Synthesis and Physical Properties of Iridium-Based Sulfide Ca1−xIr4S6(S2) [x = 0.23–0.33]

We present the synthesis and characterization of the iridium-based sulfide Ca1−xIr4S6(S2). Quality and phase analysis were conducted by means of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Structure analysis reveals a monoclinic symmetry with the space group C 1 2/m 1 (No. 12), with the lattice constants a = 15.030 (3) Å, b = 3.5747 (5) Å and c = 10.4572 (18) Å. Both X-ray diffraction and EDXS suggest an off-stoichiometry of calcium, leading to the empirical composition Ca1−xIr4.0S6(S2) [x = 0.23–0.33]. Transport measurements show metallic behavior of the compound in the whole range of measured temperatures. Magnetic measurements down to 1.8 K show no long range order, and Curie–Weiss analysis yields θCW = −31.4 K, suggesting that the compound undergoes a magnetic state with short range magnetic correlations. We supplement our study with calculations of the band structure in the framework of the density functional theory.

Remarkable Enhancement of Catalytic Activity of Cu-Complexes in the Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) by Using Triply-Fused Porphyrin

Developing efficient molecular catalysts for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a highly important goal in contemporary science. We report here on a bimetallic triply fused copper porphyrin complex (1) comprising two monomeric porphyrin units linked through β–β, meso–meso, β′–β′ triple covalent linkages, that exhibits remarkable enhancement of catalytic activity for the electrochemical HER in comparison to the analogous monomeric copper porphyrin complex (2). Spectroscopic characterization, in association with magnetic measurements, clearly establish the ground state structures of both the bimetallic and monometallic complexes as containing two and one copper (II) centers, respectively. The fused metalloporphyrin complex is found to undergo electrochemical reduction at a lower negative applied potential compared to the metalloporphyrin monomer, as evident from the significant anodic shift (~800mV) in the potential of the first reduction process. Electrochemical investigations in the presence of a proton source (trifluoroacetic acid) confirm that the catalytic activity of the fused metalloporphyrin occurs at a significantly lower onset potential, (overpotential decreased by ~320 mV), compared to the non-fused monomer. Controlled potential electrolysis combined with the kinetic analysis of catalysts 1 and 2 confirm the production of hydrogen, with 96% and 71% faradaic efficiencies and turnover numbers of 102 and 18, respectively. Kinetic investigations further reveal an observed rate constant of around 107 (s-1), implying high efficiency of the bimetallic catalyst towards hydrogen evolution reaction. Mechanistic insights are presented by using a combination of UV-vis-NIR and EPR spectroscopy and electrochemistry. Our results thus firmly establish the triply fused porphyrin ligands as candidates for generating highly efficient molecular electrocatalysts in combination with transition metal centers.

Muon Irradiation of ZnO Rods: Superparamagnetic Nature Induced by Defects

In this work, through a combination of photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and magnetic measurements, it is determined that ZnO rods, made hydrothermally using a combination of magnetic field with respect to the force of gravity, exhibit superparamagnetic properties which emerge from Zn defects. These Zn defects result in a size-dependent superparamagnetic property of the rods. Red emissions, characteristic of Zn vacancies, and magnetic susceptibility both increased with decreasing rod size. The ZnO rods have significantly larger superparamagnetic cluster sizes (one order of magnitude) and lower fluctuation rates when compared to other superparamagnetic particles.

Epitaxial growth and room-temperature ferromagnetism of quasi-2D layered Cr4Te5thin film

Large-scale growth of two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic thin films will provide an ideal platform for studying 2D magnetism and active spintronic devices. However, controllable growth of 2D ferromagnets over large areas faces tremendous challenges. Herein, we report a large-area growth of 2D ferromagnetic single-crystal thin films Cr4Te5 on Al2O3 (0001) substrates using pulsed laser deposition. X-ray diffraction patterns and atomic force microscopy detection confirm that all thin films are high quality epitaxy together with atom-level smooth. Magnetic measurements show the persistence of ferromagnetic ordering state up to above room temperature, with a Curie temperature 320 K, atomic magnetic moment 0.307µB/Cr, and the easy-magnetization axis in film plane. Comparing bulk Cr4Te5 single-crystal, the critical exponent β=0.491 indicates that the magnetic interactions of thin film obey mean-field model rather than 3D Heisenberg model. This work will open a avenue for growing large-scale 2D ferromagnet and developing room temperature 2D magnet-based nanodevices.

Multidisciplinary Study of Cores From the Wetland of El Melah, Southwestern Tunisia

Saline systems are candidates to be threatened by climatic change. In terms of methodology and materials, color identification, geochemistry, and mineralogy analysis were used. The spectral analysis of data of the amount of active K and Na firstly shows the individualization of a cycle stretching along with 1000 yr. Then, a less pronounced cycle of 2500 years is marked with a lower intensity. Also, on the spectral analysis of K data, the drowned cycles of 650 and 500 years are marked by weak intensities not reaching the threshold level. These two comparable cycles may be artifacts due to analysis errors or variability in the rate of sedimentation resulting in the bifurcation of two hybrid cycles from one real cycle. This work confirmed the cycles found by color studies through real analyses such as geochemical and magnetic measurements. As a matter of fact, the majority of cycles found out by the spectral analysis of colors data are confirmed through analyses.

Adsorption of cisplatin by the surface of the magnetic sensitive nanocomposite Fe3O4/Al2O3/С

One of the most widely used antitumor chemotherapeutic drugs is “Cisplatin” (active substance - cis-diaminodichloroplatinum), the side effects of which are the cumulative ototoxic, nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effects. The use of drug carrier systems for targeted delivery and adsorbents for extraction, in particular magnetite-carbon nanocomposites, will minimize unwanted toxic effects without reducing the therapeutic effect of cisplatin. For this purpose, a nanocomposite (NCs) of Fe3O4/Al2O3/С with a carbon surface was synthesized, where a layer of alumina protects magnetite during the pyrolysis of carbohydrates. The synthesized samples were characterized by TEM, XRD, mass spectrometry methods, magnetic properties and specific surface area were studied. It has been found that the used heat treatment mode (T = 500 °С, argon medium) is sufficient for complete carbonization of sucrose and preserves the phase of magnetite which does not lead to deterioration of magnetic characteristics. The results of TEM studies and magnetic measurements indicate the formation of the Fe3O4/Al2O3/С nanocomposite of the core-shell type. The adsorption of Cisplatin on the surface of NCs Fe3O4/Al2O3/С was performed and the adsorption process dependent on the contact time, pH of the solution and cisplatin concentration was studied. The experimental results of kinetic studies were analyzed for compliance with the theoretical models of Boyd and Morris-Weber, models of pseudo-first and pseudo-second orders. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to model adsorption processes. The limiting factor of adsorption is the external diffusion mass transfer processes, which correlates with the calculated parameters of the pseudo-first-order model (r2 = 0.985). The correlation of theoretical and practically obtained values of adsorption capacity indicates the possibility of using the Freundlich model to describe the adsorption of Cisplatin on the surface of Fe3O4/Al2O3/C.

Structure and Magnetic Properties of Intermetallic Rare-Earth-Transition-Metal Compounds: A Review

This review discusses the properties of candidate compounds for semi-hard and hard magnetic applications. Their general formula is R1−sT5+2s with R = rare earth, T = transition metal and 0≤s≤0.5 and among them, the focus will be on the ThMn12- and Th2Zn17-type structures. Not only will the influence of the structure on the magnetic properties be shown, but also the influence of various R and T elements on the intrinsic magnetic properties will be discussed (R = Y, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, … and T = Fe, Co, Si, Al, Ga, Mo, Zr, Cr, Ti, V, …). The influence of the microstructure on the extrinsic magnetic properties of these R–T based intermetallic nanomaterials, prepared by high energy ball milling followed by short annealing, will be also be shown. In addition, the electronic structure studied by DFT will be presented and compared to the results of experimental magnetic measurements as well as the hyperfine parameter determined by Mössbauer spectrometry.

Magneto-mechanical deformation of \ch{Ni50Mn28Ga22} shape memory alloy

This study deals with pseudoplastic deformation of Ni50Mn28Ga22 alloy exhibiting mechanically and magnetically induced crystal reorientation. The new approach was introduced, taking into account crystals with single initial variant as well as nucleation of different orientation. Initially, observations from optical microscope and AFM (atomic force microscope) were correlated with the mechanical measurements from stress-strain machine to characterize boundaries between crystal variants. These observations were subsequently used to clarify the results of the mechanical deformation tests. By magnetizing samples in VSM (vibrating-sample magnetometer), analogous magnetic measurements to mechanical tests were conducted. The two types of measurements were then compared with respect to energy. The discrepancy found between the model and measurements is in agreement with previous studies. Some experimental factors and possible errors that may affect measurement have been discussed. Nevertheless, the observed differences remain an unresolved issue suggesting a need for a modification of the model.

Classification and analysis of measuring transducers of intensity (induction) of alternating magnetic fields

The current state of technology is characterized by the mass use of electricity, the use of various electrical, electronic and radio devices. This causes expansion of magnetic measurements and the need to develop new highly sensitive measuring equipment for a wide range of frequencies. One of its main elements, that largely determines the accuracy, frequency and dynamic ranges, are the primary measuring sensors of strength (induction) of alternating magnetic fields. Many works have been devoted to the analysis and development of various sensors of strength (induction) of magnetic fields. At the same time, it can be noted the lack of a systematic approach to the measurement of alternating magnetic fields. The problem of the general classification of methods of measurement of alternating magnetic fields and, accordingly, primary measuring sensors of strength (induction) of alternating magnetic fields is not solved. In most cases, separate issues of measuring alternating magnetic fields and certain types of sensors are considered. That does not allow obtaining a holistic picture in this area and make the right choice of direction for solving assigned tasks. The comprehensive analysis of methods of measuring alternating magnetic fields was carried out in this work. Based on it, the classification of primary measuring sensors of strength (induction) of alternating magnetic fields, on the physical principles of transformation was proposed. Accordingly, the available measuring sensors of alternating magnetic fields following to the group of used physical phenomena can be divided into: magnetomechanical, induction, galvanomagnetic, quantum, magneto-optical and photomagnetic. Depending on the characteristics of each of these phenomena, separate measurement methods and types of measuring sensors were highlighted. The current state of development of each of the types of measuring sensors of strength of alternating magnetic fields was analyzed, their advantages and disadvantages were determined, the limits of dynamic and frequency ranges, the maximum values of errors were outlined. The obtained results allow to significantly simplify and reduce the time of choosing the necessary method of strength (induction) of alternating magnetic fields measuring and to choose the necessary type of measuring sensor to effectively solve the tasks.