Sol–Gel Synthesis of λ–Na2O·xAl2O3 Films

Na₂O· x Al₂O₃ ( x = 9, 11)films have been obtained by sol–gel method. Crystallization processes during heat treatments have been investigated by X–ray diffraction analysis. A metastable phase with the mullite structure, λ–Na₂O· x Al₂O₃, has been observed starting from 800°C. Films remained stable after a heat treatment at 1000°C for 250 h. Impedance spectroscopy measurements showed that the films of λ-Na₂O· x Al₂O₃ possess a large three–dimensional ionic conductivity at 400°C.     

Dynamics and Selectivity of N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O Formation/Reduction During Regeneration Phase of Pt-Based Catalysts

The formation of N₂O has been studied by means of isothermal lean-rich experiments at 150, 180 and 250 °C over Pt–Ba/Al₂O₃ and Pt/Al₂O₃ catalysts with H₂ and/or C₃H₆ as reductants. This allows to provide further insights on the mechanistic aspects of N₂O formation and on the influence of the storage component. Both gas phase analysis and surface species studies by operando FT-IR spectroscopy were performed. N₂O evolution is observed at both lean-to-rich (primary N₂O) and rich-to-lean (secondary N₂O) transitions. The production of both primary and secondary N₂O decreases by increasing the temperature. The presence of Ba markedly decreases secondary N₂O formation. FT-IR analysis shows the presence of adsorbed ammonia at the end of the rich phase only for Pt/Al₂O₃ catalyst. These results suggest that: (i) primary N₂O is formed when undissociated NO in the gas phase and partially reduced metal sites are present; (ii) secondary N₂O originates from reaction between adsorbed NH₃ and residual NO_x at the beginning of the lean phase. Moreover, N₂O reduction was studied performing temperature programming temperature experiments with H₂, NH₃ and C₃H₆ as reducing agents. The reduction is completely selective to nitrogen and occurs at temperature higher than 250 °C in the case of Pt–Ba/Al₂O₃ catalyst, while lower temperatures are detected for Pt/Al₂O₃ catalyst. The reactivity order of the reductants is the same for the two catalysts, being hydrogen the more efficient and propylene the less one. Having H₂ a high reactivity in the reduction of N₂O, it could react with N₂O when the regeneration front is developing. Moreover, also ammonia present downstream to the H₂ front could react with N₂O, even if the reaction with stored NO_x seems more efficient.     

Isotactic polypropylene–vapor grown carbon nanofibers composites: Electrical properties

Nanocomposites have been obtained by dispersing various amounts of vapor grown carbon nanofibers within isotactic polypropylene. Thermal investigations done by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis revealed the effect of the vapor grown carbon nanofibers on the melting, crystallization, α, and β relaxations. Direct current electrical features of these nanocomposites have been investigated and related to the thermal features of these nanocomposites. The effect of the loading with carbon nanofibers on the electrical properties of these nanocomposites is discussed within the percolation theory. The percolation threshold was estimated at about 5.5% wt carbon nanofibers. The temperature dependence of the direct current conductivity is analyzed in detail and it is concluded that the electronic hopping is the dominant transport mechanism. A transition from one‐dimensional hopping towards a three‐dimensional hopping was noticed as the concentration of carbon nanofibers was increased from 10% wt to 20% wt carbon nanofiber. The possibility of a differential negative resistivity is suggested. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45297.     

Gold Nanoparticles and g‐C3N4‐Intercalated Graphene Oxide Membrane for Recyclable Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering

Toxic organic pollutants in the aquatic environment cause severe threats to both humans and the global environment. Thus, the development of robust strategies for detection and removal of these organic pollutants is essential. For this purpose, a multifunctional and recyclable membrane by intercalating gold nanoparticles and graphitic carbon nitride into graphene oxide (GNPs/g‐C₃N₄/GO) is fabricated. The membranes exhibit not only superior surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity attributed to high preconcentration ability to analytes through π–π and electrostatic interactions, but also excellent catalytic activity due to the enhanced electron–hole separation efficiency. These outstanding properties allow the membrane to be used for highly sensitive detection of rhodamine 6G with a limit of detection of 5.0 × 10^?14m and self‐cleaning by photocatalytic degradation of the adsorbed analytes into inorganic small molecules, thus achieving recyclable SERS application. Furthermore, the excellent SERS activity of the membrane is demonstrated by detection of 4‐chlorophenol at less than nanomolar level and no significant SERS or catalytic activity loss was observed when reusability is tested. These results suggest that the GNPs/g‐C₃N₄/GO membrane provides a new strategy for eliminating traditional, single‐use SERS substrates, and expands practical SERS application to simultaneous detection and removal of environmental pollutants.     

Combined effect of packaging atmosphere and storage temperature on growth of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat shrimp

Cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp were inoculated with a 5 strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes and packaged in air, vacuum, and a 100% carbon dioxide modified atmosphere. The packaged shrimp were then stored at 3, 7, and 12 degrees C for 15 days to monitor the growth of L. monocytogenes and psychrotrophic bacteria. Uninoculated shrimp were also subjected to sensory evaluation by a trained panel to measure odor and appearance over the storage period. Results demonstrated that shrimp packaged in CO(2) and stored at 3 degrees C did not permit growth of L. monocytogenes during the 15-day storage period, while all other packaging/temperature combinations allowed for multiplication of the bacterium. Carbon dioxide packaging also resulted in the slowest growth of psychrotrophic bacteria and resulted in shrimp having acceptable sensory odor and appearance scores at the end of storage. When strict temperature control is difficult, such as during processing, transportation, retail display, or home use, additional antimicrobial hurdles may be necessary to ensure safety.     

Recent Results in the Interpretation of Interference and Lorentz Images of Vortices in Superconductors

The main ideas and approximations underlying the model developed to interpret the principal features of holographic and Fresnel images of superconducting vortices, or fluxons, are briefly reviewed and applied to the exploitation of new experimental setups, like the standard and coherent Foucault techniques. It is also shown how the model can be implemented to interpret effects due to misalignment and/or distortion of the fluxon cores. Finally, the effect of the finite specimen thickness is also taken into account by resorting to the solution of the Ginzburg-Landau equations found by Clem, and by showing that through it a better agreement can be obtained between theoretical and experimental results.