Resonant Elastic X-Ray Scattering of Antiferromagnetic Superstructures in EuPtSi_{3}

We report resonant elastic x-ray scattering of long-range magnetic order in EuPtSi_{3}, combining different scattering geometries with full linear polarization analysis to unambiguously identify magnetic scattering contributions. At low temperatures, EuPtSi_{3} stabilizes type A antiferromagnetism featuring various long-wavelength modulations. For magnetic fields applied in the hard magnetic basal plane, well-defined regimes of cycloidal, conical, and fanlike superstructures may be distinguished that encompass a pocket of commensurate type A order without superstructure. For magnetic field applied along the easy axis, the phase diagram comprises the cycloidal and conical superstructures only. Highlighting the power of polarized resonant elastic x-ray scattering, our results reveal a combination of magnetic phases that suggest a highly unusual competition between antiferromagnetic exchange interactions with Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya spin-orbit coupling of similar strength.

A fluorinated 2D magnetic coordination polymer

Herein we show the versatility of coordination chemistry to design and expand a family of 2D materials by incorporating F groups at the surface of the layers. Through the use of a prefuntionalized organic linker with F groups, it is possible to achieve a layered magnetic material based on Fe(II) centers that are chemically stable in open air, contrary to the known 2D inorganic magnetic materials. The high quality of the single crystals and their robustness allow to fabricate 2D molecular materials by micromechanical exfoliation, preserving the crystalline nature of these layers together with the desired functionalization.

Control of zeolite framework flexibility and pore topology for separation of ethane and ethylene

The discovery of new materials for separating ethylene from ethane by adsorption, instead of using cryogenic distillation, is a key milestone for molecular separations because of the multiple and widely extended uses of these molecules in industry. This technique has the potential to provide tremendous energy savings when compared with the currently used cryogenic distillation process for ethylene produced through steam cracking. Here we describe the synthesis and structural determination of a flexible pure silica zeolite (ITQ-55). This material can kinetically separate ethylene from ethane with an unprecedented selectivity of ~100, owing to its distinctive pore topology with large heart-shaped cages and framework flexibility. Control of such properties extends the boundaries for applicability of zeolites to challenging separations.

Synthesis and structure determination via ultra-fast electron diffraction of the new microporous zeolitic germanosilicate ITQ-62

A new multipore zeolite of 12–8 × 8 × 8 channel system, named ITQ-62, has been synthesized and its structure solved using electron diffraction tomography.

Ultrafast Electron Diffraction Tomography for Structure Determination of the New Zeolite ITQ-58

In this work a new ultrafast data collection strategy for electron diffraction tomography is presented that allows reducing data acquisition time by one order of magnitude. This methodology minimizes the radiation damage of beam-sensitive materials, such as microporous materials. This method, combined with the precession of the electron beam, provides high quality data enabling the determination of very complex structures. Most importantly, the implementation of this new electron diffraction methodology is easily affordable in any modern electron microscope. As a proof of concept, we have solved a new highly complex zeolitic structure named ITQ-58, with a very low symmetry (triclinic) and a large unit cell volume (1874.6 Å(3)), containing 16 silicon and 32 oxygen atoms in its asymmetric unit, which would be very difficult to solve with the state of the art techniques.

Structure refinement and superspace description of the system Bi(2(n + 2))Mo(n)O(6(n + 1)) (n = 3, 4, 5 and 6)

The system Bi(2(n + 2))Mo(n)O(6(n + 1)) is described within the superspace formalism. Two superspace models are proposed for the different members of this family, depending on the parity of the parameter n. The superspace model for the odd members is constructed through the embedding of the cationic distribution of the member with n = 3, and the modification of a superspace model previously proposed for the compound Bi(2)MoO(6). However, this model cannot be applied to the even members of the family. Performing the appropriate transformations, a suitable superspace model for the even members is obtained. The atomic structure of the different compounds of the family have been refined through the Rietveld method combining synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data.

Incommensurate structure of InAl1 - xTixO3 + x/2[x = 0.701 (1)]: comparison between modulated and composite models

The structure of the monoclinic phase of the compound InAl(1 - x)Ti(x)O(3 + x/2) with x = 0.701 (1) has been analyzed within the (3 + 1)-dimensional superspace formalism. Two different models were refined describing the structure as an incommensurate modulated layer and modulated composite, respectively. Both models include the same composition-structure relation. In the composite approach it is derived from the mismatching between the two subsystems. In the incommensurate modulated system, it is derived from a closeness condition between O atomic domains. The distribution and coordination of the cations is discussed and compared with previously proposed models for similar compounds.

Vulnerability to global environmental changes in Argentina: opportunities for upgrading regional water resources management strategies

There is evidence of the increasing economic losses from extreme natural events during the last decades. These facts, thought to be triggered by environmental changes coupled with inefficient management and policies, highlight particularly exposed and vulnerable regions worldwide. Argentina faces several challenges associated with global environmental change and climate variability, especially related to water resources management including extreme floods and droughts. At the same time, the country's production capacity (i.e. natural resource-based commodities) and future development opportunities are closely tied to the sustainable development of its natural resource endowments. Given that vulnerability is registered not only by exposure to hazards (perturbations and stresses), but also resides in the sensitivity and resilience of the system experiencing such hazards, Argentina will need to improve its water management capacities to reduce its vulnerability to climate variability and change. This paper presents the basic components of the vulnerability analysis and suggests how it can be used to define efficient water management options.