SERS Active Surface in Two Steps, Patterning and Metallization

Robust and reproducible metallized nano/microstructured surfaces of polymeric surfaces have been successfully prepared by direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) of commercial polymeric films followed by sputtering of metallic thin films. The SERS spectra for 2-thioaniline adsorbed on a structured polycarbonate surfaces covered with a gold or platinum film showed a ca. three order of magnitude enhancement over a flat surface with the same metal film. The method here reported is suitable for mass production of substrates for SERS since large areas (several cm2) can be structured in ca. 1–5 s.

Highly dispersed Ptδ+ on TixCe(1−x)O2 as an active phase in preferential oxidation of CO

Structure–activity relationships for 1 wt.% Pt catalysts were investigated for a series of TixCe(1−x)O2 (x = 1, 0.98, 0.9, 0.5, 0.2 and 0) supports prepared by the sol–gel method. The catalysts prepared by impregnation were characterized in detail by applying a wide range of techniques as N2-isotherms, XRF, XRD, Raman, XPS, H2-TPR, Drifts, UV–vis, etc. and tested in the preferential oxidation of CO in the presence of H2. Also several reaction conditions were deeply analyzed. A strong correlation between catalyst performance and the electronic properties let us to propose, based in all the experimental results, a plausible reaction mechanism where several redox cycles are involved.

Use of herbs, spices and their bioactive compounds in active food packaging

The interest and societal demand on the use of natural, biodegradable and renewable resources has increased in the last few years. In addition, food producers and consumers have improved their requirements for the quality of processed food, particularly in the field of increasing shelf-life while preserving organoleptic and nutritional properties. Active packaging technologies have greatly developed in the last decade by trying to satisfy the need for long-life processed food in addition to antioxidant/antimicrobial components in the packaging material. These components are intended to be released in a controlled way to food. These rising trends have been reflected in the field of food packaging by the use of chemicals extracted and obtained from plants in active packaging formulations. Herbs and spices have shown great potential to be used as renewable, biodegradable and valuable sources of chemicals, such as polyphenols, with high antioxidant/antimicrobial performance. This review aims to present the latest published work in this area.

Neutrosophic and Modal Components of Relations in Complex Systems

Semiotic components in the relations of complex systems depend on the Subject. There are two main semiotic components: Neutrosophic and Modal. Modal components are alethical and deontical. In this paper the authors applied the theory of Neutrosophy and Modal Logic to Deontical Impure Systems.