Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qisheng Sun, Hongyun Wang, Jing Li, Fei Li, Weigang Zhu, Xiaotao Zhang, Qiushui Chen, Huanghao Yang, Wenping Hu
Summary: Traditional metal-containing scintillators have limitations such as heavy-metal toxicity, environmental stability, and afterglow. Metal-free organic scintillators, especially organic-halogen-containing molecules, show potential due to their rising momentum. However, the introduction of halogens leads to delayed fluorescence or phosphorescence. This study explores the preparation of nano organic co-crystals and their application in X-ray imaging, which offers a solution to these limitations and provides ideas for developing new scintillators.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amila M. Abeysekera, Boris B. Averkiev, Abhijeet S. Sinha, Christer B. Aakeroy
Summary: A structure-property analysis of ten compositionally and chemically similar co-crystals reveals that different mechanical behaviors, such as brittle, plastic, and elastic deformation, can be categorized into structurally similar groups based on specific intermolecular interactions and packing features in each crystal structure.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuang Li, Zhenyang Zhao, Tian Ma, Pradip Pachfule, Arne Thomas
Summary: By synthesizing organic-polyoxometalate co-crystals, we can control the formation of molybdenum-based carbides/nitrides, resulting in efficient hydrogen production catalysts with high activity and stability in alkaline media and seawater. These catalysts composed of abundant nanocrystallites and heterojunctions show low overpotential of 162 mV at 100 mA cm(-2), making them one of the best non-noble metal HER catalysts available.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Shannon M. MacKenzie, Kirby D. Runyon, Xinting Yu, Jasper F. Kok, Claire Newman, Ralph D. Lorenz, Francesco Comola
Summary: Titan's surface contains diverse sediments due to aeolian and fluvial processes and the presence of organic materials in the atmosphere. Dune fields and linear features carved by wind-mobilized sediment have been found on Titan, mainly in the midlatitude region. However, the geological characteristics of this region, such as provenance, grain size distribution, and composition, are still largely unknown. To gain insight into yardang formation on Titan, this study investigates the erodibility of Titan-relevant materials under mid-latitude conditions. The results suggest that small particles with weak cohesion and weak targets are most favorable for abrasion, regardless of particle density.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
A. Rani, A. Basu Sarbadhikari, D. R. Hood, O. Gasnault, S. Nambiar, S. Karunatillake
Summary: Chemical provinces on Mars were defined using orbital nuclear spectroscopy, but past multivariate analyses showed methodological variability. The southern highlands exhibit non-uniform distribution of K and Th, with higher values in mid Noachian and Hesperian volcanic terrains. Trends of silica- and Al-depletion from Noachian to Amazonian suggest a highly differentiated mantle.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yongqiang Chen, Vahid Niasar, Lin Ma, Quan Xie
Summary: Hydrogen is a green energy carrier and its distribution and wetting can be significantly influenced by salinity and organic materials. Understanding the behavior of hydrogen in complex underground environments is crucial for the development of underground hydrogen storage technology and site selection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shengbo Zhu, Wei Li, Bingyang Lu, Ran Chen, Yongliang Liu, Weixing Chen, Xiaoling Niu, Wenzhi Zhang, Xinbing Chen, Zhongwei An
Summary: In this study, three organic fluorine-containing dyes were designed and synthesized, and it was found that the introduction of fluorine can significantly broaden the absorption spectra of the dyes, but does not improve the light-harvesting capability of solar cells. One of the dyes, with fluorine substitution at the 3-position, showed a relatively high open-circuit photovoltage compared to the fluorine-free dye, and when co-sensitized with other dyes, it achieved a remarkably high power conversion efficiency and long-term stability. This work suggests that judicious molecular engineering and co-sensitization are promising strategies for highly efficient and stable solar cells.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiaojiao Liu, Adam A. L. Michalchuk, Biswajit Bhattacharya, Nobuhiro Yasuda, Franziska Emmerling, Colin R. Pulham
Summary: Mechanically flexible single crystals are promising materials for advanced technological applications. The study on the high-pressure response of a plastically flexible coordination polymer provides indication of an overall disparate mechanical response of bulk flexibility and quasi-hydrostatic compression within the same crystal lattice.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinzi Tian, Jiarong Yao, Lijuan Zhang, Bin Han, Jianwei Shi, Jianwei Su, Jie Liu, Chunlei Li, Xinfeng Liu, Tianyou Zhai, Lang Jiang, Fangxu Yang, Xiaotao Zhang, Ye Zou, Rongjin Li, Wenping Hu
Summary: Proposed high-performance organic phototransistors (OPTs) based on few-layered organic single-crystalline heterojunctions overcome the efficiency issues caused by thick and polycrystalline films, achieving highly efficient photogating and electrical gating. The synergy of efficient photogating and electrical gating in OPTs with type I organic single-crystalline heterojunctions results in the highest figures of merit among those based on planar heterojunctions known so far, offering a new type of advanced materials for various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kendra K. Farnsworth, Alejandro Soto, Vincent F. Chevrier, Jordan K. Steckloff, Jason M. Soderblom
Summary: Floating ethane droplets can form in a wide range of liquid compositions under Titan surface conditions, while floating methane droplets only form under narrow compositional range and impact velocity.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kendra K. Farnsworth, Alejandro Soto, Vincent F. Chevrier, Jordan K. Steckloff, Jason M. Soderblom
Summary: Saturn's moon, Titan, experiences a hydrocarbon-based hydrologic cycle with methane and ethane rainfall. Floating liquid droplets may form on the surface of Titan's hydrocarbon lakes and seas due to its low gravity. Through experiments, it has been observed that ethane droplets can form in a wide range of liquid compositions, while methane droplets only form under specific conditions. The presence of ethane droplets in Titan's methane-rich lakes during rainfall could create a dominant composition in the liquid surface layer.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Lauren R. Schurmeier, Andrew J. Dombard, Michael J. Malaska, Sarah A. Fagents, Jani Radebaugh, Daniel E. Lalich
Summary: Titan's labyrinth terrains are elevated, organic-rich landforms that hold clues about Titan's history and crust composition. One subtype, the radially networked labyrinth terrains, are dome-shaped features with radial drainage patterns, likely formed by cryomagmatic laccoliths. The intrusions would flex the lithosphere and sedimentary layers, resulting in dome-shaped, highly dissected terrain. The thickness of the methane clathrate crust is crucial for the formation of these features.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhijie Wang, Ziteng Chen, Zizhu Zhang, Jiacheng Li, Kui Chen, Haojun Liang, Linwen Lv, Yannan Chang, Sen Liu, Wenjiang Yang, Zhi Yang, Hui Yuan, Xiangxi Meng, Tong Liu, Feng Wang, Juan Li, Gengmei Xing
Summary: In this study, multifunctional high boron content MOFs nano-co-crystals were fabricated for precise boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) of brain glioma. The co-crystals exhibited excellent stability, superior colloid dispersion, and excellent biocompatibility. They could cross the blood-brain barrier, selectively target brain tumors, and deliver a high boron dose. Additionally, the co-crystals had intrinsic fluorescence and Zr-89 positron emission tomography imaging capabilities, enabling accurate tracking and quantification in vitro and in vivo. The combination of precise spatial-temporal imaging and BNCT achieved significant antitumor efficacy in glioma.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Peng Hu, Xuexia He, Hui Jiang
Summary: Organic semiconductors are attracting attention for their advantages such as low-temperature processing ability, low fabrication cost, and flexibility. Studying high charge carrier mobility organic semiconductors with a mobility higher than 10 cm(2) V-1 s(-1) is crucial for future commercial microelectronic applications. Progress in discovering novel organic molecules and improving device fabrication technology has led to some organic molecules breaking existing knowledge limitations and demonstrating very high mobilities.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
A. Saeidipoor, S. Arshadi, M. R. Benam
Summary: This study investigates and improves the CO gas sensing capacity of pure and TitanoPorphyrin doped pillared graphene (Ti-PIPG) through DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G (d) level of theory. By doping the graphene sheet of pillared graphene structure with Titano-Porphyrin moiety, the CO gas sensing capacity was enhanced, making Ti-PIPG a promising candidate for gas sensor design. Results indicate that doping can enhance the sensing capacity of pillared graphene compared to the pure structure.
PHYSICA E-LOW-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS & NANOSTRUCTURES
(2021)
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Novelli, Helen E. Maynard-Casely, Garry J. McIntyre, Mark R. Warren, Simon Parsons
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gabriel L. Murphy, Zhaoming Zhang, Helen E. Maynard-Casely, Joshua Stackhouse, Piotr M. Kowalski, Thomas Vogt, Evgeny Alekseev, Brendan J. Kennedy
Summary: A combined experimental and theoretical investigation was conducted to study the compressibility of two SrUO4-x polymorphs (alpha and fi) under hydrostatic conditions. The study explains the contrasting chemical and mechanical behaviors of these polymorphs by differences in oxygen defect formation chemistry. The experimental data and ab initio calculations revealed that the expansion of the uranyl bonds in alpha-SrUO4 and fi-SrUO4 under hydrostatic pressures is due to the reduction of uranium formal oxidation state and the formation of oxygen vacancies. The difference in preferred lattice sites for oxygen defect formation leads to the significant difference in apparent bulk moduli between the two polymorphs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matilde Saura-Muzquiz, Frederick P. Marlton, Bryce G. Mullens, Jiatu Liu, Thomas Vogt, Helen E. Maynard-Casely, Maxim Avdeev, Douglas A. Blom, Brendan J. Kennedy
Summary: This article examines the Bi3FeMo2O12 system as a rare example of a transition-metal oxide that undergoes a symmetry lowering and a 2:1 ordering of the transition-metal cations upon heating. The structural phase transition between the tetragonal and monoclinic polymorphs was investigated using a combination of X-ray and neutron diffraction data. The results show that the phase transition is first order in nature and occurs at low temperatures. The role of Bi3+ 6s lone pairs in the phase transition and the magnetic behavior of the system were also studied.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Bryce G. Mullens, Maria K. Nicholas, Frederick P. Marlton, Helen E. A. Brand, Qinfen Gu, Helen E. Maynard-Casely, Brendan J. Kennedy
Summary: Synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction methods were used to determine the structures of double scheelite compounds NaA(BO4)2. The distribution of Na and A-type cations was found to be random, regardless of the presence of 6s2 lone pairs and differences in oxidation states and ionic radii. The NaA(BO4)2 series showed linear trends in lattice parameters and polyhedra volume, except for A = Bi3+.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jessica A. . Schulze, Dundar E. Yilmaz, Morgan L. Cable, Michael Malaska, Amy E. Hofmann, Robert P. Hodyss, Jonathan I. Lunine, Adri C. T. van Duin, Andres Jaramillo-Botero
Summary: The research on biomolecule search through hypervelocity sampling plays a significant role in interpreting data from the Cassini spacecraft and inspiring future missions.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tait A. Francis, Helen E. Maynard-Casely, Morgan L. Cable, Robert Hodyss, Courtney Ennis
Summary: Recently, it has been proposed that the formation of molecular cocrystals in condensed aerosol particles is an efficient pathway for the generation of complex organics in Titan's atmosphere. This process may facilitate the transport of biologically important precursors to the surface where they can be sequestered in organic karstic and sand environments. However, current laboratory techniques for synthesizing these cocrystals may not accurately represent the microphysics of aerosol nucleation and growth in planetary atmospheres.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elodie Gloesener, Mathieu Choukroun, Tuan H. Vu, Helen E. Maynard-Casely, Arnaud Desmedt, Ashley Gerard Davies, Christophe Sotin
Summary: Methane clathrate hydrates and their analogues, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and cyclopentane, can partially dissociate at temperatures as low as 200 K in the presence of ammonia (NH3). This behavior has important implications for the hydrocarbon cycle on Titan and the replenishment of atmospheric methane. The study characterizes the effect of ammonia on clathrates and the various phases formed in the H2O-THF-NH3 system, confirming the partial dissociation of THF clathrates and discovering a previously unknown THF-NH3-rich phase. The findings suggest that the presence of ammonia could trigger the melting of methane clathrates in Titan's icy shell.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ellen C. Czaplinski, Tuan H. Vu, Morgan L. Cable, Mathieu Choukroun, Michael J. Malaska, Robert Hodyss
Summary: Titan, Saturn's largest moon, has a rich variety of organic compounds that interact in its atmosphere and on its surface. This study demonstrates that the pyridine:acetylene co-crystal is stable under Titan-relevant conditions, suggesting its potential formation and preservation of geological and surface processes on Titan.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Morgan L. Cable, Alexander M. Sessa, Erika Rader, Anna C. Simpson, Ashley M. Hanna, Diana M. Gentry, Scot M. Sutton, Elena S. Amador, Carlie Novak, Chloe LeCates, Mark Helmlinger, Amanda M. Stockton
Summary: Characterization of sample properties and the conditions under which they are collected is critical in the interpretation of biosignatures in the search for life on Mars. Multiple samples should be collected in the same locations and nearby areas with similar properties to ensure a meaningful assessment. The study of four volcanic regions in Iceland provides insights into the optimal spatial sampling for biosignature assessment.
PLANETARY AND SPACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicole M. North, Abigail A. Enders, Morgan L. Cable, Heather C. Allen
Summary: Mass spectrometry is a technique widely used for complex chemical analysis. Artificial intelligence methods, specifically CNN models and logistic regression models, have been trained on mass spectra data to identify functional groups. Logistic regression models demonstrated higher accuracy in identifying new data, and the mass range of 0-100 m/z was found to be most beneficial for functional group analysis.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
John M. Harmon, Morgan L. Cable, Scott J. Moreland, Jose E. Andrade
Summary: The study shows that the surface of Enceladus requires a certain level of sintering to support a lander, but too much sintering can cause the lander to bounce. Landing on slopes as steep as 20 degrees is possible under certain conditions, but it is safest to land in areas with a slope angle of 15 degrees or less. The hemisphere footpad performed the best in most cases compared to the cone or disk.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Tuan H. Vu, Robert Hodyss, Paul V. Johnson, Morgan L. Cable
Summary: Saturn's moon Enceladus has a subsurface liquid ocean beneath an icy crust, which erupts water jets from its south pole. Data from the Cassini mission have found salts and organic matter in these water plumes, indicating the existence of complex chemical environments that may support life. This study investigates the behavior of amino acids in frozen brine systems similar to Enceladus, revealing their preferential association with crystalline salt hydrates. The results suggest that salt-rich ice particles can concentrate organic biomarkers, enhancing their detectability through remote sensing or in situ analysis.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Paul V. Johnson, Tuan H. Vu, Robert Hodyss
Summary: Experiments were conducted to examine the crystallization kinetics of vitreous MgSO4 hydrate and understand its stability on the surface of Europa. The results showed that vitreous MgSO4 hydrates can crystallize into meridianiite upon annealing at specific temperatures. The activation energy for the vitreous to crystalline transition was determined to be 60 +/- 9 kJ mol(-1), suggesting that spontaneous transformation does not occur at Europa's surface temperatures. If vitreous salt hydrates are favorably formed, they could be an important component on Europa.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2023)