Correlation of magnetic resonance (EPR, ssNMR) parameters and crystal-microstrain in marbles as a tool to probe their provenance.

Marbles constitute a significant family of materials, for antiquities, as well as modern constructions. Herein, we have studied Greek marbles, using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopies, focusing on their structural microenvironment. Spin-Hamiltonian parameters derived from EPR spectra of naturally occurring Mn ( = 5/2, = 5/2) atoms in marbles, were studied as structural-probes.

Non-graphitized carbon/CuO/Cu nanohybrids with improved stability and enhanced photocatalytic H production.

CuO is a highly potent photocatalyst, however photocorrosion stands as a key obstacle for its stability in photocatalytic technologies. Herein, we show that nanohybrids of CuO/Cu nanoparticles interfaced with non-graphitized carbon (nGC) constitute a novel synthesis route towards stable Cu-photocatalysts with minimized photocorrosion. Using a Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) process that allows synthesis of anoxic-Cu phases, we have developed in one-step a library of CuO/Cu nanocatalysts interfaced with nGC, optimized for enhanced photocatalytic H production from HO.

Spin-Injection in Graphene: An EPR and Raman Study.

In this article, the enrichment of graphene and graphene oxide with free radicals through their functionalization with tyrosine is studied. In contrast with what is commonly observed in the functionalization of graphene with organic species the addition of tyrosine radicals on to the graphene substrate led to a remarkable increase of the aromatic character as indicated by the spectroscopic data. Similar behaviour was observed for the functionalization of graphene oxide.

Flame Spray Pyrolysis CoO/CoO as Highly-Efficient Nanocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the rate-limiting reaction in the cathode side of fuel cells. In the quest for alternatives to Pt-electrodes as cathodes in ORR, appropriate transition metal oxide-based electrocatalysts are needed. In the present work, we have synthesized CoO and CoO/CoO nanostructures using flame spray pyrolysis (FSP), as electrocatalysts for ORR in acidic and alkaline media.