A New Method for the Measurement of the Diffusion Coefficient of Adsorbed Vapors in Thin Zeolite Films, Based on Magnetoelastic Sensors.

In the current work an experimental method is used in order to calculate the diffusivity D (diffusion coefficient) of various vapors in thin zeolite films. The method is based on adsorption data from magnetoelastic sensors on top of which a zeolite layer was synthesized, and the diffusivity is extracted by fitting the data to Fick's laws of diffusion. In particular, the method is demonstrated for two volatile organic compound (VOC) vapors on two different zeolites, the p-Xylene adsorption in Faujasite type zeolite with D=1.

Deciphering the scaling of single-molecule interactions using Jarzynski's equality.

Unravelling the complexity of the macroscopic world relies on understanding the scaling of single-molecule interactions towards integral macroscopic interactions. Here, we demonstrate the scaling of single acid-amine interactions through a synergistic experimental approach combining macroscopic surface forces apparatus experiments and single-molecule force spectroscopy. This experimental framework is ideal for testing the well-renowned Jarzynski's equality, which relates work performed under non-equilibrium conditions with equilibrium free energy.

Influence of molecular dipole orientations on long-range exponential interaction forces at hydrophobic contacts in aqueous solutions.

Strong and particularly long ranged (>100 nm) interaction forces between apposing hydrophobic lipid monolayers are now well understood in terms of a partial turnover of mobile lipid patches, giving rise to a correlated long-range electrostatic attraction. Here we describe similarly strong long-ranged attractive forces between self-assembled monolayers of carboranethiols, with dipole moments aligned either parallel or perpendicular to the surface, and hydrophobic lipid monolayers deposited on mica. We compare the interaction forces measured at very different length scales using atomic force microscope and surface forces apparatus measurements.

Angstrom-resolved real-time dissection of electrochemically active noble metal interfaces.

Electrochemical solid|liquid interfaces are critically important for technological applications and materials for energy storage, harvesting, and conversion. Yet, a real-time Angstrom-resolved visualization of dynamic processes at electrified solid|liquid interfaces has not been feasible. Here we report a unique real-time atomistic view into dynamic processes at electrochemically active metal interfaces using white light interferometry in an electrochemical surface forces apparatus.

Effect of interfacial ion structuring on range and magnitude of electric double layer, hydration, and adhesive interactions between mica surfaces in 0.05-3 M Li⁺ and Cs⁺ electrolyte solutions.

Ions and water structuring at charged-solid/electrolyte interfaces and forces arising from interfacial structuring in solutions above 100 mM concentrations dominate structure and functionality in many physiological, geological, and technological systems. In these concentrations, electrolyte structuring occurs within the range of molecular dimensions. Here, we quantitatively measure and describe electric double layer (EDL) and adhesive interactions at mica-interfaces in aqueous CsCl and LiCl solutions with concentrations ranging from 50 mM to 3 M.

Selective sensor utilizing a thin monolayer of b-oriented silicalite-1 crystals-magneto-elastic ribbon assembly.

This report presents the development of new selective gas sensors utilizing a b-oriented silicalite-1 layer-magneto-elastic ribbon assembly. The key principle for the operation of these sensors is monitoring the changes in the resonance frequency of the Metglas strip in relation to the concentration of a component in the gas phase. This technique provides a simple way for monitoring the effects of the amount of adsorbed gases in the silicalite-1 coating.