in corrosion systems, emphasizing the necessity of analytically determining metal ions released from MPEA electrodes into the electrolyte when evaluating Faradaic efficiencies of OER catalysts. The release of transition metal ions not only reduces the Faradaic efficiency of electrolyzers but may also cause poisoning and degradation of membranes in electrochemical reactors.
This work presents the determination of the corrosion characteristics of CrCoNi (medium entropy alloy) and CrMnFeCoNi (high entropy alloy) in 0.1 M NaCl and 0.1 M H2SO4. The morphology and chemical composition of the oxide layers formed on CrCoNi and CrMnFeCoNi were comparatively analyzed by scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and supported with chemical analysis by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The analysis of the 3p core level peaks showed that the oxide layer (native and after anodic passivation) on CrCoNi consisted mainly of Cr oxides, while the oxide layer on CrMnFeCoNi was primarily composed of a mixture of Cr and Fe oxides. In addition, XPS was utilized to assess the oxide layer thicknesses. These results were compared to the thicknesses obtained by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), with both approaches yielding values up to about 4 nm depending on the electrolyte and the alloy. Cyclic polarization measurements indicated superior corrosion resistance of CrCoNi in both aqueous environments compared to CrMnFeCoNi, as well as to AISI 304 stainless steel.
The ubiquitous presence of unintended plastics in the environment has been an issue in scientific studies and public debate. Recent studies on MP findings are focused mainly on aquatic systems, while little is known about MP in terrestrial ecosystems. Fermentation residues, sewage sludge and compost are secondary raw material fertilizers and represent a possible input path of plastics in soils. Soils are final sinks for micro plastics. In this context, samples were taken in a combined fermentation and composting plant in Germany to get real compost samples which were investigated. Existing regulations include requirements for total contents of plastics in combination with visual determination methods. In order to avoid possible underdeterminations, precise detection methods should be used in the future from a scientific point of view. For this reason, the use of thermoanalytical detection is an appropriate way. Spectroscopic methods such as Raman or FTIR are not suitable for determining the mass content of microplastic, as these output a particle number. In Germany, compost is a potential vector for MP in soil due to its use as fertilizer. Therefore, we show the application of TThermoExtractionDesorption-GasChromatography-MassSpectrometry (TED-GC-MS) as a fast, integral analytical technique, which in contrast to the spectroscopic methods does not measure the number of particles but a mass content. In a nitrogen atmosphere the sample is pyrolyzed to 600 °C and an excerpt of the pyrolysis gases is collected on a solid phase adsorber. Afterwards, the decomposition gases are desorbed and measured in a GC-MS system. Characteristic pyrolysis products of each polymer can be used to identify the polymer type and determine the mass contents in the present sample. For the first time the work represents a routine procedure for the determination of plastics in composts and fermentation residues. This current study will also give inside in various important aspects of sample preparation, which include a meaningful size fractionation, a necessary density separation regarding the removal of inorganic contents and at finally a homogenization.
The formation of microplastic (MP) particles (1-1000 µm) is mostly related to physicochemical degradation processes of macroplastics. Photooxidative damage is often set as the initial degradation process, which leads to embrittlement of the plastics. Mechanical processes then lead to further fragmentation and the formation of MP particles. In the environment, this can be associated with UV exposure through direct radiation from the sun, which leads to radical formation in the polymer systems on the one hand and radical formation of oxygen on the other. The result is material embrittlement usually caused by chain shortening in the polymeric system. Due to specific ecosystem conditions, the damaged polymer is fragmented by erosive, abrasive processes or wave action.
According to reference material topic for MP analysis, pristine and artificially weathered polymers are needed. Starting from granulate or macroplastics, these can be pulverised with different techniques, bottled and stored until usage. The bottled powders need to be homogen and stable over a defined time interval regarding to a specific property.
This work deals with different polymer types, aged and non-aged. It tries to answer the question under which storage conditions polymers will be stable in particle size. The powders are characterized for chemical composition and shape with FTIR, DSC and SEM. Particle size distribution was measured by laser diffraction with wet and dry dispersion. Artificially pre-aged materials seem to be more vulnerable for further aging and less stable in particle size distribution measurements.
Im der Präsentation werden, neben der Möglichkeit der Mikroplastikquantifizierung, auf weitere Anwendungsfelder der Methode TED-GC/MS eigegangen. Dies beinhaltet die Erfassung von Degradationsprodukten UV/O2 geschädigter Polymere und die Detektion von Additiven. Die Optimierung der Methode betreffend Messzeit und materialspezifischer Messanforderung sind ebenfalls Gegenstand.
Microplastic reference material is required for validation and harmonization purposes. This includes the analysis of the pure polymer particles and the validation of the respective measurement methods. In addition, there is the harmonization of different laboratories. On the other hand, sample preparation methods must be validated and harmonized with regard to their recovery and subsequent analysis in the respective matrices. For this purpose, we produce reference material candidates in the form of tablets with different mass fractions and particle numbers of polyethelene terephthalate. In the presentation first measurement results by µ-Raman, µ-FTIR, pyrolysis-GC-MS and TED-GC/MS will be presented.
The scientific and practical challenge of detecting microplastics (MPs) in the environment in a targeted and rapid manner is solved by innovative coupling of thermogravimetric analysis with mass spectrometric methods.
Fast identification and quantitative determination of most thermoplastic polymers and elastomers is possible by using thermal extraction Desorption gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TED-GC–MS).
Inputs of plastic impurities into the environment via the application of fertilizers are regulated in Germany and the EU by means of ordinances. Robust and fast analytical methods are the basis of legal regulations. Currently, only macro- and large microplastic contents (>1 mm) are measured. Microplastics (1–1,000 µm), are not yet monitored. Thermal analytical methods are suitable for this purpose, which can determine the mass content and can also be operated fully automatically in routine mode. Thermal extraction desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) allows the identification of polymers and the determination of mass contents in solid samples from natural environments. In accordance with the German or European Commission (EC) Fertiliser Ordinance, composting plants should be monitored for microplastic particles with this method in the future. In this context a compost plant was sampled. At the end of the rotting process, the compost was sieved and separated in a coarse (>1 mm) and a fine fraction (<1 mm). The fine fraction was processed using density separation comparing NaCl and NaI as possible salt alternative and screened for microplastic masses by TED-GC/MS with additional validation and quality assurance experiments. With TED-GC/MS total microplastics mass contents of 1.1–3.0 μg/mg in finished compost could be detected with polyethylene mainly. What differs much to the total mass of plastics in the coarse fraction with up to 60 μg/mg, which were visually searched, identified via ATR-FTIR and gravimetrically weighted.
AbstractMicroplastics (MP) can be detected in all environmental systems. Marine and terrestrial aquatic systems, especially the transported suspended solids, have often been the focus of scientific investigations in the past. Sediments of aquatic river systems, on the other hand, were often ignored due to the time‐consuming sample preparation and analysis procedures. Spectroscopic measurement methods counting particle numbers are hardly suitable as detection methods, because there are plenty of natural particles next to a small number of MP particles. Integral methods, such as thermoanalytical methods are determining the particle mass independently of the inorganic components.In this study, a workflow for sample preparation via density separation and subsequent analysis by thermal extraction desorption‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is presented, which leads to representative and homogeneous samples and allows fast and robust MP mass content measurements suitable for routine analysis. Polymers were identified and quantified in all samples. Polyethylene and styrene‐butadiene rubber are the dominant polymers, besides polypropylene and polystyrene. Overall, total polymer masses between 1.18 and 337.0 µg/g could be determined. Highest MP concentrations in riverbed sediment are found in sites characterized by low flow velocities in harbors and reservoirs, while MP concentrations in sandy/gravelly bed sediments with higher flow velocities are small.
The syntheses and crystal structures of two cerium(IV) phosphonates are presented. Cerium(IV) bis(phenylphosphonate) Ce(O3PC6H5)2 1 can be formed from precipitation and mechanochemical reaction, whereas cerium(IV) bis(carboxymethylphosphonate) monohydrate Ce(O3PCH2COOH)2 H2O 2 is only accessible via ball milling. All reactions proceed very fast and are completed within a short time span. In situ measurements for the syntheses of 1 show that the product occurs within seconds or a few minutes, respectively. The structures were solved from powder X-ray diffraction data.
The photocatalytic (PC) performance of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles strongly depends on their specific surface, the presence of crystal defects, their crystal phase, and the exposed crystal facets. In order to understand which of these factors contributes most significantly to the PC activity of TiO2 colloids, all of them have to be individually analyzed. This study entails the synthesis of five anatase nanocrystal samples. By maintaining the same reactant ratios as well as hydrothermal sol–gel synthesis route and only varying the autoclaving time or temperature, different crystallite sizes are obtained under comparable experimental conditions. A decrease in PC performance with increase in specific surface area is found. Such an unexpected counterintuitive result establishes the basis for a better understanding of the crucial factors that ultimately determine the PC activity. These are investigated by studying nanocrystals bulk and surface structure and morphology using a selection of complementary analysis methods (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), X-ray diffraction (XRD)…). It is found that a change in the nanocrystal morphology from an equilibrium state truncated tetragonal bipyramid to a more elongated rod-like structure accompanied by an increase in oxygen vacancies is responsible for an augmented PC activity of the TiO2 nanocrystals.
The performance of functional coatings and adhesively joined hybrid components relies strongly on the stability of the polymer-metal interface. With the increasing utilization of multi-material structures in the automotive and aerospace industry, it is of great scientific and technical interest to understand the processes leading to interface degradation and to develop novel strategies to increase corrosion and delamination resistance.
The aim of this project is to develop thin epoxy-based films on aluminium alloy AA2024-T3 as a model system and to investigate their interfacial stability under corrosive and coupled corrosive-mechanical load. Electrochemical and spectroscopic methods were used for the characterisation of the film properties and in situ corrosion experiments were performed by means of AFM. The deformation properties of the aluminium alloy and the model coatings were investigated by means of scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) utilizing the integrated tensile stage.
The presentation will give a brief overview of the capabilities of the new AFM setup to foster future collaborations and summarize our work on the interface stability of model coatings.
The performance of functional coatings relies strongly on the stability of the polymer-metal interface. The increasing utilization of multi-material structures in the automotive and aerospace industry necessitates a fundamental understanding of the processes leading to interface degradation for the development of novel strategies to increase corrosion and delamination resistance.
The aim of this project is to investigate the corrosion processes at the buried interface of thin film coated aluminium alloy AA2024-T3 under corrosive and coupled corrosive-mechanical load. A spin coating procedure was developed to synthesize epoxy-like coatings and their nanofiller loaded composites with controlled thickness by layer-by-layer deposition of poly[(o-cresyl glycidyl ether)-co-formaldehyde] and poly-(ethylenimine) bi-layers. Our results indicate that the incorporation of graphene into the epoxy-based coatings leads to the improvement of mechanical and barrier properties. Furthermore, the functional groups play important roles in the interfacial bonding between polymer matrix and the nanofillers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results indicate very homogeneous and dense films with a thickness of ~25 nm per bi-layer and the successful integration of the nanofillers into the composite coatings. Ellipsometry measurements of film thickness verified a proportional film growth with the number of deposited layers.
The degradation and delamination behavior of the coating systems was characterized by means of in situ AFM corrosion experiments. Complementary energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis was used to correlate the corrosion and delamination behavior with the different intermetallic particle chemistries and distributions. The presentation will summarize our results on the effect of coating composition and build-up on the local corrosion processes on thin film covered AA2024-T3 aluminium alloys.
The performance of adhesively joined hybrid components relies strongly on the stability of the adhesive-material interface. With the increasing utilization of multi-material structures in the automotive and aerospace industry, it is of great scientific and technical interest to understand the processes leading to adhesive failure and to develop novel strategies to increase corrosion and delamination resistance of adhesive joints.
The aim of this study is to develop thin epoxy based films and their carbon nanofiller loaded composites on aluminium alloy AA2024-T3 and to investigate their interfacial stability under corrosive and coupled corrosive-mechanical load. Spin coating was used for the layer-by-layer deposition of poly[(o-cresyl glycidyl ether)-co-formaldehyde] and poly-(ethylenimine) bi-layers. Carbon nanofillers are introduced either by mixing into the coating components or in between individual layers. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis was performed to investigate the porosity and water uptake of the model films, respectively. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results indicated a very homogeneous and dense film with low surface roughness. The bi-layer thickness ranged between 30 to 40 nm. Electrochemical measurements show a higher corrosion resistance with the increase of the bi-layer number.
The main novelty of this contribution is the in-situ AFM investigations under coupled corrosive-mechanical load. For this purpose, a tensile module capable of uniaxial stretching and compression with up to 5 kN force was integrated into the AFM stage. Stretching experiments were performed to investigate the mechanical properties and adhesion of the films, as well as structural changes of the film morphology during uniaxial deformation. The contribution will provide detailed information on the new AFM setup and summarize our results on the stability of model epoxy and nanocomposite films on AA2024-T3.
Die Rasterkraftmikroskopie (AFM) hat sich in den letzten Jahren als eine vielseitige Abbildungstechnik von Oberflächen mit einer sehr hohen Ortsauflösung etabliert. Über die Untersuchung der reinen Oberflächentopographie sind erweiterte Modi in der Lage, gleichzeitig Informationen über die elektrischen und magnetischen Eigenschaften sowie Adhäsionsprozesse auf Oberflächen zu liefern. Interessanter wird es, wenn das AFM mit geeigneten Messzellen für in-situ-Untersuchungen in kontrollierten Atmosphären oder in Elektrolyten unter elektrochemischer Kontrolle ausgestattet ist. Dies ermöglicht die Untersuchung von Korrosions- und Adhäsionsprozessen unter Bedingungen, die die Betriebsumgebung repräsentieren.
Ein aktueller Forschungsschwerpunkt unseres Fachbereiches liegt in den Untersuchungen der Deformationseigenschaften von Funktionsschichten auf Leichtmetalllegierungen, sowie in situ Untersuchungen des Korrosionsverhaltens unter kombinierter korrosiver und mechanischer Beanspruchung mittels AFM. Durch die Integrierung eines Zug-Druckmoduls in den Probentisch des Rasterkraftmikroskops haben wir jetzt die Möglichkeit, verschiedene Materialien uniaxialen Umformversuchen mit bis zu 5 kN Kraft zu unterziehen. Dabei können unter anderem auch zyklische Belastungen genutzt werden, um Ermüdungsprozesse zu simulieren. Da die Messungen in situ ohne die De- und Remontage der Probe durchgeführt werden, ermöglicht der Aufbau nicht nur Messungen mit präziser Positionssteuerung, sondern auch die Untersuchung von Prozessen im elastischen Bereich, die für die Aufklärung der Mechanismen, die zu Ermüdungsversagen führen, entscheidend sind.
Die Posterpräsentation wird detaillierte Informationen zum neuen AFM-Setup liefern und unsere aktuellen Ergebnisse zur Verformung dünner Schutzschichten auf AA2024-T3 zusammenfassen.
XAFS@BAMline
(2018)
X-ray Absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) is a frequently employed technique in order to investigate structural composition and Change of chemical compounds such as catalytic species or corrosion processes. These structural properties are essential (i) to understand underlying reaction mechanism and (ii) to further improve the design of materials.
While XAFS measurements are usually performed with ionization Chambers or simple fluorescence detectors, we at BAMline specialize in measurements with innovative set-ups that meet Specialrequirements such as time resolution, (3D-) spatial Resolution or demanding sample environments.
This contribution presents various available XAFS configurations with their corresponding applications. In particular, these comprise single -shot XAFS for time- resolved measurements, grazing-exit XAFS with energy and a spatially resolved detector for the characterization of thin films and an in situ grazing incidence Setup for the characterization of corrosion layers.
Additionally,the possibility of analyzing Minute samples in total-reflection geometry is demonstrated.
X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) is a frequently employed technique in order to investigate structural composition and change of chemical compounds such as catalytic species. These structural properties are essential (i) to understand underlying reaction mechanism and (ii) to further improve the design of efficient catalysts.
This investigation is based on a newly developed XAFS setup comprising both time- and lateral-resolved XAFS information simultaneously in a single-shot (S2XAFS). The primary broadband beam is generated by a filter/X-ray-mirror combination (bandpass). The transmitted beam through the sample is diffracted by a convexly bent Si (111) crystal, producing a divergent beam. This, in turn, is collected by an area sensitive detector with a theta to 2 theta geometry. This facile, stable and scanningless setup was tested at the BAMline @ BESSY-II (Berlin, Germany).
This contribution focuses on further experimental optimizations allowing the characterization of supported vanadium oxide (VOx) based catalysts at the lower hard X-ray regime (5 to 6 keV). First S2XAFS measurements of these catalysts are presented herein. Supported VOx catalysts show promising results in the oxidation of methane to formaldehyde.
S2XAFS allows determining the structural composition of the metal (i.e. vanadium) based on a fast and smart setup. It is therefore an ideal tool to identify crucial roles of chemical compounds in catalytic reactions.
Metal nanoparticles have a substantial impact across diferent felds of science, such as photochemistry, energy conversion, and medicine. Among the commonly used nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles are of special interest due to their antibacterial properties and applications in sensing and catalysis. However, many of the methods used to synthesize silver nanoparticles often do not result in well-defned products, the main obstacles being high polydispersity or a lack of particle size tunability. We describe an automated approach to on-demand synthesis of adjustable particles with mean radii of 3 and 5 nm using the polyol route. The polyol process is a promising route for silver nanoparticles e.g., to be used as reference materials. We characterised the as-synthesized nanoparticles using small-angle X-ray scattering, dynamic light scattering and further methods, showing that automated synthesis can yield colloids with reproducible and tuneable properties.
SI Files for "Towards automation of the polyol process for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles"
(2022)
The graphml file: reaction_graph_AgNP.graphml is included. It contains topological information (Fig. 1 in the main text) about the reaction setup and metadata with reaction condtions. It used by the Python API used to control the Chemputer.
SAXS reports. The complete report sheets generated by McSAS are included. They contain extended information characterising the size distributions and the fitting parameters.
NP3_I: saxs_report_NP3_I.pdf
NP3_II: saxs_report_NP3_II.pdf
NP3_III: saxs_report_NP3_III.pdf
NP3_IV: saxs_report_NP3_IV.pdf
NP5_I: saxs_report_NP5_I.pdf
NP5_II: saxs_report_NP5_II.pdf
NP5_III: saxs_report_NP5_III.pdf
Bulk metallic glasses (BMG) are amorphous metal alloys known for their unique physical and mechanical properties. In the present study, the formation of femtosecond (fs) laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on the Zr-based BMGs Zr46Cu46Al8, Zr61Cu25Al12Ti2, Zr52.5Cu17.9Al10Ni14.6Ti5 (Vit105) and Zr57Cu15.4Al10Ni12.6Nb5 (Vit106) was investigated as a function of their different chemical composition. For this purpose, LIPSS were generated on the sample surfaces in an air environment by fs-laser irradiation (λ = 1025 nm, τ = 300 fs, frep = 100 kHz). The surface topography was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Moreover, the impact of LIPSS formation on the structure and chemical surface composition was analyzed before and after fs-laser irradiation by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as by transmission electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Despite the different chemical composition of the investigated BMGs, the fs-laser irradiation resulted in almost similar properties of the generated LIPSS patterns. In the case of Zr61Cu25Al12Ti2, Vit105 and Vit106, the surface analysis revealed the preservation of the amorphous state of the materials during fs-laser irradiation. The study demonstrated the presence of a native oxide layer on all pristine BMGs. In addition, fs-laser irradiation results in the formation of laser-induced oxide layers of larger thickness consisting of an amorphous ZrAlCu-oxide. The precise laser-structuring of BMG surfaces on the nanoscale provides a versatile alternative to thermoplastic forming of BMG surfaces and is of particular interest for the engineering of functional material surfaces.
The wear rates of self-amted alumina couples show that friction as well as wear is largely determined by the above mentioned hydro-thermal conditions. The presence of water and ist amount available in the surrounding system either in liquid or in gaseous from plays a key role for friction and wear behavior and cabe benefical for the tribological profile of steam degradation resistant materials. Hot steam enhances the tribo-chemical formations of oxides and hydroxides on MgO-ZrO2, alumina and antimony impregnated carbon.
The characteristics of different molecules chosen as representatives for specific functionalities in conditioning layers play an important role on attachment behavior and later biofilm formation of bacteria. The chemical composition is a major component influencing the attachment but there is a conglomerate of influences.
The initial attachment and subsequent biofilm formation of electroactive bac-teriaShewanella putrefaciensCN32 was investigated to clarify the influence oforganic conditioning layers. A selection of macromolecules and self-assembledmonolayers (SAMs) of different chain lengths and functional groups were pre-pared and characterized by means of infrared spectroscopy in terms of theirchemistry. Surface energy and Zeta (ζ-) potential of the conditioning layers wasdetermined with contact angle and streaming current measurements. Amongthe studied surface parameters, a high polar component and a high ratio ofpolar-to-disperse components of the surface energy has emerged as a successfulindicator for the inhibition of the initial settlement ofS. putrefacienson stainlesssteel AISI 304 surfaces. Considering the negative surface charge of planktonicS. putrefacienscells, and the strong inhibition of cell attachment by positivelycharged polyethylenimine (PEI) conditioning layers, our results indicate thatelectrostatic interactions do play a subordinate role in controlling the attach-ment of this microorganism on stainless steel AISI 304 surfaces. For the biofilmformation, the organization of the SAMs affected the local distribution of thebiofilms. The formation of three-dimensional and patchy biofilm networks waspromoted with increasing disorder of the SAMs.
The effect of the presence of Fe(III) during the cultivation on the electrochemical activity and corrosion behaviour of dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria Shewanella putrefaciens was studied by means of ex situ and in situ X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES). Stainless steel AISI 304 and thin iron films were studied as substrates. XANES analysis indicated an accelerated iron dissolution and growth of an oxide/hydroxide film for the culture grown with Fe(III) in comparison to the culture grown in absence of Fe(III). Electrochemical Analysis indicated that the biofilm resulted in acceleration of the general corrosion but provides protection against local corrosion.
This paper reports results from in situ electrochemical X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) studies of the corrosion processes on model thin iron films in the presence of iron reducing bacteria Shewanella putrefaciens. Here we investigate the electrochemical activity of two cultures grown in the presence and absence of Fe(III) citrate in the culture medium. The XANES spectra and the OCP data of the Fe sample incubated with the culture grown in absence of Fe(III) did not show any significant changes during twenty hours of monitoring. In the case of the culture grown in Fe(III) containing medium, an accelerated dissolution of the iron film was observed together with the formation of a mixed Fe(II)-Fe(III) hydroxide surface layer. The open circuit potential (OCP) steadily approached the free corrosion potential of iron in neutral chloride containing electrolytes, indicating a continuous dissolution process without passivation.
Biofilm formation and microbially influenced corrosion of the iron-reducing microorganism Shewanella putrefaciens were investigated on stainless steel surfaces preconditioned in the absence and presence of flavin molecules by means of XANES (X-ray absorption near-edge structure) analysis and electrochemical methods. The results indicate that biofilm formation was promoted on samples preconditioned in electrolytes containing minute amounts of flavins. On the basis of the XANES results, the corrosion processes are controlled by the iron-rich outer layer of the passive film. Biofilm formation resulted in a cathodic shift of the open circuit potential and a protective effect in terms of pitting corrosion. The samples preconditioned in the absence of flavins have shown delayed pitting and the samples preconditioned in the presence of flavins did not show any pitting in a window of −0.3- to +0.0-V overpotential in the bacterial medium. The results indicate that changes in the passive film chemistry induced by the presence of minute amounts of flavins during a mild anodic polarization can change the susceptibility of stainless steel surfaces to microbially influenced corrosion.
Stainless steel AISI 304 surfaces were studied after a mild anodic polarization for oxide growth in the presence and absence of two derivatives of vitamin B2 (riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide) that can be secreted by metal‐reducing bacteria and act as a chelating agent for iron species. The alterations in oxide chemistry were studied by means of surface‐sensitive techniques such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis. The complementary electrochemical characterization revealed a preferential growth of an oxide/hydroxide iron‐rich film that is responsible for an altered pit initiation and nucleation behavior. These findings suggest that as the corrosion behavior is determined by the interplay of the chemical and electronic properties, only a mild anodic polarization in the presence of redox‐active molecules is able to alter the chemical and electronic structure of the passive film formed on stainless steel AISI 304. This helps to achieve a profound understanding of the mechanisms of microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) and especially the possible effects of the redox‐active biomolecules, as they may play an important role in the corrosion susceptibility of stainless steel surfaces.
The elemental analysis of seawater is often critical to the understanding of marine chemistry, marine geochemistry, and the deep-sea ecosystems. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with the advantage of rapid multi-elements detection, has a great potential for in-situ elemental analysis of seawater. In practice, it is crucial to create a compact, low cost and power saving instrument for the long-term deep-sea observation. A recently appeared diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser seems to be a promising candidate as it is both compact and robust. Additionally, its high repetition rate up to hundreds of kHz can provide a considerable throughput for LIBS analysis. However, the DPSS lasers operate at moderate pulse energies, usually less than one mJ, which cannot sustain stable breakdowns in bulk water. To ensure stable laser-induced plasmas underwater with such a μJ-DPSS laser, we introduced an ultrasound source to assist the breakdown process. The phase interface and mass flow generated by the near-field ultrasound can greatly reduce the breakdown threshold and enhance element-specific emissions. Meanwhile, the high repetition-rate pulses can also improve the breakdown probability and generate unique emission lines originated from the water molecule. We further demonstrate that the high repetition-rate DPSS laser combined with the Echelle spectrometer can provide effective quantitative analysis for metal elements in bulk water.
In recent years, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has gained significant attention as a means for simple elemental analyses. The suitability of LIBS for contactless analysis allows it to be a perfect candidate for underwater applications. While the majority of LIBS systems still rely upon sub-kHz pulsed lasers, this contribution introduces 10s-kHz low pulse-energy lasers into underwater LIBS to improve the throughput and statistical validity. Interestingly, the spectral component significantly changed above a critical laser repetition-rate threshold. Spectral lines of atomic hydrogen and oxygen stemming from water become visible beyond a ∼10 kHz repetition rate. This observation suggests a different plasma dynamic compared to low repetition rates. When the pulse-to-pulse interval becomes sufficiently short, a cumulative effect begins to be significant. Apparently, the new phenomena occur on a timescale corresponding to a threshold rate of ∼10 kHz, i.e. ∼100 μs. Analytically, the high repetition rates result in improved statistical validity and throughput. More plasma events per unit time allowed the use of low efficiency Echelle spectrometers without compromising on the analytical performance. Meanwhile, the presence of H I and O I out of the water (as the matrix) also offers internal standardization in underwater elemental analysis. Since the laser fluence was on the lower edge of the plasma threshold, an additional ultrasound source was introduced to induce external perturbation, which significantly improved the plasma formation stability. A huge advantage of LIBS is the possibility of detecting almost all elements within a sample simultaneously. Throughout the periodic table, chlorine is one of the most challenging elements. Consequently, Ca2+ and Na+ were used as samples to demonstrate the capability of this high repetition-rate LIBS platform. As an ambitious benchmark for our system, chlorine detection in water was also discussed.
The technological advances in lasers enabled the wide application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a powerful analytical means for elemental analyses. Rather than commonly used lasers that operate at several to several-tens of Hz, the high repetition rate ones that operate at tens of kHz showed superior analytical advantages while implying unique excitation pathways. Specifically, the production of excited atomic hydrogen and oxygen, which can serve as internal standards, is quite different from that in commonly reported double-pulse LIBS. In this part of the work, it was found that the atomic emitters stemming from water are not related to cavitation bubbles. Moreover, the emitter productions of dissolved species, e.g., Na+, and water-related species, e.g., H-α, are two distinctive mechanisms. Towards analytical applications of the high repetition-rate system, the fundamental investigation can provide important guidelines to address real-life challenges. In this part of the work, the high repetition-rate regime of operation is explored from a more kinetic perspective.
The efficient exploration of novel alloy compositions is crucial for advancing the development of new materials. One widely utilized approach for creating phase diagrams is the use of diffusion-controlled synthesis for gradient alloys. This method is also an effective means for rapidly identifying potential material combinations.
The present study focusses on the exploration of quaternary multi-principle-element alloys (MPEAs) using diffusion multiples. We established a diffusion system by combining an equimolar ternary alloy (FeNiCr) with single diffusing elements Mn and Mo. Using ThermoCalc simulations, we determined suitable temperature ranges where we can expect the formation of single-phase alloys. Depending on the diffusion constants of the selected metals, diffusion times were adjusted to obtain diffusion zones with a depth of greater than 50 μm. Microstructural and compositional information was gathered via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and correlated to local mechanical properties evaluated by means of nanoindentation. Local corrosion properties were examined using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM).
Our results indicate that the ThermoCalc simulations have a good predictive power for crystallographic phases. However, especially with the Mn-FeNiCr system, formation of Cr-rich secondary phases were observed, which led to Cr-depletion and thus to localized corrosion processes in the matrix at the vicinity of the secondary phases. Based on the results of the local electrochemical tests, we have selected single-phase compositions along the diffusion zone and synthesized these alloys in bulk for corrosion studies by means of potentiodynamic polarization and SECM.
The presentation will summarize our methodology using diffusion couples as an
efficient tool for exploring compositional spaces of MPEAs in the search for novel single-phase alloys and the results of our correlative study on the mechanical and corrosion properties of these materials.
The high-throughput synthesis and characterization of potential material combinations plays an important role in accelerating the development of new materials. Diffusion controlled synthesis of gradient alloys is widely used to create phase diagrams, and it is also one of the most effective combinatorial approaches for rapid realization of potential material combinations.
This study focuses on the synthesis and investigation of the quaternary multi-principle-element alloy (MPEA) FeNiCrMn by means of diffusion multiples, the correlation of their microstructural and chemical characterization data with their application relevant properties like local mechanical and corrosion properties. A diffusion system was set up by combining an equimolar ternary alloy (FeNiCr) with a single diffusing metallic component (Mn) with the highest interdiffusion coefficient. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to collect microstructural and compositional information which were correlated to local mechanical properties studied with nanoindentation. Local corrosion properties were investigated by means of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM). We have observed that a >50 μm deep homogeneous diffusion zone was formed the thickness of which scales with the duration of the thermal treatment. Beyond the Mn-concentration gradient in the FeNiCr matrix, a distinct Cr-rich secondary phase, characterized by high hardness and elastic modulus values appeared. We synthesized MPEAs with selected compositions from the diffusion zone as well as the Cr-rich phase as bulk alloys for electrochemical corrosion studies under different environmental conditions. The presentation will summarize the results of our correlative study on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the quaternary multi-principle-element alloy (MPEA) FeNiCrMn family.
The efficient exploration of novel alloy chemistries is crucial for advancing the development of new materials. Diffusion-controlled synthesis of gradient alloys is an intelligent approach for creating phase diagrams and to effectively identify potential material combinations with tailored properties.
This project focusses on the design of quaternary multi-principle-element alloys (MPEAs) using diffusion couples. Our diffusion system contains an equimolar ternary alloy (FeNiCr) and additional single diffusing elements e.g. Mn and Mo. We determined the optimal temperature ranges for the diffusion thermal treatment by means of ThermoCalc simulations with the aim to form single-phase MPEAs. Microstructure and chemical characterization of the diffusion couples were performed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). For most alloy couples, the diffusion zone contained a single-phase alloy matrix with diffusion-induced compositional gradient as well as precipitation phases. This heterogeneity makes the diffusion couples interesting materials to investigate local mechanical and corrosion properties. Thus, local corrosion properties were examined using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM). Nanoindentation was used for the analysis of local mechanical properties.
Based on the results of the local corrosion analysis, we have selected single-phase alloy chemistries along the diffusion zone and reproducibly synthesized these alloys in bulk for detailed corrosion studies by means of potentiodynamic polarization and SECM.
The presentation will briefly summarize our methodology and motivation for using diffusion couples as an efficient tool for exploring phase diagrams of MPEAs in the search for new alloy chemistries and the results of our correlative study on the mechanical and corrosion properties of these materials.
Trace elements play an important role in the fine-tuning of complex material properties. This study focuses on the correlation of microstructure, lattice misfit and creep properties. The compositionally complex alloy Al10Co25Cr8Fe15Ni36Ti6 (in at. %) was tuned with high melting trace elements Hf and W. The microstructure consists of a γ matrix, γ' precipitates and the Heusler phase and it is accompanied by good mechanical properties for high temperature applications. The addition of 0.5 at.% Hf to the Al10Co25Cr8Fe15Ni36Ti6 alloy resulted in more sharp-edged cubic γ′ precipitates and an increase in the Heusler phase amount. The addition of 1 at.% W led to more rounded γ′ precipitates and the dissolution of the Heusler phase. The shapes of the γ' precipitates of the alloys Al9.25Co25Cr8Fe15Ni36Ti6Hf0.25W0.5 and Al9.25Co25Cr8Fe15Ni36Ti6Hf0.5W0.25, that are the alloys of interest in this paper, create a transition from the well-rounded precipitates in the alloy with 1% W containing alloy to the sharp angular particles in the alloy with 0.5% Hf. While the lattice misfit has a direct correlation to the γ' precipitates shape, the creep rate is also related to the amount of the Heusler phase. The lattice misfit increases with decreasing corner radius of the γ' precipitates. So does the creep rate, but it also increases with the amount of Heusler phase. The microstructures were investigated by SEM and TEM, the lattice misfit was calculated from the lattice parameters obtained by synchrotron radiation measurements.