Normalizers of maximal tori and real forms of Lie groups

For a complex reductive Lie group $G$ Tits defined an extension $W_G^T$ of the corresponding Weyl group $W_G$. The extended group is supplied with an embedding into the normalizer $N_G(H)$ of the maximal torus $H\subset G$ such that $W_G^T$ together with $H$ generate $N_G(H)$. We give an interpretation of the Tits classical construction in terms of the maximal split real form $G(\mathbb{R})\subset G(\mathbb{C})$, leading to a simple topological description of $W^T_G$. We also propose a different extension $W_G^U$ of the Weyl group $W_G$ associated with the compact real form $U\subset G(\mathbb{C})$. This results into a presentation of the normalizer of maximal torus of the group extension $U\ltimes {\rm Gal}(\mathbb{C}/\mathbb{R})$ by the Galois group ${\rm Gal}(\mathbb{C}/\mathbb{R})$. We also describe explicitly the adjoint action of $W_G^T$ and $W^U_G$ on the Lie algebra of $G$.Comment: 17 page

Electric dipole moments and the search for new physics

Static electric dipole moments of nondegenerate systems probe mass scales for physics beyond the Standard Model well beyond those reached directly at high energy colliders. Discrimination between different physics models, however, requires complementary searches in atomic-molecular-and-optical, nuclear and particle physics. In this report, we discuss the current status and prospects in the near future for a compelling suite of such experiments, along with developments needed in the encompassing theoretical framework.Comment: Contribution to Snowmass 2021; updated with community edits and endorsement

The investigation of the slippage effect, transformation of the structure and properties of the Zr–1%Nb alloy during high-pressure torsion deformation

High-pressure torsion deformation (HPT) is an effective method for transforming the structure of metallic materials, forming a nanostructural state in them, and significantly improving their strength. However, deformation achieved during HPT can be much less than expected due to the slippage. The study of the slippage effect during HPT of various materials is a topical issue. Previously, the authors proposed a simple and illustrative method for assessing slippage and the actual degree of torsion deformation achieved during HPT. Zr–1%Nb alloys, on which many studies of the HPT effect previously have been carried out, are good material for studying the slippage effect during HPT. Therefore, it is possible to compare obtained data with the results of other authors. The paper investigates the HPT impact on the structure and properties of the Zr–1%Nb alloy and demonstrates the slippage effect. The initial disk, prepared for HPT, was cut into two half-disks that were jointly placed on the strikers and exposed to joint HPT for n=¼ revolutions of anvils. The authors evaluated the slippage effect from the view of halves. The study showed that even at the initial HPT stages at n=¼ revolutions, there is a significant slippage of strikers and a sample, and the torsion deformation does not accumulate as expected. The authors analyzed the influence of various HPT modes on the microhardness, structure, and phase composition of the Zr–1%Nb alloy. The study shows that, despite the slippage effect, the Zr–1%Nb alloy is strongly hardened during HPT for one revolution (n=1) and HPT with n=10; the microhardness and tensile strength increase significantly, and up to 90 % of high-pressure ω-phases is formed in the sample. The authors conclude that during HPT, the deformation is implemented not by simple torsion but by the more complex modes

Exploiting two-dimensional morphology of molybdenum oxycarbide to enable efficient catalytic dry reforming of methane

The two-dimensional morphology of molybdenum oxycarbide (2D-Mo2COx) nanosheets dispersed on silica is found vital for imparting high stability and catalytic activity in the dry reforming of methane. Here we report that owing to the maximized metal utilization, the specific activity of 2D-Mo2COx/SiO2 exceeds that of other Mo2C catalysts by ca. 3 orders of magnitude. 2D-Mo2COx is activated by CO2, yielding a surface oxygen coverage that is optimal for its catalytic performance and a Mo oxidation state of ca. +4. According to ab initio calculations, the DRM proceeds on Mo sites of the oxycarbide nanosheet with an oxygen coverage of 0.67 monolayer. Methane activation is the rate-limiting step, while the activation of CO2 and the C–O coupling to form CO are low energy steps. The deactivation of 2D-Mo2COx/SiO2 under DRM conditions can be avoided by tuning the contact time, thereby preventing unfavourable oxygen surface coverages. © 2020, The Author(s).ISSN:2041-172

Amino-Modified Silica as Effective Support of the Palladium Catalyst for 4-Nitroaniline Hydrogenation

The article describes the synthesis of aminoorgano-functionalized silica as a prospective material for catalysis application. The amino groups have electron donor properties which are valuable for the metal chemical state of palladium. Therefore, the presence of electron donor groups is important for increasing catalysts’ stability. The research is devoted to the investigation of silica amino-modified support influence on the activity and stability of palladium species in 4-nitroaniline hydrogenation process. A series of catalysts with different supports such as SiO2, SiO2-C3H6-NH2 (amino-functionalized silica), γ-Al2O3 and activated carbon were studied. The catalytic activity was studied in the hydrogenation of 4-nitroaniline to 1,4-phenylenediamine. The catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chemisorption of hydrogen by the pulse technique. The 5 wt.% Pd/SiO2-C3H6-NH2 catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity for 4-nitroaniline hydrogenation with 100% conversion and 99% selectivity with respect to 1,4-phenylenediamine

Robust In Situ Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Heterogeneous Catalytic Hydrogenation with and without Hyperpolarization

ISSN:1867-3880ISSN:1867-389

Spatially resolved NMR spectroscopy of heterogeneous gas phase hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene with parahydrogen

Magnetic resonance-based methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are widely used to provide in situ/operando information of chemical reactions. However, the low spin density and magnetic field inhomogeneities associated with heterogeneous catalytic systems containing gaseous reactants complicate such studies. Hyperpolarization techniques, in particular parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP), increase significantly the NMR signal intensity. In this study, we test 16 glass tube reactors containing Pd, Pt, Rh or Ir nanoparticles dispersed on a thin layer of TiO2, CeO2, SiO2 or Al2O3 for the hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene using parahydrogen. The catalytic coatings of Ir and Rh gave hydrogenation products with the highest nuclear spin polarization while the coatings of Pd are the most selective ones for the semihydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene to 1- and 2-butenes. Spatially resolved NMR spectroscopy of the reagent and the product distribution along the reactor axis provided further mechanistic insight into the catalytic function of these reactive coatings under operando conditions.ISSN:2044-4753ISSN:2044-476

Synthesis of sandwiched composite nanomagnets by epitaxial growth of Fe3O4 layers on SrFe10Cr2O19 nanoplates in high-boiling organic solvent

Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of sandwiched composite nanomagnets, which consist of hard magnetic Cr-substituted hexaferrite cores and magnetite outer layers. The hexaferrite plate-like nanoparticles, with average dimensions of 36.3 nm × 5.2 nm, were prepared via a glass crystallization method and were covered by spinel-type iron oxide via thermal decomposition of iron acetylacetonate in a hexadecane solution. The hexaferrite nanoplates act as seeds for the epitaxial growth of the magnetite, which results in uniform continuous outer layers on both sides. The thickness of the layers can be adjusted by controlling the concentration of metal ions. In this way, layers with an average thickness of 3.7 and 4.9 nm were obtained. Due to an atomically smooth interface, the magnetic composites demonstrate the exchange coupling effect, acting as single phases during remagnetization. The developed approach can be applied to any spinel-type material with matching lattice parameters and opens the way to expand the performance of hexaferrite nanomagnets due to a combination of various functional properties.</p

Synthesis and Characterization of Folate Conjugated Boron Nitride Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug Delivery

International audienceWe have developed advanced folate bonded to boron nitride (BN) nanocarriers with a high potential for targeted drug delivery. The folic acid (FA) molecules were successfully conjugated to BN nanoparticles (BNNPs) in three consecutive stages (i) FA preactivation by N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), (ii) BNNP modification by AgNPs and their further NH2-functionalization with L-cysteine, and (iii) final conjugation of activated FA to modified BNNPs. To shed light on the FA-BNNPs binding mechanism, detailed energetic analysis of the atomic structure and stability of the FA-BNNPs system using density functional theory (DFT) calculations was carried out. The results indicated that the FA was successfully bonded with the BNNPs by a condensation reaction between amino groups of Cyst-Ag/BNNPs and carboxyl groups of FA using DCC. Theoretical analysis also demonstrated that the grafting of FA to the surface of BNNP does not affect FA targeting properties