Efficient Prüfer-Like Coding and Counting Labelled Hypertrees

We consider labelled r-uniform hypertrees, 2≤r≤n, where n is the number of vertices in the hypertree. Any two hyperedges in a hypertree share at most one vertex and each hyperedge in an r-uniform hypertree contains exactly r vertices. We show that r-uniform hypertrees can be encoded in linear time using as little as n−2 integers in the range [1,n]. The decoding algorithm also runs in linear time. For general hypertrees, we require codes of length n+p−2 where p is the number of vertices belonging to more than one hyperedge in the given hypertree. Based on our coding technique, we show that there are at most distinct labelled r-uniform hypertrees, where f(n,r) is a lower bound on the number of labelled trees with maximum (vertex) degree exceeding . We suggest a counting scheme for determining such a lower bound f(n,r).     

Polymer membranes for high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell: Recent advances and challenges

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered to be a promising technology for efficient power generation in the 21st century. Currently, high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC) offer several advantages, such as high proton conductivity, low permeability to fuel, low electro-osmotic drag coefficient, good chemical/thermal stability, good mechanical properties and low cost. Owing to the aforementioned features, high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been utilized more widely compared to low temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells, which contain certain limitations, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, heat management, water leaching, etc. This review examines the inspiration for HT-PEMFC development, the technological constraints, and recent advances. Various classes of polymers, such as sulfonated hydrocarbon polymers, acid-base polymers and blend polymers, have been analyzed to fulfill the key requirements of high temperature operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The effect of inorganic additives on the performance of HT-PEMFC has been scrutinized. A detailed discussion of the synthesis of polymer, membrane fabrication and physicochemical characterizations is provided. The proton conductivity and cell performance of the polymeric membranes can be improved by high temperature treatment. The mechanical and water retention properties have shown significant improvement., However, there is scope for further research from the perspective of achieving improvements in certain areas, such as optimizing the thermal and chemical stability of the polymer, acid management, and the integral interface between the electrode and membrane.     

Ferroelectric phase transition in Ba5RTi3Nb7O30 [R=Nd, Eu, Gd] ceramics

Polycrystalline samples of Ba₅RTi₃Nb₇O₃₀ [R=Nd, Eu, Gd], were prepared using high-temperature solid-state reaction technique. Preliminary X-ray structural analysis of the compounds shows the formation of single phase compounds (orthorhombic crystal system) at room temperature. Detailed studies of dielectric properties (ɛ, tanδ,σ) as a function of frequency (400 Hz to 10 kHz) and temperature (30° to 380°C) show that these compounds exhibit diffuse ferroelectric phase transition.     

Preparation of functionalized graphene/linear low density polyethylene composites by a solution mixing method

The surface modification of graphene as well as the characterization of modified graphene-based polymer composite prepared by solution mixing techniques was examined. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed to examine the surface modification and formation of graphene. The tensile strength of the composite increased with 3 wt.% of DA-G loading and was 46% higher than that of neat LLDPE. The onset thermal degradation temperature of the composite (3 wt.% of DA-G) was increased by ∼40 °C compared to neat LLDPE. A sharp increase in electrical conductivity of the composite was observed at 3 wt.% of DA-G content.     

In-situ synthesis and characterization of electrically conductive polypyrrole/graphene nanocomposites

Polypyrrole (PPy)/graphene (GR) nanocomposites were successfully prepared via in-situ polymerization of graphite oxide (GO) and pyrrole monomer followed by chemical reduction using hydrazine monohydrate. The large surface area and high aspect ratio of the in-situ generated graphene played an important role in justifying the noticeable improvements in electrical conductivity of the prepared composites via chemical reduction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed the removal of oxygen functionality from the GO surface after reduction and the bonding structure of the reduced composites were further determined from FTIR and Raman spectroscopic analysis. For PPy/GR composite, intensity ratio between D band and G band was high (∼1.17), indicating an increased number of c-sp² domains that were formed during the reduction process. A reasonable improvement in thermal stability of the reduced composite was also observed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations indicated the dispersion of the graphene nanosheets within the PPy matrix.     

Chemical functionalization of graphene and its applications

Functionalization and dispersion of graphene sheets are of crucial importance for their end applications. Chemical functionalization of graphene enables this material to be processed by solvent-assisted techniques, such as layer-by-layer assembly, spin-coating, and filtration. It also prevents the agglomeration of single layer graphene during reduction and maintains the inherent properties of graphene. Therefore, a detailed review on the advances of chemical functionalization of graphene is presented. Synthesis and characterization of graphene have also been reviewed in the current article. The functionalization of graphene can be performed by covalent and noncovalent modification techniques. In both cases, surface modification of graphene oxide followed by reduction has been carried out to obtain functionalized graphene. It has been found that both the covalent and noncovalent modification techniques are very effective in the preparation of processable graphene. However, the electrical conductivity of the functionalized graphene has been observed to decrease significantly compared to pure graphene. Moreover, the surface area of the functionalized graphene prepared by covalent and non-covalent techniques decreases significantly due to the destructive chemical oxidation of flake graphite followed by sonication, functionalization and chemical reduction. In order to overcome these problems, several studies have been reported on the preparation of functionalized graphene directly from graphite (one-step process). In all these cases, surface modification of graphene can prevent agglomeration and facilitates the formation of stable dispersions. Surface modified graphene can be used for the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites, super-capacitor devices, drug delivery system, solar cells, memory devices, transistor device, biosensor, etc.     

Preparation of non-covalently functionalized graphene using 9-anthracene carboxylic acid

A simple way of achieving stable aqueous dispersion of graphene by non-covalent functionalization using 9-anthracene carboxylic acid has been successfully accomplished. Unlike in chemically reduced graphene, the C-sp(2) network of the graphene remains undistorted and therefore of superior quality. The non-covalent functionalization facilitates the exfoliation of graphite layers in a polarity controlled combination of media. A detailed exfoliation mechanism is proposed based on the controlled experiment and is supported by the data from UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction studies. Formation of monolayer graphene has been confirmed from Raman spectroscopy. The graphene based ultracapacitor shows a high value of specific capacitance (148 F g(-1)).     

Mechanical and surface properties of corona-treated titanium dioxide-embedded opaque white low-density/Linear low-density polyethylene film

This study encompasses the characterization of corona-treated milky white co-extruded polyethylene films. The surface energies developed at various applied voltages were investigated by standard wetting (dyne) solutions of binary liquid mixtures. A maximum treatment of 40 dynes/cm was achieved at 3.0 kW of the applied load. Maximum heat seal joint strength of 1.05 kN/m was achieved only when an untreated/untreated surface combination was sealed, while a treated/treated surface combination exhibited the minimum heat seal joint strength of 0.98 kN/m. Standard Scotch tape method was employed for testing peel adhesion. An applied load of more than 3.0 kW shows a decreasing trend in surface energy. The coefficient of friction on the treated surface was also investigated. Aging under different environmental conditions had hardly any impact on the treatment levels within the time period under study. A sufficiently opaque (Opacity—99%) white film at Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) loading of 7.5% resulted in a very good barrier film.