Starting from subsurface Zr⁰-doped “inverse” Pd and bulk-intermetallic Pd⁰Zr⁰ model catalyst precursors, we investigated the dry reforming reaction of methane (DRM) using synchrotron-based near ambient pressure in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS), in-situ X-ray diffraction and catalytic testing in an ultrahigh-vacuum-compatible recirculating batch reactor cell. Both intermetallic precursors develop a Pd⁰–ZrO₂ phase boundary under realistic DRM conditions, whereby the oxidative segregation of ZrO₂ from bulk intermetallic Pd_xZr_y leads to a highly active composite layer of carbide-modified Pd⁰ metal nanoparticles in contact with tetragonal ZrO₂. This active state exhibits reaction rates exceeding those of a conventional supported Pd–ZrO₂ reference catalyst and its high activity is unambiguously linked to the fast conversion of the highly reactive carbidic/dissolved C-species inside Pd⁰ toward CO at the Pd/ZrO₂ phase boundary, which serves the role of providing efficient CO₂ activation sites. In contrast, the near-surface intermetallic precursor decomposes toward ZrO₂ islands at the surface of a quasi-infinite Pd⁰ metal bulk. Strongly delayed Pd carbide accumulation and thus carbon resegregation under reaction conditions leads to a much less active interfacial ZrO₂–Pd⁰ state.

The need for new solutions for electrical insulation is growing due to the increased electrification in numerous industrial sectors, opening the door for innovation. Plasma spraying is a fast and efficient way to deposit various ceramics as electrical insulators, which are used in conditions where polymers are not suitable. Alumina (Al${}_2$O${}_3$) is among the most employed ceramics in the coating industry since it exhibits good dielectric properties, high hardness, and high melting point, while still being cost-effective. Various parameters (e.g., feedstock type, spray distance, plasma power) significantly influence the resulting coating in terms of microstructure, porosity, and metastable phase formation. Consequently, these parameters need to be investigated to estimate the impact on the dielectric properties of plasma-sprayed alumina coatings. In this work, alumina coatings with different spray distances have been prepared via atmospheric plasma spray (APS) on copper substrates. The microstructure, porosity, and corresponding phase formation have been analyzed with optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, we present an in-depth analysis of the fundamental dielectric properties e.g., direct current (DC) resistance, breakdown strength, dielectric loss tangent, and permittivity. Our results show that decreasing spray distance reduces the resistivity from 6.31 × ${10}^9$$\mathsf{\Omega }$m (130 mm) to 6.33 × ${10}^8$$\mathsf{\Omega }$m (70 mm), while at the same time enhances the formation of the metastable $\mathsf{\delta }$-Al${}_2$O${}_3$ phase. Furthermore, space charge polarization is determined as the main polarization mechanism at low frequencies.

The promising direct dimethyl ether (DME) production through CO₂ hydrogenation was systematically analyzed in this research by synthesizing, characterizing, and testing several catalytic structures. In doing so, various combinations of precipitation and impregnation of copper- and zinc-oxides (CuO–ZnO) over a ZSM-5 zeolite structure were applied to synthesize the hybrid catalysts capable of hydrogenating carbon dioxide to methanol and dehydrating it to DME. The resulting catalytic structures, including the co-precipitated, sequentially precipitated, and sequentially impregnated CuO–ZnO/ZSM-5 catalysts, were prepared in the form of particle and electrospun fibers with distinguished chemical and structural features. They were then characterized using XRD, BET, XPS, ICP, TGA, SEM, and FIB-SEM/EDS analyses. Their catalytic performances were also tested and analyzed in light of their observed characteristics. It was observed that it is crucial to establish relatively small-size and well-distributed zeolite crystals across a hybrid catalytic structure to secure a distinguished DME selectivity and yield. This approach, along with other observed behaviors and the involved phenomena like catalyst particles and fibers, clusters of catalyst particles, or the whole catalytic bed, were analyzed and explained. In particular, the desired characteristics of a CuO–ZnO/ZSM-5 hybrid catalyst, synthesized in a single-pot processing of the precursors of all involved catalytically active elements, were found to be promising in guiding the future efforts in tailoring an efficient catalyst for this system.

The development of high-performance energy storage and conversion materials is critical of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are a promising candidate for postlithium-ion technology, due to their high theoretical energy density, abundance of recyclable resources and low environmental and safety risks. However, their rechargeability is severely limited, due to dendrite growth, passivation and overall electrode degradation, necessitating the development of advanced materials. A viable rechargeable ZAB requires a chemically and mechanically stable, electrically conductive material capable of sustaining multiple charge- discharge cycles. Additionally, maximizing the active material content relative to overall cell weight is crucial for commercial viability. Polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) exhibit exceptional electrochemical, thermodynamic and mechanical properties, making them strong candidates for next-generation battery materials. This study focuses on synthesizing a stable, electrically conductive host structure with a tailored amount of active battery material. A commercially available polysilazane is reacted with zinc acetate to form a single-phase precursor, which undergoes a two-step thermal treatment: crosslinking followed by pyrolysis under inert conditions. The resulting silicon-oxycarbo-nitride (SiOCN) ceramic matrix contains homogeneously dispersed metallic zinc nanoparticles. The process and analyzing concept is depicted in figure 1. The influence of precursor and thermal treatment conditions on structural, chemical and electrochemical properties is systematically analyzed. Crystalline phase composition is determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the oxidation states are examined via X- ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Morphological and structural characteristics are assessed through scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM + EDX). Additionally, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with differential thermal analysis (DTA) and mass spectroscopy (MS) and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) provide insights into the pyrolysis process. Electrochemical characteristics are investigated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and source measure units (SMU). Preliminary results reveal distinct formations of crystalline and amorphous phases, influenced by the silicon-containing polymer to metal acetate ratio and thermal treatment parameters. The presence of free carbon and metallic zinc within the composite structure suggest enhanced electrical conductivity. Furthermore, pyrolysis studies offer valuable insights into the formation mechanisms of zinc and silicon species. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing the metal loading, particle size and electrical conductivity to develop a high-performance anode material for rechargeable zinc-air batteries. Figure 1