Analytische Chemie
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Eingeladener Vortrag
- nein (23)
Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Entwicklung einer Methode zur Hochdurchsatzanalyse von partikelgebundenen Split-and-Mix-Peptidbibliotheken. Dabei wurde ein System entwickelt, das Partikelbibliotheken in kurzer Zeit auf ihre Bindung zu einem Zielmolekül hin untersucht und im nächsten Schritt eine direkte „Ein-Partikel“-Sequenzierung der Peptide von der festen Phase ermöglicht. Die Analyse der Bindung eines Zielmoleküls an ein selektiv bindendes Peptid wurde dabei in einem Modellsystem simuliert. Dazu wurde FITC-markiertes Neutravidin 3 mit festphasengebundenen biotinylierten und nicht-biotinylierten Peptiden inkubiert. Die Bindung von Neutravidin-FITC an die biotinylierten Peptide konnte erfolgreich mittels eines Fluoreszenzmikroskops nachgewiesen werden, wobei diese Methode für eine Hochdurchsatzanalyse ungeeignet war. So wurde die Analyse des Fluoreszenzassays auf einen Microarrayscanner übertragen (siehe Abbildung 33). Dies gelang erfolgreich wobei die hohe Eigenfluoreszenz des Tentagel-Harzes zu falsch positiven Ergebnissen führte. Mit einem Wechsel zum längerwelligen Fluoreszenzfarbstoff ATTO-633 konnten falsch positive Ergebnisse vermieden werden. Somit wurde die zeitintensive Fluoreszenzanalyse von einem Fluoreszenzmikroskop erfolgreich auf einen Microarrayscanner übertragen, welcher in kurzer Zeit (ca. 5 min pro Objektträger) eine Vielzahl an peptidbeladenen Partikeln gleichzeitig analysieren kann.
An experimental investigation has been carried out to characterize and discriminate seven saffron samples and to verify their declared geographical origin using a voltammetric electronic tongue (VE-tongue). The ability of multivariable analysis methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) to classify the saffron samples according to their geographical origin have been investigated. A good discrimination has reached using PCA and HCA in the VE-tongue characterization case. Furthermore, cross validation and Partial Least Square (PLS) techniques were applied in order to build suitable management and prediction models for the determination of safranal concentration in saffron samples based on SPME-GC-MS and UV-Vis Spectrophotometry. The obtained results reveals that some relationships were established between the VE-tongue signal, SPMEGC-MS and UV-Vis spectrophotometry methods to predict safranal concentration levels in saffron samples by using the PLS model. In the light of these results, we can say that the proposed electronic system offer a fast, simple and efficient tool to recognize the declared geographical origin of the saffron samples.
Die quantitative Bestimmung der Haftfestigkeit von Beschichtungen ist von entscheidender Bedeutung sowohl für die Entwicklung als auch für die Qualitätssicherung. In einer Vergleichsstudie zur Haftfestigkeit von optischen und ophthalmischen Schichten wurde mit Hilfe der Zentrifugentechnologie der Einfluss verschiedener Parameter (Substratdicke, Oberflächenvorbehand-lung, Haftvermittler) auf die Haftfestigkeit optischer Schichten auf silikatischen und ophthalmischer Schichten auf polymeren Substraten untersucht.
Zur Bestimmung der Haftfestigkeit in der physikalisch korrekten Dimension Kraft pro Fläche im Stirnabzug stehen die Ein-Proben-Prüfung mit der Zugprüfmaschine und die Mehr-Proben-Prüfung mittels Zentri- fugentechnologie zur Verfügung. Die Zentrifugentechnologie wurde ausgewählt, da die Prüfung von bis zu acht Proben unter nahezu identischen Versuchsbedingungen und somit eine statistisch gesicherte Bestimmung der Haftfestigkeit möglich sind.
Es konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass die Substratdicke einen erheblichen Einfluss auf die gemessene Haftfestigkeit hat. Dies entspricht den Erwartungen, da es sich bei der Haftfestigkeit um eine System- eigenschaft des Schicht-Substrat-Systems handelt. Bei den Delaminationsbrüchen (DF) konnte zwischen Delamination des metallischen Reflektors (DF-R) und Delamination des Dielektrikums (DF-D) unter- schieden werden. Im Fall hinreichender Haftfestigkeit der Beschichtung traten auch Adhäsionsbrüche am Interface zum und Kohäsionsbrüche im Klebstoff auf. Nachfolgende Untersuchungen werden sich mit alternativen Klebstoffen und weiterentwickelten Fügestrategien befassen.
CONRAD-2 is an imaging instrument using low-energy (cold) neutrons. The instrument is installed at the end of a curved neutron guide which avoids the direct line of sight towards the reactor core. This ensures a very low background of high-energy neutrons and. photons at the sample position. The cold neutron beam provides a wavelength range which is suitable for phase-and diffraction-contrast imaging such as grating interferometry and Bragg edge mapping. The instrument is well suited for high resolution imaging due to the high efficiency of the very thin scintillators that can be used for the detection of cold neutrons. An instrument upgrade was performed recently as a part of an upgrade program for the cold neutron instrumentation at HZB. The parameters of the instrument as well as some research highlights will be presented.
Absorption effects in total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis are important to consider, especially if external calibration is to be applied. With a color X-ray camera (CXC), that enables spatially and energy resolved XRF analysis, the absorption of the primary beam was directly visualized for mL-droplets and an array of pL-droplets printed on a Si-wafer with drop-on-demand technology. As expected, deposits that are hit by the primary beam first shade subsequent droplets, leading to a diminished XRF signal. This shading effect was quantified with enhanced precision making use of sub-pixel analysis that improves the spatial resolution of the camera. The measured absorption was compared to simulated results using three different model calculations. It was found they match very well (average deviation < 10%). Thus errors in quantification due to absorption effects can be accounted for in a more accurate manner.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) exploits the enhancement of electromagnetic fields in close vicinity of plasmonic nanostructures, enabling characterization of analytes at the single-molecule level. The nanometer-scale spatial arrangement of plasmonic metal nanoparticles and analyte molecules has a significant effect on the observed signal enhancements and represents a great challenge in this technique.
In our work, DNA origami is used as platform for precise positioning of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Especially high sensitivities are expected for gold nanolenses (AuNLs), consisting of rows of three or more differently-sized AuNPs. We assembled different AuNL designs and determined respective SERS enhancement factors by collecting Raman spectra from single AuNLs. Finite difference time domain calculations estimate attainable electromagnetic field enhancements. Ultimately, we aim to develop a versatile platform for various SERS applications.
Air-coupled ultrasound has been applied increasingly as a non-destructive testing method for lightweight construction in recent years. It is particularly appropriate for composite materials being used in automotive and aviation industry. Air-coupled ultrasound transducers mostly consist of piezoelectric materials and matching layers. However, their fabrication is challenging and their signal-to-noise ratio often not sufficient for many testing requirements. To enhance the efficiency, air-coupled ultrasound transducers made of cellular polypropylene have been developed. Because of its small density and sound velocity, this piezoelectric ferroelectret matches the small acoustic impedance of air much better than matching layers applied in conventional transducers. In our contribution, we present two different methods of spherical focusing of ferroelectret transducers for the further enhancement of their performance in NDT applications. Measurements on carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) samples and on metal adhesive joints performed with commercially available focused air-coupled ultrasound transducers are compared to measurements executed with self-developed focused ferroelectret transducers.
Polysaccharides modify the rheological properties of cement based systems. Depending upon their chemistry, molecular architecture, and adsorption tendency, they have different modes of action. Some polysaccharides like diutan gum have strong effect on the fluid phase; others like starch strongly interact with particles. This paper presents effects of diutan gum and starches in presence of polycarboxylates. Rheometric investigations with varied particle volume fractions and increasing coarse aggregate diameters were conducted. The results show that starches have stronger influence on the rheology at high particle volume fractions than diutan gum. At lower particle volume fractions this trend is inverted. Experiments with aggregates sizes up to 16 mm (0.63 in.) indicate that stabilizing agent influences on the effects of aggregates on yield stress were small; however up to 1.0 mm (0.04 in.), a significant effect on the plastic viscosity could be observed, which levelled off at larger diameters.
In this paper we present results of our recent efforts to understand the mechanical interface behaviour of single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) embedded in metal matrices. We conducted experimental pull-out tests of CNTs embedded in Pd or Au and found Maximum forces in the range 10 - 102 nN. These values are in good agreement with forces obtained from molecular Dynamics simulations taking into account surface functional Groups (SFGs) covalently linked to the CNT material. The dominant failure mode in experiment is a CNT rupture, which can be explained with the presence of SFGs. To qualify the existence of SFGs on our used CNT material, we pursue investigations by means of fluorescence labeling of surface species in combination with Raman imaging. We also report of a tensile test system to perform pull-out tests inside a transmission electron microscope to obtain in situ images of CNT-metal interfaces under mechanical loads at the atomic scale.
In the near future, it will be important to adopt innovative approaches and technologies in order to further guarantee the reliability and availability of the highway network. New tools are therefore needed in order to obtain in-depth information about the condition of bridges and its development early enough before significant, precarious damage cases occur. In 2011, the research program “Intelligente Brücken (Smart Bridges)” was launched by the BASt together with the BMVI to evolve systems for information and holistic evaluation for Bridge structures as a supplement to the current inspection-based maintenance management. Several projects dealt with the topic in the last few years and provided guidelines and a solid basis to move towards a first implementation considering the input of all research projects carried out so far.
The effect of porosity and microcracking on the mechanical properties (strength, fracture toughness,Young’s modulus, and fracture energy) and thermal expansion of diesel particulate filter (DPF) gradecordierite materials has been investigated. A method to deconvolute the effect of porosity and microc-racking on Young’s modulus is proposed. In addition, the microcrack density and the pore morphologyfactor are calculated by applying a micromechanical differential scheme. The values of the investigatedmechanical properties are shown to decrease with an increase in porosity, but the thermal expansionvalues are insensitive to porosity. The variation in mechanical properties as a function of porosity leadsto distinct porosity dependence of thermal shock resistance for crack initiation and crack propagationfor DPF grade synthetic cordierite.
Fraunhofer Life Science Day
(2015)
Their high affinity, selectivity and specificity make monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) very important tools in research, diagnostics and therapy. The production of mAbs is routinely performed by hybridoma technique. Hybridomas are generated by fusing antibody-producing B cells with indefinitely proliferating myeloma cells. Both, cell fusion and the indispensable identification and isolation of the desired antibody-producing hybridoma clone is still far from being trivial.
We describe a novel method that should help to optimize the cell fusion, and the screening for antibody-secreting hapten-specific hybridoma cells by using fluorescence activated cell sorting and single-cell fusion. Hybridoma cells specific for a hapten were incubated with a hapten-peroxidase conjugate (hapten-HRP), which was subsequently incubated with a fluorophore-labeled polyclonal anti-peroxidase antibody (anti-HRP-Alexa Fluor® 488). To characterize the expression of membrane-bound immunoglobulin G (IgG) a fluorophore-labeled anti-mouse IgG antibody (anti-IgG-Alexa Fluor® 647) was used. Successful staining was verified by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). We show that it is possible to specifically label hapten-specific hybridoma cells. It should also be possible to use this labelling approach for the isolation of hapten-specific B cells from the spleen and use these cells for single-cell fusion. Parallelized cell fusion chips were developed to increase fusion efficiencies.
Introduction to PowderCell
(2015)
The kinetic energy of keV electrons backscattered from a rutile (TiO2) surface depends measurably on the mass of the scattering atom. This makes it possible to determine separately the angular distribution of electrons backscattered elastically from either Ti or O. Diffraction effects of these backscattered electrons inside the rutile crystal lead to the formation of Kikuchi patterns. The element-resolved Kikuchi patterns of Ti and O differ characteristically, but each can be described fairly well in terms of the dynamical theory of diffraction. Qualitatively, much of the differences can be understood by considering the relative arrangement of the Ti and O atoms with respect to planes defined by the crystal lattice.
In this paper, we present a new dataset consisting of 19,407 X-ray images. The images are organized in a public database called GDXray that can be used free of charge, but for research and educational purposes only. The database includes five groups of X-ray images: castings, welds, baggage, natural objects and settings. Each group has several series, and each series several X-ray images. Most of the series are annotated or labeled. In such cases, the coordinates of the bounding boxes of the objects of interest or the labels of the images are available in standard text files. The size of GDXray is 3.5 GB and it can be downloaded from our website. We believe that GDXray represents a relevant contribution to the X-ray testing community. On the one hand, students, researchers and engineers can use these X-ray images to develop, test and evaluate image analysis and computer vision algorithms without purchasing expensive X-ray equipment. On the other hand, these images can be used as a benchmark in order to test and compare the performance of different approaches on the same data. Moreover, the database can be used in the training programs of human inspectors.
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi which have diverse detrimental effects on humans, animals and crops. Traceable worldwide in foods and animal feeds, these contaminants cause manifold diseases and extensive economic losses. Therefore, European legislation set maximum levels of distinct mycotoxins to minimize the risks for the buying public. But standardized food analysis techniques fail to detect masked mycotoxins, whose research increasingly moves to the fore in recent years. They are formed from detoxification metabolism of plants as well as from fungi, which conjugate for example with glucosides or dihexosides. All masked mycotoxins have one thing in common: They are not detectable with standard methods, thereby contributing to the overall exposure and pose an additional health risk for the consumer.
The dissertation work will focus on the following potential new group of masked toxins. Food safety relevant mycotoxins like zearalenone and ochratoxin A possess one or more 1,3-dicarbonyl moieties. Latter are principally able to form thermodynamically stable chelate complexes with metal cations. First investigations at BAM showed interactions between zearalenone and copper ions and it is conceivable that they possibly build a complex. Our main focus is now to identify, characterize and quantify 1,3-dicarbonyl mycotoxin metal complexes as potential candidates within the group of conjugated mycotoxins.
We will simulate processes of biotransformation and identify distinct metabolites by electrochemistry coupled to liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (EC-HPLC-MS). The obtained knowledge contributes to a better understanding of masked mycotoxins and an improved monitoring of foods and feeds, to ensure food safety.
Gravimetrically prepared mono-elemental reference solutions having a well-known mass fraction of approximately 1 g/kg define the very basis of virtually all measurements in inorganic analysis. Serving as the starting materials of all standard/calibration solutions, they link virtually all measurements of inorganic analytes to the purity of the solid materials they were prepared from. In case these solid materials are characterized comprehensively with respect to their purity, this link also establishes direct metrological traceability to The International System of Unit. Within the framework of the European Metrology Research Programme (EMRP), in the Joint Research Project called SIB09 Primary standards for challenging elements, a reference solution of molybdenum was prepared directly from the respective metal with a relative expanded uncertainty associated with the mass fraction of Urel(w) < 0.05 %. A highly accurate and precise ICP OES and MC-ICP-MS method was developed to assist with the preparation and as a dissemination tool.
Die Blitzthermografie weist eine Reihe von Vorteilen gegenüber anderen Verfahren der aktiven Thermografie auf und hat daher eine relativ große Verbreitung in Forschung und Industrie gefunden. Ein wesentlicher Nachteil ist jedoch die begrenzte Energie, die pro Blitz genutzt werden kann. Es stellt sich die Frage, ob sich durch mehrere kurz hintereinander ausgeführte Blitze eine Verbesserung des Energieeintrags erreichen lässt. Zur experimentellen Untersuchung dieser Frage wurde ein Versuchsstand mit vier Blitzlampen so umgerüstet, dass die Blitzlampen zeitgleich oder nacheinander mit einer regelbaren Verzögerung ausgelöst werden können („Multiblitz“). Als Probekörper dienten Platten aus CFK, an deren Rückseite Flachbodenbohrungen (FBB) eingebracht worden waren. Betrachtet wurde jedoch nur der absolute Temperaturhub am ungestörten Material. Die Experimente zeigen relativ geringe Effekte im Prozentbereich, wie sie auch gemäß einer quantitativen Abschätzung zu erwarten sind. Interessanterweise vergrößerte sich der Einfluss der Multiblitzanregung auf die Energieeinkopplung deutlich bei einem etwas vergrößerten Abstand zwischen Blitzlampen und untersuchter Oberfläche. Die Ursache für diesen Effekt ist derzeit unklar, vermutet werden eine Temperaturabhängigkeit und/oder eine Abstandsabhängigkeit des Wärmübergangskoeffizienten im Konvektionsterm.
Cracks perpendicular to the surface may be initial indicators for a deterioration process of concrete structures. Moisture penetrates inside the structure and transports adverse chemicals. The paper presents an investigation about the reliability of available commercial non-destructive evaluation techniques to reliably estimate the depth of surface-breaking cracks in reinforced concrete structures. Aim of the study was the investigation of surface-braking cracks under laboratory conditions. Commercial acoustic devices as impact echo equipment, single ultrasonic transducers and arrays were applied even if they have not been developed for this purpose. The commercial software and descriptions for application was followed strictly to compare the function, precision and repeatability of the measurements. Both, perpendicular notches and cracks have been considered. The study was completed with a discussion about reference specimens. The study was the basis for formulation of gaps in research. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has initiated and funded a Project.
LIBS is on the step from a laboratory application to on-site analysis. A validated mobile LIBS-system for on-site application on building materials is under development at BAM in cooperation with industrial partners (system developers and companies), who will use this technique for investigation on building structures like bridges and parking decks. The system is designed to measure the content of harmful species like chlorine, sulfur or alkalis, to give the engineer a tool for the estimation of the condition of concrete structures and for quality assurance during concrete repair work on-site. In these work results of on-site measurements on a chloride contaminated bridge are shown. Further work will focus on providing guidelines to establish LIBS as a standard procedure for chemical investigations of building materials.
The paper addresses beech wood as well as vulcanized fiber and discusses the results obtained when using acoustic emission and thermography as non-destructive testing techniques along tensile and load increase fatigue tests to characterize the wooden material’s behavior under increasing fatigue loads to get enhanced information regarding the fatigue behavior of both materials. Reference is mainly made to the materials’ anisotropic and microstructural behavior and what implications this has with respect to the materials’ strength. The influence of moisture is discussed, as well as parameters that may deserve monitoring in the sense of structural health monitoring to be applied in timber structures in general.
Ultrasonic measurement evaluation methods have been proven to be effective for detection of subtle changes, caused by temperature, load or moisture. However, for its application outdoors it is necessary to analyse unavoidable influences, such as weather. Therefore an ultrasonic monitoring system with 40 ultrasonic sensors (20 transmitters, 20 receivers; 25 kHz central frequenzy) has been implemented on a concrete specimen (4×5×0.8m3), that is exposed to weather conditions. Data from 400 sensor combinations was collected over a period of six months with an interval of two hours. The data was evaluated by both qualitative (correlation techniques) and quantitative (ultrasonic velocity changes via Coda Wave Interferometry and time of flight method) evaluation methods and compared to the temperature changes caused by weather.
We present the results of several machine learning (ML)- inspired data fusion algorithms applied to multi-sensory nondestructive testing (NDT) data. Our dataset consists of Impact-Echo (IE), Ultrasonic Pulse Echo (US) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data collected on large-scale concrete specimens with built–in simulated honeycombing defects. The main objective is to improve the detectability of honeycombs by fusing the information from the three different sensors. We describe normalization, feature detection and optimal feature selection. We have used unsupervised and supervised ML, i.e., classification and clustering, for data fusion. We demonstrate the advantage of data fusion in reducing the false positives up to 10% compared to the best single sensor, thus, improving the detectability of the defects. The methods were evaluated on a concrete specimen. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was demonstrated on a separate full-scale concrete specimen. The results indicate the transportability of the conclusions from one specimen to the other.
Synthesis, structure determination, and formation of a theobromine: oxalic acid 2:1 cocrystal
(2015)
The structure and the formation pathway of a new theobromine : oxalic acid (2 : 1) cocrystal are presented. The cocrystal was synthesised mechanochemically and its structure was solved based on the powder X-ray data. The mechanochemical synthesis of this model compound was studied in situ using synchrotron XRD. Based on the XRD data details of the formation mechanism were obtained. The formation can be described as a self-accelerated ('liquid like') process from a highly activated species.
In this work, sample losses of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) have been systematically investigated with the main focus on instrumental conditions like focusing and cross-flow parameters as well as sample concentration and buffer composition. Special attention was drawn to the AF4 membrane. For monitoring possible silver depositions on the membrane, imaging laser ablation coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used. Our results show that the sample residue on the membrane was below 0.6% of the total injected amount and therefore could be almost completely avoided at low sample concentrations and optimized conditions. By investigation of the AF4 flows using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), we found the recovery rate in the detector flow under optimized conditions to be nearly 90%, while the cross-flow, slot-outlet flow and purge flow showed negligible amounts of under 0.5%. The analysis of an aqueous ionic Ag standard solution resulted in recovery rates of over 6% and the ionic Ag content in the sample was found to be nearly 8%. Therefore, we were able to indicate the ionic Ag content as the most important source of sample loss in this study.
In carrier gas hot extraction the calibration of low amounts of non-metals with masses of a few micrograms with small uncertainty remains a challenge. To achieve high flexibility a high precision gas mixture pump was combined with an automated syringe drive. The gas mixing pump allows filling the syringe with different gas compositions; the automated syringe drive allows matching to modulate the signal profiles to those of real samples. The system was designed and its experimental potential explored. The resulting calibration curves were comparable to those obtained by calibration using solid materials of sufficient purity and stoichiometry. However smaller uncertainties and lower limits of quantification (i.e. 0.5 µg and 0.6 µg for O and N, respectively) were found using the gas calibration device.
We present a systematic study on the effect of surface ligands on the luminescence properties and colloidal stability of β-NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), comparing nine different surface coatings to render these UCNPs water-dispersible and bioconjugatable. A prerequisite for this study was a large-scale synthetic method that yields ~2 g per batch of monodisperse oleate-capped UCNPs providing identical core particles. These ~23 nm sized UCNPs display an upconversion quantum yield of ~0.35% when dispersed in cyclohexane and excited with a power density of 150 W cm-2, underlining their high quality. A comparison of the colloidal stability and luminescence properties of these UCNPs, subsequently surface modified with ligand exchange or encapsulation protocols, revealed that the ratio of the green (545 nm) and red (658 nm) emission bands determined at a constant excitation power density clearly depends on the surface chemistry. Modifications relying on the deposition of additional (amphiphilic) layer coatings, where the initial oleate coating is retained, show reduced non-radiative quenching by water as compared to UCNPs that are rendered water-dispersible via ligand exchange. Moreover, we could demonstrate that the brightness of the upconversion luminescence of the UCNPs is strongly affected by the type of surface modification, i.e., ligand exchange or encapsulation, yet hardly by the chemical nature of the ligand.
Solgel prepared ternary FeF3–MgF2 materials have become promising heterogeneous catalysts due to their porosity and surface Lewis/Brønsted acidity (bi-acidity). Despite the good catalytic performance, nanoscopic characterisations of this type of material are still missing and the key factors controlling the surface properties have not yet been identified, impeding both a better understanding and further development of ternary fluoride catalysts. In this study, we characterised the interaction between the bi-acidic component (FeF3) and the matrix (MgF2) on the nano-scale. For the first time, the formation pathway of FeF3–MgF2 was profiled and the template effect of MgF2 during the synthesis process was discovered. Based on these new insights two novel materials, FeF3–CaF2 and FeF3–SrF2, were established, revealing that with decreasing the atomic numbers (from Sr to Mg), the ternary fluorides exhibited increasing surface acidity and surface area but decreasing pore size. These systematic changes gave rise to a panel of catalysts with tuneable surface and bulk properties either by changing the matrix alkaline earth metal fluoride or by adjusting their ratios to Fe or both. The template effect of the alkaline earth metal fluoride matrix was identified as the most probable key factor determining the surface properties and further influencing the catalytic performance in ternary fluoride based catalysts, and paves the way to targeted design of next-generation catalysts with tunable properties.
Polyglycerol (PG) coated polypropylene (PP) films were synthesized in a two-step approach that involved plasma bromination and subsequently grafting hyperbranched polyglycerols with very few amino functionalities. The influence of different molecular weights and density of reactive linkers were investigated for the grafted PGs. Longer bromination times and higher amounts of linkers on the surface afforded long-term stability. The protein adsorption and bacteria attachment of the PP-PG films were studied. Their extremely low amine content proved to be beneficial for preventing bacteria attachment.
In- and quasielastic neutron scattering is employed to investigate both the vibrational density of states and the molecular dynamics of two homologous discotic liquid crystals (DLC) with different length of the alkyl side chain based on a triphenylene derivate. For both compounds characteristic low frequency excess contributions to the vibrational density of states are found. Therefore it is concluded that these liquid crystals show a glass-like behaviour. Elastic scans further show that in these materials a rich molecular dynamics takes place.
This paper reflects recent progress in the field of fluorescent polymer optical fiber sensors (F-POF) for partial discharge (PD) detection in high voltage (HV) cable accessories using optical-only PD detection by coincidence single photon counting. In experiments with artificial PD sources these sensors show the ability to detect optical emissions from picocoulomb-level PDs in a real-scale model of a translucent high voltage cable accessory. False positives (caused by detector noise) are efficiently suppressedwhile maintaining sufficient sensitivity,even when the sensor is located in an unfavorable position.
Reliable analysis of chemical indicators in water, sediment and soil samples for the purpose of environmental pollution assessment poses one of the greatest analytical challenges, having in mind the complexity of sample matrix and low concentrations of pollutants. Organics (pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, etc.) and heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Ni, Pb and As) represent target parameters. Laboratories performing sampling and tests in this field regulated by respective EU directives, need strong support in terms of providing them with appropriate matrix CRMs enabling the process of quality control. NMIs and DIs with proven metrological capabilities for the production and certification of such materials are necessary for the provision of quality data. This project is aiming to develop capacity to produce CRMs for environmental analysis by transferring the theoretical and practical know-how between the partners and combining their skills to focus on environmental CRM production in accordance with ISO Guide 34. Production process includes good manufacturing practices for processing materials, method development and validation for homogeneity, stability and characterisation tests, characterisation of selected analytes together with additional information about matrix constituents, the calculation of individual uncertainties (between units inhomogeneity, long term stability, characterisation) and combination of uncertainties to determine overall uncertainty of the matrix reference materials. Inter laboratory comparison registered as EURAMET project is set as the ultimate project outcome, confirming the partners’ capabilities in applying newly acquired skills.
The use of magnetic materials as heterogeneous catalysts has attracted increasing attention in the last years since they proved to be promising candidates for water treatment. In the present study, two types of surface-modified magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, coated with non-hazardous naturally occurring agents—either tannic acid (TA) or dissolved natural organic matter—were evaluated as magnetic heterogeneous catalysts. Chemical synthesis (co-precipitation) was chosen to yield the nanocatalysts due to its well-established simplicity and efficiency. Subsequently, the properties of the final products were fully assessed by various characterization techniques. The catalytic activity in heterogeneous oxidation of aqueous solutions containing a model pollutant, Bisphenol A (BPA), was comparatively studied. The effect of operational parameters (catalyst loading, H2O2 dosage, and UV light irradiation) on the Degradation performance of the oxidation process was investigated. The optimum experimental parameters were found to be 1.0 g/L of catalysts and 10 mM H2O2, under UV irradiation. The highest mineralization rates were observed for Fe3O4-TA catalyst. More than 80 % of BPA was removed after 30 min of reaction time under the specified experimental conditions. The obtained results showed that the two catalysts studied here are suitable candidates for the removal of pollutants in wastewaters by means of heterogeneous reaction using a green sustainable treatment method.
The catalytic efficiency of two magnetically responsive nanocatalysts was evaluated for the Degradation of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Reactive Yellow 84 (RY84) azo dyes using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant undervery mild conditions (atmospheric pressure, room temperature). In order to obtain the nanocatalysts, thesurface of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, prepared by a co-precipitation method, was further modified with ferrous oxalate, a highly sensitive non-hazardous reducing agent. The sensitized nanomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry, and used in the catalytic wet hydrogen peroxideoxidation (CWHPO) of RB5 and RY84, in laboratory-scale experiments. The effect of important variables such as catalyst dosage, H2O2 concentration, and contact time was studied in the dye Degradation kinetics. The results showed that it was possible to remove up to 99.7% dye in the presence of 20 mM H2O2 after 240 min of oxidation for a catalyst concentration of 10 g L−1at 25◦C and initial pH value of 9.0.CWHPO of reactive dyes using sensitized magnetic nanocatalysts can be a suitable pre-treatment methodfor complete decolorization of effluents from textile dyeing and finishing processes, once the Optimum operating conditions are established.
This report is the result of a comprehensive study on the available CMs which come potentially in question for the reliable analysis of the number based size distribution of a nanomaterial according to the EC recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial. Based on the performance criteria already established in NanoDefine the potential CMs are evaluated according to studies available in the literature as well as following the expertise of the NanoDefine consortium partners. The specific advantages and disadvantages of each method with respect to its applicability to the scope of NanoDefine are particularly highlighted. An CM evaluation table is produced so that the mostly suited CMs with respect to the EC definition can be grouped and recommended to the corresponding NanoDefine work packages for further specific development (improvement and adaption), or for direct validation and standardisation, respectively. The actual evaluation report including the recommended CMs will be revised and, if necessary, eventually updated at the mid time of the project. The update will be jointly discussed in the NanoDefine consortium on the basis of the results of testing the methods on the NanoDefine real world materials.
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can catalyze the decolorization of organic dyes in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH4), which can be utilized for sensitive optical signaling. Here, we monitor the catalytic reduction of a fluorescent substrate, exemplarily chosen uranine, by AuNPs serving as nanocatalysts by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Dye reduction is accompanied by dramatic changes in the absorption and fluorescence properties of uranine. As proposed reaction mechanism, we assume electron transfer between uranine and NaBH4 through the AuNPs nanocatalysts which is currently investigated also by time-resolved fluorescence and detailed spectroscopic studies of the influence of pH, NaBH4, and AuNPs on these effects. As ultimate goal, a model reporter platform with colorimetric andfluorometric signaling is anticipated for the detection of different analytes by coating AuNPs with affinity ligands such as antibodies and aptamers and and special separation methods.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a fast and versatile technique for (semi) quantitative element analysis of solids, liquids, gases, and particulate matter. The LIBS method is used for optical sensing in various branches of industrial production. In the contribution we review some of our recent results on LIBS analysis of slags from secondary metallurgy in industrial steel making. Major oxides in steel slags are measured at-line and after homogenization using a calibration-free (CF) method. Two approaches for CF analysis based on the Boltzmann plot method and on the calculation of synthetic spectra are compared for the analysis of quaternary oxides. We also present the research in cooperation with our industrial partners in the process-analytical chemistry network PAC.
Als schweizweit einziger Hersteller produzierte die Gesellschaft der Ludwig von Roll'schen Eisenwerke seit den 1870er Jahren granulierte Hochofenschlacke. Im Blashochofen von Choindez im Schweizer Jura wird bis Mitte der 1920er Jahre Bohnerz aus dem Delsberger Becken, das kontemporär publizierten Analysen zufolge als Spuren- bzw. Schwermetalle Titan, Chrom, Blei und Vanadium enthält, zu grauem Roheisen verhüttet. In zementgebundenen Mörtelmischungen des 19. und frühen 20. Jahrhunderts aus verschiedenen Regionen der Schweiz finden sich neben reliktischen Hüttensandsplittern vereinzelt bis zu fünfhundert Mikrometer große scharze Kugeln mit grünlichem Schimmer, wohl nicht gemahlener Schlackensand. Deren mittels Ramanmikroskopie (Phasenbestand) und energiedispersiver Röntgenspektroskopie am Rasterelektronenmikroskop (Elementanalytik) ermittelte Mineralogie ergibt in Form von Plattnerit PbO2, Rutil TiO2 und vermitlich Chromit Fe(II)Cr2O4 bzw. Nichromit (Ni,Co,Fe(II))(Cr,Fe(III),Al)2)4 Übereinstimmungen mit den nur die Elementzusammensetzung berücksichtigenden historischen Resultaten. Ebenfalls im Zusammenhang mit dem das Bohnerz begleitenden Boluston samt Huppererde zu sehen sind die Minerale Coelestin SrSO4 und Zirkon ZrSiO4, des Weiteren der Siliciumcarbidpolymorph Moissanit SiC als Reaktionsprodukt von Quarzsand und Brennstoff. Die Kohärenz zwischen um die Jahrhundertwende durchgeführten Analysen von Rohmaterial als auch Ofenbruch aus dem in Choindez betriebenen Hochofen und den in diesem Beitrag diskutierten Resultaten moderner analytischer Methoden spricht für den Gebrauch von granulierter Schlacke aus dem Hause Ludwig von Roll als Mörtelzuschlag. Die Hüttensandkörner, eigentlich latent hydraulisch, sind aufgrund der fehlenden Aufbereitung zu grob für eine effektive Hydratation und deshalb trotz reaktiver Glasphase und Klinkermineralien (Belit Ca2SiO4 und Monocalciumaluminat CaAl2O4) intakt in der Bindemittelmatrix erhalten.
The intention of this compilation of articles was to introduce brand-new developments in the field of chemical imaging which have not been discussed in previous review articles. These include the design of new sensor nanomaterials based on photon uponversion crystals which convert near-infrared excitation light into sensor signals in the visible wavelength range highlighted by Christ and Schäferling. Sun, Ungerböck and Mayr describe the state of the art in oxygen imaging in microreactors and microfluidic devices. Miniaturized sensors for the imaging of oxygen, pH and temperature in microchips, microfluidic platforms and microbioreactors are reviewed by Pfeiffer and Nagl. Furthermore, Dmitriev and Papkovsky present a critical assessment of the applicability of probes for intracellular oxygen sensing.
I hope these articles provide an interesting insight into advanced luminescent sensor materials and the applications of optical micro- and nanosensors in fluorescence imaging today and will be inspiring for the reader. Finally, I would like to thank all authors and referees for spending their time to enable this collection of articles.
The synthesis of water-soluble dyes, which absorb and emit in the range between 650 and 950 nm and display high extinction coefficients (ε) as well as high fluorescence quantum yields (Φf), is still a demand for optical imaging. We now present a synthetic route for the preparation of a new group of glycerol-substituted cyanine dyes from dendronized indole precursors that have been functionalized as Nhydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters. High Φf values of up to 0.15 and extinction coefficients of up to 189 000 L mol−1 cm−1 were obtained for the pure dyes. Furthermore, conjugates of the new dendronized dyes with the antibody cetuximab (ctx) that were directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of tumor cells could be prepared with dye to protein ratios between 0.3 and 2.2 to assess their potential as imaging probes. For the first time, ctx conjugates could be achieved without showing a decrease in Φf and with an increasing labeling degree that exceeded the value of the pure dye even at a labeling degree above 2. The incorporation of hydrophilically and sterically demanding dendrimers into cyanines prevented dimer formation after covalent conjugation to the antibody. The binding functionality of the resulting ctx conjugates to the EGFR was successfully demonstrated by cell microscopy studies using EGFR expressing cell lines. In summary, the combination of hydrophilic glycerol dendrons with reactive dye labels has been established for the first time and is a promising Approach toward more powerful fluorescent labels with less dimerization.
Here, we summerize our efforts concerning new design concepts and examples for fluorescence standards that can provide traceability to radiometric units and present a first step towards a toolbox of fluorescence standards, currently consisting of:
i) A first set of liquid fluorescence standards enables the determination of a broad variety of fluorescence parameters was developed and certified by BAM and is distributed by Sigma-Aldrich.
ii) Ready-to-use, glass-based fluorescence standards for instrument performance validation (IPV) and determination instrument-to-instrument variations can also be used as wavelength standard for fluorescence instruments with low requirements on spectral resolution and allow monitoring of temporal changes of the wavelength-dependent spectral responsivity.
iii) Novel calibration tools and validation concepts for microarray-based platforms used in molecular diagnostics and food safety control.
iv) We currently develop reference materials, which can be used as reliable quantum yield standards for relative methods for the determination of QY and can be valuable in the evaluation of the performance and sources of uncertainty of absolute, standard-free methods using e.g. integrating spheres.
The importance of microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation for the development and progression of diseases and the discovery of stable miRNAs in peripheral blood have made these short-sequence nucleic acids next-generation biomarkers. Here we present a fully homogeneous multiplexed miRNA FRET assay that combines careful biophotonic design with various RNA hybridization and ligation steps. The single-step, single-temperature, and amplification-free assay provides a unique combination of performance parameters compared to state-of-the-art miRNA detection technologies. Precise multiplexed quantification of miRNA-20a, -20b, and -21 at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.5 nm in a single 150 mL sample and detection limits between 0.2 and 0.9 nm in 7.5 mL serum samples demonstrate the feasibility of both highthroughput and point-of-care clinical diagnostics.
One of the most important collections of manuscripts and wall paintings from sites of the northern Silk Road, discovered at the beginning of the 20thC, are deposited in Berlin. The fragments represent a broad spectrum of scripts, languages, and painting styles depending on the region of origin and purpose of dissemination. The manufacturing material reflects the various influences in the oasis sites. Based on analyses of some pigments, examples are posed.
Dietary supplements high in isolated isoflavones are commercially available for human consumption primarily to alleviate menopausal symptoms in women. The isoflavone composition, quantity and importantly their estrogenic potency are poorly standardised and can vary considerably between different products. The aim of this study was to analyse the isoflavone composition of 11 dietary supplements based on soy or red clover using the HPLC/MS/MS technique. Furthermore, we investigated the transactivational potential of the supplements on the estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and ERβ, performing luciferase reporter gene assays. As expected, we found that the isoflavone composition varies between different products. The measured total isoflavone contents in various supplements were mostly comparable to those claimed by the manufacturers in their product information. However expressing the isoflavone content as isoflavone aglycone equivalents, soy-based supplements had a clearly lower quantity compared to the manufacturer information. All supplements transactivated more or less ERα and ERβ with a preference for ERβ. The transactivational efficiency exceeded partly the maximal 17β-estradiol induced ER activation. While the different soy-based supplements revealed similar transactivation potential to both ERs, red clover-based supplements differed considerably. We conclude that different commercial dietary supplements based on soy or red clover vary in their isoflavone composition and quantity. They are estrogenically active, although especially the red clover-based supplements show considerable differences in their estrogenic potential to ERα and ERβ. Thus, different isoflavone-rich products cannot be necessarily compared regarding possible biological effects.
High resolution in situ monitoring of the initial cement hydration influenced by organic admixtures
(2015)
Numerous admixtures are used in the building practice to customize the properties of the cement paste during application. The influences of admixtures on the course of cement hydration and formation of hydrate phases have to be considered. Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based polymeric superplasticizers (SPs) are known to retard the setting of the cement paste. The extent of the retardation differs depending on the molecular structure of the SP. Additionally, the presence of a stabilizing agent (SA) in the cement paste has a retarding side effect on the setting. The initial cement hydration processes and the detailed mechanisms of the retardation influenced by PCEs, as well as their interactions with particular SAs, are insufficiently understood. Up to now, only the results of phenomenological studies were taken into account to describe this retardation process. A detailed structure analysis monitoring the change of the phase composition during the hydration was never applied. Both SP and SA affect the adsorption of the sulphate ions on the clinker particles, causing changes in the formation of ettringite during the initial hydration, and are therefore a crucial part of the setting process itself. Here, the initial hydration of cement influenced by the interaction of SP and SA was monitored in situ by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The high time resolution of the measurements allowed a continuous detection of the hydrates formed. The hydration was followed from the starting point of water addition and for couple of hours afterwards. The hydration of the levitated cement pellets containing starch as SA was initialized by adding aqueous solutions of different commercial SPs. Changes in the ettringite formation were detected in comparison to the reference hydration of pure cement.
Introducing fluorine into molecules has a wide range of effects on their physicochemical properties, often desirable but in most cases unpredictable. The fluorine atom imparts the C–F bond with low polarizability and high polarity, and significantly affects the behavior of neighboring functional groups, in a covalent or noncovalent manner. Here, we report that fluorine, present in the form of a single fluoroalkyl amino acid side chain in the P1 position of the well-characterized serine-protease inhibitor BPTI, can fully restore inhibitor activity to a mutant that contains the corresponding hydrocarbon side chain at the same site. High resolution crystal structures were obtained for four BPTI variants in complex with bovine b-trypsin, revealing changes in the stoichiometry and dynamics of water molecules in the S1 subsite. These results demonstrate that the introduction of fluorine into a protein environment can result in “chemical complementation” that has a significantly favorable impact on protein–protein interactions.
Microorganisms accumulate molar concentrations of compatible solutes like ectoine to prevent proteins from denaturation. Direct structural or spectroscopic information on the mechanism and about the hydration shell around ectoine are scarce. We combined surface plasmon resonance (SPR), confocal Raman spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to study the local hydration shell around ectoine and its influence on the binding of a gene-S-protein (G5P) to a single-stranded DNA (dT(25)). Due to the very high hygroscopicity of ectoine, it was possible to analyze the highly stable hydration shell by confocal Raman spectroscopy. Corresponding molecular dynamics simulation results revealed a significant change of the water dielectric constant in the presence of a high molar ectoine concentration as compared to pure water. The SPR data showed that the amount of protein bound to DNA decreases in the presence of ectoine, and hence, the protein-DNA dissociation constant increases in a concentration-dependent manner. Concomitantly, the Raman spectra in terms of the amide I region revealed large changes in the protein secondary structure. Our results indicate that ectoine strongly affects the molecular recognition between the protein and the oligonudeotide, which has important consequences for osmotic regulation mechanisms.
N4-acetyl-SMX is the most important cross-reacting compound for the SMX-ELISA with concentrations of 1064 - 2488 ng/L in influent wastewater and 40 - 160 ng/L in effluent wastewater.
The ELISAgrams for estrone show less interfering signals than for SMX.
ELISAgrams of SMX and estrone display in effluent wastewater more interfering signals than in influent wastewater.
Zur Bestimmung von Arzneimittelrückständen in Oberflächengewässern wird häufig die LC-MS/MS als Methode der Wahl eingesetzt. Obwohl sich dieses Nachweisverfahren durch eine hohe Empfindlichkeit und Selektivität auszeichnet, gibt es vor allem bei geringen Substanzkonzentrationen häufig störende Einflüsse durch Matrixeffekte. Diese Matrixeffekte können unterschiedliche Ursachen haben.
Einige Matrixeffekte werden am Beispiel des Wirkstoffs Carbamazepin erläutert. Carbamazepin wird durch Kläranlagen nur partiell aus dem Abwasser entfernt und ist im Spurenbereich auch noch im Trinkwasser nachzuweisen. Wenn für die LC-MS/MS wasserbasierte Anteile in der mobilen Phase genutzt werden, befinden sich trotz Verwendung einer Labor-Reinstwasseranlage in der mobilen Phase noch kleinste Konzentrationen von Carbamazepin, welche einen Blindwert im unteren ppt-Bereich verursachen.
Weitere Matrixeffekte treten durch die unterschiedliche Qualität der Oberflächenwasserproben auf. Koelutionen von weiteren Inhaltstoffen zeitgleich mit dem Zielanalyten führen zu einer Diskriminierung des Meßsignals. Verbindungen, die den gleichen Massenübergang bei nahezu identischer Retentionszeit zeigen, erfordern eine reproduzierbare chromatographische Vortrennung oder die Wahl einer alternativen HPLC-Säule.
A new method for sampling wear particles directly from the lubricant reservoir has been developed and applied successfully for analyzing wear particles by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy in transmission mode having coupled energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The lubricated tribological testing was carried out with fully formulated as well as with non-formulated synthetic base oil. It was possible to analyze individual particles with dimensions as small as about 5–30 nm which are likely the 'primary' wear particles. A majority of the particles, however, are agglomerated and, thus, lead to the formation of larger agglomerates of up to a few micrometers. Chemical analysis led to the conclusion that most of the observed particles generated in formulated oil, especially the larger ones, are composed of the additives of the lubricant oil. In non-formulated base oil, the primary particles are of similar dimensions but contain only iron, chromium and oxygen, but most likely stem from the mating materials. This finding points to the fact that the main wear mechanism under lubricated conditions with fully formulated oil is more like a continuous shearing process rather than a catastrophic failure with the generation of larger primary particles. When the oil is non-formulated, however, several wear mechanisms act simultaneously and the wear rate is increased significantly. Generated larger primary particles are milled down to the nanoscale. When the oil is fully formulated, wear mainly takes places at the additive layer or tribofilm; thus, the steel surface is protected.
Micro structured reactors are attractive candidates for further process intensification in heterogeneous catalysis. However, they require catalytic coatings with significantly improved space-time yields compared to traditional supported catalysts. We report the facile synthesis of homogeneous nanocrystalline Pt coatings with hierarchical pore structure by electrochemical dealloying of amorphous sputter-deposited platinum silicide layers. Thickness, porosity and surface composition of the catalysts can be controlled by the dealloying procedure. XPS analysis indicates that the catalyst surface is primarily composed of metallic Pt. Catalytic tests in gas-phase hydrogenation of butadiene reveal the typical activity, selectivity and activation energy of nanocrystalline platinum. However, space time yields are about 13 to 200 times higher than values reported for Pt-based catalysts in literature. The highly open metallic pore structure prevents heat and mass transport limitations allowing for very fast reactions and reasonable stability at elevated temperatures.
Lewis and Brønsted sites were quantified in a series of weak acidic hydroxylated magnesium fluorides by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) with pyridine as probe molecule. Molar extinction coefficients, which are necessary for quantitative FTIR measurements, were calculated by an easy approach. It utilizes the fact that both signals, used for the quantification by FTIR, are caused by the same deformation vibration mode of pyridine. Comparison of quantitative FTIR experiments and quantification by NMR shows that concentrations of acidic sites determined by FTIR spectroscopy have to be interpreted with caution. Furthermore, it is shown that the transfer of molar extinction coefficients from one catalyst to another may lead to wrong results. Molar extinction coefficients and concentrations of acidic sites determined by FTIR spectroscopy are affected by grinding and probably the particle size of the sample. High temperature during FTIR experiments has further impact on the quantification results.
In order to estimating the amount and kind of emissions from polymeric sporting tracks a laboratory test was developed in BAM that combines artificial weathering and subsequent batch and column tests [1, 2, 3]. The goal consisted in nvestigating a possible change of emissions into soil and groundwater of a new sporting ground as a function of ageing and egradation of the system. At various stages of the weathering, the samples were removed and subjected to especially designed column extraction tests for the solid samples. Both these extracts and the accumulated rainwater run-off of the weathering device were subjected to analytical tests of their ingredients. The overall aim of the test consisted in developing ontrollable, reproducible, and standardisable conditions and methods of investigation that would allow an estimation of the emissions in the course of outdoor application of about five years.
In this paper we present the results of imaging studies of ancient Egyptian metallic artifacts using micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT). Micro-CT is a non-destructive imaging method with high spatial resolution, which enables the examination of the internal structure of objects. It is thus especially suitable for the investigation of cultural heritage and archaeological findings, when it is not possible to sample or difficult to manipulate the object. Using specialized software for 3D visualization and segmentation, data sets of two objects were analyzed. We gained a clear view of the inner structure of a metallic archaeological artifact from the necropolis of Abusir el-Meleq, which is believed to be very ancient in the Egyptian archaeological context (from the Predynastic Era), and were able to distinguish its different omponents under the thick layers of external concretions. These components give hints about the production technology of the object. We also investigated the contents of a closed metal box found near Abusir dated to the Late/Greco-Roman Period. The identified Content corresponds either to sediments or to mineral remains of the original content of the box. Both artifacts are from excavations conducted in Egypt and are part of the archeological collection of the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung in Berlin.
The reaction of iron chlorides with an alkaline reagent is one of the most prominent methods for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles. We studied the particle formation mechanism using triethanolamine as reactant and stabilizing agent. In situ fast-X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering provide information on the oxidation state and the structural information at the same time. In situ data were complemented by ex situ transmission electron microscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering and Raman analysis of the formed nanoparticles. The formation of maghemite nanoparticles (γ-Fe2O3) from ferric and ferrous chloride was investigated. Prior to the formation of these nanoparticles, the formation and conversion of intermediate phases (akaganeite, iron(II, III) hydroxides) was observed which undergoes a morphological and structural collapse. The thus formed small magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) grow further and convert to maghemite with increasing reaction time.
The need for technological progress in bio-diagnostic assays of high complexity requires both fundamental research and constructing efforts on nano-scaled assay recognition elements that can provide unique selectivity and design-enhanced sensitivity features. Nanoparticle induced sensitivity enhancement and its application related to multiplexed capability Surface-Enhanced InfraRed Absorption (SEIRA) assay formats are well suitable for these purposes. The potential of diverse fluorophore–antibody conjugates, being chemisorbed onto low-cost gold nanoparticulate SEIRA substrates, has been explored with respect to their spectral discriminability. These novel biolabels deliver molecular SEIRA fingerprints that have been successfully analyzed by both uni- and multivariate analyzing tools, to discriminate their multiplexing capabilities. We show that this robust spectral encoding via SEIRA fingerprints opens up new opportunities for a fast, reliable and multiplexed high-end screening in biodiagnostics.
Die meisten organischen Biozide gehören zu der Gruppe der schwerflüchtigen organischen Verbindungen (SVOC – semi volatile organic compounds). Zu den klassischen Bioziden zählen u.a. Lindan, Pentachlorphenol PCP) und Dichlordiphenyltrichlorethan (DDT) und zu den neueren u.a. Dichlofluanid, Tebuconazol und Permethrin. Biozide kamen in Museen vor allem in den 50er und 60er Jahren zum Schutz der Exponate zum Einsatz,1 wo sie hauptsächlich in Depoträumen zu finden sind, in welchen sie zum akuten und zum präventiven Schutz vor Schadorganismen eingesetzt wurden.2 Im Laufe der Zeit wurde jedoch festgestellt, dass sich der Einsatz von Bioziden negativ auf die menschliche Gesundheit auswirkt und auch zu Schäden an den behandelten Exponaten führen kann. 3 Verschiedene Möglichkeiten der Biozidanalytik und der Einfluss von Senkeneffekten auf die Analytik werden in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt.
The syntheses, crystal structures, and physical properties of [HFe19O14(OEt)30] and {Fe11(OEt)24}1 are reported. [HFe19O14(OEt)30] has an octahedral shape. Its core with a central Fe metal ion surrounded by six m6-oxo ligands is arranged in the rock salt structure. {Fe11(OEt)24}1 is a mixedvalence coordination polymer in which FeIII metal ions form three 3D interpenetrating (10,3)-b nets. The arrangement of the FeIII ions can also be compared to that of Si ions in a-ThSi2. Thus, the described structures are at the interface between molecular and solid-state chemistry.
N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters are the most important activated esters used in many different bioconjugation techniques, such as protein labelling by fluorescent dyes and enzymes, surface activation of chromatographic supports, microbeads, nanoparticles, and microarray slides, and also in the chemical synthesis of peptides. Usually, reactions with NHS esters are very reliable and of high yield, however, the compounds are sensitive to air moisture and water traces in solvents. Therefore, the quantification of NHS would be a very helpful approach to identify reagent impurities or degradation of stored NHS esters. No robust and sensitive method for the detection of NHS (or the more hydrophilic sulfo-NHS) has been reported yet. Here, a chromatographic method based on HILIC conditions and UV detection is presented, reaching a detection limit of about 1 mg L-1, which should be sensitive enough for most of the applications mentioned above. Exemplarily, the hydrolytic degradation of a biotin-NHS ester and a purity check of a fluorescent dye NHS ester are shown. An important advantage of this approach is its universality, since not the structurally variable ester compound is monitored, but the constant degradation product NHS or sulfo-NHS, which avoids the necessity to optimize the separation conditions and facilitates calibration considerably.
A novel synthetic strategy toward highly fluorinated BODIPY dyes with exceptional photostabilities relying on sustainable gold catalysis has been developed. A key to the tailored pyrrole precursors is the gold catalysis performed in ionic liquids as the reaction medium, allowing a facile recycling of the catalysts. The dyes prepared are well-matching with the spectral windows of popular rhodamine dyes and possess high brightness while showing a distinctly higher photostability than the rhodamines especially in aprotic solvents.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a combination of plasma generation on the sample surface by a high power laser pulse and optical emission spectroscopy (OES). It is a direct measurement method without an extensive sample preparation. Concrete is a multi phase system. With LIBS it is possible to distinguish the different phases and based on that to correlate the chloride content to the cement mass. This is done by scanning the surface with a resolution of up to 0.1 mm. The high measurement frequency of 100 Hz or even higher allows the in-situ visualization of the chloride content over the measured area. With a calibration a quantification of chloride concentration is possible. As an example the LIBS measurement on a 50 mm by 70 mm area with a resolution of 0.5 mm and the visualization of the chloride distribution takes only 10 minutes. Additionally it is possible to evaluate the carbonation depth from the same measurement. Examples of practical application to determine the chloride-to-cement-content on concrete samples are presented. The possibilities and the limitations of LIBS are discussed.
This paper describes the production and characteristics of the nanoparticle test materials prepared for common use in the collaborative research project NanoChOp (Chemical and optical characterization of nanomaterials in biological systems), in casu suspensions of silica nanoparticles and CdSe/CdS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs). This paper is the first to illustrate how to assess whether nanoparticle test materials meet the requirements of a "reference material" (ISO Guide 30, 2015) or rather those of the recently defined category of "representative test material (RTM)" (ISO/TS 16195, 2013). The NanoChOp test materials were investigated with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and centrifugal liquid sedimentation (CLS) to establish whether they complied with the required monomodal particle size distribution. The presence of impurities, aggregates, agglomerates, and viable microorganisms in the suspensions was investigated with DLS, CLS, optical and electron microscopy and via plating on nutrient agar. Suitability of surface functionalization was investigated with attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (ATR-FTIR) and via the capacity of the nanoparticles to be fluorescently labeled or to bind antibodies. Between-unit homogeneity and stability were investigated in terms of particle size and zeta potential. This paper shows that only based on the outcome of a detailed characterization process one can raise the status of a test material to RTM or reference material, and how this status depends on its intended use.
Für die Prüfung von Leichtbaustrukturen ist in den letzten Jahren ein vermehrter Einsatz der Luftultraschallprüfung zu verzeichnen. Insbesondere eignet sich Luftultraschall für die Prüfung von Faserkunststoffverbunden und hybrider Werkstoffverbunde, die ihre Anwendung in der Automobilindustrie und Luftfahrt finden. Für den Bau von marktüblichen Luftultraschall-Wandlern werden Piezokomposite mit Anpassschichten versehen. Ihre Herstellung ist allerdings sehr anspruchsvoll und die erreichbaren Signal-Rausch-Abstände sind für viele Prüfprobleme als noch nicht ausreichend einzustufen. Zwecks gesteigerter Effizienz beim Schallübertrag in die Luft wurden Luftultraschall-Sender und -Empfänger aus zellulärem Polypropylen entwickelt. Dieses piezoelektrische Material ist aufgrund seiner geringer Dichte und seiner sehr geringen Schallgeschwindigkeit an die niedrige akustische Impedanz der Luft deutlich besser angepasst, als die üblicherweise verwendeten Anpassschichten. Letztere können bei Polypropylen-Wandlern daher gänzlich vermieden werden.
In diesem Beitrag wird Luftultraschall-Prüfung an zwei verschiedenen CFK-Testkörpern vorgestellt: an einer Platte mit T-Stringern aus dem Seitenleitwerk eines Flugzeugs und an einer Platte mit künstlich eingebrachten Fehlern. Es wurde mit unterschiedlichen planaren und fokussierenden Wandlern geprüft. Marktübliche Wandler mit Anpassschichten wurden mit den selbstentwickelten Wandlern aus zellulärem Polypropylen verglichen. Der Signal-Rausch-Abstand und die laterale Auflösung wurden sowohl im Prüfaufbau mit senkrechter Einschallung als auch mit Schrägeinschallung gemessen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Schrägeinschallung zwar den Signal-Rauschabstand erhöht, aber die laterale Auflösung verschlechtern kann.
Titanium dioxide is one of the most studied metal oxides due to its interesting chemical, surface, electronic and (photo)catalytic properties. These properties provide this material of multisectorial applications, ranging from healthcare, photocatalysis, smart materials with self cleaning and self sterilizing properties and solar energy harvesting (photovoltaics and water photosplitting). However it is difficult to correlate the functional properties of TiO₂ nanomaterials to the properties at single nanoparticle level due to the high polydispersity in shape, size and surface properties of the currently available TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) Although intensive experimental and theoretical studies have been conducted on the reactivity of different surfaces of metal oxides such as TiO₂ [1,2] much less attention is paid on the dependence of functional properties, like photocatalytic activity, dye adsorption, open circuit potential and fill factor in dye sensitized solar cells, on crystal facets in different orientations [3]. One of the goal of SETNanoMetro is the development of design rules to tune crystal facets of TiO₂ NPs in order to optimize and control functional properties. By tuning the ratio of different facets, the functional properties would be correspondingly changed. In the present work we have developed a series of design rules in order to obtain sets of anatase TiO₂ NPs with low polydispersity and to tune their shape and their size though hydrothermal processing of Ti(IV)-Triethanolamine complex in presence of different shape controllers (OH-, triethanolamine, fluoride). Through a careful experimental design the influence of many process parameters (pH, temperature, shape controller type and concentration) on the synthesis outcome (size, shape and polydispersity), a predictive soft model was developed. The model is able to predict reasonably well the synthesis outcome allowing to tune the shape factor from 5 (prisms) to 1.5 (bipyramids) to 0.2 (platelets). This allows to control the main crystal facets exposed ranging from (100) to (001).
Quo Vadis – Kurzdarstellung
Im Fokus von Quo Vadis stehen die Qualitätssicherung von Verbundwerkstoffen und die Validierung der Zentrifugentechnologie zur quantitativen Bestimmung von Festigkeitswerten in der Beanspruchung auf Zug als Mehr-Proben-Prüfverfahren unter Verwendung einer analytischen Zentrifuge (nachfolgend als „Adhesion Analyser LUMiFrac®“ bezeichnet). Zu den Festigkeiten, die mit Hilfe des LUMiFrac® unter Verwendung aufgeklebter Prüfstempel bestimmt werden, gehören die Fügefestigkeit (FF) von Klebverbindungen, die Haftfestigkeit (HF) von Beschichtungen sowie die Verbundfestigkeit (VF) von Faserverbundwerkstoffen. Aufbauend auf zwei Funktionsmustern der analytischen Zentrifuge sollen für die genannten Anwendungsszenarien (FF, HF, VF) in Anlehnung an die geltenden Normen DIN EN 15870 „Klebstoffe – Zugprüfung zur Bestimmung der Zugfestigkeit von Stumpfklebungen“ und DIN EN ISO 4624 „Beschichtungsstoffe – Abreißversuch zur Beurteilung der Haftfestigkeit“ geeignete Prüfstrategien und -abläufe sowie zum Klebprozess kompatible Aufnahmen für den Prüfkörperverbund in der Zentrifuge entwickelt werden.
Im Ergebnis des Vorhabens soll ein automatisiertes und validiertes Mehr-Proben-Prüfverfahren zur Qualitätssicherung von Verbundfestigkeiten zur Verfügung stehen, welches neben der Hardware auch eine Software für die angepassten Prüfstrategien in Form von SOPs (standard operating procedures) bereitstellt.
Im Fokus steht die Qualitätssicherung mit Blick auf Herstellung, Modifizierung, Handling und Erprobung von PLASMA-kompatiblen Partikeln zur gepulsten in-situ Injektion von ex-situ hergestellten Partikeln für add-on Funktionen in und zur Identifikationsprüfung von BeschichTungen (PLASMA-FIT). Im Kern war zunächst zu prüfen, welche Klassen ex-situ hergestellter Partikel unterschiedlichster Materialien überhaupt bzw. unter welchen Bedingungen PLASMA-fit sind oder unter welchen Randbedingungen PLASMA-fit gemacht werden können. In den dazugehörenden Projektphasen Screening und Adaption stand dabei das komplexe Beanspruchungsszenario bestehend aus Vakuum-, Temperatur- und wenigstens kurzzeitiger Plasmabeständigkeit der ex-situ bereitgestellten Partikel im Fokus. In der Projektphase Applikation sollte dann unter Verwendung einer modifizierten Plasmaquelle (BAM-Patentanmeldung, beabsichtigte Lizenznahme durch Fa. CemeCon, Optionsvertrag) hinsichtlich der Realisierbarkeit, Prüfung und Qualitätssicherung von Plasmadispersionsschichten ein erster Praxistest zur in-situ Injektion von Partikeln in einen laufenden Beschichtungsprozess, zur Realisierung funktioneller Eigenschaften z.B. zur Identifikation oder Authentifizierung von Originalteilen, vorgenommen werden
The modeling of waveguides by means of the Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method (SBFEM) has recently been addressed and is considered an effective procedure for the simulation of ultrasonic guided waves in plates and uniform structures, as well as their interaction with defects. This work presents the extension of the known applications like uniform concrete foundation cylinders to structures with more complex shapes and defects. The main focus is the required modeling of 3-D structures in SBFEM to solve these efficiently. Furthermore the coupling of different models is discussed. This involves models like a mainly uniform foundation cylinder with varying material behavior or geometry in certain areas which has to be modeled in 3-D SBFEM. With the presentation of numerical examples the accuracy and performance of the modeling is discussed and the advantages in improving numerical stability are shown.
Sixteen Ayyubid-Mamluk glazed pottery sherds were analyzed in order to identify and characterize the elemental composition to determine their provenance. The tested sherds were collected from the historical site of Karak Castle, southern Jordan.
Chemical analysis for the sixteen samples has been carried out using Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (SR-XRF) Technique. Furthermore, the semiquantitative analysis of the elements Fe – Cu – Zn – Br – Rb – Sr – Y – Zr – Nb – Mo – Pd – Ag – Cd and Pb has been performed for the samples based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical Cluster Analysis with Bray-Curtis in order to define grouping of different glazed pottery by obtaining information on their similarity and clustering. The results of chemical analysis provided persuasive evidence that the Karak Castle pottery sherds have at least three different sources of provenance.
Recommendations on a Revision of the EC Definition of Nanomaterial Based on Analytical Possibilities
(2015)
In October 2011 the European Commission (EC) published a "Recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial" (2011/696/EU), to promote consistency in the interpretation of the term "nanomaterial" for legislative and policy purposes in the EU. The EC NM Definition includes a commitment to its review in the light of experience and of scientific and technological developments. This review is ongoing in 2015 and as a contribution to the review the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC) has already developed a series of three scientific-technical reports with the title: “Towards a review of the EC Recommendation for a definition of the term nanomaterial” which provides to the EC policy services science-based options on how the definition could be revised or supported with additional guidance.
The overarching nature and wide scope of the EC NM Definition, as it does not exclude a priori any particulate material regardless the state, form and size, creates many analytical challenges in its imple-mentation for all stakeholders, including enterprises and regulators.
The NanoDefine project has as core objective to support the implementation of the EC NM Definition. In this report key aspects of the EC NM Definition are addressed, with the goal to improve the implement-ability of the EC NM Definition. These aspects are presented and discussed based on the results of two years of research performed within the framework of the project. As a result this report assesses how well the requirements of the EC NM Definition can be fulfilled with currently available analytical possi-bilities. It presents recommendations and options on a revision of the EC NM Definition to improve the implementability of the definition based on currently available analytical possibilities, according to the state of the art of mid-2015.
Of the technical issues considered in this report, the following seem to deserve the most attention in terms of clarification of the definition and/or provision of additional implementation guidance:
The term ‘external dimension’.
A clear definition of 'External dimension' should be included in the text of the EC NM definition and more precise guidance on what is considered as an external dimension and how to properly character-ise it should be provided.
The ‘number based particle size distribution‘.
The EC NM Definition uses a threshold related to the number based size distribution of particles. Yet most of the easily available techniques provide a mass-, volume- or scattered light intensity-based size distribution which needs to be converted into a number based distribution to be used for regulatory pur-poses. A specific guidance on the conditions under which these methods can be used to identify a na-nomaterial by employing appropriate quantity or metrics conversion should be provided.
The ‘polydispersity‘ and ‘upper size limit‘
Polydispersity is a challenge for the measurement of particle size distribution for the EC NM definition, specifically for materials with high polydispersity index and broad size distribution especially when the volume or mass of the fraction containing particles below 100 nm is very small. Therefore a dedicated guidance should be provided that allows applying an upper size limit in measurements and particle statistics.
Untergrundspeicher für Roh- und Abfallstoffe gewinnen zunehmend an Bedeutung. Verwendet werden sie vor allem für Stoffe wie Erdgas, Wasserstoff, Erdöl und neuerdings auch für Kohlen-stoffdioxid (CO2). Diese Stoffe werden meist unter Druck in Kavernen- oder Porenspeichern einge-lagert. Die Speicher dienen einerseits zum Ausgleich von Ungleichgewichten zwischen Ange-bot/Förderung und Nachfrage/Verbrauch und zur Erhöhung der Versorgungssicherheit. Anderer-seits bestehen Konzepte Abfallstoffe oder Gefahrstoffe für die Umwelt (aktuell CO2-Speicherung) dort für lange Zeiträume einzulagern. Mit den Einlagerungsstoffen verbunden ist ein signifikantes Gefahrenpotential für Mensch und Umwelt, falls es trotz aller Sicherheitsmaßnahmen zu einem unkontrollierten Austritt dieser Stoffe kommen sollte. Daher kommt dem Monitoring derartiger Untergrundspeicher und den darüber befindlichen Bodenstrukturen eine extrem hohe Bedeutung zu.
Ein hochaktuelles Beispiel, das die Überwachung entsprechender Bodenflächen fordert, ist die unterirdische CO2-Speicherung im Rahmen der CO2-Abscheidung und -Speicherung (Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage, CCS). CCS gilt als wichtige Brückentechnologie der Energiewirtschaft und wird weltweit vorangetrieben, während die Sicherheit von Bevölkerung und Biosphäre noch kont-rovers diskutiert wird. Auch die EU setzt auf CCS und gibt in der EU-Richtlinie 2009/31 als Ziel-setzung bis 2015 vor, 15 Pilotanlagen zu bauen und in Betrieb zu nehmen. Als Bedingung für die Genehmigung der CO2-Speicherung ist explizit die Überwachung der Speicheranlagen durch Monito-ring vorgeschrieben, wobei die technisch besten Lösungen zum Einsatz kommen sollen.
Das zu entwickelnde Messsystem adressiert neben den o.g. Anwendungsfeldern weitere, bei denen insbesondere die Emission von Gasen ein Risiko für Mensch und Umwelt darstellt oder wirt-schaftlichen Schaden verursachen kann. Hierzu zählen die Überwachung von Abfalldeponien, Ge-fahrgutlagerstätten, kontaminierten Altlastengebieten, Moor-, Torf-, Kohleflözen (präventive Branderkennung) und geodynamisch aktiven Regionen. Auch moderne Fördertechnologien, wie das Hot-Dry-Rock-Verfahren (HDR) zur Energiegewinnung durch Einpressen von überkritischem CO2 in den Erdkörper, das die Beweglichkeit eines Gases mit der Dichte einer Flüssigkeit kombiniert und Wärmeaustausch im Erdinneren bewirkt, bergen das Risiko unkontrollierter Gasemissionen und bedürfen der umfassenden Überwachung.
Ziel des Projektes war, mit Hilfe von Computersimulationen die Brennfleckgröße, das Spektrum und die erreichbare Dosisleistung von Transmissionsröhren vorherzusagen sowie diese Kenngrößen zu optimieren. Hierbei sollten insbesondere die Materialien und Schichtdicken von Substrat und strahlungserzeugender Schicht untersucht werden. Eine Voraussetzung für die Überprüfung der Ergebnisse ist die reproduzierbare, korrekte messtechnische Erfassung von Brennfleckgrößen unterhalb 5 μm.
The concreting of prefabricated concrete structures can lead to insufficient bonding or even to remaining cavities. Honeycombs (aggregate clusters without cement) represent potential weakening of the structure and need to be detected non-destructively. In our study we tested the capability of ground penetrating radar (GPR) techniques for this purpose. We applied GPR in reflection mode and zero-offset profiling (ZOP) transmission mode on a precast concrete twin wall with built-in honeycombs. GPR measurements were performed as two channel measurement with ground coupled antennas with centre frequencies of 1.5 GHz and 2.6 GHz mounted to an automated scanner system.
Our findings show that ZOP transmission measurements are a more efficient method to detect voids in reinforced concrete structures compared to reflection mode measurements. This holds for both the effort needed for the measurement and the evaluation as well as the validity of the data. Honeycombs (basically representing voids) are usually characterized by strongly reduced amplitudes and earlier arrivals of the transmitted wave.
The concreting of prefabricated concrete structures can lead to insufficient bonding or even to remaining cavities. Honeycombs (aggregate clusters without cement) represent potential weakening of the structure and need to be detected non-destructively. In our study we tested the capability of ground penetrating radar (GPR)techniques for this purpose. We applied GPR in reflection mode and zero-offset profiling (ZOP) Transmission mode on a precast concrete twin wall with built-in honeycombs. GPR measurements were performed as twochannel measurement with ground coupled antennas with centre frequencies of 1.5 GHz and 2.6 GHz mounted to an automated scanner system.
Our findings show that ZOP transmission measurements are a more efficient method to detect voids in reinforced concrete structures compared to reflection mode measurements. This holds for both the effort needed for the measurement and the evaluation as well as the validity of the data. Honeycombs (basically representing voids) are usually characterized by strongly reduced amplitudes and earlier arrivals of the transmitted wave.
Amplitudes variation of GPR rebar reflection due to the influence of concrete aggregate scattering
(2015)
Dense GPR measurements of rebar reflection amplitudes Show relative variations, which can be in the order of more than 10% - 20%. Former investigations demonstrated that these variations are caused by the heterogeneity of concrete, i.e. due to the inclusion of aggregates in concrete. These amplitude variations make it difficult to analyse single reflection amplitudes in order to determine the rebar diameter or to estimate the concrete deterioration state. In a systematic study we have quantified the statistical variation of the rebar reflection amplitude for concrete covers of 6 cm, 9 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm and 18 cm, for two different grading curves and for the rebar diameters 12 mm and 28 mm. Also the influence of the wavelength has been investigated by using antennas with different centre frequencies in relation to the aggregate size. The results are discussed with regard to a quantitative amplitude evaluation of GPR measurements and also the potential of using these variations for a characterization of concrete material properties.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful tool for probing the local chemical environment ofatoms near surfaces. When applied to soft matter, such as polymers, XPS spectra are frequently shifted andbroadened due to thermal atom motion and by interchain interactions. We present a combined quantummechanical QM/molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of X-ray photoelectron spectra of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) using oligomer models in order to account for and quantify these effects on the XPS (C1s) signal. Inour study, molecular dynamics at finite temperature were performed with a classical forcefield and by abinitio MD (AIMD) using the Car–Parrinello method. Snapshots along the trajectories represent possibleconformers and/or neighbouring environments, with different C1s ionization potentials for individualC atoms leading to broadened XPS peaks. The latter are determined by Δ-Kohn Sham calculations. Wealso examine the experimental practice of gauging XPS (C1s) signals of alkylic C-atoms in C-containingpolymers to the C1s signal of polyethylene. We find that (i) the experimental XPS (C1s) spectra of PVA (position and width) can be roughly repre-sented by single-strand models, (ii) interchain interactions lead to red-shifts of the XPS peaks by about0.6 eV, and (iii) AIMD simulations match the findings from classical MD semi-quantitatively. Further, (iv)the gauging procedure of XPS (C1s) signals to the values of PE, introduces errors of about 0.5 eV.
Interfaces provide the structural basis for function as, for example, encountered in nature in the membrane-embedded photosystem or in technology in solar cells. Synthetic functional multilayers of molecules cooperating in a coupled manner can be fabricated on surfaces through layer-by-layer self-assembly. Ordered arrays of stimuli-responsive rotaxanes undergoing well-controlled axle shuttling are excellent candidates for coupled mechanical motion. Such stimuli-responsive surfaces may help integrating synthetic molecular machines in larger systems exhibiting even macroscopic effects or generating mechanical work from chemical energy through cooperative action. The present work demonstrates the successful deposition of ordered mono- and multilayers of chemically switchable rotaxanes on gold surfaces. For the first time, rotaxane mono- and multilayers are shown to reversibly switch in a coupled manner between two ordered states as revealed by linear dichroism effects in angle-resolved NEXAFS spectra. Such a concerted switching process is observed only when the surfaces are well packed, while less densely packed surfaces lacking lateral order do not exhibit such effects.
Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are largely used all over the world. The leading SCMs are fly ash (FA) and slag. However, such materials originate from industries that are not well established in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, it becomes extremely challenging and expensive to build up sustainable cement and concrete. For SSA, agriculture is one of the leading economic sectors. Agricultural by-products such as rice husk ash (RHA), can be a potential binder material beneficial for use in a cementitious system. RHA combined with limestone filler (LSF) is an option that can be practised for rice producing countries in Africa.
Globalisierung und die beschleunigte technologische Entwicklung bringen heute für die Industrieländer Herausforderungen im Hinblick auf Wachstum, Beschäftigung und Strukturwandel mit sich, denen nur mit einer entsprechenden Innovationsdynamik und -dichte begegnet werden kann. Grundvoraussetzung hierfür ist eine leistungsfähige Forschung und Entwicklung ebenso wie Wissens- und Technologietransfer zur Umsetzung von Forschungsergebnissen in marktfähige Produkte und Dienstleistungen. Europa hat sich im Rahmen des Lissabon-Prozesses zum Ziel gesetzt, den Anteil der Forschungsausgaben am Bruttoinlandsprodukt auf 3 % zu steigern. Um die Forschungsinfrastruktur in der Bundesrepublik zu stärken und global wettbewerbsfähig zu bleiben, hat die Bundesregierung mit der Hightech-Strategie einen weiteren wichtigen Schritt zur Förderung des wissenschaftlich-technischen Fortschritts in Deutschland getan.
Forschungsprogramme sind sowohl für Forschungseinrichtungen als auch für Mittelgeber ein wichtiges Instrument für die Darstellung und Steuerung ihrer Aktivitäten. Dies gilt auch für die Bundeseinrichtungen mit Forschungs- und Entwicklungsaufgaben, zu denen die Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) zählt. Die BAM verfügt über einen klaren gesetzlichen Auftrag für die Sicherheit in Technik und Chemie. Ihre Forschung ist mit der Wahrnehmung öffentlicher Aufgaben verbunden. Das Forschungsprogramm zeigt Perspektiven im Bereich ihres Aufgabenfeldes sowie ihrer damit verbundenen Forschungsaktivitäten transparent und politisch nutzbar auf und dient darüber hinaus der Koordinierung der Ressortforschung. Das Forschungsprogramm der BAM wird alle zwei Jahre aktualisiert. Es gibt einen Überblick über die aktuellen und zukünftigen Forschungsthemen und die hierfür erforderlichen Rahmenbedingungen.
The qualitative and quantitative investigations of historical iron-gall inks by use of μ-XRF spectrometry is a common method for analyzing the diff erences in their composition. When a fingerprint is established, it is possible to characterize the distinguishable inks used in the production of medieval manuscripts, and, in turn assist in the reconstruction of the manuscript’s history.The characterization of the primary inks in palimpsests, i.e. manuscripts written on re-used parchment, presents a serious problem as the effect of the partial removal on the inks fi ngerprint is yet known.
In this paper we explore our preliminary results concerning the effects of two removal techniques on the fingerprint of iron-gall inks on parchment.
For absorption processes with fluctuating feed gas compositions it is vital to continuously adjust
the operation point to achieve energy efficiency. In this contribution a Raman-based advanced
process control (APC) is introduced for the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) using an aqueous
solution of monoethanolamine (MEA). The APC is based on a Raman spectroscopic analysis of
the composition and CO2 load of the scrubbing liquid and a non-linear model predictive control
(NMPC) to adjust the scrubbing liquid cycle. In addition, an outer real-time optimization loop is
set in place to update the set points for the absorption process depending on the current feed gas composition minimizing the energy consumption of the process. Implementation and testing of the APC have been carried out in a mini-plant at TU Berlin. During a plant operation of more than 160 hours robustness and stability of the APC were shown.
Online monitoring and process control requires fast and noninvasive analytical methods, which are able to monitor the concentration of reactants in multicomponent mixtures with parts-per-million resolution. Online NMR spectros-copy can meet these demands when flow probes are directly coupled to reactors, since this method features a high linearity between absolute signal area and sample concentration, which makes it an absolute analytical com-parison method being independent on the matrix. Due to improved magnet design and field shimming strategies portable and robust instruments have been introduced to the market by several manufacturers during the last few years. First studies with this technology showed promising results to monitor chemical reaction in the laboratory.
The Collaborative Research Center InPROMPT aims to establish a novel process concept for the hydroformylation of long-chained olefins, using a rhodium complex as catalyst in the presence of syngas. Recently, the hydroformylation in micro-emulsions, which allows for the efficient recycling of the expensive rhodium catalyst, was found to be feasible. However, the temperature and concentration sensitive multi-phase system demands a continuous observation of the reaction to achieve an operational and economically feasible plant operation. For that purpose, we tested the potential of both NMR and Raman spectroscopy for process control assistance. The lab-scale experiments were supported by sampling for off-line GC-analysis as reference analytics. The results of the NMR experiments will be part of another contribution.
Hydroformylation represents an important homogeneous catalyzed process, which is widely used within chemical industry. Usually applied with simple alkenes like Propene and Butene aldehydes obtained from alkenes >C6 are relevant intermediates in production of plasticizers, surfactants and polymers. Today the active catalyst species is often based on valuable Rhodium complexes in aqueous solution. This implies the problem of limited water solubility of the reactands, which is acceptable for short chain lengths, but states a problem in case of higher alkenes. Along with that efficient separation and recycling of the catalyst becomes more complicated. There are different approaches tackling this problem, e.g., by using of salt formation in the BASF process or downstream distillation within the Shell process
Resolving overlapping peaks of multiple components. Relative primary analytical method - Fundamental relationship of qNMR.
Troubleshooting Samples Analytics:
Impurities in products: unexpected & unwanted occurrence, unknown identity, analytical method unclear, often various analytical methods, necessary, short response time important (< 1 d), benefits: allocation of its source within hours safes cost
• Investigations planned, coordinated and documented by TSA team
• Variety of analytical methods available
Themenschwerpunkt des 11. Kolloquiums war „Vom Sensor zur Prozessintelligenz“. Diskutiert wurde damit über die neusten Fortschritte in der Messtechnik und deren Implementierung sowie über neue Aspekte der Modellierung und das Umsetzen, also das Leben des daraus generierten Wissens im Prozess.
Das 11. Kolloquium Prozessanalytik in Wien startete mit einem Konferenzvorkurs zum Thema Ressourcenanalytik. Bei der Erschließung, Förderung und Umsetzung von natürlichen Rohstoffen gewinnen analytische Online-Verfahren eine immer größere Bedeutung. Gleichzeitig liegen die Analyte jedoch in sehr heterogenen Matrizes vor, sodass die Ressourcenanalytik ein sehr herausforderndes, für Fachleute damit aber auch sehr spannendes Thema ist.
Für diesen interdisziplinären Brückenschlag fanden an den beiden Hauptveranstaltungstagen vier Sessions mit jeweils drei Fachvorträgen und anschließender Diskussion statt: Im ersten Vortragsblock Sensoren – „messen“ wurden beispielhaft neue Messtechniken sowie übergeordnet deren Einbindung in die digitale Welt über Zukunftstrends wie Industrie 4.0 oder die Technologieroadmap Prozess-Sensoren 4.0 beschrieben. Mit Automatisierung – „implementieren“ wurden in einer zweiten Session Herausforderungen aber auch konkrete Lösungswege bei der Implementierung von Messtechnik im industriellen Umfeld aufgezeigt. Die Vortragsreihe Modelle – „erkennen“ widmete sich am zweiten Veranstaltungstag der Fragestellung, wie Messergebnisse in Wissen transferiert werden können, wobei insbesondere entsprechende Erfahrungen aus der Bioprozesstechnik zugänglich gemacht wurden.
Ebenfalls am zweiten Tag war schließlich Life-Cycle-Management – „leben“ Titel der „österreichischen Session“ zum Schwerpunktthema des Kolloquiums. In den drei Vorträgen wurde gezeigt, wie einmal generiertes Prozesswissen durch gutes Wissensmanagement und dessen Werkzeuge nicht nur tradiert sondern auch transferiert werden kann.
Besondere Berücksichtigung fanden beim diesjährigen Kolloquium auch die fast 40 hochqualitativen Posterbeiträge. Neben den ausgedehnten Postersessions an beiden Veranstaltungstagen erhielten die Autoren in zwei Posterslams jeweils eineinhalb Minuten Zeit, ihre Arbeit vorzustellen und das Fachpublikum zu vertiefenden Gesprächen im Anschluss einzuladen. Damit rückten nicht nur diese wertvollen Beiträge noch mehr ins Zentrum der Aufmerksamkeit, auch das Auditorium hatte so Gelegenheit, die Posterausstellung noch gezielter wahrzunehmen.
Das interdisziplinäre Doktorandenseminar, das unter den Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmern mittlerweile als echter Geheimtipp gehandelt wird, startete dieses Mal gleich in medias res mit einem Design-Thinking-Workshop zum Thema "Prozessanalytik für Industrie 4.0". Das Thema ist derzeit in aller Munde, erfährt eine eigene Dynamik und es wird hierzulande kräftig an Roadmaps und White Papers gestrickt. So kam aus Fachkreisen der VDI/GMA und NAMUR der Vorschlag, die Generation der zukünftigen Kolleginnen und Kollegen zu dem Thema zu befragen, die die heute verbrochenen Konzepte zukünftig selber ausbaden müssen.
Die Vorträge der nächsten beiden Tage umfassten wieder ein sehr breites und interdisziplinäres Themen-, Methoden- und Anwendungsspektrum. Neben lumineszenten Temperatursensoren in Mikrochipreaktoren, Mikromischer NMR-Detektion und in Arbeitsschutzkleidung integrierte Chemosensorik folgten einige Vorträge zu Verbesserungen und neunen Konzepten von Biosensoren sowie für Immuno-Micorarray-Verfahren. Die ebenfalls diskutierten Identifizierungs- und Quantifizierungsverfahren reichten von der Kokskohle bis zur Arzneitablette. Desweiteren wurde der Bogen von lumineszenten Nanopartikeln zu Kalibrationsstandards für Trübungssonden gespannt. Neben den Erzeugen der Daten ist ein intelligentes Datenmanagement notwendig um die Informationen auch zu verarbeiten und entsprechend dem User zu präsentieren.
Die interdisziplinäre Ausrichtung und Vielfalt der verschiedenen Forschungsbereiche spiegelte sich auch in den Postersession wieder. Die Themen umfassten etwa Softsensoren für die Regelung von CHO-Zellkultivierungen, Prozessanalytik für die Reaktivabsorption von CO2 aus industriellen Gasströmen oder Alkoholmarker in menschlichem Haar, um nur einige zu nennen.
Derzeit finden gravierende Veränderungen im Umfeld der Informations- und Kommunikationstechnik statt, die eine große Chance für die optimierte Prozessführung und Wertschöpfung mit darauf abgestimmten vernetzt kommunizierenden Sensoren bieten. Diese Art „smarter“ Sensoren stellen Dienste innerhalb eines Netzwerks bereit und nutzen Informationen daraus. Dadurch ergibt sich aktuell die Notwendigkeit, die Anforderungen an Prozess-Sensoren sowie an deren Kommunikationsfähigkeiten detaillierter zu beschreiben – vom einfachen Temperatursensor bis über heute in Entwicklung befindlichen Mess-Systemen hinaus – da diese Technologieentwicklungen rasant voranschreiten. Vernetzte Sensoren sind die Voraussetzung für die Realisierung von Cyber-physischen Produktionssystemen (CPPS) und zukünftiger Automatisierungskonzepte für die Prozessindustrie, wie sie auch durch das Zukunftsprojekt „Industrie 4.0“ adressiert werden.
Die Online-medium-resolution-NMR-Spektroskopie wurde als neue Technik zur Überwachung verfahrenstechnischer Prozesse weiterentwickelt. Entlang der Prozesskette wurden an den verschiedenen Elementen der Online-Spektroskopie gearbeitet. Ein temperierbarer und druckfester Bypass erlaubt, die reagierende Mischung bei Reaktionsbedingungen über eine Pumpe in die NMR-Messzelle zu fördern, für die verschiedene Versionen von temperatur-isolierten NMR-Durchflusszellen berechnet, realisiert und mittels MRI hinsichtlich ihrer strömungsdynamischen und NMR-Eigenschaften charakterisiert wurden. Austauschbare Polymerleitungen für robuste, industrielle Anwendungen kamen ebenso zum Einsatz wie maßgeschneiderte Flusszellen zur Reduktion der Verweilzeitverteilung und des Stoffdurchsatzes. Bewertungsverfahren für MR-NMR-Spektrometer und Durchflusszellen auf Basis leicht verfügbarer Flüssigkeiten (wie z. B. Aceton, Ethanol, Wasser) wurden abgeleitet, Mindestspezifikationen für die Anwendbarkeit der MR-NMR im Prozessmonitoring wurden erarbeitet. Auf der Basis des Bypasssystems konnten einige verschiedene chemische Reaktionen im Bereich einiger 10 s zeitaufgelöst gemessen und ihre Kinetik auch im Fall von Nichtgleichgewichtsmagnetisierung und schneller Strömung analysiert werden. Voraussetzung ist eine stabile und automatisierte Datenbearbeitung, die sich nahtlos in den Workflow von der Datenakquisition bis zur Datenanalyse einbindet. Daher war ein weiteres Augenmerk auf die Datenvorbehandlung gelegt. Bekannte Algorithmen wie die automatisierte Phasenkorrektur entlang der „Minimum Entropy“ Methode und der Maximierung des Realteilspektrums wurden zusammen mit neuen Methoden wie dem Softewarelock implementiert und angewandt. Zur Bestimmung der Konzentrationen wurden verschiedene Verfahren wie die direkte Integration, die Spektrenmodellierung mit und ohne Vorkenntnisse sowie statistische Methoden der Chemometrie angewandt und verglichen. Ebenso ließen sich erstmalig quasiparallel akquirierte 1H- und 19F-MR-NMR-Spektren für die Prozesskontrolle mit gutem Ergebnis analysieren. Die erarbeiteten Konzepte und Verfahren sind unabhängig von der Hard- und -Software des MR-NMR Geräts und damit allgemein einsetzbar. Während des Projektverlaufs kamen Benchtop-Laborgeräte von einer wachsenden Zahl an Herstellern auf den Markt, die immer besser den Anforderungen der Spektroskopie gerecht werden. Online-MR-NMR-Spektroskopie erweitert die Prozessanalytik um eine bislang nur im Labor bekannte chemische Sensitivität gegenwärtig mit der Fähigkeit zur Unterscheidung von beispielsweise Aliphaten, Olefinen oder Aromaten (z. B. Hydrierung) oder Strukturänderungen (z. B. Isomerisierung), bei denen klassische Techniken an ihre Grenzen stoßen. Sie stellt nun eine Alternative für die Prozessanalyse dar, insbesondere wenn schnelle, zerstörungsfreie und integral arbeitende Methoden erforderlich sind.
Aufgrund der natürlichen und vom Menschen verursachten Heterogenität von Böden erfordert der Erhalt und die Verbesserung ihrer Fruchtbarkeit durch landwirtschaftliche Bewirtschaftungsmaßnahmen sorgfältig geplante Ent-scheidungen, die auf einer detaillierten Erfassung der Bodeneigenschaften und einem vertieften Verständnis der Bodenprozesse beruhen. Es ist bekannt, dass die konventionelle, flächen-einheitliche Bewirtschaftung Ertragsver-luste durch zu geringe Bewirtschaftungsintensität (z. B. Düngung) auf einen Teil der Fläche verursacht, während andere Teile des Feldes zu hohe Dosen erhalten und es dadurch zu Verschwendung von Ressourcen und zu Um-weltbelastungen kommt. Trotz der Verfügbarkeit von Technologien für ortsspezifische Düngung ist die Akzeptanz ortsspezifischer Bewirtschaftung (Precision Agriculture) in der Praxis noch gering. Ein wesentlicher Grund dafür ist das Fehlen von kostengünstigen Methoden zur Erfassung der bewirtschaftungsrelevanten Bodenmerkmale. So-wohl für die elementanalytische Untersuchung von Böden als auch für die Untersuchung von Ausgangsmaterialien (z.B. Klärschlammaschen) für ihre Verwendung als Dünger ist eine zuverlässige Analytik und Prozessüberwachung erforderlich.