Author Archive

Top 10 most-read PCCP articles in June

This month sees the following articles in PCCP that are in the top ten most accessed in June:

Low-temperature ZnO atomic layer deposition on biotemplates: flexible photocatalytic ZnO structures from eggshell membranes  
Seung-Mo Lee, Gregor Grass, Gyeong-Man Kim, Christian Dresbach, Lianbing Zhang, Ulrich Gösele and Mato Knez  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2009, 11, 3608-3614 
DOI: 10.1039/B820436E 

The electrochemistry of CVD graphene: progress and prospects  
Dale A. C. Brownson and Craig E. Banks  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 8264-8281 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40225D 

Gas phase metal cluster model systems for heterogeneous catalysis  
Sandra M. Lang and Thorsten M. Bernhardt  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 9255-9269 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40660H 

Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT): from principal photophysics to the development of new chromophores and applications in fluorescent molecular probes and luminescent materials  
Jianzhang Zhao, Shaomin Ji, Yinghui Chen, Huimin Guo and Pei Yang  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 8803-8817 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP23144A 

From VO2 (B) to VO2 (A) nanobelts: first hydrothermal transformation, spectroscopic study and first principles calculation  
Shudong Zhang, Bo Shang, Jinlong Yang, Wensheng Yan, Shiqiang Wei and Yi Xie 
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, 13, 15873-15881 
DOI: 10.1039/C1CP20838A 

Quantum chemistry simulation on quantum computers: theories and experiments  
Dawei Lu, Boruo Xu, Nanyang Xu, Zhaokai Li, Hongwei Chen, Xinhua Peng, Ruixue Xu and Jiangfeng Du 
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 9411-9420 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP23700H 

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanoparticle based nontoxic and earth-abundant hybrid pn-junction solar cells  
Sudip K. Saha, Asim Guchhait and Amlan J. Pal  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 8090-8096 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP41062A 

The role of hydrogen bonding in excited state intramolecular charge transfer  
Francis A. S. Chipem, Anasuya Mishra and G. Krishnamoorthy  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 8775-8790 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP23879A 

A microporous–mesoporous carbon with graphitic structure for a high-rate stable sulfur cathode in carbonate solvent-based Li–S batteries  
Da-Wei Wang, Guangmin Zhou, Feng Li, Kuang-Hsu Wu, Gao Qing (Max) Lu, Hui-Ming Cheng and Ian R. Gentle 
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 8703-8710 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40808B 

Structure and dynamics of water at a clay surface from molecular dynamics simulation 
Virginie Marry, Benjamin Rotenberg and Pierre Turq  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2008, 10, 4802-4813 
DOI: 10.1039/B807288D 

Why not take a look at the articles today and blog your thoughts and comments below.

Fancy submitting an article to PCCP? Then why not submit to us today!

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)

Themed issue of PCCP: New Insights into Organic Chemistry from Forefront Physical Measurements now online!

PCCP is delighted to announce the online publication of Issue 30 which includes a themed collection on New Insights into Organic Chemistry from Forefront Physical Measurements, guest edited by Barry Carpenter, Cardiff University, UK.

The outside front cover features an article on the Direct measurement of Criegee intermediate (CH2OO) reactions with acetone, acetaldehyde, and hexafluoroacetone by Craig A. Taatjes, Oliver Welz, Arkke J. Eskola, John D. Savee, David L. Osborn, Edmond P. F. Lee, John M. Dyke, Daniel W. K. Mok, Dudley E. Shallcross and Carl J. Percival.

OFC_30

This themed collection contains a broad range of articles including the highlighted Editorial and Perspective below:

New insights into organic chemistry from forefront physical measurements
Barry K. Carpenter
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 10376-10376
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP90109A

Ultrafast time resolved studies of the photochemistry of acyl and sulfonyl azides
Jacek Kubicki ,  Yunlong Zhang ,  Jiadan Xue ,  Hoi Ling Luk and Matthew Platz
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 10377-10390
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40226B

Issue 30 also includes these additional high-profile Perspectives from PCCP’s broad scope:

Take a look at the issue today!

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)

Poster Prizes: Theoretical Chemistry Group Graduate Student Meeting

It was a pleasure for PCCP to award Poster Prizes at the recent TCG Graduate Student Meeting which took place in May at Kings College, London.

The winners were Gabrielle Tocci (University College London) for his poster entitled: ‘Structure and dynamics of the water-ZnO(10-10) interface from density functional theory’ and Leo Holroyd (University of St Andrews) for his poster: ‘Structure and energetics of the mutagenic base analog 5-bromouracil’
 

PCCP Poster prize winners Gabrielle Tocci and Leo Holroyd

PCCP Poster Prize winners Gabrielle Tocci and Leo Holroyd

PCCP is pleased to continue to support the TCG by sponsoring the student prizes again this year.

To keep up to date with our latest news: sign up to our e-alert and follow us on twitter.

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)

Top 10 most-read PCCP articles in May

This month sees the following articles in PCCP that are in the top ten most accessed in May:

Density functional theory for transition metals and transition metal chemistry 
Christopher J. Cramer and Donald G. Truhlar  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2009, 11, 10757-10816 
DOI: 10.1039/B907148B

Solar hydrogen production with semiconductor metal oxides: new directions in experiment and theory 
Álvaro Valdés, Jeremie Brillet, Michael Grätzel, Hildur Gudmundsdóttir, Heine A. Hansen, Hannes Jónsson, Peter Klüpfel, Geert-Jan Kroes, Florian Le Formal, Isabela C. Man, Rafael S. Martins, Jens K. Nørskov, Jan Rossmeisl, Kevin Sivula, Aleksandra Vojvodic and Michael Zäch  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 49-70 
DOI: 10.1039/C1CP23212F 

Studying disorder in graphite-based systems by Raman spectroscopy 
M. A. Pimenta, G. Dresselhaus, M. S. Dresselhaus, L. G. Cançado, A. Jorio and R. Saito  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2007, 9, 1276-1290 
DOI: 10.1039/B613962K 

Nanostructure-based WO3 photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting 
Xien Liu, Fengying Wang and Qing Wang  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 7894-7911 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40976C 

The electrochemistry of CVD graphene: progress and prospects 
Dale A. C. Brownson and Craig E. Banks 
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 8264-8281 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40225D 

Fragment and localized orbital methods in electronic structure theory 
Gregory J. O. Beran and So Hirata  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 7559-7561 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP90072F 

Graphene-based electrochemical energy conversion and storage: fuel cells, supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries 
Junbo Hou, Yuyan Shao, Michael W. Ellis, Robert B. Moore and Baolian Yi  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, 13, 15384-15402 
DOI: 10.1039/C1CP21915D 

Titania supported gold nanoparticles as photocatalyst 
Ana Primo, Avelino Corma and Hermenegildo García  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, 13, 886-910 
DOI: 10.1039/C0CP00917B 

Layer-by-layer assembly as a versatile bottom-up nanofabrication technique for exploratory research and realistic application 
Katsuhiko Ariga, Jonathan P. Hill and Qingmin Ji 
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2007, 9, 2319-2340 
DOI: 10.1039/B700410A 

Carbon materials for supercapacitor application  
Elzbieta Frackowiak  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2007, 9, 1774-1785 
DOI: 10.1039/B618139M 

Why not take a look at the articles today and blog your thoughts and comments below.

Fancy submitting an article to PCCP? Then why not submit to us today!

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)

Bunsentagung 2012 PCCP Prizes

PCCP is delighted to announce the following winners from the recent Bunsentagung 2012 which took place last month in Leipzig, Germany.

The winners of the PCCP Poster Prize were: Dr. Jan Philipp Hofmann (Utrecht University, The Netherlands), Dr. Axel Rosenhahn (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany) and Dr. Felix Plamper (RWTH Aachen University, Germany). 

PCCP Prize winners

PCCP Poster Prize winners Dr. Jan Philipp Hofmann, Dr. Axel Rosenhahn and Dr. Felix Plamper with PCCP Ownership Board member Professor Martin Quack

A further 10 winners were also awarded with the PCCPHot Topics’ Prize:

  • Dr. Andreas Hofmann (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)
  • Inga Niedermaier (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg)
  • Benedikt Uhl (University of Ulm)
  • Dr. Ian Grant (Ruhr-University Bochum)
  • Henrike Müller-Werkmeister (Goethe-University Frankfurt)
  • Nancy Faßheber (University of Kiel)
  • Dr. Maik Eichelbaum (Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society)
  • Dr. Axel Pramann (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt)
  • Andreas Lesch (The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg)
  • Roland Frach (TU Dortmand University)

All prizes were presented by Professor Martin Quack, member of the PCCP Ownership Board. PCCP is co-owned by 17 national Societies including the Deutsche Bunsen-Gesellschaft für Physikalische Chemie (DBG). Every time a paper by an author based in Germany is published in PCCP, the DBG receives a financial royalty from the journal. We are proud of PCCP’s strong and historic links with German research.

PCCP has just published a great themed issue on Interfaces of Ionic Liquids to accompany this year’s ‘Hauptthema’ – take a look at the issue today. 

To keep up to date with our latest news: sign up to our e-alert and follow us on twitter.

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)

PCCP Themed issue on Structure and reactivity of small particles out now!

We are delighted to announce the publication of Issue 26 of PCCP which includes a themed collection on the Structure and reactivity of small particles: from clusters to aerosols, and which is now online!

OFC_26 IFC_26

The themed issue was Guest-Edited by by Vlasta Bonacic-Koutecky from Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany and Thorsten M. Bernhardt from the University of Ulm, Germany. This themed issue on the Structure and reactivity of small particles: from clusters to aerosols contains an array of fascinating articles as well as the below highlighted Editorial and Perspectives:

Editorial
Structure and reactivity of small particles: from clusters to aerosols
Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecký and Thorsten M. Bernhardt
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 9252-9254
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP90066A

Perspectives
Gas phase metal cluster model systems for heterogeneous catalysis
Sandra M. Lang and Thorsten M. Bernhardt
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 9255-9269
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40660H

Structure characterization of metal oxide clusters by vibrational spectroscopy: possibilities and prospects
Knut R. Asmis
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 9270-9281
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40762K

Silver cluster–biomolecule hybrids: from basics towards sensors
Vlasta Bonačić-Koutecký, Alexander Kulesza, Lars Gell, Roland Mitrić, Rodolphe Antoine, Franck Bertorelle, Ramzi Hamouda, Driss Rayane, Michel Broyer, Thibault Tabarin and Philippe Dugourd
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 9282-9290
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP00050D

Ultrafast laser spectroscopy and control of atmospheric aerosols
J. Kasparian and J.-P. Wolf
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 9291-9300
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP23576E

Also in Issue 26 are the following exciting Perspectives and Communication:

Perspectives

Quantum chemistry simulation on quantum computers: theories and experiments
Dawei Lu, Boruo Xu, Nanyang Xu, Zhaokai Li, Hongwei Chen, Xinhua Peng, Ruixue Xu and Jiangfeng Du
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 9411-9420
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP23700H

Molecular optoelectronics: the interaction of molecular conduction junctions with light
Michael Galperin and Abraham Nitzan
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 9421-9438
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40636E

Communication
On the microscopic origin of bending of graphene nanoribbons in the presence of a perpendicular electric field
Mausumi Chattopadhyaya, Md. Mehboob Alam and Swapan Chakrabarti
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 9439-9443
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP24015G

Take a look at the issue today!

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)

PCCP Poster Prize winners – Operando IV Conference

We are delighted to announce the winners of the PCCP Poster prizes which were awarded at the Operando IV Conference – Recent Developments and Future Perspectives in Spectroscopy of Working Catalysts which took place at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, NY, USA in May 2012.

The 1st PCCP Poster prize winner was Isabel Green from the University of Virginia and the 2nd and 3rd prizes were awarded to Shilpa Agarwal, (University of Twente) and Javier Ruiz-Martinez, (Utrecht University). All prizes were presented by the Conference Chair Dr Simon R. Bare (UOP, LLC, a Honeywell Company).

PCCP Poster Prize winners: Isabel Green, Shilpa Agarwal, Javier Ruiz-Martinez with Dr Simon R. Bare

PCCP Poster Prize winners: Isabel Green, Shilpa Agarwal, Javier Ruiz-Martinez with Dr Simon R. Bare

Keep up to date with our latest news: sign up to our e-alert and follow us on twitter.

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)

Top 10 most-read PCCP articles in April

This month sees the following articles in PCCP that are in the top ten most accessed in April:

One-step synthesis of a sulfur-impregnated graphene cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries 
Min-Sik Park, Ji-Sang Yu, Ki Jae Kim, Goojin Jeong, Jae-Hun Kim, Yong-Nam Jo, Uk Hwang, Shin Kang,  Taewoo Woo and Young-Jun Kim 
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 6796-6804 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40727B  

Ultrafast chemical dynamics 
Klaas Wynne and Neil T. Hunt  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 6154-6155 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP90065C  

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) on transition metal and semiconductor nanostructures 
Xiaotian Wang, Wensheng Shi, Guangwei She and Lixuan Mu  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 5891-5901 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40080D  

Hydrate-phobic surfaces: fundamental studies in clathrate hydrate adhesion reduction 
J. David Smith, Adam J. Meuler, Harrison L. Bralower, Rama Venkatesan, Sivakumar Subramanian,  Robert E. Cohen, Gareth H. McKinley and Kripa K. Varanasi  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 6013-6020 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40581D  

Solar hydrogen production with semiconductor metal oxides: new directions in experiment and theory 
Álvaro Valdés, Jeremie Brillet, Michael Grätzel, Hildur Gudmundsdóttir, Heine A. Hansen, Hannes Jónsson, Peter Klüpfel, Geert-Jan Kroes, Florian Le Formal, Isabela C. Man, Rafael S. Martins, Jens K. Nørskov, Jan Rossmeisl, Kevin Sivula, Aleksandra Vojvodic and Michael Zäch 
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 49-70 
DOI: 10.1039/C1CP23212F  

Density functional theory for transition metals and transition metal chemistry 
Christopher J. Cramer and Donald G. Truhlar  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2009, 11, 10757-10816 
DOI: 10.1039/B907148B  

Shape-controlled synthesis of high tap density cathode oxides for lithium ion batteries 
Anmin Cao and Arumugam Manthiram  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 6724-6728 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40209B  

Role of complex defects in photocatalytic activities of nitrogen-doped anatase TiO2 
Naoto Umezawa and Jinhua Ye  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 5924-5934 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP24010F  

Cost-effective dye-sensitized solar cells consisting of two metal foils instead of transparent conductive oxide glass 
Ho-Gyeong Yun, Myoung Kim, Man Gu Kang and In-Hwan Lee  
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 6448-6451 
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40205J  
 
Carbon materials for supercapacitor application  
Elzbieta Frackowiak 
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2007, 9, 1774-1785 
DOI: 10.1039/B618139M  

Why not take a look at the articles today and blog your thoughts and comments below.

Fancy submitting an article to PCCP? Then why not submit to us today!

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)

Enhancing fingerprints with electrochromism

Scientists in the UK have developed a method to enhance latent fingerprints on metal surfaces using electrochromism, a process that causes a colour change when a charge is applied. 

The type of fingerprints that we are most familiar with from forensic shows on television are called ‘latent’ fingerprints. These are prints that are not visible to the naked eye and need enhancing to be seen, usually with methods such as dusting with powder or fuming with cyanoacrylate (superglue). Unfortunately, these methods do not work so well on metal surfaces and since many crimes nowadays involve metal objects, such as door handles, guns, bullets and knives, for example, it is important to find a technique with a greater recovery rate. 

Most latent fingerprints are caused by secretions from one of two types of sweat glands: eccrine glands found on the hands, or sebaceous glands found on the face. In general, fingerprint development techniques rely on the interaction between the chosen reagent and the fingerprint deposit on the surface, such as an amino acid in the sweat. ‘This strategy is vulnerable to loss of fingerprint deposit due to environmental exposure,’ says Robert Hillman from the University of Leicester, who led the research. ‘We adopt a complementary strategy and use the fingerprint deposit as an insulating mask, such that the reagent – an electrochromic polymer – is deposited only on the bare metal surface.’

Enhanced latent fingerprint

Scientists can see latent fingerprints on metallic surfaces by depositing the electrochromic polymer PEDOT onto the metal and applying a potential

Hillman and colleagues used a conducting polymer called PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) to fill the spaces between the fingerprint ridge details, creating a negative image of the print. PEDOT has electrochromic properties, and by varying the colour and optical density between the fingerprint and the surface using an applied potential, a high level of detail can be achieved. 

‘This is an excellent example of a different approach to what is an age-old problem,’ comments Paul Kelly, a synthetic chemist with experience in developing new fingerprint reagents from Loughborough University, UK. ‘Not only does it show promise in itself, it also illustrates how important it is for all strands of chemistry to think how they can potentially address the issue.’ 

The next step is for the new technique to gain acceptance within the user community, by demonstrating its greater performance against current methods. Hillman also hopes to extend the work to other metals and other electrochromic materials, in effect to design a ‘kit’ for the user so that the right combination of electrochromic material and metal can be used for the best result. He adds: ‘A more interesting prospect is that colour brings a new dimension to fingerprint analysis, since conventional methods involve the analysis of black and white images.’ 

Electrochromic enhancement of latent fingerprints by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)
A. Robert Hillman and Rachel M Brown
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C2CP40733G

Read the original article at Chemistry World

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)

PCCP Themed issue on Electronic Structure Theory is now online!

OFC_21

IFC_21 

We are pleased to announce the online publication of our PCCP themed issue on Fragment and localized orbital methods in electronic structure theory.

The issue was Guest Edited by Gregory J. O. Beran from the University of California and So Hirata from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

This themed issue on Fragment and localized orbital methods in electronic structure theory contains a broad range of articles including the following Perspectives:

 Take a look at the issue today!

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)