Characterisation and functionalisation of mechanically fractured graphene nanoribbons : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nanoscience at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand

Graphene has been heralded as the supermaterial of the future, boasting incredibly high electron mobility, thermal conductivity, and physical strength – all contained within the world’s first true 2D material, only a single atom thick. Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) broaden this potential further by demonstrating width-dependent band gaps due to confinement effects. In addition, the ability to define the edge geometry and dimensions of GNRs allows control over self-assembly of these novel carbon nanostructures. GNR synthesis has been broadly explored in literature, demonstrating both relatively high yields and atomic-scale precision. Rarely, however, are these two criteria achieved in the same technique. Longitudinal unzipping of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) generates large quantities of nanoribbon material at the expense of quality, while techniques such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and bottom up synthesis achieve truly astounding quality, but lack scalability. Recently, the synthesis of highly ordered GNRs with tunable dimensions and unique geometries has been demonstrated using mechanical fracturing of a block of graphite via simple microtomy techniques. This method offers a top-down approach to GNR synthesis providing highly ordered structure on a much larger scale than efforts to date. In this work, this technique has been altered to use a dry-cut method, and the structural and chemical properties of the material obtained therein have been extensively characterised, demonstrating increased quality, structural order, and quantities obtainable. Further, this work has demonstrated the functionalisation of these dry-cut materials both chemically via simple organic chemistries, and non-covalently utilising filamentous bacteriophage as a route towards biofunctionalisation

The Effects of Biofuels Policies on Global Commodity Trade Flows

biofuel, Agricultural and Food Policy, Demand and Price Analysis, International Relations/Trade,

Food Aid as Surplus Disposal? The WTO, Export Competition Disciplines and the Disposition of Food Aid

The empirical investigation suggests that there exists an endogenous relationship between subsidy/credit shipments and food aid for wheat in the US. The empirical VAR demonstrates a contemporaneous increase in food aid shipments as alternative vents constrict. This result suggests that a trade agreement that disciplines export subsidies and credits may put upward pressure on food aid shipments as agricultural exporters vent the pressure of their domestic surpluses. The empirical results suggest that in the US wheat market the effects are not large. The same phenomenon has been noted in the case of skim milk powder by Margulis; skim milk powder would provide another interesting empirical case, were the data available.Food Security and Poverty,

Food Aid as Surplus Disposal? The WTO, Export Competition Disciplines and the Disposition of Food Aid

Food Security and Poverty, International Relations/Trade,

Decoherence-free quantum information in the presence of dynamical evolution

We analyze decoherence-free (DF) quantum information in the presence of an arbitrary non-nearest-neighbor bath-induced system Hamiltonian using a Markovian master equation. We show that the most appropriate encoding for N qubits is probably contained within the ~(2/9) N excitation subspace. We give a timescale over which one would expect to apply other methods to correct for the system Hamiltonian. In order to remain applicable to experiment, we then focus on small systems, and present examples of DF quantum information for three and four qubits. We give an encoding for four qubits that, while quantum information remains in the two-excitation subspace, protects against an arbitrary bath-induced system Hamiltonian. Although our results are general to any system of qubits that satisfies our assumptions, throughout the paper we use dipole-coupled qubits as an example physical system.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

Letter from James B. Brooke & M.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

Grandson James warns Finley that he should take care of his health since he is no longer a young man. He apologizes for not having written sooner and then writes news of the family (wife is Margaret Fisher Brooke). Many have suffered from bilious attacks but are generally well now. He plans to go home about the first of April. Abstract Number - 275https://digitalcommons.owu.edu/finley-letters/1273/thumbnail.jp

Geologic Analysis of the Upper Jurassic Cotton Valley Formation in Jefferson County, Mississippi

Though the Cotton Valley Group is productive in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, little is known about production potential of the Bossier Formation (Lower Cotton Valley Shale) in southwest Mississippi. The Bossier Formation in Jefferson County, Mississippi is an organic-poor, carbonate-rich mudrock with siliciclastic intervals. Examination of cuttings by petrographic and scanning electron microscopy revealed fractures that have been filled by calcite and poreilling pyrite. Porosity exists within and around pyrite framboids, in unfilled fractures, and within peloid grains. Organic matter is rare in Lower Cotton Valley samples suggesting it is not self-sourcing. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) values are low (0.86-1.1% TOC) compared to the productive Haynesville Shale Formation (2.8% TOC). Porosity of the Lower Cotton Valley Shale is low (2.5- 4.2%) compared to productive Haynesville Shale Formations (8-12%). With current technology and gas prices, the Lower Cotton Valley Shale in Jefferson County, Mississippi does not have production potential

Letter from James B. Brooke & M.F. Brooke to James B. Finley

The Brookes have suffered a great deal of ill health during the past fall. They write to thank Finley for his kind letters and remembrances. Abstract Number - 354https://digitalcommons.owu.edu/finley-letters/1552/thumbnail.jp

Geologic Analysis of the Upper Jurassic Cotton Valley Formation in Jefferson County, Mississippi

Though the Cotton Valley Group is productive in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, little is known about production potential of the Bossier Formation (Lower Cotton Valley Shale) in southwest Mississippi. The Bossier Formation in Jefferson County, Mississippi is an organic-poor, carbonate-rich mudrock with siliciclastic intervals. Examination of cuttings by petrographic and scanning electron microscopy revealed fractures that have been filled by calcite and poreilling pyrite. Porosity exists within and around pyrite framboids, in unfilled fractures, and within peloid grains. Organic matter is rare in Lower Cotton Valley samples suggesting it is not self-sourcing. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) values are low (0.86-1.1% TOC) compared to the productive Haynesville Shale Formation (2.8% TOC). Porosity of the Lower Cotton Valley Shale is low (2.5- 4.2%) compared to productive Haynesville Shale Formations (8-12%). With current technology and gas prices, the Lower Cotton Valley Shale in Jefferson County, Mississippi does not have production potential