0000000000008203
AUTHOR
Settimio Mobilio
Structural evolution of Pt/ceria-zirconia TWC catalysts during the oxidation of carbon monoxide
The structural evolution of two Pt/ceria–zirconia catalysts, characterized by different amounts of supported Pt, was monitored by in situ X-ray diffraction during the anaerobic oxidation of CO at different temperatures. In a first phase, oxygen coming from the surface layers of the ceria–zirconia mixed oxide is consumed and no structural variation of the support is observed. After this induction time, bulk reduction of Pt/ceria–zirconia takes place as a step-like process, while the CO2 production continues at a nearly constant rate. This behavior is totally different from that of the metal-free support in similar reaction conditions, that show a gradual bulk reduction. In repeated oxidation…
A teaching proposal for the didactics of Special Relativity: the spacetime globe
Abstract Special Relativity introduces students to Modern Physics, whose importance in the high school is increasing. Nevertheless its teaching and learning is a critical issue. Different solutions have been developed to overcome the encountered difficulties. In this paper we describe the spacetime globe, a mechanical instrument that allows to experience Special Relativity hands-on. We show how it is possible to treat all the main phenomena foreseen by Special Relativity with simple laboratory experiences, using the idea of Minkowski’s spacetime diagrams. The aim is to develop the use of geometrical approach in learning Special Relativity in high schools.
EXAFS and XRD study of Pd–Ag bimetallic catalysts supported on pumice from organometallic precursors
Abstract Silver–palladium bimetallic catalysts were supported on pumice following different procedures, based on mild treatments of organometallic precursors. The experiments for the structural characterization of the synthesized samples, wide angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, were carried out at the beamline GILDA of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The analysis of the data demonstrated that alloying took place with a degree of homogeneity depending on the different preparation routes.
Time-resolved X-ray powder diffraction on a three-way catalyst at the GILDA beamline
Time-resolved X-ray diffraction experiments carried out at the beamline BM08-GILDA of ESRF allowed a study of the structural modifications taking place in a Pt/ceria-zirconia catalyst while the CO oxidation reaction was in progress. The capillary tube in which the sample is stored acts effectively as a chemical microreactor that ensures homogeneity of the sample treatments and minimization of diffusion effects. During the flowing of the reactant CO/He mixture, the investigated catalyst undergoes a fast Ce(IV)-Ce(III) partial reduction that involves the release of one O atom for every two reduced Ce cations. Because Ce(III) has a larger ionic radius than Ce(IV), the structural modification p…
Microstructure and magnetic properties of colloidal cobalt nano-clusters
The magnetic response of nanometer sized Co nanoparticles (NP) prepared using reverse micelle solutions are presented. The use of complementary structural and morphological probes (like transmission electron microscopy, high resolution electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy) allowed to relate the magnetic properties to the size, morphology, composition and atomic structure of the nanoparticles. All data agree on the presence of a coreshell structure of NPs made of a metallic Co core surrounded by a thin Co-oxide layer. The coreshell microstructure of NPs affects its magnetic response mainly raising the anisotropy constant. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Seeing reality through Einstein's eyes: a teaching proposal for special relativity
The teaching of Special Relativity is still a critical issue not only for students but also for teachers. In this paper, we describe the trial of a learning unit on the Special Relativity topic based on Minkowski's approach through spacetime diagrams, following the results in pedagogical researches in this field. The main innovation of our project consists of a mechanical instrument: it allows to physically and mechanically represent Lorentz’s transformations by hands, exploring the effects of a change of the reference frame. Teachers and students can deal “by eye” with unusual phenomena as the loss of simultaneity, time dilation, length contraction, relativistic addition of velocities and …