Low dimensionality and high flexibility are key demands for flexible electronic semiconductor devices. SnIP, the first atomic-scale double helical semiconductor combines structural anisotropy and robustness with exceptional electronic properties. The benefit of the double helix, combined with a diverse structure on the nanoscale, ranging from strong covalent bonding to weak van der Waals interactions, and the large structure and property anisotropy offer substantial potential for applications in energy conversion and water splitting. It represents the next logical step in downscaling the inorganic semiconductors from classical 3D systems, via 2D semiconductors like MXenes or transition metal dichalcogenides, to the first downsizeable, polymer-like atomic-scale 1D semiconductor SnIP. SnIP shows intriguing mechanical properties featuring a bulk modulus three times lower than any IV, III-V, or II-VI semiconductor. In situ bending tests substantiate that pure SnIP fibers can be bent without an effect on their bonding properties. Organic and inorganic hybrids are prepared illustrating that SnIP is a candidate to fabricate flexible 1D composites for energy conversion and water splitting applications. SnIP@C3N4 hybrid forms an unusual soft material core–shell topology with graphenic carbon nitride wrapping around SnIP. A 1D van der Waals heterostructure is formed capable of performing effective water splitting.
One-Dimensional Carbon Nanostructures—From Synthesis to Nano-electromechanica...Mariana Amorim Fraga
The fundamental properties of one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanostructures and their promising technological applications have stimulated significant research in different areas. Because of their outstanding electrical and mechanical properties, these nanostructures have emerged as a new class of sensor material with real potential for a variety of nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS). Several studies have shown that the performance of a NEMS device is significantly affected by the material properties of the nanostructures used to build it. For this reason, a section of this review is devoted to the synthesis and properties of 1D carbon nanostructures including nanotubes, nanofibers, and nanowires. Thereafter, some NEMS-based sensors using 1D carbon nanostructures are introduced and issues related to their fabrication processes are addressed. The goal of this brief review is to outline the benefits of the use of 1D carbon nanostructures, the current status of development and challenges to enable their widespread application as sensing elements in NEMS devices.
pp. 39-56
S&M1299
http://dx.doi.org/10.18494/SAM.2017.1366
Online Published: January 25, 2017
Synthesis of (Poly-methyl Methacrylate-lead Oxide) Nanocomposites and Studyin...journalBEEI
Piezoelectric materials have been prepared from (poly-methyl methacrylate-lead oxide) nanocomposites for electronic applications. The lead oxide nanoparticles were added to poly-methyl methacrylate by different concentrations are (4, 8, and 12) wt%. The structural and dielectric properties of nanocomposites were studied. The results showed that the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of nanocomposites decrease with increase in frequency of applied electric field. The A.C electrical conductivity increases with increase in frequency. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and A.C electrical conductivity of poly-methyl methacrylate increase with increase in lead oxide nanoparticles concentrations. The results of pressure sensor showed that the electrical resistance of (PMMA-PbO2) nanocomposites decreases with increase in pressure.
Fabrication and studying the dielectric properties of (polystyrene-copper oxi...journalBEEI
The preparation of (polystyrene-copper oxide) nanocomposites have been investigated for piezoelectric application. The copper oxide nanoparticles were added to polystyrene by different concentrations are (0, 4, 8 and 12) wt.%. The structural and A.C electrical properties of (PS-CuO) nanocomposites were studied. The results showed that the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of (PS-CuO) nanocomposites decrease with increase in frequency. The A.C electrical conductivity increases with increase in frequency. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and A.C electrical conductivity of polystyrene increase with increase in copper oxide nanoparticles concentrations. The results of piezoelectric application showed that the electrical resistance of (PS-CuO) nanocomposites decreases with increase in pressure.
Nanoelectronics refer to the use of nanotechnology in electronic components. The term covers a diverse set of devices and materials, with the common characteristic that they are so small that inter-atomic interactions and quantum mechanical properties need to be studied extensively.
This presentation is about the emerging and future possible trends of the exciting field of nanotechnology. Scientists and engineers are working on a smaller scale day-by-day to increase portability and smaller devices, and to change the way we see the world and live in!
Fabrication and Characterization of 2D Titanium Carbide MXene NanosheetsBecker Budwan
Typically, 2D free-standing crystals exhibit different properties from those of 3D counterparts. In this work, 2D nanosheets of Ti3C2 are synthesized by the room temperature exfoliation of Ti3AlC2 in hydrofluoric acid. Al is extracted from Ti3AlC2 and a new 2D material that we call MXene is formed to emphasize its graphene-like morphology. The treated powders can be used in the fabrication of Li-ion batteries and capacitors. A NSEM image of the treated powder shows the influence of HF treatment on the basal planes. Furthermore, XRD results shows the broadening of the peaks and loss of diffraction signal in the out-of-plane direction owing to exfoliation.
The emergence of nanotechnology in th1980’s was caused by convergence of experimental advances such as the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope in 1981 and the discovery of fullerenes in 1985. Now the nanotechnology products are used in various fields such as medical, material science, automobile etc. In this topic the various applications of nanotechnology in the renewable energy sources exploitation have been discussed.
The outstanding properties of metamaterials open the door of opportunity for a number of exciting practical applications. Fascinating applications such as: perfect lenses that break the diffraction limit of conventional lenses, optical quantum storage, and invisibility cloaking.
Fabrication of (Polymer Blend-magnesium Oxide) Nanoparticle and Studying thei...journalBEEI
Nanocomposites used in many optical devices applications. This aims to preparation of new type of polymer and study their optical properties. The polyvinyl pyrrolidone-carboxymethyl cellulose blend and magnesium oxide nanocomposites have been fabricated. The nanocomposites are prepared for different concentrations of polymer blend and magnesium oxide nanoparticles. The optical properties of nanocomposites were studied. The experimental results showed that the absorbance, absorption coefficient, refractive index, extinction coefficient, real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant and optical conductivity of (PVP-CMC) blend are increased with increase of the MgO nanoparticles concentration. The transmittance and energy band gap are decreased with increase of the MgO nanoparticles concentration. The nanocomposites have high absorbance in UV region which may be used for radiation shielding application.
Ultra-optical characterization of thin film solar cells materials using core...IJECEIAES
This paper investigates on new design of heterojunction quantum dot (HJQD) photovoltaics solar cells CdS/PbS that is based on quantum dot metallics PbS core/shell absorber layer and quantum dot window layer. It has been enhanced the performance of traditional HJQD thin film solar cells model based on quantum dot absorber layer and bulk window layer. The new design has been used sub-micro absorber layer thickness to achieve high efficiency with material reduction, low cost, and time. Metallicssemiconductor core/shell absorber layer has been succeeded for improving the optical characteristics such energy band gap and the absorption of absorber layer materials, also enhancing the performance of HJQD ITO/CdS/QDPbS/Au, sub micro thin film solar cells. Finally, it has been formulating the quantum dot (QD) metallic cores concentration effect on the absorption, energy band gap and electron-hole generation rate in absorber layers, external quantum efficiency, energy conversion efficiency, fill factor of the innovative design of HJQD cells.
One-Dimensional Carbon Nanostructures—From Synthesis to Nano-electromechanica...Mariana Amorim Fraga
The fundamental properties of one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanostructures and their promising technological applications have stimulated significant research in different areas. Because of their outstanding electrical and mechanical properties, these nanostructures have emerged as a new class of sensor material with real potential for a variety of nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS). Several studies have shown that the performance of a NEMS device is significantly affected by the material properties of the nanostructures used to build it. For this reason, a section of this review is devoted to the synthesis and properties of 1D carbon nanostructures including nanotubes, nanofibers, and nanowires. Thereafter, some NEMS-based sensors using 1D carbon nanostructures are introduced and issues related to their fabrication processes are addressed. The goal of this brief review is to outline the benefits of the use of 1D carbon nanostructures, the current status of development and challenges to enable their widespread application as sensing elements in NEMS devices.
pp. 39-56
S&M1299
http://dx.doi.org/10.18494/SAM.2017.1366
Online Published: January 25, 2017
Synthesis of (Poly-methyl Methacrylate-lead Oxide) Nanocomposites and Studyin...journalBEEI
Piezoelectric materials have been prepared from (poly-methyl methacrylate-lead oxide) nanocomposites for electronic applications. The lead oxide nanoparticles were added to poly-methyl methacrylate by different concentrations are (4, 8, and 12) wt%. The structural and dielectric properties of nanocomposites were studied. The results showed that the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of nanocomposites decrease with increase in frequency of applied electric field. The A.C electrical conductivity increases with increase in frequency. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and A.C electrical conductivity of poly-methyl methacrylate increase with increase in lead oxide nanoparticles concentrations. The results of pressure sensor showed that the electrical resistance of (PMMA-PbO2) nanocomposites decreases with increase in pressure.
Fabrication and studying the dielectric properties of (polystyrene-copper oxi...journalBEEI
The preparation of (polystyrene-copper oxide) nanocomposites have been investigated for piezoelectric application. The copper oxide nanoparticles were added to polystyrene by different concentrations are (0, 4, 8 and 12) wt.%. The structural and A.C electrical properties of (PS-CuO) nanocomposites were studied. The results showed that the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of (PS-CuO) nanocomposites decrease with increase in frequency. The A.C electrical conductivity increases with increase in frequency. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss and A.C electrical conductivity of polystyrene increase with increase in copper oxide nanoparticles concentrations. The results of piezoelectric application showed that the electrical resistance of (PS-CuO) nanocomposites decreases with increase in pressure.
Nanoelectronics refer to the use of nanotechnology in electronic components. The term covers a diverse set of devices and materials, with the common characteristic that they are so small that inter-atomic interactions and quantum mechanical properties need to be studied extensively.
This presentation is about the emerging and future possible trends of the exciting field of nanotechnology. Scientists and engineers are working on a smaller scale day-by-day to increase portability and smaller devices, and to change the way we see the world and live in!
Fabrication and Characterization of 2D Titanium Carbide MXene NanosheetsBecker Budwan
Typically, 2D free-standing crystals exhibit different properties from those of 3D counterparts. In this work, 2D nanosheets of Ti3C2 are synthesized by the room temperature exfoliation of Ti3AlC2 in hydrofluoric acid. Al is extracted from Ti3AlC2 and a new 2D material that we call MXene is formed to emphasize its graphene-like morphology. The treated powders can be used in the fabrication of Li-ion batteries and capacitors. A NSEM image of the treated powder shows the influence of HF treatment on the basal planes. Furthermore, XRD results shows the broadening of the peaks and loss of diffraction signal in the out-of-plane direction owing to exfoliation.
The emergence of nanotechnology in th1980’s was caused by convergence of experimental advances such as the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope in 1981 and the discovery of fullerenes in 1985. Now the nanotechnology products are used in various fields such as medical, material science, automobile etc. In this topic the various applications of nanotechnology in the renewable energy sources exploitation have been discussed.
The outstanding properties of metamaterials open the door of opportunity for a number of exciting practical applications. Fascinating applications such as: perfect lenses that break the diffraction limit of conventional lenses, optical quantum storage, and invisibility cloaking.
Fabrication of (Polymer Blend-magnesium Oxide) Nanoparticle and Studying thei...journalBEEI
Nanocomposites used in many optical devices applications. This aims to preparation of new type of polymer and study their optical properties. The polyvinyl pyrrolidone-carboxymethyl cellulose blend and magnesium oxide nanocomposites have been fabricated. The nanocomposites are prepared for different concentrations of polymer blend and magnesium oxide nanoparticles. The optical properties of nanocomposites were studied. The experimental results showed that the absorbance, absorption coefficient, refractive index, extinction coefficient, real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant and optical conductivity of (PVP-CMC) blend are increased with increase of the MgO nanoparticles concentration. The transmittance and energy band gap are decreased with increase of the MgO nanoparticles concentration. The nanocomposites have high absorbance in UV region which may be used for radiation shielding application.
Ultra-optical characterization of thin film solar cells materials using core...IJECEIAES
This paper investigates on new design of heterojunction quantum dot (HJQD) photovoltaics solar cells CdS/PbS that is based on quantum dot metallics PbS core/shell absorber layer and quantum dot window layer. It has been enhanced the performance of traditional HJQD thin film solar cells model based on quantum dot absorber layer and bulk window layer. The new design has been used sub-micro absorber layer thickness to achieve high efficiency with material reduction, low cost, and time. Metallicssemiconductor core/shell absorber layer has been succeeded for improving the optical characteristics such energy band gap and the absorption of absorber layer materials, also enhancing the performance of HJQD ITO/CdS/QDPbS/Au, sub micro thin film solar cells. Finally, it has been formulating the quantum dot (QD) metallic cores concentration effect on the absorption, energy band gap and electron-hole generation rate in absorber layers, external quantum efficiency, energy conversion efficiency, fill factor of the innovative design of HJQD cells.
Core−shell nanoparticles are a unique class of
nanostructured materials, which received significant attention in
the last two decades owing to their exciting properties and a wide
variety of applications. By judiciously tuning the “core” as well as
the “shell”, an assortment of “core−shell” nanostructures can be
obtained with tailorable properties which can play pivotal roles in
designing materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI)
shielding and microwave absorption. In recent times when the
use of high-end electronics has been on the rise, electromagnetic
pollution is inevitable and it affects every walk of life. Among
numerous e-pollutions, a recently highlighted domain that has farreaching consequences is electromagnetic interference. EMI is the disturbance created during an electronic device’s operation when
it is in the vicinity of an electromagnetic field caused by another electronic or electric device. Since EMI decreases the lifetime and
degrades the performance of the electronic instruments and even affects human health, it is crucial to protect sophisticated
instruments and components from EM interference. High-performance EMI shields capable of attenuating microwave propagation
efficiently have been developed in the past decade. Herein, in this review, we attempted to provide a logical guide to various “core−
shell” nanostructures (≤500 nm) that have been synthesized in the past decade for the application in microwave absorption and EMI
shielding. The prime focus of this review article is to highlight the fundamental concept of EMI shielding and microwave absorption
that have been reported for various systems in the literature along with various synthetic and fabrication strategies in designing
suitable broadband EM absorbers/screeners. Finally, we also made an effort to provide a holistic outlook and perspective in which
upcoming research will continue to flourish
Seminar report on Flexible Electronics by Sourabh KumarSourabh Kumar
www.androroot.com
Seminar report on Flexible Electronics by Sourabh Kumar
Flexible electronics is a new trend in electronics industry to handle the increasing burden on chips. It is a technology for assembling electronic circuits by mounting electronic devices on flexible plastic substrate. This technology is increasingly being used in a number of applications which benefit from their light weight, favourable dielectric properties, robust, high circuit density and conformable nature. Flexible circuits can be rolled away when not required. To replace glass, plastic substrate must offer properties like clarity, dimensional stability, low coefficient of thermal expansion, elasticity etc. Recent advances in organic and inorganic based electronics proceeds on flexible substrate, offer substantial rewards in terms of being able to develop displays that are thinner , lighter and can be rolled when not in use. This paper will discuss about the properties, preparation methods, applications and challenges in this rapidly growing industry.
Keywords : Electronics, Flexible, Circuits, Silicon, Substrates
Properties of electrodeposited semiconductor thin films are dependent upon the electrolyte composition, plating time, and temperature as well as the current density and the nature of the substrate. In this study, the influence of electrodeposition parameters such as deposition voltage, deposition time, composition of solution, and deposition temperature upon the properties of In2S3 films were analyzed by the Taguchi Method. According to Taguchi analysis, the interaction between deposition voltage and deposition time was significant. Deposition voltage had the most impact upon the stoichiometry of In2S3 films and deposition temperature had the least impact. The stochiometric ratios between sulfur and indium (S/In : 3/2) obtained from experiments performed with optimized electrodeposition paramters were in agreement with predicted values from the Taguchi Method. The experiments were carried-out according to Taguchi Orthogonal Array L27 (3^4) Design of Experiments (DOE). Approximately 600 nm-thick In2S3 films were electrodeposited from an organic bath (ethylene glycol-based) containing indium chloride (InCl3), sodium chloride (NaCl), and sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3.5H2O), the latter used as an additional sulfur source along with elemental sulfur (S). An X-ray diffractometer (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) unit, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were respectively used to analyze the phases, elemental composition, and morphology of the electrodeposited In2S3 films.
Emerging Next Generation Solar Cells: Route to High Efficiency and Low Costijtsrd
Generation of clean energy is one of the main challenges of the 21st century. Solar energy is the most abundantly available renewable energy source which would be supplying more than 50% of the global electricity demand in 2100. Solar cells are used to convert light energy into electrical energy directly with an appeal that it does not generate any harmful bi-products, like greenhouse gasses. The manufacturing of solar cells is actually based on the types of semiconducting or non-semiconducting materials used and commercial maturity. From the very beginning of the terrestrial use of Solar Cells, efficiency and costs are the main focusing areas of research. The definition of so-called emerging technologies sometimes described as including any technology capable of overcoming the Shockley“Queisser limit of power conversion efficiency (33.7 percent) for a single junction device. In this paper, few promising materials for solar cells are discussed including their structural morphology, electrical and optical properties. The excellent state of the art technology, advantages and potential research issues yet to be explored are also pointed out. Md. Samiul Islam Sadek | Dr. M Junaebur Rashid | Dr. Zahid Hasan Mahmood"Emerging Next Generation Solar Cells: Route to High Efficiency and Low Cost" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-1 | Issue-4 , June 2017, URL: http://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd96.pdf http://www.ijtsrd.com/physics/other/96/emerging-next-generation-solar-cells-route-to-high-efficiency-and-low-cost/md-samiul-islam-sadek
The growth and assembly of organic molecules and inorganic 2D materials on gr...Akinola Oyedele
The unique properties of graphene have made it a promising material for integration in future electronic applications. The idealized surface of graphene, atomically-flat and without dangling bonds, offers the opportunity to understand the assembly of organic and inorganic molecules to form a wide range of ordered architectures and functional graphene-based heterostructures. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the growth of hierarchical nanostructures on graphene. The self-assembly of organic molecules and inorganic two-dimensional (2D) layers on graphene for the construction of various types of heterostructures are highlighted. Van der Waals interactions between the assembled molecules and graphene are shown to allow the formation of highly-ordered structures with preferred molecular orientations and stacking configurations that circumvent the strict lattice-matching requirements in traditional epitaxial growth. Finally, we briefly discuss representative applications of graphene-based heterostructures in electronic and optoelectronics.
Multifunctional materials for clean energy conversionDevika Laishram
With the rapid depletion of fossil fuels, rising environmental concerns,
and population growth, it is inevitable to develop clean energy technologies
to power our future society [1e4]. These energy conversion and storage
technologies are anticipated to be sustainable and also capable of meeting
our long-term energy needs. During the past few years, extensive research
interests have been devoted to the advancement of energy conversion devices, as they play a crucial role in the prosperity and economic growth of
a country. Particularly, the energy conversion technologies such as solar
and fuel cells have proved to be highly reliable and can offer clean and sustainable energy at affordable rate [5e8]. However, the performance potential of these devices, such as output voltage, conversion efficiency, and
stability, are greatly relied on the materials used. The energy conversion process comprises physical and/or chemical reactions at th
Remarkable self-organization and unusual conductivity behavior in cellulose n...Pawan Kumar
Aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals were blended with Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)
[PEDOT:PSS], and cast into thin films. The morphology, structure and electrical properties of the resulting nanocomposite
thin films were thoroughly characterized. We found that the CNC–PEDOT:PSS blends self-organize into a layered vertical
stack with a pitch of 100–200 nm while retaining a continuous percolation network for PEDOT. Atomic force microscopy,
dynamic light scattering and multi-angle light scattering measurements confirmed the wrapping of polymer chains around
the rod-like CNCs. The blended films exhibited improved molecular ordering of the PEDOT chains with concomitant
improvement in the carrier mobility. The remarkable self-organization and enhanced structural order enabled the CNC–
PEDOT:PSS blends to exhibit a high conductivity typical of PEDOT:PSS even when the content of the insulating CNCs in
the nanocomposite was as high as 50 wt%.
Remarkable self-organization and unusual conductivity behavior in cellulose n...Pawan Kumar
Aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals were blended with Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) [PEDOT:PSS], and cast into thin films. The morphology, structure and electrical properties of the resulting nanocomposite thin films were thoroughly characterized. We found that the CNC–PEDOT:PSS blends self-organize into a layered vertical stack with a pitch of 100–200 nm while retaining a continuous percolation network for PEDOT. Atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering and multi-angle light scattering measurements confirmed the wrapping of polymer chains around the rod-like CNCs. The blended films exhibited improved molecular ordering of the PEDOT chains with concomitant improvement in the carrier mobility. The remarkable self-organization and enhanced structural order enabled the CNC–PEDOT:PSS blends to exhibit a high conductivity typical of PEDOT …
Similar to Flexible and Ultrasoft Inorganic 1D Semiconductor and Heterostructure Systems Based on SnIP (20)
Isolated Iridium Sites on Potassium-Doped Carbon-nitride wrapped Tellurium Na...Pawan Kumar
Many industrial processes such transesterification of fatty acid for biodiesel production, soap manufacturing and biosynthesis of ethanol generate glycerol as a major by-product that can be used to produce commodity chemicals. Photocatalytic transformation of glycerol is an enticing approach that can exclude the need of harsh oxidants and extraneous thermal energy. However, the product yield and selectivity remain poor due to low absorption and unsymmetrical site distribution on the catalyst surface. Herein, tellurium (Te) nanorods/nanosheets (TeNRs/NSs) wrapped potassium-doped carbon nitride (KCN) van der Waal (vdW) heterojunction (TeKCN) is designed to enhance charge separation and visible-NIR absorption. The iridium (Ir) single atom sites decoration on the TeKCN core-shell structure (TeKCNIr) promotes selective oxidation of glycerol to glyceraldehyde with a conversion of 45.6% and selectivity of 61.6% under AM1.5G irradiation. The catalytic selectivity can reach up to 88% under 450 nm monochromatic light. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) demonstrates the presence of undercoordinated IrN2O2 sites which improved catalytic selectivity for glycol oxidation. Band energies and computational calculations reveal faile charge transfer in the TeKCNIr heterostructure. EPR and scavenger tests discern that superoxide (O2•−) and hydroxyl (•OH) radicals are prime components driving glycerol oxidation.
Isolated Iridium Sites on Potassium-Doped Carbon-nitride wrapped Tellurium Na...Pawan Kumar
Many industrial processes such transesterification of fatty acid for biodiesel production, soap manufacturing and biosynthesis of ethanol generate glycerol as a major by-product that can be used to produce commodity chemicals. Photocatalytic transformation of glycerol is an enticing approach that can exclude the need of harsh oxidants and extraneous thermal energy. However, the product yield and selectivity remain poor due to low absorption and unsymmetrical site distribution on the catalyst surface. Herein, tellurium (Te) nanorods/nanosheets (TeNRs/NSs) wrapped potassium-doped carbon nitride (KCN) van der Waal (vdW) heterojunction (TeKCN) is designed to enhance charge separation and visible-NIR absorption. The iridium (Ir) single atom sites decoration on the TeKCN core-shell structure (TeKCNIr) promotes selective oxidation of glycerol to glyceraldehyde with a conversion of 45.6% and selectivity of 61.6% under AM1.5G irradiation. The catalytic selectivity can reach up to 88% under 450 nm monochromatic light. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) demonstrates the presence of undercoordinated IrN2O2 sites which improved catalytic selectivity for glycol oxidation. Band energies and computational calculations reveal faile charge transfer in the TeKCNIr heterostructure. EPR and scavenger tests discern that superoxide (O2•−) and hydroxyl (•OH) radicals are prime components driving glycerol oxidation.
Isolated Iridium Sites on Potassium-Doped Carbon-nitride wrapped Tellurium Na...Pawan Kumar
Many industrial processes such transesterification of fatty acid for biodiesel production, soap manufacturing and biosynthesis of ethanol generate glycerol as a major by-product that can be used to produce commodity chemicals. Photocatalytic transformation of glycerol is an enticing approach that can exclude the need of harsh oxidants and extraneous thermal energy. However, the product yield and selectivity remain poor due to low absorption and unsymmetrical site distribution on the catalyst surface. Herein, tellurium (Te) nanorods/nanosheets (TeNRs/NSs) wrapped potassium-doped carbon nitride (KCN) van der Waal (vdW) heterojunction (TeKCN) is designed to enhance charge separation and visible-NIR absorption. The iridium (Ir) single atom sites decoration on the TeKCN core-shell structure (TeKCNIr) promotes selective oxidation of glycerol to glyceraldehyde with a conversion of 45.6% and selectivity of 61.6% under AM1.5G irradiation. The catalytic selectivity can reach up to 88% under 450 nm monochromatic light. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) demonstrates the presence of undercoordinated IrN2O2 sites which improved catalytic selectivity for glycol oxidation. Band energies and computational calculations reveal faile charge transfer in the TeKCNIr heterostructure. EPR and scavenger tests discern that superoxide (O2•−) and hydroxyl (•OH) radicals are prime components driving glycerol oxidation.
Solar-Driven Cellulose Photorefining into Arabinose over Oxygen-Doped Carbon ...Pawan Kumar
Biomass photorefining is a promising strategy to address the energy crisis and transition toward carbon carbon-neutral society. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of direct cellulose photorefining into arabinose by a rationally designed oxygen-doped polymeric carbon nitride, which generates favorable oxidative species (e.g., O2–, •OH) for selective oxidative reactions at neutral conditions. In addition, we also illustrate the mechanism of the photocatalytic cellulose to arabinose conversion by density functional theory calculations. The oxygen insertion derived from oxidative radicals at the C1 position of glucose within cellulose leads to oxidative cleavage of β-1,4 glycosidic linkages, resulting in the subsequent gluconic acid formation. The following decarboxylation process of gluconic acid via C1–C2 α-scissions, triggered by surface oxygen-doped active sites, generates arabinose and formic acid, respectively. This work not only offers a mechanistic understanding of cellulose photorefining to arabinose but also sets up an example for illuminating the path toward direct cellulose photorefining into value-added bioproducts under mild conditions.
Solar-Driven Cellulose Photorefining into Arabinose over Oxygen-Doped Carbon ...Pawan Kumar
Biomass photorefining is a promising strategy to address the energy crisis and transition toward carbon carbon-neutral society. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of direct cellulose photorefining into arabinose by a rationally designed oxygen-doped polymeric carbon nitride, which generates favorable oxidative species (e.g., O2–, •OH) for selective oxidative reactions at neutral conditions. In addition, we also illustrate the mechanism of the photocatalytic cellulose to arabinose conversion by density functional theory calculations. The oxygen insertion derived from oxidative radicals at the C1 position of glucose within cellulose leads to oxidative cleavage of β-1,4 glycosidic linkages, resulting in the subsequent gluconic acid formation. The following decarboxylation process of gluconic acid via C1–C2 α-scissions, triggered by surface oxygen-doped active sites, generates arabinose and formic acid, respectively. This work not only offers a mechanistic understanding of cellulose photorefining to arabinose but also sets up an example for illuminating the path toward direct cellulose photorefining into value-added bioproducts under mild conditions.
Solar-Driven Cellulose Photorefining into Arabinose over Oxygen-Doped Carbon ...Pawan Kumar
Biomass photorefining is a promising strategy to address the energy crisis and transition toward carbon carbon-neutral society. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of direct cellulose photorefining into arabinose by a rationally designed oxygen-doped polymeric carbon nitride, which generates favorable oxidative species (e.g., O2–, •OH) for selective oxidative reactions at neutral conditions. In addition, we also illustrate the mechanism of the photocatalytic cellulose to arabinose conversion by density functional theory calculations. The oxygen insertion derived from oxidative radicals at the C1 position of glucose within cellulose leads to oxidative cleavage of β-1,4 glycosidic linkages, resulting in the subsequent gluconic acid formation. The following decarboxylation process of gluconic acid via C1–C2 α-scissions, triggered by surface oxygen-doped active sites, generates arabinose and formic acid, respectively. This work not only offers a mechanistic understanding of cellulose photorefining to arabinose but also sets up an example for illuminating the path toward direct cellulose photorefining into value-added bioproducts under mild conditions.
Partial Thermal Condensation Mediated Synthesis of High-Density Nickel Single...Pawan Kumar
Direct selective transformation of greenhouse methane (CH4) to liquid oxygenates (methanol) can substitute energy-intensive two-step (reforming/Fischer–Tropsch) synthesis while creating environmental benefits. The development of inexpensive, selective, and robust catalysts that enable room temperature conversion will decide the future of this technology. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) with isolated active centers embedded in support have displayed significant promises in catalysis to drive challenging reactions. Herein, high-density Ni single atoms are developed and stabilized on carbon nitride (NiCN) via thermal condensation of preorganized Ni-coordinated melem units. The physicochemical characterization of NiCN with various analytical techniques including HAADF-STEM and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) validate the successful formation of Ni single atoms coordinated to the heptazine-constituted CN network. The presence of uniform catalytic sites improved visible absorption and carrier separation in densely populated NiCN SAC resulting in 100% selective photoconversion of (CH4) to methanol using H2O2 as an oxidant. The superior catalytic activity can be attributed to the generation of high oxidation (NiIII═O) sites and selective C─H bond cleavage to generate •CH3 radicals on Ni centers, which can combine with •OH radicals to generate CH3OH.
Partial Thermal Condensation Mediated Synthesis of High-Density Nickel Single...Pawan Kumar
Direct selective transformation of greenhouse methane (CH4) to liquid oxygenates (methanol) can substitute energy-intensive two-step (reforming/Fischer–Tropsch) synthesis while creating environmental benefits. The development of inexpensive, selective, and robust catalysts that enable room temperature conversion will decide the future of this technology. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) with isolated active centers embedded in support have displayed significant promises in catalysis to drive challenging reactions. Herein, high-density Ni single atoms are developed and stabilized on carbon nitride (NiCN) via thermal condensation of preorganized Ni-coordinated melem units. The physicochemical characterization of NiCN with various analytical techniques including HAADF-STEM and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) validate the successful formation of Ni single atoms coordinated to the heptazine-constituted CN network. The presence of uniform catalytic sites improved visible absorption and carrier separation in densely populated NiCN SAC resulting in 100% selective photoconversion of (CH4) to methanol using H2O2 as an oxidant. The superior catalytic activity can be attributed to the generation of high oxidation (NiIII═O) sites and selective C─H bond cleavage to generate •CH3 radicals on Ni centers, which can combine with •OH radicals to generate CH3OH.
Selective Cellobiose Photoreforming for Simultaneous Gluconic Acid and Syngas...Pawan Kumar
Here, we demonstrate the selective cellobiose (building block of cellulose) photoreforming for gluconic acid and syngas co-production in acidic conditions by rationally designing a bifunctional polymeric carbon nitride (CN) with potassium/sulfur co-dopant. This heteroatomic doped CN photocatalyst possesses enhanced visible light absorption, higher charge separation efficiency than pristine CN. Under acidic conditions, cellobiose is not only more efficiently hydrolyzed into glucose but also promotes the syngas and gluconic acid production. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the favorable generation of •O2− during the photocatalytic reaction, which is essential for gluconic acid production. Consequently, the fine-designed photocatalyst presents excellent cellobiose conversion (>80%) and gluconic acid selectivity (>70%) together with the co-production of syngas (~56 μmol g-1 h-1) under light illumination. The current work demonstrates the feasibility of biomass photoreforming with value-added chemicals and syngas co-production under mild condition.
Selective Cellobiose Photoreforming for Simultaneous Gluconic Acid and Syngas...Pawan Kumar
Here, we demonstrate the selective cellobiose (building block of cellulose) photoreforming for gluconic acid and syngas co-production in acidic conditions by rationally designing a bifunctional polymeric carbon nitride (CN) with potassium/sulfur co-dopant. This heteroatomic doped CN photocatalyst possesses enhanced visible light absorption, higher charge separation efficiency than pristine CN. Under acidic conditions, cellobiose is not only more efficiently hydrolyzed into glucose but also promotes the syngas and gluconic acid production. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the favorable generation of •O2− during the photocatalytic reaction, which is essential for gluconic acid production. Consequently, the fine-designed photocatalyst presents excellent cellobiose conversion (>80%) and gluconic acid selectivity (>70%) together with the co-production of syngas (~56 μmol g-1 h-1) under light illumination. The current work demonstrates the feasibility of biomass photoreforming with value-added chemicals and syngas co-production under mild condition.
Selective Cellobiose Photoreforming for Simultaneous Gluconic Acid and Syngas...Pawan Kumar
Here, we demonstrate the selective cellobiose (building block of cellulose) photoreforming for gluconic acid and syngas co-production in acidic conditions by rationally designing a bifunctional polymeric carbon nitride (CN) with potassium/sulfur co-dopant. This heteroatomic doped CN photocatalyst possesses enhanced visible light absorption, higher charge separation efficiency than pristine CN. Under acidic conditions, cellobiose is not only more efficiently hydrolyzed into glucose but also promotes the syngas and gluconic acid production. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the favorable generation of •O2− during the photocatalytic reaction, which is essential for gluconic acid production. Consequently, the fine-designed photocatalyst presents excellent cellobiose conversion (>80%) and gluconic acid selectivity (>70%) together with the co-production of syngas (~56 μmol g-1 h-1) under light illumination. The current work demonstrates the feasibility of biomass photoreforming with value-added chemicals and syngas co-production under mild condition.
Partial Thermal Condensation Mediated Synthesis of High-Density Nickel Single...Pawan Kumar
Direct selective transformation of greenhouse methane (CH4) to liquid oxygenates (methanol) can substitute energy-intensive two-step (reforming/Fischer–Tropsch) synthesis while creating environmental benefits. The development of inexpensive, selective, and robust catalysts that enable room temperature conversion will decide the future of this technology. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) with isolated active centers embedded in support have displayed significant promises in catalysis to drive challenging reactions. Herein, high-density Ni single atoms are developed and stabilized on carbon nitride (NiCN) via thermal condensation of preorganized Ni-coordinated melem units. The physicochemical characterization of NiCN with various analytical techniques including HAADF-STEM and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) validate the successful formation of Ni single atoms coordinated to the heptazine-constituted CN network. The presence of uniform catalytic sites improved visible absorption and carrier separation in densely populated NiCN SAC resulting in 100% selective photoconversion of (CH4) to methanol using H2O2 as an oxidant. The superior catalytic activity can be attributed to the generation of high oxidation (NiIII═O) sites and selective C─H bond cleavage to generate •CH3 radicals on Ni centers, which can combine with •OH radicals to generate CH3OH.
Recent advancements in tuning the electronic structures of transitional metal...Pawan Kumar
The smooth transition from finite non-renewables to renewable energy conversion technologies will require efficient electrocatalysts which can harness intermittent energies to store in the form of chemical bonds. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) impedes the widespread usage of water electrolyzers to convert H2O into H2 and persists as a bottleneck, including other energy conversion devices with sluggish four H+/e− kinetics. In this context, designing highly active and stable catalysts capable of driving a lower overpotential in the OER to produce continuous hydrogen (H2) is a primary demanded. This chapter discussed the mechanism of the OER in conventional adsorbate oxygen and lattice oxygen participation in transition metal oxides (TMOs). Further, the influences of surface engineering, doping, and defects in the TMOs and understanding the electronic structure to screen electrodes towards the structure–activity relationship are highlighted. Specifically, the adsorption strength of O 2p is understood in detail as its binding ability over the surface of TMOs can be correlated directly to the OER activity. The iterative development of TMOs in terms of understanding electronic structural attributes is essential for the commercial deployment of energy conversion technologies. The comprehensive outlook of this chapter investigates thoroughly how TMOs can be used as significant materials for the OER in the near future.
Hole transport materials (HTMs) have a significant impact on the effectiveness of organic electronic devices; therefore, we present a molecular architecture of pyrazino[2,3-g]quinoxaline (PQ10)-based room-temperature organic liquid crystalline semiconductor (OLCS) as an alternative HTM. The PQ10 compound exhibits three different rectangular columnar (Colr) phases offering an impressive hole mobility of 8.8 × 10−3 cm2V−1s−1 which is found to be dexterous than most of existing polymeric hole transport materials. The charge transport mechanism is governed by the hole polarons hopping through H-aggregates of the PQ10 molecules and the hole mobility remains nearly constant throughout the mesophase range, but it decreases with increasing applied electric field. The current-voltage characteristics of the PQ10 have also been investigated in all three Colr phases and explained via the Poole-Frenkel conduction mechanism. The dielectric spectroscopy has been eventually carried out to understand the nature of dielectric permittivity and conductivity as a function of temperature and a correlation is established between the molecular architecture of the Colr phases and aforementioned physical properties. Solar cell simulation has been additionally performed to demonstrate that the PQ10 material can be a better choice as HTM for organic electronics and photovoltaic applications.
Multifunctional carbon nitride nanoarchitectures for catalysisPawan Kumar
Catalysis is at the heart of modern-day chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and there is an urgent demand to develop metal-free, high surface area, and efficient catalysts in a scalable, reproducible and economic manner. Amongst the ever-expanding two-dimensional materials family, carbon nitride (CN) has emerged as the most researched material for catalytic applications due to its unique molecular structure with tunable visible range band gap, surface defects, basic sites, and nitrogen functionalities. These properties also endow it with anchoring capability with a large number of catalytically active sites and provide opportunities for doping, hybridization, sensitization, etc. To make considerable progress in the use of CN as a highly effective catalyst for various applications, it is critical to have an in-depth understanding of its synthesis, structure and surface sites. The present review provides an overview of the recent advances in synthetic approaches of CN, its physicochemical properties, and band gap engineering, with a focus on its exclusive usage in a variety of catalytic reactions, including hydrogen evolution reactions, overall water splitting, water oxidation, CO2 reduction, nitrogen reduction reactions, pollutant degradation, and organocatalysis. While the structural design and band gap engineering of catalysts are elaborated, the surface chemistry is dealt with in detail to demonstrate efficient catalytic performances. Burning challenges in catalytic design and future outlook are elucidated.
Production of Renewable Fuels by the Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 using Ma...Pawan Kumar
The photo-reductive performance of natural ilmenite was boosted and the production of renewable fuels from the reduction of CO2 was enhanced by doping the natural mineral with magnesium. The doping was achieved by high energy ball milling in the presence of MgO and Mg(NO3)2. The photo-reduction of CO2 in aqueous solution led to the evolution of H2, CH4, C2H4, and C2H6, and the insertion of Mg in the structure of ilmenite enabled increases of up to 1245% in the fuel production yield, reaching total production of 210.9 µmol h-1 gcat-1. Displacements of the conduction band to more negative potentials were evidenced for the samples doped with magnesium. Indirect effects such as increases in the valence band maximum, and the introduction of intermediate energy levels were also evidenced through the measurement of the crystallite size and the determination of the band structure of the materials. Mott-Schottky analyses of the samples showed the n-type nature of the semiconductor materials and enabled the estimation of the density of charge carriers, which strongly influenced the photocatalytic performance. The strong potential of the application of natural ilmenite in gas phase artificial photosynthesis was proved by the evaluation of CO2 reduction in gas conditions, which allowed the enhancement in the selectivity and significantly increased the production of CH4 as compared to aqueous solution, reaching an important yield of CH4 of 16.1 µmol h-1 gcat-1.
Nanoengineered Au-Carbon Nitride Interfaces Enhance PhotoCatalytic Pure Water...Pawan Kumar
Photocatalytic pure water splitting using solar energy is one of the promising routes to produce sustainable green hydrogen (H2). Tuning the interfacial active site density at catalytic heterojunctions and better light management are imperative to steer the structure-activity correlations to enhance the photo-efficiency of nanocomposite photocatalysts. Herein, we report the decoration of nitrogen defects-rich carbon nitride CN(T) with metallic Au nanostructures of different morphologies and sizes to investigate their influence on the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). The CN(T)-7-NP nano-heterostructure comprises Au nanoparticles (NPs) of ~7 nm and thiourea-derived defective CN exhibits an excellent H2 production rate of 76.8 µmol g–1 h–1 from pure water under simulated AM 1.5 solar irradiation. In contrast to large-size Au nanorods, the high activity of CN(T)-7-NP was attributed to their strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) mediated visible absorption and interfacial charge separation. The surface ligands used to control Au nanostructures morphology were found to play a major role in the stabilization of NPs and improve interfacial charge transport between Au NPs and CN(T). First-principles calculations revealed that defects in CN and Au-CN interfacial sites in these nanocomposites facilitate the separation of e-/h+ pairs after light excitation and provide lower energy barrier pathways for H2 production by photocatalytic water splitting.
Nanoengineered Au-Carbon Nitride Interfaces Enhance Photo-Catalytic Pure Wate...Pawan Kumar
Photocatalytic pure water splitting using solar energy is one of the promising routes to produce sustainable green hydrogen (H2). Tuning the interfacial active site density at catalytic heterojunctions and better light management are imperative to steer the structure-activity correlations to enhance the photo-efficiency of nanocomposite photocatalysts. Herein, we report the decoration of nitrogen defects-rich carbon nitride CN(T) with metallic Au nanostructures of different morphologies and sizes to investigate their influence on the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). The CN(T)-7-NP nano-heterostructure comprises Au nanoparticles (NPs) of ~7 nm and thiourea-derived defective CN exhibits an excellent H2 production rate of 76.8 µmol g–1 h–1 from pure water under simulated AM 1.5 solar irradiation. In contrast to large-size Au nanorods, the high activity of CN(T)-7-NP was attributed to their strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) mediated visible absorption and interfacial charge separation. The surface ligands used to control Au nanostructures morphology were found to play a major role in the stabilization of NPs and improve interfacial charge transport between Au NPs and CN(T). First-principles calculations revealed that defects in CN and Au-CN interfacial sites in these nanocomposites facilitate the separation of e-/h+ pairs after light excitation and provide lower energy barrier pathways for H2 production by photocatalytic water splitting.
Cooperative Copper Single Atom Catalyst in Two-dimensional Carbon Nitride for...Pawan Kumar
Renewable electricity powered carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction (eCO2R) to high-value fuels like methane (CH4) holds the potential to close the carbon cycle at meaningful scales. However, this kinetically staggered 8-electron multistep reduction still suffers from inadequate catalytic efficiency and current density. Atomic Cu-structures can boost eCO2R-to-CH4 selectivity due to enhanced intermediate binding energies (BEs) resulting from favorably shifted d-band centers. Herein, we exploit two-dimensional carbon nitride (CN) matrices, viz. Na-polyheptazine (PHI) and Li-polytriazine imides (PTI), to host Cu-N2 type single atom sites with high density (∼1.5 at%), via a facile metal ion exchange process. Optimized Cu loading in nanocrystalline Cu-PTI maximizes eCO2R-to-CH4 performance with Faradaic efficiency (FECH4) of ≈68% and a high partial current density of 348 mA cm−2 at a low potential of -0.84 V versus RHE, surpassing the state-of-the-art catalysts. Multi-Cu substituted N-appended nanopores in the CN frameworks yield thermodynamically stable quasi-dual/triple sites with large interatomic distances dictated by the pore dimensions. First-principles calculations elucidate the relative Cu-CN cooperative effects between the two matrices and how the Cu-Cu distance and local environment dictate the adsorbate BEs, density of states, and CO2-to-CH4 energy profile landscape. The 9N pores in Cu-PTI yield cooperative Cu-Cu sites that synergistically enhance the kinetics of the rate-limiting steps in the eCO2R-to-CH4 pathway.
Bioinspired multimetal electrocatalyst for selective methane oxidationPawan Kumar
Selective partial electrooxidation of methane (CH4) to liquid oxygenates has been a long-sought goal. However, the high activation energy of C–H bonds and competing oxygen evolution reaction limit product selectivity and reaction rates. Inspired by iron (IV)-oxo containing metalloenzymes’ functionality to activate the C–H bond, here we report on the design of a copper-iron-nickel catalyst for selective oxidation of CH4 to formate via a peroxide-assisted pathway. Each catalyst serves a specific role which is confirmed via electrochemical, in situ, and theoretical studies. A combination of electrochemical and in situ spectroelectrochemical studies revealed that H2O2 oxidation on nickel led to the formation of active oxygen species which trigger the formation of iron (IV) at low voltages. Density functional theory analysis helped reveal the role of iron (IV)-oxo species in reducing the activation energy barrier for CH4 deprotonation and the critical role of copper to suppress overoxidation. Our multimetal catalyst exhibits a formate faradaic efficiency of 42% at an applied potential of 0.9 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode.
Nutraceutical market, scope and growth: Herbal drug technologyLokesh Patil
As consumer awareness of health and wellness rises, the nutraceutical market—which includes goods like functional meals, drinks, and dietary supplements that provide health advantages beyond basic nutrition—is growing significantly. As healthcare expenses rise, the population ages, and people want natural and preventative health solutions more and more, this industry is increasing quickly. Further driving market expansion are product formulation innovations and the use of cutting-edge technology for customized nutrition. With its worldwide reach, the nutraceutical industry is expected to keep growing and provide significant chances for research and investment in a number of categories, including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal supplements.
Richard's aventures in two entangled wonderlandsRichard Gill
Since the loophole-free Bell experiments of 2020 and the Nobel prizes in physics of 2022, critics of Bell's work have retreated to the fortress of super-determinism. Now, super-determinism is a derogatory word - it just means "determinism". Palmer, Hance and Hossenfelder argue that quantum mechanics and determinism are not incompatible, using a sophisticated mathematical construction based on a subtle thinning of allowed states and measurements in quantum mechanics, such that what is left appears to make Bell's argument fail, without altering the empirical predictions of quantum mechanics. I think however that it is a smoke screen, and the slogan "lost in math" comes to my mind. I will discuss some other recent disproofs of Bell's theorem using the language of causality based on causal graphs. Causal thinking is also central to law and justice. I will mention surprising connections to my work on serial killer nurse cases, in particular the Dutch case of Lucia de Berk and the current UK case of Lucy Letby.
(May 29th, 2024) Advancements in Intravital Microscopy- Insights for Preclini...Scintica Instrumentation
Intravital microscopy (IVM) is a powerful tool utilized to study cellular behavior over time and space in vivo. Much of our understanding of cell biology has been accomplished using various in vitro and ex vivo methods; however, these studies do not necessarily reflect the natural dynamics of biological processes. Unlike traditional cell culture or fixed tissue imaging, IVM allows for the ultra-fast high-resolution imaging of cellular processes over time and space and were studied in its natural environment. Real-time visualization of biological processes in the context of an intact organism helps maintain physiological relevance and provide insights into the progression of disease, response to treatments or developmental processes.
In this webinar we give an overview of advanced applications of the IVM system in preclinical research. IVIM technology is a provider of all-in-one intravital microscopy systems and solutions optimized for in vivo imaging of live animal models at sub-micron resolution. The system’s unique features and user-friendly software enables researchers to probe fast dynamic biological processes such as immune cell tracking, cell-cell interaction as well as vascularization and tumor metastasis with exceptional detail. This webinar will also give an overview of IVM being utilized in drug development, offering a view into the intricate interaction between drugs/nanoparticles and tissues in vivo and allows for the evaluation of therapeutic intervention in a variety of tissues and organs. This interdisciplinary collaboration continues to drive the advancements of novel therapeutic strategies.
Multi-source connectivity as the driver of solar wind variability in the heli...Sérgio Sacani
The ambient solar wind that flls the heliosphere originates from multiple
sources in the solar corona and is highly structured. It is often described
as high-speed, relatively homogeneous, plasma streams from coronal
holes and slow-speed, highly variable, streams whose source regions are
under debate. A key goal of ESA/NASA’s Solar Orbiter mission is to identify
solar wind sources and understand what drives the complexity seen in the
heliosphere. By combining magnetic feld modelling and spectroscopic
techniques with high-resolution observations and measurements, we show
that the solar wind variability detected in situ by Solar Orbiter in March
2022 is driven by spatio-temporal changes in the magnetic connectivity to
multiple sources in the solar atmosphere. The magnetic feld footpoints
connected to the spacecraft moved from the boundaries of a coronal hole
to one active region (12961) and then across to another region (12957). This
is refected in the in situ measurements, which show the transition from fast
to highly Alfvénic then to slow solar wind that is disrupted by the arrival of
a coronal mass ejection. Our results describe solar wind variability at 0.5 au
but are applicable to near-Earth observatories.