Application of novel techniques for interferogram analysis to laser-plasma femtosecond probing

Recently, two novel techniques for the extraction of the phase-shift map (Tomassini {\it et.~al.}, Applied Optics {\bf 40} 35 (2001)) and the electronic density map estimation (Tomassini P. and Giulietti A., Optics Communication {\bf 199}, pp 143-148 (2001)) have been proposed. In this paper we apply both methods to a sample laser-plasma interferogram obtained with femtoseconds probe pulse, in an experimental setup devoted to laser particle acceleration studies.Comment: Submitted to Laser and Particle Beam

A Molecular Dynamics Study of Noncovalent Interactions between Rubber and Fullerenes

The percolation and networking of filler particles is an important issue in the field of rubber reinforcement, and much effort is given to clarify the true nature of the reinforcement mechanism and the viscoelastic behavior. The concentration of nanofillers also in the presence of large amounts of carbon black is a parameter that can influence the macroscopic rubber behavior. In this paper, noncovalent interactions between C60 fullerenes with poly-1,4-cis-isoprene (PI) either as such or modified are studied through atomistic simulations based on molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) methods. At first, the conformational properties of a single chain and of 12 PI chains in a periodic simulation box are studied. Afterwards, the conformational properties of a single PI chain polymer terminated with a -COOH group, and then a bulk system formed by chains of unmodified and some PI modified chains are considered. Then, the systems formed by adding fullerenes to these two different bulk systems are studied. Relatively small interaction energy between rubber and fullerenes being well dispersed in the sample is found. The simulations showed a preferential tendency of fullerenes to display self-aggregation, in the presence of even a small fraction of modified polymer chains

Polyether from a biobased Janus molecule as surfactant for carbon nanotubes

A new polyether (PE) was prepared from a biobased Janus molecule, 2-(2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-1,3- propanediol (serinol pyrrole, SP). SP was synthesized with very high yield (about 96%) and high atom efficiency (about 80%) by reacting a biosourced molecule, such as serinol, with 2,5-hexanedione in the absence of solvent or catalyst. The reaction of SP with 1,6-dibromohexane led to PE oligomers, that were used as surfactants for multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), in ecofriendly polar solvents such as acetone and ethyl acetate. The synergic interaction of aromatic rings and oxyalkylene sequences with the carbon allotrope led to dramatic improvement of surfactant efficiency: only 24% of SP based PE was extracted with ethyl acetate from the adduct with MWCNT, versus 98% of a typical pluronic surfactant. Suspensions of MWCNT-PE adducts in ethyl acetate were stable for months. High resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed a film of oligomers tightly adhered to MWCNT surface

Dynamics of charge-displacement channeling in intense laser-plasma interactions

The dynamics of transient electric fields generated by the interaction of high intensity laser pulses with underdense plasmas has been studied experimentally with the proton projection imaging technique. The formation of a charged channel, the propagation of its front edge and the late electric field evolution have been characterised with high temporal and spatial resolution. Particle-in-cell simulations and an electrostatic, ponderomotive model reproduce the experimental features and trace them back to the ponderomotive expulsion of electrons and the subsequent ion acceleration.Comment: 5 figures, accepted for publication in New Journal of Physic

Analysis of space-resolved X-ray spectra from laser plasmas

High dynamic range, space-resolved X-ray spectra, obtained using a TlAP crystal and a cooled CCD camera as a detector, were used to investigate the electron density and temperature profiles of an aluminum laser plasma with micrometer resolution. The electron density profile retrieved from the measurements is compared with numerical predictions from the two hydrodynamics codes MEDUSA (1D) and POLLUX (2D). It is shown that 2D density profiles can be successfully reproduced by 1D simulations using a spherical geometry with an ad hoc initial radius, leading to similar electron temperature profiles

Transition metal nanoparticles on pyrrole-decorated sp2 carbon allotropes for selective hydrogen isotopic exchange

Compared to homogeneous catalysts, heterogeneous systems possess more attractiveness in the chemical industry because of the easier separation from the reaction products, lower amount of wastes, larger recyclability and lower toxicity and corrosiveness. Preparation of supported metal nanoparticles often requires energy demanding techniques such as laser ablation, electrochemical reduction, and high temperature heat treatments. In this work we present a facile and sustainable method to functionalize multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and exploit the novel surface reactivity to deposit Ruthenium nanoparticles. Serinol pyrrole (SP) was synthesized and, through a Domino reaction, grafted on carbon nanotubes’ surface. Mild reducing conditions were employed to decorate CNT-SP with Ruthenium nanoparticles. The latter adduct was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Ru/CNT-SP was then tested in the selective deuteration of quinoline. High selectivity and conversion, determined through H-NMR, were achieved compared to commercial Ru/C catalysts. The results obtained in this work led to the filing of two patent applications

Transition metal nanoparticles on pyrrole-decorated sp2 carbon allotropes for selective hydrogen isotopic exchange

Compared to homogeneous catalysts, heterogeneous systems possess more attractiveness in the chemical industry because of the easier separation from the reaction products, lower amount of wastes, larger recyclability, and lower toxicity and corrosiveness. Objective of this research was to prepare more efficient and more selective heterogeneous catalysts, by anchoring transition metal cations and nanoparticles on nitrogen decorated sp2 carbon allotrope (CA), which were functionalized with pyrrole compounds. Triethylenetetramine pyrrole (TETAP) was selected as the pyrrole compound: it was synthesized and grafted onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes and high surface area graphite with efficient and viable methodology. The CA/TEPAP adduct was used as the support of transition metal nanoparticles. It is here reported the example of ruthenium supported catalyst, investigated by means of elemental and surface area analyses, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy. The catalyst was used for the Hydrogen Isotopic Exchange (HIE) of aromatic compounds of pharmaceutical interest. Outstanding selectivity was obtained

An original deconvolution approach for oil production allocation based on geochemical fingerprinting

We tackle oil commingling scenarios and develop an original deconvolution approach for geochemical production allocation. This yields robust assessment of the proportions of oils forming a mixture originating from commingling oils associated with diverse reservoirs or, wells. Our study starts from considering that production allocation performed by means of geochemical fingerprinting is relevant in the context of modern and sustainable use of georesources, with the added benefit of favoring shared facilities and production equipment. A geochemical production allocation workflow is typically structured according to two steps: (i) determination of the chromatograms associated with the mixture (and eventually with each of the End Members, EMs, constituting the fluids in the mixture), and (ii) the use of a deconvolution algorithm to estimate the mass fraction of each EM. Concerning the latter step, we introduce an original approach and the ensuing deconvolution algorithm (hereafter termed PGM) that does not require additional laboratory efforts in comparison with traditional approaches. We also present extensions of widely used deconvolution algorithms, which we frame in a (stochastic) Monte Carlo context to improve their robustness and reliability. The new PGM approach is assessed jointly with a suite of typically used approaches and algorithms against new laboratory-based commingling scenarios. The latter are based on the design and introduction of a novel and low-cost experimental method. The results of the study (i) constitute a unique and rigorous comparison of the traditionally employed production allocation deconvolution algorithms, (ii) document the critical importance of the number of features of the chromatograms used during a quantitative deconvolution, and (iii) suggest that our new PGM approach is very robust and accurate compared to existing approaches