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Understanding the ramifications of reduced crystalline symmetry on magnetic behavior is a critical step in improving our understanding of nanoscale and interfacial magnetism. However, investigations of such effects are often controversial largely due to the challenges inherent in directly correlating nanoscale stoichiometry and structure to magnetic behavior. Here, we describe how to use Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) to obtain Electron Magnetic Circular Dichroism (EMCD) signals as a function of scattering angle to locally probe the magnetic behavior of thin oxide layers grown on an Fe (1 1 0) surface. Experiments and simulations both reveal a strong dependence of the magnetic orbital to spin ratio on its scattering vector in reciprocal space. We exploit this variation to extract the magnetic properties of the oxide cladding layer, showing that it locally may exhibit an enhanced orbital to spin moment ratio. This finding is supported here by both spatially and angularly resolved EMCD measurements, opening up the way for compelling investigations into how magnetic properties are affected by nanoscale features.

While the performance of magnetic tunnel junctions based on metal/oxide interfaces is determined by hybridization, charge transfer, and magnetic properties at the interface, there are currently only limited experimental techniques with sufficient spatial resolution to directly observe these effects simultaneously in real-space. In this letter, we demonstrate an experimental method based on Electron Magnetic Circular Dichroism (EMCD) that will allow researchers to simultaneously map magnetic transitions and valency in real-space over interfacial cross-sections with sub-nanometer spatial resolution. We apply this method to an Fe/MgO bilayer system, observing a significant enhancement in the orbital to spin moment ratio that is strongly localized to the interfacial region. Through the use of first-principles calculations, multivariate statistical analysis, and Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS), we explore the extent to which this enhancement can be attributed to emergent magnetism due to structural confinement at the interface. We conclude that this method has the potential to directly visualize spin and orbital moments at buried interfaces in magnetic systems with unprecedented spatial resolution.

Silicon powder kerf loss from diamond wire sawing in the photovoltaic wafering industry is a highly appealing source material for use in lithium‐ion battery negative electrodes. Here, it is demonstrated for the first time that the kerf particles from three independent sources contain ~50 % amorphous silicon. The crystalline phase is in the shape of nano‐scale crystalline inclusions in an amorphous matrix. From literature on wafering technology looking at wafer quality, the origin and mechanisms responsible for the amorphous content in the kerf loss powder are explained. In order to better understand for which applications the material could be a valuable raw material, the amorphicity and other relevant features are thoroughly investigated by a large amount of experimental methods. Furthermore, the kerf powder was crystallized and compared to the partly amorphous sample by operando X‐ray powder diffraction experiments during battery cycling, demonstrating that the powders are relevant for further investigation and development for battery applications.

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful sensing technique. However, the employment of SERS sensors in practical applications is hindered by high fabrication costs from processes with limited scalability, poor batch‐to‐batch reproducibility, substrate stability, and uniformity. Here, highly scalable and reproducible flame aerosol technology is employed to rapidly self‐assemble uniform SERS sensing films. Plasmonic Ag nanoparticles are deposited on substrates as nanoaggregates with fine control of their interparticle distance. The interparticle distance is tuned by adding a dielectric spacer during nanoparticle synthesis that separates the individual Ag nanoparticles within each nanoaggregate. The dielectric spacer thickness dictates the plasmonic coupling extinction of the deposited nanoaggregates and finely tunes the Raman hotspots. By systematically studying the optical and morphological properties of the developed SERS surfaces, structure–performance relationships are established and the optimal hot‐spots occur for interparticle distance of 1 to 1.5 nm among the individual Ag nanoparticles, as also validated by computational modeling, are identified for the highest signal enhancement of a molecular Raman reporter. Finally, the superior stability and batch‐to‐batch reproducibility of the developed SERS sensors are demonstrated and their potential with a proof‐of‐concept practical application in food‐safety diagnostics for pesticide detection on fruit surfaces is explored. Robust surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing surfaces are fabricated using one‐step flame nanoparticle deposition. The sensing surfaces exhibit superior stability and high batch‐to‐batch reproducibility, highlighting their potential in practical (bio)chemical sensing. The detection of pesticides on fruit surfaces demonstrates a proof‐of‐concept practical application in food safety diagnostics at the point of consumption.

Pesticide Residue Detection In article number 2201133 by Georgios A. Sotiriou and co‐workers, flame aerosol technology is used for the rapid self‐assembly of uniform surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing films. These robust nano‐sensors can detect pesticide residues on apple surface in a short time of 5 minutes without destroying the fruit, offering a proof‐of concept practical application in food‐safety diagnostics.

A series of cobalt spinel catalysts doped with bismuth in a broad range of 0-15.4 wt % was prepared by the co-precipitation method. The catalysts were thoroughly characterized by several physicochemical methods (X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (mu RS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nitrogen adsorption analyzed with Brunaer-Emmett-Teller theory (N-2-BET), work function measurements (WF)), as well as aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). The optimal bismuth promoter content was found to be 6.6 wt %, which remarkably enhanced the performance of the cobalt spinel catalyst, shifting the N2O decomposition (deN(2)O) temperature window (T-50%) down from approximately 400 degrees C (for Co3O4) to 240 degrees C (for the 6.6 wt % Bi-Co3O4 catalyst). The high-resolution STEM images revealed that the high activity of the 6.6 wt % Bi-Co3O4 catalyst can be associated with an even, atomic-level dispersion (3.5 at. nm(-2)) of bismuth over the surface of cobalt spinel nanocrystals. The improvement in catalytic activity was accompanied by an observed increase in the work function. We concluded that Bi promoted mostly the oxygen recombination step of a deN(2)O reaction, thus demonstrating for the first time the key role of the atomic-level dispersion of a surface promoter in deN(2)O reactions.

A series of cobalt spinel catalysts doped with bismuth in a broad range of 0–15.4 wt % was prepared by the co-precipitation method. The catalysts were thoroughly characterized by several physicochemical methods (X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (µRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), nitrogen adsorption analyzed with Brunaer-Emmett-Teller theory (N2-BET), work function measurements (WF)), as well as aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). The optimal bismuth promoter content was found to be 6.6 wt %, which remarkably enhanced the performance of the cobalt spinel catalyst, shifting the N2O decomposition (deN2O) temperature window (T50%) down from approximately 400 °C (for Co3O4) to 240 °C (for the 6.6 wt % Bi-Co3O4 catalyst). The high-resolution STEM images revealed that the high activity of the 6.6 wt % Bi-Co3O4 catalyst can be associated with an even, atomic-level dispersion (3.5 at. nm−2) of bismuth over the surface of cobalt spinel nanocrystals. The improvement in catalytic activity was accompanied by an observed increase in the work function. We concluded that Bi promoted mostly the oxygen recombination step of a deN2O reaction, thus demonstrating for the first time the key role of the atomic-level dispersion of a surface promoter in deN2O reactions.

Measuring magnetic moments in ferromagnetic materials at atomic resolution is theoretically possible using the electron magnetic circular dichroism (EMCD) technique in a (scanning) transmission electron microscope ((S)TEM). However, experimental and data processing hurdles currently hamper the realization of this goal. Experimentally, the sample must be tilted to a zone-axis orientation, yielding a complex distribution of magnetic scattering intensity, and the same sample region must be scanned multiple times with sub-atomic spatial registration necessary at each pass. Furthermore, the weak nature of the EMCD signal requires advanced data processing techniques to reliably detect and quantify the result. In this manuscript, we detail our experimental and data processing progress towards achieving single-pass zone-axis EMCD using a patterned aperture. First, we provide a comprehensive data acquisition and analysis strategy for this and other EMCD experiments that should scale down to atomic resolution experiments. Second, we demonstrate that, at low spatial resolution, promising EMCD candidate signals can be extracted, and that these are sensitive to both crystallographic orientation and momentum transfer.

An emerging material in the carbon family, a graphene nanoscroll (GNS) is composed of tubularly scrolled monolayer graphene and  has shown superlubricity and large current sustainability, surpassing the properties of monolayer graphene itself. Here we report on the superior adhesion of GNS prepared with a high yield synthesis method that allows for mass production of high quality GNSs. Raman spectra indicate that the GNS still maintains the signature of monolayer graphene, implying the lacking of π -stacking between adjacent layers. Importantly, adhesion measurements using atomic force microscopy reveal these GNSs with height range of 120–130 nm show a 2.5-fold stronger adhesion force than pristine graphene. This result potentially indicates that the GNS has higher adhesion than monolayer graphene and even higher than the liquid–solid and hydrogen-bonding enhanced interfaces which are essential types of adhesions involved in the field of physical adhesions and thus, GNS could be a new candidate for super-strong and lightweight devices. Adhesion plays an essential role in a large variety of processes in different fields. In this study, graphene nanoscrolls and pristine graphene are studied and compared, finding that the former presents significantly enhanced adhesion properties.

Understanding the ramifications of reduced crystalline symmetry on magnetic behavior is a critical step in improving our understanding of nanoscale and interfacial magnetism. However, investigations of such effects are often controversial largely due to the challenges inherent in directly correlating nanoscale stoichiometry and structure to magnetic behavior. Here, we describe how to use Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) to obtain Electron Magnetic Circular Dichroism (EMCD) signals as a function of scattering angle to locally probe the magnetic behavior of thin oxide layers grown on an Fe (1 1 0) surface. Experiments and simulations both reveal a strong dependence of the magnetic orbital to spin ratio on its scattering vector in reciprocal space. We exploit this variation to extract the magnetic properties of the oxide cladding layer, showing that it locally may exhibit an enhanced orbital to spin moment ratio. This finding is supported here by both spatially and angularly resolved EMCD measurements, opening up the way for compelling investigations into how magnetic properties are affected by nanoscale features.