Local probe of fractional edge states of S=1 Heisenberg spin chains

Spin chains are among the simplest physical systems in which electron-electron interactions induce novel states of matter. Here we propose to combine atomic scale engineering and spectroscopic capabilities of state of the art scanning tunnel microscopy to probe the fractionalized edge states of individual atomic scale S=1 spin chains. These edge states arise from the topological order of the ground state in the Haldane phase. We also show that the Haldane gap and the spin-spin correlation length can be measured with the same technique.

Evidence of Local pH Changes during Ethanol Oxidation at Pt Electrodes in Alkaline Media

Local changes of the interfacial pH can significantly affect the rate and mechanism during the course of an electrodic reaction. For instance, different pH values will have a significant effect on the equilibrium properties of both solution and surface species, altering the reactions kinetics. Ethanol oxidation at platinum electrodes in alkaline media involves the fast consumption of OH− species that will change the local pH at the electrode surface, decreasing the reaction rate. In this study, the local pH change during ethanol oxidation in alkaline media is accomplished by using rotating ring-disc electrode (RRDE) experiments. The current at the ring when polarized at the onset of hydrogen evolution serves as a measure of the local pH in the vicinity of the electrode. The results show that the current at the ring at 0.1 V (vs. RHE) becomes more negative during ethanol oxidation, owing to a change in the equilibrium potential of the hydrogen evolution reaction caused by a change in the local pH.