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Articles 61 - 90 of 202

Full-Text Articles in Materials Chemistry

Nitrogen Gas Quenching Pressure Effect On Bs S155 Alloy Steel In Vacuum Furnace, Agus Mulyadi Hasanudin, Eddy Sumarno Siradj Dec 2023

Nitrogen Gas Quenching Pressure Effect On Bs S155 Alloy Steel In Vacuum Furnace, Agus Mulyadi Hasanudin, Eddy Sumarno Siradj

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

The production of metal and alloy products requires the use of heat treatment, when during the heat treatment process, quenching is a crucial step. The quenching medium can be anything from water, a salt bath, oil, air and gas. In a vacuum furnace, pressurized gas, most frequently nitrogen (N2) gas, serves as one of the quenching mediums. One of the drawbacks of the quenching process is the distortion and dimensional change of the parts. This paper aims to investigate the influence of nitrogen gas quenching pressure on the distortion and dimensional change of aerospace actuator gear planet parts …


Characterization Of Interlayer Laser Shock Peening During Fused Filament Fabrication Of Polylactic Acid (Pla), Fabien Denise Dec 2023

Characterization Of Interlayer Laser Shock Peening During Fused Filament Fabrication Of Polylactic Acid (Pla), Fabien Denise

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The field of additive manufacturing (AM) has gained a significant amount of popularity due to the increasing need for more sustainable manufacturing techniques and the adaptive development of complex product geometries. The problem is that AM parts routinely exhibit flaws or weaknesses that affect functionality or performance. Over the years, surface treatments have been developed to compensate certain flaws or weaknesses in manufactured products. Combining surface treatments with the modularity of additive manufacturing could lead to more adaptable and creative improvements of product functions in the future. The current work evaluates the feasibility of pursuing a new research axis in …


Hydroxyapatite-Based Coatings On Silicon Wafers And Printed Zirconia, Antoine Chauvin Nov 2023

Hydroxyapatite-Based Coatings On Silicon Wafers And Printed Zirconia, Antoine Chauvin

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Dental surgery needs a naturally attract implant design that can ensure both osseointegration and soft tissue integration. Hydroxyapatite (HAp), the main mineral constituent of dentine and tooth enamel, is commonly used as a coating component, notably for overlaying titanium– or ceramics–based implants. This thesis aims to investigate the behavior of a HAp-based coating, specifically designed to be compatible with a porous substrate. Coating layers are made by sol–gel dip coating by immersion of porous substrates made by additive manufacturing into solutions of HAp, having been mixed with polyethyleneimine (PEI), to improve the adhesion of HAp on the substrate. First, the …


Photophysical And Photochemical Processes In Small Molecules And Materials For Solar Energy Conversion, Ethan Lambert May 2023

Photophysical And Photochemical Processes In Small Molecules And Materials For Solar Energy Conversion, Ethan Lambert

Honors Theses

The work covered in this thesis all falls under the theme of photophysical processes after light and matter interact. Those of primary interest are Raman scattering induced vibrations and excited state dynamics probed by transient absorption spectroscopy. Small molecules are studied with Raman spectroscopy and computational chemistry. These studies unearth the shifts in vibrational frequency as a function of charge transfer or receipt and how a quantitative assay of natural orbital populations and delocalization can offer both the nature and magnitude of this charge transfer. Further, a method is presented that builds upon previous work within the academic family tree; …


Excitation Power Dependence Of Blinking In Copper-Indium-Sulfide Quantum Dots, Nicholas Chambers May 2023

Excitation Power Dependence Of Blinking In Copper-Indium-Sulfide Quantum Dots, Nicholas Chambers

Physics Undergraduate Honors Theses

Under continuous excitation, quantum dots exhibit random transitions between fluorescent ON states and non-fluorescent OFF states --- a phenomenon known as blinking. A physical description of the mechanism responsible for blinking that applies broadly to many types of quantum dots remains under debate. We study the blinking behavior of the non-toxic CuInS2 quantum dot, a system that has seen little investigation at the single-particle level. In particular, the optical properties of CuInS2 quantum are often improved by adding ZnS to the nanoparticles, but this addition leads to complex structural-optical property relationships that are even less understood. To probe the relationship …


Designing Noncentrosymmetric Multifunctional Materials, Ebube Oyeka May 2023

Designing Noncentrosymmetric Multifunctional Materials, Ebube Oyeka

All Dissertations

Noncentrosymmetric (NCS) materials with crystal lattices lacking spatial inversion symmetry display a wide range of exciting functionalities. This dissertation covers two classes of functional NCS materials: magnetic skyrmion-host compounds and multifunctional materials. Magnetic skyrmion and multifunctional materials combining optical and magnetic responses are providing avenues for developing and optimizing the performance of electronic devices that can have uses in memory storage, laser technology, medicine, sensors, etc. The formation of skyrmions is driven by asymmetric Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction facilitated by broken spatial inversion symmetry and large spin-orbit coupling (SOC), while multiple functionalities arise when spin carriers and optical chromophores are optimally …


Carbon Dioxide-Induced Corrosion Of Aisi 4140 Steel In Acidified Artificial Geothermal Brine, Anawati Anawati, Rayhan Izzat, Riene Kaelamanda Pragitta, Rafli Ihsan Hernandi Mar 2023

Carbon Dioxide-Induced Corrosion Of Aisi 4140 Steel In Acidified Artificial Geothermal Brine, Anawati Anawati, Rayhan Izzat, Riene Kaelamanda Pragitta, Rafli Ihsan Hernandi

Makara Journal of Science

Carbon dioxide (CO2)-induced corrosion often occurs in the structural materials of geothermal industry. The presence of CO2 influences the formation of various corrosion products. This research investigates the effect of dissolved CO2 in acidic brines on the corrosion behavior of AISI 4140 steel at atmospheric pressure. The brines were the standard brine, Ca-free brine, and high-salinity brine. The corrosion behavior was studied using electrochemical and immersion tests. A cyclic polarization test showed that the corrosion rate was higher in dissolved CO2 brine than in non-CO2 brine, and an immersion test demonstrated a similar result. …


Magnetic Interactions In Open-Shell Conjugated Polymers, Michael Steelman Jan 2023

Magnetic Interactions In Open-Shell Conjugated Polymers, Michael Steelman

Dissertations

Most materials are closed shell in which every electron participates in a bond, resulting in unremarkable magnetometry signatures and functionalities. While rare, modern technologies rely on magnetic materials in which unpaired electrons are localized to inorganic atomic centers. In recent decades, a collection of organic open-shell π-conjugated molecules have shown magnetic ordering, albeit at exceedingly low temperatures; a result of weak noncovalent intermolecular interactions limiting long range electronic exchange. Thus, practically applicable sp orbital magnetism that persists at or above room temperature remains a grand challenge for chemistry and physics. Despite the wide variety of chemical structures afforded by organic …


Synthesis Of A Novel Terbium(Iii) Complex For Application In Metal Nanoparticle Surface Modification, Lauralee E. Hurst, Davon Ferrara, Justin Stace Jan 2023

Synthesis Of A Novel Terbium(Iii) Complex For Application In Metal Nanoparticle Surface Modification, Lauralee E. Hurst, Davon Ferrara, Justin Stace

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Lanthanide ions, such as terbium(III), exhibit bright luminescence when bound to organic ligands which strongly absorb light. This property has been used in creating chemical sensors or luminescent tags for microscopy. Complexes centered with terbium(III) exhibit a yellow-green luminescence upon excitation by shortwave ultraviolet light. In this work, a bifunctional ligand, 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4mba), was chosen to selectively coordinate terbium(III) to the oxygens of the acid functional group, leaving the thiol group available for another compound. Thiol groups are effectively used in surface coordination to noble metal nanoparticles (NP). In efforts to create a novel 4mba-terbium(III)-NP system, a one pot …


Using Superatomic Clusters And Charge Transfer Ligands To Control Electronic Characteristics Of Phosphorene Nanoribbons And Phosphorene Monolayer, Ryan Lambert Jan 2023

Using Superatomic Clusters And Charge Transfer Ligands To Control Electronic Characteristics Of Phosphorene Nanoribbons And Phosphorene Monolayer, Ryan Lambert

Theses and Dissertations

Phosphorene is a two-dimensional electron poor p-type semiconductor with high carrier mobility and great promise for applications in electronics and optoelectronics. As the main theme in this dissertation, the following work represents different investigations of various electronic properties associated with phosphorene. Most notable are the findings on charge transfer doping with metal-chalcogenide superatoms which displays novel control of the two most important properties of a semiconductor – the band gap energy and the nature of carriers. By tuning the width of the gap and p-/n-type character of conduction, we gain control over a material’s capacity to play a certain role …


Diethoxycarbonyl-Bodipys As Heavy-Atom-Free Photosensitizers For Holographic Recording In Cellulose Acetate Photopolymer, Aimee Sheehan, Tatsiana Mikulchyk, Catherine S.P. De Castro, Safakath Karuthedath, Wejdan Althobaiti, Metodej Dvoracek, Sabad-E Gul, Hugh Byrne, FréDéRic Laquai, Izabela Naydenova, Mikhail Filatov Jan 2023

Diethoxycarbonyl-Bodipys As Heavy-Atom-Free Photosensitizers For Holographic Recording In Cellulose Acetate Photopolymer, Aimee Sheehan, Tatsiana Mikulchyk, Catherine S.P. De Castro, Safakath Karuthedath, Wejdan Althobaiti, Metodej Dvoracek, Sabad-E Gul, Hugh Byrne, FréDéRic Laquai, Izabela Naydenova, Mikhail Filatov

Articles

A series of new heavy-atom-free photosensitizers based on 2,6-diethoxycarbonyl-BODIPY scaffold was designed and applied for holographic recording in a photopolymerizable material. Photoinduced electron transfer between the BODIPY and meso-aryl subunits, followed by the formation of BODIPY triplet excited states via spin-orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing (SOCT-ISC) was studied by steady-state and ultrafast pump-probe transient optical spectroscopy. Highly efficient photosensitization was observed for dyads bearing pyrene and anthracene substituents, which exhibited singlet oxygen generation quantum yields () of up to 94%. Charge transfer and SOCT-ISC were observed in non-polar solvent (toluene) due to the increased electron accepting ability of the diethoxycarbonyl-BODIPY. …


Exploration And Synthesis Of Half-Heusler And Disordered Ternary Intermetallic Single Crystals, Md Fahel Bin Noor Jan 2023

Exploration And Synthesis Of Half-Heusler And Disordered Ternary Intermetallic Single Crystals, Md Fahel Bin Noor

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Due to their distinct physical and chemical characteristics, half-Heusler compounds are intermetallic materials that have undergone substantial research. The general formula for these compounds is XYZ, where X and Y are transition metals and Z is a p-block element. Thermoelectricity is among the half-Heusler compounds' most exciting potential uses, but additional possible applications include spintronics, magnetic refrigeration, and superconductivity, among others. Recently, half-Heuslers (and Heuslers) have emerged as candidates for catalysts for hydrogenation. The CoNbSn half-Heusler compound, as well as another unique intermetallic ternary compound, the disordered Mn4-xCrxAl11, were successfully grown as single crystals …


Color-Changing Reflection Hologram For Quality Assurance Of Therapeutic Ultrasound Systems, Tatsiana Mikulchyk, John Walsh, Jacinta Browne, Izabela Naydenova, Dervil Cody Jan 2023

Color-Changing Reflection Hologram For Quality Assurance Of Therapeutic Ultrasound Systems, Tatsiana Mikulchyk, John Walsh, Jacinta Browne, Izabela Naydenova, Dervil Cody

Articles

The acoustic output of clinical therapeutic ultrasound equipment requires regular quality assurance (QA) testing to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment and that any potentially harmful deviations from the expected output power density are detected as soon as possible. A hologram, consisting of a reflection grating fabricated in an acrylate photopolymer film, has been developed to produce an immediate, visible, and permanent change in the color of the reconstructed hologram from red to green in response to incident ultrasound energy. The influence of the therapeutic ultrasound insonation parameters (exposure time, ultrasound power density, and proximity to the point …


Combining Freestanding Ferroelectric Perovskite Oxides With Two-Dimensional Semiconductors For High Performance Transistors, Sergio Puebla, Thomas Pucher, Victor Rouco, Gabriel Sanchez-Santolino, Yong Xie, Victor Zamora, Fabian A. Cuellar, Federico J. Mompean, Carlos Leon, Carlos O. Island, Mar Garcia-Hernandez, Jacobo Santamaria, Carmen Munuera, Andres Castellanos-Gomez Sep 2022

Combining Freestanding Ferroelectric Perovskite Oxides With Two-Dimensional Semiconductors For High Performance Transistors, Sergio Puebla, Thomas Pucher, Victor Rouco, Gabriel Sanchez-Santolino, Yong Xie, Victor Zamora, Fabian A. Cuellar, Federico J. Mompean, Carlos Leon, Carlos O. Island, Mar Garcia-Hernandez, Jacobo Santamaria, Carmen Munuera, Andres Castellanos-Gomez

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Research

We demonstrate the fabrication of field-effect transistors based on single-layer MoS2 and a thin layer of BaTiO3 (BTO) dielectric, isolated from its parent epitaxial template substrate. Thin BTO provides an ultrahigh-κ gate dielectric effectively screening Coulomb scattering centers. These devices show mobilities substantially larger than those obtained with standard SiO2 dielectrics and comparable with values obtained with hexagonal boron nitride, a dielectric employed for fabrication of high-performance two-dimensional (2D) based devices. Moreover, the ferroelectric character of BTO induces a robust hysteresis of the current vs gate voltage characteristics, attributed to its polarization switching. This hysteresis is strongly suppressed when the …


Engineering Rare-Earth Based Color Centers In Wide Bandgap Semiconductors For Quantum And Nanoscale Applications, Gabriel I. López-Morales Sep 2022

Engineering Rare-Earth Based Color Centers In Wide Bandgap Semiconductors For Quantum And Nanoscale Applications, Gabriel I. López-Morales

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

For many years, atomic point-defects have been readily used to tune the bulk properties of solid-state crystalline materials, for instance, through the inclusion of elemental impurities (doping) during growth, or post-processing treatments such as ion bombardment or high-energy irradiation. Such atomic point-defects introduce local ‘incompatible’ chemical interactions with the periodic atomic arrangement that makes up the crystal, resulting for example in localized electronic states due to dangling bonds or excess of electrons. When present in sufficient concentrations, the defects interact collectively to alter the overall bulk properties of the host material. In the low concentration limit, however, point-defects can serve …


Transistion Metal Chalcogenides And Phosphides For Energy Storage And Conversion Through Water Splitting, Kelsey Thompson May 2022

Transistion Metal Chalcogenides And Phosphides For Energy Storage And Conversion Through Water Splitting, Kelsey Thompson

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

In contemporary society, there are many different ways that energy is used in daily life. From applications that require a high energy density to long-term storage in a stable manner, the requirements for energy usage are diverse. Therefore, the greater the number of uses a designed material exhibits, the more practical it may be for wide-scale manufacture. Two areas of particular interest for energy applications are fuel cells (to generate energy) and supercapacitors (to store energy). To provide cheaper and more durable alternatives for energy storage, electrodes containing CoMoO4, NiMoO4, CoMoS4, NiMoS4, …


Limits Of Detection Of Mycotoxins By Laminar Flow Strips: A Review, Xinyi Zhao, Hugh Byrne, Christine M. O’Connor, James Curtin, Furong Tian Apr 2022

Limits Of Detection Of Mycotoxins By Laminar Flow Strips: A Review, Xinyi Zhao, Hugh Byrne, Christine M. O’Connor, James Curtin, Furong Tian

Articles

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolic products of fungi. They are poisonous, carcinogenic, and mutagenic in nature and pose a serious health threat to both humans and animals, causing severe illnesses and even death. Rapid, simple and low-cost methods of detection of mycotoxins are of immense importance and in great demand in the food and beverage industry, as well as in agriculture and environmental monitoring, and, for this purpose, lateral flow immunochromatographic strips (ICSTs) have been widely used in food safety and environmental monitoring. The literature to date describing the development of ICSTs for the detection of different types of mycotoxins using …


Atomistic Simulation Of Na+ And Cl- Ions Binding Mechanisms To Tobermorite 14Å As A Model For Alkali Activated Cements, Ahmed Abdelkawy Jan 2022

Atomistic Simulation Of Na+ And Cl- Ions Binding Mechanisms To Tobermorite 14Å As A Model For Alkali Activated Cements, Ahmed Abdelkawy

Theses and Dissertations

The production of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is responsible for ~8% of all man-made CO2 emissions. Unfortunately, due to the continuous increase in the number of construction projects, and since virtually all projects depend on hardened cement from the hydration of OPC as the main binding material, the production of OPC is not expected to decrease. Alkali-activated cement produced from the alkaline activation of byproducts of industries, such as iron and coal industries, or processed clays represents a potential substitute for OPC. However, the interaction of the reaction products of AAC with corrosive ions from the environment, such as Cl-, …


Magnetoexcitons In Phosphorene Monolayers, Bilayers, And Van Der Waals Heterostructures, Roman Ya. Kezerashvili, Anastasia Spiridonova, Andrew Dublin Jan 2022

Magnetoexcitons In Phosphorene Monolayers, Bilayers, And Van Der Waals Heterostructures, Roman Ya. Kezerashvili, Anastasia Spiridonova, Andrew Dublin

Publications and Research

We study direct and indirect excitons in Rydberg states in phosphorene monolayers, bilayers, and van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure in an external magnetic field within the framework of the effective-mass approximation. The magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the monolayer or heterostructure and is varied between 0 and 60 T. Binding energies of magnetoexcitons are calculated by numerical integration of the Schrödinger equation using the Rytova-Keldysh potential for direct magnetoexcitons and both the Rytova-Keldysh and Coulomb potentials for indirect magnetoexcitons. The latter aids in the understanding of the role of screening in phosphorene. We report the magnetic field energy contribution …


Using Powder Diffraction To Give Insight Into Structures Of Ir2(Diisocyanomenthane)4x2 [Dimen] (X = Cl; Pf6; Bph4), Mairead Brownell Jan 2022

Using Powder Diffraction To Give Insight Into Structures Of Ir2(Diisocyanomenthane)4x2 [Dimen] (X = Cl; Pf6; Bph4), Mairead Brownell

Scripps Senior Theses

Ir2(dimen)42+ (dimen = 1,8-diisocyanomenthane) has been studied extensively as model compound to better understand catalysis of photochemical reactions. Although Ir2(dimen)42+ has been used primarily to observe the photophysical changes of metal-metal transitions, it gives great insight into the transitions that allow other d8-d8 metal complexes to undergo photochemical processes and generate hydrogen gas. The large visible range by which Ir2(dimen)42+ (1) can be electronically excited in solution is indicative of its two solution phase ground states, which interestingly have been hypothesized to resemble two unique packing structures observed in the powder state. In this study, the powder diffraction patterns of …


Theoretical Investigation On Optical Properties Of 2d Materials And Mechanical Properties Of Polymer Composites At Molecular Level, Geeta Sachdeva Jan 2022

Theoretical Investigation On Optical Properties Of 2d Materials And Mechanical Properties Of Polymer Composites At Molecular Level, Geeta Sachdeva

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The field of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials provides a new platform for studying diverse physical phenomena that are scientifically interesting and relevant for technological applications. Theoretical predictions from atomically resolved computational simulations of 2D materials play a pivotal role in designing and advancing these developments. The focus of this thesis is 2D materials especially graphene and BN studied using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In the first half of the thesis, the electronic structure and optical properties are discussed for graphene, antimonene, and borophene. It is found that the absorbance in (atomically flat) multilayer antimonene (group …


Characterization Of Nanoparticles Using Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Jabez D. Campbell Jan 2022

Characterization Of Nanoparticles Using Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Jabez D. Campbell

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Nanomaterials are a relatively new class of materials that have many applications which span a wide host of fields from medical products to consumer products. The possible compositions and forms of nanomaterials are just as varied as the applications. Therefore, a versatile characterization method is needed for researchers and regulators alike to ensure nanomaterials are properly used. Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is a functional method that could fill the characterization need in the nanomaterial research field. Using data from both SP-ICP-MS tests and data from literature established characterization methods, the viability of making SP-ICP-MS the standard …


From Evaluating The Performance Of Approximations In Density Functional Theory To A Machine Learning Design, Pedram Tavazohi Jan 2022

From Evaluating The Performance Of Approximations In Density Functional Theory To A Machine Learning Design, Pedram Tavazohi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Density-functional theory (DFT) has gained popularity because of its ability to predict the properties of a large group of materials a priori. Even though DFT is exact, there are inaccuracies introduced into the theory due to the approximations in the exchange-correlation (XC) functionals. Over the 50 years of its existence, scientists have tried to improve the design of the XC functionals. The errors introduced by these functionals are not consistent across all types of solid-state materials. In this project, a high throughput framework was utilized to compare the theoretical DFT predictions with the experimental results available in the Inorganic Crystal …


Charge Transfer Mediated Triplet Excited State Formation In Donor-Acceptor-Donor Bodipy: Application For Recording Of Holographic Structures In Photopolymerizable Glass, Tatsiana Mikulchyk, Safakath Karuthedath, Catherine S.P. De Castro, Andrey A. Buglak, Aimee Sheehan, Aaron Wieder, FréDéRic Laquai, Izabela Naydenova, Mikhail Filatov Jan 2022

Charge Transfer Mediated Triplet Excited State Formation In Donor-Acceptor-Donor Bodipy: Application For Recording Of Holographic Structures In Photopolymerizable Glass, Tatsiana Mikulchyk, Safakath Karuthedath, Catherine S.P. De Castro, Andrey A. Buglak, Aimee Sheehan, Aaron Wieder, FréDéRic Laquai, Izabela Naydenova, Mikhail Filatov

Articles

Donor–acceptor–donor BODIPY triads bearing anthracene or pyrene as electron donating subunits were prepared through a stepwise synthesis. Photoinduced electron transfer and formation of long-lived triplet excited states via spin–orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing (SOCT-ISC) was studied by steady-state and ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy and further supported by DFT computations. New BODIPYs were found to form triplet states and sensitize singlet oxygen in both polar and non-polar solvents which is unusual for photosensitizers operating via SOCT-ISC. BODIPY-anthracene triad (ABA) was used as a photosensitizer component in a photopolymerizable glass that was prepared by a four-step sol–gel process. ABA in combination with N …


Discovery Of An Olivine-Type Lithium Manganese Thiophosphate, Limnps4,: Via A Building Block Approach, Srikanth Balijapelly, Kartik Ghosh, Aleksandr V. Chernatynskiy, Amitava Choudhury Dec 2021

Discovery Of An Olivine-Type Lithium Manganese Thiophosphate, Limnps4,: Via A Building Block Approach, Srikanth Balijapelly, Kartik Ghosh, Aleksandr V. Chernatynskiy, Amitava Choudhury

Physics Faculty Research & Creative Works

An olivine-type orthothiophospate LiMnPS4 has been synthesized for the first time through a building block approach by reacting preformed ternary lithium thiophospate with MnCl2. Diffuse reflectance measurements show an optical band gap of 2.36 eV, which is further confirmed by DFT calculations. Irreversible weak ferromagnetic ordering and metamagnetism are verified through preliminary magnetic measurements.


Molecular Dynamics Simulations Of Self-Assemblies In Nature And Nanotechnology, Phu Khanh Tang Sep 2021

Molecular Dynamics Simulations Of Self-Assemblies In Nature And Nanotechnology, Phu Khanh Tang

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Nature usually divides complex systems into smaller building blocks specializing in a few tasks since one entity cannot achieve everything. Therefore, self-assembly is a robust tool exploited by Nature to build hierarchical systems that accomplish unique functions. The cell membrane distinguishes itself as an example of Nature’s self-assembly, defining and protecting the cell. By mimicking Nature’s designs using synthetically designed self-assemblies, researchers with advanced nanotechnological comprehension can manipulate these synthetic self-assemblies to improve many aspects of modern medicine and materials science. Understanding the competing underlying molecular interactions in self-assembly is always of interest to the academic scientific community and industry. …


High Speed Impact On Graphene Composites, Giovanny A. Espitia Aug 2021

High Speed Impact On Graphene Composites, Giovanny A. Espitia

Symposium of Student Scholars

Since the isolation of Graphene occurred in 2004, numerous studies attempting to exploit the properties of this carbon allotrope have been conducted. Graphene exists in a 2-D manner with sp2 bonds, which provides the allotrope with great electrical, conductive, and mechanical properties. In this paper however, we will focus on the latter in order to examine the feasibility of graphene composites for bulletproof material in the military. Pure graphene sheets count with high porosity density that leads to structural defects as well as poor mechanical properties due to physical contact being sole retainer. For this reason, the selected composite is …


Vortex-Oriented Ferroelectric Domains In Snte/Pbte Monolayer Lateral Heterostructures, Kai Chang, John W. D. Villanova, Jing-Rong Ji, Souvik Das, Felix Kuster, Salvador Barraza-Lopez, Paolo Sessi, Stuart S. P. Parkin Aug 2021

Vortex-Oriented Ferroelectric Domains In Snte/Pbte Monolayer Lateral Heterostructures, Kai Chang, John W. D. Villanova, Jing-Rong Ji, Souvik Das, Felix Kuster, Salvador Barraza-Lopez, Paolo Sessi, Stuart S. P. Parkin

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Heterostructures formed from interfaces between materials with complementary properties often display unconventional physics. Of especial interest are heterostructures formed with ferroelectric materials. These are mostly formed by combining thin layers in vertical stacks. Here the first in situ molecular beam epitaxial growth and scanning tunneling microscopy characterization of atomically sharp lateral heterostructures between a ferroelectric SnTe monolayer and a paraelectric PbTe monolayer are reported. The bias voltage dependence of the apparent heights of SnTe and PbTe monolayers, which are closely related to the type-II band alignment of the heterostructure, is investigated. Remarkably, it is discovered that the ferroelectric domains in …


Characterization Of Lamellar Liquid Crystal Emulsifiers In Topical Creams Containing A Novel Solvent, Melinda Joanna Sutton Aug 2021

Characterization Of Lamellar Liquid Crystal Emulsifiers In Topical Creams Containing A Novel Solvent, Melinda Joanna Sutton

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DEGEE) is a promising solvent component in topical cream formulations due to its superior solubilizing abilities with certain active pharmaceutical ingredients. One of the goals of this study is to characterize the effects of pH on the physical and chemical stabilities of topical cream formulations containing particularly high concentrations of DEGEE by characterizing a full topical pH profile of 3.5 – 9.0. The second goal is to evaluate the presence, amount, and characteristics of lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs), molecularly structured in a lamellar phase, in a model cream emulsion utilizing polarized light microscopy (PLM). The presence …


Photovoltages In Polycrystalline Mosaic Solar Cells, Steluta A. Dinca, Eric A. Schiff Jul 2021

Photovoltages In Polycrystalline Mosaic Solar Cells, Steluta A. Dinca, Eric A. Schiff

Chemistry - All Scholarship

In some thin-film solar cells the light-absorbing layer is a mosaic of crystalline grains whose boundaries run from the back to the front of the cell. We used the semiconductor modeling software Sesame to do numerical calculations of the optoelectronic properties of such cells assuming that recombination of minority photocarriers occurs primarily at the grain boundaries. The work complements analytical results for diffusion-limited recombination at grain boundaries and dislocations. We chose idealized n-CdS/p-CdTe solar cells for illustration. We find that the open-circuit voltage, Voc, under illumination declines logarithmically with increasing ratio D/θ2, where D is the …