UV-Induced Nanoparticles-Formation, Properties and Their Potential Role in Origin of Life

Inorganic nanoparticles might have played a vital role in the transition from inorganic chemistry to self-sustaining living systems. Such transition may have been triggered or controlled by processes requiring not only versatile catalysts but also suitable reaction surfaces. Here, experimental results showing that multicolor quantum dots might have been able to participate as catalysts in several specific and nonspecific reactions, relevant to the prebiotic chemistry are demonstrated. A very fast and easy UV-induced formation of ZnCd quantum dots (QDs) with a quantum yield of up to 47% was shown to occur 5 min after UV exposure of the solution containing Zn(II) and Cd(II) in the presence of a thiol capping agent. In addition to QDs formation, xanthine activity was observed in the solution. The role of solar radiation to induce ZnCd QDs formation was replicated during a stratospheric balloon flight.

Interaction between Two Ni-Base Alloys and Ceramic Moulds

The interfacial reactions between ceramic moulds and DZ417G and DZ125 superalloys were investigated. The microstructure and composition of the interface region were observed by optical microscope, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results showed that (Al1-xCrx)2O3solid solution phase with pink color was formed from the dissolution of Cr2O3and Al2O3and vapour phase, which was transferred to the reaction surfaces. The reaction layer thicknesses of DZ417G and DZ125 alloys were about in the range of 40-50μm. The interface reaction product between DZ417G alloy and ceramic mould was TiO2and the product between DZ125 alloy and ceramic mould was HfO2.