Kinetic Monte Carlo Modelling to Study Diffusion in Zeolite. Understanding the Impact of Dual Site Isotherm on the Loading Dependence of n-Hexane and n-Heptane Diffusivities in MFI Zeolite, as Revealed by QENS Experiments

ENERGIE:MATERIAUX+HJO:NLAInternational audienceThis study concerns the diffusion of single-component molecules in zeolites, characterised by an isotherm represented by a dual-site Langmuir model with a point of inflection. The systems investigated are n-hexane and n-heptane in MFI zeolite at 300 K. Experiments conducted using the Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) technique have demonstrated that this inflection has an impact on the loading dependence of the transport Dt and corrected DC diffusion coefficients of these systems. The results of these experiments are described here. A Kinetic Monte Carlo study is then conducted, showing how the energy levels of the molecule adsorption sites in a zeolite affect the loading dependence of the diffusion coefficients of these molecules

Fourier-transform infrared and inelastic neutron-scattering study of hy zeolites

A combination of FTi.r. and INS spectroscopy is used in a vibrational study of the bending and stretching vibrations of the acidic hydroxyl groups of Y zeolites. The influence of the number of acidic Bronsted sites and the Si/Al ratio is discussed. Out-of-plane hydroxyl bending modes are assigned to vibrations centered around 419 cm-1 and in-plane hydroxyl bending modes are assigned to vibrations centered around 1089 cm-1. Upon dealumination, these bands are shifted by approximately 30 cm-1 to lower values. The less intense bands at 319,470,565,765, and 1130 cm-1 are assigned to proton- coupled framework vibrations. Upon dealumination, the mode at 319 cm-1 is shifted to lower frequencies and the modes at 565 and 1130 cm-1 are shifted to higher frequencie

Magnetic structure and ferroelectric polarization of MnWO4 investigated by density functional calculations and classical spin analysis

The ordered magnetic states of MnWO4 at low temperatures were examined by evaluating the spin exchange interactions between the Mn2+ ions of MnWO4 on the basis of first principles density functional calculations and by performing classical spin analysis with the resulting spin exchange parameters. Our work shows that the spin exchange interactions are frustrated within each zigzag chain of Mn2+ ions along the c-direction and between such chains of Mn2+ ions along the a-direction. This explains the occurrence of a spiral-spin order along the c- and a-directions in the incommensurate magnetic state AF2, and that of a uudd spin order along the c- and a-directions in the commensurate magnetic state AF1. The ferroelectric polarization of MnWO4 in the spiral-spin state AF2 was examined by performing Berry phase calculations for a model superstructure to find that the ferroelectric polarization occurs along the b-direction, in agreement with experiment.Comment: 30 pages, 10 figures, 4 figure

Application of Inelastic Neutron Scattering to the Methanol-to-Gasoline Reaction Over a ZSM-5 Catalyst

Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) is used to investigate a ZSM-5 catalyst that has been exposed to methanol vapour at elevated temperature. In-line mass spectrometric analysis of the catalyst exit stream confirms methanol-to-gasoline chemistry, whilst ex situ INS measurements detect hydrocarbon species formed in/on the catalyst during methanol conversion. These preliminary studies demonstrate the capability of INS to complement infrared spectroscopic characterisation of the hydrocarbon pool present in/on ZSM-5 during the MTG reaction

Supramolecular binding and separation of hydrocarbons within a functionalised porous metal-organic framework

Supramolecular interactions are fundamental to host-guest binding in chemical and biological processes. Direct visualisation of such supramolecular interactions within host-guest systems is extremely challenging but crucial for the understanding of their function. We report a comprehensive study combining neutron scattering with synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction, coupled with computational modelling, to define the detailed binding at a molecular level of acetylene, ethylene and ethane within the porous host NOTT-300. This study reveals the simultaneous and cooperative hydrogen-bonding, π···π stacking interactions and inter-molecular dipole interactions in the binding of acetylene and ethylene to give up to twelve individual weak supramolecular interactions aligned within the host to form an optimal geometry for intelligent, selective binding of hydrocarbons. We also report, for the first time, the cooperative binding of a mixture of acetylene and ethylene within the porous host together with the corresponding breakthrough experiment and analysis of mixed gas adsorption isotherms

Atomic Layer Deposition of 2D Metal Dichalcogenides for Electronics, Catalysis, Energy Storage, and Beyond

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are among the most exciting materials of today. Their layered crystal structures result in unique and useful electronic, optical, catalytic, and quantum properties. To realize the technological potential of TMDCs, methods depositing uniform films of controlled thickness at low temperatures in a highly controllable, scalable, and repeatable manner are needed. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a chemical gas-phase thin film deposition method capable of meeting these challenges. In this review, the applications evaluated for ALD TMDCs are systematically examined, including electronics and optoelectonics, electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, energy storage, lubrication, plasmonics, solar cells, and photonics. This review focuses on understanding the interplay between ALD precursors and deposition conditions, the resulting film characteristics such as thickness, crystallinity, and morphology, and ultimately device performance. Through rational choice of precursors and conditions, ALD is observed to exhibit potential to meet the varying requirements of widely different applications. Beyond the current state of ALD TMDCs, the future prospects, opportunities, and challenges in different applications are discussed. The authors hope that the review aids in bringing together experts in the fields of ALD, TMDCs, and various applications to eventually realize industrial applications of ALD TMDCs.Peer reviewe