Synthesis and methane cracking activity of a silicon nitride supported vanadium nitride nanoparticle composite

The co-ammonolysis of V(NMe2)4 and Si(NHMe)4 with ammonia in THF and in the presence of ammonium triflate ([NH4][CF3SO3]) leads to the formation of monolithic gels. Pyrolysing these gels produces mesoporous composite materials containing nanocrystalline VN and amorphous silicon imidonitride. Elemental mapping indicated a thorough distribution of VN with no evidence of large cluster segregation. Whilst not active for ammonia synthesis, the silicon nitride based materials were found to possess activity for the COx-free production of H2 from methane, which makes them candidates for applications in which the presence of low levels of CO in H2 feedstreams is detrimental

Developing the learner voice

This paper presents three innovative projects in UK prisons which provide opportunities for students in prison to take greater ownership of their learning, recognising that this has significant benefits in a wider context. These include giving students responsibility for administration and peer support, Student Councils offering students voices to be heard and academic seminars to introduce prisoners to exciting new areas of study. Central to each of these is a strong commitment to “ensure that the student voice is present in decision making” (The Open University, 2018). Future plans and possibilities for building learning communities are proposed

Neuro

I’ve often described myself to people as an over-thinker. When analyzing this piece to find some sort of story or program, I saw myself. It seemed to me that the music described one who is cursed and blessed with thoughtfulness- perceiving the world, analyzing everything the senses take in and rehearsing them in the mind. I named the piece Neuro- referring to the nervous system. The first movement, “Conscious,” describes this intake of information in 4 sections: a blurry morning, the bustle of the day, a short respite from the intake, and another bustle. The second movement, “Mull,” describes a session of deep thoughtfulness. A descending scale followed by a large ascending leap represents the original thought. The over-thinker sits and rehearses this thought and takes loosely related rabbit trails to interesting places of his or her imagination. I encourage the listener to view the music as describing the intangible processes of the mind and imagination- perception, processing, rehearsing, etc