Bimodal mesoporous silica with bottleneck pores

Bimodal mesoporous silica consisting of two sets of well-defined mesopores is synthesized by a partial pseudomorphic transformation of an ordered mesoporous starting material (SBA-15 type). The introduction of a second set of smaller mesopores (MCM-41 type) establishes a pore system with bottlenecks that restricts the access to the core of the bimodal mesoporous silica particles. The particle size and shape of the starting material are retained, but micropores present in the starting material disappear during the transformation, leading to a true bimodal mesoporous product. A varying degree of transformation allows the adjustment of the pore volume contribution of the two mesopore domains. Information on the accessibility of the mesopores is obtained by the adsorption of fluorescence-labeled poly(amidoamine) dendrimers and imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy. This information is correlated with nitrogen sorption data to provide insights regarding the spatial distribution of the two mesopore domains. The bimodal mesoporous materials are excellent model systems for the investigation of cavitation effects in nitrogen desorption isotherms

Massgeschneiderte Nanokanäle

https://www.zhaw.ch/de/lsfm/forschung/projekte-und-publikationen/transfer

Development of luminescent solar concentrators : molecular alignment chips

The project aims to develop methods for the synthesis of arrays of silica nanochannels with disc-shaped morphology and tunable pore size. These so-called Molecular Alignment Chips (MACs) are promising host materials for the supramolecular organization of guests. The project investigates several applications of MACs with a focus on light-harvesting systems such as luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). The fundamental project objectives concern the synthesis of MACs with well-defined particle morphology and tunable nanochannel diameter. Host materials of this kind provide a platform for the alignment of any desired guest species. In the field of LSCs, this ultimately opens possibilities for increasing the trapping efficiency and for reducing self-absorption losses

Indigo in the nanochannels of zeolite L : towards a new type of colorant

A host-guest based colorant was synthesized by intercalating indigo molecules into the nanochannels of zeolite L (ZL). Reductive washing thereby ensured the efficient and selective removal of non-intercalated indigo molecules. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum of the product after intercalation and reductive washing (designated as indigo-ZL) was found to resemble the solution spectrum of indigo, leading to the conclusion that the formation of indigo aggregates is prevented due to the steric constraints imposed by the microporous structure of ZL. The application of indigo-ZL on cotton was tested by roll coating. The light absorption properties of the resulting textile prints showed no significant alteration when compared to the pure indigo-ZL powder. The UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra of mixtures consisting of indigo-ZL and a further ZL-based colorant were successfully predicted by the weighted addition of the respective primary spectra

A theory of value in design

The continual strife to increase value in business economy attracts increasing attention in research. The contribution that design can make to economic value positions it as an important research area (Borja de Mozota, 2006; Daniels, 2006; Desbarats, 2006; Hertenstein and Platt, 2006; Lockwood, 2006; Phillips, 2006). However, investigations reveal that current literature provides different interpretations and highlights different aspects of the value phenomenon, but lacks a more fundamental formalism of value. A theory of value in the context of design (TVD) is provided in this thesis. The theory provides a means to support the development of more comprehensive explanations on the value phenomenon and consequently on value in the context of design. The value phenomenon was investigated from a value perspective in terms of axiology, economics, psychology, sociology, value interpretations across disciplines, and value types; and from a design perspective in terms of value interpretations in design, product and process value management, economic value of design, and human values in design. Knowledge gaps were identified and it was concluded that there was a need for a more fundamental formalism of value. Value and design theory characteristics were investigated and it was concluded that a theory provides a means for such formalism. The theory building in this thesis was based on critical realism. The person, cognition, determination, situation, interpretation, entity, and criteria axioms of value were identified, providing insights on the fundamental characteristics of value. A model of value determination (VDM) was then developed, highlighting the role of the cognitive activities involved. Based on the value axioms and the VDM, explanations on value-related phenomena were provided. A theory of value in design was then postulated in terms of key elements and construct relationships. The validity of the TVD was investigated using a protocol analysis, open-interviews, and a requirements analysis. Pros and cons of the work were revealed and further work on taking the research forward was discussed.The continual strife to increase value in business economy attracts increasing attention in research. The contribution that design can make to economic value positions it as an important research area (Borja de Mozota, 2006; Daniels, 2006; Desbarats, 2006; Hertenstein and Platt, 2006; Lockwood, 2006; Phillips, 2006). However, investigations reveal that current literature provides different interpretations and highlights different aspects of the value phenomenon, but lacks a more fundamental formalism of value. A theory of value in the context of design (TVD) is provided in this thesis. The theory provides a means to support the development of more comprehensive explanations on the value phenomenon and consequently on value in the context of design. The value phenomenon was investigated from a value perspective in terms of axiology, economics, psychology, sociology, value interpretations across disciplines, and value types; and from a design perspective in terms of value interpretations in design, product and process value management, economic value of design, and human values in design. Knowledge gaps were identified and it was concluded that there was a need for a more fundamental formalism of value. Value and design theory characteristics were investigated and it was concluded that a theory provides a means for such formalism. The theory building in this thesis was based on critical realism. The person, cognition, determination, situation, interpretation, entity, and criteria axioms of value were identified, providing insights on the fundamental characteristics of value. A model of value determination (VDM) was then developed, highlighting the role of the cognitive activities involved. Based on the value axioms and the VDM, explanations on value-related phenomena were provided. A theory of value in design was then postulated in terms of key elements and construct relationships. The validity of the TVD was investigated using a protocol analysis, open-interviews, and a requirements analysis. Pros and cons of the work were revealed and further work on taking the research forward was discussed

American Principles of Self-Government

I revisit Thomas Jefferson\u27s Principles of Government and reformulate them into four basic principles for life in the 21st century. Next, I state the conditions necessary for these principles to be fostered within a democratic, republican context, most specifically, Jefferson\u27s Ward Republic. Finally, in reference to Jefferson\u27s thesis that the most important way to secure our liberties is via an educated and self-reliant citizenry, I present a new image of public education for an American Republic

Unconventional field induced phases in a quantum magnet formed by free radical tetramers

We report experimental and theoretical studies on the magnetic and thermodynamic properties of NIT-2Py, a free radical-based organic magnet. From magnetization and specific heat measurements we establish the temperature versus magnetic field phase diagram which includes two Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) and an infrequent half magnetization plateau. Calculations based on density functional theory demonstrates that magnetically this system can be mapped to a quasi-two-dimensional structure of weakly coupled tetramers. Density matrix renormalization group calculations show the unusual characteristics of the BECs where the spins forming the low-field condensate are different than those participating in the high-field one.Comment: 12 pages, 12 figure

Physical Experiments of Tectonic Deformation and Processes: Building a Strong Community

The recent revolution in the analysis of physical experiments of tectonic processes has provided new quantitative tools to analyze their outcomes. Physical experiments using scaled analog models are unique in providing information on complex three-dimensional deformation where processes can be directly observed. These observations critically complement insights gained from field and analytical/numerical investigations. Recent innovations in rheologic testing, digital image processing, and data collection are revolutionizing how we use experiments to provide insight into crustal deformation. At the same time, we are seeing the benefits of physical experiments in classroom teaching by engaging students in hypothesis testing and hands-on laboratory experience. Strengthening of the community of physical experimentalists and instructors using analog materials to simulate tectonic processes will enhance our understanding of these processes, lend more power both to interpretations of field observations and to validation of numerical models, and deepen student understanding of tectonic mechanisms. A step toward a stronger community has been made with a recent workshop on physical modeling of tectonic processes, and this report is one outcome of that workshop

A Study of Cultural Influence on the Valuation of Patents

The regimes of today that regulate and protect Intellectual Property Rights are based on Western cultural and philosophical values. This realization leads to the supposition that culture may influence the notion of patents. This raised the question of whether patent valuation would underlie a cultural bias. If patents are important in international business it is evident that a cultural impact on patent valuation would have significant implications and necessitate dedicated investigation. A literature review confirmed a knowledge gap in this area. This work, therefore, aims to investigate cultural impact on patent valuation. A distinction is made between a valuation from an ethical point of view and an economic valuation. Following a mixed methods approach, this research applies semi-structured interviews to create survey items for a questionnaire that then provides data that can be analyzed statistically and qualitatively. For quality assurance, a pre-questionnaire is used as an intermediate step. The results of the quantitative and qualitative analyses are subject to a between-method triangulation, which is interpreted in the following discussion in the light of relevant theory. The findings of this investigation confirm that there is indeed a cultural impact on the notion of patents. Two cultural dimensions, “Uncertainty Avoidance” and “Institutional Collectivism” correlate significantly with ethical patent valuation. Furthermore, it is not the complete cultural dimension, “Future Orientation”, but a specific aspect of it that correlates with economic patent valuation. A relationship between standpoints towards the ethical valuation of patents and economic patent valuation could not be proven. The research questions of what cultural dimensions have an impact on patent valuation and how and why they impact are answered. In addition, this work provides a model that represents cultural impact on patent valuation