Controlling Spatial Morphology of Microparticle Deposits via Thermocapillary Flows: Effect of Boundary Geometry.

The production of particle deposits with a desired distribution geometry has significant potential for materials science, printing, and coating technologies. Most methods for achieving well-defined assemblies rely on the spontaneous evaporation of colloidal solutions on substrates with predetermined properties, or on precise control of particle arrangement by external stimuli. Here, we present a combined method that enables the production of centimeter-scale microparticle deposits with a desired geometric shape.

Reduced Graphene Oxide and Its Modifications as Catalyst Supports and Catalyst Layer Modifiers for PEMFC.

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and RGO modified by ozone (RGO-O) and fluorine (RGO-F) were synthesized. Pt nanoparticles were deposited on these materials and also on Vulcan XC-72 using the polyol method. The structural and electrochemical properties of the obtained catalysts were investigated in a model glass three-electrode electrochemical cell and in a laboratory PEM fuel cell.

Laser-induced capillary effect in thin layers of water-alcohol mixtures.

The effect of droplet formation in thin layers of water-alcohol mixtures upon laser heating was studied. The droplet growth in the laser beam is governed by the surface tension gradient, which induces solutocapillary flows from the periphery to the center of the heated area. This gradient arises due to the local increase in surface tension caused by the evaporation of alcohol from the heated area of the layer.