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February 2013 - December 2015
September 2007 - December 2011
Publications
Publications (122)
Meticulous synthesis methods are crucial for achieving high-purity ZrV 2 O 7 . Optimized solid-state synthesis can provide sufficient mixing of precursors, while sol–gel methods effectively produce single-phase materials through near-atomic-level mixing.
Extended hydrogen initiatives promote the urgency of research on water splitting technologies and therein oxygen evolution reaction catalysts being developed. A route to access a ZrF4 supported high-entropy fluoride catalyst using a facile sol-gel route is presented. The high-entropy character of the catalyst was confirmed by scanning transmission...
The early stages of mineralization continue to be in the focus of intensive research due to their inherent importance for natural and engineered environments. While numerous observations have been reported for single steps in the pathways of various crystallizing phases in previous studies, the complexity of the underlying processes and their elusi...
After years of intensive research and numerous important observations, our understanding of the early stages of crystallization is still limited due to the complexity of the underlying processes and their elusive character. In the present work, we provide a detailed view on the nucleation of calcium sulfate mineralization – an abundant mineral with...
Synthesis of pure, homogeneous, and reproducible materials is key for the comprehensive understanding, design, and tailoring of material properties. In this study, we focus on the synthesis of ZrV2O7, a material known for its negative thermal expansion properties. We investigate the influence of solid-state and wet chemistry synthesis methods on th...
A round-robin study has been carried out to estimate the impact of the human element in small-angle scattering data analysis. Four corrected datasets were provided to participants ready for analysis. All datasets were measured on samples containing spherical scatterers, with two datasets in dilute dispersions and two from powders. Most of the 46 pa...
Here, we elucidate non-classical multistep crystallization pathways of transition metal phosphates from aqueous solutions. We followed precipitation processes of M-struvites, NH4MPO4•6H2O, and M-phosphate octahydrates, M3(PO4)2•8H2O, where M = Ni, Co, NixCo1-x by using in-situ scattering and spectroscopy-based techniques, supported by elemental mas...
Here, we show that calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) can be directly, rapidly and reversibly converted to calcium sulfate hemihydrate (bassanite) in high salinity solutions (brines). The optimum conditions for the efficient production of bassanite in a short time (< 5 min) involve the use of brines with [NaCl] > 4 M and maintaining a temperature,...
In this article, we present a novel one-pot mechanochemical reaction for the surface activation of lignin. The process involves environmentally friendly oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, depolymerization of fractions with high molecular mass, and introduction of new carbonyl functions into the lignin backbone. Kraft lignin was ground with sodium pe...
The precipitation of struvite, a magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate (MgNH4PO4⋅6H2O) mineral, from wastewater is a promising method for recovering phosphorous. While this process is commonly used in engineered environments, our understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the formation of struvite crystals remains limited. Specif...
Transition metal phosphates (TMPs) have attracted interest as materials for (electro-) catalysis, and electrochemistry due to their low-cost, stability, and tunability. In this work, an automated synthesis platform was used for the preparation of transition metal phosphate crystals to efficiently explore the multidimensional parameter space, determ...
With increasing demand and environmental concerns, researchers are exploring new materials that can perform as well or better than traditional materials while reducing environmental impact. The BAMline, a real-life sample materials research beamline, provides unique insights into materials’ electronic and chemical structure at different time and le...
Here, we describe how to synthesise proton-conductive transition metal phosphates (TMPs) by direct thermal processing of precursor M-struvites, NH4MPO4·6H2O, with M = Ni2+, Co2+. In the as-derived TMP phases their thermal history and bulk proton conductivity were linked with the structural information about the metal coordination, phosphate groups,...
An anion‐doped aluminium chlorofluoride AlCl0.1F2.8(OTeF5)0.1 (ACF‐teflate) was synthesized. The material contains pentafluoroorthotellurate (teflate) groups, which mimic fluoride ions electronically, but are sterically more demanding. They are embedded into the amorphous structure. The latter was studied by PDF analysis, EXAFS data and MAS NMR spe...
A Round Robin study has been carried out to estimate the impact of the human element in small-angle scattering data analysis. Four corrected datasets were provided to participants ready for analysis. All datasets were measured on samples containing spherical scatterers, with two datasets in dilute dispersions, and two from powders. Most of the 46 p...
Industries transporting CO2 gas-saturated fluids have infrastructures made of carbon steel. This is a good material with great mechanical properties but prone to corrosion and potential failure. Corrosion in sweet environments involves the formation of FeCO3 as a corrosion film, which is recognized to play a protective role under certain conditions...
We show how historical gypsum plaster preparation methods affect the microstructure and the wettability properties of the final stucco materials. We reproduced a traditional Persian recipe (Gach-e Koshteh, ~14th century AD), which involves a continuous mechanical treatment during plaster hydration. These samples were compared with a laboratory-repl...
We present how mesoporosity can be engineered in transition metal phosphate (TMPs) materials in a template-free manner. The method involves the transformation of a precursor metal phosphate phase, called M-struvite (NH4MPO4·6H2O, M = Mg2+, Ni2+, Co2+, NixCo1-x2+). It relies on the thermal decomposition of crystalline M-struvite precursors to an amo...
Lignin is a highly underused resource. The complex and heterogeneous structure poses a challenge to industry and science. Problems are high polydispersity, high-molar-mass and insufficient functional groups. In this article, we present a mechanochemical one-pot reaction that depolymerises high-molecular-mass fractions by environmentally friendly hy...
We present how mesoporosity can be engineered in transition metal phosphate (TMPs) materials in a template-free manner. The method involves a transformation of a precursor metal phosphate phase, M-struvite (NH4MPO4·6H2O, M = Mg2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Nix2+Co1-x2+), and it relies on the thermal decomposition of crystalline M-struvite precursors to an amorph...
We present how mesoporosity can be engineered in transition metal phosphate (TMPs) materials in a template-free manner. The method involves a transformation of a precursor metal phosphate phase, M-struvite (NH4MPO4·6H2O, M = Mg2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Nix2+Co1-x2+), and it relies on the thermal decomposition of crystalline M-struvite precursors to an amorph...
We present how mesoporosity can be engineered in transition metal phosphate (TMPs) materials in a template-free manner. The method involves a transformation of a precursor metal phosphate phase, M-struvite (NH4MPO4·6H2O, M = Mg2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Nix2+Co1-x2+), and it relies on the thermal decomposition of crystalline M-struvite precursors to an amorph...
Industrial and agricultural waste streams (waste water, sludges, tailings, etc.) which contain high concentrations of NH4+, PO43–, and transition metals are environmentally harmful and toxic pollutants. At the same time, phosphorous and transition metals constitute highly valuable resources. Typically, separate pathways have been considered to extr...
We show how historical gypsum plaster preparation methods affect the microstructure and the nanoscale hydrophilic properties of the final stucco materials. We reproduced a traditional Persian recipe (Gach-e Koshteh, ~14th c. AD), which involves a continuous mechanical treatment during plaster hydration. The Koshteh samples were compared with a lab-...
An anion doped aluminium chlorofluoride AlCl0.1F2.8(OTeF5)0.1 (ACF-teflate) was synthesized. The material contains pentafluoroorthotellurate (teflate) groups, which mimic fluoride ions electronically, but are sterically more demanding. They are embedded into the amorphous structure. The latter was studied by PDF analysis, EXAFS data and MAS NMR spe...
Metal nanoparticles have a substantial impact across different fields of science, such as photochemistry, energy conversion, and medicine. Among the commonly used nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles are of special interest due to their antibacterial properties and applications in sensing and catalysis. However, many of the methods used to synthesiz...
A new hetero‐bimetallic polyoxometalate (POM) nano‐ring was synthesized in a one‐pot procedure. The structure consists of tetrameric units containing four bismuth‐substituted monolacunary Keggin anions including distorted [BiO8] cubes. The nano‐ring is formed via self‐assembly from metal precursors in aqueous acidic medium. The compound (NH4)16[(Bi...
Sulfate is abundant in the environment and, as a result, sulfate-containing minerals constitute a large and important focus of research [...]
Metal nanoparticles have a substantial impact across different fields of science, such as photochemistry, energy conversion, and medicine. Among the commonly used nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles are of special interest due to their antibacterial properties and applications in sensing and catalysis. However, many of the methods used to synthesiz...
Significance
Many people perceive crystals as the embodiment of perfect order, although in reality, it is well understood that monocrystals possess imperfections. By considering large anhydrite crystals from the famous Naica Mine (“Cueva de los cristales”), an extended picture begins to emerge, revealing a suite of correlated self-similar void defe...
Waste water containing high concentrations of NH4+, PO43- and transition metals M2+ are environmentally harmful due to environmental pollution and toxicity. Different pathways were perused to extract hazardous transition metals or phosphate separately. Investigations on the simultaneous remove of multiple components have barely reported. We report...
In recent years, we have come to appreciate the astounding intricacy of the formation process of minerals from ions in aqueous solutions. In this context, a number of studies have revealed that nucleation in the calcium sulfate system is non-classical, involving the aggregation and reorganization of nanosized prenucleation particles. In a recent wo...
Clays are crucial mineral phases in Earth’s weathering engine, but we do not know how they form in surface environments under (near-)ambient pressures and temperatures. Most synthesis routes, attempting to give insights into the plausible mechanisms, rely on hydrothermal conditions, yet many geological studies showed that clays may actually form at...
CaSO4 minerals (i.e. gypsum, anhydrite and bassanite) are widespread in natural and industrial environments. During the last several years, a number of studies have revealed that nucleation in the CaSO4-H2O system is non-classical, where the formation of crystalline phases involves several steps. Based on these recent insights we have formulated a...
CaSO4 minerals (i.e. gypsum, anhydrite and bassanite) are widespread in natural and industrial environments. During the last several years, a number of studies have revealed that nucleation in the CaSO4-H2O system is non-classical, where the formation of crystalline phases involves several steps. Based on these recent insights we have formulated a...
The controlled crystallisation of struvite (MgNH 4 PO 4 ·6H 2 O) is a viable means for the recovery and recycling of phosphorus (P) from municipal and industrial wastewaters. However, an efficient implementation of this recovery method in water treatment systems requires a fundamental understanding of struvite crystallisation mechanisms, including...
The solution-mediated formation of calcium sulfate minerals, i.e. gypsum, anhydrite and bassanite, is a common process in both natural and engineered settings. It plays a key role in the global sulfur cycle and serves as an indicator of past environmental conditions on Earth and Mars. Products relying on the crystallization of these minerals have b...
Understanding the gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) formation pathway from aqueous solution has been the subject of intensive research in the past years. This interest stems from the fact that gypsum appears to fall into a broader category of crystalline materials whose formation does not follow classical nucleation and growth theories. The pathways involve tran...
Although clays are crucial mineral phases in Earth's weathering engine, it is unclear how they form in surface environments under (near-)ambient pressures and temperature. Most synthesis routes, attempting to give insights into the plausible mechanisms, rely on hydrothermal conditions, yet many geological studies showed that clays may actually form...
Calcium sulfate minerals are found in nature as three hydrates: gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), bassanite (CaSO4·0.5H2O), and anhydrite (CaSO4). Due to their relevance in natural and industrial processes, the formation pathways of calcium sulfates from aqueous solution have been the subject of intensive research and there is a growing body of literature, sugg...
The understanding of the gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) formation pathway from aqueous solutions has been the subject of intensive research in the last couple of years. This interest stems from the fact that gypsum appears to fall into a broader category of crystalline materials whose formation does not follow classical nucleation and growth theories. The pat...
Mesoporous phosphates are a group of nanostructured materials with promising applications, particularly in biomedicine and catalysis. However, their controlled synthesis via conventional template-based routes presents a number of challenges and limitations. Here, we show how to synthesize a mesoporous magnesium phosphate with a high surface area an...
A quantitative understanding of aggregation mechanisms leading to the formation of composites of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) and proteins in aqueous media is of paramount interest for colloid chemistry. In particular, the interactions between silica (SiO2) NPs and lysozyme (LZM) have attracted attention, because LZM is well-known to adsorb strong...
Calcium sulfate minerals are found under the form of three crystalline phases: gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O), bassanite (CaSO4.0.5H2O), and anhydrite (CaSO4). Due to its relevance in natural and industrial processes, the formation pathways of these calcium sulphate phases from aqueous solution have been the subject of intensive research. There is a growing b...
Amorphous silica is a common precipitate in modern and ancient hot springs and in geothermal power plants, yet the corresponding precipitation rates and mechanisms are still highly debated, primarily due to the plethora of parameters that can affect the reactions in natural waters. Here, we report the results from a first ever industrial-scale time...
Iron sufides are important mineral phases in natural environments where they control global elemental cycles. Fe-S phases have been suggested to form through transformation of several possible precursors to finally reach stable crystalline structures. Mackinawite is a metastable intermediate, of which a full chemical and structural characteristisat...
In complex chemical syntheses (e.g., coprecipitation reactions), nucleation, growth, and coarsening often occur concurrently, obscuring the individual processes. Improved knowledge of these processes will help to better understand and optimize the reaction protocol. Here, a form‐free and model independent approach, based on a combination of time‐re...
Iron sulfur (Fe-S) phases have been implicated in the emergence of life on early Earth due to their catalytic role in the synthesis of prebiotic molecules. Similarly, Fe-S phases are currently of high interest in the development of green catalysts and energy storage. Here we report the synthesis and structure of a nanoparticulate phase (FeSnano) th...
A quantitative understanding of aggregation mechanisms leading to the formation of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) and protein composites in aqueous media is of paramount interest for colloid chemistry. In particular, the interactions between silica (SiO2) NPs and lysozyme (LZM) have attracted attention, because LZM is well-known to adsorb strongly t...