TiCT MXene Thin Films and Intercalated Species Characterized by IR-to-UV Broadband Ellipsometry.

MXenes are two-dimensional (2D) materials with versatile applications in optoelectronics, batteries, and catalysis. To unlock their full potential, it is crucial to characterize MXene interfaces and intercalated species in more detail than is currently possible with conventional optical spectroscopies. Here, we combine ultra-broadband ellipsometry and transmission spectroscopy from the mid-infrared (IR) to the deep-ultraviolet (UV) to probe quantitatively the composition, structure, transport, and optical properties of spray-coated TiCT MXene thin films with varying material properties.

Enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction activity of CuCo based hydroxides with VCT MXene.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a key reaction in the production of green hydrogen by water electrolysis. In alkaline media, the current state of the art catalysts used for the OER are based on non-noble metal oxides. However, despite their huge potential as OER catalysts, these materials exhibit various disadvantages including lack of stability and conductivity that hinder the wide-spread utilization of these materials in alkaline electrolyzer devices.

Alterations induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO) in fertilization and embryonic and larval development of the tropical sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus.

The release of nanomaterials into the environment is the cause of an emerging concern. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO) among the most produced nanomaterials, has been documented in marine coastal areas posing a threat on marine biota. Sea urchin embryos are recognized as suitable bioindicators in ecological risk assessment and recently for nanomaterials.

TiC MXene Membranes for Gas Separation: Influence of Heat Treatment Conditions on D-Spacing and Surface Functionalization.

Two-dimensional (2D) MXene materials have recently been the focus of membrane research due to their unique properties, such as their single-atomic-layer thickness, flexibility, molecular filtration abilities and microstructural similarities with graphene, which is currently the most efficient precursor material for gas separation applications. In addition, the potential to process nanoscale channels has motivated investigations of parameters which can improve membrane permeability and selectivity. Interlayer spacing and defects, which are still challenging to control, are among the most crucial parameters for membrane performance.

Biomonitoring Assessment of Toxic and Trace Elements in Sterechinus neumayeri Sea Urchins from the Comandante Ferraz Station in Antarctica.

In the present study, sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri tissues were used for the passive biomonitoring of toxic and trace elements at the Comandante Ferraz Station, Antarctica and compared to a pristine region (Botany). As, Ba, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Na, Rb, Sc, Se and Zn concentrations were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), while toxic metals (Cd, Hg, Ni and Pb), and Cu were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). The findings were compared to other organisms commonly applied for biomonitoring purposes and to the sediment concentrations of each sampling region.