We report the synthesis of extended two-dimensional organic networks on Cu(111), Ag(111), Cu(110), and Ag(110) from thiophene-based molecules. A combination of scanning tunnelling microscopy and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy yields insight into the reaction pathways from single molecules towards the formation of two-dimensional organometallic and polymeric structures via Ullmann reaction dehalogenation and C–C coupling. The thermal stability of the molecular networks is probed by annealing at elevated temperatures of up to 500 °C. On Cu(111) only organometallic structures are formed, while on Ag(111) both organometallic and covalent polymeric networks were found to coexist. The ratio between organometallic and covalent bonds could be controlled by means of the annealing temperature. The thiophene moieties start degrading at 200 °C on the copper surface, whereas on silver the degradation process becomes significant only at 400 °C. Our work reveals how the interplay of a specific surface type and temperature steers the formation of organometallic and polymeric networks and describes how these factors influence the structural integrity of two-dimensional organic networks.

Microscopic phase transformation from graphite to $sp$ -bonded carbon chains (carbyne) and nanodiamond has been induced by femtosecond laser pulses on graphite surface. UV/surface enhanced Raman scattering spectra and x-ray photoelectron spectra displayed the local synthesis of carbyne in the melt zone while nanocrystalline diamond and trans-polyacetylene chains form in the edge area of gentle ablation. These results evidence possible direct “writing” of variable chemical bonded carbons by femtosecond laser pulses for carbon-based applications.

A comparative study of carbon bonding states and Raman spectra is reported for amorphous diamondlike carbon films deposited using $120\mathrm{fs}$ and $30\mathrm{ns}$ pulsed laser ablation of graphite. The presence of $s{p}^1$ chains in femtosecond carbon films is confirmed by the appearance of a broad excitation band at $2000–2200{\mathrm{cm}}^{-1}$ in UV-Raman spectra. Analysis of Raman spectra indicates that the concentrations of $s{p}^1$ -, $s{p}^2$ -, and $s{p}^3$ -bonded carbon are $\approx 6\%$ , $\approx 43\%$ , and $\approx 51\%$ , respectively, in carbon films prepared by femtosecond laser ablation. Using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, specific vibrational frequencies associated with polycumulene, polyyne, and trans-polyacetylene chains have been identified. The present study provides further insight into the composition and structure of tetrahedral carbon films containing both $s{p}^2$ clusters and $s{p}^1$ chains.

The necessary application of sustainable engineering methodologies has been increasing as the number of environmental hazards caused by global warming is on the rise. Cement as a traditional common additive for soil improvement has several negative impacts on the environment. This led to an urge for alternative sustainable solutions. The use of biopolymers as environmentally friendly materials is one of the potential options. This study aims to investigate the effect of xanthan gum biopolymer as a sustainable solution for soil properties enhancement. The Atterberg limits, unconfined compression, CU and UU triaxial tests were performed to examine the effect of xanthan gum on the soil strength and plasticity. Additionally, the durability of biopolymer-treated and untreated soils under wetting and drying cycles and moisture susceptibility were assessed. The results showed that the compressive strength of soil increased by increasing the xanthan gum concentration and curing time and reached its peak value after a specific curing time. The addition of xanthan gum resulted in significant improvement in soil cohesion and caused a reduction in the internal friction angle of the soil. While increasing the number of wetting/drying cycles decreased the soil strength, the biopolymer-treated soil exhibited higher soil strength than the untreated soil. This study provides valuable experiences in the use of xanthan gum biopolymer in practical engineering applications.