A nano-impact chronoamperometric experiment is presented here as a powerful technique for simultaneously probing important physical properties of graphene nanomaterials.

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Well-defined poly((furfuryl glycidyl ether)-co-(glycidyl methyl ether) carbonate) (P((FGE-co-GME)C)) copolymers with varying furfuryl glycidyl ether (FGE) content in the range of 26% to 100% are prepared directly from CO2 and the respective epoxides in a solvent-free synthesis. All materials are characterized by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The furfuryl-functional samples exhibit monomodal molecular weight distributions with Mw/Mn in the range of 1.16 to 1.43 and molecular weights (Mn) between 2300 and 4300 g mol(-1). Thermal properties reflect the amorphous structure of the polymers. Both post-functionalization and cross-linking are performed via Diels-Alder chemistry using maleimide derivatives, leading to reversible network formation. This transformation is shown to be thermally reversible at 110 °C.

The voltammetric behavior of glassy carbon electrodes modified with either submonolayer quantities of alumina or graphene is examined with respect to the two-electron, two-proton reaction of catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) in aqueous solution. While the voltammetric behavior superficially hints at a change of electron transfer rate, an alternative explanation in terms of the changed thermodynamics of the intermediate species is advanced and rationalized.

This work reports that abrasive blasting of a structural steel results in significant retention of garnet abrasive residues. A comparative study of the adsorption behavior of a number of organic species, relevant to paint components and additives, onto the surfaces of garnet and S355 steel from nonaqueous solutions is also presented. Areas per adsorbed molecule, estimated from the isotherm data, suggest a range of molecular orientations on the surfaces. Pronounced differences in the adsorption strength to the garnet and steel were observed, particularly that most additives bind more strongly to steel than to garnet. Surface characterization data from acid-base titrations, photoelectron spectroscopy, and backscattered electron diffraction were used to rationalize the adsorption data obtained. The ramifications of these findings for particular industrial processes, with regards the strength of paint adhesion and paint additive formulations, are highlighted.

The corrosive breakdown of thin iron films supported on silicon substrates under a number of conditions is presented-in particular to understand better how iron, and hence ferritic steel, behaves in a salty water environment. A combination of X-ray and neutron reflectometry was used to monitor the structures of both metal and oxide surface layers and also organic corrosion inhibitors adsorbed at the iron/aqueous interface. A range of behavior in seawater was observed, including complete dissolution and void formation under the metal surface. Importantly, two simple treatments-UV/ozone or soaking in ultrapure water-were found to significantly protect the iron surface for considerable lengths of time, although evidence of pitting corrosion began after around 10 days. The underlying causes of the efficacies of these treatments were further investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, three potential corrosion inhibitors were investigated: (i) dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) demonstrated no ability to protect the surface; (ii) sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) appeared to accelerate corrosion; and (iii) bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate showed an impressive level of protection (the neutron reflectometry results indicated a thick diffuse layer of surfactant of 23% surface coverage). These findings have been interpreted in terms of preferential inhibitor adsorption at cathodic and anodic surface sites (depending on the nature of the inhibitor).

Catalyst restructuring during electrochemical reactions is a critical but poorly understood process that determines the underlying structure-property relationships during catalysis. In the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 (CO2RR), it is known...

Photoelectrochemical devices integrate the processes of light absorption, charge separation, and catalysis for chemical synthesis. The monolithic design is interesting for space applications, where weight and volume constraints predominate. Hindered gas bubble desorption and the lack of macroconvection processes in reduced gravitation, however, limit its application in space. Physico‐chemical modifications of the electrode surface are required to induce gas bubble desorption and ensure continuous device operation. A detailed investigation of the electrocatalyst nanostructure design for light‐assisted hydrogen production in microgravity environment is described. p‐InP coated with a rhodium (Rh) electrocatalyst layer fabricated by shadow nanosphere lithography is used as a model device. Rh is deposited via physical vapor deposition (PVD) or photoelectrodeposition through a mask of polystyrene (PS) particles. It is observed that the PS sphere size and electrocatalyst deposition technique alter the electrode surface wettability significantly, controlling hydrogen gas bubble detachment and photocurrent–voltage characteristics. The highest, most stable current density of 37.8 mA cm−2 is achieved by depositing Rh via PVD through 784 nm sized PS particles. The increased hydrophilicity of the photoelectrode results in small gas bubble contact angles and weak frictional forces at the solid–gas interface which cause enhanced gas bubble detachment and enhanced device efficiency.