CNR, University of Florence and ICMol researchers in collaboration with the ALBA Synchrotron (BOREAS beamline) demonstrated that a spin-crossover (SCO) phenomenon can be observed in a monolayer of Cobalt (II) complexes anchored from solution to a metallic substrate. This strategy paves the way to the realization of smart SCO nanodevices through soft methodologies with prospective applications in spintronics.
Scientists from ICN2 and IREC used the electron microscope dedicated to materials science at JEMCA to study the atomic structure of catalytic materials that are crucial for the functioning of a new type of battery. The images obtained with the microscope were key to resolving the atomic structure of the nanoparticles of spinel catalysts. The results have been published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. JEMCA, located at ALBA, was inaugurated in February 2023.
A research led by ITQ (UPV-CSIC) has demonstrated the possibility to replace molecular catalysts in solution for all-solid catalysts based on isolated metal atoms for selective gas-phase ethylene hydroformylation, an important industrial chemical reaction. The discovery paves the way for greener chemical processes, with greater energy efficiency and lower carbon footprint, for the valorization of unconventional raw materials, alternative to crude oil. To test the designed catalyst, synchrotron light techniques have been used, among others, at the ALBA Synchrotron.
ALBA researchers from the XALOC beamline have discovered a common transcription factor protein domain in bacteria and humans. They named it TetD. This discovery shows that the basic functional principles of the system are very similar for living beings and suggests the existence of a common ancestor before multicellular life appeared. Moreover, the human protein that presents TetD is related with the occurrence of cancer, thus this study can help in the understanding of the regulation of cancer development.
A team of international researchers from Spain (ICMAB, EUSS, ICN2, INMA, ICMM, ALBA) and UK (University of Southampton) have discovered a method to synthesize carborane-based Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) incorporating any desired combination of multiple rare earth ions. The optical, thermal and magnetic properties of a proof-of-concept multi-metallic MOF including 8 different rare earth ions have been reported. Element-selective XAS & XMCD spectroscopy at BOREAS beamline of ALBA was used to characterize the individual magnetic properties of the 8 ions. This innovative approach allows for multifunctionality à la carte, and this newly discovered multi-metallic MOFs could have potential applications in fields such as quantum computing, luminescence, anticounterfeiting and thermometry.
