Lars Kiewidt

Electrodeless dielectrophoresis: Impact of geometry and material on obstacle polarization

Insulator‐based (electrodeless) dielectrophoresis (iDEP) is a promising particle manipulation technique, based on movement of matter in inhomogeneous fields. The inhomogeneity of the field arises because the excitatory field distorts at obstacles (posts). This effect is caused by accumulation of polarization charges at material interfaces. In this study, we utilize a multipole expansion method to investigate the influence of geometry and material on field distortion of posts with arbitrary cross‐sections in homogeneous electric fields applied perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post. The post then develops a multipole parallel or anti parallel to the excitatory field. The multipoles intensity is defined by the posts structure and material properties and directly influences the DEP particle trapping potential. We analyzed posts with circular and rhombus‐shaped cross‐sections with different cross‐sectional width‐to‐height ratios and permittivities for their polarization intensity, multipole position, and their particle trapping behavior. A trade‐off between high maximum field gradient and high coverage range of the gradient is presented, which is determined by the sharpness of the posts edges. We contribute to the overall understanding of the post polarization mechanism and expect that the results presented will help optimizing the structure of microchannels with arrays of posts for electrodeless DEP application.

Numerical simulation of Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy using a Generalized Multipole Technique

We numerically simulate low-loss Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) of isolated spheroidal nanoparticles, using an electromagnetic model based on a Generalized Multipole Technique (GMT). The GMT is fast and accurate, and, in principle, flexible regarding nanoparticle shape and the incident electron beam. The implemented method is validated against reference analytical and numerical methods for plane-wave scattering by spherical and spheroidal nanoparticles. Also, simulated electron energy loss (EEL) spectra of spherical and spheroidal nanoparticles are compared to available analytical and numerical solutions. An EEL spectrum is predicted numerically for a prolate spheroidal aluminum nanoparticle. The presented method is the basis for a powerful tool for the computation, analysis and interpretation of EEL spectra of general geometric configurations.

Application of Generalized Mie Theory to EELS Calculations as a Tool for Optimization of Plasmonic Structures

Technical applications of plasmonic nanostructures require a careful structural optimization with respect to the desired functionality. The success of such optimizations strongly depends on the applied method. We extend the generalized multiparticle Mie (GMM) computational electromagnetic method and use it to excite a system of plasmonic nanoparticles with an electron beam. This method is applied to EELS calculations of a gold dimer and compared to other methods. It is demonstrated that the GMM method is so efficient, that it can be used in the context of structural optimization by the application of genetic algorithms combined with a simplex algorithm. The scheme is applied to the design of plasmonic filters.

Coatings of active and heat-resistant cobalt-aluminium xerogel catalysts.

The application of catalytically coated metallic foams in catalytic processes has a high potential for exothermic catalytic reactions such as CO2 methanation or Fischer-Tropsch synthesis due to good heat conductivity, improved turbulent flow properties and high catalyst efficiencies. But the preparation of homogenous catalyst coats without pore blocking is challenging with conventional wash coating techniques. Here, we report on a stable and additive free colloidal CoAlOOH suspension (sol) for the preparation of catalytically active Co/Al2O3 xerogel catalysts and coatings. Powders with 18wt% Co3O4 prepared from this additive free synthesis route show a catalytic activity in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and CO2 methanation which is similar to a catalyst prepared by incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) after activating the material under flowing hydrogen at 430°C. Yet, the xerogel catalyst exhibits a much higher thermal stability as compared to the IWI catalyst, as demonstrated in catalytic tests after different heat agings between 430°C and 580°C. It was also found that the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the sol influences the catalytic properties of the formed xerogels negatively. Only non-reducible cobalt spinels were formed from a CoAlOOH sol with 20wt% PEG. Metallic foams with pores sizes between 450 and 1200μm were coated with the additive free CoAlOOH sol, which resulted in homogenous xerogel layers. First catalytic tests of the coated metal foams (1200μm) showed good performance in CO2 methanation.