Synthesis and Structural Characterization of an Amorphous and Photoluminescent Mixed Eu/Zr Coordination Compound, a Potential Marker for Gunshot Residues

Hydrogels based on mixed zirconium/europium ions and benzene tricarboxylic acid were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction. A solid glass-like material is formed upon drying, showing strong reddish luminescence. The system was characterized by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, thermal analyses, and infrared spectroscopy. The results reveal the amorphous character of the structure and the presence of at least four types of binding modes between the metal oxide clusters and benzene tricarboxylic acid. On the other hand, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed high thermal stability, with the material decomposing at temperatures higher than 500 °C. The combination of intense Eu3+ luminescence with large thermal stability makes this material a strong candidate for application as a luminescent red marker for gunshot residue (GSR). As proof of concept, we show the feasibility of this application by performing shooting tests using our compound as a GSR marker. After the shots, the residual luminescent particles could be visualized in the triggered cartridge, inner the muzzle of the firearm, and a lower amount on the hands of the shooter, using a UV lamp (λ = 254 nm). Remarkably, our results also show that the Eu3+ emission for the GSR is very similar to that observed for the original solid material. These characteristics are of huge importance since they provide a chance to use smaller amounts of the marker in the ammunition, lowering the costs of potential industrial manufacturing processes.

Designed single-phase ZrO2 nanocrystals obtained by solvothermal syntheses

Crystal growth pathways controlled by the acidity, type and concentration of the capping agent lead to different nanostructures and crystalline phases.

Decreasing Nanocrystal Structural Disorder by Ligand Exchange: An Experimental and Theoretical Analysis

Nanocrystals (NCs) present unique physicochemical properties arising from their size and the presence of ligands. Comprehending and controlling the ligand-crystal interactions as well as the ligand exchange process is one of the central themes in NC science nowadays. However, the relationship between NC structural disorder and the ligand exchange effect in the NC atomic structure is not yet sufficiently understood. Here we combine pair distribution function analysis from electron diffraction data, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy as experimental techniques and first-principles density functional theory calculations to elucidate the ligand exchange effects in the ZrO₂ NC structure. We report a substantial decrease in the structural disorder for ZrO₂ NCs caused by strain rearrangements during the ligand exchange process. These results can have a direct impact on the development of functional nanomaterials, especially in properties controlled by structural disorder.

Exploring the surface chemistry of cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals

Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) of cesium lead halide perovskites (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br or I) are emerging as an exciting class of optoelectronic materials, but the retention of their colloidal and structural integrity during isolation, purification and handling still represents a critical issue. The impelling questions concerning their intrinsic chemical instability are connected to the dynamic nature of the bonding between the inorganic surface and the long-chain capping ligands. However, the key aspects of CsPbX3's surface chemistry that directly impact their stability remain elusive. In this contribution, we provide an in-depth investigation of the surface properties of differently composed CsPbX3 NCs, prepared by traditional hot-injection methods. The study, mainly relying on solution NMR spectroscopy, is backed up by elemental analysis as well as morphological, structural and optical investigations. We ascertained that the nature of the ligand adsorption/desorption processes at the NC surface is dependent on its elemental composition, thus explaining the origin of the instability afflicting CsPbI3 NCs. We also evaluated the effect of NC purification as well as of the degradation pathways involving the organic shell on the surface chemistry of CsPbX3 NCs. This study paves the way for new post-functionalization strategies for this promising class of nanomaterials.

Kinetics of Valeric Acid Ketonization and Ketenization in Catalytic Pyrolysis on Nanosized SiO2 , γ-Al2 O3 , CeO2 /SiO2 , Al2 O3 /SiO2 and TiO2 /SiO2

Valeric acid is an important renewable platform chemical that can be produced efficiently from lignocellulosic biomass. Upgrading of valeric acid by catalytic pyrolysis has the potential to produce value added biofuels and chemicals on an industrial scale. Understanding the different mechanisms involved in the thermal transformations of valeric acid on the surface of nanometer-sized oxides is important for the development of efficient heterogeneously catalyzed pyrolytic conversion techniques. In this work, the thermal decomposition of valeric acid on the surface of nanoscale SiO₂ , γ-Al₂ O₃ , CeO₂ /SiO₂ , Al₂ O₃ /SiO₂ and TiO₂ /SiO₂ has been investigated by temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD MS). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has also been used to investigate the structure of valeric acid complexes on the oxide surfaces. Two main products of pyrolytic conversion were observed to be formed depending on the nano-catalyst used-dibutylketone and propylketene. Mechanisms of ketene and ketone formation from chemisorbed fragments of valeric acid are proposed and the kinetic parameters of the corresponding reactions were calculated. It was found that the activation energy of ketenization decreases in the order SiO₂ >γ-Al₂ O₃ >TiO₂ /SiO₂ >Al₂ O₃ /SiO₂ , and the activation energy of ketonization decreases in the order γ-Al₂ O₃ >CeO₂ /SiO₂ . Nano-oxide CeO₂ /SiO₂ was found to selectively catalyze the ketonization reaction.